About
Smart Solutions Direct, Inc. (SSD) provides Electrical, Civil and Structural Engineering, and Construction Services for the Electric Vehicle and Solar Industries.
We are a Veteran-owned “design-build” consortium of architects, engineers, designers, and contractors dedicated to our profession. We strive to provide a rewarding project experience, deliver winning projects, and build lasting relationships.
SSD provides a simple and convenient, “one-stop” solution for the deployment of your Electric Vehicle and Solar projects by streamlining the implementation process from the initial consultation to permitting and through the completion of construction.
The Process
The Three Major Project Phases
Assessment Phase
Initial no-cost consultation to determine the project's feasibility. Once it's determined the project can move forward, the full Assessment Phase begins, and Smart Solutions Direct, Inc. goes to work preparing the Site Walk and Survey Schematic Design Package. Read More
Pre-Construction Phase
Once the client has approved the Schematic Design Package, the Electrical, Civil, and Structural Engineering and Design process begins. This phase ends with Construction Documents permitted by the city and approved for Construction.
Read More
Construction Phase
Smart Solutions Direct, Inc. will mobilize to the site and prepare the construction site and staging areas for the required contractors to arrive and begin their work. This phase ends with sign-offs from the required inspectors and operating permits issued.
Read More
Services
Smart Solutions Direct, Inc. provides Project Management Services, Electrical, Civil and Structural Engineering, and Design and Construction services. These services are performed and delivered on a “design-build” methodology. We prepare the construction documents, navigate the permitting process, work with the local electric utility company and construct your project.
Project Management
Our Project Managers are a dedicated group of industry professionals with architectural and engineering backgrounds. They understand and manage the design and construction process from the initial “kick-off” meeting to the final turn-over.
From the onset of a project, the client will be assigned a dedicated Project Manager. Over the typical course of the project the Project Managers will perform various duties including:
-
Serving as the daily Point-of-Contact for the Client
-
Preparing Project Schedules and Budgets
-
Attending and Conducting Scoping Meetings
-
Managing the Engineering Teams
-
Engaging the Electrical Utility Company
-
Assembling and Processing Construction Documents for Permitting
-
Supporting the Construction Teams
-
Researching and Advising the Client on Available Federal, State, Local and Utility Rebates and Incentives
Assessment Phase (Site Walk & Survey)
The Assessment Phase begins with a no-cost consultation to discuss the overall project. We will discuss the project with respect to location, scope, timing, functionality, and anticipated performance. During this consultation, SSD will review and explain the process in detail and provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision on how to move forward.
During the Assessment Phase SSD will conduct a site walk to survey the project site. We will identify and document existing conditions including topography, existing structures, and potential points of connection for power and communications, and take all necessary pictures and measurements. This information will assist in the production of a Site Walk Schematic Design Package that will include plans with the following information:
-
Site Plans with Solar and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) locations
-
Solar and EVSE Cut-Sheets and Specifications
-
Utility Company Points of Connection
-
Conduit Pathways
-
Electrical Distribution Equipment locations
-
Preliminary Electrical Single-Line Diagram
-
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) access
Construction Phase
Upon receiving Building Permits, Smart Solutions Direct, Inc. (SSD) will mobilize to the site. We will set up all necessary safety and security signage and barriers, issue notifications, establish work areas, protect areas surrounding construction, set up traffic control (if required), connect temporary utilities, establish pollution controls, and begin construction.
As a “design-build” entity, SSD will design and build your project. We will furnish all engineering, labor, materials, equipment, transportation, construction management, supervision, safety material inspections, and permits for the execution and construction of your project. Our licensed contractors include:
-
A & B General Contractors
-
C-10 Electrical Contractors
-
C-12 Earthwork & Paving Contractors
-
C-21 Demolition Contractors
-
C-31 Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractors
Pre-Construction Phase: Engineering & Design
The Pre-Construction Phase involves the preparation of Construction Documents for submittal and approval by the local jurisdiction. It begins with Site Surveys, progresses through Engineering and Design, and culminates with the issuance of Building Permits that will allow construction to begin.
Our ability to provide Electrical, Civil, and Structural Engineering services under one roof is what contributes greatly to our “one-stop” solution. Engineers are critical contributors to any project and our engineers contribute greatly from their participation in the initial site survey through to project turnover.
