HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFP - 8433 COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL ENERGY PROGRAMS THIRD PARTY CONSULTANTADDENDUM NO. 1
SPECIFICATIONS AND CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
Description of RFP 8433: Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant
OPENING DATE: 3:00 PM (Our Clock) January 6, 2017
To all prospective bidders under the specifications and contract documents described above,
the following changes/additions are hereby made and detailed in the following sections of this
addendum:
1. Revisions to the RFP Document
Tables 1 and 3 have been revised. For your convenience and clarity, the entire RFP
document with the revised tables has been attached as follows:
Exhibit 1 – Revised RFP Document
Please contact Gerry Paul, Purchasing Director at (970) 221-6779 with any questions regarding
this addendum.
RECEIPT OF THIS ADDENDUM MUST BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY A WRITTEN STATEMENT
ENCLOSED WITH THE BID/QUOTE STATING THAT THIS ADDENDUM HAS BEEN
RECEIVED.
Financial Services
Purchasing Division
215 N. Mason St. 2nd Floor
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6775
970.221.6707
fcgov.com/purchasing
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 1 of 23
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
8433 COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL ENERGY PROGRAMS THIRD PARTY CONSULTANT
The City of Fort Collins is requesting proposals from an experienced third-party Contractor to
conduct impact and process evaluations for commercial and residential energy programs. The
Contractor would provide evaluation services for Fort Collins Utilities efficiency, demand
response and solar programs, including those offered in collaboration with Platte River Power
Authority (Platte River). Platte River may also choose to hire the Contractor for evaluation
services based on the results of this RFP to include program(s) administered by Platte River on
behalf of all their four owner municipalities.
As part of the City’s commitment to Sustainable Purchasing, proposals submission via
email is preferred. Proposals shall be submitted in a single Microsoft Word or PDF file
under 20MB and e-mailed to: purchasing@fcgov.com. If electing to submit hard copy
proposals instead, five (5) copies, will be received at the City of Fort Collins' Purchasing
Division, 215 North Mason St., 2nd floor, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524. Proposals must be
received before 3:00 p.m. (our clock), January 6, 2017 and referenced as Proposal No.
8433. If delivered, they are to be sent to 215 North Mason Street, 2nd Floor, Fort Collins,
Colorado 80524. If mailed, the address is P.O. Box 580, Fort Collins, 80522-0580. Please
note, additional time is required for bids mailed to the PO Box to be received at the
Purchasing Office.
The City encourages all Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) to submit proposals in
response to all requests for proposals. No individual or business will be discriminated against
on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin. It is the City’s policy to create a level
playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly and to ensure nondiscrimination in the award
and administration of all contracts.
Questions concerning the scope of the bid should be directed to Project Manager, Brian Tholl,
at (970) 416-4326 or btholl@fcgov.com.
Questions regarding bid submittal or process should be directed to Gerry Paul,
Purchasing Director at (970) 221-6779 or gspaul@fcgov.com.
All questions must be submitted in writing via email to Brian Tholl , with a copy to
Gerry Paul, no later than 5:00 PM our clock on December 16, 2016. Questions received
after this deadline will not be answered.
A copy of the RFP may be obtained at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com.
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. All provisions of any contract resulting from this request for proposal will be
public information.
Financial Services
Purchasing Division
215 N. Mason St. 2nd Floor
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6775
970.221.6707
fcgov.com/purchasing
EXHIBIT 1 - REVISED RFP DOCUMENT
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 2 of 23
New Vendors:
The City requires new vendors receiving awards from the City to fill out and submit an IRS form
W-9 and to register for Direct Deposit (Electronic) payment. If needed, the W-9 form and the
Vendor Direct Deposit Authorization Form can be found on the City’s Purchasing website at
www.fcgov.com/purchasing under Vendor Reference Documents.
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.
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.
Utilization of Award by Other Agencies: The City of Fort Collins reserves the right to allow other
state and local governmental agencies, political subdivisions, and/or school districts to utilize the
resulting award under all terms and conditions specified and upon agreement by all parties.
Usage by any other entity shall not have a negative impact on the City of Fort Collins in the
current term or in any future terms.
