Novaces LLC.pdf

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Proposal for Contractual Services

Solicitation Number: 124469 O5

Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and

Hazard Mitigation Assistance for the

State of Nebraska’s State Purchasing Bureau

Submitted to:

U.S. Army Engineer District, Louisville c/o Laura Phillips-Payne 600 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Place Room 821 Louisville, KY 40202-2239

Submitted to:

State of Nebraska Purchasing Bureau Procurement Contracting Officers Craig Palik and Clinton Paul

1526 K Street, Suite 130 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-471-6500 as.materielpurchasing@nebraska.gov

Quotations Due: March 3, 2026, at 2 PM Central

NOVACES, LLC

650 Poydras Street Suite 2523 New Orleans, LA 70130 Ivan Radovic, President iradovic@novaces.com Tel. (504) 544-6888 x201

TIN: 14 - 1914538

DUNS: 16 – 703 - 8228

CAGE: 304E7

FSS Number: GS-10F-0261T

UI: LCZJWR81KX65

Submitted by:

ii

Table of Contents

I. Cover Letter

II. Terms and Conditions

III. Vendor Duties

IV. Payment

V. Insurance Requirements

VI. Summary of Bidder’s Similar Experience

VII. Contractual Agreement Form

VIII. Attachment A - Bidder Questionnaire

I. Cover Letter

March 2, 2026

Mr. Craig Palik and Mr. Clinton Paul, Procurement Contracting Officers State of Nebraska Purchasing Bureau 1526 K Street, Suite 130 Lincoln, NE 68508 Email: as.materielpurchasing@nebraska.gov

RE: Solicitation Number: 124469 O5 - Proposal for Contractual Services

NOVACES is pleased to submit this proposal to provide Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA) technical support, along with disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery program management services to the State of Nebraska.

For more than two decades, NOVACES has supported the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), and state, county, municipal, and Tribal governments in navigating complex disaster recovery environments. We are recognized for providing deep subject-matter expertise, disciplined program management systems, and scalable staffing solutions that deliver compliant outcomes under time-sensitive and demanding conditions. We possess comprehensive knowledge of FEMA policy, compliance protocols, cost eligibility requirements, and documentation standards.

Our approach is rooted in accountability, responsiveness, and measurable impact. NOVACES’ technical personnel and support staff are prepared to mobilize quickly and integrate seamlessly with Nebraska’s operational teams to ensure program delivery and administrative systems meet the State of Nebraska’s requirements identified in the solicitation.

NOVACES has supported federal agencies and state and local governments across 23 states and U.S. territories, following federally declared disaster missions. Our experience spans major metropolitan recoveries—including post-Superstorm Sandy operations—as well as rural and economically vulnerable communities recovering from flood and wildfire events in Tennessee, Kentucky, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Colorado.

NOVACES’ core competencies include the following:

1. Grant Compliance and Funding Optimization

• Extensive FEMA and EDA grant compliance expertise

• Insurance reimbursement coordination and cost recovery strategy

• Development of compliant documentation systems to withstand audit scrutiny

2. Program and Project Management Excellence NOVACES employs a lean, scalable team structure supported by proven tools, templates, and methodologies that ensure:

• Strong cost control

• Schedule management

• Regulatory compliance

• Transparent reporting

• Efficient project closeout

Our staff also leverages AI-enabled research and document management tools to increase efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and accelerate deliverables without compromising quality or compliance.

3. Disaster Recovery Strategy and Implementation

• Two decades of disaster recovery policy and procedure development

• Long-term recovery planning and implementation

• Disaster impact studies and economic analysis

• Infrastructure, workforce, housing, and supply chain stabilization planning

• Federal funding strategy and technical assistance coordination

• Stakeholder engagement and intergovernmental collaboration

We integrate seamlessly with our clients’ personnel to maximize institutional knowledge while providing surge capacity during high-demand periods.

Notably, NOVACES has delivered professional services under the FEMA Public Assistance Technical Assistance Contract IV (PA-TAC IV) as a subcontractor to FLUOR Corporation for 9 years and has supported EDA’s Economic Recovery Support Function (ERSF)—FEMA’s designated economic recovery lead agency—for 13 consecutive years. This continuity reflects sustained performance, trust, and technical excellence.

Operational Readiness NOVACES is fully prepared to mobilize within 30 days of a signed task order. Under prior disaster recovery and mitigation assignments, our team maintained the capability to deploy to any disaster field office within 48–96 hours of task issuance.

We stand ready to assist the State of Nebraska in delivering impactful, data-driven strategies that support its industries, businesses, organizations, and residents. We appreciate your consideration and welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal further.

Sincerely, Ivan Radovic President iradovic@novaces.com

(504) 208-0609 www.novaces.com http://www.novaces.com/

Headquarters Location:

NOVACES, LLC

650 Poydras Street, Suite 2523, New Orleans, LA 70130

Company History:

NOVACES is a small business with headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Since 2001, we have also maintained offices in New Jersey and Washington DC. Over the past decade, we have invested in growing our team, which has daily and surge capacity to handle any assignment.

