Green Building Alliance

Green Building Alliance On Behalf of the City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning and

Oakland Energy Planning Partners

Request for Proposals

for

Oakland Energy Master Plan

Release Date: March 11, 2021

Submittal Deadline: May 3, 2021 no later than 4:00pm EST

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Table of Contents 1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 2 2 Background ......................................................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Reference Documents .................................................................................................................... 3 2.2 Goals And BenefitS ....................................................................................................................... 5

3 Tentative Schedule of Events ............................................................................................................ 6 4 Scope of Services ............................................................................................................................... 7

4.1 Project Summary ........................................................................................................................... 7 4.2 Location and Area ....................................................................................................................... 8 4.3 Phase One: Baseline Establishment ............................................................................................ 9 4.4 Phase Two: Identify Energy Sources And Technologies To Evaluate For Building Systems, Thermal Distributed Energy, Renewables, Back-Up...................................................................... 10 4.5 Phase Three: Implementation Planning ................................................................................... 11

5 Submission Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 12 6 Evaluation Process ................................................................................................................................. 14 7 General Terms and Conditions ....................................................................................................... 14

7.1 Examination of Proposal Documents ...................................................................................... 14 7.2 RFP Communications ................................................................................................................ 15 7.3 Withdrawal of Proposals ............................................................................................................ 15 7.4 Non-Conforming Proposal ........................................................................................................ 15 7.5 Rights of Green Building Alliance ............................................................................................. 16 7.6 Conflict of Interest...................................................................................................................... 16 7.7 Non-Disclosure ............................................................................................................................ 16

8 Equal Opportunity ............................................................................................................................ 17 9 Submittal Requirements ................................................................................................................... 17

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1 Introduction March 11, 2021

To All Prospective Respondents: Green Building Alliance on behalf of the Department of City Planning and the Oakland Energy Advisory Group invites you to submit your proposal for the Oakland Energy Master Plan. The City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improve environmental quality, and increase resiliency throughout all systems citywide. To help achieve these ambitious goals, the City is initiating energy master planning efforts in Pittsburgh’s Oakland area. With major institutions and significant private development within its boundaries, the Oakland area is one of the most energy intensive districts in the region. With the assistance of Green Building Alliance, the Department of City Planning will form a strong partnership with the key energy generators, utility and service providers, energy users, and other stakeholders to establish the scope of the energy master plan and to collaborate in its development. The proposed energy study and master plan is expected to result in further research, policies, city programs, and neighborhood projects that will help to realize the larger, specified goals. Please register your team with GBA and submit any questions regarding this RFP via email no later than 4pm March 29, 2021, and directed to:

Megan Zeigler Vice President of Planning and Policy Green Building Alliance 333 East Carson Street Suite 331 Pittsburgh, PA 15223 Email: [email protected]

All proposals will be due by 4pm EST May 3, 2021 as described in the Timeline section of this RFP. Sincerely,

Jenna Cramer Jenna Cramer Executive Director Green Building Alliance

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2 Background The City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improve environmental quality, and increase resiliency throughout all systems citywide. With the adoption of the Pittsburgh Climate Action Plan 3.0 in 2018, the City committed to reducing energy consumption 50%, integrating at least 200 MW of new renewable energy generation regionally, supporting energy system modernization, and developing and implementing a Pittsburgh District Energy Plan. These commitments will help meet the City’s 2030 goal of 50% reduction in citywide GHG emission. Beyond 2030, Pittsburgh aims to achieve carbon neutrality and serve as a leader in addressing climate change mitigation at the local level. Oakland has two existing district energy systems actively serving the major education and cultural institutions. The Bellefield Boiler Plant was built in 1907 to provide steam heat for Carnegie Museum, but now provides heat to many Oakland institutions including the Carnegie Museums, Carnegie Library, the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Phipps Conservatory, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), and two Pittsburgh Public Schools facilities. The plant was primarily coal until 2009, when it shifted to solely natural gas to reduce carbon emissions. Carillo Street Steam Plant opened in 2009, is used by the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, and is one of the cleanest university heating plants in the United States. The full use of the facility by Pitt and UPMC was expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by ~48,000 metric tons and can transform approximately 14,000 gallons of water per hour into steam.

