NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE Microgrid Controller

SUBJECT: NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: Microgrid Controller DESCRIPTION: The United States Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition Management Division (AMD) intends to negotiate a firm fixed price purchase order, on a sole source basis, with Eaton Corporation for the purchase of one (1) microgrid controller system shall include a system controller, two local controllers and an optional server with data historian and visualization to the mission for laboratory testing of the NIST microgrid power conditioning systems, interconnection equipment, other system-dedicated controllers, and Distribution Management System (DMS) controllers of the Physical Measurements Laboratory. The statutory authority for this sole source acquisition is FAR 13.106-1(b) by the authority of FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures. NIST currently has a need for one microgrid controller system shall include a system controller, two local controllers and an optional server with data historian and visualization for a modular and scalable control architecture, that is configurable to a variety of microgrid applications ranging for a small microgrid including only a solar inverter, battery energy storage and controllable load, to large feeder scale microgrids and microgrids that interoperate with Advanced Distribution Management System (OMS) control. This is needed for the purpose of NIST building a Smart Grid testbed that includes the ability to test microgrid power conditioning systems (PCS), interconnection equipment, and controllers. The microgrid test laboratory will use multiple power supplies to emulate AC and DC grid and load conditions and will also export power and information exchange to adjacent laboratories testing other interconnected Smart Grid devices and systems. To ensure these ranges can be completed a microgrid controller that is small enough to provide scalability to include large distribution feeders and inclusion, DMS are needed so the NIST small power supply of solar and battery operation can be used. The required items can only be offered by Eaton Corporation 7451 Coca Cola Drive, Suite C, Hanover, MD 21076-1490 via the Eaton Power Xpert Energy Optimizer Controller par number CAT# E-PXEO-MESG-0517A. Only Eaton Corporation can provide a controller that has small scale micro grid controllers provided scalability to include large distribution feeders and inclusion DMS. Market research indicated none of the large-scale microgrid controllers could be scaled down to be used in a simple microgrid that is currently in NIST's laboratory which uses just solar and battery power. In addition, no companies that deal with small microgrid systems, have been found to have capabilities of scaling up to large microgrid with DMS control. In addition to the scalability issue, the controller offered by Eaton is also the only product that is compatible with the other Eaton equipment in the Smart Grid lab. This equipment includes DMS switch gear and sensors, that if used with other company's equipment will not function properly. There is no other company that can provide the scalability needed to meet the Government's minimum specifications. Research has found that only one (1) company, Eaton, can meet the requirements as they are the only company capable of a controller with the required scalability. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 335999, and the size standard is 500 employees. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all responsible sources interested may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement. The Government will consider responses received by 1:00 p.m. Eastern on September 8, 2017. Inquiries will only be accepted via email to contact@example.gov . No telephone requests will be honored. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future.