INVITATION FOR BIDS

BLAWNOX APARTMENTS

HVAC IMPROVEMENTS

CONTRACT ACHA-1716-MC

JUNE 2026

BLAWNOX APARTMENTS, 701 CENTER AVENUE, BLAWNOX, PA 15238

ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY

301 Chartiers Avenue

McKees Rocks, PA 15136 www.achsng.com https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiv4cXUsLLPAhVGej4KHVWQArMQjRwIBw&url=https://twitter.com/allegheny_co&psig=AFQjCNH1TDx-HNKet-gKY4z29yBccRsOAQ&ust=1475163029391375 http://www.achsng.com/

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) No. ACHA-1716-MC

BLAWNOX APARTMENTS – HVAC INTERIOR & EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS

IFB ACHA-1716-MC BLAWNOX APARTMENTS IMPROVEMENTS BID PACKAGE

IFB DOCUMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

[Table 1]

Section Description Page

Table of Contents 2

IFB Information at a Glance 3

1.0 The Agency’s Reservation of Rights 3-5

2.0 Scope of Work/Technical Specifications & Drawings 6

2.1 General Description of Services 6

2.2 Contractor Responsibilities (in alpha order) 7

3.0 Bid Format 14

3.1 Tabbed Bid Submittal 14

3.2 Entry of Proposed Fees 17

3.3 Additional Information Pertaining to each Pricing Item 18

3.4 Bonds 19

3.5 Bid Submission Responsibilities 21

3.6 Proposer’s Responsibilities — Contact with the Agency 22

3.7 Proposer’s Responsibilities — Equal Employment Opportunity and Supplier

Diversity

3.8 Pre-Bid Conference 25

3.9 Recap of Attachments 25

4.0 Bid Evaluation 29

4.1 Public Bid Opening 29

4.2 Responsive Evaluation 29

4.3 Responsible Evaluation 29

4.4 Restrictions 30

5.0 Contract Award 31

5.1 Contract Award Procedure 31

5.2 Contract Conditions 31

5.3 Contract Period 32

5.4 Liquidated Damages 32

5.5 Licensing and Insurance Requirements 32

5.6 Contract Services Standards 33

5.7 Prompt Return of Contract Documents 33

Index of Tables 33

DB

WAGE

Davis-Bacon Wage Decision

SPECS Technical Specifications (attached)

DWGS Technical Drawings

IFB INFORMATION AT A GLANCE [Table 2]

HOW TO OBTAIN IFB DOCUMENTS Visit the Housing Agency Marketplace online to register and download bid docs:

https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/

DESIGN CONSULTANT Sleighter Design

Sean Keffer, Architectural Designer

Office: (724) 438-4010 Ext. 120

Email: SeanKeffer@SleighterDesign.com

PROPERTY CONTACTS

(PROCUREMENT)

Allegheny County Housing Auth., Development Dept.

Dean Allen, Modernization Manager

Office: (412) 402-2469; dallen@achousing.org

Samantha Clark, Project Coordinator

Office: (412) 402-2494; sclark@achousing.org

PRE-BID CONFERENCE & WORKSITE

WALK-THROUGH

Tuesday, June 25, 2026

10:00 AM EST at BLAWNOX APARTMENTS

701 Center Avenue, Blawnox, PA 15238

QUESTION SUBMITTAL DEADLINE Thursday, July 9, 2026, 10:00 AM EST

All questions must be submitted thru the Housing

Agency Marketplace – see link above.

HOW TO FULLY RESPOND TO THIS IFB

BY SUBMITTING A BID SUBMITTAL

As instructed within Section 3.0 of the IFB document, submit 1 original “hard copy” Sealed Bid to the ACHA

Administrative Office

BID SUBMITAL RETURN & DEADLINE

& PUBLIC BID OPENING

Thursday, July 16, 2026, 10:00 AM EST

Allegheny County Housing Authority

301 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136

1.0 THE AGENCY’S RESERVATION OF RIGHTS. The ACHA reserves the right to exercise, at its sole discretion, all rights and authorities set forth in this IFB, in addition to those provided under applicable HUD forms including form HUD-5369, and other Federal, state, and local procurement requirements. Such rights shall include, but are not limited to, those described below and as further detailed within Section 4.0 (Bid Evaluation) of this IFB.

1.1 Right to Reject, Waive, or Terminate the IFB. The ACHA reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality or irregularity in the IFB process, or to terminate the IFB process at any time, if deemed by the ACHA to be in its best interests.

The ACHA further reserves the right to reject any bid that is determined to be non-responsive or submitted by a bidder determined to be not responsible, as defined and evaluated in accordance with Sections 4.2 and 4.3 of this IFB.

In determining responsibility, the ACHA may consider factors including, but not limited to, the bidder’s integrity, compliance with public policy, record of past performance, and financial and technical resources.

https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/ https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/ mailto:SeanKeffer@SleighterDesign.com mailto:dallen@achousing.org mailto:sclark@achousing.org

The ACHA may reject the bid of any bidder that is debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible for participation in federally funded programs, including those identified through the System for Award Management (SAM), or that has been previously suspended, terminated for cause, or otherwise determined non-responsible by the

ACHA, if such action is deemed to be in the best interests of the ACHA.

All determinations made pursuant to this section shall be at the sole discretion of the

ACHA and documented in the procurement file in accordance with applicable requirements. Nothing herein shall obligate the ACHA to make an award, nor limit the

Agency’s right to cancel this solicitation in whole or in part at any time prior to contract execution.

