Ascension is seeking a Building Energy Code & Performance Subject Matter Expert to support Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services in its Energy Code Information Technology, Services, and Consulting requirement. This role supports DPS’s effort to improve energy code implementation, analyze how projects comply with new energy codes, strengthen policy and guidance materials, and support the County’s long-term climate goals, including net zero energy and full electrification code development across future code cycles.

The ideal candidate brings deep technical knowledge of commercial and residential building energy codes, including ASHRAE 90.1, IECC Residential provisions, performance and prescriptive compliance paths, building performance standards, energy modeling, Building Performance Factors, renewable energy procurement, REC tracking, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction permitting environments. Montgomery County’s RFP specifically states that the primary contractor must have specialized experience and knowledge in building performance and energy codes, preferably ASHRAE 90.1 and IECC Residential, and at least five years of experience in analysis and policy development in building energy codes.

Summary of the Contractor Role

The Building Energy Code & Performance SME supports policy consulting, technical analysis, code development, energy modeling, and programmatic improvement activities related to Montgomery County’s 2021, 2024, 2027, and 2030 energy code cycles. The consultant provides senior-level advisory support to help DPS evaluate how building projects comply with energy codes, identify policy improvements, interpret industry trends, and develop recommendations that improve permitting quality, reduce review delays, and support grant reporting requirements.

This role is best suited for a self-driven technical expert who can operate independently, translate complex code and building performance requirements into practical recommendations, and work effectively with County staff, IT/data personnel, analysts, outreach staff, and other technical consultants. The SME should be comfortable reviewing energy code data, construction documentation, energy model outputs, mechanical drawings, compliance reports, code amendments, training materials, and industry guidance.

The RFP identifies policy consulting tasks that include code development, net zero energy alterations, energy modeling, residential code amendments, training/process/documentation improvements, renewables, Technical Assistance Program support, and workforce development planning.

Anticipated Day-to-Day / Task Order Activities

• Advise DPS on commercial and residential energy code policy changes based on data analysis, permit trends, code compliance findings, and industry feedback.
• Review ASHRAE 90.1, IECC Residential, IgCC, amended local code provisions, and related technical materials to support future code cycle development.
• Research energy code best practices used by other Authorities Having Jurisdiction and translate findings into practical recommendations for DPS.
• Support implementation of net zero energy measures for Level 3 alterations and evaluate code pathways that advance electrification and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
• Develop and review Building Performance Factors for future code cycles and support forecasting of energy savings, carbon reductions, and cost impacts.
• Provide technical input on performance-based and prescriptive compliance pathways for commercial, multifamily, and residential projects.
• Support recommendations for residential-specific code amendments, including homeowner-facing guidance and plain-language technical explanations.
• Review energy model reports, mechanical drawings, renewable energy information, REC documentation, and other construction-related documentation as needed.
• Support renewable energy procurement and REC tracking analysis related to energy code compliance.
• Provide technical guidance for the TAP Pilot and grant-funded Technical Assistance Program.
• Support workforce development planning related to energy code implementation, training needs, industry readiness, and technical assistance delivery.
• Recommend improvements to training materials, data collection forms, guidance documents, and internal processes.
• Participate in kickoff, task order, technical review, annual status, and coordination meetings as required by DPS.
• Document assumptions, findings, data quality concerns, technical risks, recommendations, and corrective actions in clear written form.
• Coordinate with project management, data analytics, IT, reporting, and outreach personnel to ensure technical recommendations are accurate, practical, and aligned with DPS objectives.