Request for Information (RFI)

Request for Information (RFI) for a Electric Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Planning Software, Computer Hardware and Peripherals, and Training Note: This is a Request for Information only. Do not respond with quotes, proposals or offers. This RFI does not represent a commitment by the CPA to issue an RFP or RFQ. Submissions should not be in .ZIP format. Responses my be sent directly to the POC as listed in paragraph 7.0 SUBJECT Request for Information (RFI) for a Electric Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Planning Software, Computer Hardware and Peripherals, and Training for the Iraqi Ministry of Electric. Responses are due to this RFI by 4:00 PM on March 21, 2004. See section 7.0 for further information. PROBLEM DESCRIPTION The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity has no modern software tools to assist in generation, transmission, and distribution planning. Such software is used in all modern system planning departments or consultancies since it improves the quality and timeless of system improvements and results in high reliability and reduced cost. OBJECTVE The scope includes procurement and implementation of software packages necessary to perform generation, transmission, and distribution comprehensive program functions; all computer hardware and peripherals needed to support the software for all required users; and training in the use of the software and all equipment and materials needed to support the training. HIGH LEVEL INFORMATION SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Computer based software package(s) shall be capable of at least the following general functions: Generation system expansion planning and analysis, including production simulation, reliability evaluation, multi-area analysis, and optimized expansion planning. Transmission system expansion planning and analysis, including load flow and contingency analysis, transient and dynamic stability analysis, single phase and three phase short circuit analysis, and relay coordination. Transmission system operational planning and analysis, including the same features as for transmission system expansion planning and analysis. Distribution system design, system modeling, expansion planning, and analysis; including load flow, demand load analysis, voltage drop, on-line diagrams, contingency analysis, and fault analysis including single phase and three phase, and protective coordination. In all cases outputs will include standard default reports and flexible user-specified reports. To the extent possible the different planning packages should communicate easily with each other in order that data exchange will be efficient and accurate. This may be easier to accomplish by procurement of all software packages from a single OEM vendor, but multiple sourcing is not excluded. The selection of software for transmission system expansion planning and transmission system operational planning shall take into consideration the software used by other countries in the region in joint studies. The software shall not be custom designed. The software shall be commercially available and supported by an internationally accepted supplier of this type software and technology. The availability of OEM software support is mandatory. Software supplier shall be approved by the SPMO. The computer hardware and peripherals shall be adequate to support the necessary planning activities in the relevant areas of the Ministry of Electricity. It shall include computers, printers, large format printers, networks to connect the components, and other related equipment as needed. A preliminary estimate of the need for computer hardware and peripherals is as follows: For generation system expansion planning and transmission system expansion planning: A single site with seven personal computers, a file server and a network linking the machines, a regular format printer, a large format printer, a copier/scanner, and other supporting equipment as needed. For transmission system operational planning: A single site with three personal computers, a file server and a network linking the machines, a connection to the network serving the transmission system expansion planning function, a regular format printer, a large format printer, a copier/scanner, and other supporting equipment as needed. For distribution system expansion planning: Nine separate individual sites, each with two personal computers, a file server and a network linking the machines, a regular format printer, a large format printer, a copier/scanner, and other supporting equipment as needed. This effort will require class room training, on the job supervised training, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specific training, and support systems training. The general objective will be to develop a level of expertise in the trainees such that they may serve as trainers of their future colleagues in these areas. The main software training will take place in two stages. The first stage, for each software package, will consist of classroom training in a workshop setting. The objective of this training is to develop a comprehensive understanding of both the principles underlying the planning software and the software itself. This will be conducted for at least two weeks in Baghdad, Amman, Jordan, or another suitable location. The second stage for each software package will be on-the-job supervised training at a single user job site. The objective of this training will be to work with the trainees as they develop the model for their own application using their own system data. When the training is complete, the users should have a working version of the model for their own system. At the end of the second stage the trainers will recommend some of the trainees to be used as trainers for other Iraqi personnel who may now or in the future need to learn how to use the software. The transmission system operational planning and analysis software probably will be the same as for transmission system expansion planning and analysis, but the second stage of training will be conducted at a separate job site for the users whose focus of work activity is on operational planning. RESPONSE OUTLINE Respondents are free to develop their response as they see fit. We would like the following sections to be covered: Section 1 – Software modules and implementation alternatives Briefly describe your proposed software functionality. Include information on each module’s capabilities, and propose implementation alternatives. Section 2 – System implementation methodology Briefly describe your implementation approach and provide examples of similar projects where your company has implemented this software including but not limited to the region of the Middle East. Section 3 – Cost and Schedule Estimates Provide software costs (licenses fees and structure). Provide user training costs and discuss cost drivers, cost tradeoffs, and schedule considerations Section 4 – Corporate Expertise Briefly describe your company, your products and services, history, ownership, financial information, and other information you deem relevant. In particular, please describe any projects you have been involved in that are similar in concept to what is described in this RFI. Any relevant lessons learned. Section 5 – Additional Materials Please provide any other materials, suggestions, and discussion you deem appropriate. DISCLAIMER This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only constitutes neither a solicitation nor a guarantee of a future solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. Responses should not be sent in .ZIP format. CONTACT INFORMATION Following is the Point of Contact (POC) for this RFI: CDR Frank Hruska, USN 914-822-5235 HYPERLINK "mailto:hruskaf@orha.centcom.mil" hruskaf@orha.centcom.mil or LTC Ed Mullin, USA 914-822-5235 HYPERLINK "mailto:mullinse@orha.centcom.mil" mulline@orha.centcom.mil Address: LTC Ed Mullin CPA (PMO) APO AE 09316 Please submit responses via e-mail in Microsoft Office format by 4:00 PM on March 23, 2004 to the POC above. You may also submit supplemental hardcopy materials such as brochures, etc. to the POC.