All-Source Carbon-Free Energy Resources and Energy Storage

The City of Pasadena (“Pasadena” or “City”) Department of Water and Power (“PWP”) is issuing a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for carbon-free energy resources and/or carbon-free energy storage resources (“Proposed Project”).

In 2023, the Pasadena City Council adopted Resolution No. 9977, declaring a climate emergency and committing to source 100% of the city’s electricity from carbon-free resources by the end of 2030. This bold initiative positions Pasadena as a leader in climate action, surpassing state mandates and most voluntary targets set by other utilities and corporations.

To meet the Resolution No. 9977 goal and to fulfill energy procurement requirements of 100% carbon-free supply, the Proposed Project must align with the California Renewable Energy Resources Program (Public Utilities Code, or PUC §§ 25740 et seq.) and the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (PUC §§ 399.11 et seq.). This RFP supports both Pasadena’s 100% carbon-free goal under Resolution No. 9977 and compliance with California’s Renewables Portfolio Standard (“CA RPS”) as outlined in PUC § 399.30.

PWP seeks Proposed Projects with commercial operation or delivery start dates on or before December 31, 2030 (but could consider later dates if offered), and with a delivery period ("contract term") of 10 years or longer.

Background

Pasadena Water and Power ("PWP")

Pasadena has operated its Water and Power Department since the early 20^th century, delivering approximately 1.1 million megawatt hours (“MWh”) of energy annually to 65,000 customers.  PWP's diverse energy portfolio includes gas-fired, hydro power, nuclear, photovoltaic, wind, geothermal, and landfill gas resources. PWP owns gas-fired units at the Glenarm Power Plant and shares in the gas-fired Magnolia Power Project, the Hoover Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant, and the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station.  PWP also holds shares of the coal-fired Intermountain Power Project (“IPP”), which transitioned to natural gas in 2025 and will terminate (for PWP) in mid-2027, and has various contracts for renewable resources.

PWP holds ownership and contract rights on multiple transmission lines, which were transferred to the California Independent System Operator (“CAISO”) in 2004 when Pasadena became a Participating Transmission Owner (“PTO”).  As a Scheduling Coordinator and Load Serving Entity within the CAISO Balancing Authority Area, PWP manages a peak load of approximately 330 megawatts (“MW”) and can import up to 280 megawatts ("MW") of power through its T.M. Goodrich Receiving Station. The Pasadena City Council has demonstrated a strong commitment to transitioning to carbon-free and renewable energy, adopting a Climate Action Plan and setting a goal to source 100% of electricity from carbon-free sources by 2030, as outlined in PWP's 2023 Integrated Resource Plan.

Project Details

• Reference ID: 2026-RFP-0080
• Department: Water & Power Department
• Department Head: David Reyes (Acting Director)

Important Dates

• Questions Due: 2026-04-27T07:00:00.000Z

Evaluation Criteria

• Project Development and Viability (40 pts) —

  Points will be assigned for the completeness, maturity, and feasibility and viability of the Proposed Project. Proposals that clearly define the project’s structure, components, and development plan will be rated more favorably as well as how well the Proposed Project aligns with the requirements and guidelines specified in the SCOPE OF WORK.

  • Project Status: Evaluation will consider whether the project is an existing facility, an expansion of an existing facility, or a new (greenfield) development. More advance-stage or shovel-ready projects may receive higher scores.
  • Interconnection and Transmission Readiness: The Proposer’s progress in securing interconnection agreements and, if applicable, Capacity Import Rights (CIRs) will be assessed. Proposals that demonstrate meaningful progress or completed milestones in this area will be rated more favorably.
  • Site Control: The extent of site control achieved (e.g., ownership, lease, or site option agreements) will be evaluated. Proposals with secured site control will receive higher scores.
  • Supply Chain and Subcontractor Planning: Evaluation will include the Proposer’s identification of key equipment suppliers and subcontractors, including any preliminary agreements or letters of intent. Proposals that demonstrate a credible and well-developed supply chain strategy will be rated more favorably.
  • Feasibility and Operational Viability: The technical and commercial feasibility of the proposed project will be assessed, including its ability to reliably generate and deliver energy at the required capacity and within operational constraints.
  • Portfolio Integration: The Proposed Project’s compatibility with PWP’s existing electricity resource portfolio will be evaluated, including its ability to support portfolio diversity, reliability, and long-term planning goals.

  PWP reserves the right to request additional documentation or clarification to verify the development status and viability of the proposed project

• Project cost and overall cost (35 pts) —

  Points will be assigned based on a “Ratio Method.” The proposer’s cost must include the delivery of the proposed solutions, as well as any recurring costs (if any) as delineated in the SCOPE OF WORK and the PRICE PROPOSAL. Proposals of the same technology will be grouped together for comparison (all PV solar, all geothermal, etc.).  Use $/MWh and/or $/MW-month, as applicable. within same technology type.

