TRANSFORMER PURCHASES

The City of Groton Department of Utilities is soliciting sealed proposals for the purchase and delivery of pad-mounted, three-phase distribution transformers filled with Envirotemp® FR3™ fluid or an equivalent, with capacities ranging from 75 kVA to 2500 kVA. The solicitation, identified as GU-26-Q14 and posted on May 8, 2026, invites qualified vendors to submit bids by May 27, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at the Groton Utilities office. The transformers must meet specific design and performance standards in accordance with applicable IEEE standards (C57.12.22, C57.12.26, C57.12.28) and state and local regulations. Key technical details include requirements for high voltage operation up to 13,800 volts, use of FR3 fluid containing less than 1 ppm PCB contamination, proper nameplate markings including fluid volume and manufacturing date, and incorporation of specified accessories such as bayonet fuses and lightning arresters. The packaging stipulates shipment with dual-voltage units fused for lower voltage without manufacturer identification on the exterior. Contract evaluation prioritizes respondents’ relevant experience and past performance in similar transformer supply and delivery, along with a thorough assessment of proposed pricing, delivery schedules, and projected lifetime costs including no-load and load loss factors. Award will be to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder considering both price and non-price factors, under a firm fixed price contract structure. The procurement includes compliance requirements with Connecticut state affirmative action laws, OSHA training mandates for projects over $100,000, non-discrimination policies, and ADA accessibility certification. Contract administration tasks, including invoice submission and payment processing, are managed by Groton Utilities with payments due within 30 days of approved invoices. Legal provisions call for indemnification of the city, dispute resolution through American Arbitration Association in Connecticut, and contract modifications only by written agreement. Proposals must be physically submitted in sealed envelopes; electronic submissions are not permitted. No federal FAR clauses are incorporated, as this is a municipal procurement governed under state and local statutes and customs.