As part of the effort, preliminary analyses relevant to this work are available via the following hyperlinks:

2.1 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS • City of Pittsburgh Energy Baseline, 2013 • Siemens, A Technology Roadmap to Pittsburgh: Linking Climate and Innovation,

2019 • Pittsburgh 2030 District Reports • City of Pittsburgh Benchmarking Report • University of Pittsburgh:

• DRAFT Institutional Master Plan • 2018 Campus Master Plan • Fiscal Year 2019 GHG Inventory • GHG Emissions 2018 – present • Pitt Climate Action Plan (forthcoming on carbon neutrality by 2037

Carnegie Mellon University’s GHG Summaries

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Initial meetings with Oakland stakeholders (including major institutions, employers, and utilities) showed strong agreement around the following issues:

• Decarbonization and local sourcing of energy: Develop shared purchasing agreements and other means of driving the creation of local renewable energy supplies that are more resilient and provide for additional economic development benefits to the region.

• Reduced demand/consumption of electricity: Energy efficiency and conservation is considered the “first fuel” and planned for when making choices about energy supply options.

• Increased reliance on renewable energy for heating and cooling sources: Buildings rely on renewable electrical and thermal sources, including in district energy applications.

• “Utility of the future” model: Utility policies and practices enable the energy system transformation through grid modernization, new utility revenue models, and rules which incentivize energy savings and integration of renewable energy sources.

• Integrated infrastructure planning: Energy planning and infrastructure investments are coordinated with stormwater, sewer, and water infrastructure investments to help reduce cumulative costs and in recognition of the energy-water nexus in modern energy systems (e.g., chillers). Mobility infrastructure investments must also be integrated.

• New financial tools and models: Establish financial models and methodologies (e.g., Net Present Value decision making and proxy carbon prices) that allows for up front investments to be repaid through lifetime savings.

• Sharing and advocacy: Ensure that new systems are flexible and can be used to provide low carbon energy to all customers in Oakland. Proactively share information and best practices within the Oakland community and create joint advocacy campaigns for new policy at city, state, and federal levels.

To help achieve these ambitious goals, the City is initiating energy master planning efforts in Pittsburgh’s Oakland area, including the neighborhoods of South, West, Central, and North Oakland. With major institutions and significant private development within its boundaries, the Oakland area is one of the most energy intensive districts in the region. With the assistance of Green Building Alliance, the Department of City Planning has formed a strong partnership with the key energy generators, utility and services providers, energy users, and other stakeholders to establish the scope of the energy master plan and to collaborate in its development. The proposed energy study and master plan is expected to result in further research, policies, city programs, and neighborhood projects that will help to realize the larger, specified goals. The timeline for the project is approximately 2 years, starting upon team selection and contract award. The Oakland energy planning consultant will be hired and contracted by Green Building Alliance, who will process payments; however, the day-to-day management of the work will be jointly handled by a staff team from both the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of

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City Planning and Green Building Alliance. As described above, the consultant will work with a set of expert stakeholders in Oakland and with relevant utilities, public agencies, and authorities on an as-needed basis. Experience working with the Public Utilities Commission of Pennsylvania or similar body would be highly relevant to this work. Area: Oakland’s Fifth and Forbes Avenue corridor is an extremely energy dense area of buildings owned and operated by academic and healthcare institutions. A new wave of private development (including wet labs and other research and development spaces) are increasing the area’s energy demands without the potential to connect to existing natural gas-fueled district energy facilities that, by long-standing legal agreement and regulations, are restricted to a nonprofit collaborative. Adjacent areas in North Oakland, Central Oakland, and along the Boulevard of the Allies represent existing medium- and high-density areas that will also increase the energy requirements in Oakland and will benefit from more effective district energy systems. In addition to district energy planning, this study is expected to inform the creation of a combination of Zoning requirements, incentives, and informational programs that incentivize energy efficiency and on-site generation currently being developing as part of the Oakland Plan. Vehicle electrification and transportation planning will also be linked to this work in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure. For more information about the Oakland Plan, please visit, www.pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/oakland and engage.pittsburghpa.gov/oakland. Relationship to Oakland Plan process: The consultant will work with energy providers, utilities, academic experts, and major energy users including developers in parallel to the Oakland Plan process. The Department of City Planning’s will be responsible for integrating outputs of the Energy Master Plan with the Oakland Plan, likely through the Oakland Plan’s Infrastructure Action Team. Outcomes: The results of this work are an energy study and strategic energy plan for the Oakland area. This work is expected to influence the generation of policies, projects and programs in the neighborhood. While the primary point of contact at each institution will be designated administrative and facilities staff, the process will need to thoughtfully incorporate the input of expert research staff. The program of work will also include recommendations on governance (including models for joint planning) and investment (in infrastructure and energy generation equipment).

