Remote Racking Equipment, sole source

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to make a sole source award in accordance with FAR 13.501.

The agency plans to enter into a purchase order in a manner other than full and open competition because there are items peculiar to one manufacturer, and no other supplies or services will satisfy the agency's requirements.

NIST plans to issue a firm, fixed price purchase order to Circuit Breaker Sales NE, LLC. for the procurement of breaker remote operation equipment controls that completely isolates the workforce from the risk of injury/fatalities. Circuit Breaker Sales is the only vendor that can provide the required remote racking equipment that meets the following specifications:

• Portable engineered remote racking systems compatible with 208V or 480V electrical systems/equipment for most of the equipment on site.
• Compatible with the following circuit breaker types:  
  • Cutler Hammer/ Eaton DS
  • Eaton/Cutler Hammer VCP-W
  • Eaton Magnum DS
  • Westinghouse DHP/DVP
  • Siemens RL
  • Siemens/Allis LA and LAF
• Portable systems for both the “chicken switch” and remote racking equipment, i.e., “suit-case” style solutions. (Free standing solutions are not an option due to weight and portability.)
• No modification to existing switchgear required.
• Operation with 50’ controller cords/umbilical that allow the removal of the technician from the arc flash boundary.
• Wireless remote switch actuators with a 100 meter operation range.
• Operator remote video capability with flexible / magnetic camera mount.
• Include integral torque limiter to minimize worm gear damage. (Current sensing systems are not acceptable.)
• Operate on either 120V or via integral battery.
• Systems and components are enclosed in a protective cases for transport and protection.
• Onsite factory training within 2 weeks of equipment arrival at NIST Gaithersburg.

This announcement is not a request for competitive quotations. A solicitation will not be available for this requirement. The intent of this announcement is for informational purposes only. However, any information received within 15 days after the posting date of this notice will be considered by the Government. This notice is not a request for competitive proposals; however, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. Inquiries will only be accepted via e-mail to jillian.staskin@nist.gov.

The government will consider responses received by 12:00PM, EST, 11 July 2023. Written responses to this synopsis shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill the requirement.

A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement 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. This notice of intent is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ) nor is it a request for competition. No telephone requests will be honored.