Cartwright AML Project; 408.26.10.006

The State of North Dakota, acting through the North Dakota Public Service Commission's Abandoned Mine Lands Division, is soliciting proposals for engineering and construction services to permanently close an abandoned underground coal mine portal near Cartwright, North Dakota, with proposals due November 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. Offerors must be licensed Professional Engineers in North Dakota or demonstrate that a North Dakota-registered Professional Engineer will review and approve all designs and work, and must show a minimum of ten years of experience in slope stability analysis or geotechnical engineering. Bidders must provide performance and payment bonds equal to 100 percent of the total contract amount from sureties authorized to do business in North Dakota.

Scope covers site investigation, design, permitting, regulatory coordination, construction, record drawings, final reporting, and maintenance for two years after completion. The work must address tension cracks and a west slope failure that occurred between 2025 and 2026. The closure must withstand grout injection pressure delivered through 3-inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe, although grout injection is outside the current scope and may occur in the future. Optional mine void detection technology with detailed reporting is available as a value-added service. Davis-Bacon prevailing wages apply under General Decision ND20260039.

The contract is Firm Fixed Price with funds already appropriated, and payment is due within forty-five calendar days of invoice approval. The term runs December 1, 2026 through December 31, 2029, with an extension of up to twelve months and one option to renew for an additional twelve months. Construction is designated June 1 through August 31, 2027. The State will provide one project manager and one inspector. Evaluation allocates 80 points to technical proposals, with a minimum technical score of 40 required, and 20 points to cost proposals. Award goes to the most advantageous proposal based on combined scores.

Amendment 1, issued October 19, 2026, answers bidder questions, and a virtual tour is available in Attachment 6.