Phragmites Trampling, Crushing, and Mowing Services

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing and Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Phragmites Trampling, Crushing, and Mowing Services, Solicitation #AS18100, focused on managing invasive Phragmites in Great Salt Lake Wetlands. The procurement sought contractors to perform two primary service line items: Phragmites Trampling and Crushing, and Phragmites Mowing, both measured in acres. Bidders were required to have documented experience managing at least 500 acres of Phragmites, possess at least two machines with ground pressure less than 3 psi, and provide references for similar previous work. The bid was opened on 12/5/2017 and closed on 1/9/2018, with a mandatory site visit held on 12/13/2017 at Howard Slough Waterfowl Management Area. The contract term was set for five years, with project areas including Sovereign Lands adjacent to Farmington Bay WMA, Howard Slough WMA, and Harold Crane WMA. The key objective was to manage non-native Phragmites that currently dominate approximately one-third of the Great Salt Lake wetlands, which reduce native habitats, alter hydrologic systems, and restrict lake access.

The solicitation did not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Two companies were awarded contracts: Providia Management Group as the primary contractor and Ellis Erosion Control Systems, Inc. as the secondary contractor for both treatment methods. The State of Utah received fiscal year 2018 funding for the project, with budget utilization dependent on factors such as Phragmites regrowth, precipitation, and completion of current contracted work. While specific award values were not detailed in the available documentation, the multi-year contract and environmental management scope suggest a substantial investment in invasive species control. The procurement process emphasized technical capability and prior experience, with bidders needing to demonstrate significant past performance in large-scale Phragmites management. The contract's environmental focus and technical requirements indicate a specialized procurement targeting ecosystem restoration and management in the Great Salt Lake region.