RFA HOMEOWNERSHIP LANGUAGE ACCESS AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT

RFA HOMEOWNERSHIP LANGUAGE ACCESS AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT

Homeownership Language Access and Community Outreach and Engagement Grant 25-27 Biennium

RFA #S-91400-00016009 (OHCS #9186)
Homeownership Language Access & Community Outreach and Engagement
OHCS RFA, updated 20231011 Page 1 of 20



STATE OF OREGON

COVER PAGE
OREGON HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
HOMEOWNERSHIP LANGUAGE ACCESS AND
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT
Request for Applications (“RFA”)
OregonBuys Bid #S-91400-00016009
Date of Issue: February 11, 2026
Opening Date and Time (Applications Due):
March 31, 2026 at 4:00 PM Pacific Time
Single Point of Contact (“SPC”): Joshua Ratliff, Procurement & Contracts Specialist
Address: 725 Summer Street NE, Suite B
City, State, Zip: Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 971-433-7914
Email: joshua.ratliff@hcs.oregon.gov
The State of Oregon promotes equal opportunity for all individuals without regard to age, color,
disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion or creed, sex or gender, sexual orientation, or
veteran status.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................... 4
1.1 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 GRANT AMOUNT AND DURATION ......................................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 ELIGIBILITY ................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 SCHEDULE ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.5 SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT (SPC) ........................................................................................................................................ 5
1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
SECTION 2: AUTHORITY, OVERVIEW, AND SCOPE ......................................................................... 7
2.1 AUTHORITY AND METHOD ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 AGENCY OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.3 SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
SECTION 3: APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................... 12
3.1 APPLICATION ............................................................................................................................................................................ 12
3.2 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ...................................................................................................................................... 12
SECTION 4: SOLICITATION PROCESS ................................................................................................ 12
4.1 PUBLIC NOTICE ......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 PRE-APPLICATION CONFERENCE ....................................................................................................................................... 12
4.3 QUESTIONS/ REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION .............................................................................................................. 13
4.4 SOLICITATION PROTESTS ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
4.5 APPLICATION DELIVERY ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.6 APPLICATION MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL ....................................................................................................... 14
4.7 APPLICATION DUE .................................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.8 PUBLIC OPENING ...................................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.9 APPLICATION REJECTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
SECTION 5: EVALUATION ..................................................................................................................... 15
5.1 RESPONSIVENESS DETERMINATION ............................................................................................................................... 15
5.2 EVALUATION OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
5.3 EVALUATION CRITERIA ......................................................................................................................................................... 15
5.4 RANKING OF APPLICANTS ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
5.5 NEXT STEP DETERMINATION .............................................................................................................................................. 17
SECTION 6: AWARD AND NEGOTIATION .......................................................................................... 17
6.1 AWARD NOTIFICATION PROCESS ....................................................................................................................................... 17
6.2 INTENT TO AWARD PROTEST .............................................................................................................................................. 17
6.3 APPARENT SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ................................................................... 18
6.4 GRANT NEGOTIATION............................................................................................................................................................ 18
SECTION 7: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................ 19
7.1 GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 19
7.2 OWNERSHIP/ PERMISSION TO USE MATERIALS .......................................................................................................... 19
7.3 CANCELLATION OF RFA; REJECTION OF APPLICATION; NO DAMAGES ................................................................ 19
7.4 COST OF SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION ......................................................................................................................... 20

RFA #S-91400-00016009 (OHCS #9186)
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OHCS RFA, updated 20231011 Page 3 of 20


LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
ATTACHMENT A – SAMPLE GRANT AGREEMENT
ATTACHMENT B – DISCLOSURE EXEMPTION AFFIDAVIT
ATTACHMENT C – APPLICATION
ATTACHMENT D – APPLICATION SCORING GUIDE

ATTACHMENT E – LANGUAGE ACCESS AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGMENT REPORT
TEMPLATE


















(The remainder of this page has been left intentionally blank.)

