HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFP - 7181 STRATEGIC FINANCIAL SERVICESCity of
Fort Collins
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Request for Proposals
Fort Collins Utilities
Strategic Financial Services
RFP 7181
Financial Services
Purchasing Division
215 N. Mason St. 2"d Floor
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6775
970.221.6707
fcgov.com/Purchasing
PROPOSAL DUE DATE: 3:00 p.m. (our clock) November 1, 2010
Attachment A
The list of residential and commercial rate options presented in the Customer Behavior
The list of residential and commercial rate options presented in the Customer Behavior
Studies section are as follows:
• Flat
• Flat with critical peak pricing
• Flat with peak time rebate
• Tier
• Tier with critical peak pricing
• Tier with peak time rebate
• Time -of -use
• Variable peak pricing
• Time -of -use with critical peak pricing
• Time -of -use with peak time rebate
• Real-time pricing
• Real-time pricing with critical peak pricing
• Real-time pricing with peak time rebate
The review of these options and possible others will include addressing the following
issues:
• Rate Stability in light of the current limitations of the current utility billing
system and the potential rate options with a functioning AMI utility billing
system
• Impacts upon potential energy technological innovations such as
utilization of electric vehicles as storage capacity
• Impacts upon low income customers regarding their usage and load
patters verses those of the rest of the community.
• Public input/education in light of immediate and long term rate options
• Unintended consequences especially regarding over or under estimating
customers response and how to deal with the resulting over or under
collection of revenues
Rate Stability in light of the current limitations of the current utility billing system and the
potential rate options with a functioning AMI utility billing system.
Impacts upon potential energy technological innovations such as utilization of electric vehicles
as storage capacity.
Impacts upon low income customers regarding their usage and load patters verses those of the
rest of the community.
Public input/education in light of immediate and long term rate options.
Unintended consequences especially regarding over or under estimating customers
response and how to deal with the resulting over or under collection of revenue.
Standard Professional Services Agreement- rev03/10
10
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into the day and year set forth below, by and
between THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, a Municipal Corporation, hereinafter
referred to as the "City" and , hereinafter referred to as "Professional".
WITNESSETH:
In consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations herein expressed, it is agreed
by and between the parties hereto as follows:
1. Scope of Services. The Professional agrees to provide services in accordance
with the scope of services attached hereto as Exhibit "A", consisting of ( ) pages, and
incorporated herein by this reference.
2. The Work Schedule. The services to be performed pursuant to this Agreement
shall be performed in accordance with the Work Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit "B",
consisting of ( ) page(s), and incorporated herein by this reference.
3. Contract Period. This Agreement shall commence , 20 , and shall
continue in full force and effect until , 20 , unless sooner terminated as herein
provided. In addition, at the option of the City, the Agreement may be extended for additional
one year periods not to exceed ( ) additional one year periods. Renewals and
pricing changes shall be negotiated by and agreed to by both parties. The Denver Boulder
Greeley CPIU published by the Colorado State Planning and Budget Office will be used as a
guide. Written notice of renewal shall be provided to the Professional and mailed no later than
ninety (90) days prior to contract end.
4. Early Termination by City. Notwithstanding the time periods contained herein,
the City may terminate this Agreement at any time without cause by providing written notice of
termination to the Professional. Such notice shall be delivered at least fifteen (15) days prior to
the termination date contained in said notice unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties.
Standard Professional Services Agreement- rev03/10
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All notices provided under this Agreement shall be effective when mailed, postage prepaid and
sent to the following addresses:
Professional:
City:
With Copy to:
City of Fort Collins
City of Fort Collins, Purchasing
Attn:
PO Box 580
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
Fort Collins, CO 80522
In the.event of any such early termination by the City, the Professional shall be paid for services
rendered prior to the date of term ination,'subject only to the satisfactory performance of the
Professional's obligations under this Agreement. Such payment shall be the Professional's sole
right and remedy for such termination.
