STATE OF ALASKA – REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP 18-820-26 | Tongass Narrows Sampling

RFP 18-820-26 | Page 1 of 35

STATE OF ALASKA

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSALS (RFP)

Water Quality’s Tongass Narrows Sampling

RFP 18-820-26

Issued February 23, 2026

The State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Division of Water, is soliciting proposals to conduct water quality sampling and data management in the Tongass Narrows.

ISSUED BY:

Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Water

PRIMARY CONTACT:

Heather Zepp Procurement Specialist III

DECDASProcurement@alaska.gov +1 (907) 376-1886

OFFERORS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO RETURN THIS FORM

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you received this solicitation from the state of Alaska’s “Online Public Notice” website, you must register with the procurement officer listed in this document to receive notification of subsequent amendments. Failure to contact the procurement officer may result in the rejection of your offer.

mailto:DECDASProcurement@alaska.gov

RFP 18-820-26 | Page 2 of 35

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents Issued February 23, 2026

ISSUED BY:

PRIMARY CONTACT:

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 THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

SEC. 1.07 RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

SEC. 1.08 ASSISTANCE TO OFFERORS WITH A DISABILITY

SEC. 1.09 AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSALS

SEC. 1.10 AMENDMENTS TO THE RFP

SEC. 1.11 RFP SCHEDULE

SEC. 1.12 PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

SEC. 1.13 ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

SEC. 1.14 NEWS RELEASES

SECTION 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

SEC. 2.01 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

SEC. 3.01 SCOPE OF WORK

SEC. 3.02 CONTRACT TERM AND WORK SCHEDULE

SEC. 3.03 DELIVERABLES

SEC. 3.04 CONTRACT TYPE

SEC. 3.05 PROPOSED PAYMENT PROCEDURES

SEC. 3.06 PROMPT PAYMENT FOR STATE PURCHASES

SEC. 3.07 CONTRACT PAYMENT

SEC. 3.08 CONTRACT PRICE ADJUSTMENTS

SEC. 3.09 LOCATION OF WORK

SEC. 3.10 SUBCONTRACTORS

SEC. 3.11 JOINT VENTURES

SEC. 3.12 RIGHT TO INSPECT PLACE OF BUSINESS

SEC. 3.13 F.O.B. POINT

SEC. 3.14 CONTRACT PERSONNEL

SEC. 3.15 INSPECTION & MODIFICATION - REIMBURSEMENT FOR UNACCEPTABLE DELIVERABLES

SEC. 3.16 CONTRACT CHANGES - UNANTICIPATED AMENDMENTS

SEC. 3.17 NONDISCLOSURE & CONFIDENTIALITY

SEC. 3.18 INDEMNIFICATION

SEC. 3.19 INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

SEC. 3.20 TERMINATION FOR DEFAULT

SECTION 4. PROPOSAL FORMAT & CONTENT

SEC. 4.01 RFP SUBMITTAL FORMS

SEC. 4.02 SPECIAL FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS

SEC. 4.03 OFFEROR INFORMATION & CERTIFICATIONS (SUBMITTAL FORM A)

SEC. 4.04 EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS (SUBMITTAL FORM B)

SEC. 4.05 UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROJECT (SUBMITTAL FORM C)

SEC. 4.06 METHODOLOGY USED FOR THE PROJECT (SUBMITTAL FORM D)

SEC. 4.07 MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PROJECT (SUBMITTAL FORM E)

SEC. 4.08 SUBCONTRACTORS (SUBMITTAL FORM F)

RFP 18-820-26 | Page 3 of 35

SEC. 4.09 COST PROPOSAL (SUBMITTAL FORM G)

SECTION 5. EVALUATION CRITERIA & CONTRACTOR SELECTION

SEC. 5.01 SUMMARY OF EVALUATION PROCESS

SEC. 5.02 EVALUATION CRITERIA

SEC. 5.03 SCORING METHOD & CALCULATION

SEC. 5.04 EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

SEC. 5.05 UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROJECT

SEC. 5.06 METHODOLOGY USED FOR THE PROJECT

SEC. 5.07 MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PROJECT

SEC. 5.08 CONTRACT COST (COST PROPOSAL)

SEC. 5.09 ALASKA OFFEROR PREFERENCE

SECTION 6. GENERAL PROCESS & LEGAL INFORMATION

SEC. 6.01 INFORMAL DEBRIEFING

SEC. 6.02 ALASKA BUSINESS LICENSE & OTHER REQUIRED LICENSES

SEC. 6.03 SITE INSPECTION

SEC. 6.04 CLARIFICATION OF OFFERS

SEC. 6.05 DISCUSSIONS WITH OFFERORS

SEC. 6.06 EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

SEC. 6.07 CONTRACT NEGOTIATION

SEC. 6.08 FAILURE TO NEGOTIATE

SEC. 6.09 OFFEROR NOTIFICATION OF SELECTION

SEC. 6.10 PROTEST

SEC. 6.11 APPLICATION OF PREFERENCES

SEC. 6.12 ALASKA BIDDER PREFERENCE

SEC. 6.13 ALASKA VETERAN PREFERENCE

SEC. 6.14 ALASKA MILITARY SKILLS PROGRAM PREFERENCE

SEC. 6.15 STANDARD CONTRACT PROVISIONS

SEC. 6.16 QUALIFIED OFFERORS

SEC. 6.17 PROPOSAL AS PART OF THE CONTRACT

SEC. 6.18 ADDITIONAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

SEC. 6.19 HUMAN TRAFFICKING

SEC. 6.20 RIGHT OF REJECTION

SEC. 6.21 STATE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARATION COSTS

