RFQQ-Home Energy Score (HES) Implementation

RFQQ No. CPED-2026-019-RFQQ
SECTION 1 - PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
1.1 PURPOSE
Thurston County, Community Planning and Economic Development Department (COUNTY), is initiating this Request
for Qualifications and Quotations (RFQQ) to solicit proposals from private-sector parties interested in supporting the
development and implementation of a regional Home Energy Score Program for Thurston County and participating
cities. Specifically, COUNTY is seeking assistance in carrying out requirements of the U.S. Department of Energy (US
DOE) Home Energy Score Partnership Agreement for Participating Organizations (Attachment 1), and related tasks to
support program launch and implementation, as detailed in Section 2.1, Scope of Work.
COUNTY will administer the Thurston Regional HES Program to serve the geographic areas of unincorporated
Thurston County, City of Olympia, and any other cities within Thurston County that adopt an HES Ordinance.
COUNTY will execute a Professional Services Contract with the selected proposer consistent with the terms of this
RFQQ.
1.2 BACKGROUND
In 2024, the Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative (TCMC) developed a model ordinance for a Residential
Energy Performance Rating and Disclosure Policy, also referred to as a Home Energy Score (HES) Ordinance. The HES
was developed by US DOE and provides an energy performance rating from 1 to 10, an estimate of annual energy
costs, and a list of cost-effective energy efficiency improvements. The HES Ordinance requires that a HES is
completed and disclosed as part of the real estate listing for subject buildings.
The TCMC aims to create a regionally consistent requirement and program by advancing the policy jointly across the
partner jurisdictions of Thurston County, City of Olympia, City of Lacey, and City of Tumwater. At the time of
publication of this RFQQ, the Home Energy Score (HES) Ordinance has been adopted by Thurston County (Ordinance
No. 16619, March 17, 2026; Attachment 2) and City of Olympia (Ordinance No. 7467, April 14, 2026; Attachment 3).
The City Councils of Tumwater and Lacey are continuing to consider the ordinance for potential adoption.
The HES Ordinances in Thurston County and Olympia are the first residential energy rating disclosure requirements
adopted by local governments in the state of Washington. The requirement is expected to take effect in Thurston
County on March 17, 2027; and in Olympia on May 1, 2027. For the purpose of this RFQQ and resulting Contract, the
expected launch date of the Thurston Regional HES Program is May 1, 2027.
US DOE requires each region of the country using the US DOE Home Energy Score (HES) tool to have a local
implementation partner. Home Energy Score Partners include various types of organizations (e.g., utilities, state
agencies, local governments, non-profits, contractor associations) that administer the delivery of the HES on a local
basis. See https://betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/home-energy-score/home-energy-score-partners-
become-a-partner. Prior to providing the Home Energy Score, US DOE and its Partner must sign the Partnership
Agreement for Participating Organizations (Attachment 1). Either COUNTY or Contractor will serve as Home Energy
Score Partner to US DOE, TBD after Contract execution.
1.3 OBJECTIVES
A. Develop systems, processes, and materials for a timely and effective launch of the Thurston Regional HES
Program.
B. Administer the ongoing Thurston Regional HES Program in partnership with COUNTY, participating cities,
and US DOE.
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C. Assist in developing a highly qualified, credible HES Assessor workforce by providing training, outreach,
onboarding and mentoring for HES Assessors.
D. Engage and coordinate with independent HES Assessors working in Thurston County to ensure compliance
with:
* Thurston County Code (TCC) Chapter 14.36 Residential Energy Performance Rating and Disclosure
(Attachment 2).
* Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) Chapter 16.07 (Attachment 3).
* Similar codes in City of Tumwater and/or City of Lacey, if adopted during the contract term.
E. Support opportunities for robust and open competition among HES Assessors in Thurston County to serve
this developing market, and avoid potential conflicts of interest.
