HAB Development RFP Document - FINAL.docx

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) P24003, Attainable Housing Professional Services

HAB Development Corporation (An affiliate of HomeFront)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

RFP No. P24003

Attainable Housing Professional Services

Table of Contents [Table No. 1]

INTRODUCTION

HAB Development Corporation (“HAB” or “Agency”) is conducting this procurement. HAB is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that was founded in 1994. It is directly affiliated with HomeFront. Currently, HAB is developing a program whereby it could serve as a Community Reinvestment Organization (CRO) for multiple regions across the state in accordance with the Montana Community Reinvestment Plan (MCRP). The MCRP is intended to begin to address housing needs and offer a regional, community-based solution to creating affordable, attainable workforce housing infrastructure in the state. To achieve the goals and objectives as set forth in statute and to establish a self-sustaining program administered by the CRO, a multi-faceted approach to an infrastructure network must be established. A provider of the housing infrastructure and a qualified lending program will be required for the CRO to carry out the duties as described in the MCRP.

In keeping with its mandate to provide efficient and effective services, HAB is now soliciting proposals under a sealed bid format from qualified entities to provide the above noted services to HAB. All proposals submitted in response to this solicitation must conform to all the requirements and specifications outlined within this document and any designated attachments in its entirety.

RFP INFORMATION AT A GLANCE

HAB CONTACT PERSON

(NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, any reference herein to “Contracting Officer” or “(CO)” shall be a reference to Ms. Moorhead.)

Jessica Moorehead, Director of Operations/Procurement Telephone: 406.237.1940 E-mail: Jessicam@homefrontmt.org

TDD: 711

2. Click on the “Login” button in the upper right side.

3. Follow the listed directions to register.

4. If you have any problems in accessing or registering on the www.bidnetdirect.com//homefront, please call customer support at (800) 835-4603.

2415 1st Avenue North Billings, MT 59101. The sealed “hard copy” proposal documentation must be received in-hand and time-stamped no later than 3:00 PM MT on this date).

1.0 THE AGENCY’S RESERVATION OF RIGHTS. The Agency reserves the right to:

1.1 Right to Reject, Waive, or Terminate the RFP. Reject any or all proposals, to waive any informality in the RFP process, or to terminate the RFP process at any time, if deemed by the Agency to be in its best interests.

1.2 Right to Not Award. Not to award a contract pursuant to this RFP.

1.3 Right to Retain Proposals. Retain all proposals submitted and not permit withdrawal for a period of 60 days subsequent to the deadline for receiving proposals without the written consent of the Agency Executive Director (ED).

1.4 Right to Negotiate. Negotiate the fees, if any, proposed by the proposer entity.

1.5 Right to Reject any Proposal. Reject and not consider any proposal that does not meet the requirements of this RFP, including but not necessarily limited to incomplete proposals and/or proposals offering alternate or non-requested services.

1.6 No Obligation to Compensate. Have no obligation to compensate any proposer for any costs incurred in responding to this RFP.

1.7 Right to Prohibit. At any time during the RFP or contract process to prohibit any further participation by a proposer or reject any proposal submitted that does not conform to any of the requirements detailed herein. By accessing Bidnet and by downloading this document, each prospective proposer is thereby agreeing to abide by all terms and conditions listed within this document and within Bidnet, and further agrees that he/she will inform the CO in writing within 3 days of the discovery of any item listed herein or of any item that is issued thereafter by the Agency that he/she feels needs to be addressed. Failure to abide by this timeframe shall relieve the Agency, but not the prospective proposer, of any responsibility pertaining to such issue.

1.8 Right to Reject – Obtaining Competitive Solicitation Documents. Bidnet is the only official and appropriate venue to obtain the competitive solicitation documents (and any other information pertaining to the competitive solicitation such as addenda). Accordingly, by submitting a response to this competitive solicitation the respondent thereby affirms that he/she obtained all information on Bidnet. Any other group such as a proposal depository that informs potential respondents of the availability of such competitive solicitations are hereby instructed to not distribute these documents to any such potential respondents, but to instruct the potential respondents to visit Bidnet to obtain the documents. The Agency will reject without consideration any response submitted from a firm that has not obtained the documents from Bidnet.

2.0 SCOPE OF WORK/TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS. HAB is seeking proposals from qualified entities to provide the following detailed services:

2.1 Pertaining to the Successful Proposer. Hereinafter, when talking about the “selected successful proposer,” the Agency may utilize any of the following terms (or any combination of the terms):

2.1.1 “Successful Proposer;”

2.1.2 “Selected Firm;” and

2.1.3 The terms may be utilized in the “singular” form because the Agency reserves the right to at any time during the ensuing contract period(s) to select one firm only to provide the ensuing services.

