MSI.pdf

FON

FR-6900-N-29F

Applications Due 04/09/2025

Organization Name Title

Advancing HUD's Learning Agenda through Cooperative Agreements with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Alaska Native/ Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions

Table of Contents

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

I. BASIC INFORMATION

A. Summary

B. Agency Contact(s)

II. ELIGIBILITY

A. Eligible Applicants

B. 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

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 Submissions

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. HUD Strategic Goals

Appendix II. Definitions

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, register in the appropriate systems now and review the application package. If you are already registered, make sure your registration is active and up-to-date.

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 on the Entity Registration Checklist for the information you will need to register.

It can take several weeks to register in SAM.gov, so please 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 FR-6900-N-29F . 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, access the Support Center on Grants.gov for assistance.

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

Application Deadline Applications are due by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 04/09/2025.

HUD Listserv

If you are interested in email notices about upcoming funding opportunities, subscribe to HUD’s Funding Opportunities listserv.

Note: To help you find what you need, this NOFO uses internal links. In Adobe Reader, you can go back to where you were by pressing Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) or Command + Left Arrow (Mac) on your keyboard.

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://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

This NOFO solicits applications for Advancing HUD's Learning Agenda through Cooperative Agreements with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Alaska Native/ Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions.

Review the entire NOFO to understand the application requirements in full. HUD will not fund incomplete or ineligible applications.

A. Summary Through this funding opportunity, HUD’s Office of Policy Development & Research (PD&R) will fund eligible institutions to conduct research that addresses one or more of the Eligible Research Questions listed in Section III.G. The NOFO is intended to: (1) fund quality research that contributes to knowledge on housing and community development; and (2) support minority-serving institutions to conduct housing and community development research important to their local communities and the students they serve.

The Eligible Research Questions are adapted from HUD’s Learning Agenda, which articulates a set of critical, policy-relevant research questions that, if addressed, would support the advancement of HUD’s mission of creating strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality, affordable homes for all. The Learning Agenda draws on input and support from practitioners, advocates, people with lived experience in HUD programs, researchers, and policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels.

Awards made under this NOFO will be cooperative agreements. Awardees should anticipate substantial involvement by subject matter experts within PD&R in support of the selected research projects. Substantial involvement is defined in Section III.A of this NOFO.

1. NOFO Summary Federal Agency Name: United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD Program Office: Policy Development and Research

Funding Opportunity Title: Advancing HUD's Learning Agenda through Cooperative Agreements with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Alaska Native/ Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: FR-6900-N-29F

Assistance Listing Number(s): 14.506

Paperwork Reduction Act Information: 2501-0044

Key Dates:

Due Date for Application Submission: 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time on 04/09/2025

Due Date for Intergovernmental Review: See Section VI.C.1.

Anticipated Award Date: 09/01/2025 https://www.huduser.gov/portal/about/pdr_learningagenda.html

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.

Subject to appropriations, HUD reserves the right to award fiscal year 2025 funds based on this NOFO competition.

Number of Awards HUD expects to make approximately 25 awards from the funds available under this NOFO.

HUD anticipates making a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 awards.

The minimum award amount is $250,000 and the maximum award amount is $2,500,000.

HUD also expects to make approximately 25 additional awards from any funds made available in fiscal year 2025.

Period of Performance Estimated Project Start Date:

10/01/2025 Estimated Project End Date:

09/30/2030 Length of Project Periods:

Other

Length of Periods Explanation:

Applicants should select a period of performance that aligns with their proposed project. The period of performance will vary by project based on the level of complexity and the proposed methodology. In selecting a period of performance, applicants should consider activities that typically cause delays when selecting their performance period, such as acquiring data or securing approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to data collection. The minimum period of performance is 12 months and the maximum period of performance is 60 months.

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1#p-200.1(Federal%20award)

II. ELIGIBILITY

You are invited to apply if your organization is an eligible entity type and meets the funding conditions included in the NOFO. HUD will review applications from eligible applicants using the criteria in Section V of this NOFO.

A. Eligible Applicants

1. Eligible Entity Types:

25 (Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification))

Hispanic-serving Institution (HSIs)

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)

Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (ANNH)

Additional Information on Eligibility

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

Individuals are ineligible applicants.

