Request for Proposal (RFP) - Clean Electricity Generation Feasibility Study, Cost Estimation Services for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes

Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium (IAEC), a non-profit economic development association, is making this request on behalf of the Intermountain-west Nuclear Energy Corridor (INEC) Tech Hub and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. The IAEC is seeking proposals from qualified individuals and firms with a proven track record of researching, developing, writing, preparing, and producing thorough feasibility studies on behalf of the client. As a part of the INEC Tech Hub, the IAEC is supporting the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in their journey to clean energy sovereignty. With that goal in mind, this team is seeking qualified firms or individuals that can outline the potential benefits, downsides, costs, long term ROI, etc. of deploying new clean energy technologies (particularly small modular and micro nuclear reactors) for clean electricity generation on the Fort Hall Reservation. Components should include, but are not limited to economic, financial, legal, environmental (political and physical), regulatory, and operational elements.

Background of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Idaho

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are a federally recognized sovereign nation, governed by the Fort Hall Business Council. The Tribes maintain a deep connection to their cultural heritage, language, and traditions, while also engaging in modern economic, social, and environmental initiatives to improve the well-being of their Tribal members (approximately 6,000 plus) and residents.

In 1867 the U.S. Government by executive order established the Fort Hall Indian Reservation (Reservation) in southeastern Idaho as the home for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. The Reservation is located in southeastern Idaho, encompassing over approximately 544,000 acres across Bingham, Power, Bannock, and Caribou counties.

The landscape of the Reservation is diverse, featuring rolling plains, river valleys, and mountain foothills. The Snake River, one of the major rivers in the Pacific Northwest, flows along the western boundary of the reservation, providing vital water resources and serving as an important cultural and historical symbol for the Tribes. The reservation's terrain is also characterized by the fertile volcanic soils of the Snake River Plain, making it suitable for agriculture, which is one of the primary economic activities on the reservation.

In addition to agriculture, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes engage in various economic ventures, including gaming, retail enterprises, and natural resource management. The Tribes are also stewards of significant wildlife and natural resources on and off their lands, managing them in accordance with traditional values and modern environmental practices.

The reservation is home to a large portion of the Shoshone-Bannock population, with the tribal headquarters located in Fort Hall, the largest community on the reservation. Fort Hall serves as the cultural and administrative center, where tribal governance, educational institutions, and health services are concentrated.

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes continue to uphold their cultural practices, including language preservation, traditional ceremonies, and subsistence activities such as fishing and hunting, all of which are integral to their identity and way of life on and off the Fort Hall Reservation.

Scope of Work

The selected individual or firm will work closely with IAEC leadership and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes leadership and staff to provide the following services:

  1. Gather historic information and understand the goals of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in the areas of clean energy, energy sovereignty, etc. 
  2. Identify, establish, and communicate a feasibility study and report roadmap with tasks, milestones, and timeline. Provide guidance on submission requirements and deadlines, ensuring the feasibility work and final report are completed in a timely manner.
  3. Develop a well-structured and informative feasibility study, on clean energy technology deployment (particularly small modular and micro nuclear reactors) on the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal land. This report must showcase narrative(s), site suitability analysis, economic analysis including costs estimates and financial modeling, environmental impact assessment, regulatory and permitting requirements, trending data, risk analysis and mitigation plan(s), stakeholder engagement and public perception, etc. that align with the IAEC and Shoshone-Bannock Tribes objectives and desired outcomes, including relative costs, timelines, alternative technology options, etc.
  4. Publish a formal report including all the details of the feasibility study by the agreed upon completion date, no more than 9 months from date of award acceptance.

Qualifications

The selected individual or firm should possess the following qualifications and experience:

  1. Demonstrated experience in feasibility / ROI related work.
  2. Project management
  3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  4. Familiarity with the field of economic and technology development. Experience with advanced energy or nuclear energy industries strongly preferred.

Submission Instructions

Interested parties are invited to submit their proposals by 9/27/24 5:00 pm MST.  Please include the following in your submission:

  1. A detailed proposal (no more than five pages) outlining your approach to  perform the work outlined in this document. Responses should include explanation of methodology, timeline that corresponds to function, components, and staffing information, if applicable.
  2. Fee Schedule
    • The fee schedule should be all-inclusive and presented on an hourly basis. Applicant must provide a detailed price breakdown including fees for the following staff, if applicable: A) Senior staff; B) professional staff; and C) Clerical staff.
    • The cost will be based on the projected hours of work provided. Your proposed fee structure and timeline for completing services. The contractor will invoice and be paid per application.
  3. A list of relevant past projects or clients, highlighting previous feasibility work.
  4. Any references or recommendations from previous clients (2 maximum), if available.
  5. Proposals not meeting the outlined criteria for the RFP will not be considered.

Award

The proposal review team will evaluate each proposal and plan to award the contract by 10/02/24. The IAEC and Shoshone-Bannock Tribes designated lead will then discuss and refine scope of work with the selected applicant and negotiate final conditions, compensation, and performance schedule.

Statement of Non-Commitment

IAEC reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any irregularities or informalities in the proposals received. This RFP does not commit IAEC to award a contract, nor does it imply an obligation to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal responding to this RFP.

Please submit your proposal to:

Steve Laflin
IAEC COO
Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium 
[email protected]

For inquiries or additional information, please contact Steve Laflin at [email protected] or (208) 589-1579.

We look forward to receiving your proposal.