168.00.14 Ark. Code R. 003
Mission Statement
The mission of the Arkansas Energy Office, a division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEO), is to promote energy efficiency, clean technology, and sustainable strategies that encourage economic development, energy security and the environmental well-being for all citizens of Arkansas.
The State Goals
The policies contained in this document are meant to enable the state and the subgrantee network to effectively provide weatherization services for the maximum amount of Arkansans as possible by:
*Ensuring that only the most cost effective measures are employed.
* Leveraging all available resources, financial or otherwise.
* Significantly reducing wait time for Arkansans seeking weatherization services to one year or less.
Executive Summary
The Arkansas Weatherization Assistance Program State Plan for Program Year 2014 serves as Arkansas's application to the US Department of Energy (USDOE) for Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) funding. These funds will provide assistance to approximately 201 households across the State. (201 represents only DOE funding)
The purpose of the Program is to install energy conservation measures in the homes of income-eligible persons, especially homes occupied by the elderly, persons with disabilities, families with children, high energy burden and high energy users. Funds are targeted to the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures, as determined by an on-site energy audit of the eligible building. The program helps to reduce national energy consumption, reduces carbon emissions that contribute to climate change, and lessens the impact of higher energy costs for low-income families. The program also improves the health and safety of assisted households.
Arkansas relies on a network of eight (8) subgrantees, six of which have extensive experience in delivering weatherization services in their designated service area; two are new to the network. One of the new subgrantees will have a service territory one will work statewide on multi-family developments and two will be used on special projects as they are developed.
Subgrantees provide energy efficiency weatherization services using their own trained crews and by subcontracting work to qualified contractors. Energy efficiency measures financed through the program can range from air sealing and insulating single-family homes to replacement of heating systems. The program assists all types of housing units, including single- and multifamily housing, manufactured housing, and group homes. The state will allocate program funds for the Program Year (PY) 2014 in accordance with this plan.
Category | DOE | LIHEAP |
2014 Program Year Allocation | $ 1,613,442.00 | |
Training and Technical Assistance | $ 290,420.00 | |
AEO Administration | $ 66,151.10 | |
Subgrantee Administration | $ 66,151.00 | |
CPA Audits | $ 10,000.00 | |
Pollution Control Insurance (LIHEAP) | $ 17,000.00 | |
Leveraging Plan (LIHEAP) | $ 100,000.00 | |
Software Maintenance (LIHEAP) | $ 60,000.00 | |
Liability Insurance | $ 10,000.00 | |
Multi-Family Projects (LIHEAP) | $ 350,000.00 | |
Health & Safety | $ 178,607.97 | |
Capital Intensive Measures (LIHEAP) | $ 500,000.00 | |
Program Operations | $ 992,111,83 | |
Totals | $ 1,613,442.00 | $ 1,027,000.00 |
DOE Allocation Subgrantee Network PY2014
Black River Area Development Corporation | $ | 129,714.03 |
Central Arkansas Development Council | $ | 228,571.86 |
Community Action Program for Central Arkansas | $ | 80,419.99 |
Crowley's Ridge Development Council | $ | 181,495.61 |
Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council | $ | 295,040.11 |
Pine Bluff-Jefferson County Economic Opportunities Commission | $ | 141,012.47 |
Elevate | $ | 230,616.84 |
Better Community Development, Inc. | LIHEAP |
In 2013, the state issued a Request for Qualification (RFQ) for additional service providers to address multi-family units and special projects; there were four (4) responsible bidders each of whom met the minimum requirements to participate in the WAP. One new subgrantee will be allocated a territory; one other will complete multifamily units in each congressional district and the remaining two will work on special projects.
Arkansas has elected to set the maximum cost per unit at $5,000. This maximum cost does not include Health and Safety and Capital Intensive Heating and Cooling Modifications (LIHEAP funds). Please note Arkansas uses LIHEAP funds for capital investments to reduce the overall DOE cost. The rationale for reducing the average cost per unit is that:
In addition to reducing the maximum cost per unit, the state will limit the program support category to a maximum of 20% of the cost per unit. The state will also revise the program support (operations) category by removing contract labor line item which leaves all other program operations cost, off site supervision salary and fringe budget items. The state will add the category of Client Direct Services that will include, agency installed materials, contractor installed materials, on-site personnel salary and fringe (energy auditor, QCI, etc.).
The state will implement new program management software that will allow the program staff to manage the program from application intake to invoice processing. The Energy Conservation Online Software known as ECOS will replace NEAT and MHEA and will be used to mandate measures to be installed on all homes, site built, manufactured and multifamily homes.
In Program Year 2014, the state will explore the possibility of using a third-party contractor to conduct Quality Control Inspections (QCI) for the state. This exploration will include a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and a possible pilot testing.
BUDGET EXPLANATION FOR FORMULA GRANTS
Provide detailed information to support each Cost Category using this form. Cost breakdown estimates may be entered on this form or attach a breakdown of costs using your own format as Attachment A.
Weatherization Program Administrator
Budget Specialist
Grants Analyst (2)
Administrative Assistant
Weatherization Program Administrator supervises staff, develops annual grant, develops grant guidance, provides technical assistance to subgrantees, reviews subgrantee contracts. Salary for the Program Manager will be paid using 50% DOE Administration funds and 50% LIHEAP Administration funds.
Budget Specialist assist in the development and management of the sub grant program operations budget. Salary for the Budget Specialist will be paid using 50% DOE funds and 50% LIHEAP Administration funds.
Grants Analyst monitors performance of weatherization subgrantees. The Grants Analyst will also assist with the states two training centers, coordinating hands-on training, develops the statewide training plan, review subgrantees for compliance with policies/procedures. Salary for the Grants Analysts (Program Monitors) will be paid using 50% DOE T&TA funds and 50% LIHEAP Administration funds.
Administrative Assistant provides clerical support to the staff and assists the program manager with subgrantee contracts, typing reports and maintains all records. Salary will be paid 100% from LIHEAP funds.
