Title
Construction of Rocky Point Power Delivery System (PDS) (B)
Explanation
Due to rapid growth and development in southwest Gainesville, there has been an increased demand placed on the electric system. 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 2.75-acre parcel for construction of the PDS in the summer of 1998. 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 very 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.
Construction will occur on an undeveloped wooded parcel located at 4012 SW 27th Street. The site features large 125-foot setbacks to the north, west and east providing ample buffering between nearby residences and the PDS. Only trees within and adjacent to the equipment yard will be removed. The equipment yard will measure 120 feet by 85 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 ten suppliers interested in the PDS engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) "turnkey" project. During a pre-qualification phase each was asked to submit their qualifications and relevant, successful experience. GRU determined that six firms met the established criteria and were considered to be pre-qualified.
The six pre-qualified suppliers were sent an Invitation to Bid. One supplier withdrew; two suppliers chose not to bid. Of the three suppliers who submitted bids, two were disqualified; one due to their failure to provide cost figures on the bid form and one because they chose not to do the site work required in the bid documents. Although two bids were disqualified, it was determined that all submitted bids were similar and within reasonable limits, indicating that the bid amount of the remaining supplier, Beta Engineering, was acceptable and therefore determined to be the low evaluated, responsive bidder.
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 $1,430,000.
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