News

Engineering Consultancy Services - Terms of Reference

TERMS OF REFERENCE

ENGINEERING SERVICES CONSULTANCY

1. BACKGROUND

1.01 DOMLEC is in the process of restoring its power system which suffered catastrophic damage from Hurricane Maria in September, 2017. DOMLEC has full responsibility for repairs to the T&D system. Electricity consumption (kWh) is at approximately 30% of pre-Maria levels compared to the same period in previous years. Current system peak load is close to 40% of the pre Maria peak. 19% of customers have had their electricity supply restored to date i.e. approximately 6,933 customers. The commercial sector is being restored first followed by residential customers. The Advanced Metering Infrastructure data centres were largely unaffected by the hurricane and meters are being read remotely by DOMLEC.

1.02 The T&D system is being rebuilt in accordance with DOMLEC's installation standards. All poles are being installed to the company standard specifications and pole classes have been upgraded. Prior to Maria, DOMLEC had implemented a policy to use LED lights for all new and replacement street lighting installations. This policy is being enforced for all street lighting replacements.

1.03 As of October 2017, 6 of 9 generation units at Fond Cole in Roseau were restored and able to service up to 9MW of load. The system load up to that time was 1MW. All 5 diesel generation units in Portsmouth were operational and able to supply loads of up to 6.5MW. Damages to the generation assets included storm exposure to three diesel units at Fond Cole and flooding of the Padu hydropower plant. There was also physical damage to the penstock and the turbines at the Padu hydropower plant. This represents a loss of about 1.3 MW of generation capacity and an additional fuel cost of around a quarter million US dollars per month. The water intake weir and penstock for the Padu hydropower plant will be repaired to bring the generation plant back online.

1.04 Support will be provided to improve the technical institutional capacity of DOMLEC in the short term to ensure that existing dispersed information and studies are used in system design evaluations. Structural analysis of the T&D system will be performed to inform the changing of infrastructural components in certain parts of the network to make it more resilient. A Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment will guide improvements to the system design to improve resilience to climate change impact

1.05 The Project will be implemented by DOMLEC over a 24-month period which started in September 2017. The project is being managed by the Transmission and Distribution Systems Engineer.

2. OBJECTIVE - T&D STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

2.01 The objective of the consultancy is the structural evaluation of the transmission and distribution system to ensure correct component selection and installation specifications to meet design loading requirements. To such end, the consultant is required to ascertain the causes of failures of poles in Dominica as results of Hurricane Maria and based on this information determine the maximum wind speeds at which the structures were subjected. And conduct a structural analysis to define the pole's characteristics to ensure the transmission and distribution network will withstand category 5 hurricanes.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

3.01 The Consulting firm shall:

(i) work closely with the Project Coordinator to ensure that the objectives of the structural analysis consultancy are met;

(ii) learn from the damages caused by hurricane Maria, the consultant will study the causes of pole's failures and estimate the wind conditions that caused the collapse. He/she will design and conduct a random sample process for the selection of no less than six (6) types of poles and four (4) loading conditions to characterise the elements of the transmission and distribution network in Dominica.

(iii) Conduct field surveys and analytical calculations to estimate the loads that prompted the failure. A sample of no less than 30 poles should be considered.

(iv) Conduct analyses to recommend new design standards for poles in Dominica's transmission and distribution network. To such end, the consultant shall conduct a comprehensive sensitivity analysis including:

(aa) Sustained wind speeds in the range between 160 mph and 200 mph

(bb) At least 6 levels of exposure to the wind field;

(cc) No less than 6 types of soils; and

(dd) At least 4 typical static loads on the pole.

(v) Conduct a cost-benefit analysis under the hypothesis that category 5 hurricanes have return periods of 40 years, 30 years, and 20 years, for discount rates in the range between 2 percent per year and 12 percent per year.

