DCAS to Supercharge Renewable Energy Production with First Ever ‘Design Build’ Solicitation for Citywide Solar Panel Installations

August 20, 2024

The newly released solicitation covers 26 sites across the city including public schools and NYPD facilities.

NEW YORK - Today, the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) announced the release of the City's first-ever 'Design-Build' solicitation to develop solar photovoltaic (PV) panel projects at City-owned sites. The new solicitation invites prospective proposers to submit their qualifications to bid on a forthcoming major solar project portfolio.

With the goal of bolstering the city's renewable energy infrastructure, the project portfolio will look to install 3.3 megawatts (MW) of solar panels across 26 City-owned sites in all five boroughs, including 25 schools and one New York City Police Department facility. By adopting the Design-Build approach, DCAS will streamline the typically long and inefficient traditional project delivery process by merging design and construction into one cohesive and efficient process.

"We are beyond excited to release this groundbreaking Design-Build solicitation, which marks a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance the sustainability of New York City's infrastructure through transformative Design-Build principles," said DCAS Commissioner Louis A. Molina. "By streamlining the process, we are not only accelerating the installation of solar power across City-owned properties, but also reinforcing our commitment to a greener, more efficient future. With this initiative, DCAS is proud to lead the charge in making New York City a model for urban sustainability and innovation."

DCAS was granted Design-Build authorization by the State Legislature in 2022, after successful continued advocacy by the Adams Administration. By using Design-Build, the agency will look to supercharge these 26 projects, completing them faster and more efficiently, all while working towards the City's goal of installing 100 MW of solar power on City-owned property by 2030.

As part of the solicitation, DCAS will be accepting proposals from qualified bidders, with a minimum of three years of experience, within the five years prior to the submission, in solar PV system design, procurement, installation, construction, commissioning and related Design-Build services. Installing solar panels at these sites advances the City's commitment to maximize climate infrastructure on City-owned property, including one of the City's most valuable assets for deploying more clean energy generation: City-owned rooftops. Installing solar panels will also be coupled with necessary roof repair work at these essential City buildings.

"I am so proud that our public schools are not only hubs for climate education, but that our buildings serve as spaces working to make our city greener for generations of New Yorkers to come," said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. "We are looking forward to continuing this partnership and doing our part towards meeting the city's energy goals."

"New York City continues to lead the way in the mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the men and women of the NYPD are proud to do their very large part," said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. "Through energy-efficient solutions like solar panel installations and LED lighting retrofits at our facilities, the police department is helping to advance the shared goal of minimizing the city's carbon footprint. It is truly one of the best ways we can serve New Yorkers."

"As the city's primary capital construction project manager, we know how important Design Build is in getting projects completed cheaper and faster for New Yorkers," said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. "We've had tremendous success with the use of Design-Build for major projects throughout the city and are happy for our partners at DCAS and their first-ever Design Build solicitation for city-wide solar panel installations. These 26 solar power projects will move our city forward through the use of renewable energy, reducing our carbon footprint."

"Local 3 is proud to support New York City's ambitious renewable energy goals by providing the skilled union labor necessary to bring these solar panel installations to life," said Christopher Erikson, Business Manager, Local Union No. 3, IBEW. "As the City embarks on this groundbreaking Design-Build initiative, our members stand ready to ensure that every project is completed with the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and craftsmanship. This collaboration underscores the importance of union labor in building a sustainable and resilient future for all New Yorkers."

"We are immensely proud to issue our first Design-Build solicitation that will drive us toward our goal of installing 100 megawatts of solar on City-owned property," said DCAS Deputy Commissioner of Energy Management and the City's Chief Decarbonization Officer, Sana Barakat. "We have already more than doubled our solar capacity since 2020 - to over 24 megawatts - across 156 municipal buildings with approximately 55 percent located in Disadvantaged Communities, and we will add more at a rapid clip with Design-Build. As we look to take full advantage of this efficient and cost-effective delivery model for solar projects, the City will reap the benefit of more clean energy, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner air, and better health."

The City's traditional "design-bid-build" project delivery approach requires procurement of one vendor to design the project and then a separate vendor for construction. Utilizing a Design-Build project delivery approach, where the same vendor does both the design and construction, the City expects to benefit from Responses are due by October 15, and all qualified vendors are encouraged to apply.

Solar panel installations are one facet of the City's larger decarbonization efforts. In June 2024, DCAS provided a comprehensive overview of the City's progress and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency in public buildings. As highlighted in the Powering Change report, over the past decade, through targeted investments and efficiency measures made by the City, municipal buildings have seen an 8% reduction in energy consumption; overall, over the past decade, city government has reduced its GHG emissions from its operations, including emissions from buildings, fleet, wastewater treatment and solid waste by over 25%. Further, in partnership with City agencies, DCAS has installed over 24 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic units on City facilities and is on track to install 100 MW of solar on City-owned property by 2030.

About the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) makes city government work for all New Yorkers. Our commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides our work providing City agencies with the resources and support needed to succeed, including:

• Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees.
• Managing 55 public buildings.
• Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property.
• Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies.
• Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country.
• Leading the City's efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations.

Learn more about DCAS by visiting nyc.gov/dcas and by following us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and listening to the Inside Citywide podcast.

Contact:
Dan Kastanis
Director of Media Relations, DCAS
[email protected]

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