Tanana Chiefs Conference Infrastructure invites a qualified and experienced OSP engineer to design and engineer the installation of fiber optic networks in multiple communities.

Tanana Chiefs Conference has received a USDA ReConnect Round 3 award to deploy high-speed broadband connectivity to the communities of Evansville, Allakaket, Alatna, Hughes, and Huslia, referred to hereafter as the Koyukuk River Project. The Koyukuk River Project includes a FTTH distribution system with construction in each location listed above, as well as a combination of both microwave and fiber backhaul to existing fiber infrastructure at the Dalton Highway (milepost 118). The proposed network would consist of a fiber connection from Pump 5 to Evansville and then south along a historic sled trail to Allakaket, as well as a network of up to five microwave towers to bring high speed internet to the communities of Huslia and Hughes. The map below shows an approximate representation of the routing.

The awarded consultant will design and engineer the installation of fiber optic networks in these five communities, as well as middle-mile backhaul from existing point(s) of interconnection. Phase I will support the environmental review process, , Phase II will generate middle and last mile network designs for review by TCC and the operating telco, and Phase III will result in a construction bid package(s).

During Phase I, the engineering contractor shall provide fiber network routing, tower specifications and locations, disturbance quantities, and construction method information to support the NEPA document and permitting process, resulting in a 35% design. Multiple alternatives (microwave, terrestrial fiber, etc.) will be analyzed during the NEPA process to ensure the best solution is chosen for construction and the engineer should be prepared to support the alternatives analysis from a technical standpoint. There is also the consideration to utilize space and equipment from existing towers owned by SES for some of the transport from Allakaket to Huslia that the engineering will be asked to evaluate as an alternative to new tower construction.

During Phase II, the engineer shall develop a 65% design based on the results of the NEPA process and agency coordination and provide to TCC and the operating telco for review and comment.

Selection Process

An individual or firm may be selected based on the highest scoring proposal submitted, based on the following criteria: experience, team qualifications, resources, availability, and methodology. Final selection is anticipated by November 17, 2023. The selected consultant must be able to provide both an active business license and proof of insurance.