RFP25-26-213310 Audit & Financial Services.pdf

Audit and Related Financial Services

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

No. 25-26-213310

APRIL 30, 2025

ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION

327 WEST SHIP CREEK AVENUE

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501

TELEPHONE: 907.265.2593

EMAIL: GOEMERG@AKRR.COM

ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION

327 W. Ship Creek Avenue

Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone 907.265.2593

GoemerG@akrr.com

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

#25-26-213310 Audit and Related Financial Services

Response Required: This page must be completed and returned to ensure receipt of future addenda or additional information. Please e-mail this form to GoemerG@akrr.com. All addenda will be forwarded to the contact’s name and address listed below.

Firms that have not returned the cover sheet will not be informed of addendums and will only be alerted to addendums by checking with the ARRC procurement officer or by checking ARRC’s internet site: www.alaskarailroad.com, select Procurement and then Solicitations. Bidders must acknowledge the receipt of all issued addendums in their proposal/bid submittal.

Company ______________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________

Contact ______________________________________________________

Phone ______________________________________________________

Email ______________________________________________________

Website: www.alaskarailroad.com

April 30, 2025

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #25-26-213310

Audit and Related Financial Services

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) is soliciting proposals from firms interested in providing the design services for the following:

The Alaska Railroad Corporation is seeking proposals from interested entities for services including the annual audit/financial statement opinion (based upon the current reporting model), Single Audit, Federal Transit Administration-National Transit Database (NTD) Agreed Upon Procedures, and other financial related services.

The most recent annual report is available on ARRC’s website at www.alaskarailroad.com.

Sealed Proposals will be received until 3:00 p.m. Alaska time, on May 22, 2025 at the following location:

Alaska Railroad Corporation Attn: Greg Goemer 327 W. Ship Creek Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501

One original and three hard copies along with one electronic copy (USB flash drive) shall be submitted.

It is the Firm’s responsibility to understand what is required by this solicitation. The ARRC shall not be held responsible for Firm’s lack of understanding. Should a Firm not understand any aspect of this RFP, or require further explanation, or clarification regarding the intent or requirements of this document, it shall be the responsibility of the Firm to seek guidance from the ARRC.

Proposals received by e-mail transmission will not be considered for award. Proposals shall be submitted on the forms furnished herein. Amendments or withdrawals must be received by ARRC’s Contracts Section prior to the date and time listed above.

Exceptions to Terms, Conditions and Specifications:

Each Proposer shall indicate all exceptions to terms, conditions, and specifications of this solicitation individually in its proposal. IMPORTANT: Exceptions other than those not allowed by law will be rejected. Exceptions received or placed after the proposal submission date will be considered as counter offers and as such will render the entire proposal non-responsive.

Multiple Proposals:

Multiple proposals are not allowed and if submitted all of your Firm’s proposals will be determined as non-responsive

ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION

327 W. Ship Creek Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501

ARRC may award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Firm whose offer conforming to this solicitation will be the most advantageous to ARRC.

Protests Per ARRC Procurement Rule 1800.2

A protest based on alleged improprieties or ambiguities in a solicitation must be filed at least 10 days before the due date of the bid or proposal, unless a later protest due date is specifically allowed in the solicitation. If a solicitation is made with a shortened public notice period and the protest is based on alleged improprieties or ambiguities in the solicitation, the protest must be filed before the due date of the bid or proposal.

The protest of an invitation to bid or a request for proposals in which a pre-bid or pre-proposal conference is held within 12 days of the due date must be filed before the due date of the bid or proposal if the protest is based on alleged improprieties or ambiguities in the solicitation. A protest based upon alleged improprieties in an award of a contract or a proposed award of a contract must be filed within 10 days after a notice of intent to award a contract is issued by the procurement officer.

Federal Funding Work associated with this RFP is funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), an operating administration of the United States Department of Transportation. This solicitation package contains some provisions that are designated as applicable to FTA funded projects.

ARRC Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program: ARRC is an equal opportunity corporation that encourages the participation of DBEs as prime contractors and subcontractors on its contracts funded in whole or in part by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) or the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The ARRC has a race neutral DBE Program and does not set DBE goals on individual solicitations. Nonetheless, the ARRC aspires to achieve an overall DBE participation of 4.0% in federal fiscal years 2025-2027 on contracts funded by agencies within the U.S. Department of Transportation. If this contract is funded in whole or in part by funds from the FTA or the FHWA, it is imperative that you consult the Federal Terms and Conditions portion of this solicitation

The Alaska Railroad is a member of Green Star (http://www.greenstarinc.org/). ARRC earned an initial Green Star Award in 1994 and a Green Star Air Quality Award in 2007. The Alaska Railroad considers Green Star membership to be a positive business attribute, and regards a Green Star award as a tangible sign of an organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship and continual improvement within its operations.

Questions Please direct all questions concerning this RFP via email to: ARRC Procurement, Attention: Greg Goemer at GoemerG@akrr.com Please include the RFP number in the subject line.

