Mobile Substation Project

The City of Pasadena Water and Power is requesting proposals from qualified manufacturers to design and deliver two mobile substations for emergency power and construction support, with proposals due November 4, 2026 and questions due October 14, 2026. No set-aside or local preference program is in effect; however, local Pasadena business status carries 5 points in evaluation, and small or micro-business certification status carries an additional 5 points. The scope consists of two self-contained, dead-front mobile substations mounted on highway-type semi-trailers: one rated 9–12.5 MVA for the 4kV system and one rated 25–30 MVA for the 17kV system. Each unit must be towed by Pasadena Water and Power's existing Peterbilt tractor (gross vehicle weight rating 56,540 lbs), meet trailer dimensions of 8'6" wide by 13'9" high, withstand 100-mph wind velocities, and operate with a 30-year design life. Equipment must comply with ANSI/IEEE, ASME, ASTM, NEMA, and NEC standards and include SEL relays, SCADA equipment, security systems with panoramic cameras and network switches, 48VDC and 120/240V AC systems, oil spill containment berms, and temporary deployment equipment. Vendors function as subject-matter experts and may propose alternate equipment improving upon specifications.

Evaluation weighs proposed solution design and comprehensiveness at 35%, qualifications and experience with similar U.S. electric utility projects at 35%, cost using a ratio method at 20%, and local business and small/micro-business status at 5% each. Proposers must submit a Technical Proposal and separate Price Proposal including all costs for equipment, materials, labor, insurance, bond premiums, delivery, and one week on-site startup training per unit, with sales tax calculated at 10.5%. A 5% bid bond is required. The initial contract term is five years from City execution, with no optional extension periods. Delivery is required within 90 days of City purchase order, with an in-service target of June 2029. Proposers must document five similar relevant projects, submit a Relevant Experience Form, and complete all required forms including Declaration of Non-Collusion, Equal Employment Opportunity certifications, conflict-of-interest disclosures, proof of insurance, and Federal Required Certification under 44 C.F.R. Part 18.