SEC. 6.22 DISCLOSURE OF PROPOSAL CONTENTS

SEC. 6.23 ASSIGNMENT

SEC. 6.24 FORCE MAJEURE (IMPOSSIBILITY TO PERFORM)

SEC. 6.25 DISPUTES

SEC. 6.26 SEVERABILITY

SEC. 6.27 SUPPLEMENTAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

SEC. 6.28 SOLICITATION ADVERTISING

SEC. 6.29 FEDERALLY IMPOSED TARIFFS

SECTION 7. ATTACHMENTS

SEC. 7.01 ATTACHMENTS

RFP 18-820-26 | Page 4 of 35

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION & INSTRUCTIONS

SEC. 1.01 PURPOSE OF THE RFP

The State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Division of Water, is soliciting proposals to conduct water-quality sampling and data management in the Tongass Narrows. DEC will use the data to assess water quality and trends, identify potential sources of pollution, and support environmental management efforts.

The length of the contract: From approximately the week of April 6, 2026, until completion on June 30, 2028.

SEC. 1.02 BUDGET

The Division of Water estimates a budget of no more than $400,000.00 for the performance and completion of this project. Proposals priced at more than $400,000.00 may be considered non-responsive.

Approval or continuation of a contract resulting from this RFP is contingent upon legislative appropriation.

SEC. 1.03 DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

Proposals must be received no later than 1:00 p.m. prevailing Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT) on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, as indicated by email timestamp, and late proposals will not be considered.

SEC. 1.04 PRIOR EXPERIENCE

In order for proposals to be considered responsive, offerors must meet these minimum prior experience requirements:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience leading environmental sampling efforts in Alaska;

• Minimum of 2 years of experience collecting water quality samples; and

• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with environmental data management systems.

An offeror must identify and provide the resume for each person chosen to fill the above requirements in its project and/or management team within the proposal.

Any change in the project and management team member or subcontractor names in an offeror’s proposal, or as provided upon completion of recruitment, must be submitted to the DEC project manager and approved in advance of beginning in the proposed role. Personnel changes made by the contractor that are not approved by the DEC project manager may be grounds for termination of the contract.

Proposals shall also include an organizational chart that names the positions assigned to accomplish the requirements herein, including an illustration of the lines of authority and a designation of which position is responsible and accountable for performing each task and deliverable as set forth in the Scope of Work.

An offeror’s failure to meet these minimum prior experience requirements may result in their proposal being considered non-responsive and rejected.

SEC. 1.05 REQUIRED REVIEW

Offerors 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 procurement officer at least ten days before the deadline for receipt of

RFP 18-820-26 | Page 5 of 35 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 the offeror’s proposals upon which an award could not be made.

SEC. 1.06 QUESTIONS PRIOR TO THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

All questions must be in writing and directed to the procurement officer. The interested party must confirm telephone conversations in writing.

Two (2) types of questions generally arise. One may be answered by directing the questioner to a specific section of the RFP. These questions may be answered via email. Other questions may be more complex and may require a written amendment to the RFP. The procurement officer will make that decision.

Heather Zepp, Procurement Specialist III Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Administrative Services Email: DECDASProcurement@alaska.gov

SEC. 1.07 RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

Do not hand deliver or use U.S. mail or any delivery service to return your technical and cost proposals. Oral proposals or faxed proposals are not acceptable. Please send the proposal package(s) via email. The technical proposal and cost proposal must be saved as separate PDF documents and emailed to DECDASPROCUREMENT@ALASKA.GOV as separate, clearly labeled attachments, such as “Vendor A – Technical Proposal.pdf” and “Vendor A – Cost Proposal.pdf.” The email must contain the RFP number in the subject line.

The maximum size of a single email, including all text and attachments, that the state can receive is 20 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, the state recommends sending it ahead of 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 via email at DECDASPROCUREMENT@ALASKA.GOV to confirm that the proposal has been received. The state is not responsible for unreadable, corrupt, or missing attachments.

SEC. 1.08 ASSISTANCE TO OFFERORS WITH A DISABILITY

Offerors with a disability may receive accommodation regarding the means of communicating this and subsequent requests resulting from this RFP or participating in the procurement process. For more information, contact the procurement officer no later than ten (10) days prior to the deadline for receipt of proposals.

One such resource is the Alaska Relay Service, a free service that provides full telephone accessibility to people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-disabled persons who can hear. This service allows text-telephone (TTY) or assistive equipment users to communicate with standard (voice) telephone users through specially trained Communication Assistants. Callers should provide the Alaska Relay Service with the specific phone number they wish to call. More information can be found at the following hyperlink: https://alaskarelay.com/.

mailto:DECDASProcurement@alaska.gov mailto:DECDASPROCUREMENT@ALASKA.GOV mailto:DECDASPROCUREMENT@ALASKA.GOV https://alaskarelay.com/

RFP 18-820-26 | Page 6 of 35

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. No amendments or withdrawals will be accepted after the deadline unless they are in response to the state’s request in accordance with 2 AAC 12.290.

SEC. 1.10 AMENDMENTS TO THE RFP

If an addendum is issued before the deadline for receipt of proposals, the addendum will be posted on the State of Alaska Online Public Notice (OPN) website. The link to the posting of the addendum will be provided to all who were notified of the RFP and to those who have registered with the procurement officer after receiving the RFP from the OPN.

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

SEC. 1.11 RFP SCHEDULE

The RFP schedule set out herein represents the state’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed. 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 Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT).

