RFP # 6000003024 - Request for Proposals for the Design and Construction of Solar Photovoltaic Systems at Port Jersey - Port Authority Marine Terminal (PJPAMT) and Port Newark

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has issued Request for Proposals (RFP) #6000003024 for the design, construction, financing, ownership, operation, and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at two specific locations: Port Jersey Port Authority Marine Terminal (PJPAMT) and Port Newark. The procurement seeks to install front-of-the-meter systems at Port Jersey that will potentially participate in New Jersey's Community Solar and/or Remote Net Metering programs, along with behind-the-meter rooftop systems at Port Newark to serve on-site Port Authority electrical loads. Developers are permitted to submit proposals for one or both project groups, with the Port Authority potentially awarding projects to a single developer or different developers for each location. Minimum developer qualifications include having developed at least 10 solar projects, a minimum of 15 MW of solar capacity, and providing three customer references. Key evaluation criteria will encompass technical solution, developer team qualifications, project delivery, risk mitigation, project approach, and cost effectiveness, with selection based on best value. Critical dates include a virtual pre-proposal meeting on December 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. ET, a mandatory site visit on December 17, 2025, and proposal submissions due by January 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EST via the Euna Procurement/Bonfire platform.

The Port Authority has established specific diversity participation goals for this procurement, requiring 20% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) participation, 10% Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE) participation, and 3% Service-disabled Veteran-owned Business Enterprise (SDVOB) participation. The solicitation ensures full and fair opportunity for disadvantaged business enterprises, minority business enterprises, and woman-owned business enterprises, with non-discrimination provisions established under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Developers must submit pricing proposals using a standardized Appendix B Cost Structure Spreadsheet, providing pricing for 15-, 20-, and 25-year term options for Power Purchase Agreements or Host Site Agreements, with annual escalation not exceeding 2.0%. The procurement emphasizes expedited timeline to support Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) eligibility, encouraging developers to pursue safe harbor strategies prior to July 4, 2026. While no specific award value is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the solar PV system design, construction, and long-term maintenance suggests a significant multi-year contract opportunity. Bidders experiencing technical issues with document access are directed to contact askforbids@panynj.gov or call (212) 435-4600, with the Port Authority anticipating procurement completion by August 2026.