Mass Market Solutions for Leveraging Robotics and AI Technologies for Home Construction Demonstration (PDR-2600-DC-029Q)_5.29.2026.pdf

z

PDR-2600-DC-029Q

Applications are due by 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time on 07/13/2026.

Policy Development and Research

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Mass Market Solutions for Leveraging Robotics and AI Technologies for Home Construction Demonstration

Table Of Contents PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 2 of 46

I. BASIC INFORMATION

A. Summary

B. Agency Contact(s)

II. ELIGIBILITY

A. Eligible Applicants

B. Eligible Applications

C. Cost Sharing or Matching

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Purpose

B. Goals and Objectives

C. Authority

D. Unallowable Costs

E. Indirect Costs

F. Program History

G. Other Information

IV. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

A. Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications 18

B. Budget

C. Narratives and Other Attachments

D. Other Application Content

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Threshold Review

B. Merit Review

C. Risk Review

D. Selection Process

E. Award Notices

VI. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND

DEADLINES

A. Deadlines

B. Submission Methods

C. Other Submission Information

D. False Statements

VII. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND

ADMINISTRATION

A. Administrative, National and Departmental Policy

Requirements, and General Terms and Conditions

B. Environmental Requirements

C. Remedies for Noncompliance

D. Reporting

VIII. CONTACT AND SUPPORT

A. Agency Contact

B. Grants.gov

C. SAM.gov

D. Debriefing

E. Applicant Experience Survey

F. Other Online Resources

APPENDIX

Appendix I. Definitions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Before You Begin PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 3 of 46

If you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, register in the required systems and review the application materials. If you are already registered, confirm that your information is current and active.

SAM.gov Registration You must have an active and up-to-date account with SAM.gov, at the time of application and throughout the life of any award.

To register, go to SAM.gov Entity Registration and click Get Started. From the same page, you can also click the Entity Registration Checklist for the information you will need to register.

It can take several weeks to register in SAM.gov, so get started now if you are planning to apply. SAM.gov also provides each organization with a unique entity identifier (UEI). A valid UEI is required to apply for funding.

Grants.gov Registration You must have an active Grants.gov registration. This requires a Login.gov registration as well. See step-by-step instructions at the Grants.gov Quick Start Guide for Applicants. You must apply for funding using Grants.gov, unless HUD has approved your waiver request.

See Section VI.B. Submission Methods.

Find the Application Package Use the Grants Search at Grants.gov and search for opportunity number PDR-2600-DC- 029Q . The application package has all the online forms you need to apply. You also need to access the Download Instructions link and review the content before you apply.

If you have other technical difficulties using Grants.gov, contact the Support Center on Grants.gov.

To get updates on changes to this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), click Subscribe from the View Grant Opportunity page on Grants.gov.

Application Deadline Applications are due by 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time on 07/13/2026.

See Section VI.A. of this NOFO.

HUD Listserv To get email alerts about current and future funding opportunities, subscribe to HUD's Funding Opportunities listserv.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/ https://login.gov https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/ https://www.hud.gov/subscribe/signup?listname=HUD%20Funding%20Opportunities&list=HUD-FUNDING-OPPORTUNITIES-L https://www.hud.gov/subscribe/signup?listname=HUD%20Funding%20Opportunities&list=HUD-FUNDING-OPPORTUNITIES-L

I. Basic Information

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and Support

Appendix

I. BASIC INFORMATION

I. Basic Information

A. Summary

B. Agency Contact(s)

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

I. Basic Information PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 5 of 46

I. BASIC INFORMATION See Contact and Support section of this NOFO.

A. Summary Federal Agency Name:

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HUD Program Office:

Policy Development and Research Announcement Type:

Initial Program Type:

Discretionary Paperwork Reduction Act Information:

2501-0044, 2528-0299 Due Date for Intergovernmental Review:

See Section VI.C.1.

