October 1, 2026

To All Potential Respondents:

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

RFQ for Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrids and Other Clean Energy Technologies

Notice to Prospective Respondents

You are invited to review and respond to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ), entitled RFQ for Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrids and Other Clean Energy Technologies. In submitting your response, respondents shall comply with the instructions provided in this RFQ.

Please refer to the template agreements that are attached to this RFQ as they include the State’s General Terms and Conditions (GTC 610) and Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 307). Respondents shall review these template agreements as requirements to participate in this RFQ and submit questions in accordance with the prescribed instructions. By responding to this RFQ, respondents acknowledge the terms and conditions set forth in GTC 610 and indicate compliance with all requirements therein.

In the opinion of the Department of General Services, Office of Sustainability, Clean Energy Unit, this RFQ is complete and without need of explanation. However, if respondents have questions, or require clarifying information, the RFQ Administrator for this RFQ is:

Jordan Junio, RFQ Administrator Department of General Services

707 3rd Street, 3rd Floor West Sacramento, CA 95605-2811 jordan.junio@dgs.ca.gov, (279) 799-4508

The complete Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) package, as outlined in this RFQ, must be received by the RFQ Administrator by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (subject to change at the sole discretion of the State) at the address listed above.

All questions and requests for information shall be submitted in writing. Please note that no verbal information given will be binding upon the State unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum to this RFQ.

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State of Cal i forn ia • Governor Gavin Newsom Government Operat ions Agency

0BD E P A R T M E N T O F G E N E R A L S E R V I C E S

Executive Office – Office of Sustainability 707 Third Street West Sacramento, CA 95605 www.dgs.ca.gov mailto:jordan.junio@dgs.ca.gov http://www.dgs.ca.gov/

RFQ for Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

Cover Sheet Table of Contents

A) Purpose Introduction Creation of a Pool of Qualified Energy Service Providers Qualified Vendors Pool Refresh Cycle

B) Scope of Services

1) Required Services

2) Additional Related Services

C) Schedule of Events

1) Key Action Dates

2) Time Sensitive Requirements

D) RFQ Administrative Requirements Submission of RFQ Response General RFQ Administrative Requirements Insurance Requirements Confidential or Proprietary Respondent Information Notice Disposition of RFQ Responses Disclaimer

E) Mandatory Format of Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

1) Preparation

2) SOQ Format

3) SOQ Elements

F) SOQ Evaluation and Selection Criteria

1) Evaluation of Completeness

2) Verification of Submitted Information

3) Grading Format

G) Future RFP Requirements

1) Vendor Requirements for future RFP

H) Required Supplemental RFQ Response Documents Secretary of State Certificate Veracity Statement

Exhibits Exhibit A, Power Purchase Agreement Template Exhibit B, Site License Agreement Template Exhibit C, Darfur Contracting Act Certification

Attachments

1. RFQ Attachment 1, Class categories and Application Type Table

2. RFQ Attachment 2, Project Name & Class categories and Application Type List

A) PURPOSE

1) Introduction The California Department of General Services (DGS), Office of Sustainability, Clean Energy Unit is creating a pool of prequalified vendors capable of delivering Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and or other clean‑energy technologies through third‑party financing models.

Selected vendors will design, install, operate, and maintain these clean‑energy systems on State‑owned buildings, facilities, or other State‑owned real property. Projects will be implemented under a long‑term, twenty-to-twenty-five-year (20 to 25) Site Lease Agreement (SLA) and a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Under this contracting structure, vendors shall finance, own, operate, and maintain the systems to generate, deliver, or store electricity on behalf of State departments and agencies, which will purchase the energy produced by the systems.

2) Creation of Pool of Qualified Energy Service Providers The purpose of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to solicit responses from interested vendors that will result in the establishment of a pool of Qualified Energy Service Providers (as a vendor) to provide electrical energy services to State buildings or facilities from Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies. The members of the Qualified Vendors Pool will then be invited to submit responses to subsequent Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the installation of Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies at various state facilities.

The Qualified Vendors Pool is being established pursuant to Public Utility Code section 388 and will be managed by the Department of General Services (DGS) Clean Energy Unit (CEU). The evaluation and selection criteria shall be compliant with CPUC Section 388. to ensure that any vendor selected for a project shall have the capacity, resources, expertise, relevant experience, and financial ability to provide the services required for implementing Microgrid, Solar, Battery Storage, Energy Generating System Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies for the State of California.

