303-20251118084405 lcsd

The Lowndes County School District in Mississippi is seeking qualified Energy Services Providers (ESPs) through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to execute a comprehensive energy services contract aimed at reducing energy and operational costs across district facilities. The procurement seeks ESPs capable of delivering a range of services including investment-grade technical energy audits, HVAC system upgrades, lighting improvements, building envelope enhancements, energy management controls, water conservation measures, and operational improvements. Written qualifications are due by 3:00 PM on December 17, 2025, to be submitted at 512 Lehmberg Rd., Columbus, MS 39702. The evaluation process will occur from December 17-19, 2025, potentially involving oral interviews with shortlisted candidates, with final ESP selection scheduled for December 19, 2025. Evaluation criteria include supplemental documentation quality (25%), experience (20%), personnel qualifications (10%), project history (15%), financial references (10%), and qualifications and approach (20%). The selected ESP will be required to execute an Investment Grade Audit Agreement with results due by January 4, 2026, and complete final Energy Services Agreement negotiations by January 8, 2026.

The contract has specific qualifications and restrictions, requiring ESPs to be licensed general contractors in Mississippi and pre-qualified by the Mississippi Development Authority Energy & Natural Resources Division, with preference given to firms headquartered in Mississippi. ESPs must comply with prevailing wage requirements and minority and women-owned business enterprise regulations. The energy services contract will not exceed twenty years and is subject to annual appropriations, with the district incurring no initial capital costs. Proposed operational and maintenance savings must be thoroughly documented, with a payback period not exceeding twenty years. The district retains the right to inspect all work, approve subcontractors, and require performance and labor bonds at 100 percent of subcontract values. Open-book pricing is mandated during contract negotiations, with full disclosure of all cost markups. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the contract is structured so that capital costs and energy savings will cover all project costs, including annual maintenance and monitoring.