FAQs
Can international businesses participate?
Yes. Do I need to have experience working with the public sector?
No. What should I include in my submission?
Your submission should include responses to all questions listed in the submission application. The evaluation committee will review submissions and determine which solutions they would like to advance to a more detailed level of review. If you are selected, NYCHA will reach out and request technical specifications for the solution you proposed. Details about the type of information, format, and length will be shared along with that request. Can I propose a novel solution that hasn’t been tested before?
You may propose a solution that has not yet been tested, however assumptions should be rigorous and provable. If NYCHA is interested in your solution, you will be asked to provide additional technical documentation demonstrating the outcomes that you are claiming. Where are the 16 NYCHA developments located?
The table in Appendix 1 includes the addresses of the 16 developments.What is a financially self-sustaining solution?
A financially self-sustaining solution is a solution that generates an equal or greater amount of savings than what it costs to be installed and to be operated. Will I have an opportunity to meet with NYCHA’s sustainability team to pitch my solution?
Depending on the number of proposals received, NYCHA will adjust its evaluation process and vendors may have the opportunity to pitch their idea in person or via a web conference. Will I have access to the space?
If you are selected, you will have access to the space to develop your installation proposal. Can I visit the buildings to get a better sense of what the problem is?
No.If I apply to this challenge, can I also apply to other NYCHA Calls for Innovation?
Yes.Would NYCHA consider switching to a hydronic system?
NYCHA will consider any solution that is both technically and economically feasible. Are there any incentive programs for NYCHA residents to reduce heating energy-use?
No.Are the pipes in good condition? Are they insulated?
Insulation was installed at the construction of the system. The current condition of the pipes and of the insulation is unknown as it has not been surveyed. Is NYCHA looking for alternative heat pump system solutions?
NYCHA will consider any solution that makes sense from both a technical and an economical perspective. Can NYCHA provide access to 311 heating complaints from NYCHA residents?
Send a specific message to the contact address to find more about it if you need.
Has the city explored why NYCHA buildings require 80% more heating energy-use than the median heating energy-use intensity for similar 2 pipe systems in the New York City’s multi-family dwellings?
This is explained in the NextGeneration NYCHA Sustainability Agenda accessible at http://j.mp/green-nycha.
What does your contractual agreement with ConEd look like?
Please refer to Appendix 4 "ConEd steam service classifications". NYCHA falls under service classification 3.
Is there steam heat lost at the source level? Distribution level? In-unit level?
Yes, at all three levels. NYCHA presumes the higher losses are at the distribution level.
Does the solution need to address both the heating load and hot water load?
No.
Will the next step be to issue an RFP to procure the best solution?
Upon selection, Proposer will be offered the opportunity to install their solution at one development or building (depending on what is needed to demonstrate the benefits of the solution) as part of a pilot project. NYCHA and the Proposer will develop a method for evaluating the solution evaluation phase and, shall the evaluation prove the financial benefits of the solution, NYCHA may release an open procurement process to deploy the technology at a larger scaler.
Will the contents of the submission remain as my intellectual property?
Once a proposal is submitted, NYCHA will own the contents of the submission. You must clearly designate in its submission those portions of the Submission, if any, that the proposer believes are trade secrets or are maintained for the regulation of commercial enterprise that, if disclosed, would cause substantial injury to the competitive position of the Proposer. To the extent the law permits, NYCHA will use reasonable efforts to hold the designated portions of the Submission in confidence.
Can the contents of my submission be applied without my further involvement?
There is not funding provided for the winning teams but an opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of an installation at one NYCHA building in real-life conditions.
Additionally, the pilot might be followed by an open procurement to deploy the technology if the evaluation proves its financial benefits and NYCHA decides to pursue with it.
Where can be found the load and load profile information for the building hot water installations?
Use Appendix 2 “Open data link and best used practices” to access both the monthly heat and hot water steam consumption (loads). Heat and hot water are metered separately. The hot water meter will have consumption year round and heat with have consumption for New York City heating season which is from October to May.
Is there is any available funding for the winning teams?
NYCHA is interested in partnering with submitters to this open innovation challenge to implement some of the ideas that come from this submission process; however, if an idea is submitted but not selected for a pilot, NYCHA can still pursue that idea on its own in the future.
How do I access NYCHA energy data?
The NYCHA energy data is accessible on the NYC Open data portal. See Appendix 2 for details.