Publication_of_FR-6900-N-92.pdf

FR-6900-N-92

Applications are due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 07/24/2025.

Policy Development and Research

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Advancing Building Technology Grant Program

Table Of Contents FR-6900-N-92 Page 2 of 47

I. BASIC INFORMATION

This NOFO solicits applications for the Advancing

Building Technology Grant Program. Review the entire NOFO to understand the application requirements in full. HUD will not fund incomplete or ineligible applications. 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 19

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. Definitions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Before You Begin FR-6900-N-92 Page 3 of 47

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-92 . 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 PM Eastern Time on 07/24/2025.

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.

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://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 FR-6900-N-92 Page 5 of 47

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

This NOFO solicits applications for the Advancing Building Technology Grant Program. Review the entire NOFO to understand the application requirements in full. HUD will not fund incomplete or ineligible applications. 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

Key Facts Opportunity Name:

Advancing Building Technology Grant Program Opportunity Number:

FR-6900-N-92

Federal Assistance Listing:

14.506

Key Dates Application Due Date:

11:59:59 PM Eastern Time on:

07/24/2025 Anticipated Award Date:

09/30/2025 Estimated Performance Period Start Date:

10/07/2025 Estimated Performance Period End Date:

10/07/2028

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 FR-6900-N-92 Page 6 of 47

The Advancing Building Technology Grant Program provides competitive awards to eligible research entities to study the adoption of emerging innovative building technology solutions that can increase the production and supply of quality, affordable housing in the United States. Eligible applicants include government entities, institutions of higher education, nonprofit, and for-profit institutions. Research projects funded via this NOFO, must also contribute to the Program's purpose and one or more Eligible Research Categories.

HUD expects to execute cooperative agreements with eligible research entities selected for awards made 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 for 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.

Number of Awards HUD expects to make approximately 15 awards from the funds available under this NOFO.

Minimum Award Amount:

$500,000 Per Project Period Maximum Award Amount:

$1,500,000 Per Project Period Length of Performance Period:

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

Even though the length of project periods is up to 36 months, PD&R is particularly interested in short turn around research projects that hold the potential of providing outcomes that can increase affordable housing supply within a short period.

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

II. ELIGIBILITY

II. Eligibility

A. Eligible Applicants

B. 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 FR-6900-N-92 Page 8 of 47

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:

00 (State governments) 01 (County governments) 02 (City or township governments) 04 (Special district governments) 05 (Independent school districts) 06 (Public and State controlled institutions of higher education) 07 (Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)) 08 (Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities) 11 (Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)) 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) 25 (Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)) 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. HUD does not engage in any unlawful and improper conduct, policies, or practices that target faith-based organizations.

Individuals are ineligible applicants.

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 Affecting Eligibility 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.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/12/2025-02611/eradicating-anti-christian-bias

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 FR-6900-N-92 Page 9 of 47

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.hud.gov/stat/cfo/financial-assistance-eligibility-reqs https://www.hud.gov/stat/cfo/financial-assistance-eligibility-reqs 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

III. Program Description

A. Purpose

B. Goals and Objectives

C. Authority

D. Unallowable Costs

E. Indirect Costs

F. Program History

G. Other 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

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 FR-6900-N-92 Page 11 of 47

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Purpose The purpose of this NOFO is to solicit research proposals that prioritize research studies on emerging innovative building technologies such as offsite construction, 3-D printed homes, etc. as well as other mechanisms such as building code and zoning reforms to address the housing supply crisis. Additionally, innovations in building methods and construction technology, such as manufactured housing and other offsite construction types, can help expand housing supply by allowing homes to be built more quickly and at lower costs than conventional construction methods. This NOFO seeks solutions that increase the adoption of these advanced innovative building technologies in affordable housing production and supply.

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

• 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 meet to discuss project progress.

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

B. Goals and Objectives The primary objective of this NOFO is to develop knowledge that has the potential of increasing the supply of affordable housing as expressed in the President's Memorandum:

Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families and Defending the Cost-of-Living Crisis. Applicants are invited to select topics from the research categories (Section III.G) with the aim of identifying or developing outcomes that will result in an increase in affordable housing supply. HUD encourages research projects that not only study the effects of interventions but also suggest pathways and strategies for adopting or scaling effective interventions, whether through public policy or industry practices that reduce the time of housing construction and deployment. Applicants are expected to submit proposals that address one or more of the research categories.

