WAP FAQ Draft

Frequently Asked Questions
National Evaluation
This FAQ contains information related to the National Weatherization Assistance Program
Evaluation being conducted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. For additional information,
please contact the state and local agency outreach coordinators at [email protected].
What can the weatherization community expect to learn from the evaluation?

The evaluation team will estimate energy savings impacts and cost-effectiveness for Program
Years 2007 and 2008. Non-energy benefits will be estimated and a process evaluation will be
conducted for PY 2008. The evaluation team will conduct special technical studies related to air
and duct sealing, refrigerators, air conditioning and furnaces for PY 2009. Occupant and
weatherization staff surveys will also be conducted for PY 2009.
What is the timeframe for the evaluation?

The evaluation will begin in [month/year]. Program information surveys for all states and
agencies will commence in [month/year – same as evaluation beginning date] and be completed
by [month/year – three months after beginning]. A subset of 400 agencies will be selected to
participate in a more detailed data collection effort that will begin in [month/year] and be
completed by [month/year]. Special technical studies will begin in the winter of 2009-2010.
Other data collection efforts will extend through 2010 and 2011. Final reports are due in July
2012.
How will the evaluation benefit my state?

Results of the evaluation will help to ensure consistent and viable levels of federal funding for
states and local agencies by determining what energy savings, cost savings and non-energy
benefits result from program activities.
Can my state receive state-specific results?

While evaluation results will be aggregated to the national level, there is also an opportunity for
states to piggyback on the national evaluation to conduct state-level analyses. Options for statespecific analyses include estimates of state-level energy savings and non-energy benefits, statelevel process evaluation, agency-level energy savings estimates, and metering studies.

What are the possible funding mechanisms for state-level analysis?

There are two potential funding mechanisms: (1) States can request that DOE re-direct T&TA
funding to ORNL. ORNL will increase the funding incrementally to its lead evaluation
contractor, APPRISE, Inc.; or (2) states can contract directly with APPRISE, Inc. via a solesource contract. Since APPRISE, Inc. is under contract to ORNL to conduct the national
evaluation, the cost to states will be limited to the incremental cost of the requested state-level
analysis. Funding estimates will be provided to each state depending on their needs and funding
process. If you are interested in obtaining state-level data, please contact Bruce Tonn, Oak Ridge
National Laboratory: [email protected].
What data will be required at the state level?

All states will be asked to respond to a questionnaire that addresses weatherization funding,
reporting requirements, program operations, training and verification activities conducted in the
state.
What data will be required at the local level?

All weatherization agencies will be asked to respond to a questionnaire that addresses selection
processes, number of weatherized units, quality control processes, client education, crew
training, funding sources and expenditures. A subset of approximately 400 agencies will be
selected to participate in a more intensive data collection effort.
What format will states and agencies use to provide data to the evaluation team?

All questionnaires will be made available online and states and agencies will be encouraged to
submit information using the online format. Additional options will be made available to make it
as easy as possible for states and local agencies to submit the requested data.
How and when will evaluation results be communicated?

The final reports are due in July 2012. All reports will be available through the ORNL web site:
http://weatherization.ornl.gov/. States will be notified with final reports are published.
How will evaluation results be used?

The purpose of the evaluation is to verify the cost-effective performance of the program,
highlight best practices in reaching program objectives, and identify ways in which program
performance can be improved.