Contract With Us

Elevate is inviting contractors to submit qualifications for participation in Evanston Green Homes(EGH), an innovative residential retrofit pilot program funded by the City of Evanston in collaboration with the Center for Neighborhood Technology. Please see the RFQ attached.

This program provides health and safety improvements, as well as energy conservation and efficiency upgrades to both single-family and multi-family homes in Evanston.
Measures which may be implemented under EGH include, but are not limited to:

• Health & Safety Remediation
• Insulation
• HVAC
• Electric
• Window & Door Replacements
• Building Envelope & Framing Work
• Caulking
• Plumbing
• Roofing

EGH will operate through December 31, 2025.

RFQ Timeline

Questions due to greenhomes@elevatenp.org : September 3, 2024

Addendum with answers to questions received issued by: September 6, 2024

Final responses due to greenhomes@elevatenp.org by: 11:59 p.m. (CT) on September 16, 2024

Please utilize the attached RFQ and response form to submit qualifications and email to greenhomes@elevatenp.org

Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Response Form

Background

In May 2024, the Cook County (Illinois) Board of Commissioners approved the Cook County Water Affordability Program. In coordination with Elevate, this first of its kind initiative aims to assist suburban Cook County residents who are struggling with their water bills. Utilizing funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, the program will provide water bill relief, residential leak repairs, and water affordability technical assistance for municipalities.

Program Overview

Program Goals

Elevate is seeking proposals from qualified professionals to develop a water affordability analysis and solutions implementation plan for one or more municipalities in suburban Cook County. Elevate plans to provide assistance to 10 municipalities through water affordability analyses, helping municipalities understand their unique challenges to residential water affordability, and identify short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to make water more affordable. Selected consultants will provide separate analyses for up to three municipalities. Elevate will seek out the participation of targeted municipalities and assist in pairing municipalities with consultants based on identified needs and consultant expertise.

Scope of Work

Water affordability analyses should include, at minimum, the following three components:

• Task 1: Quantitative and qualitative data collection
• Task 2: Data analysis to provide an understanding of affordability challenges in the municipality
• Task 3: Recommendations development in a Water Affordability Action Plan

The specific scope will vary for each municipality based on past work to address water affordability challenges, data availability, municipal capacity to support data collection, and so on. Elevate reserves the right to review work and request refinements prior to the completion of each task.

Selection Process

All properly submitted proposals will be reviewed by an Evaluation Committee. Responses will be evaluated on the thoroughness and relevance of the content provided as well as the consultant’s qualifications and capabilities to carry out the scope of work. For information on the evaluation criteria, see the Request for Proposals.

Timeline

Proposals are due by 5:00 PM CDT on September 30, 2024. Notices of Award will be sent on October 7, 2024, and the Proposed Start of Contract is October 21, 2024. All work must be completed and presented to municipalities by July 2025.

Proposal Submission

Download the Request for Proposals (RFP)

Download the RFP Response Form
(To fill out this form you must download and save it to your computer. Do not try to fill out the form in a browser, as it will not allow you to save your responses!)

Questions can be sent to CCWaterAffordability@ElevateNP.org.

Questions & Answers

A Q&A session at a pre-submission meeting was held on September 6, 2024. You can watch the recording here. A list of the Q&A responses is available here.

Background

In May 2024, the Cook County (Illinois) Board of Commissioners approved the Cook County Water Affordability Program. In coordination with Elevate, this first of its kind initiative aims to assist suburban Cook County residents who are struggling with their water bills. Utilizing funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, the program will provide water bill relief, residential leak repairs, and water affordability technical assistance for municipalities.

Program Overview

Program Goals

The Cook County Leak Repair Program will help eligible residents lower their bills by repairing water leaks and replacing inefficient and outdated fixtures.

Elevate is seeking 1 or 2 plumbing contractors to conduct water efficiency upgrades for qualified residential customers within one of or both of specified territories. As further detailed in the Scope of Work, selected contractors will be required to schedule home visits with participants, identify and replace inefficient fixtures with approved efficient models, and provide regular reporting.

Scope of Work

The Cook County Leak Repair Program will provide around 400 suburban Cook County households with the opportunity to replace old, leaking, or inefficient toilets, faucets, and showerheads with new, water saving fixtures.

