SLED Opportunity · NEW YORK · NEW YORK
AI Summary
Cornell University seeks consultant qualifications for designing three agrivoltaics research solar array sites in New York State. The project includes design, permitting, construction administration, and commissioning services. Submissions due by February 19, 2026.
1.0 Introduction Cornell University is seeking qualifications to provide Consultant Services for the development of three agrivoltaics research sites that will be located at three different geographic areas located within New York State. The University will select three to five firms that respond to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ), that are determined to be the best qualified to deliver the services described below, and they will be sent a Request for Proposal. This project will be funded by a grant from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and will be subject to the terms and conditions of that Grant and Cornell University’s Consultant Agreement. 2.0 Project Description In collaboration with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), the selected Consultant will design the construction documents solar arrays, including, but not limited to, permitting and engineering, for the purpose of Agrivoltaics education, research, outreach and demonstration at three different/unique geographic locations representing a range of growing locations and crops most relevant for New York State Agriculture. The subject project locations are: · Cornell University central campus located in Ithaca, NY o Site is approximately 7 acres and will focus on field crops, forage, crops, vegetables, and small fruits. · Cornell University Hudson Valley Research Lab located in Highland, NY o Site is approximately 1 acre and will occur within an apple orchard. · Cornell University Agritech campus located in Geneva, NY o Site is approximately 1 acre and will be installed within a grape vineyard. The sites will be developed to allow for access and manipulation by the teaching and research community and seek to optimize the balance between energy and agricultural production. See the Attachment for additional details on site locations. This project is intended for the University to own and operate the solar facilities due to the need for them to operate with maximum flexibility and in ways that may limit or disrupt solar power generation to meet research needs. Future research could also result in removal, reconstruction, reconfiguration, or decommissioning of portions of the arrays. The three subject sites may be one project or be split into separate projects. Scope of Services The Consultant Services for this project may include, but not be limited to: · Design Phases with milestone delivery/decision points for owner input and budget validation · Site permitting, entitlement, wetland, and interconnection studies · Bid and Construction Administration · Engineering and Construction services (depending on delivery methodology) · Site interconnection · Commissioning · Close out and record documents for all phases Cornell University is open to variations in the delivery methodologies and will consider any/all variations for design and construction services. Any methodology must include milestone delivery/decision points for owner input and budget validation, and the pros and cons of each delivery method for comparison by the University. RFQ respondents are encouraged to provide feedback regarding these project delivery approaches or alternative methodologies in their responses. The estimated completion of this project is Winter of 2028. 3.0 Selection and Award Process Based upon the Qualifications Submittals, three to five firms will be short listed and sent a request for Proposal. Qualifications shall be reviewed based on the following factors: · Experience with similar projects · Appropriateness of recommendations · Project Team · Experience working in Higher Education, Agriculture, and Grants 4.0 Contents of Submission All submissions must be in PDF format and no more than 25 pages. The file shall use the following naming convention: Agrivoltaics - Project Name-Firm Name. Qualifications shall include the following: 1. Letter of Interest. 2. Consultant’s Qualifications and Experience: Show specific relevant expertise and successful completion of no more than five (5) projects similar in size and scope as the project described above. 3. Qualifications of Consultant Staff: Demonstrate experience and qualifications of the firm’s key personnel in the planning, organizing and execution of projects similar in scope. List the qualifications of employees who will be working on this project. 4. Approach and Capability: Show organization of staff and design/technical resources specifically dedicated to this project. Identify assignment of responsibilities and authority. 5. Recommendations for project delivery methodologies - include milestone delivery/decision points for owner input and budget validation, and the pros and cons of each delivery method for comparison by the University. 6. Previous Experience with Work Specific to Project Scope: Include examples of prior work on similar facilities or projects, demonstrating thorough understanding of project scope. Provide your firm and any subconsultant’s experience with projects with agricultural and solar colocation emphasis 7. Proposed Subconsultant Team: List subconsultants who will work on this project and demonstrate that they have the necessary staffing and experience for this type of work. 8. References: List references for design, engineering, and construction administration of similar projects in public, energy, and educational settings. References will be contacted as part of the evaluation process. When submitting references, the following information shall be included: a. Name(s) and title(s) of person/people to contact b. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses c. Name of project and/or reason for reference 9. Company Overview and Contact - Key contact name, title, address (if different from above address), telephone, and email 5.0 Requests for Information Questions about the project shall be submitted to Brenda Frank, FacilitiesContracts@cornell.edu 1.0 Submission Requirements. Qualification shall be submitted to FacilitiesContracts@cornell.edu electronically via a “Reply” response to the invitation email no later than 12:00 noon, on February 19, 2026. No hard copies will be required. Proposals shall be addressed to: Brenda Frank, Manager Facilities Contracts 121 Humphreys Service Building Cornell University Ithaca, New York 14853 Business enterprises awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years: none
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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