This is for the approval of one 550 Horsepower Dan Foss Variable Frequency Device (VFD) with Goforth Williamson, Inc. (GWI), in an amount not to exceed $101,617. The Industrial & Domestic Treatment Plant will utilize this equipment to replace the previously failed Dan Foss Unit.  This will be the 5th unit of the original five, over 28-year-old VFDs to be replaced. Four of the original units have previously failed and have been replaced utilizing Dan Foss units, to keep the equipment standardized for efficiency in the maintenance of spare parts inventory, technical knowledge, and software to support the units. GWI is the geographical, regional provider of the Dan Foss VFD product line and therefore available to assist staff in troubleshooting quickly if needed with proprietary data information. Each of the I & D Plant’s 5@ 500 horsepower distribution pumps has a VFD.

These five pumps operate off a pressure control system setpoint. As the water flow increases and the pressure begins to drop, a computerized controller senses the drop and ramps up pumps currently being utilized, distributing the demand among the pumps in use online, or bringing an additional pump online. Flow reduction results in the main controller backing the pumps’ speed down to prevent over-pressurization in the system and potential damage to distribution system piping. The demand can fluctuate up to 12 million gallons almost instantaneously by the large industrial customers (paper mills).  Due to groundwater cutbacks by Environmental Protection Division and continuing development, I & D has evolved as a regional water provider, wholesaling water to surrounding communities and ensuring safe, reliable drinking water and water availability for fire protection. It is critical that all five pumps are available for operation. With any pump out of service, the pumping capacity and redundancy are compromised.  

S.S.  Goforth Williamson, Inc. (Griffin, GA) (D) $101,617

A proposal meeting was not conducted. (D) Indicates non-local, non-DBE-business.

Approval