Site work for a sidewalk / parking lot in Providence, Rhode Island. Conceptual plans call for site work for a sidewalk / parking lot.

As of October 24, 2024, information regarding an award for this solicitation is not available. At this time, it is not known if an award has been made. Closed solicitation has been included below for reference. ............. The Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC) solicits Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from firms (Consultant) interested in providing professional engineering services associated with the evaluation, planning, design and construction administration of a Direct-Ownership Solar Carport with Battery Storage facility having accommodations for two (2) future Level-2 Dual Port Electric Vehicle Parking Stations (the "Project"), whose power will be utilized in a "behind the meter" net-metering structure, allowable under Rhode Island General Law (RIGL) 39-26.4. The site for the proposed Project is at an existing parking lot for NBC's Water Quality Science Building (WQSB), located at 7 Service Road in Providence, Rhode Island. Refer to Figure A-1 in APPENDIX A, which depicts the Project's Location and an aerial photo Site Plan. Through the issuance of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) it is the NBC's intent to hire a qualified firm, or team of firms, with in-depth, demonstrated expertise with the evaluation, design and construction and construction administration components of solar carport energy systems with battery storage, that have been installed at publicly owned facilities. The Project will allow NBC to offset costs at three buildings that currently receive their power from Rhode Island Energy and which share a common electric meter (shown in Appendix A, Figure A-1). The Project seeks to offset a portion of the buildings' three-year average amount of electricity purchased from RI Energy, which is estimated at 157 MWh/month and an average demand of 219 kW. APPENDIX B of this RFQ includes a summary of the historic electrical energy use for the three buildings over a 36-month period. This RFQ generally describes the Project, the anticipated scope of services, NBC requirements, and the information that must be included in the SOQs. Respondents are encouraged to organize their SOQs to highlight all relevant project and staff experience, staffing commitment, a proposed work schedule, and the engineering firm's understanding and approach to satisfy all the needs of this Project. Failure to submit information in accordance with the RFQ requirements and procedures may be cause for disqualification. The respondent's SOQ shall include project-specific, tailored descriptions of the firm/ team's expertise in all relevant practice disciplines required to complete the services which may be associated with this assignment. The NBC expects that the Consultant will use its expertise and knowledge to make recommendations and present an appropriate approach/work scope that will satisfy all NBC objectives for the project. The NBC shall select a professional design Consultant in accordance with all NBC Purchasing Rules and Regulations, the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB)/State Revolving Fund Guidelines and other federal guidelines to ensure that the project can be funded through the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program and the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank's Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program administered by the RIIB and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). The NBC will conduct a Qualification-Based Selection (QBS) process to identify the most qualified firm with which to negotiate a contract (i.e., Professional Services Agreement). All firms submitting qualifications must have recently demonstrated experience and expertise in all relevant aspects of the project. The NBC shall review all SOQs, rate the respondents, and then negotiate the terms of a Professional Service Agreement with the most highly qualified respondent. The selected respondent should be prepared to submit a detailed scope of work and cost proposal within two weeks of being selected for the project. This detailed scope of work and cost proposal should not be submitted with the respondent's Statement of Qualifications. If an Agreement cannot be reached with the highest-rated respondent, the NBC will then negotiate with the second highestrated respondent. If the NBC is satisfied with selected Consultant's initial Study and Reporting Phase and Detailed Design Phase Services, the NBC may, at its discretion, elect to extend the terms of the Contract to provide subsequent Construction Phase Engineering Services. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The Narragansett Bay Commission ("NBC") is a public corporation established in 1980. The NBC currently owns and operates the Field's Point Wastewater Treatment Facility (FPWWTF) located in Providence and the Bucklin Point Wastewater Treatment Facility (BPWWTF) located in East Providence. These facilities provide municipal wastewater collection and treatment services to the following 10 cities and towns: Providence, North Providence, Johnston, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Lincoln, Cumberland; and portions of East Providence, Cranston, and Smithfield. NBC is a non-profit public corporation that is overseen by a Board of Commissioners and is regulated by the RI Public Utilities Commission. Wastewater treatment operations are very energy intensive and as energy costs continue to rise, particularly in the Northeastern U.S. where electricity prices are between 30 to 40% higher than the national average. Energy management has increasingly become a critical operational issue. NBC's FPWWTF, the largest in Rhode Island and one of the largest in New England, has a peak electrical power demand of 2.0 Megawatts and NBC's BPWWTF, the second largest Wastewater Treatment Facility in Rhode Island, has a peak electrical power demand of 1.5 Megawatts. As such, NBC is one of the top 20 users of electricity in the State of Rhode Island. To continuously improve upon energy use performance and to help establish a sustainable energy management plan, the NBC has undertaken several renewable energy projects over the years. Currently, the NBC owns three wind turbines at the Field's Point WWTF, three wind turbines in Coventry, and receives net-metering credits for energy produced