Specifications for Substation Battery Purchase

Keys Energy Services (KEYS), a municipal electric utility located in Key West, Florida, is soliciting sealed electronic proposals for Bid 01-25, a comprehensive substation battery replacement project. The procurement seeks the purchase of 100 ENERSYS PowerSafe SBS190F substation batteries and 10 battery straps to replace existing battery banks throughout their electrical infrastructure. The specified batteries are 12V, front terminal, valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA) gel cell batteries with a 10-year design life, and KEYS will perform installation labor internally. Proposals must be submitted electronically by 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 6, 2024, with a concurrent bid opening at the Rodriguez Warehouse in Key West. Bidders are required to submit multiple documents including the proposal page, a bidder's statement, a public entity crimes sworn statement, and a drug-free workplace statement. The bid requires a unit price for batteries and straps with all freight charges included in the pricing. A supply bond or certified check for 100% of the contract amount must be provided within ten days of award notification.

The procurement includes specific restrictions, notably that no goods or materials can be manufactured or supplied by entities owned or controlled by the government of the People's Republic of China. The contract includes liquidated damages of $100 per day for delays beyond July 1, 2025, which provides a clear timeline for project completion. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned, the bid appears open to qualified vendors who can meet the technical specifications and documentation requirements. No incumbent vendors are identified in the documentation. The bid does not explicitly state a total contract value, but the requirement for 100 batteries and 10 battery straps suggests a substantial infrastructure investment. Potential bidders should note that KEYS reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive irregularities, providing flexibility in the procurement process. Additionally, while a bid bond is not required, the awarded vendor must provide a supply bond, indicating the municipality's focus on ensuring contract performance and financial reliability.