Detroit Land Bank Authority Request for Qualifications:

Transcription

1 Detroit Land Bank Authority Request for Qualifications: Organizations to serve as Homeownership Educators and Third Party Advisors during the Purchase and Rehab of Homes from the Detroit Land Bank Authority RFQ NUMBER: DATE ISSUED: October 24,

2 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ORGANIZATIONS TO SERVE AS HOMEOWNERSHIP EDUCATORS AND THIRD PARTY ADVISORS DURING THE PURCHASE AND REHAB OF HOMES FROM THE DETROIT LAND BANK AUTHORITY I. INTRODUCTION A. Overview This Request for Qualifications ( RFQ ) is being issued by the Detroit Land Bank Authority ( DLBA ). DLBA is requesting proposals outlining the qualifications and experience of nonprofit organizations that have expertise and experience in providing a range of services related to housing counseling and representing and advising homebuyers who are considering or are engaged in the purchase of a home from the DLBA, and/or in advising on the rehabilitation of single-family homes. Specific experience would include the provision of comprehensive homebuyer education programs, advising homebuyers in closing and financing the purchase of a home from the DLBA, and to advising the homebuyers throughout the post-purchase rehab required under this initiative. The DLBA is seeking organizations with demonstrated experience to provide potential and actual home purchasers from the DLBA with services that include but are not limited to determining homebuyer readiness and fit with the program, and, once a fit is determined, homebuyer education and advising related to closing and financing a purchase, and performing the rehab required on the home after purchase within the city of Detroit. Experience during the last 12 months specific to some or all of these activities, as further detailed in the Part I and/or Part II Professional Service Requirements below, is a requirement for the organization that will be selected. Respondents means the companies or individuals that submit proposals in response to this RFQ. The work contemplated is professional in nature. The Respondent shall be financially solvent and each of its members (if a joint venture), its employees, agents or sub-consultants of any tier shall be competent to perform the services required under this RFQ document. Nothing in this RFQ shall be construed to create any legal obligation on the part of the DLBA or any Respondents. The DLBA reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend, suspend, terminate, or reissue this RFQ in whole or in part, at any stage. In no event shall the DLBA be liable to Respondents for any cost or damages incurred in connection with the RFQ process, including but not limited to, any and all costs of preparing a response to this RFQ or any other costs incurred in reliance on this RFQ. No Respondent shall be entitled to repayment from the DLBA for any costs, expenses or fees related to this RFQ. All supporting documentation submitted in response to this 2

3 RFQ will become the property of the DLBA. Respondents may also withdraw their interest in the RFQ, in writing, at any point in time as more information becomes known. The DLBA follows the Detroit Land Bank Authority Policies and Procedures for Procurement process. For further information on this requirement, please contact the DLBA office at: 65 Cadillac Square, Suite 3200 Detroit, MI B. Context of RFQ The DLBA operates a number of programs to sell homes in its inventory, including its ebay-style online auction, its Community Partner programs and its Owner-Occupant program, and is currently developing additional disposition initiatives. The DLBA believes that incentivizing potential purchasers under these programs to seek the assistance of professional, experienced and consistent housing counseling programs will strengthen and improve all of these disposition initiatives. The largest disposition DLBA disposition program today is operated through the Buildingdetroit.org auction website, which sells two homes each day in Detroit s most vibrant neighborhoods. Winning bidders are required to make a deposit within 3 business days of $1,000 or 10% of the winning bid, whichever is greater. If the winning bid is $20,000 or below, the winning bidder has 60 days to close the purchase; if it is greater than $20,000, they have 90 days to close. At closing, all buyers must enter into a Purchase Agreement and sign a reconveyance or reverter deed. The Purchase Agreement requires the buyer to rehabilitate the property to comply with the Detroit Building Code within 6 months after closing (9 months if it is in a historic neighborhood). In the event that the buyer fails to satisfy the requirements of the Purchase Agreement, the DLBA will file the reconveyance deed, and title to the property will automatically revert to the DLBA without compensation. For further details, please refer to The Rules on the buildingdetroit.org website. The DLBA proposes to implement new policies that will incentivize potential purchasers to utilize the homebuyer counseling and other services outlined in the RFQ. In order to do so, the DLBA is considering selecting a panel of nonprofit agencies, each operating in a defined section of the City of Detroit. Together with those agencies, the DLBA would then develop a common program and set of procedures for assisting potential and actual purchasers from its disposition programs, beginning with the auction. This RFQ is intended to provide the DLBA with information about the qualifications and experience of the nonprofit organizations currently engaged in this space in order to refine this approach, and if appropriate, select its initial panel. Because this is a new program, the DLBA is seeking organizations with demonstrated experience and expertise, as well as the creativity to develop new and cost-effective methods of delivering these essential services at scale. 3

