The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) has issued a request for qualifications that seeks firms to help towns and cities develop community microgrids.
Issued November 17, the RFQ also seeks proposals from companies that can assist with energy savings performance contracts (ESPC).
The organization, which represents 156 Connecticut municipalities, hopes to create a list of pre-qualified vendors that its members can turn to when they develop community microgrids or pursue energy efficiency in city or school buildings.
Applicants also are asked to offer a discount to CCM members.
Through the RFQ the organization hopes to make it easier and more cost-effective for its members to develop community microgrids and energy efficiency. CCM won’t sign contracts with companies it selects; any deals must be made directly with the municipalities.
In selecting winners, CCM said it will consider experience, references, service, ability to respond promptly to requests, past performance, compliance with RFQ procedures and other factors.
Questions about the RFQ can be made via email until December 1. The contact for questions is Andrew Merola, CCM energy & program development manager; [email protected].
CCM says it will accept RFQ responses until 2 p.m. ET, December 16.
The RFQ is available at www.connecticutbids.com.
Winning companies will be asked to provide such services as:
- Evaluate facilities in preparation for municipal microgrid or performance contracting projects
- Oversee the preparation of a Request for Proposal for an ESCo or microgrid partner.
- Oversee the preparation of an application to Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, US Department of Agriculture or other sources for municipal microgrid grant funding
- Compile and organize existing utilities information
- Compile and organize related facility information, such as energy use by fuel type, building drawings, reports, operations and maintenance issues
- Oversee the scheduling of and participation in pre-proposal conferences
- Oversee tours of facilities
- Assist in answering technical questions during RFP phase
- Oversee and act as an advisor in the evaluation of RFP responses, the preparation of selection committees, and the interview of the short-listed firms
- Oversee Investment Grade Audit (IGA) process, including negotiation of an agreement to perform the IGA
- Oversee review of the IGA, including baseline calculations, energy model review, price reasonableness, etc.
- Review and assess energy and operating cost-saving measures, including commissioning and training provisions, proposed by the energy service company and make appropriate recommendations
- Oversee municipal microgrid projects involving multiple technologies, including solar and energy storage, fuel cells, CHP, etc.
- Act as expert advisor during the contracting process, including contract negotiations and review
- Oversee development of measurement and verification protocols and quality control of ESCo M&V services to ensure each project meets its goals over the entire contract term
- Provide additional assistance in the design, contractual structure, implementation, and management of the ESPC process or microgrid development process
Separately, Connecticut’s state government is encouraging development of community microgrids under a grant program, which is currently offering $30 million to cities, towns and private companies.
Read more about community microgrids by downloading Microgrid Knowledge’s free “Community Microgrids: A Guide for Mayors and City Leaders Seeking Clean, Reliable and Locally Controlled Energy.”
