Modular MW-class DC/DC converter power switching units (UW-MAD) [19-0059]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, located in Dane County, is seeking to procure 20 modular MW-class DC/DC converter power switching units for the Pegasus Toroidal Experiment in the Department of Engineering Physics. These specialized units are designed for high-power electron current sources in magnetic fusion research, with each module rated at 1.6 MVA, 4 kiloamperes, and 400 volts DC. The procurement requires modules capable of flexible series, parallel, and series/parallel configurations, supporting a total output of 32 megavolt-amperes. Key technical specifications include programmable output voltage gain (0-2), continuous voltage variability, 5 kilovolt standoff from ground, and specific performance parameters like output voltage slew rate and ripple. The original Request for Bid (RFB) was issued on April 5, 2019, with written questions due by April 12, 2019, and the bid due date extended to April 26, 2019, at 2:00 PM Central Daylight Time. Bidders must provide at least two module instances for acceptance testing, and delivery is desired by October 1, 2019, with acceptance testing to occur within 30 days of delivery.

The University encourages participation from Wisconsin-certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Woman-Owned Businesses (WBE), and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVB), with goals of awarding at least 5% and 1% respectively to such enterprises where qualified bids are within specified thresholds. Bidders must demonstrate three years of experience providing power switching unit items or services and must be original manufacturers, authorized distributors, or dealer-authorized by the manufacturer with service and repair capabilities. Contractors are required to maintain commercial general liability insurance of at least one million dollars and must have access to replacement parts within ten days. The award will be based on the lowest extended net total bid determined to be in the best interest of the University, with payment terms structured as 25% due with order, 25% upon shipment, 25% on delivery, and 25% upon acceptance. While no specific budget range is provided, the comprehensive technical requirements and multiple module procurement suggest a significant investment in advanced power conversion technology for research purposes.