24 RFQ 02.pdf

STATE OF ILLINOIS

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

ILLINOIS POWER AGENCY

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES – PLANNING CONSULTANT

Reference Number 24-RFQ-02

Introduction 24-RFQ-02

The Illinois Power Agency (“Agency” or “State”) is issuing this Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) seeking qualified and responsible experts or expert firms (“Offerors”) to serve as a Planning Consultant who will support the Agency by developing the Agency’s annual Electricity Procurement Plan, supporting biennial revisions of the Agency’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, conducting key research, modeling, and analysis related to assessing resource adequacy and reliability for Illinois, providing research and analysis to support the Agency’s understanding of the economics of clean energy development, and other tasks as needed.

The opportunity to serve as the Agency’s Planning Consultant represents a premier opportunity for the selected firm to have an impact on the ambitious and leading clean energy goals of Illinois and reflects the continuing expansion of the scope of the Agency’s responsibilities in implementing a wide range of energy policy goals of the state of Illinois. The work of the Planning Consultant will help the Agency support the following goals:

• Creating value to residential and small commercial customers through the design of electricity procurement strategies that maximize the value of competitive energy markets.

• Improving the design of large-scale renewables procurements for Illinois to meet the State’s Renewable Portfolio Standard targets.

• Researching and developing how to implement new policies such as energy storage procurements.

• Analyzing and assessing resource adequacy, reliability, and decarbonization goals, and developing policies to address meeting those goals.

A brief background and description are set forth below. The Agency welcomes responses from qualified Offerors able and willing to meet these requirements. Evaluation of responses to this RFQ will form the basis for determining recipients for a Requests for Proposal (“RFP”) that will include more detailed and specific requirements.

BACKGROUND: The Agency serves as the authority for the procurement of standard “wholesale products, including energy and capacity, delivered to or otherwise used to meet the supply requirements of the eligible retail customers (i.e., default supply customers) of Commonwealth Edison Company (“ComEd”) and Ameren Illinois Company (“Ameren”), and for the Illinois service territory of MidAmerican Energy Company (“MidAmerican”),1 collectively the “Utilities.” The Agency is also responsible for the procurement of renewable energy credits (“RECs”) to fulfill the State’s Renewable Portfolio Standard requirements per the Illinois Power Agency Act (20 ILCS 3855/1-5 et seq.) and Section 16-111.5 of the Public Utilities Act (220 ILCS 5/16-111.5). Each of these requirements is met in part through the development of procurement plans submitted to the Illinois Commerce Commission (“ICC”) for review and approval.

1 As defined in Section 16-111.5(a) of the Public Utilities Act, eligible retail customers “means those retail customers that purchase power and energy from the electric utility under fixed-price bundled service tariffs, other than those retail customers whose service is declared or deemed competitive under Section 16 -113 and those other customer groups specified in this Section, including self-generating customers, customers electing hourly pricing, or those customers who are otherwise ineligible for fixed-price bundled tariff service.”

INTRODUCTION

Introduction 24-RFQ-02

The Illinois Power Agency Act states that, “The Agency shall each year, as needed, issue a request for qualifications for experts or expert consulting firms to develop the procurement plans in accordance with Section 16-111.5 of the Public Utilities Act.” (20 ILCS 3855/1-75(a)(1)).

This solicitation represents the first step in the process of retaining a Planning Consultant. Upon completion of the RFQ evaluation process, Offerors deemed qualified by the Agency will be invited to respond to a subsequent request for proposals (“RFP”). If selected through the RFP process, the selected Offeror will be expected to enter into a binding contract with the Agency.

This Solicitation is exempt from the procedures in the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500) pursuant to Section 1-25(2) of the Illinois Power Agency Act (20 ILCS 3855/1-25(2)) and contains alternative bidding procedures pursuant to Section 20-10(i) of the Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500/20-10).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The Agency seeks a Planning Consultant (“Consultant”) who will primarily assist the Agency with the development of the Agency’s annual Electricity Procurement Plan, the biennial revision of the Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, conducting key research, modeling and analysis related to energy planning, resource adequacy, reliability, the economics of clean energy development, developing the annual Zero Emission Standard Payment Calculation Notice, and the Illinois Power Agency Annual Report.

To meet this goal, the Agency seeks Offerors that, at a minimum, support the Agency with the following tasks (descriptions of these tasks are contained in Section 2):

I. Development of Annual Electricity Procurement Plan2 II. Support for the biennial update of the Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan3 III. Development of a Resource Adequacy and Reliability Study4 IV. Support for Policy Development V. Potential Support of Energy Storage Policy and Procurements (legislation pending) VI. Development of an Annual Zero Emission Standard Payment Calculation Notice5 VII. Support on the development of the Illinois Power Agency Annual Report6

VIII. Provide ad hoc support and deliverables

The first step in this process is determining whether Offerors are qualified. The IPA Act7 specifies the following qualifications for the Planning Consultant:

A. Direct previous experience assembling large-scale power supply plans or portfolios for end-use customers

2 220 ILCS 5/16-111.5(b).

