Attachment No. 1 - Statement of Work.pdf

Attachment No. 1

APPENDIX A

STATEMENT OF WORK

"Community Microgrid Development Partnership Awards”

October 2, 2024

1.0 BACKGROUND

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a national laboratory owned by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). NREL is the only federal laboratory dedicated to research, development, commercialization, and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. NREL is managed and operated for DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by The Alliance for Sustainable Energy (Alliance), the “M&O Contractor.”

For large portions of Americans that live in rural or remote locations not connected to the nation's advanced electrical grid, energy service has not changed significantly over the last few decades—outside of becoming more costly. Energy systems in remote areas continue to rely primarily on expensive imported fossil fuels, placing the burden of high and volatile energy costs onto many Americans who are the least likely to be able to afford them. Advanced microgrid systems that incorporate local renewable energy sources, energy storage, and optimized fossil fuel-based generation provide a means to stabilize and potentially reduce energy costs in these remote and largely Indigenous communities. While renewable energy-based power systems have been installed in a handful of isolated communities across the United States, the energy generated from wind, hydropower, and solar typically covers only a small percentage of their total energy consumption. Most of these projects have been implemented largely as demonstration efforts and require substantial financial support. Although generally operating successfully, many suffer from ongoing sustainability challenges.

Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership (C-MAP) lays a pathway for underserved and Indigenous communities to access the benefits of advanced microgrid systems while delivering much-needed information to the energy technology market.

The activities implemented through C-MAP will emphasize inclusive partnerships, long-term effective community-based capacity building, and locally informed project life cycle development. These efforts will support the DOE Office of Electricity’s (OE’s) goals to:

• Promote microgrids as a core solution for increasing the resilience and reliability of the electricity delivery system

• Ensure that microgrids serve as a driver of decarbonization for the U.S.

electricity delivery system

• Decrease microgrid capital costs while reducing project development, construction, and commissioning times.

Through this project, OE—with the operational support of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and in collaboration with other relevant DOE offices, regional partners, local academic institutions, public and private community engagement organizations, and the larger national laboratory complex—will support communities interested in taking advantage of advanced microgrid technology to support their future community and energy needs. Financial support offered through this solicitation will be combined with direct and indirect technical assistance and additional community-based services that align with OE goals.

The 2024 C-MAP solicitation aims to support electrically isolated, underserved, and Indigenous communities in implementing or improving the operation of existing or new microgrid energy systems. Through this solicitation, the Subcontractor shall pursue one or more of the following product development pathways:

• Develop and implement multicommunity support efforts to better support or develop advanced microgrid energy systems

• Develop detailed engineering designs and financial assessments in support of developing advanced microgrid systems

• Assess and improve the operation of existing microgrid energy systems.

CMAP and the community-based work that will be enabled through this effort build directly on NREL’s mission to promote leading innovation and strategic partnership to deliver clean energy solutions, with a focus on providing assistance to underserved and indigenous communities, many of which has some of the highest energy costs of our nation.

2.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of the C-MAP solicitation is to provide funding and coordinated technical assistance to communities and microgrid development companies, supported by a wider community partnership and additional technical services. Through C-MAP and this solicitation, this project will enable collaboration with and between communities and provide needed funding and support for them to improve the operation, performance, and efficiency of their energy systems, at least partially by incorporating more locally available renewable energy and other innovative energy technologies into existing microgrid power systems.

This project is not expected to provide funding to allow the implementation of new or highly improved energy systems but will support communities in the development of the needed materials and skills to successfully obtain funding from other sources to implement such projects.

This effort is focused on microgrid energy systems meeting community needs that are electrically isolated or are designed to operate independently of the grid for prolonged periods of time. In this instance, the solicitation uses the DOE delimitation of a microgrid as ‘‘a group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources within clearly defined electrical boundaries that acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the grid. It can connect and disconnect from the grid to operate in grid-connected or island mode” but is expected to operate independently of an external grid for long periods of time.

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

Under the C-MAP, the Subcontractor shall conduct work that fulfills the specific tasks for the corresponding topic area. The scope details for each topic area are provided in this section, and the work required is described in the Tasks and Deliverables sections that follow. In all topic areas, a disciplined engineering approach and a professional level of documentation is expected. In all topic areas, the Subcontractor shall identify the community(ies) and existing microgrid power system(s). All projects should lead to an eventual improvement in performance (i.e. improved efficiency, reduced use of imported energy, increased reliability or resilience), improved system operability, decreased capital costs, reduced project development, construction, and commissioning times, and/or improved long-term operations and maintenance. Projects should also be implemented to allow improved industry-wide learning on microgrid energy systems, allowing other parties or communities to take advantage of the lessons obtained through the project.

