Bat Hibernacula Survey

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, through the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet/Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, is soliciting proposals for annual bat hibernacula survey services in Elliott County and other designated Kentucky caves. The procurement seeks qualified contractors to conduct comprehensive surveys of caves harboring federally endangered and threatened bat species, specifically the Indiana bat, gray bat, Virginia big-eared bat, and northern long-eared bat, with particular emphasis on monitoring White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) impacts. Survey work will encompass up to 10 designated cave locations throughout Kentucky between January 1, 2021 and April 30, 2021, with Indiana bat surveys prioritized during January 15 through February 15, 2021, and all remaining counts due by March 1, 2021. Deliverables include conducting hibernacula surveys in accordance with USFWS guidelines, species identification and documentation, photographic evidence collection, WNS assessment and decontamination protocol implementation, landowner coordination, daily coordination with KDFWR and USFWS personnel, and submission of comprehensive final reports and data by April 15, 2021. Mandatory qualifications require possession of federal and state permits for threatened and endangered bat surveys, demonstrated experience with Kentucky bat hibernacula counts, knowledge of Kentucky caves harboring target species, multiple sets of caving equipment, professional photography equipment, at least three trained staff members in vertical caving with documented proof of training, minimum five years of experience with winter identification of Kentucky cave bat species, and current field experience identifying WNS fungus within the past 5-10 years. The evaluation will award 300 points for technical qualifications and experience, 200 points for cost proposals, and additional points for compliance factors, with a maximum of 525 total points, with the lowest cost bidder receiving maximum cost points. Proposals in sealed hard copy and digital formats with separate technical and cost submissions are due by December 2, 2020 at 3:30 PM Eastern Time, with no online bidding permitted.

The RFP does not specify set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent vendor information. The initial contract term extends from December 31, 2020 through June 30, 2021, with renewal options available for up to two additional periods of one year and two years respectively, subject to approval and available funding. Contractors must submit cost proposals identifying the average cost per survey site, and vendors should note that the KDFWR will not provide materials, transportation, or software support. All personnel must comply with COVID-19 safety protocols, including mandatory use of N95 respirators, reporting of positive tests or symptoms within 72 hours, and field work restrictions for those with known COVID-19 exposure or symptoms pending negative test results. The contract is subject to Kentucky procurement statutes, approval by the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet, and filing with the Legislative Research Commission Government Contract Review Committee. Specific budget ranges or award values are not disclosed in the RFP documentation.