PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Inter-Island Ferry Authority Invitation to Submit Proposals for Terminal Security Camera Systems

Click here for the PDF document of the RPF

Introduction & Background

The Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA) is a public transportation authority established to provide essential marine transportation services between Prince of Wales Island and Revillagigedo Island in Southeast Alaska. Since beginning operations in 2002, the IFA has operated a daily ferry service connecting island communities to regional hubs for medical care, education, employment, commerce, and government services. Serving a geographically remote region, the IFA plays a critical role in supporting quality of life and regional economic stability by ensuring reliable access to essential services.

The IFA operates within the public sector and is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for policy direction, fiscal oversight, and long-term planning. The organization works in close coordination with state and local partners while balancing the realities of weather-dependent operations, infrastructure maintenance, workforce needs, and evolving regulatory and funding environments. In recent years, the IFA has experienced shifts in its operating landscape, including an increased focus on long-term financial sustainability, capital planning, and governance effectiveness.

Currently, the IFA Board of Directors is seeking to engage a qualified professional consultant to facilitate a Board-level strategic planning process. The purpose of this engagement is to support the development of a practical, forward-looking Strategic Plan that clearly defines priorities, long-term goals, and governance-level focus areas. The Strategic Plan is intended to strengthen the Board’s oversight role, support effective policy direction, and provide a multi-year framework for aligning future decisions with the IFA’s mission and public service responsibilities. The IFA seeks a consultant with demonstrated experience working with public entities in complex operating environments who can provide structured facilitation, thoughtful analysis, and clear, actionable deliverables.

Proposed Services

The IFA is seeking a qualified consultant to design and facilitate a Board-level strategic planning process. The IFA is looking for a collaborative partner who can bring experience, structure, and professional judgment to support the Board of Directors in establishing clear priorities and long-term direction.

The consultant is expected to work closely with the Board to design a planning process that is thoughtful, efficient, and focused on governance-level outcomes. While the final approach and methodology may be proposed by the consultant, the IFA anticipates that the planning process will include core elements such as:

• Review of relevant background materials, including bylaws, policies, financial information, and operational summaries.
  • Assessment of internal and external factors affecting the IFA, such as funding conditions, infrastructure needs, workforce considerations, and community expectations.
  • Facilitation of one or more Board workshops or retreats (in-person or virtual) to support strategic discussion, alignment, and priority-setting.
  • Guidance in affirming or refining the IFA’s mission, vision, and guiding principles, as appropriate.
  • Development of strategic priorities, long-term goals, and governance-level focus areas.
  • Identification of high-level performance measures or indicators to support Board oversight.
  • Preparation of a clear, well-organized Strategic Plan document suitable for Board adoption.

The strategic planning process is intended to emphasize governance, policy direction, and long-range planning, while acknowledging key organizational considerations such as employee recruitment and retention and operational realities where relevant. The consultant should be able to clearly distinguish between Board-level responsibilities and management-level execution through effective Board governance, and to bring professional insight and experience to shape a process that best serves the IFA.

In addition to technical expertise, the IFA values a consultant who can foster productive discussion, collaboration, and consensus among Board members. Consultants are encouraged to propose alternative approaches or methodologies that meet or exceed the goals of clarity, practicality, and effective Board governance, and to bring professional insight and experience to shape a process that best serves the IFA.

Scheduling Relating to this Invitation

• RFP Issued: January 26, 2026
• Deadline to Submit Questions: February 5, 2026
• Proposals Due: February 20, 2026
• Management Review & Recommendation: March 2026
• Board Review: March 2026 – Board Meeting

The IFA reserves the right to modify this schedule as needed.

Responding to this Invitation

To be considered, vendors must submit a complete proposal including the following:

• A letter that introduces the consultant or firm to the IFA and describing qualifications and experience with Board-level strategic planning.
• Outline of proposed facilitation sessions, workshops, or retreats.
• Timeline for completion of services.
• Description of deliverables, including the final Strategic Plan.
• Proof of insurance and professional licensing, if applicable.
• Proposed budget, including optional services.

No Warranties, Guarantees, or Promises
No member of the Board of Directors, nor any employee of the IFA, nor any contract employee of the IFA, is authorized to make verbal assurances, commitments, warranties, guarantees, or promises to Vendors or anyone acting on behalf of any Vendor with respect to this invitation to submit bids and any resulting proposals. Any requests for information must be submitted in writing by the IFA. It is the sole responsibility of any Vendor submitting a proposal to conduct whatever due diligence that Vendor deems necessary.

