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District to pursue solar feasibility through outside facilitator; $10,000 breakup fee noted
Summary
Staff recommended engaging Nenea to run a solar RFP and feasibility process; the district said Nenea would charge a $10,000 cancellation fee if the district engages the service but later decides not to select a contractor.
Libertyville — District staff proposed using an outside facilitator, identified in committee as Nenea, to run a solar feasibility and request‑for‑proposal (RFP) process for district roofs and athletic facilities, and the facilities and finance committee discussed next steps on July 28.
Staff said Nenea is a consulting and facilitation firm that helps school districts design a solar strategy, run the RFP process, and shortlist contractors. Committee presenters said the firm is not a solar vendor; it helps districts connect with multiple contractors, refine design, and vet proposals. One district presenter explained that Nenea produced a feasibility analysis that aligned with the district’s internal work and recommended pursuing a power purchase agreement (PPA) approach if a project moves forward.
District staff told committee members there is a $10,000 break‑up fee tied to the facilitation engagement if the district hires Nenea and then decides not to select a contractor after the RFP phase. Staff described the break‑up fee as a limited design/analysis cost to cover consultant work if the district stops the process after detailed proposal work has been completed. Presenters said the fee would typically be absorbed into the selected contractor’s price if a provider is chosen under a financing structure that allows that pass‑through.
Committee members asked which rooftops would be considered. Staff said Vernon Hills High School offered the most usable roof area and that Libertyville High School has limited roof capacity; staff said the gym/fieldhouse roof could provide substantial future capacity if replaced and designed with solar in mind.
Staff asked for committee support to proceed with Nenea facilitating the RFP; if the district later selects a contractor the vendor’s price would cover the facilitator’s fee in most financing plans, staff said. The proposal will return to the full board for approval if staff recommend a specific vendor or contract award.
