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)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Energy, through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), is soliciting proposals for the Community Microgrid Development Partnership Awards (C-MAP), aimed at enhancing energy systems in underserved and Indigenous communities. The initiative seeks to provide funding and technical assistance for the development and transformation of microgrid systems, focusing on integrating locally available renewable energy resources and improving energy efficiency. This program is crucial for addressing high energy costs in rural areas reliant on imported fossil fuels, fostering community resilience, and promoting sustainable energy practices. Interested parties, including non-profit organizations, state and local governments, and federally recognized tribes, must submit their proposals by December 20, 2024, and can direct inquiries to Kyndall Jackson at Kyndall.Jackson@nrel.gov for further information.

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    The "Community Microgrid Development Partnership Awards" initiative by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) aims to support energy systems in rural and underserved communities, particularly Indigenous populations. This initiative addresses escalating energy costs in areas largely dependent on imported fossil fuels by promoting advanced microgrid technologies, which incorporate local renewable resources and energy storage solutions. The program emphasizes building community partnerships and enabling technical assistance to improve the resilience and reliability of local energy systems. Under the Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership (C-MAP), funding is allocated to various project pathways, including operational assistance, community development, and transformation of existing microgrid systems. The solicitation outlines four key topic areas: Regional Microgrid Community Operations Assistance, Regional Microgrid Community Development Assistance, Microgrid Development, and Microgrid Transformation. Each area involves specific tasks and deliverables focused on enhancing microgrid efficiency, collaboration among communities, and facilitating long-term sustainability. The ultimate goal is to empower these communities to develop their energy systems independently and effectively pursue additional funding for future energy projects while sharing learnings that benefit broader regional efforts.
    This document outlines the terms of a subcontract between the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC and a yet-to-be-named subcontractor for work related to the management and operation of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) under a prime contract with the Department of Energy (DOE). It details the scope of work, payment structure, and compliance standards necessary for the subcontractor’s performance. Deliverables, payment amounts, and reporting requirements are specified in attached appendices. Key roles include a Subcontract Administrator responsible for administration and modifications, and a Technical Monitor overseeing technical compliance. The subcontract also emphasizes provisions for export control and compliance with DOE orders regarding foreign government activities. Special attention is given to scientific integrity and the handling of publicity related to subcontract work. Additionally, submission requirements for invoices and small business subcontracting plans are highlighted, ensuring adherence to federal regulations. Overall, the subcontract aims to formalize expectations between the Alliance and the subcontractor while supporting the DOE's strategic goals in renewable energy research and development.
    The document outlines specifications required for proposals related to community and microgrid systems as part of federal and state RFPs. It mandates detailed information on each community included in the proposal, encompassing community demographics, utility operators, and current energy system components. Crucial data to be provided includes maximum and average loads, contact details for community representatives, and specifications of various energy generation units (solar, wind, biomass, hydro, and generator sets). Information on energy storage systems and inverters is also required, as well as a description of the distribution system's characteristics. The format permits multiple sheets to accommodate comprehensive details, ensuring a thorough evaluation for federal grants and support programs aimed at enhancing energy infrastructure for local communities. This request for information is fundamental for assessing the readiness and viability of proposed projects to advance community energy solutions and infrastructure resilience.
    The document outlines deliverables for various phases of regional microgrid operations, development, transformation, and community assistance, as detailed in a series of tables. Each table specifies tasks associated with these projects, including summary reports, quarterly reports, development plans, design specifications, assessments, and impact reports, with all entries scheduled across a defined time frame, typically spanning 24 months. Each phase includes distinct reports, with quarterly reports mandated to cost between $2,000 and $5,000, subject to approval by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Notably, additional deliverables may be introduced by subcontractors, but all must receive NREL endorsement. The overarching goal of the document is to provide a structured framework for managing and evaluating microgrid initiatives, ultimately aimed at improving community resilience and energy efficiency through targeted support and thorough documentation. The zero dollar pricing indicates this is primarily a planning and reporting structure rather than a proposal for funding. Overall, this framework serves to guide contractors in executing their responsibilities concerning microgrid projects while ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints and quality expectations.
    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Community Microgrid Development Partnership Awards (C-MAP), focusing on fostering microgrid energy systems for underserved and Indigenous communities. The RFP encompasses four key topic areas: Regional Microgrid Community Operations and Development Assistance, Microgrid Development, and Microgrid Transformation. Eligible participants include non-profit organizations, state and local governments, and federally recognized tribes, emphasizing community impact in populations not exceeding 10,000, and the use of commercially available technology. NREL intends to award three to five firm fixed price subcontracts per topic area, with specific maximum awards and performance periods. Evaluation criteria will include technical merit, project implementation plans, community impact potential, and the team's expertise. Qualitative assessments will influence the selection process, while price evaluations will balance against qualitative criteria. Proposal submissions are due by December 20, 2024, and must adhere to formatting and content guidelines detailed in the RFP. This solicitation reinforces the federal commitment to advancing renewable energy initiatives in disadvantaged communities, aligning with broader state and national goals for sustainable energy equity.
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