Colorado Transformer-21; Secondary Bushing Repair

The City of Palo Alto Utilities Department is requesting quotes for removal and replacement of gaskets on the secondary bushings of Transformer 21 at the Colorado Substation under RFQ 197541, with quotes due September 23, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. and a non-mandatory pre-bid conference on September 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at 1082 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto, California. This is a public works project subject to California prevailing wage requirements, and the contractor must hold a valid California Contractor's License and Department of Industrial Relations registration.

The scope encompasses removal and replacement of gaskets on three low-voltage and one extra-high-voltage secondary bushing on an RTE-ASEA 10MVA transformer manufactured in 1976, including pre-testing, partial draining and storage of non-PCB mineral oil (estimated 750 to 1,000 gallons), gasket replacement at bushing flanges and disturbed manways, pressure testing, oil processing and refill, post-testing, and comprehensive test and service documentation. The contractor must furnish all labor, supervision, tools, equipment, materials, oil processing equipment, oil storage tanker with containment berm, testing instruments, safety equipment, transportation, hauling, and disposal. Work is required as soon as practicable during Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and shall be scheduled during a City-approved outage window; the contractor must submit a proposed work schedule prior to mobilization.

The contract is fixed-price with a single line item. If the contract sum exceeds $25,000, the contractor must provide Performance and Payment Surety Bonds each at 100 percent of the maximum contract price within ten business days of Notice of Award. General liability, automobile liability, and professional liability coverage must each maintain minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence with AM Best's Key Rating of A-:VII or higher; the City must be named as an additional insured. Liquidated damages are assessed at $500 per day for unexcused delays. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Questions are due September 10, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Subcontractor identification complying with California Public Contract Code Section 4100 et seq. is required; personnel must be experienced in utility transformer maintenance, oil processing, high-voltage electrical testing, and confined-space entry operations. All personnel must wear fire-resistant clothing rated minimum 8 cal/cm².