• Contractors will receive participant information and schedule an appointment time with the participant.
• Prior to commencing work, the contractor will be responsible for preparing homeowners for what needs to be done in order for work to be completed.
• The contractor will review the scope of work with the participant, confirming what fixtures are to be repaired/replaced and have any replacement fixtures approved by the participant to finalize the scope of work.
• Contractor will be responsible for obtaining any relevant information regarding the quantity, type and finish of each fixture to be replaced. Contractors may obtain this information prior to visiting the home, or during a site visit if deemed necessary. Contractors should also take before and after photos of work to be included within the invoice packet. Contractors may only charge one (1) service call fee per home.
• Contractors will be responsible for items deemed necessary to complete the fixture replacement: if shut off valves for the fixture are inoperative or missing, they must be installed, toilet replacements must include a new flange and wax ring, and any flexible supply lines and/or angle stops must be replaced.
• Contractors will source materials for and replace qualified toilets, showerheads, and faucets in kitchens or bathrooms.

Selection Process

All properly submitted bids will be reviewed by Elevate to determine responsiveness (completeness of bid), responsibility of contractor (meets required qualifications).  Bid canvassing will be based on the lowest responsive, responsible bidder using the total extended cost using the estimated quantities.  Elevate reserves the right to reject any unbalanced bids.

Timeline

Bids are due by 5:00 PM CDT on September 30, 2024. Notices of Award will be sent on October 7, 2024, and the Proposed Start of Contract is October 21, 2024. The program will end by November 2026 or sooner if funding is exhausted.

Proposal Submission

Download the Invitation for Bids (IFB)

Download the IFB Response Form and Pricing Worksheet
(To fill out this form you must download and save it to your computer. Do not try to fill out the form in a browser, as it will not allow you to save your responses!)

Questions can be sent to CCWaterAffordability@ElevateNP.org.

Please see the RFP document for submission information.

Questions & Answers

A Q&A session at a pre-submission meeting was held on September 6, 2024. You can watch the recording here. A list of the Q&A responses is available here.

The document below summaries all bids received by the deadline. The public bid unsealing was recorded and can be viewed at this link. We appreciate all those who took the time to submit a bid for the Cook County Leak Repair program. Bid Summary

Elevate is recruiting qualified Radon Testing and Radon Mitigation Contractors for the Cook County Healthy Homes for Healthy Families (CCHH4HF) program. 

Download the Response Form (To fill out this form you must download and save it to your computer. Do not try to fill out the form in a browser, as it will not allow you to save your responses!)

The CCHH4HF program will serve Suburban Cook County residents (excluding Chicago proper) and deliver healthy homes, water conservation, and deep energy retrofits to single-family and small multi-family residences.  An estimated 800 homes are planned to be serviced during program which will run through 2026. 

Radon testing will be conducted after all other measures are completed. 

Mitigation will be conducted as required by applicable regulation and industry standards.   

Testing must utilize an active continuous monitor that has the capability to integrate and record a new result at least hourly. The minimum test measurement period shall be 48 hours. 

Contractors will not test and mitigate at the same location. 

Qualified contractors must be licensed and in good standing with the State of Illinois.   

Contractors will be expected to review and sign a Program contractor agreement and comply with insurance requirements and federal contractor requirements detailed in it. 

Successful contractors will respond to communications and requests in a timely manner and maintain their capacity to ensure successful Program delivery. 

Elevate strongly encourages diverse contractors, including those with MBE/WBE certifications and those eligible for certification.  

Interested contractors should complete the RFQ Response Form and email it to CCHealthyHomes@ElevateNP.org. A member of our team will be in touch with next steps. 

Elevate invites qualified contractors to submit qualifications to meet program goals to deliver healthy homes, water conservation, and deep energy retrofits in Suburban Cook County.

The selected pool of contractors will complete jobs through the program’s term (2023-2026). By joining this contractor pool, you can strengthen your community by helping homeowners repair their home while helping them to feel safe and secure. Elevate will provide resources to help you navigate through the program’s contractor requirements. 

Download the Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Download the RFQ Response Form (To fill out this form you must download and save it to your computer. Do not try to fill out the form in a browser, as it will not allow you to save your responses!)

Please submit your completed response form as an email attachment to CCHealthyHomes@ElevateNP.org. Responses will be considered on a rolling basis. Elevate will evaluate and select participating contractors and assign projects throughout the program.

A Q&A session at a pre-submission meeting was on January 30, 2023. You can watch the recording here. A list of the Q&A responses is available here.

Elevate will evaluate and select participating contractors and assign projects throughout the program. 

We will accept applications on a rolling basis for the following program years (2023-2026) or as needed 

Who We Serve 

We provide services to various types of buildings and clients, from single-family homes to residential multi-family buildings (2-4 units) built before 1978. Properties will be throughout Suburban Cook County (excludes properties in Chicago).  

