Part II

As Enacted ( Federal Register)

Cited authorities 124

Cited in

Federal Register: May 12, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 92)

Notices

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

DOCID:fr12my08-81

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Part II

Housing and Urban Development Department

Fiscal Year 2008 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs; Notice

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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Docket No. FR-5200-N-01A

Fiscal Year 2008 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, HUD.

ACTION: Notice of HUD's 2008 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for

HUD's Discretionary Programs (SuperNOFA).

SUMMARY: On March 19, 2008, HUD published its Notice of Fiscal Year

(FY) 2008 Notice of Funding Availability Policy Requirements and

General Section to HUD's FY2008 NOFAs (General Section). HUD published the General Section in advance of the individual NOFAs to give prospective applicants sufficient time to understand policy and program requirements that apply to the majority of HUD's programs in advance of the publication of the program section NOFAs, to register early with

Grants.gov in order to facilitate their application submission process, and to gain a better understanding of the Grants.gov application receipt and validation process. Today's publication contains the 36 funding opportunities that constitute HUD's FY2008 SuperNOFA. Today's publication also provides a revised Appendix A that lists the programs contained in the FY2008 SuperNOFA and corrects two items contained in the General Section published on March 19, 2008.

DATES: Application deadline and other key dates that apply to all HUD federal financial assistance made available through HUD's FY2008

SuperNOFA are contained in each individual program NOFA and in Appendix

A of this notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The individual program NOFA identifies the applicable agency contact(s) for each program. Questions regarding today's Introduction to the SuperNOFA should be directed to the NOFA

Information Center between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. eastern time at (800) HUD-8929. Hearing-impaired persons may access this telephone via TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Information Relay

Service at (800) 877-8339. Questions regarding specific program requirements should be directed to the agency contact(s) identified in each program NOFA.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: HUD published the Policy Requirements and

General Section to HUD's FY2008 NOFAs (the General Section) in the

Federal Register on March 19, 2008 (73 FR 14882). HUD published the

General Section in advance of the individual program NOFAs to give prospective applicants sufficient time to understand policy and program requirements that apply to the majority of HUD's programs in advance of the publication of the program section NOFAs, to register early with

SuperNOFA. Through the FY2008 SuperNOFA, HUD is making available approximately $1.02 billion in federal financial assistance. Today's publication also provides a revised Appendix A that lists the programs contained in the FY2008 SuperNOFA and corrects items contained in the

General Section published on March 19, 2008.

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 read, however, the General Section for important application information and requirements, including submission requirements that provide explicit instructions on file formats acceptable to HUD.

Appendix A to the General Section identified the funding opportunities that HUD anticipated would be included in the FY2008

SuperNOFA. HUD is revising and republishing Appendix A (Revised

Appendix A) as part of today's publication. Revised Appendix A provides a corrected and up-to-date list of the funding opportunities included in today's FY2008 SuperNOFA publication. Revised Appendix A also lists the application deadline date and the approximate amount of funding available for each of the program NOFAs contained in the FY2008

SuperNOFA. Applicants are reminded that, unless they obtain a written waiver, applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov by 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date. The validation check can take 24 to 48 hours after an application is received by Grants.gov. As a result, HUD strongly encourages applicants to submit their applications 48 to 72 hours prior to the application deadline date. By submitting prior to the application deadline date, applicants will have time to cure any deficiency in their applications should it fail the validation process. HUD also reminds applicants that, if they have changed their e-mail address, they must also update their Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) registration with

Grants.gov. Failure to update the AOR e-mail address will prevent individuals submitting applications on behalf of an applicant from receiving a validation receipt or rejection notice from Grants.gov.

In reviewing Revised Appendix A, applicants should note that the

HOPE VI program is not part of the FY2008 SuperNOFA. HUD published the

HOPE VI NOFA separately in the Federal Register on March 26, 2008 (73

FR 16140). The application and instructions for the HOPE VI NOFA can be found on the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.07grants.gov/applicants/ find_grant_opportunities.jsp. In addition, the Continuum of Care program is not part of today's publication. Applicants for the

Continuum of Care program should be advised that HUD will require applicants to submit Continuum of Care applications electronically in

FY2008. Because the electronic application is not yet available, however, details of the registration process and other submission details (including, application submission date and timely receipt requirements) will be published in two notices that will be published in the Federal Register later this year. HUD expects the first notice to be available in spring 2008. HUD expects to publish the Continuum of

Care NOFA no earlier than July 1, 2008. Notification of the availability of registration instructions, the application and other information will be released through the Grants.gov/Find Web site. To be placed on the Grants.gov notification service for notices about the

Continuum of Care electronic application process, go to http:// www.grants.gov/search/subscribeAdvanced.do. To join the HUD homeless assistance programs listserv go to http://www.hud.gov/subscribe/ signup.cfm?listname=Homeless%20Assistance%20Program&list=HOMELESS-ASST-

HUD is also using today's publication to correct the following items in the General Section published on March 19, 2008:

On page 14885, Section III, C.2.j., the section on Debarment and

Suspension, is modified to reference the December 24, 2007, final rule on Implementation of OMB Guidance on Nonprocurement Debarment and

Suspension (72 FR 73484). The December 24, 2007, final rule relocated

HUD's regulations governing nonprocurement debarment and suspension to a new part in title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The relocation of HUD's nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulation is part of a governmentwide initiative to

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create one location where the public can access both the Office of

Management and Budget guidance for grants and agreements and the associated federal agency implementing regulations. HUD's final Rule is available at http://www.hud.gov/grants/index.cfm on the right hand side of the page under ``What's Hot!

On page 14890, Section VI.B.b. ``Step Two: Register with CCR,'' is corrected to reflect the operating hours of the Central Contractor

Registration (CCR) Assistance Center. If you need assistance you can contact the CCR Assistance Center, Monday to Friday, except federal holidays, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. eastern time by calling 888-227-2423 or 269-961-5757. CCR also has on line help incorporated into its Web site.

To obtain the online help, use the HELP link at the top of the page.

Applicants are invited and encouraged to participate in HUD's satellite training and Webcast 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 an opportunity to ask questions of HUD staff. These broadcasts are archived and accessible from HUD's Grants page at http://www.hud.gov/ offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm. HUD also encourages all applicants to subscribe to the Grants.gov free notification service. By doing so, applicants will receive e-mail notification as soon as items are posted to Grants.gov and have access to a significant amount of useful information, including responses to frequently asked questions that arise during the funding application period. The address to subscribe to the Grants.gov free notification service is http://www.grants.gov/ applicants/email_subscription.jsp. Corrections to the General Section, program NOFAs, or the application are posted to http://www.Grants.gov as soon as they are available. HUD will also post the Continuum of Care

NOFA (and any corrections to the Continuum of Care NOFA) on the

Grants.gov/Find site.

HUD hopes that the steps that it has taken to provide information early in the FY2008 funding process will be of benefit to you, our applicants and urges applicants to carefully read the instructions provided in the General Section and program sections of the NOFA and to apply early so any issues can be addressed prior to the deadline date.

Dated: April 15, 2008.

Dawn Luepke,

General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration.

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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-5200-N-19. The OMB Approval Numbers for this NOFA are: 2506- 0166 for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), the 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 for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers: 14.239,

HOME and CHDO (HOME); 14.235, Homeless; 14.241, HOPWA; 14.218 CDBG

Entitlement Grants; 14.219 CDBG States and Small Cities Program; 14.225

CDBG Insular Program; 14.248 CDBG Section 108.

F. Dates: The application deadline date is July 3, 2008.

Applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov by 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date. Please be sure to read the

General Section for electronic application submission and receipt requirements.

G. Additional Overview 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. Applicants should note that HUD has made significant changes to this CD-TA NOFA from previous years' requirements.

The following chart highlights some of the major changes to this year's CD-TA NOFA:

Revision

CDBG TA is included this year.

A minimum award amount has been established for national awards and field office awards.

Training requirements are explained in more detail for national and local awards.

Requirements added to include HOME Certification for HOME and CHDO

(HOME) providers as well as references required for new applicants or applicants that do not have an open HUD CD-TA award.

Rating Factor 2--Need, has been eliminated the other rating Factors have been changed significantly.

The Logic Model is now a post-award requirement.

1. Available Funds. Funds are available to provide technical assistance for five separate program areas: HOME, CHDO (HOME),

Homeless, HOPWA, and CDBG. Applicants may apply for up to all five CD-

TA program areas. The application submission information is contained in this CD-TA NOFA at Section IV.B. Approximately $27.9 million is available. No cost sharing is required. Awards will be administered under cooperative agreements with significant HUD involvement (see

Section II.C of this NOFA). 2. Eligible Applicants. Eligible applicants vary by each program listed under the CD-TA NOFA. Please see a chart for a full list of eligible applicants in section III A, under the Full Text of

Announcement.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Program Description. The purpose of the CD-TA program is to provide technical 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) CDBG.

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. 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 is authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, (Pub. L. 110-161). HOPWA TA is also authorized by the

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Pub. L. 110-161). CDBG TA is authorized under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301-5320); 24 CFR 570.402.

II. Award Information

A. Available Funds. Approximately $27.9 million is available for the CD-TA program. Additional funds may become available as a result of

HUD's efforts to recapture unused funds or to utilize carry over funds.

In addition, should a balance of national CHDO (HOME) funds remain after awards are provided, the balance may be reprogrammed, pending

Congressional authorization, as national HOME funds. The chart below demonstrates the division of funds among the programs that comprise CD-

TA, and presents the national versus local share of those funds. No local funds are available under either HOPWA or CDBG TA. For the $14.9 million available for national TA programs, HUD has established a

$200,000 award minimum for successful national TA applications, and a

$50,000 minimum award for successful local HOME and CHDO (HOME) applicants. A $15,000 award minimum has been established for successful local Homeless TA applications. All awards are subject to the funding restrictions described in detail in Section IV, Subpart E.

Program

National TA

Local TA

HOME....................................

$5,000,000

CHDO (HOME).............................

2,500,000

6,000,000

Homeless................................

5,600,000

2,000,000

HOPWA...................................

820,000

CDBG....................................

1,000,000

Total...............................

14,920,000

13,000,000

For the HOME, CHDO (HOME), and Homeless TA programs, the local TA funds are distributed among HUD's forty-three Community Planning and

Development field offices. Each field office has been allotted a fair share of HOME, CHDO (HOME), and Homeless TA funds based on the needs identified by each individual field office. The chart below highlights the local TA funds available, by CD-TA program, for each field office.

All awards will be subject to the minimum funding thresholds noted above, and the funding

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restrictions identified in Section IV, Subpart E.

Local TA area

HOME

CHDO (HOME)

Homeless

Alabama.........................................................

30,000

Alaska..........................................................

50,000

30,000

Arkansas........................................................

50,000

30,000

California--Northern and Arizona, Nevada........................

400,000

850,000

180,000

California--Southern............................................

350,000

500,000

165,000

Caribbean.......................................................

100,000

30,000

Colorado and Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming.

150,000

200,000

45,000

Connecticut.....................................................

50,000

100,000

30,000

District of Columbia area.......................................

50,000

30,000

Florida--Southern...............................................

50,000

15,000

Florida--Northern...............................................

150,000

45,000

Georgia.........................................................

150,000

45,000

Hawaii..........................................................

100,000

30,000

Illinois........................................................

150,000

400,000

95,000

Indiana.........................................................

50,000

15,000

Kansas and Missouri--Western....................................

100,000

30,000

Missouri--Eastern...............................................

50,000

15,000

Kentucky........................................................

200,000

150,000

45,000

Louisiana.......................................................

50,000

100,000

30,000

Maryland, except District of Columbia area......................

50,000

150,000

30,000

Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont......

150,000

200,000

120,000

Michigan........................................................

150,000

200,000

105,000

Minnesota.......................................................

100,000

200,000

45,000

Mississippi.....................................................

150,000

30,000

Nebraska and Iowa...............................................

50,000

30,000

New Jersey......................................................

150,000

100,000

30,000

New Mexico......................................................

150,000

300,000

45,000

New York--Downstate.............................................

200,000

450,000

135,000

New York--Upstate...............................................

50,000

30,000

North Carolina..................................................

200,000

45,000

Ohio............................................................

200,000

150,000

60,000

Oklahoma........................................................

100,000

50,000

15,000

Oregon and Idaho................................................

100,000

50,000

30,000

Pennsylvania--Eastern and Delaware..............................

50,000

15,000

Pennsylvania--Western and West Virginia.........................

100,000

45,000

South Carolina..................................................

50,000

30,000

Tennessee.......................................................

100,000

30,000

Texas--Northern.................................................

200,000

60,000

Texas--Southern.................................................

100,000

50,000

Virginia, except District of Columbia area......................

100,000

50,000

30,000

Washington......................................................

50,000

30,000

Wisconsin.......................................................

100,000

45,000

Houston.........................................................

100,000

30,000

Total.......................................................

5,000,000

6,000,000

2,000,000

B. Type of Assistance instrument. Funds will be awarded as a

Cooperative Agreement. 1. National TA activities are administered by a Government

Technical Representative (GTR) and Government Technical Monitor (GTM) at HUD Headquarters. Local TA will be administered by a GTR and GTM in the respective HUD field office. Significant HUD involvement is required in all aspects of TA planning, delivery, and follow-up.

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. 2. Awards will be for a period of 24 months up to 36 months, depending on such factors as whether or not the TA provider has been selected as a lead provider; the number of field offices that the provider will work in; and the number of CD-TA programs that the provider participates in. HUD reserves the right to determine the award period based on any or all of these factors. 3. HUD reserves the right to withdraw funds from any TA provider if

HUD determines that: (1) The TA provider's performance is duly found to be substandard and unacceptable; (2) the need for assistance is not commensurate with the award; or (3) the need for assistance is greater in other field office jurisdictions. HUD will make this determination on a case by case basis and will provide a 30-day due process notice accordingly. 4. HUD anticipates substantial involvement in determining and approving the work to be performed as described below: a. Demand-Response System. All successful CD-TA applicants must operate within the structure of the demand-response system. Under the demand-response system HUD identifies technical assistance needs and prioritizes them based on Departmental, program and jurisdictional priorities. Successful TA applicants are then tasked with responding to identified needs. Under the demand-response system, TA providers are required to:

(1) When requested by a GTR, market the availability of their services to existing and potential recipients within

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the jurisdictions in which the assistance will be delivered;

(2) Respond to requests for assistance from the GTR;

(3) 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;

(4) 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.

(5) 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.

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.

CDBG........................ A state;

A unit of general local government;

A national or regional nonprofit organization that has membership comprised predominately of entities or officials of entities of CDBG recipients;

A for-profit or nonprofit professional and technical services company or firm that has demonstrated knowledge of the CDBG program and the capacity to provide technical assistance services; or

A public or private nonprofit or for-profit organization, including educational services and area-wide planning organizations.

All HOME and CHDO (HOME) TA providers applying under this NOFA must now have a minimum number of training and technical assistance staff who have sat for and passed the HOME Certified Specialist--Regulations training as described in Section VB. All TA providers applying to the

HOME or CHDO (HOME) TA programs must be able to document staff certification in their application.

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 TA Priorities. Activities eligible for funding under each of the five CD-TA programs must address the TA priorities identified below: a. HOME TA. HUD has identified five 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

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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.

(5) Improve PJs' ability to incorporate energy efficiency into the planning, design, financing, construction, and operation of affordable housing. This is consistent with the Department's policy priority of

Participation in Energy Star as described in the General Section. 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.

(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-Gonzalez National

Affordable Housing Act. These priorities are consistent with the

Department's policy priority for Providing Increased Homeownership and

Rental Opportunities for Low- and Moderate-Income Persons, Persons with

Disabilities, the Elderly, Minorities, and Persons with Limited English

Proficiency.

