Funding Availability: Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program
| Citation | 85 FR 8992 |
| Record Number | 2020-03108 |
| Published date | 18 February 2020 |
| Section | Notices |
| Court | Veterans Affairs Department |
Federal Register, Volume 85 Issue 32 (Tuesday, February 18, 2020)
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 18, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8992-8999]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-03108]
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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Funding Availability: Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem
Program
AGENCY: VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program,
Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
ACTION: Notice of funding availability (NOFA).
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SUMMARY: VA is announcing the availability of funds to eligible
entities to provide per diem payments for the Transition in Place (TIP)
housing model to facilitate housing stabilization for Veterans who are
homeless or at risk of becoming homeless under VA's Homeless Providers
GPD Program. VA expects to award funding to pay per diem for
approximately 450 beds with this NOFA.
DATES: Applications for grants under the GPD Program must be received
by the GPD National Program Office by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on
Wednesday, April 22, 2020. In the interest of fairness to all competing
applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and hour. VA will treat
any application that is received after the deadline as ineligible for
consideration. Applicants should take this practice into account and
submit their materials early to avoid the risk of unanticipated delays,
computer service outages, or other submission-related problems that
might result in ineligibility.
For a Copy of the Application Package: The required documentation
for applications is outlined under the Application Documentation
Required sections of this NOFA. Questions should be referred to the GPD
National Program Office by email at: [email protected]. For detailed GPD
Program information and requirements, see part 61 of title 38, Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) or 38 CFR part 61.
Submission of Application Package: Applicants must submit
applications electronically by following instructions found at:
www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp. Applications may not be mailed, emailed,
or sent by fax. Applications must be received by the GPD National
Program Office by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the application deadline
date. Applications must be submitted as a complete package. Materials
arriving separately will not be included in the application package for
consideration and may result in the application being rejected or not
funded.
Technical Assistance: Information regarding how to obtain technical
assistance with the preparation of a grant application is available on
the GPD Program website at: www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffery Quarles, Director, GPD
Program, (673/GPD), VA National Grant and Per Diem Program Office,
10770 N 46th Street, Suite C-200, Tampa, FL 33617, (813) 979-3570.
(This is not a toll-free number); [email protected]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Funding Opportunity Title: GPD Per Diem Only
Grant Program TIP.
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: VA-GPD-TIP-FY2020.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 64.024, VA Homeless
Providers Grant and Per Diem Program.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Purpose: This NOFA announces the availability of per diem
funding to 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) non-profit organizations, state and
local governments, and recognized Indian Tribal governments. Religious
or faith-based organizations are eligible, on the same basis as any
other organization, to apply to participate in this VA program. Faith-
based organizations should refer to 38 CFR 61.64(b) through 61.64(g)
for grant compliance requirements. Each
[[Page 8993]]
application must include a minimum of 5 TIP beds and up to a maximum of
20 TIP beds, per VA medical center (VAMC) catchment area, per each
applicant's Employer Identification Number (EIN). Each applicant may
request a maximum amount of per diem not to exceed $1.6 million total
costs for the entire 3-year grant period. Applicants may request no
more than $80,000 total costs per bed over the entire 3-year grant
period based on the average number of beds to be provided as stated in
the grant application. If more than one application per VAMC catchment
area per applicant's EIN is received by the due date and time, VA will
consider only one application. VA reserves the right to select which
application to consider based on the submission dates and times or
based on other factors.
Note: Applicants do not have to include coverage for the entire
VAMC catchment area in the application. The coverage area, however,
must not exceed the VAMC catchment area identified in the application.
If an applicant does not know their VAMC catchment area, they can
contact the local medical facility provided at the following address:
www.va.gov/directory/guide/allstate.asp and ask to speak with the
Homeless Program. Applicants are encouraged to tailor their proposed
coverage area to factors such as their own ability and the particular
needs of the community.
Applicants agree to meet the applicable requirements of 38 CFR part
61 as a part of the effort to end homelessness among our Nation's
Veterans.
B. Definitions: Title 38 CFR part 61 contains definitions of terms
used in the GPD Program that are applicable to this NOFA.
C. Eligibility Information: To be eligible, an applicant must be a
501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) non-profit organization, state or local
government, or recognized Indian Tribal government that meets the
requirements in 38 CFR 61.1. Religious or faith-based organizations are
eligible, on the same basis as any other organization, to participate
in this VA program. Faith-based organizations should refer to 38 CFR
61.64(b) through 61.64(g) for grant compliance requirements.
