HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFP - P1052 NEW HOME INSPECTION AND PERFORMANCE TESTINGADDENDUM No. 1
City of Fort Collins
SPECIFICATIONS AND CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
Description of RFP: P1052 New Home Inspection and Performance Testing
OPENING DATE: 3:00 P.M. (Our Clock) January 19, 2007
To all prospective bidders under the specifications and contract documents described above,
the following changes are hereby made.
Questions and Answers
How many homes will be inspected and/or tested in this project?
As the RFP states on page 3, "Sample sizes have not yet been finalized but the total number of
site visits is anticipated to be approximately 20." We cannot provide a better estimate at this
time. As noted on page 6 (Proposal Contents), we're asking you to "clearly show fixed
time/costs and incremental time/costs per home for each type of visit (insulation stage vs.
completed home)." This will provide us the information we need to evaluate your proposal.
How large will the homes in the sample be? Will any of them include multiple HVAC
systems?
Since the sample has not yet been selected, we can't answer these definitively. But we
anticipate that most of the homes will be toward the center of bell curve of new Fort Collins
homes rather than on either extreme of very small or very large. We anticipate that most, if not
all, of the homes in the sample will have a single HVAC system. However we encourage you to
specify any incremental fee you propose to charge if more than one system is present.
What do you mean when you say "Comparison with Manual D design" in Appendix A?
As part of the building permit submittal, builders must include a Manual D (Air Conditioning
Contractors of America) duct design. We will provide this information, along with the plans, as
the contractor selected for this work performs a site visit. The contractor's job will be to assess
how closely the as -built ductwork resembles the submitted design. We expect a macro -level
description that highlights general observations, rather than a detailed, run -by -run assessment.
If there are discrepancies between the design and as -built system, some specific, typical
examples should be cited. The selected contractor is NOT responsible for performing a Manual
D duct design.
What do you mean when you ask the bidder to include a "Proposed quality control
protocol" in the proposal?
We're asking you to describe the steps you will take to provide data in which you and we can
have a high level of confidence.
215 North Mason Street • 2e' Floor • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (970) 221-6775 • Fax (970) 221-6707 www.fciEov.com
Category
Insulation Stage Visit
Completed Home
Visit
He cooling
Zoning
g
Zoning
control
• Thermostat type
• Number
Combustion air
• Diameter
Same items, as limited
ducts
• Length and configuration
by accessibility for
• Termination location
inspection
• Labeling
Ductwork
• Material
Bath fans and
• Size and length
kitchen hood:
Spot ventilation
• Location and configuration
- Type
• Sealing
- Make, model
• Insulation
- Control type
• Termination
• Kitchen stove type
• System type I
description
Whole -house
System type / description
• Installation, as
ventilation
• Installation
accessible for
inspection
• Control type
Humidifiers
• Quantity
Same
• Type, make, model
Cooling equipment
Components and installation:
other than central
• Ceiling fans
Same
AC
• Whole -house fan
• Evaporative cooler
• Daylighting:
observations on
potential and
problems
• Electric lighting
Lighting
Daylighting: observations on potential and problems
inventory
- Fixtures
- # sockets
- Bulb types and
wattages
- Controls
For builder -supplied
appliances:
Appliances
N/A
• Type
• Make and model
• ENERGY STAR
qualification
Appendix B:
DRAFT: Performance Testing Items
Category
Completed Home Visit
•
Infrared scan without and with blower door
Thermal barrier integrity
•
Whole -building air leakage rate
•
Major leakage locations
•
Buffer s ace connections to core of home
Air handler
•
External static pressure
•
Totals stem flow
•
Heat rise
Furnace
•
Gas pressure
•
Combustion gas analysis
•
Electric power draw
•
Refrigerant type
Air conditioner
•
Refrigerant charge
•
Electric power draw
•
Leakage: total and segmented supply ! return
•
Leakage to outdoors
Ductwork
•
Register connection to outdoors
•
Leakage locations
•
Air flow at each register
•
Noise(qualitative)
Pressure balance
Pressure differences across closed doors
•
All natural gas appliances:
— Carbon monoxide production
Combustion safety
— Draft pressure
•
CAZ worst -case depressurization test, including impact of blocking
combustion air ducts
Mechanical ventilation systems
•
Air flow
•
Noise(qualitative)
REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT
Professional firms will be evaluated on the following criteria. These criteria will be the basis for
review of the written proposals and interview session. The City reserves the right to make a
selection based solely on the written proposal.
