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RFN Request for Needs EfficiencyOne QUALITY ASSURANCE – INSPECTION AND AUDITING SERVICES (RESIDENTIAL) RFN 2018-0106 Referenced to RFP 2018-0106 RFN Issued Date: February 9, 2018 1

Transcript of SECTION 1: RFN OVERVIEW - ens-efficiency-one-prod-offload ....… · Web viewReport on any issues...

RFN

Request for Needs

EfficiencyOne

Quality Assurance – Inspection and auditing services (residential)

RFN 2018-0106

Referenced to RFP 2018-0106

RFN Issued Date: February 9, 2018

Deadline for RFN Response: February 23, 2018

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: RFN OVERVIEW4

PURPOSE OF THE RFN5

HOW EFFICIENCYONE WILL USE RESPONSES FROM PARTICIPATING VENDORS5

SECTION 2: NOTICE OF INFORMATION SESSION6

WHEN AND WHERE/HOW TO ATTEND THE INFORMATION SESSION6

AGENDA8

SECTION 3: RFN INSTRUCTIONS8

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS8

Point Of Contact8

GENERAL INFORMATION8

DUE DATE8

SECTION 4: RFN RESPONSE FORM9

APPENDIX A: DRAFT Scope of Work18

1Efficiency Nova Scotia Services18

1.1HomeWarming Service18

1.2Home Energy Assessment Service18

1.3New Home Construction Service19

1.4Green Heat Service19

2Scope of Work: Quality Assurance Site Inspector19

2.1Qualifications, Experience and Resources19

2.2General Requirements20

2.3Performance Requirements: QA Site Inspection21

2.3.1HomeWarming Service21

2.3.2Home Energy Assessment Service21

2.3.3New Home Construction Service22

2.3.4Green Heat Service (Optional)22

2.4Deliverables23

3Scope of Work: Quality Assurance Auditor23

3.1Qualifications, Experience and Resources23

3.2General Requirements24

3.3Performance Requirements: QAA File Assessment24

3.4Deliverables25

APPENDIX B: HomeWarming Site Visit Survey Map26

APPENDIX C: Home Energy Assessment Site Visit Survey Map32

APPENDIX D: New Home Construction Site Visit Survey Map40

Appendix E: Level 2 QA File Assessment Checklist for V.10.51 (Existing Homes)45

Appendix F: Level 3 QA File Assessment Form45

Appendix G: Level 2 QA File Assessment Checklist for V.10.51 (New Homes)45

Appendix H: Quality Assurance Audit Summary of Findings46

APPENDIX I: Anticipated Procurement Schedule for the Eventual RFP47

TARGET PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE (Subject to Change)47

SECTION 1: RFN OVERVIEW

EfficiencyOne, official Licensee of the Province of Nova Scotia, is an independent, non-profit organization and franchise holder of” Efficiency Nova Scotia”. Activities under this QA Inspections and Auditing Services will occur publicly under the “Efficiency Nova Scotia” name. However, contracts activities will be performed by EfficiencyOne, and as such this RFN references “EfficiencyOne”.

EfficiencyOne will be issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for QA Inspections and Auditing Services. In preparation for the RFP, EfficiencyOne is issuing this Request for Needs (RFN) to obtain feedback from Vendors (i.e. Contractors; Consultants; Organizations; etc.) with experience in providing the following services:

Quality Assurance Program Overview

EfficiencyOne’s quality assurance (QA) program plays an important role in ensuring that Service Organizations (SOs) provide services to our customers that satisfy our requirements and expectations.

The QA program accomplishes the following:

· Verifies documentation based on agreed-upon standards and requirements;

· Identifies areas for continual process improvement;

· Addresses compliance issues where SOs did not meet expectations;

· Recognizes SOs who consistently perform to a high standard; and

· Delivers products and services that meet EfficiencyOne’s customer and stakeholder standards.

The QA program allows EfficiencyOne to remedy specific issues observed before the energy savings and applicable rebates are scrutinized through annual evaluation and verification.

The upcoming RFP is being issued to identify qualified companies/consultants to provide:

1. QA Site Inspection services; and/or

2. Quality Assurance Auditor (QAA) services.

These QA Site Inspection and QAA services are needed for:

(i) Existing houses participating in the Efficiency Nova Scotia HomeWarming service;

(ii) Existing houses participating in the Efficiency Nova Scotia Home Energy Assessment service; and

(iii) New home constructions participating in the Efficiency Nova Scotia New Home Construction service.

(iv) Optional Services for QA Site Inspectors: Successful proponents may occasionally be asked to conduct home visits to verify the eligibility and compliance of heating system installations under the Efficiency Nova Scotia Green Heat service. These visits will typically be located near the Site Inspector’s base of business/home or near other site inspections they are conducting for EfficiencyOne’s QA program. Acceptance of these additional opportunities is not mandatory.

The intent is to award Standing Offer Agreements to multiple Proponents for each of these QA Site Inspection and QAA services. It is anticipated that the initial term of any resultant agreement will be from the contract signing date until December 31, 2019 with an option to renew the Standing Offer Agreement for one (1) additional year at EfficiencyOne’s sole discretion.

A full draft Scope of Work is provided in APPENDIX A of this RFN with additional supplemental information provided in Appendices B, C, D, E, F, G and H. Interested Vendors are requested to review the draft Scope of Work and then answer the questions listed in Section 4 of the RFN Response Form.

PURPOSE OF THE RFN

EfficiencyOne is interested in providing a comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date scope of work for the QA Inspections and Auditing Services. Therefore, the purpose of this RFN is to engage feedback from interested Vendors regarding EfficiencyOne’s Scope of Work for these services, in order for EfficiencyOne to include pertinent background information that enables Vendors to prepare an accurate proposal.

HOW EFFICIENCYONE WILL USE RESPONSES FROM PARTICIPATING VENDORS

The information obtained from this RFN will be used to develop the final Request for Proposal (RFP) for this service.

EfficiencyOne intends to answer applicable scope-related questions that are submitted by Vendors during this RFN process, within the final RFP. All questions and information requests pertaining to the Scope of Work will be listed in the final RFP along with EfficiencyOne’s respective answers. Any questions/requests EfficiencyOne is unable to fulfill will be clearly indicated in the final RFP. The intent is to answer as many questions/requests as possible in an effort to reduce uncertainty in the final RFP scope of work. Please submit your scope related questions on or before Feb 16, 2018 at 4:00 pm Atlantic Time (AT).

Responses to questions pertaining to the RFN process will be provided throughout the RFN process.

EfficiencyOne intends to consider other scope-related recommendations that Vendors submit for inclusion within the final RFP. The intent is to understand whether EfficiencyOne’s scope is reasonable and realistic, and then make appropriate adjustments if needed. All consideration of scope-related recommendations will be determined in EfficiencyOne’s sole discretion. However, EfficiencyOne intends to establish a fair, level playing field within the final RFP scope of work that does not unnecessarily exclude Vendors from competing in the RFP stage.

A response to this RFN is NOT mandatory in order to participate in the future RFP.

