LEAD RFQ

LEAD HAZARD CONTROL and REMEDIATION CONTRACTORS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: LEAD HAZARD CONTROL and REMEDIATION CONTRACTORS

Request for Qualification:  Mercer County Hispanic Association (MECHA)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:LEAD HAZARD CONTROL and REMEDIATION CONTRACTORS

As the provider of services under the NJ DCA’s Lead Remediation and Abatement Program (LRAP) Mercer County Hispanic Association (MECHA), is seeking responses from qualified Contractors to become part of a “Qualified Contractor Pool” to provide either 1.) lead remediation/mitigation and/or 2.) lead abatement services for 2024-2026 Lead Remediation and Abatement Program grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). {Note: Only contractors on the NJ Certified Lead Abatement Contractor list can perform abatements}

MECHA intends to prequalify Lead Hazard Control/Remediation Contractors to participate in a statewide “Qualified Lead Contractor Pool” of up to 10 contractors. The purpose of this program is to identify and remediate lead-based paint hazards to prevent elevated blood lead levels in children and pregnant women. The program targets municipalities in New Jersey with high reported incidence of elevated blood lead levels in children under age six.

Lead Hazard Control/Remediation Contractors will be part of a pool of contractors for MECHA who will be deployed to each job as requested by Agency personnel. Lead remediation jobs will be assigned based on the location of the jobs and availability of contractors. We are seeking contractors to perform lead hazard remediation services in Mercer County, New Jersey. Minority and woman-owned businesses are encouraged to apply. MECHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

RFQ released: 1 June 2025

Re-released: 28 August 2025

Submission Closing Date: 8 September 2025, 10:30 am

Application Opening: 8 September 2025, 10:30 am

RFQ proposal packets can be obtained in person at: 231 Bakers Basin Rd. Unit 5, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 or can be requested by email:  stayebi@njmecha.org

Applicants must turn in application packets in a sealed envelope in person or send them by U.S. mail to the address above and these packets will be reviewed no earlier than the opening date.

RFQ Request for Qualifications LEAD HAZARD CONTROL/REMEDIATION CONTRACTORS INTRODUCTION As the provider of services under the NJ DCA’s Statewide Outreach and Coordination grant, 

Mercer County Hispanic Association (MECHA), is seeking responses from qualified Contractors to become part of a “Qualified Contractor Pool” to provide either 1) lead remediation/mitigation or 2) lead abatement services for the 2025 Lead Remediation and Abatement Program grants from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA).  SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND MECHA intends to prequalify Lead Hazard Control/Remediation Contractors to participate in a “Qualified Lead Contractor Pool” of up to 10 contractors to perform work under the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Lead Remediation and Abatement Program.  The purpose of this program is to identify and remediate lead-based paint hazards via interim controls and partial abatement to prevent elevated blood lead levels in children and pregnant women. The program targets Mercer Counties with MECHA providing application processing and oversight of lead remediation services in these locations. SCALE OF WORK Up to 100 jobs may be put out for mini bid/cost estimate or round robin process to the Qualified Bidder Pool over a 12-month period, beginning 1 June 2025. Most jobs will be lead remediation work. The cost of these jobs’ ranges from $1,000-$13,000 for remediation jobs and up to $25,000 for abatements if any are needed. [Only certified Abatement Contractors are eligible for Abatement jobs but may also bid on remediation jobs.] While there is no guarantee of the number of jobs given to any one contractor in the pool, MECHA will do its best to give qualified contractors in the Bidder Pool or round robin process an equitable share of those jobs, based on expertise, availability and demonstrated excellence in meeting project guidelines. Contractors who fail to perform to standards will be removed from the pool. 

