The Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC)
Retro-Commissioning Service Provider
Request for Qualifications
RFQ-SEDAC003
Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Managed by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
In Partnership With
The 360 Energy Group, LLC
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RFQ-SEDAC003
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BACKGROUND
Illinois Energy Now (IEN) is an energy efficiency program administered by the State of Illinois
that provides millions of dollars in rebates to public facilities that make large-scale equipment
improvements which reduce electricity and natural gas usage.
The Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) is sponsored by the Illinois Department of
Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and is managed by the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in partnership with the 360 Energy Group, LLC (360EG) (Project
Team). UIUC offers its substantial experience assisting the building industry—architects,
engineers, contractors, builders, manufacturers, and consumers—to design and construct
buildings that are technologically advanced and energy efficient. The 360EG lends experience in
market transformation and program management.
The Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) manages the Illinois Department of
Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) IEN Public Sector Retro-Commissioning (RCx)
Program. The purpose of DCEO’s Public Sector RCx Program is to help public sector clients
(including units of local government, K-12 school districts, community colleges, public
universities, and state agencies) identify controls, scheduling, and operations-related energysaving improvements that will have an estimated total payback of 1.50 years or less. The end
result: significant energy and demand savings that, in many cases, also improve occupant comfort
and productivity.
The RCx analysis is fully funded by Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
(DCEO), in partnership with Ameren Illinois, Commonwealth Edison, Nicor Gas, North Shore
Gas, and Peoples Gas.
As part of the program, each participating clients must commit to spending at least $10,000
towards implementing the measures selected from those recommended by the RCx analysis,
arrange for implementation in a timely manner, attend meetings, and assist RCx service providers
in acquiring facility information.
ILLINOIS ENERGY NOW PUBLIC SECTOR RETRO-COMMISSIONING
Illinois Energy Now RCx services are conducted exclusively by either SEDAC staff or preapproved RCx service providers who have been trained in program protocols and participation
processes.
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PROJECT ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility for the Public Sector Retro-Commissioning Program is limited to public buildings
that:

Receive electrical delivery service from Ameren Illinois or ComEd, regardless of their
choice of supplier. Public buildings receiving natural gas from Ameren Illinois, Nicor
Gas, North Shore Gas, or Peoples Gas may also be eligible for inclusion of natural gas
savings measures.
 Are at least 5 years old and have a building size of at least 150,000 (conditioned) square
feet*
 Have a functioning building automation system and the client agrees to provide BAS
access to the RCx provider.
 Have an energy use index (indices) showing a potential to produce significant electrical
and natural gas savings through RCx
* Newer and/or smaller buildings with a high energy savings potential may be considered.
To be considered for the program, applicants must:



submit a program notice of interest (NOI) form and application
provide energy bills for 1 to 2 years
present up-to-date as-built drawings
Successful applicants must express agreement to:




commit funding (minimum $10,000) to participate in the process
commit staff time to assist in intensive data collection, analysis, and verification
begin implementation of measures in Year 1 (ending May 31st)
upon receipt of RCx plan, implement at least $10,000 worth of selected measures within
10 months, or by March 31st, of Year 2, whichever deadline arrives first
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RETRO-COMMISSIONING PROCESS
The RCx program is an 18-24 month program. As part of the program, SEDAC will assign a
qualified Retro-Commissioning Service Provider (RSP) to conduct the retro-commissioning
analysis at no cost to the customer.
The RCx Service Provider will perform a building assessment to diagnose problems and identify
a range of RCx measures that will have an estimated combined simple payback of 1.5 years or
less based on electric and natural gas savings. Once the recommendations are received, the
facility owner must select retro-commissioning measures to implement and will have 10 months
(or until March 31st, whichever deadline arrives first), from receipt of recommendations, to
implement at least $10,000 of agreed upon measures. After the measures are implemented, the
RCx expert will revisit the site to verify measures have been completed and will re-evaluate
facility trending data.
The Public Sector RCx Program consists of four major stages.
1. Application Phase
2. Planning, Investigation, and Recommendation (PIR) Phase
3. Implementation Phase
4. Verification Phase
For more information about these stages, please see RCx Application at: http://rcx.sedac.org
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THIS REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
The purpose of this request for qualifications is to compile a list of Pre-Qualified RetroCommissioning Service Providers (RSPs) that will serve SEDAC clients as outlined in the
program description described.
RSP ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The RSP is expected to be the lead individual responsible for performing SEDAC RCx analyses
and will be the prime contact in facilitating communications with the client and SEDAC. This
individual will be responsible for identifying potential retro-commissioning measures as well as
determining energy savings estimates and calculations. While the RSP is allowed to have nonapproved company team members assist with the RCx analysis, the RSP must be the sole
individual responsible for the RCx work product and be the prime contact with the client and
SEDAC. Moreover, if other non-approved individuals are working on the project their role must
be clearly outlined in the RSP’s scope of work for the project or be presented as an amendment
to the RSP’s approved scope of work.
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WHO MAY APPLY
Prospective SEDAC RSPs must have experience with building retro-commissioning projects
with an emphasis on energy efficient practices. Specifically, SEDAC is looking for individuals
and firms that possess the requisite knowledge to identify and analyze controls, scheduling, and
operations-related tune-ups and adjustments that improve the efficiency of existing public
buildings’ operating systems by either returning them to intended operation or design
specifications or by enhancing their efficiency per current practices.
SEDAC looks for the following minimum qualifications in the potential retro-commissioning
service providers:

