Posting Language
Title
Authorize a contract for communication equipment, including hardware, software licensing and maintenance, installation, and training services for the utility’s substation relay protection and control system for Austin Energy with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc., for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $2,015,000. Funding: $1,565,060 is available in the Capital 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 $1,565,060 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Procurement Language:
Sole Source.
MBE/WBE:
Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); 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.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
August 10, 2026- Recommended by the Electric Utility Commission on a 7-0 vote, with Commissioners Alvarez, Reed, and White absent, and one vacancy.
Additional Backup Information:
This contract will provide Austin Energy with essential communication equipment, including hardware, software maintenance, installation, and training services for the utility’s substation relay protection and control system. The system supports relay communications between substations and the System Control and Data Acquisition network.
These components support critical, real time communications between substations across the electric transmission grid and provide continuous around-the-clock monitoring, alarm recording, circuit configuration, and equipment configuration storage. The system also serves as Austin Energy’s primary repository for alarm history for the protection relaying communications network, ensuring compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection standards.
The equipment and services required are proprietary and only available from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. The equipment will be installed at City electric substations as part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades that support reliable and safe electric service operations.
Without this contract, Austin Energy would be unable to meet required technical and safety standards necessary for grid reliability and regulatory compliance.
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Contract Details: |
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Contract Term |
Length of Term |
Contract Authorization |
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Initial Term |
3 years |
$1,699,705 |
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Optional Extension 1 |
1 year |
$157,648 |
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Optional Extension 2 |
1 year |
$157,647 |
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Total |
5 years |
$2,015,000 |
Note: Contract Authorization amounts are based on the City’s estimated annual usage.