23_188_RFQ.pdf

RFQ Item #23-188 Lead Grant Hazard Reduction Program RFQ Due: Friday, October 27, 2023 @ 11:00 a.m.

Federally Funded

Request for Qualifications

RFQ Item #23-188

Lead Grant Hazard Reduction Program For

Augusta, Georgia – Housing and Community Development

Until further notice All RFQ openings, conferences and evaluation meetings will be conducted by electronic teleconferencing via ZOOM Instructions are enclosed

Sec. 1-10-50. Sealed bids selection method:

Bid acceptance and bid evaluation. Provided that the bids are delivered to the Procurement Director at the time, place, and under the conditions contained in the Invitation for Bids, the bids shall be conditionally accepted without alteration or correction pending evaluation.

It Is The Responsibility Of The Vendor To Ensure Their RFQ Submittal

Is Received By The Time Specified Above.

One Original and Seven (7) Copies of RFQ shall be submitted

Thanks for doing business with us . . .

Geri A. Sams, Procurement Director

535 Telfair Street, Room 605 Augusta, Georgia 30901

Rev. 8/11/2016

Table of Contents

Request for Qualification

Instruction to Submit

Purpose Viewing of the Augusta Code

Compliance with Laws Proposal for All or Part Minority/Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Policy Augusta Georgia License Requirement Terms of Contract

Notice to All Respondents Required to be returned with your submittal. Both documents must be notarized

Attachment B Must return the 2 pages Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program

Local Small Business Opportunity Program Ordinance Requirements

Request for Qualification Specifications

Request for Qualification

Request for Qualifications will be received at this office until Friday, October 27, 2023 @ 11:00 a.m. via ZOOM Meeting ID: 892 2666 7872; Passcode: 414311 for furnishing:

RFQ Item #23-188 Lead Grant Hazard Reduction Program for Augusta, GA – Housing and Community Development

RFQs will be received by: The Augusta Commission hereinafter referred to as the OWNER at the offices of:

Geri A. Sams, Director Augusta Procurement Department 535 Telfair Street - Room 605

RFQ documents may be viewed on the Augusta Georgia web site under the Procurement Department ARCbid. RFQ documents may be obtained at the office of the Augusta, GA Procurement Department, 535 Telfair Street – Room 605, Augusta, GA 30901 (706-821-2422).

All questions must be submitted in writing by fax to 706 821-2811 or by email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov to the office of the Procurement Department by Friday, October 13, 2023 @ 5:00 P.M. No RFQ will be accepted by fax or email, all must be received by mail or hand delivered.

No RFQ may be withdrawn for a period of 90 days after RFQs have been opened, pending the execution of contract with the successful bidder(s).

Request for qualifications (RFQ) and specifications. An RFQ shall be issued by the Procurement Office and shall include specifications prepared in accordance with Article 4 (Product Specifications), and all contractual terms and conditions, applicable to the procurement. All specific requirements contained in the request for qualification including, but not limited to, the number of copies needed, the timing of the submission, the required financial data, and any other requirements designated by the Procurement Department are considered material conditions of the bid which are not waivable or modifiable by the Procurement Director. All requests to waive or modify any such material condition shall be submitted through the Procurement Director to the appropriate committee of the Augusta, Georgia Commission for approval by the Augusta, Georgia Commission. Please mark the RFQ number on the outside of the envelope.

GEORGIA E-Verify and Public Contracts: The Georgia E-Verify law requires contractors and all sub-contractors on Georgia public contract (contracts with a government agency) for the physical performance of services over $2,499 in value to enroll in E-Verify, regardless of the number of employees. They may be exempt from this requirement if they have no employees and do not plan to hire employees for the purpose of completing any part of the public contract. Certain professions are also exempt. All requests for qualification issued by a city must include the contractor affidavit as part of the requirement for their bid to be considered.

Proponents are cautioned that acquisition of RFQ documents through any source other than the office of the Procurement Department is not advisable. Acquisition of RFQ documents from unauthorized sources places the proponent at the risk of receiving incomplete or inaccurate information upon which to base their qualifications.

Correspondence must be submitted via mail, fax or email as follows:

Augusta Procurement Department Attn: Geri A. Sams, Director of Procurement 535 Telfair Street, Room 605 Augusta, GA 30901 Fax: 706-821-2811 or Email: procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

GERI A. SAMS, Procurement Director

Publish:

Augusta Chronicle September 21, 28, 2023 and October 5, 12, 2023 Metro Courier September 21, 2023 cc: Takiyah A. Douse Interim Administrator Hawthorne Welcher Housing and Community Development Department

Darrell Grant Housing and Community Development Department

Revised: 3/22/21 mailto:procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov http://gma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0yMjUwOTU1JnA9MSZ1PTUxODY3MTg3MiZsaT0yMTQ3NjI3Nw/index.html mailto:procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT BIDS AND CONTRACTS

ELECTRONIC RFQ OPENING INFORMATION

The Augusta, Georgia Procurement Department conducts Public RFQ Openings to award quality contracts for

Augusta. Bidders may participate in our Public RFQ Openings via webcast or teleconference by following the instructions outlined below:

ELECTRONIC RFQ INSTRUCTIONS

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device

RFQ Opening – RFQ #23-188 Lead Grant Hazard Reduction Program

Friday, October 27, 2023 @ 11:00 a.m.

