APPLICATIONS DUE: August 16, 2010

The Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP) is an international consortium that promotes energy efficiency standards and labeling for commonly used appliances and equipment.  CLASP joined the ClimateWorks Foundation’s network as a Best Practice Network (BPN) in March of 2009.  As a BPN, CLASP has expanded its efforts to support nations around the world that seek to improve energy efficiency in appliances, lighting, and equipment, and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases that cause climate change. 

Leveraging support from the ClimateWorks Foundation, CLASP desires to add value to the United States Energy Efficiency Standards & Labeling dialogue.  To that end, CLASP is seeking to identify technical experts on furnace fans.  These experts will work with CLASP and its partners in the development of technical analysis in support of U.S. energy efficiency standards. 

Introduction:
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sets mandatory energy conservation standards for residential products and commercial equipment.  The goal of DOE’s Federal energy efficiency standards program is to develop standards that are technologically feasible, economically justifiable, and produce significant energy savings.¹   In order to develop standards that fit these criteria, DOE relies on technical comments from stakeholders at each stage of the rulemaking process.  Stakeholders include utilities, manufacturers, and energy efficiency advocates. 
The Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP) is a US-based nonprofit that works to coordinate technical comments at each stage of the DOE rulemaking process through product-specific groups comprised of energy efficiency advocates and technical experts. ASAP has identified furnace fans as needing additional technical expertise which could contribute substantially to the development of technical comments.  On behalf of ASAP, CLASP seeks to identify and mobilize technical experts on this product.

Rulemaking Timelines:
DOE conducts a rulemaking for energy conservation standards and also generally conducts a separate rulemaking for the test procedure.  At each stage of the rulemaking process, DOE holds a public meeting, and a public comment period which is typically open for 30-75 days.  Below are the expected dates for each stage of the standards and test procedure rulemakings for furnace fans based on DOE’s regulatory agenda and ASAP estimates.  It is important to note that these dates are subject to change due to potential DOE schedule changes.  Specifically, it is possible that the schedule for furnace fans will be accelerated relative to the dates listed below. 

• Furnace Fans²

Test Procedure Timeline:

Proposed Rule	July 2011
Final Rule	December 2012

Standards Timeline:

Framework Document	December 2010
Preliminary Analysis	July 2012
Proposed Rule	July 2013
Final Rule	December 2013

Weblink:
http://www.standardsasap.org/products/furnace_fans.html

Responsibilities:
Technical experts should have strong expertise in product specifications, test procedures, and energy efficiency standards.  Technical experts will collaborate with energy efficiency advocates – through Technical Advocacy Groups (TAGs) – in the development of technical comments at each stage of the DOE rulemaking process for both test procedures and standards.  Correspondence will take place primarily through email and teleconference.  A commitment to provide technical expertise throughout the duration of the rulemaking process – lasting approximately one to three years, depending on the product – will be required.   Work in 2010 is expected not to exceed 2-3 weeks per proceeding (including both test procedure and standards proceedings), with the majority of the work taking place in the final stages of the rulemakings.  Contracts and commitments of funding will be made in annual (calendar year) allocations.
The technical experts will be required to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Commitment to provide technical expertise throughout the duration of the rulemaking process
• Collaboratively work with members of the TAGs in the development of technical comments
• Participation in all TAG meetings (conducted via conference call)
• Attend DOE public meetings in Washington D.C., if deemed necessary
• Provide valuable technical input leading to the development of strong technical comments
• Review all technical documents published by DOE, including but not limited to the Framework Document, the preliminary Technical Support Document (TSD), and the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR)
• Review all technical documents shared by ASAP, CLASP, or TAG members in the development of technical comments
• Possess or develop a sound understanding of the DOE rulemaking process
• Strong English language and writing stills
• Additional responsibilities may be added by CLASP or its partners if deemed reasonable and necessary

Submittal
An interested party should submit: 

• A full resume, including contact information and professional references.
• A detailed statement explaining why the expert is best suited to provide technical expertise for furnace fans as part of the TAGs by specifying experience and credentials.
• A fully-loaded day rate and number of days available by month for the rest of calendar year 2010.

We request that these documents be submitted as a single electronic file (preferably in pdf format).  We further request that the file be named as per the following example:  “Contractor Name: Furnace Fans: RFQ #6-10”

If necessary for the selection process, CLASP may request additional information from any applicant.

Interested Implementing Partners must submit the requested information by e-mail (please include "Response to RFQ #6-10" in the subject line) to Chris Wold at:  cwold@clasponline.org

Applications are due by August 16th, 2010.

Selection
A committee appointed by CLASP will evaluate qualifications received from respondents.  Selection of qualified experts will be based upon the following criteria:

• International reputation as a leading technical expert on furnace fans;
• Experience working collaboratively with other experts on energy efficiency related to furnace fans;
• Familiarity with product-specific test procedures and efficiency standards;
• Special consideration will be given to technical experts who have prior experience with the U.S. rulemaking process; however, prior experience is not a requirement

Additional information about CLASP’s selection process is available at www.clasponline.org/partnership.php?nnx=7&no=11.

All questions may be directed to Chris Wold at cwold@clasponline.org.  We request all inquiries be made by email and not by phone.

² It is possible that the furnace fan rulemaking will be accelerated relative to the dates listed due to potential DOE schedule changes.[Back to top]