Walla Walla District Dworshak Unit 4, Industry Day and One-on-One Sessions Announcement
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, has posted Questions and Answers (Q&A) from its Industry Day for the Dworshak Unit 4 Powerhouse Expansion project in Ahsahka, ID. This update, posted February 19, 2026, provides critical industry feedback on contract structure preferences, potential challenges, and significant concerns regarding Project Labor Agreement (PLA) requirements.
Project Overview
USACE Walla Walla District is developing multiple acquisitions to expand the generation capability of the Dworshak Dam Powerhouse by installing a fourth generating unit (Main Unit 4) and associated powerhouse structure extension. The project is located on the Clearwater River in Ahsahka, ID. On-site construction is estimated to begin in June 2029.
Industry Feedback Highlights (from Q&A)
- Contract Structure: Industry strongly prefers Design-Build for Turbine Generator, Site work, Powerhouse Extension, and Balance of Plant, with many large general contractors favoring a combined contract for these elements. Separate contracts were least preferred.
- Discouraging Factors: Concerns include schedule risks, lack of qualification factors in evaluation, design requirements, steel/tariff costs, poor coordination between separate contracts, and small business bonding capacity.
- Project Labor Agreement (PLA): A significant number of respondents expressed concerns about PLA requirements, citing potential skilled labor shortages, restrictive participation, and cost increases. A majority indicated they would not bid if a PLA was required.
Scope of Work
The Government intends to accomplish this work through multiple, firm fixed-price procurements, with general scopes including:
- Powerhouse Building Extension and Site Development: Construction of substructure and building envelope.
- Generator Step-Up Transformer: Supply of a single three-phase ~300MVA transformer.
- Turbine-Generator: Design, supply, installation, and commissioning of a 250-300MW hydroelectric generator.
- Balance of Plant: Auxiliary mechanical and electrical systems.
- Hydraulic Steel Structures: Supply of standalone steel structures (gates, bulkheads, trash racks).
Key Constraints & Challenges
The project involves extending the existing powerhouse configuration while maintaining ongoing operations, minimizing disruption to Government personnel. Site access is very limited, requiring potential remote staging areas. Environmental controls will be critical due to work near or in water. Coordination with other prime contractors may be necessary.
Supporting Information
Available attachments include:
- DWA Unit 4 Industry Day Questions and Answers.pdf (Posted 2026-02-19)
- DWA Unit 4 - Industry Day Attendee list 10DEC25.pdf (Posted 2026-02-19)
- Att. A - DWR Unit 4 concept sketches ALTS 1-3 - 20250818.pdf
- Att. B - Dworshak Photos - Existing site & historical construction.pdf
- Att. C - Dworshak civil structural existing reference drawings.pdf
Impact on Future Solicitations
The feedback gathered from this Industry Day, particularly on contract structure and PLA requirements, is expected to influence the development of future solicitation packages for the Dworshak Unit 4 project.
Contacts
For inquiries, contact LeAnne R. Walling (leanne.r.walling@usace.army.mil) or Jani C Long (jani.c.long@usace.army.mil).