SIC inverters for a machine stator (UW-MAD)[20-0016]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Purchasing Services, on behalf of the Wisconsin Electric Machines & Power Electronics Consortium (WEMPEC), is seeking bids for two Silicon-Carbide (SiC) Inverters designed for a modular machine stator system rated at 200 kW operating at 20 kRPM. The procurement requires inverters with specific technical specifications, including 1200V minimum SiC devices, 600VDC minimum DC link capacitors, gate drivers, controls, graphical user interface, and liquid cold plates. Each inverter must meet minimum ratings of 150 kW power, 50 kHz switching frequency, 600V DC input, 424V rms maximum line-line output, and 220A rms maximum output current. Deliverables include DC link capacitors, gate drivers, controls, protections, and cold plates for both inverters, along with two days of training at the vendor's site, equipment manuals, commissioning, remote support, and control scheme modification support. The bid is due on August 26, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. CDT, with submissions accepted via hard copy, fax, or email. The University will evaluate bids based on the lowest extended net total bid that best serves its interests, with bid prices remaining firm for sixty days from the bid opening date.

The contract opportunity encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE), and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVB), with goals of 5% and 1% respectively. Bidders must have been in the business of providing SiC Inverters for a minimum of five years and must be original manufacturers, authorized distributors, or dealers with service and repair capabilities. Contractors are required to maintain worker's compensation and commercial liability insurance with minimum coverage of one million dollars and must add the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System as an additional insured. Unique contract requirements include certification that the bidder is not engaged in a boycott of the State of Israel and will not do so during the contract term. The University qualifies for governmental and educational discounts, which must be reflected in unit pricing, and payment terms are set at Net 30 days following acceptance of goods and services. While a specific award value is not mentioned, the technical complexity and specialized nature of the SiC Inverters suggest a significant procurement investment for the university's engineering research and development purposes.