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HRA seeks state guidance on I Triple R use for Harborview repairs as funding rules complicate procurement
Summary
Cook County HRA raised procurement and prevailing-wage questions tied to an I Triple R award for Harborview repair work; staff is pursuing official guidance and prefers using available funds rather than returning state money if possible to preserve housing units.
HRA staff updated commissioners about unresolved questions over eligible uses and procurement rules for state I Triple R funds (referred to in the meeting as I Triple R/ITRRR) tied to the Harborview property. The owner and HRA staff want to use the state award to preserve units but need clarity on whether prevailing wage, project labor agreements and public-bid processes apply to the specific scope of work.
Staff described a potential workaround: a materials-only public procurement for windows and doors rather than contracting for installation, which could reduce the compliance burden while still lowering project costs. However, staff said they had not yet received definitive direction from the state program and will continue pursuing answers; a follow-up call with I Triple R staff was scheduled for Friday.
Commissioners emphasized the goal is to preserve Harborview housing units and asked staff to prioritize options that keep the project viable within funding rules. Staff also noted the owner has relevant experience with prevailing-wage and union projects in the region, which raises specific compliance questions for procurement design. The HRA said it would prefer to use the funds it can to preserve the property rather than return the state's award if compliance allows.
