RFP 26-27-04 Power Purchase Agreement for Solar Photovoltaic Systems

Chino Valley Unified School District
Request for Proposals
26-27-04
Power Purchase Agreement for Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Chino Valley Unified School District
13461 Ramona Avenue
Chino, CA 91710

CHINO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
NOTICE CALLING FOR PROPOSALS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Governing Board of the Chino Valley Unified School District,
County of San Bernardino, State of California hereafter referred to as District, is calling for and will receive
proposals up to but not later than October 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. local time at the Chino Valley Unified
School District, located at 13461 Ramona Avenue, Purchasing Department, Second Floor, Chino CA
91710, for the following services:
RFP 26-27-04 Power Purchase Agreement for Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Proposals can be submitted at the Chino Valley Unified School District, Purchasing Office, Second
Floor, 13461 Ramona Avenue, Chino, CA 91710.
Proposal packets can be obtained via the Chino Valley Unified School District Purchasing website
(https://chino.k12.ca.us/36621_4) or prospective contractors may email Kathy Casino at
Kathy_Casino@chino.k12.ca.us to request a packet. All proposals must be submitted on forms furnished
by the District. Proposals must be delivered as indicated in the proposal documents, to the Purchasing
Department at the above address, but no later than 10:00 a.m. on October 5, 2026.
Each envelope must be clearly marked on the front with the proposal name and proposal number. The
Governing Board of the Chino Valley Unified School District reserves the right to accept or reject any and
all proposals, to waive any irregularities in the proposals, be sole judge as to the merit, quality, and
acceptability of materials proposed and its compliance to the specifications, and to not necessarily accept
the lowest bid of any offer if it is in the best interest of the District.
The contract will be awarded to the most responsive, responsible vendor(s) meeting specifications.
No vendor may withdraw their proposal for a period of sixty (60) days after the date set for the opening of
proposals.
It is each vendor's sole responsibility to ensure its proposal is timely delivered and received at the location
designated as specified above. Any proposal received at the designated location after the scheduled
closing time for receipt of proposals shall be returned to the bidder unopened. The Chino Valley Unified
School District is not responsible for proposals sent via U.S. Mail, UPS, and Federal Express or by any
other delivery service.
All proposals are due in the Purchasing Office by the posted or advertised closing date and time. It is the
vendor's responsibility to ensure that their proposal is delivered to the Purchasing Office, Second Floor,
13461 Ramona Avenue, Chino, CA 91710.

Table of Contents
Overview and Objective 2
Information about Chino Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) 2
Timeline for RFP process 3
Site Walk Schedule 3
Contact information 3
Description of Proposed PV Sites 4
Site information 4
2025 kWh Usage at Proposed Solar Sites 4
2025 kW Demand - Peak / Average at Proposed Solar Sites 4
Scope of Work 5
Proposal Directions & Requirements 6
Proposal Format 8
Tab 1: Cover Letter 8
Tab 2: Experience & Qualifications 8
Section A: Project development experience 8
Section B: System design experience 8
Section C: Project construction experience 8
Section D: Project financing experience 8
Section E: PV supplies & experience 8
Section F: Operations and maintenance experience 8
Section G: Rebate processing experience 9
Section H: Qualifications to provide REC certification assistance 9
Section I: Energy production assurance 9
Section J: Monitoring & verification capabilities 9
Section K: Team 9
Section L: Subcontractors 9
Tab 3: Technical Information 9
Section A: PV system 9
Tab 4: Pricing & Terms 10
Section A: Pricing information 10
Tab 5: Appendix (Supporting information) 10
Proposal Evaluation Criteria 11-12
1

