(a) The department, for any appropriation to the department for the Energy Efficiency Low-Income Weatherization Program in the 2017–18 fiscal year, or any fiscal year thereafter, in its contract procurement processes for single-family energy efficiency and renewable energy services, shall develop new program processes and solicitations that do all of the following:
(1) Give weight and priority to applicants that can demonstrate that they have existing ties to the local communities they would be servicing, among the other factors considered. This shall apply to both regional administrators and direct service providers.
(2) Give preference to organizations with demonstrated performance and outcomes related to low-income energy efficiency and renewable energy services.
(3) Take appropriate measures to ensure that all potential applicants are aware of changes in procurement process pursuant to this act.
(b) The department shall consult with community stakeholders, including, but not limited to, legislative staff, in the development, design, and goals of procurements on and after July 1, 2017. This consultation shall occur at least three months prior to the release of a request for applications that would commence the procurement cycle.
(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 24, Sec. 5. (SB 89) Effective June 27, 2017.)