  With this method, the proposal with the lowest cost receives the maximum points allowed. All other proposals receive a percentage of the points available based on their cost relationship to the lowest price. This is determined by applying the following formula:

  (Lowest Price / Evaluated Price) X maximum points available = Awarded Points

  Example: The cost for the lowest proposal is $100,000. The next lowest proposal has a cost of $125,000. The total points available for cost = 35 points.

  ( $100,000 / $125,000 ) X 35 = 28 points

• Experience (15 pts) —

  Points will be assigned based on the Proposer’s demonstrated experience with projects of similar size, scope, and complexity, particularly for municipal or public agencies of comparable scale. Evaluation will include the

  • Relevant experience and technical expertise of the Proposers and technical expertise of any subcontractors to perform the work as delineated in the SCOPE OF WORK, and CLIENT REFERENCES.
  • The Proposer’s track record with long-term renewable energy projects, including past performance on projects of similar size and complexity, especially within or adjacent to CAISO and for similar size municipal off-takers.
  • The nature and quality of completed renewable projects for other governmental agencies, including responsiveness, reliability, and ability to meet or exceed performance expectations.
  • Proposals of the same technology will be grouped together for comparison (all PV solar, all geothermal, etc.).  
  • References confirming that the named professionals were accessible, responsive to requests for analysis and information, and would be contracted with again.

  PWP reserves the right to contact any or all references provided to verify past performance, including successful completion of comparable projects, adherence to schedules, and overall contract performance.

• Local Pasadena Business (5 pts) —

  To be awarded a 5 point preference for this category, the proposer must have an official business address within the City of Pasadena at the time that this RFP is posted on the City’s Website.

• Small or Micro-Business (5 pts) —

  To be awarded a 5 point preference for this category, the proposer must be certified by the State of California as a small or micro-business. Refer to the State of California Department of General Services Division for further information. https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/sbdvbe-index.aspx

  Proposers for this Scope of Work would likely not fall under this category.

Submission Requirements

• Acknowledgements
• Proposer Certification (required) —

  By submitting this bid the Proposer hereby certifies under penalty of perjury of the laws of the State of California that all representations made in the documents that comprise the proposal for All-Source Carbon-Free Energy Resources and Energy Storage due on Friday, May 29, 2026 are true and correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of the proposal’s submission.

  By confirming, the vendor acknowledges the following:

  • We have reviewed and agreed to all of the documents contained in this solicitation and understand that the City will not be responsible for any errors or omissions on the part of the vendor in making up this bid or proposal.
  • The representations herein are made under penalty of perjury.
  • We hereby offer to sell the City of Pasadena the materials, products, and/or services at the prices shown and under the terms and conditions included hereon or attached or referenced.
• CONTENTS OF PROPOSAL —

  The entire proposal must be formatted on standard-size 8½”x11” pages; 12 point font only. The "Technical Proposal," "Additional Data," and "Statement of Qualifications" can be no more than 50 grand total pages.

• Mandatory Content (required) —
  • Cover letter
  • Table of Contents
  • Required Certifications AND Forms (see items in this Checklist)
  • Technical Proposal
  • Price Proposal
  • Statement of Qualifications and/or Experience
  • Proposal Summary Form
  • Additional Data (if required)

  Subsequent to the closing of this solicitation, the selected vendor will be required to provide the following documents within 10 calendar days of being notified, otherwise the submitted proposal may be deemed non-responsive.

  • Request for Tax Payer Identification Number and Certification (IRS Form W-9)
  • Pasadena Business License (if required)
  • Any Required Licenses or Certifications

  • All Insurance Required by this Solicitation (If Required) #Insurance Requirements

• Cover Letter and Table of Contents (required) —

  Upload your Cover Letter and Table of Contents :

  “Cover Letter” shall be a maximum two-page letter including the name and address of the organization submitting the proposal; whether the proposing firm is an individual, partnership, corporation or joint venture; and the name, mailing/e-mail addresses, and telephone/fax numbers the contact person who will be authorized to make representations for the organization.

• Separate Technical Proposal Only - Proposal Submittal (required) —

  “TECHNICAL PROPOSAL” should demonstrate the PROPOSER’S full understanding of the SCOPE OF WORK and the effort needed to complete the Project on time and within the budget through the submittal of a proposed work plan including project deliverables (identify specifically and thoroughly for each portion of and phase). No pricing shall be included in this section.

  The TECHNICAL PROPOSAL shall include a proposed work schedule to indicate duration and completion dates, including the dates of Deliverables/Milestones and estimates of the amount of time to be spent with City Staff during each phase of the project.

  The entire proposal must be formatted on standard-size 8½”x11” pages; 12 point font only. The "Technical Proposal," "Additional Data," and "Statement of Qualifications" can be no more than a grand total of 50 combined.

• Years of Service Proposed (required) —

  Proposers/vendors should offer a number of years to service the City between 10 to 30 years from COD, and PWP could consider longer durations if offered.  The term of the Contract resulting from this proposal begins on the date the City executes the contract. The compensation set forth in the Proposal shall remain valid and in effect throughout the term of the contract.

• Separate Price Proposal Submittal: —

  PRICE PROPOSAL shall be submitted in this upload apart from the proposal. 

  Reference SAMPLE PRICE PROPOSAL.

  Each Proposer must submit a PRICE Proposal containing all costs associated with the technical proposal. Using the attached Price Proposal in this RFP, provide Proposer’s price for performing all services and work called for in the SCOPE OF WORK. The Proposer’s price shall include, without limitation:

  1. all designs, equipment, materials, labor, insurance and bond premiums, home office, jobsite, and other overhead, profit and services relating to the Proposer’s performance of its obligations under the Contract (including all work, equipment, materials, labor, and services provided by subcontractors and intellectual property rights necessary to perform the work);
  2. performance of each and every portion of the work
  3. all costs of obtaining Government approvals other than Government approvals that are the responsibility of the City of Pasadena;
  4. all costs of compliance with Government rules, except to the extent such compliance is the responsibility of the City of Pasadena;
  5. all taxes, duties, permits, and other fees or royalties incident to the performance of the SCOPE OF WORK;
  6. payment of all salaries, wages, benefits, and expenses of the Proposer’s employees;
  7. compensation for all risks, liabilities, and contingencies assigned to the Proposer; and
  8. all other costs needed or incurred to complete the Project.
• Additional Data (if necessary) —

  “Additional Data” shall include any other data the PROPOSER deems essential to the evaluation of the proposal, i.e., letter of reference, other related projects, etc., or other required documents.

  The entire proposal must be formatted on standard-size 8½”x11” pages; 12 point font only. The "Technical Proposal," "Additional Data," and "Statement of Qualifications" can be no more than a grand total of 50 pages combined.

• Preferences (if applied)
• Is your company currently certified with the State of California Department of General Services (DGS) as a Small or Micro Business? (required) —

  If this preference is applied to the solicitation, and your company is seeking this preference, you must provide a copy of the certification from DGS.

• Please upload a copy of your Current California DGS Certification (required)
• Is your company currently located within the boundary of the City of Pasadena? (required)
• Please upload a copy of your Company's Pasadena Business License (required)
• QUALIFICATIONS
• Copy of License or Certification (required) —

  Please upload a copy of your: TBD

• California Department of Industrial Relations Registration Verification (required) —

  Solely for the purpose of verification. Please enter your Public Works Contractor Registration Number. This will be verified against the state database for the Department of Industrial Relations Registration.

• Statement of Qualifications and/or Experience —

  The Statement of Qualifications should highlight your company’s most applicable products, services, and experience.

• FORMS —

  Please download, complete and submit any required forms below.

• AA1; AA2; AA3; SIGNATURE & LEGAL STATUS; AND DECLARATION OF NON-Collusion (required) —

  If your proposal does not include all of the below items, it may be deemed non-responsive.

  • Each PROPOSER must submit a completed Form AA-1. Failure to submit this form will result in automatic disqualification with no exceptions unless PROPOSER has an approved form on file with the City.
  • Form AA-2 is required to be submitted for projects involving labor or services in excess of $25,000.
  • Form AA-3 is Optional. (Copies attached)
  • A completed and signed "Declaration of Non-Collusion." (Copy attached)
  • SIGNATURE & LEGAL STATUS (Copy attached)

  • Evidence of certification by State of California as a small or micro-business, if claiming such preference – https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/PublicSearch/supplier-search.aspx

• Taxpayer Protection Amendment Disclosure (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

  ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT

  For RFP/RFQ where the selected vendor/contract will require City Council approval (check with City project manager for clarification), the following requirement applies:

  • TAX PAYER PROTECTION ACT – PROPOSER SUBMITS A COPY OF THE COMPLETED TPA FORM TO THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE

  E-MAIL: OfficialRecords-CityClerk@Cityofpasadena.net

• Conflict of Interest (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Relevant Experience Form (required) —

  Complete and submit the attached Relevant Experience Form with your bid to demonstrate experience with projects of similar scope and size to that which is to be performed.

