CPRG Accelerator Research and Best Practices

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) in partnership with the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) is soliciting proposals for research and best-practices development for the CPRG Accelerator program, with proposals due August 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM Mountain Time. This is Amendment #2 to RFP EFAA 27-06, and the deadline has shifted from the original August 17 date.

Respondents must demonstrate at least two years of experience conducting policy or program research and program design for state or local government clients in climate, energy, or environmental programs. Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) must submit U.S. Small Business Administration certification and be incorporated in Colorado or maintain a Colorado place of business. Incumbent contractors supporting the CEO and IMPACT Accelerator program are eligible to bid, provided they address potential conflicts of interest transparently.

The scope encompasses a comprehensive gap analysis of the existing Local IMPACT Accelerator program, comparative research on Colorado state climate programs and peer-state initiatives, facilitation of multi-stakeholder engagement sessions across geographic regions (including at least one in-person event on Colorado's West Slope), development of four sector-specific best-practices briefs (buildings, land use, transportation, and waste), and a final report with actionable recommendations for program enhancements and sustainable funding mechanisms. All deliverables must meet Colorado accessibility standards under HB21-1110 and WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements. Respondents must disclose any use of artificial intelligence tools in creating deliverables and ensure fact-checking, bias review, and validation against primary sources.

The contract is firm-fixed-price at $338,000, not to exceed that amount, with compensation on a time-and-materials basis supported by monthly invoices and progress reports. Work is funded through an EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG), requiring full compliance with federal award terms including EPA General Terms and Conditions, 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 1500, 40 CFR 33, and Clean Air Act Section 137. The contract runs from November 9, 2026 through June 30, 2029, with possible annual renewal options for up to two additional years, not to exceed five years total. Final deliverables are due May 1, 2029. Public notice of intent to award is estimated for October 9, 2026. All engagement-related costs, including venue rental, refreshments, and travel, must be accommodated within the $338,000 budget ceiling. Evaluation prioritizes demonstrated experience, technical approach quality, accessibility compliance, and cost reasonableness rather than lowest price alone.