LSRD Replacement Energy and Grid Services RFP.pdf

STATE OF WASHINGTON

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

RFP NO. 26-52234-001

NOTE: Please read this entire document before submitting a response. Responses that do not meet one or more requirement stated herein may be disqualified and not scored.

PROJECT TITLE: Lower Snake River Dams Replacement Energy and Grid Services Analysis

PROPOSAL DUE: 08/26/2026 at 4:00PM, Pacific Time, Olympia, WA

ESTIMATED TIME PERIOD FOR CONTRACT: 10/06/2026 – 6/30/2027

PROPOSER ELIGIBILITY: This RFP is open to those proposers which satisfy the minimum qualifications stated herein and are available for work in Washington.

Minimum five (5) years of demonstrated experience in electric system planning, transmission analysis, resource adequacy analysis, energy systems modeling, or related fields.

Demonstrated three (3) years experience conducting complex power system analysis or clean energy transition analyses.

FUNDING SOURCE AND METHOD: This is Climate Commitment Act funding. Payments will be made on a reimbursement basis for deliverables accepted and/or allowable time and expenses.

CONTENTS OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

1. Introduction

2. General Information for Proposers

3. Proposal Contents

4. Evaluation and Award

5. Exhibits

Table of Contents

1.INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

1.2 OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF WORK

1.3 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1.4 FUNDING

1.5 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

1.6 CONTRACTING WITH CURRENT OR FORMER STATE EMPLOYEES

1.7 DEFINITIONS

1.8 ADA

2.GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PROPOSERS

2.1 RFP COORDINATOR

2.2 ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES

2.3 QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD

2.4 PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

2.5 SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

2.6 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

2.7 REVISIONS TO THE RFP

2.8 DIVERSE BUSINESS INCLUSION PLAN

2.9 ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

2.10 COMPLAINT PROCESS

2.11 RESPONSIVENESS

2.12 MOST FAVORABLE TERMS

2.13 CONTRACT GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

2.14 COSTS TO PROPOSE

2.15 NO OBLIGATION TO CONTRACT

2.16 REJECTION OF PROPOSALS

2.17 COMMITMENT OF FUNDS

2.18 ELECTRONIC PAYMENT

2.19 INSURANCE COVERAGE

3.PROPOSAL CONTENTS

3.1 LETTER OF SUBMITTAL (MANDATORY)

3.2 CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES (MANDATORY)

3.3 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL (SCORED)

3.4 MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL

3.5 COST PROPOSAL

4.EVALUATION AND CONTRACT AWARD

4.1 EVALUATION PROCEDURE

4.2 EVALUATION BREAKDOWN

4.3 VIRTUAL PRESENTATIONS MAY BE REQUIRED

4.4 NOTIFICATION TO PROPOSERS

4.5 DEBRIEFING OF UNSUCCESSFUL PROPOSERS

4.6 PROTEST PROCEDURE

5.RFP EXHIBITS

Exhibit A Certifications and Assurances Exhibit B Diverse Business Inclusion Plan Exhibit C Workers’ Rights Certification Exhibit D Small or Veteran-Owned Business Certification Exhibit E Service Contract Format with General Terms and Conditions

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1. INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

The Washington Department of Commerce, hereafter called "COMMERCE,” is initiating this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit Proposals from those with expertise in electric power system analysis and planning, resource adequacy, transmission planning, clean energy transition analysis, and regional energy markets to conduct a comprehensive analysis of replacement electricity generation and grid reliability services currently provided by the Lower Snake River Dams (LSRD). This study must be consistent with the state's statutory and regulatory requirements for clean electricity generation. This study will build upon analysis previously completed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) (available here) and to the extent possible will borrow from analytical methods developed by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. Consistent with Washington Executive Order 24-06, the analysis must also be responsive to and consistent with the objectives of the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative (CBRI).

The procurement will follow the proviso as provided in ESSB 5998 Section 131 (4)(a):

(4)(a) $800,000 of the climate commitment account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with an entity or firm with necessary expertise to conduct an analysis for new electricity generation, transmission, ancillary services, efficiency and storage sufficient to offset those provided by the lower Snake river dams. The analysis should include a list of requirements for a replacement portfolio that diversifies and improves the resilience and maintains the reliability and adequacy of the electric power system, is consistent with the state's statutory and regulatory requirements for clean electricity generation, and is optimized into regional resource needs that will be required to replace fossil fuels in the electrical generation, transportation, industry, and buildings sectors. Consistent with Washington executive order 24-06, the analysis should also be responsive to and consistent with the objectives of the Columbia basin restoration initiative (CBRI). The department and its contractor's assessment will include quantitative analysis based on available data as well as qualitative input gathered from impacted tribal and other governments, the Northwest power and conservation council, relevant utilities, and other key stakeholders. The analysis should consider the following:

(i) Expected trends for demand, and distinct scenarios that examine potential outcomes for electricity demand, generation, and storage technologies development and cost through 2050, as well as relevant analyses of future resource adequacy and reliability, including the range of energy needs, resources available during the next 20 years, new resources that need to be developed, and adequacy and reliability analysis;

(ii) A resource portfolio approach in which a combination of generating resources, energy efficiency, conservation, and demand response programs, transmission resources, and other programs and resources that are commercially available at the time when they are needed to replace the power and grid reliability services otherwise provided by the lower Snake river dams and the time frame needed to put those resources into operation;

(iii) Examination of possible impacts and opportunities that might result from the renewal of the Columbia river treaty, revisions of the Bonneville power administration preference contracts, implementation of the western resource adequacy program (WRAP), expansion of the western day ahead power markets, and other changes in operation and governance of the regional electric power system, consistent with statutory and regulatory requirements of the clean energy transformation act;

(iv) Development of distinct scenarios that examine different potential cost and timeline potentials for development and implementation of identified generation, storage, and transmission needs consistent with the statutory and regulatory requirements of the clean energy transformation act; and https://www.pnnl.gov/publications/lower-snake-river-dams-contribution-grid-services https://governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/exe_order/24-06%20Riparian%20and%20USG%20Agreement.pdf

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(v) Quantification of impacts to greenhouse gas emissions including life-cycle emissions analysis associated with implementation of identified generation and transmission needs and options including emissions associated with the acquisition of non-Washington state domestic or foreign sources of electricity, any additional operations of existing fossil-fueled generating resources and the impact of forecasted new load growth on greenhouse gas emissions.

(b) The department shall, to the extent determined practicable, consider related analyses completed by the Pacific Northwest national laboratory on the lower Snake river dams contribution to grid services.

The department shall also, to the extent determined practicable, rely on methods, models, and data consistent with those developed and relied upon by the Northwest power and conservation council as part of its most recent power plan.

(c) The department shall provide the final report to the energy and environment committees of the legislature and governor's office by June 30, 2027.

COMMERCE intends to award one contract to provide the services described in this RFP but encourages applicants to partner with potential sub-contractors if additional expertise is necessary to cover all qualifications.

In the bidding process, firms may identify specific elements of Task 2 in the Scope of Work that they would need additional time to adequately address. Any firm taking this approach should specify which items they could not adequately analyze on the timeline specified in this RFP and the amount of additional time they would require to complete that work. Preference will be given in the evaluation process to firms that demonstrate their ability to complete all analysis and tasks within the timeline specified in this RFP.

OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF WORK

COMMERCE seeks to contract with an entity or firm with the necessary expertise to conduct an analysis for new electricity generation, transmission, ancillary services, efficiency, and storage sufficient to offset those provided by the lower Snake River dams. The analysis must identify requirements for a replacement portfolio that diversifies and improves the resilience, and maintains the reliability and adequacy, of the electric power system; is consistent with the state’s statutory and regulatory requirements for clean electricity generation; and is optimized into regional resource needs required to replace fossil fuels in the electrical generation, transportation, industry, and buildings sectors. This study will be consistent with the state's statutory and regulatory requirements for clean electricity generation. This study will build upon analysis previously completed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) (available here) and to the extent possible will borrow from analytical methods developed by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. Consistent with Washington Executive Order 24-06, the analysis must also be responsive to and consistent with the objectives of the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative (CBRI).his study will build upon analysis previously completed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) (which is available here) and to the extent possible will borrow from analytical methods developed by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. Consistent with Washington Executive Order 24-06, the analysis must also be responsive to and consistent with the objectives of the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative (CBRI).

COMMERCE originally received funding for this work in 2023 and contracted with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to conduct the study as part of the Pacific Northwest Regional Energy Planning Process (PREPP) pursuant to the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement (RCBA). The Agreement was between the Federal Government and the Six Sovereigns, comprised of the States of Washington and Oregon, the Yakama Nation, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs. The RCBA also called for studies on replacing the transportation, recreation, and irrigation services of the dams.

The Federal Administration terminated the RCBA in 2025 and Commerce’s contract with PNNL was also terminated. Prior to termination, PNNL completed a study entitled Lower Snake River Dams Contribution to Grid Services in September 2025. In 2026, the Legislature reallocated the remaining https://www.pnnl.gov/publications/lower-snake-river-dams-contribution-grid-services https://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/PNNL-38452.pdf https://governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/exe_order/24-06%20Riparian%20and%20USG%20Agreement.pdf https://governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/exe_order/24-06%20Riparian%20and%20USG%20Agreement.pdf https://www.osti.gov/biblio/3000013 https://governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/exe_order/24-06%20Riparian%20and%20USG%20Agreement.pdf https://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/PNNL-38452.pdf

P a g e | 3 funds to Commerce to complete the study of the resources and other actions that would be needed to replace the energy services of the four Snake River Dams.

