ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR ARC FLASH STUDY FOR THE POWER PLANT
The Power Plant contains a substantial amount of electrical switchgear and other equipment. As this equipment is added, modified, or adjusted over time, it becomes necessary to evaluate the potential risks of arc flash and revise the safety precautions that must be taken when performing certain work. The Power Plant last underwent an arc flash study in 2021. A new study is necessary to perform short-circuit analysis, protective device coordination, and arc flash hazard analysis to identify potential electrical hazards, establish appropriate safety labeling, and improve personnel safety when operating and maintaining electrical equipment.
On July 1, 2026, a Request for Proposals was issued in AmesBids by Purchasing. On July 24, 2026, 18 proposals were received as shown below.
| FIRM | COST | TOTAL POINTS |
|
HDR Engineering |
$75,655 | 202 |
| Olsson Lincoln, NE |
$144,050 |
196 |
| KCL Engineering West Des Moines, IA |
$49,020 | 187 |
| Astute Engineering PLLC Vienna, VA |
$45,680 | 187 |
| Enercon Services Kennesaw, GA |
$119,000 | 186 |
| LND Technical Services Houston, TX |
$60,600 | 180 |
| RTM Engineering Consultants Schaumburg, IL |
$54,719 | 179 |
| West Plains Engineering Cedar Rapids, IA |
$34,000 |
166 |
| Zachry Engineering Omaha, NE |
$67,905 | 154 |
| Ampsafe LLC San Antonio, TX |
$130,300 | 147 |
| Phase Engineering Visalia, CA |
$41,200 | 144 |
| Leaf Electrical Safety Sussex, NB, Canada |
$96,892 | 122 |
| Evans Lipka/Eaton Corp Chanhassen, MN |
$138,100 | 120 |
| EXP US Services Chicago, IL |
$460,000 | 119 |
| Electrical Safety Specialists Louisburg, KS |
$194,000 | 112 |
| Fehr Graham Engineering Cedar Rapids, IA |
$78,263 | 111 |
| Selva LLC Alpharetta, GA |
Non-Responsive | Non-Responsive |
| ESSR Consulting LLC Baton Rouge, LA |
Non-Responsive | Non-Responsive |
An evaluation team comprised of City staff reviewed the proposals. The proposals were evaluated on experience and qualifications of the Firm's project team, the Firm's ability and quality of services that best meets the needs of the City, suitability and clarity of the Firm's response, and cost.
Two proposals were non-responsive as their proposals did not meet the City's requirements. After scores from the evaluation team were totaled, the proposal from HDR Engineering Inc., of Ames, IA, was the highest ranked proposal. Staff is confident in the Firm's proposal due to HDR's experience, project team experience and qualifications, and the approach detailed in the proposal.
Given the price spread between the top ranked firms, the evaluation team determined the increase cost from HDR was supported for the following reasons:
- HDR provided the strongest overall qualifications and relevant power-generation experience, including complex generating facilities, protective device coordination, relay settings, and arc-flash studies involving multiple operating configurations.
- HDR’s proposed scope was more comprehensive and clearly defined, including field verification, updated system modeling, short-circuit and coordination studies, arc-flash calculations, mitigation recommendations, labeling, QA/QC, and editable study files for future City use.
- The lower bids presented greater scope and execution risk. Based on staff's review, some lower-cost proposals had less clarity regarding field verification, modeling effort, deliverables, revisions, and other assumptions, creating a higher potential for incomplete work or additional costs later.
Funding for this project will come from the Power Plant O&M account where there is $150,000 budgeted for these services.
- Award a contract to HDR Engineering Inc., of Ames, IA, for Engineering Services to perform an Arc Flash Study at the Power Plant, in an amount not-to-exceed $75,655
- Award a contract to another firm.
- Do not approve the request.
The arc flash study will help ensure a safe working environment for Power Plant personnel by identifying any electrical hazards, evaluating protective device coordination, and determining appropriate safety measures. Updating the study will also account for changes in system operations and equipment since 2021 and support compliance with applicable electrical safety standards. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.