RECOMMENDATION(S): (CONT'D)
2) Ambient Air in the amount of $475,000 for the purchase of heating and air conditioning equipment;
3) Appliance Parts Distributors in the amount of $100,000 for the purchase of refrigerators;
4) East County Glass in the amount of $100,000 for the purchase of windows; and
5) Water Heaters Express in the amount of $225,000 for the purchase of hot water heaters.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% of the purchase amount is fully reimbursable through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, (LIHEAP), and Department of Energy, (DOE) grant funds. Federal Funds, no impact to county general fund.
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Conservation and Development's Weatherization Program requires heating and air conditioning systems, insulation and miscellaneous materials in order to provide home weatherization services to low income residents throughout all of Contra Costa County. The vendors were selected through a competitive bidding process, working closely with the General Services Purchasing Division and following the County's established procurement procedures.
The Department has partnered with the Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) for over twenty years to provide energy saving home improvements to low-income families throughout unincorporated Contra Costa County, as well as the County’s nineteen cities.
Funding for the Weatherization Program is provided from State and Federal sources, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP).
The weatherization energy savings measures may provide homes with hot water heaters, furnaces, refrigerators, microwaves, doors, windows, sliding glass doors, fluorescent light bulbs, weather stripping, ceiling fans, and attic insulation.
Homes receive a blower door test (a diagnostic tool to locate and correct air infiltration), and homes with gas appliances receive a combustion appliance safety test that checks for carbon monoxide gas leakage. Homes with gas appliances are provided with a carbon monoxide alarm.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
A denial would prevent the purchase of materials needed to provide home weatherization services.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
Approval of this item will enable the Weatherization Program to purchase materials necessary to provide home energy efficiency improvements to low-income households, which reduces living expenses and improves comfort and quality of life for children residing in the households served.