Deputy Building Inspector

The State of Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance is soliciting qualified contractors to serve as Deputy Building Inspectors (DBI) for residential building programs across multiple jurisdictions. The procurement seeks contractors to perform comprehensive building inspections for one- and two-family homes, including footer, rough-in, and final inspections. Mandatory qualifications for contractors include possessing a high school diploma or GED, maintaining Tennessee Professional Corporation status, having at least four years of full-time building construction or inspection experience, and holding valid residential building, mechanical, and plumbing inspector certifications from the State Fire Marshal. Contractors must be available to conduct inspections in a minimum of three counties and maintain technological capabilities including a cellular phone with 4G and a computer or tablet with Wi-Fi to access the State's online portal. Inspection response times are strictly defined, with three working days required for standard inspections and one working day for footer inspections. The solicitation was posted on November 18, 2025, with a response deadline of June 30, 2026, and the State will complete evaluation within 30 days of receiving required documentation.

The procurement does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations beyond the outlined qualifications. No incumbent vendors are identified in the solicitation. Compensation is structured as a fee-for-service model with inspection fees ranging from $75 to $125 per inspection type, with additional fees for mechanical, plumbing, slab, and superior wall inspections. Permit fees range from $100 to $1,300, and travel expenses may be compensated at the Director's discretion according to State Comprehensive Travel Regulations. The contract term extends through June 30, 2030, representing a four-year engagement. While no maximum contract value is specified, the comprehensive fee structure and multi-year duration suggest significant potential revenue for qualified contractors. The solicitation does not guarantee a minimum volume of inspections, leaving potential earnings somewhat variable based on actual inspection demands across participating Tennessee jurisdictions.