1. Outreach & Coordination 1.a. Marketing the Program The RECIPIENT will develop and distribute informational materials to market program availability and explain program requirements to potential participants (property owners with CLPPP or CLPPP+ programs). Instructions on how to apply for assistance and required forms will be available at the offices of the RECIPIENT and other local partners. The RECIPIENT must retain distribution lists, public notices and other documentation of marketing and outreach efforts in program files. 1.b. Participation Criteria i. Eligible projects: Buildings built prior to 1980 and where there are two or more units (multi-family dwelling). Units inspected through the CLPPP or CLPPP+ program. ii. Prioritization: RECIPIENT must develop, follow and document consistent criteria and procedures for selecting program participants. The criteria must include the following: Counties must prioritize occupied units where elevated blood lead levels have been detected in children or pregnant people, however, other units inspected through the CLPPP or CLPPP+ program and confirmed to have lead present, may receive program assistance. 80% of the grant funds must assist units in the select zip codes outlined by program. The RECIPIENT will advise applicants on the disposition of an application for LEAD program assistance within 30 business days of the submission of a complete application. 2. Project Development 2.a. Inspections & Testing Environmental staff from the RECIPIENT or District Office must present or conduct an environmental investigation in a unit with a child or pregnant person with an elevated blood lead level, using CLPPP funds. 2b. Work Write - up / Scope of Work The RECIPIENT is responsible for preparing a written scope of work based on the recommendations provided by the lead hazard inspector and must address: Abatement of friction surfaces with related remediation activities of non-friction surfaces. Home improvements to address health and safety concerns. The RECIPIENT must complete relevant environmental review including the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) consultation. The RECIPIENT should document property owner sign-off on the formal scope of work. This may be achieved through the inclusion of the scope of work in the written agreement. If the cost of the project is not fully covered by the LEAD grant, RECIPIENT may help identify other sources, however, the property owner is responsible for costs related to other health and safety repairs. Abatement work shouldn’t commence until all resources have been secured to abate the lead to minimize the time tenants are displaced or impacted by repair activities. Grant funds will be made available only to cover lead abatement and remeditation activities required and described in the written scope of work. In no case will the RECIPIENT reimburse more than the costs identified as available per unit. 2c. Tenant Relocation & Disclosures If necessary, for public health protection, RECIPIENTS may provide relocation services to tenants of Assisted Unit. Property owners must guarantee tenants of Assisted Units a continuation of their lease and ability to return after the remediation is complete. This is an eligible expense, but RECIPIENTS must work to minimize the amount of time tenants are displaced from their homes. 2d. Contractor Selection The RECIPIENT will establish a list of contractors able to perform work in compliance with applicable standards. The RECIPIENT may choose to develop this list through a formal Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process to provide contractors and professional service providers an equal opportunity for consideration. All contractors must supply EPA Lead Abatement and Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) certificates, references, and proof of proper insurance. Proof of insurance must include general liability coverage in a minimum amount of one million dollars and workers' compensation coverage. The contractor selection process must be free of collusion or intimidation, and the RECIPIENT must exercise appropriate oversight over the entire process to ensure that it is fair, efficient, and free of actual and perceived conflicts of interest. A clear, written, scope of work for the project, as outlined in Work Write-up/Scope of Work above, must be the basis for the bids or proposals. All bidders must have equal access to relevant information, including information on the property itself. Perceived or actual conflicts of interest may arise when certain individuals have access to inside information regarding the award of a contract or property assistance. A contractor cannot receive LEAD funds for work done on property that he or she owns, or a property that is owned by an immediate family member. Only payment for materials will be provided in those cases. Prior to commencing a project where there is a possible conflict of interest, the RECIPENT must disclose the potential conflict to the Corporation for review and request a waiver of the conflict, if necessary, in accordance with the local conflict of interest policy. Municipalities must adhere to Article 18, “Conflicts of Interest of Municipal Officers and Employees,” of the NYS General Municipal Law. Municipal officials, officers, and employees are prohibited from participating as a recipient of grant funds. 2e. EEO & MWBE Requirements RECIPIENTS are required to comply with Articles 15-A and 5 NYCRR Parts 142-144 (“MWBE Regulations”) New York Veterans' Services Law Article 3 and 9 NYCRR Section 252 ("SDVOB Regulations"). These requirements include equal employment opportunities for minority group members and women (“EEO”), and contracting opportunities for certified minority and women-owned business enterprises (“MWBEs”) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (“SDVOBs”). RECIPIENTs demonstration of “good faith efforts” pursuant to 5 NYCRR §142.8 shall be a part of these requirements. Please visit NYS Empire State Developments Division of Minority & Women Business Development website for a directory of certified Minority and Women-Owned Businesses: https :// ny . newnycontracts . com /
