Adobe Creek Transformer-21 Image

This is a photograph of Adobe Creek Transformer-21, a 15 MVA Allis Chalmers substation transformer located in Santa Clara County, California. The image shows the transformer's external structure, including its radiator cooling system and overall physical condition. The photograph serves as visual documentation of the asset that is the subject of the City of Palo Alto Utilities Department's Invitation for Bids for repair and refurbishment work.

Adobe Creek Transformer-21 Repair and Refurbishment Contract Summary

The City of Palo Alto Utilities Department issued an Invitation for Bids for the repair and refurbishment of a 15 MVA Allis Chalmers substation transformer (Adobe Creek Transformer-21) in Santa Clara County, California. The scope of work includes complete replacement of the 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 execution of extensive pre- and post-work diagnostic testing including power factor testing, TTR testing, excitation testing, winding resistance measurement, SFRA, DGA, and oil quality analysis. Proposals were required to be submitted electronically by 3:00 p.m. on April 9, 2026, with questions and clarifications due by 1:00 p.m. on March 30, 2026. Work was anticipated to commence on or about July 1, 2026, with completion required within eighty calendar days from the Notice to Proceed, subject to liquidated damages of five hundred dollars per day for unexcused delays.

The contractor must drain main tank oil into a contractor-provided holding tanker for later reuse and reseal all interfaces to eliminate oil migration. 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. Bidders must submit a Bid Bond of not less than ten percent 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 business days of award. All contractors must be registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations to perform public work and comply with prevailing wage requirements under California Labor Code Sections 1720 et seq. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on demonstrated ability, experience, capacity, equipment, resources, and satisfactory performance record. The specific budget or award value was not disclosed in the procurement documents; however, contractors should anticipate that the contract sum will include all labor, materials, equipment, prevailing wage costs, bonds, insurance, taxes, and overhead necessary for complete project delivery.