Walla Walla District Dworshak Unit 4
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 US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Walla Walla District is planning a significant expansion of the Dworshak Dam Powerhouse in Ahsahka, ID, by installing a fourth generating unit (Main Unit 4) and extending the associated powerhouse structure. This Special Notice announces an Industry Day, including virtual one-on-one sessions, to gather industry feedback for a potential firm fixed-price Design-Build contract. The estimated Magnitude of Construction is between $250,000,000 and $500,000,000.
Purpose & Scope
The purpose of this notice is to share preliminary acquisition strategy, obtain industry feedback, and inform potential bidders about the project requirements to aid in developing future solicitation packages. The anticipated scope involves a single, firm fixed-price procurement covering:
- Powerhouse Building Extension and Site Development: Design and construction of site preparation, powerhouse substructure, and building envelope.
- Turbine-Generator: Design, supply, installation, and commissioning of an approximate 300MW hydroelectric generator.
- Balance of Plant: Design and construction of auxiliary mechanical and electrical systems. On-site construction is estimated to begin in June 2028.
Key Constraints & Challenges
The project requires extending the existing powerhouse configuration while ensuring continuous operation of the facility, minimizing disruption, and managing limited site access and staging areas. Environmental controls are critical due to work near or in water. Coordination with other prime contractors may also be necessary.
Industry Engagement & Feedback
The USACE will conduct virtual one-on-one sessions on May 4-5, 2026, with overflow on May 11, 2026. Each company will be allotted one hour, limited to three attendees, focusing on specific feedback and questions rather than marketing. The Government is seeking recommendations on Design-Build approaches, risk mitigation, cost reduction strategies, long-lead items, contracting considerations (e.g., NAICS codes), and proposal duration.
Project Labor Agreement (PLA)
Specific feedback is requested on the potential use of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA), including knowledge of local PLA use, skilled labor shortages, time-sensitive issues, and the anticipated cost impacts (positive or negative) if a PLA requirement is included in the solicitation.
Supporting Documentation
Several attachments provide critical project details:
- Concept Sketches (Att. A - DWR Unit 4 concept sketches ALTS 1-3): Visual representations of various construction alternatives.
- Technical Drawings (Attachment A.pdf): Dimensional data for installation.
- Existing Site Photos (Att. B - Dworshak Photos): Visual reference of the physical environment and historical context.
- Civil Structural Drawings (Att. C - Dworshak civil structural existing reference drawings): Detailed layouts and components of the existing dam.
- Project Milestones (DWA Unit 4 Project Milestones.pdf): High-level timeline (FY25-FY35) for project phases.
- Project Overview (DWA Unit 4 Project Overview - Concept Sketch.pdf): Fundamental objective and visual aids for the expansion.
Response & Contact
To participate in one-on-one sessions or submit advance questions/PLA feedback, provide required information to jani.c.long@usace.army.mil and leanne.r.walling@usace.army.mil by April 28, 2026.