VMC Electrical Substation Breakers at the Del Din, Vicenza Italy

Justification Review Document (Other Than Full and Open Competition)

This document justifies and approves the procurement of ABB Medium Voltage Switchgear and Protection Relays for the Del Din, Italy facility (Substations ESS-K, ESS-N, ESS-S, and Central Energy Plant) on a brand-name, other than full and open competition basis. The authority cited is Title 41 United States Code (U.S.C.) §1901, as implemented in Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (RFO) 12.102(b), restricting competition because only ABB brand products satisfy the agency's requirements.

• Acquisition of ABB UNISEC AIR MV switchgear (24kV, 630A, 16kA) with vacuum-insulated ABB VD4/SEC circuit breakers.

• Specific CLINs include switchgear for Substation ESS-K, Bldg 55 (Central Energy Plant - 24kV and 11kV), Substation ESS-N(S)-n, Substation ESS-S-7, Substation ESS-S-9, and REF620 Protection Relays.

• The requirement is for new, Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract.

• The estimated total value is redacted.

• The contract type is Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP).

• Competition is anticipated among authorized ABB distributors to ensure pricing is fair and reasonable.

• A Notice of Intent to Brand Name will be publicized on SAM.gov.

• Price analysis will be conducted using the Independent Government Estimate (IGE) and by comparing quotes from authorized ABB distributors.

• This is a brand-name justification for other than full and open competition.

• The justification highlights that the Del Din Electrical Distribution System (EDS) operates under a specific Industrial Control System (ICS) Authority to Operate (ATO) that is hardware dependent. Introducing non-ABB components would require re-certification of the cybersecurity posture.

• Integration of 'mixed' relays would necessitate a transition from native peer-to-peer communication to a translated architecture, increasing system latency and risk.

• The existing MVS infrastructure is comprised of ABB equipment installed approximately 14 years ago. Utilizing identical components ensures technical continuity and avoids costly structural modifications.

• The base's electrical team has specialized training on ABB MVS platforms, ensuring operational continuity and rapid response capabilities.

• Introducing equipment from alternative manufacturers would negatively impact mission support, personnel readiness, system latency, response time, and create a logistical burden for spare parts.

• The government will monitor the market for open-source digital substation technologies for future upgrades, but switching brands now would incur significant engineering and downtime costs.

• Market research confirmed that while other vendors offer similar gear, only ABB provides a faster deployment guarantee for this specific acquisition due to pre-engineered hardware fitting existing layouts. Competitors' MVS would require third-party gateways, introducing vulnerabilities.

• No other sources have expressed interest to date. Any bids from authorized ABB partners will be considered.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Annex 4 - Technical specification relays, provides detailed technical specifications for the REF620 relay, which is a dedicated feeder management relay. It is intended to inform bidders about the specific technical requirements and capabilities of the equipment relevant to the opportunity.

• Description of REF620 Relay: Details its function as a protection, control, measurement, and supervision device for utility and industrial power distribution systems, including various network configurations and distributed generation.
• Communication Protocols: Supports IEC 61850 (Edition 2 and 1), IEC 60870-5-103, Modbus®, DNP3, and Profibus DPV1.
• Default Configurations: Relays are configured with default settings, but end-users must create custom application configurations.
• Customer Benefits: Highlights compact and versatile solutions, wide application coverage, extensive protection/control functionality, and a withdrawable plug-in unit design.
• Application Details: Specifies its use for overhead lines, cable feeders, various network types, and includes features like fault locators and interconnection protection.
• Functionality Table: Lists supported functionalities including control, overcurrent protection, earth-fault protection (including advanced high-impedance networks), thermal overload, voltage, frequency, fault locator, interconnection protection, power protection, capacitor bank protection, arc protection, load-shedding, synchro-check, and auto-reclose.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the technical specifications of the required relays. It outlines the performance, features, and compatibility requirements that any proposed solution must meet. Bidders should pay close attention to the supported functionalities and communication protocols to ensure their offerings align with the government's needs for the repair of MV SF6 breakers.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Annex 3 - Technical drawings for each electrical substation," provides detailed technical drawings for various electrical substations. It serves as a critical reference for understanding the physical layout, dimensions, and configurations of the switchgear equipment.

• Switchgear Front Views: Illustrate the arrangement of cubicles and their internal components.
• Single Line Diagrams: Depict the electrical connections and circuit configurations within the switchgear.
• Footprints: Show the overall dimensions and mounting requirements for the switchgear assemblies.
• Detailed Footprints: Provide precise measurements for individual cubicles, including dimensions, mounting hole locations, and cable entry points.
• Labeling: Each drawing is clearly labeled with the specific switchgear type (e.g., ESS-K, BLDG #55 CEP, CEP 11 kV, ESS-n(S)-n, ESS-S-7, ESS-S-9) and the designation of individual components or feeders (e.g., J1, J2, K1, etc.).
• Technical Specifications: Includes voltage (24kV), current ratings (630A), and short-circuit ratings (16kA/1s) where applicable.

This annex is essential for bidders to:

• Accurately assess the physical space requirements for installation.
• Understand the electrical configuration and connectivity of the proposed equipment.
• Ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure.
• Prepare detailed proposals that account for the specific technical requirements of each substation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Annex 1, details the specific items required for the "Repair MV SF6 breakers in all electrical substations - Caserma Del Din" opportunity. It outlines the "Statement of Requirements for all items" and provides a breakdown of each CLIN (Contract Line Item Number) with its description, unit, and quantity.

