FAQ_FR-6900-N-92_7_17_2025.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Advancing Building Technology Grant Program (FR-6900-N-92)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Updated as of 7/17/2025

When are applications due?

Applications are due by Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Late applications will not be accepted.

How can I access the full NOFO document?

You can download the full NOFO from Grants.gov:

• Visit www.grants.gov.

• Enter “FR-6900-N-92” in the search box.

• Click on the funding opportunity link.

• Click the Related Documents tab.

• Download the file labeled FR-6900-N-92-Full Announcement - Full Announcement.zip.

How do I apply for this NOFO?

To apply:

1. Review the NOFO on Grants.gov, paying special attention to the “Before You Begin” section for registration and submission requirements.

2. Register your organization in SAM.gov and Grants.gov well in advance. These registrations can take several weeks.

3. Prepare the required application materials, including:

o Standard forms (e.g., SF-424) o Budget forms (HUD-424CBW) o Narrative responses to rating factors o Resumes for key personnel o Any required appendices

4. Submit your complete application via Grants.gov before the deadline.

5. To receive updates about HUD funding opportunities, subscribe to:

o HUD’s Funding Opportunities listserv o HUDUser listserv

How can I locate the “Competition ID” and “Opportunity Package ID” for this NOFO?

On Grants.gov, navigate to the page for FR-6900-N-92. Click the “Package” tab, then scroll down to find:

• Competition ID: FR-6900-N-92

• Opportunity Package ID: (PKG00291049)

If I am having technical trouble on Grants.gov, where do I seek support?

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/359825 https://www.grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/359825 https://www.hud.gov/subscribe/signup?listname=HUD%20Funding%20Opportunities&list=HUD-FUNDING-OPPORTUNITIES-L https://www.huduser.gov/portal/subscribe/subscribe.html https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/359825

For technical support on the Grants.gov platform, applicants must contact Grants.gov technical support.

• Grants.gov Support Center: 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov

• Grants.gov Quick Start Guide for Applicants: Quick Start Guide

Who is eligible to apply for this funding opportunity?

Eligible applicants include:

• State governments

• County governments

• City or township governments

• Special district governments

• Independent school districts

• Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education

• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

• Public housing authorities / Indian housing authorities

• Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education)

• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education)

• Private institutions of higher education

• For-profit organizations other than small businesses

• Small businesses

• Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (ANNH)

• Other entities as described in “Additional Information on Eligibility” in the NOFO

Faith-based organizations may apply on the same basis as any other organization.

Who is not eligible to apply?

• Individuals

• Foreign (non-U.S.) entities

• Entities not listed as eligible in the NOFO

See NOFO Section II.A.

Can foreign organizations participate as subrecipients?

Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply as lead applicants. However, foreign entities may potentially participate as subrecipients if:

• The lead applicant is an eligible U.S.-based organization.

• All costs comply with U.S. federal regulations.

• The arrangement meets HUD’s requirements for procurement, allowability, and cost principles.

Applicants should carefully review federal rules if considering foreign partners.

Can current HUD grantees or contractors apply for this NOFO?

Yes. Current HUD recipients and contractors are eligible to apply under this NOFO, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and can carry out the proposed research without conflicts of interest.

How much funding is available through this NOFO?

mailto:support@grants.gov

• Approximately $10,000,000 is available.

• Individual awards will range from $500,000 minimum to $1,500,000 maximum per project period.

See NOFO Sections I.A. and III.A.

How many awards does HUD expect to make?

HUD anticipates making approximately 15 awards, subject to funding availability and the quality of applications.

Will funds be disbursed as a lump sum?

No. Funds will be drawn down as costs are incurred throughout the project period, consistent with the cooperative agreement terms.

Will this funding opportunity be recurring?

No. HUD does not expect additional rounds of funding under this NOFO.

Will HUD fund less than the amount requested in an application?

Yes. HUD may offer funding at a lower amount than requested. If so, the applicant must submit revised budgets, narratives, and work plans reflecting the reduced amount.

See NOFO Section V.D.

What is the period of performance for awards?

• The maximum period of performance is 36 months.

• Projects may be shorter but must be at least 12 months.

