RFP-67-26 DMA Install Solar Energy Photovoltaic Panels WHFRT

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, through the Department for Facilities and Support Services and the Department of Military Affairs, is seeking a design-builder to install a solar energy photovoltaic system at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center (WHFRTC) in Greenville, Kentucky. This Request for Proposal (RFP-67-26) solicits complete design-build services including the design and installation of a utility grid-tied solar covered parking photovoltaic solution with a minimum AC rating of 90 kW and DC rating of 105.3 kW, capable of producing a minimum of 143,000 kWh annually, along with removal and recycling of the existing rooftop solar array. The design-builder must obtain all necessary permits from the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, assume responsibility for survey work, geotechnical analysis, permitting fees, inspections, testing, and provide a one-year post-completion warranty. All design professionals and construction trades must be licensed in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Proposals will be evaluated on a one-step selection process using three criteria: technical qualifications (50 points), guaranteed maximum price (25 points), and price per kW AC rating (25 points). The mandatory pre-proposal site visit is available by appointment, with proposals due September 9, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. ET. An evaluation committee will select the successful firm on or about September 12, 2025, with contract award anticipated on or about September 23, 2025. The project requires substantial completion within 180 calendar days and final completion within 30 additional calendar days from commencement, with liquidated damages of $250.00 per calendar day for delays in substantial completion and $125.00 per day for delays in final completion.

The RFP documentation does not specify set-asides or restrictions on organization types able to respond, nor does it identify any incumbent vendors or current contractors. However, the successful design-builder must submit performance and payment bonds equal to 100 percent of the contract sum within 48 hours of the Notice of Intent to Award and provide a 5 percent response security guarantee with the cost proposal. The project includes integration with existing facility infrastructure at WHFRTC, as documented in record drawings from the 2010 UTES Energy Upgrade Phase 2 project and as-built drawings for the WF400 Solar Array, along with a utility site plan for the WF400 project that details the spatial organization and utility distribution systems throughout the facility grounds. The guaranteed maximum price budget is $400,000.00, representing the not-to-exceed amount for all design, permitting, and construction services. Proposals must remain valid for at least 90 days after the closing date and must be submitted electronically through the Commonwealth's eProcurement system (Vendor Self Service). All proposals require submission of completed Official Bid Documents and the required 5 percent Bid Bond through the VSS portal, with inquiries directed to Amanda Greer at the Division of Engineering and Contract Administration at 502-330-8159 or Amanda.Greer@ky.gov.