Building Codes and Industrialized Housing Study

Background

The State of Maine, through the Maine Office of Community Affairs, is seeking proposals for a consultant to conduct a study on building codes and industrialized housing standards. The goal is to harmonize standards for industrialized construction with the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) while addressing resilience and energy needs. This initiative responds to an estimated need for 84,000 new housing units by 2030 due to underproduction and growing demand. The study aims to develop policy options that will bring consistency to codes and standards for both industrialized and site-built construction.

Work Details

The awarded bidder will conduct research and analysis to provide policy options in three key areas: 1) Harmonization of industrialized construction standards with MUBEC; 2) Incorporation of upfront and long-term cost-effectiveness into MUBEC updates; 3) Timing of other intersecting codes and standards (electrical, plumbing, subsurface wastewater disposal, radon). Specific tasks include: - Assessing the viability of aligning industrialized standards with MUBEC. - Providing expert advice on aligning industrialized building standards with MUBEC. - Evaluating the costs and benefits of upgrading industrialized construction standards. - Summarizing methods for evaluating cost-effectiveness in code updates. - Recommending frameworks for assessing costs associated with new code adoption cycles. Deliverables include interim briefing materials, a draft final report, a final report with an executive summary, and multiple presentations on findings.

Period of Performance

The contract period is anticipated to start on August 1, 2026, and end on July 31, 2028. There are options for two renewal periods: Renewal Period #1 from August 1, 2028, to July 31, 2030, and Renewal Period #2 from August 1, 2030, to July 31, 2031.

Place of Performance

The services will be performed in the State of Maine.

Bidder Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate qualifications relevant to the scope of services outlined in the RFP. They must provide examples of past projects that reflect their experience in similar work. Bidders should also submit a certificate of insurance evidencing general liability and professional liability coverage. Additionally, bidders must not be debarred or suspended from bidding on government contracts.