Bellflower City Council
April 22, 2024

14-C
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

ATTENTION: Ryan Smoot, City Manager

FROM: Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development

SUBJECT: Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 714.4, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Avant-Garde Corporation, to provide Housing Consultant Services.

DATE: April 22, 2024

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This action would authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 714.4, a two-year agreement with Avant-Garde Corporation (Avant Garde). The purpose of the Agreement is to provide housing consultant services associated with the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) housing activities.

RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL

1) Authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 714.4, in a form approved by the City Attorney; or

2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.

FISCAL IMPACT

The annual not-to-exceed amount for AFN 714.4 is $75,000. Sufficient funds using CDBG and HOME funds are budgeted in Account Nos. 900-42054-4150 and 910-42054- 4210. During the first year of the agreement there will be a not-to-exceed cost of $40,500 for the preparation of the HUD required 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.

DISCUSSION

The City annually receives a CDBG and HOME allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In order to properly manage and implement the City’s housing programs funded with these complex federal grants, a housing consultant is necessary to remain in compliance with HUD’s regulations.

Staff Report – Agreement File No. 714.4
April 22, 2024

DISCUSSION – Continued

In 2019, the City solicited proposals for Housing Consultant Services to assist in the administration of CDBG and HOME funded programs. Staff subsequently received one proposal and after reviewing the proposal and analyzing Avant-Garde’s past performance serving the City since 2016, Avant-Garde was selected to provide housing consultant services and ensuring that the City remains in compliance with HUD regulations.

On February 1, 2024, staff released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Housing Consultant Services. The RFP was published on the City’s website and was sent to multiple firms known to provide such services.

On March 14, 2024, staff received two proposals from Avant-Garde and Michael Baker International. After reviewing the proposals, receiving feedback from references, and evaluating costs, staff selected Avant-Garde to continue their assistance with administrating the City’s CDBG and HOME programs.

The Scope of Work for housing consultant services includes assisting with the administration of the City’s Home Improvement Program (HIP) and affordable housing projects; preparing all required HUD reports, such as the Consolidated Plan (prepared every five years), Annual Action Plan, Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER), and the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice; and updating/maintaining the City’s project and activity information in HUD’s online monitoring system.

ATTACHMENT

Agreement File No. 714.4 ............................................................................................... 3

AGREEMENT FILE NO. 714.4

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

THE CITY OF BELLFLOWER AND

ADVANCED AVANT-GARDE CORPORATION

FOR HOUSING CONSULTANT SERVICES

THIS AGREEMENT is entered into this 22nd day of April 2024, by and between the CITY OF BELLFLOWER, a municipal corporation and general law city (“CITY”) and AVANT-GARDE, INC., a corporation (“CONSULTANT”).

1. CONSIDERATION.

A. As partial consideration, CONSULTANT agrees to perform the work listed in the SCOPE OF SERVICES, below;

B. As additional consideration, CONSULTANT and CITY agree to abide by the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement;

C. As additional consideration, CITY agrees to pay CONSULTANT a sum not- to-exceed $75,000 per fiscal year for CONSULTANT’s services plus a sum not-to-exceed of $40,500 for the preparation of the HUD required 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice .

CITY may modify this amount as set forth below. Unless otherwise specified by written amendment to this Agreement, CITY will pay this sum as specified in the attached Exhibit “B,” which is incorporated by reference.

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES.

A. CONSULTANT will perform services listed in the attached Exhibit “A,” which is incorporated by reference.

B. CONSULTANT will, in a professional manner, furnish all of the labor, technical, administrative, professional and other personnel, all supplies and materials, equipment, printing, vehicles, transportation, office space and facilities, and all tests, testing and analyses, calculation, and all other means whatsoever, except as herein otherwise expressly specified to be furnished by CITY, necessary or proper to perform and complete the work and provide the professional services required of CONSULTANT by this Ag reement.

3. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. While performing this Agreement, CONSULTANT will use the appropriate generally accepted professional standards of practice existing at the time of performance utilized by persons engaged in providing similar services. CITY will continuously monitor CONSULTANT’s services. CITY will notify CONSULTANT of any deficiencies and CONSULTANT will have fifteen (15) days after such notification to cure any shortcomings to CITY’s satisfaction. Costs associated with curing the deficiencies will be borne by CONSULTANT.

City of Bellflower
Agreement File No. 714.4
Advanced Avant-Garde Corporation

4. PAYMENTS. For CITY to pay CONSULTANT as specified by this Agreement, CONSULTANT must submit a detailed invoice to CITY which lists the hours worked and hourly rates for each personnel category and reimbursable costs (all as set forth in Exhibit “Exhibit B”) the tasks performed, the percentage of the task completed during the billing period, the cumulative percentage completed for each task, the total cost of that work during the preceding billing month and a cumulative cash flow curve showing projected and actual expenditures versus time to date.

5. NON-APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS. Payments due and payable to CONSULTANT for current services are within the current budget and within an available, unexhausted and unencumbered appropriation of the CITY. In the event the CITY has not appropriated sufficient funds for payment of CONSULTANT services beyond the current fiscal year, this Agreement will cover only those costs incurred up to the conclusion of the current fiscal year.

6. ADDITIONAL WORK.

A. CITY’s city manager (“Manager”) may determine, at the Manager’s sole discretion, that CONSULTANT must perform additional work (“Additional Work”) to complete the Scope of Work. If Additional Work is needed, the Manager will give written authorization to CONSULTANT to perform such Additional Work.

B. If CONSULTANT believes Additional Work is needed to complete the Scope of Work, CONSULTANT will provide the Manager with written notification that contains a specific description of the proposed Additional Work, reasons for such Additional Work, and a deta iled proposal regarding cost.

C. Payments over $60,000 for Additional Work must be approved by CITY’s city council. All Additional Work will be subject to all other terms and provisions of this Agreement.

7. FAMILIARITY WITH WORK.

A. By executing this Agreement, CONSULTANT agrees that it has:

i. Carefully investigated and considered the scope of services to be performed;

ii. Carefully considered how the services should be performed; and

iii. Understands the facilities, difficulties, and restrictions attending performance of the services under this Agreement.

City of Bellflower
Agreement File No. 714.4
Advanced Avant-Garde Corporation

B. If services involve work upon any site, CONSULTANT agrees that CONSULTANT has or will investigate the site and is or will be fully acquainted with the conditions there existing, before commencing the services hereunder. Should CONSULTANT discover any latent or unknown conditions that may materially affect the performance of the services, CONSULTANT will immediately inform CITY of such fact and will not proceed except at CONSULTANT’s own risk until written instructions are received from CITY.

8. TERM. The term of this Agreement will be from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026, with an option to extend the agreement for three successive one-year terms. Unless otherwise determined by written amendment between the parties, this Agreement will terminate in the following instances:

A. Completion of the work specified in Exhibit “A” for each valid year;

B. Termination as stated in Section 16.

9. TIME FOR PERFORMANCE.

A. CONSULTANT will not perform any work under this Agreement until:

i. CONSULTANT furnishes proof of insurance as required under Section 23 of this Agreement; and

ii. CITY gives CONSULTANT a written notice to proceed.

B. Should CONSULTANT begin work on any phase in advance of receiving written authorization to proceed, any such professional services are at CONSULTANT’s own risk.

10. TIME EXTENSIONS. Should CONSULTANT be delayed by causes beyond CONSULTANT’s control, CITY may grant a time extension for the completion of the contracted services. If delay occurs, CONSULTANT must notify the Manager within forty- eight hours (48 hours), in writing, of the cause and the extent of the delay and how such delay interferes with the Agreement’s schedule. The Manager will extend the completion time, when appropriate, for the completion of the contracted services.

11. CONSISTENCY. In interpreting this Agreement and resolving any ambiguities, the main body of this Agreement takes precedence over the attached Exhibits; this Agreement supersedes any conflicting provisions. Any inconsistency between the Exhibits will be resolved in the order in which the Exhibits appear below:

Scope of Work, Payment Schedule, Proposal

City of Bellflower
Agreement File No. 714.4
Advanced Avant-Garde Corporation

12. CHANGES. CITY may order changes in the services within the general scope of this Agreement, consisting of additions, deletions, or other revisions, and the contract sum and the contract time will be adjusted accordingly. All such changes must be authorized in writing, executed by CONSULTANT and CITY. The cost or credit to CITY resulting from changes in the services will be determined in accordance with written agreement between the parties.

13. TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. CONSULTANT will provide CITY with a Taxpayer Identification Number.

14. PERMITS AND LICENSES. CONSULTANT, at its sole expense, will obtain and maintain during the term of this Agreement, all necessary permits, licenses, and certificates that may be required in connection with the performance of services under this Agreement.

15. WAIVER. CITY’s review or acceptance of, or payment for, work product prepared by CONSULTANT under this Agreement will not be construed to operate as a waiver of any rights CITY may have under this Agreement or of any cause of action arising from CONSULTANT’s performance. A waiver by CITY of any breach of any term, covenant, or condition contained in this Agreement will not be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other term, covenant, or condition contained in this Agreement, whether of the same or different character.

16. TERMINATION.

A. Except as otherwise provided, CITY may terminate this Agreement at any time with or without cause.

B. CONSULTANT may terminate this Agreement at any time with CITY’s mutual consent. Notice will be in writing at least thirty (30) days before the effective termination date.

C. Upon receiving a termination notice, CONSULTANT will immediately cease performance under this Agreement unless otherwise provided in the termination notice. Except as otherwise provided in the termination notice, any additional work performed by CONSULTANT after receiving a termination notice will be performed at CONSULTANT's own cost; CITY will not be obligated to compensate CONSULTANT for such work.

D. Should termination occur, all finished or unfinished documents, data, studies, surveys, drawings, maps, reports and other materials prepared by CONSULTANT will, at CITY’s option, become CITY’s property, and CONSULTANT will receive just and equitable compensation for any work satisfactorily completed up to the effective date of notice of termination, not to exceed the total costs under Section 1(C).

E. Should the Agreement be terminated pursuant to this Section, CITY may procure on its own terms services similar to those terminated.

F. By executing this document, CONSULTANT waives any and all claims for damages that might otherwise arise from CITY’s termination under this Section.

