R--DENALI COMMISSION: STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 0003 to Solicitation 140D0426R0022, effective January 23, 2026. It modifies the solicitation as described in Item 14.

• The solicitation number is 140D0426R0022.

• The effective date of this amendment is January 23, 2026.

• Item 11 indicates that this amendment applies to the solicitation and extends the hour and date specified for receipt of offers.

• The subject matter of the amendment is "DENALI COMMISSION: Strategic Planning Report".

• Proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall be received no later than 2:00 PM current Eastern Time, February 19, 2026.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to Bridgette Ornelas at bridgette_ornelas@ibc.doi.gov.

• The subject line of the email must include the solicitation number 140D0426R0022.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Amendment 0003 for Solicitation 140D0426R0022, concerning the Denali Commission's Strategic Planning Report requirement.

• Service Type: The PWS uses "subscription-based service" to indicate a need for both a data subscription with analyst access and separate consulting services to prepare reports, not just a software product.
• Pricing: Pricing for option years is not assumed to remain the same as the base year. The Solicitation and Pricing Worksheet require individual pricing for each option year.
• Reports: Seven detailed reports are required annually. Topics will be refined during weekly meetings based on Commission priorities, not pre-set. These are separate deliverables and do not combine into a single annual Comprehensive Plan report.
• Report Users: Denali Leadership are the primary users, but reports may also inform external stakeholders.
• Prior Plan: The linked FY23-27 Strategic Plan is the current plan being replaced. This new requirement focuses on providing ongoing strategic input into operations and capabilities through data-driven insights on a weekly and monthly basis.

These clarifications refine the understanding of service requirements, pricing structure, deliverable details, and the relationship to the existing strategic plan, impacting how bidders should prepare their proposals and pricing.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for commercial items issued by the Department of the Interior (DOI) on behalf of the Denali Commission (Denali). The solicitation is for a contract to enter into a strategic planning report, utilizing FAR Parts 12, 13, and 19.5.

• The solicitation outlines requirements for weekly comprehensive strategic planning sessions and seven comprehensive reports and analysis.

• Optional site visits to Alaska and Washington, D.C. are included.

• The Performance Work Statement (PWS) is detailed in Attachment 1.

• The anticipated contract type is Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP).

• The period of performance includes a 12-month base period, followed by two (2) 12-month option periods. Up to six (6) additional one-month extensions may be exercised under FAR 52.217-8.

• Travel will be reimbursed at actual cost.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to Bridgette Ornelas at bridgette_ornelas@ibc.doi.gov by 2:00 PM current Eastern Time, February 19, 2026.

• Email attachments should be limited to 15MB; use separate emails if necessary.

• Questions must be submitted electronically in Excel format by 2:00 PM current Eastern Time, January 30, 2026.

• Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit and price. Technical merit is significantly more important than price. Non-price factors will be substantially more important than price.

• Price will be assessed for fairness, reasonableness, and compliance with submission requirements, but will not be scored or rated.

• This RFP is a total set-aside for small business concerns. Only proposals submitted by small business concerns will be accepted.

• Amendments 0002 (blue highlight) and 0003 (green highlight) are noted.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541690.

• The small business size standard is $19 Million.

• Offerors are encouraged to propose discounts.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions and answers related to Amendment 002 of the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation 140D0426R0022 for the Denali Commission's Strategic Planning Report. It clarifies several aspects of the solicitation to ensure accurate proposal submissions.

