ITB 8892 07212026.pdf

52 Stephana Lane ITB

THE CITY OF WATERBURY

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

WATERBURY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

52 STEPHANA LANE

INVITATION TO BID #8892

Sealed Bids for the Waterbury Home Improvement Program (W.H.I.P.) at 52 Stephana Lane will be received by the City of Waterbury at the office of the Director of Purchasing, Room 103, City Hall Building, 235 Grand Street, Waterbury, CT 06702 until 11:30 a.m. on August 18, 2026 and at that time and place will be publicly opened and read aloud. No bids will be received after 11:30 a.m. on the day the bids are to be opened.

The work to be procured consists of: Mold remediation for unfinished Attic celling approx. 28’ x 23’

Bids must be enclosed in an opaque sealed envelope and plainly marked with the name of the Project Title “W.H.I.P. 52 Stephana Lane” and shall contain the name and address of the Bidder on the envelope.

Complete instructions for filing Bids are included in the Instructions to Bidders.

After review of the factors set forth in the Instructions to Bidders, the City reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to make an award, or to decline to make an award.

A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at 52 Stephana Lane at 4:00 p.m. on August 3, 2026. Attendance and on-time sign-in at the pre-bid conference by a representative of each Bidder is mandatory.

Contact the Office of the Director of Purchasing, at 203-574-6748 for further information.

END OF SECTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 00100 - INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

SECTION 00200 – ADDENDUM ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

SECTION 00300 – BID FORM

SECTION 00400 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 00100

INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

ARTICLE 1. QUALIFICATIONS OF BIDDERS

1.1 In evaluating Bids, the City of Waterbury (“the CITY”) will consider the qualifications of only those Bidders whose Bids, among other factors, are in compliance with the requirements set forth elsewhere in the Bid Documents.

1.2 The City reserves the right to reject any Bid based upon Bidder’s prior history with the City or with any other party that demonstrates, without limitation, failure to perform or unsatisfactory performance in accordance with the terms of one or more contracts or purchase orders or significant failure(s) to meet contractual obligations.

ARTICLE 2. COPIES OF BID DOCUMENTS

2.1 Complete sets of Bid Documents shall be used in preparing Bids; neither the CITY nor its representative assume any responsibility for errors or misinterpretations resulting from the use of incomplete sets of Bid Documents.

2.2 The CITY and its representative in making copies of Bid Documents available do so only for the purpose of obtaining Bids on the Work and do not confer a license or grant for any other use.

ARTICLE 3. EXAMINATION OF BID DOCUMENTS AND SITE

3.1 Before submitting a Bid, each Bidder must (a) examine the Bid Documents thoroughly,

(b) familiarize itself with all Federal, State and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations that may in any manner affect cost, progress or performance of the Work;

and (c) study and carefully correlate the Bidder's observations and findings with the requirements of the Bid Documents.

3.2 The submission of a Bid will constitute an incontrovertible representation by the Bidder that it has complied with every requirement of this Article 3 and that the Bid Documents are sufficient in scope and detail to indicate and convey all terms and conditions necessary for the Bidder's proposed performance of the Work.

ARTICLE 4. INTERPRETATIONS

4.1 All questions about the meaning or intent of the Bid Documents must be submitted to the

CITY’s ProcureWare website by August 6, 2026, 2:00PM.

4.2 The CITY will issue written clarifications or interpretations by Addenda online at the

CITY’s ProcureWare website not later than August 10, 2026, 2:00PM.

Only information issued by such City written Addenda will be binding. Oral and other clarifications or interpretations will not be binding and will be without legal effect.

4.3 Each Bidder shall be responsible for determining that it has received all Addenda issued and shall acknowledge receipt of all Addenda on the Addendum Acknowledgment Form and the Bidder shall list therein all written Addenda number(s) issued by the CITY.

ARTICLE 5. PRE-BID CONFERENCE

5.1 A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the time and place indicated in the

Invitation to Bid to discuss the requirements of the Bid Documents. Attendance at the pre-bid conference is mandatory by a representative of each prospective Bidder.

ARTICLE 6. BID FORM

6.1 Each Bid shall be submitted on the Bid Form included in Section 00300 of the Bid

Documents. The Bid Form shall be removed from the Bid Documents, filled in as required below, and submitted to the CITY. Bidders must fill in all blank spaces on the Bid Form for Bid prices, including without limitation unit prices, extended prices and total price or the Bid will not be considered and shall be void.

6.2 Bid Forms shall be completed in ink. The Bid price of each item on the form shall be stated in figures. If unit prices are required on the Bid Form, discrepancies between unit prices and their respective total amounts will be resolved in favor of the unit prices.

Discrepancies between the indicated sum of any column of figures and the correct sum thereof will be resolved in favor of the correct sum.

6.3 All names shall be typed or printed below the signature.

6.4 The name and address to which communications regarding the Bid are to be directed shall be shown.

6.5 One (1) original, one (1) paper copy, as well as a copy of the original Bid in pdf format on a CD or flash drive. Each Bid shall be submitted in a sealed opaque envelope bearing on the outside the name of Bidder, its address, and the Project Title for which the Bid is submitted. (If forwarded by mail, Bid and sealed envelope marked as described above shall be enclosed in another envelope with the notation "BID ENCLOSED" on the face and addressed as indicated in the Invitation to Bid.)

ARTICLE 7. RECEIPT OF BIDS

7.1 Sealed Bids for the Work of this Project will be received at the time and place indicated in the Invitation to Bid.

7.2 The CITY, in its sole discretion, may refuse to consider any Bid not prepared and/or not submitted in accordance with the Bid Documents. Bids will not be received or accepted by the CITY from prospective Bidders who did not attend a mandatory pre-bid conference.

7.3 Bidders are cautioned that it is the responsibility of each individual Bidder to assure that its Bid is in the possession of the Director of Purchasing, or an alternate designated by him, prior to the stated time and at the place of the Bid Opening. The CITY is not responsible for Bids delayed by mail and/or delivery services of any nature.

ARTICLE 8. MODIFICATION AND WITHDRAWAL OF BIDS

8.1 Bids may be modified only by an appropriate document duly executed in the same manner that a Bid must be executed and delivered to the place where Bids are to be submitted prior to that time scheduled by the CITY for the opening of Bids.

8.2 A Bid may be withdrawn by the Bidder prior to the scheduled time (or authorized postponement thereof by the CITY) for the opening of Bids.

8.3 Any Bid received after the time and date specified as the time for the CITY's opening of Bids shall not be considered. Once bids are opened by the CITY, no Bidder may withdraw its Bid for a period of ninety (90) days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after the actual date of the CITY's opening of the Bids.

ARTICLE 9. LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER

9.1 A contract may be awarded to the Lowest Responsible Bidder. The term "Lowest

Responsible Bidder" as used herein shall mean the Bidder whose Total Bid Price is the lowest of those Bidders possessing, without limitation, the skill, ability, expertise, experience, qualifications and integrity necessary for the faithful performance of the Work, as determined by the CITY.

9.2 After review of these and other factors, including without limitation, responsiveness, qualifications and price, the CITY reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to decline to make an award, to waive any and all informalities if it is in the CITY's best interest to do so. The CITY reserves the right to disregard all nonconforming, nonresponsive, conditional Bids, and Bids taking exception(s) to the Bid Documents.

9.3 A Bid which includes, for any Item(s), a Bid Price that is abnormally low or high may be rejected in its entirety.

9.4 The CITY reserves the right to reject the Bid of any Bidder that the CITY considers not to possess the qualities set forth in Article 1 herein.

ARTICLE 10. PURCHASE ORDER ISSUANCE/AWARD AND EXECUTION OF CONTRACT

10.1 If a contract is to be awarded, the CITY will give the Lowest Responsible Bidder a Notice of Award within ninety (90) calendar days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after the actual date of the opening of the Bids.

10.2 Subsequent to a Notice of Award, if any, to the Lowest Responsible Bidder (hereinafter

“Contractor”), multiple unsigned copies of a contract and all other applicable contract documents will be made available to the Lowest Responsible Bidder for its execution.

Within fifteen (15) calendar days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, thereafter, Contractor shall sign and return all copies of the contract and all other applicable contract documents, including without limitation, all required bonds and certificates of insurance to the CITY. Thereafter, upon all required reviews, approvals, and the CITY’s signature, the CITY will deliver one fully signed copy of the contract to Contractor. The CITY shall incur no obligations, contractual or otherwise, unless and until the CITY signs a contract, delivers a signed copy of the contract to the Contractor, and the CITY delivers to the Contractor the CITY’s written notice to proceed.

ARTICLE 11. ACCESS TO SITE

11.1 Representatives of the State and any local or federal agencies having an interest in the

Work shall have access to the Work wherever it is in preparation or progress and the Contractor shall provide proper facilities for such access and inspection.

ARTICLE 12. SALES TAX

12.1 The goods and services to be provided under any contract or purchase order awarded pursuant to this Invitation to Bid is exempt from the sales taxes of the State of Connecticut.

ARTICLE 13. INSURANCE

13.1. The Contractor shall not commence work under this Contract until all insurance required under this Section 13 has been obtained by the Contractor and such insurance has been approved by the City. The Contractor shall not allow any subcontractor to commence work on any subcontract until all insurance required of any such subcontractor has been so obtained and approved by the City. Insurance shall be provided by insurers, satisfactory to the City and authorized to do business in the State of Connecticut, an "A-" Best's Rating and at least a Class V3 or better financial size category as shown in the most current A.M. Best Company ratings.

13.2. At no additional cost to the City, the Contractor shall purchase and maintain the insurance coverages set forth below which shall protect the City from claims which may arise out of or result from the Contractor’s obligation under this Contract, whether such obligations are the Contractor’s or subcontractor or person or entity directly or indirectly employed by said Contractor or subcontractor, or by any person or entity for whose acts said Contractor or subcontractor may be liable.

