What is a solar RFP?

But first a few key definitions: A Request for Proposal (RFP) is a formal bid document to ask vendors to provide proposals for desired projects, as required by many public agencies (federal, state, local). A solar RFP outlines the photovoltaic (PV) product or service requirements, the contract terms, and bidding process.

Are solar photovoltaic systems a good investment?

For sites with time-of-use (TOU) and/or demand rates, solar PV systems are to be designed to offset the greatest amount of electricity in higher cost-rate periods and achieve the greatest annual dollar savings. Feasibility evaluations to determine the potential size of solar photovoltaic systems have not been completed.

Who determines the final content of a solar PV solicitation?

Agency contract officers, attorneys, and engineers are responsible for determining the final content of any solicitation. Updated to the regulations, codes, and standards applicable to solar PV are changing frequently; it is the responsibility of agency managers to determine which guidelines (and which versions) apply. Figure 1.

When can a contractor inspect a PV system?

The Government Contracting Officer or the delegated Contracting Officer’s Representative may inspect the PV systems at any time during construction or after the PV systems have been put into operation. The Contractor may be ordered to stop work, or shut the systems down, if unsafe conditions or code violations are noted.

What happens if a solar contractor is awarded a contract?

Upon an award, the solar contractor is bound to execute the contract and begin performance. If another contractor that supplied a proposal thinks that it had the best value proposal, the contractor can question the government’s evaluation process.

Can a contractor recommend a PV system size?

After the contract award, the Contractor can recommend PV system sizes at their discretion, as long as the total aggregated PV system size is within plus/minus 10% of the original estimate. Certain buildings can be added or subtracted, subject to Governmental approval.