2.2 Anticipated General Scope of Services. The Agency anticipates that the Selected Firm chosen will have knowledge of the Montana Community Reinvestment Plan (MCRP) as contemplated by HB 819, as enacted into law during the 2023 legislative session, such that the Selected Firm has a clearly defined plan as the platform integrator for the MCRP program on behalf of HAB as the selected Community Reinvestment Organization (CRO). The Selected Firm will have knowledge and experience in all phases of design, development, and construction or rehabilitation of residential housing units. The firm chosen will have an end-user package for addressing purchase and subsequent resale of any property by the qualified homeowner. The Selected Firm will be responsible for coordinating the fiduciary components of this MCRP program, whether developing a lending model or models, establishing mortgage options, or otherwise developing avenues for financing the project buildout or providing introductions to financial options for those qualifying for the program. It is the intent of the Agency that this program be self-sustaining within a reasonable period without the need for supplemental funding. The Selected Firm must have a clear plan for making this a reality.

2.3 Background Information.

2.3.1 Knowledge and experience with the history, purpose, and proposed implementation of HB 819.

2.3.2 Experience as a developer, general contractor, or planner, or related experience in associated areas, particularly in planning, developing, and marketing residential development.

2.3.3 A verifiable mortgage plan to be originated by a reputable bank.

2.3.4 A verifiable investment platform for the CRO to meet the requirements of state law as to attainable housing based on provisions of HB 819.

2.4 The Role of the Selected Firm. The Selected Firm shall be responsible for the following:

2.4.1 Working with the Agency to develop and establish the MCRP program in each participating county, acting as the platform integrator for HAB as the CRO and customizing the program components as needed.

2.4.2 Developing appropriate schedules for compliance with the MCRP program.

2.4.3 Coordinating work with contractors, employers, realtors, and others to accomplish the work under the MCRP program.

2.4.4 Submitting appropriate reports and updates to the Agency as MCRP program is implemented in each county for which HAB is the selected CRO.

2.4.5 Providing the Agency with a full document package for initial implementation of the MCRP program.

2.4.6 Providing the Agency with a report regarding screening, compliance and selection of qualified applicants for the MCRP program as outlined in HB 819.

2.4.7 Providing the Agency with options or incentives for local governments to tailor solutions at a regional (local) level.

2.5 Selected Firm’s Anticipated Qualifications/Experience/Expertise. The Selected Firm’s proposal shall address the following areas or issues:

2.5.1 Provide Agency with a fully scalable, attainable workforce housing solution within the construct of the MCRP program within Montana as contemplated by HB 819.

2.5.1.1 Targeted platform product should have an identified local match component.

2.5.1.2 Targeted platform product should meet statutory affordability standards.

2.5.1.3 Targeted platform product should be customizable for diverse locations, and adaptable to the needs of the specific community, regardless of size.

2.5.2 Provide Agency with a fully developed plan for managing the state’s financial contribution to meet governmental accounting and transparency requirements under CRO statutory standards.

2.5.3 Provide Agency with a proof of funds in an amount equal to the funds to be deposited from the Montana Community Reinvestment Plan account.

2.5.4 Provide Agency with a plan that ensures preconstruction, development and construction-related costs are not eligible for reimbursement or otherwise covered by state funds or matching funds as defined by the CRO revolving account restrictions under state law.

2.5.5 Provide Agency with an example of necessary documentation to meet deed restriction requirements of the CRO program.

2.5.6 Provide Agency with a platform to manage the attainable housing infrastructure that will ultimately be created through the build-out and implementation of the MCRP program, including an asset management plan or protocol to monitor, reclaim, and maintain program properties.

2.5.7 Provide Agency with an outline of the Agency’s intended administrative responsibilities and support services for implementation of the MCRP program.

3.0 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS.

3.1 Each submission shall consist of an original (1) hard copy version and one (1) copy (preferably a PDF) submitted on a removable media device such as a USB.

3.1.1 Submission shall be delivered in person or via US mail, received and stamped in no later than close of business on July 17, 2024.

3.1.2 Proposal format(s) should be appropriate to the material requested.

3.1.3 There will be no public opening of proposals.

3.1.4 All proposals shall be full and final submissions. HAB reserves the right to negotiate with any applicant deemed a successful applicant as to certain terms after full evaluation of the proposals.

