Request for Proposal RFX-2026-10008 - 2026 Distributed Wind Turbine Competitiveness Improvement Project.pdf

NATIONAL LABORATORY OF THE ROCKIES

ACQUISITION SERVICES

Number Title Revision Date

OCFO-AS-4082 RFP - BV & LPTA 0 2/5/2026

National Laboratory of the Rockies Managed and Operated by the Alliance for Energy Innovation, LLC

Request for Proposals (RFP) Number RFX-2026-10008

“2026 Distributed Wind Turbine Competitiveness Improvement Project”

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY

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

BEST VALUE SELECTION

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

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

• Evaluated price (or cost)

Issue Date: 9/30/2026 Due Date: 11/13/2026 Time Due: 2:00 pm Mountain Time

Technical questions must be received in writing no later than 10/16/2026

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

1. Solicitation Type Best Value Selection

Firm Fixed Price with Price Participation, Subcontract

SUBMIT OFFERS TO AND REQUEST INFORMATION FROM THE NLR RFP CONTACT BELOW

2. NLR RFP Contact

Kyndall Jackson, Subcontract Administrator National Laboratory of the Rockies 15013 Denver West Parkway, MS: RSF030 Golden, CO 80401 Email: Kyndall.Jackson@nlr.gov

Electronic copies of forms and appendices can be found at:

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

Procurement Forms | NLR http://www.nlr.gov/workingwithus/standard-terms.html https://www.nlr.gov/workingwithus/forms.html

OCFO-AS-4082 RFP - BV & LPTA 2/5/2026

3. Project description:

The 2026 Distributed Wind Turbine Competitiveness Improvement Project (CIP) is comprised of thirteen (13) different topic areas, as specified in the Statement of Work (Attachment 1), dated September 14, 2026:

Wind turbine development topic areas

1. Prototype Design Development

2. Prototype Manufacture

3. Prototype Installation and Testing

4. Component Innovation

5. System Optimization

6. Small Turbine Certification and/or Listing

7. Type Certification and Listing

Power electronics development topic areas

8. Power Electronics Development

9. Power Electronics Pre-Testing

10. Power Electronics Listing

Topics areas common to turbine and power electronics development

11. Manufacturing Process Innovation

12. Technology Commercialization

13. Field Validation

4. Proposed subcontract award and period of performance

The Alliance for Energy Innovation, 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 Laboratory of the Rockies (hereinafter called “NLR”). All references to “NLR” in this solicitation shall mean the Alliance for Energy Innovation, LLC.

It is the intent of NLR to award Firm Fixed Price with Price Participation subcontract(s) under this solicitation.

The maximum award amounts and minimum price participation are as follows:

Topic Area Maximum Award Amount

Minimum Price Participation

1 Prototype Design Development Maximum $200,000 20%

2 Prototype Manufacture Maximum $800,000 50%

3 Prototype Installation and Testing Maximum $400,000 20%

4 Component Innovation Maximum $400,000 20%

5 System Optimization Maximum $400,000 20%

6 Small Turbine Certification and/or Listing Maximum $300,000 20%

7 Type Certification and Listing Maximum $800,000 20%

8 Power Electronics Development Maximum $400,000 20%

9 Power Electronics Pre-Testing Maximum $800,000 20%

10 Power Electronics Listing Maximum $800,000 20%

11 Manufacturing Process Innovation Maximum $800,000 50%

12 Technology Commercialization Maximum $200,000 20%

13 Field Validation Maximum $500,000 50%

Proposal submissions should address individual topic areas. Offerors may submit multiple proposals for multiple topic areas (parallel projects). Offerors may submit a phased, multi-topic area proposal including up to three (3) topic areas. Phased multi-topic proposals may be submitted, but the primary (first) topic must be completed in full, with additional topic areas included as distinct phases of work. Multi-topic area awards must include a go/no-go decision between project phases.

Component manufacturers must collaborate with at least one (1) turbine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and turbine OEMs may collaborate for generic parts or processes.

The anticipated period of performance (POP) is execution through twenty-one (21) months (per Topic Area for phased, multi-topic proposals). For the Field Validation topic area, the POP can extend beyond twenty-one (21) months if needed, up to a maximum of sixty (60) months.

Price participation is defined as a percentage of the total allowable and allocable costs under this subcontract, which may be met by contributions by the Offeror and/or by contributions from the Offeror’s lower-tier Offeror(s) or supplier(s) at no cost to NLR. All costs must be allowable and allocable under the terms of the Federal Acquisition Regulations and DOE Acquisitions Regulations. Note that legal services are typically an unallowable cost for NLR and should not be included as a cost element in proposals.

Offerors are encouraged to include any offeror-owned materials, supplies, or equipment in their price participation. Additionally, offerors are encouraged to cover new equipment, tooling and non-US based technical services as part of their price participation. For the Field Validation topic area, NLR funding should include items such as labor, crane costs, installation costs, interconnection, permitting, and foundations (which can potentially be equipment that can be abandoned in place). The Offeror’s price participation should include new equipment such as towers, turbines, power electronics, and sensitive equipment such as computers and communication hardware.

