The Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) ENABLE process uses the General Services Administration's (GSA) Supply Schedule SIN 334512, as the procurement vehicle to award federal projects.

The GSA schedule allows federal customers to quickly and easily select a qualified energy service company to perform an investment grade audit (IGA) and ultimately develop and install the project. This schedule also recognizes vendors that hold small business designations, which allows customers to execute small business set asides if included in their acquisition planning strategy.

The Federal Energy Management Program's (FEMP) five-phase ESPC ENABLE procurement process conforms with all applicable ESPC laws and requirements.

ENABLE Procurement Process at a Glance
Phase 1: Acquisition Planning
Phase 2: Energy Service Company Selection
Phase 3: Investment Grade Audit and Award
Phase 4: Installation
Phase 5: Performance Period

Phase 1: Acquisition Planning

An agency gathers resources, people, and data to prepare for the ESPC ENABLE procurement process. This phase should be completed in one to two weeks and includes the following tasks.

  • Identify the project team members and the agency approval processes.
  • Deliver education briefings to all team members and decision makers.
  • Appoint project manager to coordinate agency activities and monitor the schedule.
  • Hold a project kick-off meeting with the ESPC ENABLE acquisition team.
  • Develop a draft acquisition plan.*
  • Compile key project information, including potential scope and utility data.
  • Develop a draft request for quote/notice of opportunity (RFQ/NOO):* Use FEMP's ESCO Selector for ENABLE tool to quickly create a fully editable draft NOO that complies with federal requirements and meets agency needs, or download and edit the FEMP ENABLE NOO template.
  • Refer to this collection of best practices as you develop your NOO.

Phase 2: Energy Service Company Selection

Phase 2 begins with the issuance of the RFQ/NOO and concludes with the selection of a U.S. Department of Energy qualified energy service company (ESCO). Selection is based on the ESCO's qualifications to execute the project along with a price element to conform with GSA's best value selection criteria. Phase 2 should be completed within three weeks and includes the following tasks.

  • Issue an RFQ/NOO to schedule holders that includes the site and facility data, an ESCO Expression of Interest form and the final proposal requirements.
  • Prepare scope of work while awaiting ESCO offers.
  • Accept ESCO offers or completed expression of interest forms.
  • Use the ESCO Evaluation Guide and Worksheet* to evaluate offers and select an ESCO.
  • Send a written letter to unsuccessful ESCOs.*
  • Issue of notice of intent to award (NOITA)* to the successful ESCO.

Phase 3: Investment Grade Audit and Award

Phase 3 begins with the ESCO performing the IGA and concludes with the award of the project. The IGA forms the basis of the ESCO's final proposal, which includes the SOW,* the task order schedules, and the measurement and verification (M&V) plan. The IGA and award phase should be completed in five weeks and include the following tasks:

  • Conduct a kick-off meeting to prepare for on-site IGA.
  • The ESCO performs an on-site IGA with FEMP's IGA Tool.*
  • The ESCO presents the IGA findings (outputs from the IGA Tool) for review.
  • The agency asks the ESCO to prepare and submit final proposal.
  • The ESCO prepares and submits its final proposal based on the final proposal requirements.*
  • The agency reviews the submittals and engages in negotiations.
  • The parties agree to pricing and the ESCO competes financing.
  • The ESCO locks down the financing and the agency awards the task order.*

Phase 4: Installation

Phase 4 includes the installation, commissioning, and acceptance of the energy conservation measures (ECMs) identified in the award. M&V is also performed to ensure that the new equipment meets the savings guaranteed in the contract. Phase IV should be completed in eight weeks and includes the following tasks.

Phase 5: Performance Period

The final phase includes annual M&V and ongoing contract administration, such as payments to the ESCO. Annual audits are required throughout the life of the contract. The M&V plan will specify responsibilities during this phase. FEMP developed an M&V protocol* that provides instruction and aligns with other FEMP M&V guidance. Typical activities during the performance period include the following.

  • The agency or ESCO conducts an audit per the M&V plan.
  • The ESCO generates an annual M&V report based on the audit results.
  • The agency receives the annual M&V report, reviews and approves, and issues payment.

*Denotes a FEMP tool or template.