RFQ-25-28-212820_ARRC_Marine_Engineering_TA.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

25-28-212820

ARRC MARINE ENGINEERING TERM

AGREEMENT

MAY 14, 2025

ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION

327 WEST SHIP CREEK AVENUE

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501

327 W. Ship Creek Ave.

Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone 907-265-4467

HOPEM@AKRR.COM

May 14, 2025

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS 25-28-212820

ARRC MARINE ENGINEERING TERM AGREEMENT

Response Requested, This form must be completed and returned to ensure receipt of future addenda or additional information. Email this form to: Hopem@akrr.com. Addenda will be emailed to the contact listed below; however, it is the responsibility of the offeror to make sure they have received all addenda, and have acknowledged all addenda on their Proposal Bid Form.

Firms that have not returned this cover sheet will not be informed of addenda and will only be alerted to addenda by checking with the ARRC procurement officer or by checking ARRC’s internet site: www.alaskarailroad.com. Offerors must acknowledge the receipt of all issued addendum on their Proposal Bid Form.

Company

Address

Contact

Phone

Email mailto:BatesT@akrr.com mailto:Hopem@akrr.com http://www.alaskarailroad.com/

May 14, 2025

Alaska Railroad Corporation 327 W. Ship Creek Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501

P.O. Box 107500, Anchorage, AK 99510-7500 Telephone 907.265.4467

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) is soliciting proposals from interested offerors for the following:

ARRC intends to award one or more contract(s) for professional services to provide as-needed Marine Engineering as it relates to design and construction support services for projects throughout the Alaska Railbelt. Marine Engineering Services may include design and/or support of various marine facilities at ARRC’s waterfront terminal in Seward, Whittier, Seattle and Nenana.

25-28-212820

ARRC MARINE ENGINEERING TERM AGREEMENT

IMPORTANT

Proposals will be received until 3:00 PM LOCAL TIME on June 11, 2025 via Dropbox.

One electronic copy of your firms Proposal must be submitted using Dropbox. Proposals shall be submitted to the Dropbox link https://www.dropbox.com/request/1G4UHTfOTq3b5kEieh65 by proposal due date/time. It is the offeror’s responsibility to verify with the Contract Administrator that their proposal was received timely. If your firm has restrictions on Dropbox submittals, you must contact your Contract Administrator at least seven days prior to the proposal due date to discuss alternatives.

File naming convention shall be: Firm Name-RFQ#-RFQName

The original copy of your proposal will need to be mailed to the address provided below by the proposal due date. This Original shall be fastened with one staple, binder clip, or rubber band. No other form of binding shall be used and no cover or dividers shall be included. The Dropbox submittal date/time will be used for the official receipt. Your proposal package (qualifications and proposals) must be complete.

Attn. Michele Hope, 2nd Floor 327 W. Ship Creek Avenue Anchorage, Alaska 99501

Proposals received by email 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 via Dropbox prior to the date and time listed above.

https://www.dropbox.com/request/1G4UHTfOTq3b5kEieh65

Pre-Proposal Conference: A pre-proposal conference will not be held. Send all questions to the Contract Administrator.

The ARRC may award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror(s) whose offer conformance to this solicitation will be most advantageous to the ARRC.

ARRC may reject any or all offers if such action is in the best interest of ARRC, and waives informalities and minor irregularities in offers received. ARRC may award a contract on the basis of initial offers without discussions. Therefore, each initial offer should contain the offeror’s best terms from a technical standpoint. Any contract(s) resulting from this solicitation shall incorporate ARRC’s Standard Terms and Conditions contained in this solicitation package.

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

Green Star recognizes organizations that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to reducing waste, preventing pollution, and conserving energy. The railroad has repeatedly recertified the Green Star Award and earned an additional Green Star Air Quality Award in 2007. In 2011, Green Star Inc. presented the Alaska Railroad with its premier new "Super Nova Award" recognizing a higher level of leadership and commitment to doing business in an environmentally responsible manner. ARRC continues to pursue programs and initiatives that promote environmental stewardship.

