RFP# 202607115 - Economic Analyses of Climate Risks and Resilience Investments in Maine_Final.docx

STATE OF MAINE

Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future

RFP# 202607115

Economic Analyses of Climate Risks and Resilience Investments in Maine

RFP Coordinator

Submitted Questions Due Date

August 3, 2026, no later than 4:00 p.m., local time

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

A. PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

B. GENERAL PROVISIONS

C. ELIGIBILITY TO SUBMIT BIDS

D. CONTRACT TERM

E. NUMBER OF AWARDS

A. VENDOR SELF SERVICE SYSTEM (VSS)

B. BIDDERS’ CONFERENCE

C. QUESTIONS

D. AMENDMENTS

E. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

A. EVALUATION PROCESS – GENERAL INFORMATION

B. SCORING WEIGHTS AND PROCESS

C. NEGOTIATIONS

D. SELECTION AND AWARD

E. APPEAL OF CONTRACT AWARDS

A. CONTRACT DOCUMENT

B. STANDARD STATE CONTRACT PROVISIONS

APPENDIX A – PROPOSAL COVER PAGE

APPENDIX B – RESPONSIBLE BIDDER CERTIFICATION

APPENDIX C – QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE FORM

APPENDIX D – SUBCONTRACTORS FORM

APPENDIX E – PROPOSED SERVICES FORM

APPENDIX F – COST PROPOSAL FORM

PUBLIC NOTICE

State of Maine Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future

RFP# 202607115

Economic Analyses of Climate Risks and Resilience Investments in Maine

The Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) is seeking proposals from qualified bidders to conduct economic analyses that assess the current and projected economic risks and costs that climate change poses to Maine households, industries, communities, and the broader economy; and evaluate the economic impacts and societal benefits of proactive investments in climate resilience.

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

Proposals must be submitted to the Office of State Procurement Services, via Vendor Self Service (VSS). Proposal submissions must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., local time, on August 18, 2026. Proposals will be opened the following business day.

RFP TERMS/ACRONYMS with DEFINITIONS

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

State of Maine Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future

RFP# 202607115

Economic Analyses of Climate Risks and Resilience Investments in Maine

PART I INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose and Background

The Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) is seeking proposals from qualified bidders to conduct economic analyses that assess the current and projected economic risks and costs that climate change poses to Maine households, industries, communities, and the broader economy; and evaluate the economic impacts and societal benefits of proactive investments in climate resilience.

This document provides instructions for submitting proposals, the procedure and criteria by which the awarded Bidder will be selected, and the contractual terms that will govern the relationship between the State of Maine (State) and the awarded Bidder.

On June 26, 2019, Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Legislature established the Maine Climate Council, a body of scientists, industry leaders, bipartisan local and state officials, and engaged citizens charged with developing a four-year plan to address the impacts of climate change in Maine, build resilience to those impacts, and meet the State’s statutory greenhouse gas reduction targets. The Council released its first climate action plan, Maine Won’t Wait, in 2020, followed by an updated plan in 2024. The plan outlines strategies to reduce emissions, strengthen the resilience of communities and infrastructure, protect Maine’s natural working lands and waters, and support long-term economic growth and opportunities across the state.

The development of the 2020 and 2024 plans was supported by extensive scientific analyses, economic assessments, and stakeholder engagement. Since 2020, the Maine Climate Council’s Scientific and Technical Subcommittee has produced the Scientific Assessment of Climate Change in Maine (2020, 2024), which summarizes observed and projected climate impacts across the state and identifies future risks. Additional inputs to the planning process include statewide greenhouse gas inventories and projections, recommendations from the Council’s Equity Subcommittee (2023), analyses conducted by Eastern Research Group and Synapse Energy Economics on climate vulnerabilities and the costs of inaction, reports from the Council’s six working groups, and extensive community engagement. Together, these efforts have established a strong evidence base for understanding the impacts of climate change in Maine and identifying policy responses.

