Design-Build Services for Solar and Energy Storage Installations at Category 1 City-Owned Properties

The City of Pasadena, through Pasadena Water and Power (PWP), is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from qualified firms to provide Design-Build services for the design, procurement, construction, installation, interconnection, commissioning, and optional operations and maintenance of solar and energy storage installations at Category 1 City-owned properties. The project is part of PWP's Optimized Strategic Plan, approved by City Council on December 15, 2025, which aims for 100% carbon-free electricity by the end of 2030. The scope includes site evaluation, feasibility assessment, engineering and design, permitting, equipment procurement, construction, interconnection, commissioning, stakeholder engagement, and evaluation of existing electrical infrastructure to accommodate future EV charging expansion.

The Category 1 priority sites are intended to support near-term implementation with completion by June 2028. Solar is desired at all sites, and energy storage is highly desired where feasible. Site capacities are estimated and will be refined during design. The City may award one contract, multiple contracts, by individual site, or by combination of sites, based on best value. Proposers may submit proposals for any individual site or combination of sites. Key deadlines include a Q&A deadline of September 3, 2026 and a proposal deadline of September 30, 2026.

Evaluation will be conducted by a Selection Committee on a best-value basis, considering qualifications, organization/team composition, technical proposal, financial strength, safety record, local business participation, small business participation, price proposal, and interview scores (if applicable). The City reserves the right to modify the scope based on feasibility, cost, funding, schedule, or other considerations. State of California prevailing wages and federal provisions (including FEMA terms) apply.

Proposals must be submitted through the City's procurement portal. Required attachments include various forms, a technical questionnaire, and site-specific documents for each of the 12 Category 1 properties. The project supports the expansion of locally sited renewable generation and storage to reduce long-term costs, maximize the use of public assets, and enhance grid resilience.