21.2.1- Amendment 1 - RFP-2023-2300 1-23-2023.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION

Solicitation No. RFP-2023-23000

Amendment No. 1

Date: January 23, 2023

ISSUED BY:

NREL

Attn: Caitlyn Alter 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden, CO 80401 Email: Caitlyn.Alter@nrel.gov Phone: 303-275-4483

PROJECT NAME & LOCATION

“Maintenance and Repairs for NREL-Owned Photovoltaic Systems”

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth below. The hour and date specified for receipt of offers [X] is extended. Due date is February 6, 2023 at 12:00PM MT

FAILURE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AMENDMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS

TO OFFERORS MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFEROR. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED

HEREIN, ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENT REMAIN

UNCHANGED AND IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

Description:

The purpose of this Amendment is to:

1) Answer the questions received on RFP-2023-2300, as outlined below.

2) Update the Proposal Due Date to February 6, 2023 at 12:00pm Mountain Time.

3) Update the Appendix A – Statement of Work to the version dated January 20, 2023.

4) Update the RFP Letter as outlined in bold italics.

5) Update the Attachment 2 – Sample Subcontract as outlined in bold italics.

6) Update the Appendix G – Service Contract Act Wage Determination 2015-5419 to revision 23 dated

12/27/2022.

Questions and Answers:

1. Your systems are Sunpower correct?

a. NREL has 3 SMA combiners/inverters at the SSEB. All other systems are currently

Sunpower. Refer to the Appendix A – Statement of Work for types of PV Systems on-site at NREL. Section 1) Background, Paragraphs 3 and 4 outline the type of systems on-site at

NREL.

2. The Appendix A states a requirement is OSHA 50 – what is this? Do you mean OSHA 30?

a. Appendix A – Statement of Work has been revised to reflect OSHA 30.

3. Many certifications are outlined in the RFP. Are we required to have them prior to submitting a proposal/prior to award, or could they be obtained after award? NFPA 70E cert, ASNT cert, NERC Compliance.

a. Certifications are a requirement outlined in the technical criteria and Appendix A – Statement mailto:Caitlyn.Alter@nrel.gov of Work. If an offeror would like to propose obtaining the required certifications post-award, they need to outline a plan (including timelines) for obtaining the required certifications as no work will be authorized on-site for the awarded offeror until all certifications are obtained from appropriate sources.

4. It appears that all employees are required to have the certifications outlined in the Appendix A -SOW.

Can a Master Electrician with all the NABCEP and previous JW qualify for both the requirement for JW and Master?

a. Subcontract staff are required to be a JW or a Master electrician to work unsupervised on-site at NREL. Apprentices cannot work on the system without a Master or JW present unless they are deemed qualified per NFPA 70E. All people working on these systems will have the required safety training regardless of their license or certification status.

b. If an offeror would like to propose more or less staff than outlined in the RFP Evaluation Criteria, they shall provide additional information on the utilization of employees to ensure that the minimum number of employees are available per the Appendix A – SOW.

5. How big of system(s) and the inverters used?

a. Please refer to the Background section of the Appendix A – SOW for updated system sizes and inverter information.

6. Are the systems ground mounted systems?

a. The inverters are all on the ground level, but the combiners and the panels are on roofs.

The deadline for written questions is not extended from the original due date of January 6, 2023.

The proposal due date is updated to February 6, 2023 at 12:00PM MST. All proposals shall be submitted electronically to the Subcontract Administrator at Caitlyn.Alter@NREL.gov.

mailto:Caitlyn.Alter@NREL.gov

APPENDIX A

STATEMENT OF WORK

“Maintenance and Repairs for NREL-Owned Photovoltaic Systems”

January 20, 2023

1) 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”.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) consists of 630 acres and buildings that range in age from 7 to 41 years old. NREL has nine (9) Facility Managers that manage multiple buildings throughout both campuses.

NREL has a rooftop SunPower photovoltaic system (PVS) located at the Egress Ingress Parking Structure (EIPS), Visitor Parking Structure (VPS), and Research Support Facility II

(RSF II).

• The EIPS PVS provides of 1.15 Megawatts of peak power consisting of 3,632 power modules. Inverter: Satcon PowerGate Plus (135kW, 250kW, 500kW).

• The VPS PVS provides 524 Kilowatts of peak power consisting of 1,664 power modules. Inverter information to be provided to Subcontractor prior to start of work.

• The RSF II provides 408 Kilowatts of peak power consisting of 1,296 power modules. Inverter: Sunny Central 250U/500U.

NREL has another smaller-scale rooftop photovoltaic systems manufactured by SCHOTT Solar.