The rating scale shall be from 1 to 5, with 1 being a poor rating, 3 being an average rating, and
5 being an outstanding rating.
WEIGHTING
QUALIFICATION
STANDARD
FACTOR
2.0
Scope of Proposal
Does the proposal show an understanding of the
project objective, methodology to be used and
results that are desired from the project?
2.0
Assigned Personnel
Do the persons who will be working on the project
have the necessary skills? Are sufficient people of
the requisite skills assigned to the project?
1.0
Availability
Can the work be completed in the necessary time?
Can the target start and completion dates be met?
Are other qualified personnel available to assist in
meeting the project schedule if required? Is the
project team available to attend meetings as
required by the Scope of Work?
1.0
Motivation
Is the firm interested and are they capable of doing
the work in the required time frame?
2.0
Cost and
Do the proposed cost and work hours compare
Work Hours
favorably with the project Manager's estimate? Are
the work hours presented reasonable for the effort
required in each project task or phase?
2.0
Firm Capability
Does the firm have the support capabilities the
assigned personnel require? Has the firm done
previous projects of this type and scope?
IN
Reference evaluation (Top Ranked Firm)
The project Manager will check references using the following criteria. The evaluation rankings
will be labeled Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
QUALIFICATION
STANDARD
Overall Performance
Would you hire this Professional again? Did
they show the skills required by this project?
Timetable
Was the original Scope of Work completed
within the specified time? Were interim
deadlines met in a timely manner?
Completeness
Was the Professional responsive to client
needs; did the Professional anticipate
problems? Were problems solved quickly and
effectively?
Budget
Was the original Scope of Work completed
within the project budget?
Job Knowledge
a) If a study, did it meet the Scope of Work?
b) If Professional administered a construction
contract, was the project functional upon
completion and did it operate properly?
Were problems corrected quickly and
effectively?
I
SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into the day and year set forth below by and
between THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, a Municipal Corporation, hereinafter
referred to as the "City" and , hereinafter referred to as "Service Provider".
WITNESSETH:
In consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations herein expressed, it is agreed
by and between the parties hereto as follows:
1. Scope of Services. The Service Provider agrees to provide services in
accordance with the scope of services attached hereto as Exhibit "A", consisting of
( ) page and incorporated herein by this reference.
2. The Work Schedule. The services to be performed pursuant to this Agreement
shall be performed in accordance with the Work Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit "B",
consisting of ( ) page, and incorporated herein by this reference.
3. Contract Period. This Agreement shall commence , and shall continue in
full force and effect until , 200 , unless sooner terminated as herein provided. In
addition, at the option of the City, the Agreement may be extended for additional one year
periods not to exceed ( ) additional one year periods. Renewals and pricing
changes shall be negotiated by and agreed to by both parties. The Denver Boulder Greeley
CPIU published by the Colorado State Planning and Budget Office will be used as a guide.
Written notice of renewal shall be provided to the Service Provider and mailed no later than
ninety (90) days prior to contract end.
4. Delay. If either party is prevented in whole or in part from performing its
obligations by unforeseeable causes beyond its reasonable control and without its fault or
negligence, then the party so prevented shall be excused from whatever performance is
prevented by such cause. To the extent that the performance is actually prevented, the Service
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Provider must provide written notice to the City of such condition within fifteen (15) days from
the onset of such condition.
[Early Termination clause here as an option.
5. Early Termination by City/Notice. Notwithstanding the time periods contained
herein, the City may terminate this Agreement at any time without cause by providing written
notice of termination to the Service Provider. Such notice shall be delivered at least fifteen (15)
days prior to the termination date contained in said notice unless otherwise agreed in writing by
the parties. All notices provided under this Agreement shall be effective when mailed, postage
prepaid and sent to the following addresses:
City: Service Provider:
In the event of early termination by the City, the Service Provider shall be paid for services
rendered to the date of termination, subject only to the satisfactory performance of the Service
Provider's obligations under this Agreement. Such payment shall be the Service Provider's sole
right and remedy for such termination.
6. Contract Sum. The City shall pay the Service provider for the performance of this
Contract, subject to additions and deletions provided herein, per the attached Exhibit "C",
consisting of ( ) page(s), and incorporated herein by this reference.
