Part II

[Federal Register: March 8, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 45)]

[Notices]

[Page 11711-12069]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

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Part II

Department of Housing and Urban Development

Fiscal Year 2006 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs; Notice

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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

[Docket No. FR-5030-N-01A]

Fiscal Year 2006 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, HUD.

ACTION: Notice of HUD's Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for HUD's Discretionary Programs (SuperNOFA).

SUMMARY: On January 20, 2006, HUD published its Notice of Fiscal Year 2006 Notice of Funding Availability Policy Requirements and General Section to the SuperNOFA (General Section). In that publication, HUD announced it was publishing the General Section of the FY2006 SuperNOFA in advance of the individual NOFAs in order to give prospective applicants sufficient time to begin preparing their applications, and to register early with Grants.gov to facilitate their application submission process. This publication contains the 39 funding opportunities that constitute HUD's FY2006 SuperNOFA.

DATES: The key dates that apply to all HUD federal financial assistance made available through HUD's FY2006 SuperNOFA are found in each individual program NOFA and in Appendix A to this notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The individual program NOFAs will identify the applicable agency contacts for each program. Questions regarding this Introduction should be directed to the NOFA Information Center between the hours 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time at 800-HUD- 8929. Hearing-impaired persons may call 800-HUD-2209. Questions regarding specific program requirements should be directed to the agency contacts identified in each program NOFA.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction (Supplemental General Section)

This publication follows HUD's publication of the General Section of the FY2006 SuperNOFA on January 20, 2006 (71 FR 3382), and presents the 39 individual funding opportunities that constitute HUD's FY2006 SuperNOFA. HUD makes available through today's FY2006 SuperNOFA publication approximately $2.2 billion in assistance.

While each program NOFA provides the statutory and regulatory requirements, threshold requirements, and rating factors applicable to funding made available through the individual NOFA, applicants must also refer to the January 20, 2006, General Section of the FY2006 SuperNOFA for important application information and requirements, including submission requirements, which have changed this year.

Appendix A to the January 20, 2006, General Section identified the funding opportunities anticipated to be included in the FY2006 SuperNOFA. HUD is revising and republishing Appendix A (Revised Appendix A) as part of today's FY2006 SuperNOFA publication. Revised Appendix A provides an up-to-date funding chart that lists the funding opportunities included in today's FY2006 SuperNOFA publication, along with the application deadline for receipt of applications. In reviewing Revised Appendix A, applicants should note that the HOPE VI Main Street Program NOFA is not part of today's FY2006 SuperNOFA publication. This NOFA will be published separately, together with the HOPE VI Revitalization NOFA. In addition, the Self Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) is part of today's FY2006 SuperNOFA publication and is included in Revised Appendix A.

In addition to Revised Appendix A, this notice makes one clarification regarding the discussion of the Logic Model in Section VI.C. entitled ``Reporting'' of the January 20, 2006, General Section (see 71 FR 3398). Although the Logic Model is to be completed by applicants, the Return on Investment (ROI) Statement referenced in the discussion of the Logic Model only applies to grantees, i.e., applicants selected for funding under the NOFAs. Applicants are not to complete the ROI statement. Additionally, for FY2006, the ROI concept is a new concept for the Logic Model. HUD is considering this new concept and will issue a separate notice within the next few weeks that further addresses the ROI concept.

HUD published the General Section of the FY2006 SuperNOFA early to provide its applicant community with the opportunity to become familiar with cross cutting requirements, and to remind prospective applicants to register or renew their registration in order to successfully submit an application via Grants.gov.

Applicants are required to complete a five-step registration process in order to submit their applications electronically. The registration process is outlined in HUD's Notice of Opportunity to Register Early for Electronic Submission of Grant Applications for Funding Opportunities, published in the Federal Register on December 9, 2006 (70 FR 73332), and the brochure entitled ``STEP BY STEP: Your Guide to Registering for Grant Opportunities,'' located at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm. HUD also has a new

brochure titled, ``Finding and Applying for Grant Opportunities,'' dated February 2006, which walks you through the process of finding and applying for grant opportunities. This brochure also contains Registration Tips that will help applicants who successfully submitted a grant application last year to determine if their registration is active and if they are ready to submit a grant application to Grants.gov.

HUD has received a number of questions regarding what to do if an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) has left the organization. An excerpt from the ``Finding and Applying for Grant Opportunities Brochure,'' dated February 2006 and describes the steps that are needed in such situations and also provides other pertinent registration information. This excerpt can be found on HUD's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm under the title

``Registration Tips.''

In FY2006, HUD intends to continue to require its applicants to submit their applications electronically through Grants.gov. For FY2006, only the Continuum of Care program will remain a paper application process. It is HUD's intent, however, to move the Continuum of Care program to electronic application submission in FY2007. As a result, HUD continues to encourage Continuum of Care agencies to become familiar with Grants.gov requirements to facilitate this transition.

If you have questions concerning the registration process, registration renewal, assigning a new AOR, or have a question about a NOFA requirement, please feel free to contact HUD staff listed in the NOFA. HUD staff cannot help you write your application, but can clarify requirements that are contained in this Notice and HUD's registration materials.

Applicants are also encouraged to participate in HUD's satellite training and web cast sessions designed to provide a detailed explanation of the general section and program section requirements for each of the SuperNOFA programs. The interactive broadcasts provide you an opportunity to ask questions of HUD staff. These broadcasts are also achieved and accessible from HUD's Grants page at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm. Applicants should bookmark the

Grants page as it provides a wealth of information including responses to frequently asked questions that arise during the funding application period.

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Modifications to any of the NOFAs or the application are posted to http://www.Grants.gov as soon as they are available. Applicants should

subscribe to the Grants.gov free notification service. By doing so, you will receive an e-mail notification as soon as items are posted to Grants.gov. The address to subscribe to this service is http://www.grants.gov/search/email.do .

HUD reiterates the statement made in the publication of the General Section on January 20, 2006, and that is, HUD hopes the steps that it has taken to provide information early on the FY2006 funding process and SuperNOFA requirements are of benefit to applicants.

Dated: February 22, 2006. Roy A. Bernardi, Deputy Secretary. BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

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Community Development Technical Assistance

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Community Planning and Development.

B. Funding Opportunity Title. Community Development Technical Assistance (CD-TA).

C. Announcement Type. Initial Announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Number. The Federal Register number for this NOFA is FR-5030-N-08. The OMB approval numbers are: 2506-0166 for HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), HOME Investment Partnerships Program for Community Housing Development Organizations [CHDO (HOME)], and McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance (Homeless), 2506-0133 for Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA), and 2506-0142 for Youthbuild.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers. The HOME and CHDO (HOME) CFDA number is 14.239; Homeless is 14.235; HOPWA is 14.241; Youthbuild is 14.243.

F. Dates. The application submission date is May 18, 2006.

G. Additional Overview and Content Information. Applicants interested in providing technical assistance to entities participating in HUD's community development programs should carefully review the General Section and the information listed in this CD-TA NOFA. Funds are available to provide technical assistance for five separate program areas: HOME, CHDO (HOME), Homeless, HOPWA, and Youthbuild. Applicants may apply for one, two, three, four, or all five CD-TA program areas. The application submission information is contained in this CD-TA NOFA at Section IV.B. Approximately $19.7 million is available. No cost sharing is required. Grants will be administered under cooperative agreements with significant HUD involvement (see Section II.C of this NOFA).

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. CD-TA Purpose. The purpose of the CD-TA program is to provide assistance to achieve the highest level of performance and results for five separate community development program areas: (1) HOME; (2) CHDO (HOME); (3) Homeless; (4) HOPWA; and (5) Youthbuild. Information about the five community development programs and their missions, goals, and activities can be found on the HUD Web site at http://www.hud.gov.

B. Description of National TA and Local TA. There are two types of technical assistance (TA) funding available in this NOFA: National TA and Local TA.

National TA activities are those that address, at a nationwide level, one or more of the CD-TA program activities and/or priorities identified in Section III.C of this NOFA. National TA activities may include the development of written products, development of on-line materials, development of training courses, delivery of training courses previously approved by HUD, organization and delivery of workshops and conferences, and delivery of direct TA as part of a national program. Applicants for National TA must also be willing to work in any HUD field office area, although work in the field office areas is likely to be a negligible portion of National TA activities. National TA activities are administered by a Government Technical Representative (GTR) and Government Technical Monitor (GTM) at HUD Headquarters.

Local TA activities also must address the CD-TA program activities and/or priorities identified in this NOFA, however the Local TA is targeted to the specific needs of the HUD community development program recipients in the field office area in which the TA is proposed. Local TA activities are limited to the development of need assessments, direct TA to HUD community development program recipients, organization and delivery of workshops and conferences, and customization and delivery of previously HUD-approved trainings. Local TA will be administered by a GTR and GTM in the respective HUD field office.

C. Authority. HOME TA is authorized by the HOME Investment Partnerships Act (42 U.S.C. 12781-12783); 24 CFR part 92. CHDO (HOME) TA is authorized by the HOME Investment Partnerships Act (42 U.S.C. 12773); 24 CFR part 92. For the McKinney-Vento Act Homeless Assistance Programs TA, the Supportive Housing Program is authorized under 42 U.S.C. 11381 et seq.; 24 CFR 583.140; Emergency Shelter Grants, Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy Program, and Shelter Plus Care TA are authorized by the FY2006 HUD Appropriations Act. HOPWA TA is authorized under the FY2006 HUD Appropriations Act. Youthbuild TA is authorized under Title IV of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, as amended by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 12899g); 24 CFR part 585.

II. Award Information

A. Available Funds. Approximately $19.7 million is available for the CD-TA program. Additional funds may become available as a result of recapturing unused funds. This chart shows how the funds are divided among National TA and Local TA activities:

Program

National TA Local TA

HOME.......................................... $1,980,000

$0 CHDO (HOME)................................... 2,920,000 5,000,000 Homeless...................................... 3,501,085 3,000,000 HOPWA......................................... 900,000

0 Youthbuild.................................... 2,475,000

0

The Local TA funds are divided among HUD's field office jurisdictions for the CHDO (HOME) and Homeless programs. No Local TA funds are available for HOPWA, Youthbuild, or HOME. In the case of the national CHDO (HOME) program, if less than the total amount of available funds is awarded, the balance may be used to make awards under the national HOME TA program.

The chart below shows the amounts available in dollars for Local TA by CD-TA program:

Local TA area

CHDO (HOME) Homeless

Alabama....................................... $75,000 $40,000 Alaska........................................ 30,000 30,000 Arkansas...................................... 30,000 40,000 California--Northern and Arizona, Nevada...... 300,000 300,000 California--Southern.......................... 400,000 275,000 Caribbean..................................... 75,000 40,000 Colorado and Montana, North Dakota, South

170,000 60,000 Dakota, Utah, Wyoming........................ Connecticut................................... 55,000 40,000

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District of Columbia area..................... 50,000 50,000 Florida--Southern............................. 60,000 50,000 Florida--Northern............................. 100,000 70,000 Georgia....................................... 75,000 50,000 Hawaii........................................ ........... 40,000 Illinois...................................... 125,000 145,000 Indiana....................................... 50,000 25,000 Kansas and Missouri--Western.................. 75,000 50,000 Missouri--Eastern............................. 55,000 40,000 Kentucky...................................... 150,000 40,000 Louisiana..................................... 50,000 40,000 Maryland, except District of Columbia area.... 50,000 40,000 Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode

250,000 200,000 Island, Vermont.............................. Michigan...................................... 225,000 138,000 Minnesota..................................... 140,000 52,000 Mississippi................................... 125,000 50,000 Nebraska and Iowa............................. 40,000 40,000 New Jersey.................................... 25,000 25,000 New Mexico.................................... 225,000 50,000 New York--Downstate........................... 482,000 250,000 New York--Upstate............................. 60,000 35,000 North Carolina................................ 150,000 40,000 Ohio.......................................... 116,000 125,000 Oklahoma...................................... 40,000 40,000 Oregon and Idaho.............................. 130,000 30,000 Pennsylvania--Eastern and Delaware............ 75,000 50,000 Pennsylvania--Western and West Virginia....... 158,000 57,000 South Carolina................................ 34,000 40,000 Tennessee..................................... 150,000 40,000 Texas--Northern............................... 250,000 88,000 Texas--Southern............................... 20,000 40,000 Virginia, except District of Columbia area.... 80,000 40,000 Washington.................................... 50,000 50,000 Wisconsin..................................... 200,000 55,000

B. Performance Period. Awards will be for a period of up to 36 months. HUD, however, reserves the right to withdraw funds from a specific TA provider if HUD determines that the urgency of need for the assistance is greater in other field office jurisdictions or the need for assistance is not commensurate with the award.

C. Terms of Award. HUD will enter into a cooperative agreement with selected applicants for the performance period. Because CD-TA awards are made as cooperative agreements, implementation entails significant HUD involvement. Significant HUD involvement is required in all aspects of TA planning, delivery, and follow-up.

In addition to the requirements listed in the General Section, selected applicants are subject to the following requirements: 1. Demand-Response System

All CD-TA awardees must operate within the structure of the demand- response system. Under the demand-response system, TA providers are required to:

a. When requested by a GTR, market the availability of their services to existing and potential recipients within the jurisdictions in which the assistance will be delivered;

b. Respond to requests for assistance from the GTR;

c. When requested by a GTR, conduct a needs assessment to identify the type and nature of the assistance needed by the recipient of the assistance;

d. Obtain the local HUD field office's approval before responding to direct requests for technical assistance from HOME Participating Jurisdictions (PJs), Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), and McKinney-Vento Act Homeless Assistance and HOPWA grantees; and

e. For CHDO (HOME) TA providers, secure a letter from a PJ stating that a CHDO, or prospective CHDO to be assisted by the provider, is a recipient or intended recipient of HOME funds and indicating, at its option, subject areas of assistance that are most important to the PJ. 2. Training

When conducting training sessions as part of its CD-TA activities, CD-TA providers are required to:

a. Design the course materials as ``step-in'' packages so that HUD or other CD-TA providers may independently conduct the course on their own;

b. Make the course materials available to the GTR in sufficient time for review (minimum of three weeks) and receive concurrence from the GTR on the content and quality prior to delivery;

c. Provide all course materials in an electronic format that will permit wide distribution among TA providers, field offices, and HUD grantees;

d. Arrange for joint delivery of the training with HUD participation when requested by the GTR;

e. Deliver HUD-approved training courses that have been designed and developed by others on a ``step-in'' basis when requested; and

f. Send trainers to approved ``train-the-trainers'' sessions. 3. Field Office Involvement Under National TA Awards

When National TA providers are undertaking activities in field office jurisdictions, the National TA providers must work cooperatively with HUD field offices. Providers must notify the applicable HUD field office of the planned activities; consider the views or recommendations of that office, if any; follow those recommendations, to the degree practicable; and report to the applicable field office on the accomplishments of the assistance.

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III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

The eligible applicants for each of the five CD-TA programs are listed in the chart below. In accordance with the President's faith- based initiative, HUD welcomes the participation of eligible faith- based and other community organizations in the CD-TA programs.

Program

Eligible applicants

HOME......................... A for-profit or nonprofit professional and technical services company or firm that has demonstrated knowledge of the HOME program and the capacity to provide technical assistance services; A HOME Participating Jurisdiction (PJ); A public purpose organization, established pursuant to state or local legislation, responsible to the chief elected officer of a PJ; An agency or authority established by two or more PJs to carry out activities consistent with the purposes of the HOME program; or A national or regional nonprofit organization that has membership comprised predominantly of entities or officials of entities of PJs or PJs' agencies or established organizations. CHDO (HOME).................. A public or private nonprofit intermediary organization that customarily provides services, in more than one community, related to the provision of decent housing that is affordable to low-income and moderate- income persons or related to the revitalization of deteriorating neighborhoods; has demonstrated experience in providing a range of assistance (such as financing, technical assistance, construction and property management assistance) to CHDOs or similar organizations that engage in community revitalization; and has demonstrated the ability to provide technical assistance and training for community-based developers of affordable housing. Note: Any organization funded to assist CHDOs under CD-TA may not undertake CHDO set-aside activities itself within its service area while under cooperative agreement with HUD. Homeless..................... A state; A unit of general local government; A public housing authority; or A public or private nonprofit or for- profit organization, including educational institutions and area-wide planning organizations. HOPWA........................ A for-profit or nonprofit organization; A state; or A unit of general local government. Youthbuild................... A public or private nonprofit agency that has significant prior experience in the operation of projects similar to the Youthbuild program and that has the capacity to provide effective technical assistance.

Applicants must also meet the threshold requirements of the General Section, including the Civil Rights threshold in Section III (C).

A consortium of organizations may apply for one or more CD-TA programs, but one organization must be designated as the applicant.

Applicants may propose assistance using in-house staff, sub- contractors, sub-recipients, and local organizations with the requisite experience and capabilities. Where appropriate, applicants should make use of TA providers located in the field office jurisdiction receiving services.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

None.

C. Other

1. Eligible Activities and Priorities

Funds may be used to provide TA to grantees, prospective applicants, and project sponsors of the HOME, CHDO (HOME), Homeless, HOPWA, and Youthbuild programs. The TA activities may include but are not limited to written information such as papers, manuals, guides, and brochures; assistance to individual communities; needs assessments; and training. The priority TA areas for each of the five program areas are:

a. HOME TA. HUD has identified four HOME program technical assistance priorities. These priorities that result in measurable performance outputs and outcomes are:

(1) Improve the ability of PJs to design and implement housing programs that reflect sound underwriting, management, and fiscal controls; demonstrate measurable outcomes in the use of public funds; and provide accurate and timely reporting of HOME program accomplishments.

(2) Encourage public-private partnerships that yield an increase in the amount of private dollars leveraged for HOME-assisted projects and result in an increase in the commitment and production of HOME-assisted units.

(3) Assist PJs in developing strategies that ameliorate the affordability gap between rapidly increasing housing costs and the less rapid growth in incomes among low-income households, especially among underserved populations (e.g., residents of the Colonias, homeless persons, persons with disabilities, and residents of an empowerment zone (EZ) designated by HUD or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), an urban or rural renewal community designated by HUD (RC), or an enterprise community designated in round II by USDA (EC-II).

(4) Assist PJs in developing strategies that increase and help sustain homeownership opportunities for low-income households-- particularly low-income, minority households--and directly result in the commitment and completion of HOME-assisted units.

Some examples of measurable performance outputs and outcomes are given in Rating Factor 4.

b. CHDO (HOME) TA (1) HUD has identified three CHDO-specific technical assistance priorities. These priorities that result in measurable performance outputs and outcomes are:

(a) Assist new CHDOs and potential CHDOs in developing the organizational capacity to own, develop, and sponsor HOME-assisted projects. A new CHDO is defined as a nonprofit organization that within three years of the publication of this NOFA was determined by a PJ to qualify as a CHDO. A potential CHDO is defined as a nonprofit organization that is expected by the PJ to qualify as a CHDO and is expected to enter into a written agreement with that PJ to own, develop, or sponsor HOME-assisted housing within 24 months of the PJ determining the organization qualifies as a CHDO.

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(b) Improve the HOME program production and performance of existing CHDOs in the areas of:

(i) Program design and management, including underwriting, project financing, property management, and compliance; and

(ii) Organizational management and capacity, including fiscal controls, board development, contract administration, and compliance systems.

(c) Provide organizational support, technical assistance, and training to community groups for the establishment of community land trusts, as defined in section 233(f) of the Cranston-Gonzales National Affordable Housing Act.

(2) Additional CHDO (HOME) eligible activities are:

(a) Under the ``Pass-Through'' provision, CD-TA providers may propose to fund various operating expenses for eligible CHDOs that own, develop, or sponsor HOME-assisted housing. Such operating expenses may include reasonable and necessary costs for the operation of the CHDO including salaries, wages, and other employee compensation and benefits; employee education, training and travel; rent; utilities; communication costs; taxes; insurance; equipment, materials, and supplies.

(b) CD-TA providers must establish written criteria for selection of CHDOs receiving pass-through funds. PJs must designate the organizations as CHDOs; and, generally, the organizations should not have been in existence more than three years.

CD-TA providers must enter into an agreement with the CHDO that the agreement and pass-through funding may be terminated at the discretion of HUD if no written legally binding agreement to provide assistance for a specific housing project (for acquisition, rehabilitation, new construction, or tenant-based rental assistance) has been made by the PJ with the CHDO within 24 months of initially receiving pass-through funding. The pass-through amount, when combined with other capacity building and operating support available through the HOME program, cannot exceed the greater of 50 percent of the CHDO's operating budget for the year in which it receives funds, or $50,000 annually.

c. Homeless TA. Homeless TA funds are available to provide McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, HUD-funded grantees, project sponsors, and potential recipients with skills and knowledge needed to develop and operate projects and activities. The assistance may include, but is not limited to, developing and disseminating written information such as papers, monographs, manuals, curriculums, guides, and brochures; and person-to-person exchanges, conferences, training and use of technology. TA activities are focused on these priorities that result in measurable performance outputs and outcomes:

(1) Continue the integration of the Technical Assistance Catalog and the Homelessness Resource Exchange through the development of new materials and dissemination of curriculums for defined audiences including existing technical assistance materials and newly created technical assistance materials. All curriculum dissemination may include training, conferences, and use of technology, as well as written materials.

(2) Develop curriculums to improve Continuum of Care (CoC) governance, development, organizational capacity, planning, and five- year renewal burden assessment, and to assist in developing strategies to eliminate chronic homelessness and increase access to mainstream services for homeless persons.

(3) Assist CoCs with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) implementation. National technical assistance will relate to data collection, data quality, data analysis, provider participation, reporting, performance measurement, data warehousing, and HMIS Data and Technical Standards.

(4) Maintain and enhance the HMIS website portal as the vehicle for collection and dissemination of HMIS information. (5) Support collaboration between metropolitan, regional and statewide HMISs. Assistance may include providing state and/or regional HMIS technical assistance coordinators and/or technology to promote effectuating long- distance meeting, conferencing and networking. (6) Support collaboration between metropolitan, regional, and statewide HMISs for use in disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, utilizing the experience of communities that experienced Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

(7) Improve participation in the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) by CoCs and providers in their geographic areas through outreach and capacity building. Develop materials and training for: Reporting bed coverage; extrapolation and data analysis methodologies and documents; data integration; data quality assessments; utilization of AHAR data at the program and/or CoC level; and the collection and analysis of CoC data for Congressionally-directed HMIS-related reports to Congress.

(8) Develop curriculums for grantees and project sponsors on implementing and achieving long-term performance outcome measures that promote housing stability, reduce the risk of homelessness, and improve access to mainstream systems of care.

(9) Develop curriculums on program requirements and monitoring standards for McKinney-Vento Act funded grant recipients, including sound fiscal and financial management practices, assessment of sub- recipients and activities, and reporting in IDIS and via Annual Progress Reports.

(10) Develop curriculums to improve the ability of grantees to establish comprehensive housing development strategies for homeless persons through collaborative public and private partnerships. Such curriculums may include educational components on the availability and use of tax incentive programs that increase access to private capital (e.g., Low Income Housing Tax Credit, the Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit, Renewal Communities and Empowerment Zones tax incentives, and New Markets Tax Credit).

(11) Develop curriculums for homelessness prevention strategies, including discharge planning.

(12) Assist CoC applicants with understanding the Grants.gov registration and application submission process so they are prepared to submit electronic applications in 2007 and assist HUD in increasing the number of McKinney Vento applicants fully registered at Grants.gov.

(A person experiencing chronic homelessness is defined as an unaccompanied individual with a disabling condition who has been continuously homeless for a year or more or has experienced four or more sustained episodes of homelessness over the last three years.)

d. HOPWA TA. HOPWA funds are available for technical assistance, training, and oversight activities which can be used to provide grantees, project sponsors, and potential recipients with the skills and knowledge to effectively develop, operate, and support HOPWA- eligible project activities that result in measurable performance outputs and outcomes. TA activities are focused on these priorities:

(1) Improve the ability of state and local governments to develop comprehensive and coordinated housing strategies in identifying and addressing the housing needs of low income persons living with HIV/AIDS that promote housing stability which

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reduces the risk of homelessness and improves access to healthcare and other needed support.

(2) Develop national models that effectively integrate AIDS housing strategies into consolidated planning and Continuum of Care planning processes.

(3) Facilitate the development of collaborative endeavors that coordinate mainstream resources including federal HOPWA and Ryan White CARE Act resources, state, local, private, and philanthropic grant resources that promote the sustainability of permanent supportive housing, and develop regional training sessions that educate and instruct AIDS housing providers in implementing these collaborative efforts.

(4) Develop creative housing models that address the housing and supportive service needs of chronically homeless individuals and those who are multiple diagnosed living with HIV/AIDS, and that provide emergency and transitional housing that results in the provision of permanent supportive housing.

(5) Develop written materials that promote the utilization and coordination of Homeless Management Information Systems in the provision of HOPWA-assisted housing and supportive services for homeless persons.

(6) Develop technical assistance plans in collaboration with HUD field office oversight for local HOPWA-assisted housing programs. It is estimated that up to 40 percent of HOPWA TA funds will be made available for this purpose.

(7) Develop a strategy to facilitate implementation of the HUD-IRS agreement that promotes the Earned Income Tax Credit. Disseminate information that will enable HOPWA grantees and AIDS housing and service organizations to assist low-income persons in receiving the financial savings on their annual taxes.

e. Youthbuild TA. Youthbuild TA funds are available to provide appropriate training, information, and technical assistance to federally funded Youthbuild programs and to assist HUD in the management, supervision, and coordination of such Youthbuild programs. If the youth population includes persons who are limited English proficient, instructional materials for distribution may need to be translated in other languages than English. If translated documents are unavailable, oral interpreters should be provided during on-site and telephone assistance and while conducting training. TA activities that result in measurable performance outputs and outcomes are focused on the following priorities:

(1) Improve the management and implementation of Youthbuild programs by providing on-site and telephone assistance, preparing appropriate instruction materials, and conducting training workshops on key aspects of the Youthbuild program.

(2) Improve Youthbuild program applications by providing assistance to eligible applicants in the preparation of their grant applications, giving priority to community-based organizations in the provision of this assistance.

(3) Strengthen Youthbuild program design by facilitating peer-to- peer assistance for Youthbuild grantee staff and disseminating best program practices that are identified through training workshops, peer- to-peer assistance, and on-site TA.

(4) Assist HUD in the management, supervision, and coordination of Youthbuild programs by preparing handbooks or printed materials to provide guidance to Youthbuild grantees and by collecting and analyzing performance evaluation data from Youthbuild grantees.

(5) Assist Youthbuild applicants with understanding the Grants.gov registration and application submission process so they are prepared to submit electronic applications and assist HUD in increasing the number of applicants fully registered at Grants.gov. 2. DUNS Requirement

Refer to the General Section for information regarding the DUNS requirement. Applicants need to obtain a DUNS number to receive an award from HUD. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements

All applicants requesting funding from programs under this NOFA must be in compliance with the applicable threshold requirements found in the General Section. Applicants that do not meet these requirements will be ineligible for funding. 4. False Statements

An applicant's false statement in an application is grounds for denial or termination of an award and grounds for possible punishment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001. 5. Environmental Review

Most activities under the CD-TA program are categorically excluded and not subject to environmental review under 24 CFR 50.19(b)(9) or (13), but in the case of CHDO (HOME) TA eligible activities, a proposal for payment of rent as part of CHDO operational costs will be subject to environmental review by HUD under 24 CFR part 50. If an applicant proposes to assist CHDO operating expenses that include rent, the application constitutes an assurance that the applicant and CHDO will assist HUD to comply with 24 CFR part 50; will supply HUD with all available and relevant information to perform an environmental review for the proposed property to be rented; will carry out mitigating measures required by HUD or select an alternate property; and will not lease or rent, construct, rehabilitate, convert or repair the property, or commit or expend HUD or non-HUD funds for these activities on the property to be rented, until HUD has completed an environmental review to the extent required by 24 CFR part 50. The results of the environmental review may require that the proposed property be rejected.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Addresses to Request Application Package. Applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 PM Eastern time on the application due date of May 18, 2006. HUD must receive paper copy applications from applicants that received a waiver no later than 11:59:59 PM on the application deadline date. See the General Section for application submission and timely receipt procedures and for instructions on how to request a waiver. Paper applications will not be accepted unless the applicant has received a waiver of the electronic submission requirement.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission. Applicants must submit a separate application for each National TA and Local TA area program for which they are applying. For example, an applicant for National TA for HOME and for Local TA in three field office jurisdictions would submit four separate and distinct applications.

A completed application consists of an application submitted by an authorized official of the organization and contains all relevant sections of the application, as shown in the checklist below in Section IV.B.4. 1. Number of Copies

See General Section. This information will be included in approval letters to applicants submitting a waiver request. 2. Page Limitation

Narratives addressing Factors 1-5 are limited to no more than 25 typed pages. That is, reviewers will not review more than 25 pages for all five factors combined, except that the page limit

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does not include the Form HUD-96010, Logic Model. 3. Prohibition on Materials Not Required

Materials other than what is requested in this NOFA are prohibited. Reviewers will not consider resumes, charts, letters, or any other documents attached to the application. 4. Checklist for Application Submission

Applicants submitting electronic copies should follow the procedures in Section IV.F. of the General Section. The following checklist is provided as a guide to help ensure that you submit all the required elements. For applicants receiving a waiver of the electronic submission, the paper submission must be in the order provided below. All applicants should enter the applicant name, DUNS number, and page numbers on the narrative pages of the application.

--SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance (from General Section) --An Application Cover Page indicating in bold (a) the type of TA proposed in the application whether HOME National, CHDO National, CHDO Local, Homeless National, Homeless Local, HOPWA National, or Youthbuild National; (b) the amount of funds requested; and (c) for Local TA, the jurisdiction proposed in the application. --A one-page Summary describing (a) each major component of the proposed TA approach; (b) the proposed cost of each major component; and (c) whether the component is integrally related to another component in order to be successful. --Narrative addressing Factors 1-5 --HUD-96010, Logic Model --HUD-424-CB, Grant Application Detailed Budget Form (from General Section) --HUD-424-CBW, Detailed Budget Worksheet for Non-Construction Projects (from General Section) --If applying for CHDO (HOME) TA, statement as to whether the organization proposes to pass through funds to new CHDOs. --If applying for the CHDO (HOME) TA, a certification as to whether the organization qualifies as a primarily single-state provider under section 233(e) of the Cranston-Gonzales Affordable Housing Act. --SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (from General Section) --HUD-2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (from General Section) --SF-424, Supplement, Survey on Equal Opportunity for Applicants --HUD-96011, FacsimileTransmittal (required for electronic submissions of third party documents)

C. Submission Dates and Times. The application submission date is May 18, 2006.

D. Intergovernmental Review. Intergovernmental review is not applicable to CD-TA applications.

E. Funding Restrictions. An organization may not provide assistance to itself. An organization may not provide assistance to another organization with which it contracts or sub-awards funds to carry out activities under the TA award.

Funding from HOME and from CHDO (HOME) TA to any single eligible organization (excluding funds for organizational support and housing education ``passed through'' to CHDOs), whether as an applicant or sub- recipient is limited to not more than 20 percent of the operating budget of the recipient organization for any one-year period of each cooperative agreement. In addition, funding under either HOME or CHDO (HOME) TA to any single organization is limited to 20 percent of the $9,900,000 made available for HOME and CHDO (HOME) TA in FY2006.

Not less than 40 percent of the approximately $7,920,000 for CHDO (HOME) shall be made available for eligible TA providers that have worked primarily in one state. HUD will consider an applicant as a primarily single state TA provider if it can document that more than 50 percent of its past activities in working with CHDOs or similar nonprofit and other organizations (on the production of affordable housing, revitalization of deteriorating neighborhoods, and /or the delivery of technical assistance to these groups) was confined to the geographic limits of a single state.

No fee or profit may be paid to any recipient or sub-recipient of an award under this CD-TA NOFA.

F. Other Submission Requirements. The General Section describes application submission procedures and how applicants may obtain proof of timely submission.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria. The maximum number of points to be awarded for a CD-TA application is 100. The minimum score for an application to be considered for funding is 75 with a minimum of 20 points on Factor 5. The CD-TA program is not subject to bonus points, as described in the General Section.

Points are assigned on five factors. When addressing Factors 1-4, applicants should discuss the specific TA activities that will be carried out during the term of the cooperative agreement. Applicants should provide relevant examples to support the proposal, where appropriate. Applicants should also be specific when describing the communities, populations, and organizations that they propose to serve and the specific outcomes expected as a result of the TA.

Factor 5 relates to the capacity of the applicant and its relevant organizational experience. Rating of the ``applicant'' or the ``applicant's organization and staff'' includes in-house staff and any sub-contractors and sub-recipients which are firmly committed to the project. In responding to Factor 5, applicants should specify the experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant's organization and staff, and any persons and organizations firmly committed to the project. 1. Rating Factor 1: Need/Extent of the Problem (10 Points)

a. For National TA applications: Sound and extensive understanding of need for TA in relation to the priorities listed in Section III C of this NOFA as demonstrated by objective information and/or data, such as information from HOME Snapshots, current census data, the American Housing Survey, or other relevant data sources.

b. For Local TA applications: Sound and extensive understanding of high priority needs for TA in the jurisdiction as demonstrated by objective information and/or data, such as information from HOME Snapshots, current census data, the American Housing Survey, or other relevant data sources.

In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the application demonstrates an understanding of the specific needs for TA and supports the description of need with reliable, program-specific, quantitative information. Applicants for HOME should, at a minimum, draw on HOME Snapshot information to demonstrate PJs' needs, in an area or nationwide, for additional training and capacity building. See http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/programs/home/snapshot/index.cfm .

2. Rating Factor 2: Soundness of Approach (40 Points)

a. (25 points) (1) For National TA applications: A sound approach for addressing the need for eligible TA activities in relation to the priorities listed in Section III C of this NOFA that will result in positive outcomes.

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(2) For Local TA applications: A sound approach for addressing high priority needs for TA in the jurisdiction that will result in positive outcomes.

In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the application presents and supports a detailed, feasible, practical approach for addressing TA needs (Local TA applications) or CD-TA program priorities (National TA applications), including techniques, timeframes, goals, and intended beneficiaries, and the likelihood that these activities will result in positive outcomes.

b. (10 points) A feasible work plan for designing, organizing, managing, and carrying out the proposed TA activities under the demand- response system.

In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the applicant's understanding of the demand-response system and the extent to which the application demonstrates the efficiency of proposed activities.

c. (5 points) An effective assistance program to specific disadvantaged communities, populations, and/or organizations which previously have been underserved and have the potential to participate in the CD-TA program (such as the Colonias, an empowerment zone (EZ) designated by HUD or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), an urban or rural renewal community designated by HUD (RC), an enterprise community designated in round II by USDA (EC-II), or homeless persons and persons with disabilities).

In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the applicant has identified specific disadvantaged or previously underserved communities, populations, and organizations and has developed an effective strategy for engaging their participation in the HOME, CHDO (HOME), Homeless, HOPWA, or Youthbuild program, as applicable. 3. Rating Factor 3: Leveraging Resources (10 Points)

An efficient practical method to transfer manuals, guides, assessment forms, other work products, models, and lessons learned in its CD-TA activities to other CD-TA grantees and/or HOME, CHDO (HOME), Homeless, HOPWA, or Youthbuild program beneficiaries.

In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the application demonstrates a cost-effective means of sharing resources developed under the CD-TA activities with a wide audience, including sharing information with other TA providers in the CD-TA program. 4. Rating Factor 4: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (10 Points)

a. (5 points) An effective, quantifiable evaluation plan for measuring performance using the Logic Model with specific outcome measures and benchmarks, including--for HOME applicants--performance improvements as measured by the HOME Snapshot indicators.

In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the application has an evaluation plan that includes outcomes and is specific, measurable, and appropriate in relation to the activities proposed.

b. (5 points) Successful past performance in administering HUD CD- TA programs or, for applicants new to HUD's CD-TA Programs, successful past performance in providing TA in other community development programs. Applicants should include, as applicable, increases in CPD or community development program accomplishments as a result of TA (e.g., number of homeless people or persons with HIV/AIDS receiving housing and services, efficiency or effectiveness of administration of CPD or community development programs, number of affordable housing units, HOME Snapshot indicators, timeliness of use of CPD or community development program funds).

In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the application demonstrates successful past performance that was timely and resulted in positive outcomes in the delivery of community development TA. HUD will also consider past performance of current CD- TA providers, including financial and other information in HUD's files. 5. Rating Factor 5: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience (30 Points) (Minimum for Funding Eligibility--20 Points)

a. (10 points) Recent and successful experience of the applicant's organization in providing TA in eligible activities and to eligible entities for the HOME, CHDO (HOME), Homeless, HOPWA, or Youthbuild CD- TA programs, as applicable.

In rating this factor, HUD will consider the extent to which the application demonstrates successful experience within the last four years of providing TA related to the applicable CD-TA program.

b. (10 points) Depth of experience in managing multiple TA tasks, to multiple entities, and in more than one geographic area.

In rating this factor, HUD will consider the extent to which the application demonstrates ability to manage TA assignments effectively.

c. (10 points) Knowledgeable key personnel skilled in providing TA in one or more of the eligible activities for HOME, CHDO (HOME), Homeless, HOPWA, and/or Youthbuild programs, as applicable; a sufficient number of staff or ability to procure qualified experts or professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to deliver the proposed level of TA in the proposed service area in a timely and effective fashion; and an ability to provide CD-TA in a geographic area larger than a single city or county.

In rating this factor, HUD will consider the extent to which the application demonstrates the organization has an adequate number of key staff or ability to procure individuals with the knowledge of effective TA approaches and knowledge of HOME, CHDO (HOME), Homeless, HOPWA, or Youthbuild program, as applicable.

B. Review and Selection Process 1. Review Types

Two types of reviews will be conducted. First, HUD will review each application to determine whether it meets threshold eligibility requirements.

Second, HUD will review and assign scores to applications using the Factors for Award noted in Section V.A. 2. Rank Order

a. Once rating scores are assigned, rated applications submitted for each National TA program and for each Local TA program will be listed in rank order. Applications within the fundable range (score of 75+ points with 20+ points for Factor 1) may then be funded in rank order under the CD-TA program and service area for which they applied.

b. For purposes of coordinating activities on a national basis, HUD reserves the right to select a single national provider to carry out activities, as follows:

(1) One for HOPWA technical assistance activities, including national products and local support;

(2) One for Continuum of Care technical assistance activities that primarily focus on HMIS support;

(3) One for HOME and one for CHDO technical assistance activities. 3. Threshold Eligibility Requirements

All applicants requesting CD-TA must be in compliance with the applicable threshold requirements found in the General Section and the eligibility requirements listed in Section III of this NOFA in order to be reviewed, scored, and ranked. Applications that

[[Page 11726]]

do not meet these requirements and applications that were received after the submission deadline (see Section IV.F of the General Section) will be considered ineligible for funding. 4. Award Adjustment

In addition to the funding adjustment authority provided for in the General Section, HUD reserves the right to adjust funding amounts for each CD-TA selectee. The amounts listed in the charts in Section II.A are provided to assist applicants to develop Local TA or National TA budgets and do not represent the exact amounts to be awarded. Once TA applicants are selected for award, HUD will determine the total amount to be awarded to any selected applicant based upon the size and needs of each of the selected applicant's service areas, the funds available for that area and CD-TA program, the number of other CD-TA applicants selected in that area or CD-TA program, and the scope of the TA to be provided.

Additionally, HUD may reduce the amount of funds allocated for field office jurisdictions to fund National CD-TA providers and other CD-TA providers for activities that cannot be fully budgeted for or estimated by HUD Headquarters or field offices at the time this NOFA was published. HUD may also require selected applicants, as a condition of funding, to provide coverage on a geographically broader basis than proposed in order to supplement or strengthen the CD-TA network in terms of the size of the area covered and types and scope of TA proposed.

If funds remain after all selections have been made, the remaining funds may be distributed among field offices for Local TA and/or used for National TA, or made available for other CD-TA program competitions.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices. HUD will send written notifications to both successful and unsuccessful applicants. A notification sent to a successful applicant is not an authorization to begin performance.

After selection, HUD requires that all selected applicants participate in negotiations to determine the specific terms of the cooperative agreement, including the budget. Costs may be denied or modified if HUD determines that they are not allowable, allocable, and/ or reasonable. In cases where HUD cannot successfully conclude negotiations with a selected applicant or a selected applicant fails to provide HUD with requested information, an award will not be made to that applicant. In this instance, HUD may offer an award, and proceed with negotiations with the next highest-ranking applicant.

After selection for funding but prior to executing the cooperative agreement, the selected applicant must develop in consultation with the GTR, a Technical Assistance Delivery Plan (TADP) for each National TA award. The TADP must be approved by the GTR and delineate the tasks for each CD-TA program the applicant will undertake during the performance period. For Local TA awards and generally for National TA awards, prior to undertaking individual tasks, the selected applicant must develop in consultation with the GTR a Work Plan for specific activities. The TADP and the Work Plans must specify the location of the proposed CD-TA activities, the amount of CD-TA funding and proposed activities by location, the improved program performance or other results expected from the CD-TA activities, and the methodology to be used for measuring the success of the CD-TA. A detailed time schedule for delivery of the activities, budget summary, budget-by-task, and staffing plan must be included in the TADP and Work Plans.

After selection, but prior to award, applicants selected for funding will be required to provide HUD with their written Code of Conduct if they have not previously done so and it is recorded on the HUD Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/codeofconduct/sconduct.cfm .

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. After selection for funding but prior to award, applicants must submit financial and administrative information to comply with applicable requirements. These requirements are found in 24 CFR part 84 for all organizations except states and local governments whose requirements are found in 24 CFR Part 85. Cost principles requirements are found at OMB Circular A- 122 for nonprofit organizations, OMB Circular A-21 for institutions of higher education, OMB Circular A-87 for states and local governments, and at 48 CFR 31.2 for commercial organizations. Applicants must submit a certification from an Independent Public Accountant or the cognizant government auditor, stating that the applicant's financial management system meets prescribed standards for fund control and accountability.

See the General Section for requirements for Procurement of Recovered Materials.

The requirements to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing do not apply.

C. Reporting. CD-TA awardees will be required to report to the GTR on, at a minimum, a quarterly basis unless otherwise specified in the cooperative agreement. As part of the required report to HUD, grant recipients must include a completed Logic Model (HUD 96010), which identifies output and outcome achievements.

VII. Agency Contacts

A. For Assistance. Applicants may contact HUD Headquarters at 202- 708-3176, or they may contact the HUD field office serving their area shown in Section VII.C. Persons with hearing and speech challenges may access the above numbers via TTY (text telephone) by calling the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 (this is a toll-free number). Information may also be obtained through the HUD website on the Internet at http://www.hud.gov.

B. List of Field Office Addresses. Applicants that receive a waiver of the electronic application submission requirements and need to submit copies of their application to HUD field offices should consult the following website for a listing of the HUD field office addresses to send Local TA applications: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/about/staff/fodirectors/index.cfm .

At the site, the map allows the user to click on an area to obtain the field office address and other contact information.

VIII. Other Information

A. Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collection requirements contained in this document have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control numbers 2506-0166 and 2506-0133. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 60 hours for the application and grant administration. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data. The information will be used for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds. Response to this request for information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived.

B. HUD Reform Act. The provisions of the HUD Reform Act of 1989 that apply

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to the CD-TA program are explained in the General Section.

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN08MR06.005

[[Page 11729]]

Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, Office of Native American Programs.

B. Funding Opportunity Title: Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages.

C. Announcement Type: Initial Announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Number: The Federal Register number is FR 5030-N-02. The OMB approval number is 2577-0191.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): The Catalog of Federal Assistance (CFDA) Number for the Indian Community Development Block Grant program is 14.862.

F. Dates: Application Deadline: The application submission date is May 31, 2006.

G. Optional, Additional Overview Content Information:

1. Applicants for funding should carefully review the requirements identified in this NOFA and the General Section. Unless otherwise stated in this NOFA, the requirements of the General Section apply.

2. The total approximate amount of funding available for the ICDBG program for FY2006 is $59,400,000 less $3,960,000 retained to fund Imminent Threat Grants, for a total of $55,440,000. Funds that are carried over from previous fiscal years or are recaptured may also be used for grant awards under this NOFA.

3. Eligible applicants are Indian tribes or tribal organizations on behalf of Indian tribes. Specific information on eligibility is located in Section III.A. of this NOFA.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. General. Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, which authorizes Community Development Block Grants, requires that grants for Indian tribes be awarded on a competitive basis. All grant funds awarded in accordance with this NOFA are subject to the requirements of 24 CFR part 1003. Applicants within an Area Office of Native American Program's (ONAP) geographic jurisdiction compete only against each other for that Area ONAP's allocation of funds.

B. Authority. The authority for this program is Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) and the program regulations in 24 CFR part 1003.

C. Program Description. The purpose of the Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages (ICDBG) is the development of viable Indian and Alaska Native communities, including the creation of decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities primarily for persons with low- and moderate-incomes as defined in 24 CFR 1003.4. The ONAP in HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing administers the program.

Projects funded by the ICDBG program must meet the primary objective, defined at 24 CFR 1003.2, to principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Consistent with this objective, not less than 70 percent of the expenditures of each single purpose grant shall be for activities which meet the regulatory criteria at 24 CFR 1003.208 for:

1. Area Benefit Activities.

2. Limited Clientele Activities.

3. Housing Activities.

4. Job Creation or Retention Activities.

ICDBG funds may be used to improve housing stock, provide community facilities, improve infrastructure, and expand job opportunities by supporting the economic development of the communities, especially by nonprofit tribal organizations or local development corporations.

ICDBG single-purpose grants are distributed as annual competitive grants, in response to this NOFA.

ICDBG imminent threat grants are intended to alleviate or remove threats to health or safety that require an immediate solution as described at 24 CFR part 1003, subpart E. The problem to be addressed must be such that an emergency situation exists or would exist if the problem were not addressed.

You do not have to submit a request for imminent threat funds by the deadline established in this NOFA. The deadline applies only to applications submitted for assistance under 24 CFR part 1003, subpart D, single purpose grants. Imminent threat requests may be submitted at any time after NOFA publication, and if the following criteria are met, the request may be funded until the amount set aside for this purpose is expended:

1. Independent verification from a third party (i.e., Indian Health Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs) of the existence, immediacy and urgency of the threat must be provided;

2. The threat must not be recurring in nature, i.e., it must represent a unique and unusual circumstance that has been clearly identified by the tribe or village;

3. The threat must affect or impact an entire service area and not solely an individual family or household; and

4. It must be established that funds are not available from other local, state, or Federal sources to address the problem. The tribe or village must verify that Federal or local agencies that would normally provide assistance for such improvements have no funds available by providing a written statement to that effect. The tribe or village must also verify in the form of a tribal council resolution (or equivalent) that it has no available funds, including Indian Housing Block Grant Funds, for this purpose.

If, in response to a request for assistance, an Area ONAP issues you a letter to proceed under the authority of 24 CFR 1003.401(a), then your application must be submitted to and approved by the Area ONAP before a grant agreement may be executed. Contact your Area ONAP office for more information on imminent threat.

D. Definitions Used in this NOFA.

1. Adopt. To approve by formal tribal resolution.

2. Document. To supply supporting written information and/or data in the application that satisfies the NOFA requirement. Documentation should clearly and concisely support your response to the rating factor.

3. Entity Other than Tribe. A distinction is made between the requirements for point award under Rating Factor 3 if a tribe or an entity other than the tribe will assume maintenance and related responsibilities for projects other than economic development and land acquisition to support new housing. Entities other than the tribe must have the following characteristics: (a) Must be legally distinct from the tribal government; (b) their assets and liabilities cannot be considered to be assets and liabilities of the tribal government; (c) claims against such entities cannot be made against the tribal government; and (d) must have governing boards, boards of directors, or groups or individuals similar in function and responsibility to such boards which are separate from the tribe's general council, tribal council, or business council, as applicable.

4. Homeownership Assistance Programs. Tribes may apply for assistance to provide direct homeownership assistance to low- and moderate-income households to: (a) Subsidize interest rates and mortgage principal amounts for low- and

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moderate-income homebuyers; (b) finance the acquisition by low- and moderate-income homebuyers of housing that is occupied by the homebuyers; (c) acquire guarantees for mortgage financing obtained by low- and moderate-income homebuyers from private lenders (except that ICDBG funds may not be used to guarantee such mortgage financing directly, and grantees may not provide such guarantees directly); (d) provide up to 50 percent of any down payment required from a low- and moderate-income homebuyer; or (e) pay reasonable closing costs (normally associated with the purchase of a home) incurred by a low-or moderate-income homebuyer.

5. Leveraged Resources. Leveraged resources are resources that you will use in conjunction with ICDBG funds to achieve the objectives of the project. Leveraged resources include, but are not limited to: tribal trust funds; loans from individuals or organizations; business investments; private foundations; state or federal loans or guarantees; other grants; and non-cash contributions and donated services. (See Rating Factor 4 for documentation requirements for leveraged resources.)

6. Microenterprise Programs. Tribes may apply for assistance to operate programs to fund the development, expansion, and stabilization of microenterprises. Microenterprises are defined as commercial entities with five or fewer employees, including the owner. Microenterprise program activities may entail the following assistance to eligible businesses: (a) Providing credit, including, but not limited to, grants, loans, loan guarantees, and other forms of financial support for the establishment, stabilization, and expansion of microenterprises; (b) providing technical assistance, advice, and business support services to owners of microenterprises and persons developing microenterprises; and (c) providing general support, including, but not limited to, peer support programs, counseling, child care, transportation, and other similar services to owners of microenterprises and persons developing microenterprises.

7. Operations and Maintenance (O&M) for Public Facilities and Improvements. While various items of cost will vary in importance and significance depending on the type of facility proposed, there are items of expense related to the operation of the physical plant which must be addressed in a O&M plan (tribe assumes responsibility) or in a letter of commitment (entity other than tribe will assume these responsibilities). Although the tribe no longer has to submit the O&M plan with the application, it must provide a written statement that it has adopted an O&M plan and that the plan addresses several items. These items include daily or other periodic maintenance activities; repairs such as replacing broken windows; capital improvements or replacement reserves for repairs such as replacing the roof; fire and liability insurance (may not be applicable to most types of infrastructure projects such as water and sewer lines); and security (may not be applicable to many types of infrastructure projects such as roads). (Please note that while it is possible that the service provider may, in its agreement with a tribe, commit itself to cover certain or all facility O&M costs, these costs do not include the program service provision costs related to the delivery of services (social, health, recreational, educational or other) which may be provided in a facility).

8. Outcomes. The ultimate impact you hope to achieve with the proposed project. Outcomes should be quantifiable measures or indicators and identified in terms of the change in the community, people's lives, changes in economic status, etc. Common outcomes could include increases in percent of housing units in standard condition, homeownership rates, or employment rates.

9. Outputs. Outputs are the direct products of a program's activities. They are usually measured in terms of the volume of work accomplished, such as the number of low-income households served, number of units constructed or rehabilitated, linear feet of curbs and gutters installed, or number of jobs created or retained. Outputs should be clear enough to allow HUD to monitor and assess your proposed project's progress if funded.

10. Project Cost. The total cost to implement the project. Project costs may be covered by both ICDBG and non-ICDBG funds and resources.

11. Standard Housing/Standard Condition. Housing that meets the housing quality standards (HQS) adopted by the applicant. The HQS adopted by the applicant must be at least as stringent as the Section 8 HQS contained in 24 CFR 982.401 (Section 8 Tenant-Based Assistance: Housing Choice Voucher program) unless the ONAPs approve less stringent standards based on a determination that local conditions make the use of Section 8 HQS unfeasible. You may submit, before the application submission deadline, a request for the approval of standards less stringent than Section 8 HQS. If you submit the request with your application, you should not assume automatic approval by the ONAPs. The adopted standards must provide for (a) a safe house, in physically sound condition with all systems performing their intended design functions; (b) a livable home environment and an energy efficient building and systems that incorporate energy conservation measures; and (c) an adequate space and privacy for all intended household members.

12. Statement. When a ``written statement'' is requested for any threshold, program requirement, or rating factor, the applicant must address in writing the specific item cited.

13. Tribe. The word ``tribe'' means an Indian tribe, band, group or nation, including Alaska Indians, Aleuts, Eskimos, Alaska Native Villages, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Village Corporations, and ANCSA Regional Corporations.

II. Award Information

A. Available Funds. The FY2006 appropriation for the ICDBG program is $59,400,000, less $3,960,000 retained to fund Imminent Threat Grants, for a total of $55,440,000. Funds that are carried over from previous fiscal years or are recaptured may also be used for grant awards under this NOFA. In accordance with the provisions of 24 CFR part 1003, subpart E, we have retained $3,960,000 of the FY 2006 appropriation to meet the funding needs of imminent threat requests submitted to any of the Area ONAPs. The grant ceiling for imminent threat requests for FY 2006 is $425,000. This ceiling has been established pursuant to the provisions of 24 CFR 1003.400(c).

B. Allocations to Area ONAPs. The requirements for allocating funds to Area ONAPs responsible for program administration are found at 24 CFR 1003.101. Following these requirements, based on an appropriation of $59,400,000 less $3,960,000 for Imminent Threat grants, the allocations for FY2006 are approximately as follows:

Eastern/Woodlands....................................... $6,325,737 Southern Plains......................................... 11,864,746 Northern Plains......................................... 7,917,788 Southwest............................................... 20,525,637 Northwest............................................... 2,891,489 Alaska.................................................. 5,914,603

Total............................................... 55,440,000

C. Compliance with regulations, guidelines, and requirements: Applicants awarded a grant under this NOFA are required to comply with the

[[Page 11731]]

regulations, guidelines, and requirements with respect to the acceptance and use of Federal funds for this Federally-assisted program. Also, the grantee, by accepting the grant, provides assurance with respect to the grant that:

1. It possesses the legal authority to apply for the grant and execute the proposed program.

2. The governing body has duly authorized the filing of the application, including all understandings and assurances contained in the application and has directed and authorized the person identified as the official representative of the applicant to act in connection with the application and to provide such additional information as may be required.

3. It will comply with HUD general administration requirements in 24 CFR Part 85.

4. It will comply with the requirements of Title II of Public Law 90-284 (25 U.S.C. 1301), the Indian Civil Rights Act. Federally recognized Indian tribes and their instrumentalities are subject to the requirements of: Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, known as the Indian Civil Rights Act; Section 109 prohibitions against discrimination based on age, sex, religion and disability; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

5. It will comply with the Indian preference provisions required in 24 CFR 1003.510.

6. It will establish written safeguards to prevent employees from using positions funded under the ICDBG programs for a purpose that is, or gives the appearance of being, motivated by private gain for themselves, their immediate family, or business associates. Employees are not otherwise limited from benefiting from program activities for which they are otherwise eligible.

7. Neither the applicant nor its principals are presently excluded from participation in any HUD programs, as required by 24 CFR part 24.

8. The chief executive officer or other official of the applicant approved by HUD:

a. Consents to assume the status of a responsible Federal official under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 insofar as the provisions of the Act apply to the applicant's proposed program pursuant to 24 CFR 1003.605.

b. Is authorized and consents on behalf of the applicant and him/ herself to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts for the purpose of enforcement of his/her responsibilities as such an official.

Note: Applicants for whom HUD has approved a claim of incapacity to accept the responsibilities of the Federal government for purposes of complying with the environmental review requirements of 24 CFR part 58 pursuant to 24 CFR 1003.605 are not subject to the provision of paragraph 8.

9. It will comply with the requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 and the regulations in 24 CFR part 135 (Economic Opportunities for Low and Very Low Income Persons) to the maximum extent consistent with, but not in derogation of, compliance with Section 7(b) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450e(b)). Two points will be awarded under Rating Factor 3 in FY2006 for applicants who demonstrate how they will incorporate Section 3 principles into their proposed projects.

10. It will comply with the requirements of the Fire Authorization Administration Act of 1992 (Pub. L. 102-522).

11. It will comply with 24 CFR, part 4, subpart A, showing full disclosure of all benefits of the project as collected by Form HUD- 2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure Report.

12. Prior to submission of its application to HUD, the grantee has met the citizen participation requirements which includes following traditional means of member involvement, as required in 24 CFR 1003.604.

13. It will administer and enforce the labor standards requirements prescribed in 24 CFR 1003.603.

14. The project has been developed so that not less than 70 percent of the funds received under this grant will be used for activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

15. Executive Order 13202, ``Preservation of Open Competition and Government Neutrality Towards Government Contractors' Labor Relations on Federal and Federally Funded Construction Projects'' applies to projects funded under this NOFA. See the General Section for more information.

D. Period of Performance. The period of performance for any grant awarded under this NOFA must be included in the Implementation Schedule, HUD-4125, and approved by HUD.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants. Eligible applicants are Indian tribes or tribal organizations on behalf of Indian tribes. To apply for funding you must be eligible as an Indian tribe (or as a tribal organization), as required by 24 CFR 1003.5, by the application submission date.

Tribal organizations are permitted to submit applications under 24 CFR 1003.5(b) on behalf of eligible tribes when one or more eligible tribe(s) authorize the organization to do so under concurring resolutions. The tribal organization must itself be eligible under Title I of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or the Indian Health Service, as appropriate, must make a determination of such eligibility. This determination must be provided to the Area ONAP by the application submission date.

If a tribe or tribal organization claims that it is a successor to an eligible entity, the Area ONAP must review the documentation to determine whether it is in fact the successor entity.

Applicants from within Alaska: Due to the unique structure of tribal entities eligible to submit ICDBG applications in Alaska, and as only one ICDBG application may be submitted for each area within the jurisdiction of an entity eligible under 24 CFR 1003.5, a tribal organization that submits an application for activities in the jurisdiction of one or more eligible tribes or villages must include a concurring resolution from each such tribe or village authorizing the submission of the application. Each such resolution must also indicate that the tribe or village does not itself intend to submit an ICDBG application for that funding round. The hierarchy for funding priority continues to be the IRA Council, the Traditional Village Council, the ANCSA Village Corporation, and the ANCSA Regional Corporation.

On November 25, 2005 (70 FR 71194), the BIA published a Federal Register notice entitled, ``Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs.'' This notice provides a listing of Indian Tribal Entities in Alaska found to be Indian tribes as the term is defined and used in 25 CFR part 83. Additionally, pursuant to Title I of the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act, ANCSA Village Corporations and Regional Corporations are also considered tribes and therefore eligible applicants for the ICDBG program.

Any questions regarding eligibility determinations and related documentation requirements for entities in Alaska should be referred to the Alaska Area ONAP prior to the application submission date. (See 24 CFR 1003.5 for a complete description of eligible applicants.)

[[Page 11732]]

B. Cost Sharing or Matching. Cost sharing or matching is not required under this grant; however, applicants who leverage this grant with other funds receive points. See Section V, (A) Rating Factor 4.

C. Other. 1. HUD Requirement

Applicants for single purpose grants must comply with the HUD Threshold Requirements listed in the General Section, Section III, C. in order to receive an award of funds. 2. Program and Project Specific Requirements

a. Low- and Moderate-Income Status for Rehabilitation Projects. Your application must contain information that shows that all households that receive ICDBG grant assistance under a housing rehabilitation project are of low- and moderate-income status.

b. Housing Rehabilitation Cost Limits. Grant funds spent on rehabilitation per unit must fall within the following limits for each Area ONAP jurisdiction:

Eastern/Woodland:.......................................

$35,000 Southern Plains:........................................

$35,000 Northern Plains:........................................

$50,000 Southwest:..............................................

$40,000 Northwest:..............................................

$40,000 Alaska:.................................................

$55,000

c. Commitment to Housing for Land Acquisition to Support New Housing Projects. For land acquisition to support new housing projects, your application must include evidence of a financial commitment and an ability to construct at least 25 percent of the housing units on the land proposed for acquisition. This evidence must consist of one (or more) of the following: a firm or conditional commitment to construct (or to finance the construction of) the units; documentation that an approvable application for the construction of these units has been submitted to a funding source or entity; or, documentation that these units are specifically identified in the Indian Housing Plan (IHP), (one-Year Financial Resources Narrative; Table 2, Financial Resources, Part I., Line 1E; and Table 2, Financial Resources, Part II) submitted by or on behalf of the applicant as an affordable housing resource with a commensurate commitment of Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) (also known as NAHBG) resources. If the IHP for the IHBG (also known as NAHBG) program year that coincides with the implementation of the ICDBG proposed project has not been submitted, you must provide an assurance that the IHP will specifically reference the proposed project. The IHP submission must occur within three years from the date the land is acquired and ready for development.

d. Health Care Facilities. If you propose a facility that would provide health care services funded by the Indian Health Service (IHS), you must assure that the facility meets all applicable IHS facility requirements. We recognize that tribes that are contracting services from the IHS may establish other facility standards. These tribes must assure that these standards at least compare to nationally accepted minimum standards. 3. Program Related Threshold Requirements

a. Outstanding ICDBG Obligation. According to 24 CFR 1003.301(a), an applicant who has an outstanding ICDBG obligation to HUD that is in arrears, or one that has not agreed to a repayment schedule will be disqualified from the competition.

b. Compliance with Fair Housing and Civil Rights Laws. Applicants and subrecipients that are not federally recognized Indian tribes or their instrumentalities are subject to the Civil Rights threshold requirements found in the General Section. Federally recognized Indian tribes and their instrumentalities are subject to the requirements of: Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, known as the Indian Civil Rights Act; Section 109 prohibitions against discrimination based on age, sex, religion and disability; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. To be eligible to apply, there must be no outstanding violations of these civil rights provisions at the time of application. 4. Project Specific Threshold Requirements

Applicants must meet all parts of the project specific threshold applicable to the proposed project. The thresholds are:

a. Housing Rehabilitation Project Thresholds. In accordance with 24 CFR 1003.302(a), for housing rehabilitation projects, you must adopt rehabilitation standards and rehabilitation policies before you submit an application. You must state that you have in place rehabilitation policies and standards that have been adopted in accordance with tribal law or practice. Do not submit your policies or standards with the application. You must also provide a written statement that project funds will be used to rehabilitate HUD-assisted houses only when the homebuyer's payments are current or the homebuyer is current in a repayment agreement except in emergency situation. For purposes of meeting this threshold, HUD-assisted houses are houses that are owned and managed by the tribe or tribally designated housing entity. The ONAP Administrator on a case-by-case basis may approve exceptions to this requirement.

b. New Housing Construction Project Thresholds.

1. In accordance with 24 CFR 1003.302(b), new housing construction can only be implemented when necessary through a Community Based Development Organization (CBDO). Eligible CBDOs are described in 24 CFR 1003.204(c). You must provide documentation establishing that the entity implementing your new housing construction project qualifies as a CBDO.

2. In accordance with 24 CFR 1003.302, you must have a current, in effect, tribal resolution adopting and identifying construction standards.

3. In accordance with 24 CFR 1003.302, you must also include in your application documentation supporting the following:

(a) All households to be assisted under a new housing construction project must be of low-or moderate-income status;

(b) No other housing is available in the immediate reservation area that is suitable for the households to be assisted;

(c) No other sources including an IHBG (also known as NAHBG) can meet the needs of the household(s) to be served; and

(d) Rehabilitation of the unit occupied by the household(s) to be assisted is not economically feasible, or the household(s) to be housed currently is in an overcrowded house (more than one household per house), or the household to be assisted has no current residence.

c. Economic Development Project Thresholds. In accordance with 24 CFR 1003.302, for economic development assistance projects, you must provide a financial analysis. The financial analysis must demonstrate that the project is financially feasible and the project has a reasonable chance of success. The analysis must also demonstrate the public benefit resulting from the ICDBG assistance. The more funds you request, the greater public benefit you must demonstrate. The analysis must also establish that to the extent practicable, reasonable financial support will be committed from non-federal sources prior to disbursement of federal funds; any grant amount

[[Page 11733]]

provided will not substantially reduce the amount of non-federal financial support for the activity; not more than a reasonable rate of return on investment is provided to the owner; and that grant funds used for the project will be disbursed on a pro-rata basis with amounts from other sources.

d. There are no project specific thresholds for Land Acquisition to Support New Housing, Homeownership Assistance, Public Facilities and Improvements, and Microenterprise Projects. 5. Public Service Projects

Because there is a regulatory 15 percent cap on the amount of grant funds that may be used for public service activities, you may not receive a single purpose grant solely to fund public service activities. Your application, however, may contain a public service component for up to 15 percent of the total grant. This component may be unrelated to the other project(s) included in your application. If your application does not receive full funding, we will reduce the public service allocation proportionately so that it comprises no more than 15 percent of the total grant award. In making such reductions, the feasibility of the proposed project will be taken into consideration. If a proportionate reduction of the public service allocation renders such a project infeasible, the project will not be funded. A complete description of Public Service Projects is located at 24 CFR part 1003.201. 6. Restrictions on Eligible Activities

A complete description of activities that are eligible for ICDBG funding are identified at 24 CFR part 1003, subpart C. Please note that although this subpart has not yet been revised to include the restrictions on activity eligibility that were added to Section 105 of the CDBG statute by Section 588 of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, these restrictions apply. Specifically, ICDBG funds may not be used to assist directly in the relocation of any industrial or commercial plant, facility, or operation, from one area to another, if the relocation is likely to result in a significant loss of employment in the labor market area from which the relocation occurs. Rating Factors 2 and 3 included under Section V. specify many of the activities listed as eligible under part 1003, subpart C. Those listed include new housing construction (in certain circumstances as described in Rating Factors 2 and 3 in Section V.), housing rehabilitation, land acquisition to support new housing, homeownership assistance, public facilities and improvements, economic development, and microenterprise programs. However, the following eligible activities not clearly identified by the rating factors may be proposed and rated as described below. During the past few years, many tribes have experienced high incidences of mold growth in tribal homes and buildings. Renovation of affected buildings is eligible under housing rehabilitation or public facility improvement projects.

a. Acquisition of property. This activity can be proposed as Land to Support New Housing or as part of New Housing Construction, Public Facilities and Improvements, or Economic Development depending on the purpose of the land acquisition to support new construction.

b. Assistance to Institutions of Higher Learning. If such entities have the capacity, they can help the ICDBG grantees to implement eligible projects.

c. Assistance to Community Based Development Organizations (CBDOs). Grantees may provide assistance to these organizations to undertake activities related to neighborhood revitalization, community economic development, or energy conservation.

d. Clearance, Demolition. These activities can be proposed as part of Housing Rehabilitation, New Housing Construction, Public Facilities and Improvements, Economic Development, or Land to Support New Housing. Sec. 1003.201(d) states ``Demolition of HUD-assisted housing units may be undertaken only with the prior approval of HUD.''

e. Code Enforcement. This activity can be proposed as Housing Rehabilitation. The activity must comply with the requirements at 24 CFR 1003.202.

f. Comprehensive Planning. This activity is eligible, and can be proposed, as part of any otherwise eligible project to the extent allowed by the 20 percent cap on the grant for planning/administration.

g. Energy Efficiency. Associated activities can be proposed under Housing Rehabilitation or Public Facilities and Improvements depending upon the type of energy efficiency activity.

h. Lead-Based Paint Evaluation and Abatement. These activities can be proposed under Housing Rehabilitation.

i. Non-Federal Share. ICDBG funds can be used as a match for any non-ICDBG funding to the extent allowed by such funding and the activity is eligible under 24 CFR part 1003, subpart C.

j. Privately and Publicly Owned Commercial or Industrial Buildings (real property improvements). These activities can be proposed under Economic Development. Privately owned commercial rehabilitation is subject to the requirements at 24 CFR 1003.202.

k. Privately Owned Utilities. Assistance to privately owned utilities can be proposed under Public Facilities and Improvements.

l. Removal of Architectural Barriers. This includes removing barriers that restrict mobility and access for elderly and persons with disabilities. In addition, accommodation should be made for persons with all varieties of disabilities to enable them to benefit from these activities. This activity can be proposed under Housing Rehabilitation or Public Facilities and Improvements depending upon the type of structure where the barrier will be removed. 7. Application Screening

The Area ONAP will screen applications for single purpose grants. The Area ONAP will reject an application that fails this screening and will return the application unrated. The Area ONAP will accept your application if it meets all the criteria listed below as items a through f.

a. Your application is received or submitted in accordance with the requirements set forth under Application and Submission Procedures in Section IV of this NOFA;

b. You are eligible;

c. The proposed project is eligible;

d. Your application contains substantially all the components specified in Section IV. B. of this NOFA;

e. Your application shows that at least 70 percent of the grant funds are to be used for activities that benefit low- and moderate- income persons, in accordance with the requirements of 24 CFR 1003.208. For screening purposes only, HUD will use the 2000 census data if the data you submitted does not meet this screening requirement; and

f. Only one ICDBG application may be submitted for each area within the jurisdiction of an entity eligible under 24 CFR 1003. An application may include more than one project, but it cannot exceed the grant ceilings listed in Section IV.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Addresses To Request Application Package

Applicants are required to submit an electronic application unless they

[[Page 11734]]

receive a waiver of the requirement. See the General Section for information on electronic application submission, procedures for requesting a waiver, and timely submission and receipt requirements. All information required to complete a valid application is included in the General Section and this NOFA. Before preparing an application, applicants should carefully review the program description, ineligible activities, program and threshold requirements, and the General Section. Applicants should carefully review each rating factor listed in Section V of this NOFA, before writing a narrative response.

Copies of the General Section and ICDBG NOFA may be downloaded from the grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov/Apply. If you

experience any problems with downloading the General Section or the ICDBG NOFA, call the Grants.gov help desk at 800-518-GRANTS.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission.

1. Application Information

Indicate on the first page of each project submission, the type of project(s) being proposed: Economic Development, Homeownership Assistance, Housing Rehabilitation, Land Acquisition to Support New Housing, Microenterprise Programs, New Housing Construction or Public Facilities and Improvements. This will help to ensure that the appropriate project specific thresholds and rating subfactors will be applied. Narrative statements submitted to support your application should be individually labeled to reflect the item the narrative is responding to, e.g. Factor 1, Factor 2, etc. Applicants should not submit third party documents, such as audits, resolutions, policies, unless specifically asked to submit them. Additional information regarding electronic submissions can be found in the General Section.

If you received a waiver to the electronic application submission requirements and are submitting a paper application, please use separate tabs for each rating factor and rating subfactor. In order to be rated, make sure the response is beneath the appropriate heading. Keep the responses in the same order as the NOFA. It is recommended that you limit your narrative explanations to 200 words or less and provide the necessary data such as a market analysis, a pro forma, housing survey data, etc., that support the response. Include all relevant material to a response under the same tab. Only include documentation that will clearly and concisely support your response to the rating criteria.

HUD suggests that you do a preliminary rating for your project, providing a score according to the point system in Section V of this NOFA. This will show you how reviewers might score your project, and identify its strengths and weaknesses. This will help determine where improvements can be made prior to its submission. An application checklist has been posted at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm under the ICDBG program for your use in verifying that

you have completed all required components. 2. Content of Application, Forms, and Required Elements

The applicant must respond in narrative form to all five of the rating factors listed in Section V.A. of this NOFA. In addition, the applicant must submit all of the forms required in this section, along with other data listed below.

a. Demographic data. You may submit data that are unpublished and not generally available in order to meet the requirements of this section. Your application must contain a statement that the following criteria have been met:

(1) Generally available published data are substantially inaccurate or incomplete;

(2) Data that you submit have been collected systematically and are statistically reliable;

(3) Data are, to the greatest extent feasible, independently verifiable; and

(4) Data differentiate between reservation and BIA service area populations, when applicable.

b. Publication of Community Development Statement. You must prepare and publish or post the community development statement portion of your application according to the citizen participation requirements of 24 CFR 1003.604. You may post or publish a statement that indicates that the entire Community Development Statement is available for public viewing and include the location, dates, and time it will be available for review.

c. Application Submission. Your application must contain the items listed below.

(1) Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424);

(2) SF-424 SUPP, Supplement Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants;

(3) Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (HUD-2880); and

(4) Acknowledgement of Application Receipt (HUD-2993). (Only for applicants granted a waiver of the electronic submission requirements and who are submitting a paper application)

If the application has been submitted by a tribal organization as defined in 24 CFR 1003.5(b), on behalf of an Indian tribe, you must submit concurring resolutions from the Indian tribe stating that the tribal organization is applying on the tribe's behalf. Applicants must submit the resolution by attaching it as a file to your electronic application submission, or sending it via facsimile transmittal.

The other required items are as follows:

(5) Community Development Statement that includes:

(a) Components that address the general threshold requirement and the relevant project specific thresholds and rating factors;

(b) A schedule for implementing the project (Form HUD-4125, Implementation Schedule); and

(c) Cost information for each separate project, including specific activity costs, administration, planning, technical assistance, and total HUD share (Form HUD-4123, Cost Summary).

(6) A map showing project location, if appropriate.

(7) If the proposed project will result in displacement or temporary relocation, a statement that identifies:

(a) The number of persons (families, individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations) occupying the property on the date of the submission of the application (or date of initial site control, if later);

(b) The number to be displaced or temporarily relocated;

(c) The estimated cost of relocation payments and other services;

(d) The source of funds for relocation; and

(e) The organization that will carry out the relocation activities.

(8) If applicable, evidence of the disclosure required by 24 CFR 1003.606(e) regarding conflict of interest.

(9) If applicable, the demographic data statement described in Section IV.B. and Section V.A., Rating Factor 2 of this NOFA. The data accompanying the statement must identify the total number of persons benefiting from the project and the total number of low- and moderate- income persons benefiting from the project. To be considered, supporting documentation must include all of the following: a sample copy of a completed survey form, an explanation of the methods used to collect the data, and a listing of incomes by household.

[[Page 11735]]

(10) Optional submissions are:

(a) You Are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey (HUD 2994-A) (Optional); and

(b) Logic Model, HUD-96010. 3. Planning and Administrative Costs

Applicants must report project planning and administration costs on Form HUD-4123, Cost Summary. Planning and administrative costs cannot exceed 20 percent of the grant. The following criteria applies to planning and administrative costs:

a. Planning and administrative activities may only be funded in conjunction with a physical development activity.

b. If you are submitting an application for more than one project, costs must be broken down by project. Submit one Form HUD-4123 for each proposed project in addition to a consolidated Form HUD-4123 that includes costs for all proposed projects.

c. Do not include project costs (i.e. architectural/engineering, environmental, technical assistance, staff/overhead costs) directly related to project.

C. Submission Dates and Times

1. Application Submission Deadline

The application deadline date is May 31, 2006. Applications submitted through http://www.Grants.gov/Apply must be received and

validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 PM Eastern time on the application deadline date. Upon submission, Grants.gov will provide the applicant a confirmation of receipt and then validate the application. Within 24-48 hours of receipt, the application will be validated by Grants.gov. If the application does not pass validation, it will be rejected by Grants.gov and the application will be eliminated from further funding consideration. The General Section provides details of a validation check. HUD advises applicants to submit early so that if an application is rejected during the validation process, applicants can correct the errors and resubmit the application prior to the deadline date and time. If you are granted a waiver of the electronic submission requirements, and are submitting a paper application, your completed application (one original and two copies) must be received by HUD no later than 11:59:59 PM on the application deadline date. HUD will not accept any applications sent by e-mail or on a diskette, CD, or by facsimile unless HUD specifically requests an applicant to do so. Please carefully follow the instructions in Section IV F. of the General Section for detailed information regarding application submission, delivery, and timely receipt requirements.

D. Intergovernmental Review

Indian tribes are not subject to the Intergovernmental Review process.

E. Funding Restrictions

1. Ineligible Activities

In general, any activity that is not authorized under the provisions of 24 CFR 1003.201-1003.206 is ineligible to be assisted with ICDBG grant funds. The regulations at 24 CFR 1003.207 govern ineligible activities and should be referred to for details. The following guidance is provided for determining the eligibility of other activities frequently associated with ICDBG projects.

a. Government Office Space. Buildings, or portions thereof, used predominantly for the general conduct of government cannot be assisted with ICDBG funds. Those buildings include, but are not limited to, local government office buildings, courthouses, and other headquarters of government where the governing body meets regularly. Buildings that contain both governmental and non-governmental services can be assisted as long as the ICDBG funds are used only for the non-governmental sections. An example of an ineligible building is a building to house the community development division or a tribal administration building. Your Area ONAP office should be consulted for projects of this nature.

b. General Government Expenses. Except as authorized in the regulations or under OMB Circular A-87, expenses required to carry out the regular responsibilities of the unit of general local government are not eligible for assistance with ICDBG funds.

c. Maintenance and Operation Expenses. In general, any expenses associated with repairing, operating, or maintaining public facilities and services are not eligible for assistance. Specific exceptions to this general rule are operating and maintenance expenses associated with public service activities [24 CFR 1003.201(e)], office space for program staff employed in carrying out the ICDBG program [24 CFR 1003.206(a)(4)], and interim assistance [24 CFR 1003.201(f)]. For example, where a public service is being assisted with CDBG funds, the cost of operating and maintaining that portion of the facility in which the service is located is eligible as part of the public service. Examples of ineligible operating and maintenance expenses are routine and non-routine maintenance and repair of streets, parks, playgrounds, water and sewer facilities, neighborhood facilities, senior centers, centers for persons with disabilities, parking facilities, and similar public facilities and, payment of salaries for staff, utility costs, and similar expenses necessary for the operation of public works and facilities.

d. New Housing Construction. The construction of new permanent residential structures and any program to subsidize or finance such new construction is ineligible unless carried out by a Community-Based Development Organization (CBDO) pursuant to 24 CFR 1003.204(a).

e. Furnishings and Personal Property. In general, the purchase of equipment, fixtures, motor vehicles, furnishings, or other personal property not an integral structural fixture is ineligible. Exceptions include when such purchases are necessary for use in grant administration (24 CFR 1003.206); necessary and appropriate for use in a project carried out by a CBDO (24 CFR 1003.204); used in providing a public service (24 CFR 1003.201(e)); or used as fire fighting equipment (24 CFR 1003.201(c)(1)(ii)). However, ICDBG funds may be used to pay depreciation or use allowances (in accordance with OMB Circular A-87 or A-122 as applicable).

f. Construction Tools and Equipment. The purchase of construction tools and equipment is generally ineligible. However, compensation for the use of such tools and equipment through leasing, depreciation, or use allowances pursuant to OMB Circulars A-87 and A-122, as applicable, for an otherwise eligible activity is eligible. Exceptions include construction tools and equipment purchased for use as part of a solid waste facility (24 CFR 1003.201(c)(1)(ii)) and construction tools only (not equipment) purchased for use in a housing rehabilitation project being administered by the recipient using the force account construction method (24 CFR 1003.202(b)(8)).

g. Income Payments. In general, assistance shall not be used for income payments for housing or any other purpose. Income payments mean a series of subsistence-type grant payments made to an individual/ family for items such as food, clothing, housing (rent/mortgage) or utilities, but excludes emergency payments made over a period of up to three months to the provider of such items or services on behalf of an individual/family. Examples of ineligible income payments include the payments for income maintenance and housing allowances.

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2. Grant Ceilings. The authority to establish grant ceilings is found at 24 CFR 1003.100(b)(1). Grant ceilings are established for FY2006 funding at the following levels:

Area ONAP

Population

Ceiling

Eastern Woodlands.............. ALL....................

$600,000 Southern Plains................ ALL....................

800,000 Northern Plains................ 6,001+................. 1,100,000 0-6,000................

900,000 Southwest...................... 50,001+................ 5,500,000 10,501-50,000.......... 2,750,000 7,501-10,500........... 2,200,000 6,001-7,500............ 1,100,000 1,501-6,000............

825,000 0-1,500................

605,000 Northwest...................... ALL....................

500,000 Alaska......................... ALL....................

500,000

For the Southwest Area ONAP jurisdiction, the population used to determine ceiling amounts is the Native American population that resides on a reservation or rancheria.

Applicants from the Southwest or the Northern Plains ONAP jurisdictions should contact that office before submitting an application if they are unsure of the population level to use to determine the ceiling amount. The Southwest or Northern Plains Area ONAP, as appropriate, must approve any corrections or revisions to Native American population data before you submit your application.

F. Other Submission Requirements

1. Applications shall be submitted via http://www.Grants.gov/Apply by no

later than the application deadline date and time stated in the NOFA.

2. Mailing and Receipt Procedures. Applicants granted a waiver of the electronic submission requirement will receive specific mailing instructions with approval of the waiver. See 24 CFR Part 5.

3. Addresses for Submitting Applications. HUD will only accept mailed applications if a waiver of the electronic delivery process has been approved by HUD. Information regarding electronic submission and waivers from the electronic submission requirement is located in the General Section. If a waiver of the electronic submission requirement is granted, submit the original signed application and two copies to the appropriate Area ONAP for your jurisdiction. A list identifying each Area ONAP jurisdiction is provided at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/ grants/fundsavail.cfm under the ICDBG program.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

1. RC/EZ/EC-II: Bonus points described in the General Section for projects located in RC/EZ/EC-II will not be awarded under this NOFA.

2. Rating Factors to Evaluate and Rate Applications: The factors for rating and ranking applications and the points for each factor are provided below. A maximum of 100 points may be awarded under Rating Factors 1 through 5. To be considered for funding, your application must receive a minimum of 20 points under rating factor 1 and an application score of at least 70 points. The following summarizes the points assigned to each rating factor and each rating subfactor and lists which rating subfactors apply to which project types. Please use this table to ensure you are addressing the appropriate rating subfactor for your project.

Rating factor

Rating sub- factor

Points

Project type

1................ Total...................... 40........................ Minimum of 20 Points Required. 1.a........................ 10........................ All Project Types. 1.b........................ 5 or 7*................... All Project Types. 1.c........................ 3 or 8*................... All Project Types. 1.d........................ 2 or 5*................... All Project Types. 2.a........................ 4 or 0*................... All Project Types. 2.b........................ 4 or 0*................... All Project Types. 2.c........................ 4 or 0*................... All Project Types. 2.d........................ 4 or 0*................... All Project Types. 2.e........................ 4 or 0*................... All Project Types. 2................ Total...................... 16........................ 1.......................... 4......................... All Project Types. 2.a........................ 12........................ Public Facilities and Improvements and Economic Development Projects. 2.b........................ 12........................ New Housing Construction, Housing Rehabilitation, Land Acquisition to Support New Housing, and Homeownership Assistance Projects. 2.c........................ 12........................ Microenterprise Programs. 3................ Total...................... 30........................ 1.......................... 10........................ All Project Types. 2.......................... 5......................... All Project Types. 3.......................... 1......................... All Project Types. 4.......................... 2......................... All Project Types. 4.a........................ 12........................ Public Facilities and Improvements. 4.b........................ 12........................ New Housing Construction, Housing Rehabilitation, and Homeownership Assistance Projects. 4.c........................ 12........................ Economic Development Projects.

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4.d........................ 12........................ Microenterprise Programs. 4.e........................ 12........................ Land Acquisition to Support New Housing. 4................ Total...................... 8......................... All Project Types. 5

Total...................... 6......................... All Project Types. 1.......................... 2......................... All Project Types. 2.......................... 4......................... All Project Types.

Total........... ........................... 100....................... Minimum of 70 Points Required.

* The first number listed indicates the maximum number of points available to current ICDBG grantees under this subfactor. The second number indicates the maximum number of points available to new applicants.

Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant (40 Points)

This factor addresses the extent to which you have the organizational resources necessary to successfully implement the proposed activities in accordance with your implementation schedule. If applicable, past performance in administering previous ICDBG grants will be taken into consideration. You must address the existence or availability of these resources for the specific type of activity for which you are applying. You must receive a minimum of 20 points under this factor for your proposed activity to be eligible for funding. HUD will not rate any projects further that do not receive a minimum of 20 points under this factor. The implementation schedule and/or the Logic Model, Form HUD 96010, you submit for this factor will be measured against actual progress if you are funded.

1. (20 points for current ICDBG grantees) (30 points for new applicants) Managerial, Technical, and Administrative Capability

Your application must include a description demonstrating that you possess or can obtain managerial, technical, and/or administrative capability necessary to carry out the proposed project. Your application must address who will administer the project and how you plan to handle the technical aspects of executing the project in accordance with your implementation schedule. Typical documents that may be submitted include, but are not limited to, written summaries of qualifications and past experience of proposed staff, descriptions of staff responsibilities, and references or letters of endorsement from others who have worked with the proposed staff. Do not submit job descriptions or resumes.

a. (10 points) Managerial and Technical Staff.

The extent to which your application describes the roles/ responsibilities and the knowledge/experience of your overall proposed project director and staff, including the day-to-day program manager, consultants, and contractors in planning, managing, and implementing projects in accordance with the implementation schedule for which funding is being requested. Experience will be judged in terms of recent, relevant, and successful experience of your staff to undertake eligible program activities. In rating this factor, HUD will consider experience within the last 5 years to be recent; experience pertaining to the specific activities being proposed to be relevant; and experience producing specific accomplishments to be successful. The more recent the experience and the more experience your own staff members who work on the project have in successfully conducting and completing similar activities, the greater the number of points you will receive for this rating factor.

(10 Points). The applicant adequately describes the roles/ responsibilities and the knowledge/experience of its overall project director and staff, including the day-to-day program manager, consultants, and contractors in planning, managing, and implementing projects for which funding is being requested. Staff experience as described in the application is recent (within 5 years), relevant (pertains to the specific activities being proposed) and successful (has produced specific accomplishments).

(5 Points). The applicant adequately describes the roles/ responsibilities and the knowledge/experience of its overall project director and staff, including the day-to-day program manager, consultants, and contractors in planning, managing and implementing projects for which funding is being requested. However, one of the following applies: staff experience as described in the application is not recent (not within 5 years), is not relevant (does not pertain to the specific activities being proposed), or is not successful (did not produce specific accomplishments).

(0 Points). The applicant failed to adequately describe the roles/ responsibilities and the knowledge/experience of its overall project director and staff, including the day-to-day program manager, consultants, and contractors in planning, managing, and implementing projects for which funding is being requested or more than one of the following applies: staff experience as described in the application is not recent (not within 5 years), is not relevant (does not pertain to the specific activity being proposed), or is not successful (did not produce specific accomplishments).

b. (5 points for current ICDBG grantees) (7 points for new applicants) Project Implementation Plan and Program Evaluation.

The extent to which your project implementation plan identifies the specific tasks and timelines that you and your partner contractors and/ or sub grantees will undertake to complete your proposed project on time and within budget. The Project Implementation Schedule, Form HUD- 4125, may serve as this required schedule, provided that it is sufficiently detailed to demonstrate that you have clearly thought out your project implementation. The extent to which your project identifies, measures, and evaluates the specific benchmarks, outputs, outcomes, and/or goals of your project that enhance community viability. The Logic Model, Form HUD-96010, may serve as the format to address this information or you may provide a different format that provides the same information.

(5 points for current ICDBG grantees) (7 points for new applicants). The applicant submitted a project implementation plan that clearly specifies project tasks and timelines. The documentation identifies the steps in place to make adjustments to the work plan if tasks are not completed within established time frames. The applicant submitted clear project benchmarks, outputs, outcomes, and/or targets and identified objectively

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quantifiable program measures and/or evaluation process.

(3 points for current ICDBG grantees) (4 points for new applicants). The applicant submitted a project implementation plan that specifies project tasks and timelines. The applicant submitted project benchmarks, outputs, outcomes, and/or targets for each; however, did not clearly identify objectively quantifiable program measures and/or the evaluation process.

