Commission approves $2.9M amendment to Homebase contract for HUD NOFO and CoC technical assistance

The Homeless Oversight Commission voted unanimously to approve a second amendment to HSH’s contract with Homebase to provide continuum‑of‑care planning and technical assistance, including assistance with HUD’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The amendment increases the contract’s not‑to‑exceed total to about $5.8 million after an additional $2.9 million was requested.

HSH staff said most of the Homebase work is project‑based and tied to the department’s annual NOFO application and specialized policy work. Elizabeth Avalos of HSH explained there have been timing issues and a lag in invoicing such that about six months of Homebase invoices were pending administrative steps; she said the work has continued in good faith while the department processes budget modifications.

Commissioner Katie Albright asked about a prior year underspend in Homebase payments; HSH staff explained that year‑to‑year differences reflect whether specific projects were requested in that period and administrative timing on invoicing, not an absence of need for the vendor’s services. Commissioners noted roughly 75 percent of the contract is HUD‑funded with approximately 25 percent general‑fund support.

The motion to amend the contract was moved and seconded and passed in a roll‑call vote with all commissioners voting aye.

The commission expressed support for continuing Homebase’s technical assistance, particularly on specialized issues such as the Violence Against Women Act compliance and coordinated‑entry policy design. HSH said the vendor’s expertise is hard to replicate and that the additional funds will support NOFO competitiveness and policy deliverables.

The amendment takes effect following the commission vote and administrative processing.