Runway 18L/36R Tunnel Rehabilitation & Safety Improvements

The Kenton County Airport Board is requesting bids on comprehensive rehabilitation and safety improvements to the Runway 18L/36R tunnel at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, with proposals due September 3, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. ET and a mandatory pre-proposal meeting and site visit on August 19, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at CVG Centre in Erlanger, Kentucky. This is a federally funded Airport Improvement Program (AIP) project subject to Buy American requirements for steel and manufactured goods under 49 USC 50101 — a critical compliance filter.

The scope encompasses concrete slab, wall, and soffit repairs (8,000 square feet); expansion joint and sealant replacement; waterproofing; pavement and sidewalk replacement; drainage and storm sewer improvements; LED lighting system upgrades with new controls (404 new fixtures); electrical distribution, emergency power, and wiring replacement; ventilation fan replacement (four 65,000 cfm axial fans with variable frequency drives) and new unit heaters; and fire protection, fire alarm, security, and technology system upgrades. The tunnel spans stations 85+00 to 107+30. Work will be phased to maintain South Airfield Drive as an open roadway throughout the 120-day contract period. The contractor must commence work within 10 days of Notice to Proceed and achieve substantial completion within 120 days, with final closeout within 30 days. An outside completion date of October 30, 2027 applies. Liquidated damages accrue for failure to meet either deadline. The project is located in Boone County, Kentucky; work must comply with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) standards and FAA Advisory Circular 150/5370-2. Airfield access is restricted to scheduled monthly maintenance periods when Runway 18L/36R is closed. The contractor must establish low-profile barricades, provide vehicle escorts, obtain airport security badges, and coordinate all work through the airport operator with minimum 14-day advance notice for traffic pattern changes.

The project was budgeted at $4.3 million for design and construction based on a 2023 assessment. Bidders must submit a proposal bond of at least 5% of the total bid amount and performance and payment bonds of 100% of contract amount from a surety rated at least "A" by Best Insurance Reports and authorized in Kentucky. The contract is governed by Kentucky law with jurisdiction in the Circuit Court of Boone County or the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Covington Division.

Prevailing wage requirements apply under the Davis-Bacon Act, with wage determination KY20260039 (effective May 18, 2026) setting rates for Boone, Campbell, Kenton, and Pendleton counties. Skilled trades include electricians ($38.05 base with $22.97 fringe), plumbers ($43.30 with $27.40 fringe), and equipment operators ($36.34–$45.14 with $16.41 fringe). Paid sick leave of one hour per 30 hours worked (up to 56 hours annually) is required under Executive Order 13706. Executive Order 13658 applies minimum wages of $13.65 per hour through December 31, 2026, whichever is higher than the Davis-Bacon rate.

Bidders must comply with 49 CFR Part 26 regarding Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation through good faith efforts and submit a subcontractor and DBE list. All bidders must submit Buy American certifications selecting one of three compliance pathways: U.S.-produced steel and manufactured products only; FAA-waivered products listed on the Nationwide Buy American Waivers Issued list; or excepted articles under FAA regulations. Bidders unable to meet 100% Buy American must request Type 3 or Type 4 waivers (apparent low bidders have 15 calendar days from bid opening to submit documentation or face rejection). False certifications are subject to federal prosecution.

Additional mandatory certifications include tax delinquency and felony convictions; Equal Employment Opportunity; nonsegregated facilities; non-debarment or suspension (covering fraud, criminal offenses, and prior terminations for cause within the preceding three years); affirmative action compliance (Standard Form 100 required if previously participating in federally funded contracts without submitting compliance reports); disclosure of lobbying activities; and worker's compensation insurance compliance under Kentucky law. Bidders must demonstrate financial responsibility, company organization history, bonding capacity, and construction experience through notarized Bidder's Qualifications statements. Safety documentation covering the three prior calendar years is required, including DART rates, Workers' Compensation Experience Modification Rates, recordable incident rates, OSHA 300 logs, and evidence of serious or willful KYOSHA or Federal OSHA violations. Prior to preconstruction, the awarded contractor must submit a site-specific safety program, safety training certification, Contractor Safety Survey, and alcohol and drug-free workplace plans.

Questions are due August 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET, with answers posted by August 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Bids remain valid for 120 days after opening. Contract award is expected within 120 days of bid opening. Mobilization costs are limited to 10% of total project cost. All work is guaranteed for one year from Final Acceptance. The Owner reserves the right to waive informalities, reject any or all bids, and negotiate with qualified responsible low bidders.