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This Solicitation Is Now Closed
Photovoltaic Practitioner Training:
Accreditation and Certification
Program Opportunity Notice (PON): 689-02
PROPOSAL DUE DATE: November 14, 2002 3:00 PM**
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
requests proposals that will help New York technical schools, colleges,
universities, and ontinuing education providers develop and implement
training programs and facilities that are accredited by a national
accreditation organization such as the Institute for Sustainable Power
(ISP) to train renewable energy practitioners, such as PV installers,
instructors, and trainers. NYSERDA will provide funding for national
certification and accreditation at four levels: certified instructors,
certified master trainers, accredited training institutions, and accredited
continuing education providers.
The interest in renewable energy applications throughout the State
requires information and training resources that are recognized as
consistent, comprehensive, impartial, and authoritative. If consumers
and financial organizations are going to invest in the evelopment,
demonstration, and deployment of renewable technologies such as PV,
they must have assurances that the installers and other practitioners
are qualified to meet recognized standards. Qualified training is
critical to ensuring customer atisfaction and developing a sustainable
market for renewables such as PV. In the fall of 2002, NYSERDA will
be implementing a new residential PV incentive or rebate program,
with $3 million available in rebates and market development incentives.
It is anticipated that hundreds of PV systems will be installed under
this program and only installers with appropriate training and experience
will be eligible to participate in the rebate program. As national
programs for accredited facilities and certification of PV installers
are developed and become readily available in New York, it is anticipated
that NYSERDA's programs will give preference to installers certified
through nationally accredited or certified programs.
Proposers are asked to present their qualifications and experience
in training, education, outreach, and continuing education initiatives
for PV and related technologies and systems. Proposals should identify
innovative and effective approaches, strategies, and programs to attract
prospective students. NYSERDA anticipates providing $1 million for
this program under this PON over the next several years, with an additional
solicitation anticipated next year, if funding is available. Teaming
arrangements among institutions, organizations and trainers are encouraged.
The expected start date for work under this program is January 2003.
Ten (10) copies of the proposal must be clearly labeled and submitted
to:
Karen Whalen, PON No. 689-02
NYSERDA
17 Columbia Circle
Albany, NY 12203-6399
TECHNICAL questions: Adele Ferranti
at (518)862-1090, ext. 3206, or af1@nyserda.org.
CONTRACTUAL questions: Diane Vogel at (518)862-1090,
ext. 3299, or drv@nyserda.org.
REQUEST by phone at (518) 862-1090 ext. 3268, by mail
at the address above, or download the PON from our web site -
www.nyserda.org under "funding opportunities."
**Late proposals will be returned. Faxed or e-mailed proposals will
not be accepted. Proposals will not be accepted at any other NYSERDA
location other than the address specified above.
I. INTRODUCTION
Background
NYSERDA, through the New York State Energy $martsm program, requests
proposals that will help New York technical schools, colleges, universities,
and continuing education providers develop and implement training
programs and facilities that are accredited by the Institute for Sustainable
Power (ISP) or an equivalent, national accreditation program to train
renewable energy practitioners, such as PV installers, instructors,
and trainers. Accreditation through the ISP (www.ispq.org) is available
at four levels: certified instructors, certified master trainers,
accredited training organizations or institutions, and accredited
continuing education providers. Additional information about the ISP
is presented below, but proposers are encouraged to visit the ISP's
website to learn more about their accreditation requirements.
The interest in renewable energy applications throughout the State
requires information and training resources that are recognized as
consistent, comprehensive, impartial, and authoritative. If consumers
and financial organizations are going to invest in the development,
demonstration, and deployment of renewable technologies such as PV,
they must have assurances that the installers are qualified to meet
recognized standards. Qualified training is critical to ensuring customer
satisfaction and developing a sustainable market for renewables such
as PV. NYSERDA rebate programs for PV systems in the future will have
specific requirements for eligible installers that will follow the
national certification requirements as they are finalized. Other NYSERDA
programs are being designed to help build a sustainable market and
infrastructure for renewable energy technologies such as PV.