SECTION 2: NOTICE OF INFORMATION SESSION WHEN AND WHERE/HOW TO ATTEND THE INFORMATION SESSION

EfficiencyOne will host an Information Session on:

Friday, 16 February 2018

1:30 – 2:30 PM, Atlantic Time (AT)

Participation will occur via webinar and teleconference. The webinar and teleconference can be accessed as follows:

Audio Connection:

Toll Free Access: (866) 886-0869

Conference Code: 3409496772

WebEx Meeting:

Meeting link: https://efficiencyns.webex.com/efficiencyns/j.php?MTID=mbe86ed49fce767417eea11775d361a41

Meeting number: 801 336 060

1. Follow the “Meeting link” (provided above) and you should be directed to a screen similar to the one below. Fill in the applicable information and click the “Join” button when it turns green.

2. Once you have selected the green “Join” button you will likely be directed to a screen like the one below. From this screen select “Run a temporary application” by double-clicking. Once you have done this an executable file will pop up at the bottom left of your screen (see red arrow below). Double click on this executable file.

3. The below image will pop up. When it does click on the “Run” button.

Note: Your screens may look different than the ones above depending on the web browser you are using (these screen shots were taken using Google Chrome), however the steps to join the meeting should be similar.

AGENDA

The agenda of the Information Session will include:

1. Review of the RFN

2. Discussion of the draft Scope of Work and Q&A with attending Vendors.

3. Discussion of the anticipated RFP release date, procurement timeline, procurement approach and evaluation process.

*Note: Vendors are strongly encouraged to send members of their operations team to this Information Session (rather than only sending Business Development, Marketing, and/or Sales representatives)

SECTION 3: RFN INSTRUCTIONS SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Interested Vendors should submit their RFN responses via email (in Word document format) to the Point of Contact listed below. RFN responses are required to follow the format and page limitations contained in Section 4. Please limit responses to the required page limits and formats specified for each question of Section 4. Submissions that do not adhere to these requirements will not be considered. Do not provide any additional or supplemental information (such as brochures, handouts, etc.).

Point Of Contact

All questions, inquires, or communications regarding this RFN must be directed to the Point of Contact listed below. No communications shall be directed to other personnel from EfficiencyOne.

Point of Contact: [email protected]

GENERAL INFORMATION

EfficiencyOne does NOT plan to share the RFN responses submitted by Vendors nor make any responses public. However, Vendors are discouraged from submitting trade secrets or confidential information. Information provided from Vendors will be used to inform the Scope of Work. Questions pertaining to the project/service or Scope of Work will be listed in the RFP, but the name of the Vendor that submitted the question will not be listed.

EfficiencyOne takes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information supplied in this RFN and will not be responsible for costs incurred in responding to this RFN.

DUE DATE

Time Table for Responses:

Issue Date of RFN

12 February 2018

Information Session

16 February 2018, 1:30 – 2:30pm AT

Deadline for Questions

19 February 2018, 4:00 pm AT

Submission Date

23 February 2018, 4:00pm AT

SECTION 4: RFN RESPONSE FORM

Please respond to the questions in this section. You are encouraged to be open and candid in your responses.

1. Is the Scope (as drafted in APPENDIX A) realistic and achievable? If not, what changes you would recommend and why?

(Please indicate Yes/No to the questions listed below)

A

The anticipated procurement schedule shown in APPENDIX I at the end of this document is reasonable

Yes / No

B

The draft Scope of Work provided in APPENDIX A is clear for Vendors to prepare an accurate proposal with minimal cost contingency.

Yes / No

C

The description of EfficiencyOne’s existing/current systems, documents, templates, and procedures is clear.

Yes / No

D

The roles and responsibilities of the selected Vendor/Service Provider are clear regarding the delivery of the QA Inspections and Auditing Service.

Yes / No

E

EfficiencyOne may choose to interview the following individuals during the RFP Evaluation stage. The intent is to interview the key personnel from each Vendor’s project team that would be assigned to work with EfficiencyOne.

Are these the most critical project team roles?

· Site Visit Inspector

· Quality Assurance Auditor

Yes / No

If you answered “No” to any questions (A-E) listed above, please provide justification and recommended alternatives.

(2 pages maximum)

.

2.

3. What information should be included in the final Scope of Work to enable your firm to submit an accurate proposal (with minimal uncertainty and contingency included in the cost)?

Please be as specific as possible. You are encouraged to provide a bullet point list of information requested. EfficiencyOne intends to fulfill as many of these requests as is possible.

(2 Pages Maximum)

4.

5. Are there any requirements or aspects of the current Scope of Work that should be changed, adjusted, or revised? Please provide justification as appropriate.

(1 Page maximum)

6. Are there any requirements that should be added to the current scope of work? Please provide justification as appropriate.

· Note: EfficiencyOne is interested in adopting best practices and leveraging continuous improvement initiatives, where they make sense. Are there other options, alternatives, new practices/technologies, or innovative ideas that should be considered in the Scope of Work and subsequent RFP evaluation process?

· Insert descriptive bullet points as needed (i.e. to mention specific aspects/functions/ technologies/functionality EfficiencyOne wants to assess for their Scope of Work)

(1 Page maximum)

7. Are there any requirements or aspects of the current Scope of Work that are too prescriptive, overly burdensome, or outside of industry norms? Provide justification as appropriate.

(1 Page maximum)

8. In general, are there any requirements that you have seen from other related industry RFP’s that had the effect of limiting competition or unnecessarily resulted in an uneven playing field?

· Please only provide the situation; the organization name and exact details are not necessary. The purpose of this question is to help ensure EfficiencyOne does not unnecessarily limit participation in the RFP for this service.

(1 Page maximum)

9. Are there specific items (internally) that EfficiencyOne can begin working on now to facilitate a more efficient transition/implementation once the service is awarded?

· Bullet point lists are encouraged.

(1 Page Maximum)

10. Based on the current Scope of Work, what is the most realistic budget allocation?

· Per QA site visit inspection

· Per QA file rebuild audit

(1 Page Maximum)

11. What is the best approach to evaluate cost/fee structures as a part of the proposal package?

· Please describe your company’s typical cost categories (i.e. cost per site visit, cost per QA file rebuild audit, cost for travel/mileage, etc.). Clearly indicate the payment structure for each cost category (i.e. lump sum, period/duration-based, unit costs, etc.)

(2 Pages maximum)

APPENDIX A: DRAFT Scope of Work

This attachment provides a draft Scope of Work. EfficiencyOne intends to update this Scope of Work based upon feedback & questions received during the Request for Needs stage. All updates will be incorporated into the final Request for Proposal, which is anticipated to be release in early March, potentially as early as March 2, 2018.

DRAFT OF THE ANTICIPATED SCOPE OF WORK

FOR THE

Quality Assurance - Inspections and Auditing Services (Residential)

1. Efficiency Nova Scotia Services0.1 HomeWarming Service

The HomeWarming service is offered across the province and provides energy efficiency assessment and retrofit services at no cost to eligible homeowners on lower incomes. This service’s objectives are to significantly and permanently save energy and money for homeowners on lower incomes, increase home comfort, educate participants about energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

An initial assessment is conducted to establish the home’s energy use and determine retrofit options within the scope of the service, which are primarily insulation and draft proofing. The home also receives an initial EnerGuide rating to indicate its overall energy efficiency. Service Organizations (SOs) then provide the applicable EfficiencyOne staff members with their recommend retrofits.

