Communication Franchise March 2026

Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government is soliciting non-exclusive communications franchise bid proposals from qualified parties to erect, install, and maintain communications facilities within Louisville Metro's rights of way to provide communication services under Chapter 116 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances. Applicants must submit detailed system descriptions organized by Louisville Metro Council District, including specifications for small cell antennae deployment, fiber placement (both aerial and underground with percentages), ground level elements, and comprehensive descriptions of all communications services to be provided. Bidders must demonstrate compliance with FCC standards and Public Works and Assets Utility Policy requirements, provide detailed underground fiber installation methodologies, and present anticipated project phasing based on geographic, right-of-way, local event, and financial considerations. Applicants must be corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, or other business entities authorized to do business in Kentucky and certified by the Kentucky Secretary of State. The submission deadline is March 31, 2026, with proposals submitted through Louisville Metro Government's Procurement Portal at https://louisvilleky.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities. A non-refundable application fee of $2,500 must be delivered to the Louisville Metro Purchasing Department at 611 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, by the application deadline, and a Franchise Bond of $1,000,000 is required at the time of application.

No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or minority-owned businesses are indicated in the solicitation materials. All applicants must submit a signed Communications Franchise Application, provide either a Public Service Commission Certificate of Authority or a signed waiver statement, furnish either an FCC Certificate of Authority or a signed waiver statement, and submit all required insurance policies, bonds, and certificates with a signed statement of acceptability from Louisville Metro's Insurance & Risk Coordinator. Louisville Metro reserves the right to accept any bid, reject any and all bids, waive any irregularities or informalities, and require supplementary information at its discretion. No specific contract award values, budget ranges, or pricing terms are specified in this solicitation. Information submitted will be considered public record under the Kentucky Open Records Act, though applicants may request confidentiality determinations for proprietary or trade information prior to filing. The franchise will be granted under the terms of Chapter 116 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances in effect at the time the bid is approved, with provisions allowing for ordinance amendments during the franchise period.