Candace BarnetteThe U.S. Navy is seeking a partner to complete a project extending a concrete pier at a Washington naval base responsible for berthing and deploying submarines.
The Navy recently released a Request for Information (RFI) to gauge interest and availability for the project. The project is still in the planning phase and has not released a Request for Proposal or invitation to bid.
The project, which is estimated to cost between $100 million and $250 million, will be located at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor and will allow the base to berth three of its most advanced submarines. The pier will be expanded by 520 feet and constructed with reinforced concrete. The structure will include pier-side communication systems and utilities alongside two floating external tanks acting as mooring camels.
The Navy will supplement pier and submarine operations with a fixed crane capable of lifting at least 25 tons. A single-story building is planned as part of the expansion and will be outfitted with high bay equipment processing areas, inert equipment storage spaces, a test area and personnel support spaces.
One of the building’s processing areas will feature a semi-truck drive through lane. The test will include a pit and test stand, enabling the Navy to easily conduct weight tests of launcher equipment.
The project’s vision calls for two storage facilities built out of reinforced concrete. These buildings will include a mechanical room and a storage space for launcher equipment and material containing explosives.
The Navy has outlined special construction inclusions as part of the project’s design, such as soundproofing specified areas of the facility and structural premiums needed to support the crane system such as oversized columns and reinforced flooring sections. Other special features will include:
- One or more strengthened walls.
- Venting to relieve excessive gas or shock pressures.
- Frangible construction of sections of the structure.
Critical utilities that will be integrated into the site’s infrastructure will include primary and secondary distribution systems, outside lighting, transformers and telecommunications infrastructure. Site preparation plans include removing trees, clearing the site, instituting erosion or sediment controls, earthwork and grading.
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