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) and the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4, approved March 15, 2025).

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.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/delivering-emergency-price-relief-for-american-families-and-defeating-the-cost-of-living-crisis/

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 FR-6900-N-92 Page 12 of 47

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.

E. Indirect Costs If you expect to charge indirect costs to the award, submit the Indirect Cost Rate Certification form (HUD-426) with your application.

F. Program History This is a new NOFO.

G. Other Information This NOFO is in support of the Memorandum: Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families and Defending the Cost-of-Living Crisis wherein the President noted the need to reduce regulatory costs and lower costs of housing while expanding housing supply.

This NOFO prioritizes research on emerging innovative building technologies such as offsite construction, 3-D printed homes, etc. as well as other mechanisms such as building code and zoning reforms to address the housing supply crisis. As the nation continues to grapple with this issue, decision makers at all levels of government seek to find viable solutions that make housing more available for all American families.

Despite record levels of spending on housing programs and increased attention from policymakers, there is still a general shortage of affordable housing. This NOFO seeks to solicit practical solutions, through evidence-based and demonstrable approaches, to address the housing supply crisis. Additionally, innovations in building methods and construction technology, such as manufactured housing and other offsite construction types, can help expand housing supply by allowing homes to be built more quickly and at lower costs than conventional construction methods. This NOFO also seeks solutions that increase the adoption of these advanced building technologies.

In addition to supporting the President’s Executive Orders, applicants should refer to the https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Indirect%20cost) 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/

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 FR-6900-N-92 Page 13 of 47

Offsite Construction for Housing: Research Roadmap. The Research Roadmap includes key concepts in offsite construction for housing and identifies key knowledge gaps that, if filled, could unleash the potential of offsite construction to help meet the country’s growing housing needs. The Research Roadmap brought together many industry stakeholders, including builders, remodelers, trade contractors, material and product suppliers, financial representatives, codes and standards officials, and public sector Research and Development sponsors. Expert participants collaborated to prioritize actions that the federal government and partners may implement to increase housing supply by exploring the potential of offsite construction. It identified several issues and barriers to offsite construction including regulatory barriers, financing gap concerns, material supply chain disruptions, design to manufacture software incompatibility, workflow obstacles, factory pipeline inconsistencies, cultural and social barriers, and transportation complications.

PD&R invites researchers from a broad range of disciplines, including but not limited to architecture, data science, economics, engineering, environmental science, finance, geography, law, planning, political science, public health, public policy, sociology, and urban studies to submit applications that clearly address the goals and objectives of this NOFO.

Applicants must clearly identify one or more of the five research categories, described below and ensure that their proposal addresses and clearly describes how their proposed research would make a valuable contribution to the current HUD goals related to affordable housing.

Applicants are encouraged to indicate how the intended outcomes of their research will impact the supply of affordable housing. HUD is particularly interested in proposals with a short turn-around time (between 12 -18 months) which can produce actionable and demonstrable results with minimum implementation delays to quickly increase housing supply.

Research Categories Research Category 1: Models for Quickly Rebuilding Housing Destroyed by Major Disasters In the aftermath of major disasters, there is a need to rebuild non-temporary housing as soon as possible so that affected individuals can return to normal. Yet, there is no systematic approach for helping communities rebuild long-term housing in a timely manner. HUD seeks research on finding such solutions. Proposals should identify communities that have recovered relatively quickly from severe disasters (within a year) and document what policies were most effective to achieve fast recovery; and what federal, state, and local policy changes might have allowed them to recover even faster. This research should also identify disaster recoveries where manufactured, modular housing, or other rapid construction methods were significant parts of the disaster recovery and document the effectiveness of those strategies. The research findings need to be useable by States, local governments or tribes to design a program that could be developed pre- disaster to expedite future disaster recovery, specifically oriented toward a goal of replacing housing which has been damaged or destroyed by disaster within 90 days or less. For example, such proposals might include, but are not limited to, a roster of modular or manufactured housing contractors who are always on call and ready to deploy to disaster areas quickly and rebuild housing in short timeframes (i.e. 60-90 days), as well as ways to fund such an effort, whether through CDBG- DR funds or other means.

