Job Corps ESPC NOO 31JUL24.doc

U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Senior Procurement Executive

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management Washington, D.C. 20210

TO:

All Fourth Generation DOE ESPC IDIQ Contract Holders

FROM:

Paul M. Seivert

Division Chief US Department of Labor/OSPE/OASAM Job Corps Acquisition Services

A/E and Construction Division

DATE:

July 31, 2024

SUBJECT:

Notice of Opportunity (NOO) for Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) Task Order for Forest Service Operated Centers and Request for Contractor Expressions of Interest

1 NOTICE AND INVITATION

This notice of opportunity invites current holders of the Department of Energy (DOE’s) Fourth Generation ESPC indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract to submit a written response (an expression of interest) to be considered for contractor selection for this potential task order award.

Department of Labor - Job Corps is interested in pursuing a potential ESPC project at Philadelphia and Atlanta Regions for U.S. Forest Service operated Job Corps Campuses (9 Campuses across KY, WV, NC, TN, and VA) and contractor operated Job Corps Centers (3 in DC and NY).

The Energy Service Company (ESCO) will be required to use eProjectBuilder (ePB) in developing the ESPC project and presenting baselines, estimated savings, and financial schedules to agency. ePB is a free web-based system for entering and tracking ESPC data through the life of a project. It can be accessed at: https://eprojectbuilder.lbl.gov.

2 FACILITY OVERVIEW

2.1 Job Corps Mission

The mission of Job Corps is to help eligible young people ages 16 through 24 complete their high school education, train them for meaningful careers, and assist them with obtaining employment. In addition to helping students complete their education, obtain career technical skills and gain employment, Job Corps also provides transitional support services, such as help finding employment, housing, childcare, and transportation.

2.2 Facility Descriptions

Table #1: Job Corps Facility Descriptions

2.2.1 Federal Building/Facility Types

Department of Labor - Job Corps anticipates that the project will include the following building/facility types:

· Office facilities

· Dining facilities

· Dormitory facilities except the Brooklyn Job Corps Center

· Gymnasiums and other recreation facilities

· Educational and Vocational facilities

· Warehouse, Storage, and Maintenance facilities

2.2.2 Site Condition

· Residential buildings are occupied and in operation at all times with the exception of during daytime educational periods. Other areas are used approximately 12 hours per day for education, recreation, or food service. Minor uses such as security areas are occupied 24/7.

· ESCOs should expect the buildings to remain occupied during the performance period, to include construction. However, the Government reserves the right to allow movement of occupants if it is deemed to be in the best interests of the Government.

· There are security procedures for campus entry and exit.

· Historical buildings are on site.

· Hazmat including but not limited to asbestos, PCBs, or other hazardous material may be present.

· Some campuses have water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities.

2.3 Summary Information on Facility Energy and Water Usage

The following data is to provide respondents with an approximate profile of facilities to be considered for an ESPC and may not be precise.

The average annual energy and water use for these facilities is shown in the table below. Note that this data is for FY2021 when these facilities were underpopulated due to COVID-19 and energy. Water usage is expected to increase as student populations rise. For source selection purposes, the potential project scope is the full facility. The locations and data provided in this NOO may not represent the final project that may be identified as a result of the Investment Grade Audit prepared by the selected ESCO.

Table #2: Average Annual Energy and Water Rates and Usage for Facilities in Potential Project Scope

FY2021 (MMBTU)

FY2021 (GALLONS)

3 STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

3.1 General Statement of Objectives

The project will accomplish significant reductions at the selected Job Corps Centers in energy consumption, carbon, other GHG emissions, water usage; and where practicable, increase the use of renewable energy by implementing energy and water conservation measures (ECMs) as listed in attachment J-3 of the Fourth Generation DOE ESPC IDIQ contract. The ESCO shall explore and recommend all ECMs that may be economically viable and will contribute to the overall project goals and objectives. The ESCO should reduce project costs by identifying and supporting agency or ESCO application for available utility rebates; local, state, and regional financial incentives; renewable energy certificates (RECs); and other investment or tax credits. Solar photovoltaic will be considered where cost effective. Each ECM will not increase fossil fuel use at a Job Corps Center, if practical.

