TRAINING SUPPORT FOR THE WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Notice Date

May 10, 2001

Contracting Office

DOE/National Energy Technology Laboratory, P.O. Box 10940, MS 921-107, Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0940

ZIP Code

15236-0940

E-Mail Address

mohn@netl.doe.gov (mohn@netl.doe.gov)

Description

SUBJECT: Training Support for the Weatherization Assistance Program DESC: The U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA intends to award a purchase order on a sole-source basis to D&R International, LTD, Silver Spring MD provide all materials, support, work or services in accordance with the following statement of work: STATEMENT OF WORK. Training Support for the Weatherization Assistance Program. The Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs has identified the need for a National Weatherization Training Conference to be held every other year in order to address national training needs in a consistent, targeted forum. On alternate years, providers are able to attend regional meetings; however, in order to ensure consistency that is essential in a national program, it is imperative that a national training opportunity be available for the grantees and sub-grantees. A planning committee comprised of local, state, and federal representation will convene to establish the framework for a conference agenda which will focus on the whole-house approach to Weatherization and offer specific training and certification opportunities for Weatherization staff. The conference agenda will address the central issues for Weatherization agencies, including sessions on building technology, health and safety, audits and ratings, management/policy issues, and topics related to the implementation of the long-range strategy for Weatherization. It will also provide opportunities for peer exchange of information, techniques, and experiences through open sessions and regional round tables. Building Technology. The technical skill of the network has grown from the inception of the Weatherization Program, and many agencies are now employing advanced diagnostic equipment. Building technology continues to evolve and offers Weatherization staff new equipment and methods for implementation. The building technology sessions will provide training for beginning technicians who need the basics and advanced training on whole-house technologies for the more experienced. Hands-on demonstrations and on-site training opportunities will amplify classroom instruction. These sessions will provide comprehensive instruction in current Weatherization measures and demonstrate new methods. Anticipated topics include pressure diagnostics; blower door and duct sealing methods; mobile home walls, ceilings, and bellies; basic air conditioning; furnace analysis; and more. Health and Safety. Health and safety issues are closely tied to Weatherization measures and Weatherization agencies are becoming more involved in detection and remediation of hazardous conditions. State and local staff need information on health and safety issues to protect both the crews and the clients. Weatherization staff must be aware of the corollary effect efficiency measures have on health and safety conditions. Anticipated health and safety sessions on the agenda will include hands-on demonstrations and presentations on the following subjects: biohazards; carbon monoxide testing and standards; radon mitigation; lead hazard control; electrical safety; asbestos; mold detection and remediation; and more. Audits and Ratings. Accurate measurement and analysis of Weatherization measures is critical to effective delivery of cost-effective energy efficiency services. Weatherization staff need instruction in the correct use and comparison of measurement tools, particularly newly developed whole house audit tools. Sessions in the audits and ratings track will provide information and demonstrations for every level of knowledge. Anticipated sessions include training on advanced audits; comparison of audits currently in use; energy savings evaluation; whole-house energy audit tools; and more. Management and Policy . The drive to improve Weatherization services requires national attention on management and policy issues. Access to sources through utility restructuring and partnering, as well as how to set up for-profit centers within the agencies, are critical areas where state and local agencies across the country need training and education in order to maximize potential opportunities. The issue of communities and how to expand Weatherization's role is, again, an area where through education and training, the agencies will be better positioned to identify these opportunities and the potential challenges associated with this type of expansion. Additionally, there are a number of activities that have been implemented in previous years (WinSAGA, public information efforts, etc.) that through sharing information with a national audience will strengthen these activities and provide case studies for other agencies to replicate. In order to effectively plan and administer a national training program, DOE requires experts to train the Weatherization network in these various subjects. These experts provide a national service to DOE by training a wide network on energy conservation practices, techniques, and technologies. These individuals are needed for state, regional, and national training, including the 2001 National Weatherization Training Conference. Through this task, DOE will accelerate the incorporation of these techniques and technologies into the everyday work practices. Scope of Work. This task will require the contractor to: 1.Subcontract with identified experts to conduct training sessions for the Weatherization network. 2 Identify sources and procure needed equipment to conduct hands-on training for the Weatherization network. Deliverables 1. Identify hands-on equipment November 5, 2001. 2. Agreements with experts December 7, 2001. 3. Final task status report. March 17, 2002. This purchase order is being issued to D&R International LTD. because they are a energy and environmental consulting firm that is uniquely qualified to assist in this effort since they currently have the contract to support the 2001 National Weatherization Training Conference to be held in Atlanta, Georgia. DOE's Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs has identified the need for a National Weatherization Training Conference to be held every other year in order to address national training needs tin a consistent, targeted forum. In order to effectively plan and administer a national training program, DOE requires experts to train the Weatherization network in these various subjects. These experts provide a national service to DOE by training a wide network on energy conservation practices, techniques, and technologies. Through this task, DOE will accelerate the incorporation of these techniques and technologies into the everyday work practices. D&R International LTD is already firmly integrated into the training process with three staff members already on the planning committee, facilitating the planning process. This work represents an augmentation of the service already provide to DOE and the planning committee. The staff at D&R International LTD is uniquely qualified in the in-depth knowledge of the operation of knowledge for this training program. This request is considered to be sole source to D&R International, LTD. Therefore, no solicitation will result from this announcement. This award shall be made using simplified acquisition procedures. Request for information should be addressed to Mr. Robert L. Mohn, FAX 412-892-6216.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010514/SPMSC002.HTM (W-130 SN50L7Q5)