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

1.3 Right to Terminate. Terminate a contract awarded pursuant to this IFB, at any time for its convenience upon 10 days written notice to the Contractor(s).

1.4 Right to Determine Time and Location. Determine the days, hours, and locations that the successful bidder (hereinafter, “Contractor”) shall provide the services called for in this IFB.

1.5 Right to Retain Bids. Retain all bids submitted and not permit withdrawal for a period of 60 days subsequent to the deadline for receiving bids without the written consent of the Agency Contracting Officer (CO).

1.6 Right to Negotiate. Negotiate the fees proposed by the bidder entity.

1.7 Right to Reject Any Bid. Reject and not consider any bid or bidder that does not meet the requirements of this IFB, including but not necessarily limited to incomplete bids and/or bidders offering alternate or non-requested services.

1.8 No Obligation to Compensate. Have no obligation to compensate any bidder for any costs incurred in responding to this IFB.

1.9 Right to Prohibit. At any time during the IFB or contract process, prohibit any further participation by a bidder or reject any bid submitted that does not conform to any of the requirements detailed herein. Each prospective bidder is thereby agreeing to abide by all terms and conditions listed within this document and further agrees that he/she will inform the ACHA in writing within 5 business 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 time-frame shall relieve the Agency, but not the prospective or actual bidder, of any responsibility pertaining to such issue.

1.10 Right to Reject – Obtaining Competitive Solicitation Documents. The ACHA

Development Department is the only source 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 from the ACHA

Development Department. Any other group such as a bid 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 contact the ACHA Development Department by phone (412-402-2469) or by email (dallen@achousing.org) to obtain the documents.

The Agency will reject without consideration any response submitted from a firm that has not obtained competitive solicitation documents from the ACHA Development

Department.

1.11 Right to extend the Construction Period up to sixty (60) days at discretion for unseen complications or disruptions which may arise. General Conditions are not eligible for billing by general contractor or sub-contractors for overhead, general conditions and/or profit.

1.12 Right to Apply Terms and Conditions. All sub-contractors hired by general contractor will abide by the same terms and conditions of the contract.

1.13 Right to a No Strike Clause. Federal dollars support this project, the general contractor and all their sub-contactor’s will abide by a no strike clause. Any strike that may occur by general contractor or sub-contractor which causes a financial burden on the project may be held liable to Agency/Owner for any increase cost associated with delays.

1.14 Right to Resolve Conflicts. In the event conflict(s) arise between the plans and specifications, the most stringent specification(s), code(s) and/or regulation(s) shall apply. Agency/Owner will have the final determination!

1.15 Right to Assign Utilities. ONLY APPLIES TO BUILDINGS VACATED FOR

MODERNIZATION. Utilities will be the responsibility of the General contractor during construction period. It will also be the General Contractor to make sure building(s) are property heated during the winter months, minimum 45 degrees. If utilities are in the owner’s name then the owner will supply a copy of the bills for reimbursement from general contractor.

2.0 SCOPE OF WORK/TECHNICAL SPECS + DWGS

2.1 General Description of Services.

2.1.1 Location of the Work

BLAWNOX APARTMENTS, 701 First Center Avenue, Blawnox, PA 15238

The development is a 1983 eight story apartment building of ninety (90) one-bedroom apartments constructed of brick and insulated panels. During

Phase 1 exterior work, the building will be tenanted with relocations underway to empty building for Phase 2 interior work.

2.1.2 General Description of the Work. (See ADDENDUM 1 DIVISION 01

SUMMARY OF WORK SECTION 01-1000 for complete list and description of the Scope of Work). Note: Contract ACHA-1716-MC is a REBID of the

Mechanical Contract work ONLY. All other primes have been determined

(5/14/2026) and awarded (5/22/2026) through a previous competitive sealed bid process. ONLY MC SCOPE OF WORK APPLIES TO THIS

CONTRACT. All other information is included for reference and overall project understanding.

The project consists of site improvements and comprehensive renovation of an existing multi-story residential building. Site work includes completion of a boundary survey, reconstruction of the rear retaining wall with storm drainage, including geotechnical evaluation and structural design, replacement of select concrete surfaces, repairs to the asphalt parking lot, installation of a new dumpster pad with bollards and fencing, and select site drainage improvements.

Exterior building work includes modernization of the main entrance, replacement of the existing EIFS system, cleaning and sealing of brick masonry, replacement of exterior sealants, repair and recoating of balconies and handrails, repair of brick lintels, investigation and repair of water intrusion, and installation of new exterior entrance doors.

Interior work includes renovation of unit kitchens and bathrooms, electrical upgrades, new doors and interior finishes, and creation of seven accessible

(HC) units by combining existing apartments. Common area improvements include lobby upgrades, new lighting, flooring, painting, community room improvements, laundry room reconfiguration, and new signage.

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing improvements include installation of new lighting, a 60 kVA emergency generator, approximately 100 new PTAC units, and plumbing and electrical upgrades associated with the accessible units.

2.2 Contractor Responsibilities (in alpha order).

2.2.1 Access for Emergency Vehicles. The Contractor shall ensure that any equipment and/or vehicles that he/she places on the work site shall not be placed in such a position to interfere with access by any emergency vehicles or traffic by the public at-large. The Agency reserves the right to approve or reject (and demand the movement) of the placement of any such equipment or vehicles at any time during the performance of the contracted work if, in the opinion of the Agency, the placement of such equipment or vehicles does interfere with such traffic.

