Station Batteries for Ward & Washburn Substations, ND

The Department of Energy's Western Area Power Administration is seeking to procure station batteries for the Ward and Washburn Substations in North Dakota through a small business set-aside solicitation. The contract requires two distinct battery systems: a Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA), non-spillable battery for the Washburn Substation, and a Flooded Lead-Acid battery equivalent to the Enersys EC-9M style for the Ward Substation. Both batteries must be designed for switchgear and control applications in high and extra-high voltage electrical power substations, with specific requirements for constant voltage charging in "float" service. The solicitation, identified by the number 89503425QWA001000, falls under NAICS code 335910 and requires vendors to submit detailed specifications for evaluation. Offers are due by January 15, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST, with proposals to be submitted via email to PFEIFLE@WAPA.GOV and must include the Buy American Certificate FAR 52.225-2.

The solicitation is a 100% small business set-aside with a company size standard of 1,250 employees, targeting battery manufacturers specializing in stationary power systems. The procurement is effectively a brand name sole source requirement for Enersys batteries, with specific technical specifications including 125-volt DC systems comprising 58 flame retardant plastic cells and precise dimensional constraints for rack mounting. Delivery will be F.O.B. destination to the North Dakota Maintenance Warehouse in Bismarck, with specific delivery windows restricted to Monday through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The technical specifications include detailed requirements for battery capacity, ranging from 265 AH to 365 AH depending on the substation, with comprehensive spill containment features and seismic qualification standards. While no specific award value is disclosed, the solicitation represents a targeted procurement for critical infrastructure battery replacement at electrical power substations.