RFP Secondary 25NC0488 Potential and Goals Study - Group E

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued RFP 25NC0488 on February 27, 2026, seeking a prime contractor to conduct comprehensive energy efficiency research and evaluation services for a four-year performance period extending through June 30, 2030. This procurement encompasses two primary research areas: Potential and Goals studies to support forecasting activities and inform energy savings goals for Program Administrators, influenced by Integrated Resources Planning (IRP), distributed energy resources proceedings, and relevant legislation including SB 350 and AB 802; and Industry and Market Studies to improve understanding of energy efficiency market dynamics, barriers, and opportunities for enhanced program design and targeting across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Deliverables include research sector work plans, 48 monthly progress reports, approximately 80 scheduled reports, 348 coordination meetings with CPUC staff, 80 stakeholder engagement events, data collection plans, energy efficiency adoption simulation models, potential and goals studies with technical, economic, and market assessments, CEC-coordinated scenarios and demand forecasts, SB 350 targets updates, building electrification potential assessments, and up to ten industry and market studies. Qualified proposers must demonstrate minimum qualifications including ten years of combined public sector energy efficiency experience, five years evaluating California clean energy programs, expertise in project management and evaluation, measurement, and verification (EM&V) activities, and adherence to the American Evaluation Association's Guiding Principles. Evaluation criteria include organizational description and desired qualifications (110 points), deliverables approach and work plans (290 points), and cost evaluation (220 points), with a minimum technical score requirement of 312 points for consideration. Proposals are due April 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, with an estimated contract execution date of July 1, 2026.

This solicitation includes a mandatory three percent Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement, with additional incentive points available for certified small businesses committing to twenty-five percent subcontracting to Department of General Services (DGS)-certified small businesses or for higher DVBE participation levels. The total contract value shall not exceed $6,000,000 for the four-year base term, with progress payments made upon completion and approval of specific deliverables subject to ten percent retention withholding. The cost sheet establishes line-item pricing for each of the 17 distinct tasks and includes Task 17 allocating $250,000 for unanticipated tasks to provide flexibility for emerging research needs throughout the contract term. All agreements will incorporate by reference the State's General Terms and Conditions (GTC 02/2025) and Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 4/2017), which are non-negotiable and include standard provisions for insurance, data confidentiality, conflict of interest compliance, and cybersecurity requirements. No information regarding incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing technology integration requirements is provided in the solicitation documents.