Strategy Development Support & Facilitation Services

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is seeking a qualified service provider to deliver strategy development support and facilitation services to assist with the ongoing update and strategic planning processes of the organization. This solicitation, numbered 26PP-124, is open exclusively to eligible proponents and explicitly disqualifies US businesses as defined in Part 1.4 of the RFP, in alignment with the Ontario Government’s Procurement Restriction Policy. Proposals must be submitted by June 8, 2026, and adhere to a 30-page limit excluding required procurement forms such as the Signature Page and Authorized Representative Affidavit. Submission requires one hard copy and one USB drive with an exact digital replica, delivered physically to the specified address, with no electronic portal acceptance permitted. The evaluation process is based on a trade-off methodology, weighing technical merit—spanning capacity to perform, experience, staffing quality, past performance, and familiarity with public sector contracts—alongside cost, with additional points awarded for location, regional project distribution, commitment to green initiatives, and certified small, minority, women-owned, or veteran-owned business status. Award is not based on lowest price alone, and the contracting authority retains the right to reject all bids, make multiple awards, or issue partial contracts. The service provider must meet stringent compliance and operational requirements, including maintaining commercial general liability insurance with $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage, workers’ compensation as required by law, and employer’s liability coverage of $1 million per employee. A valid Delaware Business License is mandatory, and all work will be subject to confidentiality during evaluation, though proposals become public record upon award unless designated as trade secrets. The contractor must indemnify the IESO against claims arising from performance, retain all financial and operational records for a minimum of three years post-contract, and certify non-collusion and non-debarment under federal executive orders. Delivery of services is performance-based with no specified physical location mentioned, consistent with its nature as a professional consulting engagement. All materials, data, and documentation produced under the contract become the sole property of the IESO, and contract continuation is subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Pricing must be submitted via the prescribed Attachment C form, with no estimated contract value disclosed, and no formal FAR clauses apply, as the procurement relies on locally customized terms and conditions.