The firm’s experience directly aligns with the priorities outlined in the State of Nebraska’s RFP, and includes:

• Delivered professional services under the FEMA Public Assistance Technical Assistance Contract IV (PA-TAC IV) as a subcontractor to FLUOR Corporation for 9 years,

• Supported the management of FEMA’s Central Resource Center – East for 7 years, and

• Completed 17 federally declared disaster recovery mission assignments for the Economic Development Administration over 21 years, beginning with our support to the FEMA Office of Response and Recovery (ORR), EDA, the State of Louisiana, and the City of New Orleans in response and recovery following Hurricane Katrina.

The organization also supports the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and has assisted the United South & Eastern Tribes, Inc. (USET), which serves 33 federally recognized tribes across the Eastern half of the U.S.

About Us:

NOVACES offers a unique combination of disaster response and recovery expertise, with decades of experience delivering Public Assistance program management and technical assistance, and in designing and implementing long-term economic recovery strategies. This multifaceted experience informs our operations and project management approach, providing a firsthand understanding of how every strategy, project, and grant contributes to shaping the future resilience and vibrancy of the community, region, and state we serve.

II. Terms and Conditions

By signing the solicitation, NOVACES, as bidder, agrees to be legally bound by all the accepted terms and conditions, and any proposed alternative terms and conditions submitted with the solicitation response. The State reserves the right to negotiate rejected or proposed alternative language. If the State and bidder fail to agree on the final Terms and Conditions, the State reserves the right to reject the solicitation response. The State reserves the right to reject solicitation responses that attempt to substitute the bidder’s commercial contracts and/or documents for this solicitation.

Accept All Terms and Conditions Within Section as Written (Initial)

Exceptions Taken to Terms and Conditions Within Section as Written

Exceptions:

(Bidder must note the specific clause, including section reference, to which an exception has been taken, an explanation of why the bidder took exception to the clause, and provide alternative language to the specific clause within the solicitation response.)

(Initial)

IR

None

The bidders should submit with their solicitation response any license, user agreement, service level agreement, or similar documents that the bidder wants incorporated in the Contract. The State will not consider the incorporation of any document not submitted with the solicitation response, as the document will not have been included in the evaluation process. These documents shall be subject to negotiation and will be incorporated as addenda if agreed to by the Parties.

If a conflict or ambiguity arises after the Addendum to Contract Award has been negotiated and agreed to, the Addendum to Contract Award shall be interpreted as follows:

1. If only one (1) Party has a particular clause, then that clause shall control,

2. If both Parties have a similar clause, but the clauses do not conflict, the clauses shall be read together,

3. If both Parties have a similar clause, but the clauses conflict, the State’s clause shall control.

III. Vendor Duties

Bidder has read the Vendor Duties within this section and initialed “Accept All Terms and Conditions Within Section as Written” in the table below. If no exception is taken to a provision, it is deemed accepted as stated.

By signing the solicitation, bidder agrees to be legally bound by all the accepted terms and conditions, and any proposed alternative terms and conditions submitted with the solicitation response. The State reserves the right to negotiate rejected or proposed alternative language. If the State and bidder fail to agree on the final Terms and Conditions, the State reserves the right to reject the solicitation response. The State reserves the right to reject solicitation responses that attempt to substitute the bidder’s commercial contracts and/or documents for this solicitation.

Conditions Within Section as Written (Initial)

Exceptions Taken to Terms and Conditions Within Section as exception has been taken, an explanation of why the bidder took exception to

IV. Payment

By signing the solicitation, bidder agrees to be legally bound by all the accepted terms and conditions, and any proposed alternative terms and conditions submitted with the solicitation response. The State reserves the right to negotiate rejected or proposed alternative language. If the State and bidder fail to agree on the final Terms and Conditions, the State reserves the right to reject the solicitation response.

The State reserves the right to reject solicitation responses that attempt to substitute the bidder’s commercial contracts and/or documents for this solicitation.

Conditions Within Section as Written (Initial)

Exceptions Taken to Terms and Conditions Within Section as exception has been taken, an explanation of why the bidder took exception to

V. Insurance Requirements

Vendor shall, throughout the term of the contract, maintain insurance as specified herein and provide the State a current Certificate of Insurance/Acord Form (COI) verifying the coverage.

The Vendor shall not commence work on the contract until the insurance is in place. If Vendor subcontracts any portion of the Contract, the Vendor must, throughout the term of the contract, either:

1. Provide equivalent insurance for each subcontractor and provide a COI verifying the coverage for the subcontractor,

2. Require each subcontractor to have equivalent insurance and provide written notice to the State that the Vendor has verified that each subcontractor has the required coverage; or,

3. Provide the State with copies of each subcontractor’s Certificate of Insurance, evidencing the required coverage.

The Vendor shall not allow any Subcontractor to commence work until the Subcontractor has equivalent insurance. The failure of the State to require a COI, or the failure of the Vendor to provide a COI or require subcontractor insurance shall not limit, relieve, or decrease the liability of the Vendor hereunder.

In the event that any policy written on a claims-made basis terminates or is canceled during the term of the contract or within one (1) year of termination or expiration of the contract, the Vendor shall obtain an extended discovery or reporting period, or a new insurance policy, providing coverage required by this contract for the term of the contract and one (1) year following termination or expiration of the contract.

