Governor Control Programming
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS.ENGINEER DIVISION NORTHWESTERN.ENDIST SEATTLE.W071 ENDIST SEATTLE · Response deadline: Fri, 06 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, is procuring governor control programming services for a location in Libby, Montana. Governor control programming typically involves software development, configuration, and calibration work for the governors that regulate turbine speed and power output in hydroelectric generating units. This type of engineering is critical to dam safety and power generation stability, ensuring turbines respond correctly to load changes and maintain grid frequency.
While the metadata does not specify the facility, the Libby, Montana location aligns with the Corps' Libby Dam, a hydroelectric project on the Kootenai River under the Seattle District's jurisdiction. The work likely involves programmable logic controller (PLC) or distributed control system (DCS) programming for turbine governors. See the solicitation for exact technical requirements, scope of work, and deliverables.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division, Seattle District |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | W912DW27QA003 |
| NAICS | 541330 — Engineering Services |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside — Total |
| Response deadline | November 6, 2026, 12:00 PM Pacific Time |
| Place of performance | Libby, Montana |
Who can bid
This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside, meaning only small business concerns may submit offers. Under NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services), the Small Business Administration size standard is typically $22.5 million in average annual receipts — verify the exact threshold for your business at SBA.gov.
To qualify, you must be registered in SAM.gov, have an active Unique Entity ID, and—if bidding as other than the prime—demonstrate you will perform a "meaningful relationship" to contract performance per subcontracting limitations. The agency may require DCAA-auditable cost or pricing data depending on the anticipated contract value and competition level.
Experience with hydroelectric turbine controls, governor systems, or Corps of Engineers dam safety protocols would strengthen your position, though the metadata does not specify mandatory qualifications. See the solicitation for any required past performance references, professional engineer (PE) licensing, or security clearances.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the technical environment. Governor programming for hydroelectric units demands specialized expertise in hydromechanical systems, digital speed sensing, and closed-loop control algorithms. If your firm has completed similar Corps projects—especially at Northwestern Division dams—emphasize that directly relevant experience.
Address the technical approach thoroughly. Proposals for control programming typically require: (1) system analysis and integration planning; (2) software development or modification methodology; (3) factory acceptance and site commissioning procedures; (4) operator training plans; and (5) documentation standards. Align your technical narrative with Corps Engineering Regulations and any cited Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.
Price strategically for small business competition. Total set-asides draw strong small business participation. Build your cost proposal with auditable labor rates, reasonable escalation, and clearly defined travel and per diem for the Libby site. If the acquisition is anticipated below the simplified acquisition threshold or under FAR Part 13 procedures, the evaluation may emphasize price with minimal technical discussion—verify the source selection method in the solicitation.
Verify teaming and subcontracting rules. If you need specialized electrical or mechanical subcontractors, ensure your small business prime retains responsibility for contract performance and that subcontracting percentages comply with any limitations.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation document in SAM.gov using solicitation number W912DW27QA003. The solicitation contains the statement of work, evaluation criteria, proposal instructions, and any amendments. Note the firm deadline of November 6, 2026, at 12:00 PM Pacific Time—late submissions will not be considered. SAM.gov registration must be active, and any required representations and certifications must be current before submission.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →