Active SLED Opportunity · CALIFORNIA · PASADENA
AI Summary
The City of Pasadena seeks proposals for distributed generation renewable energy projects over 200kW to support its 100% carbon-free electricity goal by 2030. Projects must interconnect to PWP's grid and comply with California renewable energy standards. Proposals are due by October 30, 2026, with evaluation based on technical, financial, and project feasibility criteria.
The City of Pasadena (“Pasadena”) through its Department of Water and Power (“PWP”) is issuing a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for one or more distributed generation renewable energy facilities (“Proposed Project”). Proposed Projects must be located within PWP service territory and must interconnect directly to PWP's electric distribution grid. PWP is seeking distributed resources larger than 200kW.
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, Proposed Projects must meet the requirements of 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 PWP’s compliance with California’s Renewables Portfolio Standard (“CA RPS”) as outlined in PUC § 399.30.
PWP is primarily seeking Projects with commercial operation or delivery start dates on or before December 31, 2028, with a minimum delivery term of 10 years. PWP will consider Proposals with delivery start dates later than December 31, 2028, or with alternative delivery terms.
Background
Pasadena is an ethnically diverse community that is home to approximately 142,017 people, is the ninth-largest city in Los Angeles County and is one of the primary cultural centers of the San Gabriel Valley. Pasadena covers approximately 22.5 square miles, with an average of ten residents per acre, and a median age of approximately 37 years. There are over 100,000 jobs in a wide variety of industries in Pasadena.
Pasadena Water and Power ("PWP")
Pasadena has operated its Water and Power Department since the early 20th 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 natural gas Intermountain Power Project (“IPP”) and has various contracts for renewable resources.
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. Historically, Pasadena 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 and 2025 Optimized Strategic Plan (“OSP”). The OSP includes an emphasis on local renewable energy development, which this RFP supports.
Points will be assigned based on Ease of Use; Mobile Capability/Support; Data Queries and Reporting; Support and Maintenance; Integration with existing systems; Training and Documentation; Software and Workflow Requirements.
Points will be assigned based on how effectively and efficiently the product can fulfill the requirements in the SCOPE OF WORK. The demonstration will be scored based on it's ability to successfully demo a Script of agreed upon items including but not limited to: System overview; Menus; Features; System navigation; Customization capabilities; Reports; Security features; and Support.
Points will be assigned for “Functional and Technical Merit” based on the capability of the proposer to satisfy the City requirements identified in the SCOPE OF WORK and as delineated. Points will be assigned for “Completeness of Proposed Solution” based on the vendor submitting a proposal that follows the guidelines specified in the SCOPE OF WORK.
Points will be assigned for “Experience with Projects of this Size and Scope in an Agency of Similar Size” based on a vendor’s previous experience with municipal agencies, as delineated in the SCOPE OF WORK, and CLIENT REFERENCES. Relevant experience, and technical expertise of the Consultant and sub-Consultants (if allowed) to perform the work. Points will be assigned based on references that named professionals are responsive to requests for analyses and information, have met or exceeded all performance expectations, and would be contracted with again. Nature and quality of completed work for other governmental agencies.
Points will be assigned based on an implementation timeline and milestone plan in the form of a Gantt chart that includes but is not limited to dates for installation, training, project rollout, and payment milestones.
Points will be assigned for the proposed schedule to complete the project. .
Proposals will be scored on the following:
Points will be awarded based on the following factors:
1. The Proposer has clearly identified a reasonable financing structure for the overall Project Site that allows the City to ground lease the City Property to the Proposer.
2. The reasonableness of the proposed Project Budget and assumptions of construction costs.
Points will be awarded based on the following:
Points will be awarded for projects that maximize the site potential and capitalize on the site constraints. This includes neighborhood continuity:
Points will be awarded if the project’s timeline is reasonable and project can move from predevelopment to construction quickly. Points will be awarded as follows for schedules deemed reasonable:
Points will be assigned for the feasibility and viability of the Proposed Project. Proposals that clearly define the project’s structure, components, and development plan will be rated more favorably in addition to how well the Proposed Project aligns with the requirements and guidelines specified in the SCOPE OF WORK.
PWP reserves the right to request additional documentation or clarification to verify the development status and viability of the proposed project.
The Project will be assessed on its compatibility with PWP’s existing electricity resource portfolio, including its ability to support portfolio diversity, reliability, and long term planning goals.
