RFP Document.pdf

Reference Guide II-009, Exhibit A (Rev. 09/2020) Page 1 of 13

National Renewable Energy Laboratory Managed and Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC

Request for Proposals (RFP) Number SUB-2024-10411

“AC/DC or DC/DC Solution for Energy Storage System Emulation Capability”

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY

This solicitation is being conducted under the procedures for competitive subcontracts established by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). NREL will award a subcontract based on the following:

BEST VALUE SELECTION

All Statement of Work (SOW) requirements being met with the best combination of:

• Technical factors (based on qualitative merit criteria), and

• Evaluated price (or cost)

Issue Date: 6/27/2024 Due Date: 8/9/2024 Time Due: 5pm Mountain Time

Technical questions must be received in writing no later than 7/19/2024

Written questions concerning this solicitation document and its requirements will be answered in writing. In response to technical questions, NREL will issue an amendment to this solicitation document that will formally provide all the questions and answers. All recipients of the solicitation document will receive responses to questions.

1. Solicitation Type Best Value Selection Firm Fixed Price, Subcontract

SUBMIT OFFERS TO AND REQUEST INFORMATION FROM THE NREL RFP CONTACT

BELOW

2. NREL RFP Contact Todd Labosky, Subcontract Administrator National Renewable Energy Laboratory 15013 Denver West Parkway, MS: RSF030 Golden, CO 80401

Email: todd.labosky@nrel.gov

Electronic copies of forms and appendices can be found at:

http://www.nrel.gov/workingwithus/standard-terms.html

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Procurement Forms | NREL

3. Project description:

As specified in the Statement of Work titled “AC/DC or DC/DC Solution for Energy Storage System Emulation Capability”, (Attachment 1).

4. Proposed subcontract award and period of performance

The Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC has entered into Contract No. DE-AC36-

08GO28308 with the Department of Energy (DOE), an agency of the U.S. Government, for the management and operation of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (hereinafter called “NREL”). All references to “NREL” in this solicitation shall mean the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.

It is the intent of NREL to award one Firm Fixed Price subcontract(s) under this solicitation. The anticipated period of performance is subcontract execution through January 1, 2026, with existing funding availability of approximately $1,200,000.00 to purchase 2 units with a combined power rating of 4MW.

This procurement may extend to include the purchase of up to 5 units with a combined power rating of 10MW should additional funds become available to support increased capability.

5. Competitive negotiated subcontract using Best Value Selection

This solicitation shall be conducted using Best Value Selection that results in an award that is most advantageous to NREL based on the best value combination of (a) evaluated qualitative merit and (b) evaluated price (cost) of the offers submitted.

Best Value Selection is based on the premise that, if all offers are of approximately equal qualitative merit, award will be made to the offeror with the lowest evaluated price (cost).

However, NREL will consider awarding to an offeror with a higher evaluated price (cost) if the offer demonstrates the difference in price (cost) is commensurate with the higher qualitative merit. Conversely, NREL will consider awarding to an offeror with a lower evaluated qualitative merit if the price (cost) differential between it and other offers warrant doing so.

6. Qualitative merit criteria for Best Value Selection

The Statement of Work (Attachment 1) and technical requirements listed below in this RFP serves as NREL’s baseline requirements that must be met by each offer.

Technical Requirements

Proposals must address:

• Specifications and configuration requirements of isolation transformer to grid supply o Electrical isolation approach taken between units https://www.nrel.gov/workingwithus/forms.html

Reference Guide II-009, Exhibit A (Rev. 09/2020) Page 3 of 13 o buyer requirements needed to enable intended isolation

• Specify the grounding and isolation requirements for all Device Under Test (DUT) configurations (individual source and combined) DUT(s) with the proposed solution. Based on the system design, elaborate on whether single and multiple

DUT(s) may be connected to the proposed system with the potential for these

DUTs to require negative, positive, and/or center-point grounding (see Figure 5).

Note that multiple DUTs with different grounding approaches would be connected to the proposed system in an individual source configuration.

