Notice of Opportunity (Updated - 2.28.2024).pdf

Notice of Opportunity 2/28/24

TO: All Fourth Generation DOE ESPC IDIQ Contract Holders DATE: 2/28/2024

FROM: GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE

SUBJECT: Notice of Opportunity (NOO) for Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) Task Order at and Request for Contractor Expressions of Interest (Ref. NAICS code 541330)

NOTICE AND INVITATION

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is interested in pursuing a potential ESPC project at GAO Headquarters (441 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20548). 11 additional GAO facilities are leased from the General Services Administration and are also included in this NOO. GAO intends to include its own building and reserves the right to include all, any subset, or none, of the 11 facilities that GAO leases from GSA in any award at their sole discretion.

This notice of opportunity invites current holders of the Department of Energy’s (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. In the event of a resultant Task Order Award, the award will be made to (1) of the 20 DOE Fourth Generation ESPC IDIQ contract holders/ESCOs as the prime contractor.

The scope of any task order (TO) awarded for this project is the buildings and facilities as identified in this notice. While certain energy and water conservation measures (ECMs) will be included at the time of the original TO award, GAO may, at any time during the performance period, request the selected ESCO to do further analysis to determine whether expansion of ECMs included in the original TO or additional ECMs for the identified buildings and facilities are feasible. If deemed viable and desirable, GAO may incorporate the additional ECMs into this project by way of TO modification.

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 The mission of GAO is to provide Congress, the heads of executive agencies, and the public with timely, fact-based, non-partisan information that can be used to improve government and save taxpayers billions of dollars.

2.2 Facility Description

GAO’s headquarters (HQ) building is more than 70 years old and approximately 2.1 million square feet, with 10 total levels. Above ground: 7 floors of office space and 8th floor housing various MEP systems. In addition to the 8 above-ground floors, HQ building has basement and sub-basement levels, with parking, storage, various facilities-related workshops, etc. The HQ building functions primarily as open office space but also includes IT infrastructure (e.g., servers), training space, lobby concourse, auditorium, meeting rooms, cafeteria, guard shacks, structured parking garage, workout facility, etc.

https://eprojectbuilder.lbl.gov/

GAO leases 11 additional facilities from the General Services Administration.

2.2.1 Federal Building/Facility Types

• Office Space

• Data centers

• Dining facilities

• Parking facilities

2.2.2 Site Conditions

• Challenging climatic conditions. Examples of climatic conditions to consider for GAO HQ could include heating degree days, cooling degree days, maximum average temperature, minimum average temperature, extreme heat days, precipitation, and flooding. Examples of federal resources for projecting climatic conditions include the Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation (CMRA) Assessment Tool and the Climate Risk and Resilience Portal (ClimRR). Date range for projected conditions:

2025 – 2075.

• The HQ building is occupied and in operation 24/7.

• ESCOs should expect the buildings to remain occupied during implementation, 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.

• GAO HQ is a historical building

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 total square footage of the facilities in the potential project scope is 2.1 million sq. ft. The average annual energy and water use for these facilities is shown in the table below. For source selection purposes, the potential project scope is the GAO HQ building. 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.

There are two (2) electricity meters, two (2) gas meter), and five (5) water meters. The average annual utility use, demand, and cost for the HQ building is shown in the tables below. The locations and data provided in this NOO may not represent the final projects that may be identified as a result of the assessments (e.g., Preliminary Assessment, Investment Grade Audit, etc.) prepared by the selected

ESCO.

https://resilience.climate.gov/ https://climrr.anl.gov/ https://climrr.anl.gov/

Table 1: GAO HQ Annual Utility Data & Estimates for Electricity & Gas (Average of 2020 & 2021) + Potable Water & Sewer (FY24 Cost of Service Estimate)

Quantity Units Electricity 20,453,000 kWh Electricity demand 46,380 kW Natural Gas 262,500 Therms Potable water 35,190 Hundred

Cubic Feet Non-potable water 241,500 Impervious

Square Feet

Table 2: GAO HQ Electricity & Gas (Average of 2020 & 2021) + Potable Water & Sewer (FY 2021)

