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Borrell Technology Incorporated (BTI) is a team of housing and computer specialists with a clearly different philosophical approach to consulting and training public housing programs and to the development of software for the public housing industry. Our primary goal is to assist the housing authority to become a stable, proactive business. We do this by turning the complicated tasks of compliance with Federal, State and local regulations and of running an efficient and effective business into logical easy-to-follow, easy-to-use processes.
Consulting Services
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Architectural & Engineering Services
BTI, in association with the Chicago architectural firm of Heard & Associates, Ltd., (HAL) represents a team of highly experienced and qualified program managers and architectural and engineering professionals. This association offers the housing and community development agency a unique opportunity to combine the services of an architectural firm with long-standing and extensive experience in the design, planning, and construction of housing and community improvement and the expertise of a housing consultant who specializes in HUD compliance.
The strength of this association lies in a comprehensive understanding of the of problems facing agency operations and our demonstrated experience in development and rehabilitation of low-income housing and community development within the statutory regulations mandated by HUD. More importantly, we recognize the strict time and cost performance criteria the agency must observe and fully understand the management and planning processes that will ensure compliance with modernization time constraints and construction cost budget allocations.
Asset Management
Shrinking Federal operating and capital subsidies and reduced Federal regulations undoubtedly require modifications in the way affordable housing is provided to low and very-low income households. Among other things, the professionals who manage the considerable national inventory of public housing need, also, to think of themselves as asset managers. Performance depends both on how well properties are managed and on whether continued reinvestment in each property makes good financial sense.
Knowing the latter, in particular, requires an expertise and knowledge base that is relatively new to the public housing profession.
Recognizing that many housing agencies lack staff with the requisite skills, knowledge and experience to strategically manage their asset portfolio, BTI has developed methods that allow a Housing Authority to adapt to its business objectives and implement a strategic asset management model which will work for the agency.
Capital Fund Program Planning & Administration
BTI's staff possesses a comprehensive knowledge of housing new construction, rehabilitation and maintenance. In association with the architectural firm of Heard & Associates, Ltd. (HAL), we provide Program/project management and assessment services that document the physical condition of units, buildings, and grounds and present efficient and economic recommendations for improving that condition critical to the modernization strategy. We have developed proven methodology and submission formats that are accepted by all the HUD offices.We offer the housing agency a team which can successfully address the critical issues of:
- Cost Control: Strict cost control requirements are the standard on all of our projects done for public agencies. We understand the need and know how to plan and build within available funds.
- Schedule: Getting projects done on time is the rule rather than the exception for this team. We recognize the cost impact of schedule delays and have proven processes to meet and expedite performance schedules to ensure on-time delivery.
- Plans & Specs: Plans and specifications which clearly and thoroughly delineate the scope of work as well as comply with all regulatory requirements and budget limitations will contribute to the successful construction of these units.
- Project Management: The sum of all processes and procedures which involve full coordination of the agency, HUD, A/E planning staff, specialized sub-consultants, contractors, and residents must be carefully implemented to ensure the successful achievement of all project deliverables. Full and ongoing participation by BTI and HAL provides the agency with reliable resources for maintaining performance and correcting problems before they develop into a crisis.
Consulting
BTI is a team of housing and computer specialists with a clearly different philosophical approach to consulting and training for housing and community development agencies and to the development of software for the industry.
Our primary goal is to assist the agency to become a stable, proactive business. We do this by turning the complicated tasks of compliance with Federal, State and local regulations and of running an efficient and effective business into logical easy-to-follow, easy-to-use processes.
Financial Services
Borrell Technology Incorporated, in association with Casterline Associates, P.C., delivers financial consulting and accounting services to the Public Housing industry.
Services include:
- Subsidy Maximization
- PHA policy and procedure development
- Consulting services related to the Performance Funding System and maximization of operating subsidy
- Consulting services related to Section 8 and maximization of annual contributions
- Accounting services for PHAs
- IPA Audit services for PHAs
- Management reviews and assessments
- Planning, including Cost Allocations Plans, Financial Workout Plans, Comprehensive Plans for Modernization and Comprehensive Occupancy Plans
Information Technology
Borrell Technology Incorporated can help your agency utilize information technology to its fullest. With the federal government’s increasing use of electronic media, BTI has developed tried and tested methods to determine how computer technology can best serve housing agencies in areas from program management to information submittal.
Among our services:
- Information Technology Assessments enable an agency to maximize its technology investment. Borrell Technology Incorporated can assist your agency in determining its technological needs, from mapping current workflow and processes to determining funding sources to implementation and training of a new system.
- Software Development for specific program administration with an emphasis on comprehensive regulation compliance. We can also develop custom software applications tailored to your agency’s specific requirements. Our approach to software development greatly reduces the training, implementation time, and staff frustration.
On-Site Management
BTI, in association with experts from throughout the industry represents a team of highly experienced and qualified program managers. This association maintains office staffs comprising of more than 100 professionals and support personnel.
State-of-the-art computer technology provides the flexibility to expedite schedules, track expenditures, and promote full compliance with regulations and industry standards. We are fully committed to the setup and maintenance of a local office in which to perform this work and we understand the need to utilize local resident participation where possible.
Operations
BTI utilizes a method of developing processes and procedural systems specifically designed for the housing or community development with procedures that are continually being misinterpreted, ignored, or revised or that lacks a policies and procedure system.
BTI's Policy & Procedure System is designed for agency improvement and administrative control. It is developed as a means and methodology of providing consistency, industry standards, internal control, and compliance with Federal, state and local requirements in all operations.
Procurement & Contract Administration
The procurement of goods and services is one of the more complex and important duties a housing or community development agency performs. BTI assist agencies to understand and implement the procurement systems to maximize results and provide cost and time savings.
We do this by developing procurement systems and operational procedures specifically designed to meet the needs of the agency while promoting compliance with Federal regulations. We provide forms and tracking tools as well as train the staff. We also provide technical assistance during the implementation phase and perform followup assessment.
Resident Services & Initiatives
During the past several years HUD has provided numerous programs and opportunities to empower residents of assisted housing. BTI provides technical assistance and training for residents and housing staff responsible for administering these resident initiative programs.
Technical Assistance and training include such topics as how to set up a resident management corporation, how to start a new business, resident contracting opportunities, the resident role in the housing development and rehabilitation, proposal writing, developing and implementing self-sufficiency, and resident understanding of the housing agency's structure and operations. BTI also custom designs resident training programs for individual resident organizations to reflect the area of training requested.
Section 8
Now that you have converted, are you sure that your Section 8 organization will support the requirements of the voucher program?
Do you want to develop your own Section 8 home ownership program?BTI can assist you in meeting your housing goals.
Are you having problems with deconcentration?
Are you considering project-based voucher program?
Do you want to improve your SEMAP scores?
Staff Development
One of the most critical components of good performance is staff development. In the fast changing world of housing and community development, the most successful agencies include staff development as a significant part of their performance planning. They recognize that as programs are added and regulations change, the program manager must keep on top of those changes and apply the most up-to-date effective methods of implementation and management.
To assist in assessing staff needs and selecting the most beneficial staff development paths, BTI assists agencies to develop agency-wide plans including the assessment of staff and Board of Commissioner's training needs. We also provide methods for identifying performance problems and opportunities for improvement and instruction on funding your staff development program.
Staffing & Organization
Borrell Technology Incorporated has been conducting organization and operational studies since 1980. These include:
- Organizational and operational assessment of all agency functions.
- Design and development of organizational structures with chains of commands and staffing levels.
- Development of agency-wide and department-specific staffing plans.
- Performance Assessment and Improvement Planning.
- Development of position descriptions including lines of authority and responsibility.
- Development of staff performance and productivity ratios.
- Salary comparability studies.
- Maintenance staffing and performance reviews.
BTI's Employee Performance Program is designed for individual employee and agency improvement. It is a personnel management program based on the concepts inherent in the most aggressive employee management and improvement programs being recommended in today's work environments. It is a means and methodology of improving the overall organizational performance by managing people and improving their performance.