BC-21506-B RFP Solar Installation RFP

Solicitation Name: 25-129 Solar Installation - Phase 1
Solicitation Number: BC-21506-B
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
FOR
25-129 Solar Installation - Phase 1
RFP NUMBER: BC-21506-B
ISSUED: April 7, 2026
Prospective bidders/offerors are encouraged to regularly visit the University's Department of Procurement & Strategic
Sourcing website, e-Maryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) to ensure receipt of any addenda and other updates related
to this solicitation. The links to these resources are provided below:
* UMBC Bid Board - https://procurement.umbc.edu/bid-board/
* eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) - https://emma.maryland.gov
ISSUING OFFICE
Department of Procurement & Strategic Sourcing
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Administration Building, 7th Floor
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250
MINORITY, WOMEN AND SMALL BUSINESSES ARE ENCOURGAGED TO RESPOND TO THIS
SOLICITATION
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Solicitation Name: 25-129 Solar Installation - Phase 1
Solicitation Number: BC-21506-B
Key Information Sheet & Solicitation Schedule
Request for Proposals Title: 25-129 Solar Installation - Phase 1
Solicitation Number: BC-21506-B
RFP Issue Date: April 7, 2026
Procurement Officer: Rosetta Butler, CMPO, CPPB
Technical and Price Proposals are to be
sent to: Note: Submit technical and financial proposals in two (2)
Tseepcahrnatiec .fci8lehs1. htbm5rxhu3ne@u.box.com
Mandatory In-Person Pre-Proposal April 14, 2026, at 1:00PM (EST) at:
Conference and Site Visit:
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
1000 Hilltop Circle
Facilities Management (FM) Building
Conference Room - FM101 (Large Room)
BNaoltteim: ore, Maryland 21250
Attendees can park in Commons Drive then walk
Questions Due Date & Time: Atop trhiel 2F7M, 2 b0u2i6ld, iant g2 :(0a0cProMss ( EfrSoTm) Lot 24 on Poplar Ave)
Submit Questions on company letterhead to:
Questio.efhmdrm0jftd1vmk@u.box.com
Proposal Due Date & Time: (Not a May 7, 2026, at 2:00PM (EST)
Public Bid Opening)
Oral Presentations TBD
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) 10%
Subcontracting Goal:
Contract Type: Indefinite quantity with fixed unite prices (Note: Power
Purchase Agreement (PPA))
Anticipated Task Order and PPA July 17, 2026
Execution
(Note: Date may change depending on additional
approvers)
Construction Completion Date: 08/04/2027 - Required Substantial Completion
The University is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities have equally effective opportunities to participate
in and benefit from the University's programs and services. Persons who may require reasonable ADA
accommodations should email the Issuing Office at at least five (5) days prior to any meeting
scheduled in connection with this solicitation.
rbutler2@umbc.edu
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Solicitation Name: 25-129 Solar Installation - Phase 1
Solicitation Number: BC-21506-B
NOTICE TO BIDDER/OFFERORS
To help improve the quality of bid and proposal solicitations and to make our procurement process more responsive and
"business friendly," we ask that you provide comments and suggestions regarding the enclosed solicitation. Please
return your comments with your bid, proposal or "no bid," response, as the case may be. Thank you for your assistance.
Project No.: BC-21506-B__
Project Title: 25-129 Solar Installation - Phase 1
If you have responded with a "no bid" please indicate the reasons below (check applicable boxes):
Other commitments preclude our participation at this time.
The subject of the solicitation is not something we normally provide.
We are inexperienced in the work/commodities required.
The specifications are either unclear or too restrictive (explain below).
The scope of work is beyond our current capacity.
Doing business with Maryland Government Agencies is simply too complicated (explain below).
We cannot be competitive (explain below).
Time allotted for completion of the bid/proposal response is insufficient.
Start-up time is insufficient.
Bonding/insurance requirements are prohibitive (explain below).
MBE requirements (explain below).
