The Private Sector Workforce Development Activity is seeking an organization consultant or consultants to develop a training curriculum based on current industry standards for utility-scale solar installations in Kosovo. 

Purpose

PSWD is seeking a consultant or pair of consultants to develop a training curriculum based on current industry standards for utility-scale solar installations; provide up to 3 days of hands-on training to deliver the curriculum to participants on key installation tasks such as system mounting, panel placement, wiring, and testing; assess those participants’ skills; and issue certifications to those who earn them.

The skills and knowledge required for small-scale (residential or commercial) solar installations differ from those needed for large-scale (utility-scale) solar projects due to the complexity, scale, and technical demands of each type. Considering the increase in the deployment of large scale of PV solar projects in Kosovo, and in response to private sector demand, this solicitation aims to deliver a comprehensive 2–3-day training program for existing and new PV solar installers focusing on utility-scale solar projects.

The training program should equip solar installers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding of up-to-date industry standards for implementing utility-scale solar projects. The training will focus on ensuring that installers are proficient in installation practices, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance, aligned with both local and international standards. This activity will ensure that solar installers are trained to meet the highest standards in the industry, thereby promoting safe, efficient, and compliant solar project implementations.

The expert/s will work under the guidance of the Activity’s Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) and Component 1 Technical Leader. IREX reserves the right to withdrawal this request for proposal at any time up to the award of a contract. Issuance of this RFP does not guarantee an award. 

Eligibility requirements

All activities under this contract are expected to be completed between December 2024 and April 2025.

Applicants interested in providing this service must submit a full application package, which includes the following 4 components:

1. A Technical Proposal for the provision of the activities below, which includes a proposed approach and timeline of work, and a consultant profile which clearly demonstrates the skills, capacities, and previous experiences that will enable them to complete the activities effectively and efficiently:
2. Activity 1: Design a Utility-Scale Solar Installation Training Curriculum: a comprehensive curriculum must align with current industry standards for utility-scale solar installations and include all training materials, documents, and facilitation needs. The training must include a section on current regulations, compliance considerations, and sector safety protocols, and will inform participants of both local and international good practices and standards. Additional requirements for this curriculum can be found below. 
3. Activity 2: Conduct Hands-On Training Sessions for the Curriculum: Facilitate and assess practical training modules of no more than 3 days in duration that cover installation tasks such as mounting systems, panel placement, wiring, and testing.  The proposal should clearly indicate how many trainers will be present and, if traveling from outside of Kosovo to conduct the training, how many days of travel will be necessary. The expected learning outcomes for these trainings can be found below.
4. Activity 3: Complete Training Assessment and Certification: Complete knowledge and skills assessments for all training participants and issue certifications for those who meet the required criteria.
5. Activity 4: Submit a Final Program Report and Training Documentation: The report should include a full overview of the trainings completed, including name and number of participants, dated sign-in sheets, agenda and training assessments, copies of all certificates provided to participants who completed the curriculum, and recommendations for continuous improvement of installer skills and future training and professional development efforts in the solar installation sector. The report should also note any challenges encountered and corrective actions taken, as well as any other relevant information or data that demonstrates the impact and success of the project. Copies of all training materials should be included as attachments to this report.
6. A Cost Proposal, which includes the total proposed cost to complete all four activities in Requirement 1 and any additional expected expenses as per the following instructions:
   1. The cost proposal should include the proposed daily rate for labor for each consultant and the total number of days of labor necessary to complete the activity. Labor costs should align with competitive market rates and be justified in the consultant(s) CVs and profiles. Please note there is a maximum expected engagement of 20 days of labor for this activity.
   2. The cost proposal should detail any other expenses required to complete the technical proposal, including training costs, fees, or any certification costs.
   3. Cost proposals should not include any travel costs related to the in person training sessions in Prishtina, Kosovo. Airfare, lodging, per diem, and local transportation will be arranged and covered directly by the Activity. Details of all expected travel costs to be covered will be detailed in the contract language. The Activity will manage travel arrangements in coordination with the selected consultant(s) after contract execution. 
7. A current CV for each applicant that justifies and supports the information provided in Requirements 1 and 2.
   1. Applicants must submit a CV for each proposed consultant that emphasizes relevant experience for this assignment, including past positions held and key successes and achievements for each. Please include the country where each consultant is currently located as well as countries/regions where they have experience alongside relevant language skills.
8. Contact Information of all applicants