ZOOM Opening:

1. Go to https://zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 892 2666 7872

2. Password: 414311

3. Telephone number: 646 876 9923

OFFICAL RFQ RESULTS will Post within 5 Days

For Assistance: Please Contact the Bid and Contract Team at (706) 821-2422

Rev. 9/30/2021 https://zoom.us/join https://zoom.us/join

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT

1.1 Purpose: The purpose of this document is to

provide general and specific information for use by vendors in submitting a proposal to supply Augusta, Georgia with equipment, supplies, and or services as listed above. All proposals are governed by the Augusta, Georgia Code.

1.2 Viewing the Augusta Code: All proposals are

governed and awarded in accordance with the applicable federal and state regulations and the Augusta, Georgia Code. To view the Code visit Augusta’s website at www.augustaga.gov or http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=68 5 Guidelines & Procedures.

1.3 Compliance with laws: The Proponent shall

obtain and maintain all licenses, permits, liability insurance, workman's compensation insurance and comply with any and all other standards or regulations required by federal, state or Augusta, Georgia statute, ordinances and rules during the performance of any contract between the Proponent and Augusta, Georgia. Any such requirement specifically set forth in any contract document between the Proponent and Augusta, Georgia shall be supplementary to this section and not in substitution thereof.

1.4 Proposal’s For All Or Part: Unless otherwise

specified by Augusta, Georgia or by the proponent, AUGUSTA, GEORGIA RESERVES THE

RIGHT TO MAKE AWARD ON ALL ITEMS, OR ON

ANY OF THE ITEMS ACCORDING TO THE BEST

INTEREST OF AUGUSTA, GEORGIA. Proponent may restrict his proposal to consideration in the aggregate by so stating but must name a unit price on each item submitted upon.

1.5 All protest shall be made in writing to:

Attn: Geri A. Sams, Director of Procurement 535 Telfair Street, Room 605 Augusta, GA 30901, Fax: 706-821-2811 or

Email:

procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

1.6 Minority/Women Business Enterprise (MWBE)

Policy: Court Order Enjoining Race-Based Portion of DBE Program Augusta, Georgia does not have a race or gender conscious

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) program for projects having Augusta, Georgia as the source of funding. Augusta does enforce mandatory DBE requirements of federal and state agencies on contracts funded by such agencies and has a DBE Program to comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other federal and state mandated DBE requirements for certain DOT, FTA, FAA, and other federal and state assisted contracts as required by 49 C.F.R.

Part 26, et. seq. and/or 49 C.F.R. Part 23, et.

seq. This DBE program is only for DOT, FTA and FAA assisted contracts and other federal or state funded contracts having mandatory DBE requirements. (See Article 13 of the Augusta, GA. Code.)

Augusta, Georgia prohibits any language in any solicitation, bid or contract that is inconsistent with the July 21, 2011, Court Order in the case, Thompson Wrecking, Inc. v. Augusta Georgia, civil action No. 1:07-CV-019. Any such language appearing in any Augusta, Georgia solicitation, bid or contract is void and unenforceable.

A copy of this Order can be reviewed at www.augustaga.gov home page.

1.7 Augusta, Georgia License Requirement: For

further information contact the License and Inspection Department @ 706 312-5050.

General Contractors License Number: If applicable, in accordance with O.C.G.A. §43-41, or be subjected to penalties as may be required by law.

Utility Contractor License Number: If applicable, in accordance with O.C.G.A. §43-14, or be subjected to penalties as may be required by law.

1.8 Terms of Contract: (Check where

applicable)

[ ] (A) Annual Contract [X] (B) One time Purchase.

[ ] (C) Other file:///C:/Users/th13290/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/2015%20Bid%20Information/15-172A%20Temporary%20Staffing%20Services/www.augustaga.gov http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=685%20%20Guidelines%20&%20Procedures http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=685%20%20Guidelines%20&%20Procedures http://www.augustaga.gov/

NOTICE TO ALL VENDORS

ADHERE TO THE BELOW INSTRUCTIONS AND DO NOT SUBSTITUTE FORMS

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Attachment B is a consolidated document consisting of:

1. Business License Number Requirement (must be provided)

2. Acknowledgement of Addenda (must be acknowledged, if any)

3. Statement of Non-Discrimination

4. Non-Collusion Affidavit of Prime Proponent/Offeror

5. Conflict of Interest

6. Contractor Affidavit and Agreement (E-Verify User ID Number must be provided)

Attachment B Must be Notarized & Two (2) Pages Must be returned with your submittal - No Exceptions.

Business License Requirement: Proponent must be licensed in the Governmental entity for where they do the majority of their business. Your company’s business license number must be provided on Page 1 of Attachment B. If your Governmental entity (State or Local) does not require a business license, your company will be required to obtain a Richmond County business license if awarded a contract. For further information contact the License and Inspection Department @ 706 312-5050.

