The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program, through its independent third party, Encolor, will be issuing a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) to identify a partner to assess the effectiveness of its Market Development Initiative (“MDI”) program in 2023. The purpose of this notice is to provide increased awareness and interest for this impending RFP. Nicor Gas is committed to increasing opportunities for local and/or diverse suppliers and encourages any and all qualified suppliers to review and respond to the RFP.
Program Overview
The Market Development Initiative (“MDI”) is rooted in funded partnerships with community-based organizations committed to supporting our communities and fostering growth in the energy efficiency industry. The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program launched MDI as a way to help diverse contractors and underemployed individuals in underserved communities get the training they need to succeed.
Goals and Responsibilities
The MDI program has these five foundational goals:
Increase the number of local, diverse contractors (trade allies) that participate in Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program offerings. Identify diverse contractors that work in underserved Nicor Gas communities that can provide energy-saving services or install energy-efficient equipment that will help customers save energy and money.
Train individuals on the skills needed to become gainfully employed in an energy efficiency related job, while assisting in getting them placed with an employer in need of a skilled workforce.
Increase the energy efficiency funds delivered directly to underserved and disadvantaged communities through Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program rebates, products and services.
Strengthen the partnership with, and support for, these local, diverse business enterprises, so that they may grow and provide job opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed.
Increase trade ally access to, and participation in, the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program offerings, by providing information about the programs, identifying the programs that best fit their business and showing them how to participate.
The selected supplier will assess these community-based partnerships to:
Identify ways in which the MDI is performing well and making progress towards achieving overall goals and objectives.
Identify any areas in which there may be room for improvement.
Understand best practices.
Provide actionable recommendations.
The RFP is set to be released in March 2024. You will receive a link to the RFP unless you indicate that you are not interested. Please note that Nicor Gas or Encolor will not entertain questions regarding this RFP until it is released. Once the RFP is released, questions can be directed to: NicorGasMDIRFP@encolorconsulting.com.
Dated: March 8, 2024.