RFA 202609150 Affordable and Clean Energy for Rural Enterprises_FINAL.docx

STATE OF MAINE

Department of Energy Resources

RFA# 202609150

Affordable and Clean Energy for Rural Enterprises (ACRE)

RFA Coordinator

Submitted Questions Due Date

October 20, 2026, no later than 4:00 p.m., local time

no later than 4:00 p.m., local time

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

A. PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

B. GENERAL PROVISIONS

C. ELIGIBILITY TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS

D. CONTRACT TERM

E. AWARDS

A. VENDOR SELF SERVICE SYSTEM (VSS)

B. QUESTIONS

C. AMENDMENTS

D. APPLICATION SUBMISSION

A. EVALUATION PROCESS – GENERAL INFORMATION

B. SCORING WEIGHTS & PROCESS

C. NEGOTIATIONS

D. SELECTION AND AWARD

E. APPEAL OF CONTRACT AWARDS

A. CONTRACT DOCUMENT

B. STANDARD STATE CONTRACT PROVISIONS

PUBLIC NOTICE

State of Maine Department of Energy Resources

RFA# 202609150

Affordable and Clean Energy for Rural Enterprises (ACRE)

The State of Maine is seeking applications from small rural businesses for projects that help reduce energy costs through clean energy and energy efficiency.

A copy of the RFA and all related documents can be obtained through the Vendor Self Service System (VSS): https://mevss.hostams.com/PRDVSS1X1/AltSelfService

Applications must be submitted to the Office of State Procurement Services, via the Vendor Self Service System (VSS). Application submissions must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., local time, on November 3, 2026. Applications will be opened the following business day.

RFA TERMS/ACRONYMS with DEFINITIONS

The following terms and acronyms, as referenced in the RFA, have the meanings indicated below:

1. A domestic or foreign system that:

a. Has both a proven and reliable operating history and proven performance data for at least 1 year specific to the use and operation to the proposed application;

b. Is based on established design and installation procedures and practices and is replicable;

c. Has professional service providers, trades, large construction equipment providers, and laborers who are familiar with installation procedures and practices;

d. Has proprietary and balance of system equipment and spare parts that are readily available;

e. Has service that is readily available to properly maintain and operate the system; and

f. Has an existing established warranty that is valid in the United States for major parts and labor; or

2. A domestic or foreign system that has been certified by a recognized industry organization.

State of Maine Department of Energy Resources

RFA# 202609150

Affordable and Clean Energy for Rural Enterprises (ACRE)

PART I INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose and Background

The Department of Energy Resources (Department) is seeking applications from small rural businesses for projects that help reduce energy costs through clean energy and energy efficiency as defined in this Request for Applications (RFA) document. This document provides instructions for submitting applications, the procedure and criteria by which the awarded Applicant(s) will be selected, and the contractual terms which will govern the relationship between the State of Maine (State) and the awarded Applicant(s).

The Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER) leads energy policy, planning, and development for the state. DOER provides policy leadership and technical assistance, develops energy programs, monitors energy markets, and reports on heating fuel and electricity prices, among other activities. DOER works in partnership with various state agencies, federal and local officials, industry, nonprofit interests, and academia on energy issues.

In response to the urgent energy affordability challenges facing small rural businesses, DOER, in partnership with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF), is launching a program to offer grants and technical assistance to stabilize and reduce energy costs through clean energy and efficiency measures.

Applicants can choose from one (1) of two (2) tracks:

· Technical Assistance Track: Energy audits, assessments, project scoping, and funding navigation support for small rural businesses to prepare for implementation.

· Implementation Track: Funding for eligible energy-related equipment and installation costs, with a 20% cost share requirement.

The grants and technical assistance resulting from this RFA will support one or more of the following objectives:

1) a reduction in overall business energy expenses,

2) greater energy efficiency, and

3) increased energy security and resilience for businesses.

B. General Provisions

1. From the time this RFA is issued until award notification is made, all contact with the State regarding this RFA must be made through the RFA Coordinator identified on the cover page of this RFA. No other person/State employee is empowered to make binding statements regarding this RFA. Violation of this provision may lead to disqualification from the application process, at the State’s discretion.

2. Issuance of the RFA does not commit the Department to issue an award or to pay expenses incurred by an Applicant in the preparation of a response to the RFA. This includes attendance at personal interviews or other meetings, where applicable.

3. All applications must adhere to the instructions and format requirements outlined in the RFA and all written supplements and amendments (such as the Summary of Questions and Answers), issued by the Department. Applications must follow the format and respond to all questions and instructions specified in Part III of the RFA.

