LEAD HAZARD CONTROL SERVICES FOR THE WESTMORELAND COUNTY LEAD SAFE PROGRAM

County of Westmoreland
Request for Qualifications
Lead Hazard Control Services for the Westmoreland County Lead Safe Program
Westmoreland County Planning and Community Development
Lead Safe Westmoreland Program
40 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, 5th Floor, Ste. 520
Greensburg, PA 15601

OBJECTIVE
The County of Westmoreland hereby solicits and requests qualifications from firms
to supply lead-based paint hazard control services ("Lead Hazard Control") and
services to remediate other health and safety hazards ("Healthy Homes
Interventions") in residential units throughout Westmoreland County. The intent of
this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to identify a pool of qualified lead
abatement Firms able to perform Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes
Interventions (collectively, "the Services") as part of the Westmoreland County
Lead Based Paint and Healthy Homes Program ("the Program").
For a Firm's Qualification to be considered, the Firm must meet all training and
certification requirements set by the PA Department of Labor and Industry (PA DLI)
and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These requirements include
having the following valid certifications:
* PA DLI Lead Worker Certification(s)
* PA DLI Lead Supervisor Certification
* PA DLI Lead Firm Certification
* EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (EPA RRP) Renovator Certification
* EPA RRP Firm Certification
Westmoreland County will only consider Qualifications from Firms that have all the
above valid certifications and meet the other minimum requirements outlined in
this RFQ. Firms that do not currently have the required certifications are strongly
encouraged to Contact Gerri Overly, Grants Coordinator/ Housing Specialist, at
(724) 689-1612 or email goverly@westmorelandcountypa.gov to discuss grant
funds for contractor training opportunities to obtain the required lead credentials
for the entry into the County's pool of contractors.
OVERVIEW
The Program is funded through a combination of HUD Office of Lead Hazard Control and
Healthy Homes Control grant and Pennsylvania Department of Health appropriated federal
funds of the Federal State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRP1746). The services
awarded under this RFQ are initially funded through these sources. The County anticipates
the possibility of additional funding sources becoming available during the contract period
and reserves the right to expand services or authorize additional work under the same
contract, subject to funding availability, applicable program requirements, and mutual
agreement.
Westmoreland County was awarded a $5 million Lead Hazard Reduction grant to perform
lead paint abatement and remediation in approximately 144 homes over 48

months. An additional $700,000 was awarded to perform Healthy Home
Assessments and repairs in approximately 70 of the homes where lead paint
abatement and remediation will be performed.
In addition, the Program will use approximately $400,000 in remaining Pennsylvania
Department of Health funds from prior years to perform lead paint abatement and
remediation in approximately 15 eligible residential units. All units must be completed by
October 2026, and all services under this RFQ must comply with the funding requirements.
All PA DOH-funded activities shall follow the same guidelines, requirements, standards, and
protocols as the HUD Lead Hazard Control grant, including all applicable HUD, EPA, PA
DOH, state, and local regulations.
Units assisted under the Program will include both home-owner occupied and
privately-owned rental properties throughout Westmoreland County. Firms must
be willing to work County-wide.
Westmoreland Lead Safe Program reviews applications from homeowner
occupants and tenants/property owners and determines application eligibility
within Program guidelines. Program staff orders a lead-based paint risk inspection
and assessment ("LIRA") and a Healthy Homes ("HHRS") Assessment for eligible
units. The Housing Specialist will prepare a scope of work for each unit ("Unit
Scope of Work") based upon the LIRA and HHRS Assessment.
The purpose of this RFQ is to identify Firms to join the Program's pool of qualified
lead abatement Firms available to perform the services.
Westmoreland Lead Safe Homes does not seek bids for each individual unit.
Program staff assigns units to each Firm in the pool based upon capacity, past
performance, and other criteria determined by the Program, including cost
reasonableness. The Firm will be provided with the Unit Scope of Work, any
administrative or other requested items to be completed, and must visit the unit
and review the Unit Scope of Work before providing an estimate and accepting the
job.
Firms that repeatedly decline assignments, do not complete the Services on a unit
within the agreed upon time frame, do not perform Services in a quality manner,
do not maintain good relationships with program partners and participants, do not
perform according to County expectations and standards, or generally do not meet
expectations may be assigned fewer units or have the contract terminated.
The pool of Firms will not remain static during the time of the grant. Westmoreland
Lead Safe Homes reserves the right to add Firms to the pool on either probationary
or permanent status throughout the duration of the Program and to issue
additional Requests for Qualifications throughout the duration of the Program.
The Services include:

