Powerline Training Consultants_Single_Source_Justification.pdf

Single Source Justification Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), Simplified Acquisitions

PR 24WA152991

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting office.

Department of Energy, WAPA, Desert Southwest Region (DSW), 615 South 43rd Ave, Phoenix, Arizona, 85009

2. Description of supply or service required to meet the agency’s needs.

This is a single source, firm-fixed-priced, requirement to James Mcdonald, doing business as Powerline Training Consultants, LLC, for Energized Rope Access Training. The required 50-hour training is provided to WAPA DSW Line Crews and will include Barehand/Hotstick training and access to “I” string, V-String and Deadends.

3. The rationale or circumstances for limiting competition.

As of April 1st of 2015, WAPA requires all climbers on transmission structures to be 100% attached at all times. This new requirement dictates a corresponding change in WAPA’s maintenance training and work methods. Currently, DSW trains and certifies its linemen in the Barehand and Hotstick work procedures every 24 months.

This year, DSW requires additional training expertise from outside contractors to train in the development of new work methods and procedures for Barehand/Hotstick work. Currently, WAPA requires 64 hours of Barehand/Hotstick training to reach certification. This typically occurs over a two-week training period where the crews review and practice the work procedures.

In addition to Barehand/Hotstick training, Rope Access has become a viable solution and work method for accessing energized transmission structures while remaining 100% attached and meeting all new federal OSHA requirements.

WAPA’s fall protection team has surveyed the industry in search of highly specialized training contractors who meet ALL of the following requirements:

1. Trainers are Journeyman Lineman

2. Extensive documented barehand experience

3. Extensive documented EHV hotstick experience

4. Extensive documented rope access experience on energized conductors

5. Are nationally recognized subject matter experts in the field

6. Have references from other electrical utilities for the training to be performed

DSW is seeking a trainer to assist with the Rope Access training. Based on market research, Powerline Training Consultants, LLC meets all of the above requirements and is the only company with energized rope access experience.

Powerline Training Consultants, LLC. will be required to provide training in the month of Oct 15-19, 2024, in Flagstaff Arizona and certify the DSW linemen. Five days has been included in case of inclement weather during this week of training.