Sincerely, Greg Goemer Director of Supply Management

SOLICITATION CONTENTS

SECTION A SCOPE OF SERVICE

SECTION B MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

SECTION C PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENT

SECTION D SELECTION PROCESS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

SECTION E COST SCHEDULE

SECTION F SERVICE BID FORM

SECTION G CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY QUESTIONNAIRE

SECTION H GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS (PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CONTRACTS)

SECTION I REQUIRED CONTRACT PROVISIONS FOR FEDERAL-AID CONTRACTS

SECTION A

SCOPE OF SERVICE

Background

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) is seeking proposals from professional firms to provide audit and related financial services. ARRC is seeking a high-qualify auditing service with the ability to develop efficient systems and processes that align closely with ARRC’s processes, methodologies, timing needs, and low-disruption audits.

The Alaska Railroad Corporation is a full-service railroad providing passenger and freight services within Alaska. ARRC operates and maintains over 500 miles of track, serving communities from the ports of Seward and Whittier in South Central Alaska, north to Fairbanks in the Interior.

The State of Alaska purchased the Alaska Railroad from the Federal Government in 1985. ARRC is a public corporation formed pursuant to AS 42.40 and is an instrumentality of the State within the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, but operates similar to a private business or governmental enterprise activity. ARRC generates revenue through freight train service from Seward to Fairbanks-North Pole, real estate holdings, and year-round passenger service.

Significant infrastructure and equipment investments are funded with grants from various Federal agencies. The Railroad is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor of Alaska.

You can learn more about the Alaska Railroad Corporation by visiting alaskarailroad.com.

Scope of Services

The Alaska Railroad Corporation is seeking proposals from interested entities for services including the annual audit/financial statement opinion (based upon the current reporting model), Single Audit, Federal Transit Administration-National Transit Database (NTD) Agreed Upon Procedures, and other financial related services.

The most recent annual report is available on ARRC’s website at www.alaskarailroad.com.

The following information must be included for the proposal to be considered responsive:

Qualifications of Firm – provide detailed information about your Firm.

o History o Ownership o Industry Expertise o Experience pertinent to this project o Office(s) that would provide services and other resources o How your Firm is unique from your competitors in serving the Alaska Railroad

Corporation

Evaluation Criteria – provide detailed information regarding audit approach, qualification of audit team, and cost of services as outlined.

References – provide three (3) references. Each reference must include the name, address and phone number of the client’s Controller and Chief Financial Officer or equivalent. The ARRC prefers references from other railroad and/or government corporations.

SECTION B

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications All Firms submitting proposals must meet the following minimum qualifications in order to be considered responsive:

Firm must be licensed to do business in the State of Alaska as a certified public accounting Firm. Attach a copy of your state license, and

Firm must have 5 years of financial auditing experience in the railroad industry and grant/governmental accounting.

All offers will be signed by an individual authorized to bind the respondent to its provisions, dated, have proper address, and provide contact email and telephone number.

Prices will be Firm for 90 days from the closing date of this solicitation.

Prices accepted for an award will be firm throughout the first two years of the contract.

Proposals from Firms that do not meet the above qualifications will not be considered.

Pre-Submission Proposal Inquiries Offerors shall promptly notify ARRC of any ambiguity, inconsistency, conflict, or error which they may discover upon examination of the solicitation documents. Verbal inquiries regarding this RFP are not permitted. All inquiries must be made in writing and received at ARRC’s offices 7 days prior to submission deadline. Written inquiries must be submitted to GoemerG@akrr.com.

ARRC will respond to all or part of the written inquiries received through the issuance of a written Addendum to the RFP, if in the opinion of ARRC, such information is deemed necessary to submit proposals or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to other prospective Offerors. Oral and all other non-written responses, interpretations and clarifications shall not be legally effective or binding. Any Offeror who attempts to use or uses any means or method other than those set forth above to communicate with ARRC or any director, officer, employee or agent thereof, regarding this RFP shall be subject to disqualification.

SECTION C

PROPOSAL INFORMATION AND PROPOSAL FORMAT

Selection of Firms

ARRC may award a contract on the basis of initial proposals without discussions. Therefore, each initial proposal should contain the Firm’s best terms from a cost or price and technical standpoint. Any contract resulting from this solicitation shall incorporate the General Terms and Conditions contained in this solicitation package.

The selection of a Firm to perform the requested services may be made by the audit committee of the ARRC Board of Directors, which, will evaluate the proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria specified herein. Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of advantages and disadvantages to ARRC using the criteria described in this RFP. Please note, however, that a serious deficiency in any one criterion may be grounds for rejection and that the listing of cost as an evaluation factor does not require ARRC to select the Firm that submits the lowest cost. ARRC shall have the right to obtain, from any and all sources, information concerning a Firm, which is deemed pertinent to the RFP, and to consider such information in the evaluation of the Firm’s proposal. Presentations may or may not be held at the sole discretion of ARRC and scored as identified in the Award Criteria SECTION- D.