EfficiencyOne staff review these recommendations and determine which retrofits are approved for implementation. The SO then completes the approved work and performs a final assessment to verify which upgrades have been completed and provide a final EnerGuide rating.

0.2 Home Energy Assessment Service

The Home Energy Assessment service encourages homeowners to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of their home while reducing its environmental impact. The primary objective of this program is to result in significant and permanent energy savings for homeowners. Home Energy Assessment was developed specifically to help homeowners identify and invest in smart efficiency upgrades that will result in significant energy savings. Eligible upgrades include insulation, draft proofing, ENERGY STAR® windows and doors, heat recovery equipment, and space and water heating equipment.

Initial and final energy assessments are provided to eligible existing houses at a reduced cost to the homeowner. The initial assessment establishes the home’s initial energy use and helps homeowners prioritize energy conservation options. The home also receives an initial EnerGuide rating to indicate the overall energy efficiency of the home. The homeowner can complete any or all of the recommended upgrades. Energy efficient upgrades are completed by the homeowner or contractor(s) of the homeowner’s choosing. A final assessment is performed to verify what upgrades have been completed, provides a final EnerGuide rating, and allows Efficiency Nova Scotia to calculate energy savings and verify what financial incentives should be issued. Incentives are either in the form of rebates or low interest financing.

0.3 New Home Construction Service

The New Home Construction service provides expertise and recommendations to participants building a home in Nova Scotia. These recommendations pertain to initiatives that can be implemented during construction that will minimize the energy consumption of the home once it is operational. These recommendations and resulting reduced operating costs produce lasting savings which make New Home Construction homes a more affordable option for Nova Scotians.

This Efficiency Nova Scotia service helps to incorporate energy efficient technologies into the building design with an initial energy assessment to evaluate the home’s building plans. A Registered Energy Advisor is assigned to the home by one of our applicable SOs, and the Registered Energy Advisor makes recommendations to incorporate energy efficiency technologies into the build. The home must be built, and a follow up energy assessment completed, within 12 months of application approval for the builder/homeowner to receive the associated incentives.

0.4 Green Heat Service

The Green Heat service provides financial incentives to electrically heated homeowners who are installing heating equipment to supplement their electricity consumption. Participants manage product procurement and installation and Efficiency Nova Scotia verifies eligibility and issues rebates or facilitates low interest financing options. Participants can choose between rebates and low interest financing to help cover the cost of new equipment and installation.

1. Scope of Work: Quality Assurance Site Inspector1.1 Qualifications, Experience and Resources

EfficiencyOne is looking for site inspectors that:

· Have experience/knowledge of the Efficiency Nova Scotia HomeWarming, Home Energy Assessment, and New Home Construction services;

· Have experience/knowledge of Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) HOT2000 energy modeling software and associated labels (i.e. EnerGuide, ENERGY STAR®, and R2000);

· Have education, training and experience in building science, energy efficiency, and knowledge of common insulation techniques, types of insulation, R values of building materials, installation of windows and doors, ducting, mechanical systems, a home as a system, air quality issues, and residential construction techniques;

· Have education, training and certification, such as:

· NRCan Registered Energy Advisor;

· national home inspector certification;

· registered home inspector; and/or

· comparable memberships and associations as applicable;

· Are a registered business able to operate in Nova Scotia;

· Have Nova Scotia Workers’ Compensation Board coverage;

· Possess computer equipment (tablet, laptop or office computer) to complete electronic upgrade surveys, either during or following Site Inspections;

· Have the skill and ability to use the secure cloud based service storage service Sync (www.sync.com) to share information with EfficiencyOne; and

· Are able to provide inspection services on an as-and-when needed standing offer basis.

Note: EfficiencyOne does not and will not guarantee Site Inspector(s) a specified number or any number of site inspections.

1.2 General Requirements

Site Inspectors will be responsible for activities including, but not limited to, the following:

· Scheduling, completing, and reporting on any site inspections assigned/performed within a given calendar month;

· Clients must be present when homes are visited;

· Scheduling issues may require inspections to be performed on evenings and/or weekends;

· Following Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Customer Service Standards;

· Making travel arrangements for site inspections;

· Providing any and all equipment, manpower and resources required to perform thorough site inspections;

· Inspections must not be subcontracted to third parties without EfficiencyOne’s written consent;

· Maintaining proper safeguarding measures to ensure that all information received and produced pertaining to the work remain confidential;

· Maintaining all documentation in a secure area;

· Answering additional questions EfficiencyOne may have regarding the file;

· Participating in monthly status update meetings, or phone calls, with EfficiencyOne;

· Reporting major issues immediately to EfficiencyOne; and

· Invoicing EfficiencyOne for completed services.

Site Inspectors must not:

· Provide interpretations of observations they have made during the inspection, or make commitments to customers, on how observed opportunities that have been identified during the site visits will be handled by EfficiencyOne/Efficiency Nova Scotia and/or the SO; nor

· Discuss anything besides the work completed in the home (e.g. do not discuss information or trends found among the SOs, other customers work, etc.).

NOTE: Proponents must not be SOs /Delivery Agents for any of the following Efficiency Nova Scotia services: (i) HomeWarming, (ii) Home Energy Assessment, and/or (iii)New Home Construction services.

1.3 Performance Requirements: QA Site Inspection

The following identifies some additional key activities the Site Inspectors will be responsible for broken out by the applicable Efficiency Nova Scotia Service:

1.3.1 HomeWarming Service

Site Inspectors are responsible for conducting site visits to verify that upgrades performed at a home match Efficiency Nova Scotia records, and are of an acceptable quality, then reporting the results to EfficiencyOne. A more detailed breakdown of these activities includes but is not limited to the following:

· Review and familiarize self with the Efficiency Nova Scotia HomeWarming Guidelines for Delivery Agents in order to better understand the typical scope of a HomeWarming project and our expectations regarding the SO’s quality of work standards;

· Review and familiarize self with project details, which will be provided prior to the visit;

· Record observations about all upgrades performed, potential issues identified, and missed energy saving opportunities;

· Enter observations into the HomeWarming electronic site visit survey template (a map of the survey is provided in Appendix B); and

· Photograph all upgrades performed, potential issues identified, and missed energy saving opportunities. Photos must be labeled and clearly demonstrate all of the work that was not completed to up to our expectations.

1.3.2 Home Energy Assessment Service

Site Inspectors are responsible for conducting site visits to verify that upgrades performed at a home match Efficiency Nova Scotia records and meet the eligibility criteria for the service, then reporting the results to EfficiencyOne. A more detailed breakdown of these activities includes but is not limited to the following:

· Review and familiarize self with the Home Energy Assessment rebate guide, incentive structure, eligible upgrades, and eligibility criteria for all eligible upgrades;

· Familiarize self with the details of the home, as well as the work that was identified as having been completed, rebates paid to that homeowner, and any additional notes that accompany the file, which will be provided prior to the visit;

· Record observations about heating systems, all upgrades performed, and potential issues identified;

· Observe and record all heating systems and verify that the home meets the Home Energy Assessment Service’s definition of being electrically heated;

· Verify all upgrades performed and confirm rebate eligibility;

· Photograph all upgrades performed and clearly label each file; and

· Enter observations into the Home Energy Assessment electronic site visit survey template (a map of the survey is provided in Appendix C).

