RFP-151-26 kastow - orphan well package - whitley #001

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet's Division of Oil and Gas is seeking qualified contractors for the Kentucky Abandoned Storage Tank and Orphan Well Reclamation Program (KASTOW), specifically the Whitley County #001 package. This Request for Proposal (RFP-151-26) aims to plug and remediate 31 abandoned orphan wells located in Whitley County, including site restoration and access road reclamation. Contractors must submit comprehensive proposals demonstrating technical qualifications and cost effectiveness, with evaluation criteria including 25 points for technical capabilities (contractor experience, project history, equipment, work plan, and past performance) and 45 points for cost proposal. The solicitation requires a bid guarantee of at least 5% of the lump sum base bid, with successful bidders required to provide 100% performance and payment bonds. Key deadlines include written questions due by December 5, 2025, proposal submissions due January 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time, evaluation period scheduled for January 21, 2026, and anticipated contract award on January 28, 2026. The contract mandates substantial completion within 365 calendar days and final completion within an additional year, with liquidated damages of $200 per calendar day for delays.

The procurement allows for reciprocal preference for Kentucky resident bidders and potential preferences for qualified bidders or the Department of Corrections Division of Prison Industries. The contract is subject to federal funding compliance requirements, including 2 CFR Part 200, Buy America preferences for infrastructure projects, and Davis-Bacon prevailing wage standards. Contractors must certify no past or present affiliations with parties who owned, operated, or abandoned the referenced wells. The solicitation is a firm/fixed-price contract with no specified renewal options, and contractors will be responsible for Kentucky sales and use tax. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of remediating 31 orphan wells suggests a substantial project scope. Additional cost considerations include potential reimbursement for TENORM-impacted metals disposal exceeding background levels, with actual documented costs plus 10% administrative fees. Bidders must submit proposals through the Commonwealth's eProcurement System, demonstrating comprehensive capabilities in orphan well plugging, site remediation, and environmental restoration.