Bid/Proposal requirements (other than specifications or scope) are unreasonable or too risky (explain below)
Prior experience with University contracts were not profitable or otherwise unsatisfactory (explain below).
Payment schedule too slow.
Other:
Explanation:
If you have submitted a bid or proposal, but wish to offer suggestions or express concerns, please use the remarks section below:
Remarks:
Bidder/Offeror Name:
Contact Person:
Signature: Date:
Address:
Email: Phone:
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Solicitation Name: 25-129 Solar Installation - Phase 1
Solicitation Number: BC-21506-B
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION I. SPECIFICATIONS/SCOPE OF WORK............................................................7
BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................................................... 7
SUMMARY STATEMENT ..................................................................................................................... 7
A.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................. 7
B.
SPECIFICATIONS/SCOPE OF WORK .................................................................................................. 8
C.
SECTION II. EVALUATION PROCEDURE .......................................................................................... 11
D.
EVALUATION COMMITTEE .............................................................................................................
QUALIFYING PROPOSALS ...............................................................................................................
A. 11
TECHNICAL EVALUATION ..............................................................................................................
B. 11
FINANCIAL EVALUATION ...............................................................................................................
C. 11
DISCUSSIONS - BEST AND FINAL OFFERS ...................................................................................
D. 11
EVALUATION CRITERIA ..................................................................................................................
E. 12
FINAL RANKING AND SELECTION ................................................................................................
F. 13
DEBRIEFING ........................................................................................................................................
G. 13
SECTION III. INFORMATION REQUIRED IN ALL PROPOSALS ................................................... 13
H. 13
ORGANIZATION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL SUBMISSION ...................................................... 13
TRANSMITTAL LETTER .................................................................................................................... 13
A.
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL..................................................................................................................... 14
B.
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL CONTENTS ............................................................................................... 14
C.
BID/PROPOSAL AFFIDAVIT .............................................................................................................. 15
D.
MBE UTILIZATION AFFIDAVIT ........................................................................................................ 15
E.
PERFORMANCE BOND ....................................................................................................................... 15
F.
ADDENDA ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM ........................................................................................ 16
G.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST AFFIDAVIT & DISCLOSURE .............................................................. 16
H.
PRIME CONTRACTOR LIST OF CONTRACTORS .......................................................................... 16
I.
SECTION IV. INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS ................................................................................ 16
J.
ISSUING OFFICE AND PROCUREMENT OFFICER ......................................................................... 16
PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE AND SITE VISIT ........................................................................... 16
A.
QUESTIONS AND INQUIRIES ............................................................................................................ 16
B.
INSURANCE .......................................................................................................................................... 17
C.
PROPOSAL DUE DATE ....................................................................................................................... 17
D.
DURATION OF PROPOSAL OFFER ................................................................................................... 18
E.
F.
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Solicitation Name: 25-129 Solar Installation - Phase 1
Solicitation Number: BC-21506-B
PROCUREMENT METHOD ................................................................................................................. 18
BASIS FOR AWARD ............................................................................................................................ 18
G.
ALTERNATE PROPOSALS ................................................................................................................. 18
H.
MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE UTILIZATION ...................................................................... 18
I.
LIQUIDATED DAMAGES PROVISION RELATED TO MBE GOAL............................................... 19
J.
SECTION V. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS ............................................................ 20
K.
PURPOSE ..............................................................................................................................................
ADDENDA TO THE RFP .....................................................................................................................
A. 20
PRE-PROPOSAL MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF OFFERS ...........................................
B. 20
CANCELLATION OF SOLICITATION/REJECTION OF ALL PROPOSALS ..................................
C. 20
DISCUSSIONS ......................................................................................................................................
D. 20
ORAL PRESENTATIONS ....................................................................................................................
E. 20
INCURRED EXPENSES ......................................................................................................................
F. 20
ARREARAGES .....................................................................................................................................
G. 21
VERIFICATION OF REGISTRATION AND TAX PAYMENT .........................................................
H. 21
ECONOMY OF PREPARATION .........................................................................................................
