Verona-Great Falls 161KV Transmission Line Rebuild

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The Verona-Great Falls 161KV Transmission Line Rebuild, Phase 03, is a project initiated by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), part of the U.S. Department of Energy. The purpose of this contract is to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the electrical transmission system in Montana, specifically focusing on the reconstruction of a critical transmission line. The project magnitude is estimated between $5 million and $10 million. Work Details The contractor will be responsible for various construction tasks including: 1. Mobilization and preparatory work. 2. Removing existing transmission lines. 3. Clearing areas for new installations. 4. Constructing concrete foundations for government-furnished base-plated (BP) transmission line steel pole structures. 5. Installing galvanized base plated (BP) government-furnished transmission line steel pole structures on concrete foundations. 6. Furnishing and installing multiple types of 230kV transmission line wood pole structures, including various models with specific configurations (e.g., HSB-1, HA-1). 7. Installing single-string and double-string suspension insulator assemblies, as well as tension insulator assemblies for overhead conductors and devices. 8. Furnishing and installing conductor insulator assemblies and overhead ground wire suspension assemblies, including optical ground wire components. Period of Performance The contractor is required to begin performance within 10 calendar days after receiving the notice to proceed and complete all work within 180 calendar days. Place of Performance The construction projects will be performed in Montana, specifically along the Verona-Great Falls transmission line route. Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail) This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent and/or closely related prior contract based on award 89503626CSW000088, awarded to East Coast Powerline for $12,929,158 (01/30/26–10/14/27). That prior work involved rebuilding a 161kV transmission line segment with complete removal and replacement of structures, conductors, shield wire/grounding components (with limited exceptions for existing OPGW), plus installation and transfer of optical ground wire and field modifications for site-specific constraints. The current Phase 03 scope similarly calls for removing existing transmission line components and reconstructing the line with new structures, insulator assemblies, conductors, and OPGW-related equipment while maintaining reliability during rebuild activities.