FY26 G3 Aviation Solar Generator

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks proposals for a 12-month lease (with one option year) of a portable solar generator system for G3 Aviation at Fort Irwin, CA. The system will power an FMQ-23 fixed base weather observation system and must be suitable for harsh environments and high temperatures.

• Solar Generator System:

  • Solar Capacity: 2.88kW
  • Solar Charge Controller: 150V/60A Victron MPPT x 2 (or equivalent)
  • Inverter/Charger System: 240VAC/48VDC/6000W
  • Battery Type: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), 800Ah nominal capacity, 20,480Wh total capacity.
  • Delivery Voltage: 240VAC
  • Sustained Continuous Load: 240VAC/7.5 amps (1800 watts)
  • Peak Instantaneous Load: 240VAC/15 amps (3600 watts)

• Power Source:

  • Primary: Solar
  • Secondary: Propane-powered (must not be solar)
  • Automatic switching between primary and backup inverters.

• Physical & Operational:

  • Skid mount or wheels
  • Capable of 24/7 operations
  • Recent vintage (not more than five years old), clean, and well-maintained.
  • Tested within two weeks prior to delivery.
  • Posted operating instructions.

• Contractor Tasks:

  • Delivery, setup, and installation.
  • Ongoing preventative and corrective maintenance.
  • De-installation and removal.

• Deliverables:

  • Fully Functional Solar Generator System
  • Installation and Operational Verification Report
  • User Manuals and Operating Instructions
  • Monthly Uptime & Maintenance Report

• Period of Performance: 16 June 2026 to 15 June 2027 (12 months base period).

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Delivery Location: Bicycle Lake Army Airfield (BLAAF), Bldg 6212, Fort Irwin, CA 92310.

• Evaluation Method: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

• Evaluation Steps:

  1. Technical Acceptability (Pass/Fail): Assesses if the quote meets all salient characteristics and performance requirements outlined in the SOW.
  2. Price Evaluation: Evaluates the total proposed price (Base Year + Option Year 1) for technically acceptable quotes.

• Award: To the responsible Offeror with the lowest evaluated price among technically acceptable quotes.

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• NAICS Code: 532490 (Other Equipment Rental and Leasing).

• Size Standard: USD 40,000,000.00.

• The government will provide a designated site, cleared and level, and reasonable access. Fuel, tools, personnel, or storage facilities will not be provided.

• Contractor personnel require proper identification and background checks for access to Fort Irwin.

• Invoices must be submitted through Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to industry questions regarding the backup power system for the opportunity.

• Backup Generator Type: Propane is the preferred solution due to its reliability, indefinite fuel shelf life, minimal maintenance, and clean-burning nature, which avoids risks associated with gasoline and diesel.
• Generator Runtime: In 2023, the backup generator recorded zero hours of runtime. The solar array and battery bank handled 100% of the load, even during overcast weather. Generator use is anticipated only during prolonged periods (3+ days) of extreme weather with no sun.
• Running Wattage: The consistent baseline load is approximately 120 Watts (1A at 120V), excluding ancillary equipment like heaters or fans that cycle on periodically.
• Peak Wattage: Peak wattage occurs when the unit's internal heater or lens-clearing fan activates.

This Q&A clarifies technical details about the existing power system, which may inform bidder proposals regarding backup power solutions and load requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks proposals for a 12-month lease of a portable solar generator system, with one option year, for use at the National Training Center (NTC) G3 Aviation at Fort Irwin, CA. The system will power an FMQ-23 fixed base weather observation system and must be suitable for harsh environments and high temperatures.

• Solar Generator System: Must provide power not exceeding 10kW, with a primary solar source and a secondary propane-powered source. Automatic switching between power sources is required.

• Technical Specifications: Includes a solar capacity of 2.88kW, specific inverter/charger system (240VAC/48VDC/6000W), LiFePO4 battery type with 800Ah capacity (20,480Wh), and 240VAC delivery voltage.

• Performance: Must support a sustained continuous load of 240VAC/7.5 amps (1800 watts) and a peak instantaneous load of 240VAC/15 amps (3600 watts). The system must be capable of 24/7 operations.

• Physical Requirements: Equipment must be skid or wheel-mounted, of recent vintage (not more than five years old), clean, well-maintained, and tested within two weeks prior to delivery. Operating instructions must be posted.

• Deliverables: Fully functional solar generator system, installation and operational verification report, user manuals, and monthly uptime & maintenance reports.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: Base Year: June 16, 2026, to June 15, 2027. Option Year 1: June 16, 2027, to June 15, 2028.

• Delivery Location: Bicycle Lake Army Airfield (BLAAF), Bldg 6212, Fort Irwin, CA 92310.

• Offer Due Date: April 10, 2026, at 01:00 PM local time.

• Evaluation Process: A two-step process: Technical Acceptability (pass/fail) followed by Price Evaluation.

• Award Basis: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). The award will be made to the technically acceptable offeror with the lowest evaluated price.

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• NAICS Code: 532490, Size Standard: $40,000,000.00.

• The government will provide a designated site, cleared and level, for generator placement and reasonable access during standard operating hours. Fuel, tools, personnel, or storage facilities will not be provided.

• Contractor personnel require proper identification and background checks for access to Fort Irwin.

• Payment will be made via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).