Steel Structures

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) is soliciting bids under ITB 2027-027 for the manufacture and delivery of 32 steel structure items for substation applications, with responses due November 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. through the GRU e-Procurement Portal. Bidders must comply with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA), which requires all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials to be produced in the United States, and contractors must obtain and maintain manufacturer certifications documenting BABAA compliance. The solicitation is subject to federal funding requirements and federal terms, including prevailing wage, labor standards, and debarment/suspension compliance.

The scope covers 32 items across 230kV, 138kV, and 15kV voltage ratings, including low and high bus supports, switch supports, CCVT supports, lightning masts, and ground mats, with delivery to Parker Substation in Gainesville, Florida. The supplier is responsible for design, detailing, fabrication, and delivery. The technical package requires sealed fabrication and erection drawings from a registered Professional Engineer, tubular steel transmission pole fabrication, published quality manuals, and AWS certified welding inspectors. Structures must be designed per ASCE/SEI 48 and hot-dip galvanized per ASTM A123 after fabrication. Quality assurance includes 100% visual weld inspection, ultrasonic testing of complete penetration welds, and post-galvanizing weld testing. The supplier bears the cost of misfabricated pieces and field corrections. Labor carries a minimum one-year warranty, and manufacturer warranties apply to materials.

Bids are evaluated on a lowest responsive, responsible bidder basis with consideration of lead time. No bid bond is required. Pricing must be submitted on the Pricing Response Form and is firm, and GRU will not pay charges absent from the response unless approved in writing. Payment terms are net 30 from receipt of a correct invoice, and materials are delivered F.O.B. Destination with freight included. The contract runs January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2029, with one additional two-year renewal upon mutual agreement. GRU intends to award by December 4, 2026. Questions are due November 23, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.