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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAP 2007-03-27 Item 2E - Discussion - HVAC Performance Based Contract Process for Tukwila PoolParks and Recreation Department Bruce Fletcher, Director INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Steve Mullet Community Affairs and Parks Committee FROM: CS Rick Still, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation DATE: March 21, 2007 SUBJECT: City of Tukwila Pool HVAC Performance -Based Contract Process ISSUE Performance -Based Contractor selection process for the City of Tukwila Pool's HVAC system. The City of Tukwila Pool Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system has had emergency repair work performed 5 times in the past ten months costing $9,956. Staff was hopeful that these repairs would keep the system operational for a long period of time. However, the fan motor, bearings and shaft of the main system continue to get out of balance and need to be completely replaced, as well as, many other parts of the system are not operational. When the system does stop operating (usually during the middle of the night), the condensation builds up on the fire alarm beam detectors, due to the extreme humidity, and this sets off the fire alarm in the middle of the night causing an unnecessary call out for the fire dept and potentially calling them away from a more serious situation. This also causes a staff member to be at the building (24 hours, 7 days a week) on a fire watch until the situation is fixed. The current HVAC system repairs need to be made or the pool may not be operational for an undetermined time and at an unknown cost. Staff has investigated Chapter 39.35A of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) with the City Attorney's office and Finance Department. This code allows a performance based contract for energy equipment and supplies. Instead of hiring a HVAC consultant to put a bid packet together for a specific scope of contracted work, the city can utilize the performance -based contract process to: 1. Conduct a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to select the most qualified Energy Services Company (ESCO); 2. Have said company perform an energy audit that meet the qualifications and criteria of the City, i.e. guaranteed energy- savings, guaranteed installation cost, and guaranteed performance; 3. Construct or implement the projects identified through the energy audit; and 4. Verify the energy savings and overall system performance as guaranteed. Community Affairs and Parks Committee Information Memorandum City of Tukwila Pool HVAC Performance -Based Contract Process Page 2 This memorandum is to inform you of the process that staff is using for energy equipment, i.e. City of Tukwila Pool's HVAC system. The City of Tukwila "can, by resolution, choose to negotiate a performance -based contract under Chapter 39.35A RCW" to guarantee energy- savings, installation cost, and HVAC performance rather than developing plans and specifications to publicly `bid' this scope of work. To help answer any questions you may have, staff has invited an ESCO contractor representative to attend the CAP meeting. ALTERNATIVES Alternative One: The City can choose to utilize the ESCO process. Consequences: The HVAC system will be audited to seek energy efficiencies and repair items. A list of projects will be provided from the audit that the City can choose from to make repairs based on a cost benefit analysis approach. The City can choose to make these repairs or plan to have them made in the future. The energy performance and construction installation cost are guaranteed, if they are done as part of the ESCO process. Alternative Two: The City can choose to make repairs as things wear out and break down and not repair items that are not working. Consequences: There are known items that are on a weekly staff watch list to keep operational. There are known items that are not working, which means the system is not working efficiently. Repairs that are performed on an emergency basis cause unscheduled pool closures; and there are no performance guarantees (cost savings), and the repair cost are time and materials until the system is operational (no cost control). Alternative Three: The City can choose not to do anything at this time. Consequences: This alternative is very similar to Alternative Two since there are known items that need to be replaced /repaired to keep HVAC system operational. cc: City Administrator Director of Parks Recreation City Attorney Finance Director Community Affairs and Parks Committee Information Memorandum City of Tukwila Pool HVAC Performance -Based Contract Process Page 3 RECOMMENDATION Information Only: Staff is currently in the RFQ process to obtain an ESCO contractor. Once the energy audit is conducted, a preferred action will be recommended to the City Council. ATTACHMENTS: 1. RCW 39.35A 2. Comparison of Energy Performance Contracting with Conventional Procurement Procedures 3. Energy Savings Performance Contracting Adds Value to Public Works Projects 4. RFQ for Energy Performance Contract Chapter 39.35A RCW Performance -based contracts for energy equipment RCW Sections 39.35A.010 Legislative finding. 39.35A.020 Definitions. 39.35A.030 Performance -based contracts for energy equipment and supplies. 39.35A.040 Application of other procurement requirements. 39.35A.050 Energy service contractor registry Identification of performance -based contracting services. 39.35A.010 Legislative finding. 39.35A.020 Definitions. The legislature finds that: (1) Conserving energy in publicly owned buildings will have a beneficial effect on our overall supply of energy; (2) Conserving energy in publicly owned buildings can result in cost savings for taxpayers; and (3) Performance -based energy contracts are a means by which municipalities can achieve energy conservation without capital outlay. Therefore, the legislature declares that it is the policy that a municipality may, after a competitive selection process, negotiate a performance -based energy contract with a firm that offers the best proposal. [1985 c 169 1.] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the definitions in this section shall apply throughout this chapter. (1) "Energy equipment and services" means energy management systems and any equipment, materials, or supplies that are expected, upon installation, to reduce the energy use or energy cost of an existing building or facility, and the services associated with the equipment, materials, or supplies, including but not limited to design, engineering, financing, installation, project management, guarantees, operations, and maintenance. (2) "Energy management system" has the definition provided in RCW 39.35.030. (3) "Municipality" has the definition provided in RCW 39.04.010. (4) "Performance -based contract" means one or more contracts for energy equipment and services between a municipality and any other persons or entities, if the payment obligation for each year under the contract, including the year of installation, is either: (a) Set as a percentage of the annual energy cost savings attributable under the contract to the energy equipment and services; or (b) guaranteed by the other persons or entities to be less than the annual energy cost savings attributable under the contract to the energy equipment and services. Such guarantee shall be, at the option of the municipality, a bond or insurance policy, or some other guarantee determined sufficient by the municipality to provide a level of RCW 39.35A Page 1 of 2 assurance similar to the level provided by a bond or insurance policy. [2001 c 214 18; 1985 c 169 2.] Notes: Severability Effective date 2001 c 214: See notes following RCW 80.50.010. Findings 2001 c 214: See note following RCW 39.35.010. 39.35A.030 Performance -based contracts for energy equipment and supplies. (1) Each municipality shall publish in advance its requirements to procure energy equipment and services under a performance -based contract. The announcement shall state concisely the scope and nature of the equipment and services for which a performance -based contract is required, and shall encourage firms to submit proposals to meet these requirements. (2) The municipality may negotiate a fair and reasonable performance -based contract with the firm that is identified, based on the criteria that is established by the municipality, to be the firm that submits the best proposal. (3) If the municipality is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the firm that submits the best proposal, negotiations with that firm shall be formally terminated and the municipality may select another firm in accordance with this section and continue negotiation until a performance -based contract is reached or the selection process is terminated. [1985 c 169 3.] 39.35A.040 Application of other procurement requirements. If a municipality chooses, by resolution or other appropriate mechanism, to negotiate a performance -based contract under this chapter, no otherwise applicable statutory procurement requirement applies. [1985 c 169 4.] 39.35A.050 Energy service contractor registry Identification of performance -based contracting services. The state department of general administration shall maintain a registry of energy service contractors and provide assistance to municipalities in identifying available performance -based contracting services. [2001 c 214 19.] Notes: Severability Effective date 2001 c 214: See notes following RCW 80.50.010. Findings 2001 c 214: See note following RCW 39.35.010. RCW 39.35A Page 2 of 2 COMPARISON OF ENERGY PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING WITH CONVENTIONAL PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES STANDARD PROCUREMENT SPEC AND BID EVERY PHASE OF IMPLEMENTATION 1. Usually requires a capital budget authorization. 2. Extended completion time due to need to obtain budgetary approvals from Agency, Governor and Legislature. Time for completion can vary from 2.5 years to 6 years. Increased costs can vary from 3 -15% due to inflation. 3. Project is funded by State issued bonds which are repaid over a 30 year period using tax exempt financing. 4. These projects seldom qualify for utility rebates since the programs are normally over before the projects are funded. 5. Long term energy savings are, rarely, if ever guaranteed. Staff turnover, lack of ongoing training, lack of energy conservation expectations, and maintenance failures often kill project performance. 6. Comfort and lighting performance standards are seldom a part of any construction contract with a hardware vendor. 7. Change Orders are common practice because of misinterpretation or funding availability and scope of project do not match. 8. Separate phases of project implementation diffuses the source of responsibility for effective performance and often results in disputes over liability for non performance. 9. Equipment is guaranteed to be free from defects for one year from substantial completion. ENERGY PERFORMANCE CONTRACT COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 1. Utilizes existing appropriated utility budget line item to pay all project costs. 2. Third party financing is available, which allows the public building owner to construct projects sooner. Time for completion for an average project will be 18 months from project conception. No increased costs due to inflation. 3. Project is funded by State Treasurer lease purchase financing or Municipal Lease (tax exempt or capital) financing which is repaid over a 10 year period. 4. EPC maximizes utility financial participation in the project. This reduces the amount to be financed or allows additional conservation projects to be implemented. 5. ESCO provides guarantee of performance, monitors and verifies energy consumption, and trains staff to achieve long term project performance. Energy savings are guaranteed by the ESCO. 6. EPCs typically contain a performance definition and guarantee of lighting and comfort conditions. 7. No change orders unless Owner elects to increase project scope within cost effectiveness criteria. 8. A single point of financial and technical accountability for total project performance is standard. 