3 20 ILCS 3855/1-75(c).

4 15 ILCS 5/9.15(o)

5 20 ILCS 3855/1-75(d-5)(1)(D).

6 20 ILCS 3855/1-125 and 220 ILCS 5/16-115D(d)(4).

7 20 ILCS 3855/1-75(a)(1).

INTRODUCTION

Introduction 24-RFQ-02

B. An advanced degree in economics, mathematics, engineering, risk management, or a related area of study

C. 10 years of experience in the electricity sector, including managing supply risk D. Expertise in wholesale electricity market rules, including those established by the Federal

Energy Regulatory Commission and regional transmission organizations E. Expertise in credit protocols and familiarity with contract protocols F. Adequate resources to perform and fulfill the required functions and responsibilities G. The absence of a conflict of interest and inappropriate bias for or against potential bidders or the affected electric utilities

In addition to these statutorily mandated qualifications for a Planning Consultant, the Agency seeks a consultant that can meet the following qualifications:

H. Experience researching, assessing, or implementing local, state-wide, or national clean energy programs ($500 million in capital cost or 1 GW size or larger) I. Experience with various modeling exercises such as technical analysis, financial modeling, power-flow modeling, loss of load studies, economic impact modeling, resource adequacy modeling, and GIS mapping

J. Has in-house research and policy team or working relationship with subcontractors specializing in energy research and policy analysis including regulatory frameworks

K. Experience with analyzing clean or renewable energy policy for local or state governments L. Experience coordinating with and working with multiple stakeholders from different agencies, governments, and organizations with varying levels of priorities and/or interests

The purpose of this RFQ is to determine if Offerors meet these qualifications. Qualified Offerors , subject to the objection by the utilities and other interested parties,8 will be invited to respond to a subsequent RFP that will provide an opportunity for the Offerors to describe in more detail their proposed approaches to the tasks listed above, provide what specific resources the Offeror has available to execute those tasks, and propose pricing to assist the Agency with the preparation of procurement plans, notices, and reports.

The Agency will score responses to the RFP to determine the Offeror best suited to serve as the Agency’s Planning Consultant.

The resulting contract with the awarded Offeror shall have an initial term of approximately one (1) year from October 15, 2024 through October 14, 2025, with the possibility for annual renewal for up to four

(4) annual renewals.

Please read the entire Solicitation package and submit a Submittal of Qualifications in accordance with the instructions. All forms and signature areas contained in the submittal package must be completed in full and submitted with the technical proposal, which combined will constitute the Submittal. Do not submit the instructions pages with offers. Offerors should retain the Instructions and a copy of the Submittal of Qualifications for future reference.

8 20 ILCS 3855/1-75(a)(3).

SOLICITATION OUTLINE

Solicitation Outline 24-RFQ-02

SOLICITATION OUTLINE

Instructions for Submitting Offers

How to Enter Information .............................................................................................................. I.1

Published Procurement Information ............................................................................................... I.2

Solicitation Contact........................................................................................................................ I.3

Offeror Questions and Agency Response......................................................................................... I.4

Submission Due Date, Time, and Address for Submission ................................................................. I.5

Instructions for Submission of Qualifications ................................................................................... I.6

Governing Law and Forum ............................................................................................................. I.7

Public Records and Requests for Confidential Treatment ................................................................ I.8

Reservations ................................................................................................................................. I.9

Award ........................................................................................................................................ I.10

Incorporation of 24-RFQ-02 by Reference .................................................................................... I.11

Prequalification to Respond to Subsequent RFP ............................................................................ I.12

Evaluation Process ....................................................................................................................... I.13

Selection of Offerors ....................................................................................................................... I.14

Minority, Female, and Persons with Disability Participation and Utilization Plan ................................ I.15

Subcontracting ............................................................................................................................... I.16

Timeline ...................................................................................................................................... I.17

Section 1 – Submittal of Qualifications Check List

Check List .................................................................................................................................1.1 - 1.7

Signature of Authorized Representative ......................................................................................... 1.8

Section 2 - Technical Proposal

Goal ............................................................................................................................................. 2.1

Expertise, Experience and Services Required .................................................................................. 2.2

Milestones and Deliverables.......................................................................................................... 2.3

Staff Specifications ....................................................................................................................... 2.4

Offeror Statement of Qualifications ............................................................................................... 2.5

INSTRUCTIONS

Instructions 24-RFQ-02

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING QUALIFICATIONS

I.1 HOW TO ENTER INFORMATION: Type information in the text fields provided. Text fields are indicated by the instruction “Click here to enter text” in red font. If the information requested does not apply to the Offeror, then enter “N/A” into the text field. Please enter the requested information or N/A into every red text field. If appropriate, provide a brief explanation of why the field in not applicable.