ARRC expressly reserves the right to waive minor informalities, negotiate changes, reject any or all proposals, not advance a Firm to negotiations or cancel the solicitation. "Minor Informalities" means matters of form rather than substance that are evident from the submittal, or are insignificant matters that have a negligible effect on price, quantity, quality, delivery, or contractual conditions and can be waived or corrected without prejudice to other Proposers.

This RFP is not to be construed as a commitment of any kind nor does it commit ARRC to pay for any cost incurred in the submission of a proposal or for any other cost incurred prior to the execution of a formal contract.

Task Order Awards

The Firm awarded a contract under this RFP may be asked to perform additional services on an “as needed” basis, to support the needs of ARRC through the issuance of Task Orders. ARRC makes no guarantees on estimated quantities, dollar amounts or the number of Task Orders issued under the contract.

If requested, the Firm shall submit a proposed fee, approach and schedule for the specific scope of work desired by ARRC. If the response is deemed appropriate, reasonable, cost effective and timely, at the discretion of ARRC, ARRC will issue an executed Task Order to proceed.

Contract Period

The intent of this contract process is to provide ARRC with professional services for a two-year term and may be extended for three additional one-year terms. Contract shall not exceed five years including extensions.

Fees

As described in SECTION E – COST SCHEDULE

Cost plus percentage of cost is not allowed, under any circumstance, on the contract awarded or executed task order including but not limited to subcontractors, materials and travel expenses.

Proposal Open and Subject to Acceptance

All proposals shall remain open and subject to acceptance by ARRC for 90 days after the deadline for proposal submission.

Proposal Opening

Proposals will be opened privately at ARRC’s convenience on or after the proposal due date.

Reserved Rights

In addition to other rights in this RFP, ARRC reserves, holds and may exercise at its sole discretion, the following rights and options:

To supplement, amend, or otherwise modify or cancel this RFP with or without substitution of another RFP.

To issue additional or subsequent solicitations for proposals.

To conduct investigations of the Proposers and their proposals, including inspection of their facilities.

To clarify the information provided pursuant to this RFP.

To request additional evidence or documentation to support the information included in any proposal.

To reject any and all proposals, or parts thereof, and/or to waive any informality or informalities in any of the proposals or the proposal process for the RFP, if such rejection or waiver is deemed in the best interest of ARRC.

To award a contract or contracts resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Proposer whose proposal, conforming to this solicitation, will be most advantageous to ARRC.

To negotiate any rate/fee offered by a Proposer. ARRC shall have the sole right to make the final rate/fee offer during contract negotiations. If the selected Proposer does not accept ARRC’s final offer, ARRC may, in its sole discretion, reject the proposal and start negotiations with the next highest ranked Proposer.

If an award is made and, prior to entering into a contract, subsequent information indicates that such award was not in the best interest of ARRC, ARRC may rescind the award without prior notice to proposers and either award to another proposer or reject all proposals or cancel the RFP

Proposal Costs

Each Proposer shall be solely responsible for all costs and expenses associated with the preparation and/or submission of its proposal, and ARRC shall have no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any such costs and expenses. Neither ARRC nor any of its directors, officers, employees or authorized agents shall be liable for any claims or damages resulting from the solicitation or collection of proposals.

By submitting a proposal, Proposer expressly waives (i) any claim(s) for such costs and expenses, and

(ii) any other related claims or damages.

Taxes

Pursuant to AS 42.40.910, ARRC is exempt from all forms of state or local sales, property and other taxes. Accordingly, any Proposer who submits a proposal shall not include any such tax in any of its proposal prices or in any calculation thereof.

Capacity to Perform

Any Proposer considered for award as a result of this solicitation may be required to make assurance to the Procurement Officer, or designee, concerning the Proposer's capacity and capability to perform.

Previous contracts of a like nature, financial solvency, and other information may be requested of the considered Proposer. Failure to provide assurances requested in a timely manner may be cause for rejection of the Proposal.

Purchase Obligation

ARRC and responding Firms expressly acknowledge and agree that ARRC has made no express or implied promises to expend any dollar amounts with respect to the services addressed by this RFP. By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, each firm acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of this RFP, and/or any communication, statement, act or omission by representatives of ARRC (including consultants) in the selection process, shall not vest any right, privilege, or right of action in any Proposer.

Public Information

All submitted proposals will be considered confidential until notice of intent to award is issued. After notice of intent to award is issued, all proposals will become public information. Proposers must clearly identify confidential information and if agreed to by ARRC, confidential information will not be released.

Expenditure Limitation

The contractor will not engage in work as a result of this proposal without the consent of the ARRC’s designated representative.

Travel Expenses

All travel expenses and direct costs for meals and incidentals under this contract shall be reimbursed at the applicable United States, Department of Defense (USDoD) per diem meal and incidental rate in effect on the date the meals/incidentals expense is incurred. The Firm shall be responsible for knowing and adhering to all applicable rules and regulations associated with such meals and incidentals rate.