5. Design, Project Indemnity and Insurance Responsibility. The Professional shall
be responsible for the professional quality, technical accuracy, timely completion and the
coordination of all services rendered by the Professional, including but not limited to designs,
plans, reports, specifications, and drawings and shall, without additional compensation,
promptly remedy and correct any errors, omissions, or other deficiencies. The Professional
shall indemnify, save and hold harmless the City, its officers and employees in accordance with
Colorado law, from all damages whatsoever claimed by third parties against the City; and for the
City's costs and reasonable attorneys fees, arising directly or indirectly out of the Professional's
negligent performance of any of the services furnished under this Agreement. The Professional
shall maintain commercial general liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 combined single
limits and errors and omissions insurance in the amount of $
6. Compensation. [Use this paragraph or Option 1 below.] In consideration of
the services to be performed pursuant to this Agreement, the City agrees to pay Professional a
fixed fee in the amount of ($ ) plus reimbursable direct costs. All such fees and
costs shall not exceed ($ ). Monthly partial payments based upon the Professional's
billings and itemized statements are permissible. The amounts of all such partial payments
Standard Professional Services Agreement- rcv03/10
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shall be based upon the Professional's City -verified progress in completing the services to be
performed pursuant hereto and upon the City's approval of the Professional's actual
reimbursable expenses. [Optional] Insert Subcontractor Clause Final payment shall be made
following acceptance of the work by the City. Upon final payment, all designs, plans, reports,
specifications, drawings, and other services rendered by the Professional shall become the sole
property of the City.
6. Compensation. [Option 1] In consideration of the services to be performed
pursuant to this Agreement, the City agrees to pay Professional on a time and reimbursable
direct cost basis according to the following schedule:
Hourly billing rates:
Reimbursable direct costs:
with maximum compensation (for both Professional's time and reimbursable direct costs) not to
exceed ($ ). Monthly partial payments based upon the Professional's billings and
itemized statements of reimbursable direct costs are permissible. The amounts of all such
partial payments shall be based upon the Professional's City -verified progress in completing the
services to .be performed pursuant hereto and upon the City's approval of the Professional's
reimbursable direct costs. Final payment shall be made following acceptance of the work by the
City. Upon final payment, all designs, plans, reports, specifications, drawings and other
services rendered by the Professional shall become the sole property of the City.
7. City Representative. The City will designate, prior to commencement of work, its
project representative who shall make, within the scope of his or her authority, all necessary and
proper decisions with reference to the project. All requests for contract interpretations, change
orders, and other clarification or instruction shall be directed to the City Representative.
8. Project Drawings. [Optional] Upon conclusion of the project and before final
payment, the Professional shall provide the City with reproducible drawings of the project
containing accurate information on the project as constructed. Drawings shall be of archival,
Standard Professional Services Agreement- rev03/10
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prepared on stable Mylar base material using a non -fading process to provide for long storage
and high quality reproduction. "CD" disc of the as -built drawings shall also be submitted to the
City in an AutoCAD version no older then the established city standard.
9. Monthly Report. Commencing thirty (30) days after the date of execution of this
Agreement and every thirty (30) days thereafter, Professional is required to provide the City
Representative with a written report of the status of the work with respect to the Scope of
Services, Work Schedule, and other material information. Failure to provide any required
monthly report may, at the option of the City, suspend the processing of any partial payment
request.
10. Independent Contractor. The services to be performed by Professional are those
of an independent contractor and not of an employee of the City of Fort Collins. The City shall
not be responsible for withholding any portion of Professional's compensation hereunder for the
payment of FICA, Workers' Compensation, other taxes or benefits or for any other purpose.
11. Personal Services. It is understood that the City enters into this Agreement
based on the special abilities of the Professional and that this Agreement shall be considered as
an agreement for personal services. Accordingly, the Professional shall neither assign any
responsibilities nor delegate any duties arising under this Agreement without the prior written
consent of the City.
12. Acceptance Not Waiver. The City's approval of drawings, designs, plans,
specifications, reports, and incidental work or materials furnished hereunder shall not in any way
relieve the Professional of responsibility for the quality or technical accuracy of the work. The
City's approval or acceptance of, or payment for, any of the services shall not be construed to
operate as a waiver of any rights or benefits provided to the City under this Agreement.
