The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) is seeking to develop a pre-qualified vendor list for market research, evaluation, and data analytics services to support its market transformation programs across the Northwest region (Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington). This RFQ #51211 builds upon previous vendor pools established through RFQs #50817 and #50510 by augmenting the list with new pre-qualified vendors and updating qualifications for existing vendors.
NEEA manages 20-30 small to medium-sized projects annually with budgets typically ranging from $8,000 to $15,000 for small projects (such as data analysis and program cost-benefit model reviews) up to $15,000 to $80,000 for medium-sized projects. Projects exceeding $80,000 will be contracted through open competitive processes. Pre-qualified vendors will be invited to submit proposals through a limited RFP process, streamlining the award process for future engagements.
The RFQ focuses on three primary work categories: (1) Evaluation - theory-based, longitudinal, mixed-method studies combining surveys, interviews, focus groups, ethnographic research, and mystery shopping to measure program performance against market transformation goals; (2) Market Research - studies to identify market barriers, opportunities, and knowledge gaps using similar methodologies but without longitudinal components; and (3) Data Analytics and Cost-Benefit Model Review - projects involving baseline reviews, model validation, assumption testing, and energy savings forecasting.
Vendors must demonstrate technical competencies in research design (methodology, instrument development, sample design and recruitment), data collection and analysis (quantitative and qualitative methods, software tools, quality control), and synthesis and reporting. NEEA emphasizes the need for expertise in business-to-business research targeting trade professionals, building industry professionals, engineers, architects, manufacturers, retailers, and distributors rather than consumer-focused research.
Key dates: Current pre-qualified vendors from RFQs #50817 and #50510 must submit updated information by March 31, 2021 to maintain their status. New vendor submissions are being accepted on an ongoing basis through December 31, 2022. NEEA will respond to submissions within four weeks with a decision regarding vendor inclusion on the pre-qualified list.