Tower Safety Improvements Design Project

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering design services related to tower safety improvements at two dam locations in Cascade County: the North Fork of Smith Dam and Nevada Creek Dam. The procurement seeks qualified professional engineering firms to evaluate existing gate tower designs and develop comprehensive safety improvements ensuring compliance with current OSHA standards, specifically addressing ladder safety, fall protection, personnel retrieval capabilities, and electrical/lighting installations. Deliverables include assessment of existing designs and preparation of updated plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for improvements at both dam sites. The solicitation opened May 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM MDT, with a submission deadline of May 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM MDT. Firms must submit qualifications through the eMACS system, and written questions must be submitted by May 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM MDT, with responses to be provided by May 27, 2026. No site visit or bidders conference is scheduled, and pricing will be negotiated post-award rather than submitted with qualifications.

The RFQ documentation does not specify set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent contractor information. No specific funding amounts or award value ranges are disclosed in the available materials. Interested firms are required to review all provided attachments, including as-built drawings, photographs, and existing design drawings for both dam locations prior to submission. Unauthorized communication with State staff regarding this procurement is prohibited and may result in bidder disqualification. Award and final contract pricing will be determined during negotiations following the selection process based on the submitted qualifications and subsequent negotiations with the selected firm or firms.