Annual Transformer Diagnostic Testing and Three Year S&C Electric Pad Mounted Switch SF6 Testing

This Notice of Intent is NOT a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for competitive quotes; however, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intends to award a sole source purchase order based on the authority of FAR 6.302-1 "only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements". FAR 6.302-1(b)(1) states this authority shall be used, "When there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the agency's minimum needs can only be satisfied by -- (i) Unique supplies or services available from only one source or only one supplier with unique capabilities...". FEMA intends to award this purchase order to Weidmann Diagnostic Solutions for annual transformer diagnostic testing and three year S&C Electric pad mounted switch Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) testing which are considered commercial services in accordance with FAR Part 2. This action is being performed in accordance with FAR 6.302-1(a)(2) which states, "When the supplies or services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source, ..., and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, full and open competition need not be provided for." A Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition submitted by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and approved by the Contracting Officer is provided as an attachment to this notice. DHS/FEMA/MWEOC, Operations & Maintenance Division has a requirement for annual transformer diagnostic testing on 60 transformers, as well as Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) testing of an S&C Electric pad mounted switch. Specialized diagnostic evaluation programs are required for this equipment. These diagnostic evaluation programs shall provide dissolved gas analysis to detect thermal and/or electrical faults in transformers, oil quality assessment to include particle count, moisture content, color/visual exam, interfacial tension and acid number, oxidation inhibitor, furanic compound analysis, dielectric strength, engineering analysis and evaluation. The Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) diagnostic evaluation program provides air/gas decomposition analysis, moisture content and dielectric breakdown of the S&C Electric pad mounted switch. Other transformer diagnostic testing shall include: fault metal analysis of 8 metals (iron, copper, aluminum, lead, silicon, silver, tin and zinc) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) oil testing to identify levels, type and saturation, and determine if EPA and CAEAL requirements are being met. Additional testing and analysis services may be required should the initial test results prove to be inconclusive or less than favorable for peak operating performance. The period of performance to be established for these services shall be a one year base period and four one-year option periods. Weidmann Diagnostic Solutions has performed diagnostic testing of MWEOC's transformers, as well as Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) testing of the S&C Electric pad mounted switch for the past several years. Weidmann has compiled a significant amount of historical data which is required to diagnose and analyze transformer equipment performance. They use historical data previously collected from each piece of transformer equipment to establish a benchmark for converting the results of new diagnostic tests into critical asset management information which is provided to MWEOC's electricians in order to develop engineering action plans that enhance the reliability and performance of this equipment and identify serious problems. Each equipment's benchmark, along with current diagnostic test results, are used to reduce maintenance costs, decrease unplanned outages and extend the life and performance capabilities of the transformer equipment. Utilizing another company for transformer diagnostic testing and Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) testing would prohibit access to the valuable historical data compiled by Weidmann. Without historical data, the results of transformer diagnostic and Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) testing would be limited by the availability of information from the manufacturer or from MWEOC's O&M records. These limitations could jeopardize the life and performance capabilities of the transformer equipment. Thus, in accordance with FAR 6.302-1, Weidmann Diagnostic Solutions is considered the only responsible source for providing annual transformer diagnostic testing and Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) testing services capable of satisfying DHS/FEMA/MWEOC requirements. FEMA is unaware of any other sources capable of utilizing the historical data compiled by Weidmann Diagnostic Solutions in order to provide transformer diagnostic and Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) testing on MWEOC's transformer equipment. However, any company capable of providing an equivalent level of service may submit a detailed capabilities statement in order to allow the Government to perform an evaluation of your proposed services. This information should be emailed to Phyllis.Woodward@fema.dhs.gov , or by fax to 540-542-2631, no later than 12:00 PM on April 25, 2013. Capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination not to compete this proposed procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.