The Department of Environmental Quality’s State Energy Office is accepting proposals for weatherization training and technical assistance projects, with $14.68 million in federal funding available. The funding is a portion of the $89.7 million provided to the state by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). This funding is in addition to the annual amounts allocated to the agencies supporting the Weatherization Assistance Program and does not affect those allocations.
The Requests for Proposals (RFPs), cover three focus areas as described in the Weatherization Assistance Program's 5-Year BIL State Plan
Focus Area 1 – Weatherization Collaborative Lead Agency ($2.25 million)
DEQ seeks proposals for a Collaborative Lead Agency (or agencies) equipped to train the regional Collaborative Facilitating Agencies at each weatherization hub in the implementation of the collaborative approach for home upgrades. The Collaborative Lead Agency will be responsible for training the Collaborative Facilitating Agencies at each of the eight regional weatherization hubs.
Focus Area 2 – Upgrades to Weatherization Training Program ($7.35 million)
DEQ seeks proposals to fund an agency to lead North Carolina’s Weatherization Training Program who is equipped to track the weatherization training requirements for participants and conduct both required and optional training courses. The intention of the training program is to elevate weatherization from a trade to a profession.
Focus Area 3 – Weatherization Workforce Development Program ($5.08 million)
DEQ seeks proposals for a Weatherization Workforce Development Training Program (or programs) equipped to train pre/apprentices in skills related to weatherization. For each workforce development program funded, DEQ envisions hiring a single entity that would lead the coalition of universities, community colleges, state agencies and educational non-profits.
Applications will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday, May 6, 2024. Eligible organizations should review the RFPs online. Proposals must be submitted through the application portal and questions may be submitted through the question portal here. Since these RFPs are reposting, previous applicants must reapply to be considered.
DEQ’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income North Carolinians save energy, reduce their utility bills, and stay safe in their homes. Its mission is to keep North Carolina citizens warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and safe all year long while educating the public about energy efficiency and household safety. The program's focus is on the elderly, the disabled, families with children, high-energy users and the energy-burdened.