I.2 PUBLISHED PROCUREMENT INFORMATION: Although this solicitation is exempt from the Illinois Procurement Code, the Agency will use State websites to disseminate information about this solicitation. The State publishes procurement information, including updates, on the Illinois Procurement Bulletin, Illinois Public Higher Education Procurement Bulletin, Transportation Procurement Bulletin, or the Illinois Capital Development Board Bulletin, (collectively and individually referred to as “Bulletin”). The Agency will also post this solicitation and related documents and announcements to its website . Procurement information may not be available in any other form or location. Offeror is responsible for monitoring the Bulletin selected by the Agency for this procurement. The Agency will not be held responsible if Offeror fails to receive the optional e -mail notices.

I.3 SOLICITATION CONTACT: The individual listed below shall be the single point of contact for this solicitation. Unless otherwise directed, Offerors should only communicate with the Solicitation Contact. The Agency shall not be held responsible for information provided to or from any other person.

Solicitation Contact: Anthony Star Phone: 312-814-8106

Agency: Illinois Power Agency Fax: 312-814-0926

Street Address: 105 W. Madison Street, Suite 1401 TDD: 866-846-5276

City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60602

Email: anthony.star@illinois.gov

Questions or comments regarding this RFQ should be timely directed in writing to the Solicitation Contact identified above. Do not discuss the solicitation or any qualification, directly or indirectly, with any State officer or employee other than the Solicitation Contact.

I.4 OFFEROR QUESTIONS AND AGENCY RESPONSE: All questions, other than those raised at any Offeror conference, that pertain to this solicitation must be submitted in written form via email and submitted to the Solicitation Contact no later than May 17, 2024. Questions received and Agency responses may be posted as an Addendum to the original solicitation on the Bulletin ; only these written answers to questions shall be binding on the Agency. Offerors are responsible for monitoring the Bulletin.

Instructions 24-RFQ-02

I.5 SUBMISSION DUE DATE, TIME, AND ADDRESS FOR SUBMISSION: Submittal of qualifications shall be directed to the address provided below, and shall be received no later than the Submittal Due Date & Time specified below. Submittals may be sent via hard copy or via email (preferred) per the instructions below.

Submittal due Date & Time:

Date: June 3, 2024

Time: 5:00 pm CPT

Hard Copy Submittals Must Be Sent To:

Agency: Illinois Power Agency

Attn: Anthony Star

Address: 105 W. Madison Street, Suite 1401

City, State Zip: Chicago, IL 60602

Solicitation Title & Reference #

Request for Qualifications – Procurement Planning Consultant, 24-RFQ-02

Offeror Name: ___________________________________

(Place label containing information above outside of sealed envelope/container if submitting response in hard copy.)

I.6 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF QUALIFICATIONS: Responses to this RFQ must be submitted either:

(1) By email sent to the email address listed above. The email should have a subject line with the Solicitation title, and Offeror’s name. The email should contain as attachments (in PDF or Word format): Section 1 – Submittal of Qualifications Check List; Section 2 – Technical Proposal.

Or

(2) As a single sealed envelope/container clearly labeled with the Solicitation title, and Offeror’s name delivered to the address listed above. One signed original and one electronic copy of the Submittal of Qualifications package must be provided. The package shall contain the following two sections: Section 1 – Submittal of Qualifications Check List Section 2 – Technical Proposal.

I.7 GOVERNING LAW AND FORUM: Illinois law and rule govern this solicitation and any resulting contract. Offeror must bring any action relating to this solicitation or any resulting contract in the

Instructions 24-RFQ-02 appropriate court in Illinois. This document contains statutory references designated with “ILCS.”

Vendor may view the full text at (www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.asp). Section 1-75 of the Illinois Power Agency Act (20 ILCS 3855/1-75) and Section 16-111.5 of the Public Utilities Act (220 ILCS 5/16-111.5) are applicable to this solicitation. See specifically 20 ILCS 3855/1-75(a) and (b) for statutory qualifications and the selection process.

I.8 PUBLIC RECORDS AND REQUESTS FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT: Submittals of Qualifications become the property of the Agency. Submittals of Qualifications, including late submissions will not be returned. All submittals will be open to the public under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) (5 ILCS 140) and other applicable laws and rules, unless Offeror requests in its submittal that the Agency treat certain information as confidential. A request for confidential treatment will not supersede the State’s legal obligations under FOIA. The Agency will not honor requests to keep entire submittals confidential. Offerors must show the specific grounds in FOIA or other law or rule that support confidential treatment. Regardless, the Agency will disclose the successful Offeror’s name, and the substance of the submittal upon final contract award. If Offeror requests confidential treatment, Offeror must submit one additional copy of the Submittal of Qualifications with proposed confidential information redacted. This redacted copy must describe the general nature of the material removed, and shall retain as much of the Submittal of Qualifications as possible. In a separate attachment, Offeror shall supply a listing of the provisions identified by section number for which it seeks confidential treatment and identify the statutory basis under Illinois law and include a detailed justification for exempting the information from public disclosure. Offeror will hold harmless and indemnify the Agency for all costs or damages associated with the Agency defending Offeror’s request for confidential treatment. Offeror agrees the Agency may copy the Submittal of Qualifications to facilitate evaluation, or to respond to requests for public records. Offeror warrants that such copying will not violate the rights of any third party.

