Home Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program

The City of Tampa is seeking proposals for the Home Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Program to supply, develop, operate, and manage affordable rental housing for qualifying populations. The procurement targets non-profit and for-profit developers capable of acquiring, rehabilitating, constructing, and managing affordable rental housing, with a specific focus on populations experiencing homelessness, those at risk of homelessness, individuals fleeing domestic violence, and low-income households. Proposers must develop projects located within Tampa city limits, within a quarter-mile of public transit, involving new construction on vacant land, commercial space conversion, or rehabilitation of uninhabitable housing. At least 70% of project units must be reserved for qualifying populations, with up to 30% potentially available for market-rate rentals. The RFP was released on May 2, 2025, with a pre-proposal conference scheduled for May 12, 2025, and proposals due by June 2, 2025, at 4:00 pm. Evaluation criteria will consider project design, budget, proposer qualifications, project schedule, site location, and commitment to serving qualifying populations, with potential additional preference points for projects dedicating at least 30% of units to homeless individuals.

The solicitation strongly emphasizes minority and small business participation, with a points-based evaluation system offering up to 20 points for Women/Minority-owned Business Enterprise (W/MBE) and Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) involvement. Proposers must use specific forms (MBD Form 10, 20, and 50) to document W/MBE and SLBE participation, with certification required prior to the RFP opening date. The City estimates approximately $5.3 million in HOME-ARP loan funds available for awards, with funding subject to HUD requirements and projects required to complete construction and be ready for occupancy within 24 months of receiving the award. Proposers must comply with various legal requirements, including minimum wage standards, criminal history screening practices, and specific insurance provisions. The contract period is up to 18 months from the award date, with detailed requirements for additional documentation including ADA compliance, accessibility reports, conflict of interest disclosures, and public records declarations. Successful proposers will receive below-market interest rate loans to support the acquisition, rehabilitation, construction, and operational costs of HOME-ARP rental housing projects.