Sustainability: Consulting firms/teams participating in the proposal are to provide an overview of
the organization’s philosophy and approach to Sustainability. In no more than two (2) pages
please describe how your organization strives to be sustainable in the use of materials,
equipment, vehicles, fuel, recycling, office practices, etc. The City of Fort Collins incorporates
the Triple Bottom Line into our decision process by including economic (or financial),
environmental, and social factors in our evaluation.
The selected Service Provider shall be expected to sign the City’s standard Agreement without
revision prior to commencing Services (see sample attached to this Proposal).
Sincerely,
Gerry S. Paul
Purchasing Director
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 3 of 23
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 RFP Overview
This Request for Proposal (RFP) is being issued to obtain an experienced third-party
Contractor to conduct impact and process evaluations for commercial and residential
energy programs. The Contractor would provide evaluation services for Fort Collins
Utilities efficiency, demand response and solar programs, including those offered in
collaboration with Platte River Power Authority (Platte River). Platte River may also
choose to hire the Contractor for evaluation services based on the results of this RFP
to include program(s) administered by Platte River on behalf of all their four owner
municipalities. Evaluation Contractor(s) are requested to prepare and submit a detailed
proposal to be selected as the successful Contractor, subject to contract negotiations.
To provide potential bidders information and guidance in submitting a relevant
proposal, this RFP includes:
• Background information on programs
• A summary of the commercial and residential programs to be evaluated
• Objectives and goals of evaluations
Fort Collins, along with Platte River Power Authority, and its other member
municipalities of Longmont, Loveland, and Estes Park, have united several commercial
and residential efficiency offerings under the Efficiency Works™ platform. This RFP is
being issued to specifically evaluate Fort Collins’ community participation within the
programs offered both directly through Fort Collins Utilities and Efficiency Works. The
Contractor should anticipate coordinating with third party contractors who assist with
various consulting services as listed in the program descriptions below.
As a municipal electric utility, Fort Collins Utilities is governed by the City Council. This
voluntary evaluation is intended to be collaborative in nature, and to provide an
independent review in support of achieving best practice results in future years. The
evaluation is not a regulatory requirement of any local or state authority. Similarly,
Platte River is governed by a board of directors made up of representatives of its four
member municipalities and has no regulatory requirements for program evaluation.
1.2 General Background
Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 160,000 located 65 miles north of
Denver, at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The City is 56 square
miles in size and is the northern extension of the “Colorado Front Range” urban
corridor. The City’s population includes over 30,000 college students.
City of Fort Collins Utilities (Utilities) serves more than 70,000 electric customers with
total annual sales of approximately 1,500 gigawatt-hours. Utilities also provides water,
wastewater, storm water and financing services. More information about Fort Collins
Utilities can be found at fcgov.com/utilities.
Fort Collins has ambitious energy and climate goals, expressed in the Energy Policy
(updated December 2015) and Climate Action Plan. More information is available at
fcgov.com/utilities/what-we-do and fcgov.com/climateaction.
Fort Collins Utilities received the Leadership in Energy Efficiency award from the
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project in 2013. The American Council for an Energy
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 4 of 23
Efficiency Economy also recognized Fort Collins efficiency results, being featured in
two recent research reports. These included:
• Municipal Utility Energy Efficiency: Successful Examples Around the Nation,
Report U1510 - November 2015
• Big Savers: Experiences and Recent History of Program Administrators
Achieving High Levels of Electric Savings, Report U1601, April 2016
For comparison, the other municipalities served by Platte River are smaller than Fort
Collins. Longmont has 38,000 electric customers, Loveland has 35,000, and Estes
Park, 10,000.
1.3 Evaluation Scope and Program Descriptions
Table 1 provides a summary of the programs to be evaluated, listed by the program
administrator (Fort Collins or Platte River on behalf of all four municipalities); followed
by a brief description of the programs. The base scope of work proposal should
include only Fort Collins participants across all the listed programs.
Platte River may exercise an option to conduct an evaluation with a scope across all
four municipalities for the subset of programs they administer (as identified in the table
below). This scope can utilize the selected Fort Collins participants as a portion of their
sample of projects. Note that Fort Collins participation in programs administered by
Platte River is typically 50% of the total participation across the four municipalities.
