5-PY2026 HOME, HOME-ARP, CHDO Instructions.pdf

AFFORDABLE HOUSING SERVICES

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) HOME American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP)

Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO)

Program Year (PY) 2026

Brenda Brackins, Director

Hillsborough County PY 2026 HOME, HOME/CHDO, HOME-ARP Proposal - Instructions

INSTRUCTIONS

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Program Year (PY) 2026

Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services (AHS) announces the availability of funds for HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and HOME American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP) eligible projects, and the opening of the optional community housing development organization (CHDO) certification process in conjunction with this request for proposals for eligible non-profit organizations also applying for HOME and/or HOME-ARP funding. Eligible proposers may apply for CHDO certification under this RFP.

Program Year 2026 will begin October 1, 2026, and end September 30, 2027. Funding will not be available until after October 1, 2026. Disclaimer: The funding amount is based on the county’s estimated HUD allocation and is subject to change.

I. INTRODUCTION

Hillsborough County is a designated participating jurisdiction that receives HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and HOME-ARP funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist in the development of housing for low-income persons. HOME and HOME-ARP funding may be utilized for projects located in the unincorporated areas of the County and the City of Plant City and the City of Temple Terrace. The City of Tampa receives its own HOME funding allocation.

a) Please Note: Receiving HOME/HOME-ARP funding will require additional monitoring not only through AHS, but by HUD. Additional exposure to liability and costs (in real dollars and staff time, among other resources) comes with the rules and regulations associated with these federal funds. As such, we strongly encourage organizations to understand the administrative responsibilities that come with HOME/HOME-ARP funding and take that into consideration before applying. Please see the HOME Final Rule and HUD Notice CPD-21-10.

b) Proposers should be aware that HOME-ARP project funding must primarily benefit individuals and families who meet the definition of “qualifying populations” as specified in HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) HOME-ARP Implementation Notice CPD-21-10;

Requirements for the Use of Funds in the HOME-ARP Program. These eligibility requirements are different from the eligibility requirements which apply to HOME funding.

c) By submitting the attached application, the proposer acknowledges its understanding of and agrees to adhere to all Federal, State, and local requirements associated with the awarded funds.

II. OVERALL PROPOSAL RULES

a) Proposal Funding Request: A minimum of $300,000 and maximum of $2 million per project.

(Proposals less than $300,000 and exceeding $2M will not be considered). Disclaimer: The funding amount is based on the county’s estimated HUD allocation and is subject to change.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) HOME American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP)

Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/06/2024-29824/home-investment-partnerships-program-program-updates-and-streamlining https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/2021-10cpdn.pdf

b) AHS is seeking proposals for HOME, HOME-ARP or HOME/HOME-ARP CHDO projects. Proposers are to select the type of proposal being submitted on the attached application. Please note that proposers must comply with all requirements associated with each funding type.

c) In conjunction with this Request for Proposals, AHS will accept applications for CHDO certification with Hillsborough County from non-profit entities applying for funds for a specific local project under the HOME or HOME-ARP Program. AHS must certify the organization as meeting the definition of “community housing development organization” and document that the organization has the capacity to own, develop, or sponsor housing when it commits funds to the organization for an awarded HOME/HOME-ARP project. AHS will certify an organization as a CHDO only in conjunction with an awarded HOME/HOME-ARP project, an approved CHDO application, and an executed legally binding written agreement whereby CHDO funds are reserved and committed to a specific local project. Please refer to: 24 CFR 92.300 (a) Set-Aside for Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs).

d) The proposal must meet the guidelines provided in this Request for Proposals (RFP).

e) The cost to prepare and submit a proposal is the sole responsibility of the proposer and shall not be chargeable in any manner to the County.

f) Eligible HOME proposers must be non-profit entities that have been operating in good standing with the State of Florida for a minimum of two years.

g) HOME funds may be awarded to non-profit organizations for projects that benefit extremely low to moderate income households/persons (at or below eighty (80%) area median income) for eligible acquisition, rehabilitation, and new construction of multi-family rental and single family homebuyer properties and direct financial assistance to purchasers of HOME assisted homebuyer housing.

h) HOME-ARP funds may be awarded to non-profit or for-profit entities for projects that serve eligible populations under HUD Notice CPD-21-10. At least seventy percent (70%) of the affordable rental housing units acquired, rehabilitated, constructed, reconstructed or converted with HOME-ARP funds must be occupied by households categorized as qualifying populations under CPD-21-10 (“Qualifying Populations”), which includes households that are homeless, at-risk of homelessness or fleeing domestic violence (see CPD-21-10 for the full definition of Qualifying Populations). Units that are not restricted to occupancy by Qualifying Populations cannot exceed thirty percent (30%) of the total HOME-ARP assisted housing units and must be restricted for occupancy by low-income households at or below eighty (80%) AMI. HOME-ARP project proposals must include a minimum of ten (10) units reserved exclusively for tenancy by Qualifying Populations.

i) HOME-ARP eligible proposers must be non-profit or for-profit entities with experience administering local, state or federally funded affordable housing programs, and currently own and manage shelters or affordable rental units that have investments from local government entities.

