61--MT-YT & CF EXCITATION SYSTEM UPGRADES

The contract pertains to the upgrade of excitation control systems at the Yellowtail and Canyon Ferry hydroelectric power plants in Montana, with the scope encompassing the complete replacement of outdated ECS-2100 voltage regulators with new Basler DECS-2100 models, including removal of obsolete hardware, installation, integration, configuration, testing, and commissioning for all generating units. This is a firm-fixed-price supply contract awarded as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 335311 for electrical control equipment, justified as a sole-source procurement due to the critical compatibility requirements of the Basler brand equipment with existing infrastructure, making full system replacement impractical. The period of performance runs from February 16, 2026, to May 17, 2027, with delivery and performance occurring at both dam sites: Yellowtail Dam in Fort Smith, MT, and Canyon Ferry Dam in Helena, MT. The acquisition is being procured under commercial item procedures using FAR clauses 52.212-1 through 52.212-5, with award based on the Lowest-Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method, meaning technical compliance is assessed on a pass/fail basis and price is the sole determining factor among qualified offerors. The contractor is responsible for all aspects of the project, including transportation, installation, software validation, on-line and off-line testing, development of as-left documentation, and providing onsite technical assistance during startup. Compliance is mandated with Bureau of Reclamation Safety and Health Standards and OSHA regulations, with the more stringent requirement applied in cases of conflict. Inspection and acceptance occur on-site following successful completion of all testing protocols, including AVR/FCR step responses and limiter stability tests. The contract includes strict security requirements derived from Reclamation Directives, including control over access to sensitive and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), mandatory reporting of violations or compromises, and flow-down of security obligations to all subcontractors. Personnel access is contingent on government approval, and unsuitable individuals may be removed at no cost to the government. Invoicing must be conducted electronically through the Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), and the government retains final acceptance authority. Although the estimated contract value is not disclosed in the pricing schedule, an independent estimate of approximately $1.175 million has been cited in the justification for other than full and open competition. All offerors must represent their small business status and provide