RSPs must have retro-commissioning experience (minimum three (3) retrocommissioning projects required) with an emphasis on identifying energy efficiency
improvements.
(Individuals that lack direct Retro-Commissioning experience, but have a thorough
combination of experience commissioning mechanical systems per ASHRAE Guideline
Zero, designing mechanical systems, and performing energy auditing involving breadth
and complexity of systems that may be encountered in a retro-commissioning project, will
be considered).

RSPs must have a leadership experience and have been involved in managing a project
team, being a prime client contact and have facilitated communication between various
team members.

RSPs must have prior experience in calculating energy savings through spreadsheet
calculations using weather bin method. Energy modeling experience, while not required,
is highly desired.

RSPs must have experience with performing site visits to interview staff, assess
equipment, and identify opportunities.

RSPs must have experience with using data loggers and analyzing the trend results.

RSPs must have experience working with building automation systems and setting up
trends on them.

RSPs must have experience in conducting full-building energy assessments (i.e. lighting,
HVAC, building envelope, controls, etc.) and be capable of performing a SEDAC Level 2
Energy Assessment. Through an expanded scope of work, the RSPs may be required to
conduct a SEDAC Level 2 Energy Assessment to complement the Retro-commissioning
study.
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STATEMENT OF WORK
From responses to this RFQ, SEDAC will select a list of on-call experts who will be retained
with a contractual agreement through 360EG on behalf of the SEDAC Project Team.
Should more than one individual from a company wish to participate, each must submit a
separate response to this solicitation.
The Project Team will receive copies of all documents developed with the support of the
program, including RSP Manual, RCx Plan Template, RCxM Workbook, Customer Selection
Form, and RCxM Measure Checklist.
Parties who represent specific manufacturers, favor one manufacturer over another, or
have conflicts of interest, are not eligible to participate in this program.
PROPOSAL FORM
Individuals wishing to participate as a SEDAC RSP should be an approved SEDAC Design
Assistance Expert. Concurrent applications for DAE and RSP will be accepted. A potential RSP
must submit a statement of qualifications describing their expertise to provide required services.
Responses should include the following items:
Proposal Part 1: Application

Attachment A – Application Cover Sheet
All proposals must include the attached application form as a cover sheet.

Attachment B - Qualifications Check List
Please check off your capabilities, qualifications, and energy modeling programs that you
are proficient in.

Attachments C, D, and E - Tables of Building Retro-Commissioning,
Commissioning, LEED Commissioning, and Energy Assessment Projects
Please populate the attached form with details regarding completed projects that
emphasize the applicant’s experience and abilities.

Attachment F - Schedule of Billing Rates
Outline fully loaded hourly and daily rates. Include any differing rates for travel time and
discounts for volume. The proposed rate must be your most favorable rate offered.

Attachment G – RCx Service Provider Program Prohibitions
Please read and sign the attached form.