• General Requirements: All items must include applicable commercial warranty, operator, parts, and maintenance technical manuals (English and Italian, preferably in DVD or CD format). Equipment must be CE certified.
• CLIN Breakdown:
  • CLIN 0001: Supply of ABB medium voltage electrical panel (Switchgear ESS-K, 24kV 630A 16kA) with specific components (1 SFV metering, 3 WBC feeders, 1 WBC incoming DC). Quantity: 1.
  • CLIN 0002: Supply of ABB medium voltage electrical panel (Switchgear BLDG #55 CEP, 24kV 630A 16kA) with a detailed list of incoming, metering, bypass, feeder, busbar, and generator components. Quantity: 1.
  • CLIN 0003: Supply of ABB medium voltage electrical panel (Switchgear BLDG #55 CEP 11kV, 630A 16kA) with incoming generator, metering, and transformer feeder components. Quantity: 3.
  • CLIN 0004: Supply of ABB medium voltage electrical panel (Switchgear ESS-N(S)-n, 24kV 630A 16kA) with ring and transformer feeder components. Quantity: 13.
  • CLIN 0005: Supply of ABB medium voltage electrical panel (Switchgear ESS-S-7, 24kV 630A 16kA) with ring and line_TR feeder components. Quantity: 1.
  • CLIN 0006: Supply of ABB medium voltage electrical panel (Switchgear ESS-S-9, 24kV 630A 16kA) with DRC riser and transformer feeder components. Quantity: 1.
  • CLIN 0007: Supply of ABB Medium voltage protection relay, type REF620. Quantity: 8.
• Technical Information: For further technical details, bidders are directed to Annexes 2 and 3 (and Annex 4 for CLIN 0007), which are integral parts of the technical specifications.

This annex is crucial for bidders as it specifies the exact equipment and quantities required for the opportunity. It details the components of each electrical panel and the type of protection relay needed. Bidders must ensure their proposals accurately reflect these specifications and quantities, and that all general requirements (manuals, CE certification) are met. Reference to Annexes 2 and 3 is essential for understanding the full technical scope.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for "Brand Name" effort for switch breakers and relays for the Del Din electrical substations. The existing equipment is obsolete and requires replacement to prevent blackouts. This effort is for materials and their delivery only.

• The solicitation is for Line Item Numbers (CLINs) 0001 through 0007, specifically ABB "Brand Name" products. Quotes for other brands will be rejected.

• Equipment must be CE (European Conformity) compliant; otherwise, it will be rejected.

• Unique Item Identifier (UID) is required for items costing $5,000 USD or more. The cost of including the UID must be in the unit price.

• Technical description of offered items must be submitted in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance.

• Commercial Warranty Information for Items (CLINs 0001-0007) must be specified.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

• Period of Performance: Delivery required by September 30, 2026.

• FOB: Destination.

• Payment Terms: 30 Days Net, submitted via WAWF.

• Quote Validity: 60 calendar days from the date of submission.

• Submission Method: Electronic copies of quotation package via email to specified points of contact (Francesca Candia and Roberto Schiavon).

• Due Date/Local Time: June 29, 2026, 11:30 AM Central European Time (CET).

• Evaluation Factors: Award will be made on the basis of Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

  • Factor I: Technical (Acceptable/Unacceptable basis).
  • Factor II: Price.

• Quotes must be submitted for all line items (CLINs 0001-0007) for a single award.

• Offerors must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a NCAGE/CAGE number.

• Italian/Foreign Contractors must obtain NCAGE code via SIAC Difesa or NATO Codification Tool.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Mandatory Anti-Mafia Documentation and Self-Certification are required for Italian offerors.

• Prohibition on the Acquisition of Covered Defense Telecommunications Equipment or Services Representation must be completed.

• The delivery address is Caserma Ederle, Viale Della Pace 193, Building #57 – 36100 Vicenza, Italy.

• Security requirements include background checks and compliance with installation/facility access and local security policies.

• Attachments include: Annex 1 (Details for each item), Annex 2 (Technical specifications for each medium voltage panel), Annex 3 (Technical drawings for each electrical substation), and Annex 4 (Technical specification relays).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Annex 2, provides detailed technical specifications for each medium voltage panel. It serves as a critical reference for understanding the components, electrical characteristics, and physical attributes of the switchgear being procured.

• General Specifications: Covers type of apparatus, degree of protection (IP3X), internal arc classification (AFLR), operating temperature range (-5°C to 40°C), and altitude limits (≤1000 m).
• Electrical Data: Details rated voltage (24kV), service voltage (20kV), rated frequency (50Hz), rated busbar current (630A), and rated short circuit current (16kA).
• Switchgear Composition: Lists various panels including SFV Metering, WBC Feeder Line, WBC Incoming DG, and others, specifying their quantity, weight, and overall dimensions (width, depth, height).
• Typical Units Description: Provides in-depth specifications for individual panels such as DRC Incoming, SFV Metering, SDC Bypass, WBC Feeder, WBS Bus Tie, DRS Riser, WBC Generator Feeder, and WBC Transformer Feeder. This includes details on their type, cable entry, internal components (e.g., switch-disconnectors, circuit breakers, sensors, transformers), and electrical ratings.

This document is essential for bidders to accurately assess their capability to meet the technical requirements of the opportunity. It provides the necessary details to understand the specific equipment, its performance characteristics, and its configuration, which will inform proposal development and pricing.