(0 points for current ICDBG grantees or new applicants). The applicant submitted a project implementation schedule that does not address all project tasks and timelines associated with the project. Project benchmarks, outputs, outcomes, and/or goals were not submitted, or if submitted, did not address either the quantifiable program measures and/or the evaluation process.

c. (3 points for current ICDBG grantees) (8 points for new applicants) Financial Management.

This subfactor evaluates the extent to which your application describes how your financial management systems will facilitate effective fiscal control over your proposed project and meet the requirements of 24 CFR part 85 and 24 CFR part 1003. You must also describe how you will apply your financial management systems to the specific project for which you are applying. The application will also be rated on the seriousness/significance of the findings related to your financial management system identified in your current audit. If you are required to have an audit but do not have a current audit, you must submit a letter from your Independent Public Accountant that is dated within the past 12 months stating that your financial management system complies with all applicable regulatory requirements. If you are not required to have an audit, you will automatically receive points for this portion of the subfactor if you provide the other information required by this subfactor. For purposes of this subfactor, a current audit is one which has been submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse within 9 months of the end of the applicant's last fiscal year, or 30 days after receipt of the audit report from the auditor, whichever comes first. Do not submit financial management and/or internal control policies and procedures or your audit with the application.

(3 points for current ICDBG grantees) (8 points for new applicants). The applicant clearly described how it will apply its financial management systems to the proposed project. The applicant's current audit does not contain any serious or significant findings related to its financial management system, or if there is no current audit, the applicant submitted a letter from its Independent Public Accountant stating that its financial management system complies with all applicable regulatory requirements.

(2 points for current ICDBG grantees) (4 points for new applicants). The applicant's current audit does not contain any serious or significant findings related to its financial management system, or if there is no current audit, the applicant submitted a letter from its Independent Public Accountant stating that its financial management system complies with all applicable regulatory requirements. The applicant did not describe how it would apply its financial management systems to the proposed project.

(1 point for current ICDBG grantees) (2 points for new applicants). The applicant's current audit does not contain any serious or significant findings related to its financial management system, or if there is no current audit, the applicant submitted a letter from its Independent Public Accountant stating that its financial management system complies with all applicable regulatory requirements. The applicant did not describe how it would apply its financial management systems to the proposed project.

(0 points for current ICDBG grantees or new applicants). The applicant's current audit included serious or significant findings related to its financial management systems or if there is no current audit, the applicant did not submit a letter from its IPA stating its financial management systems comply with all regulatory requirements. The applicant did not describe how it would apply its financial management systems to the proposed project.

d. (2 points for current ICDBG grantees) (5 points for new applicants) Procurement and Contract Management.

This subfactor evaluates the extent to which your application describes how your procurement and contract management policies and procedures will facilitate effective procurement and contract control over your proposed project and meet the requirements of 24 CFR part 85 and 24 CFR part 1003. You must also describe how you will apply your procurement and contract management systems to the specific project for which you are applying. The application will also be rated on the seriousness of the findings related to procurement and contract management identified in your current financial audit. If you are required to have an audit but do not have a current audit, you must submit a letter from your Independent Public Accountant stating that your procurement and contract management system complies with all applicable regulatory requirements. If you are not required to have an audit, you will automatically receive points for this portion of the subfactor if you provide the other information required by this subfactor. Do not submit procurement and contract management policies and procedures or your audit with the application.

(2 points for current ICDBG grantees) (5 points for new applicants). The applicant clearly described how its procurement and contract management policies and procedures will facilitate effective procurement and contract control over the proposed project, and meet the requirements of 24 CFR part 85 and 24 CFR part 1003. The applicant's current audit does not contain any serious or significant findings related to its procurement and contract management system, or if there is no current audit, the applicant submitted a letter from its Independent Public Accountant stating that its procurement and contract management system complies with all applicable regulatory requirements.

(1 point for current ICDBG grantees) (4 points for new applicants). The applicant's current audit does not contain any serious or significant findings related to its procurement or contract management system, or if there is no current audit, the applicant submitted a letter from its Independent Public Accountant stating that its procurement and contract management system complies with all applicable regulatory requirements. The applicant did not describe how it would apply its procurement and contract management systems to the proposed project.

(0 points for current ICDBG grantees or new applicants). The applicant's current audit included serious or significant findings related to its procurement and contract management systems or if there is no current audit, the applicant did not submit a letter from its IPA stating its procurement and contract management systems comply with all regulatory requirements. The applicant did not describe how it would apply its procurement and contract management systems to the proposed project. 2. (20 Points for Current ICDBG Grantees) (0 Points for New Applicants) Past Performance

HUD will evaluate your experience in producing products and reports in accordance with regulatory timelines for any previous grant programs undertaken

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with HUD funds for the following performance measures. HUD reserves the right to take into account your past performance in meeting performance and reporting goals on any previous HUD awards. Applicants are not required to respond to the subfactors related to past performance. HUD will rely on information on file.

a. (4 points for current ICDBG grantees) (0 points for new applicants). You are not more than 90 days behind schedule in meeting the time frames established in the HUD-approved Implementation Schedule for the ICDBG program.

(1) (4 points). The applicant is not more than 90 days behind schedule in meeting the timeframes established in the HUD-approved implementation schedule.

(2) (2 points). The applicant is not more than 120 days behind schedule in meeting the timeframes established in the HUD-approved implementation schedule.

(3) (0 points). The applicant is more than 120 days behind schedule in meeting timeframes established in the HUD-approved implementation schedule.

b. (4 points for current ICDBG grantees) (0 points for new applicants). Annual Status Reports (ASER) and Federal Cash Transaction Reports are submitted by the report submission deadlines. The ASER is due 45 days after the end of the Federal fiscal year on November 15. Federal Cash Transaction Reports are due quarterly on April 21, July 21, October 20, and January 22.

(1) (4 points). The applicant has submitted both the Annual Status and Evaluation Reports (ASER) and Federal Cash Transaction Reports for ICDBG programs by the report submission deadlines.

(2) (2 points). The applicant has submitted either the Federal Cash Transaction Reports or the Annual Status and Evaluation Reports for ICDBG programs by the report submission deadline.

(3) (0 points). The applicant has submitted neither of the required reports by the report submission deadline.

c. (4 points for current ICDBG grantees) (0 points for new applicants). You have submitted close-out documents to HUD by the submission deadline. Close-out documents are required for the ICDBG program within 90 days of the date it is determined that the criteria for close-out at 24 CFR 1003.508 have been met.

(1) (4 points). The applicant submitted close-out documents to HUD in accordance with the timeframe and criteria at Sec. 1003.508.

(2) (0 points). The applicant has not submitted close-out documents to HUD as required by Sec. 1003.508.

d. (4 points for current ICDBG grantees) (0 points for new applicants). You have submitted annual audits in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 and its compliance supplements. Do not submit your audit with the application.

(1) (4 points). The applicant has submitted annual audits in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 and its compliance supplements, or if the applicant has not been required to submit an audit, it will receive 4 points.

(2) (0 points). The applicant has not submitted annual audits in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 and its compliance supplements.

e. (4 points for current ICDBG grantees) (0 points for new applicants). You have resolved ICDBG monitoring findings and controlled audit findings by the established target date or there are no findings in current reports. Do not submit responses to open monitoring or audit findings with the application.

(1) (4 points). The applicant resolved open ICDBG monitoring findings and controlled audit findings by the established target date. If there were no open audit or ICDBG monitoring findings (current grantees only), the applicant will receive 2 points.

(2) (0 points). The applicant has not resolved open ICDBG monitoring findings and controlled audit findings by the established target date. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (16 Points)

This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need for the proposed project to address a documented problem among the intended beneficiaries.

1. (Up to 4 points). Your application includes quantitative information demonstrating that the proposed project meets an essential community development need by providing outcomes that are critical to the viability of the community.

2. (12 points). Your project benefits the neediest segment of the population, in accordance with the Program's primary objective defined at 24 CFR 1003.2. The criteria for this sub-factor vary according to the type of project for which you are applying. Please note that you may submit data that are unpublished and not generally available in order to meet the requirements of this section. However, to do so, you must submit a demographic data statement along with supporting documentation as described in Section IV.B. of this NOFA. For documenting persons employed by the project, you do not need to submit a demographic data statement and corresponding documentation. However, you do need to submit information that describes the nature of the jobs created or retained. Such information includes but is not limited to descriptions of proposed job responsibilities, salaries and the number of full-time equivalent positions. If you believe jobs will be retained as a result of the ICDBG project, include information that shows clearly and objectively, that jobs will be lost without the ICDBG project. Jobs that are retained only for the period of the grant will not count under this rating factor.

a. Public Facilities and Improvements and Economic Development Projects. The proposed activities benefit the neediest segment of the population, as identified below. For economic development projects, you may consider beneficiaries of the project as persons served by the project and/or persons employed by the project, and jobs created or retained by the project.

(1) (12 points). 85 percent or more of the beneficiaries are low- or moderate-income.

(2) (8 points). At least 75 percent but less than 85 percent of the beneficiaries are low- or moderate-income.

(3) (4 points). At least 55 percent but less than 75 percent of the beneficiaries are low- or moderate-income.

(4) (0 points). Less than 55 percent of the beneficiaries are low- or moderate-income.

b. New Housing Construction, Housing Rehabilitation, Land Acquisition to Support New Housing, and Homeownership Assistance Projects. The need for the proposed project is determined by utilizing data from the tribe's 2005 IHBG formula information. The ratio is based on the dollars allocated to a tribe under the IHBG program for Need divided by the sum of the number of AIAN households in the following categories:

--Annual income less than 30 percent of median income; --Annual income between 30 percent and 50 percent of median income; --Annual income between 50 percent and 80 percent of median income; --Overcrowded or without kitchen or plumbing; --Housing cost burden greater than 50 percent of annual income; --Housing shortage (Number of low-income AIAN households less total number of NAHASDA and Formula Current Assisted Stock).

This ratio is computed for each tribe and posted in the ``Factor 2 Needs

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Table'' that is available at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm under the ICDBG program.

(1) (12 points). The dollar amount for the Indian tribe is $354- $675 or the tribe's total FY2005 IHBG amount was $100,000 or less and the Needs Table indicates that the Indian tribe has no AIAN households experiencing income or housing problems.

(2) (8 points). The dollar amount for the Indian tribe is $676- $1,200.

(3) (4 points). The dollar amount for the Indian tribe is $1,201- $1,999.

(4) (0 points). The dollar amount for the Indian tribe is $2,000 or higher, or the Needs Table indicates that the Indian tribe has no AIAN households experiencing income or housing problems.

c. Microenterprise Programs. A microenterprise is a business that has five or fewer employees, one or more of whom owns the enterprise. The owner(s) of the microenterprise must be low-or moderate-income and the majority of the jobs created or retained will be for low-or moderate-income persons. To evaluate need, the nature of the jobs created or retained will be evaluated. The owners of the microenterprises are low- and moderate-income and:

(1) (12 points). All employees are low-or moderate-income.

(2) (8 points). At least 75 percent but less than 100 percent of the employees are low-or moderate-income.

(3) (4 points). At least 50 percent but less than 75 percent of the employees are low-or moderate-income.

(4) (0 points). Less than 50 percent of the employees are low- and moderate-income. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (30 Points)

This factor addresses the quality and anticipated effectiveness of your proposed project's outcomes in enhancing community viability and in meeting the needs you have identified in Rating Factor 2 and the commitment to sustain your proposed project. The populations that were described in demographics that documented need should be the same populations that will receive the primary benefit of the proposed project.

1. (10 points). Description of and Rationale for Proposed Project.

a. (10 points). The proposed project is a viable and cost effective approach to address the needs outlined under Rating Factor 2 of your application. The proposed project is described in detail and indicates why you believe the proposed project will be most effective in addressing the identified need. In order for an application to receive full credit under this factor, the application must include clear and sound measures of the proposed outputs and outcomes for how the community's viability will be enhanced, as presented in Rating Factor 5. The application includes a description of the size, type and location of the project and a rationale for project design. If your application is for construction or rehabilitation projects, the application must also include anticipated cost savings due to innovative program design or construction methods. For land acquisition to support new housing projects, you must establish that there is a reasonable ratio between the number of net usable acres to be acquired and the number of low- and moderate-income households to benefit from the project.

b. (5 points). The proposed project is a viable and cost effective approach to address the needs outlined under Rating Factor 2 of the application. The project is described in detail and indicates why you believe the project will be most effective in addressing the identified need. Proposed outcomes that will enhance the community's viability are included. The application includes a description of the size, type and location of the project as well as a rationale for project design. For land acquisition to support new housing projects, the applicant has established that there is a reasonable ratio between the number of net usable acres to be acquired and the number of low- and moderate-income households to benefit from this project. The application (for construction or rehabilitation projects) does not include anticipated cost savings due to innovative program design and/or construction methods.

c. (3 points). The proposed project is a viable and cost effective approach to address the needs outlined under Rating Factor 2 of the application. The project is described and indicates why you believe the project will be most effective in addressing the identified need. Proposed outcomes are included but do not describe how the project will enhance community viability. The application includes a description of the size, type, and location of the project. For land acquisition to support new housing projects, the applicant has established that there is a reasonable ratio between the number of net usable acres to be acquired and the number of low- and moderate-income households to benefit from the project. The application (for construction or rehabilitation activities) does not include anticipated cost savings due to innovative program design and/or construction methods.

d. (0 points). The proposed project is not a viable and cost effective approach to address the needs outlined under Rating Factor 2 of the application. The proposed project is not described in detail with an indication of why the applicant believes the project will be most effective in addressing the identified need. Proposed outcomes describing how the project will enhance community viability are not included. For land acquisition to support new housing projects, the applicant has not established that there is a reasonable ratio between the number of net usable acres to be acquired and the number of low- and moderate-income households to benefit from the project. The application (for construction and rehabilitation activities) does not include anticipated cost savings due to innovative program design and/ or construction methods.

2. (5 points). Budget and Cost Estimates.

The quality, thoroughness, and reasonableness of the proposed project budget are documented. Cost estimates must be broken down by line item for each proposed activity, including planning and administration costs, and documented. You must provide a description of the qualifications of the person who prepared the cost estimate.

3. (1 point). HUD Policy Priorities.

Your application addresses the goals for ``Improving Our Nation's Communities'', or ``Energy Star'', two of HUD's 2006 Policy Priorities, as described in Section V. B. of the General Section. You must describe which one of these two Policy Priorities you select and describe how your activity will meet the applicable goals.

4. (2 points). Intent to Meet Section 3 Requirements.

Your application demonstrates how you will apply the Section 3 requirements of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 and the regulations in 24 CFR part 135 (Economic Opportunities for Low and Very Low Income Persons) to the proposed project. You must demonstrate how you will incorporate Section 3 principles, with goals for expanding opportunities for Section 3 residents and business concerns, to your proposed project. The purpose of Section 3 is to ensure that employment and other economic opportunities generated by federal financial assistance for housing and community development programs, shall, to the extent feasible, be directed toward low and very-low income persons (but not in derogation of compliance with Section

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7(b) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 4503(b))).

5. (12 points). Commitment to Sustain Activities.

Your application demonstrates your commitment to your community's viability by sustaining your proposed activities. The information provided is sufficient to determine that the project will proceed effectively.

The criteria for this sub-factor vary according to the type of project for which you are applying.

a. Public Facilities and Improvement Projects.

(1) (12 points). If a tribe assumes operation and maintenance responsibilities for the public facilities and improvements, provide a written statement that the tribe has adopted the operation and maintenance plan and commits the necessary funds to provide for these responsibilities. In addition, describe how the operation and maintenance plan addresses maintenance, repairs, insurance, security, and replacement reserves and include a cost breakdown for annual expenses. If an entity other than the tribe commits to pay for operation and maintenance for the public facilities, a letter of commitment from the entity is included in the application that identifies the maintenance responsibilities and, if applicable, responsibilities for operations the entity will assume as well as necessary funds to provide for these responsibilities. A description of how the operation and maintenance plan addresses maintenance, repairs, insurance, security, and replacement reserves is not required when an entity other then the tribe assumes operation and maintenance responsibilities. For public facility buildings only, a commitment is included in the application that identifies the source of and commits the necessary operating funds for any recreation, social or other services to be provided. In addition, letters of commitment from service providers are included which address both operating expenses and space needs.

(2) (8 points). If a tribe assumes operation and maintenance responsibilities for the public facilities and improvements, provide a written statement that the tribe has adopted the operation and maintenance plan and commits the necessary funds to provide for these responsibilities. In addition, a description was included that shows that the operation and maintenance plan addresses at least 4 of the following items (maintenance, repairs, insurance, security, and replacement reserves) but a satisfactory cost breakdown for annual expenses was not included. If an entity other than the tribe commits to pay for operation and maintenance for the public facilities and maintenance, a letter of commitment from the entity is included in the application that identifies the maintenance responsibilities and, if applicable, responsibilities for operations the entity will assume but no information committing the necessary funds to provide for these responsibilities is included. A description of how the operation and maintenance plan addresses maintenance, repairs, insurance, security, and replacement reserves is not required when an entity other than the tribe assumes operation and maintenance responsibilities. For community buildings only, a commitment is included in the application that identifies the source of and commits the necessary operating funds for any recreation, social or other services to be provided. In addition, letters of commitment from service providers are included which address both operating expenses and space needs. Information provided is sufficient to determine that the project will proceed effectively.

(3) (4 points). If a tribe assumes operation and maintenance responsibilities for the public facilities and improvements, the application includes a written statement that the tribe has adopted the operation and maintenance plan and commits the necessary funds to provide for these responsibilities, or a description of the operation and maintenance plan is included that shows that the plan addresses at least 3 of the following items (maintenance, repairs, insurance, security, and replacement reserves). If an entity other than the tribe commits to pay for operation and maintenance for the public facilities and maintenance, the maintenance provider is identified and, if applicable, responsibilities for operations the entity will assume, but no letter of commitment is included. For public facility buildings only, no commitment is included in the application that identifies the source of and commits the necessary operating funds for any recreation, social or other services to be provided. However, letters of commitment to provide services are included but they do not address operating expenses and space needs. Information provided is sufficient to determine that the project will proceed effectively

(4) (0 points). None of the above criteria is met.

b. New Housing Construction, Housing Rehabilitation, and Homeownership Assistance Projects.

(1) (12 points). The ongoing maintenance responsibilities are clearly identified for the tribe and/or the participants, as applicable. If the tribe or another entity is assuming maintenance responsibilities, then the applicant must describe the maintenance responsibilities and provide a commitment to that effect.

(2) (8 points). Maintenance responsibilities for the tribe and/or participants are identified and described, but lacking in detail, and the commitment regarding maintenance responsibilities is submitted.

(3) (4 points). Tribal maintenance responsibilities are identified but participant responsibilities are either not addressed or do not exist, or there is no commitment regarding maintenance responsibilities.

(4) (0 points). None of the above criteria is met.

c. Economic Development Projects.

You must include information or documentation which addresses or provides all of the following in the application: a description of the organizational system and capacity of the entity that will operate the business; documents which show that formal provisions exist for separation of government functions from business operating decisions, an operating plan for the project, and the feasibility and market analysis of the proposed business activity and the financial viability of the project.

(1) Appropriate documents to include in the application to address these items include:

(a) Articles of incorporation, by-laws, resumes of key management positions and board members for the entity who will operate the business.

(b) Business operating plan.

(c) Market study no more than two years old and which has been conducted by an independent entity.

(d) Feasibility study no more than two years old which indicates how the proposed business will capture a fair share of the market, and which has been conducted by an independent entity.

(e) Detailed cost summary for the development of the project.

(f) For the expansion of an existing business, copies of financial statements for the most recent three years (or the life of the business, if less than three years).

(2) The submitted documentation will be evaluated to determine the project's financial chance for success. The following questions must be addressed to meet this requirement:

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(a) Does the business plan seem thorough and does the organization structure have quality control and responsibilities built in?

(b) Does the business plan or market analysis indicate that a substantial market share is likely within five years?

(c) Do the costs appear to be reasonable given projected income and information about inputs?

(d) Does the business plan or cash flow analysis indicate that cash flow will be positive within the first year?

(e) Is the financial statement clean with no indications of concern by the auditor?

(12 points). All above documents applicable to the proposed project are included in your application and provide evidence that the project's chance for financial success is excellent.

(6 points). All or most of the above documents applicable to the proposed project are included and provide evidence that the project's chance for financial success is reasonable.

(0 points). Neither of the above criteria is met.

d. Microenterprise Programs.

(1) You must include the following information or documentation in the application that addresses or provides a description of how your microenterprise program will operate. Appropriate information to include in the application to address program operations includes:

(a) Program description. A description of your microenterprise program including the types of assistance offered to microenterprise applicants and the types of entities eligible to apply for such assistance.

(b) Processes for selecting applicants. A description of your processes for analyzing microenterprise applicants' business plans, market studies and financial feasibility. For credit programs, you must describe your process for determining the loan terms (i.e., interest rate, maximum loan amount, duration, loan servicing provisions) to be offered to individual microenterprise applicants.

(2) (12 points). All of the above information or documentation applicable to the proposed project are thoroughly addressed in the application and the chances for success are excellent.

(3) (6 points). All or most of the above information or documentation applicable to the proposed project are addressed in the application and the chances for success are reasonable.

(4) (0 points). Neither of the above criteria is met.

e. Land Acquisition Projects to Support New Housing.

Submissions must include the results of a preliminary investigation conducted by a qualified independent entity demonstrating that the proposed site has suitable soil conditions for housing and related infrastructure, potable drinking water is accessible for a reasonable cost, access to utilities, vehicular access, drainage, nearby social and community services, and no known environmental problems.

(1) (12 points). The submissions include all of the above-mentioned items and all necessary infrastructure is in place.

(2) (6 points). The submissions demonstrate that the proposed site(s) is/are suitable for housing but that not all necessary infrastructure is in place. A detailed description of resources to be used and a detailed implementation schedule for development of all necessary infrastructure demonstrates that such infrastructure, as needed for proposed housing development, will be developed in time for such development, but no later than two years after site purchase.

(3) (0 points). Neither of the above criteria is met. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (8 Points)

HUD believes that ICDBG funds can be used more effectively to benefit a larger number of Native American and Alaska Native persons and communities if projects are developed that use tribal resources and resources from other entities in conjunction with ICDBG funds. To encourage this, we will award points based on the percentage of non- ICDBG resources provided relative to project costs as follows:

Non-ICDBG resources to project costs

Points

Less than 4 percent............................................. 0 At least 4 percent but less than 11 percent..................... 2 At least 11 percent but less than 18 percent.................... 4 At least 18 percent but less than 25 percent.................... 6 25 percent or more.............................................. 8

Contributions which could be considered as leveraged resources for point award include, but are not limited to: Tribal trust funds; loans from individuals or organizations; private foundations; businesses; state or federal loans or guarantees; other grants including IHBG (also known as NAHBG) funds; donated goods and services needed for the project; land needed for the project; and, direct administrative costs. With the exception of land acquisition, funds that have been expended on the project prior to application submission will not be counted as leverage. Applicants are reminded that environmental review requirements under 24 CFR part 58 apply to the commitment or use of both ICDBG and non-ICDBG funds in a leveraged project. See Section VI.B. of this NOFA for information related to this requirement.

Contributions that will not be considered include, but are not limited to: Indirect administrative costs as identified in OMB Circular A-87, attachment A, section F; contributions of resources to pay for anticipated operations and maintenance costs of the proposed project; and, in the cases of expansions to existing facilities, the value of the existing facility.

To be considered for point award, letters of firm or projected commitments, memoranda of understanding, or agreements to participate from any entity, including the tribe, which will be providing a contribution to the project, must accompany the application. The documentation must be received by HUD in the paper application package (if you have received a waiver of the electronic submission requirement) or for electronically submitted applications, the documentation must be scanned and submitted as part of the application documents or sent by facsimile transmittal (see the General Section). All documents submitted must be received by the application deadline dates and meet the timely receipt requirements to receive funding consideration.

To demonstrate the commitment of tribal resources, the application must contain a written statement that identifies and commits the tribal resources to the project, subject to approval of the ICDBG assistance. In the case of IHBG funds, whether the tribe or a TDHE administers them, an approved IHP must identify and commit the IHBG resources to the project. Do not submit the IHP with your application. ONAP will rely on the most recently approved IHP on file. If the tribe/TDHE intends to include the leveraged commitment in a future IHP, the application must contain a written statement that identifies and commits the IHBG resources to the project subject to the same requirements as above.

To demonstrate the commitment of a public agency, foundation, or other private party resources, a letter of commitment, memorandum of understanding, and/or agreement to participate, including any conditions to which the contribution may be subject, must be submitted with the application.

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All letters of commitment must include the donor organization's name, the specific resource proposed, the dollar amount of the financial or in-kind resource and method for valuation, and the purpose of that resource within the proposed project. An official of the organization legally authorized to make commitments on behalf of the organization must sign the commitment.

HUD recognizes that in some cases, firm commitments of non-tribal resources may not be obtainable by your tribe by the application submission deadline. For such projected resources, your application must include a statement from the contributing entity that describes why the firm commitment cannot be made at the current time and affirms that your tribe and the proposed project meets eligibility criteria for receiving the resource. In addition, a date by which the funding decisions will be made must be included. This date cannot be more than six months from the anticipated date of grant approval by HUD. Should HUD not receive notification of the firm commitment within 6 months of the date of grant approval, HUD will recapture the grant funds approved and will use them in accordance with the requirements of 24 CFR 1003.102.

In addition to the above requirements, for all contributions of goods, services and land, you must demonstrate that the donated items are necessary to the actual development of the project and include comparable costs that support the donation. Land valuation must be established using one of the following methods and the documentation must be contained in the application: A site specific appraisal no more than two years old; an appraisal of a nearby comparable site also no more than two years old; a reasonable extrapolation of land value based on current area realtor value guides; or, a reasonable extrapolation of land value based on recent sales of similar properties in the same area. Rating Factor 5: Comprehensiveness and Coordination (6 Points)

This factor addresses the extent to which your project planning and proposed implementation reflect a coordinated, community-based process of identifying and addressing needs including assisting beneficiaries and the program to achieve self-sufficiency/sustainability. The Logic Model, HUD Form 96010, is not required for Rating Factor 5 under the ICDBG program. However, applicants are encouraged to use this form to address program evaluation requirements under Rating Factor 1.(1).(b) of this NOFA, and measurable outputs and outcomes in Section (2) of this factor.

1. (Up to 2 points). The application addresses the extent to which you have coordinated your proposed ICDBG activities with other organizations and/or tribal departments that are not providing direct financial support to your proposed work activities, but with which you share common goals and objectives and are working toward meeting these objectives in a holistic and comprehensive manner. For example, your project is consistent with and, to the extent possible, identified in the IHP (One-Year Financial Resources Narrative; Table 2, Financial Resources, Part I., Line 1E; and, Table 2, Financial Resources, Part II) submitted by you or on your behalf for the IHBG (also known as NAHBG) program. If the IHP for the IHBG (also known as NAHBG) program year that coincides with the implementation of the ICDBG proposed project has not been submitted, you must provide a written statement that when submitted, the IHP will specifically reference the proposed project.

2. (Up to 4 points). Your proposed project will have measurable outputs and outcomes that will enhance community viability.

Outputs must include, where applicable:

Number of houses rehabilitated;

Number of jobs created;

Square feet for any public facility;

Number of education or job training opportunities provided;

Number of homeownership units constructed or financed;

Number of businesses assisted (including number of minority/Native American);

Number of families proposed to be assisted with a drug- elimination program, or with a program to reduce or eliminate health related hazards.

Outcomes must include, where appropriate:

Reduction in the number of families living in substandard housing;

Increased income resulting from employment generated by project;

Increased quality of life due to services provided by the public facility;

Increased economic self-sufficiency of recipients of program beneficiaries;

Increase in homeownership rates;

Reduction of drug-related crime or health related hazards.

This year HUD is providing a Master Logic Model which is a Microsoft Excel TMfile which features dropdown listings from which applicants may elect the items in each column that reflect their activity outputs and outcomes and copy. The Master Logic Model listing also identifies the unit of measure that HUD is interested in collecting for the output and outcome selected. In making the selections, applicants are to identify the appropriate estimated number of units of measure to be accomplished and identified for each output and outcome. The space next to the output and outcome is intended to capture the anticipated units of measure. Multiple outputs and outcomes may be selected per project. For FY2006, HUD is considering a new concept for the Logic Model. The new concept is a Return on Investment statement. HUD will be publishing a separate notice on the ROI concept. The Master Logic Model pick is incorporated into the form available as part of the ICDBG Instructions download from Grants.gov. Training on use of the dropdown form will be provided via Webcast. The schedule for Webcast training can be found at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm .

B. Reviews and Selection Process

1. Application Selection Process

You must meet all of the applicable threshold requirements listed in Section III.C. Your application must meet all screening for acceptance requirements and all identified applicant and project specific thresholds. HUD will review each application and assign points in accordance with the selection factors described in this section. 2. Threshold Compliance

The Area ONAP will review each application that passes the screening process to ensure that each applicant and each proposed project meets the applicant threshold requirements set forth in 24 CFR 1003.301(a) and the project specific threshold requirements set forth in 24 CFR 1003.302 and III.C. of this NOFA. 3. Past Performance

An applicant's past performance is evaluated under Rating Factor 1. Applicants are encouraged to address all performance-related criteria prior to submission of an application. An applicant must score a minimum of 20 points under Rating Factor 1 in order to meet the minimum point requirements outlined below in this NOFA. 4. Rating

The Area ONAP will review and rate each project that meets the acceptance criteria and threshold requirements. After the applications are rated, a summary review of all applications will be conducted to ensure consistency in the application rating. The summary review will be performed by either the

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Grants Management Director (or designee) or by a panel composed of up to three staff members.

The total points for all rating factors are 100. A maximum of 100 points may be awarded under Rating Factors 1 through 5. 5. Minimum Points

To be considered for funding, your application must receive a minimum of 20 points under Rating Factor 1 and an application score of 70 points. 6. Ranking

All projects will be ranked against each other according to the point totals they receive, regardless of the type of project or component under which the points were awarded. Projects will be selected for funding based on the final ranking to the extent that funds are available. The Area ONAP will determine individual grant amounts in a manner consistent with the considerations set forth in 24 CFR 1003.100(b)(2). Specifically, the Area ONAP may approve a grant amount less than the amount requested. In doing so, the Area ONAP may take into account the size of the applicant, the level of demand, the scale of the activity proposed relative to need and operational capacity, the number of persons to be served, the amount of funds required to achieve project objectives, and the reasonableness of the project costs. If the Area ONAP determines that there are not enough funds available to fund a project as proposed by the applicant, it may decline to fund that project and may fund the next highest-ranking project or projects for which adequate funds are available. The Area ONAP shall select, in rank order, additional projects for funding if one of the higher-ranking projects is not funded or if additional funds become available. 7. Tiebreakers

When rating results in a tie among projects and insufficient resources remain to fund all tied projects, the Area ONAP will approve projects that can be fully funded over those that cannot be fully funded. When that does not resolve the tie, the Area ONAP will use the following factors in the order listed to resolve the tie:

(a) The applicant that has not received an ICDBG over the longest period of time.

(b) The applicant with the fewest active ICDBGs.

(c) The project that would benefit the highest percentage of low- and moderate-income persons. 8. Technical Deficiencies and Pre-Award Requirements

a. Technical Deficiencies: If there are technical deficiencies in successful applications, you must satisfactorily address these deficiencies before HUD can make a grant award. See the General Section at V.B.4. for information on curing deficiencies.

b. Pre-award Requirements. Successful applicants may be required to provide supporting documentation concerning the management, maintenance, operation, or financing of proposed projects before a grant agreement can be executed. Such documentation may include additional specifications on the scope, magnitude, timing or method of implementing the project; or information to verify the commitment of other resources required to complete, operate, or maintain the proposed project. Applicants will be provided thirty (30) calendar days to respond to these requirements. No extensions will be provided. If you do not respond within the prescribed time period or you make an insufficient response, the Area ONAP will determine that you have not met the requirements and will withdraw the grant offer. You may not substitute new projects for those originally proposed in your application and any new information will not affect your project's rating and ranking. The Area ONAP will award, in accordance with the provisions of this NOFA, grant amounts that had been allocated for applicants unable to meet pre-award requirements. 9. Error and Appeals

Judgments made within the provisions of this NOFA and the program regulations (24 CFR part 1003) are not subject to claims of error. You may bring arithmetic errors in the rating and ranking of applications to the attention of the Area ONAPs within 30 days of being informed of your score. Please see Section VI.A. of the General Section for further information regarding errors. 10. Performance and Compliance Actions of Funding Recipients

HUD will measure and address the performance of and order compliance actions by funding recipients in accordance with the applicable standards and sanctions of their respective programs.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

Awards are expected to be announced by October 31, 2006. As soon as rating and ranking are completed, the applicant has complied with any pre-award requirements, and Congressional Release has been obtained, a grant award letter, a grant agreement, and other forms and certifications will be mailed to the recipient for signature and return to the Area ONAP. The grant agreement, which is signed by HUD and the recipient, establishes the conditions by which both the Area ONAP and the recipient must abide during the life of the grant. All grants are conditioned upon the completion of all environmental obligations and approval of release of funds by the Area ONAP in accordance with the requirements of 24 CFR part 58. HUD may impose other grant conditions if additional actions or approvals are required before the use of funds.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Statutory and Regulatory Requirements

a. Environmental Requirements. As required by 24 CFR 1003.605, ICDBG grantees must perform environmental reviews of ICDBG activities in accordance with 24 CFR part 58 (as amended 9/29/03). Grantees and other participants in the development process may not commit or expend any ICDBG or nonfederal funds on project activities (other than those listed in 24 CFR 58.22(f), 58.34 or 58.35(b)) until HUD has approved a Request for Release of Funds and environmental certification submitted by the grantee. The expenditure or commitment of ICDBG or nonfederal funds for such activities prior to HUD approval may result in the denial of assistance for the project or activities under consideration.

b. Indian Preference. HUD has determined that the ICDBG program is subject to Section 7(b) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450e(b)). The provisions and requirements for implementing this section are in 24 CFR 1003.510.

c. Anti-discrimination Provisions. Under the authority of Section 107(e)(2) of the CDBG statute, HUD waived the requirement that recipients comply with the anti-discrimination provisions in Section 109 of the CDBG statute with respect to race, color, and national origin. You must comply with the other prohibitions against discrimination in Section 109 (HUD's regulations for Section 109 are in 24 CFR part 6) and with the Indian Civil Rights Act.

d. Conflict of Interest. In addition to the conflict of interest requirements with respect to procurement transactions found in 24 CFR 85.36 and

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84.42, as applicable, the provisions of 24 CFR 1003.606 apply to such activities as the provision of assistance by the recipient or sub- recipients to businesses, individuals, and other private entities under eligible activities that authorize such assistance.

e. Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons (Section 3). Section 3 requirements apply to the ICDBG program, but as stated in 24 CFR 135.3(c), the procedures and requirements of 24 CFR part 135 apply to the maximum extent consistent with, but not in derogation of, compliance with Indian Preference. 2. OMB Circulars and Government-Wide Regulations Applicable to Financial Assistance Programs

The policies, guidance and requirements of OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles Applicable to Grants, Contracts and other Agreements with State and Local Governments; and OMB Circular A-122, Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations; and OMB Circular A-133, Audits of State and Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations; and the regulations at 24 CFR part 85, Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local and Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments apply to the award, acceptance, and use of assistance under the ICDBG program and to the remedies for noncompliance, except when inconsistent with the provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub L. 109-115; approved November 30, 2005) or the ICDBG program regulations at 24 CFR part 1003. Copies of the OMB Circulars may be obtained from EOP publications. Room 22000, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503, telephone (202) 395-3080 (this is not a toll-free number) or (800) 877-8339 (TTY Federal Information Relay Service). Information may also be obtained from the OMB Web site at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html .

C. Reporting

1. Post Award Reporting Requirements

a. Quarterly Financial Reports. Grant recipients must submit quarterly to the Area ONAP a SF-272, Federal Cash Transaction Report. The report accounts for funds received and disbursed by the recipient.

b. Annual Status and Evaluation Report. Recipients are required to submit this report in narrative form annually. The report is due 45 days after the end of the Federal fiscal year and at the time of grant close-out. The report must include:

(1) The narrative report must address the progress made in completing approved activities and include a list of work remaining, along with a revised implementation schedule if necessary. This should include progress on any outputs or outcomes specified in Rating Factor 5 and incorporated into the final award document (applicants can use the logic model to address all or some of the narrative requirements). Further information regarding the Return on Investment(s) will be issued in a subsequent notice by HUD (see section V.A.2., Rating Factor 5 of this NOFA for further information);

(2) A breakdown of funds spent on each major project activity or category; and

(3) If the project has been completed, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the project in meeting the community development needs of the grantee, as well as the final outputs and outcomes.

c. Minority Business Enterprise Report. Recipients must submit this report on contract and subcontract activity during the first half of the fiscal year by April 10 and, by October 10 for the second half of the fiscal year.

d. A close-out report must be submitted by the recipient within 90 days of completion of grant activities. The report consists of the final Financial Status Report (forms SF 269 or 269A), the final Status and Evaluation Report including outposts and outcomes agreed upon in the final award document relating to Rating Factor 5 and the Close-Out Agreement. Further information regarding the Return on Investment(s) will be issued in a subsequent notice by HUD (see section V.A.2., Rating Factor 5 of this NOFA for further information).

More information regarding these requirements may be found at 24 CFR 1003.506 and 1003.508.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

A. General Questions

You should direct general program questions to the Area ONAP serving your area or to Barbara Gallegos, at 602-379-7215. Persons with speech or hearing impairments may call HUD's TTY number (202) 708-0770, or 1-800-877-8339 (the Federal Information Relay Service TTY). Other than the ``800'' numbers, these numbers are not toll-free. You should direct questions concerning downloading the electronic application, registering with Grants.gov, or other questions regarding the electronic application to the Grants.gov support desk at 800-518- GRANTS. You may also send an email to Support@Grants.gov.

B. Technical Assistance

Before the application submission deadline, HUD staff will be available to provide you with general guidance and technical assistance about the requirements in the General Section and this NOFA. However, HUD staff is not permitted to assist in preparing your application. Following selection of applicants, but before awards are made, HUD staff is available to assist in clarifying or confirming information that is a prerequisite to the offer of an award.

VIII. Other Information

A. NOFA Training

Training for potential applicants on the requirements of the General Section, this NOFA, the Logic Model, and Grants.gov registration, will be provided by HUD via broadcast and webcast. Information on the training can be found in the General Section. The training schedule can be found on HUD's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm .

B. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement

The information collection requirements in this NOFA have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2577-0191. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 43 hours per annum for the application and grant administration. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data. The information will be used for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds. Response to this request for information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived.

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN08MR06.006

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Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Program

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy Development and Research, Office of University Partnerships.

B. Funding Opportunity Title: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Program.

C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Numbers: The Federal Register Number is FR- 5030-N-28. The OMB Approval Number is 2528-0235.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: The CFDA Number for is program is 14.520.

F. Dates: The application deadline date is May 19, 2006. Please be sure to read the General Section for electronic application submission and receipt requirements.

G. Additional Overview Content Information:

1. Purpose of the Program: To assist Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to expand their role and effectiveness in addressing community development needs in their localities, including neighborhood revitalization, housing and economic development, principally for persons of low- and moderate-income consistent with the purposes of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.

2. Award Information: In Fiscal Year (FY) 2006, approximately $8.9 million has been made available by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109-115; approved Nov. 30, 2005) of which up to $1,000,000 has been allocated to provide technical assistance. In addition, $2.5 million in previously unobligated funds are available for this program. HUD will award two types of grants under this program: Category I and Category II.

a. Category I Grants will be awarded to provide critical resources and assistance to institutions that sustained in excess of $50 million in damage and destruction from hurricanes Katrina or Rita in FY 2005. No assistance may be provided for any expenses compensated through insurance or otherwise provided or paid by any other program, persons, and/or entity. Applicants can request up to $2,000,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period.

b. Category II Grants will be awarded to institutions to expand their role and effectiveness in addressing community development needs in their localities, or a designated disaster area including neighborhood revitalization, housing and economic development. Applicants can request up to $600,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period.

Approximately $6 million will be made available to fund Category I applicants. In addition, approximately $4.4 million will be made available to fund Category II applicants. If funding designated for Category I Applicants remains after all eligible applicants are awarded, the remaining funds will be made available to fund eligible Category II Applicants.

Only one application can be submitted per institution. In addition, an applicant can only apply under one category. If multiple applications are submitted under one category, all will be disqualified. If an applicant submits applications under both funding categories, all applications will be disqualified.

3. Eligible Applicants: Historically Black Colleges and Universities that meet the definition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities as determined by the Department of Education in 34 CFR 608.2 in accordance with that Department's responsibilities under Executive Order 13256, dated February 12, 2002. Applicants must be institutions of higher education accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

The purpose of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Program is to expand their role and effectiveness in addressing community development needs in their localities, including neighborhood revitalization, housing, and economic development, principally for persons of low- and moderate-income, consistent with the purpose of the Title I of Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.

For the purposes of Category II Applicants applying under this program NOFA, the term ``locality'' includes any city, county, township, parish, village, or other general political subdivision of a state, or the U.S. Virgin Islands where the institution is located and the term ``target area'' is the area within the locality in which the institution will implement its proposed HBCU grant. If an institution wants to provide services/activities in a location other than the target area of that institution an applicant must provide justification for why they want to do so.

A. Authority

HUD's authority for making funding available under this NOFA is the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109-115; approved Nov. 30, 2005). This program is being implemented through this NOFA and the policies governing its operation are contained herein.

B. Modifications

Listed below are major modifications from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 program-funding announcement:

1. The 15 percent cap on the total grant amount that can be used on public service activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons can now be waived. Institutions seeking to devote more than 15 percent of the grant funds to public service activities must include a written request in their application addressed to Darlene F. Williams, Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research. The written request must include the following information: (1) The basis for the request; (2) a description of the proposed public service activities; (3) the dollar amount dedicated to the proposed public service activities; and (4) a statement describing how the proposed activities meet the Community Development Block Grant eligibility requirements and at least one national objective. This letter must be included in the applicant's application.

2. Commitment letters, memoranda of understanding and/or agreements are not required at the time of application submission but must be on file. Applicants selected for award will be required to submit the signed commitment letters, memoranda of understanding and/or agreements outlined in the application, within twenty (20) calendar days after initial contact from the Office of University Partnerships (OUP). OUP will provide specific instructions on how these documents must be submitted at that time. HUD will only request and consider the resources/organizations outlined in the application. If OUP does not receive those documents in the required format and allotted timeframe, an applicant will not receive points under this factor and the application will be rated and ranked to address this point change.

3. Current HBCU grantees that have two or more active HBCU grants are no longer required to have drawn down 50 percent or more prior to this application deadline date to be eligible to apply for funding under this NOFA.

4. All applicants submitting electronic applications must attach their narrative

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responses to Rating Factors 1-5 as one attachment. PLEASE DO NOT ATTACH YOUR RESPONSE TO EACH FACTOR SEPARATELY.

II. Award Information

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2006, approximately $8.9 million is made available for this program, of which up to $1,000,000 has been allocated to provide technical assistance. In addition $2.4 million in previously unobligated funds. HUD will award two types of grants under this program: Category I and Category II.

A. Category I Grants will be awarded to provide critical resources and assistance to institutions that sustained in excess of $50 million in damage and destruction from hurricanes Katrina or Rita in FY2005. No assistance may by provided for any expenses compensated through insurance or otherwise provided or paid by any other program, persons, and/or entity. Applicants can request up to $2,000,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period.

B. Category II Grants will be awarded to expand institutions to their role and effectiveness in addressing community development needs in their localities, or a designated disaster area including neighborhood revitalization, housing and economic development. Applicants can request up to $600,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period.

Approximately $6 million will be made available to fund Category I applicants. In addition, approximately $4.4 million will be made available to fund Category II applicants. If funding designated for Category I Applicants remains after all eligible applicants are awarded, the remaining funds will be made available to fund eligible Category II Applicants.

Only one application can be submitted per institution. In addition, an applicant can only apply under one category. If multiple applications are submitted under one category, all will be disqualified. If an applicant submits applications under both funding categories, all applications will be disqualified.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Historically Black Colleges and Universities as determined by the U.S. Department of Education in 34 CFR 608.2 in accordance with that Department's responsibilities under Executive Order 13256, dated February 12, 2002. All applicants must be institutions of higher education accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

None Required.

C. Other

1. Eligible Activities

Eligible activities are listed in 24 CFR part 570, subpart C, particularly Sec. Sec. 570.201 through 570.206. Information regarding these activities can be found at: http://www.hudclips.org (click on the Code

of Federal Regulations for detailed information). a. Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

(1) Acquisition of real property;

(2) Clearance and demolition (Applicants applying for Category I funding may undertake eligible activities such as clearance and demolition or rehabilitation on their own campuses/facilities);

(3) Rehabilitation of residential structures including lead-based paint hazard evaluation and reduction and making accessibility and visitability modifications in accordance with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;

(4) Public facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities and streets compliance with accessibility requirements including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Fair Housing Act, and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990;

(5) Special economic development activities described at 24 CFR 570.203 and assistance to facilitate economic development by providing technical or financial assistance for the establishment, stabilization, and expansion of microenterprises, including minority enterprises;

(6) Assistance to community-based development organizations (CBDO) to carry out a CDBG neighborhood revitalization, community economic development, or energy conservation projects, in accordance with 24 CFR 570.204. This could include activities in support of a HUD-approved local entitlement grantee, CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy (NRS) or HUD-approved State CDBG Community Revitalization Strategy (CRS);

(7) Public service activities such as those general support activities that can help to stabilize a neighborhood and contribute to sustainable redevelopment of the area, including but not limited to such activities as those concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health care services, drug abuse, education, fair housing counseling, energy conservation, homebuyer down payment assistance, establishment and maintenance of Neighborhood Network centers in federally assisted or insured housing, job training and placement, and recreational needs;

(8) Payments of reasonable grant administrative costs related to planning and execution of the project (e.g., preparation/submission of HUD reports). Detailed explanations of these costs are provided in the OMB circular (A-21 Cost Principals for Educational Institutions) that can be accessed at the White House Web site, http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html ; and

(9) Fair housing services designed to further the civil rights objectives of the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601-20) by making all persons, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status and/or disability aware of the range of housing opportunities available to them.

b. Eligible activities funded under this program meet both the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program eligibility requirements and at least one of the national objectives.

c. The three national objectives of the Community Development Block Grant program are:

(1) Benefit to low-or moderate-income persons;

(2) Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; and

(3) Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community, and other financial resources are not available to meet such needs.

Criteria for determining whether an activity addresses one or more national objective are provided at 24 CFR 570.208.

d. The CDBG publication entitled ``Community Development Block Grant Program Guide to National Objectives and Eligible Activities for Entitlement Communities'' describes the CDBG regulations, and a copy can be obtained from HUD's NOFA Information Center at 800-HUD-8929 or 800-HUD-2209 for the hearing-impaired. 2. Audit Requirements

See Section III.C. of the General Section. 3. Threshold Requirements Applicable to All Applicants

All applicants must comply with the threshold requirements as defined in the General Section and the requirements listed below. Applications that do not meet these requirements will be

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considered ineligible for funding and will be disqualified:

a. The applicant must meet the eligibility requirements as defined in Section III.A.

b. The maximum amount of funding an applicant can request under Category I Grants is $2,000,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period. The maximum amount of funding an applicant can request for funding under Category II Grants is $600,000 for a three- year (36 months) grant performance period.

c. Only one application can be submitted per institution. In addition, an applicant can only apply under one category. If multiple applications are submitted under one category, all will be disqualified. If an applicant submits applications under both funding categories, all applications will be disqualified.

d. Applicants must receive a minimum score of 75 points to be considered for funding.

e. An applicant must have a DUNS number to receive HUD grant funds. (See the General Section).

f. Electronic applications must be received and validated by grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date of May 19, 2006. 4. Program Requirements

In addition to the program requirements listed in Section III.C of the General Section, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

a. All funds awarded are for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period.

b. Applicants must ensure that not less than 51 percent of the aggregated expenditures of the grant benefit low- and moderate-income persons under the criteria specified in 24 CFR 570.208(a) or 570.208(d)(5) or (6).

c. Site Control. Where grant funds will be used for acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction an applicant must demonstrate site control. Funds may be recaptured or deobligated from applicants that cannot demonstrate control of a suitable site within one year after the initial notification of award.

d. Environmental Requirements. Selection for award does not constitute approval of any proposed sites. Following selection for award, HUD will perform an environmental review of properties proposed for assistance in accordance with 24 CFR part 50. The results of the environmental review may require that proposed activities be modified or proposed sites be rejected. Applicants are particularly cautioned not to undertake or commit funds for acquisition or development of proposed properties prior to HUD approval of specific properties or areas. An application constitutes an assurance that the institution will assist HUD to comply with part 50; Will supply HUD with all available and relevant information to perform an environmental review for each proposed property; will carry out mitigating measures required by HUD or select alternate property; and will not acquire, rehabilitate, convert, demolish, lease, repair, or construct property, and not commit or expend HUD or local funds for these program activities with respect to any eligible property until HUD's written approval of the property is received. In supplying HUD with environmental information, applicants should use the same guidance as provided in the HUD Notice CPD-05-07 entitled, ``Field Environmental Review Processing for Rural Housing and Economic Development (RHED) Grants'' issued August 30, 2005.

Further information and assistance on HUD's environmental requirements is available at: http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/cpd/lawsregs/notices/2005/05-07.pdf .

e. Labor Standards. Institutions and their sub-grantees, contractors and subcontractors must comply with the labor standards (Davis-Bacon) requirements referenced in 24 CFR 570.603.

f. Economic Opportunities for Low-and Very-Low Income Persons (Section 3). The provisions of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) apply to this NOFA and requires that, to the greatest extent feasible, opportunities for training and employment be given to lower-income residents of the project and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded in substantial part to persons residing in the area of the project. Regulations are located at 24 CFR part 135.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Addresses to Request Application Package

Applicants may download the instructions to the application found on the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov/Apply. If you have

difficulty accessing the information you may call the Grants.gov Support Desk toll free at 800-518-GRANTS or e-mail your questions to Support@Grants.gov. See the General Section for information regarding

the registration process or ask for registration information from the Grants.gov Support Desk.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Forms

The following forms are required for submission. Copies of these forms are available on line at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa06/snofaforms.cfm .

a. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424);

b. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (SF-424 Supplement);

c. Grant Application Detailed Budget (HUD-424-CB);

d. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicable;

e. America's Affordable Communities Initiative (HUD-27300), if applicable;

f. Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (HUD-2880);

g. Program Logic Model (HUD-96010);

h. Budget-By-Activity (HUD-40076);

i. Acknowledgement of Applicant Receipt (HUD-2993). Complete this form if you have received a waiver to the electronic application submission requirement. Applicants are not required to include this form;

j. You Are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey (HUD-2994-A). Applicants are not required to complete this form; and

k. Facsimile Transmittal Cover Page (HUD-96011). This form must be used as the cover page to transmit third party documents and other information. Applicants are advised to download the application package, complete the SF-424 first and it will pre-populate the Transmittal Cover page. The Transmittal Cover page will contain a unique identifier embedded in the page that will help HUD associate your faxed materials to your application. Please do not use your own fax sheet. HUD will not read any faxes that are sent without the HUD- 96011 fax transmittal cover page. 2. Certifications and Assurances

Please read the General Section for detailed information on all Certifications and Assurances. All applications submitted through Grants.gov constitute an acknowledgement and agreement to all required certifications and assurances. Please include in your application each item listed below. Applicants submitting paper copy applications should submit the application in the following order:

a. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. Please remember the following:

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(1) The full grant amount requested from HUD (entire three-years) should be entered, not the amount for just one year;

(2) Include the name, title, address, telephone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address of the designated contact. This is the person who will receive all correspondence, therefore, please ensure the accuracy of the information;

(3) The Employer Identification/Tax ID number;

(4) The DUNS Number;

(5) The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this program is 14.520;

(6) The project's proposed start date and completion date. For the purpose of this application, the program start date should be December 1, 2006; and

(7) The signature of the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) who by virtue of submitting an application via Grants.gov has been authenticated by the credential provider to submit applications on behalf of the Institution and approved by the eBusiness Point of Contact to submit an application via Grants.gov. The AOR must be able to make a legally binding agreement with HUD. For details on the Grants.gov registration process see HUD's Notice on Early Registration published in the Federal Register on December 9, 2005.

b. Application Checklist. Applicants should use the checklist to ensure that they have all the required components of their application. Applicants that receive a waiver of the electronic application submission requirement must include a copy of the checklist in their application submission. Applicants submitting an electronic application should not submit the checklist. The checklist can be located in Appendix A.

c. Abstract. Applicants must include no more than a two-page summary of the proposed project. Please include the following:

(1) A clear description of the proposed project activities, where they will take place (be located), the target population that will be assisted, and the impact this project is expected to have on the community and institution;

(2) A statement that the institution is an eligible institution because it is a fully accredited institution, the name of the accrediting agency and an assurance that the accrediting agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education;

(3) The designated contact person, including phone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address (This is the person who will receive all correspondence; therefore, please ensure the accuracy of the information);

(4) The principal director, if different from the designated contact person, for the project, including phone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address.

d. Narrative statement addressing the Factors. HUD will use the narrative response to the ``Rating Factors'' to evaluate, rate, and rank applications. The narrative statement is the main source of information. Applicants are advised to review each factor carefully for program specific requirements. The response to each factor should be concise and contain only information relevant to the factor, yet detailed enough to address each factor fully. Please do not repeat material in response to the five factors; instead, focus on how well the proposal responds to each of the factors. Where there are subfactors each subfactor must be presented separately, with the short title of the subfactor presented. Make sure to address each subfactor and provide sufficient information about every element of the subfactor. The narrative section of an application must not exceed 50 pages in length (excluding forms, budget narrative, assurances, and abstract) and must be submitted on 8\1/2\ by 11-inch paper, double- spaced on one side of the paper, with one inch margins (from the top, bottom, and left to right side of the document) and printed in standard Times New Roman 12-point font. Each page of the narrative must include the applicant's name and be should be numbered. Note that although submitting pages in excess of the page limit will not disqualify an applicant, HUD will not consider the information on any excess pages. This exclusion may result in a lower score or failure to meet a threshold requirement. All applicants submitting electronic applications must attach their narrative responses to Rating Factors 1- 5 as one attachment. PLEASE DO NOT ATTACH YOUR RESPONSE TO EACH FACTOR SEPARATELY.

e. Budget. The budget submission must include the following:

(1) HUD-424-CB, ``Grant Application Detailed Budget.'' This form shows the total budget by year and by line item for the program activities to be carried out with the proposed HUD grant. Each year of the program should be presented separately. Applicants must also submit this form to reflect the total cost (summary) for the entire grant performance period (Grand Total).

(2) HUD-40076-HBCU, ``Response Sheet, Budget-By-Activity'' This form must be used to document the entire three-year grant performance period. The form should include a listing of tasks to be completed for each activity necessary to be performed to implement the program, the overall costs for each activity, and the cost from each funding source. The budget-by-activity should clearly indicate the HUD grant amount and identify the source and dollar amount of the leveraged resources, if any.

Make sure that the amounts shown on the SF-424, HUD-424-CB, HUD- 40076-HBCU and all other required program forms are consistent and the budget totals are correct. Remember to check addition in totaling the categories on all forms so that all items are included in the total. If there is an inconsistency between any of the required budget forms, the HUD-424-CB will be used. All budget forms must be completed fully. If an application is selected for award, the applicant may be required to provide greater specificity to the budget during grant agreement negotiations.

(3) Budget Narrative. A narrative must be submitted that explains how the applicant arrived at the cost estimates for any line item over $5,000 cumulative. For example, an applicant proposes to construct a building using HUD funding totaling $200,000. The following costs estimate reflects this total. Foundation cost $75,000, electrical work $40,000, plumbing work $40,000, finishing work $35,000, and landscaping $10,000. The proposed cost estimates should be reasonable for the work to be performed and consistent with rates established for the level of expertise required to perform the work proposed in the geographical area. When necessary, quotes from various vendors or historical data should be used (please make sure they are kept on file and are available for review by HUD at any time). When an applicant proposes to use a consultant, the applicant must indicate whether there is a formal written agreement. For each consultant, please provide the name, if known, hourly or daily rate, and the estimated time on the project. Applicants must use a cost estimate based on historical data from the institution, and/or from a qualified firm (e.g., Architectural or Engineering firm), vendor, and/or qualified individual (e.g., independent architect or contractor) other than the institution for projects that involve rehabilitation of residential, commercial and/or industrial structures, and/or acquisition, construction, or installation of public facilities and improvements. Such an entity must be involved in the business of housing rehabilitation, construction and/or management. Equipment and contracts cannot be presented as a total estimated costs. For equipment,

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applicants must provide a list by type and cost for each item. Applicants using contracts must provide an individual description and cost estimate for each contract. Construction costs must be broken down to indicate how funds will be utilized (e.g., demolition, foundation, exterior walls, roofing, electrical work, plumbing, finishing work, etc.)

(4) Indirect costs. Indirect costs, if applicable, are allowable based on an established approved indirect cost rate. Applicants must have on file and submit to HUD if selected for funding a copy of their indirect cost rate agreement. Applicants who are selected for funding that do not have an approved indirect cost rate agreement, established by the cognizant federal agency), will be required to establish a rate. In such cases, HUD will issue an award with a provisional rate and assist applicants in having a rate established.

f. Appendix. Applicants receiving a waiver of the electronic submission requirements and submitting a paper copy of the application must place all required forms in this section. An applicant SHOULD NOT submit resumes, or other back-up materials. If this information is included, it will not be considered during the review process.

C. Submission Dates and Times

A complete application package must be received and validated electronically by the Grants.gov portal no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on or before the applications deadline date of May 19, 2006. In an effort to address any issues with transmission of your application, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications prior to the application deadline. This will allow an applicant enough time to make the necessary adjustments to meet the submission deadline. Please see the General Section for further instructions. Electronic faxes using the Facsimile Transmittal cover sheet (Form HUD-96011) contained in the electronic application must be received no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application submission deadline date.

D. Intergovernmental Review

This program is excluded from an Intergovernmental Review.

E. Funding Restrictions

Ineligible CDBG Activities are listed at 24 CFR 570.207. Ineligible activities include but are not limited to:

1. Curriculum development and/or expansion of an institution's existing curriculum;

2. General government expenses; and

3. Political activities.

F. Other Submission Requirements

1. Application Submission and Receipt Procedure

Please read the General Section carefully and completely for the submission and receipt procedures for all applications because failure to comply may disqualify your application. 2. Waiver of Electronic Submission Requirements

Please refer to the General Section for further discussion. Paper applications will not be accepted from applicants that have not been granted a waiver. If an applicant is granted a waiver, the Office of University Partnerships will provide instructions for submission. Applicants that submit a paper application must be received by or before the application deadline date.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

1. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Experience (25 Points)

This factor addresses the extent to which the institution has the resources necessary to successfully implement the proposed activities in a timely manner.

a. Knowledge and Experience For Category I and First Time Category II Applicants (25 Points) For Previously Funded Category II Applicants (10 Points). In rating this subfactor, HUD will consider the extent to which the applicant clearly addresses the following:

(1) Describe the knowledge and experience of the proposed project director and staff, including the day-to-day program manager, consultants (including technical assistance providers), and contractors in planning and managing the type of project for which funding is being requested; and

(2) Clearly identify the following: key project team members, titles (e.g., project manager/coordinator, etc.), respective roles for the project staff, and a brief description of their relevant experience.

If key personnel have not been hired, applicants must identify the position title, provide a description of duties and responsibilities, and describe the qualifications to be considered in the selection of personnel, including subcontractors and consultants.

Experience will be judged in terms of recent and relevant knowledge and skills of the staff to undertake the proposed eligible program activities. HUD will consider experience within the last five (5) years to be recent and experience pertaining to similar activities to be relevant.

b. Past Performance (15 points) For Previously Funded Category II Applicants. This subfactor will evaluate how well an applicant has performed successfully under HUD/HBCU grants. Applicants must demonstrate this by addressing the following information on the HUD- 40076-HBCU ``Response Sheet: (Performance Narrative) for all previously completed and open HBCU grants:

(1) A list of all HUD/HBCU grants received, including the dollar amount awarded and the amount expended as of the date of this application. The HUD-40076-HBCU ``Response Sheet'' (Performance Narrative) form is located at the following Web site: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfmin. The form should be

filled out completely;

(2) A description of the achievement of specific tasks, measurable objectives, and specific outcomes consistent with the approved timeline/work plan;

(3) A comparison of the amount of proposed leveraged funds and/or resources to the amount that was actually leveraged;

(4) A detailed description of compliance with all reporting requirements, including timeliness of submission, whether reports were complete and addressed all information (both narrative and financial) as required by the grant agreement; and

(5) A list detailing the date the project(s) was completed, was it completed in the original three-year grant performance period; if not completed why (including when it was or will be completed);

HUD will also review an applicant's past performance in managing funds, including, but not limited to: The ability to account for funding appropriately; timely use of funds received from HUD; meeting performance targets for completion of activities; timely submission of required progress reports and receipt of promised leveraged resources. In evaluating past performance, HUD reserves the right to deduct up to five (5) points from this rating score as a result of the information obtained from HUD's records (i.e., progress and financial reports, monitoring reports, Logic Model submissions, and amendments). 2. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (15 Points)

This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need for funding the proposed program activities and an indication of the importance of meeting the need(s). In addressing this factor,

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applicants should provide, at a minimum, the following and must cite statistics and/or analyses contained in one or more current data sources that are sound and reliable.

(1) Describe the need(s); and

(2) Describe the importance of meeting the proposed needs. In rating this factor, HUD will consider only current data that is specific to the area where the proposed project activities will be carried out. Sources for localized data can be found at: http://www.ffiec.gov.

HUD will also consider data collected within the last five (5) years to be current. To the extent that the targeted community's Five Year Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) identify the level of the problem and the urgency in meeting the need, applicants should include references to these documents in response to this factor (this is applicable only to applicants applying for funding under Category II).

Other reliable data sources include, but are not limited to, Census reports, HUD Continuum of Care gap analysis and its E-MAP (To find additional information go to HUD's Web site: http://www.hud.gov/emaps),

law enforcement agency crime reports, Public Housing Agencies' Comprehensive Plans, community needs analyses such as provided by the United Way, the applicant's institution, and other sound, reliable an appropriate sources. Needs in terms of fulfilling court orders or consent decrees, settlements, conciliation agreements, and voluntary compliance agreements may also be addressed. 3. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (40 Points)

This factor addresses the quality and effectiveness of the proposed work plan and the commitment of the institution to sustain the proposed activities.

This factor will be evaluated based on the extent to which the proposed work plan demonstrates the following:

a. Quality of the Work Plan. This subfactor will be evaluated on the extent to which an applicant provides a clear detailed description of the proposed project and anticipated accomplishments.

(1) Specific Activities. For Category I Applicants (28 Points). For Category II Applicants (25 Points). The work plan must describe all proposed activities and major tasks required to successfully implement the proposed project and anticipated accomplishments. In addressing this subfactor, applicants must provide a clear description of the proposed activities and address the following:

(a) Describe each activity required to successfully implement and complete the proposed project in measurable terms (e.g., the number of persons to be trained and employed; houses to be rehabilitated; or minority-owned businesses to be started, etc.);

(b) List and describe how each activity meets one of the following Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program national objectives:

Benefit low- and moderate-income persons;

Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or

Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community, and other financial resources are not available to meet such needs.

Criteria for determining whether an activity addresses one or more objective are provided at 24 CFR 570.208;

(c) Describe the major tasks required (in sequential order) to successfully implement and complete each activity. Include target completion dates for each task (in 6 month intervals, up to thirty-six (36) months);

(d) Identify the key staff, as described in Factor 1, who will be responsible and accountable for completing each activity; and

(e) Describe how the project director will work with the partners and citizens to accomplish the proposed activities.

(2) (8 Points) Describe clearly how each proposed activity will:

(a) Expands the role of the institution in the community (applicable only to Category II Applicants);

(b) Address the needs identified in Factor 2;

(c) Relate to and not duplicate other activities in the target area. Duplicative effort will be acceptable only if an applicant can demonstrate through documentation that there is a population in need that is not being served; and

(d) Involve and empower citizens of the target area in the proposed project particularly through a committee that is representative of the target community (applicable only to Category II Applicants).

b. (3 Points) Involvement of the Faculty and Students (For Category II Applicants Only). The applicant must describe how it proposes to integrate the institution's students and faculty into proposed project activities

c. (2 Points) HUD Policy Priorities. To earn points under this subfactor, HUD requires applicants to undertake specific activities that will assist the Department in implementing its policy priorities that help the Department achieve its goals and objectives in FY 2007, when the majority of grant recipients will be reporting programmatic results and achievements. In addressing this subfactor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which a program will further and support HUD's priorities. The quality of the responses provided to one or more of HUD's priorities will determine the score an applicant can receive. Applicants must describe how each policy priority selected will be addressed. Applicants that just list a priority will receive no points. Please refer to the General Section for additional information about HUD's policy priorities.

The total number of points an applicant can receive under this subfactor is two (2). Each policy priority addressed has a point value of one (1) point with the exception of the policy priority to remove regulatory barriers to affordable housing, which has a point value of up to two (2) points. To receive these two (2) points an applicant must indicate how this priority will be addressed and an applicant must indicate how this priority will be addressed and submit the completed questionnaire (HUD-27300) ``HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory Barriers'' found in the General Section along with required documentation. It is up to the applicant to determine which of the policy priorities they elect to address to receive the available two (2) points.

d. (2 Points) Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very-Low Income Persons (Provision of Section 3). This subfactor will be evaluated on the extent to which an applicant describes how it proposes to:

(1) Provide opportunities to train and employ lower-income residents of the project area; and

(2) Award substantial contracts to persons residing in the project area.

Regulations regarding the provision of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) can be located at 24 CFR part 135. 4. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (8 Points)

This factor addresses the ability of the applicant to secure resources that can be combined with HUD's grant funds to achieve the program's purpose.

In evaluating this factor, HUD will consider how well the applicant has established partnerships with other entities to secure additional resources to increase the effectiveness of the proposed project activities. Resources

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may include funding or in-kind contributions, such as services or equipment, allocated for the purpose(s) of the proposed project activities. Resources may be provided by governmental entities, public or private nonprofit organizations, for-profit private organizations, or other entities. Applicants may also establish partnerships with other program funding recipients to coordinate the use of resources in the target area. Overhead and other institutional costs (e.g., salaries, indirect costs, etc.) that the institution has waived may be counted. Examples of potential sources for outside assistance include:

Federal, state, and local governments;

Local or national nonprofit organizations;

Financial institutions and/or private businesses;

Foundations;

Faith-based and other community-based organizations;

To address this factor, an applicant must provide an outline in the application and have on file written commitment letters, memoranda of understanding and/or agreements that show the extent and firm commitment of all proposed leveraged resources (including any commitment of resources from the applicant's own institution) that address the following information for each leveraged resource/fund:

(1) The name of the organization and the executive officer authorizing the funds/goods and/or services (Only applicable to the narrative section);

(2) The cash amount contributed or dollar value of the in-kind goods and/or services committed (If a dollar amount and its use is not shown, the funding will not be counted);

(3) A specific description of how each contribution is to be used toward the proposed activities;

(4) The date the contribution will be made available and a statement that describes the duration of the contribution;

(5) Any terms or conditions affecting the commitment, other than receipt of a HUD Grant; and

(6) The signature of the appropriate executive officer authorized to commit the funds and/or goods and/or services. (Only applicable to the written documentation) Please remember that only items eligible for funding under this program can be counted.

Commitment letters, memoranda of understanding and/or agreements are not required at the time of application submission but you must have them on file. Applicants selected for award will be required to submit the signed commitment letters, memoranda of understanding and/or agreements outlined in the application, within twenty (20) calendar days after initial contact from the Office of University Partnerships (OUP). Letters, memoranda of understanding, or agreements must be submitted on the provider's letterhead and should be addressed to Sherone Ivey, Acting Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for University Partnerships. The date of the letter, memorandum of understanding, or agreement from the CEO of the provider organization must be dated no earlier than nine months prior to this published NOFA. OUP will provide specific instructions on how these documents must be submitted when contact is made with the applicant. HUD will only request and consider the resources/organizations that are listed in the outline submitted in the application. If OUP does not receive those documents in the required format and allotted timeframe, an applicant will not receive points under this factor and the application will be rated and ranked to address this point change. 5. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (12 Points)

This factor reflects HUD's goal to embrace high standards of management and accountability. It measures the applicant's commitment to assess their performance to achieve the program's proposed objectives and goals. Applicants are required to develop an effective, quantifiable, outcome oriented evaluation plan for measuring performance and determining that objectives and goals have been achieved. The Logic Model is a summary of the narrative statements presented in Factors 1-4. Therefore, it should be consistent with the information contained in the narrative statements.

``Outcomes'' are benefits accruing to the community during or after participation in the HBCU program. Applicants must clearly identify the outcomes to be measured and achieved. Examples of outcomes include increased employment opportunities in the target community by a certain percentage, increased incomes/wages or other assets for persons trained, or enhanced family stability through the creation of affordable housing opportunities (e.g., increased assets to families and communities through the development of affordable housing).

In addition, applicants must establish interim benchmarks and outputs that lead to the ultimate achievement of outcomes. ``Outputs'' are the direct products of the program's activities. Examples of outputs are the number of new affordable housing units, the number of homes that have been renovated, and the number of facilities that have been constructed or rehabilitated. Outputs should produce outcomes for the program. At a minimum, an applicant must address the following activities in the evaluation plan:

a. Measurable objectives to be accomplished (e.g., the number of persons to be trained and employed; houses to be built pursuant to 24 CFR 570.207 or rehabilitated; minority-owned businesses to be started);

b. Measurable impacts the grant will have on the community in general and the target area or population; and

c. The impact the grant will have on assisting the university to obtain additional resources to continue this type of work at the end of the grant performance period.

The information must be placed on a HUD-96010, Program Outcome Logic Model form. HUD has developed a new approach to completing this form. Please carefully read the General Section for instructions; training is available. A narrative is not required. However, if a narrative is provided, those pages will be included in the page count. (Form HUD-96010 will be excluded from the page count.)

B. Review and Selection Process

1. Application Selection Process.

Two types of reviews will be conducted:

a. A threshold review to determine an applicant's basic eligibility; and

b. A technical review for all applications that pass the threshold review to rate and rank the application based on the ``Rating Factors'' listed in Section V.A.

Only those applications that pass the threshold review will receive a technical review. 2. Rating Panels

To review and rate applications HUD may establish panels, which may include experts or consultants not currently employed by HUD to obtain certain expertise. 3. Ranking

HUD will fund applications in rank order, until all available program funds are awarded. In order to be funded, an applicant must receive a minimum score of 75 points out of a possible 100 points. The RC/EZ/EC-II, as described in the General Section does not apply to this program. If two or more applications have the same number of

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points, the application with the most points for Factor 3 shall be selected. If there is still a tie, the application with the most points for Factor 1 shall be selected. If there is still a tie, the application with the most points for Factor 2, 4 and then 5 shall be selected in that order until the tie is broken. HUD reserves the right to make selections out of rank order to provide for geographic distribution of grantees. HUD also reserves the right to reduce the amount of funding requested in order to fund as many highly ranked applications as possible. Additionally, if funds remain after funding the highest ranked applications, HUD may fund part of the next highest- ranking application. If an applicant turns down an award offer, HUD will make an award to the next highest-ranking application. If funds remain after all selections have been made, the remaining funds will be carried over to the next funding cycle's competition. 4. Correction to Deficient Applications

See the General Section.

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Announcements of awards are anticipated on or before September 30, 2006.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notice

After all selections have been made, HUD will notify all winning applications in writing. HUD may require winning applicants to participate in additional negotiations before receiving an official award. For further discussion on this matter, please refer to the General Section.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Refer to Section VI.B. in the General Section.

1. Debriefing. The General Section provides the procedures for requesting a debriefing. All requests for debriefings must be made in writing and submitted within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of written notification to: Ophelia Wilson, Office of University Partnerships, Robert C. Weaver Federal Building, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 8130, Washington, DC 20410-6000.

2. Administrative. Grants awarded under this NOFA will be governed by the provisions of 24 CFR part 84 (Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations), A-21 (Cost Principles for Educational Institutions) and A-133 (Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations). Applicants can access the OMB circulars at the White House Web site at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html.

3. OMB Circulars and Governmentwide Regulations Applicable to Financial Assistance Programs. The General Section provides further discussion on this matter.

4. Executive Order 13202, Preservation of Open Competition and Government Neutrality Towards Government Contractors' Labor Relations on Federal and Federally Funded Construction Projects. See the General Section for further discussion.

5. Procurement of Recovered Materials. The General Section provides further discussion on the matter.

6. Code of Conduct. See the General Section for further discussion.

C. Reporting

All grant recipients under this NOFA are required to submit quarterly progress reports. The progress reports shall consist of two components, a narrative that must reflect the activities undertaken during the reporting period and a financial report that reflects costs incurred by budget line item, as well as a cumulative summary of costs incurred during the reporting.

For each reporting period, as part of the required report to HUD, grant recipients must include a completed Logic Model form (HUD-96010), which identifies output and outcome achievements.

For FY2006, HUD is considering a new concept for the Logic Model. The new concept is a Return on Investment (ROI) statement. HUD will be publishing a separate notice on the ROI concept.

VII. Agency Contacts

Applicants may contact Ophelia Wilson at (202) 708-3061, extension 4390 or Susan Brunson at (202) 708-3061, extension 3852. Persons with speech or hearing impairments may call the Federal Information Relay Service (TTY) at (800) 877-8339. Except for the ``800'' number, these numbers are not toll-free. Applicants may also reach Ms. Wilson via e- mail at Ophelia_Wilson@hud.gov, and/or Ms. Brunson at Susan_S._Brunson@hud.gov.

VIII. Other Information

Paperwork Reduction Act

The information collection requirements contained in this document have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2528-0235. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 356 hours per annum per respondent for the application and grant administration. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the application, quarterly, semi-annual and final reports. The information will be used for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds. Response to this request for information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived.

Appendix A--Application Checklist--HBCU

This checklist identifies application submission requirements. Applicants are requested to use this checklist when preparing an application to ensure submission of all required elements. Applicants submitting an electronic application do not have to submit the checklist. Applicants that receive a waiver of the electronic application submission requirement must include a copy of the checklist in their application.

Check off to ensure these items have been included in the application:

----SF-424 ``Application For Federal Assistance'' ----Application Checklist (Applicants that submit paper applications must include the checklist in their applications) ----Abstract (must include no more than a two-page summary of the proposed project)

Indicate the page number where each of the Factors are located:

Narrative Statement Addressing the Rating Factors.

The narrative section of an application must not exceed 50 pages in length (excluding forms, budget narrative and abstract). This information must be submitted on 8\1/2\ by 11-inch paper, double-spaced on one side of the paper, with one-inch margins (from the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the documents) and printed in standard Times New-Roman 12-point font.

----Factor I ----Factor II ----HUD-40076, ``Response Sheet Performance Narrative'' (If applicable) ----Factor III ----Factor IV

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----Factor V ----HUD-96010 ``Logic Model''

Check off to ensure these items have been included in the application: Appendix

----Budget ----HUD 424-CB'' Grant Application Detailed Budget.'' ----HUD-40076-HBCU ``Budget-By-Activity'' ----Budget Narrative (No form provided and must be submitted for the total three-year grant period)

Appendix B (All Required Forms)

The following forms are required for submission. All required forms are contained in the electronic application package.

----Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424); ----Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (SF-424 Supplement); ----Grant Application Detailed Budget (HUD-424-CB); ----Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicable; ----America's Affordable Communities Initiative (HUD-27300), if applicable; ----Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (HUD-2880); ----HUD-2993, Acknowledgement of Applicant Receipt (Only applicants that submit paper applications); ----You Are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey (HUD-2994-A); ----Response Sheet Performance Narrative (HUD-40076) if applicable; ----Program Logic Model (HUD-96010); and ----Facsimile Transmittal (HUD-96011) required as the cover page to third party documents transmitted by facsimile to HUD. See the General Section.

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN08MR06.007

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Hispanic-Serving Institutions Assisting Communities (HSIAC) Program

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy Development and Research, Office of University Partnerships.

B. Funding Opportunity Title: Hispanic-Serving Institutions Assisting Communities (HSIAC) Program.

C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Numbers: The Federal Register Number is FR- 5030-N-19. The OMB Approval Number is 2528-0198.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: The CDFA Number for this program is 14.514.

F. Dates: The application deadline date is May 22, 2006. Please be sure to read the General Section for electronic application submission and receipt requirements.

G. Additional Overview Content Information;

1. Purpose of the Program: To assist Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) expand their role and effectiveness in addressing community development needs in their localities, including neighborhood revitalization, housing, and economic development, principally for persons of low- and moderate-income, consistent with the purposes of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.

2. Award Information: In Fiscal Year (FY) 2006, approximately $5.94 million has been made available for this program by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109- 115; approved Nov. 30, 2005) and an additional $78,000 in carryover funds. An applicant can request up to $600,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period.

3. Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit Hispanic-Serving Institutions that meet the definition of an HSI established in Title V of the 1998 Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Pub. L. 105-244; enacted October 7, 1998). In order to meet this definition, at least 25 percent of the full-time undergraduate students enrolled in an institution must be Hispanic and not less than 50 percent of these Hispanic students must be low-income individuals. Institutions are not required to be on the list of eligible HSIs prepared by the U.S. Department of Education. However, an institution that is not on the list is required to provide a statement in the application that the institution meets the U.S. Department of Education's statutory definition of an HSI. In addition, all applicants must be institutions of higher education granting two-or four-year degrees that are fully accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If an applicant is one of several campuses of the same institution, the applicant may apply separately from the other campuses as long as the campus has a separate administrative structure and budget and meets the enrollment test outlined above.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

The purpose of the Hispanic Serving Institutions Assisting Communities (HSIAC) Program is to assist Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) of higher education expand their role and effectiveness in addressing community development needs in their localities, including neighborhood revitalization, housing and economic development, principally for persons of low- and moderate-income consistent with the purpose of the Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.

For the purpose of this program, the term ``locality'' includes any city, county, township, parish, village, or other general political subdivision of a state, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands where the institution is located.

A ``target area'' is the area within the locality in which the institution will implement its proposed HSIAC grant.

A. Authority

HUD's authority for making this funding available under this NOFA is Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109-115; approved Nov. 30, 2005). This program is being implemented through this NOFA and the policies governing its operation are contained herein.

B. Modifications

Listed below are major modifications from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 program-funding announcement:

1. Commitment letters, memoranda of understandings and/or agreements are not required at the time of application submission but must be on file. Applicants selected for award will be required to submit the signed commitment letters, memoranda of understandings and/ or agreements outlined in the application, within twenty (20) calendar days after initial contact from the Office of University Partnerships (OUP). OUP will provide specific instructions on how these documents must be submitted at that time. HUD will only request and consider the resources/organizations outlined in the application. If OUP does not receive those documents in the required format and allotted timeframe, an applicant will not receive points under this factor and the application will be rated and ranked to address this point change.

In scoring this factor, HUD will rate an applicant that provides leveraging resources that are 15 percent or more of the amount requested under this program and that are properly documented, as listed, below will be awarded nine (9) points; applicants that provide leveraging resources that are 10-14 percent of the amount requested under this program and that are properly documented, as listed below, will be awarded six (6) points; applicants that provide leveraging resources that are 5-9 percent of the amount requested under this program and that are properly documented, as listed below, will be awarded three (3) points; applicants that provide leveraging resources that are less than 5 percent of the amount requested or resources are not properly documented will receive zero points.

2. Current HSIAC grantees no longer have to draw down at least 75% of the funding awarded under past grants prior to this application deadline date to be eligible to apply for funding under this NOFA.

3. All applicants must be institutions of higher education granting two-or four-year degrees that are accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

4. All applicants submitting electronic applications must attach their narrative responses to Rating Factors 1-5 as one attachment. PLEASE DO NOT ATTACH YOUR RESPONSE TO EACH FACTOR SEPARATELY.

II. Award Information

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2006, approximately $5.94 million is made available for this program and an additional $78,000 in carryover funds. An applicant can request up to $600,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Nonprofit Hispanic-serving institutions that meet the definition of an HSI of higher education established in Title V of the 1998 Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Pub. L. 105-244; enacted October 7, 1998). In order to meet this definition, at least 25

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percent of the full-time undergraduate students enrolled in an institution must be Hispanic and not less than 50 percent of these Hispanic students must be low-income individuals. Institutions are not required to be on the list of eligible HSIs prepared by the U.S. Department of Education. However, an institution that is not on the list is required to provide a statement in the application that the institution meets the U.S. Department of Education's statutory definition of an HSI as cited above. In addition, all applicants must be institutions of higher education granting two-or four-year degrees that are fully accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If an applicant is one of several campuses of the same institution, the applicant may apply separately from the other campuses as long as the campus has a separate administrative structure and budget and meets the enrollment test outlined above.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

None Required.

C. Other

1. Eligible Activities. Eligible activities are listed in 24 CFR Part 570, subpart C, particularly Sec. 570.201 through 570.206. Information regarding these activities can be found at: http://www.hudclips.org (click on the Code of Federal Regulations for detailed

information).

a. Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

(1) Acquisition of real property;

(2) Clearance and demolition;

(3) Rehabilitation of residential structures including lead-based paint hazard evaluation and reduction and making accessibility and visitabilty modifications in accordance with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;

(4) Public facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities and streets compliance with accessibility requirements, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Fair Housing Act, and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990;

(5) Relocation payments and other assistance for permanently and temporarily relocated individuals, families, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and farm operations where the assistance is:

(a) Required under the provisions of 24 CFR 570.606(b) or (c); or

(b) Determined by the grantee to be appropriate under the provisions of 24 CFR 570.606(d);

(6) Direct homeownership assistance to low- and moderate-income persons, as provided in section 105(a) (25) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974;

(7) Special economic development activities described at 24 CFR 570.203 and assistance to facilitate economic development by providing technical or financial assistance for the establishment, stabilization, and expansion of microenterprises, including minority enterprises;

(8) Assistance to community-based development organizations (CBDO) to carry out a CDBG neighborhood revitalization, community economic development, or energy conservation project, in accordance with 24 CFR 570.204. This could include activities in support of a HUD-approved local entitlement grantee, CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy (NRS) or HUD-approved State CDBG Community Revitalization Strategy (CRS);

(9) Public service activities such as general support activities that can help to stabilize a neighborhood and contribute to sustainable redevelopment of the area, including but not limited to such activities as those concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health care services, drug abuse, education, housing counseling, energy conservation, homebuyer down payment assistance, establish and maintain Neighborhood Network centers in federally assisted or insured housing, job training and placement and recreational needs;

(10) Up to 20 percent of the grant may be used for payments of reasonable grant administrative costs related to planning and execution of the project (e.g., preparation/submission of HUD reports). Detailed explanations of these costs are provided in OMB circular A-21 Cost Principals for Educational Institutions that can be accessed at the White House Web site at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html;

(11) Fair housing services designed to further civil rights objectives of the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601-20) by making all persons, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status and/or disability aware of the range of housing opportunities available to them; and

b. Each activity proposed for funding must meet the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program eligibility requirements and at least one national objective.

c. The three national objectives of the Community Development Block Grant program are:

(1) Benefit to low-or moderate-income persons;

(2) Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; and

(3) Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community, and other financial resources are not available to meet such needs.

Criteria for determining whether an activity addresses one or more national objectives are provided at 24 CFR 570.208.

d. The CDBG publication entitled ``Community Development Block Grant Program Guide to National Objectives and Eligible Activities for Entitlement Communities'' describes the CDBG regulations, and a copy can be obtained from HUD's NOFA Information Center at 800-HUD-8929 or 800-HUD-2209 for the hearing-impaired.

2. Audit Requirements. See Section III.C. of the General Section.

3. Threshold Requirements Applicable to all Applicants. All applicants must comply with the threshold requirements as defined in the General Section and the requirements listed below. Applications that do not meet these requirements will be considered ineligible for funding and will be disqualified.

a. The applicant must meet the eligibility requirements as defined in Section III.A.

b. The applicant may request up to $600,000.

c. Only one application can be submitted per campus. If multiple applications are submitted, all will be disqualified. However, different campuses of the same university system are eligible to apply as long as they have an administrative and budgeting structure independent of the other campuses in the system.

d. Institutions that received an HSIAC grant in FY2005 are not eligible to submit an application under this NOFA. If an institution received an HSIAC grant in FY2002, FY2003, or FY2004, the institution may apply under this NOFA as long as it proposes a different activity (activities) in their current project location, or proposes replicating their current project in a new location.

e. Applicants must receive a minimum score of 75 points to be considered for funding.

f. An applicant must have a DUNS number to receive HUD grant funds (See the General Section).

g. Electronic applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date of May 22, 2006.

[[Page 11759]]

4. Program Requirements. In addition to the program requirements listed in Section III.C of the General Section, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

a. All funds awarded are for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period.

b. Applicants must ensure that not less than 51 percent of the aggregated expenditures of a grant award are use to benefit low- and moderate-income persons under the criteria specified in 24 CFR 570.208(a) or 570.208(d)(5) or (6).

c. Site Control. Where grant funds will be used for acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction an applicant must demonstrate site control. Funds may be recaptured or deobligated from applicants that cannot demonstrate control of a suitable site within one year after the initial notification of award.

d. Environmental Requirements. Selection for award does not constitute approval of any proposed sites. Following selection for award, HUD will perform an environmental review of properties proposed for assistance in accordance with 24 CFR Part 50. The results of the environmental review may require that proposed activities be modified or proposed sites be rejected. Applicants are particularly cautioned not to undertake or commit funds for acquisition or development of proposed properties prior to HUD approval of specific properties or areas. An application constitutes an assurance that the institution will assist HUD to comply with part 50; will supply HUD with all available and relevant information to perform an environmental review for each proposed property; will carry out mitigating measures required by HUD or select alternate property; and will not acquire, rehabilitate, convert, demolish, lease, repair, or construct property, and not commit or expend HUD or local funds for these program activities with respect to any eligible property until HUD's written approval of the property is received. In supplying HUD with environmental information, applicants should use the same guidance as provided in the HUD Notice CPD-05-07 entitled, ``Field Environmental Review Processing for Rural Housing and Economic Development (RHED) grants'' issued August 30, 2005. The General Section provides further discussion of the environmental requirements. Further information and assistance on HUD's environmental requirements is available at: http://hudstage.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/cpd/lawsregs/notices/2005/05-07.pdf .

e. Labor Standards. Institutions and their sub-grantees, contractors, and subcontractors must comply with the labor standards (Davis-Bacon) requirements referenced in 24 CFR 570.603.

f. Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very-Low Income Persons (Section 3). The provisions of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) apply to this NOFA and requires that to the greatest extent feasible opportunities for training and employment be given to lower-income residents of the project and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded in substantial part to person residing in the area of the project. Regulations are located at 24 CFR Part 135.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Addresses to Request Application Package

Applicants may download the instructions to the application found on the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.Grants.gov./Apply. If you have

difficulty accessing the information you may call the Grants.gov Support Desk toll free 800-518-GRANTS or e-mail your questions to Support@Grants.gov. See the General Section for information regarding

the registration process or ask for registration information from the Grants.gov Support Desk.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Forms

The following forms are required for submission. Copies of these forms are available online at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa06/snofaforms.cfm .

a. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424);

b. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (SF-424 Supplement);

c. Grant Application Detailed Budget (HUD-424-CB);

d. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicable;

e. America's Affordable Communities Initiative (HUD-27300), if applicable;

f. Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (HUD-2880);

g. Program Logic Model (HUD-96010);

h. Certification of Consistency with RC/EZ/EC-II Strategic Plan (HUD-2990), if applicable;

i. Certification of Consistency with the Consolidated Plan (HUD- 2991), if applicable;

j. Acknowledgement of Applicant Receipt (HUD-2993). Complete this form only if you have received a waiver to the electronic application submission requirement. Applicants submitting electronically are not required to include this form;

k. Facsimile Transmittal Cover Page (HUD-96011). This form must be used as the cover page to transmit third party documents and other information. Applicants are advised to download the application package, complete the SF-424 first and it will pre-populate the Transmittal Cover page. The Transmittal Cover page will contain a unique identifier embedded in the page that will help HUD associate your faxed materials to your application. Please download the cover page and then make multiple copies to provide to any of the entities responsible for submitting faxed materials to HUD on your behalf. Please do not use your own fax sheet. HUD will not read any faxes that are sent without the HUD-96011 fax transmittal cover page; and

l. You Are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey (HUD-2994-A). Applicants are not required to complete this form.

2. Certifications and Assurances. Please read the General Section for detailed information on all Certifications and Assurances. All applications submitted through Grants.gov constitute an acknowledgement and agreement to all required certifications and assurances. Please include in your application each item listed below. Applicants submitting paper copy applications should submit the application in the following order:

a. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. Please remember the following:

(1) The full grant amount requested from HUD (entire three years) should be entered, not the amount for just one year;

(2) Include the name, title, address, telephone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address of the designated contact. This is the person who will receive all correspondence; therefore, please ensure the accuracy of the information;

(3) The Employer Identification/Tax ID;

(4) The DUNS Number;

(5) The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this program is 14.514;

(6) The project's proposed start date and completion date. For the purpose of this application, the program start date should be December 1, 2006; and

(7) The signature of the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) who, by virtue of submitting an application via Grants.gov, has been

[[Page 11760]]

authenticated by the credential provider to submit applications on behalf of the Institution and approved by the eBusiness Point of Contact to submit an application via Grants.gov. The AOR must be able to make a binding legal agreement with HUD. For details on the Grants.gov registration process see HUD's Notice on Early Registration published in the Federal Register on December 9, 2005.

b. Application Checklist. Applicants should use the checklist to ensure that they have all the required components of their application. Applicants submitting an electronic application should not submit the checklist. Applicants that receive a waiver of the electronic application submission must include a copy of the checklist in their application submission. The checklist can be located in Appendix A.

c. Abstract. Applicants must include no more than a two-page summary of the proposed project. Please include the following:

(1) A clear description of the proposed project activities, where they will take place (be located), the target population that will be assisted, and the impact this project is expected to have on the community and institution;

(2) A statement that the institution is an eligible institution because it is a two-or four-year fully accredited institution, the name of the accrediting agency and an assurance that the accrediting agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education;

(3) A statement that the institution meets the definition of an Hispanic Serving Institution: At least 25 percent of the full-time undergraduate students enrolled in an institution must be Hispanic and not less than 50 percent of these Hispanic students must be low-income individuals;

(4) The designated contact person, including phone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address (This is the person who will receive all correspondence; therefore please ensure the accuracy of the information);

(5) The project director, if different from the designated contact person, for the project, including phone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address.

d. Narrative statement addressing the Factors. HUD will use the narrative response to the ``Rating Factors'' to evaluate, rate, and rank applications. The narrative statement is the main source of information. Applicants are advised to review each factor carefully for program specific requirements. The response to each factor should be concise and contain only information relevant to the factor, yet detailed enough to address each factor fully. Please do not repeat material in response to the five factors; instead, focus on how well the proposal responds to each of the factors. Where there are subfactors, each subfactor must be presented separately, with the short title of the subfactor presented. Make sure to address each subfactor and provide sufficient information about every element of the subfactor. The narrative section of an application must not exceed 50 pages in length (excluding forms, budget narrative, assurances, and abstract) and must be submitted on 8\1/2\ by 11-inch paper, double- spaced on one side of the paper, with one inch margins (from the top, bottom and left to right side of the document) and printed in standard Times New Roman 12-point font. Each page of the narrative must include the applicant's name and be numbered. Note that although submitting pages in excess of the page limit will not disqualify an applicant, HUD will not consider the information on any excess pages. This exclusion may result in a lower score or failure to meet a threshold requirement. All applicants submitting electronic applications must attach their narrative responses to Rating Factors 1-5 as one attachment. PLEASE DO NOT ATTACH YOUR RESPONSE TO EACH FACTOR SEPARATELY.

e. Budget. The budget submission must include the following:

(1) HUD-424-CB, ``Grant Application Detailed Budget.'' This form shows the total budget by year and by line item for the program activities to be carried out with the proposed HUD grant. Each year of the program should be presented separately. Applicants must also submit this form to reflect the total cost for the entire grant performance period (Grand Total).

Make sure that the amounts shown on the SF-424, the HUD-424-CB, and on all other required program forms are consistent and the budget totals are correct. Remember to check addition in totaling the categories on all forms so that all items are included in the total. If there is an inconsistency between any of the required budget forms, the HUD-424-CB will be used. All budget forms must be fully completed. If an application is selected for award, the applicant may be required to provide greater specificity to the budget during grant agreement negotiations.

(2) Budget Narrative. A narrative must be submitted that explains how the applicant arrived at the cost estimates for any line item over $5,000 cumulative. For example, an applicant proposes to construct a building using HUD funding totaling $200,000. The following costs estimate reflects this total. Foundation cost $75,000, electrical work $40,000, plumbing work $40,000, finishing work $35,000, and landscaping $10,000. The proposed cost estimates should be reasonable for the work to be performed and consistent with rates established for the level of expertise required to perform the work proposed in the geographical area. When necessary, quotes from various vendors or historical data should be used (please make sure they are kept on file and are available for review by HUD at any time). All direct labor or salaries must be supported with mandated city/state pay scales, the Davis-Bacon rate, (if applicable) or other documentation. When an applicant proposes to use a consultant, the applicant must indicate whether there is a formal written agreement. For each consultant, please provide the name, if known, hourly or daily rate, and the estimated time on the project. Applicants must use cost estimates based on historical data from the institution and/or from a qualified firm (e.g., Architectural or Engineering firms), vendor, and/or qualified individual (e.g., independent architect or contractor) other than the institution for projects that involve rehabilitation of residential, commercial and/or industrial structures, and/or acquisition, construction, or installation of public facilities and improvements. Such an entity must be involved in the business of housing rehabilitation, construction and/or management. Equipment and contracts cannot be presented as a total estimated cost. For equipment, applicants must provide a list by type and cost for each item. Applicants using contracts must provide an individual description and cost estimate for each contract. Construction costs must be broken down to indicate how funds will be utilized (e.g., demolition, foundation, exterior walls, roofing, electrical work, plumbing, finishing work, etc.).

(3) Indirect costs. Indirect costs, if applicable, are allowable based on an established approved indirect cost rate. Applicants must have on file, and submit to HUD if selected for award, a copy of their indirect cost rate agreement. Applicants who are selected for funding that do not have an approved indirect cost rate agreement, established by the cognizant federal agency, will be required to establish a rate. In such cases, HUD will issue an award with a provisional rate and assist applicants with the process of establishing a final rate.

f. Appendix. Applicants receiving a waiver of the electronic submission requirements and submitting a paper copy of the application must place all

[[Continued on page 11761]]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] ]

[[pp. 11761-11810]] Fiscal Year 2006 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs

[[Continued from page 11760]]

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required forms in this section. An applicant SHOULD NOT submit resumes, or other back-up materials. If this information is included, it will not be considered during the review process.

C. Submission Dates and Times

A complete application package must be received and validated electronically by the Grants.gov portal no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on or before the application deadline date of May 22, 2006. In an effort to address any issues with transmission of your application, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications prior to the application deadline. This will allow an applicant enough time to make the necessary adjustments to meet the submission deadline. Please see the General Section for further instructions. Electronic faxes using the Facsimile Transmittal cover sheet (Form HUD-96011) contained in the electronic application must be received no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date.

D. Intergovernmental Review

This program is excluded from an Intergovernmental Review.

E. Funding Restrictions

Ineligible CDBG Activities are listed at 24 CFR 570.207. Ineligible activities include but are not limited to:

a. Curriculum development and/or expansion of an institution's existing curriculum;

b. General government expenses;

c. Political activities;

d. Planning and administrative activities that would result in a grantee exceeding the 20 percent cost limitation on such activities; and

e. Construction, renovation, expansion of an institution's own facilities.

F. Other Submission Requirements

1. Application Submission and Receipt Procedure

Please read the General Section carefully and completely for the submission and receipt procedures for all applications because failure to comply may disqualify your application. 2. Waiver of Electronic Submission Requirement

Please refer to the General Section for further discussion. Paper applications will not be accepted from applicants that have not been granted a waiver. If an applicant is granted a waiver, the Office of University Partnerships will provide instructions for submission. Applicants that submit a paper application must be received by or before the application deadline date.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

1. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Experience (25 Points)

This factor addresses the extent to which the applicant has the resources necessary to successfully implement the proposed project in a timely manner.

a. Knowledge and Experience For First Time Applicants (25 Points); For Previously Funded Applicants (10 Points). In rating this subfactor, HUD will consider how well an applicant clearly addresses the following:

(1) Describe the knowledge and experience of the proposed project director and staff, including the day-to-day program manager/ coordinator, consultants (including technical assistance providers), and contractors in planning and managing the type of project for which funding is being requested; and

(2) Clearly identify the following: key project team members, titles (e.g., project manager/coordinator, etc.), respective roles for the project staff, and a brief description of their relevant experience.

If key personnel have not been hired, applicants must identify the position title, provide a description of duties and responsibilities, and describe the qualifications to be considered in the selection of personnel, including subcontractors and consultants.

Experience will be judged in terms of recent and relevant knowledge and skills of the staff to undertake eligible program activities. HUD will consider experience within the last five (5) years to be recent and experience pertaining to similar activities to be relevant.

b. Past Performance (15 Points) For Previously Funded Grant Applicants Only. This subfactor will evaluate how well an applicant has performed successfully under HUD/HSIAC grants. Applicants must demonstrate this by addressing the following information for all previously completed and open HUD/HSIAC grants:

(1) A list of all HUD/HSIAC grants received, including the dollar amount awarded and the amount expended and obligated as of the date of this application;

(2) A description of the achievement of specific tasks, measurable objectives, and specific outcomes consistent with the approved project management plan;

(3) A list detailing the date the project(s) was completed, was it completed in the original three-year grant performance period; if not completed, why (including when it was or will be completed);

(4) A comparison of the amount of proposed leveraged funds and/or resources to the amount that was actually leveraged; and

(5) A detailed description of compliance with all reporting requirements, including timeliness of submission, whether reports were complete and addressed all information (both narrative and financial) as required by the grant agreement.

HUD will also review an applicant's past performance in managing funds, including, but not limited to: The ability to account for funding appropriately; timely use of funds received from HUD; meeting performance targets for completion of activities; timely submission of required progress reports and receipt of promised leveraged resources. In evaluating past performance, HUD reserves the right to deduct up to five (5) points from this rating score as a result of the information obtained from HUD's records (i.e., progress and financial reports, monitoring reports, Logic Model submissions, and amendments). 2. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (10 Points)

This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need for funding the proposed program activities and an indication of the importance of meeting the need(s) in the target area. The need(s) described must be relevant to the activities for which funds are being requested. In addressing this factor, applicants should provide, at a minimum, the following and must cite statistics and/or analyses contained in at least one or more current data sources that are sound and reliable.

(1) Describe the need(s); and

(2) Describe the importance of meeting the proposed needs.

In rating this factor, HUD will consider only current data that is specific to the area where the proposed project activities will be carried out. Sources for localized data can be found at: http://www.ffiec.gov.

HUD will consider data collected within the last five (5) years to be current. To the extent that the targeted community's Five Year Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) identify the level of the problem and the urgency in meeting the need, applicants should include references to these documents in the response to this factor.

Other reliable data sources include, but are not limited to, Census reports,

[[Page 11762]]

HUD Continuum of Care gap analysis and its E-MAP (http://www.hud.gov/emaps),

law enforcement agency crime reports, Public Housing Agencies' Comprehensive Plans, community needs analyses such as those provided by the United Way, the applicant's institution, and other sound, reliable and appropriate sources. Needs in terms of fulfilling court orders or consent decrees, settlements, conciliation agreements, and voluntary compliance agreements may also be addressed. 3. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (44 Points)

This factor addresses the quality and effectiveness of the proposed work plan and the commitment of the institution to sustain the proposed activities.

a. (37 Points) Quality of the Work Plan. This subfactor will be evaluated on the extent to which an applicant provides a clear detailed description of the proposed project and anticipated accomplishments.

(1) (32 Points) Specific Activities. The work plan must describe all proposed activities and major tasks required to successfully implement the proposed project. In addressing this subfactor applicants must provide a clear description of the proposed activities and address the following:

(a) Describe each activity to successfully implement and complete the proposed project in measurable terms (e.g., the number of persons to be trained and employed; houses to be built or rehabilitated; or minority owned businesses to be started, etc.);

(b) List and describe how each activity meets one of the following Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program national objectives:

Benefit low- and moderate-income persons;

Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or

Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community, and other financial resources are not available to meet such needs.

Criteria for determining whether an activity addresses one or more objective are provided at 24 CFR 570.208;

(c) Describe the major tasks required (in sequential order) to successfully implement and complete each project activity. Include target completion dates for these tasks (in 6 month intervals, up to 36 months);

(d) Identify the key staff, as described in Factor 1, who will be responsible for completing each task; and

(e) Describe how the project director will work with the partners and citizens to accomplish the proposed activities.

(2) (5 Points) Describe clearly how each proposed activity will:

(a) Expands the role of the institution in the community;

(b) Address the needs identified in Factor 2;

(c) Relate to and not duplicate other activities in the target area. Duplicative effort will be acceptable only if an applicant can demonstrate through documentation that there is a population in need that is not being served; and

(d) Involve and empower citizens of the target area in the proposed project.

b. (3 Points) Involvement of the Faculty and Students. The applicant must describe how it proposes to integrate the institution's students and faculty into proposed project activities.

c. (2 Points) HUD Policy Priorities. To earn points under this subfactor, HUD requires applicants to undertake specific activities that will assist the Department in implementing its policy priorities and that will help the Department achieve its goals and objectives in FY 2007, when the majority of grant recipients will be reporting programmatic results and achievements. In rating this subfactor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which a program will further and support HUD's priorities. The quality of the responses provided to one or more of HUD's priorities will determine the score an applicant can receive. Applicants must describe how each policy priority selected will be addressed. Applicants that just list a priority will receive no points.

The total number of points an applicant can receive under this subfactor is two (2). Each policy priority addressed has a point value of one (1) point with the exception of the policy priority to remove regulatory barriers to affordable housing, which has a point value of up to two (2) points. To receive these two (2) points an applicant must indicate how this priority will be addressed and submit the completed questionnaire (HUD-27300) ``HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory Barriers'' found in the General Section along with required documentation. It is up to the applicant to determine which of the policy priorities they elect to address to receive the available two (2) points.

d. (2 Points) Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very-Low Income Persons (Provision of Section 3). This subfactor will be evaluated on the extent to which an applicant describes how it proposes to:

(1) Provide opportunities to train and employ lower-income residents of the project area; and

(2) Award substantial contracts to persons residing in the project area.

Regulations regarding the provision of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) can be located at 24 CFR Part 135.

4. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (9 Points)

This factor addresses the ability of the applicant to secure resources that can be combined with HUD's grant funds to achieve the program's purpose.

HUD will consider how well an applicant has established partnerships with other entities to secure additional resources to increase the effectiveness of the proposed project activities. Resources may include funding or in-kind contributions, such as services or equipment, allocated for the purpose(s) of the proposed project activities. Resources may be provided by governmental entities, public or private nonprofit organizations, for-profit private organizations, or other entities. Applicants may also establish partnerships with other program funding recipients to coordinate the use of resources in the target area. Overhead and other institutional costs (e.g., salaries, indirect costs, etc.) that the institution has waived may be counted.

Examples of potential sources for outside assistance include:

Federal, state, and local governments;

Local or national nonprofit organizations;

Financial institutions and/or private businesses;

Foundations; and

Faith-based and other community-based organizations.

To address this factor, an applicant must provide an outline in the application and have on file written commitment letters, memoranda of understandings and/or agreements that show the extent and firm commitment of all proposed leveraged resources (including any commitment of resources from the applicant's own institution) that address the following information for each leveraged resource/fund:

(1) The name of the organization and the executive officer authorizing the funds/goods and/or services (Only applicable to the narrative section);

(2) The cash amount contributed or dollar value of the in-kind goods and/or services committed (If a dollar amount and its use is not shown, the funding will not be counted);

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(3) A specific description of how each contribution is to be used toward the proposed activities;

(4) The date the contribution will be made available and a statement that describes the duration of the contribution;

(5) Any terms or conditions affecting the commitment, other than receipt of a HUD Grant; and

(6) The signature of the appropriate executive officer authorized to commit the funds and/or goods and/or services (Only applicable to the written documentation). Please remember that only items eligible for funding under this program can be counted.

Commitment letters, memoranda of understandings and/or agreements are not required at the time of application submission but you must have them on file. Applicants selected for award will be required to submit the signed commitment letters, memoranda of understandings and/ or agreements outlined in the application, within twenty (20) calendar days after initial contact from the Office of University Partnerships (OUP). Letters, memoranda of understanding, or agreements must be submitted on the provider's letterhead and should be addressed to Sherone Ivey, Acting Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for University Partnerships. The date of the letter, memorandum of understanding, or agreement from the CEO of the provider organization must be dated no earlier than nine months prior to this published NOFA. OUP will provide specific instructions on how these documents must be submitted when contact is made with the applicant. HUD will only request and consider the resources/organizations that are listed in the outline submitted in the application. If OUP does not receive those documents in the required format and allotted timeframe, an applicant will not receive points under this factor and the application will be rated and ranked to address this point change.

In scoring this factor, HUD will award nine (9) points to an applicant that provides properly documented leveraging resources as listed in their application that are 15 percent or more of the amount requested under this program; six (6) points to applicants that provide properly documented leveraging resources as listed that are 10 to 14 percent of the amount requested under this program; three (3) points to applicants that provide properly documented leveraging resources as listed that are 5 to 9 percent of the amount requested under this program; and zero (0) points to applicants that provide properly documented leveraging resources as listed that are less than 5 percent of the amount requested or resources are not properly documented. 5. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (12 Points)

This factor reflects HUD's goal to embrace high standards of management and accountability. It measures the applicant's commitment to assess their performance to achieve the program's proposed objectives and goals. Applicants are required to develop an effective, quantifiable, outcome oriented evaluation plan for measuring performance and determining that objectives and goals have been achieved. The Logic Model is a summary of the narrative statements presented in Factors 1-4. Therefore, the information submitted on the logic model should be consistent with the information contained in the narrative statements.

``Outcomes'' are benefits accruing to institutions and/or communities during or after participation in the HSIAC program. Applicants must clearly identify the outcomes to be measured and achieved. Examples of outcomes include increased employment opportunities in the target community by a certain percentage, or enhanced family stability through the creation of affordable housing opportunities.

In addition, applicants must establish interim benchmarks and outputs that lead to the ultimate achievement of outcomes. ``Outputs'' are the direct products of the program's activities. Examples of outputs are the number of new affordable housing units, the number of homes that have been renovated, and the number of community facilities that have been constructed or rehabilitated. Outputs should produce outcomes for the program. At a minimum an applicant must address the following activities in the evaluation plan:

a. Measurable outputs to be accomplished, e.g., the number of persons to be trained and employed; houses to be built (pursuant to 24 CFR 570.207) or rehabilitated; minority-owned businesses to be started;

b. Measurable outcomes the grant will have on the community in general and the target area or population; and

c. The impact the grant will have on assisting the university to obtain additional resources to continue this type of work at the end of the grant performance period.

The information must be place on a HUD-96010, Program Outcome Logic Model form. HUD has developed a new approach to completing this form. Please carefully read the General Section for instructions, training is available. (Form HUD-96010 will be excluded from the page count.) A narrative is not required. However, if a narrative is provided, those pages will be included in the page count.

B. Review and Selection Process

1. Application Selection Process

Two types of reviews will be conducted:

a. A threshold review to determine an applicant's basic eligibility; and

b. A technical review for all applications that pass the threshold review to rate and rank the application based on the ``Rating Factors'' listed in Section V, A.

Only those applications that pass the threshold review will receive a technical review and be rated and ranked. 2. Rating Panels

To review and rate applications, HUD may establish panels, which may include experts or consultants not currently employed by HUD to obtain certain expertise. 3. Ranking

HUD will fund applications in rank order, until all available program funds are awarded. In order to be funded, an applicant must receive a minimum score of 75 points out of a possible 102 points, which includes up to two bonus points that may be awarded for activities conducted in the RC/EZ/EC-II communities, as described in the General Section. If two or more applications have the same number of points, the application with the most points for Factor 3 shall be selected. If there is still a tie, the application with the most points for Factor 1 shall be selected. If there is still a tie, the application with the most points for Factors 2, 4 and then 5 shall be selected, in that order, until the tie is broken. HUD reserves the right to make selections out of rank order to provide for geographic distribution of grantees. HUD also reserves the right to reduce the amount of funding requested in order to fund as many highly ranked applications as possible. Additionally, if funds remain after funding the highest ranked applications, HUD may fund part of the next highest- ranking application. If an applicant turns down an award offer, HUD will make an award to the next highest-ranking application. If funds remain after all selections have been made, the remaining funds will be carried over to the next funding cycle's competition.

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4. Correction to Deficient Applications

See the General Section.

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Announcements of awards are anticipated on or before September 30, 2006.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notice

After all selections have been made, HUD will notify all winning applicants in writing. HUD may require winning applicants to participate in additional negotiations before receiving an official award. For further discussion on this matter, please refer to the General Section.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Refer to Section VI.B in the General Section.

1. Debriefing. The General Section provides the procedures for requesting a debriefing. All requests for debriefings must be made in writing and submitted within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of written notification to: Madlyn Wohlman-Rodriguez, Office of University Partnerships, Robert C. Weaver Federal Building 451 Seventh Street, SW, Room 8130 Washington, DC 20410-6000. Applicants may also write to Ms. Wohlman-Rodriguez via e-mail at Madlyn_S._Wohlman-Rodriguez@hud.gov.

2. Administrative. Grants awarded under this NOFA will be governed by the provisions of 24 CFR part 84 (Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations), A-21 (Cost Principles for Educational Institutions) and A-133 (Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations). Applicants can access the OMB circulars at the White House Web site at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html.

3. OMB Circulars and Governmentwide Regulations Applicable to Financial Assistance Programs. The General Section provides further discussion.

4. Executive Order 13202, Preservation of Open Competition and Government Neutrality Towards Government Contractors Labor Relations on Federal and Federally Funded Construction Projects. See the General Section for further discussion.

5. Procurement of Recovered Materials. The General Section provides further information.

6. Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services For Persons With Limited English Proficiency (LEP). See the General Section for further discussion.

7. Code of Conduct. See the General Section for further discussion.

C. Reporting

All grant recipients under this NOFA are required to submit semi- annual progress reports. The progress reports shall consist of two components, a narrative that must reflect the activities undertaken during the reporting period and a financial report that reflects costs incurred by budget line items, as well as a cumulative summary of costs incurred during the reporting period.

For each reporting period, as part of the required report to HUD, grant recipients must include a completed Logic Model (HUD-96010), which identifies output and outcome achievements.

For FY2006, HUD is considering a new concept for the Logic Model. The new concept is a Return on Investment (ROI) statement. HUD will be publishing a separate notice on the ROI concept.

VII. Agency Contacts

Applicants may contact Madlyn Wohlman-Rodriguez at (202) 708-3061, extension 5939 or Susan Brunson, at (202) 708-3061, extension 3852. Persons with speech or hearing impairments may call the Federal Information Relay Service (TTY) at (800) 877-8339. Except for the ``800'' number, these numbers are not toll-free. Applicants may also reach Ms. Rodriguez via email at Madlyn_S._Wohlman-Rodriguez@hud.gov, and/or Ms. Brunson at Susan_S._Brunson@hud.gov.

VIII. Other Information

Paperwork Reduction Act

The information collection requirements contained in this document have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2528-0198. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 59 hours per annum per respondent for the application and grant administration. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the application semi-annual and final reports. The information will be used for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds. Response to this request for information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived.

Appendix A--Application Checklist--HSIAC

This checklist identifies application submission requirements. Applicants are requested to use this checklist when preparing an application to ensure submission of all required elements. Applicants submitting an electronic application do not have to submit the checklist. Applicants that receive a waiver of the electronic application submission requirement must include a copy of the checklist in their application.

Check off to ensure these items have been included in the application:

----SF-424 ``Application For Federal Assistance'' ----Application Checklist (Applicants that submit paper applications must include the checklist in their applications) ----Abstract (must include no more than a two-page summary of the proposed project)

Indicate the page number where each of the Factors is located:

Narrative Statement Addressing the Rating Factors.

The narrative section of an application must not exceed 50 pages in length (excluding forms, budget narrative and abstract). This information must be submitted on 8\1/2\ by 11-inch paper, double-spaced on one side of the paper, with one-inch margins (from the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the documents) and printed in standard Times New-Roman 12-point font.

----Factor I ----Factor II ----Factor III ----Factor IV ----Factor V ----HUD-96010 ``Logic Model''

Check off to ensure these items have been included in the application: ----Appendix

----Budget ----HUD 424-CB'' Grant Application Detailed Budget'' ----Budget Narrative (No form provided, but must be submitted for the total three-year grant period.

Appendix B (All Required Forms)

The following forms are required for submission. All required forms are contained in the electronic application package.

----Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424); ----Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (SF-424

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Supplement); Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicable; ----Grant Application Detailed Budget (HUD-424-CB); ----America's Affordable Communities Initiative (HUD-27300), if applicable; ----Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (HUD-2880); ----Certification of Consistency with RC/EZ/EC-II Strategic Plan (HUD- 2990), if applicable; ----Certification of Consistency with the Consolidated Plan (HUD-2991), if applicable; ----Acknowledgement of Applicant Receipt (Only applicants who submit paper applications (HUD-2993); ----You Are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey (HUD-2994-A); ----Facsimile Transmittal (HUD-96011), to be used as the cover page to transmit third party documents via facsimile, if applicable (See General Section); and ----Logic Model (HUD-96010)

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN08MR06.008

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Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Institutions Assisting Communities (AN/ NHIAC) Program

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy Development and Research, Office of University Partnerships.

B. Funding Opportunity Title: Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Institutions Assisting Communities (AN/NHIAC) Program.

C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Numbers: The Federal Register Number is FR- 5030-N-20. The OMB Approval Number is 2528-0206.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: The CFDA Number for this program is 14.515.

F. Dates: The application deadline date is May 19, 2006. Please be sure to read the General Section for electronic application submission and receipt requirements.

G. Additional Overview Content Information.

1. Purpose of the Program: To assist Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Institutions (AN/NHI) of higher education expand their role and effectiveness in addressing community development needs in their localities, including neighborhood revitalization, housing, and economic development, principally for persons of low- and moderate- income, consistent with the purposes of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.

2. Award Information: In Fiscal Year (FY) 2006, approximately $2.97 million has been made available for this program by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109- 115; approved Nov. 30, 2005) and an additional $238,000 in carryover funds. An applicant can request up to $800,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period.

3. Eligible Applicant: Nonprofit Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Institutions of Higher Education that meet the definitions of Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Institutions of Higher Education established in Title III, Part A, Section 317 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-244; enacted October 7, 1998). Institutions are not required to be on the list of eligible AN/NHIs prepared by the U.S. Department of Education. However, an institution that is not on the list is required to provide a statement in the application that the institution meets the U.S. Department of Education's statutory definition of an AN/NHI institution. In order to meet the definition of an Alaska Native Institution, at least 20 percent of the undergraduate headcount enrollment must be Alaska Native students. If an applicant is a Native Hawaiian institution, at least 10 percent of the undergraduate headcount enrollment must be Native Hawaiian students in order to meet this definition. In addition, all applicants must be fully accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If an applicant is one of several campuses of the same institution, the applicant may apply separately from the other campuses as long as the campus has a separate administrative structure and budget and meets the enrollment test outlined above.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

The purpose of the Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Institutions Assisting Communities (AN/NHIAC) Program is to assist Alaska Native/ Native Hawaiian Institutions (AN/NHI) of higher education expand their role and effectiveness in addressing community development needs in their localities, including neighborhood revitalization, housing, and economic development, principally for persons of low- and moderate- income, consistent with the purposes of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.

A. Authority

HUD's authority for making funding available under this NOFA is the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109-115; approved Nov. 30, 2005). This program is being implemented through this NOFA and the policies governing its operation are contained herein.

B. Modifications

Listed below are major modifications from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 program-funding announcement:

1. Commitment letters, memoranda of understandings and/or agreements are not required at the time of application submission but must be on file. Applicants selected for award will be required to submit the signed commitment letters, memoranda of understandings and/ or agreements outlined in the application, within twenty (20) calendar days after initial contact from the Office of University Partnerships (OUP). OUP will provide specific instructions on how these documents must be submitted at that time. HUD will only request and consider the resources/organizations outlined in the application. If OUP does not receive those documents in the required format and allotted timeframe, an applicant will not receive points under this factor and the application will be rated and ranked to address this point change.

In scoring this factor, HUD will rate an applicant that provides leveraging resources that are 15 percent or more of the amount requested under this program and that are properly documented, as listed below, will be awarded nine (9) points; applicants that provide leveraging resources that are 10-14 percent of the amount requested under this program and that are properly documented, as listed below, will be awarded six (6) points; applicants that provide leveraging resources that are 5-9 percent of the amount requested under this program and that are properly documented, as listed below, will be awarded three (3) points; applicants that provide leveraging resources that are less than 5 percent of the amount requested or resources are not properly documented will receive zero points.

2. All applicants submitting electronic applications must attach their narrative responses to Rating Factors 1-5 as one attachment. PLEASE DO NOT ATTACH YOUR RESPONSE TO EACH FACTOR SEPARATELY.

II. Award Information

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2006, approximately $2.97 million is made available for this program and an additional $238,000 in carryover funds. HUD will award grants under this program to Alaska Native Institutions (ANI) and Native Hawaiian Institutions (NHI). An applicant can request up to $800,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Nonprofit Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Institutions of Higher Education that meet the definitions of Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Institutions of Higher Education established in Title III, Part A, Section 317 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-244; enacted October 7, 1998). Institutions are not required to be on the list of eligible AN/NHIs prepared by the U.S. Department of Education. However,

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an institution that is not on the list is required to provide a statement in the application that the institution meets the U.S. Department of Education's statutory definition of an AN/NHI institution. In order to meet the definition of an Alaska Native Institution, at least 20 percent of the undergraduate headcount enrollment must be Alaska Native students. If an applicant is a Native Hawaiian institution, at least 10 percent of the undergraduate headcount enrollment must be Native Hawaiian students in order to meet this definition. In addition, all applicants must be fully accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If an applicant is one of several campuses of the same institution, the applicant may apply separately from the other campuses as long as the campus has a separate administrative structure and budget and meets the enrollment test outlined above.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

None required.

C. Other

1. Eligible Activities

Eligible activities are listed in 24 CFR Part 570, subpart C, particularly Sec. 570.201 through 570.206. Information regarding these activities can be found at: http://www.hudclips.org (click on the Code of

Federal Regulations for detailed information).

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

a. Acquisition of real property;

b. Clearance and demolition;

c. Rehabilitation of residential structures and compliance with the accessibility requirements contained in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;

d. Acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or installation of public facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities and streets; including lead-based paint hazard evaluation and reduction and compliance with the accessibility requirements contained in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990;

e. Direct homeownership assistance to low- and moderate-income persons, as provided in section 105(a) (25) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974;

f. Special economic development activities described at 24 CFR 570.203 and assistance to facilitate economic development by providing technical or financial assistance for the establishment, stabilization, and expansion of microenterprises, including minority enterprises;

g. Assistance to community-based development organizations (CBDO) to carry out neighborhood revitalization, community economic development, or energy conservation projects, in accordance with 24 CFR 570.204. This could include activities in support of a HUD-approved local entitlement grantee, CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy (NRS) or HUD-approved State CDBG Community Revitalization Strategy (CRS);

h. Public service activities such as general support activities that can help to stabilize a neighborhood and contribute to sustainable redevelopment of the area, including but not limited to such activities as those concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health care services, drug abuse, education, housing counseling, energy conservation, homebuyer down payment assistance, establish and maintain Neighborhood Network centers in federally assisted or insured housing, job training and placement and recreational needs;

i. Fair housing services designed to further the civil rights objectives of the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601-20) by making all persons, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and/or disability aware of the range of housing opportunities available to them;

j. Up to 20 percent of the grant may be used for payments of reasonable grant administrative costs related to planning and execution of the project (e.g., preparation/submission of HUD reports, etc.). Detailed explanations of these costs are provided in the OMB circulars that can be accessed at the White House Web site at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html; and

Each activity proposed for funding must meet the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program eligibility requirements and at least one national objective.

The three national objectives of the Community Development Block Grant program are:

(1) Benefit to low-or moderate-income persons;

(2) Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; and

(3) Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community, and other financial resources are not available to meet such needs.

Criteria for determining whether an activity addresses one or more of these objectives are provided at 24 CFR 570.208.

The CDBG publication entitled ``Community Development Block Grant Program Guide to National Objectives and Eligible Activities for Entitlement Communities'' describes the CDBG regulations, and a copy can be obtained from HUD's NOFA Information Center at 800-HUD-8929 or 800-HUD-2209 for the hearing- or speech-impaired. 2. Audit Requirements

See the General Section. 3. Threshold Requirements Applicable to All Applicants

All applicants must comply with the threshold requirements as defined in the General Section and the requirements listed below. Applications that do not meet these requirements will be considered ineligible for funding and will be disqualified.

a. The applicant must meet the eligibility requirements as defined in Section III.A

b. The applicant may request up to $800,000.

c. Only one application can be submitted per campus. If multiple applications are submitted, all will be disqualified. However, different campuses of the same university system are eligible to apply as long as they have an administrative and budgeting structure independent of the other campuses in the system.

d. Institutions that received grants in FY 2005 are not eligible to submit an application under this NOFA.

e. Applicants must receive a minimum score of 75 points to be considered for funding.

f. An applicant must have a DUNS number to receive HUD grant funds (See the General Section).

g. Electronic applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date of May 19, 2006. 4. Program Requirements

In addition to the program requirements listed in Section III.C of the General Section, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

a. All funds awarded are for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period.

b. Applicants must ensure that not less than 51 percent of the aggregated expenditures of a grant award are used

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to benefit low- and moderate-income persons under the criteria specified in 24 CFR 570.208(a) or 570.208(d)(5) or (6).

c. Site Control. Where grant funds will be used for acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction, an applicant must demonstrate site control. Funds may be recaptured or deobligated from applicants that cannot demonstrate control of a suitable site within one year after the initial notification of award.

d. Environmental Requirements. Selection for award does not constitute approval of any proposed sites. Following selection for award, HUD will perform an environmental review of properties proposed for assistance in accordance with 24 CFR part 50. The results of the environmental review may require that proposed activities be modified or proposed sites be rejected. Applicants are particularly cautioned not to undertake or commit funds for acquisition or development of proposed properties prior to HUD approval of specific properties or areas. An application constitutes an assurance that the institution will assist HUD to comply with part 50; will supply HUD with all available and relevant information to perform an environmental review for each proposed property; will carry out mitigating measures required by HUD or select alternate property; and will not acquire, rehabilitate, convert, demolish, lease, repair, or construct property, and not commit or expend HUD or local funds for these program activities with respect to any eligible property until HUD's written approval of the property is received. In supplying HUD with environmental information, applicants should use the same guidance as provided in the HUD Notice CPD-05-07 entitled, ``Field Environmental Review Processing for Rural Housing and Economic Development (RHED) grants'' issued August 30, 2005. The General Section provides further discussion of the environmental requirements. Further information and assistance on HUD's environmental requirements is available at: http://hudstage.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/cpd/lawsregs/notices/2005/05-07.pdf .

e. Labor Standards. Institutions and their subgrantees, contractors, and subcontractors must comply with the labor standards (Davis-Bacon) requirements referenced in 24 CFR 570.603.

f. Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very-Low Income Persons (Section 3). The provisions of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) apply to this NOFA and requires that to the greatest extent feasible opportunities for training and employment be given to lower-income residents of the project and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded in substantial part to persons residing in the area of the project. Regulations are located at 24 CFR Part 135.

IV. Application and Submission Information.

A. Address To Request Application Package

Applicants may download the instructions to the application found on the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.Grants.gov./Apply. If you have

difficulty accessing the information you may call the Grants.gov Support Desk toll free 800-518-GRANTS or e-mail your questions to Support@Grants.gov. See the General Section for information regarding

the registration process or ask for registration information from the Grants.gov Support Desk.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Forms

The following forms are required for submission. Copies of these forms are available on line at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa06/snofaforms.cfm .

a. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424);

b. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (SF-424 Supplement);

c. Grant Application Detailed Budget (HUD-424-CB);

d. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicable;

e. America's Affordable Communities Initiative (HUD-27300), if applicable;

f. Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (HUD-2880);

g. Program Logic Model (HUD-96010);

h. Acknowledgement of Applicant Receipt (HUD-2993). Complete this form only if you have received a waiver to the electronic application submission requirement. Applicants submitting electronically are not required to include this form;

i. Facsimile Transmittal Cover Page (HUD-96011). This form must be used as the cover page to transmit third-party documents and other information. Applicants are advised to download the application package, complete the SF-424 first and it will pre-populate the Transmittal Cover page. The Transmittal Cover page will contain a unique identifier embedded in the page that will help HUD associate your faxed materials to your application. Please download the cover page and then make multiple copies to provide to any of the entities responsible for submitting faxed materials to HUD on your behalf. Please do not use your own fax sheet. HUD will not read any faxes that are sent without the HUD-96011 fax transmittal cover page; and

j. You Are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey (HUD-2994-A). Applicants are not required to complete this form. 2. Certifications and Assurances

Please read the General Section for detailed information on all Certifications and Assurances. All applications submitted through Grants.gov constitute an acknowledgement and agreement to all required certifications and assurances. Please include in your application each item listed below. Applicants submitting paper copy applications should submit the application in the following order:

a. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. Please remember the following:

(1) The full grant amount requested from HUD (entire three years) should be entered, not the amount for just one year;

(2) Include the name, title, address, telephone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address of the designated contact, this is the person who will receive all correspondence; therefore, please ensure the accuracy of the information;

(3) The Employer Identification/Tax ID number;

(4) The DUNS Number;

(5) The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this program is 14.515;

(6) The project's proposed start date and completion date. For the purpose of this application, the program start date should be December 1, 2006; and

(7) The signature of the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) who, by virtue of submitting an application via Grants.gov, has been authenticated by the credential provider to submit applications on behalf of the Institution and approved by the eBusiness Point of Contact to submit an application via Grants.gov. The AOR must be able to make a legally binding agreement with HUD. For details on the Grants.gov registration process see HUD's Notice on Early Registration published in the Federal Register on December 9, 2005 (70 FR 73331).

b. Application Checklist. Applicants should use the checklist to ensure that they have all the required components of their application. Applicants submitting an electronic application

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should not submit the checklist. Applicants that receive a waiver of the electronic application submission requirement must include a copy of the checklist in their application submission. The checklist can be located in Appendix A.

c. Abstract. Applicants must include no more than a two-page summary of the proposed project. Please include the following:

(1) A clear description of the proposed project activities, where they will take place (be located), the target population that will be assisted, and the impact this project is expected to have on the community and institution;

(2) A statement that the institution is an eligible institution because it is a two-or four-year fully accredited institution, the name of the accrediting agency and an assurance that the accrediting agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education;

(3) A statement that the institution meets the definition of an Alaska Native Institution, or a Native Hawaiian Institution, as appropriate;

(4) The designated contact person, including phone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address. (This is the person who will receive all correspondence; therefore, please ensure the accuracy of the information);

(5) The project director, if different from the designated contact person, for the project, including phone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address.

d. Narrative statement addressing the Rating Factors. HUD will use the narrative response to the ``Rating Factors'' to evaluate, rate, and rank applications. The narrative statement is the main source of information. Applicants are advised to review each factor carefully for program specific requirements. The response to each factor should be concise and contain only information relevant to the factor, yet detailed enough to address each factor fully. Please do not repeat material in response to the five factors; instead, focus on how well the proposal responds to each of the factors. Where there are subfactors, each subfactor must be presented separately, with the short title of the subfactor presented. Make sure to address each subfactor and provide sufficient information about every element of the subfactor. The narrative section of an application must not exceed 50 pages in length (excluding forms, budget narrative, assurances, and abstract) and must be submitted on 8\1/2\ by 11-inch paper, double- spaced on one side of the paper, with one-inch margins (from the top, bottom and left to right side of the document) and printed in standard Times New Roman 12-point font. Each page of the narrative must include the applicant's name and should be numbered. Note that although submitting pages in excess of the page limit will not disqualify an applicant, HUD will not consider the information on any excess pages. This exclusion may result in a lower score or failure to meet a threshold requirement. All applicants submitting electronic applications must attach their narrative responses to Rating Factors 1- 5 as one attachment. PLEASE DO NOT ATTACH YOUR RESPONSE TO EACH FACTOR SEPARATELY.

e. Budget. The budget submission must include the following:

(1) HUD-424-CB, ``Grant Application Detailed Budget.'' This form shows the total budget by year and by line item for the program activities to be carried out with the proposed HUD grant. Each year of the program should be presented separately. Applicants must also submit this form to reflect the total cost for the entire grant performance period (Grand Total).

Make sure that the amounts shown on the SF-424, the HUD-424-CB and on all other required program forms are consistent and the budget totals are correct. Remember to check addition in totaling the categories on all forms so that all items are included in the total. If there is any inconsistency between any of the required budget forms, the HUD-424-CB will be used. All budget forms must be fully completed. If an application is selected for award, the applicant may be required to provide greater specificity to the budget during grant agreement negotiations.

(2) Budget Narrative. A narrative must be submitted that explains how the applicant arrived at the cost estimates for any line item over $5,000 cumulative. For example, an applicant proposes to construct a building using HUD funding totaling $200,000. The following cost estimate reflects this total. Foundation cost $75,000, electrical work $40,000, plumbing work $40,000, finishing work $35,000, and landscaping $10,000. The proposed cost estimates should be reasonable for the work to be performed and consistent with rates established for the level of expertise required to perform the work proposed in the geographical area. When necessary, quotes from various vendors or historical data should be used (please make sure they are kept on file and are available for review by HUD at any time). When an applicant proposes to use a consultant, the applicant must indicate whether there is a formal written agreement. For each consultant, please provide the name, if known, hourly or daily rate, and the estimated time on the project. Applicants must use cost estimates based on historical data from the institution and/or from a qualified firm (e.g., Architectural or Engineering firm), vendor, and/or qualified individual (e.g., independent architect or contractor) other than the institution for projects that involve rehabilitation of residential, commercial and/or industrial structures, and/or acquisition, construction, or installation of public facilities, and improvements. Such an entity must be involved in the business of housing rehabilitation, construction, and/or management. Equipment and contracts cannot be presented as a total estimated cost. For equipment, applicants must provide a list by type and cost for each item. Applicants using contracts must provide an individual description and cost estimate for each contract. Construction costs must be broken down to indicate how funds will be utilized (e.g., demolition, foundation, exterior walls, roofing, electrical work, plumbing, finishing work, etc.)

(3) Indirect costs. Indirect costs, if applicable, are allowable based on an established approved indirect cost rate. Applicants must have on file, and submit to HUD if selected for award, a copy of their indirect cost rate agreement. Applicants who are selected for funding that do not have an approved indirect cost rate agreement, established by the cognizant federal agency, will be required to establish a rate. In such cases, HUD will issue an award with a provisional rate and assist applicants with the process of establishing a final rate.

f. Appendix. Applicants receiving a waiver of the electronic submission requirements and submitting a paper copy of the application must place all required forms in this section. An applicant SHOULD NOT submit resumes, or other back-up materials. If this information is included, it will not be considered during the review process.

C. Submission Dates and Times

A complete application package must be received and validated electronically by the Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on or before the application deadline date of May 19, 2006. In an effort to address any issues with transmission of your applications, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications prior to the application deadline. This will allow an applicant enough time to make the necessary adjustments to meet the submission. Please see the General Section for further instructions.

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Electronic faxes using the Facsimile Transmittal cover sheet (Form HUD- 96011) contained in the electronic application must be received no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date.

D. Intergovernmental Review

This program is excluded from an Intergovernmental Review.

E. Funding Restrictions

Ineligible CDBG Activities are listed at 24 CFR 570.207. Ineligible activities include but are not limited to:

1. New construction of public housing;

2. General government expenses;

3. Political activities;

4. Planning and administrative activities that would result in a grantee exceeding the 20 percent cost limitation on such activities;

5. Development and/or expansion of an institution's existing curriculum when it is primarily to enhance the institution rather than to achieve the specific goals/objectives of the proposed project; and

6. Construction, renovation, expansion of an institution's own facilities.

F. Other Submission Requirements

1. Application Submission and Receipt Procedure

Please read the General Section carefully and completely for the submission and receipt procedures for all applications because failure to comply may disqualify your application. 2. Waiver of Electronic Submission Requirements

Please refer to the General Section for further discussion. Paper applications will not be accepted from applicants that have not been granted a waiver. If an applicant is granted a waiver, the Office of University Partnerships will provide instructions for submission. Applicants that submit a paper application must be received by or before on the application deadline date.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

1. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Experience (25 Points)

This factor addresses the extent to which the applicant has the resources necessary to successfully implement the proposed project in a timely manner.

a. Knowledge and Experience. For First Time Applicants (25 Points) For Previously Funded Applicants (13 Points). In rating this subfactor, HUD will consider the extent to which the applicant clearly addresses the following:

(1) Describe the knowledge and experience of the proposed project director and staff, including the day-to-day program manager/ coordinator, consultants (including technical assistance providers), and contractors in planning and managing the type of project for which funding is being requested; and

(2) Clearly identify the following: key project team members, titles (e.g., project manager/coordinator, etc.), respective roles for the project staff, and a brief description of their relevant experience.

If key personnel have not been hired, applicants must identify the position title, provide a description of duties and responsibilities, and describe the qualifications to be considered in the selection of personnel, including subcontractors and consultants.

Experience will be judged in terms of recent and relevant knowledge and skills of the staff to undertake eligible program activities. HUD will consider experience within the last five (5) years to be recent and experience pertaining to similar activities to be relevant.

b. Past Performance (12 Points) For Previously Funded Applicants Only. This subfactor will evaluate how well an applicant has performed successfully under HUD/AN/NHIAC grants. Applicants must demonstrate this by addressing the following information for all previously completed and open HUD/AN/NHIAC grants:

(1) A list of all HUD/AN/NHIAC grants received, including the dollar amount awarded and the amount expended and obligated as of the date of this application;

(2) A description of the achievement of specific tasks, measurable objectives, and specific outcomes consistent with the approved project management plan;

(3) A list detailing the date the project(s) was completed, was it completed in the original three-year grant performance period; if not completed, why (including when it was or will be completed);

(4) A comparison of the amount of proposed leveraged funds and/or resources to the amount that was actually leveraged; and

(5) A detailed description of compliance with all reporting requirements, including timeliness of submission, whether reports were complete and addressed all information (both narrative and financial) as required by the grant agreement.

HUD will also review an applicant's past performance in managing funds, including, but not limited to: The ability to account for funding appropriately; timely use of funds received from HUD; meeting performance targets for completion of activities. In evaluating past performance, HUD reserves the right to deduct up to five (5) points from this rating score as a result of the information obtained from HUD's records (i.e., progress and financial reports, monitoring reports, Logic Model submissions, and amendments). 2. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (10 Points)

This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need for funding the proposed program activities and an indication of the importance of meeting the need(s) in the target area. The need(s) described must be relevant to the activities for which funds are being requested. In addressing this factor, applicants should provide, at a minimum, the following and must cite statistics and/or analyses contained in at least one or more current data sources that are sound and reliable.

(1) Describe the need(s); and

(2) Describe the importance of meeting the proposed needs.

In rating this factor, HUD will consider only current data that is specific to the area where the proposed project activities will be carried out. Sources for localized data can be found at: http://www.ffiec.gov.

HUD will consider data collected within the last five (5) years to be current. To the extent that the targeted community's Five (5) Year Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) identify the level of the problem and the urgency in meeting the need, applicants should include references to these documents in the response to this factor.

Other reliable data sources include, but are not limited to, Census reports, HUD Continuum of Care gap analysis and its E-MAP (http://www.hud.gov/emaps ), law enforcement agency crime reports, Public

Housing Agencies' Comprehensive Plans, community needs analyses such as provided by the United Way, the applicant's institution, and other sound, reliable and appropriate sources. Needs in terms of fulfilling court orders or consent decrees, settlements, conciliation agreements, and voluntary compliance agreements may also be addressed. 3. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (44 Points)

This factor addresses the quality and effectiveness of the proposed work plan

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and the commitment of the institution to sustain the proposed activities.

a. (37 Points) Quality of the Work Plan. This subfactor will be evaluated on the extent to which an applicant provides a clear detailed description of the proposed project and anticipated accomplishments.

(1) (32 Points) Specific Activities. The work plan must describe all proposed activities and major tasks required to successfully implement the proposed project. In addressing this subfactor applicants must provide a clear description of the proposed activities and address the following:

(a) Describe each activity to successfully implement and complete the proposed project in measurable terms (e.g., the number of homes that will be renovated, the number of jobs created, etc.);

(b) List and describe how each activity meets one of the following Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program national objectives:

Benefit low- and moderate-income persons;

Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or

Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community, and other financial resources are not available to meet such needs.

Criteria for determining whether an activity addresses one or more objectives are provided at 24 CFR 570.208;

(c) Describe the major tasks required (in sequential order) to successfully implement and complete each project activity. Include the target completion dates for these tasks (in 6 month intervals, up to 36 months);

(d) Identify key staff, as described in Factor 1, who will be responsible and accountable for completing each task; and

(e) Describe how the project director will work with partners and citizens to accomplish the proposed activities.

(2) (5 Points) Describe clearly how each proposed activity will:

(a) Expand the role of the institution in the community;

(b) Address the needs identified in Factor 2;

(c) Relate to and not duplicate other activities in the target area. Duplicative effort will be acceptable only if an applicant can demonstrate through documentation that there is a population in need that is not being served; and

(d) Involve and empower citizens of the target area in the proposed project.

b. (3 Points) Involvement of the faculty and students. The applicant must describe how it proposes to integrate the institution's students and faculty into the proposed project activities.

c. (2 Points) HUD Policy Priorities. To earn points under this subfactor, HUD requires applicants to undertake specific activities that will assist the Department in implementing its policy priorities and that help the Department achieve its goals and objectives in FY 2007, when the majority of grant recipients will be reporting programmatic results and achievements. In rating this subfactor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which a program will further and support HUD's priorities. The quality of the responses provided to one or more of HUD's priorities will determine the score an applicant can receive. Applicants must describe how each policy priority selected will be addressed. Applicants that just list a priority will receive no points.

The total number of points an applicant can receive under this subfactor is two (2). Each policy priority addressed has a point value of one (1) point with the exception of the policy priority to remove regulatory barriers to affordable housing, which has a point value of up to two (2) points. To receive these two (2) points an applicant must indicate how this priority will be addressed and submit the completed questionnaire (HUD-27300) ``HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory Barriers'' found in the General Section along with required documentation. It is up to the applicant to determine which of the policy priorities they elect to address to receive the available two (2) points.

d. (2 Points) Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very-Low Income Persons (Provision of Section 3). This subfactor will be evaluated on the extent to which an applicant describes how it proposes to:

(1) Provide opportunities to train and employ lower-income residents of the project area; and

(2) Award substantial contracts to persons residing in the project area.

Regulations regarding the provision of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) can be located at 24 CFR Part 135. 4. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (9 Points)

This factor addresses the ability of the applicant to secure resources that can be combined with HUD's grant funds to achieve the program's purpose.

HUD will consider the extent to which the applicant established partnerships with other entities to secure additional resources to increase the effectiveness of the proposed project activities. Resources may include funding or in-kind contributions, such as services or equipment, allocated for the purpose(s) of the project activities. Resources may be provided by governmental entities, public or private nonprofit organizations, for-profit private organizations, or other entities. Applicants may also establish partnerships with other program funding recipients to coordinate the use of resources in the target area. Overhead and other institutional costs (e.g., salaries, indirect costs, etc.) that the institution has waived may be counted. Examples of potential sources for outside assistance include:

Federal, state, and local governments

Public Housing Agencies

Local or national nonprofit organizations

Financial institutions and/or private businesses

Foundations

Faith-based and other community-based organizations.

To address this factor, an applicant must provide an outline in the application and have on file written commitment letters, memoranda of understandings and/or agreements that show the extent and firm commitment of all proposed leveraged resources (including any commitment of resources from the applicant's own institution) that address the following information for each leveraged resource/fund:

(1) The name of the organization and the executive officer authorizing the funds/goods and/or services (Only applicable to the narrative section)

(2) The cash amount contributed or dollar value of the in-kind goods and/or services committed (If a dollar amount and its use is not shown, the funding will not be counted);

(3) A specific description of how each contribution is to be used toward the proposed activities;

(4) The date the contribution will be made available and a statement that describes the duration of the contribution;

(5) Any terms or conditions affecting the commitment, other than receipt of a HUD Grant; and

(6) The signature of the appropriate executive officer authorized to commit the funds and/or goods and/or services. (Only applicable to the written documentation) Please remember that only items eligible for funding under this program can be counted.

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Commitment letters, memoranda of understandings and/or agreements are not required at the time of application submission but you must have them on file. Applicants selected for award will be required to submit the signed commitment letters, memoranda of understandings and/ or agreements outlined in the application, within twenty (20) calendar days after initial contact from the Office of University Partnerships (OUP). Letters, memoranda of understanding, or agreements must be submitted on the provider's letterhead and should be addressed to Sherone Ivey, Acting Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for University Partnerships. The date of the letter, memorandum of understanding, or agreement from the CEO of the provider organization must be dated no earlier than nine months prior to this published NOFA. OUP will provide specific instructions on how these documents must be submitted when contact is made with the applicant. HUD will only request and consider the resources/organizations that are listed in the outline submitted in the application. If OUP does not receive those documents in the required format and allotted timeframe, an applicant will not receive points under this factor and the application will be rated and ranked to address this point change.

In scoring this factor, HUD will award nine (9) points to an applicant that provides properly documented leveraging resources as listed in their application that are 15 percent or more of the amount requested under this program; six (6) points to applicants that provide properly documented leveraging resources as listed that are 10-14 percent of the amount requested under this program; three (3) points to applicants that provide properly documented leveraging resources as listed that are 5-9 percent of the amount requested under this program; and zero (0) points to applicants that provide properly documented leveraging resources as listed that are less than 5 percent of the amount requested or resources are not properly documented.

5. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (12 Points)

This factor reflects HUD's goal to embrace high standards of management and accountability. It measures the applicant's commitment to assess their performance to achieve the program's proposed objectives and goals. Applicants are required to develop an effective, quantifiable, outcome oriented evaluation plan for measuring performance and determining that objectives and goals have been achieved. The Logic Model is a summary of the narrative statements presented in Factors 1-4. Therefore, the information submitted on the logic model should be consistent with the information contained in the narrative statements.

``Outcomes'' are benefits accruing to institutions of higher education and/or communities during or after participation in the AN/ NHIAC program. Applicants must clearly identify the outcomes to be measured and achieved. Examples of outcomes include increased community development in the target community by a certain percentage, increased employment opportunities in the target community by a certain percentage, increased incomes/wages or other assets for persons trained, and/or enhanced family stability through the creation of affordable housing opportunities.

In addition, applicants must establish interim benchmarks and outputs that lead to the ultimate achievement of outcomes. ``Outputs'' are the direct products of the program's activities. Examples of outputs are the number of new affordable housing units, the number of homes that have been renovated, and the number of facilities that have been constructed or rehabilitated. Outputs should produce outcomes for the program. At a minimum, an applicant must address the following activities in the evaluation plan:

a. Measurable outputs to be accomplished (e.g., the number of persons to be trained and employed; houses to be built pursuant to 24 CFR 570.207 or rehabilitated; minority-owned businesses to be started);

b. Measurable outcomes the grant will have on the community in general and the target area or population; and

c. The impact the grant will have on assisting the university to obtain additional resources to continue this type of work at the end of the grant performance period.

The information must be placed on a HUD-96010, Program Logic Model form. HUD has developed a new approach to completing this form. Please carefully read the General Section for instructions, training is available. (Form HUD-96010 will be excluded from the page count.) A narrative is not required. However, if a narrative is provided, those pages will be included in the page count.

B. Review and Selection Process

1. Application Selection Process

Two types of reviews will be conducted:

a. A threshold review to determine an applicant's basic eligibility; and

b. A technical review for all applications that pass the threshold review to rate and rank the application based on the ``Rating Factors'' listed in Section V.A.

Only those applications that pass the threshold review will receive a technical review and be rated and ranked. 2. Rating Panels

To review and rate applications, HUD may establish panels, which may include experts or consultants not currently employed by HUD to obtain certain expertise. 3. Ranking

HUD will fund applications in rank order, until all available program funds are awarded. In order to be funded, an applicant must receive a minimum score of 75 points out of a possible 100 points for Factors 1 through 5. The RC/EZ/EC-II bonus points described in the General Section do not apply to this NOFA. If two or more applications have the same number of points, the application with the most points for Factor 3 shall be selected. If there is still a tie, the application with the most points for Factor 1 shall be selected. If there is still a tie, the application with the most points for Factors 2, 4 and then 5 shall be selected, in that order, until the tie is broken. HUD reserves the right to make selections out of rank order to provide for geographic distribution of grantees.

HUD also reserves the right to reduce the amount of funding requested in order to fund as many highly ranked applications as possible. Additionally, if funds remain after funding the highest ranked applications, HUD may fund part of the next highest-ranking application. If an applicant turns down an award offer, HUD will make an award to the next highest-ranking application. If funds remain after all selections have been made, the remaining funds will be carried over to the next funding cycle's competition. 4. Correction to Deficient Applications

See the General Section.

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Announcements of awards are anticipated on or before September 30, 2006.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

After all selections have been made, HUD will notify all winning applicants

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in writing. HUD may require winning applicants to participate in additional negotiations before receiving an official award. For further discussion on this matter, please refer to the General Section. B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Refer to Section VI.B. of the General Section.

1. Debriefing. The General Section provides the procedures for requesting a debriefing. All requests for debriefings must be made in writing and submitted within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of written notification to: Sherone Ivey, Office of University Partnerships, Robert C. Weaver Federal Building; 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 8106; Washington, DC 20410. Applicants may also write to Ms. Ivey via e-mail at Sherone_E._Ivey@hud.gov.

2. Administrative. Grants awarded under this NOFA will be governed by the provisions of 24 CFR part 84 (Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations), A-21 (Cost Principles for Educational Institutions) and A-133 (Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations). Applicants can access the OMB circulars at the White House Web site at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html.

3. OMB Circulars and Government-wide Regulations Applicable to Financial Assistance Programs. The General Section provides further discussion.

4. Executive Order 13202, Preservation of Open Competition and Government Neutrality Towards Government Contractors Labor Relations on Federal and Federally Funded Construction Projects. See the General Section for further discussion.

5. Procurement of Recovered Materials. See Section the General Section for further discussion.

6. Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services For Persons With Limited English Proficiency (LEP). See the General Section for further discussion.

7. Code of Conduct. See the General Section for further discussion.

C. Reporting

All grant recipients under this NOFA are required to submit quarterly progress reports. The progress reports shall consist of two components, a narrative that must reflect the activities undertaken during the reporting period and a financial report that reflects costs incurred by budget line item, as well as a cumulative summary of cost incurred during the reporting period.

For each reporting period, as part of the required report to HUD, grant recipients must include a completed Logic Model form (HUD-96010), which identifies output and outcome achievements.

For FY2006, HUD is considering a new concept for the Logic Model. The new concept is a Return on Investment (ROI) statement. HUD will be publishing a separate notice on the ROI concept.

VII. Agency Contacts

Applicants may contact Sherone Ivey at (202) 708-3061, extension 4200 or Susan Brunson at (202) 708-3061, extension 3852. Persons with speech or hearing impairments may call the Federal Information Relay Service TTY at (800) 877-8339. Except for the ``800'' number, these numbers are not toll-free. Applicants may also reach Ms. Ivey via e- mail at Sherone_E._Ivey@hud.gov, and/or Ms. Brunson at Susan_S._Brunson@hud.gov.

VIII. Other Information: Paperwork Reduction Act

The information collection requirements contained in this document have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2528-0206. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 59 hours per annum per respondent for the application and grant administration. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the application, quarterly, and final reports. The information will be used for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds. Response to this request for information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived.

Appendix A--Application Checklist--AN/NHIAC

This checklist identifies application submission requirements. Applicants are requested to use this checklist when preparing an application to ensure submission of all required elements. Applicants submitting an electronic application do not have to submit the checklist. Applicants that receive a waiver of the electronic application submission requirement should include a copy of the checklist in their application.

Check off to ensure these items have been included in the application:

----SF-424 ``Application For Federal Assistance'' ----Application Checklist (Applicants that submit paper applications must include the checklist in their applications) ----Abstract (must include no more than a two-page summary of the proposed project)

Indicate the page number where each of the Factors is located:

Narrative Statement Addressing the Rating Factors.

The narrative section of an application must not exceed 50 pages in length (excluding forms, budget narrative and abstract). This information must be submitted on 8\1/2\ by 11-inch paper, double-spaced on one side of the paper, with one-inch margins (from the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the documents) and printed in standard Times New-Roman 12-point font.

----Factor I ----Factor II ----Factor III ----Factor IV ----Factor V ----HUD-96010 ``Logic Model''

Check off to ensure these items have been included in the application:

Appendix

----Budget ----HUD 424-CB ``Grant Application Detailed Budget'' ----Budget Narrative (No form provided, but must be submitted for the total three-year grant period.

Appendix B (All Required Forms)

The following forms are required for submission. All required forms are contained in the electronic application package.

----Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424); ----Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (SF-424 Supplement); ----Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL); ----Grant Application Detailed Budget (HUD-424-CB); ----America's Affordable Communities Initiative (HUD-27300), if applicable; ----Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (HUD-2880); ----Acknowledgement of Applicant Receipt (Only applicants who submit paper applications (HUD-2993); ----Facsimile Transmittal (HUD-96011), if applicable; ----You Are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey (HUD-2994-A); and

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----Logic Model (HUD-96010).

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN08MR06.009

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Tribal Colleges and Universities Program

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy Development and Research, Office of University Partnerships.

B. Funding Opportunity Title: Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP).

C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Numbers: The Federal Register Number is FR- 5030-N-24. The OMB Approval Number is 2528-0215.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: The CFDA Number for this program is 14.519.

F. Dates: The application deadline date is May 22, 2006. Please be sure to read the General Section for electronic application submission and receipt requirements.

G. Additional Overview Content Information:

1. Purpose of the Program. To assist Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) to build, expand, renovate, and equip their own facilities, and to expand the role of the TCUs into the community through the provision of needed services such as health programs, job training, and economic development activities.

2. Award Information: In Fiscal Year (FY) 2006, approximately $2.5 million has been made available for this program by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109- 115; approved Nov. 30, 2005) and an additional $643,000 in carryover funds. An applicant can request up to $600,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period.

3. Eligible Applicants: Tribal Colleges and Universities that meet the definition of a TCU established in Title III of the 1998 Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Pub. L. 105-244, approved October 7, 1998). Institutions must be fully accredited or provide a statement in the abstract of the application that states the institution is a candidate for accreditation by a regional institutional accrediting association recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

The purpose of this program is to assist Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) to build, expand, renovate, and equip their own facilities, and to expand the role of the TCUs into the community through the provision of needed services such as health programs, job training, and economic development activities.

A. Authority

HUD's authority for making funding available under this NOFA is the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109-115; approved Nov. 30, 2005). This program is being implemented through this NOFA and the policies governing its operation are contained herein.

B. Modifications

Listed below are major modifications from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 program-funding announcement.

1. The provision of public services and program delivery activities are now eligible under this program. The purpose of the Tribal Colleges and Universities Program has been modified to include expanding the role of the TCUs into the community through the provision of needed services such as health programs, job training, and economic development.

2. Commitment letters, memoranda of understandings and/or agreements are not required at the time of application submission but must be on file. Applicants selected for award will be required to submit the signed commitment letters, memoranda of understandings and/ or agreements outlined in the application, within twenty (20) calendar days after initial contact from the Office of University Partnerships (OUP). OUP will provide specific instructions on how these documents must be submitted at that time. HUD will only request and consider the resources/organizations outlined in the application. If OUP does not receive those documents in the required format and allotted timeframe, an applicant will not receive points under this factor and the application will be rated and ranked to address this point change.

In scoring this factor, HUD will rate an applicant that provides leveraging resources that are 10 percent or more of the amount requested under this program and that are properly documented, as listed below, will be awarded nine (9) points; applicants that provide leveraging resources that are 7-9 percent of the amount requested under this program and that are properly documented, as listed below, will be awarded six (6) points; applicants that provide leveraging resources that are 4-6 percent of the amount requested under this program and that are properly documented, as listed below, will be awarded three (3) points; applicants that provide leveraging resources that are less than 4 percent of the amount requested or resources are not properly documented will receive zero points.

3. All applicants submitting electronic applications must attach their narrative responses to Rating Factors 1-5 as one attachment. PLEASE DO NOT ATTACH YOUR RESPONSE TO EACH FACTOR SEPARATELY.

II. Award Information

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2006, approximately $2.5 million is made available for this program and an additional $643,000 in carryover funds. An applicant can request up to $600,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Tribal Colleges and Universities that meet the definition of a TCU established in Title III of the 1998 Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Pub. L. 105-244, enacted October 7, 1998). Institutions must be fully accredited, or provide a statement in their application that verifies the institution is a candidate for accreditation, by a regional institutional accrediting association recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

None Required.

C. Other

1. Eligible Activities: Eligible activities include building, expanding, renovating, and equipping facilities owned by the institution (a long-term lease for five years or more in duration is considered an acceptable form of ownership under this program). Buildings for which TCUP funding is used that also serve the community are eligible; however, the facilities must be predominantly (at least 51 percent of the time) for the use of the institution (e.g., students, faculty, and staff). In addition, public services and program delivery activities for the community such as health programs, job training and economic development are eligible activities. Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

a. Building a new facility (e.g., classrooms, administrative offices, health and cultural centers, gymnasium, technology centers, etc.);

b. Renovating an existing or acquired facility;

c. Expanding an existing or acquired facility;

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d. Equipping university facilities (e.g., lab equipment, library books, furniture, etc.); or

e. Property acquisition;

f. Health screening;

g. Homeownership counseling/training;

h. Technical assistance to establish, expand or stabilize micro- enterprises;

i. Crime, alcohol and/or drug-abuse prevention activities;

j. Youth leadership development programs/activities;

k. Tutoring/mentoring programs;

l. Child care/development programs;

m. Cultural activities/programs; and

n. Applicants can use up to 20 percent of the grant for payments of reasonable grant administrative costs related to planning and execution of the project (e.g., preparation/submission of HUD reports, etc.). A detailed explanation of these costs is provided in the OMB circulars that can be accessed at the White House Web site at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html .

Each activity proposed for funding must meet at least one of the following Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program national objectives:

Benefit low- and moderate-income persons;

Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or

Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community, and other financial resources are not available to meet such needs.

Criteria for determining whether an activity addresses one or more objectives are provided at 24 CFR 570.208. The CDBG publication entitled ``Community Development Block Grant Program Guide to National Objectives and Eligible Activities for Entitlement Communities'' describes the CDBG regulations, and a copy can be obtained from HUD's NOFA Information Center at 800-HUD-8929 or 800-HUD-2209 for the hearing-impaired.

2. Audit Requirements. See Section III.C. of the General Section.

3. Threshold Requirements Applicable to All Applicants. All applicants must comply with the threshold requirements as defined in the General Section and the requirements listed below. Applications that do not meet these requirements will be considered ineligible for funding and will be disqualified.

a. The applicant must meet the eligibility requirements as defined in Section III.A.

b. The applicant may request up to $600,000.

c. Only one application can be submitted per campus. If multiple applications are submitted, all will be disqualified. However, different campuses of the same university system are eligible to apply as long as they have an administrative and budgeting structure independent of the other campuses in the system.

d. Institutions that received grants in FY 2005 are not eligible to apply under this NOFA.

e. Applicants must receive a minimum score of 75 points to be considered for funding.

f. An applicant must have a DUNS number to receive HUD grant funds (See General Section).

g. Electronic applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date May 22, 2006.

4. Program Requirements. In addition to the standard requirements listed in Section III.C. of the General Section, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

a. All funds awarded are for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period.

b. While community-wide use of a facility (that is purchased, equipped, leased, renovated or built) is permissible under this program, the facility must be predominantly for the use of the institution (i.e., it must be used by the staff, faculty, and/or students at least 51 percent of the time).

c. If a TCU is a part or instrumentality of a federally recognized tribe, the applicant must comply with the Indian Civil Rights Act (25 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) and all other applicable civil rights statues and authorities as set forth in 24 CFR 1000.12. If the TCU is not a part or instrumentality of a federally recognized tribe the applicant must comply with the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601-19) and implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 100 et seq., Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d-2000d-4) (Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs) and implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 1, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794) and implementing regulation at 24 CFR Part 8, and Section 109 of Title One of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (HCDA), as amended, with respect to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, sex, religion, or disability and implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 6.

d. Labor Standards. Institutions and their subgrantees, contractors and subcontractors must comply with the labor standards (Davis-Bacon) requirements referenced in 24 CFR 570.603. However, in accordance with HCDA section 107(e)(2), the Secretary waives the provisions of HCDA section 110 with respect to the TCUP program for grants to a TCU that is part of a tribe, i.e., a TCU that is legally a department or other part of a tribal government, but not a TCU that is established under tribal law as an entity separate from the tribal government. If a TCU is not part of a tribe, the labor standards of HCDA section 110, as referenced in 24 CFR 570.603, apply to activities under the grant to the TCU.

e. Environmental Requirements. Selection for award does not constitute approval of any proposed sites. Following selection for award, HUD will perform an environmental review of activities proposed for assistance in accordance with 24 CFR part 50. The results of the environmental review may require that proposed activities be modified or proposed sites be rejected. Applicants are particularly cautioned not to undertake or commit funds for acquisition or development of proposed properties prior to HUD approval of specific properties or areas. An application constitutes an assurance that the institution will assist HUD to comply with part 50; will supply HUD with all available and relevant information to perform an environmental review for each proposed property; will carry out mitigating measures required by HUD or select alternate property; and will not acquire, rehabilitate, convert, demolish, lease, repair, or construct property and not commit or expend HUD or local funds for these program activities with respect to any eligible property until HUD's written approval of the property is received. In supplying HUD with environmental information, applicants should use the same guidance as provided in the HUD Notice CPD-05-07 entitled, ``Field Environmental Review Processing for Rural Housing and Economic Development (RHED) grants'' issued August 30, 2005. The General Section provides further discussion of the environmental requirements. Further information and assistance on HUD's environmental requirements is available at: http://hudstage.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm/offices/cpd/lawsregs/notices/2005/05-07.pdf .

f. Site Control. Where grant funds will be used for acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction an applicant must demonstrate site control. Funds may be recaptured or deobligated from applicants that cannot demonstrate

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control of a suitable site within one year after the initial notification of award.

g. Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very-Low Income Persons (Section 3). The provisions of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) apply to this NOFA and requires that to the greatest extent feasible opportunities for training and employment be given to lower-income residents of the project and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded in substantial part to person residing in the area of the project. Regulations are located at 24 CFR Part 135.

IV. Application and Submission Information.

A. Address To Request Application Package

Applicants may download the instructions to the application found on the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.Grants.gov./Apply. If you have

difficulty accessing the information you may call the Grants.gov Support Desk toll free 800-518-GRANTS or e-mail your questions to Support@Grants.gov. See the General Section for information regarding

the registration process or ask for registration information from the Grants.gov Support Desk.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Forms

The following forms are required for submission. Copies of these forms are available on line at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa06/snofaforms.cfm .

a. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424).

b. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (SF-424 Supplement);

c. Grant Application Detailed Budget (HUD-424-CB);

d. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicable;

e. America's Affordable Communities Initiative (HUD-27300), if applicable;

f. Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (HUD-2880);

g. Program Logic Model (HUD-96010);

h. Acknowledgement of Applicant Receipt (HUD-2993). Complete this form only if you have received a waiver to the electronic application submission requirement. Applicants submitting electronically are not required to include this form;

i. Facsimile Transmittal Cover Page (HUD-96011). This form must be used as the cover page to transmit third-party documents and other information. Applicants are advised to download the application package, complete the SF-424 first and it will pre-populate the Transmittal Cover page. The Transmittal Cover page will contain a unique identifier embedded in the page that will help HUD associate your faxed materials to your application. Please download the cover page and then make multiple copies to provide to any of the entities responsible for submitting faxed materials to HUD on your behalf. Please do not use your own fax cover sheet. HUD will not read any faxes that are sent without the HUD-96011 fax transmittal cover page; and

j. You Are Our Client Survey (HUD-2994-A). (Optional) 2. Certifications and Assurances

Please read the General Section for detailed information on all the Certifications and Assurances. All applications submitted through Grants.gov constitute an acknowledgement and agreement to all required certifications and assurances. Please include in your application each item listed below. Applicants submitting paper copy applications should submit the application in the following order:

a. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. Please remember the following:

(1) The full grant amount requested from HUD (entire three years) should be entered, not the amount for just one year;

(2) Include the name, title, address, telephone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address of the designated contact. This person will receive all correspondence; therefore, please ensure the accuracy of the information;

(3) The Employer Identification/Tax ID number;

(4) The DUNS Number;

(5) The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this program is 14.519;

(6) The project's proposed start and completion dates. For the purpose of this application the program start date should be December 1, 2006; and

(7) The signature of the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) who, by virtue of submitting an application via Grants.gov, has been authenticated by the credential provider to submit applications on behalf of the Institution and approved by the eBusiness Point of Contact to submit an application via Grants.gov. The AOR must be able to make a legally binding agreement with HUD. For details on the Grants.gov registration process, see HUD's Notice on Early Registration published in the Federal Register on December 9, 2005 (70 FR 73332).

b. Application Checklist. Applicants should use the checklist to ensure that they have all the required components of their application. Applicants submitting an electronic application should not submit the checklist in their application. Applicants receiving a waiver of the electronic application submission requirement should include a copy of the checklist in their application submission. The checklist is located in Appendix A.

c. Abstract. Applicants must include no more than a two-page summary of the proposed project. Please include the following:

(1) A clear description of the proposed project activities, where they will take place (be located), the target population that will be assisted, and the impact this project is expected to have on the institution;

(2) A statement that the institution is an eligible institution because it is a two-or four-year fully accredited institution, the name of the accrediting agency and an assurance that the accrediting agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; or the applicant is a candidate for accreditation by a regional instructional accrediting association recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, including the name of the accrediting agency;

(3) The designated contact person, including phone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address (This is the person who will receive all correspondence; therefore, please ensure the accuracy of the information);

(4) The project director, if different from the designated contact person for the project, including phone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address.

d. Narrative statement addressing the Rating Factors. HUD will use the narrative response to the ``Rating Factors'' to evaluate, rate, and rank applications. The narrative statement is the main source of information. Applicants are advised to review each factor carefully for program specific requirements. The response to each factor should be concise and contain only information relevant to the factor, yet detailed enough to address the factor fully. Please do not repeat material in response to the five factors; instead, focus on how well the proposal responds to each of the factors. Where there are subfactors, each subfactor must be presented separately, with the short title of the subfactor presented. Make sure to address each subfactor and provide sufficient information about every element of the subfactor. The

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narrative section of an application must not exceed 50 pages in length (excluding forms, budget narrative, assurances, and abstract) and must be submitted on 8\1/2\ by 11-inch paper, double-spaced on one side of the paper, with one-inch margins (from the top, bottom and left to right side of the document) and printed in standard Times New Roman 12- point font. Each page of the narrative must include the applicant's name and should be numbered. Note that although submitting pages in excess of the page limit will not disqualify an applicant, HUD will not consider the information on any excess pages. This exclusion may result in a lower score or failure to meet a threshold requirement. All applicants submitting electronic applications must attach their narrative responses to Rating Factors 1-5 as one attachment. PLEASE DO NOT ATTACH YOUR RESPONSE TO EACH FACTOR SEPARATELY.

e. Budget. The budget submission must include the following:

(1) HUD-424-CB, ``Grant Application Detailed Budget.'' This form shows the total budget by year and by line item for the program activities to be carried out with the proposed HUD grant. Each year of the program should be presented separately. Applicants must also submit this form to reflect the total cost for the entire grant performance period (Grand Total).

Make sure that the amounts shown on the SF-424, HUD-424-CB, and all other required program forms are consistent and the budget totals are correct. Remember to check the addition in totaling the categories on all forms so that all items are included in the total. If there is any inconsistency between any of the required budget forms, the HUD-424-CB will be used. All budget forms must be fully completed. If an application is selected for award, the applicant may be required to provide greater specificity to the budget during grant agreement negotiations.

(2) Budget Narrative. Applicants must submit a narrative that explains how the applicant arrived at the cost estimates for any line item over $5,000 cumulative. For example, an applicant proposes to construct an addition to an existing building, which will cost approximately $200,000. The following cost estimate reflects this total: Foundation cost $75,000, electrical work $40,000, plumbing work $40,000, interior finishing work $35,000 and landscaping $10,000. The proposed cost estimates should be reasonable for the work to be performed and consistent with rates established for the level of expertise required to perform the work proposed in the geographical area. When necessary, quotes from various vendors or historical data should be used (please make sure they are kept on file and are available for review by HUD at any time). All direct labor or salaries must be supported with mandated city/state pay scales, Davis-Bacon wage rates/tribally designated wage rate (as appropriate) or other documentation. When an applicant proposes to use a consultant, the applicant must indicate whether there is a formal written agreement. For each consultant, please provide the name, if known, hourly or daily fee, and the estimated time on the project. Applicants must use cost estimates based on historical data from the institution and/or from a qualified firm (e.g., Architectural or Engineering firm), vendor and/or qualified individual (e.g., independent architect or contractor) other than the institution for projects that involve rehabilitation of residential, commercial and/or industrial structures, and/or acquisition, construction, or installation of public facilities and improvements. Such an entity must be involved in the business of rehabilitation, construction, and/or management. Equipment and contracts cannot be presented as a total estimated figure. For equipment, applicants must provide a list by type and cost for each item. Applicants using contracts must provide an individual description and cost estimate for each contract. Construction costs must be broken down to indicate how funds will be utilized (e.g., demolition, foundation, exterior walls, roofing, electrical work, plumbing, finishing work, etc.)

(3) Indirect costs. Indirect costs, if applicable, are allowable based on an established approved indirect cost rate. Applicants must have on file, and submit to HUD if selected for award, a copy of their indirect cost rate agreement. Applicants who are selected for funding that do not have an approved indirect cost rate agreement, established by the cognizant federal agency, will be required to establish a rate. In such cases, HUD will issue an award with a provisional rate and assist applicants with the process of establishing a final rate.

f. Appendix. Applicants receiving a waiver of the electronic submission requirements and submitting a paper copy of the application must place all required forms in this section. An applicant SHOULD NOT submit resumes, or other back-up materials. If this information is included, it will not be considered during the review process.

C. Submission Dates and Times

A complete application package must be received and validated electronically by the Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on or before the application deadline date of May 22, 2006. In an effort to address any issues with transmission of your application, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications prior to the application deadline. This will allow an applicant enough time to make the necessary adjustments to meet the submission deadline in the event Grants.gov rejects the application. Please see the General Section for further instructions. Electronic faxes using the Facsimile Transmittal cover sheet (Form HUD-96011) contained in the electronic application must be received no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date.

D. Intergovernmental Review

This program is excluded for an Intergovernmental Review.

E. Funding Restrictions

Ineligible activities for funding under this program include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Renovation of a facility in which the facility is not used at least 51 percent of the time by the institution;

2. Rental space to another entity that operates a small business assistance center;

3. Building of a new facility, where the activities are for non- students or the activities are run primarily by an outside entity;

4. Using more than 20 percent of the grant for payments of grant administrative costs related to planning and execution of the project (e.g., preparation/submission of HUD reports); and

5. Curriculum development and/or expansion on an institution's existing curriculum.

F. Other Submission Requirements

1. Application Submission and Receipt Procedure

Please read the General Section carefully and completely for the electronic submission and receipt procedures for all applications because failure to comply may disqualify your application. 2. Waiver of Electronic Submission Requirements

Please refer to the General Section for further discussion. Paper applications will not be accepted from applicants that have not been granted a waiver. If

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an applicant is granted a waiver, the Office of University Partnerships will provide instructions for submission. Paper application must be received by or before the application due date.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

1. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Experience (25 Points)

This factor addresses the extent to which the applicant has the resources necessary to successfully implement the proposed activities in a timely manner.

a. Knowledge and Experience. For First Time Applicants (25 Points), For Previously Funded Applicants (15 Points). In rating this subfactor, HUD will consider the extent to which the applicant clearly addresses the following:

(1) Describe the knowledge and experience of the proposed project director and staff, including the day-to-day program manager/ coordinator, consultants (including technical assistance providers), and contractors in planning and managing the type of project for which funding is being requested; and

(2) Clearly identify the following: Key project team members, titles (e.g., project manager/coordinator, etc.), respective roles for the project staff, and a brief description of their relevant experience.

If key personnel have not been hired, applicants must identify the position title, provide a description of duties and responsibilities, and describe the qualifications to be considered in the selection of personnel, including subcontractors and consultants.

Experience will be judged in terms of recent and relevant knowledge and skills of the staff to undertake eligible program activities. HUD will consider experience within the last five (5) years to be recent and experience pertaining to similar activities to be relevant.

b. Past Performance (10 Points) For Previously Funded Grant Applicants Only. This subfactor will evaluate how well an applicant has performed successfully under HUD/TCUP grants. Applicants must demonstrate this by addressing the following information for all previously completed and open HUD/TCUP grants:

(1) A list of all HUD/TCUP grants received, including the dollar amount awarded and the amount expended and obligated as of the date of this application;

(2) A description of the achievement of specific tasks, measurable objectives, and specific outcomes consistent with the approved project management plan;

(3) A list detailing the date the project(s) was completed, was it completed in the original three-year grant performance period; if not completed, why (including when it was or will be completed);

(4) A comparison of the amount of proposed leveraged funds and/or resources to the amount that was actually leveraged; and

(5) A detailed description of compliance with all reporting requirements, including timeliness of submission, whether reports were complete and addressed all information (both narrative and financial) as required by the grant agreement.

HUD will also review an applicant's past performance in managing funds, including, but not limited to: The ability to account for funding appropriately; timely use of funds received from HUD; meeting performance targets for completion of activities. In evaluating past performance, HUD reserves the right to deduct up to five (5) points from this rating score as a result of the information obtained from HUD's records (i.e., progress and financial reports, monitoring reports, Logic Model submission, and amendments). 2. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (10 Points)

This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need for funding the proposed project activities and an indication of the importance of meeting the need(s). The need(s) described must be relevant to activities for which funds are being requested. In addressing this factor, applicants should provide, at a minimum, the following and must cite statistics and/or analyses contained in at least one or more current data sources that are sound and reliable.

(1) Describe the need(s); and

(2) Describe the importance of meeting the proposed needs.

In rating this factor, HUD will consider only current data that is specific to the area where the proposed project activities will be carried out. Reliable sources of data may include information that describes the need, such as a need to have a building renovated because it is 50 years old and is deteriorating; a new computer lab has been built, but the computers are obsolete; a library has been expanded, but the books are outdated, local/Tribal crime statistics, Indian Housing Plans, etc. When presenting data, include the source and date of the information. 3. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (44 Points)

This factor addresses the quality and effectiveness of the proposed work plan and the commitment of the institution to sustain the proposed activities.

a. (40 Points) Quality of Work Plan. HUD will evaluate this subfactor based on the extent to which an applicant provides a clear detailed description of the proposed project and anticipated accomplishments.

(1) (35 Points) Specific Activities. The work plan must describe all of the proposed activities and major tasks required to successfully implement the proposed project. In addressing this subfactor applicants must provide a clear description of the proposed activities and address the following:

(a) Describe all proposed activities in measurable terms (e.g., fifty or more students will be receiving computer literacy training, the number of new classes that will be taught as a result of building a new structure);

(b) Describe the major tasks in sequential order necessary to successfully implement the proposed project. Include the target completion dates for the tasks (6 month intervals, up to 36 months);

(c) List and describe how each activity meets one of the following Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program national objectives:

Benefit low- and moderate-income persons;

Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or

Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community, and other financial resources are not available to meet such needs.

Criteria for determining whether an activity addresses one or more objective are provided at 24 CFR 570.208;

(d) Describe the measurable objectives that will be realized as a result of implementing the proposed project; and

(e) Identify the key staff, as described in Factor 1, who will be responsible for completing each task.

(2) (5 Points) Describe clearly how each proposed project activity will:

(a) Address the needs identified in Factor 2; and

(b) Relate to and not duplicate other activities in the target area.

b. (2 Points) Involvement of the Faculty and Students. The applicant must describe how it proposes to integrate the institution's students and faculty into the proposed project activities.

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c. (2 Points) HUD Policy Priorities. To earn points under this subfactor, HUD requires applicants to undertake specific activities that will assist the Department in implementing its policy priorities and that help the Department achieve its goals and objectives in FY 2007, when the majority of grant recipients will be reporting programmatic results and achievement. In addressing this subfactor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which a program will further and support HUD priorities. The quality of the responses provided to one or more of HUD's priorities will determine the score an applicant can receive. Applicants must describe how each policy priority is addressed. Applicants that just list a priority will receive no points.

The total number of points an applicant can receive under this subfactor is two (2). Each policy priority addressed has a point value of one (1) point, with the exception of the policy priority related to removal of regulatory barriers to affordable housing, which has a value of up to two (2) points. To receive these two (2) points an applicant must indicate how this priority is addressed and submit the completed questionnaire (HUD-27300) ``HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory Barriers'' found in the General Section along with required documentation. It is up to the applicant to determine which of the policy priorities they elect to address to receive the available two (2) points. 4. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (9 Points)

This factor addresses the ability of the applicant to secure resources that can be combined with HUD's grant funds to achieve the program's purpose.

HUD will consider the extent to which the applicant established partnerships with other entities to secure additional resources to increase the effectiveness of the proposed program activities. Resources may include funding or in-kind contributions, such as services or equipment, allocated for the purpose(s) of the proposed project. Resources can be provided by governmental entities (e.g., Tribal, federal, and/or state governments), public or private nonprofit organizations, for-profit private organizations, or other entities. Overhead and other institutional costs (e.g., salaries, indirect costs) that the institution has waived can be counted.

