Appraisal Support and Consulting Services

SOURCES SOUGHT This is a SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is issuing this source sought synopsis as a means of conducting market research to identify parties having an interest in and the resources to support this requirement for Appraisal Support and Consulting Services. The result of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this procurement is 541611 and the Small Business Standard Size is $16.5 million. There is no solicitation currently. This request for capability information does not constitute a request for proposals; submission of any information in response to this market survey is purely voluntary; the government assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred. If your organization has the potential capacity to perform these contract services, please provide the following information: 1) organization name, address, email address, website address, telephone number, and size and type of ownership for the organization; and 2) tailored capability statements addressing the particulars of this effort, with appropriate documentation supporting claims of organizational and staff capability. If significant subcontracting or teaming is anticipated in order to deliver technical capability, organizations should address the administrative and management structure of such arrangements. The government will evaluate market information to ascertain potential market capacity to 1) provide services consistent in scope and scale with those described in this notice and otherwise anticipated; 2) secure and apply the full range of corporate financial, human capital, and technical resources required to successfully perform similar requirements; 3) implement a successful project management plan that includes: compliance with program schedules; cost containment; meeting and tracking performance; hiring and retention of personnel and risk mitigation; and 4) provide services under a performance based service acquisition contract. Based on the responses to this source sought notice/market research, this requirement may be set-aside for small businesses or procured through full and open competition, and multiple awards may be made. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding their submissions. Below are the characteristics of the Appraisal Support and Consulting Services requirement. Background The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) investigates possible discrimination under the Fair Housing Act and other authorities. The Office of Systemic Investigations (the Office) investigates complaints alleging discrimination that is pervasive, institutional in nature, or affects a substantial number of people. In addition, the Office identifies targets for Secretary-initiated investigations, based on analysis of public information. The Offices investigations often involve mortgage lending issues such as denial and pricing disparities; discrimination in the availability, funding, or siting of assisted housing; policies screening prospective tenants in the private market; and other issues. They bring together experts in economics, statistical analysis, law, and investigations. The Office also works on systemic fair lending and fair housing issues based on other regulatory authorities, including for example, reviewing regulations issued by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA); and conducting investigations under Title VI of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Description of Services Review appraisal data and supporting documentation to assess and determine whether Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) utilized by Mortgage Lenders in the financing/refinancing process pose any potential discriminatory effects. Review, assess, and maintain quality control of individual appraisals for conformity with standard business practices within the relevant market areas. Provide expert witness reports, depositions and trial testimony as needed for investigations and enforcement under the Fair Housing Act. Assistance in developing suggested industry-wide protocols for conducting appraisals to minimize the potential for discriminatory human bias. Assistance in developing suggested alternative industry-wide protocols for AVMs, USPAP standards, and changes to appraisal forms, as needed, to minimize the potential for discriminatory algorithmic and/or data input bias. Provide expert appraisal services in fair housing cases, as needed, to determine fair market value of properties being financed/refinanced to ensure properties are appraised in a non-discriminatory manner. Special Qualifications The contractor shall possess the following qualifications: Possess a minimum of 10 years-experience in the housing appraisal market. Have experience working with and thorough knowledge of the fair housing laws. Knowledge of the requirements of USPAP regulations At least a four-year bachelor's degree in a related field and advanced technical skills and training on database and litigation support applications. Demonstrated IT knowledge and familiarity with document management systems and trial presentation software/hardware. Demonstrated knowledge to assist attorneys with complex lawsuits. Demonstrated knowledge to maintain databases; managing, sorting, indexing, abstracting, and coordinating the large volumes of data produced in major litigation. Demonstrated skill to review documents, retrieve records and develop trial presentation materials. 5 Specific Tasks 5.1 Appraisal Support and Consulting Services Review appraisal data and supporting documentation to assess and determine whether Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) utilized by Mortgage Lenders in the financing/refinancing process pose any potential discriminatory effects. Review, assess, and maintain quality control of individual appraisals for conformity with standard business practices within the relevant market areas. Provide expert witness reports, depositions and trial testimony as needed for investigations and enforcement under the Fair Housing Act. Assistance in developing suggested industry-wide protocols for conducting appraisals to minimize the potential for discriminatory human bias. Assistance in developing suggested alternative industry-wide protocols for AVMs, USPAP standards, and changes to appraisal forms, as needed, to minimize the potential for discriminatory algorithmic and/or data input bias. Provide expert appraisal services in fair housing cases, as needed, to determine fair market value of properties being financed/refinanced to ensure properties are appraised in a non-discriminatory manner. 5.2 Appraisal Services Best Practices The contractor shall perform the following: Review appraisal data and supporting documentation to assess and determine whether Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) utilized by Mortgage Lenders in the financing/refinancing process pose any potential discriminatory effects. Review, assess, and maintain quality control of individual appraisals for conformity with standard business practices within the relevant market areas. Assist in developing suggested industry-wide protocols for conducting appraisals to minimize the potential for discriminatory human bias. To the maximum extent possible, please submit non-proprietary information. Any proprietary information submitted should be identified as such and will be properly protected from disclosure. Responses to this announcement will not be returned, nor there any ensuing discussions or debriefings of any responses. However, information obtained because of this announcement may be reflected in the subsequent solicitation, and HUD, OCPO may contact one or more respondents for clarifications and to enhance the Government's understanding. This announcement is Government market research and may result in revisions in both its requirements and its acquisition strategy based on industry responses. RESPONDENTS MUST SUBMIT CAPABILITY STATEMENT VIA E-MAIL to Aaron.N.Cauthen@hud.gov no later than June 28th, 2021, 3:00 PM Eastern Time for consideration.