86614624Q00001-0002 HIR-AHS - 07-22-24.pdf

(x)

86614624Q00001 x x copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

HUD-NFSF

FORT WORTH TX 76102

SUITE 1000

307 W 7TH STREET

US DEPARTMENT OF HUD

07/22/20240002

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

06/26/2024

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

86614624Q00001, Amendment 0002

HIR for the AHS

A. The purpose of this amendment is as follows:

1. Extend Quote Submission due date to Friday, August 2, 2024 at 2:00 PM (ET).

2. Provide responses to Questions and Comments posed prior to Friday, July 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM (ET).

3. Extend Question and Comments acceptance to Friday, July 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM (ET).

Continued ...

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

CATHY J. BAKER

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 114

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

86614624Q00001/0002

4. Revise CLIN 0005AA and AB in SECTION B -

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COST

5. Revise SECTION C - PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

6. Revise Contract Specialist and Key Personnel & G.1.1 in SECTION G -

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

7. Revise SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT

REQUIREMENTS

8. Revise Attachments J.2, J.6 and J.7 and add Attachment J.8 to SECTION J - LIST OF

ATTACHMENTS

9. Revise SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

B. All other terms and conditions remain the same. The Offeror shall review all of Amendment

0002.

See SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION Pages

Summary of Changes for Amendment 0002

Period of Performance: 09/30/2024 to 09/29/2025

Change Item 0001 to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0001 Base - Project Management - PWS Section C.5.1

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

Change Item 0001AA to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0001AA Base - Orientation Meeting - PWS Section C.5.1.1 1 EA

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Not Separately Priced)

Change Item 0001AB to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0001AB Base - Management Plan - PWS Section C.5.1.2 1 EA

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Not Separately Priced)

Change Item 0001AC to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0001AC Base - Monthly Progress Reports and Ongoing 12 EA

Communication- PWS Section C.5.1.3

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

Continued ...

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

3 114

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

86614624Q00001/0002

(Not Separately Priced)

Change Item 0001AD to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0001AD Option 1 - Monthly Progress Reports and Ongoing 12 EA

Communication- PWS Section C.5.1.3

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

(Not Separately Priced)

Period of Performance: 09/30/2025 to 09/29/2026

Change Item 0002 to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0002 Base - Generate an Updated Literature Review on

Housing Insecurity - PWS Section C.5.2

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

Change Item 0002AA to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0002AA Base - Analytic Brief on the 2023 Measuring 1 EA

Housing Insecurity: Index Development Using

American Housing Survey (AHS) Data Report - PWS

Section C.5.2.1

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Not Separately Priced)

Change Item 0002AB to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0002AB Base - Generate Literature Review on Housing 1 EA

Insecurity - PWS Section C.5.2.2

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Not Separately Priced)

Change Item 0003 to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0003 Base - Convene an Expert Roundtable on Housing

Insecurity - PWS Section C.5.3

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

Change Item 0003AA to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0003AA Base - Identification of Experts List - PWS 1 EA

Section C.5.3.1

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

Continued ...

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

4 114

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

86614624Q00001/0002

(Not Separately Priced)

Change Item 0003AB to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0003AB Base - Develop Program for Expert Roundtable - 1 EA

PWS Section C.5.3.2

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Not Separately Priced)

Change Item 0003AC to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0003AC Base - Hold Expert Roundtable - PWS Section 1 EA

C.5.3.3

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Not Separately Priced)

Change Item 0003AD to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0003AD Base - Generate Expert Roundtable Feedback Report 1 EA

- PWS Section C.5.3.4

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Not Separately Priced)

Change Item 0003AE to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0003AE Base - Honorarium - PWS Section C.5.3.5 10 EA

Anticipated Award Type: Cost

(Not Separately Priced)

Change Item 0004 to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0004 Base - Develop Analysis Plans for Years 1 & 2 of the Contract - PWS Section C.5.4

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

Change Item 0004AA to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0004AA Base - Generate Analysis Plan for Contract Year 1 1 EA

- PWS Section C.5.4.1

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Not Separately Priced)

Change Item 0004AB to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

Continued ...

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

5 114

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

86614624Q00001/0002

0004AB Base - Generate Analysis Plan for Contract Year 2 1 EA

- PWS Section C.5.4.2

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Not Separately Priced)

Change Item 0005 to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0005 Base - Perform Initial Analysis of American

Housing Survey Public-Use File Data - PWS Section

C.5.5

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

Change Item 0005AA to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0005AA Base - Develop Code for the Analysis of AHS 1 EA

Public Use Data - PWS Section C.5.5.1

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Not Separately Priced)

Change Item 0005AB to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0005AB Base - Using the Code (A017), Conduct Initial 1 EA

Analysis of Housing Insecurity using AHS

Public-Use File Data - PWS Section C.5.5.2

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Not Separately Priced)

Change Item 0005AC to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0005AC Option 1 - Final Analysis Plan for Contract Years 1 EA

2, Informed by Results of Initial Analysis - PWS

Section C.5.5.3

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

(Not Separately Priced)

Period of Performance: 09/30/2025 to 09/29/2026

Change Item 0006 to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0006 Option 1 - Produce Interim Report- PWS Section

C.5.6

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

Period of Performance: 09/30/2025 to 09/29/2026

Continued ...

