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Tamworth moves to solicit two contractors for DOE-backed solar project, bypassing standard RFB process
Summary
With Department of Energy funding secured, the Select Board authorized inviting two prospective contractors to bid directly on the town's library solar project rather than running the full request-for-bids process, citing time-sensitive incentives.
The Select Board approved a motion May 13 to invite two prospective contractors to submit bids for a Department of Energy-funded solar project at the town library, bypassing the town's standard public request-for-bids process.
During the administrator's report, staff said the DOE funding for the project was secured and sits with the state; the project will be reimbursed, and the town plans to use unassigned fund balance for interim costs. The administrator said DOE confirmed the roof analysis could be included in a contractor's scope of work, which allowed staff to move faster on procurement.
Town staff recommended inviting two contractors who previously provided estimates rather than waiting for a broader bid process because some incentives are only available through the remainder of the calendar year. A board member moved that the town invite the two prospective contractors directly; another member seconded the motion. The board took a roll-call vote and approved the motion.
Board members discussed that material and labor costs have changed since earlier estimates and that expediting the contracting process could preserve incentives that offset total project cost. The board did not award a contract at the meeting; it authorized inviting the two contractors to submit formal bids for the project.
Town staff will proceed to request bids from the two named contractors and report back to the Select Board with bid proposals and recommended next steps for award and contract review.
