Energy Savings Study Service

The Capital Development Board of Illinois is seeking an energy savings study service to quantify the impact of water hardness on residential appliances and fixtures. The agency is trying to solve the problem of performance degradation, scale buildup, and increased energy consumption caused by variable total hardness concentrations in household water systems. This project aims to update previous findings showing that softened water improves appliance longevity and reduces carbon footprints. The scope of work covers evaluating gas storage, electric storage, and instantaneous gas water heaters operated under varying water hardness levels. The selected provider must assess scale buildup, maintenance needs, and the degradation of low-flow showerheads, faucets, dishwashers, and laundry washers. Additionally, the agency requires calculations of the differential carbon footprint and updated economic models for life-cycle costs. Only organizations based in the United States are eligible to bid on this opportunity. The agency requires all work to be performed offsite, away from the government facility. Bidders must submit their proposals digitally via email or through the online portal. The agency has established a maximum budget of 250,000 USD for this study. Interested parties must submit a Notice of Intent to the agency no later than June 15, 2026.