4 C. Time of Completion Any contract awarded pursuant to this RFQ solicitation shall provide services within a mutually agreed upon expedited timeframe. D. Term of Contract Any contract awarded pursuant to this RFQ solicitation shall be for a contract period up to 12 months, with the possibility of an extension. 4

5 II. PROFESSIONAL SERVICE REQUIREMENTS The Detroit Land Bank Authority seeks proposals from a qualified nonprofit organization or consortium of nonprofit organizations that can provide some or all of the counseling and advising services described below. A Respondent may provide its qualifications for either or both of the Part I and Part II services described below. Part I. Delivering comprehensive homebuyer education and serving as a Third Party Advisor throughout the home purchase process through the auction or other DLBA program, and postclosing. AND/OR Part II. Advising and coaching a homebuyer throughout the required rehabilitation of a purchased home, including securing reliable estimates prior to closing to facilitate financing, and managing a database of approved contractors. A strong preference will be given to organizations or consortia that in their proposals can demonstrate that they have the capacity and experience to deliver both Parts I & II. Additional consideration will be given to organizations that provide creative solutions to lowering costs of counseling, increasing access to counseling for potential homebuyers, and other key challenges. Additional consideration will also be given to those organizations that can provide homebuyers with creative solutions for lowering rehab costs, such as using salvage materials and lowering home ownership costs with improved energy efficiency. PART 1: Homebuyer Education and Advising Provide homebuyer education via in person workshops or on-line curricula to prepare potential borrowers for homeownership and home repair and rehabilitation, including content that meets or exceeds the benchmarks of the National Industry Standards for Homebuyer Education and Counseling, and also including content to be developed with the DLBA that is particularly directed to effective participation in the DLBA s disposition programs; and Provide one-on-one individual homeownership advising and financial coaching. One-on-one guidance should include the following services: Working with potential homebuyers to create an individual action plan, including conducting an affordability analysis regarding whether or not homeownership is a good fit for the client (rent vs. own) and how much home the client can afford. To this end, the housing counselor should analyze household income and expenses alongside debt, savings and other assets, 5

6 create a spending plan with the household, and screen for referrals including public assistance. Individual action plans will fall into one of three program plans: 1) the household is ready for homeownership and the DLBA program; 2) the household is not mortgage ready yet and is in need of longer term housing and credit counseling to prepare for homeownership, including DLBA programs, in the future, or 3) the household is best prepared to continue renting with the possibility of pursuing homeownership at a later date. Running credit reports at no charge to the client and working with potential buyers to address errors in credit reports, where applicable, develop payment/ credit-remediation strategies, or referring the client to a credit counseling provider; Supporting the homebuyer in achieving key milestones of the auction or other DLBA program, and then in the financing and closing process; Educating homebuyers on the various DLBA programs, including the auction, and on the financing and closing processes, including closing costs, ongoing costs and responsibilities of owning a home, and the necessary rehab required as part of the purchase; Identifying and assessing financial products that the potential homebuyer may qualify for, including reviewing eligibility for special financial products attached to the DLBA programs; Supporting the potential homebuyer in identifying lenders familiar with the Detroit housing market and any special programs available from them; Assisting homebuyers in completing and applications to pre-qualify or qualify for financing, including assistance in preparing a package of at least 90% of the information that is typically required by a lender before the homebuyer submits an application, and then reviewing that package; Working with the lending institution s loan officer through the process of pre-qualification or qualification for financing; Working with the buyer and the lending institution s loan officer throughout the pre-closing and closing process; Reviewing appraisals conducted by financial institutions for accuracy and consistency and where appropriate assisting buyers in securing a secondary appraisal; Submitting timely monthly reports to the DLBA detailing the status of all of the referrals received and all of the clients then in their system under this program. Where possible, organizations should provide homebuyer assistance to Detroit immigrant communities in native languages such as Arabic and Spanish and/or utilize translation services to assist these applicants. Organizations must have policies in place demonstrating that they collect, store and destroy all documents, especially those documents containing sensitive personally identifiable information, in a secure manner. Further, the organizations should maintain, and make all covered parties aware of, a code of conduct that prohibits real and apparent conflicts of interest that may arise among officers, employees, or agents. All homebuyers must receive a disclosure statement that explicitly describes the various types of services provided by the agency and any financial relationships between the agency and other industry partners. Financial records, supporting documentation, statistical records and data, and all records pertinent to the program along with 6

