Admin seeks up to 11.4 Megawatts of power from solar gardens for state-owned facilities

SAINT PAUL - In its continued push to reduce the carbon footprint of state buildings, the Minnesota Department of Administration issued a request for proposal (RFP) today to enter into a solar garden contract for up to 11.4 megawatts of electricity. The RFP also provides the option for locating solar gardens on state-owned property.

A Department of Administration survey of state agencies showed a strong interest for taking advantage of new programs featuring solar power. As an enterprise leader in contracting, Admin partnered with other state agencies to develop an RFP benefiting multiple agencies. Admin is joined in the RFP by the Department of Corrections, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Military Affairs, and the Perpich Center for Arts Education.

"Today's announcement demonstrates the state's commitment to sustainable operations and renewable energy," said Commissioner Matt Massman. "Solar is an exciting and important energy alternative, and this RFP will allow the state to be a leader in advancing solar in Minnesota."

"Smarter energy policy has helped reduce energy consumption on the Capitol Complex by 20 percent since 2013," said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. "This better government effort will help drive a renewable energy economy, while saving taxpayers money."

Governor Dayton committed state agencies to reducing their carbon footprint in /admin/assets/11-13_tcm36-281769.pdfExecutive Order 11-13 by making their buildings and activities more sustainable and using clean energy resources. Since that time, the Capitol Complex has reduced its energy consumption by more than 20 percent. The state would like to add a greater share of renewable fuels to complement its energy reduction efforts.

"Minnesota will help lead the way on using solar energy to improve our government buildings. Every step we take toward a clean energy future is progress to help our energy system and the environment," said Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, whose department includes the Division of Energy Resources which has worked on clean energy development, including community solar gardens.

In addition to increasing the mix of sustainable energy for state facilities, the RFP expects developers to demonstrate how they will incorporate diversity and inclusion into their contract. The RFP includes selection consideration for developers intending to use minority, women or veteran owned businesses to supply materials, services, or installation work in the completion of a solar garden project.

The solicitation can be found on the Department of Administration's website at: http://www.mmd.admin.state.mn.us/process/admin/postings.asp.

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Contact: Curt Yoakum
Assistant Commissioner
curtis.yoakum@state.mn.us
651-201-2771