Overview and Objective
Chino Valley Unified School District (CVUSD or District) is located on the western edge of San Bernardino County.
CVUSD includes thirty-eight different sites which consist of twenty-one (21) elementary schools, three (3) K-8
schools, five (5) junior high schools, four (4) comprehensive high schools, one (1) continuation high school, one (1)
alternative education center, one (1) professional development center, and two (2) District office locations. CVUSD
has nearly 26,000 students enrolled and serves the cities of Chino, Chino Hills and Ontario. Electricity service is
provided by Southern California Edison (SCE).
In 2015 and 2017 respectively, the District entered into Power Purchase Agreements and had solar parking and
playground arrays installed at thirty-five (35) school sites and District offices. CVUSD would like to further reduce
electrical energy costs and environmental impact through implementation of one or more Power Purchase
Agreements (PPA), structured to provide solar photovoltaic (PV) electrical power generation systems at three (3)
additional CVUSD-owned sites. The goal for this PPA is to provide immediate annual utility cost reduction to the
District at each participating site, secure available Self-Generation Incentive Program credits, and act as a hedge
against future utility rate inflation. This Project is a result of the District's commitment to sustainability by providing
cost effective and reliable energy systems through a combination of energy conservation and diverse sources of
energy generation that collectively help minimize the District's environmental footprint.
CVUSD is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to select one or more Respondents (any selected Respondent
shall become a "Provider") to provide PPA services under terms and conditions acceptable to, and in the best interests
of the District. Under the standard PPA structure, as anticipated by the District, the selected provider will design,
acquire Department of State Architect (DSA) approval, build, maintain, operate and own the solar PV systems,
located on CVUSD property, and sell the electrical energy produced by those systems to CVUSD. The PPA must
address all legal requirements related thereto, for example, and without limitation, including, but not limited to,
prevailing wage requirements and the design and installation of EV charging stations if required by law or
regulations. The PPA must be a long-term agreement, allocating risks in a manner acceptable to CVUSD, and must
include a production guarantee of not less than 90% of estimated annual production. The District has designated the
work of any PPA project to be subject to the California Prevailing Wage law and related Labor Code provisions.
This is a request for proposals only and should not be interpreted as a solicitation for services.
The award of a contract will be based on the District's understanding of the Respondents' respective expertise,
experience, qualifications; ability to provide a low cost per kWh generated; guarantee of stated kWh output of the
solar PV systems; and overall thoroughness of the proposal and responsiveness to the RFP and during the RFP
process. In making its solar PV vendor selection, the District reserves the right to consider and evaluate these factors
and determine the best fit for the District's interests in the District's sole and complete discretion. The top ranked
Respondent will be offered the opportunity to negotiate a PPA with the District that includes terms and conditions
to design and permit the Project, with District oversight and approval.
CVUSD desires and intends to begin receiving electrical energy from the anticipated PPA not later than 18 months
from the date a successful Respondent is determined. The Provider shall be responsible for meeting all PPA
commitments, including time, design, required approvals, including but not limited to approvals of the Division of
the State Architect, commissioning the solar PV systems, and financing the design, engineering, construction,
operation and maintenance of the systems.
Site # 1, as listed below, had a previously installed 111.60 kW Carport Solar PV system under a PPA with Tesla. This
system was removed to accommodate the construction of a new building. The PPA is still in effect and contains a
buy-out amount of $97,597.00. The District would like the successful respondent to factor this buyout amount into
the new PPA for this site. The District understands that this will affect the overall savings on electricity generated at
this site.
CVUSD may, at any time, for any reason, modify this RFP, terminate the RFP and/or promulgate other solicitations
for the same or similar services, as best serves the District's interests. Upon selection of a successful Respondent,
2