4. Applicants will take careful note that in evaluating an application submitted in response to this RFA, the Department will consider materials provided in the application, information obtained through interviews/presentations (if any), and internal Departmental information of previous contract history with the Applicant (if any). The Department also reserves the right to consider other reliable references and publicly available information in evaluating the Applicant’s experience and capabilities.

5. The application must be signed by a person authorized to legally bind the Applicant and must contain a statement that the application and the pricing contained therein will remain valid and binding for a period of 180 days from the date and time of the bid opening.

6. The RFA and the awarded Applicant’s application, including all appendices or attachments, will be the basis for the final contract, as determined by the Department.

7. Following announcement of an award decision, all records and documents regarding this RFA, including bid submissions, will be public records, available for public inspection pursuant to 5 M.R.S. §1825 B (6 &15) and the State of Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) (1 M.R.S. § 401 et seq.). State contracts and information related to contracts, including all records, documents, supporting documents, and bid submissions, are public records unless otherwise excepted by statute (Id).

8. Subject to the above and pursuant to applicable law, in the event that an Applicant believes any information that it submits in response to this RFA is confidential, it must mark that information accordingly, and include citation to legal authority in support of the Applicant’s claim of confidentiality. In the event that the Department receives a FOAA request that includes submissions marked as confidential, the Department shall evaluate the information and any legal authority from the Applicant to determine whether the information is an exception to FOAA’s definition of public record. If the Department determines to release information that an Applicant has marked confidential, it shall provide advance notice to the Applicant to allow for them to seek legal relief.

9. The Department, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to recognize and waive minor informalities and irregularities found in applications received in response to the RFA.

10. If awarded a contract resulting from this RFA, vendors shall be required to disclose, in writing and in accordance with applicable Maine law, any actual or potential conflicts of interest. Such disclosure must include any financial, professional, or personal relationships that could give rise to a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest. Failure to disclose a known conflict or appearance of conflict may result in disqualification, contract termination, or other remedies as provided by law.

11. All applicable laws, whether or not herein contained, shall be included by this reference. It shall be the Applicant’s responsibility to determine the applicability and requirements of any such laws and to abide by them.

C. Eligibility to Submit Applications

In order to be considered for Grant funding under this application process, Applicants must:

1. Be organized, chartered, or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States.

2. Have a business location within the State of Maine.

3. Be a small rural business as defined in this RFA.

D. Contract Term

The term of anticipated contract period resulting from this RFA is defined in the table below. The dates below are estimated and may be adjusted, as necessary, in order to comply with all procedural requirements associated with the RFA, the specific project awarded, and the contracting process. The actual contract start date will be established by a completed and approved contract.

E. Awards

The Department anticipates making multiple awards as a result of this RFA process. The total estimated grant funds available are $950,000, with a goal of supporting at least 10 projects. Applicants may choose from one (1) of the two (2) tracks:

· Technical Assistance Track: $5,000 - $10,000 per award

· Implementation Track: $10,000 - $100,000 per award

The Department reserves the right to make partial awards, eliminate the lowest scoring application(s) and/or make awards for amounts less than requested, whichever is in the best interest of the State.

PART II ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

A. Required Activities

Qualifying businesses are encouraged to submit proposals to help reduce their energy costs through clean energy and energy efficiency projects. This project seeks to support rural businesses as defined in this RFA. Small businesses that are part of Maine’s key industries, as defined in Maine’s Ten-Year Economic Development Strategy, are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must choose from one (1) of the two (2) tracks:

· Technical Assistance Track ($5,000–$10,000 per award): Energy audits, assessments, project scoping, and funding navigation support for small rural businesses to prepare for implementation. There is no cost share requirement for this track.

· Implementation Track ($10,000–$100,000 per award): Funding for eligible energy-related equipment and installation costs, with a 20% cost share requirement. Measures must have technical merit and utilize commercially available technologies.

One or more of the following types of services and activities must be included as part of the proposed project. This is not an exclusive list of all possible eligible services sought by this RFA:

· Scoping assessments or energy audits

· Identification of critical energy loads and strategies for resilience and reliability

· Analysis of opportunities to reduce and manage energy use

· Identification of energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy opportunities

· Assessment of transportation electrification opportunities, including fleet or equipment electrification potential, EV readiness (e.g., electrical capacity, charger siting), and associated infrastructure needs

· Technical assistance and support

· Funding and incentive navigation support

· High-level financial and return-on-investment (ROI) guidance

· Application support for follow-on funding

· Purchase and installation of qualifying clean energy and energy efficiency technologies and systems

· Efficient wood, wood pellet, other relevant biomass technologies

· Equipment used to harvest, process, and store goods (e.g. agricultural products) that demonstrates significant energy savings potential

· ENERGY STAR certified appliances

· Battery energy storage

· Space and water heating technologies used in commercial and/or retail space (e.g., shop, offices, etc.)

