CPRG Accelerator Research and Best Practices

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) in partnership with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) is requesting proposals for research and best practices development on the Local IMPACT Accelerator program under RFP EFAA 27-06, with proposals due August 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM Mountain Time. A public virtual proposal opening will occur August 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM. This is a single-awarded, firm-fixed-price engagement with a maximum budget of $338,000 and performance spanning November 9, 2026, through June 30, 2029, with optional annual renewals not to exceed five years total.

The scope encompasses five tasks: project startup and coordination; review of the Accelerator program and peer state climate programs; two phases of stakeholder engagement across state agencies, local governments, regional coordinators, and federally recognized tribes; and development of sector briefs and a final best practices report. Key deliverables include gap analyses, an Accelerator 2.0 approach document, four sector briefs (Buildings, Land Use, Transportation, Waste—approximately four pages each), and a comprehensive final report with actionable strategies. Interim deliverables are due February 1, 2028; final sector briefs and reports are due May 1, 2029. All deliverables must comply with Colorado accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 Level AA). At least one in-person West Slope engagement event is required; CEO and DOLA will lead primary stakeholder recruitment and assist with venue identification to minimize costs. All engagement costs, including travel and logistics, must fit within the $338,000 ceiling.

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. Offerors must provide fully burdened hourly rates by labor category with estimated hours per task; rates remain fixed throughout performance. Entities with a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) must use federal rates; others should propose loaded hourly rates including benefits. The work is funded through the EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) and must comply with all Federal Award Terms and Conditions, including 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 1500, 40 CFR 33, and Clean Air Act Section 137. Contractors are prohibited from acquiring intangible property such as software, data licenses, and IP licenses. All deliverables involving environmental information require EPA approval via a Supplemental Assurance Plan (SAP). Proposals must disclose AI tool use, comply with CEO's AI governance policies, and adhere to EPA's Quality Assurance Program. Firms currently supporting CEO or the IMPACT Accelerator may bid if they disclose existing work. Evaluation criteria include demonstrated experience and capabilities, technical proposal quality, cost reasonableness, and accessibility compliance, with cost being one factor among many.