CVUSD will negotiate in good faith to arrive at the form and content of the PPA with the first selected successful
Respondent. CVUSD may, at any time, for any reason within its good discretion terminate such negotiations,
terminate the RFP and/or promulgate other solicitations for the same or similar services, as best serves the District's
interests. It is, however, the District's goal to secure through this RFP a PPA with a Provider acceptable to the
District. Proposals must have a minimum term length of 20 years and may include an additional optional 5-year
term, through the exercise of which option the District could extend the full term of the PPA to 25 years. The PPA
shall include buy-out provisions at the earliest time permitted by law.
The District will provide the successful Respondent with the plans and specifications, to the extent of documentation
in the possession, custody or control of, and known to District, for the existing facilities. Complete and/or accurate
as-builts may not be available for all sites. As such, the District makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness
of such documents, and the successful Respondent should not rely upon the District's plans and specifications for
the sites. It shall be the sole responsibility of the successful Respondent to independently verify the District's plans
and specifications. In submitting its Proposal, the successful Respondent warrants and accepts that the District shall
not be liable for any misrepresentations or inaccuracies set forth in the District's plans and specifications for the sites.
Timeline for RFP Process Dates & Times
RFP Issue Date September 14, 2026
Mandatory Site Walk* September 23, 2026, 10:00 am
Request for Information (RFI) Deadline September 28, 2026, 4:30 pm
Addendum Deadline September 29, 2026
RFP Due Date October 5, 2026
*Mandatory Site Walk begins at 10:00 am at the District Office (Site #1)
Site Walk Schedule
Site # Site Name Address Time
1 District Offices 13461 Ramona Avenue, Chino, CA 91710 10:00 AM
2 Allegiance Steam Academy 5862 C Street, Chino, CA 91710 10:30 AM
3 Legacy K-8 Academy 16450 East Preserve Loop, Chino, CA 91708 11:10 AM
Contact Information.
Please address all RFP-related questions and communications to:
Greg Stachura Greg_Stachura@chino.k12.ca.us and
Kathy Casino Kathy_Casino@chino.k12.ca.us
3

Description of Proposed PV Sites
Chino Valley USD Proposed Solar Photovoltaic Project Sites
1st Year kWh PV
2025 kWh 2025 Peak kW 2025 Average
Production Target @
Project # Annual Usage Demand kW Demand
District Site 75%
1 CVUSD District Offices 735,871 kWh 192 kW 126 kW 551,903.25 kWh
2 Allegiance Steam Academy 369,684 kWh 221 kW 19 kW 277,263.00 kWh
3 Legacy K-8 Academy 445,803 kWh 147 kW 36 kW 334,352.25 kWh
Site Information
Project # School Site Edison SA # Meter # Address Current Tariff
1 CVUSD District Offices 8016472994 259000-098879 13461 Ramona Ave., Chino, CA 91710 TG2E
8003324060 259000-024244 TOU-GS-2-E
2 Allegiance Steam Academy 8003330033 255000-001821 5862 C Street, Chino, CA 91710 TOU-GS-2-E
8003330254 259000-017417 TOU-GS-3E
3 Legacy K-8 Academy 8017725289 259000-105988 16450 East Preserve Loop, Chino, CA 91708 TOU-GS-3E
The following information is relevant to the proposed solar PV system location(s):
The District reserves the right to remove sites from the final contract if these sites are determined not to meet
the District's financial goals or are deemed unsuitable for construction.
* Geological info: No current soils reports are available.
Chino Valley USD - kWh Usage 2025 Proposed Solar Sites
Site Jan - Dec 2025 kWh Usage Necessary kWh Production 60% Necessary kWh Production 75%
C VUSD District Offices 735,871 kWh 441,522.60 kWh 551,903.25 kWh
Allegiance Steam Academy 369,684 kWh 221,810.4 kWh 277,263.00 kWh
Legacy K-8 Academy 445,803 kWh 267,481.80 kWh 334,352.25 kWh
Chino Valley USD - 2025 kW Demand - Peak and Average - at Proposed Solar Sites
Site 2025 Peak kW Demand 2025 Average kW Demand
CVUSD District Offices 192 kW 126 kW
Allegiance Steam Academy 221 kW 19 kW
Legacy K-8 Academy 147 kW 36 kW
4