2.2 GOALS AND BENEFITS In accordance with the precepts of the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance, Green Building (on behalf of the Oakland Energy Advisory Group) will proactively engage in collaborative energy planning and infrastructure coordination with critical energy users, utility and service providers, academic experts, professional consultants, and other key stakeholders. Along with members of the larger team, the City has committed to achieving the following goals and resulting benefits:

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• Clean Energy: low-carbon and renewable sources; radical reduction of carbon emissions and pollutants in order to achieve 50% reduction in energy use by 2030 and set a path for carbon neutrality

• Reliability: ensure delivery of high-quality power; maintain low frequency and duration of outages

• Resilience: energy system durability and redundancy (especially for critical use facilities such as hospitals)

• Affordability: maintain market competition to keep energy/utility rates reasonably low

• Predictability: monitor and manage energy market changes; minimize rate volatility

• Transparency: clarity regarding cost/price of energy; understanding of market forces that affect cost/price

• Local Control: greater consumer control regarding energy resources and energy providers

• Economic Development: channel energy revenue to local economy; help drive business and job creation

• Innovation: solve problems, develop scalable solutions, and create opportunities, create intellectual property and support entrepreneurship

• Justice: achieve and maintain equity; protect vulnerable populations and promote energy literacy

The goals and benefits noted above must be determining factors in the development of the proposed energy plan scenarios and the resulting energy master plan.

3 Tentative Schedule of Events The following represents the tentative schedule for this project. Any change in the scheduled dates for the Pre-Proposal Conference (if applicable), Deadline for Submission of Written Questions, or Proposal Submission Deadline will be advertised in the form of an addendum to this RFP. The schedule for the evaluation process and other future dates may be adjusted without notice.

RFP released: March 11, 2021

Questions and registration:

Addendum released:

March 29, 2021

April 8, 2021

RFP submission deadline: May 3, 2021

Anticipated Interviews:

Notification:

May 10 - 14, 2021

May 21, 2021

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4 Scope of Services

4.1 Project Summary The proposed study and planning endeavor (referred to as “the Project”) can be organized into three distinct phases:

1. Baselining Oakland’s long-term energy load 2. Energy source and technology identification 3. Modeling verification and implementation planning

The Oakland Energy Advisory Group is seeking an energy planning consultant or qualified team of consultants to provide comprehensive research, design, engineering, and planning services, delivered using a highly integrative, multidisciplinary innovative approach. The consultant must have a broad skill set, with special emphasis on energy generation and management, planning and urban design, urban infrastructure, building systems and legal expertise. Furthermore, the consultant must possess extensive experience conducting district-scale energy studies and scenario planning, leading to holistic resilient, equitable and sustainable energy solutions. The consultant should also be familiar with all relevant energy markets, policies, and regulations. Similarly, the consultant should be familiar with all relevant costs and considerations for projects such as construction costs and energy costs. Previous experience with social economics and incorporating the social cost of carbon into project analysis is also beneficial.