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

6 114

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

86614624Q00001/0002

Change Item 0006AA to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0006AA Option 1 - Generate one Interim Report Containing 1 EA

Writeup of Preliminary Analysis (Option Year 1) -

PWS Section C.5.6.1

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

(Not Separately Priced)

Period of Performance: 09/30/2025 to 09/29/2026

Change Item 0006AB to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0006AB Option 1 - Prepare one Interim Report Briefing 1 EA

Document (Option Year 1) - PWS Section C.5.6.2

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

(Not Separately Priced)

Period of Performance: 09/30/2025 to 09/29/2026

Change Item 0006AC to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0006AC Option 1 - Deliver one Interim Report Briefing 1 EA

Meeting (Option Year 1) - PWS Section C.5.6.3

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

(Not Separately Priced)

Period of Performance: 09/30/2025 to 09/29/2026

Change Item 0007 to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0007 Option 1 - Produce Final Report- PWS Section C.5.7

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

Period of Performance: 09/30/2025 to 09/29/2026

Change Item 0007AA to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0007AA Option 1 - Drafts 1 and 2 of Final Report (Option 1 EA

Year 1) - PWS Section C.5.7.1

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

(Not Separately Priced)

Period of Performance: 09/30/2025 to 09/29/2026

Continued ...

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

7 114

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

86614624Q00001/0002

Change Item 0007AB to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0007AB Option 1 - Prepare Final Report Briefing Document 1 EA

(Option Year 1) - PWS Section C.5.7.2

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

(Not Separately Priced)

Period of Performance: 09/30/2025 to 09/29/2026

Change Item 0007AC to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0007AC Option 1 - Deliver Final Report Briefing Meeting 1 EA

(Option Year 1)- PWS Section C.5.7.3

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

(Not Separately Priced)

Period of Performance: 09/30/2025 to 09/29/2026

Change Item 0007AD to read as follows(amount shown is the obligated amount):

0007AD Option 1 - Generate Publication-Ready Final 1 EA

Report (Option Year 1)- PWS Section C.5.7.4

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

(Not Separately Priced)

Period of Performance: 09/30/2025 to 09/29/2026

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

CONTINUATION OF SF 30 BLOCK 14 Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

Summary of Changes for Amendment 0002

A. The purpose of this amendment is as follows:

Revisions in Amendment 0002 are in red ink and highlighted in yellow.

1. Extend Quote Submission due date to Friday, August 2, 2024 at 2:00 PM (ET).

2. Provide responses to Questions and Comments posed prior to Friday, July 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM (ET).

3. Extend Question and Comments acceptance to Friday, July 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM (ET).

4. Revise SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COST

a. CLIN 0005AA Description

FROM: Develop Statistical Analysis System (SAS) Code for the Analysis of AHS Public Use Data TO: Develop Code for the Analysis of AHS Public Use Data

b. CLIN 0005AB Description FROM: Using the Revised SAS Code (A017), Conduct Initial Analysis of Housing Insecurity using AHS

Public-Use File TO: Using the Revised Code (A017), Conduct Initial Analysis of Housing Insecurity using AHS

Public-Use File

5. Revise SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

a. C.1.1 Scope of Work – Revise coding verbiage.

b. C.5.0.a. Editorial Standards – Incorporate revised PWS verbiage.

c. C.5.3.1 Identify the leading experts on Housing Insecurity Research and Measurement, with guidance from HUD – Incorporate revised PWS verbiage.

d. C.5.4.2 Generate Analysis Plan for Contract Year 2 – Incorporate revised PWS verbiage.

e. C.5.5.1 thru C.7.1 – Align coding verbiage with clarified requirements.

f. C.6.0 Deliverables – Revise “Due After Effective Date” table column for deliverable A015 and Deliverable

Names for A016, A017, A018, A019, A022 & A028 to align coding verbiage with clarified requirements.

g. C.7.0 Performance Requirement Summary (PRS) – Revise Statements & Standards/AQLs for Statement

5.4.2, 5.5.1, 5.5.2, 5.6.1, 5.7.1.

6. Revise SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

a. G.1.1 HUDAR 2452.232-70 PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND INVOICE SUBMISSION (FIXED-PRICE) (Deviation MAY 2017)

CLIN 0005AA Description FROM: Develop Statistical Analysis System (SAS) Code for the Analysis of AHS Public Use Data TO: Develop Code for the Analysis of AHS Public Use Data

CLIN 0005AB Description FROM: Using the Revised SAS Code (A017), Conduct Initial Analysis of Housing Insecurity using AHS

TO: Using the Revised Code (A017), Conduct Initial Analysis of Housing Insecurity using AHS

CONTINUATION OF SF 30 BLOCK 14 Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

b. G.3 Email Addresses -Payment Office, COR and Contracting Officer

The Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist Submission is changed as follows:

Contract Specialist FROM: trevor.a.simon@hud.gov TO: timothy.d.smith@hud.gov

c. G.5 HUDAR 2452.237-70 KEY PERSONNEL – Add Key Personnel position Senior Technical Staff, tasks to be assigned to Key Person, “Deputy Research Director.”

d. G.6 Key Personnel and Other Personnel Minimum Experience and Education Requirements – Add Senior

Technical Saff (Deputy Research Director) (Key Personnel) Title, Description and Qualifications & revise Project Manager, Senior Analyst, Analyst and Research Assistant Qualifications to allow for broader inclusion of coding languages.

7. Revise SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

a. H.2 HUDAR 2452.227-70 GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

d. Code and/or files from the previous contract may be provided to the contractor upon request, subject to approval for release by the Census Disclosure Review Board.

8. Revise SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

a. Attachment J.2 - Labor Mix-Level of Effort Spreadsheet for Multi-Year – Updated IAW Section G revisions.

b. Attachment J.6 - Section B Prices and Contract Personnel Spreadsheet – Updated IAW Section G revisions.

c. Attachment J.7 - Price Proposal Spreadsheet – Updated IAW Section G revisions.

d. Attachment J.8 – Questions & Answers

9. Revise SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L.12 QUOTE SUBMISSION

(a) All offerors shall submit their proposals no later than August 2, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. (ET).

L.10 QUOTE QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

All questions regarding this solicitation will be accepted through July 26, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. (ET).

B. 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

All other terms and conditions remain the same. The Offeror shall review all of Amendment 0002.

mailto:trevor.a.simon@hud.gov mailto:timothy.d.smith@hud.gov

SECTION A – SOLICITATION SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

Table of Contents Page

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS………………………………………...…

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS).………………………

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING…………………………………………………………………49

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE…………………………………………………………….50

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE……………………………………………………………51

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA……………………………………………………...55

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS…………………………………………………….59

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES…………………………………………………………………………...70

PART III – LIST OF ASTTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS…………………………………...……...…………………………...80

PART IV – REPRESENTASTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K –REPRESENTATION, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

OFFERORS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………81

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS………………………..99

SECTION M – EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD…………………………………………………...111

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 Contract Definition This is a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract under the authority of FAR Part 12 and 13.5- Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Products and Commercial Services under NAICS Code 541720 – Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities for performance of the services stated in Section C, Performance Work Statement. This is a small business set-aside.

This is a multiple-year contract. See Section F for period of performance.

B.2 Description of Services

The contractor shall provide services for the Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS for the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R).

The Contractor shall generate an updated literature review on housing insecurity (including an analytic review of the report “Measuring Housing Insecurity: Index Development Using American Housing Survey Data”), convene an expert roundtable on housing insecurity, develop a plan for analyses to be carried out at the end of the first year and through the second year of the contract – with a particular focus and emphasis upon developing an index to measure housing insecurity, develop programs to analyze AHS public use data, perform an initial analysis of this data, and produce interim and final reports for researchers and policymakers internal to HUD emphasizing the methodological developments that have been made through this work to creating an index to measure housing insecurity.

B.3 Contract Line-Item Numbers and Prices

The amount to be paid to the Contractor for a deliverable is described in Section G, paragraph G.1 of this contract.

The estimated quantities are estimates only. The Government is not obligated to order the estimated quantities. The Government is not obligated to pay the amount specified.

FP: Fixed Price FP-FUR: Fixed Price-Fixed Unit Rate LH: Labor Hour TM: Time and Material CR: Cost Reimbursement – No Fee

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

Base (Year 1) and Option 1 (Year 2)

CLIN

Type

Description

PWS

Section Qty Unit Unit

Price Total Price

FP-

FUR

Project Management C.5.1 $

0001AA

FP Orientation Meeting C.5.1.1 1 EA $ $

0001AB FP Management Plan C.5.1.2 1 EA $ $

0001AC FP-

FUR

Monthly Progress Reports and Ongoing Communication (Base)

C.5.1.3 12 EA $ $

0001AD

Monthly Progress Reports and Ongoing Communication (Option 1 -Year 2)

