Request for Proposal

Transcription

1 Request for Proposal (GPNA) CFP /01/2013 Page 0 of 12

2 HRHA Request for Proposals RFP Request for Proposals (HUD GPNA tool) Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) will accept competitive sealed proposals for a qualified consulting firm or individual to conduct a Physical Needs Assessment utilizing HUD GPNA tool for its public housing units and office/community centers. The work performed is to be in compliant with HUD s new rule for Green Physical Needs assessment. Deadline to submit proposals and credentials is 3:00 pm on October 29, All applicants must be familiar with HUD's regulations. RFP's can be obtained by contacting Karen Taylor, Construction Contract Administrator, at (757) , extension 309 or by visiting the Authority s Construction office between the 7:30 am and 4:00 pm. All proposals must be sent to: Karen Taylor, Construction Contract Administrator Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority Construction Department 811 West Pembroke Avenue Hampton, VA The Authority reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to award portions of this contract in whole or in part and to waive any informalities in the submission of proposals. HRHA does not discriminate against any person or faith based organization on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic or factor prohibited by state law. This is a HUD financed project and is a Section 3 covered activity. Page 1 of 11

3 HRHA Request for Proposals RFP Contents Page I. Introduction and Background... 3 II. Scope of Services... 3 III. Eligibility to Submit Proposal/Bid... 5 IV. Contract Term... 6 V. Time and Order of Work... 6 VI. Payment Terms... 6 VII. Response Requirements... 6 VII. Evaluation Process... 7 XI. Evaluation Criteria... 7 X. Contract Award XI. Materials XII. Section 3 Compliance Attachment A: HRHA Form of Non-Collusive Affidavit Attachment B: Form HUD-5369-B Instructions to Offerors Non-Construction Attachment C: Form HUD-5370C General Conditions for Non-Construction Contracts Page 2 of 11

4 HRHA Request for Proposals RFP I. Introduction and Background Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) is a political subdivision, created under the laws of the State of Virginia to provide public and other affordable housing and related services to eligible low-income families of Hampton, Virginia, primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), develops, maintains and manages lowrent public housing and other low-income housing. HRHA maintains and operates 542 public housing residential dwelling units, office spaces and community areas at 4 different developments and 13 single family homes throughout Hampton, Virginia. The apartments range from one (1) bedroom units to five (5) bedroom units. The buildings consist of garden style units, row houses, townhomes and one 7-story high rise building. A demolition application for the Lincoln Park site and a disposition application for the 13 single family homes have been approved by HUD and will not be part of this physical needs assessment. Table 1 Development Name and Number No. of Buildings No. of Units 1. North Phoebus Townhomes - VA Lincoln Park High Rise and Low Rise Apartments VA * Langley Village Apartments (2 Community Areas and 1 Management Office not included in unit count) - VA Scattered Sites, Single Family Homes - VA * Old Point Townhomes - VA * Not to be included in PNA A physical need assessment (PNA) was performed for 2012 by HRHA staff, per Notice PHI (HA), to supplement a five year assessment that covered fiscal years 2007 to An Energy Audit was completed December 2012, based on HUD s new rule, which shall be implemented into the final (GPNA) report. II. Scope of Services HUD is developing tools to be implemented by all public housing authorities (PHAs) for the performance of a GPNA. The tools consist of standardized forms and a guidance manual that outlines procedures and protocols for performing the HUD required GPNA. The new HUD GPNA format will closely resemble PNAs generally in use in the real estate industry and in that regard is neither unique nor anticipated to require specialized skills beyond those that PNA providers typically possess. The GPNA will collect information for standard component replacement/refurbishment and record immediate needs, distributed over a 20 year term, expressed in terms of dollars required. HRHA s ( ) Five Year PNA, the 2012 updated form HUD-52832, and HRHA s 2012 Energy Audit shall be used as a resource for development Page 3 of 11

