RFP-896 Architect KYTC Hart Rest Area NB & SB Reno/Expand

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, Division of Engineering and Contract Administration, is soliciting architectural and engineering services through Request for Proposals (RFP-896) for the renovation and expansion of the Hart Rest Area facilities located on Interstate 65 in Horse Cave, Kentucky, within Harrison County. The procurement seeks a qualified professional design firm to provide comprehensive services spanning all project phases from Schematic Design through Construction Administration, including programming, space planning, civil and structural engineering, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, life safety systems, site and utility improvements, and stormwater management for both northbound and southbound rest area facilities. The project scope encompasses evaluation and renovation of existing rest area buildings, potential expansion or adaptive reuse of facilities, and design of new buildings to support increased operational demands and semi-truck parking expansion. The consultant team must include at minimum an architect, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, structural engineer, and civil engineer, with all professionals requiring Kentucky registration; vendors must provide Kentucky registration numbers for all applicable professionals. Proposals must include a cover letter (maximum four pages), Federal Standard Form 330 Part II for the lead firm, firm experience documentation (Attachment A), project team composition with individual duties and resumes (Attachment B), and workplace and workload information (Attachment C), along with required affidavits. The proposal submission deadline is February 3, 2026, at 1:30 PM ET, with a shortlist meeting scheduled for February 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET, and virtual interviews tentatively scheduled for February 25, 2026, at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:00 AM ET. The evaluation process utilizes a numerical rating system assessing firm experience, professional capabilities, workload, organization, and general experience, with the three highest-scoring firms advancing to interviews for final ranking and recommendation. The project schedule includes Phase A (90 days), Phase B (30 days), Phase C (90 days), and Phase D (to be determined during design), with Phase A compensation of $36,000.00 upon completion and subsequent phases compensated on a percentage-of-total-price basis as negotiated at the conclusion of Phase A.

The solicitation is open to all qualified firms with no specific set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises identified in the available documentation; however, resident bidders claiming Kentucky residency status must submit supporting affidavits and documentation, while nonresident bidders must provide certificates of authority to transact business in Kentucky. Domestic and foreign corporations must be registered with the Kentucky Secretary of State and in good standing prior to contract award. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement documents. Architects and engineers must maintain professional liability insurance of $1 million per claim/$2 million aggregate, general liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence/$2 million aggregate, statutory workers' compensation, and employer's liability of $500,000, with the Commonwealth named as an additional insured and professional liability coverage required for a minimum of three years beyond project completion. The total project budget for design and construction is $3,000,000.00, though the specific design services contract value will be determined through the selection process and negotiated following Phase A evaluation. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Commonwealth's Vendor Self Service Portal as a single PDF file with bookmarked sections, with vendors required to be registered in the VSS system at least 24-48 hours prior to submission.