Legislative Council awards Dawson Alaska up to $675,000 to renovate Capitol garage

The Alaska Legislative Council voted 8-0 on Aug. 25 to award Juneau-based Dawson Alaska Inc. up to $675,000 to renovate the Capitol parking garage in Juneau, according to draft minutes of the meeting. Alaska News first reported the award Aug. 26.

The work covers structural and drainage repairs, resurfacing of the upper parking deck, new concrete aprons, replacement parking stops and new striping. The Legislative Affairs Agency calls it a preventive project meant to extend the life of the garage. The engineer's estimate was about $824,000.

Under the request for proposals, work can start after the 35th Legislature's first regular session adjourns, expected in May 2027, and must be finished by Oct. 31, 2027. If a special session is called, the agency may pause the work and extend the deadline.

The agency issued the request May 18. Four contractors attended a required pre-proposal meeting, and two proposals came in by the Aug. 5 deadline, which an amendment had pushed back from July 31. A proposal evaluation committee scored Dawson at 961.67 points and Island Contractors Inc. of Douglas at 704.68, Procurement Officer JC Kestel told the council, and recommended Dawson.

The council discussed the proposals in a closed executive session, because they stay confidential until the agency announces its choice, then voted in public. No member asked questions.

The agency issued a notice of intent to award the same day. It gave offerors 10 calendar days to protest and told Dawson not to start work until it receives a formal contract or notice.