Request for Proposals
For
Residential Energy Efficiency Programs
Research & Evaluation Contractor
In support of
Consumers Energy
2016-2018 Electric and Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Programs
Consumers Energy is an electric and natural gas utility in the state of Michigan that serves
1.8 million electric customers and 1.7 million gas customers. Consumers Energy seeks bids
from qualified firms to serve as the research and evaluation contractor for our residential
energy efficiency portfolio of programs. Consumers Energy is issuing this RFP for 2016
through 2018 research.
Issued: September 8, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1
1.1 RFP Overview .................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Consumers Energy General Background .............................................................. 2
1.3 Energy Optimization Programs Background .......................................................... 3
1.4 Program Outline and Summaries ......................................................................... 3
2. Objectives and Scope of Work ................................................................................... 10
2.1 Energy Optimization Overall Goals for the Residential Portfolio ............................. 10
2.2 Overall Research and Evaluation Objectives ........................................................ 10
2.3 Major Research Activities ................................................................................... 11
2.4 Contractor’s Overall Roles and Responsibilities .................................................... 12
2.5 Contractor’s Senior Executive’s Responsibilities ................................................... 13
2.6 Contractor’s Primary Account Manager and Associate Manager(s) Responsibilities . 14
2.7 Consumers Energy Roles and Responsibilities..................................................... 14
2.8 Research and Evaluation Design Elements and Proposed Plan ............................. 15
2.9 Expected Contractor Deliverables ....................................................................... 17
2.10 Research Participant Incentive Processing......................................................... 17
3. Quality Management ................................................................................................. 18
3.1 General Approach to Quality............................................................................... 18
3.2 Specific Quality Attributes and Approaches .......................................................... 18
3.3 Transition Risk Identification and Mitigation .......................................................... 19
4. Staffing Requirements............................................................................................... 21
4.1 Senior Executive Assignment ............................................................................. 21
4.2 Account Management ........................................................................................ 21
4.3 Staff Assignments, Changes & Training ............................................................... 21
4.4 Contractor and Subcontractor Location ................................................................ 22
5. Guidelines for Qualifications and Experience Sections’ responses ............................. 22
6. Overall Management and Organizational Qualifications and Experience ...................... 23
6.1 Account and Overall Team Management Structure ............................................... 23
6.2 Specific Team Member Structure and Management Approach ............................... 23
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
i
6.3 Bios and Resumes of Proposed Staff .................................................................. 23
6.4 Project Management .......................................................................................... 24
6.5 Performance and Quality Management ................................................................ 24
6.6 Customer Experience and Service ...................................................................... 24
6.7 Budgeting, Financial Management and Reporting ................................................. 24
6.8 Safety Management........................................................................................... 24
7. General Consulting Qualifications & Experience ........................................................ 24
7.1 Strategy Expertise ............................................................................................. 25
7.2 Visual Communication of Data and Research Findings ......................................... 25
7.3 Actionability of Research Findings....................................................................... 25
7.4 Data Integration & Synthesis .............................................................................. 25
7.5 Collaboration Expertise with Research Staff, Program Management, Implementation
Consultants and Other Consultants .......................................................................... 25
8. EM&V Qualifications and Experience ......................................................................... 26
8.1 Residential Energy Efficiency Programs .............................................................. 26
8.2 Regulatory Support ............................................................................................ 26
8.3 Experience in Michigan and the Midwest ............................................................. 26
8.4 Engineering Analysis ......................................................................................... 26
8.5 Economic Analysis and Economic Impact Studies ................................................ 26
8.6 Demand Response Programs ............................................................................. 26
8.7 Technical Resource Manual/Michigan Energy Measures Database Calibration Research
Studies .................................................................................................................. 26
8.8 Net-to-Gross Studies ......................................................................................... 27
9. Market Research and Survey Research ...................................................................... 27
9.1 Survey Research ............................................................................................... 27
9.2 Sampling .......................................................................................................... 27
9.3 Customer Satisfaction Research ......................................................................... 27
9.4 Digital Experience Research............................................................................... 27
9.5 Digital Research Methods .................................................................................. 27
9.6 Qualitative Research.......................................................................................... 28
9.7 Best-Practices and Benchmarking Research ........................................................ 28
10. Marketing Consulting Expertise and Experience ....................................................... 28
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
ii
10.1 Marketing Consulting ....................................................................................... 28
10.2 Marketing/Advertising Development and Effectiveness Research ......................... 28
10.3 Product and Service Development .................................................................... 28
11. Information Technology and General Technology Expertise ...................................... 28
11.1 Data Security .................................................................................................. 28
12. References and Disclosures .................................................................................... 29
12.1 References ..................................................................................................... 29
12.2 Subcontractor Agreements ............................................................................... 29
12.3 Disclosure ....................................................................................................... 29
12.4 Consumers Energy Account Size ...................................................................... 29
12.5 Financial Information Requirements .................................................................. 29
12.6 Other Corporate Information ............................................................................. 30
13. Performance indicators and Metrics ......................................................................... 31
13.1 Performance Indicators .................................................................................... 31
14. Budget and Pricing.................................................................................................. 31
14.1 Overall Contractor Budget ................................................................................ 31
14.2 Maximizing Research and Evaluation Value ....................................................... 31
14.3 Budget Detail .................................................................................................. 32
15. Proposal Response Format ..................................................................................... 32
15.1 General Proposal Guidelines ............................................................................ 32
15.2 Proposal Format .............................................................................................. 32
16. Proposal Evaluation Criteria .................................................................................... 35
16.1 Evaluation Criteria ........................................................................................... 35
17. RFP Response Procedures ...................................................................................... 36
17.1 Intent to Bid and Michigan Based Firms ............................................................. 36
17.2 Contractors’ Conference Call ............................................................................ 36
17.3 RFP Schedule ................................................................................................. 36
17.4 Solicitation Web site ......................................................................................... 37
17.5 RFP - Questions and Communications .............................................................. 37
17.6 Proposal Review - Questions and Communications ............................................ 37
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
iii
17.7 Submission of Proposal Responses .................................................................. 37
17.8 Terms and Conditions of Submission................................................................. 39
17.9 Consumers Energy is under no obligation to execute a Contract .......................... 39
17.10 Non-Confidentiality of Submissions.................................................................. 39
17.11 Post Proposal Negotiation and Awarding of Contracts ....................................... 39
17.12 Minimum Qualifications .................................................................................. 40
17.13 Negotiations and Finalizations ......................................................................... 40
CE Appendix A. Terms and Conditions Exceptions Form ............................................... 41
CE Appendix B. Consumers Energy Service Territory (Michigan).................................... 42
CE Appendix C. Consumers Energy EO Portfolio Structure for 2015-2017 ...................... 43
CE Appendix D. Contractor’s Reference Form................................................................ 44
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
iv
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 RFP Overview
Consumers Energy Company (Consumers Energy) is issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP) for the
selection of an experienced third-party residential energy efficiency research and evaluation
Contractor team. This Contractor would provide research, evaluation, measurement, verification and
other related consulting services to assist Consumers Energy in the accomplishment of electric and
natural gas savings opportunities and other program goals directed at the residential customer
segment of our energy efficiency/Energy Optimization (EO) programs. The time period for the scope
of work is calendar years 2016 through 2018. Evaluation Contractor(s) are requested to prepare and
submit a detailed proposal as outlined herein in order for Consumers Energy to select a successful
Contractor, subject to contract negotiations.
To provide potential bidders information and guidance in submitting a relevant proposal, the
remainder of this RFP includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Background information about Consumers Energy
A summary of our residential EO program portfolio
General scope and base expectations for work/service quality, deliverables and staffing
Budgets
RFP format requirements
RFP process schedule
Significant detail on programs, past performance, future goals as well as summary descriptions of
past residential research and evaluation studies are available in Consumers Energy EO Annual
Reports for 2009 through 2014. All of these documents are available on the AESP site. Contractors
are expected to review these documents and customize your RFP response in the context of the
program design vision detailed in the regulatory plan and the research already completed in support
of that vision as well as the research and evaluation goals, objectives and vision described in this
RFP.
Potential bidders are recommended to review the following documents that are available on
www.AESP.org RFP page:
•
•
•
•
“CE Appendix E: Detail of Proposed Budget” – Mandatory Supplement to RFP referenced in
more detail in 15.2 Proposal Format
Consumers Energy 2016 - 2017 Energy Optimization Plan
Consumer Energy EO Annual Reports for PY 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 which
include brief descriptions of each program year’s research and evaluation studies within each
program’s section
2014 Evaluator Certification Reports
Potential bidders also may wish to review the Consumers Energy website (consumersenergy.com) for
additional information about the company and our residential EO programs.
Potential bidders are asked to contact clragland@cmsenergy.com to obtain the following documents
which are not posted on the AESP.org website, but are critical for responding to this RFP:
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
1
•
•
•
Consumers Energy General Contract for Technical and Consulting Services
Insurance Requirements
Third Party Ethics and Compliance/Consumer Energy’s Code of Conduct
1.2 Consumers Energy General Background
Consumers Energy is one of the nation's largest combination utilities, providing electric and natural
gas service to approximately 2.9 million customers, representing more than 6 million of Michigan's 10
million residents, in all 68 counties of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. CE Appendix B contains a map of
Consumers Energy’s electric and natural gas service territories.
The table below shows energy use, along with customer count for each customer class, for
Consumers Energy natural gas and electric service in 2014.
Consumers Energy 2014 Customer Count and Energy Usage
Electric
Customer Class
Customer Count
Residential Low-Income
64,665
Residential
1,509,578
Commercial
207,023
Industrial
8,507
Street Lighting
1,593
Interdepartmental
n/a
ROA Commercial *
887
ROA Industrial *
173
Total
1,792,426
* ROA - Retail Open Access
Annual MWh Usage
581,129
12,012,854
10,847,706
9,614,387
158,294
39,552
1,011,010
2,969,747
37,234,679
Natural Gas
Customer Class
Residential Low-Income
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Interdepartmental
Transportation
Total
Customer Count
74,420
1,521,141
120,906
5,701
n/a
3,611
1,725,779
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
Annual MCF Usage
7,764,987
170,006,179
59,819,613
10,681,889
326,503
82,519,928
331,119,099
2
1.3 Energy Optimization Programs Background
Consumers Energy began offering Energy Optimization programs to customers in 2009 and has
expanded and diversified our program offerings to customers over the past 6 years. Consumers
submitted its 2014-2017 Amended Energy Optimization (EO) Plan to the Michigan Public Service
Commission (MPSC) for review on August 1, 2013 (Case Number U-17351), and the plan was
approved December 19, 2013. This Energy Optimization Plan proposed to invest $470 million in
electricity and natural gas efficiency programs for our residential, commercial and industrial
customers during calendar years 2014-2017.
Consumers Energy’s EO plan is designed to achieve savings goals at or below maximum available
budget. Consumers Energy 2016-2017 energy efficiency program designs and metrics are detailed
in that 2014-2017 Amended Energy Optimization Plan. An updated 2016-2017 Energy Optimization
plan with slightly revised program designs, budgets and metrics was submitted to the MPSC on July
31st, but has not yet been approved.
Both of these plans are included as supporting reference documents on the AESP.org RFP website
and all Contractors are expected to closely review the proposed program designs detailed in the
regulatory plan and additional program changes as mentioned in this RFP. Also, please note that
current legislation is effective through 2015. After 2015, legislative uncertainty may result in altered
savings and spending targets. As such, Contractors must be aware that approaches specified in their
RFP responses may need to be re-negotiated.
1.4 Program Outline and Summaries
The following is a summary description of current and planned Consumers Energy programs and
pilots that will require research and evaluation. Additional programs and pilots may be added over
time. Contractors should review Consumers Energy 2016-2017 program plans and 2014 EO Annual
Report posted on the AESP.org RFP website for more detailed background information on the
programs.
The selected Contractor will provide research, evaluation and consulting services that will support the
following residential EO programs, sub-programs, and pilots as listed in the following brief outline and
the more detailed descriptions that follow:
Appliance Recycling
ENERGY STAR® Appliances
ENERGY STAR® Lighting
Home Energy Analysis (HEA)
Home Energy Reports (HER)
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® (HPwES)
Heating Cooling (HVAC) and Water Heating
Income Qualified (IQ) Energy Assistance