5. Mandatory Qualifications

To be considered a ‘responsive offeror’ the following minimum criteria must be met. These criteria are not evaluated but are instead ‘pass/fail’ criteria. NLR reserves the right to ask clarifying questions of the offerors as necessary in determining responsiveness to this RFP. Offerors’ proposals that do not meet the mandatory qualifications will not be evaluated or considered further for award under this solicitation.

Qualification # Qualification Submission Requirement

4.1 Offerors must provide evidence of incorporation in

the United States

W9 and Attachment No. 3 - Eligibility Verification

4.2 Primary output of the wind turbine will be

electrical power

Attachment No. 3 - Eligibility Verification

4.3 Work funded under this effort is expected to take

place in the United States or U.S. territories unless otherwise justified and approved.

Attachment No. 3 - Eligibility Verification

4.4 Turbine system hardware is all new, not

refurbished or remanufactured

Attachment No. 3 - Eligibility Verification

4.5 The offeror has all recent relevant certification and

design standards.

Attachment No. 3 - Eligibility Verification

6. Qualitative merit criteria for Best Value Selection

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

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

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

For offerors that meet the mandatory qualifications stated above, NLR will evaluate submitted proposals using the qualitative merit criteria stated below to determine which offer(s) represent the best value to NLR.

The Statement of Work in this RFP serves as NLR’s baseline requirements that must be met by each offer, unless specific justification is provided within the proposals for deviation from the Topic Area-specific Statement of Work, but the qualitative merit criteria provided below establish what NLR considers the technical factors valuable in an offer. These qualitative merit criteria are performance-based and permit selection of a higher priced offer that provides higher qualitative merit.

The following qualitative merit criteria will be used to determine the technical value of the offer in meeting the objectives of the solicitation. Subcriteria, if listed, are not individually weighted, but are factors in the overall weighting. The criteria are sorted by topic area. See section 10 below for category and proposal submission requirements.

6.1 Prototype Design Development

Criterion # Criterion Assigned Weight

(Points/105)

6.1.1 Technical approach and readiness 25

6.1.1a Detailed description of turbine system, including innovative turbine features unique to this design (including Attachment No. 5 - Turbine-Power Electronics Specifications).

6.1.1b Claims for improved performance or efficiency compared to existing products that are well supported by tests or physics-based analysis

6.1.1c Detailed description of turbine system development including modeling, analysis and any testing done to date

6.1.1d

Description of the work done to develop preliminary loads used as a basis for the preliminary design to demonstrate the likelihood of successful certification of the final product. If a validated simulation model was used, such as OpenFAST, this will be considered sufficient;

however, if a new, novel or proprietary model or approach was used, information must be included on the basis for the approach and the level of certainty

6.1.1e

Detailed description of challenges and uncertainties remaining before development of a prototype will be ready for testing (while prototype testing is not part of this offering, the result should be a product that is ready or nearly ready for prototype manufacture and testing)

6.1.2 Competitiveness and project budget 25

6.1.2a

Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), including how the technical approach articulates a path to a final competitive cost of energy of the proposed product for the market being considered (Attachment No. 4 - Figure of Merit - Cost of Energy; estimated costs should be based on expected production at volume)

6.1.2b Provide detailed descriptions of the innovations compared to existing products that will contribute to a competitive LCOE

6.1.2c Justification of proposed project costs relative to turbine size; proposed costs should be reasonable and clearly justified (see budget justification instructions in the Price Cost proposal form)

6.1.3 Impact on U.S. Market 25

6.1.3a Market development plan with details of business development challenges, timeline and expected steps demonstrating a full understanding of the process to develop an operating business in the U.S. market around the new turbine or component

6.1.3b Discussion of certification steps undertaken and the path to certification planned (while certification is not part of this offering, the end product should ultimately have a path to certification)

6.1.4 Team Qualifications 25

6.1.4a Description of company’s or principal’s recent and relevant experience in the U.S. distributed wind turbine market

6.1.4b

Qualifications of proposed project team members shall be described in relation to their responsibilities on the project, including resumes of key team members. Demonstrate that all required expertise is available whether direct employees, consultants, or will be obtained if the project is selected for award. If no one on the team has wind design experience, provide background on experience or expertise that qualifies them for the proposed effort. Resumes of all project team members should be included as attachments to the proposal and will not apply to the proposal page count limitation.

6.1.4c Letters of commitment for all defined subcontractors or partners that are defined within the project proposal

6.1.4d Demonstrate ability to execute previous projects, preferably turbine or product development projects. on time/on budget; provide reference information on previous project experience, including letters if available

6.1.5 Programmatic factors for evaluation (see section 6.14) 5

6.2 Prototype Manufacture

Criterion # Criterion

Assigned Weight

(Points/105)

6.2.1 Technical approach and readiness 25

6.2.1a Detailed description of turbine system (including Attachment 5) (including Attachment No. 5 - Turbine-Power Electronics Specifications)

6.2.1b Detailed description of turbine system design development including modeling, analysis and any testing done to date

6.2.1c Documentation of expected performance, efficiency, reduced life cycle cost and/or improved services compared to existing products that are well supported by evidence, such as tests or physics-based analysis

6.2.1d

Loads table consistent with the standards requirement and detailed description of the approach used to develop the loads. If a validated model was used, such as OpenFAST, this will be considered sufficient; however, if a new, novel or proprietary model or approach was used, information must be included on the basis for the approach and the level of certainty.