D. Cost Sharing or Matching: None.
E. Authority: Funding applied for under this NOFA is authorized by
38 U.S.C. 2011, 2012.
F. TIP Housing Model Description:
Note: The model description below has Required Minimum Performance
Metrics/Targets that are set for the award period (October 1, 2020-
September 30, 2023). VA may, at its discretion, update these targets at
any point during the award period. If any new targets come into effect,
VA will notify grantees in writing.
Transition in Place
Targeted Population--Homeless Veterans who choose a supportive
transitional housing environment providing services prior to entering
permanent housing.
Model Overview--Provides transitional housing and robust services
that facilitate individual stabilization, increased income, and
movement of the Veteran to permanent housing in the residence as
rapidly as clinically appropriate.
Characteristics & Standards--The TIP housing model offers Veteran
residents housing in which supportive services transition out of the
residence over time, rather than the resident. This leaves the resident
in place at the residence and not forced to find other housing while
stabilizing. It is expected that Veterans will transition in place in
approximately 6 to 12 months. Applicants should be aware that for an
extension beyond 12 months, prior written approval from the GPD Liaison
would be required, and extensions would be considered in increments of
up to 90 days at a time and generally not to exceed a combined total of
up to 24 months per Veteran. This model does not support discharge
planning that would have the Veteran transition to the Department of
Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) as the
HUD-VASH Program targets a Veteran population in need of specialized
case management. Similarly, this grant does not support discharge
planning to Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Rapid
Rehousing.
Scope of services should incorporate tactics to increase the
Veteran's income through employment and/or benefits and to secure the
permanent housing in the Veteran's name. Services provided and
strategies used by the applicant will vary based on the individualized
needs of the Veteran and resources available in the community. Housing
case management should be flexible in intensity, support client choice,
use a strengths-based approach, and focus on housing retention and
helping the household to develop, enhance, or re-engage a network of
support that will continue with them after they finish TIP. Case
managers are expected to work on tenancy support such as how to resolve
conflicts, how to understand a lease, options for working through
crises and other skills that will assist them in retaining housing when
they are no longer in TIP. Applicants specify the staffing levels and
range of services to be provided, which are expected to be
multidisciplinary and robust.
Applicants identify or convert existing suitable apartment-style
housing where homeless Veteran participants would receive intensive,
time-limited, supportive services optimally for a period of 6-12
months, but sometimes longer, as described above with prior written
approval from the GPD Liaison for extensions in increments of up to 90
days at a time and generally not to exceed a combined total of up to 24
months per Veteran. Upon completion, the Veteran must be able to
``transition in place'' by assuming the lease or other long-term
agreement which enables the unit in which he or she resides to be
considered the Veteran's permanent housing. Grantees are expected to
replace units as they are converted to permanent housing to maintain
the average number of bed days as stated in the application during the
entire grant period. Once the Veteran assumes the lease or other long-
term agreement, VA will no longer provide funding for the unit under
this NOFA. For example, each time a Veteran assumes the lease or other
long-term agreement for the apartment, the grantee must identify a new
unit in which to place another Veteran. By program design, transition
to permanent housing should occur as rapidly as possible, and grantees
should continually be acquiring and coordinating with VA on the
inspection of new units to maintain a steady number of Veterans served.
Applicants applying under this NOFA must own or lease apartments
intended as permanent housing for an individual or single family.
Apartments must meet the inspection standards outlined at title 38 CFR
61.80 and have the following characteristics:
1. Private access without unauthorized passage through another
dwelling unit or private property;
2. Sanitary facilities within the unit;
3. Basic furnishings and living supplies (including, at minimum, a
bed, chairs, table, and cookware); and
4. Suitable space and equipment within the unit to store, prepare,
and serve food in a sanitary manner (including, at a minimum, a
refrigerator, freezer, sink, and stove). Note: Microwave ovens, hot
plates, or similar items are not suitable substitutes for an
operational stove.
Required Minimum Performance Metrics/Targets--VA has established
performance metrics/targets for all successful applicants. Discharge to
permanent housing is 75 percent.
[[Page 8994]]
Employment of individuals at discharge is 55 percent. Negative exits
are less than 20 percent. Negative exits are defined as those exits
from a GPD program for a violation of program rules, failure to comply
with program requirements, or leaving the program without consulting
staff. VA may, at its discretion, update these targets at any point
during the award period. If any new targets come into effect, VA will
notify grantees in writing.
