Request for Information - Substation Construction Services

DRAFT FOR INDUSTRY FEEDBACK
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
Substation Construction Services
Master Service Agreement with Task Authorizations
Issuing Entity Grand River Dam Authority
RFI Number 2026-001P- Substation Construction Services
Issue Date 9/24/2026
Response Due 10/20/2026 @ 2:00 PM CST
INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
This RFI is for market research and planning purposes only. It is not a solicitation, bid
request, or promise of a future procurement.
Please submit responses via email to Paul Proctor, paul.proctor@grda.com, by October 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM
CST (We are not requiring a response online through bid express in order to avoid the associated fee.)
Please submit any questions in writing via email to paul.proctor@grda.com by October 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM
CST.
An in-person engagement meeting will be held on October 15, 2026, at 10:30 AM CST at GRDA's Transmission
& Distribution headquarters located at 635 E Hwy 69A, Pryor, OK 74361. Interested vendors are encouraged to
attend to ask any questions and provide comments/feedback regarding the details of the RFI.
GRDA | Request for Information | Substation Construction Services

DRAFT FOR INDUSTRY FEEDBACK
1. Purpose
The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) is requesting information from qualified contractors regarding the
potential establishment of one or more Master Service Agreements (MSAs) for substation construction
services. Responses will assist GRDA in evaluating market interest, contractor capabilities, pricing
structures, staffing models, equipment availability, and practical terms for a future competitive procurement.
The primary objective of this RFI is to obtain feedback regarding the feasibility of the proposed contract
structure and administration model, not to obtain pricing information.
This RFI does not constitute an invitation for bid, request for proposal, or authorization to perform work. GRDA
is not obligated to issue a solicitation, award a contract, or reimburse respondents for costs incurred in
preparing a response.
2. Background and Anticipated Use
GRDA operates transmission, substation, and switching facilities at multiple locations across its electric
system located generally in the northeast quarter of Oklahoma. GRDA is evaluating a task-order contracting
method to support construction at existing facilities when individual project needs arise.
Important scope boundary: Greenfield substation construction will not be included. The anticipated work
is limited to expansions, additions, modifications, replacements, and related construction at existing
substations and switching facilities.
Substation expansion or terminal addition work may extend beyond the station fence or station bus and may
include the installation of one or more transmission structures up to the point of change of ownership with a
transmission or generation customer, as detailed in the applicable Task Authorization.
3. Anticipated Scope of Services
The services listed below are representative and are not intended to guarantee a minimum quantity of work or
require every respondent to self-perform every activity.
* Expansion of existing substations and switching stations.
* Terminal additions at existing substations and switching stations.
* Transmission line cut-ins, terminations, and associated transmission construction required to connect to
an existing substation or switching station.
* Installation of one or more transmission structures up to the point of change of ownership with a
transmission or generation customer when included as part of a substation expansion or terminal
addition.
* Breaker, switch, instrument transformer, bus, insulator, steel, and other equipment installations or
replacements.
* Foundation construction, including drilled shafts, spread footings, equipment pads, and control building
foundations.
* Grounding system additions and modifications, including installation of grounding conductor, ground
rods, ground wells, equipment grounding connections, and related grounding components.
* Conduit, cable trench, cable tray, control cable, power cable, and related raceway work.
* Control building additions, modifications, relay panel additions, and associated electrical work.
* Structural steel erection, equipment setting, assembly, alignment, and connection work.
* Fencing, gates, grading, drainage, aggregate surfacing, demolition, restoration, and other supporting civil
work.
* Construction support for testing, commissioning, energization, outage work, and turnover
documentation.
GRDA | Request for Information | Substation Construction Services

DRAFT FOR INDUSTRY FEEDBACK
* Emergency repair or restoration work at existing facilities when authorized by GRDA.
4. Work Locations and Travel Pricing
Work may be assigned at any existing GRDA substation, switching station, or related transmission facility
within the GRDA electric system located generally in the northeast quarter of Oklahoma. The location, site
conditions, scope, schedule, outage constraints, and other project-specific requirements would be identified
in each Task Authorization.
