Oak Creek Mastication

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing, conducting procurement for the Department of Natural Resources, is requesting bids on mastication services for the Oak Creek project with bids due September 9, 2026 under IFB KL27-101. Participation is limited exclusively to prequalified contractors on the current Pre-approved/Pre-qualified Vendor list; unqualified vendors are ineligible to submit.

The scope comprises mechanical removal and shredding of live and dead oak, pinyon pine, and juniper trees across approximately 292 acres divided into two units (Unit 1: 224 acres of pinyon and juniper removal; Unit 2: 68 acres of oak, pinyon, and juniper removal) located three miles north of Fairview in Sanpete County, Utah. All vegetation must be mulched to a maximum depth of six inches with wood chips not exceeding six inches in length. The contractor must furnish at least two fully operational tracked or wheeled mechanical mulching/shredder equipment (Bullhog-type) capable of mulching trees up to 30 inches in diameter, along with competent operators. Equipment must be high-pressure washed before entering and exiting project lands to prevent noxious weed spread. The performance period runs from October 1, 2026 through April 15, 2027, with work suspended during snow, frozen ground, or when soil moisture exceeds 15 percent. Bidding is on a per-acre and total cost basis with all prices including mobilization, operation, labor, equipment, and materials; no fuel surcharges or price adjustments will be negotiated. Payment will be made in one lump-sum final payment based on actual acres completed following final inspection and acceptance.

The contract will be awarded to the lowest cost responsive and responsible vendor. Seven contractors submitted bids ranging from $129,799.84 to $189,800.00 ($444.52 to $650.00 per acre). Hall's HammerTime Construction LLC was awarded the contract at the lowest bid of $129,799.84. The vendor must guarantee pricing through project completion and maintain Commercial General Liability insurance with minimum limits of $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate, plus Workers' Compensation and Commercial Automobile Liability coverage.