(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. These HUD-funded grantees, project sponsors and potential recipients are organized as Continuums of Care (CoCs) for community planning. The assistance may include, but is not limited to, developing, enhancing, and disseminating written information such as papers, monographs, manuals, curriculums, guides, and brochures; and person-to-person exchanges, conferences, training and use of technology. 1. National TA activities are focused on these priorities that result in measurable performance outputs and outcomes: a. Improve the ability of HUD-funded grantees, project sponsors, and potential recipients as CoCs to participate in the Annual Homeless

Assessment Report (AHAR). 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. b. Assist CoCs with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) implementation. National technical assistance will relate to data collection, data quality, data analysis, provider participation, HMIS structure and governance, reporting, performance measurement, data warehousing, HMIS Data and Technical Standards and Annual Progress

Report (APR). c. Maintain and enhance the HMIS Web site portal as the vehicle for collection and dissemination of HMIS information. d. 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 and supporting disaster preparedness and recovery efforts. e. Develop new and enhance existing materials to facilitate the understanding of the electronic submission process for CoC Homeless

Assistance program applications, technical submissions and Annual

Progress Reports (APRs) by HUD-funded grantees, project sponsors, and potential recipients. f. Maintain and enhance the Homelessness Resource Exchange (HRE) as the vehicle for collection and dissemination of information related to homelessness. The Homelessness Resource Exchange is HUD's one-stop shop for information and resources for providers who are assisting persons who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless; g. Develop, enhance and deliver curriculums for HUD-funded grantees, project sponsors, and potential recipients on topics including, but not limited to: Performance outcome measures, homeless prevention strategies, comprehensive housing development strategies using collaborative public and private partnerships, CoC governance and structure, organizational capacity, planning, strategies for ending chronic homelessness and increasing access to mainstream services for homeless persons. This priority is consistent with the Department's policy priority for Ending Chronic Homelessness as described in the

General Section. 2. Local TA activities are focused on these priorities that result in measurable performance outputs and outcomes: a. Capacity building for HUD-funded grantees, project sponsors, and potential

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recipients including information that would help these stakeholders carry out the purposes of the McKinney-Vento Act homeless assistance programs and assist in identifying and overcoming barriers. b. Delivery of approved curricula to assist HUD-funded grantees, project sponsors, and potential recipients with understanding program requirements and monitoring standards, including sound fiscal and financial management practices, assessment of subrecipients and providing TA to help CoCs assess grantees, project sponsors, and individual projects. c. Assisting HUD-funded grantees, project sponsors, and potential recipients to improve access to mainstream systems of care. 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, evaluate, and oversee

HOPWA-eligible project activities that result in measurable performance outputs and outcomes consistent with the HOPWA program. HOPWA TA, including program training and support is to be developed and conducted in collaboration with HUD field office oversight of local HOPWA- assisted activities. The national TA priority is directed toward the development and implementation of activities that promote successful

HOPWA grantee performance management and reporting under the national performance goal of increasing housing stability, reducing risks of homelessness, and improving access to care for HOPWA beneficiaries.

This priority is consistent with the departmental policy priorities of

Ending Chronic Homelessness and Providing Increased Homeownership and

Rental Opportunities for Low- and Moderate-Income Persons, Persons with

Disabilities, the Elderly, Minorities and Persons with Limited English

Proficiency as described in the General Section. e. CDBG TA. HUD may provide CDBG program technical assistance to meet specified objectives, in particular the facilitating of skills and knowledge in planning, developing, and administering activities under the CDBG program for recipients and other entities that may need but do not possess such skill and knowledge, including measuring programs and activities under the CDBG program. These technical assistance funds will support local and state grantees' efforts in these areas as well as program management, reporting accomplishments, and analytical support of information for performance measurement. TA activities that result in measurable performance outputs and outcomes are focused on the following priorities:

(1) Improve CDBG recipient knowledge and skills to implement the

CPD Performance Measurement system.

(2) Improve CDBG recipient knowledge and understanding of reporting accomplishments and the importance of measuring performance from a national programmatic perspective.

(3) Develop and deliver training on implementing the re-engineered

Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).

(4) Improve CDBG program knowledge through training of recipients, subrecipients, and subgrantees on CDBG program regulations and financial management requirements.

(5) Increase program knowledge of the CDBG Section 108 program through program-specific recipient training.

(6) Develop model protocols that ensure accurate, required program recordkeeping and performance data by recipients, subrecipients, and subgrantees.

(7) Develop materials for grantees, subrecipients, and subgrantees on energy conservation or other Departmental or programmatic priorities. This is consistent with the Department's policy priority of

Participation in Energy Star as described in the General Section. 2. Eligible National TA and Local TA Activities. 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.

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. 3. Threshold Requirements. Applicants must meet the Threshold requirements in the General Section to receive an award of funds from

HUD. Please carefully read the General Section. 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. Program Requirements. The following program requirements apply to the CD-TA programs: a. Training. When conducting training sessions as part of its CD-TA activities, CD-TA providers are required to:

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

(2) 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;

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

(4) Arrange for joint delivery of the training with multiple providers at the same time and/or location with HUD participation when requested by the GTR;

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

(6) Send trainers to approved ``train-the-trainers'' sessions. The costs associated with attending these required sessions are eligible under the cooperative agreement. b. Local Training. The development of new training courses using local TA funds is prohibited. Local TA providers, when conducting training sessions as part of the CD-TA program, are required to:

(1) Arrange for joint delivery of the training with HUD participation when requested by the GTR;

(2) Deliver only HUD-approved training courses that have been designed and developed by national TA providers or other qualified experts on a ``step-in'' basis when requested; and

(3) Send trainers to approved ``train-the-trainers'' sessions. The cost associated with attending these required sessions will be eligible

TA costs under the cooperative agreement executed

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with HUD and will not be the burden of the TA provider. c. National Training: To ensure that CD-TA funds are used efficiently and that new training courses are not duplicative of existing materials, only national TA providers are allowed to develop new training courses. National TA providers, when developing new training courses or conducting training sessions as part of the CD-TA program, are required to:

(1) Design new course materials as ``step-in'' packages so that HUD and other CD-TA providers may independently conduct the course;

(2) Make the course material available to the GTR/GTM in sufficient time for review and receive concurrence from the GTR on the content and quality of the material prior to establishing a course delivery date;

(3) Provide all course materials in an electronic format to HUD;

(4) Arrange for joint delivery of the training with HUD participation when requested by the GTR; and

(5) Send trainers to approved ``train-the-trainers'' sessions. The cost associated with attending these required sessions will be eligible

TA costs under the cooperative agreement executed with HUD and will not be the burden of the TA provider.

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. d. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH). The requirements to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing (AFFH) and the requirements of

Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (section 3) do not apply pursuant to funding under this NOFA. This does not affect recipients' responsibilities to affirmatively further fair housing or provide employment, contracting, or training opportunities pursuant to

Section 3 that may exist by virtue of the receipt of other HUD funding that retains those requirements. e. 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. Applicants may download the instructions to the application found on the Grants.gov

Web site at http://www.Grants.gov./applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp.

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. Applicants must submit a separate and distinct application for each of the different program areas (i.e., HOME, CHDO (HOME), Homeless, HOPWA and CDBG) for which they are applying. For applicants that are applying for both national and local TA for the HOME, CHDO and/or Homeless programs, you may limit your submission to two separate applications for each program area (one for national TA and one for local TA), provided you meet the following: (1) The local TA application must identify all field office jurisdictions that you elect to apply in; (2) the application content for each local jurisdiction must be identical; and (3) the dollar amount of TA requested for each jurisdiction is clearly notated.

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. HUD requires TA providers applying for assistance under this NOFA to apply electronically through grants.gov.

An applicant may submit a written request to waive the electronic submission requirement. Should HUD grant a waiver of the electronic submission requirement, the waiver approval letter will note the number of paper copies the applicant must submit to HUD. 2. Page Limitation and Font Size. Narratives addressing Factors 1-4 must be formatted so that the total number of pages submitted are equal to no more than 25 single sided pages of text based on an 8.5 by 11 inch paper, using a standard 12 point font. Reviewers will not review more than 25 pages for all the factors combined. The one page funding and capacity summary and the list of references for new applicants are not included in the 25 page limit. 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 Sections IV.B. and 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. All forms are available when you download the application and instructions from http://www.grants.gov/ applicants/apply_for_grants.jsphttps://apply.grants.gov/forms--apps-- idx.html.

SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance (see General

Section).

An Application Cover Page indicating in bold (a) the type of TA proposed in the application whether HOME National, HOME Local,

CHDO (HOME) National, CHDO Local, Homeless National, Homeless Local,

HOPWA National, or CDBG National, (b) the amount of funds requested; and (c) for Local TA, a table showing the jurisdiction(s) proposed in the application and the amount of funds requested for each jurisdiction.

Narrative addressing Factors 1-4 and a one-page summary highlighting the specific types of eligible TA activities the applicant has the capacity to undertake, and the funding amount requested for each CD-TA program by national or local jurisdiction for which the applicant is applying. (See Section V. Application Review Information.)

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HUD-424-CB, Grant Application Detailed Budget Form (see

General Section).

HUD-424-CBW, Detailed Budget Worksheet for Non-

Construction Projects (see 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 (see General

Section).

HUD-2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report

(``HUD Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report'' on Grants.gov) (see

General Section).

SF-424, Supplement, Survey on Equal Opportunity for

Applicants (``Faith Based EEO Survey (SF-424 SUPP)'' on Grants.gov) (to be completed by private nonprofit organizations only).

Form HUD-2994-A (You Are Our Client! Grant Applicant

Survey, Optional).

Form HUD-96011, Third Party Documentation Facsimile

Transmittal (``Facsimile Transmittal Form'' on Grants.gov) (Used as the cover page to transmit third party documents and other information designed for each specific application for tracking purposes. HUD will not be able to match faxes to an application if the application does not contain the HUD-96011 fax cover page, and each fax submitted does not use the HUD-96011 as the cover page to the facsimile transmission.

C. Submission Dates and Times. Your completed application must be received and validated electronically by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern time on the deadline date. The validation process can take 24-48 hours following receipt of the application by

Grants.gov. Applicants are advised to submit the application 72 hours prior to the deadline date so that if the application is rejected by

Grants.gov, the applicant has enough time to correct the noted problem and resubmit the application in time to meet the deadline requirements.

(See General Section for further information on the Grants.gov validation process.)

HUD has found that the most common error made by grantees which causes their application to fail validation is that the applicant ID and password does not match the DUNS number under which they are applying, or the applicant is not authorized by the organization to submit the application on behalf of the organization. Please make sure when submitting your application that you are using the correct DUNS number, User ID and password, that you have registered at Grants.gov under that DUNS number and USER ID and password, and that you have been authorized by the organization to submit the application on behalf of the applicant. To check your registration status, follow the directions provided in the General Section.

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

E. Other Submission Requirements. The General Section describes application submission procedures and how applicants may obtain proof of timely submission. 1. Waiver of Electronic Submission Requirements. Applicants interested in applying for funding under this NOFA must submit their applications electronically via Grants.gov or request a waiver from the

Community Development Technical Assistance program. Applicants should submit their waiver requests in writing by e-mail. Waiver requests must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the application deadline date and should be submitted to Mark.A.Horwath@hud.gov. HUD only provides waivers for cause under the waiver provisions of 24 CFR 5.110.

Instructions regarding the number of copies to submit and the address where they must be submitted will be contained in any approval of the waiver request. Paper submissions must be received at the appropriate

HUD office(s) no later than the deadline date.

V. Application Review Information

A. Capacity and Funding Summary. All CD-TA applicants are required to submit a one-page capacity and funding summary for each CD-TA application submitted. Although the capacity and funding summary will not be rated based on the factors listed in Section V, Subpart B. below, the summary is a submission requirement for the CD-TA program.

HUD will use the summary to determine the national or field office area for which the applicant is applying; the types of TA activities the applicant is willing to undertake based on staff skill and experience; and given the organizational capacity of the applicant, a funding amount the applicant can reasonably expect to expend within the requirements and timeframes of the CD-TA program.

The summary must include: 1. A list of the eligible TA activities the applicant is prepared to undertake, based on the applicant's organizational capacity and staff skills. See Section III C, 2 Eligible TA Activities for a list of eligible national and local TA activities. 2. A funding estimate, by national and/or field office jurisdiction, that the applicant believes it can reasonably expend within the three-year performance period based on organizational capacity and the eligible TA activities the applicant is prepared to undertake.

B. 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 35 points on Factor 1.

The CD-TA program is not subject to bonus points, as described in the

General Section.

Points are assigned on four factors. Applicants should review the factors carefully as the criteria have changed significantly from prior years' requirements. When addressing the four factors, applicants should discuss the relevant successful experience of both their organization as a whole, and the individual staff and dedicated contractors who may work under the award if the application is funded.

Applicants should also address the overall management of the award including policies and procedures for ensuring that all CD-TA program requirements are met and quality products are developed and delivered.

Please note that Factor 2--Need--as identified in the General Section does not apply under the CD-TA program.

Rating Factor 1: Applicant's Capacity and Relevant Experience (50 points) (Minimum for Funding Eligibility is 35 points) a. (25 points) Recent experience. For new applicants or applicants funded in the past that do not have an open HUD CD-TA award: Provide examples of recent experience (within the past 18 months) managing technical assistance awards similar to the programs covered under the

CD-TA NOFA within a client-driven environment. Examples should include a discussion of the tasks undertaken, individuals served, training skills and related CD-TA program knowledge required to complete the tasks, and measurable results achieved. All new applicants must also include at least two references for recent, technical assistance work similar to the programs covered under the CD-TA NOFA and undertaken by the applicant. References should only include a contact name, address, phone number and e-mail address in order for HUD to verify the information.

For current CD-TA providers: Provide examples of recent experience

(within the past 18 months) managing existing

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CD-TA award programs within the demand-response system. Examples should include a discussion of the specific TA tasks undertaken, program beneficiaries served, program topics addressed, and quantifiable outcomes achieved. Current CD-TA providers should also note any outstanding performance issues under open CD-TA awards, and the steps the TA provider is taking to address these issues. HUD will rely on existing CD-TA file documentation when evaluating this factor.

HUD will evaluate this factor based upon the breadth and accuracy of the applicant's program knowledge, ability to provide and deliver technically accurate TA, compliance with cooperative agreement provisions, financial and performance reporting requirements, timeliness of drawdown of funds and close-out of expired grants.

Customer feedback from CPD program offices will also be used to judge an applicant's performance and effectiveness. b. (25 points) Organizational capacity. In narrative form, describe the technical assistance skills and related CD-TA program knowledge of your organization's key staff and, based on the organization's capacity, identify the types of TA activities the applicant is prepared to undertake and how this will further the TA priorities of the programs for which you are seeking funding. To the extent that the applicant addresses the HUD policy priority(s) noted in the General

Section for each program in this NOFA, the applicant will receive a minimum of one point of the 25 points available for this subfactor.

Key staff is defined as all in-house staff and hired consultants who will be developing technical assistance products and/or delivering training courses, conferences, or direct TA. Applicants should include specific examples of each key staff member's TA skills and areas of expertise. For all HOME and CHDO (HOME) TA providers, identify the key staff who have passed, with a score of 80 or higher, the HOME Program

Certification Regulations course. Applicants should refer to Section

III C.2 for a complete list of the eligible TA activities applicants may undertake with national or local CD-TA funds. The applicant's description of staff capacity should clearly support the specific types of TA activities the applicant is willing and able to undertake with

CD-TA funds. In rating this subfactor, HUD will evaluate each key staff member's program knowledge, and TA skills. FOR HOME and CHDO (HOME) TA providers, HUD will measure an organization's HOME program knowledge, in part, by the number of key staff identified in the application who have passed the HOME Program Certified Specialist-Regulations exam. Up to 10 points is available under this subfactor for organizations demonstrating a sufficient number of HOME Program Certified staff to carry out a demand-response program of activities. Applicants for local

HOME and CHDO (HOME) TA must have at least one staff person who is

``HOME certified'' to receive any points on this portion of the subfactor; applicants for national HOME and CHDO (HOME) TA must have at least two staff people who are ``HOME certified'' to receive any points. For local and national HOME and CHDO (HOME) TA only, points for this portion of the subfactor will be awarded as follows:

National TA applicants

Local TA applicants number of HOME number of HOME program

Points program certified staff

certified staff

1.................................. 2.....................

4 2.................................. 3-4...................

6 3.................................. 5-6...................

8 4 or more.......................... 7 or more.............

HUD will also compare the specific types of TA activities the applicant is willing to undertake in relation to stated staff capacity.

Staff program knowledge and TA skills should clearly support the possible TA activities the applicant may undertake.