It is the intent of the CEU to provide State departments and agencies (referenced as HOSTS) with opportunities to install Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies in order to contribute to the achievement of the State’s goals pertaining to renewable and clean energy generation and procurement and other State policy goals and objectives related to legislation such as AB 32 and executive order B-18-12, and SB 1020. The primary feature of the CEU RFPs is that the Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies are installed with no upfront capital requirements from participating State departments and agencies. The respondents will be required to finance, own, operate, maintain, and produce electricity for HOST to consume and purchase at a fixed price for a 20-to-25-year term.

3) Qualified Vendors Pool (QVP) Cycle The Qualified Vendors Pool will be valid for up to two years and will be re-established at least every two years as required by Public Utility Code 388.

The Department of General Services, Office of Sustainability, Clean Energy Unit, maintains the RFQ validity on continuous basis and accepts Statement of Qualification (SOQ) packages to re-establish the QVP every two years. Evaluations of received SOQ begin six (6) months prior to the expiration of existing QVP.

B) SCOPE OF SERVICES

1) Required Services Through the issuance of future RFPs, interested members of the Qualified Vendors Pool may be asked to submit responses that propose to do the following:

• Secure financing in the amount necessary to install the proposed Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies.

• Design and engineer the proposed Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies per all applicable California Building Codes, National Building Codes, Minimum Technical and Installation Specifications as required by the State and any other requirement by relevant authorities having jurisdiction.

• Construct and install the Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies and associated equipment as required following General Installation Requirements as issued by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in the RFP.

• Own, operate, and maintain the Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies for the entire 20-to-25-year term of the SLA and the energy service agreement.

• Electrical output from Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies to be sold under a long-term energy service agreement to the Host facility and/or Department at the awarded price, providing operations and maintenance and performance guarantee for SLA and PPA term.

Project awards will include a non-exclusive license to use a portion of the State-owned facility for the sole purpose of performing site assessments, utility interconnection, CEQA, designing, engineering, procuring, constructing, operating, and maintaining the system per the Site License Agreement and the selling the output to the Host per the Power Purchase Agreement. The SLA and PPA together constitute the contractual agreement for Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies. SLA and PPA templates are provided in this RFQ for informational purposes only. The State reserves the right to modify the SLA and PPA templates and add new contract agreements as each RFP is issued.

It is anticipated that the requested form of pricing in future RFPs for the Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies under an SLA and PPA scheme will be a fixed price rate in cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for each kWh delivered to and metered at the electrical interconnection point over the term of the SLA and PPA agreements. Pricing for generated energy should include Environmental Attributes, including the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), which shall become the property of HOST and/or subject to the terms outlined in the SLA. Respondents shall refer to the SLA and PPA agreement template for further information regarding the potential treatment of RECs in future RFPs.

RFPs will be limited to an SLA and PPA for Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies for a specified facility and HOST. The systems may range in size with three (3) different categories of class (Class 1, under 0.50 MW, Class 2, 0.51 MW to 10.0 MW, and Class 3, over 10.0 MW) as required by the RFP for each specific facility. The electrical interconnection voltage ranges will vary depending on the size of project and the respondents will be responsible for securing the applicable interconnection agreements with all utility providers including CAISO (when applicable). Respondents shall be experienced in applying for interconnection agreements, designing, and implementing electrical interconnection requirements in a variety of situations common for each of the system Technologies, Service Size, and Class Categories for which they wish to qualify.

To be included in the Qualified Vendors Pool, respondents shall meet the qualification requirements listed in Section E of this RFQ (following the Mandatory Format of the Statement of Qualifications) for Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies for which they wish to be qualified.

All Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies are categorized by Size and/or Class, which are defined based on their alternating current (AC) generation capabilities. These systems are designed to be interconnected either behind or ahead of the Host customer meter, providing flexibility in deployment and integration with existing infrastructure.

Respondents have the option to qualify for multiple Application Types, Sizes, and Classes when submitting responses to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ). This approach allows for broader participation and ensures that vendors can demonstrate their expertise across various system sizes and configurations.

For further details on Application Types and Class selection criteria, please refer to Attachments 1 and 2 as referenced in the RFQ.

Future RFPs will establish response requirements based on a proposed-provide Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies project size, and may direct the solicitation to only one or more than one System Size or Class categories.

2) Additional Related Services Respondents to this RFQ will be required to provide the following additional services:

• Initiate, manage and administer all utility service requirements in applying for incentives and electrical interconnections.

• Provide system metering and monitoring as a part of the Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies installation and make this data and information available to the State through a secure website and the data portal shall be maintained by vendor.

• Establish billing services as required in the specific RFPs for the entire term of the SLA and PPA Agreements.

Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies projects that are awarded through future RFPs submitted to the Qualified Vendors Pool shall meet all applicable standards and requirements as regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. Respondents shall be familiar and knowledgeable of such programs for public utilities and municipalities.

C) SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

1) Key Action Dates

Listed below are key RFQ events with the dates and times by which each event or action shall be taken or completed. The State reserves the right to change this schedule and/or events and actions at any time during the RFQ period. Any changes will be made and notified by issuing and posting addenda to this RFQ on Cal-eProcure.

EVENT DATE / TIME

Release of RFQ 10/07/2026 by 5:00PM

Written Question Submittal Deadline 11/12/2026 by 5:00PM

Release of Question-and-Answer Set 11/23/2026 by 5:00PM

Final Date for Submission of Responses (SOQ) 12/23/2026 by 5:00PM

Notice of Intent to finalize the Qualified Vendors Pool of Energy Service Providers 01/13/2027 by 5:00PM

Notification of final Qualified Vendors Pool 01/27/2027 by 5:00PM

All times are reflected in Pacific Standard Time. Based on the nature of this RFQ the State has determined that a pre-submittal conference is not necessary and as such will not be held. Interested firms who have questions regarding this RFQ shall submit questions in writing to the RFQ Administrator listed on the Cover Sheet of this RFQ on or before November 12, 2026, by 5:00 PM.

Responses to the questions will be posted on Cal-eProcure in the form of an addendum. RFQ respondents are encouraged to check this website regularly. No other communication of questions and answers will be made.

2) Time Sensitive Requirements

Respondents should note that, in addition to meeting all requirements necessary for acceptance into the Qualified Vendor Pool, additional conditions must be satisfied before any subsequent agreements may be signed or executed. These conditions will be detailed in future Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

All respondents to this RFQ are expected to review and be familiar with the requirements outlined in Section G: Future RFP Requirements.

D) RFQ ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

1) Submission of RFQ Response

All RFQ Responses shall be submitted under sealed cover and sent to the Department of General Services, Clean Energy Unit, by the dates and times established in Section C, Schedule of Events, Section 1) Key Action Dates, above. RFQ Responses not submitted under sealed cover may be rejected. A minimum of two (2) copies, one (1) unbound original plus one (1) bound copies, and one

(1) electronic copy via CD-ROM, DVD or Flash drive of the RFQ Response in searchable text format (e.g., Word, searchable PDF) shall be delivered. The sealed package shall be plainly marked with the RFQ title, “Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies” shall show the firm name and address, and shall be marked with “DO NOT OPEN”, as shown in the following example:

Attention: Jordan Junio, RFQ Administrator Department of General Services

707 Third Street, MS 508 West Sacramento, CA 95605-2811

DO NOT OPEN

2) General RFQ Administrative Requirements

A) Any questions, interpretations or clarifications, either administrative or technical, about this RFQ shall be requested in writing no later than the date and time indicated in Section C, Key Action Dates. All written questions should be submitted via email to the RFQ Administrator, which shall be collected and published. Oral statements concerning the meaning or intent of the contents of this RFQ by any person shall not be binding.

B) All RFQ Responses shall include the documents identified in Section E, Mandatory Format of Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). RFQ Responses without the required documents shall be deemed non-responsive. A non-responsive RFQ submittal is one that does not meet the basic RFQ Response requirements and may be rejected.

1) An RFQ Response may be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete, or if it contains any alterations of form or other irregularities of any kind. The State may reject any or all RFQ Responses and may waive an immaterial deviation in a RFQ Response. A material deviation is one that is not in substantial accord with a mandatory requirement, provides a bidder with an advantage over other bidders, or has a potentially significant effect on the scope of work solicited. The State’s waiver of an immaterial deviation shall in no way modify the RFQ document or excuse the respondent from full compliance with all requirements if selected as a member of the Qualified Vendors Pool of Solar Energy Service Providers.

2) In the event all RFQ Responses are rejected, or the State determines alternative solutions are in its best interest, the State may cancel this solicitation and pursue alternative sourcing options. The State is not required to approve membership of the Qualified Vendors Pool or pool of Energy Service Providers.

3) Costs incurred for developing RFQ Responses and in anticipation of membership in the Qualified Vendors Pool are entirely the responsibility of the respondent and shall not be charged to the State of California.

4) A respondent may modify a RFQ Response after its submission only by withdrawing its original RFQ Response and resubmitting a new RFQ Response prior to the RFQ Response submission deadline. Respondent modifications offered in any other manner, oral or written, will not be considered.

