The memorandum from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development outlines an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) related to advancing building technologies. The NOFO allocates $10 million in funding for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 aimed at supporting the Executive Order on Emergency Price Relief for American Families. It invites applications in five research areas: rapid housing reconstruction post-disaster, HUD code reforms, offsite construction and emerging technologies, innovative financing for modular housing, and the use of AI to reduce regulatory burdens. The funding is available to various entities, including state and local governments, public housing authorities, and nonprofits. The memorandum concludes that the NOFO will not have significant environmental impacts, thereby exempting it from detailed NEPA review. The initiative signifies a federal effort to enhance housing supply and reduce costs while fostering innovation in building practices without substantial environmental consequences.
The document outlines the Advancing Building Technology Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), inviting applications for research on innovative building technologies to enhance the supply of affordable housing. The grant, which includes approximately $10 million in funding, seeks eligible entities such as government units, educational institutions, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations to submit proposals by July 24, 2025. The program aims to support studies on emerging technologies like offsite construction and 3-D printing, and outlines specific research categories, including housing recovery post-disasters and financing models for modular homes. Required application components include standard forms, a detailed budget, and narratives addressing project objectives. A rigorous review process will assess eligibility, merit, and risk, with a minimum score of 70 points needed for funding consideration. The initiative emphasizes collaboration with HUD, aiming to rapidly implement actionable solutions to the housing supply crisis while ensuring comprehensive architectural and regulatory compliance.