Weatherization Positions for 2014
ST- Using AEDC Formulas To Calculate Adm Cost | 0.0765*Salary | (0.1488+0.0765)* Salary | 410*12 months | |||||
AEDC Personnel 2013 | Position Number | Salaries (00) | Career Service Bonus (00) | FICA (03) | Retirement (03) | Health (03) | Workers Compensation Premium Tax (03) | Total |
Program Manager | 22100108 | $ 49,216.00 | $ 900.00 | $ 3,765.02 | $ 11,088.36 | $ 4,920.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 69,890.39 |
Admin. Assistant | 22098742 | $ 23,049.00 | $ 600.00 | $ 1,763.25 | $ 5,192.94 | $ 4,920.00 | $ - | $ 35,525.19 |
Budget Specialist | 22100278 | $ 33,552.00 | $ - | $ 2,566.73 | $ 7,559.27 | $ 4,920.00 | $ - | $ 48,597.99 |
Grants Analyst | 22103086 | $ 42,204.00 | $ 800.00 | $ 3,228.61 | $ 9,508.56 | $ 4,920.00 | $ - | $ 60,661.17 |
Grants Analyst | 22099370 | $ 33,552.00 | $ - | $ 2,566.73 | $ 7,559.27 | $ 4,920.00 | $ - | $ 48,597.99 |
Adm Total | $ 181,573.00 | $ 2,300.00 | $ 13,890.33 | $ 40,908.40 | $ 24,600.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 263,272.73 | |
Catalog quotes and prior purchases - $8,700.00
The Program Monitors will need blower door, Duct Blaster, Infrared Camera tic induct QCI verification in the field.
Office purchases for stationary and other office supplies, printing and postage.
Provide the information below for new proposed sub recipients and subcontractors. For ongoing subcontractors and sub recipients, if this information is provided elsewhere in the application, it does not have to be restated here, but please indicate the document and page numbers where it can be found.
For example-Competitive, Historical, Quote, Catalog
ARVETS is a non-profit support organization working with Veterans; and the University District Development Corporation (UDDC) an organization working in a targeted area in the City of Little Rock that is a part of the HUD Choice Neighborhoods and Promise Neighborhoods Programs.
The Arkansas Veterans in Green Jobs is a proposed project by the Arkansas Energy Office (AEO) to employ veterans to provide energy efficiency (weatherization) services for income-qualified homes in Arkansas.
The state will seek to work with ARVETS a non-profit veteran's support group to establish the project. Through a contract with the state, the non-profit organization will manage the Arkansas Veterans in Green Jobs Project which will provide weatherization services to include home energy audit, insulation upgrades, air sealing, and installation of high-efficiency furnaces to help residents ensure that their high energy consuming equipment is operating at maximum efficiency. These services will help make Arkansas residents more comfortable in winter and summer, reduce utility bills, increase health and safety, and lower their carbon footprint.
The state proposes to collaborate with the University District Community Corporation by coordinating work for WAP eligible clients in the HUD designated Choice and Promise Neighborhoods in Little Rock. The UDCC will advise the state of the number of proposed rehab units that will be completed during the program year with other funding sources and the state will allocate WAP funds based upon the cost per unit stated elsewhere in this plan.
N/A
The state uses a cost allocation formula that has been approved by the Department of Energy. The cost allocation formula is updated annually.
Carryover is listed in the table below:
In accordance with 10 CFR Part 440.15, an entity that receives funds from The state to manage a weatherization project is considered a WAP subgrantee. The state enters into contracts with subgrantees to perform WAP services within specified service areas throughout the State.
(1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) | (6) | (7) | (8) | ||||
Black River Area Development Corporation | Central Arkansas Development Council | Community Action Program for Central Arkansas, Inc. | Crowley's Ridge Development Council | Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council | Pine Bluff-Jefferson County Economic Opportunities Commission | Elevate | Better Community Development, Inc. | Total | |||
DOE Allocation | $ 100,002.90 | $ 176,217.24 | $ 61,999.71 | $ 139,923.86 | $ 227,460.88 | $ 108,713.42 | $ 177,793.82 | $ 992,111.83 | |||
Admin | $ 6,667.90 | $ 11,749.65 | $ 4,133.96 | $ 9,329.71 | $ 15,166.42 | $ 7,248.69 | $ 11,854.77 | $ 66,151.10 | |||
H& S | $ 18,003.33 | $ 31,724.05 | $ 11,161.69 | $ 25,190.22 | $ 40,949.34 | $ 19,571.47 | $ 32,007.88 | $ 178,607.98 | |||
T& TA | $ 3,023.94 | $ 5,328.55 | $ 1,874.78 | $ 4,231.09 | $ 6,878.09 | $ 3,287.33 | $ 5,376.22 | $ 30,000.00 | |||
Liability & Fin Audit | $ 2,015.96 | $ 3,552.37 | $ 1,249.85 | $ 2,820.73 | $ 4,585.38 | $ 2,191.56 | $ 3,584.15 | $ 20,000.00 | |||
Total DOE | $ 129,714.03 | $ 228,571.86 | $ 80,419.99 | $ 181,495.61 | $ 295,040.11 | $ 141,012.47 | $ 230,616.84 | $1,286,870.91 | Balances with the budget page | ||
Total DOE Units* | 20 | 36 | 13 | 28 | 46 | 21 | 36 | 202 | |||
LIHEAP Allocation | $ 222,155.30 | $ 391,464.59 | $137,731.64 | $ 310,839.26 | $ 505,301.74 | $ 241,505.62 | $ 394,966.94 | $66,000.00** | $2,203,965.09 | ||
Admin | $ 20,793.15 | $ 36,640.05 | $ 12,891.32 | $ 29,093.73 | $ 47,294.90 | $ 22,604.29 | $ 36,967.86 | $ 206,285.30 | |||
H& S | $ 48,097.82 | $ 84,754.19 | $ 29,819.64 | $ 67,298.37 | $ 109,400.55 | $ 52,287.27 | $ 85,512.47 | $ 477,170.31 | |||
Cap Intensive | $ 50,399.01 | $ 88,809.16 | $ 31,246.33 | $ 70,518.19 | $ 114,634.70 | $ 54,788.89 | $ 89,603.72 | $ 500,000.00 | |||
Pollution Ins | $ 17,000.00 | $ 17,000.00 | |||||||||
Total LIHEAP | $ 341,445.28 | $ 601,667.99 | $211,688.93 | $ 477,749.55 | $ 793,631.89 | $ 371,186.07 | $ 607,050.99 | $66,000.00** | $3,404,420.70 | $3,754,420.70 | Balances with the budget page |
Total LIHEAP Units | 45 | 78 | 28 | 62 | 101 | 48 | 80 | 44*** | 448 | ||
Total DOE & LIHEAP | $ 471,159.31 | $ 830,239.85 | $292,108.92 | $ 659,245.16 | $1,088,672.00 | $ 512,198.54 | $ 837,667.83 | $66,000.00** | |||
Total Number of DOE + LIHEAP | 65 | 116 | 41 | 91 | 149 | 71 | 116 | 44*** | 649 | ||
Units* Congressional District | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 4 | 1, 2 | 1 | 3, 4 | 1, 4 | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
*Number of Units = Allocation/5000
**BCD's allocation comes from the $350,000 set aside for multi-family. The $350,000 added to the $3,404,420.70 equals $3,754,420.70.
