SCOPE OF WORK The ND Real Estate Appraiser Qualifications and Ethics Board (STATE) is soliciting proposals for a contractor to oversee a panel of review appraisers. The contractor will perform a number of tasks in addressing the Board's regulatory requirements including the following: Assemble, manage, and maintain a panel of qualified independent reviewers that: review and provide recommendations as to whether applicants’ work product(s) meets the minimum standards set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and investigate, collect information, and analyze the evidence considered in developing the proper action(s) for each allegation and/or complaint. Coordinate the review process as detailed below: Investigative Management: Assemble panel of qualified independent reviewers to be approved by the Board and maintain and manage the approved panel. Coordinate Reviewers for Investigations. 1. Upon receipt of allegations, assign investigation to panel member. 2. Establish timelines and deadlines for each review. Coordinate Reviewers for licensure or certification applications Upon receipt of the application make a selection of work product from the applicants’ work experience log for review. Assign a panel member(s) to perform reviews. Establish timelines and deadlines for each review. Coordinate Reviewer for applicants requesting an educational review. 1. Upon receipt of the report submitted by the applicant, assign a panel member(s) to perform an educational review. Establish a timeline and deadline for the review. Coordinate and work directly with the Board Executive Staff. Work with Board Staff, Board members and Legal Counsel to update the investigative process described in Attachment 1 – Investigative Procedure. Work with Board Staff in the development of a review template for Reviewers to follow. Review template will include a USPAP checklist, a summary of strengths and weaknesses found through the review process and a summary of “best practices” suggestions. Contractor is the point of contact for Reviewers. Meet with Reviewers and Board Staff on a regular basis. Be available to assist Reviewers with questions relating to the review process. Identify potential situations which require contracting with a subject matter expert and develop scope of work clearly disclosing the extent of the work expected or required. Provide guidance as to situations where a Reviewer determines the identified concerns could be best addressed through re-submittal of an appraisal report. Provide guidance in developing recommendations the Reviewer intends to submit to the Appraiser Board. If upon receipt of the review(s), critique the review(s) for any significant omission(s), inconsistency(s), major error(s), etc. if any are identified, return the review(s) for possible revisions. Hearing Preparation and Documentation Management: Work with the Board’s legal counsel, and when required, the Board’s prosecuting attorney, to prepare for hearings by reviewing and confirming all documentation needed for the hearings is presented. Testify at hearings as required. Maintain all reports and documentation according to STATE and Board laws/rules regarding records retention. Perform additional related duties as assigned, as it pertains to the investigative process. Meeting and Training Requirements: Attend Board meetings, as requested, conferences, and educational seminars to maintain a standard level of expertise. Attend continuing education course(s) that includes investigator training to maintain competency in investigative matters and best practices. Quality Assurance: Contractor must provide reports (by phone, email, or written) on the status or work completed, reviews and investigations. Timelines and deadlines shall be established with the Contractor. Contractor must keep the Board informed of any work not on schedule, indicate any barriers to progress, and negotiate adjusted timelines with the Board. Contractor is responsible for maintaining, verifying compliance for any and all licenses and certifications required of the Board approved panel of qualified independent reviewers. The Board will track and verify Contractor’s completion of required continuing education courses, training, licensing, and certification. The Scope of Work will be monitored by the Board. Oversight will include, but is not limited to, review of progress, the analysis of source documents to substantiate requests for reimbursement of payments, email and telephone communications with Contractor, monitor of program finances and operations, and etc. This will include identification and written notification to agents of the contracting agency of issues and/or concerns that could significantly affect performance and outcomes.