Eligible applicants are restricted to institutions that are designated by the U.S. Department of Education at the time of application as one of the four following categories of federally recognized minority-serving institutions (MSI): Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), Tribal Colleges or Universities (TCU), and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNH). Institutions must apply annually to the U.S. Department of Education for federally recognized minority-serving eligibility designations. Institutional designations can change from year to year. You may verify the status of your institution by visiting https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/eligibility.html.

Scroll down and click on the most recent version of the Eligibility Matrix, a read-only Excel worksheet that lists data for postsecondary institutions. You may also establish your institution’s status with a letter or other document from the U.S. Department of Education.

2. Restrictions

a. Statutory and Regulatory Requirements Affecting Eligibility You must comply with the current General Statutory and Regulatory Requirements Affecting Eligibility for HUD’s Competitive Programs. HUD will review your eligibility before issuing an award. As part of this review, HUD uses SAM.gov and Department of Treasury data.

b. Application Eligibility Your application is considered for funding if it satisfies the application review requirements in Section V. of this NOFO.

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/part-5/appendix-Appendix%20A%20to%20Subpart%20A%20of%20Part%205 https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/eligibility.html https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/cfo/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps/EligibilityRequirements https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/cfo/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps/EligibilityRequirements https://sam.gov https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/cfo/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps/EligibilityRequirements https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Cost%20sharing%20or%20matching)

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Purpose HUD’s Learning Agenda articulates a set of critical, policy-relevant research questions that can inform policy and practice related to housing and urban development at the federal, state, and local level. Such research can generate benefits beyond the immediate scope of the project and can support broader applications, contribute to policy or program design, or enhance program implementation strategies. PD&R has identified a subset of research questions adapted from HUD’s Learning Agenda that will be the focus of this funding opportunity. These questions are grouped under seven topic areas:

1. Community Development and Place-Based Initiatives

2. Disaster Recovery

3. Fair Housing

4. Homelessness

5. Homeownership, Asset Building, and Economic Opportunity

6. Housing and Health

7. American Indian, Alaska Native, and/or Native Hawaiian Housing Needs

The funds being made available under this NOFO will advance two goals: (1) funding quality research that contributes to knowledge on housing and community development; and (2) supporting minority serving institutions to conduct housing and community development research important to their local communities and the students they serve. HUD encourages applicants to propose research methods that leverage the assets of the applicant institution, including its unique relationships with the community or communities upon which the institution's MSI designation (ANNH, HBCU, HSI, or TCU) is based and that are appropriate to address the research question being pursued. HUD is interested in funding research proposals that reflect a broad array of methodologies, including, but not limited to, controlled experiments, quasi-experimental studies, administrative data linkage and analysis, case studies, community-engaged research, ethnography, and other qualitative methods.

Applicants that have not previously applied for, or received, Federal financial assistance, such as a grant or cooperative agreement, may consider partnering with a research institution that has previously been awarded Federal financial assistance.

Awards made under this NOFO will be cooperative agreements and, therefore, awardees should anticipate substantial involvement by subject matter experts within PD&R. Substantial involvement may include, for example:

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

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

• Review and approval of any written materials documenting research results.

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

• Regularly scheduled meetings to discuss project progress.

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

B. Goals and Objectives

1. Applicable Goals and Objectives from HUD’s Strategic Plan This NOFO supports HUD’s mission and HUD’s Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2022- 2026. The goals, objectives, and measures applicable to this NOFO are included in Appendix I.

These are in addition to increasing equity and improving customer experience - two overarching HUD priorities. Consider this information in your application and when tracking the success of your project, if selected for award. HUD will monitor compliance during the award performance period.

This NOFO seeks to advance HUD’s strategic goal of supporting underserved communities.

Through this funding opportunity, PD&R is seeking to expand HUD’s research partnerships to institutions that may have been historically underrepresented in the field of housing and urban development research and to support research projects that build on the unique relationships that Minority Serving Institutions have with their local communities and the students they serve.

2. Civil Rights and Equity Goals The Fair Housing Act requires HUD funding to create diverse neighborhoods, increase housing choice, reduce inequality, and eliminate discrimination. Executive Orders 13985 and 14091 direct HUD programs to reduce racial disparities. Your application must respond to these requirements in Section V.B.3 of this NOFO. and if you receive this award, you must track and report your progress towards these goals.

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 funding is provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-42, approved March 9, 2024).