***BCD's units not included in total units and are based upon $1500/unit.
1403 Hospital Drive, Pocahontas, Arkansas 72455-3847
Type of Organization: Community Action Agency
Source of Labor: Private Contractors and Crews
Contact: James Jansen - Email: jjansen@bradcorp.org
Phone: 870-892-5219 Fax: 870-892-0707
Counties Served: Baxter, Boone, Clay, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Lawrence, Marion, Newton,
Randolph, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren
321 Edison Avenue, Post Office Box 580, Benton, Arkansas 72018-0580
Type of Organization: Community Action Agency
Source of Labor: Crews and private contractors
Contact: Larry Cogburn Email: lcogburn@cadc.com
Phone: 501-315-1121 Fax: 501-778-9120
Counties Served: Calhoun, Clark, Columbia, Dallas, Garland, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Howard,
Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Montgomery, Nevada, Ouachita, Pike, Polk, Saline, Sevier, Union
707 Robins Street, Suite 118, Conway, Arkansas 72034-6517
Type of Organization: Community Action Agency
Source of Labor: Private Contractors
Contact: Jennifer Welter Email: Jennifer.welter@capcainc.org
Phone: 501-730-1493 Fax: 501-329-9247
Counties Served: Cleburne, Faulkner, White
2401 Fox Meadow Lane, Post Office Box 16720, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72403-6711
Type of Organization: Community Action Agency
Source of Labor: Crews and Contractors
Contact: Darla Tate Email: dtate@crdcnea.com
Phone: 870-802-7100 Fax: 870-935-0291
Counties Served: Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Greene, Jackson, Mississippi, Poinsett, St. Francis,
Woodruff
4831 Armour Street, Post Office Box 4069, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72914
Type of Organization: Community Action Agency
Source of Labor: Private Contractors
Contact: Mark Whitmer Email: mwhitmer@cscdcaa.org
Phone: 479-785-2303 Fax: 479-785-2341
Counties Served: Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Scott, Sebastian,
Washington
817 South Cherry Street, Post Office Box 7228, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71611-7228
Type of Organization: Community Action Agency
Source of Labor: Private Contractors
Contact: Linda Inmon Email: linmon@pbjceoc.org
Phone: 870-536-0046 Fax: 870-535-7558
Counties Served: Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew, Grant, Jefferson, Lee
Lincoln, Monroe, Phillips, Prairie
100 Gamble Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211
Type of Organization: Non-Profit
Source of Labor: Private Contractors
Contact: Brannon Runions Email: brannon@elevateus.org
Phone: 501-410-3305
Counties Served: Conway, Lonoke, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Yell
3805 West 12th, Suite 203, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
Type of Organization: Non-Profit
Source of Labor: Private Contractors
Contact: Darryl Swinton, Email: dswinton@bcdinc.org
Phone: 501-379-1539
Counties Served: TBD
Total Units (Excluding Re-weatherized) | 199 |
Re-weatherized Units | 3 |
Unit Costs Including Reweatherization | $4,911 |
Total Funds - Federal | $1,613,442 |
Total Units to Be Weatherized | 204 |
Total Units to Be Re-weatherized | 3 |
Grand Total Units | 202 |
Total Vehicle and Equipment Budget | $0 |
Total Units to Be Weatherized and Re-weatherized | 202 |
Average Vehicle and Acquisition Cost Per Unit | $0 |
Total Funds for Program Operations | $1,613,442 |
Cost Per Unit | $4,911 |
Average Vehicle and Equipment Acquisition Cost | $0 |
Total Cost Per Unit | $4,911 |
Method Used to Calculate Savings: WAP Algorithm
Estimated Energy Savings: 1,562 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity and 106 thousand cubic feet of natural gas usage per housing unit.
In 2012, the state contracted with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to conduct an analysis of the impact of the Weatherization Program and to develop a tool to measure economic and environmental impact of weatherization activities. The results are discussed below.
Program Impact
The Institute for Economic Advancement (IEA) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) has worked in cooperation with the Arkansas WAP to evaluate the statewide effects of WAP's efforts. This evaluation consisted of several parts, including a series of surveys to determine customer experience. The surveys gathered demographic information as well as characteristics of housing in Arkansas. Economic benefits were evaluated by gathering energy usage data for actual WAP customers and comparing the prior year's usage to that of the year following completion of the weatherization measures. Savings from the customer records were used to compute the average energy savings per unit. This average was applied to the total number of units weatherized from the beginning of the program in 2009 through projects completed by December 31, 2010 to generate the total energy savings of the program.
The initial study included analysis of weatherization measures that were implemented in FY2009, 2010, and 2011. The sample of houses evaluated in the analysis yielded an average annual reduction in electricity usage of 13.6 percent and 17.1 percent reduction in natural gas usage due to the weatherization measures undertaken. Approximately, 49 percent of the housing units in the weatherization programs used natural gas for water and/or space heating. These reductions in energy usage resulted in an estimated average annual savings of $2,409,458 for all recipients of the weatherization services. Over the life of the weatherization measures, it is expected that the weatherization measures will save the recipients $1.94 for every $1 invested.
DOE funds will be leveraged with the Arkansas Weatherization Program (AWP), utility energy efficiency programs and any other additional appropriate funding sources when available.
As required by federal regulations, a Policy Advisory Council (PAC) assists in the development and implementation of the WAP and advises the state on a broad range of issues relating to WAP. The PAC is broadly representative of organizations that provide services to low-income persons in Arkansas.
Member Representing:
Mark Whitmer - Executive Director Community Action Agency
Andre Bernard - Local Government
Morris F. Cranmer - Environmental and Occupational Health
Brett Curry - Electric Cooperatives
Keith Fountain - At Large - Banking
Kenny Gunn - Weatherization Director - Community Action Agency
Linda Hardway - Federal Housing - HUD
Richard Champlin - Public Utility - Entergy Arkansas
Lawrence McCullough - Housing - USDA Rural Development
Quinyatta Mumford - Health Department
Wally Nixon - Public Service Commission
Kirk Pierce - Public Utilities - CenterPoint Energy
Joe Riddle - At Large (ADFA)
Ken Smith - At Large (Energy Trade Association)
Charles Thompson - Aging/Adult Services
A public hearing will be held to receive public input on the Program Year 2014 State Plan at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2014 at Pulaski Technical College, 3303 East Roosevelt Road, Room 202, Little Rock, Arkansas. Notice of the meeting was published in the statewide daily publication the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and posted on the Arkansas Economic Development Commission website at
www.arkansasedc.com. It is distributed via email to all WAP program managers and agency executive directors.
