RFP 26-19-214572 Public Relations Services

P R S
UBLIC ELATIONS ERVICES
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
No. 26-19-214572
M 20, 2026
AY
ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION
327 WEST SHIP CREEK AVENUE
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501

May 20, 2026 ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION
327 W. Ship Creek Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501
PHONE: 907-265-8747
MOBILE: 907-885-1747
EMAIL: SAYS@AKRR.COM
BIDDER REGISTRATION SHEET FOR: Request for Proposal (RFP) # 26-19-214572, Public Relations
Services
Response Requested: This form must be completed and returned to ensure receipt of future addenda or
additional information. Email this form to: says@akrr.com. Addenda will be emailed to the contact listed below;
however, it is the responsibility of the Offeror to make sure they have received all addenda and have
acknowledged all addenda on their Service Bid Form.
Firms that have not returned this cover sheet will not be informed of addenda and will only be alerted to
addenda by checking with the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) Contract Administrator, or by
checking ARRC's Solicitations webpage located at:
https://www.alaskarailroad.com/corporate/procurement/solicitations
Offerors must acknowledge the receipt of all issued addendum(s) on their Service Bid Form.
Company: ______________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Contact: ______________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________________________________
Email: ______________________________________________________
Website: www.alaskarailroad.com

THIS IS NOT AN ORDER ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION
MAY 20, 2026 327 W. Ship Creek Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501
PHONE: 907-265-8747
MOBILE: 907-885-1747
EMAIL: SAYS@AKRR.COM
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) # 26-19-214572
The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) is soliciting proposals from interested Offerors for the following:
PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES
Proposals will be received until 3:00 PM local time on Thursday, June 18, 2026 via Dropbox.
One (1) electronic copy of your firm's proposal must be submitted using DropBox and the original proposal
will need to be mailed/delivered to ARRC's headquarters building as instructed in Section E - Proposal
information, Conditions, and Instructions of this solicitation.
It is the Offeror's responsibility to verify with the Contract Administrator that their proposal was received timely.
If your firm has restrictions on Dropbox submittals or you are not able to hand deliver the proposal package, you
must contact the ARRC Contract Administrator at least seven (7) days prior to the proposal due date to discuss
alternatives.
Proposals received by email transmission will not be considered for award. Proposals shall be submitted on the
forms furnished herein. Amendments or withdrawals must be received by ARRC's Supply Management Section
via Dropbox prior to the date and time listed above.
The ARRC may award a contract(s) resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror whose offer
conforming to this solicitation will be most advantageous to the ARRC.
ARRC may reject any or all offers if such action is in the best interest of ARRC, and waives informalities and
minor irregularities in offers received. ARRC may award a contract on the basis of initial offers without
discussions. Therefore, each initial offer should contain the Offeror's best terms from a cost or price and technical
standpoint. Any contract resulting from this solicitation shall incorporate ARRC's Standard Terms and Conditions
contained in this solicitation package.
This Request for Proposal is not to be construed as a commitment of any kind nor does it commit the ARRC to
pay for any cost incurred in the submission of an offer or for any other cost incurred prior to the execution of a
formal contract.
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Green Star recognizes organizations that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to reducing waste, preventing
pollution, and conserving energy. The railroad has repeatedly recertified the Green Star Award
and earned an additional Green Star Air Quality Award in 2007. In 2011, Green Star Inc. presented
the Alaska Railroad with its premier new "Super Nova Award" recognizing a higher level of
leadership and commitment to doing business in an environmentally responsible manner. ARRC
continues to pursue programs and initiatives that promote environmental stewardship.
Please direct all questions concerning this solicitation in writing to:
Sazil Say
Contract Administration Specialist
says@akrr.com
907.265.8747 office
907.885.1747 mobile
physical: 327 W. Ship Creek Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
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SOLICITATION CONTENTS
SECTION A INTRODUCTION
SECTION B MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
SECTION C SCOPE OF WORK
SECTION D SUBCONTRACTORS
SECTION E PROPOSAL INFORMATION, CONDITIONS, & INSTRUCTIONS
SECTION F PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENT
SECTION G EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
SECTION H COST PROPOSAL - FEE SHEDULE
SECTION I CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY QUESTIONNAIRE
SECTION J SERVICE BID FORM
SECTION K GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS (PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS)
SECTION L ALASKA AND VETERAN PREFERENCES
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SECTION A
INTRODUCTION
Company Background
The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) is a full-service railroad providing year-round passenger and freight
rail services in Alaska. ARRC operates and maintains over 500 miles of track, serving communities from the
ports of Seward and Whittier in Southcentral Alaska, north to Fairbanks and North Pole in the Interior.
