FR 2021-01454

The document from the Federal Register announces a proposal by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to collect information for evaluating the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Mobility Demonstration. This initiative is part of a research effort to understand whether housing mobility services can help families with children relocate to neighborhoods with lower poverty rates. HUD aims to gather public input on the necessity, accuracy, and potential improvements of this proposed information collection, as part of a two-phase evaluation process.

Overview of Proposed Initiative

The document outlines that the proposed evaluation will span two phases, with the first phase focusing on assessing the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of mobility-related services across no more than ten sites. The data collection will involve several groups: public housing agency staff, families involved in the HCV Mobility Demonstration, and landlords participating in the HCV program. The proposed methods for data gathering include surveys, interviews, and direct observations. This initiative seeks to inform whether such mobility services can indeed lead to better opportunities for families by enabling them to move to areas with lower poverty.

Significant Issues or Concerns

A review of the document reveals several areas of concern regarding transparency and clarity:

1. Costs and Burden: The document estimates a total annual cost of $201,821 for the information collection, yet it does not provide a detailed cost breakdown. Similarly, it mentions an estimated total annual burden of 24,760 hours but lacks clarity on how this figure was arrived at. Such omissions could hinder understanding and invite skepticism.

2. Methodology Details: While the document lists proposed data collection methods such as informational interviews and direct observations, it does not detail their implementation. This lack of specificity could lead to ambiguity regarding the process.

3. Subcontractor Selection: Although the document discloses the involvement of Abt Associates Inc. and other subcontractors, it does not explain the selection process, which might raise concerns about transparency and the potential for favoritism.

4. Legal Clarity: The reference to legal authorities does not clearly connect how these laws pertain to the data collection initiative, potentially confusing readers unfamiliar with legal statutes.

Impact on the Public

Broad Impact

The proposed information collection is an essential step toward assessing and possibly enhancing the Housing Choice Voucher program, which could have significant implications for families seeking improved living conditions. Improved mobility could lead to increased access to better schools, safer neighborhoods, and overall enhanced quality of life for many families.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Public Housing Agencies: These agencies might experience administrative changes and increased workload as they implement new procedures and policies.

• Families with Housing Vouchers: Families participating in the demonstration could benefit by moving to areas with more opportunities, potentially improving their socioeconomic status.

• Landlords: Since participation involves landlord interviews, there may be an increased emphasis on landlord participation in the program, increasing interest and investment in properties acceptable for vouchers.

• Stakeholders in the Evaluation Process: Organizations like Abt Associates Inc. and partner entities could significantly influence the program's direction through their roles in the demonstration and evaluation processes.

In summary, while the document sets forth a potentially impactful initiative aimed at improving housing mobility for low-income families, certain areas warrant further clarification and transparency to ensure trust and understanding among the public and stakeholders involved.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has presented a notice concerning the information collection needed for the Phase 1 Evaluation of the Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Demonstration. Within this notice, specific financial references and allocations are noted, which provide insight into the estimated costs and financial burdens associated with this initiative.

Estimated Cost Overview

The notice explicitly states that the total annual cost for this information collection is $201,821. This figure represents the overall financial burden anticipated for conducting the data collection required for the evaluation of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Mobility Demonstration. However, the document does not offer a detailed breakdown of how this total amount was determined. This lack of transparency could be a potential issue, as stakeholders may be interested in understanding the specific elements contributing to the total cost. A clear breakdown would aid in assessing the reasonableness and necessity of the expenditures.

Cost Burden Estimation

Further financial details are noted regarding specific cost burdens related to participant interviews. The estimated cost burden for public housing agency (PHA) and mobility services provider staff participating in interviews is based on an average compensation rate of $52.94 per hour, as of September 2020. This rate is derived from data on average compensation for local and state government employees. Furthermore, the cost burden for property owners is calculated using average hourly earnings from the professional and business services sector, amounting to $35.37.

On the face of it, the allocation of funds for these interviews appears to be consistent with industry averages. However, without a comprehensive breakdown or additional context about how these rates relate to other components of the total cost, it remains challenging to fully understand the appropriateness of these expenditures in the broader budget context.

Connection to Identified Issues

The document raises potential concerns regarding the estimation and transparency of financial allocations. The reporting of an estimated total annual burden of 24,760 hours lacks an explanation or methodology for its calculation, which may lead some to question its accuracy. This ambiguity extends to the financial context in which these hours are monetarily quantified as $201,821. Without further elucidation, these large figures could be perceived as arbitrary or inaccurately reflective of the project's actual financial demands.

Correspondingly, understanding these cost allocations becomes even more pertinent given the document's mention of Abt Associates Inc. and other subcontractors managing the project. The absence of details on the selection process or competitive bidding for these roles might raise questions about expenditure justification, potentially inviting speculation about possible favoritism or inefficiency.

In summary, while the document makes pertinent financial references, the lack of detailed financial transparency and explanation can raise questions about the clarity and justification of the funding involved in this HUD initiative. Stakeholders would benefit from a more granular analysis of the costs, ensuring that financial planning aligns with both the project's needs and transparency standards.