38--Low Ambient Pressure Chamber
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation has issued a Special Notice / Sources Sought for market research to identify qualified sources, including small businesses, for the replacement and installation of a Low Ambient Pressure Chamber (LAPC) pump, motor, and variable frequency drive (VFD). This equipment is for the Hydraulics Laboratory at the Denver Federal Center, CO, used for cavitation research. Responses are due by May 18, 2026, 5:00 pm Mountain Time.
Scope of Work
This requirement involves the removal and disposal of the existing 14-inch horizontal split case pump, DC motor, and control system. Contractors will then be required to furnish and install a new 100 hp horizontal split-case pumping unit (modern equivalent of Warren Pumps Size 14 DLB) and a 100 hp VFD. Installation includes all electrical connections, lifting, and handling. Deliverables include a Removal and Disposal Plan, Safety Plan, Installation Plan, Commissioning Plan and Report, and comprehensive Pumping Unit Documentation.
Technical Specifications
The new pumping unit must be a horizontal-shaft, split-case, single-stage, double-suction centrifugal pump with a horizontal, induction squirrel-cage motor (480V, 3-phase, 60-hertz, 1.15 service factor) controlled by a VFD. Specific material requirements include cast iron/ductile iron casing, stainless-steel impeller/shaft, and aluminum bronze wear rings. The pump must meet specified head-capacity curves, achieve at least 80% efficiency, and be suitable for indoor operation at 5,650 feet elevation and 104°F, meeting ASCE 7 Chapter 13 seismic design requirements. Manufacturer's erection engineers are required on-site during installation and testing.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice / Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Regional Office
- Place of Performance: Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Federal Center, Building 56 – Hydraulics Laboratory, Denver, CO
- Period of Performance (Anticipated): Twelve (12) months after award
- Response Due: May 18, 2026, 5:00 pm Mountain Time
- Published: May 8, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit a Capability Statement (maximum 10 pages) addressing company summary, qualifications, experience, a project list, estimated timeline, a non-binding cost estimate, and any constraints or questions. Submissions must be emailed in Adobe PDF format to Michelle Romine (michelle_romine@ios.doi.gov) with the subject line "Sources Sought Response: Lower Ambient Pressure Chamber".
Eligibility / Set-Aside
The government is specifically seeking to identify potential small business sources for this requirement.
Additional Notes
This is a Sources Sought notice for market research purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue an RFQ. The government will not pay for any costs incurred in responding to this notice.