Questions and Answers Amendment 0003.pdf

Ques�ons and Answers Amendment 0003

Q1. Will the USDA allow us to (and have room for) moun�ng the solar inverter(s) inside the building where the solar is being interconnected? If so, is there internet access at that building for the monitoring so�ware?

A1: Yes, to both. That will be dependent on where the installing Contractor determines it needs to be mounted in their proposal.

Q2. Has anyone applied for a waiver for the "Buy American" requirement? And has it been granted? It is difficult to find the bifacial solar panels from American sources. If there has not been a waiver granted, I would like to put in that request. Do I send the request to your email address?

A2: No, no waiver has been obtained or granted nor will one be applied for. If Offeror is offering foreign material you may submit it in the offeror proposal and it will be evaluated accordingly as submission of non-waivered material.

Q3: In 7.0 specific requirements item 1 states “The contractor shall provide photovoltaic design that is compa�ble with agricultural research needs of the NGPRL (Agrivoltaics), and shall install and commission a high clearance (14� high) ground mount solar system that is a 45.36kW DC.”

a. Can the USDA provide what the agricultural research needs of the NGPRL are so that we may design to those needs?

A3a: Once the solar panels have been installed, the research area will be planted with a seed mix containing mul�ple forage plants. The site is prepared by allowing a fallow period the year prior to seeding in which chemicals are sprayed to reduce weed seed bank and then the area will be planted. Assessments and monitoring will include germina�on, establishment, net primary productivity of forage species, plant canopy cover, plant phenology, plant morphology, flowering �me, forage quality, microclimatology (mean air temperature, rela�ve humidity, wind speed, wind direc�on, solar radia�on), soil moisture and temperature, and water usage. Once forages are fully established, the areas under the arrays will be grazed by livestock. Arrays need to be designed to allow for the above agricultural prac�ces to be implemented and for access for assessment and monitoring.

b. Will the USDA please provide a basis of design?

No, the USDA will rely on the experience, professionalism, and knowledge of the offeror to provide the best solu�on that complies with the Scope of Work and site visit presented.

Q4: In 7.0 specific requirements item 13 states “The contractor shall provide and install any necessary upgrades to the service pole/meter for �e in with the system, service panel and/ or transformers necessary.” What equipment is currently installed at the future point of interconnec�on?

A4: During the site visit it was pointed out the tyin loca�on by building three, which there is pictures in the SOW on page nine, so there is no equipment that is all ready installed. Offeror will need to install all the necessary equipment as stated in the SOW, 7.0 #13