POWER POLE REPLACEMENT

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) issued Solicitation 5400024712 for a Power Pole Replacement project spanning four correctional facilities in Richland County, specifically Walden, Broad River, Manning, and Camille Graham Correctional facilities. The procurement involves turn-key electrical infrastructure work, including installation of a new electronic recloser, replacement of multiple power poles, and repair of transformers and cross arms. Contractors are required to supply all materials, hardware, poles, and handle complete removal of waste and debris, with all shutdown work mandated to occur on weekends and coordinated directly with SCDC. A mandatory site visit was scheduled for February 2, 2023, with contractors required to pre-schedule attendance by January 31, 2023. Sealed bids were due by February 23, 2023, with award originally planned for March 1, 2023, but subsequently extended to March 9, 2023. Evaluation criteria focused on identifying the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, with unit pricing governing the award determination. Specialized electrical knowledge and equipment handling capabilities were essential, including experience with electronic reclosers, transformers, cutouts, metering equipment, and wooden pole infrastructure.

The solicitation included provisions for South Carolina resident vendor, contractor, and subcontractor preferences under Section 11-35-1524 of the state code. Nonresident contractors might be subject to 2% income tax withholding unless properly registered and exempted. J. Moore Electrical Contracting, Inc. from Swansea, SC was ultimately awarded the contract for $162,000.00, with the procurement receiving only one response. The contract covered four specific line items: a $37,200 electronic recloser installation at Walden, a $45,800 power pole replacement at Broad River Correctional, a $52,200 replacement of four power poles at Manning Correctional, and a $26,800 power pole repair at Camille Graham facility. Vendor contact information was provided as 803-917-8891 with email woodymoore0407@gmail.com. Contractors were required to be registered in the state vendor registration system and submit a signed Cover Page and Page Two with their bid. The procurement allowed for potential performance bonds and included standard state contract terms with provisions for termination and compliance with applicable laws.