Town of North Hempstead Community Development Agency Westbury Affordable Housing Questions and Answers October 13, 2016 Provided below is the North Hempstead CDA s responses to respondents questions. 1. Question: Is the rehab project open shop, prevailing wage, or union? Answer: This is not a union shop project, and it is not a prevailing wage rate project. 2. Question: I would like to talk to you, can you please leave your number. Answer: Questions and answers are required to be done in a written format. 3. Question: The plans only show 2 locations, are there additional plans to follow? Answer: Additional plans will not be provided by this Agency. It is the responsibility of the Design Builder entity s architect to deliver plans and permits needed for each site in accordance with the schematic design plans and specifications in Appendix A of the RFP as follows: RFP SITE PROPERTY DESIGN BUILDER ENTITY S ARCHITECT DELIVERS DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DOCUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS BASED ON RFP SCHEMATIC DESIGN PLANS AND SPECFICATIONS IN THE RFP APPENDIX A a 160 Urban Covert St b Sheridan Street Parcel 1 Covert St c Sheridan Street Parcel 2 Covert St d 205 Urban 205 Urban Ave
After contract award the CDA will enter into agreement with the Design Builder entity, wherein, the Architect will deliver the plans for each of the sites as stated above, and as stated in the RFP, therefore, part of your proposal amount shall include fees for the architects services and documents. For additional information on this see RFP section 3. Design Builders Responsibilities and RFP Appendix B Development Pro Forma where you quantify the architect s professional service amounts in the proposal submitted to this Agency. 4. Question: Sorry we missed the viewing do to holiday obligations, may we view the properties another day? Answer: Upon written request another viewing of 160 Urban Ave may be scheduled based on CDA s availability. Vacant sites can be viewed from the curb as desired without an appointment. 5. Comment: Design Build contracts wherein contractor hires architect to design owners building is not a permissible contract in New York State. Response: CDA attorney has confirmed it is a permissible arrangement as long as certain conditions or obligation are in the project agreement and depending on the Design Builder entity corporation-type such conditions will be addressed on or before contract signing. 6. Questions: A) 160 Urban Ave; who will demo 160 Urban Ave, will foundation excavation be filled or remain with hole, who will remove dead trees and those in the way of construction? Answer: Before Design Builder starts work CDA will clear site inclusive of trees and foundation hole will remain. Questions: B) Sheridan Property 1 and 2: Was there a house on the site, and was it removed? Answer: Yes, and bid site as vacant clean subsurface conditions. Unforeseen conditions, if any, will be dealt with at time of discovery. 7. Question: Proposal Pro-Forma does not have a break out for construction activities, should we submit a breakdown? Answer: Submit as per the Pro Forma requires. If you are desirous of breaking down the construction do that on a separate excel sheet. Note during bid review process you may be required to break do the project costs to a greater level of detail. 8. Question: With respect to the proposed square feet of the house, Covert St plans reflect 1,960 sq ft (980 sf for each of the 2 floors). Additionally, included in the 1 st floor area is a 235 sq ft attached garage). Deducting the garage sq ft from the total sq ft results in livable area of 1,725 sq ft. Can you confirm that the construction documents that will ultimately be prepared should reflect an approximate 1,960 sq ft home, with approximate 1,725 sq ft of livable space.
Answer: Yes, house square footage to be constructed shall be approximately equal to house plans and specifications provided in the RFP and compliant with agency's and departments having jurisdiction. 9. Question: Please confirm whether there will be a separate A-141 contract for each of four houses, or whether there will be one contract for all four houses. Answer: One agreement document shall encompasses all four houses and which shall be similar to an A-141 agreement. 10. Question: As a follow-up to a previous Q&A about the demo of 160 Urban Ave, it was stated that CDA will clear the site, inclusive of trees. So will CDA use its own resources to complete the demo of the existing improvements at 160 Urban Ave, and remove all debris resulting from such demo, and none of these costs should be included in the Respondent s proposal? Please clarify Answer: CDA will use its own resources to clear the site. Respondents to this RFP shall not include dollar amounts for site clearance and shall fill old foundation hole where applicable using some soil material from new foundation excavation. 11. Question: It was previously stated that the foundation hole at 160 Urban Ave will remain. In this case, assuming a 6 fence is required if the foundation hole is not covered, will CDA be constructing such fence prior to Builder starting work? Will Builder assume fence costs going forward, or erect their own fence? Please clarify. Answer: Respondents to this RFP shall erect their owns fence maintain and pay for their own fence up until substantial completion of the Site. 12. Question: Per Sect 3.7.8 of the RFP, Deign Builder will provide funding for the project until $175,000 is remaining on the Contract Sum. After which, CDA will pay remaining Contract Sum in progress payments for work placed, up to $175,000. The question is, does the Contract Sum include all cost categories listed on the Appendix B Development Proforma (ie Pre-construction; General Conditions; Overhead & Profit; and Soft Costs)? Answer: Yes. Also note it is $175,000 per house for the new construction houses and progress payments for the renovation house. 13. Question: Since a well, developed set of schematics, and a list of specifications (the Plans ) have been included in the RFP, and, as the RFP indicates, the design builder has the option to either engage the design firm who prepared these Plans, to be the architect of record, and prepare the construction docs, or to engage an alternative licensed architect/engineer to be the AOR, can you please clarify whether the Design Builder is required to submit any Plans as part of the response to the RFP, or if this is only required once CDA and LIHP has selected the final Design Builder. Answer: Respondents are not required to submit plans with their proposal. Design Builder shall develop and submit plans for CDA approval(s) after award of contract. 14. Question: Is a performance bond being required by the CDA for this project? Answer: No performance bond is required.
15. Question: What cost is to hire an architect? Answer: Costs for hiring an architect is a negotiated amount and business decision the builder and architect agree on. And in connection with The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Best Practices Basic Services Resources, Schematic Design Phase and Design Development Phases for this Projects are substantially complete and illustrated in Appendix A plans and specifications of the RFP and which plans can be copied as CDA retains transferable intellectual property rights to same for this project and therefore cost for architectural services and deliverables should be reduced equability. 16. Question: What is the surveyors cost per house? Answer: Cost of the surveyors services and deliverables is a negotiated amount and business decision between builder and surveyor. And it is the responsibility of respondents to this RFP to quantify and verify with the agencies and departments having jurisdiction over the work required surveyors service(s) and deliverable(s) for this Project and as a guide for same the surveyors servicers and deliverables will likely include; (1) permit application existing condition survey with spot elevations, average front yard setback, building corner elevations and other customarily normal survey illustrations and information, (1) stake out plan survey and field stakes and benchmark, (1) foundation location survey of placed concrete, (1) ridge and eave height/elevation survey, and (1) final existing condition survey of improved site with eave and ridge height. 17. Question: What permits have to be obtained and what is the cost per permit? Answer: Permits are identified in section 3.4.1 of the RFP and costs for the permits or departmental fees may be obtained from each department. However, CDA will issue addenda in connection with permits as follows: Add to RFP section 3.4.1 the text CDA will reimburse Design Builder for Town, County and Westbury Water municipality or departmental fees or permit-fees after receiving Design Builders requisition for payment and related municipality(s) or department(s) receipt quantifying amount of fees paid and CDA will reimburse said fees from the contract Forced Owners Allowances amount Change RFP Appendix B Pro Forma Forced Owners Allowances amount from $20,000 to; $24,500 for 160 Urban Ave, $24,550 for Sheridan Parcel 1, $24,550 for Sheridan Parcel 2, and $24,000 for 205 Urban Avenue. 18. Question: Is it possible to retain $175,000 at the end of the job until the closing and not in the beginning? Answer: Unfortunately that is not possible. 19. Question: Does the contractor have to submit soil samples for the three new houses? Answer: Plans in Appendix A specify certain soil conditions, therefore, it is the responsibly of the Design Builder to insure the certain soil conditions exist and CDA, architect or agency s having jurisdiction may ask for tests that illustrate the specified soil conditions exist and the amount for these tests have to be quantified in Appendix B Development Pro Forma submitted with proposals for this project.
20. Question: After the demolition of 160 Urban Avenue will the void left by the removal of the foundation be backfilled or left empty? Answer: Void will not be backfilled; it will be left empty. 21. Question: Who will insure that the removal of the existing foundation will not disturb the virgin soil for the footings? Answer: CDA will monitor removal and see soil below existing footings are not disturbed more than 6 +/- 2 below the existing footings. That combined with new footings having to be placed below the current footing and proper compaction will provide desired undisturbed soil conditions. 22. Question: Will all new utility lines be connected to the source in the street or will they be hooked to existing lines somewhere on the property (water/sewer/gas)? Answer: Water, gas and sewer utility service lines will be connected in the street, contact the related service company to learn more. 23. Question: Will there be a new electrical service installed at 205 Urban Ave.? Answer: Yes, from masthead to panel and including the house distribution system and devices. 24. Question: I have a few questions regarding the RFP. I know it may be after the deadline for questions but any feedback that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Answer: Your questions are within the scheduled dates and time allowed for question. 25. Question: I m having difficulty understanding how the developer makes money on these projects as we are used to owning the properties than selling them when they are completed or in some cases we become equity partners as a result of our construction contributions. Answer: Those who enter into agreement with CDA for this project are expected to make money on design build services, contracting services and construction of four houses and more. One of the benefits on this project is you do not have to purchase the land for the four houses; however, can achieve the profits associated with building four houses. Another benefit is you do not have the risks associated with being the developer, CDA assumes that risk on this project. 26. Question: It seems that in this RFP that ownership is never transferred to the developer and that we must fund all costs over $175,000 per property. Answer: Yes, and cost of financing is one of you expenses. 27. Question: Also, there is a 10% profit cap based on construction costs so if we are to go beyond 10% over the $175,00 amount are we guaranteed to make our money back or are we only guaranteed the $175,000? Answer: You are guaranteed to be paid the awarded contract amount that is based on your proposal. 28. Question: Are there set prices for the buyers of these homes? Answer: Your proposal amount is unrelated to the sale price amount in this project. The overall development cost is different from the sale price, this is something CDA and their partners address with various forms of State and Federal subsidies and another risk you do not have.
29. Question: What are the estimated sales prices of these homes? Answer: Again, estimated sales price of the homes are unrelated to your proposal. 30. Question: Will developers be paid more or less depending on the sales price of the homes? Answer: You are guaranteed to be paid the awarded contract amount that is based on your proposal. 31. Question: In Paragraph 3.7.8 it stipulates that the remaining sum balance will be paid at closing. Can the remaining sum balance be paid at closing or within 60 days of the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy whichever occurs first? Answer: Payments in excess of the $175,000 (please see RFP) will be made at closing. Respondents can include interest expenses as part of financing costs. Reasonable interest costs may be added for reimbursement (submission of proper documentation will be required) if the closing does not occur within 30 days of the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.