Finance and Administration Cabinet
Contractors may qualify for weatherization projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contractors may qualify for weatherization projects

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 26, 2010) – The Finance and Administration Cabinet is calling on contractors statewide to join the Qualified Weatherization Contractor List to be eligible to bid on weatherization projects as they arise in conjunction with the Weatherization Assistance Program. 

“The Weatherization Assistance Program is a remarkable example of how stimulus dollars are benefiting our Commonwealth through economic development, job creation and promoting energy efficiency,” said Gov. Beshear.  “By creating a list of qualified contractors, we will give existing businesses the opportunity to participate in the green workforce through valuable contracts.” 

Established by the U.S. Department of Energy in 1977, the Weatherization Assistance Program helps reduce energy costs through home improvements for families, the elderly and the disabled whose household income is at or below 200 percent of the poverty guideline. 

In Kentucky, the weatherization program is funded by the Finance and Administration Cabinet and managed by Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC).  KHC, in turn, grants these funds to Community Action Kentucky (CAK) and Kentucky’s 23 Community Action Agencies to provide direct weatherization services across the state. 

With the addition of more than $70 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) allotted for weatherization, Kentucky is able to service more homes through its Weatherization Assistance Program, creating the need for more subcontractors to assist with the work. 

 “The Qualified Weatherization Contractor List will provide jobs for qualified Kentucky businesses while reducing energy consumption and making homes more energy efficient,” said Jonathan Miller, secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet.  “This is a true example of green job creation through the ARRA stimulus funding.”

Businesses interested in joining the Qualified Weatherization Contractor List have been asked to submit a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to CAK.  The potential for weatherization jobs exists across the entire state. When submitting an RFQ, Contractors may elect to provide services in a specific county, region or statewide. 

“This partnership between federal, state, and community action agencies creates opportunities to deliver services and help families improve their homes, which also improves the housing stock for our state.” said Richard L. McQuady, chief executive officer of KHC.  “The efficiency improvements will make homes safer and more efficient, and will also increase the family’s wealth-building because homes are a long-term investment.”

Services addressed in the RFQ are those involved in residential weatherization work including HVAC replacement and repair, air sealing, water heater replacement and/or repair, insulation work, general repairs, window and door replacement and/or repair, general electrical work, general plumbing work, general repair work and other related services.

The RFQ may be found on the CAK web site at www.communityactionky.org, under “Current Bid Opportunities.”  The RFQ will remain open until midnight on June 30, 2010.  For questions about the RFQ or the Weatherization Assistance Program, call 502-875-5863 or email RFQContractors@communityactionky.org. 

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