DOE_Weatherization_and_Other_Repair_and_Rehabilitation_Services.pdf

County of Gila, AZ

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

GIL-RFP-2026-009

DOE WEATHERIZATION AND OTHER REPAIR AND

REHABILITATION SERVICES

BIDDER’S INFORMATION

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Tim R. Humphrey, Chairman

Stephen Christensen, Vice Chairman

Woody Cline, Member

COUNTY MANAGER

Michael O’Driscoll

Request For Proposal #GIL-RFP-2026-009 DOE Weatherization and Other Repair and Rehabilitation Services

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Notice of Request for Proposals

2. Intent

3. Project Background

4. Scope of Work

5. Deliverables

6. Qualifications

7. Proposal Requirements

8. Evaluation Criteria

9. Instructions to Offerors

10. RFP General Terms and Conditions

11. RFP Contract Award Agreement-SC

12. Minimum Specifications

13. Vendor Questionnaire

14. Pricing Table

Attachments:

A - ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER (Informational Only, Do Not Fill Out)

B - Hard copy offerors only: QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION FORM

C - Hard copy offerors only: RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND REFERENCES FORM

D - Hard copy offerors only: PRICE SHEET

E - Hard copy offerors only: CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT SUSPENSION AND

OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS

F - Hard copy offerors only: CERTIFICATION OF INTENTIONS CONCERNING

SUBCONTRACTING

G - Hard copy offerors only: LEGAL ARIZONA WORKERS ACT COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION

H - Hard copy offerors only: ISRAEL BOYCOTT CERTIFICATION

I - Hard copy offerors only: CERTIFICATION OF NO FORCED LABOR

J - Hard copy offerors only: OFFEROR'S CHECKLIST & ADDENDA ACKNOWLEDGMENT

K - Hard copy offerors only: OFFER PAGE

L - Hard copy offerors only: CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING

M - CURRENT PREVAILING WAGE DETERMINATION (Informational Only)

1. Notice of Request for Proposals

1.1. Notice

Notice is hereby given that Gila County is requesting proposals from qualified firms for DOE Weatherization and Other Repair and Rehabilitation Services.

Competitive sealed proposals for the specified material or service shall be received by the Gila County

Procurement Group until the date and time shown below. Proposals received by the correct time and date shall be publicly recorded. Gila County takes no responsibility for informing recipients of changes to the original solicitation document. Failure to acknowledge addendums with the solicitation response may be grounds for deeming submittal non-responsive.

Proposals submitted electronically must be received through the Gila County Procurement Portal prior to 2:00 pm on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Hard Copy proposals must be in the actual possession of the

Gila County Procurement Group before the stated deadline. Late proposals shall not be considered.

For proposals submitted electronically through the Gila County Procurement Portal, the official time shall be the time recorded by the Gila County Procurement Portal at the time of submission. For hard copy proposals, the official time shall be the time recorded by the clock (date stamp and time stamp) located in the Gila County Procurement Office at the location identified below.

Submission Methods

Proposals may be submitted by either of the following methods:

(1) Electronic Submission (Preferred Method). Offerors may submit proposals electronically through the Gila County Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/gilacountyaz. Offerors must complete the Vendor Questionnaire and upload all required documents and forms within the portal prior to the solicitation deadline.

(2) Hard Copy. Offerors may submit a sealed proposal in accordance with the requirements contained in the solicitation. Offerors choosing this method must download the required forms from the Gila County

Procurement Portal or request them from the Procurement Officer listed below, complete them, and submit package to the location listed below in a sealed envelope. The project number and the offeror's name and address should be clearly indicated on the outside of the envelope. Failure to clearly indicate project number, name, and address on the outside of the bid package or envelope may be cause for the proposal to be deemed invalid. All proposals must be completed in ink or typewritten. Faxed or emailed proposals will not be accepted. Questions must be addressed to the procurement officer listed below.

PROJECT NUMBER: GIL-RFP-2026-009

PROJECT TITLE: DOE Weatherization and Other Repair and Rehabilitation Services

DEADLINE FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 2:00 pm

DEADLINE FOR ALL QUESTIONS: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 2:00 pm https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/gilacountyaz

SUBMITTAL LOCATION FOR HARD COPIES ONLY: Gila County Finance Department

Mail To: 1400 East Ash Street, Globe, Arizona 85501

Hand-Deliver To: 1350 East Monroe Street, Globe, Arizona 85501

DIRECT WRITTEN QUESTIONS TO:

Olivia M. Todd otodd@gilacountyaz.gov

(928) 402-8746

The Board of Supervisors reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to accept any proposals, or to waive any informality in any proposals, or to withhold the award if deemed in the best interest of Gila

County. All procurement activities conducted by Gila County are in conformance with the rules and regulations in the Gila County Procurement Code. A copy of the code is available for review in the Clerk of the Board’s office, Globe, Arizona.

Dates advertised in the Payson Roundup: July 14, 2026, and July 21, 2026

2. Intent

Gila County Public Health & Community Services (GCCS) is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors to provide weatherization, energy efficiency improvements, health and safety improvements, HVAC repair/replacements, and related rehabilitation services for eligible residential dwellings throughout Gila County. Funding sources may include, but are not limited to, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program

(WAP), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Lead

Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH), Community Development Block Grant

(CDBG), Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH), and other local, federal, or state funding streams.

