Interconnection Study

The Illinois Commerce Commission is requesting proposals for an independent evaluation of Illinois' existing electric distribution interconnection rules, tariffs, policies, and procedures with recommendations for improvement, with proposals due November 12, 2026 and a mandatory pre-submission conference on October 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM CST via WebEx. The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal of 21% for subcontracting with minority, women, and persons with disabilities-owned businesses applies; failure to submit a completed Utilization Plan constitutes non-responsiveness.

The scope requires the vendor to conduct an independent review of the current interconnection framework, assess challenges and opportunities, monitor stakeholder discussions through the Commission's Interconnection Working Group, and prepare annual reports addressing specific topics including construction timeline extensions, deposit alternatives, cost sharing mechanisms, queue management, contingent upgrades disclosure, public school queue reservations, and energy storage study parameters. Draft reports are due April 1 of each year (2027–2030); final reports are due June 1. The vendor must demonstrate at least two years of experience reviewing or evaluating electric interconnection standards and identify key personnel with relevant experience.

The contract term runs from execution through September 30, 2030, with a maximum total term not exceeding ten years including renewals or extensions. Travel expenses are reimbursable up to $2,000 per contract term at federal government rates and must be pre-approved. Pricing is firm fixed-price across 24 identified milestones and deliverables with no escalation; labor rates are submitted for contract administration only and cannot be used to adjust fixed prices. Federal funding may partially or wholly fund the resulting contract, with the percentage disclosed upon notice of intent to award.

Evaluation comprises 68 points for technical requirements, 14 points for Commitment to Diversity (20% of technical score), and 10 points for price, totaling 92 points maximum. The lowest-priced proposal receives maximum price points. Proposals must remain firm for 180 days. No bid or performance bond is required.