6.2.1e

Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), including how the technical approach articulates a path to a final competitive cost of energy of the proposed product (Attachment No. 4 - Figure of Merit - Cost of Energy; estimated costs should be based on expected production at volume)

6.2.2 Manufacturing Plan and Project budget 25

6.2.2a Detailed description of manufacturing plan including identification of vendors and development of manufacturing capability for components manufactured by the Offeror

6.2.2b Detailed description of the plans for certification and listing of the turbine including all major components that will be listed

6.2.2c

Justification of proposed project costs relative to turbine size; proposed costs should be reasonable and clearly justified including wherever possible quotes for component manufacturing or other engineering-based cost estimates. (see budget justification instructions in the Price Cost proposal form).

6.2.3 Impact on U.S. Market 25

6.2.3a Market development plan with details of business development challenges, timeline and expected steps demonstrating a full understanding of the process to develop an operating business in the U.S. market around the new turbine or component

6.2.3b Percent of U.S. based manufacturing for the final turbine system (including turbine, tower, and associated electronics)

6.2.3c Estimated U.S. installations in the first year after certification and Listing

6.2.4 Team Qualifications 25

6.2.4a Description of company’s or principal’s recent and relevant experience in the U.S.

distributed wind turbine market

6.2.4b

Qualifications of proposed project team members shall be described in relation to their responsibilities on the project, including resumes of key team members. Demonstrate that all required expertise is available whether direct employees, consultants, or will be obtained if the project is selected for award. If no one on the team has wind design experience, provide background on experience or expertise that qualifies them for the proposed effort. Resumes of all project team members should be included as attachments to the proposal and will not apply to the proposal page count limitation.

6.2.4c Letters of commitment for all defined subcontractors or partners that are defined within the project proposal

6.2.4d Demonstrate ability to execute previous projects, preferably turbine or product development projects on time/on budget; provide reference information on previous project experience, including letters if available

6.2.5 Programmatic factors for evaluation (see section 6.14) 5

6.3 Prototype Installation and Testing

Criterion # Criterion

Assigned Weight

(Points/105)

6.3.1 Technical approach and readiness 25

6.3.1a Detailed description of turbine system (including Attachment 5) (including Attachment No. 5 - Turbine-Power Electronics Specifications)

6.3.1b Detailed description of turbine system design development including modeling, analysis and any testing done to date

6.3.1c Detailed description of work remaining to have prototype ready for fabrication and to begin testing, including documentation of fabrication specifications

6.3.1d

Loads table consistent with the standards requirement and detailed description of the approach used to develop the loads. If a validated model was used, such as OpenFAST, this will be considered sufficient; however, if a new, novel or proprietary model or approach was used, information must be included on the basis for the approach and the level of certainty

6.3.1e

Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), including how the technical approach articulates a path to a final competitive cost of energy of the proposed product (Attachment No. 4

- Figure of Merit - Cost of Energy; estimated costs should be based on expected production at volume)

6.3.2 Test Plan and Project budget 25

6.3.2a Detailed description of where prototype test will occur

6.3.2b Draft test plan and supporting documentation of what tests are being conducted

6.3.2c

Justification of proposed project costs relative to turbine size; proposed costs should be reasonable and clearly justified including installation and balance of system costs (foundation, interconnection, etc.) where available (see budget justification instructions in the Price Cost proposal form)

6.3.3 Impact on U.S. Market 25

6.3.3a Market development plan with details of business development challenges, timeline and expected steps demonstrating a full understanding of the process to develop an operating business in the U.S. market around the new turbine or component

6.3.3b Percent of U.S. based manufacturing for the final turbine system (including turbine, tower, and associated electronics)

6.3.3c Estimated U.S. installations in the first year after certification and Listing

6.3.4 Team Qualifications 25

6.3.4a Description of company’s or principal’s recent and relevant experience in the U.S.

distributed wind turbine market

6.3.4b

Qualifications of proposed project team members shall be described in relation to their responsibilities on the project, including resumes of key team members. Demonstrate that all required expertise is available whether direct employees, consultants, or will be obtained if the project is selected for award. If no one on the team has wind design experience, provide background on experience or expertise that qualifies them for the proposed effort. Resumes of all project team members should be included as attachments to the proposal and will not apply to the proposal page count limitation.

