THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY The Request for Information (RFI) no. 89303023NFE000010 is for planning purposes only and shall not be considered an Invitation for Bid, Request for Quotation, Request for Proposal or as an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services. Your response to this RFI will be treated as information only. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of a contractor's submission of responses to this announcement or the Government's use of such information. The Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or part, any contractor input resulting from this request. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, Performance Work Statement (PWS), Statement(s) or Objectives, requirement specifications, and/or related acquisition requirement documentation. Parties responding to this RFI are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained in their response. The Government will not pay for the information submitted in response to this RFI. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged, responses will not be returned, and no feedback or evaluation will be provided to companies regarding their submissions. Description The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), is issuing this RFI as a means of conducting market research to: 1) research potential existing Government-wide contract vehicles; 2) determine if two or more small businesses can accomplish this work; 3) generate interest with industry; 4) refine the Government's PWS. The following PWS provided in this RFI is a draft only and is subject to change prior to the release of the formal solicitation. This notice does not constitute a solicitation. Information Requested The following information is requested from interested vendors: 1. Please succinctly describe your experience in developing new modules for use in the National Energy Modeling Systems (NEMS). 2. Please provide the qualifications for key personnel engaged in the development of energy market models. 3. Please describe your development process for the creation of a new energy market model. 4. Please describe your experience in conducting analysis related to the deep decarbonization of the U.S. economy. 5. Please describe your experience in engagement with the community of energy and macro-economic model experts. 6. Please explain how your business may be able to achieve the goals outlined in the SOW. Submission Instructions Respondents should include the following information within their response to this RFI: - Business name, division, address, website, and SAM.gov registered Unique Entity ID# (UEI) - Business/Technical Point-of-Contact name, title, phone number, and email address - Capabilities Statement and brief description of service offerings (no more than three pages) - Business size status and applicable socio-economic certifications - Contract holder/certifications with existing Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWAC), for example, GSA Schedules or NITAAC - Response to the questions posed above (no more than 10 pages) Deadline for Responses The deadline for response to this notice is May 31, 2023, by 10:00 AM EST. Submit written responses to Contract Specialist, Kelley Vandecoevering, via email at Kelley.Vandecoevering@hq.doe.gov Performance Work Statement (PWS) Consulting Management Services for the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management's (FECM) mission is to minimize the environmental impacts of fossil fuels while working towards net-zero emissions. The Office's programs use research, development, demonstration, and deployment approaches to advance technologies to reduce carbon emissions and other environmental impacts of fossil fuel production and use, particularly the hardest-to-decarbonize applications in the electricity and industrial sectors. Priority areas of technology work include point-source carbon capture, hydrogen with carbon management, methane emissions reduction, critical mineral production, and carbon dioxide removal to address the accumulated CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. The Office is also committed to improving the conditions of communities impacted by the legacy of fossil fuel use and to supporting a healthy economic transition that accelerates the growth of good-paying jobs. The Division of Systems, Economic and Environmental Analysis (FE-261), within the Office of Carbon Management (OCM), is responsible for several critical analysis tasks related to Carbon Management technologies. Carbon Management technologies include Point Source Capture, Carbon Transport and Storage, Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), Hydrogen with CO2 Management, and Carbon Utilization. Analysis activities performed by FE-261 include (1) exercise of modeling tools to assess the impact of policy and technological changes on the US energy system; (2) assessment of market conditions to determine gaps and opportunities for the deployment of carbon management technologies; and (3) identify the potential role of carbon management technologies in addressing hard-to-decarbonize sectors. The Division of Policy and Analysis (FE-343) within the Office of Resource Sustainability (ORS), is responsible for conducting analysis related to the development of technologies and approaches for reducing the environmental impacts of the historical and continued use of fossil fuels. Programs covered include Advanced Remediation Technologies, Methane Mitigation Technologies, Mineral Sustainability, and LNG Regulation. Analysis activities performed by FE-343 include (1) exercise of modeling tools to assess the impact of policy and technological changes on the US energy system; (2) assessment of market conditions to determine gaps and opportunities for the deployment of technologies and approaches included in ORS programs; and (3) identify the potential role of technologies and approached included in ORS programs in contributing towards deep decarbonization. The Office of Policy (OP) supports the Secretary of Energy, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretaries, and the entire Department of Energy, providing analysis on domestic energy policy and related integration of energy systems. Its work spans technology policy, deployment and infrastructure, state, local, tribal, and territorial policy, and energy jobs. It provides expertise in electricity systems, buildings and industry, mobility, energy security, and all parts of the transition to a clean energy economy for all. Working in coordination with the White House, Capitol Hill, other federal agencies, and local stakeholders, the Office of Policy aims to facilitate the transition to a zero-emissions, equitable, and secure energy economy. In support of the Office of Carbon Management, Office of Resource Sustainability and Office of Policy, expertise in Management Consulting Services, with a specialization in Energy and Economy Modeling Services is requested. 