The contractor’s assessment must incorporate quantitative analysis based on available data and qualitative input gathered from impacted tribal and other governments, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, relevant utilities, and other key stakeholders. The final report must be provided to COMMERCE by April 12, 2027, for review prior to submission the Legislature and Governor by June 30, 2027.

Objectives The contractor shall conduct a comprehensive analysis that includes, but is not limited to, the following required objectives:

Objective 1. Conduct an analysis for new electricity generation, transmission, ancillary services, efficiency and storage sufficient to offset those provided by the lower Snake River dams. The analysis should include a list of requirements for a replacement portfolio that diversifies and improves the resilience and maintains the reliability and adequacy of the electric power system. The portfolio should be:

Consistent with the state's statutory and regulatory requirements for clean electricity generation and optimized into regional resource needs that will be required to replace fossil fuels in the electrical generation, transportation, industry, and buildings sectors;

Consistent with Executive Order 24-06: Salmon Recovery: Riparian Protection and Restoration and advancing the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative and Agreement, State of Washington;

Consistent with the objectives of the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative (CBRI)

Objective 2. The assessment will include quantitative analysis based on available data as well as qualitative input gathered from impacted tribal and other governments, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, relevant utilities, and other key stakeholders.

Objective 3: The analysis should consider expected trends for demand, and distinct scenarios that examine potential outcomes for electricity demand, generation, and storage technologies development, and cost through 2050. The analysis should incorporate relevant recent analyses of future resource adequacy and reliability, including:

the range of energy needs, resources available during the next 20 years, new resources that need to be developed, and adequacy and reliability analysis.

Objective 4: The analysis should consider a resource portfolio approach which includes a combination of generating resources, energy efficiency, conservation, storage, and demand response programs, transmission resources, and other programs and resources that are commercially available at the time when they are needed to replace the power and grid reliability services otherwise provided by the Lower Snake River Dams and the time frame needed to put those resources into operation.

Objective 5: The analysis should examine possible impacts and opportunities that might result from the renewal of the Columbia River Treaty, revisions of the Bonneville Power Administration preference contracts, implementation of the Western Resource Adequacy Program (WRAP), expansion of the Western day ahead power markets, and other changes in operation and governance of the regional electric power system, consistent with statutory and regulatory requirements of the Clean Energy Transformation Act.

Objective 6: The analysis should develop distinct scenarios that examine different potential cost and timeline potentials for development and implementation of identified generation, storage, and transmission needs consistent with the statutory and regulatory requirements of the Clean Energy Transformation Act.

https://critfc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/crbi-fact-sheet.pdf

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Objective 7: The analysis should include quantification of impacts to greenhouse gas emissions including life-cycle emissions analysis associated with implementation of identified generation and transmission needs and options including emissions associated with the acquisition of non-Washington state domestic or foreign sources of electricity, any additional operations of existing fossil-fueled generating resources and the impact of forecasted new load growth on greenhouse gas emissions.

Objective 8: The analysis should, to the extent determined practicable, consider related analyses completed by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory study entitled Lower Snake River Dams Contribution to Grid Services.

Objective 9: The analysis should also, to the extent determined practicable, rely on methods, models, and data consistent with those developed and relied upon by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council as part of its most recent power plan.

Objective 10: A final report addressing all required analyses, findings, and recommended pathways must be delivered to COMMERCE by April 12, 2027. COMMERCE will provide the final report to the energy and environment committees of the Legislature and Governor’s office by June 30, 2027.

Scope of work To achieve these objectives, COMMERCE is seeking an entity or firm with necessary expertise to complete the following tasks:

TASK 1: Project Facilitation and Coordination The firm will design and implement a facilitation process that enables COMMERCE and affected entities, including Tribal governments, utilities, and regional planning bodies, to participate meaningfully in the development of the analysis.

Task 1a: Prepare agendas, materials, and presentations for recurring coordination meetings.

Proposers may assume one opportunity for public input on the draft results of the work. Provide regular project updates, meeting notes, action items, and documentation of decisions to

COMMERCE.

Task 1b: Meet at least monthly with COMMERCE staff to ensure alignment of technical work and engagement activities and ensure timeline for report development is on track.

TASK 2: Developing Comprehensive Analysis

Task 2a: Demand Trends and Scenario Analysis Through 2050 The selected firm will evaluate long‑term electricity demand trends and develop scenarios through 2050. Analysis must include:

Expected trends in electricity demand.

Distinct scenarios for electricity demand, generation and storage technologies, and technology cost trajectories.

Resource adequacy and reliability analysis over the next 20 years, including identification of new resources needed to maintain system adequacy.

Scenarios must address uncertainties related to technology, policy, market conditions, and exogenous factors (e.g., federal incentives, supply chain constraints).

Task 2b: Resource Portfolio Development The selected firm will develop and assess resource portfolios capable of replacing LSRD energy and grid services. This work includes:

Evaluating combinations of generating resources, energy efficiency, conservation, and demand‑response programs.

Identifying transmission resources, grid services, and commercial technologies able to replace LSRD‑provided reliability functions.

