Attachment A - Veterans Shooting Range Operation.docx

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Request for Information (RFI) For KDFWR – Shooting Range Operation Solution Solicitation # RFI 660 2600000010

RFI Solicitation Release Date: October 30, 2025 RFI Solicitation Close Date: November 14, 2025

Issued by

KY Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources:

Erin Eagan, Buyer Purchasing Agent Division of Administrative Services #1 Sportsman’s Lane Frankfort, KY 40601

(502) 892-4409 Erin.Eagan@ky.gov

I. Introduction

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), an agency of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is soliciting informational proposals from qualified vendors and organizations in accordance with the terms of this Request for Information (RFI).

KDFWR seeks information concerning comprehensive management and operation of a new public shooting range located at the Veterans Memorial Wildlife Management Area (VMWMA) in Scott County, Kentucky, including potential models for full or partial service operations.

This Request for Information (RFI) is intended to:

· Gather insight from the vendor community on the availability and effectiveness of current service models for operating shooting ranges.

· Explore potential partnership and business models for range operations.

· Inform KDFWR as it evaluates options and prepares for a potential Request for Proposal (RFP).

This RFI contains preliminary information to serve as a platform for reaction and discussion with the vendor community. The requirements in this RFI are in no way final and do not represent what may be contained in a future Request for Proposal (RFP). This issuance does not constitute a commitment to issue a bid or award a contract, nor to pay any costs incurred in preparation of a response to this request. Furthermore, the KDFWR requires that all responding vendors abstain from providing any quotes or bids in response to this RFI.

II. Background KDFWR manages over 80 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) statewide, providing opportunities for hunting, fishing, shooting sports, and outdoor recreation. As part of its mission to expand public access to safe, high-quality shooting facilities, KDFWR is developing a new shooting range at Veterans Memorial WMA in Scott County, near Lexington and Interstate 75.

Unlike KDFWR’s current network of unstaffed public shooting ranges, this facility may be operated as a staffed and actively managed range. Due to its location and anticipated high use, KDFWR is evaluating vendor capabilities for comprehensive range operations.

Through this RFI, the Department seeks to understand what services, staffing models, safety practices, and financial structures vendors could provide to ensure safe, sustainable, and accessible operation of this new facility.

III. RFI Process This RFI is being issued by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

The KDFWR is seeking your input through a written response.

Written Responses and Inquiries All responses, questions and inquiries concerning this RFI should be directed in writing to the KDFWR Buyer of record for this RFI.

Erin Eagan Purchasing Agent Division of Administrative Services #1 Sportsman’s Lane Frankfort, KY 40601

(502) 892-4409 Erin.Eagan@ky.gov

From the issue date of this RFI until the responses are due, vendors shall not individually communicate with any KDFWR staff concerning this RFI except as referenced above.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit any questions in writing to the buyer of record given above on Attachment B, Vendor Question Form. Written questions are due on November 6, 2025 at 12:00PM ET. The KDFWR will respond to questions in an addendum to the RFI on November 7, 2025 by 7:00PM ET.

RFI responses are due 12:00PM ET on November 14, 2025.

RFI responses must be submitted online.

Proposals shall be received by electronic submission in the eProcurement system.

An electronic proposal shall be authorized by the proper agent of the firm by the act of submitting it electronically through the eProcurement system.

Proposal information or letters of interest MUST be completed online. Written proposals must contain all required information of the Solicitation.

All responders MUST be registered in the Commonwealth eProcurement System via the Vendor Self Service System at https://vss.ky.gov

Allow 24 – 48 hours to complete Vendor Registration. Vendors must be logged in to their Vendor Self Service (VSS) account in order to submit a response. Registrations completed the day of bid closing must be completed by the Vendor in the VSS portal. The Customer Resource Center is not able to complete registrations and activate accounts on the same day. Closing dates will not be extended for Vendors not registered by the date/time of the bid closing. Vendor Self Service Registration Guides are provided at https://vss.ky.gov

All vendors are cautioned to begin their electronic submission in sufficient time to complete before the closing date and time. Delays due to technical difficulties or document upload impediments shall not be justification for acceptance of a late proposal. Vendor attention to this advisory is encouraged. If you need assistance, please contact the Customer Resource Center (CRC) by e-mail at Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov or phone 502-564-9641 or toll-free 877-973-HELP (4357).

Attachments may not exceed 65,000 KB.

