15-01606_Statement_of_Need_Solicitation.doc

Mauna Loa Observatory Photovoltaic Cell Installation SOW

STATEMENT OF NEED (SON)

Mauna Loa Observatory Photovoltaic Cell Installation Department of Commerce (DOC)

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL)

Global Monitoring Division (GMD)

NRMJ1000-15-01606

Background The Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory (MLO) is located on the big island, Hawaii and is often cited as the “premier atmospheric research site on Earth” for monitoring greenhouse gases (more info at: http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/obop/mlo/). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL), and its predecessor organizations, has operated the MLO baseline observatory continuously since 1974 measuring climate variables such as carbon dioxide, stratospheric ozone, CFC compounds banned by the Montreal Protocol, meteorology and solar radiation. Located high on the north flank of Mauna Loa Volcano at 3397 meters, or 11,135 feet, above sea level and isolated by large distances from major pollution sources in the remote Pacific Ocean, Mauna Loa is a prime spot for sampling the Earth's background atmosphere. The site first began continuously monitoring and collecting data related to climate change, atmospheric composition, and air quality in the 1950's. Today, the observatory is “the” site for monitoring climate changing greenhouse gases and the home of the famous “Keeling Curve” documenting the rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2).

Objectives The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in Golden, Colorado, conducted a Solar Photovoltaic Feasibility Study for the Mauna Loa Observatory in 2011, and NOAA subsequently updated the report in 2014 (the full report is included as Appendix A ). The 2011 assessment by NREL concluded that the solar resource at MLO rated “excellent”, that it has nearly the best solar resource in the islands, and is arguably one of the best locations for all of NOAA to pursue on-site generation from photovoltaic (PV) panels. The solar resource, or insolation, at MLO ranges from 4.92 to 6.41 kWh/m2/Day and is comparable to the solar resource found in Phoenix, AZ. The NREL study determined the payback for a 145 kW system at 2.7 years with incentives, and 7.2 years without incentives at capital costs of $303,000 and $865,000 respectively. MLO has a 50-mile power line carrying electricity generated by burning fossil fuels, as such, electricity costs at the site are $0.43/kwh for a total yearly cost at ~$140,000.

The NOAA/ESRL Global Monitoring Division was awarded a 2015 Green Grant to install an array of PV panels at the Mauna Loa Observatory high altitude site. This project will help NOAA and the Mauna Loa Observatory meet E.O. 13514 to increase renewable energy generation at Federal sites. Additionally, this project will help meet the challenge set forth in the Presidential Memorandum -- Federal Leadership on Energy Management (issued December 05, 2013) to update federal building-performance and energy-management practices to consume 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by the year 2020. The goal of this pilot project is to install a PV system capable of significantly transitioning the facility’s power sources to renewable sources, reducing substantial costs at a remote atmospheric research site dedicated to monitoring the background health of our global atmosphere.

Scope

The NOAA Green Grant was awarded to install the largest, most energy-efficient array of photovoltaic panels at the Mauna Loa Observatory as is possible within the constraints of the project’s funding. The contract will be awarded to the entity that will design, purchase, and install the greatest potential system size (quantified by number of Kilowatts) for a range between $100,000 and $150,000.

Requirements Project Milestones/Completion Dates

Milestones Projected Completion Date

Task 1 – PV Array Design Submission Submit a detailed design for the PV array installation, including quantity and brand of PV cells, how PV cells are attached to the ground, where the PV array will be located, and where/how the necessary electrical cabling, invertors, and structures will feed into the current electrical installation at the mountaintop observatory. The contractor is expected to work from the NREL recommendations for siting the solar array and with contacts at the Mauna Loa Observatory (to be specified after contract is awarded) to determine the best location for the PV array that will also provide the least impact to the observatory’s instruments. The potential system size in Kilowatts (kW) will be reported in this design. NOAA will review and approve the design within seven days of receipt.

Task 2 – Work Schedule Submission Work schedule will include dates and times the contractor plans to be working at the Mauna Loa Observatory at the top of Mauna Loa. The schedule will also include what work will be done during those times. This will allow observatory staff ample time to coordinate schedules and be present when necessary at the Mauna Loa Observatory when work is being done.

Task 3 – PV Array Installation at Mauna Loa Observatory The contracting company will install a PV array and accompanying equipment at the Mauna Loa Observatory, maximizing the amount of solar energy generated. Installation will include all components in order to create the physical PV array and electrical connections necessary to provide solar power to the Mauna Loa Observatory.

