Conventional Pole Mount Transformers

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) is soliciting bids under ITB-E 2027-014 for the supply and delivery of single-phase conventional pole-mounted transformers manufactured in North America, purchased as needed. Questions are due November 24, 2026 at 4:00 p.m., and responses are due December 3, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The solicitation specifies no set-asides.

Units must conform to GRU's 15 kV distribution system and approved standards: oil-filled, self-cooled transformers in 10 through 250 kVA ratings, 7200/12470 Grd.Y high-voltage rating with a 95 kV basic impulse level, Class 0A sealed-tank construction, porcelain bushings, and non-resettable fault detection. Units rated 167 kVA and larger require internal no-load tap changers. Transformers must meet applicable ANSI standards and DOE efficiency requirements effective January 1, 2016. Both the core and the final product must be manufactured in North America. Vendors must supply certified loss test reports, obtain approval drawings before fabrication, and guarantee no-load losses no more than 10 percent above quoted values and total losses no more than 6 percent above. GRU replaces nonconforming units at the contractor's expense. Submittals include a Respondent Certification Form, Drug-Free Workplace Certification, Anti-Human Trafficking Compliance Affidavit, and Subcontractor Information Form, plus a Certificate of Liability Insurance with $1 million commercial general liability, $500,000 automobile liability, and statutory Florida workers compensation.

Awards are based on conformance to specifications, lowest equivalent first cost, and delivery schedule. The equivalent first cost uses the Edison Electric Institute method: quoted price plus 7.93 times measured no-load losses plus 1.33 times load losses. Pricing must include all tariffs, duties, surcharges, and delivery, with F.O.B. Destination freight, and remains firm for 60 calendar days from the due date. Bids are submitted electronically through the GRU e-Procurement Portal.

The contract term begins December 1, 2026 and terminates November 31, 2029 as written in the solicitation, with one two-year renewal option and a potential six-month extension to complete a new solicitation. A non-mandatory bid evaluation meeting is scheduled for December 15, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Notice of Intent to Award is anticipated December 25, 2026.