D. Unallowable Costs Funds may not be used for a doctoral dissertation research grant program. The recipient or subrecipient must not earn or keep any profit. An organization may not evaluate or conduct research of itself. HUD will determine whether the salary rates are reasonable, customary for the skill set provided and the tasks to be conducted, and in accordance with federal legal requirements.

Lease 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 may be undertaken with funds from this NOFO;

and

• 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.

https://www.hud.gov/HUD-FY22-26-Strategic-Plan-Focus-Areas https://www.hud.gov/HUD-FY22-26-Strategic-Plan-Focus-Areas https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/25/2021-01753/advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/22/2023-03779/further-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal

E. Indirect Costs If you expect to charge indirect costs to the award, submit the Indirect Cost Information (HUD-

426) with your application.

F. Program History This is a new funding opportunity. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit PD&R’s website to learn more about HUD’s long history of working closely with minority serving institutions.

G. Other Information Overview

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support research projects that address one of the research questions listed under “Eligible Research Questions” below. HUD believes that MSIs are uniquely positioned to address these research questions in a manner that could amplify the impact of the research findings at the state and local level. Research questions are organized under seven topic areas. Applicants are encouraged to visit PD&R’s webpage for minority-serving institutions to access a series of short white papers that provide a high-level overview of the current state of the research within each topic area, foundational studies that HUD has supported related to the topic area, and the context for the selected research questions included in this NOFO.

Eligible Research Questions

Applicants must submit proposals to address one or more of the research questions listed below.

Applications that propose a research question not included in this section will not be eligible for funding.

Research questions are organized under seven topic areas:

1. Community Development and Place-Based Initiatives

a. What can be learned from local and federal neighborhood revitalization initiatives about the most effective ways to improve housing and neighborhood conditions and outcomes for residents?

b. To what extent are HUD programs addressing community safety, and are there opportunities to do more to reduce violence, either through housing-based service interventions or changes to the built environment?

c. How can federal housing and community development programs better meet the local needs of rural communities and territories?

d. How are CDBG grantees using federal resources (including the Section 108 loan guarantee program) to support innovative approaches to affordable housing and economic development?

2. Disaster Recovery

a. How have the most devastated communities affected by natural disasters recovered, and how have different public policies and local implementation affected that recovery?

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Indirect%20(facilities%20%26amp%3B%20administrative%20(F%26amp%3BA))%20costs) https://www.huduser.gov/portal/msi.html https://www.huduser.gov/portal/msi.html https://www.huduser.gov/portal/msi.html

b. Where do people go after a natural disaster, and what are the disaster survivors' characteristics and other distinguishing factors that lead survivors to permanently leave, stay, or return to their impacted communities?

c. How are communities responding to and addressing the relocation needs resulting from natural disasters, including slow-onset disasters (e.g., thawing permafrost, sea-level rise, and drought)?

d. How have communities successfully prepared for and responded to extreme heat events, especially for high-risk populations such as older adults, persons living with disabilities, agricultural workers, and families with young children?

3. Fair Housing

a. In what ways and to what extent does housing discrimination (including discriminatory impacts/effects) occur through tenant screening policies and practices, such as credit and criminal background checks, and non-rent costs, such as application fees and security deposits? What are promising or proven strategies to reduce or eliminate discrimination in tenant screening and non-rent costs?

b. How can innovative methods be used to better detect and measure housing discrimination?

c. What are ways to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices in home sales and mortgages, such as steering, appraisal bias, and financing referrals?

d. What are ways to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices in land use, public infrastructure funding, affordable housing siting, and related practices?

4. Homelessness

a. How have communities’ efforts to address homelessness among youth aged 16-25 evolved over the past decade? What efforts have been most successful, and what are the lessons learned?

b. What are promising local solutions to homelessness and overcrowding in rural communities?

c. What strategies have communities implemented to overcome the barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness when trying to access emergency shelter?

d. What is known about local community responses to unsheltered homelessness and best practices with respect to encampments, vehicle homelessness, and other forms of unsheltered homelessness?

5. Homeownership, Asset Building, and Economic Opportunity

a. What are the most promising strategies at the local, state, and federal levels to support low-income homeowners in meeting their repair and maintenance needs and preserving homeownership (and associated wealth gains)?

b. How does student loan debt influence homeownership and mortgage default risk?

c. What asset building activities are effective in rural or tribal communities? How effective are Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) at facilitating asset building in such communities?

d. What effect does improved access to affordable quality childcare have on the employment outcomes of parents/guardians and on the developmental outcomes of children?