7. City Representative. The City will designate, prior to commencement of the
work, its representative who shall make, within the scope of his or her authority, all necessary
and proper decisions with reference to the services provided under this agreement. All requests
concerning this agreement shall be directed to the City Representative.
8. Independent Service provider. The services to be performed by Service Provider
are those of an independent service provider and not of an employee of the City of Fort Collins.
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The City shall not be responsible for withholding any portion of Service Provider's
compensation hereunder for the payment of FICA, Workmen's Compensation or other taxes or
benefits or for any other purpose.
9. Personal Services. It is understood that the City enters into the Agreement
based on the special abilities of the Service Provider and that this Agreement shall be
considered as an agreement for personal services. Accordingly, the Service Provider shall
neither assign any responsibilities nor delegate any duties arising under the Agreement without
the prior written consent of the City.
10. Acceptance Not Waiver. The City's approval or acceptance of, or payment for
any of the services shall not be construed to operate as a waiver of any rights or benefits
provided to the City under this Agreement or cause of action arising out of performance of this
Agreement.
11. Warranty.
(a) Service Provider warrants that all work performed hereunder shall be
performed with the highest degree of competence and care in accordance
with accepted standards for work of a similar nature.
(b) Unless otherwise provided in the Agreement, all materials and equipment
incorporated into any work shall be new and, where not specified, of the
most suitable grade of their respective kinds for their intended use, and all
workmanship shall be acceptable to City.
(c) Service Provider warrants all equipment, materials, labor and other work,
provided under this Agreement, except City -furnished materials,
equipment and labor, against defects and nonconformances in design,
materials and workmanship/workwomanship for a period beginning with
the start of the work and ending twelve (12) months from and after final
acceptance under the Agreement, regardless whether the same were
furnished or performed by Service Provider or by any of its subcontractors
of any tier. Upon receipt of written notice from City of any such defect or
nonconformances, the affected item or part thereof shall be redesigned,
repaired or replaced by Service Provider in a manner and at a time
acceptable to City.
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12. Default. Each and every term and condition hereof shall be deemed to be a
material element of this Agreement. In the event either party should fail or refuse to perform
according to the terms of this agreement, such party may be declared in default thereof.
13. Remedies. In the event a party has been declared in default, such defaulting
party shall be allowed a period of ten (10) days within which to cure said default. In the event
the default remains uncorrected, the party declaring default may elect to (a) terminate the
Agreement and seek damages; (b) treat the Agreement as continuing and require specific
performance; or (c) avail himself of any other remedy at law or equity. If the non -defaulting party
commences legal or equitable actions against the defaulting party, the defaulting party shall be
liable to the non -defaulting party for the non -defaulting party's reasonable attorney fees and
costs incurred because of the default.
14. Binding Effect. This writing, together with the exhibits hereto, constitutes the
entire agreement between the parties and shall be binding upon said parties, their officers,
employees, agents and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the respective survivors, heirs,
personal representatives, successors and assigns of said parties.
15. Indemnity/Insurance. a. The Service Provider agrees to indemnify and save
harmless the City, its officers, agents and employees against and from any and all actions,
suits, claims, demands or liability of any character whatsoever brought or asserted for injuries to
or death of any person or persons, or damages to property arising out of, result from or
occurring in connection with the performance of any service hereunder.
b. The Service Provider shall take all necessary precautions in performing the work
hereunder to prevent injury to persons and property.
c. Without limiting any of the Service Provider's obligations hereunder, the Service
Provider shall provide and maintain insurance coverage naming the City as an additional
insured under this Agreement of the type and with the limits specified within Exhibit ,
consisting of ( ) pages[s], attached hereto and incorporated herein by this
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reference. The Service Provider before commencing services hereunder, shall deliver to the
City's Director of Purchasing and Risk Management, P. O. Box 580 Fort Collins, Colorado
80522 one copy of a certificate evidencing the insurance coverage required from an insurance
company acceptable to the City.
16. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, along with all Exhibits and other documents
incorporated herein, shall constitute the entire Agreement of the parties. Covenants or
representations not contained in this Agreement shall not be binding on the parties.
17. Law/Severability. The laws of the State of Colorado shall govern the construction
interpretation, execution and enforcement of this Agreement. In the event any provision of this
Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such
holding shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provision of this Agreement.