City of Bellflower
Agreement File No. 714.4
Advanced Avant-Garde Corporation

17. OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS; EXCEPTIONS; WARRANTY. Except as otherwise provided below, all documents, data, studies, drawings, maps, models, photographs and reports prepared by CONSULTANT (collectively, “Documents”) under this Agreement are CITY’s property. CONSULTANT may retain copies of such Documents as desired but will deliver all original materials to CITY upon CITY’s written notice. CITY agrees that use of CONSULTANT’s completed work product, for purposes other than identified in this Agreement, or use of incomplete work product, is at CITY’s own risk. CONSULTANT warrants that all Documents it drafts and completes pursuant to this Agreement constitutes original work. Specifically, CONSULTANT understands and agrees that use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools including, without limitation, ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Bing Chat, Google’s Bard, and Meta’s LLaMA (Large Language Model Meta AI), in the performance of this Agreement does not constitute an original work, i.e., submitting Documents generated by such AI tools to CITY and representing it as CONSULTANT’s original work constitutes a material breach of this Agreement, constitutes a false claim, and may also violate applicable intellectual property right laws including, without limitation, United States Copyright Law. Accordingly, and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement as to ownership, CITY specifically rejects ownership of such Documents. CONSULTANT is required to indemnify and defend CITY to the fullest extent allowed by applicable law should it violate this Section.

18. PUBLICATION OF DOCUMENTS. Except as necessary for performance of service under this Agreement, no copies, sketches, or graphs of materials, including graphic art work, prepared pursuant to this Agreement, will be released by CONSULTANT to any other person or public CITY without CITY’s prior written approval. All press releases, including graphic display information to be published in newspapers or magazines, will be approved and distributed solely by CITY, unless otherwise provided by written agreement between the parties.

19. INDEMNIFICATION.

A. CONSULTANT agrees to the following:

i. Indemnification for Professional Services. CONSULTANT will save harmless and indemnify and at CITY’s request reimburse defense costs for CITY and all its officers, volunteers, employees and representatives from and against any and all suits, actions, or claims, of any character whatever, brought for, or on account of, any injuries or damages sustained by any person or property resulting or arising from any negligent or wrongful act, error or omission by CONSULTANT or any of CONSULTANT’s officers, agents,
employees, or representatives, in the performance of this Agreement, except for such loss or damage arising from CITY’s sole negligence or willful misconduct.

ii. Indemnification for other Damages. CONSULTANT indemnifies and holds CITY harmless from and against any claim, action, damages, costs (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees), injuries, or liability, arising out of this Agreement, or its performance , except for such loss or damage arising from CITY’s sole negligence or willful

City of Bellflower
Agreement File No. 714.4
Advanced Avant-Garde Corporation

misconduct. Should CITY be named in any suit, or should any claim be brought against it by suit or otherwise, whether the same be groundless or not, arising out of this Agreement, or its performance, CONSULTANT will defend CITY (at CITY’s request and with counsel satisfactory to CITY) and will indemnify CITY for any judgment rendered against it or any sums paid out in settlement or otherwise.

B. For purposes of this section “CITY” includes CITY’s officers, officials, employees, agents, representatives, and certified volunteers.

C. It is expressly understood and agreed that the foregoing provisions will survive termination of this Agreement.

D. The requirements as to the types and limits of insurance coverage to be maintained by CONSULTANT as required by Section 23, and any approval of said insurance by CITY, are not intended to and will not in any manner limit or qualify the liabilities and obligations otherwise assumed by CONSULTANT pursuant to this Agreement, including, without limitation, to the provisions concerning indemnification.

20. ASSIGNABILITY. This Agreement is for CONSULTANT’s professional services.

CONSULTANT’s attempts to assign the benefits or burdens of this Agreement without CITY’s written approval are prohibited and will be null and void.

21. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. CITY and CONSULTANT agree that CONSULTANT will act as an independent contractor and will have control of all work and the manner in which is it performed. CONSULTANT will be free to contract for similar service to be performed for other employers while under contract with CITY.

CONSULTANT is not an agent or employee of CITY and is not entitled to participate in any pension plan, insurance, bonus or similar benefits CITY provides for its employees.

Any provision in this Agreement that may appear to give CITY the right to direct CONSULTANT as to the details of doing the work or to exercise a measure of control over the work means that CONSULTANT will follow the direction of the CITY as to end results of the work only.

22. AUDIT OF RECORDS. CONSULTANT will maintain full and accurate records with respect to all services and matters covered under this Agreement. CITY will have free access at all reasonable times to such records, and the right to examine and audit the same and to make transcript therefrom, and to inspect all program data, documents, proceedings and activities. CONSULTANT will retain such financial and program service records for at least three (3) years after termination or final payment under this Agreement.

City of Bellflower
Agreement File No. 714.4
Advanced Avant-Garde Corporation

23. INSURANCE.

A. Before commencing performance under this Agreement, and at all other times this Agreement is effective, CONSULTANT will procure and maintain the following types of insurance with coverage limits complying, at a minimum, with the limits set forth below:

Type of Insurance Limits

Commercial general liability $2,000,000

Professional Liability $1,000,000

Business automobile liability $1,000,000

Workers compensation Statutory requirement

B. Commercial general liability insurance will meet or exceed the requirements of the most recent ISO-CGL Form. The amount of insurance set forth above will be a combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage for the policy coverage. Liability policies will be endorsed to name CITY, its officials, and emp loyees as “additional insureds” under said insurance coverage and to state that such insurance will be deemed “primary” such that any other insurance that may be carried by CITY will be excess thereto. Such endorsement must be reflected on ISO Form No. CG 20 10 11 85 or 88, or equivalent. Such insurance will be on an “occurrence,” not a “claims made,” basis and will not be cancelable or subject to reduction except upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to CITY.

C. Professional liability coverage will be on an “occurrence basis” if such coverage is available, or on a “claims made” basis if not available. When coverage is provided on a “claims made basis,” CONSULTANT will continue to renew the insurance for a period of three (3) years after this Agreement expires or is terminated. Such insurance will have the same coverage and limits as the policy that was in effect during the term of this Agreement, and will cover CONSULTANT for all claims made by CITY arising out of any errors or omissions of CONSULTANT, or its officers, employees or agents during the time this Agreement was in effect.

D. Automobile coverage will be written on ISO Business Auto Coverage Form CA 00 01 06 92, including symbol 1 (Any Auto).

E. CONSULTANT will furnish to CITY duly authenticated Certificates of Insurance evidencing maintenance of the insurance required under this Agreement and such other evidence of insurance or copies of policies as may be reasonably required by CITY from time to time. Insurance must be

City of Bellflower
Agreement File No. 714.4
Advanced Avant-Garde Corporation

placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best Company Rating equivalent to at least a Rating of “A:VII.”

F. Should CONSULTANT, for any reason, fail to obtain and maintain the insurance required by this Agreement, CITY may obtain such coverage at CONSULTANT’s expense and deduct the cost of such insurance from payments due to CONSULTANT under this Agreement or terminate pursuant to Section 16.

G. Self-Insured Retention/Deductibles. All policies required by this Agreement must allow CITY, as additional insured, to satisfy the self-insured retention (“SIR”) and deductible of the policy in lieu of CONSULTANT (as the named insured) should CONSULTANT fail to pay the SIR or deductible requirements. The amount of the SIR or deductible is subject to the approval of the City Attorney and the Finance Director. CONSULTANT understands and agrees that satisfaction of this requirement is an express condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement. Failure by CONSULTANT as primary insured to pay its SIR or deductible constitutes a material breach of this Agreement. Should CITY pay the SIR or deductible on CITY’s behalf upon the CONSULTANT’S failure or refusal to do so in order to secure defense and indemnification as an additional insured under the policy, CITY may include such amounts as damages in any action against CONSULTANT for breach of this Agreement in addition to any other damages incurred by CITY due to the breach.

24. USE OF SUBCONTRACTORS. CONSULTANT must obtain CITY’s prior written approval to use any consultants while performing any portion of this Agreement. Such approval must approve of the proposed consultant and the terms of compensation.

25. INCIDENTAL TASKS. CONSULTANT will meet with CITY monthly to provide the status on the project, which will include a schedule update and a short narrative description of progress during the past month for each major task, a description of the work remaining and a description of the work to be done before the next schedule update.

26. NOTICES. All communications to either party by the other party will be deemed made when received by such party at its respective name and address as follows:

If to CONSULTANT:

If to CITY:

Attention: Ana Marie LeNoue Attention: Jim DellaLonga
Avant-Garde, Inc. City of Bellflower
807 S. Lemon Ave 16600 Civic Center Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91789 Bellflower, CA 90706
(909) 895-7146 (562) 804-1424 ext. 2224
[email protected] [email protected]

City of Bellflower
Agreement File No. 714.4
Advanced Avant-Garde Corporation

Any such written communications by mail will be conclusively deemed to have been received by the addressee upon deposit thereof in the United States Mail, postage prepaid and properly addressed as noted above. In all other instances, notices will be deemed given at the time of actual delivery. Changes may be made in the names or addresses of persons to whom notices are to be given by giving notice in the manner prescribed in this paragraph.

27. CONFLICT OF INTEREST. CONSULTANT will comply with all conflict of interest laws and regulations including, without limitation, CITY’s conflict of interest regulations.

28. ☒ This Section applies only if box is checked. POLITICAL REFORM ACT. CONSULTANT agrees that it will be considered a public official subject to the Political Reform Act of 1974 for purposes of this Agreement. CONSULTANT agrees and warrants that it has no financial interests which may be materially affected by the project for which the Initial Study, as specified in the SERVICES, is being prepared. Such financial interests may include, without limitation, interests in business entities, real property, or sources of income exceeding $500 received within the past year. CONSULTANT further warrants that, before executing this Agreement, it reviewed the Political Reform Act of 1974 and the Fair Political Practices Commission regulations, including, without limitation, Chapter 7 of Title 2 of the California Administrative Code, Section 18700, et seq., in order to determine whether any conflict of interest would require CONSULTANT to refrain from performing the SERVICES or in any way attempting to use its official position to influence the governmental decisions underlying the subject environmental clearances.

29. SOLICITATION. CONSULTANT maintains and warrants that it has not employed nor retained any company or person, other than CONSULTANT’s bona fide employee, 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 CONSULTANT’s bona fide employee, any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Agreement. Should CONSULTANT breach or violate this warranty, CITY may rescind this Agreement without liability.

30. THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement and every provision herein is generally for the exclusive benefit of CONSULTANT and CITY and not for the benefit of any other party. There will be no incidental or other beneficiaries of any of CONSULTANT’s or CITY’s obligations under this Agreement.

31. INTERPRETATION. This Agreement was drafted in, and will be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, and exclusive venue for any action involving this agreement will be in Los Angeles County.

32. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. CONSULTANT agrees to comply with all federal, state, and local laws applicable to this Agreement.