• Specifications or design approach supporting installation and use of the unit in outdoor testing environment

• A description of device DC control methods, measurement accuracy, and control response. The system response should be referenced to a unit step change including both transient and steady-state response under any configuration – parallel, individual sources, and the aggregate system. This response should include the control system and physical system response of the proposed solution, without considering the NREL programmed Digital Real-Time Simulator

(DRTS) control commands. See Figure 6 as a reference for time constant parameters of a control system to a unit step command. The control bandwidth must be provided with time resolution and a real-time response from the system is expected for the following control modes:

o Include accuracy of DC voltage control with control bandwidth (closed loop bandwidth), voltage, and current response characteristics across the full load range of the system and individual sources o Include accuracy of DC current control with control bandwidth (closed loop bandwidth), voltage, and current response characteristics across the full load range of the system and individual sources o Include accuracy of DC power control with control bandwidth (closed loop bandwidth), voltage, and current response characteristics across the full load range of the system and individual sources o Include accuracy of any other control method(s) (i.e., internal model for battery emulation, photovoltaics emulation, etc.) with control bandwidth

(closed loop bandwidth) voltage and current response across full load range of the system and individual sources

• Method of DRTS emulation interface(s) and protocol(s) for current, voltage, and other control methods (i.e., analog, CAN, ModBUS-TCP, etc.) to support power hardware-in-the-loop emulation (P-HIL). Description of control methodology including remote digital interface, off-board HMI control software or interface, and other signal drive capabilities and limitations.

• Efficiency rating at full load and part load operation

• Auxiliary/support power requirements (heaters, fans, telecom gear, etc.); specify if these components require an independent power feed(s).

• Control and power module standby power consumption

• Physical dimensions, weights, and connection methods of the complete system that aids with installation planning. Please address, o interface drawings and requirements o mounting and foundational requirements o electrical and thermal clearance requirements

Reference Guide II-009, Exhibit A (Rev. 09/2020) Page 4 of 13

Figure 1: Grounding ApproachesError! Bookmark not defined.

Figure 6: Typical control system response to a unit step function with time response metricsError! Bookmark not defined.

• Development of the DRTS emulation environment at NREL to interface with this system is critical to support on-going use of the equipment as the complexity of new emulation capabilities (e.g. new storage technologies) will require continual evolution of the DRTS control. To mitigate this risk and reduce support burden, an option to include a controller hardware-in-the-loop evaluation system that accurately emulates the control, system dynamics, and interaction of the equipment with other DUTs is desired. This system should include replica control hardware from the actual system and a DRTS with a plant model to represent the power hardware ‘s dynamic response.

• Option to operate as a battery inverter including 1547 compliance and smart inverter capabilities

• Description of standard operating modes and unique capabilities

• Overload ratings and durations

• Thermal management system attributes and maintenance requirements for storage mode during cold conditions

• Past performance and proof of demonstration

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• Description of any required persistent or temporary remote connections required for maintenance, operations, or telemetry

• Options for future capability expansion with same or similar modules including limits to number that could be integrated

• Describe the noise rating at full load

• Factory checkout testing procedures

• Standards and certifications to which units and system comply (one example is task 3.5 of Appendix A – Statement of Work (Attachment 1).

• Production and delivery lead times

• Safety guidelines and unique features

• Warranty options, ongoing support, license, or other fees

• On-site and remote technical support plan, response times, service, and maintenance contract options

Proposals should assume:

• Physical installation will be provided by a government-provided construction contractor

• Shipment method and costs should be included in cost and delivery timing

• System will be installed outdoors on a concrete pad with sufficient spacing of devices to enable maintenance and proper arc flash safety for the system in question

• If transformer specifics are unique or custom, assume that isolation transformer should be included as part of the system

The qualitative merit criteria establish what NREL considers the technical factors valuable in an offer. These qualitative merit criteria are performance-based and permit selection of a higher priced offer that provides higher qualitative merit.