IQ – Helping Neighbors Single Family Initiative (sub-program)
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
3

IQ – Helping Neighbors Multifamily Initiative (sub-program)

IQ – Helping Neighbors Community Action Agency Low-Income Weatherization (subprogram)

IQ – Helping Neighbors Michigan Neighborhood Weatherization Initiative
Insulation and Windows (INWIN)
Residential Agriculture
Residential Multifamily

Multifamily – Direct Install (sub-program)

Multifamily – Prescriptive/Custom (sub-program)

Multifamily – Comprehensive (sub-program)
Residential New Home Construction (NHC)
THINK! Energy
Residential Pilot Programs

Smart (Learning) Thermostats

Geo-Targeted Demand Side Management

Whole Building Multifamily
Smart Energy (SE) Pilot Programs

Smart Energy Challenge

Virtual Smart Energy Challenge

Smart Energy Portal

Smart Energy Window Air Conditioning Control

Smart Energy Dynamic Peak Pricing

Smart Energy Prepay Program
1.4.1 Appliance Recycling
Many refrigerators and freezers being replaced by the Company’s customers are still functioning, and
often end up as energy guzzling back-up appliances in basements and garages or get sold in the
used appliance market. The Appliance Recycling program targets “second” refrigerators and
freezers, and provides the dual benefit of cutting energy consumption while keeping the appliances
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
4
out of the used resale market. The program offers an environmentally responsible turnkey pick-up
and recycling service.
1.4.2 ENERGY STAR® Appliances
The ENERGY STAR® Appliances program employs a web-based and in-store promotional strategy to
influence the purchase of high-efficiency appliances. Since appliance standards, as well as the
market share of high-efficiency appliances, are gradually increasing, the program is specific in its list
of qualifying models, as well as marketing emphasis. To increase the opportunity for customer
participation, low-flow showerheads, and Wi-Fi programmable thermostats are included as eligible
measures.
1.4.3 ENERGY STAR® Lighting
The Residential Lighting program continues to provide incentives and marketing support through
major retailers to promote sales and use of ENERGY STAR® lighting products. General advertising,
in-store signage, sales associate training, and instant customer incentives through price markdowns
drive participation. The introduction of Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology will continue to
increase program awareness and energy saving opportunities for customers.
1.4.4 Home Energy Analysis
Participating customers receive direct installation of energy-saving measures, a walk-through energy
inspection of their homes that culminates in a customized summary report with energy saving tips and
recommendations. The energy saving measures installed include compact fluorescent light-bulbs
(CFLs) and low-flow water devices that are installed free of charge for residential customers. Other
utility energy efficiency programs are cross-promoted and customers are encouraged to take the next
step in their energy efficiency journey by participating in the Home Performance with ENERGY
STAR® Program.
1.4.5 Home Energy Reports
The HER program provides residential customers with better energy information through personalized
reports delivered by mail, email or an integrated web portal to empower them to make better energy
usage decisions. Behavioral science research has demonstrated that peer-based comparisons are
highly motivating ways to present information. The HER program leverages a dynamically created
comparison group for each residence and compares it to other similarly sized and located
households. This behavioral science approach complements other residential energy efficiency
efforts and is a driving force behind consistent and reliable behavior-based energy efficiency.
1.4.6 Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®
The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program generates interest and activity by offering
several incentive options to customers who take a whole house approach when installing energy
efficient measures. HPwES has enrolled and trained over 100 contractors to conduct comprehensive
audits that identify areas of energy saving opportunity. Customers receive incentives to help offset
the incremental cost of purchasing and installing the energy efficiency measures
1.4.7 Heating Cooling and Water Heating
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
5
The high-efficiency HVAC and Water Heating program increases demand using a market push and
pull strategy. The strategy focuses on educating customers about the economic benefits and
increased in-home comfort of high-efficiency HVAC and water heating equipment and also enlists
contractor participation to promote the program and ensure equipment purchased is properly sized
and correctly installed. Financial incentives paid to customers will reduce the incremental cost of
purchasing qualifying high-efficiency models.
1.4.8 Income Qualified Energy Assistance
The Income Qualified Energy Assistance program identifies specific opportunities for low-income
customers to lower their energy bills through installation of energy efficient measures, providing
financial assistance to cover the full cost of installation, and educating customers with limited income
about how to reduce their energy usage and manage their utility costs. The program coordinates
low-income services with local weatherization providers and agencies to offer comprehensive
assistance at lower administrative costs.
1.4.9 Insulation and Windows
The Insulation and Windows program provides incentive rebates to customers to encourage them to
install qualified energy saving windows and home insulation. The program is unique in that it allows
customers to use the services of a contractor, or perform the improvements and apply for rebates
themselves. This is particularly appealing for the do-it-yourself customers.
1.4.10 Residential Agriculture
The Agriculture Program is designed to offer residential agriculture customers incentives for energy
saving measures. It provides participating customers the same level of rebates as the prescriptive
and custom incentives from the Business Solutions Program. Given its relation to the larger Business
Agriculture program, evaluation for this program falls under the purview of the C&I evaluator.
1.4.11 Residential Multifamily
The Multifamily Direct Install program produces immediate electric and natural gas energy savings in
multifamily buildings through the direct installation of energy-saving measures in individual living
units. Since this is traditionally a hard-to-reach market, the Company’s implementation contractor will
dispatch a crew of installers to targeted buildings to install low-cost measures such as lighting and
low-flow water devices free of charge to the property owner and tenants. The common areas of these
complexes are also an area of focus to engage in energy efficient opportunities.
1.4.12 Residential New Home Construction
The New Construction program produces long-term electric and natural gas savings by encouraging
the construction of single-family homes and duplexes that meet the ENERGY STAR® Version 3.0
standard or by installation of an optional high efficiency package of energy efficient equipment.
Builders who participate are provided incentives that cover approximately 40 percent of the cost to
upgrade and certify each home that meets program requirements. The program also employs an
educational component for builders on the increased value of building energy efficient homes.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
6
1.4.13 THINK! Energy
The intent of the THINK! Energy program is to influence students and their families to take actions
that can reduce their home energy use and increase efficiency. The program targets students in
grades 4-6, providing education and a “take-home” kit that raises awareness about how individual
actions and low-cost measures can provide reductions in consumption of electricity, natural gas, and
water. The program is endorsed by the Michigan Department of Education.
1.4.14 Residential Pilot Programs
The intent of the pilot programs is to pursue new initiatives and technology approaches that could
capture additional energy savings within the residential sector. The Company has identified
emerging strategies and applications that will support broader and more effective delivery of energy
efficiency services to customers with the aim of developing pilot programs with potential to capture
significant energy savings that can be rolled into the overall program portfolio. Potential pilot
concepts that have been tested or are being considered include: Multi-measure engagement, Smart
(Learning) thermostats, Secondary Education, Energy Efficiency Demonstration Projects, Integrated
Water Heating, and Consumer Electronics, among others.

Smart Thermostat
o The thermostat technology available today offers an opportunity to engage customers with
units that address the performance gap left by inadequate and underutilized
programmable thermostats. There are also significant numbers of customers who still use
traditional non-programmable units. The incremental savings over traditional and
underutilized programmable thermostats are potentially significant, and may include long
term behavioral and demand control savings. The concept of the pilot is to offer
appropriate products to customers that further empower them to manage energy
consumption. The pilot uses a variety of emerging products and technologies to develop a
method of matching individual customers to the technologies that best meet their needs.
The pilot seeks to learn what product features appeal the most to different types of
customers based on the characteristics of their homes and technical abilities.

Distribution Deferment through Geotargeting
This pilot focuses on the role efficiency can play in deferring utility transmission and
distribution (T&D) system investments. In particular, it addresses the role that intentional
targeting of efficiency and demand response programs to specific constrained
geographies can play in deferring such investments. Through the pilot, residential
customers will be offered higher rebates and increased marketing for Central AC, Room
AC, and Appliance Recycling. Aggressive marketing of Home Energy Analysis and Direct
Install programs will also be a part of the residential effort. Business customers will be
approached via direct outreach to participate in HVAC, refrigeration, lighting, and other
programs. Direct Install efforts will also be employed for small businesses. Load cycling
demand response, TOU rates, and dynamic peak pricing rates will also be aggressively
marketed to both residential and business customers.