Further Technical Detail:

Training Overview Requirements: training design and content must address the following core areas:

• Provide know-how for ground-mounted systems, sometimes involving tracking systems that follow the sun.
• Provide know-how to ensure compliance with grid connection requirements, substation installation, high-voltage wiring, and inverters for large power generation.
• Familiarize participants with the role of national and international standards, as well as grid compliance, permitting, and environmental regulations for large installations.
• Know-how for high-voltage systems and understand the complexities of integrating large-scale solar arrays into the grid.
• Provide advanced electrical knowledge, including how to manage high-voltage transmission, grounding, and interconnections with utility substations.
• Experience with cranes, forklifts, and other machinery for moving and installing large solar panels and mounting structures.
• Installers must understand wind loading, snow loading, seismic requirements, and how to assemble large and often customized racking systems according to various site conditions.
• Skills in welding and metalwork: Often required for installing custom mounts and securing large solar arrays, requiring specialized mechanical skills.
• Know how in providing Extensive Site Preparation to clear large tracts of land, conduct trenching for underground cabling, and handle significant earthmoving operations.
• Site Management, Project Management and Coordination as Installers need to work in large teams with specialized roles, and coordinate with multiple contractors, often across multiple acres of land. Special focus in reading and implementing electrical and other engineering projects.
• Know-how in methods to adhere to safety standards for heavy machinery, trenching, electrical work, and working at heights. With additional focus on personal protective equipment (PPE) and fall protection systems as utility-scale solar sites involve larger teams, higher voltages, and heavy equipment, which increases the likelihood of accidents if safety procedures are not followed.
• Soft skills due to Larger Teams: Installers work in teams of 10-50+ people. Laborers need specialized roles (e.g., electricians, welders, mechanical engineers) and require more complex coordination and communication.
• Managing work activities in challenging environments, such as large open fields or deserts, where site conditions (e.g., wind, dust, temperature) impact both installation and safety.

Training Learning Outcomes Requirements: By the end of the training, participants shall:

• Be proficient in utility-scale solar installation, as per the SoW above.
• Understand and apply safety protocols and compliance with electrical and structural standards.
• Be knowledgeable about the latest industry standards (NEC, IEC, UL, OSHA) and how to implement them in practice.
• Be capable of ensuring project compliance with local and international regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications and Experience for Consultant(s):

• Bachelor's or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in utility-scale solar projects, with proven experience in training, installation, and team management.
• Strong background in conducting needs assessments, developing training curricula, and implementing workforce development activities, particularly in solar installation practices.
• Familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities in large-scale solar projects, including grid compliance, substation installations, high-voltage systems, and advanced electrical knowledge.
• In-depth understanding of safety protocols, international standards (NEC, IEC, UL, OSHA), and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for solar installations, particularly in large teams and challenging environments.
• Proven ability to assess, train solar installers, ensuring compliance with local and international regulatory requirements for utility-scale solar projects.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills in English.
• Ability to work effectively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality consultancy services on time and within budget.

Mode of Engagement:

The consultant/s will coordinate activities with the Activity team, Energy Workforce Council, and relevant stakeholders in person and/or remotely. Training sessions must be conducted fully in person.

Deadline

11/29/2024 5:00 PM EST

How to submit a concept note

Applicants must submit a full application package to be considered for this competitive procurement.  A full application package includes the following:

• Requirement 1: Technical Overview and Consultant Profile(s)
• Requirement 2: Cost Proposal
• Requirement 3: CVs of Consultant(s)
• Requirement 4: Contact information of applicant(s)

If you are interested in furnishing this service, please e-mail a proposal to akamberi@irex.org. All submissions should reference RFP 030 in subject line and e-mail body.

If you decide to submit a proposal, it must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date indicated above. Late submissions and proposals that do not align with the expected timeline of activities will only be considered if in the best interests of the Activity, and then only at IREX’s sole discretion. All proposals, pricing and costs submitted must be valid for a period of not less than sixty (60) calendar days from the closing date indicated above. 

Questions?

Contact Andelina Kamberi akamberi@irex.org