Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT) Upgrade Project
Awarded Limited / Sole Source Justification Posted
- Solicitation number
- 80ARC026R0003
- Agency
-
Ames Research Center
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- Contract number
- 80ARC026C0004 Federal contract award
- Awardee
- ABB Inc.
- NAICS code
- 335312 Motor and Generator Manufacturing
- PSC
- 6125 Converters, Electrical, Rotating
- Place of performance
- Mountain View, California 94035, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
NASA Ames Research Center has awarded contract 80ARC026C0004 to ABB, Inc. on a sole-source basis for four ABB ACS5000 Converters and two Specialtrasfo Converter Transformers, along with documented control devices and equipment, for the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel Upgrade Project, with award date September 9, 2026.
The justification cites technical incompatibility under 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1). Each converter manufacturer employs a unique, non-cross-compatible control system; switching manufacturers would require redesign, duplicate engineering costs, and unacceptable project delays. ABB was selected following a July 2020 Request for Proposal for conceptual design, with detailed engineering completed in January 2022. Four converters and two transformers (half the equipment) have already been purchased and are in transit. A presolicitation notice posted to Sam.gov on March 17, 2026 with an April 1, 2026 closing date generated no responses from competing vendors. The converters control speed and torque for two 65,000 horsepower motors by varying electrical voltage and frequency; each converter requires a specially configured transformer to filter electrical noise. Converters are manufactured in Turgi, Switzerland; transformers in Milan, Italy. Final pricing is dependent on commodity prices for copper and steel and currency exchange rates at the time of purchase. Place of performance is Ames Research Center. The contracting officer (Tina Jenkins) has determined the anticipated cost will be fair and reasonable, subject to proposal analysis and price negotiation in accordance with FAR 15.404-15.408. The JOFOC is recorded as #JA-FY26-J06 in the ARC JOFOC Log.
Notice text
Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) for four (4) ABB ACS5000 Converters and two (2) Specialtrasfo Converter Transformers, as well as all documented control devices and equipment for the UPWT Upgrade Project at Ames Research Center.
Awarded contract 80ARC026C0004 to unknown vendor for unknown amount on 2026-09-09.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| JOFOC - UPWT VFD Upgrade_Redacted.pdf |
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