Respondents should assume that labor rates will be fully burdened and inclusive of all routine travel
costs, including mileage, travel time, lodging, meals, per diem, mobilization, and demobilization. GRDA
does not anticipate separately reimbursing these costs.
Respondents should identify any concerns with applying system-wide, travel-inclusive labor rates and
recommend a clear method for handling only unusual or exceptional travel conditions, if any, without
reducing price transparency or comparability.
5. Potential Contract Structure
* One or more contractors may receive an MSA award.
* No work would be authorized solely by execution of the MSA.
* Work would be issued through a written Task Authorization identifying the scope, location, schedule, key
personnel, commercial basis, and not-to-exceed amount.
* GRDA anticipates that most Task Authorizations will be supported by a project-specific construction
package, which may include issued-for-construction drawings, specifications, material information,
schedules, outage requirements, Unit Task Sheets, and other relevant project documentation.
Contractors would be expected to review the package and develop a project-specific proposal and not-
to-exceed amount based on the commercial framework established under the MSA.
* Task Authorizations may be assigned directly or competitively quoted among awarded contractors,
subject to GRDA procurement requirements.
* Labor and contractor-owned equipment rates established through a future competitive solicitation would
remain fixed for the period defined in the resulting contract. Any rate adjustments during the contract
term or renewal periods would be governed by the provisions of the contract and subject to GRDA
approval.
* Contractors would be compensated only for authorized and accepted work.
* Changes to scope or compensation would require advance written authorization.
* GRDA may require separate crews and supervision for concurrent Task Authorizations.
6. Proposed Pricing Framework
GRDA is considering the following pricing framework. Respondents are invited to comment on whether it is
commercially workable for substation construction and to recommend refinements. A future solicitation may
request separate rate categories for straight-time, overtime, double-time, shift, weekend, holiday, or
authorized emergency work. GRDA is seeking industry feedback through this RFI regarding when these
categories should apply and how they should be defined. Respondents should not provide numerical rates or
pricing information in response to this RFI.
Cost Category Potential Basis Proposed Treatment
Fully burdened rates inclusive of wages, benefits,
Labor Pre-established hourly rates
overhead, profit, routine travel, mileage, travel time,
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DRAFT FOR INDUSTRY FEEDBACK
Cost Category Potential Basis Proposed Treatment
lodging, meals, per diem, mobilization, demobilization,
small tools, and administrative costs.
Hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly rates, as applicable.
Contractor-Owned Equipment Pre-established rate schedule Respondents should identify inclusions such as
operator, fuel, maintenance, freight, and standby.
Advance GRDA approval, competitive sourcing when
practical, and supporting third-party invoices required.
Third-Party Rentals Actual documented cost-plus markup Respondents should comment on the workability of this
approach and any recommended documentation or
administrative requirements.
Advance GRDA approval and supporting subcontractor
invoices required. Respondents should comment on the
workability of a cost-plus subcontractor reimbursement
Subcontractors Actual documented cost-plus markup
structure and identify any recommendations regarding
management, documentation, invoice support,
oversight, or audit requirements.
Advance authorization and supporting supplier invoices
required. Respondents should comment on the
workability of a cost-plus material reimbursement
Contractor-Furnished Materials Actual documented cost-plus markup
structure and identify any recommendations regarding
freight, taxes, discounts, warranties, returns, and
supporting documentation.
Pricing controls under consideration include written preauthorization, itemized invoices, supporting receipts,
audit rights, not-to-exceed Task Authorization values, and prohibition of duplicate markups or charges
already included in labor or equipment rates.
7. Labor Classifications
Please identify the labor classifications your organization recommends for a future rate quotation sheet.
GRDA is considering the following classifications:
* Project Manager or Construction Manager
* General Superintendent
* Substation Superintendent or Foreman
* Journeyman Substation Electrician
* Journeyman Lineman
* Apprentice
* Equipment Operator
* Civil Foreman
* Civil Craft or Laborer
* Safety Professional
* Quality Control Representative
* Commissioning or Testing Support Personnel
For each recommended classification, identify typical qualifications and whether straight-time, overtime,
double-time, shift differential, holiday, or emergency rates would apply. Clearly state the workweek and
conditions that trigger premium time.