I. 21
PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT NOTICE ............................................................................................
J. 21
EXECUTION OF PROPOSALS ...........................................................................................................
K. 21
DISCREPANCIES, EXPLANATIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS ......................................................
L. 21
ORDER OF PRECEDENCE .................................................................................................................
M. 22
REQUIRED CONTRACT PROVISIONS .............................................................................................
N. 22
OFFEROR RESPONSIBILITIES ..........................................................................................................
O. 22
FALSE STATEMENTS ........................................................................................................................
P. 22
PAYMENT TO THE CONTRACTOR; TAXES ..................................................................................
Q. 22
PRESS RELEASES ................................................................................................................................ 23
R. 22
RECIPROCAL PREFERENCE .............................................................................................................
S.
NON-VISUAL ACCESS .......................................................................................................................
T. 23
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ............................................................
U. 23
PARKING ..............................................................................................................................................
V. 23
SMOKING ..................................................................................................................................................... 23
W. 23
X.
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Solicitation Name: 25-129 Solar Installation - Phase 1
Solicitation Number: BC-21506-B
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A PreBid/-Proposal Conference and Site Visit Response Form .................................25
Exhibit B Offeror Information Sheet ..........................................................................26
Exhibit C Proposal Price Instructions & Sample Form .....................................................27
Exhibit D MBE Affidavits and Forms .........................................................................31
* D-1A MBE Utilization and Fair Solicitation Affidavit & MBE Participation
Schedule (must be submitted with Bid/Proposal)
* D-1B Waiver Guidance
* D-1C Good Faith Efforts Documentation to Support Waiver Request
* D-1D MBE Subcontractor Unavailability Certificate
* D-2 Outreach Efforts Compliance Statement
* D-3A MBE Subcontractor Project Participation Certification
* D-3B MBE Prime Project Participation Certification
* D-4A Prime Contractor Paid/Unpaid MBE Invoice Report
* D-4B MBE Prime Contractor Report
* D-5 Subcontractor Paid/Unpaid MBE Invoice Report
Exhibit E Proposal Affidavit .....................................................................................55
Exhibit F Firm Profile & Experience ............................................................................61
Exhibit G Reference Checks ......................................................................................62
Exhibit H Key Personnel...........................................................................................64
Exhibit I Financial Stability of Bidder/Offeror ................................................................65
Exhibit J Acknowledgement of Receipt of Addenda .........................................................66
Exhibit K Conflict of Interest Affidavit & Disclosure Form.................................................67
Exhibit L UMBC Sample Contract .............................................................................68
Exhibit M Prime Contractor List of all Subcontractors ......................................................80
Exhibit N Non-Disclosure Agreement..........................................................................81
Exhibit O Performance Bond....................................................................................85
Exhibit P Solar Installation Study..............................................................................88
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Solicitation Name: 25-129 Solar Installation - Phase 1
Solicitation Number: BC-21506-B
SECTION I. SPECIFICATIONS/SCOPE OF WORK
A. BACKGROUND
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), established in 1966, sits on approximately 482
acres of land. In line with the University System of Maryland (USM) and State of Maryland climate goals,
the University is seeking a third party to execute a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to design, install,
own, operate, maintain and finance solar photovoltaic systems, from which the University will purchase
the power generated at a fixed rate for a period of 25 years.
B. DEFINITIONS
* COMAR: The Code of Maryland Regulations that is maintained by the Division of State
Documents
* Vendor: Same as Solar Provider
* Facility: Any building or parking lot as indicated within this document
* Photovoltaic Solar System: A system of solar panels and associated equipment that is
used for converting sunlight to usable electricity. The output shall be AC at all facility
interfaces; all claims for production of electricity shall be assumed to be AC current.
* PJM: The Independent System Operator (ISO) of the local Electric Transmission Grid.
* PSC - The State of Maryland Public Services Commission
* Renewable Energy Certificate (REC): The renewable attributes of one Megawatt hour
(MWh) of electricity generated using clean energy resources.