(vi) verify and validate component selection and specifications for rebuilding of the T&D system including poles, power lines, transformers, etc. to ensure compatibility with system design loading requirements;

(vii) provide guidance on network routing to minimize risk of being affected by land slippage, wind loading and other structural risks;

(viii) train selected DOMLEC staff in use of the selected analytical software to perform future analyses for network building and configuration;

(ix) be responsible for preparation of a completion report within two months after the date of completion of the analytical works and training.

4. OBJECTIVE – GEOTECHNICAL ANALYSIS

4.01 The objective of the consultancy is strengthening DOMLEC technical capabilities for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Dominica's electric system. The geotechnical engineer will be integrated with DOMLEC reconstruction team and will: (a) support the supervision of the geotechnical studies underway as part of the natural hazards vulnerability assessment for Dominica. (b) develop geotechnical guidelines for the installation of transmission and distribution poles. (c) undertake the technical supervision of rehabilitation and reconstruction works and the engineering management of rehabilitation and reconstruction contracts, as assigned by DOMLEC management. And, (d) provide basic training in soil classification methods and basic lab tests to DOMLEC personnel, as well as specific training on the geotechnical guidelines developed under (b).

4.02 The geotechnical engineer will be engaged by the project for a period of up to 18 month, depending on his/her performance.

5. SCOPE OF WORK

5.01 The individual consultant shall:

(a) The geotechnical engineer will be a member of DOMLEC rehabilitation and reconstruction team. As such it is his/her responsibility to integrate into DOMLEC, follow procedures and guidelines as instructed by his/her supervisor, and document activities and results.

(b) Work closely with the Project Coordinator assigned by DOMLEC, and other members of the CDB team to ensure that the objectives of the soil and geotechnical studies are met;

(c) Draft a methodology and standards to perform soil sampling and testing at agreed T&D system sites to inform pole placement and networking routing decisions.

(d) The geotechnical engineer will draft guidelines for proper excavation and fill material and compaction for poles foundation. In situ tests might be suggested to ensure proper material for backfill, water content and compaction. In such case training will be provided to DOMLEC personnel and its contractors.

(e) Develop or update a database of soil types and geological characteristic including mapping of water table impacted zones and locations for integration into the company's GIS system.

(f) Coordinate with the Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment team to produce a geotechnical hazards/risks map for the utility and identify potential impacts and possible mitigation measures;

(g) Provide guidance on network routing to minimize risk of being affected by land slippage and other soil and geological risks;

(h) Train selected DOMLEC staff in performing basic analyses for quick decisions involving soil and geological considerations;

(i) Be responsible for preparation of a completion report within two months after the date of completion of the analytical works and training.

6. OBJECTIVE – ENGINEERING CERTIFICATION

6.01 The objective of the consultancy is the certification of works and submission of claims to the CDB.

7. SCOPE OF WORK

7.01 The Consultant shall:

(a) work closely with the Project Coordinator to ensure that the objectives of the RRL project are met;

(b) review all available relevant documentation and technical data relevant to the rehabilitation works;

(d) perform technical inspection of all the installation works to ensure compliance with contract provisions;

(e) provide certification of work and issue of payment certificates;

(f) Be responsible for preparation of monthly reports on the progress of the works indicating any difficulties affecting its efficient and timely execution commencing one month after the engagement of the consultant. Report content will include but not be limited to:

(i) descriptive paragraphs on component procurement, installations, and the maintenance aspects of the project;

(ii) an analysis of the project implementation management structure and function and recommendations for improvements; and

(iii) any other inputs required for completion of the consultancy.

(g) be responsible for witnessing of testing and commissioning of the works;

(h) Be responsible for preparation of a completion report within two months after the date of the issue of a certificate of practical completion.

8. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

8.01 The selected firm should have at least 10 years of experience in electricity transmission and distribution systems structural analysis; 7 years of experience in soil and geotechnical analyses; at least 5 years power engineering experience in electricity transmission and distribution systems and project management. The assigned project engineers should have advanced degrees in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, project management and at least 10 years of professional experience.

