SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATION SVCS 25_186.pdf

864 Broad Street – 4th Floor Augusta, Georgia 30901 – 1215

(706) 826-1000 Fax: (706) 826-4612

SHAWNDA STOVALL DR. MALINDA B. COBB BOBBY A. SMITH, CPA

President Interim Superintendent of Schools Chief Financial Officer

TO: PROFESSIONAL SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATION

CONSULTING/CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FIRMS

FROM: Richmond County Board of Education

DATE: July 3, 2025

SUBJECT: Request for Qualifications #25-186 “SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATION

CONSULTING and CONSTRUCTION SERVICES”

You are invited to submit a written statement of qualifications to contract with the County Board of Education of Richmond County, Georgia, (herein after referred to as “Richmond County School System” or “Owner”) to provide Solar Photovoltaic Generation Consulting/Construction Services RFQ#25-186 as described below.

Also note further requirements under the following standard terms and conditions:

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. TIME AND PLACE: Bids will be received by the Richmond County School System until

3:00 p.m. EST, on Wednesday, AUGUST 5, 2025, at 864 Broad Street, Augusta, GA 30901. Late bids will not be considered.

2. LATE RFQs: Regardless of cause, late bids and proposals will not be accepted and will automatically be disqualified from bid consideration. It shall be solely the Contractor’s risk to ensure delivery at the designated office by the designated time. Late bids and proposals will not be opened and may be returned to the offeror.

3. RFQ Format: All RFQs must be submitted in the format requested. All information must be completed with ink or typewritten when submitted. One paper copy of the RFQ is required and one digital copy via USB drive.

Richmond County School System REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS JULY 3, 2025 #25-186 “SOLAR CONSULTING and

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

4. SEALED BID REQUIREMENT Each bid must be submitted in a sealed envelope addressed to: Dr.

Malinda B. Cobb, Interim Superintendent of Schools, c/o Mr. Bobby A. Smith, Chief Financial Officer, Richmond County School System, 864 Broad Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901. Each sealed envelope containing a bid must be plainly marked on the outside “SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATION CONSULTING & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES” RFQ#25-186 and the envelope must bear on the outside the name and complete address of the vendor. If forwarded by mail, the sealed envelope containing the bid must be enclosed in another envelope addressed to Dr. Malinda B. Cobb, Interim Superintendent of Schools, c/o Mr.

Bobby A. Smith, CFO, Richmond County School System, RFQ #25-186, 864 Broad Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901.

5. REJECTION OF RFQs: The Richmond County School System reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any and all RFQs received, to waive technicalities, or to negotiate any term(s) or provision(s) of such proposals as meet the requirements and specifications of this RFQ. Such rejection, waiver, or negotiation to be accomplished in any manner necessary to serve the best interests of the Richmond County School System. The Richmond County School System also reserves the right to be the sole judge of the suitability of any and all proposals for use by the Richmond County School System.

The Richmond County School System reserves the right to reject or otherwise disregard, in whole or in part, any ambiguous proposals or proposals which are uncertain as to terms or compliance with specifications.

6. NON-WITHDRAWAL PERIOD: Offers may not be withdrawn for a period of thirty (30) days from date of bid opening.

7. STATE-MANDATED WALK AWAY PROVISION: In the event a contract is awarded for more than one year, the following language regarding “walk-away” and “jurisdiction and venue” shall be inserted in the contract to be executed:

O.C.G.A. 20-2-506:

“Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-506, notwithstanding any other provision herein this contract shall terminate absolutely and without further obligation on behalf of the School System at the close of each calendar year in which it was executed and at the close of each successive calendar year for which it may be renewed provided thirty (30) days prior written notice is given by the School System to the vendor prior to the end of such calendar year.

In addition, this contract shall terminate immediately and absolutely at such time that appropriated and otherwise obligated funds are no longer available to satisfy the obligation of the School System under the contract.

This contract shall be deemed to obligate the School System for the sums payable during the calendar year the agreement was executed or in the event of a renewal by the School System for those sums payable at the end of any renewed calendar year.

The contract shall be deemed to have been automatically renewed for each applicable calendar year, not to exceed the initial term of contract, unless positive action is taken by the School System to terminate such contract herein as set forth.”

8. JURISDICTION AND VENUE: “This contract shall be governed and constructed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, Richmond County. Venue and jurisdiction will be that of a court of competent jurisdiction in Richmond County, Georgia.”

9. CANCELLATION: In the event at any time during the contract period the Contractor cannot provide acceptable services, or violates the terms of the agreement, the Richmond County School System reserves the right to immediately cancel the agreement. This agreement may be canceled for any other reason(s) upon thirty (30) days written notice.

10. DUTY TO PROTECT: The Contractor shall not knowingly send any employee, agent or subcontractor personnel who is a registered sex offender or who has been convicted of sexual abuse to any school building or school property when students are attending school or a school related activity.

The Contractor shall make periodic criminal history record inquiries as authorized by O.C.G.A. §35-3-34, as now written, or here-after amended; or allowed by all or any other laws allowing such inquiry, to identify these persons who have been convicted of sexual abuse or any other act which would require such person to be entered into a national or state sexual offender registry.

For the purpose of this policy, the term periodic shall mean that the criminal history record inquiries shall be made current upon the awarding of a successful bid on contract and checked no less than annually during the duration of the contract. See ATTACHMENT “A” for Sex Offender Acknowledgement Form.

11. E-VERIFY: The Contractor agrees to comply with the requirements of A.R.S. § 41-4401.

a. The Contractor warrants compliance with all Federal immigration laws and regulations relating to employees and warrants its compliance with Section A.R.S.

§ 23-214, Subsection A. (That subsection reads: “After December 31, 2007, every employer, after hiring an employee, shall verify the employment eligibility of the employee through the E-Verify program.)

b. A breach of a warranty regarding compliance with immigration laws and regulations shall be deemed a material breach of the contract and the Contractor may be subject to penalties up to and including termination of the contract.

c. The Owner retains the legal right to inspect the papers of any employee who works on the contract to ensure that the Contractor or its subcontractor(s) is/are complying with the foregoing warranty under paragraph (a).

See ATTACHMENT “B” for E-Verify Affidavit Form.

12. SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT: Contractor shall prohibit employees from using or displaying tobacco products including smokeless tobacco, while the employee is on duty at the assigned location. For the duration of the contract there shall be no use of any tobacco on any property of the Richmond County School System.

13. AWARD METHOD: Each statement of qualifications submitted will be reviewed and scored as outlined in the detailed specification section. Please be sure to address all items listed that will be reviewed by RCSS in the evaluation process. RCSS reserves the right to award based who they deem is most qualified to perform these services for the school system.

14. TIME OF THE ESSENCE: Failure of the successful Contractor to perform contracted service or deliver the merchandise within the required time shall constitute a material breach of contract. If a breach occurs, the Contractor may be responsible for any damages the school system incurs.

15. SERVICE REQUIREMENT: The successful Contractor agrees to accomplish all work covered by these specifications

16. TAX EXEMPT: The Richmond County School System is exempt for State sales taxes. Bid prices shall exclude Federal or State taxes that can be eliminated in sales to public school systems in the state of Georgia.

17. INQUIRIES REGARDING THIS REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS: All communications concerning this request for proposal must be submitted in writing by electronic mail to:

Richmond County School System Business Office Attn: Ms. Cecilia Perkins (706)826-1298 Email perkice@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us

Only written questions submitted by email will be accepted. No response other than what is written and distributed by the Business Office will be binding upon the Richmond County School System.

Originating departments may be called upon for clarification in their area of expertise at the discretion of the Business Office. Written responses to questions, requests for clarification, or interpretations will be posted on the website: www.rcboe.org/bids for all participating vendors.

All requests for clarification or interpretations must be submitted to the Business Office on or before the close of business JULY 28, 2025, 5:00 P.M.

mailto:perkice@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us http://www.rcboe.org/bids

18. ADDENDUMS: In the event an addendum becomes necessary, it will originate in the

Business Office and will be distributed via the website www.rcobe.org/bids for all participating vendors. Any addenda issued during the time of the request for proposal distribution should be acknowledged by the participating contractor and attached to their response form.

19. INSPECTION OF PUBLIC RECORDS: All information received from Contractors shall be subject to inspection once the bid is awarded under Georgia Public Records Act.

http://www.rcobe.org/bids

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Richmond County School System invites all firms to submit written Statements of Qualifications in response to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

The purpose of this RFQ is to provide the Richmond County School System with Solar Photovoltaic Consulting and Construction Services for their facilities construction program.

This RFQ document provides the information necessary for the procurement of Solar Photovoltaic Generation Consulting and Construction Services; RFQ#25-186. The intent is to provide the School System with qualified professionals who specialize in these services with preferred experience in educational facilities construction and particularly K-12.

Interested firms shall submit their sealed signed statement (one paper copy and one digital copy via labeled USB Flash Drive) of qualifications not later than 3:00p.m., EST p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, to the following office:

Dr. Malinda B. Cobb, Intermim Superintendent of Schools c/o Mr. Bobby Smith, Chief Financial Officer Richmond County School System

RFQ#25-186

864 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia 30901

Evaluation of qualifications will be based on the following weighted criteria:

1. Portfolio of Projects 10%

2. Flexibility in Meeting Customer’s Needs 15%

3. Firm’s Stability 10%

4 Key Personnel 15%

5. Experience in Private and Public Sectors County/State/Federal 30%

6. References 10%

7. Demonstrated Return on Investment 10%

REVIEW AND AWARD PROCESS

The Qualifications Proposals will be reviewed by a team of qualified RCSS staff who will serve as the selection committee. Following the qualifications reviews, the committee will recommend the firm for award. The Richmond County School System will then assign projects and negotiate a contract with the recommended firm.

Proposals must clearly respond to each requirement of this document. All responses must refer to each section of this document by number and address compliance and/or exceptions to that section. The Richmond County School System reserves the right to disqualify any proposals that do not follow such a format. Additional general narrative is welcome, but only in addition to this specific response.

HOLD HARMLESS

In submitting a proposal, the Proposer understands that the Richmond County School System will determine at its sole discretion which proposal(s), if any, are accepted. The Proposer waives any right to claim damages of any nature whatsoever, based on the selection process and any communications associated with the selection, and the final selection of the successful Proposer.

QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL

GENERAL PREPARATION OF QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL

PROPOSAL FORMAT

The Offeror shall prepare their submittal in the following format:

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

Provide an executive summary highlighting the major points of the proposal (two pages maximum) signed by an officer of the company.

SECTION 2: KEY PERSONNEL’S EXPERIENCE & CREATIVITY

1. Experience in solar photovoltaic generation systems planning, design, specification, installation and maintenance.

2. Experience working in private and public sectors.

3. Experience with unique approaches, creativity in designs and site adaptation, integration of the newest technologies. Examples may be provided.

4. Demonstrated sensitivity to functional, flexible and economical designs without sacrificing quality, aesthetics or functionality.

5. Experience in meeting design timelines and construction schedules with clearly established and proven methods for maintaining construction schedules.

6. Experience identifying and capitalizing on credits, subsidies, rebates and incentives.

7. Experience negotiating and interfacing with utilities, funding sources and regulatory bodies.

SECTION 3: KEY PERSONNEL’S PERFORMANCE, PAST AND CURRENT

Provide references from school districts, special purpose districts, or county/state/federal governments for whom you have provided designs and supervised construction of a solar photovoltaic array. Give dates and other job specifics, contact persons and telephone numbers.