6. Housing and Health

a. How are states with approved Section 1115 Medicaid waivers for the provision of

Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) delivering, or planning to deliver, housing supports to eligible beneficiaries?

b. What are the best models for communities to meet the mental and behavioral health needs of HUD-assisted households, including access to voluntary supportive services?

c. How can communities leverage housing policies and programs to support health, social connection, and overall well-being among older adults?

d. How can housing assistance programs be leveraged to improve maternal and child health outcomes? For example, how can rental assistance programs prioritize pregnant people for housing assistance programs to ensure both mother and child are stably housed at the time of delivery? Can home visiting models promote health or other beneficial outcomes for families with children living in HUD-assisted housing?

7. American Indian, Alaska Native, and/or Native Hawaiian Housing Needs

Construction-related topics

a. How do residential construction costs differ between tribal and non-tribal areas, and what drives these cost differences? Does use of federal financing for residential construction increase costs in tribal areas in ways that are different than non-tribal areas?

b. Can use of innovative building technologies (such as modular, penalized, or 3D printing technology) and/or local sources of building components and materials in tribal areas reduce residential construction costs, improve energy efficiency, and/or improve resilience to natural hazards?

c. Are there model tribal building codes that could help reduce the cost of construction and improve resiliency? Do tribal nations adopt, modify, or enforce state or local building codes, and if so, how?

d. Is factory-built housing (manufactured or modular housing) an effective solution to housing challenges in tribal communities, e.g. affordability, shortage, and overcrowding? If so, how can these models be scaled-up?

e. What strategies are institutions in tribal communities, including Tribal Colleges and Universities, implementing to produce skilled laborers needed to close local housing construction workforce gaps? What types of training are most needed?

What specific housing construction demand is being targeted? What is the estimate of the gap and/or needed laborers in the pipeline?

Culturally appropriate housing and community development

f. What are culturally appropriate housing designs and design features that tribal communities consider as minimal standards for establishing a sense of connectedness with tribal lands and tribal heritage? What are the most effective approaches to gathering culturally informed design information, and how might approaches vary by segments of the tribal population?

g. What features and design standards are recommended to address multigenerational living in tribal communities and the integration of elders into the community when building or rehabilitating housing and, in particular, supporting residents’ ability to age in place?

Disaster Resilience and Recovery

h. What are effective disaster preparedness recovery, mitigation, and adaptation strategies undertaken by one or more tribal communities in response to natural hazards and disasters of one or more types, including the COVID-19 pandemic?

Financing

i. What are innovative approaches to, or models of financing the construction and maintenance of affordable housing in tribal areas, and how can these approaches be scaled and applied to other tribal areas?

Homelessness

j. How does homelessness in tribal communities present differently than homelessness in non-tribal communities, and what are effective ways to better measure the extent of homelessness in tribal communities?

Eligible Activities

Eligible activities under this NOFO include all research, regulatory, and project management activities that contribute to meeting the NOFO objectives with a high degree of quality. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• All research activities required to complete the proposed project, including: the development of a research design, data collection and analysis plan; outreach and communication efforts related to the execution of the research project, such as incentive fees for study participants or honoraria for community practitioners and research partners, including people with lived experience; data collection and analysis; development of written reports; and the communication of findings to stakeholders.

• Engagement with subject matter experts, including people with lived experience, on any aspect of the project as needed to bring expertise to enhance the research team’s knowledge in critical areas.

• Training or capacity-building activities related to project implementation, including attendance at, and/or participation in, relevant conferences.

• Meeting regulatory requirements for research, such as the engagement of an Institutional Review Board to review and approve data collection instruments and the development of Informed Consent materials for study participants, if needed.

• Project management activities, including required project management tools (Opening Meeting, Management and Work Plan and Budget, Quality Control Plan, and Quarterly Progress Reports) and regular communication with HUD staff on all project deliverables.

• Travel, as required, to carry out the project as designed.

• Dissemination of research findings to stakeholders, including attendance at relevant conferences.

Deliverables

HUD cooperative agreements require certain activities and deliverables as part of award and project management.

Award management activities and deliverables include:

• Opening Meeting: a meeting with HUD staff to review the terms and conditions of the award.