For both the base and optional scope, the selected Contractor will provide both impact
and process evaluations for each of the programs listed in the table below, covering
the years 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Table 1. Program Evaluation Summary
Base Scope Optional Scope
Program Fort Collins
Utilities
Administered
Platte River
Administered
(Fort Collins only)
Platte River
Administered
(All four cities)
Appliance Rebates
Appliance Recycling
Demand Response - Peak Partners
Efficiency Works – Home Audits
Efficiency Works – Home Direct Install
Efficiency Works – Home Rebates
Efficiency Works – Business Audits
Efficiency Works – Business Rebates
Efficiency Works – Business Tune Up
Help Loan Program
Home Energy Reports
Integrated Design Assistance Program
Larimer County Conservation Corps
Midstream Retail Lighting
Renewable Energy - Solar
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1.3.1 Appliances Rebates
The appliance rebates program employs a range of promotional
strategies to influence the purchase of high-efficiency appliances.
Appliance rebates are provided to incentivize the purchase of ENERGY
STAR® rated appliances which are more energy efficient and use less
water. Rebates are available for both business and residential customers,
though the vast majority of participants are residential customers. The
appliances currently eligible for rebate include ENERGY STAR®
dishwashers and clothes washers.
1.3.2 Appliance Recycling
Many refrigerators and freezers being replaced by customers are still
functioning, and often end up as back-up appliances in basements and
garages or get sold in the used appliance market. The Appliance
Recycling program targets these refrigerators and freezers, and provides
the dual benefit of cutting energy consumption while keeping the
appliances out of the used resale market. The program offers an
environmentally responsible turnkey pick-up and recycling service (EPA
RAD compliant).
1.3.3 Demand Response: Peak Partners Program
Peak Partners is a demand response program that utilizes Wi-Fi enabled
thermostats and cellular water heater controllers for residential
customers. Since Program inception, over 2,700 thermostats and over
2,100 controllers for electric water heaters have been installed in
customer residences. These demand control devices are effective in
managing the City’s demand and associated coincident peak wholesale
rate charges from Platte River. Utilities works with a third party vendor,
Comverge, that provides the devices, marketing, enrollment, installation
services, and customer support.
1.3.4 Efficiency Works Business
Efficiency Works Business is comprised of four program components that
can be generally classified as efficiency audits, prescriptive rebates,
custom rebates, and funding for building tune ups.
Efficiency audits are offered at no cost to participating businesses. Audits
may be considered ASHRAE “Level 1” type audits, intended to provide a
general overview of efficiency opportunities that exist within a facility.
Audits are provided by two different consulting firms within Fort Collins,
and three firms across the four municipalities.
The prescriptive program offers customers and trade partners incentives
for installing high efficiency equipment on both a dollar per kilowatt saved,
as well as a fixed amount for given equipment depending on the
technology. This program focuses on incenting non-residential customers
for installing common energy efficiency upgrades involving the building
envelope, mechanical systems, and lighting. There are also business
specific incentives for food service, grocery stores, and data centers.
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If the customer’s project is more unique, or does not meet the general
equipment requirements outlined in the prescriptive program offering, the
customer may still participate through a custom incentive program offered
through EW-Business. Through the custom program, the customer will
submit site specific efficiency plans, and program staff will, based on
predetermined custom program requirements, evaluate if the customer
qualifies for an incentive.
Finally, the building tune-up component of the EW-Business Program is
for businesses wanting to retro-commission their facility. This component
of the program utilizes qualified Retro-commissioning Service Providers
(RSPs) to complete services at the customer’s site as identified in the
Building Tune-up Program Manual.
1.3.5 Efficiency Works Homes
Efficiency Works Homes focuses on saving energy and improving indoor
air quality, with rebates available for 23 individual home improvements
involving the building envelope and mechanical systems. Customers
enter the program with a home efficiency assessment ($60 per audit) and
are then presented an assessment report with recommended prioritized
improvements. In addition, at the time of the assessment, the customer
has the option to receive direct installation of samples of CFL and LED
light bulbs as well as installation of low flow shower heads and faucet
aerators. Rebates are offered for air sealing, insulation, window
replacement, air handler blower motors, duct sealing, water heater
upgrades, A/C upgrades, whole house fans and evaporative coolers.
