OPC S27027

The Maryland Office of People's Counsel, an independent state agency, is soliciting proposals under RFP S27027 for expert consulting and testimony services supporting its participation in Maryland Public Service Commission Case No. 9907, Artesian Water Company, Inc.'s application to increase rates and amend tariff provisions. Proposals are due November 5, 2026 at 5:00 P.M. EST by email to OPC.RFP1@maryland.gov. Eligibility is restricted: selected vendors must be registered with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation as businesses licensed to conduct business in Maryland, with active registrations and, for corporations or LLCs, "in good standing" status.

Consultants would review Artesian's filing, testimony, exhibits, workpapers, and discovery responses; assist OPC in discovery and issue identification; develop recommended adjustments or policy positions; prepare testimony and exhibits; review rebuttal or surrebuttal testimony; assist OPC counsel in hearing preparation; and provide support for settlement discussions and briefing as needed. Scope also includes technical review or analysis, as requested, supporting OPC's public-facing summaries or communications, including after testimony is filed or after the Commission issues an order. OPC's mandate requires it to consider the environmental interests of the State, including progress toward greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.

Proposals are evaluated on Technical Expertise (40% weighting), Quality of Issue or Policy Identification (40% weighting), and Price (20% weighting). Proposals must be on the firm's letterhead and signed by an officer, partner, or proprietor. OPC reserves the right to cancel the RFP, reject any or all proposals, waive minor irregularities, and award based solely on written proposals without negotiations, though it may conduct discussions with qualified offerors.

The contract takes effect upon execution and continues until services are completed, with the State holding unilateral rights to extend the term for up to three additional successive one-year calendar terms. Time is of the essence given Public Service Commission deadlines for discovery and testimony filing. The contract is subject to appropriations and may be terminated for convenience or for cause. Contractors invoice monthly by email to invoices.opc@maryland.gov, including federal tax identification number and OPC Contract Identification Number; payment is due within thirty days of a proper invoice, with reimbursable expenses subject to State travel regulations. Services rendered before execution may be invoiced if undertaken expressly for this case. Contracts exceeding $200,000 require political contribution disclosure. Awarded vendors must sign State affidavits covering campaign contributions, drug policy, tax payment, debarment, and discrimination. All work product, including testimony, exhibits, reports, and data, becomes OPC's sole property with unrestricted use rights.

Questions go to OPC Procurement Officer Sarah DeMaio at Sarah.DeMaio@maryland.gov or 410-767-8155, with Q&A responses circulated to all potential bidders.