Communication Franchise September 2025

Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government is soliciting bid proposals for non-exclusive communications franchises to erect, install, and maintain communication service facilities within Louisville Metro Rights of Way. The procurement is governed by Chapter 116 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances, which allows communication service providers to submit proposals through the Louisville Metro Government's Procurement Portal. Potential franchisees must complete a comprehensive application that includes detailed system descriptions, anticipated small cell antenna locations, fiber installation plans, and ground-level equipment placements. Applicants are required to submit a non-refundable $2,500 application fee and provide a $1,000,000 franchise bond. The bid proposal must outline communication services, project phasing, and geographic implementation strategies across Louisville Metro Council Districts. The solicitation is open from September 15, 2025, with proposals due by September 30, 2025. Evaluation will consider compliance with all Louisville Metro procurement laws, regulations, and procedures, with Louisville Metro reserving the right to accept, reject, or waive any irregularities in the franchise awarding process.

Bidders must be registered businesses authorized to operate in Kentucky and must provide proof of Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certificates of authority. The franchise opportunity appears to have no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Applicants must demonstrate significant financial and operational capabilities, including maintaining $5,000,000 in general liability coverage and $5,000,000 in automobile liability insurance. The franchise term can extend up to twenty years, with potential for review, termination, and renewal. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive insurance and bonding requirements suggest the franchise is targeted at established communication service providers with substantial financial resources. The non-exclusive nature of the franchise means multiple providers may be awarded rights to install and maintain communication infrastructure within Louisville Metro's rights of way. All submitted information will be subject to Kentucky's Open Records Act, with potential confidentiality protections for proprietary trade information if pre-approved by the Metro Public Works Department.