Family Center of Hope completed the public bid process guided by M odus, Inc. Architects and
Planners and C Watson Group, LLC. [NOTE: The work performed was continued work of the
previous City of New Orleans Building Pennit (08 com-00841 )).
No one submitted a bid due to the complexity of the project (SEE NOTE BELOW). FEMA
urgently wanted the project moving. Therefore, with FEMA consultation the Family Center of
Hope chose a "Design-Build" approach which is the selection of a licensed contractor and subs
to complete the project. This process was in compliance with FEMA policy noted in the FEMA
Public Assistance Handbook page 15:
Project Formation
Method of Work- a project may be grouped by how the work will be completed. For example, all
work completed under a single contract may be a project. Or all work undertaken by a force
account crew may be a project.
Complex- for extensive damage to several facilities at a complex (for example, a high school) all
damage could be combined into one project, or separated into several projects, such as roof
repair, or work done by a single contractor, or all repairs done by force account.
The project was completed within the scheduled construction timeline, passed all required
inspections, and was not over budget.
[NOTE: Regarding no one submitting bids: it is our understanding that no one submitted bids
because they were uncertain of the accuracy of the prior architectural drawings, uncertain of the
accuracy of the construction work by the prior contractor, and the uncertainty of the existing conditions and damages to the building. Due to these uncertainties no one submitted bids for
HIGH RISK of potential profit lost and potential time lost on the project.]