RFP for 8 Chestnut Special Inspection Services

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS / PROPOSALS
Special Inspection Services
8 Chestnut Street, Norwalk, CT

Sound Communities Inc., an affiliate of the Norwalk Housing Authority, is seeking qualification packages and proposals from qualified Special Inspection agencies to provide IBC-required special inspection and materials testing services for a 7-story, 68-unit cross-laminated timber (CLT) affordable housing development in Norwalk, Connecticut.

KEY INFORMATION

RFQ Release Date: June 29, 2026

Submission Deadline: Proposals must be submitted on or before July 17th, at 5:00 PM EST. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.

Submission Process: Proposals must be submitted via email to sstewart@soundcommunitiesct.org. No hard copies please.

Questions / RFIs: Written questions must be submitted by email to Sophie Stewart at sstewart@soundcommunitiesct.org no later than July 10th, 2026

I. INVITATION TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS
Sound Communities Inc. (Sound), an affiliate of the Norwalk Housing Authority (NHA), is soliciting proposals from qualified Special Inspection Agencies with demonstrated experience providing third-party special inspection and materials testing services for complex multifamily or mixed-use construction, with a preference for experience with cross-laminated timber (CLT) or mass timber construction systems and federally funded affordable housing projects.

Sound is seeking a Special Inspection Agency of Record for Leroy Downs (the "Project"), a proposed 7-story, 68-unit affordable housing development in Norwalk, Connecticut. The Project utilizes a cross-laminated timber (CLT) structural system and includes a concrete podium, ground-floor parking, and office/ amenity space. The Project is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) and the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH).

The Statement of Special Inspections (SSI) has been prepared in accordance with IBC and identifies the required categories of special inspection for this Project. The selected agency will serve as the Special Inspection Agency (SIA) as defined under International Building Code and will be responsible for all required special inspections, materials testing, and reporting to the Owner, Architect of Record (AOR), Engineer of Record (EOR), and the City of Norwalk Building Department throughout the construction phase.

A qualified agency will hold current International Code Council (ICC) certification (or equivalent) for all required inspection categories, have direct experience with CLT and mass timber special inspections, and be familiar with IBC Chapter 17, American Concrete institute (ACI 318), AISC, AWS-CWI, NDS, and the CT State Building Code. Familiarity with Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements and Section 3 compliance is preferred.

Sound reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals or any part thereof, to waive defects or technicalities, and to award the contract to the respondent deemed most responsible and qualified, which may not necessarily be the respondent proposing the lowest fee.

NOTE: Any contact related to this procurement with staff or board members of Sound Communities or Norwalk Housing Authority, other than the designated contact person listed above, may result in disqualification of a proposal.

II. ABOUT SOUND COMMUNITIES
Sound Communities, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2020 as the development arm of the Norwalk Housing Authority (NHA). Sound exists to redevelop NHA's aging public housing stock and create high-quality, affordable housing in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Recent projects include Oak Grove (69 affordable units and a Learning Center) and Meadow Gardens Phase (59 affordable units and a Learning Center), both financed using Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and state grants.

Sound's team includes a Vice President of Development, Development Project Manager, Project Coordinator, and Property Manager. Sound Communities' board of directors includes NHA's Executive Director, Deputy Director, and Finance Director.

III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 8 CHESTNUT STREET, NORWALK, CT
Sound Communities proposes to develop a 7-story, 68-unit affordable housing development on one parcel in Norwalk. Project characteristics relevant to the special inspection scope are summarized below.

Construction is estimated at 15 months. Special Inspection services will be required throughout the full construction period.

Statement of Special Inspections - Required Categories

The following Special Inspections list identifies the required inspection categories for the Project in accordance with IBC Chapter 17. The selected agency must hold current certifications and demonstrate documented experience for all categories marked YES.

Note: The inspection categories above reflect the current Statement of Special Inspections and are subject to revision as construction documents are finalized. The selected agency shall review the final SSI prepared by the AOR and EOR prior to construction commencement and confirm scope alignment.

The project is subject to applicable requirements of HUD, CHFA, CT DOH, the City of Norwalk Building Department, and the Connecticut State Building Code.

