Guide

FY 2026 Save Energy IQC Contractor RFQ Guide

The DCSEU issues a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to qualify service providers to provide a broad range of direct energy efficiency services. For FY 2026, services are described by each of the four Scopes of Work (SOWs). The DCSEU is especially committed to working with Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) and other District-based contractors to create opportunities for local businesses and jobs for DC residents. If you are a service provider with skills in the electrical, HVAC, inspections, or general contracting fields, the DCSEU has opportunities for your company in FY 2026.

Please note this document is only meant to serve as a guide.  Please refer directly to the most up-to-date RFQ on the DCSEU website for definitive information.

What are Turn-key Installation Services?

Turn-key installation services refer to a comprehensive approach where a provider handles all aspects of a project or system installation from start to finish. This can include the following:

1. Planning and Design – Developing detailed plans, layouts, and schedules tailored to the customer's requirements.  This can include site surveys as well as engineering design and project timeline development.
2. Equipment Procurement – Sourcing and purchasing all necessary equipment and materials at the proper quality and efficiency standards required for the project installation.
3. Project Compliance – Ensuring that the project obtains the necessary permits and certifications to begin. This also includes making sure that installation meets all federal and local codes and standards.
4. Project Installation – Completing the onsite setup or installation of all equipment and any required electrical, mechanical, or structural systems.
5. Testing and Commissioning – Confirming that all installed equipment and systems functions properly and efficiently.
6. Customer Training – Providing the customer with training needed to operate and/or maintain the installed equipment.
7. Post-Installation Support – Providing operations and maintenance support in accordance with service agreements and warranty services. 

Scopes of Work (SOWs) Summary 

1. Attachment 1: Income Qualified Efficiency Fund (IQEF) – The DCSEU's IQEF Program is designed to support lighting and electrical HVAC projects that improve buildings, neighborhoods, and whole communities through energy efficiency. This program serves multifamily properties, shelters, and clinics that serves low- to moderate-income District residents.  
2. Attachment 2: Affordable Home Electrification Program – The DCSEU’s AHEP helps low-income District residents—both homeowners and tenants—replace gas and oil systems with clean, efficient electric alternatives for heating, hot water, and cooking. These upgrades reduce emissions, improve comfort, and enhance indoor air quality in single-family and multifamily homes. The program supports the installation of high-efficiency electric equipment that can lower energy use and long-term operating costs.
3. Attachment 3: Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) Residential Inspection Services for the AHEP Program – The DCSEU’s AHEP program requires quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) inspections to be completed before closing out a project. These inspections verify that all installation work authorized by the DCSEU has been performed in accordance with the contractor’s work order and program requirements.
4. Attachment 4: Affordable Housing Retrofit Accelerator (AHRA) Implementation – The DCSEU’s AHRA program supports affordable multifamily building owners in improving energy performance and achieving compliance with the District’s Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS). The program provides technical assistance, identifies energy-saving opportunities, and connects participants to available incentives and financing to support cost-effective upgrades that reduce energy use, operating costs, and greenhouse gas emissions.

What Contractor Skills & Certifications Are We Looking For?

Relevant Skills

• General contracting services
• Electrical services
• Plumbing services
• HVAC and HVAC-R services (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration)
• Refrigeration installation, leak detection, and repair
• Weatherization services
• Building controls design and installation
• Commissioning (Cx) and Retro-commissioning (RCx)

Required Certifications & Licenses

To be eligible, businesses must be licensed in accordance with D.C. Code § 47–2851.03d and hold the following. Please note that all license applications are managed by the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).

Business Licenses

• General Business License
• Basic Business License
• General Contractor / Construction Manager License

Trade Licenses (as applicable)

• Electrical Contractor License (Company Level)
• Master Electrician License
• Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Contractor License (Company Level)
• Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Master Mechanic License (Individual)
• Plumber/Gasfitter Contractor License (Company Level)
• Plumber/Gasfitter Master License (Individual)

Relevant Certifications

• Building Performance Institute (BPI)
  • Building Analyst Technician (BA-T)
  • Building Analyst Professional (BA-P)
  • Multifamily Building Analyst (MFBA)
• Home Energy Rating System (HERS)® Rater
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 Technician Certification
• Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
  • Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
  • Certified Energy Auditor (CEA)
• The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
  • Building Energy Assessment Professional (BEAP)
  • High-Performance Building Design Professional (HBDP)
• Professional Engineer (PE) certification
• DC Department of Buildings (DOB) Approved Third-Party Inspectors