Roof-top Solar Photovoltaic Project(s)

The University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) is soliciting proposals for the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems targeting 1,300 kilowatts direct current (kWdc) capacity under RFP 00042061, with proposals due December 8, 2026 and a mandatory site visit on July 8, 2026 (pre-registration required). UMCP requires submission of both technical and price proposals using Qualification-Based Selection methodology; all firms will be notified of evaluation status following technical review.

The primary project site is a solar canopy structure at the Shuttle Bus Facility, with potential expansion to additional rooftops to meet the 1,300 kWdc target. The canopy must be designed to accommodate and span electric vehicle charging equipment from a separate project (FM24-12332) scheduled for completion by January/February 2027. The guaranteed Commercial Operation Date is December 31, 2027. Contractors must design, build, own, operate, and maintain the complete systems and are responsible for all project costs, including site modifications, utility relocations, and coordination responsibilities.

The scope requires comprehensive technical specifications including solar panel make and model, inverter details with ratings and warranties, array configuration with orientation and tilt angles, racking system descriptions, and performance monitoring software documentation. Proposers must submit two pricing scenarios: one in which UMCP retains full and exclusive ownership of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) and one in which the contractor retains SREC ownership. UMCP requires fixed, level $/MWh pricing with no annual escalators for the full Power Purchase Agreement term (20 years initial with up to five additional one-year renewal terms); annual degradation rates must not exceed 1%. A Maryland Energy Administration grant (MEA Grant No. 2025-11-577-AP) is expected to fund a buy-down payable within 60 days of project acceptance. Federal investment tax credits are assumed to be claimed and retained by the contractor.

No minority participation goals are established, though minority participation is encouraged. No bid bond is required. Site visits are highly recommended but not mandatory. Questions were due July 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Technical proposals were originally due August 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., but Amendment 002 (July 13, 2026) extended the deadline; Amendment 003 (August 3, 2026) clarified that roof replacements are not anticipated; Amendment 004 (August 7, 2026) provided guidance on Power Purchase Agreement pricing evaluation. All amendments require acknowledgment prior to submission. Proposals must be submitted via a designated Box folder, not through the E-Maryland Marketplace portal. The Power Purchase Agreement terms in the RFP are non-negotiable and must be adopted in entirety. Karen Elvidge, CPPB, Procurement Officer, serves as the sole point of contact.