18. Prohibition Against Employing Illegal Aliens. This paragraph shall apply to all
Contractors whose performance of work under this Agreement does not involve the delivery of a
specific end product other than reports that are merely incidental to the performance of said
work. Pursuant to Section 8-17.5-101, C.R.S., et. seq., Contractor represents and agrees that:
A. As of the date of this Agreement:
1. Contractor does not knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien; and
2. Contractor has participated or attempted to participate in the basic pilot
employment verification program created in Public Law 208, 104th
Congress, as amended, and expanded in Public Law 156, 108th
Congress, as amended, administered by the United States Department of
Homeland Security (the "Basic Pilot Program") in order to verify that
Contractor does not employ any illegal aliens.
B. Contractor shall not knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien to
perform works under this Agreement or enter into a contract with a
subcontractor that fails to certify to Contractor that the subcontractor shall not
knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien to perform work under this
Agreement.
C. Contractor shall continue to apply to participate in the Basic Pilot Program and
shall in writing verify same every three (3) calendar months thereafter, until
Contractor is accepted or the public contract for services has been completed,
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whichever is earlier. The requirements of this section shall not be required or
effective if the Basic Pilot Program is discontinued.
D. Contractor is prohibited from using Basic Pilot Program procedures to
undertake pre -employment screening of job applicants while this Agreement is
being performed.
E. If Contractor obtains actual knowledge that a subcontractor performing work
under this Agreement knowingly employs or contracts with an illegal alien,
Contractor shall:
1. Notify such subcontractor and the City within three days that Contractor
has actual knowledge that the subcontractor is employing or contracting
with an illegal alien; and
2. Terminate the subcontract with the subcontractor if within three days of
receiving the notice required pursuant to this section the subcontractor
does not cease employing or contracting with the illegal alien; except that
Contractor shall not terminate the contract with the subcontractor if during
such three days the subcontractor provides information to establish that
the subcontractor has not knowingly employed or contracted with an illegal
alien.
F. Contractor shall comply with any reasonable request by the Colorado
Department of Labor and Employment (the "Department") made in the course
of an investigation that the Department undertakes or is undertaking pursuant
to the authority established in Subsection 8-17.5-102 (5), C.R.S.
G. If Contractor violates any provision of this Agreement pertaining to the duties
imposed by Subsection 8-17.5-102, C.R.S. the City may terminate this
Agreement. If this Agreement is so terminated, Contractor shall be liable for
actual and consequential damages to the City arising out of Contractor's
violation of Subsection 8-17.5-102, C.R.S.
H. The City will notify the Office of the Secretary of State if Contractor violates
this provision of this Agreement and the City terminates the Agreement for
such breach.
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Will all the homes we inspect or test have central air-conditioning systems? How will we
test AC systems in cold weather?
We don't know how many homes will have AC systems. Though the market penetration of AC
systems in Fort Collins is high, many new Fort Collins homes are purchased without AC
installed by the builder. We realize cold weather will restrict the opportunity to test AC operation
and refrigerant charge. Given those uncertainties, we encourage you to break out AC testing in
your estimate of time and costs.
What is the budget for this work?
We are not releasing that information. We encourage you to bid competitively, while realizing
that budget is just one of several criteria upon which we will evaluate proposals.
Please contact Opal F. Dick, CPPO, Senior Buyer at (970) 221-6778 with any questions
regarding this addendum.
RECEIPT OF THIS ADDENDUM MUST BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY A WRITTEN STATEMENT
ENCLOSED WITH THE BID/QUOTE STATING THAT THIS ADDENDUM HAS BEEN
RECEIVED.
CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
a municipal corporation
By:
James B. O'Neill II, CPPO, FNIGP
Director of Purchasing and Risk Management
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Assistant City Attorney
Date:
By:
PRINT NAME
CORPORATE PRESIDENT OR VICE PRESIDENT
Date:
ATTEST:
CORPORATE SECRETARY
(Corporate Seal)
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Cit €aE Fc1rt Collills
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
P1052 New Home Inspection and Performance Testing
Written proposals, six (6) will be received at the City of Fort Collins' Purchasing Division, 215 North
Mason St., 2nd floor, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524. Proposals will be received before 3:00 p.m. (our
clock), January 19, 2007. Proposal No. P1052. If delivered, they are to be sent to 215 North Mason
Street, 2nd Floor, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524. If mailed, the address is P.O. Box 580, Fort Collins,
80522-0580.