NYSERDA is in the process of completing two successful residential
PV installation programs that provided rebates for grid-connected
PV systems. These programs have been fully subscribed, with new customers
being put on a waiting list for rebates. More than 140 systems between
1-2kW will be installed under these existing programs.
NYSERDA is currently developing a new small PV (under 15 kW) incentive
or rebate program, with more than $2.5 million available in rebates
for installed PV systems and market development incentives. It is
anticipated that hundreds of high-quality PV systems will be installed
under this program, and thus the need for qualified installers will
grow over the next 1-3 years.
NYSERDA is also funding several other initiatives directed at:
- providing PV installers and dealers with incentives to develop
a quality installation and service infrastructure, develop and implement
business plans and, implement other market development activities;
- providing builders and homeowners with incentives to install PV
systems in new Energy Star homes across the State;
- providing consumers, builders, bankers, realtors and other stakeholders
with information and tools to make informed decisions about renewable
technology applications, and;
- developing courses and forums to educate and train practitioners
about safety, inspecting PV systems, business development, and other
related areas.
As nationally accredited programs for approved facilities and certified
PV installers are developed and become readily available in New York,
it is anticipated that future NYSERDA programs will give preference
to installers certified through national programs.
Institute for Sustainable Power (ISP)
ISP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, organized to provide a
quality framework for the accreditation of training programs and certification
of trainers and instructors (www.ispq.org). Initially, the ISP program
grew out of a request from the financial community for an objective,
industry-recognized credential to be used in doing the risk evaluation
for loans or project financing. ISP accreditation is a response to
this request. Prior to ISP, there was no broadly accepted standard
of practice and performance for quality PV practitioner training.
ISP does not provide certification to renewable energy installers
or designers. It does accredit training programs and certifies
master trainers and instructors who teach renewable energy practitioners.
Certification of renewable energy installers will be provided through
the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
as described below.
ISP activities include the development and deployment of knowledge
and skills competency standards, training content modules, training
guidelines, testing standards, and third-party qualification procedures.
These objective quality standards provide a global framework that
can be implemented nationally to assure financing organizations, development
organizations, and clients/customers that those with whom they are
working have the knowledge, skills, experience, and capability to
provide the services expected.
ISP's Connection to PON 689-02
The goal of this PON is to help New York State instructors, trainers,
and educational and training organizations meet the accreditation
and certification requirements of the (ISP or an equivalent national
accreditation) or certification entity. Students who have participated
in or completed training under these programs should be better prepared
to meet the requirements for national certification as PV practitioners.
ISP certifies trainers and instructors and accredits training institutions
and continuing education providers. This PON will help all eligible
proposers pursue the ISP requirements for certification and accreditation.
Eligibility will be determined by a proposer's demonstrated experience
and education in the field of solar and PV. Eligible candidates will
need to meet, or be close to meeting, some of the requirements of
ISP at the time a proposal is submitted and will be required to have
a detailed plan to obtain certification or accreditation as a result
of this PON. Brief descriptions of the ISP and the North American
Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) are presented below.
NABCEP is the organization that will certify installers.
ISP certified instructors and trainers will ultimately provide training
at accredited training facilities and through accredited programs
to PV students and practitioners who may become journeymen or installers
and eventually become certified through NABCEP.
ISP Accreditation and Certification
ISP was formed in 1996 to coordinate, develop, and implement international
quality standards and auditing procedures for the certification of
trainers and the accreditation of training organizations serving renewable
energy practitioners. ISP's mission is to develop a certification
and accreditation framework to qualify trainers and training programs
to common, third-party consensus standards to assist customers and
investors in evaluating and selecting training. ISP developed this
accreditation and certification process with an international Board
of Directors representing key stakeholders with many areas of expertise
and consistent with the standard set by the International Standards
Organization (ISO) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
NABCEP is a volunteer board of renewable energy stakeholders who
came together in April, 2001 to create a certification program for
renewable energy installers, designers, and inspectors. It is incorporated
as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Thirteen board members represent
the solar industry, independent installers, manufacturers, labor,
contractors, training organizations, educators, national laboratories,
policymakers, state and local governments, and federal stakeholders.
