Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for 2027 Regional Energy Network Legal and Regulatory Support Services Bench

The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), through the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, is seeking Statements of Qualification to establish a consultant bench for Legal and Regulatory Support Services. This upcoming procurement, solicitation number Energy-RFQ-29311, aims to select qualified firms to provide as-needed services across five specific categories: monitoring regulatory policy and reporting, drafting legal and regulatory briefs, legal and regulatory representation, strategic support and recommendations, and stakeholder engagement assistance. The primary objective is to ensure compliance with California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) reporting and other regulatory activities. Proposals are due by November 13, 2026, and the selection process may include interviews with short-listed firms. Evaluation is based on a weighted system focusing on experience before the CPUC (30%), energy efficiency regulatory experience (25%), cost effectiveness of hourly rates (20%), experience with state agencies on climate matters (15%), and stakeholder networks (10%). Additional scoring preferences are available for firms committing to Small Business Enterprise (SBE) participation, with up to 10 points awarded for 40% or more participation. Selected consultants will be required to provide fully burdened hourly rates and may be contracted under various structures, including firm fixed price or time and materials. The contract includes provisions for a 5% retainage on payments and requires strict adherence to organizational conflict of interest guidelines and the California Public Records Act.