5) A respondent may withdraw its RFQ Response by submitting a written withdrawal request to the State, signed by the respondent or an authorized agent. A respondent may thereafter submit a new RFQ Response prior to the RFQ Response submission deadline. RFQ Responses may not be withdrawn without cause, after the RFQ Response submission deadline.

6) The State may modify the RFQ prior to the date fixed for submission of RFQ Responses by posting modifications on Cal-eProcure and by the issuance of a written addendum posted to the Cal-eProcure website. Addenda will be numbered consecutively.

7) Clarifications may be requested from the bidder at any phase of the evaluation process for the purpose of clarifying minor ambiguities in the information presented in the proposal.

8) The State reserves the right to reject, at the State’s sole discretion, any RFQ Response made pursuant to this RFQ if the evidence submitted by such responding firm fails to satisfy the State that such responding firm is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the Service Agreements and to implement the work specified.

9) The State does not accept alternate contract language from a prospective contractor.

An RFQ Response with such language will be considered a counter proposal and will be rejected. The State’s General Terms and Conditions (GTC) are not negotiable.

10) If selected as a qualified responding firm, the responding firm shall not issue without prior written consent from the Contract Administrator any news releases or other statements pertaining to selection or membership in the Qualified Vendors Pool, including those which state or imply DGS endorsement of responding firm’s services.

11) This solicitation does not oblige the DGS to enter into any agreement.

3) Insurance Requirements When performing work on any property in the care, custody, or control of the State, respondents should be aware that the Contractor shall maintain all commercial general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and any other insurance the State deems appropriate and necessary for pursuing contracts with the CEU. Respondents should familiarize themselves with the State insurance requirements listed in the Site License Agreement Template (see SLA Section 9) when providing the requested insurance information in future RFPs. The State reserves the right to change the insurance requirements in future RFPs.

4) Confidential or Proprietary Respondent Information

Any confidential or proprietary information submitted by respondents shall not be reviewed by State, nor shall State recognize such information as confidential or proprietary. RFQ Responses are public upon opening and shall be available for viewing by the public. After the Notice of Intent to Finalize the Qualified Vendors Pool of qualified Energy Service Providers is published in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.).

5) Notice

Notice of Intent to Finalize the Pool of QVP will be posted in a public place at the offices of the Department of General Services as well as posted to Cal-eProcure at least five (5) working days prior to issuing Notification of Final Qualified Vendors Pool. Notices will also be sent to all respondents regarding their membership in the Qualified Vendors Pool.

6) Disposition of RFQ Responses

All RFQ Responses become the property of DGS upon submission. The DGS reserves the right to make use of any information or ideas contained in the RFQ Response. RFQ Responses may be returned upon respondent’s request and at the respondent’s expense.

One (1) copy will be retained for official files. RFQ Responses and any other information that is currently or may become available as an outcome of the RFQ process may be used by the DGS to structure a future RFQ or other solicitation.

7) Disclaimer This RFQ Response includes a Respondent’s Checklist in Section H, Required RFQ

Response Items. The State makes no warranty that this checklist is a full comprehensive listing of every requirement specified in the solicitation. Checking off the items on the checklist does not establish your firm’s intent nor does it constitute responsiveness to the requirement(s). This checklist is only a tool to assist participating respondents in compiling their final RFQ Response. Respondents are encouraged to carefully read the entire solicitation. The need to verify all documentation and responses prior to the submission of RFQ Responses cannot be overemphasized.

E) MANDATORY FORMAT OF STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ)

1) Preparation

The RFQ Response shall be prepared in such a way as to provide a straightforward, concise delineation of capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this RFQ. The RFQ Response shall emphasize the respondent’s demonstrated capability to perform work of the type described in this RFQ.

Expensive bindings, colored displays, promotional materials, etc., are not necessary or desired. However, technical literature describing the proposed services and extent of support included in the response should be forwarded as part of the response. Emphasis should be on completeness and clarity of content.

If the respondent is represented by a team, a team member that demonstrates the requisite qualification or experience as required by the Statement of Qualifications (SOQs) will be deemed to establish the requisite qualification or experience of the team for the purposes of the SOQ and RFQ Response.

2) SOQ Format

All submittals must follow the mandatory format outlined below. Responses should be concise while fully addressing all requested information. The original SOQ shall be submitted unbound. Copies of the SOQ shall be prepared on 8.5” x 11” paper, organized with tabs, and bound using either spiral binding or a 3-ring binder. Oversized pages or foldouts are discouraged unless essential to the content.

The SOQ submittal shall be organized as follows:

• Cover Letter (signed)

• Table of Contents

• Section 1: Respondent/Team Organization

• Section 2: System Design and Engineering Experience

• Section 3: Installation Qualifications and Experience

• Section 4: Project Management, Implementation and Delivery Experience

• Section 5: Energy Service Monitoring and Billing Experience

• Section 6: Project Financing Experience

• Section 7: Financial/Business Strength

• Section 8: Client/Customer Reputation

• Secretary of State Certification

• Veracity Statement

• RFQ Attachment 1

• RFQ Attachment 2

The SOQ submittal shall be minimally divided into the individual sections listed above, indexed, and tabbed. The following sections summarize the mandatory SOQ elements. For a description of how the State will evaluate these SOQ elements, see Section F, SOQ Evaluation and Selection Criteria.

Respondents shall tailor their SOQ information to the corresponding Application Type and Class categories selected by the respondent for each SOQ section listed below. For example, if Respondent has chosen to provide Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies for all three Size and Class categories and Application Types, then the information provided for each SOQ section shall include the required information relating to Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies. Evaluation of the SOQ submitted by Respondent will include confirmation that the information provided corresponds to the System Class categories and Application Types selected by Respondent. Failure of Respondent to correlate SOQ information provided to the selected category Class and application may result in declaring the RFQ Response to be non-responsive and respondent to be disqualified.

3) SOQ Elements

Cover Letter All respondents are required to submit a signed cover letter to be attached to the front of their RFQ Response document. The signature on the cover letter shall be from the lead respondent or a duly authorized party representing the respondent. The cover letter shall include the following information:

• Name of the RFQ for which the response is submitted “RFQ for Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies”.

• Name, address and phone number of respondents

• Name, phone number and email address of contact person

• Date submitted

The cover letter shall include the following statement:

“We have carefully read and understand all the provisions in this RFQ and agree to be bound by them. We have also carefully read and reviewed the terms and conditions as stated in the SLA and SPPA templates, as attached to the RFQ, and, that by submitting a response understand that these documents represent the typical agreements that we will be expected to execute if we are successfully awarded projects through the Department of General Services Clean Energy Unit.”

No deviations or exceptions to this statement shall be accepted or permitted.

The respondent shall also declare in the cover letter their intent to provide Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies for any or all of the three categories (Class 1= under 0.50 MW, Class 2,= 0.51 MW to 10.0 MW, and Class 3 over

10.0 MW), and application types Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies listed in RFQ Section B, Scope of Services. Respondent may select one or more than one of the system category and application type. Respondents are reminded that in developing their responses to the SOQ the information provided must clearly delineate qualifications and experience in each selected category and application type.

Table of Contents All submittal contents shall be listed in the order required as per the SOQ Format above.

SOQ Section 1: Respondent/Team Organization Team members identified in this Section shall have experience or technical expertise which will help respondents meet minimum standards of Section 2 through Section 8 of this RFQ. Each respondent shall provide information and an explanation of the respondent’s and/or respondent’s team organizational structure, as applicable, (maximum 5 pages, plus specifically referenced resumes).

Lead Respondent and Contact Information Identify and name the lead respondent to this RFQ and provide his/her contact information.

The lead respondent shall also identify and name the entity that will sign all agreements with the State host facilities and/or Departments for any future awarded projects. Any change to respondent’s team after the close of this RFQ requires written notification of said change in the form of a veracity statement to be submitted with subsequent RFP.

Any notification outside participation in subsequent solicitations is not required.

Description of Respondent/Team Roles & Organization Chart Each respondent shall provide the following information regarding its company and team members or partners (as applicable):

1. Describe the nature of the respondent’s business classification (corporation, limited liability corporation, partnership, etc.).

2. Provide a list of offices where respondent conducts business, including location and services performed.

3. Provide names of team members, partners, major subcontractors and suppliers, and contact information for each.

4. Describe the roles, responsibilities and relationships of all team members.

Provide a brief description of each team member’s company history and how the relationship with the respondent or lead respondent was first established.

The response should include ownership Information and an explanation of any significant relationships between or among team member organizations.

5. Identify the eventual owner of the Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies that will be contractually obligated and responsible for operating and maintaining all projects awarded through future RFPs.

6. Provide resumes for key employees of the team members that will be responsible for developing and delivering projects. Include the engineers or engineering firm who will be listed as the engineer of records responsible for the design and engineering of project plans.

