[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 32 (Thursday, February 16, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10143-10145]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-03269]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

[Docket No. FR-6377-N-01]


Exhibitors Sought for Innovative Housing Showcase

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and

[[Page 10144]]

Research, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: HUD, in collaboration with other organizations, will present 
the Innovative Housing Showcase in June 2023 on the National Mall in 
Washington, DC. The Innovative Housing Showcase (Showcase) is a public 
event to raise awareness of innovative housing designs and technologies 
that have the potential to increase housing supply, lower the cost of 
construction, and/or reduce housing expenses for owners and renters. 
HUD is especially interested in innovative housing designs and 
technologies that, in addition to reducing costs and expenses for 
builders, owners and renters, can expand affordable, accessible, and 
healthy housing options for low- and moderate-income households; 
support aging in place; improve climate mitigation and resilience and 
disaster recovery; and/or increase energy efficiency and support 
decarbonization in the housing sector. HUD is seeking exhibitors to 
showcase innovations, and this notice solicits affirmations of interest 
from parties that would like to be considered for participation in the 
Innovative Housing Showcase.

DATES: All affirmations of interest must be received no later than 
March 15, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Affirmations of interest must be in writing and submitted 
via email to [email protected]. Individuals who do not have 
internet access may submit affirmations of interest to the Office of 
Policy Development and Research, Affordable Housing Research and 
Technology, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th 
Street SW, Room 8134, Washington, DC 20410.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Blanford, Research Engineer, 
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy 
Development and Research, 451 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20410, 
telephone number 202-402-5728 (this is not a toll-free number). HUD 
welcomes and is prepared to receive calls from individuals who are deaf 
or hard of hearing, as well as individuals with speech and 
communication disabilities. To learn more about how to make an 
accessible telephone call, please visit: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/telecommunications-relay-service-trs. Individuals with questions 
may also email [email protected] and in the subject line write 
``2023 Showcase Questions.''

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    This year will be the third time HUD has hosted the Showcase on the 
National Mall, having done so in 2019 and 2022. Prior Showcases were 
attended by several thousand members of the public, as well as housing 
practitioners and government leaders, and received coverage in both 
popular media and trade press. Given HUD's mission to create ``quality, 
affordable homes for all,'' this event offers a unique opportunity to 
highlight innovative housing designs and technologies that can improve 
quality and deepen affordability for leaders in the housing sector, 
from policymakers and planners to funders, architects and builders.
    The National Mall is a landscaped Park that is always open to the 
public, which brings certain expectations when presenting housing 
innovations on a large scale. Exhibitors are responsible for complying 
with all National Park Service rules and regulations as identified in 
the NPS Event Planning Guide (https://www.nps.gov/nama/learn/management/event-planning-guide.htm). As the National Mall is part of 
the National Park System, there is no review or permit required to meet 
building codes within the District of Columbia; however, the NPS may 
require a review for Fire and Life Safety Requirements by NPS 
representatives.
    Approach to the National Mall involves DC streets or interstate 
highways, local and federal restrictions pertaining to weight, and 
compliance with width of load and height restrictions. There are two 
primary DC routes approaching the National Mall that can accommodate 
13'6'' clearance. Showcase Management will advance the arrival and 
departure routes as well as the set-up and tear-down schedule to each 
exhibitor.

II. Showcase Information and Exhibit Requirements

    Showcase management is overseen by HUD and HUD-designated entities 
responsible for Showcase planning and event logistics. The Innovative 
Housing Showcase host exhibits in three primary categories:
     Tabletop Displays--these displays are typically housed in 
an individual tent or space within a larger tent.
     On-Ground Exhibit--these displays may showcase a 
particular technology or method of construction within the given 
footprint that is too large for a tabletop and cannot be entered.
     Enterable Exhibit--these displays may involve a structure 
that showcases a technology or method of construction that can be 
entered by the public present at the showcase site.
    Each exhibit should be positioned and equipped to allow persons who 
have mobility restrictions to approach the threshold of an enterable 
exhibit. Showcase Management will provide a list of contractors that 
are prepared to provide ADA compliant ramps for Enterable exhibits.
    The Showcase Management will review the public facing branding of 
each exhibit and can provide advice and direction to remain compliant 
with the NPS guidelines.
    Exhibits must be presented in a manner that can sustain a 30-mph 
wind and should not exceed 45' in height. HUD will make available the 
use of a crane or forklifts for installation. Typically, the crane 
provided has a 20-ton capacity and will be apportioned to accommodate 
the needs of all exhibitors. Exhibits that exceed 400 sq ft will 
require the NPS review of floor plans and engineering to establish an 
occupancy load as well as any ballast that may be required to satisfy 
the wind load guidelines.
    To maintain adequate pathways for the public to traverse between 
monuments and museums that are adjacent to the event site, exhibit 
areas are apportioned based on individual footprints that do not exceed 
30' in depth and are generally 60' to 80' in width. Exhibits will be 
delivered by truck and placed on the gravel walkways of the National 
Mall. The National Mall, also considered ``America's Front Yard,'' is 
managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and the NPS has requirements 
for events to protect the public and the Mall. Exhibitors shall comply 
with all NPS rules and requirements.
    For each exhibit type, HUD provides a standard tent with side 
walls, tables, and chairs as well as a sign identifying the Exhibitor. 
The sign includes the exhibitor's brand and features the event brand 
consistent with the NPS guidelines. Showcase Management will also 
provide electricity for each exhibit whether Tabletop, On-Ground or 
Enterable.
    Exhibitors are responsible for their own expenses, personnel, and 
resources. Exhibitors will bear the cost to manufacture the exhibit, 
deliver and remove the exhibit from the Showcase Site, and staff the 
exhibit during the run of show. HUD will not provide any funding to 
exhibitors. HUD will provide support to manage the event.

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III. Affirmations of Interest of Potential Exhibitors

    HUD is interested in housing designs and technologies that have the 
potential to increase supply and, lower the cost of construction, and/
or reduce housing expenses for owners and renters. This could include 
designs that reduce building footprints, like Accessory Dwelling Units 
and multi-unit manufactured and modular housing, or that impact on-site 
construction efficiency, like three dimensional (3D) printing and 
panelization. HUD is especially interested in innovative housing 
designs and technologies that, in addition to reducing costs and 
expenses for builders, owners and renters, can expand affordable, 
accessible and healthy housing options for low- and moderate-income 
households; support aging in place; improve climate mitigation and 
resilience and disaster recovery; and/or increase energy efficiency and 
support decarbonization in the housing sector. Potential exhibits could 
range from tabletop displays to on-ground exhibits to enterable homes.
    Interested potential exhibitors should submit via the methods 
discussed previously in this notice an affirmation of interest 
containing the following information: the name and contact information 
for the organization and a statement that the organization is 
interested in participating as a potential exhibitor in the Showcase.
    HUD will select exhibitors that align with the above themes and 
areas of focus, particularly affordability, as well as other 
considerations such as novelty, housing quality, and overall 
composition. For the sake of visitor engagement, HUD will prioritize 
exhibits that can be displayed in person or through visually 
interesting presentations. Other factors that may impact exhibitor 
selection include National Mall site limitations and potential expense 
to HUD (e.g., crane time).

Solomon J. Greene,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and 
Research.
[FR Doc. 2023-03269 Filed 2-15-23; 8:45 am]
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