Ambler Access Project (AAP) Drilling Field Work RFP

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) is soliciting proposals through a Request for Proposals (RFP) for geotechnical drilling field work to support the Ambler Access Project in remote areas of Alaska. The scope of work encompasses six phases of drilling, coring, and permafrost investigations designed to obtain soil samples and subsurface data necessary for roadway, embankment, drainage, and bridge foundation design at multiple remote sites. Phase 1 involves winter geotechnical drilling and coring at large river crossings with 2-4 boreholes per location drilled to nominal depths of 100 feet, plus installation of thermistor wells at approximately 65 feet depth for permafrost characterization; Phase 2 includes clearing and site preparation for helicopter landing zones and drill pads; Phases 3-5 cover summer drilling at small/medium river crossings, material borrow sites, and cut-slope locations; and Phase 6 is optional laboratory analysis. Offerors must demonstrate a minimum of five years of documented experience in Arctic/permafrost geotechnical drilling, remote site operations, and regulatory compliance with Alaska Department of Natural Resources and Bureau of Land Management requirements, with this experience required through the firm's own background or dedicated key personnel rather than subcontractors. The proposal evaluation comprises 1,100 total available points: 600 points for qualifications including objectives and services, means and methods, proposed project staff, and past performance, and 400 points for cost, with an additional 100-point Alaska Offeror Preference if applicable. Proposals are due March 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time, with Phase 1 work anticipated to begin following contract award on March 27, 2026, and continuing through May 31, 2026. All questions must be submitted in writing to procurement@aidea.org, and offerors must register as plan holders on the AIDEA website at http://www.aideaaeaprocurement.org/ to receive addenda.

The contract structure is organized as a firm fixed price agreement with progress payments made upon completion of tasks and deliverables, with all phases requiring independent pricing and self-contained budgets including separate mobilization and demobilization costs, as subsequent phase authorizations are not guaranteed. The AIDEA anticipates an initial Phase 1 contract value between $20 million and $40 million, with subsequent phases authorized at AIDEA's discretion. Insurance requirements are substantial and include workers' compensation, commercial general liability at $10 million combined, commercial automobile liability at $1 million, professional liability at $1 million, and pollution liability at $5 million, with the Authority named as an additional insured on all policies. All work will occur on Bureau of Land Management, state, National Park Service, and private lands, with permits provided by AIDEA. An Alaska Offeror Preference of 100 points is available to qualifying offerors, representing a significant advantage in the competitive evaluation process. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids, services, or special modifications should contact the TTD number (907) 269-0473 no later than one week prior to the March 11, 2026, submittal date.