Task force presses for a public, scored RFP to select community housing trust operator

Members spent substantial time on implementation language describing how the housing trust operator would be selected. Discussion favored explicit language that the process be public and transparent, that each step have published criteria and that scoring reflect capacities such as funding, stewardship and governance.

"This will be a public and transparent process," the Chair said as the group debated whether to require the department to publish prequalification, shortlist and final selection criteria. One task force member noted that "the RFP often, traditionally, at least in Prince George's County, has included what you're gonna be scored on," underscoring local practice in favor of public scoring.

Staff agreed to add language clarifying that prequalification will certify eligibility against DHCD standards and that scoring categories will be published in the RFP where legally permissible. The task force did not set binding operational rules but directed staff to draft language that underscores public transparency in the RFP.