WAP Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Info

On this page, you can view documents and Frequently Asked Questions related to the Weatherization Assistance Program's Bipartisan Infrastructure Act funding. 

FAQ

The following are questions and answers regarding the Weatherization Assistance Program’s request for proposals (RFP) administered by the North Carolina State Energy Office and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).  

Not seeing the answer to your question? The State Energy Office has extended the period to submit questions online through the RFP question portal until August 18, 2023. We will do our best to follow up promptly.

1. How can I participate if my organization's service area does not directly correspond to the seven single family weatherization regions?

The Weatherization Assistance Program recognizes the desire to align organizational service areas with each of the proposed weatherization regions. Below is guidance (illustrative, but not exhaustive) regarding this matter for each RFP:

• Focus Area 1 - Weatherization Collaborative Lead Agency

  The prospective lead service organization should demonstrate a robust statewide approach to work in each of the seven single family weatherization regions. The development of diverse partnerships beyond the lead service organization's service territory is needed for a strong application. This is critical to encourage equitable programmatic impacts and stewardship of funds.  

  Those that are unable to work statewide, but want to participate, are encouraged to research, find, and partner with a prospective lead service organization.

• Focus Area 2 - Upgrades to Weatherization Training Program

  The prospective lead service organization should demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct a statewide in-person training program that equitably serves the seven single family weatherization regions. While the development of at least one training center within each region is preferred, it is possible for successful applicants to formulate a proposal that provides cross-cutting benefits between two or more regions. The approach should clearly demonstrate that there is not an undue burden on those in the affected region(s) traveling to the in-person center(s).

  Those that are unable to work statewide, but want to participate, are encouraged to research, find, and partner with a prospective lead service organization.

• Focus Area 3 - Weatherization Workforce Development Program

  The prospective lead service organization should demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct statewide apprenticeship training and placement for North Carolina's existing and future weatherization Subgrantees. The development of statewide, diverse partnerships is needed for a robust application.  

  Those unable to support statewide apprenticeships, but want to participate, are encouraged to research, find, and partner with a prospective lead service organization.

• Single Family Weatherization

  The prospective lead service organization can apply for funding in multiple regions and are not limited to the ones they currently operate in. If a prospective organization's service territory is not identical to one or more weatherization regions, the application should reflect strong partnerships and how collaborative efforts ensure equitable distribution of programmatic benefits in the in the affected region(s).  If awarded, the funding allocation will equal the collective total of each region listed in the application.

  Those that are unable to work throughout the region(s), but want to participate, are encouraged to research, find, and partner with a prospective lead service organization.

• Multifamily Weatherization

  The prospective lead service organization should demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct statewide multifamily weatherization for disadvantaged communities. The development of statewide, diverse partnerships is needed for a robust application.  

  Those that are unable to support statewide multifamily weatherization, but want to participate, are encouraged to research, find, and partner with a prospective lead service organization.

2. What is the period of performance for the Weatherization Assistance Program's 5-Year BIL funding opportunity?

The Weatherization Assistance Program plans to meet all programmatic goals and objectives by June 30, 2027. If necessary, the State may request an extension from the United States Department of Energy (USDOE) in the final year of the program. However, these requests are not guaranteed to be approved by USDOE and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

3. How many awards are planned for the 5-Year BIL funding opportunity?

The maximum number of awards will be eleven (one per Focus Area, one per single family weatherization region, and one multifamily weatherization service region). However, if applicants combine Focus Areas, single family weatherization regions, or multifamily weatherization into a holistic package, the number of awards may be less than eleven.

Training and Technical Assistance Questions

1. Would the provider selected for "Focus Area 2 – Upgrades to Weatherization Training Program" select or identify the proposed regional training centers throughout the state or would this activity require collaboration with the entity selected to serve as the "Focus Area 1 - Weatherization Collaborative Lead Agency?"  

The selected provider for "Focus Area 2 - Upgrades to Weatherization Training Center" will be responsible for identifying locations for regional training centers throughout the State. Successful applicants will provide the planned methods to engage and collaborate with the "Focus Area 1 - Weatherization Collaborative Lead Agency" and the State Energy Office Weatherization Program Manager to ensure that they are meaningfully involved with siting decisions. Overall, the approach should clearly demonstrate that there is not an undue burden on those in the affected region(s) traveling to the in-person center(s).

2. Do the regional training centers under “Focus Area 2 – Upgrades to Weatherization Training Program” require a permanent physical location and training equipment?

Yes. Each regional training center should have at least one physical location and all associated training equipment.

3. Would an application for "Focus Area 2 – Upgrades to Weatherization Training Program" be considered non-responsive if the applicant proposed fewer than seven regional weatherization training centers?

No. While the development of at least one physical training center within each region is preferred, it is possible for successful applicants to formulate a proposal that provides cross-cutting benefits between two or more regions. The approach should clearly demonstrate that there is not an undue burden on those in the affected region(s) traveling to the in-person center(s).

Those that are unable to work statewide, but want to participate, are encouraged to research, find, and partner with a prospective lead service organization.

4. Could an applicant propose a project that required shared resources or efforts across the focus areas? For example, could one application propose efforts that respond to both “Focus Areas 1 – Weatherization Collaborative Lead Agency” and “Focus Area 2 – Upgrades to Weatherization Training Program”?

The Weatherization Assistance Program recognizes the importance of coordinating various programs that support low-income households across North Carolina. If desired, a prospective lead organization may apply for two or more RFPs as part of a holistic initiative. If pursuing this option, applications should clearly define which RFPs are being pursued, meet minimum contractor qualifications in each affected RFP, follow all proposal guidelines/requirements in each affected RFP, fully answer all questions presented in each affected RFP, and clearly state how combining the affected RFPs as one holistic initiative will be beneficial for programmatic effectiveness. If awarded, the funding allocation will equal the collective total of each RFP pursued under the holistic package (see the below tables of the funding allocations for each RFP). The funds will not be released as one lump sum. If an element of the combined RFP package (i.e., applying for several RFPs as one holistic initiative) is deemed insufficient or missing, the full package may be denied.

5. Do you expect the “Focus Area 1 – Weatherization Collaborative Lead Agency” to train staff at the regional training centers on how to set up and run the local collaboratives? Or would you expect the local Collaborative Lead Agency to establish the local collaboratives?

The Weatherization Assistance Program expects the "Focus Area 1 - Weatherization Collaborative Lead Agency" to train, develop, and support staff at the regional training centers. The training centers will be established by the provider of “Focus Area 2 – Upgrades to Weatherization Training Program” and the State Energy Office Weatherization Assistance Program Manager.

6. Will the Focus Areas be allowed to budget for incentives for non-WAP community-based organizations to encourage participation?

The prospective lead service organization has flexibility to create incentives that maximize impacts for their program. Successful applicants will have more than one method (monetary and non-monetary) to incentivize community-based organizations to participate in the collaborative.

7. What authority does the "Focus Area 1 - Weatherization Collaborative Lead Agency" have to ensure implementation from the host organizations?

The "Focus Area 1 - Weatherization Collaborative Lead Agency" will have authority to successfully implement the program based on provisions in the "State of North Carolina, Weatherization Assistance Program, Five Year Plan Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law". In addition, the Weatherization Assistance Program will ensure that the selected provider will have authority in the contracts for each Focus Area and associated weatherization agencies participating in the 5-year BIL program.

8. Are there tangible deliverables that you anticipate being offered/created by the end of the performance period?

Yes. The Weatherization Assistance Program expects the selected provider to provide deliverables. These will be articulated through the contracting process. Successful applicants should demonstrate their ability to provide deliverables and meet "go/no-go" milestones.