If by the terms of any insurance a mandatory deductible is required, or if the Vendor elects to increase the mandatory deductible amount, the Vendor shall be responsible for payment of the amount of the deductible in the event of a paid claim.

Notwithstanding any other clause in this Contract, the State may recover up to the liability limits of the insurance policies required herein.

VI. Summary of Bidder’s Similar Experience

Please find below a summary matrix listing NOVACES’ projects similar to the State of Nebraska’s Solicitation in size, scope, and complexity. Three detailed project descriptions are submitted in Attachment A.

3 Federal Disaster Declaration

Description of Work Client Timeframe

33 DR-4829-SC

Tropical Storm Helene

FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Disaster Operations Support

FEMA 2024

32 DR-4827-NC

Tropical Storm Helene

FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Disaster Operations Support

FEMA 2024

31 DR-4564-FL

Hurricane Sally

FEMA Public and Technical Assistance (PA TAC IV)

FEMA 2020

30 DR-4468-FL

Hurricane Dorian

FEMA Public and Technical Assistance (PA TAC IV)

FEMA 2019

29 DR-4399-FL

Hurricane Michael

FEMA Public and Technical Assistance (PA TAC IV)

FEMA 2018

28 DR-4337-FL

Hurricane Irma

FEMA Public and Technical Assistance (PA TAC IV)

FEMA 2017

27 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act - NM

Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Claims Review Technical Support

FEMA 2022

26 DR-4680-FL

Hurricane Nicole

FEMA Consolidated Resource Center, East

FEMA 2022

25 DR-4673-FL

Hurricane Ian

FEMA Consolidated Resource Center, East

FEMA 2022

24 DR-4564-FL

Hurricane Sally

FEMA Consolidated Resource Center, East

FEMA 2020

23 DR-4468-FL

Hurricane Dorian

FEMA Consolidated Resource Center, East

FEMA 2019

22 DR-4399-FL

Hurricane Michael

FEMA Consolidated Resource Center, East

FEMA 2018

21 DR-4337-FL

Hurricane Irma

FEMA Consolidated Resource Center, East

FEMA 2017

20 DR-4411-VA

Virginia Tropical Storm Michael

FEMA Consolidated Resource Center, East

FEMA 2018

19 DR-4408-PA

Pennsylvania Severe Storms and Flooding

FEMA Consolidated Resource Center, East

FEMA 2018

18 DR-4832-TN

Tennessee – Tropical Storm Helene Floods

Disaster Recovery Operations Economic Development Administration

2024 –

17 DR-4724-HI

Hawaii – Maui Wildfires

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2023 –

16 DR-4715-GU

Guam – Typhoon Mawar

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2023 –

15 DR-4683-CA California - Winter Storms, Land and Mud Slides, and Flooding

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2022 –

14 DR-F665-MO

Missouri Floods

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2023

13 DR-4663-KY

Kentucky Floods

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2022 –

12 DR-4630-KY

Kentucky - Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, And Tornadoes

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2022

11 DR-4559-LA

Louisiana – Hurricane Laura

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2020 –

10 DR-4336 & 4339-PR

Puerto Rico – Hurricanes Irma and Maria

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2017 –

9 DR-4277-LA

Louisiana -Severe Storms and Flooding

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2017

8 DR-4263-LA

Louisiana -Severe Storms and Flooding

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2016 -

7 DR-4222-OK

Oklahoma - Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2015 -

6 DR-4227-WY

Wyoming – Severe Storms and Flooding

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2015 -

5 DR-4174-AR Arkansas - Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2014

4 DR-4145-CO

Colorado - Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2014

3 DR-4117-OK Oklahoma Severe Storms and Tornadoes

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2013 –

2 DR-4086-NJ Hurricane Sandy, New Jersey

Disaster Recovery Operations EDA 2013

1 DR-1603-LA

Hurricane Katrina

Louisiana JRO Training FEMA 2005

VII. Contractual Agreement Form

BIDDER MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING

By signing this Contractual Agreement Form, the bidder guarantees compliance with the provisions stated in this solicitation and agrees to the terms and conditions unless otherwise indicated in writing and certifies that bidder is not owned by the Chinese Communist Party.

Per Nebraska’s Transparency in Government Procurement Act, Neb. Rev Stat § 73-603, DAS is required to collect statistical information regarding the number of contracts awarded to Nebraska Vendors. This information is for statistical purposes only and will not be considered for contract award purposes.

_____ NEBRASKA VENDOR AFFIDAVIT: Bidder hereby attests that bidder is a Nebraska Vendor. “Nebraska Vendor” shall mean any bidder who has maintained a bona fide place of business and at least one employee within this state for at least the six (6) months immediately preceding the posting date of this Solicitation. All vendors who are not a Nebraska Vendor are considered Foreign Vendors under Neb. Rev Stat § 73-603 (c).

_____ I hereby certify that I am a Resident disabled veteran or business located in a designated enterprise zone in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 73-107 and wish to have preference, if applicable, considered in the award of this contract.

_____ I hereby certify that I am a blind person licensed by the Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-8611 and wish to have preference considered in the award of this contract.

