KCI Crop Hauling

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, on behalf of the Department of Corrections, is soliciting bids for crop hauling services through Request for Bid (RFB) 758 2500000044. The procurement involves transporting harvested corn and soybeans from the Western Kentucky Correctional Complex located at 374 New Bethel Church Road, Fredonia, Kentucky to the Lyon County Port in Eddyville, Kentucky. Vendors must supply a minimum of two tractor-trailers with drivers possessing commercial driver's licenses and coordinate with harvesting operations to ensure timely delivery of approximately 135,000 to 150,000 total bushels of crop (approximately 72,000 bushels of corn and 80,000 bushels of soybeans). Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of three years of domestic crop hauling experience, with awards determined on a best-value basis using 100 points for pricing and a pass/fail evaluation of experience. The procurement requires vendors to assume all expenses associated with hauling, including diesel fuel, and to acknowledge receipt of all terms and conditions outlined in the solicitation documents. Written questions from vendors are due by August 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM ET, with bids closing on August 14, 2024 at 1:30 PM ET; bid readings will occur at 3:30 PM ET on the closing date via conference line. All bids must be submitted electronically through the Commonwealth eProcurement system (VSS portal), with vendors required to register at least 24-48 hours prior to submission. The resulting master agreement shall be effective from the award date through December 31, 2024, with no renewal options.

Kentucky Correctional Industries qualifies for a 20 percent preference on maximum points awarded, while qualified bidders including Kentucky Industries for the Blind and certain nonprofit organizations advancing employment for individuals with severe disabilities qualify for a 15 percent preference. Kentucky resident bidders may receive reciprocal preference against nonresident bidders from states providing similar preferences. Prior to award, successful bidders must submit Kentucky Tax Registration documentation (Revenue Form 10A100), required affidavits certifying compliance with campaign finance laws and attesting to resident or qualified bidder status if applicable, certificates of authority if applicable, and proof of insurance including Commercial General Liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, plus Automobile Liability Insurance with $1,000,000 combined single limit. Pricing must be quoted on an F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed basis, exclusive of federal excise taxes and Kentucky sales or use taxes, and remain valid for a minimum of 60 calendar days after the bid due date. Past vendor performance in the preceding 12 months may impact award determination. No specific award value or budget range is disclosed in the solicitation documents; however, the Commonwealth reserves the right to cancel the RFB if responses exceed available funding. Keith Srutowski serves as the sole point of contact for all communications regarding this procurement.