7 buyer authorizations shall be maintained to ensure that required data and reports are shared with the DBLA in a timely manner. Part II. Advising and coaching a homebuyer throughout the required rehabilitation of a purchased home. Supporting the buyer through the rehab period, if rehab is required by the applicable DLBA program, including providing a reliable cost estimate prior to closing to facilitate financing, advising and coaching the buyer through the completion of the rehab, managing a database of recommended licensed and insured contractors that are acceptable to partner financial institutions and lenders, and submitting timely monthly reports to the DLBA detailing the status of all of the referrals received and all of the clients then in their system under this program. This will include at a minimum the following services: Supporting a homebuyer as s/he navigates and achieves key milestones throughout the rehab process: 1. Finding a contractor, home inspector, or architect and developing a rehab scope of work required to bring the property up to Code, based on the City s Building Safety Department Pre-sale Inspection; 2. Securing qualified general contractor bids and reviewing each bid for completeness and price competiveness; 3. Where there is a significant gap in the cost of rehab and post rehab appraisal, working with partner financial institutions and the homebuyer to refine the scope of work and identify potential cost saving measures; 4. Where the property has historic designation, working with the homeowner and the City of Detroit Historic Commission to secure an approved scope of work. 5. Supporting homeowner in managing construction schedules and timing; 6. Assisting homeowner in monitoring contractors progress and maintaining rehab schedules that meet Purchase Agreement deadlines; 7. Working with homeowner to satisfy the requirements of Lenders and Contractors to ensure timely draw downs and cash flow for rehab completion; 8. Assisting homeowner in resolving any construction issues including cost overruns; 9. Advising homeowner in designing and seeking approval of changes to scope of work with contractor and lender; 10. Assisting homeowner in ensuring all required permits are obtained and timely scheduling of City of Detroit Building and Safety inspections; and 11. Where hazardous materials are present, assisting homeowner to ensure that such materials (such as lead and asbestos) are properly remediated including submission of proper notification to the State. Respondents wishing to provide Part II services would be expected to have on staff or on contract persons with demonstrable experience in construction and rehab services, and should explain who will provide that experience in their Response to this RFQ. Where possible, organizations should 7

8 provide homebuyer assistance to Detroit immigrant communities in native languages such as Arabic and Spanish and/or utilize translation services to assist these applicants. Agencies must have policies in place demonstrating that they collect, store and destroy all documents, especially those documents containing sensitive personally identifiable information, in a secure manner. Further, the organization should maintain, and make all covered parties aware of, a code of conduct that prohibits real and apparent conflicts of interest that may arise among officers, employees, or agents. All homebuyers must receive a disclosure statement that explicitly describes the various types of services provided by the agency and any financial relationships between the agency and other industry partners. Financial records, supporting documentation, statistical records and data, and all records pertinent to the program along with buyer authorizations should be maintained to ensure that required data and reports are shared with the DBLA in a timely manner. III. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND SCORING In evaluating responses to this Request for Qualifications, the DLBA will take into consideration the experience, expertise and creative solutions that are being proposed by the Respondent or team of Respondents. As noted above, Respondents that are able to provide both Part I and Part II services will be preferred. In addition, Respondents are strongly encouraged to demonstrate their financial stability and history of prudent fiscal management. Preference will be given to Detroit based organizations. Respondents may, but are not required to, provide indicative pricing for these services, since appropriate pricing can only be determined after the final program has been collaboratively designed. IV. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS RFQ responses must be submitted both via hard copy mailed or delivered to the Detroit Land Bank Authority, and via scanned copy sent to dbrown@detroitlandbank.org and copied to dmendscole@detroitlandbank.org. Each respondent shall submit one (1) original and two (2) copies of the following documents in a clear, legible, 12-point font, and 8.5 by 11 inch format. Responses not submitted both via hard copy and will not be considered. Respondents are advised to adhere to the Submittal Requirements. Failure to comply with the instructions of this RFQ will be cause for rejection of submittals. The DLBA reserves the right to seek additional information to clarify responses to this RFQ. Each response must include the following: 8

9 V. Letter of Interest Please submit a Cover Letter of Interest signed by a duly authorized officer or representative of the Respondent, not to exceed two pages in length. The Letter of Interest must include the following information: The principal place of business and the contact person, title, telephone/fax numbers and address. A statement of whether the Respondent is applying to provide Part I. or Part II. services or both. A brief summary of the qualifications of the Respondent and team. A description of organization (i.e. Corporation, Limited Liability Company, or Joint Venture). VI. Threshold Requirements These documents must be submitted and acceptable before the DLBA and its RFQ Review Committee will review the proposal: Certificate of Good Standing (Corporation) or Certificate of Existence (Limited Liability Company) issued by the Michigan Secretary of State (If Respondent is a joint venture, a Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Existence, as applicable, must be submitted for each entity comprising the joint venture.) Evidence of License and Insurance: Evidence that insurance is in place or can be obtained if selected. Appropriate licenses and counseling certifications must be provided. Evidence of Financial Stability: All Respondents shall include their most recent financial statements with the proposal response. This information will assist the DLBA in determining the Respondent s financial condition. The DLBA is seeking this information to ensure that the respondents have the financial stability and wherewithal to assure good faith performance. Conflict of Interest Statement & Supporting Documentation: Respondent shall disclose any professional or personal financial interests that may be a conflict of interest in representing the DLBA. Names and business addresses of all Principals of the Respondent. For purposes of this RFQ Principals shall mean persons possessing an ownership interest in the Respondent. o If the Respondent is a partially owned or fully-owned subsidiary of another organization, identify the parent organization and describe the nature and extent of 9

