Solicitation Notice: ERCIP Rock Island Arsenal Microgrid

Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This document justifies the use of a specific manufacturer, Schweitzer Electronic Laboratories (SEL), for power system protection relays and power system controllers for the ERCIP Power Generation and Microgrid project at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. The government will not purchase the devices directly but will include the manufacturer's name in the specifications for a firm fixed-price construction contract.

• Provision of power system multifunction protection relays and power system controllers.

• Specific SEL devices anticipated include:

  • SEL-751 Feeder protection relay
  • SEL-735 Power quality meter
  • SEL-700G Generator protection relay
  • SEL-587Z Differential relay
  • SEL-2741 Ethernet switch
  • SEL-2742 Ethernet switch

• These devices are critical for protection, control, monitoring, functionality, communication, and coordination of the electrical distribution system and new Substation A.

• The contract is for construction of the ERCIP Power Generation and Microgrid project, including 14MW natural gas generation, 3MW solar generation, 400kW Battery Storage, and connection to the existing Hydropower plant.

• The project involves constructing and commissioning new NG Gensets, solar panels, a Battery Energy Storage system (BESS), and a new switchgear building.

• The new Microgrid switchgear will require multifunction relays and controllers for monitoring and protection.

• This document is a justification for a sole-source procurement, not a solicitation for proposals.

• A Notice of Intent (NOI) has not been posted to SAM.gov.

• The justification is for "Other Than Full and Open Competition" based on 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) and FAR 6.103-1, citing "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements."

• Rock Island Arsenal currently uses SEL devices, and specifying the same manufacturer is necessary for compatibility and interoperability with the existing electrical distribution system and new Substation A.

• Market research identified SEL as "best-in-class" for technology, price, service, support, and cybersecurity.

• Other manufacturers considered include GE Vernova, Schneider Electric, Siemens, and ABB, but SEL is specified due to existing infrastructure and proprietary communication requirements.

• The SEL relays meet rigorous industry standards (IEEE, IEC) and are designed for extreme environmental conditions.

• The anticipated cost will be determined to be fair and reasonable based on previous SEL procurements.

Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This document justifies the use of other than full and open competition for a contract action related to the ERCIP Power Generation and Microgrid project at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. The action involves providing connectivity between a new Microgrid control system and the existing Allen-Bradley SCADA system.

• Integration of a new Microgrid control system with the existing SCADA system.

• Modification of the existing Allen-Bradley PLC 7xx system, including potential installation of new hardware.

• Use of Allen Bradley Controllogix 7xx, RSLogix 5000 PLC programming software, and FactoryTalk SE software for SCADA.

• The project aims to provide status and control functions for the Hydropower plant from the Microgrid and information on the Microgrid's operation to the existing SCADA system.

• The contract is planned as a firm-fixed-price construction contract, awarded using FY25 funding.

• The approximate cost for additional I/O cards is mentioned but redacted.

• The total anticipated cost is determined to be fair and reasonable based on limited scope and availability of parts.

• This document is a justification for sole-source procurement, not a solicitation.

• A Notice of Intent (NOI) has not been posted to SAM.gov.

• Market research was not performed due to the nature of the justification.

• The justification cites 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) and FAR Overhaul (RFO) 6.103-1, specifically the "Only One Responsible Source" clause, as the authority for this approach.

• The existing SCADA system's integration into the Hydropower plant makes replacement inefficient and costly.

• Parts for the existing system are proprietary.

• The overall project involves installing 14MW of natural gas generation, 3MW of solar generation, 400kW of Battery Storage, and connections to the existing Hydropower plant.

• Failure to approve this justification would result in the new Microgrid system being unable to receive critical operational information from the Hydropower plant, leading to manual control and disconnection during outages.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation W912QR26RA044 modifies the original solicitation dated 05 May 2026.

Key changes include:

• Extended Proposal Due Date: The proposal due date has been extended to 18 June 2025 at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time.

• Updated Specifications and Drawings: Several specification sections and drawings have been replaced in their entirety. New specification sections and drawings have also been added.

• Revised Wage Decisions: Wage Decisions IL20260001 and IL20260012 have been revised and replaced with updated versions.

• Standard Form (SF) 1442 Revision: Block 13b of SF 1442 has been revised, requiring an offeror guarantee.

• Incorporation of New Clause: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (RFO) 52.222-90, Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors, is being incorporated into the Solicitation.

• Response Due Time Change: The response due time has been changed from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM.

• Contract Issuing Office Address Update: The address for the Contract Issuing Office has been updated.

• Specification Sections (replaced and new)

• Drawings (replaced and new)

• Wage Decisions (IL20260001, IL20260012)

• Standard Form 1442

• Section 00 72 00 - General Conditions (addition of FAR clause 52.222-90)

• Section 00 22 12 - Evaluation Criteria (attachment date modified)

• The proposal due date and time have been extended.

• Offerors must ensure their proposals reflect all updated specifications, drawings, wage decisions, and incorporated clauses.

Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This document justifies the procurement of a new natural gas service installation for the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program (ERCIP) Power Generation and Microgrid project at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. The action is being taken using other than full and open competition because Mid-American Natural Gas Utility is the sole provider of natural gas to the Arsenal.

• Installation of a new natural-gas service, including a natural gas meter, pressure reducer, and a bypass loop.

• The service is required to support seven new 2MW natural gas generators as part of the ERCIP project.

• The installation must be performed by Mid-American per their standards.

