UK’s Growing Our Own Initiative Hosts Training for Businesses on Maintenance, Repair, and Operations Proposal
The University of Kentucky, through its Growing Our Own initiative, is inviting small businesses to participate in a hands-on training session designed to demystify the process of doing business with the university.
On Thursday, August 29, at 11 a.m. EST, participants can join the training either in person at the Greenup County Extension Office or virtually via Zoom. The session will provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the current Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Request for Proposal (#UK-2541-26), which is required for businesses seeking to work with UK, including its affiliated hospitals King’s Daughters and St. Claire.
The workshop will focus on equipping businesses—particularly small and local contractors—with the knowledge and confidence to respond to the RFP effectively. The proposal is seeking qualified vendors across a wide range of services, including:
- Mechanical/HVAC
- Electrical (including high voltage)
- Plumbing
- Fire suppression
- Carpentry
- Door replacement specialists
- Painting and patch
- Drywall and repair
- Concrete installation and repair
- Asphalt, blacktop repair and striping
- Flooring
- Boiler repair and maintenance (preventative maintenance programs can be included)
- Chiller repair and maintenance (preventative maintenance programs can be included)
- Controls (panel construction & installation, controller installation, power, conduit & wiring)
- Roofing
- Drain cleaning
- Glazing
- Acoustical ceilings
By offering this training, UK aims to lower barriers for small businesses, giving them a fair chance to compete for contracts that help maintain and improve the university and its facilities.
“This training is about more than just paperwork,” said organizers of the Growing Our Own initiative. “It’s about opening doors for small businesses, strengthening Kentucky’s workforce, and building lasting partnerships that benefit our communities.”
Businesses interested in attending can choose the format that best suits their schedule—whether in person at the Greenup County Extension Office (35 Wurtland Ave, Greenup, KY 41144) or online through Zoom (https://lnkd.in/eB9ZdEKP).