Project Information

Bid Title

Hearing Officer Services

Issuing Agency

Orange County

Location

California

Published Date

Jan 15, 2025

Closing Date

Feb 18, 2025

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Ref. #

IFB-012-2745201-IQ

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Project ID: IFB-012-2745201-IQ

Title: Hearing Officer Services

Addenda: 0

Release Date: 1/15/2025

Due Date: 2/18/2025

Post Information

Posted At:Wed, Jan 15, 2025 2:45 PMSealed Bid Process:Yes (Bids Sealed / Pricing Sealed)Private Bid:No

Overview

Summary

The County of Orange, OC Community Resources , (hereinafter referred to as County) is requesting competitive bids from qualified vendors (hereinafter referred to as Bidder) for Hearing Officer Services . The awarded Contract, (hereinafter referred to as Contract) will be between the County and awarded Bidder, (hereinafter referred to as Contractor) in accordance with the model contract terms, conditions and scope of work. This is a fully electronic solicitation – only electronic bids submitted through the County’s online bidding system will be allowed; no other form of bid submittals will be accepted. Prior to submitting a bid, Bidders are advised to carefully read the instructions below, including the model contract and any solicitation attachments and/or exhibits.

Background

I. INTRODUCTION

The Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) was designated as a public housing agency by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 1971. OCHA administers HUD rental assistance programs as the Housing Assistance Division within the organizational structure of Orange County Community Resources and Housing and Community Development and Homeless Prevention.

Under the direction of a Division Manager, OCHA currently provides rental assistance for over 12,000 households residing within thirty-one cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County, excluding the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove and Santa Ana. OCHA assists a mix of family, individuals, elderly, disabled and households with special needs.

II. Purpose

In accordance with HUD regulations (24 CFR 982) and OCHA’s Administrative Plan, under certain conditions assisted households have the right to appeal via the informal hearing process. This process provides assisted households a hearing/review on complaints regarding OCHA’s action, or failure to act, in such a way that affects their rights under the program. OCHA’s Administrative Plan is available for review at http://www.ochousing.org/docs (located under Operational Documents, click on “2024 Administrative Plan

1-23-2024”).

Informal hearings are conducted by qualified individuals from outside the agency who are not officers or employees of the OCHA. Hearing Officers shall have prior experience with legal procedure, application of the law, and familiarity with the Code of Federal Regulations. Hearing Officers shall be able to take accurate notes regarding the hearing and summarize the proceeding and formulate a detailed opinion as a result of that hearing.

In order to provide the requisite hearings, the Housing Authority requires the services of Hearing Officers to conduct informal hearings and render decisions based upon the preponderance of evidence introduced at each hearing to determine whether the Housing Authority’s decisions are in accordance with law, regulations and policy. Along with other selected Hearing Officers, Contractor’s name is placed in a pool, from which their services are rotated on an “as needed” basis, to conduct informal hearings. No guarantee of a minimum number of assignments is either given or implied.

III. Description of Services

1. 1. Description of Work: Contractor will perform the services as described herein for each hearing:

1. 1. 1. Contractor shall provide services as necessary and mutually convenient between the Parties.

1. 1. 1. Contractor shall preside and independently conduct informal hearings in accordance with HUD regulations and OCHA Administrative Policy. The Contractor will receive testimony and evidence presented by assisted households, OCHA staff, witnesses, and if applicable, District Attorney staff and/or legal representatives. As needed, Contractor will ask relevant questions and consider evidence presented without regard to admissibility under the rules of evidence applicable to judicial proceedings. Contractor shall regulate the conduct during proceedings to allow equal opportunity for all participants to present their positions and arguments. (Informal hearings are generally scheduled to be conducted within a maximum of two hours.)

1. 1. 1. In response to the informal hearing, Contractor will issue a written informal hearing decision as to whether the Housing Authority acted in accordance with law, regulations and policies. The decision shall briefly state the reasons for the decision, as well as any mitigating circumstances considered regardless of the decision. Factual determinations relating to the individual circumstances of the family shall be based on a preponderance of the evidence presented at the informal hearing.

1. 1. 1. Contractor shall submit an original, signed copy of the written decision to OCHA, via electronic mail and delivery service (e.g. U.S Postal Service, FedEx, etc.) within seven (7) calendar days from the date the informal hearing took place.
   2. Additional Requirements

1. 1. 1. As determined necessary by OCHA, Contractor will attend training and/or meetings relevant to their role in informal hearings and/or other related matters.

IV. MINIMUM QUALIFICAITONS:

The following are minimum qualifications for an Offeror to be considered as an eligible candidate to bid on the requested services.

The candidate must possess the education and experience that demonstrate the following core competencies, consistent with performing the services required:

1. Offeror must be a person or firm of persons, who is, by education, training and experience, or profession, competent to act effectively as a hearing officer. Offeror’s response shall include, but not be limited to the following:

1. 1. Legal background which directly relates to the competencies required to perform
      assignment.
   2. Ability to conduct analysis of issues and accurately interpret and apply relevant data.
   3. Present statement of fact, regulation and argument clearly and logically in written and oral
      form.
   4. Experience in conducting formal or informal administrative reviews.
   5. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.
   6. Experience with federally funded programs.
   7. Knowledge of California Tenant/Landlord Law and related issues.
   8. Experience in working with people from diverse backgrounds.

1. Offeror must have at least five (5) or more years of experience providing hearing officer services to public sector clients or private sector clients.
2. Offeror and/or staff must be able to provide services during core Orange County operating hours, e.g. Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time.
3. Offeror must meet insurance requirements or show proof of ability to meet the requirements of such coverage listed in the model contract.
4. Offeror is willing to enter into a contract with the County of Orange and must be capable and financially able to provide all core services required.

Timeline

Release Project Date:

January 15, 2025

Question Submission Deadline:

February 4, 2025, 2:00pm

Bid Submission Deadline:

February 18, 2025, 2:00pm

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 561612Security Guards and Patrol Services

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