• Designated Representative (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Consultant Listing —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Data Security for Printers/Copiers/Scanners (required) —

  In order to comply with the section named “Data Security for Printers/Copiers/Scanners,” My company will:

• Federal Required Certification (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Disclosure_of_Lobbying_Activities (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Unique Entity Identifier (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• DISQUALIFICATION DISCLOSURE (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• PROOF OF AUTHORITY
• Proof of Authority - Identity Confirmation (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Proof of Authority - Incumbency Certificate (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Proof of Authority - Certificate of Secretary —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Proof of Authority - Resolution (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• HUD REQUIREMENTS
• HUD Federal Forms (under $200k) (required) —

  In addition to the items listed above, the following list is provided for the convenience of both you and the City and to help eliminate errors and omissions which may render your bid unacceptable. The following forms are required to be submitted with your bid: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/finance/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/HUD-Federal-Forms-under-200k.pdf?v=1674593673378

  HUD Federal Forms (under $200k)

  • Worker’s Compensation Certification
  • Federal Lobbyist Certification
  • Past Performance Certification
  • List of Proposed Subcontractors
• HUD Federal Forms (Over $200k) (required) —

  In addition to the items listed above, the following list is provided for the convenience of both you and the City and to help eliminate errors and omissions which may render your bid unacceptable. The following forms are required to be submitted with your bid: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/finance/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/HUD-Federal-Forms-over-200k.pdf?v=1674593673378

  HUD Federal Forms (Over $200k)

  • Worker’s Compensation Certification
  • Federal Lobbyist Certification
  • Past Performance Certification
  • List of Proposed Subcontractors
  • Section 3 Business Concern
  • Business Concern Affirmation
  • Notice of Section 3 Commitment
  • Section 3 Economic Opportunity Plan
• Active SAM Registration (required) —

  All vendors responding to this solicitation must provide a copy of their Active SAM Registration with their proposal.

• Funding
• How is this Procurement Funded? (required) —

  Select a general funding source

• Confirm requirements from the Grantor are Satisfied (required)
• Please include the full name of the funding agency (not the program): (required) —

  For Example: "Homeland Security"

• Amount of Award from HUD was: (required) —

  This amount is the dollar value of the award from HUD. Contact Housing if you have questions.

• Federal-Aid Project No. (required) —

  Do not erase the text below. Enter the number after the text that reads "FEDERAL-AID PROJECT NUMBER:"

• Additional Federal Attachments (required) —

  Below is a list of potential attachments that may or may not apply to your procurement.  Please review the attachments in the section named "Attachments" to ensure they are relevant and appropriate.

• Setup
• Include a Sample Price Proposal? (required)
• Does this procurement include any of the following (check all that apply)
• Has DoIT approved your specifications? (required)
• Has BSFMD approved your specifications?
• Type of Technology Included (required) —

  Goods/Equipment, Services, SAAS, Printers, Copiers/Scanners)

• Has HR approved your Scope of Work, or Specification? (required)
• How many grand total pages should be included in the "Technical Proposal," the "Additional Data," and the "Statement of Qualifications" combined? (required)
• Are there any License or Certification Requirement? (required) —

  This particular question is to be answered for the company (or their subcontractors) not their employees.

• License or Certification Type: (required) —

  Please enter the specific License or Certification required to be eligible to compete on this solicitation. For example, "CPA - Certified Public Accountant."

• Is this a License from the State of California Licensing Board? (required)
• Does this procurement include buying a public work? (required) —

  State of California Definition: Construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work done under contract and paid in whole or in part out of public funds. It can include preconstruction and post-construction activities related to a public works project.

• Is experience required to be eligible to compete on this solicitation? (required)
• Evaluation Criteria
• Select Evaluation Criteria to Include —

  Choose your evaluation factors. Below are example factors you can consider for your Evaluation Criteria. It is important that your actual evaluation of proposals is consistent with the factors and criteria you include in the RFP document. You will be able to add or edit any custom criteria along with the point values (using a 100-point-scale) while you are editing the Evaluation Section of this project.

• Contract Terms
• Base Contract Duration: How many years will be included for the base contract? (required)
• Optional Renewals: How many one-year optional contract renewals will be included with the contract? (required)
• Award Method? (required) —

  General definitions and parameters of each approach.

  • Award to the Winner: This is a traditional public procurement where the winning bid or proposal is selected based on the Lowest, Responsive and Responsible Bidder when using a Competitive Bid process; or the Highest Scored Proposal when using the Competitive Selection process.
  • Split Award: A “Split-Award” is designed to specify and distinguish separate Groups of awards based on separate specifications or Scopes of Work. A vendor can respond to any combination of the Groups provided they are responsive and responsible. Each Group is evaluated and awarded independently. Effectively, there could be a separate winner for each Group.
  • Back Up Vendor (RFPs Only): This method is intended to contract with a back up vendor in the event the winner is unable to fulfill the contract.
• FOR PUBLIC WORKS ENGINEERING ONLY
• Is this procurement required to comply with AIA requirements?* (required)

Questions & Answers