j) HOME-ARP eligible proposers must have experience and prior funding/partnerships with Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City, Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative, the Tampa Housing Authority, or other local jurisdictions for HOME project funding similar in scope of services to those set forth herein with satisfactory performance. Eligible proposers must have at least two years of continuous experience as an entity which demonstrates financial and organizational capacity in each of the following areas:

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-92#92.300

i. The supply, acquisition, rehabilitation, construction, reconstruction of multi-family affordable housing rental units, or motel to multi-family rental unit conversions throughout the period of affordability for HOME-ARP project funding;

ii. Operation and management of rental housing units; and

iii. Providing affordable housing services to Qualifying Populations and low-income persons for government agencies and/or non-profit organizations similar in scale to the services proposed in its proposal response to this RFP, funded by federal funds, and furnished under contract.

k) Proposals must demonstrate that the agency has the financial viability to operate a federally funded program strictly on a reimbursement basis. A financially viable organization is able to:

i. Expend project costs pending reimbursement without financial hardship.

ii. Provide sufficient documentation to support all expenses.

l) Strategic Use and Alignment of Resources: Hillsborough County is designated as an entitlement community by HUD and is responsible for ensuring that resources available to the community are strategically utilized to maximize impact and effectiveness. The County reserves the right to match the funding allocations available to the proposals received to ensure alignment of resources with community needs and appropriate target populations. The County reserves the right to award more than one (1) funding source to a selected proposal if necessary to maximize a project’s effectiveness and overall impact. However, all proposals must be HOME eligible, and proposers may not request funds from an alternate source.

m) At the County’s discretion, the funding commitment may be decreased or increased based on funding availability and need.

n) The County anticipates awarding one or more contracts based upon the responses to this RFP but reserves the right to reject all proposals as needed. The County reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to decline a proposal if it is not in the best interest of the County to proceed.

o) The proposal application and attachments must be uploaded as separate files in Euna Procurement.

p) Proposers with existing or prior projects awarded through AHS that had grant funding (all or a portion) recaptured or returned to AHS for reallocation, whether incomplete or completed, or failed to meet the proposed project accomplishments, had untimely project close-outs, or failed to submit timely quarterly progress reports shall receive a reduction in total available points for the most recent project within the previous three (3) program years under the “Performance of Past Subrecipients” category.

q) A developer fee may be requested in an amount not to exceed fifteen (15%) of the total award from Hillsborough County. The final determination of the amount of the developer fee shall be determined by Hillsborough County.

r) Rehabilitation activities must, at a minimum, address all code violations and health and safety issues.

s) The proposed project must be shovel ready. Shovel ready means that the proposed project is past the planning, engineering and private/commercial funding stages. More specifically, the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment has been completed no more than six (6) months prior to the RFP application submittal with a “No Further Action” recommendation, the zoning and/or re-zoning for the proposed project is complete and has been approved by the County, site/subdivision development construction plans have been approved by the County and is verifiable in the Development Services system, full private/commercial funding of the construction phase is committed in writing, less the amount being requested under this RFP; and construction is ready to start pending the award of the general construction contractor.

t) Proposals must have documented site control. Documentation comprised of a recorded title, executed lease agreement, firm purchase contract, Option to Purchase, Option to Lease Long-Term agreement, or Local Government Resolution of the proposed site for which funding will be utilized. Site control documentation must not have any contingencies.

u) A Phase I Environmental Assessment using current techniques by a qualified environmental professional must be submitted with the proposal for applicable HOME projects. AHS will not be obligated to fund projects where adverse environmental factors delay the prompt execution of the funding agreement. See Environmental Review Procedures (24 CFR Part 58). (The cost of the Phase I Environmental Assessment will be the responsibility of the proposer. Not applicable for direct financial assistance projects).

v) For any proposed HOME-ARP project involving acquisition of a property, a current appraisal within 180 days prior to the application must be included in the RFP proposal.

w) Ineligible Proposals

Proposals deemed ineligible will not be considered for funding under this RFP. Factors which may result in ineligibility may include but are not limited to the following:

i. Proposals that are not HOME or HOME-ARP eligible and do not meet the guidelines in this RFP.

ii. Proposals with omitted information at the time of the submittal deadline will render the application incomplete and the proposal unresponsive/ineligible.

iii. Proposals that are incomplete, with inaccurate budget costs, and/or the funding request is less than the minimum amount or exceeds the RFP cap.

iv. Proposals that do not include the required documents listed in the (Required Home and Home-ARP Projects Documents Checklist) and Section E (Required CHDO Criteria Review Documents Checklist) in the application.

v. Proposals uploaded to the wrong solicitation in Euna Procurement.

vi. Proposals that are not shovel ready, do not have documented site control, or a Phase I Environmental Assessment.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-58?toc=1

x) Ineligible Proposers

Ineligible proposers will not be considered for funding under this RFP. Factors which may result in ineligibility may include but are not limited to:

i. Any party on the Excluded Parties List System (Home | SAM.gov) will be deemed ineligible for funding. This includes both the proposer and any partnering organization identified as part of the proposal.

ii. Proposers with partnerships, collaborations, and agreements with for-profit entities serving as the lead applicant. (Not applicable for HOME-ARP proposers)

iii. Proposers that do not have a non-profit incorporation and 501(c)(3) designation and have not filed I.R.S. Form 990, or Exemption Statement, or applicable “For Profit” Form, and have not received an audit conducted by an independent auditor. A certified financial statement is acceptable if an agency audit is not required.