NABCEP is using a consensus-building process to develop national standards
and certification requirements and is also following the best practices
established by the certification community, including the guidelines
in ISO draft 17024. NABCEP will be selecting an administrator to implement
the certification process by the end of 2002 with the first certification
exam expected in early 2003. (See www.nabcep.org
for more information).
II. FUNDING AND SCHEDULE
The total budget for this program is $1,000,000. If the total budget
is not all contracted under this PON, it is anticipated that an additional
PON may be issued in another 9-15 months with goals and objectives
similar to this PON.
NYSERDA funds are intended to help support proposers in the process
of becoming accredited through the ISP as a training institution and/or
a continuing education provider, or certified by ISP as an instructor
or master trainer. The program will provide funding for:
- facilities and equipment (as required by ISP);
- fees and costs associated with accreditation applications and
audits by ISP staff;
- accreditation record-keeping needs;
- relevant job placement activities;
- instructor training; conducting market assessments to gauge student
interest;
- marketing the accredited program to students, trade groups and
other stakeholders;
- coordinating the new PV program into existing programs or majors
and;
developing scholarship programs for students.
This PON is not intended to provide funding for direct labor,
benefits, or labor-related overhead, unless a proposer can justify
such that such expenses are unique and necessary and can be attributed
directly to ISP requirements.
Teaming among institutions, trainers, and instructors to address
multiple areas targeted in this PON is encouraged. Preference will
be given to proposals that will result in a program that includes
a certified instructor, a certified master trainer, an accredited
institution, and an accredited continuing education program.
The number of proposers selected for contracting will be determined
by the funds available, the desire to have facilities and trainers
in all areas eligible for ISP certification and accreditation (trainers,
instructors, training institutions, continuing education programs),
and the goal of having programs, institutions, and trainers located
throughout different regions of New York State.
Maximum NYSERDA funding levels available for each area or category
eligible for funding are presented below. Proposers may request funding
in one or all of the categories listed below, up to the maximum of
$225,000.
Cofunding in the form of cash, instructors and staff time, equipment,
etc., is required. A minimum of 25% cofunding as part of the total
budget is required and preference will be given to proposals with
higher cofunding levels.
III. AREAS ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING
As a result of this program, NYSERDA plans to facilitate the establishment
of several ISP-accredited training institutions and continuing education
programs in and across the State. Training institutions and continuing
education programs funded under this program must be located
and offered within New York State and locations must be served by
the State's investor-owned utilities and contribute to the System Benefits Charge fund. Certified instructors and trainers must
demonstrate that the majority of their students will be New York State
residents or practitioners that will install systems in New York.
NYSERDA will also help develop programs that provide diversity in
the markets being targeted by proposer. Ideally, each training facility
will have at least one to two ISP-certified instructors or master
trainers.
This PON is designed to solicit proposals to help qualified entities
or individuals obtain ISP accreditation and certification. Proposers
that represent training institutions or continuing education organizations
and trainers and instructors may propose individually or team with
partners. As required by the ISP, master trainers must meet minimum
administrative requirements and instructors must be affiliated with
an ISP-accredited institution.
Accreditation milestones eligible for funding (A-D) and specific
activities eligible for funding (E-K) are described below. A proposer(s)
may apply for funding in one or all areas.
A. CERTIFIED RENEWABLE ENERGY INSTRUCTOR ($10,000 maximum
funding per instructor)
The ISP-certified renewable energy instructor or certified instructor
(CI), is the link between the students, the training material, and
practitioner certification. The CI is responsible for training students
to the relevant, nationally approved task analysis standards developed
by NABCEP. Instructors eligible for consideration under this PON must
meet some of the base-level ISP requirements at the time that their
proposal is submitted to NYSERDA and are expected to fully meet ISP
requirements as a result of NYSERDA's assistance under this program.
