HomeMy WebLinkAboutAUROS_Group_SLO_Better_Buildings_Proposal_051121 (1)www.aurosgroup.com
May 11, 2021
Mr. Daniel Clancy via BidSync Online
City of San Luis Obispo
City Hall
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo CA 93401
Subject: Bid 2104-001, Proposals for Consultant Services for BETTER BUILDINGS SLO -
Needs Assessment
Dear Mr. Clancy,
We are excited to collaborate with the City of San Luis Obispo to present our sustainability consulting,
building science and data science technologies in support of the BETTER BUILDINGS SLO - Needs
Assessment RFP. We feel that the City of San Luis Obispo’s focus on energy efficiency, carbon
neutrality, heath, and occupant well-being align closely with our firm’s mission.
The most challenging aspect of cost-effectively reaching carbon neutrality is to, quickly and
thoughtfully, access enough building data to make confident decisions based on investment returns.
AUROS Group and Newcomb and Boyd are collaborating as a team in our response to the BETTER
BUILDINGS SLO - Needs Assessment RFP. We believe the expertise of our two firms provides the
City of San Luis Obispo the most direct and cost-effective path to carbon neutrality. We have learned
two important lessons:
1. Low carbon, equitable and sustainable goals require holistic systems design and execution.
2. Climate action and social equity must be considered and actioned together.
Contractually, AUROS Group will contract directly with the City of San Luis Obispo and hire
Newcomb and Boyd as a subconsultant. In all other matters, AUROS Group and Newcomb and
Boyd will partner with the City of San Luis Obispo.
We welcome an opportunity for an oral presentation and interview with the City of San Luis Obispo’s
review committee at your convenience.
Best regards,
Craig E. Stevenson
MBA, MS-MIS, CPHD/C, LFA, LEED AP, WELL Faculty, WELL AP, RESET AP, Fitwel Ambassador,
EcoDistricts AP
AUROS Group
President
412-506-6777
craig.stevenson@aurosgroup.com
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BETTER BUILDINGS SLO EXISTING CONDITIONS AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT
(5 PAGES)
The goal of the City of San Luis Obispo (SLO), based on the Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery
(Climate Action Plan), is carbon neutrality. The strategies to achieve carbon neutrality must also deliver the
following benefits; electric grid stability, local resiliency, improved indoor air quality (IAQ), energy cost savings,
and protection from utility rate volatility.
The RFP requires that teams provide the foundational information needed to achieve the following outcomes:
• BASELINE. Sufficient information about existing buildings to inform and accelerate emerging
collaboration with energy efficiency programs (e.g., 3C-REN), Central Coast Community Energy, and
other organizations with capacity to fund decarbonization measures.
• BASELINE. Sufficient information about existing buildings to inform potential creation of sector specific,
effective, and equitable policy and regulation.
• THE PLAN. Sufficient information to have a general understating of what decarbonization measures are
going to be economically and environmentally beneficial for building owners, tenants, or both and
related understanding of market potential by sector.
• MEASUREMENT AND VERIFICATION. Ability to have an ongoing and real-time understanding of site or
sector level energy use in the community.
• SOURCE ENERGY GENERATION AND STORAGE. Ability to incorporate equity and resilience considerations
including onsite generation and storage potential.
• TRANSPARENCY AND ACCESS TO DATA. Building of staff level capacity to access and manipulate energy
or building data for ongoing or periodic updates.
Our solution, as detailed below, builds the minimum viable product to deliver upon the required outcomes.
AUROS Group and Newcomb & Boyd view the solution to the SLO problem as a merging of building science
and data science.
SLO’s goals to deliver carbon neutrality, improved IAQ, and protection
from utility rate volatility are building science oriented. Yet, the project
requirements relating to Information Management, Measurement and
Verification, and Data Transparency are data science oriented.
Merging building science and data science in innovative ways delivers
a cost-effective solution to meet the SLO program goals.
Building science alone will not work, because it does not resolve the
Baseline, Measurement and Verification, and Transparency
requirements.
Data Science alone will not work, because data cannot develop a
building science-oriented Execution Plan.
