Supply and Install of Ten (10) Distinct Solar Photovoltaic Systems

Suppliers can find the complete tender document(s), at no cost, on: https://uwo.bonfirehub.ca.

Procuring Entity:
University of Western Ontario (Western)
Procurement Services
1151 Richmond Street
London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 3K7

Contact:
Scott Roth sroth6@uwo.ca         

Procurement Method:
Open tender whereby all interested Suppliers may submit a Proposal.

Description:
The RFP is an invitation to submit offers for The Supply and Install of Ten (10) Distinct Solar Photovoltaic Systems for the Western Innovation for Renewable Energy Deployment (WIRED). The world is facing growing concerns on food-energy nexus, and it is imperative to shift towards sustainable systems without affecting environment and climate. Solar PV technology is an established renewable/sustainable energy source which effectively serves the purpose. Cost of PV modules have declined many folds in recent years, however, costs of associated components in the system have not witnessed a similar decline. A major proportion of finances is consumed by PV racking system which has seen very little improvement in its design. To augment diffusion of the technology, more research and efforts are required to further its economic viability. With this aim, Western University intends to establish first completely open-source outdoor PV testing center – Western Innovation for Renewable Energy Deployment (WIRED).
Ten (10) distinct solar PV systems will be established with varying designs and configurations. WIRED will explore novel methodologies to alleviate cost of PV systems by running experimentation on these systems. The ten (10) systems include:
1. Single Axis PV System (15kW Bi)
2. Agrivoltaics - Vertical Bifacial PV System for Agriculture (15kW Bi)
3. Integration of partially transparent PV System on Greenhouses (10kW red)
4. Integrated Vertical Fence Retrofit PV Systems (10kW mono + large inverter central)
5. Recycled Plastic Wedge Racking for Rooftop PV Systems (5kW microinverters, tie into roof, wait for UWO to make wedges)
6. Ultra-low-cost Racking Wood PV Systems (10kW bi fixed, 10kW bi variable)
7. Ultra-low-cost Racking Metal-wire PV Systems (10kW bi fixed)
8. Floatovoltaic Flexible PV System (10kW flexible, central inverter)
9. PV-EV Charging Canopy System (10kW flexible only)
10. Metal Wire on Building (5 kW flexible, central inverter)
The systems will be open source i.e., design is made publicly available so that anyone can study, modify, distribute, make, and sell the design or hardware based on that design. This means the vendor will provide all designs and calculations to Western with an open source license. Here specifically Western will require the ability for all structural and electrical aspects of these designs. Previous research has confirmed significant reduction in cost using “open-source” approach. Specification details of the ten (10) projects is included in “Specification” section of this document. This is a CFI funded project so vendors are encouraged to provided in-kind contributions, which can take the form of a discount, open source documentation package, or extended warranty.
Estimated Budget:
$160,000 plus HST
Estimated Quantities:
10 separate PV systems

Submission Details:
All tender submissions must be uploaded electronically at https://uwo.bonfirehub.ca

Mandatory Site Visit:
December 1, 2022 1:00PM
Proponents should confirm their attendance in advance with the Western contact.


Submission Deadline:
December 14, 2022 at 12:00 PM ET

Public Opening:
Not Applicable

Conditions for Participation:
Available within the tender document(s)

Mandatory Submission Requirements:
 

1. Appendix B- Submission Form
2. Appendix C- Rate Bid Form
3. Appendix D- Reference Form
4. Appendix E- Deliverables and Technical Requirements Questionnaire
5. Appendix F- Proponents Checklist

Complete submission requirements are provided within the tender document(s).


Scored Submission Requirements:
 

1. Mandatory Requirements
2. Solution, Experience and Qualifications
3. Specification and Deliverables
4. Service and Support
5. Value- Added Ideas
6. Accessibility (AODA)
7. Partnering
8. Pricing
9. In-kind

This procurement is covered by Chapter 5 of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA).

Delivery Date:
Spring & Summer 2023

Duration of Agreement:
Upon receipt of equipment and satisfaction of obligations as set out in the Agreement.

Additional Options:
Available in the tender document(s)

Negotiation:
At the end of the evaluation process, Western may identify one or more Suppliers with whom it wishes to enter into negotiations, by written notification.  See tender document(s) for further detail.

Prequalification:
Not Applicable

Responses must be submitted in English.

Suppliers should note that information contained within this Tender Notice is subject to change.  Suppliers are encouraged to download the tender document(s) which contain the most current information.
 
If there is a conflict between the tender document(s) and this Tender Notice, the tender document(s) will take precedence.
 

Bidding and Documents are available on http://www.merx.com. Fees may apply; See https://www.merx.com/public/pricing for more information.