Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) - Tester Training

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program is a significant source of funding for FHIP grantees that conduct fair housing testing in local communities across the country. Fair housing testing refers to the use of testers who, without any bona fide intent to rent or purchase property, pose as prospective renters or buyers of real estate for the purpose of determining whether housing providers and others are complying with the federal Fair Housing Act. The Department continues to be vigilant about ensuring that testing performed by testers with FHIP funds adhere to HUD’s investigatory standards so...

All applicants are required to complete Appendix B, EOI Eligibility Certification and submit as a part of the application. Training Component - Education and Outreach Tester Training (EOI-TT) Amount Available – $250,000 Applicant Eligibility – QFHOs, other FHOs, and other nonprofit organizations representing groups of persons protected under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, agencies of State or local governments and agencies certified by the Secretary under section 810(f) of the Fair Housing Act or other public or private entities that are formulating or carrying out programs to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices. Project Period – 12-18 months Award Caps – Up to $250,000 Eligible Activities – Applicants may propose to develop and implement a comprehensive and on-going tester training program for testers working for organizations participating in HUD’s FHIP PEI and the FHOI . The training must contain either or both basic (general) and advanced (complex) tester training courses. Eligible activities will also include on-going efforts to evaluate training quality and impact and assess the need for additional training. An applicant may propose to provide tester training in one or more of the training topics listed below: 1.General or Basic Tester Training (rental and sales) – Teach testers the principles and applications of testing including audit testing, telephone testing, systemic testing and internet/email testing. Review the skills and tools needed to be an effective tester. Provide an overview of the history of testing and the housing industry from a national perspective, as well as information about audit testing, telephone testing, systemic testing and internet/email testing. 2. Advanced or Complex Tester Training (lending and insurance) – Teach testers the principles and applications of lending/insurance testing. Review the skills and tools needed to be an effective tester. Provide an overview of the history of testing in the lending and insurance markets, the mortgage and insurance industry, as well as information about audit and systemic testing. Both General and Advanced Tester Training should also include: Role of Testers/Tester Profiles Preparing for the Tests (test assignments and costs of tests) Performing the Tests Following the tests Test Forms Used Individuals, foreign entities, and sole proprietorship organizations are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement.

Myron Newry Myron.P.Newry@hud.gov