Notice of Intent to Sole Source for DILO SF6 Gas Cart Training

The Western Area Power Administration Sierra Nevada Region has issued a notice of intent to sole source SF6 gas cart training from DILO Incorporated under FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b) authority. The Department of Energy agency intends to procure specialized training for high voltage electricians on SF6 gas handling equipment at three California maintenance facilities in Elverta, Redding, and Tracy. The training involves both classroom and hands-on instruction covering SF6 gas cart operation, safety protocols, and environmental regulations. This procurement is classified under NAICS code 611519 (Other Technical and Trade Schools) with a small business size standard of $21 million. The notice was posted on August 4, 2025, and explicitly states it is not a solicitation but rather an intent to negotiate on a sole source basis.

The primary objective of this notice is to determine whether competitive procedures could be used for this specialized training acquisition before proceeding with sole source negotiations. Interested parties who believe they can satisfy the training requirements must submit written responses demonstrating their capabilities by August 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM PST. All questions and responses must be submitted in writing via email to hrcooper@wapa.gov, with no phone calls accepted. The training program aims to improve employee proficiency in SF6 gas handling, reduce equipment damage claims, ensure OSHA and environmental compliance, and teach zero-emissions approaches. WAPA justifies the sole source approach by asserting that only DILO-trained and certified technicians are qualified to provide instruction on their specific L170R51 SF6 cart equipment, with the training scheduled to occur during calendar years 2025 or 2026 across multiple two-day sessions accommodating a maximum of 8 students per class.