RFP-26-44 Local Government Area of Opportunity (LGAO) Designation & Contribution for Florida Housing Finance Corp (FHFC) 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) RFA-2026-202

The City of Winter Haven, FL, is seeking Proposals for RFP-26-44 Local Government Area of Opportunity (LGAO) Designation & Contribution for Florida Housing Finance Corp (FHFC) 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) RFA-2026-202. Proposals are to be submitted through the Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/winterhavenfl, no later than 2:00 pm on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Background

Interested parties should read and respond to all requirements in order to be considered for award.

Project Details

• Department: Economic Opportunity & Community Investment
• Department Head: Eric Labbe (Department Director)

Important Dates

• Questions Due: 2026-06-29T16:00:00.000Z

Evaluation Criteria

• General Information: (5 pts) —

  Provide a general description of the firm/team/organization that is proposing to seek the City’s LGAO designation and associated loan.  Show a demonstrated history that the applicant team has experience in effectively dealing with regulatory compliance associated with the use of FHFC funds. 

  Describe your approach to securing FHFC financing, managing the planning, design approvals, financing, phasing, development, construction, and operation of this and/or other similar development projects.

  Indicate the amount of the City loan requested and provide information justifying said loan amount.

  Provide the minimum information below:

  • Provide a short narrative description of your proposed development. (Please include a statement describing how your proposed project is consistent with the City’s Workforce Housing Action Plan, Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, and/or Best Practices for the development of affordable housing)
  • Parcel Identification Number (PIN)
  • Street address (attach a map showing location)
  • Total number of units proposed
  • Describe the targeted demographic of the proposed project (i.e. Family, Elderly, Assisted Living, etc)
  • Development category
    • New construction
    • Rehabilitation (with or without acquisition)
    • Redevelopment (with or without acquisition)
  • Projected unit mix (number of units by bedrooms)
  • Projected unit set-aside levels (i.e. 40%, 60% & 80% AMI) etc.
  • Projected total Development Cost (including land cost)
  • Projected cost per unit (including land cost)
  • Current zoning
  • Evidence of Site Control (list document used for site control & attached documents)
  • List resident programs your project will offer, if any (i.e. after school program, adult literacy, employment assistance, etc.)
  • Detail the project's ability to meet FHFC's Permit Ready Development Goal. Provide approval letters or permits already received.
  • Describe your projected funding sources & amounts.
  • Requested documents:
    • Map of project location
    • Evidence of site control
    • Preliminary Development Cost Pro Forma
    • Development timeline
    • Phase I environmental, if available
    • Preliminary site plan or development concept, if available
    • Evidence of development approvals or permits received
• Experience and Qualifications of the Applicant: (25 pts) —

  Describe your experience and qualifications applying for FHFC funding as well as successfully developing and managing affordable housing developments and/or units

• Experience of key personnel to be assigned to this project: (25 pts) —

  Provide an organization chart showing key personnel associated with the development of the proposed project.  Describe the individual team members development experience.  Resumes may be included. 

  Provide an organization chart showing key personnel that will be associated with the management of the proposed project, post development.  Describe the individual team members affordable housing management experience.  Resumes may be submitted

• Understanding of FHFC rules, regulations, and funding including RFA 2026-202: (15 pts) —

  Describe your firm/team/organization’s understanding and experience with FHFC rules, regulations and funding opportunities.  Specifically discuss FHFC RFA 2026-202, as you currently understand it, and your approach to successful funding.

  Discuss any major challenges your team has identified specific to this project and FHFC RFA 2026-202 and how you intend to address those issues.

• Proposed project’s impact on the local affordable housing market, general local economy, and overall community health, safety, and welfare: (15 pts) —

  Describe your firm’s approach and ability to maximize utilization of local resources, to include, local suppliers, equipment providers, subcontractors, and laborers. 

  Identify the scope of your project and its projected impact on the supply of affordable housing and/or services in Winter Haven.

  Discuss your proposed project’s ability to positively impact community health, safety, and welfare within the City of Winter Haven.

• Organizational resources: (15 pts) —

  Please describe your firm/team/organization’s operational stability, available resources, and overall ability to complete the proposed project, if selected for funding by FHFC.

Submission Requirements

• Please upload your Proposal. (required) —

  Please upload your proposal. See PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL section.

• Required Form Affidavits (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Please provide your W9. (required)
• Please provide a summary of this request: (required)
• Proposals should be no more than ____(__) pages in length. (required) —

  Example: thirty (30)

• Will you be needing an evaluation committee? (required)
• Please provide a list of no more than 5 individuals: (required)
• Will pricing be evaluated? (required)
• Is a Pre-Bid/Proposal needed? (required)
• Is the Pre-Bid/Proposal Mandatory or Non-Mandatory? (required)
• Is this a one-time purchase? (required)
• Will you need an annual contract? (required)
• Please state the number of renewals desired? (required)
• Escalator clause at renewal? (required) —

  CPI or stated %

• What is your desired start date? (required) —

  Example: April 5, 2026

• What is your desired end date? (required)
• Is the City Manager aware of this project/purchase? (required)
• Is it budgeted? (required)
• Have you discussed funding with Finance? (required)
• Do you have a completion deadline? (required)
• What is the deadline? (required) —

  Example: March 1, 2026

• What are the liquidated damages? (required) —

  Example: $150.00

• Do you want to Award to Multiple Vendors (required)
• Budget or project cost? (required) —

  Example: $150,000

• Please indicate who should be invited to this bid and include their email address: (required)
• Do we have a current contract you could use? (required)
• Have you checked if this is available through State Contract or Co-Ops? (required)
• Have we previously bid this out or is there a similar project? (required)
• Please provide information: (required)
• Have you informed your vendor this will go out to bid and they must bid on it to be considered? (required)