The primary additional system is located at the South Site Entrance Building. SCHOTT Solar PVS provides 16.1 Kilowatts of peak power consisting of 60 modules and (3) three SMA combiner boxes with integrated inverters. The inverter for this system is SMA Sunny Boy 3000-US.

NREL is looking to obtain preventative maintenance and repair services on all NREL-owned PVSs. Preventive maintenance and regularly scheduled inspections are required to maximize power production and longevity of the PVSs. Additionally, as-needed repairs may be requested to ensure the PVSs remain fully functional. Technical support is required 24 hours a day to provide troubleshooting to NREL Staff and to ensure as-needed repairs are completed in a reasonable timeframe.

This Statement of Work covers all labor, supplies, materials, replacement parts, equipment, transportation to and from the site, and any other goods and services required to provide inspections, preventative maintenance, and repairs on NREL PV systems. Additional PV Panel Systems may be added, removed, or expanded on over time. Currently, all inverters are located on ground-level and all combiners and panels are located on roofs.

2) Description of Work:

a) Minimum Annual Inspection Requirements

The Subcontractor shall perform an annual inspection, once every twelve (12) months on the PV systems at all locations listed in Section 3 below. The annual inspection will include, at a minimum, the following:

1. Array

a. Inspect PV modules for damage, discoloration, or de-lamination.

b. Inspect mounting system for damage or corrosion.

c. Replace connectors between module(s).

d. Replace MC connector lead to combiner box.

2. Trackers (where applicable).

a. Inspect tracker components for damage or corrosion.

b. Inspect tracker controller for damage.

c. Verify proper operation and alignment.

3. Inverter

a. Torque checks on critical electrical terminations.

b. Inspect inverter pad and container.

c. Replace inverter AC fuse.

4. Electrical System

a. Inspect ground braids, electrodes, and conductors for damage.

b. Perform thermo-graphic analysis of combiner boxes, inverters, transformers, and conductor connections to buses, breakers or disconnects.

5. Meteorological Station

a. Inspect weather measurement equipment for damage.

6. Site Conditions

a. Inspect drainage conditions.

b. Inspect vegetation for array shading or fire hazards.

c. Inspect safety conditions and proper signage.

b) Annual Inspection Reporting

1. Record results of all inspections.

2. Take photographs of any damage or defects identified.

3. Inform NREL of all deficiencies identified.

4. Provide NREL with recommendations for corrective actions.

c) Phone Access Requirements – 24/7/365

1. The Subcontractor shall provide customer service support hotline that includes:

a. Technical support to be provided 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

b. Remote troubleshooting available 24/7/365.

i. Subcontract Support technicians shall provide step-by-step diagnosis instructions to NREL Technical Monitor or Work Control Center designee to support NREL Maintenance Staff as required.

c. Scheduling shall be available on the 24/7/365 phone line and confirmed scheduling for all required tasks to be completed within 48 hours of the initial request. The request may or may not be tied to troubleshooting, and is at the discretion of the NREL Technical Monitor or Work Control Center designee to determine if troubleshooting prior to scheduling is required.

d. Provide immediate scheduling for emergency repairs within 4 hours of the initial service call, with on-site response within 24 hours.

d) Preventative Maintenance and Emergency Repairs The Subcontractor shall provide preventive maintenance within two weeks or ten (10) business days of the NREL Technical Monitor or Work Control Center Request or emergency repair within twenty-four (24) hours of the initial 4-hour response window.

1. Preventative maintenance and emergency repairs may include, but are not limited to the following:

a. Array

i. Cable and termination repair or replacement.

ii. Grounding repair or replacement.

iii. Panel repair or replacement.

b. Trackers

i. Lubricate tracker motors and jackscrews.

ii. Visually inspect for corrosion on tracker shaft.

iii. Fix screws on all connectors properly.

iv. Visually check all cables for possible fractures, pinched points.

v. Make sure that PV Cables have not slipped out of position in a way that they could be strained due to tracker movement.

vi. Clean holes in motor housing and motor cap for draining condensed water.

vii. Replace motor with mechanical gears as deemed necessary by the Technical Monitor.

c. Inverter

i. Clean all filters and fans.

ii. Ensure fans are not blocked and are fully functional.

iii. Clean inverter cabinet air vents.

iv. Clean/remove dust and debris from inverter heat sinks per manufacturer requirements.

v. Check all connections and ensure the connections are fixed tightly.

vi. Review display for error codes and resolve as necessary.

vii. Perform all other preventive maintenance as outlined by the Original

Equipment Manufacturer.

d. Electrical System

i. Perform thermo-graphic analysis of combiner boxes, inverters, transformers, and conductor connections to buses, breakers or disconnects.