This procurement is intended to establish one or more on-call contracts for the performance of weatherization, rehabilitation, HVAC, energy efficiency, health and safety, and related residential repair services throughout Gila County. This solicitation is not for a single standalone construction project. Rather, GCCS anticipates issuing individual work orders or task orders for eligible residential properties on an as-needed basis during the contract term, subject to program requirements and funding availability.

Specific projects, dwelling units, scopes of work, and funding sources will be identified and authorized through written work orders issued by GCCS. Contractors shall perform only those services specifically authorized by GCCS and shall invoice separately for completed work associated with each work order.

The selected contractor(s) shall serve as Prime Contractor and shall be fully responsible for all work performed, including coordination of subcontractors, compliance with federal and mailto:otodd@gilacountyaz.gov state regulations, permitting, inspections, documentation, quality control, invoicing, audit support, and warranty obligations. The Prime Contractor shall remain the single point of accountability for all performance standards and regulatory compliance.

3. Project Background

Gila County Public Health & Community Services administers various federally- and state-funded programs designed to improve the health, safety, energy efficiency, and habitability of residential dwellings occupied by eligible households. These programs include, but are not limited to, the U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), HUD Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes programs, and Community

Development Block Grant programs. GCCS requires qualified contractors to perform weatherization, rehabilitation, HVAC, health and safety, and related residential repair services throughout Gila County on an as-needed basis.

4. Scope of Work

4.1. General Service Delivery Requirements

Services under this Contract shall be performed on an as-needed basis through individual work orders issued by GCCS. GCCS does not guarantee any minimum number of projects, dwelling units, or dollar volume of work. Work orders may vary significantly in size, complexity, funding source, and scope. Contractors shall perform only those services specifically authorized under each work order.

4.2. Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Measures

Weatherization measures shall be installed based on approved energy audits and cost effectiveness criteria. Measures may include air sealing, weatherstripping, rim joist sealing and infiltration reduction, attic insulation, wall insulation, floor insulation, duct sealing, and other related measures. Contractors shall ensure proper ventilation and combustion safety in all cases.

Pre- and post-work diagnostic testing shall include blower door testing, pressure diagnostics, combustion appliance zone testing, and carbon monoxide testing. All readings shall be documented in the project file and made available for monitoring review.

Envelope/Air Sealing and Infiltration

All envelope sealing, where required, will be performed to the SWS available online at https://sws.nrel.gov/. Refer to Subtopics 3.1001 and sequential subtopics in Air Sealing.

Insulation https://sws.nrel.gov/

Insulation measures should be in accordance with Arizona Weatherization energy efficiency standards and installation methods. Insulation must be evenly installed with no voids, gaps, misalignments, or compression issues. Precautions must be taken when insulating around or on electrical boxes and/or heat-producing fixtures. Flagging electrical is required. Proper shielding, if necessary, shall be installed by insulation contractor in order to properly insulate all areas.

Contractor is responsible for air sealing around all accessible existing penetrations through the air barrier including combustion vents, plumbing vents, and all exposed soffits to ensure the insulation's performance. For attic insulation, all wall cavities and drop downs that are exposed to attic shall be capped with like material in attic and insulated over or filled with insulation to assure insulation is in direct contact with air barrier. Contractor is responsible for installing enough insulation to guarantee an R-38 value after settling.

ALL attic access hatches shall have a gasket installed to ensure no air leakage and attic hatches in conditioned space shall have rigid foam secured to hatch to match R value of insulation installed. All work must be performed in accordance with the SWS from DOE.

Refer to https://sws.nrel.gov under Insulation in Subtopics 4.1006 and sequential subtopics.

All insulation products must meet or exceed EPA recovered material rule which can be found at https://www.epa.gov/smm/comprehensive-procurement-guideline-cpg-program.

All insulation must be installed in complete contact with a verified air barrier. The air barrier is the surface of the floor or roof assembly that shows a zonal pressure differential of over 40pa WRT inside with the home WRT outside at a pressure difference of 50pa.

Included in your bid for the insulation will be the prep work necessary to verify or create the appropriate air barriers.

Insulation amount shall also be identified at nearest or easiest attic access point. After completion, all jobs will be inspected by auditor to assure quality installation. Complete installation must include all labor and materials to perform services. Contractor MUST provide details on each invoice listing actual R-Value, type of material used, quantity of material, and square footage covered.

Insulation for Mobile Homes

Because the installation of insulation in manufactured housing relies so heavily on proper air sealing techniques, any contractor insulating the lid of any mobile home is responsible for ensuring that all necessary prep work such as air sealing and blocking is completed to the Standards for Manufactured Housing specifications. Because of the air sealing, belly patching, and duct sealing involved in insulating the floor of mobile homes properly, any contractor hired to insulate the floors will be responsible for the necessary prep work of https://www.epa.gov/smm/comprehensive-procurement-guideline-cpg-program the floor, rodent barrier, and duct sealing before insulation is installed. Cellulose will not be an acceptable insulation in manufactured housing. Only blown-in fiberglass or ROCKWOOL is acceptable. Price of insulation will include all patching necessary to the rodent barrier as well as the floor plane. Belly insulation will include the price to seal all ductwork (around plenums, transitions, boots, end caps, etc.) to prevent insulation from entering duct system.

