A&E Services Group, LLC offers over 29 years of experience in administering Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs, and 40 years cumulatively in the construction industry.
A&E Services Group submitted six (6) 2019 Small Cities applications, the most of any private firm. Recent Small Cites awards include SC18 Town of Sprague Town-wide Housing Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Program $400,000., SC18 Vernon Regional Crumbling Foundation Testing Program, $480,000., SC19 City of Derby Public Housing Modernization for CiCia Manor $1,000,000., and SC19 Town of Plainville Public Housing Modernization for Woodmore Village & Centerview Manor.
As a former employee of L. Wagner & Associates, as Director of Housing Rehabilitation, Mr. Testa provided the administrative and technical support services with the direction and involvement required for the implementation and successful completion of over a 100 Small Cities CDBG funded grants totaling over $32 million dollars including the administration of the Westbrook 1989 Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program.
Having personally completed several hundred housing units of residential property, performing both private and public residential renovations Mr. Testa has a vast knowledge in the administration of CDBG funded projects as well as the personal skills to work cohesively with the State, Town, Owner and Contactors.
Experience in project types include commercial façade program, public housing modernization, 1-4 private housing rehabilitation, radon mitigation, Davis Bacon wage rate compliance, street scape improvements, limited clientele, and the removal of architectural barriers in publicly owned buildings represents the range and diversity of the grants and projects administered.
Having over 40 years of construction related experience, first as a self-employed, hands on building & remodeling contractor, specializing in residential remodeling, additions and new home construction. Acquiring a broad knowledge and personal understanding of construction materials, means and methods has served as a valuable resource when performing property inspections and ultimately the creation of technical specifications. This understanding of building components allows for the identification and proper resolve to most any residential construction related condition. This knowledge allows for the prescription of the most effective and logical approach to the renovations. This appeals to both the applicant and prospective construction contractor knowing that the materials and methods specified are feasible, cost effective and practical.
Utilizing the construction knowledge and dovetailing it to coincide with the Federal and State regulations that dictate the usage of Small Cities Community Development Block Grant has proved to be effective and beneficial to all parties involved.
With a sound understanding of Federal Regulations CFR 24, Section 3, Lead Based Paint- Hazard Reduction Act, Labor Standards and Fair Housing has allowed for the understanding and basis to administer regulatory compliant Programs.
Having a longstanding and mutually respectful working relationship with the staff at the State Department of Housing facilitates the ability to have constructive interaction with their department obtaining information as needed concerning regulatory issues. Resource material includes scores of various technical specifications, resulting in less time to prepare the information based on the project condition and need.
Mr. Testa has completed training and certification in the following areas relevant to the Small Cities & CDBG funding: DOH CDBG 101 Training, ERR Training, National Community Development Associates CDBG Basics Training, CCDA Housing Rehabilitation Training, University of Massachusetts, Division of Continuing Education Lead Inspector, U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, Cook College, Radon Measurement & Mitigation, Visual Assessment Course, Lead Safe Work Practices, RRP Certified, Construction Lien Law, Construction Law OSHA 10 Certified.
Mr. Testa was previously licensed and practiced as a Residential Home Inspector from 2001-2006 and is currently registered with the State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection as a Home Improvement Contractor.
EXPERIENCE:
- Twenty-nine years of successful management Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities Programs.
- Initiated and completed numerous housing authority projects requiring Section 3, Davis-Bacon Wage Rate compliance, certified payroll review, employee interviews and related reporting.
- Direct oversight of Housing Rehabilitation Programs. Including project implementation, administration and completion.
- Develop relationships and establish lines of communications with Town’s officials, board members, administrative assistants, and department heads in the establishment of the overall operation and administrative management of CDBG programs.
- Completed several hundred units of residential rehabilitation. Ensuring compliance with Section 8, Housing Quality Standards.
- Administration of in excess of $32 million of CDBG related construction activities.
- Initiated and completed numerous housing authority projects which required Davis-Bacon Wage Rate compliance, certified payroll review, employee interviews and related reporting.
- Creation of construction cost estimates, technical specifications, bid documents and construction contracts.
- Creation of loan and contract documents. Schedule and conduct loan closings and contract signings.
- Extensive knowledge and experience in residential construction and rehabilitation industry, along with a broad knowledge in the related International Building Code, NFPA 72, and residential plumbing codes.
- Licensed Home Improvement Contractor # 0651442.
EDUCATION:
Graduate Wolcott High School
1982 – 1990 | Testa Building. Self-employed General Contractor, specializing in residential construction and remodeling for eight years.
1990 – 2017 | L. Wagner & Associates: Director, Housing Rehabilitation Services.
CERTIFICATIONS:
State of Connecticut DOH CDBG 101
National Community Development Association
CDBG Basics: Training for Practitioners
National Community Development Association Home Basics Course
Certificate of Achievement – Administration of CDBG Program
Connecticut Community Development Association Housing Rehabilitation Training 4 Part Series Seminar
The National Environmental Health Association & National Center for Healthy Homes, Healthy Homes Specialist.
The National Healthy Homes Training Center Healthy Homes Practitioners Course
Healthy Homes Rating System Assessor
University of Massachusetts, Division of Continuing Education
Lead Inspector – CT 107E S3
Enviro-Med Services Inc, Lead Inspector Training
Environmental Training & Assessment RRP Certification
Lead Safe Work Practices Certification
U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development Visual Assessment Course
Cook College, Radon Measurement & Mitigation
Building Officials & Code Administrators International, Inc.
1&2 Family Dwelling Building Residential Inspection Seminar
Lorman Education Services Construction Lien Law
Lorman Education Services Comprehensive Construction Law