Assessing deployment timelines, sequencing, and feasibility.

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Ensuring all resource portfolios comply with statutory and regulatory clean electricity requirements.

Task 2c: Regional System Change Assessment The selected firm will examine impacts and opportunities arising from major regional system changes, including but not limited to:

Columbia River Treaty renewal BPA preference contract revisions WRAP implementation Western day‑ahead market participation Other regional governance or operational changes

This assessment must describe how these changes may affect resource needs, system planning, cost trajectories, or grid operations relevant to LSRD replacement.

Task 2d: Cost and Timeline Scenario Development The selected firm will develop scenario‑based assessments of:

Cost trajectories for deployment of identified resources Timelines for development, interconnection, and operation Sensitivities related to state regulatory requirements, market conditions, and technology development Scenarios must present clear comparative insights into cost, risk, and implementation pathways.

Task 2e: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis The selected firm will quantify:

Lifecycle GHG emissions of replacement resources Emissions from imported electricity and increased fossil generation Emissions impacts from projected load growth

Analyses should use established emissions methodologies consistent with regional and national practices.

TASK 3: Delivering Final Report The selected contractor must hold a virtual public workshop to present their draft results by March 2027. The selected contractor will work with Commerce to address and incorporate any appropriate feedback. A final report addressing all required analyses, findings, and recommended pathways (unless a different scope is agreed to with Commerce) must be delivered to Commerce by April 12, 2027.

Commerce will provide the final report to the energy and environment committees of the Legislature and Governor’s office by June 30, 2027.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications include:

Licensed to do business in Washington or submit a statement of commitment that it will become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) calendar days of being selected as the Apparent Successful Contractor.

Minimum five (5) years of demonstrated experience in electric system planning, transmission analysis, resource adequacy analysis, energy systems modeling, or related fields.

Demonstrated three (3) years of experience conducting complex power system or clean energy transition analyses.

Proposals that do not clearly meet or exceed all minimum qualifications listed above are non-responsive and will not be evaluated.

FUNDING

COMMERCE has budgeted an amount not to exceed $710,000 for this project. Proposals in excess of this amount will be considered non-responsive and will not be evaluated. In the event additional funding

P a g e | 6 becomes available during the period of performance, any contract awarded may be amended to provide for additional related services. Additional funding is not guaranteed.

Any contract awarded as a result of this RFP is contingent upon the availability of funding.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance of any contract resulting from this RFP is tentatively scheduled to begin on or about 10/06/2026 and to end on 6/30/2027. Amendments extending the period of performance, if any, shall be at the sole discretion of COMMERCE.

COMMERCE reserves the right to extend the contract for two one-year periods.

CONTRACTING WITH CURRENT OR FORMER STATE EMPLOYEES

Specific restrictions apply to contracting with current or former state employees pursuant to chapter

42.52 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Proposers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the requirements prior to submitting a Proposal that includes current or former state employees.

DEFINITIONS

Definitions for the purposes of this RFP include:

Apparent Successful Contractor/Bidder/Vendor/Grantee/Awardee: The Proposer selected to perform the anticipated services, subject to successful completion of contract negotiations and execution of a written contract.

COMMERCE or AGENCY: The Department of Commerce is the agency of the state of Washington that is issuing this RFP.

Contract: A written, legally binding agreement to perform the services proposed, also called a Grant or Interagency Agreement.

Contractor: Individual or organization whose Proposal has been accepted by COMMERCE and is awarded a fully executed, written contract. Also called Grantee, Awardee, Recipient, or Vendor.

Exhibit: Document attached to this RFP, also referred to as Attachment.

Proposal: A formal offer submitted in response to this Request for Proposals.

Proposer: Individual, firm, organization, company, or other entity or group of entities that submits a Proposal to attain a contract with COMMERCE.

Request for Proposals (RFP): Formal procurement or solicitation document in which a service or need is identified but no specific method to achieve it has been chosen. The purpose of an RFP is to permit the Proposer community to suggest various approaches to meet the need at or below a given funding level.

Small business: An in-state business, including a sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity, that: (a) Certifies, under penalty of perjury, that it is owned and operated independently from all other businesses and has either: (i) Fifty or fewer employees; or (ii) A gross revenue of less than seven million dollars annually as reported on its federal income tax return or its return filed with the Department of Revenue over the previous three consecutive years; or (b) Is certified with the Office of Women and Minority Business Enterprises under chapter 39.19 RCW.

Veteran-owned business: A business certified by the Washington Department of Veteran Affairs.

ADA

COMMERCE complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Proposers may contact the RFP Coordinator to receive this Request for Proposals in Braille or on tape.

