RFB11252025 For License Salvage Timber Sale

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Finance and Administration Cabinet, Division of Real Properties, acting on behalf of the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves, is conducting a Request for Bids (RFB 785 2600000222) for salvage timber harvesting operations at the Frances Johnson Palk State Nature Preserve located in Pulaski County, Kentucky. This procurement involves a license for salvage timber operations covering approximately 168.63 acres of downed timber and forest debris removal, with no live or standing trees to be harvested except those presenting safety hazards. The successful bidder will receive a two-year Contract of Tenancy from the date of execution by the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet, with an optional renewal for an additional term contingent upon demonstrating reasonable progress during the initial contract period. Deliverables include complete removal and salvage of downed timber and forest products, with the bidder submitting a lump sum payment proposal for all timber products minus documented road improvement costs supported by receipts. Required qualifications include Kentucky Master Logger supervision for all operations, commercial general liability insurance with a minimum $1,000,000 combined single limit coverage naming the Commonwealth as an additional insured, and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations including the Kentucky Forest Conservation Act, OSHA requirements, and Best Management Practices. Evaluation criteria utilize a 100-point scoring system consisting of 55 points for bid amount and 45 points for prior work quality as assessed through mandatory landowner references (minimum three required). Critical dates include mandatory site visits on November 10 or November 12, 2025 (attendance required for bid acceptance), a sealed bid submission deadline of 3:00 PM ET on November 25, 2025, addressed to 403 Wapping Street, Frankfort, Kentucky, and a public bid opening at 3:00 PM ET on the same date with conference call access available.

The solicitation documents do not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions on eligible bidder types based on disadvantaged enterprise status, nor do they identify any incumbent vendors or current contractors. Bidders must submit a performance bond of $10,000 and the full lump sum price for timber products prior to commencing logging activities, with an additional initial bond of $5,000 required within five days of contract signing and held in escrow to ensure compliance with contract terms. The bidder assumes responsibility for all road maintenance and improvements, equipment cleaning to prevent invasive species spread, stream crossing protections, and payment of all associated operational costs. The solicitation does not provide a stated budget range or award value; rather, bids are evaluated competitively on both price and qualifications. Prospective bidders may contact Wendell Harris at 502-782-0358 or wendell.harris@ky.gov for technical questions regarding the timber salvage project, or Kelly Hawkins at 502-229-4366 for general solicitation information. All submitted bids must comply with the complete terms and conditions outlined in the solicitation documents, and online bidding is prohibited.