Welcome please login or register!
Login »

Resources Overview

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FROM THE GEO

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) is required to offer all funding opportunities through competitive solicitation. You will find all requests for quotes, proposals and grant applications listed on this page. Be sure to scroll all the way down, as there are many opportunities, some ongoing and some date specific. Updates to this list are posted often, so please check back regularly.

Grants

The GEO released the following grants in 2010 and plans to hold a webinar for each grant solicitation approximately one week after the official posting date. All questions regarding the application or the grant criteria should be asked at that time, however, the GEO will be unable to answer any questions pertaining to individual project proposals. Please note that some grants will be offered within the same grant application, while others will be offered separately and will require individual applications.

Note: Timelines are subject to change; grants may be pushed back to later dates, but will not open earlier.

January 2010 Grants
The GEO released the following grants in January of 2010.

January 22, 2010 - Webinar Slides
January 22, 2010 - Webinar Questions and Answers

Solar Hot Water Carbon Offset Program - Closed

The Colorado Carbon Fund - Closed
Applications were accepted on a rolling basis. Visit the Colorado Carbon Fund website for more information.

Solar Hot Water Carbon Offset Program - Closed
The Colorado Carbon Fund accepted applications on a rolling basis. Visit the Colorado Carbon Fund website for more information.

Innovation Funding for Energy Efficiency Grants - Closed
This grant provided funding to local businesses to assist with the costs in bringing new residential energy efficiency products or services to market.

LEED for Existing Buildings Certification Incentive Program - Closed
A matching grant for public universities and campuses in Colorado interested in pursuing LEED for Existing Buildings certification.

Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings - Closed
A matching grant opportunity for energy-efficient or renewable energy equipment installation on historic properties in Colorado. These grants help demonstrate that these types of retrofits are practical on historic properties.

New Energy Economic Development Grant - Closed
Grants for projects that involve installations or programs that lead to the installation of established energy efficiency or renewable energy technology.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for Vehicle Fuel Infrastructure - Closed
Funding was made available for the retrofit of existing private fleet fuel yards or public retail stations to include compressed natural gas (CNG) in their fuel portfolio.

ENERGY STAR® Training for HBA Grants - Closed
Funding for Colorado homebuilder associations for ENERGY STAR focused trainings or workshops to their members, respective contractors and industry professionals.

February 2010 Grants
The GEO released the following grants in February of 2010.

Energy Managers for BOCES - Closed
This program will provide energy managers to school districts through the BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services) model.

Ground Source Heat Pump Pilot Grant - Closed
Funding for two municipal or Co-op utilities to partner with the GEO in offering a grant program for residential Ground Source Heat Pump projects.

Community Marketing Grants - Closed
Funding for nonprofits, community groups, local governments and utilities was awarded to to assist the GEO with its public outreach efforts throughout the state.

March 2010 Grants
The GEO released the following grants in March of 2010.

ENERGY STAR Mortgage Grants - Closed
Funding for lenders and banks located in Colorado to offer interest rate reductions for homeowners who purchase an ENERGY STAR New Home, retrofit with ENERGY STAR products, or meet prescriptive requirements determined by the GEO.

April 2010 Grants
The GEO released the following grants in April of 2010.

Energy and Water Conservation Improvements Grant - Closed
Energy and Water Conservation Measures: This grant is to help state agencies and local governments undertake energy or water conservation measures through a new or existing Energy Performance Contract (EPC). The grant may be used to buy down energy or water conservation measures to make a marginal EPC economically viable: or to directly fund these measures if it is impractical to include them in an EPC because they are not sufficiently large in terms of cost or due to timing issues.

Wind for Schools Grant - Closed
The Wind for Schools Program engages rural school teachers and students in wind energy education and educates college students about wind energy applications Selected host schools receive a small 1.8 kW wind turbine to provide students with a concrete example of how wind energy works, while allowing for an exciting hands-on educational opportunity using state-of-the-art technology. Eligible applicants are schools districts located in Colorado that can demonstrate decent wind resources, excellent curriculum inclusion and project sustainability.

Biomass Feasibility Analysis Grant - Closed

Funding will be made available for the purchase of equipment* as well as the completion of feasibility studies, permitting processes, technology reviews and economic analysis for woody biomass projects. Eligible applicants include local governments, school districts, non-profit entities, Colorado owned businesses and utilities. * Funding for equipment is pending air quality approval from EPA and state regulatory agencies.

Geothermal Advanced Project Development Grant - Closed

Funding for geothermal projects in any stage of development, from feasibility analysis to commissioning. Eligible applicants include local governments and independent contractors with demonstrated experience in geothermal development and/or with the support of experts in geothermal energy.

Sustainability Management Systems(SMS) For School Districts Grant - Closed

This grant will provide funding to Colorado school districts to hire an SMS contractor and for the implementation of an SMS district-wide for schools to integrate sustainability goals and annual reporting into their culture. Funds will assist with inventory, goal-setting, and reporting system to be used continually and updated by the district.

High Performance Building Program Grant - Closed

These grants will fund soft costs associated with achieving High Performance Design for partners accepted into the High Performance Building Program. Funds can be used for such tasks as enhanced commissioning, third-party building rating system certification costs, energy modeling as a design tool, and other fees that might otherwise prevent a partner from utilizing these services to their full extent.

Main Street Efficiency Initiative - Closed

The GEO will provide funding through this program to organizations that support the installation of energy efficient and renewable energy equipment in existing small and mid-size commercial facilities in their communities. Eligible applicants include professional organizations, local governments, state agencies, nonprofits, and NEC (New Energy Community) Partners.

Above Building Code Grant - Closed

Funding to local governments, non-profits and businesses to help implement and support local above code efforts and high performance programs.

Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Buy-Down Grant - Closed

Funding to utilities for CFL buy-down programs for local Colorado that do not have established programs in order to help residents in their territory control energy costs.

Street Lighting Grant - Closed

Limited funding for EECBG non-entitled communities to pay for the cost of LED or high-efficiency incandescent streetlights. Funds are for the cost of equipment only and only non-entitled EECBG local governments may apply.

May 2010 Grants
The GEO released the following grants in May of 2010.

QECB Application for PACE Finance - Closed
The GEO has roughly $6 million of its Qualified Energy Conservation Bond volume cap set aside to promote Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) finance programs. Currently, there are four counties that have created a voter authorized PACE special district: Boulder, Eagle, Gunnison and Pitkin. The purpose of this solicitation is to allow for these counties to apply for QECBs to support their PACE programs.

Renewable Energy in Public Buildings - Closed
This grant opportunity provides funding for Colorado communities with populations of less than 35,000 to incorporate solar photovoltaic (PV) energy in municipal or county-owned buildings. The local government must agree to sign a power purchase agreement and provide information regarding the energy efficiency of the building on which the PV will be installed.

Energy Auditor Equipment Grants - Closed

Funding for EECBG non-entitled communities for the purchase of equipment necessary to conduct energy audits, e.g. infrared scanners, blower doors, etc.

High Performance Design in Public and Non-Profit Buildings - Closed
Funding for energy-efficiency design measures in public and non-profit buildings built as part of new capital construction projects. Funds may be used to offset hard costs associated with the largest possible gain in measurable energy performance.

Renewable Ready Buildings - Closed
Funding to support infrastructure in new construction or renovation projects that will allow renewable energy sources to be added in the future. Funds may be used to help pay for capital improvements associated with a particular renewable energy resource.

Community Energy Coordinator in Teller County - Closed

The New Energy Economy embraces energy conservation as an important component in our energy future, includes a broader mission to expand renewable and clean energy resources, and seeks opportunities to improve the state’s economy, environment, and energy independence. The overarching responsibility of the Community Energy Coordinator is to advance energy efficiency and renewable, clean energy resources. EECBG funding is directed toward local efforts to create integrated, vibrant and sustainable communities.

June 2010 Grants
The GEO released the following grants in June of 2010.

Anaerobic Digestion Grant - Mid June-It is anticipated this grant opportunity will now open in late-August.
Funding for the purchase of equipment and the completion of feasibility studies, permitting processes, technology reviews and economic analysis for anaerobic digestion (AD) projects. Eligible applicants include agricultural entities, local governments and businesses wishing to co-locate with an AD project and wastewater treatment districts.

