The City of Washington is planning to replace waterfront pedestals along the city docks. However, two previous attempts to bid the project produced no bids. The third attempt produced one bid.

“I did not open it because I did not want to expose the bid. Once I open it, it exposes the bid and becomes public information. I didn’t open it with me having one. I’ve got to figure out (what to do) from colleagues and everything because this is the third time I’ve bid this out. … I’m trying to figure out if we can use this one legally or not,” said Jennifer Nelson, the city’s purchasing agent.

The project will replace 42 marina power pedestals, including six associated with the Americans With Disabilities Act. Bids were received Friday. The projected start date is March 12, with an end date of Aug. 12. If not completed by Aug. 12, a penalty of $100 per day until the project will be enforced.

The city is requiring the power pedestals follow certain requirements such as those found in Eaton Corp. Marine Power and Lighting’s 44-inch tall model. Based on earlier estimates, thirty-six of the power pedestals would cost $32,145.12 for metering and receptacles on one side of power pedestals. Six power pedestals with metering and receptacles on two sides would cost $1,073.12. Combined the 42 receptacles cost $38,583.84.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is paying for the contract. “This is an acknowledgement that FEMA financial assistance will be used to fund the contract only. The contractor will comply with all applicable federal law, regulations, executive orders, FEMA policies, procedures, and directives,” reads a compliance statement.

The Eaton Corporation suggest that each of the power pedestals be equipped with the following:

• 20-amp receptacle (one per unit, $48);
• surge protection device at each single phase ($206);
• spare base camp to avoid damage to the power pedestal because of inclement weather ($30);
• fire house pedestal (a fire extinguisher shall be placed within 75 feet of every boat and/or intersection of every dock).
• Sunbrella spray cover ($210);
• ground fault monitor (compliant with new ground-fault monitoring regulations, $2,400).

Advanced Electrical Service, 402 CBH Lodge Road, received a letter dated Oct. 29, 2018, from Eaton Corporation that said the warranty is based on Eaton Corporation’s standard warranty.