Scope of Work:
The goal of this RFP is to identify the Respondent who will enable the most cost-effective solar PV energy production
over the entire PPA term. The successful Respondent will demonstrate the capability to develop, offer, and manage
approximately 5.5 MW of solar PV capacity. Parking canopy solar PV systems are highly preferred, but playground
shade structures will be considered. Roof-mounted systems will not be considered.
Capital funds for the solar PV project(s) are not available. CVUSD will only purchase solar-generated electricity
under a Power Purchase Agreement. The District's preference is no out-of-pocket costs associated with the PPA.
Such costs, include but are not limited, to legal fees and DSA submittal and review fees, and DSA inspection costs.
Any reimbursements must be negotiated as part of the PPA. DSA inspector of record costs shall be the responsibility
of the successful respondent, utilizing an inspector and or inspection firm approved by CVUSD.
Following project award, CVUSD intends to enter into a solar PV PPA with the successful Respondent for a term of
twenty years for the solar PV project. The successful Respondent may be asked to assist CVUSD in identifying and
implementing a comprehensive long-term solar program. If the initial project proves successful, CVUSD anticipates
acquiring access to additional megawatts of solar PV capacity over ensuing years. While CVUSD intends to secure
such additional assistance, CVUSD shall have no obligation to pursue any further business of any kind with the
selected Provider.
The successful Respondent shall provide fully managed solar PV services that include, but are not limited to, securing
the necessary labor, services, equipment, permits, and approvals to develop fully operational solar PV systems at
agreed-upon sites. They will then commission, own, monitor, operate, and maintain the systems after installation,
and guarantee minimum production of at least 90% of estimated production.
EV Infrastructure. To the extent that the design includes the installation of EV charging stations at each site, EV
charger infrastructure capable of supporting (2) two-port charging stations should be installed at each site with the
proposed solar carport PV structures. Additional conduit lines should be run to the carport structures to allow the
District to install future low-voltage projects (i.e. security cameras).
Successful respondent(s) will also be responsible for submitting all new interconnection applications to the
appropriate utility companies.
The successful Respondent shall provide educational opportunities for students in grades K-12. If possible, they will
integrate the solar PV projects into a new or existing Regional Occupational Program (ROP) class and will make the
solar power projects a meaningful learning experience.
The District prefers to enter into one single contract for the three sites, but may, in its sole discretion, divide the
projects among multiple Respondents if it is determined to be in the best interest of the District. The District may, in
its sole discretion, choose not to proceed with systems at some of the sites or not proceed with the project at all. The
primary goal is to maximize the financial benefit within the working area at each site.
The following factors have been identified by the District as critical for the overall success of this project: (1) ability
to apply experience and technical expertise to complete the project in an efficient and skilled manner, in compliance
with District and DSA requirements; (2) minimize disruption to school and District operations during construction
and operation of the project; (3) minimize lifecycle system costs over the life of the systems; (4) provide general fund
relief through the reduction of energy costs at the project sites; (5) incorporate and utilize local companies during the
construction and operation of the systems at the project sites; and (6) address vandalism and theft issues for the PV
systems.
All applicable federal and state laws, county, bi-county, local, and municipal ordinances, and the orders, rules and
regulations of all authorities having jurisdiction over this work shall apply to the Contract throughout the term of the
agreement, and they will be deemed to be included in the contract the same as though written out in full.
5

