Backup Airport Operations Center (AOC) Construction

The Kenton County Airport Board (KCAB) is soliciting sealed bids through an Invitation to Bid (ITB #26-008) for Backup Airport Operations Center (AOC) Construction at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport's South ARFF facility located at 2100 Tower Drive, Hebron, Kentucky. This general contracting procurement involves selective demolition and reconstruction of a new backup AOC in the currently abandoned control tower, including removal of existing raised flooring systems and control consoles, followed by comprehensive reconstruction with new finishes and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) upgrades. The project scope encompasses six main line items billed on a lump-sum basis: General Provisions, Demolition, Raised Floor Framing, Doors and Hardware, Finishes (carpet, paint, insulation, blinds, sills, and miscellaneous accessories), and Electrical work, with specific deliverables including new power distribution systems (8 kVA UPS system and 75 kVA transformers), lighting controls with occupancy sensors, addressable fire alarm systems, structured data and voice cabling infrastructure (Category 5e twisted pair), and complete interior architectural finishes. Required contractor qualifications include a minimum three-year electrical contractor license, evidence that subcontractors have completed projects valued at 70 percent and 50 percent of their respective subcontract values, BICSI-certified Registered Communications Distribution Designers, and NICET-certified Level III or IV fire alarm technicians; contractors must also perform at least 25 percent of total contract costs with their own organization. The pre-bid meeting and mandatory site visit will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 1:00 pm at South ARFF Station #1, with a maximum of two persons per company permitted; written questions must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Monday, March 9, 2026, with answers posted no later than Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 11:59 pm; sealed bids are due no later than 2:00 pm Eastern Time on Thursday, March 19, 2026, with award to be made within 120 calendar days of bid opening. The successful bidder must commence work within 10 days of the Notice to Proceed and achieve substantial completion within six months, with final project closeout required within 30 days of substantial completion; the project is subject to liquidated damages for schedule delays and includes a one-year warranty on all labor and materials from the date of final acceptance.

The procurement is subject to disadvantaged business enterprise provisions under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ensuring that minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses receive full and fair opportunity to submit bids without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, sex, age, or disability. Bidders must comply with Buy American certification requirements mandating that all steel and manufactured goods be produced in the United States unless the FAA has issued a waiver or the product is listed as an excepted article; apparent low bidders selecting waiver options must submit formal waiver requests and supporting documentation within 15 calendar days of selection. The project requires integration with existing owner-provided equipment and systems, including Honeywell workstation systems, existing network infrastructure, and owner-furnished equipment designated as Owner Furnished/Owner Installed (OFOI) or Owner Furnished/Contractor Installed (OFCI); the contractor bears responsibility for coordination with all trades and site verification. The estimated probable cost for the project is $211,864.73, with the total appropriations request of $430,722.50 (comprised of $289,222.50 for construction and $141,500.00 for equipment), though bidders must submit their own sealed bids without reference to the engineer's estimate. Performance and labor/material payment bonds equal to 100 percent of the contract value are required from a surety company rated at least "A" by Best Insurance Reports and authorized to do business in Kentucky; a proposal bond of not less than 5 percent of the total main bid amount is also required. The contractor must maintain Commercial General Liability insurance of not less than $10,000,000 per occurrence, Automobile Liability insurance of not less than $10,000,000 per accident, Workers' Compensation insurance, and Builders Risk insurance for the full insurable value of work, and must comply with all FAA requirements including AC 150/5370-2 regarding operational safety during airport construction, with costs for Airport security badges at $44.00 per badge borne by the contractor.