The Water Resources Department is responsible for the City’s Domestic Water system and the Kern River System, including several canals.  Periodically, the Department requires electrical services, either planned or under an emergency, to maintain and improve these systems. Typical services include installation, repair, modification, and/or replacement of electrical equipment related to water system infrastructure. Such equipment and work may include generators, variable frequency drives, electrical control systems, power delivery systems, and other general electrical work.

On May 9, 2023, staff advertised a request for qualifications for these services.  On June 1, 2023, the following three firms submitted statement of qualifications (SOQ):

·         Witcher Electric, Inc.

·         A-C Electric Company

·         Titan Quality Power Services, LLC

A selection committee of City staff reviewed the submitted SOQs and recommended award of contracts to the following two firms:

·         Witcher Electric

·         A-C Electric Company

These firms were selected for their extensive experience in the river and domestic water system electrical work, and on the basis of their familiarity and knowledge of the City’s facilities and operations, and the regulatory agencies to which we report.

Since specific scopes of work have not yet been determined, the compensation amount for Witcher Electric is set at not-to-exceed total of $1,500,000 and compensation amount for A-C Electric Company is set at a not-to-exceed total of $500,000 for the 23/24 and 24/25 fiscal years.

Project assignments will be based on the firm’s experience and expertise, according to needs that arise.  Sufficient funds are available in the Water Resources Department’s FY 2023-24 Operating Budget; therefore, there is no General Fund impact associated with these agreements.