Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSALS

OFFERORS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO RETURN THIS FORM.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: IF YOU RECEIVED THIS SOLICITATION FROM THE AIDEA “ONLINE PUBLIC NOTICE” WEB SITE, YOU MUST REGISTER AS A PLAN HOLDER ON THE SITE TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS. MISSING ADDENDUMS OR CRITICAL INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN THE REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER.

ISSUED BY:

KELLY NOBLE

AIDEA CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER

PROCUREMENT@AIDEA.ORG

(907) 771-3909

PRIMARY CONTACT:

MICHAEL BELL

AIDEA PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST

PROCUREMENT@AIDEA.ORG

(907) 771-3014

RFP TITLE: AMBLER ACCESS PROJECT (AAP)

DRILLING FIELD WORK

RFP: AIDEA26-048

ISSUED: 2/18/2026

The purpose of this work is to conduct drilling field work at specific remote sites while providing soil samples and coring data as indicated in Section 2 Background Information, to assist Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA/Authority) on the Ambler Access Project in the State of Alaska.

mailto:procurement@aidea.org

AMBLER ACCESS PROJECT (AAP) DRILLING FIELD WORK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION & INSTRUCTIONS

SEC. 1.01 PURPOSE OF THE RFP

SEC. 1.02 BUDGET

SEC. 1.03 DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

SEC. 1.04 PRIOR EXPERIENCE

SEC. 1.05 REQUIRED REVIEW

SEC. 1.06 QUESTIONS PRIOR TO DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

SEC. 1.07 RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

SEC. 1.08 ASSISTANCE TO OFFEROR

SEC. 1.09 AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSALS

SEC. 1.10 AMENDMENTS TO THE RFP

SEC. 1.11 RFP SCHEDULE

SEC. 1.12 PRE-PROPOSAL

SEC. 1.13 ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

SEC. 1.14 NEWS RELEASES

SECTION 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

SEC. 2.01 SCOPE OF WORK

SEC. 2.02 CONTRACT TERM AND WORK SCHEDULE

SEC. 2.03 DELIVERABLES

SEC. 2.04 CONTRACT TYPE

SEC. 2.05 PROPOSED PAYMENT PROCEDURES

SEC. 2.06 PROMPT PAYMENT FOR STATE PURCHASES

SEC. 2.07 CONTRACT PAYMENT

SEC. 2.08 SUBCONTRACTORS

SEC. 2.09 CONTRACT PERSONNEL

SEC. 2.10 INSPECTION & MODIFICATION - REIMBURSEMENT FOR UNACCEPTABLE DELIVERABLES

SEC. 2.11 CONTRACT CHANGES - UNANTICIPATED AMENDMENTS

SEC. 2.12 NONDISCLOSURE AND CONFIDENTIALITY

SEC. 2.13 INDEMNIFICATION

SEC. 2.14 INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

SEC. 2.15 FINANCIAL SOVENCY AND ABILITY TO CONDUCT BUSINESS

SEC. 2.16 TERMINATION FOR DEFAULT

SECTION 3. PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENT

SEC. 3.01 INTRODUCTION

SEC. 3.02 PROPOSAL CONTENTS

SEC. 3.03 EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

SEC. 3.04 UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROJECT

SEC. 3.05 METHODOLOGY USED FOR THE PROJECT

SEC. 3.06 MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PROJECT

SEC. 3.07 COST PROPOSAL

SEC. 3.08 BID BOND – PERFORMANCE BOND

SEC. 3.09 EVALUATION CRITERIA

SECTION 4. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND OFFEROR SELECTION

SEC. 4.01 SUMMARY OF EVALUATION PROCESS

SEC. 4.02 EVALUATION CRITERIA

SEC. 4.03 SCORING METHOD AND CALCULATION

SEC. 4.04 OBJECTIVES, SERVICES AND COMMITMENTS

SEC. 4.05 MEAN AND METHODS

SEC. 4.06 PROPOSED PROJECT STAFF

SEC. 4.07 PAST PERFORMANCE

SEC. 4.08 CONTRACT COST

SEC. 4.09 ALASKA OFFEROR PREFERENCE

SECTION 5. GENERAL PROCESS AND LEGAL INFORMATION

SEC. 5.01 INFORMAL DEBRIEFING

SEC. 5.02 ALASKA BUSINESS LICENSE AND OTHER REQUIRED LICENSES

SEC. 5.03 SITE INSPECTION

SEC. 5.04 EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

SEC. 5.05 CONTRACT NEGOTIATION

SEC. 5.06 FAILURE TO NEGOTIATE

SEC. 5.07 OFFEROR/GENERAL CONTRACTOR NOTIFICATION OF SELECTION

SEC. 5.08 PROTEST

SEC. 5.09 APPLICATION OF PREFERENCES

SEC. 5.10 ALASKA BIDDER PREFERENCE

SEC. 5.11 ALASKA VETERAN PREFERENCE

SEC. 5.12 STANDARD CONTRACT PROVISIONS

SEC. 5.13 QUALIFIED OFFEROR

SEC. 5.14 PROPOSAL AS PART OF THE CONTRACT

SEC. 5.15 ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SEC. 5.16 HUMAN TRAFFICKING, WAGES, AND LABOR

SEC. 5.17 RIGHT OF REJECTION

SEC. 5.18 THE AUTHORITY NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARATION COSTS

SEC. 5.19 DISCLOSURE OF PROPOSAL CONTENTS

SEC. 5.20 ASSIGNMENT

SEC. 5.21 DISPUTES

SEC. 5.22 SEVERABILITY

SEC. 5.23 SUPPLEMENTAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SEC. 5.24 SOLICITATION ADVERTISING

SEC. 5.25 FEDERALLY IMPOSED TARIFFS

SECTION 6. SECTION 6. ATTACHMENTS

SEC. 6.01 ATTACHMENTS

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION & INSTRUCTIONS

SEC. 1.01 PURPOSE OF THE RFP

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (the Authority) is soliciting proposals for AMBLER ACCESS PROJECT (AAP) DRILLING FIELD WORK to assist the Authority as indicated in Section 2.