* Solar Provider (Solar PV Provider, PV Owner, Offeror): A private organization that
finances, designs, installs, owns and operates on the UMBC campus dedicating the sole
use of that electricity produced for the benefit of the University.
* University: The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
C. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. The Offeror shall have at least 10 years' experience providing the requested services and shall
provide at least three (3) references from organizations of similar size and scope to the UMBC.
These references should demonstrate the Offeror's experience and successful performance in
providing comparable services. Each reference shall include the organization's name, a brief
description of the services provided, the timeframe of the engagement, and contact information
(including name, title, phone number, and email address) for the individual who can verify the
services rendered.
2. The Offeror shall provide evidence of financial stability (e.g., audited financial statements or Dun
& Bradstreet report) to ensure long-term viability.
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Solicitation Name: 25-129 Solar Installation - Phase 1
Solicitation Number: BC-21506-B
3. The Offeror shall agree to comply with all applicable University System of Maryland and State of
Maryland procurement policies, terms, and conditions.
4. UMBC reserves the right to verify all information provided, as well as to consult any other sources
available including any person or persons associated with the references provided or the project
cited as a reference. UMBC also reserves the right to request additional references or contact any
known firm associated with the Offeror, as well as itself, even if not provided as a reference by the
Offeror. References will be held in the strictest of confidence.
D. SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS
1. Planning and Design
A prior Solar Installation Study was completed in 2024-2025 to determine optimal sites for PV solar systems
on campus (refer to Exhibit P). With this as a reference, provide a schematic design, 50% construction
documents, and 100% construction documents submission for the University's review of the following sites
from the study:
* Warehouse Rooftop
* 900 Walker Avenue Rooftop
* Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena (CEIA) Rooftop
* North Stadium Lot Option 1: Full Canopies as shown in the Solar Installation Study
Stripping
o
New parking lot lights
o
EV charging stations (not in scope)
o
Provide renderings of visual look of canopies
o
* North Stadium Lot (Option 2): Partial Canopies approximately 100 kW design generation
Stripping
o
New parking lot lights
o
EV charging stations (not in scope)
o
Provide renderings of visual look of canopies
o
Please note that the Solar Installation Study Documents are for reference only and do not constitute
formal design documents. All vendors shall develop their own design documents and note any
significant deviations from the Solar Installation Study in their proposals.
The submission shall include the following:
* Sizing and load analysis, including connections to the University power distribution system. Conduct
appropriate diligence to execute the project and obtain necessary interconnection agreements with the
applicable utilities. This also includes assisting UMBC with an Aggregate Energy Net Metering
Agreement with BGE.
* PV system calculations on estimated energy output.
* PV system layout, including racking, module placement, conduit raceways, conduit sizes, module
spacing, etc.
* Equipment details and descriptions.
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Solicitation Name: 25-129 Solar Installation - Phase 1
Solicitation Number: BC-21506-B
* Verification by a Professional Engineer licensed by the State of Maryland that the systems will meet
wind-load, seismic, and structural requirements. In the case of the CEIA, it also provides a rigging
weight capacity before and after the solar installation. The CEIA is currently equipped with a rigging
grid and life safety system, used primarily for hanging equipment for events.
Ballasted, roof-mounted PV systems designed without roof penetrations are the preferred
o
mounting systems. No roof penetrations will be permitted unless approved by UMBC,
and then, Solar Provider shall ensure that all mounting systems accommodate roof
maintenance and re-roofing with minimal disturbance to the PV system, and minimal
added cost for roof repairs due to the presence of the PV system.
* Mounting details and the appropriate certifications.
* Controls, monitors and instrumentation.
Net metering. Specify utility-grade revenue, electronic, bi-directional meters with a 0.5% or
o
better accuracy. In addition to providing data to the Solar Provider, meters shall enable the
University to independently collect and store meter data through the University's existing
Power Monitoring Expert (PME) system.
* Web-based monitoring software.
* Comply with all applicable codes and standards with regard to a Solar PV installation.
