South Central Regional Transit District awards Sunland Park solar and microgrid contract to recommended low bidder

The South Central Regional Transit District board voted unanimously on Nov. 12 to award a Sunland Park microgrid and solar-array contract to the low, responsive bidder recommended by staff.

David, a district staff member who presented the item, told the board staff solicited bids under an Invitation for Bid after an earlier RFP and federal grant cycle. He said six firms were solicited and two submitted responsive bids. "We had 6 bids... only 2 bidders submitted," David said during the presentation, and staff recommended awarding the contract to Ocelio Inc. at $947,403.30. He said a competing bid from Solar Smart Living was higher, at about $1,100,000, and had responsiveness issues.

Staff described the installation as roughly 550 solar panels on about 1 acre intended to provide power for the district's electric vehicles and to offset the maintenance and administrative facility electricity use. David said the project should be completed in roughly 120–150 days and expected to be wrapped up by April 10.

Councilor Yvonne Flores moved to approve the resolution; the motion was seconded and put to a roll-call vote. The board recorded unanimous "Yes" votes from Commissioner Sanchez; Trustee Nevarez; Mayor Padilla; Councilor Yvonne Flores; Mayor Madillo; and Trustee Powe, and the item passed.

The board did not identify a specific contract number during the discussion. Project manager Daniela and procurement officer Rosa were present to answer questions but no substantive questions were raised during the oral presentation. David said the award is intended to reduce the district's facility energy costs as ridership and operating pressures increase.

The board's action was procedural and final for awarding this contract; staff signaled timelines for construction and completion, but did not attach further conditions or a separate follow-up vote during the meeting. The item passed on unanimous roll call.