Bead section 106 historic preservation services

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Office of Broadband Development, is requesting proposals for Section 106 historic preservation consultation services supporting the BEAD Program, with proposals due October 16, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The selected vendor must conduct federally required Section 106 cultural resource assessments across 91 BEAD-funded broadband deployment projects serving unserved and underserved locations throughout Kentucky.

The scope requires literature and records reviews per Kentucky State Historic Preservation Office policy, Section 106 assessments for federally assisted undertakings, simultaneous management of multiple projects, and coordination with federal, state, and local agencies and internet service providers to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local historic preservation requirements throughout the project lifecycle. The vendor must hold Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualification Standards credentials in history, archeology, or architectural history and demonstrate relevant experience.

The contract runs from November 2, 2026, through June 30, 2028, with the Commonwealth reserving the right to renew for up to two additional two-year periods subject to Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary approval and Legislative Research Commission Government Contract Review Committee review. The cost proposal must cover the entire contract period and will be scored on a lowest-cost basis with maximum points awarded to the lowest bidder.

Evaluation weights total 1,200 points: 550 for technical proposals and 400 for cost proposals, with optional oral presentations worth up to 250 additional points. Required submissions include Kentucky Secretary of State registration proof, signed ethics and bid-independence affidavits, professional liability insurance of minimum $1,000,000 per claim, and commercial general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. All work must comply with applicable Kentucky Revised Statutes governing personal service contracts, procurement, nondiscrimination, tax, and employment law. The contract is subject to Legislative Research Commission approval and does not commence until formally executed by the Finance and Administration Cabinet.