Bid guide
How to bid on Essayons Bow Thruster VFD Critical Spares for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, intends to acquire critical spare parts for the variable frequency drive (VFD) system of the Dredge Essayons' ZF Model 5001TT bow thruster. These VFD components control the speed and direction of the bow thruster and are nearing their expected end of life after being in service since 2008. Having these spares on hand is essential for the dredge to meet its mission requirements.
The required parts include twelve IGBT drivers, three Econo V adapter assemblies, one Frenco Chopper Econopak, one HMI Touch Panel, and three Econo Pack Copper Bar Supports. Delivery of all parts is expected within 52 weeks of the contract award. Final inspection and acceptance will take place at the USACE District Warehouse in Portland, Oregon.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This special notice was published on August 05, 2026. The deadline for any responses or inquiries regarding this sole-source intent is August 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. The government intends to award this contract to ZF Marine Propulsion Systems Miramar, LLC, without posting a formal solicitation.
Since this is an intent to award a sole-source contract, no solicitation documents will be posted. The deadline is for any interested parties to express their capability to provide these specific proprietary components. If no other responsible sources are identified, the contract will proceed with the intended sole-source vendor.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is primarily suited for vendors who can demonstrate they are the only responsible source capable of providing the specific proprietary bow thruster VFD critical spares for the ZF Model 5001TT Bow Thruster. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has identified ZF Marine Propulsion Systems Miramar, LLC, as the sole source due to the proprietary nature of the components.
The relevant NAICS code for this acquisition is 336611, Ship Building and Repairing, with a small business size standard of 1,300 employees. While the government intends a sole-source award, any firm believing they can meet the requirements should make their capabilities known by the deadline.
How to respond to this notice
To view the original source of this special notice, click the "View original source" link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid details. You may need a free account on the portal to view any associated documents, though for many bids, this is not required.
Since no solicitation will be posted, your response should be a clear statement of your firm's capability to provide the exact proprietary parts listed, demonstrating why your firm is also a responsible source for these specific items. This is not a competitive bid process in the traditional sense, but an opportunity to challenge the sole-source determination.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Even for a sole-source notice, if you believe your firm can provide the required items, your response should be precise. Clearly state your ability to supply each specific part number listed, or equivalent proprietary parts that are fully compatible with the Dredge Essayons' ZF Model 5001TT Bow Thruster system. Provide evidence of your firm's authorization or capability to supply these proprietary components.
Ensure your response is submitted well before the August 20, 2026, 3:00 PM ET deadline. Detail your firm's relevant experience and technical expertise, especially concerning marine propulsion systems and variable frequency drives. Highlight your capacity to meet the delivery requirement of 52 weeks from the date of award to the Portland, Oregon, warehouse.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District; the original posting controls.