Request for Proposals (RFP) for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) for Solar and Storage Project on Community Resilience Hub in Richmond

Project Team Members

People Power Solar Cooperative is issuing this RFP on behalf of the Resilience Hub team and the solar project’s long-term owner, RYSE.

RYSE and Asian Pacific Environmental Network are centering the voices, desires, and demands of young people in advancing climate resiliency at RYSE Commons (referred to as “Resilience Hub” in this RFP). In partnership with People Power Solar Cooperative, who is the lead project developer, APEN and RYSE aim to install 130 Kilowatts-DC of solar and 110 kWh of storage on RYSE Commons’ two buildings for the benefit of Richmond youth and community members. Combined, these two systems are projected to support 100% of the campus’ annual electric usage and can provide limited stored energy for resilience (25% of normal load) when the grid is shut off.

This Request for Proposals (RFP) is for solar and storage Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for the Resilience Hub. The Resilience Hub team is seeking solar and storage companies that will provide competitive pricing; high quality equipment and workmanship; a thorough and reliable implementation plan; mission-alignment; and superior customer service for the design and installation of the solar and storage energy system.   

The Resilience Hub team intends to select one installer for the project. Respondents are to provide proposals with pricing for one of the three scenarios: microgrid, manual switchover, or solar+storage dedicated to one of the two buildings.

RFP Timeline

RFP Solicitation Materials

Eligibility Requirements

In order for a respondent’s proposal to be considered, the respondent must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements.

1. Have provided EPC services for a minimum of 15 commercial solar electric systems in PG&E service territory, each with a minimum size of 50 kW.                   
2. Have 5 positive customer evaluations for projects with a minimum size of 50 kW.
3. Have at least one full-time project staff member that is North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certified.
4. Maintain (or be willing to acquire) the insurance of the types and in the amounts specified in Section 5.0 of the RFP document.
   
5. Hold, at minimum, a CSLB Home Improvement Contractor License for codes C46-Solar and B-General Contractor or C10-Electrical, and have on the project team either a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer (on staff or available as a subcontractor).
6. Be aligned with our mission mentioned in Section 4.3.3 of the RFP document.
   

The Resilience Hub team will evaluate proposals based on relevant experience installing similar types of systems (e.g. track record of the numbers of systems installed and their longevity), mission alignment and connection to Greater Richmond, labor wage standards/benefits, equipment and design quality, pricing, customer service and satisfaction of the system owners, and workforce training experience.

Proposal Submission Guidelines

Proposals in response to this RFP must be submitted via email to the Designated Contact(s) prior to the Submission Deadline.                   

All proposals must include the following items:

1. Cover Letter
2. Proposal Narrative
3. Pricing and Equipment Form
4. System Designs
5. Equipment Spec Sheets and Warranties
6. Statement of Qualifications
7. Customer References

Webinar

People Power Solar Cooperative and the Resilience Hub Team hosted a webinar to present the RFP and submission guidelines on November 18, 2021 from 9:30-10:30 am PT. Please see the webinar recording below.

Questions/Interest During RFP Response Period

Please see the Q&A document below for responses to questions we received ahead of the webinar on November 18th.