Since 2020, Maine has made significant progress implementing the strategies of Maine Won’t Wait, including expanding clean, affordable energy, accelerating deployment of high-efficiency heat pumps, increasing the adoption of electric vehicles, building the resilience of Maine’s working lands, waters, and communities, and growing the state’s clean energy workforce.

At the same time, Maine is already experiencing the costly impacts of climate change. In 2023 and 2024, the state experienced three historically severe storms that caused catastrophic flooding in both inland and coastal areas and widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. In response, Governor Mills established the Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission to evaluate the State’s storm response and identify long-term investment needs. The Commission’s report, A Plan for Infrastructure Resilience (2025), found that billions of dollars in infrastructure investments will be needed over the next decade to strengthen resilience to climate-related hazards.

In the last two years, Maine has made significant investments in resilience, including $60 million for storm recovery, the single-largest investment in resilience in state history. In 2024, Maine won a historic $69 million climate resilience grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The grant provides support to expand local planning and projects through the Community Resilience Partnership, fund critical infrastructure investments through the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund, and strengthen efforts to protect coastal and inland ecosystems through natural climate solutions and improved flood modeling. In 2025, Governor Mills and the Legislature passed L.D. 1, which invested $39 million in resilience measures across three areas. First, the bill established the Home Resiliency Grant Program to help low-income homeowners strengthen the roofs and basements of their primary residences. The bill also invested in enhanced hazard mitigation resources and updated emergency communications technology at the Maine Emergency Management Agency. Finally, L.D. 1 created the State Resilience Office and the Flood-Ready Maine Program, which will improve flood models, mapping, and regional floodplain management capacity.

In 2026, on behalf of the Maine Climate Council, GOPIF is exploring additional funding and financing solutions for the priority resilience investments identified in Maine Won’t Wait and A Plan for Infrastructure Resilience. As Maine continues to implement Maine Won’t Wait and make significant infrastructure and community resilience investment decisions, a deeper understanding of the economic risks associated with climate change and the potential economic and societal benefits of proactive investments will be essential to inform policymakers and state officials.

The State seeks three related but distinct analyses: (1) an updated assessment of climate-related economic risks and costs; (2) an economic impact analysis of resilience investments; and (3) a valuation of the societal benefits associated with resilience investments, including avoided damages and other benefits. Bidders may propose integrated methodologies where appropriate.

B. General Provisions

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

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

3. All proposals must adhere to the instructions and format requirements outlined in the RFP and all written supplements and amendments (such as the Summary of Questions and Answers), issued by the Department. Proposals must follow the format and respond to all questions and instructions specified below in the “Proposal Submission Requirements” section of the RFP.

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

5. The proposal must be signed by a person authorized to legally bind the Bidder and must contain a statement that the proposal 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 RFP and the awarded Bidder’s proposal, 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 RFP, 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 a Bidder believes any information that it submits in response to this RFP is confidential, it must mark that information accordingly, and include citation to legal authority in support of the Bidder’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 Bidder to determine whether the information is an exception to FOAA’s definition of public record. If the Department determines to release information that a Bidder has marked confidential, it shall provide advance notice to the Bidder 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 proposals received in response to the RFP.

10. If awarded a contract resulting from this RFP, 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, are included by this reference. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to determine the applicability and requirements of any such laws and to abide by them.

C. Eligibility Requirements

Entities that are eligible to submit bids include, but are not limited to, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and for-profit enterprises. Partnerships between entities that create new capacities or increase knowledge exchange are welcome.

D. Contract Term

The Department is seeking cost-efficient proposals to provide services, as defined in this RFP, for the anticipated contract period 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 RFP and the contracting process. The actual contract start date will be established by a completed and approved contract.

Contract Renewal: The term of the anticipated contract, resulting from the RFP, is defined as follows:

E. Number of Awards

The Office anticipates making one (1) or multiple awards by Task as a result of this RFP process.