SCOPE OF SERVICES, PRICING and LOCATIONS REQUESTED 

MECHA intends to prequalify General Contractors with experience, training and certifications to participate in a Qualified Contractor Pool to perform work under the NJ Department of Community Affairs (NJ DCA), Lead Remediation and Abatement (LRAP) program, Single Family Home Remediation program and other lead hazard control contracts. Eligible units include owneroccupied and 1–10-unit rental buildings where lower income families reside. Up to 10 Contractors who respond to and qualify for the RFQ will be considered in the pool for the work requested under this RFQ. The Provider(s) will be awarded Lead Remediation Projects for specific properties at the sole discretion of MECHA. The cost per unit is limited and is determined by the Scope of Work developed by MECHA and the Lead Construction Manager as well as the limitations of the grant. Program Cost Guidelines for lead measures are attached to this RFQ. Respondents must agree to adhere to these guidelines.  Price shall be inclusive of all costs incurred by the Contractor. No separate reimbursements for travel or other costs are permitted. Subcontractor labor and materials cost are expected to average $6,000 per unit with a maximum cost of $13,000 for remediation and a maximum cost per unit of $25,000 for abatements. It is anticipated that homes eligible for lead hazard control will require an array of lead safe repairs, interim controls, health and safety services and minor structural repairs that shall be performed per RRP, HUD, EPA and NJ Administrative code, as applicable. Contractors must be available for one (1) walk through of inspected property with MECHA Construction Manager to devise a Lead Hazard Control Estimate/Scope of Work, based on a Lead Risk Assessment. The MECHA Construction Manager will coordinate the walk-through of property with the homeowner and Contractor. The scope of work for each repaired structure will vary but may include (although not limited to) the following:  • Coordination with property owner and MECHA Construction Manager.  • Obtaining all necessary state and local permits and approvals after the land use permits are acquired, but prior to the commencement of the work for each structure.  • Control of lead-based paint hazards in eligible residential units as specified by a certified Lead Risk Assessor/Inspector in accordance with EPA RRP, NJAC 5:17 and/or NJAC 8:51.  • Control of lead-based paint hazards in residential units in accordance with EPA standards and with reference to HUD’s Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead Based Paint Hazards in Housing (Second Edition 2012), including but not limited to interim controls, encapsulation, and abatement measures designed to provide a lead safe environment for a period of 20 years.  • Building envelope repair, including roof repair or replacement and attendant damage; door and window replacement; and siding /veneer repair or replacement.  • Dry wall repair or replacement; rough and trim carpentry.  • Repair of trip and fall hazards, such as step repair/replacement and/or handrail installation or repair.  • Surface preparation and painting; flooring repair or replacement. • Specialty construction elements associated with historic properties. • Debris removal in accordance with all Federal, State, and local requirements, including disposal of materials containing lead-based paint in accordance with all applicable local and state codes and standards. Other Scope of Services • Provide professional labor, equipment, and materials adequate to perform the work in accordance with the scope of work issued by MECHA, for each eligible applicant’s residential structure while ensuring that all applicable housing standards and codes are met, specifically the New Jersey Code Construction Requirements. • Comply with all State and Federal laws, regulations, and guidelines. • Provide documentation and tracking of construction progress. • Meet with individual property owners and MECHA Construction Manager to review the scope of work to be performed, including establishing a work schedule acceptable to property owners and Construction Manager and to review work upon final inspection. • Complete all work within the agreed timeline. The preceding list of responsibilities is not exclusive. MECHA and the successful respondent(s) may agree in writing to amend or augment the responsibilities set forth above 

