RFQ—LLLC-HVAC Integration Embedded Evaluation

Energy Trust of Oregon is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an embedded evaluation of the LLLC-HVAC Integration Pilot. This pilot, approved in April 2026, will test the integration of luminaire-level lighting controls (LLLCs) with compatible smart thermostats serving single-zone rooftop HVAC systems in small commercial and industrial buildings. The integrated solution uses LLLC occupancy signals to inform compatible thermostat operation, allowing HVAC operation to respond directly to actual space use. The pilot is expected to recruit 30 sites and will be delivered through Energy Trust's Small Business Direct Install (SBDI) offer.

The primary objectives of the embedded evaluation are threefold: assess whether the LLLC-HVAC integration meaningfully alters HVAC operation in response to occupancy and achieves measurable, consistent electric and/or gas savings; assess implementation fidelity, delivery requirements, installer capability, customer experience, and operational feasibility; and support future measure development by documenting savings attribution considerations, data requirements, implementation requirements, and scalability considerations. The selected evaluator will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive evaluation including a kick-off meeting, finalizing the evaluation plan (by September 2026), an implementation desk review, a controls and occupancy settings analysis, interviews and surveys (likely 3-5 in-depth or group interviews and targeting 20 survey responses from 30 participants), a measure development desk review, a 12-month billing analysis using utility billing data, and comprehensive data analysis and reporting culminating in an interim findings memo and final evaluation report. The evaluation must be conducted as an embedded evaluation, integrating activities throughout pilot planning, implementation, and reporting to provide timely feedback for adaptive management.

Key dates in this process include: RFQ Issued on July 20, 2026; Questions Due on July 31, 2026; and Submissions Due on August 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Evaluation planning is anticipated from June through August 2026, with implementation desk review, controls and occupancy analyses, and interview/survey tasks from August 2026 through December 2027. Billing analyses and final reporting are anticipated from January through April 2028. Responses must be submitted electronically in PDF form to Jane Hammaker at Jane.Hammaker@energytrust.org. The not-to-exceed budget for this scope is approximately $120,000, and respondents must provide staff rates in their budget proposal.

Energy Trust of Oregon is a nonprofit organization overseen by the Oregon Public Utility Commission, serving customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas, and Avista. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical qualifications, qualifications of the project team and staffing plan, proposed budget, Inclusive Procurement Policy eligibility, diversity/equity/inclusion responses, data security and confidentiality, and a work product example. Respondents should demonstrate strong command of IPMVP methods (particularly Option A and Option C) and experience evaluating networked LLLCs, smart thermostats, lighting-HVAC integration, and building automation system measures. The RFQ encourages teams that include firms certified under Oregon's COBID program or similar diversity certifications, with up to a 5% bonus for qualifications directing at least 15% of contract value to such firms.

RFQ—LLLC-HVAC Integration Embedded Evaluation

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