3.2 Agency Project Objectives/Goals/Priorities

Department of Labor - Job Corps’ highest-priority objectives for the potential project are as described in the remainder of the following subsection.

3.2.1 General Project Objective(s)

· Achieve comprehensive project and deep energy savings.

· Achieve comprehensive project and deep-water savings.

· M&V - Implement cost-effective, appropriate project measurement and verification (M&V) that meets our needs and approval.

· Achieve a successful project that effectively balances technical/financial/other risks between ESCO and agency.

· Maintenance -- Include reliable, cost-effective preventative maintenance of ECM assets. (Whether the ESCO or agency will perform O&M activities will be determined as the project is developed and may vary depending on each ECM).

· Execute an investment grade audit

· Compliance and Permitting: Develop a successful project that effectively overcomes challenges in complying with applicable regulations and obtaining required permits.

· Hazardous Materials Mitigation: Ensure execution of approved ECMs include mitigation of hazardous materials associated with the projects.

· Financial incentives: Reduce project costs by identifying and applying all available rebates; local, state, or regional financial incentives; renewable energy certificates (RECs); and other investment or tax credits.

· Agency anticipates using the Preliminary Assessment and/or Investment Grade Audit to meet Compliance Tracking System (CTS) compliance audits.

· Improve habitability, indoor air quality, and occupant comfort in residential, administrative, and instructional facilities.

· Improve campus and building automation systems (BAS) for energy optimization and maximize automated controls for lighting, heating, and cooling.

3.2.2 Specific Goals for Energy Use and Cost Reduction are:

· Reduce utility costs.

· Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

· Reduce the use of fossil-fuel-generated energy.

3.2.3 Energy Security and Resilience Objectives

· Solutions to provide mitigation to address outage durations of up to 3 days.

· Redundant/backup system improvement.

3.2.4 Objective(s) for Specific ECMs

Achieve high energy efficiency using Energy Star certified, FEMP-designated products and facility treatments.

3.2.5 Water Conservation Project Objective(s)

· Reduce water consumption and wastewater treatment volume.

4 ESCO SELECTION

4.1 ESCO Selection Process

Department of Labor - Job Corps will select an ESCO for potential task order award in accordance with the Selection Based on Qualifications Method at section H.3.8.1 of the Fourth Generation Department of Energy’s (DOE) ESPC IDIQ.

Department of Labor - Job Corps may use a two-step process for ESCO selection. In the first down-selection process (the first step), after evaluation of the ESCOs’ responses to this NOO, Department of Labor - Job Corps may select two or more ESCOs deemed most qualified for further consideration for selection. The process and requirements for this first step are described in this notice.

In the second step of ESCO selection, after a first down-selection, Department of Labor - Job Corps may request additional clarification from the remaining ESCOs. Department of Labor - Job Corps will provide ESCOs with evaluation requirements for the second down-selection at that time. Agencies may conduct discussions with selected ESCOs. Discussions may include interviews, written responses, presentations, ESCO resume interviews, etc., that address details related to previously submitted information. ESCOs may be required to participate in interviews at Department of Labor - Job Corps as part of the second down-selection process.

The agency will select one ESCO to conduct a preliminary assessment (PA). The Government reserves the right to adjust the selection process if the agency deems it to be in the best interest of the Government.

4.2 Timeline for the Selection Process

The tentative timeline for this selection process is as follows:

· Publication of the NOO: July 31, 2024

· Closing date for expression of interest: September 13, 2024

· Anticipated Down Selection/Date of Notification: October 29, 2024 Project Term Anticipated ESPC POP is not to exceed 25 years, based on what the Department of Labor ultimately approves after proposed energy savings projects and payback are identified by the ESCO.

5.

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS

ESCOs shall submit the information listed below in its response to this NOO. Some information is required by the DOE ESPC IDIQs at H.3.8.1 and other submittals are specific to this NOO.

5.1 ESCO Technical Competencies and Experience (15 pages max, at least 12 pt. font) Experience – Submit information on your experience up to five (5) ESPC projects, or efforts similar to the potential project, which includes any of the potential ECMs. The information shall include:

· Specific detailed descriptions of those projects, including but not limited to, building age and size, pre and post energy and water usage amounts, building functionality, geographic locations.

