Council action to award a contract to Capital Electric Line Builders, in the amount of $1,389,209.80, for Substation E Construction for the Power & Light Department.

IPL staff recommends issuing a contract for the Substation E Construction project.

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.

Replacement of the switchgear is the next step in refurbishment of the Substation. Previously the two transformers were replaced: one in 2019 (failed catastrophically) and the second in 2020. Switchgear replacement and associated work is recommended to prevent future failures at Substation E.

The Substation E Construction project major components consist of replacement of the existing switchgear, 69kV potential transformers, addition of transformer oil containment, AC/DC panelboard replacements and distribution feeder work. Relay panel replacements will occur at both Substation E and Substation N. Foundation construction, erection of steel structures, grounding and other tasks related to major component installation is also included in the construction scope.

The Procurement Division issued Invitation to Bid #22037 through Public Purchase, the City’s e-bidding platform, which notified (51) potential bidders, (20) accessed the bid.

Three bids were obtained for the Substation E construction project. Black & McDonald, J.F. Electric, and Capital Electric each submitted a bid. Capital Electric Line Builders provided the low cost bid with no exceptions to the City’s Terms and Conditions and only a minor exception to the technical scope.

Capital Electric’s bid of $1,389,209.80 is $39,209.80 above the engineer’s estimate of $1,350,000.00. Approval of this item authorizes Power & Light to approve change orders up to 10% of the approved amount.

The fiscal impact to the City is $1,389,209.80. Funding for the Substation E Construction project is included in the 20/21 fiscal year proposed budget, page number 153 and in the 21/22 fiscal year proposed budget, page number 199, account number 70201804 5406 1714.