RFB-145-25 Re-Ad of RFB-189-23 Parks BB New Nature Center

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Parks, issued Request for Bid (RFB) RFB-145-25, a re-advertisement of RFB-189-23, soliciting construction bids for a new nature center at Big Bone Lick State Park in Union, Kentucky, located in Spencer County. The procurement consists of two separate bid packages: Bid Package #1 involves construction of a new 6,600-square-foot building to replace an existing structure (to be demolished by others), featuring two classrooms, an exhibit space, a humidity-controlled archives room, workroom, ancillary spaces, asphalt cul-de-sac construction, and site grading; Bid Package #2 encompasses construction of a force main to convey sewage from the new building to the park's existing sewage treatment plant. The project architect is Hafer, PSC with David Wills as Principal-In-Charge, and structural engineers are Ted Lolley Associates. Contractors must achieve Substantial Completion within 300 calendar days from the Executed Contract for Construction date, with Final Completion 30 calendar days thereafter, with work hours limited to 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday (outside hours requiring owner approval). Liquidated damages are assessed at $443.00 per calendar day for delays beyond Substantial Completion and $214.00 per calendar day for delays beyond Final Completion. A mandatory site visit is scheduled for December 2, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. Eastern Time at the Visitor Center parking lot at 3380 Beaver Road, Union, Kentucky 41091, with Chris Seals from the Department of Parks. The solicitation deadline is January 15, 2025, at 1:30 P.M. Eastern Time, with public bid reading via conference call at 2:30 P.M. on the same date. All bids must be submitted electronically through the Commonwealth's eProcurement system only; postal, email, and hand-delivered submissions will not be accepted. Bidders must register in the Vendor Self Service (VSS) system at https://vss.ky.gov prior to submission (allowing 24 to 48 hours for registration), and Official Bid Documents and any required Bid Bond must be combined into a single PDF attachment. Plans and specifications are available at no charge through https://www.stateofkyplanroom.com; contractors must register as planholders to receive addenda.

The solicitation documentation does not identify any specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, minority-owned businesses, or other restricted vendor categories, nor does it list any incumbent vendors or current contractors. The contract includes an HVAC Controls Allowance of $64,950.00, and the contractor must provide temporary facilities including a construction office/trailer accommodating ten people, staging and parking at the existing lot, portable toilet facilities for men and women with hand washing capability, and drinking water (with water and electric connections to the owner's existing service provided at no charge). Special inspections and testing requirements include concrete properties, soil compaction, and suspended acoustical ceilings. Weather-related extensions of time are granted only for days exceeding the Standard Baseline established by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data, with monthly baselines ranging from 4 to 12 days depending on seasonal conditions. Key project contacts include Purchasing Agent Susan Ward at Susan.Ward@ky.gov or 502-226-0335, Project Manager Joseph Sandman at 502-545-9573, and Architect David Wills. Technical assistance is available through the Customer Resource Center at Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov, 502-564-9641, or toll-free 877-973-4357. The specific contract award value or budget range is not disclosed in the procurement documents.