Summary

This is a mandatory Section 3 solicitation package issued by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for HUD-funded contracts. The package establishes compliance requirements under Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) and 24 CFR Part 135, mandating that employment and contracting opportunities generated by HUD assistance be directed to low- and very low-income residents and Section 3 businesses. All contracts and contractors must meet Section 3 compliance through multiple channels: providing notice to residents of the local Public Housing Authority and low-income residents via community sources (minimum three of eight listed options including local newspapers, company websites, workforce boards, and housing authority offices); checking the HUD Section 3 Business Registry for qualified businesses in the county where work will be performed; clearly stating that positions are Section 3 covered in all notices; including the mandatory Section 3 Clause in all solicitations; and demonstrating additional efforts to comply with Safe Harbor Limits as outlined in 24 CFR Part 135.

Contractors must provide all sub-contractors with this solicitation package and ensure Section 3 compliance throughout all levels of work. Preference in contract awards is granted to contractors that elect to meet one of three qualification pathways: operating as a Resident Owned Business (51% Section 3 resident ownership), employing Section 3 residents for at least 30 percent of the workforce, or subcontracting a minimum of 25 percent of the total award to qualified Section 3 businesses. All contractors claiming preference must maintain compliance prior to Notice to Proceed and throughout the contract term, with failure to comply resulting in penalties up to $100 per day, contract termination, and potential debarment from future HUD-funded projects. The package includes mandatory forms for self-certification, action plans, previous compliance certification, resident skills data, and business concern verification to be completed and notarized by all responding entities.