F. Ensure the accuracy and integrity of Home Energy Scores produced in compliance with TCC Chapter 14.36
and OMC Chapter 16.07, by providing quality assurance of scores produced in Thurston County.
1.4 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Private-sector entities, non-profit organizations, and community-based organizations that meet the following
minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply. Proposers who do not meet these minimum qualifications will be
rejected as non-responsive and will not be evaluated or scored.
Minimum qualifications include:
A. Current US DOE Home Energy Score Remote Service Provider; or ability to contract with a Remote Service
Provider to manage HES Assessor onboarding, training, and mentoring, and HES quality assurance.
B. Technical expertise in home energy assessment concepts, tools, and methods, specifically US DOE's Home
Energy Score tool.
C. Recent experience (within the last 5 years) with Home Energy Score (HES) program delivery in at least one
other jurisdiction.
D. Ability to provide software solutions to generate compliant HES reports and provide a repository for HES
data that can be accessed by end users such as a local multiple listing service (MLS).
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SECTION 2 - OVERVIEW OF SERVICES REQUESTED
2.1 SCOPE OF WORK
The Contractor shall provide all materials, equipment, and labor necessary to perform this Scope of Work,
which takes place in two main phases: Program Development and Launch, and Program Implementation.
Approximate timelines for each phase are specified below.
Tasks that are required in the US DOE Partnership Agreement (Attachment 1) are indicated with an asterisk (*)
below. The Contractor must ensure that these tasks are completed in compliance with all requirements
detailed in the US DOE's "Terms of Participation" (Attachment 1 - addendum).
A. Phase 1: Program Development and Launch
Timeline: Upon Contract Execution to April 30, 2027.
1. *Assist COUNTY in setting a target goal for number of houses to be scored in the first year and beyond.
DOE requires the Partner to commit to a minimum of 500 homes per year. (Preliminary estimate for
Thurston County: 2,434 to 3,245 homes scored in first year.)
2. *Assist COUNTY in developing an implementation plan outlining how the program will be delivered and
integrated into other Partner efforts, including plans for evaluation.
3. Develop a customized HES report for the Thurston Regional HES Program.
4. Launch IT systems, including application programming interface (API) as needed, to generate compliant
HES reports, provide a repository for local HES data, integrate HES scores/reports with the Northwest
Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS), and any other software tools/systems needed for program
implementation.
5. Provide training, onboarding and mentorship to a diverse pool of locally available HES Assessors to
meet the target goal identified in Task A.1.
6. *Designate a primary point of contact for participating HES Assessors and facilitate the delivery of
required contact information to DOE.
7. *Verify that HES Assessor candidates meet credential requirements and provide DOE with the names
of the candidates.
8. Host and maintain a public-facing online database of Registered HES Assessors for the Thurston region.
9. Coordinate with NWMLS as needed to ensure that Scores put into the MLS consistently show up in
public-facing real estate listings.
10. Execute a data sharing agreement with COUNTY to share information and scoring calculations for
individual homes scored by HES Assessors in Thurston County. (Individual HES Assessors will have
access only to data that they have provided to US DOE and to HES reports generated for those homes
which the Assessor scored.)
B. Phase 2: Program Implementation
Timeline: Annual basis starting May 1, 2027.
1. Continue to perform Tasks A.5 through A.9 listed above, as needed.
2. *Inform DOE whenever an HES Assessor ceases participation under the Partner's program.
3. *Adhere to rules regarding use of programmatic materials and the Scoring Tool, as set forth in the
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program's "Terms of Participation"; monitor participation and performance of HES Assessors in the
program; provide mentoring as required.
4. Provide ongoing technical assistance and/or continuing education for certified HES Assessors.
5. *Carry out quality assurance in accordance with the conditions set forth in the program's "Terms of
Participation," including re-scoring a minimum of five percent (5%) of all homes scored in Thurston
County on a quarterly basis.