· Weatherization and building envelope upgrades

· Behind-the-meter solar

· Behind-the-meter solar plus storage

· EVs and associated charging infrastructure

· Replacement (including purchase and installation) of equipment used to harvest, store, process, manufacture, or deliver goods and services, leading to greater energy efficiency and reduced energy costs

The RFA seeks to support projects that lead to:

3) increased energy security and resilience for businesses.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss how their proposed projects will lead to one or more of the following specific outcomes of interest:

· Address the current energy challenges of the business. This may include but is not limited to, high energy costs, energy-intensive operations, aging or inefficient equipment, or reliability concerns.

· Result in a meaningful reduction in annual energy costs and/or increase in energy efficiency.

· Stabilize energy costs for the business over a relevant timeframe (monthly, seasonal, annual).

· Reduce emissions (MT CO2e) resulting from business operations.

· Reduce overall operating costs for the business.

Proposed projects must address the items below, and be described in the Application Form in Part VI of the RFA:

1. Identify the track. Applicants will indicate which track their proposed project addresses:

1. Technical Assistance Track

2. Implementation Track

2. Identify any programs leveraged. Applicants will identify any additional funding sources or programs that are or are anticipated to be leveraged during the period of performance. Leveraged programs that use state funds are not eligible for inclusion as cost match. Federal funds are eligible for inclusion as cost match. Leveraging other programs is not required but reflects in scoring as specified in Part IV of the RFA. Project activities must be additional to those funded by other leveraged programs; supplanting other state or federal funds that assist with similar services is not allowed. Examples of leveraged programs may include, but are not limited to:

1. Efficiency Maine Trust (EMT)

2. Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

3. Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC)

4. US Department of Energy Technical Assistance Program (DOE TAP)

3. Identify energy-related costs and potential savings. Applicants should take care to omit sensitive or confidential information from their responses. Example energy-related costs and potential savings include:

1. Types of energy and fuels used on site

2. Types of energy generated on site, if applicable

3. Largest energy-related cost drivers for the business or most energy-intensive operations

4. Total fuel costs on an annual basis

5. Total electricity costs on an annual basis

B. Allowable Use of Funds

Proposed costs must be reasonable and necessary for the project and be used to support one or more of the activities above. Applicants may propose reasonable and necessary equipment purchases under the Implementation Track, including installation costs. Applicants may also propose reasonable and necessary construction costs. Equipment purchases and construction costs must be pre-approved by the Department. The request does not guarantee approval.

Equipment is defined as an item with an acquisition cost greater than $10,000 and a useful life expectancy of more than one (1) year, as defined by 2 CFR 200 Part 200.1.

C. Non-Allowable Use of Funds

1. Personnel and fringe costs are not allowable under this grant.

2. Indirect costs (i.e., application of indirect rates) are not allowable under this grant.

3. Administrative costs are not allowable under this grant.

4. No business or partner receiving an award under this RFA will supplant other state or federal funds with these funds that assist with similar services.

D. Reporting Requirements

Applicants will be expected to:

1. Establish and track metrics as detailed in the application.

2. Participate in Department grant orientation activities.

3. Prepare and submit quarterly narrative, metrics, and financial reports to the Department.

4. Provide, at minimum, one (1) success story for publication and promotion by the State of Maine through social media, printed stories, annual report to the legislature, or other forms of publication.

Applicants are required to track and record all data/information necessary to complete the required reports listed in Table 1:

Table 1 – Required Reports

Applicants are required to submit all reports to the Department in accordance with the timelines established in Table 2:

Table 2 – Required Report Timelines

PART III KEY PROCESS EVENTS

A. Vendor Self Service System (VSS)

1. The Office of State Procurement Services Vendor Self Service System website is found at the link below: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/vendor-self-service-system

2. A copy of the RFA and all associated documents will be published in VSS.

3. Only documents published in VSS will be considered binding.

4. Any interested party may view open solicitations in VSS using the Public Access feature.

5. Vendors must have an active User ID and password in VSS to submit questions and respond to solicitations, including this RFA.

a. Vendor registration instructions and User Guide may be found at the link above, which include steps for searching for an existing account/User ID, or registering for a new account/User ID.

b. Vendors interested in responding to a solicitation are encouraged to obtain a User ID and password for VSS as soon as possible.