City of Bellflower
Agreement File No. 714.4
Advanced Avant-Garde Corporation

33. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, and its Attachments, sets forth the entire understanding of the parties. There are no other understandings, terms or other agreements expressed or implied, oral or written. There are three Attachments to this Agreement. This Agreement will bind and inure to the benefit of the parties to this Agreement and any subsequent successors and assigns.

34. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. Each Party had the opportunity to independently review this Agreement with legal counsel. Accordingly, this Agreement will be construed simply, as a whole, and in accordance with its fair meaning; it will not be interpreted strictly for or against either Party.

35. SEVERABILITY. If any portion of this Agreement is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, then such portion will be deemed modified to the extent necessary in the opinion of the court to render such portion enforceable and, as so modified, such portion and the balance of this Agreement will continue in full force and effect.

36. AUTHORITY/MODIFICATION. The Parties represent and warrant that all necessary action has been taken by the Parties to authorize the undersigned to execute this Agreement and to engage in the actions described herein. This Agreement may be modified by written amendment. CITY’s Manager, or designee, may execute any such amendment on behalf of CITY.

37. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES. This Agreement may be executed by the Parties on any number of separate counterparts, and all such counterparts so executed constitute one agreement binding on all the Parties notwithstanding that all the Parties are not signatories to the same counterpart. In accordance with Government Code §16.5, the Parties agree that this Agreement, agreements ancillary to this Agreement, and related documents to be entered into in connection with this Agreement will be considered signed when the signature of a party is delivered by electronic transmission. Such electronic signature will be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature.

38. CAPTIONS. The captions of the paragraphs of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and will not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

39. TIME IS OF ESSENCE. Time is of the essence for each and every provision of this Agreement.

40. FORCE MAJEURE. Should performance of this Agreement be prevented due to fire, flood, explosion, acts of terrorism, war, embargo, government action, civil or military authority, the natural elements, or other similar causes beyond the Parties’ reasonable control, then the Agreement will immediately terminate without obligation of either party to the other.

City of Bellflower
Agreement File No. 714.4
Advanced Avant-Garde Corporation

41. STATEMENT OF EXPERIENCE. By executing this Agreement, CONSULTANT represents that it has demonstrated trustworthiness and possesses the quality, fitness and capacity to perform the Agreement in a manner satisfactory to CITY. CONSULTANT represents that its financial resources, surety and insurance experience, service experience, completion ability, personnel, current workload, experience in dealing with private consultants, and experience in dealing with public agencies all suggest that CONSULTANT is capable of performing the proposed contract and has a demonstrated capacity to deal fairly and effectively with and to satisfy a public CITY.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement the day and year first hereinabove written.

CITY OF BELLFLOWER AVANT-GARDE, INC.

_____________________________ ____________________________ Ryan Smoot, City Manager Ana Marie LeNoue, President

ATTEST:

_____________________________
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

_____________________________
Karl H. Berger, City Attorney Taxpayer ID No. 01-0749431

ATTACHMENTS:

Exhibit A – Scope of Services
Exhibit B – Payment Schedule
Exhibit C – Proposal

CITY OF BELLFLOWER
AGREEMENT FILE NO. 714.4 – EXHIBIT A

ADVANCED AVANT-GARDE CORPORATION

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The following scope of services is for housing consultant services.

CONSULTANT will perform the following tasks, which include but are not limited to:

Task 1 - Technical Assistance

A. CONSULTANT will provide technical assistance to amend the 5-Year Consolidated Plan, Action Plan, Citizen Participation Plan, as needed and/or in obtaining HUD approvals.

B. CONSULTANT will provide technical assistance in the review of private-public partnerships, site and neighborhood standards, income determinations, and similar program criteria.

C. CONSULTANT will provide technical assistance with updating the CDBG and HOME Program Manuals as needed.

D. CONSULTANT will assist in determining eligible and ineligible CDBG and HOME activities such as eligible project cost, eligible administrative and planning cost, and similar program criteria.

E. CONSULTANT will provide technical assistance in evaluating affordable housing projects, especially HOME CHDO/HOME ARP projects, including maximum subsidy per unit, underwriting requirements, and subsidy layering.

F. CONSULTANT will provide technical assistance on other federal requirements including without limitation: affirmative marketing; minority outreach; the preparation of environmental review documentation; displacement; relocation; acquisition; opportunity; disclosure requirements; de barred, suspended, or ineligible contractors; and drug-free workplace.

Task 2 - Program Administration

A. CONSULTANT will assist with the administration of the City HOME funded Housing Improvement Program (“HIP”).

B. CONSULTANT will assist with the administration of the HOME/CDBG project monitoring and unit inspections.

C. CONSULTANT will assist with program administration involving HOME agreements, Integrated Disbursement Information System (“IDIS”) input and management, program income receipt and expenditures, inspections, audit, close- out, record-keeping, and performance reports.

AFN 714.4 with Advanced Avant-Garde Corporation
Exhibit A

D. CONSULTANT will prepare all required HUD plans and reports such as the Annual Action Plan, 5-Year Consolidated Plan/Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, and the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (“CAPER”).

E. CONSULTANT will attend necessary City Council and/or Public Hearings when necessary, conduct presentations, and respond to HUD follow -up questions needed to receive the necessary HUD approvals.

F. CONSULTANT will update and maintain the City’s project and activity information; input into and manage IDIS.

G. CONSULTANT will train/assist City Staff on IDIS and HUD regulations and requirements.

H. CONSULTANT will gather available and necessary documents for HUD audits/monitoring events, act as a liaison between HUD and the City, and prepare the follow-up correspondence.

I. CONSULTANT will provide 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.

J. CONSULTANT will provide a high standard of internal and external customer services. In order to effectively provide this support, it is required that the selected Proposer provide at least one dedicated staff person to the City with a minimum of 6 office hours per week at City Hall.

K. In conjunction with City Staff, review and analyze Public Service Agency (PSA) applications received for each pending Program year, make CDBG funding recommendations to staff and various Commissions. If requested, provide a funding recommendation presentation.

L. CONSULTANT will conduct Performance audits of the funded PSAs for federal regulatory compliance.

M. CONSULTANT will provide day-to-day Administration, consultation, and coordination with HUD, advise staff of federal and state program compliance issues, recommend approval of HUD allowed expenditures, recommend updates for the Home Improvement Program and other program brochures, forms, and other reference material.

N. CONSULTANT will provide knowledge of successor housing agency regulations and legislation, as well as annual reporting requirements, and assistance with the preparation of the housing successor annual report as needed.

CITY OF BELLFLOWER
AGREEMENT FILE NO. 714.4 – EXHIBIT B

ADVANCED AVANT-GARDE CORPORATION

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

1. Basis. The fee for the Scope of Services described in “Exhibit A” will be billed in accordance with the following rates based on hours actually and satisfactorily worked:

Housing Consultant Services:

Personnel Hourly Rate
Program Director $150 per hour
Program Manager $135 per hour
Sr. Program Coordinator $125 per hour
Program Coordinator $110 per hour
Program Assistant / Housing Rehab Specialist $100 per hour

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City of Bellflower
Housing Consultant Services Proposal
March 14, 2024
· w.agLco ___ co

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMAR_ Y
SECTION 2. INTR_ODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. 2 SECTION 3. PR_OGR_AM TEAM & MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................. 5 I. OR_GANIZA TION
II. PR_IOR_ EXPER_IENCE
III. KEY STAFF
SECTION 4. APPR_OACH TO R_EQUESTED SER_VICES ................................................................................... 31 SECTION 5. CITY PR_OVIDED SUPPOR.T ................................................................................................................... 43 SECTION 6. ADMINISTR_A TIVE R_EQUIR_EMENTS ............................................................................................ 44 SECTION 7. R_EFER_ENCES ...................................................................................................................................................... 45 SECTION 8. COST PR_OPOSAL ............................................................................................................................................. 46 I. APPENDIX A: COST PR_OPOSAL FOR_M
City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services 03.14 .2024

NT Compliance
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1\ R D E Fundin9 l· .. l.1!1cQ8•11t>l1t
March 14, 2024
City of Bellflower
16600 Civic Center Drive
Bellflower, CA 90706
Subject: Request for Proposals for Housing Consultant Services It is with great pleasure that AVANT-GARDE submits our proposal to provide the City of Bellflower with Housing Consultant ~ervices. It is our goal to ensure that all services and reports are in compliance with all applicable HUD regulations and submitted within the required time frames.

A 100% woman-owned firm, Advanced AVANT-GARDE Corporation was incorporated in September 2002 and our corporate office is located at 807 S. Lemon Avenue, Diamond Bar, CA 91789. AVANT -GARDE is a certified minority business enterprise, women business enterprise, disadvantaged business enterprise and small business enterprise {MBE, WBE, DBE, SSE).

A vant-Garde has built a strong reputation for providing innovative and successful solutions for a number of public agencies over the past 20 years. We have a successful track record in Program and Compliance Management with several municipalities, including the Cities of Bellflower, Montebello, Lynwood, Moreno Valley, Pasadena, Industry, La Puente, Pico Rivera, Temple City, Bell Gardens, South Gate, Cudahy, El Monte, Alhambra, Rosemead, San Gabriel, Monterey Park, West Covina, South El Monte, Commerce, Manhattan Beach, Huntington Beach, Ojai, Ventura, La Mirada, Artesia, Norwalk, Perris, Rialto, Maywood, LADOT, LADWP, and Los Angeles County METRO. We offer the talents of some of the most skilled compliance managers, fund administrators, grant writers and program managers in the industry, providing clients with innovative and cost-effective solutions on a wide variety of projects. !t has been AVANT-GARDE's pleasure to work with the City of Bellflovver since 2016 providing program management services as identified in this RFP. Our familiarity and experience with the City of Bellflower establishes our solid working knowledge of the community, processes and institutions which make us uniquely qualified to assist the City and serve the community. Given the opportunity, we feel the Avant-Garde team will prove to be a valuable partner to the City in meeting its HUD requirements and goals.

To provide exceptional services as outlined in the RFP, we present a highly qualified and experienced team of program managers each with years of experience in providing identical services to Cities throughout Southern California. We have assigned a firm principal, Anq Marie LeNoue, to serve as the Project Representative. Ms. LeNoue will oversee all assigned staff and will ensure successful administration of all activities.

Please contact me or Lissette Montoya the firm's principals, at (909) 895-7146 or email a le nou e@aq i.com .co or [email protected] if there are any questions. We look forward to continuing our work with you and your staff. Thank you very much for your consideration. ·~
Ana Marie 'eNoue ~
President/CEO
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SECTIO N 2.