SEC. 1.02 BUDGET

The Authority anticipates the initial contract value for Phase 1 at a total of $20-$40 million. The total amount may be increased, subject to the availability of funds and necessity, as determined at the sole discretion of the Authority. Proposals that exceed this budget may be deemed non-responsive at the sole discretion of the Authority.

The Authority makes no guarantee to any minimum or maximum amount of work that the Offeror may perform under this contract.

Payment for the contract is subject to funds being appropriated and identified. Additional funds may be added to this contract if required and allocated.

SEC. 1.03 DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

Proposals must be received no later than 1:00 PM prevailing Alaska Time on 3/11/2026. Late proposals or amendments will be disqualified and not opened or accepted for evaluation.

SEC. 1.04 PRIOR EXPERIENCE

Offerors responding to this solicitation must demonstrate, through their proposal, that they meet all of the following minimum qualifications. Failure to meet any minimum requirement may render the proposal non-responsive.

• Arctic / Permafrost Experience A minimum of five (5) years of documented experience performing geotechnical drilling, coring, or similar field investigations in Arctic, sub-Arctic, or permafrost terrain.

• Drilling and Field Operations Capability Demonstrated experience operating drilling equipment and supporting transportation systems suitable for remote and environmentally sensitive environments, including helicopter-supported or tundra-access operations where applicable.

• Regulatory and Permit Compliance Experience Demonstrated familiarity with Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) tundra travel stipulations, permitting requirements, and seasonal restrictions applicable to drilling and site preparation activities.

• Environmental Protection Experience Demonstrated experience implementing wetlands and permafrost protection measures, including surface protection, minimal disturbance techniques, and restoration practices consistent with regulatory and landowner requirements.

• Qualified Key Personnel Identification of dedicated key personnel with experience managing remote field deployments, coordinating logistics, and interfacing with regulatory agencies, landowners, or permitting authorities.

• Technical Reporting Capability Demonstrated ability to produce daily field logs, progress updates, and final field and sample documentation meeting professional geotechnical and engineering reporting standards.

Experience can be demonstrated either through the Offeror’s firm having the minimum amount required or a substantial amount of the staff assigned to Offeror’s bid meeting the minimum amount of time required. A combination of these two methods is not allowed to demonstrate enough experience, and the minimum requirements must be fully satisfied by one method. A subcontractor’s experience is not a sufficient method to fulfill these requirements, either in whole or part, the Offeror must meet these qualifications alone. An Offeror's failure to meet these minimum prior experience requirements may cause their proposal to be considered non-responsive and their proposal may be rejected.

SEC. 1.05 REQUIRED REVIEW

Offeror should carefully review this solicitation for defects and questionable or objectionable material.

Comments concerning defects and questionable or objectionable material should be made in writing and received by the Chief Procurement Officer at least ten (10) days before the deadline for receipt of proposals. This will allow time for the issuance of any necessary amendments. It will also help prevent the opening of a defective proposal and exposure of an Offeror/General Contractor's proposals upon which award could not be made.

SEC. 1.06 QUESTIONS PRIOR TO DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF

PROPOSALS

All questions must be in writing and directed to the Chief Procurement Officer at procurement@aidea.org.

SEC. 1.07 RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

If submitting a hard copy proposal, Offerors must submit three hard copies of their proposal to the Chief Procurement Officer in a sealed package. The cost proposal included with the package must be sealed separately from the rest of the proposal and must be clearly identified. The sealed proposal package(s) must be addressed as follows:

Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority

Attention: Kelly Noble

Request for Proposal (RFP) Number: AIDEA26-048

RFP Title: AMBLER ACCESS PROJECT (AAP) DRILLING FIELD WORK

If using U.S. mail, please use the following address:

813 West Northern Lights Blvd.

Anchorage, AK 99503

If using a delivery service, please use the following address:

Anchorage, AK 99503

If submitting a proposal via email, the technical proposal and cost proposal must be saved as separate PDF documents and emailed to procurement@aidea.org as separate, clearly labeled attachments, such as “Vendor A – Technical Proposal.pdf” and “Vendor A – Cost Proposal.pdf” (Vendor A is the name of the Offeror). The email must contain the RFP number in the subject line.

The maximum size of a single email (including all text and attachments) that can be received by AIDEA is 20mb (megabytes). If the email containing the proposal exceeds this size, the proposal must be sent in multiple emails that are each less than 20 megabytes and each email must comply with the requirements described above.

Please note that email transmission is not instantaneous. Similar to sending a hard copy proposal, if you are emailing your proposal, AIDEA recommends sending it with enough time to ensure the email is delivered by the deadline for receipt of proposals.

It is the Offeror’s responsibility to contact the issuing agency at procurement@aidea.org to confirm that the proposal has been received. AIDEA is not responsible for unreadable, corrupt, or missing attachments.

