HUD to use e-games to learn business model

The Housing and Urban Development Department seeks information about game-based learning techniques that its Office of Public and Indian Housing can apply to the management of public housing. HUD is changing its business model for the program from a public housing agency-centric approach to an asset management model, HUD said in a request for information posted March 11 on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site. HUD funds 3,100 public housing agencies nationwide that own and operate rental housing for eligible low-income families. The asset management business model for public housing focuses on project-based funding, accounting, budgeting, management and assessment. The public housing agencies need technical assistance and training to build the knowledge and skills needed to implement and administer the asset management model. Learning takes place in an electronic game environment with user involvement, personalization and problem-solving with rewards for choices or skills. Some or all of the training for asset management may be appropriate for game-based learning. HUD plans to use the General Services Administration’s Management, Organizational and Business Improvement Services 874.4 schedule, or MOBIS 874.4, so the RFI is aimed only at those vendors. Information is due March 21.