Request for eoi iee 365greenhouse final

Call for Expressions of Interest

Construction Services - 365 Greenhouse Project

Request for Expressions of Interest Construction Services for the 365 Greenhouse Project

Issued: April 11, 2018

Submission Deadline: April 25, 2018, 5 p.m. NDT

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Call for Expressions of Interest

Construction Services - 365 Greenhouse Project

Contact Ms. Delia Warren, P. Eng. East Coast Director, Iron and Earth 709-725-7929 delia@ironandearth.org 30 Harvey Rd. #2 St. John's, NL, A1C 2G1

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Call for Expressions of Interest

Construction Services - 365 Greenhouse Project

Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction...................................................................................................................... 1 2.0 Project Partners and Roles ............................................................................................. 1 2.1 Iron and Earth East ..................................................................................................... 1 2.2 Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador ....................................................... 1 2.3 TradesNL ...................................................................................................................... 2 2.4 Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador .............................................. 3 2.5 Bullfrog Power ............................................................................................................. 3 3.0 Project Details and Services Required .......................................................................... 3 4.0 Submission Requirements ............................................................................................. 4 5.0 Submission Evaluation ................................................................................................... 5 6.0 Enquiries .......................................................................................................................... 5 7.0 Terms and Conditions ..................................................................................................... 6

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Call for Expressions of Interest

Construction Services - 365 Greenhouse Project

1.0 Introduction The 365 Greenhouse is a multifaceted project of Iron and Earth East (I&EE) with three primary objectives: showcasing renewable energy technologies, highlighting issues regarding food sustainability, and serving as a community-building and educational tool.

It will operate year-round, benefitting from natural light during the standard growing season and generating the heat and light required for growing during the winter months using solar energy and an electric heat pump. The greenhouse will operate as a social enterprise for the Autism Society, Newfoundland and Labrador (ASNL) and will be constructed at the Elaine Dobbin Centre for Autism on Clinch Crescent in St. John’s.

I&EE and the ASNL are seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from qualified proponents to take a lead role in the construction of the greenhouse, and to work closely with I&EE, the ASNL and other project partners to ensure project success.

2.0 Project Partners and Roles The 365 Greenhouse is being built by I&EE in partnership with the ASNL, with the support of several community partners.

2.1 Iron and Earth East Iron & Earth is a non-profit organization focusing on catalyzing growth in the renewable energy industry in Canada while connecting energy-sector tradespeople with retraining and jobs in this emerging field. I&EE is the eastern chapter of Iron & Earth, and supports sustainable energy practices and economic diversification in Atlantic Canada.

I&EE is responsible for the design and construction of the 365 Greenhouse and will serve as the main point of contact for the construction lead.

2.2 Autism Society, Newfoundland and Labrador I&EE is partnering with the ASNL on the 365 Greenhouse, and plan to build the project at the Elaine Dobbin Centre for Autism on Clinch Crescent in St. John’s. There are currently 1

Call for Expressions of Interest

Construction Services - 365 Greenhouse Project

community gardens, a sound garden, a fruit orchard and walking trails on the centre grounds.

It is an ideal backdrop for the 365 Greenhouse, highlighting the interconnectedness of nature, community and our project. The site will be accessible to the public and is centrally located within the city and serviced by major bus routes.

Upon completion, daily operation of the greenhouse will be managed by ASNL, giving them the opportunity to expand their programming and to employ and train additional people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in accordance with their mandate. ASNL currently operates a restaurant and catering service, The Pantry. The Pantry is a social enterprise that benefits the society, using many vegetables that are grown on-site at their current greenhouse and gardens.

Our project will allow ASNL to expand their growing capabilities so that they can achieve cost savings and offer fresh, locally-grown produce year-round. Flowers and additional produce grown in the 365 Greenhouse will be used by the Good Roots Gardening program, another social enterprise of ASNL that also helps build skills for participants and raise funds for the society.

The installation of grid-connected PV modules will allow the 365 Greenhouse to run without providing an additional cost burden to ASNL, and will serve to offset electricity costs for the site when surplus generation takes place during warmer months. Finally, the 365 Greenhouse will allow ASNL to increase their programming capacity to serve more individuals with ASD.

2.3 TradesNL TradesNL has made a significant donation to the 365 Greenhouse project, and will be involved during the construction process. As Iron & Earth is a worker-led organization representing many different trades, this partnership increases the visibility of our organization among one of our target demographics, and serves to increase awareness about potential opportunities for the trades in building a renewable energy industry in our province. There is the possibility for inkind support from this organization in the form of expertise and participation during the construction process.

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Call for Expressions of Interest

Construction Services - 365 Greenhouse Project

2.4 Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador I&EE has formalized a partnership with Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador (CCNL) to address mutually-beneficial goals. This organization is actively involved in engaging the province’s youth in environmental initiatives. This project represents an opportunity to get youth involved in addressing renewable energy development and food sustainability issues, both aligning with the mandate of CCNL. We are aiming to develop educational activities for youth in-line with various levels of school curriculum to involve students in the 365 Greenhouse Project wherever possible. Through CCNL involvement, youth will be present at each phase of greenhouse development, gaining valuable experience and paving the way for future clean energy and food sustainability initiatives.

