Single Source Decision Document_RFO 12.102(a)~DWA Deluge Eaton Cooper Cabletray Components_Sign~.pdf

CUI//SP-PROCURE//FEDCON

Control Number: 26-0034

RFO FAR 12.102(a) Decision Document for Single Source/Brand Name

1. Requiring Activity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Walla Walla District (NWW), Dworshak Dam (DWA), 1428 Northfork Drive, Ahsanka, ID 99362.

2. Contracting Activity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Walla Walla District (CENWW-CT), 201 North 3rd Avenue, Walla Walla, WA 99362.

3. Description of Action: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Walla Walla District, requires the procurement of Eaton Cooper B Line Cable Tray equipment to provide backup power to the transformer emergency deluge system at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir. This procurement requires a new supply contract and will be funded with small cap Hydro funds. This J&A is only for a portion of the overall contract

4. Description of Supplies/Services: This determination pertains to a firm-fixed price, brand name requirement for Eaton Cooper B Line cable tray equipment. The cost of this procurement is part of the overall MCC parts replacement and cable tray cost, estimated at $2800, which is below the simplified acquisition threshold. The total contract cost for all material and equipment is anticipated to be approximately $50,000.

5. Authority Cited: Title 41 U.S.C. §1901(e)(2) as implemented in RFO 12.102(a), restricting competition under the authority of the acquisition of commercial products and commercial services.

Reason for Authority Cited: The existing ESQ1 Motor Control Center at the Dworshak Dam and Reservoir Powerhouse was recently replaced as part of ongoing electrical reliability improvements. During this work, a method was identified to provide emergency power to the transformer fire deluge system. This emergency power configuration requires integration of two Schneider Electric Model 6 MCC 300-ampere breakers, shunt trip modules, and Eaton Cooper B-Line cable tray equipment to route and support the required power and control cabling.

Eaton Cooper B-Line cable tray equipment is required for this portion of the work because the existing cable tray system in the affected Powerhouse location is Eaton Cooper B-Line. The new cable tray components must physically and electrically integrate with the existing installed tray system. Matching the existing manufacturer and model is necessary to ensure proper fit-up, mechanical compatibility, grounding continuity, load rating continuity, and compliance with applicable electrical installation requirements.

Specifically, use of Eaton Cooper B-Line cable tray equipment is justified for the following reasons:

1) Physical Compatibility with Existing Cable Tray System:

The existing cable tray in the work area is Eaton Cooper B-Line. Cable tray systems are manufactured with specific side-rail profiles, rung spacing, splice plate patterns, hardware dimensions, tray widths, fitting radii, and support requirements. Components from different manufacturers are not always dimensionally interchangeable. Using the same manufacturer and model ensures that new tray sections, elbows, tees, reducers, splice plates, covers, and fittings will correctly align with the existing tray without field modification.

2) Maintains Structural Load Rating:

Cable tray systems are engineered as complete assemblies with defined load ratings based on tray type, span length, rung spacing, material, side-rail design, and support configuration. Introducing non-matching tray components could reduce the overall structural capacity of the cable tray run or create unsupported transition points.

Maintaining the Eaton Cooper B-Line product line preserves the original structural design basis and ensures the tray remains suitable to support the added emergency power and control conductors.

3) Maintains Electrical Bonding and Grounding Continuity:

Cable tray systems often serve as part of the equipment grounding path when installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code and manufacturer requirements. Proper bonding depends on compatible splice plates, bonding jumpers, hardware, and contact surfaces. Using matching Eaton Cooper B-Line components helps maintain reliable electrical continuity through the cable tray system and avoids uncertainty associated with mixing different manufacturers’ splice and bonding hardware. National Electrical Code Article 392 establishes requirements for cable tray installation and use, including grounding and bonding considerations.

4) Avoids Field Modification and Rework:

If a different cable tray manufacturer or model were used, field crews may be required to drill new splice holes, fabricate adapter plates, modify supports, alter tray fittings, or use non-standard hardware. These modifications would increase labor cost, extend outage or installation time, and introduce quality-control concerns. Field-modified cable tray components may also affect manufacturer ratings, listing, corrosion protection, and long-term maintainability.

5) Preserves Manufacturer Listing and Installation Requirements:

Cable tray components are tested, rated, and installed as part of an engineered system.

Using compatible components from the same manufacturer supports compliance with manufacturer instructions and industry installation practices. NEMA VE 1 provides metal cable tray manufacturing standards, and NEMA VE 2 provides cable tray installation guidance; both emphasize the importance of properly matched components, fittings, splice plates, supports, and installation practices [2] [3].