All registers should pressure pan to less than 1.0pa before insulation is installed.

If insulating a mobile home: (Below statements assume a 14' by 70' mobile home)

• Attic insulation can be performed by any of the processes highlighted in the Building

Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) Manufactured Housing Technical Standards. Attic insulation will include all patching and cool roof coating on metal skinned roofing over insulated areas of the home.

• Prep work to seal the ceiling/floor plane and protect from insulation entering the living space during installation will be labeled 1, 2, and 3 based on amount and difficulty of repairs needed.

o Level 1: Ceiling/floor is very strong, very little to no air sealing, patching, or blocking work required before insulation can be added. Zonal test is very close to or already exceeds 40pa.

o Level 2: Ceiling/floor is strong, moderate air sealing and blocking around heat sources, patching under sinks and Domestic Hot Water (DHW) required. Zonal tests are between 25pa and 40pa.

o Level 3: Ceiling/floor are deteriorated but can support fiberglass. Extensive air sealing and blocking prep work is required before insulation can be added.

Sunscreens

Estimates to measure, fabricate, and install 80% solar sunscreens in accordance with federal energy efficiency standards. Complete installation must include all labor and materials to perform services. Provide four (4) standard frame colors to ensure color compatibility with most houses. Screens must be fastened for quality fit, guaranteed not to fall off. Contractor will honor workmanship.

Water Heaters

All new water heater installations and associated work are to be performed in accordance with the most recent local building codes. All work, when applicable, must comply with standards set forth in the SWS. Before and after pictures of water heaters replaced must be submitted with billing. Specifications required by DOE which can be found at https://sws.nrel.gov under Baseloads Subtopic 7.8102 and sequential subtopics.

The contractor shall be responsible for ensuring properly sized gas lines, combustion air, venting, pressure release valves, and proper electrical requirements. The contractor shall leave all literature on the new units with the client and shall also inform the client of proper care and maintenance required for the new units.

All gas flue systems shall have proper shielding and collars where penetrating ceiling and roof to provide clearance from combustibles per code. Contractor is responsible for hauling away existing equipment and for properly disposing of existing equipment. Contractors must include permit fees, sales taxes, labor, and materials to complete project.

4.3. Health & Safety-Related Measures

Any health and safety-related measures shall be addressed based on approved audits. Any health and safety-related concerns that are observed shall be brought forward and a determination for approval of the measure will be made. These measures may be related to ventilation, combustion items, water heaters, water damage, OSHA compliance measures, and other health and safety-related measures.

4.4. HVAC System Replacement and Ductwork

HVAC system improvements may include air conditioning replacement, heat pump installation, furnace replacement, duct repair or replacement, thermostat upgrades, electrical upgrades, and condensate management improvements. Load calculations shall be performed where required.

All mechanical work shall comply with IMC and local codes. Refrigerant handling must comply with EPA certification requirements. Commissioning documentation shall be included in the job file.

All new HVAC installations are to be performed in accordance with the most recent

Universal Mechanical Code and/or local building code and Arizona Weatherization

Standards. Pictures of HVAC system and/or components to be replaced must be submitted and pictures of the replacement items must also be submitted with the billing.

The contractor shall register the new unit on behalf of the client and leave all literature, including warranty information, on the new units with the client and shall also inform the client of proper care and maintenance required for the new units.

If required by a system, all venting and combustion air shall be installed in accordance with

AGA and AHRI specification and/or local building code and Arizona Weatherization

Standards. New gas forced air furnaces shall have pilotless ignition.

All ductwork connections to the new system shall be sealed on all sides with a non-toxic, DOE industry-approved, mastic duct sealant applied per manufacturer's specifications.

Refer to the SWS for duct sealing requirements under Subtopics 3.1062 and for

HVAC/Heating and Cooling in Subtopics 5.3003 and sequential subtopics.

All installation estimates shall include removal and proper disposal of existing equipment, capping and sealing and/or removal of abandoned ductwork, and recovery of refrigerant from existing system as required by law. Contractor must retain documentation for a minimum of five (5) years that proves that refrigerant was handled according to EPA standards. Gila County retains the right to examine these documents as necessary.

Contractor is to ensure that all units are properly charged to the manufacturer's specifications using superheat/subcooling method. After installation and all ductwork is completed, contractor shall measure static pressure across the coil to ensure proper airflow. Contractor is to verify adequate duct size and proper air flow within 10% to all conditioned spaces.

All contractor bid amounts for installs of package units to include new elbow or roof curb, t-stat and stand, disconnect and fuses, breaker and condensate drain. All installs of gas split systems to include t-stat, disconnect, fuses, breaker evap drain pan, flue system, and gas line. All tie-ins to ductwork to be sealed with a UL-approved duct mastic. Contractor is responsible for properly sizing unit using a Manual J. Copy of Manual J and Air-Conditioning

Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Certificate must be provided to Gila County upon completion of work and at time of final invoice. AHRI website: www.ahridirectory.org.