ii. Test all switches and disconnects to ensure they are not jammed.

iii. Complete DC Operating current tests.

iv. Check String-level open-circuit voltage.

v. Check I-V curve traces on strings.

vi. Check torque marks and re-tightening appropriate wiring connections to design specification torque force per manufacturer guidelines.

vii. Turn off and on logging and communications to ensure they are communicating and ensure battery backups are working.

e. Meteorological Station

i. Clean pyranometers and reference cells.

ii. Check calibration expiration on sensors and meters, including pyranometers and anemometers.

iii. Replace desiccant, if required.

f. Site Conditions

i. Clean PV Panel cages and arrays of debris, dust, and animal droppings using water only.

ii. Inspect roof penetrations to ensure sealant is applied properly and not degrading.

iii. Visually inspect and resolve all general site conditions for the area in which the Maintenance or Repair call is received, including but not limited to:

1. Electrical Equipment

2. Mounting Structures

3. Fencing

4. Shading

5. Trackers

6. Vegetation

7. Animal damage

8. Erosion

9. Corrosion

10. Discolored Panels

g. Annual module cleaning

i. Clean PV modules per industry best practices.

2. Preventative Maintenance & Repair Quotes

a. The Subcontractor shall provide quotes for preventative maintenance and repairs identified in the annual inspection. Also, provide quotes for as- needed maintenance or repairs.

i. Subcontract shall provide quote scheduled maintenance or repairs within one week of the request.

ii. Subcontractor shall provide emergency quotes within 24 hours of the initial request for emergency repair.

b. Quotes shall include:

i. Repair Labor Quote, including the estimated hours to complete the work and which labor categories apply.

ii. Repair Materials Quote, if applicable. NREL prefers manufacturer replacement parts. Third Party replacement parts require approval from the Technical Monitor.

iii. Estimated scheduling timeline for start date and completion date of the repair or maintenance request.

3. Preventative Maintenance & Repair Reports

a. The Subcontractor shall complete reports on all preventative maintenance and repairs within one week (5 business days) of completion of the task.

b. The Report shall include the following:

i. Record results of all maintenance and repair tasks, including the Date, Time, and Location of the task(s).

ii. Take photographs of any damage or defects identified and photographs of the completed maintenance or repair task(s).

iii. Inform NREL of any additional deficiencies identified beyond the original quoted labor, if applicable.

iv. Provide NREL with recommendations for corrective actions to prevent damage in the future, if applicable.

e) Key Personnel & Employee Certification Requirements

1. The Subcontractor shall provide at least two key personnel as primary contacts with phone numbers and email addresses.

2. All Key Personnel and Subcontractor employees working on-site must hold the following certifications/qualifications:

a. Licensed Electrical Contractor.

b. NABCEP PV installer certified and/or UL PV System installation certified

c. Experience with and on power generation systems.

d. Experience with DC electrical systems.

e. Certified in current version of NFPA 70E.

f. Familiarity with sections of the National Electric Code specific to PV

(section 690/691).

g. ASNT certified for planning and conducting thermal imaging (American

Society for Non-destructive Testing)

h. Meet NERC compliance for utility-scale systems.

3. All Subcontractor employees working on-site as Inspectors and PV Module/Array

Specialists must meet the following qualifications:

a. NABCEP PV Installer Certification.

b. Two to Five (2 to 5) years of experience.

4. All subcontractor employees working on-site as Inverter Specialists must meet the following qualifications:

a. Certified in current version of NFPA 70E.

b. More than Five (5+) years of experience.

5. All subcontractor employees working on-site as Journeyman Electricians must meet the following qualifications:

a. 30 OSHA Card.

b. Trained in Arc-Flash, Lock-out/Tag-out, and special protective equipment training.

c. NABCEP PV Installer Certification.

d. Experience with DC electrical systems.

e. More than Five (5+) years of experience with PV systems.

6. All subcontractor employees working on-site as Master Electricians must meet the following qualifications:

a. Electrical Contractor’s License.

b. 30 OSHA Card.

c. Trained in Arc-Flash, Lock-out/Tag-out, and special protective equipment training.

d. NABCEP PV Installer Certification.

e. Experience with DC electrical systems.

f. More than Five (5+) years of experience with PV systems.

g. Certification by NERC.

7. Voltage levels are defined as:

a. Low Voltage: 0-1000VAC (480VAC is the current voltage at the NREL

SunPower PV Panel System inverters)

b. Medium Voltage: 1kV-35kVAC

c. High Voltage: 35kVAC-245kVAC

8. All subcontractor employees providing maintenance and repairs on the South Entrance Building must be trained in fall protection, lift and ladder training and must provide a Traffic Control Plan.

