City of Winder Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC)

Invitation to Submit Qualifications

City of Winder Energy Savings Performance Contracting Services

The City of Winder is soliciting sealed qualifications from qualified Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) to provide Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) Services in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-37. The selected ESCO will conduct an Investment Grade Audit and, if approved, develop and implement energy conservation and operational efficiency improvements across designated City facilities.

The City seeks a comprehensive solution to reduce energy and operational costs, address critical infrastructure needs, and enhance facility comfort, safety, and functionality. Improvements may include heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; lighting; windows; insulation; building automation and energy management controls; renewable energy solutions; water conservation measures; and other energy conservation-related improvements.

No contract shall exceed 20 years in duration and is subject to annual appropriations. Improvements and services must result in guaranteed minimum annual energy and operations and maintenance savings, as well as guaranteed minimum levels of occupant comfort. The combined savings achieved by the installed projects must be sufficient to cover all project costs, including debt service and all ESCO fees, for the duration of the contract. Annual savings will be reconciled and verified in accordance with the final agreement.

At a minimum, responding firms must be licensed in the State of Georgia; be an approved ESCO by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority; hold an ESP-level certification from the National Association of Energy Services Companies; and have successfully implemented at least three Energy Savings Performance Contracts for Georgia local government entities within the past five years.

The following facilities have been identified as the primary focus of the initial Investment Grade Audit, subject to modification by the City: City Hall/Police Department located at 25 East Midland Avenue; Fire Station #1 located at 90 North Broad Street; Fire Station #2 located at 492 Highway 81; Cultural Arts Center located at 113 East Athens Street; Community Center located at 113 East Athens Street; and the Utilities Department Office and Warehouse located at 138 Sweetwater Trail.

The anticipated procurement process includes submission of written qualifications, possible oral interviews with shortlisted firms, and selection of the most qualified ESCO to negotiate and enter into an Investment Grade Audit Agreement. If an acceptable agreement cannot be reached within 90 days of selection, the City may initiate negotiations with the next-ranked firm.

Written qualifications must be received no later than 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Oral interviews, if required, are anticipated during the week of March 31, 2026. Execution of the Investment Grade Audit Agreement is anticipated by May 5, 2026. The schedule is subject to change at the sole discretion of the City.

Companies wishing to be considered must submit one physical copy and one digital copy on a flash drive in a sealed envelope or box clearly marked “RFQ – Energy Savings Performance Contracting Services.” Submittals must be delivered to City of Winder, Attn: Clint Cannon, Director of Public Works, 25 East Midland Avenue, Winder, Georgia 30680, and must be received no later than 12:00 p.m. on March 10, 2026.

From the issue date of the RFQ until selection, Clint Cannon, Director of Public Works, is the sole point of contact concerning this solicitation. All inquiries must be submitted in writing to clint.cannon@cityofwinder.com. Unauthorized contact regarding this RFQ may result in disqualification.

City of Winder Energy Performance Contracting RFQ (PDF)

EPC Public Notice (PDF)