2. Construction
Construction shall include the following:
* UMBC is its own authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). For permits beyond UMBC's jurisdiction (e.g.
MDE), obtain all permits required to complete the system, including payment of any permit fees. This
includes the BGE Interconnection Agreement (IA). Vendor shall incur the IA Fee and assist UMBC
with submitting an amendment to the IA. This also includes assisting the University Counsel with an
Aggregate Energy Net Metering Agreement with BGE.
* All materials shall be reviewed by the University through a submittal review process and installed under
the supervision of personnel holding current NABCEP PV Installer certificates.
* Retain only qualified roofers to perform necessary roof penetrations, and only in conformance with the
existing roof warranties. Document prior condition of each roof with photographs taken before
installation begins. Repair any disturbance to roofs to original condition, at Solar Provider's expense.
3. System Startup
Startup shall include the following:
* Performance test reports that verify that the PV systems achieve the performance requirements of
the contract. System output shall be recorded at the input and output of the inverters.
* Fully executed IA and acceptance by BGE.
* Structural inspection report by a Professional Engineer licensed by the State of Maryland, verifying
that final installations meet wind, seismic, and structural requirements. In the case of the CEIA, also
verifying the rigging weight capacity before and after the solar installation. The CEIA is currently
equipped with a rigging grid and life safety system, used primarily for hanging equipment for events.
* Employ or hire a competent electrical contractor licensed by the State of Maryland to perform all
electrical installations and connections to the campus electrical distribution system.
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Solicitation Name: 25-129 Solar Installation - Phase 1
Solicitation Number: BC-21506-B
Provide electrical inspection certificate by a University approved third party electrical
o
inspector as required.
For each roof-mounted system where a roof warranty exists, a letter from the manufacturer's
representative for the original roofing system, confirming that the existing roof warranty remains
in full effect, and has not been compromised by the solar installation.
* Orientation and procedures for emergencies and/or shut down conditions to the systems
* Electronic copy of as-built drawings, O&M manuals, warranties, and safety procedures specific
to the system at each site.
* 25-year roof penetration and building penetration warranty. Roof penetrations, if any, shall be
completed in conformance with the existing roof warranties.
* Start up the solar PV system until it achieves design delivery.
* Successful registration for the renewable energy credits, as Tier 1 Solar RECs (SRECs) or highest
achievable designation, with the Maryland PSC as well as the Interconnect Agreement and CPCN
waiver.
4. Operation a nd Maintenance
* Maintain the system for the stated service life to at least include any cleaning, upgrades,
repairs, etc. to ensure continuous delivery of electricity.
* Provide adequate and reliable net metering that is pre-approved by MD COMAR and the
PSC for Utility Revenue Billing to facilitate the amount of electricity delivered and
associated billing.
* Provide two weeks' notice prior to scheduling any planned maintenance and repairs and
outages.
* Unit power output degradation shall not exceed 20% from the design production on an annual
basis during the term of the contract.
5. Financing
* Deliver electricity to the University under a long-term (25 years) PPA.
Provide PPA rates for each site. Provide rates with and without SRECs included as
o
$/MWh.
* Arrange and execute the full financing for the life of the project.
* Within 90 days of contract execution, provide a letter of commitment from a financial group that will
underwrite the project.
* Include any federal, state, local and utility incentives into the PPA price structure of each site.
Identify incentives that will be pursued. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to meet
o
incentive requirements, pursue, and secure such incentives, including meeting any "safe
harboring" requirements. Failure of the Offeror to secure incentives quoted in the proposal
will not result in changes to PPA rates.
* UMBC will provide $600/kW up to $750,000 total as a one-time lump-sum payment at the
DC
initiation of work. The incentive will be split across projects as specified in Section II, to enable fair
evaluation between Offerors. This funding is provided through the Maryland Energy Administration
(MEA) FY2025 Higher Education Clean Energy Grant Pilot Program to support the project. This
one-time payment should be included in the PPA price structure of each site.
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