The City of Austin is on the hunt for a team of skilled researchers to help architect the landscape of affordable housing. In a recent announcement, the Austin Housing Department has put out a Request for Proposal (RFP) to both design and periodically update the Housing Department’s Opportunity Index Map. This initiative, part of the PRO Housing Grant, aims to make informed decisions about where affordable housing investments should flow and how policies should be crafted to affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH).
The call for proposals is competitive, beckoning eligible research teams to submit their plans. The information necessary to put in a bid is available through Austin Finance Online, and for those who want more context before they jump in to apply, a virtual pre-offer conference is set to roll on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. However, teams will need to act fast and submit their completed responses by 2:00 p.m. CST on September 25, 2025, in order to be considered.
Interested parties must register as a vendor with the City of Austin through the Austin Finance Online before they can submit electronic offers via the eResponse function. Detailed instructions are available online, along with a dedicated point of contact, Procurement Specialist IV Bridney Stewart, at [email protected] or (512) 974-3127 for guidance. As per the city's release, any issues with eResponse can be directed to [email protected] with a copy to the Procurement Specialist.
Now, transparency is key in this RFP process, and the City makes it clear: all questions must be sent in writing directly to Bridney Stewart no later than September 11, which is ten (10) working days before the deadline for submissions. The City is strict about changes to RFP documents, which will only be issued by addendum. Significant questions and answers will be publicly shared as a Clarification Document(s).
For researchers ready to shape the future of fair housing in Austin, this RFP represents more than a contract—it's a chance to contribute to a more equitable city landscape. Details about the RFP, submission instructions, and how to prepare an offer are available at the official City of Austin website.