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/Offsite-Construction-for-Housing-Research-Roadmap.html

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 FR-6900-N-92 Page 14 of 47

Research Category 2: Reforms to the HUD Code and Impact on Housing Construction The Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards, commonly called HUD Code, is a national standard for a specific type of offsite constructed housing that is built on a permanently attached steel chassis. Possible research proposals may include 1) studies quantifying the benefits of removing the chassis requirement from the legislation governing the HUD Code, including cost reductions, regulatory streamlining, demand aggregation, or other benefits; 2) developing changes to the HUD Code that reduce regulatory burdens, zoning complications, and improve interoperability with state and local codes; 3) economic analyses that compares costs, financing, and market demand for on- and off-chassis models;

and 4) surveys and stakeholder engagement to gauge industry and consumer acceptance.

Research Category 3: Offsite Construction Methods and Emerging Building Technologies This research category will solicit proposals that seek to further the adoption of emerging building technologies that have the potential to reduce construction costs, reduce long-term operation and maintenance costs, and increase housing supply. The topics for research may include 1) educating lenders on offsite construction costs and incentivizing the creation of lending products for this segment 2) improving the efficiency of supply chains and methods of asset procurement used by offsite builders 3) creating a roadmap to reduce transportation costs for industrialized construction materials and products 4) updating HUD’s 2007 report “Factory-Built Construction and the American Homebuyer: Perceptions and Opportunities” to learn the current state of consumer perceptions of factory-built housing, providing a current analysis of public attitudes, market trends, and barriers to adoption, 5) analyzing the long-term property values and performance of modular housing (both single and multi-family) and its potential impact on nearby residential properties, and 6) providing research funding for new and emerging building technologies in the pre-competitive stage to create building codes to reduce barriers to adoption. In the past, HUD funded research on steel framing, insulated concrete forms (ICFs), and structural insulated panels (SIPs) that helped eliminate barriers to the acceptance of these new technologies by the building industry, State and local governments, and consumers. Research proposals will be solicited to develop new homebuilding products and processes that increase the rate of innovation and the diffusion and adoption of innovation among homebuilders. Other research ideas might be gleaned from the Offsite Construction for Housing: Research Roadmap report.

Research Category 4: Innovative Financing Models for Unsubsidized Modular or Manufactured Housing Given the persistent difficulty in developing models for financing modular or manufactured housing, this research seeks to explore new and innovative methods to finance those types of housing for both single-family and multi-family projects. Proposals should seek to develop models for financing modular and/or manufactured housing that are palatable for all involved parties; should seek to determine the implications of distinct lending markets for chattel and manufactured housing loans (for example, the merits of expanding FHA insurance to a broader set of modular and manufactured housing, or of reforming Title I to increase the ease of financing manufactured homes); and should seek to develop data models which can be made more publicly accessible, without triggering any privacy concerns. Additionally, studies could incorporate listening sessions with both traditional and non-traditional financial https://www.huduser.gov/Publications/pdf/Perceptions_of_factory_construction.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

III. Program Description FR-6900-N-92 Page 15 of 47 institutions to discuss strategies for facilitating funding.

Research Category 5: Accelerating Use of Artificial Intelligence to lower regulatory burdens Responding to the President’s Executive Order to accelerate the use of Artificial Intelligence (EO 14179). There are numerous regulatory requirements that both add time and cost to projects and are routine in such a way that they might be made less onerous through the application of Artificial Intelligence tools. Examples of possible research projects to create public use AI models are:

• Simplify and speed up Housing Choice Voucher Housing Quality Standards compliance. Reduce the need for PHA staff to do inspections by having an AI tool, so landlords can walk through their unit for rent with their phone video and the app shows the deficiencies that must be corrected before seeking tenants. The app can also pass the unit (with location and timestamp) such that no human inspector is needed and there is no delay in leasing units.

• Automate permitting process for housing construction. Train AI for approving construction plans meeting different versions of the ICC so that plans can be uploaded into a system and get immediate building permit (or immediate disapproval for failure to comply with specific guidance on how to address the failure).

• Train AI for building code compliance for different commonly used versions of ICC.

Instead of scheduling building code inspections, builders walk through properties with video (with location and timestamp) to get inspection approvals/disapprovals for foundation, rough ins, and final, against approved plan and ICC requirements.

• Train AI to assess multifamily property financial risk by using HUD’s vast library of Annual Financial Statements tied to enforcement actions of the past. For example, evidence for under-funding maintenance leading to future building problems could be captured.