RFA #S-91400-00016009 (OHCS #9186)
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SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The State of Oregon, acting by and through its Housing and Community Services Department,
(“Agency”), is issuing this Request for Applications (“RFA”) to help address Oregon’s racial
disparities in homeownership by increasing the visibility of and access to homeownership
assistance programs by Communities of Color and other Underserved Populations, and by
tailoring programs to deliver culturally and community-specific services.
In 2018, the Joint Taskforce for Addressing Racial Disparities in Homeownership in Oregon (the
“Joint Taskforce”) compiled data concerning levels of homeownership among Communities of
Color in Oregon and identified several barriers affecting the ability of these communities to
enter the house market. During the 2020 legislative session, the Joint Taskforce put forward a
set of recommendations that included providing technical and financial assistance to nonprofits
and Culturally Specific Organizations to help tailor programs to deliver community-specific
homeownership services and to increase the visibility of and access to homeownership
assistance programs by Communities of Color and other Underserved Populations in Oregon.
Through this RFA, Agency will distribute funds to Eligible Organizations that, in working with
households with income at or below 120% of the Area Median Income, attempt to increase
visibility and access for Communities of Color and other Underserved Populations to programs
and services that assist with homeownership.
The objectives of this RFA are to:
• Assist Eligible Organizations with the cost of facilitating language access to
homeownership assistance programs and services;
• Expand Community Outreach and engagement efforts to reach Oregon’s
Communities of Color and other Underserved Populations with a shortage or
obstacles to homeownership services; and
• Tailor homeownership assistance programs to be more culturally and community
responsive.
Additional details are included in Section 2.3 (Scope of Activities).
1.2 GRANT AMOUNT AND DURATION
Agency anticipates the award of multiple Grant Agreements (each a “Grant”) from this RFA. The
initial term of each Grant is anticipated to end on June 30, 2027. All funds must be spent, and all
goods and services purchased with Grant funds must be received by the grantee by this date.
The maximum amount of each Grant is anticipated to be $70,000. Administrative Costs are
limited to 15% of the Grant expenditures.
Agency reserves the right to modify the anticipated amount and term.

RFA #S-91400-00016009 (OHCS #9186)
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1.3 ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for a Grant under this RFA, Applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Applicant must be one of the following entity types:
• A nonprofit organization established under ORS Chapter 65;
• A Housing Authority established under ORS 456.055 to 456.235;
• A unit of Local Government as defined in ORS 197.015; or
• A federally recognized Indian tribe that owns land in this State; and
• Must sponsor or manage homeownership programs and services that assist
households with incomes at or below 120% of the Area Median Income in
the state of Oregon.
1.4 SCHEDULE
The table below represents a tentative schedule of events. All times are listed in Pacific Time. All
dates listed are subject to change.

Event Date Time
Pre-Application conference February 26, 2026 2:00 PM
Questions/ requests for clarification due March 12, 2026 4:00 PM
Answers to questions/ requests for clarification issued
(approximate) March 13 , 2026
RFA protest period ends Schedule defined under
OAR 813-005-0025
Opening (Applications due) March 31, 2026 4:00 PM
Additional rounds of competition To be determined
(optional at Agency’s discretion)
Issuance of notice of intent to award (approximate) May 1, 2026
Award protest period ends Schedule defined under
OAR 813-005-0025
1.5 SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT (SPC)
The SPC for this RFA is identified on the Cover Page of this RFA, along with the SPC’s contact
information. Applicant must direct all communications related to any provision of the RFA only
to the SPC, whether about the technical requirements of the RFA, Grant requirements, the RFA
process, or any other provision.

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1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS
For the purposes of this RFA, capitalized words will refer to the following definitions:
• “Addendum” or “Addenda” means an addition to, deletion from, a material change
in, or general interest explanation of this RFA. OregonBuys refers to these as
“Amendments” or “Bid Amendments.”
• “Administrative Costs” means all costs incurred throughout the administration of a
program that are not directly related to the delivery of program services or
projects.
• “Affected Applicant” means an Applicant who would be eligible for a Grant in the
event their protest was successful, and who is protesting because Agency failed to
conduct an evaluation of Applications in accordance with the criteria or process
described in this RFA.
• “Applicant” means an entity who submits an Application in response to this RFA.
• “Application” means a written response to this RFA.
• "Area Median Income” means an area’s median income, subject to adjustment for
areas with unusually high or low incomes or housing costs, all as determined by
the Oregon Housing Stability Council based on information from the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• “Communities of Color” means an identity-based community that holds a primary
racial identity that describes the racial characteristics of the community that its
members share (such as being African American), that supports self-definition by
community members, and that typically denotes a shared history and current or
historic experiences of racism. The community may or may not also be a
geographic community. Given that race is a socially defined construct, the
definitions of these communities are dynamic and evolve across time. For the
purpose of this RFA, Agency defines Communities of Color to include Native
Americans, Latinos, Asian and Pacific Islanders (further disaggregated according to
local preferences), African Americans, African immigrants and refugees, and
Middle Eastern and Slavic communities.
• “Community Outreach” means an activity of providing services to any population
who might not otherwise have access to those services. In addition to delivering
services, Community Outreach has an educational role, raising awareness about
existing services.
• “Culturally Responsive Services” means work tailored to an individual or
community’s cultural background, beliefs, knowledge, frames of reference, or
specific needs in an Underserved Population. This may include:
• Business practices or strategies in place to understand and address the
needs of a particular culture;
• A relevant marketing and outreach plan designed to publicize to
Underserved Populations the availability of the new housing opportunities;
• Specific services offered in an individual’s preferred language;
• Development, sponsorship, or management by a diverse and
representative leadership; or

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• An ongoing service partnership with a Culturally Specific Organization.
• Culturally Specific Organization: An entity that provides services to a cultural
community and the entity has the following characteristics:
• Majority of members and/or clients must be from a particular cultural
community that has faced housing discrimination;
• Organizational environment is culturally focused, and the cultural
community being served recognizes it as a culturally-specific entity that
provides culturally and linguistically responsive services;
• Majority of staff must be from the cultural community being served, and
the majority of the leadership (defined to collectively include board
members and management positions) must be from the cultural
community being served;
• The entity has a track record of successful community engagement and
involvement with the cultural community being served, rooted on a
foundation of respect and trust; and
• The organization engages in advocacy for housing and/or economic
justice for the cultural community with their guidance.
• “Eligible Organization” means:
• A nonprofit organization established under ORS Chapter 65;
• A Housing Authority established under ORS 456.055 to 456.235;
• Local Government as defined in ORS 197.015; or
• A federally recognized Indian tribe that owns land in this State; and
• “Evaluation Committee” means the group of people who will evaluate and score
Applications submitted in response to this RFA.
• “Language Access Plan” means a plan to address identified needs of the Limited
English Proficiency populations.
• “Limited English Proficiency” means not speaking English as a primary language
and having limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English.
• “Opening” means the date and time specified in this RFA as the deadline for
submitting Applications.
• “Service Area” means the specific geographic area or region within which an
Applicant proposes to provide program services directly or by contract.
• “State” means the state of Oregon.
• “Underserved Population” means a population, whether identified by ethnicity,
race, minority factors, culture, or place of origin, with a shortage of or obstacle to
services.

SECTION 2: AUTHORITY, OVERVIEW, AND SCOPE
2.1 AUTHORITY AND METHOD
Agency is issuing this RFA pursuant to its authority under ORS 458.658.
Agency is using the Competitive Procurement procedures, pursuant to OAR 813 Division 6.
Agency may use a combination of the methods for Competitive Procurement procedures,