Customers are required to utilize a qualified service provider who has
completed and met the requirements outlined in service provider
application. The program customer service, assessments, service
provider training and mentoring, QA, and rebate processing are
performed by CLEAResult.
1.3.6 Home Efficiency Loan Program (HELP)
HELP provides residential customers with a method to finance energy
efficiency, water conservation and solar projects for their home or rental
properties. HELP offers no-money-down financing for up to 20 years,
including (currently) a low 4 percent fixed interest rate, and loans from
$1,000 to $15,000 are repaid directly on the monthly utility bill. Utilities
plans to transition the HELP to a 3rd party financial services partner in the
4th quarter of 2016.
1.3.7 Home Energy Reports (HER)
The HER program provides residential customers with bi-monthly reports
containing energy information through personalized reports delivered by
mail. The reports show household electricity consumption along with
comparisons to both “efficient neighbors” and “average neighbors”.
Behavioral science research has demonstrated that peer-based
comparisons are highly motivating ways to present information. The HER
program leverages a dynamically created comparison group for each
residence and compares it to other similarly sized and located
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households. The report also illustrates the rankings for the previous 12
months and has energy saving tips for the customer, range from
conservation tactics to energy efficiency improvement recommendations.
Utilities contracts with a third party vendor, OPower, that processes
energy use data, selects the “neighbors,” designs, produces and mails
the reports to customers. In June 2016, the reports were revised based
on the availability of interval advanced metering data (15 minute
intervals).
1.3.8 Integrated Design Assistance Program (IDAP)
IDAP creates building efficiency by starting the process at the schematic
phase of building design and coordinating design disciplines to develop
integrated efficiency schemes that are greater than what could be
achieved with a prescriptive approach. The program provides design,
construction and performance incentives. Some of the components that
are addressed are building shape and orientation, envelope, daylighting
combined with lighting design/controls, HVAC and enhanced automation,
fenestration optimization and on-site renewables. Projects are screened
based on the building owner’s motivation to exceed energy code and on
requesting IDAP participation early in the design process. The program
has a list of approved energy consultants who have submitted and met
the requirements outlined within an energy consultant application.
1.3.9 Larimer County Conservation Corps Program
Larimer County Conservation Corps (LCCC) Energy and Water program
is a conservation initiative focused on education, young adult job training
and the direct installation of efficiency products. The program is provided
at no-cost to residential customers. Efficiency products installed in homes
in 2014 and 2015 seasons include: compact fluorescent and LED light
bulbs, programmable thermostats, kitchen faucet aerators, bathroom
faucet aerators, low-flow shower heads, shower timers, clotheslines, toilet
tank banks, and high-efficiency toilets. The program targets low-income
housing apartments and homes, but does not have specific income
requirements for participation.
1.3.10 Midstream Retail Lighting
The Midstream Retail Lighting program provides point of purchase
rebates at both national and local retailers for sales of energy efficient
lighting products. General advertising, in-store signage, sales associate
training, and instant customer incentives through price markdowns drive
participation. There are eight participating stores from six unique retailers
in Fort Collins (18 and 7 respectively in all three cities).
1.3.11 Renewable Energy – Solar
Utilities has three solar program initiatives that can be classified as
Community Solar, Solar Rebates, and a Solar Purchase Program. Fort
Collins Community Solar is a program providing renewable energy
options for Utilities customers who want the benefits of solar ownership
without the research, construction and maintenance of a stand-alone
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 8 of 23
system. Participating customers own their panels as a part of a larger
community solar system and receive net metering bill credits as if the
system were located at their premise.
The Solar Rebates program provides incentives to install electrical
generation capability on residential and commercial properties behind the
retail meter. Solar rebates are paid to customers on a dollar per Watt
basis, up to given thresholds identified for residential or commercial
properties. Customers participating in the Solar Rebates program then
participate in the Net Metering Program.
The Solar Power Purchase Program (SP3) program supports midsize
non-residential solar projects through twenty year power purchase
agreements. Projects of this type are generally located on large
commercial rooftops or may be ground mounted, and are “in-front-of-
meter” resource purchases which benefit all rate-payers. These projects
are comparable to utility-owned generation except that it is distributed
over multiple roofs and/or sites and purchased under long term contract
with the site owner and/or developer. These local solar resources
increase the renewable energy portion of the community's electricity mix.
