Energy Upgrade Strategy Workshops for Contractors, Developers, and Homeowners

The City of Cincinnati, located in Hamilton County, Ohio, is seeking proposals for a comprehensive project to design, develop, and co-host energy upgrade strategy workshops targeting multiple stakeholder groups. The procurement is a Simplified Request for Proposals (RFP) focused on creating targeted workshops and supporting materials to increase awareness and understanding of energy efficiency, electrification, and clean energy investments. The workshops will be tailored to four key audiences: architects and engineers, multifamily affordable housing stakeholders, single-family homeowners and partner organizations, and tax-exempt entities including schools, nonprofits, houses of worship, and municipalities. Deliverables include live workshop sessions (virtual, in-person, or hybrid), recorded materials, slide decks, case studies, implementation guides, and post-workshop surveys. The evaluation criteria will allocate 15 points for experience, 35 points for approach, 25 points for cost, and 25 points for economic inclusion status. Key dates include a deadline for written questions on January 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET, and proposal submissions due January 27, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET through the City's Bonfire portal.

The contract has specific economic inclusion requirements, with preference given to City of Cincinnati Department of Economic Inclusion Certified M/W/SBE firms or those partnering with such entities. The total contract budget is capped at $50,000 on a time and materials basis, with no additional costs to be approved via amendment. The project is funded by the Phase 1 Municipal Investment Fund (MIF) grant, supporting market-building activities for clean energy generation and net-zero buildings aligned with the Green Cincinnati Plan. Offerors must be single legal entities such as corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, limited liability companies, or limited liability partnerships. Standard federal compliance requirements will apply, including provisions under the Clean Air Act and Cincinnati Municipal Code regarding equal employment opportunity, small business enterprise participation, living wage requirements, and non-discrimination in contracting practices. The project timeline requires contracting and kickoff in February 2026, workshop completion in March and April 2026, and project closeout by April 30, 2026.