iv. Proposers with two or more projects through AHS that are less than fifty percent (50%) complete and have less than fifty percent (50%) of AHS funds expended, as documented by the required Monthly/Quarterly Progress Reports and verified by AHS.

v. Proposers with an existing project funded through AHS that has been determined to be out-of-compliance with project requirements and/or has unresolved findings or concerns as documented by a County issued letter of non-compliance.

y) Successful Proposals/Proposers Must

i. Enter into an agreement that will be provided by AHS that incorporates the requirements of this RFP. A Sample Agreement is available upon request.

ii. Be ready to proceed (implement) the project at the time of funding. For projects that will not be able to move forward once an award is made (for reasons such as loss of leveraged funds, loss of site control, or environmental review issues), the County has the right to redistribute the funds to the next highest ranked eligible proposer.

iii. AHS will complete an underwriting and subsidy layering review prior to the execution of a written agreement or obligation of funds.

iv. Pay for project costs pending reimbursement.

v. Adhere to Build America, Buy America (BABA) Requirements: Pursuant to the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA), enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

Pub. L. 117-58, 41 U.S.C. § 8301 note, the federal financial assistance used to fund infrastructure projects is required to apply a domestic content procurement preference (the “Buy America Preference” or “BAP”) for all construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of infrastructure, including buildings and real property, unless application of the BAP has been waived by HUD.

Additional details on fulfilling the BABA requirements can be found at in CPD Notice-25-01 and at https://www.hud.gov/baba. (The BABA does not apply to HOME-ARP projects)

vi. Adhere to Section 3: Requires rehabilitation, construction or other public construction projects assisted with more than $200,000 of HUD financial assistance, provide training, employment, https://sam.gov/ https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/cpd-25-01.pdf https://www.hud.gov/baba contracting and other economic opportunities to low- and very low-income persons, to the greatest extent possible. Under certain circumstances, the project may be required to comply with Section 3, and it is the proposer’s responsibility to provide timely Section 3 reporting information to AHS using the required forms. For further guidance, see Section 3 Guidebook.

vii. Adhere to the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts: Requires that contractors and subcontractors pay their laborers and mechanics no less than the prevailing wage, as determined by the U.S.

Department of Labor, on federal construction projects exceeding $2,000 for the construction (rehabilitation or new construction) of housing that includes 12 or more units assisted with HOME funds. It is the proposer’s responsibility to provide timely labor reporting information to AHS using the required forms. See Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Coverage and Federal Labor Standards Requirements in HUD Programs for more information.

viii. Adhere to the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CWHSSA): Provides that all overtime hours involving the employment of laborers and mechanics must be compensated at a rate not less than one-and one-half times the regular basic rate of pay on federal and federally assisted contracts in excess of $100,000 where federal wage standards (e.g., Davis-Bacon or HUD-determined prevailing wage rates) are applicable. See CWHSSA and Federal Labor Standards Requirements in HUD Programs for more information.

ix. Ahere to the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Requirements: Housing built before 1978, assisted with HOME and HOME-ARP funds, is subject to the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act. See 24 CFR Part 35 and https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/lead-based-paint/ for more information.

x. Adhere to federal funding programmatic requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the agency being out of compliance and ineligible for future grant funding. The requirements include, but are not limited to:

a. Submit timely monthly, quarterly and Section 3 progress reports and adherence to AHS annual monitoring site visits. The reports will be used to assess the activity’s progress in achieving the HUD National Objectives and compliance with the HOME/HOME-ARP requirements.

b. Submit timely and properly supported requests for reimbursement. Funds must be expended in accordance with the expenditure deadlines in the subrecipient agreement.

c. Document and maintain records of persons served, services provided, and where applicable, household size and income documentation, and timely submit required beneficiary data to

AHS.

d. Timely submittal of annual HUD Labor Relations, Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), reporting information. (e.g., HUD Form 4010, HUD Form 2516).

e. Use the required reporting forms provided by AHS. The required forms may not be modified or replaced by other reporting methods. Failure to submit the required information needed for reporting and to fulfill HUD reporting requirements may result in the agency being out of compliance and ineligible for future grant funding.

xi. Projects must be shovel ready and are required to commence construction within twelve (12) months of execution of the funding agreement. Failure to commence construction or the proposed RFP HOME and/or HOME-ARP work within twelve (12) months will result in the agreement being terminated and the County will have no further obligation to fund the project.

https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/section-3/section-3-guidebook/welcome/ https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/prevailing-wage-resource-book/dbra-coverage#_What_Is_the https://www.hud.gov/hudclips/handbooks/sec#close https://www.hud.gov/hudclips/handbooks/sec#close https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/prevailing-wage-resource-book/dbra-coverage#_CONTRACT_WORK_HOURS_1 https://www.hud.gov/hudclips/handbooks/sec#close https://www.hud.gov/hudclips/handbooks/sec#close https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-35/subpart-A https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/lead-based-paint/

xii. Complete the scope of work and be occupied within two (2) years of the date of the executed funding agreement between Hillsborough County and the proposer.