3.1: Topic Area 1: Regional Microgrid Community Operations Assistance The scope of work for the regional microgrid community operations assistance topic area shall focus on helping energy service providers from multiple communities collaborate to improve the operations of microgrid power systems across their communities. This effort would focus on supporting, and covering the costs of, expanding community-based development, planning, and operation, leading to expanded support for the operation or improvement of microgrids that will impact multiple communities. Funds would be expected to be used for multiple communities to support staff time, staff training or skills development, analysis efforts, and power-system-focused training to improve operations or management with a focus on increasing intracommunity collaboration, leading to the adoption or improvement of microgrid energy systems across applicant communities.

The Subcontractor shall identify areas of collaboration across three (3) to six (6) communities that address operational, training, or staffing challenges faced by most of these communities; develop a plan to expand collaboration while addressing the challenges; and then implement those plans to the extent possible within the terms of the subcontract.

The expected results of this project would be improvements in the management, operation, and maintenance of microgrids across several communities, leading to expanded community coordination and the identification of system improvements that could be implemented with the support of partner communities.

An example of a project that could fit into this topic area would be the development of a multicommunity maintenance collaborative that would support the crosstraining of maintenance staff, development of coordinated maintenance procedures, and the development of monitoring systems that could be implemented on each microgrid to allow for system operational monitoring from partner communities.

3.2: Topic Area 2: Regional Microgrid Community Development Assistance This topic area is intended to expand community-based microgrid development and planning, leading to the identification of regional approaches that support the implementation of improved microgrids for or in multiple communities. This effort can cover the costs for staffing, analysis efforts, data collection and monitoring equipment, regional optimization assessments, and/or identification of regional approaches to lower the costs for microgrid system improvement or replacement for multiple communities.

The Subcontractor may also include work to support regional microgrid development or improvement plans, such as—but not limited to—incorporating advanced controls or renewable energy systems on individual community microgrids.

The Subcontractor shall identify areas of collaboration across three (3) to five (5) communities that identify means to improve or support the development of microgrids across the identified communities and develop a plan to assess or implement identified improvements to the extent possible within the terms of the subcontract.

The project is expected to result in multicommunity microgrid development, improvement, or assessments, working to lower the cost or improve the operability of microgrid systems based on multicommunity collaboration, coordination, or interconnection.

An example of a project that fits into this topical area would be to conduct regional assessments of generation and load mixes of each community in the region, grouping those communities with common characteristics of load/generation mixes, and devising a typical microgrid system configuration for each group that can apply to similar communities in the group. The configuration to allow sharing of a common resource among the communities in the same group would be encouraged. Additionally, projects that build on those awarded through the Office of Electricity, Underserved and Indigenous Community Microgrids funding opportunity announcement in July of 2023 for regional development, would be a strong plus.

3.3: Topic Area 3: Microgrid Development This topic area is intended to allow individual communities to complete detailed engineering design and investment plans for a new or major retrofit of an existing microgrid power system, enabling communities to obtain project funding. Communities would be expected to have completed preliminary design or development assessments for the microgrid power system being considered but need additional resources to develop detailed development plans to support project financing and implementation.

Funds are expected to be used to conduct detailed engineering studies, perform needed resource assessments, develop financial models, and identify funding sources for potential project implementation.

The Subcontractor shall finalize a development plan and conduct the necessary data collection, system analysis, equipment investigation and selection, and initial project design. The Subcontractor is also expected to complete parallel system performance and financial plans, assessing the viability of the project on an ongoing basis.

The project results are expected to lead to detailed engineering and financial pro-forma for the development or major improvement of a microgrid energy system that would serve as the basis for a grant or loan application, leading to the implementation of the defined project.

An example of a project that fits into this topic area would be to conduct a detailed conceptual design of a proposed advanced microgrid based on a previously completed general feasibility study.

3.4: Topic Area 4: Microgrid Transformation This topic area is intended to allow individual communities to assess, design, and implement microgrid improvement efforts to operational microgrid systems. Applying communities would be expected to be operating a microgrid power system that has limited operability due to design or other constraints, where optimization, hardware innovation, or the implementation of new operational concepts would lead to transformational improvements in system operation. Funds are expected to be used to identify technical needs for improvement, support required engineering, and then, within the bounds of the solicitation, implementation of identified improvements. Preference will be given to projects that are implementing potentially transformational improvements to existing microgrid systems, providing insights that may be applicable to other communities.