6. Vendors must have an active Vendor Code (VC or VS) to contract with the department.

B. Questions

1. General Instructions: It is the responsibility of all Applicants and other interested parties to examine the entire RFA and to seek clarification, in writing, if they do not understand any information or instructions.

a. Questions must be submitted in VSS as soon as possible but no later than the date and time published in VSS.

b. Questions should be clearly stated and reference the applicable section and/or page number of the RFA.

c. The Department assumes no liability for assuring accurate/complete/on time transmission and receipt.

2. Question & Answer Summary: Responses to all questions will be compiled in writing and published in VSS no later than seven (7) calendar days prior to the Application Submission Deadline. It is the responsibility of all interested parties to go to VSS to obtain a copy of the Question & Answer Summary. Only those answers issued in writing in VSS will be considered binding.

C. Amendments

All amendments released in regard to the RFA will be published in VSS. It is the responsibility of all interested parties to go to VSS to obtain amendments. Only those amendments published in VSS are considered binding.

D. Application Submission

1. Applications Due

a. Application submissions must be received no later than the Application Submission Deadline (closing date) published in VSS.

b. Any application submissions or any additional or revised application files received after the Application Submission Deadline will be rejected without exception.

2. Delivery Instructions

a. Application submissions must be submitted to the Office of State Procurement Services via VSS.

b. Only application submissions received via VSS will be considered. The Department assumes no liability for assuring accurate/complete receipt.

c. Submissions containing links to file sharing sites or online file repositories will not be accepted as submissions. Only application submissions that have the actual requested files attached will be accepted.

d. Encrypted submissions received which require opening attachments and logging into a proprietary system will not be accepted. Applicants should work with their Information Technology team to ensure that the application submission will not be encrypted due to any security settings.

e. File size limits are 15MB per file. Applicants may separate their submissions into multiple files, as necessary, due to file size concerns.

3. Submission Format

a. Applicants must submit at least one (1) file, labeled and including the required information as defined below:

File Name: RFA# 202609150 Application Submission – [Applicant’s Name]

· Must contain: Applicant’s completed Application Form and all required information and attachments as stated in the form.

b. The Application Form must be submitted as a single, typed file. If including attachments in the same file presents a file size issue, Applicants may submit those attachments as a separate, clearly labeled file.

c. Applicants must include any forms provided in the RFA (such as the Application Form) or reproduce those forms as closely as possible.

d. Applicants are not to provide additional attachments beyond those specified in the RFA or Application Form for the purpose of extending their response. Materials not requested will not be considered part of the application and will not be evaluated.

PART IV APPLICATION EVALUATION AND SELECTION

A. Evaluation Process – General Information

1. An evaluation team, composed of qualified reviewers, will judge the merits of the applications received in accordance with the criteria defined in the RFA.

2. Officials responsible for making decisions on the award selection will ensure that the selection process accords equal opportunity and appropriate consideration to all who are capable of meeting the specifications. The goals of the evaluation process are to ensure fairness and objectivity in review of the applications and to ensure that all contracts are awarded to the Applicants that provide the best value to the State of Maine.

3. The Department reserves the right to communicate and/or schedule interviews/presentations with Applicants, if needed, to obtain clarification of information contained in the applications received. The Department may revise the scores assigned in the initial evaluation to reflect those communications and/or interviews/presentations.

4. Changes to applications, including updating or adding information, will not be permitted during any interview/presentation process and, therefore, Applicants must submit applications that present their rates and other requested information as clearly and completely as possible.

5. Failure to respond to all questions and instructions throughout the RFA may result in the application being disqualified as non-responsive or receiving a reduced score. The Department, and its evaluation team, has sole discretion to determine whether a variance from the RFA specifications will result either in disqualification or reduction in scoring of an application.

B. Scoring Weights & Process

1. Scoring Weights: The score will be based on a 100-point scale and will measure the degree to which each application meets the following criteria. The information required in each section of the Application Form aligns with the Scoring Criteria defined below.

2. Scoring Process: For applications that demonstrate meeting the eligibility requirements defined in Part I, if applicable, the evaluation team will use a consensus approach to evaluate and score all sections listed above. Members of the evaluation team will not score those sections individually but, instead, will arrive at a consensus as to assignment of points for each of those sections.