Notwithstanding any provision in the USDoD rates, regulations, or policies to the contrary, the ARRC will not reimburse a Firm for expenses associated with the purchase of alcoholic beverages

All lodging required under this contract shall be billed at cost the Firm will be reimbursed up to a reasonable rate in regards to the season

Reservations for air transportation required under this contract shall be made and paid for by the Firm and billed to ARRC. The ARRC will reimburse the Firm for the cost of a coach seat only. Expenses associated with upgrades to Business Class, First Class, or any other premium class of air flight shall be the sole responsibility of the Firm. Car rental, parking, and other applicable transportation expenses will be billed at cost.

Proposal Format and Content

Firms must submit one original proposal, unbound with original signature and three copies along with a separate flash drive containing a complete electronic copy of the proposal in PDF format.

Proposals shall be a maximum of 20 printed letter size pages and a maximum of 10 pages for resumes. A limited number of larger pages may be accepted for charts or organizational chart.

Page count excludes the cover letter, mandatory Service Bid Form – SECTION F and Contractor’s Responsibility Questionnaire – SECTION G.

Firm’s submittal shall include the signed form acknowledging the receipt of all issued addendums and amendments, see SECTION F.

Submittal must include a signed CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITY QUESTIONNAIRE –

SECTION G.

Required signature for Contract Provisions for Federal-Aid Contracts – Article 25. Certification Regarding Use of Contract Funds for Lobbying see page 53.

Other Information Required

Additionally, the Firm must submit the following information:

A transmittal letter with general information on your organization, including the year it was founded, the number of years your Firm has been providing audit services.

Identification of the location of the office from which management of the process would be accomplished, as well as any other offices anticipated to be involved.

Signature and title of a person authorized to obligate the Firm.

Identification of all materials enclosed.

An organizational chart showing all key personnel and how they will interact with ARRC and among themselves.

Description of your Firm’s proposed organization of responsibilities, work plan, and approach.

A discussion of the availability of key personnel for consultation and discussion as necessary.

Resumes and work experience of the key personnel to be assigned to the work effort.

Information about these individuals should include three projects for which they acted in an audit capacity, performing tasks and functions comparable to those outlined in the Scope of Services.

Disclosure of any actual or appearance of conflict of interest.

ARRC Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

ARRC is an equal opportunity corporation that encourages the participation of DBEs as prime contractors and subcontractors on its contracts funded in whole or in part by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) or the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). ARRC has a race neutral DBE Program and does not set DBE goals on individual solicitations. Nonetheless, the ARRC aspires to achieve an overall DBE participation of 4.0% in federal fiscal years 2025-2027 on contracts funded by agencies within the U.S. Department of Transportation. If this contract is funded in whole or in part by funds from the FTA, FEMA or the FHWA, it is imperative that you consult the Federal Terms and Conditions portion of this solicitation.

DBE Reports

Firms are required to report semi-annually to the ARRC Contracting officer all work by DBE contractors or subcontractors and the dollar amount. ARRC will provide the Firm a 14-day notice, by email, when to provide the information.

Alaska Business License

The Firm must have a valid Alaska business license at the time designated in the RFP.

Alaska Business License, (Form 08-070 issued under AS 43.70) An Alaska Business License (ABL) is required of Contractors who do business in Alaska and required before contract award. Proof of application for an ABL will satisfy this requirement. Acceptable evidence that the responder possesses a valid ABL consists of any one of the following:

a. Copy of the ABL.

b. Certification on the bid or Submittal that the bidder/responder has a valid ABL number and has written the license number in the space provided on the Submittal.

c. A canceled check that demonstrates payment for the ABL fee.

d. A copy of the ABL application with a receipt stamp from the State's business license office.

e. A sworn notarized affidavit that the bidder/responder applied and paid for the ABL.

f. Other forms of evidence acceptable to the Department of Law.

SECTION D

SELECTION PROCESS AND AWARD CRITERIA

Scoring of proposals will be accomplished as follows:

Each Evaluator will individually read and score each Firm’s response to each criterion described in SECTION D. Scores will be based solely on contents of proposal and in compliance with the ARRC procurement rules for evaluation committees. A score of "5" = Best Response from all Firms; "4" to "1" = Progressively Less Responsive; "0" = Non-Responsive. Ratings are multiplied by the assigned weights for each criterion to obtain criteria scores.

After completion of individual ratings in SECTION D, the Evaluation Committee will meet to discuss proposals. Evaluators may then alter their ratings; however, any changes shall be based solely on the criteria set forth in SECTION D.

The total score for each Firm will be obtained by summing the scores determined for each criterion in SECTION D. The order of ranking for negotiations shall be as follows: highest scored Firm will be ranked first, next highest scored second, and etcetera.

