City of Los Angeles Housing Department
Handyworker & Home Secure Programs Request for Proposals
Questions and Answers
Q1: I am interested in receiving a packet to apply for this contract 7408 ID.
A1: The RFP can be viewed on the City of Los Angeles Housing Department website at www.lacity.org/lahd. RFP packages will be available between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1200 West 7th Street, 1st Floor, Public Counter, Los Angeles, California 90017.
Q2: Is this project limited to B1 contractors only or can B licensed contractors respond to the RFP?
A2: Contractors with a B – General Contractors License from the State of California can respond to the RFP for the Handyworker Program.
Q3: Is the proposer’s conference mandatory?
A3: Page 18 of the RFP states, “If MBE/WBE/OBE is required, all proposers must attend the Conference. If MBE/WBE/OBE is not required, all proposers are strongly encouraged to attend the Conference.” Due to the requirement of MBE/WBE/OBE outreach, the proposer conference is required. See Exhibit 9 for the MBE/WBE/OBE outreach requirements.
Q4: What are the specifications for the work? What is the payment for the work; is there a range?
A4: The specifications are stated in Exhibit 1 for Handyworker Program and Exhibit 4 for Home Secure Program. There is a fixed rate payment for the work items listed, which is also stated in the specifications.
Q5: We have a C-34 CA contractor’s license. Would you accept C-34 as enough to bid for this work?
A5: There are two programs, the Handyworker and the Home Secure Programs. The Handyworker Program does minor home repairs and does require a B Contractors license. The Home Secure Program installs safety and security devices and does not require a license. A C-34 license cannot be accepted for the Handyworker Program but you may apply for the Home Secure Program in which no license is required. Information regarding the scope of work for the Home Secure Program starts on page 12 of the RFP.
Q6: As I understand it we need to advertise before the bid is submitted?
A6: You are correct, advertising 10 days prior to submitting bid is required. A copy of the advertisement and a proof of publication statement which confirms the date the advertisement published should be included with your bid submission. Please refer to Exhibit 9.1 of the RFP.
Bidder’s Conference questions start here:
Q7: Can proposals be submitted in PDF format on a CD?
A7: No. Submit proposals on paper, 1 original and 3 copies. See page 34 of the RFP.
Q8: Can a 501(c)(3) be the prime contractor (even if they do not actually do the work) if they sub-contract with the qualified contractors?
A8: Yes. The 501(c)(3) needs to submit a collaborative proposal with the licensed contractor who will do the work.
Q9: If so, what’s a decent profit sharing ratio in terms of the grant (for a collaboration between a 501(c)(3) and a licensed contractor)?
A9: What has been done in the past is the 501(c)(3) is paid the administrative fee and the licensed contractor is paid for the repair work.
Q10: Why is the process of applying and getting a contract with LAHD so costly and discriminating against small contractors? We will never be able to grow.
A10: The proposal process is meant to promote equal opportunity for any business that meets the qualifications. Small contractors may collaborate with one another, and in that way costs can be shared.
Q11: Does the previous company who had the contract that expired 3/31/09 return unfinished estimates to LAHD?
A11: Previous contractors will be asked to return all unfinished estimates and applications, if any, to LAHD.
Q12: Does the newly awarded company as of 7/1/09 get that info (unfinished estimates) so that the seniors/ disabled don’t get lost in the change over?
A12: LAHD will request a waiting list of unfinished estimates and applications, if any, and deliver that to the newly awarded company, to maintain continued service to the customer.
Q13: Can we get new updated referral numbers? (for other programs and services that benefit low-income seniors and disabled persons)
A13: LAHD will work on having an updated referral resource list by July 1. See pages 8 and 14 of the RFP.
Q14: I am a new General contractor. I have been licensed for 1 year and 6 months. Would I still be eligible for this program even if I do not have the records of pulling permits with city that was posted on RFP?
A14: There is no requirement to have a record of pulling permits with the City to be eligible for this program (Handyworker). However, as stated on page 9 of the RFP, there is a requirement of 2 years continuous experience within the past 10 years in property repair, improvement, and/or rehabilitation. If you do not have enough experience for the Handyworker Program, perhaps you can collaborate with another eligible contractor. Or you can bid for the Home Secure program.
Q15: Do they assist with getting (building) lines of credit?
A15: LAHD will not assist with getting contractors lines of credit. Please visit www.business.lacity.org, the Los Angeles Business Solutions website, for possible assistance.
