News

ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITY INVESTMENT IN NORTH KITSAPKEDA has prepared a economic activity analysis of the updated North Kitsap United proposal for the Kingston Stakeholders Group. This proposed recreation campus in North Kitsap has the potential to generate more than $100 million in economic activity while addressing critical community needs like childcare, youth sports facilities, and access to health and wellness programs.A Significant Economic OpportunityAnalysis from the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance estimates the project could generate more than $100 million in economic activity. This includes approximately $60 million in construction-related impact and $40 million in wages and job creation...

NEWS RELEASEContact: Theresa MangrumCommunications & Events Managermangrum@kitsapeda.org 360-479-3712Kitsap County Economy Shows Resilience and Growth Amid Shifting Regional TrendsSILVERDALE, WA — The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), in partnership with Western Washington University’s Center for Economic and Business Research, has released its Kitsap County Profile, revealing a robust and distinct regional economy. While neighboring King County continues to see high costs, Kitsap County has maintained a competitive edge with a significantly lower cost of living—17.9% lower than King County. This profile highlights the fact that Kitsap’s robust economy continues as it remains anchored by a solid public sector, with civilian government...

A significant new federal leasing opportunity tied to the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) is now open — and it has direct implications for Kitsap County property owners, developers, and contractors.The Department of the Navy (DoN), on behalf of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Northwest, has issued a Solicitation for Offers (SFO N4425526RP00018) to lease warehouse space near Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) in Bremerton. This opportunity supports long-term shipyard operations and modernization efforts under SIOP, one of the Navy’s largest multi-year infrastructure initiatives. Offers due: March 20, 2026 at 12:00 PMWhat the Navy Is Looking ForUnder this solicitation,...

View latest story by Peiyu Lin for the Kitsap SunThe Navy has announced another major step forward in modernizing Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF). On September 5, officials awarded a $377.7 million contract to the Kiewit-Alberici Joint Venture to continue seismic upgrades on Dry Dock 4.This latest investment comes just days after reports highlighted that preparatory modernization work at PSNS has already reached $447 million as part of the Navy’s 20-year, $20 billion Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP). The earlier funding covered a wide range of projects—everything from site preparation to infrastructure improvements—laying the...

Reposted from Stars & Stripes  By Gary Warner  • September 3, 2025BREMERTON, Wash. — The U.S. Navy plans to invest $377.7 million to strengthen Dry Dock 4 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility, enhancing its survivability in the event of a major earthquake in the Pacific Northwest, the Navy announced Tuesday. The project, awarded to Kiewit-Alberici Joint Venture, is part of the Pentagon’s 20-year, $20-billion Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) to overhaul all four of the nation’s public shipyards in Puget Sound; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Norfolk, Va.; and in Kittery, Maine.Recent Government Accountability Office surveys have indicated the...

Read Kitsap Sun story be Peiyu Lin:  Prep work to modernize PSNS already worth $447M, with final project estimates unknownNavy Shares Progress on PSNS Dry Dock Plans at Kitsap SummitAt the August 21 Kitsap Industrial Readiness Summit, hosted by the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance in Bremerton, Navy officials provided an update on long-term shipyard modernization efforts at Naval Base Kitsap and answered questions from community members and local business leaders. (See event slide decks)Where Things StandDavid Sweet, director of the Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) at PSNS & IMF, said design work for the new multi-mission dry dock is...

Olympic College News Release  BREMERTON, Wash. – Tim and Bev Ryan, Founder of Tim Ryan Construction Inc., continue to transform lives in Kitsap County through their enduring support of Olympic College. The college recently received a $1 million gift from the family that will significantly enhance healthcare education in the region for years to come.The funds will be used to purchase cutting-edge equipment and upgrade existing facilities across all healthcare programs, including the expansion project and remodel at the Poulsbo Campus. In recognition of their generosity, the college will dedicate the sonography lab in their name as the Tim Ryan Family...