Acknowledgement of Addenda: You Must acknowledge all Addenda. See Page 1 of Attachment B.

E-Verify * User Identification Number (Company I.D.) The recommended awarded vendor will be required to provide a copy of Homeland Security’s Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU). Contractors, Bids, RFPs, RFQs - Any contractors performing the physical performance of services” for your city, including those that respond to bids or requests for proposals, must submit an E-Verify affidavit. Your city cannot consider any contractors, even as part of a bidding or RFP process, unless they have given you the appropriate E-Verify contractor affidavits.

Contractors are defined as those who provide any “physical performance of services,” which means any performance of labor or services for a public employer using a bidding process or by contract that costs over $2,499.99 in value between December 1 and November 30 of any given year. Typically, eligible contracts may include: New construction or the demolition of structures/roads Routine operation, repair, and maintenance of existing structures. Any contracts for labor and service that exceed $2,499.99. Contracts for the purchase of goods without any services provided are not subject to these E-Verify requirements.

The city, each contractor, and each subcontractor have different roles and responsibilities in the E-Verify process. The city collects E-Verify affidavits from the contractor. The contractor collects E-Verify affidavits from its subcontractors. The subcontractors collect E-Verify affidavits from its sub-subcontractors. Independent contractors (those with no employees) do not need to supply E-Verify information. Instead, they will provide a driver’s license or state identification card from states on the “compliant” list created by the Georgia Attorney General. Those contractors and subcontractors that fill out the affidavits are responsible for the accuracy of the information. The city does not need to confirm that the E-Verify information is correct. The liability for incorrect information is on the contractor or subcontractor. NOTE: The authorization date can be found within the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Affidavit Verifying Status for Augusta Benefit Application (S.A.V.E. Program) (Must Be Returned With Your Submittal)

The successful proponent will submit the following forms to the Procurement Department no later than five (5) days after receiving the “Letter of Recommendation” (Vendor’s letter will denote the date forms are to be received)

1. Georgia Security and Immigration Subcontractor Affidavit

2. Non-Collusion Affidavit of Sub-Contractor

3. PLEASE NOTE GEORGIA LAW CHANGE: E-Verify and Public Contracts: The Georgia E-Verify law requires contractors and all sub-contractors on Georgia public contract (contracts with a government agency) for the physical performance of services over $2,499 in value to enroll in E-Verify, regardless of the number of employees. They may be exempt from this requirement if they have no employees and do not plan to hire employees for the purpose of completing any part of the public contract. Certain professions are also exempt. All requests for proposals issued by a city must include the contractor affidavit as part of the requirement for their bid to be considered.

WARNING: Please review “Notice to Proponent” regarding Augusta Georgia’s Local Small Business Opportunity Program Proponent Requirements.

Vendors are cautioned that acquisition of proposal documents through any source other than the office of the Procurement Department is not advisable. Acquisition of proposal documents from unauthorized sources places the proposer at the risk of receiving incomplete or inaccurate information upon which to base his qualifications.

Proposals are publicly opened. It is your responsibility to ensure that your company has met the Specifications and Licenses’ requirements prior to submitting a proposal.

Rev. 4/09/21

Attachment B

You Must Complete and Return the 2 pages of Attachment B with Your Submittal. Document Must Be Notarized.

Augusta, Georgia Augusta Procurement Department ATTN: Procurement Director 535 Telfair Street, Suite 605

Name of Proponent: _______________________________________________________________________________

Street Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: ______________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ______________________ Fax: __________________________Email: ________________________________

Do You Have A Business License? Yes: ______ No: ______

Augusta, GA Business License # for your Company (Must Provide): ______________________________________

And/or Your State/Local Business License # for your Company (Must Provide): _____________________________

Utility Contractors License # (Must Provide if applicable): _______________________________ MUST BE LISTED ON FRONT OF ENVELOPE

General Contractor License # (Must Provide if applicable): _______________________________________________

Additional Specialty License # (Must Provide if applicable): ______________________________________________

NOTE: Company must be licensed in the Governmental entity for where they do the majority of their business. If your Governmental entity (State or Local) does not require a business license, please state above (Procurement will verify), your company will be required to obtain a Richmond County business license if awarded a BID. For further information regarding Augusta, GA license requirements, please contact the License and Inspection Department @ 706 312-5050.

List the State, City & County that issued your license: ___________________________________________________________

Acknowledgement of Addenda: (#1) ____: (#2) ____: (#3) ____: (#4) ____: (#5) ____: (#6) ____: (#7) ____: (#8) ____:

NOTE: CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX (ES) - ADD ADDITIONAL NUMBERS AS APPLICABLE

Statement of Non-Discrimination

The undersigned understands that it is the policy of Augusta, Georgia to promote full and equal business opportunity for all persons doing business with Augusta, Georgia. The undersigned covenants that we have not discriminated, on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin or ethnicity, with regard to prime contracting, subcontracting or partnering opportunities.

