Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Annual NERC Computer Based Training Platform Subscription

The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Sierra Nevada Region, operating under the Department of Energy, has published a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for an Annual NERC Computer Based Training Platform Subscription. WAPA intends to negotiate with Northwest Power Pool Corporation on a sole source basis under FAR Subpart 12.102(a), which allows procurement from a single source when it is the only responsible source capable of meeting agency requirements. This Special Notice was posted on April 8, 2026, and represents WAPA's intent to procure NERC-specific computer-based training tailored to the Sierra Nevada Region's operational footprint. The procurement falls under NAICS code 611430 (Continuing education training, online) with a small business size standard of $15 million. Interested parties who believe they could satisfy the stated requirements are invited to submit written responses demonstrating their capability to compete.

The primary objective of this procurement is to secure a NERC-approved online training platform subscription to support approximately 25 registered users annually, including two designated Training Coordinators, with access to 150-160 NERC Continuing Education Hours annually. The platform must provide training for NERC Certified System Operators in Real Time operations, Automatic Generation Control, Transmission Switching and Operations, and Transmission Scheduling and Security positions, with content specifically tailored to Western Interconnection operations and WAPA's regional requirements. Potential contractors must submit written responses clearly and unambiguously identifying their capability to meet the specified requirements no later than April 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. PDT, with all inquiries directed via email to hrcooper@wapa.gov. The training platform must comply with NERC Standard PER-005-2, provide interactive online testing, track user completion, and deliver training leading to four NERC certificate types with continuing education hour requirements ranging from 140 to 200 hours. Access to the platform shall be restricted to WAPA employees, with administrative functions limited to two designated Training Coordinators.