Other Funding Sources
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds have been directed into the weatherization program since 1982. The amount of LIHEAP funds available for weatherization during the 2014 program year is $4,125,706.00; which represents 15% of the state's LIHEAP allocation. LIHEAP funds are received October 1 of each year and must be expended by September 30 of the following year. Additional LIHEAP funds will become available to the WAP October 1, 2014. LIHEAP funds are used in accordance with all applicable U.S. DOE and Arkansas State Plan rules and regulations.
Subgrantees Involved in the Leveraging and Collaboration Process
Leveraging Activities
With the implementation of the new management software system, the state will begin the first of its kind in the state Residential Carbon Trading Initiative. The National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) Residential Carbon Trading Program creates new revenue through the sale of carbon offsets on the voluntary carbon market. The Residential Carbon Trading Initiative will help the WAP measure its environmental impact by quantifying emissions reductions and generate additional revenues to expand weatherization program services to more low income and moderate income households.
The Inter-Local Agreement will provide an option to subgrantees with regards to materials (refrigerators, CFL's, etc.) and compliance with ASHRAE 62.2. In addition, The Home Depot has negotiated prices with contractors for plumbing, electrical and HVAC work who are willing to work statewide. Subgrantees will conduct their normal procurement process but will required to compare local prices to the Home Depot prices; if local prices are in excess of the prices in the Inter-Local Agreement the subgrantee will be required to use the Inter-Local Agreement negotiated by the U.S. Communities Program.
Collaborative Efforts:
Once the work is completed the community will be recognized by the state as an "Energy Efficient Community". The municipal leadership and any participants who would like to attend will be invited to participate in the Annual Weatherization Day activities where they will be formally recognized.
Weatherization Plus Health: A National Effort for Local Healthy Homes Collaboration
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Plus Health initiative is a national effort to enable the comprehensive, strategic coordination of resources for energy, health, and safety in low-income homes. The National Association of State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) is implementing the project on behalf of DOE. Weatherization Plus Health will ensure energy efficient and healthy indoor environments by facilitating the establishment of strong, effective partnerships between Grantees of the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and providers of healthy homes services.
Arkansas will work with the Policy Advisory Council (PAC) to establish a Healthy Homes Initiative.
Definition of Income Used to Determine Eligibility (Client Eligibility) Low income will mean that income in relation to family size, which:
Procedures to Determine That Units Weatherized Have Eligibility Documentation (Household Eligibility) All dwelling units certified as eligible for services shall be occupied by an income-eligible household family unit with income at or below 200 percent of the poverty level, or "which contains a member who has received cash assistance payments under Title IV or XVI of the Social Security Act or during the twelve month period preceding the determination of eligibility for weatherization assistance," or which contains a member which has received energy assistance payments under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program during the twelve month period preceding the determination of eligibility for weatherization assistance. Subgrantees are required to keep documentation in each client file for review during Program Compliance and Onsite Program monitoring visits by state WAP staff.
Qualified Aliens Receiving Weatherization Benefits:
U.S. DOE directs grantees to guidance provided by Health and Human Services (HHS) under LIHEAP.
This guidance can be found by going to:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/resource/professional-frequently-asked-questions and searching the word "aliens" under the "Find Answers" section. Subgrantees must verify qualified alien status of Weatherization Program applicants. The verification documentation is required as part of the Subgrantee Client Files
Procedures to Determine that Units Weatherized Have Eligibility Documentation All dwelling units certified as eligible for services shall be occupied by an income-eligible household family unit with income at or below 200 percent of the poverty level, or "which contains a member who has received cash assistance payments under Title IV or XVI of the Social Security Act or applicable State or local law during the twelve month period preceding the determination of eligibility for weatherization assistance," or which contains a member which has received energy assistance payments under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program during the twelve month period preceding the determination of eligibility for weatherization assistance. Subgrantees are required to keep documentation in each client file for review during Program Compliance and Onsite Project monitoring visits by the state WAP staff.
Reweatherization Compliance
Homes weatherized on or before September 30, 1994 are eligible to be reweatherized. No more than 10% of a subgrantee's DOE completions may be reweatherized without approval from the state. The priority wait list will be followed in addressing reweatherized units.
Building Eligibility - Housing Types
Eligible housing types include owner and renter-occupied single-family homes, manufactured (mobile)
homes, and multifamily buildings.
Rental and Multifamily Building Procedures
Rentals may be weatherized when occupied by an eligible client 3, and:
3 See V.1.1 Approach to Client Eligibility
[] The subgrantee has written permission from the owner or his agent. Such written permission shall be permanently maintained in the file of the client whose unit is weatherized.
[] The benefits of weatherization assistance will accrue primarily to low-income tenants.
[] Not less than 66 percent (50 percent for duplexes and four-unit buildings) of the dwelling units in the building are eligible dwelling units or will become eligible dwelling units within 180 days under a Federal, State, or local program for rehabilitating the building or making similar improvements to the building.
[] The subgrantee must obtain and place in the client file a signed agreement from the landlord (or authorized agent of the landlord) that states that for a minimum of twelve (12) months after weatherization work has been completed on a dwelling, the tenants in that dwelling will not be subjected to rent increases because of the increased value of dwelling units due solely to weatherization assistance provided under this part.
[] No undue or excessive enhancement shall occur to the value of the dwelling units.
[] In the event of a dispute between the tenant and property owner regarding the issues listed above, the subgrantee will attempt to resolve the dispute; if that fails, the tenant will be referred to legal aid by the subgrantee.
[] In the case of a vacant rental dwelling, weatherization assistance may be provided if there is assurance that a low-income household will inhabit the dwelling within 180 days of the date the weatherization service was completed.
[] The Arkansas Weatherization Assistance Program does not seek property owner agreements for placement of liens nor does it use other contractual restriction.
[] Subgrantees will provide copies of the signed Landlord Agreements to the tenants and ensure that documentation is placed in the Subgrantee Client File.
