Department of Energy Resources Transforming Energy in Schools Initiative PON-ENE-2026-016 (2025)
Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources | Commonwealth of MassachusettsState · Boston, MA- Due
- Dec 5, 2025
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Oct 3, 2025
- Primary contact
- Benjamin Silverman
- (617) 626-7300
The 30-second brief
The Department of Energy Resources seeks applications for the Transforming Energy in Schools Initiative (TESI) Program Opportunity Notice, PON-ENE-2026-016, to support full or substantial decarbonization of schools in low-income communities across Massachusetts. Approximately $57 million in total funding is available, with up to $11.4 million per school. Eligible projects must reduce fossil fuel use by a minimum of 60% and feature heat pump systems (VRF, ASHP, WSHP, GSHP), dedicated outside air ventilation systems with energy recovery, air sealing and insulation improvements, on-site renewable energy generation, battery storage, and emergency generators. Applicants must complete a Comprehensive Building Assessment within 4 years, commit to energy use intensity (EUI) monitoring, and involve community engagement. Submissions are due by December 5, 2025, via COMMBUYS and email to Benjamin Silverman.
Decarbonization (12), Renewable Generation (12), Thermal Envelope (6), Thermal Envelope Commissioning (4), Ventilation (10), Resiliency (6), Staff and Student Community Engagement (8), Community Stakeholders Engagement (8), Project Champion (4), Low-Income Student Population (30), Unique Community and School Type
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Summary
The Department of Energy Resources seeks applications for the Transforming Energy in Schools Initiative (TESI) Program Opportunity Notice, PON-ENE-2026-016, to support full or substantial decarbonization of schools in low-income communities across Massachusetts.
Approximately $57 million in total funding is available, with up to $11.4 million per school. Eligible projects must reduce fossil fuel use by a minimum of 60% and feature heat pump systems (VRF, ASHP, WSHP, GSHP), dedicated outside air ventilation systems with energy recovery, air sealing and insulation improvements, on-site renewable energy generation, battery storage, and emergency generators. Applicants must complete a Comprehensive Building Assessment within 4 years, commit to energy use intensity (EUI) monitoring, and involve community engagement. Submissions are due by December 5, 2025, via COMMBUYS and email to Benjamin Silverman.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
5- Application Form
- Comprehensive Building Assessment
- Project Budget
- Commonwealth Terms and Conditions
- Standard Contract Form
- Submit to
- www.commbuys.com / [email protected]
- Scope location
- Boston, MA
- Reported agency
- Department of Energy Resources
Questions about this RFI
How do I respond to this RFI from Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is December 5, 2025. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: www.commbuys.com / [email protected]. For questions, contact Benjamin Silverman.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFI?
Most government agencies, including Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts in MA, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFI submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Benjamin Silverman at (617) 626-7300. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Decarbonization (12), Renewable Generation (12), Thermal Envelope (6), Thermal Envelope Commissioning (4), Ventilation (10), Resiliency (6), Staff and Student Community Engagement (8), Community Stake..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts?
All active and historical solicitations from Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts are tracked and searchable. As a state agency, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What documents are required to bid on this RFI?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Application Form, Comprehensive Building Assessment, Project Budget, Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, Standard Contract Form. Review the full document from Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Boston, MA. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.