7. Include responsibilities for each of the following in list or organizational chart format:

• Contract management

• Design and engineering

• Equipment sourcing

• System integration

• Installation and construction

• Maintenance and operations

• Financing

• Capital source(s)

• Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies metering and billing

SOQ Section 2: System Design and Engineering Experience Each respondent shall provide a description and explanation of the respondents, and/or respondent team’s, design and engineering experience related to Solar, Wind, Battery

Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies. This section shall not exceed five (5) pages and shall address the following:

1. Respondents shall provide the total generating capacity (in kWh) and system rating (in kW) for all Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean-energy technologies that the respondent and/or respondent team has engineered and designed within the past five (5) years and that are currently in commercial operation. Information shall be organized by year installed, generation capacity category (Class), and application type, consistent with the classifications and types defined in RFQ Attachment 1. Emphasis should be placed on the respondent’s engineering and design experience for these systems.

2. Experience with engineering and designing electrical interconnection facilities for the purposes of electrically interconnecting Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies at various voltage levels in utility grid parallel operation. Provide an example (i.e. PDF of single line drawing).

3. Experience with engineering and designing energy metering and meter data solutions for both billing and data presentation purposes.

SOQ Section 3: Installation Qualifications and Experience Each respondent shall provide information and an explanation of the respondent’s and/or respondent’s team Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies construction/installation experience (maximum 5 pages), as follows:

1. Respondents shall provide the total generating capacity for all Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean-energy technologies that the respondent and/or respondent team has constructed and installed within the past five (5) years and that are currently in commercial operation. This information shall be organized by year installation, Size/Capacity category (Class), and application type. Emphasis should be placed on the respondent’s construction and installation experience.

SOQ Section 4: Project Management, Implementation and Delivery Experience Each respondent shall provide a detailed description of the respondent’s and/or respondent team’s project management, implementation, and delivery capabilities, capacity, and experience related to the installation of Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean-energy technologies contemplated under this RFQ. This section shall not exceed five (5) pages and shall address the following:

1. Respondent shall describe their engineering and design management capabilities and experience for all the Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies installed over the last five (5) years that are currently in commercial operation. Emphasis should be on the ability to manage the design and engineering of multiple projects (project management experience).

2. Respondent shall describe their construction and installation management capabilities and experience for all the Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies installed over the last five (5) years that are currently in commercial operation. Emphasis should be on the ability to manage the construction and installation of multiple projects (project delivery experience). Capabilities and experience should include all aspects from negotiating contracts and processing utility agreements and applications, to system commissioning and operations.

3. Respondent shall describe their capacity and experience to manage, construct and install multiple Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies projects simultaneously. Emphasis should be on respondent’s available resources or ability to secure necessary resources to deliver multiple projects of various sizes over a diverse geographic range (project delivery capacity and capabilities).

SOQ Section 5: Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies Generation, Monitoring, and Billing Experience

Each respondent shall provide a detailed description of the respondent’s and/or respondent team’s capabilities and experience in the generation, monitoring, and billing of Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean-energy technologies. This section shall not exceed five (5) pages and shall address the following:

1. Respondents shall describe their capabilities and experience in monitoring Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies performance, including diagnosing and tracking system performance over the Energy Service agreement term.

2. Respondents shall describe their capabilities and experience in maintaining Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies. Respondents shall also provide a plan that includes a description of the various maintenance and service activities, tasks, and schedules for Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies.

3. Respondent shall describe the system and method for billing a host customer. Respondents shall also describe the system and method for meeting the requirements to make interval and billing data and information available to the host site, as well as real-time access to system performance and data. Minimum requirement will be a web-based password protected system for customer access for Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies projects awarded through future RFPs.

Respondent shall provide examples of systems implemented for Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies currently under commercial operation.

4. Respondent shall demonstrate an understanding of utility tariffs and applicable regulations as they affect the installation and operation of grid parallel connected and operated Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies in California. Respondents shall also include how they monitor changes in both utility tariffs and applicable regulations as they affect Solar Energy Generating and/or Storage Systems in California.

SOQ Section 6: Project Financing Experience Each respondent shall provide information and an explanation of the respondent’s and/or respondent team’s Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies project financing capabilities and experience as follows:

1. All examples of financing experience must pertain to Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean-energy technologies that have become operational within the past five (5) years. Respondents shall identify and describe all Systems currently in commercial operation that are under the respondent’s management. For each Application Type and Class categories for which the respondent seeks consideration, the respondent shall describe the financing method utilized. Respondents must demonstrate the use of third-party financing for all projects within each Class category and Application Type for which they wish to be evaluated. Refer to Attachment 1 and Attachment 2 for definitions and classification.