Whole Building Multifamily
o Through a partnership with the Center for Neighborhood Technology Energy and Michigan
Energy Options, this pilot that seeks to address the persistent barriers to whole building
energy efficiency upgrades in the multifamily sector. Barriers include landlord and tenants
paying separate utility bills: the so-called split incentive; and two utility companies
providing service to the same property: the "split-fuel" issue. Combined, these situations
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
7
make it difficult to realize significant energy savings in this sector--which comprises a
major housing stock in Michigan, especially for income-limited families and individuals,
college students and seniors. This pilot approaches the building as a whole (identifying
both electric and gas savings opportunities), diagnosing priority energy needs with
paybacks, managing contractors, acting as the building owner's advocate in order to
deliver a “one-stop-shop” approach to energy efficiency retrofits.
1.4.15 Smart Energy Programs
Starting in 2015, Consumers Energy will be initiating a number of new Smart Energy programs that
directly engage with the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) that the Company began deploying
in 2013. The programs have undergone varying degrees of piloting and EM&V requirements for each
program are similarly varied. Below is a brief description of each SE pilot:

Smart Energy Challenge
o The Smart Energy Challenge is designed to encourage vetted community groups to recruit
Consumers Energy customers to participate in a 45-minute in-home energy consultation
designed to address energy education, savings, comfort, and behavior change over time.
Customers will reap the benefits of energy efficiency information and measures that are
directly installed during the visit while helping their community group; community groups
earn rewards and resources. The rewards structure is intended to reward each community
group that attains a specified participation goal. An important goal of this program is to
evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based approach to marketing energy efficiency.
This program will introduce and evaluate a variety of non-traditional, community marketing
and promotional techniques

Virtual Smart Energy Challenge
o This pilot will utilize a subset of elements from the Smart Energy Challenge. One similarity
is having a virtual energy efficiency engagement platform designed to enhance a
customer’s web-based energy efficiency experience over time. The platform will
incentivize customers to perform specific energy efficiency related tasks or behaviors,
such as recycling an old refrigerator, watching an educational video or engaging with their
smart meter. In exchange, customers will receive points that can be allocated to a
community organization of their choice. Community organizations can then use their
points to redeem rewards such as energy efficient appliances.

Smart Energy Portal
o The Smart Energy Portal pilot began in 2013 and will launch as a full program in mid2015. The Portal is designed to leverage large-scale customer engagement to produce
long-term electric and gas energy usage reductions through residential customer behavior
changes. The program offers a detailed view of household consumption in interval
increments and provides advanced online tools that drive deeper consumer behavior
consumption usage actions. Advanced tools that will be offered to customers are: rate
comparisons, bill forecasting, bill comparison, bill analysis, neighbor comparison,
environmental impact, high bill notification alerts and detailed energy usage graphs that
overlay costs, usage and weather over time.

Smart Energy Window Air Conditioning Control
o Window AC unit control is an unexplored opportunity for electricity savings. New
technology is available that allows a customer to set a window AC unit at a specific
temperature to reduce unit run time. In addition, these units allow for remote access to
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
8
turn a unit on or off or to change a temperature setting. An online portal is available to
help the customer understand the electric use of their units and to adjust their unit based
on that understanding.

Smart Energy Dynamic Peak Pricing (DPP)
o The Dynamic Peak Pricing program was launched as a pilot for one year in 2010. The full
program implementation will begin in 2016 with customer enrollment occurring through
2019. DPP is a voluntary program in which customers are provided information on energy
prices and technology that enables them to identify and reduce consumption during high
cost periods. During critical peak events, customers are notified in advance and either i)
extremely high rates are charged or ii) incentives are paid to motivate customers to
substantially reduce consumption. In addition to critical peak periods, customers are
placed on a time of use rate that has higher costs for on-peak periods compared to offpeak periods every day. Customers are given the ability to save money by shifting
consumption from high load periods to low load periods.

Smart Energy Prepay Program
o The Prepay Program offers customers a convenient payment option that enhances insight
into usage by translating consumption into dollars. Customers pay an amount they can
afford prior to consumption and reload as needed. Customers choose a communication
channel to receive notifications on how much money is left on the account with an
estimated number of days associated with the dollars.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
9
2. OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF WORK
2.1 Energy Optimization Overall Goals for the Residential Portfolio
One set of goals for research and evaluation is to support the department’s overall objectives for its
electric and natural gas energy efficiency/energy optimization residential portfolio. These overall
objectives include, but are not limited to:
1. Maximize customer satisfaction with Consumers Energy’s energy efficiency programs and
with Consumers Energy overall
2. Maintain the high current level of performance in the design and delivery of the programs and
the portfolio overall
3. Support ongoing improvement and innovation in the design and delivery of programs and the
portfolio overall
4. Meet all legislative and regulatory requirements
5. Meet resource acquisition goals while laying the groundwork for long-term market
transformation.
6. Offer a diverse group of programs that provide opportunities for participation for all customers.
7. Where feasible, maximize opportunities for program coordination with the efficiency programs
of other providers (e.g., DTE Energy) to yield maximum benefits.
8. Maximize program savings at a minimum cost by striving to achieve comprehensive costeffective savings opportunities.
9. Provide Consumers Energy customers with easy access to information on all efficiency
programs (residential and business) for electricity and natural gas savings opportunities via
the Web or toll free telephone numbers.
10. Expand the energy efficiency program delivery infrastructure in the state.
11. Transform the market for efficient technologies and highly qualified energy efficiency-oriented
trade allies (such as electricians, HVAC contractors, builders, Energy Auditors, etc…).
12. Inform and educate customers to enable them to use energy more efficiently while promoting
comprehensive, deep energy savings.
To support these overall company and department goals, we seek a contractor that can help
Consumers Energy achieve a number of research and evaluation specific goals and requirements
that are described in detail in the following section and in several other parts of this document.
2.2 Overall Research and Evaluation Objectives
Market research as well as traditional program evaluation, measurement, and verification (EM&V)
activities are central to the success of Consumers Energy’s energy efficiency portfolio and are used
to verify program savings impacts and maximize program performance. In order to support the
performance of the Consumers Energy Smart Energy Efficiency Solutions group, the Contractor must
be able to assist the research & evaluation team in accomplishing diverse goals that include, but are
not limited to:



Assessing the effectiveness of program design and delivery
Verifying measure installation and utilization
Calculating gross and net energy savings.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
10












Identifying factors in the marketplace that could impact program design and delivery.
Monitoring the penetration of energy efficiency technologies among customers
Assessing the effectiveness of marketing messages, strategies and communication channels
Documenting impacts on demand and identifying opportunities to reduce demand through
Demand Response programs
Assessing customer satisfaction with Smart Energy Efficiency Solutions programs and
providing guidance for ongoing satisfaction improvement
Identifying new customer segments for targeting of energy efficiency programs as well as
cross-marketing opportunities across programs
Identifying promising energy efficiency technologies and programs
Evaluating and helping improve new product/service offerings
Reviewing and approving relevant measure updates and changes to the department’s
database of record – “E-Tracker System”
Managing the annual third-party certification of measure, program and portfolio energy
savings and level of achievement on Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC)
performance incentive mechanism metrics
Being a trusted advisor and consultant to program, group and senior management
Being a trusted researcher, evaluator and collaborator with the Michigan Public Service
Commission’s Energy Optimization Collaborative
2.3 Major Research Activities
To accomplish these objectives, the contractor will propose and perform the following major types of
research:

Impact Evaluations to assess the changes in energy use that can be attributed to a particular
intervention (such as the installation of energy efficient equipment). Impact evaluation
activities include verification of equipment installation, performance, and operating conditions;
proposed adjustments to MEMD saving estimates based on metering, engineering, or
statistical methods; and determination of “net savings” directly attributable to a program.

Process Evaluations to assess the effectiveness of program design and delivery. These
evaluations study all aspects of program administration and implementation including internal
and external procedures and operations; alignment of program activities and objectives;
organization and efficiency of implementation contractors; the manner and effectiveness of
how the programs are interacting with the marketplace (with customers, trade allies, etc.);
participation barriers and effectiveness of programs in addressing those barriers; as well as
other relevant topics identified through the course of the evaluation.
o
As part of process evaluation activity, Consumers Energy seeks frequent customer
feedback on program awareness, participation experience, and overall satisfaction.
Bidders should propose methods and costs to provide fast-feedback monthly
satisfaction surveys for all residential programs where practical. These surveys should
be conducted using a standardized methodology wherever possible to maximize
comparison between programs. If conducted online, the interface must be a
sophisticated interface accessible through traditional computers as well as mobile
devices.
o
Consumers also seeks periodic benchmarking (every two to three years) of peer and
high-performing utilities and program administrators to provide comparison metrics to
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
11
measure and manage program performance and identify best practices in design and
delivery approaches. Bidders should propose methods and costs to provide
benchmarking.

Market Assessments identify factors in the marketplace that may affect program design and
delivery, including customer acceptance of new technologies and opinions of key market
actors that support infrastructure to supply and service energy efficient technologies. These
assessments should provide information concerning the impact that EO programs have on
transforming the energy service/product marketplace and emerging trends that may impact
future potential for energy efficiency programs.
In addition to the research types identified above that typically pertain to specific programs, the
contractor must also conduct research that does not pertain to specific programs, but is important to
the overall evaluation effort that may be considered “crosscutting” research and evaluation. Key
crosscutting activities and responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following:

Reviewing deemed measure estimates and making recommendations for revisions (if needed)
to the Michigan Energy Measures Database (MEMD)

Supporting the participation of Consumers Energy as well as directly participating in the
MPSC-sponsored Energy Optimization work group

Providing input and recommendations on the development and ongoing tracking of program
enrollment and participation data

Synthesizing program evaluations and market assessments to provide a strategic
performance assessment of the entire portfolio