Attachment H - Professional References for RCx Projects
A minimum of three (3) professional references directly related to building retrocommissioning projects with an emphasis on energy efficient practices.
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Proposal Part 2: Biography and Summaries

Statement of Qualifications
Please include a statement of qualifications that addresses the following:
o Capabilities and specific experience in Retro-Commissioning process with focus
on energy efficiency.
o Availability for and interest in responding to specific tasks on short order.

Paragraph Summary
A one paragraph summary of qualifications which, if this proposal is approved, will be
made available to all SEDAC Program customers and posted on the program website
located at http://www.sedac.org.

Curriculum Vitae of Expert
A standard curriculum vitae including professional experience, publications, membership
in professional organizations, education, and any other relevant experience should be
attached. It should emphasize the applicant’s experience with green building methods or
sustainable design with an emphasis on energy efficient practices.
Incomplete applications will be REJECTED.
ANNOUNCEMENT NAME AND IDENTIFIER
All communications concerning this Request for Proposals should refer to SEDAC RetroCommissioning Service Provider RFQ and the RFQ identifier RFQ-SEDAC003. Please refer
to the title and identifier in all correspondence and telephone calls to SEDAC Program contacts.
DEADLINES
SEDAC reviews incoming applications on a quarterly basis. Application deadlines are January
1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st.
REVIEW CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following parameters:
Item
(a)
60% Experience (based on information in Attachments B, C, D, and E)
40% Cost-effectiveness (Attachment F) and References (Attachment H).
To be considered, an RSP must receive a score of 70 or higher. SEDAC reserves the right to
disqualify candidates who are substantially lacking in one of the categories despite obtaining a
score of 70 or higher.
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DISCLAIMER
The Project Team does not assume any responsibility or liability of any nature with respect to
consulting services, or make any warranty with respect to the services provided by program
personnel. By submitting an application to the Project Team, the applicant waives all claims
against the Project Team or any member thereof and releases the Project Team or any member
thereof from liability of any nature for errors, omissions, or negligence arising out of or
connected with the services of program personnel. The Project Team or any member thereof shall
not be deemed principal, agent, partner, joint-venturer, or consultant with respect to the project.
In no event shall the Project Team be liable to any party in excess of the pre-negotiated fees with
a pre-qualified outside design assistance consultant, if any are used for this project.
NOTICE
The SEDAC Project Team reserves the right to terminate this solicitation without prior notice.
Issuance of this RFQ does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the SEDAC Project
Team. Service Providers will be subject to periodic reporting and evaluation requirements.
SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS
Please submit the completed Retro-Commissioning Service Provider Application Form via
email or fax to:
RFQ- SEDAC003
RFQ@sedac.org
(fax) 312.264.2379
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Questions may be directed to:
Brock Auerbach-Lynn, 360EG SEDAC Project Manager
773-236-8901 office
brock@SEDAC.org
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RETRO-COMMISSIONING SERVICE PROVIDER APPLICATION
Attachment A: Application Cover Sheet
Please complete and submit this form with your proposal and supporting documents.
Response to RFQ- SEDAC003
Date of Application:
Name
Title:
Organization:
Address:
Office Phone:
Cell Phone:
Fax:
E-Mail:
______________________________________________________________________________
Website:
Geographic Availability:
Signature:
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Attachment B: Qualifications Check List
Retro-Commissioning Process Experience:
Utility Bill Analysis with Weather Regression
Deploying and Analyzing Data from Data Loggers
Setting up Trends in Building Automation System
Developing Excel-based Energy Calculators
Using Energy Modeling Software
Cost Estimating and Economic Analysis
Analysis of Lighting Measures
Analysis of HVAC Measures
Report Development
Measurement and Verification of Savings
Calculations and Energy Modeling Software Proficiency:
Excel-based Weather Bin Calculations
eQuest
Trane Trace
Carrier HAP
IES
EnergyPlus
Other: ____________________________________
Professional Qualifications:
LEED Accredited Professional
Licensed Stationary Engineer
Engineer In Training (EIT)
Energy Manager in Training (EMIT)
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)
Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
PE License is valid in the following states: __________________________________
Other: ____________________________________________________________
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Attachment C: Table of Building Retro-Commissioning Projects
Project Name
City, State
Year
Completed
Building
Area
(2003)
(200,000 SF)
(Any Town Public Works)
Any Town, IL
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Project Scope of Work