5 HRHA Request for Proposals RFP of the requested GPNA. This RFP and supporting documents are available at 811 West Pembroke Avenue, Hampton, Virginia The goal of the GPNA is to identify and provide a description of all physical improvements that will be required to bring the property to a high performing level based upon the current UPCS- REAC system and comparable with as-built to the degree reasonably possible based on available components and building age. The effort should provide the Agency with the information necessary to ensure long term physical viability and in a manner suitable for planning and budgeting purposes. Data shall be in a format suitable for HUD reporting requirements. Specific scope components: 1) Follow the requirements and guidelines established by HUD for the required approach to GPNAs. 2) Perform interviews as needed with knowledgeable people as to the existing documents, plans, building histories, maintenance records, REAC scores, etc. of each property. 3) Identify all development components that will be part of the assessment. 4) Establish a sampling methodology for units that will include 10% (or HUD s Final Rule Requirement for GPNA) of all units per property. The sample should also include at least one of each apartment size in each building type. Units must be distributed so that a variety of conditions will be evaluated (top floor units, corner units, areas where weathering occurs, etc.). Section 504 units will be included so that they are also represented equitably in the sampling methodology including locations and bedroom sizes. 5) Establish a methodology that will sample common lobby areas and corridors. 6) Establish a plan to inspect 100% of site to include, but not all inclusive, of the following: all systems, paving and grading, building exteriors/envelope, finishes, program areas, offices, basements, utilities, laundry facilities, mechanical areas, sprinklers, emergency systems, security, crawl spaces, etc. Please note if individual units have individual HVAC, basements, etc., then these will be part of the 10% sample, except in cases where there may be atypical components which should be assessed individually. 7) As part of the assessment, each individual component will receive an estimate of Expected Useful Life (EUL). 8) As part of the assessment, each individual component will be provided with a replacement cost on an individual component and for a total of those components. (Ex: per window and per window times all similar windows) 9) Each area that is designated as part of Section 504 or American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements will be inspected to assure the components are functioning per their purpose. Note a regulatory compliance review is not required for these units or areas, just a functionality and EUL assessment. Page 4 of 11

6 HRHA Request for Proposals RFP ) The PNA will record the incremental cost (the difference in cost for an energy efficient or green component as compared to the cost of a standard component already included in the component replacement schedule) to implement cost effective Energy Conservation Measures recommended from an energy audit or other green measures. Cost effective is where the Energy Conservation Measure will pay for itself in savings over the useful life of the improvement. 11) The PNA will record Marketability/Livability improvements identified by PHA which are components that do not currently exist and those that add functionality to the PHAs physical properties. For example, a PHA may wish to improve marketability by combining efficiency units to create more desirable one bedroom units, or a PHA might wish to add surveillance cameras. 10) Upon completion of the inspections, a report will be provided to the Agency in narrative and spreadsheet forms that meets HUD and Agency requirements and will be in both paper and electronic format per their (HUD) requirements. The electronic format will be compatible with and capable of being uploaded to the HUD GPNA tool. This should include populating a data base that will facilitate the upload of this information into the HUD PNA tool, and a description of any software or data base programs which will be provided by the vendor to the PHA in order to increase the accessibility and usefulness of the PNA results in guiding the PHA s ongoing operations. 11) The assessment is of observable components and destructive testing is not anticipated and would only occur with prior Agency approval. 12) Any deficiencies that are identified and which could have an impact on health and safety will be brought to the attention of the Agency immediately. 13) Review of findings with HRHA and approval of the PNA by PHA. 14) Uploading the results into HUD s GPNA tool at least 30 days prior to the HUD deadline. III. Eligibility to Submit Proposal/Bid In order to be considered eligible to submit proposal/bid, each organization, individual, or firm must submit written evidence with its proposal demonstrating that it fulfills the following eligibility criteria: A. Experienced in residential assessments, including building systems, health & safety, and structural conditions, cost estimating and building moderation. B. The firm must have experience in conducting energy audit/utilities studies, needs assessments, regulation compliance, tenant services, the Comprehensive Grant Program, and/or other public housing programs. C. The firm shall have five years or more of direct experience in physical facility inspections and/or assessments. D. The firm shall have, at a minimum, five current years experience working for or contracting with a housing authorities and/or related housing or government agencies. Page 5 of 11

7 HRHA Request for Proposals RFP E. Knowledge of energy conservation, efficiency, and green capital upgrades, demonstrated by experience, training or certifications. F. Five Years or more of direct experience in cost estimating. G. Knowledge of building standards and codes, including federal, state, and local requirements demonstrated by experience, training or certification. H. A minimum of three current references with telephone numbers of housing authorities where work of this nature or similar has been performed and the year of performance. I. A certification statement that the firm is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise prohibited from professional practice by any federal, state, or local agency. IV. Contract Term The contract shall be for a completed twenty-year physical needs assessment based on HUD s proposed rule for the GPNA; modifications based on HUD s Final Rule and inputting of required data to system. The contract may be renewed for up to two additional annual terms if HRHA exercises the option(s). Option terms are for annual update of the documents produced under the contract terms. Written notice of HRHA's intention to renew the option for each additional services shall be given approximately 30 days prior to the expiration date of the contract. Option exercise is at the sole discretion of HRHA. In the event the initial contract period is extended for more than 12 months, the resulting contract may be terminated by HRHA without penalty, after the initial 12 months of the contract period upon 30 days written notice to the other party. Any contract cancellation notice shall not relieve the contractor of the obligation to deliver and/or perform on all outstanding orders issued prior to the effective date of cancellation. V. Time and Order of Work The successful firm must be readily available and capable of immediately assuming all duties involved in the representation of HRHA upon contract award, and shall be capable of meeting any and all deadlines imposed by HUD regulations. Site review should begin within 21 calendar days of contract award. VI. Payment Terms Payment terms are net 30 days and shall be made upon proper submittal and receipt of an invoice, and upon completion/acceptance of work. All invoices shall only include the work that has been accepted and approved for payment. Submit invoices to: HRHA, 811 West Pembroke Avenue, Hampton, VA The work to be done includes the furnishing and delivery of all equipment, materials, labor, tools and other forms of expense, together with the necessary supervision required to perform and complete the work as stipulated in the detailed specifications. Therefore, omission of specific mention of the fact from any part of the detailed specifications shall not be deemed a waiver of the Contractor's obligation to furnish all supervision, materials, labor, equipment, tools and any other item of expense required to perform and complete the work as provided herein. Page 6 of 11

