Electrical System Repair, Switchgear Replacement 2. 0

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service seeks removal and replacement of an existing damaged outdoor 5 kilovolt, 2000-amp main distribution switchgear with a new NEMA 3R-rated metal-clad switchgear at San Bernardino National Forest, California, with quotations due August 7, 2026. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside; the small business size standard is $19 million under NAICS code 238210.

Place of performance is San Bernardino National Forest, California. The project requires the contractor to serve as sole authority for all utility coordination, shutdown approvals, and power restoration with Southern California Edison. Work must commence within 10 calendar days of Notice to Proceed and complete within 365 calendar days including final cleanup.

The contract is Firm Fixed Price with an anticipated value between $500,000 and $1,000,000. Solicitation 127EAW26Q0048 incorporates technical and performance specifications requiring compliance with IEEE, NEMA, NEC, NFPA 70E, and Cal/OSHA standards. The contractor must perform power system engineering studies including short-circuit analysis, protective device coordination, and arc-flash hazard analysis, signed and sealed by a California-licensed Professional Electrical Engineer. Medium-voltage cable work must comply with ICEA S-97-682 standards; grounding systems must achieve maximum 10-ohm resistance using fall-of-potential field testing per IEEE 81. Field quality control requires NETA ATS compliance, insulation-resistance measurements, and dielectric withstand voltage tests.

Quotations must include SF 1442 form, completed Schedule of Items with pricing, technical approach, past performance documentation (three similar projects completed within three years), and bid guarantees per FAR 52.228-1 (20% for contracts over $150,000). Performance and payment bonds are required per applicable thresholds. The contractor must possess an active California contractor's license and provide factory-trained switchgear technicians and certified high-voltage electricians. Davis-Bacon wage requirements apply. A one-year warranty beginning upon final acceptance is required; all travel costs are the contractor's responsibility.

An organized site visit is scheduled July 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Requests for Information are due July 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM Pacific Time. Amendment A00001 effective July 31, 2026, incorporates binding RFI responses addressing switchgear compatibility, existing medium-voltage feeder cable reuse, and technical risk factors including cable insulation degradation and arc-flash hazards; failure to comply with RFI responses results in a non-responsive quote. Evaluation prioritizes technical approach (capability, subcontracting plan, safety and quality control plans, materials, licensing), past performance, and fair and reasonable pricing. Award will be made to the highest technically rated offeror with acceptable or neutral past performance and fair and reasonable pricing.