ACTIVITY TIME DATE

Issue Date / RFP Released Monday, February 23, 2026

Deadline for Receipt of Proposals / Proposal Due Date 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Proposal Evaluations Complete Approximately the week of

March 30, 2026

Notice of Intent to Award (NOIA) Approximately the week of

March 30, 2026

Contract Issued Approximately the week of

April 6, 2026

This RFP does not, by itself, obligate the state. The state's obligation will commence when the contract is approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation or the Commissioner's designee. Upon written notice to the contractor, the state may set a different starting date for the contract. The state will not be responsible for any work done by the contractor, even work done in good faith, if it occurs before the contract start date set by the state.

SEC. 1.12 PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

This section is not applicable as a pre-proposal conference/teleconference will not be held.

SEC. 1.13 ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

Offerors may only submit one proposal for evaluation. In accordance with 2 AAC 12.830, alternate proposals – proposals that offer something different than what is asked for – will be rejected.

SEC. 1.14 NEWS RELEASES

RFP 18-820-26 | Page 7 of 35

News releases related to this RFP will not be made without prior approval of the project director.

SECTION 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

SEC. 2.01 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Tongass Narrows watershed and marine waters have potential sources of bacterial pollution from residential, commercial, and industrial activities, including marine vessel traffic. Previous DEC sampling efforts have identified bacterial pollution in Ketchikan Creek, several area recreational beaches, and offshore locations. Likely sources include wildlife, dogs, and humans. Historical data indicate fecal coliform concentrations exceeding drinking water and aquaculture criteria at certain times of the year in certain locations.

This project will build on several past monitoring projects and assessments conducted by DEC in and around the Tongass Narrows, including the 2017-2020 Ketchikan beach monitoring report, the 2022 Ketchikan beach monitoring project, the Ambient Marine Monitoring in Harbors and Shipping Lanes project, the 2021 Ketchikan Area Watersheds Plan: Bacteria Management Strategy, and the 2024 Ketchikan Creeks Monitoring Field Report.

This project will gather additional water quality data at several locations in Tongass Narrows and in Ketchikan Creek to further characterize bacteria levels, timing, and spatial extent. Microbial Source Tracking (MST) will be used to identify host species (avian, ruminant, dog, human). The project will involve water quality sampling for bacteria (fecal coliform, enterococcus, and E. coli), metals, ammonia-N, in situ field measurements, and MST at eight predetermined locations (river, beach, and offshore) within the Tongass Narrows. Interim and final project reports will be developed by the contractor, summarizing sampling results. DEC will make these reports publicly available.

SECTION 3. SCOPE OF WORK & CONTRACT INFORMATION

SEC. 3.01 SCOPE OF WORK

The Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Water, solicits proposals for water quality sampling in the Tongass Narrows.

The contractor shall:

• Work cooperatively with the Department.

• Provide all work products electronically in Microsoft Office, Excel, or other approved formats without password protection and be compliant with ADA Title II and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 AA.

• Provide work products free of typographical and grammatical errors.

• Use the department’s templates and applicable work instructions to prepare the deliverables where appropriate.

• Provide a monthly progress report to the project manager by email in a PDF, no later than five business days after the end of each month, of all work completed during the previous month.

• Provide an invoice for work completed during the previous month no later than five business days after the end of each month. The invoice will include funds spent on each task (Planning, Sampling, and Results).

• The contractor and their employees, sub-contractor(s) and their employees, or observer(s) of any sampling event shall adhere to any relevant laws, regulations, guidance, and specific port clearance procedures that may always apply.

The goal of this project is to collect ambient water quality data that will allow DEC to characterize bacterial sources.

RFP 18-820-26 | Page 8 of 35

Task 3.01.01. Planning

• The contractor will attend a pre-season and a post-season meeting annually with DEC Project Manager

• The contractor will develop a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

The contractor will attend a pre-season and a post-season meeting with DEC Project Manager annually.

The contractor will complete a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) using a DEC-provided template. The template is consistent with the current EPA standard. As this project is a partnership with the EPA, the EPA and DEC will fill in the QAPP for the 2026 MST sampling, and the contractor will prepare additional sections for the bacteria, metals, field measurements, and 2027 MST sampling. The DEC Project Manager will have an opportunity to review the draft. The contractor will use DEC’s review to revise and develop a final version that will need to be approved and signed by DEC’s Project Manager, the EPA’s Project Manager, and DEC’s QA Officer. After approval, it will be circulated to all personnel involved in the project (labs, samplers, technicians, etc.). All those involved in sampling will read the QAPP and demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, adhering to the QAPP.

Task 3.01.02. Sampling

• Conduct a total of thirty-two (32) sample events at eight (8) locations through June 2028

• Coordinate transportation to the marine sites

• Send samples to a laboratory(s) within hold times for analysis of fecal coliform (all sites), enterococcus

(marine), and e. coli (fresh) for each sample event

• Physical parameters recorded during each sample event (pH, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and salinity)

• Record field observations of precipitation, air temperature, and any other relevant observations

• Two sample events for metals (total and dissolved Copper, Nickel, and Zinc) and ammonia as nitrogen at marine locations

• During 2026, a total of 11 sample events for MST will be collected by the contractor and shipped to the EPA

Manchester Environmental Laboratory (analysis cost covered by EPA).

