Single Family Energy Efficiency and Solar Photovoltaics Services (2016-RFI-45)

The California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) is conducting a Request for Information (RFI 2016-RFI-45) to expand the Low-Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) for single-family energy efficiency and solar photovoltaic services across California. The procurement seeks to identify potential Regional Administrators and contractors capable of delivering comprehensive energy efficiency retrofits and solar installations in disadvantaged communities, with a primary goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Specific deliverables include energy efficiency measures for approximately 17,500 households and solar PV installations for 1,250 households over a two-year period from July 2016 through June 2018. Required qualifications include demonstrated experience with weatherization measures, appliance replacement, HVAC systems, water heating, solar installations, marketing/outreach, IT capabilities, and workforce development. The RFI requires respondents to complete an online survey and potentially submit additional narrative responses via email, with a strict submission deadline of 5:00 PM on March 30, 2016. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on organizational capabilities, regional service capacity, technical expertise, and proposed service delivery models.

The program specifically targets disadvantaged communities as defined by CalEnviroScreen 2.0, with funding sourced from California Climate Investments (CCI) Cap-and-Trade auction proceeds. While no specific set-aside designations were explicitly mentioned, the program appears designed to prioritize organizations with demonstrated experience serving low-income and environmentally challenged communities. The anticipated funding for fiscal years 2015-16 and 2016-17 ranges from $79.5 to $97.7 million, with a breakdown of $30-40 million for single-family energy efficiency in 2015-16 and $15 million for solar PV, and projected 2016-17 funding of $24 million for energy efficiency and $10.5 million for solar PV. Direct project costs are estimated at $3,000 per single-family dwelling for energy efficiency measures. The RFI will be followed by a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process to select service providers, with the program covering five geographic regions in California. Potential respondents should note that this is a preliminary information-gathering stage, with the ultimate goal of identifying and selecting contractors to implement comprehensive energy efficiency and renewable energy services in low-income communities.