NC27-107 Meadow Canyon Cut and Pile

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing, through its Forestry, Fire, & State Lands division, issued IFB NC27-107 for cut and pile work near Alton, Utah, with bids due September 22, 2026. Participation is restricted to prequalified contractors on the State's Pre-approved/Pre-qualified Vendor list; contractors not meeting this requirement are ineligible to submit.

The project encompasses 501 acres of wildfire hazard reduction and wildlife habitat improvement on the Deer Springs Ranch Fuels Reduction Project located approximately 11 miles east of Alton in Kane County on the Dixie National Forest. Work involves hand cutting, thinning, pruning, and slash piling to decrease stand density and ladder fuels by reducing small-diameter trees. The contractor must guarantee pricing through project completion.

Nine prequalified contractors submitted bids with unit prices per acre ranging from $745.00 to $1,964.28. The lowest responsive bid was C&O Forestry INC at $373,245.00 total cost ($745.00 per acre), followed by Elite Earth Landscaping at $425,850.00 ($850.00 per acre) and Absolute Forestry LLC at $475,950.00 ($950.00 per acre). Two additional bidders were not on the prequalification list and therefore ineligible; one vendor withdrew on September 23, 2026. The IFB anticipated a single contract award to the lowest cost responsive and responsible vendor.

The contract incorporates Utah law and federal regulations, requires compliance with applicable employment and anti-discrimination laws, and mandates adherence to the Utah Prompt Payment Act. Contractors must maintain workers' compensation insurance, commercial general liability of at least $1 million per occurrence, and commercial automobile liability as applicable. All deliveries are F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed, with the contractor bearing transportation costs and liability until final inspection and acceptance. Records must be retained for six years after final payment. No mandatory site visit was required. An award memo documents selection of the lowest responsible bidder, though specific award details and contract duration are contained in that memo.