Task 4 – PV Array System Testing The contractor will adequately test the PV array once it is installed to ensure the system is operating within normal parameters.

Task 5 – PV Array System Monitoring The contractor will install a smart meter(s) with the PV array to be able to quantify system performance, report monthly on-site generation, and ensure the system is operating within normal parameters.

Task 6 – Mauna Loa Observatory Staff Training The contracting company will provide in-person training to at least 75% of the Mauna Loa Observatory technician staff (limit of 6 people). Training will include routine PV array and electrical maintenance and basic troubleshooting. The contracting company will also provide documented Standard Operating Procures and User Manual documentation for Mauna Loa Observatory staff.

Delivery The Contractor is responsible for delivering:

· PV Array Design

· Design will outline the PV array installation, including quantity and brand of PV cells, how PV cells are attached to the ground, where the PV array will be located, and where/how the necessary electrical cabling, invertors, and structures will feed into the current electrical installation at the mountaintop observatory. The contractor is expected to work from the NREL recommendations for siting the solar array and with contacts at the Mauna Loa Observatory (to be specified after contract is awarded) to determine the best location for the PV array that will also provide the least impact to the observatory’s instruments. The potential system size in Kilowatts (kW) will be reported in this design.

· PV Array System Monitoring

· The contractor will install a smart meter(s) with the PV array to be able to quantify system performance, report monthly on-site generation, and ensure the system is operating within normal parameters.

· Observatory work schedule

· Work schedule will include dates and times the contractor plans to be working at the Mauna Loa Observatory at the top of Mauna Loa. The schedule will also include what work will be done during those times. This will allow observatory staff ample time to coordinate schedules and be present when necessary at the Mauna Loa Observatory when work is being done.

· Completed working PV array at Mauna Loa Observatory

· The contracting company will install a PV array and accompanying equipment at the Mauna Loa Observatory, maximizing the amount of solar energy generated. Installation will include all components in order to create the physical PV array and electrical connections necessary to provide solar power to the Mauna Loa Observatory.

· Standard Operating Procedure documentation

· The contracting company will also provide documented Standard Operating Procures and User Manual documentation for Mauna Loa Observatory staff.

· Training

· The contracting company will provide in-person training to at least 75% of the Mauna Loa Observatory technician staff (limit of 6 people). Training will include routine PV array and electrical maintenance and basic troubleshooting.

Deliverable Schedule

Government-Furnished Property, Material, Equipment, or Information (GFP, GFM, GFE, or GFI) No Government-furnished property or materials will be used during this project. The Contractor shall provide all tools, supplies, transportation, and equipment.

Security All personnel must have a government issued ID to access the observatory and its facilities. Foreign nationals are allowed on the premises, but additional security paperwork must be completed at least one month in advance of the beginning of the on-site construction and work. A NOAA employee shall be present at the observatory during all periods of work.

Travel

When work is being completed at the Mauna Loa Observatory, daily travel from sea level to the observatory is required. The trip to the observatory is ~30-miles with ~18-miles on a private, paved road. The total drive time takes about 1.5 hours from Hilo, HI. While the observatory access road is maintained, it may still be rugged at times. All personnel driving to the station should use a robust vehicle.

Special Material Requirements Because of the nature of the trace atmospheric gas measurements at the Mauna Loa Observatory, many standard building materials and chemicals are prohibited from being brought to the site. These must not be used in any temporary or permanent installations. A full list of chemicals and materials is found in Appendix B.

Place of Performance

All work shall be completed at the Mauna Loa Observatory, located high on the north flank of Mauna Loa Volcano. This observatory is located 3,397 meters (11,135 ft) above sea level and is accessed by a 18-mile private, paved access road; it takes approximately 1.5 hours to drive to the observatory from the town of Hilo, Hawaii (~30-miles each direction). At the observatory there are no overnight accommodations and limited facilities. The physical surroundings outside of the observatory buildings are volcanic in nature. All solar panel installation will be at the high altitude observatory.

Supplies may be staged and training conducted at the Hilo, Hawaii office:

NOAA – Mauna Loa Observatory Office

1437 Kilauea Ave. #102

Hilo, HI 96720

Delivery All items to be shipped to the NOAA – Mauna Loa Observatory Office at:

1437 Kilauea Ave. #102

Hilo, HI 96720

Shipping charges will be handled using NOAA’s UPS and or FedEx account, given at time of award.

�Should we include the full version of the report (53 pages) or only a summary at this point? If only an executive summary, we could then say the full report will be available to the winner bidder?

�I’d put the whole report in the proposal so the bidding companies can use all the resources to create their bid.

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