PWP will also assess the Project’s ability to interconnect with PWP’s electric distribution grid. This includes the costs, if any, of necessary upgrades in the public right-of-way to safely interconnect the Project.
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
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.
Points will be assigned based on a “Ratio Method.” The proposer’s cost must include the delivery of the proposed solutions as delineated in the SCOPE OF WORK, TERM SHEET, and the PRICE PROPOSAL. Proposals of the same technology will be grouped together for comparison (all PV solar, all geothermal, etc.) and will use $/MWh within the 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 $60/MWh. The next lowest proposal has a cost of $80/MWh. The total points available for cost = 20 points.
($60 / $80) X 20 = 15 points
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.
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
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 Clean Power Pasadena Partnership due on Friday, October 30, 2026 are true and correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of the proposal’s submission.
By confirming, the vendor is acknowledges the following:
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.
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.
All Insurance Required by this Solicitation (If Required) #Insurance Requirements
Proposers must provide a response for all requirements detailed in the Scope of Work and in the General Development Requirements.
Upload your Cover Letter and Table of Contents :
“Cover Letter” shall be a maximum one-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.
“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.
Please include the projected annual delivered MWh the project will produce. This figure will be used to estimate the total annual cost of the project, but will not be factored into the "Project Economics" metric in the evaluation criteria.
TERM SHEET shall be submitted in this upload apart from the proposal.
Reference SAMPLE PRICE PROPOSAL.
Each Proposer must submit a Term Sheet containing all costs associated with the technical proposal. Using the attached Term Sheet 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:
Proposer should exclude the following item(s) from their Term Sheet pricing as PWP will cover these costs. If Proposer prefers to include these cost items, Proposer should indicate this preference in their submittal along with the specific impact these assumptions have on the Price Proposal.
1. Costs associated with design and installation of upgrades located within the public right-of-way up to the Proposer’s property line and associated with interconnection to PWP’s electric distribution grid.
“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 combined.
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: TBD
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.
The Statement of Qualifications should highlight your company’s most applicable products, services, and experience.
Please download, complete and submit any required forms below.
Disclosure of Contracts with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Disclosures:
Respondents are invited to disclose any current contracts, subcontracts, or agreements with DHS, including any related data-sharing arrangements. If provided, respondents may include:
If no such relationships exist, respondents may indicate “No.”
Questions related to the disclosure shall be asked and answered through the solicitation Question and Answer process. The completed disclosure form will be reviewed by and shared with the City Manager’s office. Please upload this form as part of the submittal checklist and email a copy to CMOContractsAssessement@cityofpasadena.net.
Disclosures:
Respondents are invited to disclose any current contracts, subcontracts, or agreements with DHS, including any related data-sharing arrangements. If provided, respondents may include:
If no such relationships exist, respondents may indicate “No.”
Questions related to the disclosure shall be asked and answered through the solicitation Question and Answer process. The completed disclosure form will be reviewed by and shared with the City Manager’s office. Please upload this form as part of the submittal checklist and email a copy to CMOContractsAssessement@cityofpasadena.net.
If your proposal does not include all of the below items, it may be deemed non-responsive.
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
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:
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
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.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
This form is only required for the purchases of technology. If selected, proposers will be required to complete the Pasadena Department of Information Technology Technical Questionnaire. The questionnaire is included in the #Attachments. When completing the questionnaire, please note:
In order to comply with the section named “Data Security for Printers/Copiers/Scanners,” My company will:
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
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)
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)
All vendors responding to this solicitation must provide a copy of their Active SAM Registration with their proposal.
Select a general funding source
For Example: "Homeland Security"
Do not erase the text below. Enter the number after the text that reads "FEDERAL-AID PROJECT NUMBER:"
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.
Goods/Equipment, Services, SAAS, Printers, Copiers/Scanners)
If any of the following items apply, please contact HR (Jaime Arellano, jarellano@cityofpasadena.net; (626) 744-7301) for approval before you proceed. DO NOT SUBMIT BEYOND THIS POINT UNTIL YOU HAVE OBTAINED APPROVAL FROM HUMAN RESOURCES.
This particular question is to be answered for the company (or their subcontractors) not their employees.
Please enter the specific License or Certification required to be eligible to compete on this solicitation. For example, "CPA - Certified Public Accountant."
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.
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.
General definitions and parameters of each approach.
Used for development projects typically by Housing or Economic Development.
SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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