This department is responsible for the overall management and implementation of capital improvement construction projects as well as the implementation of HABC's Capital Plan. Staff regularly reviews, plans and recommends the allocation of current and future resources for capital improvements. As the "capital needs" of the HABC far outweigh the available funds, goals and objectives are established annually to assist in the prioritization of work items. Recommendations for funding are discussed and presented to the Executive Staff for final decisions.
Typical work involves coordinating and implementing the design and construction of capital improvement projects such as: vacancy renovation; demolition of non-viable units and sites; marketability improvements including replacing windows and doors; site improvements including upgrading the landscaping; and the design and implementation of:
- ADA apartments, common areas and site work.
- Building renovation and site renovation projects.
- Building and site infrastructure systems.
- Building components.
Engineering Services Section
The Engineering Services Section oversees, conducts and/or procures professional architectural, engineering and consultant services, including Computer Aided Design (CAD) work, for the agency. Requests for services span all of the engineering and architectural disciplines (structural/civil, mechanical, electrical, environmental and architectural). Typical tasks include performing engineering surveys and needs assessments, preparing design solutions, preparing studies and reports and formulating recommendations. The staff consults with residents, housing managers and maintenance supervisors, code officials, other divisions or agencies when preparing plans, specifications, cost estimates and bid documents. Additional tasks include submitting plans for permit reviews, conducting pre-bid and pre-construction meetings, recommending contract awards, reviewing submittals involving design and Construction Item Reviews (CIRs), and maintaining records and drawings. This section also reviews and manages all of the Architectural and Engineering (A & E) consultant contracts for the Housing Authority of Baltimore City.
In addition, this section is responsible for reviewing construction specifications and drawings for grant-funded contract work providing engineering and architectural reviews and approvals for construction and related contracts; coordinating building upgrades; administering consultant services concerning performance contracting reviews of developments; replacing major obsolete electrical/mechanical distribution systems; creating and monitoring ADA units; and the renovation of apartments, common areas and site improvements.
A brief overview of the Engineering section’s functions and/or responsibilities:
- Provides and/or coordinates engineering and architectural reviews
- Assists with the development of 10-Year Capital Plan
- Collaborates and recommends the use of capital expenses for HABC.
Contract Administration Section
The Contract Administration Section coordinates the evaluation of capital improvement requests, environmental reviews for capital funded work and forecasts the time and financial requirements of modernization and rehabilitation work. The section coordinates HABC's HUD mandated 5 year physical needs assessments.
The Contract Administration Section provides contract support to the Engineering, Energy and Construction Division and other HABC departments as needed. CAS acts as the section responsible for the management and administration of HABC's Capital Program contracts. Its functions include arranging for the advertising and award of all construction, A&E and professional services' contracts initiated by this office. The Section provides necessary administrative support for all contract activities beginning with the initiation of a contract once the budget has been established, letting the contract, providing quality control on change orders, payment requests, etc. through the closeout of the contracts. Capital funding sources may include the Capital Fund Modernization Program (CFP), Replacement Housing Factor Funds, (RHFF), MTW Block Grant Funds, private loans and Baltimore City Capital Funds.
A brief overview of the Contract Administration Section’s functions and/or responsibilities:
- Coordinates Physical Needs Assessments Surveys and maintenance of data
- Oversees contract initiation, progress and close-out
- Coordinates audit reviews for the Engineering, Energy and Construction Division
- Coordinates HUD Tier II environmental assessments
Construction Management and Inspection Section
The Construction Management and Inspection Section administers contracts, manages the construction activities and inspects the construction for the Engineering, Energy, and Construction Division. This section provides construction management, inspection and wage compliance for contract performance and progress through final acceptance of the projects. The section also conducts pre-construction conferences, issues the Notice to Proceed, conducts progress meetings, processes change orders, approves payments, provides daily inspection, represents HABC for final acceptance of projects, assists FH&EO to assure compliance of requirements, assists in relocation efforts, assists on-site resident planning groups with technical concerns, enforces regulations, codes and HUD requirements.
