Bid guide
How to bid on Chief Joseph Dam 480V Station Service Replacement for DEPT of Defense
What the agency is buying
The Department of Defense plans to replace aging 480V station-service equipment at Chief Joseph Dam. This project includes new switchgear, transformers, cables, controls, and associated distribution equipment. The work also covers temporary power, testing, commissioning, training, and documentation.
The estimated value for this firm-fixed-price contract is between $5 million and $10 million. The project is expected to take 1,000 calendar days to complete. This is a significant opportunity for small businesses in the construction sector.
Key dates and deadlines
This is currently a Request for Information (RFI), meaning the agency is gathering information before issuing a formal solicitation. The RFI was published on September 04, 2026. Responses are due by September 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. It is important to submit any questions in writing to the point of contact listed in the official notice.
After this RFI phase, a formal solicitation is anticipated. Vendors should monitor the official portal for updates, as the government is not responsible for internet connectivity issues or an offeror's inability to access documents.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is a total small-business set-aside, making it suitable for small businesses specializing in heavy and civil engineering construction. The NAICS code for this procurement is 237990, Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction, with a small business size standard of $45 million.
Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database before any contract award. Early registration is encouraged, as new contracts can only be made with SAM-registered contractors.
How to respond
To access the opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click leads to the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view all documents, though this is not always required.
To receive automatic notifications of updates, log in to SAM.gov and add the solicitation to your Watchlist. If you wish to be listed as an interested vendor, click the “Add Me To Interested Vendors” button on the solicitation's listing on SAM.gov.
Tips for a competitive response
Given this is a best-value tradeoff solicitation, your response should clearly demonstrate not only your technical capability to perform the complex electrical and construction work, but also how your approach offers the best overall value to the government. Highlight your experience with similar large-scale electrical infrastructure projects, especially those requiring coordination of temporary power and staged cutovers.
Pay close attention to the anticipated contract performance period of 1,000 calendar days. Your proposal should include a realistic and well-planned schedule. Emphasize your ability to maintain facility operations and coordinate outages during construction, as this is a key requirement. Ensure all required documentation, including operation and maintenance manuals, spare parts, and record drawings, is accounted for in your plan.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from DEPT of the Army; the original posting controls.