PART II SCOPE OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED

This section provides the full scope of services and minimum deliverables to be provided by the awarded bidder(s). Bidders should propose a scope for the initial period of performance to perform Task 1, Task 2, Task 3, or multiple tasks. Bidders should clearly identify any assumptions, data needs, or methodological dependencies associated with their proposed approach. The State may award one, multiple, or all Tasks. While the Tasks are complementary, each is intended to function as a standalone analysis and may be completed independently. The State reserves the right to award one or more contracts and may select different bidders for different tasks. Appendix E contains a form for Bidders to detail the full scope of services in response to this RFP.

Bidders are encouraged to propose methodologies and analytical approaches that best address the objectives of the requested Tasks. In developing and providing the requested services, the following general assumptions should guide the work. While not all considerations may apply equally to each Task, bidders should address them as relevant to their proposed approach.

1. The analyses are intended to support planning, policy development, and funding and finance decisions related to community and infrastructure resilience in Maine. In particular, the analyses will support the Maine Climate Council's funding and financing work and recommendations. The requested analyses should: (a) improve the State's understanding of the economic risks and costs associated with climate change; (b) evaluate the economic impacts associated with resilience investments; and (c) assess the societal benefits of resilience investments, including avoided damages, avoided costs, and other relevant outcomes.

2. The impacts of climate change involve significant uncertainty and are dependent on global greenhouse gas mitigation measures, technological advancements, and increasing scientific precision of climate models. The analyses should focus on improving the State of Maine’s understanding of the trajectory and magnitude of climate-related risks facing Maine’s households, key industries, and economy, rather than producing precise predictions of future costs. Where appropriate, the analyses may describe ranges of state-wide and county-level potential impacts or scenario-based results.

3. The requested studies should build upon existing scientific, economic, and policy research related to climate change in Maine wherever possible. Bidders should leverage existing data sources and analyses to generate new insights relevant to resilience policy, funding, and financing decisions.

4. The State recognizes that not all economic and climate information needed for these assessments may be available from Maine-specific sources or may not be complete. Any modeled results are expected to be limited by data, assumptions, and structure. The awarded Bidder(s) should therefore provide information on the level of confidence and use an approach consistent with those used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

5. The State anticipates that the insights from this study will be explored in greater detail in future analyses and planning efforts. The study should provide sufficient information regarding data sources, assumptions, and methodologies to support potential subsequent work.

6. Climate change impacts are expected to affect communities across Maine differently. Where appropriate, the analyses should consider social vulnerability and the distribution of impacts across communities and populations, consistent with Maine’s commitment to ensuring that climate investments reach and benefit all Mainers, as well as with the Maine Social Vulnerability Index (MSVI).

Task 1: Updated Climate Risk and Economic Implications Assessment

Using Maine’s 2020 Cost of Doing Nothing Analysis as a baseline, the awarded Bidder(s) will assess the current and projected economic risks and costs associated with climate change for Maine households, industries, communities, and the broader economy.

The analysis should evaluate how climate-related hazards may affect economic and social well-being and economic activity in Maine under a range of scenarios. Recognizing that the range of potential climate impacts is broad, the analysis should focus on a subset of climate hazards most relevant to Maine’s economy and planned resilience investments. Hazards to be considered may include, but are not limited to, coastal and inland flooding, sea level rise, extreme precipitation, heat, drought, and other relevant climate-related risks. Bidders should propose a methodology for identifying and prioritizing climate risks based on their potential economic significance, likelihood, and relevance to state planning and policy decisions.

The assessment should estimate the direct and indirect economic and social impacts associated with the selected hazards, including impacts on infrastructure, property, natural resources, production systems, public health, and broader effects on economic activity, such as business interruption, supply chain disruptions, labor productivity, and tourism. The analysis should present both net economic impacts and the distribution of impacts across regions, industries (including, but not limited to, timber and forest products, agriculture, marine and aquaculture, health care, manufacturing, energy, and life sciences), age, groups, income groups, and/or other MSVI indicators within Maine.