For duct sealing, contractors are responsible for providing duct sealing measures in accordance with National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) SWS or other state-directed minimum standards designed to ensure the health and safety of the occupants while improving energy efficiency. Refer to the SWS from DOE.

All new whole house duct system installs will require Manual D and shall provide Gila

County with a copy of the report. Contractors are responsible for properly sizing new ductwork and ensuring proper airflow to the conditioned space. All duct connections will be sealed when new runs are installed even if contractor is replacing flex only and cost to be included with prices below for duct replacement and new ductwork.

4.5. Incidental Repairs and Structural Support

Incidental repairs directly necessary to complete the above-stated measures may be approved. Such repairs may include, but are not limited to, minor roofing repair, framing repair, subfloor repair, siding repair, window or door replacement, and limited plumbing or electrical modifications.

4.6. Worker and Occupant Health and Safety

Contractors shall comply with federal safety standards and OSHA requirements and ensure worker protection including use of personal protective equipment (PPE), respiratory protection, and containment systems. Occupants shall be protected from hazards through https://www.ahridirectory.org/ proper notification, High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration where necessary, relocation if necessary, and containment barriers. It is the responsibility of the contractor to notify and protect occupants from hazards during construction. If any home fails program safety standards, the homeowner should be notified in writing.

Work shall not proceed where unsafe combustion conditions, gas leaks, elevated carbon monoxide, structural instability, or any other hazards may endanger clients or workers.

Before beginning work on the residence, contractors will take into consideration the health concerns of each occupant, condition of the dwelling, and the possible effect of work to be performed. Clients may need to be relocated. With prior approval, these may be allowable costs. Contractor shall notify GCCS immediately if hazardous conditions are identified. If contractors encounter conditions outside the approved scope of work (such as mold contamination, structural issues, plumbing or electrical hazards, or other environmental concerns), the contractor shall notify GCCS immediately. No additional work beyond the approved scope may be performed without prior written authorization from GCCS.

POTENTIAL HAZARD CONSIDERATIONS

1. Biological

Removal of mold, odors, viruses, bacteria, unsanitary (including raw sewage) conditions, and rotting wood is not a weatherization responsibility; however, subgrantee and contractors frequently encounter these conditions.

DOE funds may be used if these conditions must be remedied to allow effective weatherization work and/or to assure the immediate or future health of workers and clients. The ADOH WAP requires that its subgrantees and contractors seek prior approval to proceed before attempting to weatherize such dwellings with biological problems.

Arizona subgrantees will exercise caution when selecting air tightness limits for dwellings with these problems. Since these conditions are often related to moisture, Arizona subgrantees may use DOE health and safety funding to acquire moisture detection instruments.

Subgrantees should incorporate moisture detection into their initial energy audits. If necessary, weatherization services may need to be delayed until moisture problems can be corrected by other funding sources.

2. Combustion Appliances and Combustion Gases

The following policy must be strictly adhered to when completing weatherization work. If any house fails these program safety standards and the problem cannot be remedied, the homeowner must be notified in writing and a copy placed in the client's file.

• Perform air sealing and duct repair only in conjunction with pressure diagnostics to ensure that sufficient ventilation and draft rates are maintained in the home.

• A UL-listed carbon monoxide detector [Underwriters Laboratories 2034 (latest edition)] shall be installed in all structures with an attached garage or a combustion appliance located in the conditioned space.

• Research and follow the local health and safety codes and standards dealing with residential ventilation requirements for occupants and combustion equipment.

• No air sealing (including duct repair) should be done if:

o There is a high pollution source, such as a non-vent combustion heater, that cannot be removed.

o There are existing health and safety problems in the home.

o There is carbon monoxide (CO) present in the flue gases higher than 100 PPM.

o There is a possible gas leak.

o CO is greater than 9 PPM in the living space.

• Under normal operating conditions, an air handler shall not create negative pressure exceeding -3.0 Pascals (relative to outside) in any combustion appliance zone.

• Corrective action must be completed before or in conjunction with air sealing

(including duct repair) if a negative pressure of -3.0 Pascals or greater exists or is produced by repair work in a combustion appliance zone.

• Flame change is an indication of a cracked heat exchanger. No air sealing (including duct repair) should be done until the problem is fixed.

• If spillage of flue gases occurs for more than one (1) minute, no air sealing (including duct repair) should be done until the problem is fixed.

• If draft is low, it must be fixed before air sealing (including duct repair) is completed.

If the conditions described below concerning combustion air are not met, no air sealing (including duct repair) should be done:

• In homes of ordinary tightness insofar as infiltration is concerned, all or a portion of the air for fuel-burning appliances may be obtained from infiltration when the requirements for 50 cubic feet per 1000 BTU per hour input is met. Two (2) openings are required, and one (1) shall be within 12 inches of the bottom of the space containing the combustion equipment. Openings shall allow space to communicate with the rest of the house. A minimum free area of one square inch per

1000 BTU per hour (or 100 square inches, whichever is greater) of the total input rating of all gas utilization equipment in the space, shall be provided.