Q16: Do we find the clients or are they provided?
A16: As stated in pages 4 and 13 of the RFP, you are required to have a marketing plan and to market the program to find your clients. Clients will also be provided to you as they are referred by LAHD.
Q17: Is the MBE Advertisement deadline correct?
A17: Yes. As detailed in Exhibit 9, the MBE-WBE Good Faith Effort advertisement deadline is 10 days before the proposal due date. Proposal is due May 7; advertisement is due April 27.
Q18: Do you have to have an office in service area prior to award of contract?
A18: No.
Q19: Are payments made through EFT or via check by U.S. postal mail?
A19: Payments are made by checks that are mailed from the City Controller’s office.
Q20: What is the processing time for reimbursement invoices?
A20: Generally, at this time, if an invoice is complete, timely and in order, the processing time for payment is 3 to 4 weeks. Any problems or questions will delay the processing time.
Q21: Are contractors required to have a certified lead person on site at all times?
A21: For the Handyworker Program, if you are doing work on a painted surface on a pre-1978 home, you must be a certified lead Worker. This work is also known as lead-related construction, or LRC. In addition, a certified lead Supervisor must be at the site enough to properly oversee workers doing LRC, enforce the lead-safe work practices for safety and protection from lead poisoning, schedule and coordinate work, and arrange for proper disposal of lead waste. Further details on LRC certifications are atwww.cdph.ca.gov/programs/CLPPB, which is the State of California Dept. of Public Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch.
Q22: Are we required to locate the customers, or are we working from a list of qualified elderly data base?
A22: Please see Question & Answer #16 above. The City does not provide a list of qualified elderly database. You might start working from a waiting list.
Q23: Explain State Certified Workers for Lead based paint.
A23: Pages 6-7 of the RFP state the Handyworker Program requirements regarding Lead-Based Paint Hazards. State Certified Workers for Lead-based paint have met the State’s requirements regarding how to maintain worker and occupant safety from the hazards of lead-based paint. There is a course, a test and an application to become State certified. Visit the State of California Dept. of Public Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch at www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/CLPPB for details about the Lead Related Construction program.
Q24: Is the Fee for Service based on and compatible with the Living Wage scale?
A24: The Fee for Service is based on industry market rates for those work items. Please see Exhibits 1 and 4. It is not related to the Living Wage.
Q25: We submitted MBE application 2 months ago, and it’s in progress. We [do] not have it yet. Can we have [the] opportunity to take Handyworker Program Bid?
A25: It seems that you have applied to be a certified Minority Owned Business Enterprise. You do not have to be a certified Minority Owned Business Enterprise to bid on this RFP, so the status of that application is not relevant.
Q26: If Home Repair experiences aren’t enough, can commercial projects references such as Hotel TI, Restaurant TI and Retail TI replace Home Repair Experiences?
A26: As stated on page 9 of the RFP, there is a Handyworker Program requirement of 2 years continuous experience within the past 10 years in property repair, improvement, and/or rehabilitation. Commercial property satisfies this requirement.
Q27: As consumers of these programs, is there info on the website as to who is doing the best job among these contractors?
A27: There is no info on the LAHD website as to the performance of the current contractors.
Q28: Is Living Wage Ordinance required for sub-contractors?
A28: Yes. The Prime contractor is responsible for ensuring that the sub-contractors comply with the Living Wage Ordinance. See Exhibit 8 for details.
Q29: Do we estimate dollar amount subcontracted in various categories?
A29: This seems to be concerning the MBE-WBE Subcontractor Outreach as detailed in Exhibit 9. The answer is Yes. For completing Schedule A, you can estimate how much will be expended on the work that the subcontractor will be supplying.
Q30: Should we pay workers (prime or sub) Prevailing Wages?
A30: These programs are not subject to Prevailing Wage. Please refer to the Living Wage Ordinance, Exhibit 8, for minimum wage requirements.
Q31: Please explain outreach and where we find minority contractors.
A31: For assistance in locating minority-owned and women-owned businesses, visit www.lacity.org/bca and see “DBE/MBE/WBE listing.” Also visit www.labavn.org. Exhibit 9.1, page 4 has a list of organizations that may help you find minority contractors.
Q32: A B license is required for Handyworker. What license is required for Home Secure?
A32: There is no license required for Home Secure.
Q33: Then do we waive the State requirement for jobs over $500?