I.9 RESERVATIONS: Offeror must read and understand the solicitation and tailor the Submittal of Qualifications and all activities to ensure compliance. The Agency reserves the right to amend the solicitation, reject any or all submittals, cancel the solicitation, and waive minor defects. The Agency may request a clarification, inspect Offeror’s premises, interview staff, request a presentation, or otherwise verify the contents of the submittal, including information about subcontractors and suppliers. The Agency will make all decisions on compliance, evaluation, terms and conditions, and shall make decisions in the best interests of the Agency and in accordance with rules and other applicable state and federal statutes and regulations. This competitive process may require that Offeror provide additional information and otherwise cooperate with the Agency. If an Offeror does not comply with requests for information and cooperate, the Agency may reject the Submittal of Qualifications as non-responsive to the solicitation. Submitting a Submittal of Qualifications does not entitle Offeror to an award or a contract. Posting Offeror’s name in a Bulletin notice does not entitle Offeror to a contract. The Agency is not responsible for and will not pay any costs associated with the preparation and submission of any Submittal of Qualifications. Short listed Offeror(s) for contract award shall not commence, and will not be paid for any billable work prior to the date all parties execute the contract.

I.10 AWARD: The Agency is not obligated to award a contract pursuant to this solicitation. This solicitation and any subsequent RFP issuance, selection and award process will follow 20 ILCS 3855/1-75(a). As a result of this solicitation and any subsequent RFP, the Agency may select the winning Offeror based on the winning proposal and may award a one (1) year contract, with the possibility for four (4) additional annual contract renewals to the winning Offeror. If the Agency

Instructions 24-RFQ-02 issues an award as the result of this solicitation and any subsequent RFP, the award will be made to the Offeror whose offer best meets the specified requirements and evaluation criteria.

I.11 INCORPORATION OF 24-RFQ-02 BY REFERENCE: This solicitation (24-RFQ-02) and Offeror’s Submittal of Qualifications will be incorporated and made part of any subsequent contract by reference.

I.12 PREQUALIFICATION TO RESPOND TO SUBSEQUENT RFP: Based on the evaluation of responses to this solicitation, only qualified Offerors will be invited to respond to any subsequent RFP.

I.13 EVALUATION PROCESS: The Agency determines how completely and satisfactorily submittals meet the Responsiveness and Responsibility requirements. Submittals that fail to meet minimum Responsiveness and Responsibility requirements will not be considered for subsequent evaluation. The Agency considers the information provided when evaluating submittals. If the Agency finds a failure or deficiency, the Agency may reject the submittal or reflect the failure or deficiency in the evaluation.

RESPONSIVENESS: A responsive Offeror is one whose submittal conforms in all material respects to this solicitation and includes all required information. The Agency will determine whether the submittal conforms in all material respects to this solicitation.

Minor differences or deviations that have negligible impact on the suitability of the Offeror to meet the Agency’s needs may be accepted or corrections allowed. The Agency will determine whether Offeror’s Submittal of Qualifications comply with the instructions for submitting qualifications. Except for late submissions, the Agency may require that an Offeror correct deficiencies as a condition of further evaluation.

RESPONSIBILITY: A responsible Offeror is one who has the expertise, experience, qualifications and capability in all respects to perform fully the requirements stated on this solicitation and who has the reputation, integrity and reliability that will assure good faith performance. The Agency determines whether the Offeror is a “responsible” Offeror. The Agency may additionally consider the following:

• If the Offeror is a “prohibited bidder” which includes a person assisting the Agency in determining whether there is a need for contract, unless such information was part of a response to a publicly issued Request for Information.

Additionally, a person who assisted the Agency by reviewing, drafting, or preparing this solicitation, a Request for Proposal, or Request for Information or who provided similar assistance is deemed a prohibited bidder.

• Other factors that the Agency may evaluate to determine Responsibility (including those found outside the Submittal of Qualifications) include, but are not limited to: political contributions, certifications, conflict of interest, financial disclosures, past performance in business or industry, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, references, compliance with applicable laws, financial responsibility, insurability, effective equal opportunity compliance, and payment of prevailing wages if required by law.

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF RESPONSIBILITY: The table below shows elements of expertise, skills, experience, and qualifications.