Examples of potential sources for outside assistance include:

Tribal, federal, state, and local governments.

Tribally Designated Housing Entities.

Local or national nonprofit organizations.

Banks and/or private businesses.

Foundations.

Faith-based and other community-based organizations.

To address this factor, an applicant must provide an outline in the application and have on file written commitment letters, memoranda of understandings and/or agreements that show the extent and firm commitment of all proposed leveraged resources (including any commitment of resources from the applicant's own institution) that address the following information for each leveraged resource/fund:

(1) The name of the organization and the executive officer authorizing the funds/goods and/or services (Only applicable to the narrative section);

(2) The cash amount contributed or dollar value of the in-kind goods and/or services committed (If a dollar amount and its use is not shown, the funding will not be counted);

(3) A specific description of how each contribution is to be used toward the proposed activities;

(4) The date the contribution will be made available and a statement that describes the duration of the contribution;

(5) Any terms or conditions affecting the commitment, other than receipt of a HUD Grant; and

(6) The signature of the appropriate executive officer authorized to commit the funds and/or goods and/or services. (Only applicable to the written documentation.) Please remember that only items eligible for funding under this program can be counted.

Commitment letters, memoranda of understandings and/or agreements are not required at the time of application submission but must be on file. Applicants selected for award will be required to submit the signed commitment letters, memoranda of understandings and/or agreements outlined in the application, within twenty (20) calendar days after initial contact from the Office of University Partnerships (OUP). OUP will provide specific instructions on how these documents must be submitted at that time. Letters, memoranda of understanding, or agreements must be submitted on the provider's letterhead and should be addressed to Sherone Ivey, Acting Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for University Partnerships. The date of the letter, memorandum of understanding, or agreement from the CEO of the provider organization must be dated no earlier than nine months prior to this published NOFA. OUP will provide specific instructions on how these documents must be submitted when contact is made with the applicant. HUD will only request and consider the resources/organizations outlined in the application. If OUP does not receive those documents in the required format and allotted timeframe, an applicant will not receive points under this factor and the application will be rated and ranked to address this point change.

In scoring this factor, HUD will award nine (9) points to an applicant that provides properly documented leveraging resources as listed in their application that are 10 percent or more of the amount requested under this program; six (6) points to applicants that provide properly documented leveraging resources as listed that are 7-9 percent of the amount requested under this program; three (3) points to applicants that provide properly documented leveraging resources as listed that are 4-6 percent of the amount requested under this program; and zero (0) points to applicants that provide properly documented leveraging resources as listed that are less than 4 percent of the amount requested or resources are not properly documented. 5. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (12 Points)

This factor reflects HUD's goal to embrace high standards of management and accountability. It measures the applicant's commitment to assess their performance to achieve the program's proposed objectives and goals. Applicants are required to develop an effective, quantifiable, outcome oriented evaluation plan for measuring performance and determining that objectives and goals have been achieved. The Logic Model is a summary of the narrative statements presented in Factors 1-4. Therefore, the information submitted on the logic model should be consistent with the information contained in the narrative statements.

``Outcomes'' are benefits accruing to institutions of higher education during or after participation in the TCUP program. Applicants must clearly identify the outcomes to be measured and achieved. Examples of outcomes include an increased number of campus facilities (e.g., newly built or renovated), an increased number of classroom spaces available, or an increased student enrollment and graduation rate.

In addition, applicants must establish interim benchmarks and outputs that lead to the ultimate achievement of outcomes. ``Outputs'' are the direct

[[Page 11782]]

products of the project 's activities. Examples of outputs are the number of new facilities renovated, or the number of new dormitories built. Outputs should produce outcomes for the project. At a minimum, an applicant must address the following activities in the evaluation plan:

a. Short-and-long term objectives to be achieved;

b. Measurable impacts the grant will have on the university or the target population;

This information must be included under this section on a HUD- 96010, Program Logic Model form. HUD has developed a new approach to completing this form. Please carefully read the General Section for instructions, training is available. (Form HUD-96010 will be excluded from the page count.) A narrative is not required. However, if a narrative is provided, those pages will be included in the page count.

B. Review and Selection Process

1. Application Selection Process

Two types of reviews will be conducted:

a. A threshold review to determine an applicant's basic eligibility; and

b. A technical review for all applications that pass the threshold review to rate and rank the application based on the ``Rating Factors'' listed in Section V.A. above.

Only those applications that pass the threshold review will receive a technical review and be rated and ranked.

2. Rating Panels. To review and rate applications, HUD may establish panels that may include experts or consultants not currently employed by HUD to obtain certain expertise.

3. Ranking. HUD will fund applications in rank order, until all available program funds are awarded. In order to be funded, an applicant must receive a minimum score of 75 points out of a possible 100 points to be considered for funding for Factors 1 through 5. The RC/EZ/EC-II bonus points described in the General Section do not apply to this NOFA. If two or more applications have the same number of points, the application with the most points for Factor 3 shall be selected. If there is still a tie, the application with the most points for Factor 1 shall be selected. If there is still a tie, the application with the most points for Factor 2, 4, and then 5 shall be selected in that order, until the tie is broken. HUD reserves the right to select out of rank order to provide for geographic distribution of grantees.

HUD also reserves the right to reduce the amount of funding requested in order to fund as many highly ranked applications as possible. Additionally, if funds remain after funding the highest ranked applications, HUD may fund part of the next highest-ranking application. If an applicant turns down the award offer, HUD will make an award to the next highest-ranking application. If funds remain after all selections have been made, the remaining funds will be carried over to the next funding cycle's competition.

4. Corrections to Deficient Applications. See the General Section.

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Announcements of awards are anticipated on or before September 30, 2006.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notice

After all selections have been made, HUD will notify all winning applicants in writing. HUD may require winning applicants to participate in additional negotiations before receiving an official award. For further discussion on this matter, please refer to the General Section.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Refer to Section VI.B. of the General Section.

1. Debriefing. The General Section provides the procedures for requesting a debriefing. All requests for debriefings must be made in writing and submitted within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of written notification to: Sherone Ivey, Office of University Partnerships, Robert C. Weaver Federal Building, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 8106; Washington, DC 20410-6000. Applicants may also write to Ms. Ivey via e-mail at Sherone_E._Ivey@hud.gov.

2. Administrative. Grants awarded under this NOFA will be governed by the provisions of 24 CFR part 84 (Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations), A-21 (Cost Principles for Educational Institutions) and A-133 (Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations). Applicants can access the OMB circulars at the White House Web site at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html.

3. OMB Circulars and Governmentwide Regulations Applicable to Financial Assistance Programs. The General Section provides discussion of OMB circulars and governmentwide regulations.

4. Code of Conduct. See the General Section for further discussion.

5. Procurement of Recovered Materials. See the General Section for further discussion.

6. Executive Order 13202, Preservation of Open Competition and Government Neutrality Toward Government Contractors' Labor Relations of Federal and Federally Funded Construction Projects. See the General Section for further discussion if applicable.

7. Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services For Persons With Limited English Proficiency (LEP). See the General Section for further discussion.

C. Reporting

All grant recipients under this NOFA are required to submit quarterly progress reports. The progress reports shall consist of two components, a narrative that must reflect the activities undertaken during the reporting period and a financial report that reflects costs incurred by budget line item, as well as a cumulative summary report during the reporting period.

For each reporting period, as part of the required report to HUD, grant recipients must include a completed Logic Model (HUD-96010), which identifies output and outcome achievements.

For FY2006, HUD is considering a new concept for the Logic Model. The new concept is a Return on Investment (ROI) statement. HUD will be publishing a separate notice on the ROI concept.

VII. Agency Contacts

Applicants may contact Sherone Ivey at (202) 708-3061, extension 4200, or Susan Brunson at (202) 708-3061, extension 3852. Persons with speech or hearing impairments may call the Federal Information Relay Service TTY at (800) 877-8339. Except for the ``800'' number, these numbers are not toll-free. Applicants may also reach Ms. Ivey via e- mail at Sherone_E._Ivey@hud.gov, and Ms. Brunson at Susan_S._Brunson@hud.gov.

VIII. Other

Paperwork Reduction Act

The information collection requirements contained in this document have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2528-0215. In accordance with the Paperwork

[[Page 11783]]

Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 68 hours per annum per respondent for the application and grant administration. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the application, quarterly and final report. The information will be used for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds. Response to this request for information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived.

Appendix A--Application Checklist--TCUP

This checklist identifies application submission requirements. Applicants are requested to use this checklist when preparing an application to ensure submission of all required elements. Applicants submitting an electronic application do not have to submit the checklist. Applicants that receive a waiver of the electronic application submission requirement should include a copy of the checklist in their application.

Check off to ensure these items have been included in the application:

----SF-424 ``Application For Federal Assistance'' ----Application Checklist (Applicants that submit paper applications must include the checklist in their applications) ----Abstract (must include no more than a two-page summary of the proposed project)

Indicate the page number where each of the Factors is located:

Narrative Statement Addressing the Rating Factors.

The narrative section of an application must not exceed 50 pages in length (excluding forms, budget narrative and abstract). This information must be submitted on 8\1/2\ by 11-inch paper, double-spaced on one side of the paper, with one-inch margins (from the top, bottom, and left and right sides of the documents) and printed in standard Times New Roman 12-point font.

----Factor I ----Factor II ----Factor III ----Factor IV ----Factor V ----HUD-96010 Logic Model

Check off to ensure these items have been included in the application:

Appendix

----Budget ----HUD 424-CB ``Grant Application Detailed Budget'' ----Budget Narrative (No form provided, but must be submitted for the total three-year grant period.

Appendix B--All Required Forms

The following forms are required for submission. All required forms are contained in the electronic application package.

----Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424); ----Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (SF-424 Supplement); ----Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL); if applicable ----Grant Application Detailed Budget (HUD-424-CB); ----America's Affordable Communities Initiative (HUD-27300), if applicable; ----Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (HUD-2880); ----Acknowledgement of Applicant Receipt (Only applicants who submit paper applications (HUD-2993); ----Client Comments and Suggestions (HUD-2994); ----You Are Our Client Survey (HUD-2994-A); and ----Logic Model (HUD-96010). BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN08MR06.010

BILLING CODE 4210-01-C

[[Page 11785]]

Fair Housing Initiatives Program

Overview Information:

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

B. Funding Opportunity Title: Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP).

C. Announcement Type: Initial Announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Number: The OMB Approval Number is: 2529- 0033. The Federal Register number for this NOFA is: FR-5030-N-15.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI); Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) 14.408.

F. Dates: The application deadline date shall be on or before May 17, 2006. Applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. on the application deadline date. Please see the General Section of the SuperNOFA (the General Section) for information on electronic deadline and timeliness requirements.

G. Optional, Additional Overview Content Information 1. Funding Breakdown

This year there are two initiatives, Private Enforcement and Education and Outreach Initiatives, and there are four components under each: The following is a breakdown of each Initiative:

(a) Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI)

(1) Hurricane Katrina Enforcement Component,

(2) General Component,

(3) Performance Based Funding Component, and

(4) Subprime Lending Component.

(b) Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI)

(1) General Component.

(2) Disability Component.

(3) Subprime Lending Component.

(4) Fair Housing Awareness Component.

Please note that there are some new components this year. These are the PEI Enforcement and Subprime Lending Components and the EOI Fair Housing Awareness and Subprime Lending Components. Please see the chart located in this NOFA for information on each of these new components. 2. Electronic Applications

For FY 2006, FHIP electronic applications will be available on www.Grants.gov/Find and http://www.grants.gov/Apply. For further

instructions on electronic application submission requirements using Grants.gov, please read the General Section. 3. Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) Funding

FHIP funds are used to increase compliance with the Fair Housing Act (the Act) and with substantially equivalent State and local fair housing laws. Approximately $18,100,000 in FY 2006 funds and any potential recapture is allocated to two (2) initiatives as follows:

a. Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) $13,900,000.

b. Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) $4,200,000. 4. Award Agreements

HUD expects to award a cost reimbursable cooperative agreement or grant agreement to each applicant selected for award. Upon completion of negotiations, HUD reserves the right to use the funding instrument it determines is most appropriate. 5. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants are Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (QFHOs) and Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (FHOs), see 24 CFR 125.103; public or private, for-profit or not-for- profit organizations or institutions and other public or private entities that are formulating or carrying out programs to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices (including entities that will be established as a result of receiving an award under this FHIP NOFA); agencies of State or local governments; and agencies that participate in the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP). 6. Private Enforcement Initiative--Performance Based Funding Component

Applicants awarded funding under the PEI--(PBFC) for FY 2006 will not be eligible to submit applications for additional FHIP funding for FY 2007 and FY 2008. Applicants awarded funding under this component will be eligible to apply for funding in FY 2009. Applicants awarded PBFC funding in FY 2005 are not eligible to submit applications for additional FHIP funding for FY 2006 and FY 2007. 7. Start Date

For planning purposes, assume a start date no later than October 19, 2006.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Authority. Section 561 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987, as amended (42 U.S.C. 3616), established the FHIP. The implementing regulations are found at 24 CFR part 125. If you are interested in applying for funding under the FHIP, please review carefully the General Section of the SuperNOFA (hereafter, the General Section), the FHIP Authorizing Statute (Sec. 561 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987, as amended), and the FHIP Regulations (24 CFR 125.103-501).

A. FHIP Initiatives and Components

The FHIP assists fair housing activities that increase compliance with the Act and with substantially equivalent fair housing laws administered by State and local government agencies under the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP). 1. Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI)

This Initiative assists private, tax-exempt fair housing enforcement organizations in the investigation and enforcement of alleged violations of the Act and substantially equivalent State and local fair housing laws. Under this Initiative, there are four Components, the General Component, the Subprime Lending Component, the Hurricane Katrina Enforcement Component, and the Performance Based Funding Component. 2. Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI)

This Initiative assists organizations that inform the public about their rights and obligations under the Act and substantially equivalent State and local fair housing laws. Applications are solicited for this Initiative under the EOI-Regional/Local/Community-Based Program (R/L/C- B)--in which activities are conducted on a regional/local/community- based level.

Applicants who apply under EOI R/L/C-B may apply under one or more of the following Components, as follows: EOI General Component, EOI Disability Component. EOI Subprime Lending Component, and EOI Fair Housing Awareness Component.

All applications submitted under EOI are required to describe a complaint referral process that results in referrals of fair housing complaints to HUD or Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) substantially equivalent agencies. If funded, you will be required to develop your complaint referral process.

B. Other

1. Program Definitions. The definitions that apply to this FHIP section of the NOFA are as follows:

a. Broad-based proposals are those that include activities that are not limited to a single fair housing issue but instead, cover multiple issues related to

[[Page 11786]]

housing discrimination covered under the Act, such as: rental, sales, and financing of housing. (See also Full Service Projects below).

b. Complainant means the person, including the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at HUD, who files a complaint under Section 810 of the Fair Housing Act.

c. Disability Advocacy Groups means organizations that traditionally have provided for the civil rights of persons with disabilities. This would include organizations such as Independent Living Centers and cross-disability legal services groups. Such organizations must be experienced in providing services to persons with a broad range of disabilities, including physical, cognitive, and psychiatric/mental disabilities. Such organizations must demonstrate actual involvement of persons with disabilities throughout their activities, including on staff and board levels.

d. Enforcement proposals are potential complaints under the Act that are timely, jurisdictional, and well-developed, that could reasonably be expected to become enforcement actions if an impartial investigation found evidence supporting the allegations and the case proceeded to a resolution with HUD or FHAP agency involvement.

e. Fair Housing Act means Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 3600-3620).

f. Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) agencies mean State and local fair housing enforcement government agencies that receive FHAP funds because they administer laws deemed substantially equivalent to the Act, as described in 24 CFR 115.

g. Fair Housing Enforcement Organization (FHO) means an organization engaged in fair housing activities as defined in 24 CFR 125.103.

h. Full-service projects must include the following enforcement- related activities in the project application: Interviewing potential victims of discrimination; analyzing housing-related issues; taking complaints; testing; evaluating testing results; conducting preliminary investigations; conducting mediation; enforcing meritorious claims through litigation or referral to administrative enforcement agencies; and disseminating information about fair housing laws.

i. Grassroots organizations (See General Section).

j. Jurisdiction means that the complaint must be timely filed; the complainant must have standing; the respondent and the dwelling involved (where the complaint involves a provision or denial of a dwelling) must be covered by the Act; and the subject matter and the basis of the alleged discrimination, must constitute illegal practices as defined by the Act.

k. Meritorious claims means enforcement activities by an organization that resulted in lawsuits, consent decrees, legal settlements, HUD or substantially equivalent agency (under 25 CFR 115.6) conciliations and organization initiated settlements with the outcome of monetary awards for compensatory and/or punitive damages to plaintiffs or complaining parties, or other affirmative relief, including the provision of housing (24 CFR 125.103).

l. Mortgages with unacceptable terms or conditions or resulting from unacceptable practices means a mortgage or a group or category of mortgages with one or more of the terms and conditions as specified under 24 CFR part 81.2.

m. Operating budget means an organization's total planned budget expenditures from all sources, including the value of in-kind and monetary contributions, in the period for which funding is requested.

n. Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organization (QFHO) means an organization engaged in fair housing activities as defined in 24 CFR 125.103.

o. Regional/Local/Community-Based Activities are defined at 24 CFR 125.301(a) and (d).

p. Rural Areas means the following:

(1) A non-urban place having fewer than 2,500 inhabitants (within or outside of the metropolitan areas).

(2) A county or parish with an urban population of 20,000 inhabitants or less.

(3) Territory, including its persons and housing units, in rural portions of ``extended cities.'' The Census Bureau identifies the rural portions of extended cities.

(4) Open country that is not part of or associated with an urban area. The USDA describes ``open country'' as a site separated by open space from any adjacent densely populated urban area. Open space includes undeveloped land, agricultural land, or sparsely settled areas, but does not include physical barriers (such as rivers and canals), public parks, commercial and industrial developments, small areas reserved for recreational purposes, or open space set aside for future development.

(5) Any place with a population not in excess of 20,000 and not located in a Metropolitan Statistical Area.

q. Traditional Civil Rights Organizations mean non-profit organizations or institutions and/or private entities with a history and primary mission of securing Federal civil rights protection for groups and individuals protected under the Act or substantially equivalent State or local laws and that are engaged in programs to reduce discriminatory housing practices.

r. Underserved Areas mean jurisdictions where there are no Fair Housing Initiatives Program or Fair Housing Assistance Program agencies and where either no public or private fair housing enforcement organizations exist or the jurisdiction is not sufficiently served by one or more public or private enforcement fair housing organizations and there is a need for service.

s. Underserved Populations mean groups of individuals who fall within one or more of the categories protected under the Act or who are also:

(1) Of an immigrant population (especially racial and ethnic minorities who are not English-speaking or limited English proficient);

(2) In rural populations,

(3) The homeless,

(4) Persons with disabilities who can be historically documented to have been subject to discriminatory practices not having been the focus of Federal, State or local fair housing enforcement efforts, and

(5) Areas that are heavily impacted with minorities and there is inadequate protection and ability to provide service from the State or local government or private fair housing organizations.

II. Award Information

For Fiscal Year 2006, $20,000,000 is appropriated for the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP). This appropriated amount may be supplemented by recaptured funds. Of this amount, approximately $18,100,000 is being made available on a competitive basis to eligible organizations responding to this FHIP NOFA. See chart for a breakdown by Initiative/Component.

A. Award Instrument

The type of funding instrument HUD may offer a successful applicant which sets forth the relationship between HUD and the grantee will be a grant or cooperative agreement, where the principal purpose is the transfer of funds, property, services, or anything of value to the applicant to accomplish a public purpose. The agreement will identify the eligible activities to be undertaken, financial controls, and special conditions, including sanctions for violations of the agreement. HUD will determine the type of instrument

[[Page 11787]]

under which the award will be made and monitor progress to ensure that the grantee has achieved the objectives set out in the agreement. Failure to meet such objectives may be the basis for HUD determining the agreement to be in default and exercising available sanctions, including suspension, termination, and/or the recapture of funds. Also, HUD may refer violations or suspected violations to enforcement offices within HUD, the Department of Justice, or other enforcement authorities.

If awarded as a Cooperative Agreement, HUD will also exercise the right to have substantial involvement by: Conducting quarterly reviews and approval of all proposed deliverables documented in the applicant's Work Plan or Statement of Work (SOW), and determining whether the agency meets all certification and assurance requirements. HUD will conduct this performance assessment, in part, by using the Logic Model submitted by the applicant and approved by HUD in the award agreement (rating Factor 5). If upon completion of this assessment by the Government Technical Representative (GTR) a determination is made that the quarterly requirements have not been met, the grantee will be obligated to provide additional information or make modifications to its work plan and activities, as necessary, in a timeframe to be established by the GTR.

B. Project Starting Period

For planning purposes, assume a start date no later than October 19, 2006.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants and Activities

The following chart details each FHIP Initiative/Component and the approximate Funding Available along with Eligible Applicants and Activities:

Allocation Initiative/Component

amount Applicant eligibility

Project period

Award caps

Applicant eligible available

activities

Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) $5,100,000 Fair Housing

12-18 months

$275,000............... Eligible activities General Component: Assists private,

Enforcement

include: (1) tax-exempt fair housing enforcement

Organizations (FHOs)

Complaint intake of organizations in the investigation

with at least one year

allegations of and enforcement of alleged

of experience in

housing violations of the Fair Housing Act

complaint intake,

discrimination, and substantially equivalent State

complaint

testing evaluating and local fair housing laws.

investigation, testing

testing results, or for fair housing

providing other violations, and

investigative and meritorious claims in

complaint support for the two years prior to

administrative and the filing of the

judicial enforcement application (24 CFR

of fair housing laws: 125.401(b)(2) and

(2) Investigation of Qualified Fair Housing

individual complaints Enforcement

and systemic housing Organizations (QFHOs)

discrimination for with at least two

further enforcement years of enforcement

processing by HUD related experience as

through testing and noted above, and

other investigative meritorious claims in

methods; (3) the three years prior

Mediation or other to filing this

voluntary resolution application (24 CFR

of allegations of 125.103).

fair housing discrimination after a complaint has been filed; and (4) litigating fair housing cases including procuring expert witnesses. Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) $8,100,000 QFHOs and FHOs (with at 36 months

$275,000 per year for a See PEI above. Performance Based Funding Component

least one year of

three-year duration, Assists private, tax-exempt fair

enforcement related

based upon housing enforcement organizations

experience) who have

appropriations. in the investigation and

received excellent

Eligible PBFC enforcement of alleged violations

performance reviews

applicants must of the Fair Housing Act and

for FHIP PEI awards

receive a minimum substantially equivalent State and

made in any two FY's

score of 95 from the local fair housing laws.

beginning with FY 2002

FY '06 Technical through FY 2004; and

Evaluation Panel (TEP) have received a

to be considered for minimum score of 95 on

funding. the most recent of the 2 performance reviews from their Government Technical Representative.

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Private Enforcement Initiative

$300,000 See PEI above.......... 12-18 months

$100,000............... See PEI above. Hurricane Katrina Enforcement Component. Applicants must undertake fair housing enforcement activities in one of the Hurricane Katrina impacted areas in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, or Texas, or as a result of displacement of persons from areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI)

$400,000 See PEI above.......... 12-18 months

$50,000................ See PEI above. Subprime Lending Component. This component provides funds to assist, private fair-lending enforcement efforts to address discriminatory terms or conditions or resulting from discriminatory practices in the subprime mortgage market. Applicant must demonstrate experience conducting fair-lending enforcement in the subprime market. Such experience includes: pending complaints, investigations, or litigation alleging discriminatory, subprime lending practices; past litigation alleging subprime lending discrimination; fair- lending testing of subprime lenders; published reports that include analysis the applicant has done on racial patterns in subprime lending; and any past or pending investigation or litigation involving discriminatory, predatory lending. Applicant may use this funding for: steering to subprime loans, providing different terms based on prohibited bases, as well as assist with pending complaints, investigation, or litigation alleging discriminatory subprime or predatory lending; or support new fair lending investigations or litigation of discrimination into discriminatory predatory lending, or other discrimination in the subprime market.

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Education and Outreach Initiative

$4,200,000 QFHOs FHOs, public or 12-18 months

$100,000............... Eligible activities (EOI)--. EOI Regional, Local and

private for profit or

include but are not Community Based Program: Assists

not for profit

limited to conducting organizations that inform the

organizations or

educational symposia public about rights and obligations

institutions, or other

or other training, under the Fair Housing Act and

public or private

developing innovative substantially equivalent State and

entities that carry

fair housing local fair housing laws. Applicants

out programs to

activities or must develop a complaint referral

prevent or eliminate

materials into process so that funded activities

discriminatory housing

languages applicable will result in referrals to HUD of

practices. This

to your community fair housing complaints and other

includes agencies of

throughout your possible discriminatory housing

State or local

project area; practices.

governments and

providing outreach agencies that

and information on participate in the

fair housing through Fair Housing

printed and Assistance Program

electronic media; (FHAP). See FHIP NOFA-

developing fair Eligibility

housing curricula; Information.

providing outreach to persons with disabilities and their support organizations and service housing providers; and working with homeless activists or persons. EOI General Component Open to

$2,700,000 Same as EOI above...... 12-18 months

$100,000............... For a list of Eligible applicants for all other fair

Activities See EOI housing education and outreach

above. activities. EOI Disability Component Applicants

$900,000 Same as EOI above...... 12-18 months

$100,000............... See above. must emphasize the fair housing needs of persons with disabilities, so that persons with disabilities, housing providers and the general public better understand the rights and obligations under the Fair Housing Act and fully appreciate housing discrimination that persons with disabilities may encounter. The funded education and outreach activities must be provided to all persons protected under the Fair Housing Act.

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EOI Subprime Lending Component

$300,000 Same as EOI above. 12-18 months

$50,000................ See above. Applicants must plan public events

Applicants must have at a regional/local level which

at least three years educates consumers on fair housing,

experience in planning financial literacy, credit

public conferences at management and how to avoid high-

the community level. cost loans and abusive lending practices that violate the Fair Housing Act. Applicants must address in their project: (1) abusive lending practices and the fair housing implications to minority neighborhoods; and (2) legal approaches to confronting abusive lending practices, especially those linked to racial targeting and other potential violations of applicable fair housing laws. EOI Fair Housing Awareness Component

$300,000 Same as EOI above...... 12-18 months

$100,000............... See above. Applicants must undertake fair housing education and outreach to individuals impacted by Hurricane Katrina Applicants must develop a methodology for educating persons about their fair housing rights under the Act in areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas or as a result of displacement of persons.

Eligibility of Successor Organizations for PEI. HUD recognizes that QFHOs and FHOs may merge with each other or other organizations. The merger of a QFHO or an FHO with a new organization, that has a separate Employer Identification Number (EIN), does not confer QFHO or FHO status upon the successor. To determine whether the successor organization meets the eligibility requirements for this Initiative, HUD will look at the enforcement-related experience of the successor organization (based upon the successor organization's EIN). The successor organization is not eligible to apply under this Initiative unless it establishes in its application that it is a private, tax- exempt organization with the requisite two years of enforcement related experience for a QFHO or one year experience for an FHO.

Administrative Costs

Eligible administrative costs include leases for office space, under the following conditions:

(1) The lease must be for existing facilities not requiring rehabilitation or construction;

(2) No repairs or renovations of the property may be undertaken with Federal funds; and

(3) Properties in the Coastal Barrier Resource System designated under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501) cannot be leased with Federal funds.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching. No matching funds are required for the Education and Outreach or Private Enforcement Initiatives.

C. Other

1. Threshold Requirements

Program Requirements for All Initiatives. In addition to the civil rights and other threshold requirements found in the General Section, FHIP program applications must also meet the following requirements:

a. Protected Classes. All FHIP-funded projects must address housing discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. All services and activities must be available to the protected class members.

b. Tax Exempt Status. Applicants for the PEI Initiative are ineligible for funding if they are not a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization as determined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) prior to the application deadline date.

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c. Name Check Review. See the General Section.

d. Poor Performance. All applicants are ineligible for funding if they are a previous FHIP grantee that has received a ``Poor'' performance rating for its most recent performance rating from its Government Technical Representative (GTR). HUD will assess performance ratings for applicants who have received FHIP funding in FY 2002 through FY 2004. If the applicant has received a ``poor'' performance rating for its most recent performance rating from its GTR, its application is ineligible for the FY 2006 competition. An applicant that does not agree with its determination of ineligibility for the FY 2006 competition because of ``poor'' performance must address to HUD's satisfaction the factors resulting in the ``poor'' performance rating before the FHIP application deadline date. If the ``poor'' performance rating is not resolved to the Department's satisfaction before the application deadline date, the application is ineligible for the FY 2006 FHIP NOFA competition. HUD is interested in improving the performance level of all grantees; therefore, applicants who are deemed ineligible because of a ``poor'' performance rating have the right and are encouraged to seek technical assistance from HUD to correct their performance in order to be eligible for future NOFA competition. Applicants who have received a ``poor'' performance prior to FY 2003 must provide written documentation that they have implemented remedies to address those issues and concerns that contributed to a ``poor'' performance rating. This written documentation should be an addendum to the abstract.

e. Suits Against the United States. An application is ineligible for funding if, as a current or past recipient of FHIP funds, the organization used any funds provided by HUD for the payment of expenses in connection with litigation against the United States (24 CFR 125.104(f)).

f. Other Litigation. An application is ineligible for funding if the organization used funds provided by HUD under this Program to settle a claim, satisfy a judgment, or fulfill a court order in any defensive litigation (24 CFR 125.104).

g. Maximum award. Applicants are ineligible for funding if they request funding in excess of the maximum allowed under the Initiative or Component for which they are applying. In addition, inconsistencies in the amount requested and/or miscalculations that result in amounts over the maximum award will be considered excessive; therefore the application will be considered ineligible.

h. Dun and Bradstreet Numbering System (DUNS) Numbering Requirement. Refer to General Section for information regarding the DUNS requirement. You will need a DUNS number to complete your electronic application as it is a mandatory field on the electronic application. The Grants.gov registration also requires use of the DUNS number.

i. Majority of Eligible Activities. Greater than 50 percent of the activities and costs within the Statement of Work (SOW) and budget are fair housing related activities.

j. Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP). FHAP agencies who are under a suspension based on agency performance, as designated under 24 CFR Part 115.211(b) at time of application are ineligible for funding.

k. Minimum TEP Score. Applicants must receive a minimum TEP score of 75 to be considered for funding.

l. Application Preference. Applicants submitting multiple applications must state their preference for funding in the Abstract as applicants can only receive one award under the FHIP.

m. Independence of Awards. The application submitted must be independent and capable of being implemented without reliance on the selection of other applications.

n. Training funds. The proposed budget must set aside funds to participate in HUD mandatory sponsored or approved training in the amount of $7,000 for EOI and PEI components; and $7000 annually for a 36-month duration for PBFC.

Do not include amounts over the $7,000 (as appropriate) for the training set-aside in this category. If applicants do not include these funds in the budget and are selected for an award, HUD will modify the budget, reallocating the appropriate amount for training.

o. Accessibility Requirements. All activities, facilities, and materials funded by this program must be accessible and visitable to persons with disabilities (24 CFR 8.2, 8.4, 8.6, and 8.54).

p. Fair Housing Act. HUD expects applicants to address housing discrimination covered under the Act. HUD has determined there is a need to ensure equal opportunity and access to housing in communities across the nation.

q. Research Activities. Applicants are ineligible for funding if between 90-100% of their project is aimed at research.

r. Limited English Proficient (LEP). Applicants obtaining an award from HUD must provide access to program benefits and information to LEP individuals through translation and interpretive services in accordance with HUD's published LEP Guidance.

s. OMB Circular. For-profit awardees are not allowed to earn a profit and must adhere to OMB Circular A-133.

t. Single Audit Requirement. All applicants who have expended $500,000 or more in Federal financial assistance in a single year (this can be a program or fiscal year) must be audited in accordance with the OMB-A133 requirements as established in 24 CFR 84 and 85.

u. Reimbursement Requirement. All PEI grantees are required to reimburse the Federal government for the amount of the grant from all settlements, conciliations, and agreements obtained as a result of the use of FHIP funds. As an alternative to returning these funds to HUD, grantees may choose to use the funds as program income to further fair housing activities. However, the use of funds for this purpose must be pre-approved in writing by the Government Technical Representative assigned to the grant. 2. Other Program Requirements by Initiative

a. Under the PBFC, applicants must receive a minimum FY 2006 TEP score of 95 to be considered for funding.

b. Under the PEI Subprime Lending Component, applicants must demonstrate experience conducting fair-lending enforcement in the subprime market. Such experience includes: pending complaints, investigations, or litigation alleging discriminatory, subprime lending practices; past litigation alleging subprime lending discrimination; fair-lending testing of subprime lenders; published reports that include analysis the applicant has done on racial and ethnic patterns in subprime lending; and any past or pending investigation or litigation involving discriminatory, predatory lending. Applicant may use this funding to: assist with pending complaints, investigation, or litigation alleging discriminatory sub-prime or predatory lending; or support new fair lending investigations or litigation of discriminatory predatory lending, or other discrimination in the subprime market.

c. Under the PEI Hurricane Katrina Enforcement Component, applicants must undertake fair housing enforcement activities in areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, or Texas; or areas which received

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displaced persons as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

d. Under the EOI Fair Housing Awareness Component, applicants must have three (3) years of experience and knowledge working with the local and State governments, social service and financial agencies within each of the states. HUD is particularly interested in applicants that present a plan to conduct outreach and address the needs of persons displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The EOI plan can cover persons displaced within a state or persons that were displaced to a state.

e. Under the EOI Subprime Lending Component, applicants must have at least three years experience in planning public conferences at the community level.

3. Performance Measures and Products. For all Initiatives and Components. Applicants must submit a Logic Model (Form HUD 96010), which provides outputs and outcomes in their application. Applicants are also to identify the tools they will use to identify program progress against their proposed outputs and outcomes. See reporting requirements for reporting using the Logic Model and the frequency of the reporting. The form is located in the Instruction Download at http://www.Grants.gov/Apply for the FHIP program. The eLogic Model form

is a Microsoft Excel TMform, which provides a drop down list from which you select the responses that best fit your proposed program of activities/outputs and outcomes. The form, in HTML fillable format and a text Logic Model Master file, is available on HUD's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm for

applicants that do not have access to Microsoft Excel TM. Training will be provided by satellite broadcast and webcast. The training materials and schedule will be available at the above HUD website. Applicants should check the site for dates and times for HUD training on the Logic Model.

For FY 2006, HUD is considering a new concept for the Logic Model. The new concept is a Return on Investment statement. HUD will be publishing a separate notice on the ROI concept.

4. Testing Requirements for PEI applicants. All applicants that propose testing must review the FHIP Regulation at 24 CFR Part 125.

a. Review and Approval of Testing Methodology. If your application proposes testing, other than rental housing testing, HUD may require copies of the following documents to be reviewed and approved by HUD prior to your carrying out the testing activities.

(1) The testing methodology to be used;

(2) The training materials to be provided for testing; and

(3) Other forms, protocols, cover letters, etc., used in the conduct of testing and reporting of results.

If HUD has approved your testing methodology for FY 2004 and FY 2005, there is no need to submit your testing methodology, unless you are revising the methodology that was approved by HUD. If changes are being made, or you have not had your testing methodology previously approved by HUD, you must submit information in your application.

b. Retainer Fees. FHIP recipients are under specific restrictions regarding establishment of retainer agreements and recovery of legal fees from HUD funded cases. Data on fees, settlements and verdicts are public record and must be provided to HUD on an annual basis. Either the grantee or the individual(s) on whose behalf any action is filed cannot waive these provisions. For additional information on these provisions, please see http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/library/index.cfm_Guidance .

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Requesting an Application Package. This section describes how you may obtain application forms and additional information about the FHIP program. Copies of the published General Section, FHIP NOFA and application forms may be downloaded from the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov or if you have difficulty accessing the

information you may receive customer support from Grants.gov by calling their help line at (800) 518-GRANTS or sending an e-mail to support@grants.gov. If you do not have internet access and you need to

obtain a copy of the NOFA you can contact HUD's NOFA Information Center toll-free at (800) HUD-8929. Persons with hearing or speech impairments may also call toll-free at (800) HUD-2209.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission. All applicants must read and adhere to Initiative-specific information. Applicants are encouraged to review the chart entitled ``Summary of Initiatives/ Components.'' To submit documents using the facsimile method, see the General Section for specific procedures governing facsimile submission.

2. For All Applicants. The maximum narrative page requirement is ten (10) pages per factor. The narrative pages must be double-spaced. This includes all narrative text, titles and headings. (However, you may single space footnotes, quotations, references, captions, charts, forms, tables, figures and graphs). You are required to use 12-point type size. You must respond fully to each factor to obtain maximum points. Failure to provide narrative responses to all factors other than factor five or omitting requested information will result in less than the maximum points available for the given rating factor or sub- factor. Failure to provide double-spaced, 12-point type size narrative responses will result in five points being deducted from your overall score (one point per factor).

C. Submission Dates and Times. Applications must be received and validated by http://www.grants.gov no later than 11:59.59 p.m. eastern

time on the application deadline date to be considered timely filed. Grants.gov will reject applications that do not meet the deadline requirement. See the General Section for further details.

The chart below gives a brief description of all items to be included within the application:

Complete application package

Required form or contains application

Required content

format

Cover sheet..................... (per required Form SF-424, form).

available from (General Section). Survey for Ensuring Equal

(per required SF-424 Supplement. Opportunity for Applicants. form). Budget information.............. (per required Form SF-424CB and form).

SF-424CBW). Disclosure of Lobbying

(per required SF-LLL, if Activities.

form).

applicable. Applicant-Recipient Disclosure (per required HUD-2880. Update Report.

form). Certification of Consistency (per required HUD-2990. with RC/EZ/EC-IIs Strategic form). Plan. Program Outcome Logic Model..... (per required HUD-96010. form).

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Race and Ethnic Data Reporting (per required HUD-27061. Form.

form). America's Affordable Communities (per required HUD-27300. Initiative.

form). Narrative....................... Described in

Format described Section IV.B. of in Section IV.B this announcement. of this announcement. Letters from third parties

Third parties' No specific form contributing to cost sharing. affirmations of or format. amounts of their commitments. Addendum to Abstract--Correction Written

No specific form of Poor Performance (as

documentation or format. appropriate).

that performance issues and concerns have been cured. Project Abstract................ Short summary of No specific form project

or format. activities, areas of concentration and persons to be served. Preference for funding.

D. Intergovernmental Review. Intergovernmental Review is not applicable to this program.

E. Funding Restrictions. PEI Limitations for Education & Outreach-- There is a 10% limit on the amount of education and outreach related activities that can be funded in an enforcement award. If you exceed the limit, points will be deducted in the rating process and funds will be adjusted to maintain the required limitation.

F. Other Submission Requirements. Electronic delivery via http://www.grants.gov/Apply is HUD's required method for application

submission. Applicants interested in applying for FHIP funding must submit their applications electronically or request a waiver from the Assistant Secretary of FHEO. The request must state the basis for the waiver request. HUD's regulation on waivers, found in 24 CFR part 5, states that waivers can be granted for cause. Waiver requests must be submitted at least 20 days prior to the application deadline date. If you receive a waiver of the electronic application submission requirement, your application must be received by HUD no later than 11:59:59 p.m. on the application deadline date. See the General Section for detailed instructions on how to submit applications using Grants.gov and the requirements and instructions for submitting a waiver request.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria for PEI and EOI Applications

1. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience (25 Points)

You must describe staff expertise and your organization's ability to complete the proposed activities within the grant period.

In General. You must describe your staffing plan and the extent to which you plan to add staff (employees) or contractors. If your application proposes using subcontractors and these subcontractor activities amount to more than 10 percent of your total activities, you must submit a separate budget for each subcontractor. Failure to include a separate budget will result in lower points being assessed to your application.

a. Number and expertise of staff (this includes subcontractors and consultants). (5) Points for current FHIP grantees; (10) Points for New Applicants. You must complete a summary of staff expertise that will show sufficient, qualified staff who will be available to complete the proposed activities. This summary should include: Names of staff person(s), time each will spend on project, years of fair housing/civil rights experience for each person, titles of staff persons, and a brief paragraph on each staff member which outlines his or her experience. Do not include resumes, or other documents. Those that submit resumes or other lengthy documents on staff experience will have points deducted from their application based on exceeding the ten page submission requirement.

To receive maximum points, your day-to-day program manager must devote a minimum of 75% of his/her time to the project, and this individual must be stationed in the metropolitan area where the project will be carried out. For day-to-day managers who do not have at least 75% of their time devoted to the project, no points will be awarded under this sub-factor. For example, if the Executive Director is responsible for managing the overall program administrative activities, the application should reflect the Executive Director's time as 75%. You may not designate more than one person to fit this 75% criterion. Your application must also clearly identify those persons that are on staff at the time this application is submitted and those persons who will be assigned at a later date and indicate whether the staff person is assigned to work full-time or part-time (if part-time, indicate the percentage of time each person is assigned to the project).

b. Organizational experience. (10) Points for current FHIP grantees; (15) Points for new applicants. In responding to this sub- factor, you, the applicant, must show that your organization has:

(1) Conducted a past project or projects similar in scope and complexity to the project proposed in this application (whether FHIP- funded or not), or

(2) Engaged in activities that, although not similar, are readily transferable to the proposed project.

(3) If you are an existing FHIP grantee, you must provide details about the progress and outcomes of your previous grant.

(4) You must provide a listing of all affiliate and/or subsidiary organizations, and identify which of these organizations will assist you in the development and/or implementation of any portion of your proposed FY2006 FHIP funded project. If you do not have any affiliate or subsidiaries, you should state this in your application.

EOI applicants must show that they have engaged in projects that are Regional/Local/Community based. Experience will be judged in terms of recent, relevant and successful experience of your staff to undertake eligible activities. In rating this factor, HUD will consider experience within the last three years to be recent, experience pertaining to the specific activities to be relevant, and experience producing measurable accomplishments to be successful. The more recent the experience and the more experience your own staff members who work on the project have in successfully conducting and completing similar activities, the greater the number of points you will receive for this rating factor.

(a) If you are applying for funding under PEI, you must provide the following information when responding to this sub-factor:

(i) If you propose to conduct testing (other than rental or accessibility

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testing), provide a brief narrative that documents that you have conducted successful testing in those areas.

(ii) Discuss your compliance with the requirement to either reimburse the Federal government for compensation received from FHIP- funded enforcement activities or use the compensation as program income to further fair housing activities. If you have not reimbursed the Federal government or used the funds as program income to further fair housing activities, explain why you have not. Also, state whether you reported to HUD any likely compensation that may result in such reimbursement or use for furthering fair housing. Two (2) points will be deducted for this sub-factor if you have not complied with the requirement.

(iii) If you are submitting an application under the PEI Hurricane Katrina Enforcement Component, you must show that activities will be undertaken in one of the areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina in the states of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, or Texas or in areas impacted by the displacement of persons as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

(iv) If you are submitting an application under the PEI Subprime Lending Component, you must demonstrate experience in conducting fair- lending enforcement in the subprime market. Such experience includes: pending complaints, investigations, or litigation alleging discriminatory, subprime lending practices; past litigation alleging subprime lending discrimination; fair-lending testing of subprime lenders; published reports that include analysis the applicant has done on racial patterns in subprime lending; and any past or pending investigation or litigation involving discriminatory, predatory lending. Applicant may use this funding for: steering to subprime loans, providing different terms based on prohibited bases, as well as assist with pending complaints, investigation, or litigation alleging discriminatory subprime or predatory lending; or support new fair lending investigations or litigation of discriminatory predatory lending, or other discrimination in the subprime market.

(v) If you are submitting an application under the EOI Subprime Lending Component, you must show that you have the ability to plan public events at a regional/local level which educates consumers on fair housing, financial literacy, credit management and how to avoid high-cost loans and abusive lending practices that violate the Fair Housing Act. Applicants must address in their project: (1) abusive lending practices and the fair housing implications to minority neighborhoods; and (2) legal approaches to confronting abusive lending practices, especially those linked to racial targeting and other potential violations of applicable fair housing laws. In responding to this sub-factor, the applicant must describe the extent to which its and/or subcontractor's past activities have resulted in public events that have reached and impacted a large number of persons. Applicant must also show that it has experience in developing and implementing innovative strategies resulting in positive public response.

c. Performance on past project(s). (10) Points for current FHIP grantees; (0) Points for new applicants. HUD will assess your organization's past performance in conducting activities relevant to your application. For current FHIPs, past performance will be assessed based on your most recent performance assessment received from your HUD Government Technical Representative (GTR) for the past two (2) complete fiscal years (FY 2003 and FY2004).

This information will be provided to the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) by HUD staff. Based on past performance, the following points will be deducted from your score under this rating sub-factor:

(1) 10 points out of 10 possible points will be deducted if you received a ``fair performance'' assessment;

(2) 5 points out of 10 possible points will be deducted if you received a ``good performance'' assessment; and

(3) 0 points will be deducted if you received an ``excellent performance'' assessment. 2. Rating Factor 2: Need/Distress/Extent of the Problem (20 Points)

This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need for funding the proposed activities to address documented fair housing problems in target area(s). You will be evaluated on the information that you submit that describes the fair housing need in the geographic area you propose to serve, its urgency and how your project is responsive to that need. Applicants should document and use the Housing Discrimination Study 2000 (HDS2000) sponsored by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and conducted by the Urban Institute in their applications, if applicable. HDS2000 is the third national paired-testing study sponsored by HUD to measure patterns of racial and ethnic discrimination in U.S. housing markets.

a. Documentation of Need. To justify the need for your project, PEI and EOI applicants must describe the following:

(1) The fair housing need, including:

(a) Geographic area to be served and your proximity and experience within the area;

(b) Populations that will be served--your project must serve all persons protected by the Act; and

(c) The presence of housing discrimination, high segregation indices or other evidence of discrimination prohibited by the Act within the project area.

(2) The urgency of the identified need. For example:

(a) The potential consequences to persons if your application is not selected for funding;

(b) The extent to which other organizations provide the services identified in your application;

(c) Other sources that support the need and urgency for this project. (Do not include these sources within your application.) Please provide website information where these sources may be found. Applicants that provide detailed studies, including detailed consolidated plans for their referenced project area will have points deducted from this factor based upon the ten page submission requirement. For example, make reference to reports, statistics, or other data sources that you used that are sound and reliable, including but not limited to, HUD or other Federal, State or local government reports analyses, relevant economic and/or demographic data including those that show segregation, foundation reports and studies, news articles, and other information that relate to the identified need. Provide the Web site where these reports may be found for reference. Chapter V of the Fair Housing Planning Guide, Vol. 1 has other suggestions for supporting documentation. You may access the Guide from the HUD Web site at http://www.hud.gov./offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm .

For all applicants: You must use sound data sources to identify the level of need and the urgency in meeting the need and provide Web site addresses for each data source (ex. Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI), fair housing studies, etc.) For you to receive maximum points for this factor, there must be a direct relationship between your proposed activities, the outcomes to be accomplished, and the community or communities' fair housing needs, including your knowledge of and your proximity to the targeted area, and the purpose of the program funding.

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To the extent possible, the data you use should be specific to the area where the proposed activity will be carried out. For example, if you propose to test in areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama or Texas you should document the number of displaced persons relocated to those areas and the impact of the numbers of displaced persons upon existing fair housing services. You should document needs as they apply to the specific area(s) where activities will be targeted and your proximity to the target area, rather than the entire locality or State. If the data presented does not specifically represent your target area, you should discuss why the target area was proposed.

(3) The link between the need and your proposed activities:

(a) How the proposed activities augment or improve upon on-going efforts by public and private agencies, grass-roots faith-based and other community-based organizations and other organizations and institutions in the target area, and/or

(b) Why, in light of other on-going efforts, the additional funding you are requesting is necessary.

b. In addition, with respect to Documentation of Need, the following apply to specific FHIP Initiatives or Components:

EOI-Disability Component. Your project must focus on persons with disabilities, however, you must serve all persons protected by the Act.

EOI-Subprime Lending Component. Your project must document and describe your understanding of the problem and its pervasiveness and an understanding of how to plan public events used to address the need.

PEI Subprime Lending Component. Your project must document that funds were used to assist private fair-lending enforcement efforts to address discrimination in the sub-prime mortgage market. Applicant should also document the need to: Assist with pending complaints, investigation, or litigation alleging discriminatory subprime lending; or support new fair lending investigations or litigation of discrimination in the subprime market. 3. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (35 Points)

You must describe your project in detail, demonstrate how your project activities will support HUD's goals, propose suggested performance measures/outcomes in support of these goals, and identify current baseline conditions and target levels of the performance measures that you plan to achieve. Attach a Statement of Work (SOW) and budget. Your proposed activities must support HUD's policy priorities as referenced in the General Section.

a. Support of Policy Priorities (8 Points). Describe how your proposed project will further and support HUD's policy priorities for FY 2006. HUD encourages applicants to undertake specific activities that will assist the Department in implementing its policy priorities and which will help the Department achieve its goals and objectives in FY 2006. HUD will evaluate the extent to which a program will further and support HUD's priorities. The quality of the responses provided to one or more of HUD's priorities will determine the score an applicant can receive. Applicants must describe how each policy priority selected will be addressed.

Applicants that just list a priority will receive no points. Each policy priority addressed must discuss the geographic area to be served in relation to the project's purpose, the persons to be served and the methodology for carrying out these activities. Each policy priority has a point value of one point, with the exception of the policy priority to remove regulatory barriers to affordable housing which has a point value of up to 2 points; and, for EOI applicants only, promoting participation by grassroots faith-based and other community-based organizations, or partnering with an organization promoting participation in grassroots faith-based and other community-based organizations, which has a point value of up to 4 points. It is up to the applicant to determine which of the policy priorities to address to receive the available 8 points. To secure the possible 2 points for efforts to remove regulatory barriers to affordable housing, an applicant must submit the completed questionnaire (HUD 27300), and provide the required documentation. Please see the General Section for further information on Removal of Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing. The questionnaire is part of the electronic application package and is also found in the Appendix to the General Section. For the full list of each policy priority, please refer to the General Section.

b. Proposed Statement of Work (SOW) and Information Requirements (17 Points). The SOW and budget are attachments that will not count toward the ten (10) page limit on the narrative response to this factor. However, points will be assigned based on the relevance of proposed activities to stated needs, attention to implementation steps, proposed activities consistent with organizational expertise and capacity and accuracy of the SOW and budget.

Statement of Work--Submit a proposed SOW that comprehensively outlines in chronological order the administrative and program activities and tasks to be performed during the grant period. Your outline should identify all activities and tasks to be performed and by whom (e.g., you, a subcontractor, or partner), and the products that will be provided to HUD and when. You should also include a schedule of your activities and products (with interim implementation steps), staff allocation over the term of the project; staff acquisition and training; and activities of partners and/or subcontractors. Applicants should provide numbers on the projected clients to be served. Do not provide ranges or percentages, but a specific number of clients. These numbers should represent individuals to be served entirely with HUD FHIP funding. For the EOI Fair Housing Awareness Component, HUD anticipates that products will be available in at least seven languages plus English. The languages will include French, Korean, Laotian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. For the EOI Subprime Lending Component, deliverables may include brochures, Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for radio in both majority and minority markets and posters and other graphic materials. Graphic materials may include but are not limited to enlarged reproductions of existing HUD printed PSAs and HUD materials. Provide information on media markets coverage with specific protected class focus, as well as those with Limited English Proficiency and a method for distribution of the finished product.

c. The Budget Form and the Budget Information (10 Points). HUD will also assess the soundness of your approach by evaluating the quality, thoroughness, and reasonableness of the budget and financial controls of your organization, including information on your proposed program cost categories. As part of your response, you must prepare a budget that is:

(1) Reasonable in achieving the goals identified in your proposed SOW;

(2) Relate tasks in the SOW to the proposed budget costs;

(3) Cost-effective, and includes a brief discussion of the extent to which your proposed program is cost effective in achieving the anticipated results of the proposed activities in the targeted area. Applicants seeking funding to conduct activities in an area other than the applicant's State or locality must discuss the cost effectiveness of where

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the activities will be conducted in relation to the location of the organization. HUD will look at the cost effectiveness of your travel to and from your location to the targeted area(s), personnel expenses for out-stationed personnel, contracts and sub-grantees, and other direct costs, which may include relocation expenses, and telecommunications expenses. Also, indicate how the proposed project is quantifiable based on the needs identified in Rating Factor 2.

(4) Quantifiable based on the need identified in Factor 2, and

(5) Justifiable for all cost categories in accordance with the cost categories indicated in the HUD-424 CB (see General Section Grant Application Detailed Budget). If you are awarded a grant or cooperative agreement under FHIP, staff will request that you include your approved indirect cost rate as part of your negotiations with HUD. If you do not have a Federally approved indirect cost rate and HUD is the cognizant agency, HUD will submit a request within 30 days after award to establish a rate. For information on indirect cost rates, you can review HUD's training on http://www.hud.gov./offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm .

(6) Financial Management Capacity. Describe your organization's financial management system and your Board's contribution to the organization. In addition, discuss your capabilities in handling financial resources, dissemination to subcontracting affiliates, and maintenance of adequate accounting and internal control procedures.

(7) Grant Application Detailed Budget Worksheet (HUD-424-CBW). The HUD-424-CBW must show the total cost of the project and indicate other sources of funds that will be used for the project. While the costs are based only on estimates, the budget narrative work plan may include information obtained from various vendors, or you may rely on historical data. Applicants must round all budget items to the nearest dollar.

A written budget narrative work plan must accompany the proposed budget explaining each budget category listed and must explain each cost category. Failure to provide a written budget narrative work plan will result in 2 points being deducted from your application. It must explain each cost category you list. Where there are travel costs for subcontractors/consultants, you must show that the combined travel costs (per diem rates) are consistent with Federal Travel Regulations (41 CFR 301.11) and travel costs for the applicant's subcontractors and/or consultants do not exceed the rates and fees charged by local subcontractors and consultants. The narrative (which does not count toward the ten page limit) must address the Grant Application Detailed Budget. 4. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (5 Points)

This factor addresses your ability to secure additional resources to support your project. Points will be awarded on the basis of the percentage of non-FHIP resources you have identified and how firm the commitment is for those resources.

a. Firm Commitment of Leveraging. HUD requires you to secure resources from sources other than what is requested under this FHIP NOFA. Community resources may include funding or in-kind contributions, such as workspace or services or equipment, allocated to the purpose(s) of your proposal. Contributions from affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, or employees of the applicant do not qualify as in-kind contributions. Resources may be provided by governmental entities (including other HUD programs if such costs are allowed by statute), public or private non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, for-profit or civic private organizations, or other entities willing to work with you. In order to secure points you must establish leveraging of resources by identifying sources of contributors who have already provided to you letters of firm commitment from the organizations and/ or individuals who will support your project. Each letter of firm commitment must:

(1) Identify the organization and/or individual committing resources to the project and identify any affiliation with the applicant,

(2) Identify the sources and amounts of the leveraged resources (the total FHIP and non-FHIP amounts must match those in your proposed budget submitted under Factor 3), and

(3) Describe how these resources will be used under your SOW. The letter must be signed by the individual or organization official legally able to make commitments for the organization. If the resources are in-kind or donated goods, the commitment letter must indicate the fair market value of those resources and describe how this fair market value was determined. (Do not include indirect costs within your in- kind resources). In-kind matching and leveraging contributions, as well as Program Income must comply with 24 CFR 84.23 and 84.24 requirements. FHIP funds cannot be used for in-kind or donated services (for example, a current staff person on a FHIP-funded project). No points will be awarded for general letters of support endorsing the project from organizations, including elected officials on the local, State, or national levels, and/or individuals in your community. See General Section for instructions on how third party documents are to be submitted to HUD via the electronic submission process. For PEI and EOI, if your project will not be supported by non-FHIP resources, then you will not receive any points under this factor. Points will be assigned for each Initiative based on the following scale:

One point will be awarded if less than 5% of the projects total costs come from non-FHIP resources.

Two points will be awarded if between 5% and 10% of the project's total costs are from non-FHIP resources.

Three points will be awarded if between 11% and 20% of the project's total costs are from non-FHIP resources.

Four points will be awarded if between 21% and 30% of the project's total costs are from non-FHIP resources.

Five points will be awarded if at least 31% of the project's total costs are from non-FHIP resources. 5. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (15 Points)

a. In evaluating this factor, HUD will assess the extent to which you demonstrate how you will measure success or results to be achieved that represent the work of your organization as set out in your budget. Applicants must select from the list of activities and outcomes detailed in the Logic Model for the Initiative applied for and should determine from these selections, their specific methods and measures to assess progress, evaluate program effectiveness, and identify program changes necessary to improve performance. This will ensure that performance measures are met and that grantees are establishing achievable realistic goals. Applicants who have identified outputs and outcome measurements and include means for assessing these measurements, tracking and monitoring performance goals and achievements against these commitments made in the application, will receive higher points than those that do not. To meet this Factor requirement, you must submit HUD's Logic Model.

Instructions and a Microsoft Excel TMform are provided in the forms appended to the Instruction Download on http://www.Grants.gov/APPLY. Applicants that do not have access to Microsoft Excel

TMmay obtain a copy of the form in HTML fillable format along with a

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text format of the Master Logic Model listing, from HUD's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm.

A narrative response is not required for this factor as all applicants must use the Logic Model Form to respond to this Factor. Applicants that submit narrative responses rather than use the Logic Model Form will receive no points under this subfactor. Applicants should also review the Logic Model training which can be found at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/training/training.cfm.

b. In evaluating this Factor:

(1) HUD will review the activities/outputs and outcomes units of measurement you selected and in relation to the needs of your intended audience or target populations;

(2) Output. The direct products of the applicant's activities that lead to the ultimate achievement of outcomes. Examples of activities and outputs for PEI and EOI applicants can be found at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm. Applicants must select

one or more activities from the listing of ``Fair Housing Services Provided'' that will be undertaken by your organization. Applicants who do not select from the list ``Fair Housing Services Provided'' or those who wish to add additional services to the list will not receive any points under this Factor.

(3) Outcome. Demonstrate ability to measure outcomes so the major outcome is to increase awareness of fair housing laws and enforce the fair housing act. Outcomes are benefits provided to all protected class members as a result of education and outreach or fair housing enforcement activities; and, performance indicators the applicant expects to achieve or goals it hopes to meet over the term of the proposed grant. The Logic Model has a prepared list of activities, outcomes and indicators associated with Fair Housing. Applicants must choose from this list of ``Short-Term, Intermediate-Term, or Long- Term'' outcomes that are provided as part of the FHIP NOFA. Applicants who do not select from the list ``Outcomes and Indicators'' will not receive any points under this Factor. You should assess progress and track performance in meeting the goals and objectives outlined in the work plan.

Accountability can be achieved using specific measurement tools to assess the impact of your solutions. Examples include:

Intake Instrument;

Pre/Post Tests;

Customer/Client Satisfaction Survey;

Follow-up Survey;

Observational Survey;

Functioning scale; or

Self-sufficiency scale.

For the EOI-Disability Component, you should also demonstrate how the activities will assist the Department in implementing the New Freedom Initiative (see General Section).

B. Reviews and Selection Process

1. Rating and Ranking. Although all rating factors are organized the same way for all FHIP initiatives, there are differences in application requirements and rating criteria, which are indicated throughout the Rating Factor instructions. Your application for funding will be evaluated competitively against all other applications submitted under one of the following Initiatives or Components:

a. Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI)--

(1) General Component (PEI-GC);

(2) Performance Based Funding Component (PBFC);

(3) Subprime Lending Component (PEI-SL);

(4) Hurricane Katrina Enforcement Component (PEI-EC).

b. Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI)--

(1) General Component (EOI-GC);

(2) Disability Component (EOI-DC);

(3) Fair Housing Awareness Component--(EOI-FHAC);

(4) Subprime Lending Component--(EOI-SL).

For all initiatives, all eligible applications will be reviewed and points awarded based upon:

1. Narrative responses to the Factors for Award and accompanying materials, and

2. RC/EC/EZ-IIs bonus points, as applicable. Ineligible applications will not be ranked. The maximum number of points to be awarded for the Rating Factors is 100. See the General Section for information on Bonus Points.

Only applications with a score of seventy-five (75) points or more will be considered of sufficient quality for funding. Generally, applications of sufficient quality for funding will be selected in rank order under each Initiative or Component.

PBFC applicants will be evaluated competitively against other PBFC applicants who apply and have received two years of excellent performance reviews for FHIP PEI awards made in any two consecutive years from FY 2002 through FY 2004, as well as scoring a 95 on their most current performance review. These applicants will then be rated by the Technical Evaluation Panel and ranked by score. Only those applicants who receive a minimum final score of 95 or above from the TEP will be considered for funding under this Component.

2. Tie Breaking. When two or more applications have the same total overall score, the application with the higher score under Rating Factor 3 will be ranked higher. If this does not break the tie, the application with the higher score under Rating Factor 1will be ranked higher. If this does not break the tie, the application requesting the lower amount of FHIP funding will be ranked higher. Finally, if this does not break the tie, the application with the higher score under Rating Factor 2 will be rated higher.

For the PBFC, the tie breaking provision does not apply.

3. Achieving Geographic Diversity of Awards. PEI and EOI: HUD reserves the right to apply geographic diversity, to ensure that, to the extent possible, applications from more States for each Initiative or Component are selected for funding. If the Selecting Official exercises this discretion, there will be two determinants used: (1) Geography and (2) score. Geographic diversity shall be applied to all qualified applications (applications of sufficient quality for funding--applications that received a score of 75 or more points) in each Initiative or Component in which the Selecting Official applies geographic diversity. The geographic diversity provision will be applied as follows: when there are two or more applications of sufficient quality from the same State, the application(s) with the lower score(s) will be moved to the end of the qualified queue. The applications moved to the end of the qualified queue will retain their geographic rank order. If sufficient funds remain, it is possible that applications moved to the end of the queue may be selected for award.

For the PBFC, the geographic diversity provision does not apply.

4. Adjustments to Funding. As provided in the General Section, HUD may approve an application for an amount lower than the amount requested, fund only portions of the application, withhold funds after approval, reallocate funds among activities and/or require that special conditions be added to the grant agreement, in accordance with 24 CFR 84.14, the requirements of the General Section, or where:

a. HUD determines the amount requested for one or more eligible activities is unreasonable or unnecessary;

b. An ineligible activity is proposed in an otherwise eligible project;

c. Insufficient amounts remain to fund the full amount requested in the

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application, and HUD determines that partial funding is a viable option;

d. The past record of key personnel warrants special conditions; or,

e. Training funds are not reserved for FHIP training.

5. Reallocation of Funds. If after all applications within funding range have been selected or obligations are completed in an Initiative and funds remain available, the Selecting Official or designee will have the discretion to reallocate leftover funds in rank order among Initiatives as follows:

a. For EOI, any remaining funds from any component will be reallocated first within the Initiative; if after reallocating funds within the Initiative left over funds remain, they shall be reallocated to PEI;

b. For PEI, any remaining funds from any component will be reallocated first within the Initiative, if after reallocating funds within the Initiative left over funds remain, they shall be reallocated to EOI.

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

For planning purposes, anticipate an announcement date of September 23, 2006 and an award date of September 29, 2006.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

1. Applicant Notification and Award Procedures.

a. Notification. No information about the review and award process will be available during the period of HUD evaluation, which begins on the application deadline date under this NOFA and lasts approximately 90 days thereafter. However, you will be advised, in writing or by telephone, if HUD determines that your application is ineligible or has technical deficiencies which may be corrected as described in the General Section. HUD will communicate only with persons specifically identified in the application on the SF-424. HUD will not provide information about the application to third parties such as subcontractors.

b. Negotiations. If you are selected, HUD will require you to participate in negotiations to determine the specific terms of your cooperative or grant agreement. HUD will follow the negotiation procedures described in the General Section. The selection is conditional and does not become final until the negotiations between the applicant and the Department are successfully concluded and the grant or cooperative agreement is signed and executed. HUD will negotiate only with the person identified in the application as the Director of the organization or if specifically identified in the application as the Project Director. HUD will not negotiate with any third party (i.e., a subcontractor, etc.). Grantees awarded funding who have had a `poor performance' rating in years prior to FY 2003, will be required to provide documentation of the agency's improved performance status during negotiations. The Grant Officer and Government Technical Representative will determine on a case-by-case basis if technical assistance or special conditions are required.

Performance Based Funding Component-Applicants selected for funding under the PBFC will be required to submit a SOW that projects the agency's activities for a period of three years commensurate with the level of funding.

c. Applicant Debriefing. After awards are announced, applicants may receive a debriefing on their application as described in the General Section. Materials provided during the debriefing will be the applicant's final scores for each rating factor and final evaluator comments for each rating factor. Applicants requesting a debriefing must send a written request to Annette Corley, Grant Officer, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, FHIP/Support Division, 451 7th Street SW., Room 5224, Washington, DC 20410. HUD will not release the names of applicants or their scores to third parties.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Accessibility Requirements. All activities, facilities, and materials funded by this Program must be accessible to persons with disabilities (24 CFR 8.2, 8.4, 8.6, and 8.54).

2. Protected Classes. All FHIP-funded projects must address housing discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.

3. Environmental Requirements. In accordance with 24 CFR 50.19(b)(3), (4), (9), (12), and (13) of HUD regulations, activities assisted under this program are categorically excluded from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and are not subject to environmental review under related laws and authorities.

4. Procurement of Recovered Materials. State agencies (FHAP agencies) and agencies of a political subdivision of a State that are using assistance under a HUD program NOFA for procurement, and any person contracting with such an agency with respect to work performed under an assisted contract, must comply with the requirements of Section 6002 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. See General Section for details.

5. Product Information. Press releases and any other product intended to be disseminated to the public must be submitted to the Government Technical Representative (GTR) two weeks before release for approval and acceptance.

6. Ensuring the Participation of Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, and Women Owned Businesses. (See General Section).

7. Payment Contingent on Completion. Payment of FHIP funds is made on a reimbursement basis. Payments are contingent on the satisfactory and timely completion of your project activities and products as reflected in your grant or cooperative agreement. Requests for funds must be accompanied by financial and progress reports.

8. Copyright Materials. You may copyright any work that is eligible for copyright protection subject to HUD's right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use your work for Federal purposes, and to authorize others to do so as required in 24 CFR 84.36.

9. Complaints Against Awardees. Each FHIP award is overseen by a HUD Grant Officer (See http://www.hud.gov for list of Grant Officers

per region). Complaints from the public against FHIP grantees should be forwarded to the Grant Officer. The Grant Officer's name and contact information is provided in the grant agreement. If, after notice and consideration of relevant information, the Grant Officer concludes that there has been inappropriate conduct, such as a violation of FHIP program requirements, terms or conditions of the grant, or any other applicable statute, regulation or other requirement, HUD will take appropriate action in accordance with 24 CFR 84.62. Such action may include: written reprimand; consideration of past performance in awarding future FHIP applications; repayment to HUD of funds received under the grant; or temporary or permanent denial of participation in the FHIP in accordance with 24 CFR part 24.

10. Double Payments. If you are awarded funds under this NOFA, you (and any subcontractor or consultant) may not charge or claim credit for the activities performed under this project under any other Federally assisted project.

11. Performance Sanctions. A grantee or subcontractor failing to comply with

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the requirements set forth in its grant agreement will be liable for such sanctions as may be authorized by law, including repayment of improperly used funds, termination of further participation in the FHIP, and denial of further participation in programs of HUD or any Federal agency.

C. Reporting

1. HUD requires that funded recipients collect racial and ethnic beneficiary data. It has adopted the Office of Management and Budget's Standards for the Collection of Racial and Ethnic Data. In view of these requirements, you should use Form HUD-27061, Racial and Ethnic Data Reporting Form (and instructions for its use), found on http://www.HUDclips.org , a comparable program form, or a comparable electronic

data system for this purpose. Quarterly and as your project ends, you must report meaningful data derived from client feedback on how they benefited from your project's activities.

2. Listed below is a sample-reporting document of activities and tasks to be performed by a FHIP Grantee.

Administrative Activities

Activities

Tasks

Submitted by

Submitted to

1. Complete HUD-22081 Race and ........................... 45 Days............... GTR/GTM Ethnic Data Reporting Form. 2. Complete HUD-28807 Disclosure Submit Disclosure

When changes occur.... GTR/GTM Statements.

Statement. If no changes occur, submit statement of no change with final report. 3. Complete SF-269A Financial

Submit SF-269A and Copy of Quarterly............. GTR/GTM Status Report and Written

Written Report. Quarterly Status Reports on All Activities. 4. Voucher for Payment............. Submit payment request to Per Payment Schedule.. GTR/GTM LOCCS. 5. Complete Listing of Current or Submit listing for

45 Days and At end of GTR/GTM Pending Grants/Contracts/Other recipient and any

Grant. Financial Agreements.

contractors. 6. Prepare and Submit Draft of Submit Draft of Report. One month before end GTR/GTM Final Report, including HUD 96010. Report your eLogic Model of grant term. Reporting your short- and intermediate term outputs and outcomes as contained in the eLogic Model submitted and approved in your grant agreement. Your report and eLogic Model should identify results ands benefits to date of the work accomplished under the FHIP award. In addition, the eLogic Model should include an attachment that addresses the management questions applicable to your work program. Complaint and testing activities should provide data on complaints received and tests conducted by basis, issues, and outcomes. This should include number of credible, legitimate complaints filed with HUD, a State or local Fair Housing Agency, Department of Justice or private litigator; and types of relief/results. 7. Complete Final Report and

Submit a copy of the Final Within 90 days after GTR/GTM Provide Copies of All Final

Report, including a final end of grant term. Products Not Previously Submitted. Logic Model with all outputs and outcomes identified, and management questions responded to. Submit all Final Products not previously submitted to GTR and GTM. 8. Submit 2 copies of Final Report Submit detailed description Within 90 days after GTR/GTM and all final program products of items submitted to GTR end of grant term. produced under the Grant (with and GTM. diskette, where feasible) to HUD.

VII. Agency Contacts

You may contact Myron P. Newry or Denise L. Brooks, of the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity's FHIP Support Division, at 202- 708-0800 (this is not a toll-free number). Persons with hearing or speech impairments may contact the Division by calling 1-800-290-1617 (this is a toll-free number).

VIII. Other Information

1. Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collection requirements contained in this document have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2529-0033. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. Public reporting burdens for the collection of information is estimated to average 100 hours per annum per respondent for the application and grant administration. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the application, semi-annual reports and final report. The information will be used for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds. Response to this request for information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived.

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN08MR06.011

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Housing Counseling Program

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Single Family Housing.

B. Funding Opportunity Title: Housing Counseling Program.

C. Announcement Type: Initial Announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Number: The Federal Register number is: FR- 5030-N-03. The OMB Approval number is: 2502-0261.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 14.169 Housing Counseling Assistance Program.

F. Dates: The application deadline date is May 23, 2006. Please see the General Section for application submission and timely receipt procedures.

G. Available Funds: Approximately $39.08 million is made available for eligible applicants under this program NOFA.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Program Description. This program supports the delivery of a wide variety of housing counseling services to homebuyers, homeowners, low-to moderate-income renters, and the homeless. The primary objectives of the program are to expand homeownership opportunities and improve access to affordable housing. Counselors provide guidance and advice to help families and individuals improve their housing conditions and meet the responsibilities of tenancy and homeownership. Counselors also help borrowers avoid inflated appraisals, unreasonably high interest rates, unaffordable repayment terms, and other conditions that can result in a loss of equity, increased debt, default, and eventually foreclosure.

Applicants funded through this program may also provide Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) counseling to elderly homeowners who seek to convert equity in their homes into income that can be used to pay for home improvements, medical costs, living expenses, or other expenses.

B. Grant Applicant Categories. HUD will award a single comprehensive grant to qualified applicants through one of three categories: (1) Local Housing Counseling Agencies (LHCAs); (2) National and Regional Intermediaries (Intermediaries); and (3) State Housing Finance Agencies (SHFAs).

Supplemental funding is available to qualified intermediaries for counseling and educational activities in conjunction with HUD's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) Program.

C. Authority. HUD's Housing Counseling Program is authorized by Section 106 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701x).

The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) Program is authorized by section 255 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715z-20).

II. Award Information

A. Amount Allocated. Of the approximately $41.58 million appropriated for housing counseling in FY 2006 under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109- 115; approved Nov. 30, 2005), approximately $39.08 million is available for eligible applicants under this NOFA. Specifically, approximately $36.08 million is available for comprehensive counseling, and $3.0 million is available for HECM counseling.

B. Specific Allocations. Funding is allocated to each Homeownership Center (HOC), regional HUD offices that oversee the Housing Counseling Program in their jurisdiction, by a formula that incorporates first- time homebuyer rates, default rates, HECM endorsements, past performance by agencies in the jurisdiction, and minority homebuyers.

Total amount Applicant categories

Who is eligible

available

Category 1--LHCAs................ HUD-approved Local

$14,071,200 Housing Counseling Agencies. Category 2--Intermediaries....... HUD-approved

22,844,000 National and Regional Intermediaries. Category 3--SHFAs................ State Housing

2,164,800 Finance Agencies.

1. Category 1--Local Housing Counseling Agencies (LHCAs). Approximately $14,071,200 is available from HUD to directly fund HUD- approved LHCAs. A LHCA can only request funding for its main office and branches located in the same state as the main office and/or located in one other contiguous state.

Allocations for Category 1 by HOC are as follows: Atlanta $4,002,747, Denver $3,830,864, Philadelphia $3,870,451, and Santa Ana $2,367,138.

2. Category 2--Intermediaries. Approximately $22,844,000 is available from HUD to directly fund HUD-approved Intermediaries, including $19,844,000 for comprehensive counseling and $3.0 million for HECM counseling.

3. Category 3--State Housing Finance Agencies (SHFAs). Approximately $2,164,800 is available to fund SHFAs that provide housing counseling services directly or serve as intermediaries to Affiliates who offer housing counseling services. Allocations for Category 3 by HOC are as follows: Atlanta $615,886, Denver $589,259, Philadelphia $595,536, and Santa Ana $364,119.

C. Individual Awards.

1. Category 1. No individual LHCA may be awarded more than $200,000. HUD anticipates that the average total award for LHCAs will be approximately $45,000.

2. Category 2. Awards for individual HUD-approved intermediaries may not exceed $5.5 million, which includes any HECM supplemental funding. The limit for Comprehensive Counseling is $2.5 million and the limit for HECM counseling is $3.0 million. HUD anticipates that the average total award for Intermediaries will be $1.3 million.

3. Category 3. No individual SHFA may be awarded more than $450,000. HUD anticipates that the average total award for SHFAs will be approximately $145,000.

D. Grant Period. Funds awarded shall be available for a period of 12 calendar months.

E. Award Instrument. HUD will use a Grant Agreement. All Housing Counseling Program awards will be made on a cost reimbursement basis.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Definitions

1. Affiliate. An affiliate is a separately incorporated or organized housing counseling agency connected with an intermediary or SHFA for the purposes of its housing counseling program. To be eligible for a sub-grant an affiliate must be: (1) Duly organized and existing as a nonprofit, (2) in good standing under the laws of the state of its organization, and (3) authorized to do business in the states where it proposes to provide housing counseling services.

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2. Applicant. ``Applicant'' refers to a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or SHFA applying for a Housing Counseling grant from HUD through this NOFA. The term ``Applicant'' includes the agency's branch or branch offices identified in its application.

3. Branch. ``Branch'' or ``Branch Office'' refers to an organizational and subordinate unit of an LHCA or Intermediary not separately incorporated or organized. A Branch or Branch Office must be in good standing under the laws of the state where it is authorized to do business and where it proposes to provide housing counseling services. A Branch or Branch Office cannot be an applicant, affiliate or sub-grantee.

4. Grantee. ``Grantee'' refers to the HUD-approved housing counseling agencies or SHFAs that receive housing counseling funds from HUD through this NOFA. The term ``Grantee'' includes the agency's branch or branch offices identified in its application.

5. HUD HECM Network Counselor. A ``HUD HECM Network Counselor'' is a housing counselor that has passed the HECM exam administered by HUD and/or its agent, and is approved by HUD to provide HECM counseling nationally by telephone.

6. Intermediary. ``Intermediary'' refers to a HUD-approved national or regional organization that provides housing counseling services through its branches or affiliates.

7. Local Housing Counseling Agency (LHCA). ``LHCA'' refers to a HUD-approved Local Housing Counseling Agency. LHCAs must be approved by one of HUD's four HOCs. Affiliates of HUD-approved Housing Counseling intermediaries are not HUD-approved LHCAs by virtue of their affiliation with the intermediary. They are, however, eligible to individually apply for HUD approval as an LHCA.

8. State Housing Finance Agency (SHFA). For the purpose of this NOFA, a ``SHFA'' is the unique public body, agency, or instrumentality created by a specific act of a state legislature and empowered to finance activities designed to provide housing and related facilities and services, for example through land acquisition, construction or rehabilitation, throughout a state. The term state includes the fifty states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

9. Sub-grantee. ``Sub-grantee'' refers to an organization to which the grantee awards a sub-grant, and which is accountable to the grantee for the use of the funds provided. A Sub-grantee may be separately incorporated or organized, but connected with an intermediary or SHFA for purposes of this NOFA.

All Sub-grantees must be identified in the grantee's application. Under certain conditions, grantees may amend their Sub-grantee list after awards are made.

B. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include: HUD-approved Local Housing Counseling Agencies (LHCAs); HUD-approved national and regional intermediaries (Intermediaries); and State Housing Finance Agencies (SHFAs).

C. Cost Sharing or Matching

No specific ratio is required. However, in order to receive points under Rating Factor 4, applicants are required to demonstrate the commitment of other private and public sources of funding to supplement HUD funding for the applicant's counseling program. HUD does not intend for the Housing Counseling grants to cover all costs incurred by an applicant.

D. Eligible Activities for Awards Under All Applicant Categories

Grantees and sub-grantees will only be reimbursed for the applicable activities outlined in this Section.

1. Individual counseling or group education/classes regarding the following topics:

a. Pre-Purchase/Homebuying. This includes: evaluating mortgagor readiness; search assistance/mobility; fair housing, including how to recognize discrimination; budgeting for mortgage payments; money management (does not include administration of debt management plans whereby an organization pays bills on behalf of a client); selecting a real estate agent, and home inspection. This also may include guidance on: alternative sources of mortgage credit; how to apply for special programs available to potential homebuyers; how to identify and avoid predatory lending practices; locating housing that provides universal design and visitability; how to purchase a home using the Section 8 Homeownership Voucher Program, and referrals to community services and regulatory agencies.

Applicants that provide homebuyer education must also offer individual counseling that complements the group sessions.

b. Resolving or Preventing Mortgage Delinquency or Default. This includes: restructuring debt, obtaining re-certification for mortgage subsidy, establishing reinstatement plans, seeking loan forbearance, and managing household finances. This can also include helping clients affected by predatory lending, foreclosure prevention strategies, explaining the foreclosure process, providing referrals to other sources, and assisting clients with locating alternative housing, or pursuing loss mitigation strategies.

c. Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase, including Improving Mortgage Terms and Home Improvement. This includes information and advice on finding favorable mortgage loan terms, personal money management, and relations with lenders. It also includes: home improvement and rehabilitation; property maintenance; loan and grant options; the loan or grant application processes; what housing codes and housing enforcement procedures apply for the intended activity; accessibility codes and how to design features to provide accessibility for persons with disabilities; non-discriminatory lending and funding for persons who modify their dwellings to accommodate disabilities; visitability and universal design; how to specify and bid construction work; how to enter into construction contracts; and how to manage construction contracts, including actions to address the non-performance of contractors. Agencies that provide post-purchase education classes must also offer individual counseling to complement group sessions.

d. Locating, Securing, or Maintaining Residence in Rental Housing. This refers to renter-related topics, including: helping clients obtain and utilize rent subsidies; pre-rental search assistance/mobility counseling; budgeting for rent payments; educating clients on landlords' and renters' rights; explaining the eviction process; ensuring clients understand their rights when faced with displacement; explaining the responsibility of the entity causing displacement; and providing assistance with locating alternate housing.

e. Shelter or Services for the Homeless. Includes referrals to social, community, and homeless services such as emergency shelter or transitional housing.

2. HECM Counseling--This includes providing the statutorily- required counseling to individuals/families that may be eligible for, or are interested in obtaining, an FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). This counseling assists elderly homeowners who seek to convert equity in their homes into income that can be used to pay for home improvements, medical costs, living expenses, or other expenses.

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3. Marketing and Outreach Initiatives. This includes providing general information and materials about housing opportunities and issues, conducting informational campaigns, advocating with lenders for non-traditional lending standards, and raising awareness about critical housing topics, such as predatory lending or fair housing issues. (Note: affirmative fair housing outreach should be directed at those populations least likely to seek counseling services. To do so, it may be necessary to broaden the target areas or provide translation and interpretive services in languages other than English in order to reach a greater variety of racial and ethnic minorities.)

4. Training to increase the capacity of housing counselors and program managers.

5. Computer equipment/systems with the objective of improving the quality of counseling and education services available.

6. Administrative Costs. For intermediaries and SHFAs, administrative costs associated with managing a network of housing counseling agencies and providing technical assistance.

E. Threshold Requirements

Applications that do not meet all of the following Threshold Requirements are not eligible to receive an award from HUD.

1. Applicants, and Sub-grantees, must meet the Threshold Requirements in the General Section.

2. Minimum grant request. Applications must contain a request for comprehensive funds of not less than $20,000 from LHCAs, not less than $50,000 from SHFAs and not less than $200,000 from Intermediaries. Applications for lesser amounts will not be considered. Intermediaries must request a minimum of $500,000 for HECM supplemental funding. HUD will consider the amount of the comprehensive counseling grant being requested to be the value entered into box 15a on form SF-424. For intermediaries also requesting HECM supplemental funding, box 15a of Form SF-424 should reflect the total of the comprehensive request and the HECM supplemental request. For these intermediaries requesting both, the narrative response to Factor 3 must make clear the exact comprehensive and supplemental amounts being requested.

3. Only HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agencies and SHFAs may apply. Applicants must be currently approved by HUD as an LHCA or as a housing counseling intermediary, and have secured HUD approval as a housing counseling agency by the publication date of this Housing Counseling Program NOFA. SHFAs are not required to be HUD-approved, but must meet the eligibility requirements listed in this NOFA.

4. Applicants Requesting Supplemental HECM Funding. No separate application is needed to apply for supplemental funding. However, applicants requesting supplemental HECM funding must meet the following requirements:

a. Request the supplemental funding by identifying in box 15a of Form SF-424 the total of the comprehensive request and the HECM supplemental request, and making clear in the narrative response to Factor 3 the exact comprehensive and supplemental amounts being requested;

b. Identify HECM-related needs in the target community in its response to Rating Factor 2;

c. Respond to all HECM-related requests for information throughout the NOFA;

d. Include counseling and other related activities targeted at HECM clients over and above the proposed comprehensive counseling activities listed in response to the Rating Factors; and

e. Indicate in the Rating Factors how many individuals will be served specifically with the requested supplemental funding for HECM counseling in addition to those served under the comprehensive counseling award. Be sure to clearly identify the total number projected to be served, the activities to be provided, and the output and outcome goals to be achieved with the supplemental funding.

5. Recipients of Previous Housing Counseling Grants. Applicants that received a HUD Housing Counseling grant or grants through the FY2004 HUD Housing Counseling NOFA, and did not receive an extension approved by HUD, must have drawn-down at least 70 percent of award monies by December 31, 2005. Exceptions may be made for applicants that adequately demonstrate that performance projections for the period were exceeded with greater cost efficiency than originally proposed.

F. Other Program Requirements

1. To receive a grant or subgrant under this Housing Counseling NOFA, all applicants and subgrantees (except SHFAs) must be:

a. In good standing under the laws of the state of their organization; and

b. Authorized to do business in the states where they propose to provide housing counseling services.

c. All grantees and sub-grantees must make counseling offices and services accessible to persons with a wide range of disabilities and help persons locate suitable housing in locations throughout the applicant's community, target area, or metropolitan area, as defined by the applicant.

2. Limits on Applications

a. HUD-approved LHCAs. HUD-approved LHCAs may apply for and receive: one grant under Applicant Category 1; or one sub-grant from an intermediary or SHFA under Applicant Category 2 or 3, but not both. The only exception to this rule is that HUD-approved LHCAs with one or more HUD HECM Network Counselors may receive a sub-grant or be reimbursed exclusively for HECM counseling activities from a HUD-approved intermediary administering the HECM supplemental funds made available through this NOFA.

Funded LHCAs may not make sub-grants to other HUD-approved LHCAs or non-HUD-approved entities.

b. HUD-approved Intermediaries. HUD approved intermediaries may only apply for a grant under Applicant Category 2. HUD-approved intermediaries are also eligible for supplemental funding for HECM counseling.

c. SHFAs. SHFAs may only apply for grants under Applicant Category 3 for comprehensive counseling funds.

3. Sub-grantees of Intermediaries and SHFAs.

a. Sub-grantees of intermediaries and SHFAs are not required to be HUD-approved, although HUD-approved LHCAs may apply to an intermediary or SHFA as a sub-grantee.

b. Intermediaries and SHFAs that award sub-grants to counseling agencies that are not HUD-approved must assure that the sub-grantee organizations meet or exceed HUD's approval standards, listed in Section III.C.4.c, Program Requirements.

c. Sub-grantees must also be in compliance with all civil rights threshold requirements. Intermediaries that do not ensure their sub- grantee's compliance with HUD standards may be prohibited from participating in the Housing Counseling Program. HUD will monitor sub- grantees.

d. To be eligible for funding under Categories 2 or 3, Sub-grantees or branches must not have directly applied for or received a grant under Category 1 of this NOFA, or applied for or received a sub-grant or funding from another intermediary or SHFA under Category 2 or 3 of this NOFA. Sub-grantees may apply for and receive funding from only one intermediary or SHFA under

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Category 2 or 3, but not both. The only exception to this rule is that sub-grantees that have one or more HUD HECM Network Counselors that receive a sub-grant from an intermediary or SHFA under Category 2 or 3 may also receive a sub-grant or be reimbursed exclusively for HECM counseling activities, from a HUD-approved intermediary administering the HECM supplemental funds made available through this NOFA.

e. Intermediaries and SHFAs that make sub-grants must execute sub- grant agreements with sub-grantees that clearly delineate the mutual responsibilities for program management, including appropriate time frames for reporting results to HUD. Intermediaries and SHFAs have wide discretion to decide how to allocate their HUD Housing Counseling funding among sub-grantees, with the understanding that a written record must be kept documenting and justifying funding decisions. This record must be made available to sub-grantees and to HUD.

4. List of HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agencies. Pursuant to section 106(C)(5) of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, HUD maintains a list of all HUD-approved and HUD-funded counseling agencies, including contact information that interested persons can access. All HUD-approved LHCAs and their branches, and all sub-grantees and branches that receive funding under Applicant Categories 2 and 3 of this NOFA will be placed on this list and must accept subsequent referrals, or when they do not provide the services sought, refer the person to another organization in the area that does provide the services.

5. Non-Discrimination Requirement.

a. Grant recipients and sub-grantees are prohibited from discriminating on behalf of or against any segment of the population in the provision of services or in outreach.

b. Organizations funded under this program may not engage in inherently religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization, as part of the programs or services funded under this program. If an organization conducts such activities, these activities must be offered separately, in time or location, from the programs or services funded under this part, and participation must be voluntary for the HUD-funded programs or services.

6. Indirect Cost Rate. Grantees that plan to use grant funds to cover direct costs only are not required to provide an indirect cost rate. However, Grantees that plan to use grant funds to cover any indirect costs must submit their approved indirect cost rate established by the cognizant federal agency. If the grantee does not have an established indirect cost rate, it will be required to develop and submit an indirect cost proposal to HUD, or the cognizant federal agency as applicable, for determination of an indirect cost rate that will govern the award. Applicants that do not have a previously established indirect cost rate with a federal agency shall submit an initial indirect cost rate proposal immediately after the applicant is advised that it will be offered a grant and, in no event, later than three months after the start date of the grant. OMB Circular A-122 established the requirements to determine allowable direct and indirect costs and the preparation of indirect cost proposals, and can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb Applicants can review Indirect Cost Training on http://www.hud.gov. at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/

grants/training/training.cfm.

7. Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons (Section 3). Section 3 does not apply to Housing Counseling Grants.

8. Ensuring the Participation of Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, and Woman-Owned Businesses. See the General Section for information on this topic.

9. Subcontracting. Grantees and sub-grantees must deliver all of the counseling activities set forth in the applicant's work plan provided in Factor 3 of this NOFA. Subcontracting with other entities is permitted only in geographical areas where no HUD-approved housing counseling agency exists; however, the subcontractor must meet or exceed the standards for a HUD approved agency.

10. Conflicts of Interest. See the General Section. In addition, a grantee or sub-grantee that is using grant funds to pay a subcontractor for housing counseling services pursuant to a housing counseling sub- agreement is prohibited from having a controlling interest in that subcontractor or vice versa. In other words, a grantee or sub-grantee cannot use grant funds to pay for housing counseling services by a subcontractor, if the subcontractor is partially or fully-controlled by the grantee or sub-grantee, or affiliate or vice versa.

11. Accessible Technology. See the General Section.

12. Participation in HUD Sponsored Program Evaluation. See the General Section.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Receiving an Application Package. Applicants may download the Instructions to the application found on the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.Grants.gov. The instructions contain the General Section and

Program Section of the published NOFA as well as forms that you must complete and attach as a zip file to your application submission. If you have difficulty accessing the information you may call the Grants.gov Support desk toll free 800-518-GRANTS or e-mail your questions to Support@Grants.gov.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission. Please be sure to read the General Section for application deadline and timely receipt requirements as HUD is using electronic application submission via http://www.Grants.gov. In addition to the instructions in the General Section

follow the instructions below:

1. Size Limitations and Format for Narrative Statements. Applicants must be as specific and direct as possible. For LHCAs, the narrative portion (responses to all factors) must be limited to 50 double-spaced, 12-point font, single-sided pages. Intermediaries and SHFAs are limited to a total of 100 double-spaced, 12-point font, single-sided pages for the narrative portion. Pages in excess of the size limit will not be read. Number the pages of the narrative statements and include a header that includes the applicant's name and the Rating Factor number and title. Within each narrative, clearly identify each sub-factor immediately above the response for that sub-factor.

2. Application Checklist. The Application Checklist indicates forms, information, certifications and assurances that apply to this NOFA.

Housing Counseling NOFA Application Checklist

a. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.

b. SF-424 Supplement--Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (optional).

c. HUD 424 CB, Grant Application Detailed Budget.

d. SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable).

e. HUD-27300, Questionnaire for HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory Barriers (optional regarding eligibility, but mandatory to receive credit in Factor 2 for the Regulatory Barriers policy priority).

f. HUD-2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report.

g. HUD-2990, Certification of Consistency with the RC/EZ/EC-II

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Strategic Plan (LHCAs only, if applicable).

h. HUD-2991, Certification of Consistency with the Consolidated Plan (if applicable).

i. HUD-2994, You Are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey (optional).

j. HUD-96010, Program Outcome Logic Model.

k. HUD-96011 Facsimile Transmittal Cover Page (to be used to transmit third party documents as part of your electronic application).

l. HUD-9902, Housing Counseling Agency Fiscal Year Activity Report (only required for Applicants who did not electronically submit to HUD a form HUD-9902 for the period October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005, for example, applicants that received approval as a HUD housing counseling agency after September 30, 2005.

m. SHFA Statutory Authority. SHFAs must submit evidence of their statutory authority to operate as a SHFA, as defined in this NOFA, and must submit evidence of their authority to apply for funds and subsequently use any funds awarded. Applicants should verify that their agency profile information is accurately represented in HUD's Housing Counseling System (HCS) and validate the information prior to submitting the grant application.

n. List of all offices. Intermediaries must provide a list of the states in which they maintain offices, including the central office and all affiliates or branch offices. Provide this information for all affiliates and branch offices, not just the ones the applicant proposes to fund through this grant. Indicate with an asterisk or other notation those that will be funded through this grant and the amount, if known.

o. Organization Description. Applicants must provide a brief description, no more than 225 words, of their organizational history and proposed grant activities, as they would like them to appear in the press release issued by HUD in the event that the applicant is funded through this NOFA.

p. Narrative statements as required in this NOFA.

C. Submission Dates and Times. Application Deadline Date and Proof of Timely Submission. The application deadline date is May 23, 2006. Please be sure to read the General Section for timely submission and receipt. Failure to follow the submission requirements and procedures may affect your ability to receive an award.

D. Intergovernmental Review. The Housing Counseling Program is not subject to Intergovernmental Review.

E. Funding Restrictions.

1. Funding is limited to the eligible activities described in Section III.D of this NOFA.

2. Pre-award Costs. Grantees may incur pre-award costs not more than 90 calendar days prior to the effective date of the grant agreement and only with prior approval from HUD. All pre-award costs are incurred at the applicant's risk and HUD has no obligation to reimburse such costs if the award is inadequate to cover such costs or the award offer is withdrawn because of the applicant's failure to satisfy the requirements of this NOFA.

F. Other Submission Requirements. Applications must be submitted via the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov/Apply by no later

than the established deadline date and time. See the General Section for further information.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria. The Factors for Award, and maximum points for each factor, are outlined below. These factors will be used to evaluate all applications. The maximum number of points for each applicant is 102 for LHCAs and 100 for all other applicants.

1. Bonus Points--``RC/EZ/EC-II.'' ONLY LHCAs are eligible for 2 bonus points. See the General Section for information regarding ``RC/ EZ/EC-II'' bonus points.

2. Additional Information. HUD may rely on information from performance reports, financial status information, monitoring reports, audit reports, and other information available to HUD to make score determinations to any relevant Rating Factor.

3. Responses to Factors for Award. Responses to the following rating factors should provide HUD with detailed quantitative and qualitative information and relevant examples regarding the housing counseling work of the organization. The Rating Factors contain requests for additional information from applicants interested in supplemental HECM funding.

In responses to the various factors and sub-factors, intermediaries and SHFAs should not submit a separate response for each proposed sub- grantee and branch, but should provide a brief profile of each and summary response for their entire network, highlighting individual activities, partnerships, needs and/or results when appropriate.

a. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational Staff (30 Points).

HUD uses responses to this Rating Factor to evaluate the readiness and ability of an applicant and proposed sub-grantee and branch staff, to immediately begin, and successfully implement, the proposed work plan detailed in Rating Factor 3. HUD will also evaluate how effectively the applicant managed work plan adjustments that may have been required if performance targets were not met within established timeframes and how often work plan adjustments were required.

(1) Applicants must provide the following information to support evaluation of this Rating Factor. Information may be provided in a chart or table.

(a) Number of full-time (35 hours + per week) housing counselors working for the applicant and, if applicable, proposed sub-grantees or branches;

(b) Number of part-time housing counselors working for the applicant and, if applicable, proposed sub-grantees or branches;

(c) Number of bilingual housing counselors working for the applicant and, if applicable, proposed sub-grantees or branches;

(d) Average years of housing counseling experience for housing counselors working for the applicant and, if applicable, proposed sub- grantees or branches;

(e) Average years of housing counseling program management experience for the project director(s) for the applicant and, if applicable, proposed sub-grantees or branches;

(f) Average years of related experience, such as experience in mortgage lending, for counselors and project managers;

(g) For intermediaries and SHFAs, the number of sub-grantees and branches that received funding from the applicant through a FY 2004 HUD housing counseling grant(s), if applicable, covering the period October 1, 2004-September 30, 2005.

(2) Knowledge and Experience (11 points).

Using the information provided above, demonstrate that the applicant, including proposed sub-grantees and branches, has sufficient personnel with the relevant knowledge and experience to implement the proposed activities in a timely and effective manner, and bilingual language skills, if appropriate.

Specifically, for LHCAs, scoring will be based on the number of years of recent and relevant experience of Housing Counseling Program project directors and recent housing counseling and relevant experience of housing counselors.

For intermediaries and SHFAs, scoring will be based on: The number of years of recent and relevant experience of project directors of proposed sub-

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grantees and branches; the number of years of recent housing counseling and relevant experience of counselors in proposed sub-grantees and branches; and the number of years, for key intermediary or SHFA personnel, of recent experience running a housing counseling program consisting of a network of multiple housing counseling agencies. HUD will award higher scores to applicants with more experienced staff and management.

Related experience, such as experience in mortgage lending, will also be considered, but will not be weighted as heavily in the scoring as direct housing counseling or housing counseling program management experience. HUD will also factor in other information that demonstrates the capacity of the applicant, such as relevant staff trainings and certifications. In scoring this section, HUD will evaluate whether the applicant has experience providing the proposed services. HUD will award higher scores to applicants with staff and management that have the greatest combination of experience, training and demonstrated competency.

(a) Submit the names and titles of employees, including subcontractors and consultants who will perform the activities proposed in the applicant's work plan in Rating Factor 3. Clerical staff should not be listed. Describe each employee's, subcontractor's, or consultant's current housing counseling duties and responsibilities, experience in providing one-on-one and group counseling (describe each separately), relevant professional background and experience, and bilingual language skills, if applicable. Experience is relevant if it corresponds directly to projects of a similar scale and purpose. Provide the number of years of experience for each position listed, and indicate where and when each position was held. Indicate whether the position was full-time or part-time, and in the case of part-time positions, provide the number of hours per week. LHCAs may provide individual descriptions of staff limited to one page. These descriptions do not count toward narrative page limitations. Intermediaries and SHFAs acting as intermediaries should summarize in a single chart, for each applicable employee, subcontractor, and consultant of proposed sub-grantees or branches, the number of years of direct counseling or counseling program management experience, and the number of years of relevant experience. Total each column. Do not submit individual resumes for sub-grantee staff. HUD staff will verify experience information submitted during monitoring reviews.

Applicants for HECM supplemental funding must specify the HECM experience of project directors, HUD HECM Network Counselors and the organization. They must also indicate the number of HUD HECM Network Counselors that are in the applicant's network at the time of application, and that the applicant proposes to fund with the requested award.

(b) Indicate for all housing counselors and project directors the specialized trainings received within the last two years relevant to the proposed activities, including specific trainings regarding FHA programs. Include when the training was received and who provided it. Do not include on-the-job training. Applicants that seek supplemental funds for HECM counseling must indicate what relevant training counselors received to prepare them as HECM counselors.

(c) Indicate which housing counselors are certified housing or financial counselors. Describe what type of certification is held, who provided it, when the certification was received, and if applicable, the date certification expires.

(d) Indicate if the applicant, affiliates and branches, utilized an on-line Client Management System during the grant period October 1, 2004, to September 30, 2005. Applicants that use a web-based system during this period will be awarded more points than applicants that did not utilize a web-based system.

Identify the system and describe what data is input and if applicable, how the system analyzes client data, what reports are generated using the system and whether or not it is web-based. If applicable, indicate how the system is used to advise clients about their mortgage options including eligibility for FHA or other types of financing. If the applicant does not currently use an on-line or web- based system but plans to in the coming grant period, October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007, indicate which system will be used, whether or not it is web based, and how its use will be implemented in terms of training employees to use it and its ability to improve client services and generate reports.

(3) Grant and Program Requirement Compliance (14 points).

In scoring this Section, HUD will evaluate how well the applicant met the Program requirements, including reporting and grant document execution, if applicable, for the period October 1, 2004, to September 30, 2005, and its ability to spend all grant funds allotted.

If the applicant did not receive an FY 2004 HUD grant, it must provide a response, with sufficient detail for HUD to evaluate compliance, based on activities and requirements under other sources of funding, such as other federal, state, or local grant awards. Identify the source(s) and amount(s) of funds used for housing counseling. Provide relevant contact information for the agencies or organizations administering these programs so HUD can verify that the information you report is accurate.

(a) Grantee Requirements. HUD will evaluate the applicant's performance with regard to the timeliness and completeness with which the applicant satisfied grant requirements, including grant document execution, grant reporting requirements including quarterly (if applicable), mid-term and final reports,

(b) Form HUD-9902. HUD will deduct points if the applicant was required to submit a form HUD-9902 for the period October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005, but failed to do so in a timely manner.

(c) Expending Grant Funds. If grant awards were not fully expended during the grant period October 1, 2004, to September 30, 2005, provide an explanation as to the reason why and the steps the applicant has taken to ensure that future funding will be expended according to the terms of the grant agreement. To receive full credit, either 100 percent of grant funds must have been expended in a timely manner or all goals must have been achieved prior to expending 100 percent of grant funds. If goals were achieved with fewer funds, state so and briefly provide details of efficiencies realized (if any).

(d) Biennial Performance Reviews. Significant findings on biennial performance reviews conducted by HUD staff will be taken into consideration when scoring this section.

(e) Housing Counseling System (HCS). HUD will evaluate applicant's timeliness and effectiveness in validating and updating agency information in HCS. Intermediaries and SHFAs must describe procedures and quality control measures used to verify sub-grantee, and if applicable branch or affiliate, information is validated in HCS on a regular basis.

(4) Management--Goals and Results (5 points).

In scoring this section, HUD will compare applicant goals and actual results for the period October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005, and evaluate subsequent changes in approach resulting from any differences, if applicable. HUD's primary concern is

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how the applicant managed change, when needed, within the organization as well as a clear and reasonable explanation as to why goals were not met, or why they were exceeded, and what steps were taken organizationally to accommodate either scenario.

For applicants that received a FY 2004 housing counseling grant covering the period October 1, 2004 to September 30, 2005, HUD will compare the projections made in the Program Outcome Logic Model, Form HUD-96010 submitted with the FY2004 Housing Counseling NOFA, including any adjustments based on actual award amounts, to the corresponding actual results for that period reported by the applicant in the Form HUD-9902 submitted to HUD.

Applicants who did not receive a FY 2004 Housing Counseling Grant and therefore did not finalize outcome projections, or who are recently approved, or who were a sub-grantee of an intermediary or SHFA for the period of October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005, and are now applying for funding under the LHCA category must indicate the detailed, quantifiable goals the organization set for itself for the period covering October 1, 2004 to September 30, 2005, or for the 12 month period ending December 31, 2005 if more appropriate to the Applicant's or other grant-requiring reporting schedule. Also provide the actual results corresponding to these goals and explain any differences in goals versus actual results and indicate what measurement reporting tools were used as well as describe the evaluation process. Form HUD-96010-1, Logic Model Instructions, which is part of Form HUD-96010, provides information regarding measurement reporting tools and the evaluation process. If describing goals corresponding to other grant programs or sources of funding, provide relevant contact information for the agencies or organizations administering those programs so HUD can verify that the goals and corresponding achievements you report are accurate.

b. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (12 Points).

This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need for funding the proposed activities described in the applicant's work plan, and the degree to which the applicant's work plan substantively addresses departmental policy priorities.

(1) Needs Data (6 points).

Provide current or recent economic and demographic data, and any other evidence that demonstrates housing counseling need relevant to the target area. All proposed activities in Factor 3 must have corresponding need-related data. Sources for all data provided must be clearly cited. Do not submit copies of reports or tables.

To the extent that the community the applicant serves has documented need in its Consolidated Plan, Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI), or other planning documents, provide these in the response. Economic and demographic data must include persons with disabilities located in the target area. The U.S. Census Bureau, for example, maintains disability data by state, county, and metropolitan statistical area (MSA) at the following Web site: http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/disability.html .

Additionally, the HUD USER Research Information Service and Clearinghouse, available at http://www.huduser.org/, allows users to

search over 800 HUD publications by subjects and keywords.

In scoring this Section, HUD will evaluate the degree to which the applicant provides current or recent economic and demographic data, and any other evidence that demonstrates housing counseling need relevant to the target area and the activities proposed in projected work plan activities detailed in Rating Factor 3. Applicants that fail to identify current or recent objective data will not receive full points for this factor.

(2) Departmental Policy Priorities (6 points).

The Departmental policy priorities are described in detail in the General Section. Of those listed, the following five apply to the Housing Counseling Program for the purpose of this NOFA. Indicate if and describe how the applicant's work plan substantively addresses each of these departmental policy priorities. Applicants are advised to review the policy priorities in the General Section, to assure they fully understand the meaning of each, prior to responding to this sub- factor.

In scoring this section, the applicant will receive one point for each of the departmental policy priorities (a)-(d) that the projected work plan in Factor 3 substantively addresses. Up to 2 points are available for priority (e). The General Section and HUD's Notices identify how policy priority points will be awarded. Copies of HUD's notices published on this issue, can be found on HUD's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/grants/index.cfm.

(a) Providing Increased Homeownership and Rental Opportunities for Low- and Moderate-Income Persons, Persons with Disabilities, the Elderly, Minorities, and Families with Limited English Proficiency.

(b) Providing Full and Equal Access to Grassroots, Faith-Based and Other Community-Based Organizations in HUD Program Implementation.

(c) Participation of Minority-Serving Institutions in HUD Programs. Identify partnerships with minority-serving institutions of higher learning such as colleges and trade schools.

(d) Participation in Energy Star. Applicants must provide information on how they promote or plan to promote Energy Star materials and practices and buildings constructed to Energy Star standards to homebuyers, renters and other applicable counseling clients. Describe any outreach activities previously conducted and/or planned to promote Energy Star products.

(e) Removal of Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing. Under this policy priority, higher rating points are available to (1) governmental applicants that are able to demonstrate successful efforts in removing regulatory barriers to affordable housing and (2) nongovernmental applicants that are associated with jurisdictions that have undertaken successful efforts in removing barriers. To obtain the policy priority points for efforts to successfully remove regulatory barriers, applicants must complete form HUD-27300, ``Questionnaire for HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory Barriers.'' A limited number of questions on form HUD-27300 expressly request the applicant to provide brief documentation with its response. Other questions require that, for each affirmative statement made, the applicant supply a reference, URL or brief statement indicating where the back-up information may be found, and a point of contact, including a telephone number or e-mail address. Applicants that do not provide the required URL references or other back-up documentation will not be eligible for the points associated with this policy priority.

c. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach/Scope of Housing Counseling Services (35 Points).

This factor addresses the quality and effectiveness of the applicant's historical and proposed housing counseling activities.

(1) Historical Performance--Quality and Complexity of Services (8 Points).

In scoring this section, HUD will evaluate the quality of, the variety of, and the level of effort and time associated with the housing counseling services provided by the applicant during the period October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005. Responses

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should contain ``Historical Performance'' as part of the heading for the response. Applicants must provide the following information:

(a) Average hours of housing counseling per client, for the period October 1, 2004, through September 30, 2005, for each of the following service types, including follow-up, the applicant organization provides:

(i) Pre-purchase Counseling.

(ii) Homebuyer Education.

(iii) Delinquency/Default Counseling.

(iv) Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Counseling.

(v) Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) Counseling.

(vi) Post-Purchase Education.

(vii) Rental Counseling.

(viii) Homeless/Displacement Counseling.

(ix) Predatory Lending Counseling.

(x) Homeownership Voucher Counseling and Education.

(xi) Other (describe).

Describe the level of effort and time required to provide the housing counseling services described and to meet the needs of clients. Explain the average counseling time per client figures above. Scoring will be based on the degree to which the applicant demonstrates, as compared to other applicants, that sufficient time and resources were devoted to ensure that clients received quality counseling.

(b) Types of Counseling and Services Offered: HUD will retrieve this information from the HUD-9902 and the Housing Counseling System (HCS). Verify that the information in these sources is accurate. If applicant received supplemental funding and the services offered were not captured on the HUD-9902, they must describe their activities in detail. Scoring of the variety of housing counseling services offered is weighted to provide the most points for HECM and Post Purchase Default/Loss Mitigation counseling.

(c) Group Education and One-On-One Counseling. For the period October 1, 2004, through September 30, 2005, HUD will retrieve from Section 6 of form HUD-9902, the number of clients that participated in Homebuyer Education Workshops or other types of classes offered as group sessions and will retrieve from Section 7a-e, the number of clients that participated in one-on-one counseling. Applicants should explain the figures provided in Form HUD-9902 regarding group session participation and one-on-one counseling. Describe how clients come to participate in one or the other, the relationship between the two, and the role that each plays in the applicant's overall service provision. Estimate the percentage of clients participating in both group education sessions and one-on-one counseling. Scorers will evaluate the extent to which an agency encouraged and provided one-on-one counseling, which HUD considers the most effective form of housing counseling, instead of over-relying on homebuyer education workshops and other forms of group sessions.

(2) Historical Performance--Impact/Outcomes (9 points).

To score this Section, HUD will evaluate the applicant's performance for the period October 1, 2004, to September 30, 2005. The quantity of clients the applicant served will be compared to similar applicants providing similar services. Clients served numbers will also be analyzed in the context of the applicant's total housing counseling budget for the same period, FY2004. HUD will also consider the degree to which the services provided were time and resource intensive. Additionally, for intermediaries and SHFAs, HUD will evaluate the geographic coverage and scope of the applicant's activities for the period October 1, 2004, through September 30, 2005, including the number of states served by affiliates or branches, if applicable, and the overall size of the housing counseling network during that period.

(a) Cost per client. Clients served figures will be obtained from the Form HUD-9902 for the period October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005, submitted to HUD by the applicant, which reflects activities funded both with HUD housing counseling grant funds, if applicable, and with other leveraged resources. Applicants that were not required to submit Form HUD-9902 for the period October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005 must complete one as part of this application. In addition, the applicant must provide the following information.

(i) FY 2005 total housing counseling budget, covering the period October 1, 2004-September 30, 2005, including HUD housing counseling grant(s) or sub-grants, if applicable, as well as other resources leveraged specifically for housing counseling. Do not include funds for down payment or closing cost assistance, Individual Development Accounts, emergency services, or other resources not used for the direct provision of housing counseling.

(ii) Indicate how location, type of counseling, client type, and expenses may have affected client volume. Justify expenses and explain why they were reasonable, strategic, and appropriate.

(b) Percentage of Grant Funding Passed Through: Intermediaries and SHFAs that received one or more FY 2004 HUD housing counseling grant, for the grant period October 1, 2004, to September 30, 2005, must also indicate what percentage of their grant(s) was passed through directly to sub-grantees or branches, and explain how funds not passed through were spent.

LHCAs applying under Applicant Category 1 that received one or more FY 2004 HUD housing counseling grants for the grant period October 1, 2004, to September 30, 2005, must indicate what percentage of their grant(s) was spent on the salaries and benefits of housing counselors and project directors. Explain how other funds were spent.

Applicants that did not receive a FY 2004 HUD housing counseling grant must characterize their performance through other housing counseling funding sources, for example other federal, state or local government grants, providing as much detail, similar to that requested above, as possible.

(c) Geographic Coverage: Intermediaries and SHFAs must identify the sub-grantees, affiliates and branches, and corresponding states, to which the applicant provided housing counseling funding, for the period October 1, 2004, through September 30, 2005, through:

(i) FY 2004 HUD housing counseling grant funds, if applicable.

(ii) All housing counseling resources.

(3) Projected Performance/Work Plan--Quality and Complexity of Services (9 points).

This section involves information on housing counseling services to be conducted during the period October 1, 2006, through September 30, 2007. In scoring this Section, HUD will consider the types and variety of housing counseling and education services being offered, and other activities occurring in support of the applicant's housing counseling program.

HUD will also evaluate the quality of the applicant's proposed housing counseling services, and level of effort and time associated with providing the proposed counseling services to the number of clients it estimates it will serve. Scoring will be based on the degree to which the applicant demonstrates, as compared to other applicants, that for each type of counseling service delivered, average, greater than average or less than average time and resources will be devoted to ensure that clients receive quality counseling.

Applicants must provide the following information, which will be used in conjunction with responses in Rating Factor 5, as a basis to support the scoring of the sub-factors below. There must be consistency between Rating

[[Page 11809]]

Factor 3 and the projected outputs and outcomes in Rating Factor 5. Responses must contain ``Projected Performance'' as part of the heading for the response.

(a) Describe the various types of housing counseling and education services, and if applicable intermediary activities, the applicant proposes to undertake, and identify the geographic area the services will cover. Also, describe planned follow-up activities, if applicable. Proposed services and activities must relate to the needs identified in Rating Factor 2. Scoring of the variety of housing counseling services offered is weighted to provide the most points for one-on-one counseling regarding HECM and Post Purchase Default/Loss Mitigation. To be eligible for the full points available for these service types, applicants proposing to provide HECM and/or Default/Loss Mitigation counseling must have prior HUD-approval to provide these services.

Intermediaries and SHFAs acting as intermediaries should describe in detail their plans to train proposed sub-grantees and branches, provide technical assistance, and evaluate compliance with program requirements, for example through site visits.

(b) Average hours of housing counseling time the applicant estimates per client, for each of the activities listed in part (a), including follow-up. If the projected average times are the same as those listed for the period covering October 1, 2004-September 30, 2005, the applicant may simply state so in lieu of listing them again here.

Also provide the proposed average hourly labor-rate for housing counselors working for the applicant, affiliates, or branch network, if applicable, including benefits.

(c) Indicate the names and titles of employees, including subcontractors and consultants, allocated to each proposed activity, as well as the corresponding staff hours for each task, and demonstrate that the applicant has the human resources to accomplish the proposed activities and serve the number of individuals the applicant proposes to serve. The staff information should include who from Rating Factor 1 will be involved and any new staff, subcontractors or consultants that will be hired for the October 1, 2006-September 30, 2007 grant period.

For intermediaries and SHFAs, the total number of sub-grantees and branches, and corresponding number of states, that the applicant estimates will receive funding through the proposed FY 2006 HUD Housing Counseling Grant during the grant period October 1, 2006, to September 30, 2007. If applying for HECM supplemental funding, indicate the number of sub-grantees and branches the applicant estimates for comprehensive counseling, and for any HECM supplemental funding requested.

(d) Describe plans to effectively serve and/or communicate with persons with limited English proficiency (LEP) and persons with disabilities who require alternative formats, for example materials that are available in languages other than English.

(e) Intermediaries and SHFAs must also:

(i) Describe the housing counseling and education activities to be provided by proposed sub-grantees and branches, explicitly stating the types of services to be offered, preferably in a chart.

(ii) Describe the applicant's legal relationship with sub-grantees (i.e. membership organization, field, or branch office, subsidiary organization, etc.).

(iii) Explain the process that will be used to determine sub- grantee funding levels and distribute funds. If applicable, indicate how sub-grantee funding levels are adjusted on an on-going basis based on performance.

(4) Projected Performance/Work Plan--Coordination (5 points).

HUD will consider the extent to which, as compared to similar applicants, the applicant can demonstrate it will coordinate proposed activities with other organizations, and if applicable with other services and products offered by the applicant's organization, in a manner that benefits their clients. Scoring will also be based on the degree to which the applicant takes steps to avoid conflicts of interest, and discloses to clients that they have a choice in matters such as the loan product they choose and the house that they purchase.

(a) Describe partnerships and efforts to coordinate proposed activities with other organizations, including, but not limited to, emergency and social services providers, lending organizations, homeowner insurance providers, down payment and closing cost assistance programs, nonprofit housing providers, and local or state government. For example, describe agreements with lenders regarding non-traditional lending standards or participation in the Consolidated Planning process or the Analysis of Impediments. Any written agreements or memoranda of understanding in place should be described. These agreements and memoranda of understanding will be reviewed by HUD staff as a part of the biennial reviews and on-site monitoring visits. Applicants should also highlight internal products and functions, such as loan products available to clients, down payment and closing cost assistance programs, as well as internal affordable housing programs that can be a resource for clients.

Applicants requesting HECM supplemental funding should highlight the partnerships or internal products that are relevant to HECM activities.

(b) Describe plans to avoid conflicts of interest, such as methods for disclosing to participants that they are free to choose lenders, loan products, and homes, regardless of the recommendations made by counselors. To receive full credit in this Section, the applicant must state their plan and describe the disclosure forms and materials used by the applicant to communicate to clients that, while affordable homes, lending products and other forms of assistance might be available through the applicant, and partnerships in which the applicant has entered, the client is under no obligation to utilize these services. These plans and disclosures will be reviewed by HUD staff as a part of the biennial reviews and on-site monitoring visits.

(5) Projected Performance/Work Plan--Coverage/Efficient Use of Resources (4 points).

In scoring this Section, HUD will evaluate the geographic coverage of the applicant's proposed activities, and spending decisions.

(a) Percentage of Grant Funding To Be Passed Through: Intermediaries and SHFAs must indicate what percentage of their proposed award will be passed through directly to sub-grantees and branches, and explain how funds not passed through will be spent.

LHCAs that apply under Applicant Category 1 must indicate what percentage of their proposed award will be spent on the salaries and benefits of housing counselors and project directors. Explain in detail how other proposed funds will be spent.

(b) Geographic Coverage: Intermediaries and SHFAs must identify the sub-grantees and branches, and corresponding states, the applicant proposes will receive funding through this grant award. Indicate which, if any proposed sub-grantees and branches, serve Colonias. In the event that an intermediary is also applying for HECM supplemental funding, indicate the agencies and corresponding states in which the HUD HECM Network counselors you propose to fund are located. Applicants unable to precisely identify proposed sub-grantees and branches to receive funding through the proposed grant must identify the most

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likely sub-grantees and branches, based on past experience, and explain what process will be used to select actual sub-grantees and branches. Pursuant to the applicable regulations at 24 CFR 84.82(d)(3)(iii) and 85.30(d)(4), grantees must receive HUD's prior written approval for sub-grants.

d. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (10 Points).

HUD housing counseling grants are not intended to fully fund an applicant's housing counseling program, or that of its sub-grantees. All organizations that use housing counseling grant funds are expected to seek other private and public sources of funding for housing counseling to supplement HUD funding. Any agency that does not have other resources available will receive no points for this factor.

Applicants will be evaluated based on their ability to show that they have obtained additional resources for their housing counseling activities, for the period October 1, 2006-September 30, 2007, including: direct financial assistance; in-kind contributions, such as services, equipment, office space, labor; etc. Resources may be provided by governmental entities, public or private nonprofit organizations, for-profit private organizations, or other entities committed to providing assistance. Grantees will be required to maintain evidence that leveraged funds were actually provided to the agency. These files will be reviewed by HUD staff as a part of the biennial reviews and on-site monitoring visits.

(1) Applicants must provide a comprehensive list of all leveraged funds and in-kind contributions being claimed. Include the amount and the source. All contributions, including cash and third party in-kind, shall be accepted as part of the recipient's cost sharing or matching when such contributions meet all of the criteria set forth in 24 CFR 84.23.

(2) Additionally, resources provided by the applicant may count as leveraged resources. These amounts must include only funds that will directly result in the provision of housing counseling services, but not resources for activities such as down payment and closing cost assistance, IDA programs, and emergency services.

(3) Intermediaries and SHFAs should include information on leveraged resources for only anticipated sub-grantees and branches that will be funded through this application.

(4) Points for this factor will be awarded based on the satisfactory level of leveraging and financial sustainability and the percentage of the applicant's total housing counseling budget that the requested HUD housing counseling funds would represent. The amount of grant funds requested will impact the ratio used to score this factor, as this factor evaluates the proposed HUD grant as a percentage of the total counseling budget. For example, a LHCA requesting the maximum comprehensive grant amount of $200,000 with leveraged funds equaling that grant will only receive 7 points. If that same LHCA requests only $140,000 with the same leveraged funds of $200,000, the score will be 8. Depending on organization type, the following scales will be used to determine scores for this factor:

LHCAs and SHFAs

1-25%--10 points 26-40%--9 points 41-48%--8 points 49-55%--7 points 56-65%--6 points 66-75%--5 points 76-85%--4 points 86-91%--3 points 92-95%--2 points 96-99%--1 point

Intermediaries

1-15%--10 points 16-23%--9 points 24-29%--8 points 30-35%--7 points 36-41%--6 points 42-47%--5 points 48-53%--4 points 54-59%--3 points 60-65%--2 points 66-99%--1 point

e. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (13 points).

This factor emphasizes HUD's determination to ensure that applicants meet commitments made in their applications and grant agreements and assess their performance in achieving agreed upon performance goals. This reflects HUD's Strategic goal to embrace high standards of ethics, management and accountability.

The purpose of this factor is for the applicant to identify projected outputs and outcomes corresponding to the proposed workplan in Factor 3. The developed logic model submitted with the application will serve as a reporting tool for applicants selected to receive an award, allowing HUD to compare proposed program outputs and outcomes with actual results. In scoring this Factor, HUD will consider the appropriateness of the goals given the award the applicant is applying for and evaluate the proposed outputs and outcomes for their effectiveness and efficiency in delivering housing counseling services to the population to be serviced. Additionally, scorers will evaluate the extent to which an applicant's proposal includes one-on-one counseling or encourages affiliates to undertake one-on-one counseling. HUD considers one-on-one counseling the most effective form of housing counseling, as compared to homebuyer education workshops and other forms of group sessions.

(1) Program Outcome Logic Model (2 points).

This year HUD has created a new method for completing the Logic Model form. Applicants will now be able to select appropriate outputs and outcomes from a series of ``pick lists'' for the Housing Counseling Program. The pick list can be found in the form HUD-96010 in the Grants.gov Housing Counseling Program Instructions Download. Using the pick list, for each column of the logic model, applicants can select and insert their outputs and outcomes in the appropriate columns of the Logic Model.

The pick lists also provide for an associate unit of measure for each output and outcome, and applicants must utilize the measure provided that is associated to the activity. Applicants must identify projected output and outcome values that correspond to the unit of measure. For example, insert whole numbers, not percentages, when the unit of measure is ``Households''.

These amounts should represent results to be achieved entirely as a result of the HUD housing counseling funding. If, in reality, various funding sources will contribute to the services provided each individual, the applicant must prorate their response to reflect a figure representing services provided with only funding from the proposed grant. HUD will ultimately compare these output projections with actual accomplishments reported in the form HUD-9902, so applicants should make their projections based on what they expect to achieve for reporting on the HUD-9902. In other words, applicants are projecting what their future form HUD-9902 will look like. In addition, HUD has provided a series of management questions, which awardees will be expected to respond to in reporting back to HUD. The management questions place a framework around the data you will be reporting to HUD. The management questions are included in the Logic Model and applicants should use them as a guide to understanding what HUD is interested in learning about the major element of your program. HUD will provide training on the Logic Model through webcasts and detailed step-by-step instructions for using the new form

[[Continued on page 11811]]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] ]

[[pp. 11811-11860]] Fiscal Year 2006 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs

[[Continued from page 11810]]

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and format. The schedule for the webcasts and instructions can be found at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm For FY2006, HUD

is considering a new concept for the Logic Model. The new concept is a Return on Investment (ROI) statement. HUD will be publishing a separate notice on the ROI concept.

Applicants must complete and submit Form HUD-96010. Applicants will be scored based on how the applicant's Form HUD-96010 corresponds to the narrative responses for Factor 2 and 3. To receive full credit, the Form HUD 96010 must identify:

(a) Outputs.

Outputs are the direct products of the applicant's activities that lead to the ultimate achievement of outcomes. Based on the proposed work plan in Factor 3 and the amount being requested through this NOFA, applicants should select the appropriate outputs and their associated units of measure from the choices provided in the pick list, and provide the corresponding number to be achieved for each proposed output.

If requesting supplemental funding, indicate the specific number of households the applicant projects it, or if applicable, sub-grantees and branches, will serve under the comprehensive counseling portion of the requested award and with requested HECM supplemental funding.

(b) Outcomes.

Outcomes are benefits accruing to the households as a result of participation in the program. Outcomes are performance indicators the applicant expects to achieve or goals it hopes to meet over the term of the proposed grant. Using the pick lists provided, applicants should select each appropriate outcome and associated unit of measure related to the proposed work plan, and provide the corresponding number to be achieved for each proposed outcome. Projected outcomes should reflect the number you expect to report in the HUD Housing Counseling Grant Activities column on the Form HUD-9902.

The proposed outcomes the applicant provides will be compared to actual results in the measurement of grant performance and future grant application evaluations.

(2) Projected Performance/Work Plan--Impact (6 points).

In scoring this Section, HUD will evaluate the proposed outputs from the logic model, specifically the number of clients that the applicant estimates will be served under the proposed HUD grant, by the applicant and sub-grantees, if applicable, for the grant period October 1, 2006, to September 30, 2007. Scoring will be based on the cost per client, compared historical averages for similar services and similar applicants. Proposed clients served numbers will also be analyzed in the context of budget, costs, spending decisions, the types of services provided, level of effort expended, etc.

(a) Provide a context for, or qualify the number of clients the applicant projects to serve with the proposed HUD grant. Indicate how location, counseling and client types, and expenses may affect client volume, and whether the impact will be short-term or long-term. Justify proposed expenses and explain why they are reasonable, strategic, and appropriate for the counseling activities identified above.

(3) Projected Performance--Group Education and One-On-One Counseling. (3 points)

HUD will utilize logic model output projections to evaluate what percentage of total clients the applicant estimates will participate in group education, what percentage will participate in one-on-one counseling, and what percentage will participate in both group sessions and one-on-one counseling. Describe how clients are selected for one or the other, the relationship between the two, and the role that each will play in the overall service provision. Scorers will evaluate the extent to which an agency plans to encourage and provide one-on-one counseling, which HUD considers the most effective form of housing counseling, instead of over-relying on homebuyer education workshops and other forms of group sessions.

(4) Evaluation Plan. (2 points)

Applicants must also submit an evaluation plan for how they are going to track actual accomplishments against anticipated achievements and ensure that the program can provide the services projected to be delivered and outcomes projected to be achieved.

(a) Information Collection. Describe the applicant's procedures for measuring outputs and outcomes. Describe follow-up activities with clients to collect outcome information.

(b) Data Analysis and Work Plan Adjustments. Indicate how the information will be evaluated, and the steps the applicant has in place to make adjustments to the work plan if performance targets are not met within established timeframes. National and regional intermediaries and SHFAs should indicate if and how the performance of sub-grantees and branch offices affects current and future sub-grants and allocations.

B. Review and Selection Process. Two types of reviews will be conducted.

1. Technical Review. First, each application will be reviewed for technical sufficiency, in other words, whether the application meets the threshold requirements set out in this NOFA and the General Section and whether all required forms have been submitted. The General Section provides the procedures for corrections to deficient applications.

2. General Review. The second review considers the responses to the rating factors outlined above and other relevant information. Applications will be evaluated competitively, and ranked against all other applicants that applied in the same funding category.

3. Rating Panels. Detailed information on the rating review panels appears in the General Section.

4. Minimum Score for Fundable Applications. The minimum score for fundable applications is 75 points.

5. Funding Methodology.

a. Comprehensive Counseling. The following funding formula will be used to calculate the comprehensive counseling portion of the awards under Categories 1-3. Only applicants who receive a score of 75 points or above will be considered eligible for funding. All eligible applicants will then be funded in proportion to the score they receive. Regarding the comprehensive counseling portion of an award, all grantees will receive the lower of either the comprehensive award amount determined with the formula, or the amount actually requested by the applicant. HUD will consider the amount of the comprehensive counseling grant being requested to be the value entered into box 15a on form SF-424. For intermediaries also requesting HECM supplemental funding, box 15a of Form SF-424 should reflect the total of the comprehensive request and the HECM supplemental request. For these intermediaries requesting both, the narrative response to Factor 3 must make clear the exact comprehensive and supplemental amounts being requested. The formula will work as follows for each category:

(1) Funding Round 1. Every applicant that scores 75 points or above will receive a base award ($20,000 for LHCAs; $50,000 for SHFAs; and $200,000 for intermediaries). The total number of applicants receiving the base award will be multiplied by the relevant base amount, and that amount will be subtracted from the total amount available under the Category, or in the cases of Categories 1 and 3, available to the HOC.

(2) Funding Round 2. Then, the remaining balance after funding the

[[Page 11812]]

Round 1 base awards will be divided by the total number of points all applicants in that Category, and HOC in the cases of Categories 1 and 3, score that are above the 75-point cutoff. The calculation will result in a dollar value for each point. The number of points that all applicants in a Category, and in a HOC in the cases of Categories 1 and 3, score above the 75 point base will be multiplied by that dollar value. The result of that calculation will be added to the base award. Any remaining funds after this calculation will carry over into the next funding round.

(3) This same methodology will be used for each subsequent round of funding until all available funds are awarded, or until all eligible applicants are funded to the maximum dollar amount allowed. Subsequent rounds of calculations, if needed, will distribute remaining funds to applicants that scored above 95 points, 91-95 points, 86-90 points, and 80-85 points, respectively.

b. Supplemental Funding. The same methodology described above in section a will be used to distribute the available HECM supplemental funds. Regarding supplemental funding, all grantees will receive the lower of either the supplemental award amount determined with the formula, or the specific amount of supplemental funding actually requested by the applicant. Each applicant will only submit one application and receive a score based on the application for the comprehensive counseling grant. Comprehensive counseling funds will be allocated based on this score. Subsequently, for HECM supplemental funding, responses to each rating factor will be evaluated on a yes/no, adequate/inadequate basis. An adequate response will result in a score for the supplemental funding identical to the comprehensive score on each respective rating factor. An inadequate supplemental response will result in a 1-point deduction from the comprehensive score. After all five rating factors have been evaluated, the adjusted ratings will result in a distinct score for the HECM supplemental funds. This method will result in scores for supplemental funding that may be equal to the comprehensive score, or up to five points less than the comprehensive score. In no case can an applicant receive a higher score on an application for supplemental funding than it received on its comprehensive application. An applicant will receive a separate score for its application for comprehensive counseling, and for HECM supplemental funding. The base award for the HECM supplemental funding will be $40,000 for intermediaries. Only applicants scoring 75 points or above are eligible for supplemental funding. However, because of the limited amount of funds available, all applicants scoring 75 points or above are not guaranteed supplemental funding. The top two scoring intermediary applicants (scoring 75 points or above) that are eligible for HECM supplemental funds, and have not already been fully funded in accordance with the funding methodology described in this section, will receive supplemental HECM funding.

6. Reallocation of Unspent Funds. If funds designated for a specific grant Category, HOC, or for supplemental funding remain unspent after the formulas have been run and award recommendations are determined, HUD may, at its discretion, reallocate those funds to any other funding Category or supplemental funding area under this NOFA. Additionally, HUD may reallocate unspent funds to any HOC jurisdiction or to HUD Headquarters for awards under this NOFA. HUD may also reallocate unspent funds for housing counseling support activities. Any reallocation will be based on demand and unmet need.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices: Following selection, applicants will receive notification from HUD regarding their application.

1. Publication of Recipients of HUD Funding. HUD's regulations at 24 CFR part 4 provide that HUD will publish a notice in the Federal Register to notify the public of all decisions made by the Department. Please see the General Section for more information on this topic.

2. Debriefing. Applicants may receive a debriefing on their application submission. Please see the General Section for a further discussion of the time frame in which the debriefing request may be submitted.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements:

1. Environmental Requirements. In accordance with 24 CFR 50.19(b)(9) and (12) of the HUD regulations, activities assisted under this program are categorically excluded from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and are not subject to environmental review under the related laws and authorities.

2. Audit Requirements. Grantees that expend $500,000 or more in federal financial assistance in a single year (this can be program year or fiscal year) must be audited in accordance with the OMB requirements as established in 24 CFR Part 84. Additional information regarding this requirement can be accessed at the following Web site: http://harvester.census.gov/sac .

3. Other Matters.

a. Relocation. See the General Section.

b. OMB Circulars and Government-wide Regulations Applicable to Financial Assistance Programs. See the General Section.

c. Prohibition Against Lobbying Activities. See the General Section.

d. Procurement of Recovered Materials. See the General Section.

f. Executive Order 13279 Equal Protection of the Laws for Faith- Based and Community Organizations. See the General Section.

g. Salary Limitation for Consultants. See the General Section.

h. Executive Order 13132, Federalism. See the General Section.

i. Sense of Congress. See the General Section.

C. Reporting:

1. Fiscal Year Activity Report. Grantees are required to submit Form HUD-9902, Fiscal Year Activity Report, via HUD's web-based Housing Counseling System (HCS). The information compiled from this report provides HUD with its primary means of measuring program performance.

2. Program Outcome Logic Model. If the actual award amount differs from the proposed award, Grantees are required to submit an updated Form HUD-96010, Program Outcome Logic Model before the grant agreement will be executed. Additionally, Grantees will be required to submit an updated Form HUD-96010, Program Outcome Logic Model, reflecting actual achievements, with each quarterly, midterm and final report, in accordance with the reporting requirements of the grant agreement. The information in this form provides the primary means through which HUD will monitor the ongoing performance of the grantee.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

A. Technical Assistance. For technical assistance in downloading or submitting an application package using http://www.Grants.gov, contact the

Grants.gov support desk at 800-518-Grants or by sending an e-mail to support@grants.gov.

B. Programmatic Information. For program related information, LHCAs and SHFAs should contact the HOC serving their area, as indicated below. Intermediaries should contact HUD Headquarters, Program Support Division at (202) 708-0317 (this is not a toll-free number). Hearing and speech challenged persons may access the

[[Page 11813]]

telephone numbers listed below by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

Homeownership Center

States

Philadelphia Homeownership Center, Ms. Connecticut, Delaware, District Brenda Bellisario, Acting Director, of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Program Support Division, Wannamaker Massachusetts, Michigan, New Building, 100 Penn Square East, 12th Hampshire, New Jersey, New Fl, Philadelphia, PA 19107-3389. For York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, programmatic information contact:

Rhode Island, Vermont, Robert Wright, Robert_Wright@hud.gov Virginia, West Virginia. (215) 656-0527 x3406. Atlanta Homeownership Center, Ms. Gayle Alabama, Puerto Rico, Florida, Knowlson, Director, Program Support Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Division, 40 Marietta Street, 8th

Kentucky, Mississippi, North Floor, Atlanta, GA 30303-2806. For Carolina, South Carolina, programmatic information contact: E. Tennessee. Carolyn Hogans, E.--Carolyn-- Hogans@hud.gov (404) 331-5001, x2129. Denver Homeownership Center, Ms. Irma Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Devich, Director, Program Support

Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Division, 1670 Broadway, Denver, CO Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, 80202-4801, For programmatic

New Mexico, North Dakota, information contact: 303-672-5200, Vic Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Karels x1995, Victor--E.--

Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming. Karels@hud.gov Jonna Munson x1987, Jonna_R._Munson@hud.gov. Santa Ana Homeownership Center, Mr. Alaska, Arizona, California, Jerrold Mayer, Director, Program

Hawaii, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Support Division, Santa Ana Federal Washington. Building, 34 Civic Center Plaza, Room 7015, Santa Ana, CA 92701-4003, For programmatic information contact: Rhonda J. Rivera, rhonda--j.-- rivera@hud.gov 1-888-827-5605 x3210.

VIII. Other Information

A. Satellite Broadcast. HUD will hold an informational broadcast via satellite for potential applicants to learn more about the program, the FY 2006 Logic Model requirements, and the application. For more information about the date and time of the broadcast, consult the HUD Web site at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm.

B. Public Access, Documentation, and Disclosure. See the General Section for more information on this topic.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collection requirements contained in this document have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2502-0261. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 68 hours per annum per respondent for the application and grant administration. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the application, semi-annual reports and final report. The information will be used for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds. Response to this request for information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived.

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

[[Page 11814]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN08MR06.012

[[Page 11815]]

Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant Program, Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program, and Operation Lead Elimination Action Program

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control.

B. Funding Opportunity Title: Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program and Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program and Operation Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP).

C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Number: FR-5030-N-13; OMB Approval Number 2539-0015.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): 14.900 Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control in Privately Owned Housing and 14.905 Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program, and 14.903 Operation Lead Elimination Action Program.

F. Dates: Applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 7, 2006. See the General Section for specific instructions regarding application submission.

G. Optional, Additional Overview Content Information:

1. Purpose of the Program.

a. The purpose of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program is to assist states, Native American Tribes and local governments in undertaking comprehensive programs to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned housing for rental or owner- occupants.

b. The purpose of the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program is the same as the Lead Hazard Control, but the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program is targeted for urban jurisdictions with the highest lead-based paint hazard control needs.

c. The purpose of the Operation Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP) is to provide grants to private sector and nonprofit organizations to leverage funds for addressing lead hazards in privately owned housing units and eliminating lead poisoning as a major public health threat to young children.

2. Available Funds. Approximately $159,136,036 million (Lead Hazard Control Program, Lead Hazard Reduction Program and Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP)).

3. Eligible Applicants.

a. To be eligible to apply for funding under the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program, the applicant must be a state, Native American Tribe, city, county, or other unit of local government. Multiple units of a local government (or multiple local governments) may apply as a consortium; however, you must identify a lead applicant that will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all requirements specified in this NOFA. State government and Native American tribal applicants must have an EPA approved State Program for certification of lead-based paint contractors, inspectors, and risk assessors in accordance with 40 CFR part 745 in effect on the application deadline date to be eligible to apply for Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program funds.

b. To be eligible to apply for the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program, the applicant must be a city, county, or other unit of local government. States and Indian Tribes may apply on behalf of units of local government within their jurisdiction, if the local government designates the state or the Indian Tribe as their applicant. Multiple units of a local government (or multiple local governments) may apply as part of a consortium; however, you must identify a prime applicant that will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all requirements specified in this NOFA. State government and Native American tribal applicants must have an EPA approved State Program for certification of lead-based paint contractors, inspectors, and risk assessors in accordance with 40 CFR part 745 in effect on the application deadline date to be eligible to apply for Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant funds.

c. To be eligible to apply for funding under the Operation Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP), the applicant must be a non-profit or for-profit entity or firm. For-profit institutions are not allowed to earn a fee. Colleges and Universities are also eligible to apply. National and local groups are encouraged to apply. States, cities, counties and units of local government and their departments are not eligible.

4. Match. See NOFA Criteria by Grant Program Chart in Section III. Eligibility Information.

Full Text of Announcement

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Program Description

The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program and the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program are authorized by Section 1011 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, Pub. L. 102-550). HUD's authority for making funding available under this NOFA for the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program, and the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program is the Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109-115; approved November 30, 2005). The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant Program assists states, Native American Tribes and local governments in undertaking programs for the identification and control of lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned rental and owner-occupied housing units. The Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program has the same goal as Lead Hazard Control Program, but is targeted for urban jurisdictions with the highest lead-based paint hazard control needs. The purpose of the Operation Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP) is to provide grants to private sector and nonprofit organizations to leverage funds for addressing lead hazards in privately owned housing units and eliminating lead poisoning as a major public health threat to young children. Refer to the HUD Web site http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/lhc/index.cfm for instructions on downloading the table, ``Eligibility

of HUD Assisted Housing,'' that lists the HUD-associated housing programs that meet the definition of eligible housing under this NOFA. HUD is interested in promoting lead hazard control approaches that result in the reduction of elevated blood lead levels in children for the maximum number of low-income families with children under six years of age, for the longest period of time, and that demonstrate techniques which are cost-effective, efficient, and replicable elsewhere. For purposes of this NOFA, ``children under six years of age'' are defined as children up to six years of age. Refer to the HUD Web site http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/lhc/index.cfm , for instructions on how to

obtain copies of Title X, HUD's Lead-Safe Housing Regulation, and the companion interpretive guidance publication. If you are a hearing-or speech-impaired person, you may reach the telephone number via TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877- 8339.

Because lead-based paint is a national problem, these funds will be awarded to programs that will fulfill the following objectives:

[[Page 11816]]

1. Maximize the combination of children less than six years of age protected from lead poisoning and housing units where lead-hazards are controlled;

2. Target the reduction of elevated blood lead levels in children for the maximum number of low-income families with children less than six years of age, for the longest period of time;

3. Stimulate lower-cost and cost-effective methods and approaches to lead hazard control work that can be replicated;

4. Build local capacity to safely and effectively address lead hazards during lead hazard control, renovation, remodeling, and maintenance activities by integrating lead safe work practices into housing maintenance, repair, weatherization, rehabilitation and other programs that will continue beyond the grant period;

5. Affirmatively further fair housing and environmental justice;

6. Develop a comprehensive community approach to address lead hazards in housing by mobilizing public and private resources, involving cooperation among all levels of government, the private sector, and grassroots community-based nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, to develop cost-effective methods for identifying and controlling lead-based paint hazards;

7. Establish a public registry (listing) of lead-safe housing or inclusion of the lead-safe status of properties in a publicly accessible address-based property information system to be affirmatively marketed to families with young children; and

8. To the greatest extent feasible, promote job training, employment, and other economic opportunities for low-income and minority residents and businesses that are owned by and/or employ minorities and low-income persons as defined in 24 CFR 135.5 (see 59 FR 33881, June 30, 1994).

B. Changes in the FY 2006 Competitive NOFA

1. The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program, Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program, and Operation LEAP are included in this single NOFA.

2. The Competitive Performance-Based Renewal category, under the Lead Hazard Control Grant Program, is not offered in this NOFA.

3. Direct lead hazard control activities are detailed below at Section 3 C 1.

4. Number of pages for the rating factor responses has been increased from 15 to 20 pages.

5. Funding requests greater than the maximum amount for the grant program will be deemed ineligible and not reviewed.

Section II. Award Information

A. Funding Available

From current and past years' funding, approximately $84,911,331 will be available for the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program, approximately $59,615,180 will be available for the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Grant Program, and approximately $14,609,525 will be available for Operation Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP).

1. Approximately 32 to approximately 40 grants will be awarded to applicants for the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program. In addition, HUD will award a grant for $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2005 funds to the City of Charleston, 823 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403, to resolve a funding error under the fiscal year 2004 Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program NOFA, in accordance with Sec. VI.A.3 of the fiscal year 2004 General Section. Approximately 10 to approximately 12 grants will be awarded to applicants for the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program, and approximately 4 to approximately 6 grants will be awarded to applicants for Operation LEAP. Grant award amounts for the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program shall be from approximately $1 million up to a maximum of $3 million per grant, for the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program, from approximately $1 million up to a maximum of $4 million, and for Operation Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP) a maximum of $2 million per grant. Applications for amounts larger than the applicable maximum amount for a program will be deemed ineligible and will not be reviewed.

2. The project duration shall be up to 36 months for all grant recipients. Period of performance extensions for delays due to exceptional conditions beyond the grantee's control will be considered by HUD in accordance with 24 CFR 84.25(e)(2) or 85.30(d)(2), as applicable, and the OHHLHC Program Guide. Such extensions, when granted, are one time only, and for no longer than a period of one year from the original period of performance end date.

B. Contracts or Other Formal Arrangements

1. If selected for funding, grantees are required to maintain a contract administration system to ensure sub-grantee and contractor conformance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of contracts. Grantees must enter into written contracts or agreements with sub-grantees and contractors, which identify specific services to be provided such as staffing requirements, time periods for the performance of work, project budget, and total amount of compensation to be provided; methods and documentation requirements for obtaining reimbursement of expenses; record keeping and reporting requirements; requirements placed upon the sub-grantee or contractor to comply with applicable federal laws, regulations, circulars, and Executive Orders; and provisions providing the grantee with access to financial and other documents and files for the purpose of monitoring sub-grantee or contractor performance and compliance with the local contract or agreement, and applicable Federal laws, regulations, circulars and Executive orders.

2. All applicants are encouraged to enter into formal arrangements with grassroots community-based nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, or other community-based organizations, particularly if such organizations will be reimbursed for eligible activities under this NOFA. (This does not apply to Native American Tribes.) These formal arrangements could be a contract, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), or a letter of commitment. Such relationships should be established prior to the actual execution of an award or within 120 days of the effective start date of the grant agreement.

Section III. Eligibility Information

See the General Section for additional eligibility requirements applicable to HUD Programs.

A. Eligible Applicants

See chart below that describes eligible applicants, required match, and an amount for direct activities required for each of the three programs.

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NOFA Criteria by Grant Program Chart

Percent of HUD Award

Programs

Eligible applicants

Direct lead Administrative Match

hazard control and other costs

allowable costs

Lead Hazard Control Program State, Native American Minimum 10%...... Minimum 65%...... Administrative (LHC).

Tribe, city, county,

Maximum 10%. or other unit of

Balance may be local government.

used for Other Multiple units of a

Allowable Costs. local government (or multiple local governments) may apply as part of a consortium. Lead Hazard Reduction

City, county, or other Minimum 25%...... Minimum 90%...... Administrative Demonstration.

unit of local

Maximum 10%. government. Multiple

Balance may be units of a local

used for Other government (or

Allowable Costs. multiple local governments) may apply as part of a consortium. Operation Lead Elimination For-profit entity or No match

Minimum 65%...... Administrative Action Program.

firm. (not to earn a requirement.

Maximum 10%. fee); Non-profit

Balance may be entities; Colleges

used for Other and Universities; and

Allowable Costs. National and Local Groups.

1. Fiscal Year 2005 awardees of any of the three competitive programs detailed in this NOFA, including the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control, Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration and Operation LEAP, are not eligible to apply for any of these three programs during this competitive NOFA cycle.

2. Applicants may submit only one application for each of the three competitive programs covered by this NOFA.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

This section applies to all three grant programs.

See NOFA Criteria by Grant Program Chart above. If an applicant does not include the minimum 10 percent for lead hazard control or 25 percent for Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration match requirements in the application, it will be considered ineligible for an award. Matching and/or leverage contributions may be in the form of cash including private sector funding, or in-kind (non-cash) contributions or a combination of these sources. With the exception of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, or other programs that only allow their funds to be considered local funds and therefore eligible to be used as matching funds, federal funds may not be used to satisfy any statutorily required matching requirement, as applicable. Federal funds may be used, however, for contributions above the statutory (10 and 25 percent match) requirement. Program match shall be limited to contributions, which would be eligible for payment from grant funds, and may be in the form of cash, including private sector funding, or in-kind (non-cash) contributions or a combination of these sources. The applicant must submit a letter of commitment for the match from each organization other than itself that is providing a match, whether cash and/or in-kind. The letter must indicate the amount and source of match, and detail how the matching funds will be specifically dedicated to and integrated into supporting the proposed grant program. The signature of the authorized official on the Form SF-424 commits matching or other contributed resources of the applicant organization. A separate letter from the applicant organization is not required.

C. Other

1. Eligible Costs and Activities. This section applies to all three grant programs unless otherwise specified.

All lead hazard control activities funded under the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program, the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program and Operation LEAP must be conducted in compliance with the applicable requirements of HUD's Lead-Safe Housing Regulation, 24 CFR part 35, and the companion Interpretive Guidance publication. Activities must also comply with any additional requirements in effect under a state or Tribal Lead-Based Paint Training and Certification Program that has been authorized by the EPA pursuant to 40 CFR 745.320. There are, in general, four categories of eligible costs under each competitive grant program included in this NOFA, including: direct costs for lead-based paint hazard identification and control activities, other direct costs, indirect costs, and administrative costs.

a. Description of Direct Lead-Based Paint Hazard Identification and Control Activities. Direct costs are defined as the allocable portion of allowable costs incurred directly for the purposes of the grant. Direct costs for lead hazard control activities consist of lead dust, soil and paint-chip testing and associated laboratory costs, the purchase or lease of a maximum of two X-ray fluorescence analyzers used by the grant program (if not otherwise available) and necessary maintenance during the grant period, combined lead paint inspection and risk assessments, interim controls, abatement of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards (but see section C.1(a)(6) for abatement limitations), occupant protection and temporary relocation of occupants when lead hazard control intervention work supported by this program is conducted in a unit, and clearance examinations. Direct costs for lead- based paint hazard identification and control activities do not include blood lead testing of residents or workers, housing rehabilitation beyond what is specifically required to carry out effective lead hazard control, and training, community education and outreach, applied research, purchase of supplies or equipment, or administrative costs without which the hazard control could not be completed and maintained.

(1) Performing lead dust, soil and paint-chip testing, combined lead-based paint inspections and risk assessments, and engineering and architectural activities that are required for, and in direct support of, interim control and lead hazard abatement work, of eligible housing units constructed prior to 1978 to determine the presence of lead-based paint and/or lead hazards from paint, dust, or soil through the use of acceptable testing procedures.

(2) All laboratory analysis in support of required testing and evaluation under this NOFA must be conducted by a laboratory recognized for the analysis by the EPA National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP).

(3) All lead-based paint testing results, summaries of lead-based paintwork, and clearances must be

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provided to the owner of the unit, together with a notice describing the owner's legal duty to disclose the results to tenants and buyers. Files must contain verifiable evidence, such as a signed and dated receipt. Refer to 24 CFR 35.125 of the Lead Safe Housing Regulation.

(4) All lead-based paint hazards identified in a housing unit or common area of multifamily housing enrolled in this grant program must be controlled or eliminated by either of the following strategies or a combination of the two.

(5) Interim Controls. According to the HUD Guidelines, interim controls of lead-based paint hazards including lead-contaminated dust and soil in housing must include specialized cleaning techniques to address lead dust.

(6) Lead-Based Paint Hazard Abatement. Abatement is regarded as complete abatement of all lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards and is only authorized in states or localities that require complete abatement by law. HUD does not consider abatement of all lead hazards to be cost effective in most circumstances; therefore, a grantee must make a special request in writing prior to conducting complete abatement of lead hazards. Abatement of lead-contaminated soil should be limited to areas with bare soil in the immediate vicinity of the structure (i.e., the drip line or foundation of the unit being treated, and children's play areas).

(7) Undertaking minimal housing rehabilitation activities that are specifically required to carry out effective hazard control, and without which the hazard control could not be completed and maintained. These grant funds may be used for lead hazard control work done in conjunction with other housing rehabilitation programs, to the extent practicable. HUD encourages integration of this grant program with housing rehabilitation, maintenance, weatherization, and other energy conservation activities.

(8) Carrying out temporary relocation of families and individuals during the period in which hazard control is conducted and until the time the affected unit receives clearance for re-occupancy. If families or individuals are temporarily relocated in a project which utilizes Community Development Block Grant funds, the guidance and requirements of 24 CFR 570.606(b)(2)(i)(D)(1)-(3) must be met. HUD recommends you review these regulations when preparing your proposal.

(9) Conducting clearance dust-wipe testing and laboratory analysis.

b. Description of Eligible Other Direct Costs.

(1) Purchasing or leasing supplies having a per-unit cost under $5,000 (except for the purchase or lease of up to two X-ray florescence analyzers used by the grant program).

(2) Performing blood lead testing and air sampling to protect the health of the hazard control workers, supervisors, and contractors.

(3) Conducting targeted community awareness, affirmative marketing, education or outreach programs on lead hazard control and lead poisoning prevention designed to increase the ability of the program to deliver lead hazard control services including educating owners of rental properties, tenants, and others on the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, Lead-Safe Housing Rule, and applicable provisions of the Fair Housing Act especially as it pertains to familial status (e.g., families with children) and disability discrimination, offering educational materials in languages that are common in the community other than English, consistent with HUD's published LEP Recipient Guidance, 68 FR 70968, and providing training on lead-safe maintenance and renovation practices and management. Upon request, this also would include making all materials available in alternative formats to persons with disabilities (e.g., Braille, audio, and large type).

(4) Supporting data collection, analysis, and evaluation of grant program activities. This includes compiling and delivering such data as may be required by HUD. This activity is an item under other direct costs.

(5) Preparing a final report at the conclusion of grant activities.

(6) Conducting required pre-hazard control blood lead testing of children under six years of age residing in or frequently visiting units undergoing lead hazard control work.

(7) Providing resources to build capacity for lead-safe housing and lead hazard control, including free delivery of HUD-approved lead-safe work practices training courses for housing rehabilitation contractors, rehabilitation workers, homeowners, renters, painters, remodelers, maintenance staff, and others conducting renovation, rehabilitation, maintenance or other work in private housing; free delivery of lead sampling technician training, lead-based paint worker or contractor certification training; and subsidies for licensing or certification fees to low-income persons seeking credentials as lead-based paint workers or contractors or lead sampling technicians.

(8) Conducting planning, coordination, and training activities to comply with HUD's Lead-Safe Housing Regulation (24 CFR part 35, subparts B-R). These activities should support the expansion of a workforce properly trained in lead-safe work practices which is available to conduct interim controls on HUD-assisted housing covered by these regulations.

(9) Conducting outreach and related activities that are directly tied to a matching and/or leveraging strategy, and that will result in increased lead hazard control activities in low-income privately owned or owner-occupied housing with lead-based paint hazards. If applicants propose outreach and/or related activities, keep in mind that these activities must be tied to a leveraging strategy. Therefore, you must describe when and what this activity will match and/or leverage, and how it will be used to address a lead hazard.

(10) Lead hazard control activities tied directly to a matching and/or leveraging strategy and conducted in low- and very low-income eligible privately owned owner-occupied or investor-owned rental units. All units must be occupied by a family with a child under the age of six, except rental properties must be occupied by a family with a child under the age of six, or preference provided to a low- and very low- income family with a child under age six and the rents must be affordable for a minimum of 3 years after completion of the final lead clearance.

(11) Participating in applied research, studies, or developing information systems to enhance the delivery, analysis, or conduct of lead hazard control activities, or to facilitate targeting and consolidating resources to further childhood lead poisoning prevention efforts.

c. For reference to the Administrative Cost requirements, please see http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm.

d. For reference to the Indirect Cost requirements, please see http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm.

2. Eligibility of HUD-Assisted Housing. The table ``Eligibility of HUD-Assisted Housing,'' posted at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm , lists the housing units that may participate

under each of the three competitive programs detailed in this NOFA. Only those HUD-assisted units on the list are eligible to participate and receive Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant, Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant and Operation LEAP funds.

3. Threshold Requirements. As an eligible applicant, you must meet all of the threshold requirements in Section III.C of the General Section as well as

[[Page 11819]]

any specific threshold requirements listed in this subsection. Applications will not be funded if they do not meet the threshold requirements.

a. Applicants under the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program are required to match 10 percent of the funds requested with other funds or resources, while a 25 percent match is required for the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program. There is no match requirement for Operation LEAP.

b. Applicants under the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program must have at least 3,500 pre-1940 occupied rental housing units in order to apply under the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program. Failure to provide the number of pre-1940 occupied rental units referenced in the Factor 2 Table (Form HUD 96013) will result in the application not being rated or ranked. Multiple local governments may apply as part of a consortium in an effort to meet the required number (3,500) of occupied rental units; however, you must identify a prime applicant that will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all requirements under this NOFA. No minimum requirement for the number of pre-1940 occupied units for Lead Hazard Control and Operation LEAP.

c. All applicants under the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program must provide the actual number of children with documented elevated blood lead levels residing within the jurisdiction(s) where the lead hazard control work will be conducted for the 2002, 2003 and 2004 complete calendar years and identify the source of the data. Failure to provide these data will result in the application not being rated or ranked.

d. EPA Authorization. If you are a state government or Native American Tribal government, you must have an EPA-authorized Lead-Based Paint Training and Certification Program in effect on the application deadline date to be eligible to apply for Lead Based Paint Hazard Control Grant funds. The approval date in the Federal Register notice published by the EPA will be used in determining the Training and Certification status of the applicant state or Native American Tribal government. If you do not have an EPA authorized program, the application will not be rated or ranked.

e. DUNS Requirement. You will need a Dun and Bradstreet Universal Data Numbering System (DUNS) number in order to register and submit your electronic application through http://www.grants.gov. Refer to the

General Section for more information.

f. Consolidated Plans. (This requirement does not apply to Native American Tribes.) You must submit, as an appendix, the current lead- based paint element from the approved Consolidated Plan or the jurisdiction(s) where the lead hazard control will be conducted. In lieu of submitting a hard copy of the lead-based paint element from the current consolidated plan(s), you may substitute a Web site address. The Web site must contain the lead-based paint element of the current Consolidated Plan(s). If the jurisdiction does not have a currently approved Consolidated Plan, but it is otherwise eligible for this grant program, you must include the jurisdiction's abbreviated Consolidated Plan, which includes a lead-based paint hazard control strategy developed in accordance with 24 CFR 91.235.

g. An applicant requesting a funding amount greater than the maximum grant award amount will be deemed ineligible and not reviewed.

4. Environmental Requirements. a. Recipients of lead-based paint hazard control grants and lead hazard reduction demonstration grants must comply with 24 CFR part 58, Environmental Review Procedures for Entities Assuming HUD Environmental Responsibilities and must carry out environmental review responsibilities as a responsible entity under part 58.

b. Properties assisted with Operation LEAP funds under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2006, are covered by the provisions of section 305(c) of the Multifamily Housing Property Disposition Reform Act of 1994, which are implemented by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58. Under part 58, a responsible entity, usually the unit of general local government, must assume the environmental review responsibilities for activities funded under Operation LEAP. Under 24 CFR 58.11, if a responsible entity or the recipient objects to the responsible entity performing the environmental review for Operation LEAP activities, HUD may designate another responsible entity to perform the review or may perform the environmental review itself under the provisions of 24 CFR part 50.

c. For all grants under this NOFA, recipients and other participants in the project are prohibited from undertaking, or committing or expending HUD or non-HUD funds (including HUD leveraged or match funds) on a project or activities under this NOFA (other than activities listed in 24 CFR 58.34, 58.35(b) or 58.22(f)) until the responsible entity completes an environmental review and the applicant submits and HUD approves a Request for the Release of Funds and the responsible entity's environmental certification (both on form HUD 7015.15) or, in the case of Operation LEAP grants where HUD has determined to perform the environmental review under part 50, HUD has completed the review and notified the grantee of its approval. The results of the environmental reviews may require that proposed activities be modified or proposed sites rejected. For part 58 procedures, see http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/energyenviron/environment/index.cfm. For assistance, contact Karen Choi, the Office

of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control Environmental Officer at (213) 534-2458 (this is not a toll-free-number) or the HUD Environmental Review Officer in the HUD Field Office serving your area. If you are a hearing-or speech-impaired person, you may reach the telephone number via TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339. Recipients of a grant under these funded programs will be given additional guidance in these environmental responsibilities.

5. Administrative and Other Requirements. If awarded, the applicant must comply with the requirements below and maintain appropriate documentation to demonstrate compliance with the requirements specified below. The requirements apply to all grant programs unless otherwise specified.

a. Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992), Section 1011 of Title X. Section 217 of Public Law 104-134 (the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996, 110 Stat. 1321, approved April 26, 1996) amended Section 1011(a) of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X) to read as follows:

Section 1011. Grants for Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction in Target Housing

``(a) General Authority. The Secretary is authorized to provide grants to eligible applicants to evaluate and reduce lead-based paint hazards in housing that is not federally assisted housing, federally owned housing, or public housing, in accordance with the provisions of this section. Grants shall only be made under this section to provide assistance for housing that meets the following criteria--

(1) For grants made to assist rental housing, at least 50 percent of the units must be occupied by or made available

[[Page 11820]]

to families with incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income level and the remaining units shall be occupied or made available to families with incomes at or below 80 percent of the area median income level, and in all cases the landlord shall give priority in renting units assisted under this section, for not less than 3 years following the completion of lead abatement activities, to families with a child under the age of six years, except that buildings with five or more units may have 20 percent of the units occupied by families with incomes above 80 percent of area median income level;

(2) For grants made to assist housing owned by owner-occupants, all units assisted with grants under this section shall be the principal residence of families with income at or below 80 percent of the area median income level, and not less than 90 percent of the units assisted with grants under this section shall be occupied by a child under the age of six years or shall be units where a child under the age of six years spends a significant amount of time visiting * * *''

(1) Certified and Trained Performers. Funded activities must be conducted by persons qualified for the activities according to 24 CFR part 35, subparts B-R (possessing certification as abatement contractors, risk assessors, inspectors, abatement workers, or sampling technicians, or others having been trained in a HUD-approved course in lead-safe work practices).

(2) Lead hazard evaluation and control work must be conducted in compliance with HUD's Lead Safe Housing Rule, 24 CFR part 35, the HUD Guidelines, and applicable federal, state and local regulations and guidance.

6. Prohibited Practices. You must not engage in the following prohibited practices:

a. Open flame burning or torching;

b. Machine sanding or grinding without a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) exhaust control;

c. Uncontained hydroblasting or high-pressure wash;

d. Abrasive blasting or sandblasting without HEPA exhaust control;

e. Heat guns operating above 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit;

f. Chemical paint strippers containing methylene chloride or other volatile hazardous chemicals in a poorly ventilated space; and

g. Dry scraping or dry sanding, except scraping in conjunction with heat guns or around electrical outlets or when treating no more than two square feet in any one interior room or space, or totaling no more than 20 square feet on exterior surfaces.

7. Written Policies and Procedures. You must have clearly established, written policies and procedures for eligibility, program marketing, unit selection, expediting work on homes occupied by children with elevated blood lead levels, and all phases of lead hazard control, including risk assessment, inspection, development of specifications, pre-hazard control blood lead testing, financing, temporary relocation and clearance testing. Grantees, subcontractors, sub-grantees, sub-recipients, and their contractors must adhere to these policies and procedures.

8. Continued Availability of Lead-Safe Housing to Low-Income Families. Units in which lead hazards have been controlled under this program shall be occupied by or continue to be available to low-income residents as required by Title X (Section 1011). You must maintain a publicly available registry (listing) of units in which lead hazards have been controlled and ensure that these units are affirmatively marketed to agencies and families as suitable housing for families with children less than six years of age. The grantee must also provide the owner with the lead hazard evaluation and control information generated by activities under this grant, so that the owner can comply with his/ her disclosure requirements under 24 CFR part 35, Subpart A.

9. Testing. In developing your application budget, include costs for lead paint inspection, risk assessment, and clearance testing for each dwelling that will receive lead hazard control, as follows:

a. General. All testing and sampling shall comply with the Lead Safe Housing and conform to the current HUD Guidelines, the EPA lead hazard standards at 40 CFR part 745, and federal, state, or tribal regulations developed as part of the appropriate contractor certification program, whichever is more stringent. It is particularly important to provide this full cycle of testing for lead hazard control, including interim controls.

b. Lead-Based Paint and Lead-Based Paint Hazard Identification. A combined lead-based paint inspection and risk assessment is required.

c. Clearance Testing. If rehabilitation is conducted in conjunction with lead hazard control, clearance may be conducted either after the lead hazard control work is completed, and again after any subsequent rehabilitation work is completed, or after all of the lead hazard control and rehabilitation work is completed. Clearance shall be successfully completed before re-occupancy.

10. Blood lead testing. Each child under six years of age should be tested for lead poisoning within the six months preceding the lead hazard control work. Any child with an elevated blood lead level must be referred for appropriate medical follow-up. The standards for such testing are described in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publications Preventing Lead Poisoning in Young Children (1991), and Screening Young Children for Lead Poisoning: Guidance for State and Local Public Health Officials (1997).

11. Cooperation With Related Research and Evaluation. You shall cooperate fully with any research or evaluation sponsored by HUD, CDC, EPA or other government agency and associated with this grant program, including preservation of project data and records and compiling requested information in formats provided by the researchers, evaluators or HUD. This also may include the compiling of certain relevant local demographic, dwelling unit, and participant data not contemplated in your original proposal. Participant data shall be subject to the Privacy Rule of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). HIPAA and the Privacy Rule can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa.

12. Data collection. You will be required to collect, maintain, and provide to HUD the data necessary to document and evaluate grant program outputs and outcomes.

13. Financial Control. Financial control systems shall be established including methods and procedures to ensure that only grant eligible expenses are charged to the grant as reimbursable expenses or project match; that appropriate documentation of time worked on and charged to the grant is maintained; and that no more than 10 percent of grant funds are used for administrative costs and that indirect cost allocation plans are updated annually.

14. Section 3 Employment Opportunities. Please refer to Section III.C of the General Section. The requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) are applicable to this program. This sub-factor will be evaluated on the extent to which an applicant describes how it proposes to:

a. Provide opportunities to train and employ lower-income residents of the project area; and

b. Award substantial contracts to persons residing in the project area.

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Applicants that demonstrate their responsiveness to the section 3 requirement may receive up to 2 rating points. Annual submission of Form HUD-60002 is required.

Regulations regarding the provision of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 can be located at 24 CFR part 135.

15. Replacing Existing Resources. Funds received under the grant programs covered under this NOFA shall not be used to replace existing community resources dedicated to any ongoing project.

16. Certifications and Assurances. By signing the SF-424, you are agreeing to the certifications and assurances listed in the General Section and this NOFA.

17. Code of Conduct. If awarded assistance, you will be required, prior to entering into a grant agreement with HUD, to submit a copy of your Code of Conduct and describe the methods you will use to ensure that all officers, employees, and agents of your organization are aware of your Code of Conduct. Refer to the General Section for information about conducting business in accordance with HUD's core values and ethical standards.

18. Lead-Safe Work Practice Training Activities. Applicants under the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant Program are encouraged to provide resources to promote the expansion of a workforce properly trained in lead-safe work practices and which is available to conduct interim controls and/or lead hazard abatement as well as follow lead- safe work practices while performing work on HUD assisted housing units and to safely repair, rehabilitate, and maintain other privately owned residential property. The effort is permissible under the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program, when funded as part of the 10 percent remaining after direct lead hazard control activities are funded under this program.

19. Coordination Among Critical Agencies. If awarded assistance under the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control or Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration programs, applicants shall participate in the state-wide or jurisdiction-wide strategic plan to eliminate childhood lead poisoning as a major public health problem by 2010, or assist in the development of one plan in states or localities that do not have such a plan. The CDC strategic elimination plans for state and local childhood lead poisoning prevention programs can be downloaded from http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/Strategic%20Elim%20Plans/strategicplans.htm .

Additionally, if awarded lead hazard control and lead hazard demonstration funds, applicants shall enter into or extend existing collaborative agreements or arrangements with childhood lead poisoning prevention programs among health agencies, housing agencies, community development agencies, and code enforcement agencies (or equivalent) for their target area(s) local jurisdiction(s), and, for state or tribal applicants, with their state or tribal health agencies, housing agencies, development agencies, and code enforcement agencies (or equivalent). Agreements or arrangements must describe how the health department and the housing and/or development agency have or will consider enrolling housing units (or multifamily buildings) in which one or more children under age 6 years have elevated blood lead levels, with priority to housing where repeated and/or severe cases of childhood lead poisoning have occurred. (Because of the presence of a variety of priorities, it is not a requirement that units with lead- poisoned children be enrolled, but the process for giving such units high priority should be described and implemented.) HUD encourages Operation LEAP applicants to enter into such agreements.

20. Work Plan. Upon award, a work plan shall be developed and consist of the measurable quarterly performance goals and specific time-phased objectives established for each of the major activities and tasks required to implement the program. These major activities and tasks are outlined in the Quarterly Progress Reporting System (Form HUD-96006) and include: Program Management and Capacity Building including data collection and program evaluation; Community Education, Outreach and Training; and Lead Hazard Activities including testing, interventions conducted, and temporary relocation.

a. Describe how lead hazard units, especially those known to house elevated blood lead levels of children under six years of age, will be identified, selected, prioritized, and considered for treatment under this grant and/or other programs of the grantee or grantee's team members. An elevated blood lead level is defined as an excessive absorption of lead that is a confirmed concentration of ten (10) micrograms of lead per deciliter of whole blood.

You must demonstrate how you consider housing units identified by local health and child welfare agencies where incidences of childhood lead poisoning have occurred, particularly those where multiple poisonings have been reported, for enrollment into lead hazard control treatment programs, as well as demonstrate the use of other sources of information on high priority housing;

b. Your work plan should address your jurisdiction's Consolidated Plan goals for pursuing community planning and development and housing programs relative to lead and other housing-related issues that affect the health of residents. The work plan must include a detailed strategy to:

(1) Obtain data from state or local health departments or from families themselves (either directly, for example, through service organizations that families distribute their information) on the addresses of housing units in which children have been identified as lead poisoned, as required by 24 CFR 91.100(a)(2); and

(2) Continue or enter into collaborative agreements or arrangements with applicable state or local health and child welfare agencies, community development organizations, and housing agencies and/or other housing organizations to team with HUD Lead Hazard Control, Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration, and LEAP grantees to identify and address childhood lead poisoning in the jurisdiction collaboratively, and describe the methods for coordinating among these agencies.

(3) Demonstrate specific steps and/or actions that will be taken to ensure that other resources in the community are utilized to increase funding, to locate and provide training, and to link with other local programs engaged in lead hazard control activities;

(4) Describe how the project will be managed, and the timeline for staffing the program, establishing a lead-based paint contractor pool, and obtaining HUD approval for the Request for the Release of Funds (HUD Form 7015.15);

(5) Describe how assistance and funding will flow from you to the actual performers of the hazard reduction work;

(6) Describe the selection process for sub-grantees, sub- contractors, or sub-recipients;

(7) Describe the financing mechanism used to support lead hazard control work in units (name of administering agency, eligibility requirements, type of financing (grant, forgivable or deferred loans, private sector financing, etc.)), any owner matching requirement, and the terms, conditions, and amounts of assistance available, include affordability terms and forgiveness and recapture of funds provisions;

(8) Perform combined lead-based paint inspection and risk assessment

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testing procedures using the HUD Guidelines, applicable sections of the Lead Safe Housing Regulations and EPA standards to identify lead hazards and to conduct clearance testing.

(9) Describe the process for developing work specifications and bids on properties selected for lead hazard control work;

(10) The specific intervention methods and clearance procedures to be conducted for units enrolled and treated;

(11) The number of rental-occupied, vacant, and owner-occupied units, including the number of single-family and multifamily units, proposed for interim controls and hazard abatement;

(12) The occupant protection and relocation plan that will be carried out for residents required to be out of their homes during hazard control activities;

(13) The education, outreach, and training activities to be undertaken by the program;

(14) The overall outcomes for community education, outreach, and training activities, including the number of events and the number of individuals to receive education, outreach, and training.

(15) The blood lead testing and other health measures to be undertaken to protect children under six years of age and other occupants of units undergoing lead hazard control work; and

(16) The evaluation process used to measure program performance, with particular attention given to program performance in the five key areas evaluated by OHHLHC on a quarterly basis ( NOFA Rating Factor 5 response): Number of units inspected and risk assessed; number of units cleared of lead hazards; the amount of grant funds disbursed through the Line of Credit Control System (LOCCS); the number of persons reached through outreach and education efforts; and the number of persons trained in lead hazard control courses. For Operation LEAP, only the quarterly assessment will include one additional performance measure which is the amount of leverage.

(17) The grantee's accounting, finance, and internal audit procedures.

(a) Procedures for obtaining funding through government resources, match, leverage, and other contributed resources,

(b) Procedures for the procurement process and the reimbursement process of vendors, contractors, and sub-grantees

(18) Quarterly performance benchmarks. The benchmarks for a 36- month grant are on the Work Plan Development Worksheet with Minimum Benchmark Standards for 36 Months--Form HUD-96008, (You can download Form HUD-96008 at http://www.hudclips.org/subnonhud/html/forms.htm and can also find it on the HUD OHHLHC Web site at: http://www.hud.gov/.

.gov/.

The development of your work plan should include and reflect the benchmark standards. All applicants are required to complete the Factor 3 Table--Soundness of Approach, and the Work Plan Development Worksheet with Minimum Benchmark Standards for 36 Months--Form HUD-96008.

21. Detailed budget. A detailed budget submission which identifies the total budget (federal share and matching and/or leverage contribution) identified on Form HUD-424 CBW with supporting narrative and cost justifications for all budget categories of your grant request. You must provide a separate estimate for the overall grant management element (Administrative Costs), which is more fully defined in Section IV.E of this NOFA. All applicants must provide a detailed budget for any subcontractors, sub-grantees, or sub-recipients receiving greater than 10 percent of the federal budget request. In the event of a discrepancy between grant amounts requested in various sections of the application, the amount you indicate on the Form SF-424 will govern as the correct value.

22. Institutional Review Board (IRB). Indicate if your program includes conducting research involving human subjects in a manner which requires IRB approval and periodic monitoring under 24 CFR part 60, which incorporates the Department of Health and Human Service's regulations, at 45 CFR part 46. For additional information on what constitutes human subjects, research or how to obtain an institutional assurance, see the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Human Research Protection (OHRP) Web site at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp.

Section IV. Application and Submission Procedures

A. Address To Request Application Package

See the General Section for specific procedures concerning the electronic application submission requirements.

Guidebook and Further Information: If you have difficulty accessing the information, you may call the help desk help line at (800) 518- GRANTS or e-mailing support@grants.gov. If you are hearing impaired you may reach the numbers above through (800) HUD-2209 (TTY) (these are toll-free numbers).

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

Applicants eligible to apply under this NOFA are to follow the submission requirements described in Section IV.C.1.a. below:

1. Applicant Information.

a. Application Format. The application narrative response to the Rating Factors from new and eligible prior grantees is limited to a maximum of 20 pages (excluding appendices and worksheets) of size 8\1/ 2\'' x 11'' using a 12-point (minimum) font with not less than \3/4\'' margins on all sides. Materials provided in the appendices should directly apply to the specific rating factor narrative. Applicants are strongly urged not to submit information that is not required and/or requested by the NOFA or does not directly apply to a specific narrative response. The narrative rating responses should be submitted as a single Microsoft Word document file. All attachments must identify the related factor in the footer by providing the rating factor and the page number (e.g., Factor 1 Attachment, pg. 1), and should be submitted as a single zip file, attachment to the electronic application.

b. Application Checklist (Voluntary). Your application must contain all of the required information noted in this NOFA and the General Section. These items include the standard forms, and the certifications and assurances listed in the General Section that are applicable to this NOFA. The forms required for application submission and instructions can be found in the application at http://www.grants.gov.

The ``Checklist and Submission Table of Contents'' below includes a list of the required items needed for submitting a complete application and receiving consideration for funding. Inclusion of this ``Checklist and Submission Table of Contents'' with your proposal is recommended but not required.

Checklist and Submission Table of Contents

Application Checklist (Paper copy applications only).

Applicant Abstract (limited to a maximum of 2 pages).

Rating Factor Response (limited to a maximum of 20 narrative pages plus the following forms).

1. Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience--Form HUD-96012.

2. Needs/Extent of the Problem--Form HUD-96013.

3. Soundness of Approach (Work Plan/Budget)--Form HUD-96014;

4. Leveraging and Matching Resources--Form HUD-96015

[[Page 11823]]

5. Achieving Results and Program Evaluation--Logic Model--Form HUD- 96010

Materials to be submitted in response to rating factors (does not count towards 20-page limit).

Application for Federal Assistance--Form SF-424.

Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants--Form SF-424 Supplement.

Grant Application Detailed Budget Worksheet--HUD-424 CBW, Total Budget (Federal Share and Matching) with Supporting Narrative and Cost Justification.

Disclosure and Update Report--Form HUD-2880.0

Certification of Consistency with the RC/EZ/EC--II Strategic Plan-- Form HUD-2990.