Grant>
Compliance
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FuncllltCJ f""lana9etnen t
Con11nunity Outre.:Kh
INTR.ODUCTIO N
AVANT-GARDE was incorporated in September 2002 and our corporate office, from which services will be provided is located at 807 S. Lemon A venue, Diamond Bar, CA 91789. Advanced AVANT-GARDE Corporation dba AVANT-GARDE is a 100% woman- owned California Corporation headed by Southern California natives Ana Marie LeNoue and Lissette Montoya who serve as the firm's officers and principals. They can be reached by phone at (909) 895-7146 or by email at [email protected] or [email protected]. Furthermore, AVANT-GARDE is a certified minority business enterprise, women business enterprise, disadvantaged business enterprise, and small business enterprise (MBE, WBE, DBE, SBE).

Our team of 22 has built a strong reputation for providing innovative and successful solutions for a number of public agencies including the Cities of Bellflower, Montebello, Lynwood, El Monte, Artesia, Moreno Valley, Temple City, Pasadena, Industry, La Mirada, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Hawaiian Gardens, South El Monte, Alhambra, Rosemead, San Gabriel, Monterey Park, West Covina, La Puente, Bell Gardens, South Gate, Cudahy, Commerce, Maywood, Perris, Rialto, Ventura, Manhattan Beach, Huntington Beach, Ojai, Los Angeles County METRO, LADWP and LADOT.

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
• Funding Administration
• Compliance Management including Labor Compliance
• Construction Coordination (Bid development, analysis, etc.) • Community Outreach
With our team of experts in program management, compliance management, grant writing, funding identification and administration, AVANT-GARDE is committed to developing a working relationship that becomes a seamless extension of the City's staff.

We believe in working as a team and bringing our collective strengths to the table to complement each other's efforts, ultimately resulting in options and services that best serve the client's goals and objectives. 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. 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.

AVANT-GARDE has had the privilege of working for the City of Bellflower over the past eight years. During this time, our Team has worked closely with City staff in a variety of capacities to assist with HOME and CDBG administration including review of various HUD reports to identify program activities, analysis of the City's HOME and CDBG funds, City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
2 03.14.2024

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Granl s
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Compli~nce
Funding l·,l anagemenl
Community Outr"'ach
preparing the CAPER and Annual Action Plan, and assisting with the development of policies and procedures for the City's HOME, CDBG, and Code Enforcement programs.

Our familiarity and experience with the City of Bellflower establishes our solid working knowledge of the community, processes and institutions which make us uniquely qualified to assist the City and continue serving the community.

As part of our work, AVANT-GARDE has established infrastructure systems to maintain compliance and prevent future findings and helped prepare the City's HOME and CDBG policies and procedures for City Council adoption. Our services have included guidance to meet program and financial compliance requirements and local financial procedural support. We are well versed in the City's HUD lOIS portal and can monitor it regularly to ensure data and reporting accuracy. AVANT-GARDE can serve as the liaison with the City's HUD representative to seek clarification, guidance, and provide the City with clear action steps.

AVANT-GARDE assisted in developing the City's 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan, which included developing notices, community outreach via meetings and surveys, data analysis, and assisting staff in preparing staff reports and participation at City Council meetings. AVANT-GARDE worked with City staff to develop strategic goals to address City needs and activities to align with and meet these goals. Additionally, AVANT-GARDE assisted in preparing the City's Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, a document that reviews policies and practices in the community that affect availability and accessibility of housing and housing conditions in the community, for submission to HUD.

Upon receipt of CDBG-CV funds, AVANT-GARDE assisted in the development of the substantial amendment to the FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan. AVANT-GARDE continued to assist the City with the development of subsequent Annual Action Plans and the programming of CDBG, HOME and CDBG-CV funds. AVANT-GARDE recently assisted the City with onboarding new subrecipients and developing new activities and programs to meet the City's goals established in the Annual Action Plan and Consolidated Plan, and to expend the funds in a timely manner to remain in good standing with HUD. Our staff consistently and successfully worked with City subrecipients to monitor their work and files to ensure that they are compliant with all City and HUD CDBG guidelines, providing technical assistance when needed.

AVANT-GARDE is currently providing the services requested in this RFP to several cities in Southern California, including Bellflower, Montebello, Lynwood, El Monte, Cudahy, South Gate, Pico Rivera, Rosemead, Rialto, 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. 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 particular needs of each client and prompt delivery of products, studies and services.

AVANT-GARDE's work for these agencies has included review of various reports to identify program activities; analysis of the City's CDBG and HOME funds; assisting with the development of policies and procedures for the City's HOME, CDBG, and Housing Rehabilitation programs; providing support to staff on responses to audit findings; City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
3 03 .14.2024

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Gran ts ------
Compliance
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Con1n1unity OutrE:-ach
managing CDBG-funded CIPs and public service programs; implementing CDBG-CV funded activities; and a variety of housing rehabilitation related tasks including property inspections, applicant file review, and agreement coordination. Our services have included guidance to meet program and financial compliance requirements and local financial procedural support. AVANT-GARDE serves as the liaison with cities' HUD, HCD, and LACDC representatives to seek clarification, guidance, and provide the cities with clear action steps.

AVANT-GARDE has assisted cities in programming CDBG and CDBG-CV funds. Our staff successfully worked with subrecipients to monitor their work and files to ensure that they are compliant with all CDBG guidelines, providing technical assistance when needed.

AVANT-GARDE has also provided program administration support, which has included building out new programs, developing program documents, establishing guidelines and protocols. AVANT-GARDE assisted with the launch and underwriting of cities' Emergency Rental Assistance Programs and Small Business Loan Programs, which provided grants to local CDBG eligible businesses. Small Business programs have been administered to meet Low Moderate Area and Low Moderate Job national objectives. Understanding the urgency created by the pandemic, AVANT-GARDE was able to quickly deploy our staff to implement and run both types of programs effectively, ensuring residents received their aid in a timely manner.

City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant SeNices
4 03.14.2024

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Compliance
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G ;\R_DE F unding I• Ia 1agement
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Corrununity Outrt:ach
SECTION 3. PROGRAM TEAM & MANAGEMENT
Organization
To provide exceptional services to the City of Bellflower, we have compiled a highly qualified and experienced team. Firm Principal, Ana Marie LeNoue, will serve as Project Representative and will oversee all assigned staff and ensure successful administration of program and document development. Our Project Representative will be supported by our in-house Program Director-Lissette Montoya, Program Manager-Cindy Hernandez, Program Manager-Liza Lopez, Senior Program Coordinator-Norma Lopez, Program Coordinator-Laura Santoyo, Program Coordinator-Norma Hernandez, and Housing Specialist-Maria Lennox.

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. Montoya 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.

Montoya, Ms. Cindy Hernandez, Ms. Lopez, Ms. Santoyo, Ms. Norma Hernandez, and Ms.

Lennox 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.

City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
5 03.14.2024

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Com plicmce
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Fu n ding l'ianagem enl
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Communi t y Outreac h
OR_GANIZA TIONAL CHAR_ T
City of Bellflower
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Ana Marie LeNoue
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I Principal/Program Director
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Lissette Montoya
Program Director
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Liza Lopez Laura Santoyo
Program Manager -Sr. Program Coordinator -
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Norma Lopez Maria Lennox
Sr. Program Coordinator Housing Specialist
City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
Civitas, LLC
Subconsultant
Cindy Hernandez
Program Manager
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Norma Hernandez
Program Coordinator
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Prior Experience
Gran t '\
Compliance
Funding t--lana')ement
Community Outreach
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 particular 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 a number of varied consulting services.

As it relates to this RFP for CDBG and HOME Program administration services, the AVANT- GARDE staff assigned to this project have provided similar services for the cities of Montebello, Lynwood, Bellflower, El Monte, South Gate, Cudahy, Pico Rivera, Rialto, and Moreno Valley.

City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
7 03.14.2024 Page 28 of 73

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F u n ding fvlana<)ement
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Communi t y Outreach
Montebello I HUD CDBG & HOME
Program Compliance Management
AVANT-GARDE provided Program Monitoring and Funding Compliance Services for HOME and CDBG funded programs administered through HUD. As such, AVANT-GARDE provided on-going program compliance monitoring services of sub-recipients and implementation of the City's Housing Program. Services included working with the City to correct and respond to HUD HOME and CDBG Service Program findings, resulting in eliminating the numerous 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. AVANT-GARDE recently monitored and implemented the CDBG Service Program, working with various City departments and local nonprofits to ensure adherence to HUD program requirements, including the development of tracking processes and timely submittal of sub-recipient activities and reimbursements. AVANT-GARDE recently assisted the City with developing their updated ConPian, Analysis of Impediments, Citizen Participation Plan, Substantial Amendment, and FY 19/20 CAPER which included all related community outreach and coordination with city staff and community stakeholders.

City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
Client Contact
Joseph Palombi
Director of Planning/
Community
Development
Project Completion
Ongoing
Type of Funding

HOME I CDBG I CV
Cost
$14 1, 000 I yearly
8 03.14.2024 Page 29 of 73

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Community Outre.Jch
Lynwood I HUD Program &
Compliance Management
AVANT-GARDE was hired by the City of Lynwood in 2007 to provide Community Development (Housing) services, which included 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 included: 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. As of 2017, AVANT-GARDE has been assisting with the Housing Rehabilitation Program, Environmental Reports for capital improvement projects, and Labor Compliance.

City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
Client Contact
Go brief Linares
Director of
Community
Development
Project Completion
Ongoing
Type of Funding

HOME I CDBG
Cost
$110/000 I yearly
9 03.14.2024 Page 30 of 73

A V A N T ~;;~~:0i:~·~-~~:~. ··-··· ..

G !\ R_ 0 E ~~;~~~~~;;~~t;~~t~:~:;~l
Cudahy I 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 LACDA 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 LACDA program monitoring and audit preparation, preparation and completion of LACDA 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, LACDA, and HUD. In addition, AVANT- GARDE provides CDBG financial management assistanc~, acts as a City liaison and representative to the LACDA, 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 LACDA, contractors, property owners, and staff. Most recently AVANT-GARDE assisted with the development and implementation of the City's new Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
C lient Contact
Andres Rangel
Management
Analyst
Project Completion
Ongoing
Type of Funding
CDBG! CV
Cost
$65,000 I yearly
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Grant s
Co mpli;mce
Funding Hanagement
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Communi ty Outreac h
Bellflower I Housing Management
Services
AVANT-GARDE provides oversight of the HOME and CDBG program for 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 including the 2020 5-year
Consolidated Plan and AI. Most recently, assisted the City with the programming and implementation of CDBG-CV funded activities.