Rating Factor 2: Soundness of Approach (35 points) a. (5 points) Key management staff. The successful administration and management of a technical assistance award is key to: (1) The timeliness of delivery of required technical assistance; (2) the sound financial management of the project; and (3) the appropriate prioritization of multiple technical assistance needs. In evaluating the soundness of approach under this rating factor, HUD will consider the breadth of key management staff experience administering multiple, complex tasks within the demand-response system, or a similar client- driven environment. Applicants should clearly demonstrate recent experience managing and coordinating financial resources, and administrative, training, and consultant staff among complex and varied technical assistance tasks. HUD will also evaluate the roles and responsibilities key management staff would assume under a CD-TA award in light of each individual's recent experience.

Identify the key staff responsible for the overall management and administration of the CD-TA award. Key management staff is defined as any individual who will have decision-making authority related to the financial or task management, performance reporting, or overall coordination of the award. The applicant must identify key management staff, including their individual roles and responsibilities, as well as their recent experience (within the past 18 months), managing people and tasks within the demand-response system or a similar client-driven environment. Please do not include the Social Security Numbers (SSN) of any staff members. b. (20 points) Procedures. Present detailed, practical policies and procedures for managing multiple, large and/or complex technical assistance awards in multiple jurisdictions. The policies and procedures must discuss how the applicant will manage TA activities within the specific structure of the demand-response system, including processes for fielding TA needs from HUD; assigning appropriate skilled and knowledgeable staff to develop or provide the TA; prioritizing and managing multiple TA needs, to multiple entities, in multiple jurisdictions; providing feedback to HUD on TA progress and outcomes; and addressing and effectively resolving any delays encountered. In rating this factor, HUD will consider the level of detail and efficiency of the applicant's proposed processes for fielding and prioritizing multiple TA needs, allocating limited CD-TA financial resources among multiple TA tasks, and coordinating and assigning skilled in-house and consultant staff to address multiple TA needs, to multiple entities in multiple jurisdictions. HUD will also evaluate the suitability of the applicant's proposed policies and procedures within the specific structure of the demand-response system. c. (10 points) Quality control. Present a detailed plan for ensuring that all TA products developed or delivered under the CD-TA program are of the highest quality. Applicants should present a detailed plan for ensuring that all TA activities are eligible, accurate program guidance is provided, correct beneficiaries are served, and positive outcomes are achieved. The applicant should also present a detailed plan for addressing and remediating any eligibility or product quality issues that may arise. In rating this factor, HUD will review the applicant's quality control procedures for thoroughness and efficiency, and the likelihood that such procedures will ensure that positive

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outcomes are achieved. Applicants should clearly describe established policies and procedures for ensuring the eligibility, accuracy, and quality of all aspects of TA development and delivery. The applicant should also present a detailed remediation plan should any eligibility or quality issues arise.

Rating Factor 3: Leveraging Resources (5 points)

Present an effective, practical plan for transferring products developed through the CD-TA program, including manuals, guides, assessment forms, and other work products, to other TA providers and program beneficiaries. The applicant's plan should address the re-use of existing ``step-in'' packages and how it will share its resources with a wide audience, avoiding the cost and time in creating new products, so that the duplication of TA products does not occur. In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the application demonstrates a practical and effective means of sharing TA resources with a wide audience, including other TA providers and program beneficiaries.

Rating Factor 4: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (10 points)

For each program priority, the applicant must identify at least two quantifiable outcomes. For a complete list of TA priorities by program area refer to Section III, Subpart C., Eligible Activities and

Priorities. For each of the eligible TA activities an applicant may undertake (i.e., development of written and electronic products, training delivery, direct TA), describe the general methods and measures the applicant will use to evaluate the effectiveness of the

TA. While the specific TA topics to be addressed by successful applicants will be identified post-award through the demand-response system, HUD has identified the broad eligible activities that encompass technical assistance. The applicant must present a clear plan for evaluating the effectiveness of each of the possible TA activities the applicant may be asked to undertake and deliver. For a complete list of eligible national and field office TA activities under the CD-TA program, refer to Section III C.2., Description of National and Local

TA.

Note that although not a submission requirement under this year's

CD-TA NOFA, successful applicants will be required to submit a completed Logic Model. Though not part of the rating factors, the logic model submitted after selection and under the guidance of the GTR will be evaluated for completeness and consistency based upon the matrix in the General Section. HUD reserves the right to request modifications to the Logic Model submissions and require the TA providers to update the

Logic Model, based on activities carried out under the demand-response system. In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate whether the outcomes identified by the applicant are both measurable and appropriately related to each program priority. HUD will also assess whether the TA evaluation methods described by the applicant will thoroughly and accurately measure the effectiveness of each eligible TA activity identified.

C. 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. Ranked 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 ranked order. Applications within the fundable range (score of 75+ points with 35+ points for Factor 1) may then be funded in ranked 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 HMIS technical assistance activities;

(3) One for HOME and one for CHDO (HOME) technical assistance activities;

(4) One for CDBG 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 do not meet these requirements and applications that were received after the deadline (see Section IV.C of the General

Section) will be considered ineligible for funding. 4. Funding Decisions. In determining the amount awarded to each successful applicant, HUD will take into consideration the funds available for the CD-TA program and local or national area the applicant wishes to serve; the number of successful CD-TA applicants for that area and program; the applicant's current organizational capacity as presented in the application, including the number of qualified, experienced TA staff and consultants; the final score assigned to the application by HUD reviewers; and for current or past

CD-TA providers, the applicant's performance under existing or past CD-

TA awards.

HUD has established a $200,000 minimum funding amount for successful national CD-TA applicants. For successful field office applicants, HUD has established a $50,000 award minimum under both the

HOME and CHDO (HOME) TA programs, and a $15,000 award minimum for successful Homeless TA program applicants. All HOME and CHDO (HOME) awards are subject to the funding restrictions identified in Section

V.B.5 which in some cases may result in a funding award below the established minimum.

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. 5. 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

$12.5 million appropriated for HOME and CHDO (HOME) TA in FY2008. This

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limitation as applied in this competition is subject to change by pending legislative action.

Not less than 40 percent of the approximately $8.5 million 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.

Salary rates for consultants/contractors may not exceed the base rate of pay of Senior Executive Staff (see the General Section).

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, staffing plan, and completed Logic Model 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 not recorded on the HUD Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/ codeofconduct/cconduct.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.

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 actual outputs and outcomes achieved and a narrative explanation of deviations from projected results to actual results achieved. Deviations can be both positive and negative deviations.

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

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GRAPHIC

TIFF OMITTED TN12MY08.003

Page 27048

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 (ONAP).

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- 5200-N-12. 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 ICDBG program is 14.862.

F. Dates: Application Deadline: Applications must be received and validated no later than the deadline date of July 11, 2008. Please see

Section IV of this NOFA for application submission and timely receipt requirements. Applicants should also read the General Section, published March 19, 2008 (73 FR 14882), for additional information regarding the electronic application submission and receipt requirements.

G. Additional Information: 1. Applicants for funding should carefully review the requirements described 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 fiscal year 2008 is $62 million less $3.96 million retained to fund Imminent Threat Grants, for a total of $58.04 million. 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. 4. Only one ICDBG application may be submitted for each area within the jurisdiction of an entity eligible under 24 CFR part 1003. An application may include more than one project, but it cannot exceed the grant ceilings listed in Section II.

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 ONAP's 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 ICDBG program 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. 1. Single Purpose Grants. 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 that meet the regulatory criteria at 24 CFR 1003.208 for: a. Area Benefit Activities b. Limited Clientele Activities c. Housing Activities d. 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. 2. Imminent Threat Grants. 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. The grants provide a solution to problems of an urgent nature that were not evident at the time of the ICDBG single-purpose funding grant cycle or require immediate action.

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: a. 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; b. 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; c. The threat must affect or impact an entire service area and not solely an individual family or household; and d. It must be established that funds are not available from other tribal 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 unobligated 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 grants.

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. 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.

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4. Firm Commitment. A letter of commitment from a partner by which an applicant's partner agrees to perform an activity specified in the application, demonstrates the financial capacity to deliver the resources necessary to carry out the activity, and commits the resources to the activity, either in cash or through in-kind contributions. 5. 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 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. 6. 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.) 7. 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. 8. New Applicant. An applicant that has either never applied for an

ICDBG or an applicant whose prior grants have either been closed or closed subject to audit for more than two years prior to the application deadline date. 9. Operations and Maintenance (O&M) for Public Facilities and

Improvements. There are items of expense related to the operation of the physical plant that must be addressed in an O&M plan if the tribe assumes responsibility or if an entity other than the tribe will assume these responsibilities. Although the tribe or other entity does not have to submit the O&M plan with the application, it must provide a written statement that the tribe has adopted (or the entity has developed) 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) that may be provided in a facility). 10. 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, economic status, etc. Common outcomes could include increases in percent of housing units in standard condition, homeownership rates, or employment rates. 11. 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. 12. Project Cost. The total cost to implement the project. Project costs may be covered by both ICDBG and non-ICDBG funds and resources. 13. 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 infeasible. Before the application deadline, you may submit 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 ONAP. 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) adequate space and privacy for all intended household members. 14. 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. 15. 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 fiscal year 2008 appropriation for the

ICDBG program is $62 million, less $3.96 million retained to fund

Imminent Threat Grants, for a total of $58.04 million. 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, HUD has retained $3.96 million of the FY2008 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 FY2008 is $450,000 ($900,000 for Presidentially-declared disasters). This ceiling has been established pursuant to the provisions of 24 CFR 1003.400(c).

Page 27050

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 $62 million less $3.96 million for imminent threat grants, the allocations for FY 2008 are approximately as follows:

Eastern/Woodlands: $6,605,812

Southern Plains: $12,436,112

Northern Plains: $8,281,588

Southwest: $21,552,470

Northwest: $2,990,960

Alaska: $6,173,058

Imminent Threats $3,960,000

Total $62,000,000

C. Grant Ceilings. The authority to establish grant ceilings is found at 24 CFR 1003.100(b)(1). Grant ceilings are established for FY 2008 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...................

600,000

For the Southwest Area and Northern Plains ONAP jurisdictions, 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 those offices 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.

D. Housing Rehabilitation Cost Limits. Grant funds spent on rehabilitation must fall within the following per-unit limits for each

Area ONAP jurisdiction:

Eastern/Woodlands: $35,000

Southern Plains: $35,000

Northern Plains: $50,000

Southwest: $50,000

Northwest: $40,000

Alaska: $75,000

E. Compliance With Regulations, Guidelines, and Requirements 1. Applicants awarded a grant under this NOFA are required to comply with the regulations, guidelines, and requirements with respect to the acceptance and use of federal funds for this federally assisted program. 2. By accepting a grant, 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 2.

F. Period of Performance. The period of performance for any grant awarded under this NOFA must be included in the Implementation

Schedule, form HUD-4125, 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 deadline 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 (IHS), as appropriate, must make a determination of such eligibility. This determination must be provided to the Area ONAP by the application deadline.

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. An application submitted by a tribal organization on behalf of a specific tribe will not be accepted if the tribe itself submits an application for the same 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 April 4, 2008, the BIA published a Federal Register notice entitled, ``Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive Services

From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs'' (73 FR 18553). 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 deadline. (See 24 CFR 1003.5 for a complete description of eligible applicants.)

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 Requirements. 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-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.

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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. 3. 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. In addition, 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 because of an emergency situation. For purposes of meeting this threshold, HUD-assisted houses are houses that are owned and/or managed by the tribe or tribally designated housing entity (TDHE). The ONAP Administrator, on a case-by- case basis, may approve exceptions to this requirement if the applicant provides adequate justification for the exception with its application. 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(b), you must have a current, in effect, tribal resolution adopting and identifying construction standards. 3. In accordance with 24 CFR 1003.302(b), you must also include in your application documentation affirming the following:

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

(b) No other sources, including Indian Housing Block Grants (IHBG), can meet the needs of the household(s) to be served; and

(d) The household(s) to be housed is currently in an overcrowded house (more than one household per house); or

(e) The household to be assisted has no current residence. c. Economic Development Project Thresholds. In accordance with 24

CFR 1003.302(c), 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 the 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 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. Land Acquisition to Support New Housing, Homeownership

Assistance, Public Facilities and Improvements, and Microenterprise

Projects. There are no project specific thresholds for these activities. 4. Public Services. 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, and this component may be unrelated to the other project(s) in your application. If your application does not receive full funding, HUD 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(e). 5. Eligible Activities. A complete description of activities that are eligible for ICDBG funding is identified at 24 CFR part 1003, subpart C. 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), 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. a. Acquisition of property. This activity can be proposed as acquisition of land or other real property to support New Housing

Construction, Housing Rehabilitation, Public Facilities and

Improvements, or Economic Development, depending on the purpose of the acquisition. b. Assistance to Institutions of Higher Learning. If such entities have the capacity, they can help the ICDBG grantees 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 and 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. Section 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.

Page 27052

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, facilities funded by ICDBG or used in the administration of ICDBG funded projects or activities must be accessible to persons with disabilities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and HUD's regulations at 24 CFR Part 8.

Applicants should be aware of the accessibility needs of the persons they intend to serve in ICDBG funded projects and activities, and address these needs in appropriate accessible design features or program modifications to ensure that otherwise qualified persons with disabilities may benefit from them. 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. m. Mold. 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. n. Public Services. Public services are those which are directed toward improving the community's public services and facilities, including but not limited to those concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health, drug abuse, education, fair housing counseling, energy conservation, welfare, homebuyer downpayment assistance or recreational needs. Also see Section III.C.4. above and 24 CFR 1003.201(e). 6. Ineligible Activities. In general, any activity that is not authorized under the provisions of 24 CFR 1003.201 through 1003.206 is ineligible to be assisted with ICDBG 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 so 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, as well as staff salaries, 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 firefighting 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. h. Job Pirating. 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.

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IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Addresses to Request Application Package. Copies of this published NOFA and all application forms for this NOFA may be downloaded from the grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov/ applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. If you have difficulty accessing the information, you may receive customer support from grants.gov by calling its Support Desk at (800) 518-GRANTS, or by sending an e-mail to support@grants.gov. You may request general information from the

NOFA Information Center (800-HUD-8929) or 800-HUD-8339 (TTY) between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through

Friday, except on federal holidays. When requesting information, please refer to the name of the program you are interested in. The NOFA

Information Center opens for business simultaneously with the publication of the SuperNOFA. You can also obtain information on this

NOFA from HUD's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/ fundsavail.cfm.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission 1. Application Information. All information required to complete a valid application is included in the General Section and in this ICDBG

NOFA. Before preparing an application, applicants should carefully review the program description, ineligible activities, program and threshold requirements, and the General Section. Applicants should also review each rating factor listed in Section V of this NOFA, before writing a narrative response. Indicate on the first page of each project submission the type of project(s) you are proposing: 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. It is recommended that you limit your narrative explanations to 15 pages for all factors and provide the necessary data such as a market analysis, a pro forma, housing survey data, etc., that support the response. Applicants should not submit third-party documents, such as audits, resolutions, policies, unless specifically asked to do so.

Additional information regarding electronic submissions can be found in the General Section.

If you received a waiver to the electronic application submission requirements (see section IV.F. below) 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.

Include all material relevant 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 you determine where you can make improvements prior to its submission. An application checklist for you to use to ensure that you have submitted all required components is found in this section under number 2 below. 2. Content of Application, Forms, and Required Elements. The applicant must submit all of the forms required in this section, along with other data listed below. a. Narrative to all five of the rating factors listed in Section

V.A. of this NOFA; b. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424); c. SF-424 SUPP, Supplement Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for

Applicants (``Faith Based EEO Survey (SF-424 SUPP)'' on Grants.gov); d. HUD-2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (``HUD

Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report'' on Grants.gov); e. Acknowledgement of Application Receipt (HUD-2993). (This is relevant only to applicants granted a waiver of the electronic submission requirements and who are submitting a paper application.) f. If the application is being 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. You must submit the resolution by attaching it as a file to your electronic application submission, or sending it via facsimile transmittal. g. A schedule for implementing the project (form HUD-4125,

Implementation Schedule); h. Cost information for each separate project, including specific activity costs, administration, planning, technical assistance and total HUD share (Form HUD-4123, Cost Summary). Planning and administrative costs cannot exceed 20 percent of the grant. The following criteria apply to planning and administrative costs:

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

(2) 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.