1. NOFO Summary The Mass Market Solutions for Leveraging Robotics and AI Technologies for Home Construction Demonstration NOFO provides competitive awards to eligible applicants to fund quality projects that demonstrate how the development and deployment of advanced robotics and AI technologies can accelerate the manufacturing of factory-built housing and/or offsite

Key Facts Opportunity Name:

Mass Market Solutions for Leveraging Robotics and AI Technologies for Home Construction Demonstration Opportunity Number:

PDR-2600-DC-029Q

Federal Assistance Listing(s):

14.536

Key Dates Application Due Date:

11:59:59 PM Eastern Time on:

07/13/2026 Anticipated Award Date:

09/01/2026 Estimated Performance Period Start Date:

10/01/2026 Estimated Performance Period End Date:

09/30/2029

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

I. Basic Information PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 6 of 46 components. Projects funded via this NOFO must directly address the Program's purpose and goals. HUD expects to execute cooperative agreements (as defined by 31 U.S.C. 6305) with the entities selected for awards under this NOFO. As such, HUD substantial involvement is expected. HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) will provide the necessary involvement and oversight of the awards.

2. Funding Details Type of Funding Instrument CA (Cooperative Agreement)

Available Funds Funding of approximately $10,000,000 is available through this NOFO.

Additional funds may become available for award. Use of these funds is subject to statutory constraints. All awards are subject to the selection process contained in this NOFO.

Estimated Number of Awards 3 awards from available funding Minimum Award Amount:

$3,000,000 Per Project Period Maximum Award Amount:

$10,000,000 Per Project Period Length of Performance Period:

36-month project period and budget period Length of Periods Explanation:

N/A

B. Agency Contact(s) See Contact and Support section of this NOFO.

II. ELIGIBILITY

II. Eligibility

A. Eligible Applicants

B. Eligible Applications

C. Cost Sharing or Matching

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

II. Eligibility PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 8 of 46

II. ELIGIBILITY

A. Eligible Applicants If your organization is not an eligible applicant, your application won't be reviewed or scored, and you won't receive funding from HUD.

1. Eligible Entity Types:

06 (Public and State controlled institutions of higher education) 12 (Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education) 13 (Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education) 20 (Private institutions of higher education) 22 (For profit organizations other than small businesses) 23 (Small businesses) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) Additional Information on Eligibility You cannot apply as an individual.

Faith-based organizations may apply just like any other organization. HUD does not have any policies or practices that unfairly target these institutions.

Non-profit Applicants: To confirm your eligibility as an applicant with non-profit status, HUD will use data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

2. Restrictions

a. Statutory and Regulatory Requirements You must meet the current General Statutory and Regulatory Eligibility Requirements. If you do not meet these requirements, your application won't be scored, and you won't receive funding from HUD. This is a threshold requirement for all HUD funding.

b. Resolution of Civil Rights Matters If you have any outstanding or unresolved judgments for violating civil rights laws, you must settle them before you apply. If you don't, settle the civil rights law violations before you apply, your application won't be scored, and you won't receive funding from HUD. This is a threshold requirement for all HUD funding.

B. Eligible Applications

1. An application from an eligible entity is considered for funding if it meets basic threshold requirements and passes merit review.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/part-5/appendix-Appendix%20A%20to%20Subpart%20A%20of%20Part%205 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/12/2025-02611/eradicating-anti-christian-bias https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/12/2025-02611/eradicating-anti-christian-bias https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/Eligibility-Requirements-Addendum-FY2025.pdf

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

II. Eligibility PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 9 of 46

2. Your application must support the goals of this NOFO.

3. Awards made under this NOFO will not be used to conduct activities that subsidize or facilitate illegal racial preferences or other forms of illegal discrimination, including activities where race or intentional proxies for race will be used as a selection criterion for employment or program participation.

C. Cost Sharing or Matching This Program does not require cost sharing or matching.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Cost%20sharing%20or%20matching)

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

III. Program Description

A. Purpose

B. Goals and Objectives

C. Authority

D. Unallowable Costs

E. Indirect Costs

F.

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

III. Program Description PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 11 of 46

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Purpose The purpose of this NOFO is to support demonstration projects through the deployment of advanced robotics and AI technologies in residential building construction industry to accelerate the manufacturing of factory-built housing and/or offsite components. HUD is interested in advanced robotics and AI technology innovations that can expand housing supply by allowing homes to be built more quickly and at a lower cost than conventional construction methods. The program intends to support efforts across a range of construction types, from panelized systems to fully volumetric 3D modular buildings. Each funded project must demonstrate if an advanced robotics and/or AI solution can efficiently manufacture specific housing components at a scale sufficient to support the delivery of an expected number of homes specified by the applicant.

