HomeMy WebLinkAboutA040 - Hearing on 161kV Transmission Line Reconstruction - Iowa DOT I-35 & 290th Stret ProjectITEM #:40
DATE:09-22-26
DEPT:ELEC
SUBJECT:161 KV TRANSMISSION LINE RECONSTRUCTION - IOWA DOT I-35 &
290TH STREET PROJECT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) is carrying out highway improvements along
Interstate 35 north of Ankeny. These improvements include construction where 290th Street
crosses I-35 in Story County. The City owns a 161kV electric transmission line that is situated
on private property adjacent to IDOT right of way in this area. The IDOT construction project
will require temporary relocation of a portion of the transmission line in vicinity of 290th Street.
All costs associated with this relocation project will be reimbursed by the IDOT.
On March 24, 2026, Council approved a professional services agreement with DGR
Engineering for the design and engineering of this project. The engineer ’s estimate for the
construction phase of this relocation project is $1,323,245. Council also previously approved
an engineering reimbursement agreement with IDOT in the total amount of $383,400, which
includes $291,000 for engineering services and $92,400 for easement acquisition. The
easement acquisition will be performed by the IDOT and is not included in the City's project
cost.
On August 11, 2026, City Council approved preliminary plans and specifications for the 161kV
Transmission Line Reconstruction - Iowa DOT I-35 & 290th Street project. An Invitation to Bid
was posted to AmesBids by Purchasing. A legal notice was published on the websites of a
contractor plan room service with statewide circulation. On September 16, 2026, nine bids
were received as shown below.
BIDDER COST
Watts Electric Company
Waverly, NE $753,839.37
IES Commercial, Inc.
Holdrege, NE $913,990.06
The L. E. Myers Co. (The L.E. Myers Co.)
Marshalltown, IA $999,439.03
Altitude Energy, LLC
Keenesburg, CO $1,093,000.00
Ward Electric Company LLC
Longmont, CO $1,113,094.18
INTREN, LLC
Union, IL $1,171,869.19
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Hooper Corporation
Madison, WI $1,244,530.05
Michels Power, Inc.
Neenah, Wi $2,232,908.47
GMB Powerline Services, LLC
Charleston, WV Non-Responsive
Staff and DGR Engineering reviewed the bids and determined the bid from GMB Powerline
Services was non-responsive, as they did not include the material pricing. It was determined
the low bid from Watts Electric Company, of Waverly, NE, is acceptable.
The current estimated total project cost is $1,562,245 including $239,000 for engineering and
the $1,323,245 as estimated construction cost. The approved FY 2026/27 Capital
Improvements Plan includes $1,500,000 under the project titled “161 kV Line Relocation.”
Because this project is 100% reimbursed by the IDOT, the CIP project will be amended
in the FY 2026/27 adjusted budget to match the project cost.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve a contract with Watts Electric Company Waverly, NE for $753,839.37.
2. Approved a Contract with another bidder.
3. Return to staff for additional review.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
In order to facilitate these IDOT improvements, the City’s 161 kV transmission line must
be relocated. The relocation costs will be reimbursed by IDOT after the City designs,
bids, and constructes the work. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager
that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as stated above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Ltr - Recom Award Const 419444.pdf
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DGR Engineering — 1302 South Union Street — P.O. Box 511 — Rock Rapids, IA 51246
phone: 712.472.2531 — fax: 712.472.2710 — dgr.com
P:\04\194\44\Doc\Spec\Const\Ltr - Recom Award Const 419444.docx
September 17, 2026
City of Ames Electric Services Department
Attn: Chase Wrenn, P.E., Electrical Engineer II
502 Carroll Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
RE: Recommendation of Award of Contract
161 kV Transmission Line Reconstruction – Iowa DOT I-35 & 290th Street
Project
DGR Project No. 419444
Dear Chase:
We have reviewed the bids received on September 16, 2026 for the above-referenced project. A
bid summary form and detailed tabulation of the bid results is enclosed. We have checked the
bids for mathematical accuracy and compliance with the bid specifications. We are hereby
prepared to offer the following recommendation.
There were eight (8) responsive bids received ranging in price from $753,839.37 to
$2,232,908.47. The apparent low bid was received from Watts Electric Company of Waverly, NE;
who submitted a total bid price of $753,839.37. Watts has successfully completed similar projects
for us in the past. We recommend that you award the contract to Watts Electric Company for a
total price of $753,839.37.
Please review our recommendation and feel free to contact us with any questions you or the
Council may have. Please let us know when an award has been made, and we will proceed with
preparing the Contract Documents for signatures. We will be sending a copy of the bid summary
to all bidders and plan holders.
Best Regards,
DGR Engineering
Jarrod Luze, P.E.
Enclosure: Bid Summary and Tabulation
JDL:ste
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