• HUD encourages shorter research projects (12-18 months) that can deliver actionable results quickly.

See NOFO Section I.A.

What types of research projects is HUD seeking?

Research under this NOFO should help increase the supply and affordability of housing through:

• Adoption of innovative building technologies (e.g., offsite construction, 3D printing, modular housing)

• Regulatory or financial solutions to accelerate housing supply

• Development of AI tools for streamlining housing processes

• Improved financing models for modular or manufactured housing

• Strategies for rapid housing reconstruction after disasters

See NOFO Section III.G for detailed research categories.

Can I apply for funding to construct affordable housing units for occupancy?

No. Funding under this NOFO is for research and related activities only. It does not fund construction of housing units intended for occupancy, rental, or sale.Construction funded under this program is strictly limited to activities necessary for research, demonstration, or testing purposes—not for residential use.

See NOFO Sections III.A., III.D., and III.G.

Can funding under this NOFO support doctoral dissertation research?

No. Funds under this NOFO may not be used for doctoral dissertation research grant programs or for research solely intended to support completion of a doctoral degree.

See NOFO Section III.D.

Are subrecipients allowed to participate on more than one grant application?

Yes. Subrecipients and collaborating organizations may participate in multiple applications under this NOFO. However, each application must clearly describe the roles and responsibilities of each subrecipient and ensure that the subrecipient has the capacity to fulfill commitments across multiple projects if funded.

How many proposals can a Principal Investigator submit?

A Principal Investigator (PI) may be listed as the lead PI on only one application under this

NOFO. However, the same individual may serve as a co-PI or key personnel on other applications submitted by different lead PIs.

See NOFO Section V.A.5.

Can the Principal Investigator and Project Manager/Director be the same person?

Yes. One individual may serve as both Principal Investigator and Project Manager/Director if they have the capacity to fulfill both roles.

Are Co-Principal Investigators allowed?

HUD does not explicitly prohibit having multiple senior researchers. However:

• Each application must designate one individual as the official PI responsible for communication with HUD and technical direction of the research.

• Other senior staff can be named as key personnel and effectively serve as Co-PIs.

See NOFO Sections V.A.5 and V.B.1.

Do the PI or Co-PI have to be from an academic institution?

No. PIs and Co-PIs may be in-house staff, subrecipients, or consultants. They are not required to be affiliated with an academic institution.

Is there a standard percent effort expected for key personnel?

No standard percentage is required. However, the application must:

• Include a staffing chart showing allocation of person-hours by task and year.

• Demonstrate that staff have the capacity to complete the proposed work.

See NOFO Sections II.G, IV.C, and V.B.1.

Is there a salary cap for key personnel?

No fixed salary cap is specified. However, salaries must:

• Be reasonable and customary for the services provided.

• Comply with federal regulations under 2 CFR Part 200.

See NOFO Section III.D.

Must applicants submit HUD Form 424-CBW?

Yes. HUD Form 424-CBW (Grant Application Detailed Budget Worksheet) is required.

Download HUD-424-CBW Form https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/424CBW.xlsx

Should applicants budget for travel to HUD headquarters?

Yes. Applicants should budget for at least two trips to HUD Headquarters in Washington, DC, for meetings and briefings. Typically, each trip should involve 1-2 people for one or two days.

Should applicants budget for editing and preparation of the final report?

Yes. Applicants must:

• Budget for preparation of both draft and final reports.

• Include costs for potential editing based on HUD feedback.

• Submit final reports in compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards.

See NOFO Sections III.D. and VII.D.

Is the 20-page limit for the Rating Factors Narrative inclusive of exhibits and tables?

Yes. The entire Rating Factors Narrative—including text, charts, tables, and graphics—must fit within the 20-page limit.

See NOFO Section IV.

Can bibliographic citations be submitted as a separate attachment?

Yes. Bibliographic references may either:

• Be included within the 20-page narrative, or

• Be submitted as a separate attachment not counted toward the 20-page limit.

Are applicants required to submit instruments or surveys as part of the application?

No. Applicants are not required to submit instruments or surveys at the time of application.