• During 2027, 6 MST samples will be collected and shipped to LuminUltra or a similar lab for analysis

(contractor to cover analysis cost)

The contractor will conduct field sampling according to the QAPP. The contractor must communicate any discrepancies between the QAPP and field activities with the DEC Project Manager as soon as possible. The QAPP may be adjusted during the season due to field conditions and/or recommendations from the DEC QA Officer and/or DEC Project Manager. However, changes must be discussed with the DEC Project Manager and approved by the DEC QA Officer.

The contractor will fully document information for the sampling events in a field data collection log. This includes equipment calibration and validation, field sampling notes, unusual occurrences, etc. During sampling, and as results are received, the contractor will review field and laboratory data and will contact DEC with any concerns or irregularities.

A quality control replicate will be taken during each sample event for bacteria, metals, and ammonia as nitrogen.

The site of the replicate will be randomly selected. A field blank will also be taken with metal and ammonia as nitrogen samples at a randomly selected site.

DEC may elect to participate in contractor sampling activities or conduct field audits for QA/QC purposes.

During 2026, water samples will be collected for MST and shipped to the Manchester Environmental Laboratory (7411 Beach Dr E, Port Orchard, WA 98366) within the 48-hour holding time. EPA is covering the MST analysis

RFP 18-820-26 | Page 9 of 35 cost in 2026. Sampling for MST in 2026 must be done on a Monday or Wednesday. Samples must be delivered to Alaska Air Cargo (aka Goldstreaked) by 4 pm to Seattle in a cooler on ice, where a courier from the lab will pick it up on Tuesday or Thursday morning. During 2026 when sampling MST, effort will be made to alternate sampling on ebb and flood tides.

In 2027, 6 samples, locations and timing to be determined in consultation with DEC Project Manager, will be collected and shipped to LuminUltra (805 Pinnacle Dr, Suite M, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090) or similar lab. The contractor will work with the approved laboratory to analyze MST samples for human, dog, avian, and ruminant DNA markers. Working with the MST lab and following procedures, the contractor may elect to filter the water samples after collection to extend hold times and reduce shipping costs. Alternatively, if not field filtered, the contractor will overnight ship the water samples to arrive at the lab within temperature and hold times.

Sampling locations include:

Site ID Site name Latitude Longitude AK365539 Rotary Park Pool 55.30875 -131.57759 AK508635 Thomas Basin Harbor 55.34125 -131.64179 KC01B Ketchikan Creek upstream 55.34394 -131.63251 KC03 Ketchikan Creek downstream 55.34292 -131.64374 KE01 Mouth of Thomas Basin Harbor 55.33862 -131.64338 KE10 Ketchikan Tongass Narrows 55.36805 -131.7193 WA03 Ward Cove North old pulp mill 55.40623 -131.72547 KE11 Ketchikan city site 55.34542 -131.66263 Map 1. Sample sites

Sampling Frequency:

• Spring 2026: May (2 sample events, approximately two weeks apart)

• Summer 2026: June 15 - August 15 (8 sample events total, with 6 events falling within 30 days, preferably non-consecutive days, 5 events will occur approximately two weeks apart)

• Fall 2026: September 15 - October (4 sample events, approximately two weeks apart)

• Spring 2027: April - May (4 sample events, approximately two weeks apart)

RFP 18-820-26 | Page 10 of 35

• Summer 2027: June 15 - August 15 (5 sample events will occur approximately two weeks apart)

• Fall 2027: September 15 - October (7 sample events total, with 6 events falling within 30 non-consecutive days, and 4 events approximately two weeks apart)

• Spring 2028: April (2 sample events, approximately two weeks apart)

Sample Event

Date Alternative date or if a date range denoted by a 'to'

Sample for Sampler

Sp rin g

1 4/8/2026

MST, bacteria, in situ DEC

2 4/20/2026

MST, bacteria, in situ DEC

3 5/4/2026 5/6/2026 MST, bacteria, in situ Contractor

4 5/18/2026 5/20/2026 MST, bacteria, in situ Contractor

Su m m er

5 6/15/2026 6/17/2026 MST, bacteria, in situ Contractor

6 7/1/2026

MST, bacteria, in situ Contractor

7 7/5/2026 to 7/7/26 bacteria, in situ Contractor

8 7/8/2026 to 7/11/26 bacteria, in situ Contractor

9 7/13/2026 7/15/2026 MST, bacteria, in situ (1m, 2m, 3m, 4m depths), metals, NH3-N

Contractor

10 7/19/2026 to 7/25/26 bacteria, in situ Contractor

11 7/27/2026 7/29/2026 MST, bacteria, in situ Contractor

12 8/10/2026 8/12/2026 MST, bacteria, in situ Contractor

Fa ll

13 9/14/2026 9/16/2026 MST, bacteria, in situ Contractor

14 9/28/2026 9/30/2026 MST, bacteria, in situ Contractor

15 10/12/2026 10/14/2026 MST, bacteria, in situ Contractor

16 10/26/2026 10/28/2026 MST, bacteria, in situ Contractor

Sp rin g

17 4/4/2027 to 4/10/27 bacteria, in situ Contractor

18 4/18/2027 to 4/24/27 bacteria, in situ Contractor

19 5/9/2027 to 5/15/2027 bacteria, in situ Contractor

20 5/23/2027 to 5/29/2027 bacteria, in situ Contractor

Su m m er

21 6/15/2027 to 6/19/2027 bacteria, in situ Contractor

22 6/27/2026 to 7/3/2027 bacteria, in situ Contractor

23 7/11/2027 to 7/17/2027 bacteria, in situ Contractor

24 7/25/2027 to 7/31/2027 bacteria, in situ Contractor

25 8/8/2027 to 8/14/2027 bacteria, in situ Contractor

Fa ll

26 9/15/2027 to 9/18/2027 bacteria, in situ (1m, 2m, 3m, 4m depths), metals, NH3-N