13. Default. Each and every term and condition hereof shall be deemed to be a
material element of this Agreement. In the event either party should fail or refuse to perform
according to the terms of this agreement, such party may be declared in default.
Standard Professional Services Agreement- rev03/10
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14. Remedies. In the event a party has been declared in default, such defaulting
party shall be allowed a period of ten (10) days within which to cure said default. In the event
the default remains uncorrected, the party declaring default may elect to (a) terminate the
Agreement and seek damages; (b) treat the Agreement as continuing and require specific
performance; or (c) avail himself of any other remedy at law or equity. If the non -defaulting
party commences legal or equitable actions against the defaulting party, the defaulting party
shall be liable to the non -defaulting party for the non -defaulting party's reasonable attorney fees
i
and costs incurred because of the default.
15. Binding Effect. This writing, together with the exhibits hereto, constitutes the
entire agreement between the parties and shall be binding upon said parties, their officers,
employees, agents and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the respective survivors, heirs,
personal representatives, successors and assigns of said parties.
16. Law/Severability. The laws of the State of Colorado shall govern the
construction, interpretation, execution and enforcement of this Agreement. In the event any
provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent
jurisdiction, such holding shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provision of this
Agreement.
17. Prohibition Against Employing Illegal Aliens. Pursuant to Section 8-17.5-101,
C.R.S., et. seq., Professional represents and agrees that:
a. As of the date of this Agreement:
1. Professional does not knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien
who will perform work under this Agreement; and
2. Professional will participate in either the e-Verify program created in
Public Law 208, 104th Congress, as amended, and expanded in Public Law 156,
108th Congress, as amended, administered by the United States Department of
Homeland Security (the "e-Verify Program") or the Department Program (the
"Department Program"), an employment verification program established
Standard Professional Services Agreement- rev03/10
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pursuant to Section 8-17.5-102(5)(c) C.R.S. in order to confirm the employment
eligibility of all newly hired employees to perform work under this Agreement.
b. Professional shall not knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien to
perform work under this Agreement or knowingly enter into a contract with a
subcontractor that knowingly employs or contracts with an illegal alien to perform work
under this Agreement.
C. Professional is prohibited from using the e-Verify Program or Department
Program procedures to undertake pre -employment screening of job applicants while this
Agreement is being performed.
d. If Professional obtains actual knowledge that a subcontractor performing work
under this Agreement knowingly employs or contracts with an illegal alien, Professional
shall:
1. Notify such subcontractor and the City within three days that Professional
has actual knowledge that the subcontractor is employing or contracting with an
illegal alien; and
2. Terminate the subcontract with the subcontractor if within three days of
receiving the notice required pursuant to this section the subcontractor does not
cease employing or contracting with the illegal alien; except that Professional
shall not terminate the contract with the subcontractor if during such three days
the subcontractor provides information to establish that the subcontractor has not
knowingly employed or contracted with an illegal alien.
e. Professional shall comply with any reasonable request by the Colorado
Department of Labor and Employment (the "Department") made in the course of an
investigation that the Department undertakes or is undertaking pursuant to the authority
established in Subsection 8-17.5-102 (5), C.R.S.
If Professional violates any provision of this Agreement pertaining to the duties
imposed by Subsection 8-17.5-102, C.R.S. the City may terminate this Agreement. If this
Agreement is so terminated, Professional shall be liable for actual and consequential
damages to the City arising out of Professional's violation of Subsection 8-17.5-102,
C.R.S.
The City will notify the Office of the Secretary of State if Professional violates this
provision of this Agreement and the City terminates the Agreement for such breach.
Standard Professional Services Agreement- rev03110
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18. Red Flacis Rules. Service Provider must implement reasonable policies and
procedures to detect, prevent and mitigate the risk of identity theft in compliance with the
Identity Theft Red Flags Rules found at 16 Code of Federal Regulations part 681. Further,
Service Provider must take appropriate steps to mitigate identity theft if it occurs with one or
more of the City's covered accounts.
