HUD No. 20-012 HUD Public Affairs (202) 708-0685

FOR RELEASE Friday, January 24, 2020

HUD SECRETARY BEN CARSON ANNOUNCES PLAN TO INNOVATE HOUSING AND EXPAND OPPORTUNITY ZONE IMPACT

LAS VEGAS - When speaking at the 2020 National Association of Home Builders International Builders' Show, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson announced the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will co-host the "Innovative Housing Showcase" in Washington, D.C. Shortly after, Secretary Carson unveiled a HUD pilot program to give procurement preference to small businesses whose principal office is in an Opportunity Zone.

Innovative Housing Showcase

"The Innovative Housing Showcase, like this week's International Builders' Show, illustrates that the future belongs to the American builder."
- Secretary Ben Carson

The Innovative Housing Showcase will be held on the National Mall September 12-14, 2020, to educate policy makers and the broader public on the new housing innovations and building technologies that are helping address the affordable housing challenges across our country.

"We're thrilled to partner with the National Association of Home Builders for a second year to bring this Showcase to the National Mall," said Secretary Ben Carson. "It's important we highlight these new building technologies that are answering the call for more affordable, durable housing options for families across America."

"The housing affordability crisis is affecting both builders and consumers nationwide. We are honored to be co-hosting this event with HUD as we work together to find solutions to this growing problem," said Dean Mon, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders.

The Showcase will highlight various solutions that could make housing more affordable for American families and more resilient during natural disasters. For more information, please visit www.hud.gov/Innovative_Housing.

Pilot Program in Opportunity Zones

"Through this procurement pilot, HUD will continue to lead the way in coordinating federal resources to Opportunity Zones across the country."
- Secretary Ben Carson

The pilot applies to procurement at or below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), currently $250,000.00, and typically set aside for small businesses. The pilot began on January 1 and will run through June 30, 2020.

"I am pleased to announce the launch of this procurement pilot," Secretary Ben Carson said. "HUD will continue to lead the way in coordinating Federal resources to Opportunity Zones across the country. Working together, we are bringing lasting change to the communities that need it most."

"Facilitating small business activity and growth is an integral part the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council. This announcement is another positive step that HUD is taking to ensure that our nation's Opportunity Zones are on the path to revitalization." said Scott Turner, who serves as Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.

The Office of the Chief Procurement Officer will add specific language to describe the preference in upcoming solicitations that will be included in the pilot. As measurement of efficacy represents a key component of the Opportunity Zones initiative, HUD will review the results and determine next steps after the pilot is completed.

Ron Flom, HUD's Chief Procurement Officer, added, "We are happy to support Secretary Carson's Opportunity Zone initiatives with this pilot program to give preference to small businesses located in Opportunity Zones. This also supports the Department's Small Business Program, and this will be a win-win for both HUD and small businesses in Opportunity Zones."

For more information about the Opportunity Zone initiative, visit www.OpportunityZones.gov.

Secretary Carson's full remarks from the National Home Builders International Builders' Show can be found here.