TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Tanana Ferry Service Feasibility and Cost Analysis Study
October 6, 2025
Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction....................................................................................................................3
II. Solicitation ......................................................................................................................3
III. Scope of Work ................................................................................................................3
IV. Minimum Requirements ...............................................................................................4
V. Selection Process ............................................................................................................4
VI. Selection Criteria ...........................................................................................................4
VII. Management ...................................................................................................................5
VIII. Term of Contract ...........................................................................................................5
X. Schedule ..........................................................................................................................5
XI. Terms and Conditions ...................................................................................................5
XII. Required Documents ...................................................................................................10
Request for Proposal
Tanana Ferry Service Feasibility & Cost Analysis Study
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I. Introduction
Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC), organized as Dena’ Nena’ Henash or “Our Land
Speaks,” is a sovereign tribal consortium with a board of directors consisting of 42 Tribal
communities across Interior Alaska, representing 37 federally recognized tribes. TCC is
an Alaska Native non-profit corporation that provides health and social services for the
more than 18,000 Alaska Native people in the Interior Alaska region. TCC was formed
in 1962, but its history dates back over 100 years, when tribal chiefs from throughout the
region banded together to protect their Native land rights. TCC’s main office is in
Fairbanks, Alaska. TCC region covers 235,000 square miles of Interior Alaska, which is
equal to about 37 percent of the entire state. The region is divided into six sub-regions:
Yukon Koyukuk, Yukon Tanana, Lower Yukon, Upper Kuskokwim, Yukon Flats, and
Upper Tanana.
II. Solicitation
TCC Planning & Development invites qualified and experienced independent firms
and/or entities to develop the Tanana Chiefs Conference – Tanana Ferry Service & Cost
Analysis Study.
III. Scope of Work
The awarded firm will develop feasibility analysis on transit alternatives that may
help reduce freight costs and facilitate year-round movement of people and goods
within the region and identify the necessary steps to developing the supporting
infrastructure and operations for such a system. The feasibility study will document
existing environmental conditions, identify possible on-land and water crossing
options, facilitate stakeholder workshops for feedback, complete cost analysis for
maintenance and operations of any services provided by TCC, funding options, and
outline recommendations for an implementation plan.
The Scope of Work shall include but not be limited to:
Task 1 Project Kickoff
December 1, 2025
November 7, 2025–
a. Notice of Award – Kick Off Meeting
b. Contract start
c. Set up Technical Advisory Committee – Committee will include a
representative from the Tribe, TCC, and any other relevant entities that
will meet on a monthly basis to discuss the project.
d. Final Scope, Schedule, and Budget Development
e. Completion of Project Management and Work Plan
f. Feasibility Study Kick Off with Communities and Stakeholders (1 initial
meeting) to discuss the scope of the project
Task 2: Cost Analysis and Feasibility Study Development December 1,
Request for Proposal
Tanana Ferry Service Feasibility & Cost Analysis Study
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2025 – July 30, 2026
Project will evaluate the cost of purchasing and maintain vehicles, landing graft,
full life-cycle costs of operating a transit service, construction of any potential
equipment garage, and determine the maintenance cost burden to the Tribe as
well as the region if other partners are included.
Task 3: Draft Study Engagement
30, 2026
July 30, 2026 -September
Contractor will host a second stakeholder meeting to present on findings, cost
analysis and alternatives. Comments and feedback will be incorporated into the
final feasibility and cost analysis study. Recommendations for the next steps are
identified.
Task 4: Finalize Feasibility and Cost Analysis Study October 1, 2026 -
December 31, 2026
Cost analysis study can be adopted and closed out award with Denali
Commission. Documentation of best practices and close-out report is provided,
and all deliverables will be provided to TCC, Tribe and Denali Commission.
Each bidder shall thoroughly examine the contract documents. The failure or
neglect of a bidder to receive or examine any contract document or any part thereof
shall in no way relieve it from any obligations with respect to its quote or to the
service contract. No claim for additional compensation shall be allowed which is
based upon a lack of knowledge of any contract document.
Deliverables:
1. 2 Stakeholder Meetings in Tanana
2. Monthly Technical Advisory Committee Meetings
3. Draft and Final Feasibility and Cost Analysis Study
IV. Minimum Requirements
There are no minimum requirements for this position.
V. Selection Process
Selection will be made through a competitive process based on the most responsive bid
meeting the requirements listed above.
Upon selection, proof of insurance and current business licenses are required to be
provided
VI. Selection Criteria
• Methodology: Clear, well-defined work plan and timeline. Innovative and
efficient approach. Risk management and mitigation strategies. – Maximum 25
Points
• Experience & Qualifications: Lists relevant organizational and staff experience.
Request for Proposal
Tanana Ferry Service Feasibility & Cost Analysis Study
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Contractors ability and history of meeting projects with a similar scope of work and
requirements. Lists Contractor lists history of working with rural Alaskan tribes and
TCC tribes, if applicable – Maximum 25 Points
• Understanding: Contractors ability to clearly demonstrate an understanding of the
project scope, identify pertinent issues and potential problems related to the project.
– Maximum 20 Points
• Project Management – Describe the team organization, project lines of authority,
duties assigned to team members, and estimated time allocation for team members.
– Maximum 15 Points
• Cost – Proposed fixed-fee for all services. – Maximum 15 Points. A Ten percent
(10%) preference (for evaluation only) to overall cost shall be applied to AN/AI
owned businesses. Appendix A must be signed and submitted with proposal to
receive this preference.
VII. Management
Planning & Development Manager, or designee, will manage this contract for TCC. If a
party changes its contract manager, then the party will notify the other in writing of this
change.
VIII. Term of Contract
Subject to Section 7. Termination in the Terms and Conditions, the Services shall start
upon receiving a fully signed agreement (approximately December 1st, 2025) and shall
end December 31, 2026.
IX. Payment
Payment shall be made no later than Thirty (30) days for undisputed services after TCC
receives properly prepared invoice. A valid Tax Identification number must be provided
to TCC prior to any payment being made.
X. Schedule
The anticipated project schedule is as follows.
Deadline to submit Proposals
Issue Notice of Intent to Award (NOITA)
Execute Contract /Notice to Proceed
Contract End Date
November 1, 2025
November 7, 2025
December 1, 2025
December 31, 2026
All dates are approximate and contingent upon the completion of previous activities.
XI. Terms and Conditions
1. Waiver of Minor Informalities.
TCC expressly reserves the right to waive minor informalities, negotiate changes or
reject any and all quotes and to not award the proposed contract, if in its best interest.
“Minor informalities” means matters of form rather than substance which are evident
from the submittal or are insignificant matters that have negligible effect on price,
quantity, quality, delivery or contractual conditions and can be waived or corrected
Request for Proposal
Tanana Ferry Service Feasibility & Cost Analysis Study
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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