These customers do not participate in the Net Metering Program.
1.4 Program Results
Table 2 outlines key participation metrics associated with the 2015 program year,
which is representative of an average program year, and intended to inform bidders of
the scale of annual program participation. Additional data will be provided by Utilities to
the selected evaluation Contractor, and they will be able to sample customers across
the three program years.
Some programs in the table below save energy, water, and natural gas based on the
nature of the measures contained within the program (e.g. clothes washers with
natural gas water heat source). The selected evaluation Contractor will be expected to
evaluate savings for all fuel types but are not expected to sample separately by fuel
type.
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 9 of 23
Table 2. Average Program Participation (2015 representative year)
Incentive budget
($1,000)
Projects
(units)
Electric Savings
(MWh)
Water Savings
(Tgal)
Natural Gas Savings
(therms)
Appliance Rebates $ 79 1,271 applicants 166 3,337 9,853
Appliance Recycling $ 33 551 applicants 632
Demand Response - Peak Partners $ 30 2,424 devices 476
Efficiency Works - Home Audits $ 347 527 homes 273 12,385
Efficiency Works - Home Direct Installs $ 31 527 homes 248 887 16,750
Efficiency Works - Home Rebates $ 166 244 applicants 129 28,708
Efficiency Works - Business Audits $ 216 187 businesses 241 258
Efficiency Works - Business Rebates $ 1,533 378 businesses 6,582 2,742
Efficiency Works - Busienss Tune-ups $ 180 6 businesses 421 58,783
Help Loan Program $ 337 37 loans
Home Energy Reports $ 511 54,916 enrolled accounts 10,381
IDAP $ 511 5 projects 1,611
Larimer County Conservation Corps - Audits $ 74 441 homes 138
Midstream Retail Lighting $ 145 46,599 lamps purchased 1,506
Renewable Energy - Solar Rebates $ 321 86 PV systems 835 (prod)
2015 Program Results Fort Collins Utilities
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 10 of 23
2. OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF WORK
2.1 Overall Research and Evaluation Objectives
In order to support the performance of the portfolio, the Contractor must be able to
assist in accomplishing goals that include, but are not limited to:
Calculating gross energy savings, net energy savings, measure deemed savings,
measure life, and cost effectiveness using TRC, UCT and PCT tests. Provide
documentation and details on how energy savings and cost effectiveness are
calculated.
Assessing the effectiveness of program design and delivery and provide
recommendations on how to improve the effectiveness and cost effectiveness
through a comparison of other utilities and industry best practices.
Assessing the effectiveness of customer marketing messages, strategies and
communication channels.
Compare results of impact evaluation to the program objectives and to the City
estimates of results.
2.2 Evaluation Types & Criteria
Where appropriate, Utilities suggests using the industry accepted 90/10 confidence
and precision sampling method for the evaluation of programs. Utilities is open to
suggestions from contractors on sampling methods that may more appropriately
support budgets associated with smaller programs.
To accomplish these objectives, the Contractor will propose and perform the following
major types of evaluation:
Impact Evaluation to assess the changes in demand and energy use (kW, kWh,
and Therms) that can be attributed to a particular intervention (such as the
installation of energy efficient equipment). Impact evaluation activities include
verification of equipment installation, performance, and operating conditions;
proposed adjustments to deemed saving estimates based on statistical methods;
and determination of “net savings” directly attributable to a program after
accounting for both free rider and spillover effects.
Process Evaluation to assess the effectiveness of program design and delivery.
These evaluations study all aspects of program administration and
implementation including: internal and external procedures and operations;
alignment of program activities and objectives; organization and efficiency of
implementation contractors; the manner and effectiveness of how the programs
are interacting with the marketplace (with customers, trade allies, etc.);
participation barriers and effectiveness of programs in addressing those barriers;
as well as other relevant topics identified through the course of the evaluation.
The evaluator should expect to survey both participants and nonparticipants as
well as administrative and implementation contractors.
2.3 Contractor’s Overall Roles and Responsibilities
Some of the primary responsibilities for the Contractor include:
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 11 of 23
Provide an independent evaluation of how well Fort Collins programs are
achieving their goals and objectives.