8 HRHA Request for Proposals RFP VII. Response Requirements Interested firms must respond with: 1. Detailed description of how proposed services will be provided. 2. Listing of the deliverables HRHA will receive. 3. Proposals demonstrating an understanding of the required services of the Housing Authority, and meeting HUD policies, guidelines, and procedures governing the administration of a Public Housing Agency. 4. Provide written evidence of the firm s ability to perform the services. 5. Summary profiles of the firm s principals, staff, and associates. 6. Fixed price cost estimate to provide the proposed services. VII. Evaluation Process The evaluation shall be based on the evaluation factors set forth in the RFP. Factors not specified in the RFP shall not be considered. The first step of the evaluation process includes review of all proposals which will be evaluated and scored by an Evaluation Committee. Each member of the evaluation committee will score each proposal based on the established Evaluation Criteria for this RFP. The available points associated with each area of consideration are shown below in Section XI. The results of the evaluation will be used to determine which proposals are considered to be in the competitive range. Firms included in this range must have technical experience that is considered acceptable and satisfactory to complete a due diligence review (verification of respondents responsibility). Firms within this range may be requested to supply additional information to assist in completing the due diligence review or meet with HRHA to provide a presentation. Failure to supply additional information needed to complete the due diligence review within the timeframe established by HRHA will render the proposal nonresponsive and unacceptable. Upon completion of the evaluations, HRHA may invite the firms with acceptable proposals to submit a best and final offer, making any changes they wish in their technical proposal and the price. After evaluations of the best and final are complete, HRHA shall begin to negotiate with the highest ranked respondent a fee that is fair and reasonable to both parties. If an agreement is reached, a contract will be awarded. If an agreement cannot be reached, negotiations with the top ranked firm will be terminated, and HRHA will attempt to negotiate a contract with the second ranked firm. The process will be repeated as necessary until a price that is fair and reasonable can be agreed upon. Award without Negotiations. If, after the initial evaluation of proposals, there is a clear winner, and there is no need to negotiate or obtain further clarification or information from that firm (e.g., the price is reasonable), the Contracting Officer may proceed directly to award. XI. Evaluation Criteria The following criteria will be utilized to rank proposals: A. Experience in working with Public Housing Agency programs, HUD programs, Public Page 7 of 11

9 HRHA Request for Proposals RFP Housing Management Assessment Programs (PHMAP) and/or other government or private entities that deal with HUD PHA regulations. Responsiveness to RFP scope of work. (20 points maximum). Highest Rating: The professional experience described in the proposal is the same kind (or greater), in quality and scale, as is required to perform the Scope of Services described in this RFP. Potential points available Medium Rating: The professional experience described in the proposal is quite similar, clearly approximates, is closely related to and/or otherwise quite comparable, in quality and scale, as is required to perform the Scope of Services described in this RFP. Potential points available Lowest Rating: The professional experience described in the proposal is somewhat similar, approximates, is somewhat related to and/or otherwise somewhat comparable, in quality and scale, as is required to perform the Scope of Services described in this RFP. Potential points available 0-6. B. Approach and experience in conducting physical needs assessment as required by HUD, indicated by the profiles of the principals and staff's professional and technical competence and experience with similar projects. This should include documentation that the person conducting the PNA has at a minimum five years of experience with inspections of building systems including systems, roofs, structural components, living spaces, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, building envelope, emergency systems, elevators, community and program spaces, offices, and grounds and other amenities (35 points maximum) Highest Rating: The professional experience described in the proposal is the same kind (or greater), in quality and scale, as is required to perform the Scope of Services described in this RFP. Potential points available Medium Rating: The professional experience described in the proposal is quite similar, clearly approximates, is closely related to and/or otherwise quite comparable, in quality and scale, as is required to perform the Scope of Services described in this RFP. Potential points available Lowest Rating: The professional experience described in the proposal is somewhat similar, approximates, is somewhat related to and/or otherwise somewhat comparable, in quality and scale, as is required to perform the Scope of Services described in this RFP. Potential points available C. Demonstrated knowledge in regards to the HUD s GPNA tool. (30 points maximum) Highest Rating: Firm demonstrates knowledge and understanding of additional requirements for GPNA compared to previous HUD rules governing PNAs Firm provides matrix of additional requirements compared to previous requirements. Potential points available Medium Rating: Firm demonstrates knowledge and understanding of additional requirements for GPNA compared to previous HUD rules governing PNAs Firm lists out the additional requirements. Potential points available Lowest Rating: Firm has viewed HUD training webinars on new rule for GPNA. Potential points available Page 8 of 11