The Subcontractor shall develop a detailed plan for assessing potential improvements identified in the proposal, complete that assessment, and either implement those upgrades or develop a more detailed development plan.

The project results are expected to lead to the identification, design, and implementation of improvements to existing microgrid power systems.

An example of a project that fits into this topic area would be to assess the operational performance of an existing microgrid power system and then analyze the implementation of an improvement, such as upgrading system controls to implement active load control or upgrading a power converter to maximize the output from an energy storage or expanded renewable energy system.

4.0 TASKS

The Subcontractor shall perform the work, conduct the meetings, and satisfy the deliverables for the following topic areas. The Subcontractor shall comply with the technical requirements described herein. There are four (4) topic areas covered under this effort. All tasks and deliverables for each topic area are described separately except for the communications task, which is identical for all topic areas.

Task 4.1: Communications (Applies to All Topic Areas):

The Subcontractor shall provide information to and engage in scheduled communications with the NREL Technical Monitor throughout the period of performance, to include:

1) A summary of the work effort, void of business-sensitive information, which shall include but is not limited to the following information [NREL will provide a template]:

o Company name o Company contact/principal investigator o Project title o Project start/end date o Project budget (Subcontractor cost-share, NREL contribution, total) o Statement of problem o Proposed solution o Project deliverables and milestones o Work to be performed o Expected project outcome o Anticipated benefits for both host and, if applicable, neighboring community(ies) o Collaborating entities o Reasons for participation o Awardee quotes relating to the project to use in outreach materials

2) Information on the work effort suitable for inclusion in NREL and DOE news articles, to include high-resolution photos relevant to the effort for inclusion in NREL’s photo database and for public dissemination

3) Photographs or other images that can be used by DOE and NREL in external communications products or web content

4) Participation in monthly conference calls with the NREL team

5) Quarterly project progress reports

6) Potential host site visits for DOE and NREL to discuss the work effort.

The following tasks are broken out by topic area, starting with Task 4.2.

Topic Area 1: Regional Microgrid Community Operations Assistance The Subcontractor shall identify and implement efforts across its collaborating communities that address operational challenges faced by a majority of these communities. The effort shall consist of four (4) key components, including the identification of regional community challenges (Task 4.2), development of a collaboration plan (Task 4.3), reporting of results and potential next steps (Task 4.4), and quantification of the impacts (Task 4.5). The below table provides an overview of the tasks associated with this work effort.

Task 4.2: Community Challenge Identification The Subcontractor shall submit a report outlining the results of community dialogue on microgrid operations challenges, articulating the challenges identified by the different

Task Primary Subcontractor Activities Laboratory Assistance Task 4.1:

Communications

See 4.1 above Develop communication products

Task 4.2:

Community Challenge Identification

Identify community challenges Community facilitation and consultation

Task 4.3:

Collaboration Plan

Develop a collaboration plan articulating how communities will work together to address the identified challenges

Technical support on training or identification of potential solution pathways

Task 4.4:

Results and Next Steps Report

Provide a report documenting the results of the collaboration efforts implemented and their level of success, highlighting changes that could be implemented by other communities facing similar challenges.

Document should also identify remaining challenges that were not considered or became apparent through the project.

Task 4.5:

Impact Report

Report on the impacts of efforts undertaken

Technical support on potential review metrics communities. C-MAP partners can provide support to communities in the facilitation of meetings or consolidation of challenges. The report should focus on challenges that are faced by multiple communities, but it can articulate all challenges if that is helpful.

Based on dialogue with the Subcontractor, information from this report will be used to identify challenges that may be faced by other similar communities.

Task 4.3: Collaboration Plan Based on the challenge identification plan (Task 4.2), communities should identify the specific challenges to be addressed and outline the actions to be undertaken to address those challenges. The report should be specific, providing a roadmap that can be implemented using program funds. The collaboration plan should provide specific consideration of how any actions will be continued following the completion of this specific effort. Proposed activities do not need to cover all the challenges identified through Task 4.2, just the ones that will be addressed through this effort.

Task 4.4: Results and Next Steps Report The Subcontractor shall submit a report documenting the results of collaboration efforts, with a specific focus on the outcomes and lessons from the implementation of the collaboration plan. The report should articulate how the collaboration efforts were implemented, how they could be improved, and how the outcomes will be sustained over the long term. Based on dialogue with the Subcontractor, information from this report will be used to identify challenges that may be faced by other similar communities.

