Spare Breakers at Smithland Lock and Dam

The Department of the Army has issued a Special Notice regarding the procurement of spare circuit breakers for Smithland Lock and Dam, located in Brookport, Illinois. This Special Notice, posted on January 13, 2026, announces a brand name purchase limited to breakers from manufacturers including Siemens, Square D, Cutler-Hammer, Merlin Gerin, ITE, and General Electric. The procurement falls under the Electrical Hardware and Supplies category (PSC 5975) and is being conducted as a non-full and open competition due to technical constraints specific to the facility's infrastructure. The estimated procurement value is $60,600.00, and potential contractors should note the expedited due date of January 15, 2026.

The primary objective of this procurement is to replace faulty or damaged circuit breakers in 50-year-old Motor Control Cabinets at the lock and dam facility, which is critical to maintaining navigation operations on the Ohio River. Market research conducted by the Contracting Officer determined that no alternative manufacturers produce compatible breakers, making single-source procurement necessary to ensure safety and operational continuity. Competition has been limited under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) based on the finding that only one source is reasonably available due to proprietary design constraints and the specialized requirements of the aging equipment. Contractors interested in this opportunity must be prepared to supply exact-match replacements from the specified brand manufacturers and should submit their proposals or inquiries by the January 15, 2026 deadline. No specific small business set-aside applies to this procurement.