NC27-103 Bear Flat Aspen Lop, Prune, and Pile Project

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing is requesting bids on cut and pile work across 45.5 acres of aspen forest in Iron County under IFB NC27-103, with proposals due September 9, 2026. Participation is limited to prequalified contractors on the current Pre-approved/Pre-qualified Vendor list — the central eligibility gate for this solicitation.

The scope is hand thinning and removal of all live and dead conifers 8 inches diameter breast height (DBH) and smaller from aspen communities on Forest Service land in the Bear Flat vicinity southwest of Brian Head, with pruning of lower branches from remaining conifers over 8 inches DBH up to 6 feet and construction of compacted piles approximately 8 feet by 8 feet by 8 feet. The contractor must furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, and materials, including a minimum 12-person crew. Work is prohibited when snow is on the ground and must be completed between September 15, 2026, and April 1, 2027. A pre-work conference is mandatory at the project site before work commences, with the contractor providing at least 7 full days' notice of arrival. Site inspection is strongly recommended but not mandatory prior to bidding.

Bidding is conducted on a per-acre price basis; the extended price is calculated by multiplying the per-acre bid by 45.5 acres. The total price must include all labor, equipment, materials, mobilization, and operating costs, with no fuel surcharges or slope adjustments permitted. Payment will be made as one lump-sum final payment following final inspection and completion. The contractor must guarantee pricing through project completion, and any price-adjustment requests require at least thirty days' notice and supporting market analysis documentation, subject to approval by the Director of the Division of Purchasing.

The procurement anticipates a single contract award to the lowest cost responsive and responsible bidder. All questions must be submitted through the U3P portal. Award protests must be submitted in writing to the Procurement Officer within seven days of notice issuance.