Passenger Boarding Ramps

The Kenton County Airport Board (KCAB) is issuing an Invitation to Bid (ITB #26-022-ITB-Commodities) for the procurement of two universal, all-weather, solar-electric passenger boarding ramps for Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. The ramps must be capable of servicing regional jets (ERJ-145, CRJ-700/900, ERJ-170/175), narrow-body aircraft (Boeing 737, Airbus A320), and wide-body aircraft (Boeing 767, 787, 777, Airbus A330, A350, A380 lower deck), with one ramp specifically designed for narrow-body aircraft and the other for wide-body aircraft. The ramps must feature remote control steering with 360-degree turning capability for high-precision ground positioning at remote airport locations. Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in aircraft boarding equipment manufacturing or distribution and provide evidence of at least three commercial airports currently using the proposed model or substantially similar units. All ramps must include a minimum two-year comprehensive warranty and ten-year structural warranty with guaranteed technical support response within 48 hours. Pricing must be all-inclusive and firm fixed, delivered FOB Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport with all transportation charges included, and delivery must occur within 180 days of order receipt at KCAB's Central Warehouse in Hebron, Kentucky. Questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 7, 2026, with answers posted by 4:00 pm on May 14, 2026, and proposals must be received electronically through KCAB's OpenGov procurement portal no later than 2:00 pm Eastern Time on May 21, 2026.

Kentucky resident bidder preference will be applied in accordance with state law, and all civil rights, nondiscrimination, and federal labor standards provisions apply. The contract requires the contractor to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage throughout the contract term and for five years thereafter, including professional liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000; commercial general liability insurance of not less than $2,000,000 per occurrence (or $10,000,000 if work is performed on aircraft ramps, taxiways, or runways); automobile liability insurance of not less than $2,000,000 per accident; and Kentucky workers' compensation insurance. The contractor is responsible for all indemnification and hold-harmless obligations and must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including FAA requirements and regulatory compliance certifications (SAE ARP1247 and applicable FAA Advisory Circulars). KCAB intends to award a single purchase order to the responsible bidder offering the best value without discussions and reserves the right to make multiple awards or waive any bid irregularities. Payment will be made on a net 30 basis upon invoice submission with supporting documentation, with invoicing permitted no more than once per shipment upon completion of delivery. The available budget for both ramps is $343,803.96, with the total capital expenditure for the 2026 O&M and Capital Vehicle List at $2,022,761.88.