McNary Lock & Dam Spillway Infrastructure Upgrades
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Walla Walla District, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice for the McNary Lock & Dam Spillway Infrastructure Upgrades project. This initiative seeks to identify qualified business sources for comprehensive electrical and structural modernization at the McNary Dam in Umatilla/Benton Counties, Oregon. The primary goal is to replace aging infrastructure to support new, heavier spillway gantry cranes and gate hoists, and to determine if this requirement can be set aside. Responses are due by April 24, 2026, at 3:00 PM PST.
Scope of Work
The project involves significant upgrades to the spillway's electrical and structural components. Key areas include:
- Structural Upgrades: Reinforcement of the spillway bridge and support structures, including demolition and installation of new steel pedestals, new steel sections for increased flexural capacity, and replacement of rail support plates. Strengthening of the north non-overflow beam with additional reinforcing steel and FRP systems.
- Power System Modernization: Upgrading the main power feed from 4.16kV to 13.8kV, installing new interlocked feeder switchgear, replacing primary transformers (DPT1 and DPT2) with larger capacity units, and reconfiguring to a delta-wye High Resistance Grounding (HRG) system. Replacement and upsizing of DS1 and DS2 switchgear, hoist feeder cables, gate hoist receptacles, and the emergency diesel generator. Implementation of an automated feeder transfer system and new dedicated 480V ties for improved redundancy and resilience.
- Hoists Control System Upgrades: Installation of a modern, networked control system utilizing OPTO 22 EPICs and Cisco industrial switches at each hoist. Replacement of existing hoist control cabinets and installation of audible horns and visual strobe lights with verification interlocks for safety.
- Control Room Upgrades: Overhaul of the SC9 control panel with two new HMIs and new pistol-grip controls for manual remote operation.
- Navigation Lock: Installation of an annunciation panel in the Navigation lock building to pass alarm signals to the control room.
Key Requirements During Construction
Contractors will be required to provide a Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) (30-hour OSHA training, no other duties) and a Contractor Quality Control Manager (CQC) (Corps of Engineers Construction Quality Management course) on-site. A Network Analysis System (NAS) schedule must be developed and maintained, and all on-site work will adhere to EM 385-1-1 safety standards. The Quality Control System (QCS) will be used for record management.
Project Labor Agreement (PLA) Inquiries
Respondents are also asked to address extensive questions regarding their willingness to enter into a PLA, knowledge of local PLA use, potential impacts on costs/risk, labor availability, and union presence.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS: 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction) with a $45,000,000 small business size standard.
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage, seeking information to determine potential set-aside).
- Response Due: April 24, 2026, 3:00 PM PST
- Published: March 25, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested firms must submit:
- A Capability Statement expressing interest, capability for a project of this magnitude, special qualifications, and in-house personnel capabilities.
- A list of technical experience similar to the scope of work, including project descriptions, schedules, dollar values, and the firm's role.
- A statement of bonding capacity.
- A statement of business size and type (e.g., HUBZone, SDVOSB, 8(a), WOSB).
- Responses to the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) inquiries.
Additional Notes
This is a sources-sought announcement for market research purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. Only responses to this notice will be used to determine potential set-aside decisions.