19. Special Provisions. Special provisions or conditions relating to the services to be
performed pursuant to this Agreement are set forth in Exhibit "C", consisting of one (1) page,
attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
Standard Professional Services Agreement- rev03/10
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20. THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
By:
James B. O'Neill II, CPPO, FNIGP
Director of Purchasing & Risk Management
DATE:
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Assistant City Attorney
[Insert Professional's name] or
[Insert Partnership Name] or
[Insert individual's name] or
Doing business as [insert name of business]
By:
Title:
CORPORATE PRESIDENT OR VICE PRESIDENT
Date:
ATTEST:
Corporate Secretary
Standard Professional Services Agreement- rev03/10
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(Corporate Seal)
EXHIBIT C
CONFIDENTIALITY
IN CONNECTION WITH SERVICES provided to the City of Fort Collins (the "City") pursuant to
this Agreement (the "Agreement"), the Contractor hereby acknowledges that it has been
informed that the City has established policies and procedures with regard to the handling of
confidential information and other sensitive materials.
In consideration of access to certain information, data and material (hereinafter individually and
collectively, regardless of nature, referred to as "information") that are the property of and/or
relate to the City or its employees, customers or suppliers, which access is related to the
performance of services that the Contractor has agreed to perform, the Contractor hereby
acknowledges and agrees as follows:
That information that has or will come into its possession or knowledge in connection with the
performance of services for the City may be confidential and/or proprietary. The Contractor
agrees to treat as confidential (a) all information that is owned by the City, or that relates to the
business of the City , or that is used by the City in carrying on business, and (b) all information
that is proprietary to a third party (including but not limited to customers and suppliers of the
City) . The Contractor shall not disclose any such information to any person not having a
legitimate need -to -know for purposes authorized by the City. Further, the Contractor shall not
use such information to obtain any economic or other benefit for itself, or any third party, except
as specifically authorized by the City.
The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, the Contractor understands that it shall have no
obligation under this Agreement with respect to information and material that (a) becomes
generally known to the public by publication or some means other than a breach of duty of this
Agreement, or (b) is required by law, regulation or court order to be disclosed, provided that the
request for such disclosure is proper and the disclosure does not exceed that which is required.
In the event of any disclosure under (b) above, the Contractor shall furnish a copy of this
Agreement to anyone to whom it is required to make such disclosure and shall promptly advise
the City in writing of each such disclosure.
In the event that the Contractor ceases to perform services for the City, or the City so requests
for any reason, the Contractor shall promptly return to the City any and all information described
hereinabove, including all copies, notes and/or summaries (handwritten or mechanically
produced) thereof, in its possession or control or as to which it otherwise has access.
The Contractor understands and agrees that the City's remedies at law for a breach of the
Contractor's obligations under this Confidentiality Agreement may be inadequate and that the
City shall, in the event of any such breach, be entitled to seek equitable relief (including without
limitation preliminary and permanent injunctive relief and specific performance) in addition to all
other remedies provided hereunder or available at law.
Standard Professional Services Agreement- rev03/10
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City of
Fort Collins
Purchasing
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
7181 Strategic Financial Services
Financial Services
Purchasing Division
215 N. Mason St. 2"d Floor
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6775
970.221.6707
fcgov.com/Purchasing
Fort Collins Utilities (Utilities) is seeking proposals for services of a technically -based
management and business consulting firm to assist with a variety of projects related to
developing overall financial strategy, supporting the financial needs of a broad range of
technical and organizational efforts at the strategic level.
Written proposals, six (6) will be received at the City of Fort Collins' Purchasing Division, 215
North Mason St., 2nd floor, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524. Proposals will be received before
3:00 p.m. (our clock), November 1, 2010. Proposal No.7181. If delivered, they are to be sent to
215 North Mason Street, 2Id Floor, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524. If mailed, the address is P.O.
Box 580, Fort Collins, 80522-0580.
Questions concerning the scope of the project should be directed to Project Manager Patty
Bigner, (970) 416-2432.
