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`v�p,N EIyFAOi F S�VRCE I"P DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION Solar Possible Attachment A GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE Better Emrq. BelWr Wmltl. Collaborative Solar Purchasing for State Agencies, Local Governments & Schools An initiative of the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs), Great Plains Institute (GPI), and Department of Administration, Office of Enterprise Sustainability (OES). Why participate in a joint RFP for solar? Whether it be to achieve environmental goals, reduce energy costs, or show community leadership, solar can provide measurable benefits for state and local governments. However, the process for procuring solar can be difficult, including the following challenges: • Limited staff time and resources to run an effective Request -for -Proposals (RFP) process • Lack of knowledge on solar technologies, contract terms, and financing options • Competing priorities that are more urgent than solar procurement Collaborative government procurement of solar has been shown to address these barriers by reducing administrative costs for participants, providing opportunities for peer learning and action, providing a structured process for timely action, and potentially reducing solar system costs through bulk pricing. What do we hope to accomplish? Solar Possible will address the above barriers by coordinating a joint site(s)-specific RFP process among multiple state, local government and school participants, including the following key elements: 1. Joint Site(s)-specific RFP. Instead of each government entity running their own individual RFP process, this project will provide the opportunity for multiple entities to sign onto a single, joint RFP process, reducing government staff time and resources needed to procure solar. 2. Technical assistance. Throughout the project, CERTs will host in-person and webinar meetings to educate participants about solar technology, contract terms, and financing options, with the goal of empowering each participant to make an informed decision in response to vendor proposals. CERTs will also provide 1 -on -1 technical assistance. 3. Structured process. This project will provide a series of action steps and deadlines to help government staff tackle solar procurement one step at a time and make the process more manageable among competing priorities. NOTE: This initial RFP is targeted toward state, local governments, and schools within Xcel Energy electric territory in Minnesota, though the process may be repeated later for customers in other utility territories. 03/13/2018