THIS FORM MUST BE SIGNED MANUALLY IN INK OR BY DOCUSIGN

COMPANY: NOVACES, LLC

ADDRESS: 650 Poydras Street, Suite 2523

PHONE: (504) 544-6888 x201

EMAIL: iradovic@novaces.com

BIDDER NAME & TITLE: Ivan Radovic, President

SIGNATURE:

DATE: March 2, 2026

VENDOR COMMUNICATION WITH THE STATE CONTACT INFORMATION

(IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE)

NAME: Not applicable

TITLE:

PHONE:

EMAIL:

VIII. Attachment A - Bidder Questionnaire

RFP 124469 O5

Bidder Name: NOVACES, LLC__________________________________________________________

Bidder should provide a response to all questions in this attachment to meet the requirements of the

RFP.

CORPORATE OVERVIEW

1.1

BIDDER IDENTIFICATION AND INFORMATION

a. The bidder should provide the full company or corporate name, address of the company's headquarters, entity organization (corporation, partnership, proprietorship), state in which the bidder is incorporated or otherwise organized to do business, year in which the bidder first organized to do business and whether the name and form of organization has changed since first organized.

Response:

NOVACES, LLC

650 Poydras Street, Suite 2523 New Orleans, LA 70130

Entity organization: Limited Liability Corporation Incorporated in the State of Louisiana and certified as an active business in good standing in the State of New Jersey First organized in 2001.

Neither the name nor the form of our organization has changed since it was first organized in 2001.

Tel. (504) 208-0609

TIN: 14 - 1914538

DUNS: 16 – 703 - 8228

CAGE: 304E7

FSS Number: GS-10F-0261T

1.2

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The bidder should provide financial statements applicable to the firm. If publicly held, the bidder should provide a copy of the corporation's most recent audited financial reports and statements, and the name, address, and telephone number of the fiscally responsible representative of the bidder’s financial or banking organization.

If the bidder is not a publicly held corporation, either the reports and statements required of a publicly held corporation, or a description of the organization, including size, longevity, client base, areas of specialization and expertise, and any other pertinent information, should be submitted in such a manner that solicitation evaluators may reasonably formulate a determination about the stability and financial strength of the organization. Additionally, a non-publicly held firm should provide a banking reference.

The bidder must disclose any and all judgments, pending or expected litigation, or other real or potential financial reversals, which might materially affect the viability or stability of the organization, or state that no such condition is known to exist.

The State may elect to use a third party to conduct credit checks as part of the corporate overview evaluation.

Response:

NOVACES is a small, privately held, and financially stable corporation that has delivered data-driven disaster recovery Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, resilience, and economic development planning and consulting services for 21 years to leaders of 23 states, territories, and Tribal communities nationwide. The company first supported the FEMA Office of Response and Recovery (ORR), EDA, the State of Louisiana, and the City of New

Orleans in response and recovery following Hurricane Katrina. Our firsthand experience supporting state and local leaders over two decades equips us to deliver initiatives that are strategic and actionable—grounded in the values, lived realities, and priorities of the people they serve.

In addition to supporting FEMA, NOVACES has completed 17 federally declared disaster recovery mission assignments for the Economic Development Administration. The organization also supports the DoD’s Defense

Health Agency (DHA) and has assisted the United South & Eastern Tribes, Inc. (USET), which serves 33 federally recognized tribes across the Eastern half of the U.S.

Number of Years in Business: ___22___

Number of Employees: _66____ (company wide)

Annual Sales Volume: ___$16M___ (company wide)

NOVACES is not in default on any loan agreement or financing agreement with any bank, financial institution, or other entity.

NOVACES is not currently for sale or involved in any transaction to expand or to be acquired by another business entity.

There are no judgments, pending or expected litigation, or other real or potential financial reversals, which might materially affect the viability or stability of NOVACES to serve the State of Nebraska.

NOVACES’ banking partner is:

Capital One Bank 1680 Capital One Drive, McLean, VA 22102-3491

(877) 383-4802

A reference letter from NOVACES’ accounting firm is provided below.

1.3

CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP

If any change in ownership or control of the company is anticipated during the twelve (12) months following the solicitation response due date, the bidder should describe the circumstances of such change and indicate when the change will likely occur. Any change of ownership to an awarded bidder(s) will require notification to the State.

Response:

No change in ownership is anticipated.

1.4

OFFICE LOCATION

The bidder’s office location responsible for performance pursuant to an award of a contract with the State of Nebraska should be identified.

Response:

NOVACES delivers Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, Hazard Mitigation and Prevention, and Disaster Recovery services nationwide, both on-site and virtually. Since 2001, we have established offices in New Orleans, New Jersey, and

Northern Virginia in the Washington DC metropolitan region. Our headquarters office in New Orleans will be responsible for performance and support to the State of Nebraska.

NOVACES, LLC

650 Poydras Street, Suite 2523 New Orleans, LA 70130 Tel. (504) 208-0609

1.5

RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE STATE

The bidder should describe any dealings with the State over the previous ten (10) years. If the organization, its predecessor, or any Party named in the bidder’s solicitation response has contracted with the State, the bidder should identify the contract number(s) and/or any other information available to identify such contract(s). If no such contracts exist, so declare.

Response:

NOVACES, LLC, has not previously contracted with the State of Nebraska. Our firm has performed work under federal contracts in 17 states and U.S. Territories over the last 20 years.

