A Center of Expertise (COE) for performance contracting is a permanent team within a federal agency that offers leadership, best practices, support, and training on energy performance contracts, including Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Service Contracts (UESCs). ESPCs and UESCs are unique contracting tools that enable the federal government to leverage private sector expertise and third-party financing to enhance energy efficiency and resilience at federal facilities. These contracts are often complex and require specialized knowledge from contracting officers, contracting officers' representatives, energy program managers, and other involved parties. For agencies planning to implement multiple energy performance contracts, it is advantageous to train and allocate resources to a dedicated COE.
A COE may handle project identification and planning, proposal evaluation, contracting, construction management, and performance period tasks such as reviewing measurement and verification (M&V) reports. This team provides structure, dedicated resources, and a clear vision for performance contracting, helping it become a standardized, repeatable, and regular part of the agency's operations. The COE leads in setting agency policies and procedures related to performance contracting and removes barriers to facilitate performance contracting projects across the agency.
COEs typically consist of program managers and sub-managers for project implementation, construction, and M&V. They may also include dedicated contracting professionals and Contracting Officer Representatives.
Federal agencies wishing to learn more about setting up a dedicated Center of Expertise (COE) can request assistance at FEMP's Assistance Request Portal.