DOER RFQ-ENE-2026-014 Natural Gas Policy Rate Cases and Supply Contracts Consulting Services Request for Quotes 09.30.25.pdf

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY AND

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY RESOURCES

ELIZABETH MAHONY, COMMISSIONER

100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02114

Request for Quote (RFQ)

Document Title: Natural Gas Rate Cases and

Supply Contracts Consulting Services

COMMBUYS Bid Number: BD-26-1041-ENE01-ENE01-121487 Agency Document Number: RFQ-ENE-2026-014

Issued September 30th, 2025

Please Note: This is a single document associated with a complete Bid (also referred to as Solicitation) that can be found on www.COMMBUYS.com. All Bidders are responsible for reviewing and adhering to all information, forms and requirements for the entire Bid, which are all incorporated into the Bid. Bidders may also contact the COMMBUYS Helpdesk at COMMBUYS@state.ma.us or the COMMBUYS Helpline at 1-888-MA-STATE. The Helpline is staffed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday Eastern Standard or Daylight time, as applicable, except on federal, state and Suffolk County holidays.

http://www.commbuys.com/ mailto:COMMBUYS@state.ma.us

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources – RFQ-ENE-2026-014 Natural Gas Rate Cases and Supply Contracts Consulting Services

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I. Introduction The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) develops and implements policies and programs aimed at ensuring the adequacy, security, diversity, and cost-effectiveness of the Commonwealth’s energy supply to create a clean, affordable and resilient energy future for all residents, businesses, communities, and institutions.

In this procurement, DOER will purchase services and products that can be used to advance policies managed by itself and by other Departments in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA).

II. Background

Pursuant to G.L. 164 § 94 natural gas companies shall file schedules of rates, prices and charges;

contracts and filings of proposed changes with the Department of Public Utilities (Department) not less frequently than 10 years. Unless the Department orders otherwise, all contracts for the sale of gas by gas companies must be filed with the Department. The Department is permitted to investigate the propriety of any contract.

On December 6, 2023, the Department issued an Order in the Investigation by the Department on its own Motion into the role of gas local distribution companies (LDCs) as the Commonwealth achieves its target 2050 climate goals. Within the Order, the Department discussed several topics centered around the energy transition including adoption of electrified heating technologies, the feasibility of electrification pilots, the management of gas infrastructure investments and recovery and affordability.

The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) seeks consulting services to support its internal analysis of natural gas infrastructure and supply, and its policy advocacy before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU), including but not limited to natural gas utility rate cases and proceedings related to natural gas supply contracts.1

III. Procurement and Contact Information

A. Type of Procurement

Fee for Service subject to 801 CMR 21.

B. Commonwealth Of Massachusetts’ Small Business Purchasing Program

Program Background

1 Example proceedings include, but are not limited to, a petition of Liberty Utilities for approval of a general increase in base distribution rates (DPU 25-85) and a petition of Eversource Gas for approval of a firm transportation agreement (DPU 25-133).

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The Massachusetts Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) was established pursuant to Executive Order 523 to increase state contracting opportunities with small businesses having their principal place of business within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Pursuant to the SBPP, it is the intention of the issuing department to award this Small Procurement to one or more SBPP participating business(es) as described below.

SBPP Award Preference

While all businesses, no matter the size or principal place of business, may submit responses to this solicitation, should an SBPP participant respond and meet the best value criteria as described in this solicitation, the SBPP participant shall be awarded the contract. The Strategic Sourcing Services Team (SSST) will not evaluate submissions from non-SBPP participants unless no SBPP Bidder meets the SSST’s best value evaluation criteria.

SBPP Participation Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in this procurement as an SBPP participant, an entity must meet the following criteria, and be marked as an SBPP registered business in COMMBUYS:

1. Have its principal place of business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;

2. Been in business for at least one year;

3. Employ a combined total of 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees in all locations, or employees work less than a combined total of 26,000 hours per quarter; and

4. Have gross revenues, as reported on appropriate tax forms, of $15 million or less, based on a three-year average.

Non-profit firms also must be registered as a non-profit or charitable organization with the MA Attorney General’s Office and be up to date with all filings required by that office and be tax exempt under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.

