ESPC ENABLE Procurement Process

Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) ENABLE's streamlined five-phase procurement process uses General Services Administration (GSA) Award Schedule 84, SIN 246-53, or a site-specific approach using a Department of Energy (DOE)-qualified Energy Service Company (ESCO) for services provided during the installation of energy conservation measures (ECMs) at Federal facilities smaller than 200,000 square feet. The ESPC ENABLE procurement process complies with ESPC laws and regulations.

Phase 1
Acquisition Planning
Phase 2
ESCO Selection
Phase 3
Investment Grade Audit & Award
Phase 4
Installation
Phase 5
Performance Period

Phase I: Acquisition Planning

During this phase agencies gather resources, people, and data in preparation for the ESPC ENABLE procurement process. This phase should be completed in one to two weeks and includes the following tasks:

Identify project team members and agency approval processes
Hold project kick-off meeting with the Federal Energy Management Program project facilitator
Develop a draft Acquisition plan*
Compile key project information, including potential scope and utility data*
Develop draft Request for Quotation/Notice of Opportunity (RFQ/NOO).*

Phase II: ESCO Selection

Phase II begins with the issuance of the RFQ/NOO and concludes with the selection of a qualified ESCO. Selection is based on the ESCO's qualifications to execute the project and cost estimate. Phase II should be completed within three weeks and includes the following tasks:

Agency issues RFQ/NOO to all schedule holders, including ESCO Expression of Interest form, site and facility data, and Final Proposal requirements attachments
Agency receives ESCO expression of interest forms*
Evaluate offers and select an ESCO using the ESCO Selection Guide*
Send written letter to unsuccessful ESCOs*
Issuance of Notice of Intent to Award (NOITA)* to successful ESCO.

Phase III: Investment Grade Audit and Award

Phase III begins with the ESCO performing the investment grade audit (IGA) and concludes with the award of the project. The IGA forms the basis of the ESCOs final proposal, which includes the scope of work (SOW), the task order schedules, and the measurement and verification (M&V) plan. The IGA and award phase should be completed in three weeks and include the following tasks:

Prepare the Scope of Work*
ESCO performs IGA with FEMP-provided IGA Tool*
ESCO prepares and submits a Final Proposal consisting of IGA findings,* M&V plan,* task order schedules 1-5,* and the SOW*
Agency reviews submittals and engages in negotiations
Agency awards task order.

Phase IV: Installation

Phase IV includes the installation, commissioning, and acceptance of the ECMs agreed upon during final negotiations. M&V is also performed to ensure that the installed equipment is providing the guaranteed savings. Phase IV should be completed in six weeks and includes the following tasks:

ESCO presents project plan matching SOW and site requirements
ESCO installs ECMs and schedules inspection and commissioning with agency
ESCO performs commissioning according to ESPC ENABLE commissioning plan*
ESCO performs post installation M&V according to ESPC ENABLE M&V plan*
ESCO presents commissioning and final M&V results in post-installation report*
Agency completes project acceptance using FEMP-provided project acceptance checklist.*

Phase V: Performance Period

The final phase includes annual M&V and ongoing contract administration, such as payments to the ESCO. An annual audit must be completed throughout the life of the contract; the M&V plan will specify responsibilities during this phase. Typical activities during the performance period include:

Agency or ESCO conducts an audit per the M&V plan*
ESCO generates annual M&V report* based on audit results
Agency receives annual M&V report,* reviews/approves, and issues payment.

*Denotes that there is a FEMP-provided tool or template for this action.