ISP's base-level requirements for CIs include:
- Experience as a trainer - These requirements specifically
require that the trainer have a minimum of 26 weeks of experience
as an instructor, with 12 weeks of experience teaching this subject,
ideally in a vocational or trades setting.
- A commitment to continuing education - Continuing education
shows a desire by the trainer to keep current on new developments
in the field and in turn keep course content up to date and timely.
- Technical experience - The trainer's technological experience
is demonstrated through an understanding of and thorough knowledge
of technological issues.
- Practical experience - Practical field experience helps
trainers relate technical knowledge and an understanding of practical
installation situations to students.
- Educational background - Trainers will come from diverse
educational backgrounds, though they will all have been educated
in programs that developed understanding and solid grounding in
instructional development, delivery and evaluation.
- Historical student feedback - Lastly, eligible trainers
will have a body of satisfied customers who can provide another
perspective of the trainer's abilities.
Successful proposers must demonstrate that they have obtained some
of the training, education, and experience requirements outlined above
and are expected to fully meet ISP requirements as a result of NYSERDA's
assistance under this program.
B. CERTIFIED MASTER TRAINER ($15,000 maximum funding per master
trainer)
An ISP-certified master trainer (MT) can train instructors or students.
The MT must have a quality program, policies and procedures, appropriate
record keeping, an approved curriculum, and a documentation system.
In addition to the requirements for a CI, the MT needs a minimum of
52 weeks of experience as an instructor with 24 weeks specific to
the accredited training program. Successful proposers must demonstrate
that they have obtained some of the training, education, and experience
requirements for the MT at the time the proposal is submitted.
ISP's base-level requirements for MTs include:
- Experience as a trainer - Master trainers must have a
minimum of 52 weeks of experience as a trainer, with a minimum of
24 weeks training in the course(s) under consideration, ideally
in a vocational or trades setting.
- A commitment to continuing education - Continuing education
shows a desire by the trainer to keep current on new developments
in the field and in turn keep course content up to date and timely.
- Technical experience - The trainer's technological experience
is demonstrated through an understanding of and thorough knowledge
of technological issues.
- Practical experience - Practical field experience helps
trainers relate technical knowledge and an understanding of practical
installation situations to students.
- Educational background - Trainers will come from diverse
educational backgrounds, though they will all have been educated
in programs that developed understanding and solid grounding in
instructional development, delivery, and evaluation.
- Appropriate administrative systems - Appropriate policies,
procedures, and record keeping must in place and implemented.
- An approved curriculum - A curriculum that meets the competency
standards of the approved task analysis for the proposed course
must be developed and implemented.
- Historical student feedback - Lastly, eligible trainers
will have a body of satisfied customers who can provide another
perspective of the trainer's abilities.
C. ACCREDITED TRAINING INSTITUTION (see areas E-K eligible
for funding below)
Accredited training institutions are the organizations that provide
the umbrella under which the training takes place. Training institutions
that partially meet some of the base-level requirements will be eligible
for funding under this PON. It is expected that funded institutions
will be able to reach the full ISP accreditation 12-30 months after
a contract with NYSERDA is executed.
ISP base-level requirements for accredited training institutions
include:
- The organization must be a legal entity - The institution
should be a legal entity, such as an educational institution, a
corporation, a partnership, or have legal recognition.
- Non-discriminatory - Institutions must show that they do
not discriminate against trainers, students or participants, and
have a written non-discriminatory code.
Quality plan/system - A recognized quality plan or quality
system must be documented and in place.
- Resource and instruments to address liability issues -
The institution must be able to demonstrate that it has resources
and procedures to address any liability issues.
- A record-keeping system - There must be a record-keeping
system in place to track and archive student and trainer progress.
According to the ISP, this system is critically important to the
proper evaluation of an institution.
- Links with industry and the community - The institution
must maintain and nurture links with the industry and community.
This helps with other objectives such as the continuing education
of trainers and job placement for students.
- Job placement is strongly recommended - Job placement services
are optional under the ISP accreditation model, but lead to strong
community links and are an indicator of a strong training institution.