SBPP Compliance Requirements

It is the responsibility of the Bidder to ensure that their SBPP status is current at the time of submitting a response and throughout the life of any resulting contract. Misrepresentation of SBPP status will result in disqualification from consideration, and may result in debarment, contract termination, and other actions. To learn more about the SBPP, including how to apply, visit the SBPP webpage, http://www.mass.gov/sbpp.

Program Resources & Assistance

Bidders and Contractors seeking assistance regarding SBPP may visit the SBPP webpage or contact the SBPP Help Desk at sbpp@mass.gov.

http://www.mass.gov/sbpp mailto:sbpp@mass.gov

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C. RFQ Distribution Method

This RFQ has been distributed electronically using the COMMBUYS system. It is the responsibility of every potential respondent to check COMMBUYS for any addenda or modifications to an RFQ to which they intend to respond. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its subdivisions accept no liability and will provide no accommodations to respondents who fail to check for amended RFQs or submit inadequate or incorrect responses.

Respondents may not alter RFQ language or any RFQ component files. Those submitting a proposal must respond in accordance with the RFQ directions and complete only those sections that prompt a respondent for a response. Modifications to the body of this RFQ, specifications, terms and conditions, or which change the intent of this RFQ, are prohibited. Any unauthorized alterations will disqualify a response.

D. PRF74 – Energy Consultant Services

Work awarded as a result of this RFQ is pursuant to Statewide Contract PRF74 – Energy, Climate Action, and Facility Advisory Services Designated DOER (PRF74). As such, all terms, conditions, contract rules, and pricing established in PRF74 shall apply. Additional information concerning PRF74 can be found in the User Guide: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/professional-services

E. Massachusetts Public Records Law

All proposals and information submitted in response to this RFQ are subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L., Chapter 66, Section 10, and to Chapter 4, Section 7, and Subsection

26. Any statements in submitted proposals that are inconsistent with these statutes shall be disregarded.

F. No Guarantee of Resulting Contract

The Commonwealth makes no assurance that any services will be purchased from any contract resulting from this RFQ.

G. Questions and Answers

All questions must be submitted through COMMBUYS.

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/professional-services https://www.mass.gov/service-details/professional-services

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H. Contact Information

Responses to this RFQ will be received by:

Procurement Contact: Shevie B. Brown Department of Energy Resources 100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02114 Telephone: 617-626-7307 E-mail: shevie.brown@mass.gov RFQ Name: Natural Gas Rate Cases and Supply Contracts Consulting

Services RFQ File Number: RFQ-ENE-2026-014

Milestone Date

DOER Issues RFQ September 30, 2025

Deadline for Submitting Questions October 7, 2025

DOER Answers Questions October 14, 2025

RFQ Response Due October 21, 2025 at 5:00PM EST

Selection of Winning Response* October 28, 2025

Execution of Contract with DOER* November 4, 2025

* Dates after RFQ Response Due date are anticipated dates. All dates are subject to change.

IV. Scope of Work

Introduction

The specific function of the Contractor is to support and assist the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) in its participation in evidentiary proceedings before the Department of Public Utilities.

Such proceedings will include but not be limited to natural gas rate cases, natural gas supply contracts and other natural gas infrastructure filings. In general, in the course of a regulatory proceeding the Contractor will: (1) review and critique the filings concerning the gas distribution systems; (2) meet with DOER staff to establish and finalize positions; (3) draft recommendations and strategies for DOER consideration; (4) provide technical expertise to DOER as needed; (5) participate in the discovery process; (6) and provide expert testimony as directed.

mailto:shevie.brown@mass.gov

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Key Responsibilities and Tasks

The Contractor’s main responsibilities will include but are not limited to providing analytical support for the following tasks:

Task 1: Natural Gas Utility Rate Cases and Infrastructure Proceedings

I. Support DOER’s intervention in natural gas utility rate cases and other natural gas infrastructure and supply proceedings before the Department of Public Utilities as needed, including but not limited to:

i. Review and summarize Information Requests, Briefs, and other filings made by intervenors in the docket and identify relevant materials to DOER

ii. Prepare Information Requests for DOER to submit to support development of DOER policy positions

iii. Prepare expert testimony on behalf of DOER and prepare responses to Information or Record Requests issued to DOER

iv. Appear on DOER’s behalf during evidentiary hearings

v. Support DOER with development of policy positions for Briefs

vi. Track docket progress and provide updates to DOER on status throughout procedural schedule

II. The Contractor will clearly and transparently present recommendations and key observations on the filings to DOER for discussion and review. Recommendations should be specific to DOER policies and priorities, including:

i. Maintaining affordable rates for consumers

ii. Aligning utility investment with clean energy goals and avoiding stranded assets

iii. Consideration of both positive and negative impacts to Environmental Justice populations in the Commonwealth

iv. Minimize or mitigate impacts on ratepayers III. Recommend best practices from across the country to inform DOER policy positions.

IV. Present an understanding of Massachusetts rate structures, including the ability to speak on relevant procedural history and technical knowledge.

V. Assess whether the strategies, investments, and goals proposed by the LDCs are putting the Commonwealth on track to be in compliance with the Commonwealth’s 2050 climate goals, including the statewide greenhouse gas emissions limits and sublimits under M.G.L. chapter 21N.

VI. Review and propose modifications to key performance indicators and performance metrics, including equity metrics, program tracking data, and program strategies.

Consider current metrics reporting requirements and processes through relevant ongoing dockets.

VII. Develop presentations and written materials for DOER to use for internal and external briefings on dockets. Communicate ideas and information effectively through oral and written presentations (e.g., Microsoft Office Power Points and Excel Spreadsheets), and other written documents.

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VIII. Present to DOER on technical topics related to utility filings as needed and within the technical experience of the consultant.

Task 2: Analytical and Technical Support on Natural Gas Infrastructure and Supply

I. Conduct technical and regulatory analysis to inform DOER’s understanding of natural gas infrastructure and supply.

II. Research and summarize best practices from across the country to inform DOER policy positions on natural gas infrastructure and supply.

III. Attend technical sessions and other meetings as directed regarding natural gas infrastructure and supply planning and report back to DOER on key findings and recommended policy actions or positions.

IV. Provide white papers, slide decks, and other written materials for internal use and to support regulatory interventions.

V. Provide briefings to DOER staff and management.

VI. DELIVERABLES

Key deliverables as discussed above and as directed by DOER shall be completed by the selected Contractor. Such deliverables include:

Task Deliverable Expected Completion Date

1 Project Kick-Off Meeting December 2, 2025

Review and summary of petition, relevant stakeholder information requests for Liberty and National Grid Rate Cases

December 9, 2025

3 Development of DOER Information Requests (National Grid Rate Case) December 2025

4 Assist and review of DOER Brief (Liberty Rate Case) January 2025

5 Assist with possible testimony and other preparations for evidentiary hearings for National Grid rate case February 2025 (estimated)

7 Begin Review and Summary of Target Electrification Pilots. Spring 2026

VII. CONTRACT INFORMATION

A. Funding availability/duration of contract

The maximum amount of funding for any contract resulting from this RFQ is an amount not to exceed three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000). DOER anticipates that any contract(s) awarded pursuant to this RFQ to begin on the date of execution and end on June 30, 2027. The contract is subject to available funding. DOER reserves the right to hire a Contractor for a limited scope of work if necessary to meet the budget parameters.

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B. Contract Expansion

If additional funds become available during the contract duration period, DOER reserves the right to increase the maximum obligation to the contract executed as a result of this RFQ, with related additional tasks to be determined by mutual written agreement consistent with the terms of statewide contract PRF74.

C. Contractor’s responsibility and invoicing

The selected Contractor will be responsible for timely completion of the requirements described above and as directed by DOER. The selected Contractor must assume overall responsibility for coordinating and completing all deliverables contained in the resultant contract. All invoices must be submitted to DOER on a schedule and in a format to be agreed upon by DOER and the selected Contractor. Invoices shall include sufficient back-up documentation to support the amount being invoiced.