III. CONSOLIDATED PLAN PRIORITIES/HOME ARP HOUSING GOALS

The 2021-2025 Hillsborough County Five (5) Year Consolidated Plan top priority needs consistent with this HOME RFP include the following:

a) Affordable Housing

Multifamily Housing, Single Family Housing, Homeownership Assistance, Acquisition, Rehabilitation, New/Reconstruction.

b) HOME ARP Housing Goals Produce or support the development of affordable housing units to qualifying populations. At least seventy percent (70%) of the affordable rental housing units acquired, rehabilitated or constructed with HOME-ARP funds must be occupied by households in the qualifying populations. The goal will address the affordable rental housing unit deficit and relieve the cost burden disproportionately felt by the qualifying populations. It will support the provision of decent housing by increasing the availability and accessibility of affordable housing. The County will address the priority need by funding the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, and new/reconstruction of ownership and multifamily rental housing.

IV. D-U-N-S NUMBER REQUIREMENT / SAMS UEI #

a) Systems for Award Management (SAM) Unique Identity ID Requirement All vendors, contractors, subcontractors, and agencies that wish to obtain federally funded contracts must register in the System for Award Management (SAM). As of April 4, 2022, the Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov is the authoritative identifier for those doing business with the federal government.

The Unique Entity ID is generated in SAM.gov. If currently registered in SAM.gov (whether active or inactive), a Unique Entity ID has already been provided. It is viewable at SAM.gov. If new to SAM.gov and registering for the first time, the Unique Entity ID (SAM) will be generated during registration.

V. SERVICE AREA

All County funded HOME, HOME/CHDO and HOME-ARP housing units must be in unincorporated Hillsborough County, the City of Plant City or the City of Temple Terrace. The service areas must be identified and be consistent with the County’s service area. The HOME/CHDO’s service area must be community-based. Projects within the corporate limits of the City of Tampa are not eligible.

VI. NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION STRATEGY AREAS (NRSA)

Hillsborough County designated specific areas or neighborhoods as Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas (NRSA) in the 2021-2025 NRSA Plan, as part of the 2021-2025 Consolidated Plan. The NRSA designation allows greater flexibility in the use of HOME funding for projects and activities that would promote the revitalization of those areas. Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services Department will determine if the program/project is in one of the County’s 8 Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas (NRSA). Bonus points are available for programs/projects/services provided in a NRSA. The County’s eight (8) NRSA areas are listed below and as identified at the following link:

hillsborough.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=1ce9a47948ea49ac9dc48819399412

• East Lake – Orient Park NRSA

• Gibsonton NRSA

• Palm River NRA

• Plant City NRSA

• Ruskin NRSA

• Town ‘n’ Country NRSA

• University NRSA

• Wimauma NRSA

VII. HOME PROJECTS

A. HOME Investment Partnerships Program

The HOME program was created by the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990.

1) Objectives The intent of the HOME Program is to:

• Provide decent affordable housing to lower income households

• Expand the capacity of nonprofit housing providers

• Strengthen the ability of state and local governments to provide housing

• Leverage private-sector participation

B. Eligible Activities

Eligible activities for which HOME funds awarded under this RFP may be used to acquire and/or rehabilitate rental housing and homebuyer properties, construct rental or homebuyer properties, or provide homeownership assistance for homebuyers of housing developed with HOME funds. A developer fee may be requested in an amount not to exceed 15% of the total HOME Proposal award request.

The following table outlines the eligible activities for HOME projects under this RFP:

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES for HOME Projects (Applies to all HOME projects under this RFP)

Acquisition/rehabilitation of rental housing New construction of multifamily rental housing Acquisition/rehabilitation of homebuyer properties New construction of multifamily and single family homebuyer properties Direct financial assistance (i.e. homeownership assistance and closing costs) to purchasers of newly proposed HOME assisted homebuyer housing. (Proposers must already be HUD-certified and approved by Hillsborough County) https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhillsborough.maps.arcgis.com%2Fapps%2Finstant%2Flookup%2Findex.html%3Fappid%3D1ce9a47948ea49ac9dc4881939941206&data=05%7C01%7CHollingerW%40HillsboroughCounty.ORG%7C8a1e34a432354f9f3aed08dbe9ecb0c1%7C81fe4c9d9bb849bd90ed89b8063f4c8a%7C1%7C0%7C638360976125199098%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UI7tCjUQBLIENKjObkIaYRGx2Ifd2sPJAsLtnUNBevA%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhillsborough.maps.arcgis.com%2Fapps%2Finstant%2Flookup%2Findex.html%3Fappid%3D1ce9a47948ea49ac9dc4881939941206&data=05%7C01%7CHollingerW%40HillsboroughCounty.ORG%7C8a1e34a432354f9f3aed08dbe9ecb0c1%7C81fe4c9d9bb849bd90ed89b8063f4c8a%7C1%7C0%7C638360976125199098%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UI7tCjUQBLIENKjObkIaYRGx2Ifd2sPJAsLtnUNBevA%3D&reserved=0

C. Ineligible Activities The following activities are not eligible under this RFP:

1) Tenant-based rental assistance.

2) Rehabilitation of owner-occupied properties.

