Communication Franchise October 2025

Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government is soliciting bid proposals for non-exclusive communications franchises to 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, which sets comprehensive requirements for communication service providers. Eligible applicants must be authorized business entities capable of erecting, installing, and maintaining communication infrastructure, including small cell antennas, fiber networks, and ground-level equipment. Proposals must include detailed system descriptions covering geographical areas, installation methods (aerial and underground), and compliance with FCC standards and local utility policies. Key deliverables include a comprehensive application with system specifications, proof of PSC and FCC certificates of authority, and required insurance documentation. The bid proposal process requires submission through Louisville Metro Government's Procurement Portal (https://louisvilleky.bonfirehub.com/portal/) with a deadline of October 31, 2025. Applicants must pay a non-refundable $2,500 application fee and provide a $1,000,000 franchise bond.

The franchise opportunity appears open to various business entities, including corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships authorized to operate in Kentucky. There are no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises mentioned in the documentation. The franchise will be non-exclusive, allowing multiple providers to potentially obtain rights within the same jurisdictional area. While the specific financial terms are not explicitly detailed, the documentation indicates potential franchise fees and requires significant insurance coverage, including $5,000,000 in general liability insurance per occurrence. Applicants must comply with equal employment opportunity regulations and provide provisions for emergency alert systems. The franchise term can extend up to twenty years, with Louisville Metro reserving the right to accept, reject, or waive any irregularities in the bid proposals. All submitted information will be subject to the Kentucky Open Records Act, with potential confidentiality protections for proprietary information.