IV. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The following generally describes the services the selected Special Inspection Agency (SIA) selected to perform. The SIA shall be independent of the General Contractor and all subcontractors performing the work being inspected, as required by IBC Section 1703.

1. Review the final Statement of Special Inspections (SSI), structural drawings, specifications, approved submittals, and shop drawings prior to the start of each inspection category. Confirm scope alignment with the Owner, AOR, and EOR. Participate in a pre-construction meeting with the project team and City of Norwalk Building Department.

2. Provide Continuous and Periodic special inspections as required by the SSI and IBC Chapter 17 for all required categories: Cast-in-Place Concrete; Structural Steel; Cold-Formed Steel Framing; Spray Fire Resistant Material (SFRM); Cross Laminated Timber (CLT); Mechanical & Electrical Systems; and Air Barrier / Air Leakage. All inspections shall be performed by ICC-certified inspectors holding the applicable certification for each category.

3. Cast-in-Place Concrete: Inspect concrete mix designs, placement, consolidation, and curing. Perform sampling and testing of fresh concrete including slump, air content, temperature, and compressive strength cylinders per ACI 318 / ASTM C31, C138, C143, C172, C231. Inspect reinforcement placement, cover, and splices per structural drawings.

4. Structural Steel: Inspect high-strength bolting (pre-tensioning verification), welding (CJP, PJP, fillet welds) per AWS D1.1/D1.8, and steel deck attachment. Verify material certifications and connection details per AISC 360 and structural drawings.

5. Cold-Formed Steel Framing: Inspect framing installation including member size, spacing, bracing, and connections per structural drawings and AISI S100/S240.

6. Spray Fire Resistant Material (SFRM): Inspect surface preparation, application thickness, density, and adhesion/cohesion per ASTM E605, E736, and the approved fire resistance design. Verify compliance with approved assembly listings.

7. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT): Inspect CLT panel grades, species, fabrication certifications, and labeling per AWC NDS and ANSI/APA PRG 320. Inspect panel-to-panel connections, floor-to-wall connections, hold-downs, and CLT-to-concrete podium interface connections per structural drawings and approved shop drawings. Verify moisture content at time of installation. Inspect blocking, bearing conditions, and lateral load connection hardware.

8. Mechanical & Electrical Systems: Perform special inspections of mechanical and electrical systems as required by IBC Chapter 17 and the SSI, including seismic anchorage of equipment, duct supports, and electrical panel anchorage.

9. Air Barrier / Air Leakage: Inspect air barrier continuity at all penetrations, joints, and transitions throughout construction. Perform or witness whole-building air leakage testing per ASTM E779 or equivalent at the stage(s) specified by the AOR. Document test results and any deficiencies.

10. Maintain a daily inspection log for each site visit. Issue written Inspection Reports to the Owner, AOR, EOR, and City of Norwalk Building Department within the same day of each inspection, showcasing open/closed items. Issue Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) for any non-conforming work and monitor resolution.

11. Prepare and submit the Final Special Inspection Report (Statement of Compliance) to the City of Norwalk Building Department upon substantial completion confirming all required special inspections were performed and work was in general conformance with approved construction documents.

12. Attend project team meetings as required by Sound Communities (estimated 4-6 meetings). Attend pre-inspection meetings with the City of Norwalk Building Department as applicable.

V. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Proposals must be submitted electronically by email to sstewart@soundcommunitiesct.org no later than 5:00 PM EST on Friday, July 17th. No hard copies will be accepted.

Sound will not compensate respondents for any costs associated with proposal preparation, appearances, interviews, or travel.

Written questions are the only permitted means of inquiry during the RFP period. Questions must be submitted by email to Sophie Stewart at sstewart@soundcommunitiesct.org no later than July 10th. Responses will be distributed to all respondents.