Institutions and organizations requesting funding must demonstrate
that the above areas are being met at some level at the time a proposal
is submitted and are expected to fully meet ISP requirements as a
result of NYSERDA's assistance under this program.
D. ACCREDITED CONTINUING EDUCATION (see areas E-K eligible
for funding below)
Accreditation of continuing education programs is similar to accreditation
of training institutions. In the case of a continuing education program,
the emphasis is on providing training to practicing professionals
with experience in various trades. Institutions providing continuing
education programs and their trainers must have a mechanism in place
to keep current on PV technology and applications and the PV installer
industry and incorporate technological developments into their curriculum.
For example, this can be done by: providing a library of installation
materials, having good relations with solar manufacturers, and attending
industry conferences and seminars. Successful candidates should also
have adequate facilities and equipment for course offerings, appropriate
course materials against stated outcomes and objectives, and evaluation
techniques that examine the knowledge or skills gained by participants.
ISP's base-level requirements for accredited continuing education
programs are:
- The organization must be a legal entity such as an educational
institution or corporation.
- A quality record-keeping program and documentation system must
be in place.
- Current course offerings must be related to renewable and solar
technologies.
- Credentials and experience of instructors must be presented.
- References from previous program participants must be provided.
Continuing education institutions and organizations must demonstrate
that these five areas are being met at some level at the time a proposal
is submitted.
E. Training Facilities and Equipment ($50,000 maximum funding
available)
Funding is available under this PON for developing training facilities
and purchasing training equipment and resources required for ISP accreditation.
ISP's list of required equipment and facilities can be found at www.ispq.org.
F. Resource Library ($5,000 maximum funding available)
A resource library is recommended for each accredited institution.
This library should include reports, articles, video, multimedia,
and CD ROM materials, in addition to Internet access. A successful
proposer will demonstrate how the addition or augmentation of a library
will help it meet ISP accreditation standards.
G. Program Marketing and Outreach ($20,000 maximum funding
available)
Existing photovoltaic installers and practitioners that have electrical
or building experience and vocational students are just a few examples
of prospective students for ISP-accredited programs. For example,
potential students may be recruited from regional trade schools, local
chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and
electrical, heating, and air conditioning contractors that are interested
in diversifying their services. This program will provide funding
for, but is not limited to, program advertising, creative marketing,
and outreach activities aimed at prospective students.
H. Market Assessment ($15,000 maximum funding available)
Each institution should evaluate its enrollment goals and objectives
for a PV practitioner program. The ISP notes that the accreditation
process will often take longer to develop and implement than hoped
or planned. This PON will provide funding for institutions and continuing
education programs to conduct a market assessment for an accredited
PV training or continuing education program. Funds are available for
market assessments to better determine if a program is cost-effective
and meets an organization's goals and objectives. Entities may request
funds for a market assessment only, with the possibility to pursue
accreditation in the future, or as part of a multistage proposal that
begins with a market assessment and ends with accreditation (meeting
the necessary milestones along the way).
The goal of the market assessment is to determine the needs for an
entity to obtain accreditation, the market for prospective students,
marketing needs to attract new students, and the potential for cofunding
or endowments to help achieve accreditation. Funding for market assessments
is only available for organizations trying to achieve accreditation
as a training institution or continuing education entity.
I. Scholarship Programs ($50,000 maximum funding available)
Funding for scholarship programs is also available under this program.
Scholarship programs should be designed to create opportunities and
encourage interest and participation in accredited training programs.
Creative incentives should be designed to attract students with diverse
backgrounds. Funding for scholarship programs is only available for
organizations trying to achieve accreditation as a training institution
or continuing education entity.
J. Apprenticeship Program ($35,000 maximum funding available)
Funding is available for developing an accredited apprenticeship program
through established procedures for accrediting training institutions.
Innovative apprenticeship programs that will provide potential students
with opportunities to work with experienced PV installers are encouraged.
