27-08-PLAN Housing Program Inspector

The City of Salem, Massachusetts, through its Department of Planning and Community Development and Purchasing Office, is seeking a qualified consultant to perform Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections for residential rehabilitation projects funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program. The contract, issued under solicitation BD-27-1165-COSPD-COS01-131510, is a fixed-price arrangement with a maximum total value of $45,000, including potential renewal options for two additional one-year periods. Services involve conducting initial, periodic, and final inspections of up to 6–10 housing units annually, preparing detailed inspection reports with photos and narrative summaries, generating work write-ups that identify code violations and lead paint abatement needs, coordinating walkthroughs with contractors, issuing change orders, and ensuring compliance with Massachusetts Sanitary and Building Code, federal HQS regulations, and the Lead Safe Housing Rule. The inspection activities occur on-site at properties throughout Salem and surrounding areas, with all deliverables submitted for administrative acceptance at the City's offices on Washington Street. Proposers must hold a valid Massachusetts Home Inspector license and maintain minimum insurance coverage of $1 million each for general and automobile liability, with the City named as an additional insured. The contract mandates full indemnification by the vendor, prohibits subcontracting without prior approval, and assigns sole ownership of all work products to the City. Proposals must be submitted in two sealed volumes—one containing priced task items and the other containing certifications, sample reports, qualifications, and references—and must be delivered in hard copy by 11:00 AM on August 4, 2026. Award will be made based on a best-value trade-off evaluation emphasizing experience with municipal housing programs, quality of inspection documentation, licensing, and responsiveness, rather than solely on lowest price. Payment terms require submission of detailed invoices referencing the contract number, with reimbursement within 30 days of acceptance. Funding is governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B, and all work must adhere to non-discrimination and affirmative action requirements.