By supporting innovation and adoption of AI technologies for housing development, the demonstration will advance the President's Executive Order on Removing Barriers to American Leadership on Artificial Intelligence (January 23, 2025), which stated that "it is the policy of the United States to sustain and enhance America's global AI dominance in order to promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security."

HUD substantial involvement. HUD expects to execute cooperative agreements with selected applicants under this NOFO. As such, the following examples of HUD substantial involvement are expected:

• Review and final approval of the overall project management plan.

• Review and final approval of the demonstration project design, which may include data collection protocols, data collection instruments, and analytic plans.

• Review and approval of any written materials documenting the project results.

• Support in identifying available and relevant data assets and facilitating access to select data assets, where feasible.

• Regularly meet to discuss project progress.

• Review and approve any changes in key personnel or employment of any external consultants.

B. Goals and Objectives The goals of the NOFO are to:

1. Identify scalable stages within the factory-built housing construction process (both onsite and offsite) that can be automated using advanced robotics and/or AI technologies; and

2. Demonstrate types of automation (advanced robotics and/or AI technologies) that can be deployed at scale to improve the efficiency of producing high quality factory-built housing.

The primary objective of this NOFO is to demonstrate if the deployment of technologies which automate the production of housing and can be scaled, can be used as a means to increase the supply of housing. This effort attempts to bridge the gap between traditional capital https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/removing-barriers-to-american-leadership-in-artificial-intelligence/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/removing-barriers-to-american-leadership-in-artificial-intelligence/

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

III. Program Description PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 12 of 46 investment in known technologies, and the level of deployment necessary to bring advanced robotics and/or AI technologies to scale to increase the production of residential building components or housing units. Projects will be required to demonstrate if advanced robotics and/or AI technologies have the capacity to efficiently build the determined components for a desired number of homes, showcasing the technology's effectiveness, efficiency, and potential for broader adoption. Demonstrations should also quantify improvements in affordability through speed and labor demand reductions.

This funding opportunity will help advance the Presidential Memorandum published on January 20, 2025, titled Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families and Defeating the Cost-of-Living Crisis, which directs Federal agencies to "pursu[e] appropriate actions to: lower the cost of housing and expand housing supply..." among other goals.

Research supported under this funding opportunity must also be aligned with the elements of Gold Standard Science that are outlined in the Executive Order published May 23, 2025, titled Restoring Gold Standard Science.

Consistent with the Executive Order published on April 23, 2025, titled White House initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which establishes as policy that HBCUs obtain "equal opportunities for participation in Federal Programs," HBCUs are strongly encouraged to apply for these funds.

Applicants should become familiar with all other applicable current and future Executive Orders, a listing of which is found here.

C. Authority This program is authorized by Sections 501 and 502 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 (12 U.S.C. §1701z-1 and §1701z-2) and the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4, approved March 15, 2025).

D. Unallowable Costs Funds may not be used for a doctoral dissertation research grant program. 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 200.466.

The recipient or subrecipient must not earn or keep any profit. An organization may not evaluate or conduct research on itself. HUD will determine whether salary rates are reasonable, customary for the skill set provided and the tasks to be conducted, and in accordance with federal legal requirements.

The leasing or rental of space for any activities supported through this NOFO is allowed only under the following conditions:

• The lease must be for existing facilities not requiring rehabilitation or construction except for minimal alterations to make the facilities accessible for a person with disabilities;

• No repairs or renovations of the property unrelated to the proposed demonstration may be undertaken with funds from this NOFO; and https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/delivering-emergency-price-relief-for-american-families-and-defeating-the-cost-of-living-crisis/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/delivering-emergency-price-relief-for-american-families-and-defeating-the-cost-of-living-crisis/ https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/DCPD-202500636/pdf/DCPD-202500636.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/white-house-initiative-to-promote-excellence-and-innovation-at-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/white-house-initiative-to-promote-excellence-and-innovation-at-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-orders/

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

III. Program Description PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 13 of 46

• Properties in the Coastal Barrier Resources System designated under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501) cannot be leased or rented with federal funds.