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2. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PROPOSERS

RFP COORDINATOR

The RFP Coordinator is the sole point of contact in COMMERCE for this RFP. All communication between the Proposer and COMMERCE upon release of this RFP shall be with the RFP Coordinator, as follows:

Name Dina Geiszler

E-Mail Address Dina.Geiszler@commerce.wa.gov

Any other communication will be considered unofficial and non-binding on COMMERCE. Proposers are to rely only on written statements issued by the RFP Coordinator. Communication directed to parties other than the RFP Coordinator may result in disqualification of the Proposer.

ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES

Issue Request for Proposals 07/15/2026

Question & answer period 07/15/2026 – 07/28/2026

Answers to Q&A posted no later than 08/07/2026

Pre-Proposal Conference 07/23/2026 3pm

Proposals due 08/26/2026 by 4pm

Evaluate proposals 08/28/2026 – 09/09/2026

Conduct virtual presentations with finalists, if required 09/08/2026 – 09/09/2026

Announce “Apparent Successful Contractor” and send notification via e-mail to unsuccessful Proposers

09/21/2026

Hold debriefing conferences (if requested) 09/22/2026 – 10/05/2026

Negotiate contract 09/22/2026 – 10/05/2026

Earliest date contract may be signed 10/06/2026

COMMERCE reserves the right to revise the above schedule.

mailto:Dina.Geiszler@commerce.wa.gov

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QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD

COMMERCE will accept questions about this RFP sent to the RFP Coordinator at the email address listed in Section 2.1 during this period. Questions should not identify the submitting person or organization. COMMERCE will answer all questions in a Q&A document posted no later than the date identified in Section 2.2.

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

A pre-proposal conference will be held on July 23rd 3:00 PM, Pacific Time Register for pre-proposal conference. All prospective Proposers are encouraged attend; however, attendance is not mandatory.

COMMERCE will be bound only to COMMERCE written answers to questions. Questions arising at the pre-proposal conference will be documented and answered in written form. A copy of the questions and answers will be sent to each prospective Proposer that has requested the RFP Coordinator to send them RFP addenda.

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

ELECTRONIC PROPOSALS:

The proposal must be received by the RFP Coordinator no later than 4:00 PM, Pacific Time, in Olympia, Washington, on Monday August 26, 2026.

Proposals must be submitted electronically as an attachment to an e-mail to the RFP Coordinator, at the e-mail address listed in Section 2.1. Attachments to e-mail shall be in Microsoft Word format, PDF and any other formats listed in Section 3 Proposal Contents. Zipped files cannot be received by COMMERCE and cannot be used for submission of Proposals. The Submittal Letter and the Certifications and Assurances form must have a scanned or digital signature of the individual within the organization authorized to bind the Proposer to the offer. COMMERCE does not assume responsibility for problems with Proposer’s e-mail. If COMMERCE email is not working, appropriate allowances will be made.

Proposals may not be transmitted using facsimile transmission.

Proposers should allow sufficient time to ensure timely receipt of the proposal by the RFP Coordinator.

Late proposals will not be accepted and will be automatically disqualified from further consideration, unless COMMERCE e-mail is found to be at fault at COMMERCE’S sole determination.

Proposals should be sent in one email, however if more than one email is needed all must be received by the due date and time. Exceptions will not be made for partial submissions. Requests for deadline extensions will not be granted. All Proposals and any accompanying documentation become the property of COMMERCE and will not be returned. Any information received as a result of this RFP may be collected and considered for continuous improvement purposes.

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

Proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall become the property of COMMERCE. All Proposals received shall remain confidential until the Apparent Successful Contractor is announced; thereafter, all Proposals are subject to disclosure as provided for in Chapter 42.56 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).

Any information in the proposal that the Proposer desires to claim as proprietary and exempt from disclosure under the provisions of Chapter 42.56 RCW, or other state or federal law that provides for the nondisclosure of your document, must be clearly designated. The information must be clearly identified and the particular exemption from disclosure upon which the Proposer is making the claim must be cited. Each page containing the information claimed to be exempt from disclosure must be clearly identified by the words “Proprietary Information” printed on the lower right hand corner of the page. Marking the entire proposal exempt from disclosure or as Proprietary Information will not be honored.

https://wastatecommerce.zoom.us/meeting/register/x6c8A4NpSPivwuOfckVaLA https://wastatecommerce.zoom.us/meeting/register/x6c8A4NpSPivwuOfckVaLA

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If a public records request is made for the information that the Proposer has marked as "Proprietary Information," COMMERCE will notify the Proposer of the request and of the date that the records will be released to the requester unless the Proposer obtains a court order enjoining that disclosure. If the Proposer fails to obtain the court order enjoining disclosure, COMMERCE will release the requested information on the date specified. If a Proposer obtains a court order from a court of competent jurisdiction enjoining disclosure pursuant to Chapter 42.56 RCW, or other state or federal law that provides for nondisclosure, COMMERCE shall maintain the confidentiality of the Proposer's information per the court order.

A charge will be made for copying and shipping as allowed by law. No fee shall be charged for inspection of contract files, but twenty-four (24) hours’ notice to the RFP Coordinator is required. All requests for information should be directed to the RFP Coordinator.