Participant Agreement Information
Lease Guarantors--A Lease Guarantor is a third party (in this case,
the grantee) who guarantees to pay the lease costs if the lessee (in
this case, the Veteran) defaults. This is not allowed under this
program.
Sublease--The sublease is a lease by a lessee (in this case, the
grantee) to a third party (in this case, the Veteran) conveying the
leased property for a shorter term than that of the lessee, who retains
a reversion in the lease. For the sake of clarity, in a sublease TIP
housing scenario, the landlord is the lessor, the grantee is the
lessee, and the Veteran is the sublessee.
GPD TIP grantees may use subleases during the transitional housing
phase if the sublease has been approved by the GPD National Program
Office, and the sublease meets the following conditions:
1. Period of sublease must be less than the entire period of the
grantee's lease with the landlord.
2. Grantee lease renewal must be taken into consideration when
stating the period of the sublease.
3. Sublease must be explicit that the grantee is the lessee, not
the Veteran.
4. Sublease must revert back to the grantee lessee without
sanctions to the Veteran should the Veteran leave prior to program
completion and lease assumption.
5. Sublease may not contain requirements contrary to GPD
regulations.
6. Security deposits may not be charged to Veterans. However,
grantee lessees may take other available and appropriate legal steps in
situations of property destruction.
Lease Assumption--When a third party (in this case the Veteran)
assumes a lease, the original lessee does not retain any interest in
the lease.
Low Income Housing Tax Credits--Grantees that use tax credit
programs may request that Veterans fill out a tax credit application,
as there is no prohibition in GPD regulations. The issues that could
arise are operational and specific to GPD TIP. The following are two
examples.
Example 1. Under the GPD TIP for which the grantee is funded, the
Veteran may not ``assume'' a lease until the transitional housing phase
is complete. A sublease may be used as long as it meets the
requirements above. If the grantee is not leasing from another
landlord, it will make a difference. As the relationship changes, the
grantee is the lessor and the Veteran becomes the lessee. This is not a
sublease. In this case some other form of program agreement may have to
be used that meets the elements of items 4, 5, and 6 above and meets
tax credit requirements.
Example 2. Income under tax credits is calculated differently than
in GPD. The grantee must follow GPD regulations during the transitional
phase, and only the Veteran's income may be counted as defined in 38
CFR 61.82. When the Veteran completes the program and then ``assumes''
the lease, the calculation of income will revert to the tax credit
requirements. The Veteran should be apprised of this prior to program
entry so appropriate planning can be put into place.
II. Award Information
A. Allocation of funds: Funding awarded under this NOFA will be for
a period of 3 years, beginning on October 1, 2020, and ending on
September 30, 2023, dependent upon factors such as funding
availability, the recipient meeting the performance goals established
in the grant agreement, utilization rates of beds or services,
statutory and regulatory requirements, and the results of the VA
inspection. Continuation of funding is not guaranteed.
B. Funding Restrictions: No part of an award under this NOFA may be
used to facilitate capital improvements or to purchase vans or real
property. Questions should be directed to VA's GPD National Program
Office at the email address listed in the contact section of the NOFA.
Applicants may not receive funding to replace funds provided by any
Federal, state, or local government agency or program to assist
homeless persons.
C. Funding Limitations:
1. VA's decisions will be based on factors such as need, geographic
dispersion, and availability of funding.
2. Each application must include a minimum of 5 TIP beds and up to
a maximum of 20 TIP beds, per VAMC catchment area, per each applicant's
EIN.
3. Each applicant may request a maximum amount of per diem not to
exceed $1.6 million total costs for the entire 3-year grant period.
Applicants may request no more than $80,000 total costs per bed over
the entire 3-year grant period based on the average number of beds to
be provided as stated in the grant application.
III. Application and Submission Information
A. To Obtain a Grant Application: Applicants must submit
applications electronically following instructions found at:
www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp. The required documentation for an
application submission is outlined below in the Application
Documentation Required, section IV of this NOFA. Standard forms, which
must be included as part of a complete application package, may be
downloaded directly from VA's GPD Program website at: www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp. Questions should be referred to the GPD National
Program Office at: [email protected] For detailed GPD Program
information and requirements, see 38 CFR part 61.
B. Content and Form of Application: VA is seeking to focus
resources to assist Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming
homeless. If your agency is unclear as to how to apply, contact the GPD
National Program Office for clarification prior to submission of any
application to ensure it is submitted in the correct format.
Applicants should ensure that they include all required documents
in their electronic application submission, carefully follow the format
and provide the information requested and described below. Submission
of an incorrect, incomplete, or incorrectly formatted application
package will result in the application being rejected.