Cost ($) Electricity $2,275,493 Natural Gas $268,135 Potable water $211,431 Non-potable water $419,990 Total annual average cost

$3,175,049

3 STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

3.1 General Statement of Objectives

GAO is looking for a project that will significantly reduce energy, carbon and other GHG emissions, and water usage to achieve progress toward a reduction in energy intensity, progress toward Carbon Free Energy (CFE) goals in line with Executive Order (EO) 14057: Catalyzing Energy Industries and Job Through Federal Sustainability. 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 and increase project benefits by leveraging available direct funding; identifying and supporting agency application for available utility rebates; local, state, and regional financial incentives; renewable energy certificates (RECs); and other project structuring, tax credits, or available federal funding to the extent practicable.

3.1.1 Energy Conservation Measures

GAO is interested in any Energy Conservation Measure (ECM) defined in Attachment J-3 of the DOE Fourth Generation ESPC IDIQ contract. GAO is interested in ESCO identified opportunities authorized under the DOE Fourth Generation ESPC IDIQ along with specific interests in evaluating ECMs that focus on the following objectives: renewable energy generation (such as solar and “small wind”), electrification of natural gas infrastructure, electric vehicle supply equipment, lighting improvements including daylighting, water conservation including the potential use of gray water (and other sustainable water sources, such as hydropanels), roof replacement, and building envelope improvements.

4 ESCO SELECTION

4.1 ESCO Selection Process

GAO 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 DOE ESPC IDIQ.

GAO 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, 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, may request further information from the remaining ESCOs. GAO 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 as part of the second down-selection process.

GAO 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.

5 REQUIRED SUBMITTALS

ESCOs shall submit the information listed below in their responses 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 (5 8-10 pages max, at least 12 pt font)

Experience – Submit information on your experience on up to 5 ESPC projects, or efforts similar to the potential project, that include any of the potential ECMs. Information shall include:

− Specific detailed descriptions of those projects, − 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.

5.2 ESCO Management Approach (5 pages max, at least 12 pt font)

Management Approach – Describe your approach for conducting an ESPC at 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 business 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.

5.3 References for ESCO Past Performance (No page limit)

− Provide contact information for previous customers who can provide information related to the projects described under 5.1 ESCO Experience. Provide the following information for each reference: Energy Project Agency and Site o ESPC Task Order/Contract Award Date o Project Acceptance Date (or ESPC stage, if not yet accepted) o Previous customer (reference) point of contact o Name:

o Title/Position [CO, project manager, etc.] o Phone:

o E-mail:

These references should fill out the Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) (Attachment A) and GAO may contact them to provide additional information. GAO reserves the right to obtain and evaluate experience and past performance information from PPQ and other sources known to GAO that are not included in the ESCO’s response to this NOO in assessing past performance.

The ESCO shall complete items 1-4 in Attachment A and ask each reference to complete the questionnaire (items 5-7). The reference shall e-mail the completed form directly to Cedric Mitchener, CO, at MitchenerC@gao.gov. Past Performance Questionnaires sent directly from the ESCO will not be accepted for evaluation. PPQs must be submitted as noted in this section no later than the closing date and time of this solicitation.

6 SIGNIFICANT EVALUATION FACTORS

The significant evaluation factors that the agency expects to consider in reviewing the responses and their relative importance are as follows:

6.1 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.

6.2 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.

6.3 The ESCO’s Past Performance (feedback from previous customers). 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.

6.4 Relative Importance of Evaluation Factors

ESCO technical competencies and experience, management approach, and past performance are of equal importance.

mailto:MitchenerC@gao.gov

7 SUBMITTAL OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

ESCOs are required to submit their expressions of interest via e-mail to Cedric Mitchener, CO, at MitchenerC@gao.gov, prior to March 7, 2024. If you are not interested in participating, please provide a negative response.

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 or questions about the selection process in writing prior to Cedric Mitchener. All questions posed by ESCOs along with Agency responses to those questions will be distributed to all contractors.

Submit questions via email to Cedric Mitchener, CO, at MitchenerC@gao.gov.

