Specifications include, but are not limited to: Initial Data Gathering, Background Research and Detailed Approach The Proposer must conduct a thorough literature review, researching all relevant documents, databases, previous studies and reports, and other information relevant to the analysis, to establish the basis for the new cost study. The primary purpose of this task is to assess and compare the preliminary study approach and methodology with relevant background information and in the context of recognized best practices. Critical in this approach will be the method or methods used by the Proposer to compare and contrast cost data (e.g., cost per foot, unit, etc.). This task will also help ascertain the number of actual multifamily rental housing developments, both publicly-assisted affordable and market-rate, that will be assessed. It will be important to establish how large and of what composition the sample group should be in order to gain statistical strength and external validity. Factors including, but not limited to, location, size, construction type and project age of developments should be considered. In addition, this task will help establish a comprehensive base of comparable analyses and information necessary to evaluate the policy recommendations that will be a part of the final report.