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

• Management & Work Plan: a written document that outlines the expected workflow for the project over the period of performance, providing a project timeline, the allocation of staff and other resources to each task, and a strategy to address any potential challenges to completing the project on time and within budget.

• 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.

• Final Narrative Report: a report documenting the final breakdown of overall award spending over the full period of performance.

Project management activities and deliverables include:

• Research Design: a technical blueprint that outlines how the funded research project will be conducted, including the key research question, a strategy for accessing/collecting any necessary data, proposed analytic methods, and an outline of proposed deliverables.

• Draft and Final Research Report: the culmination of the overall research effort. The final report must be of publication quality and thoroughly describe the research objectives, the methodology, and the findings.

• Final Briefing: a virtual briefing of the study findings for HUD staff at the conclusion of the project.

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. Final work products must be well-written and adhere to plain language principles. The final research 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 intends to publish the final research report 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 research findings.

Preparing Your Applications

Institutions that are interested in applying for funding to address one or more of the Eligible Research Questions in Section III.G. of this NOFO must assemble a research project proposal for each research question the institution seeks funding to address. The contents of the proposal are detailed in Section V.B of this NOFO.

https://www.huduser.gov/About/GTR_Guide.pdf https://www.huduser.gov/About/GTR_Guide.pdf http://www.huduser.gov

Eligible institutions may only submit a single application in response to this funding opportunity; however, each application may include up to four unique research project proposals. The institution will be responsible for coordinating and submitting all research project proposals under a single application.

For example, Institution X wishes to submit four research project proposals: one proposal to address a research question under the Fair Housing topic area, a second proposal to address a research question under the Homelessness topic area, and a third and fourth proposal to address two different research questions under the Housing and Health topic area. In this circumstance, Institution X will submit a single application in response to this NOFO—which will contain four separate research project proposals. Each research project proposal will be scored independently against the evaluation criteria found in Section V of this NOFO. In this scenario, Institution X may be awarded funding for any number of the four research project proposals submitted for consideration.

There is no prohibition against a single institution submitting more than one unique research project proposal responsive to the same research question. For example, Institution Y may have two teams of researchers that wish to address question 6c under the Health and Housing topic area using different methods. Institution Y would submit a single application with both research project proposals. Each research project proposal will be scored independently against the evaluation criteria found in Section V. of this NOFO.

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.

Double spaced 12-point Times New Roman font on letter sized paper (8 1/2 x 11 inches) with at least 1-inch margins on all sides.

Each institution may submit a single application that includes up to four distinct research project proposals. Each research project proposal must include a narrative that may not exceed 15 pages.

This page limit does not include the required appendices or the budget narrative described under Section IV.C.

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.

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 Assurances and Certifications

(HUD 424-B)

Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable 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

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

Certification of a Drug-Free Workplace (HUD-50070)

Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: HUD-50070

Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B)

If applicable, required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: SF-424B

Indirect Cost Rate Certification

(HUD-426)

If applicable, required with the application and after award

Page limit: Not applicable File name: ICR Doc.

Form location: download instructions

The Eligible Institution should submit a single SF-424. Item 18, Estimated Funding, should reflect the total budget of all the research project proposals submitted. This amount may not exceed $2.5 million.

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.

Applicants must submit a Grant Application Detailed Budget Worksheet (HUD Form 424-CBW) for each research project proposal submitted. The Grant Application Detailed Budget Worksheet must display all costs anticipated during the performance period of each individual research project, including the indirect cost rate to be applied.

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.

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

Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Narrative Response to Rating Factors Required for each research project proposal

See Section V.B.

Page limit: 15 File name:

Narrative For each additional research project proposal, name Narrative 2, https://grants.gov

Narrative 3, Narrative 4, as applicable.

Budget Narrative Required for each research project proposal

Page limit: 2 pages File name: Budget Narrative For each additional research project proposal, name Budget Narrative 2, Budget Narrative 3, Budget Narrative 4, as applicable.

Resume/Biosketch Appendix Required for each research project proposal

Page limit: 6 pages File name:

Resumes For each additional research project proposal, name Resumes 2, Resumes 3, Resumes 4, as applicable.

References Appendix Required for each research project proposal

No page limit File name:

References For each additional research project proposal, name References 2, References 3, References 4, as applicable.

