Sole Source - DNR Rend Lake - Pump Equipment Replacement

This is a sole source contract opportunity issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to procure four 36-inch diameter axial flow pumps with four diesel engine drive units for the Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. The current pump stations at the Big Muddy and Casey Fork locations have become inoperable and require replacement. This procurement is part of a larger Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) project, with IDNR procuring the pumps directly while CDB handles the service portion. The total estimated value of the initial purchase is $1,540,000, to be funded through Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Funds. IDNR and CDB have determined that MWI Pump Corporation is the sole source for the required 26.5-degree angled, belt-driven, large volume pumps, as they are the only domestic manufacturer of this specialized equipment. Alternative pump designs would not be compatible with the existing infrastructure. The procurement notice indicates the intent to award a sole source contract to MWI Pump Corporation, and a public hearing will be held unless written comments or a request for a hearing is received by January 26, 2024.

This is a sole source procurement, with MWI Pump Corporation identified as the only vendor capable of providing the required pumps and engine drive units. No set-aside designations or restrictions on types of organizations are mentioned. The incumbent or current contractor is not specified, but the procurement documentation indicates that the existing pump stations have been operational since 1979. The budget for this initial purchase is $1,540,000, to be funded through Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Funds. IDNR and CDB are pursuing this sole source procurement to avoid the cost and timeline impact of renting temporary pumping equipment for the 2024 waterfowl season.