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including but not limited to optional procedures such as: a) competitive range; b) interviews;
and c) negotiations.
2.2 AGENCY OVERVIEW
Agency is Oregon’s affordable housing finance agency and community services program
administrator. Its mission is to provide stable and affordable housing and engage leaders to develop
an integrated statewide policy that addresses poverty and provides opportunity for Oregonians. To
accomplish its mission, OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization including
preventing and ending homelessness, assisting with utilities, financing and preserving affordable
housing, and supporting homeownership. Agency delivers programs primarily through grants,
contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. Agency’s
sources of funds are varied and include federal and state resources that have complex regulatory
compliance requirements, and thus stewardship, compliance monitoring, and asset management are
all critical functions played by Agency.
To meet Agency’s goal of closing Oregon’s racial homeownership gap, the Homeownership Division
strives to leverage homeownership as a powerful tool that can create stability, promote equity, and
build generational wealth. The Division consists of four sections, each driven by the central goal of
supporting low- to moderate-income Oregonians to attain and retain homeownership. These
sections expand access to homeownership through funding the construction of affordable homes for
purchase, financial products such as competitive market rate mortgages, down payment assistance,
and pre-purchase education and counseling. The Division assists homeowners to maintain and retain
their homes through post-purchase education, foreclosure counseling, foreclosure assistance, health
and safety repairs, and resources specific to manufactured housing. Using an equity and racial justice
lens in all programming, policies, and operations, the Homeownership Division works to dismantle
systemic housing barriers and create opportunities for those underrepresented as homeowners in
Oregon.
2.3 SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES
2.3.1 ACTIVITIES AND ALLOWABLE COSTS
Successful Applicants will be expected to perform activities that fall under one or both of the
categories described below: Language Access (Section 2.3.1.1) and Community Outreach and
Engagement (Section 2.3.1.2).
All expenditures and costs charged to the Grant must be cost-effective, appropriate, and
necessary to perform the activities and accomplish the goals.
2.3.1.1 Language Access
Funding provided under this category is intended to help create and facilitate access to
homeownership programs by community members with Limited English Proficiency,
American Sign Language (“ASL”) speakers, and community members with special
communication needs due to a disability. These funds can be utilized to cover the costs of
translating program and outreach materials, providing interpretation services to current or
potential program participants, and to provide notice of language assistance to the public. The
funds can also be utilized to develop a Language Access Plan that ensures Applicant provides
quality and appropriate language services and that staff members are aware of what to do
when language assistance is requested, and for other activities that assist persons with
language or communication barriers to have meaningful access to Applicant’s homeownership

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programs.
The activities funded under this category include:
• Translating program and outreach materials for homeowner and homebuyer services
into any non-English language spoken by community members in Applicant’s Service
Area.
• Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to professional
translation services; translation reviews or cultural validation to ensure
that translations are culturally sensible; adding closed captions or subtitles to
videos; and developing materials in ASL.
• Note: The translation services funded through this opportunity must be
provided by professional translators with formal and verifiable
qualifications including but not limited to proof of American Translator
Association Certification or proof of paid translation work for a nonprofit
organization, educational institution, social service agency, or public body.
In cases where the availability of professional translators is limited or
nonexistent due to Applicant’s geographical location or the language
needed, Agency’s Homeownership Division may approve the use of non-
credentialed translators on a case-by-case basis. The cost of Applicant’s staff
time to translate materials is not considered an allowable cost under this
activity.
• Providing interpretation services for any language spoken by community members in
Applicant’s Service Area, including ASL, to facilitate access to homeownership
services and activities.
• Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to
interpretation services on site, over the telephone, video remote, or
through a virtual platform, and rental of interpretation equipment.
• Note: The interpretation services funded through this opportunity must
be provided by professional interpreters with formal and verifiable
qualifications, including but not limited to proof of Oregon Court
Interpreter Certification or other state or national equivalent; proof of
Oregon Healthcare Interpreter Certification or national equivalent; or
proof of paid interpretation work for a nonprofit organization,
educational institution, social service agency, or public body. In cases
where the availability of professional or certified interpreters is limited or
non-existent due to the language needed, Agency’s Homeownership
Division may approve the use of non-credentialed providers on a case-by-
case basis. The cost of Applicant’s staff time to provide interpretation for
clients or potential clients is not considered an allowable cost under this
activity.
• Informing the public about the availability of language assistance services to ensure
persons with Limited English Proficiency are aware of the services.
• Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to procuring,
developing, printing, and posting notices on Applicant’s website, or in
printed materials in building entrances, reception, and other areas where
clients and staff interact; developing and printing “I speak” cards; and
updating telephone and email answer messages or templates to include
language accessibility notices.