IV. Application Documentation Required
A. Standard Forms (SF) and budget information:
1. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424).
2. Indirect cost information: Applicants that have a negotiated
indirect cost rate agreement must provide a copy of the agreement as an
attachment to the application if they wish to charge indirect costs to
the grant. Applicants without a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement
may request the de minimis rate for indirect costs if they meet the
definitions and requirements of 2 CFR part 200. All other allowable
costs will be considered only if they are direct costs.
B. Eligibility: State/local government entities must provide as an
attachment to the application a copy of any comments or recommendations
by approved state and area-wide
[[Page 8995]]
clearinghouses pursuant to Executive Order 12372.
C. System for Award Management (SAM): Applicants must provide a
current Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, Unique Entity
Identifier (UEI) and SAM expiration date.
D. Project Summary:
1. Name and station number of the VAMC whose catchment area
includes the transitional housing location(s) requested in this
application. If requesting multiple sites, all sites must fall within
the same VAMC catchment area. If requesting multiple sites, applicants
should make sure each proposed site is strongly justified and well
developed. The quality of each site will impact the overall score of
the application.
2. Name(s) and number(s) of the Continuum of Care (CoC) where the
transitional housing requested in this application will be located. If
requesting sites in multiple CoCs, applicants should make sure sites in
each CoC are strongly justified and well developed. The quality of
sites in each CoC will impact the overall score of the application.
3. Number of beds for which your agency is requesting per diem in
this application. Total request to VA for all beds for the entire 3-
year period.
4. Location of housing provided under this application. For fixed
sites, identify the address, city, state, zip code + four-digit
extension, county, other counties served, congressional district, the
number of GPD beds at each location, and gender(s) served. For sites
whose locations are not available at the time of application, provide
the names of all counties in which services will be provided.
5. Per location, a description of how the facility's participant
living space will be configured. Include the square footage of the room
or unit, the number of beds in that square footage and other
descriptive information (e.g., Single Room Occupancy, 100 square feet,
no bunk beds; Apartment(s), 1,500 square feet, 1, 2, or 3 bedroom(s),
no bunk beds). Identify any differences between locations, if
applicable.
6. Description of whether your agency currently uses the Homeless
Management Information System (HMIS) and if so, describe your
participation with HMIS. HMIS is a locally-administered Web-based data
system used to record and analyze both program and client information
at the local CoC level. It is used by other Federal partners, including
VA, to measure project performance and participate in benchmarking of
the national effort to end homelessness. Currently, using HMIS is
optional for GPD grantees. However, it can be a useful tool for program
monitoring and also for coordination with community partners.
Additionally, many communities use HMIS to conduct Coordinated Entry
assessments. Applicants should be connected to Coordinated Entry, the
Veteran Master List/By Name List, and Case Conferencing to support
referrals to the program.
E. Applicant Contact Information:
1. Location of the administrative office where correspondence can
be sent to the Executive Director/President/Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) (no Post Office Boxes). Include complete address, city, state,
zip code + four-digit extension, county, and congressional district.
2. Organization Primary Contact: Include the name, title, phone,
and email address. Note: GPD views the organization primary contact as
assigned to the organization, not a specific grant award, and should be
someone who normally signs grant agreements or makes executive
decisions for the organization. This is most often the Executive
Director, the President, or the CEO. Organizations with multiple awards
can only have one Organization Contact.
3. Grant Contact #1: Include the name, title, phone, and email
address. Note: This contact is specific to this grant application and
may be a Program Manager, Director, Case Manager, Grant Administrator,
or other position overseeing the GPD grant project.
4. Provide as an attachment to the application a complete listing
of your agency's officers of the Board of Directors and each person's
address, phone, and email address.
F. Project Abstract: In approximately 500 words, provide a brief
abstract of the proposed project. As applicable, include a discussion
of multiple sites, multiple CoCs, and/or other information relevant to
an understanding of the overall project.
G. Detailed Application Design: This is the portion of the
application that describes your proposed program. VA reviewers will
focus on how the detailed application design addresses the areas of
outreach, project plan, ability, need, and coordination including how
supportive services will be coordinated. VA expects applicants awarded
under this NOFA will meet the VA performance metrics. With those
metrics in mind, and in response to the following sections, please
include strategies to meet or exceed VA's national metric targets.