• NAICS Code and Size Standard: The correct NAICS code is 541690 ('Other Scientific and Technical Consulting') with a $19 million size standard. FAR 52.219-1(b) has been updated to reflect this.
• Contract Type: The contract will be Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) overall, with separate Time and Material CLINs for travel, which is permissible under FAR.
• Proposal Due Date: The proposal due date is confirmed as February 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time, as updated in Amendment 1 and verified by Amendment 2.
• Period of Performance: The Period of Performance will commence upon contract award.
• FAR Clauses: Specific FAR clauses (52.203-5, 52.203-6, 52.203-7, 52.222-4) are included despite the solicitation being under FAR Part 13, as stated in the RFP.
• Proposal Validity: Proposals must be valid for 90 days, and Section 4.1 has been revised accordingly.
• Certifications & Representations: These should be submitted with Volume II – Price/Administrative submission and do not count against the Volume I technical page limit.
• Proposal Submission: Both Volume I and Volume II should be submitted together in a single email to bridgette_ornelas@ibc.doi.gov, with the solicitation number in the subject line.
• Price Evaluation: Price will not be scored or rated but will be evaluated for fairness, reasonableness, and compliance. Technical factors are more important than price in the best value determination.
• Non-Disclosure Agreement: Attachment 4 (NDA) does not need to be completed or submitted with the proposal; it is required after award.
• Travel CLINs (CLINs 30, 130, 230): The RFP and pricing template have been updated to reflect requirements for up to two site visits to Alaska and two to Washington D.C. Offerors must provide estimated travel costs based on their location, which will be used to establish a Not-To-Exceed (NTE) amount. Trip duration may be assumed to be generally not exceed four days. Quantity has been removed from the pricing sheet to allow flexibility, but the total amount should reflect realistic travel costs. This CLIN is for travel costs only, not labor hours.
• CLINs 10, 110, 210: Prices should be proposed as annual costs.
• Collaboration with Russia: Collaboration with Russia is required as identified in the PWS, subject to change based on security dynamics.

Several sections of the RFP have been updated to reflect these clarifications, including proposal due dates, NAICS codes, proposal validity periods, and submission instructions. Offerors should review the updated RFP and associated documents carefully.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for commercial items issued by the Department of the Interior (DOI) on behalf of the Denali Commission. The purpose is to enter into a contract for strategic planning report services.

• Weekly Comprehensive Strategic Planning Sessions (Firm-Fixed Price)

• Seven Comprehensive Reports and Analysis (Firm-Fixed Price)

• Optional site visits to Alaska and Washington, D.C. (Time and Materials; Not-to-Exceed)

• The Performance Work Statement (PWS) is detailed in Attachment 1.

• Anticipated Award Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract.

• Period of Performance: 12-month base period, with two (2) 12-month option periods. Up to six (6) additional one-month extensions may be exercised under FAR 52.217-8.

• Place of Performance: Remote work is permitted, complying with Government policies.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically via email by 2:00 PM Eastern Time, February 17, 2026.

• Questions must be submitted via email in Excel format (Attachment 3 Q&A Spreadsheet) by 2:00 PM Eastern Time, January 30, 2026.

• Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit and price. Technical merit is significantly more important than price. Non-price factors will be substantially more important than price.

• The evaluation criteria for the technical proposal include: Factor A (Technical Approach and Methodology) and Factor B (Specialized Capabilities and Experience).

• Price will be assessed for fairness, reasonableness, and compliance with submission requirements, but will not be scored or rated.

• This RFP is a total set-aside for small business concerns. Only proposals from small business concerns will be accepted.

• The solicitation number is 140D0426R0022.

• Email submissions should be limited to 15MB per email; use separate emails if necessary.

• Offerors are encouraged to propose discounts.

• All completed FAR/solicitation certifications and representations must be submitted with Volume II – Price/Administrative as a separate file labeled “Certs_and_Reps.”

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel pricing template provided as an attachment to the solicitation. Vendors are instructed to use this template to provide a complete and accurate price proposal. It allows for updates using formulas or additional information as deemed necessary by the bidder. Vendors must double-check all formulas to ensure accuracy.

• Overview Sheet: Outlines CLINs for Base Period and Option Years 1 & 2, including Weekly Comprehensive Strategic Planning Sessions, Seven Comprehensive Reports and Analysis, and optional site visits. It includes fields for Price, Quantity, and Total. It also notes that pricing amendments are marked with blue highlight.
• Base Period, Option Period 1, Option Period 2 Sheets: These sheets detail the CLINs, descriptions, prices, quantities, and totals for each contract period. They also include sections for Government Labor Categories, Labor Rate, Discount, Final Rate, Total Hours, Total Labor Cost, and SCLS/SCA applicability. A note clarifies that while the contract is Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), labor rates are used for evaluation to ensure fairness and reasonableness.

