In a do-over, four groups have submitted bids to oversee the distribution of $20 million in federal dollars aimed at reducing foreclosures and homelessness in Utah.
Earlier bids were thrown out because key stakeholders were not notified of the opportunity.
This time around, four proposals came in before Thursday's 3 p.m. deadline, according to state purchasing agent Paul Mash. The bidders were Weber Housing Authority, Froerer Real Estate Inc. Property Management, Utah Center for Affordable Housing and Utah Community Reinvestment Corp.
In early May, Gordon Walker, director of the state's Division of Housing and Community Development, reluctantly put the program out to bid at the request of his boss, Palmer DePaulis, head of Utah's Department of Community and Culture. Walker had hoped to form a nonprofit to administer the funds.
The first round of bidding closed May 14 with two responses.
Housing advocates, who did not learn of the initial bidding until after it closed, objected. At that time, DePaulis ordered new bids with broader notification.
Mash said 381 organizations received notice this time. Utah has 18 months from March 18, 2009, to use the funds.
