HQS Inspections

The Franklin County Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority (FCRHRA), Turners Falls, Massachusetts, is soliciting sealed proposals for Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection services supporting its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, due November 5, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST at the FCRHRA office. The written-question deadline of October 30, 2026 has passed. Award is on a best-value basis rather than lowest bid.

The awardee performs HQS inspections under HUD regulations and 24 CFR Part 983, including initial, biennial, complaint/special, emergency re-inspection, and standard re-inspection services. FCRHRA estimates approximately 400 initial, annual, and special inspections and 230 re-inspections, emergency re-inspections, and no-show inspections annually, for estimation purposes only. Inspection reports go to tenants and owners within five business days, with life-threatening conditions reported immediately. All reports must be uploaded to FCRHRA's PHA Web management system within 10 days. Vendors must be bondable, wear photo identification badges, and ensure continuous service throughout the contract year.

The contract is a three-year term beginning January 1, 2027, with renewal potential based on performance. Vendors submit pricing quotes for two inspection types: initial, biennial, or complaint/special inspections, and re-inspections, emergency re-inspections, or no-show inspections. FCRHRA will not reimburse travel or communication expenses. Before award, the successful vendor must provide proof of workers' compensation insurance, general liability insurance of $1,000,000/$2,000,000, and auto insurance with property damage of $500,000 and liability of $1,000,000/$2,000,000, naming FCRHRA as an additional insured.

Evaluation weights are Knowledge and Technical Expertise (25 points), Management and Staffing (25 points), Agency's Prior Experience/References (20 points), Price (20 points), and Section 3 participation by small and minority-owned businesses (10 points). The Section 3 criterion is a scored evaluation factor, not a set-aside.