RFQ - Solar Photovoltaic and Battery Energy Storage Systems

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) is requesting statements of qualifications from consulting engineering firms for design and contract administration services on a solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage system project at CFPUA facilities in Wilmington, North Carolina, with SOQs due July 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. One firm will be selected through qualifications-based selection.

The scope encompasses three CFPUA facilities at Groundwater Way: Collections Administrative Building (140.4 kW DC with 3-day battery capacity), Collections Garage (13.72 kW DC with 3-day battery capacity), and Raw Water Well A (87.75 kW DC with 3-day battery capacity). Ground-mounted solar panels will utilize approximately 3 acres of available land with earth anchors or ground screws. Deliverables include system design and sizing evaluation, contract drawings and specifications, permitting and utility coordination with Duke Energy Progress, construction administration, and support for federal Investment Tax Credit qualification under Section 48E of the Internal Revenue Code. Firms must demonstrate prior experience with comparable projects of similar size and scope, with at least two completed and operating installations, preferably in the Wilmington area, and must provide evidence of ITC Section 48E qualification experience on systems exceeding 500 kW solar-only or 100 kW with 50+ kWh storage capacity. Required insurance includes General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate), Workers Compensation ($500,000 / $500,000 / $500,000), Auto Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limits), and Professional Liability (minimum $2,000,000 per loss).

Evaluation criteria are Project Understanding & Approach (30%), Relevant Firm Experience (35%), Overall Staff Experience Proposed for the Project (25%), and Firm Licensures and Regulatory Compliance (10%). Construction substantial completion is required by December 31, 2027, with firm selection within 7 days of SOQ closure and scope and contract completion within 30 days. Questions are due July 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., directed to bids@cfpua.org. Detailed scope of work and fee schedule will be negotiated with the selected firm at fair and reasonable rates.