EnergyPlus Software Development and Technical Assistance
ID: RFP202510004Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFALLIANCE SUSTAINABLE ENRGY-DOECONTRGolden, CO, 80402, USA

NAICS

Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)

PSC

IT AND TELECOM - BUSINESS APPLICATION/APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE (DA10)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/ed4f738291024eaeabab91a8ae0c885c/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Energy, through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), is soliciting proposals for the "EnergyPlus Software Development and Technical Assistance" project. This initiative aims to enhance and maintain the EnergyPlus software, a critical tool for building energy simulation, by leveraging external expertise in software development and user support. The project is significant for improving energy efficiency in buildings and occupant comfort, with a performance period of up to 36 months and an estimated contract value ranging from $180,000 to $1,800,000 per task order. Proposals are due by May 21, 2025, and interested parties should direct inquiries to Sharon Schiffman at sharon.schiffman@nrel.gov or call 303-275-3208.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Sharon Schiffman
    (303) 275-3208
    sharon.schiffman@nrel.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Attachment 1 - Appendix A Statement of Work 3-19-25.pdf
    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is seeking a subcontractor to support the development and technical assistance of its EnergyPlus software, a key energy simulation tool. The objective of this initiative is to enhance, maintain, and provide user support for EnergyPlus, ensuring it stays at the forefront of energy efficiency and building design. The subcontractor will work closely with NREL’s EnergyPlus Development Team to develop new features, address software defects, and improve overall software performance using Agile development practices. Specific tasks include software development (adding capabilities and resolving issues), user technical support (through a Helpdesk), and collaboration on code refactoring and performance improvements. The subcontractor will be responsible for creating documentation, unit tests, and regression tests for all new and modified code submitted to the EnergyPlus GitHub repository. Deliverables must meet strict quality and documentation standards and will be subject to peer review and approval by NREL’s Technical Monitor. Overall, this work supports NREL’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy innovation and efficiency in building technologies.
    Attachment 2 - Sample Subcontract.pdf
    This Task Ordering Agreement establishes the terms and conditions between the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, acting as the manager of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and a subcontractor. The agreement outlines work performance requirements, with specific tasks defined in an attached Statement of Work focused on “EnergyPlus Software Development and Technical Assistance.” The contract spans a basic period of 12 months, with three optional extensions of up to 12 months each, potentially totaling 48 months. Payment terms include a fixed price for each task order, with specific invoicing procedures, including detailed invoice requirements to ensure prompt payment. The agreement also stipulates responsibilities for subcontract administration, key personnel assignments, and a structured task ordering process to submit proposals for each task order. Additionally, rights regarding data produced under the contract are outlined, emphasizing government rights to use and disclose data while safeguarding any proprietary information. The subcontractor must also maintain workers’ compensation insurance throughout the contract's duration. The agreement incorporates several appendices detailing standard terms, intellectual property provisions, and reporting requirements for subcontractors, particularly those involving small businesses. This structured approach reflects the federal compliance framework governing RFPs and grants.
    Attachment 3 - Section 2 - Project Overview Selection Details.pdf
    The document outlines the Department of Energy's (DOE) Request for Proposals (RFP) for the EnergyPlus software development project, a key energy simulation tool aimed at improving building energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The project, supported by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), seeks to subcontract experienced developers due to the specialized expertise required, which is deemed more economical than cultivating such expertise internally. The project encompasses a four-year anticipated schedule, comprising a basic period of 12 months with three additional option periods. Proposals will be evaluated based on qualitative merit criteria in two main areas: EnergyPlus software development and user support. Key evaluation criteria include the technical approach, troubleshooting skills, functional testing, expertise with programming languages, and past performance, each assigned specific weightings to assess overall value. The proposal submission must adhere to strict page limits for various sections, ensuring concise and focused presentations of qualifications. This RFP highlights the DOE's commitment to leveraging external expertise to enhance EnergyPlus, reflecting the need for advanced software solutions in building energy modeling and environmental impact assessments.
    Attachment 4 - Fully Burdened Labor Rates.xlsx
    The document is a proposal form titled "Fully Burden Labor Rate and Expense Proposal Form," associated with federal government RFPs. It outlines the requirement for offerors to certify their proposed fully burdened labor rates, which include all potential labor-related expenses over defined periods. The form contains spaces for the offeror's name, proposal number, and an authorized signature, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the information provided. It is structured in two pages, allowing for the entry of rates across multiple time frames: Basic Period, Option Periods 1, 2, and 3. This standardized form is critical for the federal contracting process, ensuring that pricing proposals are clear, consistent, and compliant with federal standards, thereby facilitating transparent evaluation and funding decisions. The document serves as an essential tool for the government to obtain competitive and justified pricing in contract negotiations.