8.02 Relevant experience must include the preparation of project schedules and budgets, monitoring of project execution, and project reporting. Experience in mountainous, hurricane/tropical cyclone, volcanic and earthquake prone regions is essential. Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary.

Engineering Consultancy Services

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE PROVISION OF ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR RESTORATION OF DOMLEC'S THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY SYSTEM IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA

APRIL 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

1.1 Intent of this Document

Proposals are invited for the provision of Engineering Consultancy services to support the efforts of restoring the Electricity Generation and Supply System (The System) of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Under the Electricity Supply Act of 2006, Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC) are the current Licensee with responsibility for the restoration and post restoration operations and management of The System. DOMLEC will therefore be seeking proposals from suitably qualified entities to tender on the provision of the requisite Engineering Consultancy Services as detailed in attached Terms of Reference (TOR) which includes the proposed Scope of Work, is provided in Appendix 1 of this document.

Tenderers are at liberty to append further details deemed desirable to the Tender Documents. Such details shall not be binding upon the Dominica Electricity Services Limited.

1.2 Corporate Background & Relevant Business Information

The Dominica Electricity Services Limited, hereinafter called the Requestor, is an investor-owned, vertically integrated electric utility, which supplies electricity to the island of the Commonwealth of Dominica under respective Generation (non-exclusive) and Transmission, Distribution and Supply (exclusive) licenses, in accordance with the aforementioned Act. . The Requestor operates Generation, and Transmission, Distribution and Supply (TD&S) systems summarized as follows:

1.2.2 Table 1 - Generation Plants

PLANT GENERATING UNIT TYPE TOTAL CAPACITY

FOND COLE POWER STATION RECIPROCATING DIESEL 13.864 MW

SUGAR LOAF POWER STATION RECIPROCATING DIESEL 6.830 MW

LAUDAT POWER STATION HYDRO TURBINE 1.240 MW

TRAFALGAR POWER STATION HYDRO TURBINE 3.520 MW

PADU POWER STYATION HYDRO TRURBINE 1.880 MW

TOTAL CAPACITY 27.334 MW

1.2.3 Table 2 – TD&S System

LENGTH OF HV LINES (11 kV) 500 km

LENGTH OF LV LINES (400/240 V) 725 km

NO. TRANSFORMERS/ASSOCIATED LV CIRCUITS 1,489

NO. OF POLES 15,924

NO. OF STREETLIGHT FOR REPLACEMENT BY LED 2,500

The demand for the island is between 17 MW and 18 MW, which an off peak demand a low as 8 MW especially in the cooler months of the year.

The pre Maria customer base was over 36,000 with an average monthly electrical energy consumption of 8.4 GWh.

1.3 Impact of Hurricane Maria

Hurricane Maria made a direct hit on the Commonwealth of Dominica on September 19, 2018, resulting in widespread damage and destruction across the island and affecting all sector of the economy. The electricity sector was affected as follows:

1.3.1 Generation System

Over 60% of the DOMLEC's generating capacity affected immediately. Currently only 22% of the generating capacity remains unavailable as restoration work in this area continues.

1.3.2 TD&S System

Over 98% of this system was affected immediately following the hurricane. Our restoration efforts have seen:

1.4 Status of Restoration/Recovery

After seven months, the status of our restoration is as follows:

1.4.1 Generation System

From a capacity point of view, the generation system has been restored to the 78% level. 4.2 MW/30% of the Fond Cole power station's capacity remains unavailable, and similarly, 1.88 MW/28.3% of the Hydro capacity remains unavailable. Additional current pertinent generation system metrics are as follows:

a) System Peak – 8.65 MW, 48% of pre Maria peak

b) Net Energy Production (Oct 30 – Apr 15) – 16.2 GWh/34% of pre Maria production for a similar period.

c) Current Average Growth Rate – 4.8%/week

2 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES REQUIRED

As per detailed in Appendix 1, DOMLEC requires the services outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR) and associated Objectives and Scope of Work to:

a) Assist with certain technical and engineering quality control and assurance (QA/QC) aspects of the restoration work

b) Ensure compliance with the stipulation of DOMLEC's CDB loan in support of said restoration efforts.

