Rural Housing Service (RHS): A Guide for New Government Contractors

Understanding RHS

What is RHS?

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides loans, grants, and financial assistance to support housing and community development in rural areas. RHS focuses on affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and economic development to enhance the quality of life for rural residents.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Single-Family Housing Programs: Provides direct loans and loan guarantees for low-income rural families to purchase, build, or repair homes.
  • Multi-Family Housing Programs: Supports affordable rental housing for low-income rural residents, including senior housing.
  • Rural Rental Assistance: Provides subsidies to make rental housing affordable for low-income tenants.
  • Community Facilities Programs: Funds essential services such as healthcare centers, schools, and emergency response facilities in rural areas.
  • Home Repair Loans & Grants: Assists low-income homeowners with necessary home repairs and safety improvements.
  • Self-Help Housing Programs: Supports groups of low-income families working together to build their homes.

Mission and Goals

RHS aims to improve access to safe, affordable housing and essential community services in rural America. The agency works to reduce poverty, enhance economic opportunity, and promote sustainable rural development through targeted financial assistance programs.

RHS Organization

The Rural Housing Service operates through state and local offices and is structured into several key divisions:

  1. Single-Family Housing Programs: Provides homeownership loans, grants, and repair assistance.
  2. Multi-Family Housing Programs: Manages affordable rental housing development and oversight.
  3. Rural Community Facilities Programs: Funds public infrastructure projects in rural communities.
  4. Loan Servicing & Program Compliance: Ensures financial and regulatory compliance for housing assistance programs.
  5. Disaster Assistance & Recovery Programs: Provides emergency housing aid following natural disasters.

RHS collaborates with state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, lenders, and tribal governments to implement its programs.

Advancing Your Career as a Contractor with RHS

Helpful Tips for IT Professionals and Consultants:

  • Understand RHS’s Role in Rural Development: Contractors should align their services with digital loan processing, housing data management, and IT modernization for financial assistance programs.
  • Stay Current with Federal Procurement & Compliance Standards: RHS contracts must comply with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), USDA procurement rules, and financial compliance laws (FISMA, HUD fair housing regulations).
  • Master RHS IT & Financial Systems: Key USDA platforms include:
    • Guaranteed Underwriting System (GUS) – Processes rural housing loan applications.
    • Multi-Family Housing Portfolio Management System (MFHPMS) – Tracks rental assistance and housing projects.
    • Community Facilities Loan & Grant Management System – Supports infrastructure funding applications.
  • Enhance Cybersecurity & Fraud Prevention Solutions: RHS seeks expertise in secure financial transactions, AI-driven loan risk assessments, and blockchain-based property record management.
  • Engage in Rural Housing & Development Conferences: Attend USDA rural development summits, housing finance workshops, and IT modernization briefings to learn about contracting opportunities.
  • Improve User Accessibility & Digital Loan Processing: RHS is focused on modernizing online loan applications, streamlining grant disbursements, and improving mobile access for rural residents.

Helpful Links: