Housing Quality Standards

The Housing Authority of Cook County is soliciting proposals for Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection services under solicitation number 2026-100-009, with proposals due by August 27, 2026. The contract requires a qualified firm to perform a comprehensive range of inspections for the Housing Choice Voucher and Project-Based Voucher programs, including initial, biennial, re-inspections, emergency, quality control, complaint, vacancy, and new admission inspections, all in strict compliance with HUD’s 24 CFR Part 982, the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, and VAWA, as well as HACC’s own administrative policies. Inspections must be conducted using HUD protocols and HACC procedures, with digital photographs required for all failed items and life-threatening deficiencies, and daily reporting mandated for all inspections except life-threatening issues, which must be reported immediately on the same day. The contractor must submit monthly invoices within seven days of completed work, itemizing hours, services rendered, and referencing the specification and purchase order numbers, with payment processed within 30 days of receipt of acceptable documentation. The contract is structured as a per-unit inspection fee arrangement with no fixed budget or quantity specified, requiring proposers to submit a detailed fee structure—hourly, fixed, or hybrid—that covers all labor, supervision, travel, equipment, administrative support, reporting, scheduling, documentation, and photographic requirements. Evaluation of proposals will be based on a weighted scoring system totaling 100 points, with the highest priority given to qualifications and experience (30 points), followed by technical approach and performance management (25 points), capability and resources (20 points), cost proposal (15 points), and past performance (10 points). Two mandatory pass/fail gates—M/W/B/E participation aligned with project scope and financial stability—must be met prior to consideration. The contract term is 36 months from execution, with two optional one-year renewals at HACC’s discretion, and the offeror must demonstrate compliance with numerous federal and state requirements, including 24 CFR Part 75 Section 3 provisions, affirmative action, non-discrimination, and organizational conflict of interest disclosures. The contractor must carry specific insurance coverage, including $1 million general liability, $500,000 employer’s liability, and professional liability if applicable, with carriers holding an A.M. Best rating of A:VII or better