Flexible Technical Assistance (FlexTech) Grant Program

The Flexible Technical Assistance (FlexTech) Program Opportunity Notice 4192 is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, a public benefit corporation that advances energy innovation, economic development, and environmental sustainability across New York State. NYSERDA’s mission includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and fostering clean energy technologies. The FlexTech Program is a long-standing initiative designed to support informed energy decision making by providing financial assistance for technical studies rather than direct capital improvements. The purpose of the FlexTech Program is to help commercial, industrial, institutional, and multifamily building owners and operators evaluate opportunities for energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Through cost-shared technical assistance, the program enables participants to conduct detailed energy studies, sustainability planning, and assessments of clean heating and cooling systems. These studies are intended to guide investment decisions by identifying site-specific opportunities to reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and improve building performance. The program explicitly does not fund implementation of recommended measures, focusing instead on planning and analysis. Funding is structured as a cost-share model, where NYSERDA reimburses a percentage of eligible technical assistance costs depending on sector and project type. Cost-share levels generally range from 50 percent to as high as 100 percent for certain eligible participants such as affordable multifamily housing or priority school districts. The program establishes a cap of up to 500000 dollars per project or up to 20 percent of annual energy expenditure, whichever is less, with certain exceptions. Secondary services, such as renewable energy investigations or greenhouse gas inventories, are only eligible when paired with primary services. Funds may only be used for technical assistance activities and cannot be applied toward equipment purchases, implementation labor, or construction costs. Eligibility is limited to entities located in New York State, including commercial businesses, industrial facilities, institutional organizations, and multifamily property owners. Most applicants must pay into the Systems Benefit Charge through their utility, although certain disadvantaged or priority entities may qualify without this requirement. Projects must demonstrate potential for energy or carbon savings and must involve facilities that have been operational for at least one year. A third-party service provider is required, either from NYSERDA’s approved consultant list or an independently selected provider subject to review. The application process requires submission through the NYSERDA online portal. Applicants must provide a detailed scope of work, budget, and schedule outlining the technical assistance activities to be performed. Additional documentation may be required depending on project type, such as affordability verification for multifamily housing. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, contingent on funding availability, and incomplete submissions are rejected. NYSERDA typically notifies applicants of award decisions within approximately four weeks after submission. The program operates on a continuous basis, accepting applications until December 31, 2030 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time, or until funds are exhausted. Once approved, projects must generally be completed within two years of issuance of a purchase order. Deliverables must include detailed analyses of energy impacts using site-specific data, and final reports must comply with NYSERDA reporting requirements. Program participants may receive progress payments based on milestones and approved deliverables. Overall, the FlexTech Program provides a structured pathway for organizations to assess and plan energy improvements with reduced financial risk. By emphasizing rigorous technical analysis and customized recommendations, the program supports long-term energy savings, operational efficiency, and climate resilience across a wide range of building types in New York State.

Ensure scope of work is detailed and site specific; clearly justify cost share request; include complete budget and schedule; use qualified service providers; ensure all calculations are based on real facility data to avoid rejection