City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
Client Contact
Jim DellaLonga
Director of Economic
Development
Project Completion
Ongoing
Type of Funding

HOME I CDBG I CV
Cost
$65,000 I yearly
11 03.14.2024 Page 32 of 73

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Grnn l s -------
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Fu nding ~'l a na9ement
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Communi ty O u t re ac h
El Monte I HOME, CDBG, & ESG
Compliance and Monitoring
AVANT-GARDE is assisting the City of El Monte with program management of HOME, CDBG and ESG programs. Services include project management of the public services program; management of CDBG funded CIP's; oversight of the 5-year Consolidated Plan, AI and Annual Action Plan; on-site monitoring and compliance review; and technical assistance to update and amend the CAPER. Staff assisted the City with 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 and monitored rental properties. Most recently, assisted the City with the programming and implementation of CDBG-CV funded activities.

City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
Client Contact
Betty Donavanik
Director of
Community ·&
Economic
Development
Project Completion
Ongoing
Type of Funding

HOME I CDBG I

ESG I CV
Cost
$150,000 currently
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Co m plia n ce
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Comrnu ni ty Out reac h
South Gate I CDBG & HOME
Coordination and Management
Services
AVANT-GARDE has provided HUD Program Management Services to the City of South Gate since 2018. Our scope of work includes preparation of the Annual Action Plan and program development and support including Action Plan amendments; 2020 Consolidated Plan development and support including community outreach and all amendments; preparation of the 2019-2020 Consolidated Annual Plan Evaluation Report (CAPER); preparation and adoption of updated HOME and CDBG policies and procedures; program and financial compliance requirements (IDIS) and local financial procedural support; and manage program operations for all CDBG and HOME programs including reporting and administration of commercial fa<;ade and housing rehabilitation programs. Program administration support has included building out new programs and establishing guidelines and protocols . Most recently AVANT-GARDE assisted with the launch and underwriting of the City's new Small Business Retention and Creation Grant Program.

Services have included working with the City to correct and respond to HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit findings. Furthermore, AVANT-GARDE provides labor compliance services for CDBG funded capital improvement projects to ascertain compliance with established federal regulations and laws. Most recently, we are ass isting the City with the programming and implementation of CDBG-CV funded activities.

Client Contact
Meredith Elguira
Director of Community
Development
Project Completion
Ongoing
Type of Funding

HOME I CDBG
Cost
$223,7 40 I yearly
As part of South Gate's Rental Assistance program, AVANT- GARDE drafted program guidelines and documents
(applications and supplemental forms), and trained staff on program implementation and participant eligibility. AVANT- GARDE processed applications, eligibility review, and liaising with participants. For South Gate's Business Assistance program, AVANT-GARDE was developed all program forms
(including program manuals, outreach material , and
applications). AVANT-GARDE staff worked with business owners to collect required documentation verify their eligibility and process their applications with the City. AVANT-GARDE also followed up with businesses after the grant award to collect

C ITY OF SO UT H GATE
expense documents to confirm that expenses were eligible.

City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
2017-2018 A CT I ON PLAN
FUN DI NG SOU RCE ALLOCATIO NS:

CO~I \II 'N I I ' Dl:.\'CLOP,\Ir~ r 11 1 (_)t'f\: fiR ,\:'\ r 1Cf)£3(,) 110 \11 I ~V I:...;J ,\1 1:..'-f f'.\H Nt-H.~I I I P'\llR..\~ l illtl\ll ~l 13 03.14.2024 Page 34 of 73

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Fu nding H anagemenl
Community Outr12ach
Moreno Valley I 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 and procedures, eligibility requirements, reporting and performance measurements, administrative costs, procurement, and recordkeeping. We also serve as the City's liaison with Habitat for Humanity on its Housing rehabilitation program.

City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
Client Contact
Viviana McDaniel
Grants Division
Manager
Project Completion
Ongoing
Type of Funding
HOME !CDBG I
ESG
Cost
$280,000
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C o mpli ance
Funding H anagement
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Communi t y Outreac h
Pico Rivera I CDBG Program
Administration
AVANT-GARDE has established infrastructure systems to maintain compliance and prevent future findings and helped prepare the City's HOME and CDBG policies and procedures for City Council adoption.

Our services have included guidance to meet program and financial compliance requirements and local financial procedural support. We are well versed in the City's HUD IDIS portal and are able to monitor it regularly to ensure data and reporting accuracy. AVANT-GARDE serves as the liaison with the City's HUD representative to seek clarification, guidance, and provide the City with clear action steps.

AVANT-GARDE assisted in developing the City's 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan, which included developing notices, community outreach via meetings and surveys, data analysis, and assisting staff in preparing staff reports and participation at City Council meetings.

AVANT-GARDE worked with City staff to develop strategic goals to address City needs and activities to align with and meet these goals.

Additionally, AVANT-GARDE assisted in preparing the City's Analysis to Fair Housing Choice for submission to HUD.

As a part of the development of the FY 2020-2021, FY 2021-2022 and FY 2022-2023 Annual Action Plans, AVANT-GARDE assisted the City in programming CDBG and CDBG-CV funds. AVANT-GARDE recently assisted the City with onboarding new swbrecipients and developing new activities and programs to meet the City's goals established in the Annual Action Plan and Consolidated Plan, and to expend the funds in a timely manner to remain in good standing with HUD.

Client Contact
J u/ia Gonzalez
Deputy Director of
Community and
Economic
Development
Project Completion
Ongoing
Type of Funding

HOME I CDBG
Cost
$96,800
Our staff consistently and successfully worked
with City subrecipients to monitor their work and
files to ensure that they are compliant with all City
and HUD CDBG guidelines, providing technical
assistance when needed. AVANT-GARDE has also
provided the City with program administration
support, which has included building out new
programs, developing program documents,
establishing guidelines and protocols. Most
recently AVANT-GARDE assisted with the launch
and underwriting of the City's Small Business
Grant Program, which will provide grants of
$10,000 to local CDBG eligible businesses. We also
assisted the city with preparation for their H U D
audit.

City of Pico Rivera r:iii;\
City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM ~
TheOry of Plcn RJver.l'S small OUslnPr...ll Gr~nt: Progr.un wUI offa" ~rime 1-10.000 f131\f~ ro E1lglhiP I buSI~s to heffl crNftl jobs. ~ta!n jobo;. dnd offer q lHiiry Stf\Ac~ m ~ rcslckmts of Pko RJ\'9ra. (lfant lunds rM'J bf used for OYefhtW:I e~pEf~S. nw, u111ttles. and OK~fY f'Qij~JH to conllnue business QVt:'faUon.s, dmoog ollle-t S.l:Ju stnesses are not ex.pecte<J lo pay bddvants. 15 03.14.2024 Page 36 of 73

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Grants
Complii\JK<e
F unding i'l anagement
CorYlll'ILmity OutrE-a c h
Rialto I CDBG & NSP Compliance
Services
AVANT-GARDE is currently providing the day-to-day administration and implementation of the City's CDBG funded Program. Our team works with City staff to determine project eligibility along with monitoring of programs to assure compliance with all Federal, State, and Local reporting requirements. Our scope of work includes: prepare reports including , but not limited to, an Annual Action Plan CAPER, Section 3 Reports, prevailing wage, minority contractor, and other reports required by HUD; setup and maintain lOIS records, including preparation of requested reports; prepare draw down requests for reimbursement of expended funds at a minimum of a quarterly basis or more often as directed by the Finance Director; coordinate with HUD field office staff and other City representatives on CDBG related issues as needed and assist with all program monitoring and audit preparation; and prepare necessary NEPA/CEQA forms and documents for categorically exempt projects .

Our team is also providing support for the City's NSP programs.

Scope includes: DRGR reporting, NSP program monitoring and strategic planning for the use of program income .

CARES Act Support: Provide technical and marketing support for programming of funds. Our staff has been actively involved in developing and implementing programs such as Rental Assistance and Business Assistance programs.

Are you or a loved one
experiencing hardship?
We can help!
City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
Client Contact
Arran Brown
Assistant City Manager
Project Completion
Ongoing
Type of Funding

CDBG I NSP I CV
Cost
$319,090

F OR MOR E INFORMATI ON
WWW VO UIIR 14ll0 C O IJ/III fll T O;l SS I STM~CE PR OGR AM S I
EMA I L: I<I AL T OC A I<E S @R I A LTOCA .GOV
C A LL : (9 09) 816 ·2406 / (9 0 9) 8 16 ·2 8 6 3
II·.·. :~ 150 S. Palm Avenue
I!J,. . . Rialto, CA 92376
16 03 .14.2024 Page 37 of 73

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Key Staff
Ana Marie LeNoue
Lissette Montoya
Liza Lopez
Cindy Hernandez
Norma Lopez
Laura Santoyo
Maria Lennox
Norma Hernandez
Grant s
Complian c-:
···-----·-···----····---
F unding ~-I a agem e nt
----·----······----·
Community O utreac h
Housing Non-Housing
Program Program Availability as
Assignments Assignments of 3/14/2024
60% 10% 30%
30% 40% 30%
50% 10% 40%
50% 5% 45%
50% 25% 25%
80% 20%
80% 40%
40% 40% 20%
Utilizing the expertise of our team, AVANT-GARDE staff will assist as follows:

Ana Marie LeNoue-Oversee the project, team, and all activities; provide direct contact with the City; address HUD findings and/or issues with any other related correspondence with HUD; manage the CDBG programs; identify and implement appropriate outreach efforts for the various elements of the Housing Program; and assist with the development of administrative deliverables such as the program evaluation report, required staff and agenda reports, reports for the annual action plan and CAPER Lissette Montoya-Assist in the oversight of the project, team, and all activities as needed; provide fiscal management oversite; coordinate with Finance to address timeliness issues; and manage the HOME programs.

Civitas, LLC -Prepare the 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments.

Cindy Hernandez/Liza Lopez -Manage the CDBG, HOME, CHDO, and HOME-ARP program administration activities; assist with development of guidelines to ensure compliance; assist with the City's IDIS database including activity set-up, clearing flags, and updating accomplishments and beneficiary information; manage reporting; and coordinate efforts to prepare the Action Plan and CAPER. Support the development of the Consolidated Plan and HOME monitoring.

