Design & Install Alaska Long Trail Gateway Sign at Matanuska River Park

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide professional design, fabrication, construction, and installation services for an Alaska Long Trail (AKLT) Gateway installation at Matanuska River Park & Campground (MRP) in Palmer, Alaska.

The project is funded through a grant intended to establish MRP as a visible and recognizable gateway to the Alaska Long Trail, improving visitor orientation, connectivity, interpretation, and trail identity.

The Borough anticipates the total contract value to be a firm fixed price under **$50,000**.

The selected contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, supervision, and incidentals necessary to complete the Alaska Long Trail Gateway installation.

Task 1: Site Assessment & Concept Development

• Conduct a site visit and evaluate conditions at Matanuska River Park & Campground.
• Coordinate with Borough staff regarding site constraints, utilities, visibility, circulation patterns, and visitor access.
• Develop a minimum of two conceptual design alternatives for review.
• Incorporate principles of accessibility, durability, visitor orientation, and long-term maintenance.

Task 2: Gateway Design

The contractor shall develop final construction-ready designs for the Gateway installation, including:

• Gateway structure(s) or monument feature(s).
• Interpretive and wayfinding components.
• Alaska Long Trail branding elements.
• Site-specific mapping and orientation information.
• Integration of Borough-provided content, logos, coordinates, and trail information.
• Structural and foundation details are appropriate for Alaska climatic conditions.

Task 3: AKLT and Mat-Su Borough Brand Compliance

All design work shall comply with the Alaska Long Trail Style Guide and Mat-Su Borough Branding. The contractor shall be responsible for obtaining any required brand approvals from Alaska Long Trail and Mat-Su Borough representatives.

Task 4: Fabrication

• Fabricate all Gateway components.
• Utilize materials suitable for year-round outdoor exposure in Alaska.
• Design for durability, vandal resistance, and minimal maintenance.
• Provide color-fast finishes resistant to UV degradation.

Task 5: Construction & Installation

• Prepare the site as required for installation.
• Install all foundations, mounting systems, signage, and structural components.
• Restore any disturbed areas to pre-construction conditions.
• Coordinate installation activities with Borough staff to minimize disruption to park operations.
• Provide final inspection and acceptance documentation.

Deliverables

• Site Assessment Summary and Concept Development
• Conceptual Design Alternatives
• Schematic Design (30% Design)
• Design Development (60% Design)
• Final Construction Documentation (100% Design)
• Installation Schedule
• Completed Gateway Installation
• Digital files of all graphics, maps, and design assets.
• Warranty information and maintenance recommendations.

The services of the Consultant shall be completed by **June 3, 2027**.

Proposals must be received through the Euna Procurement (MSB Procurement Portal) prior to the time fixed for closing date & time to be considered. Time of receipt will be determined by the MSB Procurement Portal.

Submissions received by mail, hand delivery, email, oral, or faxed will not be accepted and will not receive consideration.

The submittal page must be completed, signed (or eSignature) and returned with the proposal.

The Proposer whose proposal is accepted shall execute the Agreement and furnish the required insurance within five (5) working days after notice of Intent to Award is issued.

See Insurance Requirements in Sample Agreement, Section 27.

All public construction contracts exceeding $25,000 are subject to Alaska Statute 36.05.