Q33: The maximum for Home Secure is $400 per home, which is under $500. See Page 14 of the RFP. The total funding of $436,000 is to be divided among all the council districts. See pages 16-17 of the RFP.
Q34: The $475 administrative fee that we add is beyond the overhead for Handyworker?
A34: $475 for administrative cost will be added to the repair work cost, which is a maximum of $5,000 for cost of labor and material. See page 6 of the RFP and Exhibit 1.
Q35: So the cost of overhead and insurance will be separate category?
A35: There is no separate category for overhead and insurance. All costs will be included in the repair work cost which is up to $5,000 and the administrative fee of $475.
Q36: If you know of a senior person who may want to qualify to get work done to their house, how do you go about referring them that information?
A36: Have them call 213-808-8803 which is the public hotline number. We go through a screening process and then forward them to the contractor for their area.
Q37: The seniors that we would be working with if we are awarded the contract, are they just seniors and they call in and say “I’m a senior person, I would like a compassionate contractor to work with me”, or do they have some kind of special program that they are under that would give them assistance?
A37: The seniors or disabled persons just need to meet the eligibility requirements, including being of low income. Customers are referred from a variety of sources, which may include special programs for seniors and disabled persons, but they are not required to be a part of any special program.
Q38: The administrative cost for marketing and all of that, is that part of the $475?
A38: Yes. See Exhibit 1.
Q39: And the $475, is that a maximum regardless or does it depend on the project?
A39: The $475 is a flat amount. The maximum repair cost for one house is $5,000. And on top of that $5,000 you get $475 for each home.
Q40: So if the project is $1,000, you get $475 (administrative fee)?
A40: Yes. You’re not going to spend $5,000 on every house; you may spend $2,500 or $1,500.
Q41: What are the changes when the senior is a tenant and not the owner?
A41: Handyworker Program only serves homeowners. See page 4 of the RFP. Home Secure can serve renters and install safety and security devices for renters and homeowners. See Page 13 of the RFP.
Q42: How will the invoice be paid? Will we direct the invoice to the customer or will we go through you?
A42: Invoices will be submitted to LAHD. Once the job is finished, and has been cleared for lead hazards (if applicable), then you submit the bill to LAHD. More technical and detailed info on procedures will be provided in a training/ implementation meeting for selected contractors.
Q43: Is it the thinking of the department (LAHD) on Home Secure re funding 15 council districts, to try to combine areas to a contract? Do you have more of a chance going after just 1 district?
A43: If you bid for only 1 district, then it wouldn’t be very much money in the contract. See Page 17 of the RFP for Home Secure funding by Council District. Right now there are 2 contactors serving all the council districts. (15 council districts are combined into 2 contracts.) As far as the thinking of the department (on combining council districts vs. having 1 council district per contract), we will look at it again. It will depend on what proposals we receive. It’s not a whole lot of money for 1 district.
Q44: I understand but every little bit counts.
A44: You can bid for whatever you want, whether you get it or not. Bid on it anyway. We make changes all the time for the better.
Q45: How many contractors do you have now?
A45: We have 8 contracts now for Handyworker and 2 contractors for Home Secure?
Q46: How many more [contractors will you select]?
A46: The selection of contractors will be determined by the proposals received. The contracts are over. That’s why we’re going out to bid. They were extended to June. The new contracts start July 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010. After that, we may extend for up to 2 years. Also, the energy efficiency money may be coming (from the U.S. Dept of Energy, see page 11 of the RFP). We bid for $2 million: at this time we don’t know if we’ll get it, but if so, then that will be another project that we’ll be doing.
Q47: Is your Handyworker Program a portion funded by Community Development Block Grant?
A47: Yes, all of it. See page 1 of the RFP.
Q48: The advertisement that is due on April 27, do we send that to you?
A48: Follow the instructions that are clearly detailed in Exhibit 9. We do need a copy of proof that you did the advertisement as part of the Good Faith Effort documentation, which is part of proposal package.
Q49: What’s the rationale between using mom-and-pop’s (small local businesses) as opposed to like Home Depot for vendors, because you save more money, for subcontractors?
A49: You need to do your outreach and document that you made a Good Faith Effort on the outreach, according to the instructions detailed in Exhibit 9. What you end up with in terms of subcontracts may or may not reach the anticipated levels of participation for MBE and WBE, but you need to do the outreach.
This marks the end of the bidders conference questions.
