Project Labor Agreement (PLA) Market Survey - RSA Primary Substation 4, Redstone Arsenal, AL

THIS IS A PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT (PLA) SURVEY ONLY.

This is a SPECIAL NOTICE. No proposals are being requested or accepted with this PLA notice.

The Solicitation No. for this project is W9127825R0020.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District is soliciting comments from the construction community addressing use of a PLA for this construction requirement at Redstone Arsenal, AL.

Description:

The Mobile District is soliciting comments from the construction community addressing the potential use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for a large-scale construction project ($35 million or more) for the following:

Project scope: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, anticipates constructing a high voltage Electrical Primary Substation on Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The project includes installation of high voltage electrical power transmission lines that will connect the new substation directly to existing substations, and to the future 3rd Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) 161,000-volt transmission electrical power transmission feed. Work includes the substation, transformers, primary and secondary voltage switchgear with associated distribution loop, cable vault, control room and all associated duct banks with cabling.

A PLA is defined as a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement with one or more labor organizations that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a specific construction project and is an agreement described in 29 U.S.C. 158(f).  

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Policy:

1. FAR 22.502 requires agencies to use Project Labor Agreement (PLA) in large-scale construction projects to promote economy and efficiency in the administration and completion of Federal construction projects.
2. An agency may, if appropriate, require that every contractor and subcontractor engaged in construction on the project agree, for that project, to negotiate or become a party to a project labor agreement with one or more labor organizations if the agency decides that the use of project labor agreements will:
3. Advance the Federal Governments interest in achieving economy and efficiency in Federal procurement, producing labor-management stability, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations governing safety and health, equal employment opportunity, labor and employment standards, and other matters; and  
4. Be consistent with law.

References:

Provision: 52.222-33 Notice of Requirement for Project Labor Agreement

Clause: 52.222-34 Project Labor Agreement.

In consideration of the above factors, and any others which may be deemed appropriate, the construction community is invited to comment on the use of PLAs.  Of particular interest to the Government are responses to the following questions:

1) Do you have knowledge that a PLA has been used in the local area on projects of this kind? If so, please provide supporting documentation.

2) Are you aware of skilled labor shortages in the area for those crafts that will be needed to complete the referenced project? If so, please elaborate and provide supporting documentation where possible.

3) Are you aware of time sensitive issues/scheduling requirements that would affect the rate at which the referenced project should be completed? If so, please elaborate and provide supporting documentation where possible.

4) Identify specific reasons why or how you believe a PLA would advance the Federal Government’s interest in achieving economy and efficiency in Federal procurement.

5) Identify specific reasons why you do not believe a PLA would advance the Federal Government’s interest in achieving economy and efficiency in Federal procurement.

6) Identify any additional information you believe should be considered on the use of a PLA on the referenced project.

7) Identify any additional information you believe should be considered on the non-use of a PLA on the referenced project.

(ii) The information gathered in this exercise should include the following information on projects completed in the last 2-5 years (or other timeframe, as appropriate):

1) Project Name and Location

2) Detailed Project Description

3) Initial Cost Estimate vs. Actual Final Cost

4) Was the project completed on time?

5) Number of craft trades present on the project

6) Was a PLA used?

7) Were there any challenges experienced during the project?

In addition to affirmative responses, we are seeking negative responses to identify any potential actions we may take to improve the competitive environment. Please provide a response with feedback including rationale for not wanting to submit a proposal and any recommendations that could promote interest.

* Please provide your comments via e-mail to ariel.s.chamberlain@usace.army.mil and kyle.m.rodgers@usace.army.mil no later than 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on 19 June 2025.