Task 4.5: Impact Report At the completion of the regional operations assistance work effort, the Subcontractor shall develop a summary impact report, highlighting the direct and indirect impacts of the efforts. Qualitative and quantitative information should be included.

Topic Area 2: Regional Microgrid Community Development Assistance The Subcontractor shall identify and implement efforts across its collaborating communities that address operational challenges faced by a majority of these communities. The effort shall consist of four (4) key components including the identification of regional development approaches (Task 4.2), development of a regional development plan (Task 4.3), reporting of results and potential next steps (Task 4.4), and quantification of the impacts (Task 4.5). The below table provides an overview of the tasks associated with this work effort.

Task Primary Subcontractor Activities Laboratory Assistance Task 4.1:

Communications

See 4.1 above Develop communication products

Task 4.2:

Development Approach Identification

Identify development approaches that may be relevant to communities in the region

Community facilitation and consultation

Task 4.3:

Regional Development Plan

Develop a plan that will further investigate potential regional microgrid development collaboration opportunities, articulating how

Technical support on training or identification of potential solution pathways

Task 4.2: Development Approach Identification The Subcontractor shall submit a report outlining the results of community dialogue to identify regional approaches to expanded advanced microgrid development identified by the different communities participating in the work. C-MAP partners can provide support to communities in the facilitation of meetings, early consideration of potential development opportunities, or consolidation of additional technical challenges that may be limiting microgrid development within the participating communities. The report should focus on ways to support expanded development in multiple communities, but it can articulate all opportunities if that is helpful. Based on dialogue with the Subcontractor, information from this report will be used to identify challenges that may be faced by other similar communities.

Task 4.3: Regional Development Plan Based on the development approaches identification effort (Task 4.2), communities should identify the specific regional development opportunities to be assessed and outline the actions to be undertaken to address those challenges. The report should be specific, providing a roadmap that can be implemented using program funds to address the development opportunities that are likely to provide the most productive outputs. To the extent that it is relevant, the development plan should consider how any actions implemented through this effort will be maintained after it is completed. Proposed activities do not need to cover all the opportunities identified through Task 4.2, just the ones that will be addressed through this effort.

Task 4.4: Results and Next Steps Report The Subcontractor shall submit a report documenting the results of specific high-value regional microgrid development opportunities investigated through the efforts, with a specific focus on the outcomes and lessons from the investigation. The report should articulate which development opportunities were considered, how they could be improved, and how the outcomes could likely be sustained over the long term. Based on communities will work together to support the wider development of advanced microgrids to meet community needs

Task 4.4:

Results and Next Steps Report

Provide a report documenting the results of the regional development efforts implemented and their level of success, highlighting potential development opportunities that could be implemented by other communities facing similar challenges. Document should also identify remaining regional development opportunities that were not considered or became apparent through the project.

Task 4.5:

Impact Report

Report on the impacts of efforts undertaken

Technical support on potential review metrics dialogue with the Subcontractor, information from this report will be used to identify challenges that may be faced by other similar communities.

Task 4.5: Impact Report At the completion of the regional operations assistance work effort, the Subcontractor shall develop a summary impact report, highlighting the direct and indirect impacts of the efforts on potential microgrid development. Qualitative and quantitative information should be included.

Topic Area 3: Microgrid Development The effort shall consist of seven (7) key components including a design specification (Task 4.2), development plan (Task 4.3), introductory design (Task 4.4), performance assessment (Task 4.5), financial assessment (Task 4.6), and construction specification (Task 4.7). A final microgrid development letter report (Task 4.8) provides key recommendations, findings, and lessons that could be useful to other communities considering similar microgrid development. The below table provides an overview of the tasks associated with this work effort.

Task Primary Subcontractor Activities Laboratory Assistance Task 4.1:

Communications

See 4.1 above Develop communication products

Task 4.2:

Design Specification

Based on preliminary or preferability studies, develop a system specification providing a general overview of the planned power system; general requirements; technologies to be considered; and likely power system configuration, sizing, or civil infrastructure upgrades that will be needed

Technical specification and design assistance, providing feedback on design options, deliverable-specific feedback throughout

Task 4.3:

Development Plan

Based on the design specification, develop a plan to finalize any design specification, system, or resource analysis to be undertaken and the process to investigate specific vendors for the final project

Technical design review:

provision of feedback on design details, review of bid specifications, support in dialogues with potential vendors

Task 4.4:

Introductory Design

Following assessments as outlined in Task 4.3, develop an introductory microgrid system design that will be used for further analysis