C.5.1.3 12 EA $ $

0002 FP Generate an Updated Literature Review on Housing Insecurity

C.5.2 $

0002AA FP Analytic Brief on the 2023 “Measuring Housing Insecurity:

Index Development Using American Housing Survey Data” Report

C.5.2.1 1 EA $ $

0002AB FP Generate Literature Review on Housing Insecurity

C.5.2.2 1 EA $ $

0003 FP

CR

Convene an Expert Roundtable on Housing Insecurity

C.5.3 $

0003AA FP Identify the leading experts on Housing Insecurity Research and Measurement, with guidance from

HUD

C.5.3.1 1 EA $ $

0003AB FP Develop Program for Expert Roundtable

C.5.3.2 1 EA $ $

0003AC FP Expert Roundtable on Housing Insecurity

C.5.3.3 1 EA $ $

0003AD FP Generate Expert Roundtable Feedback Report

C.5.3.4 1 EA $ $

0003AE CR Honorarium C.5.3.5 10 EA $ $

0004 FP Develop Analysis Plans for Year 1 and Year 2 of the Contract

C.5.4 $

0004AA FP Generate Analysis Plan for Contract Year 1

C.5.4.1 1 EA $

0004AB FP Generate Analysis Plan for Contract Year 2

C.5.4.2 1 EA $

0005 FP Perform Initial Analysis of American Housing Survey Public- Use File (PUF) Data

C.5.5 $

0005AA FP Develop Code for the Analysis of AHS Public Use Data

C.5.5.1 1 EA $ $

0005AB FP Using the Revised Code (A017), Conduct Initial Analysis of Housing

C.5.5.2 1 EA $ $

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

Type

Description

PWS

Section Qty Unit Unit

Price Total Price

Insecurity using AHS Public-Use File

0005AC FP Final Analysis Plan for Contract Years 2 (Option Year), Informed by Results of Initial Analysis

C.5.5.3 1 EA $ $

0006 FP Produce Interim Report (Option 1 – Year 2)

C.5.6 $

0006AA FP Generate one Interim Report Containing Writeup of Preliminary Analysis (Option 1 - Year 2)

C.5.6.1 1 EA $ $

0006AB FP Prepare one Interim Report Briefing Document (Option 1 - Year 2)

C.5.6.2 1 EA $ $

0006AC FP Deliver one Interim Report Briefing Meeting (Option 1 - Year 2)

C.5.6.3 1 EA $ $

0007 FP Generate Final Report (Option 1 – Year 2)

C.5.7 $

0007AA FP Drafts 1 and 2 of Final Report (Option 1 - Year 2)

C.5.7.1 1 EA $ $

0007AB FP Prepare Final Report Briefing Document (Option 1 - Year 2)

C.5.7.2 1 EA $ $

0007AC FP Deliver Final Report Briefing Meeting (Option 1 - Year 2)

C.5.7.3 1 EA $ $

0007AD Generate Publication-Ready Final Report (Option 1 - Year 2)

C.5.7.4 1 EA $

Base and Option 1 Total Value $

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

Base (Year 1)

CLIN

Type

Description

PWS

Section Qty Unit Unit

Price

0001AA

FP Orientation Meeting C.5.1.1 1 EA $ $

0001AB FP Management Plan C.5.1.2 1 EA $ $

0001AC FP-

FUR

Monthly Progress Reports and Ongoing Communication (Base)

C.5.1.3 12 EA $ $

0002 FP Generate an Updated Literature Review on Housing Insecurity

C.5.2 $

0002AA FP Analytic Brief on the 2023 “Measuring Housing Insecurity:

Index Development Using American Housing Survey Data” Report

C.5.2.1 1 EA $ $

0002AB FP Generate Literature Review on Housing Insecurity

C.5.2.2 1 EA $ $

0003 FP

CR

Convene an Expert Roundtable on Housing Insecurity

C.5.3 $

0003AA FP Identify the leading experts on Housing Insecurity Research and Measurement, with guidance from

HUD

C.5.3.1 1 EA $ $

0003AB FP Develop Program for Expert Roundtable

C.5.3.2 1 EA $ $

0003AC FP Expert Roundtable on Housing Insecurity

C.5.3.3 1 EA $ $

0003AD FP Generate Expert Roundtable Feedback Report

C.5.3.4 1 EA $ $

0003AE CR Honorarium C.5.3.5 10 EA $ $

0004 FP Develop Analysis Plans for Year 1 and Year 2 of the Contract

C.5.4 $

0004AA FP Generate Analysis Plan for Contract Year 1

C.5.4.1 1 EA $

0004AB FP Generate Analysis Plan for Contract Year 2

C.5.4.2 1 EA $

0005 FP Perform Initial Analysis of American Housing Survey Public-Use File (PUF) Data

C.5.5 $

0005AA FP Develop Code for the Analysis of AHS Public Use Data

C.5.5.1 1 EA $ $

0005AB FP Using the Revised Code (A017), Conduct Initial Analysis of Housing Insecurity using AHS Public-Use File