3) Direct home buyer assistance for existing housing (not developed, owned, or sponsored by the

CHDO)

D. Expenditure Requirements

1) Projects must be completed within the timeframe set forth in the written agreement with the

County.

Additionally, any homebuyer unit that has not been sold to an eligible homebuyer within nine months of completion must be converted to a HOME rental unit that complies with all HOME requirements for the period of affordability applicable to such rental units.

E. Periods of Affordability

F. Minimum/Maximum Investment Amounts

1) Minimum HOME Investment The minimum amount of HOME funds that must be invested in a project involving rental housing or homeownership is $1,000 multiplied by the number of HOME assisted units in the project. The minimum only applies to the HOME funds in a project and does not include any other funds.

Homeownership Assistance HOME Amount Per Unit

Minimum Period of Affordability

Under $25,000 5 years

$25,000 to $50,000 10 years

Over $50,000 15 years

New Construction 20 years

Rental Housing Activity HOME Subsidy Unit Must Remain Affordable for at Least

Rehabilitation or acquisition of existing housing per-unit amount of HOME funds

Less than $25,000/unit 5 years $25,000-$50,000/unit 10 years

Greater than $50,000 15 years

Rehabilitation with refinancing Greater than $50,000 15 years

New construction or acquisition of newly constructed housing Any amount 20 years

2) Maximum HOME Investment The maximum per unit HOME subsidy varies by jurisdiction and is determined by HUD. The applicable Maximum Subsidy Limits, HOME Program, effective February 2024 are listed below:

The maximum subsidy limits as revised and provided by HUD will applicable at the writing of the funding agreement.

2024 Maximum Subsidy Limits 0 Bedrooms 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom $204,174 $234,055 $284,618 $368,204 $404,171

G. Rent And Occupancy Requirements

HOME distinguishes between the units in a project that have been assisted with HOME funds and those that have not. A project may consist of units with various sizes and amenities, some of which may be HOME assisted, while others are not. A HOME assisted unit is a term that refers to the units within a HOME project for which rent, occupancy and/or resale restrictions apply. The number of units designated as HOME assisted affects the maximum HOME subsidies that may be provided to a project.

Each HOME assisted rental unit is subject to rent limits that make rents affordable to low-income households. These maximum rents are referred to as “HOME rents.” HUD publishes the rent schedule each year based on changes in area income levels or market conditions.

FY 2025 Home Program Rents

SRO/EFF 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR 4 BR 5 BR 6 BR

Low Rent

$912 $977 $1173 $1356 $1512 $1669 $1825

High Rent

$1168 $1252 $1504 $1729 $1909 $2088 $2267

Current HUD Rent Limits as of June 1, 2025

**For properties with both assisted and non-assisted units, there must be a designation of “fixed” or “floating” units. Fixed units are the specific units that are HOME-assisted that are designated at the time of project commitment. These units never change and are subject to HOME rents and occupancy standards. Floating units are units that are HOME-assisted but may change over time. The total number of HOME-assisted units remains constant over time, and all floating units are subject to HOME rents and occupancy standards.

H. Income Eligibility Standards and Set-Asides

Hillsborough County uses the HUD method of calculating annual income for HOME program participants found at 24 CFR Part 5. Projects receiving HOME funds must follow this method in the determination of participant eligibility in HOME assisted housing units.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-5

Rental projects subsidized by the HOME Program must comply with the Program Funds Rule and the Project Rule, as established by HUD. The Program Funds Rule states that 90% of total households assisted (HOME subsidized units) must have incomes that do not exceed 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The Project Rule specifies the occupancy of units in each rental project. In projects of 5 or more HOME assisted units, at least 20% of the HOME assisted units must be occupied by families who have annual incomes that are 50% or less of the AMI (Low Home Rent Units). Projects with fewer than 5 HOME assisted units do not have to restrict any units to Low HOME Rents or limit occupancy to tenants at 50% percent or below of the AMI. Homebuyers/tenants may not exceed 80% AMI.

VIII. HOME-ARP PROJECTS

Hillsborough County will provide HOME-ARP funding to address the housing and service needs of the County’s most vulnerable populations and achieve the goal of production and preservation of affordable housing and supportive services. The County will address the priority need by funding the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, and new/reconstruction of ownership and multifamily rental housing. Qualifying non-profit or for-profit agencies will be evaluated on their experience and capacity to acquire, construct, rehabilitate, reconstruct, convert and manage multi-family rental properties. More than one entity may be selected to provide HOME-ARP services under this RFP. Preference will be given to proposed HOME-ARP projects that will add to the County’s available housing inventory (e.g., new construction on vacant, uninhabited land, conversion of commercial space such as motels, schools, warehouses to multi-family rental units, and rehabilitation of uninhabitable housing).

A. Qualifying Populations The County adheres to HUD Notice CPD-21-10 to define the Qualifying Populations, or eligible populations for HOME-ARP funded projects. At least seventy percent (70%) of the affordable rental housing units acquired, rehabilitated constructed, reconstructed or converted with HOME-ARP funds must be occupied by households in the Qualifying Populations. No more than thirty percent (30%) of housing units may be restricted for occupancy by low-income households at or below eighty percent (80%) AMI. HOME-ARP project proposals shall consist of a minimum of ten (10) units reserved exclusively for tenancy by Qualifying Populations. While proposers should refer to CPD-21-10 for

Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Adjusted HOME Income Limits – Effective June 1, 2025

FY 25

Income Limit Area

Program 1 Person

Perso n

Perso n

Perso n

Perso n

Perso n

Person

Person

Tampa-St.