Please direct all responses and/or questions concerning this Request for Qualifications to Michele Hope, Alaska Railroad Corporation, Supply Management, 327 Ship Creek Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501, telephone number (907) 265-4467. Email: HopeM@akrr.com mailto:HopeM@akrr.com

SOLICITATION INDEX

SECTION A STATEMENT OF SERVICES

PROJECT TASK ORDER PROCESS

SECTION B PROPOSAL INFORMATION, CONDITIONS & INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION C PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENT

SECTION D EVALUATION CRITERIA

SECTION E SELECTION PROCESS

SECTION F CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY QUESTIONNAIRE & SERVICE BID FORM

SECTION G GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

(PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS)

SECTION H FEDERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

ATTACHMENTS

• POTENTIAL SERVICES

SECTION A

STATEMENT OF SERVICES

1. Introduction and Objectives

ARRC intends to enter into one or more negotiated agreement(s) for professional services to provide as-needed Marine engineering design and construction support services.

1.1. Introduction

The purpose of this Scope of Work (SOW) is to define the Marine Engineering Services required for the design, analysis, construction and operations of marine infrastructure for the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC). These services are intended to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective facilities and appurtenances, taking into account environmental, regulatory, and operational requirements.

1.2. Objectives

The objective of the Contract is to provide comprehensive engineering and technical services for the development, repairs, and/or rehabilitation of the ARRC docks, slips, and related terminal facilities. The

1.3 Funding

Work associated with this RFQ may be funded in part by, including but not limited to, funds from the Federal Transit Administration (“FTA”), an operating administration of the United States Department of Transportation; the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA); the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) an operating administration of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security; and the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC). This solicitation package contains some provisions that are designated as applicable to FTA, FRA, FEMA and ARRC funded projects.

1.4 Contract Period

Contract shall be for an initial 2-year term with the ability to extend for three additional one-year periods.

2. Administrative Requirements

2.1 All studies, reports, and design services shall be performed in accordance with ARRC Standards, AREMA recommended practices, applicable codes, regulations, and standards;

professional practice procedures; and commonly recognized construction methods.

The Contractor shall consider the geographical location as well as other environmental and site-specific constraints when performing services for these projects.

2.2 ARRC Provided Services

2.2.2 ARRC will provide available information from the previously completed planning, design, and surveying efforts. This may include:

• Environmental Reports

• As-built plans

• Reports and Supporting Documentation

• Other information to support project development

2.3 Deliverable Requirements

Drawings and reports shall be submitted as hard copies and as CAD program files as approved by ARRC. Specifications shall be prepared in Microsoft Word. As available, ARRC will provide the specification boiler plate specifications to the Contractor.

2.4 Project Staff

Project Staff. All services must be performed by or under the direct supervision of the following individuals (replacement of, or addition to, the Project Staff named below shall be accomplished only by prior written approval from ARRC).

Name Project Responsibilities

NAMES OF KEY STAFF WILL BE INSERTED FOR THE CONTRACT

2.4.1 Professional Registration

All reports, plans, specification, estimates and similar work products provided by the Contractor shall be prepared by or under the supervision of the Registered Alaskan Engineer or Land Surveyor in responsible charge for the services. These Engineers or Land Surveyors shall be currently registered in the State of Alaska and they shall sign, seal and certify as to the accuracy of each final work product for which they are responsible.

2.4.2 The Following Disciplines are anticipated for this Agreement:

a. Project Manager

b. Civil Engineers

c. Marine Engineers

d. Marine Engineering Support Specialists

e. CAD Technicians

3. Scope of Work

3.1 General: The Contractor shall provide Marine Engineering on an as-needed basis. Desired services may include, but not be limited to:

a. Assistance with planning, analysis, design, and review of:

1) Harbors and Ports

2) Marine Terminals

3) Wharves and Piers

4) Mooring facilities

5) Bulkheads

6) Floating structures

7) Fender systems

8) Other Infrastructure which supports maritime operations.

b. Specific technical support may include:

1) Project Feasibility studies and design

2) Coastal Engineering

3) Marine Terminal planning

4) Marine facility design

5) Marine Structural Engineering

6) Marine Demolition

7) Freight transportation analysis and planning

8) Corrosion Assessment and Inhibition

9) Mooring & Berthing analysis

10) Wave and Wind analysis

11) Shoreline Restoration

12) Snow and Ice loads

13) Dredging

14) Waterfront Erosion Protection,

15) Above-water Condition

Assessments

16) Scour and Sediment transport

3.2 Planning and Design: Provide planning and design services including preparation of planning studies and reports, preliminary and final design, project specifications, and associated construction cost estimates. ARRC will provide previous plans and reports as available.