2.2.2 As-Built Record Documents. Do not use Record Documents for construction purposes; protect from loss in a secure location; provide access to Record

Documents for the Agency's reference.

2.2.2.1 If issued, maintain a clean, undamaged set of blue or black line white-prints of Contract Drawings and Shop Drawings. Mark-up these drawings to show the actual installation. Mark whichever drawing is most capable of showing conditions accurately. Give particular attention to concealed elements that would be difficult to measure and record at a later date.

2.2.3 Communication. The Agency shall be the primary on-site point of contact for the Contractor pertaining to this work. The Contractor shall be free to converse and communicate with the Agency during or between visits;

however, all requests for changes or decisions shall be submitted to the

Agency and approved by the CEO after receipt and consideration of written request from the Agency. The Agency anticipates that it will typically decide on such matters within 3 workdays of receipt, though such response time-frame may be shorter or longer depending on the situation; accordingly, the

Contractor shall be required to submit such written requests in as timely a manner as reasonably possible. When construction commences, all communication must be directed to the designated Agency contact person only.

2.2.4 Contract End Items. Upon completion of the project the Contractor must submit the following:

2.2.4.1 A separate payment request for the retainage;

2.2.4.2 A one-year warranty letter from the Contractor;

2.2.4.3 Consent of Surety to Final Payment;

2.2.4.4 Contractor’s Affidavit of Release of Liens;

2.2.4.5 Contractor’s Certificate and Release; and

2.2.4.6 As- built’s (Mark-ups delivered to Agency).

2.2.5 Contractor’s Request for Payment. As detailed within Chapter 9, Procurement and Contract Administration, of Handbook 7485.1.

2.2.5.1 The Agency is responsible for making progress payments.

Typically, progress payments for acceptable work and materials delivered and stored on the site will be made at 30-day intervals.

2.2.5.2 Payment will be based on the percentage of work completed during a one-month period.

2.2.5.3 A 10% retainage will be held on each payment request. A separate payment request for the return of the retainage will be required at the completion of the work.

2.2.5.4 Request for Payment Forms. The Contractor shall submit a request for payment for this project on the following forms, as appropriate; Refer to TABLE 5E;

2.2.5.5 Review and Approval. The Agency will review each such

Contractor request for payment and will approve the payment only if the following listed conditions are met. If the Contractor requests payment items which have not been completed in a satisfactory manner (“satisfactory,” as determined at the sole discretion of the Agency), the Agency shall hold payment for the unsatisfactory items, and pay the balance of the request (i.e., the undisputed portion). The Agency shall ensure:

2.2.5.5.1 The request for payment is consistent with the

Agency-approved schedule of amounts for contract payments;

2.2.5.5.2 As further detailed within the preceding Section

2.2.4.4.8 herein, the total of the request for payment does not include the amount to be retained by the Agency under the contract

(retention or retainage);

2.2.5.5.3 The work covered by the request for payment has

been performed in accordance with the construction documents;

2.2.5.5.4 The Periodic Estimate for Partial Payment has been

properly executed on all applicable supporting documentation submitted; and

2.2.5.5.5 The Contractor has submitted all required reports

such as payroll reports.

2.2.5.6 Distribution of Documents. The Contractor shall submit 2 original copies and 1 additional copy of all documentation required. The

Agency shall retain the 2 original Periodic Estimate for Partial

Payment requests and all applicable supporting documentation for its file and return 1 copy of all such forms to the Contractor.

2.2.6 Debris. The Contractor shall clean work areas daily, at the end of the workday, of all work-generated debris which may endanger the safety of the others (the public; Agency residents; etc.).

2.2.6.1 All work areas must be kept sanitary and clean of any trash.

Debris from work must be removed from living areas.

2.2.6.2 The Contractor must examine the work area and determine any unsuitable work condition.

2.2.6.3 Any required removal or replacement of this work caused by unsuitable conditions will be just cause for the Contractor to bear the expense. Notice of unsuitable conditions shall be brought to the Agency’s representative in written form.

2.2.6.4 The Contractor shall provide a construction dumpster as needed to dispose and removal all debris. The use of the Agency dumpsters is prohibited.

2.2.7 Delivery of Materials. The Contractor and each Subcontractor shall inspect the site and determine the availability of storage space and trucking facilities to bring material or equipment into the building, or any other factors affecting the work under this Contract.

2.2.7.1 Long lead items should be ordered as soon as possible, after contracts are signed, to expedite shop drawings and delivery of materials to site. Advance planning will be important to assure timely delivery of materials.

2.2.8 Final Inspection and Punch List. The Agency shall provide one (1) final inspection site visit to develop the final Punch List when the following are completed:

2.2.8.1 All new construction and installations are 100% complete and operational.

2.2.8.2 A test and balance report has been completed and delivered to the Agency for review.

2.2.8.3 All final inspections and permits have been closed and delivered to the Agency.

2.2.8.4 When the Contractor has completed all work, and feels substantial completion has been achieved, the Contractor must document and request a final inspection and punch list be performed by the Agency. This will document the one (1) final inspection and punch list by the Agency.

2.2.8.5 When the Contractor has completed all the punch list items, the

Contractor shall document and request a final re-inspection by the Agency.