C.5.5.2 1 EA $ $

BASE YEAR TOTAL PRICE

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

Option 1 (Year 2)

CLIN

Type

Description

PWS

Section Qty Uni t Unit Price

0001AD

Monthly Progress Reports and Ongoing Communication (Option 1 -Year 2)

C.5.1.3 12 EA $ $

0005 FP Perform Initial Analysis of American Housing Survey Public- Use File (PUF) Data

C.5.5 $

0005AC FP Final Analysis Plan for Contract Years 2 (Option Year), Informed by Results of Initial Analysis

C.5.5.3 1 EA $ $

0006 FP Produce Interim Report (Option 1 – Year 2)

C.5.6 $

0006AA FP Generate one Interim Report Containing Writeup of Preliminary Analysis (Option 1 - Year 2)

C.5.6.1 1 EA $ $

0006AB FP Prepare one Interim Report Briefing Document (Option 1 - Year 2)

C.5.6.2 1 EA $ $

0006AC FP Deliver one Interim Report Briefing Meeting (Option 1 - Year 2)

C.5.6.3 1 EA $ $

0007 FP Generate Final Report (Option 1 – Year 2)

C.5.7 $

0007AA FP Drafts 1 and 2 of Final Report (Option 1 - Year 2)

C.5.7.1 1 EA $ $

0007AB FP Prepare Final Report Briefing Document (Option 1 - Year 2)

C.5.7.2 1 EA $ $

0007AC FP Deliver Final Report Briefing Meeting (Option 1 - Year 2)

C.5.7.3 1 EA $ $

0007AD Generate Publication-Ready Final Report (Option 1 - Year 2)

C.5.7.4 1 EA $

OPTION YEAR 1 TOTAL PRICE $

B.4 Travel - Included in Fixed Unit Prices This is a fixed-priced contract. All travel costs shall be in the fixed unit prices for the tasks stated in Section C.5, if applicable.

B.5 Labor Hour and Time & Material Contract Line Items Not Applicable

SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

Vision Statement

Advance research on the measurement and indexing of housing insecurity through updating prior related work, developing housing insecurity indexes with 2023 AHS data, and recommending questions for future iterations of the housing insecurity module.

1.0 General Information

1.1 Scope of Work

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Policy Research and Development (PD&R) requires contractor support to generate an updated literature review on housing insecurity (including an analytic review of the report “Measuring Housing Insecurity: Index Development Using American Housing Survey Data”), convene an expert roundtable on housing insecurity, develop a plan for analyses to be carried out at the end of the first year (Base Year) and through the second year (Option Year) of the contract – with a particular focus and emphasis upon developing an index to measure housing insecurity, develop programs to analyze AHS public use data, perform an initial analysis of this data, and produce interim and final reports for researchers and policymakers internal to HUD emphasizing the methodological developments that have been made through this work to creating an index to measure housing insecurity.

The main tasks as stated in Section 5 are the following:

5.1 Project Management

5.1.1 Orientation Meeting

5.1.2 Management Plan

5.1.3 Monthly Progress Reports and Ongoing Communication (Base an Option Year)

5.2 Generate an Updated Literature Review on Housing Insecurity

5.2.1 Analytic Brief on the 2023 “Measuring Housing Insecurity: Index Development Using American Housing Survey Data” Report

5.2.2 Generate Literature Review on Housing Insecurity

5.3 Convene an Expert Roundtable on Housing Insecurity

5.3.1 Identify the leading experts on Housing Insecurity Research and Measurement, with guidance from HUD

5.3.2 Develop Program for Expert Roundtable

5.3.3 Expert Roundtable on Housing Insecurity

5.3.4 Generate Expert Roundtable Feedback Report

5.3.5 Honorarium

5.4 Develop Analysis Plans for Year 1 and Year 2 of the Contract

5.4.1 Generate Analysis Plan for Contract Year 1

5.4.2 Generate Analysis Plan for Contract Year 2

5.5 Perform Initial Analysis of American Housing Survey Public-Use File Data

5.5.1 Develop Code for the Analysis of AHS Public Use Data

5.5.2 Using the Revised Code (A017), Conduct Initial Analysis of Housing Insecurity using AHS Public-Use

File Data

5.5.3 Final Analysis Plans, Informed by Results of Initial Analysis (Option Year)

5.6 Produce Interim Report (Option Year)

5.6.1 Generate one Interim Report Containing Writeup of Preliminary Analysis

5.6.2 Prepare one Interim Report Briefing Document

5.6.3 Deliver one Interim Report Briefing Meeting

5.7 Produce Final Report (Option Year)

5.7.1 Drafts 1 and 2 of Final Report

5.7.2 Prepare Final Report Briefing Document

SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

5.7.3 Deliver Final Report Briefing Meeting

5.7.4 Generate Publication-Ready Final Report

1.2 Background

The AHS is designed to provide current information o the size and composition of the housing inventory, the characteristics of its occupants, changes in the inventory resulting from new construction, indicators of housing and neighborhood quality, and the characteristics of recent movers.