Submit Responses:
By email: [email protected]

The deadline for submitting responses is 4:00 PM Alaska Time February 3, 2026.

For additional information please contact

Management & Board of Directors
Inter-Island Ferry Authority
[email protected] [email protected]

🌊 Travel Notice 🌊
Due to forecasted weather conditions, the Inter-Island Ferry Authority will not be sailing on Friday, September 26th.

The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to plan accordingly.

For schedule updates, please visit: [insert IFA website link]

— Inter-Island Ferry Authority

The Inter-Island Ferry Authority will operate temporary service between Ketchikan and Annette Bay (Metlakatla) from September 18 through October 26, 2025, covering the route typically served by the AMHS Lituya.

Scheduled Departure Times:

Depart Ketchikan — 11:30 AM

Arrive Metlakatla — 12:15 PM

Depart Metlakatla — 12:30 PM

Arrive Ketchikan — 1:15 PM

Passengers traveling with vehicles must arrive at the terminal 45 minutes prior to departure for staging.

Sailing Dates:
September 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, 28
October 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26

Reservations are strongly recommended. To book, please call (866) 308-4848 or visit our website.

We are pleased to provide this temporary service and appreciate the opportunity to assist the Metlakatla community.

Beginning in January 2025, the Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA) will implement a fare increase across all routes. This change reflects our commitment to strengthening the IFA’s service for the future by addressing rising operational costs, reducing reliance on state funding, and supporting essential community programs.

Why is the Fare Increase Necessary?

The fare increase will help the IFA:

• Reduce Dependence on State Funding: Fare adjustments allow us to rely less on fluctuating state support, creating a more resilient and stable operation.
• Address Rising Costs: Like many transportation services, the IFA faces increasing costs in areas such as fuel, vessel maintenance, and safety upgrades, all critical to keeping our ferries safe and dependable.
• Invest in Community Programs: The IFA proudly offers discounted fares for school trips, support for veterans, and additional programs benefiting our passengers and local communities. Fare revenue helps us maintain and expand these services.

Fare Contribution Breakdown

Every fare contributes to maintaining the quality and availability of our service. Here’s a breakdown of what your fare supports:

• Payroll and Staffing: Ensures competitive wages and consistent staffing levels, keeping ferry schedules running smoothly and efficiently.
• Safety and Maintenance Upgrades: Regular maintenance and safety checks are vital to providing safe, reliable journeys.
• Community Programs: Discounts and special rates, including 20% off for school trips, 50% disability discounts, and grants for veterans, are sustained through fare revenue.

Impact in Numbers:

Over the past five years, the IFA’s operational costs have increased steadily. However, our community programs, including the youth discount alone, provided over $120,000 in savings to schools between 2019 and 2024, benefiting over 16,000 school passengers. By adjusting fares, we can continue to offer these programs while remaining financially sustainable.

We are thrilled to announce that the Highly Rural Travel Grant for Veterans Traveling for Healthcare has been awarded to the State of Alaska once again! We are honored to continue offering this vital service to our veteran community.

Starting February 1st, we’ll be accepting walk-on fares and vehicle fares under this grant!

For Veterans traveling with an escort, make sure to obtain an authorization form from Forrest Powell, our dedicated Grant Administrator, at 907-334-0872 or [email protected].

It’s a privilege for us to provide this essential service to our veterans, and we can’t wait to welcome you all aboard soon.

Thank you for your service!

Click here for an appointment card

We are thrilled to announce that the Highly Rural Travel Grant for Veterans Traveling for Healthcare has been awarded to the State of Alaska once again! We are honored to continue offering this vital service to our veteran community.

Starting September 15th, we’ll be accepting walk-on fares under this grant. Please note that vehicle transport will be temporarily unavailable, but we’ll keep you updated as the year progresses regarding when vehicles will be allowed again.

For Veterans traveling with an escort, make sure to obtain a reauthorization form from Forrest Powell, our dedicated Grant Administrator, at 907-334-0872 or [email protected]. Because this is a new grant cycle, all of the FY2023 Escort Authorizations have expired. Please be sure to talk to Forrest to get those renewed before travel!

It’s a privilege for us to provide this essential service to our veterans, and we can’t wait to welcome you all aboard soon.

Thank you for your service!