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DRAFT FOR INDUSTRY FEEDBACK
8. Equipment and Rental Information
Please describe the contractor-owned equipment normally available for this work and identify equipment
typically obtained through third-party rental. Relevant equipment may include:
* Cranes and lifting equipment
* Bucket trucks and aerial devices
* Digger derricks
* Excavators, skid steers, loaders, dozers, and compactors
* Vacuum excavation equipment
* Concrete, drilling, and foundation equipment
* Wire pullers, tensioners, reel trailers, and pole or structure trailers
* Welding equipment, generators, light plants, tool trailers, and temporary facilities
* Specialized substation construction, grounding, bus, cable, or testing equipment
Please recommend billing rules for operated equipment, bare equipment, standby, minimum rental periods,
freight or drayage, fuel, maintenance, damage waivers, and equipment that is included in labor rates.
9. Materials and Subcontractors
9.1 Materials
GRDA may furnish major electrical equipment and selected engineered materials. Contractors may be
required to furnish construction materials, consumables, and miscellaneous items identified in the Task
Authorization. Please describe your preferred approach for procurement, documentation, supplier discounts,
freight, returns, restocking fees, warranties, and potential contract treatment under a cost-plus
reimbursement structure.
9.2 Subcontractors
Potential subcontracted services may include drilled shaft construction, concrete, fencing, surveying,
hauling, testing, environmental support, traffic control, specialty electrical work, or other services. All
subcontractors would be subject to advance GRDA approval, applicable safety and contractual
requirements, and contractor management.
Please describe your subcontractor prequalification and management process and provide
recommendations regarding how subcontracted work should be reimbursed, administered, documented,
and audited under a cost-plus framework. Please identify contractor management responsibilities that
should be considered, including procurement, coordination, supervision, bonds, insurance, overhead
administration, and audit support.
10. Contractor Qualifications and Capabilities
* Company overview, ownership, office locations, and years performing substation construction.
* Number and composition of available substation construction crews.
* Experience with expansions and additions at energized substations.
* Experience with terminal additions and transmission structure installation at the point of change of
ownership.
* Experience reviewing owner-furnished construction packages and developing project-specific Task
Authorization proposals and not-to-exceed estimates.
* Experience serving as the prime contractor for complete substation expansion and brownfield
modification projects.
GRDA | Request for Information | Substation Construction Services

DRAFT FOR INDUSTRY FEEDBACK
* Experience executing planned outages, cutovers, energizations, and work within compressed outage
windows.
* Voltage classes and types of facilities routinely supported.
* Ability to support planned outages, compressed outage windows, emergency work, and concurrent
projects.
* Types of work normally self-performed and types normally subcontracted.
* Quality assurance and quality control program.
* Safety program and current safety performance information, including EMR and OSHA recordable
information requested by GRDA.
* Licenses, certifications, apprenticeship programs, craft qualifications, and supervisory experience.
* At least three relevant project examples with owner, location, voltage class, scope, value, completion
date, and reference contact.
11. Requested Industry Response
Please organize the response using the following headings and answer each item. If an item does not apply,
state "Not Applicable." Respondents are encouraged to focus on areas where they have concerns,
recommendations, or alternative approaches. Detailed responses are not required for every topic.
1. Company Profile: Provide the legal company name, contact information, office locations, service
territory, and brief company overview.
2. Interest: Would your organization be interested in a multiple-award MSA for substation construction at
existing GRDA facilities?
3. Contract Term: What initial term and renewal structure would your organization recommend?
4. Rate Validity and Adjustments: Without providing rates or other numerical pricing information,
recommend how long labor and contractor-owned equipment rates should remain fixed under a future
contract. Describe any recommended adjustment frequency, timing, notice requirements, supporting
documentation, or objective adjustment methodology.
5. Scope: Identify the anticipated services your organization can self-perform and those it would
subcontract.