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

(4) Indirect costs may be charged to the ICDBG program under a cost sharing plan prepared in accordance with OMB Circular A-21, A-87, or A- 122 as applicable; i. Evidence in the form of a Tribal resolution that the applicant has met the citizen participation requirements of 24 CFR 1003.604(a) and considered any comments and made any necessary modifications to the application; j. A map showing project location, if appropriate; k. Low- and Moderate-Income Benefit. Your application must contain information that indicates at least 70 percent of the grant funds will be used for activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons, in accordance with the requirements of 24 CFR 1003.208. l. Demographic Data. If applicable, demographic information that complies with the requirements in 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 survey form, an explanation of the methods used to collect the data, and a listing of incomes by household including household size; m. Project-Specific Thresholds. Applicants must respond to project- specific thresholds outlined in Section III.C.3, as applicable. n. Commitment to Housing for Land Acquisition to Support New

Housing Projects. For land acquisition to support

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new housing projects, your application must include evidence of 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; o. Health Care Facilities. If you propose a facility that would provide health care services funded by the Indian Health Service (IHS), you must provide a statement that the facility will meet all applicable

IHS facility requirements. HUD recognizes 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; p. Correctional Facilities/Juvenile Detention Centers. If you propose a correctional facility or juvenile detention center that would provide correctional services to be funded by the U.S. Department of

Justice (DOJ) and/or Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), you must provide a statement that the facility meets all applicable BIA standards regarding correctional operations, programs and designs; q. Optional submissions are:

(1) You Are Our Client! Grant Applicant Survey (HUD 2994-A)

(Optional); and

(2) Program Outcome Logic Model, HUD-96010. See Rating Factor V for additional information.

C. Submission Dates and Times 1. Application Submission Deadline. The application deadline date is July 11, 2008. Applications submitted through http://www.grants.gov/ applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp must be received and validated by

Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 P.M. 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 to 48 hours of receipt, the application will be validated by Grants.gov.

If the application does not pass validation, the submitter will receive a rejection notice indicating why the application was rejected, thus giving the applicant (if time permits) an opportunity to make the correction in the application package and resubmit. The General Section provides details of a validation check. HUD advises applicants to submit at least 72 hours prior to the deadline date 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. HUD will not accept any applications sent by e-mail or on a diskette, compact disc, or by facsimile unless HUD specifically requests an applicant to do so. 2. Mailing and Receipt Procedures. Applicants granted a waiver of the electronic submission requirement will receive specific mailing instructions, including the number of copies to be submitted, with approval of the waiver. A list identifying each Area ONAP jurisdiction is provided at http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/ih/onap/area_onap.cfm under the ICDBG program. See 24 CFR part 5. 3. Please carefully follow the instructions in Sections IV.B and 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

See Section III.C.6.

F. Other Submission Requirements

Applicants are required to submit an electronic application, unless they receive a waiver of the requirement. See the General Section for information on electronic application submission and timely submission and receipt requirements. Waiver requests must be submitted to the

Headquarters ONAP, Office of Grants Management, in writing, using mail, e-mail or fax. Waiver requests must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the application deadline date and should be sent to Deborah M.

Lalancette, HUD, ONAP, 1670 Broadway, 23rd Floor, Denver, CO 80202; by e-mail to Deborah.M.Lalancette@hud.gov or by fax to 303-675-1660.

Applicants granted a waiver of the electronic submission requirement will receive specific mailing instructions, including the number of copies to be submitted, with approval of the waiver. A list identifying each Area ONAP jurisdiction is provided at http://www.hud.gov/offices/ pih/ih/onap/area_onap.cfm under the ICDBG program. See 24 CFR part 5.

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-IIs 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 15 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

Title

Points

Project type

1.................... CAPACITY OF THE 30............ Minimum of 15

APPLICANT.

Points

Required. 1................ Managerial,

15 or 30*.....

Technical and

Administrative

Capacity. 1.a.......... Managerial and 8............. All Project

Technical Staff.

Types. 1.b.......... Project

3 or 8*....... All Project

Implementation

Types.

Plan. 1.c.......... Financial

2 or 7*....... All Project

Management.

Types. 1.d.......... Procurement and 2 or 7*....... All Project

Contract

Types.

Management.

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2................ Past Performance 15 or 0*...... 2.a.......... Implementation 3 or 0*....... All Project

Schedule.

Types. 2.b.......... Reports......... 3 or 0*....... All Project

Types. 2.c.......... Close-outs...... 3 or 0*....... All Project

Types. 2.d.......... Audits.......... 3 or 0*....... All Project

Types. 2.e.......... Findings........ 3 or 0*....... All Project

Types. 2.................... NEED/EXTENT OF 16............

THE PROBLEM. 1................ Need and

4............. All Project

Viability.

Types. 2................ Project Benefit. 12............ All Project

Types. 2.a.......... Public

12............ Public

Facilities and

Improvement

Projects.

Projects 2.b.......... Economic

12............ Economic

Development

Projects.

Projects. 2.c.......... New Housing

12............ New Housing

Construction,

Housing

Rehabilitation,.

Rehabilitation

, Land

Acquisition to

Support. 2.d.......... Microenterprise 12............ Microenterprise

Programs.

Programs. 3.................... SOUNDNESS OF

36............

APPROACH. 1................ Description of 13............ All Project and Rationale

Types. for Proposed. 2................ Budget and Cost 8............. All Project

Estimates.

Types. 3................ HUD Policy

1............. All Project

Priorities.

Types. 4................ Intent to Meet 2............. All Project

Section 3

Types.

Requirements. 5................ Commitment to

12............

Sustain

Activities. 5.a.......... Public

12............ Public

Facilities and

Improvement

Improvements.

Projects. 5.b.......... New Housing

12............ New Housing

Construction,

Housing

Rehabilitation,

Rehabilitation and.

, and

Homeownership

Assistance. 5.c.......... Economic

12............ Economic

Development

Projects.

Projects. 5.d.......... Microenterprise 12............ Microenterprise

Programs.

Programs. 5.e.......... Land Acquisition 12............ Land

Projects to

Acquisition to

Support New

Housing.

Housing. 4.................... LEVERAGING

8............. All Project

RESOURCES.

Types. 5.................... COMPREHENSIVENES 10............ All Project

S AND

Types.

COORDINATION. 1................ Coordination.... 2............. All Project

Types. 2................ Outputs,

8............. All Project

Outcomes and/or

Types.

Goals.

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 (30 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. To be eligible for funding you must receive a minimum of 15 points under this factor for your proposed activity. HUD will not rate any projects further that do not receive a minimum of 15 points under this factor. If you are funded, your progress will be measured against your Implementation Schedule and/or the Logic Model, form HUD-96010. 1. Managerial, Technical, and Administrative Capability. (15 points for current ICDBG grantees and 30 points for new applicants). 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. Managerial and Technical Staff (8 Points)

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 or the specific roles and responsibilities described in the application to be relevant; and experience producing specific accomplishments to be successful. The more recent and relevant the experience of your staff members who will work on the project, the greater the number of points you will receive for this rating factor. Please do not include the Social Security

Numbers (SSN) of any staff members.

(8 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 or the specific roles and responsibilities described in the application) and successful

(has produced specific accomplishments).

(4 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

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projects for which funding is being requested. However, one of the following applies: Staff experience as described in the application is not recent (within 5 years), is not relevant (pertains to the specific activities being proposed or the specific roles and responsibilities described in the application), or is not successful (produced 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 the specific roles and responsibilities described in the application), or is not successful

(did not produce specific accomplishments). b. Project Implementation Plan (3 Points for Current ICDBG Grantees and 8 Points for new Applicants)

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.

(3 points for current ICDBG grantees and 8 points for new applicants). The applicant submitted a project implementation plan that clearly specifies tasks and timelines.

(2 points for current ICDBG grantees and 5 points for new applicants). The applicant submitted a project implementation plan that did not specify both tasks and timelines.

(0 points for current ICDBG grantees or new applicants). The applicant did not submit a project implementation schedule that addressed all tasks and timelines. c. Financial Management (2 Points for Current ICDBG Grantees and 7

Points for New Applicants)

This subfactor evaluates the extent to which your application describes how your financial management systems meet the requirements of 24 CFR part 85 and 24 CFR part 1003. 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 IPA 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 was due to be submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) within the 12-month period prior to the application deadline date. To be considered, the audit must be submitted to the FAC prior to the ICDBG application deadline date. Do not submit financial management and/or internal control policies and procedures or your audit with the application.

(2 points for current ICDBG grantees and 7 points for new applicants). The applicant clearly described how its financial management systems 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 financial management system, or if there is no current audit, the applicant submitted a letter from its

IPA stating that its financial management system complies with all applicable regulatory requirements.

(1 points for current ICDBG grantees and 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

IPA stating that its financial management system complies with all applicable regulatory requirements. The applicant did not describe how its financial management system meets the requirements of 24 CFR part 85 and 24 CFR part 1003.

(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 its financial management system meets the requirements of 24 CFR part 85 and 24 CFR part 1003. d. Procurement and Contract Management (2 points for current ICDBG grantees and 7 points for new applicants). This subfactor evaluates the extent to which your application describes how your procurement and contract management policies and procedures will meet the requirements of 24 CFR part 85 and 24 CFR part 1003. 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 IPA 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 and 7 points for new applicants). The applicant clearly described how its procurement and contract management policies and procedures will 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 IPA stating that its procurement and contract management system complies with all applicable regulatory requirements.

(1 point for current ICDBG grantees and 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 IPA stating that its procurement and contract management system complies with all applicable regulatory requirements. The applicant did not describe how its procurement and contract management policies and procedures meet the requirements of 24

CFR part 85 and 24 CFR part 1003.

(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

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applicant did not describe how its procurement and contract management policies and procedures will meet the requirements of 24 CFR part 85 and 24 CFR part 1003. 2. Past Performance (15 points for current ICDBG grantees and 0 points for new applicants). HUD will evaluate your experience in producing products and reports in accordance with regulatory timelines for any previous grant programs undertaken with HUD funds for the following performance measures. Applicants are not required to respond to the subfactors related to past performance. HUD will rely on information on file. a. Implementation Schedule (3 points for current ICDBG grantees and 0 points for new applicants). The applicant is not more than 90 days behind schedule in meeting the time frames established in the HUD- approved Implementation Schedule for the ICDBG program.

(1) (3 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. Reports (3 points for current ICDBG grantees and 0 points for new applicants). Annual Status and Evaluation 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) (3 points) The applicant has submitted both the ASER and

Federal Cash Transaction Reports for ICDBG programs within 15 days of the report submission deadlines.

(2) (2 points) The applicant has submitted either the Federal Cash

Transaction Reports or the ASERs for ICDBG programs within 15 days of the report submission deadline.

(3) (0 points) The applicant has submitted neither of the required reports within 15 days of the report submission deadline. c. Close-outs. (3 points for current ICDBG grantees and 0 points for new applicants). The applicant has submitted close-out documents to

HUD by the required 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) (3 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. Audits. (3 points for current ICDBG grantees and 0 points for new applicants). The applicant has submitted annual audits in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 and its compliance supplements, or if you have received an extension of the audit submission date, your audit was submitted by the extended date. If an extension was received, submit a copy of the extension approval. Do not submit your audit with the application. Applicants who are not required to submit an annual audit in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 must state this in their application in order to receive points for this subfactor.

(1) (3 points) The applicant has submitted annual audits in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 and its compliance supplements, or if you have received an extension of the audit submission date, your audit was submitted by the extended date. If an extension was received, you submitted a copy of the extension approval. If the applicant has not been required to submit an audit, it will receive 3 points.

(2) (0 points) The applicant has not submitted annual audits in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 and its compliance supplements or if you have received an extension of the audit submission date, your audit was not submitted by the extended date. e. Findings (3 points for current ICDBG grantees and 0 points for new applicants). The applicant has 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) (3 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 3 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. Need and Viability (up to 4 points) Your application includes quantitative information demonstrating that the proposed project meets an essential community development need and is critical to the viability of the community. 2. Project Benefit (12 points) Your project benefits the neediest segment of the population, in accordance with the ICDBG 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. a. Public Facilities and Improvement Projects (12 Points)

The proposed activities benefit the neediest segment of the population, as identified below. In order to meet the requirements of this section, you must submit the most recently available Decennial

Census information or you may submit data that are unpublished, not generally available, and not older than the latest Census data. If you are submitting demographic data other than the Census, your application must contain a statement that the following criteria have been met:

--Generally available published data are substantially inaccurate or incomplete;

--Data that you submit have been collected systematically and are statistically reliable;

--Data are, to the greatest extent feasible, independently verifiable; and

--Data differentiate between reservation and BIA service area populations, when applicable.

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 survey form, an explanation of the methods used to collect the data, and a listing of incomes by household including household size;

(1) (12 points) At least 85 percent 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.

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(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. Economic Development Projects (12 Points)

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. For persons served by the project, you must submit the most recently available Decennial Census information or you may submit data that are unpublished, not generally available, and not older than the latest Census data as described in 2.a. above. 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 and number of the jobs created or retained for low/moderate income people. Such information includes, but is not limited to, brief descriptions of proposed job responsibilities, job titles, 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.

(1) (12 points) At least 85 percent 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. c. New Housing Construction, Housing Rehabilitation, Land Acquisition to Support New Housing, and Homeownership Assistance Projects (12

Points)

The need for the proposed project is determined by utilizing data from the tribe's 2007 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 American Indian and Alaskan Native

(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 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 $311-$750 or the tribe's total FY 2007 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 $751-

$1,250.

(3) (4 points) The dollar amount for the Indian tribe is $1,251-

$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. d. Microenterprise Programs (12 Points)

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. 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 and number of the jobs created or retained for low/moderate income people. Such information includes, but is not limited to, brief descriptions of proposed job responsibilities, job titles, 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.

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 (36 Points)

This factor addresses the quality and anticipated effectiveness of your proposed project to enhance community viability and meet 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. Description of and Rationale for Proposed Project (13 Points) a. (13 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 you indicate why you believe it will be most effective in addressing the identified need. In order for an application to receive full credit under this factor, the application must demonstrate 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 of housing or a public facility building or rehabilitation project, it must also include anticipated cost savings related to project development due to 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. (10 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. The application includes a

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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 of housing or a public facility building or rehabilitation projects) does not include anticipated cost savings due to program design and/or construction methods. c. (6 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 you indicate why you believe the project will be most effective in addressing the identified need.

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 of housing or a public facility building or rehabilitation activities) does not include anticipated cost savings due to 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. 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 of housing or a public facility building and rehabilitation activities) does not include anticipated cost savings due to program design and/or construction methods. 2. Budget and Cost Estimates (8 Points)

The budget is thorough and reasonable and all costs 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. HUD Policy Priorities (1 Point)

Your application addresses the goals for ``Improving Our Nation's

Communities,'' or ``Encouraging Accessible Design Features'' two of

HUD's 2008 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. Intent To Meet Section 3 Requirements (2 Points)

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 the Indian Preference provisions in Section 7(b) of the Indian Self-Determination and

Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450e(b)). 5. Commitment to Sustain Activities (12 Points)

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 (12 Points)

(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 written statement from the entity is included in the application that the entity has developed 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. 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 that 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 only four 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 written statement from the entity is included in the application that the entity has developed the operations 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 only four of the following items (maintenance, repairs, insurance, security, and replacement reserves) but a satisfactory cost breakdown for annual expenses was not included. 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 that 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

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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 only three 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 application includes a written statement that the entity has developed 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 only three of the following items (maintenance, repairs, insurance, security, and replacement reserves). 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 (12 Points)

(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 (12 Points)

You must include information or documentation that 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 that 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, bylaws, resumes of key management positions, and board members for the entity who will operate the business.

(b) Business operating plan.

(d) Financial analysis and 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:

(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?

(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) 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 (12 Points)

(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) 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 (12 Points)

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.

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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, HUD 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..........................................

At least 4 percent but less than 11 percent..................

At least 11 percent but less than 18 percent.................

At least 18 percent but less than 25 percent.................

6 25 percent or more...........................................