from a wind turbine in Johnston, in addition to ground-mount solar arrays in North Smithfield and Richmond. NBC has also installed a biogas-fueled Combined Heat and Power system at the BPWWTF. The NBC takes great pride in being a national leader in the field of sustainable wastewater operations and management by operating its facilities as efficiently and effectively as possible. As such, the NBC strives to manage its energy use in a sustainable manner by continuously improving energy efficiency and utilizing economically available renewable energy resources. In May 2023, Governor McKee signed Executive Order 23-06 which directed, "State Agencies to Lead by Example in Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy." This Executive Order updates the targets and responsibilities of the "Lead by Example" program within the Office of Energy Resources (OER) "to oversee and coordinate efforts at State agencies to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions". NBC has determined that implementing the Project at the WQSB parking lot will not only expand its portfolio of renewable energy generation, but offset its annual electricity costs to its ratepayers, provide continuing leadership toward climate goals, resulting in long-term financial and environmental benefits to its ratepayers, and the State of Rhode Island, while fostering public education of renewable energy. As graphically depicted on Figure A-1 in Appendix A, the three NBC-owned buildings where electrical costs are anticipated to be offset by the Project include (1) Water Quality Science Building (WQSB), (2) Corporate Office Building (COB), and (3) Records Storage Building (RSB). The following also summarizes pertinent information specific to the buildings' electrical supply: o NBC's current Utility Distribution Provider is Rhode Island Energy. o NBC's electricity supplier is Constellation NewEnergy, Inc. o NBC's billing rate is Large Demand G-32. o RI Energy supplies power to the three buildings via an underground duct bank along Service Road, at 12.47KV delivery voltage. This feeder connects to a 12KV-480/277Y, 3-phase, 4 wire step-down transformer. The transformer then connects to an automatic transfer switch for each building's standby power generators and switchgear lineups. A 1,000 KW diesel-fueled standby generator provides standby power for both the WQSB and the COB building. An 80 KW natural gas fueled generator provides standby power for the RSB, which also has its own transfer switch. The three buildings share a common electric meter. PROJECT GOALS NBC staff have identified several goals which shall be incorporated into the Project's design during the development of the Project's Scope of Work. The goals listed below shall be considered in the project's Design Criteria Report deliverable and SOQ submittals as appropriate: 1) The Project's footprint and layout shall include or achieve the following: i) One or more protective photovoltaic (PV) solar carport/canopy. ii) At least 2 parking spaces shall accommodate a Level 2 Dual Port Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (charging station), for the future installation (by others). iii) Battery storage system, iv) Encompass as much of the available parking lot space at the WQSB (while preserving the current count of 48 parking spaces) and v) Completely sheltering vehicles and pedestrians that may be under it. 2) The Project shall be outfitted with energy efficient LED lighting and motion sensors on the structure's underside/interior, 3) Alternatives/concepts recommended by Respondents must allow NBC to participate in Rhode Island Energy's "ConnectedSolutions" demand response program and will not disqualify NBC from the RI Renewable Energy Fund (RIREF) grant program. i) Specifically, the NBC has applied for a grant through Commerce RI Renewable Energy Fund, which was based on the Project generating a minimum of 240.2 kWdc solar capacity and minimum 13 kWdc battery capacity. 4) The net benefits to the NBC must include savings on the electric bill, demand response payments and sale of renewable energy credits. 5) The Project shall be designed to ensure the system operates effectively and maintains its value for the entirety of the proposed Project lifespan of a minimum of 20+ years. i) It is NBC's objective to maximize the solar generating and battery storage capacity to the greatest extent practical. The type, number, spacing and slope of array modules shall be designed to give NBC the optimal net benefit. ii) NBC currently estimates an automated 13kW battery storage system (minimum) with a 38-kWh working (minimum) capacity will be included as part of the Project. iii) The carport should be designed to optimize the kWh based on site(s) electricity use provided to maximize net financial benefit to NBC based on all project factors. iv) The Project must have lasting value to the NBC. Solar panels shall be provided with a 25-year warranty. The inverter(s) and battery(s) must carry a minimum of a 10-year warranty. v) An adequately detailed projection of the project's payback period must be provided considering the guaranteed production and fees for required operation, service, and maintenance. 6) The interior height of the canopy shall meet all applicable code-required minimum criteria (e.g., emergency response vehicle height, etc.). The height of the canopy shall be minimized to the maximum extent practical, such that it does not adversely impact aesthetics surrounding the WQSB nor interfere with any other existing NBC facilities buildings, etc. 7) The Solar Carport System must be designed to integrate with a common electricity meter that services the three buildings, (Note: the three buildings have provisions for standby power in the event of a utility grid power outage). The designed system must also integrate with NBC's existing SCADA and data historian system to enable system performance monitoring and reporting. 8) There are several existing light masts that illuminate the existing parking area. The Engineer shall evaluate whether the existing lighting can be salvaged, or if the site lighting must be modified, replaced, etc., as a result of the proposed solar carport canopy arrangement. 9) Components, such as a canopy over the entrance leading to the WQSB, or other protective barriers, should also be considered. 