6. Provide ongoing access and maintenance/updates of IT systems being utilized.
7. Attend meetings with HES Program staff (COUNTY and cities) twice per month or as requested.
8. Analyze program data and deliver quarterly and annual summary reports to HES Program staff.
9. *Provide feedback on the implementation of Home Energy Score and check in on a regular basis with
your DOE Home Energy Score account manager to discuss plans, issues and findings.
C. Optional Additional Tasks
Please state in your proposal if you are able to provide any or all of these additional services, and briefly
describe your proposed approach to each.
1. Program marketing and outreach
2. "Help Desk" (phone and email) to answer questions and assist home sellers and real estate agents with
compliance.
3. Compliance monitoring: comprehensive and/or random compliance checks for a minimum of 10% of
listed homes; and reporting non-compliant listings to HES Program staff.
4. Other additional tasks you propose.
2.1 CONTRACT PERIOD
The period of performance of any contract resulting from this solicitation is tentatively scheduled to begin on
or about August 4, 2026, and to end on April 30, 2028. Amendments extending the period of performance, if
any, shall be at the sole discretion of COUNTY. COUNTY reserves the option to renew the contract for three (3)
additional twelve (12) month terms.
COUNTY intends to award one (1) contract to provide the services described in this solicitation.
2.2 FUNDING
Any contract awarded as a result of this solicitation is contingent upon the availability of funding. This amount
shall not exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) for Phase 1 (Program Launch and Development)
and $25,000 for the first year of Phase 2 (Program Implementation). Future years of program implementation
funding are contingent upon future budget approval of COUNTY and partner cities.
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RFQQ No. CPED-2026-019-RFQQ
SECTION 3 - ACQUISITION TIMELINE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
3.1 PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE
Following is the procurement schedule for this RFQQ. The dates shown below are estimated, are provided for
information only, and are subject to change at the sole discretion of the County.
Estimated Solicitation Schedule
Due Activity
4:00 PM PST on 06/15/2026 Questions Due
4:00 PM PST on 06/19/2026 Responses to Questions Posted on County Website
4:00 PM PST on 07/06/2026 Proposals Due
07/07/2026 - 07/10/2026 Proposal Evaluation
07/13/2026 - 07/14/2026 Interviews (if needed)
07/15/2026 Successful Proposer Announcement
08/04/2026 Estimated Contract State Date
3.2 PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE
There will be no Pre-Proposal Conference.
3.3 PRE-PROPOSAL INQUIRIES AND ADDENDUM
It is the responsibility of each Proposer to examine the entire RFQQ and, as necessary, seek clarification in
writing (pre-proposal inquiries or PPIs). This RFQQ may only be modified by a written addendum issued by the
County and posted at https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/ContractOpportunities.
Proposer shall not rely on verbal responses to inquiries. A verbal reply to an inquiry does not constitute a
modification of the RFQQ or obligation by the County.
All pre-proposal inquiries (PPIs) regarding this RFQQ shall be directed in writing via e-mail to Thurston County,
Community Development & Economic Development, to the attention of:
Rebecca Harvey
rebecca.harvey@co.thurston.wa.us
All PPIs must clearly identify the name of the inquiring company or person and the RFQQ number, title, and
section/page number. The deadline for receipt of PPIs from Proposer is due according to the Solicitation
Schedule above, in Section 3.1.
3.4 EXAMINATION BY PROPOSER
Each Proposer is responsible for examining the RFQQ, including the sample Professional Services Contract
(Attachment 6), prior to submitting a Proposal. Failure to examine such documents and any errors made in the
preparation of a Proposal are at the Proposer's own risk.
The dates contained in this RFQQ are for informational purposes only. The County makes no warranty as to the
accuracy of the dates. Each Proposer shall make its own examination, investigation, and research regarding the
proper method of doing the work under this RFQQ and Contract, all conditions affecting the work to be done,
the necessary labor, equipment and materials, and the quantity of work to be performed.