KEDA's 2025 Kitsap Industrial Readiness Summit  Slide DecksThis annual event is the premier opportunity to hear directly about the Navy’s multi-billion-dollar investment in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF). Through the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), four aging naval shipyards—including ours—will be reconfigured, modernized, and optimized into state-of-the-art facilities ready to serve our Nation for decades to come.You’ll hear timely updates and insights from Navy leadership, industry experts, and local partners, including:NBK Slides•    Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Briefing – The Navy’s preferred alternative, plus Q&A•    SIOP: The National Picture – Lessons  Shipyard modernization efforts across the country Industrial...

The Draft EIS is now available for public review and input during a 45-day comment period through Sept. 3,public meeting scheduled for Aug. 7.SILVERDALE, Wash. — The U.S. Navy has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the construction of a new dry dock and associated waterfront infrastructure improvements at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton (NBK-Bremerton) and at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor (NBK-Bangor) in Washington state.The Navy requests and welcomes public input on the environmental analysis presented in the Draft EIS and on the project's potential to affect historic properties pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.In the Draft EIS, the Navy is proposing to construct a new multi-mission dry dock that is capable of supporting Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers at PSNS & IMF.The Navy is proposing...

Public sector leads growth in Kitsap County workforce SILVERDALE, WA – The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), in collaboration with the Center for Economic and Business Research at Western Washington University (CERB-WWU), has published the 2024 Kitsap Top Employers List, offering critical insight into the county’s employment landscape.As the most frequently accessed report on KEDA’s website, the Top Employers List is a valuable resource for public and private sector partners, site selectors, real estate professionals, and companies exploring expansion or relocation in Kitsap County. The 2024 data reflects total headcount and Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employment as of December 31, 2024,...

Changes Coming to the WAV-C ProgramIn Summer 2022, KEDA launched WAV-C, the Washington Autonomous Vehicle Cluster. Bolstered by more than 20 letters of support from community members as well as strong interest from defense, maritime, and technology stakeholders, WAV-C launched with a $500,000 grant from the Washington Department of Commerce's Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program. Among the nine initial clusters funded, WAV-C was the youngest and the only one not reliant on a pre-existing industry group for its operations. Instead, WAV-C had KEDA in support, and the program was doing something entirely new: Working to accelerate the potential of maritime autonomous...

CLOSES MAY 26!  The US Navy’s Real Estate Division, new amendments to the active Phase 2 Solicitation for Offers (SFO) LI-14174 leasing opportunity with the Department of the Navy. Phase 2 Solicitation for Offers (SFO) LI-14174 closes on Monday, May 26th.   IMPORTANT INFORMATION From US Navy’s Real Estate Division, Zachary Schuhart,  zachary.t.schuhart2.civ@us.navy.mil:For those still finalizing their submission: I (Zachary Schuhart) strongly encourage you to review Section 2 of the SFO.  Section 2.1. ‘How to Offer’ is very important for ensuring your submittal conforms to the requirements of the solicitation for us to evaluate.  This section also provides instructions for how to...

PHASE 2 Solicitation is Live Now!Administrative, Warehouse, Industrial, and Laydown Space Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility, WASHINGTON Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEASYSCOM) Offers Due: May 26, 2025 11:59 pm HSTProduct Service Code: X1GZ - LEASE/RENTAL OF OTHER WAREHOUSE BUILDINGSNAICS Code: 493110 - General Warehousing and StoragePlace of Performance: Bremerton , WAVIEW ON SAM.GOV The Department of the Navy (DoN), on behalf of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific, is issuing this Phase 2 of Solicitation for Offers (SFO) LI-14174. Offers must be received no later than 12:00 PM Pacific Standard Time on Monday, May 26th, 2025 at 11:59...

Solicitation No: N44255-25-R-1502Title: GRANDE Multiple Award Construction Contract (GRANDE MACC)Type: Construction Pre-Solicitation NoticeIssue RFP Date:  Approximately March 2025Due Date for Proposals (Phase I):  April 4, 2025 - 9:00-10:30 AM (PDT).Contract Not-To-Exceed/Task Order Range: Contract Not-To-Exceed for all contracts awarded under the Multiple Award Construction Contract (MACC) is $1 B total / Task order range is approximately $5,000,000 to $30,000,000. INDUSTRY DAY - Thursday, March 13th 9-11amNaval Undersea Museum - 1 Garnett Way, Keyport .  VIRTUAL:  Join online event with this MS Teams link.LIVE EVENT: RSVP VIA EMAIL TO Shelby.l.flowers4.civ@us.navy.mil and nancy.m.coffee.civ@us.navy.mil.Please include: Last Name, First Name, and email contact.No badging is...

