From the Desk of Shawn Steen, State Program Manager

Autumn is quickly approaching and the status of the Performance Based Contract Administrator (PBCA) program remains uncertain. The most current process to re-bid the PBCA contracts has taken several twists and turns. I have provided a short summary of the current HUD re-bid efforts for the PBCA program. Hopefully, we will have clarity on what the future holds for the HUD Section 8 Multi-Family program.

HUD issued a NOFA for the re-bid initiative in the spring of 2012 and grant application submission packages were due to HUD on June 11th. Several protests were filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) regarding the use of a NOFA as the vehicle for the re-bid process and some of the restrictions contained within the NOFA (e.g. provisions favoring in-state entities). NTHDC was one of eight PBCA groups that filed a protest with GAO. The GAO issued their decision on August 15, 2012 stating in the final recommendation, "we recommend that HUD cancel the NOFA, and solicit the contract administration services for the Project-Based Section 8 rental assistance program through a procurement instrument that will result in the award of contracts."

HUD notified all PBCA entities (currently under a short-term ACC) on August 23, 2012, that the third short-term renewal option would be exercised; thus extending the current PBCA term from October 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. This extension includes NTHDC, so we will remain your PBCA through the end of the calendar year.

The last HUD notification concerning the PBCA re-bid was sent via email from HUD Headquarters on August 31, 2012, stating the following, "On August 15, 2012, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) sustained the protests filed against HUD under the PBCA NOFA. Although HUD had planned on announcing awards on August 31, in light of GAO's decision, we are not prepared to make announcements at this time. HUD is in the process of reviewing GAO's recommendations and assessing possible next steps. We will provide further information when it becomes available."
We are now anxiously awaiting further information from HUD Headquarters. I am hopeful HUD will determine their next steps quickly and allow NTHDC to continue to be your PBCA for the foreseeable future.

Luckily, the fall brings the start of football season and playoffs for baseball. This is a good time to grab a seat and some popcorn to watch your sport of choice (football, baseball or HUD re-bid) and see what happens.