Contractor

RFP 18-820-26 | Page 11 of 35

27 9/19/2027 to 9/21/2027 bacteria, in situ Contractor

28 9/22/2027 to 9/25/2027 bacteria, in situ Contractor

29 9/26/2027 to 10/2/2027 bacteria, in situ Contractor

30 10/3/2027 to 10/9/2027 bacteria, in situ Contractor

31 10/10/2027 to 10/16/2027 bacteria, in situ Contractor

32 10/24/2027 to 10/30/2027 bacteria, in situ Contractor

Sp rin g

33 4/9/2028 to 4/15/2018 bacteria, in situ Contractor

34 4/23/2028 to 4/29/2028 bacteria, in situ Contractor

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Ensure that sampling is conducted consistently and according to the established schedule and methods documented in the QAPP.

• Using standardized methods and equipment, such as a multiparameter sonde, in situ water quality parameters to be documented in the field include pH, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and salinity.

• Field documentation will include: equipment pre-sampling verification/calibration, post-sampling verification, date, time, tidal cycle, precipitation, air temperature, and presence of cruise ships, in addition to any other observation with potential to affect sample results (unusual vessel discharges, flock of birds at site, etc.). Field data collection logs must be reviewed for legibility and accuracy as soon as possible after the sample event and provided to the DEC Project Manager within 10 days.

• Annual sampling for metals (dissolved and total Copper, Nickel, and Zinc) and ammonia as nitrogen.

Concurrently with grab samples for metals and ammonia-N, each station will be sampled in-situ measurements at the 1, 2, 3, and 4-meter depths.

• Samples for fecal coliform and enterococcus will be taken at each marine site during each sample event

• Samples for fecal coliform and E. coli will be taken at each river site (KC01B, KC03) during each sample event

• Four sample sites will require a boat to access, and four are road accessible. Short hold times of 6 hours or less for bacteria must be met.

• Analyze samples in a certified laboratory to ensure accuracy and reliability of data. See table for required analysis methods, minimum detection limits, and practical quantification limits.

RFP 18-820-26 | Page 12 of 35

Task 3.01.03. Results

• Complete a field report with a data summary at the end of each year. (template provided by DEC)

• Enter all lab and physical measurement results into a DEC-provided formatted Excel spreadsheet

• Fill out DEC provided Water Quality Data Review Checklist with metadata

• Provide DEC copies of all lab results, in situ measures, equipment calibration records, and field data collection logs At the end of each summer, the contractor will provide DEC with a project field report summarizing results. The template will be provided by DEC. This is a brief report on activities, including presenting the results in tables and figures with summary calculations (max, min, mean, etc.). Bacteria results will be presented as compared to Alaska’s water quality criteria in 18 AAC 70.

Additionally, the contractor will document information about the data through DEC’s Quality Assurance review and documentation process. The contractor will work with DEC’s Project Manager and QA Officer to review raw data, and the contractor will enter the data in the Ambient Water Quality Monitoring System (AWQMS, https://www.awqms.com/awqms) compatible Excel format. This is an Excel workbook template provided by the DEC Project Manager. It will include all field measurements, laboratory results, location information, and observations. The contractor will also complete specified sections of the Water Quality (WQ) Data Review Checklist to be provided by the DEC Project Manager.

The contractor will:

• Implement quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure the integrity and reliability of the data.

• Provide a draft of the AWQMS-compatible Excel workbook to the DEC Project Manager no later than 30 days following sampling. Data entry in the AWQMS format is an iterative process, and the contractor will work

Group Analyte Method Minimum Detection Limit

Practical Quantification Limit

Total Recoverable and dissolved Inorganics

Copper EPA SW6020A 0.02 µg/L 0.10 µg/L

Nickel EPA SW6020A 0.03 µg/L 0.20 µg/L

Zinc EPA SW6020A 0.20 µg/L 0.50 µg/L

Nutrients Ammonia as Nitrogen EPA 350.1 or SM21

4500-NH3 G

3.0 µg/L 10.0 µg/L

Pathogen

Enterococcus

ASTM D6503-99,

D6503-14m D6503, SM9230D, or

ENTEROLERT

1 MPN/100 10 MPN/100

Fecal Coliforms SM9222D

1-10 CFU

/100mL

1-10 CFU/100mL

E. coli Hach m-coliblue or

SM 9223B

1 CFU/100mL 1 CFU/100mL

Microbial Source Tracking (2027)

Human, dog, avian, ruminant markers qPCR per lab protocols per lab protocols https://www.awqms.com/awqms

RFP 18-820-26 | Page 13 of 35 with the DEC Project Manager to correct any data entry errors or omissions. The contractor should budget for at least two back-and-forth iterations of the data entry form with the DEC Project Manager.

• Final data entry in the AWQMS-compatible Excel workbook will be provided within 60 days after sampling completion. This shall be complete and error-free.

• Scanned (if by hand) or emailed (if in Excel or other electronic format) field data collection logs will be provided to the DEC Project Manager within 10 days of the sample event.

• A WQ Data Review Checklist is a summary document of metadata that is provided to the public alongside the dataset. The DEC Project Manager will provide the template. The contractor will complete a draft that will be provided alongside the dataset to the DEC Project Manager no later than 30 days after sampling. The contractor will incorporate any edits from the DEC Project Manager and resubmit with the final dataset within 60 days of sampling completion.

