Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Weatherization Assistance Program

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? Submit questions online through the RFP question portal. 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:

• 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 single and multifamily weatherization under the 5-Year BIL funding opportunity?

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

4. 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.  

5. Do Bidder(s) need to be accredited by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) on the date of submission or by the end of contract negotiations after the award date?  

Bidder(s) need to be IREC accredited by the time of application submission.