Provide recommendations to improve the efficacy and effectiveness of programs,
including the data with which the City can use to support decisions to continue
delivering specific programs.
Contract financial planning and budgeting.
Research and evaluation planning and execution.
Secured data exchange as required.
Coordination and consulting with utility staff and program implementation
partners.
Provide periodic summaries of project progress and key findings.
2.4 Expected Contractor Schedule and Deliverables
Expected schedule and deliverables include:
1. Development of a detailed Evaluation Plan beginning on/near February 1, 2017.
The target completion of the Evaluation Plan is on or before June 30, 2017.
Proposals should include a draft schedule and highlight any differences with the
intended completion date.
2. Lead and participate in monthly project management meetings, likely to begin
on/near February 1, 2017 and continue through first or second quarter of 2017 if
needed.
3. Bi-weekly snapshot summaries on progress of evaluation with written summaries
of key findings.
4. Project management documents that provide a schedule of dates for planned
and actual deliverables.
5. Online meetings/conference calls to review initial drafts of study findings and
conclusions for presentations, reports and memos.
6. Study findings for all programs in both PowerPoint presentations format and
more detailed written report (including all programs) with graphic depictions of
key findings.
7. In person presentation of results and delivery of written report to Fort Collins
Utilities and Platte River Power Authority (if applicable).
3. PROPOSAL RESPONSE FORMAT
3.1 General Proposal Guidelines
Proposals must provide a concise yet complete description of the Contractor's
approach and capabilities for satisfying the required services outlined in this RFP.
Contractor’s proposal should include a response to all the information requested in this
RFP or the Contractor’s proposal may be deemed unresponsive and will not receive
further consideration.
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 12 of 23
If there are limited circumstances where the Contractor is unable or unwilling to
respond to a section of the RFP or provide any other requested information, the
Contractor should, in place of the appropriate information, indicate a compelling
reason for the omission of a response.
If Contractor identifies any areas where they expect challenges or difficulties in
achieving the goals that are detailed in this RFP, they should address any and all
anticipated difficulties and/or problem areas along with potential approaches to their
resolution.
In addition, the Contractor is encouraged to pro-actively present additional information,
not specifically requested, which helps demonstrate understanding of the market and
ability to achieve research, evaluation and program goals.
3.2 Specific Proposal Information
Proposals need to include the following information, at a minimum, to allow an orderly
review and evaluation.
Proposed approach and methods for conducting SOW listed in section 2. Include
approach and methods for each program (e.g. empirical measurement, use of
modeling, sampling rates, references)
Company description
Company experience with scope of work
Specific staff qualifications and experience
Proposed schedule of deliverables
References, prime contractor only if applicable
Proof of general liability insurance coverage
Hourly rate table for Contractor positions to perform work not identified in SOW
or evaluation plan
A detailed, not to exceed budget breakdown to include individual program evaluation
costs according to Table 3. Please note any pricing benefits, if any, that may be
realized if the evaluation is completed for both FCU and other PRPA member cities as
one evaluation as listed in the table below. Samples for Fort Collins Utilities programs
could be used to contribute to the evaluation of the remaining member municipalities.
The results of the additional evaluation samples would be included in the same final
report and presentation.
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Table 3. Pricing chart requested with proposal
Program Fort Collins
Utilities (base
scope)
Platte River
Option (All
four member
municipalities)
Appliance Rebates $
Appliance Recycling $
Demand Response - Peak Partners $
Efficiency Works – Home Audits $
Efficiency Works – Home Direct Install $
Efficiency Works – Home Rebates $ $
Efficiency Works – Business Audits $ $
Efficiency Works – Business Rebates $ $
Efficiency Works – Business Tune Up $ $
Help Loan Program $
Home Energy Reports $
Integrated Design Assistance Program $
Larimer County Conservation Corps $
Midstream Retail Lighting $ $
Renewable Energy - Solar $
3.3 Project contact
Brian Tholl
Energy Services Supervisor
Fort Collins Utilities
222 Laporte Ave
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 416-4326
btholl@fcgov.com
4. ATTACHMENTS AND LINKS TO INFORMATION
The following materials are included at the end of this RFP document to provide guidance
on the typical information with will be available to the successful applicant. The materials are
not intended to provide enough information to perform the evaluation.
