Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. Administer stakeholder engagement, including focus groups, surveys and one on one interviews with developers, consultants, contractors, etc. B. Complete best practices research into (i) innovative construction techniques to reduce the cost of construction, (ii) design guidelines to improve energy efficiency, resiliency and sustainability, and (iii) how energy efficiency treatments and providing access to alternative modes of transportation can reduce occupancy costs for residents. C. Review and assess several other housing finance agency (HFA) Design Guidelines for best practices and new ideas. Focus should be on other HFAs in New England and HFA’s that are portfolio lenders. D. Review the existing Design Standards and make suggested changes that: i. Produce improvements to the form and appearance of the Guidelines, so that it is easier for the casual user to access and find information. ii. Eliminate unnecessary or antiquated requirements that increase cost or provide little value. iii. Revise sections of the Guidelines that conflict with other sections or are overly complex. iv. Address feedback received through stakeholder engagement. v. Address any internal inconsistencies, errors or omissions, including grammatical errors. vi. Introduce table of contents, checklist and tables where possible to better organize and/or simplify information. vii. Revise or eliminate vague, unclear, or confusing language and ensure that language, terms, and intent are consistent from one section to another. viii. Update all code and program related sections and update or add proper hyper-links to these sections. E. Create a new section in the Guidelines that promotes innovative design and building techniques, including both construction technologies and site design, that will help to reduce construction cost.
