Project Overview Minnesota State University - Moorhead is requesting proposals to finance a variety of energy conservation measures to be designed, engineered, constructed, and commissioned by Ameresco, an energy savings contractor (“ESCO”), across the Minnesota State University–Moorhead campus. These measures will result in reduced energy and water usage and costs which will accrue to Minnesota State University – Moorhead over the post-construction performance period, and which such aggregated amount is guaranteed by the ESCO. See Buyer's Attachment A - Scope of Energy Conservation Measures for a list of specific measures. RFP Requirements Project and Proposal Terms Contract. The successful lessor will be required to negotiate a mutually agreeable financing agreement with Minnesota State University – Moorhead. ESCO. The ESCO, Ameresco, Inc., has executed an energy services contract with Minnesota State University – Moorhead. Respondents with questions related to the ESCO or their contract must be submitted in writing to be addressed in an addendum. ESCO Requirements. Proposals should include any specific requirements to be imposed upon the ESCO as a result of the financing agreement. Exceptions. Proposals must list any exceptions to the provisions of this RFP. Proposals that do not conform to the financing terms listed below may be deemed non-responsive. Partnerships. Minnesota State University – Moorhead encourages partnerships or other creative approaches to the project that benefit the institution, the Minnesota State College and University System, and Minnesota taxpayers. So as not to limit the ability to propose on the project, a partner lessor may be included in multiple proposals. Payment and Performance Bonds. Proposals should include any specific requirements that the lessor be named as dual obligee (or similar requirements) on the ESCO’s payment and performance bonds. Estimated Closing Date. Minnesota State University – Moorhead intends to close on the financing within 45 days of the RFP response deadline. Escrow. Proposals should describe the escrow agent, account terms, any and all escrow related costs or fees, and other relevant information or requirements related to the escrow period. Costs and Fees. The proposal should identify specifically all costs and fees associated with the transaction, if any, that would be an obligation of Minnesota State University – Moorhead as either a direct payment or as additional project costs for purpose of determining the funded lease amount and/or ongoing lease payment obligation. These costs must be all-inclusive and may include commitment fees, legal counsel, transaction fees, closing costs, escrow management fees, and any other costs or fees. Financing Requirements Financing structure. The financing structure shall be a tax-exempt lease purchase arrangement with annual or semi-annual payments in arrears. See Attachment B – Project Proforma for details. Alternative payment structures that would be more beneficial to Minnesota State University – Moorhead will be considered. Term. The term of the loan shall be 250 months (10 months of construction, plus 240 months of amortization period). Financing amount. The financed project amount is approximately $6.0 million, cost plus capitalized interest for the 10-month construction period. Security. The successful lessor will be secured by Minnesota State University - Moorhead’s obligation to pay the lease payments, which are subject to annual appropriations. Source of Repayment. Minnesota State University – Moorhead will repay the loan using all legally available funds. Interest Rate. Minnesota State University – Moorhead’s preference is that interest rate is fixed over the term of the loan. Variable or indexed rates are not allowed. Preferred minimum rate lock period is 45 days, though lesser durations will be considered. Proposals shall note if there is a float down option during the rate lock period, and list any costs associated with that option. Prepayment. Minnesota State University – Moorhead’s preference is to minimize or eliminate prepayment premiums. At a minimum, prepayment premiums should not exceed 3% in the first 5 years, 2% for years 6-10 and no premium through the remainder of the term. Anticipated Repayment Schedule. See Attachment B – Project Proforma. Selection Process The selection committee includes Georges Tippens, Vice President for Finance & Administration, Minnesota State University – Moorhead, Brenda Norris, Executive Director of Facilities Management, Minnesota State University – Moorhead and Ryan Ries, Minnesota State System Office Director of Design & Construction. This committee will evaluate the proposals and make the final award decision. Minnesota State University – Moorhead reserves the right to modify the selection committee members at its discretion. Evaluation Factors The following factors and their identified weight will be used to evaluate the responses: Topic Factor Weight Adherence to Minnesota State Terms and Conditions. A statement of the objectives, goals, and tasks to show or demonstrate its view and understanding of the nature of the contract 2 Loan Terms 20 Interest Rate/Fees 70 Qualifications of Respondent and its personnel. An outline of the Responder’s background and experience with examples of similar work complete by the Responder and a list of personnel who will conduct the project, detailing their training, and work experience. Resumes or other information about project personnel should not, if possible, contain personal telephone numbers, home addresses or home email addresses. If it is necessary to include personal contact information, please clearly indicate in the proposal that personal contact information is being provided. 8 Total: 100 Minnesota State reserves the right to name a date which all responding Respondents will be invited to present demonstrations or participate in an interview. Minnesota State does not agree to reach a decision by any certain date although it is hoped the evaluation and selection will be completed by the contract terms date identified. Contract Terms Minnesota State desires to enter into a contract with the successful Respondent(s) effective for the term of the loan shall be 250 months (10 months of construction, plus 240 months of amortization period) or on the date the last recognized signature is obtained, whichever occurs later. If Minnesota State and Respondent are unable to negotiate and sign a contract with 30 days of the initial day of the notice to proceed, then Minnesota State reserves the right to seek an alternative Respondent(s). Inquiries and Submission Instructions Minnesota State accepts all questions and bid submissions exclusively through Minnesota State's e-procurement system. Hard copy submissions, emails, or submissions through any other medium will not be considered. Each Respondent is solely responsible for the timely delivery of its questions and bids by the RFx date and time deadlines. Failure to meet the deadlines shall be grounds for rejection.
