November 21, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2023

University of Alaska to hear from public, provide procedure and strategy updates at Construction and Planning Listening Session

(FAIRBANKS) - The University of Alaska (Å®Óźϼ¯) is hosting a listening session for Alaska contracting and design companies as a part of an ongoing review of Å®Óźϼ¯â€™s design and construction contracting practices. The session will allow companies to provide first-hand feedback on what works well, and what could use improvement, as well as provide updates on ongoing process improvement.

The listening session will be held via Zoom from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28. Participants can register for the discussion with this .

Å®Óźϼ¯â€™s ultimate goal is to provide flexible options to the university construction departments, achieve maximum competitiveness, and receive good value for the university and its stewardship of State dollars.

The session aims to accomplish three major objectives:

  • Public Feedback - The university wants to hear how it can be a better partner with Alaska’s construction industry. In particular, they want to hear from businesses that do not currently contract with them to understand and identify barriers or concerns that prevent such partnerships.
  • Alternative Project Delivery Methods - Å®Óźϼ¯ Leadership will provide updates on guidelines to be used by construction departments to determine the appropriate project delivery method and the approval process. 
  • Deferred Maintenance Strategy Update - The university will also provide an update on a strategy it is pursuing for managing its backlog of deferred maintenance projects as well as investing in critical capital projects. Long-term capital planning allows for better project execution and predictable funding will strengthen the construction industry by allowing contractors to scale operations and support new job growth across the state.

Companies that are unable to attend or would prefer to provide written submissions, can email Å®Óźϼ¯'s Chief Procurement Officer Kara Axx at kaaxx@alaska.edu

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For more information, contact Jonathon Taylor, director of public affairs, at 907-350-0168 (cell) or jonathon.taylor@alaska.edu.