13.3. Each insurance policy shall state that the insurance company shall agree to investigate and defend the insured against all claims for damages, even if groundless. If any insurance required herein is to be issued or renewed on a claims made form as opposed to an occurrence form, the retroactive date for coverage shall be no later than the commencement date of this Contract and shall provide that in the event of cancellation or non-renewal, the discovery period for insurance claims (“Tail Coverage”) shall be available for at least 60 months.

13.4. The following policies with stated limits shall be maintained, in full force and effect, at all times during which the services are to be performed by the Contractor:

13.4.1 General Liability Insurance: $1,000,000.00 per occurrence, $2,000,000.00 aggregate and $2,000,000.00 Products and completed operations aggregate Providing coverage to protect the City for all damages arising out of bodily injuries, sickness to or death of all persons in any one accident or occurrence and for all damages arising out of destruction of property in any one accident or occurrence.

13.4.2 Automobile Liability Insurance: $1,000,000.00 combined single limit

(CSL)

Providing coverage to protect the City with respect to claims for damage for bodily injury and or property damage arising out of ownership, maintenance, operation, use or loading and unloading of any auto including hired & non-owned autos.

13.4.3 Workers’ Compensation: Statutory Limits within the State of Connecticut: Employers’ Liability:

EL Each Accident $1,000,000.00 EL Disease Each Employee $1,000,000.00 EL Disease Policy Limit $1,000,000.00

Contractor shall comply with all State of Connecticut statutes as it relates to workers’ compensation.

13.4.4 Excess/Umbrella Liability Insurance: Excess or Umbrella insurance coverage that follows form or sits over General Liability, Automobile Liability and Workers Compensation insurances. $1,000,000.00 each occurrence and $1,000,000.00 Aggregate.

13.4.5 Contractors Pollution Liability Insurance: $1,000,000.00 each claim, $1,000,000.00aggregate coverage.

The foregoing per claim coverage plus appropriate aggregate coverage depending on the size of the job for contractor caused pollution events such as asbestos or lead abatement, but not limited to only these pollution causes of loss.

13.5. Failure to Maintain Insurance: In the event the Contractor fails to maintain the minimum required coverage as set forth herein, the City may at its option purchase same, and offset the Contractor’s invoices for the cost of said insurance.

13.6. Cancellation: The City of Waterbury shall receive written notice of cancellation from the Contractor at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the date of actual cancellation, regardless of the reason for such cancellation.

13.7. Certificates of Insurance: The Contractor’s General, Automobile, Builder’s Risk and Excess/Umbrella Liability Insurance policies shall be endorsed to add the City and Community Development as an additional insured and provide waiver of subrogation on all policies except Builder’s Risk and Pollution Liability. The insurance afforded the additional insured shall be primary and non-contributory insurance and the coverage and limits provided under the Contractor’s policies shall not be reduced or prorated by the existence of any other insurance applicable to any loss the additional insured may have suffered. Prior to the execution of this Contract by the City, the Contractor shall furnish to the City, subject to City approval, certificate(s) of insurance and Additional Insured Endorsement and Waiver of Subrogation Endorsement verifying the above coverages, including the naming of the City of Waterbury, as follows: “The City of Waterbury and Community Development are listed as additional insured on all lines of coverage except Pollution Liability and waiver of subrogation applies to all lines of coverage except Pollution Liability and Builder’s Risk as their interest may appear”. The City's Invitation to Bid Number must be shown on the certificate of insurance to assure correct filing. The Contractor must supply replacement/renewal certificates at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the policy(ies). Said certificates shall contain a provision that coverage afforded under the policies shall not be cancelled or reduced for any reasons unless notice of than thirty (30) calendar days has been mailed to the City's Using Agency and a copy to the City's Office of Corporation Counsel, 235 Grand Street, Waterbury, CT 06702.

13.8. No later than thirty (30) calendar days after receipt by the Contractor, the Contractor shall deliver to the City a copy of the Contractor's insurance policies and endorsements and riders.

ARTICLE 14. PURCHASE ORDER/CONTRACT TIME

14.1 BIDDER agrees and covenants that the Contract Time shall commence upon delivery of the CITY’s written notice to proceed, which shall occur after contract execution by both parties.

ARTICLE 15. BID DOCUMENTS.

15.1 Bid Documents shall be any and all sections, terms, conditions, forms, drawings, data, etc., listed in the Table of Contents of the Bid Documents.

ARTICLE 16. Federal, State and Local Employment Requirements.

16.1 Contractors, if applicable, shall be obligated to fully comply with the attached Hiring of

Waterbury Residents on Certain Publicly-Funded Construction Projects, i.e. City of Waterbury Ordinances Chapter 34 (“Good Jobs Ordinance“), Federal Davis-Bacon Act, Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and the Housing and Urban Development Section 3 Clause, all as further specified in the attached City of Waterbury Contract form. Also attached hereto, is a full copy of the aforesaid City of Waterbury Ordinance, commonly referred to as the “Good Jobs Ordinance“.

