Sources Sought - Transformer Refurbishment for WAPA Tracy Substation (Byron, CA)

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Western Area Power Administration is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify qualified contractors capable of refurbishing three KT2A transformers at the Tracy Substation in Byron, California. This notice is not a solicitation but aims to assess industry capability, particularly among small business concerns, to inform future acquisition decisions, including potential set-asides. The scope of work requires full transformer refurbishment in strict compliance with manufacturer specifications, including draining and re-filling oil, replacing gaskets, bushings, pressure devices, relays, gauges, and COPS bladders, conducting hot oil cleaning, vacuum oil filling, and comprehensive post-refurbishment electrical testing. All work must occur on-site at the Tracy Substation, with no storage of materials permitted on WAPA property, and must meet or exceed OEM standards, California OSHA, federal environmental regulations, and WAPA’s Quality Control Plan. The performance period is fixed from October 1, 2027, to December 31, 2027, and all deliverables must pass 100% inspection with zero tolerance for non-conformance as defined in the Performance Requirements Summary (Exhibit 1). Contractors must provide detailed information on their company, SAM UEI, business size under NAICS 811310, past performance on similar transformer projects, prime versus subcontractor role, and expected subcontracting percentage. Responses must be submitted via email to tthomas@wapa.gov by May 11, 2026. The contractor is required to designate a contract manager within 15 days of award, submit safety and spill plans, a list of all employees, SDS sheets, and waste disposal records, and comply with stringent facility access requirements including REAL ID-compliant identification, a weapons ban, badge control, and reporting of lost badges within 24 hours. Foreign nationals must be identified and approved 45 days prior to work commencement, and monthly safety meetings and incident reporting are mandatory. No contract value, payment terms, invoicing system, or evaluation factors are specified in this notice, as it is solely for market research, and no formal clauses, certifications, or FAR clauses are yet applicable until a solicitation is issued.