Operation and Interpretation of Mill Springs Mill - Kentucky

Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought

This document is a Sources Sought announcement, not a solicitation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is conducting market research to identify potential qualified contractors for the operation and interpretation services at the Mill Springs Mill in Monticello, Kentucky. The goal is to assess industry capabilities, interest, and qualifications, particularly within the Small Business Community, to inform future acquisition decisions and determine the appropriate set-aside strategy.

The contractor will be responsible for providing all necessary transportation, insurance, equipment, management, labor, materials, and supplies (excluding Government Furnished Property) to perform milling and interpretive services at Mill Springs Mill. The mill operates seasonally, typically from May through September, with specific de-winterization and winterization dates outlined in an attached schedule. The work involves operating and interpreting the historic 1830s mill machinery with care and precision. The Corps reserves the right to order milling stoppages if operations are deemed unsafe.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide:

• Audio visual equipment
• Extension cords
• Mill and Lake Cumberland brochures
• Telephone
• Historically accurate milling tools
• Flags (U.S. and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
• Belt repair material
• Corn (provided by Monticello Woman's Club)
• Lubricants (oil and grease)
• Portable air conditioner

Interested parties should submit a capability statement including:

• Offeror's contact information
• UEI and CAGE Code
• Small business status and relevant classifications (e.g., HUBZone, 8(a), Women Owned)
• A Statement of Capability detailing skills, experience, relevant projects (last 5 years), and any special qualifications/certifications.
• Indication of whether work will be performed directly or subcontracted, and the percentage.
• Anticipation of submitting an offer if a solicitation is issued.
• Any other relevant company information.

Capability statements must be emailed to Jamie.L.Barnes@usace.army.mil by 1:00 PM Central Time on Wednesday, 6 May 2026. Proprietary or business confidential data should not be submitted. This announcement does not obligate the government to issue a contract or reimburse costs.

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide milling and interpretive services at the historic Mill Springs Mill, Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, for the operational season.

• Operate and interpret the historic Mill Springs Mill.

• Ensure the mill is open and operational during specified days and hours (typically May through September, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays).

• Perform de-winterization and winterization of the mill.

• Operate milling machinery with utmost care and precision, adhering to safety orders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

• Conduct milling demonstrations (may grind corn for the Monticello Woman's Club).

• Provide interpretive tours and engage visitors, explaining the mill's operation, history, and its role in Civil War history.

• Maintain the mill structure, machinery, and surrounding areas, including daily cleaning and seasonal preservation treatments.

• Secure the mill building and wheel at the end of each workday.

• Mill operation must be safe and not cause harm to the public or the mill.

• Operator/interpreter must demonstrate proficiency in mill operation and public interaction.

• Tours must be conducted regularly, accommodating visitors as much as possible.

• Interpretation must cover cultural heritage, operational understanding, Civil War history, and the Corps' stewardship role.

• Housekeeping and maintenance tasks must be performed according to specified standards.

• Operational season: May through September.

• Location: Mill Springs Mill, Lake Cumberland, Kentucky.

• Government Furnished Property includes audio-visual equipment, brochures, historically accurate tools, corn, lubricants, etc.

• Contractor must provide qualified personnel (miller/operator and interpreter) with demonstrated proficiency and public interaction skills.

• Personnel must adhere to specific dress code requirements (moderate or blue-collar clothing, nametag required).

• All operations must comply with health department standards for corn and corn meal handling.

• Strict adherence to security, anti-terrorism, and suspicious activity reporting training requirements is mandatory.

• Contractor is responsible for all insurance, damages, and compliance with FAR clauses (e.g., E-Verify).

• Termination clauses are in effect for non-compliance, safety violations, or other breaches of contract.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District for the operation and interpretation of the Mill Springs Mill in Monticello, Kentucky. It is explicitly stated that this is NOT a solicitation, IFB, RFQ, or RFP, but rather a sources sought announcement for acquisition planning purposes only. The government is conducting market research to identify potential qualified industry partners, including small businesses, capable of providing services related to the Mill Springs Mill. Responses will inform acquisition decisions, including potential set-aside strategies.

The contractor will be responsible for providing all necessary transportation, insurance, equipment, management, labor, materials, and supplies (except for Government Furnished Property) to perform milling and interpretive services at the historic Mill Springs Mill. The mill is anticipated to be open and operational from May through September, with specific de-winterization, open, and winterization dates to be provided. The work involves operating and interpreting the historic mill machinery, which dates back to the 1830s and is listed on the Register of Historic Places. The Corps reserves the right to order a milling stoppage if operations are deemed unsafe.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide:

• Audio visual equipment
• Extension cords
• Mill and Lake Cumberland brochures
• Telephone
• Historically accurate milling tools
• U.S. and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flags
• Belt repair material
• Corn (provided by Monticello Woman's Club)
• Lubricants (oil and grease)
• Portable air conditioner

Interested parties should submit a capability statement including:

• Offeror's contact information
• UEI and CAGE Code
• Small business status and classification (e.g., HUBZone, 8(a), Women Owned)
• Statement of Capability (SOC) detailing skills, experience, relevant projects (last 5 years), and certifications
• Indication of whether work will be self-performed or subcontracted
• Anticipation of submitting an offer if a solicitation is issued
• Any other relevant company information

Capability statements must be emailed to Jamie.L.Barnes@usace.army.mil by 1:00 PM Central Time on Wednesday, 6 May 2026. Proprietary or business confidential data should not be submitted. This announcement does not obligate the government to issue a contract or reimburse costs.