1.3.3 New Home Construction Service

Site Inspectors are responsible for conducting site visits to verify that the details of the as-built home match the parameters specified in the corresponding HOT2000 model, and then reporting the results to EfficiencyOne. A more detailed breakdown of these activities includes but is not limited to the following:

· Review and familiarize self with the New Home Construction Service’s incentive structure;

· Conduct a review of the HOT2000 file (HSE or H2K) in advance of the site visit in order to determine which building features are present and must be verified when on-site;

· Document any instance where on-site observations are different from what is present in the HOT2000 energy model. Any such observation is to be accompanied by a photograph(s); and

· Enter observations into the New Home Construction electronic site visit survey template (a map of the survey is provided in Appendix D);

1.3.4 Green Heat Service (Optional)

Site Inspectors are responsible for scheduling appointments with participants, conducting visits to verify that upgrades performed match Efficiency Nova Scotia’s records, completing the loan agreement with the homeowner, and reporting results to Efficiency Nova Scotia. A more detailed breakdown of these activities includes but is not limited to the following:

· Verify that the heating system installed matches the information on the completed loan agreement and photograph it from both inside and outside;

· Complete mandatory bank loan documentation with the homeowner;

· Efficiency Nova Scotia will mail the documentation to the homeowner prior to the visit;

· Verify photo identification with homeowner;

· Witness the homeowner’s signature of the loan agreement;

· Confirm that all other loan documentation, such as a completion form or direction to pay form, is signed by the homeowner; and

· Submit completed bank loan documents to Efficiency Nova Scotia as instructed.

1.4 Deliverables

Following each visit, Site Inspectors are required to provide EfficiencyOne with the following, as directed:

· Completed electronic site visit surveys that compare and summarize the Site Inspector’s in-home observations to the scopes of work provided. HomeWarming, Home Energy Assessment, and New Home Construction each have unique surveys;

· Electronic photos of the upgraded areas, potential issues, and missed energy saving opportunities as applicable to the specific Efficiency Nova Scotia Service being reviewed;

· Completed bank loan documents for Green Heat;

· Invoices for work performed; and

· All files, photos, invoices, etc. must be submitted to EfficiencyOne using Sync.

1. Scope of Work: Quality Assurance Auditor2.1 Qualifications, Experience and Resources

QAA services are needed to evaluate the initial and final energy assessment services, and/or conduct File Assessments. These evaluations and File Assessments will be performed on the Service Organizations that provide energy assessments as part of the Efficiency Nova Scotia HomeWarming; Home Energy Assessment; and New Homes Construction Services. Nova Scotian Service Organizations presently use Version 15 of the EnerGuide Rating System(ERS) and Version 11 of HOT2000. However, there are still files that need to be audited that were performed using Versions 10.51 of HOT2000.

EfficiencyOne is looking for QAAs that:

· Have experience/knowledge of the Efficiency Nova Scotia HomeWarming, Home Energy Assessment, and New Home Construction services;

· Are currently listed as an NRCan QAA, and maintain such a listing for the duration of the contracted services;

· Possess the necessary skills and training to conduct File Assessments on both Versions 10.51 and 11 of HOT2000/Version 15 of ERS;

· Possess computer equipment that meets the minimum requirements to run HOT2000;

· Have the skill and ability to use the secure cloud based service storage service Sync (www.sync.com) to share information with EfficiencyOne; and

· Are able to provide auditing services on an as-and-when needed standing offer basis.

Note: EfficiencyOne does not and will not guarantee QAA(s) a specified number or any number of File Assessments.

2.2 General Requirements

QAAs will be responsible for activities including, but not limited to, the following:

· Providing any and all equipment, manpower, and resources required to perform thorough File Assessments;

· File Assessments must not be subcontracted to third parties without EfficiencyOne’s written consent;

· Maintaining proper safeguarding measures to ensure that all information received and produced pertaining to the work remain confidential;

· Maintaining all documentation in a secure area;

· Answering additional questions EfficiencyOne may have regarding the file;

· Participating in monthly status update meetings, or phone calls, at EfficiencyOne;

· Reporting major issues immediately to EfficiencyOne; and

· Invoicing EfficiencyOne for completed services

NOTE: Proponents must not be SOs /Delivery Agents for any of the following Efficiency Nova Scotia services: (i) HomeWarming, (ii) Home Energy Assessment, and/or (iii)New Home Construction services.

2.3 Performance Requirements: QAA File Assessment

QAA File Assessment requirements are applicable for HomeWarming, Home Energy Assessment, and New Home Construction unless otherwise stated.

QAAs will be responsible for the following:

· Review all file information, including all house files (HSE and H2K formats) and tab separate value files (TSV format), as applicable, data collection forms, and any related notes, sketches and manual calculations, invoices and/or receipts, and photos;

· Report on any issues found with the quality and completeness of information provided;

· For HomeWarming and Home Energy Assessment Services, reproduce the HSE or H2K file based on the information provided by the Service Organization for both ‘D’ and ‘E’ files using the Level 2 or level 3 QA File Assessment Checklist (Appendicies E and F respectively). The Level 2 or level 3 QA Checklist, as applicable, must be completed for each File Assessment for existing homes, to verify the upgrades have been modeled in the electronic file and are documented in the Service Organization’s records;

· As applicable, compare the TSV file produced by the Service Organization against the TSV file generated by the QAA, using the TSV single extract and compare tool to identify variances;

· Report on any blower door test or modeling issues found;

· For the New Home Construction Service, reproduce the HSE or H2K file based on the information provided by the Service Organization for the ‘N’ file using the EnerGuide Rating System, ENERGY STAR® ‘Performance Path’ or R2000 using the appropriate Level 2 or level 3 QA File Assessment Checklist as applicable (Appendices G and F respectively). The Level 2 or level 3 QA Checklist, as applicable, must be completed for each File Assessment for new homes, to verify the upgrades have been modeled in the electronic file and are documented in the Service Organization’s records;

· As applicable, compare the TSV file produced by the Service Organization against the TSV file generated by the QAA, using the TSV single extract and compare tool to identify variances;

· Report on any blower door test or modeling issues found;

· For Home Energy Assessment and New Home Construction Services, Service Organizations are expected to make meaningful recommendations for all participants and generate Homeowner Upgrade Reports that are customized for the participants. QAAs must review the upgrade recommendations and Homeowner Upgrade Report documented in the ‘D’ file and report on any issues identified, such as missed opportunities for recommended upgrades, or reports that lack personalization; and

· Complete the File Assessment Summary (Appendix H) report that condenses the QAA’s primary findings.