• The contractor shall submit electronic copies of all laboratory analyses to the DEC project manager no later than 10 days after receipt of the analytical results.

• Upon the conclusion of sampling, the contractor shall retain original results from laboratory analyses and original Field data collection logs for five years following completion of sampling.

SEC. 3.02 CONTRACT TERM AND WORK SCHEDULE

The length of the contract will be from the date of award, approximately April 6, 2026, for approximately 2 years until completion, approximately June 30, 2028.

Unless otherwise provided in this RFP, the State and the successful offeror/contractor agree: (1) that any extension of the contract excluding any exercised renewal options, will be considered as a month-to-month extension, and all other terms and conditions shall remain in full force and effect and (2) the procurement officer will provide notice to the contractor of the intent to cancel such month-to-month extension at least 30 days before the desired date of cancellation. A month-to-month extension may only be executed by the procurement officer via a written contract amendment.

Work Schedule

Task Activity Deliverable Due Task 3.01.01.

Planning

Pre-season meeting schedule review with

DEC

Agenda and meeting notes

First week of the project

Draft QAPP Draft QAPP April 20, 2026 Final QAPP with signatures

Final QAPP April 30, 2026 (must be completed before first sampling event)

Task 3.01.02.

Sampling

May 2026: 2 sample events, approximately two weeks apart

Field documentation logs

Within 10 days of the sample event

Lab analysis results Within 10 days of receiving

June 15 - August 15, 2026: 8 sample events, with 6 events falling within 30 non-consecutive days, and 5 events will occur approximately two weeks apart

Field documentation logs

Within 10 days of the sample event

Lab analysis results Within 10 days of receiving

RFP 18-820-26 | Page 14 of 35

September 15 – October 2026: 4 sample events, approximately two weeks apart

Field documentation logs

Within 10 days of the sample event

Lab analysis results Within 10 days of receiving

Task 3.01.01.

Planning

Post-season meeting with DEC

Agenda and meeting notes

Estimated to be Nov 11, 2026

Task 3.01.03. Data Management and Reporting

Draft Year 1Field Report with summary calculations

Draft Field Report Due within 30 days after receiving final data from lab (estimated to be Nov 30, 2026)

Final Year 1 Field Report

Final Field Report Due within 60 days of receiving final data from lab (estimated to be Dec 30, 2026)

Data in DEC provided excel template.

Draft data in Excel (AWQMS import configuration) and draft WQ Data Review Checklist (metadata)

Within 30 days after completion of sampling for the season (estimated to be Nov 30, 2026)

Final data in Excel and final WQ Data Review Checklist (metadata)

Within 60 days after completion of sampling for the season (estimated to be Dec 30, 2026)

Task 3.01.01.

Planning

Pre-season schedule review meeting with

DEC

Agenda and meeting notes

Estimated to be March 24, 2027

Task 3.01.02.

Sampling

April – May 2027: 4 sample events, approximately two weeks apart

Field documentation logs

Within 10 days of the sample event

Lab analysis results Within 10 days of receiving

June 15 – August 15: 8 sample events total, with 6 of those 8 falling within 30 days.

Sampling events should be two weeks apart

Field documentation logs

Within 10 days of the sample event

Lab analysis results Within 10 days of receiving

September 15 - October 2027: 4 sample events, approximately two weeks apart

Field documentation logs

Within 10 days of the sample event

Lab analysis results Within 10 days of receiving

Task 3.01.01.

Planning

Post-season meeting with DEC

Agenda and meeting notes

Estimated to be Nov 10, 2027

Task 3.01.03. Data Management and Reporting

Draft Year 2 Field Report with summary calculations added to Year 1 report

Draft Field Report Due within 30 days after receiving final data from the lab (estimated to be Nov 30, 2027)

Final Year 2 Field Report

Final Field Report Due within 60 days of receiving final data from the lab (estimated to be Dec 30, 2027)

Data in DEC provided excel template.

Draft data in Excel (AWQMS import configuration) and

Within 30 days after completion of sampling for the season (estimated to be Nov 30, 2027)

RFP 18-820-26 | Page 15 of 35 draft WQ Data Review Checklist (metadata)

Final data in Excel and final WQ Data Review Checklist (metadata)

Within 60 days after completion of sampling for the season (estimated to be Dec 30, 2027)

Task 3.01.01.

Planning

Pre-season schedule review meeting with

DEC

Agenda and meeting notes

Estimated to be Mar 29, 2028

Task 3.01.02.

Sampling

April 2028, 2 sample events for bacteria, 2 weeks apart

Field documentation logs

Within 10 days of the sample event

Lab analysis results Within 10 days of receiving

Task 3.01.01.

Planning

Post-season meeting with DEC

Agenda and meeting notes

First week of project (estimated to be May 10, 2028)

Task 3.01.03. Data Management and Reporting

Draft Final Field Report with summary statistics of all years/data

Draft Field Report Due within 30 days after receiving final data from the lab (estimated to be May 30, 2028)

Final Field Report for all years/data

Final Field Report Due within 60 days of receiving final data from the lab (no later than June 30, 2028)

Data in DEC provided excel template.

Draft data in Excel (AWQMS import configuration) and draft WQ Data Review Checklist (metadata)

Within 30 days after completion of sampling for the season (estimated to be May 30, 2028)

Final data in Excel and final WQ Data Review Checklist (metadata)

Within 60 days after completion of sampling for the season (no later than June 30, 2028)

SEC. 3.03 DELIVERABLES

The contractor will be required to provide the following deliverables:

Task 3.01.01: Planning

• Pre-season and post-season meeting agenda and notes, tentative sample schedule

• Draft QAPP for DEC review

• Finalized QAPP with signatures

Task 3.01.02: Sampling

• Submission of all Field Logs electronically; due 10 days following completion of sample event.