Our Electrical Engineering Services (EES) include:
-
Conducting Electrical Site Surveys
-
Preparing Electrical Site/Plot Plans
-
Preparing Power Distribution Plans
-
Preparing Communication Distribution Plans
-
Preparing Electrical Equipment Floor Plans and Layouts
-
Preparing Electrical Single-Line Diagrams
-
Performing Electrical Load Calculations
-
Sizing, Selecting, and Specifying Electrical Distribution Equipment
-
Selecting and Specifying Solar and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (Unless Purchased by the Client)
-
Preparing Electrical Details
-
Preparing Electrical Specifications
Our Civil Engineering Services (CES) include:
-
Switchgear and Transformer Pad Designs
-
Electrical Panelboard and Cabinet Support Designs
-
Charging Station Pedestal Pad and Support Designs
-
Capacity and Structural Integrity Assessment of the Existing Roof
-
Selecting the Appropriate Racking and Attachment System for the Solar Modules
-
Prepare Structural Engineering Plans, Calculations and Details
-
Concrete Bollards Designs
-
H‐Frame Designs
-
Light Pole Base Designs (if required)
Our Structural Engineering Services (SES) include designs for:
-
Switchgear and Transformer Pads
-
Electrical Panelboard and Cabinet Supports
-
Charging Station Pads and Supports
-
Concrete Bollards
-
H‐Frames
-
Light Pole Bases
Electric Vehicle Project Timeline
Site Walk, Survey and Schematic Design: A minimum 48-hour notice is required to perform the Site Walk. A Site Walk and Survey will be performed and a Survey Report and Schematic Design Drawings will be delivered to the Client for review and approval three (3) business days after performing the site walk.
CD50: 50% Construction Drawings are delivered to the Client five (5) business days from Client review and approval of the Schematic Design Drawings.
CD90: 90% Construction Documents are delivered to the Client ten (10) business days from review and approval of CD50 drawings. (Note: Plans do not officially become 100% Construction Documents until reviewed and permitted by the AHJ)
AHJ: Plans are submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for permitting upon client review and approval of CD90 documents. The AHJ review may take three (3) to eight (8) weeks to review and respond. Upon completion of their review, the AHJ issues comments.
CD100: 100% Construction Documents incorporating the AHJ comments are resubmitted for permit three (3) business days from receipt of AHJ comments.
CONSTRUCTION: Construction varies depending on the project scope. In collaboration with the Client, a preliminary construction schedule will be developed at the Schematic Design Phase and refined as the project progresses.
Solar Project Timeline
Site Walk and Feasibility Study: A Site Walk and Feasibility Study will be performed upon Notice-to-Proceed. The Feasibility Study and Schematic Design Drawings will be delivered to the Client for review and approval five (5) business days after performing the Site Walk.
CD90: 90% Construction Documents are delivered to the Client fifteen (15) business days from review and approval of Feasibility Study and Schematic Design Drawings.
AHJ: Plans are submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for permitting upon client review and approval of the CD90 documents. The AHJ review may take three (3) to twelve (12) weeks. Upon completion of the AHJ review, the AHJ issues comments.
CD100: 100% Construction Documents incorporating the AHJ comments are resubmitted for permit ten (10) business days from receipt of the AHJ comments.
Projects
Smart Solutions Direct, Inc. has provided “design-build” EVSE services on hundreds of projects nationwide within various market sectors including:
-
Utility Scale Solar Farms
-
Commercial and Industrial Solar
-
Residential Solar
-
Infrastructure Improvements – Load and Utility Side
-
Commercial and Retail Businesses
-
Fleet and Public Transportation
-
Public Sector
-
Residential Multi-Family
-
Parking Structures
-
Franchises
-
Private Business Owners
Learn more about our project support solutions
Careers
Smart Solutions Direct, Inc. (SSD) is always looking for individuals seeking a long-term career. We are looking for professionals wanting to become associates and partners in an industry at the forefront of creating America's future and independence from fossil fuels.
If you are an architect, electrical, civil, or structural engineer, designer, or contractor wanting to become part of an exciting industry, please feel free to reach out to us through our “Contact” form.
Please include a little bit about yourself, your resume or CV, and any other information you deem relevant.