Contributions that 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 the application deadline date 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 obtain points for this rating factor, letters of firm or projected commitments, memoranda of understanding, or agreements to participate from any entity, including the tribe that 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).

To receive funding consideration, all documents must be received by the application deadline dates and meet the timely receipt requirements.

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 Indian Housing Plan (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. 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 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 (10 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 applicant should describe the project's specific benchmarks, outputs, outcomes, and goals for enhancing community viability. The applicant should also indicate how you will measure and evaluate how the goals are being met.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the Logic Model, HUD form 96010, to provide information on the measurable outputs, outcomes and program evaluation requirements. Alternatively this information can be submitted in a narrative format. 1. Coordination (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

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must provide a written statement that when submitted, the IHP will specifically reference the proposed project. 2. Outputs, Outcomes, and/or Goals (up to 8 points). The extent to which your proposed project identifies, measures and evaluates the specific benchmarks, outputs, outcomes and/or goals of your project that 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 through a drug- elimination program, or through 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 program beneficiaries;

Increase in homeownership rates;

Reduction of drug-related crime or health-related hazards.

HUD is providing a Master Logic Model as a Microsoft Excel\TM\ file with dropdown listings from which applicants may select the items in each column that reflect their activity outputs and outcomes. The

Master Logic Model listing also identifies the unit of measure that HUD is interested in collecting for the output and outcome selected.

Applicants can also select 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. The Master Logic Model 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. Review and Selection Process 1. Application Selection Process. You must meet all 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. 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 (e). 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. 3. 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. 4. Past Performance. An applicant's past performance is evaluated under Rating Factor 1. Applicants are encouraged to address all performance-related criteria prior to the application deadline date. An applicant must score a minimum of 15 points under Rating Factor 1 in order to meet the minimum point requirements outlined below in this

NOFA. 5. 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 Grants

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

The total number of points for rating factors 1 through 5 is 100. 6. Minimum Points. To be considered for funding, your application must receive a minimum of 15 points under Rating Factor 1 and an application score of 70 points. 7. 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. 8. 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. 9. 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

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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. HUD will notify applicants by facsimile or via the U.S. Postal Service, return receipt requested.

Applicants will be provided thirty (30) calendar days from the date of receipt of the HUD notification to respond to these requirements. No extensions will be provided. If the deadline date falls on a Saturday,

Sunday, or federal holiday, your response must be received by HUD on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday. 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. c. The time period for calculating the response deadline for technical deficiencies and pre-award requirements begins on the day after receipt of the pre-award letter from the Area ONAP. 10. 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. 11. 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. HUD expects to announce awards by November 26, 2008. 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 on 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.

D. 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 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 to the

Area ONAP a quarterly 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

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work remaining, along with a revised implementation schedule, if necessary. This report 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 (HUD-96010) 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;

(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 outputs and outcomes agreed upon in the final award document relating to Rating Factor 5 and the Close-Out

Agreement. 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. A list identifying each Area ONAP is provided at http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/ih/onap/area_onap.cfm.

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 e-mail to Support@Grants.gov.

B. Technical Assistance. Before the application deadline date, 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.

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GRAPHIC

TIFF OMITTED TN12MY08.004

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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: FR-5200-N-20; OMB Approval Number is 2528-0235.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: The CFDA

Number for this program is 14.520.

F. Dates: The application deadline date is July 2, 2008.

Application must be received and validated by Grants.gov by 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date. Please be sure to read the

General Section, published March 19, 2008 (73 FR 14882), 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 (42 U.S.C. et seq.) as amended. 2. Award Information: In Fiscal Year (FY) 2008, approximately $9 million has been made available for this program by the Consolidated

Appropriations Act, 2008 (Pub. L. 110-161). An applicant can request up to $700,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period. In order to ensure that institutions that have never received a HUD HBCU

Program grant (First Time HBCU applicants) receive awards in this competition, approximately $1 million will be made available to fund

First Time HBCU applicants. In addition, approximately $8 million will be made available to fund Previously Funded HBCU applicants. If funding designated for First Time HBCU applicants remains after all eligible

First Time HBCU applicants are awarded, the remaining funds will be made available to fund eligible Previously Funded HBCU applicants. 3. Eligible Applicants: 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 assist HBCUs 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 Title I of Housing and Community

Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. et seq.) as amended.

For the purposes of 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.

A ``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 in their application for why they want to do so.

A. Authority

HUD's authority for making funding available under this NOFA is the

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Pub. L. 110-161). 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 FY2007 program funding announcement: 1. Applicants can now request up to $700,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period. 2. Abstract and budget narrative responses must be submitted electronically and formatted to fit an 8\1/2\-by-11-inch page.

Responses must be double-spaced, with one inch margins (for the top, bottom, left and right sides of the document), using the standard Times

New Roman 12-point font. 3. Project budgets will be evaluated and scored under Factor 3,

Soundness of Approach. HUD will assess the applicant's budget in relation to its quality, thoroughness, reasonableness, and rationality to the proposed project. 4. There is a maximum allowance for administrative cost. Applicants can utilize up to 20 percent of their grant for payments of reasonable grant administrative costs related to planning and executing the project (e.g., preparation/submission of HUD reports, etc.). Detailed explanations of these costs are provided in the OMB circular A-21, Cost

Principles for Educational Institutions that can be accessed at the

White House Web site at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/ index.html. 5. Applicants must ensure that 51 percent or more of all funds awarded will be utilized for the community and/or general public. These funds are not for the direct benefit of the institution. 6. For the purpose of responding to Rating Factor 1, Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Experience subfactor (a) Knowledge and

Experience, HUD now defines Previously Funded Applicants as any applicants that received funding in FY 1999 through FY 2007. If an applicant has received a grant prior to these years then they should respond to this factor as a First-Time Applicant. This definition is relevant to this rating factor and the abstract only. 7. Applicants that propose ineligible activities will not be disqualified, but will not receive points under Factor 3, Soundness of

Approach for the ineligible activities. HUD reserves the right to deduct points under this factor for those activities and/or not fund an application if the majority of the activities are ineligible. 8. Applicants that have no external leveraging resources (the institution is not considered an external resource) under Factor 4

Leveraging Resources/Developing Partnerships will receive no points under this factor. In addition, HUD will now score Factor 4 as follows: a. Ten (10) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that are 15 percent or more of the amount requested under this program; b. Nine (9) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 13 to 14 percent of the amount requested under this program; c. Eight (8) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 11 to 12 percent of the amount requested under this program;

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d. Seven (7) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 8 to 10 percent of the amount requested under this program; e. Six (6) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 6 to 7 percent of the amount requested under this program; f. Five (5) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 5 percent of the amount requested under this program; and g. Zero (0) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that is less than 5 percent of the amount requested under this program and/or have no external leveraging resources (remember, the institution/applicant is not considered an external resource).

II. Award Information

In FY2008, approximately $9 million is made available for this program. An applicant can request up to $700,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period.

In order to ensure that institutions that have never received a HUD

HBCU program grant (First-Time HBCU applicants) receive awards in this competition, approximately $1 million will be made available to fund

First-Time HBCU applicants. In addition, approximately $8 million will be made available to fund Previously Funded HBCU applicants. If funding designated for First-Time HBCU applicants remains after all eligible

First-Time HBCU applicants are awarded, the remaining funds will be made available to fund eligible Previously Funded HBCU applicants.

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. 570.201 through Sec. 570.206.

Information regarding these activities can be found online at: http:// www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/24cfr570_06.html. 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 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.

Note: This letter must be included in the application. If an applicant devotes more than 15 percent of their grant funds to public service activities and the letter is not included and/or does not include the information requested above, the public service activities over the 15-percent cap will not be considered fundable and this exclusion will result in a lower score. a. Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

(1) Acquisition of real property;

(2) Clearance and demolition;

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) and visitability modifications in accordance with the policy priorities described in the

General Section;

(4) Acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or installation of public facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities and streets compliance with accessibility requirements such as those under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29

U.S.C. 794) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101);

(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 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 of Neighborhood Networks centers in federally assisted or insured housing, job training and placement, and recreational needs;

(8) 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 (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(25));

(9) There is a maximum allowance for administrative cost. Up to 20 percent of the grant may be used for payments of reasonable grant administrative costs related to planning and executing the project

(e.g., preparation/submission of HUD reports). Detailed explanations of these costs are provided in OMB circular A-21, Cost Principles for

Educational Institutions that can be accessed at the White House Web site at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html;

(10) These funds are not for the direct benefit of the institution; 51 percent or more of all funds must be utilized for the community and/ or general public; and

(11) 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. Each activity proposed for funding must meet the Community

Development Block Grant (CDBG) program eligibility requirements and at least one of the three CDBG national objectives. The three national objectives of the CDBG program are listed in Rating Factor 3 in Section

V.A.3 of this NOFA.

Criteria for determining whether an activity addresses one or more national objectives are provided at 24 CFR 570.208. c. The CDBG publication entitled ``Community Development Block

Grant

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Program Guide to National Objectives and Eligible Activities for

(See the General Section). Only one application can be submitted per institution. 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 a separate DUNS number and an administrative and budgeting structure independent of the other campuses in the system. d. Applicants must receive a minimum score of 75 points to be considered for funding. e. 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. 3. Program Requirements. 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 to benefit low- and moderate-income persons under the criteria specified in 24 CFR 570.208(a) (ii)or 570.208(d)(5) or (6); c. Applicants must ensure that 51 percent or more of all funds awarded will be utilized for community and/or general public use. These funds are not for the direct benefit of the institution; d. Applicants that propose to construct new housing or rehabilitate existing housing must ensure that their project and/or facilities are operated in accordance with applicable design and construction requirements, including either the Fair Housing Act and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and corresponding HUD implementing regulations. Please note that in situations where both the Fair Housing

Act design and construction accessibility requirements and Section 504 design and construction accessibility requirements apply, applicants must apply both standards to obtain maximum accessibility; and e. Applicants that propose non-housing programs and facilities must ensure that their projects are operated in compliance with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the

American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Architectural Barriers Act

(ABA), and corresponding HUD implementing regulations. Note that the accessibility standard for non-housing projects is the Uniform Federal

Accessibility Standards (UFAS). 4. 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 recipients that cannot demonstrate control of a suitable site within one year after the initial notification of award. 5. 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. Applicants should use the protocol at http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/cpd/ environment/review/protocol.pdf to supply HUD with the information needed for HUD to start and complete the environmental review. Further information and assistance on HUD's environmental requirements is available at http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/environment/index.cfm. 6. Lead-Based Paint Requirements. Institutions and their sub- grantees, contractors, and subcontractors must comply with the Lead-

Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4821-4846), the

Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 4851-4856), and relevant subparts of the implementing regulations at 24

CFR Part 35, such as subparts A, B, J, K and R, which apply to activities under this grant program. 7. 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. 8. 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. One of the purposes of the assistance is to give to the greatest extent feasible and consistent with existing federal, state, and local laws and regulations, job training, employment, contracting, and other economic opportunities to Section 3 residents and Section 3 business concerns. See the Section 3 Regulations located at 24 CFR Part 135.36. 9. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Requirements. Under

Section 808(e)(5) of the Fair Housing Act, HUD has a statutory duty to affirmatively further fair housing. HUD requires the same of its funding recipients. If you are a successful applicant proposing housing-related activities, you will have a duty to affirmatively further fair housing opportunities for classes protected under the Fair

Housing Act. Protected classes include race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. For example: (1)

Working with other entities in the community to overcome impediments to fair housing, such as discrimination in the sale or rental of housing or in advertising, provision of brokerage services, or lending; (2)

Promoting fair housing choice through the expansion of homeownership opportunities and improved quality of services for minorities, families with children, and persons with disabilities; or (3) Providing housing mobility counseling services.

IV. Application Instructions and Submission Information

A. Instructions To Download Application Package

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

Page 27069

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. Hearing- and speech-challenged individuals may access this number through TTY by calling the toll-free Federal

Information Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. See the General Section for information regarding the registration process or ask for registration information from the Grants.gov Support Desk.

B. Application Content and Forms for Submission 1. Application Content. Applications must consist of the following elements: Abstract, narrative for the rating factors, budget, budget narrative, and forms. Applicants that received a wavier of the electronic application submission requirement must submit their application in the order below. Copies of the instructions and all forms are available online at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_ for_grants.jsp. 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 regarding the content of the application from HUD; 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 October 1, 2008; 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. b. Abstract. Applicants must include no more than a two-page, doubled-spaced summary of the proposed project. Please include the following:

(1) A clear description of each proposed project activity, where it will take place (be located), the target population that will be served, and the impact this project is expected to have on the community;

(2) A statement that the institution is an eligible applicant 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 regarding the content of this application from HUD; 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; and

(5) If a previously funded applicant, include the name and date the past project(s) were funded. Remember HUD now defines Previously Funded

Applicants as any applicants that received funding in FY 1999 through

FY 2007. c. Narrative statement addressing the rating factors. HUD will use the narrative response to the ``Rating Factors'' to evaluate, rate, and rank applications. This NOFA has five rating factors that need to be addressed. The narrative statement is the main source of information.

Applicants are advised to review each factor carefully for program- specific requirements. All applicants submitting electronic applications must attach their narrative responses to Rating Factors 1- 4 as one attachment. Remember, Factor 5 is addressed by using the HUD- 96010, Program Outcome Logic Model form. Please do not repeat material in response to factors 1-3, instead, focus on how well the proposal responds to each of the factors. The response to each factor should be concise and contain only information relevant to the factor, yet detailed enough to address each factor fully. Where there are subfactors, each subfactor must be addressed and presented separately, with the short title/name of the subfactor presented. Make sure to address each subfactor and provide sufficient information about every element of the subfactor. Do not include any individual's Social

Security Numbers in your application. The narrative section of an application must be submitted electronically. It must not exceed 50 pages in length (excluding forms, budget narrative, assurances, and abstract) and must be formatted to fit an 8\1/2\-by-11-inch page.

Responses must be double-spaced (information submitted in chart format does not have to be doubled-spaced) with one inch margins (for the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the document), using the standard

Times New Roman 12-point font. Each page of the application 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. Please do not attach your response to each factor separately. Please follow the instructions on use of zip files, file extension, and file names in the General Section. File names should not contain spaces or special characters. d. 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 budget for travel costs (airfare, lodging, and per diem) for two individuals to attend at least one HUD-sponsored HBCU conference/workshop every year of the three-year grant performance period. To calculate travel expenses, applicants located in eastern and central time zones or the

U.S. Virgin Islands should use San Francisco, CA, as the site of all conferences/meetings. Applicants located in mountain and pacific time zones should use Washington, DC, as the site of all conferences/ workshops.

Applicants must also submit form HUD-424-CB to reflect the total cost (summary) for the entire grant performance period (Grand Total).

(2) HUD-40076-HBCU, ``Response Sheet, Budget-By-Activity.'' The form should include a listing of each activity and task 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 budget narrative 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 and/or budget narrative, the amount listed on

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the HUD-424-CB will be the amount HUD will use to calculate the amount the applicant is requesting for funding. 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 each line item.

This information must be electronically submitted and formatted to fit an 8\1/2\-by-11-inch page. Responses must be doubled-spaced, with one inch margins (for the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the document), using the standard Times New Roman 12-point font. Project budgets will be evaluated and scored under Factor 3, Soundness of

Approach. HUD will assess the soundness of an applicant's approach by evaluating the quality, thoroughness, reasonableness and rationality of the proposed project budget. In addition, please provide the name, if known, hourly or daily rate, and the estimated time that will be devoted to the project for each consultant. For example, an applicant proposes to construct a building using HUD funding totaling $200,000.

The following cost estimates 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. Applicants must use a cost estimate based on 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 a project that involves 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.).

(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 approved 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 the applicant with the process of establishing a final rate. e. Appendix. The appendix section of the application must not exceed 15 pages in length (excluding forms, budget narrative, and assurances). Each page must include the applicant's name and be numbered. An applicant should not submit resumes, letters of support, commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements, or other back-up materials to supplement the application's narrative. If this information is included, it will not be considered during the review process. HUD will not consider the information on any excess pages. The additional items will also slow the transmission of your application. 2. Forms. The following forms are required for submission. All required forms are contained in the electronic application package.