Funds for the provision of general-purpose equipment not directly tied to the demonstration project (forklifts, office computers unless integral to robot operation) and capital equipment may not be charged as an indirect cost. Consistent with 2 CFR §§ 200.439(b)(1) and (7), capital equipment must be charged as a direct cost when it is necessary, reasonable, and allocable to the approved scope of work. Such costs must be separately identified, fully itemized, and clearly justified in the project budget. For example, equipment such as robotics systems, production-line automation hardware, or other capital assets must be proposed and justified as direct project costs and may not be included in an indirect cost pool or recovered through an indirect cost rate.

E. Indirect Costs If you expect to charge indirect costs to the award, submit the Indirect Cost Information for Award Applicant/Recipient form (HUD-426) with your application.

F. Program History This is a new funding opportunity.

G. Other Information This funding opportunity will award funding to organizations deploying either offsite or onsite advanced robotics solutions/AI technologies capable of autonomously or semi-autonomously performing key residential building construction tasks. Eligible activities may include, but are not limited to, robotics systems for framing, panelized systems, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing systems, insulation, drywall installation, or exterior finishing. AI applications may include, but are not limited to, real-time quality control, materials tracking, predictive scheduling, and adaptive construction sequencing. Projects must quantify how the use of advanced robotics/AI technologies improves affordability by lowering production costs, reducing labor needs, or accelerating construction timelines. Demonstrations should be scaled appropriately for innovation and should be suitable for widespread adoption, up to and including full home construction.

Proposal Requirements Applicants' proposal should include the following:

• A clear description of current housing construction/production stages (without divulging any proprietary information or trade secrets), identifying the status of any automation currently employed, labor and skill level requirements, units output levels and a rough estimation of cost of production.

• Description of the applicant's data collection and analysis capabilities and identification of specific variables that will be monitored and analyzed. Applicants should provide baseline data, if available, that can be used to effectively evaluate the demonstration project outcomes/outputs.

• Identification of regulatory/compliance issues (if any) including but not limited to building codes, zoning codes, inspections or certifications, etc.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Indirect%20cost)

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

III. Program Description PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 14 of 46

• The intended/proposed automation, which should include specific stages of the construction process to be automated, why and how those stages were selected, requirements of the innovation (software/hardware), impacts of the proposed innovation/automation on other stages (both up-stream and down-stream) of the construction process, perceived challenges and how they will be addressed, impact on labor/skill requirements and impact on output/system efficiency. The applicant should provide an estimate of the increase in the number of building components or housing units that the proposed automation will produce.

• A proposed evaluation process to identify impacts of the proposed automation/innovation on units' output, process efficiency, labor/skills requirements and cost efficiency.

Deliverables HUD cooperative agreements require certain activities and deliverables as part of award and project management, including:

• Management and Work Plan (MWP): The MWP shall outline the overall strategy for completing the demonstration project within the budget and time frame allotted.

Specifically, the MWP shall describe activities to be undertaken, identify assigned staff with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and provide a schedule of key tasks and major milestones.

• Demonstration Project Design (DPD): The DPD shall describe the methodology to be used to complete the proposed effort, including data collection, management, and analysis. If appropriate, the demonstration project design shall describe the protocol for sampling, testing, performing data analysis, and communicating the results.

• Quality Control Plan (QCP): a written document that outlines the awardee's proposed approach to quality control of all activities and deliverables to be produced over the period of performance.

• Quarterly Progress Reports: a narrative summary of accomplishments of the awardee over the prior quarter, discussion of any deviations from the initial schedule of progress, and a summary of how those deviations impact the project and how the Grantee recommends handling the deviation. Documentation of work completed during the prior quarter should align with financial reporting submitted in the same quarter, including any invoices submitted to draw down funding from the award.

• Interim Reporting: Interim reports are required after achievement of all major milestones.

• Interim and Final Briefings: Interim briefings shall be delivered summarizing the early findings of the demonstration at the midpoint of the performance period. A final briefing shall take place at least one month prior to the delivery of the final report. Feedback from the briefings shall be incorporated into the final report.

• Final Draft and Final Report: The submission of a draft final report summarizing the full scope of work, accomplishments, and findings under the award, prepared in accordance with the HUD User Report Style Guide. After the end of the period of

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

III. Program Description PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 15 of 46 performance, a final report must be submitted that fully addresses HUD's comments and incorporates any required revisions.