Results should be assessed across relevant time horizons, including current or near-term conditions and projections through approximately 2050. The assessment should characterize uncertainty using scenario-based approaches and appropriate sensitivity analysis. Additionally, the analysis should avoid false precision and should emphasize the range and trajectory of potential impacts.

Bidders are encouraged to build on existing scientific and economic research related to climate change in Maine, including the Maine Climate Council’s Scientific and Technical Subcommittee’s Scientific Assessment of Climate Change in Maine (2024) and the Interim Climate Science Report (2026), in addition to other resources.

Task 2. Economic Impact Analysis of Resilience Investments

Since 2020, Maine has taken significant action to invest in climate resilience, risk reduction, and preparedness. The awarded Bidder(s) will evaluate the economic impacts associated with selected resilience policies, programs, and investments. The State anticipates working with the awarded Bidder(s) to identify the investments to be included in the analysis and expects, at a minimum, to include the Community Resilience Partnership and the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund, and up to eight additional resilience programs or investments tracked through the Maine Won't Wait reporting process. Bidders are encouraged to propose a methodology for selecting and/or grouping investments for analysis.

Using economic impact modeling approaches, such as input-output modeling, the analysis should estimate the economic activity associated with recent (2020) and existing resilience investments, including impacts on employment, labor income, economic output, value added, and other relevant economic indicators. Where feasible, results should be reported by industry and county. The State will provide available information regarding program expenditures, funding levels, and project characteristics to support the analysis.

Task 3. Societal Benefits Valuation of Resilience Investments

The awarded Bidder(s) will evaluate the societal benefits associated with selected resilience policies, programs, and investments in Maine. The State anticipates working with the awarded Bidder(s) to identify the investments to be included in the analysis and expects, at a minimum, to include the Community Resilience Partnership and the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund, and up to eight additional resilience programs or investments tracked through the Maine Won't Wait reporting process. Bidders are encouraged to propose a methodology for selecting and/or grouping investments for analysis. The State anticipates that, where feasible, the policies, programs, and investments evaluated under this Task will align with those assessed under Task 2A.

The analysis should identify, quantify, and, where feasible, monetize key benefits associated with resilience investments, including but not limited to avoided economic damages and avoided public expenditures (including emergency response and recovery costs). Bidders may also propose additional benefit categories that accrue to households, businesses, communities, and state government and are relevant for policy decision-making in Maine, including, where appropriate, health-related, ecosystem services, and other social and environmental benefits. Bidders are encouraged to consider which additional benefit categories may be most valuable for decision-making based on Maine’s policy priorities. Benefits should be reported at the state level and, where appropriate, across counties, industry, and/or other MSVI indicators.

Bidders are encouraged to propose efficient, cost-effective valuation approaches, including benefit transfer techniques and other established methodologies. Primary valuation methods may be used where appropriate or necessary but are not required. The analysis should clearly document assumptions, data sources, limitations, and uncertainty, and should present results in a manner that supports decision-making for resilience planning, investment prioritization, and funding and financing strategies.

Deliverables (applies to all awarded tasks):

1. Interim Briefing(s) - At least one briefing summarizing preliminary findings, methodological approach, and any early insights relevant to the Task objectives.

2. Draft Report- A draft report presenting preliminary findings, methodology, assumptions, data sources, and any initial results. The draft report shall include sufficient detail to allow for technical review and feedback by the State.

3. Final Report and Executive Summary - Incorporating State feedback, the final report should include a clear, standalone executive summary suitable for policymakers and state leadership, and shall fully document methods, assumptions, and limitations.

4. Presentation(s) of Findings – The awarded Bidder(s) should prepare a slide deck of key findings for State officials, policymakers, and the Maine Climate Council. The awarded Bidder(s) should plan to present at three meetings.

5. Technical Appendix - A technical appendix or equivalent documentation providing sufficient detail on data sources, modeling approaches, assumptions, and methodologies to support transparency, replication, and potential future updates.

Bidders are encouraged to suggest additional deliverables that could support decision-making for resilience investments.