Petersburg- Clearwater, FL MSA

(Hillsboroug h County)

30% AMI

Extremely

Low Income

21,950 25,050 28,200 31,300 33,850 36,350 38,850 41,350

50% AMI

Very Low Income

36,500 41,700 46,950 52,150 56,350 60,500 64,700 68,850

80% AMI

Low

Income

58,450 66,800 75,150 83,450 90,150 96,850 103,50

110,200 the complete definition of Qualifying Populations, in general, eligible populations include individuals and households which are:

1. Homeless, as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 Homeless (1), (2), (3)

2. At Risk of Homelessness, as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 At Risk of Homelessness.

3. Fleeing or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking, as defined by HUD Notice CPD-21-10; or

4. Other Populations, where providing supportive services or assistance under section 212(a) of

NAHA (42 U.S.C. 12742(a) would prevent the family’s homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability. HUD defines these populations as individuals and households who do not qualify under any of the populations above but meet one of the following criteria:

i. Other Families Requiring Services or Housing Assistance to Prevent Homelessness

ii. At Greatest Risk of Housing Instability

5. Veterans and Families that include a Veteran Family Member that meet one of the criteria for one of the qualifying populations described above.

B. Eligible Activities (Under this RFP)

Eligible HOME-ARP activities under this RFP include acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing, including reconstruction as defined in 24 CFR 92.2. Acquisition of vacant land or demolition may be undertaken only with respect to a HOME-ARP project for which construction is expected to start within 12 months of commitment. Please refer to the HOME-ARP Program Fact Sheets for more information. A developer fee may be requested in an amount not to exceed 15% of the total HOME-ARP Proposal award request.

The following table outlines the eligible activities for HOME-ARP projects under this RFP:

C. Eligible Costs (Under this RFP)

HOME-ARP funds may pay for up to 100 percent of the following eligible costs associated with HOME-ARP rental units:

1. Development Hard Costs - including the actual cost of constructing and rehabilitating housing to meet applicable property standards. Eligible development costs also include:

a) site improvements

b) utility connections

c) costs to construct or rehabilitate laundry and community facilities located within the same building as the HOME-ARP housing

2. Refinancing - of existing debt secured by a HOME-ARP rental project rehabilitated with HOME-

ARP funds.

3. Acquisition costs - of improved or unimproved real property.

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES for HOME-ARP Projects (Applies to all HOME-ARP projects under this RFP)

Acquisition of property to convert to multifamily rental units Rehabilitation of housing units and rehabilitation/conversion of property to convert to multi-family rental units New Construction/Reconstruction of multifamily rental housing units https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-91/subpart-A/section-91.5 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-91/subpart-A/section-91.5 https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/2021-10cpdn.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title42/pdf/USCODE-2023-title42-chap130-subchapII-partA-sec12742.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-92/subpart-A/section-92.2 https://www.hudexchange.info/resource/6480/home-arp-implementation-notice-fact-sheets/ https://www.hudexchange.info/resource/6480/home-arp-implementation-notice-fact-sheets/

4. Related soft costs - including reasonable and necessary costs incurred by the County or project owner associated with the financing, development, acquisition, or rehabilitation of HOME-APR rental housing.

5. Relocation costs - as defined in 24 CFR 92.206(f), 24 CFR 92.353, and CPD-21-10.

6. Certain costs - related to the payment of construction, bridge, or guaranteed loans, if HOME-ARP is part of original financing.

7. Operating cost assistance - through a capitalized operating reserve or ongoing operating cost payments, for HOME-ARP units restricted for occupancy by qualifying households.

D. Eligible Beneficiaries HOME-ARP funds can only be invested in units restricted for Qualifying Populations or low-income households as follows: At least seventy percent (70%) of the affordable rental housing units acquired, rehabilitated constructed, reconstructed or converted with HOME-ARP funds must be occupied by households in the Qualifying Populations. No more than thirty percent (30%) of the total number of rental units assisted with HOME-ARP funds may be occupied by low-income households at or below eighty (80%) AMI as defined in 24 CFR 92.2. At least ten (10) units per project shall be reserved exclusively for tenancy by Qualifying Populations.

E. Occupancy Requirements

1. Qualifying Populations - Units restricted for occupancy by Qualifying Populations must be occupied by households that meet the definition of a Qualifying Population (“Qualifying Household”) at the time of admission to the HOME-ARP unit. A Qualifying Household after admission retains its eligibility to occupy a HOME-ARP rental unit restricted for Qualifying Populations, irrespective of the Qualifying Household’s changes in income or whether the household continues to meet the definition of a Qualifying Population. As such, a unit restricted for a Qualifying Household remains in compliance with the HOME-ARP unit restriction as long as the unit is occupied by a Qualifying Household that met the definition of a Qualifying Population at the time of admission.

