The Challenge
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) Workforce Development Department is exploring a streamlined purchasing model to support organizations that deliver climate-critical workforce training programs across Massachusetts. We are seeking input from technical high schools, community colleges, workforce training providers, labor-management training programs, community-based organizations, and other educational institutions that purchase and use training equipment. As climate and clean energy technologies continue to evolve, training providers face increasing demand for specialized equipment needed to prepare students and workers for careers in high-demand fields such as:
- HVAC and heat pump technologies
- Building electrification
- Electrical trades
- EV and charging infrastructure
- Renewable energy systems
- Energy efficiency and building performance
- Emerging clean energy technologies
About Streamlined Clean Energy Training Equipment Program for Climate-Critical Occupations
MassCEC is evaluating whether a coordinated purchasing approach could help training providers access equipment more efficiently, reduce administrative burdens, improve pricing, and support consistent training standards across programs. The RFI specifically seeks feedback on current purchasing practices, equipment needs, challenges, and design considerations for a potential coordinated equipment access program.
The information collected through this RFI will help MassCEC:
- Better understand current equipment purchasing practices and challenges.
- Identify common equipment needs across workforce training providers.
- Assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of centralized purchasing.
- Explore opportunities for cost savings through pre-negotiated pricing and shared purchasing approaches.
- Understand emerging technology trends that will drive future equipment needs.
- Inform the design of future purchasing strategies, vendor agreements, and workforce development investments.
- Inform the development of a Request for Quotes (RFQ) from equipment vendors to secure pricing agreements for qualified applicants in a future RFP process.
This RFI will inform future funding opportunities in Winter 2027
November 2, 2026
Who's Eligible
We encourage responses from organizations involved in workforce education and training, including:
- Technical and vocational high schools
- Community colleges
- Workforce training providers
- Labor-management training programs
- Community-based organizations
- Other institutions that purchase training equipment for climate and clean energy workforce programs
Funding Schedule
The eventual RFP is intended to establish a nimble and transparent procurement system that enables qualified training providers to access ad hoc training equipment needed to grow, strengthen, and scale existing climate-critical workforce training programs. The RFP would also provide developed equipment lists to support consistency, clarity, and future expansion into new clean energy training pathways.
A Vendor Request for Quotes (RFQ) will launch later this fall followed by a Request for Proposals from stakeholders for approved equipment Winter 2027 and open through June 30, 2029.
| Process Step | Timing |
|---|---|
| Request for Information Opens | 9/25/2026 |
| Responses Due By | 11/2/2026 |
| Formal RFP Launch | Early 2027 |
Apply
Application Process
Before completing this RFI, respondents are encouraged to gather a current inventory of relevant training labs and equipment, including major instructional systems, tools, trainers, diagnostic equipment, and other assets used in climate-critical workforce training programs. Respondents should also consult with both lab managers or instructional leads and purchasing administrators within their organization to ensure responses reflect current equipment needs, purchasing requirements, internal approval processes, and implementation considerations.
A formal RFP and Application will launch in Winter 2027. The linked survey will inform the program design of the RFP.
Application Materials
Please allow 15-20 minutes to complete the survey. Your feedback will play a critical role in shaping future workforce training infrastructure and purchasing opportunities across the Commonwealth.
Once the RFI closes, we will publish aggregate inventories of climate-critical training equipment for programs statewide. Respondents will be added to a distribution list for further communications about funding availability.
The link to the survey can be found here: MassCEC — Request for Information: Streamlined Clean Energy Training Equipment Program – Fill out form
Additional Funding Opportunities
Heat Pump and HVAC Training Network
Up to $1,200,000
Strand A: March 18, 2026
Strand B: Rolling, through May 15, 2027