• In all cases where combustion air is from inside the home, the homeowner must be made aware of this and sign the Health and Safety Waiver before any air sealing or duct repair is completed. Note: If this method is used, special attention must be given to zonal and draft pressures. In buildings of unusually tight construction, combustion air shall be obtained from outside.)

• In homes that receive combustion air from outside the conditioned space, two (2) openings are required. One (1) shall be within 12 inches of the top and one (1) within 12 inches of the bottom of the space containing the combustion equipment.

The openings shall communicate directly, or by ducts, with the outdoors or spaces

(crawl or attic) that communicate with the outdoors.

• The following guidelines must be met when determining the minimum free area for combustion air openings:

o Openings directly communicating with the outdoors shall provide one (1) square inch per 4000 BTU per hour of the total input of all gas utilization equipment in the space.

o Openings communicating to outdoors with vertical ducts shall provide one (1) square inch per 4000 BTU per hour of the total input of all gas utilization equipment in the space.

o Opening communicating to outdoors with horizontal ducts shall provide one (1) square inch per 2000 BTU per hour of the total input of all gas utilization equipment in the space.

• Note: If the free area is not known because of louvers or screens, double the required opening size. If these NFPA 54 (latest adopted edition) National Fuel Gas

Code requirements on combustion air are not met, then no air sealing (including duct repair) should be done until these conditions are met.

3. Fire Hazards

Combustion appliances and their associated venting systems can also prevent potential fire hazards. Subgrantees that accept clients with wood stoves and fireplaces will have procedures to identify potentially dangerous creosote buildup in chimneys and wood stove flues.

It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure that any work on wood stoves and fireplaces conforms with applicable codes in jurisdictions where the work is being performed.

4. Existing Occupant Health Problems

Subgrantees and contractors will be sensitive to client health problems that might be exacerbated by weatherization activities.

Subgrantees and contractors will establish procedures to identify pre-existing client conditions (e.g., allergies) and address such problems when they are found; but, regardless, contractors will discuss with occupants in EVERY household prior to work beginning about any health concerns and how the work may pose a hazard to the occupant. Those procedures and discussions should address the way such problems will be identified and the steps to be taken to ensure that weatherization work will not worsen these problems.

5. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

A. Asbestos

General asbestos removal is not approved as a DOE WAP health and safety weatherization cost.

Major asbestos problems should be referred to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) or to the EPA.

Where local agencies work on large heating and distribution systems, including related piping, asbestos removal may be necessary. Removal can be performed to the extent that energy savings resulting from the measure will provide a cost-effective savings-to-investment ratio. This would normally be true with work done on large, multifamily heating systems. Where permitted by code or EPA regulations, less costly measures that fall short of asbestos removal, such as encapsulation, may be used. Removal and replacement of asbestos siding for purposes of wall cavity insulation is permissible if allowed by state and local codes.

B. Radon

Where there is a previously identified radon problem, work that would exacerbate this problem should be limited. Radon abatement is not an allowable activity under the

Weatherization Program. However, those costs associated with taking precautions in a dwelling known to have radon problems are allowable weatherization expenditures. These costs are allowable if an energy audit indicates that weatherization techniques would help in radon remediation. While subgrantees should establish sound radon-related strategies, major radon problems should be referred to the appropriate local environmental organization or agency for mitigation or abatement.

C. Formaldehyde and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Formaldehyde vapors may be slowly released by some new carpets, wafer-board, plywood, etc. Some household cleaning agents also emit VOCs. Caution should be taken when selecting air tightness limits in dwellings with VOC problems.

6. Lead Paint

Lead Safe Weatherization (LSW) must be applied to all pre-1978 housing unless the house meets the EPA's Final Rule Exemptions. All work to be done utilizing the Lead Safe Work

Practices when applicable including a designated Lead Renovator to oversee setup, work in progress, and cleanup, and shall require the LSW forms to be filled out and signed and pictures provided showing the work is being done according to guidelines.

Exemptions:

• Minor Repair or Maintenance Activities: Activities that will disturb less than the following square feet of paint surfaces in 30 calendar days (counting all paint surface areas of a removed component) that is six (6) square feet per room for interior activities; or 20 square feet for exterior activities.

But this exemption does not apply to the following: Window replacement; demolition of painted surface areas; using open flame or torching; using machines to remove paint through high-speed operation without HEPA exhaust control OR operating a heat gun at temperatures at or above 1100 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Testing for Lead-Based Paint and Lead-Based Paint Residues: Testing for lead-based paint is not an allowable weatherization expense except when it is related to the installation of energy efficiency measures. These expenditures must be within the limits set by the state and its Weatherization Health and Safety Plan.

U.S. DOE Minimum Standards for LSW

Safe Work Practices must be implemented to minimize exposure to hazards for residents and workers while allowing weatherization to occur in a cost-effective manner and to not hinder production. The effort required will be based on the hazard, the work specifications, and customer health issues.

CHECK: Federal, state, and local regulations.