SOQ Section 7: Financial/Business Strength Each respondent shall provide a detailed description of the respondent’s and/or respondent team’s financial and business strength. This section shall not exceed eight (8) pages, inclusive of all required letters and supporting documentation from the entities specified. The submittal shall address the following:

1) Respondents shall provide evidence demonstrating their ability to secure financing sufficient to cover the installation costs of Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean-energy technologies for each Class category and application type selected. This evidence shall be provided in the form of a commitment letter from the anticipated funding source(s) or financing partner(s). Each funding source must also demonstrate that it is a financially sound and creditworthy entity.

2) Respondents shall provide evidence of adequate bonding capacity to complete the installation of Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean-energy technologies as described in the Site License Agreement Template (see Section 7.6). This evidence shall be provided in the form of a letter from a bonding company licensed to conduct business in California and shall include the respondent’s bonding capacity and rating information.

3) Respondents shall provide evidence of their ability to meet the insurance requirements specified in the Site License Agreement Template (see Section 9). This shall be provided in the form of a letter from the respondent’s insurance provider.

4) Respondents shall provide evidence that they are a creditworthy company, registered and in good standing to conduct business in the State of California.

Respondents shall submit credit rating information from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, Fitch, Dun & Bradstreet, A.M. Best, or provide a detailed explanation if none of these ratings are available.

SOQ Section 8: Client/Customer Reputation (Reference RFQ Attachment 1) Each respondent shall provide a minimum of one (1) customer testimonial for each Class category and application type for which the respondent seeks consideration (see RFQ Attachment 1). Testimonials shall be submitted as signed and dated letters from customers for whom the respondent has financed and installed Solar and/or Energy Storage projects within the past five (5) years. A maximum of five (5) pages may be submitted per Class category and application type.

All testimonials must pertain to Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean-energy technologies that are currently in commercial operation. The State reserves the right to verify the validity and accuracy of all testimonials submitted. Each testimonial should include the following information:

• Name of the owner/host organization and the site address

• Capacity of the Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, or other clean-energy technologies (in kW AC), and power rating (in kW)

• Electrical interconnection voltage

• Primary component manufacturers

• Name of the financing, design and engineering, and installation firm or team

• Total installed cost

• Indication of whether utility incentives were utilized for the project

• Name, title, email address, and phone number of the customer/client representative who can address technical and contract-management questions regarding the project

Secretary of State Certification Respondents must submit a copy of the Certificate of Status issued by the California Secretary of State for respondent, and each team member. See Section H, Required Attachments.

Veracity Statement Respondents shall submit a Veracity Statement in the format provided in Section H, Required Attachments.

F) SOQ EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Each RFQ Response will be reviewed and evaluated by an RFQ Review Panel appointed by the CEU Program Manager and/or the RFQ Administrator.

1) Evaluation of Completeness Respondents shall refer to Section H of this RFQ for the list of required RFQ Response Items. All required items must be submitted for an RFQ Response to be deemed complete. The State reserves the right to request clarification of minor ambiguities from respondents.

2) Verification of Submitted Information RFQ Responses will be evaluated based solely on the materials submitted. The evaluation process may include verification of customer testimonials, respondent and team qualifications, financial information, and any other information deemed necessary by the RFQ Review Panel. RFQ Responses containing false or misleading statements, or references or information that do not substantiate the qualifications or experience claimed, shall be rejected.

3) Grading Format All RFQ Responses will be evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis. Respondents must receive a Pass on every RFQ Response Item to qualify. A rating of “Pass” indicates that the RFQ Review Panel has determined that the information submitted for that item satisfactorily meets the stated requirements. Notices of qualification for inclusion in the Qualified Vendors Pool will be issued to respondents who receive a “Pass” for all classifications associated with their submitted RFQ Response Items. The State reserves the right to reject any or all RFQ Responses and to cancel this RFQ at any time.

G) FUTURE RFP REQUIREMENTS

1) Vendor Requirements for future RFP Responses The vendor must have the required license(s) before submitting a bid on any future Request for

Proposal responses for a proposed project. The license(s) will serve as assurance that any price bid submittals have been vetted by individuals with the appropriate California licenses to do the required work.

Appropriate engineering and contractor’s licenses and certifications for the construction and installation of Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies on a commercial scale in California (e.g. professional architectural and engineering licenses, General Contractor, C-10, and other relevant licenses, for electrical work, etc.) are required.