3) Locations:

Locations may be added, removed, and quantities per location may change over time at the discretion of NREL via mutually agreed-to modification.

a) South Table Mountain Site (STM), 15013 Denver West Pkwy, Golden, CO 80401.

1. SunPower PVS:

a. Egress Ingress Parking Structure (EIPS)

b. Visitor Parking Structure (VPS)

c. Research Support Facility II (RSF II)

2. SCHOTT Solar PVSs:

a. South Site Entrance Building

4) Tasks

Task Description Due Date 2.a. Annual Inspection – SunPower

PVSs Within 60 days of execution of Subcontract and annually during the same month for all subsequent inspections.

2.b. Annual Inspection Report – SunPower PVSs

Within 10 business days of completed inspection.

2.a. Annual Inspection –SCHOTT Solar

Within 60 days of execution of Subcontract and annually during the same month for all subsequent inspections.

2.b. Annual Inspection Report – SCHOTT Solar PVSs

Within 10 business days of completed inspection.

2.c. Active 24/7/365 On-Call Phone Number

Upon execution of Subcontract.

2.c. Preventative Maintenance Call Response

Within 48 hours of request.

2.c. Emergency Repair Call Response Within 4 hours of request.

2.d.1. Preventative Maintenance and Non-Emergency Repairs

To be completed within two weeks (10 business days) from date of scheduling.

2.d.1. Emergency Repairs Response on-site within 24 hours of request.

2.d.2. Labor Quote Within one week (5 business days) of request for scheduled maintenance or repairs, within 24 hours for emergency repairs.

2.d.2. Materials/Parts Quote Within one week (5 business days) of request for scheduled maintenance or repairs, within 24 hours for emergency repairs.

2.d.3. Maintenance & Repairs Reporting

Within one week (5 business days) of completed maintenance or repair task.

5) Point of Contact:

a) The point of contact for scheduling on this subcontract is NREL Work Control Center

(WCC) at (303) 384-7344. The Subcontractor is responsible to coordinate all questions, problems, or operational technical matters of this subcontract with the WCC.

6) Technical Monitor:

a) The Technical Monitor for this requirement is Donny Haupt, Donny.Haupt@NREL.gov, 303- 913-3697.

7) Environmental, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q):

a) The Subcontractor shall submit an Environmental, Safety, and Health Risk Evaluation Worksheet.

b) The Subcontractor shall provide proper personal protection equipment.

c) The Subcontractor shall attend a NREL Contractor Safety Orientation meeting with a

NREL Environmental Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) representative.

8) Working Hours:

a) NREL regular business hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm., Monday through Friday except NREL recognized holidays. The Subcontractor personnel scheduled to work during non-working hours must notify the Site Entrance Building at (303) 384-6811.

b) Emergency repair will be available during normal business hours from 8:00 a.m.

through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except NREL recognized holidays. In the event of emergency repairs outside normal business hours, the subcontractor will be notified by the NREL WCC.

c) The days designated as NREL holidays (i.e., New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day) are not NREL workdays. If a NREL holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the preceding Friday or the following Monday may not be a NREL workday.

9) Security:

a) All Subcontractor employees are to wear a NREL identification badge on their outer garment, upper portion of their body at all times while on the premises.

b) Subcontractors will not be allowed on site without badges.

c) All issued badges must be returned immediately to the Site Entrance Building upon termination of the work at NREL.

d) The Subcontractor shall comply with all safety requirements as applicable at the following website: https://www.nrel.gov/about/ehs-construction.html

10) Maps:

Please reference the maps located on the NREL website links below. See Technical Monitor for additional information on locations as necessary.

a) Golden STM Campus: https://www.nrel.gov/about/golden.html

b) Flatirons Campus: https://www.nrel.gov/about/flatirons-campus.html https://www.nrel.gov/about/ehs-construction.html https://www.nrel.gov/about/golden.html https://www.nrel.gov/about/flatirons-campus.html

Reference Guide II-009, Exhibit A (Rev. 09/2020) Page 1 of 11

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

Request for Proposals (RFP) Number RFP-2023-23000

“Maintenance and Repairs for NREL-Owned Photovoltaic Systems”

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) – AMENDMENT 1

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:

LOWEST COST, TECHNICALLY ACCEPTABLE SELECTION

All Statement of Work (SOW) requirements being met and with the lowest evaluated cost.