Applicants are encouraged to discuss specifics about their case
management intervention approaches within each of the questions below,
as applicable. Applications that demonstrate intensive approaches to
case management that are strengths-based, evidence-based,
multidisciplinary, multiphasic, structured, flexible in intensity, and
integrated with personal networks and with the VA or mainstream
community that will be most responsive to this NOFA. Examples include
critical time intervention (CTI), motivational interviewing,
progressive engagement/progressive assistance, and other approaches or
a combination of approaches. The requirements in this section are
consistent with 38 CFR part 61.
(a) Outreach (see 38 CFR 61.13(c)): This is the portion of the
application where applicants will discuss how the outreach plan is
tailored to the project and how services will be provided to Veterans
living in places not ordinarily meant for human habitation (e.g.,
streets, parks, abandoned buildings, automobiles, emergency shelters).
Applications will be scored on responses to the following questions:
1. Outreach--In approximately 250 words, describe your agency's
plan to conduct outreach, including frequency of outreach, to your
selected Veteran population(s) living in places not ordinarily meant
for human habitation (e.g., streets, parks, abandoned buildings,
automobiles, emergency shelters).
2. Outreach--In approximately 1,000 words, describe where your
organization will target and tailor its outreach efforts to identify
appropriate Veterans for this program. Additionally, applicants should
discuss their plans for orienting Veterans about the program's process
and timeline prior to enrollment.
3. Outreach--In approximately 500 words, describe your agency's
involvement in the Coordinated Assessment/Entry efforts of the CoC(s)
named in Project Summary question IV.D.2. and how this project would be
involved in coordinated entry efforts. Describe how your organization's
outreach plan fits into each CoC's plan to end homelessness.
(b) Project Plan (see 38 CFR 61.13(b)): VA wishes to provide the
most appropriate housing based on the needs of the individual Veteran.
Applications will be scored on responses to the following questions:
1. Project Plan-- In approximately 2,000 words, provide a list of
the supportive services offered to help participants achieve
residential
[[Page 8996]]
stability, increase skill level and/or income, and become involved in
making life decisions that will increase self-determination. This list
should include a brief description of the service; the minimum
frequency that the service will be offered; and the job title,
including minimum credentials of the individual(s) who will provide the
service. It is expected that these services be available during
flexible hours (e.g., accommodating for participants who are employed
or have other obligations) and that case management services, to the
extent possible, include regular home visits, when appropriate.
Applicants are expected to provide intensive services that are
strengths-based, evidence-based, multidisciplinary, multiphasic,
structured, flexible in intensity, and integrated with personal
networks and with the VA or mainstream community. Applicants who are
employing a formal approach to services such as CTI, motivational
interviewing, progressive engagement/progressive assistance, and other
approaches or a combination of approaches, should include descriptions
accordingly.
2. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe the specific
process and criteria for deciding which Veterans are appropriate for
admission.
3. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, address whether the
project will serve mixed gender populations and/or individuals with
children. Provide a listing and explanation of any gender-specific
services.
4. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how the
safety, security, and privacy of participants will be ensured.
5. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, provide your agency's
Individual Service Plan (ISP) methodology and the core items to be
addressed in the ISP. The goal is to ensure that Veterans have the
tools they need to maximize their ability to pay rent, to understand
landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities, and to be proactive in
addressing issues that may have contributed to a loss of housing in the
past. Additionally, applicants should describe their plans for various
phases of the program including how to identify when it is appropriate
to transition and how progress could be completed within a period of 6-
12 months. Applicants should be aware that for an extension beyond 12
months, prior written approval from the GPD Liaison is required.
Extensions would be considered in increments of up to 90 days at a time
and generally not to exceed a combined total of up to 24 months per
Veteran.
6. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how, when,
and by whom participants' progress toward meeting their individual
goals will be monitored, evaluated, and documented. Include
descriptions of how progress notes, case conferencing, and supervision
will be documented. Applicants are expected to provide intensive case
management that is strengths-based, evidence-based, multidisciplinary,
multiphasic, structured, flexible in intensity, and integrated with
personal networks and with the VA or mainstream community. This
approach to case management usually would involve a team of clinicians,
case managers, and if applicable, social worker(s), nurse(s), or other
appropriate personnel with skills in community-based service delivery.
7. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how you will
work with Veterans to help them gain skills to assist in retaining
housing after TIP support ends. Describe how you will determine when
the Veteran is ready to assume the lease or long-term agreement.
Additionally, applicants should describe how exceptional cases will be
handled (e.g., cases in which Veterans need more or less than the usual
time to complete the program).
8. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how you will
ensure that each Veteran receives individualized services to meet
permanent housing goals. Indicate how the program plans to meet VA's
metrics/targets and meet the goals of the community within which the
grantee is working.
9. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how necessary
follow-up services will be provided. For example, the Project Plan
should describe how often they will occur and the duration of the
follow up.
10. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how Veteran
participants will have a voice and aid in operating and maintaining the
housing (e.g., volunteer time, paid positions, community governance
meetings, peer support).
11. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, if your agency plans
to use any subrecipient(s) and/or contractor(s) for operating and/or
maintaining the housing, describe the responsibilities of the
subrecipient(s) and/or contractor(s).
12. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe program
policies regarding a clean and sober environment. Include in the
description how participant relapse will be handled and how these
policies will affect the admission and discharge criteria.
13. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, provide and describe
the type and implementation of the medication control system that will
be used in this project (e.g., Medication Management, Medication
Monitoring, individual storage). For reference, applicants may review
these requirements at: www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp.
14. Project Plan--In approximately 250 words, describe program
polices regarding participant agreements, including any leases and
subleases, if used.
15. Project Plan--In approximately 250 words, describe program
polices regarding extracurricular fees.
16. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how you will
aid Veterans who seek employment and income maximization goals, such as
increased income, increased benefits, reduced expenses, or improved
financial management skills. Please note that services such as
Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance
(SSI/SSDI) Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) and other income
maximization strategies may be used by applicants.
17. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, address how your
agency will facilitate the provision of nutritional meals for the
Veterans. Be sure to describe how Veterans with little or no income
will be assisted.
18. Project Plan--In approximately 250 words, describe how you will
facilitate transportation of the Veteran participants to appointments,
employment, and supportive services.
(c) Ability (see 38 CFR 61.13(d)): This is the portion of the
application where applicants demonstrate their ability to develop,
operate, and complete the project with necessary staff and experience
regarding the selected population(s). Applications will be scored on
responses to the following questions:
1. Ability--Provide as an attachment to the application a table or
spreadsheet of the staffing plan for this project (see Example 3). Do
not include resum[eacute]s. Information provided here should be
consistent with information provided in project plan question number 6
and with information provided elsewhere in the application.
Example 3:
[[Page 8997]]
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Hours per week
Brief (1-2 sentence) allocated to GPD Amount of annual Amount of salary
Job title description of Educational level project (40 hours salary allocated to for the full-time
responsibilities equals full-time) the GPD project position
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Case Manager........................ Responsible for working BSW................... 30 hours.............. $60,000 $80,000
with the Veteran to
develop and monitor an
individual service plan
and to adjust the plan,
as needed. Coordinates
support with other
community agencies.
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2. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe your agency's
previous experience assessing and providing for the housing needs of
homeless Veterans.
3. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe your agency's
previous experience assessing and providing supportive services to
homeless Veterans. Applicants should describe their previous
experience, if any, using and receiving training in intensive case
management services to homeless Veterans that are strengths-based,
evidence-based, multidisciplinary, multiphasic, structured, flexible in
intensity, and integrated with personal networks and with the VA or
mainstream community. Applicants with previous experience in formal
approaches such as CTI, motivational interviewing, progressive
engagement/progressive assistance, and other formal approaches, should
include descriptions accordingly.
4. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe your agency's
ability to get the project started within 180 days from the potential
award date. Describe the start-up activities, the timing involved, and
when the project would be expected to be fully functional.
5. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe your agency's
previous experience in assessing supportive service resources and
entitlement benefits.
6. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe your agency's
previous experience with evaluating the progress of both individual
participants and overall program effectiveness using quality and
performance data to make changes. Describe your agency's experience
with meeting past performance goals. Do not include past inspection
forms or past VA performance reports with the application.
7. Ability--In approximately 250 words, describe whether your
agency is accredited and/or licensed to provide clinical services. If
yes, describe your agency's accreditation and/or licensure. If
applicable, include specific details, such as training completion
dates, training titles, and training providers. Some generally accepted
accreditations include: (1) Commission on Accreditation of
Rehabilitation Facilities in Community Employment Services or in Rapid
Rehousing and Homeless Prevention Program; (2) a 4-year accreditation
from the Council on Accreditation's accreditation in Housing
Stabilization and Community Living Services standards; and (3) a 3-year
accreditation in the Joint Commission's Behavioral Health Care: Housing
Support Services Standards; among others.
8. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe the organization's
staff development plan to help staff gain and maintain the knowledge,
skills, and abilities to provide culturally competent and relevant
related services to people impacted by racial inequity. Include details
on how staff will participate in specific training activities.
(d) Need (see 38 CFR 61.13(e)): This is the portion of the
application where applicants demonstrate that the proposed project is
necessary. Applications will be scored on responses to the following
questions:
1. Need--In approximately 500 words, describe how this project is
tailored to the particular needs of the CoC(s) and fit with the
strategy of the CoC(s) to end homelessness. Cite reliable data from
surveys of homeless populations or other reports or data-gathering
mechanisms. Additionally, applicants should describe how caseloads will
be kept low (typically 20 or less per case manager) while also meeting
the community's need. Note: If multiple CoCs are named in the Project
Summary question IV.D.2, your response here should discuss each of
those CoCs.
2. Need--In approximately 500 words, describe with whom you
consulted outside of your agency to determine the need for the proposed
project within the CoC(s). Note: If multiple CoCs are named in the
Project Summary question IV.D.2, your response here should discuss each
of those CoCs.
(e) Coordination (see 38 CFR 61.13(g)): This is the portion of the
application where applicants will demonstrate their involvement in the
homeless Veteran continuum. Applications will be scored on responses to
the following questions:
1. Coordination--In approximately 500 words, describe how your
agency is part of an ongoing community-wide planning process to end
Veteran homelessness. Note: If multiple CoCs are named in the Project
Summary question IV.D.2, your response here should discuss each of
those CoCs.
2. Coordination--In approximately 500 words, describe how your
process is designed to share information on available resources and
reduce duplication among programs that serve homeless Veterans. Note:
If multiple CoCs are named in the Project Summary question IV.D.2, your
response here should discuss each of those CoCs. Applicants who wish to
provide a letter(s) of coordination from the local CoC(s) must attach a
letter at the end of the application. Applicants are strongly
encouraged to allow as much time as possible, and no less than 30 days,
for a CoC to provide a letter of coordination. All application
materials must be submitted together in a single package by the due
date and time. Any materials arriving separately or late will not be
accepted as part of the application.
3. Coordination--In approximately 500 words, describe how your
agency has coordinated GPD services with other programs offered in the
CoC(s) named in the Project Summary question IV.D.2.
4. Coordination--In approximately 250 words, describe how your
agency consulted directly with the VAMC Director (or the appropriate
authorized VAMC representative per the local VAMC's practice) regarding
coordination of services for project
[[Page 8998]]
participants. Provide your plan to ensure access to health care, case
management, and other care services. Applicants who wish to provide a
letter of coordination from the local VAMC must attach a letter at the
end of the application. Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow as
much time as possible (not less than 30 days) for a VAMC to provide a
letter of coordination. All application materials must be submitted
together in a single package by the due date and time. Any materials
arriving separately or late will not be accepted as part of the
application.
5. Coordination--Applicants may attach to their application a
letter(s) of coordination from their proposed multidisciplinary case
management team partner(s) if applicable. Applicants are encouraged to
provide a letter(s) of coordination if proposing a team consisting of
partners external to the applicant organization (e.g., personnel
services hired or contracted through a third party or personnel
services leveraged from other resources outside of grant funds). If
including a letter(s) of coordination, applicants are strongly
encouraged to allow as much time as possible (not less than 30 days)
for a partner to provide a letter of coordination. All application
materials must be submitted together in a single package by the due
date and time. Any materials arriving separately or late will not be
accepted as part of the application.
Note: Applicants should not provide self-report letters of
coordination on their own internal operations. For example, if
applicants are planning to hire a licensed social worker to coordinate
care, they do not need to write a letter of coordination for
themselves.
V. Application Review Information
A. Criteria for Grants: Submission of an incorrect, incomplete, or
incorrectly formatted application package will result in the
application being rejected at threshold. Applications that meet
threshold will be scored according to the rating criteria described in
38 CFR 61.32 to score grant applications. Applications will then be
ranked based on that score. The highest-ranking applications with a
score of 750 or higher will be considered for funding in rank order as
funding allows.
B. Review and Selection Process: Review and selection process may
be found at 38 CFR 61.13 and 38 CFR 61.32.
C. Tie Score: In the event of a tie score between applications, VA
will use the score from the Coordination section to determine the
ranking, as required by 38 CFR 61.32(b). If further determinations are
needed to break a tie, VA will decide at its discretion how to handle
selection decisions (e.g., selecting multiple applications for award,
awarding for less than requested).