This pricing template is critical for bidders to accurately formulate and submit their price proposals. It defines the structure for pricing services and deliverables across the base period and option years, including specific CLINs and types of services. The inclusion of labor rate fields, even for FFP contracts, indicates a focus on the reasonableness of proposed costs during the evaluation process.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 0002 to Solicitation 140D0426R0022. The effective date of this amendment is January 23, 2026.

• Item 11: This item applies to amendments of solicitations. It indicates that the solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14, and the hour and date for receipt of offers is extended. Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment.

• Item 14: Description of Amendment/Modification - This section references a continuation sheet for details.

• The continuation sheet (Page 2 of 2) specifies that proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall be received no later than 2:00 PM current Eastern Time, February 17, 2026.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to Bridgette Ornelas at bridgette_ornelas@ibc.doi.gov.

• The subject line of the email must include the solicitation number 140D0426R0022.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 0001 to Solicitation 140D0426R0022, effective January 23, 2026. It serves to modify the solicitation.

• Item 9A: Amendment of Solicitation Number is confirmed as 140D0426R0022.
• Item 9B: The date associated with the solicitation is 01/23/2026.
• Item 11: This item applies to amendments of solicitations and indicates that the solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. It also states that the hour and date specified for receipt of offers is extended.
• Item 14: The description indicates "DENALI COMMISSION: Strategic Planning Report" and directs the reader to "Please see the attached solicitation and related attachments."

This amendment extends the hour and date specified for the receipt of offers. Offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment. Failure to do so may result in rejection of the offer. If an offeror wishes to change a previously submitted offer, they may do so via letter or electronic communication referencing the solicitation and amendment numbers, provided it is received prior to the opening hour and date.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines a Performance Work Statement (PWS) for a Geopolitical Intelligence service to support the Denali Commission's strategic planning, situational awareness, and mission execution in Alaska and the Arctic. The service aims to provide timely, expert analysis of global geopolitical developments, emerging threats, and strategic trends relevant to the Commission's operational environment.

• Provide data-driven assessments of partnerships with indigenous communities and international counterparts.

• Deliver reports on cooperative efforts between Alaska Native communities and the military regarding environmental challenges.

• Proactively prepare for emerging threats and capitalize on new opportunities driven by global dynamics and technology.

• Assess the need for resources to address climate change impacts on infrastructure and ecosystems.

• Identify opportunities for deep collaboration and partnerships to address threats and create new opportunities.

• Provide practical and actionable recommendations for implementing the President's National Strategy for the Arctic and Executive Orders.

• Focus on bulk fuel programs, energy security, and resilience in energy grids, transportation, and technology & innovation.

• Attend 1-hour weekly Strategic Planning Sessions.

• Deliver seven (7) detailed Strategic Planning/Advisory Reports (approx. 15-25 pages each) with graphics.

• First report due within 60 days of contract award; subsequent reports due within 45-60 days.

• Period of Performance: 12-month Base with two 12-month Option Years.

• Place of Performance: Remote work is permitted; contractor must adhere to government policies for virtual work. In-person meetings may be required in Alaska and Washington, D.C.

• Firm-fixed-price award anticipated.

• Key personnel are subject to government review and potential substitution.

• All agreements and modifications must be formalized by the Contracting Officer (CO).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel pricing template provided for vendors to submit their price proposals. It includes instructions for vendors on how to update the spreadsheet and ensure accuracy in their quoted pricing.

• Instructions for Vendors: Vendors are instructed to update the spreadsheet using formulas or add necessary information for a complete and accurate price proposal. They must double-check all formulas.
• Pricing Structure: The template outlines pricing for a Base Period and two Option Years.
• Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs): Specific CLINs are provided for each item.
• Deliverables: Includes 'Weekly Comprehensive Strategic Planning Sessions' (Firm-Fixed Price), 'Seven Comprehensive Reports and Analysis' (Firm-Fixed Price), and 'Optional: Up to four (4) site visits to Alaska (AK) and Washington, D.C.' (Time and Materials; Not-to-Exceed).
• Labor Rates: For Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts, vendors must still provide labor rates per hour, discount percentages, and total hours. These rates will be used to verify that the proposed pricing is fair and reasonable.