6.3.4c Letters of commitment for all defined subcontractors or partners that are defined within the project proposal

6.3.4d Demonstrate ability to execute previous projects, preferably turbine or product development projects. on time/on budget; provide reference information on previous project experience, including letters if available

6.3.5 Programmatic factors for evaluation (see section 6.14) 5

6.4 Component Innovation

# Criterion

Assigned Weight

(Points/105)

6.4.1 Technical approach and readiness 25

6.4.1a Detailed description of turbine system (including Attachment 5) (including Attachment No. 5 - Turbine-Power Electronics Specifications)

6.4.1b Description of the proposed innovation

6.4.1c Description of work done to date in preparation for proposed innovation

6.4.1d Modeling and analysis performed, such as aeroelastic simulations and finite element analysis

6.4.2 Improved Competitiveness and Project budget 25

6.4.2a Quantification of component innovation contribution to Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) reduction from initial system cost (Attachment No. 4 - Figure of Merit - Cost of Energy)

6.4.2b Quantification of component innovation to increased Annual Energy Production (AEP), if applicable

6.4.2c For projects that can be applied to multiple turbine systems, such as a common tower design, description of how the proposed component innovation addresses a critical need across the industry

6.4.2d For projects focused on new market applications, methodology and quantification of innovation compared to existing options

6.4.2e Justification of proposed project costs relative to turbine size; proposed costs should be reasonable and clearly justified (see budget justification instructions in the Price Cost proposal form)

6.4.3 Impact on U.S. Market 25

6.4.3a Soundness of product development plan to ensure turbine can be certified or re-certified for the U.S. market, including a description of sufficient resources for product testing and service

6.4.3b For projects focused on new market applications, analysis or description of how the innovation will address current market concerns and will provide positive benefits in those markets over incumbent technologies

6.4.3c Description of expected direct impact to the U.S. DW market resulting from a successful completion of this work through impacts such as expanded domestic manufacturing and being more competitive with other distributed energy resources

6.4.4 Team Qualifications 25

6.4.4a Description of company’s or principal’s recent and relevant experience in the U.S.

distributed wind turbine market

6.4.4b

Qualifications of proposed project team members shall be described in relation to their responsibilities on the project, including resumes of key team members. Demonstrate that all required expertise is available whether direct employees, consultants, or will be obtained if the project is selected for award. If no one on the team has wind design experience, provide background on experience or expertise that qualifies them for the proposed effort. Resumes of all project team members should be included as attachments to the proposal and will not apply to the proposal page count limitation.

6.4.4c Letters of commitment for all defined subcontractors or partners that are defined within the project proposal

6.4.4d Demonstrate ability to execute previous projects, preferably turbine or product development projects on time/on budget; provide reference information on previous project experience, including letters if available

6.4.5 Programmatic factors for evaluation (see section 6.14) 5

6.5 System Optimization

# Criterion

Assigned Weight

(Points/105)

6.5.1 Technical approach and readiness 25

6.5.1a Detailed description of turbine system (including Attachment 5) (including Attachment No. 5 - Turbine-Power Electronics Specifications)

6.5.1b Description of proposed system optimization

6.5.1c Description of work done to date in preparation for proposed optimization

6.5.1d Description of expected outcome of system optimization, including metrics proposed for evaluating turbine system before and after the optimizations are implemented

6.5.2 Improved Competitiveness and project budget 25

6.5.2a Quantification of system optimization contribution to system cost and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) reduction from initial system cost (Attachment No. 4 - Figure of Merit

- Cost of Energy)

6.5.2b Quantification of system optimization to increased Annual Energy Production (AEP), if applicable

6.5.2c Justification of proposed project costs relative to turbine size; proposed costs should be reasonable and clearly justified (see budget justification instructions in the Price Cost proposal form)

6.5.3 Impact on U.S. Market 25

6.5.3a Soundness of product development plan to ensure turbine can be certified or re-certified for the U.S. market, including a description of sufficient resources for product testing and service

6.5.3b Description of expected direct impact to the U.S. DW market resulting from a successful completion of this work through impacts such as expanded domestic manufacturing and being more competitive with other distributed energy resources

6.5.4 Team Qualifications 25

6.5.4a Description of company’s or principal’s recent and relevant experience in the U.S.

distributed wind turbine market

6.5.4b

Qualifications of proposed project team members shall be described in relation to their responsibilities on the project, including resumes of key team members. Demonstrate that all required expertise is available whether direct employees, consultants, or will be obtained if the project is selected for award. If no one on the team has wind design experience, provide background on experience or expertise that qualifies them for the proposed effort. Resumes of all project team members should be included as attachments to the proposal and will not apply to the proposal page count limitation.

6.5.4c Letters of commitment for all defined subcontractors or partners that are defined within the project proposal.

6.5.4d Demonstrate ability to execute previous projects, preferably turbine or product development projects on time/on budget; provide reference information on previous project experience, including letters if available

6.5.5 Programmatic factors for evaluation (see section 6.14) 5

6.6 Small Turbine Certification and/or Listing

# Criterion

Assigned Weight

(Points/105)

6.6.1 Technical approach and readiness 25

6.6.1a Detailed description of turbine system and tower options (including Attachment No. 5

- Turbine-Power Electronics Specifications)

6.6.1b Turbine system cost (including turbine, tower, and associated electronics)

6.6.1c Preliminary power curve and estimated Annual Energy Production with 6 m/s average wind speed at 30 meters and a Rayleigh distribution

6.6.1d

Evidence that the turbine is ready for certification testing such as a history of deployment or prototype testing that demonstrates reliable operation and functional testing of the safety systems. Evidence that the turbine is ready for Listing such as a list of components that are Listed and components that are not with notes on the Listing standard for each component that is not already Listed, if applicable

6.6.1e Provide turbine certification and/or listing plan, including budget and schedule

6.6.1f Provide a preliminary loads report consistent with what is required for the certification sought. Document must include a synopsis of derivation approach

6.6.1g

Ability to deliver test turbine system to test site within sixty (60) days of subcontract execution (indicate in proposal if more time is needed and why) and ability to deliver documents and samples to Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) to start Listing process within sixty (60) days

6.6.1h Evidence that the turbine testing can be completed at the testing facility within twenty-one (21) months from subcontract execution; his evidence may include site wind speed distribution and past testing performed at the site

6.6.2 Turbine installation and service provisions; Project budget 25

6.6.2a

Plan for providing surveillance of turbines to meet certification requirements. Plans for more extensive data collection and analysis are strongly encouraged; this is an opportunity to obtain field data from initial deployments with minimum additional cost and effort

6.6.2b Turbine operations and maintenance requirements and costs

6.6.2c Warranty, including coverage length and content (parts/labor/travel/exclusions)

6.6.2d Number of U.S. dealers/installers

6.6.2e Demonstrates capability to provide support through the life of the turbine system, including warranty reserve

6.6.2f Justification of proposed project costs relative to turbine size; proposed costs should be reasonable and clearly justified (see budget justification instructions in the Price Cost proposal form)

6.6.3 Impact on U.S. Market 25

6.6.3a Provide Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) (Attachment No. 4 - Figure of Merit - Cost of Energy)

6.6.3b Current and expected annual sales (U.S. and export) and manufacturing location(s) and capacity

6.6.3c Number of turbine systems currently installed (domestically and internationally)

6.6.3d Soundness of the production plan to ensure the turbine is ready for the U.S. market

6.6.3e Percent of U.S. based manufacturing for the final turbine system (including turbine, tower, and associated electronics)

6.6.3f Description of expected direct impact to the U.S. DW market resulting from a successful completion of this work through impacts such as expanded domestic manufacturing and being more competitive with other distributed energy resources

6.6.4 Team Qualifications 25

6.6.4a Description of company’s or principal’s recent and relevant experience in the U.S.

distributed wind turbine market

6.6.4b

Qualifications of proposed project team members shall be described in relation to their responsibilities on the project, including resumes of key team members. Demonstrate that all required expertise is available whether direct employees, consultants, or will be obtained if the project is selected for award. If no one on the team has wind design experience, provide background on experience or expertise that qualifies them for the proposed effort. Resumes of all project team members should be included as attachments to the proposal and will not apply to the proposal page count limitation.

6.6.4c Letters of commitment for all defined subcontractors or partners that are defined within the project proposal

6.6.4d Demonstrate ability to execute previous projects, preferably turbine or product development projects on time/on budget; provide reference information on previous project experience, including letters if available

6.6.5 Programmatic factors for evaluation (see section 6.14) 5

6.7 Type Certification and Listing

# Criterion

Assigned Weight

(Points/105)

6.7.1 Technical approach and readiness 25

6.7.1a Detailed description of turbine system and tower options (including Attachment No. 5

- Turbine-Power Electronics Specifications)

6.7.1b Turbine system cost (including turbine, tower, and associated electronics)

6.7.1c Preliminary power curve and estimated Annual Energy Production with 6 m/s average wind speed at 30 meters and a Rayleigh distribution

6.7.1d

Evidence that the turbine is ready for type certification testing such as a history of deployment or prototype testing that demonstrates reliable operation and functional testing of the safety systems. Evidence that the turbine is ready for listing such as a list of components that are Listed and components that are not with notes on the Listing standard for each component that is not already listed, if applicable

6.7.1e Provide turbine certification and/or listing plan, including budget and schedule

6.7.1f Provide a preliminary loads report consistent with what is required for the certification sought; document must include a synopsis of derivation approach

6.7.1g

Ability to deliver test turbine system to test site within sixty (60) days of subcontract execution (indicate in proposal if more time is needed and why) and ability to deliver documents and samples to Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) to start Listing process within sixty (60) days

6.7.1h Evidence that the turbine testing can be completed at the testing facility within twenty-one (21) months from subcontract execution; his evidence may include site wind speed distribution and past testing performed at the site

6.7.2 Turbine installation and service provisions; Project budget 25

6.7.2a Plan for providing monitoring of installed turbines

6.7.2b Turbine operations and maintenance requirements and costs

6.7.2c Warranty, including coverage length and content (parts/labor/travel/exclusions).

6.7.2d Number of U.S. dealers/installers

6.7.2e Demonstrates capability to provide support through the life of the turbine system, including warranty reserve

6.7.2f Justification of proposed project costs relative to turbine size; proposed costs should be reasonable and clearly justified (see budget justification instructions in the Price Cost proposal form)

6.7.3 Impact on U.S. Market 25

6.7.3a Provide Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) (Attachment No. 4 - Figure of Merit - Cost of Energy)

6.7.3b Current and expected annual sales (U.S. and export) and manufacturing location(s) and capacity

6.7.3c Number of turbine systems currently installed (domestically and internationally)

6.7.3d Soundness of the production plan to ensure the turbine is ready for the U.S. market

6.7.3e Percent of U.S. based manufacturing for the final turbine system (including turbine, tower, and associated electronics)

6.7.3f Description of expected direct impact to the U.S. DW market resulting from a successful completion of this work through impacts such as expanded domestic manufacturing and being more competitive with other distributed energy resources

6.7.4 Team Qualifications 25

6.7.4a Description of company’s or principal’s recent and relevant experience in the U.S.

distributed wind turbine market

6.7.4b

Qualifications of proposed project team members shall be described in relation to their responsibilities on the project, including resumes of key team members. Demonstrate that all required expertise is available whether direct employees, consultants, or will be obtained if the project is selected for award. If no one on the team has wind design experience, provide background on experience or expertise that qualifies them for the proposed effort. Resumes of all project team members should be included as attachments to the proposal and will not apply to the proposal page count limitation.

6.7.4c Letters of commitment for all defined subcontractors or partners that are defined within the project proposal

6.7.4d Demonstrate ability to execute previous projects, preferably turbine or product development projects, on time/on budget; provide reference information on previous project experience, including letters if available

6.7.5 Programmatic factors for evaluation (see section 6.14) 5

6.8 Power Electronics Development

# Criterion

Assigned Weight

(Points/105)

6.8.1 Technical approach and readiness 25

6.8.1a Detailed description of proposed power electronics (including Attachment No. 5 - Turbine-Power Electronics Specifications), intended use, and associated distributed wind turbine(s)

6.8.1b Comparison of power electronics to other options on the market in relation to characteristics such as functionality, manufacturing location, and cost

6.8.1c Identification of distributed wind turbine system(s) and application(s) in which the power electronics will be integrated

6.8.1d Existing/pending and desired listing(s) (e.g., UL1741-SB, UL 2941)

6.8.1e Description of design development efforts completed to date for the power electronics device, including modeling and simulation

6.8.2 Development plan and project budget 25

6.8.2a Provide design development plan, including budget and schedule, leading to a new or improved design of a power electronics device or component, to be used with a distributed wind turbine system

6.8.2b Summary of any modeling, simulation, or testing conducted on the proposed power electronics

6.8.2c Justification of proposed project costs relative to power electronics capacity and associated turbine size; proposed costs should be reasonable and clearly justified (see budget justification instructions in the Price Cost proposal form)

6.8.3 Impact on U.S. Market 25

6.8.3a Soundness of the commercialization and production plan to ensure the power electronics can be ready for the U.S. market

6.8.3b Percent of U.S. based manufacturing for the power electronics

6.8.3c Estimated U.S. installations in the first year after (eventual) Listing

6.8.3d Description of expected direct impact to the U.S. DW market resulting from a successful completion of this work through impacts such as expanded domestic manufacturing and being more competitive with other distributed energy resources

6.8.4 Team Qualifications 25

6.8.4a Description of company’s or principal’s recent and relevant experience in power electronics and the U.S. distributed wind turbine market

6.8.4b

Qualifications of proposed project team members shall be described in relation to their responsibilities on the project, including resumes of key team members. Demonstrate that all required expertise is available whether direct employees, consultants, or will be obtained if the project is selected for award. If no one on the team has distributed wind or power electronics experience, provide background on experience or expertise that qualifies them for the proposed effort. Resumes of all project team members should be included as attachments to the proposal and will not apply to the proposal page count limitation.

6.8.4c Letters of commitment for all defined subcontractors or partners that are defined within the project proposal

6.8.4d Demonstrate ability to execute previous projects, preferably power electronics development projects, on time/on budget; provide reference information on previous project experience, including letters if available

6.8.5 Programmatic factors for evaluation (see section 6.14) 5

6.9 Power Electronics Pre-Testing

# Criterion

Assigned Weight

(Points/105)

6.9.1 Technical approach and readiness 25

6.9.1a Detailed description of proposed power electronics (including Attachment No. 5 - Turbine-Power Electronics Specifications), intended use, and associated distributed wind turbine(s)

6.9.1b Comparison of power electronics to other options on the market in relation to characteristics such as functionality, manufacturing location, and cost

6.9.1c Identification of distributed wind turbine system(s) and application(s) in which the power electronics will be integrated

6.9.1d Existing/pending and desired listing(s) (e.g., UL1741-SB, UL 2941)

6.9.1e Description of design development efforts completed to date for the power electronics device, including modeling and simulation

6.9.2 Development and testing plan and project budget 25

6.9.2a Provide design development and testing plan, including budget and schedule, leading to a new or improved design of a power electronics device or component, to be used with a distributed wind turbine system

6.9.2b Summary of any modeling, simulation, or testing conducted on the proposed power electronics

6.9.2c Identification of software and hardware that will be used in the pre-testing process

6.9.2d

Justification of proposed project costs relative to power electronics capacity and associated turbine size; proposed costs should be reasonable and clearly justified (see budget justification instructions in the Price Cost proposal form) (including clarification of lab-based pretesting as technical assistance versus in-house testing)

6.9.3 Impact on U.S. Market 25

6.9.3a Soundness of the commercialization and production plan to ensure the power electronics can be ready for the U.S. market

6.9.3b Percent of U.S. based manufacturing for the power electronics

6.9.3c Estimated U.S. installations in the first year after (eventual) Listing

6.9.3d Description of expected direct impact to the U.S. DW market resulting from a successful completion of this work through impacts such as expanded domestic manufacturing and being more competitive with other distributed energy resources

6.9.4 Team Qualifications 25

6.9.4a Description of company’s or principal’s recent and relevant experience in power electronics and the U.S. distributed wind turbine market

6.9.4b

Qualifications of proposed project team members shall be described in relation to their responsibilities on the project, including resumes of key team members. Demonstrate that all required expertise is available whether direct employees, consultants, or will be obtained if the project is selected for award. If no one on the team has distributed wind or power electronics experience, provide background on experience or expertise that qualifies them for the proposed effort. Resumes of all project team members should be included as attachments to the proposal and will not apply to the proposal page count limitation.

6.9.4c Letters of commitment for all defined subcontractors or partners that are defined within the project proposal

6.9.4d Demonstrate ability to execute previous projects, preferably power electronics development projects, on time/on budget; provide reference information on previous project experience, including letters if available

6.9.5 Programmatic factors for evaluation (see section 6.14) 5

6.10 Power Electronics Listing

# Criterion

Assigned Weight

(Points/105)

6.10.1 Technical approach and readiness 25

6.10.1a Detailed description of power electronics (including Attachment No. 5 - Turbine-Power Electronics Specifications)

6.10.1b Comparison of power electronics to other options on the market in relation to characteristics such as size, functionality, manufacturing location, and cost

6.10.1c Warranty, including coverage length and content (parts/labor/travel/exclusions)

6.10.1d Number of power electronics systems currently installed (domestically and internationally)

6.10.1e Existing/pending and desired listing(s) (e.g., UL1741-SB, UL 2941)

6.10.1f Capabilities to provide support for the power electronics through the life of the associated turbine system, including warranty reserve

6.10.1g Evidence that the power electronics device is ready for listing such as a history of deployment or preferably testing that demonstrates reliable operation and functionality

6.10.2 Listing plan and project budget 25

6.10.2a Provide listing plan, including budget and schedule, and potential NRTL(s) that can offer the service

6.10.2b Summary of any testing conducted on power electronics

6.10.2c Summary of required efforts to perform upgrades for the intended listing (e.g., programming needed to upgrade from UL1741 to UL1741-SB functionality)

6.10.2d Ability to deliver documents and samples to Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) to start listing process within ninety (90) days

6.10.2e Evidence that the power electronics testing and listing can be completed within twenty-one (21) months from subcontract execution

6.10.2f Justification of proposed project costs relative to power electronics capacity and associated turbine size; proposed costs should be reasonable and clearly justified (see budget justification instructions in the Price Cost proposal form)

6.10.3 Impact on U.S. Market 25

6.10.3a Soundness of the production plan to ensure the power electronics are ready for the U.S. market

6.10.3b Percent of U.S. based manufacturing for the power

6.10.3c Estimated U.S. installations in the first year after Listing

6.10.3d Description of expected direct impact to the U.S. DW market resulting from a successful completion of this work through impacts such as expanded domestic manufacturing and being more competitive with other distributed energy resources

6.10.4 Team Qualifications 25

6.10.4a Description of company’s or principal’s recent and relevant experience in power electronics and the U.S. distributed wind turbine market

6.10.4b

Qualifications of proposed project team members shall be described in relation to their responsibilities on the project, including resumes of key team members. Demonstrate that all required expertise is available whether direct employees, consultants, or will be obtained if the project is selected for award. If no one on the team has distributed wind or power electronics experience, provide background on experience or expertise that qualifies them for the proposed effort. Resumes of all project team members should be included as attachments to the proposal and will not apply to the proposal page count limitation.

