Ranch Creek Phase II Clearcut and Windrow

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing and the Division of Wildlife Resources issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Solicitation #KL22-36, seeking mechanical felling and piling services for the Ranch Creek Phase II Clearcut and Windrow project located in Garfield County. The procurement involves two specific treatment units: an 8.1-acre stripfelling and a 59.6-acre clearcut and windrow of mixed conifer and spruce-fir forest, situated near Bryce Canyon City at elevations between 9,400 and 10,200 feet. Contractors must utilize a forestry-style feller buncher and skidder capable of operating on slopes up to 40%, with specific requirements for cutting, piling, and environmental protection. The contract mandates complete project execution by December 15, 2021, with no time extensions permitted. Bidders must be prequalified contractors on the current State of Utah Rangeland Prequalification List, and must provide fully operational equipment with qualified operators who can ensure equipment is free of fluid leaks and washed to prevent noxious weed spread.

The solicitation was limited to prequalified contractors, with Giles Construction, LLC ultimately being awarded the contract as the lowest cost responsive and responsible bidder. The project includes strict environmental constraints, such as limitations on vehicle travel, restrictions near riparian areas, and specific guidelines for vegetation cutting and stream crossings. The Forest Service will conduct periodic inspections to confirm contractor compliance with all contract provisions. While specific budget ranges were not explicitly detailed in the documentation, the procurement was structured as a competitive bid process focusing on technical capability and environmental compliance. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises were mentioned in the available documentation, and the contract appears to be open to qualified forestry and land management contractors meeting the state's prequalification standards.