3.1.5 Proposals will be considered valid offers for a period of thirty (30) days following the close of the RFP.

3.1.6 Applicants may be invited to provide an oral presentation regarding their submittal. Such presentation will be limited to two (2) hours for each presenter unless otherwise agreed.

3.1.7 Proposal Submittal Binding Method. It is preferable and recommended that the proposer bind the proposal submittals in such a manner that HAB can, if needed, remove the binding (i.e. “spiral-type” etc.) or remove the pages from the cover (i.e. 3-ring binder; etc.) to make copies, then conveniently return the proposal submittal to its original condition.

3.2 Each applicant certifies, by submitting a proposal, understand and agree:

3.2.1 The proposal will be the basis for determining the applicant’s capability to render the services to be provided.

3.2.2 Failure to comply with the instructions in this RFP may result in the application being eliminated from consideration at the sole discretion of HAB.

3.3 Proposals received after the deadline (ie: late submissions) will not be opened or given consideration for the proposed services unless, in the discretion of HAB, it is deemed in the best interests of HAB to review and consider the proposal.

3.4 All proposals must be delivered to:

Jessica Moorehead, Director of Operations/Procurement 2415 1st Ave N Billings, MT 59101

3.5 Upon receipt, all proposals will be date/time stamped and kept in a secure location.

3.6 Submission Package Markings. The package exterior must have the proposer’s name and return address listed within the upper left-hand area of the front of the package.

3.7 Submission Conditions. Proposers are not allowed to change any requirements. By accessing Bidnet, registering, and downloading the supporting documents, each prospective proposer that does so is thereby agreeing to confirm all notices that the Agency delivers to him/her as instructed, and by submitting a proposal, the proposer is thereby agreeing to abide by all terms and conditions published herein and by addendum pertaining to this RFP.

3.8 Submission Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of each proposer to be aware of and to abide by all dates, times, conditions, requirements, and specifications set forth within all applicable documents issued by HAB, including the RFP document, the documents listed within the following Table No. 3, and any addenda and required attachments submitted by the proposer. By virtue of completing, signing, and submitting the completed documents, the proposer is stating their agreement to comply with all conditions and requirements set forth within those documents. Written notice from the proposer not authorized in writing by the CO to exclude any of HAB requirements contained within the documents may cause that proposer to not be considered for award.

[3.8 Table]

Form of Proposal. This Form is attached hereto as Attachment A to this RFP document. This 1-page Form must be fully completed, executed where provided thereon and submitted under this tab as a part of the proposal submittal.

3.9 Proposer’s Responsibilities — Contact with HAB. It is the responsibility of the proposer to address all communication and correspondence pertaining to this RFP process to the CO only. Proposers must not make inquiry or communicate with any other Agency staff member or official pertaining to this RFP. Failure to abide by this requirement may be cause for HAB to not consider a proposal submittal received from any proposer who may not have abided by this directive.

3.10 Addenda. All questions and requests for information must be addressed in writing to the CO. The CO will respond to all such inquiries in writing by addendum to all prospective proposers (i.e. individual/firms or individuals that have obtained the RFP Documents). During the RFP solicitation process, the CO will NOT conduct any ex parte (a substantive conversation — ”substantive” meaning, when decisions pertaining to the RFP are made—between HAB and a prospective proposer when other prospective proposers are not present) conversations that may give one prospective proposer an advantage over other prospective proposers. This does not mean that prospective proposers may not call the CO—it simply means that, other than making replies to direct the prospective proposer where his/her answer has already been issued within the solicitation documents, the CO may not respond to the prospective proposer’s inquiries but will direct him/her to submit such inquiry in writing so that the CO may more fairly respond to all prospective proposers in writing by addendum.

3.11 Pre-proposal Conference. There is not a pre-proposal conference scheduled in conjunction with this RFP.

3.12 No Fees Proposed. No fees shall be discussed or proposed, either verbally or in writing, during the RFP competitive solicitation process. The Agency will negotiate such fees with the top-rated proposer.

3.13 Role of the Agency. The Agency will coordinate with and support the Selected Firm’s plan to encourage counties to opt into the MCRP program. The Agency will also coordinate with Selected Firm on responding to governmental inquiries, whether from state or local governments.

3.14 Confidentiality of Proposals. A proposer desiring to keep information confidential should mark such information clearly and separate it from the rest of the proposal. An explanation as to why the information is confidential should be included.