PD&R's grants management staff and the Governmental Technical Representative (GTR) for the cooperative agreement will work closely with awardees to further define deliverables during the project. Deliverables shall not reveal trade secrets or other confidential information as part of the reporting requirements. However, testing data and other results are expected to be reported to help evaluate the effectiveness of any proprietary technologies. Final work products must be well-written and adhere to plain language principles. The final report must be of publishable quality and conform to PD&R's Guidelines on Preparing a Report for Publication. All final work products must be compliant with § 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d). HUD anticipates publishing the final deliverable(s) on our website at www.huduser.gov. Following submission of the final report, PD&R encourages grantees to seek additional outlets for publishing and communicating findings.

Other Allowable Costs.

Capital Expenditures Equipment purchases are allowable as direct costs when necessary to complete the approved scope of work and when approved by HUD, consistent with 2 CFR 200.439.

Equipment with a per-unit acquisition cost of $10,000 or greater requires prior written approval from HUD. Total equipment and capital costs for the proposed project may not exceed 40 percent of the total HUD award amount.

Allowable capital expenditures include, but are not limited to, robotic arms, gantry systems, 3D printing heads, sensors, control systems, end effectors, production-line automation hardware, and software licenses that are integral to the operation of such equipment. Costs for installation, system integration, calibration, and operator training are allowable when they are directly related to the operation of the equipment and necessary to carry out the proposed demonstration project. However, in the case of equipment purchase, you must comply with the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4001-4128) and the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 4001, et seq.).

Limitations on Physical Activities and Environmental Compliance Activities funded under this NOFO are limited to those that qualify as categorically excluded and not subject to environmental review under 24 CFR 50.19(b)(14). Accordingly, HUD funds under this NOFO may not be used for construction, rehabilitation, physical expansion of facilities, ground disturbance, or any activities that would trigger environmental review under 24 CFR Part 50. Permissible activities are limited to non-construction economic development activities, including equipment purchase, inventory financing, operating expenses, and similar costs that are not associated with construction or physical expansion of existing facilities.

Facility Modifications (Limited Scope) Minor, non-structural interior adjustments may be allowable only to the extent they are necessary to install or operate approved equipment and remain consistent with 24 CFR 50.19(b)(14). Such adjustments must:

• Be limited to interior, non-structural activities that do not alter the footprint, structure, or function of the facility https://www.huduser.gov

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

III. Program Description PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 16 of 46

• Not involve construction, rehabilitation, or physical expansion

• Not involve ground disturbance or site work of any kind

• Not located within the Coastal Barrier Resources System

• Not trigger any compliance factors under 24 CFR 50.4(b)(1)

• Be directly and exclusively tied to the installation and operation of approved equipment Any activity that exceeds these limitations is not allowable under this NOFO.

Procurement and Property Standards Award recipients must follow Federal procurement requirements in accordance with 2 CFR 200.317–200.327, as applicable. The designation of an entity as a subrecipient or contractor must follow program requirements and 2 CFR 200.331.

Recipients may take ownership of equipment acquired under this award, subject to Federal property standards. Recipients must track, manage, and safeguard equipment and protect the Federal Government's interest in such property in accordance with 2 CFR 200.313 and 2 CFR 200.439. Requirements for use, transfer, and disposition of equipment apply.

Equipment acquired under this award must first be used to support the approved demonstration project. Continued use after the period of performance is permitted provided that the original project purpose has been fulfilled, Federal interest is protected, and use is documented in accordance with 2 CFR 200.313.

Application Requirements for Capital Equipment Applicants must include a detailed budget justification for all proposed equipment costs. The justification must describe:

• Why the proposed equipment is necessary to carry out the demonstration project

• How the equipment advances housing construction outcomes and project objectives

• The plan for use of the equipment after completion of the demonstration project

• Inventory management, maintenance, and internal control procedures to safeguard Federal interest

IV. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND

FORMAT

IV. Application Contents and Forms

A. Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications

B. Budget

C. Narratives and Other Attachments

D. Other Application Content

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

IV. Application Contents and Format PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 18 of 46

IV. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Applications must include three main elements: a) standard forms, assurances, and certifications; b) budget; and c) narratives and other attachments. The content, forms, and format for each element are included in this section.

