Request for Letters of Interest - Data Center and Large Power User Siting on Borough Owned Lands

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB) Purchasing Division in Palmer, Alaska has issued a Request for Letters of Interest (RFI) soliciting non-binding expressions of interest from qualified entities regarding potential development, ground lease, or other lawful use of select MSB-owned lands for data centers and large power users. The procurement seeks interest in multiple facility types, including enterprise, colocation, and hyperscale data centers; high-performance computing (HPC) facilities; industrial or advanced manufacturing load centers; district energy or thermal energy users; and other energy-intensive facilities compatible with Borough land uses. Respondents must provide comprehensive information across eight key sections: respondent qualifications and experience; project description and facility type; power and utilities requirements; site requirements; preferred development and transaction models; development schedule; workforce and economic impact; and unique considerations or suggestions for future RFP/RFQ structure. The MSB maintains a diverse portfolio across four primary identified areas—Ayrshire North (2,563.69 acres), Fish Creek (3,435.34 acres), Goose Creek (2,646.47 acres), and Hollywood Road (1,230.82 acres)—offering regional advantages including competitive and scalable power availability, ambient cooling opportunities due to cold weather, access to fiber and telecommunications infrastructure, and proximity to transportation assets including highways, rail, and port facilities. The RFI, posted February 20, 2026, has a due date of June 1, 2027, with electronic submissions in PDF format not to exceed 25 pages excluding appendices to be sent to Rustin.Krafft@matsu.gov. The MSB also welcomes alternative communications through meetings with Borough staff to discuss submissions or questions.

This RFI is non-binding with no set-aside designations or organizational restrictions specified, meaning any qualified entity may submit an expression of interest. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified, and no award, contract, lease, sale, or other commitment will result directly from this RFI submission. The Borough intends to use information received to inform future competitive or non-competitive processes, conduct feasibility analyses, engage stakeholders, or advance land disposition options, meaning this solicitation functions as a market research and planning tool rather than a traditional procurement with guaranteed outcomes. All costs associated with responding are the sole responsibility of respondents, and responses may be subject to public disclosure under Alaska public records laws. The MSB, located 35 miles north of Anchorage with an estimated 2025 population of 111,752, offers business incentives including site development assistance, industrial revenue bond financing, tax increment financing, fast-track permitting, and property tax deferrals or graduated exemptions designed to reduce barriers and encourage capital investment and job creation. No specific budget range or award value is identified in the RFI, as this is a preliminary market-testing opportunity to gauge interest and gather information for future procurement activities.