Just when I think I can't be more amazed by Y2k issues in the electric industry, along comes the following. Apparently, not only does the North American Electric Reliability Council get to "self report" electric industry Y2k preparedness, with absolutely no independent audit, but now they are about to be awarded a sole source (non-competitive bid) contract for doing so. From GovCon, a government contracts website (note - requires free registration):

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE STUDIES OF U.S. ELECTRIC UTILITY INDUSTRY

Category: B--Special Studies and Analyses--Not R&D--Potential Sources Sought (PROCUREMENTS)

Date Published: March 9, 1999

Contact: U.S. Department Of Energy, Document Control Specialist, Washington, DC 20585 POC Patrick A. Thornton, Contract Specialist, 202-426-0126; David Tyma, 202-426-0130; FAX both 202-426-0164

Synopsis:
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE STUDIES OF U.S. ELECTRIC UTILITY INDUSTRY SOL N/A DUE 032299 The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Management and Administration, intends to award a sole source contract to the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) to access its unique knowledge of, and expertise in, electric utility industry reliability issues. This action is in support of the Department's industry oversight responsibilities to assure readiness for an uninterrupted transition at the Year 2000 boundary. Utilizing its unique database of industry information, NERC will be required to provide scenarios for modeling of power flows in the Eastern and Western interconnections based on contingency planning scenarios being considered by the NERC Regional Councils, and to provide expert support for the execution of these studies. NERC will also support activities to independently validate and verify on a sample basis information that is self-reported to NERC and cooperating organizations on a confidential basis by the utility industry. This is pursuant to the Department's May 1, 1998 request that NERC coordinate Y2K readiness activities within the electric utility sector. Support will also include expert assistance in connection with these requirements, as needed by Department staff. This is a notice of intent and not a request for competitive proposals. Interested parties should submit a capability statement, along with price quotes, for the above services, to be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. ***** (W-064 SN305378)

-- Anonymous, March 08, 1999

Answers

Rick, you didn't think you could be more amazed, and I thought I was too old to be surprised by anything anymore. Guess we were both wrong, huh?

-- Anonymous, March 08, 1999

Rick:

This wouldn't change the NRC's oversight role would it?

-- Anonymous, March 09, 1999

Reporter,

The NRC is not part of the Department of Energy.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 1999