As an industry leader in construction and environmental due-diligence, AEI’s commitment to providing timely, expert and economic solutions for our clients is the foundation of our success. All HUD projects are evaluated with the most current interpretation of HUD Guidelines and established industry standards. AEI’s HUD Programs are further supported with established relationships with federal, state and local agencies. AEI’s HUD program takes great precautions to ensure that the core services are performed by in-house staff.
AEI’S HUD TEAM
AEI Consultants has significantly expanded our HUD service offerings with the addition of Staige Miller and Jeb Bonnett to direct AEI’s Due Diligence and Building Assessments Services and Programs. These two industry insiders represent more than 30 years of HUD dedicated experience and have successfully assisted FHA (HUD) Lenders with their reporting requirements on thousands of HUD MAP, LEAN, and RAD transactions. Included in AEI’s HUD leadership team is Peter F. Millar, P.E., who directs AEI’s Construction Risk Management group, and Douglas Olson, P.E., who provides executive leadership for all HUD services and programs.
To Date, AEI’s HUD teams have completed hundreds of successful Capital Needs Assessments (CNAs), Environmental Site Assessments, and Energy Audits/Certifications for HUD Lenders, Public Housing Authorities, and Equity Investors throughout numerous regions of the United States.
THE AEI DIFFERENCE
Our office locations in major metropolitan areas throughout the US provide our clients with cost-conscious and consistent quality service regardless of project location. AEI offers both a national presence and regional focus for providing solutions to complex environmental and engineering challenges.
OVERVIEW OF SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
AEI’s team of professionals has completed hundreds of Project Capital Needs Assessments (PCNAs) and Environmental Assessments & Reviews for FHA Insured Lenders, Public Housing Authorities and Equity Investors throughout the United States. As an industry leader in engineering, construction and environmental due-diligence, AEI Consultants is known for our dependability and responsiveness to our clients’ needs. Our commitment to providing timely, expert and economic solutions for our clients is the foundation of success. All projects are evaluated with the most current interpretation of HUD Guidelines and industry standards and is further supported with established relationships with federal, state and local agencies.
Project Capital Needs Assessments (PCNAs)
AEI’s experience includes the preparation of PCNAs throughout the United States for both the Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) and LEAN (Healthcare) programs. AEI also completes PCNAs on behalf of Public Housing Authorities for their capital planning needs. AEI’s cost estimating for Critical and Non-Critical Repairs, Immediate Repairs, Replacement Reserves and Capital Improvements is based upon our extensive construction cost estimating experience as well as working with property ownership and management to establish accurate costs for a community’s long term needs.
Lean PCNA
AEI’s staff has been performing LEAN PCNA services since the origination of the HUD LEAN Program. AEI is experienced with the HUD LEAN Statement of Work, the LEAN Accessibility Matrix, and continuously learns from the LEAN Thinking Informational email blasts.
AEI’s clients can confidently and efficiently process their LEAN transactions knowing that there won’t be any closing surprises related to functional obsolescence, accessibility concerns, or report formatting irregularities.
HUD CNA E-Tool
AEI’s HUD Building Assessment group is led by industry expert, Jeb Bonnett and staffed with dozens of highly
experienced, educated, and trained building science professionals. These highly qualified team members are strategically located across the United States, providing efficient site access and regional expertise. AEI’s HUD staff has been involved with stakeholder testing and feedback initiatives with HUD’s CNA E-Tool development team since 2014. AEI’s HUD staff has successfully completed numerous CNA E-Tool projects and is currently working on many more active projects. AEI’s expert level understanding of the CNA E-Tool systems and workflows will provide clients, whether E-Tool novices or experts, a smooth processing experience.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs)
Phase I ESAs are an integral part of the due diligence decisionmaking process. A Phase I ESA includes a site visit and a historical and regulatory review that is designed to identify environmental issues and liabilities. The assessment identifies current and historic environmental conditions that may affect property values, pose a financial liability to the purchaser or lender, pose a human health impact to a resident, or affect the ability of a Sponsor to repay a loan obligation. AEI’s Phase I ESAs are completed in accordance with the latest ASTM and HUD Guidelines.
