Backcountry Safety Training

2026-11-03

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

Alaska

2026-03-27