Veterinary Services at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, Department of Parks, is soliciting proposals through a Request for Proposal (RFP) for veterinary services at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site located in Elliott County. The procurement seeks qualified veterinarians to provide comprehensive medical care for the park's bison herd, consisting of approximately 11 cows and 2 bulls. Required services include 3-4 annual veterinary checks with mandatory scheduled visits in spring and fall, emergency response for illness or injury with a guaranteed response time of 2.5 hours from notification, USDA-required vaccinations and supplements, routine worming, brucellosis vaccines for female bison, ear tagging, fecal analysis, pregnancy checks, blood draws, lab processing, and fly treatment provision. Mandatory qualifications for offerors include a valid Kentucky veterinary medicine license, an accredited veterinary medicine degree, and the demonstrated capability to provide emergency response services. Proposals will be evaluated on a cost basis, with up to 90 points awarded to the lowest all-inclusive hourly rate for veterinary services. The RFP timeline requires written questions by January 30, 2025, with proposals due electronically through the Kentucky Vendor Self Service System by February 13, 2025, at 4:30 PM EST. The anticipated contract term begins March 1, 2025, and extends through June 30, 2026, with the Commonwealth reserving the right to renew for one additional two-year period subject to approval from the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet and the Legislative Research Commission.

Kentucky resident bidders and qualified bidders, including nonprofits serving individuals with disabilities, may receive preferential scoring consideration in the evaluation process. Offerors must register with the Secretary of State if they are foreign entities and must comply with all Kentucky tax and employment laws. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement documents, and there are no specific technology integration requirements detailed in the RFP. Bidders must submit proposals in three separate parts consisting of technical information, cost proposals, and proprietary information, along with executed transmittal letters and required affidavits. The Commonwealth reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, request oral presentations if deemed necessary, and conduct best and final offer negotiations prior to contract award. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the RFP; however, compensation will be structured as an all-inclusive hourly rate for veterinary services. Procurement inquiries should be directed to Jason Monarch, Assistant Director, at 502-782-2008 or Jason.Monarch@ky.gov.