Gustavus Airport Terminal | Technical Brief | Gaya Capital
Proposal for IWA04 | Professional Services

Gustavus Airport
Terminal Replacement

Technical procurement brief for the design of the Gustavus Airport terminal building, parking facilities, and critical utility infrastructure.

Estimated Total Fee $751,463.00 USD
Proposal Date April 3, 2021
Awarding Body & Primary Stakeholders

The State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), Southcoast Region, serves as the primary awarding body for this infrastructure mandate. Governed by state procurement regulations and FAA requirements, the DOT&PF is responsible for the oversight of the Gustavus Airport Terminal Replacement (State Project No. SFAPT00350). The Agency's role involves managing the design-bid-build lifecycle, ensuring that the new terminal meets the demands of the regional aviation network while adhering to strict budgetary and environmental constraints.

IWA (Information Warfare Associates, Inc.): Serving as the prime consultant for Proposal IWA04, IWA provides specialized professional services including architectural design, civil engineering coordination, and project management. Their team is tasked with translating the DOT&PF's requirements into a functional, 21st-century aviation facility. Under the leadership of Principal-in-Charge Theodore Stiger, IWA manages a multidisciplinary team including DOWL for civil and environmental services and PND Engineers for structural and maritime expertise.

Support Entities: DOWL is responsible for civil engineering, surveying, and environmental assessments (NEPA/SWPPP). PND Engineers, Inc. provides structural engineering, essential for a facility that must withstand seismic activity and the unique environmental stressors of Southeast Alaska.

Comprehensive Project Description

The Gustavus Airport Terminal Replacement project is a multi-phase endeavor aimed at replacing the existing, aging terminal building with a modern facility capable of supporting increased passenger traffic and modern security protocols. The project site requires careful coordination to maintain active airport operations during construction.

  • New Terminal Building: Construction of a ground-up terminal facility featuring improved ticketing, baggage handling, passenger waiting areas, and administrative offices. The design prioritizes energy efficiency and durability in the Alaskan climate.
  • Site & Utility Infrastructure: The scope includes a new parking lot layout, access roads, and comprehensive utility upgrades — including installation of a new septic system, well water services, and advanced HVAC systems designed for the remote location.
  • Environmental & Regulatory Compliance: The project must adhere to FAA standards for aviation safety and security, including environmental mitigation strategies identified through the NEPA process and development of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
  • Seismic & Structural Engineering: Given the region's geological profile, the facility is engineered to meet high-tier seismic standards, ensuring the safety of passengers and staff during potential tectonic events.
Contract Value & Technical Evaluation
Fee Proposal Summary — IWA04
IWA (Prime Consultant)
$511,634.00
DOWL (Civil / Environmental)
$111,260.00
PND Engineers (Structural)
$128,569.00
Total Estimated Fee
$751,463.00

The technical evaluation for this award was conducted based on the criteria outlined in the DOT&PF's Request for Proposals (RFP). Key evaluative factors included:

  • Proposed Project Staff (20%): Evaluation of the qualifications of key personnel, including the Project Manager and Lead Architect. The team proposed 14 specialized staff members to cover all technical domains.
  • Management Plan (20%): Assessment of the proposer's ability to coordinate multiple sub-consultants and maintain a strict design schedule to meet FAA funding windows.
  • Methodology (20%): Review of the technical approach to site surveys, utility design, and terminal programming. The proposal emphasizes a design-bid-build methodology optimized for the Gustavus environment.
  • Experience & Quality Control (20%): Verification of the team's past performance on similar airport terminal projects across the State of Alaska.