10 HRHA Request for Proposals RFP D. Price - Total cost of services to be provided shall be described. (15 points maximum) The cost criteria will be scored in relative terms, i.e., lowest relative costs receiving the highest relative scores, with scoring difference proportional to cost difference. If the proposed cost is excessive, the Authority may, at its sole discretion remove the proposal from further consideration. The following items are Mandatory Requirements of the proposal. Due to the nature of these items, no points are associated with inclusion; however if documents are not part of the response, proposal will be considered non-responsive. E. All respondents must carry the following insurance policies: required worker's compensation, general liability, and professional liability of no less than $1 million and non-owners auto insurance. Provide proof of insurance Requirement. F. Conflict of Interest - The respondent warrants that it presently has no interest and will not acquire any interest direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of services under this contract. Provide statement as part of your response. Mandatory response, this is a yes or no criterion; if the answer is no, the firm is disqualified. G. Evidence the firm is currently registered and licensed to conduct business in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Mandatory response, this is a yes or no criterion; if the answer is no, the firm will be given opportunity to register prior to contract award. H. Certified statement that the firm is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise prohibited from providing professional services by a federal, state or local agency. Mandatory response, this is a yes or no criterion; if the answer is no, the firm is disqualified. I. Certified statement that the respondent warrants adherence to civil rights, equal opportunity, fair housing, and Section 3 regulations. Mandatory response, this is a yes or no criterion; if the answer is no, the firm is disqualified. This is a Section 3 covered activity, respondents that are a qualified Section 3 Business or a Resident Owned Business are eligible bonus points are available. Any firm who anticipates receiving these bonus points must submit and have approved documentation of Section 3 status prior to submittal of proposal I. Bonus Points Contractors that are a Section 3 Business or a Resident Owned Business (5 additional points) Section 3 Business: As defined by HUD, is a business that has certified that one of the following statements is true: 1. 51% or more of your business is owned by a Section 3 residents; or 2. At least 30% of your full time employees include persons that are currently Section 3 residents, or within three years of the date of first employment with the business concern were Section 3 residents; or 3. You can provide evidence, as required, of a commitment to subcontract in excess of 25% of the dollar award of all subcontracts to be awarded to business concerns that meet the qualifications in the above two paragraphs. A Resident Owned Business (ROB), as defined by HUD, is a business that has certified that one of the following statements is true: Page 9 of 11

11 HRHA Request for Proposals RFP At least 51% owned and operated by one or more public housing residents; and 2. Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more such individuals. For purposes of Section 3 compliance, a ROB must also meet HRHA definitions of a Section 3 Business Concern as described below. It shall be the responsibility of the submitting firm to see that their proposal is received by the Housing Authority by the date and time set for the opening of the proposals. Proposals received after the time stated shall not be considered. The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals which are determined to be non-responsive. The total amount of points available: A. Experience with Public Housing Agency programs 20 Points B. Approach/Experience 35 Points C. Knowledge of GPNA 30 Points D. Price 15 Points E. Proof of Insurance Mandatory F. Conflict of Interest Statement Mandatory G. Registered and licensed to conduct work in VA Proof Mandatory H. Debarred Statement Mandatory I. Civil Rights, Equal Opportunity Fair Housing and Section 3 Statement Mandatory Available Points 100 Points J. Bonus Points +5 Points The deadline for submission of your response proposals for this RFP will be 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, Submissions shall consist of one original and four copies of the completed qualifications containing all required material. Failure to submit the appropriate number of copies shall result in the proposal being considered non-responsive. All responses are to be mailed or hand delivered to the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority s Construction Department at 811 West Pembroke Avenue, Hampton, VA Envelopes are to be clearly marked on the outside as GPNA Proposal. Questions concerning this RFP should be directed to Karen Taylor, Construction Contract Administrator, at ktaylor@hrha.org. X. Contract Award The award shall be made to the responsible party whose proposal is most advantageous to the Housing Authority, taking into consideration the evaluation factors set forth in this request for proposals. The contract awarded shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, State of Virginia, and the City of Hampton Virginia, and HRHA s procurement policies as they exist at the time the agreement is signed. XI. Materials All assessment materials and manuals and/or software necessary for the execution of this contract will be developed by the contractor. Upon conclusion of the contract the Authority shall retain ownership. Page 10 of 11

