HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated January 14, 2025ITEM #:13
DATE:01-14-25
DEPT:ELEC
SUBJECT:PURCHASE OF TRANSFORMERS FOR ELECTRIC SERVICES
DEPARTMENT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
This award is for the purchase of electric transformers necessary to meet the anticipated needs of
the Electric Services Department. These transformers are kept on hand in order to ensure availability
which will enable staff to replace failed transformers quickly. They are also necessary to meet the
anticipated needs of the Electric Services Department for new services and maintenance activities.
Typically, these transformers are used to provide service for commercial and residential applications.
Lead times have become a challenge for many vendors of critical electric inventory components due to
supply chain issues. To address the Electric Department's need for transformers in the future, staff
issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a one-time purchase of specific transformers, separated into
four equipment groupings. On December 11, 2024, an RFQ document was posted to Ames Bids, the
electronic bidding site. A total of 35 potential bidders viewed the project. On December 20, 2024, bids
were received as follows:
Number of Equipment
Groupings Responded
To (Four Solicited)
Response Total*
PulseMAC Solutions LLC of San Antonio, TX 4 non-responsive
RESCO of Ankeny, IA 4 $236,394.03
Midwest Electric Transformer Services of Hesston,
KS 4 $320,267.05
Power Line Supply of Williamsburg, IA 4 $344,697.29
Border States of Ames, IA 4 $344,788.24
Dakota Supply Group of Ames, IA 4 $351,954.53
Fletcher Reinhardt of Cedar Rapids, IA 4 $352,019.30
American Sun Components of Tamarac, FL 4 $780,030.00
*Price is inclusive of 6% State of Iowa Sales Taxes Plus 1% Local Tax.
The bid PulseMAC Solutions LLC was found to be non-responsive as the manufacturer is not
a p proved. RESCO was the lowest responsible, responsive bidder to offer transformers that met
all specifications.
This contract will be funded from the Underground System Improvements/Transformers account in the
adopted FY 2024/25 budget. The available budgeted amount is $700,000.
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ALTERNATIVES:
1. Award a contract to RESCO of Ankeny, IA for the purchase of pad mount transformers in the
amount of $236,394.03. Payments will be based on unit prices and quantities ordered inclusive of
all applicable sales taxes.
2. Direct staff to award the contract to another bidder.
3. Reject the bids.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Transformers are critical to provide reliable electric service to customers of the Ames Municipal
Electric System. It is important to purchase transformers at the lowest possible cost with minimal
risk to the City. It is also imperative to have transformers available to meet customer needs in the
short-term as well as the long-term. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the
City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
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