You may use this section as a checklist to ensure you submit a complete application.

If you don't provide the required documents in the correct format, your application is incomplete.

Do not submit password protected or encrypted files.

15 pages is the total maximum length of all narratives.

The application must include a narrative and all required forms and attachments. Content beyond the specified page limit will not be reviewed. Charts and tables are allowed and count toward the page limits. All narratives and attachments must be single-spaced 12-point Times New Roman font on letter sized paper (8½ x 11 inches) with at least 1-inch margins on all sides.

A. Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications You must properly complete and submit with your application the standard forms, assurances, and certifications identified below. You can find all forms in the application package or review them and their instructions at Grants.gov Forms. You can also read more about standard forms on HUD's Funding Opportunities page.

If you are applying for an award for scientific research, you must commit to complying with administration policies, procedures, and guidance respecting Gold Standard Science (EO 14303).

Forms/Assurances/ Certifications Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: SF-424

Applicant and Recipient Required with the application Page limit: Not applicable

Element Submission Form

Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications Upload using each required form.

Budget Use the required budget form.

Narratives and Other Attachments Insert each in the Attachments form.

https://www.grants.gov/forms https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/CFO/images/Standard-Application-Forms.pdf

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

IV. Application Contents and Format PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 19 of 46

Forms/Assurances/ Certifications Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Assurances and Certifications

(HUD 424-B)

File name: HUD-424B

Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report

(HUD 2880)

Required with the application and after award.

Page limit: Not applicable File name: HUD-2880

Certification Regarding Lobbying Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: Lobbying Certification form

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)

If applicable, required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: SF-LLL

Certification for a Drug-Free Workplace (HUD-50070) Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable.

File name: HUD-50070

All applicants must submit all required forms as indicated in the Forms/Assurances/ Certifications column above.

B. Budget You must submit a budget with your application to support your project narrative.

At a minimum, your budget must indicate direct and any indirect costs.

You must submit with your application the following budget-related information to support your project narrative: 1) the Grant Application Detailed Budget Worksheet (HUD-424-CBW);

2) the Indirect Cost Information Certification (HUD-426); and 3) the budget narrative, as described below in Section IV.C.

Budget Form/Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Grant Application Detailed Budget Worksheet (HUD-424-

CBW)

Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: HUD-424CBW Form location: download instructions

Indirect Cost Information Certification (HUD-426)

This document is required with the application and after award

Page limit: Not applicable File name: ICR Doc.

Form location: download

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

IV. Application Contents and Format PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 20 of 46

Budget Form/Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description instructions

C. Narratives and Other Attachments If applicable, you must upload narrative and other attachments in Grants.gov using the Attachments Form. When using the Attachments Form, you can upload PDF, Word or Excel formats.

Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Cover Sheet Required with the application

Page limit: 1 File name: Cover Sheet The Cover Sheet is described in more detail below.

Project Abstract Required with the application Page limit: 2 File name: Project Abstract Additional information below.

Resumes of Key Staff Required with the application

Page limit: 6 Resume of no more than two pages per person for up to three key personnel.

File name: Resumes

Narrative Response to Rating Factors Required with the application

Page limit: 15 See Section V.B File name: Narrative Response

Budget Narrative Required with the application Page limit: 4 File name: Budget Narrative

Past Performance References Required with the application

Page limit: n/a File name: References References requirements described below https://grants.gov

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

IV. Application Contents and Format PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 21 of 46

Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Letters of Commitment Required with the application, if applicable

Page limit: n/a File name: Letters of Commitment

Code of Conduct

If not included in HUD's eLibrary, this document is required with the application and after award.

Page limit: Not applicable File name: Code Acceptable Content

In addition to the requirements above, the following additional information applies to the "Narratives and Other Attachments."

• Cover Sheet (One-Page Maximum): The cover sheet must include the applicant's legal name, a statement regarding whether the applicant has previously been a recipient of PD&R research funding, and project title.

• Project Abstract (Two-Page Maximum): Applicants must submit a Project Abstract written in plain language for a general audience that provides a clear, stand-alone summary of the proposed demonstration project. The abstract must include the project title; the names and affiliations of the Principal Investigator, key demonstration project team members, and any partner organizations with a brief description of their roles; a concise summary of the project objectives, overall demonstration project design, and expected results; and the total amount of HUD funding requested. The Project Abstract is for informational purposes only, will not be evaluated or scored, and does not count towards the 15-page application limit. Any information the applicant wishes HUD to consider in scoring must be included in the appropriate rating factor narrative, not in the Project Abstract.

