Energy Savings Capital Improvements on a Performance Contrac

Lakewood Public Schools in Michigan is seeking a performance contracting/design-build contractor to implement comprehensive energy conservation measures (ECMs) across four district facilities: Early Childhood Center, Lakewood Elementary, Lakewood Middle School, and Lakewood High School. The Request for Proposals (RFP) was released on February 13, 2019, with a mandatory pre-proposal meeting scheduled for February 18, 2019, and proposal responses due by March 1, 2019. The project requires a single contractor to design and implement energy-saving equipment and materials, improve building comfort and safety, and provide a minimum 18-month warranty on all work. Proposals must include detailed energy savings calculations, guaranteed annual energy savings, a measurement and verification plan, and a written guarantee of energy savings. The district is specifically seeking proposals that address energy conservation measures such as lighting controls, HVAC system modifications, building envelope improvements, and energy management systems. Bidders must provide a minimum 5-year written guarantee of measured energy savings, with an option for the entire 15-year contract term. The district reserves the right to select one or more bidders and negotiate a final agreement, with the ultimate selection to be made by the Board of Education.

The RFP does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types. The project is structured as a guaranteed savings performance contract with a 15-year term, where project costs will be primarily offset by energy conservation and operational savings. The district will not incur start-up costs, and the contractor will be responsible for implementing and guaranteeing the energy savings measures. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the provided documentation, the comprehensive nature of the project across four facilities suggests a significant capital investment. The performance contracting approach means that the selected vendor will be financially motivated to deliver substantial energy efficiency improvements, with their compensation directly tied to verified energy savings. Interested contractors will need to demonstrate significant technical expertise in energy conservation, building systems optimization, and performance contracting to be competitive in this procurement.