Multifamily Building Solutions Network Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can qualify to become a Provider?
- What are the minimum requirements to become a Provider?
- My company has related experience but does not specifically have multifamily projects to show in the case studies. Can we qualify to become a Provider?
- How are Providers paid?
- How are Providers selected to participate?
- How many projects does NYSERDA assign to each Provider?
- How much can I charge to provide Provider Services?
- Do applicants need project installation experience to become a Provider?
- My firm has completed several multifamily building projects; however, the project lead no longer works for our firm. Can we still use those projects for our Case Studies or references?
- Who can I contact with more questions about becoming a Provider?
Who can qualify to become a Provider?
Providers come in all shapes and sizes, from small engineering firms to large multinational corporations. What they all have in common is experience in delivering energy improvement projects to multifamily buildings. Approved Providers in the Multifamily Building Solutions Network must be an established business with proven experience in energy auditing and assessment, utility bill analysis and construction oversight in multifamily projects. The Provider Application lists everything needed to submit a complete application. Find out more about the qualification requirements and application process on the Becoming a Provider web page.
What are the minimum requirements to become a Provider?
In addition to submitting an application that scores above 80, the following minimum requirements must be met before a Provider application will be reviewed. Applications that do not show compliance with these minimum criteria will not be considered.
- Your team must include a minimum of one of the following designations.
Designator Entity Title Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
Certified Energy Auditor (CEA™)
Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
Certified Energy Manager (CEM®)
Building Performance Institute
Multifamily Building Analyst (MFBA)
State Licensing Board
Licensed Architect (RA)
State Licensing Board
Professional Engineer (PE)
- Applicants must have a minimum of five years industry experience.
- Applicants must hold insurance levels equal to a minimum of General Liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence, as well as Worker’s Compensation, Employer’s Liability and disability benefits as required by New York State.
- Submit a completed US IRS Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification W-9 form.
My company has related experience but does not specifically have multifamily projects to show in the case studies. Can we qualify to become a Provider?
Yes, as long as your experience is translatable into the multifamily sector. To show this, submit three case studies as part of the Provider application that best represent your company’s ability to provide services to the multifamily market. Case studies should focus on whole-building energy scopes of work you may have completed for institutional, commercial/industrial buildings, or other properties that have similar systems as multifamily buildings. In addition to the case studies, use the management plan section of the Provider application to explain how your firm’s non-multifamily experience and skills are transferable to this Program and how you intend to enter the multifamily market.
How are Providers paid?
Providers are paid by their customer, the building owner or developer, not by NYSERDA. NYSERDA Multifamily Performance Program incentives are paid directly to the building owner. Providers negotiate their fees and contracts with their customers.
How are Providers selected to participate?
Applications are reviewed as they are received on a first-come, first-served basis. Notice of application approval or denial is typically sent within 4-6 weeks of application receipt. Incomplete applications will be disqualified. Applicants that are not approved are welcome to resubmit in the future. Refer to the Application for detailed information about requirements.
How many projects does NYSERDA assign to each Provider?
NYSERDA does not assign projects to Providers. Customers (building owners and facility managers) choose a Provider as they would any other professional services provider. NYSERDA does not recommend or endorse any single Provider in the Multifamily Building Solutions Network to customers. As part of a competitive marketplace, Providers develop relationships with customers to sell their services.
How much can I charge to provide Provider Services?
NYSERDA does not set Provider fees. Provider fees are paid by the building owner to the Provider for their energy efficiency expertise. Provider fees are negotiated between each Provider and customer
Do applicants need project installation experience to become a Provider?
The Multifamily Building Solutions Network provides customers with expert guidance and advice throughout the entire life cycle of energy efficiency projects. Applicants who are unable to show experience with construction and installation will be at a disadvantage. If your firm only performs energy audits and does not have experience tracking and monitoring construction, your application will be scored accordingly.
My firm has completed several multifamily building projects; however, the project lead no longer works for our firm. Can we still use those projects for our Case Studies or references?
Your Application should demonstrate your firm’s current abilities.
Who can I contact with more questions about becoming a Provider?
Please contact NYSERDA at [email protected] or call 716-842-1522, x3003.