12 HRHA Request for Proposals RFP XII. Section 3 Compliance The work to be performed under the contract is subject to the requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended 12 U.S.C.1701u. The purpose of Section 3 is to ensure that employment and other economic opportunities generated by HUD assistance or HUD assisted projects covered by Section 3 shall, to the greatest extent feasible, be directed to low and very low income persons, particularly persons who are recipients of HUD assistance for housing. Page 11 of 11

13 Attachments

14 FORM OF NON-COLLUSIVE AFFIDAVIT State of City/County of, being first duly sworn, deposes and says: That he/she is the (an Owner, Partner or Officer of the firm) party making the foregoing proposal or bid, that such proposal or bid is genuine and not collusive or sham; that said bidder has not colluded, conspired, connived or agreed, directly or indirectly, with any bidder or person to put in a sham bid or to refrain from bidding, and has not, in any manner, directly or indirectly, sought by agreement or collusion, or communication of conference, with any person, to fix the bid prices of affiant or of any other bidder, or to fix any overhead, profit or cost element of said bid price, or of that or any other bidder, or to secure any advantage against the Hampton Redevelopment & Housing Authority or any person interested in the proposed contract; and that all statements in said proposal or bid are true. Company Signature (typed or printed) Signature Title Date

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17 General Conditions for Non-Construction Contracts Section I (With or without Maintenance Work) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Public and Indian Housing Office of Labor Relations OMB Approval No (exp. 01/31/2014) Public Reporting Burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.08 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Reports Management Officer, Office of Information Policies and Systems, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, D.C ; and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project ( ), Washington, D.C Do not send this completed form to either of these addressees. Applicability. This form HUD-5370-C has 2 Sections. These Sections must be inserted into non-construction contracts as described below: 1) Non-construction contracts (without maintenance) greater than $100,000 - use Section I; 2) Maintenance contracts (including nonroutine maintenance as defined at 24 CFR ) greater than $2,000 but not more than $100,000 - use Section II; and 3) Maintenance contracts (including nonroutine maintenance), greater than $100,000 use Sections I and II. Section I - Clauses for All Non-Construction Contracts greater than $100, Definitions The following definitions are applicable to this contract: (a) 'Authority or Housing Authority (HA)' means the Housing Authority. (b) 'Contract' means the contract entered into between the Authority and the Contractor. It includes the contract form, the Certifications and Representations, these contract clauses, and the scope of work. It includes all formal changes to any of those documents by addendum, Change Order, or other modification. (c) 'Contractor' means the person or other entity entering into the contract with the Authority to perform all of the work required under the contract. (d) 'Day' means calendar days, unless otherwise stated. (e) 'HUD' means the Secretary of Housing and Urban development, his delegates, successors, and assigns, and the officers and employees of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development acting for and on behalf of the Secretary. 2. Changes (a) The HA may at any time, by written order, and without notice to the sureties, if any, make changes within the general scope of this contract in the services to be performed or supplies to be delivered. (b) If any such change causes an increase or decrease in the hourly rate, the not-to-exceed amount of the contract, or the time required for performance of any part of the work under this contract, whether or not changed by the order, or otherwise affects the conditions of this contract, the HA shall make an equitable adjustment in the not-to-exceed amount, the hourly rate, the delivery schedule, or other affected terms, and shall modify the contract accordingly. (c) The Contractor must assert its right to an equitable adjustment under this clause within 30 days from the date of receipt of the written order. However, if the HA decides that the facts justify it, the HA may receive and act upon a proposal submitted before final payment of the contract. (d) Failure to agree to any adjustment shall be a dispute under clause Disputes, herein. However, nothing in this clause shall excuse the Contractor from proceeding with the contract as changed. (e) No services for which an additional cost or fee will be charged by the Contractor shall be furnished without the prior written consent of the HA. 3. Termination for Convenience and Default (a) The HA may terminate this contract in whole, or from time to time in part, for the HA's convenience or the failure of the Contractor to fulfill the contract obligations (default). The HA shall terminate by delivering to the Contractor a written Notice of Termination specifying the nature, extent, and effective date of the termination. Upon receipt of the notice, the Contractor shall: (i) immediately discontinue all services affected (unless the notice directs otherwise); and (ii) deliver to the HA all information, reports, papers, and other materials accumulated or generated in performing this contract, whether completed or in process. (b) If the termination is for the convenience of the HA, the HA shall be liable only for payment for services rendered before the effective date of the termination. (c) If the termination is due to the failure of the Contractor to fulfill its obligations under the contract (default), the HA may (i) require the Contractor to deliver to it, in the manner and to the extent directed by the HA, any work as described in subparagraph (a)(ii) above, and compensation be determined in accordance with the Changes clause, paragraph 2, above; (ii) take over the work and prosecute the same to completion by contract or otherwise, and the Contractor shall be liable for any additional cost incurred by the HA; (iii) withhold any payments to the Contractor, for the purpose of off-set or partial payment, as the case may be, of amounts owed to the HA by the Contractor. (d) If, after termination for failure to fulfill contract obligations (default), it is determined that the Contractor had not failed, the termination shall be deemed to have been effected for the convenience of the HA, and the Contractor shall been titled to payment as described in paragraph (b) above. (e) Any disputes with regard to this clause are expressly made subject to the terms of clause titled Disputes herein. 4. Examination and Retention of Contractor's Records (a) The HA, HUD, or Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives shall, until 3 years after final payment under this contract, have access to and the right to examine any of the Contractor's directly pertinent books, documents, papers, or other records involving transactions related to this contract for the purpose of making audit, examination, excerpts, and transcriptions.

