Bid guide

How to bid on Transformer-21 Secondary Bushing Repair for City of Palo Alto

City of Palo Alto Palo Alto, CACloses September 23, 2026

What the City of Palo Alto is buying

The City of Palo Alto Utilities Department is seeking a qualified contractor to repair oil leaks on Transformer 21 at the Colorado Substation. This project involves replacing gaskets on the secondary bushings and any disturbed manways to stop oil leakage and restore the transformer's integrity.

The selected contractor will be responsible for providing all necessary labor, supervision, tools, equipment, materials, oil processing equipment, oil storage, testing instruments, safety equipment, transportation, hauling, disposal, and incidentals. The work includes pre-testing, partial oil draining and storage, gasket replacement, pressure testing, oil processing and refilling, post-testing, demobilization, and delivering all required documentation.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This opportunity was published on August 21, 2026. The deadline for submitting your response is September 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET. All submissions must be completed by this time.

It is important to submit your response well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues. After the deadline, no further submissions will be accepted.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for contractors with expertise in electrical infrastructure maintenance, specifically in transformer repair and oil leak mitigation. Firms experienced in handling non-PCB mineral oil, gasket replacement, pressure testing, and oil processing will find this relevant.

The project falls under the environmental category due to the nature of oil leak repair and containment. Contractors with a proven track record in utility infrastructure maintenance and environmental compliance are encouraged to bid.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full details and respond to this solicitation, you need to visit the City of Palo Alto's procurement portal on OpenGov Procurement. You can find a link to the original source.

Once on OpenGov Procurement, you may encounter a brief security check. After it completes, the project page will load. You will need to sign in or create a free vendor account to download plans, ask questions, join the planholders list, and submit your response. Any addenda notices will be communicated through OpenGov.

Practical tips for a competitive response

When preparing your response, clearly detail your experience with similar transformer repair projects, especially those involving oil leak remediation and gasket replacement. Highlight your team's qualifications and any specialized equipment you possess for oil processing and storage.

Provide a comprehensive project plan that outlines each step of the work, from pre-testing to final documentation. Emphasize your safety protocols and your ability to coordinate effectively with the City's designated project manager. Ensure all required documentation, including test and service records, is addressed in your proposal.

See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond

Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.

View this bid on BiddingSimple

This guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from City of Palo Alto; the original posting controls.