RFP: Rehabilitation Specialist / Building Inspection Services

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Rehabilitation Specialist / Building Inspection Services Issued by:North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC) EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & MWBE / SDVOB / SECTION 3 PARTICIPATION North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC), the Essex County Land Bank, and their affiliated and partner organizations strongly encourage proposals from Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB), and HUD Section 3 businesses and individuals. NRDC is committed to affirmatively furthering fair housing and complies with all applicable Federal and State Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity laws. No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any NRDC program or activity. SCOPE OF SERVICES North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC) is seeking proposals from qualified Rehabilitation Specialists or Building Inspectors to provide initial property inspections and building evaluations for residential rehabilitation projects funded through State and Federal housing programs. The primary role of the selected contractor will be to conduct comprehensive initial building inspections so that NRDC staff can develop detailed scopes of work and cost estimates. At NRDC’s discretion, the contractor may also be asked to provide an add-on service to develop a detailed scope of work and rehabilitation specifications based on inspection findings. In addition, as project needs arise, the contractor may be requested to perform interim (progress) inspections and final inspections to ensure compliance with contractual, programmatic, and funding requirements. NRDC anticipates rehabilitation projects on multiple single-family homes located throughout Essex, Warren, and Washington Counties, with individual project budgets expected to range from $60,000 to $150,000. Rehabilitation activities will prioritize health and safety, code compliance, energy efficiency, accessibility improvements, and long-term housing sustainability. TERMS AND CONDITIONS A. Record Keeping and Deliverable Format The contractor must maintain accurate and complete project records. All inspection reports, checklists, narratives, and related documentation must be submitted to NRDC in an editable electronic format (e.g., Word, Google Doc), along with digital photographs as applicable. All records must be made available to NRDC, the Essex County Land Bank, and funding agencies upon request for monitoring or audit purposes. B. Conflict of Interest Most projects are funded with State and/or Federal funds. The contractor must have no conflicts of interest with NRDC, the Essex County Land Bank, participating municipalities, public officials, property owners, or contractors involved in the projects. DISCLAIMER Issuance of this RFP does not commit NRDC to award a contract or to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal. Contract awards are contingent upon the availability of funding and continued program authorization. NRDC reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES The selected contractor may be asked to perform some or all of the following services: Coordinate and schedule site visits with property owners participating in NRDC rehabilitation programs. Conduct initial building inspections and property evaluations, including identification of: Existing conditions and deficiencies Health, safety, and code compliance issues Required repairs and recommended improvements Complete inspection checklists and provide written inspection reports with photographs or digital images. Submit all inspection documentation to NRDC in editable electronic formats suitable for incorporation into NRDC scopes of work. If requested as an add-on service, prepare a detailed rehabilitation scope of work and specifications consistent with program requirements, codes, and inspection findings. Assist NRDC in reviewing contractor bids when requested. Attend pre-construction meetings as needed with NRDC staff, homeowners, and contractors. Perform interim inspections to verify progress and authorize payment draws, when required. Perform final inspections to confirm project completion in accordance with approved scopes, contracts, and program requirements. Review and document proposed change orders and provide recommendations to NRDC staff. Assist in resolving construction-related issues by providing objective inspection findings. Ensure that required lead clearance documentation is obtained for properties subject to HUD Lead-Based Paint Regulations prior to final project closeout. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Minimum of two (2) years of experience performing residential building or rehabilitation inspections. Minimum education equivalent to a two-year Associate’s Degree, or equivalent experience. Strong working knowledge of residential construction systems and rehabilitation practices. Experience working with State and/or Federal housing programs. Working knowledge of HUD Lead-Based Paint Regulations and the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. Ability to prepare clear, concise, and professional inspection documentation. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to meet project timelines across a multi-county rural service area. Proof of minimum $1,000,000 General Liability Insurance and Workers’ Compensation Insurance. ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS NYS Licensed Home Inspector HUD Certified Housing Inspector Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) EPA RRP Certification Lead-Based Paint Renovation and Remodeling Certification PROPOSAL FORMAT Proposals must include: General overview of the firm or individual. Description of experience with residential rehabilitation or inspection projects of similar scale. At least two (2) professional references. Cost per initial building inspection/evaluation. Optional add-on cost for development of a detailed scope of work. Cost per interim inspection, if applicable. Cost per final inspection, if applicable. Mileage reimbursement rate, if applicable. Sample inspection report completed within the past year (may be redacted). Statement of current workload and ability to meet NRDC timelines. Copies of insurance certificates. Copies of relevant licenses and certifications. SELECTION PROCESS Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria: 40% – Qualifications and relevant experience 30% – Cost 30% – Responsiveness and turnaround time NRDC reserves the right to award one or multiple contracts to ensure adequate geographic coverage and project responsiveness. SUBMISSION DEADLINE Proposals are due by:Thursday, February 26th at 4:00pm Submit proposals to: North Country Rural Development CoalitionP.O. Box 348 Ticonderoga, NY 12883 OR Email: [email protected] Line: Rehabilitation Specialist / Building Inspection RFP North Country Rural Development Coalitionis an Equal Opportunity Employer Business enterprises awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years: None Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) SDVOB Goal: 10.00% Minority / Women Business Enterprise contracting goals (MWBE) Total MWBE Goals: 20.00% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise contracting goals (DBE) DBE Goal: 10.00%