Public Utilities Rate Analysis Consulting Services

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Energy and Environment Cabinet, Public Service Commission issued a Request for Proposal (RFP 123 2000000490) on July 31, 2020, for public utilities rate analysis consulting services to support Elliott County and the broader state jurisdiction. The procurement seeks qualified individuals or organizations to provide comprehensive personal service contract consulting support encompassing electric, gas, and water rate analysis, including processing rate cases, analyzing cost of service studies, evaluating testimony, reviewing tariff filings, preparing data requests, attending meetings and hearings, and preparing orders. The contractor will be provided office space at 211 Sower Boulevard in Frankfort, Kentucky, with flexibility for remote work arrangements, with weekly hours ranging from zero to a maximum of 37.5 hours per week based on Commission needs and mileage reimbursed at state rates. The evaluation will be conducted on a 400-point scale for experience, 400 points for qualifications and expertise, and 200 points for cost, with potential additional oral presentation points valued at 5 points. Written questions from prospective bidders were due by August 7, 2020, with proposals required by August 28, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time; the initial contract term is anticipated to run from September 15, 2020, through June 30, 2022, with the Commonwealth reserving renewal rights for up to two additional one-year periods. Proposals must be submitted in three separate parts (technical proposal, cost proposal, and proprietary information) in original hard copy and flash drive formats.

Kentucky resident bidder and qualified bidder preferences apply per Kentucky Revised Statutes 45A.490 and related regulations, which may provide advantages to in-state respondents. The RFP does not specify disadvantaged enterprise set-asides or identify incumbent vendors, though the Commonwealth reserved the right to request clarifications, conduct discussions with offerors, request best and final offers, and reject any or all proposals at its sole discretion. Compensation will be negotiated based on hourly rates submitted on the cost proposal form, with no specific budget range identified in the documentation; however, the variable weekly hours (zero to 37.5 hours maximum) suggest a flexible, as-needed engagement model. The contractor must maintain authorization to conduct business in Kentucky throughout the contract term and is explicitly prohibited from having any active or pending conflicts of interest with the Kentucky Public Service Commission.