Providing an annual certification of savings report and annual certification testimony to the
MPSC. Certifying savings through a systematic review of all data that are maintained in the
tracking system ensures the accuracy of reported savings by measure, program, and the total
portfolio of energy optimization programs. This review ensures that savings are properly
reported, current MEMD values are being used, implementer data is verified and that other
appropriate adjustments such as net-to-gross ratios are properly applied.
2.4 Contractor’s Overall Roles and Responsibilities
This RFP provides significant detail throughout on the expectations, roles and responsibilities
Consumers Energy has for the Contractor and its team. Some of the primary responsibilities for the
Contractor include:
1. Contract financial planning and budgeting
2. Preparation of a research and evaluation study operations and training manual
3. Research and evaluation planning and execution
4. Proposing and developing annual research and evaluation plans, timelines, and milestones
5. Data exchange via password protected SFTP website as directed by Consumers Energy
6. Research participant incentive payment and tracking
7. Policy/strategy and implementation planning/updates with Consumers Energy’s energy
efficiency program managers
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
12
8. Coordinate research efforts with Consumers Energy staff and advertising agencies
9. Conduct benchmarking research
10. Develop a customer satisfaction measurement system
11. Provide consulting and support on data visualization
12. Assist Consumers Energy with MPSC data requests and explanations, including participation
(as requested) with any stakeholder meetings and analysis of potential new measures for the
MEMD
13. Coordination and consulting with Consumers program implementation contractors
14. Assist Consumers Energy with miscellaneous informational requests and reporting
15. Provide monthly summaries of project progress and key findings
16. Create a research and evaluation project management tracking tool and reports
2.5 Contractor’s Senior Executive’s Responsibilities
For the Contractor’s most Senior Executive overseeing the account, primary responsibilities include:
1. Ensuring that the Contractor and all members of the Contractor team are providing
Consumers with sufficient and high quality support services
2. Ensuring that Contractor’s internal departments, processes and systems are supporting a
high-level of performance on the account
3. Ensuring there are competent and sufficient staff to support high level of performance on the
account
4. Ensuring the Contractor and all members of the Contractor’s team have an approach,
processes, systems and training in place for ongoing quality management and improvement
5. Ensuring the Contractor’s team(s) is/are working together effectively and resolving problems
with sufficient speed and quality
6. Scheduling quarterly meetings with Consumers Energy’s Director of Research & Evaluation to
review Contractor current performance, opportunities for improvement as well as progress
against previously identified opportunities. Two of these can be via phone and two should be
in-person.
7. Addressing ad-hoc issues as they arise
8. Responding to calls or emails from Consumers Energy’s Director of Research and Evaluation
within 1 business day
9. Ensuring that there are sufficient administrative and project management resources and
support on the account to support the work of the senior and associate account manager(s)
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
13
2.6 Contractor’s Primary Account Manager and Associate Manager(s)
Responsibilities
For the primary account manager and the associate account manager(s), responsibilities include, but
are not be limited to:
1. Being primary day-to-day points of communication with Consumers’ Director of Research and
Evaluation and responding to questions and requests from the Director and others at
Consumers
2. Being a primary advisor/consultant to Consumers and responding to ad-hoc requests directly
and/or coordinating and supervising the speed and quality of your team’s response to
requests
3. Being expert in the energy optimization regulatory environment in Michigan and expert in the
work and processes of the Michigan Energy Optimization Collaborative
4. Participating in the EO Collaborative Workgroup with Consumers personnel.
5. Supervising all budget and invoice issues for the Contractor.
6. Managing the quality assurance processes and procedures for every element of the research
and evaluation process to ensure the quality of all project work and deliverables
7. Be responsible of the continuous improvement of all work on the account and responsible for
resolving problems or concerns
8. Coordinating staff/work schedules.
9. Overseeing the preparation of bi-weekly status reports and summaries that include current
progress of work, appropriate project logistics for scheduled work, identification of
problems/issues encountered and resolutions, identification of issues that require Consumers
Energy’s attention or approval and any other tasks necessary for appropriate documentation
or work progress.
10. Preparing a monthly key research findings memo.
11. Overseeing bi-weekly project review meetings with Consumers
12. Creating and maintaining an accurate and up-to-date contact list for all key evaluator staff
2.7 Consumers Energy Roles and Responsibilities
Consumers anticipates providing high-level oversight of administrative, management, research
design, execution, analysis, reporting, recommendation development, presentation, and action
planning of the selected Contractor. The anticipated roles and responsibilities for Consumers staff
are the following:
1. Provide high-level guidance and direction to the Contractor, including review and revision of
Contractor proposed annual research and evaluation plans, budgets, priorities, proposed
milestones, quality processes and quality standards
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
14
2. Engage with the Contractor team on a frequent basis working through research planning,
implementation, analysis, reporting, presentation and action planning
3. Review and approve Contractor invoices and ensure program activities are within budget and
on schedule
4. Review and approve Contractor project/program specific research designs and plans
5. Review and approve Contractor designed quantitative and qualitative survey instruments
6. Review and approve Contractor communications with customers (i.e. emails, letters, phone
scripts, etc…)
7. Review, approve and distribute contractor drafts of “Notifications of Customer Contact”
internally to appropriate Consumers utility staff to alert them of planned research with
customers so that they can verify the legitimacy of projects for concerned customers
8. Facilitate communication with Contractor on other related research being done by Consumers
that maybe helpful to Contractor
9. Assist Contractor in working with the Consumers Database Marketing team to acquire system
and customer data for executing research
10. Support Contractor as needed in working with Implementation Consultants to acquire system
and customer data for executing research
11. Provide and maintain a centralized energy savings and costs tracking system.
12. Coordination of Consumers Energy QA/QC activities with the Contractor
13. Assist as appropriate with presenting evaluation findings
14. Attend monthly meetings in Lansing, Michigan with the Michigan Public Service Commission
sponsored Energy Optimization Collaborative
15. Attend monthly conference calls with the Contractor regarding planning for EO Collaborative
meetings and research
16. Attend bi-weekly meetings with Contractor account management to review research plans,
progress and results
17. Attend calls/meetings between Contractor and Program Management/Implementation
Consultant staff as appropriate
18. Provide guidance and feedback on Contractor proposed new initiatives or strategies
19. Evaluation of Contractor effectiveness and guidance on modifications on an as needed basis.
2.8 Research and Evaluation Design Elements and Proposed Plan
Your proposal should address for each program (or sub-program component) included in this RFP for
the following areas:
1. Discuss your overall approach and strategy for research and evaluation design, execution
and associated consulting.
2. Discuss how you integrate the views of various stakeholders into your research and
evaluation plans
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
15
3. Discuss how you will design research to ensure a logical progression of studies and
continuity of research quality throughout the 2016-2018 period while maximizing value.
Contractors should carefully review past research activity as summarized in Consumers
Energy Optimization annual reports, consider the available budgets and develop the most
appropriate research design and delivery strategy for each of the programs identified in
this RFP.
4. Discuss any new and innovative ideas as well as your proven best practice approaches
from around the country that you propose for Consumers Energy and/or reconfirm the
value of existing research done for Consumers Energy.
5. Summarize the key research you propose, anticipated methodologies, instrument length
or session length, sample sizes, and participant incentives over the three years. At least
one version of this description and data should be included on the provided cost
spreadsheet. You can repeat some or all of this information within your main proposal
document if you wish.
6. Detail how your research can assist in increasing customer awareness of Consumers
Energy’s role in sponsoring programs.
7. Describe your preferred approach to working with Consumers Energy’s Smart Energy
Efficiency Solutions research and evaluation managers and staff, program managers,
implementation consultants and other key groups to maintain engagement, buy-in and
build on existing program insights and performance. Contractors are expected to review in
detail the 2014-2017 Amended Energy Optimization Plan and energy efficiency website
for more detailed information about our programs. Consumers Energy’s EO Plan is
included as a reference document on the AESP.org RFP website as are our annual
reports that include brief research activity summaries.
8. Describe your approach to reporting on key research program metrics and operational
milestones, establishing new metrics, and milestones as needed and overall ability to track
research and evaluation progress and manage budgets.
9. Outline systems, approaches, roles and individuals you propose to ensure coordination
and efficient and effective decision making with Consumers staff that provide contract
oversight.
10. Detail how you propose to allocate staff resources. This should be described both in
broad terms within the proposal and in detail in spreadsheets attached to the documents
that describe assigned staff, their title/role, billing rates, hours assigned overall and by task
categories.
11. Contractors must clearly specify any anticipated subcontractors who will be used, roles,
responsibilities, etc.
12. Describe how your firm’s approaches enhance customer satisfaction with the research
process itself and with Consumers Energy overall.
13. Address your experience in helping to identify and guide the development of innovative
new programs.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
16
14. Provide a proposed implementation timeline and Gantt chart from initial contract signing to
research and evaluation launch and on-going delivery for 2016-2018.
15. Describe your experience in identifying and helping to target new residential customer
segments.
2.9 Expected Contractor Deliverables
Expected deliverables include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Annual onsite planning meetings that include the lead senior executive of the primary
contractor
2. Monthly written summaries of key findings
3. Bi-weekly project management meetings
4. Project management documents that provide a schedule of dates for planned and actual
deliverables
5. Monthly updates of Contractor performance scorecard
6. Consulting/advice/memos on ad-hoc requests. These requests may be for short and more
detailed email response, memos or other data-driven or expertise-drive consulting. These
requests typically require rapid response, particularly when driven by customer, executive,
regulatory, or legislative inquiries.
7. Conference calls to review document drafts
8. At least bi-monthly presentation style briefings of recent research findings. For residential
programs, the selected evaluator should provide at least a ½ day of presentations on-site
at least bi-monthly for research planning and/or present the most current study results.
This should be supplemented by online webinar and conference call presentations as
appropriate.
9. Online meetings/conference calls to review initial drafts of study findings and conclusions
for presentations, reports and memos
10. Study findings in both PowerPoint presentations format and more detailed written reports
with graphic depictions of key findings.
11. Presentation of results to Consumers (and the Michigan EO Collaborative Joint Workgroup
as appropriate)
12. Preparation of annual summaries of the evaluation work conducted for each program for
inclusion within the Consumers Energy Annual Energy Optimization report filed with the
MPSC in May of each year.
13. Coordination of monthly planning meetings regarding calibration research and other
relevant research with other Michigan utilities and their evaluators
14. Participation onsite or via conference call in monthly meetings with the MPSC-sponsored
Energy Optimization Collaborative
2.10 Research Participant Incentive Processing
Consumers provides participation incentives to a significant percentage of residential research
participants to achieve the desired participation as well as achieve more in-depth research, accelerate
data collection and provide a positive customer experience. A key part of accomplishing this goal is to
have a strong incentive processing system. Contractors should describe their proposed approach and
experience with incentive processing, issuing incentive checks or gift cards, cycle time for processing
incentives from the time that each interview is completed and overall data tracking.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
17
3. QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Consumers Energy is committed to ongoing continuous improvement in its operations and the quality
of the products, services and the overall customer experience it provides to its customers. This
requires a commitment to quality and ongoing improvement in all areas, including research and
evaluation. As part of this process, Consumers uses ongoing monitoring of the performance of
research and evaluation as a means for targeting and tracking ongoing continuous improvement.
Each year, performance goals will be quantified and tracked by establishing key performance
indicators in an annual scorecard for the Contractor. These indicators will be revisited and revised
annually.
Scorecards include planned monthly and annual metrics/goals versus actual metric/goal
performance. These metrics will vary somewhat by year and may include budget, operational and
quality goals such as time to issue incentive checks, incidence of research related complaints,
implementation of improved research processes by program, etc… The Contractor will update
performance on this scorecard monthly and review with Consumers. Performance below goals will
require corrective action that will be documented, tracked and communicated monthly by the
Contractor to Consumers.
3.1 General Approach to Quality
Contractors shall provide in their proposals a detailed explanation of the quality assurance
procedures you will use. Include in your discussion:
1. How you assign responsibilities in this area
2. How you define important quality attributes of your various operational processes and
deliverables
3. How you design and manage processes for maximizing accuracy and quality
4. How you monitor and check for quality and accuracy including your experience using
scorecards and other types of performance indicators both internally and with clients.
3.2 Specific Quality Attributes and Approaches
In additional to your general approach to quality, please address how your team will define key quality
attributes for each of the following and maximizes quality in these major elements of your work
including, but not limited to:
1. Research and evaluation planning
2. Budgeting and financial tracking
3. Subcontractor performance
4. Study design
5. Sample design
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
18
6. Questionnaire/instrument design and programming for all modalities including phone and
online
7. Data collection including phone and online surveys, phone interviewing, onsite interviews and
inspections
8. Data quality
9. Respondent incentive processing
10. Data analysis including survey analysis, database auditing, engineering reviews, statistical
analysis, etc.
11. Presentation development
12. Meeting/presentation planning, scheduling and delivery
13. Telecommunications quality (e.g. phone calls, conference calls, webinars, etc...)
14. Action planning
15. Memos and full reports
16. Document printing and distribution
17. Document and data archiving
18. Other key activities you wish to address
3.3 Transition Risk Identification and Mitigation
Consumers has included questions below that relate to evaluator transition risks and requests that
contractors respond to them in order to: 1) Identify potential risks, disruptions and adverse impacts to
Consumers internal and external customers and stakeholders that should be considered in the
proposal evaluation process, 2) Identify potential risks in the event of an evaluator transition as the
result of this bidding process and, 3) Provide a plan to maximize continuity and minimize identified
risks.
Consumers will be taking several actions in this effort and asks that contractors answer several
questions below and provide their proposed plans and budgets for transition-related activities in their
proposals.
Initial Risk Mitigation Assumptions, Actions and Preliminary Plans:

There exists significant complexity and a challenging timeline for completion of the
Consumers Energy Annual EO Report and Reconciliation filing for Program Year 2015 which
is due to the MPSC in May 2016. To minimize risks to this filing, Consumers plans to put in
place a contract extension to the existing evaluation team prior to the completion of the
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
19
bidding process to ensure the completion of their PY 2015 certification work, report and
testimony which is a key component of this filing.

As another risk mitigation strategy, Consumers also intends to include in this contract
extension appropriate scope and budget to facilitate any possible transition between current
evaluators and potential new evaluators and to accommodate time-sensitive research and/or
critical evaluation tasks not easily transitioned that have been begun in 2015, but would not be
completed until early 2016.

Contractors who are NOT the incumbent evaluation team should therefore NOT include full
2015 Certification work occurring in 2016 in their work plans, proposals and budgets.
However, contractors should closely examine the 2014 Certification Reports included on the
RFP webpage to understand the scope of the work required in auditing, analysis, reporting
and testimony preparation to prepare bids on that work for Program Years 2016 and Program
Years 2017 which will take place in calendar years 2017 and 2018.

Also, if a contractor team that is not an incumbent contractor is selected as a new evaluation
contractor to begin work in 2016, be aware that there will likely need to be adjustments to
budgets and scope for 2016 to accommodate the transition process.
Contractors should describe their approach to the following continuity issues/questions relevant to
their situation and specify respective budget assumptions in their proposals.
1. What do you believe are the major risks for disruptions and adverse impacts to internal and
external customers and stakeholders during evaluation contractor transitions in general and
those that could be faced for this potential transition in particular? If an incumbent evaluator,
describe the risks and costs avoided by maintaining continuity.
2. How do you propose to minimize the risks, disruptions and impacts if you were to be selected
as a new evaluation contractor? Outline the major activities and costs of implementing these
transition activities in your proposal and in the detailed budget summaries. Also describe and
provide evidence of managing successful transitions.
3. If an incumbent evaluator and you were not to be selected for renewal, please describe how
you would minimize risks, disruptions and adverse impacts to the best of your ability. Include
in a separate section in your proposal and itemization of your budget for activities that would
occur in the event that a new evaluator is selected. Include in this scope and budget those
activities that you believe as particularly-time sensitive to Consumers for your team to finish in
early 2016 among those your team has begun in 2015 or work due in early 2016 that is
difficult to transition mid-stream. Also detail other general transition scope, activities and costs
you anticipate.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
20
4. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Consumers requires the Contractor to provide competent, expert and sufficient staff to effectively and
efficiently manage, execute, communicate and consult on all projects. Contractor should describe in
detail its approach to managing all work to ensuring that the above and aforementioned requirements
are met.
4.1 Senior Executive Assignment
For overall oversight and management of the account, Consumers requires that a senior executive of
the Consultant be identified and designated to ensure the account receives appropriate support from
the Contractor’s entire organization and all organizations on the Contractor’s team.
4.2 Account Management
Consumers is looking for the optimal balance of experience, expertise, quality delivery and value on
the account. For day-to-day account management, Consumers prefers an approach where the
Contractor provides a minimum of two experienced managers/consultants who are extremely hands
on and work collaboratively on overseeing in detail all work on the account as a lead account
manager and as associate account manager(s). We are open to other approaches, but all
approaches must be described in detail and should explain how they are either equivalent or superior
to the preferred approach.
4.3 Staff Assignments, Changes & Training
Consumers recognizes that the knowledge, experience, skills and fit of Contractor staff working on
our account is critical to the quality of delivered research, evaluation and consulting. Therefore, all
bidders should address in their proposal the specific staff being proposed to work on the account as
requested in the relevant section of this RFP. Bidders should also acknowledge acceptance of the
following requirements:
1. Should any staff assignments change after awarding of the contract, Consumers requires that
the qualifications of any staff being considered for significant roles on our account such as
lead executive, lead account manager, associate account manager(s), project managers and
research leads be presented in writing electronically to be reviewed and approved in advance
by Consumers Energy’s Director of Research and Evaluation before being assigned to the
account. Resumes and bios of candidates for potential assignment to our account should be
proposed by the lead account manager and a conference call scheduled to review. Reviews of
resumes and bios should be limited to existing contractor staff, as new contractor staff hiring
remains the complete responsibility of the contractor.
2. To ensure maximum performance and continuity on the account, Consumers also requires
advanced notice and consultation regarding any contemplated staff assignment changes or
significant changes in staff responsibilities for the major roles on the account. Consumers
understands that the Contractor will not have control of some staffing turnover, but before
making changes or replacements on the account, Contractor must follow the above described
process.
3. Consumers also requires that there be a formal on-boarding and training process specific to
the Consumers Energy account (in addition to any standard onboarding and training process
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
21
the Contractor uses) for any new staff approved for assignment to the account before they can
begin work executing specific research projects. This training should include an overview of
the standard of work required on the account, specific processes used on the project and
other relevant information needed to execute work to our standards for their role. Consumers
should be solicited for input on that training and should be notified that that training has taken
place for relevant specific staff in the bi-monthly meeting.
4.4 Contractor and Subcontractor Location
Consumers does not require the Contractor to be based in Michigan or have an office in Michigan,
but requires that Contractor account management be available for monthly in-state meetings and that
a broad representation of assigned staff with significant roles on the account be in-state at least
annually for meetings. Contractor or sub-contractor staff that conducts on-site evaluation,
measurement and verification of customers’ energy efficiency projects will, of course, need be in-state
periodically to fulfill project requirements.
To help support the Michigan economy, Consumers encourages the utilization of Michigan-based
businesses and sub-contractors on work where they offer appropriate and high-quality capabilities.
Contractors should specify any Michigan-based staff and sub-contractors in their proposal and the
associated budget planned to be spent in Michigan. In the requested spreadsheet template provided,
Contractors should also specify the amount of research participant incentives that will flow-back to
Michigan-based trade allies, Consumers Energy customers, and any other relevant research
participants.
5. GUIDELINES FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
SECTIONS’ RESPONSES
Consumers Energy seeks a Contractor/team with demonstrated and verifiable knowledge,
experience, processes and competence in designing, executing, analyzing and consulting on the
areas requested in this RFP. Bidders should describe and substantiate their teams’ qualifications
with as much specific detail as possible in the areas listed in this section and others mentioned in this
RFP.
Also, please note that if all or part of the appropriate response to a section or subsection below has
been covered earlier in your proposal (in either an earlier portion of the proposal or an earlier
subsection below), you are welcome to cross reference your first response (i.e. see page x,
paragraph x) if you wish. You are also welcome to repeat or further amplify an earlier response. You
will not be penalized for whatever approach you prefer as long the information is sufficiently detailed,
your answers are responsive to the information requested and we can find the information either
through its presence in all relevant sections or via clear cross references.
Finally, brief exhibits and examples can be provided in the qualifications and experience sections, but
should you wish to provide more extensive examples and exhibits, these should be cross referenced
here and then placed in Volume II of your proposal which is designated for this purpose (e.g. see
example of this on page x within “Report ABC” provided in Volume II of our proposal).
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
22
6. OVERALL MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
6.1 Account and Overall Team Management Structure
Contractors are requested to provide:
1. A management and organizational chart that depicts the relationships and proposed division
of work among team members to accomplish the tasks in the Scope of Work
2. A description of the experience at the organization and individual level your team has of
working together.
6.2 Specific Team Member Structure and Management Approach
Describe your company’s and subcontractors’ general management structure, approach, philosophy
and competencies (particularly those not addressed elsewhere in your bid) and how these contribute
to providing exceptional performance for your clients. Also include:
1. A general management and organizational chart of each of the participating organizations on
your team. This chart can be a more aggregated view (i.e. does not need to show every
member of the organization, division, etc..), but should include detail on how the company is
organized, what parts of the organization participating team members reside in, who their
direct supervisor is, and who manages each part of the organization.
2. Describe the business structure under which each team member typically operates (i.e., forprofit corporation, not-for-profit corporation, partnership, etc.) and years of relevant
experience.
6.3 Bios and Resumes of Proposed Staff
Contractors are requested to identify and provide background on the qualification, experience and
proposed roles for key personnel that are proposed to have substantial roles on the account and others
that will have support roles on the account. For each individual that is proposed as part of the team,
please provide:
1. A biographical summary that should ideally be limited to a half-page in length and include:
a. Their current title, relevant experience, education
b. The specific role and responsibilities you are proposing them to have on the account
c. Whether you anticipate that they will be involved in a temporary start-up and transition
role or a longer-term role on the account
2. Per the proposal format instructions later in this document, please provide in Volume I, Bidder
Appendix A, of your proposal full resumes that describe each of these individual’s experience
and qualifications. There is no page limit to resumes, but they should primarily focus on relevant
experience and qualifications.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
23
6.4 Project Management
Describe your company’s and subcontractors’ knowledge, expertise and competencies in project
management of similar research and evaluation portfolios. Please ensure your proposal includes
examples.
6.5 Performance and Quality Management
Describe your company’s and subcontractors’ relevant knowledge, expertise, competencies in
managing quality. Please ensure your proposal includes examples.
6.6 Customer Experience and Service
Please describe your company’s and subcontractors’ knowledge, expertise and approach in providing
an excellent customer service experience, particularly to the following groups:
1. Research and Evaluation Staff
2. Program Managers
3. Department and Portfolio Managers
4. Implementation Consultant Managers and Staff
5. Trade Allies
6. Customers who are invited to participate in the research process and participate as well as
those who do not.
7. Other Key Stakeholders
6.7 Budgeting, Financial Management and Reporting
Describe your general expertise, experience and processes in budgeting, financial management,
invoicing, reporting and other financial related processes.
6.8 Safety Management
Describe your company’s and subcontractors’ knowledge, expertise and approach to ensuring safety
of your staff and of your client’s customers when executing research projects for similar portfolios
including doing on-site data collection. This should include a description of your approach to safety
and general description of relevant policies, processes and training.
7. GENERAL CONSULTING QUALIFICATIONS &
EXPERIENCE
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
24
7.1 Strategy Expertise
Briefly describe your experience and expertise in providing strategic advice and support for your
clients.
7.2 Visual Communication of Data and Research Findings
Describe your company’s and subcontractors’ knowledge, expertise and approach in communicating
research findings and data in innovative ways that are clear, interesting, compelling and visually
engaging.
In addition to your descriptions, please provide evidence of these capabilities in either your proposal
or your appendices with relevant examples that demonstrate your capabilities to:

Synthesize and communicate complex data, analysis and findings in a visually engaging and
useful way using graphics, infographics or other methods

Ability to provide clear, interesting and useful presentations, reports and other summaries
7.3 Actionability of Research Findings
Describe and demonstrate your team’s knowledge, expertise and processes that allow you to
consistently provide actionable recommendations that support client decision-making, improvement
and overall performance.
7.4 Data Integration & Synthesis
Describe your experience and expertise in integrating and presenting multiple sources of primary or
secondary data (quantitative and qualitative) to provide clear and cogent guidance to your clients.
Include a description of what measures you take to ensure that data and analyses are transparent
and accessible to clients so that they may conduct any additional analyses of the data if needed.
Additionally, describe any software expertise you have related to data integration and visualization.
7.5 Collaboration Expertise with Research Staff, Program Management,
Implementation Consultants and Other Consultants
Please describe your experience, skills and approaches in the following related areas:
1. Working in a highly collaborative way with multiple stakeholders such as research staff,
program managers, implementation consultants and others while maintaining your objectivity
and professional standards.
2. Your approach and flexibility to work in conjunction with other Contractors that may include
marketing consultants, advertising agencies, database marketing companies and others that
are assisting Consumers in achieving program participation and other goals.
3. Your approach and flexibility in working with additional research contractors not on your
original project team, but that may be desirable to be added to the team, at either your own
initiative or at the request of Consumers because of specialized capabilities.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
25
8. EM&V QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
8.1 Residential Energy Efficiency Programs
Describe your company’s and subcontractors’ knowledge, expertise and competencies in conducting
residential energy efficiency program research and evaluation in general as well as particular areas of
expertise that relate to specific programs we either currently have or may wish to consider. Include
descriptions of:
1.
Your previous experience as a lead contractor responsible for a portfolio of research
and evaluation similar to that requested in this RFP.
2.
Areas or aspects of research and evaluation where you believe your firm is an industry
innovator and/or thought leader.
8.2 Regulatory Support
Briefly describe your experience and expertise in providing support in regulatory processes for your
clients.
8.3 Experience in Michigan and the Midwest
Describe your experience working in Michigan or the Midwest as it relates to the research, evaluation
and consulting specified in this RFP and how that experience positions you to support Consumers.
8.4 Engineering Analysis
Describe your company’s and subcontractors’ relevant engineering knowledge, expertise,
competencies.
8.5 Economic Analysis and Economic Impact Studies
Describe your expertise in conducting economic analyses related to energy efficiency. Please also
note your experience in conducting studies on the overall economic impact of energy efficiency
program portfolios.
8.6 Demand Response Programs
Describe your expertise in conducting studies related to demand response programs.
8.7 Technical Resource Manual/Michigan Energy Measures Database
Calibration Research Studies
Describe your expertise in conducting studies that verify, update or calibrate the savings values of
deemed savings measures in technical resource manuals in the Midwest or in Michigan.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
26
8.8 Net-to-Gross Studies
Describe your expertise in conducting studies on assessing net-to-gross values for measure savings
and note any that incorporate measurement of spillover or other positive impacts into the
methodology.
9. MARKET RESEARCH AND SURVEY RESEARCH
9.1 Survey Research
Describe your company’s and subcontractors’ relevant knowledge, expertise, competencies in
designing and executing survey research. Please break out separately the expertise, experience and
competencies that are based in the lead contractor and any based within subcontractors. These
descriptions should include
1. Relevant work experience and formal training of key staff that are proposed to work on the
account and those available to provide significant support to our account.
2. List of the volume of surveys fielded and/or survey research studies conducted by your
evaluation division/firm on an annual basis in the past year
3. List these studies by the modes of research used (phone, mail, online, mixed mode, other)
4. An example report from one of these studies
9.2 Sampling
Describe your expertise in developing sample plans, particularly in situations with limited sample and
competing research objectives among multiple projects in the same portfolio or across other research
studies at the same utility.
9.3 Customer Satisfaction Research
Describe your expertise in conducting customer satisfaction, customer experience, customer
promoter/loyalty research and working with your clients to use those insights.
9.4 Digital Experience Research
Describe your experience in conducting research related to the experience that customers have with
digital media channels such as mobile applications (apps), websites, social media and other digital
experiences.
9.5 Digital Research Methods
Describe your experience, expertise and tools you use to conduct various types of online research.
Please ensure that you at minimum address your experience conducting online surveys where email
invitations are distributed to prospective respondents. Please include specifics about the online
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
27
survey software you use, current utility clients you use those tools for, and the general strengths of
those tools.
9.6 Qualitative Research
Describe your experience in conducting focus groups, one-on-one interviews, ridealongs,
ethnographic studies, and any other relevant qualitative approaches.
9.7 Best-Practices and Benchmarking Research
Describe your expertise and any industry recognition received in conducting best-practices and
benchmarking research studies.
10. MARKETING CONSULTING EXPERTISE AND
EXPERIENCE
10.1 Marketing Consulting
Describe your company’s and subcontractors’ relevant knowledge, expertise, competencies in
consulting on marketing issues to utility clients.
10.2 Marketing/Advertising Development and Effectiveness Research
Describe your company and subcontractors’ relevant knowledge, expertise, competencies in
designing and conducting various types of marketing and advertising research to assist in the
development of effective messages and strategies and the measurement of effectiveness.
10.3 Product and Service Development
Describe your experience in conducting research that assists in developing and launching successful
new energy efficiency programs, products or services.
11. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND GENERAL
TECHNOLOGY EXPERTISE
11.1 Data Security
Describe your expertise in protecting the security of client data and in protecting the security of your
IT systems in general. For additional information regarding Consumers Energy’s information
technology requirements please refer to the document General Contract for Technical and Consulting
Services; to request a copy please contact clragland@cmsenergy.com.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
28
12. REFERENCES AND DISCLOSURES
12.1 References
Contractors are requested to provide three (3) references from current (preferred) or previous clients
for whom they have performed projects that are relevant to the Scope of Work. Utility clients are
preferred. Contractors should complete and submit this information with their proposal in the format
specified in “CE Appendix D: Contractor’s Reference Form.”
12.2 Subcontractor Agreements
Please include in your bid a signed agreement for all individual subcontractor firms listed in your bid
that indicate their willingness to provide the outlined services. This agreement must be signed by a
person with the authority to make such a commitment. There is no prohibition directly by Consumers
Energy for firms to be included in more than one proposal.
12.3 Disclosure
Contractors are requested to describe any potential conflict of interests and to disclose if they are a
manufacturer of any hardware or software that they propose to use in the course of performing this
assignment. Additionally, Contractors are requested to disclose if they have ever worked as an
employee of Consumers Energy in the past, detailing briefly the year and activities undertaken.
Previous experience working for Consumers Energy is not a conflict of interest; however, it must be
disclosed. If Contractors have any questions in this area, they are encouraged to seek clarification.
12.4 Consumers Energy Account Size
Describe where Consumers would or does rank compared to your other current utility clients in terms
of annual billings for research and evaluation work should we become a client or continue as a client.
We wish to know how significant of a client we will be/we are to your firm, so please characterize this
in sufficient detail to give us a good sense of this while maintaining appropriate confidentiality of nonpublic information.
12.5 Financial Information Requirements
Contractors must demonstrate and verify that they have the financial resources and stability to
perform the proposed work. As discussed below, some of this information is requested as part of
your bid and other elements (as indicated below) can either be provided as part of the original bid, or
provided within 7 days of being notified that your team has made it to the final round of consideration.
Contractors should initially provide the following:
1. Any pertinent financial information or disclosures that the Contractor considers important.
2. The accounting method you propose to use throughout the term of the contract
3. If you are forming a new organization to bid on this proposal
If not provided as part of your original bid, finalist firms must provide the following additional
information within 7 business days of being notified that you are in the final round of consideration:
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
29
1. Information that demonstrates that you have the financial resources to perform the proposed
work (e.g., last three years of audited financial statements for their firm and any significant
subcontractors, which should include a profit and loss statement, a cash flow statement, and a
balance sheet (e.g. SEC form 10-K is acceptable).
2. If a non-public or non-profit entity, you shall provide adequate information comparable to the
information required above, that allows an assessment of financial status and capability.
3. In the event a Contractor is forming a new organization to bid on this proposal, the Contractor
should provide comparable documents from investors, partners, and/or principals.
12.6 Other Corporate Information
The Contractor shall submit the following information regarding the Contractor’s organization and
each subcontractor (if applicable):
1. Legal name of Contractor
2. Form of organization: corporation; partnership; individual d/b/a; or other as applicable
3. State of incorporation or registration
4. Federal ID number for tax purposes
5. Address of Contractor (place of business)
6. E-mail address and website URL
7. Minority and/or Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) status
8. Michigan Based Business (MBB) status