The following qualitative merit criteria will be used to determine the technical value of the offer in meeting the objectives of the solicitation. Sub criteria, if listed, are not individually weighted, but are factors in the overall weighting.

Each qualitative merit criterion (and sub-criteria, if included) and its assigned weight are listed below:

Criterion

Criterion Assigned

Weight

Description

6.1 Experience 10%

6.1.1 Sub-criterion

5%

Demonstrate how the proposed system is like those in use by other experts (name specific examples) and represents a best-in-class approach for battery emulation.

6.1.2 Sub-criterion

5%

Troubleshooting and servicing. Having a knowledgeable team of technology experts available for troubleshooting and servicing when needed. Provide resumes for proposed support personnel.

6.2 Technical Approach 25%

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6.2.1 Sub-criterion

10%

End-to-end service and system design.

Describe how the approach to support NREL with components and systems, planning, design, and implementation will complete the project objective.

6.2.2 Sub-criterion

5%

Long-term value to maintain the equipment. Having a productive technology development team to ensure equipment software is up to date and a capable research asset. Describe the team structure and how resources will be allocated to NREL for this support.

6.2.3 Sub-criterion

10%

Cutting-edge technology Emulation approach. Having an emulation hardware interconnection approach and knowledgeable technical team to advise on emulation of battery or other systems that results in best‐in‐class emulation capability. Describe the approach and provide resumes for the proposed support team.

6.3 System Capability 55%

6.3.1 Sub-criterion

15%

Control flexibility. Ability of the equipment to meet DC control methods (voltage, current, etc.) and provide AC or DC control options for inverter functionality.

Provide preliminary drawings and descriptions of the system and how it will meet these control flexibility requirements.

6.3.2 Sub-criterion

15%

Control bandwidth. Dynamic response of the system in each control method to meet plant model characteristics [Hardware In the Loop (HIL)] for battery or other emulation need. Provide preliminary drawings and descriptions of the system and how it will meet these control bandwidth requirements.

6.3.3 Sub-criterion

15%

Modularity and future expansion.

Capability of the equipment to provide flexible full power testing in different series or parallel configurations and expand with future equipment to reach higher power and/or voltage levels.

Provide preliminary drawings and descriptions of the system and how it will meet these modularity and future expansion requirements.

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6.3.4 Sub-criterion

10%

Environmental constraints. Robustness of equipment to provide full operation in the outdoor environment envisioned. Provide preliminary drawings and descriptions of the system and how it will meet these environmental requirements.

6.4 Project Performance 10%

6.4.1 Sub-criterion

10%

Timing. Ability to quickly deliver equipment and provide commissioning services. Submit with your proposal an anticipated timeline to delivery and commissioning.

100% Total of Merit Criteria

In addition, provide a response to each question below (not scored or weighted):

Q1: How is the origin of both software and hardware monitored during production and operational life? Include comments on the methods used for software and security updates. Comments should also elaborate on US-made nature of the product.

Q2: What are the unique features/attributes of the system that make it superior for the intended research application?

Q3: Please describe the typical in-service maintenance and technical support services that will be included or are available as an option over the 3–5-year operational period of this device.

Q4: Description of company’s experience in energy storage system emulation.

Q5: Description of technical capabilities of company’s energy storage system emulation.

Q6: Cost breakdown of components including delivery costs and method.

Q7: Description of thermal management system attributes and maintenance requirements for storage mode during cold conditions.

7. Price (cost) evaluation for Best Value Selection

After evaluation of the qualitative merit criteria, the following price (cost) evaluation will be used to determine the best value of the offer in meeting the objectives of the solicitation.

The combined qualitative merit value will be considered substantially more important than the price (cost).

In evaluating bids for this project, NREL will focus on comparing proposed deliverable prices allowing NREL to identify the most cost-effective solutions that meet NREL’s requirements inclusive of site support requirements for the proposed solution. Given NREL’s constrained budget, NREL will adopt a balanced approach, prioritizing competitive pricing while ensuring that the quality of deliverables meets project standards. This dual evaluation will help NREL select an offer that provides the best overall value, effectively balancing cost, and quality.