SEC. 1.08 ASSISTANCE TO OFFEROR

Offerors with a disability may receive accommodation regarding the means of communicating this RFP or participating in the procurement process. For more information, contact the Chief Procurement Officer no later than five (5) days prior to the deadline for receipt of proposals.

SEC. 1.09 AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSALS

Amendments to or withdrawals of proposals will only be allowed if acceptable requests are received prior to the deadline that is set for receipt of proposals. These amendments to or withdrawals of proposals can be submitted via email to procurement@aidea.org. No amendments or withdrawals will be accepted after the deadline unless they are in response to the Authority’s request in accordance with 3 AAC 100.390- 400.

SEC. 1.10 AMENDMENTS TO THE RFP

If an amendment is issued before the deadline for receipt of proposals, the amendment will be posted on the AIDEA website at www.aideaaeaprocurement.org. The link to the posting of the amendment will be provided to all who were notified of the RFP and to those who have registered as a planholder on the site.

After receipt of proposals, if there is a need for any substantial clarification or material change in the RFP, an amendment will be issued. The amendment will incorporate the clarification or change, and a new date and time established for new or amended proposals. Evaluations may be adjusted as a result of receiving new or amended proposals.

SEC. 1.11 RFP SCHEDULE

RFP schedule set out herein represents the Authority’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed, unless delays occur. If a component of this schedule, such as the deadline for receipt of proposals, is delayed, the rest of the schedule may be shifted accordingly. All times are prevailing time in Anchorage, AK.

ACTIVITY TIME DATE

Issue Date / RFP Released TBD 2/18/2026 Deadline for Receipt of Proposals / Proposal Due Date 1:00 PM AKST 3/11/2026 Proposal Evaluations Complete 1:00 PM AKST 3/18/2026 Notice of Intent to Award TBD 3/18/2026 Contract Issued TBD 3/27/2026

This RFP does not, by itself, obligate the Authority. The Authority’s obligation will commence when the contract is approved by Executive Director of the Authority. Upon written notice to the Offeror, the Authority may set a different starting date for the contract. The Authority will not be responsible for any work done by the Offeror, even work done in good faith, if it occurs prior to the contract start date set by the Authority. Until the contract award, the Authority may reject any or all bids, waive minor informalities or advertise for new bids without liability to any Offeror if the Authority, in its discretion, determines that to do so is in the best interests of the Authority.

SEC. 1.12 PRE-PROPOSAL

Not applicable.

SEC. 1.13 ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

Offeror may only submit one proposal for evaluation. Alternate proposals (proposals that offer something different than what is asked for) will be rejected.

SEC. 1.14 NEWS RELEASES

News releases related to this RFP will not be made without prior approval of the Authority’s Project Manager.

http://www.aideaaeaprocurement.org/

SECTION 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

SEC. 2.01 SCOPE OF WORK

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) is soliciting proposals from qualified Offerors to complete a winter and summer drilling field program.

The purpose of this work is to clear helicopter landing zones and work areas, obtain essential field geotechnical and coring data for roadway, embankment, drainage, and bridge foundation design for the proposed Ambler Access Project. Activities under this scope are investigative in nature and do not include construction of permanent improvements.

The winter work period is defined as having at least six inches of snow cover on the ground and the summer work period is defined as the time when the snow is less than that amount.

The Offeror awarded shall deliver core samples to AIDEA’s designated third-party Geotechnical Laboratories in a condition and of a quality sufficient for the Laboratory to prepare a Geotechnical Report that will be used by structural engineers to complete final bridge designs for the project.

Work will occur on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), State of Alaska, National Park Service (NPS) within the Gates of the Arctic National Preserve, Northwest Arctic Borough (NAB), and private landowners (Nana Regional Corporation and Doyon, Limited) where permissions are granted. Permits shall be provided to Offerors as necessary.

AIDEA defines the required outcomes and deliverables. Offerors are expected to determine and describe in their proposals the means, methods, logistics, sequencing, and resources required to achieve these outcomes safely and in compliance with all applicable permits and regulations. Relevant data and documentation regarding routes, locations, and permits can be found at the address below, and Offerors are encouraged to check this frequently to ensure they have all the information that may be released through an addendum.

https://www.aidea.org/AAP_DrillingFieldWork_RFP

Phase 1 – Winter Geotechnical Drilling, Coring, Permafrost Investigation and Sample Management

Phase 1 constitutes the primary winter field investigation effort and includes all helicopter-supported geotechnical drilling, coring, permafrost instrumentation, surveys, sample handling, and data delivery required to support bridge and foundation design for the Ambler Access Project. All work under this phase is investigative in nature and does not include construction of permanent improvements, however it does include site preparation and landing zone clearing to conduct all activities within this Phase.

Geotechnical drilling shall be completed at river crossing locations identified in Exhibit B. For proposed bridge crossings with spans of one hundred fifty (150) feet or greater and Coast Guard navigable bodies of water, the Offeror shall drill between two and four boreholes per crossing, as specified in Exhibit B.

Nominal borehole depth for these locations shall be one hundred (100) feet, unless field conditions or https://www.aidea.org/AAP_DrillingFieldWork_RFP engineering objectives require otherwise. Exceptionally large water crossings may require additional boreholes as identified in Exhibit B.

