Comprehensive Guaranteed Savings Energy Conservation Program

Litchfield Community Schools in Gratiot County, Michigan is seeking proposals for a Comprehensive Guaranteed Savings Energy Conservation Program through a Request for Proposals (RFP). The procurement targets NAESCO Accredited Energy Service Providers (ESCOs) to design and implement comprehensive energy conservation measures for the district facility located at 210 Williams Street in Litchfield. Proposed project scope includes HVAC system modifications, web-based building automation, LED lighting upgrades, fenestration improvements, water conservation, building envelope enhancements, solar energy generation, thermal energy storage, and a student interactive educational curriculum. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for October 3, 2025, at 9:00 am, with proposal submissions due on October 16, 2025, at 1:00 pm. The project timeline anticipates beginning on January 15, 2026, and completion by February 15, 2027. Evaluation criteria will focus on comprehensive cash flow analysis, guaranteed energy savings determined by International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocols (IPMVP), and technical capabilities of proposed energy conservation measures.

Bidders must provide a 5% bid security based on the proposed contract amount and demonstrate comprehensive insurance coverage, including $2,000,000 in general liability and $5,000,000 in umbrella liability. The contract will be financed with a maximum term of 20 years at an initial financing rate of 4.0%, with an initial 5-year savings guarantee period. The selected ESCO will be responsible for all design, implementation, and verification of energy conservation measures, and must provide a minimum one-year warranty on equipment, materials, and workmanship. Additionally, the contractor must deliver training programs for district personnel at no additional cost. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned, the RFP requires technical expertise and financial capabilities that may limit smaller or less experienced firms from competing. The project's potential award value is not explicitly stated, but the comprehensive scope and 20-year financing term suggest a significant investment in energy infrastructure and efficiency improvements.