Project Management and Stakeholder Engagement The awarded Bidder(s) will work closely with GOPIF to ensure alignment with state priorities and engage the appropriate stakeholders during the process. Stakeholders may include: the Maine Climate Council, Community Resilience Working Group, state agencies, and others. The awarded Bidder(s) will meet regularly with the GOPIF project management team to provide progress updates.

PART III KEY RFP EVENTS

A. Vendor Self Service System (VSS)

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

Only documents published in VSS will be considered binding.

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

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

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.

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

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 Bidders and other interested parties to examine the entire RFP 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 RFP.

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 Proposal 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 RFP 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. Proposal Submission

1. Proposals Due

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

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

2. Delivery Instructions

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

b. Only proposal 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 proposal 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. Bidders should work with their Information Technology team to ensure that the proposal submission will not be encrypted due to any security settings.

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

3. Submission Format:

a. Bidders must submit multiple files, with each file named and containing the required information as defined below.

File 1 [Bidder’s Name] – Preliminary Information PDF format preferred, and must include:

· Appendix A (Proposal Cover Page)

· Appendix B (Responsible Bidder Certification)

· And all required eligibility documentation stated in PART IV, Section I.

File 2 [Bidder’s Name] – Organization Qualifications and Experience PDF format preferred, and must include:

· Appendix C (Organization Qualifications and Experience Form)

· Appendix D (Subcontractors Form)

· And all required information and attachments stated in PART IV, Section II.

File 3 [Bidder’s Name] – Proposed Services PDF format preferred, and must include:

· Appendix E (Proposed Services Form)

· And all required information and attachments stated in PART IV, Section III.

File 4 [Bidder’s Name] – Cost Proposal Excel format preferred, and must include:

· Appendix F (Cost Proposal Form)

PART IV PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

This section contains instructions for Bidders to use in preparing their proposals. The Department seeks detailed yet succinct responses that demonstrate the Bidder’s qualifications, experience, and ability to perform the requirements specified throughout the RFP.

Bidders’ proposals must follow the outline used below, including the numbering, section, and sub-section headings. Failure to use the outline specified in PART IV, or failure to respond to all questions and instructions throughout the RFP, may result in the proposal 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 RFP specifications will result either in disqualification or reduction in scoring of a proposal. Rephrasing of the content provided in the RFP will, at best, be considered minimally responsive.

Bidders are not to provide additional attachments beyond those specified in the RFP for the purpose of extending their response. Additional materials not requested will not be considered part of the proposal and will not be evaluated. Bidders must include any forms provided in the submission package or reproduce those forms as closely as possible. All information must be presented in the same order and format as described in the RFP.

Proposal Format and Contents

Section I Preliminary Information (File #1)

1. Proposal Cover Page Bidders must complete Appendix A (Proposal Cover Page). It is critical that the cover page show the specific information requested, including Bidder address(es) and other details listed. The Proposal Cover Page must be dated and signed by a person authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the Bidder.

2. Responsible Bidder Certification Bidders must complete Appendix B (Responsible Bidder Certification). The Responsible Bidder Certification must be dated and signed by a person authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the Bidder.

Section II Organization Qualifications and Experience (File #2)

1. Overview of the Organization Bidders must complete Appendix C (Qualifications and Experience Form) describing their qualifications and skills to provide the requested services in the RFP. Bidders must include three (3) examples of projects which demonstrate their experience and expertise in performing these services, as well as highlighting the Bidder’s stated qualifications and skills. Bidders may attach past reports from similar assessments for other clients.

2. Subcontractors Bidders must complete Appendix D (Subcontractors Form) to provide a list that specifies the name, address, phone number, contact person, and a brief description of organizational capacity and qualifications for any subcontractors to be used. Subcontractors’ roles should be clearly outlined and included in the organizational chart. If no subcontractors will be used, indicate as such on the form.

