On November 2, 2021, the Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a notice titled "Authority to Accept Unsolicited Proposals for Research Partnerships." The notice announces that HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) has the authority to accept unsolicited research proposals that address current research priorities. In accordance with statutory requirements, the research proposals must be submitted by eligible applicants and provide cost sharing at least 50 percent of total project cost from philanthropic entities or Federal, state, or local government agencies.

The Department is interested in increasing participation of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) of higher education and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in all program areas. Therefore, HUD seeks proposals from MSIs and HBCUs as well as from eligible entities that are not themselves MSIs and HBCUs but have developed a partnership with one or more MSIs and/or HBCUs.

HUD is interested in research that will help the Department support underserved communities and advance equity. Research priorities include:

1. Promote self-sufficiency and economic opportunity
2. Enhance rental assistance
3. Reduce homelessness
4. Support sustainable homeownership and financial viability
5. Control of lead hazards and other hazards in homes under the Healthy Homes Initiative
6. Provide effective and equitable disaster recovery
7. Opportunity Zones
8. Reduce barriers to affordable housing, including land use and zoning policies
9. Fair Housing Act
10. Equity and impact of the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
11. Accessibility in the HCV program
12. Climate Resilience, Environmental Justice, and Energy Efficiency Across the Housing Sector

Click here to learn more about HUD Research Assets.