It is preferred that these references be in close proximity to Richmond County, Georgia or, at the least, within the southeastern United States.

SECTION 4: ABILITY & CAPABILITY OF KEY STAFF AND CONSULTANTS

1. Size of firm, number of partners, and number of clerical staff and range of services offered in house.

2. Qualifications of partners and key staff with emphasis on county/state/federal public construction.

3. Reputation and professional standing in the field, honors, memberships in local councils, etc.

4. Willingness to negotiate a contract for these services within the RCBOE procurement contracting guidelines and with flexibility to the design and construction process.

SECTION 5: P R O D U C T ’ S WARRANTY

The Richmond County School Board shall receive the manufacturer’s warranties for all installed Equipment & Materials, the written terms of which have been attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. These warranties include but not are not limited to the following:

• Modules – 25-year production warranty; 10-year workmanship warranty

• Inverters – 10-year

• Racking System – 10-year

Contractor shall not install Equipment that is material to the operation of the Project unless such equipment’s warranties are fully transferable to RCSS upon the Project’s Completion.

Contractor also warrants that the installation of the Project shall be free from material defects in workmanship for a period of two (2) years after the Date of Substantial Completion.

SECTION 6: P R O O F O F I N S U R A N C E

The Contractor shall obtain and maintain at its own expense and maintain in full force and effect, while the Agreement is in effect, insurance in the types and coverages specified as follows:

• Worker’s Compensation Insurance, with limits of one million dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limit

• Commercial General Liability Insurance, with limits of two million dollars ($2,000,000) combined single limit

• Umbrella Coverage, with limits of five million dollars ($5,000,000)

• Professional Liability Insurance (PL), with limits of one million dollars ($1,000,000). Note that PL will either be carried by Contractor or its contracted professional engineering firm that is stamping/sealing engineered construction documents.

• Builder’s Risk Insurance Policy in an amount not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) combined single limit to cover work, equipment, and materials for the duration the Project, naming RCSS as Additional Insured. On or before the Commencement Date, Contractor shall deliver to RCSS a certificate of insurance evidencing such insurance coverage; and

• Indemnity Obligations: Contractor agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend RCSS, its directors, officers, agents and employees from and against any and all liabilities.

SECTION 7: ACCESSIBILITY & MOB/WOB CONSIDERATIONS

1. Accessibility of firm to Richmond County. Identify location of closest office in or near

Richmond County.

2. Identify whether the Offer or is a MOB/WOB (minority owned business/women owned business).

3. Identify past experience in using MOBs/WOBs as subcontractors or consultants.

SECTION 6: CURRENT/PROJECTED WORKLOAD

1. Offeror’s current workload and times frames for completion.

2. Offeror’s pending contracts and potential time frames for completion.

3. Demonstrated commitment to the District of key project personnel and clerical staff.

Request for Qualifications

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Generating Consulting / Construction Support

Richmond County School System is a high performing school system known for its innovative facilities construction and renovation programs. A member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star® Program, the system’s portfolio average building Energy Star® score exceeds 85. Construction and renovation activity focus on maximizing student achievement while providing lowest total cost of operation. To that end, RCSS seeks a long-term relationship with a firm to provide solar photovoltaic generating systems planning, design, specification and consultation/construction that augments ongoing and future projects.