The Contractor shall be an individual or firm licensed to do business in California and shall obtain at his/her expense all license(s) and certification(s) required by law for accomplishing any work required in connection with the Energy Service Agreements.

The following license(s) is required to participate and respond to future RFPs:

At a minimum, the installation contractor must have a C-10 Electrical Contractor or C-46

Solar Contractor license.

Any licensing or certification requirements as developed and required by the CEC for the receipt of California renewable projects incentives. These must include an active A (General Engineering Contractor, where applicable to unique projects), B (General Contractor), C-10 Electrical Contractor license, or a C-46 Solar Contractor license for photovoltaic systems.

For ground-mounted solar installations, a Class A or B license is required.

Any company that sub-contracts installation work to a C-10 or C-46 contractor must have a “A or B” license.

Any certification or license required for energy storage systems

All license and certification information provided needs to include expiration dates and demonstrate that the license holders are in good standing with the Contractors State License Board or California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

H) REQUIRED RFQ RESPONSE ITEMS

A complete RFQ Response shall include all mandatory items specified in this RFQ. Each submitted document will be evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis. A rating of “Pass” indicates that the respondent has provided the required item or document in the format and manner prescribed by this RFQ. For an RFQ Response to be deemed responsive, all required attachments must be fully completed and submitted as directed or otherwise specified in this RFQ.

1) Secretary of State Certificate

All Corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), and Limited Partnerships (LPs) must be registered with, and maintain an Active status in, the records of the California Secretary of State (SOS) to conduct business with the State. Respondents shall submit a copy of their Certificate of Status issued by the California Secretary of State as part of their RFQ Response.

The Certificate of Status may be obtained from the Secretary of State’s website at:

https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/information-requests/ https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/information-requests/

Your RFQ Response will be disqualified unless your RFQ Response includes the completed Secretary of State Certificate.

2) Darfur Contracting Act

All respondents shall include a signed Darfur Contracting Act Certification Form in their RFQ Response, as provided in this section. The Darfur Contracting Act Certification Form must be executed by an individual who is duly authorized to represent and bind the respondent.

Refer to exhibit C.

Your RFQ Response will be disqualified unless your RFQ Response includes the completed Darfur Contracting Act Certification form.

3) Veracity Statement All respondents shall include a signed Veracity Statement in their RFQ Response, as provided in this section. The Veracity Statement must be executed by an individual who is duly authorized to represent and bind the respondent.

Your RFQ Response will be disqualified unless your RFQ Response includes the completed Statement of Veracity form.

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Statement of Veracity

I certify under penalty of perjury that the information I have included and will include in response to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrids and Other Clean Energy Technologies is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

I further understand that any false, incomplete, or incorrect statements may result in my disqualification from participating in future RFPs for Solar, Wind, Battery Storage, Microgrid, and other clean‑energy technologies. I authorize the participating agents, team members and/or partners that represent me as a member of the Qualified Vendors Pool to release any information they may have to the State of California upon request concerning the submitted information in this RFP Response.

Signature

Printed Name

Title Date

EXHIBIT A

SAMPLE Power Purchase Agreement Template

See Cal-eProcure for this RFQ for a downloadable MSWord document.

EXHIBIT B

SAMPLE Site License Agreement Template

See Cal-eProcure for this RFQ for a downloadable MSWord document.

Exhibit C

DARFUR CONTRACTING ACT

Pursuant to Public Contract Code Sections 10475-10490, if a respondent or proposer currently or within the previous three years has had business activities or other operations outside of the United States, it must certify that it is not a “scrutinized” company as defined in Public Contract Code section 10476.

Therefore, to be eligible to submit an RFQ Response, please complete only one of the following three paragraphs and certification:

1. _____ We do not currently have, or we have not had within the previous three Initials years, business activities or other operations outside of the United States.

+ certification

OR

2. _____ We are a scrutinized company as defined in Public Contract Code

Initials Section 10476, but we have received written permission from the Department of + certification General Services (DGS) to submit a RFQ Response or proposal pursuant to Public

Contract Code section 10477(b). A copy of the written permission from DGS is included with our RFQ Response.

OR

3. _____ We currently have, or we have had within the previous three years, Initials business activities or other operations outside of the United States, but + certification we certify below that we are not a scrutinized company as defined in

Public Contract Code section 10476.

CERTIFICATION.

I, the official named below, CERTIFY UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY, that I am duly authorized to legally bind the prospective proposer/respondent to the clause listed above. This certification is made under the laws of the State of California.

Respondent Firm Name (Printed)

F…