Review of technical and electrical plans, component specification support, and system modeling assistance

Task 4.5:

Performance Assessment

Based on the introductory design in Task 4.4, develop a detailed performance assessment of the proposed design. Analysis should assess operational and technical performance to support the development of both the financial

Review of technical and electrical plans and support in modeling, including component and control specification

Task 4.2: Design Specification The Subcontractor shall complete a detailed technical design specification for the proposed microgrid power system based on any initial or pre-feasibility development and resource screening completed to date. The design specification shall provide a general overview of the expected system detail and all relevant design constraints, such as development locations, expected load requirements, or any other information that will be relevant to the design effort. The design specification should also include an overview of likely civil infrastructure upgrades that may be needed.

Task 4.3: Development Plan The Subcontractor shall develop a project design development plan, identifying all remaining questions or potential issues that must be considered or researched to allow for the development of an introductory design. The plan should describe all needed work to finalize the design specification, system or resource analysis to be undertaken, initial equipment specification, potential design tradeoff assessment, and any remaining system analysis. To the extent possible, the plan should outline the process that will be undertaken to address the remaining questions, which could include subcontracting to other parties. Following the development of the plan and review by NREL staff, the Subcontractor shall implement the plan with the goal to address any remaining design and development unknowns in the microgrid system design process.

Task 4.4: Introductory Design Following the implementation of the development plan, the Subcontractor shall develop an introductory microgrid system design that will be the basis for further design and financial analysis. The design is not expected to be complete, but it should address all elements of the design specification, identify any shortcomings or additional analysis requirements, and be used for all further analysis.

assessment (Task 4.6) and construction specification (Task 4.7)

Task 4.6:

Financial Assessment

Based on modeling and initial component specification, develop a cost and financial assessment of the proposed microgrid system, allowing an assessment of financial needs for a successful development process

Review of financial plans and assumptions, support in the development of financial models, and quote development assistance

Task 4.7:

Construction Specification

Based on all project analysis, develop a final construction specification that could be used for the development of grant applications or construction quotes

Final design and document review

Task 4.8:

Development Final Report

Provide a final letter report highlighting the development effort, including any key findings and lessons learned that may be applicable to further C-MAP efforts or microgrid systems being developed by other communities

Task 4.5: Performance Assessment Based on the specification within the introductory design, the Subcontractor shall complete a final performance assessment for the proposed microgrid power system.

The analysis, using system performance models, should assess both operational and longer-term technical performance of the proposed power system, providing technical information needed for further project development. If needed, the performance assessment may require the reconsideration of some system design aspects, which could be used to revise the introductory design. The result of the task will be data that can be used for final electrical design and the development of the financial plans for the power system. The performance assessment may require modifications to the introductory design or even the initial microgrid design specification.

Task 4.6: Financial Assessment Based on modeling and initial component specification, the Subcontractor shall develop a cost and financial assessment of the proposed microgrid system, allowing an assessment of financial needs for a successful development process. The financial assessment should include all relevant costs to complete the project, including but not limited to estimates of additional engineering work, integration and controls costs, component hardware, and any civil works, as outlined in the introductory design. Beyond project costs, the financial assessment should also include expected project revenues and an assessment of needed capital funding sources to make the project viable. If possible, potential project funding mechanisms should be investigated, as this may identify specific financial considerations that should be incorporated into the final assessment. The final financial assessment may require modifications to the introductory design, performance assessment, or even the initial microgrid design specification to make the final project financially viable.

Task 4.7: Construction Specification Based on all project analysis and the potential resulting changes to the introductory design, the Subcontractor shall develop a final construction specification for the desired microgrid power system, incorporating final information on the microgrid design, system specification, expected performance, and project financial prospectus.

The report should also identify training or other efforts that will be needed to ensure sustainable operation of the proposed power system. The expectation is that this document, or elements of the document, could form the basis of grant or loan applications or be used to finalize construction and development quotes.

Task 4.8: Microgrid Development Final Report As a final activity for this project, the Subcontractor shall document the development process, highlighting any obstacles encountered and lessons learned with a goal of providing insights to the overall C-MAP effort and other communities that are interested in developing similar projects. The report shall also articulate expected next steps that project participants will be following to implement the microgrid. A summary of this report is expected to be made available publicly.

Topic Area 4: Microgrid Transformation The effort shall consist of four (4) key components including a design improvement specification and assessment plan (Task 4.2), transformation design (Task 4.3), and transformation implementation (Task 4.4). A final microgrid development letter report (Task 4.5) provides key recommendations, findings, and lessons that could be useful to other communities considering similar microgrid improvements. NREL will implement a go/no-go decision on implementing the proposed transformation between Tasks 4.3 and 4.4. The below table provides an overview of the tasks associated with this work effort.