Funding for apprenticeship programs is only available for organizations
trying to achieve accreditation as a training institution or continuing
education entity.
K. Other ($30,000 maximum funding available)
Additional funding may be made available for other innovative initiatives
directly related to ISP accreditation or certification efforts. Proposers
will be required to identify and describe such initiatives and provide
justification for funding as part of their proposal.
It is anticipated that proposers may seek funding in one or more
of the funding categories highlighted above. Funding may be requested
for efforts that will be funded over several years (i.e., scholarship
and apprenticeship programs). The maximum funding available for
a proposal is $225,000.
IV. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS
NYSERDA, through its Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP), will review
each proposal to determine whether a proposer has the necessary physical
resources, experience, staff (if appropriate), references, etc., to
successfully meet ISP or other equivalent national accreditation requirements
given the accomplishments of the proposer at the time of the proposal
and those proposed to be completed as a result of the proposal being
submitted under the PON. The TEP consists of NYSERDA staff and selected
outside reviewers.
Proposers will be awarded contracts based on: experience; references;
qualifications to provide training; existing training facilities if
appropriate; ability to meet ISP accreditation and certification requirements
in a timely manner; evidence that some ISP requirements have been
achieved or are nearly complete; geographic distribution of training
facilities, programs, and trainers across New York State; cofunding;
and cost. Responses to this PON will be reviewed and assigned scores
based on the criteria listed below.
The number of proposers selected for contracting will be determined
by the quality and responsiveness of proposals, the funds available,
the desire to have facilities and trainers in all areas eligible for
ISP accreditation (trainers, instructors, training institutions, continuing
education programs), and the goal of having programs, institutions,
and trainers located throughout different regions of New York State.
This number cannot be determined until all proposals are received
and reviewed.
The following factors will also be considered during the evaluation:
- Response to NYSERDA's request as specified in this PON.
- Technical merit of the accreditation and/or certification proposal.
- Clear identification of individuals or staff that will be involved
in the accreditation process, training programs, or continuing education
programs.
- Qualifications, experience and expertise of the individuals (trainers,
instructors, administrative staff, etc.) or team.
- PV-related accomplishments, experience, and training completed
or offered at the time of the proposal relative to those required
by ISP.
- Understanding of ISP's accreditation and certification requirements
as demonstrated in proposals approach to implementation.
- Ability to develop, implement, and successfully market and sustain
a comprehensive accredited program that includes an accredited facility,
a continuing education program, a certified instructor(s), and a
master trainer(s).
- Reasonableness of funding request for each category proposed.
- Proposed cofunding level and type (cash, in-kind).
- Reasonableness and validity of funding request for labor and labor
related expenses, if applicable.
- Demonstrated ability to complete project on schedule.
- Verification of references.
- Other programmatic and management factors deemed appropriate by
NYSERDA.
V. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
An original and nine (9) copies of your proposal and the proposal
checklist attached to the front of each proposal must be submitted.
All copies must be complete. Total length of proposals, excluding
appendices, should not exceed 15 pages. All responses submitted as
part of this solicitation process become the property of NYSERDA.
Proposers will not be reimbursed by NYSERDA for any costs
associated with the preparation of their proposals. Proposals may
be either single- or double-sided, but a page is considered one side
of an 8-1/2" x 11" piece of paper. The font size shall not
be smaller than 10 point. Each proposal shall contain, at a minimum,
the following:
1) Cover Letter (1 page, suggested)
Proposers shall submit a cover letter on company letterhead that references
PON 689 and summarizes the proposer's ability and plan to meet the
ISP accreditation requirements and the overall goals and objectives
of the program. The cover letter must also include organization name,
primary contact name, if appropriate, phone number, address, telephone
and fax number, e-mail address, contact person, year that firm was
established, and type of firm (educational institution, partnership,
corporation, sole proprietor, etc.). The cover letter must address
the requirement that training institutions and continuing education
programs funded under this program must be located and offered
within New York State and that the location must be served
by the State's investor-owned utilities and contribute to the System Benefits Charge fund. Certified instructors and trainers must
demonstrate that the majority of their students will be New York State
residents or practitioners that will install systems in New York.
