Agency Commerce Dept

Contractor The Minnesota Renewable Energy Society, Incorporat

SWIFT Contract Number B49544 & B57111

Project Name Renewable Energy Systems Step-by-Step Guide for Sc

Project Number (if applicable) {Empty}

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: The “Renewable Energy Systems Step-by-Step Guide for Schools” is intended to help the state achieve its 25% by 2025 renewable energy goal by focusing on the role of school districts in achieving this goal. The project has created a resource that will help school districts in Minnesota and elsewhere evaluate different renewable energy technologies, determine which are the most appropriate for their situation, identify financing options, and address operation and maintenance issues.

The overall objective was to develop a resource tool that gives school officials the ability to analyze and compare the impact of renewable energy systems on energy costs; greenhouse gas emissions; financing options; ownership, operation and maintenance factors; and methods for using a renewable energy system as an educational tool in the classroom and the community. This guide will be publicly available through the internet.

Project Duration

Start Date Fri, 10/01/2010 - 00:00

Original end date Tue, 11/30/2010 - 00:00

Actual end date Thu, 06/30/2011 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $39900

Amendments $0

Contract total $39900

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? EPA Federal Grant

Is this a sole source contract? No

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) {Empty}

Evaluator Name Bill Sierks

Evaluator Email Address energy.contracts@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness The contractor completed this project within the time specified under the contract. The contractor began work on 10/01/2010. The end date of the PT contract coincided with the expiration date of the federal award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Cooperative Agreement XA083333201-1). The EPA granted the State’s request for an extension, and the State correspondingly amended its contract with the Contractor to extend its deadline. The time extension did not increase cost, but significantly improved the final product, since the extra time allowed the Contractor to obtain review and feedback from stakeholder groups and more time for the Contractor to review and revise the product based on this feedback.

Evaluate the contractor's quality The Contractor has produced a comprehensive, detailed and high-quality product. The Renewable Energy Guide covers all aspects of the process that schools should follow when considering whether to install a renewable energy system. The guide covers not only the general process, including considering whether a large or small wind or solar system is right for their situation, but also provides examples of details and technical information, as well as educational, financial, and technical resources. The guide will help schools learn from the experience of other Minnesota schools that have already installed a renewable energy system. It also assists them in identifying clear goals and providing tools to achieve those goals. The guide provides a step-by-step approach to creating a successful project that meets the schools educational, sustainability, fiscal and environmental goals.

The guide is in a format that enables the State to make it available as a web-based tool for schools to use. The format also allows the Department of Commerce to update aspects of the guide so that it continues to serve as a timely and up-to-date resource for schools.

Evaluate the contractor's cost This contract was developed through a competitive bid process. The Department of Commerce issued an Informatl Solicitation inviting responders to submit proposals to develop the renewable energy guide for schools. We received four proposals in response to the Informal Solicitation. The Minnesota Renewable Energy Society was selected. The MRES bid for this project was very competitive with the other bidders. The Contractor completed this project on budget and on time. I believe that this project is an excellent value for the cost.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance The Contractor has created a valuable resource tool for schools, completing this project on time and on budget. As noted above, this guide will help school districts across Minnesota determine whether a renewable energy system is appropriate for their school, and evaluate which of the different renewable energy technologies is most appropriate for their situation. The Contractor contacted every school in Minnesota that has installed a renewable energy system in order to learn from their experiences. The guide will help schools learn from these schools, and it also provides up-to-date resources to identify financing, ownership, operation and maintenance, and similar issues. The guide is prepared in a format that is suitable for making it publicly available through the Department of Commerce website. As a result, the Department will have the ability to update the guide to reflect the latest information, so that it remains current and remains an effective tool for schools in Minnesota

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): {Empty}

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 5 - very satisfied