Advancing Racial Equity (ARE) Narrative Required with the application, not required for each project proposal

Page limit: 2 pages File name: ARE Narrative

Experience Promoting Racial Equity (EPRE) Narrative

Required with the application, not required for each project proposal

Page limit: 2 pages File name: EPRE Narrative

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Narrative

Required with the application, not required for each project proposal

Page limit: 2 pages File name: AFFH Narrative

The Institution's application must contain, in addition to the forms listed in Section IV.A, the three equity narratives indicated in the above table. A single set of equity narratives should be submitted by the institution, regardless of the number of research project proposals submitted.

Each research project proposal must contain, in addition to the budget listed in Section IV.B, the following:

• Rating Factors Narrative o A statement, not to exceed 15 pages, addressing the rating factors described in

Section V of this NOFO.

• Resume/Biosketch Appendix o Resumes or biosketches for up to 3 key personnel identified in Rating Factor 3, each not exceeding two pages o At a minimum, the appendix must include a resume or biosketch for the proposed Principal Investigator (PI) and Project Director of the proposed project.

• References Appendix o At least two references from individuals/entities that could attest to the applicant's performance on any relevant and recent (within five years) research projects.

o The references should include name and contact information and a brief summary of the project.

• Budget Narrative o Explanation of how the requested budget will support the completion of the proposed research project.

Required Application Content: Summary Table The overall institutional application must include:

* Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) reflecting the total budget for all included research project proposals

* Applicant and Recipient Assurances and Certifications (HUD 424-B)

* Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (HUD 2880)

* Certification Regarding Lobbying Activities

* Certification of a Drug-Free Workplace (HUD-50070)

* If applicable: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL); Assurances for Non- Construction Programs (SF-424B); Indirect Cost Rate Certification (HUD-426)

* Advancing Racial Equity (ARE) Narrative

* Experience Promoting Racial Equity (EPRE) Narrative

* Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Narrative

Each individual research project proposal must include:

* Narrative response to evaluation factors

* Grant Application Detailed Budget Worksheet (HUD-424-CBW)

* Budget Narrative

* Appendix containing resumes/biosketches for up to three key personnel

* Appendix containing at least two references

D. Other Application Content Following selection of awardees, if the amount of the award being offered by HUD is lower than the amount requested and the applicant accepts this award, the applicant will need to provide a revision of the initial proposal, budget, budget narrative, and a brief description of what was changed within a specified period. HUD will complete its review of the proposed revisions and determine whether further information or conditions to the grant are necessary. If the requested information is not provided, HUD will not make the award and may select another eligible applicant.

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Threshold Review HUD reviews each application to make sure it meets the following threshold requirements. If you meet all threshold requirements, your application will advance to a merit review. If you fail to meet one or more threshold requirements, your application is not eligible for HUD funding.

1. Eligible Applicant You must meet the applicant eligibility criteria in this NOFO. HUD will not fund applications from ineligible applicants.

2. Resolution of Civil Rights Matters An application will not advance for merit review unless the application(s) resolves all outstanding civil rights matters before the application deadline.

a. An applicant is not eligible for funding if that applicant has any of the charges, cause determinations, lawsuits, or letters of findings referenced in subparagraphs (1) – (5) that are not resolved to HUD’s satisfaction before or on the application deadline date for this NOFO

(1) Charges from HUD concerning a systemic violation of the Fair Housing Act or receipt of a cause determination from a substantially equivalent state or local fair housing agency concerning a systemic violation of a substantially equivalent state or local fair housing law proscribing discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, disability, or familial status;

(2) Status as a defendant in a Fair Housing Act lawsuit filed by the United States alleging a pattern or practice of discrimination or denial of rights to a group of persons raising an issue of general public importance under 42 U.S.C. § 3614(a);

(3) Status as a defendant in any other lawsuit filed or joined by the Department of Justice, or in which the Department of Justice has intervened, or filed an amicus brief or statement of interest, alleging a pattern or practice or systemic violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Violence Against Women Act, or a claim under the False Claims Act related to fair housing, non-discrimination, or civil rights generally including an alleged failure to affirmatively further fair housing;

(4) Receipt of a letter of findings identifying systemic non-compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974; Violence Against Women Act; or the Americans with Disabilities Act; or

(5) Receipt of a cause determination from a substantially equivalent state or local fair housing agency concerning a systemic violation of provisions of a state or local law prohibiting discrimination in housing based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or lawful source of income.

b. HUD will determine if actions to resolve the charge, cause determination, lawsuit, or letter of findings taken before the application deadline date will resolve the matter.

