B.08.02 Att 6- Brand Name J&A- Iris Power Engineering Model PDA-IV.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

(SOLE SOURCE/BRAND NAME ITEM UNDER THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD)

1. CONTRACTING AGENCY: US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Little Rock District (CESWL-CT)

700 W. Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72203.

2. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION: The proposed action is for the utilization of brand name equipment, Iris Power Engineering Model PDA-IV, in support of the execution of a new firm-fixed price construction contract for the Rewind of Units 1 and 2 Generator at Beaver Powerplant. This justification does not apply to the entire Rewind of Units 1 and 2 Generator at Beaver Powerplant requirement that will be solicited under W9127S21R0006. It only applies to the specified partial discharge analysis (PDA) system utilized in completion of that requirement.

Only one PDA system is required for both units. The total estimated value of this item is $40,000.00. Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) funding will be utilized for this project.

3. DESCRIPTION OF ITEMS: PDA systems are used to monitor conditions of a unit by analyzing partial discharge activity experienced by the stator windings. Partial discharges are small electrical current “sparks” that are located in the stator windings – these “sparks” generate ozone, an OSHA defined human health hazard and oxidizer that significantly attacks the stator winding insulation and paint systems used in the generator. The analyzer, Model PDA-IV, connects to the permanently installed capacitor couplers that are also manufactured by Iris Power Engineering. The analyzer is important as it amplifies the measurements and provides printouts/readings of the monitored activity in a format that is readily comparable to a large industry database to assist with detection and identification of the specific location and nature of the discharge activity.

4. AUTHORITY CITED: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). The agency’s need is for a brand-name item.

5. REASON FOR AUTHORITY CITED: The capacitor couplers that are permanently installed within the units are Iris Power Engineering brand. The same brand analyzer is required to ensure compatibility with existing components and Little Rock District equipment for future testing and monitoring.

There are technical differences in how the partial discharge measurements are taken and with what brand of equipment; they do not produce meaningful results if they are intermixed. The data collected from Iris Power Engineering systems can be compared against measurements from 22,000 tests from over 7,000 machines. The use of any other brand of test equipment would result in the use of a testing method less accepted by the hydro industry and it would greatly reduce test record database against which Beaver Powerplant tests can be compared.

The method of partial discharge analysis is well understood in industry, but the analysis is difficult to correctly identify partial discharge and further identify the location within the winding, location, and type of issue that is occurring. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has over 100 generators with Iris Power Engineering PDA systems installed. The Iris Power Engineering analyzers are cross-compatible with any of the generators and the information goes to a similar database. This allows Districts and powerhouses to share information and equipment, increasing the reliability and safety of Government resources and minimizing forced outages that detract from the USACE hydropower mission to provide reliable hydropower to the Nation.

6. EFFORTS TO OBTAIN AND INCREASE COMPETITION: The requirement for the Iris Power Engineering PDA will be included within the contract specifications for the Rewind of Units 1 and 2 Generator at Beaver Powerplant. Market Research indicates that Iris Power Engineering Inc.

is the only vendor who supplies the Model PDA-IV. In accordance with FAR 5.101 and 5.102, competition will be obtained by posting a solicitation for the Rewind of Units 1 and 2 Generator at Beaver Powerplant on beta.SAM. Offerors will be provided no less than 30 days to submit proposals. A copy of this approved justification will be posted along with the solicitation.

7. FAIR AND REASONABLE COST DETERMINATION: A determination of price fairness and reasonableness will be made based on competition, an Independent Government Estimate, and if required, internet catalog pricing.

8. MARKET RESEARCH: A quick Internet search for PDA-IV indicates that this brand name material is only available for purchase from Iris Power Engineering, Inc. A phone call to Iris Power Engineering, Inc. on March 18, 2021 confirmed that they are the only supplier of the

PDA-IV.

9. APPROVAL: Based on the foregoing, it is determined to be in the best interest of the

Government to include this brand name requirement within Solicitation W9127S21R0006 for the Rewind of Units 1 and 2 Generator at Beaver Powerplant.

10. TECHNICAL CERTIFICATION:

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

NAME AND TITLE: Jeff Strunk, Technical Lead

SIGNATURE: _____________________________________

11. CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

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

NAME AND TITLE: Carole M. Householder, Contracting Officer

SIGNATURE: _____________________________________