REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Change Order No. 4 for the Serra Substation Rebuild Project Contract No. 2104 with the Newtron Group and Related Additional Authorization
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
On January 14, 2020 Council awarded Public Works contract (Contract No. 2104A) for the Serra Substation Construction Project (Project) to the Newtron Group for the bid price of $4,987,510 plus a 10% contingency of $498,751 for a total authorized contract amount $5,486,261. The Serra Substation Construction Project is a rebuild of the existing Substation, which has obsolete equipment nearing the end of its useful service life. The rebuild will allow Silicon Valley Power (SVP) to continue to provide service to customers while improving service reliability and system redundancy. Work includes replacing existing single 16 MVA transformer bank and switchgear with two 20 MVA transformer bank design, new switchgear and control room that meets SVP's current standards. The site is physically constrained within the current lease of the property owner. The Public Works Contract consists of all required work to reconstruct the Serra substation at the existing location along Lawrence Expressway.
DISCUSSION
The Project is currently under construction with a focus on preparing the site for the arrival of the switchgear sections, transformers and breakers. Staff is requesting authorization to execute Change Order No. 4 to replace existing wood transmission poles with steel self-supporting transmission poles to mitigate field conflicts with new underground structures. Change Order No. 4 increases the authorized funding amount by $715,512 for a contract total of $6,201,773. Due to the confined construction area and associated COVID-19 work requirements, staff recommends using the Newtron Group as the prime contractor for this additional work activity. Use of multiple contractors working wi...
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