BABA Switch, Ethernet, Five (5) Port

Background
The Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) is issuing this Invitation for Bid (IFB) as part of its Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program. The goal of this contract is to procure approximately 300 Ethernet switches, which will be integrated into recloser packages to support the installation of automated protection equipment along PWC’s electric distribution system. This initiative aims to enhance demand reduction and reliability improvements within the electric distribution network. The project is anticipated to be partially funded through a federal grant, necessitating compliance with federal regulations.

Work Details
The contract involves the procurement of approximately 300 units of unmanaged five-port Ethernet switches, specifically designed for utility and industrial applications. These switches must meet stringent environmental specifications that exceed IEEE 1613 and IEC 61850-3 standards, making them suitable for harsh environments like electric utility substations. The specifications include:

- Operating voltage: 125/230 Vac
- Temperature range: -40°F to +185°F
- Three Ethernet RJ45 Ports for Category 5(e) Shielded Twisted Pair Cable
- Two Fiber Optic Ports for Single Mode fiber with specific performance standards including TX Level, RX Sensitivity, Optical Budget, Maximum Distance, and Wavelength.
- A warranty covering material defects and accidental damage for ten years is required. Delivery must include all necessary mounting hardware.

Period of Performance
The deployment of the Ethernet switches is planned over a three-year period from the project start date. Installations are expected to proceed at a pace of approximately 50 packages per quarter once deployment begins.

Place of Performance
The delivery location for the switches will be PWC’s Warehouse at 955 Old Wilmington Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must comply with federal grant requirements including adherence to the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA), and must submit a BABA Compliance Certification with their bid package. Additionally, certified Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) are encouraged to participate in this solicitation. Bidders are required to provide MWDBE Affidavits A or B along with their bid submission.