This template is critical for bidders to accurately calculate and submit their pricing. It details the specific services and potential site visits for which pricing is required, broken down by contract period. The inclusion of labor rate fields, even for FFP contracts, indicates a need for detailed cost breakdown for evaluation purposes.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to vendor questions regarding the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for the DENALI COMMISSION: STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT (Solicitation # 140D0426R0022).

This Q&A spreadsheet addresses specific questions from contractors related to the solicitation. The document is structured with columns for:

• Document Type
• Section
• Clause/Paragraph Title
• Contractor's Question / Comment / Recommendation
• Government's Response (including Amendment #)

This document provides clarifications that may impact how bidders interpret requirements, prepare their proposals, or understand specific sections of the solicitation. Bidders should review the government's responses to ensure their understanding aligns with the contracting agency's intent.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for commercial items issued by the Department of the Interior (DOI) / Interior Business Center, Acquisition Services Directorate (AQD), on behalf of the Denali Commission (Denali). The solicitation is for a contract under FAR Parts 12, 13, and 19.5.

While the specific deliverables are detailed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) (Attachment 1), the CLINs indicate the following types of services:

• Weekly Comprehensive Strategic Planning Sessions (Firm-Fixed Price)

• Seven Comprehensive Reports and Analysis (Firm-Fixed Price)

• Optional site visits to Alaska (AK) and Washington, D.C. (Time and Materials; Not-to-Exceed)

• Contract Type: Anticipated Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP).

• Period of Performance: 12-month base period, followed by two (2) 12-month option periods. The Government may also exercise up to six (6) additional one-month extensions under FAR 52.217-8.

• Place of Performance: Remote work is permitted, complying with Government policies and regulations.

• Submission of Questions: Due by January 30, 2026, 2:00 PM current Eastern Time, via Excel spreadsheet (Attachment 3).

• Proposal Due Date: February 17, 2026, no later than 2:00 PM current Eastern Time.

• Proposal Format: Two volumes - Volume I (Technical) and Volume II (Price). Technical proposals are limited to 20 pages.

• Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit and price. Technical merit is significantly more important than price. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value, considering technical advantages that justify additional cost.

• This requirement is a total set-aside for small business concerns. Only proposals from small businesses will be considered for award.

• NAICS Code: 541690 “Other Scientific and Technical Consulting” with a small business size standard of $19 million.

• Offerors are strongly encouraged to propose discounts.

• Key personnel are required, and resumes must be submitted.

• Contractor performance evaluations will be conducted via CPARS.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Employee/Contractor Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) required as Attachment 4 to RFP 140D0426R002. It outlines the terms and conditions under which a contractor employee must protect government procurement sensitive information or proprietary business information encountered during the performance of the contract.

• Defines "procurement sensitive information" and "inside information."
• Prohibits disclosure of such information to unauthorized individuals, including other employees who have not signed the agreement.
• Requires use of information solely for official purposes related to the contract.
• Mandates reporting of any unauthorized disclosure.
• Contractor employees must certify they have read and understand the agreement and related policies (FAR 3.104 - Procurement Integrity).
• Agreement is binding during and for one year after the performance of duties.

Potential bidders should be aware that signing this Non-Disclosure Agreement will be a requirement for personnel involved in the "DENALI COMMISSION - STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT" contract. It signifies the importance of safeguarding sensitive information related to this procurement.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for commercial products and services. The specific procurement details, including the nature of the services or products, are to be found in the "Schedule of Supplies/Services" and related attachments.

• The "Schedule of Supplies/Services" block (Item 20) indicates a "Denali Commission: Strategic Planning Report." Specific details are referenced as being in "attached solicitation and related attachments."

• The solicitation number is 140D0426R0022.

• The issue date is January 23, 2026.

• The offer due date is February 6, 2026, at 1400 ES Local Time.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 541690, with a size standard of $19.

• The solicitation is set aside for Small Business (100.00%).

• Offers are requested via Request for Proposal (RFP).

• Standard clauses FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-5 are incorporated by reference and attached.

• Invoices should be submitted to the address shown in Block 18a, unless otherwise specified.

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business (100.00%).

• Offerors are instructed to complete blocks 12, 17, 23, and 30.

• The document references "attached solicitation and related attachments" for further details.