Issue Date: 12/19/2022 Due Date: 2/6/2023 Time Due: 12:00 PM Mountain Time

Technical questions must be received in writing no later than 1/6/2023

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 Lowest Cost Technically Acceptable Selection Labor Hour and Expenses, Subcontract with Option Periods

NAICS Code and Small Business Size Standard

This procurement action is a total set aside for the following small business certifications ONLY:

• Small, and/or

• HUBZone – SBA Certified, and/or

• Small Service-Disabled Veteran-owned, and/or

• Small Veteran-owned, and/or

• Small Disadvantaged, and/or

• Small Woman-owned.

There is no weighting applied to any one small business subcategory, or any combination of subcategories applicable to a business entity. The subcategories are provided only for determining eligibility of offerors.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this solicitation is:

Reference Guide II-009, Exhibit A (Rev. 09/2020) Page 2 of 11

Code Classification Size Standard 221114 Solar Electric Power Generation 250 Employees

Amounts shown in the table above represent the corresponding small business size standard for each NAICS. Dollar amounts are reflective of total annual receipts. (“Annual receipts” of a concern means the annual average gross revenue for the last three fiscal years.)

SUBMIT OFFERS TO AND REQUEST INFORMATION FROM THE NREL RFP CONTACT

BELOW

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

Email: Caitlyn.Alter@NREL.gov

Electronic copies of forms and appendices can be found at:

NREL Terms and Conditions

Procurement Forms | NREL

3. Project description:

As specified in the Statement of Work titled “Maintenance and Repairs for NREL-Owned Photovoltaic Systems”, (Appendix A).

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 (1) Labor Hour and Expenses subcontract(s) under this solicitation. The anticipated period of performance is 12 months with four (4) 12-month option periods, with annual funding expected to be approximately $100,000.00 ($500,000.00 Ceiling if all options are exercised).

5. Competitive negotiated subcontract using Cost, Technically Acceptable Selection

This solicitation shall be conducted using Lowest Cost, Technically Acceptable Selection that results in an award based on the lowest evaluated cost of all technically acceptable offers.

Lowest Cost, Technically Acceptable Selection is based on the premise that value is expected to result from award based on a technically acceptable offer with the lowest evaluated cost.

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

Reference Guide II-009, Exhibit A (Rev. 09/2020) Page 3 of 11

The Statement of Work in this Request for Proposals serves as NREL’s baseline requirements that must be met by each offer.

Selection will be made on the basis of the lowest evaluated cost of offers meeting or exceeding the baseline requirements of the statement of work.

NREL may discuss cost with offerors, especially when more than one technically acceptable approach is received that may satisfy NREL’s needs.

# Technical Acceptability Requirement

1.

Past Performance - Offeror's demonstrated capability for managing and successfully completing Inspections and Repairs consistent with the type and complexity described in the SOW.

1.1.

Provide summaries of at least three Photovoltaic Systems Inspection projects completed within the last three years similar in scope to those outlined in the Statement of Work.

Each summary shall include the following: Company Type (commercial, industrial, government), Scope of the project, Materials Cost associated with the project, Labor cost associated with the project, Response time from Initial Request, Period of Performance Required to complete the project (Start and End date of Work).

1.2.

Provide summaries of at least three Photovoltaic Systems Inspections Reports completed within the last three years similar in scope to those outlined in the Statement of Work.

Each example should show how your organization records results of inspections, provides photographic evidence of damages and defects, the corrective action recommendations, and timelines for corrective actions. Additionally, the examples should include the inspection date and the report distribution date.

These examples shall include copies of the actual inspection report to be considered technically acceptable. Identifiable information may be redacted at the discretion of the offeror.

1.3.

Provide summaries of at least three Photovoltaic Systems Preventive Maintenance projects completed within the last three years similar in scope to those outlined in the Statement of Work.

Each summary shall include the following: Company Type (commercial, industrial, government), Scope of the project, Materials Cost associated with the project, Labor cost associated with the project, Response time from Initial Request, Period of Performance Required to complete the project (Start and End date of Work).

1.4

Provide summaries of at least three Photovoltaic Systems As-Needed or Emergency Repair projects completed within the last three years similar in scope to those outlined in the Statement of Work.

Each summary shall include the following: Company Type (commercial, industrial, government), Scope of the project, Materials Cost associated with the project, Labor cost associated with the project, Response time from Initial Request, Period of Performance Required to complete the project (Start and End date of Work).

Reference Guide II-009, Exhibit A (Rev. 09/2020) Page 4 of 11

1.5

Provide summaries of at least three Photovoltaic Systems Post-Maintenance or Post-Repair Reports completed within the last three years similar in scope to those outlined in the Statement of Work.