REVISIONS TO THE RFP

In the event it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFP, addenda will be provided via e-mail to all individuals who have made the RFP Coordinator aware of their interest. Addenda may also be published on Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS). The website can be located at https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/webs/. For this purpose, the published questions and answers and any other pertinent information shall be provided as an addendum to the RFP and will be placed on the website.

Such addenda will also be published anywhere the RFP is posted, including on COMMERCE’S public webpage, located at https://www.commerce.wa.gov/contracting/.

You may also send your name and e-mail address to the RFP Coordinator to request to receive any NOFO addenda.

COMMERCE also reserves the right to cancel or to reissue the RFP in whole or in part, prior to execution of a contract.

DIVERSE BUSINESS INCLUSION PLAN

Proposers are required to submit a Diverse Business Inclusion Plan with their Proposal describing in good faith their aspirational goals for subcontractor types. In accordance with legislative findings and policies set forth in RCW 39.19, the state of Washington encourages participation in all contracts by firms certified by the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE), set forth in RCW 43.60A.200 for firms certified by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, and set forth in RCW 39.26.005 for firms that are Washington Small Businesses. No minimum level of minority- or women-owned business, Washington Small Businesses, or Washington State certified Veteran Business participation is required as a condition for receiving an award. Any affirmative action requirements set forth in any federal governmental rules included or referenced in the contract documents will apply.

COMMERCE has the following agency goals:

10% participation by Minority Owned Business

6% participation by Women Owned Business

5% participation by Veteran Owned Business

5% participation by Small Businesses

ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

Proposals must provide 60 days for acceptance by COMMERCE from the due date for receipt of proposals.

COMPLAINT PROCESS

Potential Proposers may submit a complaint to COMMERCE based on any of following:

a) The solicitation unnecessarily restricts competition;

b) The solicitation evaluation or scoring process is unfair; or

c) The solicitation requirements are inadequate or insufficient to prepare a response.

https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/webs/ https://www.commerce.wa.gov/contracting/

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A complaint may be submitted to COMMERCE at any time prior to 5 days before the proposal response deadline. The complaint must meet the following requirements:

a) The complaint must be in writing;

b) The complaint must be sent to the RFP coordinator in a timely manner;

c) The complaint should clearly articulate the basis for the complaint; and

d) The complaint should include a proposed remedy.

The RFP coordinator will respond to the complaint in writing. The response to the complaint and any changes to the solicitation will be posted on WEBS. The Director of COMMERCE will be notified of all complaints and will be provided a copy of COMMERCE’S response. The complaint may not be raised again during the protest period. COMMERCE’S action or inaction in response to the complaint is final.

There is no appeal process.

RESPONSIVENESS

All Proposals will be reviewed by the RFP Coordinator to determine compliance with administrative requirements and instructions specified in this RFP. The Proposer is specifically notified that failure to comply with any part of this RFP may result in disqualification of the Proposal as incomplete and/or non-responsive.

Disqualified Proposers will be notified at or about the time of disqualification.

Disqualified Proposers will be informed of the reason for disqualification; this shall constitute a debriefing conference for the purposes of Section 4.6, Protest Procedure.

COMMERCE reserves the right at its sole discretion to waive minor administrative irregularities.

MOST FAVORABLE TERMS

COMMERCE reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the Proposal submitted.

Therefore, the proposal should be submitted initially on the most favorable terms which the Proposer can propose. There will be no best and final offer procedure. COMMERCE reserves the right to contact a Proposer for clarification of its Proposal.

The Apparent Successful Contractor should be prepared to accept this RFP for incorporation into a contract resulting from this RFP. Contract negotiations may incorporate some, or all, of the Proposer’s Proposal. The Proposal will become a part of the official procurement file on this matter without obligation to COMMERCE.

CONTRACT GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

The Apparent Successful Contractor will be expected to enter into a contract which is substantially the same as the example contract and its general terms and conditions attached as Exhibit E. This sample contract is for information and review only and should not be returned with your Proposal. In no event is a Proposer to submit its own standard contract terms and conditions in response to this RFP. All proposed edits to the contract terms and conditions must be submitted as an attachment to Exhibit A, Certifications and Assurances form. COMMERCE will review requested edits and accept or reject the same at its sole discretion.

COSTS TO PROPOSE

COMMERCE will not be liable for any costs incurred by the Proposer in preparation of a Proposal submitted in response to this RFP, travel to or conduct of a presentation, or any other activities related to responding to this RFP.

NO OBLIGATION TO CONTRACT

This RFP does not obligate the state of Washington or COMMERCE to contract for services specified herein.

REJECTION OF PROPOSALS

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COMMERCE reserves the right at its sole discretion to reject any and all Proposals received without penalty and not to issue a contract as a result of this RFP.

COMMITMENT OF FUNDS

The Director of COMMERCE or delegate is the only individual who may legally commit COMMERCE to the expenditures of funds for a contract resulting from this RFP. No services may begin and no cost chargeable to the proposed contract may be incurred before receipt of a fully executed contract.