6) Maintains Corrosion Protection and Environmental Suitability:

The Powerhouse environment requires durable electrical support infrastructure suitable for long-term service. Cable tray materials and finishes vary by manufacturer and model, including galvanized steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and other coatings.

Matching the existing Eaton Cooper B-Line tray ensures consistent material type, finish, corrosion resistance, and environmental performance throughout the cable route.

7) Supports Emergency System Reliability:

The emergency power supply to the transformer fire deluge system is a critical safety function. The cable tray supporting this system must provide a secure, code-compliant, and maintainable pathway for emergency power and control conductors. Use of matching Eaton Cooper B-Line equipment reduces installation risk and supports reliable operation of the emergency system with load-shed functionality.

8) Reduces Schedule and Procurement Risk:

Procuring the same Eaton Cooper B-Line cable tray equipment reduces the risk of installation delays caused by incompatible fittings, supports, splicing hardware, or alignment issues. Standardized tray components allow the contractor or Government maintenance personnel to install the system more efficiently and avoid delays associated with redesign, field fabrication, or engineering evaluation of substitute products.

9) Maintains Long-Term Maintainability:

The Dworshak Project maintenance staff is already familiar with the existing Eaton Cooper B-Line cable tray system in this location. Continuing with the same tray manufacturer and model allows future modifications, inspections, repairs, and cable additions to be performed using known components and standard spare hardware. This improves maintainability and lowers lifecycle cost.

Accordingly, Eaton Cooper B-Line cable tray equipment is required to match the existing installed cable tray system in the ESQ1 Motor Control Center work area. Use of the same manufacturer and model is necessary to ensure mechanical compatibility, structural integrity, electrical bonding continuity, code compliance, installation efficiency, emergency system reliability, and long-term maintainability. Procuring a different cable tray manufacturer or model would introduce unnecessary technical risk, potential installation delays, added labor, and possible rework, all of which are contrary to the Government’s interest in completing a reliable emergency power installation for the transformer fire deluge system.

References

[1] NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 392, Cable Trays.

[2] NEMA VE 1, Metal Cable Tray Systems.

[3] NEMA VE 2, Cable Tray Installation Guidelines.

It is in the Government’s best interest to standardize electrical distribution equipment wherever possible. Standardization ensures electrical crews are familiar with the system, reduces training requirements, utilizes common test equipment, and ensures spare and replacement parts are available for emergency repair of critical systems.

The existence of other MCCs/Switchboards matching the ratings of the new MCC/Switchboards provides for temporarily swapping out more specialized equipment, such as motor starters, buckets, and circuit breakers, from a less critical system to the more critical system to bring it back online immediately, until needed replacement parts can be acquired.

Background: The existing 15 KVA rated inverters and Remote Manual Bypass Switch (RMBS) in the powerhouse are critical, aging original equipment. This action is to procure a modernized replacement system.

Alternatives:

There are no suitable alternative brands or product lines that interface with our existing cable tray system. The financial cost of using an alternative cable tray manufacturer instead of matching the existing Eaton Cooper B-Line cable tray equipment is primarily an incremental installation, engineering, and risk cost, not just a material cost. In most cases, the cable tray material itself is a relatively small portion of the total installed cost;

the larger cost impact comes from incompatibility, field modifications, installation delays, additional engineering review, and potential outage impacts.

For this specific type of work at Dworshak Dam Powerhouse, using non-Eaton/non-matching cable tray equipment could reasonably add an estimated $25,000 to $150,000+ in additional project cost depending on the amount of cable tray affected, the level of required modification, outage impacts, and whether engineering re-approval is required.

Impact if not approved:

Procurement of different style cable tray parts introduces additional costs to the Government and decreases efficiencies gained from standardization. For instance, Dworshak personnel will require additional training and different test equipment to perform maintenance and repair of other systems, and a larger variety of spare parts will be required to be stored and tracked in Dworshak’s size-limited warehouse.

As well, this would introduce unnecessary and unacceptable risk to reliable operation and timely repair of critical power generation/distribution and fisheries production systems.

6. Market Research/Interested Sources: Preliminary market research indicates that multiple small businesses can quote on this action.

7. Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in the determination and findings, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

PRATHER.BROOKS.B.1159899

Brooks Prather

Electrical Engineer

Digitally signed by

PRATHER.BROOKS.B.1159899418

Date_: 2026.07.08 14:08:17 -07'00'

8. Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this determination and findings are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Kristin Hyde Contracting Officer