The reason the outcomes stated above are so difficult to achieve is
because most practitioners cannot present a holistic solution that brings together the building science and data
science necessary to ultimately yield an approach to prioritizing investments based on expected returns across
a portfolio of buildings.
The thread that connects 1.1 Analysis through the three (3) Phases of the Better Building SLO Conceptual
Workflow is a Community Data Model (CDM). CDM is a secure, cloud-based platform which collects,
AUROS Group
Patented Technology
AUROS Group was recently awarded
two patents (U.S. Patent No.
10,934,764 and U.S. Patent No.
10,956,627) from the United States
Patent and Trademark Office.
Essentially, our patents cover the
integration of data from a physics-
based model with trended building
performance data.
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visualizes, and analyzes real data, historical data, simulated data, and target-based data to find performance
gaps and opportunities to reach all forms of sustainability goals.
The technology exists today to take building energy performance data (in any form) and create a platform that
enables a system-wide prioritization of investment choices, e.g. optimizing energy source options, reducing
energy consumption, reducing water consumption, improving indoor environmental quality and educating
citizens and stakeholders on the impact of our city on people and the planet.
We believe that AUROS Group’s AUROS360 open-CDM platform has the broadest set of capabilities to
synthesize, simulate and analyze building performance data with the eventual objective of making holistic,
community-wide decisions. A phased approach to implementing an open CDM platform will enable SLO to
reach the pinnacle of building performance—a seamless, automated, and connected system of building(s) on
an open platform capable of simulating the best available investment options to reach theoretically lowest levels
of energy consumption, water consumption, and indoor environmental quality.
CDM Data Platform
AUROS Group and Newcomb & Boyd propose implementing the AVEVA PI System as the data management
platform for SLO to expand data acquisition, data analytics, and data management capabilities. AVEVA is a
manufacturer of best-in-class application software for real-time data management called the PI System, which
fully integrates into AUROS360. AVEVA provides a scalable, open infrastructure to acquire data using manual
input and connects metered and sensor-based data loggers. The PI System enables SLO to capture and
leverage metered and sensor-based data across the city to improve efficiency and reach sustainability goals.
This new system will transition the legacy data from SLO’s existing data platforms to leverage the existing data.
The PI System uses multi-layered security to protect data while it ensures that only authorized users and
systems can access the real-time information. The PI System is designed so that it will continue to collect,
store, and make your data available even when servers are offline, or during network interruptions (planned or
unplanned).
Analyze Building Performance Data
To achieve an actionable master plan, we create a virtual environment to visualize and simulate building
performance using the AUROS360 CDM platform.
CDM enables the deep analysis of regional or city-wide opportunities to dramatically reduce energy use. With
all building data connected to CDM, SLO will transform into an Intelligent City and will have the tools to quickly
and easily set regional goals. From expanding the types of data visible in ESRI ArcGIS to developing a
community-wide energy and resource network, the CDM platform opens almost limitless options to dramatically
improving energy utilization. Only with a tool like CDM will SLO find cost effective, analysis driven approaches
Real data
OpenData
from publicly
available
sources
Real Time DataHistorical
data
Historical Data
Dashboards
Interactive Touch ScreenPublic Data
Public Interactive Touch
Screen with key metrics for
the whole development
Share data and allow
different stakeholders to
Visualise datasets
Data stored on public cloud
Possibility to claculate and visualise EcoDistricts KPIs
• 1. Total energy demand
• 2. Total renewable energy
• 3. Storage capacity
• 4. Overheating…
Visualisation and analysis of the
microgrid and energy networks
Simulation of what if scenario,
supply and demand etc
City Yard Community portal and
App for tablet and smartphones
Citizens could view the plan,
provide feedback, upload
data, vote plans, engaging
with local authorities
Virtual Resource Network
Reports
<name>Find:
Thumbs A - ZKPIs Etc.
Building types Construction dates
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to becoming carbon neutral by 2035. This is the tool that has the potential to align the goals of existing
buildings, new buildings, institutions, building owners, developers and every market segment.
