Walla Walla District Dworshak Unit 4

Quick Summary

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Walla Walla District has issued a Special Notice announcing Industry Day One-on-One Sessions for the Dworshak Unit 4 project. This initiative aims to expand the generation capability of the Dworshak Dam Powerhouse in Ahsahka, ID, by installing a fourth generating unit (Main Unit 4) and associated powerhouse structure extension. Industry feedback is sought on this Design-Build, Firm Fixed-Price procurement. Registration and feedback submissions are due by May 28, 2026.

Purpose & Scope

USACE Walla Walla District is developing multiple acquisitions for the Dworshak Dam Powerhouse expansion. The project involves a single, firm fixed-price procurement with an estimated on-site construction start in June 2028. The scope includes:

• Powerhouse Building Extension and Site Development: Design and construction of site preparation, powerhouse substructure, and functional building envelope.
• Turbine-Generator: Design, supply, installation, and commissioning of a hydroelectric generator with an approximate rating of 300MW.
• Balance of Plant: Design and construction of auxiliary mechanical and electrical systems.

Industry Day Details

Virtual one-on-one sessions will be held on May 4-5, 2026, and May 11, 2026. These sessions are designed to share government requirements and preliminary acquisition strategy, and to obtain industry feedback. Each company will be allotted one hour, with a limit of three representatives. The focus is on dialogue and feedback, not marketing presentations.

Key Challenges & Questions for Industry

The project presents several challenges, including extending the existing powerhouse configuration, maintaining ongoing powerhouse operations, limited site access and staging areas, and coordination with other contractors. The government is seeking industry recommendations on:

• Making the Design-Build approach successful and mitigating risks.
• Strategies to minimize costs, particularly regarding turbine-generator manufacturer pricing.
• Optimal contract duration, maximum onsite workforce, and long-lead items.
• Design process structure, division of scope, and clarity on contractually required scope.
• Site development, temporary features, material delivery methods, and potential line outages.
• Turbine-generator design, fabrication experience, integration, cost optimization, and OEM participation.
• Experience working in operating power generation facilities, installing balance of plant equipment, and managing large workforces at remote locations.

Submission Requirements & Deadlines

To participate in one-on-one sessions, interested companies must provide their company name, attendee names, contact numbers, and email addresses to jani.c.long@usace.army.mil and Leanne.r.walling@usace.army.mil by May 28, 2026. The email subject line should be "Company Name – Industry Day Attendees". Scheduled session times will be provided within two days of request. Advance questions for the government should also be submitted to the same email addresses by May 28, 2026, clearly marking any proprietary information.

Project Labor Agreement (PLA) Feedback

The government is also soliciting feedback on the potential use of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA). Responses to specific PLA questions, including knowledge of local PLA use, skilled labor shortages, time-sensitive issues, and cost impacts, must be submitted in writing to leanne.r.walling@usace.army.mil by May 28, 2026. Companies are asked to provide details on past projects (2-5 years) including cost, schedule, trades, and PLA use.

Attachments

Attachment A.pdf provides critical spatial and dimensional data, including a cross-section drawing with specific heights (e.g., 92 feet, 8 and 11/16 inches, and 142 feet, 1 and 1/8 inches) related to the installation, which is essential for bidders in planning and cost estimation.