Generation of electricity using solar photovoltaic and concentrated solar power systems. Find active federal and state solar electric power generation contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend on solar electric power generation (NAICS 221114) is estimated at $500 million to $1 billion, driven by renewable energy mandates and net-zero goals. The market is moderately competitive, with a mix of large utilities and small developers. Contracts are typically structured as fixed-price PPAs (power purchase agreements) or EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) contracts, often via IDIQs or BPAs at agencies like DOE, DoD, and GSA. Demand is driven by Executive Order 14057, requiring 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030, and agency-specific renewable energy targets. Site-specific factors like land availability, grid interconnection, and solar resource heavily influence project viability.
These agencies are the largest buyers of solar electric power generation services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 221114 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
To win in 221114, focus on DOE and DoD installations with large land footprints. The buying pattern favors best-value tradeoffs over LPTA, emphasizing past performance on similar-scale solar projects and technical approach for integration with existing microgrids. Common set-asides include 8(a) and HUBZone for smaller projects under $7.5 million. The single highest-leverage move is to form a joint venture or team with a utility-scale developer to access their bonding capacity and EPC experience, while leveraging your small business status for set-aside opportunities.
Work is bought via GSA Schedule 84 (Solar Energy), SEWP V (for IT-related solar), and agency-specific IDIQs like DOE's Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) purchases or DoD's Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs). Evaluation is best-value tradeoff, with technical approach, past performance, and price considered. LPTA is rare except for small, standardized installations.
No federal license is required, but you must comply with state-level contractor licensing where the project is located. For grid-connected systems, you may need interconnection agreements with the local utility. Federal projects often require NABCEP certification for key personnel.
For projects over $150,000, Miller Act bonds (performance and payment) are required. For large-scale solar farms, bonds can be 100% of contract value. Small businesses can use the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee program to obtain bonds up to $10 million.
NABCEP certification for installers and project managers is highly valued. For federal projects, relevant certifications include LEED AP (for sustainable design) and PMP for project management. ISO 14001 (environmental management) can also be a differentiator.
Moderately competitive. Many contracts are set aside for small businesses, especially under $7.5 million. However, large utility-scale projects are often won by big developers. Small businesses should focus on smaller distributed generation projects (1-10 MW) on federal campuses.
PPA awards vary widely: from $500,000 for small rooftop systems to over $100 million for utility-scale solar farms on DoD or BLM land. Typical IDIQ task orders range from $2 million to $20 million for medium-scale ground-mount or carport installations.