JA - SEL - Redacted.pdf

LRL-FY24-58

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. Contracting Agency: US Army Engineer District, Corps of Engineers, PO Box 59, Louisville, KY 40201-0059.

2. Description of Action: This justification and approval (J&A) is being prepared for the use of a specific manufacturer for power system protection relays and power system controllers by Schweitzer Electronic Laboratories (SEL) in the design for the ERCIP Power Generation and Microgrid project at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois (RIA). The government will not purchase the devices directly but will include the manufacturer name as part of the specifications in the solicitation that will result in a firm fixed price construction contract. The construction contract is planned to be awarded under a DBB – using FY25 MILCON funding.

3. Description of the Supplies/Service: Provision of power system multifunction protection relays and power system controllers in this project. Specifically, the project requires relays for protection of feeders, controllers for automated function of circuit breakers, informational metering data from system components and monitoring data for critical alarms. The specific relays we anticipate being used for the project are:

(a) SEL-751 – Feeder protection relay for radial and looped distribution circuits. Will be installed in the switchgear.

(b) SEL-735 – Power quality meter for the switchgear circuits.

(c) SEL-700G – Generator protection relay.

(d) SEL-587Z – Differential relay for switchgear, will work with SEL-751 relays.

(e) SEL-2741 – Ethernet switch for communication racks

(f) SEL-2742 – Ethernet switch for DIN rail locations.

It is critical that all the individual protection, control and monitoring devices are of the same manufacturer for proper functionality, communication, and coordination. For remote monitoring and control, these relays utilize a closed secure communications network. Rock Island Arsenal is currently using SEL products for the electrical distribution system and in the new Substation A, thus specifying the same manufacturer is necessary to ensure compatibility. The overall cost is expected to be approximately

4. Authority Cited: The statutory authority permitting acquisition of the requirement by Other than Full and Open Competition is 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) as implemented by Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (RFO) 6.103-1 (DEV 2026-O00017), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. This authority is applicable to brand name justifications in accordance with RFO 6.103-1(d) (DEV 2026-O00017).

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

(a) Background: This contract for the construction of the ERCIP Power Generation and Microgrid at Rock Island Arsenal is a MILCON project to install 14MW of natural gas generation, 3MW of solar generation, 400kW of Battery Storage, and connection to the existing Hydropower plant at the RIA installation located in Rock Island, Illinois. This project will construct and commission (7) new NG Gensets, approximately 8000 solar panels, a stand-alone Battery Energy Storage system (BESS) and a new switchgear building. The new

Microgrid switchgear will contain approximately 22 medium-voltage main, feed, and tie circuit breakers. This switchgear will generate deliver generated power to the Arsenal during normal operation, partial outages and complete loss of primary feeders.

(b) Justification: The new Microgrid switchgear will require multifunction relays and controllers to monitor and protect all cabling and switchgear. It is critical that all of these devices are fully compatible with each other, thus are specified as from the same manufacturer. Since Rock Island Arsenal is currently using SEL devices for the electrical distribution system and SEL components utilize secure, proprietary communication, it is required to remain with the manufacturer for full system interoperability.

(c) Impact: If the J&A is not approved it will result in reduced interoperability, increased complexity on the overall control system integration, and loss of control of system components.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: A Notice of Intent (NOI) has not been posted to SAM.gov.

7. Market Research: Market research shows there are multiple manufacturers of power system relays, however utility-grade SCADA systems utilize secure communications and thus need to utilize the same manufacturer. The following companies can provide Protective Relays and are considered as leaders in the North American market:

(a) SEL (Schweitzer)- Utilities across North America have ranked SEL as "best-in-class" for technology, price, service, support, and cybersecurity. Internationally, SEL has led first-place votes for price and service and support. They are noted for replacing relays even past their 20-year warranty.

(b) GE Vernova: Known for robust relays but has faced past criticism regarding reliability issues, which the company is currently addressing with a renewed focus on relay technology.

(c) Schneider Electric: Widely praised for power efficiency, safety, and sustainable digital solutions.

(d) Siemens: Praised for high-performance relays (SIPROTEC) with seamless integration capabilities, particularly for renewable energy and smart grids.

(e) ABB: Recognized for high reliability and advanced features, though some users note they are best for legacy systems and have complex newer product lines.

8. Other Concerns:

(a) SCADA Connectivity: The SEL Relay will connect to the existing SCADA system utilizing individual, hard-wired contact points, because the existing SCADA system does not have an ATO. This type of connectivity allows for one-way, limited information to be passed to the existing SCADA controller. All manufacturers have this capability.

(b) Interoperability and Standards: SEL (Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories) relays not only meet but frequently exceed rigorous industry standards for protective relays, including IEEE, to +85 C), high shock, and electromagnetic interference, boasting exceptional reliability with mean times between failure (MTBF) often exceeding 700 years. Key standards and certifications met by SEL products include IEC Standards and

• IEEE Standards.

• IEC Standards: Products are designed to be IEC 61850 compliant, supporting modernized, networked, and automated power systems.

• IEEE Standards: Many devices are qualified for use in utility and industrial environments, complying with IEEE C37.90 for surge and transient protection.

(c) Quantity and Existing Inventory: Rock Island Arsenal have approximately (9) currently and

30+ new devices as part of the Substation A project.

9. Interested Sources: In accordance with RFO 5.201(c)(3) (DEV 26-O00003) and RFO 6.301(b)(2) (DEV 26-O00017), the justification shall be posted with the solicitation, redacted as necessary.

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.

11. Requirements Certification: I hereby determine 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.

12. Legal Review and Concurrence: I hereby determine that the information herein is legally sufficient, and I concur with the sole source procurement.

13. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination/Contracting Officer Certification: I hereby determine that the anticipated cost to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable based on previous procurements of SEL manufactured relays. Therefore, there is only one available manufacturer that meets the requirements of the solicitation. I further certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.