Questions regarding bid submittal or process should be directed to Opal Dick, CPPO, Senior
Buyer, (970)221-6778.
A copy of the Proposal may be obtained as follows:
1. Download the Proposal/Bid from the BuySpeed Webpage,
www.fcqov.com/eprocurement
2. Come by Purchasing at 215 North Mason St., 2"d floor, Fort Collins, and request
a copy of the Bid.
The City of Fort Collins is subject to public information laws, which permit access to most
records and documents. Proprietary information in your response must be clearly identified and
will be protected to the extent legally permissible. Proposals may not be marked 'Proprietary' in
their entirety. Information considered proprietary is limited to material treated as confidential in
the normal conduct of business, trade secrets, discount information, and individual product or
service pricing. Summary price information may not be designated as proprietary as such
information may be carried forward into other public documents. All provisions of any contract
resulting from this request for proposal will be public information.
Sales Prohibited/Conflict of Interest: No officer, employee, or member of City Council, shall have
a financial interest in the sale to the City of any real or personal property, equipment, material,
supplies or services where such officer or employee exercises directly or indirectly any decision -
making authority concerning such sale or any supervisory authority over the services to be
rendered. This rule also applies to subcontracts with the City. Soliciting or accepting any gift,
gratuity favor, entertainment, kickback or any items of monetary value from any person who has
or is seeking to do business with the City of Fort Collins is prohibited.
2
Collusive or sham proposals: Any proposal deemed to be collusive or a sham proposal will be
rejected and reported to authorities as such. Your authorized signature of this proposal assures
that such proposal is genuine and is not a collusive or sham proposal.
The City of Fort Collins reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive any
irregularities or informalities.
Sincerely,
James B. O'Neill II, CPPO, FNIGP
Director of Purchasing & Risk Management
City of Fort Collins
Request for Proposal
7181 Strategic Financial Services
Executive Summary
Fort Collins Utilities (Utilities) is seeking proposals for services of a technically -based
management and business consulting firm to assist with a variety of projects related to
developing overall financial strategy, supporting the financial needs of a broad range of
technical and organizational efforts at the strategic level. Our organization is in a period of rapid
change. Following a lengthy period of growth, the Utilities are now dealing with the transition
from that growth period to serving more infill and redevelopment services, as well as planning
for the assessment and maintenance of our aging infrastructure. At the same time, many of our
largest customers have modified their business practices to respond to changes in their
markets.
As a result of these changes and those coming in the foreseeable future, the needs of our
organization for actionable financial information have become more complex. We have
immediate need for a rate options study for our electric utility
Water, Wastewater and Stormwater studies also may be needed during 2011 to support
changes in service demands or the business practices of our customers.
Background Information
21st Century Utilities
In response to the values of our customers and the numerous challenges facing utilities today,
Utilities managers and staff launched a comprehensive sustainability program --Utility for the
21 st Century. The stated purpose of this initiative is "Inspiring community leadership by reducing
environmental impact while benefiting customers, society and the economy. "
We are developing an approach to the delivery of financial services for our organization that
aligns with the needs of our City Council, internal and external customers, our vendors and .
community partners. This approach is embodied in our sustainability purpose.
City of Fort Collins
The City of Fort Collins is a community of almost 140,000 highly educated and involved
residents located approximately 60 miles north of Denver along Interstate 25. The City utilizes a
city manager form of government and is governed by an elected seven member Council,
including an elected mayor. The Utilities provides electric, water, wastewater and stormwater
services to the community. The Utilities Executive Director reports directly to the City Manager.
Two citizen advisory boards, the Electric Board and Water Board, advise Council regarding
electric and water utility policy issues. Council appoints Board Members.
Electric
The electric utility operates as a municipal utility wholly owned by Fort Collins citizens since
1935. In 1973, when operations at the City's generation plant were no longer financially
feasible, the City of Fort Collins joined with municipal.govemments in Loveland, Estes Park and
Longmont to create the Platte River Power Authority (Platte River), a joint action agency. Platte
2/9/00 4
River allows the four cities to share the costs and benefits of generating, transmitting and
exchanging electric power. Fort Collins Utilities owns and operates the distribution system.
