Passenger Boarding Ramps

The Kenton County Airport Board (“KCAB”) will receive proposals for Passenger Boarding Ramps. Questions are due at 11:59 pm on Thursday, May 7, 2026 and answers will be posted no later than Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 4:00 pm. Proposals must be received by Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 2:00 pm. No proposals will be accepted after that time unless such date or time is extended pursuant to an addendum issued by KCAB.

Background

KCAB is seeking to procure two (2) Universal Passenger Boarding Ramps that, in combination, provide coverage of the aircraft door sill height range associated with the aircraft identified in this document - including regional jet, narrow-body, and wide-body aircraft - to support safe and efficient boarding and deplaning operations at remote airport locations.

Project Details

• Reference ID: 26-022-ITB -Commodities
• Department: Customer Experience
• Department Head: Kristin Rice (Director)

Important Dates

• Questions Due: 2026-05-08T03:59:00.000Z
• Answers Posted By: 2026-05-14T20:00:00.000Z

Evaluation Criteria

• General Scope —

  KCAB is soliciting bids for the procurement of two (2) universal, all-weather, solar-electric Passenger Boarding Ramps that meet the specified requirements.  The successful bidder (the "Contractor") will be responsible for the manufacture, delivery, and commissioning of equipment that meets or exceeds the technical specifications outlined herein.

• Bid Bond —

  Each proposal must be accompanied by a bid surety in the form of a bid bond, payable to KCAB in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the proposed annual contract amount.  Bonding companies must be rated at least “A” by the latest edition of Best Insurance Reports. Bid surety is forfeited to KCAB if the successful proposer fails to execute a contract within NO VALUE after notification of award of contract.

• Minimum Qualifications —

  Bidder must meet the following minimum qualifications:

  TBD

• Delivery Requirements —

  Passenger Boarding Ramps must be delivered to the Central Warehouse located at 300 Maintenance Court, Hebron, Kentucky 41048 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

  Lead time for delivery of Passenger Boarding Ramps must be no more than 180 days from receipt of order.

• CIVIL RIGHTS – GENERAL CIVIL RIGHTS PROVISIONS AND CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS —

  In all its activities within the scope of its airport program, the Contractor agrees to comply with pertinent statutes, Executive Orders, and such rules as identified in Title VI List of Pertinent Nondiscrimination Acts and Authorities to ensure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, age, or disability be excluded from participating in any activity conducted with or benefiting from Federal assistance. This provision binds the Contractor and subcontractors from the bid solicitation period through the completion of the contract.

• Performance Bond —

  The successful proposer shall furnish a performance bond to KCAB by a surety company duly authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the annual contract amount.  The performance bond furnished by the successful proposer must be executed by the owner, a general partner or, if a corporation, the secretary's signature and the seal of the corporation must be affixed. This bond must remain in effect for the length of the agreement. The agent of the surety must exhibit certificate or license showing legal rights of the surety to do business in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

• CIVIL RIGHTS – TITLE VI ASSURANCE —

  Compliance with Nondiscrimination Requirements:

   

  During the performance of this contract, the Contractor, for itself, its assignees and successors in interest (hereinafter referred to as the "Contractor") agrees as follows:

   

  1. Compliance with Regulations.  The Contractor (hereinafter includes consultants) will comply with the Title VI List of Pertinent Nondiscrimination Acts and Authorities, as they may be amended from time to time, which are herein incorporated by reference and made a part of this Contract.

   

  2. Nondiscrimination.  The Contractor, with regard to the work performed by it during the Contract, will not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, age, or disability in the selection and retention of subcontractors, including procurements of materials and leases of equipment. The Contractor will not participate either directly or indirectly in the discrimination prohibited by the Nondiscrimination Acts and Authorities, including employment practices when the Contract covers any activity, project, or program set forth in Appendix B of the 49 CFR part 21 including amendments thereto.

   

  3. Solicitations for Subcontracts, including procurements of Materials and Equipment.  In all solicitations either by competitive bidding or negotiation made by Contractor for work to be performed under a subcontract, including procurements of materials or leases of equipment, each potential subcontractor or supplier will be notified by Contractor of contractor’s obligations under this Contract and the Nondiscrimination Acts and Authorities on the grounds of race, color, or national origin.

   

  4. Information and Reports.  The Contractor will provide all information and reports required by the Acts, the Regulations, and directives issued pursuant thereto and will permit access to its books, records, accounts, other sources of information, and its facilities as may be determined by KCAB or the FAA to be pertinent to ascertain compliance with such Nondiscrimination Acts and Authorities and instructions. Where any information required of a contractor is in the exclusive possession of another who fails or refuses to furnish the information, the Contractor will so certify to KCAB or the FAA, as appropriate, and will set forth what efforts it has made to obtain the information.

   

  5. Sanctions for Noncompliance.  In the event of Contractor's non-compliance with the non-discrimination provisions of this Contract, KCAB will impose such contract sanctions as it or the FAA may determine to be appropriate, including, but not limited to:

  a.            Withholding of payments to the contractor under the contract until the Contractor complies, and/or

  b.            Cancelling, terminating, or suspending a contract, in whole or in part.