· The resulting energy and water savings from those projects,

· Financial Incentives applied to the projects,

· An explanation of how those projects relate to the objectives (or general scope and content) of the envisioned project.

Technical Qualifications to Perform an ESPC – Describe your technical qualifications and abilities as related to our facility characteristics and project objectives to deliver a successful ESPC project. The description should cover your ability to:

· Design and construct energy and water conservation measures,

· Identify and support agency application for all available financial incentives,

· Sustain performance and savings throughout the entire contract term,

· Plan and perform comprehensive measurement and verification,

· Deliver a project at a fair and reasonable price.

Qualifications to Perform an IGA – Describe your qualifications to conduct an investment grade audit as it relates to the objectives described in this NOO. The description should cover your ability to provide meaningful information to assess viable ECMs, establish baselines, and estimate energy and water savings.

Evaluation Methodology – The ESCO’s technical competencies and experience in relation to our facility characteristics and project objectives to (a) conduct an investment grade audit that provides meaningful information to assess viable energy and water conservation measures (ECMs) and establish baselines and project savings; (b) design and construct ECMs similar to those stated in the “objectives” section of this NOO; and (c) provide sustained savings and performance as reported through annual measurement and verification reports. Technical risk will be assessed to determine the degree to which the ESCO’s experience, technical qualifications, and qualifications to perform an IGA demonstrate the potential to satisfy the Government’s objectives for successful performance without the need for increased Government oversight.

5.2 ESCO Management Approach (10 pages max, at least 12 pt. font)

Management Approach – Describe your approach for conducting an ESPC at 9 Job Corps Centers that shows an understanding of our objectives and priorities for the project. Address how our opportunities and challenges (as described in this notice) could be managed. Describe the ESCO project team and resources that would be brought to the potential project, including entities you may team with. Submittals shall include your approach to:

· Managing the design, construction, and continued performance of energy and water conservation measures in an efficient and cost-effective manner,

· Managing cost, schedule, and technical performance (including subcontractors if used) including the methods to monitor and report progress to customers,

· Building quality into the project including process to identify problems and formulate solutions to mitigate difficulties,

· Performance of operations, maintenance, repair, and replacement of equipment to ensure continued equipment performance,

· Subcontractor source selection including the significance of technical qualifications and price.

Incorporating Small Businesses – Describe how small businesses were incorporated into the ESPC or similar energy and water conservation projects described above. Explain how small businesses will be incorporated into the potential project.

Organization & Personnel – It is important that key ESCO staff be involved and available to the agency from ESCO selection through the project acceptance. Discuss how this continuity in the ESCO project team will be maintained throughout project development and construction.

Submittals shall include your approach to:

· Management style and capacity for resources as demonstrated through the organization structure, key personnel, and subcontractor involvement,

· Key personnel/positions integral to successful performance,

· Maintaining continuity of the ESCO team throughout ESCO selection, project development, and construction.

Evaluation Methodology – The ESCO’s Management Approach including project management capabilities and personnel qualifications as related to our facility characteristics and project objectives to: (a) manage the design, construction, and continued performance of ECMs in an efficient and cost-effective manner. (b) management style and capacity for resources as demonstrated through the organization and key personnel; and (c) incorporate the use of small businesses to implement and sustain savings. Technical risk will be assessed to determine the degree to which the ESCO’s management approach may cause disruption of schedules, degradation of performance, or likelihood of unsuccessful contract performance.

5.3 References for ESCO Past Performance (Not included in page count) Provide completed past performance questionnaire to include contact information for previous customers who can provide information related to the projects described under 5.1 Technical Competencies and Experience. Include the following information for each reference: Energy Project Agency and Site

· ESPC Task Order/Contract Award Date

· Project Acceptance Date (or ESPC stage, if not yet accepted)

· Previous customer (reference) point of contact

· Name:

· Title/Position [CO, project manager, etc.]