The Proposer agrees that it has satisfied itself by Proposer's own investigation and research regarding all such
conditions, and that Proposer's conclusion to enter into the Contract and execution of the Contract is based
upon such investigation and research, and the Proposer shall make no claim against the County because of any
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of the estimates, statements, or interpretations made by any officer or agent of the County that may prove to be
erroneous in any respect.
3.5 MODIFICATION/WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS
Written requests to modify or withdraw a Proposal received by the County prior to the scheduled time of closing
(i.e., 4:00 p.m. PT on the Proposal Due Date) will be accepted and will be corrected after opening. No oral
requests will be allowed. Requests to modify or withdraw a Proposal must be addressed and labeled in the same
manner as the Proposal and marked as a MODIFICATION or WITHDRAWAL of the Proposal. Requests for
withdrawal after the time of closing will be allowed at the County's sole discretion.
3.6 PROPOSAL FIRM OFFER
Proposal shall remain firm and unaltered after the time of closing (i.e., 4:00 p.m. PST on the Proposal Due Date)
and for ninety (90) calendar days from such date. The County and the Proposers may mutually agree to extend
the period during which the Proposal shall remain firm and unaltered.
3.7 PROPOSALS ARE PUBLIC RECORD
If your Proposal contains information considered to be exempt from the Public Records Act, Section 42.56
Revised Code of Washington (RCW), those items must be clearly marked as such and may be returned to you
upon request once Contract award has been determined.
3.8 CANCELLATION
This RFQQ may be cancelled at any time and all Proposals may be rejected in whole or in part if the County
determined such action to be in the best interest of Thurston County.
3.9 NO OBLIGATION
This solicitation in no manner obligates Thurston County or any of its departments to use any of the proposed
services until a valid written Contract is awarded and approved by the appropriate authorities.
3.10 EXPENSES INCURRED
The County will not be responsible for any costs associated with participation in this RFQQ to include, but not
limited to, preparation, submission, or presentation; interviews, if held; negotiation process; and Contract
execution. All expenses related to the Proposal are entirely the sole responsibility of the Proposer.
3.11 NONDISCRIMINATION
Thurston County hereby notifies all Proposers that it will affirmatively ensure that all will be afforded full
opportunity to submit a Proposal in response to this solicitation and will not be discriminated against because of
race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, veteran or military status, sexual
orientation, or the presence of any disability. Implementation of this policy shall be consistent with
RCW 49.60.400.
3.12 PRIME CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The prime Contractor is solely responsible for fulfillment of any Contract with the County awarded under this
RFQQ and for all performance whether or not subcontractors are used. The County will make Contract payments
to the prime Contractor only.
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SECTION 4 - PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
4.1 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
1. Proposers shall submit their Proposal to Rebecca Harvey via email at rebecca.harvey@co.thurston.wa.us
2. Proposals shall clearly identify the RFQQ# and Project Title in the subject line. The email must be
received by the due date shown in the Solicitation Schedule above, in Section 3.1. Proposers are
responsible for verifying receipt. The Proposal shall be in a single PDF document.
3. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered for award.
4.2 ELECTRONIC PROPOSAL FORMAT
A. Format: Page Size will be 8-1/2" X 11" with at least 12 margins all around. Typeface should be at
least 11 point font. Narratives shall be single spaced. All text shall be legible and easily read.
Security markings, and page numbers should fall within the defined margin area.
B. Unnecessary attachments or documents not specifically asked for in this solicitation should be avoided.
Elaborate or expensive artwork, paper, bindings, visual and other presentations beyond those sufficient
to present a complete and effective response to this solicitation are neither necessary nor desired.
C. Proposals shall be assembled in accordance with the format specified below. Failure on the part of the
Proposer to clearly and completely provide all the content and information requested below may result
in the County's rejection of the Proposal as nonresponsive. However, the County reserves the right to
waive minor informalities and irregularities in the format of a Proposal at its sole discretion.