3.3 The Contractor may provide support services during the bidding and construction phase of the project. This may include services such as: responding to ARRC or Construction Contractor requests for clarifications or information; reviewing of Construction Contractor’s design documents for compliance with specifications, codes, and regulations; reviewing and approving submittals and shop drawings; performing field reviews; and completion of final construction plans.

3.4 Deliverables may include the following but not limited to:

a. Preliminary Assessment Report

b. Design Drawings and Specifications

c. Construction Bid Package

d. Monthly Progress Reports

e. Inspection and Test Reports

f. Final As-Built Drawings

g. Maintenance and Performance Evaluation Report

h. Regulatory Compliance Documentation

PROJECT TASK ORDER PROCESS

1 Task Order Award Process Firms awarded a Term Service contract under this RFQ shall perform 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 this contract.

As needed shall be at the discretion of the ARRC and Task Orders will be executed to a term contract deemed most appropriate by ARRC.

If requested, the Contractor 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-notice to proceed.

1.1 Multiple Contractor Award

Each resulting contract will be set up as a Term Agreement with specific projects being assigned, described, and authorized by individual Task Orders (TO). The Task Orders will incorporate all terms and conditions of the contract.

1.2 A project is considered assigned when ARRC issues the Task Order.

Work will be assigned among multiple Contractors as described below. The projects will be allocated as needed, and there is no guarantee that any specific amount of work or overall dollar amounts will be assigned through the duration of the Agreement term.

1.3 At its sole discretion, ARRC may:

a. solicit a response directly from the top ranked Contractor. If the response is determined not appropriate, reasonable, cost effective, or timely, ARRC may elect to negotiate with the Contractor, or request proposals from a lower ranked Contractor(s).

b. solicit a response from all Contractors in the discipline and select the Contractor ARRC determines to be most advantageous, determined by approach and value

c. assign a TO for a continuation of services that were previously awarded on a previous contract/TO

d. or otherwise fulfill the needs through other means.

1.4 After project assignment and preliminary project/Statement of Services negotiations between Contractor and ARRC have been held, the Contractor shall submit a proposed delivery schedule and Summary of Estimate for Services that identifies:

a. the assigned staff and hours per task;

b. a breakdown of staff hours per applicable task for each subcontractor; and

c. a breakdown with documentation (estimates from vendors shall be provided upon request) to support direct non-labor expenses.

1.5 The hourly rates used for the Contractor's estimate must match the hourly rates listed in the Contract for the Prime.

1.6 Subcontractors may be utilized to support the Scope of Work. No greater than 25% of the work may be performed by a subcontractor without approval of ARRC Contract Manager.

2. Task Orders The Contractor shall provide services as identified and authorized by sequentially numbered Task Orders (TO). The Contractor shall not perform services or incur billable expense except as authorized by a TO. A TO may include limits or restrictions on allowable activities. ARRC will, in its sole discretion, refuse to pay for out-of-scope work or work outside an authorized TO. Furthermore; work performed outside the approved timeline of TOs may jeopardize the entire project’s eligibility under the terms of funding grants.

2.1 ARRC expects that on occasion a term contractor may need to decline a Task Order assignment because of business commitments, conflict of interest or because personnel may not be available to perform the work. In this case the Contractor shall submit a written justification (e-mail, memo, or letter) to the Contracting Officer explaining why they are unable to accept the assignment.

3. Compensation under this Agreement may include various methods of cost reimbursement payment terms as negotiated by task order. Task orders will use the compensation terms of the Agreement (Appendix C) for establishing cost for each task order. The following will be a part of Appendix C of the Agreement.

3.1 Task Order Methods of Payment

a. FIXED PRICE(S) payments will be a single lump sum payment equal to the Fixed Price upon acceptable completion of the Task Order, or progress payments not to exceed the Fixed Price.

b. FIXED PRICE(S) PLUS EXPENSES payments will be as follows:

1 Payments of the FIXED PRICE will be a single lump sum payment equal to the Fixed Price upon acceptable completion of services, or progress payments not to exceed the Fixed Price(s).