Questions concerning the scope of the project should be directed to Project Manager Doug Swartz,
(970) 221-6719.
Questions regarding proposals submittal or process should be directed to Opal F. Dick, CPPO,
Senior Buyer (970) 221-6778.
A copy of the Proposal may be obtained as follows:
1. Download the Proposal/Bid from the BuySpeed Webpage,
https:Hsecure2.fcgov.com/bso/login. asp
2. Come by Purchasing at 215 North Mason St., 2"d floor, Fort Collins, and request a
copy of the Bid.
Sales Prohibited/Conflict of Interest: No officer, employee, or member of City Council, shall have a
financial interest in the sale to the City of any real or personal property, equipment, material, supplies
or services where such officer or employee exercises directly or indirectly any decision -making
authority concerning such sale or any supervisory authority over the services to be rendered. This
rule also applies to subcontracts with the City. Soliciting or accepting any gift, gratuity favor,
entertainment, kickback or any items of monetary value from any person who has or is seeking to do
business with the City of Fort Collins is prohibited.
Collusive or sham proposals: Any proposal deemed to be collusive or a sham proposal will be
rejected and reported to authorities as such. Your authorized signature of this proposal assures that
such proposal is genuine and is not a collusive or sham proposal.
The City of Fort Collins reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive any
irregularities or informalities.
Sincerely,
James B. O'Neill ll, CPPO, FNIGP
Director of Purchasing & Risk Management
215 North Mason Street • 2"" Floor • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (970) 221-6775 • Fax (970) 221-6707 www.fcaov.com
Request For Proposals
P1052 New Home Inspection and Performance Testing
City -of Fort Collins is seeking an experienced contractor who will perform visual inspections of
homes under construction and performance testing of completed homes for an evaluation of new
home design, construction and performance. The selected firm must not have active business
relationships with new home builders and related building trades in the Fort Collins new home
market within the period September 2006 to September 2007.
Background
Fort Collins, Colorado is located near the northern end of the Front Range region of Colorado. The
city has a population of nearly 140,000. Some 500 to 800 units of housing are annually built in Fort
Collins.
City of Fort Collins is known for its advocacy and support for improved housing performance. Since
the early 1990s it has promoted a building -science based, "whole -house approach" to new home
design and construction. This has been done via energy codes, training for the building industry,
consumers and other housing market stakeholders, development of a builder's guide for energy -
efficient design and construction, and other approaches.
A new home performance study published in 2002 evaluated the impacts of the City's 1996 energy
code and characterized the design, construction and performance of Fort Collins homes built in the
mid- to late- 1990s. This study was wide-ranging, including inspection of homes during construction,
energy ratings and performance testing of occupied homes, energy bill analysis, energy modeling,
and interviews with builders and homeowners.
Since the period of the homes represented in the earlier study, many things have changed:
• Greater awareness about performance issues among many housing market stakeholders (e.g. What
To Look For in a New Home awareness campaign, numerous educational events for the building
industry sponsored by a variety of Colorado entities, New Home Stakeholder Group).
• Anecdotal information about changes in typical building practices (e.g. greater use of low-e
windows and 90% AFUE furnaces, improved ductwork construction, widespread use of weather -
resistant barriers).
• Energy code changes, including a major package of changes in the Fort Collins residential code in
2005 (the current code is a locally amended version of the 2003 International Residential Code).
• Growth in the performance testing infrastructure.
• Growth in the energy rating industry and the number of new homes complying with the Fort
Collins code via the "Simulated Performance Alternative" path.
• Growth in participation in new home labeling programs such as ENERGY STAR® Homes and
Built Green Colorado®.
• Continued growth in the market penetration of residential air conditioning.
The City of Fort Collins plans to conduct another new home study to provide current feedback on
design load calculations and equipment sizing; energy code implementation and compliance; and
home design, construction and performance. Compared with the earlier study, the current study is
considerably smaller in scope, both in terms of tasks and sample size. The study will include:
• Analysis of new home plans
• Visual inspections of homes under construction
• Performance testing of completed (but unoccupied) homes
This Request for Proposals solicits a contractor to perform the latter two tasks (the first task will be
performed by City staff). The work will require close cooperation with the two City departments
collaborating on this project: Utilities (the municipal utility) and Building Inspection Services (the
building department). Fort Collins Utilities will manage the project.
