Pre-purchased Electrical Equipment

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking pre-purchased electrical equipment for the Manning Substation, specifically targeting medium-voltage vacuum interrupter switchgear and DC battery systems as part of their Chilled Water Infrastructure Expansion project. The procurement involves acquiring new 15kV switchgear for "BUS A" and "BUS B" with integration requirements into the existing UNC SCADA system. Key technical specifications include a 12470V 3-phase, 3-wire, grounded system with a 95 kV basic impulse level and 25 kA short circuit current rating. The basis of design is Powell - PowlVac-AR, with acceptable alternates from ABB SafeGear and Point 8 Power. Vendors must provide a minimum 2-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. The Invitation for Bid (IFB #3000012105) was issued on January 28, 2025, with bid questions due by February 5, 2025, and bid opening scheduled for February 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST. Submission must be made electronically through the North Carolina electronic Vendor Portal (eVP), with pricing to include all associated costs such as transportation, delivery, handling, and administrative fees.

The procurement encourages participation from small, minority, physically handicapped, and women contractors, with a specific goal of 10% utilization of diverse firms as first or second-tier subcontractors. Vendors must be authorized by the manufacturer to distribute or resell the products and provide signed documentation confirming this authorization. Bidders are required to submit at least three references for similar equipment supplied and must certify their financial stability. The equipment is planned for delivery in December 2026, with installation, start-up, and commissioning scheduled for January-March 2027. Manufacturers must also provide comprehensive operator training consisting of two 4-hour sessions and conduct factory witness testing. While a specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the procurement involves sophisticated electrical infrastructure with complex technical requirements, suggesting a significant investment in upgrading the university's electrical systems. The project covers equipment pre-purchased by the owner and to be assigned to the successful contractor after award, with a minimum 12-month warranty period.