Technical Assistance Project for State and Local Officials
The Technical Assistance Project (TAP) is designed to provide state and local officials with quick, short-term access to experts at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories for assistance with their renewable energy and energy efficiency policies and programs.
State and local officials can find information about how to apply for TAP assistance, learn about the types of TAP projects funded in the past, and access analysis tools and resources on the following pages:
State and local governments can obtain short-term technical assistance from DOE. Apply now.
The Technical Assistance Project helps states with individual, short-term assistance in the following crosscutting topic areas that are not the responsibility of a single DOE technology research program:
System benefits charges or other ratepayer-funded utility energy efficiency and renewable energy programs
Renewable energy and energy efficiency portfolio standards and renewable fuel standards
Use of clean energy technologies to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
Use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies on state and local public lands and facilities
Use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies for state and local disaster relief, mitigation, and planning
State and regional energy efficiency and renewable energy assessments and planning
Sustainable community and building design
Clean energy project financing incentives and mechanisms
Other renewable energy and energy efficiency activities supported through DOE's State Energy Program.
DOE can also provide states with case-specific assistance in other areas, if the request is in line with the intent of the TAP guidelines. TAP projects are available on a first come, first served basis.
The Technical Assistance Project is managed by a team from the DOE Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Project Management Center, and DOE national laboratories. Staff from three laboratories participate: the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado; Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California.
TAP is designed to provide short-term and timely assistance to state and local officials.
TAP requests vary in topic and type of assistance, including:
On-site technical consultation about the options for and potential impacts of proposed renewable portfolio standards
Quantification of the emissions reductions from energy efficiency projects for use in air quality plans
Consultation about technical issues in lease agreements for wind power on state lands
Hosting of a design charrette about incorporating sustainable building practices in a new tropical exhibit at a city zoo
Guidance on pollution prevention options for adding renewable energy into a municipal district heating system
Consultation about how public facilities can sell renewable energy credits.