Design Willow Emergency Services Building

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough in Alaska is seeking qualified architectural and engineering consultants to design a new emergency services facility in Willow, Alaska. The project involves constructing a modern, 15,000-square-foot consolidated complex to house fire, EMS, rescue, and administrative operations, replacing outdated and unsafe structures, including a condemned building. The facility will be situated on a 16.72-acre shared site with the Willow Community Center and will feature fire apparatus bays, ambulance bays, gear and locker rooms, offices, dormitories for up to eight staff members on 24-hour shifts, a kitchen, dining area, workout rooms, and specialized infrastructure such as an underground firewater tank meeting ISO standards and a 500 GPM pump for truck refilling. The design scope also includes evaluating existing utilities for capacity expansion and integrating site-specific features like septic systems and water wells, with detailed technical reports and site maps supporting the project. The solicitation, posted under number 26-087P, emphasizes a comprehensive, best-value evaluation process based on technical merit and presentation quality, with no explicit emphasis on cost. Proposals are due by December 5, 2025, and must be submitted electronically via the Bonfire procurement portal. The selection process involves a two-phase evaluation: first, assessing technical proposals based on project experience, proposed staff, methods, and management; second, evaluating presentations on design vision, stakeholder engagement, functionality, sustainability, and team dynamics. The contract period extends through December 31, 2028, with performance requirements including adherence to applicable codes, standards, and quality assurance protocols, such as field inspections, system testing, and detailed as-built documentation. The project also requires compliance with specific site work, drainage, and operation and maintenance standards, along with certifications certifying non-collusion, authorization, and non-debarment. Overall, the project aims to deliver a fully functional, sustainable, and compliant emergency services facility tailored to the community’s needs, supported by detailed technical reports, site maps, and design estimates.