Multi-family Buildings
The total amount of funds that can be invested in a multi-family project is determined as follows: Multiply the total number of income-eligible units in the multi-family building by the current statewide average cost per unit. The total is the maximum amount of DOE funding available to weatherize the building. All units in the building can be served and all units should be reported to DOE. However, because the state has elected to use LIHEAP funds to weatherize multi-family buildings, the amount that will be invested will be based upon research which indicates that $1,500 per unit is the average cost experienced. Adjustments to this figure will be made as needed to address multi-family buildings in Arkansas.
Deferral Process
There are conditions and situations under which a subgrantee must not or may choose not to weatherize an otherwise eligible dwelling unit. Information for making this determination may become evident during either the eligibility process or during the initial inspection process. The Arkansas WAP Deferral policy is part of the Health & Safety plan found in the Arkansas Subgrantee Operations Manual, Chapter 7 Technical Standards and Best Practices, VI. Health & Safety.
Children are defined as those individuals under the age of 19.
Low-income members of Indian tribes will receive benefits equivalent to the assistance provided to other low-income persons within Arkansas. Arkansas has no identified Indian Tribes.
Current service areas are predominantly based upon the historic boundaries of the state's community action agencies (CAA's). This was done for two reasons. Traditionally, Arkansas subgrantees have been CAA's and in general, these boundaries were their operational boundaries. Second, this approach enables CAA's to use existing outreach structures to recruit eligible clients. However, the State reserves the right to redesignate weatherization service areas. As a result of the re-bid of the service delivery network, the state has changed the service delivery areas. The state reserves the right to change the service delivery areas during a program year should production of homes or service to eligible clients become deficient in any given service area for the Weatherization Assistance Program. The state reserves the right to operate, on a temporary basis, the Weatherization Program in the territory of any defunded subgrantee. This will be done to ensure continued service to an area during the search for a new subgrantee.
The state reserves the right to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) at any time during the program year.
Generally, eligible entities that wish to become a subgrantee under the Weatherization Assistance Program must notify the state by January 15 of their interest in becoming a subgrantee for the program year beginning July 1 of that year. The state will, upon receiving written notification of intent to apply for subgrantee status, provide to the potential applicant an application package containing, but not limited to requests for: Articles of Incorporation, Mission Statement, key agency personnel, Board of Directors and representation, two most recent Certified Public Accountant audits, organizational chart, and proposed staffing levels. The application must also address:
[] The organization's experience, performance and training in weatherization or housing renovation activities;
[] The organization's experience in assisting low income persons in the area to be served; and
[] The organization's capacity to undertake a timely and effective weatherization program.
The completed application must be returned to the state by February 15 of that year. The state will hold a public hearing for all potential subgrantees prior to April 15 of that year.
Eligible clients will receive weatherization assistance in Arkansas according to the following priorities:
The term "disabled person" means any individual who: has a physical or mental disability which constitutes or results in a substantial handicap to the individual's employment; or has had a record of having, or is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of the individual's major life activities; or has a disability which would make the individual eligible to receive disability insurance benefits or Supplemental Security Income from the Social Security Administration or developmentally disabled assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services; or is a veteran or surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent of a veteran receiving compensation from the Veteran's Administration for a service connected disability or death; or is a veteran or surviving spouse or child of a veteran receiving a pension from the Veteran's Administration because of a non-service connected disability; or is a veteran receiving a pension from the Veteran's Administration because of being on a Medal of Honor Roll of one of the military services.
Subgrantees must serve clients according to date of application submission, by priority by county. As a rule, within an individual county, a lower priority client should never be served prior to a higher priority client if the higher priority client's application date preceded the lower priority client's application date. Subgrantees must document irregularities in the selection of clients. Subgrantees are authorized to develop procedures for addressing applications that have aged for more than twelve (12) months because of lengthy waiting lists in individual counties.
Prioritization of Single Family Homes and High Energy Users
Single-family homes remain the primary target of the Arkansas Weatherization Assistance Program. Subgrantees have been authorized to develop procedures to prioritize client households based on their energy burden.
Total heating degree-days in Arkansas range from a high of 5,708 in the northwestern corner of the State to a low of 4,555 in southeastern Arkansas. The average heating degree-days are 30 year averages that have been supplied by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In counties without reporting stations and some without complete data for 30 years, data from nearby stations was utilized.
Black River Area Development Council | 5,458 |
Central Arkansas Development Council | 4,961 |
Community Action Program for Central Arkansas | 5,276 |
Crowley's Ridge Development Council | 5,291 |
Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council | 5,331 |
Pine Bluff-Jefferson County Economic Opportunities Commission | 5,064 |
Elevate | 5,182 |
Beginning Program Year 2014, Arkansas will use the Energy Conservation Online Software known as ECOS to mandate measures to be installed on all homes, site built, manufactured and multifamily homes. Subgrantees should install all measures that have an individual and cumulative SIR of 1.0 and above to the maximum cost per unit as established by the state. With the exception of refrigerators, windows and doors which must have an SIR of 3.0 and above.
The primary goal of the weatherization program remains the conservation of energy. Please see Arkansas's Weatherization Priority Measures and Work Standards. Primary emphasis is on insulation, lighting and air sealing.
FRAME, MASONRY AND MODULAR HOUSING
Health and Safety Measures
General Heat Loss Measures
Envelope Insulation Measures
Electric Baseload Measures
Window Measures
MOBILE HOMES
Electric Baseload Measures
Health and Safety Measures
General Heat Loss Measures
Envelope Insulation Measures
Window Measure
Currently Arkansas uses the Arkansas Weatherization Field Guide and Installation Standards to provide guidance to subgrantees in determining how weatherization work measures are installed. All work is performed in accordance to the USDOE-approved energy audit procedures and 10 CFR 440 Appendix A.
Beginning with Program Year 2015, Arkansas will adopt the Standard Work Specification "Deck of Cards" maintained on an on-line system by Santa Fe Community College ("SFCC"). The Standard Work Specification Deck of Cards (SWSDC) is considered the Gold Standard by DOE for compliance with SWS. The SWSDC will replace the current Arkansas Field Guide.
The SWSDC is comprised of a set of PDF documents ("Cards") that incorporate the National Standard Work Specifications (SWS), which define performance requirements for a particular task, into a Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) field guide to be used as a tool for weatherization services training, implementation, and inspection. Each "Card" in the "Deck" addresses the elements of an individual Standard Work Specifications (SWS), providing both written instructions and photographic illustrations for performance of the SWS.