9. Business card information for primary Contractor contact
10. Ability to receive payments via a Financial Electronic Data Interchange (FEDI)
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
30
13. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS AND METRICS
13.1 Performance Indicators
Consumers Energy prioritizes continuous improvement in research and evaluation design,
implementation and utilization of findings. We therefore seek a contractor that can quantify and
achieve high-levels of performance and ongoing improvement by quantifying and tracking key
performance indicators.
We invite Contractors to propose 4 to 7 performance goals or milestones for consideration that might
include metrics related to quality, research participant experience, research utilization, etc… These
should demonstrate Contractors commitment to quality, continuous improvement and highlight core
business functions that the Contractor considers as keys to success and worth tracking and
achieving. Contractors can also highlight any experience they have of tracking and meeting
performance metrics.
All performance goals are subject to final negotiation between Consumers Energy and the finalist
prior to contract signing, and a process will be negotiated which establishes a schedule for annually
re-visiting and revising key performance indicators.
14. BUDGET AND PRICING
14.1 Overall Contractor Budget
Consumers plans to invest about $7.5 million for residential research and evaluation work for 2016
through 2018 in support of the scope of work described in this RFP.
Residential Research and Evaluation Contractor Budget 2016-2018
Year
Total
2016
$2,400,000
2017
$2,500,000
2018
$2,600,000
Total
$7,500,000
14.2 Maximizing Research and Evaluation Value
While the above is a substantial investment, demands for research and evaluation typically exceed
available budget, so bidders should also address:
1. How your proposed approach will provide maximum value for this investment while maintaining
both research and consulting quality.
2. How your approach will effectively allocate resources across the portfolio over this three-year
period.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
31
3. How you will work with Consumers to scope and develop annual evaluation plans, detailed
investment options and provide information that will allow us to make informed decisions on
investment tradeoffs.
4. How you will maintain responsiveness and flexibility to allow for adjustments and reallocations
in scope and budget requested by Consumers during the course of each year.
14.3 Budget Detail
Contractors are requested to detail research and evaluation costs for the work they propose. This
information should be provided:
1. In program, project and year for both 2016 through 2018 according to the format outlined in
the supporting excel sheet file associated with this RFP.
Bidders are encouraged to provide additional budget tables that display estimated costs in other
formats as well in their proposals. Consumers Energy will negotiate final budget and pricing with the
selected Contractor. Total program budgets are not to exceed these amounts.
15. PROPOSAL RESPONSE FORMAT
15.1 General Proposal Guidelines
Proposals must provide a concise yet complete description of the Contractor's approach and
capabilities for satisfying the required services outlined in this RFP.
Contractor’s proposal should include a response to all the information requested in this RFP or the
Contractor’s proposal may, at Consumers Energy’s sole and absolute discretion, be deemed
unresponsive and will not receive further consideration.
If there are limited circumstances where the Contractor is unable or unwilling to respond to a section
of the RFP or provide any other requested information, the Contractor should, in place of the
appropriate information, indicate a compelling reason for the omission of a response.
If Contractor identifies any areas where they expect challenges or difficulties in Consumers Energy
achieving the goals that are detailed in this RFP, they should address any and all anticipated
difficulties and/or problem areas along with potential approaches to their resolution.
In addition, the Contractor is encouraged to pro-actively present additional information, not
specifically requested, which helps demonstrate understanding of the market and ability to achieve
research, evaluation and program goals.
15.2 Proposal Format
Contractor’s proposal should include, but is not limited to, the following volumes and
sections/elements that are responsive to the corresponding section of this RFP and allow ease of
review and comparison.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
32
The following is a description of the minimum contents of each volume. Contractors are encouraged
to provide these sections in a similar order as requested to the extent possible, but can vary the order
as long as they are included (or also included) in the Volume requested.
Volume I of the proposal must have a table of contents with page numbers. There is a length limit
for Volume I of 300 pages, excluding appendices (see details in Volume I description below).
Volume II does not require page numbers given that it is in part an aggregation of other documents,
but should at least have a brief table detailing the sections contained within the volume and title
pages separating each section. There is no length limit for Volume II or any additional Volumes.
Volume I: Research and Evaluation Proposal (minimum required sections)
5. Contractor and Team Overview
6. Contractor Understanding of the Portfolio, Programs and Research Needs
7. Scope of Work
8. Qualifications and Experience
a. Contractor shall describe their team’s qualifications and experience as requested in
each of the Qualifications and Experience sections
b. Contractor shall use the same qualification and experience section and subsection
names and general ordering used in this RFP with the exception of any other
competencies they wish to add at the end of individual sections.
9. Proposed Performance Indicators and Metrics
10. Budget
a. Contractor should include an overall summary here of their proposed budget and budget
allocations
b. Contactor should respond to how they will maximize research and evaluation value
c. Contractor shall also provide in both hard copy and electronic copy the completed Excel
spreadsheet for “CE Appendix E: Detail of Proposed Budget” which requests detail of
proposed studies as well as associated direct and indirect costs by project, program,
year, total, etc… Electronic copies of CE Appendix E are available for download on the
AESP.org RFP website.
11. Appendices: Resumes, References, Disclosures, Terms and Conditions, and Exceptions
Bidder Appendix A: Full resumes of key staff
Bidder Appendix B: References and Disclosures
Bidder Appendix C: Terms and Conditions and Exceptions
o
Consumers Energy will utilize its “General Contract for Technical and Consulting
Services” for this contract. Please contact clragland@cmsenergy.com for copies.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
33
Contractors must review and respond to this general contract and complete the Terms
and Conditions Exceptions Form provided in CE Appendix A and submit it with their
proposal.
12. Note: There is a 300 page limit to Volume I (appendices do not count against this page limit)
with each printed side of a page counting as 1 page. Additional examples and exhibits can be
included in the other volume(s).
Volume II (or more): Exhibits and Examples
1. This volume should include more detailed exhibits or examples referred to in your main
proposal, the requested report examples specified in the RFP as well as any other
supplemental examples or information contractor believes relevant. This volume shall also
include examples of at least:
a. One impact evaluation report
b. One process evaluation report
c. One PowerPoint presentation of findings
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
34
16. PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA
16.1 Evaluation Criteria
Consumers will evaluate proposals according the following matrix below.
RFP Evaluation Criteria/Scoring Matrix
Part A: Technical Approach
1. Understanding of Project Scope
2. Overall Evaluation Approach
3. Research and Evaluation Planning Process
4. Research and Evaluation Proposed Plan
5. Demonstrated Research Innovation
6. Demonstrated Technical Capability
Part B: Organizational and Management Capability
1. Overall Management & Organization Capabilities
2. Specific Team Member Structure and Expertise
3. Project Management Expertise
4. Performance and Quality Management
Part C. Consulting Qualifications & Experience
1. EM&V Qualifications and Experience
2. Research Communication and Utilization Expertise
3. Collaboration Expertise
4. Data Integration and Synthesis
5. Regulatory Support and Expertise
6. Strategic Consulting
7. Market Research and Survey Research
8. Marketing Consulting
9. References and Demonstrated Capabilities
Part D: Price and Value
1. Investment
2. Ability to Maximize Value of Research & Evaluation Delivered
3. Ability to provide investment options and flexibility
4. Performance Indicators and Metrics
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
35
17. RFP RESPONSE PROCEDURES
17.1 Intent to Bid and Michigan Based Firms
Contractors are encouraged, but not required, to indicate their “intent to bid” by sending an email
indicating that intent to Cheryl Ragland at clragland@cmsenergy.com by the date on the included
RFP schedule.
Additionally, any Michigan-based firm interested in potential subcontracting opportunities on these
Consumers Energy RFPs can submit their information via email by the intend to bid deadline to
Cheryl Ragland and this information will either be posted on the AESP.org RFP website or distributed
to those firms indicating their intent to bid on the overall RFP as a service to help match local
Michigan firms with national firms.
17.2 Contractors’ Conference Call
Contractors are encouraged, although not required, to participate in a Contractors’ conference call.
The conference call will provide interested firms with an opportunity to seek clarification on the
requirements of the RFP.
Date: September 14, 2015
Time: 11:00AM – 12:30PM EST
Call-In Number: 517.768.3300
Access code: 358558#
17.3 RFP Schedule
September 8, 2015
Issue RFP
September 14, 2015
Contractor’s conference call
September 18, 2015
RFP question period ends
September 18, 2015
Notification of Intent to Bid (Optional)
October 6, 2015
Proposals due
October 16, 2015
Notification of finalists
October 23 – October 30, 2015
Interview finalists
November 2 – November 6, 2015
Contract negotiations
January 1, 2016
New Contract In Place
January 1, 2016
Anticipated contractor start date and (if needed) begin
transition/coordination period with existing contractor
The above schedule is subject to change depending on any rulings from the MPSC and/or at the
discretion of Consumers Energy. The individual designated as Contractor’s contact (in either the
proposal or the intent to bid) must be available to receive and respond to inquiries and requests
throughout the solicitation process.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
36
Any change to the process or timeline for this RFP will be updated on the AESP.org RFP website
page; Contractors should check that website regularly for updates.
17.4 Solicitation Web site
Requests for proposals, responses to Contractor questions, and other solicitation documents are
available by contacting clragland@cmsenergy.com.
Schedule changes, revisions to the RFP, and other important information may be posted from time to
time. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to check for updates so that they can prepare
complete and informed proposals.
17.5 RFP - Questions and Communications
Contractor questions related to this RFP should be submitted by email to: Cheryl Ragland at
cheryl.ragland@cmsenergy.com consistent with the due dates specified. Questions submitted after
these dates will not be addressed. Copies of all questions and answers will be posted anonymously
on the AESP.org RFP website.
No other contact related to this RFP may be made with other Consumers Energy employees and
onsite contractors throughout this entire process. Any unauthorized contact may result in immediate
disqualification.
17.6 Proposal Review - Questions and Communications
Consumers Energy reserves the right to contact a Contractor at any time for clarifications about any
part of the Contractor’s proposal. Proposal review questions and communications will focus on
clarifying the information set forth by the Contractor in the proposals and will not be an opportunity for
the Contractor to revise terms.
17.7 Submission of Proposal Responses
Contractors must submit both hard copy and electronic versions of their proposals by the due date
and times listed below. Any Proposals received after the date and time will be rejected. Proposals
that do not contain the information requested in this RFP may also be rejected at Consumers
Energy’s sole and absolute discretion.
1. Acceptance of Terms and Conditions - The submission of a proposal to Consumers
Energy shall constitute a bidder’s acknowledgement and acceptance of all the terms,
conditions and requirements set forth this RFP unless exceptions are noted specifically
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
37
2. Time and Place for Submission:
Due Date:
See RFP Schedule in Section 17.3
Time Due:
5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
To:
Cheryl L Ragland
Consumers Energy
Office: EP2-434
One Energy Plaza
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone Number: 517-788-1456
Proposals received after this deadline will be rejected.
3. Proposal Submission – Contractors are required to submit ten (10) hard copies (with one
(1) copy being unbound and single-sided and nine (9) copies being bound and doublesided) of their Proposal including all submittals required by this RFP. In addition to the
hard copies, Contractor shall include with its submission one electronic copy of their full
Proposal on a CD ROM in both PDF format, for internal distribution, and in Microsoft
Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) file format as well for purposes of facilitating
preparation of scope of work contracts. Proposals must be enclosed in a sealed envelope
or box clearly marked “Proposal”.
4. Verification of Receipt of Proposal – It is the Contractor’s sole responsibility to ensure
that its Proposal is received at the address specified above by the deadline for
submission.
5. Errors or Omissions – A Contractor that discovers an error or omission in its Proposal
response package may withdraw that package and resubmit one, provided that it does so
before the deadline for submission of Proposal responses.
6. RFP Withdrawal – Consumers Energy reserves the sole and absolute right to withdraw
this RFP at any time before the duly authorized execution of the contract/purchase order
with Contractors for any reason including, but not limited to, action by the MPSC that
modifies or withdraws the program. In its sole and absolute discretion, Consumers Energy
may accept or reject any or all proposals, and may accept other than the lowest cost
proposal. Consumers Energy will not assume any liability, under any circumstances, to
any Contractor submitting a proposal in response to this RFP.
7. Proposal Preparation Costs – Contractor accepts any and all costs and expenses
incurred prior to the duly authorized execution of the contract/purchase order and will not
seek any costs and expenses from Consumers Energy.
8. Ownership of Proposals - All proposals submitted by the Contractor to Consumers
Energy in response to this RFP shall become the exclusive property of Consumers Energy
and may be used for any reasonable purpose by Consumers Energy.
9. Proposal Confidentiality – To the extent possible, Consumers Energy will attempt to
keep submitted proposals confidential. However, it is possible that proposals may be
requested by the MPSC for review, or by other interveners, and as such, full assurance of
complete confidentiality is not possible. Furthermore, Consumers Energy will not assume
any liability to a Contractor or other party as a result of any public disclosure of any
proposal or contract/purchase order.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
38
17.8 Terms and Conditions of Submission
If you are viewing this RFP on the AESP.org RFP website and want to review the Consumers
Energy’s “General Contract for Technical and Consulting Services”, insurance requirements, and
Third Party Ethics and Compliance, please contact clragland@cmsenergy.com for copies. All
proposals, along with all other documentation, submitted in connection with this RFP shall become
and will remain the property of Consumers Energy and will not be returned to the Contractor.
By submitting a proposal pursuant to this RFP, Contractors acknowledge and agree that (a) they will
be fully bound by the terms and conditions of this RFP and Consumers Energy Terms and Conditions
in submitting their proposals, (b) they have had the opportunity to seek independent legal and
financial advice of their own choosing with respect to the RFP and their proposals, (c) they have
obtained all necessary authorizations, approvals and waivers, if any, required by them as a condition
of submitting their proposals, (d) they are submitting their proposals subject to all applicable laws, and
(e) they have not engaged and will not engage in communications with any other Contractor in the
RFP concerning the price or other economic terms contained in their proposals and have not
engaged in collusion or other unlawful or unfair business practices in connection with this RFP.
17.9 Consumers Energy is under no obligation to execute a Contract
Nothing contained in the RFP shall be construed to require or obligate Consumers Energy to select
any proposals or limit the ability of Consumers Energy to reject all proposals in its sole and exclusive
discretion. Consumers Energy further reserves the right to withdraw and terminate this RFP at any
time prior to the execution of a Contract.
17.10 Non-Confidentiality of Submissions
Contractors acknowledge and agree that the submission of a proposal or other information to
Consumers Energy does not establish any fiduciary or confidential relationship between the
Contractor(s) and Consumers Energy, nor is there one intended or created by reason of this RFP
and/or submission of a proposal. The Contractor(s) agree that Consumers Energy shall not be
obligated to return the proposal to the Contractor(s), and the Contractor(s) release Consumers
Energy from any and all liability if the proposal is lost, misplaced, stolen or destroyed.
Contractors should not submit any information containing its or any third party’s trade secrets or other
proprietary or confidential information. Contractors are also hereby advised that Consumers Energy
may also disclose proposals, or any information contained therein, by legal process or to judicial,
governmental or regulatory authorities. Consumers Energy may elect to enter into mutual
nondisclosure agreements with Contractors selected for further participation in transactions which are
the subject matter of this RFP, but is not agreeing to such an arrangement at this time and will infer
that information which is submitted by each Contractor is not deemed confidential or proprietary
information of the Contractor or any third party.
17.11 Post Proposal Negotiation and Awarding of Contracts
Consumers Energy reserves the right to negotiate both price and non-price factors during any postproposal negotiations with a finalist. Consumers Energy has no obligation to enter into an agreement
with any respondent to this RFP and may terminate or modify this RFP at any time without liability or
obligation to any respondent. This RFP shall not be construed as preventing Consumers Energy from
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
39
entering into any agreement that it deems appropriate at any time before, during or after this RFP
process is complete.
Consumers Energy will utilize its “General Contract for Technical and Consulting Services” for this
contract. Contractors must review and respond to this general contract and complete the Terms and
Conditions Exceptions Form provided in CE Appendix A and submit it with their proposal.
17.12 Minimum Qualifications
The Contractor team responding to this RFP must have at least the following qualifications to be
considered for selection:
1. At least five years of experience with research and evaluation of similar types of energy
efficiency programs for utility sponsored or other system benefit charge funded programs.
2. Demonstrated organizational, financial, analytic and reporting abilities.
3. Demonstrated commitment to quality and customer service.
17.13 Negotiations and Finalizations
Once the Contractors have been selected, contract negotiations will be conducted. These
negotiations will relate to the scope of work, specific research and evaluation project features,
research budgets, schedules, and payment terms. The contractual terms will include general terms
and conditions. Consumers Energy reserves the right to simultaneously conduct negotiations with
both the prospective Contractor and an alternate Contractor. Consumers Energy also reserves the
right to terminate negotiations with any Contractor in the event that Consumers Energy and the
Contractor are unable to agree on contract terms and conditions within a reasonable period of time to
be determined in Consumers Energy’s sole and absolute discretion.
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
40
CE APPENDIX A. TERMS AND CONDITIONS EXCEPTIONS
FORM
Consumers Energy will utilize its “General Contract for Technical and Consulting Services” for this
contract. Please contact clragland@cmsenergy.com for copies. You must fill in the table below if
there are any exceptions.
Terms and Conditions Exceptions Form
CONTRACTOR NAME:
PROGRAM NAME:
EXCEPTIONS TO SERVICES AGREEMENT:
No_________ Yes_________ (if “Yes,” fill in table below)
Section/Paragraph
Page
Number (or other
Number
description)
Reason for Exception
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
Proposed Alternative
Language
41
CE APPENDIX B. CONSUMERS ENERGY SERVICE
TERRITORY (MICHIGAN)
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
42
CE APPENDIX C. CONSUMERS ENERGY EO PORTFOLIO
STRUCTURE FOR 2015-2017
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
43
CE APPENDIX D. CONTRACTOR’S REFERENCE FORM
Contractor must provide at least three (3) references of clients with whom you have had at least
somewhat similar types of engagements to the work described in this RFP. Please provide this
information in in the example table presented below. Please limit the completed table for EACH
reference to a maximum of 4 pages. If you are a current or past contractor to Consumers Energy,
you may describe work with our organization as one of these references.
Contractor’s Reference Form
Contractor Name:
Program(s):
Reference #1
Reference Organization Name:
Organization Primary Address:
Reference Utility’s Customers ( # of
Residential Households):
Reference Contact Person:
Reference Contact Title:
Reference Direct Phone #:
Reference E-mail:
First Year Worked with Organization:
Total Years Of Engagements with This
Organizations:
General Project/Engagement Description:
Major Project/Engagement Accomplishments:
Budget - Total EM&V Investment Reference Has Made with You:
Budget – Average Annual EM&V Budget Reference Has Made with You:
Contractor Managers on this Project:
Other Contractor Staff on this Project:
Consumers Energy RFP: Residential Research & Evaluation
44