2.5 Bullfrog Power Bullfrog Power is a green energy retailer that has invested in green energy initiatives at the community level across our country. They provided a valuable contribution of matching funds during our 2016 crowd-funding campaign and are committed to helping I&EE as we complete the 365 Greenhouse project. This will be the first Bullfrog Power-sponsored community project in Newfoundland and Labrador. Their partnership enhances the legitimacy of our project, adding it to a network of other successful, forward-thinking, green energy projects that they have championed across Canada.

3.0 Project Description The 365 Greenhouse will operate year-round, benefitting from natural light during the standard growing season and generating the heat and light required for growing during the winter months using photovoltaic (PV) modules and an electric heat pump. During the short, winter days plants will be sustained by LED grow lights, and by selective crop planning. Construction is planned to begin in summer 2018 and must be completed by before September 1, 2018.

PV modules will be installed both on the greenhouse structure and on the roof of the nearby activity centre at the site by local electricians who completed the I&EE Solar Skills PV installation course in October 2017. This is in-line with I&EE’s mandate to grow the renewable 3

Call for Expressions of Interest

Construction Services - 365 Greenhouse Project

energy industry in our province, and will give our local installers hands-on experience while drawing attention to the newly introduced net-metering legislation that passed in 2017.

Following the successful completion of the 365 Greenhouse, it is our hope that it will be used as a model for any community struggling with food sustainability and/or high energy costs.

Remote communities will be able to use our greenhouse model to grow their own food regardless of the climate and access to the grid, providing a green path towards food independence.

4.0 Services Required and Mutual Benefits I&EE and the ASNL are seeking EOIs from community-minded, qualified proponents to manage and execute the construction of the greenhouse, and to work closely with project partners, their employees and volunteers. I&EE and the ASNL are not-for-profit organizations and this project is being made possible through generous donations, government funding, and the in-kind contribution of partners and other community supporters. The successful proponent will recognize the environmental and social benefits of this projects and will want to join us as a partner in making this worthwhile social enterprise a reality. The ideal contractor is not only skilled at construction, but is a responsible corporate citizen who is passionate about our cause.

This is not a typical construction project, and requires an approach tailored to the non-profit sector where creativity and generosity is essential to maximize limited resources.

5.0 Submission Requirements The EOI must follow the following format and must include all requested information.

EOI Section

Information Requested

Proponent Profile

- Provide a brief description of your company - Explain why your organization is interested in this project - Describe the organizational structure of the proposed team - Confirm the capacity of the team to deliver the requested services in the timeline indicated - Provide resumes (2 pages maximum) of each team member as an appendix.

- Provide details on qualifications in construction, contractor management, and skilled trades (e.g., electrician, plumber) - Describe experience working with not-for-profit and charitable organizations, and/or renewable energy and/or social enterprises - List relevant projects (past and current)

Project Team Organization and Capacity

Qualifications and Experience

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Call for Expressions of Interest

Proposed Approach

References

Construction Services - 365 Greenhouse Project

- Demonstrate understanding that this project is not a typical construction project, and requires non-traditional delivery (e.g., below standard industry rates, in-kind donations, volunteer labour, donated materials) - Provide details on project management and communication approach, with due consideration given to project partners and roles - Provide at least 2 references for the relevant projects listed

EOIs must not exceed 15 pages (excluding title page and Appendix) and be submitted in a single PDF file. The file should be named “Proponent Name_EOI for 365 Greenhouse.� Only resumes may be appended; additional appended information will not be reviewed. Please submit the file via email to Ms. Warren at delia@ironandearth.org by 5 p.m (NDT), April 25, 2018.

Based on the results of the evaluation of submitted EOIs, I&EE and the ASNL will create a shortlist of proponents. Short-listed proponents will be notified by May 4, 2018 and invited to participate in the Request for Proposals process.

6.0 Submission Evaluation All EOIs will be reviewed by I&EE and the ASNL based on the criteria presented below. EOIs failing to follow the submission requirements outlined in Section 4.0 will be disqualified and will not be reviewed.

Review Criteria Statement of interest in the project Demonstrates the ability to complete the project in the timeline specified, with qualified personnel Extent of project experience with not-for-profit and charitable organizations, renewable energy, and/or social enterprises Understands the need for non-traditional project delivery and proposes a unique approach that maximizes limited resources References Total points

Points Awarded 15 15 30 30 10 100

7.0 Enquiries To obtain a copy of the 365 Greenhouse design package, please visit the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association website at www.nlca.ca, or contact Delia Warren via email 5

Call for Expressions of Interest

Construction Services - 365 Greenhouse Project

at delia@ironandearth.org. Hard copies of the design package may be requested for an applicable fee.

Questions regarding this Request for EOIs must be submitted via email to Ms. Warren. For transparency, questions and responses will be shared anonymously with all respondents via email. The deadline to submit questions is 5 p.m. (NDT), April 23, 2018.

8.0 Terms and Conditions I&EE and the ASNL are not responsible for any cost incurred by the proponent in preparing this EOI. This Request for EOIs is not an offer to enter a contract, but an invitation to receive responses from interested parties on a potential project. No contractual obligation shall arise from the EOI process.

The proposed project described herein is contingent on receiving funding; I&EE and ASNL reserve the right to not to proceed with project outlined.

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