AMI and Smart Grid
The Electric Utility has received substantial federal grants for Advanced Metering Infrastructure
(AMI) and Smart Grid. The AMI system for the electric and water utility is expected to be
completed sometime in 2012. In order to fully realize the benefits of this new technology, we
anticipate consideration of rate options that utilize a rate signal for both energy and demand
reduction.
Demand -Side Management Programs
Energy Services programs provide an opportunity for partnership with Utilities commercial and
residential customers by offering innovative design and energy solutions to improve efficiency
and reduce cost. These programs include commercial/industrial energy audits and incentives,
design assistance, lighting demonstrations, and Zero Interest Loans for Conservation Help
(ZILCH) and several Demand —Side Management programs.
Renewable Energy Program
Fort Collins Utilities offer residential and commercial customers the option to purchase clean,
renewable wind power. The wind energy is provided by Platte River, from its Medicine Bow
Wind Project and other sites.
In addition to the voluntary Green Energy Program, all electric customers are paying 1 percent
more in their electric rates to fund the renewable energy objectives of the 2009 Energy Policy
and in order to meet the Renewable Energy Standard set by the State of Colorado.
Electric Board
The Fort Collins Electric Board was created by City Council in 1991. The primary function of the
Board is "to advise the City Council on policy matters pertaining to the municipal electric
system."
Water Resources & Conservation
Fort Collins Utilities strives to provide a reliable and high quality water supply to our customers.
Steps include diverting and storing the raw water supplies, processing the water at our
treatment facility, distributing the treated water, and assuring water quality during each of these
steps.
Through careful management of our supplies and with continued conservation efforts by our
customers, the City's water supply projects do not indicate the need for mandatory watering
restrictions. Water needs to be used efficiently, however, and voluntary conservation efforts are
still highly recommended.
The Water Supply & Demand Management Policy helps guide the Utilities in balancing supplies
and demands into the future, even during drought conditions.
Wastewater
Fort Collins operates two plants that treat wastewater. Before water is returned to waterways,
the Pollution Control Laboratory ensures that it meets or surpasses state and federal standards.
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Wastewater that enters the facilities is monitored for heavy metal contaminants. Some
industries must pre -treat their wastewater before it can be collected and treated.
Stormwater
Fort Collins Utilities updated the City's Drainage Basin Master Plan in June 2004 and revised
the Floodplain Regulations in March 2005.
Master plans describe the flooding history, identify potential problem areas and look at possible
solutions. Floodplain regulations are used to manage the floodplain by reducing future
damages and helping protect the health and safety of citizens.
Fort Collins Utilities provides information and promotes awareness of flooding hazards and
water quality issues; reduces flooding hazards with cost-effective capital projects; assists in the
emergency response to flooding; manages policies and regulations to reduce future flooding
hazards; and makes recommendations to City Council. Monthly rates fund these activities.
Water Board
The City of Fort Collins Water Board advises the City Council regarding water, wastewater and
stormwater policy issues such as water rights, planning, acquisition and management,
conservation and public education, floodplain regulations, storm drainage and development
design criteria. The Board reviews and makes recommendations on Water, Wastewater and
Stormwater Utilities budgets, fees, water quality and local, state and federal water legislation.
At times, the Board acts as a quasi-judicial body on floodplain regulation variances. It
cooperates with regional entities to coordinate planning and maintain a dialogue on regional
water issues. The Board is also involved in master planning and provides advice and citizen
input regarding proposed policies and actions affecting Utility customers.
Expected Results
As a result of a successful consulting relationship, Fort Collins Utilities expects the following
services:
The selected Consultant(s) shall work with to develop a detailed implementation plan for
selection of a new base electric rate for discussion with City Council in 2011. City Council has
expressed a desire to implement tiered rates. The implementation plan shall include, at a
minimum, the following components. Additional similar tasks may be added.
Rate Option Study
1. Review. the 2010 cost of service model developed by Utilities and presented to City
Council. This model underlies our existing rate structures and serves as the platform for
future rate design.