10) Recommendations for long-term Operations and Maintenance of the Project's components shall be vetted by the Consultant and shared with the NBC during the design process. The NBC considers the above listing to be preliminary and anticipates the listed items may change based on the Consultant's initial evaluation and Planning Phase Services. The NBC encourages the Respondents to put forth ideas and approaches that in the Consultant's professional experience are believed to be in the best long-term interests and benefit to the NBC. SCOPE OF WORK General It is anticipated that the Project sequence of work will follow a traditional Planning-Design-BidBuild format. To be considered eligible for this Project, the Respondent must have technical expertise and prior work experience completing other similar Solar Carport planning and design services. Respondents are asked to document their prior experience in all matters pertaining to this assignment, with particular emphasis given to prior work activities pertaining to electrical power interconnection studies and "behind-the-meter" net-metering renewable energy facilities. The selected Consultant shall provide traditional multi-disciplinary engineering services appropriate to the project, such as, but not limited to analysis, planning, design, permitting, regulatory coordination, electric utility company coordination, bidding assistance, construction administration, start-up and testing assistance and limited inspection assistance. It is expected that the Consultant shall complete all needed services in a timely manner and in accordance with the project's mutually agreed upon work schedule. It is the intent of this solicitation that a consistent quality of professional services be provided throughout all phases of the project. The purpose of the project's initial Planning Phase Services is to thoroughly examine how the proposed new facilities will integrate and with NBC's existing electrical systems and related infrastructure. During this work phase, it is anticipated the Consultant will work closely with NBC staff to develop an appropriate plan to maximize NBC's benefit and value and achieve reliable and efficient facility. In developing the project's proposed plan, it is important to evaluate such key decision-making factors as, but not limited to service life; criticality; compliance with current standards, codes and regulations; operational efficiency assessment; predicted energy savings; potential financial rebate opportunities; eligibilities/determinations including Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund (RIREF) Grant, Demand Response, Leading by Example Program, etc.; constructability issues; opinions of probable costs for needed equipment or system replacement works and associated short- and long-term operation and maintenance components. Project Schedule A project schedule shall be included in the Respondent's SOQ describing the time frame necessary to complete the project. For the purposes of this submittal, a start date of Monday January 4, 2024, should be assumed for project scheduling purposes. MBE/WBE Requirements It is the policy of the NBC that minority business enterprises, as defined in RIGL 37-14.1-3 and 37-2.2, be given the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of the work being procured. The NBC has established a goal to make all efforts to allocate fifteen percent (15%) of the contract value for Rhode Island certified MBE/WBE participation, where it has been determined that subcontract opportunities exist and certified MBE/WBE contractors are available. Of that fifteen percent (15%), minority business enterprises (MBE) owned and controlled by a minority owner, as defined in 37-14.1-3, shall be awarded a minimum of sevenand one-half percent (7.5%), and minority business enterprises owned and controlled by a woman (WBE) shall be awarded a minimum of seven- and one-half percent (7.5%). MBE/WBE's are encouraged to participate as prime consultants, individuals, subcontractors, partnerships and joint ventures. The respondent shall indicate in the SOQ if this goal will be met and provide the names of any MBE/WBE firms that will be part of their team and their respective percent participation. Should a firm be selected and not meet this goal, a written explanation as to why the goal could not be met will be required. Provide a statement indicating whether or not the firm will meet the NBC's goals. If the statement is not provided the respondent's SOQ will be deemed nonresponsive. The NBC anticipates that this project will be funded by loan proceeds from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank's Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and United States Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) and other sources. The selected Consultant must comply with the requirements of both programs, including, but not limited to, the State of Rhode Island's Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program and the USEPA's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank has a 15% MBE participation goal of the total value of the work. The participation goals for the EPA/WIFIA programs for MBE and WBE participation are in accordance with the US Department of Labor Federal Office of Contract Compliance Program requirements, the current Fair Share Objective Agreement established between the USEPA and the state of Rhode Island. Perspective Consultants are responsible for satisfying all local, state and federal requirements. QUESTIONS REGARDING THE RFQ An informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. local time at the NBC Corporate Office Building, Main Conference Room, One Service Road, Providence, RI 02905. Directions to this location can be found at www.narrabay.com. This meeting is intended to answer any questions regarding the RFQ. Attendance at this meeting is encouraged but is not required. Upon request, a site visit will be provided immediately following the meeting. Individuals requiring an interpreter for the hearing impaired must inform the NBC at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting date. Written questions received by 4:00 PM local time on Tuesday October 31, 2023, will be responded to in writing (via email) to all firms issued RFQs. All correspondence shall be sent to John Motta, Engineering Technical Specialist, at jmotta@narrabay.com. Only questions answered by formal written addenda will be binding. Oral and other clarifications or interpretations will be without legal effect. Addenda will be emailed to all parties who have requested a copy of the RFQ.