Q50: I have a question regarding the MBE/WBE/OBE Good Faith Effort requirements (Exhibit 9). In our joint RFP submission with [our subcontractor], do we, as the 501(C)3 organization, have to perform to the outreach standards and provide all of the required GFE documentation? [Our subcontractor] will be submitting their RFP for [a service area], and we will be submitting a separate RFP for [another service area] with them as our subcontractor. Can the same MBE/WBE/OBE due diligence that they (the subcontractor) perform for their RFP be rolled into ours? We are hoping that [the subcontractor’s] good faith outreach effort can satisfy the requirement for both RFPs.
A50: If you are bidding on this contract as is the subcontractor, then you are the prime contractor and the subcontractor is the sub-contractor for your agency. As the prime contractor, you are required to make good faith efforts to obtain reasonable expected participation levels through sub-consulting or materials and supply acquisition. The answer to your question is, yes, your agency is required to perform to the outreach standards and provide all of the required GFE documentation. See Exhibit 9.
Q51: How can I get the pre-bid meeting attendance list for the Handyworker and Home Secure Programs project?
A51: The proposer conference attendance list is available on LAHD website, www.lacity.org/lahd, with all other Handyworker and Home Secure Programs Request for Proposal documents.
Q52: On the Personal Services Contracts document regarding good faith effort to contract with MBE/WBE/OBE (Exhibit 9) are we correct in understanding that doing (Indicator) #4 on page 2 (Advertisement) meets the requirement for # 3?
A52: Identifying sufficient work for subconsultants (#3) should be incorporated into/ demonstrated in the Advertisement (#4) and/or the Written Notice to Subconsultants (#5).
Q53: How do we document #6 & 7 if we have no calls from subcontractors interested in being vendors? (MBE-WBE Subcontractor Outreach Indicator, Exhibit 9)
A53: Re #6, the proposer contacts business enterprises to determine their interest in performing a specific portion of the project. This is interpreted as you calling them in addition to you receiving calls. You document these calls by using the Telephone Log that is included in the GFE Helpful Hints (Exhibit 9.3). Re #7, information about the project scope, services and other requirements is documented by including this info in the Advertisement (#4) and/or the Written Notice to Subconsultants (#5).
Q54: How are we to contact Recruitment /Placement Organizations (# 8, page 4) by 15 days if today is already 15 days? (MBE-WBE Subcontractor Outreach Indicator, Exhibit 9)
A54: The deadlines for each of the items that have a deadline, #4 Advertisement, # 5 Written Notice to Subconsultants, #6 Follow up, #8 Contact Recruitment/Placements Organizations, are being extended for 5 calendar days. So specifically for #8, instead of 15 days, you have 10 days before the due date, which is April 27. (*NOTE*: Please see “Important Update Re MBE-WBE Outreach Deadlines.")
Q55: For #9, page 5, Negotiated in Good Faith. It is highly unlikely that any MBE/WBE/OBE will contact us to negotiate within the 10 days, how can we document such negotiations with our proposal? This section is worth 26 points. How will this affect us? (MBE-WBE Subcontractor Outreach Indicator, Exhibit 9)
A55: For #9, there is no 10 days or any time limit for this indicator. There should be proof that you contacted at least 3 MBE, 3 WBE and 3 OBE subconsultants for each category of work. If you still do not receive any sub-bids or quotes from potential subcontractors, then state that. If you do receive, then follow the instructions provided in Exhibit 9.
Q56: #10, page 5, am I correct that we are expected to advertise that we will help businesses to obtain bonds, lines of credit, etc.? (MBE-WBE Subcontractor Outreach Indicator, Exhibit 9)
A56: Re #10, Yes. The assistance in obtaining bonds, lines of credit and/or insurance may take the form of simply providing a referral list of insurance companies, bond companies and/or credit companies. Please also note that Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services operates a City-funded program for small businesses to obtain bonds. Interested proposers and subconsultants can visit www.imwis.com, call (213) 258-3000, or email bapla@imwis.com. You can also refer interested subconsultants to the Los Angeles Business Solutions website, www.business.lacity.org for referrals.
Q57: In my advertising whose phone number do I need to write down? (MBE-WBE Subcontractor Outreach Indicator 4, Exhibit 9)
A57: You should write down the phone number of the proposer, which is you, so that potential subcontractors can reach you.
Q58: On the bidding do I need to [have] specified prices or when I get [a] customer, [do] I need to give specification of the job with the price?
