The School Modernization Program provides state funds on an 80/20 basis – 80 percent from State Allocation Board (SAB) funds and 20 percent from General Obligation Bond measures, which are passed locally to improve educationally enhanced school facilities.

Projects eligible under this Program include such modifications as roofing, plumbing, lighting, flooring, and air conditioning. These activities are often impeded or significantly delayed by hazardous materials that require identification and removal prior to demolition or construction. The funds invested in the schools address the most critical building needs.

Education Code Section 17047 establishes the modernization grant for each pupil to be housed in buildings to be modernized. The SAB approved the annual adjustment to be granted on January 23, 2002. The "modernization grant" amount is intended to provide the State’s share of the necessary project costs including those associated with hazardous material found in building materials, fixtures or physically obstructing the modernization project activities.
The environmental work covered by the SAB includes:

• Asbestos inspections, assessment, sampling, and remediation
• Lead-based paint assessment, sampling, and remediation
• Mold assessment, sampling, and abatement
• Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) light ballast removal and disposal
• Old computers and monitors recycling and disposal
• Science laboratory chemical reagents relocation pre- and post-construction
• Hazardous waste removal and disposal

The SAB requires that State of California Office Department of General Services certify small business participants in the procurement process. As a Disadvantaged Small Business (DSB), certified by the State of California Office Department of General Services, MSES is positioned to meet SAB-funded modernization projects requirements relating to certified small business participation. We have participated in modernization contracts that required 100 percent performance and payment bonds because of the high risk factor and the aggressive time line established for the completion of the projects.

Our approach to asbestos, lead, and mold inspections, abatement, and monitoring is based on the experience of our key personnel and professional development demonstrated by direct experience, training and credentials. MSES uses Certified Asbestos Consultants, Certified Site Surveillance Technicians, Certified Lead Inspectors/Assessors, and Certified Hazardous Materials Managers who meet all Cal-OSHA and Cal-EPA training requirements to participate in activities relating to asbestos, lead, and chemical inspection/assessment.

We offer a well-established strategic performance approach in managing PCB light ballasts hazardous waste, computer equipment recycling and science laboratory relocation services for Bond Management Program Teams. This includes school districts, architects, construction managers, special consultants and a host of stakeholders.

Our technical methodology is based on sound principles, practices, and procedures developed through years of experience and understanding of school modernization project requirements, as well as through providing similar services to school districts within California for the last ten years. This proven experience, along with innovative project resource utilization, means expeditious and effective services to the Bond Management Teams.

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Program Certifications:

MSES is certified as a small business by the State of California, Department of General Services, Small Business and DVBE Certification Office, Ref #0020104 and as a Minority Business Enterprise by the Women & Minority Enterprise Clearinghouse pursuant to California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) General Order 156.