• Submission of all Lab EDDs electronically; due 10 days following receipt.

• Monthly progress reports and invoices for each month that work is done on the project, due within five days of the end of the month (on the 5th). The monthly report should address the following work status parameters:

Project Name, Contract No., Contract Award Amount, Remaining Budget, and Percent Complete for each task: Planning, Sampling, and Results.

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Task 3.01.03: Results

• A draft of the AWQMS-compatible Excel workbook and WQ Data Review Checklist is due no later than 30 days following sampling each year

• The final AWQMS-compatible Excel workbook and WQ Data Review Checklist are due no later than 60 days following sampling each year

• A draft Field Report summarizing activities and results due no later than 30 days following sampling each year

• A final Field Report summarizing activities and results due no later than 60 days following sampling each year

All deliverables provided must comply with ADA Title II and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 AA.

SEC. 3.04 CONTRACT TYPE

The contract resulting from this solicitation will be a Cost-Plus Fixed-Fee.

SEC. 3.05 PROPOSED PAYMENT PROCEDURES

The state will make payments based on a negotiated payment schedule. Each billing must consist of an invoice and a progress report. No payment will be made until the project director approves the progress report and the invoice.

SEC. 3.06 PROMPT PAYMENT FOR STATE PURCHASES

This section is not applicable as the state will not be pursuant of a prompt payment discount.

SEC. 3.07 CONTRACT PAYMENT

No payment will be made until the contract is approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation or the Commissioner’s designee. Under no conditions will the state be liable for the payment of any interest charges associated with the cost of the contract. The state is not responsible for and will not pay local, state, or federal taxes. All costs associated with the contract must be stated in U.S. currency.

Payment for agreements under $500,000 for the undisputed purchase of goods or services provided to a state agency will be made within 30 days of the receipt of a proper billing or the delivery of the goods or services to the location(s) specified in the agreement, whichever is later. A late payment is subject to 1.5% interest per month on the unpaid balance. Interest will not be paid if there is a dispute or if there is an agreement that establishes a lower interest rate or precludes the charging of interest.

Any single contract payment of $1,000,000 or higher must be accepted by the contractor via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

SEC. 3.08 CONTRACT PRICE ADJUSTMENTS

The Contractor or State may request price adjustments – no sooner than 12 months from the contract execution date – and no more than once per contract year. Contractors must submit a request to the State at least thirty (30) days before the end of the current term. All Requests must be in writing and must be received thirty (30) days before the contract renewal date.

a. If the Contractor or State fails to request a CPI price adjustment thirty (30) days before the Contract renewal date, the adjustment will be effective thirty (30) days after the State or Contractor receives their written request.

b. Price adjustments will be made in accordance with the percentage change in the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for All Urban Consumers, All Items, Urban Alaska.

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c. The price adjustment rate will be determined by comparing the percentage difference between the CPI in effect for the base year reported HALF1 (January through June 202X) (depending on the timing, it may be HALF2 for July through December); and each HALF1 (or HALF2) thereafter. The percentage difference between those two CPI issues will be the price adjustment rate. No retroactive contract price adjustments will be allowed. All price adjustments must be approved by the Procurement Officer prior to the implementation of the adjusted pricing. Approval shall be in the form of a Contract Amendment issued by the Procurement Officer.

d. Approval for all price increases is dependent upon full compliance with the terms of the Contract, including reporting requirements.

SEC. 3.09 LOCATION OF WORK

The state will not provide workspace for the contractor. The contractor must provide its own workspace.

The contractor should include in their price proposal: transportation, lodging, and per diem costs sufficient to pay for trips to the sampling locations outlined in the Scope of Work.

By signature on their proposal, the offeror certifies that all services provided under this contract by the contractor and all subcontractors shall be performed in the United States.

If the offeror cannot certify that all work will be performed in the United States, the offeror must contact the procurement officer in writing to request a waiver at least ten (10) days before the deadline for receipt of proposals.

The request must include a detailed description of the portion of work that will be performed outside the United States, the location(s), by whom, and the reason the waiver is necessary.

Failure to comply with these requirements may cause the state to reject the proposal as non-responsive or cancel the contract.

SEC. 3.10 SUBCONTRACTORS

Subcontractors may be used to perform work under this contract. If an offeror intends to use subcontractors, the offeror must complete the Submittal Form identified in Section 4.02 of this RFP.

An offeror’s failure to provide this information with their proposal may cause the state to consider their proposal non-responsive and reject it.

Subcontractor experience shall be considered in determining whether the offeror meets the requirements outlined in the SEC. 1.04 PRIOR EXPERIENCE.

If a proposal with subcontractors is selected, the offeror must provide the following information concerning each prospective subcontractor within five working days from the date of the state’s request:

• complete name of the subcontractor;

• complete address of the subcontractor;

• type of work the subcontractor will be performing;

• percentage of work the subcontractor will be providing; and

• evidence that the subcontractor holds a valid Alaska business license.

If a subcontractor on the list will be performing work within Alaska and does not have a valid Alaska business license at the close of the RFP, the Offeror may not use the subcontractor in the performance of the contract and shall replace the subcontractor with a subcontractor who has a valid Alaska business license at the close of the RFP.