However, discussing such tools in the Rating Factors Narrative is encouraged if relevant to the proposed research.

Do graphics, tables, or inset boxes need to be double-spaced?

No. Double-spacing applies only to narrative text. Tables, charts, and graphics may use single-spacing.

Are preference points available under this NOFO?

No. This NOFO does not offer preference points (e.g., for Minority-Serving Institutions).

See NOFO Section V.B.

Will HUD hold office hours for this NOFO?

No. HUD will not hold office hours or individual consultations. All questions must be submitted in writing.

Can I speak directly to someone at HUD about my proposal?

No. To ensure fair competition, HUD does not meet individually with applicants. Questions should be submitted in writing and will be addressed publicly via FAQs.

Is HUD able to provide coaching or review research ideas before submission?

No. HUD is unable to review draft proposals, provide feedback on research ideas, or offer individualized coaching prior to submission. To ensure fair competition, HUD may only answer general questions in writing. Applicants should review the NOFO carefully for potential research topics and guidance.

What happens if my application is incomplete or contains errors?

Incomplete applications will not be considered. HUD may contact applicants to fix minor technical errors but not substantive deficiencies. Ensure your application includes all required forms and narratives. See NOFO Sections IV and VI.

What happens if my organization receives less funding than requested?

If HUD offers a lower award than requested, you must submit revised materials (narrative, work plan, budget) reflecting the reduced funding level. HUD will review these to ensure project feasibility. See NOFO Section V.D.

Will HUD provide feedback on unsuccessful applications?

Yes. Applicants may request a debriefing after awards are announced. HUD will provide feedback on scoring and reviewer comments, subject to confidentiality requirements.

See NOFO Section VIII.

Are there reporting requirements for award recipients?

Yes. Recipients must:

• Submit quarterly progress and financial reports

• Provide interim and final briefings

• Submit a draft and final report following HUD formatting and accessibility requirements

See NOFO Section VII.D.

Are projects funded under this NOFO required to use technology that is FedRAMP compliant?

No. Projects funded under this NOFO are not required to use technology that is FedRAMP compliant.

Does HUD allow the use of AI software that transcribes/summarizes interviews conducted under this NOFO?

HUD will allow the use of AI software that transcribes and summarizes interviews conducted under this NOFO.

Can proposed research include constructing prototype buildings or demonstration units?

Under this NOFO, funds generally cannot be used for new construction, repairs, or renovations, except for minimal alterations necessary for accessibility. The program does not fund construction activities intended to create housing units for occupancy, sale, or lease. However, constructing prototype or demonstration units may potentially be allowable if it is necessary to address the research questions, is limited in scope, and is strictly tied to the proposed research objectives. All such costs must comply with federal requirements under 2 CFR Part 200 and be justified as necessary and reasonable for the research.

Can Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) apply under this

NOFO?

No. FFRDCs are not listed as eligible prime applicants under this NOFO. However, an FFRDC may participate as a subrecipient or contractor to an eligible prime applicant, subject to federal requirements under 2 CFR Part 200 and any approvals required under the FFRDC’s management contract.

Does the narrative portion of the application need to be double-spaced?

Yes. The NOFO requires the narrative portion of the application to be double-spaced, using 12-point Times New Roman font, with one-inch margins on all sides.

Can smaller font and single spacing be used in figures, tables, or charts?

Yes. While the narrative text must be double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font, applicants may use single spacing and a smaller font size (no smaller than 10-point) for text within figures, tables, charts, graphs, and captions, as long as the text remains legible.

Can doctoral students work on projects funded under this NOFO?

Yes. The NOFO’s statement that “funds may not be used for a doctoral dissertation research grant program” means that this program cannot be used to establish a separate grant program solely for individual dissertation research. However, doctoral students may work on projects funded under this NOFO, and costs such as stipends or tuition remission may be allowable if reasonable, necessary, and directly related to the proposed research, consistent with 2 CFR Part

200.

Can the Supporting Materials appendix include samples of previous work or institutional resources?

Yes. The Supporting Materials appendix is separate from the References appendix and may include items such as examples of prior work, descriptions of institutional resources, or other documents relevant to the rating factors. All materials must comply with the NOFO’s page limits and should be directly relevant to the application.