General Dynamics NASSCO-Bremerton, Bremerton, Washington, is awarded a $654,668,551 cost-plus-fixed-fee/cost-plus-award fee/cost-plus-incentive fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Aircraft Carrier shipyard availabilities. This contract includes a five-year base and a one year option, for a six year total ordering period which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $654,668,551. Work will be performed in Bremerton, Washington, and is expected to be completed by October 2030. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured and solicited via the System for Award Management...

NEW! KEDA's Draft Kitsap Industrial Land, Buildings and Infrastructure SurveyThis survey is the product of over six months of work, dozens of interviews, and data analysis to inform the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance's investors and jurisdictions about what might be realistic when it comes to increasing industrial opportunity and capacity in Kitsap, along with related growth and wealth creation. Important notes for those interested in this work: Read at least the Executive Summary  and if you have capacity and interest, then the Full Report. The Executive Summary does a great job of capturing the takeaways from the comprehensive larger Full Report which...

Reflecting on 2024 Achievements and carrying 'One Kitsap' forward in 20252024 was a significant year for the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance as the organization celebrated key milestones while laying the groundwork for future initiatives. Guided by our vision of Economic Vitality for All in One Spectacular Place, KEDA has emerged as a leader in regional economic development. With the launch of our ambitious One Kitsap five-year regional economic strategy last year, KEDA is charting the course ahead for a vibrant, thriving economic future in Kitsap. Reflecting on 2024 Achievements Last year, KEDA prioritized initiatives across business retention and expansion, workforce development, Kitsap’s...

Kitsap County Community Development News Release:  Navigating the permitting process can be complicated and overwhelming. That’s why Kitsap County’s Department of Community Development is taking significant steps to make it more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly.“In Kitsap, we are evaluating our work through a lens of continuous process improvement,” said Christine Rolfes, Chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. “We are committed to fulfilling our stewardship responsibilities to the people, communities, lands, and waterways of our community in the most effective and forward-thinking way possible.”It’s About Serving Our CommunityIn 2023, the department conducted a community survey to gather feedback on the...

Opinion: How to keep and grow defense-related economic impact in WashingtonJames Collins and Dave Zeeck to The Kitsap SunThe military presence in Washington State is critical for national defense and an overwhelmingly positive force for the state’s economy.To keep it that way the state needs a new strategy and approach – working at the governor’s direction – that focuses exclusively on protecting and growing defense-related economic impact.That’s a pivotal conclusion of a recently released independent economic impact analysis commissioned by the Washington Legislature.As the home to six major military installations, over 100,000 personnel, 185,000 military family members, and more than...

Advancing Proven Solutions in Maritime TechnologyOctober 8, 2024 – Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) today announced an expansion of its footprint in the Pacific Northwest with the opening of its Bremerton Maritime Tech Facility in Bremerton, Washington. This state-of-the-art center of excellence and engineering hub will help to advance maritime technology and operational proficiency. Expanding upon Booz Allen’s specialized engineering resources to tackle growing client challenges across the Department of Defense (DOD), the Bremerton Maritime Tech Facility is a cutting-edge hub that supports defense clients with pioneering solutions in maritime uncrewed and autonomous vehicle technology, as well as immersive engineering and...

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Northwest awarded Absher Construction Co. a $145 million task order to replace the electrical substation and perform associated infrastructure work to provide reliable power at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS) in Bremerton, Washington, Sept. 16.Awarded under an existing multiple-award construction contract in support of the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), the project will construct an electrical substation consisting of two 40/60 megavolt-ampere substations and supporting infrastructure, which will ensure the shipyard is equipped to continue supporting critical fleet maintenance activities and accommodate upcoming SIOP projects. The existing substation is beyond...

$145 million task order to Absher Construction Co.Story by Peiyu Lin  for the Kitsap SunThe Navy is making progress on its long-term Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, with the announcement of a $145 million dollar contract announced for a major initial project.The first significant SIOP military construction project at the shipyard is to replace an electric substation and perform associated infrastructure work to provide reliable power at PSNS. The new electrical substation will include two 40/60 megavolt-ampere substations and supporting infrastructure, "which will ensure the shipyard is equipped to continue supporting critical fleet maintenance activities...