  6.            Incorporation of Provisions.  The Contractor will include the provisions of paragraphs onethrough six in every subcontract, including procurements of materials and leases of equipment, unless exempted by the Acts, the Regulations, and directives issued pursuant thereto. The Contractor will take action with respect to any subcontract or procurement as KCAB or the FAA may direct as a means of enforcing such provisions including sanctions for non-compliance. Provided, that if the Contractor becomes involved in, or is threatened with litigation with a subcontractor or a supplier as a result of such direction, the Contractor may request KCAB to enter into any litigation to protect the interests of KCAB. In addition, Contractor may request the United States to enter into the litigation to protect the interest of the United States.

   

  Title VI List of Pertinent Nondiscrimination Acts and Authorities

   

  During the performance of this contract, the Contractor, for itself, its assignees, and successors in interest (hereinafter referred to as the “Contractor”) agrees to comply with the following non-discrimination statutes and authorities; including but not limited to:

  
  •Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq., 78 stat. 252), (prohibitsdiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin);
  •49 CFR part 21 (Non-discrimination In Federally-Assisted Programs of The Departmentof Transportation—Effectuation of Title VI of The Civil Rights Act of 1964) includingamendments thereto;
  •The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970,(42 U.S.C. § 4601), (prohibits unfair treatment of persons displaced or whose property hasbeen acquired because of Federal or Federal-aid programs and projects);
  •Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, (29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq.), as amended,(prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability); and 49 CFR part 27(Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving FederalFinancial Assistance);
  •The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, (42 U.S.C. § 6101 et seq.), (prohibitsdiscrimination on the basis of age);
  •Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, (49 U.S.C. § 47123), as amended, (prohibitsdiscrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, or sex);
  •The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, (P.L. 100-259) (broadened the scope, coverageand applicability of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Age Discrimination Actof 1975 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, by expanding the definition ofthe terms “programs or activities” to include all of the programs or activities of the Federal-aid recipients, sub-recipients and contractors, whether such programs or activities areFederally funded or not);
  •Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq)(prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in the operation of public entities, public and private transportation systems, places of public accommodation, and certain testing entities) as implemented by Department of Transportation regulations at 49 CFR Parts 37 and 38; • Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, which prohibits you from discriminating because of sex in education programs or activities (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq).

   

• Technical Specifications —

  Aircraft Compatibility: The ramps must be versatile enough to service aircraft with various front door sill heights, including:

  • ERJ-145, CRJ-700/900, ERJ-170/175 (Regional Jets)

  • Boeing 737, Airbus A320 (Narrow-Body)

  • Boeing 767, 787, 777, Airbus A330, A350, A380 (Wide-Body, lower deck only for A380)

  Structural & Safety Features:

  • Roofing: Full roof with side protection for overhead and windblown precipitation protection.

  • Walking Surface: High-traction, non-slip surface for all-weather safety.

  • Lighting: Integrated LED walkways for night-time/low-light operations.

  • Upper Landing: Extra-wide platform (min. 5 feet) for passenger flow and door clearance.

  • Ramp Angle: Must not exceed 8 degrees for ambulatory and wheelchair accessibility.

  • Access: Separate dedicated access stairs for aircrew/ramp personnel to reduce congestion.

  Drive System & Maneuverability:

  • Propulsion: Fully electric drivetrain with solar-powered battery recharging (zero-emission).

  • Steering: Remote control steering for high-precision positioning from the ground. Must be capable of 360 degree turns.  

  • Height Adjustment: Electric adjustment to match varying sill heights quickly.

  • Wheels: Heavy-duty solid drive wheels to eliminate puncture risk.

  • Safety Signaling: Orange flashing beacon active during movement or operation.

  Operational Requirements:

  • Quantity: Two (2) complete units.

  • Delivery: Fully assembled or assembled on-site at CVG.

  • Training: On-site operational and safety training for ground handling staff.

  • Compliance: Must meet all current FAA and OSHA standards for Ground Support Equipment (GSE).

• Payment Bond —

  The successful proposer shall furnish a payment bond to KCAB by a surety company duly authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the annual contract amount.  The payment bond furnished by the successful proposer must be executed by the owner, a general partner or, if a corporation, the secretary's signature and the seal of the corporation must be affixed. This bond must remain in effect for the length of the agreement. The agent of the surety must exhibit certificate or license showing legal rights of the surety to do business in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

• Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (Federal Minimum Wage) —

  This Contract incorporates by reference the provisions of 29 CFR part 201, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), with the same force and effect as if given in full text. The FLSA sets minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards for full and part time workers. The Contractor has full responsibility to monitor compliance to the referenced statute or regulation. The Contractor must address any claims or disputes that arise fro

• Minimum Qualifications —

  Bidders must demonstrate the following to be considered for evaluation:

  • Relevant Experience: Bidders, including all manufacturers and sellers, must demonstrate at least five (5) years of experience in the production or distribution of aircraft boarding equipment.

  • Proven Track Record: Bidders must provide a list of at least three (3) commercial airports currently utilizing the proposed model or a substantially similar unit.

