The Department of Public Safety is seeking a qualified vendor to deliver Backcountry Safety Awareness training to the public. The project goals are: 1) Increase safety awareness among skiers, snowmachine riders, ATV riders, hikers, hunters, mountain bikers, fishermen and other outdoor recreationalists in Alaska’s backcountry areas. 2) Provide tuition-free classes to a target audience that would include audiences from elementary school-age children through adults. All classes will be open to the public in locations that are accessible to the public. Classes shall be provided in various regions of the state, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, MatanuskaSusitna Valley, Southeast Alaska, and Western Alaska villages. Emphasis should be given to areas that have a history of search and rescue emergencies. Training should be in a PowerPoint or similar format with audio and visual aids to provide engagement and consistency. Training must address: 1) Avalanche Awareness (brief overview) 2) ATV/ Snow-machine/ Boat Safety – Helmets, Personal Floatation Device (PFD), etc. (brief overview). 3) Communications / necessary electronics – What everyone should have. 4) Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) / Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)– what are the differences? 5) Recognizing the symptoms of hypothermia. 6) Basic components of survival – water, food, shelter, heat source, etc. 7) Signaling Devices, high visibility clothing, etc. 8) River / Creek Crossings – current, thin ice, etc. 9) Animals – Moose and predator dangers. 10) Filing a trip plan – emphasis on the DPS Wilderness Trip Plan form. 11) What to do if you become the subject of a SAR – emphasis on the large search areas in Alaska and limited resources to find you (you must be prepared to help yourself). In general, classes should be between 2-4 hours in length, although some may be shorter or longer depending on the needs of the target audience. In each term, a minimum of fifteen classes must be taught, however more are encouraged. Student evaluations must be completed and returned with each invoice. The Contractor is responsible for all advance coordination, including obtaining class space, advertising, training equipment and materials, notification to relevant user interest groups, etc