Evaluators may discuss factual knowledge of, and may investigate Firms’ and proposed Subcontractors' prior work experience and performance, including projects referenced in proposal, available written evaluations, etcetera, and may contact listed references or other persons knowledgeable of a Firm’s and/or a Subcontractor's past performance. Factors such as overall experience relative to the proposed contract, quality of work, control of cost, and ability to meet schedules may be addressed. If any issues of significant concern to the proposed contract are discovered, the Committee may:

Provide written recommendations for consideration during contract negotiations;

Conduct discussions or presentations as indicated below

Discussions:

At the sole discretion of the ARRC procurement officer, the selection committee may hold discussions regarding the proposed contract with the Firm(s) selected per ARRC Rule 1350.6. The purpose of such discussions is to explore the scope and nature of the required services and the relative utility of alternative methods of approach. The conditions, terms, or price of the proposed contract may be altered or otherwise changed during the course of the discussions.

ARRC Rule 1350.7 Selection of the Most Qualified and Suitable Firm(s). After discussions, if held under Rule 1350.6, the selection committee shall reevaluate and rank, in order of preference, the Firms or persons that the committee considers to be the most qualified to provide the required services.

Numerical rating systems shall be used for this RFP.

Presentations:

ARRC reserves the right to select the top ranked Proposer based solely on the scoring of the written proposals and to enter directly into negotiations with said firm. However, at its sole discretion of the ARRC procurement officer, ARRC may schedule presentations to provide Firms the opportunity to elaborate on their proposal. ARRC may require three or fewer of the highest ranked Proposers to make a presentation to the evaluation committee. The selected firms will have an opportunity to summarize the information provided in their written proposals, expand on their capabilities, experience and proposed approach and work plan and answer questions from the selection committee. Presentations will be scored as indicated in SECTION D – Award Criteria below, to select the top ranked firm.

Location:

At the sole discretion of the ARRC procurement officer, discussions and presentations will be held in person or video/teleconference. In-person discussions and presentations will be scheduled at ARRC’s corporate office building located at 327 West Ship Creek Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska. It is important the primary individual(s) servicing the contract and the ARRC Evaluation Committee be present for any discussion.

Clarifications:

If during discussions or presentations the procurement officer determines there is a need for substantial clarification or a change in the RFP, ARRC will amend the RFP to incorporate the clarification or change and establish a date and time for Proposers to submit amended proposals. ARRC may adjust its evaluations as a result of receiving new or amended proposals to establish the highest ranked Firm.

Negotiations:

The procurement officer, or designee, may negotiate with the top ranked Firm(s). Contract negotiations shall be directed toward: (1) making certain that the Firm has a clear understanding of the scope of the work and the requirements involved in providing the required services; (2) determining that the Firm will make available the necessary personnel and facilities to perform the services within the required time;

and agreeing upon compensation that is fair and reasonable, taking into account the estimated value, scope, complexity, and nature of the required services.

Respondents to this RFP will not be advised of the Firm selected for negotiations until negotiations are complete. If contract negotiations are unsuccessful with Firm selected for negotiation, the Contracting Agency may either cancel the solicitation or negotiate with other Firm(s) in the order of ranking.

After completion of negotiations, a Notice of Intent to Award will be provided to all Firms according to ARRC procurement rules.

Award Criteria

Proposals should be concise and address each evaluation criteria listed below as it pertains to the scope of services and include Other Information Required as stated above.

Criteria Weight

1. Audit Approach – Explain your Firms approach to audit performance 30%

Outline steps and procedures that will be performed to familiarize your company with the

Alaska Railroad Corporation and its unique reporting requirements and deadlines. Annual reports have a statutory due date of 90 days following the end of the fiscal year, which is generally March 31. The National Transit Database schedules/statistics must be filed and pinned no later than April 30th. Single audit deadline is nine months following the end of the fiscal year, September 30.

Transition plan (if applicable), including how disruption of institutional knowledge loss will be mitigated.

Describe the proposed organization of your audit team, including roles and responsibilities of key personnel, and provide a work plan or timeline for major audit milestones.

Describe your overall audit approach and identify procedures, including areas of primary emphasis that you will use to ensure an effective and efficient examination. Describe what you will require from ARRC’s accounting staff for schedule preparation (PBCs), and other documentation/procedures.

Identify the documentation and schedules (PBC’s) you will require from ARRC’s Accounting staff to support audit procedures.

Describe specific procedures and approaches for the following audits:

o Financial statement audit o Single Audit (Uniform Guidance compliance) o National Transit Database (NTD) audit requirements

Describe your audit approach and identify procedures, including areas of primary emphasis as it related to pension and defined benefit post-retirement medical plans and associated actuarial reports and valuations.

Describe your audit approach as it relates to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and other electronic transactions.

Describe any other areas where your firm is unique or where you approach can add value to our organization.

Discuss other pertinent audit procedures, techniques, and any additional services your firm proposes to provide.

2. Qualification of Audit Team 50%

Railroad expertise and other pertinent experience Alaskan experience Continuity and familiarity with our organization Experience with clients similar to ARRC o Public Corporations o Class I or Class II Railroads o Governmental entities with grant reporting requirements

Experience with ERP accounting systems and other electronic transactions Each individual’s contribution to the audit as a percent of the total time to be spent on the audit Please include resumes of key team members involved in the audit, including the partner in charge and a description of this partner’s pertinent experience including transportation and grant experience.

