Specifications include, but are not limited to: . OVERVIEWThe purpose of the Texas Minimum Construction Specifications is to ensure that all applicants who receive new or rehabilitation construction housing through programs funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME Program) and Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) live in housing which is safe, decent and affordable. Furthermore, the Texas Minimum Construction Specifications should ensure the investment of public and homeowner funds as it is designed to lengthen the term of affordability and preserve habitability. However COPA has the specifications for IRC 2012, IPC 2012, NEC 2011, IECC 2012 and IFC 2012, IMC 2012, ADA 2012 and all such associated codes that shall be complied with in producing. In addition, the most current specifications, codes, ordinances, regulations and standards will be enforced. As applicable, there will be 2 elevation reports required. (1) At the beginning to determine the base flood elevation and (2) a final elevation report that shows that the residence is at the proper BFE and that all machinery and equipment are at least 1ft above the BFE. This is a FEMA requirement that the City of Port Arthur must have with each location for their audit when asked for. 2.0 DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS 1.Certificate of Final Inspection - known as Certificate of Occupancy.2.FinalInspection - the last inspection to clear project [release]. 3.Electrical - all electrical equipment must be UL listed equipment. 4.Hardware - all hardware must be in operating condition. New keys must be turned over to homeowner when work is completed. 5.CDBG – Community Development Block Grant of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 6. Home Program - the HOME Investment Partnerships Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 7. NSP – Neighborhood Stabilization Program of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. 8. IRC - see all associated codes. 9. Notice to Proceed - formal instruction from Contract Administrator or designer. 10. Plumbing - plumbing equipment must be UL listed equipment. 11. Scope of Work - description of City intent or purpose of work. 12. TDHCA - an acronym for Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. 13. TMCSS - an acronym for Texas Minimum Construction Standards and Specifications. 14. Work Covered - all new and remodeled construction work in the “work write-up” and plans. Page 6 of 50 3.0 THE CONTRACTING PROCESS (for Rehabilitation Projects only) Substitutions can be used with the approval of the Port Arthur Building Official – UL Listed. The technology must be updated and the substituted material must be of the same strength. A month before bids are opened and surveys are completed, Invitation to Bid, Bid Opening, and Contract Awards are considered. Bidder must provide the Contract Administrator with the following within 10 days or soon after the contract is awarded: 1.A list of subcontractors who are licensed and insured with the State of Texas. 2.Certificates of Insurance from the issuing company showing current coverage stipulated in the contract documents. The Certificate of Insurance must also include a statement to that effect that a thirty (30) day notice of cancellation of insurance must be given to the Contract Administrator with the following: a.General liability with completed operational coverage of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). Plumbing – Minimum $300,000 – Electrical - $900,000 - HVAC - As required by State regulations and in compliance with the scope of work. b.Vehicle liability insurance (full coverage). c.Statutory Workman's compensation. Notice to Proceed - The Contractor will begin work within ten (10) days of the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (unless otherwise stipulated). The number of work days must be set out in the contract. If work is not finalized by the City Inspector or flaws are observed (48 hours to correct) upon completion of the work and acceptance by the Contract Administrator and the homeowner; the Certificate of Final Inspection and verification is issued and the Warranty Period begins. Thirty (30) days after the issuance of the Final Inspection and verification, all retainage, “money or forms of payment towards completion fees of inspection”, is released to the Contractor, except in cases where it is determined that the retainage should not be released. Liquidated Damages - $150 per day