Each ESCO must designate one point of contact for all communications between the ESCO and GAO.

Please provide name, title, phone number, and email address for this individual. No other communications regarding this notice or requirement are allowed.

8 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: Cedric Mitchener, CO, at MitchenerC@gao.gov.

Sincerely, Contracting Officer cc: FEMP Federal Project Executive FEMP Project Facilitator DOE Golden Office mailto:MitchenerC@gao.gov

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. Client’s Signature & Date: _________________________________ Date: ________________

INSTRUCTIONS TO CLIENT: Please provide responses to the questions below (as applicable) by circling the appropriate adjectival ratings. Please also provide a brief narrative addressing specific strengths, weaknesses, deficiencies, or other comments which may assist our office in evaluating performance risk (please add below or attach additional pages if necessary). The Client must complete the questionnaire and submit it directly to the Agency at ____________________. The Agency reserves the right to verify any and all information on this form.

ADJECTIVAL RATINGS AND DEFINITIONS TO BE USED TO BEST REFLECT YOUR EVALUATION OF THE

CONTRACTOR’S PERFORMANCE

Rating Definition

(E) Exceptional Performance was substantially and consistently above contract requirements.

Contractor displayed an overall superior understanding of contract requirements, and may have used innovative approaches leading to enhanced performance.

(VG) Very Good Performance was above minimum contract requirements. Contractor displayed a thorough understanding of contract requirements.

(S) Satisfactory Performance met minimum contract requirements.

(M) Marginal Performance was below minimum contract requirements. Contractor displayed a lack of thorough understanding of contract requirements in one or more significant performance areas.

(U) Unsatisfactory Performance completely failed to meet the minimum contract requirements.

Contractor displayed a total lack of understanding of contract requirements.

(NA) Not Applicable

No information or did not apply to your contract.

PLEASE CIRCLE THE ADJECTIVAL RATING WHICH BEST REFLECTS YOUR EVALUATION OF THE

CONTRACTOR’S PERFORMANCE.

1. QUALITY

a) M&V Reports were timely and accurate and showed contracted savings were met. E VG S M U NA

b) Ability to meet quality design and construction standards specified for technical performance E VG S M U NA

c) Timeliness/effectiveness of contract problem resolution without extensive customer guidance E VG S M U NA

2. SCHEDULE/ TIMELINESS OF PERFORMANCE

Compliance with contract delivery/completion schedules including any significant intermediate milestones (If liquidated damages were assessed or the schedule was not met, please address below.)

E VG S M U NA

3. COMMUNICATION

Contractor’s reasonableness and cooperation in dealing with client staff (including the ability to successfully resolve disagreements/ disputes; and responsiveness to client requests)

E VG S M U NA

4. MANAGEMENT/ PERSONNEL/ LABOR

a) Effectiveness of management, including management of subcontractors, suppliers, materials, and/or labor force (including the ability to effectively lead, manage and control the program)

E VG S M U NA

b) Continuity in the contractor’s personnel during execution of the contract (e.g., one person or team that stayed with the project throughout the contract)

E VG S M U NA

5. COST/ FINANCIAL MANGEMENT

a) Contractor’s ability to meet the terms and conditions within the contractually agreed price E VG S M U NA

b) Contractor’s ability to propose innovative alternative methods/processes that reduced cost, improved maintainability or other factors that benefitted the client

E VG S M U NA

6. SAFETY/ SECURITY

Contractor’s ability to maintain an environment of safety, adhere to its approved safety plan, and respond to safety issues? (Includes following the user’s rules, regulations, and requirements regarding housekeeping, safety, correction of noted deficiencies, etc.)

E VG S M U NA

7. SUBCONTRACT MANAGEMENT

Contractor’s ability to manage subcontracting effort including any subcontracting issues, and the contractor’s ability to resolve the problems without extensive customer guidance. E VG S M U NA

8. SUMMARY

a) Would you hire or work with this firm again? If no, please explain below.

Yes No

b) Provide an overall rating for the work performed by this contractor.

E VG S M U NA