• Train AI to do environmental review based on the vast inventory of environmental reviews in the HUD HEROS system. For example, a possible research project might involve inputting a few key data points for a project (address, activity) and then generate an environmental review that may indicate a few questions but does most of the work for the proposer and has an automatic approval for a project without HUD or local government involvement in most cases.

• Train AI to do most of the legal work on multifamily mortgage insurance loan closing.

There are thousands of prior deals the model could be trained on.

Deliverables At a minimum, HUD expects the award recipient to produce the deliverables listed and described in this section. The Government Technical Representative (GTR) and/or relevant HUD staff will work closely with the awardee to ensure that the requirements are clearly defined and mutually understood. HUD shall review and comment prior to final approval.

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 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/31/2025-02172/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 FR-6900-N-92 Page 16 of 47 to help evaluate the effectiveness of any proprietary technologies.

• Management and Work Plan (MWP): The MWP shall outline the overall strategy for completing the research within the budget and time frame allotted. Specifically, the plan 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. A draft MWP must be submitted with the application. Following the award, HUD will provide comments on the initial draft. A final MWP must be submitted to HUD within two weeks of the receipt of comments. A revised final budget may also be required to accompany the final MWP.

• Research Design (RD): The RD shall describe the methodology to be used to complete the proposed effort, including data collection, management, and analysis. If appropriate, the research design shall describe the protocol for sampling, testing, performing data analysis, and communicating the results. Following the award, HUD will provide feedback on the initial RD two weeks following receipt of the initial draft. A final RD shall be submitted to HUD within four weeks of receipt of HUD comments

• Quality Control Plan (QCP): A draft QCP that addresses all potential points of a Quality Control lapse shall be delivered within two weeks following the grant award. Following a review and comment period, the final QCP shall be submitted for GTR approval within six weeks following grant award. The awardee shall receive the GTR's acceptance in writing of any proposed change to the QCP. If there is additional feedback or instruction, the revisions shall be integrated into the final QCP and submitted to the GTR within five working days.

• Quarterly Progress Reports: Quarterly Progress Reports shall clearly document and discuss activities completed in the most recent reporting period, planned activities for the upcoming reporting period, and budget expenditures by line item (including hours worked for specific staff). Progress reports must be submitted quarterly and shall identify outcomes achieved related to the proposed research. The reports must be aligned with the submission of drawdown requests. Should there be any changes in personnel or budget, the grantee shall clearly explain, in writing, how the changes will impact the timely submission of deliverables.

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

• Interim and Final Briefings – Grantees shall deliver an Interim briefing on the early findings of the research 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.

• Draft Final Report - Grantees will also be required to submit a draft final report that summarizes the entire work, achievements, and findings conducted under the award.

The report format and style requirements should reflect the style guide located at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/About/style-guide-for-reports.pdf. HUD will have 4 weeks to review the draft final report and return comments to the grantee.

• Final Report – Grantees shall submit a final report that adequately addresses HUD https://www.huduser.gov/portal/About/style-guide-for-reports.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

III. Program Description FR-6900-N-92 Page 17 of 47 comments. The final report shall be delivered prior to the end of the period of performance.

In support of the objectives listed in the section above, applicants are being asked to undertake a variety of research and evaluation activities that include articulating research questions and developing a research design; establishing appropriate methods for testing and data analysis; and communicating research findings and recommending informational tools and resources to improve practice and policy.

[1] Access the Offsite Roadmap report here:

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/Offsite-Construction-for-Housing-Research- Roadmap.html [2] These questions build upon foundational work PD&R has done, including through our report on Eliminating Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing: Federal, State, Local, and Tribal Opportunities, as well as relevant issues of Evidence Matters and Cityscape.

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/Offsite-Construction-for-Housing-Research-Roadmap.html https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/Offsite-Construction-for-Housing-Research-Roadmap.html https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/eliminating-regulatory-barriers-to-affordable-housing.html https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/eliminating-regulatory-barriers-to-affordable-housing.html https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/em/spring18/index.html https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/cityscpe/vol23num1/index.html

IV. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND

FORMAT

IV. Application Contents and Forms

A. Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications

B. Budget

C. Narratives and Non-Form 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 FR-6900-N-92 Page 19 of 47

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.

20 pages is the total maximum length of all narratives.

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.

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/Certifica tions 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-424B)

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

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 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 FR-6900-N-92 Page 20 of 47

Forms/Assurances/Certifica tions Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Certification Regarding Lobbying

If applicable, 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

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

Budget Form/Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Grant Application Detailed Budget Worksheet (HUD-424-

CBW)

Required with the application

Page limit: N/A File name: HUD-424CBW Form location: download instructions

Indirect Cost Information Certification (HUD-426)

If applicable, this document is required with the application and after award

Page limit: N/A File name: ICR Doc.

Form location: download instructions Additional information: see form and Section III.E.

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 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 FR-6900-N-92 Page 21 of 47

Project abstract Required with the application Page limit: 2 pages File name: App Abstract Additional information below

Narrative Response to Rating Factors Required with the application

See Section V.B.

File name: Project Narrative Additional information below and Section V.B.1.

Budget narrative Required with the application Page limit: 3 pages File name: Budget Narrative Additional information below

Resume/Biosketch Appendix Required with the application Page limit: 3 pages per staff File name: Resumes Additional information below

References appendix Required with the application Page limit: Not Applicable File name: References Additional information below

Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Organization Chart Required with the application, if applicable

Page limit: Not applicable File name: Org Chart Additional information below

Letters of Commitment Required with the application, if applicable

Page limit: 6 pages File name: Letters Additional information below

Code of Conduct If not included in HUD’s eLibrary, this document is required with the application

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.”

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 FR-6900-N-92 Page 22 of 47

• Application Abstract (two-page maximum). The abstract shall be written in plain language intended for a general audience. The abstract shall include the project title, the names and affiliations of the Principal Investigator and all members of the research team; identification of any partner organizations and their roles; a summary of the objectives, study design, and expected results; and the total funds requested. The information contained in the abstract will not be considered in the evaluation, or scoring of your application and will not be counted towards the 20-page maximum. Any information you wish to be considered in scoring of the application must be provided under the appropriate rating factor response.

• Response to Rating Factors. A project description/narrative statement addressing the rating factors for the award, which are identified in Section V.B.1. The narrative statement must be identified in accordance with each factor for award (Rating Factors 1 through 5). The full application must be formatted as per section IV. The project description or narrative must be included in the responses to the rating factors. Any description/narrative not included in response to the rating factors will be disregarded.

The points you receive for each rating factor will be based on the portion of your narrative statement that you submit in response to that particular factor, supplemented by any appendices that are referenced in your narrative response to the rating factor.

Supporting materials that are not referenced or discussed in your responses to the individual rating factors will not be considered. Additional materials (e.g., appendices) can be submitted with your application. The footer on the pages of these materials should identify the rating factor that they are supporting.

• Supporting Materials. Include, as appendices, any required materials that are needed to support your responses to the rating factors. These will not be counted towards the Rating Factors narrative 20-page limit.

• The resumes of the PI and up to four other key personnel (a total of five). Each resume shall not exceed three 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 technical study.

• Additionally, applicants should include the following in supporting materials:

o Organizational chart.

o Letters of commitment from any proposed partners.

o 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 read. The supporting materials are optional and 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 is a continuation of rating factor narrative will not be considered.

• Budget. Include a total budget using form HUD424CBW (https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/424CBW.xlsx) 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 https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/424CBW.xlsx 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 FR-6900-N-92 Page 23 of 47 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 20-page limit. Use the budget format discussed in Rating Factor (5), Section V.B.1 below. 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 Should HUD offer a lower award amount than you requested, and you choose to accept it, you must submit revised versions of your proposal, budget, and budget narrative, along with a summary of changes, by a deadline set by HUD. HUD will then review these revisions and decide if any further information or changes to the award terms are needed. If you fail to provide the requested information, HUD will not issue the award and may choose another applicant.

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 FR-6900-N-92 Page 25 of 47

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. Applications from ineligible applicants are not rated or ranked and will not receive HUD funding.

2. Resolution of Civil Rights Matters Applicants with outstanding, unresolved judgments against them for violations of civil rights laws must resolve those judgments before the application submission deadline or the applicant will be deemed ineligible.

a. An applicant is ineligible for funding if the applicant has received notice of a judgment imposed against them for violations of:

1. the Fair Housing Act or a substantially equivalent state or local fair housing law for discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or familial status; or

2. 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, or the Violence Against Women Act or substantially equivalent state or local laws.

b. HUD will determine if actions to resolve the judgment 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; or

5. Current compliance with a final judicial ruling or administrative ruling or decision.

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

4. Responsiveness to Research Questions Proposals must be responsive to the…