A.03.20_Magnetek_VFDs_(Brand_Name)_MNA_-_Bridge_Crane_Skew_Control.pdf

Control Number: 16-0040

SINGLE SOURCE DETERMINATION (including brand name)

1. CONTRACTING AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Walla Walla District

(CENWW-CT), 201 North 3rd Avenue, Walla Walla, WA 99362

2. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION: This action is for a firm fixed-price single-source requirement using BPA Large CAP funds to procure Magnetek Impulse G+/VG+ Series 4 variable frequency drives (VFDs) and ancillary control equipment for the modification of the powerhouse bridge cranes at McNary Dam in the Walla Walla District.

3. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICE: As part of an upgrade to improve bridge travel of the bridge cranes at McNary, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must provide new VFDs for the bridge motors. This is a justification for brand name components which will be purchased by the contractor who receives the construction contract. Award is scheduled for June 2016. The estimated purchase price for 8 new Magnetek VFDs is $45,760. Magnetek products are available from several distributors.

4. AUTHORITY CITED: FAR 13.106-1(b), Soliciting from a single source.

5. REASON FOR AUTHORITY CITED:

a. BACKGROUND: The McNary bridge cranes skew during bridge travel. In order to correct the skewing, new VFDs must be installed for each drive motor to allow independent control of the bridge motors. The new drive controllers must be able to communicate with the bridge cranes’ existing Allen-Bradley, Programmable Logic

Controller (PLC), and Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems. Both the software and the programmed portion of the hardware (i.e. the firmware) are intellectual property protected by copyrights, patents, or similar laws. The hardware and software are functionally linked and legally protected from copying.

b. JUSTIFICATION: The Magnetek VFDs are specified to meet interoperability and supportability requirements. Substitution for the specified product would:

i. Increase the initial and recurring costs of programming software, licenses, and computer hardware (laptop)

ii. Increase the initial and recurring costs of spare parts inventory

iii. Increase labor time, travel, and expense to train District personnel

iv. Decrease efficiency of engineers and technicians because of VFDs’ uniqueness

v. Decrease interoperability with existing PLC, which would jeopardize successful operation and decrease safety during operation

The existing and new VFDs on the crane must be controlled by the existing PLC. The existing VFDs are Magnetek brand VFDs and are used to control the main hoists, auxiliary hoists, trolley drives and bridge drives. The new bridge drive VFDs must be the same manufacturer/brand as the hoist and trolley drive VFDs to be compatible with the existing PLC and programming. Historically it is known that introducing multiple different VFD brands on the same crane has caused operational and reliability problems which resulted in lost and/or reduced capabilities of USACE cranes. In addition, controlling multiple brands with the same PLC introduces significant programming complexity which adds more cost and increases the failure risk.

c. IMPACT: The risk of failure is a significant safety concern. Control system errors could cause the bridge crane to:

1. Over-travel into the wall of the powerhouse

2. Skew and further damage the crane, rails, and powerhouse structure

3. Drop a load

4. Swing a load

5. Fail to travel or hoist

d. ALTERNATIVES

i. NONE

6. MARKET RESEARCH: The Magnetek VFDs are essential in order to maintain uniformity of

VFDs operating the crane in connection with main hoists, auxiliary hoists, trolley drives and bridge drives. Other products do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, agency needs.

7. CONTRACT SPECIALIST: I certify that the information supporting this single source determination is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge based on the supporting data provided by technical or requirements personnel and my research.

Prepared by: Kent Bernard Date: ____________________

Title: Contract Specialist Signature: ____________________

8. DETERMINATION: I hereby determine the circumstances of this contract action deem only one source reasonably available due to the existence of the existing Allen Bradly equipment.

Approved by: Jani Long Date: ____________________

Title: Contracting Officer Signature: ____________________