Program Coordinators -Prepare documents and oversee data and expenditure collections; prepare environmental reports and enter in HEROS; conduct public services monitoring; prepare subrecipient agreements; monitor subrecipients to ensure compliance with HUD regulations; review applications; verify eligibility and income qualifications; audit reports and reimbursements; conduct labor compliance; host workshops and community engagement; and coordinate field inspections, site visits, and housing rehabilitation activities.

Housing Specialist-Perform the required task to implement the Residential Rehabilitation Program including prepare intake and assessment of eligibility; property inspection; work write ups; solicitation and selection of contractors; loan documents preparation and City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
17 03.14.2024 Page 38 of 73

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Compliance
--·· --~----··· ·-·····
G ;\R.DE Funding ~-l anagemenl
Community Outr;:ach
execution; coordinate contractor payments; monthly reporting; and as needed communication with interested residents.

City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
18 03 .14.2024 Page 39 of 73

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Years of Experience:
30+ years
Years with Firm:
20+ years
Education:

B.S. Business
Management,
University of Phoenix
Grnnl >
Compli ance
F un ding i'lanng em en l
·············------·------····
Commu n ity Ou t rea c h
Ana Marie LeNoue
Principal I Program Director
Ms. LeNoue has over 30 years of experience in municipal services and has been with AVANT-GARDE since 2006. She is the President and CEO of AVANT-GARDE. Ms. LeNoue is capable of overseeing the rehabilitation loan program, identifying and implementing appropriate outreach efforts for the various elements of the 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 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 Cities of Montebello, Lynwood, Pico Rivera, South Gate, El Monte, Rialto, Moreno Valley, and 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,
Commercial Fac;ade, updating policies and procedures, and providing coordination between HUD and City staff. Coordinates project activities for cities' CDBG programs. Monitors CDBG-funded projects, activities, and sub-recipients to ensure grant performance and compliance are met. Assisted the City of Montebello to reach HUD compliance by overcoming numerous findings received in previous program fiscal years. In 2020 she assisted Montebello, Pico Rivera, South Gate, El Monte, Burbank, and Bellflower with the development and adoption of Consolidated Plans, Analysis of Impediments, and CPPs. She has processed CDBG and CDBG-CV Substantial Amendments, Annual Action Pions, and CAPERs which City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
19 03.14.2024 Page 40 of 73

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Cornplianc-2
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Funding r·-l anage m enl
Community Outr;;,ach
included all related community outreach and coordination with City staff and community stakeholders. She is currently assisting with the program implementation of CDBG-funded COVID response
activities including City-run Business Assistance Grants, Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance, and Food Insecurity programs.

City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
20 03.14.2024 Page 41 of 73

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Years of Experience :
22+ years
Years with Firm :
20+ years
Ed ucatio n:

Master of Business
Administration, California
State Polytechnic
University, Pomona
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
Grnnl s
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Comp)i;mce
Fu n ding ~-l anaqement
Community Outr.,ach
Lissette Montoya
Principal I Program Director
Ms. Montoya has more than 20 years of comprehensive expertise in project management and analysis, funding management, grant administration, and community outreach programs. She is experienced in issues impacting City governments and contract administration. Ms. Montoya is the Vice-President and CFO of AVANT-GARDE. 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. Ms. Montoya directs the Program Management team to ensure that projects are developed 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. Ms. Montoya 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. Under her direction, our team has successfully monitored federal and state funding for municipal agencies throughout Southern California and written grants to secure over $501.8 million in funding for government agencies.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Ms. Montoya has worked with several municipalities under contract to assist with managing HUD and HCD funded programs: CDBG, CDBG-CV, HOME, ESG, ESG-CV and NSP programs. Ms. Montoya has experience in facilitating rental assistance programs, housing rehabilitation projects, and strategic planning to ensure that programs/projects are meeting National Objectives and implement in accordance with the regulations established by each program.

She serves as project liaison with HUD/LACDC and has participated in audits with HUD and is well versed with the requirements set forth by HUD. This includes reviewing expenditure reports and commitment reports for programmed activities and administration of I DIS. She has prepared Action Plans, and CAPERs to meet the goal of the Consolidated Plan and assisted with the public hearing process for amendments. She has provided oversight for
development of sub-recipient ogreements as well as monitoring for City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
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Funding ~-t anaC)eme nt
Community Outreach
Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO)
qualifications and implementation of Capital Improvements programs including Section 3 monitoring and Davis Bacon Compliance. Relevant City Experience includes: Cudahy, Rialto, Pico Rivera, Lynwood, Bellflower, Moreno Valley, Montebello, El Monte, Temple City, Bell Gardens, La Mirada, Perris, South Gate, Bellflower, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Pasadena.

City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
22 03.14.2024 Page 43 of 73

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Years of Experience
7+ years
Years with Firm:
1 year
Education
B.S . Human Services
California State University,
Fu ll erton
Grilnl <;
Compli;:~nce ..................

Funding t-l anagement
.. ········-··········
Community Ou treach
Cindy Hernandez
Program Manager
Ms. Hernandez has over 7 years of extensive experience in program management and operations. She has excelled in overseeing multi- million-dollar contracts, ensuring the successful execution of customer deliverables while maintaining compliance with Federal regulations, company policy, and contractual obligations. She has successfully administered contracts throughout their lifecycle, from initial negotiation to final execution. This includes drafting and reviewing contract terms and conditions, coordinating with accounting teams, and monitoring contract performance. She gained valuable experience in both the government and private sectors, ·having actively participated in the RFP and bid management process from both perspectives.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
As a Program Manager with AVANT-GARDE, Ms. Hernandez supports municipalities with HOME and HOM E-ARP funded programs. She has facilitated compliance management for HUD funded programs through the oversight of Community Housing Development
Organizations (CHDO) certifications, monitoring of HOME funded rental projects, and development of agreements for subrecipients.

City of El Monte
Reviews affordability compliance and occupancy requirements for a new construction rental housing project through the monitoring of income initial determinations. Collaborates with cross functional teams to ensure compliance of Federal Regulations and City municipal codes in the development of predevelopment funding agreements.

City of Montebello
Ms. Hernandez has developed a CHDO Application to solicit qualified organizations that can be certified as a City CHDO. She has processed, reviewed, and managed application records in accordance with Federal regulations.
_ City of Moreno Valley
Assisted with the recertification of CHDOs including collecting pertinent documentation, review of submitted applications and proper record retention.

City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
23 03 .14.2024

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Years of Experience:
6+ years
Years with Firm:
2+ years
Gran t s
---···········-----
Com p licll1(e
F un ding t-l anagement . --·-····---··· ·--.

Corn n1unity Ou tr12ac h
Liza Lopez
Program Manager
Ms. Lopez has over two years providing administrative support services. She has worked jointly with Project Mangers of the company on project coordination and administration of programs.

She is fluent in both English and Spanish for both written and verbal translation.

Before joining the Avant-Garde team, Ms. Lopez worked as a Education: Director of Sales. She has over six years of experience in A.S. in Business management and consulting. Since joining the team in 2021, she has Administration, El camino worked on managing the CDBG Subrecipients and Emergency Community College, CA Assistance Programs.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
CDBG-CV & ARPA Emergency Mortgage, RentaL & Utility Assistance Assists with the management and implementation of the CDBG-CV and ARPA Emergency Mortgage, Rental, & Utility Assistance Programs. Duties include case management, processing
applications, budget tracking, and reporting. These services are currently being provided to the following agencies:
• City of Bellflower
• City of Rialto
CDBG Subrecipient Monitoring
Assists with the management of CDBG subrecipient participants. This includes the review of applications, conducting on-boarding workshops, performing verification of reimbursements, monitoring expenditures and schedules, and preparing and submitting quarterly reports. These services are currently being provided to the following agencies:
• City of Rialto
• City of Moreno Valley
City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
24 03.14.2024 Page 45 of 73

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Years of Experience:
5+ years
Years with Firm:
4+ years
Education:

B.S. in Urban and Regional
Planning with Urban Design
Option-California State
Polytechnic University,
Pomona
Griln l s
Compli.omce
----··---------·--------·-----· ...

Funding ~-l anagement
Community Outr;;,ach
Norma Lopez
Senior Program Coordinator
Ms. Norma Lopez has four years of experience in Federal and local programs. Ms. Lopez has worked within the realm of City Planning and Economic and Community Development for the City of Ontario where her duties included conducting qualitative and quantitative research, analyzing and interpreting data and statistics, and preparing staff reports, and reviewing grant proposals.

As a Senior Program Coordinator, Ms. Lopez works in conjunction with the project managers of the company and serves as a liaison to provide support on various projects. Ms. Lopez assists by writing grant proposals, assisting in determining eligible projects, and providing advisement of program requirements . Ms. Lopez also assists in the successful administration of funding requirements and program management. Her responsibilities have included
interfacing with Federal, State and Local Agencies to define, develop and manage project scopes, schedules, and
cooperative agreements. Ms. Lopez is adept at researching information to assist in her determination of program compliance.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Avant-Garde, Inc.
• Assists with the preparation of the Annual Action Plan and other reports for submission to HUD
• Reviews CDBG funded project bid specifications to ensure compliance with all applicable Labor Compliance and
Federal regulations.
• Reviews and analyzes bid proposals for CDBG related
projects
• Conducts monitoring for HOME funded rental projects.
• Monitors projects and activities of internal departments and sub-recipient agencies to ensure compliance with Federal regulations
• Assists in creating, implementing, and reviewing guidelines for local programs to ensure compliance with HUD and
CDBG regulations.
• Prepares staff reports and presentations for projects and programs that require Council approval.
• Prepares Environmental and Historic Preservation clearances for CDBG and HOME funded projects under HUD Guidelines
for multiple local agencies (HEROS experience.)
o Currently providing support services in the City of
Rialto, Palm Springs, Pico Rivera, Bellflower and South Gate.

City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
25 03.14 .2024

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Corn niunit~/ Outre:-ac h
City of Ontario
• Conducted Geographic Information System (G.I.S.) analysis and research for the Planning Department and Engineering Department, Mobility Division
• Applied the City's Planning Policy into practice from site visits, plan checks, to planning entitlements
• Processed applications such as zoning clearances and
modification permits
• Provided information and assisted public constituents and other employees regarding development standards
• Coordinated and attended community outreach meetings
City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
26 03.14 .2024

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Years of Experience:
13+ years
Years with Firm:

Grant s
Compli;:>nce
Funding ~-t anagement
Community Outreac h
Laura Santoyo
Senior Program Coordinator
Ms . Santoyo has thirteen years of experience in administrative and program services and has been with AVANT-GARDE since 2017. Her overall experience includes project management and coordination for CDBG and HOME programs.
6+ years Before joining the AVANT--GARDE team, Ms. Santoyo worked with the Oldtimers Foundation in coordinating the Nutrition Program. She was Education: responsible for attending meetings and trainings, supervising quality B.A. in Sociology and control of the kitchens and their staff, procuring food and supplies,· S . h U . ·t f and inputting entries into the LA Get Care database. pan1s , n1vers 1 y o California, Santa Barbara Ms. Santoyo has assisted in completing tasks related to both 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
City of Cudahy
Assists with the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program in the City of Cudahy, by reaching out to potential applicants, income qualifying applicants, performing site inspections, preparing work write ups, drafting bid invitations, reviewing bids, and processing grant documents in accordance with program guidelines and procedures.