If subcontractors are intended to be included as part of the proposer's
team, letters from subcontractors must be attached to the proposal
and include the same information included in the proposer's cover
letter.
2) Table of Contents (1 page)
Proposals must include a Table of Contents.
3) Introduction and Overview of Plan to Obtain Accreditation and/or
Certification(1-2 pages)
Proposers should summarize their proposed efforts to obtain ISP accreditation
and/or certification in any or all of the accredited/certified areas.
Attention should be paid to Section III hereof in preparing this summary.
Proposers should outline their plan and schedule for achieving accreditation,
highlighting accomplishments, achievements, facilities, equipment,
etc., they have in place at the time the proposal is submitted and
areas in which they need assistance to pursue accreditation. For example,
proposers seeking to be certified instructors or master trainers should
summarize past training, teaching experience, etc., and present a
plan for obtaining the necessary skills and experience to obtain certification.
Facilities seeking accreditation should present current and related
courses, programs, job placement programs, record-keeping systems,
facilities, etc., and the additional elements needed to achieve accreditation.
For proposals looking for funding for facilities and education programs,
a proposer must provide an overview of how that program fits in existing
programs, how the program will be successfully implemented, and the
commitments of the institution to sustain an accredited program or
facility in the future.
4) Plan and Schedule to Obtain Accreditation and/or Certification
through ISP (4-6 pages)
Proposers must provide a detailed plan to obtain ISP accreditation
and/or certification in one or more of the areas eligible for funding
under this program. The plan must specifically address all areas required
by the ISP process and base level ISP requirements as referenced in
Section III of this PON. Proposals must provide details on issues
addressed in the proposal's "Introduction and Overview of Plan
to Obtain Accreditation" (item three above). Successful proposals
must give a clear picture of where a proposer is at the time
of the proposal, relative to getting accredited or certified through
the ISP, what the proposers needs to accomplish to obtain accreditation
or certification, and if applicable, how a program or facility will
be successfully marketed, implemented, and sustained after the proposed
project is completed.
Proposers must also discuss ISP accreditation/certification in terms
of milestones or accomplishments achieved to date and specific
requirements and associated funding needs for ISP accreditation
milestones that will be met in the future. A schedule must be presented
as part of a proposer's plan and the schedule must be tied
to milestones.
5) Experience, Capabilities, and References (3-5 pages plus
attachments)
Proposers must identify all staff or personnel involved in the accreditation
or certification programs. In the case of a continuing education program
or accredited facility, a staffing plan should be presented which
identifies all staff and their roles and responsibilities in developing
and implementing an ISP-accredited program for PV practitioners. If
necessary, an organization chart should be included in the proposal.
The proposal should include a summary of the experience, qualifications,
and training for all key personnel. Resumes for key personnel should
be attached to the proposal. Where appropriate, references must be
provided.
6) Budget
Proposers must include a budget summary and a detailed budget (using
the attached Contract Pricing Proposal Form as a cover) for all areas
that they are requesting funding for (i.e., certified master trainers,
certified instructors, accredited training institutions/facilities,
continuing education programs) with reference to the maximum limits
described in Section III. Details on cofunding must also be provided.
The program will provide funding for: facilities and equipment (as
required by ISP); fees and costs associated with accreditation applications
and audits by ISP staff; accreditation record-keeping needs; relevant
job placement activities; instructor training; conducting market assessments
to gauge student interest; marketing the accredited program to students,
trade groups and other stakeholders; coordinating the new PV program
into existing programs or majors, and developing scholarship programs
for students.
This PON is not intended to provide funding for direct labor,
benefits, or labor-related overhead, unless a proposer can justify
such that such expenses are necessary and can be attributed directly
to ISP requirements. For example, although NYSERDA will consider
funding for training costs, travel costs, equipment costs, etc., for
someone trying to become a certified master trainer or instructor.