Each example should show how your organization records results of inspections, provides photographic evidence of damages and defects, the corrective action recommendations, and timelines for corrective actions. Additionally, the examples should include the inspection date and the report distribution date.

These examples shall include copies of the actual inspection report to be considered technically acceptable. Identifiable information may be redacted at the discretion of the offeror.

2.

On-Site Staff Experience - The qualifications and availability of the firm's proposed project team and on-site staffing.

Amendment 1 Clarifications:

NREL may consider offerors who request obtaining the required certifications post-award. To be considered technically acceptable without current certifications, an offeror requesting to obtain certificates post-award must provide a clearly defined plan outlining a timeline for obtaining each required certificate, the staff involved in the certifications (more than two), and any other relevant information.

If an offeror would like to propose more or less staff than the minimum outlined in the RFP Evaluation Criteria under sections 2.1-2.5, they shall provide additional information on the utilization of employees to ensure that the minimum number of employees are available per the Appendix A – SOW.

For example, if there are more qualified staff, such as two Master Electricians and no current Journeyman level electricians – this would also meet the “at least one” employee with minimum qualifications since there are two more highly qualified staff compared to one of both levels.

NOTE: Even if awarded a subcontract, an offeror will not be authorized to work on-site without the proper certifications as outlined in sections 2.1-2.5.

2.1

Substantiate that your firm currently has more than one member of staff that currently holds the following certifications/qualifications per section 2.e.2. of the

SOW:

1. Licensed Electrical Contractor

2. NABCEP PV Installer Certification or UL PV System Installation Certification

3. Experience with Power Generation Systems

4. Experience with DC Electrical Systems

5. NFPA 70E Certification

6. Experience with National Electric Code Sections 690/691

7. ASNT Certified

8. Meet NERC Compliance

Copies of the certifications must be provided to be considered technically acceptable. Experience shall be provided in the form of a resume.

2.2 Substantiate that your firm currently has at least one Inspection and at least one PV Module/Array Specialist who can meet the qualifications in the SOW section 2.e.3.:

Reference Guide II-009, Exhibit A (Rev. 09/2020) Page 5 of 11

1. NABCEP PV Installer Certification

2. Two to Five years of experience working with PV Systems

Copies of the certifications must be provided to be considered technically acceptable. Experience shall be provided in the form of a resume.

2.3.

Substantiate that your firm currently has at least one Inverter Specialist who can meet the qualifications in the SOW section 2.e.4.:

1. Certified in current version of NFPA 70E.

2. More than Five years of experience working with PV Systems

Copies of the certifications must be provided to be considered technically acceptable. Experience shall be provided in the form of a resume.

2.4.

Substantiate that your firm currently has at least one Journeyman Electrician who can meet the qualifications in the SOW section 2.e.5.:

1. 50 OSHA Card

2. Arc-Flash, Lock-out/Tag-out, and Special Protective Equipment Training

3. NABCEP PV Installer Certification

4. Experience with DC electrical systems.

5. More than Five years of experience working with PV Systems

Copies of the certifications must be provided to be considered technically acceptable. Experience shall be provided in the form of a resume.

2.5.

Substantiate that your firm currently has at least one Master Electrician who can meet the qualifications in the SOW section 2.e.5.:

1. Electrical Contractor's License

2. 50 OSHA Card

3. Arc-Flash, Lock-out/Tag-out, and Special Protective Equipment Training

4. NABCEP PV Installer Certification

5. Experience with DC electrical systems.

6. More than Five years of experience working with PV Systems

7. Certification by NERC

Copies of the certifications must be provided to be considered technically acceptable. Experience shall be provided in the form of a resume.

Capability (Requirements to Perform Work) - The Offeror's capability to respond and perform the requirements per the Statement of Work.

3.1.

Offeror substantiates their firm’s ability to meet the requirements outlined by the statement of work, drawings, specifications and guidelines. These requirements include meeting/exceeding the established period of performance requested, technical skills and abilities required to complete the work, and providing qualified personnel as required for safety considerations. This Request for Proposals serves as NREL’s baseline requirements that must be met by each offer.

3.2.

Substantiate that your firm can meet or exceed the current response times required by the Statement of Work.

1. Normal Business Hours

2. After-Hours (Emergency, Non-Holiday)

3. Emergency (Holiday)

Statement of Work requires the following response times:

10 business days for Standard Maintenance or Repair requests.

Reference Guide II-009, Exhibit A (Rev. 09/2020) Page 6 of 11

4 hour initial response via phone and 24-hour on-site response for Emergency Repair requests.

3.3.

Substantiate that your firm can meet or exceed the current quote turnaround time required by the Statement of Work.

