Meeting_Body
SYSTEM SAFETY, SECURITY AND OPERATIONS COMMITEE
MAY 19, 2016
Subject/Action
SUBJECT: BLUE LINE BACK-UP POWER SYSTEM
ACTION: AWARD CONTRACT
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
AUTHORIZE the Chief Executive Officer to award a firm fixed price Contract No. OP4978800, a sole source procurement, to American Power Systems, LLC. (APS), in the amount of $1,003,974, to furnish and install a replacement back-up power system for the Blue Line.
Issue
ISSUE
There were three recent Metro Blue Line (MBL) incidents where the service interruptions were a result of a power failure. In the event of a power outage from the utility provider, the power control system has a secondary battery system that activates to provide uninterrupted supervisory control of the substations. During each incident the battery back-up system failed to provide power to the control devices, resulting in service delays.
These systems are located in twenty-one Communications and Signal Rooms (CSR) along the MBL. The batteries are expired and need replacement in all CSR’s. The current system cannot be relied upon to function as intended.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
The MBL back-up power system is a vital part of ensuring safe and uninterrupted service. This procurement is for a replacement of the current back-up battery power system along the alignment. The contract allows APS to furnish and install the battery kits and all required hardware and software. They will also provide and maintain a warranty for the battery system as the sole authorized representative. The life expectancy of the new batteries is 20 years, and will require minimal maintenance. The installation for the entire MBL will be completed within six months of contract award.
Sole Source Justification
The significance of this sole source procurement is to ensure continued safe operational ability of the back-up power system. The current back-up power system was provided by C&D Technologies. Metro has used the C&D battery systems throughout all of the rail communications sites for the last 25 years. From an operational and technical standpoint, it is imperative to acquire the same type of battery kits for the communications equipment compatibility and standardization system-wide. APS is the only authorized manufacturer’s representative for C&D Technologies in the State of California and the only company authorized to install for warranty purposes. Another type of battery kit would require re-engineering of the existing communications equipment which is cost-prohibitive and unreasonable. The procurement was conducted in accordance with current policy on sole source procurements.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
The back-up battery power system needs to be replaced in order to maintain a safe and reliable system. In the event that the utility company has a power failure and the back-up battery system does not work, there is a potential of a multi-hour service disruption. Passengers will need to exit the train wherever they are stopped along the right of way, and this is a safety risk for everyone on the train.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funding is included under Project 211029 for the Blue Line Communications and Signal Building Rehabilitation Project. Funds are allocated in cost center 3960 - Rail Transit Engineering, account 53102 - Acquisition of Equipment, task 04.001 - Parts and Materials.
Impact to Budget
The source of funding for this project will come from Prop A 35% which are eligible for bus and rail Operating and Capital Projects. This funding source will maximize the use of funds for these activities.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
One alternative is to not award this Contract and leave the expired batteries in the back-up system. This alternative is not recommended as it will leave Metro susceptible to system delays and additional operational expenses.
A second alternative is to only replace some of the back-up system, instead of the entirety of the line. This alternative is not recommended as power failures along the Blue Line cannot be predicted, and thus would still leave the line vulnerable to system delays.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon Board approval, staff will execute Contract No. OP4978800 to American Power Systems and issue a Notice-to-Proceed to start working on this project.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Procurement Summary
Attachment B - DEOD Summary
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Aderemi Omotayo, Director, Wayside Systems, (213) 922-3243
Chris Reyes, Transportation Planning Manager, (213) 922-4808
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Ivan Page, Interim Executive Director, Vendor/Contract Management, (213) 922-6383
James T. Gallagher, Chief Operations Officer, (213) 922-4424