2 Payments for Other Direct Costs (EXPENSES) will be made for actual substantiated costs not to exceed the total specified amount for expenses that are directly chargeable to and necessary for performance of the services. "Markup" of Expenses is prohibited.

c. COST PLUS FIXED FEE payments will be made according to the following:

1 Payments for DIRECT COST OF DIRECT LABOR will be equivalent to the number of hours expended by each job classification multiplied by the applicable Direct Labor Rate. Job Classifications, Labor Hours and Direct Hourly Rates are estimated for each task order. Work shall be performed by the lowest paid qualified personnel. Further, when performing work for which they are over qualified, individuals will charge time at rates equivalent to skill levels commensurate with the work they perform. Contract payments will be based on the actual Direct Labor Rates paid to employees in any direct labor job classification who work on the contract.

2 Payments for indirect costs shall be equivalent to the amounts for Direct Cost of Direct Labor multiplied by the applicable Indirect Cost Rates (IDCR).

2.1 IDCRs are fixed until the allocable annual rate increase is implemented by contract Amendment.

2.2 Rates may only be increased one time per annual contract period.

3 Payments for Other Direct Costs (Expenses) will be made for actual substantiated costs which are directly chargeable to and necessary for performance of services assuming they are not recovered through the Indirect Cost Rate. "Markup" of Other Direct Costs is prohibited.

4 Progress payments for a firm's fixed fee will be equivalent to the ratio of the firm's Direct Cost of Direct Labor to date, divided by the firm's total estimated Direct Cost of Direct Labor, multiplied by the total amount of the firm's Fixed Fee. The Fee amount will be negotiated and determined by TO.

d. TIME AND EXPENSES payments will be made according to the following:

1 Payments for time will be equivalent to the number of hours expended by each job classification multiplied by the applicable Billing Rate. Work will be performed by personnel with the lowest reasonable skill levels and hourly rates. Further, when performing work for which they are over qualified, individuals will charge time at rates equivalent to skill levels commensurate with the work they perform.

2 Billing Rates for persons who work on the task orders shall utilize the negotiated contract rates.

2.1 Rates may only be increased one time per annual contract period.

3 Payments for Other Direct Costs (expenses) will be made for actual substantiated costs that are directly chargeable to and necessary for performance of services. "Markup" of Expenses is prohibited.

3.2 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

a. Payments for negotiated third-party expenses will be made for actual substantiated costs that are directly chargeable to and necessary for performance of services. "Markup" of Expenses is prohibited.

b. Travel and travel related expenses (coach fare only, no first class or business class).

c. M&IE allowances shall be limited to the State of Alaska rate of $60.00 per day.

d. ARRC shall pay actuals for lodging. Lodging shall be at the hotel’s “government” rate (when applicable) and for single occupancy, not to exceed $300.00 per day. Lodging receipts are required.

SECTION B

PROPOSAL INFORMATION, CONDITIONS & INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pre-Submission Proposal Inquires

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 RFQ are not permitted. All inquiries must be made in writing and received at ARRC’s offices 10 days prior to submission deadline. Written inquiries must be submitted to Michele Hope hopem@akrr.com.

ARRC will respond to all or part of the written inquiries received through the issuance of a written Addendum to the RFQ, 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 RFQ shall be subject to disqualification.

2. Proposal Submission Deadline

Proposals will be received until 3:00 PM LOCAL TIME on June 11, 2025 via Dropbox.

One electronic copy of your firms Proposal must be submitted using Dropbox. Proposals shall be submitted to the Dropbox link https://www.dropbox.com/request/1G4UHTfOTq3b5kEieh65 by proposal due date/time. It is the offeror’s responsibility to verify with the Contract Administrator that their proposal was received timely. If your firm has restrictions on Dropbox submittals, you must contact your Contract Administrator at least seven days prior to the proposal due date to.

File naming convention shall be: Firm Name-RFQ#-RFQName

The original copy of your proposal will need to be mailed to the address provided below by the proposal due date. This Original shall be fastened with one staple, binder clip, or rubber band. No other form of binding shall be used and no cover or dividers shall be included. The Dropbox submittal date/time will be used for the official receipt. Your proposal package (qualifications and proposals) must be complete.

Attn. Michele Hope, 2nd Floor 327 W. Ship Creek Avenue Anchorage, Alaska 99501

Proposals received by email 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 via Dropbox prior to the date and time listed above.