Communication of Guidelines and Standards
Beginning in Program Year 2014, the state will ensure that all subgrantee agreements and subgrantee vendor contracts contain language which clearly documents the following:
The state will require written subgrantee communication verification to ensure that the requirements are understood. The state will require the subgrantee to provide written communication verification from all vendors of the SWS.
Single Family
Site-specific audits using ECOS must be run on all single-family frame homes weatherized with Arkansas Weatherization Assistance Program funds.
For Program Year 2014, the Arkansas Energy Office has submitted mobile home energy audits procedures to the USDOE for review as a part of a new program management software package, ECOS. Site-specific audits must be run on all mobile homes weatherized with Arkansas Weatherization Assistance Program funds.
Multi-family Energy Audits
DOE has advised that multi-family buildings that have more than three stories should not be weatherized using the NEAT audit. Currently, Arkansas has no multi-family audit; for Program Year 2014, the Arkansas Energy Office has submitted multi-family audit procedures to the USDOE for review as a part of a new program management software package. The Energy Conservation Online System or ECOS will add a multi-family audit to the Arkansas WAP.
Savings to Investment Ratio
For Program Year 2014, Arkansas has elected to raise the Savings to Investment Ratio (SIR) for Capital Intensive furnace or cooling efficiency modifications, doors and windows to 3.0 or above. The SIR means that the expected energy savings from installing the measure is equal to or greater than the initial cost of installation. All other measures must have an SIR of 1.0 or greater must be installed up to the maximum cost per unit allowed by the state. All energy-savings measures must be considered and ranked in order of descending SIR; the higher the SIR, the higher the priority.
Opting Out or Skipping Cost-effective Weatherization Measures
Completion of all measures with an SIR of 1.0 or greater is required up to the maximum cost per unit allowed by the state. No measure may be skipped in order to complete a measure with a lower SIR. In other words, measures may not be skipped and/or clients cannot 'opt' out of a measure.
Inspection and Monitoring of Work Using Guidelines and Standards
DOE requires that Quality Control Inspectors working for the WAP possess the knowledge, skills and abilities in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Job Task Analysis for Quality Control Inspectors. This requirement applies to all individuals who perform an evaluation and sign off on work performed in homes including final inspectors and state monitoring staff.
For Program Year 2015, the state will ensure that QCI competency is demonstrated by mandating certification as a Home Energy Professional (HEP) Quality Control Inspector (QCI). The state will require that each Program Monitor become certified as a HEP QCI and/or the state will hire a third-party contractor with the HEP QCI credentials. Each subgrantee will employ or contract with a Certified Home Energy Professional Quality Control Inspector. And because the state is ultimately responsible for ensuring that every unit reported to DOE meets the work quality guidelines required by the WAP, subgrantees must include in their application package the credentials of all staff employed as a QCI and of any third party organizations engaged to conduct QCI's.
Effective PY 2015, Arkansas will implement policy and procedures to address situations when the QCI is not inspecting units using the standards adopted by the state and consistent with SWS. This policy will include disciplinary action that will result in the disallowance of the unit for reimbursement until the final inspection is conducted by a QCI and additional monitoring to ensure that state protocols are consistently followed. If state protocols are not consistently followed, the subgrantee risks the state reducing their funding allocation and using the funds to hire a third party QCI or having funds reallocated to another subgrantee.
Quality Control Inspection
Beginning in Program Year 2015, the Arkansas Energy Office will require that every DOE WAP unit reported as a "completed unit" must receive a final inspection by a certified QCI ensuring that all work meets the minimum specifications outlined in the SWS in accordance with 10 CFR 440.
*Units will be inspected using criteria found in the specifications outlined in the Work Quality section of this plan.
* Every client file will have a form that certifies that the unit had a final inspection and that all work met the required standards. The certification will be by a certified QCI. Signatures will meet the requirement. If a unit has received both a final inspection and has also been monitored by the state, two certification forms will be available in the client file - one for each inspection.
* The Quality Control Inspection will include an assessment of the original audit and confirm that the measures called for on the work order were appropriate and in accordance with the state audit procedures and protocols approved by DOE.
Arkansas has elected to implement one of the DOE standard options for administering quality control inspections- Independent QCI: the QCI is the individual that has no involvement in the work on the home either as the auditor or as a member of the crew. Each subgrantee must have a certified QCI on staff or must have a third party certified QCI perform final inspections on each unit prior to submitting the unit as a "completed unit" to the state.
The state or a DOE approved representative (third party certified Quality Control Inspector) will perform quality assurance reviews on at least 5 percent of all completed units. In order to prepare for 2015, this could occur in 2014. If the sub grantee does not have a certified QCI on staff they will be allowed to contract with a state approved certified QCI
To ensure the individual who is functioning as the quality control inspector is able to consistently perform both tasks, the state has developed a quality assurance plan that requires the individual complete the Quality Control Inspector training at an accredited WAP Training Center and be a certified Quality Control Inspector (QCI). When the Home Energy Professional Energy Auditor Certification becomes available, the state will mandate this certification as well.
To ensure that there are a sufficient number of certified individuals available to meet the requirements of this section, the state has developed a training and certification plan as described in section V.8.4:
The State of Arkansas is concerned that all entities that participate in the program be qualified and have sufficient ability to effectively deliver a quality product to the citizens of Arkansas. The following evaluation system has been developed to analyze current subgrantee performance and to assess viability for continued participation in the weatherization program.
[]On-site Inspections of Weatherized Units: State program monitors will inspect between 10% of completed units for each subgrantee.
[]Program Monitoring: A Program Compliance onsite monitoring visit is conducted for each subgrantee annually. The visit focuses on fiscal and administrative compliance with all applicable federal and state WAP rules and regulations.
[]CPA Audits: Each subgrantee must submit a satisfactory CPA audit within 13 months of the end of their fiscal year. Audits are reviewed by the state staff
[]Productivity: each subgrantee must maintain a rate of production to ensure that all USDOE WAP funds are expended in a timely manner each program year.
Please see 2014 Arkansas Operations Manual, Chapter 7 Technical Standards and Best Practices for Arkansas's WAP Health and Safety plan. Historically, Arkansas has limited H& S investment of 15 percent of the cost per unit.
Liability Insurance
Subgrantee must obtain pollution occurrence insurance coverage for their agency. Subgrantees that employ private contractor labor to perform Weatherization services must ensure that each private contractor is adequately insured, including pollution insurance coverage.
