The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) is seeking to develop a list of pre-qualified vendors with expertise in one or more of three qualifying work categories: Evaluation, Market Research, and Data Analytics and Cost-Benefit Model Review. NEEA is an alliance of more than 140 utilities and energy efficiency organizations serving more than 13 million energy consumers across Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The organization has been advancing energy efficiency adoption since 1997 and has saved enough energy to power over 900,000 homes annually.
This RFQ establishes a pre-qualified vendor pool for NEEA's Market Research and Evaluation (MRE) Team to streamline the awarding process for approximately 20-30 small to medium-sized projects managed annually. Small projects such as data analysis and program cost-benefit model reviews average $8,000 to $15,000, while medium-sized projects range from $15,000 to $80,000. Larger research and evaluation projects anticipated to exceed $80,000 will continue to be contracted through open competitive RFP processes.
Evaluation work involves theory-based evaluations using longitudinal, mixed-method studies to assess whether programs are achieving market transformation goals as anticipated. Market Research work helps identify market barriers, opportunities, and knowledge gaps to advance program goals. Data Analytics and Cost-Benefit Model Review work supports planning analysts in reviewing baselines, validating model assumptions, and estimating energy savings.
Vendors must demonstrate technical competency in research design (methodology, instrument development, and sample design/recruitment strategies), data collection and analysis, and synthesis and reporting. Emphasis is placed on business-to-business research capabilities, as NEEA's market research primarily targets trade professionals, building industry professionals, engineers, architects, manufacturers, distributors, and other market actors rather than consumers.
Key submission dates include March 31, 2021 for current pre-qualified vendors to provide updated information and intent to remain on the vendor list. New vendor submissions are accepted on an ongoing basis through December 31, 2022. Submissions will be reviewed by the NEEA MRE Team, with responses provided within four weeks of submission. Accepted vendors will be eligible to participate in NEEA's limited RFP process but are not guaranteed inclusion on short-lists for every solicitation.