16.2 NOT APPLICABLE

i. The contractor who is selected to perform this public works project, funded in whole or part by the State, must comply with CONN. GEN. STAT. §§ 4a-60, 4a-60a, 4a-60g, and 46a-68b through 46a-68f, inclusive, as amended by Public Act 23-204 and Public Act 25-168. An Affirmative Action Plan must be filed with and approved by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities prior to the commencement of construction.

ii. State law requires a minimum of twenty-five (25%) percent of the state-funded portion of the contract be set aside for award to subcontractors holding current certification from the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (“DAS”) under the provisions of CONN. GEN. STAT. § 4a-60g. (25% of the total state-funded value with DAS-certified Small Businesses and 6.25% of the total state-funded value with DAS-certified Minority-, Women-, and/or Disabled-owned Businesses.) The contractor must demonstrate good faith effort to meet the 25% set-aside goals.

iii. For public works contracts, the contractor must file a written or electronic non-discrimination certification with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

Forms can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/chro/contract-compliance/contract-compliance/contract-compliance-forms-and-reports

SECTION 00200

ADDENDUM ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

NOTE: The Bidder is to complete, sign and date this form. The completed form shall be submitted with the BID FORM in accordance with ARTICLE 6 of the INSTRUCTIONS TO

BIDDERS.

The undersigned, as Bidder’s Authorized Representative, acknowledges receipt of the following Addenda and that the modifications to the Bid Documents noted therein have been considered and all costs related thereto are included in the Bid Prices:

Addendum # _______ Dated Issued ____________________

Addendum # _______ Dated Issued ____________________

Addendum # _______ Dated Issued ____________________

Business Name of Bidder: _______________________________________________

(Print or Type)

By Bidder’s Authorized Representative:

Signature: ___________________________________________________________

Name: ___________________________________________________________ (Print or Type) Title: ___________________________________________________________ (Print or Type) Email: ___________________________________________________________ (Print or Type) Date: ___________________________________________________________ (Print or Type)

SECTION 00300

BID ITEMS

Item # Area Component QTY Proposed work

Cost per unit Total Cost

1 Attic Attic ceiling 1

Mold Remediation of Attic Ceiling refer to Sect 400 $ $

GRAND TOTAL

In the event of mathematically incorrect calculations of individual items or totals, the mathematically correct amount as determined by the City shall govern in determining the

TOTAL BID PRICE.

The undersigned also agrees that the quantities indicated are for Bid comparison purposes only and are not represented to be actual quantities for completion of the Work.

The undersigned hereby certifies under the penalties of perjury that this Bid is in all respects bona fide, fair and made without collusion or fraud with any other person. As used in this section, the work "person" shall mean any natural person, joint venture, partnership, corporation, or other business or legal entity.

Social Security Number Signature of Individual or or Federal Identification Number Corporate Name

Corporate Officer

(if applicable)

Notice of acceptance should be mailed, telegraphed or delivered to the (undersigned Bidder at the following address):

(Company Name)

By:

(Title)

(Business Address)

(City, State, Zip Code)

Date: Email:___________________________

Note: If the Bidder is a corporation, indicate State of incorporation under signature, and affix corporate seal; if a partnership, give full names and residential addresses, if different from business address.

The following documents are attached to and made a condition of the Bid:

a. Instructions to Bidders – Section 00100

b. Addendum Acknowledgement – Section 00200

c. Bid Form – Section 00300

d. Technical Specifications – Section 00400

SECTION 00400

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

See following document “Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Standards for Rehabilitation & New Construction” as well as reference photos on following pages.

Area of work: Attic ceiling measuring approx. 28’ x23’

Work shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Establish appropriate containment and engineering controls to prevent the spread of mold spores to occupied areas of the dwelling.

2. Utilize HEPA-filtered air scrubbers and negative air pressure where required by the extent of contamination.

3. Remove, clean, or treat mold-contaminated wood surfaces using methods consistent with current ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation.

4. HEPA vacuum all affected surfaces before and after remediation.

5. Remove and dispose of any non-salvageable porous materials contaminated by mold in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

6. Identify and report any visible conditions contributing to excessive moisture, including but not limited to roof leaks, disconnected exhaust ducts, inadequate ventilation, or condensation. Contractor shall notify the Owner prior to performing repairs outside the scope of this work.

7. Upon completion of remediation, apply a mold-resistant encapsulant to cleaned wood surfaces only where recommended by the manufacturer and remediation standard.

8. Clean the work area and remove all debris from the property.

9. Contractor shall provide before-and-after photographs documenting the completed work.

WATERBURY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (WHIP)

Funded by the City of Waterbury's HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)

Administered by the Office of Community Development

Housing Assistance Program Division

Rehabilitation Standards & Specifications

General Requirements

These Rehabilitation Standards have been documented by the City of Waterbury to ensure that all HOME-assisted housing is, at a minimum, decent, safe and sanitary. Developers/owners obtaining HOME funding for purposes of developing/sustaining affordable housing — new construction, moderate rehabilitation and/or substantial rehabilitation — must comply with these standards.

