Single Source Determination JA Hydropower Education FINAL 1.26.26_Redacted.pdf

This is a Sole Source Determination document for a federal contract opportunity under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold for Hydropower Education Training 2026. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District Contracting Division, is procuring membership services from the Centre for Energy Advancement through Technological Innovation (CEATI) International Inc. The contract reference is RFQ W9127N26QA025, dated January 26, 2026.

USACE will purchase annual memberships to three CEATI interest groups: Hydropower Plant Equipment, Protection and Controls, and Asset Management in Generation. These memberships provide USACE personnel with access to new research projects, in-person meetings and conferences, webinars, recorded trainings, assessment tools, and guidance specific to each interest group. The memberships offer peer and profession support, with over 60% of attendees from power utilities. The Hydropower Plant Equipment group focuses on capital and O&M costs, equipment life extension, reliability, and maintenance. The Protection and Controls group addresses device performance, system stability, and power quality. The Asset Management in Generation group emphasizes asset management development, implementation, evaluation, and optimization. CEATI has been the sole known provider meeting USACE's requirements since 2022. Previous purchase orders show a history of engagement: CY 2022-2023 for $251,400, CY 2024 for $81,081, and CY 2025 for $59,364.90. The sole source justification cites FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), noting that market research and two years of Notices of Intent yielded only one qualified response, and no other organization provides comparable services for hydropower industry collaboration and R&D engagement.