3. Cost of Services – price structure 20%

Although cost is a significant factor, it will not be the dominant factor. Cost will be given more importance when all the other evaluation criteria are relatively equal.

Complete SECTION E – COST SCHEDULE (page 18) with the following fees:

Financial statement audit/opinion (lump sum) 4 points Single Audit 4 points Single Audit additional major programs 4 points National Transit Database- Agreed Upon Procedures (lump sum) 4 points Additional Audit services (per hour basis – see below) 4 points

Total 20 points

Additional audit services scoring will be accomplished as follows:

Provide a proposed hourly billing rate for each function listed below. The hourly rates proposed will be multiplied by the percentage of total labor effort defined below and then summed to obtain a composite rate for each proposal.

Partner (estimated at 20% of total labor effort) Senior Manager (estimated at 30% or total labor effort) Senior Accountant (estimated at 25% of total labor effort) Staff Accountant (estimated at 25% of total labor effort)

Total points (based on award criteria): 100 points

4. Presentations (Optional) 20%

ARRC may elect, at its sole option, to conduct presentations.

In this event, all costs associated with the preparation of interviews, such as transportation costs, lodging, etc., will be the responsibility of the contractor.

Maximum total points with Presentations: 120 points

NOTES

1.1.1 Price Escalation: The annual Fee is set for the first two years of the contract from the date the Contract is executed. After the first year and upon 60-day notice from the Contractor to the Contracting Officer, prior to renewal, an annual price increase may be granted based on the most relevant Consumer Price Index (CPI) index for Anchorage Alaska by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as defined below.

1.1.2 Base Index: The base index for the first adjustment shall be the Urban Alaska CPI-U, all items index, not seasonally adjusted for the month of January 2026.

(https://data.bls.gov/pdq/SurveyOutputServlet?data_tool=dropmap&series_id=CUUR0400S

A0,CUUS0400SA0)

1.1.3 Adjustment Frequency: The fee may be adjusted on an annual basis, with the first possible adjustment occurring in 2027. Subsequent adjustments may occur each year thereafter with the annual renewal, if requested.

1.1.4 Ceiling: The adjustment shall not exceed 5% per year.

1.1.5 No retroactive contract price adjustments will be allowed.

SECTION E

COST SCHEDULE

A Firm's failure to provide the information requested in this SECTION will be cause for rejection of its proposal on the basis of non-responsiveness.

The undersigned Firm hereby offers to perform the requested services for the following amounts and at the following hourly rates as applicable:

Description

Financial statement audit/opinion $____________ (lump sum)

Single Audit $____________ (lump sum)

Single Audit additional major programs $____________ (lump sum)

National Transit Database

Agreed Upon Procedures report $____________ (lump sum)

Additional audit services:

o Partner $_________/hour o Senior Manager $_________ / hour o Senior Accountant $_________ / hour o Staff Accountant $_________ / hour

SECTION F

ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION

SERVICE BID FORM of:

NAME ______________________________________________________

ADDRESS ______________________________________________________

To the CONTRACTING OFFICER, ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION:

In compliance with your Request for Proposal No.26-25-213310 dated 04/30/2025, the Undersigned proposes to furnish and deliver all the services and perform all the work required in said Invitation according to the scope of work and requirements contained therein and for the amount and prices named herein as indicated on the Cost Proposal.

The Undersigned acknowledges receipt of the following addenda to the requirements and/or scope of work for this Request for Proposals (give number and date of each).

Addenda Date Addenda Date Addenda Date Number Issued Number Issued Number Issued

NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT

The Undersigned declares, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States, that neither he/she nor the firm, association, or corporation of which he/she is a member, has, either directly or indirectly, entered into any agreement, participated in any collusion, or otherwise taken any action in restraint of free competitive bidding in connection with this proposal.

The Undersigned has read the foregoing proposal and hereby agrees to the conditions stated therein by affixing his/her signature below:

Name of Person Signing Date

Signature Telephone

Title Email

SECTION G

SCONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY QUESTIONNAIRE

Part I – Instructions

1. All Bidders/Proposers submitting a Bid/Proposal for federally funded contracts are to complete and submit all Parts of this Questionnaire with their Bid or Proposal. Failure to complete and return this questionnaire, any false statements, or failure to answer question when required, may render the bid/proposal non-responsive. All responses must be typewritten or printed in ink. All information must be legible.

2. Please state "not applicable" in questions clearly not applicable to Bidder/Proposer in connection with this solicitation. Do not omit any question.

3. The completed Questionnaire must be sworn to by a partner (if partnership), a duly authorized officer or individual (if a corporation or LLC), or a principal (if a sole proprietorship).

4. The term "Proposer" includes the term "Bidder" and also refers to the firm awarded the Contract. The term "Proposal" includes the term "Bid".

