Intent to sole source services for compliance with Texas RE and ERCOT

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) operates the Amistad Hydroelectric Power Plant, located at 670 Texas Spur 349, Del Rio, TX 78840. This federal agency is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal and state mandates, including standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Texas Reliability Entity (Texas RE), and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The mission of USIBWC is to provide binational solutions to issues arising from treaties between the United States and Mexico regarding boundary demarcation, water quality, and flood control. Work Details The contractor will provide all necessary labor, materials, equipment, supervision, and management to ensure compliance with NERC, ERCOT, and Texas RE standards. Specific tasks include: reviewing the current electrical one-line diagram and protection system for the Amistad Hydroelectric Power Plant; assessing compliance status with relevant agencies; developing a new mitigation plan if necessary; providing feedback to the USIBWC Compliance Committee; and facilitating communication with Texas RE. The contractor will also be responsible for reviewing compliance with specific NERC standards such as FAC-008-3 regarding facility ratings for generator owners; PRC-005-1b R1 concerning transmission and generation protection system maintenance; and Cybersecurity CIP-002-5 related to cybersecurity controls for Bulk Electric System (BES) cyber systems. Period of Performance The contract is expected to be performed over a timeframe that extends until at least December 5, 2025. Place of Performance The services will be performed at the Amistad Hydroelectric Power Plant located in Del Rio, Texas. Access requires crossing through a U.S. Port of Entry with proper documentation as mandated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Bidder Requirements Bidders must have experience in compliance with NERC standards and possess relevant qualifications in electrical engineering or related fields. Additionally, they may need to demonstrate familiarity with regulatory requirements enforced by ERCOT and Texas RE. Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail) This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent based on prior contract 191BWC23P0049, awarded to HSI Workplace Compliance Solutions for $45,000 (06/27/23–06/26/28). The prior award description matches the current need to assist with de-registering the Amistad Power Plant from NERC/ERCOT/Texas RE compliance standards and to oversee AEP transmission studies analysis supporting the de-registration process. The overlap in scope and deliverables suggests the current effort is a continuation or completion of the same compliance de-registration workstream.