Asbestos project monitoring

Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) in Erie County, New York is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP 27-0627E5-004) for Asbestos Project Monitoring services to be procured on an as-needed basis for district-wide planned and emergency abatement projects across approximately 70 sites. The contracting firm must provide project monitoring, air monitoring, and project design services with properly licensed and certified project monitors, air monitors, and project designers who will develop detailed specifications and drawings for asbestos abatement projects and serve as the on-site "Competent Person" representative for BPS. The scope of work is governed by the current AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) Management Plan and covers both routine projects and emergency abatement situations, with the selected firm required to respond to emergency requests within one hour of notification and have personnel on-site within two hours while maintaining 24/7 availability. The evaluation will be conducted on a best-value basis using a 100-point scale that includes cost (30 points), qualifications and experience (20 points), certifications and licenses (20 points), project approach and schedule (20 points), and compliance (10 points), with a minimum score of 40 points required on non-cost criteria to be considered for award. Key deadlines include the question period from March 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM EST through March 16, 2026 at 8:00 AM EDT, with answers posted by March 20, 2026; an Intent to Bid and final proposal submission deadline of April 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM EDT through the BONFIRE portal; a tentative award date of May 20, 2026; and an initial contract term from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 with five potential one-year extensions through June 30, 2032. Submission requirements include the Offering Questionnaire (Q-03JL), Signed Non-Collusive Bidding Certification, Insurance Certificate, Equal Opportunity Form, three client references, and optional documentation such as Debarment Narrative, MWBE Compliance Narrative, Subcontractor Documentation, and Anti-Lobbying Narrative.

The procurement does not contain specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises; however, BPS's Policy 5414 addresses Minority and/or Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE), and respondents must complete the MWBE Utilization Plan and document MWBE subcontractor participation with certification status. The previous awardee for the prior contract (23-0624E2-074) was Labella Associates, which held the contract for a three-year period. Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of five years of certifiable experience in air and project monitoring under their current company name and maintain complete independence from all asbestos abatement companies involved in individual projects. All selected firms must maintain comprehensive liability insurance with minimum bodily injury coverage of $500,000 per person and $1,000,000 per accident, as well as property damage coverage of $300,000, and prevailing wage requirements per New York State Labor Law Section 220 apply to all assigned employees. The current year award is budgeted at $50,000.00, though the RFP does not specify a maximum contract value for the multi-year period. Firms must also provide worker's compensation insurance proof, W-9 documentation, and submit an Equal Opportunity Employer Information Report documenting workforce demographics across nine job categories and on-site training programs.