Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc. (Energy Trust), an Oregon non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, is seeking qualifications from respondents with expertise in digital transformation services. One or more contractors may be selected based on their submissions to this RFQ for further discussions and possible contracting. Energy Trust encourages the participation of all types of businesses, including minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned and emerging small enterprises, in competing for contracts with our programs and operations.
Energy Trust has a variety of digital transformation needs. We seek a partner that can support our organizational goals, achieve business outcomes, and manage change so staff can take ownership of our systems and processes. Digital projects completed under this contract will help us align with Energy Trust’s Strategic Plan by increasing efficiency and transparency, and by improving capabilities and analytics. Examples of potential projects include establishing customer communication channels, establishing online portals for collecting forms and other data, reaching customers by establishing push notifications, and other complex digital transformation projects.
Total and aggregate budget for projects annually is not expected to exceed $100,000. Contractor(s) will be selected based on relevant experience, training and credentials, COBID or federal certification status, and rates. This contract will serve as a prequalified list; contractors selected under this contract may work on one or more projects and if not selected for a project immediately may be selected for a subsequent project as needs arise. Deliverables will vary by project.
Energy Trust Overview
Energy Trust is an independent nonprofit organization, selected and overseen by the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC), that helps Oregon utility customers save on energy consumption with incentivized efficiency measures and independent generation of renewable power.
Energy Trust total investments in local energy projects that save energy and generate clean energy will save utility customers $8.9 billion on their utility bills over the lifetime of those investments. Participating customers have already saved $4.6 billion on their energy bills since 2002. The cumulative impact of our leadership has been a contributing factor in building a sustainable energy future. More information about Energy Trust’s background, funding sources, strategic and action plans, policies, and programs are available on our website.
Background
Energy Trust intends to streamline its programs to incorporate more automation and digitally processed data received from various sources. Currently, we have a mix of modern digital and legacy paper-based workflows and an inconsistent level of digitalization across our organization. Energy Trust intends to transform aspects of our operations over the next 5 years as part of our Strategic Plan. The short-term objective is to assess and ensure staff readiness across all internal workgroups and implement a small set of priority business processes. Our long-term plan is to scale and transform significant aspects of our operations by 2028.
Planned Approach
This RFQ seeks to identify, as potential sources, a company or companies that possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to competitively provide digital transformation services. Energy Trust intends to evaluate proposals and may award one or more contracts after conducting discussions with respondents whose proposals have been determined to be within the competitive range.
It is anticipated that Energy Trust will enter into a written contract with one or more respondents selected through the RFQ process. Not all respondent submissions will be selected for award. For selected respondents, contracts will have a term not longer than two years.
Over the next three to six months, we intend to select a small number of priority workflows (5-10) to initiate a new approach to digital transformation efforts. This will involve bringing on an industry partner selected through this RFQ to perform user centered design, development and implementation efforts. To accelerate time to delivery of operational capabilities, the majority of implementation may occur on approved Energy Trust software platforms.
RFQ Submissions:
Submissions in response to this RFQ will be accepted until November 27, 2024 not later than 5pm (PST). Respondent submissions will be reviewed, and respondents will be contacted by Energy Trust within 30 days of Energy Trust’s receipt of a complete submission as described below for further discussion.
All submissions must be emailed to: tracy.scott@energytrust.org (Program Director), and the subject line of the emailed submission must clearly state: RFQ Response – Digital Transformation Services.
Verbal questions and discussions with Energy Trust staff about the RFQ cannot be accommodated. Any questions, requests for clarification and/or additional information regarding this RFQ must be submitted via email to the contact listed above on or before November 20, 2024. Questions and/or requests for clarification will be posted before the closing date of the RFQ and will be anonymized and posted so that all potential respondents receive the same information, and no respondent receives preferential treatment.
To be considered complete and ready for review, complete the following application:
Other Terms
- Right to Accept or Reject
This RFQ is not an agreement to purchase goods or services. Energy Trust is not bound to enter into a contract with any qualified respondent. Energy Trust reserves the right to modify the terms of this RFQ at any time in its sole discretion. This includes the right to cancel or revise this RFQ at any time. Further, Energy Trust reserves the right to waive any nonconformity in submissions received, to accept or reject any or all of the items in the submission and award any ultimate contract in whole or in part as it is deemed in Energy Trust’s best interest. - Ownership of Responses
All materials submitted in response to this RFQ shall become the property of Energy Trust and shall not be returned to the respondent. - Confidentiality
Note that proprietary information, if any, must be minimized and SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED. Respondents shall clearly identify those proprietary portions of their responses that they do not want revealed to third parties and label such portions as “Confidential Information.” Except as required under Energy Trust policy, law or for regulatory purposes Energy Trust will maintain confidentiality of such information. - Respondent Expenses
Respondents are solely responsible for their own expenses in preparing a response and for any subsequent negotiations. Energy Trust will not be liable to any respondent for any claims, whether for costs or damages incurred by the respondent in preparing the response, loss of anticipated profit in connection with any final contract or any other matter whatsoever. - Independent Contractor Status
Selected contractor(s) will be independent contractors to Energy Trust and must be in a position to act as independent contractors. - Confidentiality
Contractor(s) may be required to use and maintain Energy Trust’s confidential information and in accordance with all Energy Trust requirements in the protection and use of information.