Specifications include, but are not limited to:Offeror will support Montana citizens participating in the Department’s rental assistance programs. In the Department’s view, rental assistance program participants can be best served via direct, and - to the extent feasible - in-person interactions with knowledgeable individuals located in the participant’s local community. Participants served in these programs often have multiple areas of need and/or face technology or other barriers to accessing services. Program administration includes supporting participants in various stages of the Program, including but not limited to participants briefings, completion of required paperwork, as-needed housing navigation to ensure successful voucher utilization, landlord outreach and engagement, lease-up, annual/interim certifications, unit changes and move-outs. For all Offerors whose combined allocation will exceed 200 vouchers / units, the Offeror must dedicate, at minimum, one full-time employee per every 200 allocated vouchers / units. Take actions necessary to achieve and maintain maximum occupancy / utilization of all vouchers and units allocated to the Offeror in a timely manner. Outreach potential program participants and recruit landlords for participation in the Programs; track efforts and report outcomes to the Department. Conduct landlord and participant briefings according to the requirements of the Programs; initially mediate disputes between landlords and participants regarding issues within the jurisdictional purview of the Programs. Negotiate contract rents, renewal of leases and/or contracts with owners and participants. Based on a unit inspection list generated by the Department, the Offeror will conduct physical inspections of Department rental assistance programs units. The inspection will include a HUD Housing Quality Standards Inspection Form or the Housing Choice Voucher Program Inspection Checklist (or any subsequent form as may be required by HUD) that details interior unit conditions, building exterior conditions, general health, and safety and lead-based paint. Inspect, and annually, biennially or by special request by the Department, participant, landlord, or HUD, re-inspect rental units. Inspections must be completed according to the following time frames: Initial inspections must be conducted within fifteen (15) days of the Request for Tenancy Approval form approval; Biennial inspections must be completed within twenty-four (24) months of the last full inspection; Annual inspections (for Mod Rehab and PB-VASH) must be completed within twelve (12) months of the last full inspection; and Special inspections must be completed within twenty-four (24) hours of notification of life-threatening deficiencies or fifteen (15) days for non-life-threatening deficiencies.