1. Fort Collins Efficiency Portfolio Briefing Book
2. 2015 Energy Policy Annual Update
3. Sample: Fort Collins Utilities efficiency portfolio tracking summary
4. Sample: Fort Collins Utilities efficiency program tracking summary
5. Efficiency Works Business Procedures
6. Efficiency Works Commercial programs satisfaction survey questions
7. Efficiency Works Residential programs satisfaction survey questions
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 14 of 23
8. Fort Collins Professional Services Agreement
9. Fort Collins Utilities Program Information
a. Residential Programs: http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/residential/conserve
b. Business Programs: http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/improve-efficiency
c. Efficiency Works Program Information: http://efficiencyworks.prpa.org/
5. REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT
Professional firms will be evaluated on the following criteria. These criteria will be the basis
for review and assessment of the written proposals and optional interview session. At the
discretion of the City, interviews of the top rated firms may be conducted.
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
FACTOR
QUALIFICATION STANDARD
2.0 Scope of Proposal
Does the proposal address all elements of the RFP?
Does the proposal show an understanding of the
project objectives, methodology to be used and
results/outcomes required by the project? Are there
any exceptions to the specifications, Scope of Work,
or agreement?
2.0 Assigned Personnel
Do the persons who will be working on the project
have the necessary skills and qualifications? Are
sufficient people of the requisite skills and
qualifications 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
Sustainability/TBL
Methodology
Does the firm demonstrate a commitment to
Sustainability and incorporate Triple Bottom Line
methodology in both their Scope of Work for the
project, and their day-to-day business operating
processes and procedures?
2.0
Cost and
Work Hours
Does the proposal included detailed cost break-down
for each cost element as applicable and are the line-
item costs competitive? Do the proposed cost and
work hours compare favorably with the Project
Manager's estimate? Are the work hours presented
reasonable for the effort required by each project
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 15 of 23
task or phase?
2.0 Firm Capability
Does the firm have the resources, financial strength,
capacity and support capabilities required to
successfully complete the project on-time and in-
budget? Has the firm successfully completed
previous projects of this type and scope?
Definitions
Sustainable Purchasing is a process for selecting products or services that have a lesser or
reduced negative effect on human health and the environment when compared with
competing products or services that serve the same purpose. This process is also known as
“Environmentally Preferable Purchasing” (EPP), or “Green Purchasing”.
The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) is an accounting framework that incorporates three
dimensions of performance: economic, or financial; environmental, and social. The generally
accepted definition of Andrew Savitz for TBL is that it “captures the essence of sustainability
by measuring the impact of an organization’s activities on the world…including both its
profitability and shareholders values and its social, human, and environmental capital.”
6. REFERENCE EVALUATION (TOP RATED 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?
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 16 of 23
7. SAMPLE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
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. Irrespective of references in Exhibit A to certain
named third parties, Professional shall be solely responsible for performance of all duties
hereunder.
2. The Work Schedule. [Optional] 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 ( ) pages, and incorporated herein by this reference.
3. Contract Period. This Agreement shall commence , 200 , and shall continue
in full force and effect until , 200 , 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 four (4) additional one year periods. Renewals
and pricing changes shall be negotiated by and agreed to by both parties. Written notice of
renewal shall be provided to the Professional and mailed no later than thirty (30) 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.
All notices provided under this Agreement shall be effective when mailed, postage prepaid
and sent to the following addresses:
Professional: City: Copy to:
Attn:
City of Fort Collins
Attn:
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
City of Fort Collins
Attn: Purchasing Dept.
PO Box 580
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 termination, subject only to the satisfactory
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 17 of 23
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 attorney’s 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 insurance in
accordance with Exhibit , consisting of one (1) page, attached hereto and
incorporated herein.
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 ($ ) in accordance with Exhibit “ ”, consisting
of ( ) page , attached hereto and incorporated herein. Monthly partial
payments based upon the Professional's billings and itemized statements 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 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 in accordance with Exhibit “ ”, consisting of ( ) page ,
attached hereto and incorporated herein, 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
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 18 of 23
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,
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. Subcontractors. Professional may not subcontract any of the Work set forth in the Exhibit
A, Statement of Work without the prior written consent of the city, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld. If any of the Work is subcontracted hereunder (with the consent of
the City), then the following provisions shall apply: (a) the subcontractor must be a
reputable, qualified firm with an established record of successful performance in its
respective trade performing identical or substantially similar work, (b) the subcontractor will
be required to comply with all applicable terms of this Agreement, (c) the subcontract will
not create any contractual relationship between any such subcontractor and the City, nor
will it obligate the City to pay or see to the payment of any subcontractor, and (d) the work
of the subcontractor will be subject to inspection by the City to the same extent as the
work of the Professional.
12. Personal Services. It is understood that the City enters into the 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 the Agreement without the prior
written consent of the City.
13. 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
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 19 of 23
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.
14. 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.
15. 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 and costs incurred because of the default.
16. 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.
17. 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 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
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 20 of 23
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.
f. 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.
g. 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.
19. Special Provisions. Special provisions or conditions relating to the services to be
performed pursuant to this Agreement are set forth in Exhibit " " - Confidentiality,
consisting of one (1) pages, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 21 of 23
THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
By:
Gerry Paul
Purchasing Director
DATE:
ATTEST:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
PROFESSIONAL'S NAME
By:
Printed:
Title:
CORPORATE PRESIDENT OR VICE PRESIDENT
Date:
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 22 of 23
EXHIBIT
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. The Professional will provide, from insurance companies acceptable to the City, the
insurance coverage designated hereinafter and pay all costs. Before commencing work
under this bid, the Professional shall furnish the City with certificates of insurance
showing the type, amount, class of operations covered, effective dates and date of
expiration of policies, and containing substantially the following statement:
“The insurance evidenced by this Certificate will not reduce coverage or limits and
will not be cancelled, except after thirty (30) days written notice has been received
by the City of Fort Collins.”
In case of the breach of any provision of the Insurance Requirements, the City, at its
option, may take out and maintain, at the expense of the Professional, such insurance
as the City may deem proper and may deduct the cost of such insurance from any
monies which may be due or become due the Professional under this Agreement. The
City, its officers, agents and employees shall be named as additional insureds on the
Professional 's general liability and automobile liability insurance policies for any claims
arising out of work performed under this Agreement.
2. Insurance coverages shall be as follows:
A. Workers' Compensation & Employer's Liability. The Professional shall maintain
during the life of this Agreement for all of the Professional's employees engaged in
work performed under this agreement:
1. Workers' Compensation insurance with statutory limits as required by
Colorado law.
2. Employer's Liability insurance with limits of $100,000 per accident,
$500,000 disease aggregate, and $100,000 disease each employee.
B. Commercial General & Vehicle Liability. The Professional shall maintain during the
life of this Agreement such commercial general liability and automobile liability
insurance as will provide coverage for damage claims of personal injury, including
accidental death, as well as for claims for property damage, which may arise
directly or indirectly from the performance of work under this Agreement.
Coverage for property damage shall be on a "broad form" basis. The amount of
insurance for each coverage, Commercial General and Vehicle, shall not be less
than $1,000,000 combined single limits for bodily injury and property damage.
In the event any work is performed by a subcontractor, the Professional shall be
responsible for any liability directly or indirectly arising out of the work performed
under this Agreement by a subcontractor, which liability is not covered by the
subcontractor's insurance.
C. Errors & Omissions. The Professional shall maintain errors and omissions
insurance in the amount of $1,000,000.
RFP 8433 Commercial & Residential Energy Programs Third Party Consultant Page 23 of 23
EXHIBIT
CONFIDENTIALITY
IN CONNECTION WITH SERVICES provided to the City of Fort Collins (the “City”) pursuant to
this Agreement (the “Agreement”), the Professional 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 Professional has agreed to perform, the Professional 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 Professional
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 Professional shall not disclose any such information to any person not having a
legitimate need-to-know for purposes authorized by the City. Further, the Professional 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 Professional 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 Professional 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 Professional ceases to perform services for the City, or the City so requests
for any reason, the Professional 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 Professional understands and agrees that the City’s remedies at law for a breach of the
Professional’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.