Additionally, the ARRC owns approximately 36,000 acres of land used in operations or available for lease or
permit use.
The Alaska Railroad Corporation ("ARRC") is a non-stock government corporation that was established by
Alaska Statute 42.40 to own and operate the Alaska Railroad after the Railroad was transferred from federal
to state ownership in 1985 pursuant to the terms of the Alaska Railroad Transfer Act, 45 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.
The ARRC is an instrumentality of the State of Alaska within the Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development, but has a legal existence separate from and independent of the State. ARRC is
obligated to carry out its responsibilities on a self-sustaining basis without operating subsidies from the State.
The powers of the ARRC are vested in a seven-member Board of Directors, appointed by Alaska's Governor.
You can learn more about the Alaska Railroad Corporation by visiting www.alaskarailroad.com.
Project Overview and Purpose
The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) intends to award a contract for public relations (PR) services. The
objective of this contract is to support ARRC's communication goals by delivering strategic, high-quality PR
services that enhance the organization's public image, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and ensure
effective communication of initiatives and operations. The Contractor will collaborate closely with the
Marketing Communications Manager to manage day-to-day activities, maintain alignment with ARRC's
objectives, and ensure consistent, high-quality performance of all PR services.
The anticipated contract start date is September 1, 2026; however, the actual start date will be established
upon execution of the Contract.
Funding
The funding for this project is proposed to use ARRC Internal Funds.
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SECTION B
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered responsive, Offerors shall meet the following minimum experience requirements:
* The Offeror currently provides services generally equivalent to those requested in this RFP to at least
five other public or quasi-public agencies and/or private firms of similar size to the ARRC (including
assets); and
* The Offeror has provided services generally equivalent to those detailed in Scope of Services, for a
minimum of the past five consecutive calendar years.
An Offeror's failure to demonstrate they meet these minimum prior-experience requirements may cause their
proposal to be considered non-responsive and their proposal may be rejected.
Proposals from Firms that do not meet the above qualifications will not be considered.
Alaska Business License and Other Required Licenses
Offeror must possess all licenses and permits required by applicable federal, state, and local law to perform
the services described in the Scope of Work.
Prior to the award of a contract, an Offeror must hold a valid Alaska business license. However, in order to receive
the Alaska Bidder Preference and other related preferences (if applicable, see Section L), an Offeror must hold
a valid Alaska business license prior to the deadline for receipt of proposals.
If more information is required about these licenses, Offerors should contact the Department of Commerce,
Community and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing, PO
Box 110806, Juneau, Alaska 99811-0806 or visit their webpage.
Acceptable evidence that the Offeror possesses a valid Alaska business license may consist of any one of the
following:
* copy of an Alaska business license;
* certification on the proposal that the Offeror has a valid Alaska business license and has included the
license number in the proposal;
* a canceled check for the Alaska business license fee;
* a copy of the Alaska business license application with a receipt stamp from the state's occupational
licensing office; or
* a sworn and notarized statement that the Offeror has applied and paid for the Alaska business license.
Prior to the deadline for receipt of proposals, all offerors must hold any other necessary applicable professional
licenses required by Alaska Statute.
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SECTION C
SCOPE OF WORK
C.1 Period of Performance
The intent of this contract process is to provide ARRC with professional services for an initial two-year term with
the option to extend for three additional one-year terms. Contract shall not exceed five years including
extensions.
C.2 Scope of Services
The ARRC Corporate Affairs and Marketing Departments are responsible for planning and implementing all
internal and external public relations for the corporation. The ARRC is seeking a full-service firm to counsel and
assist in the research, development, implementation, and monitoring of its corporate and business media
relations. Plans and associated work performance must encompass a broad spectrum of forums and tools,
including traditional print and broadcast media, contemporary presentation formats (Prezi, small-format video,
etc.), digital and social media elements, as well as research, analytics and tracking results.