Proposal Directions & Requirements
Each Respondent must submit five (5) copies of Proposal, and one electronic copy, either in person or by mail
to:
Greg Stachura / Kathy Casino
13461 Ramona Avenue. Purchasing Department
Chino, CA 91710
In order for a proposal to be evaluated, the following requirements must be met:
1. Proposals must be received by the due date and time established in the "Timeline for RFP Process."
Any proposals received after the specified date and time will be disqualified from further evaluation.
2. The cover letter of the proposal includes the signature of a representative authorized to bind the Respondent.
3. The Respondent must provide all information requested, in the format dictated in the following section
"Proposal Format".
4. Within the last five (5) years Respondent has:
a. Constructed at least three (3) Division of State Architects (DSA) approved, multi-site projects of 500
kW or larger in size for each project that utilize DSA pre-check solar PV shade structures.
b. Financed at least two (2) Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) projects of at least 250 kW each that
Respondent currently owns and operates under a PPA.
5. Respondent must be able to provide a $500,000 letter of credit that will not be released until DSA closeout
is complete at all sites.
6. Respondents can meet insurance requirements.
7. Respondent holds a California Class B license.
8. Respondent's Worker's Compensation Experience Modification Rate (EMR) is 1.25 or less.
9. Respondents have been in business in California under the present company or business name and license
number for a minimum of two years.
10. Respondent is eligible to bid on or be awarded a public works contract or perform as a subcontractor on a
public works contract pursuant to either Labor Code section 1771.1 or Labor Code section 1777.7. and SB
854.
11. Respondent has not been terminated for cause or defaulted on a Project during the last ten (10) years.
12. Respondent's license has not have been revoked at any time in the last five (5) years.
13. Respondent, or any of its owners, officers, or partners, has not been found liable in a civil suit, or
convicted/found guilty in a criminal action within the last ten (10) years: (a) involving the awarding of a
contract of a government construction project, (b) involving the bidding or performance of a government
contract, or (c) involving fraud, theft or any other act of dishonesty, including but not limited to the California
False Claims Act, or Federal False Claims Act.
14. CAL OSHA has not cited or assessed penalties against Respondent for any "serious", "willful", or "repeat"
violations of its safety or health regulations in the last five (5) years.
15. Respondents making a submittal are directed not to make contact with members of the District's Governing
Board or any other District Personnel. Any contact will constitute grounds for disqualification of
consideration.
16. Failure to meet any of these requirements is grounds for rejecting a proposal.
17. Each Respondent will be required to complete the following District forms:
a. Contractor Fingerprinting Requirements under Ed Code 45125.1 and 45125.2.
b. Contractor Certificate of Worker's Compensation Insurance.
c. Drug-Free Workplace Certificate.
d. Conduct Rules for Contractors.
e. Non-Collusion Declaration.
f. COVID-19 Protocol.
g. Alcohol & Tobacco Free Certification.
h. Iran Contracting Act Certification.
i. Russia Sanctions Certification.
6

Any questions regarding this proposal should be directed to:
Greg Stachura, Assistant Superintendent, Facilities, Planning & Operations
Greg_Stachura@chino.k12.ca.us
and
Kathy Casino, Purchasing Director
Kathy_Casino@chino.k12.ca.us
7

Proposal Format
Tab 1: Cover Letter
1. Cover letter should highlight any special features of the Proposal, and include the name, address, phone
number, and email for the point of contact within the Respondent's company. The cover letter should be
signed by a representative of the Respondent's company who has the authority to bind the Respondent.
Tab 2: Experience & Qualifications
Section A: Project Development Experience
1. Describe Respondent's experience in developing turnkey, fully managed solar PV solutions. Projects
completed under design/build contracts will not be evaluated.
2. Describe Respondent's experience in developing portfolio solar PV solutions (i.e. multiple solar energy
systems across several locations).
3. Describe Respondent's office locations and experience in San Bernardino County and with Southern
California Edison.
Section B: System Design Experience
1. Describe Respondent's experience with the development of various solar PV systems (ground mount, shade
structures, and carport canopies).
2. Describe the largest project Respondent has completed to date, as well as the projects of similar size and
scope completed in the region.
Section C: Project Construction Experience
1. Detail the number of megawatts the Respondent has constructed.
2. Detail the number of distinct projects the Respondent has constructed.
3. Detail how the proposer manages construction of projects.
4. Detail the types of customers the Respondent has worked with in the past.
5. Describe implementation of solar PV construction standards and other safety measures.
6. Provide three (3) customer references and information on the type(s) of system(s) installed for these
customers, including location, installation type, activation date, photograph, and a brief narrative on the
project.
Section D: Project Financing Experience
1. Provide number of solar PV systems that have been financed by the Respondent.
2. Provide number of systems that Respondent is operating under a PPA.
3. Provide demonstration of capital available to fund the proposed (and future) projects.
Section E: PV Supplies and Experience
1. Provide demonstration of Respondent's supply contracts or actual solar PV panel supply.
2. List Respondent's preferred solar PV panel technology and past experience with those technologies.
3. List panel suppliers that Respondent has worked with and describe the relationship with the supplier.
Section F: Operations and Maintenance Experience
1. Provide the number of operational solar PV systems under management.
2. Detail how Respondent will provide a web-based interface providing system production information, weather
data, and billing information, in real time.
3. Detail the number of solar PV systems the Respondent has managed for more than one year, and describe
any lessons learned from this experience.
4. Provide proposed maintenance plan.
8