Kitsap Economic Development Alliance

06/17/2026

A major federal contracting opportunity is coming to Kitsap.

The U.S. Navy has announced plans for a $30 billion Multiple Award Construction Contract (MACC) supporting construction of the new Multi-Mission Dry Dock at Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton.

The project is part of the Navy's Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) and will modernize critical infrastructure supporting aircraft carriers, submarines, and other naval vessels for decades to come.

While only a handful of large firms will qualify as prime contractors, this project is expected to generate significant subcontracting opportunities for construction, engineering, environmental, logistics, manufacturing, and professional service firms throughout the region.

Key dates:
📅 Sources Sought – June 2026
📅 Industry Day – August 2026
📅 Solicitation Release – September 2026
📅 Contract Awards – May 2027

KEDA encourages local businesses to begin preparing now for what could become one of the largest federal construction opportunities in Kitsap's history.
https://www.kitsapeda.org/news/p/item/67996/presolicitation-shipyard-infrastructure-optimization-program-multimission-dry-dock-multiple-award-construction-contract

06/17/2026

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John J. Perryman visited Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility, June 3, as part of their visit to the Pacific Northwest region. While at PSNS & IMF, the team discussed several key projects and initiatives including multi-million-dollar infrastructure improvements, investments in emerging technologies and innovations; and they took a tour of Dry Docks 3 and 4.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John J. Perryman visited Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility, June 3, as part of their

06/15/2026

A huge amount of work went into getting to this point! Congrats on your success Downtown Bremerton

City of Bremerton - Government LoveKitsap Katie Beaton Walters Greater Kitsap Chamber

06/10/2026

KEDA is proud to recognize the organizations whose partnership and leadership help advance our shared vision of Economic Vitality for All — in one spectacular place.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Kitsap County a Champion Level Investor, for its continued commitment to strengthening communities, expanding opportunity, and supporting long-term economic resilience across Kitsap County.

We also thank our other Champion Investors:

• City of Bremerton
• Kitsap Credit Union
• Port Madison Enterprises
• Virginia Mason Franciscan Health

Your investment helps support business growth, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and regional collaboration throughout Kitsap County.

Together, we are building a stronger economy and a brighter future for our region.

Thank you for your partnership and for believing in Kitsap County’s future. 👏

Kitsap County - Government Katie Beaton Walters

06/10/2026

This well-deserved promotion reflects Chad's exceptional leadership, commitment to quality care, financial stewardship, and dedication to building strong teams and communities. In this new role, he will oversee eight hospitals and medical centers and nearly 18,000 team members serving communities across the Puget Sound region.

All of us at KEDA appreciate Chad's leadership as our Board Chair. His commitment to Kitsap County, our mission, and the region's economic vitality has made a meaningful impact on our organization and community. His dedication to community and economic development was recently recognized when he was named WEDA's 2026 Economic Development Advocate of the Year.

We look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen our communities, support regional prosperity, and improve quality of life across the Puget Sound.

Chad Melton Morrison Elizabeth Court, PhD, MBA, AICP James Davis, CEcD Katie Walters Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Ed Stern


Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Chad Melton Rion Joaquin

Announcing a key leadership appointment! We are pleased to welcome Chad Melton as President of the Puget Sound Market.

In this role, Chad will provide direct oversight for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health's eight hospitals and medical centers and nearly 18,000 dedicated team members across the region. His proven leadership, commitment to quality, financial stewardship, and focus on fostering a positive culture make him an exceptional fit for this position.

"I am honored and excited to officially step into the role of Puget Sound Market President," said Chad. "I am proud of the progress we've made as a team over the past several years and eager to continue our collective work to enhance the health and well being of the communities we serve."

Chad brings extensive healthcare leadership experience, including previous roles as CEO at Fauquier Health and Wythe County Community Hospital. He holds a Master of Health Care Administration from Texas State University and is actively involved in the community, serving on boards including the Kitsap County Economic Development Alliance and the Washington Hospital Services Board.

Welcome, Chad, as you step into this important leadership role. We're excited about the continued progress and growth ahead!

06/10/2026

The excitement is building!

06/05/2026

June is definitely here and a lot of big things are happening this summer.

*** Downtown Bremerton FanZone
*** USA 250th Anniversary
*** WSDOT Ferries 75th Anniversary
*** Celebrations and Events

This Kitsap County newsletter has details: https://lnks.gd/3/3Vv9rPj
Katie Beaton Walters Irene Tyrrell Moyer @ Greater Kitsap Chamber KitsapLove Stay Kitsap Visit Kitsap Peninsula Quincy Square

05/28/2026

Thank You to Our Investors 🌟

KEDA is proud to recognize the organizations whose partnership and leadership help advance our shared vision of Economic Vitality for All — in one spectacular place.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our Founding Investor, the Washington State Department of Commerce, for its continued commitment to strengthening communities, expanding opportunity, and supporting long-term economic resilience across Kitsap County.

We also thank our Champion Investors:

• Kitsap County
• City of Bremerton
• Kitsap Credit Union
• Port Madison Enterprises
• Virginia Mason Franciscan Health

Your investment helps support business growth, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and regional collaboration throughout Kitsap County.

Together, we are building a stronger economy and a brighter future for our region.

Thank you for your partnership and for believing in Kitsap County’s future. 👏

Kitsap County - Government Washington State Department of Commerce Port Madison EnterprisesVirginia Mason Franciscan HealthKitsap Credit Union City of Bremerton - Government Rion Joaquin Ramirez Sr. Chad Melton Newton Katie Beaton Walters Gilfedder Forsman

05/28/2026

Heads up, Bainbridge Islanders! Starting June 13, Kitsap Transit will operate a FREE downtown shuttle on Saturdays during the summer.

This pilot is funded by the City of Bainbridge Island and will operate loops around downtown Winslow, starting and ending at the ferry terminal.

For more information, read our blog post: https://bit.ly/4dPjp1w

05/27/2026

Interested in marine science? Join the FREE Port Gamble Aquatic Science Symposium on June 14 from 1–5 PM at the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion! 🌊🔬

Hear from tribal and industry leaders, scientists, shellfish growers, restoration experts, and educators about the future of Hood Canal and ongoing marine ecosystem research. Learn about the vision for collaborative research and a new local Marine Science and Industry Campus.

The first 30 RSVP’s can also join a guided beach walk and environmental lab tour!

🎟️ RSVP here: https://events.humanitix.com/port-gamble-aquatic-science...

Gamble Washington Port Gamble S'Klallams

Do you like Marine Science? FREE new event coming up on June 14th in Port Gamble! 1:00PM-5:00PM with beach walk and lab tour for the first 30 RSVP's! All at the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion!
You can RSVP at the event link here...

https://events.humanitix.com/port-gamble-aquatic-science-and-industry-collaborative-healing-hood-canal-and-beyond

A Marine Eco-System Symposium: Public Invited!

Listen to a traditional welcome from the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribal Singers.

Join industry and tribal scientists, shellfish growers, restoration leaders, and educators in an afternoon of presentations and demonstrations outlining the progress and remaining challenging facing our most pristine fjord.

Learn about the vision for collaborative research and a new local Marine Science and Industry Campus.

Tour the Port Gamble environmental lab and partake in a guided low tide beach walk (limited to first 30 RSVP’s).

Taste the flavors of Hood Canal and see how the local environment creates the “merroir” of locally harvests.

Interactive Low-Tide Beach Walk and
Lab Tour starting at 10:30AM(first 30 RSVP’s)