• OSHA has rules for worker safety.

• States and local communities may have rules for waste disposal.

To meet the LSW minimum standards, crews and contractors MUST follow the general principles of working in a lead-safe manner. Best practices for working in a lead-safe manner are available in the benchmark LSW procedures and curriculum and should be reviewed and consistently enforced on LSW jobs.

A. Requirements

Client Protection and Notification. For occupied homes, the weatherization staff, crew, or contractor must have an adult tenant or homeowner sign an acknowledgment after receiving the pamphlet. The pamphlet can also be sent by certified mail with receipt to be placed in the customer file.

In multi-unit housing, the agency must:

• Provide written notice to each affected unit (notice must describe general nature and locations of the planned renovation activities; the expected starting and ending dates; statement of how occupant can get pamphlet at no charge); or

• Post informational signs (signs must describe general nature and locations of the renovation and the anticipated completion date) and post the EPA pamphlet. (If pamphlet is not posted, then agencies are required to provide information on how interested occupants can review a copy of the pamphlet or obtain a copy at no cost from the Weatherization Program.)

• Delivery to owner/occupant. Owner's and/or occupant's signature with acknowledgment or certificate of mailing. The owner/occupant must acknowledge receipt of the EPA pamphlet prior to start of renovation that contains the address of unit undergoing renovation, name and signature of owner or occupant, and the date of signature. It must be in the same language as "contract for renovation" for an owner-occupied (or the same language as the lease for occupant of non-owner occupied) target housing.

If the Weatherization Program cannot get a signed acknowledgment (either the occupant is not home or refuses to sign the form), then the self-certification section of the form must be signed to prove delivery.

The acknowledgment form must be filed and remain with the client file for three (3) years from date of signature. In addition to providing a copy of the pamphlet to owners and occupants, designated local agency staff (e.g., intake specialist, auditor, crew chief) must discuss the hazards associated with lead-based paint and lead dust, and describe how they will conduct LSW in the home.

Weatherization Worker Protection.

LSW includes these procedures and safety precautions:

• Wear personal protective gear specifically suited for the LSW measure. Use the

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved respirators

(at least 1/2 face) with HEPA filters.

• Use disposable overalls (with hood or a disposable painter's cap), gloves (cloth, plastic, or rubber as appropriate), goggles, and disposable shoe/boot covers.

• Keep dust to a minimum and properly contain dust and paint chips to the work area.

• Clean up area during and after work.

• During weatherization, wash your hands and face frequently, particularly when leaving the work area and especially before leaving the area for the purpose of eating, drinking, or smoking.

• Before leaving a confined work area, remove your protective clothing and protective shoe/boot covers to avoid exposing others.

• Before leaving a confined work area and before returning tools and equipment to vehicles, clean all tools to avoid exposing others and creating a lead-hazard to the next weatherization job.

• Get annual medical exams to check blood lead levels. Do non-lead-related work if your blood lead level gets too high.

• Inform your employer if you develop signs of lead poisoning.

B. General LSW Work Practice Standards

• Crews and contractors must take steps to protect occupants from lead-based paint hazards while the work is in progress using appropriate containment strategies.

• Occupants, especially young children or pregnant women, may not enter the work site. Occupants are allowed to return only after the work is done and the home has passed a visual inspection.

• Occupants' belongings must be protected from lead contamination. This can be done by removing them from the work area or covering them in protective bags and sealing them to prevent dust from getting on the items.

• The work site must be set up to prevent the spread of leaded dust and debris.

• Warning signs must be posted at entrances to the worksite when occupants are present; at the main and secondary entrances to the building; and at exterior work sites. The signs must be readable from 20 feet from the edge of the worksite. Signs should be in the occupants' primary language, when practical.

• The work area must be contained. If containment cannot be achieved with occupants in the unit (e.g., work will take several days and involves the kitchen, bathrooms, or bedrooms that cannot be sealed off from use), occupants must move out of the unit, or the work must be deferred until containment can be achieved.

• Ensure containment does not interfere with occupant and worker egress in an emergency.

Prohibited Work Activities.

• NEVER use reusable cloth or fabric, such as a painter's drop cloth, as protective containment sheeting. Polyethylene and, in some cases when working on the exterior, garden fabric, are the only acceptable protective containment sheeting and must never be reused.

• NEVER use brooms and shop vacuums for cleanup. Wet cleaning and HEPA vacuums are the only acceptable methods for cleanup.

• NEVER use a conventional shop vacuum with HEPA filters--only HEPA-designed vacuums are acceptable for LSW.

• NEVER turn leaded paint into leaded dust by dry scraping or sanding (unless needed around electrical outlets) or grinding, abrasive blasting, or planing.

• NEVER use an open-flame torch or heat gun (above 1100°F) to remove paint or window glazing. Open flame/high heat methods to remove paint create fumes that are dangerous for workers to breathe. Small lead particles created by burning and heating also settle on surrounding surfaces and are very hard to clean up.

• NEVER ALLOW RESIDENTS AND PETS ACCESS TO THE WORK AREA WHILE WORK

IS UNDERWAY.