Proposed Scope of Services

1) Planning

a) Research and present a summary of findings related to PV opportunities available to RCSS

b) Evaluate solar PV project potential Return on Investment

c) Propose a long-term course of action to maximize PV opportunities

d) Identify financial credits, subsidies, rebates and incentives

e) Facilitate the completion of all necessary feasibility studies, i.e. wetlands, endangered species, etc.

f) Participate in solar PV discussions and negotiations with counsel, electric utilities, funding sources, etc.

g) Identify and help secure the best customer for excess solar generation

2) Design

a) Prepare plans

b) Assist with the preparation of applicable RFP documents

3) Specification

a) Identify preferred products and manufacturers with which to construct solar PV generation systems

4) Construction Overview

a) Provide PV installation and maintenance support

b) Evaluate RFQ submissions, select material and make recommendations as required

c) Provide pre-construction guidance/planning

d) Manage construction sites to ensure optimal and manufacturer-compliant installation

e) Manage winning offeror(s) for performance during construction and warranty term

f) Ensure fully compliant system startup and commissioning

g) E n s u r e the submission of all close-out documents to owner and/or representative

The successful firm will demonstrate the following traits:

• Experience providing solar generation planning, design, specification and maintenance

• Experience in overseeing solar field construction delivery

• Experience working with private and public markets

• Experience with a variety of solar applications and solutions

• Flexibility in working with RCSS’s unconventional approach

• Demonstrated skill at capturing credits, subsidies, rebates and incentives

• Firm stability

PROPOSER INFORMATION FORM

FIRM NAME:

STREET ADDRESS:

CITY: STATE:

ZIP:

OFFICE PHONE:

OFFICE FAX:

CONTACT NAME:

EMAIL OF CONTACT:

CELL PHONE OF CONTACT:

Person Submitting Statement:

(Typed or Printed)

Signature: _

Title: _

Date:

RFQs WILL BE RECEIVED UNTIL 3:00 P.M., TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025.

ATTACHMENT “A”

SEX OFFENDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Read, sign and return this form to the Richmond County Board of Education along with bid proposal

The Contractor (or Contractor) shall not knowingly send any employee, agent or subcontractor personnel who is a registered sex offender or who has been convicted of sexual abuse to any school building or school property when students are attending school or a school related activity.

The Contractor (or Contractor) shall make periodic criminal history record inquiries as authorized by O.C.G.A. §35-3-34, as now written, or here-after amended; or allowed by all or any other laws allowing such inquiry, to identify these persons who have been convicted of sexual abuse or any other act which would require such person to be entered into a national or state sexual offender registry.

For the purpose of this policy, the term periodic shall mean that the criminal history record inquiries shall be made current upon the awarding of a successful bid on contract and checked no less than annually during the duration of the contract.

The Contractor (or Contractor) is certifying to the Richmond County Board of Education that periodic criminal history record checks are made by the company for all employees and that to the best of the Contractor’s (or Contractor) knowledge it has no employee or agent who has been convicted of a sex offense or who is a registered sex offender, who will be assigned to any school building or school property while students are attending school or a school related activity.

I have read and understand the above Richmond County Board of Education Policy regarding me or my company’s obligation as a contractor (or Contractor). I further acknowledge that the failure to comply with the requirements to identify a sex offender, to comply with any part of this policy, to assign a sex offender to any school building or school property while students are attending school or a school related activity will constitute a breach of the contract.

Company Name:

Contractor/Contractor Signature Date Signed

Witness Signature

Date Signed

ATTACHMENT “B”

E-VERIFY AFFIDAVIT

under O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b)(4)

Read, fill out and return this form to the Richmond County School System

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned Contractor verifies its compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), Pub. L. 99-603, stating affirmatively that the individual firm or corporation which is engaged in services on behalf of the Richmond County School System has registered with, is authorized to use and uses the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established by federal law and regulation. Furthermore, the undersigned Contractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period.

Contractor hereby attests that its federal work authorization user identification number and date of authorization are as follows:

Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number:

Date of Authorization:

Name of Project:

PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATION

CONSULTING/CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Solicitation Number (if applicable): RFQ# 2025-186

Name of Public Employer:

Richmond County School System

I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on , , 202 in (city), (state).

Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent

Printed Name and Title of Authorized Officer or Agent

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME

ON THIS THE DAY OF ,202 .

NOTARY PUBLIC

My Commission Expires:

PROPOSER INFORMATION FORM