2. Low Income Households - At initial occupancy, units restricted for low-income households must be occupied by households that meet the definition of low-income in 24 CFR 92.2. If a tenant’s income increases above the applicable low-income limit during the minimum 15-year compliance period, the unit will be considered temporarily out of compliance. Noncompliance requires the County to take action in accordance with the rent and unit mix requirements in HUD Notice CPD- 21-10, Sections VI.B.15 and VI.B.17, respectively.

F. Project Requirements

1. Property Standards - HOME-ARP rental units must comply with all rental property standards required in 24 CFR 92.251 paragraphs (a), (b), (c)(1) and (2), (e), and (f).

2. Minimum Compliance Period - HOME-ARP rental units must comply with the HOME-ARP rental requirements for a minimum of 15 years, irrespective of the amount of HOME-ARP funds invested in the project or the activity undertaken.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-92/subpart-A/section-92.2 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-92/subpart-A/section-92.2 https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/2021-10cpdn.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-92/subpart-F/section-92.251

G. Periods of Affordability

H. Minimum /Maximum Investment Amounts

1. Minimum Amount of Assistance - The minimum amount of HOME-ARP funds that must be invested in a rental housing project is $1,000 times the number of HOME-ARP-assisted units in the project as established in 24 CFR 92.205(c).

2. Maximum Subsidy Per-Unit - is $131,814.00. (All costs paid by HOME-ARP funds must comply with the requirements of HUD Notice CPD 21.10 and the Cost Principles at 2 CFR part 200, subpart E of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, as amended.

I. Rent Limits

HOME-ARP establishes rent limitations for units restricted for Qualifying Households and units restricted for low-income households as follows and the Table below:

1. Units Restricted for Occupancy by Qualifying Households: The HOME-ARP rent may not exceed 30% of the adjusted income of a household whose annual income is equal to or less than 50% of the median income for the area, as determined by HUD, with adjustments for number of bedrooms in the unit.

2. Units Restricted for Occupancy by low-income households: HOME-ARP rental units occupied by low income households must comply with the rent limitations in 24 CFR 92.252(a) (i.e., the lesser of the Fair Market Rent for existing housing for comparable units in the area, as established by HUD, or a rent equal to 30 percent of the income of a family at 65 percent of median income for the area, as determined by HUD, with adjustments for number of bedrooms in the unit).

3. Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Units: A HOME-ARP rental project may consist of SRO units. For the purposes of HOME-ARP rental, a SRO unit is defined as a unit that is the primary residence of the occupant(s) and must at least contain sanitary facilities but may also contain food preparation facilities. A project’s designation as a SRO cannot be inconsistent with the building’s zoning and building code classification. If the SRO units have both sanitary and food preparation facilities, the maximum HOME-ARP rent is based on the zero-bedroom fair market rent. If the SRO unit has only sanitary facilities, the maximum HOME-ARP rent is based on 75 percent of the zero-bedroom fair market rent.

4. Tenant Contribution to Rent for Qualifying Households: A Qualifying Household may not contribute to rent more than is affordable based on the County’s determination of the household’s income.

Rental Housing Activity HOME-ARP Subsidy Unit Must Remain Affordable for at Least

Rehabilitation or acquisition of existing housing per-unit amount of HOME-ARP funds

Less than $25,000/unit 5 years $25,000-$50,000/unit 10 years

Greater than $50,000 15 years

Rehabilitation with refinancing Greater than $50,000 15 years

New construction or acquisition of newly constructed housing Any amount 20 years https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-92/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRf448ea7bbdfb69a/section-92.205 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-92/subpart-F/section-92.252

FY 2025 HOME Program Rents

SRO/(75%) SRO/EFF 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR 4 BR 5 BR 6 BR

Low Rent N/A $912 $977 $1173 $1356 $1512 $1669 $1825 High Rent $1168 $1168 $1252 $1504 $1729 $1909 $2088 $2267

Current HUD Rent Limits as of June 1, 2025

J. Household Income Limits

1. Qualifying Households: At initial occupancy and each subsequent year during the minimum 15-year compliance period, the County must use the definition of annual income at 24 CFR 5.609 and the process described in HUD Notice CPD 21.10 to determine the Qualifying Household’s contribution to rent.

2. Low-Income Households: The County must use the definition of annual income at 24 CFR

5.609 and the process described in HUD Notice CPD 21.10 to examine the household’s income at initial occupancy and each subsequent year during the minimum 15-year compliance period to determine the household’s ongoing income eligibility and applicable contribution to rent.

3. Changes In Income and Over-Income Households:

i. Qualifying Households: A Qualifying Household whose annual income at the time of recertification is above 50% of AMI but at or below 80% AMI must pay the rent specified in 24 CFR 92.252(a).

ii. Low-Income Households: A low-income household whose income is above 80% AMI must pay rent that complies with the over income regulatory requirements at 24 CFR 92.252(h)(2), which includes requirements applicable to HOME units that also have LIHTC restrictions.

