Communication Franchise November 2025

Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government is soliciting non-exclusive communications franchise bid proposals from qualified parties seeking to erect, install, and maintain communication service facilities within Louisville Metro Rights of Way. The procurement opportunity is governed by Chapter 116 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances and allows telecommunications providers to submit comprehensive proposals for communications infrastructure deployment. Applicants must provide detailed system descriptions organized by Louisville Metro Council District, including small cell antenna locations, fiber installation methodologies (aerial and underground), ground level elements, project phasing timelines, and compliance with FCC standards. Bid submissions will occur on a rolling basis throughout 2024, with open submission periods beginning on the 15th of each month at 3:00 PM and closing on the 30th of each month at 3:00 PM through Louisville Metro's Procurement Portal. Bidders must submit a non-refundable application fee of $2,500.00, provide a Franchise Bond of $1,000,000, and include documentation such as PSC Certificate of Authority, FCC Certificate of Authority, and required insurance policies.

Eligible bidders must be corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, or other business entities authorized to conduct business in Kentucky and certified by the Secretary of State. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned in the procurement documents. Applicants must provide comprehensive information about proposed communications services, including system infrastructure details and service capabilities. Louisville Metro reserves the right to accept any bid, reject any and all bids, and waive any irregularities in the franchise award process. While no specific award value or budget range was specified, the substantial application fee and franchise bond requirements suggest the opportunity is targeted at established telecommunications providers with significant infrastructure capabilities. The franchises will be non-exclusive, potentially allowing multiple providers to operate within Louisville Metro rights-of-way. All submitted application materials will be considered public records under the Kentucky Open Records Act, with provisions for applicants to request confidentiality for proprietary or trade information through the Metro Public Works Department.