Substation E is located at 35th and Northern in Independence, Missouri. It is a 69/13 kV distribution substation built in 1974. Substation E services power to surrounding commercial and residential customers with two (2) 20 MVA transformers, via six (6) distribution feeders. The rebuild is warranted due to the age and condition of the switchgear.

Purchasing the switchgear and enclosure is essential to refurbishment of the Substation. Previously the two transformers were replaced: one in 2019 (failed catastrophically) and the second in 2020. Currently Toth Engineering is developing the Sub E construction specification. Materials such as the switchgear must be purchased in advance of the construction due to the long lead time. Switchgear replacement and associated work is recommended to prevent future failures at Substation E.

An Invitation to Bid was issued July 20, 2021. One hundred twenty nine potential bidders were notified through Public Purchase, the City’s e-bidding provider. Forty-five of the vendors notified downloaded the bid documents.

Six bids were obtained when the bid closed on August 9, 2021: Electro Technical Industries, Rauckman High Voltage Sales, Harold K Schotz Company, KD Johnson Inc, CES Integration, and Evans Lipka & Associates. Electro Technical Industries was the lowest, responsive bidder with only minor clarifications of the technical bid requirements. See the attached bid tabulation.

Electro Technical Industries’ bid of $1,250,501.00 is $368,739.57 below the engineer’s estimate of $1,619,240.57. Approval of this item authorizes Power & Light to approve change orders up to 10% of the approved amount.