Community Microgrid Development Partnership Awards
ID: RFX-2024-10032Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFALLIANCE SUSTAINABLE ENRGY-DOECONTRGolden, CO, 80402, USA

NAICS

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541990)

PSC

COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT R&D SERVICES; COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT; BASIC RESEARCH (AB11)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/062d5b03862144d69c5a57391a45e2ac/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Energy is soliciting proposals for the Community Microgrid Development Partnership Awards, aimed at enhancing microgrid systems in underserved and Indigenous communities across the United States. The initiative seeks to provide funding and technical assistance to improve the operation and efficiency of energy systems by integrating renewable energy sources and innovative technologies. This program is critical for fostering energy independence and resilience in remote areas, with approximately $7.2 million allocated to support around 15 community projects. Interested applicants, including non-profits, local governments, and federally recognized tribes, must submit their proposals by January 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time, and can direct inquiries to Kyndall Jackson at Kyndall.Jackson@nrel.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Kyndall Jackson
    Kyndall.Jackson@nrel.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Amendment No. 1 to RFX-2024-10032 - Community Microgrid Development Partnership Awards.pdf
    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for "Community Microgrid Development Partnership Awards," aimed at fostering the development of microgrid solutions in various U.S. communities. The amendment, dated November 7, 2024, clarifies eligibility, proposal requirements, and funding specifics for prospective applicants. Eligible applicants include nonprofit entities, state and local governments, and federally recognized tribes. A total of approximately $7.2 million is allocated for funding to support about 15 communities or collaborative groups that submit proposals by December 20, 2024. The RFP emphasizes partnerships between communities and fiscal agents to build capacity around microgrid systems. The program intends to strengthen community cooperation in microgrid development and enhance the functionality of such systems. Future opportunities for funding may arise if the pilot program demonstrates success in increasing community collaboration and efficiency in microgrid operations. Proposals must adhere to submission guidelines and be sent electronically to the designated NREL contact. This initiative represents a critical step by the Department of Energy to foster sustainable energy solutions in underserved areas.
    Amendment No. 2 to RFX-2024-10032 - Community Microgrid Development Partnership Awards.pdf
    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) issued Amendment No. 2 for Request for Proposals (RFP) number RFX-2024-10032 concerning the “Community Microgrid Development Partnership Awards.” The amendment, dated December 11, 2024, extends the proposal submission deadline to January 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time. This RFP is focused on advancing microgrid designs that enhance community resilience. Eligible participants include federally recognized Tribes, non-profit entities, energy cooperatives, and local governments in designated regions. Key clarifications from submitted questions include: proposals must present systems designed to operate independently from the main grid; minimum off-grid operation is application-specific; and federal procurement policies will apply to awarded subcontracts. The amendment emphasizes that while NREL manages project funds, all equipment ownership and decisions related to property will ultimately reside with the U.S. Department of Energy. Overall, the program aims to assist communities in moving toward advanced microgrid design phases, enhancing their eligibility for further funding opportunities.
    Attachment No. 1 - Statement of Work.pdf
    The "Community Microgrid Development Partnership Awards" RFP outlines funding and technical support for underserved and Indigenous communities to enhance or develop microgrid systems, which provide energy independence and stability. Managed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) under the U.S. Department of Energy, the initiative aims to reduce reliance on costly fossil fuels in isolated areas by promoting renewable energy integration and community collaboration. The program prioritizes four topic areas: Regional Microgrid Community Operations Assistance, Regional Microgrid Community Development Assistance, Microgrid Development, and Microgrid Transformation. Each area includes specific tasks for community engagement, operational improvement, engineering design, financial assessment, and implementation of transformative solutions. Subcontractors are required to support cross-community efforts, identify challenges, develop detailed engineering designs, and foster partnerships while enhancing microgrid viability and performance. Deliverables include regular progress reports, final assessment summaries, and technical documentation to ensure sustainability and knowledge sharing among communities. This initiative reflects a broader governmental commitment to advancing renewable energy and enhancing resilience in electrical delivery systems, particularly for those historically underserved, ultimately contributing to a decarbonized energy future.