The undersigned covenants and agrees to make good faith efforts to ensure maximum practicable participation of local small businesses on the proposal or contract awarded by Augusta, Georgia. The undersigned further covenants that we have completed truthfully and fully the required forms regarding good faith efforts and local small business subcontractor/supplier utilization.

The undersigned further covenants and agrees not to engage in discriminatory conduct of any type against local small businesses, in conformity with Augusta, Georgia’s Local Small Business Opportunity Program. Set forth below is the signature of an officer of the proposer/contracting entity with the authority to bind the entity.

The undersigned acknowledge and warrant that this Company has been made aware of understands and agrees to take affirmative action to provide such companies with the maximum practicable opportunities to do business with this Company;

That this promise of non-discrimination as made and set forth herein shall be continuing in nature and shall remain in full force and effect without interruption;

That the promises of non-discrimination as made and set forth herein shall be and are hereby deemed to be made as part of and incorporated by reference into any contract or portion thereof which this Company may hereafter obtain and;

That the failure of this Company to satisfactorily discharge any of the promises of nondiscrimination as made and set forth herein shall constitute a material breach of contract entitling Augusta, Georgia to declare the contract in default and to exercise any and all applicable rights remedies including but not limited to cancellation of the contract, termination of the contract, suspension and debarment from future contracting opportunities, and withholding and or forfeiture of compensation due and owing on a contract.

Non-Collusion of Prime Proponent

By submission of a proposal, the vendor certifies, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief:

(a) The prices in the proposal have been arrived at independently without collusion, consultation, communications, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any other vendor or with any competitor.

(b) Unless otherwise required by law, the prices which have been quoted in the proposal have not been knowingly disclosed by the vendor prior to opening, directly or indirectly, to any other vendor or to any competitor.

(c) No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the vendor to induce any other person, partnership or corporation to submit or not to submit a proposal for the purpose of restricting competition. Collusions and fraud in proposal preparation shall be reported to the State of Georgia Attorney General and the United States Justice Department.

You Must Complete and Return the 2 pages of Attachment B with Your Submittal. Document Must Be Notarized.

Rev. 4/09/21

Conflict of Interest PAGE 2 OF 2 By submission of a bid, the responding firm certifies, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief:

1. No circumstances exist which cause a Conflict of Interest in performing the services required by this BID, and

2. That no employee of the County, nor any member thereof, not any public agency or official affected by this BID, has any pecuniary interest in the business of the responding firm or his sub-consultant(s) has any interest that would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance related to this BID. By submission of a bid, the vendor certifies under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief:

(a) The prices in the bid have been arrived at independently without collusion, consultation, communications, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any other vendor or with any competitor.

(b) Unless otherwise required by law, the prices which have been quoted in the bid have not knowingly been disclosed by the vendor prior to opening, directly or indirectly, to any other vendor or competitor.

c) No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the vendor to induce any other person, partnership or cooperation to submit or not to submit a bid for the purpose of restricting competition. For any breach or violation of this provision, the County shall have the right to terminate any related contract or agreement without liability and at its discretion to deduct from the price, or otherwise recover, the full amount of such fee, commission, percentage, gift, payment or consideration.

Contractor Affidavit and Agreement: Contractor Affidavit under O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b) (l)

GEORGIA E-Verify and Public Contracts: The Georgia E-Verify law requires contractors and all sub-contractors on Georgia public contract (contracts with a government agency) for the physical performance of services over $2,499 in value to enroll in E-Verify, regardless of the number of employees. They may be exempt from this requirement if they have no employees and do not plan to hire employees for the purpose of completing any part of the public contract. Certain professions are also exempt. All requests for proposals issued by a city must include the contractor affidavit as part of the requirement for their bid to be considered.

The undersigned contractor ("Contractor") executes this Affidavit to comply with O.C.G.A § 13-10-91 related to any contract to which Contractor is a party that is subject to O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91 and hereby verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91, attesting as follows:

a) The Contractor has registered with, is authorized to use and uses the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program;

b) The Contractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period, including any renewal or extension thereof;

c) The Contractor will notify the public employer in the event the Contractor ceases to utilize the federal work authorization program during the contract period, including renewals or extensions thereof;

d) The Contractor understands that ceasing to utilize the federal work authorization program constitutes a material breach of Contract;

e) The Contractor will contract for the performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with subcontractors who present an affidavit to the Contractor with the information required by O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(a), (b), and (c);

f) The Contractor acknowledges and agrees that this Affidavit shall be incorporated into any contract(s) subject to the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 13-10- 91 for the project listed below to which Contractor is a party after the date hereof without further action or consent by Contractor; and

g) Contractor acknowledges its responsibility to submit copies of any affidavits, drivers' licenses, and identification cards required pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91 to the public employer within five business days of receipt.

Georgia Law requires your company to have an E-Verify*User Identification Number (Company I.D.) on or after July 1, 2009.

For additional information or to enroll your company, visit the State of Georgia website:

https://e-verify.uscis.gov/enroll/ and/or http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pdf/rules/300_10 1.pdf

Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number: E-VERIFY REQUIRED FOR ALL CONTRACTS OVER $2,499.00 Date of Authorization

** (E-Verify Number) _________________________________ ___________________________

Name of Contractor Name of Project / Bid Number

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – RICHMOND COUNTY CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT

Name of Public Employer

I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on ___________________, _________, 20________ in ___________________ (City), _______________ (State).

Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent Printed Name and Title of Authorized Officer or Agent

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME ON THIS THE _______ DAY OF ____________________________, 20_______

Notary Public My Commission Expires: NOTARY SEAL

The undersigned further agrees to submit a notarized copy of Attachment B and any required documentation noted as part of the Augusta, Georgia Board of Commissions specifications which govern this process. In addition, the undersigned agrees to submit all required forms for any subcontractor(s) as requested and or required. I further understand that my submittal will be deemed non-compliant if any part of this process is violated.

You Must Complete and Return the 2 pages of Attachment B with Your Submittal. Document Must Be Notarized.

https://e-verify.uscis.gov/enroll/ http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pdf/rules/300_10%201.pdf

You Must Complete and Return with Your Submittal. Document Must Be Notarized

Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program

Affidavit Verifying Status for Augusta, Georgia Benefit Application By executing this affidavit under oath, as an applicant for an Augusta, Georgia Business License or Occupation Tax Certificate, Alcohol License, Taxi Permit, Contract or other public benefit as reference in O.C.G.A. Section 50-36-1, I am stating the following with respect to my bid for an Augusta, Georgia contract for

[RFQ Project Number and Project Name]

[Print/Type: Name of natural person applying on behalf of individual, business, corporation, partnership, or other private entity]

[Print/Type: Name of business, corporation, partnership, or other private entity]

1.) _________ I am a citizen of the United States.

OR

2.) _________ I am a legal permanent resident 18 years of age or older.

OR

3.) _________ I am an otherwise qualified alien (8 § USC 1641) or nonimmigrant under the Federal Immigration and

Nationality Act (8 USC 1101 et seq.) 18 years of age or older and lawfully present in the United States. *

In making the above representation under oath, I understand that any person who knowingly and willfully makes a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in an affidavit shall be guilty of a violation of Code Section 16-10-20 of the Official Code of Georgia.

Signature of Applicant

Printed Name

*Alien Registration Number for Non-Citizens

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME ON THIS THE ___________ DAY OF ______________, 20____

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: _____________________________ NOTARY SEAL

Note: THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED WITH YOUR SUBMITTAL

REV. 2/17/2016

Local Small Business Opportunity Program Ordinance Requirements Notice to All Respondents PLEASE READ CAREFULLY) shall apply to ALL Bids/RFPs/RFQs regardless of the dollar amount

In accordance with Chapter 10B of the AUGUSTA, GA. CODE, Contractors agree to collect and maintain all records necessary to for Augusta, Georgia to evaluate the effectiveness of its Local Small Business Opportunity Program and to make such records available to Augusta, Georgia upon request. The requirements of the Local Small Business Opportunity Program can be found at www.augustaga.gov. In accordance with AUGUSTA, GA. CODE, Contractors shall report to Augusta, Georgia the total dollars paid to each subcontractor, vendor, or other business on each contract, and shall provide such payment affidavits, regarding payment to subcontractors, if any as required by Augusta, Georgia. Such utilization reports shall be in the format specified by the Director of Minority and Small Business Opportunities and shall be submitted at such times as required by Augusta, Georgia. Required forms can be found at www.augustaga.gov. If you need assistance completing a form or filing information, please contact the LSBO Program office at (706) 821-2406. Failure to provide such reports within the time period specified by Augusta, Georgia shall entitle Augusta, Georgia to exercise any of the remedies set forth, including but not limited to, withholding payment from the Contractor and/or collecting liquidated damages.

To print a copy of the Prime Contractor Data Collection Form visit: http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=1672

Website: http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?nid=83

SHALL APPLY TO PROJECTS $100,000 & UP

Sec. 1-10-129. Local small business opportunities program participation.

(a) Sealed Bids, Sealed Proposals, Professional Services And Other Major Purchasing. The following procedures and contract requirements will be used to ensure that local small businesses are encouraged to participate in Augusta, Georgia contracts, including but not limited to construction contracts, requests for professional services and the performance of public works contracts. The Augusta, Georgia user department shall indicate goals for local small business in all solicitations for contracts over $100,000 in value:(1) Bid conditions, requests for proposals, and all other specifications for contracts awarded by Augusta, Georgia will require that, where subcontracting goal is utilized in performing the contract, the bidder or proponent, will make Good Faith Efforts to subcontract with or purchase supplies from local small businesses. Bid specifications will require the bidder or proponent to keep records of such efforts that are adequate to permit a determination of compliance with this requirement.

(2) Each Proponent shall be required to provide documentation of achieving goal or provide documentation of Good Faith Efforts to engage local small businesses as subcontractors or suppliers, the names of local small businesses and other subcontractors to whom it intends to award subcontracts, the dollar value of the subcontracts, and the scope of the work to be performed, recorded on the form(s) provided or made available as part of the bid package. If there are no sub-contracting opportunities, bidder shall so indicate on the appropriate form.

