Harp Trapping Surveys FY2019 - FY2020

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), under the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, issued Request for Proposal (RFP) 660 1900000233 for personal service contract support to conduct harp trapping surveys and mist netting surveys at cave entrances across Wayne, Elliott, Menifee, and Estill counties during spring (April 1-21, 2019) and fall (September 1-October 31, 2019) periods. The scope of work includes conducting surveys at up to three sites for a maximum of 12 survey nights total, with deliverables encompassing species identification and photographic documentation, body metric data collection, White Nose Syndrome (WNS) symptom documentation, and compliance with decontamination protocols. The primary objectives focus on bat hibernacula monitoring and assessment of population impacts from White Nose Syndrome on federally endangered and threatened species, including the Indiana bat, gray bat, Virginia big-eared bat, and northern long-eared bat. Mandatory requirements include possession of valid Federal and State endangered species permits, appropriate photography equipment, at least two harp traps with complete bat processing equipment (digital scales, calipers, UV light), and a minimum of three rabies-vaccinated staff members with minimum five years of experience identifying Kentucky cave bat species. Technical proposals are evaluated on qualifications and experience (300 points maximum), with 25 points per year for Kentucky cave/mine threatened and endangered bat survey experience (maximum 150 points) and 100 points for five years of bat species identification experience plus 10 additional points per year beyond five years (maximum 150 points). Cost proposals comprise the second evaluation factor with 200 points awarded to the lowest bidder, with remaining proposals scored proportionally. The RFP was released on March 8, 2019, with written questions due by 3:30 PM on March 15, 2019, and the initial proposal deadline of March 26, 2019, was extended to April 30, 2019, at 3:30 PM Eastern Time; proposals must be submitted in sealed format with separate technical and cost proposals to Rachel Bertucci at the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, Purchasing Section, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.

The contract is subject to Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 45A procurement regulations, with resident bidder and qualified bidder preferences applicable per KRS 45A.490, 45A.492, and 45A.494; no specific set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises are identified in the solicitation documents. Foreign entities must provide proof of Kentucky Secretary of State registration within 14 days of bid opening. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation materials, and no specific contract amount or budget range is disclosed; contractors must submit sealed cost proposals for evaluation against competing bids. The contract is anticipated to commence April 1, 2019, and conclude June 30, 2020, with potential renewal for two additional two-year terms subject to Finance and Administration Cabinet and Legislative Research Commission approval. The Commonwealth will not provide materials, transportation, or software, with all costs including equipment, supplies, and travel to be covered by the contractor. The Commonwealth reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, request best and final offers, and conduct oral presentations with selected vendors, and the contract may be terminated by the Commonwealth with 30 days' written notice and is subject to available funding.