2.2.8.6 The Agency will provide a one (1) final site visit for re-inspection of the punch list items.

2.2.8.7 If the Agency feels the punch list items have not been completed satisfactorily, notice will be given to the Contractor.

2.2.8.8 All punch list items must be completed at the time of substantial and final acceptance.

2.2.8.9 If the final punch list items are not complete at the time of the final the retainage will be withheld until final acceptance by the

Agency.

2.2.9 Lay-out and Dimensions. The Contractor and each Subcontractor shall verify, and field check, all plan dimensions, elevations, and quantities on both the existing building and the new work under their respective responsibilities before proceeding with work. Discrepancies must be brought to the attention of the Agency in writing for clarification or correction. Any

Contractor failing to exercise such precautions shall be held responsible for the cost of correcting any resulting errors.

2.2.10 O+M Maintenance Manuals. Provide organized PDF file structure on a USB

Drive. Include the following:

2.2.10.1 Maintain Emergency instructions;

2.2.10.2 Spare parts list;

2.2.10.3 Copies of Warranties;

2.2.10.4 Wiring diagrams;

2.2.10.5 Recommended "turn around" cycles;

2.2.10.6 Inspection procedures; and

2.2.10.7 Shop Drawings and Product Data.

2.2.11 Operating and Maintenance Instructions. Arrange for the installer of equipment that requires regular maintenance to meet with the Owner's personnel to provide instruction in proper operation and maintenance.

Include a detailed review of the following:

2.2.11.1 Maintenance manuals;

2.2.11.2 Spare parts and materials;

2.2.11.3 Tools;

2.2.11.4 Lubricants;

2.2.11.5 Control sequences;

2.2.11.6 Hazards;

2.2.11.7 Warranties and bonds;

2.2.11.8 Maintenance agreements and similar continuing commitments;

2.2.11.9 Start up and shutdown;

2.2.11.10 Emergency operations;

2.2.11.11 Noise and vibration adjustments; and

2.2.11.12 Safety procedures.

2.2.12 “Or Equal” Specifications. Herein, or within the attached specifications, whenever the Agency has listed a specific brand name the words “or equal” shall automatically apply thereto. This term “or equal” means that the apparent successful bidder may propose to provide an alternate product as long as such proposed alternate product, in the opinion of the Agency, meets the minimum specifications. As detailed within Section 9.3.B.3 of HUD

Procurement Handbook 7460.8 REV 2, brand names are listed herein for

“establishing design and quality standards” for the product identified. If a bidder wishes to provide a different product than the product the Agency has identified, the Agency will be pleased to respond to any specific written request from a bidder with a listing of the “essential characteristics” for any such product (the bidder may also, if he/she wishes, wait to see if the firm is the apparent successful bidder then submit such written request after the bid submittal deadline when the Agency will evaluate such alternate products, if submitted).

2.2.13 Payroll Reports. The Contractor shall, during the term of the work, within 7 days of the end of any weekly payroll period, forward to the Agency a copy of the weekly payroll. Use WH-347 Form completed in BLUE ink only!

2.2.13.1 The Contractor is hereby made aware that the Agency will conduct periodic on-site wage surveys of the Contractor's staff working at the site. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that such work staff cooperate fully with the Agency interviewer. Relating to such interviews, please also see form

HUD-11 (08/2004), Attachment PR-11, attached hereto.

2.2.14 Permits. The Contractor shall obtain any and all required permits pertaining to any assigned work at his/her expense.

2.2.15 Required Licensing. The Contractor(s) shall be in possession of any current appropriate licensing that may be required by the County of Allegheny

(and/or, if applicable, any city jurisdiction therein in which work will be performed) and/or the State of California.

2.2.16 Retainage. Retainage for this work shall be in the amount of 10 percent, which shall be applied to each payment until final payment, at which time all retainage held will be paid by the Agency to the Contractor.

2.2.17 Safety. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure, at all times during the performance of the work, to the maximum extent feasible, to protect the safety of Agency residents and staff, the Contractor's staff, and subcontractors, and the public. This shall include, but not be limited to, compliance with all OSHA-related Federal and local laws, codes, and regulations.

2.2.18 Security during Work. The Contractor shall take all means necessary to maintain the security of the area in which they are working. These security measures must be carried out on a twenty-four-hour basis, not just during the normal work hours.

2.2.19 Site Assessment. The Contractor and contracted subcontractors are strongly encouraged to examine the project site before submitting a bid.

2.2.19.1 A Pre-bid Conference and walk-through is scheduled as noted within the preceding Table No. 2 herein. Due to the complexity of the project attendance is strongly encouraged, although not mandatory.

2.2.19.2 Additional site visits after the Pre-bid Conference may be scheduled. The Contractor must contact the Agency Contact

Person listed within the preceding Table No. 2 herein to schedule a site visit. Allow a minimum three (3) business days to schedule an appointment. Unscheduled visits are prohibited.

2.2.20 Temporary Facilities. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to provide any temporary facilities that may be required, including, but not limited to: temporary toilets; water; fencing; barricades; lighting; planking;

signage; guardrails; etc. Accordingly, it shall be the responsibility of the

Contractor to secure and maintain such items during the term of the work.

2.2.21 Time of Completion. The Contractor shall commence work under the ensuing contract on a date to be specified within the Notice to Proceed form issued by the Agency and shall fully complete all work thereunder within

12 months (365 consecutive calendar days) from said date. NOTE: Any bidder that may have any concerns pertaining to the noted duration may bring this up at the Pre-bid Conference. Normal working hours shall be

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (EST). All other working hours require pre-approval.

