Request for Proposals (RFP) 2026-1000-0185 As-Needed Feasibility Evaluation Services for ARR Carbon Offset Projects

Purpose:The State of Alaska seeks proposals from qualified contractors to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of developing Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) carbon offset projects on State lands. Offerors may also include supplemental evaluations of complementary carbon removal strategies such as biochar production and woody biomass burial.Budget:Estimated contract amount not to exceed $200,000. Services will be provided on an as-needed basis; no minimum or maximum work is guaranteed.Contract Term:Approximately two years, with completion expected by May 31, 2028.Right of First Negotiation (ROFN):The selected contractor will receive a 60-day exclusive negotiation period for potential project development services if the State elects to proceed based on feasibility findings. The ROFN does not obligate the State to award a contract.Scope of Work: Site screening and prioritization of candidate ARR project sites. Assessment of applicable carbon crediting methodologies (e.g., Verra, ACR, Gold Standard). Baseline and additionality analysis. Preliminary carbon potential estimates and project timelines. Market context and financial modeling. Risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Financing options analysis. Identification of environmental and social co-benefits and integration strategies.Deliverables:Comprehensive feasibility report, GIS-based site maps, methodology assessment, carbon potential estimates, market/economic analysis, risk matrix, financing options, and integration plan.Minimum Prior Experience:Offerors must demonstrate at least five years of experience conducting ARR feasibility studies or developing ARR carbon offset projects under recognized standards (e.g., Verra, ACR, Gold Standard).Pre-Proposal Teleconference:March 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM Alaska Time.Deadline for Questions:March 26, 2026, by 2:00 PM Alaska Time.Deadline for Proposals:April 06, 2026, by 2:00 PM Alaska Time.Evaluation Criteria (Total 100 Points): Experience & Technical Expertise (30%) Depth and relevance of experience in ARR feasibility evaluations and full-lifecycle project development under recognized carbon standards; capacity to deliver high-quality work and understanding of Alaska-specific conditions. Financial & Market Evaluation (10%) Effectiveness of approach to revenue modeling, cost and risk assessment, and insight into market demand for ARR credits. Deliverables & Communication (15%) Quality and clarity of proposed deliverables, practicality of timelines, and transparency in assumptions and methodologies. Funding Development Costs (15%)Ability to finance or structure funding for project development costs. Cost Proposal (20%) Evaluated based on the average hourly rate submitted in the cost proposal. The rate must reflect all-inclusive costs (labor, overhead, materials, travel, and profit). Alaska Offeror Preference (10%)Additional points for qualifying Alaska bidders under 2 AAC 12.260 Proposal Selection Proposals are evaluated by a committee selected by the Department of Natural Resources. The winning proposal is the highest score based on the evaluation criteria. A Notice of Intent to Award a Contract will be sent to all offerors. ADA: The State of Alaska complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids, services, and/or special modifications to submit a proposal should contact the DNR Procurement Section via; email to shawn.olsen@alaska.gov ; telephone at 1 (907) 269-8687; or TTY/TDD at 711 (Alaska Relay) not later than 10 calendar days prior to the proposal due date to make necessary arrangements.IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you receive this solicitation from the State's Online Public Notice website you must register with the DNR Procurement Section to receive subsequent addendums. Registration must be in writing and may be made via email to shawn.olsen@alaska.gov . Failure to register with the DNR Procurement Section may result in rejection of your offer.