RFP 25-VSW-AUK-017 Water and Wastewater Improvements

The State of Alaska, specifically the Department of Environmental Conservation's Village Safe Water Program, is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP 25-VSW-AUK-017) for water and wastewater improvement designs in Alakanuk, Alaska. The procurement seeks a qualified engineering firm to develop two separate design projects: a surface water intake system and service connections to homes across the river. Key deliverables include Design Analysis Reports, comprehensive engineering drawings at 35%, 65%, 95%, and 100% completion stages, and all necessary permitting approvals. The project requires a project manager who is a licensed professional engineer in Alaska with a minimum of five years of project management experience and demonstrated expertise in water/wastewater system engineering design and construction administration. Proposals are due January 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM Alaska Standard Time, with a proposed performance period from April 1, 2025, through November 30, 2028. Construction timelines differ between the two design components, with the surface water intake design having a 6-month timeline and the home service design requiring 12 months. Interested contractors must register with procurement officer Evan Patterson via email to receive potential amendments, with failure to register potentially resulting in proposal rejection.

The procurement includes a 5-point preference for qualified minority firms and women's business enterprises, expanding opportunities for disadvantaged business entities. Funding for the project will be derived from multiple sources, including federal, state, Indian Health Service (IHS), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funds. The estimated contract value ranges between $200,000 and $250,000, with a payment structure consisting of a Firm Fixed Price for Phase I and Time and Expense for Phase II. Prospective bidders must demonstrate significant prior experience in designing and administering water and wastewater infrastructure projects in similar rural or remote Alaskan communities. The solicitation also includes provisions for ADA compliance, requiring interested parties with disabilities to contact the procurement officer at least 10 calendar days before the proposal closing date to arrange any necessary accommodations for proposal submission. Contractors should be prepared to navigate the complex regulatory environment associated with rural Alaskan infrastructure projects and demonstrate capability in integrating multiple funding sources and meeting diverse stakeholder requirements.