Bennett Middle School Solar Power System Project

Wicomico County Public Schools is seeking proposals from qualified solar contractors for the design, procurement, and installation of a rooftop photovoltaic system at Bennett Middle School in Fruitland, Maryland, under RFP 29018-271. The pre-bid site meeting is October 28, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. EST, and proposals are due November 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST. Proposers must demonstrate compliance with the Maryland Solar for Schools Grant Program requirement that at least 80 percent of workers reside within 50 miles of the project or within Maryland.

The system targets 375 kW DC and 300 kW AC on standing seam roof areas using non-penetrating clamps and rail-based racking. It interconnects at the existing 480V/277V, 4000A switchgear, with anticipated Year 1 production of 523,018 kWh. Required scope includes all permitting and inspection costs, utility interconnection integration, and one year of maintenance with stated annual renewal options.

Funding is a fixed $1 million grant from the MEA Solar for Schools Grant Program under a strict 24-month timeline. Performance must be completed by December 31, 2027, with up to three one-year renewal options for similar future WCPS solar projects. Proposers must furnish performance and payment bonds equal to 100 percent of the total contract sum and carry workers' compensation insurance ($100,000/$100,000/$500,000), commercial general liability insurance ($2 million), and business automobile liability insurance ($2 million combined single limit). Compliance with Maryland tax requirements is also required. Liquidated damages of up to $1,500 per calendar day apply to contractor-caused delays.

Award is made on a best-value basis using a 100-point technical scoring system: Value Optimization (Watt/$) 30 points, Technical Design & Output 25 points, RFP & Grant Compliance 15 points, Life-Cycle Cost & O&M 15 points, Timeline & Grant Window 10 points, and Utility & SCADA Integration 5 points. Certified Minority Business Enterprises are encouraged, but an MBE Plan is not required.