2.4 Deliverables

Following the completion of each batch of File Assessments, QAAs are required to provide EfficiencyOne with the following, as directed:

· Assessment results, including the QAA’s HSE or H2K reproductions and Level 2 or level 3 Quality Assurance File Assessment Checklists, as applicable;

· A custom summary report pertaining to each batch of homes reviewed per Service Organization per Efficiency Nova Scotia Service;

· Content of the reports should be of a quality that is technically accurate, and comprehensive. All findings are to be stated, substantiated and contain an adequate level of detail that can be easily understood and not require additional clarification; and

· All documentation must be submitted to EfficiencyOne using Sync.

APPENDIX B: HomeWarming Site Visit Survey Map

Pre-populate the following prior to conducting site visit:

Participant Code:

Participant First Name:

Participant Last Name:

Service Address:

Primary Heating Type:

Date of site visit:

Inspector:

Select relevant Upgrade Sub-Categories for project, based on approved upgrade specification sheet provided:

☐ Basement / Crawlspace Insulation

☐Installation

☐ Thermal Barrier

☐ Exposed Floor Insulation

☐ Installation

☐ Attachment

☐ Header Insulation

☐ Installation

☐ Thermal Barrier

☐ Air Barrier

☐ Main Wall Insulation

☐ Attic Insulation

☐ Insulation

☐ Ventilation

☐ Attic Hatch

☐ Draft Proofing

☐ Heating System/Duct Sealing & Insulation

☐ Installation

☐ Insulation

☐ Bathroom Fan

☐ Installation

☐ Ducting

☐ Dehumidifier

☐ Appliances

☐ CO Detector

☐ Water Management

☐ Gutters/Downspouts

☐ Membrane

☐ Missed Opportunities

Once information above is pre-populated, save and complete.

During site visit:

The following should only appear based on what is pre-populated above. Comment boxes should appear for each of the sub-categories to allow the recording of additional observations.

Upgrade Specification

Basement / Crawlspace Insulation

1. If the basement / crawlspace insulation was approved and / or invoiced, please indicate whether:

1. The basement/crawlspace insulation is missing

2. A portion of basement / crawlspace wall is incompletely insulated or insulated to less than the approved R-value

3. Basement / crawlspace insulation completed as approved

2. If code 1 or 2 in Q1, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

3. Where required by code, was a thermal barrier:

1. Not applied to flammable insulation

2. Applied, but did not completely cover flammable insulation or was not applied neatly and securely

3. Applied neatly and securely to flammable insulation

4. If code 1 or 2 in Q3, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Exposed Floor Insulation

5. If Exposed floor insulation was approved and / or invoiced, please indicate whether:

1. The exposed floor insulation is missing

2. A portion of the exposed floor insulation incompletely insulated or insulated to less than the approved R-value

3. All accessible exposed floor area insulated

6. ASK IF CODE 1 or 2 IN Q5, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

7. Regarding the attachment of the insulation, was the insulation secured and supported properly?

1. No

2. Yes

8. ASK IF CODE 1 IN Q7, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Header Insulation

9. If header insulation was approved and / or invoiced, please indicate whether:

1. The header insulation is missing

2. A portion of the header insulation incomplete, improperly installed, or less than the approved R-value

3. Header insulation is completed as approved

10. ASK IF CODE 1 IN Q9, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

11. Where required by code, was a thermal barrier:

1. Not applied to flammable insulation

2. Applied, but did not completely cover flammable insulation or was not applied neatly and securely

3. Applied neatly and securely to flammable insulation

12. ASK IF CODE 1 or 2 IN Q11, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

13. Regarding the air barrier, was the header area properly sealed to prevent air leakage:

1. No

2. Yes

14. ASK IF CODE 1 IN Q13, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Main Wall Insulation

15. If exterior wall insulation was approved and / or invoiced, please indicate whether:

1. The exterior wall insulation is missing

2. All or a portion of exterior wall insulation incomplete, improperly installed, or less than the approved R-Value

3. Exterior wall insulation completely fills cavities to the approved R-value

16. ASK IF CODE 1 or 2 IN Q15, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Attic Insulation

17. If additional attic insulation was approved, please indicate whether:

1. Additional attic insulation is missing

2. Final insulation levels are less than approved R-value

3. Insulation levels were completed to the specified R-value

18. ASK IF CODE 1 or 2 IN Q17, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX 10

19. Was the approved baffles and / or other additional ventilation completed and securely fastened to the roof sheathing?

1. No

2. Yes

20. ASK IF CODE 1 IN Q19, please provide some details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Attic Hatch

21. If Attic hatch installation or replacement was approved and / or invoiced, please indicate whether:

1. Attic hatch installation or replacement was not completed

2. Attic hatch upgrade is incomplete or ineffective: Insulation dam is poorly constructed or not tall enough to contain insulation, hatch is not weather stripped, weather stripping is not securely attached, and / or the hatch was sealed shut

3. Attic hatch is properly weather stripped and insulated. Insulation dam prevents insulation from falling into hatch area and is solid enough to support someone entering the attic

22. ASK IF CODE 1 or 2 IN Q21, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Draft Proofing

23. Regarding draft proofing measures, please indicate whether:

1. Draft proofing measures were not effective or are unsightly, such as messy caulking or untrimmed foam insulation

2. Draft proofing measures achieve the targeted results. Weather stripping is effective and properly installed and foam insulation and caulking properly and neatly conceal gaps.

24. ASK IF CODE 1 IN Q23, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Heating System/Duct Sealing & Insulation

25. Regarding the heating system/duct sealing and insulation installation, please indicate whether:

1. Disconnected or dislodged ductwork was not repaired and securely fastened

2. Approved duct sealing was not completed using a mastic sealant

3. Mastic sealant was applied to seal ductwork joints as approved

26. ASK IF CODE 1 or 2 IN Q25, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX 11

27. If duct insulation or heating system enclosure was approved, please indicate whether:

1. Duct insulation or heating system was not installed

2. Thermal barrier was not applied to flammable wall insulation of the heating system enclosure where required by code

3. Approved duct insulation was not attached securely and neatly

4. Duct insulation was properly installed. Thermal barrier was applied to the flammable wall insulation of the heating system enclosure

28. ASK IF CODE 1, 2 or 3 IN Q27, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Bathroom Fan

29. If bathroom fan installation or replacement was approved, please indicate whether:

1. Bathroom fan installation or replacement was not completed

2. Bathroom fan was not neatly installed, properly sealed to prevent air leakage into the attic and / or does not effectively exhaust air outside

3. Bathroom fan was properly installed or replaced

30. ASK IF CODE 1 or 2 IN Q29, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

31. Regarding ducting, please indicate whether:

1. The bathroom fan does not effectively vent exhaust air outside

2. Ducts are not properly sized, supported or insulated

3. Ducts are properly sized, insulated, and vented

32. ASK IF CODE 1 or 2 IN Q31, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Dehumidifier

33. Was a dehumidifier provided when appropriate?

1. NO

2. YES

34. If YES in Q33, Was client instructed on how and when to use the dehumidifier?

1. NO

2. YES

35. If code 1 in Q33 and Q34, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX 12

Appliances

36. Did the appliance that was replaced appear to be a secondary unit?

1. NO

2. YES

CO Detector

37. Was a CO detector provided when appropriate?

1. NO

2. YES

Water Management

38. If gutters / downspouts were approved and / or invoiced, please indicate whether:

1. Gutters/downspouts are missing

2. Gutters / downspouts were installed but configured in a manner that does not move water away from the foundation

3. Gutters / downspouts were installed securely and move water away from the foundation

39. If code 1 or 2 in Q38, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

40. If plastic moisture barrier was approved and / or invoiced, please indicate whether:

1. Plastic moisture barrier was not installed over the dirt floor

2. Joints in plastic moisture barrier are not sealed and / or the entire dirt floor is not covered

3. Plastic moisture barrier is sealed and covers the entire dirt floor.

41. If code 1 or 2 in Q40, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Missed Opportunities

42. Were any eligible upgrades not specified in the upgrade proposal when they would benefit the client and could have realistically been completed?

