26. 05 Energy Savings Performance Contracting Services

Rochester Community Schools is soliciting Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) Services through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for its 25 buildings encompassing approximately 2.6 million square feet across more than 500 acres. The district seeks state-approved firms to implement energy-saving projects aimed at reducing utility usage and costs. Key evaluation criteria include company history with K-12 and Michigan clients, experience with ESPC programs, detailed approach and methodology, estimated energy savings potential, cost and fee structures, and references from completed projects. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for September 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the RCS Facilities Operations Center, with online clarification requests due by October 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Addenda responses will be released by October 16, 2025, and final proposals are due electronically through BidNet Direct by October 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. local time. Bidders must submit a bid bond or certified check equal to 5% of their bid amount and include sworn, notarized statements certifying compliance with the Iran Economic Sanctions Act and disclosing any familial relationships with school district leadership.

While no specific set-aside designations or disadvantaged enterprise requirements are explicitly mentioned, the district has established several restrictions and requirements for potential bidders. Contractors must be state-approved and have demonstrable experience in K-12 energy performance contracting, particularly within Michigan. The district reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive irregularities, and potentially select multiple vendors based on factors beyond price, including past performance, financial stability, delivery capability, and quality. Bids cannot be withdrawn for 90 days following the bid opening date, and the district may request additional information or invite selected firms to present qualifications in person. Though a specific award value is not provided, the utility usage data indicates the district's total annual energy cost across all facilities is $3,603,824.41, suggesting a potentially significant contract value for energy savings and performance improvements. The district is tax-exempt, and payment will be made upon invoice submission with required purchase order numbers.