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Offerors should note that NREL will evaluate Offers in accordance with the policies and procedures of Part 25 of the FAR. In accordance with the Buy American Act, preference will be given to domestic offers, and foreign offers will be adjusted for evaluation purposes in accordance with FAR 25.106 and Subpart 25.5 (as such terms are defined in FAR 25.003).

8. Evaluation process

NREL will evaluate offers in two general steps:

Step One—Initial Evaluation An initial evaluation will be performed to determine if all required information has been provided for an acceptable offer. Offerors may be contacted only for clarification purposes during the initial evaluation. Offerors shall be notified if their offer is determined unacceptable and the reasons for rejection will be provided. Unacceptable offers will be excluded from further consideration.

Step Two—Discussion, Selection, Negotiation, and Award All acceptable offers will be evaluated against the Statement of Work and the qualitative merit criteria listed above. Based on this evaluation, and taking into consideration the proposed price (cost), NREL has the option, depending on the specific circumstances of the offers received, to use one of the following methods of selection:

(a) make individual selection(s), conduct negotiations, and make an award(s);

(b) conduct parallel negotiations with all offerors and make award(s);

(c) conduct discussions with all offerors, select successful finalists, conduct parallel negotiations with successful finalists, and then make award(s);

(d) conduct discussions with all offerors, conduct parallel negotiations with the finalists, select successful finalist(s), and then make award(s);

(e) select successful finalists, conduct successive negotiations, and make successive selections and awards;

(f) make no award(s).

9. Proposal preparation information

a. The proposal must include a title page, including the RFP title and number, name of your organization and principal investigator or project manager (with postal address, telephone number(s), and email address). The title should be succinct and capture the essence of your offer. The technical proposal with its title page, along with all components of the proposal and other required documents as described sections b through g below shall each be provided as separate PDF files (provided in a compressed or “zipped” folder, preferred).

b. Formatting instructions

- A page is defined as one side of an 8 ½” x 11” sheet of paper.

- Use a 12-point font.

- Maintain at least 1-inch margins on all sides.

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- All pages must have the same page orientation (i.e., do not present pages that offset by 90 degrees).

- Include the following notice on your title page:

“Notice for Handling Proposals:

This proposal shall be used and disclosed for Alliance/NREL and Government evaluation purposes only. Any authorized restrictive notices which the Offeror places on this proposal shall also be strictly complied with. Disclosure of this proposal outside the Government, Alliance/NREL, Alliance/NREL consultants, or other national laboratories personnel for evaluation purposes shall be made only to the extent authorized by, and in accordance with, the procedures in DEAR 915.207-70 and, as applicable stated in the procurement solicitation document for source evaluation and selection process.

Upon completion of the evaluation, the evaluator shall certify in writing to the Source Evaluation Team Chairperson that all copies of this proposal have been destroyed and/or deleted from any electronic device, medium or storage location with the exception of those retained in the procurement file or in the case of successful offeror(s) in the project management file.”

c. An electronic copy (assembled pdf) of the technical proposal directed toward meeting the requirements of NREL’s Statement of Work and qualitative merit criteria (see item 6 above). The technical proposal shall identify any proposed changes to the Statement of Work as a stand-alone attachment to the technical proposal. The technical proposal shall be organized in the following sections:

Section No.

Description

1 Experience

2 Technical approach

3 System capability

4 Project performance

5 Answers to the 7 questions listed on page 7 of this RFP

Each section shall be a maximum of 10 pages which includes all text, graphics, charts, attachments, appendices, addendums, indices, exhibits, etc. (resumes and proposed changes to the Statement of Work are not included in page count) and the total technical proposal shall not exceed 50 pages. In the event that the page limit is exceeded, NREL at its sole discretion, reserves the right to remove pages from the sections of any non-conforming submittals to bring each non-conforming submittal within the page count requirement.