1.6

BIDDER'S EMPLOYEE RELATIONS TO STATE

If any Party named in the bidder’s solicitation response is or was an employee of the State within the past twelve (12) months, identify the individual(s) by name, State agency with whom employed, job title or position held with the State, and separation date. If no such relationship exists or has existed, so declare.

If any employee of any agency of the State of Nebraska is employed by the bidder or is a subcontractor to the bidder, as of the due date for solicitation response submission, identify all such persons by name, position held with the bidder, and position held with the State (including job title and agency).

Describe the responsibilities of such persons within the proposing organization. If, after review of this information by the State, it is determined that a conflict of interest exists or may exist, the bidder may be disqualified from further consideration in this solicitation. If no such relationship exists, so declare.

Response:

No party or individual included in this solicitation is nor has been, within the preceding twelve (12) months, an employee of the State of Nebraska.

1.7

CONTRACT PERFORMANCE

If the bidder or any proposed subcontractor has had a contract terminated for default during the past ten (10) years, all such instances must be described as required below. Termination for default is defined as a notice to stop performance delivery due to the bidder’s non-performance or poor performance, and the issue was either not litigated due to inaction on the part of the bidder or litigated and such litigation determined the bidder to be in default.

It is mandatory that the bidder submit full details of all termination for default experienced during the past ten (10) years, including the other Party's name, address, and telephone number. The response to this section must present the bidder’s position on the matter. The State will evaluate the facts and will score the bidder’s solicitation response accordingly. If no such termination for default has been experienced by the bidder in the past ten (10) years, so declare.

If at any time during the past five (5) years, the bidder has had a contract terminated for convenience, non-performance, non-allocation of funds, or any other reason, describe fully all circumstances surrounding such termination, including the name and address of the other contracting Party.

Response:

NOVACES has not had any contract terminated for default during its 20+ year history.

1.8

SUMMARY OF BIDDER’S CORPORATE

EXPERIENCE

The bidder should provide a summary matrix listing the bidder’s previous projects similar to this Solicitation in size, scope, and complexity. The State will use no more than three (3) narrative project descriptions submitted by the bidder during its evaluation of the solicitation response.

The bidder should address the following:

i. Provide narrative descriptions to highlight the similarities between the bidder’s experience and this Solicitation. These descriptions should include:

a) The time period of the project,

b) The scheduled and actual completion dates,

c) The bidder’s responsibilities,

d) For reference purposes, a customer name

(including the name of a contact person, a current telephone number, a facsimile number, and e-mail address); and

e) Each project description should identify whether the work was performed as the prime Vendor or as a subcontractor. If a bidder performed as the prime Vendor, the description should provide the originally scheduled completion date and budget, as well as the actual (or currently planned) completion date and actual (or currently planned) budget.

ii. Bidder and Subcontractor(s) experience should be listed separately. Narrative descriptions submitted for Subcontractors should be specifically identified as subcontractor projects.

iii. If the work was performed as a subcontractor, the narrative description should identify the same information as requested for the bidders above. In addition, subcontractors should identify what share of contract costs, project responsibilities, and time period were performed as a subcontractor.

Project #1 Title: FEMA Public Assistance Technical Assistance Contract (PA TAC) Subcontractor

a) Time Period January 27, 2019 – January 26, 2024

b) Scheduled and

Actual

Completion

Dates

January 27, 2019 – September 20, 2024

c) Bidder’s responsibilities NOVACES provided technical assistance in the form of architect-engineer, and other related professional services to assist FEMA in delivering the Public Assistance

Program under the Stafford Act's programs and the PA Division's other programs, which included the Fire Management Assistance Grant Program and the Community

Disaster Loan Program. Technical assistance included the following tasks: 1)

Preliminary Damage Assessment, 2) Public Assistance (PA) Disaster Operations, 3)

Pre-Operations Planning, 4) Project Formulation, 5) Project Management, 6) Project

Closeout, 7) Special Considerations, 8) Historic Preservation Compliance, 9) Hazard

Mitigation, 10) Debris and Other Emergency Operations

d) Customer Name

Contact:

Telephone:

Facsimile:

Email:

Fluor Enterprises, Inc.

Tonya Maloy

(864) 281-8615

Tonya.maloy@fluorgov.com

e) Project

Description

Subcontractor to Fluor Enterprises, Inc.

e) Project Description

Project Title: Subcontractor to Fluor Enterprises, Inc.

NOVACES provided architect-engineer, consultant, and other related professional services to The U.S.

Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency in support of the PA Program and the PA Division's other programs, which included the Fire Management Assistance Grant Program and the Community Disaster Loan Program. The services covered FEMA operations in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. NOVACES augmented FEMA 's capacity to respond to natural catastrophes, with emphasis on riverine and coastal flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, and tsunamis, or regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion.

To support the requirements of FEMA’s PA Program, NOVACES was accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week and prepared to identify technical specialists within 48 hours of the Government's notification. Additionally, NOVACES worked cooperatively with all entities with which FEMA had entered into a partnership, including other FEMA Subcontractors working under similar technical assistance contract awards, to ensure the success of FEMA disaster operations and programmatic initiatives.