All housing that is constructed or rehabilitated with HOME funds shall be made in accordance with applicable local ordinances, zoning ordinances, State of CT Building Code requirements and rehabilitation standards as they relate to each structure/property.

Construction of all manufactured housing must meet the Manufactured HOME Construction and Safety Standards established in 24 CFR Part 3280. These standards pre-empt State and local codes covering the same aspects of performance such as housing. State and local codes must be followed. Manufactured housing that is rehabilitated using HOME funds must meet the requirements in paragraph one of this section.

Newly constructed housing must meet the current edition of the Model Energy Code (MEC) published by the Council of American Building Officials.

All rehabilitation must, at a minimum, meet the housing quality standards set forth in both the HOME Program 24 CFR 92 and the Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Program 24 CFR Part 882.

When the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA), United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or the State of Connecticut Department of Housing has a financial interest in the development that is greater than the City of Waterbury's, then their Rehabilitation Standards may take precedence over the City's. In all cases the provisions of the HOME Investment Partnership Program regulations must be adhered to.

All methods and materials in this document must be utilized/adhered to or their equivalent.

Moderate Rehabilitation. All work directly involved in the rearrangement of interior space, the replacement of finish materials or components of the electrical, plumbing, heating or conveyance systems of an existing multifamily residential building. Work and improvements are considered to be more than routine maintenance and repair.

Substantial Rehabilitation_— All work directly involved in the rearrangement of interior space that involves alteration of load bearing partitions and columns; the replacement of the electrical, plumbing, heating or conveyance systems; and the addition to and/or major conversion of existing multi-family residential buildings or other building structures. I Generally, substantial rehabilitation projects have a total cost of alterations that is 75% or more of the replacement cost of the completed facility.

ENERGY STAR Building

HUD and the City of Waterbury encourage housing developers to undertake activities that promote the use of energy efficient residences for low-income persons/households. One way in which this can be accomplished is to incorporate ENERGY STAR qualified products and practices when conducting substantial rehabilitation or when constructing new housing.

ENERGY STAR lowers utility bills, improves comfort and increases affordability for owners and tenants. These savings are based on heating, cooling and hot water energy use and are typically achieved through a combination of:

• Building envelope upgrades.

• High performance windows.

Controlled air filtration.

• Upgraded, efficient heating & air conditioning systems.

• Tight duct systems.

• Upgraded water-heating equipment.

• Newly constructed housing must meet the current edition of the Model Energy Code

(MEC) published by the Council of American Building Officials. Developers are strongly encouraged to use ENERGY STAR-Certified homes specifications that are higher than MEC standards.

Newly constructed housing must meet the current edition of the Model Energy Code (MEC) published by the Council of American Building Officials. Developers are strongly encouraged to use Energy Star certified homes specifications that are higher than MEC standards.

In 1995, the ENERGY STAR standard was extended to the building industry by applying the Department of Energy's Home Energy Rating System (HERS). Any single-family or multifamily residential building that is three stories or less in height can qualify to receive the ENERGY STAR label (certification). ENERGY STAR Certification is earned only after the home's energy efficiency is verified by an independent third-party accredited home energy rater. HERS contractors review plans for performance, evaluate and rate efficiency, provide independent inspections/tests, and award ENERGY STAR labels for each unit.

Energy Star Version 3.2: All homes with permit dates after January 1, 2025 must be qualified under Version 3.2 Rev.12.

The new Version 3.0 guidelines incorporate a host of cost-effective energy efficiency technologies and building science practices that will improve the efficiency, durability, and indoor air quality of ENERGY STAR qualified homes. With Version 3, homes must meet baseline ENERGY STAR requirements, still using either a prescriptive or performance path (e.g., the two paths to qualify a home to earn the ENERGY STAR). Both options are based on a set of specifications called the ENERGY STAR Reference Design. HERS scores are site specific based upon a calculated HERS Index Target. In addition to the baseline requirements, there are new checklists with detailed mandatory requirements for Thermal Enclosures, HVAC Quality Installation, and Water Management. ENERGY STAR-Certified homes Version 3.0 are independently verified to be at least 20% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

I Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — Title 7 — Part 1924 — Construction and Repair — Subpart A — Exhibit K http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-

ENERGY STAR - Certification may increase development cost by approximately $1,000

- $2,000 per unit, depending on location, architect and builder experience. HERS Certification costs are approximately $0 - $450 per unit depending on the source of the certification. Costs may be offset by enhanced design and building method alterations, utility rebates & incentives, tax credits — up to $2,000 for builders, and a lifetime of energy efficiency. For more information about support and incentives in Connecticut contact CL&P @ 860-665-2723 or UI @ 203-499- 3676.