Certification of Consistency with the Consolidated Plan--Form HUD- 2991.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable)--Form SF-LLL.

Development Worksheet with Minimum Benchmark Standards (36 Months) Form HUD-96008.

Facsimile Transmittal (for electronic applications)--Form HUD- 96011.

Questionnaire for HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory Barriers, including the required information (if applicable)--Form HUD- 27300, including required documentation or URL references--

You Are Our Client Survey--Form HUD-2994-A (optional).

Threshold Requirements.

Only those applications that meet the threshold review requirements will be rated and ranked. Threshold requirements are identified below:

a. Lead-Based Paint Element in Consolidated Plan.

b. 10 Percent (Lead Hazard Control Program) or 25 Percent (Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program) Matching Contribution and no match requirement for Operation LEAP.

c. Funding request no greater than the maximum amount for the grant program.

Material in support of the Rating Factors (20 page limit).

Budget Narrative.

Match, Leverage, and other sources of contributed resources. Submit an itemized breakout of your required matching contribution, including:

a. Letters or other evidence of commitment from donors; and

b. The amounts and sources of contributed resources, including donated in-kind services.

c. Applicant Contributors. Provide contracts, Memoranda of Understanding or Agreement, letters of commitment or other documentation describing the proposed roles of agencies, local broad- based task forces, participating grassroots community-based nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, local businesses, and others working with the program.

d. Consolidated Plan Element. (This requirement does not apply to Native American Tribes). You must submit as an appendix a current lead- based paint element from your current approved Consolidated Plan or the jurisdiction(s) where the lead hazard control work will be conducted. In lieu of submitting a hard copy of the lead-based paint element from your current consolidated plan, you may substitute a Web-site address. The Web-site must link directly to the lead-based paint element of a current Consolidated Plan. If your jurisdiction does not have a currently approved Consolidated Plan, but it is otherwise eligible for this grant program, you must also include your jurisdiction's abbreviated Consolidated Plan, which includes a lead-based paint hazard control strategy in accordance with 24 CFR 91.235. You should include the discussion of any lead-based paint issues in your jurisdiction's Analysis of Impediments, particularly as it addresses your target areas.

C. Submission Dates and Times

Application Submission Dates: The application deadline date is June 7, 2006. Refer to the General Section for timely submission requirements.

D. Intergovernmental Review

Not required.

E. Funding Restrictions

1. Ineligible Activities. You may not use grant funds for any of the following ineligible activities:

a. Purchase of real property.

b. Purchase or lease of supplies having a per-unit cost in excess of $5,000, except for the purchase and lease of up to two X-ray fluorescence analyzers used by the grant program;

c. Chelation or other medical treatment costs related to children with Elevated Blood Lead levels (EBLs). Non-federal funds used to cover these costs may be counted as part of the required matching contribution.

d. Lead hazard control activities in publicly owned housing, or project-based Section 8 housing (this housing stock is not eligible under Section 1011 of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act).

e. Activities that do not comply with the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501).

f. Lead-hazard control or rehabilitation of a building or manufactured home that is located in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4001-4128) as having special flood hazards unless:

(1) The community in which the area is situated is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program in accordance with the applicable regulations (44 CFR parts 59-79), or less than a year has passed since FEMA notification regarding these hazards; and

(2) Where the community is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, flood insurance on the property is obtained in accordance with section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act (42 U.S.C. 4012a(a)). You are responsible for assuring that flood insurance is obtained and maintained for the appropriate amount and term.

(3) Please see http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm

for reference to the Administrative Cost requirements.

(4) Please see http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm

for reference to the Indirect Cost requirements.

F. Other Submission Requirements

Applicants are required to submit applications electronically via the Web site http://www.grants.gov. See section IV.F of the General

Section for additional information on the electronic process and how to request a waiver from the requirement if necessary.

Section V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

The following section applies to all applicants unless otherwise specified. 1. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience (Up to 20 Points Maximum for All Applicants)

a. Capacity of the Applicant (10 points). This rating factor addresses your organizational capacity necessary to successfully implement the proposed activities in an efficient manner. All applicants must respond to this Rating Factor, including completing the Factor 1 Table. The technical merit or threshold compliance of the applicant will be rated unless otherwise specified. The ``applicant'' includes the applicant organization as a whole, the applicant staff, including key personnel responsible for implementing the program, grassroots community-based nonprofit organizations, including faith-

[[Page 11824]]

based organizations, sub-contractors, consultants, sub-recipients, and members of consortia that are firmly committed to your program.

Applicants are to list by name and/or position title all key personnel, whether currently vacant or contingent upon an award, including the percentage of time to be dedicated to the proposed program. Key personnel should include, at a minimum, one Project Director and one Program Manager. The applicant must describe the relevant knowledge and experience of the Project Director and Program Manager, and any additional key personnel, who will carry out program activities, including the time commitment of each to the proposed program. The applicant must describe the proposed roles and responsibilities of each key personnel, including any/all relevant current or previous experience in the planning and management of large, complex and interdisciplinary programs involving housing rehabilitation or lead hazard control, childhood lead poisoning prevention, or similar work. The day-to-day program manager must be experienced in the management of housing rehabilitation or lead hazard control, childhood lead poisoning prevention, or similar work involving project management, and must be dedicated to the proposed program for a minimum of 75 percent of the time. If awarded two or three grants under this NOFA, HUD grantees will negotiate 100 percent of total time spent on the grants. Additional program staff experience, roles, responsibilities and time commitment must also be described.

Similarly, applicants must list and describe sub-grantees and sub- contractor organizations that will provide services and carry out critical activities for the proposed grant program, including their capacity, as demonstrated by experience in initiating and implementing related environmental, health, or housing projects. List key personnel from each sub-grantee or sub-contractor organization who will provide services, their respective roles and responsibilities on the proposed program and the time to be dedicated to the proposed program.

The applicant must demonstrate that it has sufficient personnel or will have the capability to retain qualified experts or professionals, and be prepared to perform lead-based paint hazard evaluation, lead- based paint hazard control intervention work, and other proposed activities within 120 days of the effective date of the grant award. HUD reserves the right to terminate the grant if sufficient personnel or qualified experts are not retained within this 120-day period. R[eacute]sum[eacute]s (for up to three key personnel) or position descriptions for those key personnel to be hired, and organizational charts for the grant program must be submitted. Factor 1 Table--Key Personnel and Partners, must be completed and submitted.

b. Relevant Organization Experience (10 points).

(1) New Applicants. In rating this factor, HUD will consider a new applicant's recent, relevant, and demonstrated experience in undertaking eligible program activities. Organizational capacity should be demonstrated in a table that describes prior experience in initiating and implementing lead hazard control efforts and/or related environmental, health or housing projects or programs. Applicants must indicate how this prior experience will be used in carrying out the proposed comprehensive Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control, Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration and Operation LEAP Grant Programs.

The applicant should include, as an appendix item to this rating factor, 1-2-page r[eacute]sum[eacute] of up to three key personnel responsible for the grant (e.g., project director, program manager, etc). Include a table that lists the relevant and most recent experience in initiating and implementing lead hazard control efforts and/or related environmental, health or housing projects or programs and/or grants awarded (which may also include philanthropic/foundation awards for LEAP applicants) that you currently manage or have previously managed within the past three years (e.g., Lead Hazard Control, CDBG Housing Rehabilitation, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Healthy Homes Demonstration, Weatherization, Operation LEAP, etc.), an organizational chart for the overall organization and the project/grant program, and include the following details for each project:

Federal/state/local/private agency providing the project;

Title of the project; and

Name of the Project Director and Program Manager.

Dollar amount of the project;

Deliverables planned;

Deliverables and accomplishments achieved;

Start and end date of the project;

Whether or not the project was completed on time;

Discussion of any significant obstacles and how they were resolved.

HUD's evaluation process will consider an applicant's past performance record as reported to HUD in effectively organizing and managing its grant operations, in meeting performance and work plan benchmarks and goals, and in managing funds, including its ability to account for funds appropriately, the timely use of funds received either from HUD or other federal, state or local programs, and meeting performance milestones. HUD may also use other information relating to these items from sources at hand, including public sources such as newspapers, Inspector General or Government Accountability Office Reports or Findings, hotline complaints, or other sources of information that possess merit.

(2) Current or previous grantee under any of this NOFA's programs. HUD will evaluate the applicant's quarterly performance reports for the last four (4) quarters as of the most recent reporting year. Based on the overall performance rating of the last 4 reporting quarters under the OHHLHC Quarterly Progress Reporting System, up to a maximum of 10 points will be awarded based on the combination of green, yellow, or red performance ratings. 2. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (20 Points Maximum for Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control and Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Programs, and 10 Points Maximum for Operation LEAP)

This factor refers to whether or not the community where eligible lead hazard control activities will be conducted has significant lead- based paint hazards to be addressed and an urgent need for HUD funding to address the problem in your identified target area(s). Each applicant will be evaluated and scored in this rating factor based on documented need as evidenced by thorough, credible, and applicable data and information. The applicant is to complete the Factor 2 Table--Need/ Extent of the Problem.

Multiple tables (one per target area) are permissible. Provide the number of children less than 6 years of age in the target and jurisdiction area(s). The data submitted to HUD may be verified using data available from the Census, HUD user, other data available to HUD and/or in cooperation with the CDC. Points will be awarded in this rating factor based on the information documenting the number of children with an elevated blood lead level, the number of pre-1978 housing units (use pre-1980 data, if pre-1978 data are unavailable), and the number and percentage of families with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Medium Income as determined by HUD within your jurisdiction and/or target areas.

a. Points will be awarded based on the documented number of children with an

[[Page 11825]]

EBL entered in the Rating Factor 2 table. Documented Number of Children with an Elevated Blood Lead (EBL) (10 Points Maximum for Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control and Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Programs, and 3 Points Maximum for Operation LEAP). Provide the actual number of children documented as having an elevated blood lead (EBL) residing within the jurisdiction where the lead hazard control work will be conducted for the most recent complete calendar year and identify the source of the data. HUD will accept data for the most recent of the following calendar years: 2003, 2004, and 2005. States must report the number in the city, county, or other area where funds will actually be used. Consortia of local governments must report the number in the cities or counties making up the consortium. Operation LEAP applicants must report the EBL data from the designated targeted areas. For the purposes of this application, the ``documented number of children'' with an EBL is based on the CDC level of concern. A child under six years of age with a blood lead level test result equal to or greater than 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood, based on a test that was performed by a medical health care provider, is considered to have an EBL. The actual number of children with an EBL (not an estimate) must be included in this application in order to receive points for this sub-factor. Do not send the children's names or addresses or other identifiers. Failure to provide this number in the application means that no points will be awarded for this sub-factor. For you to receive maximum points for this rating factor, there must be a direct and substantial relationship between your proposed lead hazard control activities, Consolidated Plan's lead element, and the documented community needs. Since an objective of the program is to prevent at- risk children from being poisoned, specific attention must be paid to documenting the identified need as it applies to any selected targeted area(s). Applicants shall complete the Factor 2 Table.

b. Points will be awarded based on the documented housing market data relevant to the specified target area(s) entered in the Rating Factor 2 table. (5 Points for Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control and Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Programs, and 3 Points Maximum for Operation LEAP). Points will be awarded for the number of pre-1940 housing units in the applicant's jurisdiction(s) according to the table, ``Points Awarded for Number of Pre-1940 Occupied Rental Housing Units in Target Area,'' that can be downloaded from http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm. Housing Age for the following sub-

categories: Pre-1940, 1940-1949, 1950-1959, 1960-1969, 1970-1979 and 1980 or newer (Census information includes 1970-1979 category). The table shows the number of points awarded based on the number of pre- 1940 housing units in the grant target area(s).

c. Points will be awarded based on the documented percentage of very-low (income less than 50 percent of the area median) and low- (income less than 80 percent of the area median) income families, as determined by HUD and entered in the Rating Factor 2 table (5 Points Maximum for Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control and Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Programs and 4 Points Maximum for Operation LEAP). ``Points Awarded for Number of Very Low and Low-Income Percentages of Families in Target Area'' can be downloaded from http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm. The table shows the number of points

awarded based on the number of very low and low-income percentages of families in target area(s). 3. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (40 Points Maximum for All Applicants)

Applicants for these grant programs shall complete the Rating Factor 3 Table Soundness of Approach. All Applicants: Based on analysis of internal historical data, lead hazard control grant programs average approximately 1 unit for every $8,000 of grant and matching/leveraged dollars spent. It is, therefore, anticipated that all programs under this NOFA will meet or exceed this standard. If your particular work plan will exceed this unit per grant and match or leverage threshold, you will be expected to justify and explain the cost per unit ratio. This factor addresses the quantity, quality and cost-effectiveness of your proposed work plan. The work plan should include specific, measurable, and time-phased objectives for each major program activity and should reflect benchmark performance standards for unit production, expenditures, obtaining match/leverage funds, community outreach and education, skills training, and other activities including accounting for program activities. These benchmark standards as well as policy guidance on developing work plans are available at the HUD Web site: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/grantfrm/hudgrantee.cfm. This policy

guidance provides a sample format and outline for developing a Work Plan.

Applicants for Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control and Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Programs should describe the proposed activities and provide HUD with measurable outcome results to be achieved with the requested funds. Measurable outcome results should be stated in terms relevant to the purpose of the program funds as a direct result of the work performed within the performance period of the grant (e.g., estimated number of units to be made lead-safe, estimated number of children living in units made lead-safe, estimated number of persons to be trained to perform lead hazard control activities, estimated number of educational programs to be presented and/or the number of persons to be served by such programs, and the basis for these estimates). Each proposed activity must be eligible in accordance with the requirements of this NOFA and meet statutory requirements for assistance to low- and very low-income persons.

Applicants for the Operation Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP) should describe in detail their approach for leveraging private sector resources. LEAP is intended to leverage significant private sector resources that will then be used to address lead hazards in privately owned housing occupied by low- and moderate-income families with children less than 6 years of age. Keeping in mind that HUD's Lead- Based Paint Hazard Control grants average approximately 1 unit for every $8,000 of grant and matching dollars spent, therefore, a LEAP program should meet or exceed this performance using private resources. HUD expects that the leveraged funds in comparison to the HUD funds would be substantially greater (for example, a grant applicant is proposing to use $4 million in private sector resources with $2 million in LEAP funds (a 2:1 ratio)). The number of units the applicant would expect to control by these resources would be approximately 500 units. Your application should indicate in Rating Factor 4--Leveraging--the extent of funding you commit to leverage. Your application should include in this Rating Factor 3 your approach for obtaining the leveraged funding and your approach to controlling lead-based paint hazards in housing using the HUD and leveraged funds.

a. Lead Hazard Control Work Plan Strategy (20 Points all Applicants): Describe the overall work plan goals and time-phased strategy to complete work within the 36-month period of performance (Form HUD-96008). Describe the methods, schedule and milestones that will be used to identify

[[Page 11826]]

and control lead-based paint hazards and to achieve the desired project outcomes. Include summary information about the estimated numbers of clients to be contacted, units and families enrolled, units to receive risk assessments and inspections, units to receive lead hazard control work, individuals or groups to be trained, and individuals and groups to be reached through education and/or outreach activities.

Additionally, provide responses to the following: Program Management. Describe the overall approach to implement the proposed program. Describe how the program will be organized, managed and staffed.

(1) Program Administration and Financial Management. Describe the approach and method to successfully administer the proposed program.

(a) Include details about staff and project oversight/monitoring, contract administration (to ensure sub-grantees and contractors conform to the terms, conditions and specifications of contracts or other formal agreements), and how assistance and funding will flow from the grantee to those who will perform work under the proposed program.

(b) Explain how your proposed technical approach addresses local conditions and needs, e.g., especially maximizing the number of children protected from lead hazards.

(c) Discuss the lead hazard control financing strategy, including financing eligibility requirements, terms, conditions, dollar limits, amounts available for lead hazard control work in the various categories (explain) of housing intended for intervention (e.g., single-family, multi-family, vacant, owner- or tenant-occupied), and who is responsible for establishing, administering and overseeing this aspect of the program. Describe how recapture of grants or loan funds to owners of assisted units will occur when recipients fail to comply with any terms and conditions of the financing arrangement (e.g., failure to comply with affordability, affirmatively marketing and providing priority to renting units to families with children under six years of age, sale of property, etc.). Explain the assistance instrument (e.g., grants, deferred loans and/or forgivable loans and the basis and schedule for forgiveness), and the role of other resources such as private sector financing and matching requirements, if any, from rental property owners. Identify the process and those responsible for coordination and payment between the program and contractors performing the work.

(2) Program Start-Up. Describe program start-up activities during the first 120 days of the grant.

(a) Provide information about internal and external capacity- building steps necessary to ensure a smooth and timely start-up phase. Provide detailed information about hiring staff, training staff or other organizations to provide the knowledge and skills required to address lead hazard control, including establishment of a qualified contractor pool, and lead poisoning prevention actions that are essential for successfully implementing your program (e.g., education, testing, housing interventions).

(b) Include a description of how sub-grantees, sub-contractors or sub-recipients are selected to carry out intended activities. If these entities have already committed to the program, provide a detailed description of previous or existing goals, accomplishments and outcomes relative to such collaborative agreements or arrangements with and among these agencies. If these collaborative agreements or arrangements have not yet been entered into, provide a detailed description to address plans and strategies to do so.

(c) Describe your proposed involvement of grassroots community- based nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, in the proposed activities including the development of consortia. These activities may include outreach, community education, marketing, inspection, and housing evaluations and interventions.

(d) Explain the environmental review and Request for Release of Funds process, and who is responsible, to obtain the required HUD approval for intended lead hazard control work on eligible, enrolled units. Include a description of the steps to be taken, and who will be responsible, to comply with applicable environmental reviews for individual projects.

(3) Outreach, Recruitment and Unit Enrollment. Describe the methods and strategies, including the individuals and/or sub-grantees, sub- recipients or contractors responsible for marketing and outreach to intended target area(s) and/or residents, including recruitment and enrollment activities to supply the program with sufficient numbers of eligible clients within an established timeframe.

(a) Describe how you will identify, select, prioritize and enroll eligible housing units in which you will undertake lead hazard control interventions, especially those known to house EBL children. Include the number of eligible privately owned housing units, including the number of owner-occupied, rental, vacant, single and/or multi-family units to be enrolled.

(b) Discuss the eligibility criteria for unit selection, who will identify and how the program will identify units that meet these criteria.

(c) Describe measures you will perform to sustain recruitment. The staff is responsible for both monitoring recruitment status and implementing the measures identified to sustain recruitment.

(d) Discuss possible recruitment problems, impediments that you anticipate to recruitment, probability of dropouts and plans to over- recruit to compensate for dropouts.

(e) Explain how you will obtain data from state or local health departments on the addresses of housing units in which children have been identified as lead poisoned. Explain how referrals of eligible units will be obtained from childhood lead poisoning prevention programs, other health care or housing agencies or health providers that serve children.

(f) Discuss how referrals from the Section 8, Housing Choice Voucher program and other agencies that provide housing assistance to low-income households with children, including CDBG, HOME Investment Partnerships Program-funded housing programs, Weatherization or other sources, will be received and processed.

(g) Describe how you will obtain information in order to document the occupants of units assisted, meet the Title X income and family composition requirements by identifying key staff who will certify as to the eligibility of each unit assisted, based on the determination of income, and when required, the presence of a child or children under six years of age.

(h) Discuss the degree to which your proposed program focuses on eligible privately owned housing units occupied or to be occupied by low-income families with children under six years of age. Include in this discussion, details on how you will consider, prioritize and treat units known to house one or more lead poisoned children.

(i) Describe your planned approach to control lead hazards in vacant and/or occupied units before children are poisoned.

(j) Indicate how you intend to respond to the needs of EBL children housed in units located outside of the target area(s).

(k) Address the issue of patient confidentiality per the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), as

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it relates to the release of addresses of units where children have been poisoned by lead-based paint hazards within your jurisdiction(s). Provide thorough details of all security measures to be taken to ensure that the privacy of patient information obtained for the purposes of public health services conducted through the lead hazard control program will be safeguarded.

b. Technical Approach/Lead Hazard Control Intervention (10 Points for all Applicants). Applicants shall describe the technical approach and associated costs for testing enrolled units, blood-lead testing of children in enrolled units, lead hazard control methods and strategies, occupant protection and temporary relocation.

Describe who will perform the process of conducting combined lead- based paint inspections and risk assessments in eligible privately owned housing to confirm the presence of lead-based paint hazards in enrolled units to receive lead hazard control work. Explain how you will ensure that all information regarding lead hazard control work, lead-based paint test results, etc. are provided to property owners, including the provision of a statement describing the owner's legal obligation to disclose the results to tenants (before initial leasing, or before lease renewal with changes) and buyers (prior to sale) per the requirements of 24 CFR part 35, subpart A. Disclosure of other identified housing-related health or safety hazards to the owner of the unit, for purposes of remediation, is encouraged but not required. Describe your testing methods, schedule, and costs for combined lead- based paint inspections and risk assessments and clearance examinations. If you propose to use a more restrictive standard than the HUD/EPA thresholds (e.g., less than 0.5 percent or 1.0 milligrams/ square centimeter for lead in paint, or less than 40, 250, 400 micrograms/square foot for lead in dust on floors, sills and troughs, respectively, or less than 400 parts per million (ppm) in bare soil in children's play areas and 1200 ppm for bare soil in the rest of the yard) identify the standard(s) that will be used. All testing shall be performed in accordance with applicable regulations.

(1) Describe the methods, measures and cost for performing blood lead testing in children less than six years of age.

(a) Describe strategies to increase blood lead testing of children within the target area(s).

(b) Explain who will be responsible for ensuring and how you will ensure that all children less than six years of age who occupy units to be assisted with lead hazard control work receive blood lead testing within six months of commencement of work on the unit.

(c) Identify the individual responsible for and measures to ensure that children identified with an elevated blood-lead level are referred to appropriate medical care and how patient confidentiality, privacy and the security of medical information is protected as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

(2) Describe the lead hazard control methods and strategies you will undertake and the number of single family and multi-family units that you will treat for each method selected (e.g., interim controls and/or hazard abatement), including the estimated cost for each strategy per unit type and the basis for those estimates. Applicants should assume that interim controls are the preferred approach for their strategies and project unit output targets accordingly.

(a) Discuss efforts to incorporate cost-effective lead hazard control methods.

(b) If applicants maintain that approaches other than interim controls are necessary, a justification is necessary. For example, abatement might be justified in an area where significant amounts of low-income housing stock are highly distressed or where lead hazard control work is being combined with rehabilitation. Where highly distressed housing stock exists, applicants should explain why options for households to move to lead-safe housing are not viable.

(c) Complete abatement in all lead-based painted surfaces in all units is generally not an accepted strategy. In cases where only a few surfaces have identified lead-based paint hazards and abatement is cost-effective, the applicant must provide a detailed rationale for selecting complete abatement as a strategy.

(3) Indicate the individual or entity responsible for, and describe the process for developing the work specifications and the lead hazard control contractor bid and selection process (i.e., the contracting) on properties selected for lead hazard control work. Explain the management process to ensure the cost-effectiveness of intended lead hazard control methods. Explain the coordination of germane activities among lead hazard control, rehabilitation, weatherization, and other contractors performing work other than lead hazard control.

(4) Describe your plan and the individual(s) responsible for occupant protection and the temporary relocation (Information on Relocation Guidelines will appear on the Web site) of occupants of units selected to receive lead hazard control work. Describe strategies to avoid overnight relocation in small-scale projects consistent with applicable subsections of HUD's Lead Safe Housing Regulations. Your plan should address the use of safe houses and other temporary housing arrangements, storage of household goods, stipends, incentives, etc.

(5) Describe who will ensure and how the applicant will ensure that contractors, property owners and maintenance personnel performing interim controls and lead hazard abatement work are properly trained and/or certified, and how work will be monitored and supervised to ensure that contractors perform work of reasonable quality in compliance with work specifications and applicable federal regulations.

(6) Provide a realistic schedule for completing key program activities and outputs, by quarter, so that all activities and outputs can be completed before or within the grant period of performance. Key production activities include unit enrollment, lead-based paint inspection and risk assessments, completion and clearance of units.

(7) Describe the estimated elapsed timeframe for treating a typical unit that will receive lead hazard control work, from referral and intake to completion and clearance. Estimate the amount of time required to treat a typical unit to receive lead hazard control work. Explain how the program will accommodate emergency referrals (e.g., units occupied by a child under six years of age with an EBL).

(8) Describe the workflow and production control methods. Provide guidelines and/or flowcharts that demonstrate the agency and team member responsibilities for each step in the unit production process (from intake and enrollment to completion and clearance of units). Describe how coordination and hand-offs from individuals or agencies to and from each step in the unit production process will be carried out. Discuss how the actual production status of units, from intake and enrollment to completion and clearance, will be monitored, and how and when impediments to production will be identified and remedied.

(9) Explain how the proposed program will integrate and stage proposed lead hazard control activities with rehabilitation (or weatherization, Healthy Homes Demonstration, etc.). Identify the individuals and agencies to coordinate these efforts and the number of units anticipated to be blended from these other programs and resources.

[[Page 11828]]

c. Economic Opportunity (Up to 7 maximum points for all applicants). Describe the individual or agency responsible for the promotion, recruitment, and provision of training in lead-safe work practices and other lead certification disciplines (e.g., supervisor, worker, risk assessor, inspector, etc.) to individuals and contractors in housing related trades, such as painters, remodelers, renovators, maintenance personnel, rehabilitation specialists, and others. Also, describe the methods you will employ to promote, recruit and provide the training.

(1) Section 3 Requirement (2 of 7 points). Detail the means to be used to provide appropriate economic opportunities to residents and businesses of the target area, in compliance with Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) and HUD's implementing rules at 24 CFR part 135. Describe how you will accomplish said Section 3 requirements by identifying the number of individuals to receive such training per discipline, the schedule for delivering said training opportunities for low and very low-income persons living within the applicant's jurisdiction, and how trained individuals will be linked to employment opportunities with businesses owned by low and very low-income persons living within the grantee's jurisdiction.

(2) Lead Hazard Control Outreach and Coordination (5 of 7 points).

(a) Coordination on Health Programs.

(i) Describe your involvement in coordination among critical agencies, including participation in the CDC state-wide or jurisdiction-wide strategic plan to eliminate childhood lead poisoning by 2010.

(ii) Describe your involvement in collaborative agreements or arrangements with childhood lead poisoning prevention programs among health agencies, housing agencies, community development agencies, and code enforcement agencies (or equivalent) for the target jurisdiction, as applicable. Applicants shall include a description of their previous or existing goals, accomplishments, and outcomes relative to such collaborative agreements or arrangements with and among these agencies. If these collaborative agreements or arrangements have not yet been entered into, a detailed description to address plans and strategies to do so shall be provided.

(iii) Describe the learning opportunities to be made available to community members, including families, workers, small businesses and others, to help develop a strategic community health education model that identifies lead-related health hazards and their solutions, and educates community members and affects wider efforts in the applicant's targeted area. Applicants shall discuss the opportunity-to-learn approaches to educate children, parents, workers, business people, and other community members about lead poisoning prevention and lead hazard control. Include how the proposed educational program will continue to meet the needs of those children already living in units to receive lead hazard control work.

(b) Lead Hazard Control Outreach and Community Private Sector Involvement.

(i) Applicants are encouraged to solicit participation of grassroots community-based and private sector organizations, including faith-based organizations to accomplish outreach and community involvement activities intended to build long-term capacity to sustain accomplishments in the target area.

(ii) Describe the role of grassroots community-based nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, in specific program activities (e.g., hazard evaluation and control, monitoring, awareness, education and outreach within the community).

(c) Proposed Methods of Communication and Outreach.

(i) Describe how the applicant will ensure that outreach and related education commitments by sub-grantees and/or sub-contractors will be honored and executed.

(ii) Identify the individuals and/or entities responsible for community education and the delivery methods. Include a brief description of the proposed curriculum or subjects to be communicated, and the groups to be targeted to receive said education.

(iii) Explain how the intended education program(s) will be culturally sensitive, targeted, and linguistically appropriate. Identify the means available to supply the educational materials in other languages (identify all that apply) common to the community.

(iv) Include the estimated number of individuals to receive the intended education and the estimated number of events to be delivered.

(d) Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing.

(i) Describe strategies and methodologies that affirmatively further fair housing and increase access to lead-safe housing for all segments of the population: homeowners, owners of rental properties, and tenants.

(ii) Identify who will ensure and how the applicant will ensure that the program will continue to affirmatively market and match treated units with low-income families with children less than six years of age in the future.

(iii) Explain how this outreach strategy will avoid housing discrimination against families with young children, and how families will have adequate, lead-safe housing choices in the future. This strategy could include plans to develop and implement a registry of lead-safe housing that is available to the public, or to incorporate the inclusion of the lead-safe status of properties in another publicly accessible address-based property information system. The strategy could also include affirmatively marketing your services to those populations least likely to apply and who may not be served by any of the organizations working with you or the grantee team.

d. HUD's Departmental Policy Priorities and Consolidated Plan (6 Points for all applicants; each policy priority is 1 point, except Removal of Regulatory Barriers (#4) is 2 rating points--HUD Form 27300 is required to receive point (s)). Indicate if, and describe how, you will address any of HUD's departmental policy priorities (see General Section for more detailed explanation of HUD's policy priorities). Applicants shall also provide evidence of the priority that the community's Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice has placed on addressing the needs described.

The policy priorities that are applicable to this NOFA, and which the applicant should address, are: (1) Improving our Nation's Communities (focus on distressed communities); (2) Providing Full and Equal Access to Grassroots Community-based Nonprofit Organizations, including Faith-based Organizations in HUD Program Implementation; (3) Participation of Minority-Serving Institutions in HUD Programs; (4) Removal of Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing; and (5) Promoting Energy Efficiency and Energy Star. HUD expects the applicants to implement Energy Star building techniques and utilize Energy Star appliances whenever activities of the grant afford the opportunity. (For information on Energy Star Programs and Appliances, see http://www.epa.gov/epahome/athome.htm .

(1) Describe how the proposed program would contribute to satisfying the stated needs in the Consolidated Plan or Indian Housing Plan, and

[[Page 11829]]

eliminate impediments identified in the Analysis of Impediments (AI).

(2) Describe how your strategy will provide long-term benefits to families with children less than six years of age.

e. Data Collection and other Program Support Activities (2 points for all applicants).

(1) Identify and discuss the specific methods you will use (in addition to HUD reporting requirements) to document activities, progress, program effectiveness, and how changes necessary to improve performance will be identified and implemented. Explain who is responsible and how you will collect, document and report on information collected.

(2) Describe how databases, including Web sites, computer, paper or other formats, will incorporate the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, such that the addresses of enrolled, treated and/or cleared housing units shall not include personal information that could identify any child affected.

(3) Provide a detailed description of any proposed participation in research activities, studies, or development of information systems designed to enhance the delivery, analysis, or conduct of lead hazard control activities, or that will facilitate the targeting and pooling of resources to further childhood lead poisoning prevention efforts. If you are proposing to participate in research activities, describe the objectives, methodology, and impact of the proposed research activities. 4. Rating Factor 4: Matching and Leveraging Resources (10 Points Maximum for Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control and Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program, and 20 Points Maximum for Operation LEAP)

This rating factor applies to all programs unless otherwise specified. This factor addresses your ability to obtain other community and private sector funds that can be combined with HUD's program resources to achieve program objectives. In evaluating this factor, HUD will primarily consider the amount of match and/or leveraged funding you commit to provide (in relation to the amount of HUD funding you request). In evaluating this factor, HUD will consider the extent to which you have established working relationships with other entities to get additional funds or commitments to increase the effectiveness of the proposed program activities. Describe how you will obtain information in order to document the occupants of units assisted to meet Title X income and family composition requirements. Identify the key staff who will certify as to the eligibility of each unit assisted under the grant based on the determination of income, and when required, the presence of a child under six years of age. Funds may include cash or in-kind contributions of services, equipment, or supplies allocated to the proposed program. Funds may be provided by governmental entities, public, or private organizations, and other entities teaming with you. Matching and other contribution arrangements (other funds not meant for direct eligible activities under this program) with rental property owners may have the benefits of increasing the efficiency of public lead hazard identification and control expenditures and creating a financial stake for rental property owners in the quality of lead hazard control work. Contractual or other formal relationships with grassroots community-based nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, are a requirement for state and local government applicants. Documentation of relationships with grassroots community-based nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, must be provided in this application in the form of either signed agreements or commitment letters from organization officials who have the authority to commit the organization. This requirement does not apply to Native American Tribe applicants. You also may team with other program funding recipients to coordinate the use of funds in your target area(s).

a. Strategy and Approach (5 points Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control and Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program, and 15 points maximum for Operation LEAP).

(1) Describe the proposed strategy for leveraging (e.g., private sector for Operation LEAP and public and private for Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control and Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program) resources including:

(a) Target audiences/constituencies;

(b) Use of contractors/subgrantees/team organizations and their method of selection;

(c) Methods of outreach/promotion;

(d) Types of leveraging to be employed;

(e) Proposed use and distribution of funds/resources leveraged;

(f) Overall project management and coordination; and

(g) Proposed schedule of activities within the 36-month period of performance;

b. Matching and/or Leveraging Contributions (5 maximum points for all applicants). Points based on the documented leverage funding will be awarded based on the charts below.

(1) Matching and leveraged funds must be shown to be specifically dedicated to and integrated into supporting activities. Refer to Section III.B, Cost Sharing or Matching Requirements for additional information. Project match and/or leverage shall be limited to contributions which would be eligible for payment from grant funds, and may be in the form of cash, including private sector funding, or in- kind (non-cash) contributions or a combination of these resources. Leverage may be in the form of cash from private sector funding or other resources or in the form of non-cash contributions or a combination of these resources. You may not include any federal funds as part of the match, unless those funds are specifically permitted by statute to be used as matching funds, such as CDBG funds. Other funds from the private sector or other sources committed to the program that exceed the required match, if any, will provide points for this rating factor. Contributions (match funds or other contributed resources) above any statutory minimum match may include funds from other federally funded programs, and/or state, local, charity, nonprofit or for-profit entities. The signature of the authorized official on the Form SF-424 commits matching or other contributed resources of the applicant organization.

Staff in-kind contributions should be given a monetary value based on the local market value of the staff skills; you are responsible for tracking the number of labor hours provided in the match for each labor category. If you do not provide letters from contributors specifying details and the amount of the actual contributions, those contributions will not be counted. Contributions required of rental property owners may be included as part of your match. You should document and provide the amount of the match and/or leverage from each funding source.

Applicants will not receive full points under this rating factor if they do not submit evidence of a firm commitment and the appropriate use of match and/or leveraged resources under the grant program. Such evidence must be provided in the form of letters of firm commitment, memoranda of understanding, or other signed agreements to participate from those entities identified as team members in your application. Each letter of commitment, memorandum of understanding, or agreement to participate should include the

[[Page 11830]]

organization's name, the proposed level of commitment, and the responsibilities as they relate to your proposed program. The commitment must be signed by an official of the organization legally able to make commitments on behalf of the organization and should be submitted at the time of the application submission. Describe the role of grassroots community-based nonprofit organizations, including faith- based organizations, in specific program activities, such as hazard evaluation and control; monitoring; and awareness, education, and outreach within the community. Describe how you will ensure that commitments to sub-grantees specified in your proposal will be honored and executed, contingent upon an award from HUD.

The applicant is encouraged to employ creativity and initiative in achieving the objectives of the program. Some examples of possible strategies/approaches include the following:

(a) Enlisting the support and resource commitment of financial institutions, foundations, private industry, the general public, property owners, and others to make residential housing lead-safe and eliminate lead poisoning as a public health threat to children;

(b) Soliciting the support of national building materials providers, building component manufacturers, and housing-related national retail outlets to donate money and/or materials to lead hazard control programs in housing and health departments, landlords and owner-occupants to eliminate lead-based paint hazards in privately owned low-income dwellings. For example, a window, wallboard, or paint manufacturer/retailer could donate or coordinate the donation and distribution of windows, wallboard, or paint to lead-based paint hazard control and/or lead hazard control elements of rehabilitation projects throughout the country. This strategy could also include the distribution of discount coupons for purchases of paint or other materials from national suppliers for lead-based paint hazard control projects;

(c) Forming teams with banks or other mortgage or financial institutions willing to provide no- or low-interest home improvement loans to finance lead hazard control activities and abatement measures among low-income recipients who would not otherwise be served. By participating, banks could fulfill a major element of their responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act;

(d) Forming teams to facilitate the coordination and distribution of donated building materials, such as windows, trim molding, or paint, etc. to local projects involved in lead hazard control programs;

(e) Identifying and facilitating the availability and use of temporary relocation facilities for families who need to move out of their dwellings while lead hazard control work is being undertaken. For example, hotel chains, colleges, and other lead-safe sites could be contacted to make housing available for the temporary relocation of families during lead hazard control;

(f) Working with landlords, tenant groups and others to form consortia or otherwise engage landlords and owner-occupants to enroll their eligible housing units in local lead hazard control or rehabilitation programs. The applicant should obtain commitments from landlords to provide matching resources for work to be done on their units. For example, the lead hazard control program could offer landlords grant funds for replacement windows if the landlords contribute the cost of additional repairs (such as basic system upgrades, or other rehabilitation work including painting and maintenance) that is associated with lead hazard control. To encourage such commitments, efforts should be made to educate landlords about the primary benefits (effect on children's health) and supplementary benefits that can result from lead hazard reduction work such as improving an apartment's physical condition and marketability;

(g) Expanding dust testing and clearance testing, especially in high-risk communities;

(h) Promoting homebuilder, remodeler, or contractor associations to coordinate efforts to reduce lead hazards by contributing technical assistance, training, presentations and materials and/or labor to lead hazard control efforts;

(i) Encouraging landscaping firms, nurseries, and landscape architects to contribute lead-safe soil, mulch, and other forms of vegetation cover and shrubbery designed to mitigate lead contamination of soil around the exterior/perimeter and play areas of affected housing units;

(j) Working with health, housing, and community development organizations or other entities to conduct lead poisoning prevention activities, including efforts to plan, participate in, and/or facilitate strategic planning to eliminate lead poisoning as a public health threat to young children by 2010. As part of this effort, the applicant should describe the process for considering enrolling housing units (or multi-family buildings) in which one or more children under age 6 years have EBLs, with priority to housing where repeated and/or severe cases of childhood lead poisoning have occurred. (Because of the presence of a variety of priorities, it is not a requirement that units with lead-poisoned children be enrolled, but the process for giving such units high priority should be described and implemented.);

(k) Working with grassroots nonprofit community organizations, including faith-based or other community-based organizations, that are committed to improving the quality of life of young children in high risk housing; and

(l) Providing training for significant numbers of trades people to implement lead-safe work practices, such as window replacement and weatherization work

Operation LEAP Applicants

Points Documented leverage above requested HUD amount (percent) awarded

50-100-150-200-300.......................................................

5

Lead Hazard Control Applicants

Documented match and other contributions of the requested Points HUD amount (percent)

awarded

10.........................................................

0 >10-20-30-40-50........................................................

5

Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Applicants

Documented match and other contributions of the requested Points HUD amount (percent)

awarded

25.........................................................

0 >25-30-35-40-50........................................................

5

5. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (10 Points Maximum for All Applicants)

This rating factor reflects HUD's goal to embrace high standards of ethics, management, and accountability.

a. Describe in detail your needs and service activities, identify the outputs

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and short-term, intermediate-term and long-term outcomes (5 points).

(1) State clearly the project activities including specific goals (``benchmarks'') of each activity and how you will achieve those goals.

(2) Describe how you will measure the results. Provide your goals, inputs, activities, outcomes and performance benchmarks (goals) for the entire grant period. In the narrative, explain how you will document and track your goals, program activities, and schedules. Identify the procedures you will follow to make adjustments to your work plan to improve performance if benchmarks are not met within established timeframes.

b. Logic Model (5 points).

(1) Applicants must complete and return the Form HUD-96010. Information about developing a Logic Model is available at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/admin/grants/fundsavail.cfm. HUD is moving to a

standardized ``Master'' Logic Model from which you can select needs, activities, and outcomes appropriate to your program. See the General Section for detailed information on use of the ``Master'' Logic Model. HUD is requiring grantees to use program-specific questions to self- evaluate the management and performance of their program. Training on HUD's logic model and the reporting requirements for addressing the Management questions will be provided via satellite broadcast. In evaluating Rating Factor 5, HUD will consider how you have described the benefits and outcome measures of your program. HUD will also consider the evaluation plan, to ensure the project is on schedule and within budget. For FY2006, HUD is considering a new concept for the Logic Model. The new concept is a Return on Investment statement. HUD will be publishing a separate notice on the ROI concept.

(2) Performance indicators should be objectively quantifiable and should measure actual achievements against anticipated achievements. Step 1. The planning component of the logic model should identify the problem or need and develop a plan. Step 2. The intervention component of the logic model should identify the kinds of services, activities, and outputs projected. Step 3. The impact component of the logic model should identify the projected outcomes. Step 4. The accountability (phase one) component of the logic model should include data sources, measurement, and reporting tools. Step 5. The accountability (phase two) component of the logic model should include the evaluation methodology or the evaluation process. As a planning tool, the logic model can provide the statement of need and also provide the rationale for the proposed service or activity. For goals or benchmarks, the logic model can provide a set of quantifiable goals including timeframes. These goals allow you, the applicant, and HUD to monitor and assess your progress in achieving your program work plan. The process for the achievement of outcome goals should include identifying the expected outcome and the estimated number needed to achieve the goal or the expected outcome in terms of the community impact or changes in economic and social status. The following describes what are measurement-reporting tools. Some examples are survey instruments; attendance log; case report; pre-post tests; or waiting lists. Describe where data are maintained, for example, central databases; individual case records; specialized access databases, tax assessor databases; and local precinct. Also, identify the location where the database is maintained, updated, etc., for example, on-site, subcontractor, or specify (e.g., identify what the other is). 6. Bonus Points (2 Rating Points for All Programs)

This NOFA provides for the award of two bonus points for eligible activities/projects that the applicant proposes to locate in federally designated Empowerment Zones (EZs), Renewal Communities (RCs), or Enterprise Communities designated by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in round II (EC-IIs) and that are certified to be consistent with the area's strategic plan or RC Tax Incentive Utilization Plan (TIUP). Discuss whether any of the proposed activities will occur in any of these areas and how they will benefit the residents of those zones or communities. Applicants must submit a completed Certification of Consistency with the RC/EZ/EC-II Strategic Plan--Form HUD-2990, and also meet the requirements listed in the General Section for a possible award of two bonus points.

B. Reviews and Selection Process

1. Rating and Ranking. Please Refer to the General Section

a. Only those applications that meet the threshold review requirements will be rated and ranked. HUD intends to fund the highest ranked applications in each category receiving a minimum score of 75 within the limits of funding.

b. Remaining Funds. Refer to the General Section for HUD's procedures if funds remain after all selections have been made within a category.

c. The scoring criteria to be used to award the maximum points for this NOFA are how fully and thoroughly the applicant answers each item listed in each rating factor. Criteria may be obtained at http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/index.cfm .

2. Factors for Award Used To Rate and Rank Applications

a. Implementing HUD's Strategic Framework and Demonstrating Results. HUD is committed to ensuring that programs result in the achievement of HUD's strategic mission. To support this effort, grant applications submitted for HUD programs will be rated on how well they tie proposed outcomes to HUD's policy priorities and Annual Goals and Objectives, and the quality of proposed Evaluation and Monitoring Plans.

b. The maximum number of points to be awarded is 102. This maximum includes two bonus points as described in the General Section.

c. The factors for rating and ranking eligible grantees under all categories, and the maximum points for each factor are stated below:

Maximum points

Rating factors

LHC * & LHRD ** LEAP ***

1. Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant

20

20 Organizational Experience.................... 2. Need/Extent of the Problem.................

20

10 3. Soundness of Approach......................

40

40 4. Matching and Leveraging Resources..........

10

20 5. Achieving Results and Program Evaluation...

10

10 Empowerment Zone, Renewal Zones and Enterprise

2

2 Community (II), Bonus Points.................

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Total.....................................

102

102

* Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control. ** Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration. *** Operation Lead Elimination Action Program.

Section VI. Award Administration Information: Refer to the General Section for Additional Details on Award Administration

A. Award Notices

1. Successful applicants will receive a letter from the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control Grant Officer indicating that they have been selected for an award. This letter will provide additional details regarding the effective start date of the grant and any additional data and information to be submitted to execute a grant agreement. This letter is not an authorization to begin work or incur costs under the grant. A fully executed grant agreement is the authorizing document. Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified that their application was not selected for an award and will be afforded an opportunity to request a debriefing on the unsuccessful application according to the procedures outlined in the General Section.

2. Negotiation. Refer to the General Section for additional details.

3. Adjustments to Funding. Refer to the General Section for additional details.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Refer to the General Section for additional details regarding the Administrative and National Policy Requirements applicable to HUD Programs.

1. Flood Disaster Protection Act. Under the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4001-4128), you may not use these grant funds for lead-hazard control or rehabilitation of a building or manufactured home that is located in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as having special flood hazards unless:

a. The community in which the area is situated is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program in accordance with the applicable regulations (44 CFR parts 59-79), or less than a year has passed since FEMA notification regarding these hazards; and

b. Where the community is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, flood insurance on the property is obtained in accordance with section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act (42 U.S.C. 4012a(a)). You are responsible for assuring that flood insurance is obtained and maintained for the appropriate amount and term.

2. National Historic Preservation Act. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470) and the regulations at 36 CFR part 800 apply to the lead-hazard control or rehabilitation activities that are undertaken pursuant to this NOFA.

3. Waste Disposal. You must handle waste disposal according to the requirements of the appropriate local, state, and federal regulatory agencies. You must handle disposal of wastes from hazard control activities that contain lead-based paint, but are not classified as hazardous in accordance with state or local law or the HUD Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Hazards in Housing (HUD Guidelines). The Guidelines are available from the HUD Web site at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/guidelines/hudguidelines/index.cfm.

4. Worker Protection Procedures. You must observe the procedures for worker protection established in the HUD Guidelines, as well as the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) (29 CFR 1926.62, Lead Exposure in Construction), or the state or local occupational safety and health regulations, whichever are most protective. If other applicable requirements contain more stringent requirements than the HUD Guidelines, the more rigorous standards shall be followed.

5. Davis-Bacon Act. The Davis-Bacon Act does not apply to these programs. However, if you use grant funds in conjunction with other federal programs in which Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rates apply, then Davis-Bacon provisions will apply to the extent required under the other federal programs.

6. Procurement of Recovered Materials. See the General Section for information concerning this requirement.

7. Executive Order 13202. Refer to the General Section.

C. Reporting

Successful applicants will be required to submit quarterly, annual, and final program and financial reports according to the requirements of the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control. Your quarterly, annual and final report must include a completed Logic Model form HUD- 96010, approved and incorporated into your award agreement, showing specific outputs and outcome results against those proposed and accepted as part of your approved grant agreement. For specific reporting requirements, see policy guidance: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/index.cfm. Specific guidance and additional details will

be provided to successful applicants.

Section VII. Agency Contact(s)

For Further Information and Technical Assistance: You may contact Jonnette Hawkins, Director, Program Management and Assurance Division, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410-3000, telephone (202) 755-1785, extension 7593 (this is not a toll-free number) facsimile (202) 755-1000, e-mail: Jonnette_G._Hawkins@hud.gov (use underscores). For grants

administrative questions, you may contact Ms. Curtissa L. Coleman, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control; telephone (202) 755- 1785, extension 7580 (this is not a toll-free number) or via e-mail at Curtissa_L._Coleman@hud.gov. If you are a hearing-or speech-impaired

person, you may reach the above telephone number via TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

Section VIII. Other Information

For additional general, technical, and grant program information pertaining to the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, visit: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead.

Section IX. Paperwork Reduction Act

The information collection requirements contained in this document have been approved by the

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Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2539- 0015. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 80 hours per application and 16 hours per annum per respondent for the application and grant administration. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the application, semi-annual reports, and final report. The information will be used for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds. Response to this request for information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived.

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN08MR06.013

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Lead Technical Studies and Healthy Homes Technical Studies Programs

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control.

B. Funding Opportunity Title: Lead Technical Studies and Healthy Homes Technical Studies.

C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Number: The Funding Opportunity Number is: FR-5030-N-29. The OMB Paperwork Approval number is: 2539-0015.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers: 14.902, Lead Technical Studies Grant Program, and 14.906, Healthy Homes Technical Studies Grant Program.

F. Dates: The application deadline date is June 6, 2006. Applications submitted through http://www.grants.gov must be received

and validated by grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 pm eastern time on the application deadline date. See the General Section IV, regarding application submission procedures and timely filing requirements.

G. Additional Overview Content Information: 1. Purpose: To fund technical studies to improve existing methods for detecting and controlling lead-based paint and other housing-related health and safety hazards, to develop new methods to detect and control these hazards, and to improve our knowledge of lead-based paint and other housing-related health hazards.

2. Available funding: The total amount to be awarded is approximately $5.75 million, of which approximately $3.75 million is for Lead Technical Studies and approximately $2 million is for Healthy Homes Technical Studies.

3. Anticipated awards: The anticipated amounts and numbers of individual awards for the Lead Technical Studies Program will be approximately 3 to approximately 10 awards, ranging from approximately $200,000 to a maximum of $1 million. The anticipated amounts and number of individual awards for the Healthy Homes Technical Studies Program will be approximately 2 to approximately 5 awards, ranging from approximately $200,000 to a maximum of $1 million. In addition, there will be one award in each technical studies program to correct funding errors made in the fiscal year 2004 Technical Studies NOFAs.

4. Type of awards: Cooperative agreements, with substantial involvement of the government will be awarded (see Paragraph II.C for a description of substantial involvement).

5. Eligible applicants: Academic, not-for-profit and for-profit institutions located in the U.S., state and units of local general government, and federally recognized Native American tribes are eligible to apply. For-profit firms are not allowed to earn a fee (i.e., make a profit from the project).

6. Cost sharing or ``matching'' is not required; however, applicant ``leveraging'' contributions are encouraged (see Section V.A.4.d).

7. There is no limit on the number of applications that each applicant may submit.

8. The applications for this NOFA can be found at http://www.grants.gov. The application is an electronic application. You must

be registered at http://www.grants.gov to submit your application.

Registration is a multi-step process, and HUD recommends that you allow at least 10 days to complete the registration process. The General Section contains information on submission requirements and procedures. Please carefully review the General Section before reading the program section so that you understand the Grants.gov electronic application process.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Purpose of the Programs

The overall goal of both the Lead and the Healthy Homes Technical Studies programs is to gain knowledge to improve the efficacy and cost- effectiveness of methods for evaluation and control of lead-based paint and other housing related health and safety hazards. This also supports HUD's Strategic Goal to Strengthen Communities and the associated policy priority to Improve Our Nation's Communities by improving the environmental health and safety of families living in public and privately owned housing.

B. Program Description

HUD is funding studies to improve HUD's knowledge of lead-based paint hazards and other housing-related health hazards, and to improve or develop new hazard assessment and control methods, with a focus on the key residential health and safety hazards. Key hazards are discussed in Appendix A of this NOFA. A list of references that serves as the basis for the information provided in this NOFA is provided as Appendix B to this NOFA. Both Appendix A and Appendix B of this NOFA can be found on HUD's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm ).

1. General Goals

a. Lead Technical Studies (LTS). The overall goal of the Lead Technical Studies grant program is to gain knowledge to improve the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of methods for evaluation and control of residential lead-based paint hazards.

Through the Lead Technical Studies Program, HUD is working to fulfill the requirements of sections 1051 and 1052 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X) (42 U.S.C. 4854 and 4854a) which directs HUD to conduct research on topics which include the development of ``improved methods for evaluating [and] reducing lead-based paint hazards in housing,'' among others.

Brief descriptions of active and previously funded lead technical studies projects can be found on HUD's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/techstudies/index.cfm. Where appropriate, you are strongly

encouraged to ensure that your proposed study builds upon HUD-sponsored work that has been previously completed, in addition to other relevant research (i.e., that contained in government reports and in the published literature).

The results of the technical studies will be used in part to update HUD's Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing (Guidelines). For supporting references, including where to find the Guidelines, see Appendix B on HUD's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm.

b. Healthy Homes Technical Studies (HHTS). The overall goals and objectives of the Healthy Home Initiative (HHI), which includes the HHTS Program and the Healthy Homes Demonstration Grant Program (see the Healthy Homes Demonstration Grant Program NOFA published in this SuperNOFA), are to:

(1) Mobilize public and private resources, involving cooperation among all levels of government, the private sector, grassroots community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations, and other non-profit organizations, to develop the most promising, cost- effective methods for identifying and controlling housing-related hazards; and

(2) Build local capacity to operate sustainable programs that will continue to prevent, minimize, and control housing-related hazards in low- and very low-income residences when HUD funding is exhausted.

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The HHI departs from the more traditional approach of attempting to correct one hazard at a time. HUD is interested in promoting approaches that are cost-effective and efficient and result in the reduction of health threats for the maximum number of residents, and in particular, low-income children.

In April 1999, HUD submitted a preliminary plan that described the HHI to Congress. The submission (Summary and Full Report), and a description of the HHI are available on the HUD Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/hhi/index.cfm .

In addition to deficiencies in basic housing facilities that may impact health, changes in the U.S. housing stock and more sophisticated epidemiological methods and biomedical research have led to the identification of new and often more subtle health hazards in the residential environment (e.g., asthma triggers). While such hazards will tend to be found disproportionately in housing that is substandard (e.g., structural problems, lack of adequate heat, poor maintenance, etc.), such housing-related environmental hazards may also exist in housing that is otherwise of good quality. Appendix A of this NOFA briefly describes the key housing-associated health and injury hazards HUD considers targets for intervention. HUD has also developed resource papers on a number of topics of importance under the HHI, including mold, environmental aspects of asthma, carbon monoxide, and unintentional injuries. These resource papers can be downloaded at http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/hhi.

Brief descriptions of current and recently completed Healthy Homes Technical Studies projects and grantee contact information can be found on the HUD Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/hhi/hhigranteeinfo.cfm .

2. Community Participation

HUD believes that it is important for researchers to incorporate some aspect of meaningful community participation in the development and implementation of studies that are conducted in communities and/or involve significant interaction with community residents. Community participation can improve study effectiveness in various ways, including the development of more appropriate research objectives, improving recruitment and retention of study participants, improving participants' involvement in and understanding of the study, improving ongoing communication between researchers and the affected community, and more effectively disseminating study findings. HUD encourages applicants to consider using a ``community based participatory research (CBPR)'' approach, where applicable, in study design and implementation. (See e.g., the report published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences titled ``Successful Models of Community-Based Participatory Research'' at: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/translat/pubs.htm ). CBPR is characterized by

substantial community input in all phases of a study (i.e., design, implementation, data interpretation, conclusions, and communication of results).

C. Authority

The lead technical studies program is authorized under sections 1011(g)(1), 1011(o), and 1051-1053 of the Residential Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, 42 U.S.C. 4851 et seq.). The Healthy Homes technical studies program is authorized under sections 501 and 502 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 (12 U.S.C. 1701z-1 and 1701z-2). Fiscal Year 2006 funds for both programs are authorized under Public Law 109-115, 119 Stat. 2396, approved November 30, 2005.

II. Award Information

A. Funding Available

Approximately $3.75 million in fiscal year 2006 funds is available for Lead Technical Studies. In addition, HUD will award a grant for $745,471 in fiscal year 2005 funds to the Regents of the University of California, Irvine, 300 University Towers, Irvine, CA 92697-7600, to resolve a funding error under the fiscal year 2004 Lead Technical Studies Program NOFA, in accordance with Sec. VI.A.3 of the fiscal year 2004 General Section. Approximately $2 million is available for Healthy Homes Technical Studies, of which HUD will award $829,880 to Advanced Energy, 909 Capability Drive, Suite 2100, Raleigh, NC 27606, to resolve a funding error under the fiscal year 2004 Healthy Homes Technical Studies Program NOFA, in accordance with Sec. VI.A.3 of the fiscal year 2004 General Section. Cooperative agreements will be awarded on a competitive basis following evaluation of all eligible proposals according to the rating factors described in Section V.A.4 of this NOFA. HUD anticipates that approximately three to ten awards will be made for the Lead Technical Studies Program, and that 2 to 5 awards will be made for the Healthy Homes Technical Studies Program with awards ranging from approximately $200,000 to no more than $1 million for each program. Applications for additional work related to existing HUD-funded technical studies (i.e., for work outside of the scope of the original agreement) are eligible to compete with applications for new awards. These applications will be evaluated in the same manner as new applicants.

B. Anticipated Start Date and Period of Performance for New Grants

The start date for new awards is expected to be October 1, 2006. The period of performance cannot exceed 36 months from the time of award. The proposed performance period should include adequate time for project components such as the Institutional Review Board process, if required, the recruitment of new staff and/or study participants, and the development of new instrumentation or methods (e.g., analytical methods), all of which have been found to delay projects in the past. Period of performance extensions for delays due to exceptional conditions beyond the grantee's control will be considered for approval by HUD in accordance with 24 CFR 85.25(d)(2) or 85.30(e)(2), as applicable, and the OHHLHC Program Guide. If approved, grantees will be eligible to receive a single extension of up to 12 months in length. Applicants are encouraged to plan studies with shorter performance periods than 36 months; however, when developing your schedule, you should consider the possibility that issues may arise that could cause delays.

C. Type of Award Instrument

Awards will be made as cooperative agreements. Anticipated substantial involvement by HUD staff for cooperative agreements may include, but will not be limited to:

1. Review and suggestion of amendments to the study design, including: Study objectives; field sampling plan; data collection methods; sample handling and preparation; and sample and data analysis.

2. Review and provision of technical recommendations in response to quarterly progress reports (e.g., amendments to study design based on preliminary results).

3. Review and provision of technical recommendations on the journal article(s) and final study report (including electronic format for submission of research data).

4. Requirements for peer review of scientific data in accord with the Office of Management and Budget Information Quality Guidelines. All HUD-sponsored research is subject to the OMB Final

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Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review (70 FR 2664-2677, January 14, 2005) prior to its public dissemination. In accordance with paragraph II.2 of the Bulletin, HUD will not need further peer review conducted on information that has already been subjected to adequate peer review. Therefore grantees must provide enough information on their peer review process for HUD to determine whether additional review is needed.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Academic and not-for-profit institutions located in the U.S., state and units of local general government, and federally recognized Native American tribes are eligible under all existing authorizations. For- profit firms also are eligible; however, they are not allowed to earn a profit from the project. Applications to supplement existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new awards. Federal agencies are not eligible to submit applications. The General Section identifies threshold requirements that must be met for an organization to receive an award.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing or matching is not required. In rating your application, however, you will receive a higher score under Rating Factor 4 if you provide evidence of significant leveraging.

C. Eligible Activities

1. Lead Technical Studies

HUD is interested in the following lead technical studies topics:

a. Development of alternative or improved clearance methods. The clearance of a dwelling following lead hazard control activities is achieved by collecting dust-wipe samples following a standard protocol, with subsequent analysis of the samples by a laboratory recognized under the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP). Lead hazard control costs could be reduced if immediate clearance results could be obtained in the field. Existing techniques that can be used to analyze dust samples in the field include the use of portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers and anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) instruments. It is theoretically possible to also employ colorimetric methods to analyze clearance samples. These techniques can be used in a screening context in which a ``failure'' would indicate the need for additional cleaning before definitive clearance wipe samples are collected for analysis by an appropriate laboratory. It is possible for an organization using a field-based technology to achieve recognition as a portable laboratory under NLLAP; however, it is HUD's understanding that, to date, this has not been done. HUD is interested in funding research that improves the performance of portable analytical technologies for lead dust-wipe analysis with the ultimate goal of improving the feasibility for such technologies to be used to conduct definitive analyses in the field.

HUD has funded research for the on-site use of X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) for dust wipe lead analysis and does not intend to fund additional work on this topic through this NOFA.

b. Reducing exterior soil and dust-lead hazards. Studies have shown that lead in exterior dust and soil can be an important source of lead exposure to young children, both through direct contact and indirectly when tracked or blown into the home. HUD has funded several studies that have assessed approaches to reducing the risk posed by this large environmental lead reservoir. Examples of these studies have focused on the following topics: reducing the bioavailability (as determined using in vitro testing) of lead in soil through the addition of composted biosolids or other additives; reducing soil hazards in urban yards through targeted landscaping (e.g., raised beds, improving ground cover); reducing exterior dust-lead levels through exterior building treatments and street and sidewalk cleaning; and reducing surface soil- lead hazards by overlaying clean soil with grass cover (see, e.g.: Binns et al., 2004 and Farfel et al., 2005 in Appendix B).

Additional study is needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of interim controls to reduce soil and exterior dust-lead hazards. Research is also needed to develop interim controls and strategies for exterior dust and soil that are reasonable in cost, feasible to implement, and which do not require frequent maintenance to retain their effectiveness. Also, the relationship between control of soil lead hazards and interior dust lead levels has not been adequately described.

c. Effectiveness of Ongoing Maintenance Program Activities in Controlling Lead-Based Paint Hazards. There are few studies directly assessing the effectiveness of ongoing lead-based paint maintenance programs. HUD is interested in evaluating the effectiveness and feasibility of ongoing lead-based paint maintenance programs, identifying program components for which particular implementation difficulties exist, and evaluating proposed measures for overcoming those difficulties. Such an evaluation of program components could address whether and how technically-acceptable and cost-effective work practices are selected and implemented, how effectively supervisors monitor work activities to ensure that lead-based paint hazards are controlled and that dust and debris are contained and cleaned up during and after work, and how well clearance procedures (including necessary re-cleaning) are integrated into the maintenance program, among other factors.

d. Use of Available Databases to Evaluate the Efficacy of Lead Hazard Control Activities. Public databases can be used to help target and assess the effectiveness of lead hazard control activities. Examples of this include the use of census data to identify neighborhoods that are at high risk for lead poisoning (e.g., age and value of housing used in combination with indicators of socioeconomic status) and the use of blood-lead screening data to target dwellings that have been associated with repeated identification of resident children with elevated blood-lead levels. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have also been successfully used as a tool to help target high-risk housing. At a broader level, serial blood-lead screening data could be used to assess the effectiveness of lead hazard control activities or laws that require lead hazard control treatments in high risk housing (e.g., by comparing community screening results before and after laws were enacted while accounting for the overall downward trend in blood lead levels). HUD is interested in studies that assess effective and creative uses of public databases to improve the efficacy of lead hazard control programs (e.g., targeting neighborhoods), assess the effectiveness of enforcement and lead hazard control activities and regulations, and other uses of these data that further the goal of improving methods for the identification and control of residential lead-based paint hazards. Applicants proposing projects under this topic area should focus primarily on the use of existing data as opposed to the collection of new data through field activities. An applicant must demonstrate why the collection of any new data is important in the context of a proposed study (e.g., to validate a model developed using publicly available data) and that there is a limited amount of new data being collected.

e. Other Focus Areas that are Consistent with the Overall Goals of HUD's Lead Technical Studies Program.

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HUD will consider funding applications for technical studies on other topics that are consistent with the overall goals and objectives of the LTS program, as described above. In such instances, for an applicant to receive an award, it is necessary that the applicant describe in sufficient detail how the proposed study is consistent with the overall lead technical studies program goals and objectives.

Note: A limited amount of lead hazard control activities, which are construction as opposed to research, may be conducted as part of a project (see Section IV.E.8 of this NOFA).

2. Healthy Homes Technical Studies

HUD hopes to advance the recognition and control of residential health and safety hazards and more closely examine the link between housing and health. The overall objectives of the HHTS studies projects to be funded through this NOFA include, but are not limited to:

a. Development and evaluation of low-cost test methods and protocols for identification and assessment of housing-related hazards;

b. Development and assessment of cost-effective methods for reducing or eliminating housing-related hazards;

c. Evaluation of the effectiveness of housing interventions and public education campaigns, and barriers and incentives affecting future use of the most cost-effective strategies;

d. Investigation of the epidemiology of housing-related hazards and illness and injuries associated with these hazards, with an emphasis on children's health;

e. Evaluation of residential health and safety hazard assessment and control methodologies and approaches (including both existing methods and the evaluation of improved or novel approaches);

f. Analysis of existing data or justified generation of limited new data to improve knowledge regarding the prevalence and severity of specific hazards in various classes of housing, with a focus on low- income housing. Specific examples include:

(1) The prevalence of carbon monoxide and other indoor air quality hazards;

(2) The prevalence and patterns of moisture problems and biological contaminants associated with excess moisture (e.g., fungi, mold, bacteria, dust mites);

(3) The prevalence of specific childhood injury hazards in housing; and

(4) Improved understanding of the relationship between a residential exposure and childhood illness or injury.

Applicants that propose this type of study should discuss how the knowledge that is gained from the study could be used in a program to reduce these hazards in target communities.

g. Low-cost analytical techniques and instruments for the rapid, on- and off-site determination of environmental contaminants of concern (e.g., bioaerosols, pesticides, allergens). HUD's primary interest is in the improvement of existing instruments or methods, and not in the development of new technologies or instruments. The OHHLHC has noted that these types of studies pose a high risk of experiencing significant delays. Applicants seeking to develop new technologies/ instruments should discuss why, if funded, their proposed project would be unlikely to experience significant delays in its completion.

h. Objectives of particular interest to HUD include:

(1) Improving or assessing the efficacy of current methods for residential Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM approaches focus on the use of economical means for managing pests, which incorporate information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment, while minimizing hazards to people, property, and the environment. HUD is particularly interested in IPM methods for reducing cockroach and/or rodent populations in multifamily housing, with an emphasis on low-income housing.

(2) Controlling excess moisture by reducing migration through the building envelope and condensation of water vapor on interior surfaces, with an emphasis on low-cost interventions for low-income housing;

(3) Improving indoor air quality, such as through cost-effective approaches to upgrading residential ventilation or improving control/ management of combustion appliances. Applicants should discuss how proposed approaches might affect residential energy costs (e.g., increasing air exchange rates resulting in an increase in heating costs);

(4) Dust control measures (e.g., preventing track-in of exterior dust and soil, improved methods for interior dust cleaning) have been identified as key areas in the HHI Preliminary Plan;

(5) Evaluating the effectiveness of education and outreach methods designed to provide at-risk families with the knowledge to adopt self- protective behaviors with respect to housing-related health hazards.

(6) Other Focus Areas that are Consistent with the Overall Goals of HUD's Healthy Homes Technical Studies Program. HUD will consider funding applications for technical studies on other topics that are consistent with the overall goals and objectives of the HHTS program, as described above. In such instances, for an applicant to receive an award, it is necessary that the applicant describe in sufficient detail how the proposed study is consistent with the overall healthy homes technical studies program goals and objectives.

i. General Information. In proposing to conduct a study on a particular topic, applicants should consider:

(1) The ``fit'' of the proposed hazard assessment and/or control methods within the overall goal of addressing ``priority'' health and safety hazards in a cost-effective manner;

(2) The efficacy of the proposed methods for hazard control and risk reduction (e.g., how long is effective hazard reduction maintained);

(3) Where and how these methods would be applied and tested, and/or perform demonstration activities; and

(4) The degree to which the study will help develop practical, widely applicable methods and protocols or improve our understanding of a residential health hazard.

Applications for a study for which the sole or primary focus is on lead-based paint hazards are ineligible for funding under the HHTS program. Such studies should be submitted for funding under the Lead Technical Studies Program.

Applicants should consider the efficiencies that might be gained by working cooperatively with one or more recipients of HUD's Healthy Homes Demonstration and/or Lead Hazard Control grants, which are widely distributed throughout the U.S. Information on current grantees is available at hhtp://http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead.

You may address one or more of the technical studies topic areas within your proposal, or submit separate applications for different topic areas.

Note: A limited amount of hazard control activities, which are construction as opposed to research, may be conducted as part of an HHTS project (see Section IV.E.8 of this NOFA).

D. Other

1. Threshold Requirements Applicable to all Applicants.

To be scored and ranked under the Rating Factors, and thus be eligible to receive funds from HUD, you must meet all of the threshold requirements

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described in the General Section. Threshold requirements include Eligibility, Compliance with Fair Housing and Civil Rights Laws, Conducting Business in Accordance with Core Values and Ethical Standards, Delinquent Federal Debts, and Pre-Award Accounting System Surveys.

2. Program Requirements.

The following requirements are applicable to both Healthy Homes Technical Studies and Lead Technical Studies Programs:

a. Program Performance. Grantees shall take all reasonable steps to accomplish all activities within the approved period of performance. HUD reserves the right to terminate the grant prior to the expiration of the period of performance if the grantee fails to make reasonable progress in implementing the approved program of activities or fails to comply with the terms of the grant agreement.

b. Regulatory Compliance. Grantees must comply with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations regarding exposure to and proper disposal of hazardous materials.

c. Blood Lead Testing. Any blood lead testing, blood lead level test results, medical referral, or follow-up for children under six years of age will be conducted according to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Preventing Lead Poisoning in Young Children (see Appendix B of this NOFA).

d. Restricted Use of Funds. HUD technical studies grant funds will not replace existing resources dedicated to any ongoing project.

e. Laboratory Analysis for Lead. Laboratory analysis covered by the NLLAP will be conducted by a laboratory recognized under the program.

f. Human Research. Human research subjects will be protected from research risks in conformance with Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, required by HUD at 24 CFR 60.101, which incorporates the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Protection of Human Subjects regulation at 45 CFR part 46.

g. OSHA Compliance. The requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (e.g., 29 CFR part 1910 and/or 1926, as applicable) or the state or local occupational safety and health regulations, whichever are most stringent, will be met;

h. Civil Rights. The institution administering the grant must meet the civil rights threshold set forth in the General Section.

i. Disclosure. All test results and other information in pre-1978 housing related to lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards must be provided to the owner of the unit, together with a statement describing the owner's legal duty to disclose the knowledge of lead-based paint and its hazards to tenants (before initial leasing, or before lease renewal with changes) and buyers (before sale) (24 CFR Part 35, subpart A). Disclosure of other identified housing-related health or safety hazards to the owner of the unit, for purposes of remediation, is encouraged but not required.

j. Privacy. Submission of any information on the properties to databases (whether web site, computer, paper, or other format) of addresses of identified, treated or cleared housing units is subject to the protections of the Privacy Act of 1974, and shall not include any personal information that could identify any child affected. You should also check to ensure you meet state privacy regulations.

k. Applicants must incorporate meaningful community involvement into any study that requires a significant level of interaction with a community during implementation (e.g., projects being conducted within occupied dwellings or which involve surveys of community residents). The term community refers to a variety of populations comprised of persons who have commonalities that can be identified (e.g., based on geographic location, ethnicity, health condition, common interests). Applicants should identify the community that is most relevant to their particular project. There are many different approaches to involving the community in the conception, design, and implementation of a study and the subsequent dissemination of findings. Examples include but are not limited to: establishing a structured approach to obtain community input and feedback (e.g., through a community advisory board); including one or more community-based organizations as study partners; employing community residents to recruit study participants and collect data; and enlisting the community in the dissemination of findings and translation of results into improved policies and/or practices. A discussion of community involvement in research involving housing- related health hazards can be found in Chapter 5 of the Institute of Medicine publication titled ``Ethical Considerations for Research on Housing-Related Health Hazards Involving Children'' (see Appendix B for more information on this report).

l. Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons (Section 3). This program is subject to the requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u). Section 3 requires recipients to ensure that, to the greatest extent feasible, training, employment, and other economic opportunities will be directed to low- and very low-income persons, particularly those who are recipients of government assistance for housing, and to businesses which provide economic opportunities to low- and very low-income persons. The regulations may be found at 24 CFR part 135.

m. Standardized Dust Sampling Protocol and Quality Control Requirements. Grantees collecting samples of settled dust from participant homes for environmental allergen analyses (e.g., cockroach, dust mite) will be required to use a standard dust sampling protocol, unless there is a strong justification to use an alternate protocol (e.g., the study involves the development of an alternative sampling method). The HUD protocol can be found on the OHHLHC website at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/hhi/hhiresources.cfm. Grantees conducting

these analyses will also be required to include quality control dust samples, provided by OHHLHC at no cost to the grantee, with the samples that are submitted for laboratory analyses. For the purpose of budgeting laboratory costs, you should assume that five percent of your total allergen dust samples would consist of QC samples.

3. DUNS Requirement.

Refer to the General Section for information regarding the DUNS requirement. A DUNS number must be provided for the institution that is submitting an application. Your DUNS number must be included in your electronic application submission. Be sure to use the DUNS number that you have registered as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) with Grants.gov and that your eBusiness Point of Contact has authorized you to submit an application on behalf of the applicant organization (see the General Section for details about the Grants.gov registration process).

IV. Application and Submission Information

If you are interested in applying for funding under this program, please review carefully the General Section and the following additional information.

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A. Addresses To Request Application Package

All the information required to submit an application is contained in the program section of this NOFA and the General Section. Applications can be downloaded from the Web at: https://apply.grants.gov/forms_apps_idx.html http://www.grants.gov/APPLY. If

you have difficulty accessing the information you may call the Grants.gov helpline toll-free at (800) 518-GRANTS (4726) from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. eastern time, or send an e-mail to Support@grants.gov.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Applicant Data. Your application must contain the items listed in this section. These items include the standard forms contained in the General Section that are applicable to this funding announcement (collectively referred to as the ``standard forms''). Copies of these forms are available on line at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa06/nofaforms.cfm. The required items are:

a. Application Abstract. An abstract with the project title, the names and affiliations of all investigators, and a summary of the objectives, expected results, and study design (two-page maximum) must be included in the proposal.

b. All forms as required by the General Section. However, forms HUD-2991 (Certification of Consistency with the Consolidated Plan) and HUD-27061 (Race and Ethnicity Data) are not required with the application for these programs.

c. Materials Submitted. A project description/narrative statement addressing the rating factors for award under the program (LTS or HHTS) for which you are applying. The narrative statement must be identified in accordance with each factor for award (Rating Factors 1 through 5). Number the pages of your narrative statement and include a header and a footer that provides the name of the applicant and the name of the HUD program to which you are applying. The project description or narrative must be included in the responses to the rating factors. The response to the rating factors should not exceed a total of 25 pages, single- sided, with a minimum 12-point font. Any pages in excess of this limit will not be read. The points you receive for each Rating Factor will be based on the portion of your narrative statement that you submit in response to that particular factor, supplemented by any appendices that are referenced in your response and discussed in that portion of your narrative statement. Supporting materials that are not referenced or discussed in your responses to the individual rating factors will not be considered. Additional materials (e.g., appendices) must be submitted with your application according the directions in the General Section. The footer on the pages of these materials should accurately describe the Factor that they are supporting.

d. Evidence of leveraging/partnerships. You should provide evidence of leveraging/partnerships by submitting the following with your application: Letters of firm commitment; memoranda of understanding; and/or agreements to participate by those entities identified as partners in the project efforts. Each document of commitment must include the organization's name, proposed level of commitment (with monetary value) and responsibilities as they relate to specific activities or tasks of your proposed program. The commitment must also be signed by an official of the organization legally able to make commitments on behalf of the organization.

e. Institutional Review Boards. In conformance with the Common Rule (Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, codified by HUD at 24 CFR part 60.101, which incorporates the DHHS regulation at 45 CFR part 46), if your research involves human subjects, your organization must provide an assurance (e.g., a letter signed by an appropriate official) that the research has been reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) before you can initiate activities that require IRB approval. To be eligible for these funds, before initiating such activities you must also provide the number for your organization's assurance (i.e., an ``institutional assurance'') that has been approved by the Department of Health and Human Service's Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP). For additional information on what constitutes human subject research or how to obtain an institutional assurance see the OHRP Web site at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/ .

f. Supporting Materials. Include the resumes of the principal investigator and other key personnel and other materials that are needed in your response to the rating factors (e.g., organizational chart, letters of commitment, a list of references cited in your responses to the rating factors). Each resume shall not exceed three pages, and is limited to information that is relevant in assessing the qualifications and experience of key personnel to conduct and/or manage the proposed technical studies. This information will not be counted towards the Rating Factors narrative 25-page limit.

g. Additional Information. Submit other optional information provided in support of your application following the directions in the General Section. These additional optional materials must not exceed 20 pages. Any pages in excess of this limit will not be read. h. Budget. Include a total budget with supporting cost justification for all budget categories of the federal grant request. Use the budget format discussed in Rating Factor 3, Section V.A.4.c, below. In completing the budget forms and justification, you should address the following elements:

(1) Direct Labor costs, including all full- and part-time staff required for the planning and implementation phases of the project. These costs should be based on full time equivalent (FTE) or hours per year (hours/year) (i.e., one FTE equals 2,080 hours/year);

(2) Allowance for one trip to HUD Headquarters in Washington, DC, for each year of your grant, planning each trip for two people. The first trip will occur shortly after grant award for a stay of two or three days, depending on the location, and the remaining trips will have a stay of one or two days, depending on the location;

(3) A separate budget proposal for each subrecipient receiving more than 10 percent of the total federal budget request;

(4) Supporting documentation for salaries and prices of materials and equipment, upon request; and

(5) Indirect Cost Rates. Organizations that have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate should use that rate and the appropriate base. The documentation will be verified during award negotiations. Organizations that do not have a federally negotiated rate schedule must obtain a rate from their cognizant federal agency, otherwise the organization will be required to obtain a negotiated rate through HUD.

Checklist for Technical Studies Program Applicants

Item

(1) Applicant Abstract (limited to a 2-pages).

(2) Rating Factor Responses (Total narrative response limited to 25 pages).

(a) Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience (22 points).

(b) Need/Extent of the Problem (15 points).

(c) Soundness of Approach (45 points).

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(d) Leveraging Resources (8 points).

(e) Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (10 points).

(3) Required materials in response to rating factors (does not count towards 25-page limit).

(a) Resumes of Key Personnel (limited to 3 pages per resume).

(b) Organizational Chart.

(c) Letters of Commitment (if applicable)--Letters of commitment should include language defining the activities to be performed, the contributions to be made, and the monetary value of each.

Note: HUD recommends against including letters of support that do not commit services, materials, or funds; they will not add to the consideration of your application.

(4) Optional material in support of the Rating Factors (20 page limit).

(5) Required Forms and Budget Material.

(a) Form SF 424 (Application for Federal Assistance).

(b) Form HUD-424-CBW (Budget Worksheet).

(c) Form HUD-96010 (Logic Model Form).

(d) Form SF 424 Supplement (Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants) (to be completed by private nonprofit organizations only).

(e) Form SF LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable).

(f) Form HUD-2880 (Applicant/ Recipient Disclosure/Update Report)

(g) Form HUD-2990 (Certification of Consistency with the RC/EZ/EC- II Strategic Plan, required only for applicants who are seeking these bonus points).

(h) Form HUD 2994-A (You Are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey, Optional).

(i) Form HUD-96011 (Facsimile Transmittal, for electronic applications) (Used as the cover page to transmit third party documents and other information designed for each specific application for tracking purposes. HUD will not read faxes that do not use the HUD- 96011 as the cover page to the fax).

C. Submission Dates and Times

Electronic applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov on or before 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on June 6, 2006. All narrative files and any scanned documents must be submitted as a single zip file attachment to the electronic application. Refer to the General Section for specific application submission instructions including acceptable submission dates, times, methods, acceptable proof of application submission and receipt procedures, and other information regarding application submission. Materials associated with your electronic application submitted by facsimile transmission must also be received by 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date. See the General Section for information on how to submit third party letters and other documents as part of your electronic submission utilizing form HUD-96011, Facsimile Transmittal.

D. Intergovernmental Review

This NOFA is excluded from the requirement of an Intergovernmental Review.

E. Funding Restrictions

1. Administrative Costs. There is a 10 percent maximum allowance for administrative costs. Additional information about allowable administrative costs is provided in Appendix C of this NOFA, which is available at: http//http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm.

2. Purchase of Real Property. The purchase of real property is not an allowable cost under this program.

3. Purchase or Lease of Equipment. The purchase or lease of equipment having a per unit cost in excess of $5,000 is not an allowable cost, unless prior written approval is obtained from HUD.

4. Medical treatment. Medical treatment costs are not allowable under this program.

5. Profit. For profit institutions are not allowed to earn a profit.

6. You must comply with the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501).

7. You may not conduct lead-based paint or healthy home hazard control activities or related work that constitutes construction, reconstruction, repair or improvement (as referenced in Section 3(a)(4) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4001-4128)) of a building or mobile home which is located in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as having special flood hazards unless:

a. The community in which the area is situated is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program in accordance with the applicable regulations (44 CFR parts 59-79), or less than a year has passed since FEMA notification regarding these hazards; and

b. Where the community is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, flood insurance on the property is obtained in accordance with section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act (42 U.S.C. 4012a(a)). You are responsible for assuring that flood insurance is obtained and maintained for the appropriate amount and term.

8. Construction activities. The amount of HUD technical studies grant funds used for lead-based paint hazard control activities may not exceed 10% of the total HUD funds awarded under the LTS application. The amount of HUD technical studies grant funds used for construction activities may not exceed 50% of the of the total HUD funds awarded under the HHTS application.

F. Other Submission Requirements

1. Application Submission and Receipt Procedure. Please read the General Section carefully and completely for the electronic submission and receipt procedures for all applications because failure to comply may disqualify your application.

2. Waiver of Electronic Submission Requirements. Applicants must submit their request to waive the electronic application requirement at least 30 days before the submission deadline date by e-mail to OHHLHC_2006_NOFA@hud.gov or by fax to (202) 755-1000. The submission must

address all items identified in the General Section. HUD will provide its decision regarding the request. If you are granted a waiver of the electronic application submission, the program office will provide instructions for submission. HUD will only accept alternate submissions from applicants whose waiver request was granted that are received no later than 11:59:59 pm eastern time on the application deadline date. The applicant must retain documentation to prove its waiver request was actually received by HUD (e.g., FAX transmittal report showing telephone number dialed and number of pages successfully transmitted).

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

1. Threshold Requirements. Applications that meet all of the threshold requirements will be eligible to be scored and ranked, based on the total number of points allocated for each of the rating factors described in Section V.A.4 of this NOFA. Your application must receive a total score of at least 75 points to remain in consideration for funding.

2. Award Factors. Each of the five factors is weighted as indicated by the number of points that are assigned to it. The maximum score that can be attained is 102 points. Applicants should be certain that each of these factors is adequately addressed in the project

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description and accompanying materials.

Applicants are eligible to receive up to two bonus points for projects located within federally designated Renewable Communities (RCs), Empowerment Zones (EZs), or Enterprise Communities (ECs) designated by USDA in round II (EC-IIs) (collectively referred to as RC/EZ/EC-IIs), and which will serve the residents of these communities (see the General Section). In order to be eligible for these bonus points, applicants must meet the requirements of the General Section and submit a completed form HUD-2990, with descriptive language in the budget discussion describing the actual work that is to be done in these communities.

3. Rating Factors. a. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience (22 Points). This factor addresses the extent to which you have the ability and organizational resources necessary to successfully implement your proposed activities in a timely manner. The rating of your application will include any sub-grantees, consultants, sub-recipients, and members of consortia that are firmly committed to the project (generally, ``subordinate organizations''). In rating this factor, HUD will consider the extent to which your application demonstrates:

(1) The capability and qualifications of the principal investigator and key personnel (14 points). HUD will assess the qualifications of these people to carry out the proposed study as evidenced by academic background, relevant publications, and recent (within the past 10 years) relevant research experience. Publications and research experience are considered relevant if they required the acquisition and use of knowledge and skills that can be applied in the planning and execution of the technical study that is proposed under this NOFA; and

(2) Past performance of the study team in managing similar projects (8 points). HUD will evaluate your demonstrated ability to successfully manage various aspects of a complex technical study in such areas as logistics, study personnel management, data management, quality control, community study involvement (if applicable), and report writing, as well as overall success in project completion (i.e., projects completed on time and within budget). You should also demonstrate that your project would have adequate administrative support, including clerical and specialized support in areas such as accounting and equipment maintenance.

If applicable, provide the number and title of current and past OHHLHC grants as well as past performance of the organization (applicant or partners) on other grant(s) or project(s) related to environmental health and safety issues, or other experience in a similar program. Provide details about the nature of the project, the funding agency, and your performance (e.g., timely completion, achievement of desired outcomes). If your organization has an active OHHLHC grant or cooperative agreement, provide a description of the progress and outcomes achieved under that award. (This may include an updated logic model.)

If you completed one or more HUD-funded Technical Studies grants, your performance will be evaluated in terms of achievements made under the previous grant(s).

b. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (15 Points). This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need for your proposed technical study. In responding to this factor, you should document in detail how your project would make a significant contribution towards achieving some or all of HUD's stated goals and objectives for one or more of the topic areas described in Section I.B.1.a (LTS) or I.B.1.b (HHTS), as appropriate for the program to which you are applying. For example, you should demonstrate how your proposed study addresses a need with respect to the development of improved methods for the assessment and control of residential lead-based paint hazards or addresses a need associated with an important housing-related health hazard, with an emphasis on children's health. This is especially important for applicants that are proposing to study a lead or healthy homes topic that is not highlighted as a priority area by HUD in section I.C of this NOFA; such applicants that do not provide supporting language to demonstrate this will not receive points under this rating factor. Specific topics to be addressed for this factor include (five points for each item):

(1) A concise review of the research need that is addressed in your study and why it is high priority with respect to the program. For HHTS applicants, include available documented rates of illness or injury associated with the hazard or hazards that you are addressing, including local, regional, and national data, as applicable.

(2) A discussion of how your proposed project would significantly advance the current state of knowledge for your focus area, especially with respect to the development of practical solutions.

(3) A discussion on how you anticipate your study findings will be used to improve current methods for assessing or mitigating the hazards under study. Indicate why the method/protocol that would be improved through your study would likely be widely adopted (e.g., low cost, easily replicated, lack of other options).

c. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (45 Points). This factor addresses the quality of your proposed technical study plan. Specific components include:

(1) Soundness of the study design (22 points). The project description/study design must be thorough and feasible, and reflect your knowledge of the relevant scientific literature, which should be thoroughly cited in your application. You should clearly describe how your study builds upon the current state of knowledge for your focus area. If possible, your study should be designed to address testable hypotheses that are clearly stated. Your study design should be statistically based with adequate power to test your stated hypotheses. The study design should be presented as a logical sequence of steps or phases with individual tasks described for each phase. You should identify any important ``decision points'' in your study plan and you should discuss plans for data management, analysis and archiving. HUD has observed that studies can miss targeted performance timelines because of delays in the IRB approval process or unexpected difficulties with recruiting study participants. If applicable, describe actions that you will take to minimize the possibility that your study would experience delays in these areas (e.g., understanding likely IRB requirements in advance, planning on additional avenues for recruitment).

If you are proposing to conduct a study that includes a significant level of community interaction (e.g., studies involving participant recruitment, survey research, environmental sampling on private property), describe your plan for meaningful involvement of the affected community in your proposed study. You should define the community of interest with respect to your proposed study and discuss why your proposed approach to community involvement will make a meaningful contribution to your study and to the community.

(2) Policy Priorities (5 points). Indicate if your proposed study will address any of the FY 2006 policy priorities that are applicable to this NOFA (see the General Section for additional details

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regarding these policy priorities). You will receive one point under Rating Factor 3(2) for each of the applicable FY 2006 policy priorities that are found in the General Section and applicable to the Technical Studies NOFA that are adequately addressed in your application, with the exception of ``Removal of Barriers to Affordable Housing,'' for which you can receive up to two points (see the General Section). Policy priorities that are applicable to the Lead Technical Studies Program NOFA are: (1) Improving our Nation's Communities (focus on distressed communities); (2) Providing Full and Equal Access to Grass- Roots Faith-based and other Community-based Organizations in HUD Program Implementation; (3) Participation of Minority -Serving Institutions in HUD Programs, and (4) Removal of Barriers to Affordable Housing.