Housing insecurity is defined as a significant lapse for a given household of one or more elements of secure housing. The key elements include affordability, stable occupancy, and whether the housing is decent and safe.

“Affordability” implies that shelter costs are manageable over the long term without severely burdening or compromising other consumption that normally is essential for health and well-being. "Stable occupancy” implies that the household does not face substantial risk of involuntary displacement for economic or non-economic reasons. “Decent and safe” implies that a unit has physical attributes that satisfy functional needs for well-being related to health, security, and support for the activities of daily living. Such attributes include appropriate facilities for excluding external threats, providing climate control, storing and preparing food, maintaining physical and mental hygiene, and developing human potential. Not included are aspects of the neighborhood or environment that one encounters beyond the confines of the structure or property.

Researchers, policymakers, program leaders, and practitioners widely use the concept of housing insecurity, yet it has not been defined or measured consistently in research literature. The lack of a comprehensive consensus measure makes it impossible to track prevalence of housing insecurity from year to year and to examine the correlation of housing insecurity with health, education, employment, and criminal justice outcomes. No comprehensive transferable instrument currently exists for measuring housing insecurity in national surveys.

In 2017, PD&R at HUD identified the development of a housing insecurity module in the AHS as a research priority.1 The Housing Insecurity Research Module (HIRM), which was collected as a opt-in follow-on survey to the 2019 AHS, was developed to provide data on multiple dimensions of housing insecurity that could be used in the development of housing insecurity indices.2 HUD funded research on the prior Housing Insecurity Research Support Contract to develop housing insecurity indexes with the 2019 AHS data and to inform decisions on a reduced set of housing insecurity questions to be asked in the 2023 AHS.

1.3 Constraints

The services identified in this PWS will adhere to the rules, regulations, laws, standards, and conventions identified by HUD as well as within the Federal Government.

1.4 Non-Personal Services

The Government will neither supervise Contractor employees nor control the method by which the Contractor performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances shall the Government assign tasks to, or prepare work schedules for, individual Contractor employees. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to manage its employees and to guard against any actions that are of the nature of personal services or give the perception of personal services.

If the Contractor believes that any actions constitute, or are perceived to constitute personal services, it shall be the Contractor's responsibility to notify the Contracting Officer (CO) immediately. These services shall not be used to perform work of a policy, decision making, or management nature, i.e., inherently Government functions.

All decisions relative to programs supported by the Contactor shall be the sole responsibility of the Government.

1 2017. “HUD Research Roadmap: 2017 Update.” January 2017. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy Development and Research. (https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdf/ResearchRoadmap-2017Update.pdf).

2 Watson, Nicole Elsasser, and George R. Carter III. 2020. “Toward Implementation of a National Housing Insecurity Research Module.”

Cityscape: A Journal of Policy Development and Research. 22(1): 227-247.

(https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/cityscpe/vol22num1/article8.html).

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdf/ResearchRoadmap-2017Update.pdf https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/cityscpe/vol22num1/article8.html

SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

1.5 Period of Performance

The period of performance shall be for one base period of 12 months from the date of award and one 12-month option period.

1.6 Place of Performance

The primary place of performance will be at the Contractor’s facilities.

1.7 Hours of Operation

The Contractor is responsible for providing services Monday through Friday. Government agencies will not be available during scheduled holidays, inclement weather, weekends, and after duty hours.

The Contractor shall maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within the contract when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the

Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce is essential.

1.8 Special Qualifications

N/A

1.9 Post Award/Kickoff Conference

The Contractor shall attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with FAR Subpart 42.5 and HUD Acquisition Regulation (HUDAR) clause 2452.237-79 - Post Award Conference.

1.10 Status Meetings

The Contracting Officer (CO), Contracting Officers Representative (COR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor to also review Contractor performance, requirement status, etc. At these meetings, the CO will apprise the Contractor of how the Government views the Contractor's performance or progress of the requirement. The Contractor shall apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government. The Post Award Conference and subsequent meetings may be held via teleconference.

1.11 Contractor Travel

This is a fixed-price contract. All travel costs shall be in the fixed unit price.

1.12 Transition In

N/A.

