Knolls Energy Savings Performance Contractg - Notice Of Opportunity.pdf

SUBJECT: Notice of Opportunity (NOO) for Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) Task Order at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (Knolls) in Niskayuna, NY and Request for Contractor Expressions of Interest

1 NOTICE AND INVITATION

Naval Reactors Laboratory Field Office (NRLFO) is interested in pursuing a potential ESPC project at 2401 River Road Niskayuna, NY 12309.

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.

The scope of any task order (TO) awarded for this project may include any of the facilities at Knolls.

NRLFO reserves the right to open the scope of work to other NNL sites in the future. While certain energy and water conservation measures (ECMs) in certain facilities will be included at the time of the original TO award, NRLFO 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, NRLFO may incorporate the additional ECMs into this project by way of TO modification.

NRLFO reserves the right to determine whether this requirement will result in one task order, multiple task orders, or zero task orders..

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 Mission

NRLFO provides oversight of the Management and Operating (M&O) prime contractor responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Naval Nuclear Laboratory (NNL). The NNL consists of four government-owned/contractor-operated sites supporting the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP): Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory (Bettis) in West Mifflin, PA; the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL) in Schnectady, NY; the Kenneth A. Kesselring (Kesselring) Site in West Milton, NY; and Naval Reactors Facility within the Idaho National Laboratory. The NNPP has cradle-to-grave responsibility for all naval nuclear propulsion matters.

2.2 Facility Description

KAPL is home to approximately 2,600 federal and prime contractor employees and is located in the Town of Niskayuna, New York in Schenectady County on the south bank of the Mohawk River. KAPL consists of 181 acres of government owned land, 82 acres of which are developed, extending https://eprojectbuilder.lbl.gov/ approximately 4,200 feet along the river. The site encompasses 86 Buildings/Trailers including 7 that are Inactive/ Awaiting Decontamination and Decommissioning. KAPL is largely self-supporting and consists of offices, laboratory buildings, a warehouse, maintenance shops, a boiler house for centralized heating, and a river pumping station for process cooling water. Water for domestic and fire protection purposes is supplied by the Town of Niskayuna and the City of Schenectady municipal water systems. National Grid supplies electrical power and natural gas to the site.

2.2.1 Federal Building/Facility Types

NRLFO anticipates that the project would include the following building/facility types:

— Office Space

— Medical clinic

— Laboratories/clean rooms

— Dining facilities

— Data centers

— Process facilities

— Central plants

— Parking facilities

See Attachment (B) for a complete list of buildings on the Knolls site.

2.2.2 Site Conditions

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

— Secure sites and security procedures.

— Hazmat including but not limited to asbestos, pcb, or other hazardous material.

See Attachment (C) for KAPL General Conditions document for comprehensive requirements for performing work on site.

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. The ESCO that is selected to perform a preliminary assessment shall verify site data and assumptions for use in the ESPC.

The total square footage of the facilities in the potential project scope is just over 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 full facility. The locations and data provided in this

NOO may not represent the final project that may be identified as a result of the Investment Grade Audit prepared by the selected ESCO.

FY 23 energy and water rates and usage for facilities in potential project scope

Utility rates Total average annual usage

$ Units # Units Total annual cost ($)

Electricity 0.12 (Blended Rate)

KWh 37,914 MWh 4,323,495

Electricity demand Included Above

KW KW Included Above

Natural gas 8.49 Mcf 78,103 Mcf 663,018

Potable water 5.06 Kgallons 28.3 Mgallons 143,256

Total annual cost 5,129,769

3 STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

3.1 General Statement of Objectives

The project aims to accomplish significant reductions at KAPL in energy, carbon and other GHG emissions, and water usage and where practicable increase the use of renewable energy by implementing energy and water conservation measures (ECMs) as listed in attachment J-3 of the Fourth Generation DOE ESPC IDIQ contract. The ESCO shall explore and recommend all ECMs that are life-cycle cost supported 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 investment or tax credits and supporting agency application for AFFECT and other available federal funding. KAPL additionally would like an evaluation and recommendation on two upcoming projects for our site. A Central Chiller Plant and Piping project is currently in a conceptual design (completed concept design in September 2024) to replace aging equipment which is currently spread around the site. The approximate construction budget for this project is $61 million beginning in FY28. The second is a series of upgrades to our Data Center over the next decade increasing our high-performance computing capabilities.

