HUD Solicits Applications for Project-Based Section 8 Contract Administrators

HUD recently opened the application process for entities seeking to administer project-based Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contracts in each state. The designated entities, referred to as Performance-Based Contract Administrators (PBCAs), receive administrative funding and handle all aspects of HAP contracts with property owners, from renewal to compliance. Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is expected to apply to remain the PBCA in Oregon and will have the benefit of being the experienced applicant from the state.

During the lead up to HUD’s request for applications concerns arose that the agency would solicit only regional/multistate PBCAs, but the application materials discuss one PBCA per state (except California). However, an entity may still apply to be the sole PBCA for more than one state, as long as that entity’s resulting portfolio would not include more than 33% of the national total covered by HAP contracts.

Organizations may also create a partnership to serve as the state’s PBCA. HUD specifically states in the application materials an administrative objective of encouraging such partnerships in order “to obtain the benefit of the best practices of both public and private sectors.”

Applications are due to HUD by April 28. Click here for links to the application and additional details.

— Posted on 3/30/2011