The firm may be required to research and create public relations elements to support those plans, such as annual
reports, press releases, media kits, digital materials, and other collateral items, corporate positioning and image
campaigns, employee communication programs, governmental or legislative information programs, media
relations, publicity and promotional support. The agency shall maintain confidentiality of the client's programs
and projects.
The firm will be required to provide a team for research, strategic planning, implementation, and tracking results.
Firm shall provide monthly tracking reports as directed by separate departments. The firm will monitor activities
of the team at least monthly in conjunction with monthly billing. Firms will provide separate reports and itemized
monthly bills to the Corporate Affairs and Marketing Departments.
Travel shall be performed only upon prior written approval by ARRC. All approved travel shall be reimbursed in
accordance with the requirements and limitations set forth in Section H - Cost Proposal.
C.3 Deliverables
Deliverables may include, but are not limited to:
C.3.1 Document Design, Editing, Publication, and Distribution
Working closely with ARRC staff the Contractor may be requested to:
* Design and produce promotional or collateral materials such as brochures, or newsletters
* Design, edit, and produce the annual report or other reports developed by ARRC for public
distribution
* Design, develop and prepare informational press packets or media releases
* Provide assistance in developing media to be used to promote ARRC for events
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C.3.2 Online Communications
* Provide assistance with the ARRC websites. Work may include:
Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring content for ARRC social media
o
channels
Assisting and providing feedback and recommendations for website enhancements
o
C.3.3 Strategic Communications Planning
* Identify and assist ARRC in pursuing cooperative promotional opportunities with other
government and nongovernment agencies at a state and community level
* Provide recommendations for promotional programs and informational campaigns
* Conduct market or program surveys or research
* Work with ARRC to determine the best strategy for educating their clients
* Provide recommendations and implement programs that would increase public awareness
through public information campaigns and special events on the various ARRC funded projects
* Assist as needed in preparing press releases or public presentation materials
C.3.4 Other Related Services
* Assist ARRC in soliciting goods or services for ancillary activities. events, or programs, which
may include the Annual Art Print or other initiatives
* Plan, execute and escort media on board trains in coordination with ARRC
* Provide Project Management for events and functions
* Assist in project planning, development and rollout
* Provide subcontractors when necessary to provide ARRC with high quality solutions in the areas
of web enhancements, function arrangements, developing graphics "charged graphics", assisting
with major revisions to text and revising content upon request, and supplying stock pictures
C.4 Task Order / Work Authorization
Services under this Contract shall be performed on an as-needed basis through the issuance of individual Task
Orders. No work shall be performed by the Contractor unless authorized in writing by ARRC.
Each Task Order will define the specific scope of work, deliverables, schedule, and any other project-specific
requirements. The Contractor shall not commence work until receipt of an executed Task Order or written
authorization from ARRC's designated representative.
For each Task Order, ARRC will establish deadlines for completion and provide direction regarding priorities and
required outputs. The Contractor shall be responsible for coordinating resources and performing the services in
accordance with the requirements established in each Task Order.
Compensation for services performed under each Task Order shall be established in accordance with the pricing
structure and requirements set forth in Section H - Cost Proposal.
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C.5 Functional Roles and Responsibilities
The functional roles described below are representative and not intended to be exhaustive. The Contractor may
propose additional roles or combine functions, as appropriate to meet Task Order requirements. These roles
correspond to the labor categories identified in the Cost Proposal (Section H).
Account Supervision: Provides executive-level oversight, including strategic planning, direction, and
evaluation of campaign plans and overall project performance.
Account Management: Serves as the primary point of contact for ARRC and is responsible for day-to-day
coordination and management of project activities.
Copy/Graphics/Direction/Development: Responsible for creative coordination, including content
development, design, and production of communications materials.
C.6 Cybersecurity and Data Protection Requirements
The Contractor shall ensure that all cybersecurity practices comply with applicable federal, state, and ARRC
policies, including any standards incorporated into this solicitation or subsequent Task Orders.
The Contractor shall protect all ARRC data, including confidential, sensitive, and personally identifiable
information, against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. The Contractor shall ensure
that such data is collected, stored, transmitted, and disposed of in a secure manner.
The Contractor may be held liable for costs, damages, or remedial actions resulting from cybersecurity
incidents caused by the Contractor's failure to comply with these requirements.
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