A58: LAHD sets the prices for each work item that is included in the specifications listed in Exhibit 1 (Handyworker) and Exhibit 4 (Home Secure). You do not specify prices in the bid/proposal. When you get a customer, you will utilize the specifications with prices that are set by LAHD. The Specifications are subject to change. See Contractor Compensation, Page 10 and Page 17 of the RFP.
Q59: Is the earthquake gas shutoff valve required for every house? (Exhibit 1, page 3)
A59: No. However, this is subject to change.
Q60: It was stated at the proposers conference that we can apply to both programs (Handyworker and Home Secure). Is this correct?
A60: Yes. You must submit a separate proposal package for each program. See page 22 of the RFP.
Q61: Can we apply for other service areas beyond the area that we are servicing?
A61: Yes. You can bid for whatever area you want. See page 22 of the RFP. Service area maps are contained in Exhibits 3 and 5.
Q62: Before the proposal’s due date what am I asked to provide?
A62: Everything you are asked to provide is listed in the RFP and exhibits. Start with Page 29, and pages 34 to 43 of the RFP.
Q63: Since I know who the contractors are for the Valley, can I do my outreach to them as a sub-contractor? (MBE-WBE Subcontractor Outreach, Exhibit 9)
A63: The contractors that will serve the Valley have not been selected. Your outreach should be done to the three categories outlined in the RFP, which are MBE, WBE and OBE. Details are stated in Exhibit 9. Also see several Questions and Answers above, including 31, 49, 50, and 52 – 56.
Q64: In reference to the Handyworker Program (RFP). Is it necessary to submit two (2) separate proposals for funding in allocations in two separate Neighborhood Service Areas?
A64: No. One proposal is sufficient for multiple Neighborhood Service Areas. However, please be aware that bidders are required to answer questions separately for each proposed neighborhood services area/council district in Narrative Section when stated. (RFP, Page 35, Section B.)
Q65: How do I get to exhibit 1 and exhibit 4 for specification?
A65: If you go to the city Website at www.lacity.org/lahd, click on Handyworker/Home Secure Program RFP, You will find the exhibits for both Handyworker and Home Secure Programs, along with other information regarding the RFP.
Q66: What [do] I need to advertise?
A66: You are doing an outreach to Minority owned, women owned and other business enterprises for services. You decide what service you would need if granted a contract with the city.
Q67: The payment rates for grab bar installation for the Home Secure Program are less than what they are now. Is this correct? (See Exhibit 4, Page 1)
A67: Yes. Based on a LAHD review of current market prices, the grab bar prices are reduced. The specifications are not finalized and may be revised before the contract.
Q68: Our program has not done any construction since 2007, but we still maintain our license. Are we still eligible? (See page 37.)
A68: Yes. You are required to have 2 years continuous experience within the past 10 years in property repair, improvement, and/or rehabilitation for Handyworker Program. (See Page 9 of RFP).
Q69: Exhibit 12, What is Recipient and Amount?
A69: The organization that received the contract (your organization if you are the prime contractor) is the Recipient. The Amount is the amount of funding awarded to your organization for each Contract/Program.
Q70: How do we figure out the level of participation by a MBE and WBE business should be 12% and 10% respectively? (Exhibit 9) Do we take the percentages of each area that we are bidding on? For instance, for East LA, the allocated amount is $254,206. Would or could we anticipate how much a subcontractor will be worth of this amount if we don't know what each home needs? Maybe most of the homes need painting, or plumbing? If you could give me an example please, so I can make sure that we are getting the appropriate people.
A70: In your outreach you would estimate the cost of services you are soliciting for sub-contractors, suppliers, etc. Please read the specifications for both Programs (Exhibits 1 and 4), which may assist in determining if your company would sub-out any of the work listed on the RFP Specifications. You can estimate how much a subcontractor will be worth of the allocated funding amount based on a reasonable assessment of how much of the particular service or product you will utilize. The appropriate people to subcontract with is based on the service or product you estimate you will utilize and the MBEs and WBEs that you outreach to.
Q71: On the Schedule A (Exhibit 9), Subcontractor Information Form, again how are we calculating the percentages and the base bid amount?
A71: The base bid amount is the allocated funding amount for the service area(s) you are bidding on. See Pages 10 and 17 of the RFP. Again, the percentage for the MBE and WBE participation is an estimate of the amount of that funding that will be used for the services listed in the schedule for MBE/WBE subcontractors.
