Project Based Vouchers Program

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) is soliciting proposals for a Project Based Vouchers (PBV) Program focused on substantial rehabilitation and new construction of affordable housing units in Kent and Sussex Counties. The Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks qualified property owners and developers, including non-profits and Community Development Corporations, to provide housing units that will receive project-based voucher assistance. DSHA aims to award approximately 250 PBV units, with specific requirements limiting PBV units to no more than 25 units or 25% of total dwelling units per project, with exceptions for elderly units, supportive services units, and projects in low-poverty census tracts. Proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale, considering financial feasibility (20 points), previous development experience (20 points), project design (10 points), supportive services plan (15 points), development timeline (20 points), and Kent/Sussex County location (15 points). Key evaluation priorities include projects located in Kent and Sussex County, veterans housing with supportive services, and developments incorporating energy conservation and sustainability features. The RFP was issued on July 28, 2024, with a pre-submission meeting scheduled for August 14, 2024, written questions due by August 21, 2024, and proposal submissions due by September 4, 2024 at 3:00 PM ET.

The procurement encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE), and Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises, with the RFP emphasizing equal opportunity and non-discrimination principles. No gap funding or additional financing support is available through this solicitation, and developers must demonstrate sufficient construction and permanent financing commitments. The PBV contracts will be for a term of up to 20 years, subject to ongoing funding availability. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the RFP targets developers capable of creating housing in high-need areas, with a particular focus on supporting veterans, leveraging state investments, and addressing equity for underserved communities. Eligible housing types are carefully defined, with restrictions on the percentage of PBV-assisted units in a project. Interested parties can obtain additional information by contacting Elana Davis at DSHA, and telecommunications relay services are available for those with accessibility needs. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the solicitation aims to support approximately 250 housing units across Kent and Sussex Counties.