Contact Voltage Testing Services for Seattle City Light

The purpose of this solicitation is to establish a new contract(s) for City Light’s mobile contact voltage testing program which began in 2010 when utility engineers became aware that underground cable and streetlighting failures could energize street level objects and surfaces. The department has jurisdictional responsibility for approximately 85,000 streetlights in its 131-square mile service territory providing lighting on residential and arterial streets. Several factors can contribute to contact voltage including aging infrastructure, weather, improper installation, rodent activity, copper wire theft, and corrosion. Annual testing for contact voltage is being conducted because streetlights are a vital public service. This solicitation will replace our existing blanket contract 6175 with Osmose Utilities Services Inc which was the result of an assignment of the original blanket contract 4656 with Power Survey LLC.

Background: In November 2010, a dog was electrocuted due to contact with an energized light pole. There were reports of dogs being shocked in various locations throughout City Light’s service area. Subsequent testing revealed in excess of a hundred metal structures having varying amounts of voltage.

Since initial testing Seattle City Light has experienced additional reports of contact with energized streetlight poles, consequently Seattle City Light will conduct annual testing for the presence of voltage on conductive structures including, but not limited to, structures such as streetlight poles, metering pedestals, handhole covers, grounding conductors, water lines, cable television pedestals, bus stop shelters, sidewalk grates, or even the earth itself

Purpose: This invitation to bid is to identify bidders who can provide thorough and accurate testing for contact voltage on approximately 37,500 conductive structures spanning approximately 2,600 lane miles within Seattle City Light’s service territory and provide spot testing services as required by the City.