News Release - Kitsap Transit Grant for buying new fast ferry to operate Kingston/Seattle route BREMERTON, Wash. – Kitsap Transit (KT) will receive $13.5 million in federal funding to buy a new fast ferry that would replace an older vessel operating the Kingston/Seattle route, improving the Kingston Fast Ferry service’s reliability.The federal funding comes from the Federal Transit Administration’s Passenger Ferry Grant program and covers nearly 80 percent of the project’s $17.5 million cost. Kitsap Transit is contributing about $4 million in local dollars to the project.“This funding allows us to buy a new boat to operate a route that has been running with...

KEDA recently hosted the second annual Kitsap Industrial Readiness Summit featuring Navy leadership who presented updates on the status of work related to the U.S. Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) at Naval Base Kitsap Installations.Capt. John Hale, Naval Base Kitsap commanding officer, said that the Navy plans to release the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the public to review and comment in early 2025. The updated estimation represented about one more year of waiting since the Navy said in the first year of the industrial summit last August that the draft would be released in early or mid-winter...

Thank you to everyone who joined us on August 22nd for the 2nd Annual Kitsap Industrial Readiness Summit.Sponsored by Washington APEX Accelerator.  Program highlights included: Navy leadership provided an overview of Naval Base Kitsap Installations, SIOP and  future platforms including updates on the Ford and Columbia Class Submarines, an update on the Navy's environmental planning (NEPA and EIS), info on the Trident Refit Facility. Presentations also discussed best practices on working with the federal government and NAVFAC NW Small Business Program.Chris Mefford, President and CEO of Community Attributes Inc. provided an overview  of KEDA's Kitsap Industrial Land, Building and Infrastructure Survey Project.LEARN MORE...

TACOMA, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will be awarding more than $18.3 million in federal funding to two projects in Washington’s Sixth Congressional District through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program for 2024. This funding includes $17 million for Kitsap County Public Transportation Authority (Kitsap Transit) and more than $1.3 million for the Makah Tribe.Earlier this year, Rep. Kilmer wrote to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in support of both Kitsap Transit’s and the Makah Tribe’s applications to the RAISE discretionary grant program.“This...

In celebration of Economic Development Month, the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (“KEDA”) is embarking on a bold, ambitious journey to transform Kitsap County's economic landscape. Dubbed "One Kitsap," this five-year strategic initiative aims to deliver tangible results for the region through public and private partnerships. One Kitsap sets the stage for Kitsap's economic future with a clear focus on creating opportunities, fostering collaboration, and building sustainable capacity.Setting the Stage: The Need for One KitsapAs the region continues to evolve since the pandemic, KEDA recognizes the importance of aligning its efforts with Kitsap's unique economic development needs and opportunities. According to Joe...

Silverdale Center Plan: Community Workshop #2: Exploring Plan ConceptsWednesday, August 20th5.30PM to 7.30PMKitsap County invites participation at a community workshop to  participate in an exciting planning and design concepts for Silverdale Center’s future. Together, we’ll explore ideas to improve connectivity, enhance public amenities like parks and gathering spaces, expand housing  options, grow local business opportunities, and much more. Your input matters – we look forward to seeing you there!AgendaWelcome & PurposeRecap: What We Heard from You (Workshop 1)Project Updates – Design ConceptsOpen House - Interactive ActivityReport Back & Closing Project website: Silverdale Center PlanCentral Kitsap Fire & Rescue5300 NW Newberry Hill RdSilverdale, WA 98383 

June 6, 2024 -Reposted from NAVFAC HQThe Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) completed part one of its first-ever Industry Day June 5 The event was broadcast to approximately 500 attendees and included a familiarization video on Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (PHNS), a detailed description of the SIOP baseline plan for PHNS, and remarks from SIOP leaders on how SIOP is critical to the Navy’s mission, as well as the need for innovative ideas that break from the Department of Defense’s typical processes and ways of doing business.“Industry Day provides our stakeholders a better understanding of the challenges SIOP is facing...