Proposals received after the time and date set forth above shall be rejected. All proposals submitted in response to this solicitation must be signed by an individual with the legal authority to submit the offer on behalf of the company.

mailto:hopem@akrr.com https://www.dropbox.com/request/1G4UHTfOTq3b5kEieh65 https://www.dropbox.com/request/1G4UHTfOTq3b5kEieh65

3. Proposal Open and Subject to Acceptance

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

4. Proposal Opening

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

5. Reserved Rights

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

(a) To supplement, amend, or otherwise modify or cancel this RFQ with or without substitution of another RFQ.

(b) To issue additional or subsequent solicitations for proposals.

(c) To conduct investigations of the Offerors and their proposals.

(d) To clarify the information provided pursuant to this RFQ.

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

(f) 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 RFQ, if such rejection or waiver is deemed in the best interest of ARRC.

(g) To award a contract or contracts resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror whose proposal conforming to this solicitation will be most advantageous to ARRC.

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

(i) 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 Offerors and either award to another Offeror or reject all proposals or cancel the RFQ.

(j) To terminate the contractor at any point in the evaluation process or after award if the approved personnel become unavailable, are switched off project by the firm, or the qualifications are generally found to be inadequate. All personnel reassignments to and from the project will be approved by ARRC.

6. Proposal Costs

Each Offeror 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, Offeror expressly waives (i) any claim(s) for such costs and expenses, and

(ii) any other related claims or damages.

7. Taxes

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

8. Proposal Format

Interested firms shall submit one electronic (soft copy) proposal, containing a statement of qualifications and a concise narrative that fully addresses each evaluation criteria. Proposals shall have a maximum of twenty (20) pages. Page count does NOT include the 2-page cover letter, services bid form, or the questionnaire response.

A signed cover letter of a maximum two pages should introduce the proposed firm,

• summarize the main qualifications of the firm and verifying that the firm meets the minimum qualifications (item #14) and whether the firm qualifies for the Alaska Bidder/Offeror’s Preference – if applicable (item #15)

• disclose any information that may pose an actual conflict of interest in providing these services or give the appearance of a conflict of interest

• provide a representative list of clients including addresses, contact names and phone numbers

• include any other information the Contractor deems will emphasize the Contractor’s ability to successfully perform the services required and demonstrate why selection of Contractor would be advantageous to ARRC

Important Instructions To be considered responsive, Offerors must submit the following with their proposal

a. Service Bid Form (signed and with all addendum acknowledged)

b. Bidders Questionnaire in Section F

• Part VII -Verification and Acknowledgement notarized

c. Signed Item #25 of the Federal Terms & Conditions

9. Capacity to Perform

Any Offeror considered for award as a result of this solicitation may be required to make assurance to the Contract Administrator concerning the Offeror’s capacity and capability to perform. Previous contracts of a like nature, financial solvency, and other information may be requested of the considered Offeror. Failure to provide assurances requested in a timely manner may be cause for rejection of the Proposal.

10. Costs

Other direct costs (ODC) on contracts incurred shall be billed at cost. If travel is required, ARRC will be billed per diem for meals and incidentals using the current State of Alaska rate, or at actual costs, as identified in the Task Order. Airfare will be billed at cost with coach airfare only, no first class or business class. Lodging must be reasonable. ARRC will not pay for alcohol, valet parking, or expenses it considers to be exorbitant. No mark-up shall be included on ODCs unless otherwise approved in the Task Order Scope of Work. Allowable costs will be included in Appendix C of the Agreement.

11. 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 RFQ. By submitting a proposal in response to this RFQ, each firm acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of this RFQ, and/or any communication, statement, act or omission by representatives of ARRC (including Contractors) in the selection process, shall not vest any right, privilege, or right of action in any Offeror.

12. Exceptions to Terms and Conditions

Any contract resulting from this solicitation shall incorporate the General Terms and Conditions contained in this solicitation package. Each Offeror shall indicate all exceptions to terms and conditions, of this solicitation individually in its proposal. 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.

13. 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.

14. Qualifications of Offerors

Minimum Qualifications:

Offeror must have minimum of 5 years’ experience providing the services similar in scope and size of this project.