Task 4.2: Improvement Specification and Assessment Plan The Subcontractor shall develop a description of the transformational improvement being proposed with a technical work plan that will be implemented by the Subcontractor to finalize the details required to implement the proposed microgrid improvement. The assessment shall provide a general overview of the relevant system details; the specific improvement being considered; and all relevant design constraints that will be assessed as part of the design process, such as equipment specifications, data, testing or assessment needs, civil infrastructure assessments, or the collection of any other information that will be relevant to the design effort. The resulting report will be used by the Subcontractor to complete an assessment or the proposed improvement and develop the final documentation needed to implement the identified improvement.

Task Primary Subcontractor Activities Laboratory Assistance Task 4.1:

Communications

See 4.1 above Develop communication products

Task 4.2:

Improvement Specification and Assessment Plan

Based on initial investigations, develop a simplified development specification and proposed assessment methodology, providing a general overview of the planned power system improvements and how these improvements are going to be further assessed

Technical specification, optimization and planning assistance, and providing feedback on improvement options

Task 4.3:

Transformation Design

Based on the assessments as outlined in Task 4.2, develop a proposed microgrid transformation design that will be the basis for all improvements to be implemented

Review of final technical and electrical transformation plans including, where applicable, component specification and system modeling assistance

Go/No-Go Decision

NREL shall make a go/no-go determination on whether the project has a basis for moving forward

Task 4.4:

Transformation Implementation

Based on the implementation of the transformation design specified in Task 4.3, implement proposed microgrid innovations to improve system performance

Review of subcontracting documents, assistance in system commissioning efforts, or development of final project documentation

Task 4.5:

Transformation Final Report

Provide a final letter report highlighting the development effort, including key outcomes and lessons learned that may be applicable to microgrid systems improvements being considered by other communities

Task 4.3: Transformational Design The Subcontractor shall develop a project design document detailing the transformational improvement that is being proposed for the community microgrid being improved. The plan should clearly outline all work needed to implement the improvement, including technical specifications of the designs, equipment lists, and technical specification of all work that would need to be contracted to third parties. The plan shall also describe any operation and maintenance needs associated with the improvement and how they will be implemented. Following the development of the plan, which will be the basis for a design review conducted by NREL and other technical personnel, the Subcontractor shall implement the efforts described.

A go/no-go determination will be made by NREL based on the Design Review, which continuation of the project will be conditioned upon.

Task 4.4: Transformation Implementation The Subcontractor shall implement the microgrid transformation design, as developed and specified in Task 4.3. As part of the implementation, the Subcontractor shall develop a set of final design documents, including as-built design drawings, operational manuals, and updated operational procedures, which will be collected as a project deliverable, documenting the improvement implemented.

Task 4.5: Transformation Final Report At the completion of the project, the Subcontractor shall document the microgrid improvement undertaken, highlighting findings, obstacles encountered, and lessons learned, with a goal of providing insights to the overall C-MAP effort and other communities that are interested in developing similar projects. To the extent possible, the Subcontractor shall document the impacts of the improvement, providing direct and indirect impacts of the efforts on microgrid performance, operability, or functionality. If specific improvements were implemented, the final report shall provide an overview of new operations and maintenance provisions enacted to ensure long-term project sustainability. If specific improvements were not implemented, the report shall articulate expected next steps that project participants will be following to implement the identified changes. Qualitative and quantitative information should be included. A summary of this report is expected to be made available publicly.

5.0 REVIEW MEETINGS AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Virtual meetings shall be conducted over the course of the period of performance and shall be scheduled by the Subcontractor or the Technical Monitor on an as-needed basis and as mutually agreed upon. The Subcontractor may include travel as needed to complete the work to be undertaken and should plan to attend two general meetings of the C-MAP over the course of the project. For budget purposes, assume travel to Seattle, Washington, for a minimum of four (4) days for each of these meetings.

6.0 DELIVERABLES

The Subcontractor shall provide the following deliverables as specified for each topic area. Provided due dates are indicative but can be adjusted based on NREL approval in the proposal or during subcontract negotiations.

Additional interim deliverable reports may be proposed by the Subcontractor for NREL approval. These reports should communicate the completion and results of work milestones. Use Attachment 4 to organize and submit a proposed deliverable schedule. Added deliverables can be submitted in the proposal or during subcontract negotiations.

