Title
Requisition No. REQ-0008187
Primary Area Gas Detection System Upgrade and Switchgear Replacement at Electrical Bldg. EB-20
CIP #211009 / BCE Score: 76.6
Body
Agenda of: August 26, 2026
Item No.: 2026-301
Amount: $9,507,315.00
TO: The Honorable
Board of Directors
Great Lakes Water Authority
FROM: Suzanne R. Coffey, P.E.
Chief Executive Officer
Great Lakes Water Authority
DATE: July 29, 2026
RE: Requisition No.: REQ-0008187
Primary Area Gas Detection System Upgrade and Switchgear Replacement at Electrical Bldg. EB-20
Vendor: Rotor Electric Company of Michigan, LLC
Status: New Contract/PO
MOTION
Upon recommendation of Navid Mehram, Chief Operating Officer - Wastewater Operating Services, the Board of Directors (Board) of the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), authorizes the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to enter into Requisition No. REQ-0008187, “Primary Area Gas Detection System Upgrade and Switchgear Replacement at Electrical Bldg. EB-20” with Rotor Electric Company of Michigan, LLC, at a cost not to exceed $9,507,315.00 for a duration of 1,443 days; and authorizes the CEO to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND
This project involves critical upgrades to the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) to the electrical and safety systems supporting the primary clarifier area and associated facilities. The work includes the demolition and replacement of Unit Substation SD-1 in Electrical Building EB-20 along with the removal and installation of new 480-volt feeder cables to existing loads. Network wiring and configuration changes will be added to the existing Ovation control system to improve monitoring of substation and power statuses. In addition, the project replaces aging gas detection equipment across Scum Buildings Nos. 1 through 14, meter vaults Nos.13 through 18, Sludge Pump Stations Nos. 1 and 2 and the Scum Concentration Building. Proposed upgrades include new gas detection devices, a modernized control panel and an updated uninterruptible power supply system. The project also integrates all gas detection instrumentation into Ovation supported by new digital signal wiring, fiber-optic communications, networking equipment and programming updates.
JUSTIFICATION
The existing electrical distribution components and gas detection systems have reached the end of their reliable service life and no longer meet current operational, safety or technological requirements. Replacing substation SD-1, feeder cables and associated network systems will improve electrical reliability and reduce the risk of equipment failure that could impact treatment processes. Modernizing the gas detection systems is essential for maintaining safe operating conditions and ensuring accurate, real-time monitoring of hazardous gases. Integrating these systems into the Ovation control platform enhances situational awareness, improves response capabilities and supports compliance with safety standards and internal operational requirements. Overall, this project strengthens electrical resilience, modernizes critical safety infrastructure and supports long-term operational continuity across the primary area at WRRF.
FINANCIAL PLAN IMPACT
Summary: Sufficient funds are provided in the financial plan for this project.
Funding Source: 5421 - Wastewater Construction Fund
Cost Center: 880000 - Capital Improvement Program
Spend Category: Construction
Project Worktag: PRJ-211009
Estimated Cost by Year and Related Estimating Variance: See table below.
Fiscal Year
FY29 $135,000.00
FY30 5,457,000.00
FY31 5,457,000.00
FY32-36+ 9,151,000.00
Financial Plan Estimate $20,200,000.00
Proposed Contract Award $9,507,315.00
Estimating Variance $10,692,685.00
Only the “Primary Area Gas Detection System Upgrade and Switchgear Replacement at Electrical Bldg. EB-20" is being completed now. It represents just one portion of the larger CIP 211009 project.
COMMITTEE REVIEW
This item was presented to the Operations and Resources Committee at its meeting on August 12, 2026.
SHARED SERVICES IMPACT
This item does not impact the shared services agreement between GLWA and DWSD.