18 (b) The Contractor agrees to include in first-tier subcontracts under this contract a clause substantially the same as paragraph (a) above. "Subcontract," as used in this clause, excludes purchase orders not exceeding $10,000. (c) The periods of access and examination in paragraphs (a) and (b) above for records relating to: (i) appeals under the clause titled Disputes; (ii) litigation or settlement of claims arising from the performance of this contract; or, (iii) costs and expenses of this contract to which the HA, HUD, or Comptroller General or any of their duly authorized representatives has taken exception shall continue until disposition of such appeals, litigation, claims, or exceptions. 5. Rights in Data (Ownership and Proprietary Interest) The HA shall have exclusive ownership of, all proprietary interest in, and the right to full and exclusive possession of all information, materials and documents discovered or produced by Contractor pursuant to the terms of this Contract, including but not limited to reports, memoranda or letters concerning the research and reporting tasks of this Contract. 6. Energy Efficiency The contractor shall comply with all mandatory standards and policies relating to energy efficiency which are contained in the energy conservation plan issued in compliance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (Pub.L ) for the State in which the work under this contract is performed. 7. Disputes (a) All disputes arising under or relating to this contract, except for disputes arising under clauses contained in Section III, Labor Standards Provisions, including any claims for damages for the alleged breach there of which are not disposed of by agreement, shall be resolved under this clause. (b) All claims by the Contractor shall be made in writing and submitted to the HA. A claim by the HA against the Contractor shall be subject to a written decision by the HA. (c) The HA shall, with reasonable promptness, but in no event in no more than 60 days, render a decision concerning any claim hereunder. Unless the Contractor, within 30 days after receipt of the HA's decision, shall notify the HA in writing that it takes exception to such decision, the decision shall be final and conclusive. (d) Provided the Contractor has (i) given the notice within the time stated in paragraph (c) above, and (ii) excepted its claim relating to such decision from the final release, and (iii) brought suit against the HA not later than one year after receipt of final payment, or if final payment has not been made, not later than one year after the Contractor has had a reasonable time to respond to a written request by the HA that it submit a final voucher and release, whichever is earlier, then the HA's decision shall not be final or conclusive, but the dispute shall be determined on the merits by a court of competent jurisdiction. (e) The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any request for relief, claim, appeal, or action arising under the contract, and comply with any decision of the HA. 8. Contract Termination; Debarment A breach of these Contract clauses may be grounds for termination of the Contract and for debarment or denial of participation in HUD programs as a Contractor and a subcontractor as provided in 24 CFR Part Assignment of Contract The Contractor shall not assign or transfer any interest in this contract; except that claims for monies due or to become due from the HA under the contract may be assigned to a bank, trust company, or other financial institution. If the Contractor is a partnership, this contract shall inure to the benefit of the surviving or remaining member(s) of such partnership approved by the HA. 10. Certificate and Release Prior to final payment under this contract, or prior to settlement upon termination of this contract, and as a condition precedent thereto, the Contractor shall execute and deliver to the HA a certificate and release, in a form acceptable to the HA, of all claims against the HA by the Contractor under and by virtue of this contract, other than such claims, if any, as may be specifically excepted by the Contractor in stated amounts set forth therein. 11. Organizational Conflicts of Interest (a) The Contractor warrants that to the best of its knowledge and belief and except as otherwise disclosed, it does not have any organizational conflict of interest which is defined as a situation in which the nature of work under this contract and a contractor's organizational, financial, contractual or other interests are such that: (i) Award of the contract may result in an unfair competitive advantage; or (ii) The Contractor's objectivity in performing the contract work may be impaired. (b) The Contractor agrees that if after award it discovers an organizational conflict of interest with respect to this contract or any task/delivery order under the contract, he or she shall make an immediate and full disclosure in writing to the Contracting Officer which shall include a description of the action which the Contractor has taken or intends to take to eliminate or neutralize the conflict. The HA may, however, terminate the contract or task/delivery order for the convenience of the HA if it would be in the best interest of the HA. (c) In the event the Contractor was aware of an organizational conflict of interest before the award of this contract and intentionally did not disclose the conflict to the Contracting Officer, the HA may terminate the contract for default. (d) The terms of this clause shall be included in all subcontracts and consulting agreements wherein the work to be performed is similar to the service provided by the prime Contractor. The Contractor shall include in such subcontracts and consulting agreements any necessary provisions to eliminate or neutralize conflicts of interest. 12. Inspection and Acceptance (a) The HA has the right to review, require correction, if necessary, and accept the work products produced by the Contractor. Such review(s) shall be carried out within 30 days so as to not impede the work of the Contractor. Any Section I - Page 2 of 6