Chilled Water Reset
Demand Controlled Ventilation
Hot Water Pump VFD
Static Pressure Reset
Corridor Occupancy Sensors
Role and Area of Responsibility
 Analyzed Data Trends Obtained by a
Subcontractor
 Identified RCx Measures
 Performed Energy Efficiency Calculations
 Conducted Verification Services
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Attachment D: Table of Commissioning and LEED Commissioning Projects
Project Name
City, State
Year
Completed
Building
Area
Energy-Efficiency Related
Scope of Work
(2008)
(225,000 SF)
 EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning of
Building Energy Systems
 EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance
 EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
 EAPc8: Demand Response
(Some Town School)
Any Town, IL
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Role and Area of Responsibility
 Conducted Site Visits
 Worked with Design Engineer to Ensure
Compliance with LEED Requirements
 Verified Mechanical Equipment Start-Up
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Attachment E: Table of Energy Assessment Projects
Project Name
City, State
Year
Completed
Building
Area
(2003)
(200,000 SF)
(Any Town Public Works)
Any Town, IL
Project Scope of Work
Role and Area of Responsibility
ASHRAE Level III Energy Audit with focus
on Rooftop Unit replacement and outdoor
lighting






Performed Site Visit
Identified ECRMs
Developed Energy Calculations
Performed Economic Analysis
Wrote the Report
Presented to Client
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Attachment F: Schedule of Billing Rates
I hereby apply for membership in the Illinois Energy Now Public Sector Retro-Commissioning
Program that is managed by SEDACI understand my responsibility to provide my RetroCommissioning clients with my best professional advice on helping clients identify and save
energy through Retro-Commissioning.
I understand that my fees, up to $___________ /hour for a maximum of $____________ /day,
will be invoiced to the 360EG.
I confirm that this is my most favorable rate.
I have attached the following:
1.
2.
A brief (1 or 2 paragraph) “bio” that may be forwarded to the client upon request.
A confidential tabulation, using the attached form, of projects for which I have had
responsibility. This may not be published or released without my permission.
Signed:
Last Updated: December 2014
Date: _________________________.
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Attachment G: RCx Service Provider Program Prohibitions
The Illinois Energy Now Public Sector Retro-Commissioning program is designed with intent of
NOT providing unfair advantage for Service Providers for obtaining follow-up work.
The retro-commissioning service provider applicant and the firm he or she represents at the time
of signing this document will not negotiate separate agreements to provide additional services on
the same project outside the scope of this retro-commissioning service:

The provider will not be involved in developing engineering design, drawings, blueprints,
bid documents, except if performed as a part of executing contract with SEDAC;

The provider will not “stamp” engineering design drawings or otherwise assume the
responsibilities of the applicant’s design team;

The provider will not be involved in sale or other provision of equipment that deals with
building systems or components that can be affected by retro-commissioning, energy
efficiency, or energy conservation.

The provider will not perform any further retro-commissioning work, or work that can be
perceived as retro-commissioning, for a given project.
The applicant and retro-commissioning service provider that the applicant represents at the time
of signing of this document may assist in developing bid documents as a part of scope of work
under SEDAC contract.
The applicant and retro-commissioning service provider that the applicant represents at the time
of signing of this document may participate in competitive open bidding for additional work for
the same project.
The restrictions listed above do not apply if the project is publicly bid.
Signed:
Date: _________________________
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Attachment H: Professional References for RCx Projects
The professional references listed below must be directly related to RCx and Commissioning
Projects. References from multiple organizations are preferred. Applications submitted
without professional references may be rejected without further consideration.
1. Reference Name:
Company Name:
Project Name(s):
Phone:
Email:
Relationship with listed reference / additional notes:
2. Reference Name:
Company Name:
Project Name(s):
Phone:
Email:
Relationship with listed reference / additional notes:
3. Reference Name:
Company Name:
Project Name(s):
Phone:
Email:
Relationship with listed reference / additional notes:
Please add another sheet for additional references.
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