Cost Estimating Services for HUD CDBG Homeowner Rehabilitation Grant Assistance Program

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, Division of Procurement, is soliciting proposals for Cost Estimating Services to support its HUD CDBG Homeowner Rehabilitation Grant Assistance Program. This competitive contract seeks highly qualified technical consulting services aimed at rehabilitating selected detached residential dwellings within the city's aging housing stock. The comprehensive scope of work involves detailed surveying of properties and meticulous scheduling of necessary interventions for the rehabilitation of failing major utility systems, addressing critical building structural failures, ensuring robust shell protection from moisture and adverse temperatures, and implementing significant exterior improvements to uphold neighborhood beautification standards. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to bring these rehabilitated properties into strict compliance with the City’s current housing and maintenance codes and ordinances, with a specific focus on addressing immediate health, safety, and welfare risks as determined by field surveys. Prospective contractors are required to provide a comprehensive qualification statement detailing their firm's principal activities, the total number of personnel within the firm, and the exact location of their office. Additionally, a list of at least three relevant client references for whom similar services have been provided must be submitted, including contact information, dates of service, associated costs, and the scope of work performed. The identity and detailed credentials of all key personnel designated to work on this project, along with their specific areas of responsibility, are also mandatory. Crucial evaluation criteria for this RFP include demonstrated expertise in residential rehabilitation cost estimating, extensive experience with similar government agency projects, and proven familiarity with HUD CDBG programs and their specific objectives and guidelines. Contractors are also mandated to maintain Professional Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence and $1,000,000.00 aggregate. A highly recommended Pre-Proposal Conference was held on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at 11:00 AM in the Municipal Council Chamber at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018, to address inquiries and provide clarifications. Sealed RFP responses, consisting of one original, four copies, and one compact disk (CD) set, must be meticulously prepared, clearly marked with "COST ESTIMATING SERVICES (HUD CDBG HOMEOWNER REHABILITATION GRANT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM)", and addressed to the Purchasing Agent. The firm submission deadline was Thursday, April 15, 2021, at 11:00 AM, at the Municipal Council Chamber, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018, where proposals were publicly opened and read aloud. Submissions could also be mailed or placed in the City's designated "Drop Box" located in the City Hall’s rear parking lot, provided they were received prior to the stipulated deadline. Required documentation includes a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance forms, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance forms, a valid New Jersey Business Registration Certificate, and various other specified forms detailed in the RFP packet. Proposals were required to remain firm for a period of sixty (60) days following the submission date. For any questions or inquiries regarding this solicitation, vendors were instructed to contact Lisa L. Jackson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.