(3) Quality assurance mechanisms (8 points). You must describe the quality assurance mechanisms that will be integrated into your project design to ensure the validity and quality of the results. Applicants that receive awards will be required to submit a Quality Assurance Plan to HUD (see paragraph VI.C.2).

(a) Areas to be addressed include, but are not limited to: Acceptance criteria for data quality, procedures for selection of samples/sample sites, sample handling, measurement and analysis, pre- testing and validation of questionnaires or surveys, measures to ensure accuracy during data management, and any standard/nonstandard quality assurance/control procedures to be followed. Documents (e.g., government reports, peer-reviewed academic literature) that provide the basis for your quality assurance mechanisms should be cited.

(b) If your project involves human subjects in a manner that requires IRB approval and periodic monitoring, address how you will obtain such approval. Before you can receive funds from HUD for activities that require IRB approval, you must provide an assurance that your study has been reviewed and approved by an IRB and evidence of your organization's ``institutional assurance.'' Describe how you will provide informed consent (e.g., from the subjects, their parents or their guardians, as applicable) to help ensure their understanding of, and consent to, the elements of informed consent, such as the purposes, benefits and risks of the research. Describe how this information will be provided and how the consent will be collected. For example, describe your use of ``plain language'' forms, flyers and verbal scripts, and how you plan to work with families with limited English proficiency or primary languages other than English, and with families including persons with disabilities.

(c) For the collection of data using instruments, such as surveys and visual assessment tools, describe the procedures that you will follow to ensure accurate data capture and transfer. Also, describe any research done (or planned) to validate the instrument.

(4) Project management plan (6 points). The proposal should include a management plan that provides a schedule for the completion of major tasks, with associated benchmarks and major study milestones, and major deliverables, with an indication that there will be adequate resources (e.g., personnel, financial) to successfully meet the proposed schedule. The major tasks and benchmarks/deliverables identified in the management plan should be consistent with those identified in the Logic Model (see description under Rating Factor 5). You should include preparation of one or more articles for peer-reviewed academic journals and submission of the draft(s) to the journal(s) after HUD acceptance during the agreed upon performance period of your grant. The final deliverable can be submitted to HUD during the agreed upon period of performance or during the 90-day closeout period following award expiration.

(5) Budget Proposal (4 points).

(a) Your budget proposal should thoroughly estimate all applicable direct and indirect costs, and be presented in a clear and coherent format in accordance with the requirements listed in the General Section. HUD is not required to approve or fund all proposed activities. You must thoroughly document and justify all budget categories and costs (Form HUD-424-CBW) and all major tasks, for yourself, sub-recipients, major subcontractors, joint venture participants, or others contributing resources to the project. A separate budget must be provided for partners who are proposed to receive more than 10 percent of the federal budget request.

(b) Your narrative justification associated with these budgeted costs should be submitted as part of the Total Budget (Federal Share and Matching), but is not included in the 25-page limit for this submission.

(c) The application will not be rated on the proposed cost; however, cost will be considered in addition to the rated factors to determine the proposal most advantageous to the Federal Government. Cost will be the deciding factor when proposals ranked under the listed factors are considered acceptable and are substantially equal.

d. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (8 Points). Your proposal should demonstrate that the effectiveness of HUD's Technical Studies grant funds is being increased by securing other public and/or private resources or by structuring the project in a cost-effective manner, such as integrating the project into an existing study (either funded by HUD or another source) that will be concurrent with your proposed study. Resources may include funding or in-kind contributions (such as services, facilities or equipment) allocated to the purpose(s) of your project. Staff and in-kind contributions should be assigned a monetary value.

You should provide evidence of leveraging/partnerships by submitting: Letters of firm commitment, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements to participate from those entities identified as partners in the project efforts. Each document must include the organization's name, proposed level of commitment (with monetary value) and responsibilities as they relate to specific activities or tasks of your proposed program. The commitment must also be signed by an official of the organization legally able to make commitments on behalf of the organization. Simple letters that only indicate support of the proposed study are not sufficient.

e. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (10 Points). This factor emphasizes HUD's commitment to ensuring that applicants keep promises made in their applications and assess their performance to ensure performance goals are met. Achieving results means you, the applicant, have clearly identified the benefits or outcomes of your program. Outcomes are ultimate goals. Benchmarks or outputs are interim activities or products that lead to the ultimate achievement of your goals.

Program evaluation requires that you, the applicant, identify program outcomes, interim products or benchmarks, and indicators that will allow you to measure your performance. Performance indicators should be objectively quantifiable and measure actual achievements against anticipated goals. Your evaluation plan should identify what you are going to measure, how you are going to measure it, and the steps you have in place to make adjustments to your work plan if performance targets are not met within established timeframes.

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This rating factor reflects HUD's goal to embrace high standards of ethics, management and accountability. In evaluating this factor, HUD will consider how you have described the procedures you will follow to have reliable outcome measures and performance, so that the project will be recognized as being of high quality that provides benefits to the community.

In your response to this Rating Factor, discuss the performance goals for your project and identify specific outcome measures. Describe how the outcome information will be obtained, documented, and reported. You must complete and return the eLogic Model TMForm HUD- 96010 included in the download instructions found as part of the application at http://www.Grants.gov/Apply. You must show your proposed

project short-term, intermediate, long-term and final results. Instructions on the Logic model is contained in the General Section and instructions that are contained in Tab 1 of the electronic form. The form features drop down menus from which to select and construct the Logic Model response relevant to your proposal. The Master Logic Model is on the HUD Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm and the electronic version is in the instruction

download at http://www.Grants.gov/APPLY under the program NOFA.

Also, in responding to this factor, you should:

(1) Identify benchmarks that you will use to track the progress of your study;

(2) Identify important study milestones (e.g., the end of specific phases in a multiphase study, recruitment of study participants, developing a new analytical protocol), which should also be clearly indicated in your study timeline. Also identify potential obstacles in meeting these objectives, and discuss how you would respond to these obstacles;

(3) For FY2006, HUD is considering a new concept for the Logic Model. The new concept is a Return on Investment statement. HUD will be publishing a separate notice on the ROI concept.

B. Review and Selection Process

1. Corrections to Deficient Applications. The General Section provides the procedures for correcting deficient applications.

2. Rating and Ranking. Awards will be made in rank order for each type of Technical Studies Program applications (Lead or Healthy Homes), within the limits of funding availability for the program.

a. Partial Funding. In the selection process, HUD reserves the right to offer partial funding to any or all applicants. If you are offered a reduced grant amount, you will have a maximum of 14 calendar days to accept such a reduced award. If you fail to respond within the 14-day limit, you shall be considered to have declined the award.

b. Remaining Funds. See the General Section for HUD's procedures if funds remain after all selections have been made within either type of Technical Studies Program.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

1. Notice of Award. Applicants who have been selected for award will be notified by letter from the Grant Officer. The letter will state the program for which the application has been selected, the amount the applicant is eligible to receive, and the name of the Government Technical Representative (GTR). This letter is not an authorization to begin work or incur costs under the award. An executed grant or cooperative agreement is the authorizing document.

HUD may require that all the selected applicants participate in negotiations to determine the specific terms of the grant agreement and budget. If you accept the terms and conditions of the grant, you must return your signed grant agreement by the date specified during negotiation. In cases where HUD cannot successfully conclude negotiations with a selected applicant or a selected applicant fails to provide HUD with requested information, an award will not be made to that applicant. In this instance, HUD may offer an award, and proceed with negotiations with the next highest-ranking applicant. After receiving the letter, additional instructions on how to have the grant account entered into HUD's Line of Credit Control System (LOCCS) payment system or its successor will be provided. Other forms and program requirements will also be provided.

In accordance with OMB Circular A-133 (Audits of States, Local Governments and Non-Profit Organizations), grantees expending $500,000 in Federal funds within a program or fiscal year must submit their completed audit-reporting package along with the Data Collection Form (SF-SAC) to the Single Audit Clearinghouse, the address can be obtained from their Web site. The SF-SAC can be downloaded at http://harvester.census.gov/sac/ .

2. Debriefing. The General Section provides the procedures applicants should follow for requesting a debriefing.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Environmental Requirements

a. Eligible Construction and Rehabilitation Activities.

(1) A Technical Studies award does not constitute approval of specific sites where activities that are subject to environmental review may be carried out. Recipients conducting eligible construction and rehabilitation activities must comply with 24 CFR part 58, ``Environmental Review Procedures for Entities Assuming HUD Environmental Responsibilities''. Recipients that are States, units of general local government or Indian tribes must carry out environmental review responsibilities as a responsible entity under part 58. Where the recipient is not a State, unit of general local government or Indian tribe, a responsible entity, usually the unit of general local government or Indian tribe, must assume the environmental review responsibilities for construction or rehabilitation activities funded under this NOFA. Under 24 CFR 58.11, where the recipient is not a State, unit of general local government or Indian tribe, if a responsible entity or the recipient objects to the responsible entity performing the environmental review, HUD may designate another responsible entity to perform the review or may perform the environmental review itself under the provisions of 24 CFR part 50. In such cases, following grant award execution, HUD will be responsible for ensuring that any necessary environmental reviews are completed. See paragraph (2) below for additional assistance.

(2) For all grants under this NOFA, recipients and other participants in the project are prohibited from undertaking, or committing or expending HUD or non-HUD funds (including HUD leveraged or match funds) on, a project or activities under this NOFA (other than activities listed in 24 CFR 58.34, 58.35(b) or 58.22(f)) until the responsible entity completes an environmental review and the applicant submits and HUD approves a Request for the Release of Funds and the responsible entity's environmental certification (both on form HUD 7015.15) or, in the case where the recipient is not a State, unit of general local government or Indian tribe and HUD has determined to perform the environmental review under part 50, HUD has completed the review and notified the grantee of its approval. The results of the environmental reviews may require that proposed activities be modified or proposed sites rejected. For

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part 58 procedures, see http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/energyenviron/environment/index.cfm. For assistance, contact Karen Choi, the Office

of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control Environmental Officer at (213) 534-2458 (this is not a toll free-number) or the HUD Environmental Review Officer in the HUD Field Office serving your area. If you are a hearing-or speech-impaired person, you may reach the telephone number via TTY by calling 1-800-HUD-2209. Recipients of a grant under these funded programs will be given additional guidance in these environmental responsibilities.

b. All other activities not related to construction and rehabilitation activities are categorically excluded from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321) and are not subject to environmental review under the related laws and authorities.

2. Program Performance. Awardees shall take all reasonable steps to accomplish all HUD-funded activities within the approved period of performance. HUD reserves the right to terminate the grant or cooperative agreement prior to the expiration of the period of performance if an awardee fails to make reasonable progress in implementing the approved program of activities.

3. Conducting Business in Accordance with HUD Core Values and Ethical Standards. If awarded assistance under this NOFA, prior to entering into a grant agreement with HUD, you will be required to submit a copy of your code of conduct and describe the methods you will use to ensure that all officers, employees, and agents of your organization are aware of your code of conduct. See the General Section for information about conducting business in accordance with HUD's core values and ethical standards.

4. Participation in HUD-Sponsored Program Evaluation. See the General Section.

5. Removal of Barriers to Affordable Housing. See the General Section.

6. HUD Reform Act of 1989. The provisions of the HUD Reform Act of 1989 that apply to this NOFA are explained in the General Section.

7. Audit Requirements. Any grant recipient that expends $500,000 or more in federal financial assistance in a single year must meet the audit requirements established in 24 CFR parts 84 and 85 in accordance with OMB Circular A-133.

8. Executive Order 13202. Compliance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 5.108 that implement Executive Order 13202, ``Preservation of Open Competition and Government Neutrality Towards Government Contractors' Labor Relations on Federal and Federally-Funded Construction Projects'', is a condition of receipt of assistance under this NOFA.

Note: This Order only applies to construction work.

9. Procurement of Recovered Materials. See the General Section for information concerning this requirement.

C. Reporting

1. Post Award Reporting Requirements. Final budget and work plans are due 60 days after the start date.

2. Quality Assurance Plan (QAP). Successful applicants will be required to submit a Quality Assurance Plan to HUD prior to initiating work under the grant. This is a streamlined version of the format used by some other federal agencies, and is intended to help ensure the accuracy and validity of the data that you will collect under the grant. You should plan for this and include it in your study work plan. See http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead, for the QAP template for this

program.

3. Progress Reporting. Progress reporting is required on a quarterly basis. Project benchmarks and milestones will be tracked using a benchmark spreadsheet that uses the benchmarks and milestones identified in the Logic Model form (HUD-96010) approved and incorporated into your award agreement. For specific reporting requirements, see policy guidance at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead.

4. Racial and Ethnic Beneficiary Data. HUD does not require grantees to collect racial and ethnic beneficiary data for this program. Grantees conducting studies that do not involve people, such as those confined to the laboratory or certain types of environmental sampling, will not be required to submit Form-27061 to HUD. If, however, racial and ethnic data are collected and reported as part of a study funded under this program NOFA, you must use the Office of Management and Budget's Standards for the Collection of Racial and Ethnic Data as presented on Form HUD-27061, Racial and Ethnic Data Reporting Form (and instructions for its use), found on http://www.grants.gov .

5. Final Report. The grant agreement will specify the requirements for final reporting (e.g., final technical report and final project benchmarks and milestones achieved against the proposed benchmarks and milestones in the Logic Model which was approved and incorporated into your award agreement).

6. Draft Scientific Manuscript(s). Copies of materials to be submitted for publication, at least one of which should be peer- reviewed.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

For technical help in downloading an application from Grants.gov or submitting an application via Grants.gov, call the Grants.gov help desk at 800-518-GRANTS. For programmatic questions on the Lead Technical Studies program, you may contact Dr. Robert Weisberg, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, at (202) 755-1785, extension 7687 (this is not a toll-free number) or via e-mail at Robert_F._Weisberg@hud.gov. For programmatic questions on the Healthy Homes

Technical Studies program, you may contact Dr. Peter Ashley, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, at (202) 755-1785, extension 7595 (this is not a toll-free number) or via e-mail at Peter_J._Ashley@hud.gov. For grants administrative questions, you may contact

Ms. Curtissa L. Coleman, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, at telephone (202) 755-1785, extension 7580 (this is not a toll-free number) or via e-mail at Curtissa_L._Coleman@hud.gov. If you are a hearing- or speech-impaired person, you may reach the above telephone numbers through TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

VIII. Other Information

A. Other Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control Information

For additional general, technical, and grant program information pertaining to the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, visit http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

The information collection requirements contained in this document have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2539-0015. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 80 hours per respondent for the application and 16 hours per

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respondent hours per annum per respondent for grant administration. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the application, quarterly and final report. The information will be used for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds. Response to this request for information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived.

C. Appendices

Appendices A, B and C to this NOFA are available from HUD's Web site at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm.

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN08MR06.014

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Lead Outreach Grant Program

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (OHHLHC).

B. Funding Opportunity Title: Lead Outreach Grant Program.

C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Number: The Federal Register number is: FR- 5030-N-17. The OMB approval number is 2539-0015.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): 14.904, Lead Outreach Grant Program.

F. Dates: The application deadline date is June 6, 2006.

G. Additional Important Information:

1. Overall Purpose. This funding opportunity is to provide funding for information dissemination about lead poisoning prevention through outreach, training and education, and certain technical assistance activities.

2. Available Funds. Approximately $2 million is available under this program.

3. Number of Awards. Approximately between 8-12 grants will be awarded.

4. Type of Awards. The awards will be made as cooperative agreements.

5. Eligible Applicants. Academic and non-for-profit institutions located in the U.S., state and local governments, and federally recognized Native American tribes are eligible under all existing authorizations. For-profit firms also are eligible; however, they are not allowed to earn a fee (i.e., no profit can be made from the project).

6. Matching Requirements and Leveraging. Ten (10) percent match is required by the applicant. See Section III.B. for more information on match and leverage.

7. Application information. Applications for this NOFA can be found at http://www.grants.gov. Applications must be received and validated by

http://www.grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 PM eastern time on the

application deadline date of June 6, 2006.

8. Limitations on Applications. There are three categories of activity under this NOFA. Applicants must submit a completed application for each category for which they are applying.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Background information about lead, lead-based paint hazards and other information applicable to all OHHLHC NOFAs can be found on the OHHLHC's Web site at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm.

A. Purpose of the Program

The purpose of this program is to:

1. Raise public awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention and proper lead hazard identification and control methods for at-risk communities and children, especially underserved populations and minorities;

2. Provide training and education: (A) Develop a sustainable national or regional/local capacity of trained and educated individuals. (B) Educate certain groups about lead hazards; educate tenants and homeowners so they can report lead hazards to property owners, managers and/or public health or housing officials, as appropriate.

3. Provide technical assistance to grantees under OHHLHC's Lead Elimination Action Program (``LEAP''), Lead Hazard Control, Lead Technical Studies, and Lead Reduction Demonstration programs on grant management and lead technical issues.

B. Authority

The authority for this program is sections 1011(e)(8) and (g)(1) of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109-115, 119 Stat. 2396; approved November 30, 2005).

C. Changes in the FY 2006 Competitive NOFA

Listed below are major changes from the FY 2005 Lead Outreach NOFA:

1. Applicants may choose to apply for any or all of the three categories: (1) Outreach; (2) training and education and/or; (3) technical assistance to OHHLHC grantees. Applicants must submit a completed application for each category for which they are applying.

2. Eligible activities relate to the category of activity selected and are narrowly identified.

3. For-profit organizations are eligible to apply.

4. Referral or enrollment of units in treatment programs is not required.

5. Ten (10) percent match is required for eligibility. Leveraging beyond the match, though not required, will enable applicants to obtain points.

6. All grantees funded under this program must use existing outreach, training curricula and technical assistance documents unless they adequately justify the need to create new ones.

7. HUD has specified application format requirements.

II. Terms of Award

A. Available Funding

Approximately $2 million in fiscal year 2006 and prior year funds is available under this program. Available funds will be divided among three activity categories: Community Outreach: Approximately $1.2 million (approximately 5 cooperative agreements); Training and Education: Approximately $400,000 (approximately 2 cooperative agreements); OHHLHC Lead Grantee Technical Assistance: Approximately $400,000 (approximately 2 cooperative agreements). Technical Assistance applicants can apply for the nation as a whole and/or for one or more of the geographic areas:

(1) Eastern United States. (HUD Region I (New England: CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT), Region II (NJ, NY), Region III (Mid-Atlantic: DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV), Region IV (Southeast: AL, MS, FL, KY, NC, GA, PR, SC, TN));

(2) Central United States. (HUD Region V (Midwest: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI), VI (Southwest: AR, LA, NM, OK, TX), VII (Great Plains: IA, MO, KS, NE), and VIII (Rocky Mountains: CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY)); and

(3) Western United States. (HUD Region IX (Pacific/Hawaii: AZ, CA, HI, NV) and Region X (Northwest: AK, ID, OR, WA)).

B. Type of Award and Period of Performance

Awards will be made as cooperative agreements with substantial government involvement. The anticipated start dates for new awards is expected to be October 1, 2006. The period of performance is 24 months from date of award.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Academic and not-for-profit institutions located in the U.S., state and local governments, and federally recognized Native American Tribes are eligible under all existing authorizations. For-profit firms also are eligible; however, they are not allowed to earn a fee (i.e., no profit can be made from the project). Existing OHHLHC grantees of (or applicants to) the following programs are not eligible to apply as applicants, subrecipients or contractors under this NOFA: lead hazard control, lead hazard reduction demonstration, Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP), or Lead Technical Studies.

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B. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirements

Applicants must provide a matching contribution of at least 10 percent of the requested cooperative agreement sum. Matching contributions may be in the form of cash, including private sector funding, or in-kind (non-cash) contributions or a combination of these sources. Program match shall be limited to contributions, which would be eligible for payment from cooperative agreement funds, and may be in the form of cash, including private sector funding, or in-kind (non- cash) contributions or a combination of these sources. The applicant must submit a letter of commitment for the match from each organization other than itself that is providing a match, whether cash and/or in- kind. The letter must indicate the amount and source of the match, and detail how the matching funds will be specifically dedicated to and integrated into supporting the proposed cooperative agreement program. The signature of the authorized official on the Form SF-424 commits matching or other contributed resources of the applicant organization. A separate letter from the applicant is not required.

C. Other

1. Threshold Requirements. Applicants must also meet the threshold requirements of the General Section, including the Civil Rights threshold.

2. Program Requirements and Program Priorities. This section consists of both general requirements for all three activity categories followed by specific program requirements for each activity category. Although it is possible that, in a particular community, one or more of these policy priorities may not be appropriate, applicants should conform to the following policies or explain their proposed deviation from them:

a. General.

(1) All activities under this program must assist the regional/ local area to develop or implement a strategy to eliminate lead poisoning, target at-risk populations or areas, and implement programs to meet those populations' information needs.

(2) All grantees' regular, routine activities must provide information to owners and low-income occupants about regional/local resources for housing rehabilitation and lead hazard control programs.

(3) All applicants are encouraged to target minority populations and utilize minority media in an effort to achieve diversity in outreach and educational efforts.

(4) All printed products are to be submitted to HUD for review and in final form as deliverables in electronic format suitable for web posting.

(5) Each awardee is expected to manage their program and use a project management tool, such as a logic model, to manage and evaluate their programs' effectiveness and modify their strategies as needed to achieve the greatest return on HUD's investment. Often, modest additional actions to gather information about results would enable grantees to better measure the impact of their outreach and education efforts.

(6) Each awardee will be assigned a GTR (Government Technical Representative) at Headquarters, who will provide oversight and approve grantees' activities and deliverables. The Government Technical Monitor (GTM) will be the Healthy Homes Field Representative for the awardee's region. When planning and conducting activities to be held in the GTM's region, awardees shall inform the GTM of its plans and activities, consider the GTM's input and recommendations and report to the GTM (in addition to any other reporting requirements) the accomplishments of the assistance. However, the GTR has the ultimate authority to monitor the performance and approve deliverables and drawdowns.

b. Specific program requirements for each of the three activity categories.

(1) Outreach providers must:

(a) Increase lead awareness among the general public;

(b) Provide information to owners and low-income occupants about regional/local resources for housing rehabilitation and lead hazard control programs; and

(c) Create a detailed outreach strategy as part of their work plan.

(2) Training and Education providers must:

(a) meet a documented regional/local need for:

(i) sustainable capacity of lead-safety trained workers and/or EPA- or state-certified lead professionals; or

(ii) structured education of other groups about lead poisoning prevention and control;

(b) target a specific, appropriate audience;

(c) use a HUD-approved curriculum for all interim controls training and specify training materials to be used;

(d) provide plans for sustainability including train-the-trainer programs.

(3) TA providers must:

(a) Observe the following priorities for content of TA:

(i) performance of assessment, intervention or clearance goals according to work plan,

(ii) improvement in the ability of grantees to design and implement programs that reflect sound management and fiscal controls,

(iii) adequate documentation of income eligibility,

(iv) adequate monitoring of subgrantees/subrecipients,

(v) adequate monitoring and documenting of match and/or leverage funds, as applicable,

(vi) compliance with Title X rules regarding the presence of children less than six years of age in assisted, owner-occupied units, and

(vii) organizational, management and financial management controls.

3. Description of National TA and Regional/local TA. Two types of technical assistance (TA) may be performed under this NOFA: National and Regional/local TA.

a. National TA activities are those that address, at a nationwide level, one or more of the program activities and/or priorities identified in Section III of this NOFA. National TA activities may include the development of written products (if adequately justified), development of online materials and training courses, delivery of training courses previously approved by HUD, organization and delivery of workshops and conferences, and delivery of direct TA as part of a national program.

b. Regional/local TA activities also must address the priorities identified in this NOFA. However, the Regional/local TA is targeted to the specific needs of OHHLHC's grantees in the regional area in which the TA is proposed. Regional/local TA activities are limited to the development of need assessments, direct TA to certain OHHLHC grantees, organization and delivery of workshops and conferences, and customization and delivery of previously HUD-approved trainings. Regional/local TA providers must notify regional/local HUD field offices of proposed activities, as appropriate. All TA activities will be administered by a Government Technical Representative (GTR) at HUD Headquarters and Government Technical Monitors (GTM) in various regions of the U.S. For more information on OHHLHC's grantees or a list of HUD's Healthy Homes Representatives and their regional distribution, please visit http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead. Information about HUD's

field office locations may also be obtained on HUD's Web site at: http://www.hud.gov/localoffices.cfm.

4. Demand-Response System. TA providers must operate within the structure of OHHLHC's demand-response system. Under the demand-response system, TA providers are required to:

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a. When requested by a GTR, market the availability of their services to existing and potential recipients within the jurisdictions in which the assistance will be delivered;

b. Respond to requests for assistance from the TA provider's GTR;

c. When requested by its GTR, conduct a needs assessment to identify the type and nature of the assistance needed by the recipient of the assistance; and,

d. Obtain its GTR's approval before responding to direct requests for technical assistance from OHHLHC personnel or grantees.

5. Training. All training activities performed under this program must conform to the following requirements:

a. Design the course materials as ''step-in'' packages so that HUD or other TA providers may independently conduct the course on their own;

b. Make the course materials available to the GTR in sufficient time for review (minimum of three weeks) and receive concurrence from the GTR on the content and quality prior to delivery;

c. Provide all course materials in an electronic format that will permit wide distribution among TA providers, field offices, and HUD grantees;

d. Arrange for delivery of the training with HUD participation when requested by the GTR;

e. Establish minimum enrollments for deliveries of training courses; implement and disseminate fair course cancellation policies;

f. Deliver HUD-approved training courses that have been designed and developed by others on a ''step-in'' basis when requested; and

g. For Interim Controls (Lead Safe Work Practices), training providers must comply with HUD's Interim Criteria to Evaluate Training Courses in Lead-Safe Work Practices. The costs associated with attending these required sessions are eligible under the cooperative agreement.

D. Policies Applicable to All Categories in This NOFA

1. Awardees must use or minimally adapt existing outreach, training and technical assistance documents unless they can adequately justify in their application that a dire need exists in their community to create new ones. Before creating a new product (such as a brochure, curriculum or technical document), grantees must investigate if a similar item already exists and can be used or revised with a level of effort lower than would be spent creating a new equivalent product. Applicants must ensure that materials are appropriate for the target populations, including persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), and for visually impaired or other disabled persons (see Eligible Activities, below). All new products and adaptations/translations must be submitted to HUD as deliverables, in electronic format suitable for Web posting.

2. For use under this program, all documents in languages other than English must be culturally neutral (understandable by speakers of all dialects of the target language). Translators must be certified by the American Translators Association. Quality reviews are required for all translations. Translations will not be allowed for federal documents that have been translated into the target language. Awardees are responsible to determine if a translation already exists.

3. Grantees are expected to communicate and coordinate, as appropriate, with other HUD program personnel and field offices at the direction of the GTR.

4. All training activities must conform to the training requirements applicable to TA providers as described in this NOFA.

E. Eligible Activities

Consideration will only be given to proposed activities that are specifically listed as eligible in this NOFA. Other work activities, although they may be supportive of lead hazard control grantees or their activities, are ineligible. All activities must address childhood lead poisoning prevention and/or control at the national and/or regional/local levels. Eligible activities relate to the three activity categories. The following section lists category-specific eligible activities.

1. Activities Eligible under the Community Outreach Category:

a. Door-to-door canvasses, small-group meetings, community meeting visits, health fairs, conducting presentations or speaking engagements to inform the public and owners of housing, including owners receiving rehabilitation or other tax credits, about programs that can assist in the control of the identified hazards; other activities to publicize or conduct events that highlight lead hazards in the home environment;

b. Earned media (no-cost PSAs, news stories in radio, print, or TV to raise public awareness and promoting name recognition for treatment program);

c. Advertising (paid ads on buses, billboards, etc.);

d. Use of collateral materials and campaign props and incentives. These materials include outreach brochures and printed materials, visual presentations, giveaways with phone numbers/ contact information on Outreach Provider, mascots, cleaning kits, meals not to exceed $10 in value per meal per person, etc., but not training materials (see Training and Education category). Outreach materials and props can support general outreach and education efforts. However, the budget must include details of the items including cost per item. All expenditures made by a grantee must be linked to specific outreach activities and listed in the approved budget.

e. Development and maintenance of infrastructure and support such as telephone hotlines and web sites;

f. Entering into working arrangements with regional/local non- profit organizations, including grassroots community-based organizations, faith-based organizations; chambers of commerce; public and private social service agencies; corporations, retailers, construction organizations, or unions for the purpose of coordinating or conducting joint outreach activities.

g. Other outreach activities designed to disseminate information to targeted populations identified as being at-risk of lead poisoning;

h. Making materials available in alternative formats for persons with disabilities (e.g., Braille, audio, large type) upon request, and providing materials in languages other than English that are common in the community, consistent with HUD's published Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Recipient Guidance, 68 FR 70968 (see above);

i. Program administration in accordance with the guidelines established under funding restrictions;

j. Program evaluation and assessment activities to improve the effectiveness of present and future outreach efforts and to measure whether efforts have successfully been targeted to at risk populations;

k. Innovative use of funds to provide direct technical expertise and assistance to regional/local community groups, residents, and other appropriate community stakeholders to resolve regional/local lead poisoning problems, as approved by the GTR;

2. Activities Eligible under the Training and Education Category:

a. Delivery of HUD-approved (or state-approved, as applicable) Lead-Safe Work Practices (Interim Controls), EPA-or state-approved lead training, or Lead Awareness training curricula to the target audience, visual assessment training;

b. Training regional/local residents and businesses, including retail paint sales associates and managers, on

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identifying and preventing lead-based paint hazards, and lead-safe maintenance and renovation work practices, etc.;

c. Educating tenants, owners, housing inspectors, and others about HUD's lead safety regulations, including the Lead Disclosure Rule (24 CFR part 35), regional/local building codes, and HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS), as applicable;

d. Training curriculum design, development, maintenance and evaluation; preparing training materials, including photographs or other graphics. (Compliance with copyright laws is the responsibility of the grantee);

e. Applying for or maintaining curriculum/provider jurisdictional or HUD approval (as applicable);

f. Promoting or marketing training courses directly or through partnerships with organizations conducting outreach;

g. Delivery of formal or one-on-one or group educational or training sessions in classrooms, homes or other locations;

h. Delivery of informal one-on-one or group educational sessions, workshops or demonstrations in homes or other locations (cleaning techniques, etc.);

i. Participation in training-related partnerships and task forces; and,

j. Auditing course delivery, training, mentoring and evaluating trainers to increase lead safety training capacity.

3. Activities Eligible under the Technical Assistance (TA) Category: Funds may be used to provide TA to grantees, their sub- grantees and contractors of OHHLHC's grant programs for the following activities:

a. Provide technical and/or general programmatic assistance to OHHLHC grantees in need of such assistance to develop recommendations for facilitating the quick and cost-effective implementation of Grantee work plans. Eligible activities for the TA category include communication with the GTR of the grant receiving TA, its GTM and grant officer, as described below.

(1) Maintain liaison with the grantee, GTR for the grant receiving TA, GTM, and Grant Officer to help avoid resolve grant performance problems and resolve them when they occur.

(2) Review grantee documents and records of operations, staff communications, grantee field and/or financial performance (within the limits of confidentiality), as well as meet with program personnel and partners.

(3) Provide the GTR of the grant receiving TA and Grant Officer with copies of all correspondence issued to the grantee pertinent to activities for which the technical assistance is being provided.

(4) Make recommendations to the GTR of the grant receiving TA on:

(a) Program design;

(b) Program management; and

(c) Marketing.

(5) Provide the GTR of the grant receiving TA with a final written TA report.

b. TA activities also include, but are not limited to, reporting, developing or providing written information such as papers, manuals, guides, and brochures; needs assessments; and training.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address To Request Application Package

All the information required to submit an application can be downloaded from the Web at: http://www.grants.gov. Consult the General

Section for more information. If you have difficulty accessing the information, you may call the Grants.gov helpline toll-free at (800) 518-GRANTS or e-mail Support@grants.gov.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Application Format. Because of the electronic submission process, proposals must conform to the formatting requirements below to be eligible. All material submitted must be required or be in support of the narrative response to the rating factors. Any material, whether required or supplemental, that is not properly located in the application, and referenced and discussed within the narrative statement as described below, will not be rated. The narrative response to all rating factors (see below) must be submitted within a single electronic file within the zip file attached to the application. The narrative response to the five rating factors may not exceed 25 pages (excluding required additional materials and worksheets, see below) equivalent to one-side only on 8\1/2\ x 11 inch paper using a standard 12-point font with not less than \3/4\ inch margins on all sides. Each attachment or appendix must be an individual electronic file. All pages must be numbered in order starting with the cover page and continuing through the appendices.

2. Prohibition on Materials Not Required. Submission of materials other than those specified as allowable by this NOFA are prohibited. Reviewers will not consider other resumes, reports, charts, letters, or any other documents attached to the application.

3. Required Application Contents: Applications must contain all of the information required by this NOFA, including the following items:

a. Application Abstract. An abstract is required. It may not exceed 2 pages in length, and must summarize the proposed project, including the objectives, proposed activities and expected results, the dollar amount requested, and contact information for the applicant and project partners. The abstract will be used for developing the Congressional Release and Public Announcement if the application is funded.

b. Narrative Response. A narrative statement with supporting required forms and other documents addressing the five rating factors for award is required. This portion of the application consists of a narrative response to each of the five rating factors (25-page limit), specific HUD-required forms documents (which do not count toward the page limit), and optional supplemental material (20-page limit). Pages in excess of these limits will not be read. Each of Rating Factors 1-5 has an associated required form (HUD-96012, HUD-96013, HUD-96014, HUD- 96015, and HUD-96010, respectively) that does not count toward the page limits, and must be located immediately after the response to that rating factor (see list of forms, below). Applicants are advised to review each factor carefully for program specific requirements. The response to each factor should be concise and contain only information relevant to the factor, but detailed enough to address each factor fully. Please do not repeat material in response to the five factors; instead, focus on how well the proposal responds to each of the factors. In factors where there are sub-factors, each sub-factor must be presented separately, with the short title of the sub-factor presented. Make sure to address each sub-factor and provide sufficient information about every element of the sub-factor. All information relative to a given rating factor MUST be contained in the narrative for that rating factor. If it is found in a different rating factor, IT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. In addition, supplemental material that is not referenced and discussed within that portion of the narrative will not be considered.

c. In addition to the abstract and narrative response described above, the following materials (which do not count toward the page limits) must be included in the locations specified: resumes, process flow diagram for the project (not the employer's organizational chart), budget, and other required forms. The standard forms can be found in the application package on Grants.gov and on HUD's Web site.

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(1) Resumes and a process flow diagram for your project must be placed immediately following the narrative response to Rating Factor 1. Resumes for project director, day-to-day program manager and up to 3 key personnel (limited to 3 pages per resume for a maximum of 15 pages total) are required. (See Rating Factor 1.)

(2) Include a detailed budget for any subcontractors, subgrantees, or subrecipients receiving greater than 10 percent of the federal budget request. Use the budget format discussed in Rating Factor 3.

(3) Form HUD-96010, Logic Model, must be placed immediately following Rating Factor 5.

(4) General letters of support have no value and are discouraged.

d. Applicants are encouraged to use the following checklist to ensure that all required materials have been prepared and submitted. Do not submit the checklist (see below) with the application.

Checklist for Applicants

Abstract (limited to 2 pages).

Required information supporting Rating Factors.

1. Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience plus Form HUD-96012; Resumes of Proposed Project Director, Day-to-day Program Manager and up to 3 Key Personnel; Project Organization Chart.

2. Need/Extent of the Problem plus Form HUD-96013.

3. Soundness of Approach plus Form HUD-96014; budget forms and narrative budget justification.

4. Matching and Leveraging Resources plus Forms HUD-96015, Leveraging Resources; Letters of Commitment attached immediately after Rating Factor 4.

5. Achieving Results and Program Evaluation plus HUD-96010 Logic Model.

Additional Material Supporting the Rating Factors (attachments, appendices, etc.: 20-page limit).

Complete List of Required Forms and Budget Material.

Form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance).

Form HUD-CBW (Budget Worksheet).

Form SF-424 Supplement (Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants) (to be completed by private nonprofit organizations only).

Form SF-LLL (if applicable) (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities).

Form HUD-2880 (Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report).

Form-2990 Certification of Consistency with the EZ/EC Strategic Plan (required only for applicants who are seeking these bonus points).

Form HUD-2994A You Are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey (Optional).

Form HUD-27300 Removal of Regulatory Barriers (if applicable) (up to 2 points can be awarded).

Rating Factor Forms:

[ctrcir] Rating Factor 1: HUD-96012.

[ctrcir] Rating Factor 2: HUD-96013.

[ctrcir] Rating Factor 3: HUD-96014.

[ctrcir] Rating Factor 4: HUD-96015.

[ctrcir] Rating Factor 5: HUD-96010.

[ctrcir] Form HUD-96011 Facsimile Transmittal, for electronic applications (used as the cover page to transmit third-party documents and other documentation designed for each specific application for tracking purposes. HUD will not read faxes that do not use the HUD- 96011 as the cover page to the fax).

C. Submission Dates and Times

Application Submission Dates: The application deadline date is June 6, 2006. Refer to the General Section for additional requirements including registration requirements, deadline dates, Grants.gov validation, proof of delivery, and other information regarding electronic application submission via http://www.grants.gov.

D. Intergovernmental Review

Not applicable to this program. See 24 CFR part 52.

E. Funding Restrictions

1. Administrative Costs. Administrative costs are eligible. Administrative costs are the awardee's allowable direct and indirect costs for the overall management, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation for the program. No more than 10 percent of the funds can be used for administrative costs. This applies to applicants electing to serve as a conduit to sub-recipients, who will in turn perform the direct program activities eligible under this NOFA. Applicants are responsible for reviewing the important information about administrative costs that apply to this NOFA, which is posted on the OHHLHC's Web site at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead. Eligible

administrative costs include leases for office space, under the following conditions:

(1) The lease must be for existing facilities not requiring rehabilitation or construction;

(2) No repairs or renovations of the property may be undertaken with federal funds:

(3) Properties in the Coastal Barrier Resources System designated under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501) cannot be leased with federal funds.

2. HUD will not fund the following ineligible activities:

a. Purchase of real property.

b. Purchase or lease of equipment having a per-unit cost in excess of $5,000, unless prior written approval is obtained from HUD.

c. Identification of lead-based paint or hazards, hazard reduction (including, interim controls or abatement), rehabilitation, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or any other construction work, blood lead testing of adults or children, laboratory analysis, medical treatment, clearance examinations and visual assessment.

d. Activities, by parties following a determination of non- compliance, required in order to fulfill court orders or consent decrees, settlements, conciliation agreements, or other compliance agreements.

e. Renovations or construction work on office space leased for the program.

F. Other Submission Requirements

Applications are required to be submitted electronically via the Web site http://www.grants.gov. See Section IV.F of the General Section

for additional information on the electronic process. Waivers may only be granted for cause. See General Section for further discussion.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

1. Following threshold review, applications will be reviewed by an Application Review Panel (ARP) which will assign each application a score based on the rating factors. Awards will be made separately in rank order within the limits of funding availability.

2. HUD may use other information from sources at hand, such as Department records, newspapers, Inspector General or Government Accounting Office Reports or Findings, hotline complaints, or other sources of information that have been proven to have merit. HUD may also request additional information from successful applicants as conditions of award. If the applicant fails to provide the information at that time, the award will not be made.

3. Factors for Award Used to Evaluate and Rate Application. The factors for rating and ranking applicants, and maximum points for each factor, are provided below. The maximum number of points to be awarded is 102, including the two (2) RC/EZ/EC-II bonus points. A specific number of

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points is assigned to each rating factor. Applicants should be certain that these factors are adequately addressed in the project description and accompanying materials. Do not assume that HUD has any information about you or your project.

4. Rating Factors for All Categories.

a. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience (20 points). This factor includes information about the organization, its individual employees and partners, and past performance. Higher points will be given for more recent, relevant experience of high quality. The following areas will be evaluated: organizational capacity, experience and past performance (for previous grantees), individual staff and participants' qualifications including education and experience, and specific qualifications related to the categories of activities under this NOFA.

(1) Organizational Experience. This sub-factor addresses the extent to which the applicant has the organizational experience necessary to successfully implement the proposed activities in a timely manner. HUD will evaluate the organization's experience in initiating, implementing, and evaluating related outreach, health education and training, technical assistance and recruitment projects, or solving community problems directly related to this program. In rating this sub-factor, HUD will consider the extent to which the proposal demonstrates organizational experience that is recent and relevant. HUD will consider organizational experience within the last five (5) years to be recent and experience pertaining to activities of similar scope to be relevant.

(a) Describe whether you have sufficient personnel, or will be able to quickly hire qualified experts or professionals to begin your proposed project within 30 days of award, if funded.

(b) Describe how the principal components of your project organization will participate in, or support, your project, and how you propose to coordinate with your partners. Include a project-specific organizational chart indicating the organizational capacities of and interrelationships among the various entities involved in the project.

(c) Past performance in previous projects with an emphasis on health education, outreach and recruitment, training and education, or technical assistance. This sub-factor evaluates the extent to which an applicant has performed previous work successfully. Provide details about the nature of projects performed through grants or contracts. Applicants failing to disclose previous grants or contracts with OHHLHC or HUD may be deemed ineligible for award. Provide the following specific information:

(i) A detailed list outlining the achievement of specific tasks, measurable objectives (benchmarks) and outcomes consistent with the approved timeline/work plan;

(ii) Comparison of proposed required match funds and resources in a previous grant with what was actually matched; and,

(iii) A detailed list outlining the timeliness and completeness of complying with all reporting requirements. In addressing timeliness, compare when reports were due with when they were actually submitted.

(2) Individual Qualifications:

(a) Project Director and Day-to-Day Project Manager. Identify the individuals proposed to serve as the proposed overall project director and day-to-day project manager. The terms ``Project Director'' and ``Day-to-Day Project Manager'' must be used in the application to earn points for individuals having these responsibilities, regardless of their current, employer-assigned position titles. Describe their individual qualifications that will enable them to function effectively in their assigned roles. Include knowledge, work experience, management experience, education, training, and publications. Include specific projects they have performed involving planning and managing large and complex interdisciplinary outreach, educational or TA programs, especially those involving housing, public health, or environmental initiatives.

(b) Other Key Personnel. Identify up to three additional key personnel. For each, provide individual qualifications, experience, percentage commitment to the project, salary costs to be paid by funds from this program, and role in the proposed project. You must provide resumes (or position descriptions and copies of job announcements including salary range, for vacant positions) for the project director, project manager, and three additional key personnel.

(c) Sub-recipients (sub-grantees, subcontractors and consultants). Include descriptions of their experience and qualifications. Detail their grant and financial management experience. You may find it useful to include a table indicating the name, position and percentage contribution of participating individuals, specifying organizational affiliation. Describe who is responsible for quality control of processes and materials produced by sub-recipients.

(3) In addition to other eligibility criteria and knowledge of OHHLHC's grant programs, category applicants must also demonstrate specific capacity as follows:

(a) Outreach Providers: specific capacity to provide outreach services, such as holding community meetings, health fairs, adapting printed materials, writing public service announcements, etc. Applications that include development and distribution of media products in languages other than English must include a discussion of the applicant's (or sub-grantee's/contractor's) expertise in those languages and in meeting the informational needs of non-English- speaking, underserved populations. Outreach grantees involving face-to- face interaction with the community should have staff that are well- trained, motivated, committed to the program, and reflect the characteristics of the target community.

(b) Training and Education Providers: Specific capacity to provide the type of training programs proposed.

(c) Technical Assistance Providers: Specific capacity to provide technical assistance services related to grant management and lead- based paint technical issues. Applicants may use in-house staff, sub- contractors, sub-grantees, and regional/local organizations with the requisite experience and capabilities. Where appropriate, applicants should make use of TA providers located in the jurisdiction receiving services. This draws upon regional/local expertise and persons familiar with the opportunities and resources available in the area to be served while reducing travel and other costs associated with delivery of services.

b. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (10 Points). This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need for funding the proposed program activities and an indication of the importance of meeting the need(s) in the target area. The proposal will be evaluated on the extent to which the level of need for the proposed activities and the importance of meeting the need(s) are documented. Applicants must use statistics or other analyses contained in at least one or more current data sources that are sound and reliable. In rating this factor, HUD will consider data collected within the last five (5) years to be current. The data used must be specific to the area where the proposed activities will be carried out (for projects with specific regional/local target areas, do not apply the data to the entire regional/locality or state). To receive maximum points for this factor,

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proposals addressing one or a few communities must explain the extent to which the targeted community's Five Year Consolidated Plan(s) and Analysis(es) of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) identify the level of the problem and the urgency in meeting the need. Applicants proposing TA services on a regional or national basis may demonstrate the extent to which there is a regional or national need to address deficiencies in Consolidated Plans. Sources for regional/localized data can be found at: http://www.ffiec.gov. Other reliable sources of data

include, but are not limited to, Census reports, HUD Continuum of Care gap analysis and its E-Map (to find additional information, go to HUD's Web site: http://www.hud.gov/emaps), Comprehensive Plans, community

needs analyses such as provided by the United Way, the applicant's institution, and other sound, reliable, and appropriate sources. Needs in terms of fulfilling court orders or consent decrees, settlements, conciliation agreements, and voluntary compliance agreements may also be addressed. TA providers may identify their specific areas of expertise and relate them to a demonstrated need.

c. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (40 Points). This factor contains three sub-factors:

(1) Your goals and objectives,

(2) The quality and cost-effectiveness of your proposed work plan, and

(3) Proposed budget.

Higher points will be given to applications that contain approaches with clearly articulated goals, activities and sub-activities, and demonstrate a logical progression of implementation steps.

(1) Project Goals (10 Points). Describe:

(a) The goals and objectives for your project based on the need described under Rating Factor 2, and

(b) How proposed activities would address your goals and HUD's policy priorities. See the General Section for information on HUD's policy priorities. The policy priorities that are applicable to the Lead Outreach grant NOFA and that are eligible for one point each are: (1) Improving our Nation's Communities (focus on distressed communities); and (2) providing full and equal access to grass-roots faith-based and other community-based organizations in HUD program implementation. Removal of regulatory barriers to affordable housing is eligible for up to 2 points provided the required documentation, as specified in form HUD 27300 (Removal of Regulatory Barriers), is part of the application submission to HUD. Applicants may also provide a Web site URL for a Web site where the required documentation is readily accessible for use.

(2) Work Plan (20 Points). This portion of the response will be evaluated based on the extent to which the proposed work plan demonstrates the following:

(a) The general approach and overall strategy to achieve stated goals. For maximum points for this factor, clearly define the relationship between a community's needs (goals) and proposed activities;

(b) Specific, measurable and time-phased objectives for each major program activity, accompanied by a complementary schedule indicating proposed date(s) of completion (in three-month intervals);

(c) Specific services and/or activities. The work plan must identify all major tasks and list all proposed activities in sequential order. Describe in detail how you will identify and serve participants receiving services, especially participants in high-risk groups and communities, vulnerable populations and persons traditionally underserved. Include a brief, concise outreach strategy or marketing plan, as applicable, in the work plan and list on the Logic Model (submitted under Rating Factor 5). Applicants must identify their approaches to overcoming poor response, attendance or participation difficulties. Explain how you will ensure that proposed activities do not duplicate activities by others for the target area previously completed or currently underway;

(d) Identify the personnel responsible for major tasks;

(e) Products or outputs and expected outcomes or impacts;

(f) Proposed methods to research existing materials or develop new ones, and print and disseminate materials for outreach, training or TA. Describe how you will ensure that materials will be of consistently high quality and technically sound;

(g) The quality of the plan to manage the project. Include details about your management and financial systems, and how you will track and ensure the cost-effectiveness of expenditures and will link them to specific activities;

(h) How you propose to coordinate with HUD field offices and HUD program personnel, as applicable, in their applications; and

(i) A detailed description of how you will make materials available in alternative formats for persons with disabilities (e.g., Braille, audio, large type) upon request, and provide materials in languages other than English that are common in the community, consistent with HUD's published Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Recipient Guidance, 68 FR 70968.

(j) Institutionalization (applies to outreach and training category applicants only). A detailed description of how the applicant plans to mainstream lead poisoning prevention into its regular, permanent programs. To evaluate institutionalization, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the applicant (and partners) demonstrate:

(i) Commitment to undertake project activities in the future;

(ii) Support and involvement of the applicant's organizational leadership;

(iii) Commitment to include lead-related work in decisions affecting policy and program development; and,

(iv) Evidence of mainstreaming of permanent lead safety content into programmatic materials, outreach, training, and technical assistance initiatives.

In evaluating this sub-factor, HUD will also assess the probability of success of the program, the significance of the tasks identified, and how realistic the proposed time frames are. HUD will consider the extent to which proposals in the outreach category demonstrate the following characteristics derived from HUD's evaluation of successful outreach activities in its grant programs:

Well-functioning, effective program;

Solid communication capabilities;

Participation in community events and presentation at small group meetings;

Well-known and respected in the community;

Staff that reflect the linguistic and ethnic characteristics of the target community;

Establish good communication and coordination with sub- grantees;

Sub-grantees whose primary mission has a clear connection to protecting children from lead poisoning;

Sub-grantees who are respected in their communities, capable of performing their required duties, and view lead safety as a critical component of serving the target community.

(3) Budget Justification (10 Points). HUD is not required to approve or fund all proposed activities. Your budget will be evaluated for its reasonableness, clear justification, and consistency with the work plan. Submit a narrative justification associated with the budget that documents and explains all budget categories and costs for each major task of the work plan. Identify the source of funds as HUD, match or leverage. Each budget page should identify the entity and project year to which it applies. Higher points will be awarded for greater percentages of sub-contracting

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and substantive work performed by grassroots organizations, including faith-based and other community-based non-profit organizations, Fair Housing Organizations, advocates for various minority and ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities.

In completing the budget forms and justification, you should address the following specific elements:

(a) Direct Labor. Direct Labor costs should include all full- and part-time staff required for the planning and implementation phases of the project. These costs should be based on full time equivalent (FTE) or hours per year (hours/year) (i.e., one FTE equals 2,080 hours/year);

(b) Travel to HUD Meetings. You should budget for three trips to HUD Headquarters in Washington, DC, planning each trip for two people for 2 or 3 days, depending on your location;

(c) Sub-grantee and Sub-recipient Budgets. A separate budget proposal must be provided for any sub-recipient(s) receiving greater than 10 percent of the total federal budget request;

(d) Provide supporting documentation for salaries and cost of materials and equipment;

(e) Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate. Organizations that have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate should provide documentation of that rate. Organizations not having a federally negotiated rate schedule must obtain a rate from their cognizant federal agency. Applicant and sub-grantee budgets should reference only their own indirect cost rates.

d. Rating Factor 4: (15 points). This factor evaluates ability to: (1) Contribute matching resources from your organization; (2) leverage (secure) other public and/or private sector resources (such as financing, supplies, or services) that can be added to HUD's funds to perform eligible activities; and, (3) sustain your proposed project from sources other than HUD. Ten (10) percent matching is required for funding eligibility and represents the applicant's contribution to the project. Leveraging, from entities other than the applicant, is not required for eligibility. Higher points will be awarded for higher percentages of matched and/or leveraged resources, compared to the amount of HUD funds requested. To receive points for match and leverage, all contributions promised during the period of performance must be expressed in dollar values and documented in a commitment letter submitted with the application from a responsible official of each contributing organization. Matching funds must be provided unconditionally. Indirect costs cannot be used as matching contributions in excess of the required ten (10) percent match. For more information on matching and leveraging resources, see OHHLHC's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead.

e. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (15 points). This rating factor reflects HUD's goal to embrace high standards of ethics, management, and accountability. Describe in detail your needs and service activities, identify the outputs and short-term, intermediate-term and long-term outcomes. State clearly the project activities including specific goals (``benchmarks'') of each activity and how you will achieve those goals. Describe how you will measure the results. Provide your goals, inputs, activities, outcomes and performance benchmarks (goals) for the entire grant period. In the narrative, explain how you will document and track your goals, program activities, and schedules. Identify the procedures you will follow to make adjustments to your work plan to improve performance if benchmarks are not met within established timeframes.

Applicants must complete and return the Logic Model Form HUD-90610. HUD is moving to a standardized ``Master'' Logic Model from which you can select needs, activities, and outcomes appropriate to your program. See the General Section for detailed information on use of the ``Master'' Logic Model. HUD is requiring grantees to use program- specific questions to self-evaluate the management and performance of their program. For FY2006, HUD is considering a new concept for the Logic Model. The new concept is a Return on Investment statement. HUD will be publishing a separate notice on the ROI concept. Training on HUD's Logic Model and reporting requirements for addressing the Management questions will be provided via satellite broadcast. In evaluating Rating Factor 5, HUD will consider how you have described the benefits and outcome measures of your program. HUD will also consider the evaluation plan, to ensure the project is on schedule and within budget. Information about developing a Logic Model is available at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/admin/grants/fundsavail.cfm.

f. Bonus Points for Federally Designated Zones and Communities (2 points). HUD will award two bonus points to each application that includes a valid form HUD-2990 certifying that the proposed activities/ projects in the application are consistent with the strategic plan for an empowerment zone (EZ) designated by HUD or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the tax incentive utilization plan for an urban or rural renewal community designated by HUD (RC), or the strategic plan for an enterprise community designated in round II by USDA (EC-II) and that the proposed activities/projects will be located within the RC/EZ/EC-II identified above and are intended to serve the residents. A listing of the RC/EZ/EC-IIs is available on the Internet at http://www.hud.gov/cr.

B. Reviews and Selection Process

1. Rating and Ranking. Awards will be made in rank order for applications within the limits of funds available.

2. Partial Funding. In the selection process, HUD reserves the right to offer partial funding to any or all applicants. If you are offered a reduced grant amount, you will have a maximum of 14 calendar days to accept such a reduced award. If you fail to respond within the 14-day limit, you shall be considered to have declined the award. Please see the General Section for a discussion of adjustments to funding that may be made by HUD during the selection process.

3. Remaining Funds. See the General Section for HUD's procedures if funds remain after all selections have been made.

4. Minimum Points for Award. Your application must receive a total score of at least 75 points to be considered for funding.

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

HUD anticipates announcing awards under this program on or about October 1, 2006.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

1. Notice of Award. Applicants that have been selected for award will be notified by letter from the Grant Officer. The letter will state the program for which the application has been selected, the amount the grantee is eligible to receive, and the name of the Government Technical Representative (GTR). This letter is not an authorization to begin work or incur costs under the grant.

2. Negotiations. HUD may require that selected applicants participate in negotiations to determine the specific terms of the grant agreement and budget. In cases where HUD cannot successfully conclude negotiations with a selected applicant or a selected

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applicant fails to provide HUD with requested information, an award will not be made to that applicant. In this instance, HUD may offer an award, and proceed with negotiations with the next highest-ranking applicant. If you accept the terms and conditions of the grant, you must return your signed grant agreement by the date specified during negotiation.

3. Award Adjustments. Additionally, HUD may adjust the amount of funds allocated for specific geographical areas to fund National TA providers and other TA providers for activities that cannot be fully budgeted for or estimated by HUD at the time this NOFA was published. HUD may also require selected applicants, as a condition of funding, to provide coverage on a geographically broader basis than proposed in order to supplement or strengthen the TA network in terms of the size of the area covered and types and scope of TA proposed. If funds remain after all selections have been made, the remaining funds may be redistributed for Local TA and/or used for National TA, or made available for other TA program competitions.

4. LOCCS Payment System. After receiving the letter, additional instructions on how to have the grant account entered into HUD's Line of Credit Control System (LOCCS) payment system will be provided. Other forms and program requirements will also be provided.

5. Start of Work. All awardees are expected to commence activity immediately upon completion of budget and work plan negotiations, and execution of the grant agreement.

6. Applicant Debriefing. See the General Section for information regarding unsuccessful applicant debriefing.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Environmental Review. In accordance with 24 CFR 50.19(b)(2), (b)(3) and (b)(9), activities assisted under this program are categorically excluded from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321) and are not subject to environmental review under the related laws and authorities.

2. HUD Reform Act of 1989. Applicants must comply with the requirements for funding competitions established by the HUD Reform Act of 1989 (42 U.S.C. 3531 et seq.) as defined in the General Section.

3. Audit Requirements. Any grant recipient that expends $500,000 or more in federal financial assistance in a single year must meet the audit requirements established in 24 CFR parts 84 and 85 in accordance with OMB Circular A-133. In accordance with OMB Circular A-133 (Audits of States, Regional/local Governments and Non-Profit Organizations), grantees will have to submit their completed audit-reporting package along with the Data Collection Form (SF-SAC) to the Single Audit Clearinghouse, at the address obtained from their Web site. The SF-SAC can be downloaded at: http://harvester.census.gov/sac/.

4. Timely Hiring of Staff. HUD reserves the right to terminate grant awards made to applicants that fail to timely hire (within 90 days of award) staff to fill key positions identified in the applicant's proposal as vacant.

5. Executive Order 13202. Compliance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 5.108 that implement Executive Order 13202, ``Preservation of Open Competition and Government Neutrality Towards Government Contractors' Labor Relations on Federal and Federally Funded Construction Projects'', is a condition of receipt of assistance under this NOFA.

6. Procurement of Recovered Materials. See the General Section for further information.

7. Conducting Business in Accordance with HUD Core Values and Ethical Standards. Refer to the General Section for information about conducting business in accordance with HUD's core values and ethical standards.

C. Reporting

The following items are Post-Award Reporting Requirements.

1. Final Budget and Work Plan. Final budget and work plans are due 60 days after the effective date of the grant.

2. Racial and Ethnic Data Reporting Form. For all activities that involve working directly with beneficiaries, HUD requires that funded recipients collect racial and ethnic beneficiary data. HUD does not require Outreach awardees to report ethnic and racial beneficiary data as part of their application package. However, such data must be reported annually, at a minimum, during the implementation of your program. You must use the Office of Management and Budget's Standards for the Collection of Racial and Ethnic Data to report these data, using Form HUD-27061, Racial and Ethnic Data Reporting Form, found on http://www.grants.gov, along with instructions for its use, or a comparable

electronic data system for this purpose.

3. Progress reporting. Progress reporting is done on a quarterly basis. For specific reporting requirements, see policy guidance at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead. OHHLHC awardees submit quarterly

reports via an on-line reporting system. Beginning in FY 2006, OHHLHC will use the awardee's Logic Model to measure its performance. The quarterly report must reflect all benchmarks (output goals) and proposed outcomes (results) that are indicated on the Logic Model with an associated cost estimate. Attaching a dollar value to the outputs and outcomes enables awardees to meet HUD's reporting requirements.

4. Final Report. An overall final grant report, due at the completion of the grant, will detail activities (e.g., the number of low-income housing units enrolled in lead hazard treatment programs as a result of activities performed under this grant, number and type of materials produced, activities conducted, evaluation of the various outreach and educational methods used, findings, and recommended future actions at the conclusion of grant activities). The final report shall include final project benchmarks and milestones achieved against the proposed benchmarks and milestones in the Logic Model (Form HUD-96010) approved and incorporated into your award agreement.

VII. Agency Contacts

For programmatic questions, you may contact Jonnette Hawkins, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control; telephone (202) 755- 1785, extension 7593 (this is not a toll-free number) or via e-mail at Jonnette_G._Hawkins@hud.gov. For grants administrative questions, you

may contact Mr. Royal Rucker, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control; telephone (202) 755-1785, extension 7584 (this is not a toll- free number) or via e-mail at Royal A. Rucker@hud.gov. If neither of these individuals is available, you may contact the Office's general Lead Regulations hotline, at (202) 755-1785, extension 7698. Your call will be forwarded in one business day for subsequent response by the appropriate staff. If you are a hearing-or speech-impaired person, you may reach the above telephone numbers through TTY by calling the toll- free Federal Information Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

VIII. Other Information

For additional information about this NOFA, program, or for general, technical, and grant program information pertaining to the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard

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Control, visit: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead.

IX. Paperwork Reduction Act

The information collection requirements contained in this document have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2539-0015. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 80 hours per annum per respondent for the application and 16 hours per annum for grant administration. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the application, semi-annual reports, and final report. The information will be used for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds. Response to this request for information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived.

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN08MR06.015

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Healthy Homes Demonstration Program

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (OHHLHC).

B. Funding Opportunity Title: Healthy Homes Demonstration Program.

C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Number: The Federal Register number is: FR- 5030-N-10. The OMB Paperwork approval number is: 2539-0015.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): 14.901 Healthy Homes Demonstration Program.

F. Dates: The application deadline date is June 7, 2006. Applications submitted through http://www.grants.gov must be received

and validated by grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 pm eastern time on the application deadline date. See the General Section IV, regarding application submission procedures and timely filing requirements.

G. Additional Overview Content Information. 1. Purpose of the Program. The purpose of the Healthy Homes Demonstration Program is to develop, demonstrate, and promote cost-effective, preventive measures to correct multiple safety and health hazards in the home environment that produce serious diseases and injuries in children of low-income families.

2. Available Funds. HUD anticipates that approximately $4,370,000 million in fiscal year 2006 and prior year funds will be available.

3. Number of Awards. Approximately four to approximately six cooperative agreements will be awarded ranging up to a maximum of $1,000,000, and an award will be made to resolve a funding error under the fiscal year 2004 Healthy Homes Demonstration NOFA.

4. Eligible Applicants. Include not-for-profit institutions and for-profit firms, located in the U.S., state and local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes, and colleges and universities. For- profit firms are not allowed to make a profit from the project.

5. Type of award. Cooperative Agreement.

6. Match. None required, but strongly encouraged.

7. Limitations. There are no limitations on the number of applications that each applicant can submit.

8. Information on application. The applications for this NOFA can be found at http://www.grants.gov. The General Section contains information

about Grants.gov registration, submission requirements, and submission procedures.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Background

The Healthy Homes Demonstration Program is a part of HUD's Healthy Homes Initiative (HHI). In April 1999, HUD submitted to Congress a preliminary plan containing a full description of the HHI. This description (Summary and Full Report) is available on the HUD Web site at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/reports/HHIFull.pdf; this site also

contains additional information on the HHI and a link to its Web site.

HUD believes that it is important for grantees to incorporate meaningful community participation, to the greatest extent possible, in the development and implementation of programs that are conducted in communities and/or involve significant interaction with community residents. Community participation can improve program effectiveness in various ways, including the development of more salient program objectives, recruitment and retention of study participants, participants' understanding of the program, ongoing communication, and more effectively disseminating study findings.

HUD encourages applicants to consider using a ``community based participatory research (CBPR)'' approach, where applicable, in study design and implementation. (See, e.g., the report published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences titled ``Successful Models of Community-Based Participatory Research'' at: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/translat/pubs.htm ). CBPR is characterized by

substantial community input in all phases of a study (i.e., design, implementation, data interpretation, conclusions, and communication of results). The HHI seeks proposals that provide a coordinated approach to address multiple hazards caused by a limited number of building deficiencies. The HHI approach should result in substantial savings since separate visits to a home by an inspector, public health nurse, or outreach worker can add significant costs.

In addition to deficiencies in basic housing facilities that may impact health, changes in the U.S. housing stock and more sophisticated epidemiological methods and biomedical research have led to the identification of new and often more subtle health hazards in the residential environment. While such health hazards will tend to be found disproportionately in housing that is substandard (e.g., structural problems, lack of adequate heat, etc.), these environmental health hazards also exist in housing that is otherwise of good quality. A brief description of the housing-associated health and injury hazards HUD considers key targets for intervention can be found on HUD's website at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm. The

website also lists some of the references that serve as the basis for the information provided in the Healthy Homes Demonstration Program NOFA.

B. Healthy Homes Initiative Goals

1. Develop and implement demonstration projects that address multiple housing-related problems affecting the health of children;

2. Mobilize public and private resources, involving cooperation among all levels of government, the private sector, and grassroots community-based, nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, to develop the most promising, cost-effective methods for identifying and controlling housing-based health hazards;

3. Build local capacity to operate sustainable programs that will prevent and control housing-based health hazards in low- and very low- income residences when HUD funding is exhausted; and

4. Affirmatively further fair housing and environmental justice. HUD encourages applicants to undertake specific activities that will assist the Department in implementing its Policy Priorities. HUD's fiscal year 2006 Policy Priorities are discussed in the General Section.

C. Healthy Homes Demonstration Objectives

The objectives of the Healthy Homes Demonstration Program include direct remediations, (that include assessment of housing-related hazards), education and outreach and capacity building. HUD recognizes that, in many cases, activities may meet multiple objectives. Awardees must expend at least 65% of grant funds on direct remediations in the home.

1. Direct remediations that target children in homes where environmental triggers may be contributing to the child's illness may include the following kinds of activities:

a. As part of your targeted home intervention program, development of cost-effective protocols for identifying homes that are candidates for remediations, identifying health hazards

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in these homes, and screening out homes where structural or other factors (e.g., cost) make remediations impractical;

b. As part of your targeted home intervention program, development of appropriately scaled, flexible, cost-effective and efficient assessment and intervention strategies that take into account the range of unhealthy conditions encountered in housing, that maximize the number of housing units that receive remediations and the number of positive or negative health outcomes as a result. HUD believes health outcomes are an important component of this NOFA and wants to assess how remediations affect the health of the population being served, and be able to compare with the population at large. Therefore any health outcome, positive, negative or neutral, should be documented where appropriate.

c. As part of your targeted home intervention programs, development of methodologies for evaluating intervention effectiveness and assessing the effect of the intervention on resident or program participant health.

2. Education and outreach that furthers the goal of protecting children from environmentally induced illness, including:

a. Targeting, through education and outreach, specific high-risk communities and other identified audiences such as homeowners, landlords, health care deliverers, pregnant women, children, residential construction contractors, maintenance personnel, housing inspectors, real estate professionals, home buyers, and low-income minority families;

b. Development and delivery of public outreach programs that provide information about effective methods for preventing housing- related childhood diseases and injuries, and promote the use of these remediations, especially in low- and very low-income residences;

c. Increased public awareness of housing-related health hazards that threaten children, through the use of media strategies using print, radio and television, including the use of minority media and provision of materials in alternative formats and materials for populations with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)).

3. Capacity Building in the target community to assure Healthy Homes programs are sustained beyond the life of the award period, including:

a. Development of local capacity in target areas for target groups to operate sustainable programs to prevent and control housing-based health hazards.

The authority for this program is sections 501 and 502 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2006 (Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 Public Law 109-115, 119 Stat. 2396, approved: November 30, 2006.)

II. Award Information

A. Funding Available

Approximately $4,370,000 million in fiscal year 2006 funds are available for the Healthy Homes Demonstration Program cooperative agreements, of which HUD will award a grant of $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2006 funds to Self-Help, Inc., Avon, MA, to resolve a funding error under the fiscal year 2004 Healthy Homes Demonstration Program NOFA, in accordance with Sec. VI.A.3 of the fiscal year 2004 General Section. HUD anticipates that approximately four to six cooperative agreements will be awarded, ranging up to and including $1,000,000.

Applicants may wish to review of currently funded grants on the Healthy Homes Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm/offics/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm .

B. Anticipated Start Date and Period of Performance for New Cooperative Agreements

The start date for new Cooperative Agreements is expected to be October 1, 2006, with a period of performance not to exceed 36 months. Applicants may need to plan studies with performance periods less than 36 months, if necessary to include adequate time for the Institutional Review Board process, recruitment of study participants, and development of new methods (e.g., survey forms, data base, etc).

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit institutions and for- profit firms, located in the U.S., state and local governments, and federally recognized Indian Tribes. For-profit firms are not allowed to make a profit from the project.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing or matching is not required. In rating your application, however, HUD will award a higher score under Rating Factor 4 if you provide evidence of significant leveraging.

C. Other

1. Threshold Requirements Applicable to All Applicants Under the SuperNOFA

As an applicant, you must meet all the threshold requirements described in the General Section. Applications that do not address the threshold items will not be funded. Cooperative agreements will be awarded on a competitive basis following evaluation of all proposals according to the rating factors described in this NOFA. A minimum score of 75 out of a possible 102, which includes up to 2 bonus points for activities proposed to be located in RC/EZ/EC-II communities is required for award consideration. 2. Eligible Activities

The following activities and support tasks are eligible under the Healthy Homes Demonstration Program.

a. Evaluating housing to determine the presence of health hazards (e.g., moisture intrusion, mold growth, pests and allergens, unvented appliances, exposed steam pipes or radiators, deteriorated lead-based paint) through the use of accepted assessment procedures.

b. Remediating existing housing-based health hazards and addressing conditions that could recur.

c. Undertaking rehabilitation activities to effectively control housing-based health hazards, without which the intervention could not be completed and maintained. Funds under this program may only be used to address lead-based hazards at the de minims level (see 24 CFR 35.1350(d)). Such lead hazard evaluation and/or controls may not be a principal focus of the cooperative agreement or grant. (Lead hazard evaluation control activities are carried out under HUD's Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant Program, Lead Hazard Demonstration Grant Program, Operation Lead Elimination Action Program, and Lead Outreach Grant Program.) For information about conducting de minims remediation for lead-based paint hazards, refer to the HUD Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Hazards in Housing (HUD Guidelines). The Guidelines and/or applicable regulations may be downloaded from HUD's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/leadsaferule/LSFRFinal_21June04.rte .

d. Carrying out temporary relocation of families and individuals while the remediation is conducted and until the time the affected unit receives clearance for re-occupancy. See the General Section and Section VI.B.4 of this NOFA

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From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] ]

[[pp. 11861-11910]] Fiscal Year 2006 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs

[[Continued from page 11860]]

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for discussion of regulations that apply when relocating families.

e. Environmental sampling and medical testing to protect the health of the intervention workers, supervisors, and contractors, unless reimbursable from another source.

f. Conducting testing, analysis, and mitigation for lead, mold, carbon monoxide and/or other housing-related health hazards as appropriate, following generally accepted standards or criteria. A laboratory recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP) must analyze clearance dust samples related to lead-based paint. Samples to be analyzed for fungible submitted to a laboratory accredited in the Environmental Microbiological Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP), administered by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).

g. Carrying out necessary architectural, engineering and work specification development and other construction management services.

h. Providing training on Healthy Homes practices to homeowners, renters, painters, remodelers, and housing maintenance staff working in low- or very low-income housing.

i. Providing cleaning supplies for hazard intervention and hazard control to grassroots community-based nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, for use by homeowners and tenants in low-income housing, or to such homeowners and tenants directly. (See the General Section for more information about grassroots community- based nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations.)

j. Providing modest incentives (financial or other, i.e. coupons for a video rental, coupons for groceries; stipends for completion of surveys, child care, cleaning kits, etc.) subject to approval by HUD, to encourage recruitment and retention in the interventions, participation in educational and training activities and other program- related functions.

k. Conducting community education programs on environmental health and safety hazards. Materials should be available in alternative formats for persons with disabilities (e.g., Braille, audio, large type) upon request, and in languages other than English that are common in the community, consistent with HUD's published ``Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Recipient Guidance'' (see http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/promotingFH/LEP/cfm ).

l. Securing liability insurance for housing-related health hazard evaluation and control activities. This is not considered an administrative cost.

m. Supporting data collection, analysis, and evaluation of project activities. (As a condition of the receipt of financial assistance under this NOFA, all successful applicants will be required to cooperate with all HUD staff and contractors performing HUD funded research and evaluation studies.) 3. Program Requirements

In addition to the program requirements in the General Section, applicants must also meet the following program requirements.

a. Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval. In conformance with the Common Rule (Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, codified by HUD at 24 CFR 60.101), if your grant activities include research involving human subjects, your organization must provide an assurance (e.g., a letter signed by an appropriate official) that the research has been reviewed and approved by an IRB before you can initiate activities that require IRB approval. You must also provide the number for your organization's assurance (i.e., an ``institutional assurance'') that has been approved by the Department of Health and Human Service's Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP). For additional information on what constitutes human subject research or how to obtain an institutional assurance see the OHRP Web site at: http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp.

b. HIPAA Authorization. The Privacy Rule of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 requires covered entities that transmit health information electronically (health care providers, health plans, etc.) to protect that information. This may be accomplished by obtaining authorization from the patient or parent, obtaining a waiver of authorization from an IRB or HIPAA Privacy Board or de-identifying data. You should identify whether your proposal will fall under the HIPAA Privacy Rule and if so how you plan to address these requirements. Additional information on HIPAA and the Privacy Rule can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa.

c. Community Involvement. Applicants must incorporate meaningful community involvement throughout the entire program in any study that requires a significant level of interaction with a community (e.g., projects being conducted within occupied dwellings or which involve surveys of community residents). A community is made up of various groups of persons who have commonalities that can be identified (e.g., based on geographic location, ethnicity, health condition, common interests). Applicants should identify the community that is most relevant to their particular project. There are many different approaches to involving the community in the conception, design, and implementation of a project and the subsequent dissemination of findings. Examples include, but are not limited to: Establishing a structured approach to obtain community input and feedback (e.g., through a community advisory board); including one or more community- based organizations as study partners; employing community residents to recruit study participants and collect data; and enlisting the community in the dissemination of findings and translation of results into improved policies and/or practices. A discussion of community involvement in research involving housing-related health hazards can be found in Chapter 5 of the Institute of Medicine publication titled ``Ethical Considerations for Research on Housing-Related Health Hazards Involving Children,'' at: http://www.iom.edu/cms/12552/26004/2981.aspx.

d. Program Performance. Awardees shall take all reasonable steps to accomplish all healthy homes activities within the approved period of performance. HUD will closely monitor the awardee's performance with particular attention to completion of specified activities, deliverables and milestones, and number of units proposed to be assessed or to receive remediation. Any previous requests for no cost extensions will be taken into account when evaluating the capacity of the applicant to do the work under Rating Factor 1.

e. Work Activities. All lead hazard control activities must be conducted in compliance with HUD's Lead-Safe Housing Rule, 24 CFR Part 35. Grantees must also comply with any additional requirements in effect under a state or Native American Tribal Lead-Based Paint Training and Certification Program that has been authorized by the EPA pursuant to 40 CFR 745.320.

f. Compliance with Lead Disclosure Rule. All lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazard test and hazard reduction results must be provided to the owner of the unit, with a statement describing the owner's legal duty to disclose the results to tenants (before initial leasing, or before lease renewal with changes) and buyers (before sale) if the housing was constructed before 1978 (24 CFR Part 35, subpart A). This information may only be used for

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purposes of remediation of hazards in the unit and not for retribution/ eviction. Disclosure of other identified housing-related health or safety hazards to the owner of the unit, for purposes of remediation, is encouraged but not required.

g. Integrated Pest Management. All pest control activities shall incorporate the principles and methods of integrated pest management (IPM). In technical terms, IPM is the coordinated use of pest and environmental information with available pest control methods to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. The IPM approach emphasizes a targeted use of pesticides that limits the possibility of human exposure (e.g., as opposed to wide-spread applications) and includes interventions based on the behavior of the target pest (e.g., preventing access to food or water). One source for information on IPM is Environmental Health Watch; you can download information from its web site: http://www.ehw.org/Asthma/ASTH_Cockroach_Control.htm .

h. Dust Sampling Protocol. Awardees collecting samples of settled dust from participant homes for environmental allergen analyses (e.g., cockroach, dust mite) will be required to use a standard dust sampling protocol, unless there is a strong justification to use an alternate protocol. The HUD protocol is posted on the OHHLHC Web site at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/techstudies/allergen-dust-sample.protocol.doc.

Awardees conducting these analyses will also be required to include quality control dust samples, provided by OHHLHC at no cost, with the samples that are submitted for laboratory analyses. For the purpose of budgeting laboratory costs, assume that 5% of your total allergen dust samples would consist of QC samples.

i. Hazardous Waste Disposal. Awardees must follow procedures for hazardous waste disposal as required by the EPA (e.g., 40 CFR parts 61, 260-282, 300-374, and/or 700-799, as applicable), the Department of Transportation (e.g., 49 CFR parts 171-177), and/or appropriate state or local regulatory agencies.

j. Worker Protection Procedures. Awardees must comply with the procedures for worker protection established in the HUD Guidelines as well as the requirements of OHSA, e.g., 29 CFR part 1910 and/or 1926, as applicable, or the state or local occupational safety and health regulations, whichever are more stringent.

k. Written Policies and Procedures. You must have written policies and procedures for all phases of interventions, including evaluation, development of specifications, financing, occupant relocation, independent project inspection, and clearance testing (e.g., for mold, lead, carbon monoxide or other hazards, as applicable). You and all your subcontractors, sub-recipients, and their contractors must comply with these policies and procedures.

l. Data Collection and Provision. You must collect, maintain, and provide to HUD the data necessary to document the various approaches used to evaluate and control housing-based health hazards, including evaluation and control methods, building conditions, medical and familial information (with confidentiality of individually-identifiable information ensured) in order to determine the effectiveness and relative cost of these methods.

m. Section 3 Employment Opportunities. Recipients of assistance in the Healthy Homes Demonstration Program must comply with Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, 12 U.S.C. 1701u (Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons in Connection with Assisted Projects) and the HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 135, including the reporting requirements of subpart E. See Section V, Rating Factor 3 for recommendations for implementing Section 3 Employment Opportunities.

n. Conducting Business in Accordance with HUD Core Values and Ethical Standards. If awarded assistance under the Healthy Homes Demonstration NOFA, you will be required to submit a copy of your code of conduct and describe the methods you will use to ensure that all officers, employees, and agents of your organization are aware of your code of conduct. If you previously submitted your Code of Conduct to HUD and it appears in the listing on HUD's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/codeofconduct/conduct.cfm , you do not

have to resubmit the information unless there has been a change in the legal name, address or authorizing official for your organization. See the General Section for information about conducting business in accordance with HUD's core values and ethical standards. 4. DUNS Requirement

Refer to the General Section for information regarding the DUNS requirement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Web Address To Access an Application Package

Copies of this published NOFA and application forms for this program may be downloaded from the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov. If you have difficulty accessing the information you

may call the Grants.gov helpline toll-free at (800) 518-GRANTS or e- mail Support@grants.gov. Helpline customer representatives will assist you in accessing the information.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

The following provides instructions on the items to be submitted as part of the application. See the General Section for instructions for submitting third party documents and electronic files.

1. An abstract describing the goals and objectives of your proposed program (2-page limit, single-spaced, 12-point standard font, \3/4\- inch margins) must be included in the proposal. The abstract should include the title of your proposed project, the name, mailing address and telephone number of the principal contact person for the primary entity and the same information for sub-contractors, partners, etc.

2. A narrative statement addressing the rating factors for award. Number the pages of your narrative statement and include a header and a footer that provides the name of the applicant and the name of the program to which you are applying. Narrative statements provided as part of the application should be individually labeled to identify the rating factor to which the narrative is responding (e.g. Factor 1, Capacity, etc.). You are strongly advised to use the format of the NOFA as an outline for discussion of your rating factors. The overall response to the rating factors must not exceed a total of 25 pages including all rating factors (single-sided, single-spaced, 12 point standard font, \3/4\-inch margins). Any pages in excess of this limit will not be read.

3. The score for each rating factor will be based on the rating factor's numbered portion of your narrative statement, supplemented by materials referenced and discussed in that portion of your narrative statement. Information relative to a given rating factor must be contained in the narrative for that rating factor. If it is found in another rating factor, it will not be considered. In addition, supplemental material that is not referenced and discussed within the narrative statements will not be rated.

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4. The position descriptions and resumes, if available, of your project director and project manager and up to three additional key personnel (in accordance with Rating Factor 1), not to exceed 2 pages each (single-spaced, 12-point font with \3/4\-inch margins). This information will not be counted toward the page limit.

5. Any attachments, materials, references, or other relevant information that directly support the narrative must not exceed 20 pages for your entire application. Any pages in excess of this limit will not be read. See the General Section for instructions for submitting third party documents or material not readily available in electronic format.

6. A detailed budget with supporting justification for all budget categories of your funding request, in accordance with Rating Factor 3, (2)(b). This information will not be counted towards the page limits. In completing the budget forms and justification, you should address the following elements:

a. Direct Labor costs should include all full- and part-time staff required for the planning and implementation phases of the project. These costs should be based on full time equivalent (FTE) or hours per year (hours/year) (i.e., one FTE equals 2,080 hours/year).

b. You should budget for three trips for two people to HUD Headquarters in Washington, DC, assuming a 2-3 day stay.

c. A separate budget proposal should be provided for any sub- recipients receiving more than 10 percent of the total federal budget request.

d. You should be prepared to provide supporting documentation for salaries and prices of materials and equipment upon request.

e. Organizations that have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate should use that rate and the appropriate base. Other organizations should submit their proposal with their suggested indirect rate. If they are funded and HUD is the cognizant agency, it will set a rate; otherwise HUD will request the cognizant federal agency to set the rate.

f. You should submit a copy of the negotiated rate agreements for fringe benefits and indirect costs, if applicable, as an attachment to the budget sheets.

7. Applicants are encouraged to use the following checklist to ensure that all required materials have been prepared and submitted. You are not required to submit this checklist with your application.

Checklist for Healthy Homes Demonstration Program Applicants

Applicant Abstract (limited to 2 pages).

Rating Factor Responses (Total narrative response limited to 25 pages).

1. Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience--Form HUD 96012.

2. Need/Extent of the Problem-Form HUD-96016.

3. Soundness of Approach.

4. Leveraging Resources--Form HUD-96015.

5. Achieving Results and Program Evaluation--Form HUD-96010 Logic Model.

Required materials in response to rating factors (does not count towards 25-page limit).

Form SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance.

Form HUD-424-CB Grant Application Detailed Budget Work Sheet.

Form SF-424 Supplement Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (to be completed by private nonprofit organizations only).

Form SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.

Form HUD-2880 Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report.

Form HUD-2990 Certification of Consistency with the RC/EZ/EC-II Strategic Plan (if applicable).

Form HUD-96011 Facsimile Transmittal to be used as the cover page for faxing third party information for electronic applications only. See the General Section.

Resumes of Key Personnel (limited to 2 pages per resume).

Organizational Chart.

Letters of Commitment (if applicable).

Form HUD-2994-A You are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey (Optional).

Optional material in support of the Rating Factors (20 page limit).

C. Submission Dates and Times

Electronic applications must be submitted and received and validated by Grants.gov on or before 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on June 7, 2006. All narrative files and any scanned documents must be submitted as a zip file, single attachment to the electronic application. Refer to the General Section for additional submission requirements. Materials associated to your electronic application submitted by facsimile transmission must also be received by 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application submission date. Applicants submitting a waiver from electronic submission must submit their request at least 15 days before the application due date. If a waiver request is approved, the applicant will receive instructions for submitting the paper application. All paper applications must be received at the appropriate HUD office(s) by the deadline date.

D. Intergovernmental Review

Not required for this submission.

E. Funding Restrictions

1. Administrative Costs. There is a 10% maximum allowance for administrative costs. Additional information about allowable administrative costs is provided in Appendix D of this NOFA at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm .

2. Purchase of Real Property is not permitted.

3. Purchase or lease of equipment having a per unit cost in excess of $5,000 is not permitted, unless prior written approval is obtained from HUD.

4. Medical costs are not permitted.

5. For-profit organizations cannot receive a fee or profit.

6. Applicants must comply with the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501).

7. Awardees may not use grant funds for hazard control of a building or manufactured home that is located in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4001-4128) as having special flood hazards unless:

a. The community in which the area is situated is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program in accordance with the applicable regulations (44 CFR parts 59-79), or less than a year has passed since FEMA notification regarding these hazards; and

b. Where the community is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, flood insurance on the property is obtained in accordance with section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act (42 U.S.C. 4012a(a)). You are responsible for assuring that flood insurance is obtained and maintained for the appropriate amount and term.

F. Other Submission Requirements

HUD requires applicants to submit applications electronically through http://www.grants.gov unless you request and are granted a waiver to

the electronic submission requirements. See the General Section.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

1. Rating and Ranking

Applications will be reviewed by an Application Review Panel (ARP) which will assign each application a numerical

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score based on the rating factors presented below. The ARP chairperson initially selects and provides at least one application to panel members to score during a calibration round to ensure that all panel members are consistent in their interpretation of the rating factors. When the calibration round is completed, each application is reviewed and scored by at least two panel members who will assign a score based on the rating factors. Each factor is weighted as indicated by the number of points that are attainable for it. An average score is then computed for each application. The ARP chair may call upon an advisor to the ARP to review and comment on a proposal; however, the advisor does not score the application. Nonetheless, advisor comments will be documented and retained as a part of the record. The ARP holds a final meeting to identify the top-ranking applications to be recommended for funding. Awards will be made separately in rank order within the limits of funding availability. The maximum score that can be assigned to an application is 102 points.

Applicants are eligible to receive up to two bonus points for projects located within federally designated Renewable Communities (RCs), Empowerment Zones (EZs), or Enterprise Communities (ECs) designated by USDA in round II (EC-IIs) (collectively referred to as RC/EZ/EC-IIs), and which will serve the residents of these communities (see the General Section). In order to be eligible for the bonus points, applicants must submit a completed Form HUD-2990. 2. Rating Factors

The factors for rating and ranking applicants, and maximum points for each factor, are provided below. Applicants should be certain that these factors are adequately addressed in the narrative relevant to the rating factors and the accompanying materials. Please refer to the guide to Scoring of Rating Factors at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm .

a. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience (15 Points). This factor addresses your organizational capacity necessary to successfully implement your proposed activities in a timely manner. The rating of you or your staff includes any grassroots community-based nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, sub-contractors, consultants, sub- recipients, and members of consortia that are firmly committed to your project. HUD strongly encourages the formation and development of consortia in implementing your project goals. Applicants that either are or propose to partner, fund, or sub-contract with grassroots community-based nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, in conducting their work programs will receive higher rating points as specified in the General Section. In rating this factor, HUD will consider the four items listed below.

(1) Capacity and Qualifications of Principal Investigator and Key Personnel. (6 points). Describe your recent, relevant, and successful demonstrated experience in undertaking eligible program activities. Describe the knowledge and experience of the proposed overall project director and day-to-day project manager in planning and managing large and complex interdisciplinary programs, especially those involving housing, public health, or environmental programs. Include information on your project staff, their experience with housing and health programs, percentage commitment to the project, and position titles. Project directors should make a time commitment of at least 20% and project manager's time commitment should be at least 50%. Resumes of up to two pages each and position descriptions for up to three key personnel in addition to the project director and project manager, and a clearly delineated organizational chart for the Healthy Homes project you propose, must be included in your application submission. Position descriptions and copies of job announcements (including salary range, percent time commitment, specifying percentage covered by the grant) should be included for any key positions that are currently vacant or contingent upon an award. Document that you have sufficient personnel, or will be able to quickly retain qualified personnel to begin your project immediately, and to perform activities in a timely and effective fashion. Successful applicants must hire all key staff positions identified in the proposal as vacant or required in the award agreement within 120 days of award. Describe how principal components of your organization will participate in, or support, your project.