  • Warranty & Support: Must provide a minimum two-year (2) comprehensive warranty and a ten-year (10) structural warranty. Furthermore, the Contractor must guarantee a response time for technical support inquiries not to exceed 48 hours.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Documentation confirming the units meet SAE ARP1247 (General Requirements for Aerospace Ground Support Equipment) and applicable FAA Advisory Circulars.

  • Training Program: Bidders must have an established training curriculum for the operation and maintenance of the proposed equipment.
• Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 —

  This Contract incorporates by reference the requirements of 29 CFR Part 1910 with the same force and effect as if given in full text. Contractor must provide a work environment that is free from recognized hazards that may cause death or serious physical harm to the employee. The Contractor retains full responsibility to monitor its compliance and their subcontractor’s compliance with the applicable requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (20 CFR Part 1910). Contractor must address any claims or disputes that pertain to a referenced requirement directly with the U.S. Department of Labor – Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

• INCORPORATION OF REGULATIONS —

  Contractor agrees to negotiate in good faith the incorporation into this Contract any and all statutes, rules and regulations which may now or during the term of this Contract be required by the FAA or other governmental agency as a prerequisite to or a condition of the Board and/or Contractor receiving any federal or state grant or loan or other governmental assistance.

Submission Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications (required) —

  Provide supporting documentation verifying that the firm and assigned staff meet all requirements listed in Section 2.7.4. Please organize documentation by the four categories listed below: 

  • Relevant Experience: must have at least five (5) years of experience in manufacturing aircraft boarding equipment.

  • Proven Track Record: must provide a list of at least three (3) commercial airports currently utilizing the proposed model or a substantially similar unit.

  • Warranty & Support: must provide a minimum two-year comprehensive warranty and a minimum 10-year structural warranty and a guaranteed response time for technical support within 48 hours.

  • Regulatory Compliance: must provide documentation confirming the units meet SAE ARP1247 (General Requirements for Aerospace Ground Support Equipment) and applicable FAA Advisory Circulars.

• Company Profile (required) —

  Provide a brief history of your company, including the number of years in the boarding ramp business. 

• Lead Time Commitment (required) —

  State your Guaranteed Lead Time in total calendar days from receipt of order.

• Production Milestone Schedule —

  Provide a schedule (e.g., fabrication start, shipping, on-site assembly, training) to support your lead time. 

• References (required) —

  Provide three (3) current commercial or government client references for whom you have provided similar services. For each reference, include the primary contact’s name, title, direct phone number, and email address. 

• Provide a copy of your Certificate of Insurance (required)
• Exceptions to ITB or Sample Contract (required) —

  State in writing all exceptions to this ITB or sample contract attached.  Exceptions should list referencing page and paragraph numbers. If no exceptions are taken, the proposal must include a statement that the bidder takes “No Exceptions”.

• Exceptions to ITB (required) —

  State in writing all exceptions to this ITB attached.  Exceptions should list referencing page and paragraph numbers. If no exceptions are taken, the proposal must include a statement that the bidder takes “No Exceptions”.

• Resident & Non Resident Status Forms (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Confirmation (required) —

  By submitting a bid, the bidder consents to its use and acceptance of electronic signatures to execute any awarded contract and associated agreements. Bidder agrees to be bound by electronic signatures to the same legal effect and extent as if manually signed. KCAB expects the successful bidder will execute any awarded contract using KCAB’s electronic signature service unless the bidder includes an exception with its proposal signifying its desire to sign manually. Included with the bid, bidders must identify the following information regarding the person with full authority to legally bind proposer and sign agreements on its behalf:

  1. Full Name;
  2. Position Title; and
  3. Email Address.

  Please provide this information in the next questions.

• Provide the following: (required) —

  Proposers must identify the following information regarding the person with full authority to legally bind proposer and sign agreements on its behalf:

  1. Full Name;
  2. Position Title; and
  3. Email Address.
• Performance Bond (REPLACE FILE) (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Proposal Bond (REPLACE FILE) (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Surety Bond Affidavit (REPLACE FILE) (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Provide the name of the requested commodity: (required)
• Are you awarding via Purchase Order? (required)
• The term of the agreement will be for ________. (required) —

  Example: one (1) year or two (2) years 

  If requesting a Contract Amendment, Contract Extension, or Task Order please enter N/A.

• Will there be renewals? (required) —

  If requesting a Contract Amendment, Contract Extension, Task Order, Master Agreement or New Contract please select No below.

• with an option to renew for____________. (required) —

  Example: two (2) additional one-year terms

• Does your specification include trade or brand names? (required) —

  Enter yes for 'or equal' language to be included.

• What is the maximum lead time that will be accepted? (required) —

  10 days

• Will surety be needed? (required)
• Bid surety is forfeited to KCAB if the successful proposer fails to execute a contract within ________ after notification of award of contract. (required) —

  Example: thirty (30) days

• Please select the which of the following you will be using: (required)
• Will the Contractor be required to have badges or keys? (required)
• The successful proposer shall issue an invoice __________ for work performed along with supporting data. (required) —

  Example: once per shipment

• Additional comments:
• Minimum Qualifications (required) —

  Are there minimum qualifications required to perform this service?

• List the minimum qualifications required (required)