NC27-116 Non-Functional Turf Case Study (A)

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing, conducting the procurement through Forestry, Fire, & State Lands, is requesting proposals for a study to establish a baseline framework for non-functional turf management in Utah and conduct a technical and economic case study on selected public or private institutions within the Great Salt Lake watershed, with proposals due October 16, 2026.

The scope requires four primary tasks: develop a definition and classification framework for non-functional turf based on regional benchmarks; conduct spatial and water audits of selected institutions using aerial imagery and ground-truthing; perform a deep-dive institutional case study analyzing financial requirements, implementation barriers, and conversion roadmaps; and synthesize current scientific literature on turf removal impacts. Key deliverables include a Definition and Science Synthesis Report, an Institutional Case Study and Audit Report with spatial mapping and cost-benefit analyses, an Institutional Conversion Toolkit (4–8 pages or short film), and a formal presentation to the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council and state stakeholders. The completion deadline is June 30, 2027.

The budgeted amount is $45,000. The contract term is 18 months, with the scope of work required to be completed within 12 months and an additional 6 months for administrative closeout. Vendor pricing must be guaranteed for the 12-month active work period.

Evaluation uses a 1,000-point scale: 800 technical points and 200 cost points. Technical criteria (200 points each) are Statement of Qualifications, Work Plan, Timeline & Deliverables Schedule, and References, each weighted equally at 25%. A minimum technical threshold of 560 points (70%) is required to advance to cost evaluation. Three mandatory pass/fail requirements address vendor experience in urban water management, turfgrass science, spatial analytics/GIS, or environmental policy; proven track record in technical research and policy report drafting; and understanding of Great Salt Lake watershed dynamics and Utah water law. Cost points award 100% to the lowest-priced compliant proposal, with others scoring proportionally.

Vendors must submit responses through the Utah Procurement System (U3P) with pricing guaranteed for 12 months. Commercial general liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate is required. All work product becomes state property as work made for hire. Vendors must certify non-participation in economic boycotts and non-use of forced labor.