Reframing & Replacing Insulators Tavernier To Islamorada Section Of 138kv LINE #5

Project Description Florida Keys Electric Cooperative (FKEC) operates an 11 mile section of 138kv radial Transmission Line #5 from Tavernier to Islamorada Substations, continuing South past Marathon Substation to feed Keys Energy. The transmission line has multiple circuits of distribution underbuilt. The combination of harsh environmental conditions and weather (including hurricanes) has degraded existing materials. The transmission line is the critical source of power into the Keys so all work must be done with the transmission line energized. The line consists of concrete and steel monopoles with 1024 ACAR conductor and OPGW as the static. No work will be performed on the static. No conductor will be replaced. The transmission line will remain in service for all work. FKEC is seeking proposals using a Not to Exceed (NTE) cost to perform replacement of insulators and reframing on the poles on an existing 138kv Transmission Line #5 segment that has a length of 11 miles, includes 179 poles, and runs from Tavernier Substation (Mile Marker 91.6) to Islamorada Substation (Mile Marker 80.5). Tavernier Substation address is 91630 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 and Islamorada Substation address is 80571 Old Highway Islamorada, FL 33036. The intention of this project is to replace all present transmission insulators while increasing spacing of the 138kv phase to phase distances. 169 of the total 179 structures will need to be re-framed to lower the bottom transmission phase and raise the top phase. To accommodate moving the lowest and highest phases, 135 square concrete poles will use pole-mounted steel brackets, while the remaining 34 steel poles will require field drilling modifications. The lowest phase will be moved down ~2 ft and the top phase up 1 ft. Steel poles that are drilled for new insulator installation will require FKEC provided brush-on single-part coating applied to any portions of the new hole that have no or compromised remaining galvanizing. All steel shavings at the bottom of the steel pole, including on the inside of the pole base plate, will need to be removed by contractor to prevent rusting. All abandoned holes in poles are to be filled by installing the old hardware in the old hole. Otherwise, if the old hardware does not fit, fill the old hole with expanding foam and paint where exposed to UV. Foam and/or foam paint to be provided by FKEC. This project requires all work to be performed while the 138kv transmission is energized. The contractor is to use their own energized work methods, temporary materials, and tools that are needed to attach the new insulator bracket to the pole and perform insulator replacements. The current silicone poly insulators are from 1996, are rated at 230kv, have between 221 and 240 of leakage, are at 15 rise from horizontal on most, and have 7 phase to phase spacing. The new design will provide a nominal of 10 spacing of phases while keeping proper spacing to the underbuilt 25kv circuit and within the overhead static lightning protection. The overhead ground wire is Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) that has been placed on masts that extend above the existing poles to increase shielding distance and no work on the OPGW or masts is planned. Dampers will be installed as per pole schedule, on every other pole, covering every span. Any existing dead-end insulators being replaced with different length insulators will require contractor to verify current sag on existing wire and match existing sag with new insulator. If a conductor spice is needed, FKEC will provide a 1024 ACAR splice sleeves, one piece of 1024 ACAR conductor and connectors for temporary jumper, and pump/press/dies, and contractor will use the rate for splices as provided in this bid line-item cost. Splicing is not included in the NTE price and will be as needed. FKEC will provide storage locations for the material for this project. Contractor will be responsible for securing their own space for truck and vehicle parking. Contractor will need to be prepared to eradicate bees as necessary to perform work. Typically, a bee suit, hotstick attachment and can(s) of spray are used as other options have not been historically successful. FKEC will provide training for up to 2 contractor employees who will hold non-recloses on the worksite for the 138kv and any needed 25kv underbuilt during work. This training typically takes 2 hours once contractor is onsite. Contractor to coordinate all permits for Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) and Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) on this project including required notifications. This includes securing any needed lane closures and any required pre-construction FDOT meetings. Traffic effects, including blocking pedestrian paths, are a significant concern in the Keys and FDOT typically places restrictions on hours allowed to work of Monday Friday, 9am 4pm. All contractors will be expected to comply with all FDOT requirements. The contractor will need to use best practices that will keep traffic flowing, which is the best way to not have FDOT stop the work to allow traffic to open up. FKEC work blackout days include New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Goombay through the end of Fantasy Fest week in October, Thanksgiving and the Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. No work can affect US1/Overseas Highway traffic in the Florida Keys during Florida Lobster Sport Season week (July 25-31, 2027), Thanksgiving week and Christmas week. Also note that FKECs regular business hours are Monday Thursday, 8:00am 5:00pm. If any contact with FKEC personnel is needed it must be conducted during these published hours.