Notice of Intent (NOI) to Sole Source AND Request for Information (RFI)

Notice of Intent (NOI) to sole source the installation of a new electrical transformer by Minnesota Power as part of the Duluth Vessel Yard Phase III Repairs construction contract. The Duluth Vessel Yard Phase III Repairs project is located in Duluth, Minnesota.

Description:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Detroit District, anticipates publicizing a solicitation for a construction contract for the Duluth Vessel Yard Phase III Repairs located in Duluth, MN. As part of this procurement, USACE Detroit District intends to specify a portion of the acquisition on a sole-source basis under the authority of Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) 6.103-1(b) One Responsible Source to Minnesota Power for the installation of a new electrical transformer.

The required sole-source element is for the installation of a new electrical transformer by Minnesota Power for the Duluth Vessel Yard Phase III Repairs project. Electrical shorepower stations will be installed along the pier, requiring a new transformer to supply adequate power to the North Pier stations. The Contractor will be required to coordinate with Minnesota Power and pay Minnesota Power to install the new utility-owned transformer. Because the transformer and primary service lines will remain the property of Minnesota Power as part of their regulated electric distribution grid, third-party contractors are legally and technically prohibited from performing the installation or tying into the utility's infrastructure. Minnesota Power is the sole regulated electric utility franchise holder with exclusive authority and capability to perform this grid expansion work at this location. Consequently, no other source can satisfy the Government's requirement for this installation and utility grid connection.

Disclaimer

This NOI is being issued to provide notification of the Government’s intent to sole source the electrical transformer installation portion of the requirement and obtain industry feedback through the RFI process. This is not a request for a competitive bid. This is not a solicitation, and the information contained herein is subject to change or be eliminated from the requirement. Only firms capable of providing a compatible equivalent utility connection/service are requested to respond by email. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

Responses

Interested parties able to source and execute a directly compatible equivalent connection/service may identify their interest and capability in writing to the identified points of contact below, no later than September 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM (Eastern).

Please include the following in your response:

1. Name of Firm

2. UEI or Cage Code

3. Point of Contract, Phone Number, and Email Address

4. Supporting technical documentation to illustrate the capability to provide a directly compatible equivalent utility connection.

Submit any information for consideration by the Government via email to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer listed in the notice using the Subject Line: NOI Duluth Vessel Yard Phase III Repairs – Electrical Transformer Installation.

Reminder

Responses shall be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this portion of the procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government, based upon responses received from this notice, is solely at the discretion of the Government.