K. Unit Designation

The County must determine the number of HOME-ARP units in the project restricted for Qualifying Households and low-income households, respectively, and whether the units are fixed or floating units at the time of project commitment. The total number of HOME-ARP rental units restricted for occupancy by Qualifying Households and the total number of HOME-ARP rental units restricted for low-income households must be identified as separate totals in the written agreement. In a project containing HOME-ARP and other units, the County must designate fixed or floating HOME-ARP

Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Adjusted HOME Income Limits – Effective June 1, 2025 FY 25 Income

Limit Area Program 1 Person

Person

Person

Person

Person

Person

Person

Person

Tampa-St.

Petersburg- Clearwater, FL MSA

(Hillsborough

County)

30% AMI

Extremely

Low Income

21,950 25,050 28,200 31,300 33,850 36,350 38,850 41,350

50% AMI

Very Low Income

36,500 41,700 46,950 52,150 56,350 60,500 64,700 68,850

80% AMI

Low Income

58,450 66,800 75,150 83,450 90,150 96,850 103,500 110,200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-5#se24.1.5_1609 file://Hcbocc.ad/dfs/AHO/GROUPS/5%20PLANNING%20&%20REPORTING/RFP,%20RFQ,%20ITB/RFP%20RFQ%20PY%202026/HOME/RFP%20Package/Instructions/CPD-21-10 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-5#se24.1.5_1609 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-5#se24.1.5_1609 file://Hcbocc.ad/dfs/AHO/GROUPS/5%20PLANNING%20&%20REPORTING/RFP,%20RFQ,%20ITB/RFP%20RFQ%20PY%202026/HOME/RFP%20Package/Instructions/CPD-21-10 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-92/subpart-F/section-92.252 units in accordance with 24 CFR 92.252(j). The project must maintain this unit mix throughout the compliance period.

L. Maintaining Unit Mix

At the time of admission to a HOME-ARP rental unit, a household must meet the definition for at least one of the Qualifying Populations or be determined to be a low-income household, depending on the applicable HOME-ARP restriction on the rental unit to which it is being admitted and in accordance with the written agreement.

M. Lease and Tenant Protections Each household that occupies a HOME-ARP assisted unit must execute a lease that complies with the tenant protection requirements prescribed in HUD Notice CPD 21.10.

N. Project-Specific Waitlists On a project-by-project basis, the County will determine whether a project owner may use a Continuum of Care’s (CoC’s) Coordinated Entry (CE) and other referral sources, or a project-specific waitlist to select qualifying households for HOME-ARP units restricted for occupancy by Qualifying Households. A project owner must use a project-specific waitlist to select low-income households to occupy units restricted for occupancy by low-income households. The written agreement between the County and the project owner must specify the method the owner must use for selecting Qualifying Households for admission to HOME-ARP units.

O. Supply, Acquisition, Rehabilitation, Construction, Reconstruction, Conversion of HOME-ARP Projects The County shall have no ownership interest in any HOME-ARP Project awarded as a result of this RFP, unless otherwise provided herein. However, (a) the County shall hold a mortgage and note on any HOME-ARP Project property in which the County has provided funding to an awardee to acquire, rehab, convert and/or construct property and (b) prior to funding by the County, proposer shall record a land use restriction agreement in the Official Records of Hillsborough County, Florida, restricting the use of the HOME-ARP Project as set forth in this RFP and in the written agreement, to include but not be limited to, income restrictions, rental rate restrictions, and residency restrictions. Such land use restriction agreement shall be subject to the approval of the County prior to recording. HOME- ARP project proposals shall consist of a minimum of ten (10) units reserved exclusively for tenancy by Qualifying Populations. At least seventy percent (70%) of the affordable rental housing units acquired, rehabilitated constructed, reconstructed or converted with HOME-ARP funds must be occupied by households in the qualifying populations. No more than thirty percent (30%) of housing units may be restricted for occupancy by low-income households at or below eighty (80%) AMI.

1. Acquisition of land, housing units, and/or acquisition of property to convert to affordable multifamily rental units – RFP proposals may include plans to purchase land, housing units and/or other use-property with plans to convert into affordable housing multifamily rental units.

2. Rehabilitation of housing units and rehabilitation/conversion of property to convert to multi-family rental units – RFP proposals may include plans to rehabilitate housing or convert motel property to multifamily rental units.

3. New Construction/Reconstruction of multifamily rental housing units – RFP proposals may include plans to construction affordable housing units on land it already owns and/or on land it plans to acquire as described in 1. Acquisition of land, housing units, and/or acquisition of property to convert to affordable multifamily rental units above.

Proposers may not propose any existing housing units it holds in its portfolio that does not file://Hcbocc.ad/dfs/AHO/GROUPS/5%20PLANNING%20&%20REPORTING/RFP,%20RFQ,%20ITB/RFP%20RFQ%20PY%202026/HOME/RFP%20Package/Instructions/CPD-21-10 require rehabilitation and/or renovation to serve as affordable housing units. Award funds from this RFP are not eligible for and shall not be utilized/applied by an awardee to any pre-existing costs and expenses (e.g., land costs, construction costs, unit purchase cost, rehabilitation costs) for such awardee’s existing rental housing portfolio that does not require rehabilitation.

P. Eligible HOME-ARP Rental Housing Types (Including but not limited to):

1. Single-Room Occupancy (“SRO”) Units – An SRO unit is defined as a unit that is the primary residence of the occupant(s) and must a least contain sanitary facilities but may also contain food…