Tom Patterson Phase I Bullhog

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing, conducting on behalf of the Department of Natural Resources, is soliciting bids for Bullhog Services at the Tom Patterson Phase I project with bids due September 2, 2026 — participation is restricted to prequalified contractors only on the state's Pre-approved/Pre-qualified Vendor list.

The scope is mechanical removal and mulching of pinyon and juniper trees across approximately 702 acres in the Book Cliffs near Vernal, Uintah County, Utah (elevations 6,800–7,300 feet) to reduce wildlife fire hazards. The contractor must furnish a minimum of two mobile tracked or wheeled mechanical mulchers (Bullhogs) capable of processing trees up to 28 inches in diameter, along with competent operators, labor, equipment, supervision, and all operating supplies. Work must be performed between September 1 and November 30, 2026. Bidding is on a per-acre basis (702 units total); the contract price includes all labor, equipment, mobilization, and operating expenses, with no fuel surcharges permitted. The contractor is responsible for equipment transportation, site cleanup, restoration of damaged roads, and compliance with state and federal environmental and cultural resource protection requirements. Minor change orders up to 10% of original acreage will be at the original bid price; major change orders require negotiation and state approval. Payment is made as one lump sum following final inspection, with partial payments available only upon prior written approval. The state reserves the right to halt work due to frozen soil or winter conditions and may cancel remaining work or issue a resumption order.

The contract will be awarded to the lowest cost responsive and responsible vendor. A pre-work conference will be held at the project site; no mandatory site visit is required prior to bidding. The vendor must guarantee pricing through project completion. Insurance requirements include workers' compensation per statutory limits, commercial general liability of at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate, and commercial automobile liability of $1 million combined single limit if vehicles are used. The contract is subject to Utah law with venue in Salt Lake City's Third Judicial District Court. The state may terminate for convenience with thirty days' notice or for cause with a ten-day cure period.

Six contractors submitted bids. DRD Forestry submitted the lowest bid at $287,820 ($410.00 per acre) and was awarded the contract.