A.02_SingleSource_7N24Q0026_23MAY2024 Signed_Redacted - Copy.pdf

In FY2022, the government released an unrestricted solicitation for Eaton Switchgear Cassettes, for an over the micro-threshold purchase. The cassettes (Part Numbers #LN163PADNSNNNNC and #MN323PADNSNNNNC) house the custom breakers, also made by Eaton. Two amendments were released, the second to issue the Part Numbers and show which Eaton Breakers the cassettes house.

The Part Numbers on the previous government furnished property provided by Eaton caused concern with three of the five quotes received, to include . Three contractors proposed LN163HADNSNNNNC, as the configuration with “P” does not come in the narrow size required to fit the current 800A LV Breaker. However, the “H” configuration for narrow breakers that are made for mainstream industry, and sold by third party vendors, have horizontal stabs which causes the Bonneville Switchgear system to arc.

One of the three contractors that submitted the “H” configuration stated that in order for the proposed cassettes to work, the installed circuit breakers would need to be modified to remove the vertical adapters and replace with horizontal finger clusters. Another contractor stated that this configuration fit the narrow breaker, but had the thin horizontal stabs that caused the previous arcing.

Based on the information provided by the three that proposed the “H” configuration, it was determined that the “P” configuration proposed by the other two contractors could not be verified as technically acceptable to fit the current narrow breakers and not arc.

When the government pressed , to verify the correct Part Number, it stated that the “P” configuration (without horizontal stabs AND for a narrow breaker) requested did not reconcile with it’s catalog, “as the cassettes are generally not offered in this manner. The cassette is meant for permanent install so Eaton Services would not general present this on the open market. I state this because if we change the part number to what you found in the catalog, we simply could not execute the PO. That part number does not exist to order in our system.” In a follow-up email, the Agent stated the plant would have to customize a basic cassette to fit our breaker configuration at Bonneville Dam.

c. Impact: The impact of not having the same type of cassettes wil force mis-alignments and mis-alignment can cause improper contact of electrical parts and an arc flash incident damaging equipment or injuring personnel. If Bonneville Lock and Dam is unable to procure these cassettes, the entire switchgear will require replacement. The cost estimation is dollars just for materials to replace the switchgear.

6. EFFORTS TO OBTAIN COMPETITION: Internet searches were conducted and only one supplier for the Eaton LV Magnum Circuit Breaker Cassette, was found. The previous solicitation, W9127N22Q015, was cancelled as the government was unable to be verify the correct part number was being quoted; the manufacturer, Eaton, denied access of the full part number to third party vendors. Incorrect part numbers received in the past caused the switchgears to arc.

7. ACTIONS TO INCREASE COMPETITION: The requiring activity, is evaluating system components and requirements, to negotiate non-proprietary components/network requirements with the current vendor. This negotiation will enhance the ability and opportunity for full and open competition in future requirements.

8. MARKET RESEARCH: Market research was conducted through internet search engines but no other vendors could be located to provide the requested parts.

9. INTERESTED SOURCES: To date no other sources have expressed an interest in writing, however, all offers received shall be considered. No other sources seem capable of responding.

10. OTHER FACTS: Previous purchases were made for identified failures, before the design flaw was discovered (credit card).

W9127N22Q0125, cancelled, no third party suppliers/resellers proved capable of providing this custom part.

W66QKZ90353112, FEB/2019, Eaton Corporation, 4 each/ total W66QKZ92639846, SEP/2019, Eaton Corporation, 4 each/ total

11. TECHNICAL CERTIFICATION:

I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

NAME:

TITLE: Products Coordinator SIGNATURE:

12. CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION:

Based on the foregoing determination, I hereby approve the procurement of (supply/service here) on an other than full and open competition basis pursuant to the authority 13.106-1(b)(i) subject to the availability of funds, and provided the (supply/service) herein described has otherwise been authorized for acquisition.

I certify that this Determination is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

NAME: Nicole Adams TITLE: Contracting Officer SIGNATURE