19 product of work shall be deemed accepted as submitted if the HA does not issue written comments and/or required corrections within 30 days from the date of receipt of such product from the Contractor. (b) The Contractor shall make any required corrections promptly at no additional charge and return a revised copy of the product to the HA within 7 days of notification or a later date if extended by the HA. (c) Failure by the Contractor to proceed with reasonable promptness to make necessary corrections shall be a default. If the Contractor's submission of corrected work remains unacceptable, the HA may terminate this contract (or the task order involved) or reduce the contract price or cost to reflect the reduced value of services received. 13. Interest of Members of Congress No member of or delegate to the Congress of the United States of America or Resident Commissioner shall be admitted to any share or part of this contract or to any benefit to arise there from, but this provision shall not be construed to extend to this contract if made with a corporation for its general benefit. 14. Interest of Members, Officers, or Employees and Former Members, Officers, or Employees No member, officer, or employee of the HA, no member of the governing body of the locality in which the project is situated, no member of the governing body in which the HA was activated, and no other pubic official of such locality or localities who exercises any functions or responsibilities with respect to the project, shall, during his or her tenure, or for one year thereafter, have any interest, direct or indirect, in this contract or the proceeds thereof. 15. Limitation on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (a) Definitions. As used in this clause: "Agency", as defined in 5 U.S.C. 552(f), includes Federal executive departments and agencies as well as independent regulatory commissions and Government corporations, as defined in 31 U.S.C. 9101(1). "Covered Federal Action" means any of the following Federal actions: (i) The awarding of any Federal contract; (ii) The making of any Federal grant; (iii) The making of any Federal loan; (iv) The entering into of any cooperative agreement; and, (v) The extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement. Covered Federal action does not include receiving from an agency a commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan. "Indian tribe" and "tribal organization" have the meaning provided in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450B). Alaskan Natives are included under the definitions of Indian tribes in that Act. "Influencing or attempting to influence" means making, with the intent to influence, any communication to or appearance before an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with any covered Federal action. "Local government" means a unit of government in a State and, if chartered, established, or otherwise recognized by a State for the performance of a governmental duty, including a local public authority, a special district, an intrastate district, a council of governments, a sponsor group representative organization, and any other instrumentality of a local government. "Officer or employee of an agency" includes the following individuals who are employed by an agency: (i) An individual who is appointed to a position in the Government under title 5, U.S.C., including a position under a temporary appointment; (ii) A member of the uniformed services as defined in section 202, title 18, U.S.C.; (iii) A special Government employee as defined in section 202, title 18, U.S.C.; and, (iv) An individual who is a member of a Federal advisory committee, as defined by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, title 5, appendix 2. Person" means an individual, corporation, company, association, authority, firm, partnership, society, State, and local government, regardless of whether such entity is operated for profit or not for profit. This term excludes an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or other Indian organization with respect to expenditures specifically permitted by other Federal law. "Recipient" includes all contractors, subcontractors at any tier, and subgrantees at any tier of the recipient of funds received in connection with a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement. The term excludes an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or any other Indian organization with respect to expenditures specifically permitted by other Federal law. "Regularly employed means, with respect to an officer or employee of a person requesting or receiving a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, an officer or employee who is employed by such person for at least 130 working days within one year immediately preceding the date of the submission that initiates agency consideration of such person for receipt of such contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement. An officer or employee who is employed by such person for less than 130 working days within one year immediately preceding the date of submission that initiates agency consideration of such person shall be considered to be regularly employed as soon as he or she is employed by such person for 130 working days. "State" means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a territory or possession of the United States, an agency or instrumentality of a State, and a multi-state, regional, or interstate entity having governmental duties and powers. (b) Prohibition. (i) (ii) Section 1352 of title 31, U.S.C. provides in part that no appropriated funds may be expended by the recipient of a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement to pay any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with any of the following covered Federal actions: the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement. The prohibition does not apply as follows: Section I - Page 3 of 6

20 (1) Agency and legislative liaison by Own Employees. (a) The prohibition on the use of appropriated funds, in paragraph (i) of this section, does not apply in the case of a payment of reasonable compensation made to an officer or employee of a person requesting or receiving a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, if the payment is for agency and legislative activities not directly related to a covered Federal action. (b) For purposes of paragraph (b)(i)(1)(a) of this clause, providing any information specifically requested by an agency or Congress is permitted at any time. (c) The following agency and legislative liaison activities are permitted at any time only where they are not related to a specific solicitation for any covered Federal action: (1) Discussing with an agency (including individual demonstrations) the qualities and characteristics of the person's products or services, conditions or terms of sale, and service capabilities; and, (2) Technical discussions and other activities regarding the application or adaptation of the person's products or services for an agency's use. (d) The following agency and legislative liaison activities are permitted where they are prior to formal solicitation of any covered Federal action: (1) Providing any information not specifically requested but necessary for an agency to make an informed decision about initiation of a covered Federal action; (2) Technical discussions regarding the preparation of an unsolicited proposal prior to its official submission; and (3) Capability presentations by persons seeking awards from an agency pursuant to the provisions of the Small Business Act, as amended by Public Law and other subsequent amendments. (e) Only those activities expressly authorized by subdivision (b)(ii)(1)(a) of this clause are permitted under this clause. (2) Professional and technical services. (a) The prohibition on the use of appropriated funds, in subparagraph (b)(i) of this clause, does not apply in the case of- (i) A payment of reasonable compensation made to an officer or employee of a person requesting or receiving a covered Federal action or an extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of a covered Federal action, if payment is for professional or technical services rendered directly in the preparation, submission, or negotiation of any bid, proposal, or application for that Federal action or for meeting requirements imposed by or pursuant to law as a condition for receiving that Federal action. (ii) Any reasonable payment to a person, other than an officer or employee of a person requesting or receiving a covered Federal action or an extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of a covered Federal action if the payment is for professional or technical services rendered directly in the preparation, submission, or negotiation of any bid, proposal, or application for that Federal action or for meeting requirements imposed by or pursuant to law as a condition for receiving that Federal action. Persons other than officers or employees of a person requesting or receiving a covered Federal action include consultants and trade associations. (b) For purposes of subdivision (b)(ii)(2)(a) of clause, "professional and technical services" shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. (c) Requirements imposed by or pursuant to law as a condition for receiving a covered Federal award include those required by law or regulation, or reasonably expected to be required by law or regulation, and any other requirements in the actual award documents. (d) Only those services expressly authorized by subdivisions (b)(ii)(2)(a)(i) and (ii) of this section are permitted under this clause. (iii) Selling activities by independent sales representatives. (c) The prohibition on the use of appropriated funds, in subparagraph (b)(i) of this clause, does not apply to the following selling activities before an agency by independent sales representatives, provided such activities are prior to formal solicitation by an agency and are specifically limited to the merits of the matter: (i) Discussing with an agency (including individual demonstration) the qualities and characteristics of the person's products or services, conditions or terms of (ii) sale, and service capabilities; and Technical discussions and other activities regarding the application or adaptation of the person's products or services for an agency's use. (d) Agreement. In accepting any contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or loan resulting from this solicitation, the person submitting the offer agrees not to make any payment prohibited by this clause. (e) Penalties. Any person who makes an expenditure prohibited under paragraph (b) of this clause shall be subject to civil penalties as provided for by 31 U.S.C An imposition of a civil penalty does not prevent the Government from seeking any other remedy that may be applicable. (f) Cost Allowability. Nothing in this clause is to be interpreted to make allowable or reasonable any costs which would be unallowable or unreasonable in accordance with Part 31 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), or OMB Circulars dealing with cost allowability for recipients of assistance agreements. Conversely, costs made specifically unallowable by the requirements in this clause will not be made allowable under any of the provisions of FAR Part 31 or the relevant OMB Circulars. Section I - Page 4 of 6