NYPA awards multimillion-dollar contracts to two Buffalo companies

The New York Power Authority board of trustees has approved the award of competitively bid contracts, valued at more than $20 million, to two Buffalo-based businesses: Ferguson Electric Construction Co. Inc., and Quality Inspection Services Inc.

"The New York Power Authority remains committed to further strengthening its core generation assets," said Harry Francois, regional manager for Western New York, NYPA. "The auxiliary equipment installations and ongoing operations monitoring covered by these contracts are but two of recent examples. We seek qualified, cost-effective contractors who do excellent work on-time and on-budget."

Francois added, "We're especially pleased when we can retain and invest in New York-based companies, especially those here in Western New York."

The NYPA trustees approved the two contract awards at their March 25 regularly scheduled board meeting.

Ferguson Electric was awarded a seven-year contract, for up to $19,046,700, to install auxiliary equipment as part of NYPA's ongoing upgrade of its Lewiston Pump-Generating Plant.

LPGP, one of the two generating facilities at NYPA's Niagara Hydroelectric Power Project, provides electricity during periods of peak power demand, supplementing the electricity output of the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant, the main generating facility at the Niagara project.

In 2010, the NYPA trustees authorized a 10-year, $460 million life extension and modernization program for the LPGP. The plant's original, aging transformers, motor-generators, pump-turbines and related equipment are being replaced, or upgraded, with new state-of-the-art technology to reinforce and improve generating capacity.

Ferguson Electric, as part of the LEM, will install static exciters, generator circuit-breakers, cable, conduits, unit instrumentation and AC/DC distribution systems equipment to all 12 pump-turbine units at LPGP.

Overhaul of the LPGP's first unit was completed in October. Work on a second unit is well underway, with all units to be upgraded by 2020.

A five-year contract, not-to-exceed $1.25 million, was awarded to Quality Inspection Services for on-call testing and inspection services at the Niagara project. NYPA requires on-call, third-party testing and inspection services to ensure quality assurance for its ongoing construction projects.

QISI has successfully completed prior work at the Niagara project, including concrete testing and inspection of the dam face of the Robert Moses power plant, switchyard structure foundation repairs and weld inspections.

"Western New York is proud of its history as leader in the production of clean hydropower, and this infrastructure investment supports local companies and jobs while helping to maintain the Niagara Power Project into the future," said Congressman Brian Higgins.

"Every Western New Yorker has a sense of ownership and takes personal pride in the renewable hydropower that is generated in our region," said State Sen. George Maziarz. "We are glad that (this) announcement will help ensure the structural integrity of the Niagara Power Plant for years to come."

"Helping to protect the long-term integrity of one of NYPA's hydropower assets using the expertise of qualified local contractors is good for Western New York's economy," Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes said. "I applaud the decision made by NYPA's board and trust that MWBEs will receive their fair share as well."

"Strengthening the state's electric infrastructure is one of Gov. Cuomo's highest priorities, because it will help power the growth of our economy," said State Sen. Timothy M. Kennedy. "The state is awarding two substantial contracts to businesses located in our community, which is a significant vote of confidence in their ability to get the job done. This will put Western New Yorkers to work and support our efforts to boost local job creation. It is a win for Western New York."

"After a rigorous competitive bidding process, I am pleased that two Western New York firms rose above the rest in delivering quality goods and services," Assemblyman Sean Ryan said. "I thank the NYPA board for choosing to award these procurement contracts to two outstanding companies. This critical funding will provide great jobs, and ensure the continued efficient delivery of hydropower in Western New York."