The Region 6 Housing Trust fund serves communities in Hardin, Marshall, Poweshiek and Tama Counties. Our work focuses on residential housing, including roofing, siding, windows, doors, and accessibility modifications. On occasion, projects may also include electrical, plumbing, and HVAC components.

We are continually seeking qualified contractors interested in bidding on projects throughout our service area. We typically produce one to two projects per month, providing a steady source of bidding opportunities without the marketing costs and time associated with securing new clients. Our projects are already identified and inspected with defined scopes of work before they are released for bid.

Contractor Requirements:

1. Registered Contractor. Be a registered contractor with the State of Iowa – Iowa Workforce Development: https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/building/contractors.
2. Liability Insurance. Carry general liability insurance with a minimum coverage limit of $1,000,000 (inquire with your insurance provider). Explain that you need a declaration page and send that to mnewberg@region6resources.org.
3. Lead Safe Renovator. Be Lead Safe Renovator certified when required by project specifications (required in Iowa if you disturb more than 1SQ ft of lead based paint): https://iowaleadsafety.com/lead-training. Contractors are welcome to submit bids even if they are not currently Lead Safe Renovator certified. If a firm’s bid is determined to be the lowest reasonable bid, the contractor will be given up to 30 days to obtain the required Lead Safe Renovator certification prior to contract execution.
4. Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Carry workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.

Bidding:

• There are typically one to two projects released for bid per month. Our program provides a steady source of bidding opportunities without the marketing costs and time associated with securing new clients.
• Contractors are notified of bid opportunities via email (join our bid email list here). Bid opportunities are also published in the local paper.
• When bidding on a project, provide a firm bid price on each individual house improvement.
• Contractor must have email capabilities. Bids must be submitted by email.
• References on recent projects may be requested at bidding.
• Contracts are executed within 30 days of bid opening.
• Sometimes, damages can be hidden on houses that increase the cost of a bid project. If this happens, we use a standard change order form to identify the problem and fix it right away.
• These are state and local funds (not federal), so paperwork is minimal. Paperwork that we ask of you through a project includes:
  • Bid submission
  • Sign contract
  • Sign change orders (if applicable)
  • Sign a final invoice

Payments:

• When work is complete, Region 6 will inspect the project as soon as possible and cut a check within days of inspection. We aim to provide payment ASAP and keep your cash flow strong.
• We expect quality work for our program! Substandard work will not be paid until it is done right.
• We will provide 1 payment for each project upon satisfactory completion. No partial payments for materials or labor.

Why Work With Us?

• We bring the work directly to you. Contractors don’t have to spend time or money finding customers. Projects come ready for you with homeowner coordination already handled.
• Fast payment with no retainage. Contractors are paid within a few days of final inspection. There is no retainage and no long waits for reimbursement.
• Meaningful work that changes lives. These projects often address critical safety issues like leaking roofs, failing windows, unsafe steps, and deteriorated siding. Contractors regularly see firsthand the impact on seniors, disabled residents, and families who truly need help.

We value strong partnerships with local contractors and are committed to providing clear project specifications, responsive communication, and fair bidding opportunities. Sign up here to be notified of bid opportunities. We look forward to working with you! For more information, contact Mark Newberg, Housing Director, at mnewberg@region6resources.org.