title
Authorization to enter into Professional Services Agreements for Environmental Services.
presenter
Presenter: Leonard Langston, Jr., Interim Chief Property Officer
Recommendation
The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Chicago Housing Authority (“CHA”) recommends that the CHA Board of Commissioners (“Board”) authorize the CEO or his designee to: 1) enter into contracts with ten (10) firms to establish a pre-qualified pool of vendors to provide Environmental Services in five service categories of (1) Environmental Consulting, (2) Environmental Review, (3) Industrial Hygiene Testing and Oversight, (4) Industrial Hygiene Abatement and Mitigation, and (5) Environmental Training Program Development with an aggregate value not to exceed $18,240,000 that comprises a three (3) year base term not to exceed $10,030,000 and two one (1) year options not to exceed not to exceed $4,260,000 for the first option year and $3,950,000 for the second; 2) approve each request to exercise the options awarded under these contracts; 3) accept HUD grant funding under environmental health and safety grant programs; and 4) implement processes and procedures to manage the pre-qualified pool, including authorizing the CEO to use his discretion to reallocate contract values among awardees, as necessary.
Table 1: Recommended Vendors and Contract Amounts by Service Category
|
Category |
Recommended Awardee |
Base Contract Maximum |
Base Term (years) |
Option Year 1 |
Option Year 2 |
Total Contract Maximum |
|
1. Environmental Consulting |
Carnow Conibear and Associates, LTD (CCA) |
$400,000 |
3 |
$200,000 |
$200,000 |
$800,000 |
|
|
Environmental Design International (EDI) |
$400,000 |
3 |
$200,000 |
$200,000 |
$800,000 |
|
|
GSG Consultants, Inc |
$400,000 |
3 |
$200,000 |
$200,000 |
$800,000 |
|
|
Roux Associates, Inc |
$400,000 |
3 |
$200,000 |
$200,000 |
$800,000 |
|
|
Specialty Consulting, Inc |
$400,000 |
3 |
$200,000 |
$200,000 |
$800,000 |
|
|
Terracon Consultants, Inc |
$400,000 |
3 |
$200,000 |
$200,000 |
$800,000 |
|
2. Environmental Review |
Carnow Conibear and Associates, LTD (CCA) |
$160,000 |
3 |
$80,000 |
$80,000 |
$320,000 |
|
|
Environmental Design International (EDI) |
$200,000 |
3 |
$100,000 |
$100,000 |
$400,000 |
|
|
GSG Consultants, Inc |
$160,000 |
3 |
$80,000 |
$80,000 |
$320,000 |
|
|
Specialty Consulting, Inc |
$160,000 |
3 |
$80,000 |
$80,000 |
$320,000 |
|
|
Terracon Consultants, Inc |
$160,000 |
3 |
$80,000 |
$80,000 |
$320,000 |
|
3. Industrial Hygiene Testing and Oversight |
Carnow Conibear and Associates, LTD (CCA) |
$310,000 |
3 |
$90,000 |
$90,000 |
$490,000 |
|
|
Environmental Design International (EDI) |
$310,000 |
3 |
$90,000 |
$90,000 |
$490,000 |
|
|
Front and Center |
$200,000 |
3 |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
$300,000 |
|
|
GSG Consultants, Inc |
$310,000 |
3 |
$90,000 |
$90,000 |
$490,000 |
|
|
Specialty Consulting, Inc |
$310,000 |
3 |
$90,000 |
$90,000 |
$490,000 |
|
|
TEM Environmental Inc. |
$310,000 |
3 |
$90,000 |
$90,000 |
$490,000 |
|
4. Industrial Hygiene Abatement and Mitigation |
Carnow Conibear and Associates, LTD (CCA) |
$1,280,000 |
3 |
$530,000 |
$430,000 |
$2,240,000 |
|
|
Enviroplus Inc |
$1,280,000 |
3 |
$700,000 |
$500,000 |
$2,410,000 |
|
|
Specialty Consulting, Inc. |
$1,280,000 |
3 |
$700,000 |
$500,000 |
$2,410,000 |
|
5. Environmental Training Program Development |
Occupational Training and Supply Inc |
$800,000 |
3 |
$110,000 |
$200,000 |
$1,110,000 |
|
|
Specialty Consulting, Inc. |
$400,000 |
3 |
$100,000 |
$200,000 |
$700,000 |
|
|
Aggregate Total: |
$10,030,000 |
|
$4,260,000 |
$ 3,950,000 |
$18,240,000 |
The requested action complies in all material respects with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and CHA policies. CHA staff has completed all necessary due diligence to support the submission of this initiative.