(2) Qualifications of Applicant and Partner Organizations (4 points). Include names, descriptions of the experience and qualifications of subcontractors. Document how you propose to coordinate with and monitor sub-contractors, including frequency of meetings, on site inspections and submission of formal monthly or quarterly reports. Discuss your communication and coordination with partners, including partner responsibilities, meeting frequency, etc. If partners are community-based grassroots, non-profit organizations, including faith-based organizations, include documentation demonstrating their community-based grassroots status, such as organizational profile, 501(c)(3) status, Social Services budget. (Lengthy documents are not required. Face pages or extracted relevant text is adequate.)

(3) Past Performance of the Organization (5 points). This section refers to applicants who have any prior experience in another Healthy Homes or Lead Hazard Control grant, another grant related to environmental health and safety issues, or other experience in a similar program. Provide details about the nature of the project, the funding agency, and your performance, relative to performance measures and the achievement of desired housing- and health-related outcomes. If your organization is an existing Healthy Homes grantee, provide a description of the progress and outcomes achieved in that grant. Current grantees that are on or ahead of target may earn one point based on their demonstrated ability to date. If you received previous Healthy Homes Demonstration funding, you will be evaluated in terms of cumulative progress and achievements under the previous grant.

You must complete and submit the Factor 1, Table 1, posted at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm, to support narrative

information. This table in supporting materials for your application. It will not be counted towards your page limit.

b. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (15 Points). This factor addresses the extent for your proposed activities to document healthy homes and housing-related hazards in your target area(s) and target group(s).

(1) Target Area for Proposed Activities (5 points). Specifically identify a target area for your proposed activities. Document a critical level of need for your proposed activities in this target area by providing data documenting targeted groups that are traditionally underserved or have special needs. For a maximum score, data provided should specifically represent the target area, rather than general statistics or information pertinent to a larger geographic area. If specific statistics are not available, discuss why this is the case.

HUD will award two bonus points to each application that includes a valid Form HUD 2990 certifying that the activities/projects in the application are consistent with the strategic plan for an empowerment zone (EZ) designated by

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HUD or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the tax incentive utilization plan for an urban or rural renewal community designated by HUD (RC), or the strategic plan for an enterprise community designated in round II by USDA (EZ-II), and that the proposed activities/projects will be located within the RC/EZ/EC-II identified above and are intended to serve the residents.

(2) Link to Housing based Health Hazard (10 points). Your documentation should summarize available data linking housing-based health hazards to disease or injuries to children in your target area. Examples of data that might be used to demonstrate need include:

(a) Economic and demographic data (3 points) including poverty and unemployment rates and the number and percentage of low- and very low- income families with incomes less than 50 percent and 80 percent of the median income, respectively, as determined by HUD, for the area. Statistics that describe low- and very-low income families are available at: http://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/main.HTML?lang=en.

Applicants should also consult local data sources, such as city government web sites, for target area data.

(b) Rates of childhood illnesses (4 points) (e.g., asthma, elevated blood lead levels) or injuries (e.g., falls, burns) among children residing in your target areas that could be caused or exacerbated by exposure to conditions in the home environment; and

(c) The age and condition of housing (3 points). In responding, provide data available in your jurisdiction's currently approved Consolidated Plan and the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) or Indian Housing Plan or derived from current census data or from other sources of comparable quality.

c. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (50 Points). (1) Approach for Implementing the Project (36 points). HUD is interested in comparability among the Healthy Homes Programs, in order to further standardize outcomes and performance measures. As a result, we have provided at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm , a standardized approach for

implementing home remediations. Applicants are encouraged to use this model for carrying out your project activities and designing and implementing your work plan.

(a) Project Approach (3 points). Describe your approach to implement your proposed project. In particular describe the methods, schedule and milestones that will be used to identify and control housing-based health hazards and to achieve the desired improvements in the health of the families you serve. Include summary information about the estimated numbers of clients to be contacted, clients enrolled, units to be assessed, units to receive remediations, individuals to be trained, and individuals or groups that will be reached through education or outreach activities. Health outcome measures, such as pediatric asthma hospitalizations, emergency room visits for asthma, falls, burns, etc., should be documented to the extent possible. The use of tables to describe schedule, milestones and summary data is encouraged.

(b) Start up (4 Points). (i) Describe the process you intend to follow for obtaining IRB approval and HIPAA Authorization, if necessary. In particular, identify the organization that will review your project and provide a timeframe.

(ii) Provide detailed information regarding how program staff and, where applicable, partnering organizations will be trained in the disciplines needed to successfully implement your project (e.g., resident education, assessments and remediations). Include an outline of training curricula, a description of qualifications of trainers, and describe how individuals or groups to be trained will be selected.

(iii) If you are proposing to conduct a study or intervention that includes a significant level of community interaction (e.g., resident recruitment, home-based remediations, data collection, environmental sampling on private property) describe your plan for meaningful involvement of the affected community in your proposed study. You should define the community of interest with respect to your proposed project and discuss why your proposed approach to community involvement will make a meaningful contribution to your project and to the community.

(iv) Describe any proposed involvement of grassroots community- based, nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, in the proposed activities including the development of consortia. These activities may include outreach, community education, marketing, inspection, and housing evaluations and remediations.

(c) Outreach and Recruitment (7 Points). (i) Describe how you will identify, select, prioritize, and enroll units of housing in which you will undertake housing-based health hazard remediations, targeting low- income families with young children under the age of six (72 months) to the extent feasible.

(ii) Describe measures you will perform to sustain recruitment, including incentives, and the staff responsible for both monitoring recruitment status and implementing the measures identified to sustain recruitment.

(iii) Discuss possible recruitment problems, impediments that you anticipate, probability of dropouts and plans to over-recruit to compensate for dropouts.

(iv) Discuss strategies to address the effect of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) on your recruitment, if applicable.

(v) Describe how you will provide appropriate program information and gain informed consent from the subjects, their parents and guardians, as applicable. Describe how you will ensure that participants understand and consent to the elements of the program such as the purposes, benefits and risks of the research activities.

(vi) Describe your proposed methods to reach high-risk groups and communities, vulnerable populations and persons traditionally underserved.

(vii) Describe how you will affirmatively further fair housing, which would include, but not be limited to: Affirmative marketing of the program to those least likely to apply based on race, color, sex, familial status, national origin, religion, or disability, (especially when persons in these demographic groups are generally not served by the grassroots community-based, nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations or other partner organizations); providing materials in alternative formats for persons with disabilities; providing materials in languages other than English for individuals with limited English proficiency and their families; assuring long-term residency by families currently living in the community; and assuring that priority for treated units go to those who need the features (treatment) of the unit.

(d) Unit Assessments, Occupant Health Surveys and Medical Referrals (3 Points). (i) Describe the assessment tools your project will employ to establish baseline data for unit condition, knowledge of program participant and/or the health of the occupant(s). These tools include questionnaires, visual assessment protocols and environmental sampling and analysis.

(ii) Describe your process for evaluating units of housing in which you will undertake housing-based

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health hazard remediations. Provide the estimated total number of owner-occupied and/or rental units in which you will perform assessments and conduct remediations.

(iii) Describe the process to be followed for referring children for medical case management when needed. Describe the organizations that will be involved in this process and their prior experience serving the target population(s).

(e) Remediations (7 Points). (i) Describe your process for the development of work specifications for the selected physical remediations.

(ii) Discuss your process to select and obtain contractors for conducting remediations in selected units and provide details about the competitive bidding process.

(iii) Discuss efforts to incorporate cost-effective methods to address multiple environmental health and safety hazards, and describe the specific remediations you will employ to control housing-based health hazards before children are affected; and/or to control these hazards in units where children have already been treated for illnesses or injuries associated with housing-based health hazards (e.g., burns, lead poisoning, asthma). In your budget submission, provide an estimate of the cost of each intervention (material costs and labor costs associated with installation) and an estimate of costs projected per unit.

(iv) Discuss how you will assure that the contractor will comply with all applicable Federal regulations.

(v) Describe the financing strategy, including eligibility requirements, terms, conditions, and amounts available, to be employed for conducting housing remediations. You must discuss the way funds will be administered (e.g., use of grants, deferred loans, forgivable loans, other resources, private sector financing, etc.) as well as the agency that will administer the process.

(vi) Describe your plan for the relocation of occupants of units selected for intervention, if temporary relocation is necessary (see Section VI, below). Address the use of safe houses and other housing arrangements, storage of household goods, stipends, incentives, etc., and the source of funding for relocation.

(vii) Describe your plan for ensuring right of return and/or first referral for occupants of units selected for intervention who have had to move for intervention to occur.

(f) Community Education, Outreach and Capacity Building/Training (3 Points). (i) Describe your proposed methods for community and/or targeted education and training. These should include community awareness, education, training, and outreach programs that support your work plan and are culturally sensitive and targeted appropriately. Provide information about specific educational/outreach activities with quantitative data (number of individuals to be reached, etc.) and a description of the intended audience.

(ii) Discuss if Healthy Homes training programs will be expanded to include public housing agencies or Tribally Designated Housing Entities and other potential collaborators, such as grassroots community-based, nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, and if so, your plan for doing this.

(g) HUD's Departmental Policy Priorities (6 Points). Indicate if, and describe how, you will address any of HUD's departmental policy priorities (see General Section). You will receive points for each of the applicable FY 2006 policy priorities that are adequately addressed in your application to a maximum of six points. Policy priorities that are applicable to the Healthy Homes Demonstration NOFA are: (1) Improving our Nation's Communities (focus on distressed communities); (2) Providing Full and Equal Access to Grassroots Community-based, Nonprofit Organizations, including Faith-based Organizations in HUD Program Implementation; (3) Participation of Minority-Serving Institutions in HUD Programs; (4) Removal of Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing; and (5) Promoting Energy Efficiency and Energy Star. HUD expects the applicant to implement Energy Star building techniques and utilize Energy Star appliances whenever activities of the grant afford the opportunity. For information on Energy Star Programs and Appliances, see http://oaspub.epa.gov/webi/meta_first_new2.try_these_first ; and energystar.gov.

Each policy priority is worth one point, except for policy priority (4), Removal of Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing, which is worth up to 2 points, provided the applicant responds to this policy priority as described in this NOFA and submits the required documentation as described in Form HUD 27300. Applicants may also provide a URL website address where the documentation can be readily found.

(h) Economic Opportunity (3 points). To the greatest extent feasible, your project should promote job training, employment, and other economic opportunities for low-income and minority residents and businesses which are owned by, and/or employ, low-income and minority residents as defined in 24 CFR 135.5.

(i) Describe how you or your partners will comply with Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) and HUD's implementing rules at 24 CFR part 135 by:

(A) Providing training and employment opportunities for low- and very low-income persons living within the awardee's jurisdiction, and by

(B) Purchasing goods and supplies, or contracting for services from businesses owned by low- and very low-income persons living within the targeted jurisdiction; information about Section 3 requirements is available at, http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavil.cfm;

(ii) Describe how your proposed project will provide opportunities for self-sufficiency, particularly for persons enrolled in welfare-to- work programs, or providing educational and job training opportunities; and

(iii) Describe the extent to which your proposed activities will occur within a federally designated Renewable Community (RC), Empowerment Zone (EZ), or Enterprise Community designated by USDA in round II (EC-II) as defined in the General Section.

(2) Approach for Managing the Project (9 points). Considering your project goals and objectives, describe how you will manage the project. Provide information on the general management approach including a management plan that:

(a) Incorporates appropriate project objectives, major tasks/ activities, responsible entities, performance goals, and the process that you will utilize to assign, track and monitor the performance of major tasks and activities. (All specific activities necessary to complete the proposed project must be included in the task.)

(b) Provides a schedule of milestones and deliverables for the completion of major tasks and activities, and the delivery of interim and final products.

(c) Discusses coordination with sub-recipients, partners and staff.

(d) Describes all quality assurance activities and associated corrective actions.

(3) Budget Justification (5 points). HUD will not review any grant application with an award request greater than $1,000,000. Your proposed budget will be evaluated for the extent to which it is reasonable, clearly justified, and consistent with the project management plan and intended use of program funds. HUD is not required to

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approve or fund all proposed activities. Your detailed budget should be submitted using Form ``HUD-CBW.'' An electronic copy is available at: http://www.grants.gov. You must thoroughly document and justify all budget

categories and costs and all major tasks for yourself, sub-recipients, partners, major subcontractors, joint venture participants, or others contributing resources to the project. Include a 2-page (maximum) narrative that describes clearly and in detail your budgeted costs for each required program element (major task) included in your overall plan. (You may include this narrative along with the budget forms; it will not count toward the 25-page limit.) Include a separate, detailed budget for any sub-grantee who would receive 10% or more of the grant funding.

d. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (5 Points). This factor addresses your ability to secure other community resources (e.g., financing, supplies, or services) that can be combined with HUD's resources to achieve project purposes. These community resources may be contributions from organizations such as the applicant, partners, or other organizations not directly involved in the project. Resources may also be provided by state and local governmental entities.

(1) HUD will consider the extent to which you have developed partnerships or consortia to secure additional resources to increase the effectiveness of your proposed project. Describe how other organizations will participate in or support your project. Resources may include funding or in-kind contributions (e.g., labor, fringe benefits, services, supplies, or equipment) budgeted for your proposed project. Include in the narrative the details of the commitment, the amount being leveraged, or if the commitment is in-kind, the specific names, percent of time, supplies and other resources, and value of each commitment.

(2) The signature of the authorized official on the Form SF-424 commits matching or other contributed resources of the applicant organization. The applicant must obtain a letter of commitment from each organization other than itself that is providing a match, whether cash or in-kind. The letter must describe the contributed resource(s) that will be used in your project and the dollar value of each contribution. Staff and in-kind contributions should be given a market- based monetary value. Each letter of commitment, memorandum of understanding, or agreement to participate shall include the organization's name and the proposed level of commitment and responsibilities as they relate to the proposed project. The commitment must be signed by an official legally able to make commitments on behalf of the organization and dated prior to the deadline date for this NOFA application.

(3) Include information to address the following elements. (i) The extent to which you have coordinated your activities with other known organizations that are not directly participating in your proposed work activities, but with which you share common goals and objectives.

(A) Describe your plan for integrating and coordinating housing- based health hazard interventions with other housing-related activities (e.g., rehabilitation, weatherization, correction of code violations, and other similar work).

(B) Describe your plans to generate and use public subsidies or other resources, such as loan funds, to finance future interventions to prevent and control housing-based health hazards, particularly in families with children under the age of six years (72 months) living in low- and very low-income housing.

(ii) The extent to which your project exhibits the potential to be financially self-sustaining by decreasing dependence on federal funding and relying more on state, local and private funding to continue healthy homes activities after the funding period is completed.

Applicants are to complete the Factor 4 table, Leveraging Resources that is posted at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm .

e. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (15 points). This rating factor reflects HUD's goal to embrace high standards of ethics, management and accountability. HUD is committed to ensuring that applicants keep promises made in their applications and assess their performance to ensure that performance goals are met. In your response to this rating factor, you are to discuss the performance goals for your project, and identify specific outcome measures. Identify and discuss the specific methods you will use to measure progress towards your goals, track and report results of assessments and remediations, and evaluate the effectiveness of remediations; identify important project milestones (e.g., the end of specific phases in a multi-phased project) and deliverables specific to your project timeline; and identify milestones that are critical to achieving project objectives (e.g., developing questionnaires or protocols, hiring staff, recruitment of participants, and IRB approval and/or HIPAA Authorization, if applicable); identify benchmarks such as number of units that received intervention, percent of remediations that occurred in high-risk communities, etc., that you will use to track the progress of your project.

Identify how your project will be held accountable for meeting project goals, objectives, and the actions undertaken in implementing the program. Provide assurances that work plans and performance measures developed for your project will be achieved in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Your project should focus particular attention on identifying specific resident, or program participant, health outcomes and describe how these outcomes will be measured. Resident health outcomes do not necessarily require medical testing, such as spirometry or documenting blood lead levels, and may be assessed using questionnaires or other tools. Careful attention should be given to the relationship between the program's remediations (e.g., physical changes in the environment, changes to cleaning protocols, in-home training or provision of education materials) and the effect on resident health.

In evaluating Rating Factor 5, HUD will consider how you have described the benefits and outcome measures of your program. HUD will also consider the proposed objectives and performance objectives relative to cost and achieving the purpose of the program, as well as the evaluation plan, to ensure the project is on schedule and within budget.

You must complete and return the Form HUD-96010. HUD is moving to a standardized ``Master'' Logic Model with drop down menus from which you can select needs, activities, and outcomes appropriate to your program. See the General Section for detailed information on use of the ``Master'' Logic Model. HUD is requiring grantees to use program- specific questions to self-evaluate the management and performance of their program. For FY2006, HUD is considering a new concept for the Logic Model. The new concept is a Return on Investment statement. HUD will be publishing a separate notice on the ROI concept. Training on HUD's logic model will be provided via satellite broadcast.

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B. Reviews and Selection Process

The review and selection process is provided in the General Section. The General Section also provides the procedures for correcting deficient applications.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

1. Applicants Selected for Award

Successful applicants will receive a letter from the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control Grant Officer providing details regarding the effective start date of the cooperative agreement and any additional data and information to be submitted to execute a cooperative agreement. This letter is not an authorization to begin work or incur costs under the cooperative agreement or grant.

HUD may require that all the awardees participate in negotiations to determine the specific terms of the cooperative agreement or grant and budget. Should HUD not be able to successfully conclude negotiations with a selected applicant, an award will not be made. If the applicant accepts the terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement, a signed cooperative agreement must be returned by the date specified. Instructions on how to have the cooperative agreement account entered into HUD's Line of Credit Control System (LOCCS) payment system will be provided. Other forms and program requirements will be provided. In accordance with OMB Circular A-133 (Audits of States, Local Governments and Nonprofit Organizations), awardees will have to submit their completed audit-reporting package along with the Data Collection Form (SF-SAC) to the Single Audit Clearinghouse. The address can be obtained from their Web site. The SF-SAC can be downloaded at: http://harvester.census.gov/sac/.

2. Debriefing. The General Section provides the procedures for applicants to request a debriefing.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Environmental Requirements

Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2006, the provisions of section 305(c) of the Multifamily Housing Property Disposition Reform Act of 1994, implemented by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58, ``Environmental Review Procedures for Entities Assuming HUD Environmental Responsibilities,'' are applicable to properties assisted with Healthy Homes Demonstration Grant funds. In accordance with part 58, applicants under this NOFA that are States, units of general local governments or Indian Tribes must act as the responsible entity and assume the environmental review responsibilities for activities funded under this NOFA. Other applicants must arrange for the unit of general local government or Indian Tribe to act as the responsible entity. Under 24 CFR 58.11, if a non-recipient responsible entity objects to performing the environmental review, or if a recipient that is not a responsible entity objects to the local or tribal government performing the environmental review, HUD may designate another responsible entity to perform the review or may perform the environmental review itself under the provisions of 24 CFR part 50. Healthy Homes Demonstration grant applicants and other participants in activities under this NOFA may not undertake, or commit or expend federal or non-federal funds (including HUD-leveraged or match funds) for housing interventions, related rehabilitation or other physical activities until the responsible entity completes an environmental review and the applicant submits and obtains HUD approval of a request for release of funds and the responsible entity's environmental certification in accordance with part 58 (or until HUD has completed an environmental review under part 50). The results of environmental reviews on individual projects may require that proposed activities be modified or proposed sites rejected. For assistance, contact Karen Choi, the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control Environmental Officer at (213) 534-2458 (this is not a toll-free number) or the HUD Environmental Review Officer in the HUD Field Office serving your area. If you are a hearing- or speech-impaired person, you may reach the telephone number via TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339. Recipients of a cooperative agreement under this NOFA will be given guidance in these responsibilities. 2. Executive Order 13202

``Preservation of Open Competition and Government Neutrality Towards Government Contractors' Labor Relations on Federal and Federally-Funded Construction Projects.'' See General Section for information concerning this requirement. 3. Procurement of Recovered Materials

See the General Section for information concerning this requirement. 4. Relocation

Any person (including individuals, partnerships, corporations, or associations) who moves from real property or moves personal property from real property directly (1) because of a written notice to acquire real property, in whole or in part, or (2) because of the acquisition of the real property, in whole or in part, for a HUD-assisted activity, is covered by federal relocation statutes and regulations. Specifically, this type of move is covered by the acquisition policies and procedures and the relocation requirements of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (URA), as amended, and the implementing government wide regulation at 49 CFR part 24. The relocation requirements of the URA and the government wide regulations cover any person who moves permanently from real property or moves personal property from real property directly because of acquisition, rehabilitation or demolition for an activity undertaken with HUD assistance. While the Healthy Homes Demonstration Grant Program is not HUD assistance, the grantee must relocate families to decent, safe and sanitary housing, and should use the URA as guidance for doing so. If families or individuals are temporarily relocated in a project which utilizes Community Development Block Grant funds, the guidance and requirements of 24 CFR 570.606(b)(2)(i)(D)(1)- (3) must be met. HUD recommends you review these regulations when preparing your proposal. (They can be downloaded from the Government Printing Office Web site at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/ by entering

``24 CFR 570.606'' in quotes without any spaces in the Quick Search box.) See Section III.C of the General Section for additional information about relocation. 5. Davis-Bacon Act

The Davis-Bacon Act does not apply to this program. However, if program funds are used in conjunction with other federal programs in which Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rates apply, then Davis-Bacon provisions would apply to the extent required under the other federal programs. 6. Audit Requirements

Any grant recipient that spends $500,000 or more in federal financial assistance in a single year must meet the audit requirements established in 24 CFR part 84 or 85, as applicable, in accordance with OMB Circular A-133.

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C. Reporting

Successful applicants will be required to submit quarterly and final program and financial reports according the requirements of the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control. Specific guidance and additional details will be provided to successful applicants. The following items are a part of OHHLHC reporting requirements.

1. Final Work Plan and Budget are due prior to the effective start of the cooperative agreement.

2. Quality Assurance Plan (QAP). Successful Healthy Homes Demonstration applicants that will be collecting housing, demographic or environmental data in a formalized manner for use in assessing effectiveness of the approaches being demonstrated under the cooperative agreement or grant will be required to submit a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) to HUD prior to initiating work under the cooperative agreement or grant. This is a streamlined version of the format used by some other federal agencies, and is intended to help ensure the accuracy and validity of the data that you will collect under the cooperative agreement or grant. (See the HUD Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control's Internet site, http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead , for the QAP template). Your proposed project activities

should include developing this QAP. The QAP will be submitted to HUD as a part of your work plan.3. Progress reports are due on a quarterly basis. Project benchmarks and milestones will be tracked using a benchmark spreadsheet that uses the benchmarks and milestones identified in the Logic Model form (HUD-96010) approved and incorporated into your award agreement. For specific reporting requirements, see policy guidance: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead.

4. A final report is due at the end of the project period, which includes final project benchmarks and milestones achieved against the proposed benchmarks and milestones in the Logic Model (HUD-96010) approved and incorporated into your award agreement. Specific information on all reporting requirements will be provided to successful applicants.

5. Racial and Ethnic Beneficiary Data. HUD does not require Healthy Homes Demonstration Grantees to report ethnic and racial beneficiary data as part of their initial application package. However, such data must be reported on an annual basis, at a minimum, during the implementation of your cooperative agreement. You must use the Office of Management and Budget's Standards for the Collection of Racial and Ethnic Data to report these data, using Form HUD-27061, Racial and Ethnic Data Reporting Form, found on http://www.grants.gov, along with

instructions for its use.

VII. Agency Contacts

For questions related to the application process, you may contact the Grants.gov helpline at 800-518-GRANTS. For programmatic questions, you may contact by writing: Emily Williams, Director; Healthy Homes Division; Department of Housing and Urban Development; Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control; 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room P3206; Washington, DC 20410-3000; or by telephone by calling (336) 547- 4002, extension 2067 (this is not a toll-free number); or via e-mail at: Emily_E._Williams@hud.gov. For administrative questions, you may contact Curtissa L. Coleman, Grants Officer, at the address above or by telephone at: (202) 755-1785, extension 7580 (this is not a toll-free number) or via e-mail at: Curtissa_L._Coleman@hud.gov. If you are hearing or speech-impaired, you may reach the above telephone numbers via TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

VIII. Other Information

A. HUD Reform Act

The provisions of the HUD Reform Act of 1989 that apply to this NOFA are discussed in the General Section. Refer to the General Section for details regarding other information on submitting a complete application that meets HUD requirements. For additional general, technical, and program information pertaining to the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, visit: http://www.hud.gov/healthyhomes.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

The information collection requirements contained in this document have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2539-0015. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 80 hours per annum per respondent for the application and grant administration. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the application, semi-annual reports, and final report. The information will be used for awardee selection and monitoring the administration of funds. Response to this request for information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived.

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN08MR06.016

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Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI)

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Community Planning and Development.

B. Funding Opportunity Title: Brownfields Economic Development Initiative.

C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Number: The Federal Register number is FR- 5030-N-14. The OMB approval number is 2506-0153.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI), 14.246.

F. Dates: The application deadline date is June 14, 2006. Applications must be received and validated by http://www.grants.gov no

later than 11:59:59 p.m. on the application deadline date. Please see the General Section for information on electronic deadline and timeliness requirements.

G. Optional, Additional Overview Content Information: BEDI funds are used to enhance the security of a loan guaranteed by HUD under Section 108 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, for the same brownfields economic development project, or to improve the viability of a brownfields economic development project financed with the Section 108-guaranteed loan, in order to stimulate economic development by local governments and private sector parties at brownfields sites and to return those sites to productive, economic reuse. All BEDI grants must be used in conjunction with a new Section 108-guaranteed loan commitment.

HUD encourages brownfields economic development projects that propose the redevelopment of a brownfield site through new investments by identified private sector parties in addition to BEDI/Section 108 financing and that will directly result in new business or job creation, increases in the local tax base or other near-term, measurable economic benefits.

Those interested in applying for funding under this program should review carefully the General Section and the following additional information.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Authority

BEDI is authorized pursuant to Section 108(q), Title I, Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, (42 U.S.C. 5301); 24 CFR part 570.

B. Program Description

BEDI is designed to help local governments redevelop brownfields, defined in this NOFA as abandoned, idled, or underutilized real property, including industrial and commercial facilities, where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by the presence or potential presence of environmental contamination. A BEDI grant award will be conditioned upon, and must be used in conjunction with, a new (i.e., not previously approved) Section 108-guaranteed loan commitment. Both Section 108 loan guarantee proceeds and BEDI grant funds are initially made available by HUD to units of general local government eligible for assistance under HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program (specifically, the Entitlement and State programs, certain jurisdictions in the state of Hawaii under the Small Cities program, and the insular areas of Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands). A local government may re-loan the Section 108 loan proceeds and provide BEDI funds to a business or other public entity eligible to carry out a specific approved brownfields economic development project, or the public entity may carry out the eligible project itself. In either case, BEDI grant funds and the Section 108 proceeds must be used to support the same eligible BEDI project.

Under this program, CDBG entitlement and non-entitlement grantees (and states for state-assisted non-entitlement jurisdictions) pledge their continuing CDBG allocations as security for the Section 108 loans guaranteed by HUD. BEDI grant funds are intended to reduce grantees' potential loss of future CDBG allocations by:

1. Strengthening the economic feasibility of a project financed with Section 108 funds (and thereby increasing the probability that the project will generate enough cash to repay the guaranteed loan);

2. Directly enhancing the security of the Section 108-guaranteed loan; or

3. Employing a combination of these or other risk mitigation techniques.

BEDI funds must be used as the stimulus for local governments and/ or private sector parties to commence redevelopment or continue phased redevelopment efforts of brownfields sites where contamination is present or potentially present and a redevelopment plan exists. HUD desires to see BEDI and Section 108 funds used to finance projects and activities that involve investment in the brownfields site by an identified private sector party that will provide near-term results and measurable economic benefits, such as job creation and increases in the local tax base.

C. Program Definitions

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in this NOFA shall have the same respective meanings as provided for in 24 CFR part 570.

Act means Title I Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.).

Application means a single set of documents, including a request for Section 108 loan guarantee assistance, submitted by an eligible applicant for BEDI grant funds, in accordance with the provisions of this NOFA to finance a brownfields economic development project. Section IV.B.1(c) of this NOFA provides additional information on the nature and forms of Section 108 loan guarantee requests that must be submitted to HUD along with each BEDI application.

Brownfields means abandoned, idled, or under-used real property (including industrial and commercial facilities) where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by the presence or potential presence of contamination.

Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) funds means the appropriated funds made available for the competition under this NOFA from any available appropriation.

Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) project or brownfields economic development project means a single activity, or a group of activities constituting a planned, continuous, single undertaking, that is eligible under Section 108(q) of the Act and under 24 CFR 570.703 and projected to create or retain businesses or jobs, provide area or housing benefit to low- and moderate-income persons, redevelop blighted areas or sites, or otherwise lead to measurable economic benefits from redevelopment of one or more brownfields sites within five years.

CDBG funds means those funds collectively so defined at 24 CFR 570.3, including grant funds received pursuant to Section 108(q) and this NOFA.

Economic Development Initiative (EDI) grant means the provision of economic development grant assistance under Section 108(q) of the Act, as authorized by Section 232 of the Multifamily Housing Property Disposition Reform Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-233, approved April 11, 1994).

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EPA means the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Firm Commitment means either a written agreement or letter of understanding by which an applicant or a third party:

(1) Agrees to perform an activity or provide resources as specified in the application, and demonstrates their relationship to the proposed BEDI/Section 108 project;

(2) Specifies the dollar value of the commitment and demonstrates that it has the financial and organizational capacity to deliver the resources necessary to successfully complete the activity; and

(3) Irrevocably commits the resources to the activity either through cash or in-kind services or contributions; if any portion is to be financed through a grant or loan from another public or private organization, that institution's grant or loan commitment must be firmly committed as well.

Any such agreement or letter of understanding shall be understood as being contingent upon receipt of the BEDI grant. Funds expended prior to the submission of the BEDI application will not be considered as firmly committed funds for purposes of this NOFA.

Additional information related to firm commitments of other resources is provided in Section V.A.1 of this NOFA, Rating Factor 4 (Leveraging of Other Financial Resources). See Section IV.F.3.d. of the General Section for instructions on how third party documents are to be submitted electronically.

Showcase Community means an applicant chosen by the federal government's Brownfields National Partnership for inclusion in the federal government's Brownfields Showcase Communities program. A list of the federally designated Brownfield Showcase Communities is provided on the HUD website, at http://www.hud.gov.

Strategic Plan means a strategy or course of action developed and agreed to by the nominating local government(s) and state(s) and submitted in partial fulfillment of the application requirements for an Empowerment Zone, Enterprise Community, or a Renewal Community, designated pursuant to 24 CFR parts 597, 598 or 599.

D. Program Background

HUD has multiple programs that are intended to stimulate economic and community development and promote economic revitalization of distressed areas, and which can be effectively employed to address and remedy brownfields conditions. Primary among HUD's resources are the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the Section 108 loan guarantee program.

1. CDBG. The CDBG program provides grant funds by formula to local governments (either directly or through states) to carry out community and economic development activities ($3.7 billion appropriated in FY 2006). The Section 108 loan guarantee program provides CDBG-eligible communities with a source of financing for economic development, public facilities, and other eligible large-scale physical development projects. HUD is authorized pursuant to Section 108 to guarantee notes issued by CDBG entitlement communities and non-entitlement units of general local government eligible to receive funds under the CDBG States' program, as well as certain non-entitlement units of general local government in the state of Hawaii funded under 24 CFR part 570, subpart F. The Section 108 program is subject to the regulations applicable to the CDBG program at 24 CFR part 570 as described in 24 CFR part 570, subpart M.

2. Section 108 Loan Guarantees. The loan guarantee authority for the Section 108 program is estimated at $225 million including $135 million in loan guarantee authority for FY 2006 and loan guarantee authority that is still available under the FY 2005 appropriation.

Under this program, communities (states and insular areas, as applicable) are required to pledge their continuing CDBG allocations as security for loans guaranteed by HUD. The Section 108 program, however, does not require CDBG funds to be escrowed for loan repayment (unless such an arrangement is specifically negotiated as loan security and included in the applicable ``Contract for Loan Guarantee Assistance''). This means that a community can ordinarily continue to spend its existing allocation for other CDBG purposes, unless needed for loan repayment.

3. Additional Security for Section 108 Loan Guarantees. Applicants should be aware of the need to provide additional security for the Section 108 loan guarantee pursuant to 24 CFR 570.705(b)(3). Although a public entity (and the corresponding state for a state-assisted non- entitlement entity) is required by the Act to pledge its current and future CDBG allocations as security for the Section 108 loan guarantee, it will usually be required to furnish additional collateral. In most cases, the additional collateral consists (in whole or in part) of the asset financed with the Section 108 loan funds (e.g., a loan made to a business as part of an economic development project and the related mortgage from the business). Applications proposing uses for BEDI funding that directly enhance the value of the assets securing the Section 108 loan will help ensure that the project-based asset(s) will satisfy the additional collateral requirements.

4. Integration of Other Government Economic Development and Brownfields Programs. HUD encourages local governments which are assisted by (a) other federal or state economic development programs, (b) other federal brownfields programs (e.g., the federal Brownfields Showcase Community program, EPA's Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund Cleanup or Grant programs), or (c) state-supported brownfields programs, to integrate efforts arising from those programs in developing projects for assistance under HUD's BEDI and Section 108 programs. Applicants should elaborate upon these ties in their response to the rating factors, where appropriate, in Section V.A.1 of this NOFA (e.g., ``Capacity of the Applicant,'' ``Soundness of Approach,'' or ``Leveraging Resources,''--Rating Factors 1, 3, and 4, respectively.)

II. Award Information

A. Available Funds

HUD has available approximately $10 million for grant awards under this BEDI NOFA, consisting of $10 million through appropriations under the FY2006 Consolidated Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 109-115, approved December 1, 2005. These funds are authorized by Section 108(q) of the Act (as described above). If any additional funds become available for the BEDI program during FY2006, including through the deobligation and recapture of previous BEDI awards, HUD may either fund additional applicants in accordance with this NOFA, or may add these funds to funds available for future competitions pursuant to Section 108(q) of the Act.

B. Maximum Award

The maximum amount of a BEDI award under this competition is $1 million per project. An application in excess of $1 million will be reduced to the extent HUD determines that such a reduction is appropriate and the project remains feasible.

C. Limitations on Grant Amounts

1. Ratio of Section 108-Guaranteed Loan to BEDI Grant. HUD expects to

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approve BEDI grant amounts for approvable applications with a range of ratios of BEDI grant funds awarded to new Section 108-guaranteed loan commitments for the same project, but the minimum ratio must be $1.00 of Section 108-guaranteed loan commitments for every $1.00 of BEDI grant funds in order to receive consideration for funding. Section V.A.1, Rating Factor 4 (Leveraging of Resources), provides additional information on the required ratio of BEDI to Section 108 funds.

2. Reduction or Deobligation of BEDI Grant Award.

a. After selection, but prior to grant award, if HUD determines that an application can be funded at a lesser BEDI grant amount than requested and still be feasible and consistent with the proposed plan and the purposes of the Act, it reserves the right to reduce the amount of the BEDI award and/or increase the required Section 108 loan guarantee commitment.

b. In the event a BEDI grant is awarded and has been reduced below the original request (e.g., the application contained some activities that were ineligible, exceeded the $2 million cap, or there were insufficient funds to fund the last competitive application at the full amount requested), the applicant will be required to modify the project plans and application to conform to the terms of HUD approval before HUD will execute a grant agreement.

c. HUD also may proportionately reduce or deobligate the BEDI award if a grantee does not submit an approvable Section 108 loan guarantee application, issue Section 108-guaranteed obligations, and receive loan guarantee proceeds on a timely basis, (including any extension authorized by HUD), in the amount required by the BEDI/108 leveraging ratio, which will be approved by HUD as a special condition of the BEDI grant award (see Section IV.B.1(c)(2) of this NOFA).

3. Increased Request for Section 108 Loan Guarantee Assistance. In the case of a requested increase in guarantee assistance for a project with a previously approved Section 108 loan guarantee commitment (as further discussed in Section IV.B.1(c)(4)), the BEDI assistance approved will be based only on the additional amount of Section 108 loan guarantee assistance requested.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Any public entity eligible to apply for Section 108 loan guarantee assistance in accordance with 24 CFR 570.702, including Guam, the Northern Marianas, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands for FY 2006, may apply for BEDI grant assistance under Section 108(q). Eligible applicants are CDBG entitlement units of general local government and non-entitlement units of general local government eligible to receive loan guarantees under 24 CFR part 570, subpart M. Urban Counties, as defined at 24 CFR 570.3 and 570.307, are eligible applicants for BEDI funds; units of general local government that participate in an Urban County program are not independently eligible applicants. For non- entitlement applicants other than those subject to 24 CFR part 570, subpart F (which applies only to the state of Hawaii), applicants are required to provide evidence in the BEDI application from an authorized official of the state agency responsible for administering the State CDBG program stating that it supports the related Section 108 loan with a pledge of its CDBG allocations pursuant to the requirements of 24 CFR 570.705(b)(2). Such evidence must be provided by form HUD-40122, titled ``SECTION 108 LOAN GUARANTEE: State Certifications Related to Non- entitlement Public Entities.'' This form may be downloaded as part of the application package from the Internet at http://www.grants.gov/. Non-

entitlement public entities in 49 states and Puerto Rico are eligible to participate in the Section 108 and BEDI programs, with assistance of the state's or commonwealth's pledge of CDBG allocations. The non- entitlement entities in Hawaii are able to make their own repayment pledge since they now receive a fixed amount of annual CDBG funding.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

As described further in Section V.A.1 of this NOFA, under Rating Factor 4 (Leveraging of Resources), applications which evidence a greater level of other funds firmly committed to the BEDI project will receive more points under Rating Factor 4. In addition, a BEDI grant must be used with at least an equal amount of Section 108 loan guarantee proceeds for the same brownfields economic development project.

C. Program Threshold Requirements

1. Eligible Activities and National Objectives

a. Applicants for BEDI grant funds and Section 108 loan guarantee funds must demonstrate that funds will be used for activities listed at 24 CFR 570.703 and carried out as part of a BEDI project as defined in this NOFA and meet the CDBG requirements at 24 CFR Sections 570.200, 570.208 and 570.209, as applicable. All applicants must clearly identify in their narrative response to Rating Factor 3 (Soundness of Approach) in Section V.A.1 of this NOFA each of the eligible activities that will be carried out under 24 CFR 570.703.

With respect to BEDI projects that include a housing component, applicants are cautioned that the eligible activities at 24 CFR 570.703 do not allow BEDI and Section 108 funds to be used to finance the costs of the construction of housing, unless such construction is undertaken by a Community Based Development Organization (CBDO) or a not-for- profit organization serving the development needs of a community in a non-entitlement area as part of a community economic development project, in accordance with 24 CFR 570.703(i)(2) and 24 CFR 570.204(a)(2). Provisions of 24 CFR 570.703(j) that authorized the use of BEDI or Section 108 funds for housing construction have expired and are no longer applicable, as the statute referenced therein is no longer in effect. For projects that include the construction of housing, BEDI and Section 108 funds may be used to finance activities necessary to construct such housing, such as acquisition and related demolition and clearance on the acquired site, site improvements, public facilities and other eligible activities subject to each of the eligible activity provisions at 24 CFR 570.703; and

b. Applicants must demonstrate that each activity assisted with Section 108 loan guarantee or BEDI funds will meet a national objective of the CDBG program as described in 24 CFR 570.208. All applicants must clearly identify in their narrative response to Rating Factor 3 (Soundness of Approach) in Section V.A.1 of this NOFA, the CDBG national objective to be achieved by the proposed project and provide the appropriate CDBG national objective regulatory citation found at 24 CFR 570.208. Applicants must also address, when applicable, how the proposed activities will comply with the public benefit standards of the CDBG program as reflected in the regulation at 24 CFR 570.209.

c. A grantee's aggregate use of its CDBG funds, including any Section 108 loan guarantee proceeds and Section 108(q) (BEDI) funds provided pursuant to this NOFA, must comply with the CDBG primary objective requirements as described in Section 101(c) of the Act and 24 CFR 570.200(a)(3) for entitlement grantees, or 24 CFR 570.484

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in the case of a recipient under a state's program, requiring that, over the period of time specified in the applicant's (or State's) CDBG certification, not less than 70 percent of the aggregate expenditures of CDBG funds be expended for activities benefiting low- and moderate- income persons under the criteria of 24 CFR 570.208(a) or 570.208(d)(5) or (6). 2. Brownfields Redevelopment

As described further in Section V.A.1 of this NOFA, in the narrative response to Rating Factor 3 (Soundness of Approach) applicants must: (1) Describe the nature and extent of the brownfields problem(s) actually or potentially affecting the site and/or structure(s) already on the site; and (2) how the proposed activities will contribute to redevelopment of the site and/or structures. 3. General Section Threshold Requirements

a. Applicants should carefully review the threshold requirements found in Section III.C of the General Section that could result in the failure to receive funding under this program. Applicants for BEDI grant funds must comply with the statutory, regulatory, threshold, and public policy requirements listed in the General Section, except as otherwise specifically provided in this NOFA. In particular, applicants should carefully review those provisions that could result in the failure to receive funding, including the DUNS Number Requirement, Compliance with Fair Housing and Civil Rights Laws, provisions relating to Delinquent Federal Debts, and the Name Check Review.

b. The Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number Requirement. Refer to the General Section for information regarding the DUNS requirement. You will need to obtain a DUNS number to receive an award from HUD. You will also need a DUNS number to complete your electronic application as it is a mandatory field on the electronic application. The Grants.gov registration also requires use of the DUNS number, and Grants.gov registration.

c. The maximum number of points to be awarded under this NOFA is 104. To be eligible for funding, a BEDI application must obtain a total score of at least 75 points. All applications meeting program and General Section threshold requirements will be rated under the selection criteria provided in Section V.A.1 below. 4. Other Program Requirements

a. BEDI Funding Request. A single BEDI application must contain a request for funds for a single BEDI/108 project. The application must propose activities expected to result in redevelopment of one or more brownfields sites. An applicant may submit an additional application for each additional unrelated BEDI/108 project, but in no event will HUD rate and rank more than one BEDI project per application.

b. Related Section 108 Loan Guarantee Request. The request for Section 108 Loan Guarantee assistance must provide for a minimum ratio of $1.00 of requested Section 108 loan guarantee commitments for every $1.00 of BEDI grant funds requested, or a higher ratio, as needed for the project.

c. Nonentitlement Applications. Applications submitted by nonentitlement public entities (except for those in Hawaii and the insular areas which now receive fixed amounts of CDBG funds annually) must provide for the state or commonwealth's certification agreeing to pledge its CDBG allocations to receive funding consideration, as evidenced by form HUD-40122. See the General Section instructions for submission of third party documents.

d. Narrative Response to Rating Factors. Each BEDI application must provide narrative statements in response to each of the rating factors below in Section V.A.1 of this NOFA.

e. Time Frame for Submission of Section 108 Applications. All applications for Section 108 Loan Guarantee Assistance required for approved BEDI projects must be submitted within 60 days of written notice of BEDI selection, as provided for in Section IV.B.1(c)(2) of this NOFA.

f. HUD Environmental Requirements. Beginning with the submission of a BEDI application through and after HUD's award of BEDI grant funds, pursuant to 24 CFR 570.604, each project or activity assisted under this program is subject to the provisions of 24 CFR part 58. This includes limitations on the commitment of HUD and non-HUD funds by the BEDI grantee and Section 108 public entity, as well as other participants in the development process, prior to the completion of environmental review, notification, and release of funds. Neither grant nor loan funds can be disbursed by HUD until a request for release of funds is submitted and the requirements of 24 CFR part 58 have been met. All public entities, including non-entitlement public entities, shall submit the request for release of funds and related certification, required pursuant to 24 CFR part 58, to the appropriate HUD field office for each project to be assisted.

g. Compliance with Environmental and Other Laws. An award of BEDI funding does not, in any way, relieve the applicant or third party users of BEDI funds from compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, particularly those addressing the environment. Applicants are further advised that HUD may require evidence that any project involving remediation has been or will be carried out in accordance with applicable law, including voluntary clean up programs.

h. CDBG Program Regulations. In addition to 24 CFR 570.701 (Definitions), 570.702 (Eligible applicants), and 570.703 (Eligible activities), the CDBG regulatory requirements cited in 24 CFR 570.707, including subparts J (Grant Administration), K (Other Program Requirements), and O (Performance Reviews), also govern the use of BEDI funds, as applicable.

i. Obligation to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing. All BEDI grantees are obliged to affirmatively further fair housing, even when the proposed activities do not appear to be directly related to housing. Therefore, applicants that propose to use BEDI funds must include in their applications an explanation of how they propose to further fair housing opportunities for persons on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, familial status, or disability. Applicants should respond to this requirement in Section V.A.1 of this NOFA, under Rating Factor 3, subfactor (1)(b). Affirmative activities include, but are not limited to: initial and periodic assessments of the extent to which affordable and accessible housing opportunities are provided or denied to persons by race, color, national origin, sex, religion, familial status, or disability; outreach to persons in underserved population groups or advocacy organizations representing such persons; affirmative fair marketing of job or housing opportunities; furthering housing choice; addressing environmental justice concerns; or ensuring that employment, housing and other benefits of the BEDI grant are made available to those individuals and families living at or near the brownfields site prior to its redevelopment.

j. Policy Priorities. Applicants are reminded of the Department's Policy Priorities for FY 2006 found in Section V.B. of the General Section, several of which apply to this NOFA, as described

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in Section V.A.1 below, under Rating Factor 5 (Achieving Results and Program Evaluation).

k. Ineligible Sites. Applicants must propose sites that currently meet the definition of brownfields in this program section. Applicants may not propose projects on sites which are: (i) Listed or proposed to be listed on EPA's National Priority List (NPL); (ii) subject to unilateral administrative orders, court orders, administrative consent orders or judicial consent decrees issued or entered into by parties under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (CERCLA); or (iii) subject to the jurisdiction, custody, or control of the United States Government. In order to be eligible to receive an award under this program, applicants will be required in Section V.A.1, Rating Factor 3, Soundness of Approach, to indicate that the proposed BEDI project will not be undertaken at an ineligible site as provided herein.

l. Prior Approved Section 108--Guaranteed Loans. BEDI grant assistance cannot be used to leverage a Section 108 loan guarantee approved prior to the date of HUD's announcement of a BEDI grant pursuant to this SuperNOFA, unless the applicant requests to deobligate previously approved commitment authority as provided in Section IV.B.1(c)(5) of this NOFA. In no event, however, may a previously approved Section 108 commitment to be used with a prior BEDI or EDI award be subject to such deobligation. In an instance where a pending application for Section 108 assistance is to be leveraged by the proposed BEDI grant, the BEDI grant may be awarded before HUD approval of the Section 108 commitment if HUD determines that such award will further the purposes of the Act.

m. Use of Section 108 Solely for Security. A BEDI award will not be made if the Section 108 request contained in the application (See Section IV.B.1(c) of this NOFA) calls for the use of the Section 108- guaranteed obligation solely as security for other financing on the project.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Addresses To Request Application Package

1. Copies of the published NOFAs and application forms for HUD programs announced through NOFA may be downloaded from the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov/Find; if you have difficulty

accessing the information you may receive customer support from Grants.gov by calling their Support Desk at (800) 518-GRANTS, or sending an e-mail to support@grants.govsupport@grants.govsupport@grants.govsupport@grants.gov.. The

operators will assist you in accessing the information. The hours of the Support Desk are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time.

2. Satellite Broadcasts. HUD will hold informational broadcasts via satellite for potential applicants to learn more about the BEDI program and the preparation of BEDI application(s). For more information about the date and time of the broadcast, consult the Web site http://www.hud.gov .

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Content of Application

A complete application for a BEDI grant under this NOFA must contain the items listed below. The standard forms that are required for the BEDI application can also be found in the General Section. Applicants by signing the SF-424 are also agreeing to the Certifications and Assurances found in the General Section and this NOFA. Additional program forms, excluding such items as narratives or letters, etc. also referred to as the ``non-standard forms'', HUD-40122 and HUD-40123, are included with this NOFA. All forms required for application submission can be found in the application package and instructions on http://www.grants.gov for the BEDI program.

a. Checklist and Submission Table of Contents indicating the submission items included in the application can be found in Section VIII, Appendix A, of this NOFA. Applicants are not required to submit the Checklist but are encouraged to review it to ensure that they have submitted a complete application.

b. EDI/BEDI/Section 108 Funding Eligibility Statement. A completed EDI/BEDI/Section 108 Funding Eligibility Statement (Exhibit D of form HUD-40123).

c. Request for Loan Guarantee Assistance. A request for loan guarantee assistance under Section 108, with the project name clearly identified (and the same name of the BEDI project being applied for), as further described below. Full application requirements for the Section 108 program are found at 24 CFR 570.704. Non-entitlement applicants (except those in Hawaii and the insular areas) must accompany this request with the State Certifications Related to Nonentitlement Public Entities (form HUD-40122) in order to be considered for BEDI funding.

The request for loan guarantee assistance may take any of the five forms defined in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) below. Notwithstanding the form of the request for new Section 108 loan guarantee assistance, the applicant must include citations to the specific regulatory subsection supporting activity eligibility and National Objectives compliance for the Section 108 funds described in the application. (See Section III.C.1 of this NOFA.) Both the BEDI and Section 108 funds must be used in conjunction with the same BEDI project. Applicants are encouraged to consult with HUD's Financial Management Division in Headquarters CPD, at (202) 708-1871, before submission of 108 and/or BEDI applications if unsure of CDBG national objectives, eligibility of activities, program benefits citations and the tests thereof. The request for new Section 108 guarantee assistance may be presented in any of the following ways:

(1) Concurrent Application Submitted Under Separate Cover. A complete application for a new Section 108 loan guarantee(s), including the documents listed at 24 CFR 570.704(b), submitted under separate cover in accordance with the procedures in Section IV.F.3 below. Any full application for loan guarantee assistance under Section 108 must also be submitted to the appropriate HUD field office concurrently with its submission to Headquarters. As described further in Section V.A.1, in Rating Factor 3 (Soundness of Approach), two points will be awarded for the submission of a full Section 108 loan guarantee application with a BEDI application.

(2) Subsequent Application. A brief description (not to exceed three pages) of the project to be applied for in a subsequent new Section 108 loan guarantee application(s). Such a 108 application(s) shall be submitted within 60 days of written notice of BEDI selection, with HUD reserving the right to extend such period on a case-by-case basis where HUD determines there is evidence of good cause. BEDI awards will be conditioned on approval of actual Section 108 loan commitments and loan guarantee proceeds in a specific ratio of BEDI funds to Section 108 funds as approved by HUD in the BEDI award. The description provided in the BEDI application must be sufficient to support the basic eligibility of the proposed project and activities for Section 108 assistance. (See Section III.C.1 of this NOFA.)

(3) Pending, Unapproved Application. A request to use the BEDI grant award in conjunction with a pending, unapproved Section 108 loan guarantee

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application. The request must identify the project name associated with the pending application and the date of submission. Any proposed amendment to the pending Section 108 application must be submitted under separate cover, as provided for in Section IV.F.3 below. An applicant's request to use the BEDI award in conjunction with a pending application shall be deemed by HUD to constitute a request to suspend separate processing of the Section 108 application. The Section 108 application will not be approved until, on, or after the date of the related BEDI award.

(4) Increase to a Project Assisted Under a Previously Approved Application. A request for Section 108 loan guarantee assistance (analogous to Section IV.B.1(c)(1) or (2) above of this section) may propose new Section 108 guarantee assistance in addition to the amount of Section 108 assistance for a project assisted under a previously approved Section 108 application. However, any amount of Section 108 loan guarantee authority approved before HUD's announcement of a BEDI grant for the same project is not eligible to be used in conjunction with a BEDI grant under this NOFA.

(5) Deobligation of Previously Approved Section 108 Authority Plus a New Request. A request to deobligate a previous commitment of Section 108 loan guarantee authority to the applicant that is no longer to be used by the applicant (except for an amount required as a condition of a previously approved BEDI or EDI award), combined with a new request or application for Section 108 loan guarantee assistance. Such request or application may be a full application as provided for in paragraph (1) above, a request for 108 assistance submitted within 60 days as provided for in paragraph (2) above, a pending unapproved application as provided for in paragraph (3) above, or an increase to a project assisted under a previously approved application as provided in paragraph (4) above.

(6) In no event may a Section 108 loan guarantee amount that is required to be used in conjunction with a previously approved BEDI or EDI grant award as of the date of the submission of the application, whether or not the Section 108 loan guarantee has been approved as of the date of this NOFA, be used in conjunction with a new BEDI award under this NOFA. For example, if a public entity has a previously approved Section 108 loan guarantee commitment of $12 million, even if none of the funds have been utilized, or if the public entity had previously been awarded a BEDI grant of $1 million and had agreed to submit a Section 108 loan application for $10 million in support of that BEDI grant, the public entity's application under this NOFA must propose to increase the amount of its total Section 108 loan guarantee commitments beyond those amounts to which it has previously agreed (i.e., the $12 million or $10 million Section 108 loan guarantee commitments in this example).

d. Narrative Responses to Factors for Award (not to exceed 15 double-spaced, 8\1/2\ x 11 inch single-sided pages, with one-inch margins on all sides, for all responses):

(1) Rating Factor 1: Capacity and Relevant Organizational Experience. Provide a narrative indicating the capacity of the applicant's organization and staff and any known third parties to perform the work for which it is requesting funding.

(2) Rating Factor 2: Need Statement Identifying the level of Distress/Extent of the Problem. Provide a narrative statement including any documentation supporting the statement of need, accompanied by a completed Exhibit A of form HUD-40123. (See the General Section for instructions for submitting documentation found in the download instructions.)

(3) Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach. Include the CDBG eligible activities, the CDBG National Objective, the source and nature of the present or potential environmental contamination, the budget, and the time frame for conducting activities and providing project benefits to address the needs identified in Rating Factor 2 in the narrative response, accompanied by Exhibits B and C of form HUD-40123.

(4) Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources. The response to this factor should include any letters of firm commitment as defined in Section I.C of this NOFA, and any evidence of financial capacity or CDBG resolutions, as appropriate. Such letters, evidence or resolution must be submitted under the procedures provided for in Section IV.F of the General Section.

(5) Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation. Provide a narrative response to this factor, accompanied by the logic model provided in the General Section (Form HUD-96010) and, if applicable, form HUD-27300, relating to the removal of regulatory barriers to affordable housing, with required documentation. 2. Forms, Certifications, and Assurances

a. In addition to any forms submitted in response to Section IV.B.1 above, the following forms and certifications must also be submitted in accordance with the General Section and may be found in the General Section:

(1) Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424);

(2) Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report, HUD-2880; and, if applicable,

(3) Certification of Consistency With RC/EZ/EC-II Strategic Plan, HUD-2990, if applicable;

(4) Certification of Consistency with the Consolidated Plan (HUD- 2991) if applicable;

(5) Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL); if applicable;

(6) Acknowledgement of Application Receipt (HUD-2993) (For use with paper application submissions);

(7) You Are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey (HUD-2994-A) (Optional);

(8) Program Outcome Logic Model (HUD-96010);

(9) Questionnaire for HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory Barriers (HUD-27300) with supporting documentation or URL references;

(10) Facsimile Transmittal (HUD-96011) (For use with electronic applications to provide third-party letters and other documentation in accordance with the instructions found in the General Section;

(11) Section 108 Loan Guarantee (State Certifications Related to Non-entitlement Public Entities) (HUD-40122), if applicable, and

(12) Responses to BEDI Application Rating Factors (HUD-40123, Exhibits A through D).

C. Submission Dates and Times

1. Application Submission Date

Applications submitted through http://www.grants.gov must be

received and validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern time on the application deadline date. If an applicant receives a waiver of the electronic application requirement, the paper application must be received by the application deadline date. The approval to submit a paper copy application will provide detailed submission instructions. Please see the General Section for further information on application submission and timely receipt requirements.

Be sure to provide a Project Name in Line 11 of the SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance), and all references to the related Section 108 application should use the same project title. Be sure to complete the SF-424 cover page first and then download the rest of the forms, as the information from the cover page will be pre-populated. In addition a brief (one or two paragraph)

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description of all the activities (not just those to be funded with BEDI and 108 funds) comprising the proposed project should be provided, preceding the narrative statements in response to the Rating Factors. This project description does not count against the 15-page overall limitation. 2. Proof of Timely Submission

Please see Section IVF. of the General Section for information regarding proof of timely submission.

D. Intergovernmental Review

BEDI is not subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''

E. Funding Restrictions

1. Repayment of Section 108 Principal

The planned use of BEDI funds for the specific purpose of repayment of the principal amount of a Section 108-guaranteed loan is not an eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.703 and therefore should not be proposed in a BEDI application. Under the ``debt service reserve'' eligible activity at 24 CFR 570.703(k), however, the planned use of a limited amount of BEDI funds for the repayment of the principal of a Section 108-guaranteed loan is permissible if justified and approved by HUD under a particular application. Such a debt service reserve may be justified in the context of a loan loss reserve set up to support a ``loan pool'' consisting of a number of smaller third party loans. For example, the corresponding principal amount of the Section 108 loan might be repaid from a debt service reserve when a third party loan defaults and liquidation of security for the third party loan by or on behalf of the Section 108 borrower/BEDI grantee does not yield enough cash to redeem or defease the amount of Section 108 principal corresponding to the defaulted third party loan. A debt service reserve may also be proposed and set up in an amount reasonable to pay principal and/or interest on a Section 108-guaranteed loan for a limited period, such as the start up period for an assisted business, or a construction period, when the cash flow resulting from the primary Section 108 or BEDI-funded activity would not be sufficient to support repayment. HUD requires the applicant to provide information sufficient to support the reasonableness of the amount of a debt reserve in relation to its purpose. For any Section 108- and BEDI-assisted project, HUD will have rights under the Section 108 Contract for Loan Guarantee Assistance to use undisbursed BEDI funds to make payment on, or to defease, the Section 108 loan if HUD deems that action necessary in order to avoid the need for HUD to make a payment under its Section 108 loan guarantee from non-CDBG funds. 2. Subordination of Section 108 Obligations

Section 108 loan obligations may not be subordinated, directly or indirectly, to federally tax-exempt obligations. Pursuant to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-129 (Rev.) Appendix A, Sections II.2.c. and d., (Policies for Federal Credit Programs and Non-Tax Receivables), Section 108-guaranteed loan funds may not, directly or indirectly, support federally tax-exempt obligations. 3. Remediation by Responsible Parties

BEDI grant funds shall not be used in any manner by grantees to provide public or private sector entities with funding to remediate conditions caused by their own actions, where the public entity (or other known prospective beneficiary of the proposed BEDI grant) has been determined responsible for causation and remediation by order of a court or a federal, state, or local regulatory agency, or is responsible for the remediation as part of a settlement approved by such a court or agency. Applicants will be required under Rating Factor 3, Soundness of Approach, to indicate that the proposed BEDI project will not be used to provide assistance. 4. Denial of Funding for Lack of Prior Performance

HUD may deny funding consideration to all applicants that fail to submit a full and complete Section 108 loan application pursuant to 24 CFR 570.704(b) in connection with a prior award of BEDI or competitive EDI grants on or before the application submission deadline under this NOFA.

F. Other Submission Requirements

1. Application Submission and Receipt Procedure

HUD requires applicants to submit applications electronically through http://www.grants.gov Applicants must submit their applications electronically via the website http://www.grants.gov.

unless you request and are granted a waiver to the electronic submission requirements. This site has easy to follow step-by-step instructions that will enable you to apply for HUD assistance.

Please read the General Section carefully and completely for the submission and receipt procedures for all applications because failure to comply may disqualify your application. 2. Wavier of Electronic Submission Requirements

Please refer to Section IV.F of the General Section for instructions on how to seek a waiver to the electronic submission requirement. 3. Submission of Concurrent Section 108 Application Under Separate Cover

Applicants that apply via Grants.gov should submit the Section 108 Loan Guarantee application using the mailing instructions below.

a. The Section 108 Loan Guarantee application should have the Project Title in Box 11 of the SF-424 as the related BEDI project.

b. Concurrent Section 108 Application deadline date. Applicants choosing to submit a concurrent and complete Section 108 application as provided for in Section IV.B.1(c) of this NOFA above, must be received no later than the BEDI application deadline date, to the addresses shown below, in order to receive points under Section V.A.1, Rating Factor 3, of this NOFA.

The concurrent Section 108 application must be received no later than 11:59:59 p.m. by the United States Postal Service in accordance with the instructions in the General Section. The required number of copies should be sent to the locations indicated below. If HUD receives at least one completed concurrent Section 108 application at either HUD Headquarters or the appropriate HUD Field Office, HUD will utilize the complete application for its review purposes, provided it meets the deadline and timely submission requirements.

c. Proof of Timely Submission. Proof of timely submission of a concurrent Section 108 application shall be determined under the provisions of the General Section related to mailed applications.

d. Address for Submitting Concurrent Section 108 Applications to HUD Headquarters. Submit the concurrent Section 108 application to: HUD Headquarters; Robert C. Weaver Federal Building; 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 7251; Washington, DC 20410, Attention: BEDI/Section 108 Application.

When submitting the concurrent Section 108 application, please specify BEDI/Section 108 Application on any label or mailing container, and include the applicant's name, mailing address (including zip code), street address (if different from mailing address), and zip

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code, and voice and facsimile telephone numbers (including area code), along with the contact person's name, and voice and facsimile telephone numbers (including area code), and email address, if available.

e. Concurrent Section 108 Applications to HUD Field Offices. At the same time the concurrent Section 108 application is submitted to HUD Headquarters, an additional copy should be submitted to the Community Planning and Development Division of the appropriate HUD field office for the applicant's jurisdiction. A listing of CPD Offices and mailing addresses can be found on HUD's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm .

f. Concurrent Section 108 Application Submission Procedures. A concurrent Section 108 application submitted pursuant to this NOFA shall be subject to the application submission procedures for other mailed applications provided for in Section IV.F of the General Section. Subsequent and pending Section 108 applications are not subject to the above submission procedures.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

1. Factors for Award Used to Evaluate and Rate Applications

a. Response to Factors for Award. The applicant must provide in narrative form responses to each of the rating factors below. HUD will evaluate all applications for funding assistance based on the following factors, the responses to which demonstrate the quality of the proposed project or activities, and the applicant's capacity and commitment to use the BEDI funds in accordance with the purposes of the Act. As part of the application review, HUD reserves the right to contact its local field offices for the purpose of verifying information submitted by the applicant.

b. Responses to Rating Factors 1-5. Responses to Rating Factors 1-5 below shall not exceed 15 double-spaced, 8\1/2\ x 11 inch single-sided pages, with one-inch margins on all sides, for all responses. 2. Rating Factors for Award Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience (20 Points Maximum)

This Factor addresses the extent to which the applicant has the organizational resources necessary to successfully implement the proposed activities in a timely manner. The rating of the applicant will include any subcontractors, consultants, and sub-recipients that are firmly committed to participate in the activities described in the application. In responding to subfactors (1) and (2) of this Factor, applications that merely summarize the amount of funds received, spent, or managed will receive fewer points than those providing specific measurable information on program activities undertaken, outcomes of these activities and their accomplishments. In rating this Factor, HUD will consider the following:

(1) Applicant Capacity (Up to 10 points). The applicant should demonstrate that it has the organization, the staff, and the financial resources in place to implement the specific steps required to successfully carry out its proposed BEDI/Section 108 project. The applicant should offer evidence of this capacity through a description that includes:

(a) Performance in the administration of its CDBG, HOME, or other HUD programs, including a description of successfully completed projects and other outcomes or accomplishments under these programs. In addition to citing specific projects, outcomes, or accomplishments, CDBG entitlement recipients must also indicate the extent to which the applicant has met the HUD standard that the total amount of its undisbursed entitlement grant funds may not be more than 1.5 times the entitlement grant amount for the current program year (see 24 CFR 570.902(a)(1)(i). All applicants must also identify any unresolved monitoring or audit findings by HUD with respect to the applicant's administration of HUD programs.

(b) Performance, if any, in carrying out economic development projects similar to that proposed, including brownfields economic development or redevelopment projects, if any, and if applicable, the ability to conduct prudent underwriting;

(c) If an applicant has received a federal Renewal Community/ Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community designation (including Enhanced Enterprise Community (EEC) designation), it must provide information on the status of its capacity to achieve state and local commitments identified in its local implementation plan, including maximizing the federal tax benefits made available. Applicants that have been designated as a Renewal Community (RC), Empowerment Zone (EZ), or Enterprise Community (EC/EEC) must respond to this subfactor even if the proposed brownfields economic development project is not to be located within the boundaries of the designated RC/EZ/EC-II; and

(d) An applicant that has previously received a BEDI or a competitive EDI grant award or, within the past five years, a Section 108-guaranteed loan commitment, must describe the status of the implementation of those project(s) assisted with any BEDI or competitive EDI funds or with any Section 108-guaranteed loan funds so approved within the last five years. An applicant must address any delays that have been encountered and the actions it is taking to overcome any such delays in carrying out the project(s) in a timely manner.

If HUD has not applied the performance standard applicable to all previous BEDI grantees referenced in Section III.C.1.(c), then for any such previously funded BEDI or competitive EDI grant projects, or for those Section 108-guaranteed loan projects committed within the past five years, HUD will award more rating points for applications providing evidence of achievement of specific measurable outcomes in carrying out approved activities funded with such guaranteed loan or grant funds.

If any of the rating criteria listed under (a) through (d) above do not apply to an application, the rating for this subfactor (1) shall be based solely upon the other applicable criteria. If the applicant has no prior relevant experience, the rating for this Factor shall be based on the capacity of its partner(s), if any, as stated below.

(2) Partner Capacity (Up to 10 points). In response to this subfactor (2), the applicant should describe the experience and performance of subrecipients, private developers and other businesses, nonprofit organizations (including grassroots faith-based and other community-based organizations), and other entities, if any, that have a role in implementing the proposed BEDI/108 program. Applicants are encouraged to identify specific economic development or other projects undertaken by each entity, which reflect the capacity of each entity to fulfill its responsibilities under the proposed brownfields economic development project, including the location, scale, and timeframe for completion of other relevant projects. If there are no third parties participating with the applicant in the proposed project, the 10 points available under this subfactor (2) will be added to the 10 points available under subfactor (1), with a maximum of 20 possible points then available under subfactor (1).

Experience will be judged in terms of recent (i.e., within the past 5 years) and successful performance of activities

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relevant to those proposed in the BEDI application. The more recent and extensive the positive experience, the greater the number of points that will be awarded for this Factor.

In addition to the application, HUD also may rely on information at hand or available from public sources such as newspapers, from performance and/or monitoring reports, Inspector General or Government Accounting Office reports or findings, hotline complaints that have been proven to have merit, audit reports, and other reliable public information in rating this Factor. Rating Factor 2: Distress/Extent of the Problem (15 Points Maximum)

This Factor addresses the extent to which there is need for funding the proposed activities based on levels of distress in both the jurisdiction of the public entity that is the applicant and the geographic or target area that will benefit from the project. Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which the level of distress for the target area is documented and compared with national data and data for the jurisdiction.

In applying this Factor, HUD will consider current levels of distress in the target area, as defined in standard geographic terms by the applicant. This may be Census Tract(s) or Block Groups immediately surrounding the project site up to a radius of one-half mile, or it may be the target area to be served by the proposed project. HUD will also consider the current levels of distress in the applicant public entity's jurisdiction, if different from the target area. The applicant should describe the nature of the distress that the project is designed to address and the rationale for its definition of the area to be benefited. Examples of project beneficiaries may include: (a) those receiving or using products or services produced by the project, and (b) those employed by the project.

Notwithstanding the above, an applicant proposing a project to be located outside the applicant's jurisdiction or the target area for which benefits are claimed could still receive points under this Factor if a clear rationale is provided linking the proposed project location and the benefits to be derived by persons living in the target area or the applicant jurisdiction.

To the extent that the applicant's Consolidated Plan, its Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing choice (AI), and/or its Anti-Poverty Strategy found therein identify the level of distress in the jurisdiction and the target area in which the project is to be carried out, references to such documents should be included in preparing the response to this Factor. Applications that fail to reference these sources will receive fewer points under this Factor.

Applicants should provide data that address the following specific indicators of distress:

(1) Poverty Rate (Up to 5 points). Data should be provided in both absolute and percentage form (i.e., whole numbers and percents) for both the target area and the applicant's jurisdiction as a whole; an application that compares the local poverty rate in the following manner to the national average at the time of submission will receive points under this section as follows:

(a) A poverty rate in the target area that is less than the national average, but that is greater than the rate for the applicant's jurisdiction: (2 points);

(b) A poverty rate in the target area that is at least equal to, but less than twice, the national average: (3 points);

(c) A poverty rate in the target area that is twice or more the national average: (5 points).

(2) Unemployment Rate (Up to 5 points). An application that compares the local unemployment rate for the applicant's jurisdiction and the target area in the following manner to the national average at the time of submission will receive points under this subfactor as follows:

(a) An unemployment rate in the target area that is less than the national average, but that is greater than the rate for the applicant's jurisdiction: (2 points);

(b) An unemployment rate in the target area that is at least equal to, but less than twice, the national average: (3 points);

(c) An unemployment rate in the target area that is twice or more the national average: (5 points).

(3) Other Indicators of Social and/or Economic Decline (Up to 5 points). Applicants should provide other indicators of social or economic decline that best capture the applicant's local situation. Examples that could be provided under this section include information demonstrating the target area and the jurisdiction's stagnant or falling tax base, including recent (within the last three years) commercial or industrial closings, downturns or layoffs; housing conditions, such as the number and percentage of substandard and/or overcrowded units; rent burden (defined as average housing cost divided by average income) for both the target area and jurisdiction; local crime statistics. The response to this subfactor (3) should paint a picture of the extent of need and distress in the target area and jurisdiction.

HUD requires use of sound and reliable data (e.g., U.S. Census data, state statistical reports, university studies/reports that are verifiable) to support distress levels cited in each application. A source for all information along with the publication or origination date must also be provided. Updated Census data are available as follows for the listed indicators:

Unemployment rate: Unemployment rates are estimated monthly for counties, with a two-month lag by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while census tract unemployment rates are available through the 2000 U.S. Census;

Poverty rate: Poverty rates are provided through the 2000 U.S. Census and are estimated every two years, with a three-year lag. Census and other relevant data can be accessed through http://www.ffiec.gov/.

In rating applications under this Factor, HUD reserves the right to consider sources of available objective data other than, or in addition to, those provided by applicants, in order to compare such data to those provided by applicants. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (35 Points Maximum)

This Factor addresses the quality and cost-effectiveness of the proposed plan for the brownfields economic development project. Applications that do not propose the productive reuse of a specific, identified site or sites and that do not result in near-term, measurable economic benefits, such as projects that involve only the preparation of a site for potential future reuse by an unidentified party, or the capitalization of a loan pool for loans to unidentified borrowers, will receive fewer points under this Factor. The relationship between the proposed site or sites, the proposed eligible activities and the community needs and purposes of the program funding must be clearly described, as set forth below, in order to receive points for this Factor. In rating this Factor, HUD will consider the following:

(1) Consistency/Appropriateness of Proposed Activities With Identified Needs (Up to 3 points). In response to this subfactor, the applicant should describe:

(a) the extent to which the proposed plan for use of BEDI grant/ Section 108-guaranteed loan funds will address the needs described in Rating Factor 2 above regarding the distress and extent of the problem in the target area or area to be benefited and the long-term benefit for current residents of the target area. The applicant should provide a clear

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and quantified explanation of this relationship;

(b) any unmet needs identified in the jurisdiction's Consolidated Plan and pursuant to Section III.C.4(j) of this NOFA, any impediments to fair housing identified in the jurisdiction's Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, that will be directly addressed by the proposed project. See Section III.C.4(j) of this NOFA for examples of general affirmative fair housing actions that may be undertaken to address a jurisdiction's Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice; and

(c) the activities that will be carried out with the BEDI grant funds, and the nature and extent of the brownfields problem(s) actually or potentially affecting the site and/or structure(s) already on the site. This response must also indicate that the proposed assistance will not be used to provide funding to parties to remediate conditions caused by their own actions for which they have been determined to be legally responsible, and that the proposed brownfields site is not ineligible, as provided in Section IV.E.4 of this NOFA. This information relates to a threshold factor as well as a rating factor, as described in Section III.C.2 of this NOFA. Applications that fail to respond satisfactorily to this subfactor (c) shall not receive funding consideration.

(2) Eligible Activities and CDBG National Objectives (Up to 8 points). The applicant must describe how the proposed uses of BEDI funds will qualify as eligible activities under 24 CFR 570.703 governing the Section 108-guaranteed loan program, and also will meet the National Objectives of the CDBG program under 24 CFR 570.208. In describing how the proposed uses will meet the National Objectives of the CDBG program and the activity eligibility requirements of the Section 108 program, applications must also include citations to the specific regulatory subsections supporting eligibility of activities and compliance with National Objectives. (See Section III.C.1 of this NOFA). This information relates to a threshold factor as well as a rating factor, as described in Section III.C.1 of this NOFA. Applications that fail to respond satisfactorily to this subfactor (2) shall not receive funding consideration.

(3) Project Readiness (12 points overall, with (a)-(d) worth up to 10 points collectively, and (e) up to 2 points). In responding to this subfactor (3), the applicant should demonstrate the extent to which the redevelopment plan for the brownfields site is logical, feasible, and likely to achieve its stated purpose and the extent to which the project will directly result in the productive reuse of the site and the delivery of near-term, measurable economic benefits. The applicant's response should demonstrate the extent to which the project is likely to be completed within a maximum of five years from the date of the BEDI award and will produce near-term, measurable economic benefits. Points for this subfactor will be awarded based upon the extent to which the following critical benchmarks for the redevelopment plan have been met or are approaching completion.

(a) Environmental Investigation. This subfactor (a) will consider the extent to which the presence or potential presence of environmental contamination of the project site is known or understood. Proposed projects on sites where the nature and degree of environmental contamination is not well-quantified, where no environmental investigation has commenced, or that are the subject of on-going litigation or environmental enforcement actions will receive fewer points under this subfactor (a). Similarly, fewer points will be awarded to proposed projects at sites with exceptionally expensive contamination problems that may be beyond the scope of the BEDI and Section 108 programs' financial resources or other resources firmly committed to the project as described in the application, and sites subject to pending and current litigation that may not be available for remediation and development or redevelopment in a time frame that will produce near-term and measurable economic benefits through the use of BEDI and Section 108 funds. Alternatively, any applicant indicating the completion of environmental assessment or review and the issuance of HUD approval for a Request for Release of Funds for the project under 24 CFR part 58 will receive more points under this subfactor.

(b) Site Control. This subfactor (b) will consider the extent to which control of the proposed project site has been secured or is being sought. Points for this subfactor (b) will be awarded based upon the degree of site control secured by the applicant or its development partner. Projects, for instance, in which negotiation or litigation related to site control are underway or continuing are eligible, but will receive fewer points than projects in which an option to purchase has been secured. Projects in which the applicant or its development partner has secured site control through acquisition, long-term lease, eminent domain or other means at the time of application will receive full points under this subfactor (b). In responding to this subfactor (b), applicants are encouraged to accompany their narrative response with a map indicating the boundaries of the proposed site or sites on which BEDI-assisted improvements are proposed. Any map included as part of the application must be submitted in accordance with the submission procedures provided for in the General Section and will not be counted in the fifteen page limitation on the narrative response to the Rating Factors as provided in Section V.A.1(b) of this NOFA.

(c) Legislative, Regulatory, and Other Approvals. This subfactor (c) will consider the extent to which any required local legislative approvals, regulatory permits, zoning classifications, environmental regulatory approvals, waivers, general, and special use permits, assessment district designations, public easements or rights-of-way, or other similar approvals have been secured or are being sought. The greater the number of outstanding legislative, regulatory, or other approvals required and not yet secured, the fewer points will be awarded. In the case of a CDBG entitlement unit of general local government, such as a county, proposing to undertake a BEDI project within the jurisdiction of another CDBG entitlement unit of general local government, such as a city or other jurisdiction within that county, the applicant should also include a letter of support from the jurisdiction in which the BEDI project would be located.

(d) User Agreements. This subfactor (d) will consider the extent to which any development agreements, tenant leases, memoranda of understanding, or other agreements integral to returning the site to productive reuse and producing near-term measurable economic benefits, have been secured or are being sought. Applicants proposing projects that do not provide for new investment by an identified, committed private entity and the return of a brownfields site to productive reuse, with accompanying near-term, measurable economic benefits, will receive fewer points under this subfactor (d).

(e) Delivery of Economic Benefits. The response to this subfactor (e) must include the time frame in which the measurable economic benefits are to be delivered. For multi-phase projects, the response to this subfactor (e) must clearly delineate the different phases of the project and indicate whether or not they are to be funded by BEDI/ Section

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108 funds. Brownfields economic development projects that provide near- term, measurable economic benefits directly through the creation or retention of jobs will receive a greater number of points under this subfactor (e).

(1) Timeframe for Delivery of Economic Benefits. In response to this subfactor (3), the applicant should also provide a specific schedule (with both beginning and end dates) for carrying out the project and identify all interim measurable benchmarks (acquisition, demolition, site improvements, relocation, construction, provision of jobs mandated under Section 3, as described in (2) below, etc.) to be accomplished. The applicant should also include a proposed schedule for drawing down all funds necessary to complete the project, including BEDI and Section 108 funds.

(2) Intent to Meet Section 3 Requirements. To the extent possible, applicants must ensure that training, employment, and other economic opportunities will be directed to low- and very-low income persons, particularly those who are recipients of government assistance for housing, and business concerns that provide economic opportunities to low- and very low-income persons, as required under Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, 12 U.S.C. 1701u (Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons).

(4) Section 108 Application (Up to 2 points). BEDI applications accompanied by a request for new Section 108 Loan Guarantee assistance as evidenced by a full and complete Section 108 application as provided for in 24 CFR 570.704, and submitted concurrently under separate cover as provided for in Section IV.F.3 of the NOFA, will receive up to two points for this subfactor (4). BEDI applications accompanied by a request to use the BEDI grant award in conjunction with a currently pending but unapproved Section 108 loan guarantee application (together with any amendments needed for consistency with the BEDI application) for the same project described in the BEDI application, will also receive up to two points under this subfactor (4).

(5) Financial Feasibility/Need (Up to 10 points). The applicant should demonstrate the economic necessity of the proposed BEDI and Section 108 funds and the extent to which the project is not financially feasible in the absence of such funds. In responding to this subfactor (5), applicants are encouraged to accompany their narrative response, as appropriate, with development and operating ``pro formas'' or similar analyses of the proposed project financing. Such pro forma or other financial analysis will not be counted in the fifteen-page limitation on the narrative response to the Rating Factors as provided in Section V.A.1(b) of this NOFA. In the narrative response, applicants must clearly address the question of why the BEDI funds are critical to the success of this project by providing the following items:

(a) Use of BEDI and Section 108 Funds to Fill Financing Gaps. The applicant must provide an economic rationale that demonstrates how the use of the BEDI and Section 108 funds will directly impact the financial feasibility of the proposed project. The response should discuss the critical gaps that exist in financing the proposed project, why those gaps exist and how the BEDI and Section 108 funds will be used to fill those gaps. The narrative response, including any pro forma or similar analysis, should demonstrate how the proposed BEDI and Section 108 financing will yield economic benefits critical to the success of the project, including, for example, increased rates of return or debt coverage ratios, reduced rents or other similar financial outcomes necessary to attract private investment.

(b) Project Costs and Financial Requirements. A funding sources and uses statement must also be provided that specifies the source of funds for each identified use or activity (Exhibit C of form HUD-40123), along with the derivation of project costs. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (15 Points Maximum)

In evaluating this Factor, HUD will consider the extent to which the response demonstrates the likelihood that the project will leverage both Section 108 loan and other public or private funds as part of the total project resources. Points for this Factor will be awarded in two parts, for the following:

(1) Leverage of Section 108 funds (Up to 8 points). The minimum ratio of Section 108 funds to BEDI funds in any project may not be less than 1:1. Points will be awarded based upon the extent to which the proposed project leverages an amount of Section 108 funds greater than a 1:1 ratio. If the application has a ratio of 1:1, it will not receive any points under this subfactor. The higher the ratio of additional new Section 108 funds to BEDI funds proposed in an application, the more points it will receive under this subfactor. (See Sections II.C.1 and Section VI.B.1(a) of this NOFA regarding the conditioning of BEDI awards on achievement of a specific BEDI/Section 108 leveraging ratio.)

(2) Leverage of Other Financial Resources (Up to 7 points). HUD will evaluate the extent to which other funds (public or private) are leveraged by BEDI grant funds, and the extent to which such other funds are firmly committed to the project. This could include the use of CDBG funds, other federal or state grants or loans, local government general funds, project equity or commercial financing provided by private sources or funds from nonprofit organizations or other sources. In order to receive points for other public and privately committed funds under this subfactor (2), letters of firm commitment, evidence of financial capacity and, for CDBG funds, the resolution of the local governing body, must be submitted for the proposed BEDI project in accordance with the submission procedures for third party documents provided in Section IV.F. of the General Section. In addition:

(a) Applicants must provide evidence that there is a firm commitment for such funds as defined in Section I.C. of this NOFA.

(b) If a commitment is to be self-financed, such as a commitment by a private developer to provide a specified amount of equity investment in the project, the party making that commitment must evidence its financial capacity through the submission of a corporate or personal financial statement or other appropriate means in order to receive points under this subfactor (2).

(c) For Applicants Committing CDBG Funds: In order for an applicant's commitment of CDBG funds to be accepted by HUD as additional financing for a BEDI project, a resolution from the local governing body (e.g., city/borough council) authorizing the amount and permitted uses of the funds must be provided.

All such funds may also be committed subject to completion of a satisfactory environmental review required under 24 CFR Part 58 for the project for purposes of this section. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (15 Points Maximum)

This Factor emphasizes HUD's commitment to ensuring that applicants maintain commitments made in their applications and assess their performance to ensure that performance goals are met. This Factor also evaluates the extent to which the results of the proposed BEDI project will address the policy priorities of the Department. In

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addition to a narrative response, applicants must complete the logic model provided in the General Section (form HUD-96010) in order to receive points under this Factor. Applicants seeking policy priority points for the removal of regulatory barriers to affordable housing as provided for in subfactor (2)(v) of this Factor, must also complete form HUD-27300.

(1) Performance Measurement Plan (Up to 12 points). HUD requires applicants to develop an effective, quantifiable, outcome oriented performance measurement plan for assessing performance and determining that BEDI project goals have been met. The applicant's response to this subfactor (1) should identify: (a) Each of the specific project outcomes for the proposed BEDI project; (b) all interim benchmarks or outputs of the project and the associated time frames for meeting each interim benchmark or output, i.e., the near-term measurable economic benefits to be achieved, such as the number of jobs created or retained and the time frame for creation or retention; and (c) the performance indicators selected by the applicant to measure its achievement of the identified project outputs and project outcomes. The performance indicators selected by the applicant should be objectively quantifiable and measure actual achievements against anticipated results. The response to this subfactor (1) should identify what will be measured, how it will be measured, and the procedures or plans that are in place to make adjustments to the project redevelopment plan if performance targets are not met within established time frames.

In response to this subfactor (1), applicants should address any of the applicable outcomes or ultimate goals identified for the BEDI project. Examples of such outcomes or goals include increased property values, or home sales prices, as a result of a series of coordinated neighborhood activities; the amount of increased wages resulting from the creation or retention of jobs; increased business sales volume in revitalized neighborhoods; or the amount of any increased land value that results from the BEDI project. Applicants should propose quantifiable outcomes or goals related to the benefits expected for the neighborhood or for persons assisted, as part of the evaluation plan.

(2) Policy Priorities (Up to 3 points). The applicant's response to this subfactor (2) should address how the project will address any of the following policy priorities of the Department, as further detailed in Section V.B. of the General Section. A maximum of three points shall be awarded to applicants that demonstrate how the proposed BEDI project addresses two or more of the following policy priorities, with the number of points afforded to each policy priority indicated below:

(a) The extent to which the proposed project will improve the quality of life in the nation's communities, by bringing private capital to distressed communities (1 point);

(b) The extent to which the proposed project will finance business investments that will grow new businesses or maintain and expand existing businesses (1 point);

(c) The extent to which the proposed project will create decent jobs for low-income persons (1 point);

(d) The extent to which the project will increase affordable housing and homeownership opportunities in environmentally healthy and revitalized neighborhoods for low- and moderate-income persons, persons with a disability, the elderly, minorities, and persons with limited English proficiency (1 point);

(e) The extent to which the project will assist in breaking down regulatory barriers that impede the availability of affordable housing, accompanied by form HUD-27300). To receive points for this factor the applicant must submit the required documentation or reference to a URL(s) where the information can be found. (up to 2 points); and,

(f) The extent to which the project will utilize energy-efficient solutions in the design or operating phases, including the purchase and use of Energy Star-labeled products and/or combined heat and power (CHP, or cogeneration) in buildings, where applicable.) (See Section V.B of the General Section, Promoting Energy Efficiency and Adopting Energy Star, for more information (1 point). 3. Bonus Points

An application may receive up to four bonus points, until the maximum of four points are achieved. Two bonus points may be awarded for each of the following:

a. HUD will award two bonus points to each application that includes a valid form HUD-2990 certifying that the proposed activities/ projects in the application are consistent with the strategic plan for an empowerment zone (EZ) designated by HUD or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the tax incentive utilization plan for an urban or rural renewal community designated by HUD (RC), or the strategic plan for an enterprise community designated in Round II by USDA (EC-II), and that the proposed activities/projects will be located within the RC/EZ/EC-II mentioned above and are intended to serve the residents of the Zone. A listing of the RC/EZ/EC-IIs is available on the Internet at http://www.hud.gov/cr;

b. Two bonus points will also be awarded for projects that are located in Brownfields Showcase Communities designated by EPA. A list of the federally designated Brownfields Showcase Communities is available from the SuperNOFA Information Center or through the HUD website, http://www.hud.gov.

B. Reviews and Selection Process

1. Reviews and Selection Process. All applications meeting BEDI program and other threshold requirements will be rated under the selection criteria in Section V.A. of this NOFA. Applications will be selected for funding as follows:

a. Fundable BEDI grant applications must meet the program threshold and submission requirements of this NOFA and the other threshold requirements stipulated in Section III.C. of the General Section or they will not be ranked.

b. All BEDI grant applications that meet threshold requirements will be ranked separately in order of points assigned with the applications receiving more points ranked above those receiving fewer points.

c. In the event two or more applications are given the same score, but there are insufficient funds to fund all of the tied applications, the application(s) with the highest score(s) on Rating Factor 3 shall be selected. If there is still a tie, the following Factors will be considered sequentially, with the application having the high score on each Factor in the following order taking precedence until the tie is broken: Rating Factor 1, Rating Factor 2, Rating Factor 4, and Rating Factor 5.

d. Fundable BEDI applications will be funded in rank order until the total aggregate amount of the approvable applications funded is equal to the maximum amount available in the competition (subject to the limitations described in Section II.C above).

e. In the event an insufficient number of applications meeting the program thresholds are received to award the full amount of BEDI funds appropriated and available under this NOFA, HUD may consider for funding those applications that did not meet the performance standards found in Section III.C.1.(c) above.

2. Corrections to Deficient Applications. Section V.B. of the

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General Section provides the procedures for corrections to deficient applications.

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

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