Topic Area 1: Regional Microgrid Community Operations Assistance

6.1 Summary of Work Effort: The Subcontractor shall submit a summary of the work effort, void of business-sensitive information, as described in Task 4.1. Due: One

(1) month from date of subcontract execution.

6.2 Community Challenge Identification: The Subcontractor shall develop and provide a report identifying and documenting microgrid operational challenges based on dialogue among relevant community members, identifying those that could be subject to resolution through expanded community collaboration, as defined in 4.2. Due: Four (4) months after the subcontract execution.

6.3 Collaboration Plan: The Subcontractor shall provide a detailed plan on which identified challenges will be addressed and how, through this work, these efforts will be undertaken, as defined in Task 4.3. The plan shall also include discussion of what consideration will be given to ensure the sustainability of the actions undertaken. Due: Six (6) months after the subcontract execution.

6.4 Results and Next Steps Report: The Subcontractor shall submit a report documenting the results of the collaboration efforts, including details on how successful specific collaboration strategies were most effective to improve intercommunity collaboration specific to the operation of microgrid energy systems. The report should identify how sustainability of the efforts was considered, summarize further proposed work, and make recommendations that could be applicable to other communities that may be addressing similar challenges, as defined in Task 4.4. Due: Twenty-one (21) months from date of subcontract execution.

6.5 Impact Report: The Subcontractor shall submit a report outlining qualitative and, if possible, quantitative information on investigated improvements in the operation of the microgrid systems, with a focus on areas where this improved operation was assisted by expanded multicommunity collaboration. If different impacts were achieved in different communities, this should be described, including the causes of these differences. To the extent possible, the results should provide information to allow the evaluation of the project benefits and whether those benefits could likely be applied to other communities, as defined in Task 4.5. Due: Twenty-four (24) months from date of subcontract execution.

6.6 Quarterly Reports: The Subcontractor shall provide quarterly reports, to include a description of work performed by the Subcontractor. The report shall describe the status, explain variances and problems, report on accomplishments, and summarize planned activities for the next quarter. Due: Quarterly from date of subcontract execution.

Topic Area 2: Regional Microgrid Community Development Assistance

6.1 Summary of Work Effort: The Subcontractor shall submit a summary of the work effort, void of business sensitive information, as described in Task 4.1. Due: One

(1) month from date of subcontract execution.

6.2 Regional Development Opportunities Report: The Subcontractor shall develop and provide a report identifying and documenting regional microgrid development opportunities based on dialogue among relevant community members, identifying those that could be subject to resolution through expanded community collaboration, as defined in 4.2. Due: Four (4) months after the subcontract execution.

6.3 Regional Development Plan: The Subcontractor shall provide a detailed development plan, identifying which regional development opportunities will be investigated through the project. The research plan shall provide an overview of the approach to be undertaken, decision points within the investigation, and an articulation of expected outcomes, as defined in Task 4.3. The plan shall also include discussion on what consideration will be given to ensure the sustainability of the actions undertaken. Due: Six (6) months after the subcontract execution.

6.4 Results and Next Steps Report: The Subcontractor shall submit a report documenting the regional development opportunities investigated, primarily focusing on the results that are most likely to lower costs and improve development outcomes. The report should provide a roadmap for communities taking part in the effort but also provide guidance to other communities on how regional partnerships may improve the outcome of their own microgrid development projects. The report should also identify how sustainability of the efforts was considered and any additional opportunities that should be considered but were not investigated, and it should make recommendations that could be applicable to other communities that may be addressing similar challenges, as defined in Task 4.4. Due: Twenty-one (21) months from date of subcontract execution.

6.5 Impact Report: The Subcontractor shall submit a report outlining qualitative, and if possible, quantitative information, on project outcomes, specifically relating to potential regional approaches to microgrid power system optimization. If different impacts were achieved in different communities, this should be described, including the causes of these differences. To the extent possible, the results should provide information to allow the evaluation of the project benefits and whether those benefits could likely be applied to other communities, as defined in Task 4.5. Due: Twenty-four (24) months from date of subcontract execution.

6.6 Quarterly Reports: The Subcontractor shall provide quarterly reports, to include a description of work performed by the Subcontractor. The report shall describe the status, explain variances and problems, report on accomplishments, and summarize planned activities for the next quarter. Due: Quarterly from date of

Topic Area 3: Microgrid Development

6.1 Summary of Work Effort: The Subcontractor shall submit a summary of the work effort, void of business-sensitive information, as described in Task 4.1. Due: One

(1) month from date of subcontract execution.