Scope of Work
This section outlines the work in which the selected contractor will participate. Parts of the
description are intentionally open-ended, because there is the possibility that the contractor will be
assisted by City staff in some portions of the work. These details will be fleshed out in the
negotiations to develop a final scope of work and contract for the selected contractor. Respondents
are encouraged to describe options they feel might be feasible.
Construction Phases, Samples, Scheduling
Homes will typically be visited at two stages of construction:
• After homes are insulated, prior to wallboard installation. This work will only involve visual
inspection.
• Substantial completion. This work will involve both visual inspection and performance testing.
Homes will be selected to represent a range of Fort Collins new construction within the predominant
subset: stick -built with natural gas, forced -air heating. Some homes will have central air
conditioning. Sample sizes have not yet been finalized but the total number of site visits is
anticipated to be approximately 20.
The City will provide addresses and access to the homes in which the contractor will collect data.
The City and contractor will closely work together to schedule site visits to minimize inconvenience
to builders. For each home in the sample, the City will provide the contractor with a set of plans.
Visual Inspection
Objectives of the visual inspection task are to:
• Characterize the components and construction techniques being used; and
• Learn how field practices compare with (1) code requirements and (2) the plans and specifications
submitted by builders with the building permit application.
Components and systems to be investigated include:
• Solar design aspects
• Foundation
• Framing
• Exterior moisture control
• Air sealing
• Insulation
• Fenestration
• Mechanical systems
• Lighting
• Appliances
A draft list of visual inspection items is included in Appendix A. Note that almost all of these will be
inspected in homes at insulation stage, with a substantial subset also inspected in completed homes; a
few items can only be inspected in completed homes.
Performance Testing
Objectives of the performance testing task are to:
• Characterize the performance of installed components and systems; and
• Learn how field practices compare with (1) code requirements, (2) plans and specifications
submitted by builders with the building permit application and (3) manufacturers instructions.
Areas to be investigated include:
• Integrity of the thermal boundary
• Heating and cooling equipment and forced -air distribution system
• Pressure balance
• Combustion safety
• Mechanical ventilation
A draft list of performance testing items is included in Appendix B. Testing will only take place in
completed homes. The opportunity to perform certain tests may be limited by weather conditions.
Protocols and Forms
As part of the proposal requirements, respondents will propose inspection, testing and reporting
protocols and forms. Well -established, standardized protocols are preferred when available and
feasible. City staff and the selected contractor will work together to finalize the scope and details of
the protocols, data collection forms and reporting formats. These will be pilot tested on one or two
homes and, based on that experience, revised as needed for the rest of the sample.
Data collected in the testing portion must be quality controlled on a real-time basis, to ensure that
data are valid for every home.
Equipment and Supplies
The selected contractor will supply all necessary equipment and supplies to complete the scope of
work, with the possible exception of infrared scanning equipment that the City may be able to
provide for this work.
Reporting
Reports on each home inspected or tested must be delivered to the City within three working days of
data collection. This includes the original data collection forms as well as data compiled in standard
electronic format. In addition to the specific data requirements, the contractor will submit well -
documented digital photographs (minimum resolution 2048 x 1536 pixels) and comments that will
help the analysts interpret what was observed and measured on -site.
The contractor is not responsible for analysis beyond what is required to calculate the required
performance parameters (e.g. converting blower -door pressure measurements to whole -house air
leakage flow rates).
Review
The contractor will review and comment on the data compilation and report written by the City.
Staffing
The City would like to explore options in which (1) the selected contractor is responsible for the full
scope of inspection and testing tasks; and (2) the City provides an assistant to help the selected
contractor in the site work. The potential to split the job will be discussed as part of the selection
process and negotiation of contract scope and budget details.
Communication
Regular communication with the project manager is expected throughout the duration of the work.
Software Compatibility
The City uses Microsoft Office 2002 software products. The contractor must submit data in a format
compatible with these products. Additionally, the contractor must have e-mail capability to send and
receive large (up to 2 MB) attachments.
Liability
The attached Personal Services Agreement outlines standard City requirements for insurance
coverage.
