IFB-Taylor-2024-08-14-001 - Homebuyer Counseling and Home Purchase Program - Community Development

The City of Taylor is requesting proposals from experienced agencies for the administration of a home buyer counseling/purchase program. The purpose of this program is to provide affordable home ownership to low- and moderate-income persons utilizing HOME Program funds.

Completed proposals and all accompanying documents must be received at the City of Taylor Clerk’s Office, 23555 Goddard Road, Taylor, Michigan 48180 by 11:00am (Local Time) on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 in a sealed envelope. Please submit all questions by Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 at 11:00am.

Proposals received after the stated time and date will be deemed ineligible for consideration. For additional information, please contact Christopher Klimchalk at 734-374-1352 or email cklimchalk@ci.taylor.mi.us
INSTRUCTIONS
I. Submit one (1) original proposal, marked as such, and three (3) copies of the entire original proposal. All proposals must be typewritten or printed in ink.

2. All documents must be submitted in a sealed envelope, labeled "Homebuyer Counseling/Purchase Program".
3. Complete the proposal in the name of the principal; if co-partnership, list names of all parties and complete addresses.

QUALIFICATIONS
I.  Proposers must be a MSHDA and/or HUD approved counseling agency.
2. Proposers must provide three references to demonstrate evidence of administration of a MSHDA and/or HUD Homebuyer Counseling Program within the last three (3) years.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

1. Respond to inquiries regarding the Homebuyers Program
2. Promote and market homes available for purchase
3. Facilitate the application process, to include but not limited to:
   1. Send written information and applications by mail or email
   2. Accept and screen applications for program requirements and eligibility
   3. Pre-qualify minimum five (5), maximum fifteen (15) prospective homebuyers
   4. Order credit check
   5. Conduct mandatory Homebuyer/Credit counseling education classes, providing each applicant with a minimum eight (8) hours, maximum twenty

(20) hours of MSHDA and/or HUD certified pre-purchase counseling

3. 6. Initiate loan servicing process, assisting eligible homebuyer with available financing options
   7. Prepare all closing documents, attend closing with homebuyer, if necessary
4. Conduct an open random selection process of program eligible clients for home purchase
5. Prepare and submit regular data and financial reports
6. Provide feedback to the City of Taylor Community Development Department.
7. Provide HOME Match of 25% of HOME funds expended under this contract.

EVALUATION CRITERIA
I. Each proposal will be evaluated by an Evaluation Committee to include but not limited to: City Chief of Staff, Community Development Manager, Budget & Finance Director and/or additional committee members as identified.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. The City of Taylor does not discriminate based on race, color, origin, sex, religion, age, familial status or disability in employment or in the provision of services.
2. All services rendered shall be in accordance with applicable standards, provisions and stipulations of all pertinent Federal, State, or Local laws, rules regulations, resolutions and ordinances including but not limited to Fair Labor Standards, Equal Employment Opportunity rules and regulations, truth-in-lending, and fair housing.
3. The City of Taylor reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. This request for proposal does not commit the City of Taylor to award a contract or to pay for any costs incurred by proposers. It is the City of Taylor’s intent to award the contract to the most responsive and responsible proposer.
4. The City of Taylor will negotiate contract terms upon selection. The initial contract shall be for a 12-month period, the City of Taylor may request a 12-month extension upon expiration of the contract.
5. The City of Taylor will hold the contractor responsible to maintain confidentiality of all client data and records.
6. The City of Taylor will have the final approval of all program-eligible participants.
7. All proposers shall disclose any financial, business, or other relationship with the City of Taylor, City of Taylor official or City of Taylor employee that would create a conflict of interest when this contract is awarded.
8. The City of Taylor reserves the right to inspect all contractor documents relating to this agreement up to four (4) years after all pending matters under this agreement are closed.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

• • Submit one (1) original and three (3) copies of entire proposal
  • Signature Form - Exhibit "A"
  • Proposed Fee Schedule - Exhibit "B"
  • Reference Form - Exhibit "C"
  • Evaluation Tool - Exhibit "D"
  • Certificate of insurance - Exhibit "E"
  • Copy of Current License, By-Laws