NOVACES stayed informed of and complied with the most recent version of applicable statutes, regulations, policy and guidance, including, but not limited to, the following:

* Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §5121-5206

* 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)-Parks, Forests, and Public Property

* 40 CFR, Parts 1500-1508-Protection of Environment

* 41 CFR, Part 301-Public Contracts and Property Management

* 44 CFR-Emergency Management and Assistance

* 48 CFR-Federal Acquisition Regulations System

* 50 CFR, Part 402, Wildlife and Fisheries

• FEMA 321, Public Assistance Policy Digest

• FEMA 322, Public Assistance Guide

• FEMA 323, Public Assistance Applicant Handbook

• FEMA 325, Debris Management Guide

• Public Assistance Series 9500 - Policy Publications

• Public Assistance Standard Operating Procedures - Series 9570

• Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000

• Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act

NOVACES provided technical assistance in the form of architect-engineer, and other related professional services to assist FEMA with its support of the Stafford Act's programs. The technical assistance responsibilities included the following tasks:

1. Preliminary Damage Assessment Provided technical expertise to assist in Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs). PDAs were performed to document damages and determine the impact of a disaster on communities in the affected areas. The information gathered during PDAs provided the basis for State requests and

Presidential major disaster declarations. The results of the PDAs were documented in writing based on guidance from the Task Monitor.

2. Public Assistance (PA) Disaster Operations

Provided technical expertise to support PA disaster operations. Under the PA Program, FEMA awards grants to State and local governments, and certain private non-profit entities, to assist in the response to recover from presidentially declared major disasters. The PA Program aided with debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent restoration of damaged infrastructure.

3. Pre-Operations Planning

Provided technical expertise to perform site visits and/or preliminary assessment of the technical requirements. This included providing personnel to assist in performing technical assistance duties and providing staff to provide recommendations about the type of technical skill expertise that was necessary to thoroughly assess the damages.

4. Project Formulation Provided professional engineers and other technical specialists to identify the eligible scope of work and estimate the costs associated with that scope of work for each applicant's projects. Evaluated damaged public facilities and infrastructure and recommended methods of repair or replacement pursuant to FEMA

's law, regulations, and policies on eligibility.

Damages were documented using FEMA Form 90-91, the Project Worksheet (PW)1, and applicable attachments. The PW is the primary form used to document the location, damage description and dimensions, scope of work, and cost estimate for each project. The PW is the basis for PA project funding.

NOVACES estimated the cost of repair or replacement of large projects, utilizing industry standards and

FEMA Cost Estimating Format (CEF) for large projects to better estimate total costs during the lifecycle of these projects.

In addition to developing scopes of work and cost estimates for the repair or replacement of damaged facilities, during project formulation, NOVACES also appraised property, evaluated art and functional object conservation, developed cost-benefit analyses, and identified hazardous waste.

5. Project Management Provided project management expertise for large public facilities damaged as a result of Presidentially declared major disasters. Project management may include project planning, conceptual design, and coordination. Project Management focused primarily on the monitoring of applicants' efforts executing projects and the performance of applicants' Subcontractors on specific projects.

6. Project Closeout Provided technical expertise to support PA project closeout activities. This included reviewing and preparing final recommendations on the reconstructed, repaired, or restored work completed by applicants.

7. Special Considerations Delivered timely identification and resolution of Special Considerations issues (FEMA uses the term "Special Considerations" to describe issues other than basic program eligibility that affect the scope of work and funding for a project.).

7.1. Insurance Considerations

Pursuant to Section 312 of the Stafford Act, the PA Program cannot duplicate benefits from other sources, such as proceeds from an insurance policy. FEMA is required to reduce the amount of assistance for eligible work by the amount of any actual or anticipated insurance proceeds for that work. NOVACES provided technical expertise to recommend adjustments to estimated eligible costs for PA projects pursuant to the provisions of applicants' general property insurance (i.e., all perils except for flood), or the requirements of flood insurance, as defined by the National Flood Insurance Program.

7.2 Environmental Compliance

When providing funds under the PA Program, NOVACES had to consider a range of Federal laws, regulations, and Executive Orders that apply to the use of Federal funds, including:

• The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

• The Endangered Species Act

• The Clean Water Act

• The Clean Air Act

• The Coastal Barrier Resources Act

• The Coastal Zone Management Act

• The Farmland Protection Act

• The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act

• The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

• Executive Order 11988-Floodplain Management

• Executive Order 11990 Protection of Wetlands; and

• Executive Order 12898 Environmental Justice

Reviews were completed in accordance with these laws to be approved for FEMA funding and to allow work to start, since the review may identify steps to be taken or conditions to be met before the projects can commence. The size and type of the projects, and project sites and area conditions, generally determine the level of review that must be performed.

As subcontractor, NOVACES provided technical expertise to:

• Review FEMA 's projects for compliance with environmental regulations and prepare environmental documents (e.g., Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements) as required in accordance with criteria in 44 CFR Part I 0-Environmental Consideration Regulations, and 40

CFR Parts 1500-1508-Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations;

• Conduct biological assessments and surveys to determine the existence of, and potential impact to, endangered species in accordance with criteria in 50 CFR Part 402-lnteragency Cooperation-

Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended;

• Conduct surveys, assessments, and reviews of other potential areas of impact such as water quality, wetland delineations, sole or principal drinking aquifers, prime farmlands, and other ecologically significant or geographically unique areas; and

• Perform analyses to ensure that all reasonable alternatives have been evaluated in accordance with criteria in 40 CFR Parts 1500-1508, and that these alternatives met all Federal laws and requirements. The results of the study were documented in written reports prepared in accordance with applicable regulations.