The weatherization program is administered by the state, an independent state agency. Beginning with Program Year 2014, the state will implement a new program management system called the Energy Conservation Online System or ECOS. ECOS supports the US Department of Energy's state administered Weatherization Program and will allow the state to combine the WAP with other state and regionally financed energy conservation programs. The ECOS application is a comprehensive management information system that extends from client selection and energy audit to final billing and monitoring of weatherization jobs. The core of ECOS is a U.S. DOE-approved residential energy audit application and integrated job-costing and management system that generates work orders in addition to providing inspection tools to capture test results and track changes as the job proceeds to completion.
ECOS provides the tools to manage all critical business processes of the weatherization program. Additionally, the software application captures and stores all critical health and safety data about a home including moisture issues, mold issues, air quality, CO2 levels and more. It can and will be updated to reflect program changes at the state and federal levels. The application is customizable for any state or local agency.
The State Energy Efficiency Programs Improvement Act of 1990 permits subgrantees receiving less than $350,000 in federally appropriated Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program funds to receive up to an additional 5% share of administrative funds. However, due to the federal requirement that limits administration to a maximum of 10%, the state would have to reduce its 5% share in order to allow the subgrantee network an additional amount for administration. To do so, would impact the state's ability to administer the program and therefore, is not an option.
To ensure quality workmanship throughout the State, The state implements a comprehensive project and program compliance monitoring strategy. The WAP Network of subgrantees provides access to weatherization services in each of the state's seventy-five (75) counties based on the relative need of the low-income population residing in each county of their service area.
Monitoring consists of visits to subgrantees to review program administration and compliance functions as well as onsite visits to inspect weatherized homes. The state performs annual Program Compliance Monitoring including a review of fiscal and administrative systems to assure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. Program Monitors conduct monitoring and technical assistance centered on monthly site visits to work sites and completed weatherized homes during several phases of project implementation.
Monitoring Activity | Monitoring Goal |
Onsite Inspection of Completed Units | 5% of all completed units for each subgrantee |
Quality Control Inspections | Minimum of 4 per quarter |
Onsite File Review | File review for each completed project that receives an onsite inspection during annual Program Compliance Monitoring |
Program Compliance Monitoring | Annually - Program compliance monitoring consists of a financial review and a systems monitoring. |
Lead Safe Weatherization | Minimum 1 per quarter/per contractor or crew |
Desktop Energy Audit Review | 10% of units submitted for reimbursement |
AEO Program Monitoring and Compliance Strategy | ||||
Type of Monitoring/Review | Purpose | Conducted by: | # of Units | Frequency |
Onsite Inspection of Weatherized Homes | Inspection of completed projects that are submitted to the state for reimbursement | WAP Program Monitors | 5% of all completed units for each subgrantee | Quarterly or as needed to reach targeted number of units per subgrantee |
Quality Control Monitoring | Accompany subgrantee Quality Control Program Inspector on final diagnostic testing and monitoring of unit prior to submittal for reimbursement to the state | WAP Program Monitors | A minimum of four per subgrantee | Quarterly or as needed to reach targeted number of units |
File Review Monitoring | On-site review of subgrantees reviews | WAP Program Monitors | 100% of weatherized homes that receive an onsite inspection | Quarterly or as needed to ensure that file review is completed for every unit inspected by a Program Field Monitor |
Lead Safe Weatherization | Assure that lead-safe procedures are implemented as required | WAP Program Monitors | At least 1 (one) per quarter, per contractor or crew. | At least once per quarter/per subgrantee and per crew/contractor |
Program Compliance Monitoring | Comprehensive review of subgrantee program administration | Budget Specialist | Ensure 5% of all completed units are monitored. | At least once annually |
Energy Audit Review | Review energy audits submitted with reimbursement requests to ensure all energy efficiency measures are identified and implemented and SIR's for appropriate measures | JAI Software Management Team | 10% of all completed units | Monthly sample from Reimbursement Requests |
Inspection of Weatherized Homes
Program monitoring consists of the inspection of recently weatherized houses. Some subgrantees will be monitored each quarter, while others are monitored more frequently or infrequently depending on production and identified needs to address quality and/or health and safety concerns. The goal is to inspect five (5) percent of weatherized homes for each subgrantee; however, the state will monitor additional units in progress to ensure work quality; therefore, if deficiencies are noted, the percentage could increase to ten (10) percent of all homes weatherized.
Quality Control Monitoring
State Program Monitors will accompany subgrantee crews and contractors as they conduct final quality control inspections. This provides the opportunity for the state to provide technical assistance with weatherization techniques such as CAZ (combustion area zoning) and air sealing.
File Review Monitoring
State Program Monitors complete an onsite file review for every weatherized home that is inspected.
Lead Safe Weatherization Site Visits
State Program Monitors will make periodic unannounced site visits to homes that are being weatherized to observe that the required lead-safe work practices are being used by crews and contractors. This is an opportunity to clarify and demonstrate best practices related to lead-safe weatherization.
Program Compliance Monitoring
The state believes monitoring is an extremely important aspect of weatherization program management. A successful monitoring program improves subgrantee operations, identifies problems early enough for corrective action, and promotes quality work. The state considers monitoring to be an assessment of subgrantee performance in fulfilling program objectives.
A Program Compliance monitoring will be conducted annually with each subgrantee. Program compliance monitoring consists of a financial review and an administrative monitoring.
The financial review will include:
The program administration review will include:
A minimum of ten percent (10%) of the client files of all DOE and LIHEAP units completed in the twelve (12) months prior to the Program Compliance Monitoring visit will be examined. The state staff will review subgrantee management systems to ensure compliance with rules, regulations, and mandated file documentation. Material records shall be examined and inventory will be inspected to verify the adherence to Federal specifications. The financial review will encompass the examination of all completed programs not previously reviewed.
The state will issue a report to the Agency Executive Director and the Weatherization Program Director detailing the monitoring findings along with recommendations for subgrantee improvement. The subgrantee is required to respond within thirty (30) calendar days with a corrective action plan that includes steps to be taken to address findings identified during the onsite monitoring. The state Program Monitors and staff will follow-up during onsite visits to ensure that the corrective actions are implemented as directed.
Energy Audit Review
The state will use the JAI ECOS Management Team to review five (5) percent of the energy audits that are submitted for each weatherized home. The audits will be reviewed to ensure that the appropriate audit tool is used and the inputs are correct to maximize the weatherization measures that are implemented in the home.
Beginning in Program Year 2014, the state Training Plan will require comprehensive training for all WAP workers that is aligned with National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) Job Task Analysis (JTA) for the position which the worker is employed.