ELECTRONIC PAYMENT

The state of Washington prefers to utilize electronic payment in its transactions. The successful Contractor must have or obtain a Statewide Vendor Number (SWV) from the Office of Financial Management to be paid by COMMERCE. For more information, visit: www.ofm.wa.gov.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

The Contractor is to furnish COMMERCE with a certificate(s) of insurance executed by a duly authorized representative of each insurer, showing compliance with the insurance requirements set forth within the contract if requested.

The Contractor shall, at its own expense, obtain and keep in force insurance coverage which shall be maintained in full force and effect during the term of the contract. The Contractor shall furnish evidence in the form of a Certificate of Insurance that insurance shall be provided, and, if requested, a copy shall be forwarded to COMMERCE within fifteen (15) days of the contract effective date. Standard insurance requirements are included within the example contract and its special terms and conditions attached as Exhibit E.

http://www.ofm.wa.gov/

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3. PROPOSAL CONTENTS

ELECTRONIC PROPOSALS:

To be responsive, Proposals must contain all eight items below, written in English, and submitted electronically to the RFP Coordinator in the following order:

1. Letter of Submittal

2. Certifications and Assurances (Exhibit A to this RFP)

3. Technical Proposal

4. Management Proposal

5. Cost Proposal

6. Diverse Business Inclusion Plan (Exhibit B to this RFP)

7. Workers’ Rights Certification (Exhibit C to this RFP)

8. Small or Veteran-Owned Business Certification (Exhibit D to this RFP)

Proposals must provide information in the same order as presented in this document with the same headings. This will not only be helpful to the evaluators of the Proposal, but should also assist the Proposer in preparing a thorough response.

Items marked “mandatory” must be included as part of the Proposal to be considered responsive, however, these items are not scored. Items marked “scored” are those that are awarded points as part of the evaluation conducted by the evaluation team.

LETTER OF SUBMITTAL (MANDATORY)

The Letter of Submittal must be signed and dated by a person authorized to legally bind the Proposer to a contractual relationship, e.g., the President or Executive Director if a corporation, the managing partner if a partnership, or the proprietor if a sole proprietorship.

Along with introductory remarks, the Letter of Submittal must include the following information about the Proposer and any proposed subcontractors:

A. Name, address, principal place of business, telephone number, and fax number/e-mail address of legal entity or individual with whom contract would be written.

B. Name, address, and telephone number of each principal officer (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, etc.)

C. Legal status of the Proposer (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc.) and the year the entity was organized to do business as the entity now substantially exists.

D. Federal Employer Tax Identification number and the Washington Uniform Business Identification (UBI) number issued by the state of Washington. If the Proposer does not have a UBI number, the Proposer must state that it will become licensed in Washington within thirty

(30) calendar days of being selected as the Apparently Successful Contractor.

E. Location from which the Proposer would operate.

F. Identify any state employees or former state employees employed or on the firm’s governing board as of the date of the proposal. Include their position and responsibilities within the Proposer’s organization. If following a review of this information COMMERCE determines that a conflict of interest exists, the Proposer may be disqualified from further consideration.

CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES (MANDATORY)

The Certifications and Assurances form (Exhibit A to this RFP) must be signed and dated by a person authorized to legally bind the Proposer to a contractual relationship, e.g., the President or Executive Director if a corporation, the managing partner if a partnership, or the proprietor if a sole

P a g e | 13 proprietorship. Proposers wishing to submit any proposed contract edits must indicate so on this form (see Section 2.14).

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL (SCORED)

The Technical Proposal must contain a comprehensive description of services including the following elements:

A. Project Approach/Methodology: Include a complete description of the Proposer’s proposed approach and methodology for the project. This section should convey Proposer’s full understanding of the proposed project.

B. Work Plan: Include all project requirements and the proposed tasks, services, activities, etc.

necessary to accomplish the scope of the project defined in this RFP. This section of the technical proposal must contain sufficient detail to convey to members of the evaluation team the Proposer’s knowledge of the subjects and skills necessary to successfully complete the project. Include any required involvement of COMMERCE staff. The Proposer may also present any creative approaches that might be appropriate and may provide any pertinent supporting documentation. Identify any work to be completed by subcontractors but do not select subcontractors until all relevant requirements have been reviewed, including the Code of Federal Regulations if applicable.

C. Project Schedule: Include a project schedule indicating when the elements of the work will be completed. Project schedule must ensure that any deliverables requested are met.

D. Outcomes and Performance Measurement: Describe the impacts and outcomes the Proposer will achieve, including how these impacts and outcomes will be monitored, measured and reported to COMMERCE.

E. Risks: The Proposer must identify potential risks that are considered significant to the success of the project in sufficient detail to convey to members of the evaluation team the Proposer’s ability correctly assess and manage risk. Include how the Proposer will effectively monitor and manage these risks, including timely reporting of risks to COMMERCE.

