RFP 18-820-26 Division of Water Tongass Narrows Sampling

The State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Division of Water, is soliciting proposals through RFP 18-820-26 to conduct water-quality sampling and data management services in the Tongass Narrows watershed and marine waters. The contractor will be responsible for conducting 32 sample events across 8 predetermined locations from April 2026 through June 2028, collecting samples for fecal coliform, enterococcus, E. coli, metals (copper, nickel, zinc), ammonia-nitrogen, and microbial source tracking analysis, while also recording physical parameters including pH, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and salinity at each site. Key deliverables include a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), monthly progress reports and invoices, field data logs, laboratory analysis results, final data in Excel format with metadata documentation, and annual field reports with summary calculations. The contractor must utilize DEC-provided data management templates compatible with the Ambient Water Quality Monitoring System (AWQMS) and is responsible for field documentation, laboratory coordination, workspace, transportation, lodging, and per diem for sampling trips. Minimum qualification requirements mandate at least one year of experience leading environmental sampling in Alaska, two years collecting water quality samples, and one year working with environmental data management systems, along with a valid Alaska business license prior to the deadline. The evaluation criteria include experience and qualifications (50 points), understanding of the project (75 points), methodology (300 points), management plan (75 points), cost proposal (400 points), and Alaska Offeror Preference (100 points) for a total of 1,000 evaluation points. Proposals must be submitted by email by 1:00 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, with late proposals not considered, and contract award is estimated for the week of April 6, 2026.

The contract period extends through June 30, 2028, and will be structured as a Cost-Plus Fixed-Fee arrangement with payment tied to a negotiated monthly invoicing and progress reporting schedule. Bidders may qualify for Alaska Bidder Preference (5%), Alaska Veteran Preference (5%, not to exceed $5,000), or Alaska Military Skills Program Preference (2%, not to exceed $5,000), provided they hold a current Alaska business license, maintain a staffed place of business within Alaska for six months immediately preceding the bid deadline, and meet specific organizational and residency requirements. Professional liability insurance of $500,000 per claim/annual aggregate is required for contracts in this amount range, and all work must be performed in the United States. Prospective bidders must register with the Procurement Officer, Heather Zepp (DECDASPROCUREMENT@alaska.gov), if they did not receive the solicitation directly from the State, and must submit various required certifications including Offeror Information & Certifications, Certification Regarding Lobbying, Certification Regarding Debarment, and Drug-Free Workplace Certification. Vendors are required to register in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to award and payment on this federal-funding-related contract, with the Alaska Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) available to assist at (907) 274-7232 or 1-800-478-7232. The State has established a budget not to exceed $400,000 for the two-year contract period, with proposals exceeding this amount potentially deemed non-responsive.