1.2 Objective FECM requires management consulting support of issues critical to the Department's mission to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. These services include the accurate representation of technological and policy options within models which represent the energy markets in the United States. Work under this scope will have specific emphasis on carbon management technologies, up-stream and mid-stream natural gas production technologies, and the ability to conduct national level modeling of the US energy system. A significant portion of work will be performed through the modification and execution of the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS). Expertise on advanced modeling techniques will be required as part of this scope, it includes the operation of complex energy market models, development of representational models based on operation research principles, and analytical techniques for data processing. The Contractor must implement sound technical and programmatic approaches to provide timely, responsive services to support Federal staff. To fulfill these requirements, the Contractor must provide professional staff, well qualified in energy modeling, market analysis and related technical disciplines, to complement and leverage the skills and abilities of the Federal staff. 2. SCOPE 2.1 Types of Work The Contractor must provide Federal staff with analytical support, including analysis to support Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) goals, and analysis to inform sound policy making decisions. The services are generally described below and include the following topic areas: 1. Design, coding, and execution of integrated economic and systems modeling utilizing the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS). 2. Technical evaluations, studies and reports required to incorporate new data into analysis models. 3. Analysis of markets, technologies, and infrastructure. 4. Modeling Analysis for Climate and Clean Energy Policy Scenarios. 5. External Engagements with Modelling Teams. 6. Assessment and construction of representational models for supply chains. These tasks are intended to provide high-level expertise related to complex energy systems modeling and engineering issues. Some tasks will require very quick responses and tight time constraints, while others will be longer in duration. 2.1.1 Design, coding, and execution of integrated economic and systems modeling utilizing the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS). In support of DOE goals and objectives, the Contractor must perform energy markets and environmental performance studies in support of R&D activities using NEMS. The expertise needed to be responsive to these topical areas will be in support of studies addressing potential future technology advancements, as well as support for associated policy considerations. It is critical that the Contractor be capable of not only executing the NEMS model, but also be capable of implementing coding changes that fundamentally alter the operation of the NEMS model. These coding changes may be complex in nature, requiring a full understanding of the interactions between various sub modules within the operating environment, and is expected to extend far beyond simple changes to input data. The Contractor must be capable of coding in all associated NEMS environments, including but not limited to: FORTRAN, Python, AIMMS, GAMS, eViews, and other languages used in the formulation of the model, and must be flexible to learn new coding techniques as necessary to ensure continuous innovation. Examples of past tasks in this area include: - Development, coding, and implementation of new NEMS component modules in NEMS, which interface with other sub-modules, such as the Hydrogen Market Module (HMM) - Incorporation of Direct Air Capture (DAC) representation within the Carbon Transport, Utilization, and Storage (CTUS) sub-model. - Implementation of pipeline routing and configuration models to optimize pipeline deployment strategies. - Design, coding, testing, and implementation of individual unit analysis, with a specific emphasis on the application of retrofit CCUS technologies to cement plants. 2.1.2. Technical evaluations, studies and reports required to incorporate new data into energy systems models The Contractor will be required to gather data, provide market information, and conduct streamlined analyses with a specific emphasis on the inclusion of data into various modeling scenarios and products. The work under this task is critical to incorporating new information, applying advanced data preparation techniques, and provide the most accurate information possible with the goal of creating an accurate representation of various energy systems. Examples of past tasks in this area include: - Understanding the technical configuration of cement plants with an emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions processes. - Modeling basin-level natural gas fugitive emissions processes. - Unit-level representation of steel production plants, including technology configuration and geologic location. - Implementation of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits into model. 2.1.3: Analysis of markets, technologies, and infrastructure Under this task, the Contractor is responsible for bringing expertise on important areas of the U.S. energy markets and their impact on society. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the environmental impact from technological innovations on energy infrastructure and associated activities. These analyses may require additional data gathering, development and execution of models to represent these sectors. Examples of sectors for analysis include voluntary carbon markets, natural gas production and transportation, mineral resource development, and other potential markets which are yet to be developed like CO2 and hydrogen. The Contractor must both execute these models and prepare results for use by Federal staff. The data may include technology deployments, market level indicators of price and quantity available, and emissions level data to indicate potential opportunities for decarbonization. 2.1.4 Modelling Analysis for Climate and Clean Energy Policy Scenarios Work under this task includes the design, implementation, and execution of NEMS modeling runs to inform potential future configuration of the domestic energy market landscape. These runs will require the Contractor to make available professional staff to consult with Federal Staff on the optimal configuration of assumptions to ensure relevant results from NEMS are obtained. The Contractor will also be responsible for the preparation and delivery of results to technical and non-technical audiences. Elements included in this section outline modelling analysis to support policy decisions by the Secretary. Outlined work includes modelling analysis in support of Department priorities related to international climate commitments as well as assessing the impacts of domestic clean energy policy proposals, and additional analysis as needed. Examples of past tasks in this area include: - Modeling of proposed changes to tax credits, such as 45q, to understand the potential deployment of advanced technologies due to an increased financial credit. - Analysis of scenarios related to LNG Exports. - Assessment of carbon capture deployments of retrofit technologies and greenfield sites in response to funding availability for technology hubs. - U.S. Biennial Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. - Updates to the U.S. Mid-Century Strategy for Reducing GHG Emissions. 2.1.5 External Engagements with Modeling Teams The Contractor will be required to make available energy modelers and technical personnel for external engagements with other modeling teams. These engagements will make possible the dissemination of knowledge to external entities about the approaches used to represent technological and policy change in energy models. These external engagements will also present the opportunity for external stakeholders to better understand details about modeling exercises developed under this contract. Examples of past tasks in this area include: - Presentation of modeling approaches using NEMS to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). - Participation in Stanford's Energy Modeling Forum (EMF) modeling exercises. - Preparation and execution of workshops focused on issues related to modelling of technology and policy options. 2.1.6 6. Assessment and construction of representational models for supply chains Work under this task will include the planning and execution of targeted studies to explore potential issues with supply chains. These studies will seek to identify potential roadblocks with the deployment of technologies necessary to achieve the U.S. decarbonization goals. Special emphasis is to be given to the deployment of FECM technologies and potential use of secure domestic supply critical minerals and other products. Potential work will include the development of sectoral representational models which can provide insight into potential structural issues related to the supply of materials for use by FECM technologies. 3: TASK AREA PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS 3.1 Overview Performance Requirements for task deliverables will include acceptable ratings in five Performance Measure categories: Management Performance, Cost Control, Technical Performance, Performance Schedule, and Product Quality. It is anticipated that the contractor will be requested to respond to approximately two short term assignment every month, while having up to four long-term projects (> 3months) running concurrently. The nature of deliverables for individual subtasks will be defined by the COR. Given the quick-turnaround nature of some activities, products will normally be delivered to the COR electronically. Some products will take the form of brief papers or reports that state the matter in question, and provide a technical analysis stating assumptions, key methodologies, results, and conclusions, as appropriate. The contractor will provide the COR with a quarterly status summary of activities performed as interim products delivered, as well as a final report on the activities perform under this the various tasks and sub-tasks. 3.2 Performance Requirements Performance requirements in this agreement are expressed in the following manner: Each performance requirement will contain the following three elements. In each case, when taken together, these elements constitute a performance requirement. Performance Objective - A statement of the outcome or results expected in a specific task area. (These objectives will be identified in the Call for each task area.) Performance Measures- The critical few characteristics or aspects or achieving the objectives that will be monitored by the Government. Each objective may have one or more measures. Performance Expectations -Targeted level or range of levels of performance for each performance measure. The Calls will identify the expectations for each measure and incorporate them into the specific task order. Performance objectives for each respective Task Areas must be rated by the performance measures and expectations below. Performance Measures Performance Expectations a. Management Performance 9 5% in accordance with FE procedures b. Cost Control 95% of the time, costs are within 10% of estimate c. Technical Performance 100% in compliance with orders, regulations, laws, etc. d. Performance Schedule Deliverables completed timely 95% of the time e. Product Quality 100% of the time, written and suitable for presentation to FE Management, White House, Congress, or stated target
