60KV pulsed power supply(UW-MAD)[20-0067]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking bids for a 60KV Pulsed Power Supply for the Helically Symmetric Experiment (HSX) Laboratory, which conducts nuclear fusion research. The procurement is specifically for one power supply unit that must deliver square pulses with fast ramp-up and ramp-down times, capable of operating at output voltages between 20-60 kilovolts with currents up to 20 amperes. The power supply will be used to power an existing high-power microwave vacuum tube (Gyrotron model VGE-8071) and must accommodate pulse lengths between 2-100 milliseconds. Bidders must demonstrate three years of experience providing custom pulsed power supply items and must be either the original manufacturer, an authorized distributor, or an authorized dealer with service and repair capabilities. The bid was originally posted on February 6, 2020, with multiple amendments extending the due date, and the final bid submission deadline is March 17, 2020, at 2:00 PM CST. Award will be made based on the lowest extended net total bid judged to be in the best interest of the University, with desired delivery on or before February 1, 2021.

The University provides preference to certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Woman-Owned Businesses (WBE), and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVB), with these businesses eligible for bid consideration if their proposal is not more than five percent higher than the apparent low bid. Contractors must maintain commercial liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 and add the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System as an additional insured. The contract includes comprehensive technical specifications requiring design documentation, acceptance testing protocols, and maintenance schedules with replacement parts available within seven days. Payment terms are structured as Net 30 days following acceptance, with a typical payment schedule of 25 percent increments: upon order placement, upon approval of final design, upon delivery, and upon acceptance after installation. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the detailed technical requirements suggest this is a specialized, high-value procurement likely requiring significant investment in sophisticated research equipment.