3.2 Agency Project Objectives/Goals/Priorities

- Contribute to meeting the goals of EO 14008 and EO 14057, including but not limited to:

- Evaluate solutions to increase funding for the Central Chiller Plant and Piping project.

- A net-zero emissions building portfolio by 2045, including a 50 percent emissions reduction by 2032.

- Increase facility energy efficiency and water efficiency for agency-wide facility energy use intensity and potable water use intensity.

file:///C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/03_noticeofopportunity%20(3).docx%23Instruct_AnnualEnergyUse file:///C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/03_noticeofopportunity%20(3).docx%23Instruct_AnnualEnergyCost

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

- Address site energy security and resiliency needs.

- Consider utilization of Energy Sales Agreement (ESA) for addressing ownership and operation of renewable energy generation asset.

4 ESCO SELECTION

4.1 ESCO Selection Process

NRLFO 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.

NRLFO 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, NRLFO may select a qualified ESCO or, or may select two or more ESCOs deemed most qualified for further consideration for selection.

If the agency selects two or more ESCOs deemed most qualified for further consideration during the first down-selection process, NRLFO may request further clarification from the remaining ESCOs. Agencies may conduct interviews, presentations, or request written responses that clarifies details related to previously submitted information.

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 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 Agency Project Objectives/Goals/Priorities (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:

− Conduct an investment grade audit that provides meaningful information to assess viable energy and water conservation measures (ECMs) and establish baselines and project savings.

− Design and construct ECMs similar to those stated in the “objectives” section of this NOO.

− Provide sustained savings and performance as reported through annual measurement and verification reports throughout the entire contract term, − Identify and support agency application for all available financial incentives, − Deliver a project at a fair and reasonable price.

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

Management Approach – Describe your approach for conducting an ESPC at KAPL including project management capabilities and personnel qualifications to manage the design, construction, and continued performance of ECMs in an efficient, safe and cost-effective manner. 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:

− Integrating large-scale investment projects into ESPC. Specific consideration will be given to any related work to central chiller plants. Specific examples of integration of appropriated funding along with performance contract savings to achieve successful projects is desired.

− Management style and capacity for resources as demonstrated through the organization and key personnel.

− Subcontractor source selection process, including the significance of technical qualifications and price.

− 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.

− Measurement and Verification and long-term performance guarantees.

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.

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

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

− 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:

ESCO can submit a Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment A), which has been filled out within the last 36 months to the contracting officer. References may be contacted for more information on past projects. NRLFO reserves the right to obtain and evaluate experience and past performance information from other sources known to NRLFO that are not included in the ESCO’s response to this NOO in assessing past performance.

5.4 Relative Importance of Evaluation Factors

The relative importance of evaluation factors, in descending order are: ESCO technical competencies and experience, investment project integration experience, management approach, and past performance.

6 SUBMITTAL OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

ESCOs are required to submit their expressions of interest via e-mail to Richard M. Hoffman at Richard.Hoffman3@unnpp.gov prior to 08/26/2024, 5:00 PM. 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.

Each ESCO must designate one Point of Contact (POC) for all communications between the ESCO and NRLFO. The single POC shall email the contracting officer and provide name, title, phone number, and email address. No other communications regarding this notice or requirement are allowed. If an ESCO needs to make a change to this POC during the EOI submittal process, the new POC shall email the contracting officer and provide name, title, phone number, email address, and state a reason for the main POC change.

ESCOs may submit general questions or questions about the selection process via email to the Contracts Specialist prior to 08/12/2024. All questions posed by ESCOs along with Agency responses to those questions will be distributed to all contractors.

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).

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)

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)

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

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.)

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.

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.