2.2.22 Tools/Equipment/Materials. The Contractor shall ensure that at all times during the work tools, equipment, and material are handled, placed, and stored in a secure and safe manner so as to protect all parties, including, but not limited to, the Contractor's workers, Agency tenants and staff, and the public at large. The Contractor shall ensure that during non-working hours such items are not left unattended on the job site when such safety may be compromised. If applicable, as the building the Contractor will be working in is occupied by housing tenants, including a number of elderly/disabled or special needs persons, it will be especially important that traffic areas are clear for access and egress.

2.2.23 Weekends. Unless otherwise approved by the Agency in writing, the

Contractor shall not perform work on Agency property during a holiday nor weekend days (Saturday or Sunday).

2.2.24 Work Standards. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that each worker provided by the Contractor shall be fully trained and qualified to provide any assigned work. Accordingly, all work provided shall be guaranteed by the Contractor to be performed in a workmanlike manner and in accordance with all applicable laws, codes, and/or regulations, including those issued by, but not limited to, the County of Allegheny

(and/or, if applicable, any city jurisdiction therein in which work will be performed), and/or the State of Pennsylvania, or any applicable Federal

Agency. Smoking is prohibited within the building and on the within the building property boundaries.

3.0 BID FORMAT

3.1 TWO STEP BIDDING PROCESS: All bidders will initially submit the documentation/ information detailed within the following listed STEP 1 of Table No. 3. Then, the

Agency anticipates that it will notify the apparent low bidder to submit, within 5 business days after being notified to do so, the information detailed within the following detailed Step 2 ONLY BY APPARENT LOW BIDDER.

ALL FORMS ARE DOWNLOADABLE ATTACHMENTS!

Visit the Housing Agency Marketplace online to register and download bid docs:

https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/

3.1.1 Tabbed Bid Submittal. As may be further described herein, the Agency intends to retain a Contractor pursuant to a “Low Bid” basis, also taking into consideration responsiveness and responsibility. Therefore, so that the Agency can properly evaluate the offers received, all bids submitted in response to this IFB must be formatted in accordance with the sequence noted within the table below. Each category must be separated by numbered index dividers, which number extends so that each tab can be located without opening the bid and labeled with the corresponding tab reference also noted below. None of the proposed services may conflict with any requirement the

Agency has published herein or has issued by addendum.

[Table 3]

IFB SECTION

TAB

DESCRIPTION

3.1.1.1 STEP 1: ALL BIDDERS: SEALED BID ENVELOPE

Initial documentation/information to be submitted unfolded within a sealed envelope prior to the posted bid submittal deadline.

3.1.1.1.1 1 Form of Bid. This Form is attached hereto as Attachment A to this IFB document. This Form must be fully completed, executed where provided thereon and submitted under this tab as a part of the initial bid submittal.

Include Attachment A-1 Non-Collusive Affidavit

3.1.1.1.2 2 Bid Bond. This Form is attached hereto as Attachment B to this IFB document. If required, the Bid Bond as detailed within the following Section 3.4.1 herein. (5% of Bid)

3.1.1.1.3 3 HUD-5369-A (11/92), Representations, Certifications, and

Statements of Bidders, Public and Indian Housing Programs.

This Form is attached hereto as Attachment C-1 to this IFB document. This 4-page Form must be fully completed, executed where provided thereon and submitted under this tab as a part of the bid submittal.

3.1.1.1.4 4 Section 3 Acknowledgement & Certification Form

3.1.1.2 STEP 2: ONLY BY APPARENT LOW BIDDER

Documentation/information to be submitted, within 5 business days when directed to do so by the Agency.

3.1.1.2.1 1 Licensing. Submit under this Tab the license(s) detailed within the following Section 5.4.4 herein.

3.1.1.2.2 2 Proposed Services. As more fully detailed within Section 2.0, Scope of Bid/Technical Specifications, of this document, and the Drawings & Specification, attached hereto, at a minimum, clearly detail within the information submitted under this tab documentation showing:

3.1.1.2.2.1 A brief description of the proposed safety and quality assurance program.

3.1.1.2.2.2 Fully completed form HUD-2530 (02/2013), Previous

Participation Certification, Attachment E attached hereto.

A full listing of all subcontractors that will perform work at the site, including, but not limited to the following for each subcontractor: firm name; owner’s name; full address;

telephone; number; email address.

3.1.1.2.3 3 Profile of Firm Form. The Profile of Firm Form is attached hereto as Attachment D to this IFB document. This 2-page

Form must be fully completed, executed and submitted under this tab as a part of the bid submittal.

3.1.1.2.4 4 Managerial Capacity/Financial Viability. The bidder entity must submit under this tab a concise description of its managerial and financial capacity to deliver the proposed services, including brief professional resumes for the persons identified within areas (5) and (6) of Attachment D, Profile of

Firm Form. Such information shall include the bid’s qualifications to provide the services, including a description of the background and current organization of the firm.

