Eq Rental Offset Drill w/Operator D5 FEDERAL

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Purchases is requesting bids for equipment rental services—a modified rotary drill with operator for Highway District 5 (Federal)—with bids due July 24, 2026 at 1:30 PM Eastern Time. This is a federally funded contract subject to Davis-Bacon Act wage determinations, Buy America, Build America Buy America (BABA) Act requirements, and a 0% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification requirement, though lowest responsive bidders must submit detailed DBE participation plans within 5 days of bid opening.

The equipment must be truck or track-mounted, offset-capable to a minimum 5 feet from carrier edge, and capable of drilling 7" to 10" diameter holes in soil and rock and installing department-furnished steel railroad rails up to 40 feet in length. Required specifications include a 130+ HP motor, 16,000+ lbs pull-down pressure, 300+ CFM air compressor, and capability to drill 40-foot holes from road elevations. The vendor must supply site support labor, miscellaneous equipment, and supplies including acetylene torches, chains, and cables. Minimum production rate is 800 linear feet per 8-hour workday; liquidated damages of $500 per day apply for non-compliance or failure to begin work within response timeframes. For routine work, response time is guaranteed or vendors face $1,000 per day deductions; emergency work requires response within 72 hours of notification.

Pricing is submitted on a per-linear-foot basis for installed railroad rails. The estimated contract quantity is 1,000 linear feet, though this is non-binding. The initial contract period runs August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027, with four optional one-year renewal periods. Prices must remain firm for the first 12 months; subsequent increases require 30 days' notice and documented justification based on industry-wide changes and Division approval. Vendors must maintain commercial general liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, and Kentucky Workers' Compensation Insurance. All bids must be submitted online through Kentucky Vendor Self Service; supporting documentation including Certificates of Insurance, Non-Collusion Certification, Buy America/BABA certifications, and DBE Certification must be submitted prior to award. The tentative award date is August 10, 2026.