Commercial Demand Response Program Expansion

The City of Austin has issued RFP 1100 DCM3051 to secure consulting and program management services for the expansion of Austin Energy's Commercial Demand Response (CDR) and Emergency Response Service programs. The primary objective is to increase customer participation and demand response megawatts to support the goals of the Austin Energy Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan to 2035. The scope of work includes planning, administrative, and technical services, with a specific focus on implementing Automated Demand Response using OpenADR 2.0b protocols. The contract features an initial 12-month term with options for four additional one-year extensions. The contractor is responsible for a variety of deliverables, including customer recruitment, the development of engagement and retention plans, and the production of mid-season and end-of-season performance report cards. Financial terms include a performance growth payment capped at 78,000 dollars per contract year, with other tasks quoted by the offeror. Award decisions are based on best value, evaluated through concept and solution, experience and personnel, price, and small or local business preferences. Strict security and compliance standards are mandated, including adherence to Austin Energy Data Handling Controls, which require that all city data be stored within the contiguous United States. Contractors must sign a Network Connection Agreement for remote access and provide a FACTA Affidavit of Compliance to prevent identity theft. Additionally, offerors must certify compliance with Texas Government Code regarding foreign ownership restrictions for critical infrastructure and prohibitions against boycotting Israel.