3.1.1.2.5 5 Client Information. The bidder shall submit a listing of former or current clients, including multi-family housing (i.e., apartment complexes of a similar nature), for whom the bidder has performed similar or like services to those being proposed herein. The listing shall, at a minimum, include:

3.1.1.2.5.1 The client’s name;

3.1.1.2.5.2 The client’s contact name;

3.1.1.2.5.3 The client’s telephone number and e-mail address;

3.1.1.2.5.4 A brief narrative description and scope of the service(s) and the dates the services were/are provided.

3.1.1.2.6 6 Equal Employment Opportunity/Supplier Diversity. The bidder must submit under this tab a copy of its Equal

Opportunity Employment Policy and a complete description of the positive steps it will take to ensure compliance, to the greatest extent feasible, with the regulations detailed within the following Section 3.7 herein pertaining to supplier diversity (i.e., small, minority-, and women-owned businesses).

3.1.1.2.7 7 Subcontractor/Joint Venture Information (Optional Item). The bidder shall identify hereunder whether or not he/she intends to use any subcontractors for this job, if awarded, and/or if the bid is a joint venture with another firm. Such information pertaining to subcontractors shall include for each such firm the: firm name; name of contact person; telephone and email address; and the State of Pennsylvania contractor license number.

3.1.1.2.8 8 Other Information (Optional Item). The bidder may include hereunder any other general information that the bidder believes is appropriate to assist the Agency in its evaluation.

3.1.1.2.9 Insurance Certificates. The apparent successful bidder will also direct its insurance broker or carrier to deliver directly to the Agency (email preferred) the insurance certificates detailed within the following

Sections 5.4.1 through 5.4.3 herein. NOTE: COIs delivered by insurance broker or carrier

3.1.1.2.10 Optional Tabs. If no information is to be placed under any of the above noted tabs (especially the “Optional” tabs), please place there under a statement such as “NO INFORMATION IS BEING PLACED

UNDER THIS TAB” or “THIS TAB LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK.”

DO NOT eliminate any of the tabs.

3.1.1.2.11 Bid Submittal Binding Method. It is preferable and recommended that the bidder bind the bid submittals in such a manner that the Agency can, if needed, remove the binding or remove the pages from the cover to make copies, then conveniently return the bid submittal to its original condition.

3.2 Entry of Proposed Fees.

3.2.1 The proposed fees shall be submitted by the bidder and received by the

Allegheny County Housing Authority Development Department.

3.2.2 Pricing Items. The proposed fees (Pricing Items) shall be submitted by the bidder and received by the Agency where provided by the ACHA

Development Department only. Unless otherwise stated, the proposed fees are all-inclusive of all related costs that the successful bidder will incur to provide the noted services, including, but not limited to: employee wages and benefits; clerical support; overhead; profit; licensing; insurance;

materials; supplies; tools; equipment; long distance telephone calls; travel expenses; document copying not specifically otherwise agreed to by the

Agency; etc.

[Table 4]

IFB

Section

Pricing

Item

No.

Qty

U/M

Description

3.2.2.1 1 1 Each

Firm-Fixed Fee for all the construction work detailed herein and within the pertinent specifications & drawings

3.2.2.2 2 1 Each Deduct Alternate #1:

Description Here

3.3 Additional Information Pertaining to the preceding noted Pricing Items.

3.3.1 IMPORTANT NOTICE!!! Entry of the Proposed Fees. Bidders are required to enter where provided a reasonable and realistic cost for the firm-fixed fee

Pricing Item listed within the preceding Table No. 4 herein.

3.3.1.1 Quantities. All quantities entered by the Agency herein and within the corresponding Pricing Items are for calculating purposes only.

As may be further detailed herein, the Agency does not guarantee any minimum or maximum amount of work as a result of any award ensuing from this IFB, as the Agency anticipates that the ensuing contract will be a Requirements Contract, in which case the Agency shall retain one contractor only.

3.3.2 Review the Entry of Proposed Fees.

3.3.2.1 Firm-fixed Fee for the Base Bid (Pricing Items No. 1). The proposed fee entered for this Pricing Item shall be for all the complete work and materials detailed within specifications and/or drawings. The Agency reserves the right to not complete an award with any firm that submits, in the opinion of the Agency, a cost that is either too low or a cost that is too high.

3.3.2.2 Deductive Alternates (Pricing Items No. 2). IF APPLICABLE These

Pricing Item are Deductive Alternate, meaning the cost entered it how much the bidder will deduct from the Base Bid (Pricing Item

No. 1) if the Agency chooses to exercise its right to not have the

Contractor provide the work noted with the description of each of the listed Deductive Alternates.

3.3.2.2.1 Accordingly, each bidder shall place a minus sign

("-") immediately in front of the amount entered for each Deductive Alternate. If a bidder does not enter the minus sign as instructed, such shall mean that the bidder wishes to receive additional monies to perform the work as listed within the

Description for Pricing Item No. 2;

3.3.2.2.2 If the Agency decides to invoke or apply the any

of the deductive alternates, the Agency is required to, by pertinent HUD regulation, invoke or apply the deductive alternates in the order listed;

meaning, Deductive Alternate #1 will be applied first, then #2 second, and #3 third. This means that the Agency cannot pick and choose which deductive alternates to apply. The Agency also has the right to not apply any deductive alternate. The

Agency typically will choose to apply a deductive alternate when the Agency needs to or chooses to decrease the cost of the project (i.e., typically for budgetary reasons).

3.3.2.2.3 NOTE: All amounts entered within these Pricing

Items shall, after the submittal deadline, stand as entered—meaning, a bidder will NOT be allowed to claim after the submittal deadline that he/she made a mistake and now wishes to adjust the amount entered.

