LINE 3005 LIBERTY-VAN BUREN 161kV TRANSMISSION LIN

The Department of Energy's Southeastern Power Administration is seeking contractors to rebuild approximately 12.1 miles of the Liberty to Van Buren portion of the 161kV transmission line. The project involves completely removing existing wood pole H-frame structures and rebuilding with new galvanized steel structures, upgrading from 556.5 kcmil ACSR conductor to 1192.5 kcmil Grackle Conductor, and installing new optical ground wire (OPGW) with fiber optic cable installations at Liberty Switching Station and Van Buren Substation. Contractors must demonstrate technical capability, material acquisition expertise, and provide key personnel qualifications as part of their proposals. The government will evaluate submissions using a best value tradeoff process based on technical capability, past performance, and key personnel/material acquisition criteria. A mandatory site visit is scheduled for September 9, 2025, at Van Buren Substation in Arkansas, with proposals due October 21, 2025, and the government intends to award without discussions.

This solicitation is designated as a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 237130 with a size standard of $45 million. The estimated project value exceeds $10 million, with a total completion timeline of 622 days and critical construction work required between March 15 and June 15, 2027. The contractor must work with the transmission line deenergized and maintain strict scheduling to minimize system outage time, performing work primarily Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The project spans from Oklahoma to Arkansas, crossing the Arkansas River between structures 59 and 60, and includes specific environmental protection requirements for endangered species habitat and cultural sites. No incumbent contractor or materials are being provided by Southwestern Power Administration, requiring the selected contractor to furnish all labor, materials, and equipment necessary for the complete transmission line rebuild.