F. Deliverables: Fully describe deliverables to be submitted under the proposed contract.

Deliverables must support the purpose of this RFP described in Section 1.1 and met the requirements set forth in Section 1.2.

MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL

A. Project Management (SCORED)

1. Project Team Structure and Internal Controls: Provide a description of the proposed project team structure and internal controls to be used during the course of the project, including any subcontractors. Proposers are reminded to select subcontractors only after reviewing all relevant requirements. Provide an organizational chart indicating lines of authority for personnel involved in performance of this potential contract and relationships of these staff to other programs or functions of the organization(s). This chart must also show lines of authority to the next senior level of management. Include who will have prime responsibility and final authority for the work.

2. Staff Qualifications and Experience: Identify staff, including any subcontractors, who will be assigned to the potential contract, indicating the responsibilities and qualifications of such personnel, and include the amount of time each will be assigned to the project.

Provide resumes for the named staff, which include information on the individual’s particular skills related to this project, education, experience, significant accomplishments and any other pertinent information. Staff identified in the Proposal must actually perform the assigned work. Any staff substitution must have prior approval from COMMERCE.

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B. Experience of the Proposer (SCORED)

1. Indicate the experience the Proposer has in the following areas. If the Proposer does not have the specified experience, explain whether the Proposer plans to seek a subcontractor with that experience or other mitigation strategy:

a. Understanding of the Washington electricity landscape including operating of the federal hydropower system and the services that it provides.

b. Familiarity with:

i. Regional power markets;

ii. Resource adequacy frameworks;

iii. Clean Energy Transformation Act requirements;

iv. Bonneville Power Administration operations;

v. Northwest Power and Conservation Council planning processes; and

vi. Pacific Northwest energy systems.

c. Indicate any other relevant experience that shows the qualifications of the Proposer, and any subcontractors, for the performance of the potential contract.

2. Include a list of contracts the Proposer has had during the last five years that relate to the Proposer’s ability to perform the services needed under this RFP. List contract reference numbers, period of performance, contact persons, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. COMMERCE may award extra points to entities that are new to state contracting or pass-through funding in its sole discretion.

C. Related Information (MANDATORY)

1. If the Proposer or any known subcontractor contracted with the state of Washington during the past 24 months, indicate the name of the agency, contract number, project description and/or other information available to identify the contract.

2. If any member of the Proposer’s staff or subcontractor’s staff was an employee of the state of Washington during the past 24 months, or is currently a Washington State employee, identify the individual by name, the agency previously or currently employed by, job title or position held and separation date.

3. If the Proposer has had any contract terminated for default in the last five years, describe such incident. Termination for default, also called termination for cause, is defined as notice to stop contract work for reasons related to contract performance and/or compliance and the termination was either (a) not litigated due to inaction on the part of the Proposer, or

(b) litigated and such litigation determined that the Proposer was in default.

4. Submit full details of the terms for default including the other party's name, address, and phone number. Present the Proposer’s position on the matter. COMMERCE will evaluate the facts and may, at its sole discretion, reject the proposal on the grounds of the past experience. If no such termination for default has been experienced by the Proposer in the past five years, so indicate.

5. If the Proposer plans to subcontract/subgrant any portion of the award, describe how subcontractors/subgrantees will be selected, as well as your organization’s plan and ability to compensate those subcontractors/subgrantees prior to seeking reimbursement from COMMERCE. If not, state that no subcontracting/subgranting will occur.

Please note that federally funded awards must comply with all applicable sections of the Code of Federal Regulations, 2 CFR 200, including selection of subs.

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D. References (MANDATORY)

List names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three (3) references the Proposer has done business with and three (3) professional references the lead staff person has performed work for and briefly describe the type of service provided. Do not include current COMMERCE staff as references. By submitting a Proposal, the Proposer and any partners or agents authorize COMMERCE to contact these references and any others who, from COMMERCE’S perspective, may have pertinent information. COMMERCE may or may not contact references in its sole discretion.

E. OMWBE and WDVA Certification (OPTIONAL AND NOT SCORED) Include proof of certification issued by the Washington Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) or Washington Department of Veteran Affairs (WDVA) if certified small, minority-, women-, or veteran-owned business(es) will be participating on this project in any capacity. For more information please see Sections 1.5 and 2.9, and visit:

www.omwbe.wa.gov or https://www.dva.wa.gov/.

COST PROPOSAL

The total amount proposed must not exceed the amount specified in Section 1.4 to be considered responsive to this RFP.

The evaluation process is designed to award this procurement not necessarily to the Proposer of least cost, but rather to the Proposer whose Proposal best meets the requirements of this RFP. However, Proposers are encouraged to submit Proposals which are consistent with state government efforts to conserve resources.

Identification of Costs (SCORED)

Identify all costs in U.S. dollars including expenses to be charged for performing the services necessary to accomplish the objectives of the contract.