NEPA Consulting & Environmental Reviews
AEI’s HUD Scope ESAs also include a complete NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) Analysis and completion of HUD Form 4128 (FHA Lender clients) or HUD Part 58 Checklists (Public Sector Clients). AEI also has the capabilities to perform additional Environmental Assessment (EA) work should non-compliance be identified. Examples of this additional EA work would be the completion of an Endangered Species Habitat Survey, or Archaeological Survey.
HEROS
As part of AEI’s Due Diligence Services, AEI will complete the HUD Environmental Review Online System (HEROS) Partner Worksheets for the Federal Related Laws and Authorities. A narrative discussion of our findings will be included in a separate report.
In particular, the subject and surrounding properties will be analyzed for the following NEPA components: Air Quality, Coastal Barrier Resources, Coastal Zone Management, Floodplain Management, Historic Preservation, Noise Abatement, Hazardous Operations, Airport Hazards, Protection of Wetlands, Endangered Species, Sole Source Aquifers, Farmlands Protection, Wild and Scenic Rivers, Flood Insurance, Environmental Justice, Site Contamination and a limited analysis for HUD Environmental Assessment Factors.
Intrusive Surveys
PCNAs: For those projects in excess of 30 years, AEI performs intrusive investigations on building systems where the longevity of same is questionable. These investigations are designed to enhance AEI’s standard visual observations by taking a deeper look to evaluate the condition and serviceability of a particular system. The methods vary per system but can include the use of remote cameras, probes, thermal imagery as well as detailed interviews with the contractors which service same. Typical PCNA intrusive investigations performed by AEI are related to electrical systems, plumbing lines, building envelope, and storm sewer lines. For those properties located in high risk seismic zones, AEI also performs HUD Scope Seismic Evaluations in conjunction with our PCNA field investigation.
Environmental: Intrusive environmental investigations are typically completed for those buildings constructed prior to 1978 and include asbestos surveys, Lead-Based Paint (LBP) Surveys and LBP Risk Assessments. If warranted through an initial field investigation, AEI also performs detailed mold surveys and vapor intrusion surveys. Should the presence of hazardous materials be suspected, AEI also performs Phase II subsurface Investigations. The scope of which can include soil vapor sampling, as well as soil and groundwater sampling for various contaminants.
Architectural & Cost Analysis Reports
AEI’s staff of professionals has HUD A&E design experience, which is critical for preparation of HUD scope Architectural & Cost Analysis (ACA) Reports. The scope of these assessments includes a thorough review of building plans and specifications for conformance with HUD design guidelines as well as confirmation that Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) are met. AEI also does a complete cost analysis, as well as a review of the budget, construction schedule and construction contract. AEI is committed to being our client’s “watchdog” and we work closely with sponsor’s design architects to ensure that all plans and specifications are properly completed and all documentation meets HUD guidelines.
RAD & Green Physical Needs Assessments
AEI has performed hundreds of RAD PCAs and Green PNAs for dozens of Public Housing Authorities, Government Agencies and property owners throughout the country. Similar in Scope to a conventional PCNA, these reports include an Energy Audit and Utility Consumption Baseline Analysis to benchmark current energy use for future verification and identify Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) which can then be incorporated into the GPNA or RAD PCA. The reports offer a comparison between “green” upgrades versus traditional component replacements and repairs. AEI’s services also include the completion of the RAD PCA Excel Tool or the HUD GPNA Tool.
These reports also contain compliance reviews to the following applicable accessibility standards:
- The Fair Housing Act design and construction requirements apply to all multifamily housing built after March 13, 1991.
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 applies to all Federally assisted programs, facilities and housing.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) applies to public accommodations and commercial facilities and to any such
portion of a multifamily property.
