The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) is soliciting qualifications from vendors to establish a pre-qualified vendor list for market research, evaluation, and data analytics and cost-benefit model review services. 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.
This RFQ seeks to develop a pool of pre-qualified vendors to streamline the vendor selection process for approximately 20-30 small to medium-sized MRE projects managed annually. Small projects typically range from $8,000 to $15,000, while medium-sized projects range from $15,000 to $80,000. Projects exceeding $80,000 will be contracted through open competitive RFPs. The three qualifying work categories are: (1) Evaluation - theory-based evaluations using mixed-method studies including surveys, interviews, focus groups, observational and ethnographic research, and mystery shopping to assess market transformation progress; (2) Market Research - studies to identify market barriers, opportunities, and knowledge gaps using similar methods but without longitudinal tracking; and (3) Data Analytics and Cost-Benefit Model Review - smaller projects involving model verification, baseline validation, assumption testing, data analysis, and calculations related to energy savings forecasting.
Vendors must demonstrate competency in four technical areas: (1) Research Design including research methodology, instrument development, and sample design and recruitment strategies with emphasis on business-to-business market actors such as installers, engineers, architects, manufacturers, and distributors; (2) Data Collection and Analysis including tools, frameworks, software capabilities, quality control practices, and qualitative data analysis methods; (3) Synthesis and Reporting including strategies for delivering findings, client engagement, and report quality standards; and (4) Project Management demonstrating best-in-class organizational structure and account management.
Responses must include: a 1-2 page cover letter describing qualifying work categories, organizational history, competitive advantages, and utility/energy efficiency experience; a Key Information section of no more than 12 pages per work category addressing project management and technical competence with 2-4 project summaries from the past six years including background, methods, results, and links to sample reports; required appendices including team resumes (one page each for key contributors), current organizational chart, hourly rate sheet or fee schedule, list of NEEA projects completed in the past six years, optional awards and industry recognition, and the completed NEEA Vendor Information Form. Current pre-qualified vendors from previous RFQs #50817 and #50510 may update their status by March 31, 2021 with updated appendices only, unless seeking qualification in new work categories. New vendors may submit qualifications on an ongoing basis through December 31, 2022 via the online submission form at https://neea.org/get-involved/requests-for-proposals-qualifications/mre-rfq-submission as a single PDF file. NEEA will respond to submissions within four weeks with a decision. Submissions will be evaluated on responsiveness to RFQ requirements, firm experience, proven capability on similar work, and qualifications of proposed staff.