Does Rating Factor 5 require budget details in the narrative, or is it sufficient to refer to the budget narrative?

Applicants must include sufficient information in the narrative to explain the reasonableness of the budget under Rating Factor 5. While applicants may refer to the budget narrative document for additional detail, the narrative itself should describe how costs relate to the proposed work.

Can private developers participate in a project team under this NOFO?

Yes. Private developers may be part of a project team either as prime applicants if they are eligible entities or as subrecipients, contractors, or consultants under an eligible prime applicant.

All participation must comply with federal requirements under 2 CFR Part 200, including procurement and conflict-of-interest rules.

Will private developers have exclusive or prioritized access to research results if they participate in a funded project?

No. Research results funded under this NOFO must generally be made publicly available. Private developers or other partners cannot receive exclusive or prioritized access to the research outcomes. HUD retains a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use data and materials produced under the award.

Is there a specific contract or agreement that applicants must use to engage private developers?

No. HUD does not prescribe a specific contract template for engaging private developers under this NOFO. However, all agreements must comply with applicable federal regulations, including requirements under 2 CFR Part 200.

Will this NOFO be offered every year?

This NOFO (FR-6900-N-92) is a new funding opportunity. While HUD has offered similar research programs in the past, there is no guarantee that this particular NOFO will be issued annually.

Can a former HUD employee currently on administrative leave participate in a project funded under this NOFO?

HUD cannot provide advice on specific personnel decisions. However, individuals on administrative leave from HUD may still be considered federal employees and should seek guidance from HUD’s Ethics Law Division. Applicants should also consult their organization’s legal or compliance offices to ensure compliance with conflict-of-interest requirements under 2

CFR Part 200.

What should the organizational chart submitted with the application include?

The organizational chart should show how the proposed project will be managed, identify key personnel, and describe reporting relationships. It should help reviewers understand the roles and responsibilities of staff and how the project fits within the applicant’s organizational structure.

Is the Advancing Building Technology Grant Program a reimbursable grant?

Yes. Awards under this NOFO are issued as cooperative agreements and operate on a reimbursement basis. Award recipients pay allowable expenses first and then request reimbursement from HUD through HUD’s payment system.

Can for-profit organizations earn a profit under this NOFO?

No. Under this NOFO, no fee or profit is allowable above the actual costs incurred in performing work under the award. For-profit organizations may participate as prime recipients, subrecipients, contractors, or consultants and can be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary costs allocable to the project, consistent with 2 CFR Part 200.

Can HUD waive flow-down requirements for award recipients and their subrecipients?

No. All award recipients under this program are subject to 2 CFR Part 200, which states, in part:

"The terms and conditions of Federal awards ... flow down to subawards to subrecipients unless a particular section of this part or the terms and conditions of the Federal award specifically indicate otherwise" (2 CFR 200.101(b)(1)). The terms and conditions for this program do not permit waivers of flow down requirements.

Can HUD waive the requirement that an organization may not evaluate or conduct research of itself?

No. HUD is unable to waive the requirement that an organization may not evaluate or conduct research of itself.

Can HUD share the terms and conditions for awards made according to this NOFO?

No. We are unable to share grant terms and conditions until an award is offered. However, applicants may review former year grant terms and conditions here:

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ota/guidance.html.

What other HUD funding opportunities are available?

For current HUD funding opportunities, visit Grants.gov or HUD’s Funding Opportunities webpage.

Whom should I contact with additional questions?

Please email: researchpartnerships@hud.gov

• Include “Advancing Building Technology Grant Program (FR-6900-N-92)” in the subject line.

• HUD will post answers to submitted questions publicly via FAQs on HUDUser.gov and on Grants.gov under the Related Documents tab.

Additional Resources

• HUD Funding Opportunities Page

• HUDUser.gov

• Grants.gov Applicant Resources

This FAQ is intended as a helpful summary. Applicants should always refer to the full

NOFO for complete requirements and guidance.

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ota/guidance.html https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:researchpartnerships@hud.gov https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/grants-info-funding-opps https://www.huduser.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/