5. ARRC reserves the right to inquire further with respect to Proposer's responses; and Proposer consents to such further inquiry and agrees to furnish all relevant documents and information as requested by ARRC.

Any response to this document prior or subsequent to Proposer's Proposal which is or may be construed as unfavorable to Proposer will not necessarily automatically result in a negative finding on the question of Proposer's responsibility or a decision to terminate the contract if it is awarded to Proposer.

Part II – Identity of Proposer

1. Proposer's Full Legal Name: ___________________________________________________

2. The Proposer represents that it operates as the following form of legal entity:

(Check whichever applies and fill in any appropriate blanks.)

☐ an individual or sole proprietorship ☐ a general partnership ☐ a limited partnership ☐ a joint venture consisting of: ________________________________________________ and ______________________________________________

(List all joint ventures on a separate sheet if this space is inadequate.)

☐ a non-profit organization ☐ a corporation organized or incorporated under the laws of the following state or country:

___________________________ on the following date: ____________________________

☐ a limited liability company organized under the laws of the following state or country:

___________________________ on the following date: ____________________________

3. Proposer's federal taxpayer identification number: ___________________________________

4. Proposer's Alaska business license number: ________________________________________

5. Proposer's contractor’s license number (for construction only): _________________________

6. Proposer's legal address: ______________________________________________________

Telephone Number: (____) ___________________

7. Proposer's local or authorized point of contact:

Name: ________________________________ Title: ________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________

Telephone Number: (____) _______________ Email: ________________________________

8. How long has the Proposer been in business? ______________________________________

9. Has Proposer been in business under another name? If so, identify name and dates used.

10. Does your firm consider itself to be an MBE, WBE or DBE?

YES ☐ NO ☐

If answer is "YES," attach a copy of certification.

11. Number of employees: _______________ including ____________ employees in the State of Alaska.

Part III – Contracting History

1. Has the Proposer been awarded any contracts within the last five years by ARRC, the State of Alaska, or any other public entity for the same or reasonably similar goods or services sought by this solicitation? If none, answer "No". If yes, on a separate sheet of paper describe those contracts beginning with the most recent. State the name of the contracting entity; give a brief description of the contract and the contract number, the dollar amount at award and at completion, date completed; state the contract period, the status of the contract, and the name, address, and telephone number of a contact person at the agency. Indicate if award was made to Proposer as prime contractor or joint venture. Proposer need not provide more than three such descriptions.

YES ☐ NO ☐

2. Has the Proposer been awarded any private sector contracts within the last five years for the same or reasonably similar goods or services sought by this solicitation? If none, answer "No." If yes, on a separate sheet of paper provide the name and address of the contracting entity, a brief description of work, the dollar amount at award and at completion, date completed, status of the contract and name, address and telephone number of contact person as to each, beginning with the most recent. Indicate if Proposer acted as prime contractor or joint venture. Proposers need not provide more than three such descriptions.

Note: Any “YES” answer to #3 below must be fully explained on a separate sheet of paper and attached to this questionnaire.

3. In the past five years has the Proposer been the subject of any of the following actions?

A. Been suspended, debarred, disqualified, or otherwise declared ineligible to bid?

B. Failed to complete a contract for a public or private entity?

C. Been denied a low-bid contract in spite of being the low bidder?

D. Had a contract terminated for any reason, including default?

E. Had liquidated damages assessed against it during or after completion of a contract?

F. Been a defaulter, as principal, surety or otherwise?

G. Been denied an award of a public contract based upon a finding by a public agency that your company was not a responsible contractor?

H. A public entity requested or required enforcement of any of its rights under a surety agreement on the basis of your company’s default or in lieu of declaring your company in default?

YES ☐ NO ☐

I. Been denied a performance or payment bond by a surety company?

J. Been required to pay back wages and/or penalties for failure to comply with state or federal prevailing wage or overtime laws?

YES ☐ NO ☐

4. Does Proposer currently possess the financial, organizational, technical, equipment, facilities, and other resources necessary to supply the goods or services sought by this solicitation? If no, on a separate sheet of paper describe how you intend to obtain the resources necessary to supply the goods or services sought by this solicitation.

YES ☐ NO ☐

5. Does Proposer have any present or anticipated commitments and/or contractual obligations that might impact its ability to meet the required delivery or performance requirements of this solicitation? If yes, on a separate sheet of paper describe any apparent conflicts as between the requirements/commitments for this solicitation with respect to the use of Proposer's resources, such as management, technical expertise, financing, facilities, equipment, etc.

Part IV – Civil Action

If “Yes” to Parts IV or V, provide details on a separate sheet of paper including a brief summary of cause(s) of action; indicate if Proposer, its principals, officers or partners were plaintiffs or defendants; define charges explicitly, by what authority, court or jurisdiction, etc. In the case of tax liens, please indicate whether the liens were resolved with the tax authorities. Please submit proof of payment or agreements to pay the liens. Complete details are required.

1. Violations of Civil Law. In the past five years has Proposer, any of its principals, officers or partners been the subject of an investigation of any alleged violation of a civil antitrust law, or other federal, state or local civil law?