Funding
MTW Funds. Please note these NTE amounts are based on prior-year expenditures and budget and include anticipated spend for a potential $10 million Lead and Housing Related Hazards HUD Grant. Grant funding would be allocated to services under Categories 3, 4, and 5.
Background
The Chicago Housing Authority’s mission to create and sustain strong communities requires access to qualified professional firms that can provide a broad range of environmental services in these five essential categories:
1. Environmental Consulting
2. Environmental Review
3. Industrial Hygiene Testing and Oversight
4. Industrial Hygiene Abatement and Mitigation
5. Environmental Training Program Development
The services will support CHA with completing environmental work to comply with Federal, State and Local environmental laws and regulations, as well as conducting other activities to ensure CHA provides environmentally safe and healthy environments for residents. These services provided in these categories are essential to achieving CHA’s long-term green and healthy homes priorities and performing our day-to-day operations such as unit turns, capital repairs, large-scale housing preservation, new housing development, and property acquisitions, and dispositions.
CHA has a large need for a wide variety of environmental services. By creating a vendor pool of services, CHA anticipates being able to access services more efficiently and in a more cost-effective way by issuing task orders for specific projects or activities. These recommended contracts will enable CHA to establish contractual partnerships with firms that demonstrate technical expertise, professional integrity, and a strong commitment to the public good.
The recommended contract awards and contract amounts do not represent a firm commitment to spend the allocated amount with each vendor. Services will only be requested based on operational needs. By creating a vendor pool and putting these contracts in place, CHA will ensure that these services are readily available when they are needed.
The recommended not-to-exceed contract amounts are based on historical expenditure levels for these services, anticipated service need, and information provided by the recommended vendors through their RFP submissions. The recommended not-to-exceed amounts for services under Categories 3, 4, and 5 also include contracting authority if CHA receives a Lead and Housing Related Hazards Grant from HUD of up to $10 million. This grant application has been submitted to HUD and is currently under review.
|
Recommended Proposals |
Contract Total (across Categories) |
|
Carnow, Conibear, and Associates LTD (CCA) |
$3,850,000 |
|
Environmental Design International (EDI) |
$1,690,000 |
|
EnviroPlus Inc |
$2,410,000 |
|
Front and Center |
$300,000 |
|
GSG Consultants, Inc |
$1,610,000 |
|
Occupational Training and Supply, Inc |
$1,100,000 |
|
Roux Associates, Inc |
$800,000 |
|
Specialty Consulting, Inc |
$4,720,000 |
|
TEM Environmental, Inc. |
$490,000 |
|
Terracon Consultants, Inc |
$1,120,000 |
Overview of Service Categories
Category 1: Environmental Consulting Services
These firms are recommended to provide comprehensive environmental assessments that help CHA identify and address potential environmental risks at current and future sites undergoing capital repairs or development. This work includes conducting Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, soil and groundwater sampling, ground‑penetrating radar surveys, and preparing remediation plans and specifications. Firms also support CHA’s participation in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Site Remediation Program by preparing required reports and coordinating oversight activities. These services ensure CHA can accurately evaluate environmental conditions, comply with environmental regulations, and advance capital projects and developments projects safely and in compliance with environmental policies and regulations.
Category 2: Environmental Review Services
These firms are recommended to complete federally required environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for CHA capital projects. This work includes preparing federally regulated and mandated environmental review records (ERRs) at the three main levels of review required under NEPA rules (Categorically-Excluded Not Subject to Part 58, Categorically-Excluded Subject to Part 58, and Environmental Assessment), conducting historic preservation consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, completing noise studies, and ensuring full compliance with HUD’s Part 58 environmental review regulations. These services allow CHA to meet federal requirements efficiently so projects can proceed without delay while ensuring careful consideration of environmental and historic impacts of each capital project as required under Federal rules.
Category 3: Industrial Hygiene Testing and Oversight Services
These firms are recommended to conduct a full range of industrial hygiene inspections, testing, and monitoring services across CHA’s housing portfolio. These services include lead inspections and risk assessments, asbestos surveys and air sampling, hazardous building materials surveys, indoor air quality investigations, radon testing, and related assessments required before, during, or after renovation work. This category ensures CHA can meet regulatory requirements, maintain compliance and safety standards for residents and staff, and move renovation and maintenance projects forward with accurate environmental data.
Category 4: Industrial Hygiene Abatement and Mitigation
These firms are recommended to carry out the specialized abatement, mitigation, and remediation work needed to address environmental hazards identified in CHA buildings. This includes licensed and certified services such as lead hazard reduction, asbestos abatement, mold remediation, and radon mitigation. These providers ensure that hazardous conditions are safely resolved in compliance with state and federal requirements. By having qualified firms readily available, CHA can complete critical mitigation work efficiently, maintain safe living environments, and support the timely progress of renovation and repair projects.
Category 5: Environmental Training or Program Development Services
These firms are recommended to support CHA by providing environmental training programs and developing policies or procedures that ensure staff and stakeholders remain compliant with evolving environmental regulations. Providers in this category offer certified training and curriculum development that help CHA maintain required licenses, stay up to date on regulatory changes, and strengthen internal environmental oversight. These services ensure CHA’s workforce is properly trained to manage environmental responsibilities and maintain strong compliance across all operations.
Procurement Activities
Specifications prepared by CHA staff were publicly advertised as RFP Event 3328 for Environmental and Industrial Hygiene Services on March 10, 2026. A Pre-Proposal Conference was held on March 23, 2026, and 11 firms attended. Twelve (12) proposals were received on April 13, 2026. The responses to the RFP are depicted in the table below:
|
Vendor Responses |
|
Carnow, Conibear, and Associates LTD (CCA) |
|
Environmental Design International (EDI) |
|
EnviroPlus Inc |
|
Front and Center |
|
GSG Consultants, Inc |
|
Occupational Training and Supply, Inc |
|
Roux Associates, Inc |
|
Specialty Consulting, Inc |
|
TEM Environmental, Inc. |
|
Terracon Consultants, Inc |
|
Unique Casework Installation |
After reviewing the submitted proposals, one proposal from Rush Services was deemed non-responsive due to their failure to provide required documents.
The recommended vendor(s) were selected through a competitive procurement process in accordance with HUD regulation CFR 200.318 that evaluated responses in the following areas:
1. Specialized Experience and Past Performance -- 50 points
2. Approach and Work Plan -- 10 points
3. Organizational Structure and Key Personnel --10 points
4. Proposed Fees -- 20 points
5. MBE/WBE compliance -- 10 points
Final scores received from the Evaluation Committee were used to determine the competitive range. Oral presentations were waived and best and final offers were received. Based on the overall scoring, CHA staff recommends Carnow, Conibear, and Associates LTD (CCA), Environmental Design International, Inc. (EDI), Enviroplus Inc., Front and Center Construction Inc., GSG Consultants, Inc., Occupational Training & Supply, Inc., Roux Associates Inc., Specialty Consulting Inc., TEM Environmental Inc., and Terracon Consultants, Inc. for award to provide a suite of environmental services as needed by CHA.
Contracting Requirements
CHA Staff has reviewed the proposed vendors and has determined the vendors' utilization plans meet with the CHA's stated goals.
All recommended awardees have submitted signed compliance certifications. Utilization Plans will be provided by the awardees on a per-task order basis, and each awardee will be required to meet CHA Contract Requirements based on the cumulative value of all task orders issued under the contract. Staff will review all proposed vendor compliance and utilization plans to ensure they meet the established CHA Contract Requirements.
Carnow, Conibear & Associates, Ltd. will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through direct participation as a self-performing (MBE), certified through the City of Chicago and subcontracting a portion of their contract to 3 vendors to meet their M/W/DBE requirement. These vendors include Johnson Lasky Kindelin Architects dba JLK Architects. Inc. (City of Chicago WBE TBD%), Occupational Training & Supply Inc (City of Chicago certified WBE TBD%) and Luse Environmental (City of Chicago certified WBE TBD%). They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal through subcontracting a portion of their contract to JHF Consulting Inc. JHF Consulting Inc is certified as a 51% tier Section 3 vendor. Carnow, Conibear & Associates, Ltd has held multiple contracts with CHA from 2006 - present.
Environmental Design International will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through direct participation as a self-performing (MBE), certified through the City of Chicago. They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal through subcontracting a portion of their contract to JHF Consulting Inc. JHF Consulting Inc is certified as a 75% tier Section 3 vendor. Environmental Design International has held multiple contracts with CHA from 2000 - present.
Enviroplus, Inc. will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through direct participation as a self-performing (MBE), certified through the City of Chicago. They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal through subcontracting a portion of their contract to a certified vendor that is yet to be determined based on project scope, Inc has held multiple contracts with CHA from 2000 - present.
Front and Center Construction Inc. will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through direct participation as a self-performing (MBE/WBE), certified through the City of Chicago. They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal by self-performing on the contract. Front and Center Construction Inc is self-certified as a 51% tier Section 3 vendor. Front and Center Construction Inc. has held multiple contracts with CHA from 2018 - present.