Woody Biomass Feasibility Analysis Grant - Mid June-It is anticipated this grant opportunity will now open in late-September.
Funding for the purchase of equipment* and the completion of feasibility studies, permitting processes, technology reviews and economic analysis for woody biomass projects. Eligible applicants include local governments, school districts, nonprofit entities, businesses and utilities. *Funding for equipment is pending air quality approval from EPA and state regulatory agencies.

July 2010 Grants
The GEO released the following grants in July of 2010.

Municipal Utility Efficiency Grant - Mid-July
The purpose of this RFA is to solicit interest from qualifying electric utilities which serve 1,000 or less customers in the State of Colorado. As of the drafting of this RFA, there are 10 electric utilities whose headquarters are located in Colorado and whose territories serve less than the requisite 1,000 maximum threshold. Qualified electric utilities have the ability to either submit an application as a sole entity or in partnership with an existing vendor with the capacity to execute the scope of work outline in this RFA. After a thorough review, the GEO will make a determination based on the strength of these applications as to which community has the best configured project to effectively deploy ARRA funds for the purposes of this project.

Main Street Efficiency Initiative-Prescriptive - Mid-July
The Governor's Energy Office continues its support of Main Street energy efficiency with an additional round of competitive funding to be released in mid July. This funding will support communities who are taking the initial steps in supporting energy efficiency for local businesses. GEO will provide a prescriptive road map to getting started and provide seed money of $35,000 to $50,000 per grant. Applicants may be a consortium of local governments, utilities, community non-profits, training providers, and business associations. All Colorado communities are eligible and the lead organization can be any of the entities listed above.

August 2010 Grants
The GEO released the following grants in August of 2010.

High Performance Building Program Grant - August
These grants will fund soft costs associated with achieving High Performance Design for partners accepted into the High Performance Building Program. Funds can be used for such tasks as enhanced commissioning, third-party building rating system certification costs, energy modeling as a design tool and other fees that might otherwise prevent a partner from utilizing these services to their full extent.

Above Building Code Grant - Mid-August
Funding to local governments, non-profits and businesses to help implement and support local above code efforts and high performance programs.

Recharge Colorado Outreach Innovation Grant - Late-August
The Recharge Colorado Outreach Innovation grant is a part of the GEO’s grassroots outreach strategy. The grant provides funding to non-profits, local governments, students, and utilities that wish to promote Recharge Colorado programs with innovative local outreach strategies. This round will include funding for outreach to energy managers, K-12 teachers and classrooms, homeowners, home renters, energy efficiency and renewable energy service providers, and small businesses.

September 2010 Grants
The GEO released the following grants in September of 2010.

Energy Efficiency Expansion and Training Grant (EEET) - Early-September
Funding for capital equipment purchases and employee training costs to Colorado businesses and non-profits focused on residential energy efficiency.

Innovation Funding for Energy Efficiency Grant (IFEE) - Early-September
Funding to assist Colorado businesses with the costs of promoting alternative residential energy efficiency products or services.

Solar For Non-Profits Grant - Mid-Late September
Funding for solar domestic hot water and solar electric projects for non-profit entities that provide emergency family and community services to Colorado’s most at-risk populations. Final NPO eligibility and system requirements will be made available with the release of the Request for Applications.

Woody Biomass Feasibility Analysis Grant - Late-September
Funding for the purchase of equipment* and the completion of feasibility studies, permitting processes, technology reviews and economic analysis for woody biomass projects. Eligible applicants include local governments, school districts, nonprofit entities, businesses and utilities. *Funding for equipment is pending air quality approval from EPA and state regulatory agencies.

October 2010 Grants
The GEO is expected to release the following grants in October of 2010.

Anaerobic Digestion Grant - Mid-October
Funding for the purchase of equipment and the completion of feasibility studies, permitting processes, technology reviews and economic analysis for anaerobic digestion (AD) projects. Eligible applicants include agricultural entities, local governments and businesses wishing to co-locate with an AD project and wastewater treatment districts.

Ongoing Funding Opportunities

Colorado Carbon Fund – Ongoing

The Colorado Carbon Fund is partnering with The Climate Trust to identify and evaluate new and verifiable energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Colorado Carbon Fund is currently soliciting high quality greenhouse gas offset projects located in Colorado. Click here for more information on this process.

