You do not need to build the system first.  However, please note that it is the bidder’s responsibility to evaluate whether the bidder can provide all the information required by the DG RFP for a system that is not yet built and it is the bidder’s responsibility to evaluate whether the timeframes for completing development, registering the system in GATS or M-RETS and having the first meter read date for the system in the applicable supplier contracts are sufficient for the bidder’s particular circumstances.

For a system that is planned but not yet built, you may present such a system as a “new” system in your Proposal.  You will be required to provide information regarding the characteristics of the system. In particular, you will be required the following information regarding the system: a) system size; b) system location; c) system owner; and d) system host. (To see all information required, please refer to Paragraph IV.3.4 in the RFP Rules or see the Worksheet Insert #P1-2).  You may also be asked for supporting documentation in specific circumstances.  For instance, if the Owner (the owner of the system) and Host of the system (the owner of the premises where the system will be built) are not the same individual or company, you will be required to provide documentation showing that the Host agrees to the system’s installation.  If this system becomes part of your winning bids, you will have to show that the system has accumulated metered deliveries by May 31, 2018 (i.e., the system has been registered in GATS or M-RETS and the initial meter read date occurs on or before May 31, 2018).

For a system that is not yet identified (in particular, you cannot provide all the information required for presenting the system as new in your Proposal), and for a system in the Small Size Class (below 25 kW), and for such a system in that Size Class only, you may present a Forecast Quantity of RECs in your Proposal. A Forecast Quantity is a quantity of RECs that you are committing to sell and that will be generated from systems that cannot yet be fully identified.  If a Forecast Quantity is part of your winning bids, you will be required to fully identify the systems by January 28, 2018 and such systems must begin accumulating metered deliveries by February 28, 2019.  Please note that no payment for RECs from a Forecast Quantity can be made prior to February 28, 2018.