Small & Medium Bldg. Energy Efficiency & Decarb Initiative

The Colorado Energy Office is requesting proposals for a technical assistance pilot program supporting small and medium commercial building owners on energy efficiency and decarbonization projects, with proposals due September 2, 2026, and an Intent to Award anticipated September 17, 2026. The contract is funded in whole or in part with U.S. Department of Energy federal funds, triggering Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements for construction contracts exceeding $2,000, Copeland Anti-Kickback Act compliance, and prevailing wage certification for contracts over $100,000 involving mechanics or laborers. A 3% dollar-value goal for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) certified through the U.S. Small Business Administration and incorporated or maintaining operations in Colorado applies.

The scope targets approximately 20–30 commercial building owners with facilities between 10,000 and 50,000 square feet, statewide in scope and primarily outside investor-owned utility service territories, though IOU-served buildings may participate if interest from non-IOU areas is insufficient. The contractor will design and implement a program covering stakeholder outreach, energy audits and assessments, project scoping and financing plan development, engineering and design support, and guidance through permitting and financial navigation to secure construction financing. The contractor is not responsible for implementing retrofits. Deliverables include an application and grading matrix for participant selection, technical assistance to selected participants, program evaluation, publicly-facing resources including a Small and Medium Building Financial Navigation Toolkit and Program Blueprint, and execution of stakeholder outreach. The contractor must demonstrate a minimum of five years of direct experience performing or coordinating technical assistance to commercial building owners, five years of experience with scoping, designing, engineering, permitting, and implementing energy efficiency and electrification retrofit projects, and prior experience supporting building owners in securing financing through C-PACE, CCEF, or utility decarbonization incentive programs. Key personnel must possess demonstrable experience in architecture, mechanical or electrical engineering, MEP installation, and commercial construction.

The maximum budget is $350,000 on a firm-fixed-rate basis. The initial contract term runs through December 31, 2027, with contract start desired for October 15, 2026, or upon execution, whichever comes first. The State may extend the contract beyond the anticipated term at its discretion. Colorado accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 Level AA) and AI governance and use policies are mandatory. Proposals must address accessibility compliance and AI disclosure and use requirements. Written inquiries were due August 10, 2026. Proposals open publicly on September 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM via virtual meeting.