Request for Proposals
SBRA is undertaking a range of research activities to advance the manufactured housing industry by growing market share, improving home performance, and leveraging its inherent affordability advantage. As part of this effort, the SBRA Board of Directors selected five priority projects for detailed scoping. We are now requesting proposals from qualified consultants — including academics, technology providers, and industry experts to lead investigations.
Intellectual Property
The intent of these projects is to benefit the entire factory-built housing industry. SBRA does not intend to restrict contractors from incorporating project results into proprietary products. Contractors shall retain all rights to their existing intellectual property. If potential contractors have any questions or concerns about intellectual property aspects of this work please contact SBRA directly at the email address indicated in the RFP.
Automated In-Plant Inspections
Identify strategies for AI-enabled automated production inspection and digital QA that improve quality, reduce rework and service costs, enhance efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.
Posted Date: May 29, 2026
Closing Date: July 6, 2026 (extended)
Attainability Training for Local Regulators
Prepare a toolkit and training curriculum for local governments to successfully remove barriers to manufactured housing, thereby expanding the market for existing products.
Posted Date: May 29, 2026
Closing Date: June 26, 2026 (This RFP is now closed to new submissions)
Optimized Floor and Chassis
Manufactured Home floors include many important components in a confined space, including insulation, ducts, plumbing, and structural members. As a result, their thickness increases the homes' height above grade. Their many components are also susceptible to damage when the home is moved. Floor quality is important to earn local jurisdiction confidence. This project will develop and test options to improve manufactured home floor assembly quality.
Posted Date: June 8, 2026 (Phase-1)
Closing Date: July 6, 2026 (Phase-1)
Phase 2: Coming soon
Optimized Foundation Solutions
The quality, durability and aesthetics of manufactured home pier and ground anchor foundations are perceived by many as inferior to permanent foundations. As a result, some jurisdictions mandate IRC-compliant foundations, eliminating much of the affordability advantage of manufactured homes. This project will test and develop low-cost IRC-compliant manufactured home foundations.
Posted Date: May 29, 2026
Closing Date: June 26, 2026
High-R Assemblies
Develop practical, durable, and cost-effective solutions for high performance manufactured home envelopes. Address past challenges in achieving cost-effectiveness and compatibility with manufactured home production processes by targeting solutions to specific thermal weak points.
Posted Date: June 2, 2026
Closing Date: June 30, 2026