Q72: On the Schedule B (Exhibit 9), the final report of subcontracting and purchases, how are we getting the dollar value of the subcontract? Again for the same reason.
A72: Schedule B is not to be submitted with the proposal; it is submitted after the contract period for organizations receiving a contract with the City.
Q73: All the indicators in the Good Faith Contract. they are all to be put together with the Proposal and turned in by May 7th ... correct? Is there anything you need prior?
A73: May 7, 2009 is the deadline for the RFP. You have an additional three (3) business days after that to submit the Good Faith Effort documentation.
Q74: Questions regarding Exhibit 6, Responsibility Questionnaire: If there are two corporations working in collaboration to bid on this job, do each of them submit a separate questionnaire?
A74: If this is a situation of two corporations working in collaboration to bid on this program together for the same service area, then there should be a primary/lead organization and a secondary collaborating organization. The primary/lead organization should submit a Responsibility Questionnaire. The secondary does not have to submit a questionnaire. The primary/lead will ensure that the secondary is in compliance.
Q75: On Exhibit 6, Part A, what do I put for City Department Information?
A75: City Department: Housing Department
City Contact Person: Augustine Thompson
Phone: 213.922.9659
City Bid or Contract Number: Not applicable
Project Title: Handyworker and Home Secure Program
Q76: This Exhibit (Exhibit 6) gets turned in with the proposal package?
A76: Yes. See the proposal checklist on page 43 of the RFP.
Q77: On the MBE/OBE Outreach forms it’s not clear to me, do we have to advertise for both Handyworker and for Home Secure in the newspaper? (Exhibit 9)
A77: If you are bidding for both programs, Yes. It should be clear what services, supplies, etc. are being subcontracted for each program.
Q78: Is there a place or web site where I can find the documents on the checklist?
A78: You can download the exhibits at the same website that you downloaded the RFP, www.lacity.org/lahd. You prepare the narratives and all other documents on the checklist with the requested information about your company. See page 35 of RFP.
Q79: We have a question regarding the Home Secure program – if we want to propose to provide services in 4 Council Districts, do we need to submit 4 separate proposals?
A79: No. One proposal is sufficient for multiple Council Districts. However, please be aware that bidders are required to answer questions separately for each proposed council district in Narrative Section when stated. (See Page 35 of RFP.) In addition, Exhibit 15, Proposer Information Form has a place for Service Area and Council District selection. Please check each proposed Council District on this form.
Q80: In the Exhibit 12, contract activity... is that exhibit just asking us to state what we have done as far as private contracts for the past few years?
A80: Exhibit 12 Table of Contract Activity is asking you to state what you have done as far as any contracts.
Q81: In the Marketing experience section ... the Intake Screening Experience... if we have not had this contract previously so we have not had an Intake Screening Experience in the past, because that is usually not what happens in contracting. We have a solid outline for what we will do if we get the contract as far as Screening. Should I just be stating that?
A81: Intake Screening Experience (page 37 of RFP) does not have to relate to this contract for Handyworker and Home Secure Programs. It can be any type of intake screening for any type of program, service, business, etc. The 4 points should describe your experience with what kind of client you look for and how you determine that a client meets what you look for. What you will do for screening if you get the contract goes under the Intake Screening Plan which is a separate question, see page 40 of RFP.
Q82: I contacted the City of LA and requested a list of MBEs and WBEs. I was directed to another person who said they would email me the list. It is the end of the day and I don’t have it yet. What should I do? (MBE/WBE Good Faith Outreach, Exhibit 9)
A82: You can call that person again. Also, there is more than 1 resource. There are several organizations listed that may help you to identify and locate MBEs and WBEs. See Exhibit 9.
Q83: Do I have to write to only 1 or all of them? (Indicator 5, MBE/WBE Good Faith Outreach, Exhibit 9)
A83: The point is to demonstrate a good faith effort to outreach to MBEs and WBES. Good faith effort is better demonstrated by contacting all the organizations that you can rather than to only 1.
Q84: Should I use the letter samples? (MBE/WBE Good Faith Outreach, Exhibit 9, Helpful Hints)
A84: Yes.
Q85: Is there some specific bond requirements for this job?
Q86: We are having trouble getting a directory of MBE-WBEs. We called 5 times. We emailed the Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA). We have not received the information. Do you have a list or local directory? (Exhibit 9, MBE-WBE Subcontractor Outreach)
A86: No, LAHD does not maintain a list or directory of MBE-WBEs. Please visit www.lacity.org/bca and see DBE/MBE/WBE listing, and visit www.labavn.org. Please also refer to the list of organizations provided in Exhibit 9.
