Devils Lake Outlets Motor Maintenance

The North Dakota Department of Water Resources (DWR) has issued a Notice of Intent to Make a Limited Competitive Purchase for specialized motor maintenance services related to the Devils Lake Outlets pumping operations. The procurement involves maintenance for 12 of 13 motors, specifically targeting two motor types: 1,250 HP vertical GE Motors and 2,000 HP vertical US Motors, with significant physical specifications including heights of 8-9.5 feet, diameters of 3.5-4 feet, and weights of 11,000-13,800 pounds. The maintenance will consist of either motor reconditioning or rewinding, without modifying the motors' original capacity or function, and will be executed on a rotating 6-year maintenance schedule during winter months when outlets are shut down. Electronic submissions are required through the State Procurement Office Online system, with the response deadline set for November 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM CT. Vendors must be located within North Dakota to accommodate tight maintenance windows and spring road restrictions, and must demonstrate expertise in handling large specialized motors.

The procurement appears to be limited to North Dakota-based vendors, with a strong preference for local providers capable of meeting specific technical requirements. The intended source for this contract is Great Plains Technical Services in Mandan, North Dakota, with an hourly shop rate ranging from $110-$155. Total costs per motor are estimated between $35,000-$52,000 for reconditioning and $65,000-$92,000 for rewinding, depending on motor size. The justification for limited competition stems from the unique capabilities required, including on-site inspection abilities, capacity to handle large motors, and local availability for rapid response. Transportation expenses, labor, materials, and on-site testing are included in the proposed pricing. The contract aims to mitigate previous challenges with out-of-state servicing, such as hazardous winter shipping conditions, by selecting a vendor with comprehensive motor maintenance capabilities specific to the Devils Lake Outlets' infrastructure.