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RFP for Solar Array PV project - accepting through 8/20/2026 @ 2pm

8/12/2026

Request for Proposals

The City of Three Forks is requesting bids for the design, installation, and startup of a ground-mounted solar PV array to serve Well 12, located south of the City along Kyd Road to be completed on or before December 4, 2026. The site plan is linked below under "Related Documents" for this RFP for reference. All questions should be directed to Kelly Smith at ksmith@threeforksmontana.us.

Bids must be submitted to the City of Three Forks, 206 S Main Street, PO Box 187, Three Forks, MT 59752 on or before 2:00 pm August 20, 2026.

The scope of work and requirements of the system shall meet the following:

  • Solar PV Array
    • DC Nameplate Rating: 65,450 Watts
    • Mounting Type: Iron Ridge Ground Mount System
    • Module Make & Model: (110) Hyundai 595-Wall Modules
    • Inverter Make & Model: (2) SMA STP 25 kW Inverter
    • Substitution of equipment for that of equivalent quality may be proposed for Owner’s consideration.
    • Local Data Monitoring: a local display must be provided and installed within the existing wellhouse for the City’s use.
  • Site work:
    • The system shall be ground mounted in the location shown on the attached site plan. The City has an existing easement in place for the well and wellhouse and the solar array must be installed within the easement limits.
    • The proposal must include all needed PVC conduit, DC conductors, etc. needed to install a complete and functional system.
    • All areas must be returned to their original grade after grading or excavation. The contractor is not required to re-seed.
    • Any deviation from the site layout as included in the RFP must be approved by the Owner.
    • The system shall be grid tied at the existing wellhouse. The design must ensure that there is no backfeeding or interference with operations at the existing pumphouse related both to normal operations as well as if the backup natural gas generator is online. The City’s electrical engineer must approve of the design.
    • Existing underground utilities shown on the figure are from the best information available. The information is approximate and may be incomplete. For accurate location, the contractor is responsible for contacting the utilities underground location center at 1-800-424-5555 prior to completing any excavation
  • Submittals after award:
    • Upon award of the project, the Contractor shall provide submittals for all components including data sheets, warranty slips, and owner’s manuals to the Owner for review and for their records. Submittal reviews will be completed within 14 days of receipt. If a re-submittal is required, the review of the re-submittal will be completed within an additional 14 days.
  • Schedule:
    • All work must comply with the stipulations of the grant award and all work must be completed by December 4, 2026. A copy of the grant agreement is available upon request.
  • Permitting:
    • The contractor is responsible for any and all permitting, including but not limited to that which may be required by Northwestern Energy for the installation of the PV system and the installation of a net meter.
    • The contractor is responsible for scheduling and completing an electrical inspection as required by Northwestern Energy and/or the State Building Department.
  • Warranty:
    • The project shall include a 15-year warranty against defects in installation workmanship, including assumption of 100% of the repair and replacement costs of any system components that fail to perform due to faulty installation.
    • Equipment failures will be warranted by the respective manufacturers. The contractor is responsible for addressing warranty items with the respective manufacturers for a minimum of 1 year from the date of completion of the project.

Bid documents must include:

  1. Design meeting the stated criteria including details regarding the proposed mounting type, module make and model, inverter make and model, local display and any other relevant information.
  2. One line diagram
  3. Total cost for all components including the following;
    • All materials and equipment
    • Design
    • Submittals
    • Determination regarding if there is any need to upgrade the existing transformer. The City would be responsible for paying the utility directly for an upgrade but the cost must be included.
    • All equipment and labor needed to provide a complete and functional system.
    • Permitting
  4. Signed statement agreeing to the schedule and guaranteeing completion by December 4, 2026.
  5. Verification that contractor is qualified by NorthWestern Energy to perform these services.
  6. By submitting a bid, the contractor is acknowledging that they have reviewed and will accept the City’s standard contract which will be used for the award of this project. Any questions related to the contract and its requirements must be sent to the City prior to the bid date.

Please see documents below for a Site Plan for this project and the City's standard contract.