Weatherization Energy Audit Software

The State of Oregon Housing and Community Services Department (OHCS) issued a Special Procurement Public Notice on March 17, 2026 (Special Procurement #S-91400-00014334) for weatherization energy audit software. This is not a competitive solicitation but rather formal notification of a direct award approval for REM/Rate Lite software from REM/Rate LLC, issued pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes 279B.085(5), 279B.400, and 456.625(19)(b), and Oregon Administrative Rule 137-047-0285. The procurement involves replacing OHCS' current energy audit tool, REM/Design, which is no longer supported and fails to meet U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) requirements. The primary objective is to maintain compliance with federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) funding requirements and DOE regulations under 10 CFR 440.21, which mandate that energy audit procedures be approved by DOE every five years. REM/Rate Lite is a DOE pre-approved tool on the expedited energy audit list that eliminates the need for additional federal vetting and meets all regulatory standards. The proposed contract period extends from 2026 through 2031, with an optional extension at OHCS' discretion contingent upon continued DOE compliance. The selection of REM/Rate Lite as the replacement tool is justified by reduced training costs and policy rework compared to transitioning to an alternate system, as OHCS' existing audit protocols, technical manuals, and training materials are integrated with the current software platform. The public notice period for protests closed on March 24, 2026, with affected parties able to submit written protests within seven calendar days of the March 17 posting date to the OHCS Procurement & Business Operations Manager.

This special procurement involved no competitive bidding process and carried no set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises or restrictions on organizational types, as the award was approved directly to REM/Rate LLC as the incumbent vendor and direct successor to the currently deployed REM/Design system. The existing infrastructure and technology requirements are specifically tied to OHCS' current audit protocols and technical systems built around the original REM/Design software, making REM/Rate Lite the logical replacement that maintains alignment with established policies and operational procedures. The DOE-approved audit software list includes only a limited number of products from different developers, further supporting the justification for the direct award to maintain system continuity and minimize organizational disruption. The total estimated contract value for the five-year period from 2026 through 2031 is $550,000. Questions regarding this procurement were directed to Amanda King, OHCS Procurement Specialist, at 971-433-7914 or amanda.king@hcs.oregon.gov, while formal protests were to be submitted to Phillip J. Andrews, OHCS Procurement & Business Operations Manager, at 725 Summer Street NE, Suite B, Salem, OR 97301, or via email to phillip.j.andrews@hcs.oregon.gov with the special procurement number identified in the subject line.