Energy Management Information System (EMIS) Procurement Resources

What’s a sure sign that the business world is getting back to, well, business as usual? The volume of RFP/RFQs received by our Sales team is ramping up. That’s a good thing, for us and the environment.

We’ve reviewed and responded to hundreds of RFPs over our 40-year history, and we understand not only the amount of effort required to prepare a comprehensive response, but also the work that goes into developing the request-for-proposal document. Procurement officers invest many hours over weeks or months to gather organization-wide input and then refine the features “wish list” into a formal document that clearly describes and differentiates EMIS system requirements and nice-to-haves.

If you’re tasked with assembling an RFP, RFQ, or RFI for an energy management information system (EMIS), you can jump-start the process by consulting the resources we have prepared to help you streamline the procurement process:

• How to Spec & Purchase an Energy Management Information System (EMIS)—Designed to help you through the purchasing process, this field guide outlines “15 Questions to Ask EMIS Vendors BEFORE You Buy.” It suggests software-specific items to consider when creating an RFP and explains the advantages of public organizations purchasing via a GSA-authorized contract. (HINT: GSA prices are guaranteed to be the lowest available.)
• RFI/RFP/RFQ Template—What EMIS functionality should be on your “Required” list? They’re outlined in a Microsoft Word-based template that you can download and paste directly into your master procurement document. Use the document in its entirety or revise as you see fit. Either way, the template will save you hours of research, analysis, and typing.
• Achieving an Energy Reduction Mandate—Whether your planned EMIS purchase is in response to an energy conservation or sustainability mandate or a decision by your organization to “do the right thing,” an effective, comprehensive solution involves more than just licensing software. Consult this field guide to learn more about the various operational components of an effective energy conservation initiative.

The EnergyCAP team is here to help make your organization conserve energy, meet sustainability goals, and operate more efficiently. Please contact us to learn more about our EnergyCAP solution or for assistance with your EMIS specification and procurement process.