Energy Services

A healthy life starts at home. Your house or apartment should be warm, healthy and energy-efficient. We help you achieve that. The average household sees an annual savings of $400+ through LifeWorks’ Energy Services Program.

Weatherization is FREE for eligible households in Saratoga and Schenectady Counties.

Learn more about the benefits of weatherization in these videos.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

(DDL: April 17, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. E.S.T. )

  • TREAT Multifamily Energy Audit 

  • Scoping of Work

  • Contracting Work 

  • Quality Control Inspection

I. INTRODUCTION

LifeWorks Community Action has partnered with Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority (SMHA) to provide SMHA services through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). LifeWorks is seeking proposals from qualified firms to perform a TREAT (Targeted Retrofit Energy Analysis Tool) multifamily energy audit, develop a scope of work for energy efficiency upgrades, oversee contracting work, and conduct quality control inspections for Ten Eyck, a 101-unit high-rise building, in accordance with the requirements of the New York State Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). By reference herein all work must be compliant with 2 CFR Part 200, 10 CFR Part 440, New York State WAP Policy and Procedure Manual PY2024 (PPM), NYS WAP Sate Plan PY2024, and all related US Department of Energy (DOE) WAP Program Notices (WPN) and guidance. 

II. PROJECT OVERVIEW

  • Location: Ten Eyck, a single-building, 101-unit high-rise, 375 Broadway, Schenectady, NY, 12305.

  • Davis Bacon Act: Ability to comply does apply, and reporting requirements must be included.

  • Health & Safety: ASHRAE 62.2 compliance.

  • Existing Conditions: Shared heating and hot water system. Windows have asbestos-containing caulk and are unlikely to be included in scope.

  • Primary Areas of Focus:

    • Lighting upgrades.

    • Appliance upgrades.

    • Other cost-effective energy efficiency improvements as determined through the audit.

III. SCOPE OF WORK

The selected firm will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. TREAT Multifamily Energy Audit

  • Conduct a comprehensive energy audit of the Ten Eyck building using TREAT software in compliance with NYS WAP PY2024 PPM.

  • Identify energy-saving measures that are cost-effective with a Savings to Investment Ratio (SIR) of 1.0 or greater.

  • Identify Health & Safety (H&S) measures related to the WAP Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), including ASHRAE 62.2 compliance.

  • Provide detailed reports with recommended ECMs, H&S required measures, projected savings, and cost estimates.

2. Scoping of Work

  • Develop a detailed scope of work for implementing viable ECMs, including lighting, appliances, and other feasible upgrades.

  • Ensure compliance with all relevant energy efficiency standards and NYS WAP PY2024 PPM, New York State Pla, and related WAP guidance requirements.

  • Address any potential health and safety concerns including ASHRAE 62.2 compliance.

3. Contracting Work Oversight

  • Assist LifeWorks in procuring and contracting with vendors to implement approved ECMs.

  • Provide technical oversight and recommendations during contractor selection.

  • Ensure proper implementation of energy efficiency and H&S upgrades.

4. Quality Control Inspection

  • Perform pre-installation evaluation and post-installation inspections and testing per NYS WAP PY2024 PPM to verify proper installation and performance of energy efficiency upgrades.

  • Ensure all work meets industry standards, regulatory requirements, and project specifications.

  • Provide final reporting and verification of projected energy savings.

IV. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Interested firms must submit proposals that include:

  1. Company Information: Name, address, contact details, and relevant experience.

  2. Project Approach: Methodology for conducting the audit, developing the scope, overseeing contractors, and performing quality control.

  3. Qualifications: Experience with TREAT software and multifamily energy audits, certifications, and past projects.

  4. Budget Proposal: Detailed cost breakdown for each phase of work.

  5. Timeline: Proposed project schedule from audit initiation to final quality control inspection. All work is expected to be completed no later than June 30, 2025.

  6. References: At least three references from similar projects.

V. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Experience and expertise in multifamily energy audits and efficiency projects (25%)

  • Approach and methodology (25%)

  • Cost-effectiveness and budget proposal (20%)

  • Timeline feasibility (15%)

  • References and past performance (15%)

VI. SUBMISSION DEADLINE & CONTACT INFORMATION

All proposals must be submitted by April 17, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. E.S.T. to:
Sharnell Glean - Director of Energy Services, LifeWorks Community Action
39 Bath Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 PO Box 169
s.glean@lifeworksaction.org
518-288-3206 ext. 115

LifeWorks Community Action reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and to negotiate terms as necessary. 

Bid opening will commence on April 18, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. E.S.T. at 39 Bath Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Services

After an application for the Weatherization Assistance Program is approved, Energy Services schedules an appointment for a comprehensive home energy audit. Expert technicians evaluate the home to determine the weatherization measures and energy upgrades that will have the greatest impact.

The measures that may be indicated by the building analysis fall into five major categories:

  1. Heating efficiency measures: To improve the heating system in the home, which may include a cleaning and tuning of the heating appliance; repairs, modifications, and replacements as needed; and work on the heating distribution system.

  2. Infiltration measures: To keep warm air in and cold air out of the home.

  3. Conduction measures: Insulation measures to reduce the conduction of heat from the interior to the exterior of the home.

  4. Repairs: Any repairs that are needed to preserve or protect the weatherization materials installed.

  5. Health and safety: Mitigation of health and safety concerns in the home or, at least, to notify residents of their presence.

  6. Base load measures: To reduce electrical consumption.

After developing a customized plan, our trained crew will install the necessary improvements. Services may include:

  • Air sealing to reduce heat loss

  • Insulation in walls and/or attic

  • Heating system evaluation

  • Indoor air quality assessments

  • Energy-efficient lighting and baseload reduction

  • Incidental repairs to protect installed measures

These services, an average investment of $8,000, are provided at no cost. After work is completed, a final inspection is done to ensure the quality of the services.

BEFORE

We worked on a home that was operating three hot water tanks to accommodate separate living spaces.

Our Energy Services technician removed the three existing tanks and installed one whole-house electric heat pump water heater.

We heard from the homeowner who was delighted to inform us that he had saved over $50 on his utility bill in just one month!
— #WeatherizationWorks

AFTER

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Weatherization Assistance Program is based on several factors.

  • Applicants must live in Saratoga County or Schenectady County. For those who live elsewhere in New York, find your local weatherization program.

  • The whole home is categorically eligible if a household member receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps or HEAP benefits. Otherwise, the household must have a total household income below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. See the current income guidelines.

  • Both homeowners and renters may apply, Please note, however, that renters will need the owner to sign off and contribute a portion of expenses. In addition, multi-family properties need to have all tenants apply and 2/3 of the units must meet income eligibility requirements.

  • Homes that have been previously weatherized are not currently eligible. To check to see if your home has been weatherized in the past before applying, call 518-288-3206 or email energy@lifeworksaction.org.

How to Apply

  1. Please fill out a joint Weatherization and EmPower NY application so we can coordinate both funding sources and provide the best energy-related repairs for you. Haga clic aquí para obtener una solicitud en español.

  2. Gather your supporting documents listed on the application.

  3. Submit the entire application and supporting documents:

See if you qualify for other services provided by LifeWorks

Completing a profile questionnaire opens the door to all the services we offer at LifeWorks. By completing the profile for your household or becoming a LifeWorks participant, LifeWorks’ team of Community Navigators will automatically determine your eligibility for services within the agency. Our staff will also follow up with you to discuss additional needs and how we can support you. Click on the link below to complete your profile now.


You may also email intake@lifeworksaction.org or call
518-288-3206 to request to speak with a Community Navigator.

#BeCommunityAction