1. NO

2. YES

43. If code 2 in Q42, please provide details on what was observed?

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

44. Please provide any additional comments/notes here:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

APPENDIX C: Home Energy Assessment Site Visit Survey Map

Pre-populate the following prior to conducting site visit:

Participant Code:

Participant First Name:

Participant Last Name:

Service Address:

Pre-Retrofit File Number:

Post-Retrofit File Number:

Date of site visit:

Inspector:

Service Organization:

Was the D assessment performed by a different Service Organization?

1. Yes, the D assessment was completed by a different service organization

2. No, both assessments were completed by the same service organization

Upgrade Categories – Please select the upgrades that rebates were paid for:

☐Ceiling Insulation

☐ Foundation Insulation

☐ Exterior Wall Insulation

☐ Ductless Mini-split Heat Pump

☐ Central Ducted Air Source Heat Pump

☐ Air to Water Heat Pump

☐ Geothermal Heat Pump

☐ Wood Stove

☐ Pellet Stove

☐ Wood or Pellet Boiler/Furnace

☐ Heat Pump Water Heater

☐ Solar Water Heater

☐ Air Sealing

☐ Windows, Doors & Skylights

☐ Basement Header Insulation

☐ Exposed Floor Insulation

☐ Basement Slab Insulation

☐ Solar Air

☐ Drain Water Heat Recovery

☐ Heat Recovery Ventilation

Site Inspection Scheduling:

1. When was the homeowner initially contacted to schedule a QA site inspection?

2. Was there a follow-up call made 24-48 hours prior to the scheduled QA site inspection? If so, when?

3. Was the homeowner home for the scheduled QA site inspection time? (YES/NO)

4. Was the homeowner attempted to be contacted? (YES/NO)

5. Please provide any supporting details:

Once information above is pre-populated, Save and Complete.

During site visit:

Customer Experience

1. On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied was the homeowner with their experience with the energy advisor?

1 Very unsatisfied

2 Somewhat unsatisfied

3 Neutral

4 Somewhat satisfied

5 Very satisfied

2. Please provide any key feedback provided by the homeowner with respect to their satisfaction with the energy advisor:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

3. On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied was the homeowner with their experience with Efficiency NS?

1 Very unsatisfied

2 Somewhat unsatisfied

3 Neutral

4 Somewhat satisfied

5 Very satisfied

6 Not applicable / Did not interact with Efficiency NS

4. Please provide any key feedback provided by the homeowner with respect to their satisfaction with Efficiency NS:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

5. Did the energy advisor provide a rebate guide at the initial assessment, and was it explained in detail with the homeowner? HIDE IF DIFFERENT ORGANIZATION FOR D WAS YES

1 A rebate guide was not provided

2 A rebate guide was provided but nothing in it was explained

3 A rebate guide was provided and explained

4 Was not present for initial assessment or does not remember

6. ASK IF CODE 1 or 2 IN Q1, please provide key feedback from the homeowner if a rebate guide was not provided or explained:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Heating System Eligibility

7. Does the heating system configuration meet Efficiency Nova Scotia’s definition of electrically heated homes?

1 No

2 Yes

8. ASK IF CODE 1 IN Q1, please provide details if the heating system(s) observed differ from what was recorded on the file:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Ceiling Insulation

9. IF CEILING INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for ceiling insulation, can the upgrade be verified?

1 NO - Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, or verified upgrade not installed. Homeowner unaware of upgrade.

2 Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, BUT could verify upgrades with homeowner

3 Yes – upgrade verified visually/physically

10. IF CEILING INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for ceiling insulation the attic, was the rebate amount correct to the best of your knowledge?

1 NO – The rebate amount is clearly incorrect given observed R-value and/or percentage area upgraded (PROVIDE DETAILS).

2 Unlikely – The rebate amount appears inconsistent with observed R-value and/or percentage area upgraded (PROVIDE DETAILS).

3 Likely – Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, BUT rebate is consistent with homeowner knowledge and estimated area upgraded

4 Yes – Rebate amount is correct

11. Please provide any comments or additional information on ceiling insulation:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Foundation Insulation

12. IF FOUNDATION INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for foundation insulation, can the upgrade be verified?

1 NO - Could not verify upgrades visually/physically or verified upgrade not installed. Homeowner unaware of upgrade. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, BUT could verify upgrades with homeowner

3 Yes – upgrade verified visually/physically

13. IF FOUNDATION INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for foundation insulation, was the rebate amount correct to the best of your knowledge?

1 NO – The rebate amount is clearly incorrect given observed R-value and/or percentage area upgraded. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Unlikely – The rebate amount appears inconsistent with observed R-value and/or percentage area upgraded. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

3 Likely – Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, BUT rebate is consistent with homeowner knowledge and estimated area upgraded

4 Yes – Rebate amount is correct

14. Please provide any comments or additional information on foundation insulation:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Exterior Wall Insulation

15. IF EXTERIOR WALL INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for exterior wall insulation, can the upgrade be verified?

1 NO - Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, or verified upgrade not installed. Homeowner unaware of upgrade. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, BUT could verify upgrades with homeowner

3 Yes – upgrade verified visually/physically

16. IF EXTERIOR WALL INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for exterior wall insulation, was the rebate amount correct to the best of your knowledge?

1 NO – The rebate amount is clearly incorrect given observed R-value and/or percentage area upgraded. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Unlikely – The rebate amount appears inconsistent with observed R-value and/or percentage area upgraded. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

3 Likely – Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, BUT rebate is consistent with homeowner knowledge and estimated area upgraded

4 Yes – Rebate amount is correct

17. Please provide any comments or additional information on exterior wall insulation:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Ductless Mini-split Heat Pump

18. IF DUCTLESS MINI-SPLIT HEAT PUMP PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for ductless mini-split heat pump, can the upgrade be verified?

1 NO. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 YES.

19. IF DUCTLESS MINI-SPLIT HEAT PUMP PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for ductless mini-split heat pump, was the rebate amount correct to the best of your knowledge?

