Posting Language
Title
Authorize two contracts for electric protective devices to protect against reverse power flow for Austin Energy with Techline Inc. and KBS Electrical Distributors Inc., for a term of two years with up to three 1-year extension options for a total contract amount not to exceed $10,000,000 divided between the contractors. Funding: $500,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Body
Lead Department
Austin Financial Services.
Client Department(s)
Austin Energy.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $500,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Procurement Language:
Austin Financial Services issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 1100 CPG1005 for these goods. The solicitation was published on February 16, 2026 and closed on March 24, 2026. Of the four offers received, the two recommended contractors submitted the lowest responsive offers. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=143412 .
MBE/WBE:
This contract will be awarded in compliance with the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to Austin Financial Services - Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
July 20, 2026 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission.
Additional Backup Information:
These contracts will provide network protectors for Austin Energy. Network protectors are specialized heavy-duty circuit breakers paired with relays, designed to automatically connect or disconnect transformers in secondary grid networks. They protect against reverse power flow, ensuring reliability in high-density areas by isolating faults. The network protectors will be used on an as-needed basis to replace units as they reach their end of life.
The contracts are replacing the previous contract, which expired on April 7, 2026. One of the recommended contractors, KBS Electrical Distributors Inc, was the previous contractor for these goods.
Network protectors are critical to the stability and efficiency of the electric utility's operations. If a contract is not approved, Austin Energy customers could be vulnerable to outages and service interruptions.
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Contract Details: |
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Contract Term |
Length of Term |
Contract Authorization |
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Initial Term |
2 years |
$4,000,000 |
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Optional Extension 1 |
1 year |
$2,000,000 |
|
Optional Extension 2 |
1 year |
$2,000,000 |
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Optional Extension 3 |
1 year |
$2,000,000 |
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Total |
5 years |
$10,000,000 |
Note: Contract Authorization amounts are based on the City’s estimated annual usage.