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• Developing or updating a Language Access Plan for Applicant’s organization or Applicant’s
homeownership programs.
• Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to consultation services
from appropriate professionals, community-based organizations, and other
stakeholders; and engaging community members in the process through focus groups,
listening sessions, or surveys.
• Other activities that contribute to increasing access to homeownership programs and services
for individuals with Limited English Proficiency or special communication needs due to
disability. Note: These activities must be described in Applicant’s Application and approved by
Agency.
2.3.1.2 Community Outreach and Engagement
Funding provided under this category is intended to help increase the visibility of homeowner
and homebuyer programs and services for Communities of Color, people with disabilities, and
other Underserved Populations. The funds can be utilized to conduct Community Outreach
and community engagement activities, to offer community or culturally responsive services, to
develop culturally responsive materials, to increase Applicant’s skills for effective Community
Outreach and community engagement, and for other activities that contribute to increasing
the visibility of services.
The activities funded under this category are:
• Promote homeownership services through community and culturally responsive
marketing campaigns or community events.
• Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to
hosting or attending community events (including event space,
tables, or booths, and transporting supplies to and from the event);
purchasing or developing program marketing and other promotional
materials; and partnering with Culturally Specific Organizations or
ethnic media for outreach events or campaigns.
• Offering community or culturally responsive homeownership services, in locations
and formats that are meaningful, familiar, and easily accessible to Communities of
Color, people with disabilities, and other Underserved Populations.
• Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to partnering
with Culturally Specific Organizations or community-based organizations
for specific activities; securing a location or purchasing supplies necessary
for the activity, transporting supplies to and from event sites; and
providing childcare during workshops.
• Purchasing or developing homeownership curriculums and educational materials
that incorporate the cultural values of the diverse communities in Applicant’s Service
Area.
• Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to materials in
printed, electronic, or audiovisual formats; consultation from appropriate
professionals, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders;
and providing stipends for community participation in the development of
materials through focus groups, listening sessions, or surveys.

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• Building and strengthening relationships with Underserved Populations and
Communities of Color to facilitate and increase their access to Applicant’s
homeownership services and opportunities.
• Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to gathering,
analyzing, and sharing community data and feedback through surveys,
listening sessions, focus groups, or community meetings; providing
stipends for community participation in surveys, focus groups, listening
sessions, planning meetings, advisory groups, or volunteer opportunities;
and collaborating with Culturally Specific Organizations or community
leadership to develop policies, processes, or opportunities to facilitate
Culturally Responsive Services access and delivery.
• Increasing Applicant’s knowledge and skills to do Community Outreach and engage meaningful
and effectively with Communities of Color, individuals with Limited English Proficiency or
communication needs due to a disability, and other Underserved Populations. This includes
training related to non-discrimination and civil-rights, accessibility, reasonable
accomodations, diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally or community-specific
homeownership.
• Costs allowed under this activity include but are not limited to training registration fees and
transportation costs. All travel must be reasonable and cost effective and must comply with
the Statewide Travel Policy available on the Internet at OAM 40.10.00.PO Statewide Travel
Policy
• Other activities that contribute to increasing the visibility of and access to homeowner and
homebuyer services by Communities of Color, individuals with Limited English Proficiency,
individuals with disabilities, and other Underserved Populations in Applicant’s Service
Area. Note: These activities must be described in Applicant’s Application and
approved by Agency.
2.3.2 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Successful Applicants will be required to submit two activity and expenses reports during
the Grant period to provide clear, complete, and detailed documentation of all
expenditures such as receipts, paid invoices, copies of contracts, service agreements, or
other documentation acceptable to Agency.
Successful Applicants will also be required to submit a mid-point and final report that
includes but is not limited to the following: 1) program updates and progress towards
workplan activities, 2) outcomes, and 3) barriers faced. Agency may request any
applicable pictures, quotes, or samples of materials purchased or developed using Grant
funds. The Language Access and Community Outreach Engagement report template
(LACOE) can be found in Attachment E.

SECTION 3: APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Application must address each of the items listed in this section and all other requirements set
forth in this RFA. Applicant must describe how activities will be completed. An Application that
merely offers to fulfill the project will be considered non-responsive to this RFA and will not be
considered further.

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3.1 APPLICATION
Applicant must complete and submit the Application form provided in Attachment C. Applicant
should use definitive verbs in their narrative to describe what Applicant “will” do rather than
aspirational verbs such as “hopes”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, or similar verbs that do not
express a firm commitment to undertake a specific action.
3.2 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
Failure of an authorized representative to sign the Application may result in rejection of the
Application by Agency.