2. Lawsuits with Public Agencies. At the present time is, or during the past five years has Proposer, any of its principals, officers or partners been a plaintiff or defendant in any lawsuit or arbitration regarding services or goods provided to a public agency?

YES ☐ NO ☐

3. Bankruptcy. During the past five years, has the Proposer filed for bankruptcy or reorganization under the bankruptcy laws?

YES ☐ NO ☐

4. Judgments, Liens and Claims. During the past five years, has the Proposer been the subject of a judgment, lien or claim of $25,000 or more by a subcontractor or supplier?

YES ☐ NO ☐

5. Tax Liens. During the past five years, has the Proposer been the subject of a tax lien by federal, state or any other tax authority?

Part V – Compliance with Laws and Other Regulations

1. Criminal: In the past five years has the Proposer, any of its principals, officers, or partners been convicted or currently charged with any of the following:

A. Fraud in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public contract, agreement or transaction? YES ☐ NO ☐

B. Federal or state antitrust statutes, including price fixing collusion and bid rigging?

C. Embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, making false statements, submitting false information, receiving stolen property, or making false claims to any public agency?

YES ☐ NO ☐

D. Misrepresenting minority or disadvantaged business entity status with regard to itself or one of its subcontractors? YES ☐ NO ☐

E. Non-compliance with the prevailing wage requirements of the State of Alaska or similar laws of any other state? YES ☐ NO ☐

F. Violation of any law, regulation or agreement relating to a conflict of interest with respect to a government funded procurement? YES ☐ NO ☐

G. Falsification, concealment, withholding and/or destruction of records relating to a public agreement or transaction? YES ☐ NO ☐

H. Violation of a statutory or regulatory provision or requirement applicable to a public or private agreement or transaction? YES ☐ NO ☐

I. Do any principals, officers or partners in Proposer’s company have any felony charges pending against them that were filed either before, during, or after their employment with the Proposer?

2. Regulatory Compliance. In the past five years, has Proposer or any of its principals, officers or partners:

A. Been cited for a violation of any labor law or regulation, including, but not limited to, child labor violations, failure to pay correct wages, failure to pay into a trust account, failure to remit or pay withheld taxes to tax authorities or unemployment insurance tax delinquencies?

YES ☐ NO ☐

B. Been cited and assessed penalties for an OSHA or Alaska/OSHA “serious violation”?

YES ☐ NO ☐

C. Been cited for a violation of federal, state or local environmental laws or regulations?

YES ☐ NO ☐

D. Failed to comply with Alaska corporate registration, federal, state or local licensing requirements? YES ☐ NO ☐ E. Had its corporate status, business entity’s license or any professional certification, suspended, revoked, or had otherwise been prohibited from doing business in the State of Alaska?

YES ☐ NO ☐

Part VI – Financial

Copies of the following documents are to be submitted with this Questionnaire:

1. Proposer’s current Alaska Business License, if required by state law.

2. Proposer’s Financial Statements may be requested:

A. PUBLICLY TRADED COMPANIES: Financial information will be accessed on-line.

However, if additional information is needed, it will be specifically requested from the Proposer.

B. NON-PUBLICLY TRADED COMPANIES WITH AUDITED OR REVIEWED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS: Statements, including balance sheet, statement of earnings and retained income, with footnotes, for the most recent three years may be requested.

NOTE: ARRC reserves the right to ask for additional documentation if it is reasonably required to make a determination of integrity and responsibility relevant to the goods or services the Proposer will provide to ARRC if awarded a contract. All financial information provided is considered confidential and not subject to public disclosure under Alaska law.

Part VII - Verification and Acknowledgment

The undersigned recognizes that the information submitted in the questionnaire herein is for the express purpose of inducing ARRC to award a contract, or to allow Proposer to participate in ARRC projects as contractor, subcontractor, vendor, supplier, or consultant. The undersigned has read and understands the instructions for completing this Questionnaire.

STATE OF _____________________________

COUNTY OF ___________________________

I, (printed name) ______________________________________, being first duly sworn, state that I am the (title)

___________________________________________ of Proposer. I certify that I have read and understood the questions contained in the attached Questionnaire, and that to the best of my knowledge and belief all information contained herein and submitted concurrently or in supplemental documents with this Questionnaire is complete, current, and true. I further acknowledge that any false, deceptive or fraudulent statements on the Questionnaire will result in denial or termination of a contract.

I authorize ARRC to contact any entity named herein, or any other internal or outside resource, for the purpose of verifying information provided in the Questionnaire or to develop other information deemed relevant by

ARRC.

Signature of Certifying Individual Date

Subscribed and sworn to before me this ___________ day of ___________________, 20______

Signature of Notary

Notary Public in and for the State of __________________

My Commission Expires: ___________________________

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS:

A material false statement, omission or fraudulent inducement made in connection with this Questionnaire is sufficient cause for denial of a contract award or revocation of a prior contract award, thereby precluding the Proposer…