Applicants receiving a waiver of the electronic submission requirements and submitting a paper copy of the application must place all required forms in the appendix section of the application. a. SF-424 Supplement, Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunities for

Applicants (``Faith Based EEO Survey (SF-424 SUPP)'' on Grants.gov); b. SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable; c. HUD-27300, Questionnaire for HUD's Removal of Regulatory

Barriers (``HUD Communities Initiative Form'' on Grants.gov), if applicable; d. HUD-2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (``HUD

Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report'' on Grants.gov), if applicable; e. HUD-2990, Certification of Consistency with RC/EZ/EC-II

Strategic Plan, if applicable; f. HUD-2991, Certification of Consistency with the Consolidated

Plan, if applicable; g. HUD-2993, Acknowledgement of Applicant Receipt. 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; h. HUD-2994-A, You Are Our Client! Grant Applicant Survey.

Applicants are not required to complete this form; i. HUD-40076, Response Sheet Performance Narrative, Previously

Funded HBCU Applicant Only; j. HUD-96010, Program Outcome Logic Model; and k. HUD-96011, Third Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal

(``Facsimile Transmittal Form'' on Grants.gov). 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 and complete the SF-424, which 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. 3. 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.

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 July 2, 2008, the application deadline date. In an effort to address any issues with transmission of your application, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications at least 48 to 72 hours 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.

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D. Intergovernmental Review

This program is excluded from the Intergovernmental Review process.

E. Funding Restrictions

Ineligible CDBG activities are listed at 24 CFR 570.207. Ineligible activities include but are not limited to the following: 1. Curriculum development and/or expansion of an institution's existing curriculum; 2. General government expenses; 3. Political activities; 4. Planning and administrative activities that would result in a grantee exceeding the 20 percent cost limitations (e.g., preparation/ submission of HUD reports); and 5. Activities and/or buildings constructed for only campus use and/ or less than 51 percent community/public use.

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. Applicants should submit their waiver requests in writing using e-mail or fax. Waiver requests must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the application deadline date and should be submitted to: Susan Brunson,

Office of University Partnerships, E-mail: Susan.S.Brunson@hud.gov,

FAX: (202) 708-0309.

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 (OUP) will provide instructions for submission. All applicants submitting applications in paper format must have received a waiver to the electronic application submission requirement and the application must be received by HUD on or before the application deadline date. All paper applications must be submitted on 8\1/2\-by-11-inch paper, double-spaced, on one side of the paper, with one inch margins (for the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the document), and printed in standard Times New Roman 12-point font.

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, experience, and capacity necessary to successfully complete the proposed project by the end of the grant performance period. a. Knowledge and Experience for First Time Applicants (25 Points) for Previously Funded Applicants (10 Points). For the purpose of responding to this subfactor only, Previously Funded Applicants are any applicants that received funding in FY 1999 through FY 2007. If an applicant has received a grant prior to these years they should respond to this factor as a First Time Applicant. This definition is relevant to this rating factor ONLY.

In rating this subfactor, HUD will consider the extent to which the applicant clearly addresses the following:

(1) Identifies key project team members/staff and partners, their title and name (e.g., project manager/coordinator-Sally Susan Smith, etc.), respective roles, and time each individual will allot to this project;

If key personnel have not been hired, identify the position title, description of duties and responsibilities, and qualifications to be considered in the selection of personnel, including subcontractors and consultants;

(2) Describes the knowledge and relevant experience of the proposed project team members/staff and partners (as outlined above) that will conduct the day-to-day project activities, consultants (including technical assistance providers), and contractors in planning and managing the type of project for which funding is being requested; and

(3) Explains the institution's experience and capacity to administer and monitor the type of project for which funding is being requested.

Applicant's staff and partners' (as outlined above) experience and the institution's capacity to do the work will be judged in terms of recent and relevant knowledge and skills 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 Grant

Applicants Only. This subfactor will evaluate how well an applicant has performed successfully under completed and/or open 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 HUD HBCU grants:

(1) A list of all HUD HBCU grants received between FY 1999 through

FY 2007, including the dollar amount awarded and the amount expended and obligated as of the date the application is submitted. The HUD- 40076-HBCU, ``Response Sheet'' (Performance Narrative) form is located at the following Web site: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_ for_grants.jsp. The form should be filled out completely;

(2) A list detailing the date the project(s) was completed; was it completed during the original grant performance period; if not completed, why (including when it was or will be completed); if the project is still in progress, provide details on the project's current status;

(3) A description of the results (outcomes) achieved consistent with the approved project management plan. If not completed as proposed explain why;

(4) A list comparing the amount of proposed leveraged funds and/or resources (outlined in the original application) to the amount that was actually leveraged as of the date the application is submitted; 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; compliance with the program's terms and condition; and receipt of promised leveraged resources. In evaluating past performance, HUD reserves the right to deduct up to ten (10) points from this rating score as a result of the information obtained from HUD's records (i.e., progress and financial reports, monitoring reports, Program Outcome Logic Model submissions, and amendments). 2. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (12 Points) a. Rating Factor addresses the extent to which there is a need for funding the proposed project and an indication of

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the importance of meeting the need(s). 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 cite statistics and/or analyses contained in at least one or more current, sound, and reliable data sources:

(1) Describe the need(s); and

(2) Describe the importance of meeting the proposed needs. b. 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 online at: http:// www.ffiec.gov. c. HUD will also consider data collected within the last five (5) years to be current. However, applicants must utilize the most current version of the data source(s) that exists. 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.

Other reliable data sources include, but are not limited to, Census reports, law enforcement agency crime reports, Public Housing Agencies'

Comprehensive Plans, community needs analyses such as provided by the

This factor addresses the soundness, quality, and effectiveness of the proposed work plan and the commitment of the applicant to sustain the proposed project activity(s). Points are awarded under this factor for the quality of the activities proposed in relation to the need/ problem identified in Factor 2, not for the number of activities proposed. In addition, if the activities proposed are not eligible, HUD reserves the right to deduct points under this factor for those activities and/or not fund an application if the majority of the activities are ineligible. a. (25 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 activities, and the anticipated results (outcomes) they will have on the target population at the end of the grant performance period.

(1) (20 Points) Specific Activities. The work plan must describe all proposed project activities and major tasks (steps to complete the proposed activities) required to successfully implement the proposed project. The work plan must also identify the anticipated measurable outcomes these activities will have on the targeted population. In addressing this subfactor, HUD will consider the following:

(a) Identify the method/planning strategy(s) used during the development of this application. Describe in detail how the proposed project/activities to be undertaken were identified and if and how they connect and /or complement the City's Consolidated Plan. List all individuals/organizations that were involved in the planning process for this project and their roles;

(b) Describe each proposed project activity in measurable terms

(e.g., the number of persons to be trained; houses to be built or rehabilitated; or minorities trained to start businesses, etc.);

(c) Identify the major tasks (steps to complete the proposed activities) required in sequential order to successfully implement and complete each proposed project activity. Include target completion dates for each task (in 6-month intervals, up to 36 months, e.g. to develop a training program the following steps may occur: Hiring staffing, purchasing supplies, developing curricula/training modules, conducting training etc.);

(d) Identify the key team members/staff and partners, as identified in Factor 1, who will be responsible and accountable for completing each task;

(e) 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; and

(f) Describe the measurable impact (outcome) that implementing each activity will have or is expected to have on the target population by the end of the grant performance period (e.g. number of individuals employed as a result of training; number of new homeowners as a result of the number of houses that were built or rehabilitated; or number of minority-owned businesses started, etc.);

(2) (5 Points) Describe clearly how each proposed activity will:

(a) Expand the role of the institution in the target community;

(b) Address the needs identified in Factor 2; and

(c) Relate to and not duplicate other activities in the target area. Duplicative efforts will be acceptable only if an applicant can demonstrate through documentation that there is a population in need that is not being served. b. (3 Points) Involvement of the Faculty and Students. The applicant must describe in detail how it proposes to integrate the institution's students (this excludes students that are project recipients/participants) and faculty into proposed project activities. c. (4 Points) Involvement of the Community. The applicant must describe in detail how the community (e.g. businesses, residents, and others) will be involved in the proposed project. The applicant must identify the specific roles that individuals will and have played in the proposed project. The community must play an active role in all stages of the project. Community involvement must be diverse and representative of the target population/community. d. (2 Points) HUD Policy Priorities. As described in the General

Section, 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 2009. In addressing this subfactor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which a project 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:

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(1) Submit either Part A or Part B (not both) of the completed questionnaire HUD-27300, ``HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory

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 Section 3 residents; and/or

(2) Award contracts to Section 3 contractors (See the regulations at 24 CFR part 135). Regulations regarding the provision of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) are located at 24 CFR 135.36. f. (5 Points) Budget and Cost Estimates. HUD will assess the soundness of your approach by evaluating the quality, thoroughness, and rationality of the proposed project budget and budget narrative. The budget narrative must be broken down by line item. Administrative costs must be reflected under the appropriate line items (e.g., salaries, fringe, supplies, costs related to planning and executing the project, preparation/submission of HUD reports, etc.). 4. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources/Developing Partnerships (10

Points)

This factor addresses the ability of the applicant to develop partnerships and secure resources that can be combined with HUD's grant funds to achieve the project's purpose. a. HUD will consider the extent to which the applicant has established partnerships with other entities (other than their own institution) 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.

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 that the institution has waived may be counted. Applicants that have no external leveraging resources

(the institution/applicant is not considered an external resource) will receive no points under this factor.

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/or

--Faith-based and other community-based organizations. b. To address this factor, an applicant must provide an outline in their application that includes the information listed below of all proposed leveraged resources (including any commitment of resources from the applicant's own institution). Applicants must have on file at the time of application submission the original written commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements. Commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements must be dated prior to the application deadline date; if they are dated after the application deadline date they will not be scored.

Each letter, memorandum of understanding, or agreement must include the information below:

(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 are not shown, the value of the contribution will not be scored);

(3) A specific description of how each contribution is to be used toward specific proposed activities (including the actual role the partner will have in the proposed project activities for which their contribution will be utilized);

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

(5) The signature of the appropriate executive officer authorized to commit the funds and/or goods and/or services. This is only applicable to the original written documentation. c. Resources will also not be counted for which there is no commitment letter, memorandum of understanding, agreement, or quantified level of commitment, and/or when the letter, memorandum of understanding, or agreement does not address ALL of the requirements outlined above. Commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements are not required at the time of application submission but must be on file at the time of application submission. If commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements are included with the application at time of submission they will not be considered during the review process. However, applicants submitting paper applications must include all letters, memoranda of understanding, and/ or agreements in the Appendix of the application. Applicants chosen to proceed to the next step in the selection process will be required to submit the signed and dated commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements outlined in the application within five (5) calendar days after initial contact from OUP. Letters, memoranda of understanding, or agreements must be submitted on the provider's letterhead and should be addressed to Sherone Ivey,

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 and no later than the application deadline date. In addition, no points will be awarded for general support letters endorsing the project from organizations, including elected officials on the local, state, or national levels; therefore, please do not include them. 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 documents from the resources/organizations that are listed in the outline in the application. If OUP does not receive those documents with the required information within the allotted timeframe, an applicant will not receive points under this factor.

Note: Submission of a grant award notification from another entity/agency in place of a commitment letter, memorandum of understanding, and/or agreement does not meet the requirement of this factor and will not be accepted.

In scoring this factor, HUD will award:

(1) Ten (10) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that are 15 percent or more of the amount requested under this program;

(2) Nine (9) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 13 to 14 percent of the amount requested under this program;

(3) Eight (8) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that

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represents 11 to 12 percent of the amount requested under this program;

(4) Seven (7) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 8 to 10 percent of the amount requested under this program;

(5) Six (6) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 6 to 7 percent of the amount requested under this program; and

(6) Five (5) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 5 percent of the amount requested under this program.

(7) Zero (0) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that is less than 5 percent of the amount requested under this program and/or have no external leveraging resources (remember, the institution/applicant is not considered an external resource). 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 project'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 by using the HUD-96010, ``HUD Program Outcome Logic Model.''

The Program Outcome Logic Model is a summary of the narrative statements presented in Factors 1 through 3. Therefore, it should be consistent with the information contained in the narrative statements.

In evaluating this factor, HUD will assess the extent to which the applicant demonstrates how results of the project will be measured as outlined in the proposed work plan. To meet this factor requirement, applicants must submit a completed HUD-96010, ``HUD Program Outcome

Logic Model.'' Applicants must select from the list of activities and outcomes to determine their specific methods and measures that will be used to assess progress and evaluate program effectiveness. If an item is not found on the list of activities or outcomes, applicants can select ``other'' and then insert the activity and/or outcome and unit of measurement. Applicants can use the ``other'' option for up to three activities and three outcomes. See the instructions tab in the Logic

Model for further details. HUD will not accept activities or outcomes selected as ``other'' that do not contain an identified statement of the activities/outcomes or units of measurement. Utilizing this form will help grantees to ensure that performance measures are being met and they are establishing achievable realistic goals. a. Program Outcome Logic Model instructions (using a Microsoft

ExcelTMform) are provided in the forms appended to the

Instruction Download from http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_ grants.jsp. Applicants that do not have access to Microsoft

ExcelTMshould contact the NOFA Information Center at (800)

HUD-8929. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may access this number via the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at

(800) 877-8339 and/or The Center for Applied Management Practices at

(717) 730-3705 (this is not a toll-free number).

A narrative response is not required for this factor as all applicants must use the logic model form to respond to this factor.

However, if a narrative is included, these pages will be included in the page count. HUD has developed a new approach to completing this form. Applicants should also review the Program Outcome Logic Model training, which can be found online at: http://www.hud.gov/Webcasts/ index.cfm. b. HUD will review the outputs and outcomes in relation to the needs identified. ``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, and/or provision of stable living environments through the creation of affordable housing opportunities

(e.g., increased assets to families and communities through the development of affordable housing).

Applicants must also establish 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:

(1) 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); and

(2) Measurable outcomes the grant will have on the community in general and the target area or population.

Applicants must also reference policy priorities, as stated in response to Factor 3, and relate them to the project's goals, as appropriate. HUD will evaluate the Program Outcome Logic Model in accordance with the matrix provided in Attachment 1 of the General

Section.

B. Review and Selection Process 1. Application Selection Process

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 considered for funding, an applicant must receive a minimum score of 75 points out of a possible 100 points for Factors 1 through 5; plus 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 4 shall be selected. If there is still a tie, the application with the most points for Factor 1, 2, 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

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selections have been made, the remaining funds will be carried over to the next funding cycle's competition.

HUD will not fund any portion of an application that is not eligible for funding under regulatory requirements; does not meet the requirements of the NOFA; or may be duplicative of other funded programs or activities/tasks from prior year awards. Only the eligible portions of an application will be funded. When the majority of the activities are ineligible, HUD will not fund the application. 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, 2008.

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.

Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW.,

Room 8106, Washington, DC 20410-6000. Applicants may also write to Ms.

Wilson via e-mail at Ophelia.Wilson@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), OMB Circular A-21 (Cost Principles for Educational

Institutions) and OMB Circular 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. See the General Section for 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 the General Section for further discussion. 6. Code of Conduct. See the General Section for further discussion. 7. Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services For Persons

With Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Successful applicants may not exclude participants or beneficiaries on the basis of race, color, or national origin under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. To ensure that program information is accessible to persons with limited English proficiency on the basis of national origin, successful applicants may follow HUD's Final Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients

Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination

Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons, 72 FR 2732 (Jan. 22, 2007).

C. Reporting 1. All grant recipients under this NOFA are required to submit quarterly progress reports. The progress reports shall consist of three components: a narrative that must reflect the activities undertaken during the reporting period; a financial report that reflects costs incurred by budget line item, as well as a cumulative summary of costs incurred during the reporting period; and a HUD-96010, Program Outcome

Logic Model form, which identifies output and outcome achievements. 2. Applicants selected for funding should also be aware that they will be required to report sub-award information within 30 days of making a sub-award in an amount of $25,000 or greater as required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Public

Law 109-282). The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 calls for the establishment of a central Web site that makes available to the public full disclosure of all entities receiving federal funds. Applicants should be aware that the law requires the information provided on the federal Web site to include the following elements related to all sub-award transactions of $25,000 or greater.