To be considered qualified for the Project; the consultant must be capable of the following skills:

1. Utilizing a wide range of problem-solving tools, techniques, and resources 2. Collaborating with many partners who may have individualized, special interests 3. Managing a large stakeholder group with complicated, multi-layered

relationships 4. Executing an analytical, creative, and extremely complex process 5. Ability to identify, analyze, and integrate new technologies as they become

available During the course of the Project, the consultant will be required to work closely with the Oakland Energy Advisory Group, which is a group of energy-related professionals, City staff, institution representatives, and utility providers who will ultimately be responsible for 1) Developing the capacity necessary to lead implementation of the energy master plan; 2) Proactively coordinating future energy planning and energy use at the district scale; and 3) Assisting with additional data collection and validation.

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The consultants should list any additional services they deem relevant to deliver a holistic energy plan in their response to this RFP, along with a proposed price, schedule, staffing, and any additional resources needed to complete the work.

4.2 Location and Area The proposed study and master plan will be developed for the district of Oakland and the adjacent areas relevant to the local energy system and infrastructure; the area is located approximately two miles east of Pittsburgh’s Downtown / Central Business District; for detailed information, refer to the table below:

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION & BOUNDARIES (*Approximate)

QUANTITATIVE DATA

Land Area 967 acres

Number of Commercial Buildings 406 buildings

Area of Commercial Space 33.3 million SF

Oakland Energy Baseline (Pittsburgh 2030 District-committed buildings only; 84% of commercial buildings)

4.68 billion kBTUs

Oakland Energy Use (2017 performance submitted to Pittsburgh 2030 District; 72% of commercial buildings

4.33 billion kBTUs

Total Energy Use in Pittsburgh Commercial Buildings (NETL, 2013 data) 26 billion kBTUs

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4.3 PHASE ONE: BASELINE ESTABLISHMENT

4.3.1Overview In Phase One, the objective is to establish a baseline of the current energy supply and clearly identify any known barriers to achieve low carbon systems. Consultant should outline their approach and the intended tools necessary for achieving the deliverables. In this initial phase the consultant will: Project Management:

• Prepare for and attend one (1) Project Kick-Off Meeting to introduce the Consultant team to GBA and City staff, establish communication protocols, confirm the scope of work, and fully discuss the project.

• Prepare for and attend one (1) Project Kick-Off Meeting to introduce the Consultant team to the Oakland Energy Advisory Group to reinforce communication protocols, present final scope of work, identify any data requests, and fully discuss the project.

• Assume a series of 6 interviews with individual institutions’ facilities staff to discuss the project and their current energy systems.

• Prepare and attend bi-weekly meetings with GBA and City during this phase. • Prepare for and attend 1 Phase One presentation for the Oakland Energy

Advisory Group. Energy Baseline:

• Quantify current building energy use, including 10-year projections for building scale and district energy scale and changes in heating and cooling needs. This baseline should include all major energy demands, which include healthcare, education, cultural, public, commercial, and residential uses.

• Review potential building improvements for institutions via relevant Institutional Master Plans and through charrettes, interviews, or cross-sharing meetings.

• Future energy supply and demand for planned developments and modeled growth resulting from Oakland Plan and through known development conversations with the City of Pittsburgh.

4.3.2 Deliverables Green Building Alliance anticipates receiving the following deliverables for Phase One Current baseline that incorporates current institutional plans and potential planned development through new zoning updates resulting from the Oakland Plan:

1. Oakland Neighborhood energy baseline model taking into account: 1) Pittsburgh 2030 District commitments that sets building level reductions of 50% compared to baseline of 2003 Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS); 2) City of Pittsburgh’s Building Benchmarking Ordinance; and 3) All the planned development and building improvements.

2. Calibrated Energy Model, which incorporates actual meteorological year weather data and is aligned to utility metered energy consumption for 2019 baseline year.

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The Calibrated Model should be in total MMBTU (including electricity in megawatts and megawatt-hours within 3% accuracy of the utility data baseline -- and other uses in MMBTU within 5%).