Responses submitted online must be in an “Accepted” status and shall be assigned a date and time stamp from the eProcurement system at the time of final acceptance and formal submission by the vendor. The system will not allow submission of an online proposal after the published date and time for closing.

Refer to Attachment C – How to submit an online response for a business opportunity.

IV. Requirements The vendor should address the following topics, at a minimum, in the RFI response. Vendors are also encouraged to discuss any other items that might be of importance to the KDFWR and that will could provide useful information.

A. Shooting Range Operation Solution

1. Vendor Experience and Qualifications

· Describe your organization’s experience operating shooting ranges or similar outdoor recreation facilities.

· Provide years of operation, scale of facilities managed, and average annual user volume.

· Identify any partnerships with state, federal, or local government entities.

2. Staffing and Operational Models

· Outline your proposed staffing approach (range officers, safety personnel, maintenance staff, administrative roles).

· Describe staff qualifications, certifications, and training requirements.

· Explain how daily operations and oversight would be structured.

3. Safety and Compliance

· Provide your approach to ensuring safe range operations and firearms handling.

· Describe rule enforcement, supervision, and emergency response planning.

· Address environmental and regulatory compliance (lead management, berm repair, stormwater, noise abatement, etc.).

4. Facility Maintenance

· Describe your capacity for routine and preventative maintenance, including targets, backstops/berms, signage, and grounds.

· Identify specialized equipment, processes, or best practices used in maintaining ranges.

· Describe how your organization would manage portable restroom and handwashing facilities, including placement, service schedules, cleaning, restocking of supplies, and ensuring accessibility, safety, and hygiene for users.

5. Customer Service and Public Engagement

· Provide strategies for engaging and serving a diverse user base (hunters, recreational shooters, youth, beginners, etc.).

· Describe potential training/educational programming (firearm safety, hunter education, introductory classes).

· Outline marketing, outreach, and community engagement strategies.

6. Financial and Business Models

· Suggest possible financial models for range operations (concessionaire agreements, revenue-sharing, etc.).

· Provide examples of financial arrangements with other agencies or partners.

7. Technology and Administrative Tools (Optional)

· Identify technology that may support operations (e.g. user tracking, customer communication).

· Indicate whether systems are vendor-provided or third-party solutions.

8. Additional Information

· Provide any case studies, examples, or materials that demonstrate your organization’s capabilities.

· Suggest any additional services or innovations that could improve range operations and user experience.

B. Other Solutions, Services, or Features KDFWR is open to consideration of any additional solutions or services offered by the vendor to enhance the products and services offered by the Agency.

For each additional solution or service. Please include, at a minimum:

· Detailed description of the solution or service.

· Operational requirements of the solution or service.

· Explanation of how the solution or service benefits the Agency and its customers.

· Proposed funding model for each solution or service, including any typical or specific pricing (fixed or percentage-based).

· Description of the vendor’s experience in operating or supporting the solution or service, including length of time and relevant examples.

V. Response Format The purpose of this section is to describe the format the vendors should use in responding to this RFI. The KDFWR is very interested in your comments, ideas and opinions concerning the most cost effective and efficient methods for acquiring a comprehensive management and operation of a new public shooting range.

The Sections that should be included in your response to the RFI are:

Transmittal Letter The transmittal letter should be in the form of a standard business letter and signed by an individual authorized to represent the vendor and attest to the accuracy of all solution information provided. Vendor should, at a minimum, provide the following:

· Name of Company

· Address

· Contact Person(s) and Information

· Brief History of Company

· Length of Time in Business

· Any company brochures or electronic information

Response Itself The Response should address the specific questions raised above, as well as give the requested information on the Respondent’s firm. In addition, please feel free to make any comments, observations, or suggestions that may assist the KDFWR in its decision to draft an RFP, and the contract terms that may result from the RFP.

Proprietary Information The vendor should place all confidential data, in order, under separate cover clearly marked confidential. All data should be titled and reference the question the information is related to.

VI. Additional Information Responses may be subject to Kentucky Open Records Law pursuant to the provisions of KRS 61.870 et. seq.

KDFWR reserves the right to ask follow up questions and/or seek further clarification of the responses received. KDFWR may also request e-conference/virtual presentations of the solutions detailed in the RFI. Please provide the contact information for individuals responsible for setting up any follow up meetings/presentations and for addressing any questions or clarifications concerning the RFI response.

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment A – This RFI Document Attachment B – Vendors’ Written Questions Form Attachment C – How to Submit an Online Response for a Business Opportunity