(a) The name of the entity receiving the award;

(b) The amount of the award;

(c) Information on the award, including the transaction type, funding agency, the North American Industry Classification System code or Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number (where applicable), program source, and an award title descriptive of the purpose of each funding action;

(d) The location of the entity receiving the award and primary location of performance under the award, including the city, state, congressional district, and country;

(e) A unique identifier (DUNS number) of the entity receiving award and of the parent entity of the recipient (DUNS number of the parent entity) should the entity be owned by another entity;

(f) Federal parent award number and sub-award grant number;

(g) The tier level the sub-award was made at; and

(h) Any other relevant information specified by OMB.

There are exceptions for sub-awards less than $25,000 made to individuals or to an entity whose annual expenditures are less than

$300,000.

Applicants should also be aware that the sub-award provision carries to all tiers (e.g., a direct award is made by HUD to an organization that in turn makes an award to another organization that then makes another award and so on). Collection of the tier level at which the award is made as well as federal parent award number can help in tracing the sub-award data as it tiers down several levels. Sub- award reporting requirements to meet the Federal Funding Accountability

Transparency Act of 2006 requirements will be finalized through a future Federal Register notice.

VII. Agency Contacts

Applicants may contact Ophelia Wilson at (202) 402-4390 or Susan

Brunson at (202) 402-3852. 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. mailto:

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.

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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.

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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: FR-5200-N-05; OMB Approval Number is 2528-0198.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: The CFDA

Number for this program is 14.514.

F. Dates: The application deadline date is July 2, 2008.

Applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov by 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date. Please be sure to read the

General Section, published March 19, 2008 (73 FR 14882), 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) 2008, approximately $6 million has been made available for this program by the Consolidated

Appropriations Act, 2008 (Pub. L. 110-161), plus an additional $55,724 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 of higher education established in

Title V of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101), as amended. In order to meet this definition, at least 25 percent of the full-time undergraduate students enrolled in an institution must be

Hispanic. 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. 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. 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 DUNS number, administrative structure and budget, and meets the enrollment requirements 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 NOFA, 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 program grant.

A. Authority

HUD's authority for making this funding available under this NOFA is the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Pub. L. 110-161). 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) 2007 program funding announcement: 1. Applicants must ensure that 51 percent or more of all funds awarded will be utilized for the community and/or general public. These funds are not for the direct benefit of the institution. 2. Applicants that propose rehabilitation and/or construction activities of a building located on a campus must commit to sustaining that facility for the purpose of the activity proposed in their application for at least five (5) years after the end of the grant performance period. 3. Abstract and budget narrative must be electronically submitted and formatted to fit an 8\1/2\-by-11-inch page. Responses must be double-spaced, with one inch margins (for the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the document), using the standard Times New Roman 12- point font. 4. For the purpose of responding to Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Experience Subfactor (a) Knowledge and

Experience, HUD now defines Previously Funded Applicants as any applicants that received funding in FY 2001 through FY 2007. If an applicant has received a grant prior to these years then they should respond to this factor as a First Time Applicant. This definition is relevant to this rating factor and abstract only. 5. Project budgets will be evaluated and scored under Factor 3

Soundness of Approach. HUD will assess the applicant's budget in relation to its quality, thoroughness, reasonableness and rationality to the proposed project. 6. Applicants that propose ineligible activities will not be disqualified, but will not receive points under Factor 3 Soundness of

Approach for the ineligible activities. HUD reserves the right to deduct points under this factor for those activities and/or not fund an application if the majority of the activities are ineligible. 7. Applicants that have no external leveraging resources (the institution is not considered an external resource) under Factor 4

Leveraging Resources/Developing Partnerships will receive no points under this factor.

II. Award Information

In FY2008, approximately $6 million is made available for this program and an additional $55,724 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 Higher

Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101), as amended. In order to meet this definition, at least 25 percent of the full-time undergraduate students enrolled in an institution must be Hispanic. 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.

Page 27079

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. 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 DUNS number, administrative structure and budget, and meets the enrollment requirements 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 Sec. 570.206.

Information regarding these activities can be found at: http:// www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/24cfr570_06.html. 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 modifications in accordance with the requirements of the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) and visitability modifications in accordance with the policy priorities described in the

General Section. Applicants that propose rehabilitation and/or construction of a building on campus must sustain that facility for the purpose of the activities proposed in this grant for at least five (5) years after the end of the grant performance period.

(4) Acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or installation of public facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities and streets, and compliance with accessibility requirements, such as those under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

(42 U.S.C. 12101);

(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 (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(25));

(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 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);

(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, establishing and maintaining Neighborhood Networks 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 executing of the project (e.g., preparation/submission of HUD reports). Detailed explanations of these costs are provided in OMB circular A-21, Cost

Principles for Educational Institutions that can be accessed at the

White House Web site at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/ index.html;

(11) These funds are not for the direct benefit of the institution; 51 percent or more of all funds must be utilized for the community and/ or general public; and

(12) 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. b. Each activity proposed for funding must meet the Community

V.A.3 of this NOFA.

Criteria for determining whether an activity addresses one or more national objectives are provided at 24 CFR 570.208. c. The CDBG publication entitled ``Community Development Block

Grant Program Guide to National Objectives and Eligible Activities for

(See the General Section). 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 a separate DUNS number and an administrative and budgeting structure independent of the other campuses in the system and meet the enrollment requirements as defined in Section III.A. d. Institutions that received an HSIAC grant in FY 2007 are not eligible to submit an application under this NOFA. If an institution received an HSIAC grant in FY 2004, FY 2005, or FY 2006, the institution may apply under this NOFA as long as it proposes a different activity (activities) that has not been previously undertaken 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. Electronic applications must be received and validated by

Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on July 2, 2008, the application deadline date.

Page 27080

3. Program Requirements. 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 to benefit low- and moderate-income persons under the criteria specified in 24 CFR 570.208(a)(ii) or 570.208(d)(5) or (6); c. Applicants must ensure that 51 percent or more of all funds awarded will be utilized for the community and/or general public. These funds are not for the direct benefit of the institution. d. Applicants that propose to construct new housing or rehabilitate existing housing must ensure that their project and/or facilities are operated in accordance with applicable design and construction requirements, including either the Fair Housing Act and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and corresponding HUD implementing regulations. Please note that in situations where both the Fair Housing

American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Architectural Barriers Act

(ABA), and corresponding HUD implementing regulations. Note that the accessibility standard for non-housing projects is the Uniform Federal

Accessibility Standards (UFAS). 4. 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 recipients that cannot demonstrate control of a suitable site within one year after the initial notification of award. 5. 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 24 CFR 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. Applicants should use the protocol at http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/cpd/ environment/review/protocol.pdf to supply HUD with the information needed for HUD to start and complete the environmental review. Further information and assistance on HUD's environmental requirements is available at http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/environment/index.cfm. 6. Lead-Based Paint Requirements. Institutions and their sub- grantees, contractors, and subcontractors must comply with the Lead-

Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4821-4846), the

Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 4851-4856), and relevant subparts of the implementing regulations at 24

CFR part 35, such as subparts A, B, J, K and R, which apply to activities under this grant program. 7. 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. 8. Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons

(Section 3). The provisions of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban

Housing Act. Protected classes include race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. For example: (1)

IV. Application Instructions and Submission Information

A. Instructions to Download Application Package

Applicants may download the instructions to the application found on the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov./applicants/apply_ for_grants.jsp. 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. Hearing- and speech- challenged individuals may access this number through TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. See the General Section for information regarding the registration process or ask for registration information from the Grants.gov Support Desk.

B. Application Content and Forms for Submission 1. Application Content. Applications must consist of the following elements: Abstract, narrative, budget, budget narrative, and forms.

Applicants that received a wavier of the electronic application submission requirement must submit their application in the order below. Copies of the instructions and all forms are available online at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. 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 regarding the content of the application from HUD;

Continued on page 27081

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

]

pp. 27081-27130

Fiscal Year 2008 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs

Continued from page 27080

Page 27081

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 October 1, 2008; 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 binding legal agreement with HUD. b. Abstract. Applicants must include no more than a two-page, doubled-spaced summary of the proposed project. Please include the following:

(2) A statement that the institution is an eligible applicant 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

HSI: at least 25 percent of the full-time undergraduate students enrolled in an institution are Hispanic;

(4) The designated contact person, including phone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address (this is the person who will receive all correspondence regarding the content of this application from HUD; 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; and

(6) If a previously funded applicant, include the name and date the past project(s) were funded. Remember HUD now defines Previously Funded

Applicants as any applicants that received funding in FY 2001 through

Applicants are advised to review each factor carefully for program- specific requirements. All applicants submitting electronic applications must attach their narrative responses to Rating Factors 1- 4 as one attachment. Remember, Factor 5 is addressed by using the HUD- 96010, Program Outcome Logic Model form. Please do not repeat material in response to factors 1-3; instead, focus on how well the proposal responds to each of the factors. The response to each factor should be concise and contain only information relevant to the factor, yet detailed enough to address each factor fully. Where there are subfactors, each subfactor must be addressed and presented separately, with the short title/name of the subfactor presented. Make sure to address each subfactor and provide sufficient information about every element of the subfactor. Do not include any individual's Social

Responses must be double-spaced (information submitted in chart format does not have to be doubled-spaced) with one-inch margins (for the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the document), using the standard

(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 budget for travel costs (airfare, lodging, and per diem) for two individuals to attend at least one HUD-sponsored HSIAC conference/workshop every year of the three-year grant performance period. To calculate travel expenses, applicants located in eastern and central time zones or the

U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico should use San Francisco, CA, as the site of all conferences/workshops. Applicants located in mountain and pacific time zones or Puerto Rico should use Washington, DC, as the site of all conferences/workshops. Partners described in Factor 4

Leveraging Resources/Developing Partnerships cannot receive funding from this grant; if they are included, points will be deducted under

Factor 3, subfactor f. Budget and Cost Estimates.

Applicants must also submit form HUD-424-CB to reflect the total cost (summary) for the entire grant performance period (Grand Total).

Make sure that the amounts shown on the SF-424, the HUD-424-CB, and budget narrative 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 and/or budget narrative, the amount listed on the HUD-424-CB will be the amount HUD will use to calculate the amount the applicant is requesting for funding. 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 each line item.

This information must be electronically submitted and formatted to fit an 8\1/2\-by-11-inch page. Responses must be double-spaced, with one- inch margins (for the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the document), using the standard Times New Roman 12-point font. Project budgets will be evaluated and scored under Factor 3, Soundness of

Approach. HUD will assess the soundness of an applicant's approach by evaluating the quality, thoroughness, reasonableness, and rationality of the proposed project budget. In addition, please provide the name, if known, hourly or daily rate, and the estimated time that will be devoted on the project for each consultant. For example, an applicant proposes to construct a building using HUD funding totaling $200,000.

The following cost estimates 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

Page 27082

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 institution and/or 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. Applicants must use cost estimates based on 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 a project that involves 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.

(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 approved 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. e. Appendix. The appendix section of the application must not exceed 15 pages in length (excluding forms, budget narrative, and assurances). Each page must include the applicant's name and be numbered. An applicant should not submit resumes, letters of support, commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements, or other back-up materials to supplement the application's narrative. If this information is included, it will not be considered during the review process. HUD will not consider the information on any excess pages. The additional items will also slow the transmission of your application. 2. Forms. The following forms are required for submission. All required forms are contained in the electronic application package.

Applicants (``Faith Based EEO Survey (SF-424 SUPP)'' on Grants.gov); b. SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable; c. HUD-27300, Questionnaire for HUD's Removal of Regulatory

Barriers (``HUD Communities Initiative Form'' on Grants.gov), if applicable; d. HUD-2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (``HUD

Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report'' on Grants.gov), if applicable; e. HUD-2990, Certification of Consistency with RC/EZ/EC-II

Strategic Plan, if applicable; f. HUD-2991, Certification of Consistency with the Consolidated

Applicants are not required to complete this form; i. HUD-96010, Program Outcome Logic Model; and j. HUD-96011, Third Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal

(``Facsimile Transmittal Form'' on Grants.gov). 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 and complete the SF-424, which 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. 3. Certifications, 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.

C. Submission Dates and Times

D. Intergovernmental Review

This program is excluded from the Intergovernmental Review process.

E. Funding Restrictions

F. Other Submission Requirements 1. Application Submission and Receipt Procedure. Please read the

Office of University Partnerships, E-mail:

Page 27083

Susan.S.Brunson@hud.gov, fax: (202) 708-0309.

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 (OUP) will provide instructions for submission. All applicants submitting applications in paper format must have received a waiver to the electronic application submission requirement and the application must be received by HUD on or before the application deadline date. All paper applications must be submitted on 8\1/2\-by-11-inch paper, double-spaced, on one side of the paper, with one-inch margins (for the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the document), and printed in standard Times New Roman 12-point font.

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, experience, and capacity necessary to successfully complete the proposed project by the end of the grant performance period. a. Knowledge and Experience for First Time Applicants (25 Points);

For Previously Funded Applicants (10 Points). For the purpose of responding to this subfactor only, Previously Funded Applicants are any applicants that received funding in FY 2001 through FY 2007. If an applicant received a grant prior to these years they should respond to this factor as a First Time Applicant. This definition is relevant to this rating factor ONLY.

In rating this subfactor, HUD will consider how well an applicant clearly addresses the following:

(1) Identifies key project team members/staff and partners, their titles and names (e.g., project manager/coordinator--Sally Susan Smith, etc.), respective roles, and time each individual will allot to this project.

(2) Describes the knowledge and relevant experience of the proposed project team member/staff and partners (as outlined above) that will conduct the day-to-day project activities, consultants (including technical assistance providers), and contractors in planning and managing the type of project for which funding is being requested; and

(3) Explains the institution's experience and capacity to administer and monitor the type of project for which funding is being requested.

Applicant's staff and partners' (as outlined above) experience and the institution's capacity to do the work will be evaluated in terms of recent and relevant knowledge and skills 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 Grant

Applicants Only. This subfactor will evaluate how well an applicant has performed successfully under completed and/or open 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 between FY 2001 through

FY 2007, including the dollar amount awarded and the amount expended and obligated as of the date the application is submitted;

(2) A list detailing the date the project(s) was completed; was it completed during the original three-year grant performance period; if not completed, why (including when it was or will be completed); if the project is still in progress, provide details on the project's current status;

(3) A description of the achieved results (outcomes) consistent with the approved project management plan. If not completed as proposed, explain why;

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; compliance with the program's terms and conditions; and receipt of promised leveraged resources. In evaluating past performance, HUD reserves the right to deduct up to ten (10) points from this rating score as a result of the information obtained from HUD's records (i.e., progress and financial reports, monitoring reports, Program Outcome Logic Model submissions, and amendments). 2. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (8 Points). a. Rating Factor 2 addresses the extent to which there is a need for funding the proposed project 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 cite statistics and/or analyses contained in at least one or more current, sound, and reliable data sources:

(1) Describe the need(s); and

(2) Describe the importance of meeting the proposed needs. b. 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 online at: http:// www.ffiec.gov. c. HUD will consider data collected within the last five (5) years to be current. However, applicants must utilize the most current version of the data source(s) that exists. 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, 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 (45 Points). This factor addresses the soundness, quality, and effectiveness of the proposed work plan and the commitment of the applicant to sustain the proposed activity(s). Points are awarded under this factor for the quality of the activities proposed in relation to the need/problem identified in

Factor 2, not for the number of activities proposed. In addition, if the activities proposed are not eligible, HUD reserves the right to deduct points under

Page 27084

this factor for those activities and/or not fund an application if the majority of the activities are ineligible. a. (30 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 activities, the anticipated results

(outcomes), and the impact they will have on the target population at the end of the grant performance period.

(1) (24 Points) Specific Activities. The work plan must describe all proposed activities and major tasks (steps to complete the proposed activities) required to successfully implement the proposed project.

