Council action is requested to enter into negotiation of a contract with Sawvell and Associates for a Strategic Plan Report of the Power & Light Department.

Council approval to negotiate a contract.

Staff was tasked with the initiative to solicit consultants to perform a long term (20 year) analysis of the potential revenues, capital investment requirements and rate, revenue, bonding and funding requirements of the Power & Light Department (IPL).

The Procurement Division issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), RFQ #23061, on June 21, 2023. The RFQ was publicly available using the website of Public Purchase, which is the website the city uses for soliciting bids and proposals. Six Hundred-Four (604) firms were notified and twenty five (25) downloaded the RFQ. The RFQ closed on July 12, 2023, with two firms, DKMT Consulting LLC and Sawvell and Associates.

Two firms, DKMT Inc and Sawvell and Associates (Sawvell) submitted responses and Sawvell was evaluated as the most qualified. Sawvell and Associates has been selected to develop a comprehensive long-range strategic plan for the ownership and operation of the city’s electric utility. The strategic plan will evaluate near term and long term capital investment, technology improvements for the Transmission and Distribution system as well as alternatives for reliable resilient capacity resources to ensure IPL continues to meet the obligations for participation in the SPP Integrated Market. The study should also evaluate other potential solutions such as capacity contracts, Purchase Power agreements, and arrangements with outside entities to provide full or partial requirements. Two bidders submitted responses and Sawvell and Associates was evaluated as the most qualified. With Council approval, staff will enter into negotiations with Sawvell to develop a scope of work and contract terms.

The fiscal impact to the City is $200,000.00. Funding for the Strategic Plan Report Initiative was included in the 2022-2023 adopted budget, page 226, account number 6110-5226, Administration - Professional Services, IPL Fund 20.