Amendment 1_Vendor Questions and Answers.docx

DQ 26-511 Amendment 1 Climate Policy Modeling Questions & Answers

Question 1:

· Is this work related to CEO's CPRG implementation funding?

Answer 1: No.

Question 2:

· How does the CEO expect this modeling work to account for existing actions already implemented or planned by the State (e.g., Roadmap Baseline, Near Term Actions, CPRG impacts)?

Answer 2: This work will build off of the modeling that supported both Greenhouse Gas Roadmaps. This work is already reflected in the current EPS tool.

Question 3:

· How does this work relate to the CEO and CDPHE's previous coordination with RMI to align EPS to the State's inventory and include Roadmap Baseline and Near-Term Action scenarios (now archived EPS versions)?

Answer 3: This work will build off of the modeling that supported both Greenhouse Gas Roadmaps and the subsequent 2025 Greenhouse Gas Inventory. It will model additional potential actions the state could take to reduce emissions.

Question 4:

· Section 3.A states that the awarded respondent shall “support State staff in modeling emission reductions” and provide “outputs using Energy Policy Simulator (EPS) model of policy actions.” Can the State clarify whether the respondent is expected to directly run the Colorado EPS, develop model inputs and scenarios, conduct post-processing and interpretation, provide advisory support to State staff, or some combination of these activities?

Answer 4: The Awarded Respondent may be asked to directly run the Colorado EPS tool, develop model scenarios, provide advisory support, or some combination of these activities.

Question 5:

· Task 1 Planning Assumption – Number of Policies/Scenarios: For budgeting and level-of-effort purposes, approximately how many policy actions, design options, and/or emission reduction scenarios should respondents assume for Task 1?

Answer 5: We are likely to model no more than 10 policy actions.

Question 6:

· Existing Model Files and Baseline Assumptions: Will the State provide an existing Colorado EPS model file, baseline assumptions, prior scenario analyses, or other supporting data to the awarded respondent?

Answer 6: Yes.

Question 7:

· Task 2 Planning Assumption – Number and Depth of Memos: Section 3.B states that policy action research will be summarized in memos as directed by the CEO. For budgeting purposes, is there an expected number of memos or a desired level of detail, such as screening-level research versus detailed implementation analysis?

Answer 7: There are likely to be 2-3 memos each focused on a new potential policy that the state could consider. Each memo will include fairly detailed research on implementation of similar policies in other jurisdictions, and design considerations for Colorado.

Question 8:

· Deliverable Format and Level of Detail: Can the State clarify the expected format and level of detail for Task 1 and Task 2 deliverables, including whether Task 1 outputs should include model files, data tables, graphics, technical summaries, or other supporting documentation?

Answer 8: Task 1 and 2 outputs

· Task 1 may include direct work developing emission reduction scenarios using the Colorado Energy Policy Simulator, or technical assistance for State staff as they develop scenarios. In the first case, saved scenarios within the tool and associated documentation will be the primary output. Tables, graphics, and summaries can be downloaded directly from the tool. Additional work may take place in Vensim, an offline engine that supports the online tool. The Awarded Respondent will be asked to document key assumptions and methodologies, including calculations, in creation of emission reduction scenarios.

· Task 2 outputs will include detailed memos as directed by the Energy Office. Memos will be primarily written content but may include relevant graphics and tables.

Question 9:

· Minimum Qualification Documentation: Section 2.D states that the awarded respondent’s team, including primes, subcontractors, and lead staff, must meet the minimum qualifications. Can the State clarify how the 10 years of relevant Colorado experience should be demonstrated in the quote, particularly when experience is distributed across the firm, subcontractors, and key personnel?

Answer 9: Please show at least 10 years of combined relevant Colorado experience for key personnel.

Question 10:

· Pricing Structure and Billing Basis: Section 4.C.vi describes the engagement as firm-fixed-rate, while Section 3.F refers to invoicing based on deliverables or time and materials, if applicable, and billing by task on an hourly basis. Can the State clarify whether respondents should submit a firm fixed price by task/deliverable, a not-to-exceed budget supported by hourly rates and estimated level of effort, or another preferred pricing format?

Answer 10: A total budget for Tasks 1 and 2 is not required, however, Respondents are welcome to provide estimated budgets for Task 1 and2, in addition to identifying each team member, and including their role in the project, along with the labor category and associated hourly rates and anticipated costs of materials. For Task 3, Respondents should provide a total budget in addition to identifying each team member, estimate of labor hours, by labor category, and cost of materials it anticipates it will be required to complete Task 3.

Question 11:

· Budget Tables and Page Limit: Section 4.C states that quotes should be no longer than 10 pages, not including resumes, example documents, or attachments. Do budget tables, required appendices, and compliance forms count toward the 10-page limit?

Answer 11: No. Budget tables, appendices, and compliance forms do not count towards the 10-page limit.

Question 12:

· Required Appendices and Compliance Documentation: Can the State confirm which appendices or forms must be submitted with the quote, including Appendix B Vendor Disclosure Statement, Appendix C Accessibility Vendor Document Checklist, and Appendix D AI Disclosure and Use Requirements?

Answer 12: All appendices, other than Appendix D, should be submitted with your response. Appendix D is descriptive of the State’s position on the use of AI in order for respondents to provide an informed response to the questions regarding AI use.

Question 13:

· Accessibility Documentation: Section 2.A references Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level AA compliance and indicates that respondents may provide either a third-party accessibility evaluation or a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). For this analytical/modeling scope, does the State expect a VPAT or third-party accessibility evaluation with the quote, or is completion of Appendix C and a compliance statement sufficient at the quote stage?

Answer 13: Completing the questionnaire and providing a compliance statement are all that is required when providing a quote. However, the State would like to ensure that Respondents are aware of the standards they will be required to meet when providing goods or services to the state if selected. Please read Section 2.A. carefully along with the linked resources before responding to the DQ.