HSS25034-LDRSKASSMT-ad1.pdf

Delaware Health And Social Services

DIVISION OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

PROCUREMENT

DATE: May 14, 2025

HSS 25 034

LEAD RISK ASSESSMENT

FOR

DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Date Due: June 24, 2025

1:00PM

ADDENDUM # 1 Please Note:

THE ATTACHED SHEETS HEREBY BECOME A PART OF THE ABOVE-

MENTIONED BID.

Responses to questions received by the deadline of April 24, 2025 and asked at the pre-bid meeting May 13, 2025

Eddie Mui

Management Analyst III

(302) 255-9291

William Ingram

(302) 744-4706

VENDOR QUESTIONS

FOR: RFP HSS-25-034

LEAD RISK ASSESSMENT

AS OF 5/13/25

Q1) We assume more information and downloadable documents are forthcoming. Is there an expected date these will be available?

A1) As the specific information or downloadable documents you are referencing are unclear, I will assume you are referring to the Lead Risk Assessment (LRA) Report. If that is the case, once a Lead Risk Assessment firm has been selected and awarded the contract, we will collaborate with the firm to establish the format and content of the LRA. To support this process, we will provide the EPA's Lead Risk Assessment Standards document as a reference.

Q2) Under Appendix B Section A.2 it states that the contractor will perform a lead-based paint risk assessment including paint testing with XRF sampling of the unit. Can you confirm that this XRF testing will be a comprehensive lead-based paint inspection in accordance with Chapter 7 of the HUD guidelines (LIRA) or just XRF testing on components where deteriorated paint is observed in accordance with Chapter 5 Risk Assessments?

A2) Regarding XRF Testing:

Yes, the assessment will constitute a comprehensive Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessment. While we align closely with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Guidelines— specifically, Chapter 5, which outlines the procedural framework for conducting risk assessments, and Chapter 7 (LIRA), which details required training and certification—we also adhere to the more specific requirements set forth by the State of Delaware.

We recommend reviewing the Delaware State Lead Regulations (16 Del. C. § 4459), particularly the following sections:

• Subsection 3.3.6.2, which outlines the Risk Assessor course requirements, including a minimum of 16 hours of training, with at least 4 hours dedicated to hands-on instruction;

• Subsection 3.4.2, which details the roles and responsibilities of a Risk Assessor, as well as the minimum curriculum content; and

• Section 4.0, which governs the certification of individuals and firms engaged in lead-based paint activities.

Compliance with both HUD guidance and Delaware-specific regulations ensures that all risk assessments are performed to the highest standards of accuracy, safety, and regulatory integrity.

PRE-BID MEETING QUESTIONS-BELOW

Q3) Should there be a price form or pricing sheet included? Or did you just what us to provide a budget breakdown based upon the scope is written?

A3) No; a price sheet or form was not included. We would need just a cost breakdown of what is described in Appendix B -Scope of Work included in your proposal.

Q4) Is the vendor question submittal date (4/24/25) noted in Bonfire and RFP the only time vendors are given an opportunity to ask questions related to the RFP?

A4) No, if a pre-bid meeting is scheduled for an RFP. Attending vendors will be given an opportunity to ask additional questions related to the RFP and the procurement process.

Q5) One of the proposal evaluation criteria reads: “The degree to which the bidder demonstrates the potential ability to recruit, hire, schedule and train qualified applicants”. Is a qualified applicant defined in the RFP?

A5) No, the term "qualified applicant" is not explicitly defined in the RFP. However, in this context, a qualified applicant refers to the individual applying for the Risk Assessor position within your firm.

This individual must comply with the requirements outlined in the Delaware state regulations (16 Del. C. § 4459), specifically the provisions detailed in subsections 3.3.6.2, 3.4.2, and 4.0, as referenced in my previous response.

Q6) Are EPA certified Lead Risk assessors acceptable? Or must they all be Delaware DPH certified?

A6) In order to be certified as a Lead Risk Assessor, you must have taken EPA approved or recognized coursework. For Lead Risk Assessors, there is prerequisite such as a few days of coursework that is the Lead Inspector course and the actual Risk Assessor part.

Q7) In relation proposal evaluation criteria found on page 17 of RFP that’s centered around hiring potential personnel. If we have sufficient staffing to excuse the volume of inspections. Why would we have to answer or address the criteria in our proposal?

A7) If your firm currently has sufficient staff and does not require additional personnel, I recommend clearly stating this in your bid proposal.

Q8) With number of assessments excepted per year, does the division plan for all to be done at one time or will they be spread throughout the year?

A8) The assessments will be spread throughout the year.

Q9) You had 58 assessments in 2024. Do you expect a similar number?

A9) We anticipate the number could be similar.

Q10) I assume award will be given to one (1) vendor.

A10) No; anticipating multiple awards.

Q11) How many possible awards.

A11) That determination has not yet been made by DPH. We will need to evaluate the number of bid proposals received, score each submission accordingly, and assess the projected workload and case demand before making a final decision.

Q12) Are these services being done statewide? Or will specific vendors be assigned to specific counties?

A12) Our preference is for the services to be provided on a statewide basis, rather than being limited to a specific county.

Q13) Wanted to make sure clearance testing is not included as part of the scope of work?

A13) Clearance testing should be part of the scope of services. This service will be added to Appendix B -Scope of Work & Technical -under the Sampling & Analysis items, with an addendum.

Q14) Are bidders required to do a first and second draw on the water?

A14) Yes, but we would prefer a third draw as well.

Drinking water samples may be collected from a single cold-water faucet within the dwelling that is most likely to serve as a point of consumption for a child occupant. Samples will not be collected from bottled water sources or from faucets equipped with point-of-use treatment devices (e.g., water softeners, carbon filtration systems).

As part of the risk assessment, the following water samples are collected:

• First Draw (125 mL): This sample is collected immediately upon turning on the faucet and is representative of water that may be consumed at the start of the day or after periods of non-use. It includes water that has been in contact with the faucet, shut-off valve, and connecting pipe.

• Second Draw (125 mL): Taken immediately following the first draw, this sample reflects water that has been in contact with the plumbing located upstream of the faucet or fixture, including the lateral piping.

• Third Draw (250 mL): Collected directly after the second draw, this sample represents water from further upstream in the plumbing system, specifically within the water service line.