C. Negotiations

1. The Department reserves the right to negotiate with the awarded Applicant(s) to finalize a contract.

2. The Department reserves the right to terminate contract negotiations with an awarded Applicant who submits a proposed contract significantly different from the application they submitted in response to the advertised RFA.

3. In the event that an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated with an Applicant, the Department may withdraw its award and negotiate with the next-highest ranked Applicant, and so on, until an acceptable contract has been finalized. Alternatively, the Department may cancel the RFA, at its sole discretion.

D. Selection and Award

1. The final decision regarding the award of the contract will be made by representatives of the Department subject to approval by the State Procurement Review Committee.

2. Notification of conditional award selection or non-selection will be made in writing by the Department.

3. Issuance of the RFA in no way constitutes a commitment by the State of Maine to award a contract, to pay costs incurred in the preparation of a response to the RFA, or to pay costs incurred in procuring or contracting for services, supplies, physical space, personnel or any other costs incurred by an Applicant.

4. The Department reserves the right to reject any and all applications or to make multiple awards.

E. Appeal of Contract Awards

Any person aggrieved by the award decision that results from the RFA may appeal the decision to the Director of the Bureau of General Services in the manner prescribed in 5 M.R.S.A. § 1825-E and 18-554 Code of Maine Rules Chapter 120. The appeal must be in writing and filed with the Director of the Bureau of General Services, 9 State House Station, Augusta, Maine, 04333-0009 within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt of notification of conditional contract award.

PART V CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND CONDITIONS

A. Contract Document

1. The awarded Applicant will be required to execute a State of Maine Service Contract with appropriate riders as determined by the issuing department.

All exceptions will be negotiated between the awarded Applicant(s) and the State. The State will not accept any proposed exceptions as part of this RFA process. The State is not obligated to accept, negotiate, or compromise of any proposed exceptions.

The complete set of standard State of Maine Service Contract documents, along with other forms and contract documents commonly used by the State, may be found on the Office of State Procurement Services’ website at the following link: Office of State Procurement Services Forms Page

2. Allocation of funds is final upon successful negotiation and execution of the contract, subject to the review and approval of the State Procurement Review Committee. Contracts are not considered fully executed and valid until approved by the State Procurement Review Committee and funds are encumbered. No contract will be approved based on an RFA which has an effective date less than fourteen (14) calendar days after award notification to Applicants. (Referenced in the regulations of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Chapter 110, § 3(B)(i).)

This provision means that a contract cannot be effective until at least fourteen (14) calendar days after award notification.

3. The State recognizes that the actual contract effective date depends upon completion of the RFA process, date of formal award notification, length of contract negotiation, and preparation and approval by the State Procurement Review Committee. Any appeals to the Department’s award decision(s) may further postpone the actual contract effective date, depending upon the outcome. The contract effective date listed in the RFA may need to be adjusted, if necessary, to comply with mandated requirements.

4. In providing services and performing under the contract, the awarded Applicant must act as an independent contractor and not as an agent of the State of Maine.

B. Standard State Contract Provisions

1. Contract Administration Following the award, a Contract Administrator from the Department will be appointed to assist with the development and administration of the contract and to act as administrator during the entire contract period. Department staff will be available after the award to consult with the awarded Applicant in the finalization of the contract.

State of Maine RFA# 202609150 1 Rev. 04/17/2026 – DAFS/Office of State Procurement Services

PART VI APPLICATION FORM

As defined in Part III, D, 3 of the RFA, Applicants must complete the Application Form embedded below and produce all required attachments.

The Application Form may be obtained in a Word (.docx) format by double clicking on the document icon below.

Viewing this RFA in a web browser will likely not allow for opening of the embedded document. Download the RFA and view it in the desktop application to access the embedded Application Form below.

APPENDIX A

Department of Energy Resources

QUALIFYING TECHNOLOGIES LIST

RFA# 202609150

Affordable and Clean Energy for Rural Enterprises (ACRE)

Qualifying technologies include commercially available renewable energy and clean energy technologies. This RFA seeks proposals for commercially available technologies that can be installed within the Contract Term identified in Part 1.