However, funding will not be provided for labor costs or hours associated
with attending training, travel, etc. If a staff person is needed
to perform specific ISP-related tasks (conducting a market assessment)
and a position will be unique and dedicated for ISP-related activities,
it will be considered for funding.
Funding may be requested for efforts that will be funded over several
years (i.e., scholarship and apprenticeship programs). The maximum
funding available for a proposal is $225,000.
Cofunding in the form of cash, instructors and staff time, equipment,
etc., is required. A minimum of 25% cofunding as part of the total
budget is required and preference will be given to proposals with
higher cofunding levels.
If NYSERDA pays for more than 50% of any equipment cost, NYSERDA
will retain the rights to the equipment. Wherever possible, NYSERDA
payments will be tied to achieving ISP-accreditation and certification
milestones as determined though contract negotiations with contractors
selected for funding.
Proposers should use the attached contract pricing proposal form
to summarize the budget and provide more detail in an attachment.
VI. GENERAL CONDITIONS
Proprietary Information - Careful consideration should be given before
confidential information is submitted to NYSERDA as part of your proposal.
Review should include whether it is critical for evaluating a proposal,
and whether general, non-confidential information, may be adequate
for review purposes.
The NYS Freedom of Information Law, Public Officers law, Article
6, provides for public access to information NYSERDA possesses. Public
Officers Law, Section 87(d)(2) provides for exceptions to disclosure
for records or portions thereof that "are trade secrets or are
submitted to an agency by a commercial enterprise or derived from
information obtained from a commercial enterprise and which if disclosed
would cause substantial injury to the competitive position
of the subject enterprise." Information submitted to NYSERDA
that the proposer wishes to have treated as proprietary, and confidential
trade secret information, should be identified and labeled "Confidential"
or "Proprietary" on each page at the time of disclosure.
This information should include a written request to except it from
disclosure, including a written statement of the reasons why the information
should be excepted. See Public Officers Law, Section 89(5) and the
procedures set forth in 21 NYCRR Part 501.
Omnibus Procurement Act of 1992 - It is the policy of New York State
to maximize opportunities for the participation of New York State
business enterprises, including minority- and women-owned business
enterprises, as bidders, subcontractors, and suppliers on its procurement
Agreements.
Information on the availability of New York subcontractors and suppliers
is available from:
Empire State Development
Division For Small Business
30 South Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12245
A directory of certified minority- and women-owned business enterprises
is available from:
Empire State Development
Minority and Women's Business Development Division
30 South Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12245
Contract Award - NYSERDA anticipates making multiple awards
under this solicitation. It may award a contract based on initial
applications without discussion, or following limited discussion or
negotiations. Each offer should be submitted using the most favorable
cost and technical terms. NYSERDA may request additional data or material
to support applications. NYSERDA will use the Sample Agreement to
contract successful proposals.
Limitation - This solicitation does not commit NYSERDA to
award a contract, pay any costs incurred in preparing a proposal,
or to procure or contract for services or supplies. NYSERDA reserves
the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received, to negotiate
with all qualified sources, or to cancel in part or in its entirety
the solicitation when it is in NYSERDA's best interest.
Disclosure Requirement - The proposer shall disclose any indictment
for any alleged felony, or any conviction for a felony within the
past five years, under the laws of the United States or any state
or territory of the United States, and shall describe circumstances
for each. When a proposer is an association, partnership, corporation,
or other organization, this disclosure requirement includes the organization
and its officers, partners, and directors or members of any similarly
governing body. If an indictment or conviction should come to the
attention of NYSERDA after the award of a contract, NYSERDA may exercise
its stop-work right pending further investigation, or terminate the
agreement; the contractor may be subject to penalties for violation
of any law which may apply in the particular circumstances. Proposers
must also disclose if they have ever been debarred or suspended by
any agency of the U.S. Government or the New York State Department
of Labor.
Attachments:
Attachment A - Proposal Checklist
Attachment B - Intent To Propose Form
Attachment C - Contract Pricing Proposal Form and Instructions
Attachment D - Sample Agreement
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