Renewable energy systems pilot program - DNR

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is soliciting proposals through RFP No. 190000003241 for the design, construction, financing, and operation of renewable energy systems at two state facilities: Seven Lakes State Park in Holly, Michigan, and Oden Fish Hatchery in Alanson, Michigan. This procurement seeks solar photovoltaic (PV) systems capable of offsetting up to 100 percent of annual electricity consumption at each location—131,575 kilowatt-hours at Seven Lakes State Park and approximately 1.4 million kilowatt-hours at Oden Fish Hatchery. Bidders must submit comprehensive technical proposals including system design specifications, installation schedules, financial projections, monitoring systems, operations and maintenance plans, and performance guarantees. The State prefers Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) of up to 25 years with no capital outlay from the State, though turnkey purchase options with annual maintenance agreements are acceptable alternatives. Deliverables include fully operational solar arrays with digital display systems for real-time and accumulated power production readings, system commissioning by December 31, 2020, performance bonds, payment bonds, and insurance meeting specific requirements, plus a $50,000 cash or surety bond guarantee. Bidders must demonstrate experience financing, designing, and constructing solar PV systems and must attend mandatory site visits on October 15, 2019 at Oden Fish Hatchery and October 17, 2019 at Seven Lakes State Park. Written questions were due October 21, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with proposals due December 2, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Evaluation criteria include technical completeness (100 points total), comprising Statement of Work sections (60 points), Staffing (10 points), and responses to a Vendor Questions Worksheet (30 points), with only proposals receiving 80 or more technical points advancing to price evaluation. Liquidated damages provisions require $5,000 plus $100 per day for late completion, and for PPA systems producing less than 80 percent of designed capacity annually, contractors must pay double the cost of replacement power.

The State will consider service-disabled veteran-owned business status under Michigan law, prior performance with the State, total cost of ownership, and overall economic impact to Michigan in its evaluation and award decision. No specific set-asides are identified in the RFP documentation; however, the State reserves the right to negotiate PPA and turnkey purchase terms following technical evaluation and may conduct facility tours, oral presentations, interviews, and reference checks before final award. There are no identified incumbent vendors or current contractors listed in the solicitation materials. The contractor will own systems under PPA structures while the State retains ownership under turnkey purchase options; the contractor is responsible for all permitting, environmental assessments, interconnection requirements, and system decommissioning costs. All equipment must be UL-listed and comply with Michigan Building Code and National Electric Code standards, with integration occurring through Consumers Energy utility interconnection at Seven Lakes State Park (subject to a 150-kilowatt net metering limit) and Consumers Energy at Oden Fish Hatchery. No specific budget or award value range is disclosed in the RFP; however, historical utility costs provide context, with Seven Lakes State Park consuming $22,028 annually and Oden Fish Hatchery consuming approximately $162,370 annually in electricity expenses. Contracts exceeding $250,000 in value require State Administrative Board approval, and performance and payment bonds are required for contracts exceeding $50,000.