Confidentiality and rights to data
All data collected by the contractor will be treated confidentially. The data from this project will be
the property of the City.
Timeline
The project timeline is outlined here. It will be adjusted based on negotiations among the selected
contractor and the two City departments involved in this work, and the practicalities of accessing
homes at the appropriate stages of construction.
Hiring
— RFP issued
— Final questions to City
— Final City response to questions
— Proposals due
— Proposals reviewed
— Interviews (if necessary)
— Contractor selected
— Contract negotiated, work begins
• Inspection and testing
• Review draft data compilation, report
December 22, 2006
January 8, 2007
January 12
January 19
January 26
February 1-2
February 6
February 20
Completed by April 13
May 15
Proposal Contents
All proposals must be organized in the following format to allow an orderly review and evaluation.
Address all aspects of the Scope of Work. The proposed contract between the City of Fort Collins
and the successful respondent is attached for reference purposes.
• Table of Contents. List proposal content by section and by page number.
• Statement of understanding of required services.
• Proposed protocol, tools, supplies and data collection approaches for homes -under -construction
sample. Suggest other data that may be valuable to collect.
• Proposed protocol, tools, supplies and data collection approaches for completed home sample.
Suggest other data/testing that may be valuable to collect.
• Proposed quality control protocol (be specific on what will be checked and how).
• Proposed data management and reporting approach.
• Staffing. Describe each team member's or assistant's roles and responsibilities in completing the
Scope of Work. Describe staffing options you feel might be feasible if the City provides an
assistant.
• Qualifications. Include information describing staff capabilities and experience relevant to this
project. List strengths and weaknesses. Describe experience with Northern Colorado housing
stock and construction practices. When citing other projects, describe the specific role played by
the respondent.
• Proposed compensation and estimate of personnel time to complete this work. Provide estimates
that (1) assume the bidder will do 100% of the inspection and testing work; and (2) assume that
City staff will assist in the inspection and testing. Clearly state assumptions about divisions of
work. Clearly show fixed time/costs and incremental time/costs per home for each type of visit
(insulation stage vs. completed home). Itemize time/costs for lighting inspection separately.
• References. Provide at least five references, each including name, title, address, phone number
and e-mail address of the client's program manager.
• Availability.
• Potential conflicts of interest. List any business relationships that could potentially raise concerns
about your ability to objectively evaluate new homes in Fort Collins.
Appendix A
DRAFT: Visual Inspection Items
Category
Insulation Stage Visit
Completed Home
Visit
Photos
• Exterior all elevations
Same
• Details to document observations
Solar -related design
Orientation
aspects
Solar exposure and shading
Same
• Pre -planning for future solar
• Exposure with respect to grade
• Crawl spaces: location/depth, thermal design, moisture
Foundation
barrier, insulation, ventilation, conditioning
Same
• Basements: Insulation
• Slabs -on -grade: Insulation
Framing
Advanced framing practices
N/A
• Overhangs
Exterior moisture
• WRB, flashings
• Overhangs
control
• Details at windows, skylights, doors, decks, wall / roof
Gutters and
intersections
downspouts
Air sealing and
• Air barrier continuity and details
Same items, as limited
insulation
• Insulation: Location, materials, R-values, installation practices
by accessibility for
• Air barrier / insulation boundary alignment
inspection
• Area
Windows, skylights,
LoType
cation
Same (NFRC ratings
doors
NFRC ratings
may not be available)
• Solar exposure
• Quantity
Fireplaces
• Location
Same
• Type
• Water heater: quantity, location, type, make/model, rated
Water heating
efficiency
Same
• Standby heat loss control measures
• Quantity
• Type
• Make/model (indoor and outdoor components)
• Presence of AC TXV valve
Furnace and AC
• Rated AFUE, SEER, EER
Same + filter type
• Rated capacity, heat rise, ESP
• Blower / motor size
• Electrical ratings for furnace + AC
• AC outdoor unit level?
• Layout
- Air handler location
- Sizes of major components
- Components that decrease / increase pressure drop
Heating/cooling
- Number of zones
Same items, as limited
ductwork
- Registers: quantity, locations, sizes
by accessibility for
- Comparison with Manual D design
inspection
• Details on run with longest equivalent length
• Construction approach / materials
• Sealing: materials, extent, obvious leaks
• Insulation: locations, materials, R-values, practices