D. The Commonwealth’s responsibility

DOER’s Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing all tasks undertaken by the selected Contractor, including but not limited to developing of a Statement of Work and schedule; reviewing, commenting on, and approving deliverables; coordinating with DOER and other program staff; and approving invoices promptly.

VIII. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Respondents to this RFQ-ENE-2025-014 must respond via the COMMBUYS web portal and must also submit an electronic proposal to Shevie.Brown@mass.gov by 5:00 P.M. EST on October 24th, 2025. Late proposals will not be accepted. Faxed proposals will not be accepted. Proposals should not be submitted in an elaborate format that includes expensive binders or graphics.

Unnecessary attachments beyond those sufficient to present a complete, comprehensive, and effective response will not influence the evaluation of the proposal. Each page of the proposal should state the name of the bidder and the page number.

Respondents must provide the following sections in their proposal. The proposal must not exceed ten (10) pages, not including resumes, schedule of activities/deliverables, or budget proposal.

1. Applicant Qualifications and Experience mailto:Shevie.Brown@mass.gov

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At a minimum the selected Contractor’s qualifications and experience should include the following elements. A selected Contractor’s qualifications and types of experience may be met through one or more subcontracting relationships. If the Contractor (including subcontractors) has comparable qualifications to those that are listed below, but not the exact qualifications, the bid should explain so.

• Knowledge of Massachusetts DPU regulatory proceedings, rules and precedent and demonstrable experience in such regulatory proceedings

• Knowledge of the natural gas infrastructure system and natural gas supply markets

• Experience participating in or tracking regulatory processes

• Knowledge of gas rate design, including Performance Based Ratemaking (PBR) and accelerated depreciation.

• Knowledge of utility metrics, data reporting, and cost recovery

• Knowledge of the Commonwealth’s 2050 climate goals, such as the statewide greenhouse gas emissions limits and sublimits

• Knowledge of the cost-efficiency of natural gas distribution system programs and investments, including alternatives to investments or alternative approaches to financing investments

• Knowledge of distribution company cost-allocation mechanisms, performance incentives.

and penalties

• Experience in understanding, processing, and communicating technical information and recommendations to a mixed technical and non-technical audience

• Experience in communicating ideas, recommendations, and other information effectively through oral and written presentations (e.g., Microsoft Office Power Points and Excel Spreadsheets), and other written documents

• Experience managing project schedules and budgets, including regular communication with clients especially under tight timelines

2. Budget: A budget, broken out by task, staff-person, and hourly rate. Respondents must provide project‐based pricing instead of the maximum billing rates established in PRF74.

Consultants must include any and all ancillary services in the project price. DOER under no circumstance will pay additional invoices related to project‐based procurement. Proposals that include partnerships must designate one party as the lead Contractor and identify the team of subcontractors (collectively referred to as sub Contractors .

IX. PROPOSAL EVALUATION

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The selected Contractor shall demonstrate the experience, ability, and skills to complete projects of this type on time and within budget.

All proposals received by the due date and meeting the requirements established in this RFQ will be reviewed and evaluated by DOER. The evaluation will include, but will not be limited to, the following criteria:

• Effectiveness of the proposed approach: Respondent’s proposed approach demonstrates understanding of the tasks and a logical approach. Respondent demonstrates understanding and sound approach to proposed Scope of Work.

• Likelihood of proposal to achieve outcomes: Respondent’s proposal, hours allocated to each task, and team composition suggests likelihood of proposal to achieve outcomes and produce deliverables on schedule.

• Respondent’s experience with similar projects and relevant subject matter: Respondent team has demonstrated experience including background, knowledge, and experience with the tasks and subject matter described in the Scope of Work, above.

• Specific experience supporting building disclosure requirements in other jurisdictions.

• Extent to which the proposed budget demonstrates the best value to the Commonwealth, including consideration of total cost and hourly rates for team members.