Energy Savings Performance Contracts ENABLE Process and Resources

NOTE: On March 12, 2025, the General Services Administration published an Advanced Notice for Multiple Award Schedule Refresh 25 and Upcoming Mass Modification detailing the removal of the Energy Savings Performance Contract ENABLE program. On March 25, 2025, the General Services Administration confirmed this update on the Vendor Support Center. As a result, no new task orders can be issued under Energy Savings Performance Contract ENABLE. Previously awarded projects may continue, but projects not yet awarded must use another contracting vehicle. The information below may no longer be accurate. Contact your Federal Project Executive to learn how the Federal Energy Management Program can assist you.

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

The GSA schedule allowed federal agencies to quickly select a qualified energy service company (ESCO) to perform an investment grade audit (IGA) and develop and install the project. It also recognized small business designations, enabling small business set asides if included in acquisition planning.

The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) developed a five-phase ESPC ENABLE procurement process that complied with applicable ESPC laws and requirements.

ENABLE Procurement Process at a Glance

Phase 1: Acquisition Planning

Agencies gather 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 project team members and agency approval processes.
  • Deliver education briefings to team members and decision makers.
  • Appoint a project manager to coordinate agency activities and monitor the schedule.
  • Hold a project kickoff 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 tool to generate a compliant, editable NOO, or download and edit the FEMP ENABLE NOO template.
  • Refer to best practices when developing the NOO.

Phase 1 Resources

Phase 2: Energy Service Company Selection

Phase 2 begins with issuing the RFQ/NOO and ends with the selection of a U.S. Department of Energy-qualified 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 with site and facility data, an ESCO Expression of Interest form, and the final proposal requirements.
  • Prepare the scope of work while awaiting ESCO offers.
  • Accept ESCO offers or expression of interest forms.
  • Use the ESCO evaluation guide and worksheet to evaluate offers and select an ESCO.
  • Notify unsuccessful ESCOs in writing.
  • Issue the notice of intent to award to the selected ESCO.

Phase 2 Resources

Phase 3: Investment Grade Audit and Award

Phase 3 begins with the ESCO performing the IGA and ends with awarding the project. The IGA forms the basis of the final proposal, which includes the scope of work, 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 kickoff meeting to prepare for on-site IGA.
  • ESCO performs an on-site IGA with FEMP's IGA tool.
  • ESCO presents the IGA findings (outputs from the IGA tool) for review.
  • Agency requests the ESCO to prepare and submit the final proposal.
  • ESCO prepares and submits the final proposal based on requirements.
  • Agency reviews the submittals and engages in negotiations.
  • Parties agree to pricing and the ESCO identifies financing options.
  • ESCO secures financing and the agency awards the task order.

Phase 3 Resources

Phase 4: Installation

Phase 4 includes installation, commissioning, and acceptance of the energy conservation measures (ECMs). M&V ensures that the new equipment meets the savings guaranteed in the contract. This phase should be completed in eight weeks and includes the following tasks:

  • ESCO presents a project plan aligned with the scope of work and site requirements.
  • ECMs are installed and inspection and commissioning are scheduled.
  • Commissioning is performed according to the guidelines and checklist for commissioning and government acceptance of ESPC ENABLE projects.
  • Post installation M&V is conducted using the ESPC ENABLE M&V plan template.
  • Results are compiled in a post installation M&V and commissioning report (see guidelines and checklist for commissioning and government acceptance of ESPC ENABLE projects).
  • Agency completes project acceptance using FEMP’s checklist.
  • Performance period begins.

Phase 4 Resources

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 contract term. The M&V plan will specify responsibilities during this phase. FEMP developed a standard protocol to align with broader M&V guidance. Projects awarded under ENABLE may issue in-scope modifications if necessary.

Typical activities during the performance period include the following:

  • Agency or ESCO conducts an annual audit per the M&V plan.
  • ESCO submits an annual M&V report.
  • Agency reviews, approves, and issues payment.

Phase 5 Resources

Quick Links