4.4 PHASE TWO: IDENTIFY ENERGY SOURCES AND TECHNOLOGIES TO EVALUATE FOR BUILDING SYSTEMS, THERMAL DISTRIBUTED ENERGY, RENEWABLES, & BACK-UP 4.4.1 Overview In Phase Two, the objective is to create minimum of 3 different future energy scenarios for Oakland with an emphasis on energy efficiency, energy conservation, and demand management while shifting to a decarbonized system. In this task, the consultant will provide a cost benefit analysis, identify policy and legal changes, and outline major preliminary implementation considerations for each scenario. Project Management:

• Prepare and attend bi-weekly meetings with GBA and City staff during this phase. • Prepare for and attend 3 Phase Two presentations for the Oakland Energy

Advisory Group or other stakeholders to convey progress and findings during this phase.

Energy Scenarios: The energy scenarios created in this phase should align with overall project goals as outlined in this RFP with a specific focus on the methods for reducing peak demand, implementing district scale improvements and technology upgrades. Solutions should include, but are not limited to efficiency, on-site generation, offset purchasing, building electrification, battery storage options, renewable energy strategies, etc.

Scenario 1: A minimum of a 10% energy reduction considering all planned development and growth. Scenario 2: A minimum of a 40% energy reduction considering all planned development and growth. Scenario 3: A minimum of an 80% energy reduction considering all planned development and growth.

4.4.2 Deliverables Green Building Alliance anticipates receiving the following deliverables for Phase Two:

• Energy model for at least the 3 outlined scenarios • Cost benefit analysis for each scenario • Impact analysis for Oakland Energy Master Plan including:

o Impact to electricity grid and existing and future energy infrastructure o Financial impacts o Job creation and economic development impacts o Air emissions reduction potential (including CO2e and air pollutants)

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o Environmental benefits (i.e., water quantity and quality, regional air quality, landscape, etc.)

o Social and community benefits o Risk and/or resilience impacts

• Comprehensive report outlining the scenario findings, policy implications, and key considerations for each scenario.

4.5 PHASE THREE: IMPLEMENTATION PLANNING 4.5.1 Overview In Phase Three, the objective is to create an implementation strategy that clearly identifies the best energy source, or combination of sources and approaches to meet the City’s and institutions’ needs, energy and carbon goals as outlined in this RFP and identified in Phase Two. The following tasks are included in this phase: Project Management:

• Prepare and attend bi-weekly meetings with GBA and City staff during this phase. • Prepare for and attend 3 Phase Three presentations for the Oakland Energy

Advisory Group or other stakeholders to convey progress and findings during this phase.

Implementation Plan:

• Prepare a plan for implementing the selected scenario from Phase Two that outlines all assumptions, energy demands, calculated emissions, economic calculations for the selected scenario.

• Further refine and verify the energy model that includes assumptions, energy demands, calculated emissions, economic calculations.

• Develop 30-year energy strategy for institutions: o Identify innovative technologies to curb peak demand and increase

storage capabilities. o Outline on-site generation needs to meet future developments, including

recommended source and site energy requirements. o Scope infrastructure needs for future development and transitions. o Include financial recommendations to help fund and sustain projects,

programs, and actions. • Develop comprehensive 30-year energy strategy for the district energy

collaborative that maintains integrity and original intent of the Bellefield Boiler Agreement:

o Outline the Programs and Actions needed to be established by and/or assembled from the institutional partners in the district energy consortium if any governance structure changes are needed.

o Policies and programs needed to be established by the City to support the energy master plan implementation.

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o Identification of Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC) regulations and policy changes needed to implement the final selected scenario.

o Financial recommendations to help fund and sustain projects, programs, and actions.

• Impact analysis for Oakland Energy Master Plan including: o Impact to electricity grid and existing energy infrastructure o Financial impacts o Job creation and economic development impacts o Air emissions reduction potential (including CO2e and air pollutants) o Environmental benefits (i.e., water quantity and quality, regional air quality,

landscape, etc.) o Social and community benefits o Risk and/or resilience impacts

4.5.2 Deliverables Green Building Alliance anticipates receiving the following deliverables for Phase Three:

• Implementation Plan including all components in Section 4.5.1 of this RFP • Final Energy Model

5 Submission Requirements Subsections 5.1 – 5.9 describe the qualification items that must be addressed in your formal response to the RFP. Each response to this RFP shall include the information described in this section. Provide the information in the specified order. Failure to include all the elements specified may be cause for rejection. Additional information may be provided but should be succinct and relevant to the goals of this RFP. Excessive information will not be considered favorably and there is a 30-page maximum proposal limit.