• Narrative Response to Rating Factors (15-Page Maximum): Applicants must submit a project narrative that directly and clearly responds to each of the rating factors identified in Section V.B.1 (Rating Factors 1 through 4). The narrative must be organized by rating factor, with each section clearly labeled to correspond to the applicable factor. All required project descriptions and explanations must be included within the narrative responses to the rating factors and formatted in accordance with Section IV. Any information not provided within, or explicitly referenced by, the rating factor responses will not be reviewed or scored. Points for each rating factor will be based solely on the content submitted in response to that specific factor, including any appendices that are clearly cited in the narrative. Applicants may submit additional supporting materials as appendices; however, these materials will be considered only if they are referenced in the relevant rating factor response and clearly labeled in the footer with the corresponding rating factor they support.

• Supporting Materials: Include, as appendices, required materials that are needed to support your response to the rating factors, particularly rating factor 3. These will not be counted towards the rating factors narrative 15-page limit.

https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/grants-code-of-conduct https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/grants-code-of-conduct https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/conductgrants

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

IV. Application Contents and Format PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 22 of 46 o The resumes of the PI and up to two other key personnel (a total of three). Each resume shall not exceed two pages and is limited to information that is relevant in assessing the qualifications and experience of key personnel to conduct and/or manage the proposed demonstration.

o Additionally, applicants should include the following supporting materials:

▪ Organizational chart.

▪ Letters of commitment (if applicable). If consultants or subrecipients are proposed as key personnel on the project, a letter of commitment from each named individual must be submitted as evidence of their commitment to the project.

▪ List of references cited in your responses to the rating factors.

Supporting materials must not exceed 20 pages. Any pages more than this limit will not be reviewed. Any information should not be a continuation of the rating factor narrative but provide further clarification, if needed, of statements made in the rating factor narrative. Any supporting materials with information that are a continuation of a rating factor narrative will not be considered.

• Budget. Include a total budget using form HUD-424-CBW included in the Instructions download at Grants.gov, with supporting budget justification of up to four pages, which will cover all budget categories of the federal grant request. The budget justification is a written narrative explanation covering each of the components of the budget, which justifies the cost in terms of the proposed work. This information will not be counted towards the rating factors narrative 15-page limit. In completing the budget forms and budget justifications, you should address the following elements:

o Direct Labor costs, including all full- and part-time staff required for the planning and implementation phases of the project. These costs should be based on full time equivalent (FTE) or hours per year (hours/year) (i.e., one FTE equals 2,080 hours/year);

o Allowance for two trips to HUD Headquarters in Washington, DC, during the period of performance of your grant, planning each trip for 1-2 people, as needed. In planning your trips, you should assume one or two overnight stays depending on your location;

o A separate budget form and budget justification for each sub-recipient receiving more than 10 percent of the total federal budget request;

o Supporting documentation for salaries and prices of materials and equipment, upon request.

D. Other Application Content

1. Technical Application Errors HUD will contact you to fix a technical error with your timely application after the due date.

Technical errors, if corrected, do not affect (positive or negative) your merit rating under this https://www.grants.gov/

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

IV. Application Contents and Format PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 23 of 46

NOFO. Examples of technical errors include, but are not limited to: inconsistencies in funding requests; a missing or incomplete form or certification; failure to submit an otherwise sufficient application under the correct Assistance Listings number or Funding Opportunity Number in Grants.gov; improper signature on a form or certification; and missing or inappropriate eligibility documentation.

HUD will send notice to the authorized organization representative to fix a technical error.

You must respond timely and appropriately to HUD's notice (see submission requirements).

Your application is not eligible for funding if you fail to fix the error to HUD's satisfaction by the due date in HUD's notice. HUD will not review information submitted after the due date in HUD's notice.

