Wood Pole IDIQ

The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a civilian agency within the Department of Energy, is seeking a small business contractor to provide wood utility poles for electric infrastructure across its 12-state territory, including Arizona, California, Nevada, Colorado, and other western states. The procurement involves furnishing and delivering wood poles that meet specific technical specifications, with a focus on Pacific Coast Douglas Fir poles in various classes (H1, 1, and 2) and lengths ranging from 45 to 110 feet. Contractors must adhere to strict requirements for pole preparation, preservative treatment, and testing, including full-length pressure treatment, preservative penetration, and moisture content standards. The solicitation requires contractors to provide 72-hours notice before delivery and ensure safe off-loading at designated sites. The pre-solicitation notice was posted on December 17, 2024, with responses due by January 2, 2025, indicating a relatively short window for potential bidders to prepare their submissions.

The contract is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside, specifically targeting wood preservation contractors within the NAICS 321114 category. While no incumbent contractors are mentioned, the detailed technical specifications suggest a complex procurement process that will require sophisticated wood treatment capabilities and extensive logistical coordination across multiple states. The procurement appears to be structured as an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, which implies potential for multiple task orders over the contract period. Contractors must demonstrate expertise in wood pole production, meeting stringent requirements such as using approved preservatives like DCOI or Copper Naphthenate, and providing comprehensive documentation including treatment certifications and pole markings. The geographic scope and technical complexity of the project indicate this could be a significant contract opportunity for qualified small businesses with specialized wood preservation capabilities.