61--SJG SOLAR/BPS/POWER CONDITIONING

Amendment / Modification

This amendment addresses contractor requests for information (RFI) related to the solicitation.

• Q13/A13 (Generator Details): Provides specific make, model (Olympian Power System Model GEP50SP3), serial number, manufacturing year (2004), and technical specifications (120/240 volts, 55 kW, 55 kVA, 1.0 power factor, Perkins England engine) for the standby generator. It emphasizes that the contractor must verify all site conditions and equipment.
• Q14/A14 (Transfer Topology): Clarifies that the generator feed is routed through two ASCO Series 165 automatic transfer switches and supplies the entire site. The contractor is responsible for verifying site conditions and equipment.
• Q15/A15 (Wiring/Conduit): States that all available site information will be provided prior to the project start.
• Q16/A16 (Control Interface): Indicates that information on the 2-wire start or alternate method for remote start/stop is not currently available and must be verified by the contractor.
• Q17/A17 (Dimensions/Constraints): Confirms the shop/garage area is approximately 1,394 sq ft and refers to Figure 5 of the Statement of Objectives for dimensions. The equipment is assumed to fit within an 8 ft x 8 ft area.
• Q18/A19 (Environment): Acknowledges a statement regarding the preference for a temperature-controlled and sealed environment for energy storage systems and power electronics. Bulletins are not required.
• Q20/A20 (PV Array/Roof): Addresses the proposed 45kW PV array. The roof system consists of a structural concrete deck with exposed concrete beams, waterproofed with an elastomeric coating system, and has a low slope. Contractor needs to verify dimensions.
• Q21/A21 (Ground-Mounted Array): States that all available site information will be provided prior to the project start for the ground-mounted array location.
• Q22/A22 (Internet Connection): Clarifies that there is no current internet connection at the proposed location; a cellular modem may be a possibility. Fault and outage alerts will be determined in consultation with the facility manager.

This amendment primarily provides answers to RFIs, clarifying details related to the generator, transfer switches, wiring, control interface, physical constraints, PV array, and internet connectivity.

• The effective date of this amendment is February 5, 2026.
• The Period of Performance is from 04/01/2026 to 07/30/2026.
• The award type is Firm Fixed Price.
• Contact information for Technical, Admin, and Contract Specialist is provided.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the solicitation to adjust the period of performance and address contractor requests for information (RFIs).

• Period of Performance (POP) Change: The POP has been extended from April 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026 (90 days) to April 1, 2026 - July 30, 2026 (120 days).

• RFI Responses:

  • Q11 (Solar System Design): The solar system should be designed to provide power exclusively for the 14 observatory buildings, excluding the 911 Building. This is consistent with Figure 1 of the Statement of Objectives.
  • Q12 (Power Consumption Data):
    • Bidders should assume an average monthly electric usage of 5060 kWh for the purposes of this solicitation.
    • Meter number 00002534828 is believed to be for the observatory buildings.
    • The project is intended to provide power exclusively for the observatory buildings, not the rented facility.
    • The contractor is required to confirm existing site conditions and measurements, including an analysis of electrical power consumption, as stated on page 6 of the Statement of Objectives.

• Period of Performance (POP)

• Solicitation details related to solar system design and power consumption analysis.

• The proposal deadline has been extended to February 5, 2026.

• Bidders must acknowledge receipt of this amendment. Offers may be rejected if acknowledgment is not received by the specified time and place.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a utility bill from LUMA Energy for the San Juan Observatory, addressed to IPOWER LLC. It details electricity consumption and charges for the period ending January 31, 2026. The bill includes charges for "Government Secondary Metered Service (GSS)" and various reconciliation clauses and riders related to fuel, purchased power, and energy efficiency.

This document is a utility bill and does not appear to be a solicitation, SOW, amendment, or Q&A related to a government contract opportunity. Its relevance to a bidder would be limited to understanding the potential utility costs associated with operating at the San Juan Observatory, if that is a factor in the opportunity. It does not contain information about contract requirements, deliverables, or submission instructions.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0003) to solicitation 140G0226R0001 serves to provide answers to contractor questions, extend the period of performance, and adjust the question cutoff and proposal due dates.

Key changes include:

• Period of Performance: Extended from April 1, 2026 - May 16, 2026 to April 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026 (90 days).

• Question Cutoff Date: Extended from February 27, 2026, 12:00 PM (MDT) to March 6, 2026, 12:00 PM (MDT).