9. EPC guarantees the project functions as designed, maintains specific comfort conditions, saves energy and saves dollars over the life of the Agreement with the ESCO. April 2003 Washington State Department of General Administration Visit our web site at httn:/ /www.aa.wa.gov /EAS /enc /esnc.htm 10. Incremental project implementation often leads to eliminating cost effective retrofits due to inadequate funds, limited staff time, and overly narrow or biased project specifications. 11. Most public institutions can not afford to pay for top notch technical energy staff nor can they afford to train existing staff. 12. Capital energy projects must compete with other capital priorities in an environment of limited budget resources. 13. There is no direct reward to managers or staff for reducing energy costs. 14. New project responsibilities can bring risks of non- performance and technical errors due to lack of internal technical expertise. 15. The operations and maintenance budgets of public institutions are usually under funded resulting in comfort problems, equipment breakdowns, lack of staff training, and wasted energy. 16. When project construction is accepted by staff, there is no guarantee that future improvements will be made to respond to changing conditions. Washington State Department of General Administration 10. Performance contractors consider all cost effective retrofits and secure financing for all feasible improvements. The costs of other needed capital improvements may be underwritten from any additional utility cost savings generated by the project. 11. ESCOs internalize technical expertise in order to guarantee project performance. 12. EPCs are not fmanced through a capital process. Funding is available from ESCOs, lenders and State Treasurer. Performance guarantees are designed to cover the costs of project financing, ongoing guarantees, and monitoring and verification of savings. 13. Compensation to the ESCO is tied directly to project performance and provides a very tangible financial incentive for reducing energy costs. 14. Willingness to accept technical responsibilities and risks is tied to direct financial rewards which are based on project performance. 15. ESCOs cannot afford to under fund any functions critical to protecting their investment and meeting the performance guarantees contained in the contract. 16. ESCOs have a strong incentive to respond to changes in technology, utility rates, and building requirements to maintain the guarantee of project performance over the term of the contract. April 2003 Visit our web site at httR:// www.ga.wa.ssov /EAS /enc /esac.htm ENERGY SAVINGS PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING ADDS VALUE TO PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS Energy Savings Performance Contracting, or simply performance contracting (PC), shares many similarities with conventional public works design and construction practices. However, there are some distinct differences between PC and the design, bid, build (DBB) process. PC can provide many opportunities to an owner installing energy efficiency equipment, which are not otherwise available when using the DBB process. The advantages to PC for procuring energy efficiency equipment include: Third party financing is available, which allows the public building owner to construct projects sooner. Some public works projects can take as long as six years to complete: identify project and request funding in the first biennium; design in the second biennium; and, construct in the third biennium. Using PC a similar project can be completed in eighteen months. By using third party financing for procuring energy efficiency equipment the owner reserves scarce capital dollars for more pressing building improvements. Combining third party financing with capital dollars allows the owner to leverage the capital appropriation, essentially doing "more with less." PC maximizes utility financial participation in the project. Energy service company (ESCO) selected based on qualifications. Since the ESCO also provides general contracting services the owner is also selecting the highest qualified general contractor, rather than the low bid contractor. Building audit findings must meet owner's cost effectiveness criteria or owner not responsible for ESCO audit costs. There is a single point of accountability from audit through design, construction and commissioning, which reduces the uncertainty of identifying a responsible party when design or construction issues arise. Subcontractors can be pre qualified and only the most highly qualified and reliable subcontractors will be invited to bid the work. Owner/ESCO can select other than the low bid subcontractor. Owner can specify equipment by manufacturer. ESCO guarantees equipment performance and assists owner with warranty issues. DBB requires that equipment is free from defects for one year. PC guarantees the project functions as designed, maintains specific comfort conditions, saves energy and saves dollars over the life of the contract with the ESCO. No change orders unless the owner elects to increase scope. Open book pricing and construction cost reconciliation assure fairest value for the owner. ESCO guarantees construction cost and assumes financial responsibility for cost overruns. Commissioning is an integral component of PC, not an extra cost. The owner has more control over contractor (ESCO) overhead and profit. O &P is negotiated and multiple markups of subcontractor costs are not allowed. ESCO provides a guarantee of energy savings and reimburses owner for any savings shortfalls. ESCO's monitoring and verification (M &V) services provides owner with assurance equipment will perform for the life of the agreement. Performance contracting is a "value added" process for improving building energy efficiency. April 2003 Washington State Department of General Administration Visit our web site at htta:/ /www.2a.wa.2ov /EAS /enc/esnc.htm Request for Qualifications for Energy Services Company (ESCO) The City of Tukwila Pool City of Tukwila, Washington Introduction The City of Tukwila seeks proposals from interested Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) to provide performance -based contracting for the City. The intent of selecting an ESCO is to develop a qualified project that addresses aging HVAC systems in the City of Tukwila Pool. The likely scope of the Performance Contract will focus on renovating the HVAC systems in the aquatic center which may include upgrades to boiler systems, upgrades to ventilation systems, control system upgrades, and other potential HVAC system improvements, and humidity control measures. The entire process consists of the following four phases: RFO Phase: Through this RFQ, the City will select an ESCO based on written submissions and overall qualifications. The City reserves the right to interview appropriate firms if necessary to further qualify capabilities of ESCOs. Enerav Audit Phase: This phase of work will focus on the development of energy- savings measures that meet the qualifications and criteria of the City. The outcome of this phase will be a formal proposal to the City that includes, but may not be limited to, guaranteed cost, guaranteed energy savings, proposed scope of work, and other miscellaneous supporting documentation. Construction Implementation Phase: Upon satisfactory results of the Energy Audit, and at the option of the City, the City may enter into a contract with the ESCO to implement the proposed measures from the Energy Audit. Performance Assurance Phase: This phase will focus on the verification of energy savings and overall system performance as guaranteed by the ESCO and agreed to by the City. Preliminary Project Schedule The following information outlines the preliminary schedule for the project. The intent of the City is for the proposed project to be completed prior to the end of the 2007 calendar year. As such, it will be critical that the ESCO have the resources available to meet these dates and accommodate the development and construction schedule. All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the City. RFQ Responses Due April 6, 2007 ESCO Selection April 11, 2007 Audit Development April 2007 May 2007 Approval Long Lead Equipment May 2007 Project Construction June 2007 September 2007 RFQ Response Please submit three copies of RFQ response by 4:00 pm on April 6 2007 to The City of Tukwila at the following address: City of Tukwila Parks and Recreation Department Attn: Rick Still 12424 42n Avenue South Tukwila, WA 98168 Any questions regarding this RFQ should be directed to the following: Rick Still. Deputy Director Parks and Recreation Department Phone: 206 767 -2344 E -mail: rstilaci.tukwila.wa.us City of Tukwila Pool RFQ for Energy Services Company Due: April 6, 2007 Page 2 of 4 Proposal Response: Please respond to the following questions in your RFQ response. Please present information in a clear and concise format. There is no limit to the number of pages of the response. 1. EXPERIENCE Provide a list of all Energy Services Performance Contracting (ESPC) projects completed in the past five years. Include the value of the project, project dates, project team, summary of the work completed, and any other relevant information. Limit experience to the following categories: a. Aquatic projects in the State of Washington b. Other project experience in Washington State (no more than ten projects) 2. PROJECT TEAM Provide information that details the proposed project team, organization structure, and management approach. Identify who will have primary responsibility for each task of the project, including technical analysis, engineering design, construction management, and performance assurance. Provide resumes for each project team member. 3. DESIGN Describe your firm's design capabilities and whether design services would be conducted with in -house ESCO engineering personnel or whether design services would be contracted to outside consultant /engineering firms. 4. ENERGY AUDIT APPROACH a. Baseline Calculation Describe in detail the methodology your firm normally uses to compute the baseline energy use in facilities. b. Baseline Adjustment Describe the method(s) used to adjust the energy baseline due to such factors as weather and facility use changes. Describe factors that would necessitate adjustment. c. Savings Calculations List all procedures, formulas and methodologies, including special metering or equipment your firm will use to calculate energy and Operation Maintenance savings. 5. SUBCONTRACTING APPROACH Describe your firm's approach to subcontracting and whether your firm has the capabilities to provide any of the expected work with in -house forces. Describe how cost competitive pricing will be secured and maintained for this project. 6. CONSTRUCTION CLOSE -OUT Describe your firm's construction close -out processes including project commissioning, training, and other related activities. City of Tukwila Pool RFQ for Energy Services Company Due: April 6, 2007 Page 3 of 4 7. MEASURE VERIFICATION Describe the methodology proposed for ongoing monitoring and savings verification of the proposed project. 8. FEE SCHEDULE Provide a fee schedule and show how it would be applied to project costs. Clearly indicate any in -house staff labor that would be utilized and the associated labor rates for each labor category. Describe how project costs will be reconciled at the end of the project. Proposal Evaluation: The City will use City staff to evaluate all proposals. The evaluation will be scored using the criteria below. Responses will be evaluated and ranked /scored. Should two or more ESCOs have similar scores, the City reserves the right to conduct interviews of the ESCOs in order to gain additional insight into each firm's capabilities and qualifications. Should this step be required, the City will notify only those ESCOs that have been selected for interviews. Evaluation Criteria Weight. Experience Project Team 15 Design 10 Energy Audit Approach 10 Subcontracting Approach l 15 Construction Close -Out 15 Fee Schedule 10 Measure Verification 5 City of Tukwila Pool RFQ for Energy Services Company Due: April 6, 2007 Page 4 of 4