The lead agency for ENERGY STAR is the EPA. For more information visit:

http://www.energystar.gov

Accessible Housing Housing must meet accessibility requirements at 24 CFR part 8, which implements Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) and covered multifamily dwellings, as defined at 24 CFR 100.201, must also meet the design and construction requirements at 24 CFR 100.205, which implement the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601-3619).

Any homebuyer housing units newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated in a program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance shall be accessible upon request of the prospective buyer if the nature of the handicap of an expected occupant so requires.

http://www.energystar.gov/

In order to meet this requirement, developers must develop Adaptable units to facilitate a conversion to an accessible unit when necessary.

Adaptability means the capability by design of certain building spaces and elements, to be altered or added to so as to accommodate the needs of persons with and without disabilities, or to accommodate the needs of persons with different types or degrees of disability.

Minimum design criteria for a building or structure to be considered adaptable:

1. Entrance at grade or with a ramp.

2. Wide doorways — 36" minimum clear opening.

3. Wide hallways —48" minimum clear opening.

4. Minimum 5'0 turning radius in kitchen and bathroom.

5. Extra blocking in bathroom walls for grab bars.

6. Toilet seat height between 17 inches and 19 inches above the finished floor.

Lead Requirements

Exemption of Historic Properties from the lead abatement requirement — 24 CFR 35.115(a)(13). Where abatement of lead-based paint hazards or lead based paint is required by this part and the property is listed or has been determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or contributing to a National Register Historic District, the designated party may, if requested by the State Historic Preservation Office, conduct interim controls in accordance with CFR 35.1330 instead of abatement. If interim controls are conducted, ongoing lead-based paint maintenance and reevaluation shall be conducted as required by the applicable subpart of this part in accordance with 24 CFR 35.1355.

A lead assessment is required if the property being rehabilitated was built before 1978, the work is going to disturb a painted surface and the property is receiving more than $ 5,000.00 per unit.

All lead hazards identified in the lead report are considered priorities and will take precedence over other improvements. If the property is receiving more than $ 25,000.00 per unit lead based hazards must be abated. If HOME funding is combined with another program that requires abatement, abatement must be used.

Regulated Asbestos Containing Material Requirements (RACM)

Housing assisted with HOME funds must comply with the asbestos removal requirements set forth in the Federal Register of the Environmental Protection Agency, 40 CFR Part 61 National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants; Asbestos NESHAP Revisions, Volume 55 No.224 of November 20, 1990/Rules and Regulations Sec. 61.145 Standards for demolition and renovation, and State of Connecticut Regulations of the Department of Health Services, Standard for Asbestos Abatement.

Health and Safety

l. Smoke Detectors:

a. Each Sleeping area must be provided with a minimum of one (l) approved, UL listed and labeled smoke detector installed adjacent to the sleeping area.

b. Installation of carbon monoxide detectors where appropriate.

c. 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms for residential properties when replacing or installing new alarms, unless the building already has hardwired alarms.

2. Repairs to domestic water supply & waste removal.

3. Lead hazard reduction to render structure lead safe for structures built prior to 1978.

4. Roofing, gutters and downspouts where infiltration of water into the home is evident.

5. Repair or replacement of structural damage.

6. Reconditioning or replacement of unsafe electrical systems, plumbing & heating.

7. Flooring and Carpeting.

Other Improvements

1. Necessary changes for improved functions (e.g., Interior Items - bathrooms and kitchens, exterior items porches).

2. Energy conservation improvements (e.g., new double pane windows, steel insulated exterior doors, insulation, caulking and weather-stripping, siding etc.).

3. Improvements for accessibility by the Handicapped (e.g., remodeling kitchens and baths for wheelchair access, lowering kitchen cabinets, installing wider doors and exterior ramps, etc.).

Historic Preservation

Historic Commission approval must first be obtained before Building Permit is obtained for work on Historic Properties.

HOME Applications must include must include photos of the front of the property, photos of sides that work will be performed on, photos of the streetscape, including adjacent buildings, close-up photos of all features being worked on, and project specifications including scaled drawings when possible, describing the nature of the rehabilitation work that will take place and the type of materials that will be used.

For new construction, other items such as architectural drawings, manufacturers' literature, location sketches and product samples should also be submitted if available. If not submitted with the application, these items may be requested during the review process.

All applications for new construction and building additions must include scaled drawings of the same quality and type as are requested during the review process.

Rehabilitation Specification

1. All work shall be completed by contractor in strict accordance with the current Connecticut State Building Code, current NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, current National Electric and current National Plumbing and as specified herein.

2. Heating, plumbing and electrical subcontractors shall be duly licensed in Connecticut and credentials shall be submitted for approval prior to staff of work.

3. All work shall be completed in strict conformance to all local ordinances, codes and by-laws.

4. Contractor shall obtain all permits required for construction.

Misc. Wood Framing

1. Flooring — 5/8" DCX plywood, screwed and glued + 3/8" subfloor.

2. Wall and roof sheathing shall be 5/8" CDX plywood.

3. Wood studs’ minimum size 2x4 @ 16" OC construction grade MC=19%.

4. Wood joists and rafters shall be DF#2 or equal MC=19%.

5. Provide solid blocking at the ends of all joists and at mid-height of all stud walls unless otherwise detailed.

6. All nailing and fastening shall be per CT State Building Code.

7. Use pressure treated lumber for porches and railings except where Trex Composite

Decking and Railings are specified for use.