6.10.4c Letters of commitment for all defined subcontractors or partners that are defined within the project proposal

6.10.4d Demonstrate ability to execute previous projects, preferably power electronics development projects, on time/on budget; provide reference information on previous project experience, including letters if available

6.10.5 Programmatic factors for evaluation (see section 6.14) 5

6.11 Manufacturing Process Innovation

# Criterion

Assigned Weight

(Points/105)

6.11.1 Technical approach and readiness 25

6.11.1a Detailed description of turbine or power electronics (including Attachment No. 5 - Turbine-Power Electronics Specifications)

6.11.1b Description of proposed manufacturing process innovation, identifying technical enhancement or advancement

6.11.1c Description of offeror’s manufacturing quality control protocols

6.11.1d Number of turbine or power electronics systems currently installed (domestically and internationally)

6.11.1e Description of work done to date in preparation for proposed process innovation

6.11.1f Soundness of the manufacturing plan to provide confidence that the offeror or their contract manufacturer has capability to produce the component(s) at the quality and cost proposed

6.11.2 Improved Competitiveness and project budget 25

6.11.2a Quantification of system optimization contribution to system cost and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) reduction from initial system cost (Attachment No. 4 - Figure of Merit

- Cost of Energy)

6.11.2b Documentation of tooling or manufacturing capability development cost

6.11.2c Justification of proposed project costs relative to turbine size; proposed costs should be reasonable and clearly justified (see budget justification instructions in the Price Cost proposal form)

6.11.3 Impact on U.S. Market 25

6.11.3a Soundness of the production plan to ensure the turbine or power electronics are ready for the U.S. market

6.11.3b Percent of U.S. based manufacturing for the turbine or power electronics

6.11.3c Estimated U.S. installations in the first year after new manufacturing process implementation

6.11.3d Description of expected direct impact to the U.S. DW market resulting from a successful completion of this work through impacts such as expanded domestic manufacturing and being more competitive with other distributed energy resources

6.11.4 Team Qualifications 25

6.11.4a Description of company’s or principal’s recent and relevant experience in manufacturing and the U.S. distributed wind turbine market

6.11.4b

Qualifications of proposed project team members shall be described in relation to their responsibilities on the project, including resumes of key team members. Demonstrate that all required expertise is available whether direct employees, consultants, or will be obtained if the project is selected for award. If no one on the team has distributed wind or power electronics or manufacturing experience, provide background on experience or expertise that qualifies them for the proposed effort. Resumes of all project team members should be included as attachments to the proposal and will not apply to the proposal page count limitation.

6.11.4c Letters of commitment for all defined subcontractors or partners that are defined within the project proposal

6.11.4d Demonstrate ability to execute previous projects, preferably power electronics development projects, on time/on budget; provide reference information on previous project experience, including letters if available

6.11.5 Programmatic factors for evaluation (see section 6.14) 5

6.12 Technology Commercialization

# Criterion

Assigned Weight

(Points/105)

6.12.1 Technical approach and readiness 25

6.12.1a Detailed description of turbine system or power electronics to be commercialized (including Attachment No. 5 - Turbine-Power Electronics Specifications)

6.12.1b For wind turbine systems, documentation of power curve and annual energy production with 6 m/s average wind speed at 30 meters and a Rayleigh distribution

6.12.1c Warranty, including coverage length and content (parts/labor/travel/exclusions)

6.12.1d Number of turbine systems or turbine systems utilizing the product currently installed (domestically and internationally)

6.12.1e Existing/pending turbine certification (eligibility includes both currently certified as well as turbine systems with pending certification) or listing for electrical components and systems

6.12.1f Capabilities to provide support for the turbine or power electronics through the life of the associated turbine system, including warranty reserve

6.12.1g Provide Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) (Attachment No. 4 - Figure of Merit - Cost of Energy)

6.12.2 Commercialization plan and project budget 25

6.12.2a Identification of the specific commercialization focus

6.12.2b

Extent to which the target market(s) align with the top opportunities identified in the Distributed Wind Energy Futures Study 1conducted by NLR including agricultural lands, agricultural businesses, and commercial and industrial applications, especially in rural areas

1 https://www.nlr.gov/wind/distributed-wind-futures https://www.nlr.gov/wind/distributed-wind-futures

6.12.2c Sufficient detail that the proposed work will provide additional forms of revenues or cost savings to rural and agricultural consumers and businesses

6.12.2d Detailed description of the commercialization plan to address identified business development challenges

6.12.2e Timeline and expected steps demonstrating a full understanding of the process to investigate the specific turbine or power electronics commercialization process

6.12.2f Identification of potential commercialization thresholds or decision points, documenting thinking around how the offeror will determine a viable market

6.12.2g Description of resulting products or outputs of the work

6.12.2h Articulation of the larger market that the proposed efforts will support and how these specific efforts will assist in the scale-up of that market

6.12.2i Justification of proposed project costs relative to turbine size or power electronics capacity; proposed costs should be reasonable and clearly justified (see budget justification instructions in the Price Cost proposal form)

6.12.3 Impact on U.S. Market 25

6.12.3a Soundness of the commercialization plan to support wider, large-scale deployment of the identified product

6.12.3b Current and expected annual U.S. manufacturing capacity

6.12.3c Percent of U.S. based manufacturing for the power

6.12.3d Estimated U.S.