Fairfax County is seeking a contractor to conduct a planned investigation into panhandling.

The county issued a request for proposals in May of this year to find a provider, Allyson Pearce, spokeswoman for the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority, told FFXnow.

“A selection committee is reviewing the proposals and expects to decide on a vendor soon. At that time, the final logistical details will be finalized and the survey conducted,” Pearce said.

The Board of Supervisors last year approved $75,000 to conduct a survey of people who ask passersby for money, often on street medians, after numerous attempts, led by Springfield County Supervisor Pat Herrity, to ban the practice or put up signs warning people to prevent panhandling failed.

Although courts have repeatedly ruled that panhandling is protected by the First Amendment as a form of free speech, particularly following a 2015 Supreme Court decision regarding restrictions on the content of signs, the issue remains controversial.

Many communities, including Loudoun County and Roanoke, have laws prohibiting soliciting customers or loitering on road medians. The city of Alexandria repealed an anti-panhandling ordinance last year over fears of potential litigation.

Fairfax County discourages panhandling, saying it is more effective if community members can provide long-term assistance to people in need.

When the Board of Supervisors approved funding for the panhandling study, Chairman Jeff McKay expressed hope that it would help the county better understand the “root causes” of the practice.

Pearce pointed out that the survey had to be conducted under certain guidelines.

“Accordingly, the prospective survey provider must outline its strategy for conducting surveys on begging people in a safe manner for survey administrators and respondents, while maintaining the confidentiality of survey respondents,” Pearce said.

The investigation shall be carried out within six months of the conclusion of the contract.