Masonry Repair

1. Repair of masonry fireplaces shall be in accordance with all CT State Building Code and NCMA requirements.

2. Mortar shall be Type S.

3. Concrete shall be 3000 PSI @28 days.

4. Reinforcing shall be FY=60 KSI.

5. Chimney liner to be stainless steel including the cap.

Insulation

1. Install Kraft Faced fiberglass insulation where required as follows:

Basement Ceilings — 6" thick minimum R-19.

Exterior Walls — 3.5" thick minimum R-15 high density.

First Floor and Second Floor Ceilings — 9" thick minimum. R-30.

Roof— 9" thick minimum R-30.

2. Install "Propervent" or equal to maintain free flow of air venting between insulation and roof sheathing on all sloped ceilings/roofs.

3. Provide Baffles as required to maintain free airflow through soffit venting system.

4. Mineral wool sound roofing required on multi-family units between units and common areas.

Tyvek House Wrap / Insulation

1. Place Tyvek house wrap (or equal) over all wall sheathing, lapping edges and ends six inches (6") minimum. Begin installation at bottom of wall with successive layers "shingled" upward for the full height of the wall. Wrap each layer around corners minimum of 12". This is only used if the existing siding is stripped to the plywood.

2. Install 3/8" foam insulation under siding if applying over existing.

Windows and Exterior Doors

1. Vinyl windows shall be as manufactured by Mercury Excelum Advantage 6, Ellison 1400 Series, Harvey Classic or approved equal.

2. Vinyl Sliding doors shall be Anderson Permashield or approved equal.

3. Exterior doors shall be steel insulated Jeld-Wen, Masonite, Feather River or approved equal.

Storm/Screen door as manufactured by Emco or equal.

4. Garage doors & components: Coplay Value Series 2 or approved equal.

5. Basement access doors shall be painted steel doors as manufactured by Bilco or Gordon or approved equal.

6. Exterior Storm Door shall be manufactured by EMCO Model # E1SS-32WH or approved equal.

Plumbing Specifications

1. Toilets - American Standard, Kohler or equal elongated 1.6 gallon with solid plastic seat Olsonite or equal.

2. Lavatories - American Classic one-piece molded sink top or approved equal.

3. Kitchen sinks — stainless steel 7" double bowl Dayton, Elkay or equal. Option — Americast 7" double bowl.

4. Faucets Moen, Kohler or equal single arm with removable head and sprayer.

5. Tub-showers - fiberglass Sterling 5'-0" 71100112 with 3-piece surround with shower door or equal.

6. All piping shall be pex-type tube used throughout for all piping including heating system.

Insulate all domestic water piping with 1/2" Imcolock or approved equal.

7. Install all water piping with sufficient number of valves & drains for winterization. Provide brass plugs or drains at all low points and pitch all piping.

8. Install all water piping on interior walls and in no case shall any water lines be installed in exterior walls.

9. Provide shut-off valves at each fixture and to isolate each bathroom. Valves shall be full-port Apollo ball valves or approved equal. Valves at fixtures to be chrome plated.

10. All drainage, waste, and vent piping shall be schedule 40 PVC.

11. Provide and install Symmons laundry-mate for washer hook-up.

12. Hot water heater shall be 10-year warranty high efficiency.

13. Sump pumps — Zoeller Pump Company or equal.

14. All workmanship shall be in accordance with the National Plumbing Code.

Exterior Siding & Gutters

1. Vinyl siding shall be Mastic, Certainteed or approved equal .044 panel or approved equal installed in strict accordance with manufacturer's specifications. Must meet BOCA Regulations 2. In stall continuous soffit vent system.

3. Wood trim - #2 pine.

4. Gutters & downspouts - seamless aluminum .032 thickness.

Heating and Cooling Specifications

1. Bidders are required to size all replacement furnaces, boilers, and air conditioning systems / ductwork in strict accordance with accepted engineering standards based on heat loss & gain calculations per ASHRAE and State of CT Building Code requirements.

2. Forced hot air furnaces Rheem or approved equal. Must meet a minimum of 84% efficiency.

3. Oil fired furnaces shall be Burham, Peerless, or Weil Mclain with an efficiency rating of 84% AFUE or approved equal.

4. Hot water boilers: Weil Mclain #CGM-4PI gas or oil-fired cast iron hot water boiler or approved equal with damper, vent damper and electronic ignition.

5. Baseboard heat shall be Slant-Fin Baseline 2000 or equal.

6. Provide circulators and flo-checks as follows:

7. (2) Taco circulators or equal.

8. (2) Taco Flo-checks or equal.

9. (2) Honeywell digital thermostats or equal.

