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8 <br /> 7. Bidding: The work write-up and bid documents will be mailed to a minimum of three <br /> contractors on the Approved Contractors' Registry who will be given one week in <br /> which to inspect the property and prepare bid proposals. The names of the invited <br /> contractors will be supplied to the homeowner. Each will need access to those areas of <br /> the house, in which work is to be performed, in order to prepare a bid. A bid opening <br /> will be conducted at the Housing, Human Rights and Community Development office at <br /> a specified date and time, with all bidders and the homeowner invited to attend. <br /> 8. Contractor selection: Within 24 hours of the bid opening, after review of bid <br /> breakdowns and timing factors, the winning bidder will be selected. All bidders and the <br /> homeowner will be notified of (1) the selection, (2) the amount, (3) the amount of the <br /> County's cost estimate, (4) any support or contingency costs that will be included in the <br /> loan amount, and (5) if other than the lowest bidder is selected, the specific reasons <br /> for the selection. <br /> 9. Execution of loan and contract: The loan will be executed as well as the <br /> repair/modification contract prior to work beginning on the project. This contract will be <br /> between the contractor and homeowner, with Orange County signing as an interested <br /> third party. The cost of the actual work and project related support costs up to the <br /> amount of$800 will be included in the loan document. <br /> 10.Pre-construction conference: A pre-construction meeting will be held at the home. <br /> At this time, the homeowner, contractor and program representatives will be present <br /> and discuss the details of the work to be done. Starting and ending dates will be <br /> agreed upon, along with any special arrangements such as weekend or evening work <br /> hours and disposition of items to be removed from the home (such as old plumbing, <br /> etc.). If the contract has been executed, the Orange County will issue a "proceed order" <br /> formally instructing the contractor to commence by the agreed-upon date within 24 <br /> hours of the pre-construction meeting. <br /> 11.Construction: The contractor will be responsible for obtaining any required building <br /> permits for the project before beginning work. The permit must be posted at the house <br /> during the entire period of construction. Program staff will closely monitor the <br /> contractor during the construction period to make sure that the work is being done <br /> according to the work write-up (which is made a part of the rehabilitation contract by <br /> reference) and in a timely fashion. Code Enforcement Officers will inspect new work <br /> for compliance with the State Building Code as required by the guidelines of URP17. <br /> The homeowner will be responsible for working with the contractor toward protecting <br /> personal property by clearing work areas as much as practicable. <br /> 12.Change Orders: All changes to the scope of work must be reduced to writing as a <br /> contract amendment ("change order") and approved by all parties to the contract: the <br /> owner, the contractor and two representatives of Orange County. If the changes require <br /> an increase in the loan amount, a loan modification stating these changes in the <br /> contract amount must be completed by the County, and executed by the owner. If the <br /> changes result in a decrease in the loan amount, an estoppel informing the homeowner <br /> of these changes in the contract amount will be completed by the County and conveyed <br /> to the owner. <br /> 5 <br />