Instructions 24-RFQ-02

Threshold Criteria to Evaluate Responsive and Responsible Offerors

A. Direct previous experience assembling large-scale power supply plans or portfolios for end-use customers

B. Advanced degree in economics, mathematics, engineering, risk management, or a related area of study

C. 10+ years of experience in the electricity sector, including managing supply risk

D. Expertise in wholesale electricity market rules, including those established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and regional transmission organizations

E. Expertise in credit protocols and familiarity with contract protocols

F. Adequate resources to perform and fulfill the required functions and responsibilities

G. Absence of a conflict of interest and inappropriate bias for or against potential bidders or the affected electric utilities

H. Experience researching, assessing, or implementing local, state-wide, or national clean energy programs ($500 million in capital cost or 1 GW size or larger)

I. Experience with various modeling exercises such as technical analysis, financial modeling, power-flow modeling, loss of load studies, economic impact modeling, resource adequacy modeling, and GIS mapping

J. Has in-house research and policy team or working relationship with subcontractors specializing in energy research and policy analysis including regulatory frameworks

K. Experience with analyzing clean or renewable energy policy for local or state governments

L. Experience coordinating with and working with multiple stakeholders from different agencies, governments, and organizations with varying levels of priorities and/or interests

I.14 SELECTION OF OFFERORS: The Agency will select the Responsive and Responsible Offerors who meet the threshold requirements listed in the above evaluation.

Those Responsive and Responsible Offerors that meet threshold criteria will be placed on a short list of pre-qualified Offerors. These Offerors will then be subject to review by the Utilities, the ICC, and other interested parties in accordance with the process contained in 20 ILCS 3855/1-75(a)(3).9

9 “The Agency shall provide affected utilities and other interested parties with the lists of qualified experts or expert consulting firms identified through the request for qualifications processes that are under consideration to develop the procurement plans and to serve as the procurement administrator. The Agency shall also provide each qualified expert's or expert consulting firm's response to the request for qualifications. All information provided under this subparagraph shall also be provided to the Commission. The Agency may provide by rule for fees associated with supplying the information to utilities and other interested parties. These parties shall, within 5 business days, notify the Agency in writing if they object to any experts or expert consulting firms on the lists. Objections shall be based on: (A) failure to satisfy qualification criteria; (B) identification of a conflict of interest; or (C) evidence of inappropriate bias for or against potential bidders or the affected utilities. The Agenc y shall remove experts or expert

Instructions 24-RFQ-02

Offerors on the short list, other than those Offerors that are disqualified as a result of an objection by the Utilities, the ICC, or another interested party, will be invited to submit a response to the RFP. Only RFP responses from invited Offerors will be accepted by the Agency.

I.15 MINORITY, FEMALE, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITY PARTICIPATION AND UTILIZATION PLAN: Any subsequent RFP solicitation will contain a 10% goal to include businesses owned and controlled by minorities, females and persons with disabilities in the State’s procurement and contracting processes.

The Agency takes this goal very seriously, and failure to submit a Utilization Plan that meets this goal in response to any subsequent RFP as instructed in such solicitation may render the offer nonresponsive and thus will be rejected by the Agency. The Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion certifies minority-owned, women-owned, and persons with disabilities owned businesses for the State of Illinois Business Enterprise Program (“BEP”). Requirements for BEP certification are available on the BEP website.

The BEP program offers a primer video on completing Utilization Plans, and guidance on good faith efforts. The Utilization Plan is not required as part of the response to this RFQ. It will be a required component of any subsequent RFP. The Agency strongly encourages Offerors to carefully review the Utilization Plan template and familiarize themselves with the requirements for developing an acceptable Utilization Plan.

If the Offeror is a BEP certified vendor, the entire goal is met and no subcontracting with a BEP certified vendor is required; however, Offeror must submit a Utilization Plan indicating that the goal will be met by self-performance.

I.16 SUBCONTRACTING: Subcontractors are allowed. For the purposes of this section, subcontractors are those specifically hired to perform all or part of the work that is the subject of this solicitation.

If subcontractors are to be utilized, in preparation to any subsequent RFP, offerors must identify subcontractors with an annual value of more than $50,000 and the expected amount of money each will receive under the contract.

I.17 TIMELINE: The Agency plans to follow the timeline below to contract for the professional services of a Planning Consultant:

• RFQ issued: May 1, 2024

• RFQ Offerors conference call: May 16, 2024, 1 pm CPT10

• Deadline to submit written questions: May 17, 2024, 5 pm CPT

• RFQ responses due: June 3 2024, 5 pm CPT

• Offerors notified of eligibility: June 17, 2024 (tentative)

• RFP Issued: June 26, 2024 (tentative)

• RFP responses due: August 9, 2024 (tentative) consulting firms from the lists within 10 days if there is a reasonable basis for an objection and provide the updated lists to the affected utilities and other interested parties. If the Agency fails to remove an expert or expert consulting firm from a list, an objecting party may seek review by the Commission within 5 days thereafter by filing a petition, and the Commission shall render a ruling on the petition within 10 days. There is no right of appeal of the Commission's ruling.” (20 ILCS 3855/1-75(a)(3))

10 Please send an e-mail to the Solicitation Contact listed above to request the call-in number for this call.

Instructions 24-RFQ-02

• Selected Offeror notified September 20, 2024 (tentative)

• ICC approval of contract October 10, 2025 (tentative)

• Contract start date: October 5, 2024 (tentative)

SECTION 1 - CHECK LIST

Submittal of Qualifications Check List and Signature Page 24-RFQ-02

SUBMITTAL OF QUALIFICATIONS CHECK LIST

By completing and signing this form, the Offeror makes a Submittal of Qualifications to the Agency that the Agency may accept. Offeror should also use this form as a final check to ensure that all required documents are completed and included with the submittal. Offeror must mark each blank below as appropriate. Offeror understands that failure to meet all requirements is cause for disqualification.