1. Renewable energy. Energy derived from:

a. A wind, solar, renewable biomass, ocean (including tidal, wave, current, and thermal), geothermal or hydroelectric source

2. Technologies that qualify for Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. These include:

a. Class I and IA: Fuel cells, tidal, solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biomass

b. Class II: Fuel cells, tidal, solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass, municipal solid waste, and efficient cogeneration

3. Grid Modernization and Energy Storage. These include:

a. Electric Power Transmission and Distribution

i. Energy management and smart grid technologies

b. Storage

i. Pumped Hydropower Storage

ii. Battery Storage, including battery storage to support new or existing generation

iii. Mechanical Storage, including flywheels, compressed air energy storage, etc.

iv. Thermal Storage

4. Energy Efficiency. These include:

a. Improvements to or replacement of an existing building or systems and/or equipment, owned by the applicant, that reduces energy consumption on an annual basis. Examples include, but are not limited to:

i. High-efficiency HVAC systems

ii. Insulation, doors, and windows

iii. LED lighting upgrades

iv. Energy-efficient cooling and refrigeration units

v. Electric or solar irrigation pumps

vi. Diesel-to-electric motor conversions

vii. Replacement of outdated, inefficient equipment

b. Improvements that are eligible to receive rebates from the Efficiency Maine Trust Commercial and Industrial Prescriptive Program and

c. Improvements that are eligible to receive rebates from the Efficiency Maine Trust Commercial and Industrial Custom Program

d. Improvements that reasonably demonstrate a reduction in energy use and cost-effectiveness

5. Alternative Transportation. These include:

a. Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles

b. Electric Vehicles

c. EV charging stations

d. Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicles

Qualifying technologies must also be commercially available. A system is considered commercially available if it meets the requirements of either paragraph (1) or (2) of this definition:

1. A domestic or foreign system that:

a. Has both a proven and reliable operating history and proven performance data for at least 1 year specific to the use and operation to the proposed application;

b. Is based on established design and installation procedures and practices and is replicable;

c. Has professional service providers, trades, large construction equipment providers, and laborers who are familiar with installation procedures and practices;

d. Has proprietary and balance of system equipment and spare parts that are readily available;

e. Has service that is readily available to properly maintain and operate the system; and

f. Has an existing established warranty that is valid in the United States for major parts and labor; or

2. A domestic or foreign system that has been certified by a recognized industry organization.

APPENDIX B

Department of Energy Resources

RURAL DESIGNATION AND DEFINITION

RFA# 202609150

Affordable and Clean Energy for Rural Enterprises (ACRE)

Any area of a State not in a city or town that has a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants, not in the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to a city or town that has a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants, and excluding certain populations pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(H) and (I). In making this determination, the Department will use the latest decennial census of the United States.

Applicants may use the Maine Department of Transportation’s Maine Federal Urban Boundaries resource, which represents federally recognized urban areas (dark gray) designated by the U.S. Census, Maine Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), available below and at this link: https://maine.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/2fa4076ef5324e03b34db6d66946bdf6_27/about.

image1.jpeg image2.emf

Application - ACRE.docx State of Maine

Department of Energy Resources

RFA# 202609150

Affordable and Clean Energy for Rural Enterprises (ACRE)

APPLICATION COVER PAGE

Applicant’s Name:

Chief Executive - Name/Title:

Tel:

E-mail:

Headquarters Street Address:

Headquarters City/State/Zip:

(Provide information requested below if different from above)

Lead Point of Contact for Application - Name/Title:

Tel:

E-mail:

Street Address:

City/State/Zip:

· This Application and the pricing structure contained herein will remain firm for a period of 180 days from the date and time of the bid opening.

· No personnel currently employed by the Department participated, either directly or indirectly, in any activities relating to the preparation of the Applicant’s Application.

· No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the Applicant to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit an Application.

· The above-named organization is the legal entity entering into the resulting contract with the Department should they be awarded the contract.

· The undersigned is authorized to enter contractual obligations on behalf of the above-named organization.

To the best of my knowledge, all information provided in the enclosed application, both programmatic and financial, is complete and accurate at the time of submission.

Name (Print):

Title:

Authorized Signature:

Date:

RESPONSIBLE BIDDER CERTIFICATION

Applicant’s Name:

By signing this document, I certify to the best of my knowledge and belief that the aforementioned organization, its principals and any subcontractors named in this application:

a. Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, and declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from bidding or working on contracts issued by any governmental agency.

b. Have not within three years of submitting the application for this contract been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for:

i. Fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a federal, state, or local government transaction or contract.

ii. Violating Federal or State antitrust statutes or committing embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property.

c. Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or Local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (b) of this certification.

d. Have not within a three (3) year period preceding this application had one or more federal, state, or local government transactions terminated for cause or default.

e. Have not entered into a prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, firm, or person submitting a response for the same materials, supplies, equipment, or services and this application is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. The above-mentioned entities understand and agree that collusive bidding is a violation of state and federal law and can result in fines, prison sentences, and civil damage awards.

f. Is not a foreign adversary business entity (https://www.maine.gov/oit/prohibited-technologies).

g. Is not on the list of prohibited companies (https://www.maine.gov/oit/prohibited-technologies) or does not obtain or purchase any information or communications technology or services included on the list of prohibited information and communications technology and services https://www.maine.gov/oit/prohibited-technologies (Title 5 §2030-B).