Each submission must include the following:
• Signed Cover Letter on Company Letterhead
• Firm Overview: Firm history, size, office locations, services offered, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Project Experience (Past 7 Years): Include completed special inspection projects relevant to 8 Chestnut Street - CLT or mass timber construction, cast-in-place concrete podium structures, structural steel, cold-formed steel, SFRM, air barrier testing, and/or federally funded or CHFA-financed multifamily projects in Connecticut
• Key Staff Qualifications / Resumes: Written qualifications and/or resume of all inspectors proposed for this project; include current ICC and ACI certification numbers and expiration dates for each required inspection category
• CLT Experience Narrative: A specific written description of at least one (1) prior project on which the firm provided special inspection services for a CLT or mass timber structural system, including project name, location, number of stories, CLT manufacturer, and scope of inspections performed
• Client References: Three (3) past client references that may be contacted directly by Sound Communities
• Proof of physical office location
Required attachments:
• Signed RFQ Certification (Exhibit B)
• Signed Debarment Certification (Exhibit C)
• Proposed Fee (Exhibit D)
• Copies of current ICC and ACI certifications (or equivalent) for all inspection categories marked YES in Section III
• Copy of business license(s) and Connecticut firm registration
• Copies of any federal or State of Connecticut minority- and/or women-owned business certifications, if applicable

VI. SELECTION PROCESS
All proposals submitted by the deadline will be scored by a selection committee comprised of Sound Communities staff. Interviews may be held with the top-scoring firms. References will be checked for finalists.

Criteria Max Points
Company Overview / History 5
Relevant Project Experience (CLT/mass timber, concrete, SFRM, air barrier, CHFA/HUD) 15
CLT / Mass Timber Special Inspection Experience (specific documented projects) 10
Team Qualifications (ICC certifications for all required categories) 10
Proposed Fee 5
Signed Certifications 5
TOTAL 50

Note: CLT/mass timber special inspection experience is weighted separately given the specialized nature of this scope.

The Board of Commissioners of the Norwalk Housing Authority must give final approval of the award, as recommended by the selection committee.

VII. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A respondent may change or withdraw a proposal at any time prior to the submission deadline. All changes or withdrawals must be made in writing. Oral or verbal modifications will not be recognized. Written modifications will not be accepted after the submission deadline.

Sound reserves the right to request clarifications or additional supporting documentation from one or more respondents after the submission deadline.

Proposals shall remain firm for a period of 90 days following the submission deadline.

Proposals shall be considered public information unless the respondent provides a separate letter identifying specific parts deemed confidential or proprietary.

All proposals shall be submitted without any prior understanding, agreement, or accord with any other person submitting a proposal for the same services. By submitting a proposal, the respondent represents that the submission is bona fide, fair, and not the result of fraud or collusion.

The respondent certifies by submission of a proposal that neither it nor any member of its team is debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded or ineligible for participation in Federal Assistance programs.

Termination for Cause and for Convenience

Sound Communities may terminate a resulting contract, in whole or in part, for convenience or for failure of the Contractor to fulfill its obligations. Termination shall be made by written notice specifying the nature, extent, and effective date. Upon receipt of notice, the Contractor shall immediately discontinue all affected services and deliver to Sound all accumulated materials, reports, and documents.

If termination is for the convenience of Sound, Sound shall be liable only for payment for services rendered prior to the effective date of termination. If termination is for cause, Sound may take over the work and the Contractor shall be liable for any additional costs incurred. Sound shall have exclusive ownership of all information, materials, and documents produced by the Contractor under the resulting contract.

In the event that insufficient funds are appropriated or funding is otherwise unavailable, Sound reserves the right to terminate the contract upon written notice without penalty.

VIII. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
The selected Contractor shall furnish evidence of the following insurance coverages from a company with a B+ or better rating in the current edition of Best's Rating Guide. Coverage must be maintained through completion of the scope of work.

Coverage Type Minimum Coverage

Professional Liability (E&O) Minimum $1,000,000

Comprehensive General Liability (incl. broad form endorsement and auto - non-owned and hired) Minimum $1,000,000

Workers' Compensation and Employer's Liability $100,000 per employee / $500,000 policy limit

Automotive Liability (owned vehicles, if applicable) Minimum $1,000,000

Valuable Papers Destruction Policy Amount sufficient to cover loss of originals/reproductions

The Contractor must provide a copy of each applicable policy to Sound Communities. All insurance policies must include the following as an additional insured:

Sound Communities, Inc.
24½ Monroe Street
Norwalk, CT 06854

Exhibit B- RFP Certification- 8 Chestnut

Exhibit C- Debarment Certification- 8 Chestnut

Exhibit D- Proposed Fee- 8 Chestnut