    Attachment No. 2 - Sample Subcontract.pdf
    This subcontract document details the agreement between the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, which manages the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and a subcontractor. The primary purpose is to outline the terms and conditions under which the subcontractor will perform specific tasks as defined in an attached Statement of Work. Key points include the expected deliverables, payment terms, and the timeline for performance, which begins upon signing. Payments will occur upon acceptance of deliverables, and invoicing procedures are strictly specified. The document also emphasizes compliance with export control laws and the necessity for proper scientific integrity, ensuring that subcontractor communications do not misrepresent NREL or the Department of Energy (DOE). Additionally, it sets clear rules for publicity, data rights, and responsibilities related to subcontract administration. The subcontractor is expected to submit regular reports if participating in any foreign government-sponsored recruitment programs and maintain adherence to defined ethical standards. The comprehensive nature of this subcontract aims to ensure accountability, promote effective collaboration, and safeguard national interests within the framework of federally funded research and development activities.
    Attachment No. 3 - Community and Microgrid Specification 2024.pdf
    The document outlines specifications required for proposals related to community and microgrid projects as part of federal and state initiatives. It requires detailed information about each participating community, including demographics such as population, load capacities, and contact details, alongside specifications of existing energy systems. Key components include the inventory of generation sources, including solar, wind, biomass, and hydro, specifying installation years, equipment manufacturers, output capacities, and annual energy generation. Additionally, it necessitates information on generator sets, their fuel types, and energy outputs. Other technological considerations, such as energy storage solutions and inverter specifications, are to be documented as well. Significantly, the proposal must include a description of the distribution system, detailing its length, voltage, and feeder configurations. This compilation aims to assist in assessing energy resilience and sustainability needs in communities, reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing energy infrastructures while promoting renewable sources and reliable energy distribution methods.
    Attachment No. 4 - Sample Deliverable Schedule - Clean.xlsx
    This document details the deliverables associated with federal assistance programs focused on regional microgrid community operations, development, and transformation. Each section outlines a series of tasks spanning several months, culminating in various reports, planning documents, and assessments. Key deliverables include quarterly reports and specialized reports such as community challenge identification, regional development opportunities, microgrid design specifications, and impact assessments, which must be submitted at specified intervals. The structure consists of a summary of work efforts, quarterly reports, and other significant documents, with additional deliverables allowable upon National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) approval. Pricing for quarterly reports is outlined, setting expected minimums and maximums. The primary purpose of this document is to provide a clear framework for project deliverables under government RFPs and grants, ensuring accountability and alignment with set objectives in microgrid initiatives. This structured approach aims to enhance community engagement and development while maintaining project oversight and progress tracking.
    Request for Proposal No. RFX-2024-10032 - CMAP.pdf
    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2024 Community Microgrid Development Partnership Awards, aimed at enhancing microgrid systems for underserved and Indigenous communities. The RFP focuses on four key areas: Regional Microgrid Community Operations Assistance, Regional Microgrid Community Development Assistance, Microgrid Development, and Microgrid Transformation. Eligible applicants include non-profits, state and local governments, and federally recognized tribes, particularly targeting areas with populations under 10,000. Proposals must address specific qualitative merit criteria which encompass technical approach, project implementation plans, community impact, and team qualifications, weighted accordingly. The evaluation process consists of an initial assessment followed by discussions and negotiations for award finalization. The maximum funding amounts per topic area vary, with the intent to award several fixed-price contracts. This solicitation responds to the necessity of developing sustainable energy solutions in remote areas, promoting energy independence and resilience. Proposals must comply with federal guidelines, including cost evaluations, demonstrating that funding is dedicated to projects benefitting target communities while adhering to defined performance standards.
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