RFI Blade Seals - LLA Discharge Ring and Cavitation Repair
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. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, has issued a Special Notice (RFI) for Blade Seals for the Little Goose Turbine Discharge Ring Upgrade and Cavitation Repair project in Starbuck, WA. This notice seeks alternative sources for highly specific turbine blade runner packing seals, which the Government intends to procure as James Walker brand due to past issues with alternatives. Responses are due May 14, 2026.
Purpose & Background
This is a brand-name restriction notice prepared in accordance with DFARS PGI 206.302-1(d) and 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1). The project involves replacing critical turbine blade runner packing seals across six main units to prevent lubricating oil leakage from Kaplan turbine hubs into the river. Historical problems with alternative vendors (premature failures, environmental hazards, extended unit outages) have led the Government to specify proprietary James Walker brand Turbine Blade Runner Back-to-Back Packing.
Required Specifications
The requirement consists of 36 seal stacks utilizing proprietary shape dimensions, Type 3 Acrylonitrile/butadiene based synthetic rubber headers, and NM59-74/80 Acrylonitrile/butadiene based synthetic rubber intermediate rings and glands with a nominal Durometer of 80 IRHD.
Response Requirements
This is not a request for competitive proposals or bids. The Government is seeking information from responsible sources who can provide alternative blade seals that meet rigorous dimensional tolerances, material compositions, and exact fit requirements. Interested parties must submit a statement of capability with clear and convincing evidence, including independent laboratory testing and historical performance data on USACE Kaplan turbines. This evidence must demonstrate that proposed alternatives can match the precise strength, rigidity, and exact shape dimensions required to properly compress the inner chevrons, without causing improper seating, premature seal failure, or oil leaks, and without requiring additional Government-funded teardowns or out-of-cycle replacements.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (RFI for brand-name materials within a larger construction contract)
- NAICS: 237990 Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
- Size Standard: $45 million
- Set-Aside: None specified (brand-name restriction notice)
- Response Due: May 14, 2026, 10:00 AM Local Time
- Published: April 29, 2026
- Anticipated Construction Solicitation: November 2026
Submission Details
Electronic responses shall be submitted via email to chandra.d.crow@usace.army.mil. Oral communications are not acceptable. The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred by responding to this notice. If no affirmative written responses demonstrating such capability are received, a solicitation will be issued that includes the brand-name material requirements.