31_63-306-932-405.pdf

This is an Invitation for Bids (IFB) issued by the City of Palo Alto Utilities Department for the repair and refurbishment of a 15 MVA Allis Chalmers substation transformer (Adobe Creek Transformer-21) located in Santa Clara County, California. The project scope includes complete replacement of an existing 1967 TLH-21 on-load tap changer (OLTC) with a certified remanufactured unit, comprehensive oil handling and processing for approximately 4,348 gallons from the main tank and 760 gallons from the OLTC tank, replacement of radiator valves and gaskets, removal and replacement of the 60 kV SMD fuse holder, and extensive pre- and post-work diagnostic testing including power factor testing, TTR testing, excitation testing, winding resistance measurement, SFRA, DGA, and oil quality analysis. The contractor must drain main tank oil into a contractor-provided holding tanker for later reuse while ensuring proper resealing of all interfaces to eliminate oil migration. Electronic proposals must be submitted through the City's procurement portal by 3:00 p.m. on April 9, 2026, with questions and clarifications due by 1:00 p.m. on March 30, 2026. Work is anticipated to commence on or about July 1, 2026, with completion required within eighty (80) calendar days from the Notice to Proceed, subject to liquidated damages of five hundred dollars ($500) per day for unexcused delays beyond the contract completion date.

The City will award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on demonstrated ability, experience, capacity, equipment, resources, and satisfactory performance record. Bidders must submit a Bid Bond of not less than ten percent (10%) of the aggregate bid amount for bids exceeding $25,000, and the selected contractor must furnish Performance and Payment Surety Bonds in the amount of 100% of the Contract Sum within ten (10) business days of award. Contractors must be registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) to perform public work and must comply with prevailing wage requirements under California Labor Code Sections 1720 et seq., with valid California licensing required. The contract documents do not identify any incumbent vendors or set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises. The City will be responsible for de-energizing, disconnecting, isolating, and grounding the transformer prior to work commencement and disposing of any transformer oil not intended for reuse. The contract sum will include all labor, materials, equipment, prevailing wage costs, bonds, insurance, taxes, and overhead necessary for complete project delivery, and is governed by California law with venue in Santa Clara County.