OER Agricultural Clean Energy Technical Assistance

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) is conducting a Qualified List of Vendors (QLV) solicitation, seeking qualified vendors to provide technical assistance to Rhode Island farms applying for the US Department of Agriculture's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The primary objective is to help farmers successfully apply for federal REAP funding, complementing the existing technical assistance offered through the Rhode Island Agricultural Energy program (RI AgEP). Vendors will be responsible for supporting farmers in navigating the REAP application process, with the ultimate goal of leveraging both state and federal funding to implement clean energy projects that reduce the energy burden in Rhode Island's agricultural sector. The solicitation period runs from May 31, 2024, to June 25, 2024, with a vendor Q&A period from May 31 to June 12, 2024. The initial contract period is anticipated to run from August 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026. Potential vendors must register in the Ocean State Procures system and provide comprehensive technical assistance, demonstrating expertise in agricultural energy programs and federal grant applications.

The solicitation includes specific requirements for Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Women Business Enterprises (WBE), mandating a minimum of 10% participation of the total contract value be awarded to certified minority or women-owned businesses. Vendors must submit an ISBE (Individual, Small Business Enterprise) Participation Plan and comply with Rhode Island's affirmative action policies. Insurance requirements are stringent, including $1 million in liability coverage, $100,000 in workers compensation, $1 million in automobile liability, and $2 million in professional liability coverage. The state reserves the right to make single or multiple awards and will evaluate proposals based on responsiveness and vendor responsibility. While no specific total contract value is provided, the opportunity focuses on helping Rhode Island's agricultural sector access federal and state funding for clean energy projects. Vendors must be prepared to integrate with existing state-level technical assistance programs and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of agricultural energy development and funding mechanisms.