Research Examining- LGBTQIA+ & Barriers to Equal Access in the City of Pittsburgh

The City of Pittsburgh Office of Management and Budget, acting on behalf of the Department of Commission on Human Relations (CHR), is soliciting proposals for an exploratory Fair Housing research project focused on LGBTQIA+ discrimination and access barriers. The primary objective is to conduct a comprehensive study evaluating the experiences of LGBTQIA+ Pittsburgh citizens, particularly in the context of the Bostock v. Clayton County Supreme Court decision. Research deliverables will include an in-depth analysis of housing choices, discrimination experiences, awareness of city protections, and willingness to file complaints. The RFP requires proposers to demonstrate ethical research practices, conduct community-based research, and analyze data considering multi-dimensional aspects of identity. Evaluation criteria will encompass firm qualifications (25 points), project team qualifications (10 points), project approach and plan (25 points), cost proposal (30 points), and demonstration of good faith efforts toward minority, women-owned, and veteran-owned business participation (10 points). The RFP was released on December 15, 2022, with a question submission deadline of December 30, 2022, and a proposal submission deadline of January 13, 2023, at 3:00 pm.

The City of Pittsburgh has established specific participation goals for minority-owned business enterprises (18%), women-owned business enterprises (7%), and veteran-owned small businesses (5%). The contract requires proposers to demonstrate commitment to these diversity objectives and integrate inclusive business practices. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the contract will be subject to City Council approval and managed by the issuing department and Office of Management & Budget. Proposers must showcase comprehensive research capabilities, including professional reporting, community engagement, and sophisticated data analysis methodologies. The research project aims to identify and address systemic barriers faced by LGBTQIA+ residents, with a focus on creating actionable insights to improve equal access and reduce discrimination in housing and related sectors.