GSG Consultants, Inc. will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through direct participation as a self-performing (MBE), certified through the City of Chicago and subcontracting a portion of their contract to 1 vendor to meet their M/W/DBE requirement. The vendor includes JLK Architects (City of Chicago certified WBE TBD%). They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal through subcontracting a portion of their contract to JHF Consulting Inc. JHF Consulting Inc. is certified as a 51% tier Section 3 vendor. GSG Consultants, Inc has held multiple contracts with CHA from 2004 - present.
Occupational Training & Supply, Inc. will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through direct participation as a self-performing (WBE), certified through the City of Chicago. Occupational Training & Supply, Inc did not provide a vendor or percentage for S3BC participation & did not propose other economic opportunities (OEO) to offset the deficiencies. Occupational Training & Supply, Inc does not have a prior contracting history with the CHA.
Roux Associates, Inc. will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through subcontracting a portion of their contract to six different vendors to meet their M/W/DBE requirement. These vendors include Environmental Design International (City of Chicago certified MBE TBD%), Earth Solutions Inc. (City of Chicago certified MBE TBD%), Land Surveying Services Inc. ( City of Chicago certified WBE TBD%), RW Collins Company (City of Chicago certified WBE TBD%), A3 Environmental LLC (City of Chicago certified WBE TBD%) and Tecnica Environmental Services (City of Chicago certified MBE TBD%). They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal through subcontracting a portion of their contract to JHF Consulting Inc. JHF Consulting Inc. is certified as a 51% tier Section 3 vendor. Roux Associates, Inc does not have a prior contracting history with the CHA.
Specialty Consulting, Inc. will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through sub-contracting & direct participation as a self-performing (MBE/DBE), certified through the Cook County & Illinois Unified Certification Program. These vendors include Raimonde Drilling (City of Chicago certified WBE TBD%), Enviroplus Inc. (City of Chicago certified MBE TBD%), RW Collins Company (City of Chicago certified WBE TBD%), Ridgeline Consultants (State of Illinois certified MBE TBD%), Altus Works (City of Chicago certified WBE TBD%), Bryan Environmental (City of Chicago certified WBE TBD%). They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal through subcontracting a portion of their contract to JHF Consulting Inc. JHF Consulting Inc. is certified as a 51% tier Section 3 vendor. Specialty Consulting, Inc has held multiple contracts with CHA from 2018 - present.
TEM Environmental, Inc. will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through subcontracting a portion of their contract to two different vendors to meet their M/W/DBE requirement. These vendors include Accurate Environmental Solutions (City of Chicago certified MBE TBD%), and Shawn Brown Enterprise (City of Chicago MBE TBD%). They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal through subcontracting a portion of their contract to JHF Consulting Inc. JHF Consulting Inc. is certified as a 51% tier Section 3 vendor. TEM Environmental, Inc. has held 2 Task Order contracts with CHA from 2014 - 2021.
Terracon Consultants, Inc. will satisfy the CHA 20% compliance goal through subcontracting a portion of their contract to vendors that have not been determined. The vendor specified, sub-contractors will be based on Task Order. They will satisfy their Section 3 subcontracting goal through subcontracting a portion of their contract to a sub-contractor that is TBD. Terracon Consultants, Inc has held multiple contracts with CHA from 2014 - 2022.
Vendors Background Information
Elizabeth Arreola, Chief Executive Officer, President & Treasurer; 600 W Van Buren St. Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60607. Carnow Conibear, a minority-owned, woman-owned and veteran-owned business, was established in 1975. Carnow Conibear today provides expertise to address a variety of environmental, safety, and health issues for our clients. Our intimate understanding of Federal, State and local compliance issues enables us to provide long-term, cost-effective solutions to environmental and occupational health concerns. Carnow Conibear’s clients include manufacturing and industrial firms; financial and health care institutions; insurance companies; architectural and engineering firms; developers; building owners; real estate companies; attorneys; and government agencies.
Leslie J. Sawyer, President & Chief Executive Officer; 321 N. Clark St. Suite 1917,Chicago, IL. 60654. Founded in 1991, Environmental Design International inc. (EDI) is an MBE/WBE/DBE/WOSB certified professional engineering firm headquartered in Chicago. EDI’s team of engineers and scientists offer a variety of environmental, engineering, industrial hygiene, and survey services to clients within the private and public sectors. Clients turn to EDI for complete project management services. Through preliminary planning, design, permitting, construction management, and reporting, EDI project teams deliver Excellence, Dedication, and Innovation.