CHECK LIST:

1.1. SOLICITATION REVIEW: Offeror reviewed the solicitation, including all referenced documents, laws, and instructions, completed all blanks, provided all required information, and demonstrated how it will meet the requirements of the Agency.

Yes No

1.2. INCORPORATION OF 24-RFQ-02 BY REFERENCE: Offeror acknowledges that this solicitation (24-RFQ-02) and Offeror’s responses to it will be incorporated and made part of any subsequent contract by reference.

Yes No

1.3. ADDENDA: Offeror acknowledges receipt of any and all addendums to this solicitation and has taken those into account in making this Submittal of Qualifications.

Yes No

1.4. SUBMISSION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL - Section 2: Offeror is submitting a complete and responsive Technical Proposal, Section 2, in a properly labeled email or container, to the correct email address or location, and by the due date and time.

Yes No

1.5. EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE AND STAFF: Offeror has the required expertise, skill, experience staff, and ability to meet the requirements of the Agency in Section 2.2 through Section 2.5.

Yes No

1.6. MILESTONES AND DELIVERABLES: Offeror’s has the capability to meet the agency’s milestones and deliverables requirements in sections 2.2 and 2.3.

Yes No

1.7. OFFEROR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS: Offeror provided a complete statement of qualifications in Section 2.5.

Yes No

1.8. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE: The undersigned authorized representative of the identified Offeror hereby submits this Submittal of Qualifications in full compliance with this solicitation.

Signature of Authorized Representative:

Printed Name of Signatory: Click here to enter text.

Date: Click here to enter a date.

SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

Technical Proposal 24-RFQ-02

2. SPECIFICATIONS, QUALIFICATIONS AND STATEMENT OF OFFEROR

QUALIFICATIONS

2.1. GOAL: The Agency seeks a qualified Planning Consultant to provide consulting and procurement planning services. The Planning Consultant will assist the Agency in meeting its mission to develop plans annually for the procurement of adequate, reliable, affordable, efficient and environmentally sustainable electric service at the lowest total cost over time, taking into account any benefits of price stability for the eligible retail customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, and MidAmerican, and to revise the Agency’s Long- Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan to meet certain renewable portfolio standard requirements for the Utilities. Additionally, the Planning Consultant will conduct key research, modeling and analysis related to assessing resource adequacy and reliability for Illinois, and provide research and analysis to support the Agency’s understanding of the economics of clean energy development, and other tasks as needed.

The Planning Consultant will support the Agency in implementing new energy legislation as it is enacted by the Illinois General Assembly. This will likely take the form of developing new procurement plans, and the Agency anticipates that legislation to support the procurement of energy storage and green hydrogen are possible in the coming years.

2.2. EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE AND SERVICES REQUIRED: The Agency requires expert consulting and procurement planning services from qualified Offerors that, at a minimum, have the following experience and qualifications.

A. Direct previous experience assembling large-scale power supply plans or portfolios for end-use customers

B. One or more Staff with an advanced degree in economics, mathematics, engineering, risk management, or a related area of study

C. One or more Staff with at least 10 years of experience in the electricity sector, including managing supply risk

D. Expertise in wholesale electricity market rules, including those established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and regional transmission organizations

E. Expertise in credit protocols and familiarity with contract protocols F. Adequate resources to perform and fulfill the required functions and responsibilities G. The absence of a conflict of interest and inappropriate bias for or against potential bidders or the affected electric utilities H. Experience researching, assessing, or implementing local, state-wide, or national clean energy programs ($500 million in capital cost or 1 GW size or larger) I. Experience with various modeling exercises such as technical analysis, financial modeling, power-flow modeling, loss of load studies, economic impact modeling, resource adequacy modeling, and GIS mapping

J. Has in-house research and policy team or working relationship with subcontractors specializing in energy research and policy analysis including regulatory frameworks

K. Experience with analyzing clean or renewable energy policy for local or state governments

L. Experience coordinating with and working with multiple stakeholders from different agencies, governments, and organizations with varying levels of priorities and/or interests

Technical Proposal 24-RFQ-02

The Planning Consultant with input from the Agency and/or the electric utilities, and/or other stakeholders, will be required to complete the following tasks.

I. Annual Electricity Procurement Plan

The Annual Electricity Procurement Plan outlines the procurement activities the Agency will take to procure energy and capacity for eligible retail customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, and Mid American. These are the residential and small commercial customers who have not switched to Alternative Retail Electric Suppliers and represent approximately 20-25% of the load in Illinois.

