Item 2- RCA: Strategic Consulting — original pdf

Backup

Posting Language ..Title Authorize a contract for strategic consulting services for Austin Energy with Rifeline, LLC, for a term of three years in an amount not to exceed $450,000. Funding: $150,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..Body Lead Department Austin Financial Services. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $150,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Procurement Language: Professional Services. MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to Austin Financial Services - Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 9, 2026 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract will provide a range of professional consulting services in support of Austin Energy’s strategic, mission-driven initiatives that benefit from public involvement, community engagement, and information sharing. Rifeline, LLC provides expertise for services including community outreach planning and execution; stakeholder identification, mapping and engagement; key messaging and strategic communications development; and facilitation of public meetings, workshops and listening sessions. The selected contractor has provided strategic services leading up to the adoption of Austin Energy’s Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035 and Electric System Resiliency Plan. Under this contract, Rifeline, LLC will continue to provide expertise and knowledge in support of key efforts that enhance Austin Energy’s work in alignment with community values. Rifeline’s focus on community engagement through informed consent serves as a model that listens to the community and shapes Austin Energy’s work as a result. Item 2This contract is essential to ensure meaningful public engagement and incorporate community feedback into Austin Energy’s strategic work. Without this contract, Austin Energy would lack the tools and expertise needed to gather, analyze, and integrate customer input, resulting in initiatives that may not fully reflect community priorities.