The Town of Lamar, South Carolina, is accepting bids for the design, engineering, and installation of a rooftop solar photovoltaic system on the Lamar Town Hall building, under Request for Bids (RFB) 2026-01. The project, funded through the South Carolina Energy Office’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, requires a minimum 32 kW-DC system with an efficiency of 1,138 kWh/kW-DC, panels rated for at least 30 years, and inverters rated for at least 25 years. Because the funding is federal, contractors must comply with the Build America, Buy America Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Davis-Bacon Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act, and all work must wrap up within 120 days of the notice to proceed.
Bidders have until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026 to submit questions, and completed bids are due by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026, delivered in a sealed envelope to the Town Administrator’s office at 117 Main Street in Lamar. Submissions must include two hard copies plus an electronic copy on a USB drive, along with examples of similar past projects, sub-consultant information, and a 100% performance bond. The Town Hall Committee will score proposals on qualifications, approach, relevant experience, proposed schedule, federal contract experience, and cost before making a recommendation to Town Council for final award.
FAQ
1. Is solar included in the current bidding scope, or will it be addressed at a later stage? If it is included, please share the relevant specifications and details.
Answer: Solar panels are included. The relevant specifications are in the Solicitation for Bids on the Town’s website.
2. Could you please send additional information regarding the project, specifically:
- The overall scope of the project
Answer: The Town of Lamar is seeking a qualified solar contractor to design, engineer, furnish, and install a mounted rooftop photovoltaic system at Lamar Town Hall, located at 117 West Main Street. - The target energy offset
Answer: The specifications call for an energy-production efficiency of 1,138 kWh per installed kW-DC annually. - The estimated budget
Answer: The construction cost range published for the solicitation is $10,000 to $100,000.
3. We are reviewing RFB 2026-01 and would appreciate clarification on the following:
- Please confirm the existing electrical service voltage, phase, and service amperage.
Answer: This information is not available at this time. Site visits are encouraged prior to bidding. - Please confirm the existing roof type/material and structural deck type.
Answer: The existing roof type is asphalt shingles, though this is not certain. Site visits are encouraged prior to bidding. - Are roof plans, structural drawings, or electrical one-lines available?
Answer: No. Site visits are encouraged prior to bidding. - Please confirm whether any bid bond is required with the proposal.
Answer: Confirming. - Is the 100% performance bond required only after award?
Answer: No.
4. Is a bid bond required with the submission? Is a payment bond required?
Answer: Yes to both.
5. The contract appears to provide payment at substantial completion and at final completion. Will the Town consider progress payments or payments for stored materials? Will retainage apply?
Answer: Progress payments and stored materials payments will be considered with the approval of the funding agency. Retainage will apply if required by the funding agency.
6. Should bidders submit a technical narrative in addition to the Bid Form, Itemized Costs, and project references? Are there any page limits?
Answer: Bidders may submit a technical narrative. There are no page limits.
7. Site visit: Please advise how to schedule access to Town Hall. I would like to schedule a visit for next week if possible.
Answer: Contact Tim Dargan at td*****@*****sc.org.
Interested contractors can download the full RFB 2026-01 document here for complete specifications, bid forms, and contract terms, as well as the FAQ here. Questions can be directed to Tim Dargan, Town Administrator, at td*****@*****sc.org before the September 25 deadline.