2025 Remote Avalanche Control System Installation

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking qualified contractors for a Request for Quotations and Qualifications (RFQQ) to install six Remote Avalanche Control System (RACS) towers along Interstate 90 in the Snoqualmie Pass area. The project involves installing two towers on Denny Mountain and four towers on Granite Mountain, utilizing pre-acquired Wyssen LS-12 towers. Specific technical requirements include remote operation capabilities, solar power functionality, ability to deploy up to 12 explosive charges, and confirmation of detonation, with each tower weighing no more than 1,200 pounds fully loaded. The evaluation process will allocate 1,000 total points, with 450 points for performance requirements, 500 points for bid pricing, and 50 points for Executive Order 18-03 compliance. The solicitation was posted on June 24, 2025, with bid submissions due on July 11, 2025, at 2:00 pm, and the evaluation period scheduled for July 14, 2025. The Apparent Successful Bidder will be announced on July 17, 2025, with a project completion deadline of October 1, 2025.

Bidders must be explicitly authorized to install Wyssen towers and submit comprehensive documentation including a Bidder Profile, Wage Theft Certification, and workers' rights compliance documentation. While no specific set-aside designations were explicitly detailed, the procurement appears open to qualified contractors meeting technical and operational requirements. Bidders will need to demonstrate expertise in avalanche control system installation, remote mountain infrastructure deployment, and technical integration capabilities. The project aims to enhance public safety and maintain year-round accessibility on this critical transportation corridor. Though a specific contract value was not disclosed, the sophisticated technical requirements and multiple tower installations suggest a significant investment in avalanche mitigation infrastructure. The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder presenting the best total value, with WSDOT reserving the right to reject any or all bids.