Request for Proposals
Energy Audit Services
Proposals due March 31, 2026
Now Accepting Proposals
The Columbus Region Green Fund (CRGF) is seeking qualified energy consulting professionals to join our network of approved contractors for no-cost, investment-grade ASHRAE energy audit services for commercial and institutional buildings across the Columbus region.
This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, through a subaward from the City of Columbus. Selected firms will be matched with building owners who want to improve energy performance, reduce operating costs, and meet Columbus benchmarking requirements, with audit costs covered by the program at no charge to building owners.
Issue Date
March 10, 2026
Proposals Due
March 31, 2026
Funded By
U.S. DOE EECBG Program
Engagement Through
July 31, 2027
About This Opportunity
About the Program
Selected contractors will deliver ASHRAE Level 1, 2, and/or 3 investment-grade energy audits in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 211-2018 to commercial and institutional buildings around 50,000 square feet or greater, including buildings subject to the City of Columbus Building Energy Benchmarking and Reporting Ordinance.
The engagement term runs through July 31, 2027.
Who Should Apply
We are looking for experienced energy consulting firms and individual professionals who hold one or more of the following credentials as required by ASHRAE Standard 211-2018:
Certified Energy Manager (CEM) — Association of Energy Engineers
Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) — Association of Energy Engineers
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with building energy systems experience
Strong candidates will also have a track record of ASHRAE audits on 25,000+ SF commercial buildings, demonstrated ECM implementation outcomes, and ideally experience supporting Columbus Building Energy Benchmarking Ordinance compliance.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals are scored on a 100-point scale:
Experience & Professional Qualifications — 35 points ASHRAE audit experience, credentials (CEM/CEA/PE), ECM track record, buildings 25,000 SF+, Columbus Benchmarking Ordinance experience
Coaching & Client Engagement — 20 points Ability to coach building owners and staff, knowledge transfer, evidence of sustained operational improvements
Independence from Performance Contracting — 20 points Primarily independent consulting role or clear guidance if performance contracting is also offered
Discretionary — 25 points Proposal quality, financial analysis expertise, methodology, sample deliverable quality, cost reasonableness, and innovation
How to Submit
Submission Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Format: PDF via email
Submit to: Dominique Hadad at dh@crgreenfund.org
There is no pre-proposal conference. All questions must be submitted in writing to Dominique at dh@crgreenfund.org. Responses will be shared with all prospective proposers.
Late submissions will not be accepted. The CRGF reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and is not bound to select the lowest-cost proposal.
This engagement is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program through a subaward from the City of Columbus, Ohio. The Approved Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal requirements including 2 CFR Part 200 §§200.317–327. RFP Number: 0002. Issue Date: March 10, 2026.