Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Unloader Valve Assemblies

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Walla Walla District, has published a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for governor oil pump unloader valve assemblies intended for the Lower Monumental Lock and Dam facility. This special notice announces the government's intention to award a sole-source contract to Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions, Inc., located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in accordance with FAR 13.501(a). The procurement is necessary to replace existing Pelton C310 and C90 governor oil pump unloader valve assemblies that have exceeded their 55-year service life and are no longer reliable for critical operations. The justification for sole-source procurement emphasizes that Emerson is the only responsible source capable of providing the required governor unloader components and associated software customization compatible with the existing infrastructure. The notice was posted on December 22, 2025, and does not constitute a formal solicitation or competitive request for proposals.

Interested parties may submit written expressions of capability and interest to callie.rietfors@usace.army.mil by 10:00 AM PST on January 12, 2026, although no award will be made based on responses to this notice. The submission window serves solely to determine whether future competitive procurement may be warranted for subsequent requirements. The replacement valve assemblies will feature an electric solenoid design with fully integrated circuits controlled digitally by programmable logic controllers, and their implementation is expected to extend the useful service life of the governor oil pressure pumps by approximately 20 percent. The procurement includes dual and single unloader assembly kits for first and follow-on units, along with a spare parts kit, with a 20-week delivery timeline from contract award. Delivery must occur at the Lower Monumental Lock and Dam in Kahlotus, Washington, with shipments restricted to Monday through Thursday between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. PST. The contractor is required to provide installation, operation, and maintenance manuals, manufacturer warranty coverage, and technical support for installation and troubleshooting activities.