Palmer Courthouse Expansion Construction

The Alaska Court System is conducting a two-phase sealed bidding procurement for the renovation and expansion of the Palmer Courthouse located at 515 East Dahlia Avenue, Palmer, Alaska. This multi-step competitive bid process requires simultaneous submission of unpriced technical offers and priced bids in separate sealed envelopes, with price evaluation limited to bidders whose technical proposals are deemed acceptable. The scope of work encompasses four construction phases: renovation of the Palmer State Office Building basement to create a Grand Jury Room and staff offices; construction of a new modular structure to house a Jury Assembly Room accommodating 70 occupants; renovation of existing spaces into a new District Courtroom with chambers and two hybrid courtrooms; and renovation of offices into Superior Court Chamber Space with electrical floor boxes and minor building modifications. The project involves comprehensive renovation and new construction including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection systems, interior finishes, millwork, casework, partition assemblies, acoustic treatments, and stormwater management infrastructure utilizing an infiltration drywell system. Bidders must submit a detailed technical offer demonstrating understanding of project scope, existing site conditions, renovation constraints in an occupied facility, work sequencing, staffing and subcontractor coordination, and a preliminary phasing plan addressing construction zone separation, noise and dust mitigation, and maintenance of courthouse operations. A mandatory pre-bid meeting and site inspection is required on May 6, 2026 at 10:30 AM at the Palmer Courthouse lobby; the deadline for contractor questions is 10 calendar days prior to bid submission; sealed bids are due on May 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM; on-site work must commence no later than August 15, 2026; substantial completion is required within 6.5 months of commencement; and final completion is due no later than October 31, 2027. Technical offer evaluation criteria include narrative demonstration of project understanding, preliminary phasing plan adequacy, references for three similar completed renovation projects in occupied facilities preferably involving public sector or justice system experience, and written confirmation of ability to meet all milestone schedules.

Alaska bidders may claim preferences up to 5 percent over the lowest non-resident bid if they meet residency and business licensing requirements, with additional preferences available for Alaskans with disabilities (10 percent), employment programs (15 percent), Alaska veterans (5 percent not to exceed $5,000), Alaska products, and recycled products. The contractor must perform at least 10 percent of total work with direct employees and comply with Alaska Davis-Bacon wage requirements. Special conditions require contractors to maintain continuous courthouse operations throughout construction, implement enhanced indoor air quality protection including dust-tight temporary partitions and negative air containment, comply with courthouse security procedures including background checks and badging, and obtain minimum 14 calendar days' advance written approval for any work requiring temporary closure of court-related spaces. Work in an actively occupied courthouse prohibits high-noise and vibration-producing activities during active court proceedings unless specifically approved in writing, and the owner may require such disruptive work be performed during evenings, weekends, or court recess periods at no additional cost. Required insurance includes minimum general liability of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 aggregate, workers' compensation, automobile liability of $1,000,000, and builder's risk insurance; performance and payment bonds equal to 100 percent of the contract amount are required; and bid security of 5 percent of the total bid amount in the form of a bid bond or certified check is mandatory. The estimated contract value is $4,950,000.00 for the base bid and all associated alternates, with all invoicing to be completed prior to June 30, 2027.