• This will result in a firm fixed-price construction contract.

• The contract is planned to be awarded under a Design-Bid-Build (DBB) using FY25 MILCON funding.

• A Notice of Intent (NOI) has not been posted to SAM.gov.

• The justification will be posted with the solicitation, redacted as necessary.

• Market research was not performed due to Mid-American being the sole utility provider.

• This procurement is justified for sole-source award to Mid-American Natural Gas Utility.

• The ERCIP project includes 14MW of natural gas generation, 3MW of solar, 400kW of Battery Storage, and connection to the existing Hydropower plant.

• Failure to approve this J&A will result in the project being non-functional.

Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This document justifies the use of other than full and open competition for a construction contract related to the ERCIP Power Generation and Microgrid project at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. The government will procure a brand-name Simplex fire alarm panel (4000 series) as part of this project, which will be included in the solicitation for a firm-fixed-price construction contract.

• The primary requirement is the procurement of a Simplex 4000 series fire alarm panel.

• This panel is needed for the Substation within the ERCIP Power Generation and Microgrid project.

• The panel must be compatible with the existing Simplex fire alarm panels and reporting equipment used throughout the Arsenal.

• The contract will be a firm-fixed-price construction contract.

• The contract is planned to be awarded under a Design-Bid-Build (DBB) method.

• Funding is anticipated to be FY25 MILCON O&M funding.

• This document is a justification for a sole-source procurement, not a solicitation with submission instructions.

• A Notice of Intent (NOI) has not been posted to SAM.gov.

• Market research was not performed due to the cited reasons.

• This justification is for "Other Than Full and Open Competition" based on the proprietary nature of the Simplex system.

• The Arsenal's existing fire alarm system relies on Simplex proprietary communication technology, making Simplex the only manufacturer whose panels can report to the central fire station.

• Failure to approve this J&A could result in a fire alarm system that cannot report to the central system.

• The anticipated cost is expected to be approximately [REDACTED].

Other / Unclassified

This document is a meeting roster for a pre-proposal site visit concerning a Microgrid project at the Rock Island Arsenal. It lists attendees, their organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses.

This roster provides contact information for individuals who attended the site visit. Potential bidders may find this useful for networking or follow-up inquiries related to the opportunity.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the Design-Bid-Build (DBB) construction of a Power Generation and Microgrid at Rock Island Arsenal (RIA), Illinois. The project aims to provide sustained power to the RIA electrical distribution system, ensuring uninterrupted support for the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence, especially during electric utility grid outages. The new microgrid system will integrate with the existing 2.8 MW hydroelectric power plant and will include 14 MW of natural gas-fired Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE) generators, 3 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and a 400 kW/1.6 MWh Energy Storage System (ESS).

• Construction of a microgrid system including natural gas generators, battery energy storage system, microgrid switchgear, and microgrid controller.

• Connection of the new microgrid switchgear to Substation A.

• Construction of a supporting facility for the microgrid system.

• Relocation of hydroplant feeders from Substation A to the new microgrid switchgear.

• Commissioning of the entire microgrid system, including electrical and mechanical equipment, facilities, and utilities.

• Installation and certification of all required software for substation operation.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP).

• Period of Performance: Within 902 calendar days after receiving notice to proceed.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but NAICS Code 237130 has a size determination of $45,000,000.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) Solicitation Module.

• Submission Deadline: 04 JUN 2026, 01:00 PM local time.

• Basis of Award: Best Value Trade-Off process. Evaluation factors, other than price, when combined, are considered approximately equal to price.

• Evaluation Factors: Factor I - Past Performance, Factor II - Management Plan, Factor III - Small Business Participation Plan, and Volume II - Price and Business Information.

• Full and Open procurement.

• Requires HUBZone 10% price evaluation.

• Contractors must register and complete representation and certification requirements in SAM.gov.

• Funds are not presently available; award will not be made until appropriated funds are available.

• Offerors must comply with NIST SP 800-171 requirements.

• A site visit is scheduled for Wednesday, 06 May 2026 at 11:30 AM CDT.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) Access Request Form (RIA FORM 190-1, June 2022). It is used to request visitor access to the installation. The United States Army requires a criminal records check for all visitors not affiliated with the Department of Defense or U.S. Government.

• Section I - Personal Information: Requires name, last four of social security number, date of birth, contact information, home address, race, sex, and place of birth.
• Section II - Purpose of Visit: Checkboxes for various official/commercial business purposes (e.g., Army Corps of Engineers, Contractor, Delivery/Pick-Up) and recreational visits (e.g., Cemetery, Museum, Golf).
• Section III - For Official/Commercial Business Only: Fields for Visitor Company Name and Government Contact Name.
• Section IV - Privacy Act Statement: Consent for a criminal history records check and release of information.
• Section V - To be completed by DES Personnel: Fields for entry/exit times, date, length of visit, location, and visitor type, as well as access status (granted/denied) and reason.
• Acceptable Forms of Identification: Lists valid IDs such as State Issued Driver's License, U.S. Passport, etc.
• Notes: Provides important information regarding vehicle operation, background checks, denial waivers, conduct, searches, and prohibited items (firearms, weapons).

Bidders or individuals requiring access to Rock Island Arsenal for official business related to this opportunity must complete this form. It outlines the personal information, purpose of visit, and consent required for a background check to gain access to the installation. Failure to provide accurate information or meet the requirements may result in denied access.