1 NO – The rebate amount is incorrect. The make/model is not on the eligible product list or incorrect number of heads recorded. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Yes – Rebate amount is correct

20. Please provide comments/notes regarding the ductless mini-split heat pump:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Central, Air-to-Water, or Geothermal Heat Pump

21. IF CENTRAL, AIR-TO-WATER, OR GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for Central, Air-to-Water, or Geothermal Heat Pump, can the upgrade be verified?

1 NO. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 YES.

22. IF CENTRAL, AIR-TO-WATER, OR GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for Central, Air-to-Water, or Geothermal Heat Pump, was the rebate amount correct to the best of your knowledge?

1 NO – The rebate amount is incorrect. The make/model does not meet the eligibility criteria. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Yes – Rebate amount is correct

23. Please provide comments/notes regarding the central, air-to-water, or geothermal heat pump:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Wood or Pellet Stove or Boiler/Furnace

24. IF WOOD OR PELLET STOVE OR BOILER/FURNACE PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for a Wood or Pellet Stove or Boiler/Furnace, can the upgrade be verified?

1 NO. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 YES.

25. IF WOOD OR PELLET STOVE OR BOILER/FURNACE PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for Wood or Pellet Stove or Boiler/Furnace, was the rebate amount correct to the best of your knowledge?

1 NO – The rebate amount is incorrect. The make/model does not meet the eligibility criteria. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Yes – Rebate amount is correct

26. Please provide comments/notes regarding the wood or pellet stove or boiler/furnace:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Heat Pump Water Heater

27. IF HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for a heat pump water heater, can the upgrade be verified?

1 NO. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 YES.

28. IF HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for a heat pump water heater, was the rebate amount correct to the best of your knowledge?

1 NO – The rebate amount is incorrect. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Yes – Rebate amount is correct

29. Please provide comments/notes regarding the heat pump water heater:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Solar Water Heater

30. IF SOLAR WATER HEATER PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for a solar water heater, can the upgrade be verified?

1 NO. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 YES.

31. IF SOLAR WATER HEATER PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for a solar water heater, was the rebate amount correct to the best of your knowledge?

1 NO – The rebate amount is incorrect. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Yes – Rebate amount is correct

32. Please provide comments/notes regarding the solar water heater:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Air Sealing

33. IF AIR SEALING PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK, Can the homeowner verify the air sealing upgrade?

1 NO

2 YES

34. Please provide additional comment/notes regarding air sealing:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Windows, Doors & Skylights

35. IF WINDOWS/DOORS PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for windows/doors, can the upgrade(s) be verified?

1 NO. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 YES.

36. IF WINDOWS/DOORS PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for windows/doors, was the rebate amount correct to the best of your knowledge?

1 NO – The rebate amount is incorrect. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Yes – Rebate amount is correct

37. Please provide additional comment/notes regarding windows/doors:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Basement Header Insulation

38. IF BASEMENT HEADER INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for basement header insulation, can the upgrade(s) be verified?

1 NO - Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, or verified upgrade not installed. Homeowner unaware of upgrade. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, BUT could verify upgrades with homeowner

3 Yes – upgrade verified visually/physically

39. IF BASEMENT HEADER INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for basement header insulation, was the rebate amount correct to the best of your knowledge?

1 NO – The rebate amount is incorrect. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Yes – Rebate amount is correct

40. Please provide additional comment/notes regarding basement header insulation:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Exposed Floor Insulation

41. IF EXPOSED FLOOR INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for exposed floor insulation, can the upgrade(s) be verified?

1 NO - Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, or verified upgrade not installed. Homeowner unaware of upgrade. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, BUT could verify upgrades with homeowner

3 Yes – upgrade verified visually/physically

42. IF EXPOSED FLOOR INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for exposed floor insulation, was the rebate amount correct to the best of your knowledge?

1 NO – The rebate amount is incorrect. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Yes – Rebate amount is correct

43. Please provide comments/notes on exposed floor insulation:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Basement Slab Insulation

44. IF BASEMENT SLAB INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for basement slab insulation, can the upgrade(s) be verified?

1 NO - Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, or verified upgrade not installed. Homeowner unaware of upgrade. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, BUT could verify upgrades with homeowner

3 Yes – upgrade verified visually/physically

45. IF BASEMENT SLAB INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for basement slab insulation, was the rebate amount correct to the best of your knowledge?

1 NO – The rebate amount is incorrect. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Yes – Rebate amount is correct

46. Please provide comments/notes on basement slab insulation:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Solar Air Heater

47. IF SOLAR AIR HEATER PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for solar air heater, can the upgrade(s) be verified?

1 NO. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 YES.

48. IF SOLAR AIR HEATER PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for solar air heater, was the rebate amount correct to the best of your knowledge?

1 NO – The rebate amount is incorrect. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Yes – Rebate amount is correct

49. Please provide comments/notes on solar air heater:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Drain Water Heat Recovery

50. IF DRAIN WATER HEAT RECOVERY PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for Drain Water Heat Recovery, can the upgrade(s) be verified?

1 NO. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 YES.

51. IF DRAIN WATER HEAT RECOVERY PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for Drain Water Heat Recovery, was the rebate amount correct to the best of your knowledge?

1 NO – The rebate amount is incorrect. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Yes – Rebate amount is correct

52. Please provide comments/notes regarding drain water heat recovery:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Heat Recovery Ventilation

53. IF HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for Heat Recovery Ventilation, can the upgrade(s) be verified?

1 NO. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 YES.

54. IF HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: If there were rebates paid for Heat Recovery Ventilation, was the rebate amount correct to the best of your knowledge?

1 NO – The rebate amount is incorrect. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 Yes – Rebate amount is correct

55. Please provide comments/notes regarding heat recovery ventilation:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Additional Comments/Notes

56. Please provide any additional comments/notes here

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

APPENDIX D: New Home Construction Site Visit Survey Map

Pre-populate the following prior to conducting site visit:

Participant Code:

Participant First Name:

Participant Last Name:

Service Address:

Pre-Retrofit File Number:

Post-Retrofit File Number:

Date of site visit:

Inspector:

Service Organization:

Categories – please select building features that are present:

☐Ceiling Insulation

☐ Foundation Insulation

☐ Exterior Wall Insulation

☐ Space conditioning system

☐ Domestic water heating system

☐ Windows, Doors & Skylights

☐ Basement Header Insulation

☐ Exposed Floor Insulation

☐ Basement Slab Insulation

☐ Drain Water Heat Recovery

☐ Heat Recovery Ventilation

☐ Energy Efficient lighting

☐ Energy Efficient Appliances

☐ Renewable energy system

Site Inspection Scheduling:

1. When was the homeowner initially contacted to schedule a QA site inspection?

2. Was there a follow-up call made 24-48 hours prior to the scheduled QA site inspection? If so, when?

3. Was the homeowner home for the scheduled QA site inspection time? (YES/NO)

4. Was the homeowner attempted to be contacted? (YES/NO)

5. Please provide any supporting details:

Once information above is pre-populated, Save and Complete

During site visit:

Customer Experience

1. On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied was the homeowner with their experience with the energy advisor?