10. Provide Apollo (or equal) full port ball valves above & below circulators and on feed piping for each zone.

11. Contractor shall perform monoxide test at initial start-up to ensure proper burner operation and check draft for manufacturer's recommendations at breech.

Roofing, underlayment and Ridge Vent

1. Roof shingles shall be 30-year min. Architectural shingles as manufactured by Elk, Owens Corning, Certainteed, or approved equal. Color to be selected by buyer.

2. Install shingle roofing in strict accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

3. Roof shingles shall be installed over asphalt saturated building paper underlayment.

4. Ridge vent: provide matching shingle clad ridge vent system.

5. For new ridge vent system to be installed on existing roof: use Ventsure@ Ridge vent or approved equal.

Electrical Work

1. Install electrical work per National Electric Code.

2. Bathroom fans: Nutone model #8663 (or equal) exhaust fan/light combo.

3. Install GFCI outlets at kitchen backsplash within 6 feet of the sink and all bathrooms and garage.

4. Install wireless interconnected smoke detectors on each level of the house. Detectors must include carbon monoxide detection. Install 10-year sealed battery smoke alarm detectors.

Flooring

1.FHA approved no-wax vinyl flooring with plywood underlayment such as Armstrong. $25.00 allowance per yard for flooring only.

2. Carpet with underlayment - FHA approved Berber style. $25.00 per yard allowance for carpet only.

3. Durable Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP).

General Requirements

• Type: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), glue-down or click-lock system.

• Thickness: Minimum 5 mm overall thickness.

• Wear Layer: Minimum 20 mil (0.5 mm) transparent wear layer.

• Surface Finish: UV-cured polyurethane with scratch-resistant coating.

• Durability Rating: AC3 (residential heavy traffic) or higher.

• Slip Resistance: ASTM D2047 compliant (≥ 0.5 coefficient of friction).

Performance Standards

• Moisture Resistance: 100% waterproof (suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas).

• Fire Rating: ASTM E648 Class I (pass).

• Smoke Density: ASTM E662 (pass).

• Dimensional Stability: ASTM F2199 (≤ 0.020 in/ft change).

• Indentation Resistance: ASTM F970 (≥ 500 psi).

Material Properties

• Core: Rigid SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) or WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) preferred for stability.

• Edge Profile: Micro-beveled edges, click-lock tongue & groove (floating) or square edge

(glue-down).

• Plank Size: 6–9” width, 36–48” length (varies by manufacturer).

• VOC Compliance: FloorScore® or GreenGuard Gold Certified (low-VOC adhesives & finishes).

Installation

• Subfloor Prep: Substrate must be clean, dry, and level to within 1/8” in 6’.

• Underlayment: Manufacturer-approved underlayment (IXPE or EVA foam) if required for sound/comfort.

• Adhesive (if glue-down): Low-VOC, pressure-sensitive adhesive meeting HUD & EPA standards.

• Expansion Gap: 1/4” perimeter gap at walls & fixed objects.

• Trim: Vinyl or wood transitions at thresholds.

Warranty

• Residential Warranty: Minimum 25 years against wear-through.

INTERIOR WALLS & CEILINGS

l. Walls & ceilings - 1/2" gypsum board.

INTERIOR DOORS & TRIM

1. Interior doors: six panel masonite doors with 2-1/2" colonial trim.

2. Baseboard - 3-1/2" colonial trim.

3. Window trim - 2-1/2" colonial trim.

4. Fire doors between garage and residence shall be not less than 1 1/2" thick fire rated for minimum 60 minutes and shall be solid wood doors or honeycomb core steel doors per code.

EXTERIOR PAINTING

1. All colors to be selected from standard color charts.

2. Exterior trim - 2 coats Benjamin Moore solid body stain or approved equal.

3. Front elevation - 2 coats Benjamin Moore solid body stain or approved equal.

4. Exterior doors - 2 coats Benjamin Moore or equal.

INTERIOR PAINTING

1. Interior walls - 2 coats Benjamin Moore latex or approved equal.

2. Interior trim - 2 coats Benjamin Moore or approved equal.

3. Interior doors - 2 coats Benjamin Moore or approved equal.

KITCHEN CABINETS, VANITIES, AND COUNTERTOPS

1. Kitchen cabinets and vanities - Merrilat or approved equal.

2. Countertops standard Formica countertops with minimum 3" backsplash or approved equal.

DRIVEWAYS

1. All paving (new or repair) to be done by professional paving contractors must conform to accepted trade practices and local building codes.

• Remove the existing asphalt topping and unsuitable sub-grade material from the driveway and parking area and dispose of offsite.

• Supply and install an 8" minimum reclaimed processed stone base to existing base —rolled and compacted to 95% (match existing driveway profile).

• Provide and apply a bituminous 3-inch loose topping, compacted to a 2-inch uniform depth over entire driveway and parking area.

• Asphalt top course edges smooth and free from sharp aggregate and voids.

• Asphalt top course edges clean with tamp finish at 45 degrees.