10 the parent organization s approval rights, if any, over the activities of the Respondent. Description of Internal IT and Management Systems. Respondent should describe its internal systems management (including IT, databases, tracking systems, etc.) that would be used to implement its proposal. Proposed Geographic Area of Concentration. The DLBA is seeking Respondents who are willing to focus on a particular area of the City. If your experience is focused in one geographic area, please describe that area. References. The Certification attached at the end of this RFQ must be signed by Respondent and attached to the Letter of Interest. VII. Main Proposal Please provide the following information: 1. Describe in detail relevant experience in providing either or both of the Part I and/or Part II services described above and documented capacity to provide these services, including breadth or services, client volume, quality assurance, partnerships, industry certifications and information systems capacity. 2. Describe in detail your organization s approach to service provision for Part I and/or Part II along with the role of each partner if more than one partner is included in the application. Please describe any creative solutions or partnerships you will utilize to achieve program success. As part of this description, provide a diagnostic of key challenges you anticipate in service provision and, where applicable, possible program solutions to address these challenges. 3. In addition to those prescribed by the DLBA, describe in detail the metrics and benchmarks your organization will use to define program success. 4. Describe in detail the expertise and experience of the particular individuals who would be engaged in supervising and providing these services. 5. Local Detroit-based Business License, Paid City of Detroit Income Taxes for Respondent to document Detroit business location and Headquartered business concern as the prime contractor for the RFQ, Section 3 business concern, Disadvantaged Business Concern etc. 10

11 VIII. SELECTION PROCESS The Selection Committee comprised of DLBA staff and others deemed appropriate by the DLBA Executive Director will review qualifications in accordance with DLBA policies. Proposals that are submitted timely and comply with the requirements of the RFQ will be evaluated. Notification of the candidate pool will be made the week of November 24, The Detroit Land Bank Authority is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, color, age, gender, national origin, disability, or other criteria prohibited by the City, State or Federal law. To qualify for a job, an applicant must meet the education, training, experience and any applicable license or certificate requirement for the job position. It is the applicant s responsibility to provide acceptable proof of their work record and history. IX. QUESTIONS Questions regarding this RFQ should be submitted in writing via to dbrown@detroitlandbank.org. The last date to submit questions regarding the RFQ is November 7, 2014 at 3:00pm. X. SUBMITTAL DUE DATE Responses to this RFQ are due by 3:00 pm on November 14, Responses to this RFQ must also be ed to: David Brown, dbrown@detroitlandbank.org and copied to Ms. Dekonti Mends-Cole, dmendscole@detroitlandbank.org. Each Respondent is responsible for labeling the exterior of the sealed envelope containing the proposal response with the proposal number, proposal name, proposal due date and time, and your firm s name. Hard copies must be delivered to: Detroit Land Bank Authority 65 Cadillac Square, Suite 3200 Detroit, MI

12 CERTIFICATION FORM THIS PAGE MUST BE COMPLETED AND INCLUDED WITH THE SUBMITTAL CERTIFICATION The undersigned hereby certifies, on behalf of the Respondent named in this Certification (the Respondent ), that the information provided in this RFQ submittal to the DLBA is accurate and complete, and I am duly authorized to submit same. I hereby certify that the Respondent has reviewed this RFQ in its entirety and accepts its terms and conditions. (Name of Respondent) (Signature of Authorized Representative) (Typed Name of Authorized Representative) (Title) (Date) 12

13 RFQ SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST Please provide Checklist with response to RFQ: Letter of Interest Certification Certificate of Good Standing (Corporation) or Certificate of Existence (Limited Liability Company) issued by the Michigan Secretary of State (If Respondent is a joint venture, a Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Existence, as applicable, must be submitted for each entity comprising the joint venture.) Evidence of Insurance State Licenses and/or Certifications Evidence of Financial Stability Conflict of Interest Statement & Supporting Documentation Names and Addresses of Principals Description of Internal IT and Management Systems Proposed Geographic Area of Concentration References Certification Form Main Proposal RFQ Submittal Requirements Checklist 13