MNA Spillway Power & Controls Infrastructure Upgrades

This is a special notice prepared in accordance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation (DFARs PGI) 206.302-1(d) “Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, is executing a firm-fixed-price contract for the McNary Spillway Power & Controls Infrastructure Upgrade. This project will replace critical substation switchgear (DS1 and DS2) that services the spillway loads. A key component of this upgrade is the installation of a comprehensive feeder protection and relaying system to safely enable and integrate the multitude of functions required for spillway operation. Due to the need for system standardization, operator familiarity, and proven reliability, the Government intends to specify the use of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) Protection Relays, Motor Management Relays, Annunciator Panels, and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs).

The statutory authority for this brand name purchase to be made as a part of the larger construction effort is 10 U.S.C 2304(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1(c), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements, application for brand name descriptions.

The Government intends to solicit the Construction action in July 2026. The NAICS code is 237990 Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction. The associated Small Business Size Standard as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration is $45 million.

THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS OR BIDS. This is a notice of intent to procure a brand-name product. The Government is seeking information from responsible sources who can provide a solution that is fully and seamlessly interoperable with the existing Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) equipment and control systems infrastructure at McNary Lock and Dam.

Interested parties must provide a statement of capability with clear and convincing evidence that their proposed alternative components can meet the comprehensive functionality, programming versatility, and robust physical requirements of the specified SEL equipment. The proposed alternative must integrate with the existing SEL systems without loss of efficiency, introducing system complexity, or requiring additional specialized training for operators.

If no affirmative written responses demonstrating such capability are received by 10:00 AM Local Time on the notice end date, a solicitation will be issued that includes the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) brand-name requirement. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement is solely within the discretion of the Government. Electronic responses shall be submitted via email to Chandra.d.crow@usace.army.mil. Oral communications are not acceptable. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is not responsible for any costs incurred by responding to this notice.