9280-26-R-IFBD-00004

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is seeking bids for a Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) System, identified as Bid No. 26-04, to be installed at 188 Golf Course Road in Hattiesburg. The procurement requires a comprehensive photovoltaic energy harvesting system with a minimum power output of 16 kWDC, specifically designed to be compatible with three Tesla Powerwall 2 batteries and a Tesla Backup Gateway 2. Bidders must submit one signed original, two copies, and one electronic version of their proposal by September 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. CT. The system must be capable of isolating electricity generation within the local system without feeding surplus power into the city's electrical grid. Technical requirements include photovoltaic shingles with a Class A fire rating, UL certifications (UL 61730, UL 9703, and UL 1741), and compatibility with the building's single-phase electrical load. Bidders are required to provide a comprehensive solution encompassing installation, system validation, and a 10-year warranty, along with an opinion of probable cost for potential structural modifications to support the BIPV system.

The procurement requires bidders to possess a valid Mississippi contractor's license and Certificate of Responsibility, with appropriate insurance coverage. The successful vendor must provide a safety demonstration and conduct operational training, including a minimum of one full day of installation and three days of onsite or online training. Additionally, the contractor must submit comprehensive documentation, including a systems operations guide, maintenance manual, and spare parts list. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, the detailed technical and licensing requirements may inherently limit the pool of eligible respondents. The installation is expected to be completed within 16 weeks of order receipt. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the complexity of the system, including the integration with Tesla battery technology and the comprehensive training and documentation requirements, suggests a significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure for the university.