1. During normal business hours for non-emergency tasks which include maintenance and non-emergency repairs.

2. Emergency repairs within normal business hours.

3. Emergency repairs outside of normal business hours.

Note: The Statement of Work requires labor and repair quotes within one week (5 days) of a standard service request. Emergency Quotes shall be provided within 24 hours of the initial request for emergency repairs.

3.4.

Confirm location of facilities, key personnel/staff, and equipment are within 50-mile drive of NREL’s main site in Golden, CO.

3.5.

Confirm your ability to comply with the Service Contract Act Wage Determination 2015-5419 and/or provide a copy of your organization's Collective Bargaining Agreement for review.

4.

Required Forms - Provide all required Forms as outlined in the Request for Proposal.

4.1. Provide Completed ESH Worksheet (NREL F1320-E (12/2017).

4.2. Provide Insurance Carrier Letter (EMRs).

4.3.

Provide copies (if any) of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) violations within the past three (3) years.

4.4.

Provide Completed Organization Conflicts of Interest Disclosure Statement OR Organizational Conflicts of Interest Representation Statement Form.

4.5. Provide Completed Representations and Certifications for Subcontracts Form.

4.6 Provide Completed Cost Proposal Form.

6. Evaluation process

NREL will evaluate offers in three general steps:

Step One—Initial Evaluation An initial evaluation will be performed to determine if all required information has been provided and the offer is technically acceptable to meet the basic requirements as outlined in the statement of work. At NREL’s discretion, discussions with offerors will be held as necessary.

There are four (4) primary technical acceptability requirements with sub-criteria as outlined in section 5. Adequate responses must be provided to determine technical acceptability to all four requirements to be considered technically acceptable. If any number of the technical acceptability requirements, including sub-criteria, is deemed unacceptable, the entire proposal will be deemed technically unacceptable.

Offerors shall be notified if their offer is determined to be technically unacceptable and the reasons for rejection will be provided. Technically unacceptable offers will be excluded from further consideration.

Reference Guide II-009, Exhibit A (Rev. 09/2020) Page 7 of 11

Step Two—Cost Evaluation After an offer is evaluated as technically acceptable to meet the baseline requirements, NREL will evaluate the cost to determine the reasonableness and award to the lowest cost offer.

Step Three—Selection Based on the technical acceptability and cost suitability of the offers, NREL will exercise one of the following options:

(a) Select an offer and award the subcontract to the lowest cost, technically acceptable offer without discussion;

(b) after discussion, select an offer, and award the subcontract;

(c) make no award.

7. Proposal preparation information

This solicitation does not commit NREL to pay costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this RFP. Proposal must be submitted electronically via email (NREL email size limitation is 25GB, a file sharing link may be provided if files are too large).

The proposal must include:

a. A title page, including the RFP title and number, name of your organization and Project

Manager (with postal address, telephone number(s), email address and System for Award Management Unique Entity ID (UEI) number).

b. Cover letter including either acceptance or change/exception with reason to:

a. Sample Subcontract

b. Statement of Work

c. Anticipated period of performance,

d. Standard terms and conditions (Appendix B-8H)

e. 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.

c. Technical proposal directed toward meeting the requirements of NREL’s Statement of Work and the technical acceptability requirements (see item 5 above). The technical proposal shall be a maximum of 20 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). 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.

d. A completed “Attachment 3 - Cost Proposal Form” in an electronic copy (converted to pdf). An individual offeror’s cost proposal standard format can be used if the data included is substantially the same as the NREL form. The offeror’s cost and delivery terms must be valid for 90 days from the date of the offer. The cost proposal should include support documentation for all categories of the proposed cost. The cost proposal should separate cost for lower-tier Subcontract(s) and include support

Reference Guide II-009, Exhibit A (Rev. 09/2020) Page 8 of 11 documentation for all categories of the proposed lower-tier Subcontract(s) cost. See the “Attachment 3 - Cost Proposal Form” for specific instructions.

e. A completed “Attachment 6 - Representations & Certifications for Subcontracts – July 2022” form.

f. EITHER the “Organizational Conflicts of Interest Representation Statement” OR the “Organizational Conflicts of Interest Disclosure Statement”, as applicable per the “Instructions for Completion of Organizational Conflicts of Interest Statement – Disclosure or Representation Statement” . The forms and instructions are located at the following link:

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

g. A completed “Attachment 4 - EMR Form-ESH Eval Worksheet” as well as the required Insurance Letter confirming EMR ratings over the past 3+ years in an electronic copy (converted to pdf).

h. If your organization is subject to a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), please submit a copy of the current CBA.

i. NREL requires that all subcontractors and vendors register in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to award of a subcontract or purchase order (PO) in all but a few rare exceptions. SAM is an official website of the U.S. government located at www.sam.gov. If your company or organization is not already registered in SAM, the registration process should be started as soon as possible as the registration process may take some time to complete. Registration on www.sam.gov is free, go to this website for instructions on how to complete the registration process. Additional guidance is also available from the Small Business Administration at:

https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/articles/Registering_on_SAM.pdf

8. Solicitation Provisions—full text provided

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 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.