SECTION 4: SOLICITATION PROCESS
4.1 PUBLIC NOTICE
The RFA, including all Addenda and attachments, is published in the State’s electronic
procurement system, OregonBuys, at https://oregonbuys.gov/. RFA documents will not be
mailed to prospective Applicants.
Agency will issue all Addenda in OregonBuys. Prospective Applicants are solely responsible for
checking OregonBuys to determine whether any Addenda have been issued. Addenda are
incorporated into the RFA by this reference.
4.2 PRE-APPLICATION CONFERENCE
A pre-Application conference will be held at the date and time listed in the schedule set forth in Section
1.4 (“Schedule”). Prospective Applicants’ participation in this conference is highly encouraged but not
mandatory.
The purpose of the pre-Application conference is to:
• Explain the RFA process;
• Discuss Agency’s goals for the funds and the activities that will be funded through
this RFA; and
• Answer any questions Applicants may have related to the project or the process.
Statements made at the pre-Application conference are not binding upon
Agency. Applicants may be asked to submit questions in writing. Prospective
Applicants may register for the pre-Application conference using this link:
https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/445ed6a3-e856-42ce-
a074-fff6c7b74e4c@aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf
4.3 QUESTIONS/ REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION
All inquiries, whether relating to the RFA process, administration, deadlines, method of award,
or the intent or technical aspects of the RFA must:
• Be delivered to the SPC via email;
• Reference the OregonBuys bid number;

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• Identify Applicant’s name and contact information;
• Refer to the specific area of the RFA being questioned (e.g., page, section,
paragraph number, etc.); and
• Be received by the SPC by the due date and time for questions/ requests for
clarification identified in the Schedule.
4.4 SOLICITATION PROTESTS
4.4.1 Protests to RFA
Prospective Applicant may submit a written protest of anything contained in this RFA. This is
prospective Applicant’s only opportunity to protest the provisions of the RFA, except that
Applicant may protest Addenda as provided below and Applicant may take exception to the
terms and conditions of the Sample Grant Agreement marked as negotiable as set forth in
Section 6.4 (Grant Negotiation). Protests to the RFA must be received by the due date and
time identified in the Schedule.
4.4.2 Protests to Addenda
Prospective Applicant may submit a written protest of anything contained in an
Addendum. Protests to an Addendum must be received by Agency by 5:00 PM Pacific
Time on the second business day after Agency’s issuance of the Addendum unless a
different date/ time is specified in the Addendum, or they will not be considered. Protests
of matters not added or modified by the Addendum will not be considered.
4.4.3 All Protests must:
• Comply with the procedures required under OAR 813-005-0025;
• Be delivered to the SPC via email;
• Reference the OregonBuys bid number;
• Identify prospective Applicant’s name and contact information;
• Be sent by an authorized representative;
• State the reason for the protest, including:
o The grounds that demonstrate how the procurement process is contrary to law,
unnecessarily restrictive, legally flawed, or improperly specifies a brand name;
and
o Evidence or documentation that supports the grounds on which the protest is
based; and
• State the proposed changes to the RFA provisions or other relief sought.
4.4.4 Protest Response
Agency will endeavor to respond to all protests submitted in a timely manner while giving
due consideration to the nature of the protests. Protests that do not comply with OAR 813-
005-0025 will not be considered.
4.5 APPLICATION DELIVERY
Applicant must submit one (1) electronic copy of its completed Application either via email to the
SPC, or electronically through OregonBuys by the Opening Date/ Time on the Cover Page.

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Detailed instructions on how to submit an Application can be found at:
https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Documents/OregonBuys%20Vendor%20Formal%20So
licitation%20Response.pdf.
If Applicant believes any part of its Application is exempt from disclosure under Oregon Public
Records Law (ORS 192.311 through 192.478), Applicant must complete and submit the
Disclosure Exemption Affidavit (Attachment B) and a fully redacted electronic version of its
Application, clearly identified as the redacted version.
Applicant is solely responsible for ensuring its Application is received by the SPC in accordance
with the RFA requirements before the Opening. Agency is not responsible for any
transmission errors, delays, or mistaken delivery. Consider contacting the SPC by phone to
confirm receipt. Be sure to allow time for resubmission before Opening. Applications
submitted by any means not authorized may be rejected.
4.6 APPLICATION MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL
Any Applicant who wishes to modify or withdraw an Application already submitted in
OregonBuys must do so prior to the Opening.
4.7 APPLICATION DUE
Applications and all required submittal items must be submitted in accordance with Section 4.5
on or before the Opening. Applications received after the Opening will not be accepted. All
Application modifications or withdrawals must be completed prior to the Opening.
Applications received after the Opening will NOT be accepted for evaluation.
4.8 PUBLIC OPENING
There will not be a public opening for this RFA. Applications received will not be available for
inspection until after Agency issues the notice of intent to award. All Applications are public
records and are subject to public inspection after Agency issues the notice of intent to
award.
4.9 APPLICATION REJECTION
Agency may reject an Application for any of the following reasons:
• Applicant fails to substantially comply with all prescribed RFA procedures and
requirements;
• Applicant makes any contact regarding this RFA with State representatives such as
State employees or officials other than the SPC or persons authorized by the SPC,
or initiates inappropriate contact with the SPC;
• Applicant attempts to inappropriately influence a member of the Evaluation
Committee; or
• Application is conditioned on Agency’s acceptance of any other terms and
conditions or rights to negotiate any alternative terms and conditions that are not
reasonably related to those expressly authorized for negotiation as provided in
Section 6.4 (Grant Negotiation).