6.2 Microgrid Design Specification: The Subcontractor shall submit the final design specification for the proposed microgrid power system, as defined in Task 4.2.

Due: Three (3) months from date of subcontract execution.

6.3 Microgrid Development Plan: The Subcontractor shall submit a development plan for the project, providing an overview of remaining questions and how those questions will be addressed, as defined in Task 4.3. Due: Five (5) months from date of subcontract execution.

6.4 Microgrid Introductory Design: The Subcontractor shall submit an introductory design for the expected microgrid power system, as defined in Task 4.4. Due:

Fourteen (14) months from date of subcontract execution.

6.5 Microgrid Performance Assessment: The Subcontractor shall provide a power system performance assessment in the form of a report covering all topics defined in Task 4.5. Due: Sixteen (16) months from date of subcontract execution.

6.6 Microgrid Financial Assessment: The Subcontractor shall provide a power system financial assessment in the form of a project prospectus, covering all topics defined in Task 4.6. The report shall provide an overview of project costs and expected revenues, and it should outline potential funding scenarios leading to successful development. Due: Eighteen (18) months from date of subcontract execution.

6.7 Microgrid Construction Specification: The Subcontractor shall provide a final project specification based on all preceding analysis and covering all topics defined in Task 4.7. The document will provide a basis for any future development documents for the project. Due: Twenty-one (21) months from date of subcontract execution.

6.8 Microgrid Development Final Report: The Subcontractor shall submit a letter report highlighting any obstacles that were encountered, and lessons learned during the microgrid development process, as defined in Task 4.8. Due: Twenty-two (22) months from date of subcontract execution.

6.9 Quarterly Reports: The Subcontractor shall provide quarterly reports, to include a description of work performed by the Subcontractor. The report shall describe the status, explain variances and problems, report on accomplishments, and explain progress expected in the next quarter. Due: Quarterly from date of

Topic Area 4: Microgrid Transformation

6.1 Summary of Work Effort: The Subcontractor shall submit a summary of the contracted effort, void of business sensitive information, as described in Task

4.1. Due: One (1) month from date of subcontract execution.

6.2 Improvement Specification and Assessment Plan: The Subcontractor shall submit a specification of the proposed transformational improvement and a plan to develop a design for that improvement, as defined in Task 4.2. The plan described in this report, upon approval, will be implemented as part of Task 4.3.

Due: Three (3) months from date of subcontract execution.

6.3 Microgrid Transformational Design: The Subcontractor shall submit a technical design for the identified improvement, providing all information needed to implement the improvement, including additional staff training and other operational needs, as defined in Task 4.3. Due: Seven (7) months from date of subcontract execution.

6.4 Microgrid Transformational Implementation: The Subcontractor shall submit an introductory design for the expected microgrid power system as defined in Task

4.4. Due: Fifteen (15) months from date of subcontract execution.

6.5 Microgrid Transformational Final Report: The Subcontractor shall provide a final report covering all topics as defined in Task 4.5, with a specific focus on learning that may be applicable to other community-based microgrid power systems.

Due: Eighteen (18) months from date of subcontract execution.

6.6 Quarterly Reports: The Subcontractor shall provide quarterly reports, to include a description of work performed by the Subcontractor. The report shall describe the status, explain variances and problems, report on accomplishments, and explain progress expected in the next quarter. Due: Quarterly from date of subcontract execution.

DELIVERY OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE CODE (AS APPLICABLE)

All object, source, or other code (including all applicable data sets) developed under this subcontract effort as a deliverable shall be provided to the technical monitor as a condition of final payment, in accordance with the subcontract. It is expected that all delivered source code shall be original and the subcontractor shall provide a written certification to the subcontract associate that all source, or other code developed and delivered under this subcontract does not contain any open-source code - as a condition of final payment in accordance with the subcontract. The subcontractor’s (including all lower tier subcontractors, as applicable) certification shall specify that “All source, or other software code developed and/or delivered under this Subcontract No.__________ is original and does not contain any 3rd party or other open-source software.”

7.0 ELECTRONIC REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBCONTRACT REPORT

DELIVERABLES

It is NREL’s intention to publish subcontract report deliverables containing publicly available information (e.g., non-confidential, non-protected, non-proprietary information) for distribution on the internet.

The subcontractor shall provide the final approved version of report deliverables in accordance with the electronic reporting requirements described below.

The technical monitor may specifically direct the subcontractor to provide reports in one or more of the file format standards provided below.

a. The subcontractor shall…