Energy Consulting
AEI’s Energy Consulting Services include the preparation of Utility Consumption Baseline Reports, Energy Star Benchmarking, assistance with obtaining Energy Star Certification, ASHRAE Level I, II and III Energy Audits, Utility Allowance Surveys for Public Housing Authorities, Energy Reviews for new construction projects, Manual J methodology to size the recommended heating and cooling systems, as well the preparation of RAD and Green Physical Needs Assessments.
AEI’s energy audit reports include a list of Energy and Water Efficiency Measures (EWEM) (often referred to as Energy Conservation Measures) that include energy and water savings calculations, energy cost savings, simple payback in years and savings to investment ratio calculations.
AEI has the equipment and licensed personnel to perform duct blaster testing, blower door testing, combustion analysis, combustible gas detection, combustion efficiency testing, flue gas pressure, carbon monoxide testing and measure light levels.
HUD Green MIP
AEI’s licensed professionals will obtain ENERGY STAR CERTIFICATION for existing buildings in advance of Initial
Closing, based on 100% whole building data, properly verified (stamped/certified) and documented. If such is not
possible, then; AEI complies with the requirements for new construction or existing buildings with energy retrofit work by completing the following:
- Complete, correct ASHRAE Level II energy audit
- Add cost beneficial retrofits identified in the audit (EEMs) to the list of repairs
- Complete Energy Modeling using the anticipated EEMs’ results
- SEDI Score based on the data from this Energy Modeling, which score must be 75+
- If the retrofit repairs exceed 223(a)(7) limit, then select another green building standard for certification and document same
- If retrofit repairs do not exceed 223(a)(7) limit, proceed with ENERGY STAR for existing buildings (assuming SEDI supports 75+) and deliver the certification not more than 15 months following the completion of repairs
Permits & Approvals Reports (PARs)
AEI’s PARs provide written confirmation that the Sponsor has obtained the necessary permits, licenses, certificates, qualifications, and approvals from Governmental Authorities to own and operate the Subject property (apartment community, skilled nursing facility, hospital, etc.). Commercial tenant operations are also included as part of the investigation. This report confirms that the operations meet the requirements of the FHA Insured Loan Documents, and the property complies with applicable federal statutes and HUD regulations.
Zoning Analysis Reports (ZARs)
The purpose of the ZAR is to identify potential liabilities associated with a property’s conformance with the requirements set forth within the local municipality’s zoning ordinance for said property. The ZAR identifies a property’s conformance with respect to use, bulk density, parking requirements, setbacks, code violations, height restrictions and whether or not said property can be re-built to its current configuration in the event of a catastrophic loss.
ALTA Surveys & Mapping
AEI provides surveying services throughout the United States. An ALTA survey is typically required for commercial development and determines the ownership of a building. The survey is specifically designed to satisfy the needs of lenders, corporations and title companies when dealing with valuable commercial properties. The American Land Title Association (ALTA) is a national trade association whose active members engage in the title industry and businesses relating to real estate, sales, construction and finance. ALTA and the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM) have jointly developed a general set of land surveying standards. The ALTA standards are a nationwide uniform set of standards and the survey often includes determining property lines, location of improvements, identifying all easements, utilities and other conditions affecting the property.
AEI’S COMPLETE HUD SERVICES LIST:
- ALTA/ASCM Land Title Survey & HUD Form 91073M
- Annual Data Acquisition Plan
- Asbestos, Lead Based Paint & Radon O&M Plans
- Asbestos Screening/NESHAPS
- ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audit
- Capital Needs Assessment (CNA) E-Tool
- Electrical Intrusive Investigation
- Energy Benchmarking (SEP)
- Energy Star Certification
- File Review
- HUD Environmental Review Online System (HEROS)
- Lead Based Paint Risk Assessment
- Lead Based Paint Testing
- Permits & Approvals
- Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment
- Site Remediation
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
- LEAN Project Capital Needs Assessments
- Radon Screening
- Seismic Hazard Analysis
- Sewer Intrusive Investigation
