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A request for proposals for innovative initiatives from the public, private, and non-profit sectors will focus on providing funding not otherwise available for commercially available projects with high potential for market transformation. Prioritized will be those projects that can demonstrate dramatic reductions in energy use or the successful application of renewable energy technologies. Attention will be paid to documenting and disseminating to the public the development of these projects and the energy and cost savings realized as a result. In addition, a collaborative review board consisting of state agency personnel as well as private sector volunteers will also be created to analyze renewable and energy efficiency technology and processes that are brought to the attention of the state. These technologies and processes will be evaluated for cost-effective adoption by the public and private sectors.
OEP has created a diverse framework for the ARRA-SEP programs, yet we anticipate that many innovative EE and RE commercially available projects or programs will not fall into the targeted program areas. This program will prioritize projects or programs that excel within the goals and objectives of ARRA-SEP: energy saved, emissions reduced, jobs created/retained, and meeting all of the reporting requirements.
OEP has been meeting with numerous potential grantors for this program, and they have provided feasible requests, goals and creative approaches to solving energy-related issues. They have also proposed a variety of funding requests. This insight will help us determine the shape of the program that will be subject to an RFP that explains the level of awards. We expect to award up to ten awards, with a minimum award of $50,000 and a maximum award of $500,000. OEP is still developing this program and its eligibility requirements. Emphasis will be on capacity, replicability, high energy savings, visibility, leveraged money, and job creation.
This will be a competitive process for applicants seeking these funds. OEP will issue an RFP, when the majority of foundational ARRA-SEP programs are underway, and will develop a scorecard to weigh the criteria based on energy saved, emissions reduced, jobs created, leveraged funds, creativity and innovation, and filling a need that other programs may not address.
Depending on the programs and projects funded through this program, measurement and verification will vary. Energy saved, emissions reduced, and jobs created will be monitored as part of the grant agreement.
As stated in OEP’s Comprehensive Application of May 12, 2009, OEP does not anticipate these programs or projects to negatively affect the environment. However, if any of the proposed projects potentially impact the environment, a DOE EF1 will be submitted. In each Request for Proposals or Memoranda of Agreement, OEP will include statements about NEPA compliance and reporting. Similarly, Davis Bacon, Historic Preservation, Buy American, reporting requirements, and other important factors will be included in the RFPs.
OEP anticipates participating in technical assistance meetings with these grantees, as groups or individually, as well as making site visits where appropriate and feasible.
Given the increasing number of requests for consideration of technologies and services relating to energy efficiency and renewable energy, OEP and other state agencies have identified a need for streamlining the evaluation and consideration of these products and services. To that end, a Collaborative Energy Technology Review Board will be established, comprised of interested State agency representatives as well as private sector members. Once established, this board will provide information to the public regarding product and service reviews.
To Be Awarded: $1,529,273.76 Overall Program Total: $1,574,546.21
For more information about this program, contact Laura Richardson. (271-6092)
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