DOER RFQ-ENE-2026-014 Natural Gas Policy Rate Cases and Supply Contracts Consulting Services (PRF74)

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has issued a Request for Quote (RFQ-ENE-2026-014) seeking consulting services for natural gas policy rate cases and supply contracts. The procurement is specifically focused on obtaining expert consulting support for internal analysis of natural gas infrastructure and supply, with a particular emphasis on policy advocacy before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. Key deliverables include conducting a project kick-off meeting, reviewing rate case petitions for Liberty Utilities and National Grid, developing information requests, assisting with legal briefs, and providing support during evidentiary hearings. The contract will commence upon execution and terminate on June 30, 2027, with proposals limited to 10 pages and mandatory electronic submission through COMMBUYS by October 24, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST. Evaluation criteria will comprehensively assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach, the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes, the respondent's experience with similar projects, and the extent to which the proposed budget demonstrates best value to the Commonwealth.

The procurement is specifically subject to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP), which provides preferential treatment to businesses meeting specific criteria. Preferred vendors must have their principal place of business in Massachusetts, have been operational for at least one year, employ 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, and maintain gross revenues of $15 million or less. The maximum funding amount for this contract is set at $300,000, providing potential respondents with clear financial parameters for their proposals. While no incumbent vendors are explicitly mentioned, the RFQ indicates a focused scope of work centered on natural gas policy rate case consulting. Respondents will need to demonstrate substantial expertise in utility rate case analysis, policy advocacy, and the regulatory landscape of Massachusetts' natural gas infrastructure. The procurement appears designed to secure specialized consulting services that can provide strategic support to DOER's regulatory and policy objectives related to natural gas supply and infrastructure.