Brand Name Justification and Approval - Request For Information- Charbonneau Park Septic Upgrade - Esteem Radio

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineering District Walla Walla has issued a Special Notice regarding a Brand Name Justification and Approval Request for Information for the Ice Harbor Lock and Dam Charbonneau Park Septic System Upgrades. The notice specifically concerns the procurement of Esteem brand radio communication equipment for a Large Oversized Sewer System (LOSS) alarm system. The Army Corps is seeking industry feedback on their planned use of specific brand name equipment rather than allowing for competitive alternatives. This RFI is being conducted under Defense Federal Regulation Supplement (DFARS) procedures that govern brand name justifications. The notice was posted on July 17, 2025, with a response deadline of July 22, 2025.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to gather market feedback and industry comments on the Army Corps' intention to specify five particular Esteem brand products including a 195M Narrowband radio modem, AA161 Lighting Arrestor, AA202M Yogi Directional Antenna, and specific coaxial cables for the septic system upgrade project. Interested parties must submit their comments via email to Preston Jones at Preston.E.Jones@usace.army.mil by the July 22, 2025 deadline. The RFI does not appear to establish specific eligibility criteria for participation, as it is seeking general industry input rather than proposals or bids. This initiative represents the government's effort to validate their brand name specification approach before proceeding with formal procurement under the Site Preparation Contractors NAICS category. The process allows contractors and industry stakeholders to provide feedback on whether the brand name restriction is justified or if competitive alternatives should be considered.