Authority to Accept Unsolicited Proposals for Research Partnerships Notice of Intent (NOI)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development"s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) expects to release a Notice inviting eligible organizations to submit unsolicited research proposals focused on HUD"s current housing and community development research priorities. The goal of this Notice is to support independent, high-quality research that helps build reliable evidence and provides practical insights to inform housing policy and program decisions at the local, state, and Federal levels.Applicants will be expected to propose projects that align with the purpose of the program and at least one research category identified in the Notice. Projects must include matching funds equal to at least 50 percent of the total project cost, as required by statute. Awards are expected to be made as cooperative agreements, which means HUD will be actively involved throughout the project to help ensure the research is relevant, well designed, and aligned with Department priorities.PD&R expects to prioritize research on topics such as housing affordability, homelessness, industrialized housing production, Opportunity Zones, and outcomes related to work, family, and housing stability for households assisted by HUD. Other topics aligned with HUD"s Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Performance Plan and the Department"s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan may also be considered. Proposals must be original, developed independently by the applicant, and submitted as complete research plans that use strong and appropriate research methods consistent with the principles of Gold Standard Science.

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.Eligible applicants under this Notice include: philanthropic entities, other Federal agencies, State or local governments and their agencies, Indian Tribes, tribally-designated housing entities, colleges or universities.No Profit Allowed: You cannot include "profit" as a line item in your budget; HUD does not allow anyone to earn a profit from these research awards.Defining "Philanthropic Entity": For this program, those 501(c)(3) organizations that officially fund research or charity work. Examples include, but are not limited to:Private foundationsPublic charitiesSchool-based foundationsOperating foundationsProof Required: If you are, or are working with, a philanthropic entity, you must provide documents in your proposal proving that the group funds research or charitable activities.Nonprofit Status Verification: HUD will check IRS data to confirm the applicant"s nonprofit status. Individuals, foreign entities, and sole proprietorship organizations are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement.