GSA PBS - Heating Operation & Transmission Division (HOTD)- RFI

GSA PBS - Heating Operation & Transmission Division (HOTD) - Market Research

On behalf of the General Services Administration (GSA), Public Buildings Service (PBS), GSA is conducting market research to understand capabilities related to providing the below requirement:

You can download a copy of this RFI in advance of responding here: https://feedback.gsa.gov/jfe/form/SV_0219Y93qwhr8V9k

IMPORTANT: Do NOT download and submit this attachment by email. Only responses submitted online by completing the MRAS RFI survey link posted on GSA eBuy will be accepted.

(This is a downloadable copy of the RFI when it was posted and is provided for reference only. Updates to close dates, attachments, or technical questions may not always be reflected. Always refer to the information posted and provided in the active MRAS RFI survey only). If there are ny issue please contct the POC listed below.

This RFI is intended to solicit industry feedback on various ownership and operational alternatives for the Heating Operations and Transmission Division(HOTD) in Washington, DC to enhance the value, efficiency and environmental impact of its current obligations to provide heating and cooling services to its group of customer buildings in Washington, DC. The main objectives for issuing this request for information (RFI) are detailed below:

• Solicit information from the private sector to inform GSA about the best ownership models for the HOTD system in whole or in part, including privatization.


• Identify part(s) of the HOTD heating system and chilled water system that can be privatized cost effectively.


• Ensure continued economical service to buildings that are difficult to disconnect from the HOTD system.


• ​Inform long-term strategy and considerations for GSA and the future ownership structure of HOTD that delivers maximum electrification by 2030 and reduces operating costs for the federal government.


• ​Decarbonize the HOTD distribution system in a manner compliant with the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, Energy Act of 2020 and subsequent directives.

The information received from this RFI may be used in the preparation of a Request for Proposal(s) (RFPs). Participation in this RFI will not impact respondents’ eligibility to respond to any subsequent RFP that may be issued.

Responding to this RFI

Please Refer to the “HOTD Background, Optional Questions, and Privatization Examples” attachment. In addition to the required questions listed below within this RFI announcement, this attachment includes pertinent information on the HOTD System, additional optional questions that GSA would like interested parties to consider in your Capabilities Statement, as well as example privatization scenarios for your reference. Additional attachments are included for more information on the HOTD central plant and its current customers.

Opportunities to Engage with GSA During the RFI Open Period

There are multiple ways to engage with GSA as you prepare your response.

1. You can submit questions throughout the RFI period to GSA via email by sending them to Kelli Canada (Kelli.Canada@gsa.gov) and Brandon Lord (Brandon.lord@gsa.gov). Please include in your email title, “Questions for the 2024 HOTD RFI.”

2. GSA held two virtual Q&A Webinars on Monday 11/18 from 1:00-2:00pm ET and Wednesday 11/27 from 12:00-1:00pm ET. You can view the recordings at the links below:

Webinar #1 (11/18): https://gsa.zoomgov.com/rec/share/M31nhNbcNtjHZUpM7hnmXxm-6QKj1sGhFYaSYDOI6MJnEMdA7hx9xvG62XNilcmV.1nvilZnpoRDEyZ3Z

Enter Passcode: 59?qTsYr

Webinar #2: https://gsa.zoomgov.com/rec/share/aAOStkkFKEoi0FnrlMABDbPJRIsL5WpGfua-P66DV0erW_7aG-t7BZXTK0quMmeQ.YV9Vv-0FXCrU-UJs

Enter Passcode: q!#RCr0Z

3.GSA is also working with DC Water to facilitate touring of the wastewater thermal energy system (located adjacent to the DC Water Headquarters facility at 1385 Canal St SE, Washington, DC 20003). Tour dates and times are as follows:

• 11/26/24 from 3:00-5:00pm ET


• 12/3/24 from 3:00-5:00pm ET


• 12/5/24 from 3:00-5:00pm ET

Tour space at both locations is limited to two (2) attendees per company. You must sign up to secure a tour spot by emailing Kelli Canada (Kelli.Canada@gsa.gov).

GSA will make every effort to review all questions received during the engagement opportunities listed above and post responses to this RFI announcement in a Questions & Answers document that will be routinely updated.