San Diego Port District Seeks Bids for Microgrid

May 10, 2020
The San Diego Unified Port District is seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide microgrid infrastructure at its Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.

The San Diego port district is seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide microgrid infrastructure at its Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.

The microgrid is being funded with a $4.9 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) and $4.4 million in matching funds. The San Diego Unified Port District is building the project to demonstrate microgrid technology for ports worldwide. 

The RFP calls for installation of a 700-kW/2,500-kWh lithium ion battery energy storage system, microgrid controller, transformer, switchboard, portable generator connection cabinet, switchgear, concrete pad, electrical ancillary equipment, minor fiber optic and security surveillance camera infrastructure, and interconnection under California’s Rule 21 — requirements for interconnection, operating and metering to a utility’s distribution system. 

The winning contractor also will coordinate with a solar contractor that will be installing a solar photovoltaic array on a warehouse at the terminal, which will be interconnected with the storage project.

In scoring bids, the port authority will most heavily weigh team experience. Bidders must provide at least three examples of work on similar projects. The next highest weight goes to the approach the bidder takes to the project, which includes such factors as understanding of the port district’s needs and solicitation requirements, and the organization and clarity of the proposal.

Weight also be given to the bidder’s capability to perform; the proposed costs; and the firm’s relevant experience working with organizations of similar size and type.

Bids will be reviewed by a panel generally made up of district staff. The panel may interview finalists; interviews would take place August 4-5.

Compensation will be provided on a negotiated basis under a fee schedule. 

Proposals are due no later than June 18, 2020 at 1 p.m. Pacific.

The RFP is available on Planet Bids.

The marine terminal began a $24 million redevelopment project in 2017.

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About the Author

Elisa Wood | Editor-in-Chief

Elisa Wood is an award-winning writer and editor who specializes in the energy industry. She is chief editor and co-founder of Microgrid Knowledge and serves as co-host of the publication’s popular conference series. She also co-founded RealEnergyWriters.com, where she continues to lead a team of energy writers who produce content for energy companies and advocacy organizations.

She has been writing about energy for more than two decades and is published widely. Her work can be found in prominent energy business journals as well as mainstream publications. She has been quoted by NPR, the Wall Street Journal and other notable media outlets.

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