Western Kentucky Coalfield Bat Surveys

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, specifically targeting Elliott County, is seeking qualified individuals and organizations to conduct comprehensive bat population surveys in the Western Kentucky Coalfields region. The Request for Proposal (RFP) requires contractors to perform mist net surveys at up to 20 sites between May 15 and August 15, 2019, conduct summer acoustic surveys, perform visual bridge inspections to document bat roost sites, and attach radio transmitters to up to 5 Indiana or Northern long-eared bats. Mandatory requirements for bidders include possession of valid Federal and State permits, appropriate photography equipment, multiple sets of bat processing equipment, approved acoustic survey hardware and software, and at least three rabies-vaccinated staff members. The evaluation process will score technical qualifications on a 300-point scale, with points awarded for experience conducting threatened and endangered bat surveys in Kentucky and bat species identification. Proposals are due by 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on April 9, 2019, with the initial contract term running from April 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020, and potential renewal for two additional two-year terms.

The RFP does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must comply with Kentucky Civil Rights Act requirements and provide proof of authorization to conduct business in the state. Vendors are required to submit affidavits regarding ethics compliance, price independence, and non-debarment status. While no specific budget range or total contract value is outlined in the documents, cost proposals will be evaluated on a 250-point scale, with the lowest-priced proposal receiving maximum points and other proposals scored proportionally. The procurement allows for potential contract renewals subject to approval from the Finance and Administration Cabinet and Legislative Research Commission. Proposals must be submitted in three separate sealed parts: technical proposal, cost proposal, and proprietary information, with one original hard copy and supporting digital copies of each component.