CC - Item 5E - Professional Service Agreement for Administration and Implementation of the City's Federal Grant Program - CDBG/HOME ProgramsROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GLORIA MOLLEDA, CITY MANAGER ). \_k .
DATE: NOVEMBER 13, 2018
SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR ADMINISTRATION
AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CITY'S FEDERAL GRANT
PROGRAMS — CDBG/HOME PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
SUMMARY
The Housing Division of the Community Development Department administers and implements
the City's Federal Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") Grant Programs. Rosemead, as an
Entitlement City, is an annual recipient of Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG")
funds and HOME Investment Partnerships Act Program funds. For Fiscal Year 2018-2019, the
City received $708,721 in CDBG and $346,837 in HOME funds to implement various programs
and activities, including but not limited to home owner improvement loans, grants and rebates;
first time homebuyer program; production of affordable housing; code enforcement; and others.
The City's CDBG and HOME Programs had been administered by the former Public Works
Director with Housing Project Coordinator's assistance for owner occupied rehabilitation grant
and loan activities. With departure of the Public Works Director, the Housing Division is in
need of professional consultant services to continue the ongoing administration, implementation
and reporting activities as required by HUD.
The City received four (4) responses to the Request for Proposal ("RFP"). After careful
consideration of each proposal, including but not limited to responses to the RFP requirements,
firm's history and ability to provide services, staff qualifications, fee structure, and interviews
with all four firms, staff believes that entering into a Professional Service Agreement with
Michael Baker International ("MBI") would be best course of action for the City at this time.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that Council authorize the City Manager and the Community Development
Director to finalize negotiations with Michael Baker International for administration and
implementation of the City's federal grant programs (CDBG and HOME programs and
activities) on an as -needed basis with an annual not -to -exceed contract amount of $80,000 to be
paid from the annual CDBG and HOME funding allocation by HUD, and for the City Manager
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.E
City Council Meeting
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to execute a Professional Service Agreement for a term of three (3) years with two (2) one-year
options.
DISCUSSION
Reauest for Proposal ("RFP"
The said RFP was released on October 8, 2018, with posting on the City's website and
distribution to eight (8) prospective firms. Proposals were due to the City Clerk's Office on
October 22, 2018, where four (4) proposals were received and remained unopened until after the
3:00 p.m. deadline. No proposal was received after the deadline. All received proposals are on
file with the City Clerk's office for public record and review.
Consultant Proposals
Staff thoroughly reviewed the four submitted proposals and found that all firms demonstrated the
minimum capacity to perform the requested services. All firms showed history and ability to
provide the requested CDBG and HOME administration, implementation and reporting functions
as required by HUD. The following is a summary of the four firms:
Avant Garde — Avant Garde was incorporated in 2002 and is located in Pomona, CA. The firm
provides a wide range of municipal services for several communities in the region, including the
cities of Lynwood, Montebello, Bellflower, South Gate, El Monte, and others. Services provided
by a team of twelve employees and includes, grant writing and administration; program
management; funding administration; compliance management including labor compliance;
construction coordination; community outreach; and others. Avant Garde is currently providing
funding administration services to Rosemead's Public Works Department on two construction
projects (safe school route project at Savanna Elementary and traffic signal improvement at
Mission & Ivar intersection).
Avant Garde proposes to assign its firm's principal, Ms. Ana Marie LeNoue, to Rosemead. Ms.
LeNoue has 25 -years of experience in municipal services and currently oversees the company's
community outreach program, grant programs, and CDBG sub -recipient services. Staff
interviewed Ms. LeNoue and was impressed with her knowledge and experiences in HUD
programs and reporting activity requirements.
MDG Associates — MDG was established in 1991 and is located in Rancho Cucamonga. The
firm currently maintains a staffing level of 28 employees providing a wide range of municipal
services that includes grants management, project management, construction management,
architectural design, urban planning, and labor compliance monitoring. MDG provides CDBG
and HOME services to several cities within the region, including the cities of Irvine, Fontana,
Paramount, Corona, Hawthorne, Newport Beach, and others.
MDG proposes to assign Ms. Ester Luis, Senior Associate/Manager, to Rosemead. Ms. Luis'
expertise is in CDBG programs, administration of housing and commercial rehabilitation
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programs, and oversight of state and federal grants, including the County's administration for
non -entitlement cities. Staff met with the firm's principal, Mr. Rudy Munoz, and noted his
experience and knowledge of HUD programs and activities.
Michael Baker International — Michael Baker ("MBI") was founded in 1940 and is supported
by more than 3,000 employees in nearly 100 locations across the United States. The firm
provides a full range of services including engineering design, planning, architectural,
environmental, construction, and program management. Clients include federal, state and local
levels, as well as private commercial services. The local office is located in the City of Long
Beach, CA.
Mr. Damien Delany, Project Manager, is proposed to be assigned to Rosemead. Mr. Delany has
21 -years of experience in administering CDBG and HOME grants and has implemented a variety
of CDBG and HOME funded activities for local municipalities including Redondo Beach,
Montebello, Lomita, and others. Mr. Delany is supported by a large pool of MBI employee
resources that are experienced in full range of HUD programs and activities. Since June 2018,
Mr. Delany has provided the Housing Division temporary and limited services in order to ensure
that the City is in compliance with HUD deadlines. Such activities included, review of CDBG
and HOME owner occupied grant and loan program files for compliance with HUD policies and
rules; assisting that the Annual Action Plan is submitted to HUD on-time; preparation and
submittal of the FY 2017-2018 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report
CAPER) preparation and submittal; HUD Integrated Disbursement and Information System
IDIS") access, setups, and drawdowns; accounting of CDBG and HOME funding balances;
and others.
Priscila Davila & Associates, Inc. — Priscila Davila & Associates was founded in 2006 and is
located locally in Fullerton. The firm provides specifically HUD related services and is operated
by the firm's principal, Ms. Priscila Davila, and support staff. For Rosemead, Ms. Davila would
focus on CDBG programs and activities, and partner with JEDA Works (Ms. Deborah Sottek)
for HOME activities. The same partnership is currently providing similar services for the City of
Monterey Park. Ms. Davila has services for numerous other cities in the region, including
Gardena, Lawndale, Hunting Park, South Gate, Pasadena, and others. Staff interviewed both Ms.
Davila and Ms. Sottek and were also impressed with their experiences and knowledge of HUD
programs and activities.
Below is a summary matrix of each firm's hourly billing rates by staffing positions. The
consultant staff that would be assigned to the City of Rosemead is noted as "primary" in bold
and italic font.
Avant Garde MDG Assoc. Michael Baker Priscila Davila
Director/President/Sr. VP 110 rima 115 -$105 175 $65 rimar
manager 85 100 (primary) 145 rima
Associate 95-$85
Assistant 75 70-$65 100 -----
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Specialist $100
Env. Analyst $90
Grant Analyst $75 -
Secret $45 -----
All four firms demonstrated the minimum requirement to perform the services requested and
responded well to the interviews exhibiting the knowledge and experiences in HUD programs
and activities. Staff is however, recommending that retaining MBI to assist the Housing
Division in implementing the HUD CDBG and HOME programs and activities would be the best
course of action for the City at this time for the following reasons:
MBI exhibited the most understanding in Rosemead's CDBG and HOME programs and
activities that are currently implemented by the City.
The firm retains an extensive company resources to develop and implement new CDBG
and HOME programs and activities as the City continuously moves to improve its
services to the community and its residents.
The firm has demonstrated professionalism, knowledge and experience with HUD
programs, and has worked well with City staff members.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City of Rosemead, as an Entitlement City, receives annually from the Department of
Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG")
funds and HOME Investment Partnerships Act Program funds. For Fiscal Year 2018-2019, the
City received $708,721 in CDBG and $346,837 in HOME funds. Of such funds, CDBG rules
allow for 20% to be used for Program Administration Costs ("PAC") and HOME rules allow for
10% to be used for similar PAC costs. CDBG and HOME rules also allow approximately 16%
to 20% of the CDBG and HOME program activity budget to reimburse staff/consultant costs
referred to as Activity Delivery Costs or "ADC"). The consultant service costs would be paid
out ofthe said PAC and/or ADC allocations of the annual CDBG and HOME grants.
STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
None.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
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Prepared by:
Ben Kim, Di or ooMommunity Development
Attachment A: Request for Proposal (RFP)
Attachment B: Proposal from Michael Baker International
Attachment C: Proposal from Avant Garde
Attachment D: Proposal from MDG Associates Inc.
Attachment E: Proposal from Priscila Davila & Associates, Inc.
Attachment A
Request for Proposal 2018-23
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 2018-23
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
FOR ADMINISTRATION OF HOME/CDBG PROGRAMS
TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SUBMITTALS:
Three (3) bound copies and one (1) electronic PDF file on flash drive or CD of the proposal in
sealed envelope(s) must be received by the City of Rosemead’s City Clerk’s Office by
no later than Monday, October 22, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
CONTACT PERSON:
Ben Kim, Community Development Director
City of Rosemead
8838 E. Valley Boulevard
Rosemead, California 91770
(626) 569-2169
bkim@cityofrosemead.org
PROPOSALS RECEIVED AFTER THE TIME AND DATE STATED ABOVE SHALL NOT BE
CONSIDERED. FACSIMILE AND E-MAIL PROPOSAL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
INQUIRIES: Direct questions for clarification on Request for Proposal
documents to Ben Kim, Community Development Director at
(626) 569-2169 or bkim@cityofrosemead.org
MODIFICATIONS: Any modification of this Request for Proposal will be provided to
consultants who request notification of any modifications.
ISSUANCE DATE: October 8, 2018
INTRODUCTION
Through this Request for Proposal (“RFP”) and evaluation process, the City of Rosemead is seeking
qualified consultant(s) to provide professional services associated with the administration and
implementation of the City’s Federal Grant Programs. Rosemead, as an Entitlement City, is an
annual recipient of Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and HOME Program
funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”).
For Fiscal Year 2018-2019, the City received approximately $708,721 in CDBG and $346,837 in
HOME funds to implement the following activities and programs: Code Enforcement, Home
Improvement Grant and Rebate, Production of Affordable Housing, Home Improvement and First
Time Homebuyer Loan, and Community Housing and Development Organization (CHDO) activities.
BACKGROUND
The City of Rosemead is a suburb located in the San Gabriel Valley, 10 miles east of downtown
Los Angeles. It is bounded on the north by the cities of Temple City and San Gabriel, on the
west by Monterey Park, Alhambra, and the unincorporated Los Angeles County community of
South San Gabriel, on the south by Montebello, plus by El Monte and South El Monte on the
east. The City is 5.5 square miles (2,344-acres) in size.
Rosemead is a working-class suburb with a diverse population base. According to the 2010
Census, the City had a population of 53,764. The estimated makeup of the City was 4.7% White,
0.3% African American, 60.3% Asian, 33% Hispanic/Latino (of any race), and 0.7% Non-Hispanic
Other. As a substantially built-out city, Rosemead only added 259 residents to its population
during the last decade (2000-2010).
THE ORGANIZATION
Rosemead operates under the Council/Manager form of government. The City Council is
elected at large to four years, overlapping terms. The Mayor is elected by a majority vote of the
City Council and rotates each year. The City Manager is appointed by, and serves at the
pleasure of, the City Council.
The Housing Division serves under direction of the Community Development Director. The
Community Development Department combines the functions of Housing, Building & Safety,
Economic Development, Planning, and Code Enforcement Divisions. The Housing Division is
staff with one full-time Housing Project Coordinator. The selected consultant will augment the
resources needed to provide ongoing administration and implementation of the City’s Federal
Grant Programs.
OBJECTIVE
It is the objective of this RFP to solicit proposals from qualified and interested professional
consultants to provide professional services associated with the administration and
implementation of the City’s Federal Grant Programs (CDBG and HOME funds).
The length of the professional service agreement and the level of service shall be at the sole and
absolute discretion of the City.
SCOPE OF SERVICE
Project tasks include, but are not limited to:
1) Under general direction from the Director of Community Development and in
coordination with the Housing Coordinator Staff, the selected consultant will be
responsible for assisting in the timely preparation and processing through HUD of all the
documents related to the CDBG and HOME Programs including loan and grant
applications, plans, monitoring, programmatic and fiscal reports.
2) The selected consultant shall be responsible for assisting in data gathering and analysis;
public outreach and hearings; evaluating the design and implementation of all grant-
supported programs and activities; preparing pertinent policy recommendations, and
implementing programmatic activities as needed.
STAFF CONTACT
Questions concerning this RFP may be directed to:
City of Rosemead
Attn: Ben Kim, Director of Community Development
8838 E. Valley Blvd.
Rosemead, CA 91770
Phone Number: (626) 569-2169
bkim@cityofrosemead.org
LENGTH OF CONTRACT
The contract for CDBG and HOME administration services will be for a three-year time period with
the option for up to two (2) one-year extensions at the sole and absolute discretion of the City.
CITY'S RESPONSIBILITY
Upon awarding of the contract, the City shall provide the selected consultant with any pertinent
ordinances and resolutions or any other information mutually agreed upon that will assist the
consultant with the completion of the contract requirements.
PROPOSAL CONTENT/FORMAT
The consultant shall submit a comprehensive proposal, as follows:
1. Cover letter.
2. Name and address of consultant (please include address of local office if applicable).
3. The principle contact person that the consultant will assign to the Rosemead account.
4. A description of your understanding of the project.
5. An outline showing tasks and times frames to ensure completion and submittal of the
document prior to the Federal deadline (Action Plan, Consolidated Annual Performance
Evaluation Report, and Assessment of Fair Housing).
6. Experience and qualifications of the consultant and management team, including a
description of relevant similar projects. The City reserves the right to reject any of the
firm’s consultants or management team. After the proposal deadline, substitution of
consultants and management team may only be made with the permission of the City.
7. A reference list of at least three (3) other public agencies, including contact person’s
name and phone number, who the consultant currently provides HUD services to.
8. A list of any pending or previous litigation over the past five years related to your firm’s
work, and the outcome of any closed claims or cases.
9. Total project costs to the City, including a breakdown of costs by task and hourly rates.
The consultant acknowledges that submittal of a proposal constitutes acceptance of and a
willingness to comply with all of the terms, conditions and criteria contained within this RFP.
Proposals not in compliance with the terms and conditions contained herein may be cause for
rejection. The City reserves the right to interpret or change any provision of this RFP at any time
prior to the proposal submission due date. Such changes or interpretations will be in the form of
an addendum.
PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated on the proposer’s ability to provide services that meet the
requirements set forth in this RPF. The City reserves the right to make such investigations as it
deems necessary to determine the ability of the proposer to provide services meeting a
satisfactory level of performance in accordance with the City’s requirements. The proposer shall
furnish such information and data for this purpose as the City may request, at no cost to the City.
Interviews and presentations by one, several, or all of the proposers submitting a proposal may be
requested if deemed necessary to fully understand and evaluate the proposer’s capabilities and
qualifications.
The adequacy, depth, and clarity of the proposal will influence, to a considerable degree, its
evaluation. The final selection of the consultants will be based on the following criteria:
1. Understanding the scope of work.
2. Quality of proposal.
3. Ability of the consultant to provide the full range of requested services.
4. Demonstrated professional skills and credentials of staff to be assigned to this agreement.
5. Related experience of firm.
6. Consultant’s ability to execute the contract in a timely manner
7. References.
8. Cost as compared to related service requirements (lowest cost will not be the sole determining
factor).
The award of a contract will be based on a combination of the aforementioned criteria and costs.
DISCRETION AND LIABILITY WAIVER
1. Proposers shall carefully read the information contained in this RFP and submit a complete
response to all requirements and questions as directed. Incomplete proposals may be
considered non-responsive and may be rejected in the City’s discretion.
2. All information, documentation, and other materials submitted in response to this solicitation
are considered non-confidential and/or non-proprietary and are subject to public disclosure
after the solicitation is completed.
3. Proposers shall prepare and develop proposals at their sole cost and expense.
4. The City makes no representations of any kind that an award of a contract will be made as a
result of this RFP, or subsequent RFP. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all
proposals, waive any formalities or minor technical inconsistencies, and/or delete any
item/requirements from this RFP when deemed to be in City’s best interest.
5. Failure to comply with all requirements contained in this RFP may result in the rejection of a
proposal.
6. A proposal may be modified or withdrawn in person at any time before the scheduled due
date, provided a receipt for the withdrawn proposal signed by the proposer’s authorized
representative. The City reserves the right to request proof of authorization to withdraw a
proposal.
7. The City may evaluate the proposals based on the anticipated completion of all or any
portion of the project. The City reserves the right to divide the project into multiple parts, to
reject any and all proposals and re-solicit for new proposals, or to reject any and all
proposals and temporarily or permanently abandon the project.
8. The City may, in the evaluation of proposals, request clarification from proposers regarding
their proposals, obtain additional material or literature, and pursue other avenues of
research as necessary to ensure that a thorough evaluation is conducted.
9. By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, the consultant accepts the evaluation
process, acknowledges and accepts that determination will require subjective judgments by
the City, and waives all right to protest or seek any legal remedies whatsoever regarding any
aspect of this RFP.
10. The City of Rosemead expects the highest level of ethical conduct from proposers, including
adherence to all applicable laws and local ordinances regarding ethical behavior.
11. If an agreement cannot be reached with the highest ranked proposer, City reserves the right to
terminate negotiations with that party and enter into negotiations with the next highest
ranked proposer.
12. Finalists in the selection process may be asked to attend an interview once the RFP process
is complete.
13. Acceptance of any proposal is contingent upon the proposer’s certification and agreement
by submittal of its offer, to comply and act in accordance with all provisions of the City’s
Municipal Code.
All proposals submitted shall be binding for 90 days from the date of submittal.
DRAFT AGREEMENT
Included with this RFP as “Attachment A” is a draft of the Professional Services Agreement that will
be utilized for this contract. Please pay particular attention to the insurance requirements
specified in the draft agreement. It should be noted that this Agreement is subject to change and
revision pursuant to review by the City Attorney.
The proposal process, contract negotiations and execution, and subsequent actions will be
conducted by the City in accordance with applicable law. Consultants should carefully review
this document, which constitutes the formal RFP, to ensure a clear understanding of the City’s
needs and objectives and scope of work.
DIRECTIONS FOR SUBMITTAL OF PROPOSAL
Deadline: Proposals must be received by the City Clerk’s Office no later than Monday, October 22,
2018 by 3:00 p.m.
“ATTACHMENT A”
(DRAFT)
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
AND
CONSULTANT
1. PARTIES AND DATE.
This Agreement is made and entered into this _______ day of _______, 2018 by and between
the City of Rosemead, a municipal organization organized under the laws of the State of California with its
principal place of business at 8838 E. Valley Blvd., Rosemead, California 91770 (“City”) and Consultant
(“Consultant”). City and Consultant are sometimes individually referred to herein as “Party” and
collectively as “Parties.”
2. RECITALS.
2.1 Consultant.
Consultant desires to perform and assume responsibility for the provision of certain professional
services required by the City on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Consultant
represents that it is experienced in providing professional services associated with the administration and
implementation of the City’s Federal Grant Programs (CDBG and HOME funds).
2.2 Project.
City desires to utilize the services of Consultant as an independent contractor to provide housing
administration and implementation services to the City’s Community Development Department (“Project”).
3. TERMS.
3.1 Scope of Services and Term.
3.1.1 General Scope of Services. Consultant promises and agrees to furnish to the
City all labor, materials, tools, equipment, services, and incidental and customary work necessary to fully
and adequately supply the professional consulting services necessary for the Project (“Services”). The
Services are more particularly described in Exhibit “A” attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference. All Services shall be subject to, and performed in accordance with, this Agreement, the
exhibits attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and all applicable local, state and federal
laws, rules and regulations.
3.1.2 Term. The term of this Agreement shall be from DATE to DATE and may be
extended for up to two (2) additional year(s) at the sole discretion of the City, unless earlier terminated as
provided herein. Consultant shall complete the Services within the term of this Agreement, and shall
meet any other established schedules and deadlines.
3.2 Responsibilities of Consultant.
3.2.1 Control and Payment of Subordinates; Independent Contractor. The Services
shall be performed by Consultant or under its supervision. Consultant will determine the means, methods
and details of performing the Services subject to the requirements of this Agreement. City retains
Consultant on an independent contractor basis and not as an employee. Consultant retains the right to
perform similar or different services for others during the term of this Agreement. Any additional
personnel performing the Services under this Agreement on behalf of Consultant shall also not be
employees of City and shall at all times be under Consultant’s exclusive direction and control. Consultant
shall pay all wages, salaries, and other amounts due such personnel in connection with their performance
of Services under this Agreement and as required by law. Consultant shall be responsible for all reports
and obligations respecting such additional personnel, including, but not limited to: social security taxes,
income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and workers’ compensation
insurance.
3.2.2 Schedule of Services. Consultant shall perform the Services expeditiously,
within the term of this Agreement, and in accordance with the Schedule of Services set forth in Exhibit “B”
attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Consultant represents that it has the professional
and technical personnel required to perform the Services in conformance with such conditions. In order
to facilitate Consultant’s conformance with the Schedule, City shall respond to Consultant’s submittals in
a timely manner. Upon request of City, Consultant shall provide a more detailed schedule of anticipated
performance to meet the Schedule of Services.
3.2.3 Conformance to Applicable Requirements. All work prepared by Consultant shall
be subject to the approval of City.
3.2.4 Substitution of Key Personnel. Consultant has represented to City that certain
key personnel will perform and coordinate the Services under this Agreement. Should one or more of
such personnel become unavailable, Consultant may substitute other personnel of at least equal
competence upon written approval of City. In the event that City and Consultant cannot agree as to the
substitution of key personnel, City shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement for cause. As discussed
below, any personnel who fail or refuse to perform the Services in a manner acceptable to the City, or
who are determined by the City to be uncooperative, incompetent, a threat to the adequate or timely
completion of the Project or a threat to the safety of persons or property, shall be promptly removed from
the Project by the Consultant at the request of the City.
3.2.5 City’s Representative. The City hereby designates the City Manager, or his or
her designee, to act as its representative for the performance of this Agreement (“City’s Representative”).
City’s Representative shall have the power to act on behalf of the City for all purposes under this
Contract. Consultant shall not accept direction or orders from any person other than the City’s
Representative or his or her designee.
3.2.6 Consultant’s Representative. Consultant hereby designates Consultant Staff to
act as its representative for the performance of this Agreement (“Consultant’s Representative”).
Consultant’s Representative shall have full authority to represent and act on behalf of the Consultant for
all purposes under this Agreement. The Consultant’s Representative shall supervise and direct the
Services, using his/her best skill and attention, and shall be responsible for all means, methods,
techniques, sequences and procedures and for the satisfactory coordination of all portions of the Services
under this Agreement.
3.2.7 Coordination of Services. Consultant agrees to work closely with City staff in the
performance of Services and shall be available to City’s staff, consultants and other staff at all reasonable
times.
3.2.8 Standard of Care; Performance of Employees. Consultant shall perform all
Services under this Agreement in a skillful and competent manner, consistent with the standards
generally recognized as being employed by professionals in the same discipline in the State of California.
Consultant represents and maintains that it is skilled in the professional calling necessary to perform the
Services. Consultant warrants that all employees and subcontractors shall have sufficient skill and
experience to perform the Services assigned to them. Finally, Consultant represents that it, its
employees and subcontractors have all licenses, permits, qualifications and approvals of whatever nature
that are legally required to perform the Services, including a City Business License and certification(s)
and that such licenses, certifications and approvals shall be maintained throughout the term of this
Agreement. As provided for in the indemnification provisions of this Agreement, Consultant shall perform,
at its own cost and expense and without reimbursement from the City, any services necessary to correct
errors or omissions which are caused by the Consultant’s failure to comply with the standard of care
provided for herein. Any employee of the Consultant or its sub-consultants who is determined by the City
to be uncooperative, incompetent, a threat to the adequate or timely completion of the Project, a threat to
the safety of persons or property, or any employee who fails or refuses to perform the Services in a
manner acceptable to the City, shall be promptly removed from the Project by the Consultant and shall
not be re-employed to perform any of the Services or to work on the Project.
3.2.9 Laws and Regulations. Consultant shall keep itself fully informed of and in
compliance with all local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations in any manner affecting the
performance of the Project or the Services, including all Cal/OSHA requirements, and shall give all
notices required by law. Consultant shall be liable for all violations of such laws and regulations in
connection with Services. If the Consultant performs any work knowing it to be contrary to such laws,
rules and regulations and without giving written notice to the City, Consultant shall be solely responsible
for all costs arising therefrom. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold City, its officials, directors,
officers, employees and agents free and harmless, pursuant to the indemnification provisions of this
Agreement, from any claim or liability arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with such laws,
rules or regulations.
3.2.10 Insurance.
3.2.10.1 Time for Compliance. Consultant shall maintain prior to the
beginning of and for the direction of this Agreement insurance coverage as specified in “Exhibit D”
attached to and part of this agreement.
3.2.11 Safety. Contractor shall execute and maintain its work so as to avoid
injury or damage to any person or property. In carrying out its Services, the Contractor shall at all times
be in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and shall exercise
all necessary precautions for the safety of employees appropriate to the nature of the work and the
conditions under which the work is to be performed. Safety precautions as applicable shall include, but
shall not be limited to: (A) adequate life protection and life-saving equipment and procedures; (B)
instructions in accident prevention for all employees and subcontractors, such as safe walkways,
scaffolds, fall protection ladders, bridges, gang planks, confined space procedures, trenching and
shoring, equipment and other safety devices, equipment and wearing apparel as are necessary or
lawfully required to prevent accidents or injuries; and (C) adequate facilities for the proper inspection and
maintenance of all safety measures.
3.3 Fees and Payments.
3.3.1 Compensation. Total payment to Consultant shall not exceed Consultant’s
Proposal which is hereby incorporated and found in Exhibit “B.” Extra Work may be authorized, as
described below, and if authorized, will be compensated at the rates and manner set forth in this
Agreement.
3.3.2 Payment of Compensation. City agrees to compensate Consultant for services
under this Agreement in compliance with the schedule set forth in this Agreement. Payment will be made
only after submission of proper monthly invoices in the form and manner specified by City. City shall
endeavor to pay invoices bearing correct and authorized charges within 30-days of the date they are
received; however, Consultant acknowledges and agrees that due to City warrant run procedures, the City
cannot guarantee that payment will occur within this time period. City shall not be responsible to Consultant
for any additional charges, interest or penalties due to a failure to pay within such period.
3.3.3 Reimbursement for Expenses. Consultant shall not be reimbursed for any
expenses unless authorized in writing by City.
3.3.4 Extra Work. At any time during the term of this Agreement, City may request that
Consultant perform Extra Work. As used herein, “Extra Work” means any work which is determined by
City to be necessary for the proper completion of the Project, but which the parties did not reasonably
anticipate would be necessary at the execution of this Agreement. Consultant shall not perform, nor be
compensated for, Extra Work without written authorization from City’s Representative.
3.3.5 Prevailing Wages. Consultant is aware of the requirements of California Labor
Code Section 1720, et seq., and 1770, et seq., as well as California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section
1600, et seq., (“Prevailing Wage Laws”), which require the payment of prevailing wage rates and the
performance of other requirements on “public works” and “maintenance” projects. If the Services are
being performed as part of an applicable “public works” or “maintenance” project, as defined by the
Prevailing Wage Laws, and if the total compensation is $1,000 or more, Consultant agrees to fully comply
with such Prevailing Wage Laws. City shall provide Consultant with a copy of the prevailing rates of per
diem wages in effect at the commencement of this Agreement. Consultant shall make copies of the
prevailing rates of per diem wages for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to execute the
Services available to interested parties upon request, and shall post copies at the Consultant’s principal
place of business and at the project site. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its elected
officials, officers, employees and agents free and harmless from any claim or liability arising out of any
failure or alleged failure to comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws.
3.4 Accounting Records.
3.4.1 Maintenance and Inspection. Consultant shall maintain complete and accurate
records with respect to all costs and expenses incurred under this Agreement. All such records shall be
clearly identifiable. Consultant shall allow a representative of City during normal business hours to
examine, audit, and make transcripts or copies of such records and any other documents created
pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall allow inspection of all work, data, documents, proceedings,
and activities related to the Agreement for a period of three (3) years from the date of final payment under
this Agreement.
3.5 General Provisions.
3.5.1 Termination of Agreement.
3.5.1.1 Grounds for Termination. City may, by written notice to Consultant,
terminate the whole or any part of this Agreement at any time and without cause by giving written notice
to Consultant of such termination, and specifying the effective date thereof, at thirty (30) days before the
effective date of such termination. Consultant may not terminate this Agreement except for cause.
3.5.1.2 Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated as provided
herein, City may require Consultant to provide all finished or unfinished Documents and Data and other
information of any kind prepared by Consultant in connection with the performance of Services under this
Agreement. Consultant shall be required to provide such document and other information within seven
(7) calendar days of the request.
3.5.1.3 Additional Services. In the event this Agreement is terminated in whole
or in part as provided herein, City may procure, upon such terms and in such manner as it may determine
appropriate, services similar to those terminated.
3.5.2 Delivery of Notices. All notices permitted or required under this Agreement shall
be given to the respective parties at the following address, or at such other address as the respective
parties may provide in writing for this purpose:
CONSULTANT:
Consultant
CITY:
City of Rosemead
P.O. Box 399
Rosemead, CA 91770
Attn: City Clerk’s Office
Such notice shall be deemed made when personally delivered or when mailed,
forty-eight (48) hours after deposit in the U.S. Mail, first class postage prepaid and addressed to the party
at its applicable address. Actual notice shall be deemed adequate notice on the date actual notice
occurred, regardless of the method of service.
3.5.3 Ownership of Materials and Confidentiality.
3.5.3.1 Documents & Data; Licensing of Intellectual Property. This Agreement
creates a non-exclusive and perpetual license for City to copy, use, modify, reuse, or sublicense any and
all copyrights, designs, and other intellectual property embodied in plans, specifications, studies,
drawings, estimates, and other documents or works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of
expression, including but not limited to, physical drawings or data magnetically or otherwise recorded on
computer diskettes, which are prepared or caused to be prepared by Consultant under this Agreement
(“Documents & Data”). Consultant shall require all subcontractors to agree in writing that City is granted a
non-exclusive and perpetual license for any Documents & Data the subcontractor prepares under this
Agreement. Consultant represents and warrants that Consultant has the legal right to license any and all
Documents & Data. Consultant makes no such representation and warranty in regard to Documents &
Data which were prepared by design professionals other than Consultant or provided to Consultant by the
City. City shall not be limited in any way in its use of the Documents and Data at any time, provided that
any such use not within the purposes intended by this Agreement shall be at City’s sole risk.
All reports, documents or other written material developed by Consultant in the performance of this
Agreement shall be and remain the property of City without restriction or limitation upon its use or
dissemination by City. Such material shall not be the subject of a copyright application by Consultant.
3.5.3.2 Confidentiality. All ideas, memoranda, specifications, plans, procedures,
drawings, descriptions, computer program data, input record data, written information, and other
Documents and Data either created by or provided to Consultant in connection with the performance of
this Agreement shall be held confidential by Consultant. Such materials shall not, without the prior written
consent of City, be used by Consultant for any purposes other than the performance of the Services. Nor
shall such materials be disclosed to any person or entity not connected with the performance of the
Services or the Project. Nothing furnished to Consultant which is otherwise known to Consultant or is
generally known, or has become known, to the related industry shall be deemed confidential. Consultant
shall not use City’s name or insignia, photographs of the Project, or any publicity pertaining to the
Services or the Project in any magazine, trade paper, newspaper, television or radio production or other
similar medium without the prior written consent of City.
3.5.4 Cooperation; Further Acts. The Parties shall fully cooperate with one another,
and shall take any additional acts or sign any additional documents as may be necessary, appropriate or
convenient to attain the purposes of this Agreement.
3.5.5 Attorney’s Fees. If either party commences an action against the other party,
either legal, administrative or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing
party in such litigation shall be entitled to have and recover from the losing party reasonable attorney’s
fees and all other costs of such action.
3.5.6 Indemnification. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its
officials, officers, employees, volunteers and agents free and harmless from any and all claims, demands,
causes of action, costs, expenses, liability, loss, damage or injury, in law or equity, to property or persons,
including wrongful death, in any manner arising out of or incident to any alleged acts, omissions or willful
misconduct of Consultant, its officials, officers, employees, agents, consultants and contractors arising
out of or in connection with the performance of the Services, the Project or this Agreement, including
without limitation the payment of all consequential damages and attorney’s fees and other related costs
and expenses. Consultant shall defend, at Consultant’s own cost, expense and risk, any and all such
aforesaid suits, actions or other legal proceedings of every kind that may be brought or instituted against
City, its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers. Consultant shall pay and satisfy
any judgment, award or decree that may be rendered against City or its directors, officials, officers,
employees, agents or volunteers, in any such suit, action or other legal proceeding. Consultant shall
reimburse City and its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents and/or volunteers, for any and all
legal expenses and costs incurred by each of them in connection therewith or in enforcing the indemnity
herein provided. Consultant’s obligation to indemnify shall not be restricted to insurance proceeds, if any,
received by the City, its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers
3.5.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire Agreement of the parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings or
agreements. This Agreement may only be modified by a writing signed by both parties.
3.5.8 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
California. Venue shall be in Los Angeles County.
3.5.9 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence for each and every provision of this
Agreement.
3.5.10 City’s Right to Employ Other Consultants. City reserves right to employ other
consultants in connection with this Project.
3.5.11 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding on the successors
and assigns of the parties.
3.5.12 Assignment or Transfer. Consultant shall not assign, hypothecate, or transfer,
either directly or by operation of law, this Agreement or any interest herein without the prior written
consent of the City. Any attempt to do so shall be null and void, and any assignees, hypothecates or
transferees shall acquire no right or interest by reason of such attempted assignment, hypothecation or
transfer.
3.5.13 Construction; References; Captions. Since the Parties or their agents have
participated fully in the preparation of this Agreement, the language of this Agreement shall be construed
simply, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any Party. Any term referencing time,
days or period for performance shall be deemed calendar days and not work days. All references to
Consultant include all personnel, employees, agents, and subcontractors of Consultant, except as
otherwise specified in this Agreement. All references to City include its elected officials, officers,
employees, agents, and volunteers except as otherwise specified in this Agreement. The captions of the
various articles and paragraphs are for convenience and ease of reference only, and do not define, limit,
augment, or describe the scope, content, or intent of this Agreement.
3.5.14 Amendment; Modification. No supplement, modification, or amendment of this
Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing and signed by both Parties.
3.5.15 Waiver. No waiver of any default shall constitute a waiver of any other default or
breach, whether of the same or other covenant or condition. No waiver, benefit, privilege, or service
voluntarily given or performed by a Party shall give the other Party any contractual rights by custom,
estoppel, or otherwise.
3.5.16 No Third Party Beneficiaries. There are no intended third party beneficiaries of
any right or obligation assumed by the Parties.
3.5.17 Invalidity; Severability. If any portion of this Agreement is declared invalid, illegal,
or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in
full force and effect.
3.5.18 Prohibited Interests. Consultant maintains and warrants that it has not employed
nor retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Consultant, to
solicit or secure this Agreement. Further, Consultant warrants that it has not paid nor has it agreed to pay
any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Consultant, any fee,
commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the
award or making of this Agreement. Consultant further agrees to file, or shall cause its employees or
subconsultants to file, a Statement of Economic Interest with the City’s Filing Officer as required under
state law in the performance of the Services. For breach or violation of this warranty, City shall have the
right to rescind this Agreement without liability. For the term of this Agreement, no member, officer or
employee of City, during the term of his or her service with City, shall have any direct interest in this
Agreement, or obtain any present or anticipated material benefit arising therefrom.
3.5.19 Equal Opportunity Employment. Consultant represents that it is an equal
opportunity employer and it shall not discriminate against any subcontractor, employee or applicant for
employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, handicap, ancestry, sex or age. Such non-
discrimination shall include, but not be limited to, all activities related to initial employment, upgrading,
demotion, transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination. Consultant shall also
comply with all relevant provisions of City’s Minority Business Enterprise program, Affirmative Action Plan
or other related programs or guidelines currently in effect or hereinafter enacted.
3.5.20 Labor Certification. By its signature hereunder, Consultant certifies that it is
aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the California Labor Code which require every employer to be
insured against liability for Worker’s Compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the
provisions of that Code, and agrees to comply with such provisions before commencing the performance
of the Services.
3.5.21 Authority to Enter Agreement. Consultant has all requisite power and authority to
conduct its business and to execute, deliver, and perform the Agreement. Each Party warrants that the
individuals who have signed this Agreement have the legal power, right, and authority to make this
Agreement and bind each respective Party.
3.5.22 Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which
shall constitute an original.
3.6 Subcontracting.
3.6.1 Prior Approval Required. Consultant shall not subcontract any portion of the
work required by this Agreement, except as expressly stated herein, without prior written approval of City.
Subcontracts, if any, shall contain a provision making them subject to all provisions stipulated in this
Agreement.
[signatures on next page]
CITY OF ROSEMEAD CONSULTANT
By: By:
Gloria Molleda, City Manager
Name:
Attest:
Title:
Ericka Hernandez, City Clerk
Approved as to Form:
Rachel Richman, City Attorney
EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
EXHIBIT B
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
EXHIBIT C
COMPENSATION
EXHIBIT D
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Prior to the beginning of and throughout the duration of the Work, Consultant will maintain insurance in
conformance with the requirements set forth below. Consultant will use existing coverage to comply with
these requirements. If that existing coverage does not meet the requirements set forth here, Consultant
agrees to amend, supplement or endorse the existing coverage to do so. Consultant acknowledges that
the insurance coverage and policy limits set forth in this section constitute the minimum amount of
coverage required. Any insurance proceeds available to City in excess of the limits and coverage required
in this agreement and which is applicable to a given loss, will be available to City.
Consultant shall provide the following types and amounts of insurance:
Commercial General Liability Insurance using Insurance Services Office “Commercial General Liability”
policy form CG 00 01 or the exact equivalent. Defense costs must be paid in addition to limits. There shall
be no cross liability exclusion for claims or suits by one insured against another. Limits are subject to
review but in no event less than $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Business Auto Coverage on ISO Business Auto Coverage form CA 00 01 including symbol 1 (Any Auto)
or the exact equivalent. Limits are subject to review, but in no event to be less than $1,000,000 per
accident. If Consultant owns no vehicles, this requirement may be satisfied by a non-owned auto
endorsement to the general liability policy described above. If Consultant or Consultant’s employees will
use personal autos in any way on this project, Consultant shall provide evidence of personal auto liability
coverage for each such person.
Workers Compensation on a state-approved policy form providing statutory benefits as required by law
with employer’s liability limits no less than $1,000,000 per accident or disease.
Professional Liability or Errors and Omissions Insurance as appropriate shall be written on a policy form
coverage specifically designed to protect against acts, errors or omissions of the consultant and “Covered
Professional Services” as designated in the policy must specifically include work performed under this
agreement. The policy limit shall be no less than $1,000,000 per claim and in the aggregate. The policy
must “pay on behalf of” the insured and must include a provision establishing the insurer’s duty to defend.
The policy retroactive date shall be on or before the effective date of this agreement.
Insurance procured pursuant to these requirements shall be written by insurers that are admitted carriers
in the state of California and with an A.M. Bests rating of A- or better and a minimum financial size VII.
General conditions pertaining to provision of insurance coverage by Consultant. Consultant and City
agree to the following with respect to insurance provided by Consultant:
1. Consultant agrees to have its insurer endorse the third party general liability coverage required
herein to include as additional insureds City, its officials, employees and agents, using standard
ISO endorsement No. CG 2010 with an edition prior to 1992. Consultant also agrees to require all
contractors, and subcontractors to do likewise.
2. No liability insurance coverage provided to comply with this Agreement shall prohibit Consultant,
or Consultant’s employees, or agents, from waiving the right of subrogation prior to a loss.
Consultant agrees to waive subrogation rights against City regardless of the applicability of any
insurance proceeds, and to require all contractors and subcontractors to do likewise.
3. All insurance coverage and limits provided by Contractor and available or applicable to this
agreement are intended to apply to the full extent of the policies. Nothing contained in this
Agreement or any other agreement relating to the City or its operations limits the application of
such insurance coverage.
4. None of the coverages required herein will be in compliance with these requirements if they
include any limiting endorsement of any kind that has not been first submitted to City and
approved of in writing.
5. No liability policy shall contain any provision or definition that would serve to eliminate so-called
“third party action over” claims, including any exclusion for bodily injury to an employee of the
insured or of any contractor or subcontractor.
6. All coverage types and limits required are subject to approval, modification and additional
requirements by the City, as the need arises. Consultant shall not make any reductions in scope
of coverage (e.g. elimination of contractual liability or reduction of discovery period) that may
affect City’s protection without City’s prior written consent.
7. Proof of compliance with these insurance requirements, consisting of certificates of insurance
evidencing all of the coverages required and an additional insured endorsement to Consultant’s
general liability policy, shall be delivered to City at or prior to the execution of this Agreement. In
the event such proof of any insurance is not delivered as required, or in the event such insurance
is canceled at any time and no replacement coverage is provided, City has the right, but not the
duty, to obtain any insurance it deems necessary to protect its interests under this or any other
agreement and to pay the premium. Any premium so paid by City shall be charged to and
promptly paid by Consultant or deducted from sums due Consultant, at City option.
8. Certificate(s) are to reflect that the insurer will provide 30 days’ notice to City of any cancellation
of coverage. Consultant agrees to require its insurer to modify such certificates to delete any
exculpatory wording stating that failure of the insurer to mail written notice of cancellation
imposes no obligation, or that any party will “endeavor” (as opposed to being required) to comply
with the requirements of the certificate.
9. It is acknowledged by the parties of this agreement that all insurance coverage required to be
provided by Consultant or any subcontractor, is intended to apply first and on a primary,
noncontributing basis in relation to any other insurance or self-insurance available to City.
10. Consultant agrees to ensure that subcontractors, and any other party involved with the project
who is brought onto or involved in the project by Consultant, provide the same minimum
insurance coverage required of Consultant. Consultant agrees to monitor and review all such
coverage and assumes all responsibility for ensuring that such coverage is provided in conformity
with the requirements of this section. Consultant agrees that upon request, all agreements with
subcontractors and others engaged in the project will be submitted to City for review.
11. Consultant agrees not to self-insure or to use any self-insured retentions or deductibles on any
portion of the insurance required herein and further agrees that it will not allow any contractor,
subcontractor, Architect, Engineer or other entity or person in any way involved in the
performance of work on the project contemplated by this agreement to self-insure its obligations
to City. If Consultant’s existing coverage includes a deductible or self-insured retention, the
deductible or self-insured retention must be declared to the City. At that time the City shall review
options with the Consultant, which may include reduction or elimination of the deductible or self-
insured retention, substitution of other coverage, or other solutions.
12. The City reserves the right at any time during the term of the contract to change the amounts and
types of insurance required by giving the Consultant ninety (90) days advance written notice of
such change. If such change results in substantial additional cost to the Consultant, the City will
negotiate additional compensation proportional to the increased benefit to City.
13. For purposes of applying insurance coverage only, this Agreement will be deemed to have been
executed immediately upon any party hereto taking any steps that can be deemed to be in
furtherance of or towards performance of this Agreement.
14. Consultant acknowledges and agrees that any actual or alleged failure on the part of City to
inform Consultant of non-compliance with any insurance requirement in no way imposes any
additional obligations on City nor does it waive any rights hereunder in this or any other regard.
15. Consultant will renew the required coverage annually as long as City, or its employees or agents
face an exposure from operations of any type pursuant to this agreement. This obligation applies
whether or not the agreement is canceled or terminated for any reason. Termination of this
obligation is not effective until City executes a written statement to that effect.
16. Consultant shall provide proof that policies of insurance required herein expiring during the term
of this Agreement have been renewed or replaced with other policies providing at least the same
coverage. Proof that such coverage has been ordered shall be submitted prior to expiration. A
coverage binder or letter from Consultant’s insurance agent to this effect is acceptable. A
certificate of insurance and/or additional insured endorsement as required in these specifications
applicable to the renewing or new coverage must be provided to City within five days of the
expiration of the coverages.
17. The provisions of any workers’ compensation or similar act will not limit the obligations of
Consultant under this agreement. Consultant expressly agrees not to use any statutory immunity
defenses under such laws with respect to City, its employees, officials and agents.
18. Requirements of specific coverage features or limits contained in this section are not intended as
limitations on coverage, limits or other requirements nor as a waiver of any coverage normally
provided by any given policy. Specific reference to a given coverage feature is for purposes of
clarification only as it pertains to a given issue, and is not intended by any party or insured to be
limiting or all-inclusive.
19. These insurance requirements are intended to be separate and distinct from any other provision
in this agreement and are intended by the parties here to be interpreted as such.
20. The requirements in this Section supersede all other sections and provisions of this Agreement to
the extent that any other section or provision conflicts with or impairs the provisions of this
Section.
21. Consultant agrees to be responsible for ensuring that no contract used by any party involved in
any way with the project reserves the right to charge City or Consultant for the cost of additional
insurance coverage required by this agreement. Any such provisions are to be deleted with
reference to City. It is not the intent of City to reimburse any third party for the cost of complying
with these requirements. There shall be no recourse against City for payment of premiums or
other amounts with respect thereto.
Consultant agrees to provide immediate notice to City of any claim or loss against Consultant arising out
of the work performed under this agreement. City assumes no obligation or liability by such notice, but
has the right (but not the duty) to monitor the handling of any such claim or claims if they are likely to
involve City.
Attachment B
Proposal from Michael Baker International
Attachment C
Proposal from Avant Garde
City of Rosemead
Professional Services for Administration of
HOME/CDBG Programs to the Community
Development Department Proposals
October 22, 2018
1
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Table of contents
Section 1. INtroduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2
Section 2. General Scope of Work ................................................................................................................. 4
Section 3. Approach to Requested Services ..................................................................................... 8
Section 4. Estimated SChedule ............................................................................................................................. 27
Section 5. Program Team & Management ......................................................................................... 29
Section 6. Prior Experience...................................................................................................................................... 47
Section 7. References ....................................................................................................................................................... 62
Section 8. Cost Proposal ............................................................................................................................................ 63
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Section 1. Introduction
AVANT-GARDE was incorporated in September 2002 and our corporate office from
which services will be provided is located at 3670 W. Temple Avenue, Suite 278,
Pomona, CA 91768. ADVANCED AVANT-GARDE CORPORATION dba AVANT-GARDE is a
100% woman-owned California Corporation and is a certified minority business
enterprise, women business enterprise, disadvantaged business enterprise and small
business enterprise (MBE, WBE, DBE, SBE).
Our team of twelve has built a strong reputation for providing innovative and successful
solutions for a number of public agencies. We have a successful track record in your
City and several municipalities, including the Cities of Montebello, Bellflower, Temple
City, Moreno Valley, Pasadena, Industry, La Mirada, Alhambra, Pico Rivera, Hawaiian
Gardens, South El Monte, Lynwood, El Monte, San Gabriel, La Puente, Bell Gardens,
South Gate, Cudahy, Maywood, Perris and Los Angeles County METRO. We offer the
talents of some of the most skilled compliance managers, grant writers, fund
administrators and program managers in the industry, providing clients with innovative
and cost-effective solutions on a wide variety of projects.
AVANT-GARDE has had the privilege of working for the City of Rosemead over the past
few years. During this time, our Team has worked closely with City staff in a variety of
capacities including grant writing and funding administration and has successfully
secured over $2.8 million in grant funding for the City. Our familiarity and experience
with the City of Rosemead establishes our solid working knowledge of the community,
processes and institutions which make us uniquely qualified to assist the City and serve
the community.
Our years of practice have resulted in a solid foundation of experience and technical
expertise and a dedication to integrity, excellence, and quality. We are proud of our
strong reputation in meeting aggressive schedules and our ability to multi-task to
provide our clients specialized attention and service. Services offered by our firm
include:
• Grant Writing and Administration
• Program Management
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
• Funding Administration
• Compliance Management including Labor Compliance
• Construction Coordination (Bid development, analysis, etc.)
• Community Outreach
AVANT-GARDE specializes in government funding and grant sources with requirements
ranging from basic applications and documentation to competitive project submittals.
Our team has been instrumental in securing and managing millions of dollars for
southern California projects. We assist our clients in identifying federal and state fund
allocation balances, assist in determining eligible projects, provide advisement of
program requirements and are available to prepare and administer the program as
required by the funding agencies. Additionally, our team provides administrative
responsibilities such as assistance with the preparation and monitoring of operating
budgets and Capital Improvement Program budget. AVANT-GARDE analyzes the
agency’s needs and prepares, recommends and administers long-and-short range
programs consistent with the economic capabilities of the agency, including
information vital to the preparation of the annual budget for the agency. Our team
researches grants, submits applications, and continually works with various funding
agencies in completing State and Federal forms to ensure that our clients follow grant
and funding requirements. To date, AVANT-GARDE has successfully secured over $113
million in competitive grant funds for southern California agencies.
Avant-Garde is currently providing the services requested in this RFP to several cities in
Southern California, including Montebello, Bellflower, Lynwood, El Monte, Cudahy,
South Gate, and Moreno Valley. Most agencies we serve have a long-standing
relationship with us and trust our Team to provide these services on upcoming projects.
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Section 2. General Scope of work
It is our understanding that the City of Rosemead is seeking a highly qualified
consultant to provide administration and technical services for the implementation
of the City’s CDBG and HOME Programs. Pursuant to the Request for Proposals (RFP)
Avant-Garde is committed to providing the scope of services outlined in the RFP which
includes but is not limited to the following:
1. Under general direction from the Director of Community Development and in
coordination with the Housing Coordinator Staff, be responsible for the timely
preparation and processing through HUD of all the documents related to the
CDBG and HOME Programs including loan and grant applications, plans,
programmatic and fiscal reports.
2. Be responsible for data gathering and analysis; public outreach and hearings;
evaluating the design and implementation of all grant-supported programs and
activities; preparing pertinent policy recommendations; and implementing
programmatic activities as needed.
In addition, based on our experience it is anticipated that the following items will also
be required:
1. Housing Rehabilitation Services:
a. Administer and implement the City’s funded Housing Rehabilitation programs
which includes:
i. Collecting data and preparing necessary reports for the City and HUD.
ii. Ensure all required documentation is present in client files, e.g.
historical review and lead based paint notification.
b. Review of income documentation.
c. Meet with applicants, review and approve program participation.
d. Perform initial field inspection of properties for which rehabilitation assistance
is requested.
e. Prepare written inspection reports and cost estimates connected with the
above inspection.
f. Prepare loan document and/or document for approval of grants or rebates.
g. Conduct bid process procedures, review of bids, selection of contractors,
and staff, as appropriate.
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
h. Arrange pre-construction meetings with contractors, property owners, and
staff, as appropriate.
i. Conduct progress inspections and recommend approval of progress
payments.
j. Conduct final inspection.
k. Provide progress and/or activity reports and complete projects in a timely
manner.
2. Ongoing Administration of HUD programs
a. Prepare Environmental Reviews (up to level of Environmental Assessment) for
all activities;
b. Prepare agreements, including sub-recipient agreements, MOUs and housing
agreements;
c. Assist in department budget preparation;
d. Financial management responsibilities, including preparing draw requests;
e. Contract administration and monitoring of sub-recipients and housing
projects.
f. Coordinate with City staff to gather all necessary documentation for HUD
program monitoring and audit preparation.
g. Provide CDBG financial management assistance.
h. Act as City’s liaison and representative to facilitate communication between
the City and HUD as well as represent the City at community meetings, City
Council, meetings with staff, or workshops as needed or directed.
i. Ensure administration and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and
local laws, rules, regulations, and policies including national objectives as
required by HUD.
j. Maintain case files including but not limited to application and
documentation of eligibility, work write-ups, documents on all necessary
licenses and permits, site visit/inspection reports, invoices for payment.
Maintain these and other program and financial records in accordance with
CDBG record keeping requirements as specified.
3. Maintain Project Filing System and Documentation Checklists.
4. Respond to public inquiries regarding HUD programs.
5. Respond to HUD letters and/or memorandums as needed.
6. Program Evaluation Report: provide City staff with a comprehensive evaluation
report on the City’s compliance with HUD regulations. Report will include the
status of all City programs, any lapses in program implementation, and
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
recommendations for ensuring compliance with HUD requirements. This report
will be presented to staff within 90 days of Agreement commencement.
7. Technical assistance to update and/or amend and to obtain HUD approval of
Consolidated Plan, Action Plan, Citizen Participation Plan, Consolidated Annual
Performance and Evaluation Report, and other applicable planning,
participation, and reporting documents as required by HUD.
8. Technical assistance in the review of private-public partnerships, site and
neighborhood standards, income determinations, and similar program criteria.
9. Technical assistance with updating the Rosemead Housing and Grants Policies
and Procedures as needed.
10. Determining eligible and ineligible CDBG and HOME activities such as eligible
project cost, eligible administrative and planning cost, and similar program
criteria.
11. Provide technical assistance in evaluating affordable housing projects, including
maximum subsidy per unit, underwriting requirements, and subsidy layering.
12. Technical assistance on other federal requirements including: affirmative
marketing, minority outreach, environmental review, displacement, relocation,
acquisition, opportunity, disclosure requirements, debarred, suspended, or
ineligible contractors, and drug-free work place.
13. Program Administration Support: CDBG, HOME, and ESG agreements, program
Integrated Disbursement Information System (IDIS), program income, inspections,
audit, close-out, record-keeping, and performance reports.
14. Prepare all required HUD reports such as the Annual Action Plan and CAPER.
15. Attend necessary City Council and/or Public Hearings and respond to HUD
follow-up questions needed to receive necessary HUD approvals.
16. Update and maintain the City’s project and activity information provided to
HUD’s mainframe IDIS system.
17. Train City Staff on IDIS and HUD regulations and requirements as needed.
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
18. Gather available and necessary documents for HUD audits, and prepare the
follow-up correspondence.
19. Technical expertise in responding to any HUD audit findings and/or concerns,
take corrective actions, answer questions, and follow up with any other
information as requested and/or needed.
20. Provide a high standard of care and support to internal customers (such as City
elected officials and staff) and external customers (such as residents, business
owners, contractors, developer and staff from municipal, state and federal
agencies). Hold a combination of 10 office hours at City Hall and 20 remote
hours per week.
21. Day-to-day administration, consultation, and coordination with HUD; advise staff
of federal and state program compliance issues; prepare amendments to
Consolidated Plan; recommend approval of HUD allowed expenditures;
recommend updates for housing rehabilitation program and other programs’
brochures, forms, and other reference material.
22. Assist staff with Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO)
outreach.
23. Oversee labor standards compliance including preparation of notices, bid
documents, review of weekly certified payrolls, employee interviews, verification
of contractor licensing and debarred status, review bonding, conduct pre-
construction conference, issue notice of award and notice to proceed, oversee
payments to contractors, approve change orders, and issue notice of
completion.
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Section 3. Approach to Requested Services
Our years of practice in providing the same services as outlined in the RFP in other cities
has provided us the ability to customize program documents and forms to ensure the
smooth operation of the CDBG and HOME Programs.
Avant-Garde has had the privilege of working for municipalities for over twelve years.
During this time, our Team has worked closely with City staff in a variety of capacities
providing State and Federal funding compliance services on housing projects and
programs and public works capital projects including community outreach, assisting in
the preparation of grant applications, assisting with the preparation of fiscal budgets,
and assisting with HOME and CDBG administration. Our familiarity and experience with
the municipal government establishes our solid working knowledge of the community,
processes and institutions which make us uniquely qualified to assist the City and serve
the community. Our Team has been extremely successful in helping cities effectively
and efficiently run programs. We work diligently to identify the strengths and
weaknesses in currently established programs.
Value added service
The most immediate value that we will add to the City of Rosemead is the exponential
extension of Avant-Garde staff. It is our preferred style to become an extension of the
City by combining resources and providing the added ability to take on projects from
beginning analysis and strategic planning through implementation. We can call upon
the skills of the professionals in our organization to fill in where the City may not have
available staff or expertise. While the City staff is engaged in day-to-day operations, our
staff has the capacity to evaluate and manage development projects on behalf of the
City. Additionally, we share our insights and professional expertise, as well as best
practices which we have applied successfully, with staff in the manner of in-house
training.
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
CDBG AND HUD ADMINISTRATION
EVALUATION OF THE CURRENT CDBG AND HUD PROGRAM
Avant-Garde will review and evaluate the current program. We will conduct an
evaluation of the existing program and ensure that program guidelines are established
as required by HUD. Avant-Garde will also evaluate the overall performance of the
CDBG and HOME funded programs and activities. We will make recommendations
based on our analysis and advise on corrective actions and/or formulate new
program/projects to meet community development needs.
COORDINATION WITH HUD
Avant-Garde will serve as the City’s liaison with HUD. We will provide HUD with the
required input for the consolidated plan. Avant-Garde will collect the necessary
documents to submit to HUD for review and comment. The content and form of these
documents will be evaluated pursuant to the regulations of HUD and achievement of
the City of Rosemead’s goals and objectives.
We will participate in HUD project and program monitoring reviews and participate in
the Single Audit review of HOME and CDBG activities. Agenda reports will be prepared
for City Council meetings relating to program activities as needed. As requested by City
staff, Avant-Garde will attend Council Meetings and make presentations related to
program activities.
FISCAL REPORTING
Avant-Garde will prepare and submit to HUD all required fiscal and programmatic
reports. This includes collection of data for submission of quarterly grantee performance
reports, Semi-Annual Labor Standards Enforcement reports and Contract and
Subcontract Activity Reports as well as preparation and submittal of all other required
HUD submissions for the program year. Avant-Garde will also prepare all required
Planning Summaries, Environmental Service Request (ESR) forms, etc. for the CDBG
program and submit them to HUD by the required deadlines. We will also monitor
project implementation, progress, and expenditures. Avant-Garde will review financial
summaries to ensure conformity with project accomplishments. In addition, we will
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
coordinate with the Finance Department and other departments as necessary to
ensure that a process is set up for monitoring and tracking of all program expenditures.
PROGRAM MONITORING
Avant-Garde will monitor procurement procedures. We will also monitor and report
program income. We will ensure that environmental procedures are followed for CDBG
funded programs and or projects. In addition, procurement procedures will be
established and monitored for awarded project contracts funded with CDBG funds. This
includes coordination with HUD and submission of required documents. Avant-Garde
will comply with all HUD established guidelines and procedures.
PUBLIC SERVICES GRANT PROCESSING
Avant-Garde will assist the City in all activities related to Public Service Grant
Processing. Activities will include the following:
• Review and evaluate funding applications by Sub-Grantees
• Prepare and administer Public Service grant contracts.
• Ensure that all City required documents are submitted prior to funding (i.e. executed
contracts, purchase requisitions, City approved insurance, and expenditure back-up
documentation.
• Monitor sub-grantees programmatic and fiscal performance.
• Provide technical assistance to sub-grantees to ensure that they follow established
guidelines and procedures.
LABOR COMPLIANCE AND SECTION 3 MONITORING
Avant-Garde is also available to provide the following services for construction projects
that require Labor Compliance and Section 3 monitoring:
• Review of the Specifications to ensure compliance.
• Review documents submitted by contractors following the bid opening.
• Prepare and submit documents following award of contract.
• Attend the Pre-bid meeting and Pre-construction meeting.
• Conduct final file review for project closeout.
• Set up and maintain Labor Standards Enforcement Files.
• Review City’s and Contractor’s procurement procedures according to federal
regulation and advise on corrective actions if required.
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
• Review Contractor’s compliance with all State and Federal required postings such
as the prevailing wage rates and EEO policies as well as the Contractor’s
Compliance with Section 3.
• Conduct Employee Field Interviews to confirm worker classification and wage rate
of the project workforce conforms to the applicable Davis-Bacon Wage Decision.
• Reconcile Weekly Certified Payroll Reports (CPR) & Supporting Documentation with
wage decision and employee field interviews. Perform continuous and timely
monitoring reviews of CPRs and related submissions for compliance.
• Identify violations and investigate complaints of underpayment to workers. Submit
and file all required forms to appropriate parties. In the event any labor violations
are reported and investigations confirm the violations, prepare investigative reports
and backup. Violations will be reported and discussed with the City prior to
reporting to the Department of Industrial Relations and any other agencies required
by Federal or State Laws and Regulations.
• Identify labor deficiencies and prepare letters of findings. Notify the prime
contractor in writing of any labor discrepancies or suspected violations and define
the corrective actions to be taken. Final resolutions will be documented.
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
HOUSING REHABILITATION SERVICES
AVANT-GARDE is committed to providing the following technical assistance and
administrative services for the City’s housing rehabilitation program.
A. Ongoing program coordination with City staff.
• Intake/Assessment of Eligibility:
Make initial eligibility determination
of applicants based on established
City program eligibility criteria and
HUD income guidelines and the
apparent need for rehabilitation
measures to correct relevant
housing code or Housing Quality
Standard (HQS) deficiencies.
▪ Property Inspection: Perform site
visits to ascertain that approved
and contracted/applicable
rehabilitation work is proceeding
properly and satisfactorily, will
authorize (with the homeowner’s
written approval, including signature and date) appropriate change orders, and will
mediate in the event of owner dissatisfaction with the work done by the contractor.
The initial property inspection takes place following Consultant’s determination of
applicant and property eligibility to determine rehabilitation needs for the purpose
of the funding recommendation, environmental review and whether or not
hazardous materials testing will be necessary.
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
▪ Subsequent inspections take place during the construction phase to verify
compliance with contract specifications in order to validate the release of funds
from escrow to the contractor. Consultant and the owner will conduct the final
inspection upon completion of all work items. Inspections will schedule during the
rehabilitation process.
▪ Work Write-Ups: For each eligible unit to be assisted, Consultant will complete a
detailed Work Description and Bid Proposal that details the rehabilitation work to be
performed, including estimated costs of each activity, materials to be used, and
industry or regulatory standards to be met. This write-up will be signed and dated
upon approval by the homeowner.
▪ Solicitation and Selection of Contractors: Assist approved homeowners in the
identification, proper solicitation, and selection of contractors qualified to perform
the authorized rehabilitation of eligible housing units in accordance with the
requirements of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME
Investment Partnerships Act programs. Consultant will review work
orders/contracts/agreements that homeowners will sign in contracting with
contractors, and Consultant will assist homeowners in ensuring the description of the
work contained in any contracts/agreements/work orders with contractors is as
accurate as possible.
▪ Loan Underwriting: Order Policy of Insurance of Record Title (PIRT) to determine the
lien structure and how title is held, as well as property appraisals to determine the
estimated post-rehabilitation value on units to be assisted with HOME funds.
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Consultant will also prepare Loan Review Committee (LRC) Report and LRC Agenda
& Determination Forms as well as schedule and conduct LRC meetings.
▪ Loan Document Execution: Facilitate the execution of loan documents by the owner
and City staff at City offices or at the unit to be assisted. In addition, Consultant shall
prepare construction contract and escrow account control instructions; arrange for
the City to fund the escrow account and submit Deed of Trust and Request for
Notice to title company for recordation following the three (3)-business day
cancellation period.
▪ Approval of Contractor
Payments: As rehabilitation
progresses and as invoices are
submitted by contractors,
Consultant will verify that the
expenses are reasonable and
the work has been completed
properly (including sign-off by
the owner), and will submit to
City the applicable form(s)
executed by consultant and
property owner indicating that
the work has been completed
and it is satisfactory. This will be
City’s verification of
Consultant approval of
contractor payment(s). Major
tasks will require approval from
the City before the Consultant can proceed with work prior to signing a contractor
contract.
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
▪ Coordinate with City Staff on invoices, general administrative issues: Our staff will
work closely with the City’s program manager and the City’s finance department to
ensure that all project costs are tracked, paid and reimbursed by CDC.
▪ Provide public information at the direction of the City: Our Program Managers are
well versed in ensuring that the community is aware of the programs available
through the City. If the program needs to be promoted to engage participation are
team is ready to assist the City. We have developed program brochures, held
community meetings etc.
▪ Provide the City with monthly status reports: Monthly reports will be submitted to the
City with an activity log. In addition, our monthly invoices will be broken down per
property address to ensure that project delivery costs are kept for each project. This
will help to ensure that the project delivery costs are tracked for each project and
reimbursed by CDC.
▪ Maintenance of Case Files and Other Records: For each application, Consultant will
assist in maintaining case files, including but not limited to application and
documentation of eligibility, work write-ups, contractor selection criteria, copy of
contract/agreement/work order between owner and contractor(s), documents on
all necessary licenses and permits, site visit/inspection reports (including final
inspection), change orders as applicable, and contractor invoices for payment
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
(with owner-signed- off). Consultant will also maintain appropriate information on
persons residing in the property, including a list or lists identifying persons in the home
immediately before the rehabilitation, after rehabilitation completion, and those
moving in during rehabilitation
(per 24 CFR 570.606 and 24 CFR
92.353). Consultant will maintain
these and other program and
financial records in
accordance with CDBG and
HOME record keeping
requirements as specified in the
Agreement.
Assessment of Fair Housing
• Facilitating a Community Participation Process: Provide opportunities for community
participation throughout the development of the AFH.
o Make the HUD-provided data and any other data to be included in the AFH
available to residents, public agencies, and other interested parties;
o Conduct several public meetings (to be agreed upon);
o Publish the proposed AFH in a manner that affords residents and other the
opportunity to examine its content and submit comments;
o Provide for a public hearing during the development of the AFH and a second
public hearing to approve transmittal of the Final AFH to HUD.
o Provide a period of not less than 30 calendar days to receive comments from
residents of the community.
o Conduct a Fair Housing Survey (in both English and Spanish);
o Transmit a preliminary summary of fair housing issues as well as goals and priorities
to the Fair Housing Council of Los Angeles County and request input from the Fair
Housing Council.
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
• Public Consultation: Conduct consultation meeting(s) with organizations, including
but not limited to: agencies that provide assisted housing, health services, and social
services; community-based and regionally based organizations; organizations that
enforce fair housing laws; adjacent units of general government; local and regional
government agencies; local and regional institutions; continuum of care; public
housing agencies; and other organizations.
• Assessment of Past Fair Housing Goals and Actions: Discuss additional policies,
actions, or steps that address fair housing issues in the City.
• Analysis of Population Dynamics: Obtain an understanding of the components of
population change to determine the future patterns of segregation/integration.
• Examination of Fair Housing Protected Classes: Provide a profile of the fair housing
protected classes living in the City through data analysis.
• Analysis of Rosemead’s Fair Housing Issues: Identify AFFH Rule Guidebook fair
housing issues and contributing factors to inform goal setting and help identify
strategies, actions, and policy responses to fair housing issues.
o Segregation/Integration: Utilize HUD supplied dot density maps and a Dissimilarity
Index table to measure the degree to which two groups are evenly distributed
across a geographic area.
o Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty (R/ECAPs): Analysis will
include:
▪ Identification by census tract of the City’s two R/ECAPs
▪ Description of the protected classes disproportionately residing in the
R/ECAPs
▪ Description of changes over time
▪ Additional information, if any, on other protected classes
▪ Identification of significant factors that create, contribute to, perpetuate or
increase the severity of R/ECAPs.
o Disparities in Access to Opportunity
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
▪ Analysis of Educational Opportunities through HUD School Proficiency Index
to measure proximity to proficient schools and supplement with local
knowledge and data that includes Academic Performance Index (API).
▪ Employment Opportunities Analysis by comparison of HUD provided Jobs
Proximity Index and a Labor Market Index.
▪ Analysis of Transportation Opportunities with HUD provided indices and maps
including Low Transportation Cost Index and Transit Trip Index. Additional
local knowledge and information will augment the HUD-provided data.
▪ Low Poverty Exposure Analysis based on HUD provided Low Poverty Index
that captures poverty in a given neighborhood.
▪ Environmentally Healthy Neighborhoods Analysis through HUD’s
Environmental Health Index (EHI) to understand the environmental quality of
a neighborhood.
▪ Patterns in Access to Opportunity based on previous analyses.
o Disproportionate Housing Needs Analysis based on two tables provided by HUD
that contains data on housing problems and data on severe housing cost
burden.
o Publicly Supported Housing Analysis using HUD-provided data, local data, and
local knowledge the AFH will identify whether there are fair housing issues
associated with the location or occupancy of publicly supported housing.
▪ Occupancy Analysis will be determined by requesting information from the
County of Los Angeles Housing Authority.
▪ Location Analysis of Affordable Housing Developments will be reviewed
based on HUD’s implementing instructions.
▪ Location of Section 8 Tenant Based Rental Housing following HUD regulations.
o Disability and Access Analysis with HUD provided data that includes dot density
maps of persons with different types of disabilities will be analyzed to describe
geographic dispersal or concentration as well as supply of affordable and
accessible housing.
o Fair Housing Enforcement, Outreach Capacity, and Resources will be
accomplished by working with local agencies.
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
• Analysis of Contributing Factors: Prioritize factors that limit or deny fair housing
choice of access to opportunity, negatively impact fair housing, or violate civil rights
compliance. Identify goals to overcome the fair housing issues for which significant
contributing factors have been identified. Utilize HUD SMART system for establishing
goals and related metrics and milestones.
• Fair Housing Action Plan: Submit preliminary draft AFH to collaborating parties for
review and comments. Revise the AFH according to recommended changes and
ensure the AFH complies with HUD’s AFFH Rule Guidebook.
• Report Preparation: Organize all the data, maps, tables, and analysis per the
required content of the AFH.
5-Year Consolidated Plan
AVANT-GARDE’s approach to plan preparation is largely based on HUD guidance.
Recently HUD incorporated the Consolidated Plan and CAPER into IDIS OnLine so that
all key elements of the grants management cycle are integrated into a single system.
This is expected to ensure consistency among the goals described in the Consolidated
Plan and Action Plan and the outcomes tracked in IDIS and reported in the
Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), making the
Consolidated Plan a more useful management tool.
Assigned members of the Avant-Garde team propose to meet with City staff to review
the goals and objectives of the City, review the HUD regulations within the context of
the City’s goals and objectives, discuss the general consensus of the most approved
plans and the effectiveness of the programs implemented and to confirm the timeline
for the process of preparing the Plans. Avant-Garde will meet with staff as directed to
review the tasks to be completed. The purpose is to ensure that the activities to be
undertaken are consistent with the City’s needs and the legislative requirements
imposed by HUD.
AVANT-GARDE will develop and coordinate a plan and method for obtaining citizen
participation. We will conduct no less than three meetings, make presentations to the
City Council as needed and conduct public hearings as required. Our team will attend
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
and provide support in facilitating all public meetings, as well as provide the following
services:
• Coordinate with City staff to ensure compliance with publishing and advertising
requirements to obtain public input for preparing the draft of the Consolidated Plan.
The City of Rosemead will be responsible for preparing, placing and payment of
advertisements.
• Follow-up outreach process to solicit comments from the public.
• Adhere to necessary timelines with milestones for carrying out the public
participation component as required by the Citizen Participation Plan
Our process for these meetings, presentations and related tasks is outlined below.
Avant-Garde will:
• Meet with staff to discuss expectations, priorities, available resources, strategies and
timetables.
• City staff will identify key stakeholders such as local government agencies, social
service agencies, public housing authorities, non-profit organizations, community-
based organizations and other groups for public participation and consultation. City
staff will provide a list of stakeholders for Avant-Garde’s use during the process.
• Obtain information from City of Rosemead that is immediately available to initiate
the process including existing Citizen Participation Plan, 5-Year Consolidated Plan,
public input received to date, and other relevant information that will assist in
gaining an understanding of the historical context and priorities of the community.
• Establish a baseline schedule to complete the 5-Year Consolidated Plan, and Citizen
Participation Plan that will include meetings, hearings, milestones, approval
processes and other critical benchmarks.
Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan & Citizen Participation Plan
Avant-Garde will develop a draft Consolidated Plan that includes five-year funding
goals, priorities, strategies, proposed accomplishments, and performance
measurements. The Plan will follow the HUD checklist, narrative requirements and HUD
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
guidelines, taking into consideration improved ways to present and display information
using eCon Planning Suite, and addressing Federal requirements. Sections of this Plan
include:
• Executive Summary - Consultant team members will meet on-site with City
representatives to discuss the project, develop detailed schedules and collect
necessary information, including, but not limited to, the City’s existing consolidated
plan, the City’s comprehensive plan, fair housing plan and other relevant
information from other local agencies. City representatives will be asked to identify
and provide any other relevant data or information to ensure that all community
needs and conditions and resources are considered.
• Citizen Participation Process - Conduct community meetings as well as conduct in-
person and/or phone interviews of key stakeholders as identified by City staff.
Additionally, the consultant team will develop an online survey for citizen and
stakeholder feedback.
• Needs Assessment - Develop an updated housing needs profile specifically for the
City of Rosemead. The consultant team will work with City representatives to identify
any additional data and information, including existing housing and/or homeless
studies and information on special needs populations, etc., not previously
considered. After obtaining this information, the consultants will use it - along with
the information gathered at the initial meeting, census data and other HUD
resources - to develop a needs assessment for the City’s review and approval.
The needs assessment will meet all of the requirements of 24 CFR Part 91 and will
include an estimate of the housing needs within the City. The assessment will include
the specification of such housing related needs, a discussion of specific housing
problems, assessment of the specific needs of racial and ethnic groups, the extent
of homelessness in the City, the characteristics and needs of low income people,
existing facilities such as outreach and assessment, existence of emergency shelters
and services, estimates of the number of people requiring supportive services, and a
description of supportive housing needs and a description of the agencies that
provide the supportive housing services.
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
• Market Analysis - In cooperation with local stakeholders and representatives, the
consultant team will develop a housing market analysis, using information from
interviews, surveys, public hearings, census data, consultation with local lenders,
realtors, and appraisers. Consultants will incorporate into this analysis an evaluation
of the City’s housing supply, the demand for housing, the current housing conditions,
the cost of housing stock, and the kind of housing available to the disabled.
• Strategic Plan - The consultant team will develop a strategic plan that addresses the
needs identified in the approved needs assessment and any existing City policies.
The strategic plan will be consistent with the minimum HUD requirements as outlined
in CFR 24 Part 91 as well as with other guidance issued by HUD. The strategic plan
will detail the City’s housing, homeless, and non-housing priorities for the next five
years. Specific objectives and strategies will be developed that address stated
priority needs. City representatives will review and provide comments on the draft of
the strategic plan, which the consultants will incorporate into the finalized version.
The consultant team will obtain comments and direction on the draft Strategic Plan
and discuss actions to implement the approved strategies.
• Required Appendixes – Avant Garde will prepare all required Appendixes.
Additional tasks AVANT-GARDE will complete include the following:
• Review the City’s existing Citizen Participation Plan to become familiar with the
process and meeting locations used to solicit public input on housing and
community development priorities. Provide recommendations, if any, for revisions to
the Citizen Participation Plan and discuss necessary steps to amend the Citizen
Participation Plan in accordance with 24 CFR 570.486(a)(6).
• Prepare information on low and moderate-income areas for consideration as
program target locations.
• Assist City staff in preparing a Budget and Allocation Plan itemizing anticipated
funding over the next five years uses of the funding and formula methodology to
serve as the basis for the development of an Allocation Plan for all activities.
• Provide certifications to ensure compliance with all other Federal requirements.
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
• Coordinate with City staff to respond to all inquiries from HUD regarding the
approved Consolidated Plan.
Plan Materials and Deliverables Avant-Garde will prepare for submittal to City of
Rosemead are as follows:
• Drafts of the 5-year Consolidated Plan for City staff review and comment. Avant-
Garde will provide an Adobe pdf electronic copy of the drafts no later than 10
calendar days prior to distribution for public comment.
• Plan changes or corrections requested by City staff in response to the draft
documents.
• Changes or corrections to the draft documents following public hearings and public
comment no later than 30 days prior to the City Council meeting to approve the
Consolidated Plan.
• After the drafts are finalized and approved by HUD, Avant-Garde will provide 1
electronic Adobe pdf copy, 1 full-color original of the documents. City staff will
submit Plans and supporting documents to HUD, consistent with updated IDIS
requirements.
• Avant-Garde will provide support as required to ensure all appropriate information is
entered into IDIS online for viewing by City staff responsible for submission of the
Plans through IDIS online.
Annual Action Plan
The Avant-Garde team will develop an Annual Action Plan that supports the objectives
and strategies outlined in the previous assessments and analyses. Specific
benchmarks/performance measures will be developed so that the City and HUD will be
able to assess and evaluate the City’s progress in reaching its goals. The one-year
action plan will be consistent with the minimum requirements outlined in 24 CFR Part 91
as well as with other guidance issued by HUD. City representatives will review and
provide comments on the draft of the Annual Action Plan, which the consultants will
incorporate into the finalized version.
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
1. Program Methodology & Management
The success of projects often depends on the strength of the collaboration between
the city staff and the consultant. To this end, we would initiate this program with a
thorough review of the proposal and a discussion of how well it meets the stated goals
and objectives of the City. Any gaps, omissions or additional requirements are
determined and discussed for possible inclusion in the services to be provided. This initial
review is followed by a detailed summary of the methodology, product deliverables
and a timeline with benchmarks clearly identified. This document would be approved
by the authorized City staff and then becomes the guiding document. Any changes to
this original document and timeline are quickly reduced to writing and approved by
both the client and our firm. The purpose is to ensure that we are always moving toward
the common and agreed upon goal and that the progress is consistent with the needs
of the City.
In order for the process and the program to proceed according to the needs of the
City of Rosemead, it is critical that certain exchanges and procedures occur between
staff and consultant. We want to ensure that the staff is fully informed of all tasks
undertaken and the results and findings we develop. We want to be available and fully
prepared to discuss the program and to collaborate when a change in course may be
advisable. Most importantly, we want the City to receive services and product
deliverables that are founded on good planning and economic development
principles and in a format that is easy to use, apply and update as conditions may
change.
In summary, our approach to program management is to agree on the goals and
objectives to be achieved at the inception of the project. The process and product
deliverables are reduced to writing so that both the City and our firm have a clear
understanding of the project parameters and the method by which success is to be
achieved. We prepare a timeline that is updated regularly to ensure that the project
remains on track and/or that required extensions are known in advance and agreed
upon by City staff. We maintain regular and consistent communication with scheduled
meetings to update City staff on the status of the various project tasks and to share
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
findings and results. These basic principles have served our firm well and significantly
contributed to the success we have experienced with all of our past assignments.
Stakeholders and Community Outreach: Avant-Garde is committed to clear
communication, inclusive of internal and external office coordination, coordination with
assisting or collaborative consultants, and identified stakeholders. Avant-Garde can
assist the City in developing communication messages and organizing and managing
events and meetings intended to draw attention to the City’s programs funded with
CDBG and HOME funds.
2. Client Satisfaction
Avant-Garde requires that adequate quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) be
implemented on each project. The Project Manager provides the leadership and
guidance to obtain the end results for all services provided by the company. Generally,
a project management plan is prepared. The project management plan defines
specific project deliverables, implementation criteria, staff and resource loading, work
task schedule with project milestones, and project responsibilities. The project
management plan and the QA/QC plan are complimentary, and are mutually
incorporative. Daily contact by the Project Manager with each on-going activity
provides support and guidance, maintains focus and momentum, and monitors the
quality of work. Regularly scheduled project staff meetings for reviewing and general
work status, reviewing technical elements of the project, coordinating and interfacing
of activities, reviewing costs, and discussing upcoming activities and responsibilities are
all standard procedures of our quality assurance to each and every project.
Avant-Garde is committed to excellence and stands behind our reputation to provide
only the highest level of products and services in an effort to enhance the quality of life
for the communities we serve. Whether working on a specific project or a long-term
program, our clients will always receive our blend of expertise to ensure every one of
their goals are met.
3. City Provided Support
Our goal is to collaborate with staff and to do this we, the consultants, need an agreed
upon project approach, timeline and list of product deliverables. This activity and the
26
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
written results are critical to the process and the expected outcome of the program.
Regular Communication: The basic elements of this collaboration include regular and
consistent communication with the City’s staff. We would ask that a regular meeting
date and time be established as a means by which to ensure that the program is
proceeding according to plan and to advise staff of any recommended changes in
direction and/or unexpected delays. City Staff Review & Comment: The review and
comment by City Staff, with respect to reports and/or other documents, is a critical
element to the successful completion of each project and to maintaining the project
timeline. Data Sharing: We would request that City staff provide relevant reports,
demographic data and any other information that would assist us in completing
projects on behalf of the City. All data and information that may impact the various
projects and/or tasks assigned are requested to understand where gaps may exist and
where new data may need to be developed.
27
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Section 4. SAMPLE Schedule
CDBG and HOME
Management
Task Schedule
Begin Complete Deliverable
Verify the following were
completed:
FY 18/19 annual reports
submitted, reimbursement
requests processed, information
for CAPER forwarded.
FY 19/20 SAMS reports and
ERR’s completed and in file,
agreements executed, initial
award documents in file.
immediately 12/1/2018
Complete and submit any
outstanding items for file
and/or to complete close
out reporting.
Ensure items are properly
located in each file,
complete any missing items.
2018/19 CAPER 12/1/18 12/31/18 18/19 CAPER submitted to
HUD 12/31
Host Workshop for FY 19/20
Sub-Recipients 11/5/18 11/14/18
Send out invitations, prepare
PPT and handouts, conduct
orientation.
Conduct site visits/sub-R audits 12/1/18 12/18/18
Schedule visits, conduct
monitoring visits, prepare
reports for file
Collect Quarterly
reports/reimbursement requests
10/05/18
1/01/19
4/01/19
7/01/19
10/31/18
1/31/19
4/28/19
7/31/19
Assist and Ensure Sub-R
submit by due date (last day
of month following each
quarter)
Audit quarterly reports and
reimbursement requests
11/1/18
2/1/19
5/1/19
8/1/19
11/18/18
2/20/19
5/22/19
8/18/19
Submit reimbursement
packages for payment
processing (audits may
occur as soon as sub-
recipients submit them)
Collect and Audit annual
reports 8/1/19 8/31/19
Summary of
accomplishments for
utilization in the 19/20 CAPER
FY 19/20 Funding Application
Process 12/1/18 12/21/18
Distribute and review
schedule, prepare NOFA,
applications available for FY
19/20 on 12/21/18
28
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
FY 19/20 Action Plan 1/2/2019 8/15/19
Facilitate public hearings,
coordinate with the CPAB,
submit final 19/20 Action
Plan to HUD
Assessment of Fair Housing 5/1/19 10/3/19
Collect Data, facilitate
public hearings, meet with
stakeholders, prepare
Assessment, open public
hearing, 30-day notice,
Council adopt AFH, submit
to HUD October 3, 2019
*This is an illustration of a typical schedule based on previous City activities; a
refined schedule will be produced with detailed tasks after initial kick-off
meeting
29
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Section 5. Program Team & Management
To provide exceptional services to the City of Rosemead, we have compiled a highly
qualified and experienced team. Firm Principal, Ana Marie LeNoue, will serve as the
Project Director and will oversee all assigned staff and ensure successful administration
of program and document development. Our Project Director will be supported by our
in-house Program Director-Lissette Calleros, Program Manager-Simona Ramirez,
Program Manager-Beverly Johnson, Program Manager-Tara Tignino, Program Assistant-
Megan LeNoue, Program Assistant-Arya Moalemi, and Program Assistant-Laura
Santoyo.
AVANT-GARDE understands the importance of maintaining professionalism while
delivering exceptional customer service to all parties involved, including administrators,
city staff, residents, businesses, various agency representatives, and elected officials.
The proposed Team has outstanding communication and work skills. Ms. Calleros and
Ms. LeNoue have served as municipal employees prior to joining the firm. AVANT-
GARDE has a unique understanding and respect for the “City Hall culture” and have
the ability to work in a team environment within a public atmosphere that is demanding
and fast paced. Furthermore, AVANT-GARDE has had the pleasure of serving a variety
of communities and multi-cultural environments with great success. To that note, Ms.
Calleros, Ms. Ramirez, and Ms. Santoyo are bilingual in English and Spanish. Our years of
success is clearly dependent on our interpersonal skills and the ability to respectfully,
clearly and concisely communicate both orally and in writing.
30
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
City of Rosemead
Ana Marie LeNoue
Principal/Program Director
Lissette Calleros Beverly Johnson
Program Director Program Manager
Simona Ramirez Ralph Castaneda Tara Tignino
Program Manager Program Manager Program Manager
Arya Moalemi Megan LeNoue Laura Santoyo
Program Assistant Program Assistant Program Assistant
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Ms. LeNoue has 25 years of experience in municipal services and
has been with AVANT-GARDE since 2006. She is the President and
C.E.O. of AVANT-GARDE. Ms. LeNoue is capable of overseeing the
CDBG public service agency program, identifying and
implementing appropriate outreach efforts for the various elements
of the Housing Program and assisting with the development of
administrative deliverables such as the program evaluation report,
required staff and agenda reports, as well as other duties as
assigned.
Ms. LeNoue established the company’s foundation in municipal
services based on her extensive program management experience
that includes 17 years as a municipal employee managing various
capital projects and programs. She presently directs the
company’s Community Outreach program, Grants program, and
CDBG Sub-Recipient services. Ms. LeNoue is a versatile, dynamic,
results-oriented leader with a strong track record of performance in
high-paced and uniquely challenging organizations. She utilizes
keen analysis, insights and team approach to drive organizational
improvements and implementation of sound practices. Ms.
LeNoue has superior interpersonal skills, capable of resolving
multiple and complex issues and motivating staff to peak
performance. She has an excellent understanding of the political
culture and extensive administrative, operational, fiscal and
program management experience.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Currently a member of the CDBG Management Team responsible
for the City of Montebello and City of Bellflower Public Services
portion of the program inclusive of managing the sub-recipients,
program marketing and facilitating presentations for various
portions of their HUD programs including Housing Rehabilitation
Program, updating policies and procedures, and providing
coordination between HUD and City staff. Assisted the City of
Montebello to reach HUD compliance by overcoming numerous
findings received in previous program fiscal years.
Currently providing oversight and coordination with the City of
Moreno Valley’s Assessment of Fair Housing, Citizen Participation
Plan, and Consolidated Plan which includes all related community
outreach and coordination with city staff and community
stakeholders.
Years of Experience:
25+ years
Education:
B.S. Business
Management,
University of Phoenix
Ana Marie LeNoue
Principal / Program Manager
32
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Ms. Calleros has 15 years of experience in Program Management
and has been with AVANT-GARDE since 2006. As a Program
Director, Ms. Calleros will oversee all assigned staff and ensure
successful administration of the Program. Ms. Calleros’s expertise is
in administering federal and state funded projects, program
development, compliance management and records
management. She provides funding administration to ensure cities
develop their projects in accordance with policy and procedural
requirements, assists in determining eligible projects for various
funding sources, and manages development and capital
improvement programs/projects from conception to completion.
She has experience in identifying federal and state fund allocation
balances, programming funds, and administers long-and-short
range programs consistent with the economic capabilities of the
City.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Ms. Calleros and her team have extensive experience in grant
writing, project monitoring, labor compliance and funding
administration services to ensure that the funding secured is spent
per the requirements of the funding agency and within the required
timelines. She also has experience in strategic budget planning
specifically with Capital Improvement Programs.
Ms. Calleros has assisted various agencies in performing a variety of
analyses and studies to identify State and Federal funding options;
performed time-critical and confidential studies related to fiscal and
administrative requirements of grant programs; assisted in the grants
solicitation process; planned and coordinated the implementation
of awarded grants to ensure that the City was in compliance with
applicable laws and regulations, and monitored and audited grant
expenses.
Ms. Calleros also has experience in public relations coordination,
community outreach efforts, community relations and focus group
moderation in both English and Spanish. Ms. Calleros has worked
with several municipalities under contract to assist with managing
and monitoring the cities’ CDBG, HOME and ESG programs. This
includes reviewing expenditure reports and commitment reports for
programmed activities. She has conducted reviews of CAPER’s as
well as Consolidated Plans and assisted with the public hearing
Years of Experience:
15+ years
Education:
B.S. Business
Management,
California State
Polytechnic University
Pomona
A.A. General Studies,
Mount San Antonio
College
Professional Affiliations:
National Women Political
Caucus – LA Metro
National Association of
Professional Women
Lissette Calleros
Principal / Program Director
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
process for amendments. She serves as project liaison with HUD
regarding HOME program and CDBG activities. She has provided
oversight for development of sub-recipient agreements as well as
monitoring for Community Housing Development Organizations
(CHDO) qualifications. Relevant City Experience includes: Lynwood,
Bellflower, Moreno Valley, Montebello, El Monte, Temple City, Bell
Gardens, La Mirada, Perris, South Gate, Bell Flower and Pasadena.
34
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Ms. Johnson has over sixteen years of experience working with
Federal, State, local and county grant programs designed to meet
the needs of low to moderate-income persons. She has worked
within the realm of housing and community development services
for the City of Inglewood and the City of Pomona in various
employment capacities. In these positions she designed,
developed, implemented and managed several housing and
community development related programs. Other
accomplishments include successfully writing, administering and
monitoring an array of grant programs. As support to the Director
and other city departments, she has served on various committees.
Ms. Johnson’s experience includes grant administration;
environmental review analysis; oversight of personnel; budgeting;
strategic planning; plan development; conducting policy and
program evaluation; and ensuring compliance with Federal, State
and local regulations through program/project monitoring.
The City of Pomona’s Neighborhood Services Department is
comprised of the following Divisions: Housing, Housing Authority and
Community Services with over 100 employees. As second in charge
of the Housing Division, her primary roles as Housing Grants
Administrator was to provide professional leadership and direction
the Housing and Homeless division, support the departmental goals
and objectives, and manage, monitor and evaluate program
operations.
In her role as Housing Grants Administrator at the City of Pomona,
she played a key role in the development and implementation of a
new rental assistance program funded with Federal Home
Investment Partnership Act (HOME) funds. This included garnering
Council support, development of program budget, development
of policies and procedures, hiring necessary staff for program
administration, and developing relationships with property owners
throughout the City for partnering in the homeless prevention and
rental assistance effort for a program other than the Housing
Choice Voucher (formerly known as Section 8) Rental Assistance
Program.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
City of Moreno Valley
➢ Auditing of ESG sub recipients
City of Bellflower and City of Lynwood
➢ Performs all activities related to IDIS.
➢ Assists with the preparation of the Annual Action Plan, CAPER,
Consolidated Plan and other reports as necessary.
Years of Experience
16+ years
Education
M.A. Public Administration
California State University,
Dominguez Hills - 1998
B.S. Computer Science
California State University,
Dominguez Hills - 1995
Beverly Johnson
Program Manager
35
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Pacific Code Compliance
Grants Consultant
➢ Responsible for interpreting Federal, State and local regulations
and policies for program implementation.
➢ Responsible for administering grant funds and interpreting
program guidelines.
➢ Make funding recommendations and prepare reports.
➢ Monitor projects and activities of internal departments and sub
recipient agencies to ensure compliance with Federal
regulations.
➢ Preparation of comprehensive reports (Consolidated Plan,
Action Plan, Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation
Report (CAPER) for submission to the Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD).
➢ System reporting for all Federal, State and local grants (i.e. –
IDIS, DRGR, E-Snaps, e-LOCCS, SPEARS, HMIS)
➢ Preparation of staff reports for submission to the City Council.
➢ Conducting oral presentations to Council, citizens, and
businesses.
➢ Input of information into HUD’s Integrated Information
Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).
City of Pomona – Development & Neighborhood Services
Housing Grants Administrator
➢ Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction
to Housing and Homeless Division staff. Management
responsibility for housing and community development
programs, services and activities, including: Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) community-based programs,
residential rehabilitation, new construction, housing
development, community and business development, lead
hazard abatement, homeless services and other grant
programs. Oversight of development and implementation of
the Consolidated Plan for CDBG, Home Investment Partnership
Act (HOME), Neighborhood Stabilization (NSP), Emergency
Solutions Grant (ESG), Supportive Housing (SHP), Shelter Plus
Care (S+C) and Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing
(HPRP) Programs, as well as Housing Successor Agency Funds.
➢ Manage, monitor, and evaluate the development and
administration of department goals, objectives, policies,
priorities, operations, budget, personnel, service delivery
methods, administrative systems and improvement
recommendations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
➢ Responsible for interpreting Federal, state, county and local
regulations for administering and monitoring programs (e.g.
36
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
CDBG, HOME, ESG, Section 108 Loan, S+C, SHP, Lead Program,
NSP, HPRP, CalHOME).
➢ Manage, direct and coordinate the work of fifteen Housing
Division staff, including supervisory, professional, technical and
administrative support personnel.
➢ Compiling, analyzing and interpreting statistical data for
funding recommendations and preparing reports to Council.
➢ Monitor projects and activities of internal departments and sub
recipient agencies to ensure compliance with applicable
regulations.
➢ Preparation of comprehensive reports (Consolidated Plan,
Action Plan, CAPER) for submission to HUD.
➢ Preparation of staff reports for submission to the City Council.
➢ System reporting for all Federal, State and local grants (i.e. –
IDIS, DRGR, E-Snaps, e-LOCCS, SPEARS, HMIS)
➢ Conducting oral presentations to Council, citizens, and
businesses.
➢ Developing Requests for Proposals, Bids and Qualifications (RFP,
RFB, RFQ).
Other relevant experience:
City of Inglewood
Senior Grants Coordinator
Midnight Mission Family Housing Program
Homeless Services Case Manager
37
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Mr. Castaneda has extensive experience in planning projects
including Consolidated Plans, Annual Action Plans, Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, Consolidated Annual
performance and Evaluation Reports (CAPERs), Housing Elements,
Housing Needs Assessment, First-Time Homebuyer Policies,
Guidelines and Procedures. He has recently worked on Housing
Elements for the cities of Calexico, Brawley, Beaumont, Hawaiian
Gardens, Norwalk, Signal Hill and Rancho Palos Verdes. All have
been approved by the State Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD). Mr. Castaneda will be part of the
AVANT-GARDE team to assist with preparation of the required plans
when necessary.
He recently completed the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing
Choice for the cities of Chino Hills, El Centro, Hemet, Lynwood,
Moreno Valley, Palm Desert, Riverside and West Covina. He also
handled all aspects of the acquisition/rehabilitation of a 10-unit
apartment complex in Buena Park and completed a housing
market study for a 37-unit tax credit project located in the City of
Avalon.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
2018-2023 Consolidated Plans/Annual Action Plans
• City of Moreno Valley
2015-2020 Consolidated Plans/Annual Action Plans
• City of Chino, City of Lynwood, City of West Covina
2010-2015 Consolidated Plans/Annual Action Plans
• City of Chino, City of Indio, City of Lynwood, City of Norwalk,
City of West Covina
City of Monterey Park
• 2010-2015 Consolidated Plan
• 2005-2010 Consolidated Plan
• 2008 North Chandler Avenue Precise Plan
• John & Mary’s Place (6-room group home)
• 2006-2007 Housing Programs Plan
Years of Experience:
12+ years
Education:
M.A. Regional Planning,
University of California,
Berkeley, CA
B.A. Political Science,
California State University,
Fullerton, CA
Ralph Castenda
Program Manager (Castaneda & Associates)
38
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
John & Mary’s Place, a group home for profoundly
developmentally disabled adults, received City funding from
CDBG, HOME, and the Redevelopment Agency’s 20% set-aside.
Mr. Castaneda was a consultant to MERCI, the project sponsor,
and helped MERCI to meet all HUD, City and funding regulations.
The purpose of the Housing Programs Plan was to identify ways to
increase participation in HOME-funded affordable housing
activities. The Housing Programs Plan described the current
programs, barriers to program utilization, alternatives and
recommendations in regard to:
• 1st Time Homebuyer Program
• Homeowner Rehabilitation Program
• Rental Housing Rehabilitation
• Special Needs Housing Assistance
39
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Ms. Ramirez has nine years of experience in Program Management
and has been with AVANT-GARDE since 2014. Ms. Ramirez’s
expertise is in program development, administration, grant writing,
and community outreach. An effective communicator, Ms.
Ramirez’s multi-faceted skill set allows her to understand the needs
of diverse audiences and provide them with practical solutions to
problems. Ms. Ramirez has experience working with governmental
agencies including local municipal government, Department of
Motor Vehicles and the Employment Development Department.
Ms. Ramirez has valuable knowledge of both state and federal
regulations, making her capable to perform administrative and
managerial duties as a program manager.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
City of Lynwood
Ms. Ramirez oversees the CalHome First Time Homebuyer Program
and the CalHome Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation
Program in the City of Lynwood, where she provides program
management and administration services. Ms. Ramirez helped
develop the marketing material and was responsible for identifying
qualified vendors for the Program’s non-construction services. Ms.
Ramirez is charged with promoting the program by developing
community outreach strategies that target eligible residents who
can participate in the Program. Furthermore, she supports the
Program’s Housing Specialist with loan processing and provides
quarterly reports to the State Department of Housing and
Community Development to track the Program’s progress and use
of funds. She publishes CDBG notices of funding availability to
request proposals and identify potential subrecipients. Upon
submission of proposals, she reviews applications and requests
further information as necessary to determine eligibility and make
preliminary recommendations. She works with subs to ensure
quarterly reports and reimbursement requests are submitted in a
timely manner and that they have an understanding of program
requirements and expectations. Ms. Ramirez ascertains whether
activities proposed by subs are eligible for reimbursement per HUD
guidelines and provides monitoring services as necessary to
complete established CDBG deadlines.
City of Montebello
Currently a member of the CDBG Management Team, Ms. Ramirez
supports the Public Services portion of the program inclusive of
Years of Experience:
9+ years
Education:
M.A. Political Science,
California State University,
Los Angeles, CA 2011
B.A. Political Science,
California State University,
Los Angeles, CA 2010
A.A. East Los Angeles
College, Monterey Park,
CA 2008
Simona Ramirez
Program Manager
40
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
managing the sub-recipients for the current fiscal year. Assists in
Program marketing and facilitating presentations for various
portions of the program including Housing Rehabilitation.
Additional services include: Grant Seeking, Grant Writing, and
Community Outreach
City of Bellflower
Ms. Ramirez provides administrative services for the City of
Bellflower’s First Time Homebuyer Program and the HOME
Rehabilitation Program. She reviews the manuals to ensure all the
necessary pieces are in place and is in charge of updating income
and purchase limits in the manual and securing contractors for the
Rehab Program through the established protocols in the Program
guidelines/procedures. Additionally, Ms. Ramirez works with lenders
to determine eligibility for the First Time Homebuyer Program and
assists the Housing Specialist by reviewing program documents and
applicants’ paperwork to ascertain adherence to Program
requirements.
41
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Ms. Tignino is experienced in Labor Compliance for Federal, State
and CDBG funded projects. As a labor compliance specialist, Ms.
Tignino monitors contracts to ensure that all clients’ actions adhere
to either CDBG or the standard State and FHWA Federal wage
regulation requirements and when applicable section 3
requirements. Responsibilities include, conducting employee field
interviews, auditing weekly payrolls, investigating violation findings
and preparing non-compliance notices to contractors. In addition,
Ms. Tignino monitors HUD Program requirements and conducts file
reviews with Caltrans and the Community Development
Commission.
Ms. Tignino is experienced in developing and maintaining detailed
project schedules to improve accuracy, and increase project
efficiency. Ms. Tignino is experienced in monitoring project budgets
and recording expenses; compiling project specific
documentation and preparing billings; conducting research and
recommending solutions; organizing meetings, events and
conferences.
Ms. Tignino will provide prevailing wages and HUD/Section 3 monitoring for construction projects and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations and policies.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
City of Cudahy
Currently managing the City’s CDBG projects with emphasis on the
administration of the rehabilitation program. Coordinates all
project activities with the City. Prepares and submits all necessary
reporting to the LACDC system. Oversight of the rehab program
includes monitoring applicant eligibility, site inspections, bid
administration, and pre-construction meetings with the LACDC,
contractors, property owners, and staff.
City of Moreno Valley
Providing project coordination to ensure development and
execution of all necessary agreements between all parties
including City staff, the City Attorney, and the CDHO developing
two affordable housing locations.
Labor Compliance Experience
Years of Experience
12+ years
Tara Tignino
Program Manager
42
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA):
• $244M Westside Purple Line Extension Project – Adv. Utility
Relocation for Section 3
• $20.25M Westside Subway Extension Project
• $1.9M Pavement Replacement – Division 7
• $18.9M I-405 & SR-134 Soundwall Project
• $4.9M Division 3 Master Plan
• $4.8M Trash & Vegetation Removal Project
• $1.6M Lighting Upgrade Project
• $881k CNG Emergency Generator Project
• $627k Bus Stop Improvement Project
City of Alhambra
• $1.8M CDBG – Almansor Park Improvement Project
• $129k CDBG – Open Space Improvements
• $276k CDBG – Almansor Park Field Lighting Project
• 453k ADA Improvements project
• $100k CDBG – Almansor Gym HVAC
• $100k CDBG – Granada Gym Flooring
• $86k CDBG – Almansor Playground Rubberized Surfacing
• $80k CDBG – Granada Gym Equipment
• $68k CDBG – Almansor Security Light Replacement
• $68k CDBG – Granada Restroom Rehabilitation
• $60k CDBG – Almansor Jogging Trail Reconstruction
• $55k CDBG – Almansor Park Shelter Replacement
• $42.5K CDBG – Almansor Gym Electrical Upgrade
• $13.3k CDBG – ADA Improvements Project
• $5k CDBG – ADA Improvements Project
City of Bell Gardens
• $143k Opticom Emergency Vehicle Preemption Project
• $163k Foster Bridge Project
• $191k Florence Pl. Improvement Project
City of Commerce
• $719k Sidewalk & TS Improvement Project
City of Cudahy
• $206k CDBG – Bedwell Hall Re-Roofing Project
• $233k HSIP Cycle 6 Project
City of El Monte
• $1.2M Downtown Public Parking Improvement Project
City of Huntington Park
• $370k SRTS Middleton Elementary Project
• $719k CDBG – Splash Pad
• $3.7M Pacific Blvd Improvements
City of La Mirada
• $2.5M Alondra/Valley View Improvements Project
43
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
• $4.9M CDBG – Foster Park Phase II Improvements
• $608k CDBG – Foster Park Phase III Improvements
• $1.9M CDBG – Park Phase IV Improvements
• $635k LA Mirada Blvd Improvements Project
• $353k City HVAC Improvements Project
• $305k Valley View Ave/Adoree St Traffic Signal
• $288k Artesia @ Industry Circle Traffic Signal
• $230k CDBG Funded Neff Park Historical Restoration
City of Lynwood
• $5.5M City Hall Annex
• $3.6M Long Beach Blvd., Phase I
• $3.1M Long Beach Blvd., Phase 2
• $371K Bateman Hall Roof Replacement
• 371k Bus Stop Improvements
• $5.5M City Hall Annex
• $478k Pedestrian Improvement Project
• $410k Street Improvement Project
• $644,496k CDBG Funded Street and water main Improvement
• 1.2M Street Rehab & Water Main Upgrade – Birch
• 1.7M Street Rehab & Water Main Upgrade - Beechwood
City of Montebello
• $1.8M Bus Shelter Improvements
• $726k Montebello Way Traffic Signal
• $130k Alley Improvements Project
• $228k Vail Ave. Improvement Project
• $749k Whittier Blvd Revitalization Phase II Project
• $711k Garfield Ave Reconstruction Project
• $728K Washington Blvd. Improvements
• $860k HSIP at Various Locations
• $430k Beverly Blvd. Improvements
• $573k Safe Routes to School - State
• $285k Safe Routes to School – Federal
• 1.6M Neighborhood City Sidewalks
City of Pico Rivera
• $2.4M Beverly Blvd. Improvements Project
• $87k DBG – Durfee Ave ADA Ramp Improvements
• $38k CDBG Funded – Commercial Façade Phase I
• $108k CDBG Funded – Commercial Façade Phase II
• $44k CDBG Funded – Commercial Façade Phase III
City of Temple City
• $18M Rosemead Blvd Safety & Beautification Project
• $1.1M El Monte Ave Traffic Signal
• $315k Temple City Blvd Traffic Signal
• $176k Temple City Blvd/Las Tunas Traffic Signal
44
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Ms. LeNoue has five years of experience in administrative and
municipal program services and contract administration and has
been with AVANT-GARDE since 2013. Her overall experience
includes labor compliance monitoring, project management and
analysis, funding administration, grant writing, and construction
management assistance. Ms. LeNoue has assisted in completing
tasks related to both Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
and HOME funded housing rehabilitation programs. Her role on this
project will include proper maintenance of the program files and
assisting the Program Managers on an as needed support basis.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
City of Montebello
Provides assistance in the preparation and administration of the
CHDO program. Administratively assisted with relocation payment
processing, advertisement of available properties, agreement
composition, and application eligibility. Prepares supporting
documentation packages and coordinates with Finance
department and HUD to process reimbursement drawdown
requests through IDIS. Assists with IDIS reporting by providing
beneficiary data and reconciling all expenditures and dispersals for
project close out. Maintains project files and assists in preparation
for HUD site monitoring.
City of El Monte
Currently performing rental property monitoring at nine locations.
Monitoring includes tenant income certification and financial and
administrative file review. Handled the coordination of relocation
services between the City and a consultant for three City-owned
rental properties. This included proper execution of agreements,
processing relocation payments, and maintaining project files to
provide consultant with all necessary documentation.
Cities of Moreno Valley, Lynwood, Montebello, South Gate, &
Bellflower
In accordance with the CHDO qualification criteria set by HUD, she
assisted in reviewing the documentation submitted by the CHDO to
determine that it satisfactorily met the requirements. This includes
coordination with the CHDO to collect pertinent documents and
prepare City Council report and resolution for adoption.
Years of Experience:
5+ years
Education:
B.A. in Anthropology,
Saint Mary’s College of
California, Moraga, CA
2013
Megan LeNoue
Program Assistant
45
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
With his educational background in city planning, Mr. Moalemi has
worked with city planning departments and water agencies
throughout the Southern California region. His experience includes
project management, completing planning documentation, grant
research, and plan writing.
Before joining the Avant Garde team, Mr. Moalemi worked with the
Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority helping to project manage
the agency’s watershed-wide water and energy conservation
program. In addition to this, Mr. Moalemi worked with the planning
department at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency to develop and
write planning documents as well as review planning applications
for the Community Development Department at the City of
Whittier.
As a Program Assistant, Mr. Moalemi’s main responsibilities include
grant research and writing with an emphasis on opportunities
involving water. He has worked in conjunction with the project
managers of the company and served as a liaison to provide
support on various projects. Mr. Moalemi assists clients by identifying
federal and state fund allocation balances, writing grant proposals,
assisting in determining eligible projects, and providing advisement
of program requirements.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Cities of Montebello, South Gate, and Lynwood
Assists with the management of CDBG sub-recipient files, eligibility
qualifications and requirements, financial reporting, preparation for
audits, and conducts Environmental Reviews.
City of El Monte
Assists with the CDBG funding compliance, including preparation of
the Policies and Procedures for the rehabilitation program, staff
reports and council meeting items, and tenant requirements.
City of Bellflower
Updated the City’s HOME Policies and Procedures Manual and
subrecipient forms. Conduct Environmental Reviews for the CDBG
subrecipients.
Years of Experience:
3+ years
Education:
M.S. City Planning &
Regeneration, University
of Glasgow
B.A. International Studies,
University of California,
Irvine
Arya Moalemi
Program Assistant
46
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Ms. Santoyo has twelve years of experience in administrative and
program services and has been with AVANT-GARDE since 2017. Her
overall experience includes project management and
coordination and labor compliance monitoring.
Before joining the Avant Garde team, Ms. Santoyo worked with the
Oldtimers Foundation in coordinating the Nutrition Program. She
was responsible for attending meetings and trainings, supervising
quality control of the kitchens and their staff, procuring food and
supplies, and inputting entries into the LA Get Care database.
Ms. Santoyo has assisted in completing tasks related to both
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funded
housing rehabilitation programs. Her role on this project will include
proper maintenance of the program files, site inspections,
qualifying applicants, and assisting the Program Managers on an as
needed support basis.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Cities of Montebello, Cudahy and Lynwood
Assists with the rehab program by reaching out to potential
applicants, income qualifying applicants, performing site
inspections, preparing work write ups, drafting bid invitations,
reviewing bids, and processing loan/grant documents in
accordance with program guidelines and procedures.
City of El Monte
Currently performing rental property monitoring at nine locations.
Monitoring includes tenant income certification and property
inspection of all HOME units.
Years of Experience:
12+ years
Education:
B.A. Sociology and
Spanish, University of
California, Santa Barbara
Laura Santoyo
Program Assistant
47
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Section 6. Prior Experience
The professional staff of Avant-Garde well understands the many ways that a single
project may affect the multiple layers of government as well as the desired economic
growth and development that is of primary concern to business, property owners and
residents. We use and leverage this information by looking at every angle of a program
and/or project to determine the overall impact and how best to design and implement
programs that best produce optimum results.
We have extensive experience in serving both major urban cities and small suburban
municipalities with our success achieved through close attention to detail, emphasis on
meeting the needs of each client and prompt delivery of products, studies and services.
Project assignments have included funding strategies and analysis, construction
coordination, compliance management, community outreach programs and special
projects. Today, we are well-prepared to provide public agencies with several varied
consulting services.
48
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Montebello | HUD CDBG & HOME
Program Compliance Management
Client Contact
Manuel Mancha
Interim Director of
Community
Development &
Planning
Project Completion
Ongoing
Type of Funding
HOME / CDBG
AVANT-GARDE has provided labor compliance, program management,
grant research & writing, and fund administration services to the City of
Montebello since FY 2005. Additional services include strategic planning
and development of the CIP Budget; bid administration and project
implementation; administrative staff support including the development
of staff reports and Department presentations. AVANT-GARDE has
obtained $8.5 million in grant funds for the City of Montebello.
AVANT-GARDE provides Program Monitoring and Funding Compliance
Services for HOME and CDBG funded programs administered through
the Department of Housing and Urban Development. As such, AVANT-
GARDE provides on-going program compliance monitoring services of
sub-recipients and implementation of the City’s Housing Program.
Services have included working with the City to correct and respond to
HUD HOME and CDBG Service Program findings, resulting in significantly
reducing the number of findings dating back to FY 2012/13. As part of
this effort, AVANT-GARDE assisted in developing systems and processes
in accordance with HUD requirements to expend and track funds in a
timely and compliant manner and maintain program files in preparation
for HUD review and audit. The Housing Rehabilitation Program systems
have been updated to include standardized loan documents, program
standards, and tracking mechanisms to help the City identify each
stage of a project. HOME program accomplishments include acquisition
of and conditional commitment of funds for properties. Additionally,
AVANT-GARDE continues to monitor and implement the CDBG Service
Program, working with local sub-recipients to ensure adherence with
HUD program requirements, including the development of tracking
processes and timely submittal of sub-recipient activities and
reimbursements.
49
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Lynwood | HUD Program & Compliance
Management
AVANT-GARDE was hired by the City of Lynwood to provide Community
Development (Housing) services, which include the administration and
implementation of the City’s CBDG and HOME program including but
not limited to: Housing Rehabilitation Program, implementation of a
variety of housing related tasks, project management services as
assigned by the Community Development Director, and support for
miscellaneous Community Development activities. On-going
administration of the HUD program includes: preparation of
environmental reviews (up to level of Environmental Assessment) for all
activities; management of IDIS system (set-up, revise and fund
activities, update accomplishments and beneficiary information);
preparation of agreements, including sub-recipient agreements, MOUs
and housing agreements; assistance in department budget
preparation; assistance in implementation of Property Rehabilitation
Programs; responsibility of financial management, approving payment
requests while monitoring HOME expenditures; and administering and
monitoring contracts of housing projects. Duties include the
development and maintenance of the Policies & Procedures Manual
as needed as well as maintenance of the project’s filing system and
documentation checklists.
Client Contact
Jose Ometeotl
Acting City
Manager
Project Completion
Ongoing
Type of Funding
HOME / CDBG
50
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Cudahy | CDBG Administration &
Housing Rehabilitation Services
AVANT-GARDE was hired by the City of Cudahy to provide technical
assistance for the administration and implementation of the City’s
CDBG projects. Responsibilities include the preparation of the on-line
“Agreements to Implement” annual CDBG programs with LACDC and
the preparation of processing of any necessary amendments to the
“Agreement to Implement” for ongoing projects. Duties include,
coordination with City staff to gather all necessary documentation for
LACDC program monitoring and audit preparation, preparation and
completion of LACDC and HUD reports and documents, ensuring
administration of all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules,
regulations, and policies are adhered to and the overall administration
of the housing rehabilitation program, including collecting data and
preparing necessary reports for the City, CDC and HUD. In addition,
Avant Garde provides CDBG financial management assistance, acts
as a City liaison and representative to the LACDC, and administers
CDBG funded projects through applicant file review and income
qualification, property inspections, and bid administration, including
the coordination of pre-construction meetings with the LACDC,
contractors, property owners, and staff.
Client Contact
Jenny Hernandez
Acting Human
Resources Manager
Project Completion
On-going
Type of Funding
CDBG
51
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Bellflower | Housing Management
Services
AVA-GARDE provides oversight of the HOME and CDBG program of the
City of Bellflower. Activities include implementation of the Housing
Rehabilitation and First Time Homebuyer programs; IDIS management
and training of accounting staff; income qualification of program
applicants; preparation of CAPER; project management on Affordable
Housing development projects, and management of the CBDG Public
Services program. AVANT-GARDE has updated HOME, CDBG, and
Code Enforcement policies in accordance with HUD requirements,
provided technical assistance to update and amend the Action Plan,
Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, and other
reporting documents as required by HUD.
Client Contact
Jim DellaLonga
Director of Economic
Development
Project Completion
Ongoing
Type of Funding
HOME / CDBG
52
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
El Monte | HOME & CDBG Compliance
& Monitoring
AVANT-GARDE assisted the City of El Monte with monitoring its HOME &
CDBG programs by reviewing previously submitted HUD reports and
planning reports including the Action Plan and CAPER. A Program
Evaluation Report was conducted and analysis of the City’s fund
availability was performed to provide potential recommendations for
program expenditures. Staff assisted the City will preparation of the
Housing Rehabilitation Program Guidelines. We also assisted the City
with preparing bid packages for the rehabilitation of City owned
properties and worked with the City’s selected relocation services
consultant to coordinate the temporary displacement of tenants at
City-owned properties while improvements were constructed. Currently
we are working with the City to monitor rental properties.
Client Contact
Carol Averell
Housing Manager
Project Completion
Ongoing
Type of Funding
HOME / CDBG
53
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
South Gate | CDBG & HOME
Coordination and Management
Services
Currently, Avant-Garde provides the City of South Gate with housing
assistance on an as-needed basis to its Community Development
Department. Some of the services Avant-Garde provides include
assistance with the administration and implementation of the City’s
CBDG program including but not limited to: project management
services as assigned by the Community Development Director, and
support for miscellaneous Community Development activities. Avant-
Garde takes a proactive role in the development of the Annual Action
Plan and the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report
(CAPER). We also provide assistance in monitoring CDBG activities
performed by the City’s Code Enforcement Department to ensure the
eligibility of activities carried out by the Division. Services have included
working with the City to correct and respond to HUD Office of Inspector
General (OIG) audit findings. As part of this effort, AVANT-GARDE
assisted in developing systems and processes in accordance with HUD
requirements to expend and track funds in a timely and compliant
manner and maintain program files in preparation for HUD review and
audit. Furthermore, Avant-Garde provides labor compliance services
for CDBG funded capital improvement projects to ascertain
compliance with established federal regulations and laws.
Client Contact
Vivian Garcia
Housing Administrator
Project Completion
Ongoing
Type of Funding
HOME / CDBG
54
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Moreno Valley | HOME Funding
Compliance Services
AVANT-GARDE was retained by the City of Moreno Valley to assist
with committing HOME funds for two affordable housing projects
facing a lapse of funds. Our scope of services included CHDO
certification; preparation of NEPA documentation for the project;
and project coordination to ensure development and execution
of the HOME Commitment Agreement which included
coordination with the City Attorney, City staff, and the CHDO;
preparation of Council staff reports and coordination with
designated City consultants for preparation of the layering analysis
and feasibility study. We are currently under contract to provide a
variety of services including Project Management services to carry
out two rental projects; monitoring the Emergency Solutions Grants
(ESG) program and its subrecipients including review of policies &
procedures, eligibility requirements, reporting & performance
measurements, administrative costs, procurement, and
recordkeeping; updating and preparation of the Assessment of
Fair Housing, Citizen Participation Plan, and Consolidated Plan
which includes all related community outreach and coordination
with city staff and community stakeholders.
Client Contact
Dena Heald
Financial Operation
Division Manager
Project Completion
Ongoing
Type of Funding
HOME
55
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Pasadena | Housing Management
Services
AVANT-GARDE provided Interim Housing Manager Services to the City
of Pasadena. As the Interim Housing Manager, AVANT-GARDE was
responsible for Community Development Strategic Planning, Housing
Production and Management, Housing Division Management, and
housing production for the homeless.
We are currently providing fund management services including
programs such as CDBG, HOME, and ESG. The scope of work for fund
management services includes coordination with City Staff to review
HUD funded program documents, funding status, action plans and
proposed projects, coordinate and correspond with the HUD Program
Manager. Our staff also conducts an analysis of each project to
ensure that the projects are properly recorded in adherence with the
funding source. In addition, we coordinate with City staff and identify
new projects that will need to be recorded, conduct activity Set Up,
activity funding, drawdowns, activity completion and reporting in the
IDIS system.
Client Contact
Julie Gutierrez
Assistant City Manager
Project Completion
2011
Type of Funding
HOME / CDBG
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Perris | Housing Rehabilitation Services
AVANT-GARDE was retained by the City of Perris to perform a housing
revitalization analysis and establish a program to include development
of detailed program guidelines and procedures including criteria for
eligibility and process for qualifications. AVANT-GARDE assisted the City
in program implementation by assigning staff to carry out specific
responsibilities to ensure program success. We monitored activities from
beginning to end to ensure successful completion of the Rehabilitation
work. Some activities included reviewing applications and documents
submitted to ensure that residents qualify under the criteria established
in the guidelines. Our staff worked with the residents for approval of the
proposed rehabilitation work, develop the work descriptions needed
and monitored the bidding process for contractor selection. In addition,
our marketing team produced effective promotional materials which
assisted with public awareness and kept residents and local interests
informed.
Client Contact
Richard Belmudez
City Manager
Project Completion
2007
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Listed below are projects where Avant-Garde provided labor compliance services. In
many instances our team supported the project by performing project management
and funding administration services in addition to labor compliance. Projects highlighted
were funded with Community Development Block Grant funds or required Section 3
monitoring.
City of Temple City
• Temple City Blvd; Completed: January 2018; CON Cost: $314,500
• El Monte Ave; Completed: January 2018; CON Cost: $1,078,400
• Rosemead Blvd; Completed: September 2014; CON Cost $18,000,000
• Traffic Signal-Temple City Blvd & Las Tunas; Completed: January 2012; CON Cost:
$176,000
• Freer Street Overlay; Completed: December 2010; CON Cost: $599,000
• Traffic Signal – Ellis Lane; Completed: June 2010; CON Cost: $112,000
• Traffic Signal – Rosemead, Longden and Broadway; Completed: January 2011; CON
Cost: $236,500
City of Alhambra
• Almansor Park Improvement Project; Completed April 2018; CON Cost: $1,755,944
• Almansor Park Open Space Improvements; Completed April 2018; CON Cost;
$129,122
• Emery Park Restroom Rehab; In Progress; CON Cost: $38,857.50
• Lindaraxa Park Pillar Reconstruction; Completed March 2018; CON Cost: $33,600
• Atlantic Blvd at Main St ADA; Completed: January 2018; CON Cost: $53,450
• Missions Road Improvement; In Progress; CON Cost: $3,542,995
• Almansor Security Light Replacement; Completed: December 2016; CON Cost:
$67,960
• Almansor Jogging Trail Reconstruction; Completed: December 2016; CON Cost:
$60,000
• Almansor Playground Rubberized Resurfacing; Completed: May 2017; CON Cost:
$85,600
• Granada Park Parking Lot Resurfacing & Pool Locker Room Floor Resurfacing –
Whitney Floor Complex Resurfacing; Completed: May 2015; CON Cost: $50,000
• Almansor Picnic Shelter Replacement; Completed: August 2015; CON Cost: $55,000
• Almansor Gym HVAC & Granada Gym Flooring & Equipment; May 2015; CON Cost:
$250,000
• Alhambra Park ADA Pool Lift; Completed: November 2014; CON Cost: $4,598
• ADA Improvements; Completed: April 2014; CON Cost: $13,325
• Almansor Gym Flooring; Completed: April 2016; CON Cost: $30,100
58
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
City of Cudahy
• ATP Cycle 1; Completed: October 2017; CON Cost: $1,003,933
• Bedwell Hall Re-roofing Project; Completed: November 2014; CON Cost: $151,980
City of Montebello
• Bus Shelter Improvements; In Progress; CON Cost: $1,749,549
• Pavement Repairs & Skin Patching; Completed: January 2018; CON Cost: $142,673
• 10th Street Improvements; Completed: November 2017; CON Cost: $125,905
• Traffic Signal Upgrades – Various; In Progress; CON Cost: $860,000
• Washington Blvd Ph. II; Completed: October 2017; CON Cost: $812,852
• Alley Improvement; Completed: September 2015; CON Cost: $187,553
• Vail Ave. Improvement; Completed: November 2015; CON Cost: $201,150
• Beverly Blvd. Improvements; Completed: September 2014; CON Cost: $429,381
• Traffic Signal-Montebello Way; Completed: October 2016; CON Cost: $726,640
• Safe Routes to School; Completed: August 2013; CON Cost: $572,703
• Federal Safe Routes to School; Completed: March 2012; CON Cost: $285,000
• Whittier Boulevard Revitalization Phase II; Completed: March 2011; CON Cost:
$749,000
• Neighborhood Citywide Sidewalk; Completed: November 2010; CON Cost:
$1,600,000
• Safe Routes to School Greenwood and Washington; Completed: May 2010; CON
Cost: $ 172,000
• Whittier Boulevard Revitalization Phase 1; Completed: 2009; CON Cost: $8,000,000
• Traffic Signal-Garfield Avenue/Via San Clemente; Completed: August 2009; CON
Cost: $138,988
Metro
• Westside Purple Line Extension; In Progress; CON Cost: $244,000,000
• Pavement Replacement at Division 7; In Progress; CON Cost: $1,500,000
• Westside Subway Extension; Completed: January 2017; CON Cost: $20,250,000
• I-405 & SR 134 Soundwall Packages 4&5; Completed: October 2014; CON Cost:
$18,973,000
• CNG Emergency Operators; Completed: October 2014; CON Cost: $881,145
• Lighting Upgrade; Completed: June 2013; CON Cost: $1,662,000
• Bus Stop Improvement; Completed: June 2013; CON Cost: $627,000
• Division 3 Master Plan; Completed: July 2012; CON Cost: $4,973,000
• Trash and Vegetation Removal; Completed: March 2013; CON Cost: $4,800,120
City of Lynwood
• Street Rehab & Water Main Upgrade for Birch; In Progress; CON Cost: $1,189,000
• Street Rehab & Water Main Upgrade for Beechwood Ave; In Progress; CON Cost:
$1,671,000
59
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
• Bateman Hall Roof Replacement Project; Completed: May 2018; CON Cost:
$370,800
• Sidewalk Improvement Project; Completed: April 2018; CON Cost: $94,820
• Emergency Reservoir/Booster Valve Replacement; In Progress; CON Cost: $108,745
• City Park T-Ball; In Progress; CON Cost: $392,961
• Long Beach Blvd Ph. 2; In Progress; CON Cost: $3,128,879
• Long Beach Blvd Ph. 1; In Progress; CON Cost: $3,589,849
• Water Well No. 5; Completed: December 2017; CON Cost: $45,000
• Water Well No. 8; In Progress; CON Cost: $11,221
• Water Well No. 11; Completed: September 2017; CON Cost: $54,620
• Water Well No. 19; Completed: June 2017; CON Cost: $54,620
• Bus Stops Improvements; Completed: April 2017; CON Cost: $370,917
• City Hall Annex; Completed: October 2017; CON Cost: $5,472,000
• HSIP Pedestrian Improvements; Completed: October 2017; CON Cost: $412,000
• Street & Water Main Improvement Wisconsin Ave; Completed: October 2017; CON
Cost: $644,496
• Street Improvement Redwood Ave; Completed: November 2016; CON Cost:
$410,458
City of La Mirada
• Neff Historical Site Restoration; In Progress; CON Cost: $245,454
• Traffic Signal-Artesia Blvd/Industry Circle; Completed: December 2017; CON Cost:
$206,511
• Traffic Signal-Valley View Blvd & Adoree St; Completed: January 2017; CON Cost:
$362,200
• Foster Park Street Improvements Phases 2-4; Completed: February 2016; CON Cost:
$4,700,000, $650,121, $1,952,048
• HVAC City Hall; Completed: February 2014; CON Cost: $377,388
• Alondra/Valley View Improvements; Completed: April 2012; CON Cost: $2,500,000
• La Mirada Boulevard Improvements; Completed: April 2010; CON Cost: $635,000
• Beach Boulevard Improvements; Completed: 2008; CON Cost: $635,000
City of Bell Gardens
• Suva Street Rehab; Completed: September 2017; CON Cost: $242,420
• Opticom Emergency Vehicle Preemption; Completed: July 2015; CON Cost:
$247,623
• Safe Routes to School Non-Infrastructure; Completed: February 2015; Cost: $170,000
• Eastern Avenue; Completed: July 2008; CON Cost: $2,000,000
• ARRA Phase II Street Improvements; Completed: December 2009; CON Cost:
$415,000
• ARRA Phase I Street Improvements; Completed: February 2010; CON Cost: $714,000
• Federal Safe Routes to School: Completed: August 2012; CON Cost: $321,000
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
• Foster Bridge: Completed: January 2013; CON Cost: $163,000
• Florence Place; Completed: February 2015; CON Cost: $190,954
City of Pico Rivera
• Durfee Avenue ADA Ramp Improvements; Completed February 2018; CON Cost:
$86,750
• Commercial Façade; In Progress; CON Cost: $126,213
• Commercial Façade; May 2018; CON Cost: $48,180
• Citywide Roadway Improvements; Completed: May 2016; CON Cost: $269,213
• Commercial Façade; Completed: June 2014; CON Cost: $108,322
• La Cocina Façade Rehab; Completed: August 2012; CON Cost: $37,511
• Beverly Boulevard; Completed: November 2011; CON Cost: $2,400,000
City of Huntington Park
• Pacific Blvd Lighting & Beautification; In Progress; CON Cost: $871,707
• Splash Pad; Completed: September 2017; CON Cost: $719,440
• Middleton SRTS; Completed: November 2017; CON Cost: $369,740
City of Commerce
• Washington/Yates; In Progress; CON Cost: $719,220
City of El Monte
• Downtown Parking Structure; Completed: December 2017; CON Cost: $1,197,425
City of Baldwin Park
• Ramona Blvd Phase I and II; Completed: 2011; CON Cost: $2,450,000
City of Maywood
• Sidewalk Improvements Phase I; Completed: September 2006; CON Cost: $177,000
• Sidewalk Improvements Phase II; Completed: 2007; CON Cost: $365,000
• Slauson Avenue; Completed: September 2008; CON Cost: $827,000
City of La Puente
• Local Street Resurfacing Project, Temple, Orange & Sunset; Completed: 2002; CON
Cost: $284,000
• Local Street Resurfacing Project, Sunset, Nelson and Unruh; Completed: November
2003; CON Cost: $333,000
• Community Center ADA Improvements; Completed: September 2004; CON Cost:
$208,000
• Hacienda Reconstruction; Completed: September 2004; CON Cost: $320,000
• City Hall Elevator; Completed: September 2005; CON Cost: $223,000
• Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Improvements; Completed: October 2005; CON
Cost: $247,000
• Local Street Resurfacing Project, Puente & Nelson; Completed: 2007; CON Cost:
$305,000
• Senior Center; Completed: November 2008; CON Cost: $91,587.00
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
• Local Street Resurfacing Project, Hacienda & Elliot; Completed: August 2008; CON
Cost: $224,000
• Sidewalk Improvements; Completed: September 2008; CON Cost: $334,000
• Local Street Resurfacing Project, Hacienda & Elliot; Completed: April 2009; CON
Cost: $300,000
• Main Street; Completed: 2009; CON Cost: $400,000
• Hacienda Blvd. Reconstruction; Completed: 2009; CON Cost: $741,477.16
• Street Overlay; Completed: 2009; CON Cost: $224,620
• Slurry Seal; Completed: March 2009; CON Cost: $274,087.70
• Handicapped Ramps and Sidewalks Phase II; Completed: July 2009; CON Cost:
$341,043.00
• Valley Boulevard Improvement Project; Completed: 2010; CON Cost: $317,832
• La Puente Park Sidewalk; Complete: 2009; CON Cost: $123,066.10
Women’s and Children Crisis Shelter
• Outreach Center Improvements; Completed: October 2008; CON Cost: $66,000
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City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Section 7. References
Below is a list of references that can be contacted. A description of responsibilities and
work performed is provided in Section 6 – Prior Experience.
Danilo Batson, Assistant City Manager
City of Montebello, 1600 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello CA 90640 (323) 887-1367
Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development
City of Bellflower, 16600 Civic Center Dr., Bellflower, CA 90706 (562) 804-1424 ext. 2224
Jose Ometeotl, Acting City Manager
City of Lynwood, 11330 Bullis Road, Lynwood, CA 90262 (310)603-0220
Dena Held, Financial Operations Division Manager
City of Moreno Valley, 14177 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley, CA 92553 (951)413-3519
Mark Stowell, Director of Public Works
City of La Mirada, 13806 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, CA 90638 (562) 902-2373
Julie Gutierrez, Assistant City Manager
City of Pasadena, 100 N. Garfield, Pasadena, CA 91101 (626) 744-4222
Richard Belmudez, City Manager
City of Perris, 101 N. D Street, Perris, CA 92570 (951)943-6100
Previous Litigation
Avant-Garde states that it does not have any pending or previous litigation over the
past five years related to our firm’s work.
63
City of Rosemead RFP – Professional Services – HOME/CDBG Program Administration 10.22.2018
Hours Rate Hours Rate Hours Rate Hours Cost
110$ 85$ 75$
Administration of CDBG Program 120 13,200$ 96 8,160$ 384 28,800$ 600 50,160.00$
Administration of HOME Program 120 13,200$ -$ 192 14,400$ 312 27,600.00$
Manage Housing Rehab Program -$ -$ 288 21,600$ 288 21,600.00$
Totals 240 26,400.00$ 96 8,160.00$ 864 64,800.00$ 1200 99,360.00$
3,500.00$
4,500.00$
20,000.00$
15,000.00$
TOTAL 142,360.00$
*Hours may be interchanged amongst staff based on the needs identified and availability of City funds
*No additional costs will be billed to the City; such as travel, duplication of materials, binding, mailing etc.
*Discounted Hourly Rates
City of Rosemead - Cost Proposal
Tasks
Program Director Program Manager Program Assistant Sub-Total
Preparation of Annual Action Plan
Preparation of CAPER
Preparation of Five Year Consolidated Plan
Preparation of Assesment of Fair Housing Report
Fee is being provided as these reports are required to be submitted to HUD on an annual basis:
Section 8. Cost Proposal
Avant-Garde is proposing the not-to-exceed fee amount of $142,360 inclusive of all
program management services and preparation of reports required to be submitted to
HUD on an annual basis.
The quotes provided are under the assumption that our staff will handle the entire
process associated with the preparation of the plans. If some tasks are undertaken by
City staff, then the price for the plan preparation can be adjusted accordingly.
It should be noted that our hourly rates are fully loaded. No additional costs will be
billed to the City such as travel, duplication of materials, binding, mailing, etc.
Attachment D
Proposal from MDG Associates Inc.
City of Rosemead
PROPOSAL
Professional Services for
Administration of HOME/CDBG Programs
To The Community Development Department
October 2018
Corporate Headquarters
10722 Arrow Route, Suite 822
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Telephone ◼ (909) 476 - 9696
Fax ◼ (909) 476 - 6086
October 19, 2018
City of Rosemead
City Clerk’s Office
8838 E. Valley Boulevard
Rosemead, CA 91770
Subject: Proposal to Provide Professional Services for Administration of HOME/CDBG
Programs to the Community Development Department
Dear Sir/Madam::
MDG Associates, Inc. (MDG) is pleased to submit a proposal to provide professional services for the
administration of the CDBG and HOME Programs to the Community Development Department. MDG,
along with its affiliate LDM Associates, Inc. (LDM), have been providing high-quality community
development consulting services to municipal agencies and private clients for over 27 years. MDG
specializes in the provision of grant management services with an emphasis on U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Planning and Development (CPD) funded
programs. In addition to grants management services, MDG also provides administration and
implementation services of housing and commercial rehabilitation programs, labor compliance
monitoring, urban planning/architectural design and project management services.
Our consulting team is comprised of highly qualified professional staff with expertise in all aspects of
CDBG and HOME Program administration and implementation. The team’s emphasis and capabilities are
in the management (administrative and financial) of grants funded through HUD’s Community Planning
and Development (CPD) Programs. These programs include Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) in addition to
one-time entitlement grants such as the Neighborhood Stabilization Programs, Homelessness
Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP), and Community Development Block Grant – Disaster
Recovery (CDBG-DR).
Provided herewith, is the information requested in your Request for Proposals (RFP). You may contact
me at the following address, telephone number or e-mail should you have any questions regarding this
proposal:
MDG Associates, Inc.
Rudy E. Munoz, President
10722 Arrow Route, Suite 822
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(909) 476-9696
rmunoz@mdg-ldm.com
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
PROPOSAL
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR ADMINISTRATION OF HOME/CDBG PROGRAMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section I.
Description of Firm, Qualifications, and Experience ……………………………………………………………………… 1
Section II.
Project Approach/Methodology and Scope of Work ………………....………………………… …………………........ 4
Section III.
References …………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….… 9
Section IV.
Budget and Schedule of Hourly Billing Rates ....…………………………….……………………………………………... 11
Resumes of Key Personnel
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SECTION I. DESCRIPTION OF FIRM, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE
MDG Associates, Inc. (MDG) was established in 1991 and has undergone steady growth since its
inception. MDG is a corporation registered in the State of California. MDG is a registered Minority
Business Enterprise (MBE) and a Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB/DBE). In response to our clients’
needs, MDG and its affiliate LDM Associates, Inc. (LDM) provide a wide variety of Community Development
consulting services including, but not limited to: Grants Management; Project Management; Construction
Management; Architectural Design; Urban Planning; and Labor Compliance Monitoring.
MDG Associates, Inc. is comprised of individuals with a wide variety of expertise including the services
specifically requested by the City. Currently, MDG has twenty-eight (28) staff members. Thirteen (13) of
the 28 staff members are knowledgeable and experienced in the administration of CDBG, HOME, ESG,
and the CalHome Programs in addition to projects funded under these Programs.
MDG provides administrative and management services to cities that are seeking a consultant that can
act as an extension of their staff and look after the best interest of the City.
Grants Management:
MDG currently provides administration and implementation services for the Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG),
Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), and Neighborhood Stabilization
Programs (NSP). MDG has managed other grants such as State grants (Parks and Recreation, CalHOME,
State HOME, Prop. 40, etc.), CDBG – Recovery grant, Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing (HPRP)
grants. In addition, MDG implements activities funded under the aforementioned programs such as
Residential Rehabilitation, Commercial Rehabilitation, and First-Time Homebuyer, Economic
Development, and Labor Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Services.
MDG staff maintains an excellent relationship with the local HUD offices as well as at the headquarters
level (Washington D.C.). MDG staff currently provides technical assistance (TA) to grantees throughout
the country on behalf of HUD Headquarters through the OneCPD and Community Compass Programs.
The technical assistance is provided to states, counties, cities and other HUD-funded grantees in
conjunction with the CDBG, HOME, and NSP programs as well as the IDIS and DRGR HUD reporting
systems.
Our staff has been tasked by HUD Headquarters to provide national training on their behalf to grantees
and HUD Staff. The training has been in the areas of “Basically CDBG,” Assessment of Fair Housing
(AFH), Disaster Recovery Grant Reporting (DRGR), eCon Planning Suite, CPD Maps, and the Integrated
Disbursement Information System (IDIS). Our staff is also tasked with providing assistance to grantees
through the HUD Resource Exchange Ask a Question (AAQ) program in the areas of CDBG, HOME, and
DRGR.
MDG and its affiliate LDM are currently under direct contract with 18 cities and two (2) counties
throughout the western United States with funds from HUD totaling approximately 28.5 million dollars.
The services are primarily for the day-to-day implementation of their CPD Programs. For others, MDG
provides services on specific tasks such as IDIS input, project monitoring, federal labor standards
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(Davis-Bacon) compliance, monitoring CDBG/HOME and ESG grants, preparation of Consolidated
Plan/Action Plan, and the preparation of Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report
(CAPER).
As HUD CPD program management consultants, MDG assists with the day-to-day administration of the
programs, including the preparation of Five-Year Consolidated Plans, One-Year Action Plans, and
CAPERs. We conduct the monitoring of public service activities and capital improvement projects for
compliance with the CDBG, OMB (2 CFR Part 200), Davis-Bacon Act requirements, and other cross-
cutting requirements.
The day-to-day services include, but are not limited to setting up budgets based on the adopted Annual
Action Plans; assist in preparing agreements and purchase orders; reviewing invoices and supporting
documentation for compliance with applicable requirements (e.g., procurement, contracts, and Davis-
Bacon compliance, etc.). We assist in setting up draws in the IDIS system upon reconciliation of grantees
general ledger; completing conducting programmatic and financial monitoring of subrecipients and City
Departments to assure activities are compliant with the agreement/MOU and all applicable
requirements. We assist in inputting quarterly accomplishments in IDIS; conducting annual
reconciliations of City’s accounts as compared to the data in IDIS; tracking accounts/budgets for any
carryovers or unexpended funds upon activity close-out; monitor and maintain program income and or
loan portfolio. We also assist the City during the single-audit process, providing requested information
to the auditor.
Housing Rehabilitation:
MDG along with its affiliate LDM are currently under contract with 15 cities for the day-to-day
management and implementation of their housing rehabilitation programs and inspection services for
their programs. Last year, the firm processed and completed the rehabilitation of approximately 225
residential dwellings for the 15 different cities. The programs included the use of CDBG funds, HOME
funds, State HOME funds and CalHome funds.
Commercial Rehabilitation Program Administration and Implementation Experience:
During the past 15 years, our firm has been assisting cities in the day-to-day administration and
implementation of their Commercial Rehabilitation Programs. During the past five (5) years, we have
assisted eight (8) Cities with the rehabilitation of approximately 55 commercial buildings. In addition,
we are in the process of setting up two (2) new programs for the Cities of Buena Park and Hesperia. The
level of service requested by each City differs, however in most cases we provide the overall
administration and implementation services. These include inspection, design services, project
management and Davis-Bacon Compliance monitoring.
Labor Compliance (Davis-Bacon Act):
We are currently under contract to provide Labor Compliance services to 14 cities in Southern
California. Our typical scope of work includes preparation and review of bid documents for compliance
with Federal labor standards and requirements including Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, Section 3, and
DOL regulations; attend pre-construction meeting and present information on Davis-Bacon and Section
3 requirements; review submitted bid documents for compliance; establish and maintain contractor
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and subcontractor labor files; conduct employee field interviews and document posting compliance;
reconcile weekly certified payroll reports and supporting documentation; monitor contractors for
Section 3 accomplishments; schedule labor compliance file reviews prior to release of retention funds;
and address and resolve any underpayment or deficiency issues.
Section 3:
Our staff is experienced in the implementation of the Section 3 employment, contracting and training
requirements. Currently, we monitor labor compliance activities on 15 projects with a combined
construction value of over $12.5 million. Of these projects, ten (10) are Section 3-covered projects with
contracts in excess of $100,000.
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SECTION II. PROJECT APPROACH/METHODOLOGY AND SCOPE OF WORK
PROJECT APPROACH
MDG proposes to provide service on-site and at its home office as required by the City. We anticipate
becoming an extension of City staff and would provide flexible scheduling which meets the needs of the
City. In addition, we would make ourselves available to attend City Council meetings as requested by
staff. We will make ourselves available during non-scheduled hours should the need arise by providing
staff with our cell phone numbers.
METHODOLOGY
MDG implements a team approach for the administration of the HUD entitlement grant programs. This
approach allows us to control costs to the City by having lower level staff complete tasks that do not
require a senior level staff member to complete. This team approach also allows us to assign individuals
with expertise in certain areas to complete those tasks. The work program for each City varies
depending on the City’s needs. MDG performs a majority of the tasks on-site whenever possible with
tasks not requiring our presence at the City being performed from our office.
MDG has established systems for the administration of CDBG and HOME Programs. The key to the
systems is establishing a detailed calendar used in the implementation of the programs. The schedule
includes a start date, due date, item description, reference to the established Policy and Procedure
Manual section and the assigned consultant. As a result of the successful systems that we have
developed for the administration of CPD Programs, we have been selected by HUD headquarters as part
of a workgroup through the OneCPD Technical Assistance Program to establish systems that will assist
grantees in their administration of CPD Programs.
Our philosophy is that it is our responsibility to provide training and technical assistance to
subrecipients receiving CDBG and HOME funds from the City to achieve their goal to implement
successful programs that benefit the low- and moderate-income residents of the City.
CONSULTANT TEAM
The members of our consulting group proposed to provide direct CDBG Program Administration and
Technical Assistance services include Rudy E. Muñoz, President; Clint Whited, Vice President of Grants
Management; and Esther Luis, Manager. Rudy Muñoz is the authorized signatory for contracts on behalf
of MDG Associates and oversees the assigned consulting team for all contracts. In addition, Ms. Luis will
be the City’s direct contact for the CDBG Program and will manage the delivery of the CDBG consulting
services to the City, including the programs compliance with other federal requirements and the
implementation of funded programs. Mr. Clint Whited will be available to the City should it required
assistance with the HOME Program. Additional staff will assist on an as needed basis to address other
elements such as HOME Investment Partnerships program, cross-cutting requirements to include Davis-
Bacon labor compliance monitoring, Section 3, and program monitoring, etc.
P a g e | 5
Rudy Muñoz, President - Mr. Rudy Muñoz is the President and founder of MDG Associates, Inc. With
more than 33 years of experience in the community development field, Mr. Muñoz’ main focus is on
assisting municipalities with all aspects of the administration and implementation of their HUD-funded
CPD Programs. These include, but are not limited to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG),
HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME), Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and Community
Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) programs.
Mr. Muñoz works hand-in-hand with municipalities on the development of implementation strategies
and tools that facilitate the management of their CPD programs; providing training for the HUD CPD
Programs, and at times implementing the day-to-day functions of the programs. These functions include
all phases of the program implementation from the initial development of Consolidated Plans and Action
Plans for the various programs up to the programmatic and financial closeout of projects and grants. He
assists grantees in developing HUD mandated Policies and Procedures for the overall management and
oversight of the various CPD Programs as well as individual activities funded under these programs such
as Housing Rehabilitation, Commercial Rehabilitation, and Homebuyer Programs.
Mr. Muñoz is a Certified HOME Specialist and is a subcontractor to national Technical Assistance (TA)
providers through HUD’s OneCPD and Community Compass initiatives. Through the initiatives, he has
provided TA and training to municipalities throughout the U.S. in the following programs: CDBG, HOME,
NSP (1, 2, and 3) and CDBG-DR. Through the initiatives, he has also provided national training and TA in
two of HUDs reporting systems; the Integrated Disbursement and Information Systems (IDIS), and the
Disaster Recovery Grant Reporting System (DRGR). He is a beta tester for HUD on the Disaster Recovery
Grant Reporting system.
In addition, he has provided training and TA through the initiatives in cross-cutting elements including
Financial Management Systems (Uniform Administrative Systems), Davis-Bacon and Related Acts
(DBRA), and Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH). Because of his fluency in Spanish, he has provided
many of the aforementioned training in Spanish for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its
municipalities.
Prior to his time with LDM and MDG, Mr. Muñoz worked for a number of municipalities in Southern
California. Mr. Munoz received a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) from California Polytechnic
University in Pomona.
Clint Whited, Vice-President, Mr. Clint Whited joined MDG Associates, Inc. in 2006 and currently
serves as Vice-President of Grants Management. With more than 16 years of experience in the planning
and implementation of federal grants including those offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development – Office of Community Planning and Development, Mr. Whited assists municipalities
with all aspects of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership
(HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) management.
Mr. Whited focuses on strategic community investment in affordable housing, development of
infrastructure and coordinating the supportive services necessary to achieve local goals and to
affirmatively further fair housing choice. His work in these areas includes 25 Consolidated Plans, 15
Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, two (2) Assessments of Fair Housing (AFH) and
numerous program policy and procedure documents to facilitate the implementation of the housing and
community development projects resulting from these plans. He is currently responsible for the
management and implementation of CPD programs for a number of cities in Southern California. Mr.
Whited is a Certified HOME Specialist (Regulations) and is a national technical assistance provider
through HUD’s OneCPD technical assistance initiative.
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Prior to joining MDG, Mr. Whited was a Contract Compliance Specialist for the Los Angeles County
Community Development Commission – the second largest Urban County CDBG program in the nation.
His responsibilities included contract development, monitoring the implementation of CDBG funded
activities implemented by participating cities and non-profit organizations. His work with the Urban
County included the development of labor standards policies and procedures covering the Davis-Bacon
Act, Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise and Section 3 of the Housing and Community
Development Act.
Mr. Whited received a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and Management from the University of
Southern California’s School of Policy, Planning and Development, with an emphasis on organizational
management and public sector accounting.
Esther Luis, Senior Associate - Ms. Esther Luis joined MDG Associates, Inc. in June of 2000 and
currently serves as a Senior Associate on the Housing and Community Development team. Ms. Luis has
more than 15 years of experience in the planning and implementation of federal grants including those
offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Community Planning and
Development.
Ms. Luis’ grants management experience includes federally- and County-funded Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs, administration of housing and commercial rehabilitation
programs and the oversight other state and federal grants. Ms. Luis’ capabilities include knowledge of
federal and state grant guidelines, grant application requirements, as well as the ability to administer
and manage grants. She has worked on both sides of the CDBG program to include oversight as a County
staff member overseeing Urban County grantees, working with Urban County grantees reporting to the
County and working for entitled grantees working directly with HUD.
Ms. Luis primary focus is on the day-to-day CDBG program administration and management,
subrecipient (public service) management and monitoring, labor standards enforcement, compliance
with federal reporting requirements including the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation
Report (CAPER), and all other aspects of program administration, implementation and compliance. Ms.
Luis has worked with multiple cities in the administration of their programs.
Prior to her career in the private sector, Ms. Luis held the position of Development Specialist and
Program Specialist for the Community Development Commission of the County of Los Angeles and
Economic Development Analyst.
The resumes of the staff members are included in the Resume of Key Personnel section of this document.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
MDG proposes to provide staffing and other resources required to provide assistance with the City’s
scope of work as delineated in the City’s Request for Proposal:
1. Under the general director from the Director of Community Development and in coordination
with the Housing Coordinator Staff, will assist in the timely preparation and processing through
HD of all the documents related to the CDBG and HOME programs including loan and grant
applications, plans, monitoring, programmatic and fiscal reports.
2. MDG will assist with the data gathering and analysis; public outreach and hearings; evaluating
P a g e | 7
the design and implementation of all grant-supported programs and activities; preparing
pertinent policy recommendations, and implementing programmatic activities as needed.
The following is a sample of general program administration tasks that MDG performs for the CDBG and
HOME programs administration. Those duties include, but are not limited:
General Program Services
● Prepare all reports and notices as required by HUD including but not limited to the One-Year
Action Plan, the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER),
Contractor/Sub-Contractor Activity Reports, and Public Notices.
● Prepare pertinent policy recommendations, and implement programmatic activities as needed.
● Set up and maintain activities and narratives in the Integrated Disbursement Information
System (IDIS).
● Prepare all HUD-required reports, notices, and documents necessary to process City-approved
amendments to the Consolidated Plan and/or One-Year Action Plan.
● Prepare necessary Environmental Review forms and documents for CDBG projects/programs.
● Prepare the annual Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for CDBG program funding.
● Work with City staff to review submitted funding proposals for completeness and eligibility;
assist in the preparation of reports for City staff, committees, and City Council concerning the
allocation of funds for public services and capital expenditure activities.
● Provide training and technical assistance to all funded subrecipients for CDBG program
compliance.
● Coordinate preparation of subrecipients’ contracts with the City Attorney; review subrecipient
invoices for accuracy and eligibility.
● Develop a program year monitoring plan and monitor all CDBG/HOME projects/programs for
appropriate records maintenance, reporting, and compliance with applicable program
requirements.
● Provide Davis-Bacon Wage Compliance and Monitoring and Section 3 Compliance Reports as
needed for projects using CDBG funds.
● Create and maintain files for CDBG and HOME funded projects/programs to ensure appropriate
documentation and compliance with applicable regulations.
● During HUD monitoring, assist the City in gathering and providing requested information to
P a g e | 8
assure compliance with HUD requirements.
● Attend public meetings as needed.
● Provide any such other services as required to properly to administer the City’s CDBG/HOME
programs.
● Provide monthly status reports on the status of work programs/projects assigned.
● Maintain regularly scheduled office hours at the City as requested by the City.
● HOME Program assistance as requested by the City.
● Prepare a CDBG/HOME timeline for the development of Consolidated Plan, Action Plan and
Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report, and ensure completion and submittal of
all mandatory reports.
In addition, MDG has created a CDBG timeline which is has a company’s copyright and includes all tasks
to be performed from the beginning to the end of the program year. A sample will be provided if MDG is
selected for an interview under the consultant selection process.
P a g e | 9
SECTION III. REFERENCES
HUD Entitlement Cities:
City of Irvine - Mr. Steve Holtz, Housing Administrator
Services Provided: CDBG/HOME/CDBG-R/HPRP Program Administration and Technical Assistance;
Redevelopment Consultation; CDBG funded Housing Rehabilitation Program Implementation; Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing (AI); Five-Year Consolidated Plan/Action Plan/CAPER preparation; Davis-
Bacon and Section 3 Compliance.
Date of Contract: 2001 to Present
Phone Number: (949) 724-7452; email address: sholtz@ci.irvine.ca.us
City of Fontana – David Edgar, Deputy City Manager
Services Provided: CDBG/HOME/CDBG-R/NSP Program TA; Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (AI);
Consolidated Plan/Action Plan/CAPER preparation; Davis-Bacon/Section 3 Compliance; Policies and
Procedures for FTHB and Hosing Rehabilitation Programs
Date of Contract: 2009 to Present
Contact Person: Phone Number: (909) 350-6739; email address: dedgar@fontana.org
City of Paramount – Karina Lam Liu, Finance Director
Services Provided: CDBG/CDBG-R/NSP/HOME Program Administration; Redevelopment Consultation;
CDBG and HOME funded Housing Rehabilitation and Commercial Rehabilitation Program Implementation;
Homebuyer Assistance Program; Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (AI); Consolidated Plan/Action
Plan/CAPER preparation; 5 Year Implementation Plan (Redevelopment); Davis-Bacon Compliance; and
affordable housing monitoring.
Dates of Contract: 2003 to Present
Phone Number: (562) 220-2210; email address: Klam@ParamountCity.com
City of Corona – Cynthia Lara, Administrative Services Manager
Services Provided: CDBG Program Administration and HOME Technical Assistance including all aspects of
the CDBG Program as well as assistance with affordable housing projects and Davis-Bacon Compliance
Monitoring.
Date of Contract: 2010 to Present
Phone Number: (951) 739-4963; email address: Cynthia.Lara@ci.corona.ca.us
City of Hawthorne – Mari Guerrero, CDBG/HOME Coordinator
Services Provided: CDBG/HOME Program Administration and Technical Assistance; CDBG and HOME
funded Housing Rehabilitation Program Implementation; RDA funded Commercial Rehabilitation Program
Implementation; Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (AI); Consolidated Plan/Action Plan/CAPER
preparation.
Date of Contract: 2002 to 2010 and 2014 to Present
Phone Number: (310) 349-2976; email address: mguerrero@cityofhawthorne.org
City of Newport Beach - James Campbell, Principal Planner
Services Provided: CDBG Program Technical Assistance; Davis-Bacon and Section 3 Compliance; Analysis of
Impediments; Consolidated Plan/Action Plan/CAPER preparation; affordable housing monitoring.
Date of Contract: 2000 to Present
Phone Number: (949) 644-3210; email address: jcampbell@newportbeachca.gov
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City of Hesperia – Rod Yahnke, Economic Development Manager
Services Provided: CDBG Program Administration and Technical Assistance; CDBG funded Housing
Rehabilitation Program Implementation; Davis-Bacon and Section 3 Compliance; Consolidated Plan/Action
Plan/CAPER preparation. Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (AI) preparation. NSP Program
Technical Assistance.
Date of Contract: 2003 to 2008 and 2013 to Present
Phone Number: (760) 970-1907; email address: ryahnke@cityofhesperia.us
City of Palmdale - Mike Miller, Director of Neighborhood Services
Services Provided: CDBG/HOME/CDBG-R/NSP Program Administration and Technical Assistance;
Redevelopment Consultation; Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (AI); Consolidated Plan/Action
Plan/CAPER preparation; 5 Year Implementation Plan (Redevelopment); Davis-Bacon and Section 3
Compliance; affordable housing monitoring.
Date of Contract: 2000 to Present
Phone Number: (661) 267-5126; email address: MikeM@cityofpalmdale.org
City of Rialto – Mike Story, City Administrator
150 S. Palm Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376
Services Provided: CDBG Program Administration; CDBG-R Program Administration; NSP1 and NSP3
Program Administration; Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing (HPRP) Program
Administration; Commercial Rehabilitation Program Implementation; Project/Construction
Management; Davis-Bacon; Consolidated Plan/Action Plan/Analysis of Impediments/CAPER
preparation.
Date of Contract: 2000 to Present
Contact Person: Phone Number (909) 820-2689; e-mail address: Administration@rialtoca.gov
City of Upland – Liz Chavez, Manager of Development Services
Services Provided: CDBG Program Technical Assistance; CalHome and RDA funded Housing Rehabilitation
Program Implementation (4 separate programs); RDA funded Commercial Rehabilitation Program
Implementation; CalHome and RDA funded Homebuyer Assistance Program; Project/Construction
Management; Davis-Bacon and Section 3 Compliance; Analysis of Impediments; Planning Services; Analysis
of Impediments to Fair Housing (AI); Consolidated Plan/Action Plan/CAPER preparation; affordable
housing monitoring.
Date of Contract: 2004 to Present
Phone Number: (909) 931-4146; email address: lchavez@ci.upland.ca.us
P a g e | 11
SECTION IV. BUDGET AND SCHEDULE OF HOURLY BILLING RATES
BUDGET PROPOSAL
MDG proposes to perform the Scope of Services on an hourly basis, billed in quarter-hour increments
based on the billing rates listed on the attached Rate Schedule (See Exhibit “A”) that are effective July 1,
2018.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
MDG Associates, Inc. is not aware of any possible conflict of interest that might limit the projects on
which our firm could work.
P a g e | 12
EXHIBIT “A”
MDG Associates, Inc.
SCHEDULE OF HOURLY BILLING RATES
Rates effective as of July 1, 2018
STAFF PERSON: HOURLY RATE:
President/Senior Vice-President $115.00/Hr
Vice President $105.00/Hr
Manager $100.00/Hr
Senior Associate $95.00/Hr
Associate $85.00/Hr
Senior Project Assistant $70.00/Hr
Project Assistant $65.00/Hr
Secretary $45.00/Hr
Note: If MDG staff is requested by the City to attend a meeting not considered a part of this
proposal or on a day in which a consultant is not scheduled to be on site, the City shall be billed
for the time it takes to drive to and from the City and its corporate office.
REIMBURSABLE ITEMS:
Project Supplies (if applicable) At Cost plus 10% surcharge
Prints/Reproductions At Cost plus 10% surcharge
Postage/Delivery At Cost plus 10% surcharge
RESUMES OF KEY PERSONNEL
Rudy E. Muñoz
President
MDG ASSOCIATES, INC.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
MDG Associates, Inc. – Rancho Cucamonga, CA
President: 1991 - Present
Founder and President of MDG Associates, Inc., a community development consulting firms
specializing in administration and implementation services to a number of municipal agencies.
Over 30 years of experience in the community development field that includes strategic
development of implementation tools to facilitate the management of programs, classroom training,
administration and implementation of programs and designing programs for state, county and local
governments.
Specializes in the oversight of U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs to
government agencies as well as HUD technical services providers under the OneCPD and
Community Compass Technical Assistance program. The services to government agencies include
providing day-to-day administration services for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG),
Home Investment Partnerships Act (HOME), Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), and
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Programs (HPRP). Responsible for designing,
developing, administering, and implementing housing rehabilitation, commercial rehabilitation, and
First Time Homebuyer programs for a number of grantees in Southern California.
Services provided to HUD service providers includes HOME and CDBG Program technical
assistance; training on the Disaster Recovery and Grant Reporting (DRGR) system, Basically CDBG,
e-Con Planning Suite and CPD Maps. Part of HUDs Ask a Question (AAQ) team for the DRGR
reporting system, HOME Program, and the IDIS Reporting system in addition to being a part of
HUD’s Policy and Procedure Work Group responsible for developing policy and procedures for
CPD Programs.
Has provided training and technical assistance (TA) through HUD service providers to the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in Spanish. This includes the translation of CPD training materials,
checklists, and training slides in Spanish.
City of Huntington Park – Huntington Park, CA
Ass. Director of Comm. Development/Redevelopment: 1987 – 1991
Assisted the Director of Community Development in the administration of the department. Directly
responsible for the day-to-day administration and management of municipal staff on the CDBG and
HOME programs, current and advanced planning functions and code enforcement activities. Acted
as Secretary to the City’s Planning Commission.
City of Bell – Bell, CA
City Planner: 1986 – 1987
Under the direction of the Community Development Director, administered the City's current and
advanced planning activities, assisted in the development of a new General Plan. Responsible for
reviewing and processing Subdivision Review, Zoning Review, Environmental Review, and Design
Review functions. Responsible for the administration of the CDBG Program funded through the
Urban County Program.
Rudy E. Muñoz
Pg. 2
MDG ASSOCIATES, INC.
City of Montclair – Montclair, CA
Associate Planner (started as Assist. Planner): 1985 – 1986
Assisted in the daily planning functions including, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
review, Design Review, Subdivisions, Annexations, Development proposals. Responsible for
reviewing and processing Zone Changes, Variances, Conditional Use Permits, and other
entitlements.
Booth-Good Architects: Walnut, CA
Project Assistant 1982-1985
Under the direction of the Project Architect, assisted in the design development, and preparation of
construction drawings for a variety of building types including single family residential, multi-family
residential and commercial developments.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Architecture (5-Year Degree)
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
AFFILIATIONS/ REGISTRATIONS:
ICBO - International Conference of Building Officials
NAHRO- National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
AIA - Prior Associate member of the American Institute of Architects
Licensed State General Contractor – California License No.681042
ICBO – Earthquake Retrofit of Wood Frame Homes Certification
Certified HOME Program Regulations, HUD (Technical Assistance Provider)
Clint D. Whited
Vice President
MDG ASSOCIATES, INC.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
MDG Associates, Inc. – Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Vice-President: 2006 - Present
Responsible for the preparation of Five-Year Consolidated Plans, Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH),
Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI), Annual Action Plans and Consolidated Annual
Performance and Evaluation Reports in connection with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) programs including but not limited to the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG).
Serves as the lead consultant with assigned clients and is responsible to coordinate the work of
assigned consultants to ensure work flow efficiency and quality. Provides technical assistance to
clients including cities, counties, and housing developers to enhance client capacity to administer
federal and state grant programs. Areas of specialization include compliance monitoring (prevailing
wage/labor standards, affordable housing, grant programs, subrecipients), audit preparation, CDBG
and HOME technical assistance, policy and procedure development and the implementation of
housing programs including all phases of acquisition, rehabilitation and/or development, resale or
rental.
As a HOME Program Certified Specialist, provides technical assistance to HUD grantees through the
HUD OneCPD Technical Assistance program on all phases of program planning, grants management,
program design, implementation, monitoring and reporting. Provides technical assistance to grantees
as a reviewer for HUDs CDBG and HOME program Ask a Question (AAQ) teams.
L.A. County Community Development Commission, Monterey Park, CA
Contract Compliance Officer / Program Management: 2001-2006
Developed and implemented comprehensive online construction contract compliance guidelines for
Davis-Bacon and Section 3. Provided training and technical assistance to subrecipient agencies on
contract and labor compliance. Monitored and provided contract compliance oversight to 63
contracts worth approximately $49.3 million. Developed and reviewed interagency agreements, RFPs
and bid documents. Prepared comprehensive procurement guidelines for external agencies.
Participated in Commission-wide strategic planning process for internal policy and procedure
development.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science – Public Policy and Management
University of Southern California, Los Angeles
AFFILIATIONS/ REGISTRATIONS:
Certified HOME Program Regulations, HUD (Technical Assistance Provider)
Esther Luis
Manager
MDG ASSOCIATES, INC.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
MDG/LDM Associates, Inc. - Manager
Responsible for the administration and implementation of CDBG Programs and activities funded
with CDBG, HOME and CRA fund including but not limited to housing and commercial
rehabilitation programs. Assist in the preparation of Five-Year Consolidated Plans, Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI), Annual Action Plans and Consolidated Annual
Performance and Evaluation Reports in connection with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) programs. Serves as the lead consultant with assigned clients and is
responsible to coordinate the work of assigned consultants to ensure work flow efficiency and
quality. Provide technical assistance to Cities to enhance their capacity in the administration of
federal and state grant programs
Community Development Commission County of Los Angeles – Development Specialist I
Responsible for monitoring Cities, Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) and County
Departments to ensure compliance with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
regulations; provided technical assistance to CDBG grant recipients in identifying appropriate
systems that can be implemented to meet CDBG requirements; reviewed and responded to
eligibility inquires for proposed CDBG projects; provided CDBG compliance training to grant
recipients; reviewed construction projects for compliance with Davis-Bacon requirements; and
prepared recommendations for corrective actions.
Community Development Commission County of Los Angeles – Program Specialist
Reviewed applications for subsidized housing from Community Based Organizations (CBO’s)
serving the homeless and low-income persons with HIV or AID’s; negotiated lease contracts
with private owners; verified tenant eligibility using files and computer-based records; resolved
disputes between owners, tenants and the Housing Authority; counseled tenants with regard to
housing and economic concerns; maintained files and records; and provided program
information to the public.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Arts – Sociology/Business Administration
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
TECHNICAL SKILLS: Computer Skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Window Operating
Systems. Bilingual/Bi-literate - Fluent in Spanish AFFILIATIONS/REGISTRATIONS:
Notary Public for the State of California
Attachment E
Proposal from Priscila Davila & Associates, Inc.
PRISCILA DÁVILA & ASSOCIATES, INC.
1501 North Harbor Blvd., Suite 209
Fullerton, California 92835
562.673.3388
October 19, 2018
Mr. Ben Kim
Director of Community Development
City of Rosemead
8838 E. Valley Blvd.
Rosemead CA 91770
Subject: Response to Request for Proposal for Administration of
HOME/CDBG Programs
Dear Mr. Kim:
Priscila Dávila & Associates, Inc. in partnership with JEDA Works (DBA Housing
Programs) is pleased to submit this response to the City of Rosemead’s Request
for Proposals for Community Development Department Block Grant (CDBG) and
HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program Oversite. We believe our
company is qualified to assist the City of Rosemead in the oversight,
assessment/overhaul and management of its CDBG and HOME Programs.
Both Priscila Dávila & Associates, Inc. and JEDA Works are well versed in the
areas of both Programs. This knowledge allows us to administer and create
programs that are consistent with the applicable state, local and federal laws
associated with the funding source. With over thirty years of professional
experience working with various HUD programs, our background includes
monitoring CDBG and HOME activities for HUD compliance, managing CDBG
and HOME programs, and developing and implementing housing rehabilitation
and first-time homebuyer programs.
For the purposes of this proposal, Priscila Dávila & Associates, Inc. will be the
primary contact and on-site individual who will provide the direct services to the
City of Rosemead.
We look forward to your evaluation of our proposal for consulting services.
Should you have any questions during the qualification evaluation please
contact Priscila Dávila at (562) 673-3388.
Sincerely,
Priscila Dávila
Priscila Dávila
Principal, Housing/Grants Management Consultant
PRISCILA DAVILA & ASSOCIATES, INC.
1501 North Harbor Blvd., Suite 209
Fullerton, California 92835
(562) 673-3388
prisciladh@yahoo.com
RESPONSE TO CITY OF ROSEMEAD
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
FOR ADMINISTRATION OF HOME/CDBG PROGRAMS
SUBMITTED FOR CONSIDERATION TO:
City of Rosemead
Community Development Department
8838 E. Valley Boulevard
Rosemead, California 91770
October 19, 2018
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary .......................................................................................... ... 2
HUD Document - Specific Services ...............................................................3
1. Annual Action Plan (2019-2020) ......................................................3
2. Five Year Consolidated Plan (2019-2024) ..................................3
3. CAPER .............................................................................................................3
4. Consolidated Plan Timeline ...............................................................3
Additional Available Services ..........................................................................4
1. General Grant Administration ..........................................................4
2. Environmental Review Records ......................................................4
3. Davis-Bacon Wage Compliance .......................................................4
4. Section 3 Compliance ...........................................................................4
5. Contractor/Subcontractor Activity Reports .............................4
6. First-Time Homebuyer ..........................................................................5
7. Housing Rehabilitation Services .....................................................5
Personnel – Direct Services Team .................................................................6
Experience/References ......................................................................................7
Cost Schedule ...........................................................................................................9
Resumes.................................................................................................................... 10
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Priscila Dávila & Associates, Inc. is a firm with dedicated professionals that have a passion for
providing first-rate consulting services in the areas of community development and affordable
housing within communities throughout Southern California. Priscila Davila & Associates, Inc.
principals (Priscila Dávila, Deborah Sottek and John Sottek) are the persons directly responsible for
performing all work associated with the company.
Priscila Dávila & Associates, Inc. principals, having worked as city employees and with other
private consulting firms, saw the need to come together as a team to provide competitive and
effective services to local government agencies and non-profit organizations.
Summary of Experience/Services - The following is a summary of the various services provided by
Priscila Dávila & Associates, Inc. since 1994, for over 20 cities:
• Preparation of Five-Year Consolidated Plans,
• Preparation of Annual Action Plan and Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Reports,
• Preparation of Citizen Participation Plans,
• Preparation of Analysis to Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (A.I.),
• Hands on use of the federal Integrated Disbursement Information System (IDIS),
• Monitoring Public Service Subrecipients, Housing Projects, Commercial Rehabilitation, Public
Improvement Projects, and Economic Development Projects,
• Preparation of Environmental Documentation and Compliance,
• Technical Assistance on resolution of regulatory compliance issues,
• Regulatory monitoring and compliance associated with Davis Bacon Related Act (DBRA),
• HUD monitoring/audit preparation (file organization, resolution of Concerns/Findings,
follow-up correspondence),
• Administration, development, and design of HUD and State-funded Community
Development, Housing Programs and Homeless programs/projects,
• CDBG, HOME, State HOME, NSP and ESG-funded program/project design, development and
Implementation, and
• Ongoing program administration including processing subordinations and loan payoffs for
first-time buyer and owner-occupants programs.
Knowledge of State and Federal Regulations – Priscila Dávila & Associates, Inc. principals have
attended over 30 workshops and trainings sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development and the State of California Housing and Community Development.
Additional Qualifications (Real Estate Broker) - Deborah Sottek has held an active California Real
Estate Broker’s license for 20 years. She has coordinated over 2,000 escrow transactions for first-
time homebuyer, owner occupied and multi-family rehabilitation programs. She is experienced in all
aspects of loan transactions including underwriting, loan processing, and escrow transactions. She
has 20 years of experience in property title search and document recording.
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HUD DOCUMENT - SPECIFIC SERVICES
The key person responsible under this component will be Priscila Dávila. The following summarizes
the services proposed for grant administration:
1. ANNUAL ACTION PLAN (2019-2020)
A. Prepare all HUD required reports, notices, and documents necessary to process any
City approved amendments to and/or the Annual Action Plan.
B. Prepare the annual Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for allocation of City CDBG
and HOME funding.
C. Work with City staff to review submitted funding requests for completeness and
eligibility.
D. Assist or prepare, as required, reports for the City Council concerning the allocation
of funds for public service and capital expenditure activities.
E. Assistance in compiling eligibility documentation in accordance with HUD regulations
for program year funded projects, including National Objective determinations.
F. Set-up and maintain activities and narratives in the Integrated Disbursement
Information System (IDIS).
2. FIVE YEAR CONSOLIDATED PLAN (2019-2024)
A. Prepare all HUD required reports, notices, and documents necessary to process any
City approved amendments to the Consolidated Plan.
B. Perform relevant consultations and data collection to complete the required HUD
tables and the analysis of housing and non-housing needs and IDIS entry.
C. Conduct public hearings and study sessions, as needed.
D. Prepare draft public hearing notices and other public notices as may be applicable.
E. Conduct consultations with private agencies, public agencies and community groups
as required.
3. CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT
Preparation of the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) will
include the following:
• Executive Summary
• General Questions
• Managing the Process
• Citizen Participation
• Institutional Structure
• Monitoring
• Lead-based Paint
• Housing
• Housing Needs
• Specific Housing Objectives
• Public Housing Strategy
• Barriers to Affordable Housing
• HOME
• Homelessness
• Homeless Needs
• Specific Prevention Elements
• Non-Homeless Special Needs Housing
• Community Development
• Antipoverty Strategy
4. 2019-2020 ACTION PLAN/ 2020-2024 FIVE YEAR CONSOLIDATED PLAN TIMELINE
TIMELINE December
2018
January
2019
February
2019 March 2019 April 2019 May 2019
Drafting of Plan February 1, 2019 to April 19, 2019
Community Forums 3/5/2019 and 3/12/19
Draft of Document for Staff Review 3/29/2019
Presentation of Draft to Public
4/12/19 to
5/14/19 5/14/19
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ADDITIONAL AVAILABLE SERVICES
The following services are available to assist City staff in the implementation of its HUD-funded
programs:
1. GENERAL GRANT ADMINISTRATION
A. Provide CDBG and HOME program training and technical assistance to City staff and
funded subrecipients for CDBG and HOME compliance.
B. Coordinate preparation of sub-recipient contracts with City Attorney; review sub-
recipient’s invoices for accuracy and eligibility.
C. Create and maintain files for CDBG, HOME funded projects/activities and programs.
D. Review quarterly status reports on the status of work projects/activities and
programs assigned, unless otherwise instructed by the City.
E. Provide any other administrative services necessary to effectively administer the
City’s CDBG and HOME programs.
F. Develop a monitoring plan and monitor all CDBG and HOME projects/programs for
appropriate records maintenance, reporting, and compliance with applicable program
requirements.
G. Assistance in preparing for Department of Housing & Urban Development program
monitoring of CDBG and HOME projects/programs.
H. Assist with preparation of responses, as needed, to Findings and Concerns noted in
HUD Project Monitoring.
I. Attend public meetings, as needed.
J. Work with City staff, as needed to maintain financial records as defined by CDBG and
HOME Program regulations and policies.
K. Provide monthly status reports for work programs/projects assigned.
2. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW RECORDS
A. Preparation of the environmental review records for all HUD-funded programs and
activities including but not limited to:
• Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds.
• Request for Release of Funds.
• 8-Step Flood Plain Determination.
• Statutory Work Sheet.
• Appendix A.
3. DAVIS-BACON WAGE COMPLIANCE
A. Provide Davis-Bacon Wage compliance procedures.
B. Provide Davis-Bacon project monitoring compliance, as applicable.
C. Provide labor compliance services for the City of Rosemead’s CDBG and HOME funded
projects.
4. SECTION 3 COMPLIANCE
A. Provide Section 3 compliance procedures.
B. Provide Section 3 project reporting/monitoring, as applicable.
5. CONTRACTOR/SUBCONTACTOR ACTIVITY REPORTS
Prepare Contractor/Subcontractor Activity Report, as applicable.
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ADDITIONAL AVAILABLE SERVICES (CONTINUED)
6. FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAM
1. Income determination;
2. Property eligibility;
3. Loan document preparation;
4. Correspondence with the escrow company, title company, owner and other
interested parties; and
5. Additional programs service, as needed.
7. HOUSING REHABILITATION SERVICES
A. Household Qualification
1. Calculate household income;
2. Prepare and send letters of verification to third parties such as IRS, employers, social
Security, Employment Development Department, retirement benefits system, etc.;
3. Review asset documentation for income calculation and evidence of additional
unreported income;
4. Review credit report for evidence of assets and additional unreported income; and
5. Prepare and transmit all correspondence including additional information requests,
approval, denial letters, etc.
B. Construction Management – The following services are offered for the housing
rehabilitation program:
1. Arrange/Conduct inspections;
2. Develop written scope of work; and
3. General project construction oversight.
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PERSONNEL – DIRECT SERVICES TEAM
The following is a listing of the key personnel performing the specific program tasks outlined in the
RFP. Complete resumes for each person can be found in the “Resume” section of this proposal.
Priscila Dávila - Ms. Dávila has over eighteen (18) years of CDBG, HOME, and ESG professional
experience. She has thorough knowledge of CFR Title 24 Part 570 and has an excellent command
of HUD regulations. Ms. Dávila will be lead person for the work under the “Administration Specific”
component of this proposal including but limited to the development and preparation of the HUD-
required consolidated planning documents. Her focus will be the general administration of all of
the City’s HUD-funded grants and programs identified in the City’s Request for Proposal. Ms. Dávila
will provide general oversight and management of the CDBG and HOME programs. She will meet
with City staff on a monthly basis, or as needed, to discuss project status and implementation. She
will charge at the Principal Rate for time expended on project management, attending meetings,
telephone calls, research time and preparing documents.
Deborah Sottek – Deborah Sottek has over thirty (30) years of experience in the administration of
federally funded community development and housing programs. Ms. Sottek will provide assistance
to Ms. Davila is the development and preparation of the HUD-required consolidated planning
documents. Her focus will be developing the written narrative and analysis. Ms. Sottek will be lead
person for services performed under the “Additional Services – First-time Homebuyer and
Housing Rehabilitation” component of this proposal. She will charge at the Principal Rate for
time expended on project management, attending meetings, telephone calls, research time and
preparing documents.
John Sottek - John Sottek has over twenty years of experience in housing rehabilitation as a
construction manager/inspector for City-sponsored housing rehabilitation programs. Mr. Sottek will
be lead person (if needed) for services performed under the “Additional Services – Construction
Management” component of this proposal. Mr. Sottek will be the primary person responsible for
the following: HQS Inspections in accordance with HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (24 CFR
982.401) and City policy for the City’s Tenant based rental assistance program. He will charge at the
Principal Rate for time expended on project management, attending meetings, telephone calls,
research time and preparing documents.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT STAFF
The following persons will provide off-site administrative support to the direct services team.
Geovannie Castro – Assist in compiling data for analysis, preparing draft written documents,
reviewing applications, property equity reviews based on comparable sales and/or appraisals
depending on need, loan document preparation, preparing reports, monitoring expenditures.
Kathy Redman – Assist in compiling data for analysis, preparing draft written documents,
inspection coordinator, bids and document signings, filing and releasing liens, file record
maintenance.
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EXPERIENCE/REFERENCES
Client History: The following is a history of agencies served by Priscila Dávila & Associates in the programs
outlined in the City’s request for proposal:
City of Gardena City of Pasadena City of Brea City of San Juan Capistrano
City of Lawndale City of Bellflower City of Corona City of San Bernardino
City of Huntington Park City of Montebello City of Cypress Su Casa Apartments
City of South Gate City of Buena Park City of El Cajon City of San Marcos
City of Monterey Park City of Chino City of Encinitas City of La Palma
The following is a list of current references for the services outlined in the City’s request for proposal.
City of Monterey Park 2008-Present
Community & Economic Development Department
320 W New Mark Avenue
Monterey Park, CA 91754 Michael Huntley. Director
Responsible Persons:
Priscila Dávila & Deborah Sottek
Funding Source(s): HOME & CDBG
Responsibilities: General consulting services in support of the City’s administration of the CDBG and State
HOME funded programs; preparation of environmental documentation, preparation/attendance at HUD
monitorings and City single audits, preparation of 2011 and 2016 Five Year Consolidated Plans, 2007 to 2018 Annual Action Plans and CAPERs, 2007 and 2016 Citizen Participation Plan, CDBG subrecipient
monitoring, provide IDIS support by setting up activities/projects, committing funds, and generating reports,
provide staff with CDBG and HOME Program technical assistance, income determination for owner-occupied
housing rehabilitation program.
City of Gardena 2003-Present
Community Development Department/Administrative Services
1700 W. 162nd Street
Gardena, CA 90247
Mary Simonell, Administrative Analyst II
(310)217-6109
Carol Nishi, Administrative Aide
(310)217-9645
Responsible Person:
Deborah Sottek
Funding Source(s):
State HOME & CDBG
Responsibilities: General consulting services in support of the City’s administration of the CDBG and State
HOME funded programs; preparation of environmental documentation, preparation/attendance at HUD
monitorings and City single audits, preparation of 2011 and 2016 Five Year Consolidated Plans, 2007 to
2018 Annual Action Plans and CAPERs, 2007 and 2016 Citizen Participation Plan, CDBG subrecipient
monitoring, provide IDIS support by setting up activities/projects, committing funds, and generating reports,
provide staff with CDBG and HOME Program technical assistance, income determination for owner-occupied
housing rehabilitation program.
City of Pasadena 2008-Present
Housing Department 649 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 202
Pasadena, California 91109
Phone No.: (626) 396-8321
Mr. Jim Wong, Senior Project Manager
Responsible Person:
Priscila Dávila and John Sottek
Funding Source(s):
HOME, CDBG & ESG
Responsibilities: General consulting services in support of the City’s administration of the CDBG, ESG and HOME federal funding programs; provides information, guidance, and advice on CDBG, ESG and HOME
matters, including environmental and financial requirements, review program documents to ensure
compliance with HUD requirements, provide IDIS support by setting up activities/projects, committing funds
and generating reports, provide all Section 3 and Davis-Bacon monitoring, provide Long Term Monitoring HQS
inspections
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EXPERIENCE/REFERENCES (CONTINUED)
RELEVANT PRIOR EXPERIENCE
City of South Gate 2006-2017
Community Development Department 8650 California Avenue
South Gate, CA 90280
(323) 563-9585
Ms. Vivian Garcia
Responsible Person:
Priscila Dávila
Funding Source(s):
HOME, CDBG, ESG, NSP & Cal-Home
Responsibilities: Provided grant coordination and management of the CDBG, HOME and ESG Programs.
Prepared Consolidated Plans, Annual Action Plans, CAPERs, Citizen Participation Plan, and Plan amendments. Assisted in Program Implementation of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.
Established Program timelines, goals and deliverables for all CPD Programs. Priscila Dávila performed all programmatic entries in IDIS. In addition, Ms. Dávila managed all Community Housing Development
Organization’s (CHDO) projects and monitored prevailing wages when required.
City of Huntington Park 2001-2004
Community Development Department
6550 Miles Avenue Huntington Park, CA 90255
Phone No.: (323) 584-6210
Mr. Manuel Acosta, Housing and Community
Development Manager
Responsible Person:
Priscila Dávila
Funding Source(s):
HOME, CDBG & ESG
Responsibilities: Researched and prepared grant applications for the Community Development Department. Administered implemented the City’s CDBG, HOME and ESG grants. Prepared the City’s
Annual Action Plans and CAPERs. Priscila Dávila prepared staff reports and represented the City on grant
matters. In addition, Ms. Dávila executed contracts with sub-recipients and consultants, and prepared the
City’s annual budget for grants and Community Development Department.
City of Bellflower 2011-2014
Economic Development Department
16600 Civic Center Drive
Bellflower, CA 90706 Phone No.: (562) 804-1424 ext.
Brian Lee, Director of Economic Development
Responsible Person:
Priscila Dávila
Funding Source(s):
HOME, CDBG & ESG
Responsibilities: Provided general administrative services for the City of Bellflower including but were
not limited to the following: Preparation of the Annual Action Plan and annual CAPER, HUD audit
preparation, Integrated Disbursement Information System (IDIS) technical support, respond to HUD correspondence, make presentations to City Council, Parks and Recreation Commission and City staff,
attendance at preconstruction meeting, Section 3 Compliance, consultation and technical assistance on
regulatory compliance. Additionally, Priscila Dávila assisted with the development of affordable housing
projects, technical assistance to prospective Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs),
overall grant management, budget preparation, and acts as a liaison between the City and HUD.
Responsible Person:
John Sottek
Funding Source(s):
RDA, HOME & CDBG
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COST SCHEDULE
GENERAL PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Task Hourly Rate
Priscila Dávila $65.00
Deborah Sottek $65.00
HUD REPORTS
Task Hourly
Rate
Projected
Hours Total Cost
Staff Responsible Primary: Priscila Dávila Secondary: Deborah Sottek
Five-Year Consolidated Plan $80.00 240 $19,200.00
Annual Action Plan $80.00 65 $5,200.00
CAPER $80.00 35 $2,800.00
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RESUMES
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