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PROPOSED CONTRACT
Department(s): Department of Facilities and Fleet
Vendor: Ameresco, Inc., Framingham, Massachusetts
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute
Good(s) or Service(s): Energy Consultant Services for Natural Gas and Electricity for Forest Preserves-Owned and Leased Facilities
Contract Value: $528,312.00
Contract Period: 10/1/2025 – 9/30/2028 with one (1) two-year renewal option to be exercised at the discretion of the General Superintendent.
Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2025 $24,879.00, FY 2026 $100,260.00, FY 2027 $103,263.00, FY 2028 $106,365.00, FY 2029 $109,548.00 (optional), FY 2030 $83,997.00 (optional)
Accounts: Professional Services 51001.520830
Contract Number(s): #74000016656
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract is subject to legal review and approval.
The vendor has met the Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Ordinance via direct participation.
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: Under this contract, Ameresco, Inc. will provide energy consultants, procurement, bill payment and data management services for the procurement of and budgeting for electricity, natural gas, and renewable energy for Forest Preserves facilities. Due to deregulated energy markets, the Forest Preserves can seek energy supply from multiple sources, which may result in operational savings. Due to the complexity and number of Forest Preserves accounts, however, it is in the best interest of the Forest Preserves to hire a subject matter expert to assist the Forest Preserves with the process. This contract is also crucial for the continued data aggregation with respect to utilities to assess their impact on the Forest Preserves’ goal of reducing greenhouse gases.
Ameresco’s fee for the services provided is assessed as a percentage of the amount of energy procured for the Forest Preserves. In addition, the data management and bill consolidation/validation process are flat annual fees per account. The Forest Preserves publicly advertised a Request for Proposal for these services. Three (3) firms responded, and Ameresco was found to be the most qualified vendor by the Forest Preserves evaluation committee. Ameresco has provided energy consultant services to the Forest Preserves since 2020.
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