D. Proposers shall adhere to the maximum page counts for the contents indicated below. All pages that
exceed the maximum page count for a given section will be removed from that section and not
considered. Proposal covers, table of contents, forms, and any attachments that are required contents
are not limited as to the number of pages but must not be excessive and must be directly related to the
specific content requested.
4.3 PROPOSAL CONTENTS
The proposal contents listed below are required and must be included in the following order:
Cover Page
The cover shall have text and graphics limited to RFQQ number; RFQQ name/title; Proposal due date and time;
Proposer's business name and address, email address, telephone number, web address, and contact person's
name.
Cover Letter
Include a cover letter signed by an authorized official of the company including the following:
A. Company name, Tax ID Number (TIN), Washington Uniform Business Identification number (UBI)
address, telephone number and contact person with title and email address. If the name of the principal
owner or the company has changed within the last three years, provide all prior names.
B. A statement certifying that the Contractor is not debarred, suspended or declared ineligible by any
Washington State or federal department or agency.
C. A statement certifying that the Contractor has made its own examination, investigation, and research
regarding the proper method of doing the work under the RFQQ and Contract, all conditions affecting
the work to be done, the necessary labor, equipment and materials, and the quantity of work to be
performed.
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Technical Submission:
Provide a narrative with information about the company and proposed approach to the scope of services, not to
exceed 10 pages total:
A. Firm Qualifications and Experience
1. Describe the mission, organizational structure, and service offerings of the proposing firm. Note the
location of the firm's principal place of business and any additional locations.
2. Identify if firm is a US DOE Home Energy Score Partner Organization and provide documentation.
3. Identify if firm is a US DOE Home Energy Score Remote Service Provider and provide documentation. If
not, please describe ability and commitment to contract with a Remote Service Provider to manage HES
Assessor onboarding, training, and mentoring, and HES quality assurance.
4. Describe the firm's technical expertise and recent experience (within the last 5 years) with Home Energy
Score (HES) program delivery, including but not limited to HES scoring and reporting, workforce
development, partnership with MLS, technical assistance, data analysis, and program evaluation.
5. Describe the software solutions your firm can provide to generate compliant HES reports, provide a
repository for local HES data, integrate HES scores/reports with the Northwest Multiple Listing Service
(NWMLS), and any other software tools/systems needed for program implementation.
B. Team Qualifications and Experience
1. Provide a description of typical project team structure and internal controls to be used during the course
of the project, including any subcontractors.
2. Provide a brief biography for each key person on the project team, featuring experience on relevant
projects. List percentage of staff time devoted to the project. Identify the staff member(s) responsible
for direct coordination with COUNTY.
C. Work Plan
Submit a Work Plan describing how you would accomplish each phase of the project, including all tasks
listed in the Scope of Work (Section 2.1). Please organize your Work Plan as follows:
1. Phase 1: Program Development and Launch
2. Phase 2: Program Implementation
3. Optional Additional Tasks: State if you are able to provide any or all of the identified "Optional
Additional Tasks" and briefly describe your proposed approach to each.
4. Equity Considerations: Please describe how historically disadvantaged and underrepresented
communities will be identified and engaged in workforce development. A brief discussion of efforts
taken to reduce disparities and to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the regular work of the
Proposer(s) is also encouraged.
Quotation/Budget
Please provide a budget table showing total costs for completing each phase of your Work Plan within the available
funding limits specified below and in Section 2.2.
Please organize your Budget as follows:
1. Phase 1: Program Development and Launch (not to exceed $100,000)
2. Phase 2: Program Implementation (not to exceed $25,000)
3. Optional Additional Tasks: Please provide a budget for any of the optional tasks included in your Work
Plan.1
1 If optional tasks increase the total project budget above the "not to exceed" amounts, this will not affect the proposal's score for Quotation/Budget.
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