FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Mike Dorman, Director of Engineering
SUBJECT:
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CENGEN AND 12KV SERVICE CENTER SWITCHGEAR BATTERY SYSTEM UPGRADES AT PLANT NO. 1, PROJECT NO. FR1-0005
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve a contingency increase of $97,000 (10%) to the existing Construction Contract with Mass. Electric Construction Co. for CenGen and 12kV Service Center Switchgear Battery System Upgrades at Plant No. 1, Project No. FR1-0005, for a new total contingency of $194,000 (20%).
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BACKGROUND
The battery systems at the Central Generation (CenGen) Building at Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) Plant No. 1 provide 24VDC power for the central generators and 125VDC power to the protection and monitoring devices located in the switchgear. The CenGen switchgear contains manual transfer switches to select between the 24VDC and 125VDC power sources to maintain central generator or switchgear operation during battery maintenance or failure of a battery system.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Protect OC San assets
• Commitment to safety & reducing risk in all operations
PROBLEM
The contract drawings showed the existing manual transfer switches being reused. However, during construction, the switches were electrically tested and found to be unsuitable for continued use. As a result, the contractor must replace the switches, which falls outside the project’s original scope and exceeds the allocated contingency. In addition, the contract drawings did not show the installation of the 24VDC manual transfer switches, which are required to match the current electrical configuration.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Approve a contingency increase to provide sufficient funds for the remaining work.
TIMING CONCERNS
If this action is not taken, construction would be delayed until the new manual transfer switches are installed.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
Manual transfer switches would not be provided, and the battery systems would be connected directly to the associated central generators and switchgear. A failure of the battery system would result in the shutdown of the associated equipment.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
September 2023 - Received and filed Bid Tabulation and Recommendation for CenGen and 12kV Service Center Switchgear Battery System Upgrades at Plant No. 1, Project No. FR1-0005; awarded a Construction Contract to Mass. Electric Construction Co. for Cengen and 12kV Service Center Switchgear Battery System Upgrades at Plant No. 1, Project No. FR1-0005, for a total amount not to exceed $970,000; and approved a contingency of $97,000 (10%).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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CEQA
The project is exempt from CEQA under the Class 1 categorical exemptions set forth in California Code of Regulations Section 15301.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
This request complies with the authority levels of OC San’s Purchasing Ordinance. This item has been budgeted (Budget FY 2024-25 and 2025-26, Section 6, Page 108, Repairs and Maintenance) and the budget is sufficient for the recommended action.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
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