Notice of Opportunity (NOO) for Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) Task Order at US Forest Service Forest Products Lab at 1 Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, WI and Request for Contractor Expressions of Interest

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to vendor questions regarding the solicitation for Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) services.

• Past Performance Page Limitations: Page limitations do not apply to information provided in response to ESCP Past Performance.
• Font Size: 10-point font is NOT allowable for tables, graphics, and header/footer content.
• Page Limits for Technical Sections: The Government will allow up to 8 pages for Section 5.1 (Technical Competencies and Experience) and up to 8 pages for Section 5.2 (ESCO Management Approach).
• Front Matter: A Cover/Title Page, Table of Contents, and Glossary are permitted outside of the stated page limitations.
• Electricity Demand Charges: Energy savings calculations for electricity should include a demand component, as FPL electricity contains demand charges. Examples of on-peak and off-peak winter/summer rates are provided.
• Building Metering: All buildings in the project are served by one electric meter. Sub-metering has been installed in Building 50 and Building 1, but these submeters are not currently active/reporting. Limited historic data will be provided.

These clarifications adjust page limitations for specific technical sections and provide guidance on font usage and demand charge calculations, which may impact proposal preparation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire intended for an ESCO (Energy Savings Company) to complete. It is an attachment to a Notice of Opportunity for a Task Order at the US Forest Service Forest Products Lab. The questionnaire is designed to gather information from the customer regarding the ESCO's performance on a previous project.

• Contract Information: Details about the ESCO, the type of work performed (prime, subcontractor, joint venture), contract number, type, title, and location.
• Project Description: Questions about the energy or water conservation measures employed, the complexity of the work, and its similarity to the current opportunity.
• Customer Information: Details about the agency/customer/client providing the evaluation.
• Adjectival Ratings: A rating scale (Exceptional, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, Unsatisfactory, Not Applicable) with definitions to evaluate the contractor's performance in areas such as Quality, Schedule/Timeliness, Communication, Management/Personnel/Labor, Cost/Financial Management, Safety/Security, and Subcontract Management.
• Summary: Questions about whether the customer would hire the firm again and an overall rating, with space for a narrative summary of strengths, weaknesses, or deficiencies.

This questionnaire is crucial for potential bidders (ESCOs) to understand the past performance evaluation criteria. It outlines the specific areas the government will assess and the rating system used. Completing this accurately and thoroughly will be essential for demonstrating past performance capabilities to the government.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Notice of Opportunity (NOO) for an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) Task Order at the US Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory campus in Madison, WI. It invites current holders of the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Fourth Generation ESPC IDIQ contract to submit an expression of interest to be considered for contractor selection. The project aims to achieve significant reductions in energy and water use, costs, and enhance resilience by implementing energy and water conservation measures (ECMs).

• The scope includes four buildings: Main Building (Building #1), Wood Fiber Products Lab (Building #33), Wood Chemistry Lab (Building #34), and Centennial Research Facility (Building #50).

• ESCOs must use eProjectBuilder (ePB) for developing the ESPC project and presenting baselines, savings, and financial schedules.

• The project will involve implementing ECMs such as lighting upgrades, HVAC equipment replacement and upgrades, building envelope upgrades, and solar PV upgrades.

• Water conservation objectives include reducing water consumption through water fixture replacements.

• ESCOs must conduct an Investment Grade Audit (IGA).

• Measurement and Verification (M&V) of savings is required.

• The project scope may be expanded to include additional ECMs identified during the performance period.

• The contract type is an ESPC Task Order under the Fourth Generation DOE ESPC IDIQ contract.

• The performance period is TBD, up to 25 years.

• Expressions of Interest (EOI) are due by 4/23/2026, 5:00 p.m. EST.

• General questions are due by 4/15/2026.

• ESCOs must submit technical competencies and experience (5 pages max), management approach (5 pages max), and references for past performance.

• Evaluation factors include Technical Competencies and Experience (40%), Management Approach (20%), and Past Performance (40%).

• The selection process may involve two down-selection steps, culminating in the selection of one ESCO to conduct the IGA.

• This notice is limited to current holders of the Fourth Generation DOE ESPC IDIQ contract who are interested in being prime contractors.

• Responses from vendors interested in being subcontractors will not be accepted.

• The Forest Products Laboratory campus is located at 1 Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, WI 53726.

• Building #1 is on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Occupants are expected to remain in the buildings during the performance period, though movement may be allowed.

• Hazmat (asbestos, PCB, etc.) may be present.

• Building operating hours are typically 6 am to 6 pm.