Council action to award a purchase order to Border States Industries Inc., in the amount of $145,430.49, for switch gear replacement cabinets for the Power & Light Department.

IPL staff recommends issuing a purchase order for the “Desert Storm” switch gear replacement cabinets.

IPL currently has 94 pad-mounted switch gear boxes installed in the city that are referred to as “Desert Storm” boxes due to their beige/light tan-colored enclosure. The oldest of these were installed in the early 1990’s and are reaching the end of their useful life.

Two of these units have failed in the last two years due to age and enclosure corrosion. 23 additional units have been identified with medium to severe enclosure corrosion that will lead to failure in the next few years unless they are replaced by new or rebuilt units.

“Desert Storm” boxes are unique in the way they are configured and a direct replacement is difficult to find. Engineering conducted an evaluation of possible manufacturers of similar equipment and found there is only one vendor that can
supply a replacement that is suitable. All others have clearance and terminal location issues to the point that using them may or will cause considerable extra work and expense to make them work. The engineering review was conducted with the assistance of T & D and the resulting recommendation is to select Border States Industries Inc..

It is expected that some of the old units being replaced may be reworked with new enclosure material, and the switching components re-certified to “like new” condition.

IPL staff recommends Border States Industries Inc. for award of the purchase order for the “Desert Storm” switch gear replacement cabinets.

The fiscal impact to the City is $145,430.49. Funding for the “Desert Storm” switch gear replacement cabinets is included in the 21/22 fiscal year proposed budget, page number 194, account number 6150 5405 1715.