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 #. 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 https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/articles/Registering_on_SAM.pdf

Reference Guide II-009, Exhibit A (Rev. 09/2020) Page 9 of 11 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. Notice of right to receive patent waiver (derived from DEAR 952.227-84) and technical data requirements.

Offerors (and their prospective lower-tier subcontractors) in accordance with applicable statutes and Department of Energy Acquisition Regulations, (derived from DEAR 952.227-84) have the right to request a waiver of all or any part of the rights of the United States in inventions conceived or first actually reduced to practice in performance of the subcontract that may be awarded as a result of this solicitation, in advance of or within thirty (30) days after the effective date of subcontracting. Even where such advance waiver is not requested or the request is denied, the subcontractor will have a continuing right during the subcontract to request a waiver of the rights of the United States in identified, individual inventions.

Domestic small business firms, educational institutions, and domestic nonprofit organizations normally will receive the clause: Patent Rights - Retention by the Subcontractor, which permits the offeror to retain title to subject inventions, except in subcontracts involving exceptional circumstances or intelligence activities. Therefore, domestic small business firms, educational institutions, and domestic nonprofit organizations normally need not request a waiver.

If an offeror’s proposal includes a lower-tier subcontract to another organization, that lower-tier organization's business type will determine the applicable intellectual property provisions that will apply to the lower-tier subcontract. Note that a lower-tier subcontractor may apply for a patent waiver under the same conditions as the offeror.

Under a research, development, and demonstration project, the Department of Energy and NREL are unable to ascertain, prior to receipt of offers or performance of the project, their actual needs for technical data. It is believed that the requirements contained herein are the basic needs of the Department of Energy and NREL.

However, if the offeror indicates in its proposal that proprietary data will be used or withheld under its proposed effort, the Department of Energy and NREL reserve the right to negotiate appropriate rights to the proprietary data. The appropriate rights may include "Limited Rights in Proprietary Data" and/or "Subcontractor Licensing."

Reference Guide II-009, Exhibit A (Rev. 09/2020) Page 10 of 11

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.

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.

h. Compliance with the Service Contract Labor Standard (Formerly Service

Contract Act of 1965) (AUG 2018)

i. Compliance with Buy American Act (derived from FAR 52.225-1 (May 2014)

9. Solicitation provisions

The following solicitation documents are attached:

▪ Attachment 1, Appendix A - Statement of Work dated 12/6/2022

▪ Attachment 2, Sample Subcontract Schedule - Labor Hour and Expenses

▪ Attachment 3, Cost Proposal Form

Reference Guide II-009, Exhibit A (Rev. 09/2020) Page 11 of 11

▪ Attachment 4, EMR Form-ESH Risk Eval Worksheet

▪ Attachment 5, SCA Wage Determination 2015-5419 Rev 23 dated 12/27/2022

▪ Attachment 6, Representations & Certifications for Subcontracts/Purchase Orders

10. 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-8H (4/30/2020)

NREL Attachment 6 - Representations and Certifications (7/14/2022) for Subcontracts

NREL Attachment 3 – Cost Proposal Form

NREL Attachment 4 “EMR Form-ESH Risk Eval Worksheet”

NREL Conflicts of Interest Forms

This solicitation incorporates one or more of the following wage determinations by reference with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. The following wage determination(s) can be downloaded from the Wage Determinations OnLine.gov website at http://www.wdol.gov/.

- SCA Wage Determination 2015-5419 Revision 23 dated 12/27/2022 (also found as Attachment 5 to the solicitation)

11. 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.

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

Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC Management and Operating Contractor for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Subcontract under DOE Prime Contract No.

DE-AC36-08GO28308

BETWEEN

Contracting Party: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden, CO 80401-3111

AND

This Agreement (including all executed modifications) contains the entire understanding between the parties, and there are no understandings or representations except those set forth or incorporated by reference herein. No subsequent modifications of this agreement shall be of any force or effect unless in writing signed by a duly authorized official of the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.

IN WITNESS WHEROF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date below.

ACCEPTED: COMPANY NAME AUTHORIZED: ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE

ENERGY, LLC

BY:

BY:

NAME:

NAME:

TITLE:

TITL…