City of Portland Utility Rate Study RFP 2026
- Due
- May 12, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Apr 8, 2026
- Primary contact
- Rachel Slusser
The 30-second brief
The City of Portland, Tennessee is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to conduct a comprehensive Utility Rate Study for its wastewater, natural gas, and water utility services. The study aims to evaluate existing rate structures, customer classes, and consumption patterns to develop sustainable and equitable rate scenarios that support operational, capital, and debt service needs. Key tasks include reviewing historical financial data, analyzing capital improvement plans and consent orders, and preparing a multi-year phased-in implementation plan. The selected consultant will conduct at least four meetings with City staff and present findings to the City Council. Proposals are due by May 12, 2026, and must include one electronic copy and eight hard copies. The City expects implementation of new rates by January 1, 2027.
Historical financial review, Rate structure evaluation, Individual rate scenarios, Phased-in implementation plan, Updated capacity and improvement fees, Financial modeling and analysis, In-person presentations
Firm Qualifications and Experience (30), Project Approach and Methodology (20), Project Timeline and Deliverables (20), Cost Proposal and Value (15), References and Past Performance (15)
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Summary
The City of Portland, Tennessee is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to conduct a comprehensive Utility Rate Study for its wastewater, natural gas, and water utility services.
The study aims to evaluate existing rate structures, customer classes, and consumption patterns to develop sustainable and equitable rate scenarios that support operational, capital, and debt service needs. Key tasks include reviewing historical financial data, analyzing capital improvement plans and consent orders, and preparing a multi-year phased-in implementation plan. The selected consultant will conduct at least four meetings with City staff and present findings to the City Council. Proposals are due by May 12, 2026, and must include one electronic copy and eight hard copies. The City expects implementation of new rates by January 1, 2027.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
7- Historical financial review
- Rate structure evaluation
- Individual rate scenarios
- Phased-in implementation plan
- Updated capacity and improvement fees
- Financial modeling and analysis
- In-person presentations
- Submit to
- [email protected]; 100 S. Russell Street Portland, TN 37148
- Scope location
- Portland, TN
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from City of Portland?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is May 12, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected]; 100 S. Russell Street Portland, TN 37148. For questions, contact Rachel Slusser.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including City of Portland in TN, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Rachel Slusser. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Historical financial review, Rate structure evaluation, Individual rate scenarios, Phased-in implementation plan, Updated capacity and improvement fees, Financial modeling and analysis, In-person presentations. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Firm Qualifications and Experience (30), Project Approach and Methodology (20), Project Timeline and Deliverables (20), Cost Proposal and Value (15), References and Past Performance (15)" Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from City of Portland?
All active and historical solicitations from City of Portland are tracked and searchable. As a city agency, City of Portland regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. Review the full document from City of Portland for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Portland, TN. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.