Request for Qualifications for CCHRC’s Building Science Technical Support Center & Other Activities

Introduction and Purpose:

The Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) is seeking Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified individuals and/or companies interested in becoming approved vendors to provide Technical Assistance and Building Science education services. These services may include, but are not limited to, technical consultation, evaluation services, applied building science support, and education and
training activities delivered through programs such as CCHRC’s Building Science Technical Support Center.

The purpose of this RFQ is to identify and pre-qualify a diverse pool of experienced vendors with expertise in cold-climate building science, energy efficiency, housing performance, and workforce or professional education. CCHRC may engage vendors selected through this process on a project-by-project or as-needed basis to support homeowners, builders, housing professionals, communities, and partner organizations. Submission of an SOQ does not guarantee a contract, but establishes eligibility for future opportunities as program needs and funding allow.

Costs for preparing the response to this RFQ are the sole responsibility of the respondent. CCHRC will not be responsible for time or expenses incurred in responding to this RFQ. Please use the form linked here to submit your qualifications.

Please use the form linked here to submit your qualifications. 

Background:

The Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) is a nonprofit organization
committed to advancing sustainable housing solutions in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Located in Fairbanks, Alaska, CCHRC was formed in 1999 by members of the Alaska State Home Building Association to tackle the challenges of building in cold climates, including remote locations, harsh working conditions, and unstable ground.

CCHRC leads the way in sharing resilient housing solutions that prioritize energy efficiency, durability, and cultural relevance. Our work is made possible through a diverse range of funding sources, including support from the State of Alaska, federal grants, corporate partnerships, and individual contributions, which allows us to deliver high-impact results across the state.

Vendors selected through this SOQ may support a range of CCHRC programs that provide technical assistance and building science expertise to individuals, communities, and partner organizations across Alaska and other cold-climate regions. One primary program area is CCHRC’s Ask-A-Builder Hotline and Technical Home Building Support Center. Through this service, homeowners, builders, housing professionals, and community members contact CCHRC by phone or email with questions related to home construction, energy efficiency, moisture management, ventilation, durability, and other building science topics. CCHRC experts provide clear, practical, and climate-appropriate guidance in response. Vendors may be engaged to provide direct technical responses, research solutions, document inquiries, or support follow-up consultations.

CCHRC also conducts technical projects that involve more in-depth evaluation and consulting services. These projects may include:

• Technical writing
• Data analysis
• Review and evaluation of building plans and specifications
• On-site or virtual assessment of existing buildings
• Building enclosure and energy performance analysis
• Recommendations for new construction, rehabilitation, retrofits, or relocations
• Consultation with tribal organizations, housing authorities, and communities on housing development strategies and best practices for cold climates

These engagements may vary in scope and complexity, ranging from short-term consultations to multi-phase technical support efforts. Vendors may be asked to provide remote assistance, written reports, field observations, training, or direct consultation, depending on project needs and funding availability.

Minimum Requirements:

Entities responding to this RFQ must meet the following minimum criteria:

1. Have actively conducted business in the State of Alaska within the last five (5) years, as either a for-profit or nonprofit entity. This requirement must be explicitly addressed in responding to this RFQ.
2. Before entering into an agreement with CCHRC for any federally funded work, an entity must have or be willing to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number and maintain an active account in the System for Award Management (SAM).
3. Currently not debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in any State or Federal program, or with any unresolved audit findings over the last three years.
4. Licensed and Bonded in the State of Alaska (if a building contractor).
5. Have demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: technical assistance, consulting, education, or training related to building science, energy efficiency, construction, housing performance, or a closely related field.

Experience applicable to cold or arctic climates is strongly preferred.

Submission:

Eligible applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and demonstrate relevant experience.
Applicants should submit their application by clicking here
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. 

Narrative Requirements:

Please answer the following questions about your experience in 1-2 paragraphs. If the questions are not relevant to you, write N/A. Format your answers to the following questions in a PDF and attach it to the form linked above.

1. Describe your experience providing technical assistance, consulting, or education related to building science, construction, energy efficiency, or housing performance. Include the types of clients served (e.g., homeowners, builders,housing authorities, tribal organizations, public agencies).
2. Describe your experience working in cold, arctic, rural, or otherwise challenging climates. How has this experience informed your approach to building performance, durability, and occupant health?
3. Describe any experience developing or delivering training, workshops, or educational materials. What audiences have you worked with, and how do you tailor technical information to different skill levels?

Evaluation Criteria

CCHRC will review Statements of Qualifications to determine each applicant’s ability to provide high-quality Technical Assistance and Building Science education services.

All applications must meet the Minimum Requirements outlined in Section C in order to be considered. Applications that do not meet the Minimum Requirements will not move forward in the evaluation process

Qualified submissions will be evaluated using the following criteria:

1. Relevant Experience: Demonstrated experience in building science, construction, energy efficiency, housing performance, or related fields.
2. Cold-Climate Knowledge: Understanding of cold-climate building practices and challenges, particularly in rural or remote environments.
3. Technical Assistance and/or Training Experience: Experience delivering technical support, consulting services, or education and training to relevant audiences (e.g., homeowners, builders, housing professionals, communities).
4. Quality of Responses: Clarity, completeness, and professionalism of the SOQ submission. Responses should demonstrate strong communication skills and a practical understanding of the work.
5. Capacity and Availability: Ability to provide services promptly and meet anticipated project needs.

Notification, Contract, and Assignment of Work

Consultants will be notified of their eligibility status approximately four weeks after submission. While eligibility does not guarantee a contract, qualified consultants will periodically be invited to submit price quotations for specific project scopes.

Assignment offers are based on CCHRC’s current needs, and rates may be subject to negotiation. For each awarded service, consultants must provide their availability and a delivery timeline. All projects will be finalized through a standard agreement and task order.

Questions

Please submit any questions to [email protected].

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