A good masterplan begins with visualizing existing data and simulating missing data. AUROS Group and
Newcomb & Boyd often collaborate to provide owners a complete, fully integrated master plan to ensure
building data in a portfolio of buildings is securely, transparently, and easily accessed by building staff and SLO
sustainability leadership. The next step is to set baselines that become the bases of comparison for project
prioritization and decision-making. The baselines will be defined during the goal setting phase and may include
absolute measurements (EUI and/or ECI) or a relative measurements (ASHRAE 90.1). With the foundational
baselines in the model, the project team has the tools to evaluate whole-buildings (individually or in aggregate)
and make recommendations for strategies to reduce energy use and increase occupant comfort and
performance.
Intelligent Community Lifecycle Model, Pittsburgh, PA
Optimizing building performance through CDM includes, but is not limited to the following:
• Climate and weather interrogation/review to determine the impacts of weather data on the sizing and
performance of the project.
• Solar analysis including impacts of existing buildings and structures.
• Building skin analysis and optimization based on the combination of energy, load, daylight and first cost
to optimize the approach to passive energy efficient design.
• Assist the design team with load analysis including load transfer between zones and airflow properties
and appropriate sizing of active strategies including HVAC design and lighting.
• Review of solar shading impacts on load, energy and glare.
• Analyze the HVAC system to determine best sizing and efficiency and safety factor to maximize capital
and energy expenditures.
• Study of occupancy comfort based on ASHRAE standard 55.
• Analyze hygrothermal simulations for envelop durability.
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Data Visualization and Facilities Management
The AUROS360 Plan includes the AUROS360 integrated sustainability dashboard, including software and
hardware, for real time energy and indoor air quality monitoring of individual buildings and groups of buildings
for SLO. The system receives real-time data from standardized and legacy digital meters, digital weather
station, indoor air and environmental sensors, lights sensors, occupancy sensors, and other building monitoring
devices; sensor devices are by others.
AUROS360 receives data from digital or analog devices via various communication protocols like, BACnet
MODBUS, LONWorks, 4-20 ma, or pulse output, resulting in web-based access to real-time trended meter
information for the life of the building. The JACE Equipment Controller is an embedded controller/server
platform designed for monitoring and control applications over the Internet. The base controller can manage up
to 150 points and is licensed for five (5) remote devices and can be expanded to fit any size of installation.
AUROS360 displays live data in real-time including Energy Star Portfolio Manager rating, utility consumption,
CO2 emission data, predictive utility consumption markers, electric demand, average zone temperature vs. set
points, and weather forecast. Targets developed in the AUROS360 Master Planning Services are displayed for
comparative analysis against actual performance metrics, in a process also known as Continuous
Commissioning services.
The following images are screen shots of an example an AUROS360 Integrated Sustainability Dashboard.
AUROS360 Data Visualization and Facilities Management Platform for SLO includes but is not limited to the
following:
• Cloud-based solution with remote access.
• Robust security with variable levels of permissions/rights.
• Common visualization of all data across one (1) targeted building.
• Master planning level building simulations to baseline building performance.
• Goals for use of data.
• A clear path on missing components requiring investment.
• Dashboard metrics with real-time, trended performance (at any time interval) against goals (if
available).
• Automated data transmission as required: Energy Disclosure Ordinance, Energy Star Portfolio
Manager, LEED Arc, RESET Air, and others.
• Demonstrated performance using one (1) targeted building to show ease of scalability across various
energy types, indoor environmental quality attributes and unlimited number of buildings.
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• Demonstrated performance using one (1) targeted building to quickly identify performance gaps and
areas of potential improvement.
• Demonstration of compatibility to all BAS/BMS systems, all communication network platforms, all forms
of devices and sensors.
• Demonstrated performance using one (1) targeted building to install, and set up sensors, meters,
monitors etc. (as required) and successfully transmit all forms of data using cloud-based platform.
• Facilities Department training and engagement in the development of protocols and procedures.