The program will prioritize repairs that improve resident health, reduce water consumption and leaks, improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions, and reduce annual utility costs for residents where applicable. Repairs may include:  

• Improved ventilation   
  • Bath exhaust fans, attic ventilation, air sealing and insulation, radon mitigation   
• Fire detectors, extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors   
• Water conservation  
  • Plumbing, toilets, shower heads, aerators, leak repairs   
• Combustion appliance safety  
  • HVAC, furnaces, water heaters, gas stoves, improper venting    
• Roof and porch repair or replacement  
  • Structural improvements  
• Window replacement  
• Health and safety  
• Accessibility  
  • Trip and fall hazards (porches, steps, railings, grab bars)  
• Stormwater management  
  • Bulk water issues   
• Appliance upgrades  
  • Refrigerators, stoves  
  • Window ACs and central AC  
• Unsafe electrical wiring   
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)  
• Weatherization  
  • Roof cavity air sealing and insulation, door sweeps, weatherstripping, outlet covers   
  • Blower door testing 
• Basic energy efficiency   
  • LED, smart power strips  
• Beneficial electrification   

What We Provide 

We strive to make our relationships with contractors mutually beneficial by: 

• Managing relationships between you and building owners 
• Advocating for and supporting your business 
• Assisting with navigating programs 
• Connecting you with jobs 
• Providing educational and networking opportunities 

 Contact us by email, CCHealthyHomes@ElevateNP.org to learn more. 

Purpose

Elevate invites qualified General Contractors (GCs), IDPH Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractors, IDPH Lead (Pb) Abatement Contractors, and Licensed Radon Testing and Mitigation Contractors to submit qualifications to provide a range of services listed below in the Eligible Measures section. Elevate is an administrator of the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program (the “Program”) for the areas of Cook County and Winnebago County.

Qualified contractors selected through this process must be in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State and demonstrate through their RFQ responses that they possess the experience, capacity, and skills to successfully complete quality work in a timely manner.

Elevate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works nationally and is headquartered in Chicago. Elevate seeks to create a just and equitable world in which everyone has clean and affordable heat, power, and water in their homes and communities — no matter who they are or where they live. Our programs, policy agenda, and partners reflect this commitment.

Program Overview

Program Goals

The main goals of the HAFHR program are to:

• Improve the health and well-being of occupants
• Help eligible homeowners remain in their homes
• Make housing repair grants to eligible homeowners negatively impacted – and housing insecure – as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and unaddressed home repairs
• Preserve existing affordable housing stock
• Provide investment in disadvantaged communities

Geography of work: Cook County and Winnebago County. Qualified contractors must serve one or both counties, but their businesses are not required to be based in Cook County or Winnebago County.

Program Term

HAFHR will operate from January 1, 2024, through September 30, 2026, unless terminated earlier by IDHA.

Eligible Properties

• Single-family home including Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): a small residence that shares a single-family lot with a larger, primary dwelling
• 2-to-4-unit residential building where owner lives in one unit (common areas and owner- occupied units are eligible)
• Manufactured home on a permanent foundation

In all of the above, the homeowner owns the land, and the property is taxed as real estate.

• Condominium or Cooperative Units

Eligible Measures

Eligible measures which may receive HAFHR funding include, but are not limited to:

• Correction of health & safety issues
• Lead (Pb) abatement
• Asbestos abatement
• Correction of local building code violations
• Repair/Replacement of roofing, soffit, fascia, gutters, and downspouts,
• Repair/Replace porches and decks
• Drainage and bulk moisture management
• Foundation leak repair
• Plumbing repair
• Correction of hazardous electrical
• Radon mitigation
• Pest management
• Modifications and improvements for accessibility to allow the elderly or disabled to age in place
• Other vital and necessary repairs specific to the home’s needs

The per unit construction cost limit is $60,000.

Program Process

Scope of Work. An Elevate employee who will serve as the Construction Analyst will complete an initial home assessment and develop the initial scope of work containing eligible measures from those listed above.

Contractor Walk-Through. Elevate will invite contractors qualified from this RFQ to attend a walk- through of the property to observe conditions and understand the required scope of work. Those contractors will then provide Elevate a proposal including the scope of work and itemized pricing by measure. The Construction Analyst will review the proposals and assign a contractor to the project based on an equitable manner to comply with a federal competitive procurement process. A Notice to Proceed will be provided to the contractor with the winning bid.

Construction and Oversight. An Elevate representative, or Project Lead, is responsible for scheduling the work with the homeowner and scheduling a pre-construction conference for the homeowner and selected contractor to sign required agreements and will then liaise between the homeowner, contractor, and Elevate’s Construction Analyst to schedule a start work date. Elevate will conduct site visits during construction to ensure scoped work meets quality expectations.