Borehole depth shall be determined in the field using professional judgment to achieve the intended investigation objectives. The Offeror’s base price shall include drilling to the nominal depth of one hundred (100) feet per borehole. Deviations above or below the nominal depth shall be reconciled using a single unit price per linear foot. The unit price shall apply as a credit for drilled depths less than one hundred (100) feet and as an additive cost for drilled depths exceeding one hundred (100) feet. Borehole depth shall be measured from finished ground surface to the bottom of the completed borehole as recorded in daily drilling logs. Depth adjustments shall be reconciled during the weekly meeting cadence, and cumulative upward adjustments shall not exceed one hundred twenty (120) total linear feet.

If subsurface conditions indicate that a borehole is likely to exceed the nominal depth by more than thirty percent due to unforeseen geological conditions, the Offeror’s on-site geologist shall evaluate the conditions and exercise professional judgment regarding the technical value of continued drilling.

Where the on-site geologist determines that further advancement of the borehole is unlikely to provide commensurate geotechnical value, the geologist may direct that drilling at that location be paused.

The Offeror shall promptly notify AIDEA verbally of the on-site geologist’s determination, followed by written documentation within one (1) business day. The documentation shall include the current drilled depth, observed subsurface conditions, the geologist’s assessment of anticipated additional depth, and a clear technical justification supporting either continued drilling or termination.

Based on the on-site geologist’s recommendation, AIDEA may authorize termination of the borehole and, where appropriate, substitution of a nearby borehole providing equivalent geotechnical conditions.

No substitution or relocation shall occur without prior written authorization from AIDEA.

Boreholes also includes installation of river crossing thermistor wells at the bridge crossing locations, for the purpose of characterizing thermal regime and freeze/thaw conditions relevant to bridge foundations, abutments, and scour/ice-related design considerations. River crossing thermistor wells shall be installed at both river abutment locations designated by AIDEA within the river crossing investigation area (e.g., near proposed abutments or other features of interest).

Borehole logging shall be completed for each hole and shall include graphic logs suitable for inclusion in a Geotechnical Field Report. Logs shall document drilling methods and borehole diameter;

completion details and instrumentation; coordinates and elevations; stratigraphy and lithologic descriptions; sample types, intervals, and recovery percentages; field blow counts; groundwater observations; frozen soil and ground ice descriptions in accordance with ASTM D4083; and refusal depths with reasons for refusal.

Snow and ice surveys shall be conducted at drill site locations where applicable. Snow depth shall be measured along a thirty (30) foot by thirty (30) foot L-shaped transect with readings taken every three feet using a graduated probe. Snow density shall be measured using a snow sampling tube, excluding vegetation and organic material at the base. Ice thickness shall be measured using industry-standard methods where required. Survey results shall be compiled into a final summary report.

Phase 1 also includes permafrost investigation and installation of specific thermistor wells as shown in Exhibit B. Permafrost thermistor wells are approximately one hundred (100) feet from the route centerline.

All thermistor wells shall be drilled to a nominal depth of sixty-five (65) feet, with a minimum acceptable depth of thirty-two (32) feet if subsurface conditions prevent full depth. Wells shall be constructed using two-inch outer diameter, Schedule 80, UV-resistant PVC casing with a sealed bottom end cap. Boreholes shall be backfilled with cuttings as able and any remaining space is to be filled with clean sand along the full length of the annulus, and the casing shall be filled with AIDEA-approved environmentally safe antifreeze. Water shall not be used during drilling to prevent thermal disturbance.

Instrumentation shall include installation of a digital temperature cable (DTC) within the PVC casing at each thermistor well to capture ground temperature. Temperature sensors on the DTC shall be spaced no greater than one and one-half (1.5) feet apart (minimum one foot six inches (1.5 feet)), unless otherwise recommended by the cable manufacturer. If the DTC cable length exceeds the borehole depth, the cable shall be folded and inserted into the casing; cutting of the DTC cable is not permitted unless expressly authorized in writing by AIDEA.

Surface protection shall include installation of steel casing at the ground surface to protect the upper portion of the thermistor well instrumentation. The steel casing shall extend above ground surface sufficiently to protect the instrumentation from wildlife interaction and environmental damage, including considerations for bears and caribou. The Offeror shall use professional judgment to determine an appropriate casing height based on site conditions and anticipated wildlife exposure.

Each thermistor site shall include installation of a satellite-enabled data logger capable of transmitting ground temperature, air temperature, and snow depth measurements. The data logger shall include a built-in solar panel and shall be mounted at approximately five feet nine inches (5’-9”) above ground surface level. The Offeror shall install a snow depth sensor adjacent to the thermistor well to measure snow accumulation and shall install an air temperature sensor equipped with a radiation screen at six feet six inches (6’-6”) above ground surface.

Figure 1 below shows what a typical installation looks like for an instrumented site:

The Offeror shall furnish and install all instrumentation devices and all necessary connection accessories, mounting hardware, wiring, fittings, seals, and related components required for proper function, data acquisition, and transmission, and shall ensure the installed system is fully operational prior to demobilization from each thermistor site.

Borehole logs and associated field records for thermistor installations shall include, at a minimum, visual logging and physical characterization of soil and rock, including frozen soil conditions and ground ice content in accordance with ASTM D4083; air temperature measurements and weather observations sufficient to support calibration of ground thermal models; and field observations documenting terrain, vegetation, surface conditions, and permafrost features.