    Attachment 5 - Sample Tasks EnergyPlus.pdf
    The document outlines the requirements for technical assistance and support related to the development and maintenance of EnergyPlus, the Department of Energy's primary building energy simulation software. It highlights two primary scope areas: Software Development and User, Developer, and Technical Support. Subcontractors can propose for one or both areas of interest and must provide detailed methodologies for addressing tasks including new feature development, defect resolution, and code refactoring. Key activities involve enhancements to existing features, addressing user-reported defects, and improving software performance through code updates. The work is to follow Agile practices and includes using C++ and Python for development, with an emphasis on modularization and maintainability. Additionally, the Subcontractor is tasked with creating a web-based portal to enhance user support and interaction, promoting effective communication and issue tracking during the software's six-month release cycle. This effort aligns with DOE’s goal of maintaining high-quality open-source software while fostering user engagement and satisfaction.
    RFP - RFX-2025-10004.pdf
    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is soliciting proposals through Request for Proposals (RFP) Number RFX-2025-10004 for "EnergyPlus Software Development and Technical Assistance." The Alliance for Sustainable Energy manages NREL and is seeking submissions via a full and open sourcing strategy, utilizing a Best Value selection process based on technical merit and evaluated price. Proposals are due by May 14, 2025, with pre-submission questions due by April 29, 2025. The RFP outlines intentions to award between six and ten Firm Fixed Price Task Ordering Agreements (TOAs) for two scope areas: EnergyPlus Software Development and User/Developer Technical Support, with a performance period of up to 36 months. Each TOA's estimated ceiling is between $180,000 and $1,800,000 depending on scope and extension options. Proposals must meet specific criteria including format and content requirements, as well as compliance with regulations concerning intellectual property and sensitive financial information. The RFP emphasizes a fair evaluation process and provides key submission provisions and deadlines, aiming for continuity in renewable energy software development.
    RFP RFX-2025-10004 Amendment No. 1.pdf
    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory issued an amendment to the Request for Proposal (RFP) No. RFX-2025-10004 on April 18, 2025, concerning the EnergyPlus Software Development and Technical Assistance project. This amendment primarily updates the NREL Standard Terms and Conditions, replacing the previous Appendix B-2 (dated March 1, 2020) with a newer version (dated January 23, 2023). All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged, and failure to acknowledge this amendment may lead to rejection of proposals. Proposals must include a cover letter that confirms receipt of this amendment. The amendment ensures that all participants comply with the latest contractual terms, thus maintaining the integrity and smooth progression of the proposal evaluation process.
    RFP RFX-2025-10004 Amendment No. 2.pdf
    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has issued Amendment No. 02 for Request for Proposal (RFP) No. RFX-2025-10004 regarding the EnergyPlus Software Development and Technical Assistance project. This amendment extends the proposal deadlines to May 21, 2025, and integrates new standard terms for travel requirements. Key aspects include: 1. **Performance and Scope**: The work is fully remote, with no minimum required corporate experiences. Offerors can bid on both scope areas: software development and user/developer support. 2. **Resumes and Qualifications**: Emphasis is placed on qualifications related to software development, particularly in areas like debugging, building simulation, and HVAC systems. 3. **Technical Details**: The proposal must address past experience with C++ coding standards and development across multiple operating systems. EnergyPlus operates on standardized CI/CD frameworks and requires subcontractors to adapt to evolving coding practices. 4. **Cost Structure**: This project follows a Firm Fixed Price Task Ordering Agreement structure. 5. **Questions and Responses**: The amendment also clarifies various proposer inquiries regarding project scope, coding standards, and collaboration platforms. Overall, this document outlines important procedural updates and technical requirements for contractors interested in contributing to the EnergyPlus project while ensuring compliance with federal contracting regulations.
    RFP RFX-2025-10004 Amendment No. 3.pdf
    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) issued Amendment No. 03 to Request for Proposal (RFP) No. RFX-2025-10004 for the EnergyPlus Software Development and Technical Assistance project. This amendment includes responses to technical questions submitted by potential proposers regarding software development tasks, defect resolution, code refactoring, team integration, user support, and testing standards. Key highlights include clarifications on the variability in the number of features and defects handled per release, expectations for team expertise, peer review responsibilities, and user support demands. Proposals are required to address specific sample tasks, with emphasis on robust methodologies. Importance is placed on understanding previous production data to estimate scope and labor costs effectively. The acknowledgment of receipt of this amendment is mandatory in proposal cover letters. This RFP emphasizes collaboration, expertise in C++, modular development practices, and thorough testing to enhance the EnergyPlus software used for energy simulations.
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    EnergyPlus Software Development and Technical Assistance
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