Study

(a) In general The Secretary shall conduct, in coordination with the External Partner selected pursuant to this section, a study on the effects of the pilot program. (b) Objectives The primary objectives of the study shall be— (1) to analyze the effect of the program payments on— (A) the housing outcomes of the pilot program participants; (B) the microeconomic outcomes of the participants; (C) the physical and mental health and well-being of the participants; and (D) the social cost attributable to income volatility and homelessness, including through public expenditures for government-provided services in health, education, employment, and childcare; and (2) to evaluate the feasibility of— (A) expanding the pilot program to include more participants in the payment-receiving group; and (B) using direct cash transfers to reduce homelessness in the United States. (c) Selection of the External Partner (1) In general Within 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and before complying with section 4(b)(2), the Secretary shall choose an organization with demonstrated experience and expertise in mixed-methods experimental design and the implementation of cash-transfer programs and randomized controlled trials to be the External Partner. (2) Conditions on selection The Secretary may require the External Partner to employ the services of certain qualified individuals in carrying out the responsibilities of the External Partner under this Act. (3) Compensation for services rendered The Secretary may pay not more than the hourly equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay for grade GS–12, step 5, of the General Schedule for each hour (including travel time) during which a person affiliated with the External Partner is engaged in the performance of duties of the External Partner under this section. (d) Duties of the External Partner (1) Selection of study criteria The External Partner shall make recommendations to the Secretary on— (A) how to accomplish the primary objectives described in subsection (b); and (B) additional objectives for the study. (2) Data collection Under the oversight of the Secretary, the External Partner shall collect the data required for the study and may use any information about a pilot program participant given by the Secretary to the External Partner for the study. (e) Reports to Congress The Secretary, in consultation with the External Partner, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees— (1) an interim report, within 24 months after the commencement of pilot program services; and (2) a final report, within 12 months after the conclusion of the pilot program services.