Phase 2 – Additional Helicopter Landing Zone Clearing and Site Preparation

Phase 2 consists of clearing and preparation of additional helicopter landing zones, drill pads, and associated access necessary to support summer drilling operations and future investigations. Phase 2 is included in the Total Proposed Contract Price for evaluation purposes; however, performance of Phase 2 Work is subject to authorization by AIDEA. This Phase includes sites that can be used for Phases 3-5, however Phase 1 sites are excluded from this Phase since that cost is imbedded in Phase 1 and will conducted separately.

Some sites listed have been previous cleared at varying dates, however they may need substantial clearing efforts to meet access standards. The Offeror should assume for costing purposes that all sites require the same amount of effort and any reductions of scope for certain sites can be addressed in an NTP. The Offeror shall clear ninety-foot diameter helicopter landing zones at each drill site location where landing zones have not already been established from Phase 1 or prior activities. Clearing shall provide safe and practical access both in winter and summer seasons from the landing zone to the associated drill location. At each drill site as well as other locations in Exhibit C, the Offeror shall prepare a level drill pad measuring no less than fifteen feet by twenty feet to accommodate the drill rig and associated equipment. Additional clearing or preparation required for the Offeror’s means and methods shall be the Offeror’s responsibility.

Vegetation generated from clearing shall be placed at the perimeter of cleared areas unless otherwise directed. Clearing activities shall comply with applicable environmental and seasonal restrictions.

Clearing shall not commence after May 15 without appropriate bird nest surveys or authorizations.

The Offeror shall provide spatial documentation, including GIS data or equivalent, identifying all cleared landing zones, drill pads, access routes, and cleared corridors.

Phase 3 – Small/Medium River Crossing Drilling (Bridges Less Than 150 Feet)

Pricing for Phase 3 (Small/Medium River Crossing Drilling – Bridges Less Than 150 Feet) shall be provided on a unit basis and rolled up into a total Phase 3 price for inclusion in the Total Proposed Contract Price. Phase 3 includes summer geotechnical drilling at the sites identified in Exhibit D, if authorized.

The Schedule of Values shall include a line item price for one (1) complete river crossing unit, defined as one (1) bridge crossing location with two (2) boreholes drilled to a nominal depth of fifty (50) feet each.

The unit price shall include all costs necessary to perform the drilling work for a single river crossing unit, including but not limited to mobilization and demobilization, drilling, thermistor installation, logging, sampling, sample handling, documentation, equipment, aviation or ground access, logistics, fuel management, and compliance with all requirements of this Scope of Work.

For evaluation purposes, the total Phase 3 price shall reflect the sum of the river crossing units included in Exhibit D. For contract administration purposes, AIDEA may authorize all, none, or a portion of the river crossing units identified in Phase 3. The Offeror shall be compensated only for those river crossing units expressly authorized by AIDEA, in accordance with the applicable unit pricing.

The Offeror shall not assume continuity of access, logistics, mobilization, or sequencing between Phase 3 and any other phase unless expressly authorized in writing by AIDEA. Continuity within Phase 3 shall not be assumed for pricing or performance unless specifically directed at the time of authorization.

Unit pricing for borehole depth adjustments beyond the nominal fifty (50) feet shall be provided on a per-linear-foot basis in accordance with Section 5.4 and shall apply independently to each borehole within a river crossing unit.

Phase 4 – Material (Borrow) Site Drilling

Phase 4 includes summer geotechnical drilling at material (borrow) sites identified in Exhibit E, if authorized.

For pricing purposes, material site drilling under Phase 4 shall be structured as a unitized scope. One (1) material site unit shall consist of six (6) boreholes drilled to a nominal depth of sixty (60) feet each, including all drilling, logging, sampling, sample handling, and documentation required by this Scope of Work.

The number and locations of material sites are not currently defined and will be determined by AIDEA at the time of authorization. Authorization of Phase 4 may include one or more material site units. The Offeror can assume continuity of access, logistics, or mobilization between material site units but not between others phases unless expressly authorized in writing by AIDEA.

Helicopter landing zone clearing, drill pad preparation, and access clearing required to support Phase 4 drilling shall be performed under Phase 1,2 and 3, unless otherwise directed by AIDEA in writing. No costs associated with landing zone clearing or site preparation shall be included in Phase 4 pricing unless explicitly authorized.

Borehole spacing shall be based on industry-standard practices appropriate for material characterization.

Borehole depths are nominal and shall be conducted in a way to locate material through discovery and may require depth pricing adjustments. The Offeror shall monitor subsurface conditions and may relocate boreholes as necessary to obtain representative materials, with notification to AIDEA.

Relocated boreholes shall be documented in as-drilled records.

Phase 5 – Cut-Slope Drilling

Phase 5 consists of summer geotechnical drilling at future roadway cut-slope sites identified in Exhibit F, if authorized by AIDEA.

For pricing purposes, cut-slope drilling under Phase 5 shall be structured as a unitized scope. One (1) cut-slope unit shall consist of one (1) borehole drilled to a nominal depth of fifty (50) feet at approximately five hundred (500) foot intervals along the identified cut-slope alignments shown in Exhibit F, unless otherwise directed by AIDEA.

The number, spacing, and locations of cut-slope boreholes are not fully defined at the time of solicitation and will be determined by AIDEA at the time of authorization. Authorization of Phase 5 may include one or more cut-slope units. The Offeror can assume continuity of access, logistics, mobilization, or sequencing between cut-slope units but not between other phases unless expressly authorized in writing by AIDEA.