(6) All solicitation documents shall require bidders or respondents to submit with their bid/proposal the following written documents, statements or forms, which shall be made available by the Procurement Department.

(i) Non-Discrimination Statement which shall affirm the bidder’s: (a) adherence to the policies of Augusta, Georgia relating to equal opportunity in contracting; (b) agreement to undertake certain measures as provided in this policy to ensure maximum practicable participation of local small businesses; and (c) agreement not to engage in discriminatory conduct of any type.

(ii) Proposed Local Small Business Subcontractor/Supplier Utilization Plan.

(iii) Documentation of Good Faith Efforts to use local small businesses.

Failure to submit the above documentation shall result in the bid or proposal being declared non-responsive.

(d) Post Contract Award Requirements. The purpose of this sub-section is to establish requirements for contractor compliance with the LSBOP after a contract has been awarded.

This is incorporated into all Augusta, Georgia Contracts for which a local small business goal has been established or negotiated.

(1) Contractors shall have an affirmative, ongoing obligation to meet or exceed the committed local small business goal for the duration of the contract. The Augusta, Georgia may deem a contractor to be in violation of the LSBOP and in breach of its contract if at any time Augusta, Georgia determines that:

(a) The contractor will not meet the committed local small business goals; and

(b) The reasons for the contractor’s failure are within the contractor’s control. For example, if a contractor does not meet the local small business goal because the contractor terminated a local small business without cause or if the contractor caused and local small business to withdraw from the project without justification, then Augusta, Georgia is justified in finding the contractor to be in violation of the

LSBOP.

(h) Compliance.

(4) The Director of minority and small business opportunities shall be responsible for evaluating good faith efforts documentation and subcontractor information submitted by bidders in conformance with, the AUGUSTA, GA CODE and any State and Federal Laws applicable to any bid specifications for competitive sealed bid or competitive sealed proposal projects prior to award of the contract.

(i) Competitive Bids.

Nothing in this Policy is to be construed to require Augusta, Georgia to award a bid contract to other than the lowest responsible bidder, or to require contractors to award to subcontractors, or to make significant material purchases from local small businesses who do not submit the best overall pricing to Augusta, Georgia.

Sec. 1-10-130. Exceptions – federally funded projects.

In accordance with § 1-10-8 and Chapter 10B, the LSBOP shall only be utilized with federally funded projects, solicitations or contracts as authorized by federal (and Georgia) laws, regulations and conditions applicable to such projects. To the extent that there are any conflicts between any such laws, regulations or conditions and the LSBOP, the federal (and Georgia) laws, regulations and conditions shall control.

For questions and or additional information please contact:

Local Small Business Opportunity Program, 535 Telfair Street, Room 530,

(706) 821-2406.

NOTE: All forms should be submitted in a separate, sealed envelope labeled Local Small Business Required Forms, Company’s Name & Bid/RFP/RFQ Number.

Rev. 6/27/2013 http://www.augustaga.gov/ http://www.augustaga.gov/ http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=1672 http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?nid=83

SECTION A

INSTRUCTION TO SUBMIT

Augusta, Georgia invites qualified firms to submit qualifications to provide services for the Lead Grant Hazard Reduction Program for the Augusta Housing and Community Development Department. Your submittal should respond to, and be based on, the information included in this Request for Qualifications.

Responses will be received in the office of the Director of Procurement at 535 Telfair Street, Suite 605, Augusta, GA 30901 until Friday, October 27, 2023 @ 11:00 a.m. The RFQ must be submitted in a sealed package and labeled with the firm’s name and the name of the project – RFQ 23-188 Lead Grant Hazard Reduction Program. No RFQ will be accepted by fax or email, all must be received by mail or hand delivered. Vendors are required to submit one (1) marked unbound original and seven (7) copies of the RFQ.

Opening will be via ZOOM – Meeting ID: 892 2666 7872; Passcode: 414311.

After advertisement, the RFQs shall be opened per Procurement guidelines. The Procurement Director shall determine whether each package appears to be minimally responsive to the published RFQ requirements.

The User Department, in association with Procurement, will appoint a selection committee to review all acceptable minimally responsive packages. The selection committee members shall review and score each package individually based on the evaluation criteria.

Failure to provide all of the requested information may cause the submittal to be rejected as non-responsive.

Any interested qualified firm and/or party is requested to make a response to accomplish the Scope of Services described herein. The response is to be signed by a duly authorized official of the firm and must be submitted in the time, manner and form prescribed.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all submittals received as the result of this request. The Owner also maintains the right to negotiate with any firm(s), as necessary, to serve the best interests of Owner. The Owner will not be liable for any costs incurred by any firm prior to the signing of a contract.

All questions must be submitted to the Procurement Department in writing by fax to 706 821-2811 or by email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov by Friday, October 13, 2023 @ 5:00 P.M. Issues and responses addressed in any other manner will not be considered valid or binding in consideration of qualifications or any subsequent contract negotiations.

Geri A. Sams

Procurement Department 535 Telfair Street - Room 605

An official authorized to bind the firm to the terms and provisions of the qualifications must sign the submittal. For a submittal to be considered it must remain valid for at least ninety (90) days from the time that the Owner receives it.

Qualified firms interested in providing the services described herein are invited to submit a complete Statement of Qualification for consideration. The qualifications shall address the requirements listed below. Failure to provide all requested information may be sufficient cause for rejection. The firm may provide additional information to that requested, provided it is placed in a separate section at the end of the RFQ.

The firm’s demonstrated technical capability and other qualifications, as described herein, will also be assessed. Once RFQ’s are received and evaluated, the Owner will then make their recommendation to the Augusta, Georgia Commission for consideration and final approval.

Do Not Include A Fee Proposal. Fees will be negotiated. Firms shall not include fee or cost information when responding to this solicitation.

SECTION B

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Statement of Problem

The Augusta Housing Community Development (HCD) Department was awarded a grant from HUD's Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (HUD-OLHCHH) to protect children and families from lead-based paint and home health hazards. HUD-OLHCHH promotes local efforts to eliminate dangerous lead paint and other housing-related health hazards from lower-income homes and educates the public about the dangers of hazards in the home. HCD is soliciting qualifications for Lead Abatement Contractors, Initial lead Inspector Risk Assessment and Lead Dust Clearance Inspector — in accordance with HUD-OLHCHH and the requests of HCD.

SECTION C

SCOPE OF SERVICES

SCOPE OF WORK: Augusta, Georgia seeks to secure contracts with firms who are certified with the State of Georgia. The intent of the RFQ is to pre-qualify five (5) to seven (7) vendors at a minimum for the four (4) services listed below. Pre-qualified vendors will be requested to submit bids to provide lead abatements services and/or renovation, repair and paint services (RRP) on an as needed basis. The same program will apply to the Inspectors/Risk Assessors and/or Clearance Inspectors.

To be pre-qualified to participate in the program, the vendor must be Georgia Certified in each of the following areas that the vendor is submitting qualifies for. Vendors are required to provide a copy of their Georgia certification for each area that they are responding to with their qualifications.

1. Georgia Certified Lead Abatement Contractors

a. Vendors will be responsible for the abatement of lead dwellings per the scope of work.

b. Vendors will be responsible for passing clearance per the scope of work which will be performed by a separate pre-qualified inspector. Vendors may not perform inspection or clearance services for projects that they have completed.

2. Georgia Certified Lead Renovation, Repair and Paint (RRP) Contractor

a. Vendors will be responsible for renovation, repair and paint per the scope of work.

b. Vendors will be responsible for passing clearance per the scope of work which will be performed by a separate pre-qualified inspector. Vendors may not perform inspection or clearance services for projects that they have completed.

3. Georgia Certified Lead Inspector/ Risk Assessor

a. Vendors will be responsible for lead Inspection and risk Assessments.

b. Vendors will be responsible for final clearance report including lead base paint component lead hazard control plan.

4. Georgia Clearance Inspectors

a. Vendors will be responsible for visual clearance as feasible.

b. Vendors will be responsible for final clearance and issue final clearance reports.

Vendors may respond to any combination of the four available services or all four (4) services. Please note that once pre-qualified, a vendor is not allowed to provide services as Georgia Inspector/ Risk Assessor and Georgia Clearance Inspectors on a project that they have provided the services as a

Georgia Certified Lead Abatement contractor and/or Georgia Certified Lead Renovation, Repair and Paint (RRP) services. Vendors will not be allowed to inspect or provide clearance for work that they have completed.

The term for the award will be for a period of four (4) years with an option to extend for an additional one (1) additional year or until funds are exhausted whichever comes first. Vendors who were pre-qualified for the services for the Lead Grant Hazard Reduction Program under the prior RFQ 22-188 are required to submit a new qualification package.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT

Certified environmental firms will be required to utilize State of Georgia Certified individuals to conduct Lead Dust Test and Clearance in designated housing units according to State of Georgia Regulations and HUD Guidelines. Clearance wipe samples must be analyzed for lead by a laboratory recognized by the EPA under the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP) for analysis of lead in dust.

This project will comply with all codes, standards, regulations, and workers' safety rules that are administered by federal agencies (HUD, EPA, OSHA,), state agencies, and any other local building codes, regulations, and standards that may apply. Building codes, regulations, and standards may also apply.

A State of Georgia Certified Lead Inspector will conduct X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing in designated housing units according to State of Georgia Regulations and HUD Guidelines.

During the XRF Testing phase, lead dust wipe samples will be collected from the floor and windowsill of designated rooms as appropriate. These samples will be delivered to a certified and accredited lab for analysis. Soil samples will be collected in bare soil areas at the perimeter of each building, and in child play areas. These samples will be delivered to a certified and accredited lab for analysis.

In performing the testing of damaged painted surfaces, the environmental firm will utilize a NITON XLP 300 XRF Analyzer or equivalent to prevent further damage to painted surfaces and eliminate the need for paint chip sampling. Paint chip collection is not anticipated on this project and will not be performed on these houses unless requested by the client.

