OER STEPS Initiative Program

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources is requesting proposals to manage the professional development and energy workforce education component of the RI Clean Energy Internship Program (STEPS Initiative) under RFP27006985, with proposals due October 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT and vendor questions accepted through September 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT.

The successful contractor will deliver comprehensive professional development services and energy workforce education programming. MBE/WBE participation is scored during evaluation; vendors must complete an MBE/WBE Participation Plan Form and are required to meet or exceed their proposed ISBE utilization rates throughout contract performance. The exact participation threshold is detailed in the full solicitation.

The initial contract period runs approximately three years beginning January 2027, with options to renew for up to two additional 12-month periods based on vendor performance and fund availability. Pricing is submitted as a separate cost proposal reflecting hourly rates or other fee structures, with the lowest-cost vendor receiving 100% of available cost points. A 0.33% contract administrative fee will be withheld from all invoiced amounts effective January 1, 2026.

Required insurance includes General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), Workers Compensation ($100,000 each accident), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000), Professional Liability/Errors and Omissions ($2,000,000 per occurrence and annual aggregate), Technology Errors and Omissions ($1,000,000 per occurrence and aggregate), and Umbrella/Excess Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate). All proposals must be submitted electronically through Ocean State Procures (webprocure.proactiscloud.com); email, mail, fax, and hand delivery will not be accepted. Vendors must register in Ocean State Procures, comply with all state certifications and disclosures in the Vendor Certification Questionnaire, and complete a Supplemental Bidder Attestation Form confirming no conflicts of interest under R.I. Gen. Laws 37-2-13.1(b).