3. Eligibility Requirements Bidders must provide documentation to demonstrate meeting eligibility requirements stated in PART I, C. of the RFP.

a. Entities that are eligible to submit bids include, but are not limited to, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and for-profit enterprises. Partnerships between entities that create new capacities or increase knowledge exchange are welcome

3. Organizational Chart Bidders must provide an organizational chart. The organizational chart must include the project being proposed. Each position must be identified by position title and corresponding to the personnel job descriptions.

4. Litigation Bidders must attach a list of all current litigation in which the Bidder is named and a list of all closed cases that have closed within the past five (5) years in which the Bidder 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.

5. Financial Viability Bidders must provide the following information for each of the past three (3) tax years:

a. Balance Sheets

b. Income (Profit/Loss) Statements

6. 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.

Section III Proposed Services (File #3)

1. Services to be Provided Bidders must complete Appendix E (Proposed Services Form) to discuss the Scope of Services referenced above in Part II of the RFP and what the Bidder will offer, including a description of the methods and resources the Bidder will use and how each task involved will be accomplished. Bidders must also describe how the expectations and/or desired outcomes as a result of these services will be achieved. If subcontractors are involved, Bidders must clearly identify the work each will perform.

2. Implementation - Work Plan Bidders must provide a realistic work plan for the implementation of the program through the first contract period. The work plan must be displayed in a timeline chart, and concisely describe each program development and implementation task, the month it will be carried out, and the person or position responsible for each task. If applicable, Bidders must identify all tasks to be delegated to subcontractors.

Section IV Cost Proposal (File #4)

1. Cost Proposal Form Bidders must complete Appendix F (Cost Proposal Form).

2. General Instructions

a. The cost proposal must include the costs necessary for the Bidder to fully comply with the contract terms, conditions, and RFP requirements.

b. No costs related to the preparation of the proposal for the RFP, or to the negotiation of the contract with the Department, may be included in the proposal. Only costs to be incurred after the contract effective date that are specifically related to the implementation or operation of contracted services may be included.

PART V PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION

Evaluation of the submitted proposals will be accomplished as follows:

A. Evaluation Process – General Information

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

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 proposals and to ensure that the contract is awarded to the Bidder whose proposal provides the best value to the State of Maine.

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

4. Changes to proposals, including updating or adding information, will not be permitted during any portion of the evaluation process. Therefore, Bidders must submit proposals that present their rates and other requested information as clearly and completely as possible.

B. Scoring Weights and Process

1. Scoring Weights: Proposal scores will be based on a 100-point scale and will measure the degree to which each proposal meets the following criteria. The proposal materials that will be evaluated under each section below are identified in Part IV of the RFP.

2. Scoring Process: For proposals that demonstrate meeting the eligibility requirements in Section I, if applicable, the evaluation team will use a consensus approach to evaluate and score Sections II & III 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. Section IV, the Cost Proposal, will be scored as described below.

3. Scoring the Cost Proposal: The total cost proposed for conducting all the functions specified in the RFP will be assigned a score according to a mathematical formula. The lowest bid will be awarded 30 points. Proposals with higher bid values will be awarded proportionately fewer points calculated in comparison with the lowest bid.

The scoring formula is: (Lowest submitted cost proposal for Task 1 / Cost of proposal for Task 1 being scored) x 10 = pro-rated score (Lowest submitted cost proposal for Task 2 / Cost of proposal for Task 2 being scored) x 10 = pro-rated score

(Lowest submitted cost proposal for Task 3 / Cost of proposal for Task 3 being scored) x 10 = pro-rated score

No Best and Final Offers: The State of Maine will not seek or accept a best and final offer (BAFO) from any Bidder in this procurement process. All Bidders are expected to provide their best value pricing with the submission of their proposal.

C. Negotiations

1. The Department reserves the right to negotiate with the awarded Bidder(s) to finalize a contract. Such negotiations may not significantly vary the content, nature, or requirements of the proposal or the Department’s Request for Proposal to an extent that may affect the price of goods or services requested.