2.1 T&D Structural Analysis

The objective of the consultancy is the structural evaluation of the transmission and distribution system to ensure correct component selection and installation specifications to meet design loading requirements. To such end, the consultant is required to ascertain the causes of failures of poles in Dominica as results of Hurricane Maria and based on this information determine the maximum wind speeds at which the structures were subjected. And conduct a structural analysis to define the pole's characteristics to ensure the transmission and distribution network will withstand category 5 hurricanes.

2.2 Geotechnical Analysis

The objective of the consultancy is strengthening DOMLEC technical capabilities for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Dominica's electric system. The geotechnical engineer will be integrated with DOMLEC reconstruction team and will: (a) support the supervision of the geotechnical studies underway as part of the natural hazards vulnerability assessment for Dominica. (b) Develop geotechnical guidelines for the installation of transmission and distribution poles. (c) Undertake the technical supervision of rehabilitation and reconstruction works and the engineering management of rehabilitation and reconstruction contracts, as assigned by DOMLEC management. And, (d) provide basic training in soil classification methods and basic lab tests to DOMLEC personnel, as well as specific training on the geotechnical guidelines developed under (b).

2.3 Engineering Certification

The objective of the consultancy is the certification of works and submission of claims to the CDB.

2.4 Safety and Environmental Policies and Procedures

The Tenderer shall demonstrate the ability to conform with the Requestor's Health, Safety and Environmental Policies and Procedures generally, and specifically with its Contractor Safety Work Program (CSWP). The requirements of same are set out in Appendices 2-5. Tenderers who have not met the requirements as set out in the CSWP, will not be considered for award.

2.5 Prices

The Requestor intends to have a detailed pricing arrangement for the services provided, in order to assist with the evaluation of tenders, and ultimately to facilitate prudent management throughout the engagement of the Engineering Services. Prices are to be stated in United States Dollars (US$) and as per the pricing structure is as follows in Table 3 below:

2.5.1 Table 3 – Pricing Structure for Engineering Consultancy Services

ITEM DETAIL PRICE (US$) TOTAL (US$)

Professional Fees T&D Structural Analysis

Geotechnical Analysis

Engineering Certification

Air Travel

Per Diem

Local Logistics (Hotel and Local Transportation)

Documentation and Reports

TOTAL PRICE

2.6 Tenderer's Profile and Qualifications

The Tenderer must qualify as set out in Appendix 1, TOR for Engineering Consultancy Services

2.7 Project Duration

The duration of the project is expected to be from July 2018 to end March 2019, during which time it is expected that the requisite services as tendered will be provided throughout the entire duration. Table 4 below provides approximate timelines for key deliverables.

2.7.1 Table 4 – Key Project Deliverables & Timeline

DELIVERABLE TARGET DATE

Commencement of Sugar Loaf Retaining Wall (SLRW) August 2018

Commencement of Streetlight Project August 2018

Reconnection of Eligible Customers August 2018

Completion of SLRW November 2018

Completion of T&D Rebuild October 2018

Completion of Streetlight Project February 2019

3 TENDERERS' INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 Contact Person

Any further information required for this request for proposal may be obtained from:

Dave Stamp – Generation Manager/ CDB Loan Project Coordinator

C/o Dominica Electricity Services

18 Castle Street

Roseau

Commonwealth Of Dominica

(767) 255-6170/6117 (Office), (767) 235-9965 (Mobile), (767) 448-6082(Fax) or ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )

3.2 Submission of Tenders

Tenders may be submitted by either of the following methods:

1. In a sealed envelopes marked on the outside ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY SERVICES TENDER and bearing the name and address of the Tenderer, and addressed and delivered to:

The Project Coordinator – CDB Loan

C/o Dominica Electricity Services Limited

18 Castle Street, P.O. Box 1593

Roseau

Commonwealth Of Dominica

2. Via email as follows

a. Captioned: The Project Coordinator – CDB Loan

b. Email address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

3. Tenders must be delivered by 16:00 hrs. on June 21, 2018

3.3 Evaluation Schedule

The tender "opening" shall take place at 16.30 hours on June 22, 2018 at the Requestor's headquarters at 18 Castle Street, Roseau. Results will be summarized and published by 16.00 hours on June 22, 2018.