8. Historic Preservation Compliance

Reviewed the potential relevance of the National Historic Preservation Act on "undertakings," i.e., PA projects, on any historic property listed in, or eligible for listing on, the National Register of Historic Places.

9. Hazard Mitigation

Developed cost-effective measures to eliminate or reduce future damages to damaged facilities, and, specifically, to reduce repetitive damage-to-damage public facilities in accordance with Section 205 of the

Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. Also evaluated the effectiveness of mitigation measures that were previously implemented in accordance with approved Hazard Mitigation Proposals.

10. Debris and Other Emergency Operations

Provided technical expertise to evaluate debris operations and emergency protective measures performed to eliminate or reduce immediate threats to the public, including search and rescue, warning of hazards, and demolition of unsafe structures. Field monitors documented the daily activity of the debris removal process, calculated cubic yards of all types of debris (vegetative, hazardous household waste, construction/demolition, and white goods), and documented the quantities on PWs.

11. Information Technology

Provided technical expertise to employ Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to facilitate the delivery of the PA Program, and other Stafford Act programs as necessary, in the field during presidentially declared major disasters.

Provided technical expertise to develop documents compatible for use under FEMA 's Web Page.

Provided recommendations to better distribute documents through web-based applications.

Deliverables provided shall be in a digital format compatible for posting on FEMA 's Web Page.

12. Training

Provided technical expertise to assist in the development of training courses and developed training aids, instructor guides, and student manuals.

Provided logistical support for, and instructional delivery of, PA Division courses to FEMA, State and local, and Subcontractor personnel. PA Division courses included courses on the PA

Program, the Fire Management Assistance Grant Program, and the Community Disaster Loan

Program.

13. Appeals

Provided technical expertise to offer recommendations on appeals submitted by applicants in accordance with the provisions of 44 CFR Part 206. The results of the review were documented in a written report based on guidance from applicable regulations.

14. Customer Satisfaction Surveys

Provided technical expertise in assisting the PA Division with the development and implementation of surveying tools that measure customer satisfaction and performance for the PA Program.

15. Other Stafford Act Programs

Provided technical assistance and consultant services in support of other Stafford Act programs and initiatives, including the Fire Management Assistance Grant Program and the Community

Disaster Loan Program.

16. Financial Analysis

Provided technical expertise to perform financial analyses on projects as required under the

Stafford Act, including applications for Community Disaster Loan Program under the provisions of

44 CFR, Part 206-Subpart K Community Disaster Loans. NOVACES reviewed applications for loan cancellations, assessed an applicant's current financial ability to repay a loan, and provided expert witness in litigation.

17. Collateral Material

Provided technical recommendations for handbooks, brochures, criteria, guidelines, reports or other types of technical assistance items.

18. Technical Assistance Not Identified

Provided Public Assistance Program technical assistance tasks not previously identified.

NOVACES provided Technical Specialists who performed all tasks assigned to each position and labor category below.

PA-TAC STAFF POSITIONS

Labor Category Level

Admin Support Specialist Mid

Admin Support Specialist Senior

Architect Mid

Architect Senior

Civil Engineer Mid

Civil Engineer Senior

Construction or Building Inspector Mid

Construction or Building Inspector Senior

Construction Manager Senior

Electrical Engineer Mid

Electrical Engineer Senior

Environmental Engineer Senior

Estimator Mid

Hydraulic Engineer Senior

Hydrologist Senior

Management Analyst Mid

Mechanical Engineer Senior

Reports and Communication Specialist Mid

Sanitary Engineer Senior

Soil/Geotechnical Engineer Mid

Soil/Geotechnical Engineer Senior

Structural Engineer Mid

Structural Engineer Senior

Technical Writer Senior

Water Quality Specialist Senior

Project #2 Title: FEMA Public Assistance Consolidated Resource Center (CRC) East Program

Support. Subcontractor

a) Time Period June 22, 2019 to March 20, 2024

b) Scheduled and

Actual

Completion

Dates

June 22, 2019 to March 20, 2024

c) Bidder’s responsibilities

Deliver Public Assistance (PA) Technical Assistance Contractors (TAC) Specialists to support CRC East (all disasters in Zone 1 – FEMA Regions I, II, and IV) in the review of projects, including but not limited to project formulation and development, scoping and costing, financial reviews, document validation, completeness reviews, eligibility reviews, policy analysis, and insurance reviews, quality assurance reviews, and Environmental and Historical Preservation (EHP) reviews.

d) Customer

Name

Contact:

Telephone:

Facsimile:

Email:

Fluor Enterprises, Inc.

Tonya Maloy

(864) 281-8615

Tonya.Maloy@fluorgov.com

Project

Beginning in 2019 and continuing through March of 2024, NOVACES provided professional and non-professional services to FEMA, supporting the PA Program under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The overarching objectives were to provide efficient and effective management and administration of the project to ensure the timely deployment of trained and qualified professionals, high-quality services, and exceptional customer service, while adhering to budget and schedule constraints. The resources provided were managed to be scalable based on FEMA’s programmatic needs, including giving management the ability to assign work across multiple major disasters.

NOVACES provided Technical Specialists who performed all tasks assigned to each position and labor category below.

Position Labor Category Level

Project Specialist Architect Mid

Project Specialist Architect Senior

Project Specialist Civil Engineer Mid

Project Specialist Civil Engineer Senior

Project Specialist Structural Engineer Senior

Costing Specialist Cost Estimator Mid

Program Delivery Manager Construction Manager Mid

Program Delivery Manager Construction Manager Senior

Environmental & Historic Preservation Specialist

Environmental Planner Mid

Insurance Specialist Commercial Property Insurance Specialist

Mid

Technical Assistance Contractors Coordinator

General Planner Entry

Task 1. Project Formulation / Document Validation (Construction Managers): Conducted Public Assistance grant formulation in the PA delivery model. Facility types primarily included Category A (Debris Removal) and Category B (Emergency Protective Measures) work. NOVACES developed and validated damage description and dimensions (DDD), scope of work (SOW), and costs for completed work based on documentation provided by PA applicants. Entered projects into the Grants Manager (GM) system and ensured the developed DDD, SOW, and costs were consistent with each other and adequately supported by source documentation.

When a project contained a large number of items, standard sampling methodology was used to verify the project. If it was determined that a project had inconsistencies, was not sufficiently documented, or was missing pertinent items needed to develop the DDD, SOW, or costs, NOVACES would document the requirements necessary to complete the project in a request for information (RFI) while simultaneously working to resolve outstanding requests. NOVACES performed peer reviews of projects formulated by other team members.

The credentials required for Task 1 included FEMA PA and CRC experience, knowledge of Category A projects, an understanding of PA grant documentation review and/or project development, and experience validating PA grant documentation and developing or reviewing DDDs, SOWs, and cost estimates for PA grant projects.

Task 2. Project Formulation / Cost Estimation: NOVACES assigned professional architects, civil engineers, construction managers, and cost estimators who conducted PA grant formulation in the PA delivery model.

Facility types varied and the deliverables included developing and validating the SOWs and cost estimates for to-be-completed work based on site inspection reports (SIR) and providing DDDs. Technical Assistance Contractors (TACs) entered projects into GM and ensured the developed DDD, SOW, and costs were consistent with each other and adequately supported by source documentation. When a project contained a large number of items, the TAC utilized standard sampling methodology to verify the project. If it is determined that a project had inconsistencies, was not sufficiently documented, or was missing pertinent items needed to develop the SOW or costs, the TAC documented the requirements necessary to complete the project in an RFI while simultaneously working with the PDMG and the Lane Manager to resolve outstanding requests. The TACs performed peer reviews of projects formulated by other team members

The credentials required for Task 2: TACs assigned to this task were required to have FEMA PA and CRC experience and an understanding of PA grant documentation review and/or project development. A background in cost estimation using RS Means or other cost estimating software was recommended.

Task 3. Technical Project Formulation / Cost Estimation (Architects, Civil Engineers, Construction Managers and Structural Engineers): TACs working Task 3 were assigned to the Specialized Lane at CRC East and conducted PA grant formulation in the PA delivery model. Facility types varied and potentially included any eligible facility as listed in the PAPPG. Their role included developing and validating the SOWs and cost estimates for to-be- completed work based on site inspection reports (SIR) and provided DDDs, and providing technical expertise to validate disaster-related damages DDDs, SOWs, cost estimates, and proposals for the restoration of damaged facilities. TACs entered projects into GM and ensured the developed DDD, SOW, and costs were consistent with each other and adequately supported by source documentation.

When a project contained a large number of items, the TAC utilized standard sampling methodology to verify the project. If it was determined that a project had inconsistencies, was not sufficiently documented, or is missing pertinent items needed to develop the SOW or costs, the TAC documented the requirements necessary to complete the project in an RFI while simultaneously working with the PDMG and the Lane Manager to resolve outstanding requests. The TACs performed peer reviews of projects formulated by other team members.

The credentials required for Task 3: TACs assigned to this task were required to have FEMA PA and CRC experience and a background in bid and construction cost estimating was highly preferred. Experience working with public agency clients to design and develop complex restoration, repair or rebuilding projects, gathering information on disaster-related damage and client capabilities and discuss requirements of the program, requesting information from PA applicants to support their damage claims, and validating DDDs, SOWs, and costs was also preferred. Knowledge of cost estimating format (CEF) and proficiency with estimating tools such as RS Means was required.

Task 4. Quality Assurance Reviews (Civil Engineers and Construction Managers): TACs working Task 4 were assigned to the Quality Assurance (QA) Lane at CRC East and conducted quality assurance reviews on PA grants developed in the PA delivery model. Facility types varied and potentially included any eligible facility as listed in the PAPPG. These positions reviewed the DDD, SOW, and cost estimates for consistency, conformance with the PAPPG, and adequate documentation to support the project. TACs reviewed projects from the Completed Lane when the Document Validation Specialist (DVS) had validated the grant documentation and written the DDD, SOW, and costs for a project.