The Agencies may periodically receive questions in response to Request for Proposals and/or Request for Qualifications issued by the Agencies. The Agencies may respond to these questions by means of "Questions and Answers" (Q&A) posted on this page. Firms/Companies responding to a Request for Proposals and/or Request for Qualifications of the Agencies are advised to review this page regularly.
For purposes of meeting the Agencies' 25% MWBE participation goal, can the Agencies provide a list of Agency-prequalified firms that would be available for partnering arrangements? (April 23, 2013)
Click here for a list of Agency-prequalified co-bond counsel firms. Firms may also search the State's directory of certified MWBEs by clicking here . (April 24, 2013)
If a proposal is submitted by two law firms, are both firms required to have a New York State presence? (Section II of the RFP) (April 30, 2013)
Yes. (May 1, 2013)
Are certified MBEs and WBEs required to respond to the information requested in subsections 1.14 & 1.15 of Section IV.B. of the RFP? Are certified M/WBEs required to complete the M/WBE Utilization Form? Are certified M/WBEs required to submit information and complete forms related to equal employment opportunities (such as the firm's Demographic Profile and Staffing Plan)? (May 8, 2013)
While the Agencies are not requiring NYS certified MWBEs to submit the information requested in Subsections 1.14 and 1.15 of Section IV.B. of the RFP, M/WBEs must submit a statement stating that the M/WBE is certified by NYS and intends to maintain its certification the earlier of a five year period or the selection of a new prequalified bond counsel panel pursuant to a subsequent solicitation process by the Agencies for bond counsel services. NYS certified M/WBEs are required to complete the M/WBE Utilization Form inserting the firm's name as the M/WBE Firm. All information and forms relating to equal employment opportunities, such as the firm's Demographic Profile and Staffing Plan, must be submitted with the proposal. (May 15, 2013)
Subsection 1.6 of Section IV.B. of the RFP requests "detailed descriptions of innovative work you have done in financings of the type that the Agencies undertake or in financings where you faced issues that would be faced by the Agencies." Should this information be included in Schedule I or should the response be part of responses provided in TAB 1? (May 13, 2013)
This information should be included in TAB 1 with the firm's other responses to Section IV.B of the RFP and should not be included in Schedule I. (May 16, 2013)
The RFP requires a list of up to 10 single-family housing, multi-family housing, municipal bond bank financings or tobacco securitization transactions in which the proposer has acted as Bond Counsel. This information is to be set forth in the format of Schedule I attached to the Request. Must the information in Schedule I be presented in at least 12 point type? In which column should the name of the issuer be included? (May 13, 2013)
The information to be presented in Schedule I may be less than 12 point type. The name of the issuer should be included under the first column entitled "Name." (May 16, 2013)
Does the 25 page limit for the response to Tabs 1 and 2 include resumes? (May 15, 2013)
Yes. (May 16, 2013)
Are appendices permitted that do not count against the 25 page limt? (May 15, 2013)
A document such as evidence of insurance would not be included in the 25 page limit, but appendices such as resumes, firm brochures, and similar items are included in the 25 page limit. (May 16, 2013)
Will AHC plan to meet the 15% for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises and 5% for Women-Owned Business Enterprises participation through awarding of contracts directly to MBE/WBE firms? (May 16, 2013)
Yes, AHC plans to meet the MWBE participation goals through awarding of contracts directly to NYS certified MBE/WBE firms. (May 16, 2013)
Are non-MWBE firms required to propose with a subcontractor? (May 16, 2013)
A majority firm would be required to subcontract with a MWBE firm for any contract award exceeding $25,000 in amount. In those instances, AHC reserves the right to select a NYS certified MBE or WBE to partner with the majority firm. (May 16, 2013).
With respect to the section entitled "Business Participation Opportunities for MWBEs" on page 14 (at the last sentence in the first paragraph): (i) Is the TAP required to ensure 15% minority as well as 5% women minimum participation rates for each project? and (ii) Will the participation rate still be determined as a percentage of the total project cost or just the TAP portion? (May 8, 2013)
The TAP will be responsible for ensuring an overall 20% MWBE participation goal for each project. The 20% MWBE participation will be based on the total project cost. (May 17, 2013)
With respect to the section entitled "Business Participation Opportunities for MWBEs" on page 14 (at the last sentence in the second paragraph): (i) How does HFA define the term "substantive tasks"?; (ii) What constitutes "appropriate credit"?; and (iii) What is appropriate "compensation"? How is it quantified? (May 8, 2013)
Substantial shall be defined as substantive tasks relating to the contract that would enable the MWBE firm to glean meaningful knowledge and experiences relating to said contract. As a result, compensation should be determined at a rate that is comparable and appropriate for the work performed. (May 17, 2013)
Will HFA make available its list of pre-qualified M/WBE contractors from which the TAP may select M/WBE firms to participate in various projects? (May 8, 2013)
Yes. (May 17, 2013)
Last updated: 5/17/13