Update: The Utah National Guard and Mechanical Bull Sales confirmed to the Salt Lake Tribune that though the $47,174 award notice was set for Monday, the contract was canceled with last Tuesday’s shutdown.
“The National Guard called me first thing in the morning,” said Mechanical Bull Sales owner Gracienne Myers. “They did the right thing.”
Asked whether the company would try again for a grant, she added, “We’re not going to buy any bulls.”
While many federal employees wait to find out when they’re allowed back to work, the U.S. National Guard was awarded Monday a federal grant of $47,174 to buy a mechanical bull.
According to the General Services Administration (GSA) listing, the National Guard of Utah made the request for a “bull which needs to be durable and low maintenance,” CNS News reported.
The contract was awarded to Mechanical Bull Sales Inc. of State College, Penn., whose website states, “Our mechanical bulls are approved for use in all 50 states and Canada. This includes: Pennsylvania, New Jersey and California which have stringent safety requirements for amusement rides.”
Lt. Col. Hank McIntire of the Utah National Guard told CNS News that the mechanical bull is regularly used as a tool by recruiters at fairs and other events, and the last one was broken beyond repair.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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