6. POCO Structure Work: Describe your experience installing a point of change of ownership transmission
structure as part of a terminal addition or substation expansion.
7. Crew Availability: Describe typical crew composition, number of crews available, mobilization capability,
and ability to support concurrent assignments.
8. Travel-Inclusive Labor: Can your organization provide system-wide labor rates that include routine travel,
mileage, travel time, lodging, meals, per diem, mobilization, and demobilization? Identify concerns or
recommended safeguards.
9. Labor Classifications: Recommend labor classifications and compensation categories that should be
considered in a future solicitation.
10. Premium Time: Explain overtime, double-time, shift, weekend, holiday, and emergency rate practices.
11. Owned Equipment: Provide a representative list of contractor-owned equipment and recommendations
regarding how contractor-owned equipment should be structured and administered within the proposed
framework.
12. Third-Party Rentals: Recommend documentation, approval, sourcing, and audit requirements for a cost-
plus rental reimbursement framework.
13. Materials: Recommend documentation, procurement, and administration requirements for a cost-plus
material reimbursement framework.
14. Subcontractors: Recommend approval, management, documentation, and audit requirements for a cost-
plus subcontractor reimbursement framework.
15. Task Size: Identify any practical minimum task value, crew duration, or mobilization threshold.
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DRAFT FOR INDUSTRY FEEDBACK
16. Task Authorization Process: Comment on the proposed scope, schedule, key personnel, pricing, and not-
to-exceed authorization method.
17. Emergency Response: Describe after-hours contacts, typical response capability, and limitations.
18. Risk Allocation: Identify commercial provisions that could materially affect pricing or contractor
participation.
19. Evaluation Criteria: Recommend qualifications and commercial factors GRDA should evaluate in a future
competitive procurement.
20. Additional Feedback: Provide any other recommendation that would improve competition, cost control,
schedule performance, safety, or administration.
12. Response Format and Submission
* Limit the narrative response to [insert page limit], excluding appendices and requested supporting
documents.
* Submit the response electronically in searchable PDF format through [insert submission method].
* Use the subject or file name: "RFI Response - Substation Construction Services - [Company Name]."
* Submit questions through [insert procurement contact or procurement portal] by [insert date and time].
* Submit the response by [insert date and time].
13. Reservation of Rights and Confidentiality Notice
GRDA may use information received through this RFI to develop a future procurement strategy or solicitation.
GRDA may request clarification, conduct discussions, or decline to pursue the concept. Respondents should
clearly identify information they consider confidential or proprietary. GRDA is a public agency, and any
confidentiality designation is subject to applicable law and GRDA review.
Appendix A. Suggested Response Checklist
d Response Item
Company profile and primary contact
Relevant project examples and references
Substation expansion and energized-facility experience
Terminal addition and point of change of ownership structure experience
Crew availability and geographic coverage
Travel-inclusive labor rate feedback
Recommended labor classifications and premium-time rules, and rate validity/adjustment

methodology
Contractor-owned equipment information
Third-party rental reimbursement framework recommendations
Contractor-furnished material reimbursement framework recommendations
Subcontractor reimbursement framework recommendations
GRDA | Request for Information | Substation Construction Services

DRAFT FOR INDUSTRY FEEDBACK
d Response Item
Safety and quality information
Task Authorization and contract structure feedback
Emergency response capability
Additional commercial or technical recommendations
Appendix B. Draft Cost-Treatment Feedback Table
NO PRICING REQUESTED: GRDA is not requesting pricing, labor rates, equipment rates, markups, quotations, bids,
proposals, budgetary estimates, indicative pricing, or other commercial offers through this RFI. This appendix is solely
for feedback on whether potential commercial methods are workable and how they may be administered. Do not
provide numerical pricing information.
For each category, indicate whether the method is generally workable and provide non-pricing comments
about structure, inclusions, documentation, administration, or risk allocation. Do not state rates,
percentages, dollar amounts, or other pricing information.
Non-Pricing Comments /
Category Potential Commercial Method Workable?
Recommendations
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GRDA | Request for Information | Substation Construction Services