General Qualifications:

Offerors will be evaluated by ARRC based upon their experience in performing the services requested, financial stability, appropriate personnel, responsiveness, technical knowledge and general organization. ARRC reserves the right to take any actions it deems necessary to determine if Offerors have the ability to perform the services outlined in the Scope of Work in a satisfactory manner. Such actions will include an evaluation of the Offeror’s qualifications and references prior to Contract Award.

Offerors may be disqualified, and their Proposals rejected, for any reason deemed appropriate by ARRC including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) Evidence of collusion between an Offeror and any other Offeror(s).

(b) An unsatisfactory performance record on prior projects for ARRC, or any other organization.

(c) The appearance of financial instability (in the opinion of ARRC) and/or evidence that Offeror may not be financially able to complete the work required by the Scope of Work in a satisfactory manner.

(d) If Offeror has failed to complete one or more public contracts in the past.

(e) If Offeror has been convicted of a crime arising from previous public contracts.

(f) If Offeror is not authorized to perform work in the State of Alaska.

15. Alaska Bidder’s Preference N/A Federal Funding

16. Contract Period

The contract shall be effective from contract execution for two years, with three one-year renewal options.

17. 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.

18. DBE Reports Firms are required to report 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.

19. Protests 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.

20. Alaska Business License.

Per AS 43.70.020(a) a business license is required for the privilege of engaging in a business in the State of Alaska.

An Alaska Business License is required of Contractors who do business in Alaska at time of award.

Information regarding applying for an Alaska Business License can be found on-line at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/BusinessLicensing.aspx or by calling 1-907-465-2550.

The business license must be in the name of the company under which the proposal is submitted.

http://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/BusinessLicensing.aspx

SECTION C

PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENT

Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) is requesting proposals from interested firms qualified to perform the work described in the Scope of Services. This is intended to be an unbiased evaluation. ARRC reserves the right to determine that proposed services will meet ARRC requirements. ARRC reserves the right to withdraw this RFQ, reject any and all proposals, advertise for new proposals, or accomplish the work by other means including issuing only some of the tasks defined in the Scope of Services above, that ARRC in its sole discretion, determines to be in its best interest. ARRC may request additional information from any firm to make a proposal responsive to this RFQ or otherwise obtain clarification or additional information that ARRC, in its sole discretion, deems necessary to analyze and compare proposals.

Proposals must be complete as to the requested information.

Failure to follow this format in a proposal or failure to include complete information as requested will result in a lower score and may result in rejection of the proposal.

Prepare a distinct Response for each criterion. Failure to respond directly to any criteria will result in an evaluation score of zero for that criteria. Acceptable Responses must be specific and directly related to the proposed Statement of Services. Marketing brochures, marketing resumes, and other non-project specific materials will be discarded without evaluation and should not be submitted.

Each criterion Response must be titled, numbered and assembled in the order in which the criteria are listed in Section D, so the criterion to which information applies shall be plainly evident. Material not so identified or assembled may be discarded without evaluation.

SECTION D

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The selection of a firm to perform the requested services will be made in accordance with Section E.

Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of advantages and disadvantages to ARRC using the criteria described in this Section.

ARRC reserves the right to select the top ranked firm(s) based solely on the scoring of the written proposals and to enter directly into negotiations with said firm. However, at its sole discretion, ARRC may require the highest ranked firms to make an oral presentation to the evaluation committee. In this event, oral presentations will be scheduled and held via video conference. 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. It is important that the primary individuals servicing the contract are present for this presentation. Scores obtained in the initial phase will not carry over to the presentation phase. Upon completion of the oral presentations, the evaluation committee will review the material presented and determine a ranking order for the firms interviewed.

DESCRIPTION WEIGHT

1. Objectives and Services, Methodology and Innovative Strategies for Project Delivery

1. Weight: 10

Describe your understanding of the objectives and challenges of this particular contract. Indicate why you believe it would be in ARRC's best interest to select your firm for this contract. Identify any distinct and substantive qualifications for undertaking the proposed services discussed in the contract.

Describe your approach and methodology for providing Marine Engineering services and ancillary services under a term agreement. Address how particular geographic familiarity, experience, and capabilities of your firm (Offeror and Proposed Subcontractors) and Project Staff might specifically contribute to the proposed methods. Identify the amount and type of work to be performed by any Subcontractors.