1. Lead Hazard Control
Lead Hazard Control Services will include interim controls, abatement when
necessary and cost effective, and minimal housing intervention activities that
are specifically required in order to carry out effective Lead Hazard Control. All
Lead Hazard Control will be specifically outlined and identified in the Unit
Scope of Work. The County anticipates that the per unit costs will average
$20,000.00.
Firms are required to perform lead hazard control work in a safe and effective
manner following all applicable HUD, EPA, OSHA, Federal, State and local
regulations and guidelines.
2. Healthy Homes Interventions
Firms will be responsible for directly performing or subcontracting for the
performance of Healthy Homes Interventions in approximately 40 units undergoing
Lead Hazard Control. The Healthy Homes Interventions to be completed will be based
upon a Healthy Homes Assessment of 29 common home hazards. More information
on the HHRS can be found on HUD's website:
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/healthy_homes.
The Westmoreland Lead Safe Homes Program will determine which units will
receive Healthy Home Interventions. Any Healthy Homes Interventions to be
completed will be written into the Unit Scope of Work provided to the Firm.
Firms will be expected to complete the Healthy Homes Interventions at the
same time the Firm is completing Lead Hazard Control. The County expects
that the per unit costs will average $11,000 for Healthy Homes Interventions.
The County of Westmoreland invites Firms to submit qualifications using the
attached Qualifications Form. This information, as well as other information
provided in your response, will serve as the basis for selection and negotiations.
Final responsibility for the selection of Firms rests with the County of
Westmoreland. The Firms will be engaged to undertake the agreed-to scope of
services, and a contract will be reached on the project strategy, schedule, and
other related matters once the Firms have been selected.
SCOPE OF WORK REQUESTED
The County of Westmoreland reserves the right to contract with more than one
Firm to complete the services outlined in this RFQ. The Firms selected as a result of
this RFQ process shall be expected to provide the following services, including, but
not be limited to:

1. Once assigned a unit, contact the property owner and/or tenant and visit
the unit to review the Unit Scope of Work. Firms must notify the County
that they accept or decline work on an assigned unit within a specified
timeline to be determined by the County, or the unit will be assigned to
another firm. The County will develop local policy, which will be outlined in
the Contract, regarding the required timelines for each of these tasks and
what documents need to be submitted as part of accepting or denying a
job;
2. Provide a cost estimate for the proposed Unit Scope of Work and submit
the estimate to the Housing Specialist of the Lead Safe Program. Program
staff reserve the right to determine the estimate unreasonable and select
another Firm to perform the work.
3. Submit a written occupant and worksite protection plan to the County
within the timeframe set forth in the Contract. This plan will be used to
determine whether occupants need to be relocated during
performance of the services;
4. Once a Firm has accepted a job, mobilize in a timely fashion to establish
a start-date in accordance with local policy outlined in the Contract,
which is to include the time to submit the 5-day notification to PADLI;
5. Conduct Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Interventions as
identified in the Unit Scope of Work in accordance with all applicable HUD,
EPA, OSHA, Federal, State, Local regulations and other appropriate
regulations and guidelines. It is expected that the Firm will complete both
the Healthy Homes Interventions and the Lead Hazard Control at the same
time;
6. Actively participate in on-site project-monitoring activities and cooperate
fully with Program staff. This may include participating in a pre-
construction meeting with the property owner to finalize project details, a
safety meeting to ensure adequate worker and worksite protection, and
other items as deemed necessary by the County;
7. Carry out quality work, following the Unit Scope of Work and all
applicable HUD, EPA, OSHA, Federal, State, local regulations and other
appropriate regulations and guidelines;
8. Complete the Services for a unit in the agreed-upon timeframe.
9. Payments will be made within 60 days of completion of work and
a successful clearance test obtained by the County.
10. If clearance testing reveals that the lead levels are above the clearance
action levels, re-cleans or additional required work by the Firm and re-

inspections will occur at the Firm's sole expense until the property passes
final clearance.
11. Maintain excellent and professional communication with occupants,
property owners, Westmoreland Lead Safe Homes staff, and promptly
elevate concerns to the County as appropriate.
12. Participate in grant-program feedback forums as request by the County,
which on average may be on a quarterly basis.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRMS
1. Certifications
For a Firm's Qualification to be considered, the Firm must meet all training and
certification requirements set by the PA Department of Labor and Industry (PA
DLI) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These requirements
include having the following valid certifications:
* PA DLI Lead Worker Certification(s)
* PA DLI Lead Supervisor Certification
* PA DLI Lead Firm Certification
* EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (EPA RRP) Renovator Certification
* EPA RRP Firm Certification
The County of Westmoreland will only consider Qualifications from Firms that
have valid certifications in all of the above. Firms must maintain all required
certifications throughout the course of providing the Services and submit
updated certifications to the County throughout the course of the
engagement.
2. Experience
Firms must have a minimum of two (2) years of experience performing residential work.
3. State and Federal Registrations
Firms must be registered with the Bureau of Consumer Protection of the
PA Attorney General. If selected and before accepting any assignment, the
Firm must register with the federal System for Award Management (SAM)
to be eligible to receive any payment for Services.
4. Insurance
Firms must provide certificates of insurance made out to the County of Westmoreland
have the following insurance coverage in place prior to providing Services:

(a) Comprehensive general liability with policy limits of not less than
$1,000,000 for each occurrence and $1,000,000 in the aggregate
for bodily injury and property damage, plus endorsements. All
comprehensive general liability insurance shall be written on an
"occurrence" form policy, and not a "claims-made" form policy.
(b) Automobile liability covering owned, hired and rented vehicles
operated by Contractor with policy limits of not less than
$1,000,000 combined single limit and aggregate for bodily
injury and property damage.
(c) Workers' compensation insurance at statutory limits and
employers' liability insurance with a policy of not less than
$500,000.00.
(d) Pollution Liability coverage in the amount of $500,000.00.
(e) Westmoreland County, its officers and employees, must be
named as additional insured on all liability policies.
(f) Thirty (30) days notice of cancellation.
The County of Westmoreland reserves the right to require stricter
insurance requirements at its discretion. The County reserves the right
to require payment bonding or no lien agreements.
5. General Expectations
Because the Services require involvement with tenants, landlords, and
homeowners, including entering private residences, a high level of
professionalism is required. While performing the Services, the Firm and its
employees are required to act in a professional manner at all times.
If selected, the Firm will be required to comply with prompt timelines for
completing all work assigned, as stated in the contract.
The Firm must perform all Services in accordance with all applicable
Federal, State, and local laws and regulations and Program guidelines,
including but not limited to:
* HUD's Notice of Funding Availability ; https://www.hud.gov/hud-
partners/grants-info-funding-opps
* OHHLHC Policy Guidance
(https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/healthy_homes/lb
p/pg)
* HUD's Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based

Paint Hazards in Housing
(https://www.hud.gov/contactus/lead-based-paint-
guidelines)
* and Program policies, procedures, and work plans.
QUALIFICATION SUBMISSION
To respond to this RFQ, Firms must submit the following documents:
1. Completed and signed Qualifications Form, including "AWARD
VERIFICATION FOR PRIME/ SUBCONTRACTORS" and "HEALTHY
HOMES INTERVENTIONS SCHEDULE OF SELF-
PERFORMANCE/SUBCONTRACTORS"
2. Copies of the following certifications/licenses:
a. PA DLI Lead Worker Certification(s) for all certified workers
b. PA DLI Lead Supervisor Certification for all certified supervisors
c. PA DLI Lead Firm Certification
d. EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (EPA RRP)
Renovator Certification for all certified Renovators
e. EPA RRP Firm Certification
3. Copy of current insurance certificate. As noted above, selected Firms
must have the insurance coverage outlined under "Minimum
Requirements for Firms", above, prior to being awarded. The County will
review the certificate provided to identify any additional coverage a
selected Firm needs prior to being offered a contract for Services.
Qualifications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Firms are encouraged to apply
as soon as possible to have the greatest chance of selection.
Qualifications must be submitted by email to Janet Parker:
jparker@westmorelandcountypa.gov
To be considered, a Firm shall submit a complete response to this RFQ. The County
of Westmoreland encourages quality submittals that are comprehensive,
straightforward, and accurate, and shall contain a concise delineation of the Firm's
capability to deliver the proposed activities.
It is the Firm's sole responsibility to read and interpret this RFQ and the written
instructions contained herein.
Questions about the RFQ may be submitted, in written form only, to Janet Parker,
Deputy Director at jparker@westmorelandcountypa.gov It is the responsibility of
all parties submitting responses to the RFQ to make inquiry as to the issuance of
any questions and answers and to ascertain that all issued questions and answers

have been received prior to submitting a Qualification.
The Firm certifies that the Firm has carefully considered the work proposed and
the terms of the RFQ to determine for itself the difficulties and requirements
incidental to the prosecution of the work, and that the submission of a
Qualification is considered conclusive evidence of such examination.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
The following criteria in each qualification will be considered in evaluating Firms for
potential selection.
1. Experience
A. Demonstrated experience in performing work and/or services
as identified in "Scope of Work Requested;"
B. Demonstrated experience in meeting deadlines and
working with quick client turnaround times;
C. Evidence of the Firm's ability to perform the services;
D. Demonstrated knowledge of Federal, State, and local code and
regulation relative to the work.
2. Qualification of:
A. Project Team Members (including licenses and credentials);
B. Overall Supervision.
3. Minority/Women/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) Participation
A. Westmoreland County has established a goal of having 6.3% MBE
participation and 6.9% WBE participation for all projects funded by
the Lead Safe Westmoreland Program. Qualifications should
indicate a commitment to meet or exceed these goals.
REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS
The County of Westmoreland will review all submittals to identify those that in its
judgment are most qualified and advantageous for its purposes. The review may
include a request for additional information, interviews, and negotiations with
submitting Firms. The County may also request more detailed project information,
including but not limited to examples of projects previously completed and the
Firm's financial information. All such input obtained will be used to determine
which submittal is most appropriate for working toward a Contract that is suitable
for all parties.
The County of Westmoreland intends to select Firms for inclusion in the pool of
contractors based upon information in the response to the RFQ submitted by the
Firms, investigation of projects and/or programs completed by the Firms,

performance in previous undertakings, and other pertinent factors. The selected
Firm(s) will be chosen on the basis of qualifications, experience, and capabilities to
undertake, complete, and manage the project. The County of Westmoreland will
decide after reviewing qualifications as to whether it will request interviews of
Firms.
Qualifications that do not meet the mandatory requirements will be considered
non-compliant.
The County of Westmoreland expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion,
to: (1) select one or more Firms whose Qualifications best meet the evaluation
criteria and are most responsive to the County's objectives; (2) accept or reject
any and all Qualifications, in whole or in part, for any reason or no reason
whatsoever; (3) alter, change or modify in any way the selection process or this
RFQ, at any time and without notice; (4) postpone or cancel the selection process
for its own convenience at any time and without notice; (5) waive any
technicalities, defects, irregularities or nonconformities contained in any
submitted qualifications or responses to this RFQ; (6) disregard all non-
conforming, non-responsive or conditional qualifications or responses to this
RFQ; (7) waive any submission requirements contained within this RFQ or
otherwise; (8) terminate this RFQ at any time, without notice; (9) issue a new
RFQ or RFP with respect to the Services at any time; (10) reject any or all
qualifications or responses in the best interest of the County.
Neither this RFQ nor any part or aspect of the selection process shall in any way
be deemed to create, constitute an offer for, or constitute an acceptance of an
offer for, a binding contract or agreement of any kind between the County of
Westmoreland and any Firm.
The County will not pay for any additional information herein requested, not it is
liable for any costs of the Firm in submitting the qualification.
If the County selects a Firm or Firms to provide the services described in this RFQ,
and deems said Firm(s) to be capable, experienced and prepared, the County may
enter into a contract or contracts with said Firm(s) as deemed appropriate by the
County in its sole discretion. Responses to this RFQ indicates the interest of Firms
to be considered for such contract(s); however, the County shall be under no
obligation to enter into any binding agreement or contract with any Firm as a
result of this RFQ, or as a result of any subsequent negotiations or any other part
or aspect of the selection process. The County reserves the right to terminate any
and all discussions and negotiations with any Firm at any time prior to the
execution of a formal, written contract(s) between the County and said Firm. No
legal or contractual rights or obligations between the County and the Firm will
come into existence unless and until a formal, written contract(s) has been fully
executed by both parties. The legal rights and obligations which will come into
existence at such time shall be limited to those expressly set forth or
incorporated by reference in said contract.