3.15 Recap of Attachments. It is the responsibility of each proposer to verify that he/she has downloaded the following attachments pertaining to this RFP, which are by reference included as a part of this RFP:

3.15.1 This RFP document;

3.15.2 Form of Proposal (Attachment A);

3.15.3 Profile of Firm Form (Attachment B); and

3.15.4 Agency Sample Contract Form (Attachment C).

4.0 PROPOSAL EVALUATION.

4.1 Best Value. HAB intends to retain a proposer on a “Best Value” basis based upon the evaluation factors set forth herein. Therefore, so that HAB can properly evaluate the offers received, all proposals submitted in response to this RFP must be formatted in accordance with the sequence noted within the table below.

4.2 Evaluation Factors. The following factors will be utilized by HAB to evaluate each proposal submittal received; award of points for each listed factor will be based upon the documentation that the proposer submits within his/her proposal submittal and on-line (specifically, the pricing submitted on-line):

[4.2 Table]

*NOTE: Points will be awarded for each Factor by each of the appointed evaluation committee members based on his/her opinion after a thorough review of the information submitted by each proposer within his/her proposal.

4.3 Evaluation Method.

4.3.1 Initial Evaluation for Responsiveness. Each proposal received will first be evaluated for responsiveness (i.e., meets the minimum of the requirements).

4.3.2 Evaluation Packet. An evaluation packet will be prepared for each evaluator, including a copy of all pertinent RFP documents.

4.3.3 Evaluation Committee. HAB anticipates that it will select a minimum of a three-person committee to evaluate each of the responsive “hard copy” proposals submitted in response to this RFP. No proposer shall be informed at any time during or after the RFP process as to the identity of any evaluation committee member. The designated CO is the only person at HAB that the proposers shall contact pertaining to this RFP. Failure to abide by this requirement may (and most likely will) cause such proposer(s) to be eliminated from consideration for award.

4.3.4 Evaluation. The appointed evaluation committee shall evaluate the responsive proposals submitted and award points pertaining to Evaluation Factors noted in Table 4.2. Upon final completion of the proposal evaluation process, the evaluation committee will forward the completed evaluations to the CO.

4.3.4.1 Points Awarded Range. Pertaining to the Factors, please note the following range of points awarded (points pertaining to this RFP are shaded—please also see the Evaluation Factors detailed within the preceding Section 4.2):

[4.3.4.1 Table] Points Awarded Range

95-100

90-94

80-89

70-79

0-69

4.3.5 Notice of Results of Evaluation. If an award is completed, all proposers will receive by e-mail a Notice of Results of Evaluation. Such notice shall inform all proposers of:

4.3.5.1 Which proposer received the award; and

4.3.5.2 Where each proposer placed in the process as a result of the evaluation of the proposals received.

5.0 CONTRACT AWARD.

5.1 Contract Award Procedure. If a contract is awarded pursuant to this RFP, the following detailed procedures will be followed:

5.1.1 By completing, executing and submitting a proposal, the proposer is thereby agreeing to abide by all terms and conditions pertaining to this RFP as issued by HAB, either in hard copy or on Bidnet.

5.2 Contract Form. The HAB Sample Contract (attached hereto as Attachment C) will be used as the definitive agreement between the parties. As a part of the submission, a proposer must suggest any modifications to this draft agreement – failure to do so will create a waiver of intent to negotiate clauses or terms within the agreement.

5.3 Contract Period. HAB anticipates that it will initially award a contract for the period of time that the Agency and the Selected Firm agree that it will take to complete the work.

5.4 Licensing and Insurance Requirements. As a part of contract award (but not as a part of the proposal submission) the Selected Firm will be required to provide:

5.4.1 Workers Compensation Insurance. An original certificate evidencing the proposer’s insurance carrier and coverage amount;

5.4.2 General Liability Insurance. An original certificate evidencing General Liability coverage, naming HAB as an additional insured, together with the appropriate endorsement to said policy reflecting the addition of HAB as an additional insured under said policy (minimum of $1,000,000 each occurrence, general aggregate minimum limit of $1,000,000);

5.4.3 Professional Liability Insurance. An original certificate showing the proposer's professional liability and/or "errors and omissions" coverage (minimum of $1,000,000 each occurrence, general aggregate minimum limit of $1,000,000).

5.4.4 City/County/State Business License. A copy of the Selected Firm’s filings with the Montana Secretary of State or a copy of the proposer’s business license allowing that entity to provide such services within Montana.

5.5 Contract Service Standards. All work performed pursuant to this RFP must conform and comply with all applicable local, state, and federal codes, statutes, laws, and regulations.

5.6 Prompt Return of Contract Documents. Any and all documents required to complete the contract, including contract signature by the successful proposer, shall be provided to HAB within 5 workdays of notification by HAB.

Index of Tables

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