5.1 FIRM QUALIFICATIONS

Describe the specialized knowledge, skill sets, competencies, and professional services that your organization brings to the proposed project. If applicable, discuss any specific proficiencies that are especially pertinent to district-scale energy studies and energy planning. Ideal candidates would have both master planning and implementation experience such as construction bid document preparation and construction oversight.

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5.2 PROJECT TEAM Provide a list of all key consultants, specialists, subcontractors, and their anticipated role and specific contributions on the project teamwork for the overall project.

5.3 COMPARABLE PROJECTS

Provide a selected portfolio of work that clearly indicates your understanding of the project and the role of key staff on the including project. Provide a reference for each project including name, affiliation, and email address.

5.4 PROJECT METHODOLOGY

Describe your organization’s approach and technical plan for accomplishing this project’s scope of work. The Consultant is encouraged to elaborate and improve on the tasks listed in the RFP; however, the Consultant shall not delete any requested scope tasks.

5.5 PROJECT SCHEDULE

The Consultant shall submit a schedule, itemized by task for each phase for completing the scope of work.

5.6 REFERENCES

Please submit three (3) references for similar projects your proposed team has completed within the last seven (7) years. Each reference should include the point of contact, email and phone number.

5.7 CONFLICT OF INTEREST If applicable, disclose and address any potential conflict of interest, either real If applicable, disclose and redress any potential conflict of interest, either real or perceived.

5.8 GOOD FAITH EFFORT STATEMENT Include statements of assurance regarding commitments from any organizations and companies in accordance with the equal opportunities MWE/DBE/VOB solicitation in Section 7 of this RFP. 5.9 PROJECT BUDGET AND PRICE PROPOSAL In a separate, sealed envelope, provide a proposed project budget itemized by task, and total project cost stated as a firm fixed fee. Labor and direct costs should be identified by task. Hourly rates for project staff shall also be provided.

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6 Evaluation Process The Oakland Plan’s Energy Advisory Group will evaluate and score the RFP Submittals and make candidate selections based upon the following criteria and weights:

• Expertise level directly related to the project requirements and objectives (25%) • Experience of Key Staff; proven ability to deliver a specified project on time and

within budget/fee (25%) • Proven project understanding by outlining approach and schedule (20%) • Quality of work indicated by project submittals and reference checks (15%) • Budget and Price Proposal (10%) • MBE/WBE/VBE Commitment (5%)

7 General Terms and Conditions

7.1 Examination of Proposal Documents The submission of qualifications shall be deemed a representation and certification by the Respondent that they:

7.1.1 Have carefully read and fully understand the information that was provided by GBA to serve as the basis for submission of the proposal

7.1.2 Have the capability to successfully undertake and complete the responsibilities and obligations of the qualifications being submitted. 7.1.3 Represent that all information contained in the qualification is true and correct. 7.1.4 Did not, in any way, collude; conspire to agree, directly or indirectly, with any person, firm, corporation or other proposer regarding the amount, terms or conditions of this proposal. 7.1.5 Acknowledge that the selection committee has the right to make any inquiry it deems appropriate to substantiate or supplement information supplied by a proposer, and proposer hereby grants the selection permission to make these inquiries, and to provide all related documentation in a timely manner.

No request for modification of the proposal shall be considered after its submission on the grounds that the proposer was not fully informed to any fact or condition.

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7.2 RFP Communications Unauthorized contact regarding this RFP with employees or officials of the City of Pittsburgh or GBA other than the designated representative in Section 1 of this document may result in disqualification from this procurement process. Outside of pertinent RFP questions directed to the GBA designated representative as specified above, any other attempts to contact any City of Pittsburgh personnel, GBA staff or any Oakland Energy partners regarding this RFP, without prior approval by the contact listed in Section 1, will be considered grounds for dismissal and immediate disqualification from the RFP process. This includes, but is not limited to, all verbal, voice, text, email, and social media (e.g. – LinkedIn) contact.

7.2.1 Interested parties must direct all communications regarding this RFP as outlined in this document. 7.2.2 GBA shall not be responsible for nor bound by any oral instructions, interpretations or explanations issued by the Oakland Plan’s Energy Advisory Group. 7.2.3 Each proposer shall assume the risk of the method of dispatching any communication or proposal. 7.2.4 The RFP Coordinator must receive all written comments, including questions and requests for clarification, no later than the Deadline for Submission Questions listed in the tentative project schedule. 7.2.5 GBA will publish all official responses to questions received pursuant to this RFP via email by 6:00 pm EST on April 8, 2021. 7.2.6 Only GBA’s written responses and communications shall be considered binding regarding this RFP.

7.3 Withdrawal of Proposals A proposer may withdraw its proposal at any time before the expiration of the time for submission of proposals as provided in this RFP by delivering a written request for withdrawal signed by, or on behalf of, the proposer.

7.4 Non-Conforming Proposal A proposal shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the provisions of these RFP instructions and specifications. Any alteration, omission, addition, variance, or limitation of, from or to a proposal may be sufficient grounds for non-acceptance of the proposal, at the sole discretion of GBA.

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7.5 Rights of Green Building Alliance This RFP does not commit GBA to enter into a contract, nor does it obligate GBA to pay for any costs incurred in preparation and submission of proposals or in anticipation of a contract. GBA reserves the right to:

A. Reject any and all proposals; B. Issue subsequent Requests for Proposals; C. Cancel this RFP with or without issuing another RFP; D. Remedy technical errors in the Request for Proposals process; E. Approve or disapprove the use of particular sub-consultants; F. Make an award without further discussion of the submittal with the proposer

(therefore, the proposal should be submitted initially on the most favorable terms that the firm or individual might propose);

G. Meet with select proposers at any time to gather additional information; H. Make adjustments to the scope of services at any time if deemed to be in the

best interest of the Oakland Plan’s Energy Advisory Group; I. Accept other than the lowest offer; J. Waive any informality, defect, non-responsiveness, or deviation from this RFP

that is not material to the Respondent’s proposal; K. Reject the proposal of any Respondent who is financially or technically

incapable of performing in accordance with this RFP; L. Negotiate with any, all, or none of the Offerors and to enter into an agreement

with another Offeror in the event that the originally selected finalist defaults or fails to execute an agreement with GBA;

M. Award a contract to the firm(s) that presents the best qualifications and whose proposal best accomplishes the desired results;

7.6 Conflict of Interest By submission of a proposal to this RFP, Respondent agrees that it presently has no interest and shall not have any interest, direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner with the performance of the services required under this RFP.

7.7 Non-Disclosure By responding to this RFP, the Respondent acknowledges they may be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement during the contracting process if they are the successful bidder.

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8 Equal Opportunity MBE/WBE/VOB Participation

Green Building Alliance is committed to increased participation of women and minority groups in alignment with City of Pittsburgh goals. As part of this RFP process, all bidders should demonstrate good faith efforts to obtain the participation of Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBE’s) and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE’s) and Veteran Owned Businesses (VOB’s) in work to be performed. Bidders should strive for the following goals in alignment with City contracts for MBE’s is eighteen (18) percent, WBE’s seven (7) percent and VOB’s two (2) percent participation respectively.

9 Submittal Requirements

Submittal Requirements

A. Questions regarding proposals must be directed ONLY to Megan Zeigler, GBA Vice President of Planning and Policy:

Megan Zeigler [email protected]

B. Bidding participants are to provide: One (1) electronic copy of your proposal in PDF format to be submitted to ONLY to Megan Zeigler, via email at [email protected].

C. Green Building Alliance shall not be responsible for proposals delivered to a person or location other than that specified herein.

D. Late proposals shall not be accepted or considered. E. All costs associated with proposal preparation shall be borne by the Respondent.