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• a written statement, signed by each proposed subcontractor, that clearly verifies that the subcontractor is committed to rendering the services required by the contract.

An offeror’s failure to provide this information within the time set will cause the state to consider their proposal non-responsive and reject it. The substitution of one subcontractor for another that has already been approved may be made only at the discretion and prior written approval of the project director.

Note that if the subcontractor will not be performing work within Alaska, they will not be required to hold an Alaska business license.

SEC. 3.11 JOINT VENTURES

Joint ventures are acceptable. If submitting a proposal as a joint venture, the offeror must submit a copy of the joint venture agreement, which identifies the principals involved and their rights and responsibilities regarding performance and payment.

SEC. 3.12 RIGHT TO INSPECT PLACE OF BUSINESS

At reasonable times, the state may inspect those areas of the contractor's place of business that are related to the performance of a contract. If the state makes such an inspection, the contractor must provide reasonable assistance.

SEC. 3.13 F.O.B. POINT

All goods purchased through this contract will be free on board (F.O.B.) final destination. Unless specifically stated otherwise, all prices offered must include the delivery costs to any location within the State of Alaska.

SEC. 3.14 CONTRACT PERSONNEL

Any change of the project team members or subcontractors named in the proposal must be approved in advance and in writing by the project director and the procurement officer. Changes that are not approved by the state may be grounds for the state to terminate the contract.

SEC. 3.15 INSPECTION & MODIFICATION - REIMBURSEMENT FOR

UNACCEPTABLE DELIVERABLES

The contractor is responsible for the completion of all work set out in the contract. All work is subject to inspection, evaluation, and approval by the project director. The state may employ all reasonable means to ensure that the work is progressing and being performed in compliance with the contract. The project director or procurement officer may instruct the contractor to make corrections or modifications if needed in order to accomplish the contract’s intent. The contractor will not unreasonably withhold such changes.

Substantial failure of the contractor to perform the contract may cause the state to terminate the contract. In this event, the state may require the contractor to reimburse monies paid (based on the identified portion of unacceptable work received) and may seek associated damages.

SEC. 3.16 CONTRACT CHANGES - UNANTICIPATED AMENDMENTS

During the course of this contract, the contractor may be required to perform additional work. That work will be within the general scope of the initial contract. When additional work is required, the project director will provide the contractor with a written description of the additional work and request the contractor to submit a firm schedule for accomplishing the additional work and a firm price for the additional work. Cost and pricing data must be provided to justify the cost of such amendments per AS 36.30.400.

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The contractor will not commence additional work until the procurement officer has secured any required state approvals necessary for the amendment and issued a written contract amendment, approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation or the Commissioner’s designee.

SEC. 3.17 NONDISCLOSURE & CONFIDENTIALITY

The contractor agrees that all confidential information shall be used only for the purposes of providing the deliverables and performing the services specified herein and shall not disseminate or allow the dissemination of confidential information except as provided in this section. The contractor shall hold as confidential and will use reasonable care (including both facility physical security and electronic security) to prevent unauthorized access by, storage, disclosure, publication, dissemination to, and/or use by third parties of confidential information. “Reasonable care” means compliance by the contractor with all applicable federal and state laws, including the Social Security Act and HIPAA. The contractor must promptly notify the state in writing if it becomes aware of any storage, disclosure, loss, unauthorized access to, or use of confidential information.

Confidential information, as used herein, means any data, files, software, information, or materials (whether prepared by the state or its agents or advisors) in oral, electronic, tangible, or intangible form and however stored, compiled, or memorialized that is classified confidential as defined by State of Alaska classification and categorization guidelines provided by the state to the contractor or a contractor agent or otherwise made available to the contractor or a contractor agent in connection with this contract, or acquired, obtained or learned by the contractor or a contractor agent in the performance of this contract. Examples of confidential information include, but are not limited to, technology infrastructure, architecture, financial data, trade secrets, equipment specifications, user lists, passwords, research data, and technology data (infrastructure, architecture, operating systems, security tools, IP addresses, etc.).

If confidential information is requested to be disclosed by the contractor pursuant to a request received by a third party and such disclosure of the confidential information is required under applicable state or federal law, regulation, governmental or regulatory authority, the contractor may disclose the confidential information after providing the state with written notice of the requested disclosure ( to the extent such notice to the state is permitted by applicable law) and giving the state opportunity to review the request. If the contractor receives no objection from the state, it may release the confidential information within 30 days. Notice of the requested disclosure of confidential information by the contractor must be provided to the state within a reasonable time after the contractor’s receipt of notice of the requested disclosure and, upon request of the state, shall seek to obtain legal protection from the release of the confidential information.

The following information shall not be considered confidential information: information is previously known to be public information when received from the other party; information freely available to the general public; information which now is or hereafter becomes publicly known by other than a breach of confidentiality hereof; or information which is disclosed by a party pursuant to a subpoena or other legal process and which as a result becomes lawfully obtainable by the general public.

SEC. 3.18 INDEMNIFICATION

The contractor shall indemnify, hold harmless, and defend the contracting agency from and against any claim of or liability for error, omission, or negligent act of the contractor under this agreement. The contractor shall not be required to indemnify the contracting agency for a claim of, or liability for, the independent negligence of the contracting agency. If there is a claim of, or liability for, the joint negligent error or omission of the contractor and the independent negligence of the contracting agency, the indemnification and hold harmless obligation shall be apportioned on a comparative fault basis.

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“Contractor” and “contracting agency,” as used within this and the following article, include the employees, agents, and other contractors who are directly responsible, respectively, to each.