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

3. In the event that an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated with the highest ranked Bidder, the Department may withdraw its award and negotiate with the next-highest ranked Bidder, and so on, until an acceptable contract has been finalized. Alternatively, the Department may cancel the RFP, 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 RFP 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 RFP, or to pay costs incurred in procuring or contracting for services, supplies, physical space, personnel or any other costs incurred by the Bidder.

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

E. Appeal of Contract Awards

Any person aggrieved by the award decision that results from the RFP 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 VI CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND CONDITIONS

A. Contract Document

1. The awarded Bidder 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 Bidder(s) and the State. The State will not accept any proposed exceptions as part of this RFP 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 RFP which has an effective date less than fourteen (14) calendar days after award notification to Bidders. (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 RFP 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 RFP may need to be adjusted, if necessary, to comply with mandated requirements.

4. In providing services and performing under the contract, the awarded Bidder 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 Bidder in the finalization of the contract.

2. Payments and Other Provisions The State anticipates paying the awarded Bidder on the basis of net 30 payment terms, upon the receipt of an accurate and acceptable invoice. An invoice will be considered accurate and acceptable if it contains a reference to the State of Maine contract number, contains correct pricing information relative to the contract, and provides any required supporting documents, as applicable, and any other specific and agreed-upon requirements listed within the contract that results from the RFP.

PART VII LIST OF RFP APPENDICES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS

Appendix A – Proposal Cover Page

Appendix B – Responsible Bidder Certification

Appendix C – Qualifications and Experience Form

Appendix D – Subcontractors Form

Appendix E – Proposed Services Form

Appendix F – Cost Proposal Form

APPENDIX A

Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future

PROPOSAL COVER PAGE

RFP# 202607115

Economic Analyses of Climate Risks and Resilience Investments in Maine

Indicate below the Task(s) that this Bid will address:

Bidder 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 Proposal - Name/Title:

Tel:

E-mail:

Headquarters Street Address:

Headquarters City/State/Zip:

· This proposal 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 Bidder’s proposal.

· No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the Bidder to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit a proposal.

· The above-named organization is the legal entity entering into the resulting contract with the Department if they are 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 proposal, both programmatic and financial, is complete and accurate at the time of submission.

Name (Print):

Title:

Authorized Signature:

Date:

APPENDIX B

Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future

RESPONSIBLE BIDDER CERTIFICATION

RFP# 202607115

Bidder 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 proposal:

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 proposal 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 proposal 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 proposal 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:

APPENDIX C

Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE FORM

RFP# 202607115

Bidder Name:

Present a brief statement of qualifications. Describe the history of the Bidder’s organization, especially regarding skills pertinent to the specific work required by the RFP and any special or unique characteristics of the organization which would make it especially qualified to perform the required work activities. The Bidder may expand this form and use additional pages to provide this information.

Provide a description of projects the Bidder performed which occurred within the past five (5) years and reflect experience and expertise needed in performing the functions described in Part II – Scope of Services to be Provided of the RFP. The Bidder may expand this form and use additional pages to provide this information.

If the Bidder has not provided similar services, note this, and describe experience with projects that highlight the Bidder’s general capabilities.

Project One

Client Name:

Client Contact Person:

Telephone:

E-Mail:

Project Start/End Dates:

Brief Description of Project

Project Two

Client Name:

Client Contact Person:

Telephone:

E-Mail:

Project Start/End Dates:

Brief Description of Project

Project Three

Client Name:

Client Contact Person:

Telephone:

E-Mail:

Project Start/End Dates:

Brief Description of Project

APPENDIX D

Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future

SUBCONTRACTORS FORM

RFP# 202607115

Bidder Name:

Subcontractors If subcontractors are to be used, Bidders must use the tables below to describe the name, address, phone number, contact person, and a brief description of the subcontractors’ organizational capacity and qualifications.

Subcontractor 1

Subcontractor Name:

Contact Person:

Telephone:

E-Mail:

Brief Description of Anticipated Role and Qualifications

Subcontract…