PW Bid 2479 - Replacement of Switchgear and Motor Control Centers at Northeast WPCP

The City of Philadelphia Water Department is requesting sealed bids on Bid 2479 for replacement of switchgear and motor control centers at the Northeast Water Pollution Control Plant (3899 Richmond Street), with bids due June 18, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. and a hard bid opening scheduled the same day via Zoom. The estimated contract value is $3 million to $4 million.

A Local Business Entity (LBE) preference of 5–10 percent applies to contractors maintaining LBE certification and performing 51 percent of work within Philadelphia. Contractors must acknowledge Amendment No. 1 (issued June 5, 2026), which updates prevailing wage rates effective May 26, 2026, with electricians at $70.97 base hourly rate plus $47.27 fringe benefits. Prevailing wage compliance and E-Verify employment verification are mandatory. The contractor must perform at least 20 percent of the work with its own workforce.

The scope involves removal of existing outdoor transformers, 480-volt switchgear, and motor control centers from three buildings (Digester, Sludge Gas Burner, and Sludge Gas Compressor), and furnishing and installation of new outdoor substation equipment, 480-volt switchgear, 480-volt motor control centers, 48-volt DC power systems with battery chargers, variable frequency drives, and associated control systems. The work includes short-circuit and coordination studies and arc-flash hazard analysis. Two 2000 kilovolt-ampere liquid-filled transformers are specified as substation-type units with vacuum breakers per Section 16346. The contract term is 720 calendar days from Notice to Proceed.

Mandatory site visits are scheduled for May 21 and May 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Prequalification questionnaires and financial statements are due May 28, 2026. Questions are due May 28, 2026 to Alexander.Fidrych@phila.gov. A $400 non-refundable bid processing fee and a bid bond equal to 10 percent of the gross bid amount are required. Submission occurs through PHLContracts; a signed Consent and Authorization Agreement must be included. The plant operates continuously on three shifts; any shutdowns require 72 hours' notice to Water Department personnel.