The Training Plan will address two distinct categories, Tier 1 and Tier 2 Training.
*Project 1.1: Tier 1 Training: Comprehensive, occupation-specific training which follows a curriculum aligned with the JTA for that occupation. The Tier 1 Training will be administered by a training program that is accredited by IREC for the JTA being taught.
*Project 1.1.1: Develop a Weatherization Training Center (WTC) with a curriculum aligned with the JTA for each occupation. Both training programs are accredited by IREC for the JTA's.
(Milestone: Developed two WTC's: Pulaski Technical College (PTC) and North West Arkansas Community College (NWAC) Date: Q4 FY 2011)
*Project 1.1.2: Provide Tier 1 training to all workers in the Weatherization Assistance Program.
(Milestone: Provided funding to the WTC's to provide Energy Auditor, Quality Control Inspector, Crew Leader and Retrofit Installer/Technician training both classroom and field training.
*Project 1.1.3: Ensure that each worker in the WAP attends training at one of the two training centers.
(Milestone: Revised grant agreements to add T&TA funds to cover cost of training Date: Q2 FY 2012)
*Project 1.1.4: Develop a Training Tracker to inventory and analyze training needs of all current weatherization employees.
(Milestone: Training Tracker developed and published in 2012. The Training Tracker serves as a status document showing what training each WAP Subgrantee staff has received; based on analysis, the document will include a list of training that is needed for certification. Date: Q4 FY12)
*Project 2.1: Tier 2 Training: Single issue, short-term, training to address acute deficiencies in the field including dense packing, crawlspace, ASHRAE 62.2-2013, noted in monitoring reports by state monitors, the DOE Project Officer, internal state audits, QA Review visits and IG reports, etc.. Conference trainings are included in this category.
Milestone: Single issue training will be held during the Annual Weatherization Training Conference October 29-31, 2014 Date: Q4 FY 2014)
The state combines comprehensive field monitoring with an extensive training and technical assistance program to identify areas weakness to improve work quality and delivery of program services and to correct subgrantee administrative and management problems. Field monitoring also provides an opportunity for on-site training and technical assistance and the identification of areas where more extensive training is needed.
Subgrantee Monitoring4
4 See V.8.6 for WAP Monitoring Strategy
Two Program Monitors and a Budget Specialist are responsible for monitoring and evaluating the operation of the WAP program at the subgrantee level as outlined in the State Plan.
Technical Assistance
Each weatherization subgrantee is assigned a WAP Program Monitor on a rotating basis that is responsible for completion of the inspection and technical assistance activities that are part of the Program Monitoring and Compliance Strategy. Technical assistance provided may include but is not limited to: staff training, policy interpretation, state plan clarification, working with subgrantees to address deficiencies and training subgrantees on new weatherization techniques.
State Staff Training
Training is essential for staff development and is provided on an ongoing basis to upgrade the quality of service delivered by the WAP Program Monitors. Each monitor will be required to complete the QCI training and become a Certified Home Energy Professional. Monitors are also expected to research and attend training opportunities offered through the Arkansas WAP Training Centers, which will enable them to gain additional knowledge and skills in: weatherization technology, furnace technology and diagnostic equipment.
Lead Safe Weatherization Training
Lead safe weatherization training will be offered through the Arkansas WAP Training Centers during the 2014 Program Year. The state will continue to ensure that WAP Network contractors and crew receive training and ongoing technical assistance regarding the RRP and Lead-Safe Weatherization Work Practices through the WAP Training Centers and through monthly site visits to observe Lead Safe Weatherization Practices of crews and contractors.
State Technical Working Group
The Weatherization Director from each subgrantee will attend meetings with the state WAP staff to discuss technical issues, specific problems, innovative solutions, and program direction. The Weatherization Training Centers, WAP Directors and Program Monitors will make up the State Technical Working Group which will meet during the 2014 Program Year Annual Grant Guidance and during the Annual WAP Training Conference to discuss training needs, updates on Weatherization Installation Measures and Standards, including Health & Safety.
Arkansas's WAP Training Centers
The accredited training component of the DOE Guidelines for Home Energy Professionals project guarantees the existence and availability of high quality standardized training programs within the home energy upgrade industry. To ensure that Arkansas is in compliance with these guidelines, the state has contracted with two community colleges to establish a training network strategy that will assure training availability throughout the State using the U.S. DOE curriculum and is supplemented with a series of in-depth topical trainings that are identified during the 2014 Program Year.
Both site-based Weatherization Training Centers in North Little Rock and Bentonville are accredited by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). The accredited training programs ensure that individuals receive the proper training to become certified Home Energy Professionals and to do the quality work that is defined in the standard work specifications
Both training centers have provided weatherization training classes including Installer Fundamentals, Installer Intermediate, Crew Chief, Energy Auditor, Mobile Home Weatherization, Home Energy Auditing, CAZ, Lead-safe Weatherization, and Renovate Right Protocol (RRP).
Ongoing training and direct technical assistance will provided on subjects such as combustion area zone (CAZ) testing, air sealing techniques, implementation of ASHRAE 62.2, identification of health and safety conditions such as mold and moisture, the OSHA 10 and 30 hours trainings are among those that will be provided at least once to each subgrantee in the 2014 Program Year.
First priority to attend the trainings is reserved for the Arkansas WAP subgrantee staff and contractors. Training is delivered through a site-based center in North Little Rock and Bentonville, Arkansas and two mobile training centers that serve other community college sites across the state. The schedule through June 30, 2015 is not finalized but will include testing for the Home Energy Professional Quality Control Inspector Certification Testing. The delivery of training will also be dependent on the amount of funds allocated for training and technical assistance activities from the USDOE.
Subgrantee Training and Technical Assistance
Each subgrantee will receive an allocation of funds to help offset the cost of their inspector and crew workers while attending training or to provide training for their weatherization staff and/or contractors.
Consumer Education and Outreach
The educational component has been designed to enhance program participants' understanding of home energy efficiency improvements, to increase energy savings, and to contribute to the ongoing effectiveness of installed weatherization measures. Educational materials have been prepared by the state (a calendar with tips to save energy) and training has been provided to our subgrantees. The state will continue to require WAP subgrantees to provide client education to each WAP client. Subgrantees will be required to provide (at a minimum) educational materials in verbal format to the client along with the calendar as a leave behind.
Arkansas will not use any grant funds for energy crisis relief during the 2014 Program Year.
168.00.14 Ark. Code R. 003