HQS/NSPIRE Inspections

Dane County, Wisconsin, through its Department of Human Services, Division of Housing Access & Affordability, is seeking professional inspection services for federally and locally funded housing programs. The Request for Proposal (RFP) solicits qualified vendors to perform Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections, National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) inspections, and lead-based paint inspections and testing on residential properties. The County anticipates approximately 12 HQS initial inspections annually, 45 NSPIRE unit inspections, and 6 NSPIRE complex inspections, with a significant portion requiring re-inspections. Vendors must schedule inspections within 72 hours of notification and submit HQS and lead inspection reports within 24 hours, with NSPIRE reports due within 5 business days. The evaluation criteria include abstract understanding of HUD requirements (20 points), timeline estimates (15 points), experience and qualifications (30 points), past performance references (20 points), cost (15 points), and local vendor preference (5 points). The proposal submission deadline is January 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., with questions due by December 12, 2025, and the contract term spanning five one-year periods from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030.

Vendors must be certified by HUD to perform HQS and NSPIRE inspections and by the State of Wisconsin to perform lead-based paint inspections using EPA-approved methods. Eligibility requirements include minimum experience performing HQS inspections and lead testing within the past three years and NSPIRE inspections since October 1, 2023, with no active license suspensions or debarment notices. Local vendor preference is built into the evaluation process, with Dane County vendors receiving 5 bonus points, adjacent county vendors receiving 2 points, and out-of-region vendors receiving no preference. Proposals must include three professional references from clients served within the past five years, and the County reserves the right to conduct oral presentations with top-ranked proposers. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, pricing will be based on a fixed flat rate per inspection type and project, with vendors required to submit unit costs for all 80 line items covering various inspection types across the five contract terms. All proposals are considered public records under Wisconsin law, with pricing becoming public information upon opening, unless designated as trade secrets.