The projects to be accomplished under this term agreement may require an aggressive delivery schedule.

Describe your innovative strategies for accelerated project delivery of these services, and address how you will meet ARRC’s needs for a thoroughly complete and timely product.

2. Management 2. Weight: 10

Briefly describe your proposed management structure. Response should demonstrate a management structure appropriate for this term agreement. Describe your experience preparing accurate estimates and your proactive approach for monitoring and controlling budgets. Describe the administrative and operational structure that will be used to guide the development of projects under this term agreement. What will the lines of authority be? A graphic depiction is preferred in response to this criterion. Additionally, ARRC may want to inspect work products in progress and have a close ongoing working relationship with your Project Staff. Accordingly, your response should also identify where the various contract services will be performed, in proximity to the Contracting Agency’s office, and how communications will be maintained between your Project Staff, the Contracting Agency, and (as applicable) any other government agencies or the public.

3. Proposed Project Staff 3. Weight: 25 Response must name the individuals to perform the following FUNCTIONS plus any other professional/technical functions you deem essential to perform the services:

Describe the work to be performed by the individuals you name to perform essential functions and detail their specific qualifications and substantive experience directly related to the proposed contract. A response prepared specifically for this proposal is required. Marketing resumes often include non-relevant information which may detract from the evaluation of proposal. Lists of projects are not useful. Focus on individual's specific duties and responsibilities and how project experience is relevant to the proposed contract.

For each person named, identify their: employer, professional discipline or job classification and state of residency. List at least 3 professional references (contact persons and telephone numbers) for each person.

4. Workload and Resources 4. Weight: 15

Response must: (1) discuss both current and potential time commitments of your proposed Project Staff to all clients; (2) discuss the projected workload of each firm (Offeror and Proposed Subcontractors) for all clients; and

(3) demonstrate adequate support personnel, facilities and other resources to provide the services required.

Briefly address capabilities for providing additional services and/or services under an accelerated schedule.

Address capacity to reassign personnel, equipment and facilities whenever the TOs would not require such capabilities or was delayed.

5. Past Performance & Quality Control 5. Weight: 20

Response must describe previous projects the project team has worked on that are related in size and scope to this project.

Describe the dollar amount of the projects and a brief narrative of the successes of the projects. Address how the experience will help your team to perform under this contract. Provide references (contact name and phone number) for each project. Indicate which of the proposed firms and project staff was involved in each project.

ARRC reserves the right to investigate referenced projects, contact references and research other projects that the respondent has worked on.

Include in your response a description of your firm’s quality control process and how this process has affected the quality of your deliverables. Use specific examples.

Discuss your firm's methodology and plan to assure that schedules are maintained and that all work products are of the highest possible quality. Explain in detail what steps will be taken to review the documents throughout the design and prior to submittal to ARRC. Explain what steps will be taken to assure that the owners review comments are incorporated into the Design Study Report and Plans, Specifications, and Construction Cost Estimates.

1. Contract Management (contract compliance)

2. Project Management (single point-of-contact directly engaged in contract performance)

3. Civil Engineering*

4. Marine Engineering*

5. Marine Engineering Support Specialists

6. CAD Technicians

*All personnel acting in responsible charge for all Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying functions require an Alaska Registration and must be identified in your proposal.

6. Cost Management Plan and Risk Mitigation Strategy 6. Weight: 15

When soliciting Architect-Engineering (A/E) services, establishing clear and effective cost control criteria is essential to ensure that projects stay within budget, meet financial goals, and is completed efficiently.

Describe your firms cost management plan outlining how costs will be tracked and controlled throughout the design and construction phases for differing task orders. Include how your firm identifies, manages, and mitigates risks that could impact the project budget, including unexpected design or construction challenges. At a minimum, include contingency planning, proactive monitoring and elaborate on Budget Establishment, Tracking Tools, and Variance Analysis.

Explain how your firm provides oversight and cost control measures for any subconsultants. Elaborate on any process to include Performance Reviews and Cost Auditing.

Upon completion of the task order or the full project (if multiple task orders are issued for a project), the Contractor may be asked to submit a final cost reconciliation report detailing the actual costs compared to the original budget, including any deviations. Explain your firms experience reconciling proposed and actual costs.