· Phone:

· E-mail:

These references may be contacted to provide the information called for by a Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment A), which Department of Labor - Job Corps may transmit to references. Offeror to complete Sections 1-4 of PPQ for each reference and include in response. References may be asked to complete a questionnaire by e-mail directly to Paul Seivert, Division Chief, A&E and Construction. Past Performance Questionnaires sent to the Contracting Officer directly from the ESCO will not be accepted for evaluation. Department of Labor - Job Corps reserves the right to obtain and evaluate experience and past performance information from other sources known to Department of Labor - Job Corps that are not included in the ESCO’s response to this NOO in assessing past performance.

Evaluation Methodology – The ESCO’s Past Performance (feedback from previous customers) will be used to assess the degree of confidence the Agency has in the ESCO’s ability to supply ESPC services that meet the user’s needs based on a demonstrated record of performance.

6. SUBMITTALS OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

ESCOs are required to submit their expressions of interest via e-mail to JCASConstructionProcurement@dol.gov by September 13, 2024, 2:00pm EDT.

No data or literature of any kind, other than that specified in this notice, will be accepted, nor will discussions take place at this time.

ESCOs may submit general questions in writing no later than August 16, 2024. All questions posed by ESCOs along with Agency responses to those questions will be issued by Amendment.

Submit questions via email to: Eileen Garnett, Contract Specialist, garnett.eileen@dol.gov.

Each ESCO must designate one point of contact for all communications between the ESCO and Department of Labor - Job Corps. Please provide name, title, phone number, and email address for this individual. No other communications regarding this notice or requirement are allowed.

7. AGENCY OMBUDSMAN

In the event there are any concerns related to fair opportunity that cannot be resolved by the ordering agency Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer will refer the Contractor to the ordering agency’s Task and Delivery Order Ombudsman.

The agency’s Task and Delivery Order Ombudsman is as follows: Ryan Chandler, Senior Director for Strategy & Administration, at chandler.ryan.p@dol.gov.

Sincerely, PAUL M. SEIVERT

Division Chief, A&E Construction Job Corps Acquisition Services cc: FEMP Federal Project Executive – Bridgette Rodgers (rodgersbr@ornl.gov)

FEMP Project Facilitator Kevin Warner – Project Facilitator DOE Golden Office – Eric Brandenburg Eric Brandenburg eric.brandenburg@ee.doe.gov Attachments: Appendix 1 Past Performance Questionnaire

PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE ―

Requested for purpose of ESPC contractor selection Attachment to the Notice of Opportunity

CONTRACT INFORMATION (Contractor to complete #1-4)

1. Contractor Information:

Firm Name:

Address:

Point of Contact:

Contact Phone Number:

Contact email Address:

2. Work Performed as:

Prime Contractor

Subcontractor

Joint Venture

Other (Explain) Percent of project work performed:

If subcontractor, who was the prime? (Firm name/phone #):

3. Contract Information:

Contract Number:

Delivery/Task Order Number (if applicable):

Contract Type:

ESPC

Other (Please Specify including Fixed Price/Cost Reimbursable/Other):

Contract Title:

Contract Location:

Award Date (mm/dd/yy):

Original Construction Acceptance Date (mm/dd/yy) as set forth in the Contract: Actual Construction Acceptance Date (mm/dd/yy):

Explain difference between original construction acceptance date and actual acceptance date:

Original Implementation Price (excludes finance and service period costs):

Original Contract Price (all costs including design/implementation, finance, and service period costs):

Final Contract Price (to include all modifications, if applicable):

Explain difference between original and final contract price:

4. Project Description:

What energy or water conservation measures were employed in the contract (e.g., lighting, controls):

Complexity of Work:

High

Med

Routine

How is this project similar to the project described in the Notice of Opportunity? (Please provide details such as similar equipment, requirements, conditions, etc.)

CLIENT INFORMATION (Client to complete #5- #7 and Past Performance Questionnaire below)

5. Client Information:

Name:

Title:

Phone Number:

Email:

6. Describe the client’s role (program manager/contracting/other) in the project:

7. How would evaluate the project communication during the performance of the above project?

8. How well did the contractor adhere to the schedule?

9. How well did the contactor focus on the needs of the client?

10. Describe the quality of the contractors measurements and verification (M&V).

11. Describe the quality of the contactor’s Investment Grade Audit (IGA).

12. Would you recommend hiring this contractor? Why or why not?

13. Client’s Signature: ___________________________ Date: ________________