Medium Voltage, Solar, and Battery Design & Assessment Services

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) Facilities Management is soliciting qualifications from electrical design professionals to provide assessment and design services for its 12-kV medium voltage system. The primary objective is to evaluate the feasibility of expanding existing solar photovoltaic arrays and installing new battery storage systems, with a heavy emphasis on investment-grade return-on-investment analysis. The scope includes system analysis, identifying physical and regulatory challenges such as SF6 switch phase-out and fire safety, coordinating with technology vendors, and preparing pre-schematic design documents and rough order of magnitude budgets. While the initial authorization focuses on assessment, the contract may extend to full design services or peer review for future deployment projects over an estimated 36-month duration. Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format via the UCI plan room by August 28, 2026. Selection is based on demonstrated competence, with weighted evaluation factors focusing on project experience, firm qualifications, and project team staffing. Mandatory pass/fail gates include litigation history, insurance, and equal opportunity statements. Awarded consultants must maintain significant insurance coverage, including 2 million dollars for general and professional liability. Payments are processed monthly at 95 percent of the cost of work and materials, subject to a certified application for payment. The contract requires adherence to California prevailing wage rates, nondiscrimination policies, and strict internal quality assurance programs.