7. Quality of Proposal 7. Weight: 5

Offerors do not respond to this criterion. Committee members will rate this criterion based on their perception of the clarity, completeness and presentation of submittal. Note: This criterion is NOT used to evaluate color, graphics or other visual techniques except as they may detract from legibility.

CONTRACT AWARD

Once the rankings of the firms have been established, the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) will determine the number of firms to proceed with for the award of term contracts. ARRC will initiate negotiations with the highest-ranked firm and continue with subsequent firms in ranked order until the required number of agreements has been secured to meet the desired number of contracts.

The number of contracts awarded is at ARRC’s discretion and will vary depending on the number of quality offers received and anticipated needs of ARRC.

If an agreement cannot be reached with a firm on contract terms, ARRC will terminate negotiations with that firm and commence negotiations with the next highest-ranked firm. This process will continue until the necessary agreements are finalized or until ARRC determines it is in its best interest to cancel the solicitation.

SECTION E

SELECTION PROCESS

Evaluation of Proposals

Proposals will be evaluated by a committee. Evaluation of responses to criteria set forth in Section D results in a numerical score for each proposal. Each criterion has an assigned weight for this RFQ which demonstrates its relative importance. The total of all weights is 100 (100%). Each one- percent weight equates to a range of 0-5 points per Evaluator. The maximum points (score) obtainable for any proposal is equal to the product of 500 multiplied by the number of Evaluators.

1. Scoring of proposals will be accomplished as follows:

1.1 Each Evaluator will individually read and rate each Offeror’s response to each criterion described in Section D - Technical Proposal. Ratings will be based solely on contents of proposal and in compliance with the ARRC’s Instructions for Evaluation Committee. Except as may be stated within any criterion description, a rating of “5” = Best Response from all Offerors; “4” to “1” = Progressively Less Responsive; “0” = Non-Responsive. Ratings are multiplied by the assigned weights for each criterion to obtain criteria scores.

1.2 After completion of individual ratings, 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.

1.3 After scoring Section D - Technical Proposal, criteria scores - Cost (if applicable), will be calculated based on criteria descriptions.

1.4 The total score for each Offeror 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 Offeror will be ranked first, next highest scored second, and etcetera.

2. Evaluators may discuss factual knowledge of, and may investigate Offerors’ 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 Contractor’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:

2.1 Provide written recommendations for consideration during contract negotiations;

2.2 Conduct discussions in accordance with paragraph 3, below.

3. The Committee may decide to conduct discussions (or “interviews”) with responsible Offerors whose proposals are determined to be reasonably susceptible of being selected for award for the purpose of clarification to assure full understanding of, and responsiveness to, the solicitation requirements. Offerors selected by the Committee for discussions may be permitted to submit Best and Final Offers (BAFO) for final Committee Evaluation. After discussions and any BAFO’s, Evaluators will determine the final scoring and ranking for contract negotiations by evaluating written and oral responses using only the criteria set forth in Section D.

4. All Offerors will be advised of the Offeror selected for negotiation and, after completion of negotiations, a Notice of Intent to Award will be provided to all Offerors. If contract negotiations are unsuccessful with Offeror(s) selected for negotiation, the Contracting Agency may either cancel the solicitation or negotiate with other Offerors in the order of ranking.

SECTION F

CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY QUESTIONNAIRE

PART I - INSTRUCTIONS

1. All Bidders/Offerors 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/Offeror 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 “Offeror” 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 Offeror’s responses; and Offeror 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 Offeror’s Proposal which is or may be construed as unfavorable to Offeror will not necessarily automatically result in a negative finding on the question of Offeror’s responsibility or a decision to terminate the contract if it is awarded to Offeror.

PART II - IDENTITY OF OFFEROR

1. Offeror's Full Legal Name:

2. The Offeror 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. Offeror's federal taxpayer identification number:

4. Offeror's Alaska business license number:

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

6. Offeror's legal address:

Telephone Number: ( )

7. Offeror’s local or authorized point of contract address:

Name: Title:

Address:

Telephone Number: ( ) Email:

8. How long has the Offeror been in business?

9. Has Offeror 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 Offeror 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 Offeror as prime contractor or joint venture.

Offeror need not provide more than three such descriptions.

YES □ NO □

2. Has the Offeror been awarded any private sector contracts within the last five years for the same or reasonably similar goods or services sought by this solicitation?