Rfq To Design And Build A Renewable Energy And Backup Energy System

Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (“AGENCY” or “RTA”) is soliciting Statements of Qualifications seeking firms for the Design and Construction of a Renewable Energy and Backup Energy System (“PROJECT”). The PROJECT includes a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, and backup energy system to permit continued operations during a blackout according to the content and format requirements set forth in this Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”). Only California licensed and registered design professionals will be allowed to perform the completed design work. The respondent must possess either a Class A, Class B, and/or Class C-10 license. This PROJECT will be subject to California and Federal prevailing wage requirements.This PROJECT is the next step in an integration of different electrical disciplines. In January 2022, the RTA completed construction of the new purpose-built BMF, with a long-term goal of full electrification of the fleet as existing diesel-powered buses are due for replacement. The BMF includes two separate electrical meters: one meter for the campus, and the other for battery-electric vehicle recharging. The RTA has recently secured grants to install a solar PV and a backup energy system on the BMF site, tied into the campus meter. Initial estimates for system sizing place the solar PV around 282.9 kW and the backup energy system of around 90kW/266kW to provide enough sufficient energy to run specified campus operating/maintenance systems during a power outage. The successful Design-Build Contractor will need to follow all the requirements of the federal grant dollars being used on this PROJECT, including prevailing wage and Buy America requirements. The Contractor will be expected to work with the RTA to maximize the amount of Investment Tax Credit (ITC) eligibility and either take the tax credit themselves for an equivalent reduction in PROJECT cost OR assist the RTA in filing for this through the direct pay option. Contractors must be registered and comply with California Public Works Labor Code requirements.For the purposes of this PROJECT, backup energy systems include a Battery-Energy Storage System (BESS) connected to specified campus operating/maintenance systems using existing conduits and provisions for a mobile internal combustion backup generator using existing conduits. Unfortunately, the RTA has not discovered a fully Buy America compliant BESS, but we expect Respondents to investigate possible Buy America compliant BESS solutions. If a Respondent discovers a BESS that meets Buy America requirements and that Respondent is short-listed, the short-listed Design-Builder will include the BESS in its OFFER. Otherwise, the short-listed Design-Builder’s OFFER should be based on connections to specified campus operating systems using existing conduits that would permit a mobile internal combustion backup generator to easily power emergency systems.The RTA will be requesting an initial Performance Guarantee (“PeGu”) and Operations and Maintenance (“O&M”) contract for 5 years as part of this PROJECT, with options to extend an additional 5 years. The RTA will also be requesting pricing on the extension of inverter warranties to 20 years.This procurement is structured to comply with the requirements of California Public Contract Code §20209.5, which governs the Design/Build process for transit agencies such as the RTA. The California Public Contract Code requires the AGENCY to prepare and issue a request for qualifications in order to prequalify or short-list the design/build entities whose bids shall be evaluated for final selection. Only bidders that have been shortlisted will be allowed to bid on the PROJECT as the Design/Build entity. The procurement will also meet the requirements of all other applicable City, State (California), and federal laws and regulations.