ITB 26-13-214320 Seward Freight Dock Expansion Fender System

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) 26-13-214320 for the fabrication and delivery of six marine fender systems for the Seward Freight Dock Extension project located in the Kenai Peninsula Borough. The procurement requires sealed bids to be received by 3:00 p.m. local time on April 7, 2026, at ARRC's Anchorage office, with public bid opening occurring at that same time. Bidders must fabricate fender systems according to a comprehensive seven-sheet technical drawing package issued on March 3, 2026, by PN/MK Engineering, which includes detailed specifications for ultra-high-molecular-weight (UHMW) fender panels, attachment mechanisms in multiple configurations (stud mount, tee-slot mount, bolt mount, and clamp), bearing plates, and specialized components such as pile shackle plates. Bidders are required to submit detailed shop plans, material certifications, fabricator certifications, and documentation demonstrating compliance with applicable requirements, with completed fender systems to be delivered to the Port of Seward with a minimum of four weeks' notice prior to delivery and an expected delivery date before October 15, 2026. Minimum bidder qualifications include being an original manufacturer, authorized distributor maintaining inventory, or possessing five years of documented experience fabricating marine fender systems or comparable engineered marine protection products, along with demonstrated financial ability through audited financial statements. The contract term extends from ten calendar days after award through project completion, with performance expected to commence within ten days of the Notice to Proceed, and pricing must be quoted on an F.O.B. Port of Seward, Alaska basis using the provided Cost Schedule form.

The project is funded in part by MARAD (Maritime Administration), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and ARRC, making it subject to comprehensive federal procurement requirements including Buy America compliance certifications, Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements, debarment verification, and civil rights compliance obligations. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program participation is encouraged at the contractor's discretion but does not appear to be mandated as a set-aside. The solicitation documents do not identify any incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing infrastructure requiring integration, as this represents new fabrication and installation work for the dock expansion project. Payment is structured in three phases: 10 percent upon approval of submittals, 40 percent upon approval of fabrication and quality reports, and 50 percent upon acceptance of delivered fenders. Specific contract award values or budget ranges are not disclosed in the available solicitation materials. ARRC reserves the right to reject any and all bids and will award the contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder whose offer is most advantageous to ARRC.