Name (Print):

Title:

Authorized Signature:

Date:

APPLICATION

Eligibility

Applicants must provide documentation to demonstrate meeting the eligibility requirements stated in Part I of the RFA.

Is the applicant organized, chartered, or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States?

☐ YES ☐ NO

Does the applicant have a business location within the State of Maine?

☐ YES ☐ NO

Is the applicant a small rural business as defined in this RFA?

☐ YES ☐ NO

Organization Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must describe their qualifications and skills to provide the requested services in the RFA.

· Describe the business structure and history of the business

· Describe the current status of the business, including number of establishments, number of employees, annual revenue/receipts, and primary business activities

· Describe whether the business identifies as a small business as identified by the Small Business Administration in eCFR :: 13 CFR Part 121 -- Small Business Size Regulations

Subcontractors

If subcontractors are to be engaged, Applicants must describe the process the Applicant will use to evaluate the qualifications and experience of potential subcontractors, and how the Applicant will ensure that debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible parties are excluded from all subcontract relationships. If no subcontractors are proposed, leave this section blank.

Subcontractor 1

Subcontractor Name:

Contact Person:

Telephone:

E-Mail:

Brief Description of Anticipated Role and Qualifications

Subcontractor 2

Subcontractor Name:

Contact Person:

Telephone:

E-Mail:

Brief Description of Anticipated Role and Qualifications

Subcontractor 3

Subcontractor Name:

Contact Person:

Telephone:

E-Mail:

Brief Description of Anticipated Role and Qualifications

Organizational Capacity

Applicants must provide information on the position(s) within the business that will support the project. This should include the position title(s) and a brief description of their qualifications and responsibilities.

Litigation

Applicants must include a list of all current litigation in which the Applicant is named and a list of all closed cases that have closed within the past five (5) years in which the Applicant paid the claimant either as part of a settlement or by decree. For each, list the entity bringing suit, the complaint, the accusation, amount, and outcome.

Financial Capability

Applicants must use this section to describe qualifications and experience that demonstrate adequate fiscal and administrative management. Key financial and management personnel and qualifications should be described in this section. Additionally, applicants must describe the organization’s capacity to manage grants, reporting requirements, and adherence to reporting timelines.

Financial information may be included below or may be attached to the application separately and appropriately labeled. If partnering with an organization to assist with financial management, applicants must provide a letter of support from the financial management organization outlining their qualifications.

Certificate of Insurance

Bidders must provide a certificate of insurance on a standard ACORD form (or the equivalent) evidencing the bidder’s general liability, professional liability and any other relevant liability insurance policies that might be associated with the proposed services.

The Certificate of Insurance may be included below or may be attached to the application separately and appropriately labeled.

Proposed Project

Where is the primary location of the project?

☐ Town(s) (Specify): _________________________________

☐ County (Specify): __________________________________

Identify the track for which you are applying. Choose one.

☐ Technical Assistance Track

☐ Implementation Track

Project Narrative

Project Summary

· Provide a high-level overview of the proposed project including the reasoning for choosing the Technical Assistance or Implementation Track.

· Suggested length = 1-2 pages

Project Need Statement

· Provide a statement of need for the project you are proposing.

· Include the current energy challenges of the business, such as monthly costs or energy usage. This may include but is not limited to, high energy costs, energy-intensive operations, aging or inefficient equipment, reliability concerns, or other energy-related challenges.

· Discuss whether the project sought funding from other sources, and what the outcome was. Please explain any barriers that prevented the project from receiving funding from other sources, if applicable.

· Suggested length = 1-3 pages

Project Design

· Provide a detailed description of the proposed project design, including objectives, activities, and outcomes. This section should include the activities you intend to pursue under this RFA and the intended goals of the project.

· For the Technical Assistance Track

· Responses should address the energy challenge(s) that you want assistance evaluating, what you hope to learn through the project, and what decision(s) and/or project(s) the technical assistance will help inform.

