Ames Ionwave #2026-135 Addendum 1

Overhead Inspection Services for Electric Utility Poles and Lines – City of Ames

The City of Ames Electric Services Department is seeking qualified vendors to provide comprehensive overhead inspection services for its electric transmission and distribution system. - Scope of Work: - Inspection of 15 kV distribution poles, 69 kV and 161 kV transmission poles, and associated overhead lines - Visual inspections for compliance with National Electric Safety Code (NESC), Iowa Electrical Safety Code, and local standards - Assessment of pole conditions, metal structures, crossarms, hardware, insulators, conductors, guys, equipment, and miscellaneous items - Walking inspections to identify safety clearances, NESC violations, and maintenance needs - Excludes wood boring; focus is on visual and data-driven inspections - Reporting Requirements: - Detailed reports on pole and line conditions, safety concerns, and code violations - Submission of GIS and Excel data files - Nine types of reports consolidated into databases - Personnel & Qualifications: - Inspectors must be trained in the 2023 NESC and Iowa Electrical Safety Code - All work supervised by a professional electrical engineer registered in Iowa - Option for a licensed Iowa professional engineer to serve as a consultant for report responsibility - No subcontracting permitted; submission of inspector qualifications required - Contract Structure: - Initial term is one year, with up to four annual renewal options - Approximately 600-650 poles inspected per year - All-inclusive daily rate covering labor, mileage, telecommunications, and administrative expenses - Local vendor consideration and compliance with the City’s affirmative action program - Notable Requirements: - Compliance with City of Ames affirmative action program - Itemized cost breakdowns and sample inspection reports required - Quality control and price adjustments possible with renewals - No specific OEMs or product part numbers are mentioned, as this is a services contract.

Description

The City of Ames is soliciting bids from qualified vendors to provide overhead inspection services for the Electric Services Department. The contract term is from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with the option to renew for up to four additional one-year terms. The scope includes inspection of overhead lines and distribution and transmission poles to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards, identify maintenance needs, and report safety concerns. Inspectors must be trained and supervised by a professional electrical engineer registered in Iowa. The contractor is responsible for providing qualified personnel, equipment, and transportation to perform visual inspections and submit detailed reports.

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