Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) Consultant Pool

NYSERDA is seeking to expand the existing pool of community-based organizations (CBOs) and other entities, including Indigenous Nations and Indigenous-led Organizations, that represent New York State's disadvantaged communities to serve as DAC Consultants. DAC Consultants will execute contracts with NYSERDA to provide services across multiple programmatic areas, supporting teams with distinct, high-impact projects on an as-needed basis. Services include: advisement on barriers and needs in communities, reasoned recommendations for potential program or policy changes, feedback on program design, participation in co-design workshops, meeting and workshop facilitation, and assistance with community outreach. DAC Consultants are compensated at pre-established rates for their time and experience. This initiative supports NYSERDA's Climate Equity Strategy and advances best practices for equitable community engagement with historically marginalized communities and Indigenous Peoples. The program supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) goal of directing 40% of clean energy benefits to disadvantaged communities. DAC Consultants are expected to work on distinct projects with clear timelines, including short-notice requests and longer-term incremental engagements.