Change Orders. Change orders require prior written approval by an Elevate Construction Analyst. No change orders resulting from the contractor’s failure to adequately assess the project will be allowed.

Final Inspection and Punch List. When the entire scope of work has been completed, the contractor will notify Elevate to schedule the final site inspection. Elevate will perform a final site inspection and invite the contractor to attend. The contractor must address any needed improvements which may include the timely reperformance of work that was not performed in accordance with Program requirements.

Re-inspection. When the punch list is finished, the contractor will notify Elevate to schedule a re- inspection. Elevate will perform the re-inspection in person or via photographs with or without the contractor present at its discretion. The contractor must address any needed improvements which may include the reperformance of work that is not performed in accordance with Program requirements.

Invoice Package. The contractor will submit an invoice package to Elevate for payment. Elevate will not initiate the payment process until the final inspection or re-inspection is approved by the Construction Analyst. Elevate’s payment process takes up to 30 days, which starts once the final inspection or re- inspection is approved AND the contractor has submitted the entirety of required invoice package. The invoice package includes:

• Invoice
• Change order approval (if applicable)
• Manufacturer’s warranty and transfer documents, as required
• Warranty on labor
• Wavier of lien
• Detailed digital photographs of work completed
• Other documents or forms as may be specified by Elevate

Additional Information

COVID-19 Precautions. All contractors must follow the Center for Disease Control’s COVID-19 guidelines, assessing their own (including their employees’ and, as applicable, their subcontractors’) health before scheduling a home visit, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all required times.

Program Orientation. Elevate will require participating contractors to attend an orientation session prior to being qualified.

Bi-weekly Contractor Meetings. Elevate requires participating contractors to attend one-hour meetings every other week to discuss construction issues and Program updates. Specific dates are to be determined later.

Program Documentation. Participating contractors must complete the required documentation and meet all reporting requirements and deadlines as specified by Elevate.

Prevailing Wage. Currently, the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act does not apply to rehabilitation projects under HAFHR, and the Davis Bacon and Related Acts does not apply to the ARPA funds utilized for this program.

Evaluation Criteria

Responses will be evaluated on the thoroughness and relevance of the content provided, including a demonstrated history of timely completing similar work with a high degree of quality and in a cost- effective fashion. Contractors must uphold the highest degree of ethical business practices and provide superior customer service. Elevate may utilize information it gathers from other sources to supplement information provided by respondents in deciding a contractor’s qualifications and appropriateness to participate in this program.

Your business and staff: In the provided response form, include information about key staff who have experience working on similar projects and include relevant licenses and certifications with your response.

Project examples: Provide at least three examples of projects your firm has completed that include the types of work in the Eligible Measures section. Detail the timeline and cost for the projects included.

References: Provide at least three references in the response form provided who can speak to your performance on projects that include the types of work mentioned above. Please notify references an Elevate team member may contact them to discuss work performed.

Subcontractors: Provide Subcontractor company name, contact name, title, phone number, and describes the eligible measures performed.

COMPLIANCE AND CHECKLIST DOCUMENTATION

• Sign Respondent Acknowledgement
• Sign Contract Agreement statement
• Provide Completed Statement of Contractor Qualifications

Checklist documentation:

• Current business license(s)
• Current general contractor license(s)
• Current professional licenses or certifications
• Example project Proposal
• Example project Invoice
• Example warranty of labor

Submit RFQ Response to HAFHomeRepairProgram@Elevatenp.org

Selection Process and Timeline

Responses to this RFQ will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are submitted, with accepted contractors invited to participate in project walk-throughs upon completion of Elevate’s review. Contractors are urged to submit a response as soon as possible. Elevate does not anticipate awarding contracts under this program before April 1, 2024.

Contractors are invited to contact Elevate at HAFHomeRepairProgram@Elevatenp.org with questions or to arrange a time to discuss specific concerns with a member of our team.

Sample Contract

A sample of the contract, as it is currently drafted, that will need to be executed between a selected contractor and participating homeowner is attached for your reference and understanding. Elevate reserves the right to change this model agreement.

Elevate’s Reserved Rights

Issuance of this RFQ in no way constitutes a commitment by Elevate to award any contract or work. Elevate Energy, in its discretion, reserves the right to:

• Cancel or terminate this RFQ at any time
• Reject any or all responses received for this RFQ
• Enter further discussions with one or more of the respondents
• Waive and/or amend any specification or term of this RFQ
• Not award the work to any respondent

Download the Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Download the RFQ Response Form (To fill out this form you must download and save it to your computer. Do not try to fill out the form in a browser, as it will not allow you to save your responses!)