Two (2) Digester Tanks Aeration Equipment Replacement

The Kenton County Airport Board is issuing an Invitation to Bid (ITB #26-026) for the design and furnishing of coarse bubbler aeration equipment to replace the existing fine bubbler aeration system in two digester tanks at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. The procurement involves supplying complete aeration systems including coarse bubble diffusers, diffuser mounting assemblies, air distribution manifolds constructed of Type 304 stainless steel, drop pipes, fittings, supports, and connection components for both tanks, along with an optional alternate for contractor-provided installation services. Key objectives include upgrading aeration equipment from a fine bubbler to a coarse bubbler system, replacing existing PVC piping with stainless steel piping, increasing air delivery efficiency, and extending pipe and blower lifespan to reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs while decreasing the facility's carbon footprint. Equipment manufacturers must demonstrate a minimum of five years of documented experience producing similar coarse bubble aeration systems for industrial or municipal wastewater applications and provide proven performance through at least three installations of similar size and application. The project requires delivery within 24 weeks of design approval, with liquidated damages of 1 percent of the purchase price per day of delay and termination rights available after 60 days of non-compliance. A mandatory pre-bid meeting and site visit will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 10:00 am at CVG Centre Administrative Offices, 77 Comair Boulevard, Erlanger, Kentucky 41018. Written questions must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Monday, April 27, 2026, with responses posted no later than 11:59 pm on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Sealed bids are due no later than Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 2:00 pm Eastern Time through KCAB's online bidding portal, and bids must remain valid for a minimum of 120 days from the closing date.

This federally funded project subject to FAA requirements mandates compliance with multiple federal regulations including Buy American preferences, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goals under 49 CFR Part 26, Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements if installation services are included, Executive Order 11246 affirmative action and equal employment opportunity requirements, civil rights compliance under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and drug-free workplace provisions. Bidders must submit a bid bond equal to 10 percent of the proposed contract amount, a performance bond of 100 percent of the contract amount, and a payment bond of 100 percent of the contract amount, with all bonds obtained from a surety company rated at least "A" by Best Insurance Reports and authorized to do business in Kentucky. Required certifications include Non-Debarment or Suspension Certification, Buy American Certification, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Certification, Worker's Compensation Affidavit per Kentucky law, Certification of Tax Delinquency and Felony Convictions, and Certification Regarding Domestic Preferences for Procurements. All bidders and subcontractors must submit comprehensive safety documentation including DART rates, Workers' Compensation Experience Modification Rates, OSHA 300 logs, and documentation of any serious or willful OSHA violations. The anticipated board approval date is May 26, 2026, with construction completion targeted for November 1, 2026. The total appropriations request is $639,000.00, comprising $551,000.00 for equipment costs and $88,000.00 for construction and installation costs including a 20 percent vendor contingency, with pricing required to be firm fixed, all-inclusive, and delivered FOB Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.