LOCATIONS OF WORK Respondent(s) must be able to provide services in Mercer County. Respondent(s) shall be bound by specific terms and conditions of the signed contract. Contracts will be issued to eligible contractors as projects are identified. Work is scheduled to begin immediately after the contract signing. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Respondents must meet the minimum qualifications listed below. Furthermore, Solicitation Responses that appear unrealistic in terms of technical commitment, that show a lack of technical competence, or that indicate a failure to comprehend the risk and complexity of a potential contract may be rejected. Respondents MUST: • Have been in business for a minimum of 2 years, or the principals/owners must have had senior level experience in a previous company that provided residential construction services. • Be financially solvent and adequately capitalized.• Must hold a current business registration issued by the State of New Jersey. • At a minimum, be an EPA certified lead renovation firm and have at least one certified lead renovator (or Lead Supervisor) on the job at all times. For Contractors who wish to work on lead abatement jobs all workers must have their Lead Worker certification issued by the State of NJ. (However, training of workers can be provided free of charge by Isles, Inc.) • carry the minimum $1 million liability insurance/$2 million Aggregate, worker’s compensation insurance and recommended supplemental pollution insurance (See Insurance guidelines attached to this RFQ) • have current NJ Contractor’s License in good standing. • have a demonstrated ability to commit to residential lead-safe rehabilitation and reconstruction, and to carry such projects to completion within the time frame allotted by the Agency Construction Manager (generally 3-7 days). • have the demonstrated equipment, understanding, organization and ability to perform lead-based paint hazard control, health and safety projects related to the rehabilitation of residential properties. • have demonstrated experience in managing and completing projects of a similar type, size, and complexity. A lack of any of these requirements will cause the proposal to be deemed “unqualified.” 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS • Respondent should indicate that they meet each of the following requirements by providing documentation and/or specific proof of experience and qualifications to carry out each task • Respondent(s) shall commit to make a demonstrated effort to provide subcontract opportunities to locally owned businesses, minority, and low- income residents in the program area. Cost of deliverables, lead-based paint experience, positive references, and knowledge of HUD/EPA and RRP guidelines are factors that will be considered in the award. VERIFICATION OF MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Contractors shall specify the name(s) and experience of each person who would perform the items identified in the scope of services herein. Contractors shall provide evidence and/or documentation of all required Certifications for everyone performing the services requested. Any contractor who has been removed from any federal, state, or local lead program because of performance issues shall not be eligible for qualification under this RFQ. All references will be checked. References can and will be used as a determining factor in qualifying contractors for this program. RFQ SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS RFQ released: 1 June 2025 Re-released 28 August 2025 RFQ Informational Meeting: Upon request   Submission Closing Date: 8 September 2025, 10:30 am Application Opening: 8 September 2025, 10:30 am All questions or requests for additional information shall be directed to the Chief Operating Officer by email: stayebi@njmecha.org  

RFQ proposal packets/applications can be obtained in person at 231 Bakers Basin Rd, Suite 5, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 or can be requested by email:   RFQ SUBMISSIONS ARE STRICTLY ONLY ACCEPTED BY U.S. MAIL: Attn: Siamak Tayebi, 231 Bakers Basin Rd Unit 5, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 OR IN PERSON BY DELIVERY 

The Contractor shall be responsible for the actual delivery of the RFQ to MECHA. One original of your RFQ response should be submitted.  Hard copies of RFQs must be submitted in a sealed envelope/package. Envelope/package shall be addressed to MECHA, Attn: Siamak Tayebi Lead Program Director, 231 Bakers Basin RD, Suite 5, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, and the following clearly printed on the outside:- Your company name-Mercer County lead contractor RFQ APPLICATON AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR SUBMISSION Failure to provide any of the information or documentation requested below will result in the RFQ submission being deemed non-responsive and therefore unqualified for this contract. MECHA reserves the right to reject all submissions, in whole or in part, to waive technicalities and to make an award as deemed to be in the best interest of MECHA. 

MECHA does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to its services or activities.   The following current/valid documents (copies) should be submitted as Contractor’s RFQ response (in this order):   1. RFQ Application Form 2. Contractor Information Form 3. Certification Regarding Debarment and Suspension 4. Responsible Contractor Certification 5. Non-Collusion Affidavit of Prime Bidder (Must be notarized) 6. Contractor Registration Application 7. Affirmative Action Affidavit (Must be notarized) 8. NJ Business License 9. NJ Contractor’s License 10. EPA Lead Renovation Firm Certification and any other professional lead certs. 11. Certificates of Insurance (liability and workers comp) [See suggested insurance coverages attached to this RFQ) 12. MBE or WBE certification (if applicable) 13. References

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