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d. A completed “Price/Cost Proposal Form” in an electronic copy (converted to pdf). An individual offeror’s price (cost) proposal standard format can be used if the data included is substantially the same as the NREL form. The offeror’s price (cost) and delivery terms must be valid for 90 days from the date of the offer. The price (cost) proposal should include support documentation for all categories of the proposed price (cost). The price (cost) proposal should separate price (cost) for lower-tier subcontract(s) and include support documentation for all categories of the proposed lower-tier subcontract(s) price (cost). See the “Price/Cost Proposal Form” for specific instructions. This form is found under “Request for Proposal (RFP) Forms (Non-Construction)” at the following link:

http://www.nrel.gov/workingwithus/forms.html

e. A completed “Representations & Certifications SAM Supplement For

Commercial Items and Services” form. Please download from the NREL general access website link below:

g. A cover letter including either acceptance or change/exception with reason to the sample subcontract schedule (Attachment 2), anticipated period of performance, and the standard terms and conditions and/or the intellectual property terms and conditions in the appendices. The offeror shall explain any proposed change/exception with respect to the sample subcontract schedule and terms and conditions. Any proposed change/exception must contain sufficient amplification and justification to permit evaluation. Such proposed changes/exceptions will not, of themselves, automatically cause an offer to be termed unacceptable. However, a large number of proposed changes/exception or one or more significant exceptions not providing any obvious benefit to the NREL or the Department of Energy may result in rejection of such offer as unacceptable. In addition, the cover letter shall include a summary statement indicating acceptance of the statement of work (Attachment 1) or any change with the reason(s).

h. This solicitation requires the submittal of electronic proposals.

i. This solicitation does not commit NREL to pay costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this RFP.

10. Solicitation Provisions

a. Late submissions, modifications, and withdrawals of offers

Offers, or modifications to them, received from qualified organizations after the latest date specified for receipt may be considered if received prior to award, and NREL determines that there is a potential price (cost), technical, or other advantage, as compared to the other offers received. However, depending on the circumstances surrounding the late submission or modification, NREL may consider a late offer to be an indication of the offeror’s performance capabilities, resulting in downgrading of the offer in the technical evaluation process. Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before award.

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b. Restrictions on disclosure and use of proprietary data (Nov 2018)

Offerors who include in their proposals proprietary data that they do not want disclosed to the public for any purpose or used by the government or NREL, except for evaluation purposes shall, in addition to including the “Notice for Handling Proposals” required in Paragraph 9. b. above—

1. Mark the title page with the following legend:

“This offer includes proprietary data that shall not be disclosed outside the government or NREL and shall not be used or disclosed—in whole or in part—for any purpose other than to evaluate this offer. If, however, a subcontract is awarded to this offeror as a result of—or in connection with— the submission of proprietary data, the government or NREL shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the proprietary data to the extent required in the resulting subcontract. This restriction does not limit the government or NREL’s right to use this proprietary data if obtained from another source without restriction. The proprietary data subject to this restriction are contained on pages [insert page and line numbers or other identification of pages] of this offer”; and

2. Highlight (in yellow) the proprietary data on each page it wishes to restrict and add the following footer:

“Use or disclosure of proprietary data contained on this page is subject to the restriction on the title page of this offer.”

c. Reserved

d. Disclaimer

NEITHER THE UNITED STATES; NOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY; NOR

ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, LLC; NOR ANY OF THEIR

CONTRACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS, OR THEIR EMPLOYEES MAKE ANY

WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OR ASSUME ANY LEGAL LIABILITY OR

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR USEFULNESS

FOR ANY PURPOSE OF ANY OF THE TECHNICAL INFORMATION OR DATA

ATTACHED OR OTHERWISE PROVIDED HEREIN AS REFERENCE MATERIAL.

e. Solicitation disputes

The General Accountability Office and the Department of Energy do not accept or rule on disputes for solicitations for Requests for Proposals issued by Management and Operating Contractors for the Department of Energy (operators of Department of Energy National Laboratories). Should an offeror have any concerns regarding the NREL solicitation process or selection determination, the offeror may contact Paul White, Advocate for Commercial Practices, at (303) 384-7575. NREL will address each concern received from an offeror on an individual basis.