4 PROCEDURE FOR AWARDING CONTRACT

4.1 Bid Evaluations and Award

The Requestor may make such investigations as it deems necessary to determine the qualification and ability of the Tenderer to provide the requested services and the Tenderer shall furnish to the Requestor all such information and data required for this purpose.

The Requestor, reserves the right to, not accept the lowest or any tender.

After conducting its evaluations, and the Requestor will make an award/awards, and will advise both successful and unsuccessful Tenderers via written communication. Thereafter the Requestor will enter into contract negotiations with the successful Tenderer(s). If the parties are unable to conclude negotiations for a contract within three months of the award the Requestor reserves the right to select the next most eligible bid or to go back out to public tender.

Presenting AMI

Domlec is pleased to announce that the company has upgraded its prepaid system and now offers AMI prepaid. In October last year, Domlec began a three year program to replace over 26,000 meters with Advanced Metering Infrastructure – (AMI) or smart meters. This program started in Roseau and in May of this year, the program started in Portsmouth. We are now installing AMI across the entire country and soon, all customers will be remotely connected to our network.

CDB General Rpocurement Notice

DOMINICA ELECTRICITY SERVICES LIMITED (DOMLEC)

THE RESTORATION OF ELECTRICITY SYSTEM

OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA

GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE

The Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in an amount equivalent to US$15,804,000.00 towards the cost of The Restoration of the Electricity System of the Commonwealth of Dominica, and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under contracts procured under this project. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of DOMLEC and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than DOMLEC shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

The following consultancy assignments will be procured under the project:

(a) Consultancy, Engineering – Project Monitoring and Quality Assurance;

(b) Consultancy, Organizational Review – Organizational review and Process Efficiency; and

It is expected that these will be procured during the period May 2018 to December 2018.

The following goods and works will be procured under the project:

(a) Supply of LED Streetlights;

(b) Installation Services – Streetlights; and

It is expected that these will be procured during the period July 2018 to March 2019.

Consultants, Contractors and Suppliers from all countries will be eligible to participate in these procurement opportunities.

DOMLEC is the Executing Agency for the project. Further details of the project can be obtained by contacting the first address below.

Dominica Electricity Services Limited

18Castle Street, P.O. Box 1593

Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica

Attention: Dave W. Stamp, Project Coordinator

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: +1 (767) 235-9965

Domlec AMI goes live October 15th 2009

Dear Customer,

Domlec is pleased to introduce to you its new Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) Project. AMI is the technology of automatically collecting consumption, diagnostic, and status data from metering devices and transferring that data to a central database for billing and analyzing. As a result, billing can be based on near real time consumption rather than on estimates based on previous or predicted consumption.

Fuel Surcharge and The Price of Fuel

What You Should Know About The Fuel Surcharge and The Price of Fuel.

The Fuel Surcharge which appears on your monthly electricity bill represents part of the cost of fuel used in the production of electricity in the previous month. The remainder of the cost, that is $1.4066 per gallon, is already included in the basic tariff shown on your electricity bill. For example, for Domestic customers, this is included in the Domestic Block 1 Charge.

The Fuel Surcharge varies monthly because it is based on the monthly price Domlec pays to its suppliers PDV (Dominica) Ltd and Rubis W.I. and the quantity of electricity generated for the month from Domlec’s Hydro Stations.

The graph below shows the average monthly price of fuel purchased by Domlec from January 2013 to December 2014 and the monthly fuel surcharge over that same period.