3.3.3 Price Escalation. Pertaining to the ensuing contract, there shall be no escalation of the proposed costs allowed at any time during the awarded contract except for any legitimate change orders that may be approved by the Agency.

3.3.4 No Negotiation of Proposed Fees after the Submittal Deadline. The Agency

WILL NOT, after the submittal deadline, negotiate an increase to any unit costs or fees proposed prior to the submittal deadline; accordingly, bidders are strongly cautioned to submit a realistic price for each Pricing Item identified within the preceding Table 4 herein that the bidder submits a proposed cost for.

3.3.5 Prior Agency Approval Required. Please note that the successful bidder shall

NOT conduct any additional work without the prior written authorization of the Agency representative. Failure to abide by this directive shall release the Agency of any obligation to pay the successful bidder for any work conducted without the noted prior written authorization.

3.3.6 No Deposit/No Retainer. The Agency will NOT pay any deposit or retainer fees at any time as a result of award of the ensuing contract (though the

Agency may consider, under certain circumstances, a reasonable and justified payment for mobilization).

3.3.7 Davis Bacon Federal Wage Rates. As detailed within pertinent HUD and

Federal regulation, the Contractor is required to pay Davis-Bacon wage rates

(for all “construction contracts in excess of $2,000”). The applicable Wage

Rates pertaining to the work detailed herein is attached hereto and detailed within Attachment DB. This work will be subject to all the requirements pertaining to Davis-Bacon work, including the applicable Federal forms and procedures (i.e., on-site interviews; certified payrolls; etc.).

3.4 Bonds. As this solicitation pertains to public works or construction, the bonds that are required include (each required for construction bids and/or contracts in excess of

$50,000):

3.4.1 Bid Bond. The bid bond or guarantee shall be included in the bid package submitted by each bidder for any proposed fee that is greater than $50,000

(please see the preceding Section 3.1.1.1.2 herein). This bond ensures that if awarded the contract, the bidder will accept and perform the work under the contract. It also ensures that the bidder will not attempt to withdraw or otherwise not fulfill the contract. Finally, the bid bond ensures that the bidder will execute the contractual documents that are required within the time specified in the solicitation or forfeit all or part of the guarantee. A certified check, bank draft, U.S. Government Bonds at par value, bid bond secured by an acceptable surety company, or other negotiable instrument may be accepted as a bid guarantee. If the successful bidder refuses to sign the contract after award, the bid bond is forfeited, and award will go to the next lowest responsive and responsible bidder. If a bid bond or guarantee is not submitted with the bid, the Agency will reject the bid as non-responsive.

The Agency anticipates that it will not return any bid bonds until the contract has been awarded and the required performance and payments bonds have been furnished; until all bids have been rejected; or the time specified for acceptance of bids has expired. In fairness to the other bidders, the Agency may also choose to return the bid bonds if the Agency has a firm and reasonable assurance that the responsive and responsible bidder who submitted the lowest cost will execute the contract.

3.4.2 Performance Bond. The performance bond is meant to ensure that the contract is successfully completed. The performance bond guarantees that if the Contractor is unable to complete the contract, the surety company will step in to finish the work. In the case of a letter of credit or cash escrow, the

Agency may use these funds to complete the contract work.

3.4.3 Payment Bond. The payment bond is a method of ensuring that the

Contractor pays the subcontractors and suppliers. By requiring payment bonds, the Agency avoids becoming entangled in disputes concerning payment of subcontractors and suppliers by the general contractor. The surety underwriting the payment bond ensures the contractors and suppliers will be paid. Often, performance and payment bonds are combined into a single document. Failure to pay subcontractors for work performed in commercial contracts may often lead to the subcontractor filing a mechanic’s lien against property owners to obtain payment for services rendered. The

Agency contract requires the payment bond to prevent this problem and ensure that no liens will be filed against any Agency building or lot of ground. As a reminder, Clause 24 of form HUD-5370, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction (Attachment H-1 attached hereto) clearly forbid the placement of liens and is binding on any contractor, subcontractor, and material supplier.

3.4.4 Bonding Companies. An acceptable surety (bonding) company is one that is authorized to do business in the State of Pennsylvania and is acceptable to

HUD and the Agency. The surety must be listed on the most recently published U.S. Treasury Circular 570 (often referred to as the T-List).

Individual sureties are not permitted. Circular 570 is available from the U.S.

Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service, Surety Bond

Branch, Room #262C, 401 14th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20227. The

T-List may also be accessed on the Internet at:

http://www.fms.treas.gov/c570/index.html.

3.4.5 Bonding Requirements. In order to encourage participation by a broad range of competitors, including small and minority firms, HUD has provided for alternate bid and contract guaranties. These apply to all construction projects greater than $50,000 (though, at the Agencies discretion, may apply to smaller projects), whether development or modernization, funded pursuant http://www.fms.treas.gov/c570/index.html to the U.S. Housing Act of 1937, as amended. As a result, the contractors for all construction projects shall be required to submit the following bid and contract guarantees. Please note that only the bid bond is required at time of bid; however, one of the purposes of the bid bond is to provide the Agency with assurance that the successful bidder will indeed obtain the necessary performance and payment bonds. Required bonds include a bid guarantee from each bidder, equivalent to 5% of the bid price and, from the successful bidder, one of the following:

3.4.5.1 A performance and payment bond for 100% of the contract price; or

3.4.5.2 Separate payment and performance bonds each for 50% or more of the contract price; or

3.4.5.3 A 20% cash escrow; or

3.4.5.4 A 25% irrevocable letter of credit.

3.4.6 Inadequate Surety. If the low bidder fails to provide an acceptable assurance of completion (payment and performance bonds) after award of the contract, the Agency may consider the bid guarantee forfeited and notify the surety company. The contract is then terminated for default. The amount to be recovered from the bid bond or guarantee will typically equal at least the difference between the defaulted bid and the next higher acceptable bid or the amount by which the bid accepted by re-soliciting exceeds the defaulted contract.