2. Using the cost of service model above, design and recommend alternative rate options
that include, at a minimum, tiered and time of use rates. Attachment A contains an array
of rate design possibilities included but not limited to the list presented in the Customer
Behavior Studies section of the Four Cities Smart Grid Development Project.
2/9/00 6
3. Attend and make presentations at internal and stakeholder meetings, as requested.
■ Develop, implement and lead a Public Involvement Communication Plan with
representatives from all rate classes, including lower income community
regarding the rate options and issues listed in Section 1 above.
■ Develop, attend, facilitate and/or lead presentations and/or community
meetings
as requested.
■ Prepare a report that details the methodology and results of the rate option
study.
• Prepare and present presentation of study results to appropriate Boards and
City Council.
Strategic Financial Services
In addition to the business, management and technical competencies to support the
services outlined above, the successful firm must also have a full understanding of the
local, northern regional and State of Colorado issues related to matters that will impact
Fort Collins Utilities in the coming years. This may include a high degree of knowledge
of the local/regional/state utilities landscape as well as involvement with/knowledge of
other utilities across the state and specific state initiatives as well as potential financial
impacts related to the regulatory environment. As noted above, Fort Collins Utilities is
not regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.
These services include financial strategy development for the Utilities and interaction
with City staff and City Council as applicable. Specific services may include but are not
limited to:
■ Financial forecasting
■ Assistance in evaluation of various financing mechanisms
■ Business case evaluation
■ Business process optimization
■ Enterprise risk management
■ Others as requested
Expected Outcomes
As a result of strategic financial services provided by the selected consultant, Fort Collins
Utilities expects the following outcomes:
1. Rate Options Study that meets industry best practices and aligns with the City's
Smart Grid/AMI project within the timeframe identified.
2. Policy level presentation of the completed study that provides concise, actionable
information to City boards and City Council.
3. A positive customer response, indicating an electric rate structure that is well
understood and achieves objectives identified by staff and City Council.
4. A consulting relationship that provides Fort Collins Utilities with financial services for
all four utilities focused on specific needs over time.
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REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT
Professional firms will be evaluated on the following criteria. These criteria will be the basis for
review of the written proposals and interview session.
The rating scale shall be from 1 to 5, with 1 being a poor rating, 3 being an average rating, and
5 being an outstanding rating.
WEIGHTING
QUALIFICATION
STANDARD
FACTOR
2.0
Scope of Proposal
Does the proposal show an understanding of the
project objective, methodology to be used and
results that are desired from the project?
2.0
Assigned Personnel
Do the persons who will be working on the project
have the necessary skills? Are sufficient people of
the requisite skills assigned to the project?
1.0
Availability
Can the work be completed in the necessary time?
Can the target start and completion dates be met?
Are other qualified personnel available to assist in
meeting the project schedule if required? Is the
project team available to attend meetings as
required by the Scope of Work?
1.0
Motivation
Is the firm interested and are they capable of doing
the work in the required time frame?
2.0
Cost and
Do the proposed cost and work hours compare
Work Hours
favorably with the project Manager's estimate? Are
the work hours presented reasonable for the effort
required in each project task or phase?
2.0
Firm Capability
Does the firm have the support capabilities the
assigned personnel require? Has the firm done
previous projects of this type and scope?
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Reference evaluation (Top Ranked Firm)
The project Manager will check references using the following criteria. The evaluation rankings
will be labeled Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
QUALIFICATION
STANDARD
Overall Performance
Would you hire this Professional again? Did
they show the skills required by this project?
Timetable
Was the original Scope of Work completed
within the specified time? Were interim
deadlines met in a timely manner?
Completeness
Was the Professional responsive to client
needs; did the Professional anticipate
problems? Were problems solved quickly and
effectively?
Budget
Was the original Scope of Work completed
within the project budget?
Job Knowledge
a) If a study, did it meet the Scope of Work?
b) If Professional administered a construction
contract, was the project functional upon
completion and did it operate properly?
Were problems corrected quickly and
effectively?
2/9/00