Fair Housing Initiative Program - Private Enforcement Initiative

Under this NOFO, an eligible applicant must be: (1) a Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (QFHO) with at least two years of experience in complaint intake, complaint investigation, testing for fair housing violations, and enforcement related experience and meritorious claims in the three years prior to filing this application; or (2) a Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (FHO) with at least one year of experience in the enforcement-related activities listed above in the two years prior to the filing of the application. If the applicant is neither a QFHO nor FHO with the requisite experience, the organization is ineligible. Both FHOs and QFHOs must currently conduct these enforcement activities and operate a full- service program. Applicants must complete Appendix B, "Certification for PEI Applicants," to confirm QFHO or FHO status. If an organization does not currently have sufficient experience to qualify as a FHO or QFHO (see 24 CFR part 125.103 and 125.401), the organization may be eligible to apply under FHIP's Education and Outreach Initiative (FR-6500-21-A), Tester Coordinator Training (FR-6500-71-A), and/or Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FR-6500-21-B) NOFOs. Please see the correct NOFO for specific eligibility requirements. Eligible Activities Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: (1) intake of allegations of violations of the Fair Housing Act, testing, evaluating testing results, and conducting other investigative work to provide a just resolution for violations of the Fair Housing Act that may violate federal, state, or substantially equivalent local fair housing laws; (2) investigation of violations of the Fair Housing Act, through testing and other investigative methods including systemic investigations; (3) mediation or other voluntary resolution of allegations of violations of the Fair Housing Act; and (4) litigation of fair housing cases, including procuring expert witnesses. Activities are eligible only in cases involving conduct prohibited by, or rights protected under, the Fair Housing Act. HUD will allow applicants under the PEI-MY funding component to modify their activities in the second or third year with the approval of the General Technical Representative (GTR) based upon changing demographics and/or need. All applicants must review Appendix A for guidance on the format that should be used to list the applicant's proposed tasks/activities. Individuals, foreign entities, and sole proprietorship organizations are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement.