Request for Proposals (RFP) for Power Ready Program Technical Advisory and Engineering Services

Clean Power Alliance of Southern California (CPA) seeks qualified technical advisory and engineering services to support its Power Ready Program, a community benefit initiative providing behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems with backup power capabilities to critical community facilities across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. The selected Proposer will serve as CPA's independent advisor and engineer, representing CPA's interests throughout procurement, contracting, design, construction, and ongoing operations and maintenance of approximately 10 projects with an average capacity of 50 kW solar and 70 kW/300 kWh battery storage systems.

The scope spans six primary tasks over the contract term. Task 1 involves comprehensive coordination and reporting, including review of program materials, development of project execution plans, safety protocols, inspection procedures, and stakeholder communication plans. Task 2 provides solicitation support for selecting EPC and O&M contractors, including RFQ and RFP evaluation, proposal analysis, and contract negotiation assistance. Task 3 covers pre-construction design and engineering services, including review of 30%, 60%, and 90% design plans, interconnection applications, permits, safety plans, and workforce development plans, with approximately two on-site assessments per project.

Task 4 encompasses construction phase support with comprehensive inspection services (planned and unplanned), payment reviews, change order analysis, commissioning verification, asset transfer assistance, and stakeholder coordination. Task 5 provides post-construction operations and maintenance oversight, including review of preventative maintenance and performance monitoring plans, quarterly inspections, unplanned maintenance coordination, staff training, and lessons learned documentation. Task 6 offers additional technical support for miscellaneous Power Ready Program requests on an as-needed basis.

Key dates include: RFP release on May 20, 2026; written questions deadline of May 27, 2026; responses to questions on June 4, 2026; proposal submission deadline of July 1, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time; evaluation period of July 2-17, 2026; potential interviews July 20-31, 2026; notice of intent to award on August 3, 2026; contract negotiations August 3-14, 2026; protest deadlines of August 18 (notice of intent) and August 21, 2026 (written protest); CPA Board presentation anticipated September 3, 2026; and anticipated service commencement September 4, 2026. The initial contract term runs three years from September 4, 2026 through September 3, 2029, with two optional one-year renewal terms available.