Harp Trapping Surveys

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, is soliciting proposals via Request for Proposal (RFP 660_2100000036) for harp trapping surveys to be conducted in Elliott County and surrounding areas. The procurement seeks qualified contractors to conduct bat hibernacula monitoring and population impact assessments related to white-nose syndrome affecting federally endangered and threatened bat species in Kentucky caves. Contractors will conduct harp trapping or mist netting surveys at up to three sites located in Wayne, Elliott, Menifee, and Estill counties during spring (April 2021) and fall (September 1–October 31, 2020) periods, with a maximum of 12 survey nights total. Key deliverables include species identification, photographic documentation, data collection on body metrics and white-nose syndrome symptoms, compliance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decontamination protocols, and submission of comprehensive reports and data by November 15, 2020. Mandatory qualifications require contractors to possess valid federal and state endangered species permits, suitable photography equipment, a minimum of two harp traps with two complete bat processing equipment sets, and at least three rabies-vaccinated staff members with three to five years of experience in Kentucky bat species identification and threatened/endangered bat surveys in caves. Proposals were due August 17, 2020 at 3:30 PM EST, with the anticipated contract term extending from September 4, 2020 through June 30, 2021, renewable for up to two additional one-year periods subject to approval by the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet and the Legislative Research Commission. Evaluation criteria weighted proposals at 300 points for qualifications and experience, 200 points for cost proposal, and up to 25 points for optional oral presentations, with the lowest cost proposal receiving maximum points.

The RFP does not specify a set-aside designation or restrictions limiting response to particular enterprise categories, nor does it identify any incumbent vendors or current contractors. No specific funding amount or budget range is disclosed in the procurement documents; contractors are responsible for calculating all necessary labor and material costs in their cost proposals. The contract is subject to Kentucky procurement statutes and regulations, along with standard personal service contract terms and conditions that require compliance with the Kentucky Civil Rights Act, Executive Branch Code of Ethics, and applicable tax and employment laws. Proposal submission required three separate sealed parts—technical proposal, cost proposal, and proprietary information—each accompanied by hard copies and flash drives. All proposals and related documentation must be submitted in accordance with the RFP requirements and Kentucky's procurement procedures.