Variable Frequency Drives

The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is seeking a five-year contract for Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) through Invitation for Bid IFB-26-0087, targeting wastewater and water treatment plants, lift stations, and remote sites within Maricopa County, Arizona. The procurement requires an authorized provider capable of supplying VFDs from manufacturers including Allen Bradley, Eaton/Cutler Hammer, Fuji, GE, Schneider/Square D, Siemens, TECO-Westinghouse, Toshiba, Yaskada, and Benshaw, covering both low voltage (600V or less) and medium voltage (over 600V) drives. Contractors must provide VFDs, parts, accessories, and upgrades on an as-needed basis with onsite delivery to Water Services Department locations in the Phoenix area. Key qualifications include being in business for at least 5 years, providing manufacturer authorization letters, and complying with background screening, safety, and insurance requirements. The solicitation was released on August 25, 2025, with a pre-offer conference scheduled for September 2, 2025, at 11:00 am via Webex, written inquiries due by September 4, 2025, at 2:00 pm, and final offer responses due September 15, 2025, at 2:00 pm.

The procurement emphasizes Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and small business participation, requiring contractors to document and report monthly DBE and small business engagement through the City's "Certification and Compliance System". Contractors must make good faith efforts to engage DBE-certified suppliers and proactively identify opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the contract will require integration with existing SAP Supplier Relationship Management systems using the SAP Open Catalog Interface (OCI) version 5.0. Pricing will be firm and fixed for the initial contract year, with potential annual price adjustments, and the city reserves the right to add, change, or delete quantities as needed. Although a specific budget range is not provided, the comprehensive nature of the VFD procurement suggests a significant investment in infrastructure and technology upgrades for the City of Phoenix Water Services Department.