61--SJG SOLAR/BPS/POWER CONDITIONING

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (PR20260001) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, detailing prevailing wage rates for Building Construction in Puerto Rico Statewide. It specifies rates for various trades and power equipment operators, including base rates and fringes.

• General Decision Number: PR20260001
• Publication Date: 01/02/2026
• Superseded Decision Number: PR20250001
• State: Puerto Rico
• Construction Type: Building (excluding single-family homes and apartments up to 4 stories)
• Counties: Puerto Rico Statewide
• Classifications and Rates: Lists specific trades (e.g., Bricklayer, Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber) with their corresponding hourly rates and fringe benefits.
• Power Equipment Operators: Includes rates for operators of Cranes, Diggers, Loaders, and Traxcavators.
• Welders: Notes that welders receive the rate prescribed for the craft to which welding is incidental.
• Unlisted Classifications: States that unlisted classifications may be added after award per 29 CFR 5.5 (a) (1) (iii).
• Rate Identifiers: Explains various identifiers (e.g., 'SU', 'UAVG', 'SA') used to denote the type of prevailing wage rate (union, survey, state adopted).
• Wage Determination Appeals Process: Outlines the process for appealing wage determinations.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the minimum wage requirements for laborers and mechanics employed on the construction project. It directly impacts labor costs and proposal pricing. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages meet or exceed these prevailing rates to comply with labor standards.

Statement of Work (SOW)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) requires the procurement and installation of a solar photovoltaic backup power generation system with lithium-ion battery storage (S+B-BPS) and a power conditioning system for the San Juan Magnetic Observatory in Cayey, Puerto Rico. This system will ensure the continuation of critical data collection by providing reliable backup power to 14 buildings on site, addressing the unreliability of the current diesel generator and the existing utility power.

• Design and construct a solar power plus lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO) battery storage backup power system (S+B-BPS) at the Office Building or Shop/Garage.

• Design and construct a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel array on a structurally capable roof.

• Install a power conditioning system to manage under- or over-voltage events.

• The S+B-BPS must automatically switch to backup power upon utility failure and support the facility for a minimum of 72 hours.

• The existing diesel generator will remain as a secondary backup.

• The contractor is responsible for verifying all utilities, dimensions, and quantities; securing permits; protecting the site; and ensuring a clean and safe work environment.

• Tasks include pre-proposal site visits, coordination with the electric utility and USGS, construction of battery storage and control panels, PV system installation on the Office Building, setup of a remote fault notification system, and training for USGS staff.

• The S+B-BPS must provide sufficient power for 14 buildings at full normal usage for a minimum of 72 hours.

• A 72-hour uninterrupted test of the S+B-BPS must be successfully completed.

• Power transfer to the S+B-BPS must occur within 10 seconds of utility power failure.

• All work must be performed in a safe, professional manner according to accepted industry standards and applicable codes (IBC, NEC, IFC, ASCE).

• Commercial/industrial grade products with a minimum 20-year service life are required.

• Period of Performance: 45 days from the Notice to Proceed.

• Place of Performance: San Juan Magnetic Observatory, Bo. Montellano Marginal St. KM 58.2, Calle Esperanza 7715, Cayey, PR 00736.

• Contractor must possess a current contractor license issued by the government of Puerto Rico.

• No ferrous materials are permitted within the designated Exclusion Zone.

• Contractor is responsible for all personnel, equipment, supplies, and documentation, including architectural drawings, shop drawings, and quality control reports.

• Work hours are generally 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday-Friday, unless otherwise authorized.

• Contractor must coordinate any utility outages with the USGS Facility Manager at least 72 hours in advance.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the "New Solar and Backup Power System Installation" at the USGS San Juan Magnetic Observatory in Puerto Rico. The acquisition is being conducted as a Total Small Business Set-Aside. The estimated magnitude of construction is between $100,000 and $250,000.

• Installation of a new solar power system and backup power system.

• Services are non-personal and include providing all plant, equipment, labor, material, and supervision.

• Integration of the new system with the existing facility's Building Automation System (BAS) and existing generator.

• Compliance with sustainable products and services requirements, including those related to recovered materials, energy efficiency, biobased products, and EPA-designated items.

• Adherence to environmental management system (EMS) requirements.

• Compliance with Buy American statute for construction materials, with specific exceptions noted.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price.

• Period of Performance: Commencement within 10 calendar days of notice to proceed, completion within 45 calendar days of notice to proceed.

• Estimated Award Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to Philip Robinson (probinson@usgs.gov).

• Proposal submission deadline: March 6, 2026, 12:00 PM (Mountain Time).

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Capabilities, Project Schedule/Plan, Key Personnel Experience, Past Experience, and Price. Technical merit is considered more important than price.

• A site visit is scheduled for February 19, 2026, at 1:30 PM AST. Attendees must register in advance and may require special credentials.

• Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• NAICS code: 221114 – Power Generation, Solar Electric contractors.

• Small business size standard: 500 employees.

• Offerors must acknowledge all solicitation amendments.

• A bid guarantee is not required.

• Performance and Payment Bonds are required (100% of contract price).

• All offers must be valid for 60 days.

• Questions regarding the solicitation are due by February 27, 2026.