Equipment Rental w/operator D-7 STATE

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Purchases, on behalf of District 7 (Lexington District Office), is issuing a Request for Bid (RFB) for equipment rental with operator services. The procurement seeks bids for 11 line items of heavy earthmoving equipment, including loaders, dozers, excavators, dump trucks, skid steer loaders, motor graders, and track loaders, with quantities specified in hourly units ranging from 80 to 960 hours per equipment type and vendor availability requirements between 1 and 6 pieces simultaneously depending on equipment type. All equipment must meet FOPS (falling object protective structure) and ROPS (rollover protective structure) safety standards and be diesel-powered where specified, with certified operators included as part of the rental service. Equipment rental is paid only during actual use with a guaranteed minimum of eight hours per work order, and vendors are responsible for all mobilization, demobilization, maintenance, fuel, and repairs at no additional cost to the Transportation Cabinet. The solicitation opened on April 7, 2025, with written questions due by April 14, 2025 at 4:00 PM EST, responses to questions posted by April 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM EST, and bids due electronically through the Kentucky Vendor Self Service (VSS) eProcurement system by April 23, 2025 at 1:30 PM EST, with award anticipated on April 30, 2025. The initial contract term runs from award through April 30, 2026, with four optional one-year renewal periods available. Pricing will be evaluated on a best-value basis with price weighted at 95 points and response time weighted at 5 points, with the lowest bidder receiving maximum points and subsequent bidders scored proportionally.

Kentucky resident bidders are eligible for reciprocal preference if applicable, and qualified bidders including Kentucky Correctional Industries, Kentucky Industries for the Blind, and nonprofit agencies serving individuals with severe disabilities receive 15-20 percent preference points. Vendors must provide General Liability Insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence, maintain Kentucky workers' compensation insurance, and keep equipment in excellent working condition and good appearance. For emergency work, vendors must respond within 48 hours and begin work within 24 hours or face penalties of $1,000 per day; however, vendors receive $750 mobilization reimbursement for emergency equipment delivery. All work is funded using state funds and subject to state supervision and control. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation materials. Budget information and specific award values are not disclosed in the available procurement documents.