Q & A: Questions related to the RFP

 

Q: Are respondents to the RFP required to use the sites identified by NYPA in its site screening studies?

A: No, respondents are not required to select site(s) from the group identified by NYPA.  The results of NYPA’s siting studies, as well as other desktop studies, are preliminary in nature, and are intended to assist NYPA and others in understanding both the primary siting factors for offshore wind project siting in New York’s Great Lakes and where potentially viable development opportunities may exist. NYPA does not make any assurances regarding the development and permitting rights associated with the proposed sites including the siting studies. Feasibility study, licensing, and permitting of any wind project from which NYPA may purchase wind energy pursuant to the RFP will be the responsibility of the developer.

Q: How and when should a Notice of Intent to Submit Proposal be submitted to NYPA for this RFP?

A: Respondents intending to submit a proposal in response to this RFP are requested to send a Notice of Intent to Submit Proposal to the Authority via email to NYPAWindPower@nypa.gov on or before March 20, 2010. The notice should include the Respondent’s company name, address, phone number(s), e-mail address, and contact person(s). A Notice of Intent to Submit Proposal is not a prerequisite for submitting a proposal. 

Q: Does NYPA have a preference for the onshore electric system interconnection location for the project(s)?  Will NYPA assist with the interconnection process for the wind power project?

A: NYPA does not state a preference for a specific interconnection point.  Interconnection of the project to the Point of Delivery (POD) is the responsibility of the respondent.

Q: Can NYPA provide a list of respondents to the Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) and a list of respondents who submit a Notice of Intent to Submit Proposal?

A: The RFEI responses, as well as a list of those firms who submitted responses, are confidential. The list of firms who submit a Notice of Intent to Submit Proposal is also confidential. If you are interested offering your services or participating in the GLOW project, NYPA has established an online registry to make your interest known to potential wind project developers.  That registry can be accessed at www.nypa.gov/glowbusinessregistry.

Q: Does the RFP require Respondents demonstrate control over a specific offshore site?

A. No, the RFP does not require proposals demonstrate offshore site control. However, the RFP requires bidders to provide plans for securing the site.

Q: Will NYPA assist the selected developer(s) with securing the offshore lease rights?


A. Yes, it is NYPA’s intention to work with the selected developer(s) for the offshore lease rights and participate in the process as appropriate.

Q. How will public opposition to the project be taken into consideration?

A. Respondents to the RFP are required to include Community Outreach Plans in their proposals. Community Outreach Plans should specifically address any expected public opposition associated with the offshore location(s) proposed by the respondent in Lake Erie and/or Lake Ontario. The RFP states preference will be given to proposals that "Have a high likelihood of community and public acceptance." To the extent a proposal does not demonstrate ability to obtain community approval, it will negatively impact the chances of the proposal being selected by NYPA.

Q. Would the Authority be willing to execute the PPA at or near the time of the award if the PPA provided that obtaining the necessary environmental review and securing the requisite findings and consents would be conditions subsequent and failure to obtain such review, findings and consents by a defined milestone date would be grounds for termination of the PPA?

Formal PPA negotiations will be begin following the selection of the successful bidder(s). Execution of the negotiated PPA will then require approval from NYPA’s Board of Trustees, making a simultaneous award and PPA execution highly unlikely. Any PPA exception, such as the one you describe requesting a simultaneous award and PPA execution, would come under the category of NYPA PPA exceptions in the RFP. Please see the excerpt below from the RFP concerning exceptions to the NYPA PPA.

Per the RFP: “A statement accepting the terms and conditions in the preferred Authority PPA (“NYPA PPA”), which is set forth in Exhibit B, with no material changes or alternately, identification of any exceptions taken to the NYPA PPA. If exceptions are taken, the Respondent must clearly note the specific provisions to which exception is taken and provide the specific alternate language for each such exception. The nature and extent of any exceptions taken to terms and conditions will be a factor considered in evaluating proposals. Respondents that demonstrate a willingness to accept the NYPA PPA with no, or few, exceptions will be given more favorable consideration.”

Also noted in the RFP, “A PPA will not be executed by the Authority until the Project has successfully completed the required environmental review and secured the requisite findings and consents.”

Q. Would the Authority be willing to establish a deadline concluding negotiations and executing a final PPA, at which time the supplier would post reasonable security that would be subject to forfeiture in the event of default?

NYPA will consider establishing an internal deadline for reaching an agreement with a selected bidder.  Concerning the security requirement specifications, the required amount and when such amount must be posted. please note Section 8.2 of the NYPA PPA.