• NEVER OPEN WINDOWS AND DOORS ALLOWING LEAD DUST TO FLOAT INTO

OTHER PARTS OF THE BUILDING OR OUTSIDE.

• NEVER ALLOW FURNITURE AND OTHER OBJECTS TO REMAIN IN THE

WEATHERIZATION WORK AREA WHILE WEATHERIZATION WORK IS BEING

PERFORMED UNLESS THEY ARE COVERED AND SEALED IN POLYETHYLENE

SHEETING OR BAGS.

C. Containment

CONTAINMENT IS ANYTHING THAT STOPS ANY DUST OR DEBRIS FROM SPREADING

BEYOND THE WORK AREA TO NON-WORK AREAS. THE LEVEL OF CONTAINMENT MUST

BE DETERMINED BY THE AUDITOR/INSPECTOR OR SUPERVISOR BEFORE WORK IS

ASSIGNED TO A CREW OR CONTRACTOR. TO COMPLY WITH EPA'S LEAD RENOVATION,

REPAIR, AND PAINTING (LRRP) RULE REQUIREMENTS, A CERTIFIED RENOVATOR WILL

BE REQUIRED AT THE JOBSITE TO ASSESS AND SET UP THE CONTAINMENT SITE.

Every home and every specific weatherization measure is unique; therefore, the level of containment required will be based on the hazards present, the age of the home, the scope of work activities, and any customer health issues. Although weatherization jobs require individual assessments, LSW work generally falls into two levels of containment and the related standards are outlined below.

Level 1 Containment. Level 1 containment is required in pre-1978 homes when less than six

(6) square feet of interior painted surface per room or 20 square feet of exterior painted surface will be disturbed.

Level 1 containment consists of methods that prevent dust generation and contain all debris generated during the work process. The containment establishes the work area which must be kept secure.

Measures that may fall within this guideline include:

• Installing or replacing a thermostat

• Drilling and patching test holes

• Replacing HEPA filters and cleaning HEPA vacuums

• Changing furnace filter

• Removing caulk or window putty (interior)

• Removing caulk or window putty (exterior)

• Removing weatherstripping

Level 2 Containment. Level 2 containment is required when weatherization activities will disturb more than six (6) square feet of interior surface per room or 20 square feet of exterior surfaces in homes built prior to 1978. Level 2 containment consists of methods that define a work area that will not allow any dust or debris from work area to spread.

Level 2 containment requires the covering of all horizontal surfaces, constructing barrier walls, sealing doorways, covering HVAC registers with approved materials, and closing windows to prevent the spread of dust and debris.

Measures requiring Level 2 containment may include:

• Drilling holes in interior walls

• Drilling holes in exterior walls, removing painted siding

• Cutting attic access into ceiling or knee walls

• Planing a door in place

• Replacing door jambs and thresholds

• Replacing windows or doors

• Furnace replacements

Additionally, Level 2 containment must ALWAYS be used where any of the following is conducted (even if the activities will disturb less than the hazard de minimis levels within the Level 1 category):

• Window replacement

• Demolition of painted surface areas

• Using any of the following:

o Open flame burning or torching o Machines to remove paint through high-speed operation without HEPA exhaust control; or o Operating a heat gun at temperatures at or above 1100 degrees Fahrenheit.

D. Proper LSW Cleanup and Debris Disposal

Following the containment standards in the previous section will minimize the level of effort required to properly clean up the job site. All dust, dirt, material scraps, containers, wrappers, and work-related debris must be removed from the customer's home. A HEPA vacuum should be used to clean up the work areas. Further cleaning may be necessary based on the hazard.

At the conclusion of the job, once all workers have "cleaned" the work areas thoroughly, weatherization workers must adhere to the following:

Safe and Secure Disposal.

• Bag and gooseneck-seal all waste in 6-mil plastic bags

• Safely dispose of all waste in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Visual Inspection Verification. Checking the quality of worksite cleanliness is a two-phase process:

• Phase 1 - Worker visual inspection during the cleaning process; look for any visible paint chips, dust, or debris as you clean, using proper techniques.

• Phase 2 - Supervisor visual inspection after cleanup. There should be no evidence of settled dust following a cleanup effort. If dust is observed, the weatherization crew must be required to repeat the cleaning.

If work is done outside the house, the grounds around the dwelling and all exterior horizontal surfaces should also be examined visually to make certain that all waste and debris have been removed and that paint chips were not left behind.

Mandatory Lead Renovator Requirements. The EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP)

Rule, effective April 22, 2010, and currently in force, requires that ALL contractors performing renovations must become a Certified Lead Renovator Firm and must employ at least one licensed Certified Lead Renovator.

Specifics: The rule, which took effect on April 22, 2010, addresses remodeling and renovation projects disturbing more than six (6) square feet of potentially contaminated painted surfaces for all residential and multifamily structures built prior to 1978 that are inhabited or frequented by pregnant women and children under the age of six (6).

This impacts all contractors performing remodeling and renovation repairs on residential homes built prior to 1978.

