Title
Construction of Kanapaha Power Delivery System (PDS) (B)
Explanation
Due to development in southwest Gainesville, our electric system is experiencing increased demand. In response to this and to provide greater reliability to the customers in this area, Utility staff recommended and the Commission approved the purchase of a 12.64-acre parcel located in the 9000 block of SW Archer Road for construction of the PDS in the summer of 1997. Staff designated 2.34 acres of the parcel, which is adjacent to the existing transmission line as ideal for construction of the PDS. A PDS is used to deliver power from high voltage transmission lines to local distribution customers. Substations of this type are small, less obtrusive and can be sited near the customers they serve. You may recall, the site was chosen, in part, to eliminate the need to construct another costly and aesthetically unattractive overhead transmission line corridor. Major elements of the PDS project will include a power transformer, an electrical equipment enclosure to house power circuit breakers and associated equipment.
The site features 90-foot setbacks on all four sides providing ample buffering between a single-family residence, the Alachua County fire station and the PDS. Only trees within and adjacent to the equipment yard and along the transmission line tap will be removed. The equipment yard will measure 130 feet by 80 feet. Construction plans include a masonry wall around the perimeter of the equipment yard. McClain Design Group prepared a landscape plan for the project. Distribution circuits will exit underground further minimizing the stations' visual impact.
Energy Delivery Engineering and Utilities Purchasing identified six suppliers capable of providing a PDS engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) "turnkey" project. The six suppliers were sent an Invitation to Bid. One supplier no bid and of the five suppliers who submitted bids one supplier's bid was determined to be nonresponsive as the bid did not meet all the material requirements of the Invitation to Bid. A tabulation of the bids is attached for your reference.
Recommendations
The City Commission: 1) authorize the General Manager or his designee to execute a contract with Beta Engineering Corporation to engineer, procure and construct the compact electric Power Delivery System (PDS), subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality; and 2) approve the issuance of a purchase order to Beta Engineering Corporation in an amount not to exceed $1,674,000.
Fiscal Note
Funds for this construction project are in the Electric System Capital Budget
Drafter
Prepared by H. Reid Rivers, Engineering Manager Energy Delivery
Submitted by Michael L. Kurtz, General Manager