The Agency has a well developed procurement approach that has been refined over the past fifteen years, comprising of twice annual block energy procurements. However, the Agency desires to periodically review the procurement approach, in particular approaches to hedging MISO capacity for Ameren customers, and will expect the Planning Consultant to conduct a thorough review of the Agency’s historical risk management approaches in developing the 2026 Electricity Procurement Plan in the spring and summer of 2025. The Agency also notes that several legislative proposals introduced in this year and last year would have the Agency update its procurement activities for eligible retail customers to consider clean energy attributes of the energy procured. Should such legislation be enacted, the Planning Consultant would play a primary role in updating the Agency’s procurement approach to incorporate clean energy considerations.

Section 16-111.5(b) of the Public Utilities Act includes the following specific tasks to be undertaken each year in the development of electricity procurement plans:

1. Analyze the projected balance of supply and demand for eligible retail customers over a 5-year period

2. Identify the wholesale products to be procured following plan approval by the Illinois Commerce Commission

3. Perform hourly load analysis; this analysis includes:

(i) Multi-year historical analysis of hourly loads

(ii) Switching trends and competitive retail market analysis

(iii) Known or projected changes to future loads

(iv) Growth forecasts by customer class

4. Analyze the impact of any demand-side and renewable energy initiatives. This analysis includes:

(i) The impact of demand-response programs and energy efficiency programs, both current and projected

(ii) Supply-side needs that are projected to be offset by purchases of renewable energy resources, if any

5. Develop a plan for meeting the expected load requirements that will not be met through preexisting contracts. This plan includes:

(i) Definitions of the different Illinois retail customer classes for which supply is being purchased

(ii) The proposed mix of demand-response products for which contracts will be executed during the next year

(iii) Monthly forecasted system supply requirements, including expected minimum, maximum, and average values for the planning period

(iv) The proposed mix and selection of standard wholesale products for which contracts will be executed during the next year, separately or

Technical Proposal 24-RFQ-02 in combination, to meet that portion of the load requirements not met through pre-existing contracts, including but not limited to monthly 5 x 16 peak period block energy, monthly off-peak wrap energy, monthly 7 x 24 energy, annual 5 x 16 energy, annual off-peak wrap energy, annual 7 x 24 energy, monthly capacity, annual capacity, peak load capacity obligations, capacity purchase plan, and ancillary services

(v) Proposed term structures for each wholesale product type included in the proposed procurement plan portfolio of products

(vi) An assessment of the price risk, load uncertainty, and other factors that are associated with the proposed procurement plan; this assessment, to the extent possible, includes an analysis of the following factors: contract terms, time frames for securing products or services, fuel costs, weather patterns, transmission costs, market conditions, and the governmental regulatory environment; the proposed procurement plan shall also identify alternatives for those portfolio measures that are identified as having significant price risk.

II. Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan11

Since the enactment of the Future Energy Jobs Act (Public Act 99-0906) in 2017 which was further revised by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Public Act 102-0662) in 2021, the Agency prepares a biennial Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan that describes the Agency’s approaches to conducting procurements and programs to support the Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard. This includes competitive procurements for RECS from new utility-scale wind, solar, hydro, and brownfield site projects, the administration of a self-direct program for very large customers, the Adjustable Block Program (also known as Illinois Shines) to support the development of photovoltaic distributed generation and community solar, the Illinois Solar for All Program to support solar for income-eligible households and communities, and the Minimum Equity Standard to ensure equitable access to the clean energy economy in Illinois. The most recent Plan was published on April 19, 2024.12

The Agency expects that the selected Offeror will support the Agency in the next update of the Long-Term Plan (a process that will start in the spring of 2025 leading to the development of a draft Plan for release on August 15, 2025, and a plan filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission for approval in late October 2025). This work will include, but not be limited to:

1. Developing adjustments and refinements to the REC Pricing Model used to set REC prices for the Adjustable Block Program and in the Illinois Solar for All Program. In particular, this will include analysis of solar market data to support and justify the modeling approach.13

2. Supporting the Agency with analyzing load forecasts, and calculating RPS budgets and targets at the utility and Statewide level contained in Chapter 3 of the Long-Term Plan, including:

11 20 ILCS 3855/1-75(c).

12 See: https://ipa.illinois.gov/energy-procurement/current-approved-plan.html.

13 See in particular Section 7.5 of the 2024 Long-Term Plan and technical details and modeling contained in

Appendices D and E (available at: https://ipa.illinois.gov/energy-procurement/2024-ltrrpp-appendices.html).