Helicopter landing zone clearing, drill pad preparation, and access clearing required to support Phase 5 drilling shall be performed under Phase 1,2 and 3, unless otherwise directed by AIDEA in writing. No costs associated with landing zone clearing or site preparation shall be included in Phase 5 pricing unless explicitly authorized.

Drilling, logging, sampling, documentation, and depth adjustment requirements shall mirror those defined in Phase 1 unless otherwise specified. Borehole spacing along cut-slope alignments may be adjusted by AIDEA based on terrain, geotechnical conditions, or design needs.

Phase 6 – Laboratory Analysis

Phase 6 consists solely of laboratory analysis of soil, rock, and permafrost samples collected under Phases 1 through 5, if and when directed by AIDEA. No laboratory testing is included in the base scope of work unless expressly authorized in writing.

As part of its proposal, the Offeror shall identify its capability to perform geotechnical laboratory testing, either in-house or through qualified subcontracted laboratories. Identification of laboratory capability is for informational and qualification purposes only. If the Offeror does not have the capacity or capability to conduct this Phase, then the Offeror may omit this section in their proposal and leave the cost of this Phase blank in the Schedule of Values. This phase is not evaluated or part of the scoring of Offerors.

The scope, type, quantity, and parameters of laboratory testing shall be defined by AIDEA and authorized separately through written direction. Authorized testing may include, but is not limited to, classification testing, index properties, strength testing, consolidation, frost susceptibility, thermal properties, or other analyses necessary to support geotechnical design and evaluation. Only testing expressly authorized by AIDEA shall be performed.

Laboratory testing, if authorized, shall be performed in accordance with applicable ASTM, AASHTO, and other industry-recognized standards, as appropriate for the material type and test method.

Laboratories performing the work shall be appropriately accredited and qualified for the testing performed.

Laboratory results shall be documented in formal test reports suitable for use by AIDEA and its design consultants. Reports shall clearly identify sample identifiers, borehole references, test methods, results, and any deviations from standard procedures. Digital copies of all laboratory reports shall be submitted in formats compatible with standard geotechnical data management systems.

Pricing for Phase 6 shall be provided separately in the Schedule of Values. No laboratory testing costs shall be incurred, and no compensation shall be due, unless testing is authorized in writing by AIDEA.

Structure and Requirements

1. General Requirements

General requirements applicable to all phases of work under this scope of work as applicable or specified otherwise:

Work includes full responsibility for sample collection, handling, documentation, and delivery. All samples shall be properly labeled, preserved, protected from damage or degradation, and transported in accordance with laboratory requirements. Complete chain-of-custody documentation shall be maintained from collection through delivery to AIDEA’s designated third-party geotechnical laboratory. The Offeror shall provide a digital database containing borehole logs, sample inventories, photographs, and associated field data in formats compatible with standard geotechnical data management systems.

The Offeror shall collect, preserve, document, store, and transport all soil, rock, and permafrost samples in a manner that maintains sample integrity and suitability for laboratory testing and geotechnical evaluation. All sampling shall be performed in accordance with applicable ASTM, AASHTO, or other industry-recognized standards appropriate to the material type and sampling method.

The Offeror is solely responsible for ensuring that all samples delivered to AIDEA’s designated third-party geotechnical laboratory are in a condition and of a quality sufficient to permit preparation of a Geotechnical Report suitable for structural bridge design.

Work will occur on lands managed by federal, state, borough, and private entities. AIDEA will obtain and provide all access permits required for the defined scope. The Offeror is responsible for any other permits need to conduct the specified scope. The Offeror is responsible for complying with all permit conditions and for obtaining any permits required for its means and methods, including but not limited to those related to fuel handling, temporary camps, equipment staging, aviation operations, and waste management.

All work shall be performed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local codes, regulations, and standards. Drilling methods shall not cause thawing of overburden soils, and water shall not be used for drilling. Minimum core diameter shall be four inches.

Field personnel responsible for soil and rock logging shall have a minimum of three years of documented experience, including experience describing frozen soils and ground ice in accordance with

ASTM D4083.

Access shall be limited to approved corridors and methods shown on the Project GIS Map. Overland access is prohibited in restricted areas. Wildlife protection measures and seasonal restrictions shall be observed at all times. If wildlife presence requires suspension of work, the Offeror shall immediately cease activity and notify AIDEA.

In the event of inadvertent discovery of cultural resources, the Offeror shall immediately stop work in the vicinity, protect the discovery, notify AIDEA verbally, and submit written notification within twenty-four hours. Work shall not resume until authorized.

As required by private landowners, the Offeror shall accommodate up to 3 additional occupants at field camps, work sites and in transportation.

2. Cultural Resources Protection

All Work performed under this Contract is subject to cultural and archaeological resource protection requirements. The Offeror shall ensure that all personnel assigned to the Work remain alert to the potential presence of cultural resources at all times. Cultural resources include, but are not limited to, archaeological materials, historic artifacts, features, human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, objects of cultural patrimony, or any site or feature of cultural significance, whether located on the ground surface or encountered below ground during drilling, clearing, access, or related activities.

If any cultural resource, suspected cultural resource, or cultural feature is observed or encountered during the performance of the Work, the Offeror shall immediately stop work in the vicinity of the discovery. The Offeror shall take reasonable measures to avoid further disturbance, damage, or exposure of the discovery. Under no circumstances shall cultural materials be collected, moved, disturbed, or removed from the site.