After the XRF Testing, all XRF data, hand-drawn floor plan, and inspection notes, including photographs of the A, B, C, and D side exteriors and each window profile as well as deteriorated interior surfaces will be incorporated into a lead-based paint inspection/ risk assessment report and delivered to the client.

Please provide the following information:

1. Years of experience and detailed qualifications in performing the range of services on various property, please include team’s resumes of key personnel. Please provide the number of full-time and part-time employees. Respondents should provide narrative examples of three (3) projects that are similar in nature to projects described in the RFQ.

2. If you engage independent contractors, how many do you intend to hire? What capacity of work will independent contractors perform? Do you intend to cover them with workers compensation? (All independent contractors will be required to have worker’s compensation coverage and appropriate licenses, which will be the responsibility of the respondent).

3. Capacity to complete the testing of multiple structures within a short period of time. Please provide the number of properties your company has serviced in the past year. Please also provide a timeline including approximately how long it takes to complete testing, how long does it take for results to be received from lab, the length of time to generate a report.

4. Respondents should state whether they are an MBE/WBE or Section 3 business enterprise. If so, please provide a copy of a current MBE/WBE certification letter.

Special Note: All qualified approved contractors are required to complete the Augusta Georgia Vendor packet and return with your qualification’s submission. ATTACHMENT A

PROGRAM TASK ASSIGNMENT

The intent of the RFQ is to pre-qualify five (5) to seven (7) vendors at a minimum for the four (4) requested services. Pre-qualified vendors will be requested to submit bids to provide lead abatements services and/or renovation, repair and paint services (RRP) on an as needed basis. The same program will apply to the Inspectors/Risk Assessors and/or Clearance Inspectors.

PAYMENTS FOR SERVICES

Lead Hazard Reduction Grant (LHRG) will reimburse the client for the services in a lump sum fee for each task submitted. The approved client will deliver an invoice to the LHRG staff listing fees for each initial lead inspection/risk assessment performed during the month. The client acknowledges that the fee is based upon the description of the services, scope of work, and the schedule as set out in this agreement.

THRESHOLD REQUIREMENTS

Vendors are required to provide the following required documents prior to a recommendation of award to the Augusta Commission:

1. Current Security of State Business License

2. Current State of Georgia License

3. Current EIN

4. E-Verify Number from the State of Georgia

5. Proof of active DUNS and Bradstreet Number (Must receive “active” status and be assigned a CAGE Code when by deadline or within 30 days of HCD approved LHRP Contractor list. Final approval contingent upon receipt of information and verification)

6. Proof of clearance through SAMS.gov registration (Must receive “active” status and be assigned a CAGE Code when by deadline or within 30 days of HCD approved LHRP Contractor list. Final approval contingent upon receipt of information and verification)

7. Certificate of Insurance (COI) to include: General Liability Insurance policy must list with a minimum of $1,000,000 coverage.

8. Comprehensive General Liability Insurance, including Premises and Operations, Contractual Liability, Independent Contractor’s Liability, and Broad Form Property and Damage Liability Coverage.

9. Be current on all local, State, and Federal taxes and free from any indebtedness to any local, State, or Federal entities.

10. Proof of certification(s).

11. Proof of experience (five years or greater) specializing in federal environmental compliance requirements, project management and HUD Multi-family Accelerated Processing environmental requirements.

Disqualified Business

1. Companies that are publicly traded, partially owned by a hedge fund, or corporate-owned franchises are not eligible.

2. Individuals or organizations who hold real property for passive sale or investment with no active ties to the for-profit business activity at the location.

3. Businesses owned or operated by officials or employees of the Augusta; Georgia government are not eligible to grant recipients.

4. Businesses with Unpaid code enforcement liens or violation of any state, federal or local laws.

5. Businesses with legal actions against or from the Augusta Consolidated Government, including code enforcement liens are not eligible.

6. Businesses whose owner, officer, partner, or principal actor of the business are involved with financial mismanagement. This includes “Business Owner(s) with any conviction(s) for financial crimes within the last three years, with Business Owner(s) defined as Managing Members and/or Officers.”

SECTION D

OWNERSHIP OF DATA

OWNERSHIP OF DATA: The ownership of all data, drawings, charts, etc., which are prepared or produced under this contract shall be that of the Augusta, Georgia.

SECTION E

RESPONSE FORMAT

Responses should be submitted in the general format outlined in this section. Augusta reserves the right to eliminate from further consideration any response that is deemed substantially or materially unresponsive to the requests for information contained in this section.

Vendors should use the following outline in organizing the contents of their qualifications:

SECTION CONTENTS

1. PROCUREMENT DOCUMENTS:

All documents required under the Augusta Procurement regulations and procedures, properly executed and notarized as required (Attachment B and Save Form). The notary seal shall be visible on the original AND all copies.

2. LETTER OF INTEREST:

The purpose of the letter of Interest is to provide a description of the CONTRACTOR’S ability to meet the requirements of the RFQ.

The letter of interest should include the following information:

• Letter of Transmittal on company letterhead and signed by an individual authorized to bind the prospective qualified respondent contractually.