Technical Proposal 24-RFQ-02

i. Analyzing contracted REC quantities and prices to estimate available budgets and gaps

ii. Analyzing the balance between wind and solar photovoltaic contracted REC quantities and recommend procurements of RECs to achieve required balance

iii. Analyzing the impact of proposed REC procurements on available budget and targets, recommend adjustments, if needed

3. Recommending adjustments to the competitive REC procurement process to achieve RPS targets while staying within available budget (see Chapter 5 of the Long-Term Plan)

4. Developing recommendations for improvements to the Adjustable Block Program (see Chapter 7 of the Long-Term Plan)

5. Developing recommendations for improvements to the Illinois Solar for All Program (see Chapter 8 of the Long-Term Plan)

6. Proposing improvements to the implementation of the public interest criteria for adjacent states, if any (see Chapter 4 of the Long-Term Plan)

III. Resource Adequacy Study

Section 9.15(o) of the Environmental Protection Act tasks the Illinois Power Agency to work with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Commerce Commission to develop a report by December 15, 2025 that assess the State’s progress on renewable energy resource development goals, the status of CO2e and copollutant emissions reductions, the current status and progress toward developing and implementing green hydrogen technologies, the current and projected status of electric resource adequacy and reliability throughout the State for a 5 years period ahead, and proposes solutions for any findings.

If the report reasonable concludes that a resource adequacy shortfall will occur, then the Agency along with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will then develop a plan to address that shortfall that could include changes to the State’s timeline for decarbonization and consideration of additional use of renewable energy, energy storage, demand response, transmission development, and other strategies. That plan would be then submitted to the Illinois Commerce Commission for review and approval.

The Agency will be working closely with the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on the development of this report and expects that the selected Offeror will provide key support to the agencies in the report ’s development.

This support will include, but not be limited to:

1. Performing technical analysis including but not limited to greenhouse gas emission modelling, resource adequacy modelling, production cost modelling, power flow modelling, economic impact modelling etc.

2. Developing a working relationship with regional transmission organizations including but not limited to PJM and MISO that makes requests and obtaining information seamless

3. Collaborating with other public agencies, organizations, government officials, stakeholders to produce publishable research

Technical Proposal 24-RFQ-02

4. Tracking the development and deployment of green hydrogen technology in

Illinois and nation-wide

5. Tracking the retirement of greenhouse emitting resources in Illinois

6. Developing solution-oriented plan in meeting resource adequacy and reliability goals

7. Tracking and clearly communicating project timeline, updates, and deliverables in a structured manner

IV. Support of Policy Development

Over the past ten years, the Agency has been given increasing responsibilities from the Illinois General Assembly to support energy policy goals for the State, in particular for the support and development of clean energy. This can take on the form of developing new procurement plans, revising existing procurement plans and approaches, and preparing studies such as the recently completed study of energy storage, offshore wind, and underground HVDC transmission lines.14 While the scope, subject, and timing of future legislation cannot be known at this time, the Agency expects that the selected Offeror will support the Agency by having the capacity to carry out the following tasks as needed:

1. Conduct research and analysis on potential legislative changes impacting the energy sector

2. Evaluate the implications of new and emerging technologies that could be integrated into the state's electrical grid

3. Utilize various tools and technical models such as GIS, financial modeling, power-flow modeling, economic impact modeling, resource adequacy modeling, loss of load studies, etc., to assess the impact of proposed policy changes

4. Prepare detailed technical reports summarizing complex analysis and findings in clear and accessible language for non-technical stakeholders, including government officials, legislators, and the public

5. Be ahead of the curve on industry trends, best practices, and regulatory developments related to energy policy and quickly gather and synthesize resources to support analytical work and policy recommendations

6. Monitor proceedings and activities at PJM, MISO, FERC, and other states and regions that would inform or impact the Agency’s work, and provide reports to the Agency on an as needed basis

V. Potential Support of Energy Storage Policy and Procurements (legislation pending)

As discussed above, the Agency expects the selected Offeror to support the Agency with policy development, but the Agency specifically expects that energy storage will be a key focus of potential future legislation as Illinois does not currently have a policy or mechanism to support energy storage development. The Agency therefore expects that it may require support on the implementation of energy storage programs and procurements when legislation is enacted. This could include:

14 See: https://ipa.illinois.gov/ipa-policy-study.html.

Technical Proposal 24-RFQ-02

1. Performing deep dives into other state energy storage procurements- what works and doesn’t work

2. Analyzing various incentive models including indexed storage credits, rebates, or other alternatives

3. Exploring storage plus renewables incentive mechanisms

4. Evaluating energy storage options and implications for enhancing grid resiliency and resource adequacy

5. Providing support to the Agency to understand the storage procurement process

VI. Zero Emission Standard Payment Calculation Notice15

Through the 2026-2027 delivery year the Zero Emissions Standard, which was developed and implemented in 2017 and 2018, provides financial support to certain at-risk nuclear plants. As part of the administration of the Zero Emissions Standard, the Agency must calculate an annual notice of payment calculations and expects that the selected Offeror will support the Agency by:

1. Collecting and analyzing market data needed to calculate the Market Price Index for the applicable Delivery Year

2. Calculating the applicable Market Price Index and ZEC Price

3. Seeking agreement on the…