Event Support – Ongoing

The GEO is proud to support Colorado renewable energy and energy-efficiency events and organizations. Interested parties are invited to submit an Event Support Application and a completed W-9 for the GEO’s consideration. The GEO has also created a green event planning checklist to assist event planners in minimizing the impact of their event.

Governor’s Biofuels Coalition Funding – Ongoing

Please visit the Governor’s Biofuels Coalition section of this website to learn more about current funding opportunities for biofuels.

High Performance Building Program – Ongoing

The GEO is currently seeking eligible partner projects for the High Performance Building Program. Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements in the High Performance Building Program section of this website. Eligible parties are invited to submit a High Performance Building Program application.

K-12 Schools Program – Ongoing

The GEO is currently seeking schools that are interested in partnering to make energy improvements in existing K-12 school buildings, as well as building new high performance schools. Read more about the GEO’s schools programs in the K-12 Schools section of this website. Interested parties are invited to submit a K- 12 Schools program partnership interest form.

Performance Contracting Program – Ongoing

The GEO is currently seeking partners who are interested in performance contracting options for commercial buildings. Learn more about performance contracting in the program’s section on this website. Interested parties are invited to submit a Performance Contracting program partnership interest form. If you are a representative of a K-12 School, please use the “K-12 Schools Program form found above instead of this one.

Small Hydro Feasibility Study Funding – Ongoing

The GEO offers funding and technical assistance for feasibility studies for small hydro projects. If you are interested in applying for feasibility study funding, please indicate your funding needs in the Interest Form found on the Small Hydro Program page.

Other State Grant Programs

Advanced Technology Fund

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) manages grant monies from the Advanced Technology Fund. Interested parties are encouraged to visit CDPHE’s website for more information.

Advancing Colorado’s Renewable Energy (ACRE) Program

The Colorado Department of Agriculture provides funding to promote energy-related projects beneficial to Colorado’s agriculture industry. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture website for more information.

Solicitations for Services

The GEO is currently soliciting proposals from entities that can provide services to the GEO.

January 2010 Solicitations

The GEO released the following solicitations in January of 2010.

Energy Smart Loan Program Regional Coordinator – Closed
The GEO reviewed Documented Quotes for professional management and coordination services to provide technical support and outreach for the Energy Smart Loan Program in Gunnison, Eagle and Pitkin counties. This project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Applications were due on January 29, 2010. The solicitation can be accessed by clicking here and looking under “Governor’s Energy Office.”

Refrigerator Replacement – Closed
This GEO’s Greening Government program replaced older model energy-inefficient refrigerators in state agencies with new, ENERGY STAR models. This purchase is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Quotes were due on February 1, 2010. The solicitation can be accessed by clicking here and looking under “Governor’s Energy Office.”

February 2010 Solicitations

The GEO released the following solicitations in February of 2010.

Energy Smart Loan Program Outreach – Closed
The GEO solicited quotes from nonprofit organizations that serve Pitkin, Eagle and Gunnison county citizens. The successful bidder or bidders will provide local outreach and coordination for the multi-county Property Assessment Clean Energy (PACE) energy financing district.

March 2010 Solicitations

The GEO released the following solicitations in March of 2010.

Colorado Energy Assurance Emergency Planning – Closed
The GEO accepted proposals from service providers who will build a new intrastate framework for handling energy emergencies such as cyber attacks, major system outages and threats to critical energy infrastructure statewide. All vendors bid on this solicitation had to be registered in the Colorado BIDS system to view the request and instructions. Please refer to the solicitation instructions or contact Cheri Miller at for information about this process. The soliciation can be accessed by clicking here and looking under “Temporary Personnel Services.”

ENERGY STAR New Homes Program Regional Coordinator – Closed
The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) received quotes from independent contractors who provided professional services in the residential energy-efficiency sector. The Awarded Offeror will work with cities, counties, utilities, nonprofits and private companies to administer and implement the ENERGY STAR New Homes (ESNH) Program in the Denver area as the regional coordinator. For more information, clicking here.

April 2010 Solicitations

The GEO released the following solicitations in April of 2010.

Consulting Services
The GEO requested documented quotes for consulting services to develop a Strategic Transmission and Renewable (STAR) Program for the GEO’s Transmission Program with funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Link to solicitation located at https://www.gssa.state.co.us/BdSols.nsf/OByAgency?OpenView . Look under the “Governor’s Energy Office” tab.

