Federal Partner Programs

SWA has worked with the federal government to create a body of reliable, scientific research on building materials and building systems. Our research provides the basis of all of our work with clients and allows us to make concrete, informed recommendations that increase building performance and efficiency.

General Services Administration (GSA) – Contract Holder

As a GSA Contract Holder, SWA is one of only 18 professional teams in the nation qualified and approved to offer comprehensive professional energy services to government agencies under a GSA Blanket Purchase Agreement. SWA is also a Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) holder in a variety of energy and sustainability special item numbers.

Department of Energy (DOE) – Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB)

Since 1995, SWA has led CARB, one of several teams supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America Program. SWA engineers, architects and researchers develop and demonstrate energy system solutions for homes, with the goal of improving the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of America’s housing stock. The primary focus of SWA’s research is systems optimization and the integration of new technologies into new or existing homes with a cost effective and marketable result. Systems are modeled, designed and specified, installed, carefully monitored, and further refined. Technologies studied include the latest in insulation systems; solar thermal and solar electric systems; water heating technologies including heat pump water heaters, tankless units, and condensing boilers; innovative approaches to whole-house ventilation; and high performance space heating and cooling systems. Research findings are disseminated in a variety of forms including targeted presentations, trade trainings, articles, case studies, and technical guidelines, reports, and papers.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH)

With PATH, SWA developed innovative design; housing materials, systems optimization; advanced housing technologies; industrialized housing practices; manufactured housing innovation; testing and evaluations; and green and sustainable practices. Our specific areas of expertise focused on energy efficiency, durability and disaster-resistance, affordable construction, and training, outreach and publications.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

SWA has worked with FEMA to consider, evaluate, and recommend technological and performance-based improvements to each of the housing models that FEMA procures for emergency and temporary use. We have also addressed opportunities for improved site planning to both facilitate the process of maintaining the units, and to promote a safe and decent quality of life for displaced households.