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APPENDIX A
H. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL FORMS
SECTION I: PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL FORM
Consultants
The undersigned declares that she or he has carefully examined this RFP, is thoroughly familiar with
its contents; is authorized to represent the proposing firm; and agrees to perform the specified work
for the following cost quoted in full:
Description Cost
1. Advocacy and Education
2. Measurement and Verification Standardization
3. Data Platform Creation
4. The Path to Carbon Neutrality, based on Building Science
Total Fee: $65,000
Firm Name and Address (Prime Contractor)
AUROS Group
243 East Main Street
Carnegie, PA 15106
Website: www.aurosgroup.com
Contact Craig E. Stevenson, President Phone (412) 506-6777
Signature of Authorized
Date May 12, 2021
Firm Name and Address (Subconsultant)
Newcomb & Boyd
303 Peachtree Center Avenue NE, Suite 525
Atlanta, GA 30303
Website: www.newcomb-boyd.com
Contact Donald L. Walker, Partner-in-Charge, Design Leader Phone (404) 730-8400
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REFERENCES
Number of years engaged in providing the services included within the scope of the specifications
under the present business name: AUROS Group – 4 years, Newcomb & Boyd – 95 years.
Describe fully the last three contracts performed by your firm that demonstrate your ability to provide
the services included with the scope of the specifications. Attach additional pages if required. The
City reserves the right to contact each of the references listed for additional information regarding
your firm's qualifications.
Reference No. 1:
Agency Name City of Pittsburgh
Contact Name Grant Ervin
Telephone & Email (412) 255-2175, grant.ervin@pittsburghpa.gov
Street Address City-County Building, 414 Grant Street
City, State, Zip Code Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Description of services provided including contract amount, when provided and project outcome
AUROS Group is contracted for five (5) retrofit projects and one (1) new construction project with the
City of Pittsburgh. These projects include Passive House and RESET Air strategies, including smart
building infrastructure intended to provide a single pane of glass for building performance across its
portfolio of buildings. The City of Pittsburgh’s objectives are very similar to SLO.
Reference No. 2:
Agency Name Duquesne University
Contact Name Dr. Robert Sroufe
Telephone & Email (412) 396-1909, sroufer@duq.edu
Street Address 600 Forbes Avenue
City, State, Zip Code Pittsburgh, PA 15282
Description of services provided including contract amount, when provided and project outcome
AUROS Group has provided extensive building performance consultancy for Rockwell Hall, the home
of the MBA and Business Schools. Our teams used the work at Rockwell Hall to simulate
performance across the campus portfolio of 45 buildings. Additional work includes standardizing the
campus smart building infrastructure and connecting to the data platform for data management,
analytics, and display. Duquesne University intends to use the data to prioritize building investment
across the campus buildings.
Reference No. 3:
Agency Name Ohio County Commission
Contact Name Randy Russell
Telephone & Email (304) 234-3628, rrussell@ohiocountywv.gov
Street Address 1500 Chapline Street, Suite 215
City, State, Zip Code Wheeling, WV 26003
Description of services provided including contract amount, when provided and project outcome
AUROS Group is contracted for one (1) retrofit project and one (1) new construction project with the
County. These projects include Passive House and RESET Air strategies, including smart building
infrastructure intended to provide a single pane of glass for building performance across its portfolio
of buildings.
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CURRENT CONTRACTS:
1. Contracts can be provided upon request and execution of an NDA.
2.
3.
4.
ATEMENT OF PAST CONTRACT DISQUALIFICATIONS
The proposer shall state whether it or any of its officers or employees who have a proprietary interest
in it, has ever been disqualified, removed, or otherwise prevented from bidding on, or completing a
federal, state, or local government project because of the violation of law, a safety regulation, or for
any other reason, including but not limited to financial difficulties, project delays, or disputes regarding
work or product quality, and if so to explain the circumstances.
Do you have any disqualification as described in the above paragraph to declare?
Yes No – AUROS declares NO
If yes, explain the circumstances.
AUROS has never been disqualified as described above.
Executed on May 11, 2021 at 1:00 pm EST under penalty of perjury of the laws of the State of
California, that the foregoing is true and correct.
Craig E. Stevenson, President
Signature of Authorized Proposer Representative
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APPENDIX B
G. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
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APPENDIX C
OWNER’S PROJECT REQUIREMENTS EXAMPLE
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APPENDIX D
PROJECT TEAM RESUMES
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