SRF Project Flowchart can be found here. And the SRF Project Manual can be
found here.
The typical SRF project consists of three steps, the facility plan, plans and specifications, and
construction. As the name implies, the facility plan
is a planning document that establishes existing conditions, identifies the current problems,
projects future conditions at the design year, and
evaluates alternatives to solve the existing problems and meet future needs. The evaluation of
alternatives includes both a cost effectiveness
analysis and an environmental assessment. The intent of the facility plan is to arrive at the most
cost effective, environmentally sound solution
to the problem. The facility plan must be approved by the North Dakota Department of Environmental
Quality (NDDEQ) before the project can proceed to the next
step. The Outline for Facilities Planning can be found here.
When the facility plan is approved, plans, specifications, and bidding documents are prepared based
on the recommended alternative from the facility
plan. These must comply with, among other things, MBE/WBE and EEO requirements. The Specification
Package and Required Bid Language can be
found here. Once the
documents are approved by the NDDEQ, the
project can be advertised and bids opened. If the bids are acceptable, the construction contract
must be awarded to the low, responsive, responsible
bidder following NDDEQ authorization. The Bid Document Submittal Checklist can be
found here. Construction
can now begin at the systems's convenience.
At this time, the NDDEQ will schedule a preconstruction meeting with the system, consulting engineer
and contractor(s) to explain the construction
related requirements that must be complied with and to answer any questions that arise. In addition
to the preconstruction meeting, periodic interim
inspections will be conducted by NDDEQ engineers during the construction phase of the project. Since
SRF loans are cost reimbursable, construction costs
must be incurred before the system can receive payments. Once costs are incurred, the system should
submit periodic payment requests to the
NDDEQ for processing. Payment Request Forms can be found here. Payment should be
received by the system within two weeks of receipt of the request by the NDDEQ. When construction is
completed, the NDDEQ will conduct a final
inspection to verify compliance with federal requirements, verify that the project was constructed
in accordance with the approved plans and
specifications, and establish final costs. The Final Document Checklist and Forms can be
found here.
Repayment of principle must begin no more than one year after the project is declared operational.
Prior to this, the North Dakota Public Finance
Authority will work with the system to establish a repayment schedule.
Each loan recipient is required to certify that one year after the initiation of operation date, the
project is still meeting design specifications
and project performance standards. A sample of the One Year Certification letter can be
found here.