· For the Implementation Track

· Responses should identify the equipment intended to be purchased through this grant, the purpose of the new equipment, the existing equipment/ fuel it will replace, any installation and/or construction costs and activities, how the equipment is expected to reduce and/or stabilize energy costs for the business, and the basis for the savings estimate.

· Suggested length = 2-5 pages

Leveraged Programs

· Identify any additional funding sources or programs that are anticipated to be leveraged during the period of performance.

· Suggested length = up to 1 page

Project Outcomes and Performance Metrics

Project Outcomes

· Provide the estimated project outcomes for the proposed project. These may include estimated quantitative and qualitative outcomes.

· Suggested length = 1-2 pages

Performance Metrics

· Complete the table below to the extent applicable for the proposed project.

· For metrics that cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, particularly for the Technical Assistance Track projects, input “To Be Determined (TBD)”.

· If your project does not include a specific outcome, then input N/A.

Performance Metric

Current Status

Proposed Outcome(s)

Annual fuel use, by fuel type (e.g., gallons, therms)

Annual fuel cost by fuel type ($)

Annual electricity cost ($)

Annual energy savings potential by fuel type (e.g. kWh, gallons, therms)

Annual emissions reduction potential (MT CO2e)

Other annual operating cost savings, if applicable ($)

Other (describe):

Budget

Complete the Budget Worksheet using the embedded template below. Please refer to Part II of the RFA document for allowable costs and non-allowable use of funds. Applicants should take care to include sources of match funding in their Implementation Track Budget worksheet.

image1.emf

ACRE Budget Template.xlsx

Budget Cover Sheet

State of Maine

Department of Energy Resources

COST PROPOSAL FORM

RFA# 202609150

Affordable and Clean Energy for Rural Enterprises (ACRE)

All worksheets in this workbook must be complete Applicants will need to enter information in unshaded cells Applicants should take caution when adding additional lines ensuring existing formulas calculate correctly

Instructions for completing this workbook:

1. All applicants must complete the Budget Cover Sheet.

2. Applicants requesting funds for Track 1 (Technical Assistance) must complete the Budget - TA Track sheet and include backup in the Detail column as needed to justify the request.

3. Applicants requesting funds for Track 2 (Implementation) must complete the Budget - Implementation Track sheet by entering the detailed cost information in the Contractual, Supplies, Equipment, Construction, and Other Direct sheets. Additionally, complete the Detail section of the Budget - Implementation Track sheet. Other cells will populate based on the information entered in the detail sheets.

4. Applicants should take caution when adding additional lines to ensure existing formulas calculate correctly.

Organization Name: no

Contact Person: no

Contact Phone: no

Contact Email: no

1 Applicant Taxpayer Identification Number no

2 Applicant Address Address Line 1

Address Line 2

Address Line 3

3 Is applicant registered in SAM.gov

4 Applicant Unique Entity Identifier

If the answer to 3 is "No" please leave 4 blank and answer the following

5 Did applicant receive $25 million or more of its annual gross revenue from federal funds?

6 In the preceding fiscal year, did applicant receive 80% or more of its annual gross revenue from federal funds?

7 If "Yes" to either 6 or 7, is the "total compensation for the organizations five highest paid officers publicly listed or otherwise listed on SAM.gov?

Budget - TA Track

State of Maine

Department of Energy Resources

COST PROPOSAL FORM

RFA# 202609150

Affordable and Clean Energy for Rural Enterprises (ACRE)

All worksheets in this workbook must be complete Applicants will need to enter information in unshaded cells, shaded cells are calculated automatically using formulas Applicants should take caution when adding additional lines ensuring existing formulas calculate correctly

Organization Name: 0

Contact Person: 0

Contact Phone: 0

Contact Email: 0

Year 1 Year 2 Total Detail

Expense Categories

1 Scoping Assessment / Energy Audit $ - 0

2 Technical Assistance and Support $ - 0

3 Other Costs $ - 0

Total $ - 0 $ - 0 $ - 0

Budget - Implementation Track

State of Maine

Department of Energy Resources

COST PROPOSAL FORM

RFA# 202609150

Affordable and Clean Energy for Rural Enterprises (ACRE)

All worksheets in this workbook must be complete Applicants will need to enter information in unshaded cells, shaded cells are calculated automatically using formulas Applicants should take caution when adding additional lines ensuring existing formulas calculate correctly

Organization Name: 0

Contact Person: 0

Contact Phone: 0

Contact Email: 0

Year 1 Year 2 Total Detail

Expense Categories

1 Contractual $ - 0 $ - 0…