Wilkins Power Plant Instrumentation and Controls Rebuild

The Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD) is seeking proposals from qualified vendors for the modernization and replacement of obsolete and deteriorating control systems and associated wiring for two (2) 5MW Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) gensets located at Wilkins 5MW Generation Station. This project aims to significantly improve safety, mitigate risk, reduce fuel consumption, increase reliability, and simplify operation for this critical asset.  MMLD is also exploring the option for remote deployment of the station and requests an additional estimate for this functionality as a separately evaluated option of this procurement.

Background

The Wilkins Station houses two 2.5 MW peaking generator units with aging control systems. The existing wiring insulation is in poor condition, posing a risk of fire, electrocution, and machine failure. Physical movement of wires can break the brittle insulation, leading to exposure of 125VDC, 120VAC, and 24VDC conductors and creating cascading wiring hazards. MMLD recognizes the urgent need to upgrade these control systems to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of these units. MMLD will make the Wilkins Plant design plans from initial installation accessible as part of the RFP. MMLD will also make the Wilkins Plant accessible to interested parties for detailed inspection.

Project Details

• Reference ID: 26-MMLD -003
• Department: Marblehead Muncipal Light
• Department Head: Jon Blair (General Manager)

Important Dates

• Questions Due: 2026-08-12T14:00:00.000Z
• Pre-Proposal Meeting: 2026-08-11T14:00:00.000Z — 7 Woodfin Terrace, Marblehead, MA 01945

Evaluation Criteria

• Summary —

  The Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD) is seeking proposals from qualified vendors for the modernization and replacement of obsolete and deteriorating control systems and associated wiring for two (2) 5MW Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) gensets located at Wilkins 5MW Generation Station. This project aims to significantly improve safety, mitigate risk, reduce fuel consumption, increase reliability, and simplify operation for this critical asset.  MMLD is also exploring the option for remote deployment of the station and requests an additional estimate for this functionality as a separately evaluated option of this procurement.

• Important Instructions for Electronic Submittals —

  The Town of Marblehead is accepting electronic bid submissions. Bidders shall create a FREE account with OpenGov Procurement by signing up at https://procurement.opengov.com/signup. Once you have completed account registration, browse back to this page, click on "Draft Response", and follow the instructions to submit the electronic bid.

• Timeline —

  Release Project Date:	July 28, 2026
  Pre-Proposal Meeting (Mandatory):	August 11, 2026, 10:00am 7 Woodfin Terrace, Marblehead, MA 01945
  Question Submission Deadline:	August 12, 2026, 10:00am
  Response Submission Deadline:	August 19, 2026, 10:00am

• Scope of Work or Project Details —

  Please see the Attachments section for specifications and attachments.

• Project Contact —

  Allison Jenkins

  Chief Procurement Officer

  7 Widger Road

  Marblehead, MA 01945

  Email: jenkinsa@marbleheadma.gov

  Phone: (617) 357-8579

• Procurement Contact —

  Allison Jenkins

  Chief Procurement Officer

  7 Widger Road

  Marblehead, MA 01945

  Email: jenkinsa@marbleheadma.gov

  Phone: (617) 357-8579

Submission Requirements

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