Examples of actions that may be sufficient to resolve the matter include, but are not limited to:

(1) Current compliance with a voluntary compliance agreement signed by all the parties;

(2) Current compliance with a HUD-approved conciliation agreement signed by all the parties;

(3) Current compliance with a conciliation agreement signed by all the parties and approved by the state governmental or local administrative agency with jurisdiction over the matter;

(4) Current compliance with a consent order or consent decree;

(5) Current compliance with a final judicial ruling or administrative ruling or decision; or

(6) Dismissal of charges.

3. Timely Submission of Applications Late applications are not eligible for funding. See deadlines in Section VI of this NOFO.

4. Correct Funding Opportunity Number You must ensure that the Funding Opportunity Number in box 12 on your SF-424 matches the number associated with this NOFO. If the numbers do not match, your application is not eligible for HUD funding.

B. Merit Review HUD expects to evaluate and score your application using the following merit criteria and process. Merit reviewers evaluate and score all applications that pass the threshold review.

Merit reviewers may include Federal and non-Federal persons. Reviewers receive a copy of your application to evaluate and score each application separately.

Merit Review Summary

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

The maximum number of points that can be awarded to any research project proposal is 100. No preference points are available under this NOFO. Your research project proposal must include a response to each of the following five rating factors.

Rating Factors Details

Criterion Total number of points 100 Rating Factor 1: Contribution of the Proposed Research 20 points

Rating Factor 2: Soundness of Approach 30 points Rating Factor 3: Capacity of the Team 20 points Rating Factor 4: Project Management 20 points Rating Factor 5: Budget Reasonableness 10 points

Criterion Maximum points Rating Factor 1: Contribution of the Proposed Research 20 The proposed research must address one of the questions specified under the section titled Eligible Research Questions in Section III.G of this NOFO. The narrative must describe the importance of the proposed research and its potential to address an identified issue, challenge, or gap in the existing body of knowledge in the relevant topic area. The narrative should describe the potential for the research to generate benefits beyond the immediate scope of the project and should explain how the findings could support broader applications, contribute to policy or program design, or enhance implementation strategies. The applicant should describe how the research will advance understanding of, or the effectiveness of, Federal, state, and/or local policies and programs, particularly related to the communities and students the applicant serves.

Rating Factor 2: Soundness of Approach 30 The narrative must describe the methodology the research team proposes to use to answer the selected research question. The narrative should provide:

• A clear connection between the research question and the data proposed to be collected or analyzed to address the research question.

• A description of the proposed research methods. For qualitative methods, the proposed approach must demonstrate high standards for rigor in the design, collection and analysis of qualitative data, including methods for identifying and recruiting participants by taking steps to solicit participation from demographic groups who are least likely to participate absent such efforts; collecting rich and credible qualitative information from participants; and analyzing the data systematically. The applicant should clearly explain and justify the specific methods proposed (e.g., individual interviews, group interviews, focus groups, direct observation). For quantitative methods, the proposed approach must include a description of the data sources to be accessed or collected, an assessment of the limitations of any secondary data sources to be accessed, a strategy for ensuring participation from demographic groups who are least likely to participate absent such efforts for any proposed primary data collection, and a description of how the proposed data source is appropriate for answering the research questions.

• An analysis plan that is reasonable and appropriate for the data being collected and the research question being addressed.

• If applicable to the proposed methodology, a description of how the research team intends to collect and manage sensitive data from individuals while protecting privacy and complying with all relevant rules and regulations related to the protection of the rights and welfare of human research subjects.

• An approach for presenting the results of the study in a comprehensive and impactful way.

Rating Factor 3: Capacity of the Team 20 The narrative should describe the project staffing anticipated for the proposed project.

Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent to which the project staffing demonstrates relevant experience for the proposed project and the ability to carry out the required tasks. Staff assigned to different tasks should have the relevant skills and abilities to fulfill the tasks they will perform. Key personnel are defined as up to three individuals who will have primary

2. Civil Rights and Equity Review

a. Advancing Racial Equity

Your application must describe your plans to advance racial equity, as required in Executive Orders 13985 and 14091, and Federal fair housing and civil rights laws. Specifically, your plan must describe how you:

• Analyze the racial composition of…