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SECTION 5: EVALUATION
5.1 RESPONSIVENESS DETERMINATION
Applications received on or before the Opening will be reviewed for responsiveness to all RFA
requirements. If the Application is unclear, the SPC may request clarification from Applicant.
However, clarifications may not be used to rehabilitate a non-responsive Application. If the SPC
finds the Application non-responsive, the Application may be rejected. However, Agency may
waive minor mistakes in its sole discretion and may exercise its discretionary waiver authority
in accordance with OAR 813-006-0040.
5.2 EVALUATION OVERVIEW
Responsive Applications meeting the requirements outlined in this RFA will be evaluated by an
Evaluation Committee. Evaluators will assign points for each evaluation criterion as described
below.
The SPC may request further clarification from Applicants to assist the Evaluation Committee
in gaining additional understanding of Applications. A response to a clarification request must
be to clarify or explain portions of the already submitted Application and may not contain
information not included in the original Application.
5.3 EVALUATION CRITERIA
A total score of 100 points is possible. Applications will be evaluated against the criteria shown
below applicants must have a minimum score of 70 to be eligible for the award. A detailed
Application scoring guide is provided as Attachment D.




1) PROJECT OVERVIEW & ALIGNMENT (50 points)
Please limit each response below to 400 words maximum.

A) Provide an overview of your proposed project including key activities and intended impact on your
community.
B) How do the proposed activities align with your agency mission, services, and strategy?
C) How do you know this work is needed? Please describe how you developed the project plan and how this
plan was informed by the community members that you seek to serve.
D) Describe your agency’s capacity to do this work. How will your staff perform this work? What prior
experience makes this staff qualified to undertake these efforts?

E) What does success look like for this project? How will you collect data (quantitative and/or qualitative) and
how will that be used to improve support to underserved populations?

2) WORKPLAN & EXPECTED OUTCOMES (35 points)
Please fill out the following table. Note that not every row needs to be filled out. Each activity must relate to at

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least one of the following objectives.
Objective 1. Language Access
Assist with the cost of facilitating language access to homeownership assistance programs and services.
Objective 2. Community Outreach & Engagement
Expand outreach and engagement to reach Communities of Color and Underserved Populations.
Proposed Activities Related to
Objective
(1, 2, or
both)
Target
Population(s)
Timeline Expected Outcomes






3) BUDGET ESTIMATES (15 points)
Activity/Item Unit Cost Total Cost Notes

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Total Costs Total Cost

5.4 RANKING OF APPLICANTS
The SPC will average the points for each Application (calculated by totaling the points awarded
for each evaluation criterion and dividing by the number of evaluators). The SPC will determine
rank order for each Application, with the highest point total receiving the highest rank, and
successive rank order determined by the next highest point total.
In selecting between two or more equally qualified Applicants that have scored the same,
Agency will give preference in accordance with the procedures outlined in OAR 813-006-
0010(8).
Agency will then organize the Applications to promote statewide access to the
programs. Agency will determine, in its sole discretion, how many Applicants to
award per county. Agency will strive to award Grants according to the rank order
described above. However, notwithstanding such rank order, Agency reserves the
right to target funding awards for geographic locations as Agency deems necessary to
ensure statewide coverage of the programs.
All Applicants will be notified of the results.
5.5 NEXT STEP DETERMINATION
Agency may conduct additional rounds of competition if deemed by Agency to be in the
best interest of the State. Additional rounds of competition may consist of, but will not
be limited to:
• Establishing a competitive range
• Presentations/ demonstrations/ additional submittal items

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• Interviews
If Agency elects to conduct one or more additional rounds of competition, Agency will provide
written notice to all Applicants describing the next steps. At any time, Agency may dispense
with a selected additional round and: (1) issue a notice of intent to award to the highest-ranking
Applicant; (2) elect to conduct an alternative additional round of competition; or (3) cancel the
RFA.

SECTION 6: AWARD AND NEGOTIATION
6.1 AWARD NOTIFICATION PROCESS
6.1.1 Award Consideration
Agency, if it awards a Grant, will award a Grant to the highest-ranking Applicant(s) based
upon the scoring methodology and process described in Section 5 (Evaluation). Agency may
award less than the full scope described in this RFA.
AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO NOT SELECT ANY APPLICANTS FOR AWARDS
UNDER THIS RFA IF AGENCY DETERMINES IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION THAT A
SELECTION SHOULD NOT BE MADE.
6.1.2 Notice of Intent to Award
Agency will notify all Applicants in writing that Agency intends to award a Grant to the
selected Applicant(s) subject to successful negotiation of any negotiable provisions.
6.2 INTENT TO AWARD PROTEST
6.2.1 Protest Submission
An Affected Applicant may submit a written protest in accordance with the procedures and
timeline outlined in OAR 813-005-0025.
If Agency receives only one Application, Agency may dispense with the evaluation process and
intent to award protest period and proceed with Grant negotiations and award.
6.2.2 Response to Protest
Agency will address all timely submitted protests within a reasonable time and will issue a
written decision to the Affected Applicant. Protests that do not include the required
information will not be considered by Agency.
6.3 APPARENT SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Each Applicant who is selected for a Grant under this RFA will be required to submit additional
information and comply with the following:
6.3.1 Business Registry
If selected for a Grant, Applicant must be duly authorized by the State to transact business in
Oregon before executing the Grant. Visit
http://sos.oregon.gov/business/pages/register.aspx for Oregon Business Registry

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information.
6.3.2 Insurance
Prior to execution of a Grant, Applicant must secure and demonstrate to Agency proof of
insurance as required in this RFA or as negotiated. Insurance requirements are found in
Exhibit B of Attachment A.
Failure to demonstrate coverage may result in Agency terminating negotiations and
commencing negotiations with the next highest-ranking Applicant. Applicants are
encouraged to consult with their insurance agents about insurance requirements prior to
Application submission.
6.3.3 Taxpayer Identification Number
The apparent successful Applicant must provide its Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
and backup withholding status on a completed W-9 form. Agency will not disburse any
Grant funds until Agency has a properly completed W-9.
6.4 GRANT NEGOTIATION
By submitting an Application, Applicant agrees to comply with the requirements of the RFA,
including the terms and conditions of the Sample Grant Agreement (Attachment A), with the
exception of those terms reserved for negotiation. Applicant must review the attached Sample
Grant Agreement and note any exceptions in its Application. Unless Applicant notes exceptions
in its Application, Agency intends to enter into a Grant with the successful Applicant
substantially in the form set forth in the Sample Grant Agreement. It may be possible to
negotiate some provisions of the final Grant Agreement; however, many provisions cannot be
changed. Applicant is cautioned that Agency believes modifications to the standard provisions
constitute increased risk and increased cost to the State. Therefore, Agency may consider the
scope of requested exceptions in the evaluation of Applications.
Agency is not willing to negotiate those items listed below:
• Choice of law
• Choice of venue
• Constitutional requirements
• Requirements of applicable federal and State law
Any Application that is conditioned upon Agency’s acceptance of any other terms and conditions
may be rejected. Any subsequent negotiated changes are subject to prior approval of the Oregon
Department of Justice.
In the event the parties have not reached mutually agreeable terms within 14 calendar days
following selection of the Applicant for a Grant award, Agency may terminate negotiations and
commence negotiations with the next highest-ranking Applicant.

SECTION 7: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
7.1 GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

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This RFA is governed by the laws of the State of Oregon. Venue for any administrative or judicial
action relating to this RFA (including but not limited to actions relating to the evaluation of
Applications or the award of Grants) is the Circuit Court of Marion County for the State of
Oregon; provided, however, if a proceeding must be brought in a federal forum, then it must be
brought and conducted solely and exclusively within the United States District Court for the
District of Oregon. In no event shall this section be construed as a waiver by the State of
Oregon of any form of defense or immunity,