As directed in HUD's Notice of Technical Application Error, please ensure to include (CC) ResearchPartnerships@hud.gov when emailing corrections to HUD at applicationsupport@hud.gov to ensure receipt of submission. HUD will not review nor accept responses only submitted to the ResearchPartnerships@hud.gov inbox.

mailto:ResearchPartnerships@hud.gov mailto:applicationsupport@hud.gov mailto:ResearchPartnerships@hud.gov

V. APPLICATION REVIEW

INFORMATION

V. Application Review Information

A. Threshold Review

B. Merit Review

C. Risk Review

D. Selection Process

E. Award Notices

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

V. Application Review Information PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 25 of 46

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Threshold Review When you apply: Your application is reviewed to make sure it meets the threshold requirements of this NOFO. If your application has a technical error, HUD will allow you to correct it. If you fail to meet any of the threshold requirements, your application is not eligible for HUD funding. If you do meet the threshold requirements, your application moves to Merit Review (the next step).

1. Timely Application Submission Late applications are not evaluated and not eligible for funding. See deadlines in Section VI.

2. Complete Application If your application is timely, HUD will confirm completeness. Your application is considered for funding if it is complete and responsive to the requirements in this NOFO. If your application is incomplete, HUD will ask you to fix any technical errors. Otherwise, incomplete and nonresponsive applications are not considered for funding.

3. Eligible Applicant Upon receipt, HUD will confirm whether you are an eligible applicant. Applications from ineligible applicants do not proceed to merit review and are not eligible for HUD funding.

4. Requested Funding Level Applicants seeking an award amount that is below the minimum award amount ($3,000,000) or above the maximum award amount ($10,000,000) will be deemed ineligible.

5. Responsiveness to NOFO Purpose and Required Rating Factor Narratives The application must (1) demonstrate that the proposed project is within the scope of, and aligned with, the purpose, objectives, and goals of this NOFO as described in Sections III.A and B, and (2) include a narrative response for each required rating factor identified in Section V.B, clearly labeled and submitted in the required format and within applicable page limits. Applications that propose activities outside the scope of the NOFO, or that omit a required rating factor narrative, will be deemed non-responsive and ineligible for further review.

B. Merit Review If your application meets the threshold requirements, a panel will review and score its merits.

The panel may include HUD employees and non-employees. They will evaluate your application based on the following criteria. The results of the evaluation are shared with senior HUD officials who make the final decisions about funding consistent with this NOFO.

Merit Review Summary

Criterion Total number of points = 100 Rating Factor 1: Contribution of the Proposed Research _30_ points

Rating Factor 2: Soundness of Approach _30_ points

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

V. Application Review Information PDR-2600-DC-029Q Page 26 of 46

1. Rating Factors Your application must include a response to the following criteria.

Rating Factors Details

Criterion Total number of points = 100 Rating Factor 3: Project Management and Capacity of the Team _20_ points

Rating Factor 4: Budget and Timeline Reasonableness _20_ points

Total _100_ points

Criterion Max points = 100

Rating Factor 1: Contribution of the Proposed Research _30_ max points

The narrative should clearly demonstrate how the proposed demonstration project directly addresses the objective and goals of the NOFO.

1a. The narrative should include a clear and well-supported description of the applicant's housing construction or production stages, including identifying the quantities and outputs of each construction or production stage. The description should be clear enough to provide a good understanding of the construction and or production stages without divulging any proprietary information or trade secrets (5 points).

1b. The narrative should clearly identify specific construction or production stage(s) proposed for automation using advanced robotics/AI technologies and provide a clear rationale for the selection of those stage(s). A detailed description and capabilities of the advanced robotics/AI technologies to be deployed in the proposed automation should be provided. Where the proposed automation will increase outputs or reduce construction/production time of the automated stage(s), the narrative should provide detailed information on how the upstream and downstream stages will be impacted and how they will be adjusted to accommodate the proposed modifications in the proposed automation stage(s) (10 points).

1c. The narrative should provide detailed information on the expected impacts of the advanced robotics/AI technologies automations on the whole construction/production processes quantifying the expected outputs or reductions in time of the entire construction/production process. The applicant should provide an estimate of the increase in the number of building components or housing units that the proposed automation will produce (10 points).

1d. The narrative should discuss the scalability of the proposed approach and its potential implications for local, state, and federal housing policy and industry practices (5 points).

Rating Factor 2: Soundness of Approach _30_ max points

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII…