The National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for solar electricity generation on behalf of one of its members, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO).
NRCO is seeking solar renewable energy deliveries of up to 16,000 MWh per year, or 2-10 MW of solar capacity. Although this quantity represents the entire solicitation and SMECO expects to contract for one project, it is possible that NRCO may identify multiple offers totaling 10 MW.
This RFP is intended to solicit bids for resources to meet requirements for 2015 and beyond. NRCO and SMECO expect that responses to this solicitation will be the basis for contract negotiations, which, if successful, would then lead to a commitment by the parties to enter into a binding contract, subject to approval by SMECO and requisite regulatory agencies, including the Rural Utilities Service.
NRCO says it will consider only renewable solar resources that meet the definitions contained within the Maryland renewable portfolio standard requirements for solar energy. Bidders are encouraged to confirm that projects conform to these requirements before submitting a response to this RFP.
Additionally, NRCO is only considering projects within the service territory of SMECO, and only commercially proven photovoltaic technologies will be considered. Preference will be given to proposals that offer the design, construction, and sale of facilities.