Sharepoint Project Management and Development
The GEO requested documented quotes from IT service providers for Sharepoint project management and development work on an extranet used by Weatherization staff and their subgrantees for collaboration and reporting with funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. To see this solicitation click here. Look under the “Governor’s Energy Office” tab.

May 2010 Solicitations

In coordination with the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO), the Department of Local affairs (DOLA) is now accepting proposals from service providers who will provide 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) support, tools and resources to local code jurisdictions statewide. All vendors who intend to bid on this solicitation must be registered in the Colorado BIDS system to view the request and instructions. GEO and DOLA staff members are unable to respond to any inquiries regarding this solicitation. Please refer to the solicitation instructions or contact Cheri Miller at the State Purchasing Office (SPO) at Cheri.Miller@state.co.us for information about this process. The solicitation can be accessed by clicking here clicking here and looking under “Training Services” and selecting “RFP-CM-DOLA-10-003 Energy Codes-IECC Project (ARRA Funds)”.

The Governor’s Energy Office Weatherization Program partners with local agencies throughout Colorado to deliver free weatherization services to qualified Colorado residents. The following agencies are soliciting bids for weatherization materials and services. If you are interested in learning more about the weatherization program clicking here.

Weatherization Materials and Services – Closed
Northwest Colorado Council of Governments (NWCCOG) requested bids for the following weatherization materials and services for the period July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011:

Weatherization materials

Insulation materials

Glass and storm windows

Refrigerators

Furnaces and high-efficiency vented heaters

Insulation contractors

Pellet stove contractors

Electrical contractors

Furnace and heating contractors

Plumbing contractors

All bids were due by 1:00pm on June 3rd, 2010. NWCCOG only accepted bids in the following counties: Chaffee, Clear Creek, Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Jackson, Lake, Moffat, Park, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, and Summit. NWCCOG was awarded a $3 million grant to weatherize approximately 400 homes over these 13 counties.

Weatherization Services – Closed

The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) was seeking contractors for complete weatherization services including:

• Residential Energy Audits

• HVAC work

• Building Shell Measures to include; attic, wall and crawl space insulation and air sealing

Applications were due no later than 5:00pm on June 11th, 2010. For more information on this solicitation, visit: http://www.fourcore.org/.

June 2010 Solicitations

Renewable Energy Development Team

The Governor's Energy Office is now accepting Requests for Proposals (RFP) for a Renewable Energy Development Team. The purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals to establish a contract with one or more organizations experienced in providing renewable energy early stage project development services. The awarded consultants will become members of the GEO's Renewable Energy Development Team that will provide technical assistance to qualifying projects. This RFP (SEP-ARRA Funds) is posted on BIDS. To view it please go to: www.gssa.state.co.us/VenSols , look under 'Environmental Services' and select RFP-ER-GEO-10-008.

Weatherization Services

The Energy Resource Center (ERC) is formally seeking proposals to provide energy audits in El Paso, Elbert, Douglas, Teller, and Fremont counties to ERC clients. The term of the contract will commence July 1st, 2010 and end of June 30th, 2011. To be considered bids must be received no later than 5pm on June 18th, 2010.

For bid details please reference this document

The Energy Resource Center (ERC) is currently accepting bids for insulation materials, plumbing, electrical and glass services. For more information, please contact Jimmy Thompson at 719-591-0772. Bids must be submitted no later than 1pm on June 18th, 2010.

July 2010 Solicitations

GEO- ARRA Program Measurement & Verification Project (ARRA funded) -"M&V"

In coordination with the Governor's Energy Office (GEO), the Department of Personnel & Administration is now accepting proposals from qualified vendors with expertise in energy management and technical expertise in field verification of energy conserving measures, renewable energy installations, and quantitative surveying in relation to energy savings. All vendors who intend to bid on this solicitation must be registered in the Colorado BIDS system to view the request and instructions. Please refer to the solicitation instructions or contact Colorado BIDS at 303-866-6464. The solicitation can be accessed by clicking here: http://www.gssa.state.co.us/VenSols click on "Research Services" and select "RFP-CM-GEO-11-001 ARRA Program Measurement & Verification Project (ARRA funded)". For questions on this solicitation please contact Cheri Miller at Cheri.Miller@state.co.us.