• Proposal Due Date: Extended from March 6, 2026, 12:00 PM (MDT) to March 13, 2026, 12:00 PM (MDT).

• SJO Electric Bill: A copy of the SJO electric bill is provided as an attachment to this amendment.

• The period of performance has been modified.

• The question cutoff due date has been modified.

• The proposal due date has been modified.

Proposal deadlines have been extended. Bidders should acknowledge receipt of this amendment and ensure their proposals are submitted by the new due date of March 13, 2026.

Statement of Objectives (SoO)

To procure and construct a solar photovoltaic backup power generation system with lithium-ion battery storage and power conditioning to support the science, buildings, and equipment at the San Juan Magnetic Observatory in Cayey, Puerto Rico. This system will ensure the continuation of USGS data collection during power outages.

• Design and construct a solar power plus lithium-ion battery storage backup power system (S+B-BPS) at the site's Shop/Garage.

• The solar system shall be a zero export/feed-in metering system, not feeding power back to the electric utility grid.

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

• The S+B-BPS must be capable of powering the fourteen designated buildings for a minimum of 72 hours after utility power failure.

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

• Install a fault notification system (telephone or internet-based).

• The S+B-BPS must provide power equivalent to utility power over a non-interrupted 72-hour test period.

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

• 100% of work must be installed according to plans, drawings, and product samples.

• 90% of daily reports must be received complete and on time.

• 100% of pre-construction project management submittals must be received and approved prior to procurement and installation.

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

• Period of Performance: 45 days from issuance of a notice to proceed.

• Contractor must secure all necessary permits from state, county, or local offices.

• Work must comply with applicable codes and standards, including IBC, NEC, IFC, and ASCE.

• Commercial/industrial grade products with a service life of at least 20 years are required.

• Contractor must protect landscaping and adjacent areas, monitor excavation for archeological resources, and ensure the site is left clean daily.

• No ferrous equipment, materials, or supplies are to be introduced into or stored within the designated Exclusion Zone.

• Contractor is responsible for all personnel, equipment, supplies, and documentation.

• A pre-proposal site visit is expected.

• Training on the new system for USGS facility staff is required.

• Contractor must coordinate with the USGS FM on utility outages and safety procedures.

• Limited parking is available; only contractor vehicles are permitted.

• No inside storage space is available for materials and equipment.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to solicitation 140G0226R0001 provides an updated Statement of Work (SOW) and answers to contractor questions, replacing the previous SOW.

• Pre-Proposal Site Visit: Scheduled for February 19, 2026, at 1:30 PM AST.

• Grid Connection: The solar system will be a zero-export/feed-in metering system, meaning it will not feed power back to the electric utility grid. This addresses concerns about LUMA approval timelines conflicting with the project completion deadline.

• Energy Consumption: The contractor must confirm existing site conditions and analyze electrical power consumption. Initial estimates of 5060 kWh per month are provided.

• Autonomy: The S+B-BPS (Solar + Battery Backup Power System) must provide power for fourteen designated buildings at full normal usage for a minimum of 72 hours after utility power failure, including a 72-hour test.

• Power Conditioning: A power conditioning system will be installed to manage under- or over-voltage events before they reach the buildings.

• SOW Replacement: The document "01_SJG_Backup_Power_System_SOW_021826" replaces the previous SOW.

• Period of Performance: Extended to April 1, 2026, to May 16, 2026.

• Item 00010: Updated to reflect the solar/backup power/power conditioning services, with an obligated amount shown. This includes providing all labor, materials, and supervision for the new solar and backup power system.

• Statement of Work (SOW) has been updated and replaced.

• Item 00010 details have been revised.

• The quote due date and all other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

• The period of performance has been updated.

• The solicitation number remains 140G0226R0001, with an effective date of 02/05/2026 for this amendment.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 140G0226R0001 updates the contact information section of the original solicitation. Specifically:

• The Primary Point of Contact name has been changed from Karen LaBouff-Kind to Philip Robinson.

• The Primary Point of Contact email has been changed from klabouff-kind@usgs.gov to probinson@usgs.gov.

• The Primary Point of Contact phone number has been changed from 303-236-9315 to 303-236-9326.

• Contact Information section of the solicitation.

• All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

• The period of performance is noted as 04/01/2026 to 05/16/2026.

• The award type is FIRM FIXED PRICE.

• Additional points of contact are listed: Technical POC (Kristen Lewis), Admin POC (Robin Davis), and Contract Specialist (Philip Robinson), along with their respective emails.

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.