CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES

The Winston-Salem Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, Project Phase I is expected to begin seeking requests for proposals from construction contractors in early fall 2021. Businesses are encouraged to get prepared for the upcoming contracting opportunities including assessing qualification as a minority, woman-owned, or Section 3 business to receive priority consideration. 


PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Section 3 Businesses: The Project is governed under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 3 Final Rule published last year. The Section 3 Final Rule requires that best efforts must be made to award contracts and subcontracts to Section 3 business concerns.

A Section 3 business is a business meeting at least one of the following criteria, documented within the last six-month period:

  • Is at least 51% owned and controlled by low- or very low-income persons; or 
  • Over 75% of the labor hours performed for the business over the prior three-month period are performed by Section 3 workers; or 
  • Is a business at least 51% owned and controlled by current public housing residents or residents who currently live in Section 8-assisted housing

Qualify to become a Section 3 Business

Many businesses qualify as a Section 3 business and are unaware because of a lack of understanding of each qualifying criterion. A workshop will be held in the coming months to help companies learn how to qualify as a Section 3 business. Until that time, learn more about Section 3 by visiting:

Housing Authority of Winston-Salem | Section 3

HUD Finalizes Section 3 Final Rule 

Frequently Asked Questions for Section 3

Minority Business Enterprises: 25% of total contract value awarded to minority-owned businesses

Women-Owned Business Enterprises: 5% of total contract value awarded to women-owned business

 Minority and women-owned businesses are encouraged to gain certification from one of the following organizations to receive priority consideration:

Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council

North Carolina Department of Administration, Office of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB Certification)

If you are seeking assistance or support, we may be able to help. Please reach out to Kenneth Reid at kenneth@eastonreidgroup.com.

Current Opportunities

The request for proposals announcement is expected to be released in early fall 2021. Interested construction contractors are encouraged to review the list of minimum, preliminary requirements and information to prepare to become a qualified bidder.

Upcoming Events

A workshop will be held in the coming months to help companies learn how to qualify as a Section 3 business.

HUD Certification Day 2021 hosted by the City of Winston-Salem’s Office of Business Inclusion and Advancement | August 23, 2021