Q87: We checked all the websites you gave us (for assistance in locating MBE-WBEs) and I’m not finding anything. (Exhibit 9, MBE-WBE Subcontractor Outreach)
A87: On the BCA website, you need to identify the NAICS code for the type of service you are looking for. If you don’t know the NAICS code, then there is a guide on the website to help you identify the proper code. On the LABAVN website, you may need to register your company in order to access the other information.
Q88: The only thing we sub out is accounting. (Exhibit 9, MBE-WBE Subcontractor Outreach)
A88: Perhaps you can find a list of accountants somewhere and start contacting them. You don’t have to use only what LAHD gave you. You can use any resource available to you that you can think of or come up with to help you locate MBEs, WBEs and OBEs for subcontractor outreach.
Q89: I have completed the form LW-13 for several of our grants with the City of LA in the past. However, when I started working on the LW-13 provided with the Handyworker RFP, under the Supporting Documentation Required box, question 3 reads: “Based on Question 2 above, is C less than A?” However, on the same LW-13 form [previously] completed for another grant, with the same revision date of 06/08, question 3 reads: “Based on Question 2 above, is A less than C?” Please advise.
A89: The “is C less than A” is an error. The correct form asks “is A less than C?” Please use the corrected LW-13 form which is Exhibit 8.1 on www.lacity.org/lahd see Handyworker & Home Secure Programs RFP.
Q90: Regarding Exhibit 13, Table of Program Expenses, the neighborhood service area funding is what we are looking at.. correct? So for East LA, the allocation is $254,206. I am not sure how the council district allocations fall into this...?
A90: Neighborhood service area funding allocations are for Handyworker Program, page 10 of RFP. Council district funding allocations are for Home Secure Program, page 17 of RFP.
Q91: So Exhibit 13 is asking us to take for instance the $254,206 for East LA, and divide it into the different expense categories as we think we will be dividing it in the year to come?
A91: Yes.
Q92: Also, through out the entire proposal, when they are stating "service area", they are speaking of the "neighborhood service area" not "council district" correct?
A92: At times, “service area” may be used to represent both the Neighborhood Service Area for the Handyworker Program and the Council District for the Home Secure Program. The “service area” definition that is applicable depends on the program you are bidding for. Please see Exhibit 3 for Handyworker Neighborhood Service Areas, and Exhibit 5 for Home Secure Council Districts.
Q93: On pg.39 under Lead Paint Certification and before Marketing Plan - the paragraph states that “Proposals for more than one neighborhood service area/Council District must address this question separately for each proposed neighborhood service area.” Is this referring the Lead Paint Certification status in #5 above? Then it says “Proposal must address how program staff would be assigned and/or shared between/among neighborhood service areas.” Is this again related to the Lead Cert. or the overall use of program staff in two service areas?
A93: Those statements on page 39 are referring to the Program Staffing and Organization Plan, which begins on page 38. If you are proposing more than one service area, Narrative 3, Program Design, should address the overall staffing for each service area, including lead related construction supervisor for each area. Whether the staff is the same or different, each service area must have a separate answer.
Q94: I have a question about the Handyworker RFP under section B Narratives – Program Operations Item 3 – Workforce Size (page 36). Are you looking for the org chart with salaries for the entire corporation or just the segment related to the Handyworker program? We do not feel comfortable in releasing salary information for the entire corporation in a public document. In providing job titles it pretty much identifies the person.
A94: We’re not asking for names; please provide total number of employees, their job titles and hourly rates of pay. The evaluators are not concerned about the identity of the employee working in any position at your organization. The information you provide does not give the identity of employees in each position. An organization chart for the entire company is on page 36, and an organization chart for the program is on page 38.
Q95: You want the entire newspaper page as well as the affidavit, correct.
A95: Yes. See GFE Helpful Hints, Indicator #4, Exhibit 9, MBE-WBE-OBE Subcontractor Outreach.
Q96: Re Schedule A and Schedule B: we need to turn in schedule a with the proposal, and schedule b only if we get the contract? and what if we have followed through with tons of subs and haven't received any bids, should we just put that down? (Exhibit 9, MBE-WBE-OBE Subcontractor Outreach)
A96: See question and answer #55.