MPA 233 Natural Gas Supply Service

The State of Rhode Island Division of Purchases, in conjunction with the State of Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, is seeking proposals for a Master Price Agreement (MPA 233) to establish a Qualified List of Vendors (QLV) for natural gas supply services. This two-phase procurement will first pre-qualify vendors based on technical abilities, followed by a specific project qualifying procurement with approved vendors. The solicitation seeks competitive market-based pricing for natural gas supply to the state and participating public sector entities, including municipalities, higher education institutions, schools, and quasi-public agencies. Contract terms will range from 12 to 48 months, with potential for two 12-month renewals. Vendors must submit electronic proposals through the Ocean State Procures system by July 26, 2022, with a vendor Q&A period running from June 21 to July 6, 2022. Successful vendors will be invited to participate in a Reverse Auction conducted by a third party to determine final pricing and award.

The solicitation includes several key requirements for potential vendors, including a mandatory 10% minimum participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) of the total contract value. Vendors must maintain specific insurance coverage, including $1 million in liability coverage, $100,000 in workers compensation, and $1 million in automobile liability. A 1% contract administrative fee will be assessed on all purchase orders issued under the Master Price Agreement, effective January 1, 2020. All vendors must be registered in the Ocean State Procures system and will be subject to review by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Opportunity. While no specific budget range or incumbent vendors are mentioned, the statewide applicability suggests a potentially significant market opportunity for qualified natural gas suppliers. Proposals will be considered irrevocable for 180 days following the opening date, and the State reserves the right to make one or multiple awards based on the submitted qualifications.