3.5 Bid Submission Responsibilities. All pricing must be entered on the Form of Bid and all

“hard-copy” bids must be submitted and time-stamped received in the designated

Agency office by no later than the submittal deadline stated herein (or within any ensuing addendum). A total of 1 original signature copy of the “hard copy” bid submittal, shall be placed unfolded in a sealed package, and addressed to:

Allegheny County Housing Authority

301 Chartiers Avenue

McKees Rocks, PA 15136

Attention: Dean Allen, Modernization Manager

3.5.1 Exterior of Submittal Package. The package exterior must clearly denote the above noted IFB number and must have the bidder’s name and return address. Bids received after the published deadline will not be accepted, except as may be provided for otherwise herein.

3.5.2 Submission Conditions. DO NOT FOLD OR MAKE ANY ADDITIONAL

MARKS, NOTATIONS, OR REQUIREMENTS ON THE DOCUMENTS TO BE

SUBMITTED! Bidders are not allowed to change any requirements or forms contained herein, either by making or entering onto these documents or the documents submitted any revisions or additions; and if any such additional marks, notations or requirements are entered on any of the documents that are submitted to the Agency by the bidder, such may invalidate that bid. If, after accepting such a bid, the Agency decides that any such entry has not changed the intent of the bid that the Agency intended to receive, the

Agency may accept the bid and the bid shall be considered by the Agency as if those additional marks, notations, or requirements were not entered on such.

3.5.3 Submission Responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of each bidder to be aware of and to abide by all dates, times, conditions, requirements, and specifications set forth within all applicable documents issued by the Agency, including the IFB document, the documents listed within the following

Section 3.9, and any addenda and required attachments submitted by the bidder. By virtue of completing, signing, and submitting the completed documents, the bidder is stating his/her agreement to comply with all conditions and requirements set forth within those documents. Written notice from the bidder not authorized in writing by the CO to exclude any of the Agency requirements contained within the documents may cause that bidder to not be considered for award.

3.6 Proposer’s Responsibilities — Contact with the Agency. It is the responsibility of the bidder to address all communication and correspondence pertaining to this IFB process to the ACHA only. Bidders must not make inquiry or communicate with any other

Agency staff member or official (including members of the Board of Commissioners) pertaining to this IFB. Failure to abide by this requirement may be cause for the Agency to not consider a bid submittal received from any bidder who may not have abided by this directive.

3.6.1 Addenda. All questions and requests for information must be addressed in writing to the ACHA. The ACHA will respond to all such inquiries in writing by addendum to all prospective bidders (i.e. firms or individuals that have obtained the IFB Documents). During the IFB solicitation process, the ACHA will NOT conduct any ex parte (a substantive conversation—”substantive” meaning, when decisions pertaining to the IFB are made—between the

Agency and a prospective bidder when other prospective bidders are not present) conversations that may give one prospective bidder an advantage over other prospective bidders. This does not mean that prospective bidders may not call the ACHA—it simply means that, other than making replies to direct the prospective bidder where his/her answer has already been issued within the solicitation documents, the ACHA may not respond to the prospective bidder’s inquiries but will direct him/her to submit such inquiry in writing so that the ACHA may more fairly respond to all prospective bidders in writing by addendum.

3.7 Proposer’s Responsibilities — Equal Employment Opportunity and Supplier Diversity.

Both the Contractor and the Agency have, pursuant to HUD regulation, certain responsibilities pertaining to the hiring and retention of personnel and subcontractors.

3.7.1 Within 2 CFR §200.321 it states:

3.7.1.1 Contracting with small and minority businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms.

3.7.1.2 (a) The non-Federal entity must take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible.

3.7.1.3 (2) Affirmative steps must include:

3.7.1.3.1 (1) Placing qualified small and minority businesses and women's business enterprises on solicitation lists;

3.7.1.3.2 (2) Assuring that small and minority businesses, and women's business enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources;

3.7.1.3.3 (3) Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by small and minority business, and women's business enterprises;

3.7.1.3.4 (4) Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, which encourage participation by small and minority business, and women's business enterprises;

3.7.1.3.5 (5) Using the services and assistance, as appropriate, of such organizations as the Small

Business Administration and the Minority Business

Development Agency of the Department of

Commerce; and

3.7.1.3.6 (6) Requiring the prime contractor, if subcontracts are to be let, to take the affirmative steps listed in paragraphs (1) through (5) of this section.

3.7.2 Within HUD Procurement Handbook 7460.8 REV 2 it states:

3.7.2.1 Section 15.5.A, Required Efforts. Consistent with Presidential

Orders 11625, 12138, and 12432, the [Agency] shall make every effort to ensure that small businesses, MBEs, WBEs, and labor surplus area businesses participate in [Agency] contracting.

3.7.2.2 Section 15.5.B, Goals. [The Agency] is encouraged to establish goals by which they can measure the effectiveness of their efforts in implementing programs in support of . . . contracting with disadvantaged firms.