333302-26RF-0010008 Design Build - SERC Solar Arrays for Agrivoltaics Research

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a pre-proposal conference brief for the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Agrivoltaics Research Platform project. The project involves the design, permitting, construction, and commissioning of a 2.0 MW DC agrivoltaics system interconnected to the BGE electrical distribution system. The goal is to create a living laboratory for collaborative agrivoltaics research and education, demonstrate a dual-use solution for energy and food security, contribute to regional grid decarbonization, and reduce long-term electricity costs for SERC and the Smithsonian.

• Design, permitting, construction, and commissioning of site infrastructure and a 2.0 MW DC agrivoltaics system.

• The project site covers approximately 12 acres within the SERC Campus.

• Four different panel configurations will be tested: Traditional Single Axis Tracking (6' panel height, 20' row spacing), Elevated Single Axis Tracking (8' panel height, 20' row spacing), Wide Row Single Axis Tracking (6' panel height, 35' row spacing), and Elevated Fixed Panel (8' panel height, 20' row spacing).

• The site will be enclosed by a chain-link fence with perimeter spacing of approximately 30 feet between panels and fence.

• An option for a new well for irrigation is available.

• Base Bid: Includes design, permitting, construction, and commissioning of the agrivoltaics system and site infrastructure. System Operation & Maintenance (O&M) is NOT included in the base bid.

• Option 1: Operation and Maintenance of the agrivoltaics system for one year, with an option for up to four additional years.

• Option 2: Agricultural Water Well System for year-round agricultural watering.

• Proposals Due: June 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.

• RFIs Requested By: May 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.

• Evaluation Factors (in order of importance):

  1. Design-Build Team Past Performance (Quality, relevance, success of similar projects)
  2. Schedule and Plan of Accomplishment (Offeror's understanding and ability to perform)
  3. Concept Design Submission (Responsiveness to SOW and overall technical quality)

• Cost proposals will be evaluated for completeness, reasonableness, and compatibility with the technical approach.

Not specified in this document.

• This document is a pre-proposal conference brief and is informational only. Offerors must rely on the written RFP and any issued amendments.
• Key Smithsonian personnel include Christine Grant (Contracting Officer) and Ray Jones (Contracting Officer's Technical Representative).
• Key BGE personnel are also listed, along with a resource link for developers and contractors.

Amendment / Modification

• Pre-proposal Meeting/Site Visit Requirement: Attendance at the pre-proposal meeting and/or guided site visit is no longer a mandatory condition for submitting a proposal. Offerors who did not attend are still eligible to submit proposals, provided they meet all other RFP requirements.

• Informational Nature: Information shared during the pre-proposal meeting or guided site visit is considered informational only and does not alter the solicitation's terms.

• Attachments Provided:

  • Link to the pre-proposal meeting recording (May 4, 2026).
  • Sign-in sheets from the pre-proposal meeting.
  • Pre-proposal meeting presentation slides.

• The requirement for pre-proposal meeting attendance has been removed as a condition of eligibility.

• Proposal Due Date: The proposal due date remains June 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.

• Overall Requirements: All other aspects of RFP 333302-26RF-0010008 remain unchanged.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a sign-in sheet for a pre-proposal site visit related to the "Solar Arrays for Agrivoltaics Research at Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC)" opportunity (Notice ID: 333302-26-RF0010008).

• Lists attendees' names, companies, and email addresses.
• Includes details for the pre-proposal site visit: Monday, May 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM, held at the Jean Schmidt Conference Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037.

This document indicates which companies and individuals attended the pre-proposal site visit. It can be useful for understanding potential competitors or collaborators who have expressed interest in the opportunity.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for a design-build contract for a 2.0 MW DC Solar Array System for Agrivoltaics Research at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, MD. The project involves designing and constructing four distinct array configurations on a 12-acre parcel owned by the Smithsonian Institution to support agrivoltaics research. The system must comply with various codes, standards, and utility requirements, including Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) interconnection and net metering regulations.

• Design and construction of a 2.0 MW DC agrivoltaics system.

• Four distinct array configurations with varying heights, orientations, and spacing.

• Compliance with Smithsonian Facilities (SF) Codes, Standards and Guidelines, NEC 2023, IEEE Std 1547-2018, UL standards, BGE interconnection requirements, and COMAR regulations.

• Equipment manufactured in the United States, with specific requirements for modules and inverters.

• Site preparation, improvements, procurement, inspection, monitoring, commissioning, and warranty.

• A 1-year limited workmanship warranty.

• Subcontracting Plan with goals of 40% for small businesses and 7% for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.

• Firm Fixed-Price Design-Build construction contract.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but implies commencement upon notice to proceed and completion within a specified timeframe (434 calendar days from Notice-to-Proceed mentioned in Schedule section).

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Proposals are due by 3:00 PM ET on Monday, June 22, 2026, submitted via Dropbox.

• A pre-proposal site visit is mandatory on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM.

• Questions must be submitted in word format by Monday, May 18, 2026, no later than 3 PM EST.

• Proposals will be evaluated using a "Best Value" concept, with technical factors (Design-Build Team Past Performance, Schedule and Plan of Accomplishment, Concept Design Submission) weighted more heavily than cost.

• Award will be made to the Offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Smithsonian.

• Pricing information must not be included in the Technical Proposal.

• No specific set-aside is mentioned, but subcontracting goals for small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses are included.

• Funds are not presently available for this contract; obligation is contingent upon appropriation.

• Offerors must commit to using professional engineers registered in Maryland and holding a Class A Contractor License.

• A Reimbursable Allowance Item for BGE interconnection/upgrades in the amount of $600,000 is required.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 1, a site map for the SERC Agrivoltaic Research Project. It visually identifies key locations and access routes relevant to the project.

• Main Gate: The primary entrance to the site.
• Woodlawn House: A building located near the main gate.
• Electrical Connection: Indicates the path for electrical infrastructure.
• Access Road: Shows the route for accessing the project site.
• Project Site: Outlines the designated area for the agrivoltaic research project.

This site map provides crucial spatial information for understanding the physical layout of the project area. Bidders can use this to visualize access, potential staging areas, and the location of the project itself, which may be relevant for planning, logistics, and site visits if applicable to the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a bid schedule (Attachment 5) for the SERC Solar Agrivoltaic project. It outlines the cost breakdown for the base bid and two potential options.

• Project: SERC Solar Arrays for Agrivoltaic Research
• Solicitation Number: 333302-26RF-001008
• Estimated Cost Range: $5,000,000 - $10,000,000
• Base Bid: Design and construction of a 2.0 MW solar array for agrivoltaic research. All cost divisions are currently listed as $0.0.
• Option 1: Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of the 2.0 MW system for one year, with potential for four additional one-year extensions. All cost divisions are currently listed as $0.0.
• Option 2: Installation of an Agricultural Water Well System. All cost divisions are currently listed as $0.0.

Bidders must use this schedule to provide their pricing for the base bid and any exercised options. Note that all cost fields are currently zero, indicating that detailed pricing is expected from bidders. This document is critical for proposal preparation and will form the basis of the contract's financial terms.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Technical Memorandum from Environmental Research Group (ERG) to the Smithsonian Institution (SI) regarding Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Post-Construction Considerations for a proposed solar array at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Maryland.

• Meeting Date: April 29, 2025
• Project: Addition of a solar array at SERC near Edgewater, Maryland.
• Location: Existing forested area near Woodlawn House.
• Impact: Only the solar panel design and base will increase impervious areas and runoff coefficients.
• Stormwater Requirements: Discusses applicable stormwater requirements, including Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) recommendations for BMPs for solar arrays.
• Site Conditions: Evaluates four potential sites based on slope and soil composition. All identified sites have slopes over 10%, requiring structural terraces or berms.
• Recommendations:
  • Non-structural methods promoting disconnection of impervious cover are preferred.
  • For slopes < 5%, a disconnection flow path equal to or greater than the solar panel width is required.
  • For slopes between 5-10%, additional BMPs like level spreaders are needed.
  • For slopes > 10%, terraces or berms may be required.
• Permitting: Requires approval from MDE and Anne Arundel County, including NPDES permit with SWPPP and Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
• Attachments Referenced: Includes MDE guidance documents, technical memorandums, and soil survey data.

This document provides critical information regarding the environmental considerations, specifically stormwater management, for the proposed solar array project. Bidders should understand the site's topographical and soil conditions, the required stormwater management practices (BMPs), and the regulatory requirements (MDE, Anne Arundel County) that will influence project design and implementation. This information is essential for developing accurate proposals and understanding potential project constraints and costs related to environmental compliance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the requirements for an agrivoltaics research platform. It details the design considerations and proposed configurations for a photovoltaic (PV) array intended for collaborative research on dual-use agrivoltaics systems. The platform will support studies on crop performance, soil health, environmental impact, and economic benefits, while also serving educational and demonstration purposes.

• Research Focus: Dual-use agrivoltaics systems, crop performance, soil health, environmental impact, economic benefits, education, and demonstration.
• Design Considerations: Accommodate sensors for microclimate, soil conditions, and vegetation growth; preference for bifacial panels; tracking systems with override capability for shading control; use of ground screws for anchors to minimize soil disruption; conduit runs close to racking footings; wiring routes avoiding crop zones and clearly marked; inclusion of field and edge buffers for farming access; inverter and junction box staged outside the array; wire management for safety.
• Proposed Configurations (approx. 500 kW capacity each):
  • Single Axis Tracker (SAT) with 6 ft hub height, GCR: 0.37 (consider slight deviation for contours).
  • SAT with 8 ft hub height, GCR: 0.37.
  • SAT with 6 ft hub height, GCR: 0.21.
  • Fixed-south array, 35 deg tilt, 8 ft mounting height, GCR: 0.37 (tilt capability of ~60 degrees preferred).
• Construction Considerations: Minimize disturbance (grading, cutting, filling, trenching) and compaction; preserve and return topsoil; coordinate well requirements with partners.

This document provides critical technical specifications and design requirements for the agrivoltaics research platform. Bidders involved in solar array installation, particularly those with experience in agrivoltaics or research-oriented projects, should review these requirements to understand the scope, technical challenges, and specific needs of the project. It highlights preferences for certain technologies (e.g., bifacial panels, tracking systems) and construction methods (e.g., ground screws) that will influence proposal development and cost estimation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (MD20260082) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. It establishes the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various construction crafts and laborers in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, for building construction type projects. This information is crucial for contractors to understand labor costs when bidding on federal or federally-assisted construction contracts subject to the Davis-Bacon Act.

• General Decision Number: MD20260082
• State: Maryland
• County: Anne Arundel County
• Construction Type: Building
• Publication Date: 01/02/2026
• Classifications: Lists specific job titles (e.g., Bricklayer, Carpenter, Electrician, Laborer, Plumber, etc.)
• Rates: Prevailing hourly wage rates for each classification.
• Fringes: Prevailing hourly fringe benefit rates for each classification.
• Notes: Includes information on Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage), and guidance on the Wage Determination Appeals Process.

Bidders must use these wage rates to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these prevailing wage requirements can lead to bid disqualification or contract non-compliance. The document also provides context on applicable labor laws and appeal procedures relevant to federal construction contracts.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a conditional approval for a Level 4 Net meter aggregation project at 647 Contees Wharf Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037. It outlines the terms and conditions for interconnection and provides several scope options for the project.

• Conditional Approval Status: The project is conditionally approved at a reduced size, subject to meeting BGE Electric Tariff Rider 18: Net metering aggregation terms.
• Approval Expiration: The conditional approval expires in one calendar year, with provisions for six-month extensions upon written request and good cause.
• High-Level Scope Options:
  1. Support for a 750 kW AC project for approximately $50,000, utilizing existing infrastructure on a 13.2 kV feeder, with a 480Y/277V three-phase four-wire interconnection.
  2. Support for a 2000 kW AC project for approximately $600,000, requiring customer-owned medium voltage switchgear and transformer, with interconnection on the 13.2 kV feeder.
  3. Support for projects exceeding 2000 kW AC would require extending from the 33 kV feeder, estimated at $4,500,000, which is considered cost-prohibitive.
• Next Steps: Bidders must select one of the provided options to continue and may need to edit their application. Contact information is provided for further details.

This document is crucial for bidders as it details the specific project scope, estimated costs for different interconnection options, and the conditions for approval. It guides bidders in selecting the most suitable option for their project and understanding the associated financial and technical requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for wage rates applicable to Heavy (Excluding Dredging) and Highway Construction Projects in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. It serves as a reference for prevailing wages that must be paid on federal or federally funded construction contracts.

• Lists specific construction trades and labor classifications (e.g., Bricklayer, Carpenter, Electrician, Laborer, Truck Driver, Power Equipment Operator).
• Provides the prevailing hourly wage rate and fringe benefit rate for each classification.
• Includes information on Executive Orders related to paid sick leave and minimum wage for federal contractors.
• Explains identifiers used for different types of wage rates (union, survey, state adopted).
• Outlines the process for appealing wage determinations.

Bidders must use these wage rates to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals on relevant federal or federally funded construction projects in the specified county and construction type. Failure to comply with these wage requirements can lead to contract non-compliance.