Alaska Backcountry Outfitter-Guide Services

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The solicitation number W913E524Q0003 is being issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2024-02.

The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 713990 – All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries which has a size standard of $9M. This requirement is a Total Small Business Set-Aside in accordance with FAR 19.502-2.

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL)’s Biogeochemical Sciences Branch (BSB) in Fort Wainwright, Alaska requires a Contractor to provide backcountry outfitter-guide services working in the eastern Brooks Range of Alaska to float (using rafts with guides) sections of either the Canning or Shaviovik River starting in a mountainous region through to the coast of Alaska in late July 2024 or August 2024. CRREL requires the outfitter to provide services for six (6) scientists with scientific gear for approximately 5-10 days (pending guidance from the Contractor indicating normal float times) including normal float trip times plus extra time for enroute sampling events.

Requirement: The Contractor shall furnish all items necessary, including but not limited to all guides, rafts and rafting equipment, transportation, equipment, gear, safety equipment, operating supplies, and incidentals to perform outfitter-guide services to the Government.

The Contractor shall:

• Obtain permits with Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, State of Alaska, and the North Slope Borough for operation in the Eastern Brooks Range and obtain all the requisite permits needed for July 2024 – August 2024.

• Deliver float trip services with necessary science stops in the Brooks Range of Alaska on the Canning River or Shaviovik River.

• Provide all logistical solutions needed for the trip starting in Fairbanks Alaska to the Canning River or Shaviovik River, and then returning to Fairbanks Alaska.  CRREL also requires that the outfitter provide all the equipment (such as tents, boats, paddles, safety gear, etc.) and supplies required to shelter, transport, keep safe, and sustain the lives of the CRREL scientists in the this very remote area of Alaska.

• Provide emergency communication via satellite phones and mechanisms in the field to keep the phone charged / recharged.

• Provide guides that are familiar with bear safety and act as bear guards.

Please reference the attached RFQ for full details of the requirement as well as all applicable provisions and clauses. 

Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose offer represents the Best Value to the Government, in consideration of all factors. The following factors will be used to determine the most advantageous offeror to the Government: 1) technical capability to provide the requested services and materials in its entirety; 2) past experience; and 3) price.

A technically acceptable quote is one that clearly represents the ability to satisfy the minimum specified requirements outlined in Section C, Performance Work Statement (PWS), and the quote submission Instructions to Offerors outlined in Section L of the attached RFQ. The basis for award will be an acceptable offer, the price of which may not be the lowest.

FOB Destination: CRREL, Fort Wainwright, Alaska 99703.

Payment Terms: Net 30

Please provide responses to this notice, no later than Wednesday, 17 January 2024, 12:00 PM, Central Standard Time (CST) to:

Kim.D.Roberson@usace.army.mil

Telephone responses will not be accepted.

*Note: To be eligible for award of a Government contract, vendors must be actively registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), have no active exclusions, and complete representations and certifications. For more information, review the SAM website at https://www.sam.gov.