Firms working in pre-1978 homes need to be certified by the EPA and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Along with the firm certification, the rule specifies that, for work done in pre-1978 homes, an employee will also need to become a certified renovator which will be responsible for training other employees and overseeing work practices and cleanup on the job. The training will be conducted during an eight (8)-hour class and include two

(2) hours of hands-on training.

Certification validity periods and refresher requirements shall comply with current EPA

RRP regulations.

There are two (2) ways to become a Certified Lead Renovator:

1. A student may take a one (1)-day [eight (8) hours] initial training course from an

EPA-accredited training provider. Upon successful completion of the course, students are issued their EPA certification which will be valid for five (5) years. To maintain that certification, a student must take a refresher course prior to their certification expiration date.

2. A student may complete a refresher course allowing them to be "grandfathered in" to the system because they have successfully completed training in other EPA-approved courses. The refresher is shorter [four (4) hours] than the initial course, but the student is still required to provide proof of eligibility prior to enrolling in this course. A copy of the successful completion certificate from the eligible course will serve as that proof.

This rule will apply to all interested and/or already-qualified GCCS contractors. Please follow current EPA RRP guidance.

YOU MUST ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR LEAD RENOVATOR CERTIFIED FIRM

CERTIFICATE AND ALSO PROVIDE A COPY OF YOUR INDIVIDUAL STAFF MEMBERS

LEAD RENOVATOR CERTIFICATIONS.

5. Deliverables

INVOICING, COST CONTROL, AND AUDIT REQUIREMENTS

Invoices shall be submitted by individual dwelling unit and shall include detailed labor hours, material quantities, contractor invoices, permit documentation, load calculations, diagnostic test results, clearance reports where required, and photographic documentation.

Individual work orders may be issued on a fixed-price, unit-price, time-and-materials, or cost-reimbursement basis, as determined by GCCS and permitted by the applicable funding source. Payments will be made after completion of work and/or delivery of services, inspection, and acceptance by GCCS.

All costs shall comply with the applicable cost principles set forth in 2 CFR Part 200

(Uniform Guidance), as amended, and shall be limited to allowable measures and costs under the program. Unallowable costs include, but are not limited to: unapproved change orders; work performed without required permits; travel or mobilization costs not preapproved in writing; and corrective work resulting from contractor error or oversight.

Any such corrective work shall be performed at no additional cost to GCCS.

During performance of the work, the Contractor shall promptly notify GCCS of any conditions or required repairs not included in the approved scope of work that are necessary for satisfactory completion of the project. The Contractor shall not proceed with such additional work without prior written authorization from GCCS.

The Contractor shall report any defects discovered during the course of the work and shall not conceal such defects.

If materials or equipment are inadvertently omitted from the plans but are reasonably necessary for a complete and functional installation, the Contractor shall notify GCCS and obtain written approval prior to furnishing and installing such items. Any approved materials or equipment shall be of equal or better quality than those specified.

6. Qualifications

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION SUPPORT

GCCS is committed to building local contractor capacity. Subject to funding availability and federal allowability rules, GCCS may facilitate or support access to required training and certification programs including EPA Lead Renovator certification, Lead Abatement

Supervisor training, OSHA safety courses, BPI certifications, HVAC licensing preparation, or other credentialing necessary to perform program work.

Contractors are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all licenses, certifications, training, and qualifications required to perform services under the resulting contract.

However, depending on program needs, funding availability, and contractor qualifications, GCCS may, at its sole discretion, facilitate or support access to certain weatherization-related training or certification opportunities. Nothing in this solicitation shall be construed as a guarantee of funding, reimbursement, training, certification assistance, or award of any specific opportunity.

The following certifications are required for personnel performing work under Gila County

Housing Weatherization Programs. Contractors that do not currently possess all required certifications may still be considered for award, provided they demonstrate their intent and ability to obtain the applicable certifications prior to performing work requiring those credentials:

Crew Leader: Renovation Repair and Painting Rule (RRP); OSHA 30-hour training; BPI

Building Analyst Certification (BA-T and BA-P); Energy Modeling OptiMiser; Success with Weatherization (critical details); WAP Boot Camp with Building Science Principles (BSP).

Auditor and Inspectors: RRP Rule; OSHA 10-hour training; BPI Building Analyst

Certification (BA-T and BA-P); Energy Modeling OptiMiser; Success with Weatherization

(critical details); WAP Boot Camp with BSP.

Energy Auditor/Quality Control Inspectors: RRP Rule; OSHA 10-hour training; Energy

Auditor (BPI EA); Quality Control Micro-Credential (only available after passing the BPI EA); Success with Weatherization (critical details); WAP Boot Camp with BSP.

All contractors are required to have a current Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Level 1 fingerprint clearance card for all employees who provide direct services and provide that to the County.

Contractors are required to be in good standing with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and provide an ROC license. They are also required to be in good standing with SAM.gov.

Contractors must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Contractors are required to have a Lead Certified Firm Certification.

Offerors shall identify certifications currently held by proposed personnel and shall disclose any required certifications that will be obtained following award. GCCS may consider an Offeror's plan for obtaining required certifications when evaluating Compliance and Regulatory Capacity.

7. Proposal Requirements

Offerors are responsible for ensuring that all required information, forms, and certifications are included in their proposal…