Assists with the Rent Relief Program in the City of Cudahy in collaboration with Los Angeles County. Reviews applications and verifies data from eligible applicants. Processes tenant and landlord applications, reviews and uploads documents into the Carelinq County Program and submits documents to payment.

Cities of Montebello & South Gate
Assists with the HOME Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program in the Cities of Montebello and South Gate, by reaching out to potential applicants, income qualifying applicants, performing site inspections, preparing work write ups, drafting bid invitations, reviewing bids , and processing loan documents in accordance with program guidelines and procedures.

Cities of Bellflower, Montebello, Pico Rivera & South Gate Assists with CDBG Subrecipient compliance and reviews in the Cities of Bellflower, Montebello, Pico Rivera and South Gate. Reviews Subrecipient applications and collects required documentation from City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant SeNices
27 03 .14 .2024

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Compliance ...................................

Fu n d ing ~-l anagemen l
CorYlll"llH1ity Outr12ach
subrecipients according to HUD requirements. Reviews subrecipients Requests for Reimbursements and makes sure funding cities are provided required backup documentation to support requests on a quarterly basis. Maintains subrecipient files and conducts monitoring visits per HUD requirements. Organizes files and prepares them for HUD monitoring.

City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
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Years of Experience:
34+ years
Grilnts
----··-
Compliance
Funding ~·t a nageme nl
... ·······--·-··········
Community Outreach
Maria Lennox
Housing Specialist
With over 34 years of experience working with municipalities and private agencies to meet their housing goals, Ms. Lennox serves as a Housing Specialist for AVANT-GARDE. Maria has assisted in marketing and implementing rehabilitation loan programs, assured compliance with federal and local guidelines, and helped train personnel to become effective housing counsellors.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
As an expert in housing rehabilitation, Ms. Lennox duties have included:
• Providing loan underwriting services to the Community Development Commission (CDC) and the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) for the CDBG and HOME deferred and lovy- interest loans and Single Family Residence (SFR) programs. • Designing loan documentation to comply with HUD and local guidelines.
• Managing rehabilitation projects including prevailing wage compliance.
• Negotiating construction contracts.

Client agencies include: City of Bellflower, City of Montebello, City of Lynwood, Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), and
Community Development Commission (CDC).

City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
29 03 .14.2024

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Years of Experience:
3+ years
Education:

B.A. in Architecture with
minor in City and Regional
Planning -University of
California Berkeley
GIS Certificate-California
State University, Los
Angeles
Masters in Urban and
Regional Planning-
University California Los
Angeles (underway)
Gra nt>
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Com plian ce
F un ding ~-l a nage m e nt
Corrm1unity O utreac h
Norma Hernandez
Program Coordinator
Ms. Norma Hernandez has over three years of experience in public agency programs. Ms. Lopez has worked within the realm of City Planning and Economic and Community Development for the City of South Gate Planning Technician and Assistant Planner where she processed land-use entitlement applications, assisted with daily planning operations, conducting qualitative and quantitative research, analyzing and interpreting data and statistics, interpreting zoning code to the general public and preparing staff reports, and public notices.

As a Program Coordinator, Ms. Hernandez works in conjunction with the project managers of the company and serves as a liaison to provide support on various projects. Ms. Hernandez assists by writing grant proposals, preparing Annual Action Plans, and providing advisement of program requirements. Ms. Hernandez also assists in the successful administration of funding requirements and program management. Ms. Hernandez is adept at
researching information to assist in her determination of program compliance.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Avant-Garde, Inc.
• Assists with the preparation of the Annual Action Plan and other reports for submission to HUD
• Monitors projects and activities of internal departments and sub-recipient agencies to ensure compliance with Federal regulations
• Assists in creating, implementing, and reviewing guidelines for local programs to ensure compliance with HUD and
CDBG regulations.
• Prepares staff reports and presentations for projects and programs that require Council approval.
• Prepares Environmental and Historic Preservation clearances for CDBG and HOME funded projects under HUD Guidelines
for multiple local agencies (HEROS experience.)
o Currently providing support services for the City of
Bellflower and City of El Monte.

City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
30 03.14.2024

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SECTION 4.

Grants
Compliance
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Fund ing i'lanagem e nt
Community Outreac h
APPR.OACH TO R_EQUESTED SER_ VICES
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.

The AVANT-GARDE principals have had the privilege of working together serving municipalities for over twenty 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 the 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 Bellflower 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. Per the request of the City, Senior Program Coordinator-Laura Santoyo will provide a minimum of 6 office hours per week at City Hall. Additionally, Housing Specialist-Maria Lennox will coordinate to meet at City Hall with residents on an as needed basis.

CDBG AND HOME ADMINISTRATION

COORDINATION WITH HUD
Avant-Garde will liaise with HUD as needed . We will provide HUD with the required input for the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, and CAPER. 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 Bellflower's goals and objectives. We will review and update the CDBG and HOME Program Manuals as needed. AVANT-GARDE is available to participate in HUD project and program monitoring reviews and participate in the Single Audit review of HOME and CDBG activities. Upon request, AVANT-GARDE will prepare agenda reports for City Council meetings relating to program activities as needed. As City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant SeNices
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Compliance
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Fu n ding l'l anagement
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Community Outreach
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 and forms which 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. A vant-Garde will review financial summaries to ensure conformity with project accomplishments. In addition, we will 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 ensure that funded projects meet Federal eligibility and meet HUD compliance requirements including meeting national objective, procurement procedures, reimbursement and participant eligibility. AVANT-GARDE will monitor and report program income. We will ensure that environmental procedures are followed for CDBG and/or HOME funded programs and/or projects. In addition, procurement procedures will be established and monitored for awarded project contracts funded with CDBG and/or HOME 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
A vant-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 reports and present recommendations to the Citizen's Advisory Committee. • 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.

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 in compliance with HUD.

City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
32 03.14.2024

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Funding H ana•')emenl
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• Provide public information at the direction of the City: Our Program staff 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 our 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 activity to ensure that project delivery costs are kept for each project.

CHDO MANAGEMENT
AVANT-GARDE can assist the City in identifying qualified CHDOs and eligible projects by soliciting proposals through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process. In accordance with the CHDO qualification criteria set by HUD, AVANT-GARDE will assist in reviewing the documentation submitted by the prospective CHDOs to determine that all requirements are satisfied. This includes coordinating with the CHDO to collect pertinent documents, conducting a developer capacity assessment, and preparing City Council reports and resolutions for adoption. AVANT-GARDE will coordinate with CHDOs to finalize eligible affordable housing development projects, perform subsidy layering analysis, and review project costs or pro form as to determine project feasibility. Our firm will assist in drafting, processing, and coordinating execution of all agreements between the City and CHDO for project development, and between the City and future homebuyers for housing sales.

When prospective homebuyers are established, AVANT-GAR.OE will conduct income qualifications and perform mortgage affordability calculations to determine eligibility and compliance with HUD regulations and standards.

AVANT-GARDE has provided these CHDO management services to the Cities of Montebello, Bellflower, El Monte, and Moreno Valley. AVANT-GARDE has reviewed CHDO proposals and qualified various organizations for the City of Bellflower as well as assisted in the administration of Ramona Manor-a 6-unit affordable housing development. This included income qualifying all six homebuyers, analyzing mortgage affordability ratios, drafting loan documents, and coordinating their execution. AVANT-GARDE reviewed proposals for CHDO qualification, developer capacity, and project feasibility for two organizations for the City of El Monte. We qualified Montebello Housing Development Corporation (MHDC) as a CHDO and performed a developer capacity assessment prior to commencing the Carob Way project-a four-unit affordable housing development in Montebello. AVANT-GARDE also income qualified the prospective homebuyers, assessed the affordability of their mortgages, and coordinated loan documents. We qualified and assessed Partnership Housing as a CHDO and developer, income qualified homebuyers, analyzed mortgage affordability, and prepared loan documents for the Colegrove project - a four-unit affordable housing development in Montebello. We qualified Riverside Housing Development Corporation (RHDC) as a CHDO and assisted in administering the agreements for the Allies Place project -an acquisition and rehabilitation affordable rental housing project in Moreno Valley involving two separate 4-unit apartment buildings. AVANT-GARDE recently qualified and certified Mary Erickson Community Housing (MECH) as a CHDO and developer for Moreno Valley. MECH and the City are currently working to finalize a 7-unit affordable housing development on city- owned property. AVANT-GARDE is assisting with project management and will assist with City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
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Funding ~l an a gemenl .....................................

Community Outreac h
subsidy layering analysis, review of project costs, income qualification of prospective homebuyers, mortgage affordability analysis, preparation of agreements and loan documents, and coordinating their execution.

HOM E-ARP
HOM E-ARP is a one-time allocation to be used for strategic local investments in housing, homelessness assistance, and supportive services implementation. Agencies are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of HOM E-ARP programs and should assess and expand capacity as needed to ensure effective program implementation.

AVANT-GARDE has provided the City technical assistance for HOM E-ARP and also assisted with review of the HOME-ARP plan prepared by City staff prior to submittal to HUD. Our team has been a great support to City staff to ensure that the requirements are being followed. We will provide guidance to ensure that NEPA requirements are completed, and will assist with the SHPO clearance process. Our team will conduct preliminary underwriting review of potential projects. Our team will continue to assist the City with underwriting and due diligence tasks including:
• Assess project viability and long-term financial feasibility for the project. • Determine funding gaps and confirm needed HOME-ARP investment. • Complete subsidy layering underwriting and developer capacity assessment. • Ensure NEPA is completed and assist with the preparation of a Request for Release of Funds if required.
• Assist city staff with the preparation of HOM E-ARP development and commitment agreements. This includes coordination with the City Attorney's office and preparation of staff reports as needed.
• Document Qualifying Population (QP) eligibility (at lease up) and income determinations (throughout tenancy) and conduct inspections when required. • Complete HUD required reporting and assist with the preparation for audits. • Provide ongoing support to city staff to ensure compliance during underwriting, due diligence, and monitoring.

CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE & EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) AVANT-GARDE is available to provide general guidance with the development of the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) which provides annual performance reporting on client outputs and outcomes that enables an assessment of grantee performance in achieving the housing stability outcome measure.

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 CAPER, making the Consolidated Plan a more useful management tool.

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5-Year CONSOLIDATED PLAN, ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS, AND CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
In preparation for the Consolidated Plan, 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 recently 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 in coordination with Civitas, LLC as a subconsultant 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 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 the City's existing consolidated plan, the local homeless Continuum of Care, 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 -Meet with staff to discuss expectations, priorities, available resources, strategies and timetables. AVANT-GARDE will conduct two (2) 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. • Housing Needs Assessment-Develop an updated housing needs profile specifically for the City of Bellflower. 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 combine this information 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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Cornn1unity Ou t reac h
• Non-Housing Community Development Initiatives-The consultant team will identify the City's priority non-housing community development needs eligible for assistance. This includes public facilities, public improvements, public services, and economic development. This analysis will include a look at the homebuilding industry in the City, its current neighborhood development policies, and its economic development initiatives. This shall include but be limited to the following:
public libraries and museums, parks and cor:nmunity centers, health facilities, historic preservation, continuing education/adult education facilities, and any additional youth, adult, or senior programs. This review shall also incorporate regional planning and economic development initiatives including but not limited to the following urban development, infrastructure, public safety, public transportation, employment training, and business attraction and retention. • Demog raphi c Data Coll ection -The consultant team will work with City staff to develop a Community Profile, which will provide a general overview of Bellflower.

The present-day sketch will outline the City's employment situation and major employers, current urban development issues, recreational activities, and any · successful development or redevelopment ventures. The demographic and housing section will give a brief overview the current population of the City, including its ethnic and socio-economic makeup, as well as the current state of its housing situation, and land use issues. The policy section will outline any current City, County, or state policies that might have an impact on affordable housing or the operation of housing agencies in the City.
• Homeless Needs Assessment-Consultants will assist City staff in providing a concise summary of the nature and extent of homelessness within the City, addressing separately the need for facilities and services for homeless persons and homeless families with children, both sheltered and unsheltered, and homeless subpopulations. As part of the homeless needs assessment, the consultant team will identify area facilities and services in place to provide for the homeless population.

This shall include, at a minimum, the local Continuum of Care, all emergency shelters, any homeless outreach program(s) as well as available transitional and permanent housing options.
• 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 City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
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version. The consultant team will obtain comments and direction on the draft Strategic Plan and discuss actions to implement the approved strategies. • Citizen Participation Plan -Review the City's existing Citizen Participation Plan to 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). Adhere to necessary timelines with milestones for carrying out the public participation component as required by the Citizen Participation Plan.

Additional tasks AVANT-GARDE will complete include: 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. Coordinate with City staff to respond to all inquiries from HUD regarding the approved Consolidated Plan. 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 Bellflower will be responsible for preparing, placing and payment of advertisements.

HOUSING REHABILITATION SERVICES
AVANT-GARDE is committed to providing the following technical administrative services for the City's housing rehabilitation program. assistance and
• 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
City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
Homeowner Rehabilitation Progrmn

QUESTIONNAIRE
HOMEOWNER(S)NA!\!E: _____________ _
PROPERTY ADDRESS : ______________ _
HOME TELEPHONE: L_J ____ CEll. PHONE :L_J _____ _
HOW l'vlANY HOUSING UNITS ARE ON YOUR PROPERTY?
1 unit_ 2tmits _ 3muts _ 4muts
DO YOU HAVE A HOME MORTGAGE? N o Yes
ARE YOUR PROPERTY TA.'CES PAID TO DATE? N o Yes
DO YOU HAVE HOME INSURANCE? No Ye s
DO YOU HAVE A.t'IY LIENS OR EQ UITY LINES OF CREDIT AGAINST YO UR PROPERTY? No_ Yes _ -If yes, check below all those that appl)"
l ul.ien/Deed ofTmst: Amomn $ ·2nd Lien/Deed of Trust: Am owlt $ ___ . \VHAT IS THE CURRENT BALANCE OWED TO MORT AGE? S ___ OR_Paid-off N UMBER OF PERSONS LIVING IN YO UR HOUSEHOLD? Adults __ Children TOTALA.t'INUALHOU SEHOLD INCOME:$. _____ _
(Include incom e of all nduhs 18 years of ng" and onr)
HOW MANY HOUSEHOLD l\1EMBERS, 18 YEARS OF AGE & OVER, ARE ATTENDING COLLEGE FULL TIME?
CERTIFICATION:

I certify by sigtling tlus questionnaire, tltat tlte information sta ted above is tme and correct to tlt e best o f my knowledge. I realize tlt at giving ful se information u•ill remit in di squ:tlifying m e from ass ismn ce of tlt e Homeou-ner Rehabilitation P rogram. I undeatand tlta t acceptance oftlli s ques tio iUt :Uro by tlte Ciry of_ does no t coustirute acceptan ce-co the p rogram.

Sig nntureofHotneowner: _________ Date: ___ _
Signature of Homeowne r: _________ Date: ___ _
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determine rehabilitation needs for the purpose of the funding recommendation, environmental review and whether or not hazardous materials testing will be necessary.

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.

Environmental Documents: It is assumed that all projects will be exempt. Our team will prepare the documents required for
environmental compliance.

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.

City of
Home Rehab Program An · <d Oatt of JolorncO'ili'nct
COfltrX't Ex. n: a.:::::a:;:.:.z:::o::.a
Request for NEPA & CEQA C learance
• 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 CDBG/HOME 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.

Consultant will also prepare Loan Review Committee (LRC) Report and LRC Agenda & Determination Forms as well as schedule and conduct LRC meetings.

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Community Ou t reach
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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

CITY OF

HOUSING REHABILITATION AND PRESERVATION PROGRAM

PROPERTY INSPECTION LOG
O~TE PERFORIIED ITIJ<S IHSPECTED
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.

Coordinate with City Staff on
invoices, general administrative
issues: Our staff will work closely
with the City's program
manager and the City's

CITY OF
rvatlon Program
Property Owner: ________________ _
Project Address: ________________ _
Construction Contract Amount:$. ____________ _
Payment Request No. 1
Invoice Amount: S·---=-----------------
5% Retention Amount:$. ______________ _
Amount Paid :$. ________________ _
Balance Remaining :$. _______________ _
Change Order:$---,-------:,------------------
New Contract Balance:$'------------------
Payment Request No. 2
Invoice Amount:$-----:---=-----------------5% Retention Amount:$ ______________ _ Amount Paid :$. ________________ _
Balance Remaining :$. _______________ _
Change Order : $ New Contract B-:-ala-n-ce-=: $,..------------------ Payment Request No. 3
Invoice Amount: $ 5% RetentionAmo._u--,-nt:"7$ ______________ _ Amount Paid:$. ________________ _
Balance Remaining:$ _______________ _
Change Order : $ New Contract e-=-ala-n-ce-:: $,------------------- Payment Request No. 4
Invoice Amount:$._--=-----------------
5% Retention Amount:$. ______________ _
Amount Paid :$. ________________ _
Balance Remaining :$ _______________ _
Chan e Order : $
finance department to ensure that all project costs are tracked, paid and reimbursed.

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 City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
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through the City. If the program needs to be promoted to engage participation, our team is ready to assist the City. We have developed and distributed 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 HUD .

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 (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
record keeping
requirements as
specified in the
Agreement.

City of
Housing Rehabilitation and Preservation Program

ACTIVE LOG
l. 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 City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
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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 Bellflower, 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 will be available and fully prepared to discuss the program and to collaborate when a change in course may be advisable.

Most importantly, the City will 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 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 implement.ed on each project. The Project Director 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 Director 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 City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
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program, our clients will always receive our blend of expertise to ensure every one of their goals are met.

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CITY PR_OVIDED SUPPOR_ T
Ms. LeNoue will serve as the point person. She is familiar with the City process and will aim to prepare concise communications with staff on an as needed basis. By utilizing staff with unique experience and expertise in HUD programming, AVANT-GARDE is well versed and able to problem solve the many anticipated issues. As an extension of the City team, 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 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 ask that a regular meeting date and times will be established as a means 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.

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ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
AVANT-GARDE's proposal is signed by a company officer and shall remain valid for a period of not less than 120 days from the date of submittal.

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CompJi,:mc;e
Funding 1'-l anagement
Community Outno,ach
R.EFER.ENCES
Below is a list of references that can be contacted. A description of responsibilities and work performed is provided in Section 3-Prior Experience.

Betty Donavanik, Director of Community and Economic Development City of El Monte, 11333 Valley Blvd., El Monte, CA 91731, (626) 580-2056 Viviana McDaniel, Grants Division Manager
City of Moreno Valley, 14177 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley, CA 92553, (951 )413-3098 Meredith Elguira, Director of Community Development
City of South Gate, 8650 California Ave, South Gate, CA 90280, (323) 563-9500 Gabriel Linares, Director of Community Development
City of Lynwood, 11330 Bullis Road, Lynwood, CA 90262, (31 0)603-0220 ext. 605 Jim Dellalonga, Director of Economic Development
City of Bellflower, 16600 Civic Center Dr., Bellflower, CA 90706, (562) 804-1424 ext. 2224 City of Bellflower RFP -Housing Consultant Services
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Con1n1unity OutrE:ach
COST PR.OPOSAL
AVANT-GARDE is proposing the following hourly rates:

Program Director $150
Program Manager $135
Senior Program Coordinator $125
Program Coordinator $110
Housing Rehab Specialist $1 00
Program Assistant $1 00
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.

City of Bellflower RFP-Housing Consultant Services
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Notice of RFP for Housing Consultant Services
City of Bellflower

APPENDIX A

CITY OF BELLFLOWER-REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

COST PROPOSAL FORM FOR HOUSING CONSULTANT SERVICES
A. Proposal is based on a two-year Agreement, with an option to renew up to three successive one year terms. The annual cost to the City will not exceed $75,000 in total billed hours, not including the preparation of the 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.

Personnel Hourly Rate
Program Director $150
Program Manager $135
Sr. Program Coordinator $125
Program Coordinator $110
Program Assistant I Housing Rehab Specialist $100
B. Not-to-exceed cost for the preparation of the 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice:
$ 40 500
Authorized Signaturd, ~~
Type Name: Ana Marie LeNoue
Title: President/CEO
Date: March 14, 2024