D. Funding Actions: Funding is not guaranteed. Conditionally-
selected applicants will be asked to submit additional information
under 38 CFR 61.32. Applicants will be notified of the deadline to
submit such information. If an applicant is unable to meet any
conditions for the grant award within the specified time, VA may non-
select the applicant and may use the funding for another applicant(s).
VA may negotiate bed numbers or other arrangements with conditionally-
selected applicants and will incorporate any changes into the grant
agreement. Prior to awarding a grant agreement, VA reserves the right
to adjust up or down (e.g., funding levels, bed numbers, locations) as
needed within the intent of the NOFA based on a variety of factors
including the quantity and quality of applications, as well as the
availability of funding. VA may elect to award additional applications
based on the availability of funds and quality of applications. Upon
signature of the grant agreement by the Secretary, or designated
representative, final selection will be completed, and the grant funds
will be obligated for the funding period.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notice: Although subject to change, the GPD National
Program Office expects to announce grant awards in the fourth quarter
of Fiscal Year 2020. Awards will be for 3 years. Continuation funding
is not guaranteed. VA reserves the right in any year to adjust up or
down (e.g., funding levels, bed numbers, locations) as needed within
the intent of the NOFA based on a variety of factors including
availability of funding and performance. The initial announcement will
be made via news release which will be posted on VA's GPD National
Program website at: www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp. Following the initial
announcement, the GPD Office will send notification letters to the
grant recipients. Applicants who are not selected will be sent a
declination letter.
B. Administrative and National Policy: VA places great emphasis on
responsibility and accountability. VA has procedures in place to
monitor services provided to homeless Veterans and outcomes associated
with the services provided under this GPD program. All awardees that
are selected in response to this NOFA must meet the requirements of the
current edition of the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection
Association as it relates to their specific facility. Applicants should
note that all facilities must be protected throughout by an approved
automatic sprinkler system unless a facility is specifically exempt
under the Life Safety Code. Applicants should consider this when
submitting their grant applications, as no funds will be made available
for capital improvements under this NOFA.
C. Payment: Per diem will be paid in a method that is in accordance
with VA and other Federal fiscal requirements. The per diem payment
will be at a rate not to exceed 1.5 times the current VA State Home
Program per diem rate for domiciliary care as set by the Secretary
under 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) section 2012 and 38 U.S.C.
1741(a)(1). The per diem payment calculation may be found at 38 CFR
61.33. Awardees will be subject to requirements of this NOFA, GPD
regulations, 2 CFR part 200, and other Federal grant requirements. A
full copy of the regulations governing the GPD Program is available at
the GPD website at: www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp. Awardees will be
required to support their request for payments with adequate fiscal
documentation as to project income and expenses. Awardees that have a
negotiated indirect cost rate agreement must provide GPD with an
updated copy annually or when available.
D. Reporting:
1. Upon execution of a grant agreement with VA, grantees will have
a liaison appointed from a nearby VAMC to provide oversight and monitor
services provided to homeless Veterans in the program.
2. Monitoring will include, at a minimum, a quarterly review of
each per diem program's progress toward meeting VA's performance
metrics, helping Veterans attain housing stability, adequate income
support, and self-sufficiency as identified in the application.
Monitoring may also include a review of the agency's income and
expenses as they relate to this project to ensure payment is accurate
and to ensure compliance with program requirements. The grantee will be
expected to demonstrate adherence to the grantee's proposed program
concept, as described in the grantee's application. All grantees are
subject to audits conducted by VA or its representative.
3. Each funded program will participate in VA's national program
monitoring and evaluation as these procedures will be used to determine
successful accomplishment of housing,
[[Page 8999]]
employment, and self-sufficiency outcomes for each per diem-funded
program. Note: The model description above has Required Minimum
Performance Metrics/Targets that are set for the award period (October
1, 2020-September 30, 2023). VA may, at its discretion, update these
targets at any point during the award period. If any new targets come
into effect, VA will notify grantees in writing.
4. It is expected that Veterans will transition in place in
approximately 6 to 12 months. Grantees should be aware that for an
extension beyond 12 months, prior written approval from the GPD Liaison
would be required. Extensions would be considered in increments of up
to 90 days at a time and generally not to exceed a combined total of up
to 24 months per Veteran.
Signing Authority
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this
document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document
to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as
an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Pamela
Powers, Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved this
document on February 12, 2020, for publication.
Luvenia Potts,
Regulation Development Coordinator, Office of Regulation Policy &
Management, Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2020-03108 Filed 2-14-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
