Operation and Interpretation of Mill Springs Mill - Kentucky

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is seeking a contractor to operate and interpret Mill Springs Mill, a historic 1830s mill facility located in Wayne County, Kentucky, listed on the Register of Historic Places. The contractor must provide all labor, management, equipment, transportation, insurance, materials, and supplies necessary to operate the mill and conduct public interpretation services from May through September during specified operational days and hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time). Key requirements include demonstrating proficiency in historic mill operation, conducting corn grinding demonstrations on weekends and holidays at 2:00 PM, providing guided tours every 30 minutes based on visitor demand, performing maintenance on all mechanical systems including the 40-foot overshot waterwheel, and delivering strong public engagement and interpretive programming focused on the mill's cultural heritage, Civil War history, and mechanical operations. The Government will evaluate contractor qualifications based on relevant experience with similar historic site operations, certifications and capabilities, proposed approach to milling and interpretation services, and small business status. Interested contractors must submit responses to the Request for Information by 1:00 PM Central Time on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, to Jamie Lynn Barnes at Jamie.L.Barnes@usace.army.mil, including capability statements with company information, UEI and CAGE codes, relevant experience, and three similar projects completed within the last five years.

This opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside, with the anticipated NAICS code 712120 (Historical Sites) and a small business size standard of $13 million. No specific award value or budget range is disclosed in the pre-solicitation notice, and payment will be made monthly by Electronic Funds Transfer based on actual days worked at a unit price to be specified in the formal bid sheet. The contract term covers the seasonal operational period from May through September, with the Government furnishing audio-visual equipment, extension cords, brochures, milling tools, corn, lubricants, and a portable air conditioner. The contractor must complete E-Verify employment verification and security awareness training within 30 days of award and is liable for any injuries, property damage, or loss of Government equipment. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reserves the right to issue immediate milling stoppage orders if unsafe operations are identified, with no additional compensation for operational interruptions or work stoppages.