Salvador Garcia Jr., President; 8044 Lawndale Avenue Skokie, IL 60076. Enviroplus Inc. has served Chicagoland, Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana for over 31 years. Our personnel’s broad experience originates from the diverse and challenging abatement, remediation, and disposal projects of asbestos, lead based paint, and mold we have performed since 1989. These successfully completed projects include work performed in the medical, utility, commercial, transportation, and municipal sectors. Enviroplus values our partnership with clients and we understand the importance of meeting and responding to their needs in a safe and timely manner. On any Enviroplus job, project, or contract safety always has the highest importance. While we take great pride in meeting all work deadlines and the maintaining the highest standard of performance, we never compromise safety.
Turqueya Wilson, Owner and President; 4419 S. Prairie Ste 2, Suite 700, Chicago, IL. 60653. Front & Center Construction Inc., established in 2017, is a premier Section 3, JOC-experienced, MBE/WBE certified construction company serving the Chicagoland area. With a specialization in whole unit remodels, we pride ourselves on delivering top-tier construction services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.
Guillermo Garcia, Chief Executive Officer; 735 Remington Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173. Beginning in 1992 as a small environmental services company, GSG Consultants, Inc. has evolved into an industry-leading Hispanic-owned, MBE/DBE certified, infrastructure engineering and scientific consulting firm. The firm’s service philosophy is to help clients manage risk, reduce design and construction costs while protecting human health and the environment. Combining this philosophy with services ranging from initial concept planning through detailed design and construction, GSG can address the specific needs of their clients.
Kristina Miczek, President; 7233 Adams Street Willowbrook, IL. 60527. Occupational Training and Supply (OTS) is a family-owned industrial supply company specializing in the areas of safety, abatement, construction, hazardous materials, and remediation. OTS is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) located 20 miles from downtown Chicago. We have served customers locally and across the country since 1990. Our sales team’s focus is to provide customers with the best knowledge, service, and competitive pricing in the industry.
Andrew Baris, PG Executive Vice President (Corporate Office) & Peter Alvery , PE, Vice President (Chicago Office); 233 S Wacker Dr, Suite 4400, Chicago IL. 60606; 209 Shafter St., Islandia, NY 11749 (Corporate Office). Founded over 40 years ago, Roux Associates ,Inc. was built upon management and cleanup of large, complex environmental remediation projects, including Superfund sites, chemical and manufacturing plants, and petroleum refineries and distribution terminals. Roux provides a broad range of advisory, regulatory, and field services that assess potential risks, assure critical compliance, and provide solutions to complex challenges.
Arturo Saenz, Chief Executive Officer; 2942 W Van Buren St., Chicago, IL. 60612. Specialty Consulting, Inc. (SPC), is a Hispanic-owned, infrastructure engineering and scientific consulting firm based in Chicago. Established in 2002, the firm offers environmental engineering, industrial hygiene, architectural/structural engineering, and safety consulting and training services. With a staff of over 75 technical professionals, we deliver specialty consulting services for new infrastructure development, expansion, and renovation throughout the Midwest.
Kathy Geneser, President & Steve Geneser, Vice President; 174 North Brandon Drive, Glendale Heights, IL 60139. TEM Environmental is a provider of asbestos and industrial hygiene services. Services include consulting, asbestos testing, lead testing and industrial hygiene testing. Industrial hygiene testing can include mold, biohazard, chemical, noise, vibration and other hazardous agents.
J. David Moon , Senior Principal , Regional Environmental Manager; 650 W. Lake St, Ste#420, Chicago, IL. Since our founding in 1965, Terracon has grown into a thriving, employee-owned, multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm delivering facilities, environmental, geotechnical, and materials services. Our more than 8,000 curious minds include engineers, scientists, architects, facilities experts, and field professionals focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. On-time and real-time data-driven insights, provided by our talented employee-owners, create an unmatched client experience that spans the lifecycle of any project from earth to sky. Terracon consistently ranks as a top 20 design firm by Engineering News-Record
Based on the foregoing, it is in the best interest of the CHA for the Board to authorize the Chairman or their designee, to enter into a contract for environmental and industrial hygiene services with Carnow, Conibear, and Associates LTD (CCA), Environmental Design International, Inc. (EDI), Enviroplus Inc., Front and Center Construction Inc., GSG Consultants, Inc., Occupational Training & Supply, Inc., Roux Associates Inc., Specialty Consulting Inc., TEM Environmental Inc., and Terracon Consultants, Inc. as needed by CHA.
Respectfully Submitted:
______________________
Keith Pettigrew
Chief Executive Officer