CPRG Accelerator Research and Best Practices

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) and Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) are requesting proposals for research and best practices consulting services for the CPRG Accelerator program under RFP EFAA 2027-06, with proposals due August 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM Mountain Time. Written inquiries are due July 17, 2026.

Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of two years of experience conducting policy or program research and program design for state or local government clients in climate, energy, or environmental programs. The work is funded through an EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant and subject to compliance with 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 1500, 40 CFR 33, and Clean Air Act Section 137. All deliverables must meet Colorado accessibility standards (24-85-101, et seq., C.R.S.) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Level AA compliance. Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) offerors must submit U.S. Small Business Administration certification documentation with proposals to satisfy the 3% SDVOSB contracting goal.

The scope encompasses four tasks: reviewing current Accelerator program design, analyzing state climate programs, conducting peer state research, and executing two phases of stakeholder engagement (12–15 sessions across in-person and online formats, with at least one in-person event on Colorado's West Slope). Deliverables include a gap analysis, sector-specific best practices briefs covering buildings, land use, transportation, and waste, and an Accelerator 2.0 action plan with recommendations for program design and sustainable funding. The CEO and DOLA will lead primary stakeholder recruitment and facilitate agency access; respondents may supplement recruitment through their own networks.

The contract is firm-fixed-price with a maximum budget ceiling of $338,000 and invoicing on time-and-materials basis supported by monthly progress reports. Hourly rates by labor category must remain constant throughout performance. The targeted start date is November 9, 2026, with final deliverables due May 1, 2029. The anticipated initial term runs through June 30, 2029, with possible annual renewal options for up to two additional years, not to exceed five years total. Notice of Intent to Award is estimated for October 9, 2026. Travel costs are reimbursed at half the billable labor rate. Respondents must disclose any AI tool use in deliverables and prohibit inputting confidential state data into public or consumer-grade AI systems. The State reserves the right to award only one offeror and may cancel the solicitation without penalty.