RFP NO. 26-03 – City of Saint Paul, Alaska

Request For Proposals For Advancing Critical Improvements at Saint Paul Harbor

March 16, 2026

Summary: As part of the City of Saint Paul’s (“City”) broader harbor improvement and expansion goals, grant funding has been secured for the planning, design, and preconstruction of two interrelated core components:

Component 1: Planning for City South Dock Renovation & New Berthing Dolphins

Component 2: Planning for City South Dock Utilities, Realignment of Harbor Road, Renovation & Expansion of City North Docks & Piers, and New & Relocated Harbor Master Office

The City issues this request for proposals (“RFP”) for a qualified engineering / consulting Firm (“Firm”) to provide design services, environmental review, survey work, and preparation of construction bid documents, among other tasks, for both Components. While this RFP is for planning multiple project components and includes several sources of funding, the City intends to negotiate and execute one contract with the selected Firm to perform the entire Scope of Work and complete all deliverables noted herein. This RFP includes preconstruction work, including 100% design with cost estimate, environmental review, and preparation of construction bid documents, for Component 2. This design work should be completed alongside the preliminary design for Component 1, as it is not contingent upon NEPA approval. Construction, installation, and long-term maintenance are not included in this RFP and will be procured under future contracts.

Bids will not be accepted without registration.

All notifications regarding RFPs, including changes, will be posted here and emailed only to registered vendors/firms.

Bids will not be accepted without registration. To be considered, proposals must be received via email no later than April 30, 2026 at 5:00pm Alaska Standard Time. Electronic proposals should be in a single PDF format and sent by email to pazavadil@stpaulak.com with the subject line “Bid to RFP 26-03.”

If you have any questions concerning this request, please contact Jodi Plante
at (907) 321-7663 or jodi@akml.org

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL SCHEDULE
Release of RFP:	March 16, 2026
Pre-Bid Question & Answer Conference	April 6, 2026 (10:00am AKST) via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89769381823?pwd=TeEKuKmV46NlLTB1RtMEQ0F65tsMCQ.1 Meeting ID: 897 6938 1823 Passcode: 968015
Questions & Clarification Deadline	April 9, 2026 (5:00pm AKST)
Proposals Due:	April 30, 2026 (5:00pm AKST)
Review & Selection of Firm	May 15, 2026
Negotiation of Contract	May 29, 2026

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Question and Answer section for RFP 26-03.

March 19, 2026

Q: We are closely looking at the RFP NO. 26-03, for Saint Paul Harbor and would like to see that sample contract if possible. There are several on the list of headings that would be good to look at (Sections 10, 12, 13, and 24 look like ones of particular interest). Can you please provide?

A: No, the City of Saint Paul does not have a sample contract to share.

Q: There is a requirement for Bid Bond in the RFP. Is that correct? This is something we usually see reserved for contractors, not engineering firms.①

A: We received this comment from more than one firm. The City decided to issue Amendment 1 on March 23, 2026 to remove the bid bond requirement from this RFP. (Revised 3/23/26)

March 20, 2026

Q: The RFP appears to be for professional services, not for a contractor. However, the grant applications that were attached both describe using design-build methodology. Is this a design-build procurement or is it for professional engineering/planning services under a design-bid-build approach?

A: This RFP is for professional engineering/planning services under a design-bid-build approach. See Section IV. Scope of Services, A. (page 9), and Section IX. Funding Agency Requirements (page 20, 2^nd paragraph).

Q: We respectfully request clarification regarding the evaluation and bonding requirements in this solicitation. The use of price as a selection criterion for A&E services on federally funded projects is generally not permitted. Federally funded projects typically require that selection of engineering and architecture firms be based upon the firms’ competency, qualifications, and experience rather than price (Brooks Act ─ 40 U.S.C. 1101 and 23 CFR 172.7).

A: The City confirmed with USDOT MARAD that the Brooks Act does not apply to PIDP or BUILD grant programs. It used to but they changed that in FY21. Certain FHWA projects (such as INFRA) do still reference Brooks Act. We are not required to consider price. It is acceptable that we can base selection on experience and negotiate price during contract negotiations.

Q: Can you please confirm whether the City of Saint Paul has determined if the solicitation is subject to federal procurement requirements for professional A&E services?

A: All federally funded grants come under BABAA and even thought this is a US DOT project, it utilizes EPA Best Practices Guide for Procurement Services. It is Attachment O in the RFP.

March 23, 2026

Q: Are the original construction documents for the South Dock concrete caisson available? I am specifically interested in the fabrication drawings showing the material properties and rebar schedule.

A: No, they are not available. Obtaining and reviewing historical drawings and details on the dock is expected to be part of the process for the selected firm.

Q: Our firm will not be submitting a proposal for the project due to the bid bond requirement. It is unusual for a professional services contract.

A: We received this comment from more than one firm. The City decided to issue Amendment 1 on March 23, 2026 to remove the bid bond requirement from this RFP.