1 Very unsatisfied

2 Somewhat unsatisfied

3 Neutral

4 Somewhat satisfied

5 Very satisfied

6 Builder was the program participant, not the homeowner

2. Please provide any key feedback provided by the homeowner with respect to their satisfaction with the energy advisor:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

3. On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied was the homeowner with their experience with their service organization?

1 Very unsatisfied

2 Somewhat unsatisfied

3 Neutral Somewhat satisfied

4 Very satisfied

5 Builder was the program participant, not the homeowner

4. Please provide any key feedback provided by the homeowner with respect to their satisfaction with Efficiency NS:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Heating System Eligibility

5. Does the heating system configuration meet Efficiency Nova Scotia’s definition of electrically heated homes?

1 No

2 Yes

6. ASK IF CODE 1 IN Q1, please provide details if the heating system(s) observed differ from what was recorded on the file:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Ceiling Insulation

7. IF CEILING INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: can the ceiling insulation level be verified?

1 YES – insulation does NOT meet level specified in HOT2000

2 Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, BUT could verify upgrades with homeowner

3 YES –insulation level verified visually/physically

4 Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, homeowner could not verify either

8. Please provide any comments or additional information on ceiling insulation:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Foundation Insulation

9. IF FOUNDATION INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: can the foundation insulation be verified?

1 YES – insulation does NOT meet level specified in HOT2000

2 Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, BUT could verify upgrades with homeowner

3 YES –insulation level verified visually/physically

4 Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, homeowner could not verify either

10. Please provide any comments or additional information on foundation insulation:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Exterior Wall Insulation

11. IF EXTERIOR WALL INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: can the exterior wall insulation be verified?

1 YES – insulation does NOT meet level specified in HOT2000

2 Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, BUT could verify upgrades with homeowner

3 YES –insulation level verified visually/physically

4 Could not verify upgrades visually/physically, homeowner could not verify either

12. Please provide any comments or additional information on exterior wall insulation:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Heating System

13. Does the heating system specified in HOT2000, including its performance specifications, e.g. HSPF, AFUE, etc., correspond to what was observed on-site?

1 NO

2 YES

14. Please provide comments/notes regarding the ductless mini-split heat pump:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Domestic Water Heating equipment

15. Does the domestic water heating system specified in HOT2000, including its performance specifications, e.g. tank volume, energy factor, etc., correspond to what was observed on-site?

1 NO

2 YES

16. Please provide comments/notes regarding the domestic water heating equipment:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Windows, Doors & Skylights

17. Do the number and type of windows (e.g. double glazed, argon filled with insulated spacers) correspond to the HOT2000 model?

1 NO. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 YES.

18. Please provide additional comment/notes regarding windows/doors:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Basement Header Insulation

19. IF BASEMENT HEADER INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: can the basement header insulation be verified?

1 YES – insulation does NOT meet level specified in HOT2000

2 YES - Could not verify visually/physically, BUT could verify with homeowner

3 YES –insulation level verified visually/physically

4 NO - Could not verify visually/physically, homeowner could not verify either

20. Please provide additional comment/notes regarding basement header insulation:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Exposed Floor Insulation

21. IF EXPOSED FLOOR INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: Can the exposed floor insulation be verified?

1 YES – insulation does NOT meet level specified in HOT2000

2 YES - Could not verify visually/physically, BUT could verify with homeowner

3 YES –insulation level verified visually/physically

4 NO - Could not verify visually/physically, homeowner could not verify either

22. Please provide comments/notes on exposed floor insulation:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Basement Slab Insulation

23. IF BASEMENT SLAB INSULATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: Can the basement slab insulation be verified?

1 YES – insulation does NOT meet level specified in HOT2000

2 YES - Could not verify visually/physically, BUT could verify with homeowner

3 YES –insulation level verified visually/physically

4 NO - Could not verify visually/physically, homeowner could not verify either

24. Please provide comments/notes on basement slab insulation:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Drain Water Heat Recovery

25. IF DRAIN WATER HEAT RECOVERY PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: Can the DWHR be verified?

1 YES – DWHR is not present or is different (e.g. different model) from what was specified in HOT2000

2 YES - Could not verify visually/physically, BUT could verify with homeowner

3 YES – DWHR verified visually/physically

4 NO - Could not verify visually/physically, homeowner could not verify either

26. Please provide comments/notes regarding drain water heat recovery:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Heat Recovery Ventilation

27. IF HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATION PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: Can the HRV be verified?

1 YES – HRV is not present or is different (e.g. different model) from what was specified in HOT2000

2 Could not verify visually/physically, BUT could verify with homeowner

3 Yes –HRV verified visually/physically

4 Could not verify visually/physically, homeowner could not verify either

28. Please provide comments/notes regarding heat recovery ventilation:

VERBATIM TEXT BOX

Energy Efficient Lighting

29. IF ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: if an energy credit for energy efficient lighting was present in HOT2000, was it correctly applied?

1 NO. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 YES

30. Please provide comments/notes regarding energy efficient lighting:

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Energy Efficient Appliances

31. IF ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: if an energy credit for energy efficient appliances was present in HOT2000, was it correctly applied?

1 NO. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 YES

32. Please provide comments/notes regarding energy efficient appliances:

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Renewable Energy System(s)

33. IF NENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS PRE-POPULATED ABOVE ASK: if a renewable energy system was modeled in HOT2000, was it observed on site?

1 NO. (PROVIDE DETAILS)

2 YES

34. Please provide comments/notes regarding the renewable energy system(s):

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Additional Comments/Notes

35. Please provide any additional comments/notes here

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Appendix E: Level 2 QA File Assessment Checklist for V.10.51 (Existing Homes)

THIS APPENDIX HAS BEEN PROVIDED AS A SEPARATE ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT

Appendix F: Level 3 QA File Assessment Form

THIS APPENDIX HAS BEEN PROVIDED AS A SEPARATE ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT

Appendix G: Level 2 QA File Assessment Checklist for V.10.51 (New Homes)

THIS APPENDIX HAS BEEN PROVIDED AS A SEPARATE ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT

Appendix H: Quality Assurance Audit Summary of Findings

Service Organization

EXAMPLE SO

QAA

JANE DOE

Blower Door & Modeling Procedures

Item description

Files impacted

Impact (Low/High)

Gable end walls not modelled

1234N12345, 1234N12346

High

No blower door readings taken below 25 Pa

1234N12345

low

Quality of Information(Photos, Data Collection Forms, and Sketches)

Item description

Files impacted

Impact (Low/High)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy Credits

Item description

Files impacted

Impact (Low/High)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remedial Action Proposed by the Quality Assurance Auditor

 

Additional Notes

 

APPENDIX I: Anticipated Procurement Schedule for the Eventual RFP TARGET PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE (Subject to Change)

RFP Activity / Milestone

Anticipated Timeline

RFP date of issue

Early March, (potentially March 2, 2018)

Question period (close)

Will end 1 week before the RFP closes

RFP responses due

Will be due 4 weeks after the RFP is released

Interviews (at EfficiencyOne’s discretion)

About 2 weeks after submissions are received

Anticipated notice of Decision

About 3-4 weeks after the responses are received

Anticipated contract signing

About 3- 4 weeks after notice of decision has been sent out