Guidance for the Submission of Unsolicited Proposals to Industry Investment and Development

Definition | Procedures | Submitting an Unsolicited Proposal

Definition
The Industry Investment and Development (II&D) Program accepts Unsolicited Proposals for financial assistance for unique projects, ideas, methods, or approaches that don’t fit into the existing II&D initiatives. These proposals are submitted by individuals, businesses, and organizations solely at the proposer’s initiative and/or timing, rather than in response to a Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust (the Trust) solicitation or Request for Proposals (RFP). Funding of Unsolicited Proposals is considered a noncompetitive, discretionary action of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC), the administrator of the Trust. Unsolicited Proposals are expected to provide extraordinary and unique benefits.

Procedures
The Trust strongly prefers to make funding decisions through formal solicitation processes and has and will continue to solicit proposals through public advertisement. The procedures for review of proposals submitted in response to formal solicitations are set forth in each solicitation. As a general practice, these solicitations are processed in a timely manner. Staff recommendations are reviewed by the II&D Investment Committee with assistance from external specialists. The ultimate decision about funding is made by the MTC Board of Directors.

The Trust recognizes that from time to time there are extraordinary opportunities where the best interests of Commonwealth ratepayers may warrant consideration of unsolicited proposals. These opportunities may involve:

  • The expected significant impact of the proposed project on the development of the renewable energy marketplace;
  • The visibility of the proposed project in promoting renewable energy in Massachusetts;
  • The level of assurance and magnitude of financial return on the Trust’s investment;
  • The potential for securing private financing for the proposed project;
  • The time-sensitive nature of the proposed activities; and/or
  • Creation of a large number of sustainable jobs within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Therefore, the Trust has developed this guidance for individuals, businesses, and organizations that may decide to submit an unsolicited proposal.

Submitting an Unsolicited Proposal
Proposers who believe their project warrants consideration as an unsolicited proposal must complete the application form and should submit a written concept paper/business plan that contains the following information as a minimum:

  • The objectives, general plan of approach, expected significance of the proposed project as well as how the proposed project will assist the Trust in meeting its goals as set forth in the Strategic Operating Plan;
  • The names of key project personnel and a summary of their experience;
  • A description of the proposed project in sufficient technical detail to permit a meaningful evaluation. The burden is on the proposer to explain in this concept paper why the proposed project merits consideration as an unsolicited proposal;
  • A cost estimate and appropriate budget.

(For submitting a business plan, please refer to the SEED solicitation for guidance.)

The primary vehicle for II&D funding is debt, with a conversion to equity (at a discount). Matching funds are a key feature and where a cost-sharing arrangement is proposed, other funding sources should be separately identified and detailed. The proposer must also clearly explain why the application merits special treatment outside of the normal solicitation process.

Unsolicited proposals may be submitted at any time.

A standing committee composed of staff of the Trust and/or others will review unsolicited proposals. This committee is charged with determining whether or not the submitted proposal warrants consideration as an unsolicited proposal. The committee will review unsolicited proposals as expeditiously as possible.

Decisions of the standing committee will be final.

If the unsolicited proposal merits further consideration, the standing committee will direct the proposer to prepare a formal proposal package. The content of the formal proposal package and the time frame for submittal and process that will be used for review will be determined by the standing committee and communicated to the proposer at the time of notification of merit. All funding recommendations will be subject to approval by the MTC Board. The time frame for approval will be subject to the meeting schedule of this Board.

Proposers are reminded that information received by MTC as a part of a concept paper or full proposal is subject to release under the Massachusetts Public Records Law. Accordingly, proposers should submit only the information that is essential to support their application. Proposers who wish to submit confidential or proprietary information must submit a request in writing addressed to Matthew L. Schemmel, Esq., Senior Counsel, prior to submitting their proposal.

For further information about the routine procedure for submission of proposals, see submission instructions for other solicitations on the Trust website.

All correspondence for unsolicited proposals should be addressed to:

Special Standing Committee for Unsolicited Proposals
Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust
75 North Drive
Westborough, MA 01581

Tel. (508) 870-0312
Fax. (508) 898-9226
Email. unsolicited.proposal@masstech.org