Advisor services to draft a report that provides a strategic

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission is soliciting proposals for advisory services to draft a strategic evaluation report on energy costs, uncertainties, and risks in Hawaii (SECURE HI) under RFP-PUC-27-03, with proposals due August 10, 2026, and written questions due July 24, 2026. A Hawaii bidder preference of 5% applies to vendors certified to maintain a valid commercial place of business in Hawaii continuously staffed for at least two consecutive years prior to bid opening and to perform at least 51% of total direct labor hours within the state.

The scope requires the selected advisor to identify and analyze existing and emerging energy technologies (geothermal, solar, wind, hydropower, hydrogen, biomass, ocean energy, and nuclear), evaluate energy storage solutions, propose legislation, and deliver actionable recommendations aligned with Hawaii's energy policies. The advisor must facilitate quarterly working group meetings with state agencies, regulators, stakeholders, and legislators and deliver a preliminary report by December 4, 2026, and a final report by December 4, 2027, timed for legislative submission. The work is performed in Hawaii with travel budgeted for up to four trips annually with two persons per trip.

The contract term is 24 months with a potential 12-month extension. Total budget is $900,000 over two years ($450,000 annually), structured as a fixed, not-to-exceed amount including all applicable taxes, fees, and travel costs. The advisor must maintain commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and automobile liability insurance of $1,000,000 and must hold a minimum of five years of experience in public relations, government and legislative affairs, and market research.

Evaluation criteria are understanding of the service provider's role (5 points), offeror background and organizational experience (50 points), proposed workplan (30 points), and cost and value (15 points). Award notification is anticipated on or around September 4, 2026, with contract execution expected by October 1, 2026. The contractor is classified as an independent contractor responsible for all applicable federal, state, and county taxes and must comply with Hawaii employment and tax laws.