The Offeror shall immediately notify AIDEA or AIDEA’s authorized representative verbally upon discovery of a cultural resource. A written notification shall be submitted within twenty-four (24) hours of the discovery and shall include a summary of the discovery, the location, the nature of the material or feature observed, and the actions taken to protect the area.

Pending further direction from AIDEA, the Offeror shall clearly mark and establish a protective buffer around the discovery area sufficient to prevent inadvertent disturbance. Temporary protective measures shall be implemented as necessary to prevent damage from weather, equipment, or personnel access.

Work within the affected area shall not resume until written authorization is provided by AIDEA.

AIDEA will determine the appropriate course of action in coordination with applicable agencies and landowners. This may include avoidance, monitoring, relocation, or other measures required to comply with state and federal cultural resource protection requirements. The Offeror shall comply with all directions issued by AIDEA regarding cultural resource protection.

When performing Work on lands owned by private landowners culture monitoring will occur. As required by private landowners, the Offeror shall accommodate up to 3 additional occupants at field camps, work sites and in transportation. Any cultural monitoring requirements shall apply regardless of whether other agency monitoring is present.

3. Personnel and Drilling Requirements

The Offeror shall provide personnel with qualifications and experience appropriate for the Work. Field personnel responsible for soil and rock core logging, sampling, and geotechnical characterization shall have a minimum of three (3) years of documented field experience performing similar work. This experience shall include logging and description of frozen soils and ground ice in accordance with ASTM D4083. Documentation demonstrating compliance with this requirement shall be provided as part of the proposal and maintained throughout the duration of the Work.

All drilling operations shall utilize a minimum core diameter of four (4) inches unless otherwise authorized by AIDEA in writing. Drilling methods shall be selected and executed to preserve in-situ ground conditions and shall not result in thawing of overburden soils or permafrost. Water shall not be used for drilling in frozen ground unless expressly approved by AIDEA.

The Offeror shall employ drilling techniques and equipment appropriate for arctic and subarctic conditions and shall adjust methods as necessary to prevent thermal disturbance, maintain sample integrity, and achieve the investigation objectives. If thawing of overburden soils is observed, the Offeror shall immediately modify drilling methods to prevent further thermal disturbance and notify

AIDEA.

4. Phased Authorization

The Work under this Contract is organized into discrete phases. Phase 1 is anticipated to be authorized at Notice to Proceed. Authorization of subsequent phases shall be at AIDEA’s sole discretion and shall be issued individually through written notice. The Offeror shall not perform Work under any phase unless that phase has been formally authorized by AIDEA.

Pricing shall be structured by phase and shall clearly identify costs associated with each authorized phase. Unit pricing for borehole depth adjustments, mobilization, drilling, instrumentation, and other applicable activities shall be identified in accordance with the Contract Documents.

Authorization of any phase beyond Phase 1 is expressly contingent upon the availability of funding, receipt of required land access rights, and issuance of applicable permits and approvals. AIDEA makes no representation or guarantee that any phase other than Phase 1 will be authorized, and the inclusion of additional phases in this Scope of Work is for planning and pricing purposes only.

The Offeror acknowledges that delays or non-authorization of subsequent phases due to funding limitations, land access constraints, permitting conditions, or other factors outside AIDEA’s control shall not constitute a change in scope, suspension, or termination for convenience, and shall not entitle the Offeror to additional compensation, standby, demobilization, or claims of any kind, except as expressly authorized in writing by AIDEA.

Where operating conditions differ seasonally, the Offeror shall clearly identify winter and summer rates in the proposal. Seasonal rates shall apply consistently to labor, equipment, aviation support, standby, and other time-dependent costs. Any changes to rates based on seasonal transitions shall be clearly defined in the Schedule of Values.

5. Schedule of Values and Pricing Structure

The Offeror shall submit a detailed Attachment 1 - Schedule of Values that clearly allocates all proposed costs to the phases defined in this Scope of Work. Each phase shall be priced independently and shall be fully self-contained. No costs may be shared, blended, or distributed across phases. AIDEA intends to authorize phases independently, and the pricing structure shall reflect the assumption that each phase may be awarded, delayed, or not awarded at AIDEA’s sole discretion.

5.1. Phase-Specific Pricing

Each phase identified in this Scope of Work shall have its own total price reflected as a distinct grouping within the Attachment 1 - Schedule of Values. Phase pricing shall include all costs necessary to fully perform that phase, including but not limited to mobilization, demobilization, staffing, equipment, logistics, aviation support, fuel management, permitting compliance, reporting, and closeout activities required for that phase.

Phase 1 pricing shall explicitly include all requirements described in Phase 1 of this Scope, including winter drilling, coring, permafrost instrumentation, snow and ice surveys, sample collection and management, sample delivery, data compilation, and reporting. No Phase 1 costs may be deferred to or assumed within later phases.

For Phases 2 through 6, pricing shall include mobilization and demobilization costs as required to perform each phase independently. The Offeror shall not assume continuity of crews, equipment, camps, aviation contracts, or logistics between phases unless explicitly authorized by AIDEA in writing.

5.2. Mobilization and Demobilization

Mobilization and demobilization costs shall be shown as phase-level line items and shall not be distributed across individual drill sites. Aviation mobilization and demobilization shall be identified separately from ground or equipment mobilization. Each phase shall include its own mobilization and demobilization pricing consistent with the assumption of independent authorization.

