Ward 4 Bulk Purchase RFP | DC SUN
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Ward 4 DC SUN Residential Solar Bulk Purchase RFP
Executive Summary
This electronic document represents a Request For Proposals that DC SUN is issuing on behalf
of a group of residential homeowners in Ward 4 of Washington, DC. We are issuing this RFP
with the intent of selecting a single project developer (“Proposer”) to provide solar photovoltaic
(PV) energy systems for each of the participating homeowners in the group. The Proposer will
provide a single price/kw installed for all homeowners participating in the group, assuming a
minimum of 20 homeowners participate. The PV projects are to be installed on the roofs of each
of the properties, and will be owned by the individual property owners.
The goal of the DC SUN Solar Bulk Purchase Program is two-fold: (1) to enable the participants
to receive a discount on their solar systems by going solar as a group, and (2) to provide a single
project developer with an extensively pre-screened and well educated group of customers.
Request for Proposals
DC SUN has identified a group of Ward 4 homeowners that are interested in going solar as a
group. We have pre-screened these participants by reviewing each roof via Google Maps to
confirm that they are well oriented and un-shaded. Homeowners have also signed a Letter of
Commitment indicating that they intend to move forward with a solar project with the bulk
purchase group. A spreadsheet of these participants is available online via Google Documents.
To access this document, contact [email protected].
DC SUN requests a bid for a single purchase price ($/watt) for the entire group of projects. This
price will be offered to all of the homeowners participating in the bulk purchase assuming, a
minimum of 20 homeowners participate. If applicable, Proposers are also encouraged to provide
information about solar financing or leasing opportunities for homeowners participating in this
bulk purchase.
Proposals will be reviewed by a Selection Committee made up of homeowners participating in
the bulk purchase. The Committee will select a single Proposer to develop all of the solar PV
projects. This Proposer will then provide each homeowner with an individual proposal that lists
the (1) proposed system size for their home, and (2) the total price of the proposed system for
their home. The Proposer will then sign a separate bilateral contract with each of the
homeowners represented under this RFP
Submission Requirements
We request that Proposers provide the following materials in their response to this RFP:
1. A description of the PV technologies that will be installed and any guarantees on the use
of specific equipment types or their equivalents.
Ward 4 Bulk Purchase RFP | DC SUN
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Ward 4 DC SUN Residential Solar Bulk Purchase RFP
2. An information packet that includes the information requested in “Summary” included at
the end of this RFP.
Proposals must be sent to [email protected] and be received by 11:59 pm
on August 9th, 2013. Bids must include a single purchase price for the entire group of
homeowners. Developers may not exclude from their proposals any of the participants involved
in this RFP.
Selection Criteria
Responses will be scored in the following categories, with a maximum possible score of 100
points. The scoring of each proposal will be the exclusive discretion of the Selection Committee.
1. Competitive Pricing – The extent to which proposed pricing terms are competitive. (45 pts)
2. Proposer Experience & Qualifications – The extent to which the Proposer demonstrates a
track record of quality work. Experience in the DC Market a plus. (25 pts)
3. System Warranty – The extent to which the Proposer offers strong warranties on system
components and labor. (10 pts)
4. System Quality – The extent to which the Proposer incorporates American-made panels or
high-quality components (high CEC panel rankings, etc) into their system design. (10 pts)
5. Social & Community Benefits – The extent to which the proposed solar PV systems foster
social and community development, including hiring DC-based workers and offering local
job training opportunities. Active membership in MDV-SEIA, our partner on policy issues, a
plus. (5 pts)
6. Completeness of Proposal – The extent to which bids (1) include all information requested in
this RFP, and (2) are formatted in the order outlined in this RFP. Bids that are submitted
without the attached DC SUN cover letter will not be considered. (5 pts)
Q&A Process
DC SUN will act as the point of contact for all bulk purchase and RFP related questions on
behalf of the participants covered under this RFP. DC SUN Program Director Emily Stiever will
manage all communications. Please submit any questions and/or comments to her via email at
[email protected]. Proposers that contact participants directly for any
reason will be disqualified.
Ward 4 Bulk Purchase RFP | DC SUN
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Ward 4 DC SUN Residential Solar Bulk Purchase RFP
About DC SUN
D.C. Solar United Neighborhoods (DC SUN) is a volunteer-based solar advocacy group serving
Washington, D.C. and its surrounding communities. Our goal is to make solar energy an
accessible and affordable energy solution for all District residents and organizations. Our Team
has extensive experience using project development, community organizing, and policy building
to catalyze equitable solar deployment in our Nation’s capital.
Timeline
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RFP Issue Date: July 23, 2013
Proposals Due: August 9, 2013
Interviews (as needed): August 23, 2013
Notice of Intent to Award: August 30, 2013
Contract Negotiations Completed: September 13, 2013
Summary of Information Required
1. Describe Proposer’s prior experience designing PV systems and detail the number of distinct
projects the Proposer has constructed.
2. Provide three (3) customer references from customers who worked with Proposer during the
installation phase.
3. Describe Proposer’s experience with Washington, D.C. permitting, Washington, D.C. system
interconnection, and any other work with Washington D.C. government agencies. Provide
Proposer’s District of Columbia license number.
4. Describe Proposer’s rebate processing services, and clarify if you will be fully responsible
for the cost and work required to secure all permits and interconnection approvals.
5. Describe which party will receive each state and federal rebate, and/or tax incentive for
which the project is eligible.
6. Describe which party will receive all eligible Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), and
services Proposer would offer to customers in regards to registering and selling SRECs.
7. Describe how Proposer will handle and price non-standard “upgrades” or amendments to
contracts in case of unusual electrical or construction requirements.
8. Describe all equipment and components Proposer intends to install.
Ward 4 Bulk Purchase RFP | DC SUN
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Ward 4 DC SUN Residential Solar Bulk Purchase RFP
9. Describe all warranties provided, including impact to existing warranties on homeowners
roofs.
10. Describe implementation of PV construction standards and other safety measures.
11. Include insurance coverage documentation for Proposer.
12. Describe any third party verification of predicted or actual energy production.
13. Describe any penalties the Proposer would incur if the eventual PV system did not produce
energy as expected.
14. Provide biographies for key personnel (no more than one page per biography).
15. Provide location of Proposer’s nearest regional office.
16. Are you a D.C. Certified Business Entity? If not, do you plan to work with any DC Certified
Business Entities on this project?
17. Are you interested in participating in post-installation publicity & community outreach as
part of your installation work?
18. Please describe any commitments you are willing to make regarding local engagement. For
example, will you provide on the job internships or other training opportunities for DC-based
solar job training programs?