Big Eddy to The Dalles 115 kV Design-Build RFQ

Northern Wasco County Public Utility District (NWCPUD) is seeking design-build services for rebuilding an 8.5-mile, 115 kV transmission line between the Big Eddy and The Dalles substations located in Wasco County, Oregon. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) aims to identify an engineering firm or contractor capable of increasing the line's summer rating from 1055 amps to at least 1600 amps and addressing fault current issues at receiving stations. Key project objectives include navigating institutional constraints within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, maintaining service during construction, and coordinating with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) for design approvals. Evaluation criteria include availability and capability (5 points), demonstrated ability to complete similar services (25 points), project understanding (25 points), available resources and staff (25 points), key personnel experience (25 points), and references (5 points). The procurement timeline includes SOQ submissions due by December 18, 2024, RFP invites to be issued on January 13, 2025, and RFP submissions due March 20, 2025, with a project completion target of September 2026.

The procurement does not specify specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged businesses, but it requires union labor (IBEW) for lineman activities. Proposers must demonstrate qualifications for major engineering firms, consultants, and contractors, with either an engineering firm or contractor eligible to hold the prime contract. The shortlist process identified several potential vendors, including Power Engineers/Sturgeon (highest score of 600), Potelco/Leidos (560), and Michels/Toth (517.5). While specific award values are not disclosed, the project involves rebuilding critical transmission infrastructure connecting NWCPUD's receiving substations to the BPA Big Eddy Substation. The existing infrastructure includes current conductor characteristics, switches, circuit breakers, and transmission line poles that will require modification or replacement as part of the design-build contract. No incumbent vendors are explicitly identified, and the progressive design-build approach allows for collaborative development of technical specifications and construction plans.