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f. Prohibition on use of certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment per the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act Section 889(a)(1)(B)

In accordance with the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act Section

889(a)(1)(B), NREL is prohibited from contracting with any offeror that uses, and/or whose lower-tier subcontractor(s) use, covered telecommunication equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as a critical technology of any system, on or after 08/13/2020, unless an exception applies or a waiver is granted. This includes such equipment or services from five Chinese companies: Huawei, ZTE Corporation, Hytera Communications, Hangzhou Hikvision, and Dahua Technology.

g. Compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (found at 29 U.S.C. 794d)

The requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act apply to NREL’s procurement of all electronic and information technology (EIT) and any development, maintenance, or use of EIT.

11. Small Business (Lower-Tier) Subcontracting Plan (derived from FAR 52.219-9) (If

Applicable)

The following requirement does not apply to small business offerors. This requirement only applies if offeror is notified of intent to negotiate a subcontract in response to this solicitation after the source selection process described above is complete.

Successful offerors shall be required to submit a lower-tier subcontracting plan upon notification of intent to negotiate a subcontract in response to this solicitation. The lower-tier subcontracting plan shall separately address lower-tier subcontracting with small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business concerns. If the offeror is submitting an individual subcontracting plan, the plan must separately address lower-tier subcontracting with small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business concerns, with a separate part for the basic subcontract and separate parts for each option (if any). The plan shall be included in and made a part of the resultant subcontract. The lower-tier subcontracting plan shall be negotiated within the time specified by the NREL subcontract administrator. Failure to submit and negotiate a lower-tier subcontracting plan shall make the offeror ineligible for award of a subcontract.

Lower-tier subcontracting plan requirements can be found at the following link:

http://www.nrel.gov/workingwithus/standard-terms.html (see Appendix F)

12. Solicitation provisions

The following solicitation documents are attached:

▪ Attachment 1, Statement of Work dated 6/13/2024

▪ Attachment 2, Sample Subcontract Schedule - Firm Fixed Price

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▪ Attachment 3, Price Cost Proposal Form

▪ Attachment 4, Proposed Payment Schedule

13. Solicitation provisions—incorporated by reference—general access

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. The following documents can be downloaded from http://www.nrel.gov/workingwithus/standard-terms.html and http://www.nrel.gov/workingwithus/forms.html or the NREL RFP Contact (see item 2) will make available upon request.

The documents and forms that are listed below are applicable to this solicitation and resulting award:

Appendix/Form

✓ NREL Standard Terms and Conditions: Appendix B-8 (1/23/2023);

NREL Terms and Conditions for Subcontracts in excess of $700,000.00

Appendix D (3/01/2020);

NREL Representations and Certifications (7/14/2022) for Subcontracts and Purchase Orders for Commercial Items and Services;

✓ NREL Proposal Form – Price/Cost Proposal Form (Adobe PDF)

✓ NREL Small Business (Lower-tier) Subcontracting Plan Requirements (for subcontracts in excess of $700,000.00).

14. NAICS Code and Small Business Size Standard

a. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this solicitation is/are 335999.

b. The small business size standard for 335999 is 600 or fewer employees.

15. Notice Regarding NREL Payments to Subcontractors

It is NREL’s standard practice to make all payments to domestic subcontractors via electronic (ACH) payments or to international subcontractors via wire transfers. Any Offeror receiving notification of an award under this solicitation must complete and submit a “Request for ACH/Wire Banking Information” form to the applicable NREL Subcontract Administrator. Payments to subcontractors will be deposited directly into the subcontractor’s designated bank account in accordance with the banking account/wire transfer information provided on the form by an authorized company representative. An electronic (PDF) copy of the form will be provided by the NREL Subcontract Administrator upon notification of award. Please do not include an ACH form with your response to this RFP.