City Council, Department of Citywide Administrative Services, and Industry Leaders Announce Application Process for City’s Environmental Product Testing InitiativeMay 13, 2011 – Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Council Member Michael Nelson, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, the New York City Housing Authority, and industry leaders today announced the Request for Applications (RFA) process for a new program that will allow environmental products to be tested in city-owned buildings.The new program, first announced in Speaker Quinn’s 2010 State of the City Speech, will help clean tech companies pilot their new technologies in New York City. In March, the Council met with the Municipal Entrepreneurial Testing System’s (METS) Advisory Committee to kick-off the program. This real-world testing is a necessary step before marketing a final product. M.E.T.S. has the potential to allow these companies to get to market quicker so that they can start creating jobs for the New Yorkers who manufacture, sell and install the new technologies.This program intends to foster the development of products to improve the environmental performance in buildings; and attract new companies from an emerging sector to create more jobs for the City.Frequently, before a company is able to secure venture capital funding, they have to test it in real world conditions to prove its functionality – what is otherwise known as “beta-testing.” And without the adequate space or funding, that company could lose that opportunity either because of insufficient resources or because another company, with a similar idea, went to the market first.“I’m thrilled that we’re starting the application process for METS,” said Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “This is arguably the most exciting part of the process: getting a chance to hear all of the great ideas that New Yorkers have. It’s a reminder of how innovative and fresh our City is – and always inspiring. This program is, hopefully, one way that we’re taking that inspiring idea and making it into a reality.”Applications will be accepted from May 13, 2011, to June 30, 2011. A panel of experts, selected by the New York City Council and the Mayor, will review all proposals and select finalists. Finalist applications will be reviewed by the City Agencies, NYCHA and by the New York City Council.The Agencies and the New York City Council will make the final selection(s) based on feasibility, cost-effectiveness, applicability within current laws, and location. Promising applications will also be forwarded to outside groups including building owners and investment groups.“Since the beginning of the recession, the Council has been looking for ways to diversify the labor force so as to reduce the city’s reliance on Wall Street,” said Council Member Michael Nelson. “The METS program is a great opportunity to do just that by bringing in new companies and industries to New York City. I commend Speaker Quinn in her dedication to creating more jobs for New Yorkers and helping new businesses flourish in our city.”The applications should have products that have the potential to provide cost-effective ways to improve the environmental performance of buildings and/or sites. This RFA seeks products targeting the following issues:• Lighting;• HVAC and lighting controls and sensors;• Meters, sub-meters, and related measuring and monitoring software;• HVAC and service hot water systems;• Building management systems;• Energy and plug load management systems;• Renewable energy (e.g. solar PV, solar heating, wind, geothermal);• Envelope technologies, including roof, wall, fenestration, foundation and assembly systems;• Clean distributed generation, including combined heat and power;• Lab and fume hood technologies;• Interior finishes and/or furnishings that reduce toxic indoor gases;• Water efficiency, including recycling systems and uses;• Storm water management in buildings and sites; and• Analytical tools and software.“DCAS is already working to make New York City government better, faster, cheaper, and greener than ever,” said DCAS Commissioner Edna Wells Handy. “Now, through METS, we will be fostering the local development of environmental products by using our City buildings as a real world testing laboratory.”“New York City values innovations especially when public and private partnerships benefit New Yorkers with sustainable jobs and innovative energy efficiencies,” said John B. Rhea, Chairman of the New York City Housing Authority. “NYCHA has had numerous pilot programs with new technologies in the past, and we feel that by participating in this effort, we can accelerate the process by which new energy innovations are integrated into NYCHA developments.”The advisory committee members include individuals from academia, building owners, energy product companies and the energy industry.The Advisory Committee will be chaired by Robert B. Catell, Chairman of the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC) at New York State University at Stony Brook.“This will be a formidable task, sorting through what I believe will be creative and groundbreaking products – but one that I am excited about,” said Robert B. Catell. “I look forward to working with the Council, the Bloomberg Administration and other energy and tech leaders to choose the most viable candidates. I want to thank Speaker Quinn for starting this program and seeing an unused resource – and turning it into an opportunity.”Other members of the committee include: New York University, Columbia University, City University of New York, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Polytechnic Institute of New York University, Real Estate Board of New York, Vornado Realty Trust, Related Companies, Arup, Atelier Ten, ConEdison, Rudin Management, New York City Investment Fund, Trust Element, and Spectrum Personal Communications.How to apply:Applications will be accepted starting May 13, 2011. The application submission period will be open until COB June 30, 2011. Prior to the application submission, applicants should submit a one-page letter of intent before May 27, 2011. Visit the City Record website or the DCAS Energy Management website for details.Applications should be no longer than 5 pages, not including project team resumes. Applicants must submit one printed copy and one CD of all submission requirements. Completed applications should be submitted by mail to:NYC Department of Citywide Administrative ServicesOne Centre Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10007Attn: Jason Bocchinfuso