1.13 Transition Out

N/A.

SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

2.0 Definitions and Acronyms

2.1 Definitions

Business Day/Workday - Every official day of the week which are days between and including Monday to Friday. This does not include federal holidays and weekends.

Calendar Day - Any day of the week.

Contractor - A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the Government.

The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

Contracting Officer (CO) - A person with authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the Government. Note: the only individual who can legally bind the Government.

Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) - An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the

Contracting Officer to perform contract administration activities about technical issues. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor if direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have the authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

Defective Service - A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the

Performance Work Statement.

Deliverable - Anything that can be physically delivered but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

Government Furnished Property (GFP) - Property in the possession of, or directly acquired by, the Government and subsequently furnished to the Contractor for performance of a contract. Government-furnished property includes, but is not limited to, spares and property furnished for repair, maintenance, overhaul, or modification.

Government-furnished property also includes contractor-acquired property if the contractor-acquired property is deliverable under a cost contract when accepted by the Government for continued use under the contract.

Housing Insecurity (HI)- A significant lapse for a given household of one or more elements of secure housing;

key elements include affordability, stable occupancy, and safety and decency.

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) - A listing of the performance requirements under the contract that are to be evaluated by the Government on a regular basis, performance indicators for these requirements, performance standards for these requirement and surveillance methods to be used to determine if performance standards are met.

Performance Standard - The Contractor's performance level required by the Government.

Performance Work Statement (PWS) - A statement of work for performance-based acquisitions that describes the required results in clear, specific, and objective terms with measurable outcomes.

Physical Security- Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

Quality Assurance (QA) - Policies and procedures adopted by the Government to ensure that supplies and services acquired under Government contracts conform to the contracts quality requirements.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) - A plan describing how the agency will survey, observe, test, sample, evaluate, and document the Contractor's performance in meeting critical performance standards identified in the contract.

Quality Control (QC) - All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product of service shall meet contract requirements.

Service Contract - A contract that directly engages the time and effort of a Contractor whose primary purpose is to perform an identifiable task rather than to furnish an end item of supply.

Subcontractor - Any person, other than the prime Contractor, who offers to furnish or furnishes any supplies, material, equipment, or services of any kind under a prime contract or a subcontract entered into in connection with such prime contract, and any person who offers to furnish or furnishes general supplies to the prime contractor or a higher tier subcontractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with a subcontractor.

Work Week - Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise.

2.2 Acronyms

AHS - American Housing Survey AQL - Acceptable Quality Level BAA – Business Area Analysis Study CBT - Computer-Based Training CFO or OCFO - Office of the Chief Financial Officer of HUD CFR - Code of Federal Regulations CIO or OCIO - Office of the Chief Information Officer of HUD CO - Contracting Officer COR - Contracting Officer's Representative COTS - Commercial Off-the-Shelf CPO - Office of the Chief Procurement Officer of HUD EA - Each EOP - Executive Office of the President EST - Eastern Standard Time (U.S.)

ETC - Estimate to Completion GAO - Government Accountability Office GPO - Government Printing Office HDAD - Housing and Demographic Analysis Division HI - Housing Insecurity HIRM - Housing Insecurity Research Module HUD - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HUDAR - HUD Acquisition Regulation IG or OIG - Inspector General (Office of) IPP- Invoice Processing Platform IT - Information Technology IUF – Internal Use File (of the AHS) MWP – Management and Work Plan IV&V - Independent Validation and Verification OCPO - Office of the Chief Procurement Officer OIG - Office of Inspector General OMB - Office of Management and Budget of EOP

SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

PD&R - Policy Development and Research (Office of) PG - Page PL - Public Law PM - Project Manager POC - Point of Contact PPM - Project Planning and Management PRA - Paperwork Reduction Act PUF - Public Use File (of the AHS) QA - Quality Assurance QASP - Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QC - Quality Control QCP - Quality Control Plan RFP - Request for Proposal SAS - Statistical Analysis System ® SCOR - Subordinate Contracting Officers Representative SF - Standard Form TBD - To be determined U.S.C. - United States Code

3.0 Government-Furnished Property and Services

3.1 Government Services

Government services will not be provided.

3.2 Facilities

Government services will not be provided.

3.3 Equipment

Government services will not be provided.

3.4 Materials and Information

See Section H.2 HUDAR 2452.227-70 GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

3.5 Quality Assurance (QA)

The Government shall evaluate the Contractor's performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the Contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable quality level.

4.0 Contractor-Furnished Items and Services

4.1 Facilities

The Contractor shall furnish facilities required to perform the services under this contract.

4.2 Equipment

The Contractor shall furnish all equipment required to perform the services under this contract.

4.3 Materials

The Contractor shall furnish materials required to perform the services under this contract.

SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002

4.4 Contractor Responsibilities

The Contractor shall only conduct business with designated Government personnel listed as points of contact (POCs) under this contract. Names of authorized personnel shall be provided to the Contractor by the Government, in writing, and updated as necessary throughout the contract period of performance.

U.S. Government records, copies of original results and reports, verified original data, corrected data, and corrected supporting final reports which are maintained by the Contractor remain the property of the U.S.

Government. These files/results must be surrendered to the COR.

4.5 Contractor Personnel

See Sections

G.5 HUDAR 2452.237-70 KEY PERSONNEL

G.6 Key Personnel Minimum Experience and Education Requirements G.7 Project Manager and Alternate Project Manager

4.6 Identification of Contractor Employees

All Contractor/subcontractor personnel shall wear company picture identification badges to distinguish themselves from Government employees. When conversing with Government personnel during business meetings, over the telephone, or via electronic mail, Contractor/subcontractor personnel shall identify themselves as such to avoid situations arising where sensitive topics might be better discussed solely between Government employees.

Contractors/subcontractors shall identify themselves on any attendance sheet or any coordination documents they may review. Electronic mail signature blocks shall identify their company affiliation. Where practicable, Contractor/subcontractors occupying collocated space with their Government program customer shall identify their workspace area with their name and company affiliation, or at a minimum, "Contractor" after name.

5.0 Specific Tasks

a. Editorial Standards

The deliverables associated with the below Tasks must be in compliance with the following Editorial Standards.

5.2 Generate an Updated Literature Review on Housing Insecurity

5.6 Produce Interim Report

5.7 Generate Final Report

Additionally, the Analysis Plans described in Tasks 5.4.1 and 5.4.2, which are to be included in the technical appendix to the Interim and Final Reports, must also be in full compliance when they are submitted as part of these reports.

b. Editorial Standards for Written Reports/Briefs:

Editorial Standards for Written Reports/Briefs to be provided under this contract:

Editorial Standards: The Contractor shall be responsible for creating publications for HUD and the public in a clear and accessible manner to both technical and non-technical audiences. Reports shall be stand-alone documents that provide an overview of the subject, a summary of the research questions, and the data collection

SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT Housing Insecurity Research Support for the AHS Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 86614624Q00001 Amendment 0002 and analysis activities that were undertaken to address the research question or questions covered in each report.

The reports are expected to be of publishable quality, and HUD intends to publish several of these reports on www.huduser.gov.

The Contractor shall not be required to modify or eliminate independent opinions, judgments, conclusions, or views. Where the Contractor’s views do not coincide with HUD’s views, the Contractor shall be required to clearly label such independent views. HUD may require language inserts to label such independent views. If there is disagreement regarding the adequacy of the data, methodology, calculations, analyses, or other technical elements of the work used to support the independent views of the Contractor, HUD may require the insertion of a clearly labeled HUD dissent (or dissents) in the text of the final approved version of a report. Disapproved reports shall be resubmitted for review following correction of the cited deficiency. The complete text of an approved report shall be submitted in accordance with the instructions provided in PD&Rs "Guidelines of Preparing a Report for Publication” that can be found at the following link: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/About/style-guide-for-reports.pdf.

The Contractor shall use the following disclaimer for each report required in this contract:

“The contents of this report are the views of the Contractor and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or the U.S. Government.”

Contractors are responsible for ensuring that all final written publications submitted to HUD are accessible to persons with disabilities by ensuring all written materials comply with federal accessibility standards (Section 508

- www.section508.gov). Federal law requires all web-based publications be accessible to people with disabilities, including those with vision impairments. Before delivering electronic reports, contractors shall ensure that all elements of the report are Section 508 compliant. 508 compliance requires alternative text (alt text) for all images, graphs, photos, headers of charts/tables (but not for the data), maps as well as native files for these items. Alt text can be composed as a separate Word file, but it is preferable and best to include the alt text throughout the report’s final draft.

In addition to including alt text, contractors shall do the following to ensure 508 compliance:

1. Do not include any merged cells in tables. All tables should have content in each cell.

2. No empty paragraph marks should remain in the document. Use the standard spacing that is applied when using the correct font styles in Word.

3. Only use colors that pass the color contrast analyzer.

4. Use the font styles correctly in the template. This ensures only one H1 tag is used in the publication title on the front page.

5. All endnotes converted to footnotes.

6. Enter in the document title in the title field under File > Info > Properties.

Contractors may not publish reports based on these tasks or otherwise disclose the contents of reports prepared under this contract to the public for 3 months following the formal submission of a report, unless the COR has provided the Contractor with written permission. After the 3-month period, the Contractor who wishes to publish shall include a clear notice that the research was performed under a contract with the Office of Policy Development & Research, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.