5.3. Drilling Pricing and Nominal Boreholes

Drilling costs shall be priced based on the nominal borehole depths defined in each phase of this Scope of Work. For Phase 1 river crossing drilling, the Schedule of Values shall include pricing for boreholes drilled to a nominal depth of one hundred (100) feet. The Offeror shall also include a distinct line item price for one hundred (100) foot boreholes located near helicopter landing zones, recognizing the differing logistics and operational efficiencies associated with proximity to established LZs.

For summer phases, drilling shall be priced based on the applicable nominal depths defined for each phase. Failure to clearly separate pricing by drill site and phase may render the proposal non-responsive.

5.4. Unit Pricing for Borehole Depth Adjustments

The Schedule of Values shall include unit pricing on a per-linear-foot basis for borehole depth adjustments as described in the applicable phases of this Scope of Work. A single unit price shall apply within each phase for drilled depths exceeding or falling short of the nominal borehole depth.

Unit pricing shall be shown separately for each phase where depth adjustments are applicable and shall not be averaged or shared across phases. All depth-based adjustments shall be reconciled in accordance with the procedures described in the Scope of Work.

5.5. Small/Medium River Crossing Unit Pricing (Bridges Less Than 150 Feet)

Pricing for Phase 3 (Small/Medium River Crossing Drilling – Bridges Less Than 150 Feet) shall be provided on a unit basis. The Schedule of Values shall include a line item price for one (1) complete river crossing unit, defined as one (1) bridge crossing location with two (2) boreholes drilled to a nominal depth of fifty (50) feet each.

The unit price shall include all costs necessary to perform the drilling work for a single river crossing unit, including but not limited to mobilization and demobilization, drilling, logging, sampling, sample handling, documentation, equipment, aviation or ground access, logistics, fuel management, and compliance with all requirements of this Scope of Work.

Unit pricing shall assume that all river crossing units are authorized concurrently under a single Phase 3 authorization. River crossing units may be distributed across multiple locations; however, continuity of access, logistics, mobilization, and sequencing within Phase 3 is assumed for pricing purposes. No cost sharing, averaging, or spreading of costs across phases is permitted.

Unit pricing for borehole depth adjustments beyond the nominal fifty (50) feet shall be provided on a per-linear-foot basis in accordance with Section 5.4 and shall apply independently to each borehole within a river crossing unit.

5.6. Material Site Unit Pricing

Pricing for Phase 4 (Material Site Drilling) shall be provided on a unit basis. The Schedule of Values shall include a line item price for one (1) complete material site unit, defined as six (6) boreholes drilled to a nominal depth of sixty (60) feet each.

The unit price shall include all costs necessary to perform the work for a single material site unit, including but not limited to mobilization and demobilization, drilling, logging, sampling, sample handling, documentation, equipment, aviation or ground access, logistics, fuel management, and compliance with all requirements of this Scope of Work.

Unit pricing shall assume that all material units are authorized concurrently under a single Phase 4 authorization. Material units may be distributed across multiple locations; however, continuity of access, logistics, mobilization, and sequencing within Phase 4 is assumed for pricing purposes. No cost sharing, averaging, or spreading of costs across phases is permitted.

Unit pricing for borehole depth adjustments beyond the nominal sixty (60) feet shall be provided on a per-linear-foot basis in accordance with Section 5.4 and shall apply independently to each borehole within a material site unit.

5.7. Cut-Slope Unit Pricing

Pricing for Phase 5 (Cut-Slope Drilling) shall be provided on a unit basis. The Schedule of Values shall include a line item price for one (1) complete cut-slope unit, defined as one (1) borehole drilled to a nominal depth of fifty (50) feet at approximately five hundred (500) foot intervals along identified cut-slope sites shown in Exhibit F.

The unit price shall include all costs necessary to perform the work for a single cut-slope unit, including but not limited to mobilization and demobilization, drilling, logging, sampling, sample handling, documentation, equipment, aviation or ground access, logistics, fuel management, and compliance with all requirements of this Scope of Work.

Unit pricing shall assume that all cut-slope units are authorized concurrently under a single Phase 5 authorization. Cut-slope units may be distributed across multiple locations; however, continuity of access, logistics, mobilization, and sequencing within Phase 5 is assumed for pricing purposes. No cost sharing, averaging, or spreading of costs across phases is permitted.

Unit pricing for borehole depth adjustments beyond the nominal fifty (50) feet shall be provided on a per-linear-foot basis in accordance with Section 5.4 and shall apply independently to each cut-slope borehole.

5.8. Included Costs

All costs associated with equipment, logistics, fuel, sample handling, overhead, profit, subcontractors, standby, and seasonal conditions shall be included within the applicable phase prices and unit prices shown in Attachment 1. These costs shall not be separately itemized as standalone Schedule of Values line items.

The Offeror shall ensure that all phase prices and unit prices fully account for the requirements of this Scope of Work, including but not limited to mobilization, demobilization, staffing, equipment, aviation or ground access, logistics, fuel procurement and handling, environmental compliance, reporting, and closeout activities.

5.9. Reference Rates

For contract administration and potential change order evaluation purposes only, the Offeror shall provide reference rates for the following cost components as part of its proposal:

• Daily operating rates by major equipment category

• Authorized standby or weather day rates

• Aviation support rates, where applicable

• Labor rate schedules by classification

• Fuel Cost

• Phase 6 pricing

These reference rates shall not be evaluated for award, shall not be represented as Schedule of Values line items, and shall not be construed as authorization to incur such costs.

5.10. Schedule Integration

All Schedule of Values line items shall be represented as activities on the…