The work plan must also identify the anticipated measurable outcomes these activities will have on the targeted population. In addressing this subfactor, HUD will consider the following:

(a) Identify the method/planning strategy(s) used during the development of this application. Describe in detail how the proposed project/activities to be undertaken were identified. List all individuals/organizations that were involved in the planning process for this project and their roles;

(b) Describe each proposed project activity in measurable terms

(e.g., the number of persons to be trained; houses to be built or rehabilitated; or minorities trained to start businesses, etc.);

(c) Identify the major tasks (steps to complete the proposed activities) required in sequential order to successfully implement and complete each proposed project activity. Include target completion dates for these tasks (in 6-month intervals, up to 36 months, e.g., to develop a training program the following steps may occur: hiring staffing, purchasing supplies, developing curricula/training modules, conducting training, etc);

(d) Identify the key team members/staff and partners, as identified in Factor 1, who will be responsible and accountable for completing each task;

(e) 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

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

(f) Describe the measurable impact (outcomes) that implementing each activity will have or is expected to have on the target population by the end of the grant performance period (e.g., number of individuals employed as a result of training; number of new homeowners as a result of the number of houses that were built or rehabilitated; or number of minority-owned businesses started, etc).

(2) (6 Points) Describe clearly how each proposed activity will:

(a) Expand the role of the institution in the target community;

(b) Address the needs identified in Factor 2; and

(c) Relate to and not duplicate other activities in the target area. Duplicative efforts will be acceptable only if an applicant can demonstrate through documentation that there is a population in need that is not being served. b. (3 Points) Involvement of the Faculty and Students. The applicant must describe in detail how it proposes to integrate the institution's students (this excludes students that are project recipients/participants) and faculty into proposed project activities. c. (4 Points) Involvement of the Community. The applicant must describe in detail how the community (e.g., businesses, residents, and others) will be involved in the proposed project (e.g., development of an advisory committee that includes representatives of the target community). The applicant must identify the specific roles that individuals will and have played in the proposed project. The community must play an active role in all stages of the project. Community involvement must be diverse and representative of the target population/community. d. (2 Points) HUD Policy Priorities. As described in the General

HUD will evaluate the extent to which a project 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.

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 Section 3 residents; and/or

(2) Award contracts to Section 3 contractors (See the regulations at 24 CFR part 135).

Regulations regarding the provision of Section 3 of the Housing and

Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) are located at 24 CFR 135.36. f. (4 Points) Budget and Cost Estimates. HUD will assess the soundness of your approach by evaluating the quality, thoroughness, and rationality of the proposed project budget and budget narrative. The budget narrative must be broken down by line item. Administrative costs must be reflected under the appropriate line items (e.g., salaries, supplies, costs related to planning and executing the project, preparation/submission of HUD reports, etc.). 4. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources/Developing Partnerships (10

Points)

This factor addresses the ability of the applicant to develop partnerships and secure resources that can be combined with HUD's grant funds to achieve the project's purpose. a. HUD will consider how well an applicant has established partnerships with other entities (other than their own institution) 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)

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of the proposed project activities. 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 that the institution has waived may be counted. Applicants that have no external leveraging resources (the institution/applicant is not considered an external resource) will receive no points under this factor.

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

Each letter, memorandum of understanding, or agreement must include the information below:

(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 are not shown, the value of the contribution will not be scored);

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

Commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements are not required at the time of application submission but must be on file at the time of application submission. If commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements are included with the application at the time of submission they will not be considered during the review process. However, applicants submitting paper applications must include all letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements in the

Appendix of the application. Applicants chosen to proceed to the next step in the selection process will be required to submit the signed and dated commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements outlined in the application within five (5) calendar days after initial contact from the OUP. Letters, memoranda of understanding, or agreements must be submitted on the provider's letterhead and should be addressed to Sherone Ivey, 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 and no later than the application deadline date. In addition, no points will be awarded for general support letters endorsing the project from organizations, including elected officials on the local, state, or national levels; therefore, please do not include them. 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 documents from the resources/organizations that are listed in the outline in the application. If OUP does not receive those documents with the required information within the allotted timeframe, an applicant will not receive points under this factor.

In scoring this factor, HUD will award

(1) Ten (10) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that are 15 percent or more of the amount requested under this program;

(2) Nine (9) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 13 to 14 percent of the amount requested under this program;

(3) Eight (8) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 11 to 12 percent of the amount requested under this program;

(4) Seven (7) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 8 to 10 percent of the amount requested under this program;

(5) Six (6) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 6 to 7 percent of the amount requested under this program;

(6) Five (5) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 5 percent of the amount requested under this program; and

Points)

Program Outcome Logic Model is a summary of the narrative statements presented in Factors 1-3. Therefore, the information submitted on the

Logic Model should be consistent with the information contained in the narrative statements.

Model.'' Applicants must select from the list of activities and outcomes to determine their specific methods and measures that will be used to assess progress and evaluate program

Page 27086

effectiveness. If an item is not found on the list of activities or outcomes, applicants can select ``other'' and then insert the activity and/or outcome and unit of measurement. Applicants can use the

``other'' option for up to three activities and three outcomes. See the instructions tab in the Logic Model for further details. HUD will not accept activities or outcomes selected as ``other'' that do not contain an identified statement of the activities/outcomes or units of measurement. Utilizing this form will help grantees to ensure that performance measures are being met and they are establishing achievable realistic goals. a. Program Outcome Logic Model instructions (using a Microsoft

ExcelTMform) are provided in the forms appended to the

Instruction Download from http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_ grants.jsp. Applicants that do not have access to Microsoft

ExcelTMshould contact the NOFA Information Center at (800)

HUD-8929. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may access this number via the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at

(800) 877-8339 and/or The Center for Applied Management Practices at

(717) 730-3705 (this is not a toll-free number).

A narrative response is not required for this factor as all applicants must use the logic model form to respond to this factor.

However, if a narrative is included, these pages will be included in the page count. HUD has developed a new approach to completing this form. Applicants should also review the Program Outcome Logic Model training, which can be found online at: http://www.hud.gov/Webcasts/ index.cfm. b. HUD will review the outputs and outcomes in relation to the needs identified. ``Outcomes'' are benefits accruing to the community 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, and/or provision of stable living environments through the creation of affordable housing opportunities

(e.g., increased assets to families and communities through the development of affordable housing).

Applicants must also establish 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:

(1) 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); and

(2) Measurable outcomes the grant will have on the community in general and the target area or population.

Applicants must also reference policy priorities, as stated in response to Factor 3, and relate them to the project's goals, as appropriate.

HUD will evaluate the Program Outcome Logic Model in accordance with the matrix provided in Attachment 1 of the General Section.

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 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 considered for funding, an applicant must receive a minimum score of 75 points out of a possible 100 points for Factors 1-5; plus 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

See the General Section.

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Announcements of awards are anticipated on or before September 30, 2008.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notice

General Section.

Partnerships, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh

Street, SW., Room 8106, Washington, DC 20410-6000. Applicants may also write to Ms. Wohlman-Rodriguez via e-mail at

Madlyn.Wohlmanrodriguez@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), OMB Circular A-21 (Cost Principles for Educational

Institutions) and OMB Circular A-133 (Audits of States, Local

Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations). Applicants can access the

OMB circulars at the White House

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Web site at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html. 3. OMB Circulars and Governmentwide Regulations Applicable to

Financial Assistance Programs. See the General Section for 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 the General Section for further discussion. 6. Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services For Persons

Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination

Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons, 72 FR 2732 (Jan. 22, 2007). 7. Code of Conduct. See the General Section for further discussion.

C. Reporting 1. All grant recipients under this NOFA are required to submit semi-annual progress reports. The progress reports shall consist of three components: a narrative that must reflect the activities undertaken during the reporting period; a financial report that reflects costs incurred by budget line items, as well as a cumulative summary of costs incurred during the reporting period; and a HUD-96010,

Program Outcome Logic Model which identifies output and outcome achievements. 2. Applicants selected for funding should also be aware that they will be required to report sub-award information within 30 days of making a sub-award in an amount of $25,000 or greater as required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Public

(a) The name of the entity receiving the award;

(b) The amount of the award;

(d) The location of the entity receiving the award and primary location of performance under the award, including the city, state, congressional district, and country;

(e) A unique identifier (DUNS number) of the entity receiving award and of the parent entity of the recipient (DUNS number of the parent entity) should the entity be owned by another entity;

(f) Federal parent award number and sub-award grant number,

(g) The tier level the sub-award was made at; and

(h) Any other relevant information specified by OMB.

There are exceptions for sub-awards less than $25,000 made to individuals or to an entity whose annual expenditures are less than

$300,000.

Transparency Act of 2006 requirements will be finalized through a future Federal Register notice.

VII. Agency Contacts

Applicants may contact Madlyn Wohlman-Rodriguez at (202) 402-5939 or Susan Brunson, at (202) 402-3852. 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. Mail to: Applicants may also reach Ms. Rodriguez via e-mail at Madlyn.Wohlmanrodriguez@hud.gov and/or Ms. Brunson at

Susan.S.Brunson@hud.gov.

VIII. Other Information

Paperwork Reduction Act

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.

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GRAPHIC

TIFF OMITTED TN12MY08.006

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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: FR-5200-N-13; 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 July 2, 2008.

Applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov by 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date. Please be sure to read the

General Section, published March 19, 2008 (73 FR 14882), 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 (42 U.S.C. et seq.) as amended. 2. Award Information. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2008, approximately $3 million has been made available for this program by the Consolidated

Appropriations Act, 2008 (Pub. L. 110-161). An applicant can request up to $800,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period. 3. 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, 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. 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 a two- or four-year institution, 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 DUNS number, administrative structure and budget, and meets the enrollment requirements 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 (42 U.S.C. et seq.) as amended.

A. Authority

HUD's authority for making funding available under this NOFA is the

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Pub. L. 110-161). 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) 2007 program funding announcement: 1. Abstract and budget narrative must be electronically submitted and formatted to fit an 8\1/2\-by-11-inch page. Responses must be double-spaced, with one inch margins (for the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the document), using the standard Times New Roman 12- point font. 2. Project budgets will be evaluated and scored under Factor 3,

Soundness of Approach. HUD will assess the applicant's budget in relation to its quality, thoroughness, reasonableness, and rationality to the proposed project. 3. Applicants that propose ineligible activities will not be disqualified, but will not receive points under Factor 3 Soundness of

Approach for the ineligible activities. HUD reserves the right to deduct points under this factor for those activities and/or not fund an application if the majority of the activities are ineligible. 4. Applicants that have no external leveraging resources (the institution is not considered an external resource) under Factor 4

Leveraging Resources/Developing Partnerships will receive no points under this factor. 5. Applicants must ensure that 51 percent or more of all funds awarded will be utilized for the community and/or general public. These funds are not for the direct benefit of the institution.

II. Award Information

In FY2008, approximately $3 million is made available for this program. 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, an institution that is not on the list is required to provide a statement in the application that the institution meets the U.S.

Page 27090

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 DUNS number, administrative structure and budget, and meets the enrollment requirements 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 Sec. 570.206.

Information regarding these activities can be found online at: http:// www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/24cfr570_06.html. a. 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 modifications in accordance with the requirements of Section 504 of the

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) and visitability modifications in accordance with the policy priorities described in the

General Section;

(42 U.S.C. 12101);

(5) 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 (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(25));

(6) 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;

(7) 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);

(8) 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, establishing and maintaining Neighborhood Network centers in federally assisted or insured housing, job training and placement, and recreational needs;

(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; and

(10) Up to 20 percent of the grant may be used for payments of reasonable grant administrative costs related to planning and executing the project (e.g., preparation/submission of HUD reports, etc.).

Detailed explanations of these costs are provided in the OMB circular

A-21, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions that can be accessed at the White House Web site at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/ circulars/index.html. b. Each activity proposed for funding must meet the Community

V.A.3 of this NOFA.

Criteria for determining whether an activity addresses one or more of these objectives are provided at 24 CFR 570.208. c. 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 online at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/ communitydevelopment/library/deskguid.cfm. 2. 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 maximum amount an applicant can request is $800,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period. c. An applicant must have a separate DUNS number to receive HUD grant funds (See the General Section). 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 a separate DUNS number and an administrative and budgeting structure independent of the other campuses in the system and meet the enrollment requirements as defined in Section III.A. d. Institutions that received grants in FY 2007 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. 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. 3. Program Requirements. 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 to benefit low- and moderate-income persons under the criteria specified in 24 CFR 570.208(a)(ii) or 570.208(d)(5) or (6); c. Applicants must ensure that 51 percent or more of all funds must be utilized for community/ general public use. These funds are not for the direct benefit of the institution; d. Applicants that propose to construct new housing or rehabilitate existing housing must ensure that their project and/or facilities are operated in accordance with applicable design and construction requirements, including either the Fair Housing Act and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and corresponding HUD implementing regulations. Please note that in situations where both the Fair Housing

Page 27091

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the American with

Disabilities Act (ADA), the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), and corresponding HUD implementing regulations. Note that the accessibility standard for non-housing projects is the Uniform Federal Accessibility

Standards (UFAS). 4. 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 recipients that cannot demonstrate control of a suitable site within one year after the initial notification of award. 5. 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 24 CFR 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. Applicants should use the protocol at: http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/cpd/ environment/review/protocol.pdf to supply HUD with the information needed for HUD to start and complete the environmental review. Further information and assistance on HUD's environmental requirements is available at http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/environment/index.cfm. 6. Lead-Based Paint Requirements. Institutions and their sub- grantees, contractors, and subcontractors must comply with the Lead-

Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4821-4846), the

Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 4851-4856), and relevant subparts of the implementing regulations at 24

(Davis-Bacon) requirements referenced in 24 CFR 570.603. 8. 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. One of the purposes of the assistance is to give to the greatest extent feasible and consistent with existing federal, state, and local laws and regulations, job training, employment, contracting and other economic opportunities to Section 3 residents and Section 3 business concerns. See the Section 3 Regulations located at 24 CFR 135.36. 9. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Requirements. Under

Housing Act. Protected classes include race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. For example: (1)

IV. Application Instruction and Submission Information

A. Instructions to Download Application Package

Applicants may download the instructions to the application found on the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov./applicants/apply_ for_grants.jsp. 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. Application Content and Forms for Submission 1. Application Content. Applications must consist of the following elements: abstract, narrative, budget, budget narrative, and forms.

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

(3) The Employer Identification/Tax ID;

(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 October 1, 2008; and

(7) The signature of the Authorized Organization Representative

(2) A statement that the institution is an eligible applicant 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

Page 27092

Institution, or a Native Hawaiian Institution, as appropriate;

(5) The project director, if different from the designated contact person, for the project, including phone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address. c. Narrative statement addressing the rating factors. HUD will use the narrative response to the ``Rating Factors'' to evaluate, rate, and rank applications. This NOFA has five rating factors that need to be addressed. The narrative statement is the main source of information.

Applicants are advised to review each factor carefully for program- specific requirements. All applicants submitting electronic applications must attach their narrative responses to Rating Factors 1- 4 as one attachment. Remember, Factor 5 is addressed by using the HUD- 96010, Program Outcome Logic Model form. Please do not repeat material in response to factors 1-3; instead, focus on how well the proposal responds to each of the factors. The response to each factor should be concise and contain only information relevant to the factor, yet detailed enough to address each factor fully. Where there are subfactors, each subfactor must be addressed and presented separately, with the short title/name of the subfactor presented. Make sure to address each subfactor and provide sufficient information about every element of the subfactor. Do not include any individual's Social

Responses must be double-spaced (information submitted in chart format does not have to be doubled-spaced) with one inch margins (for the top, bottom, left and right sides of the document), using the standard Times

New Roman 12-point font. Each page of the application 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.

Please do not attach your response to each factor separately. Please follow the instructions on use of zip files, file extension, and file names in the General Section. File names should not contain spaces or special characters. d. 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 budget for travel cost (airfare, lodging, and per diem) for two individuals to attend at least one HUD-sponsored AN/NHIAC conference/workshop every year of the three-year grant performance period. To calculate travel expenses, applicants should use Washington, DC as the site of all conferences/workshops.

Applicants must also submit form HUD-424-CB to reflect the total cost (summary) for the entire grant performance period (Grand Total).

Make sure that the amounts shown on the SF-424, HUD-424-CB, and budget narrative 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 and/or budget narrative, the amounted listed on the HUD-424-CB will be the amount HUD will use to calculate the amount the applicant is requesting for funding. 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 all line items.

This information must be electronically submitted and formatted to fit an 8\1/2\-by-11-inch page. Responses must be doubled-spaced, with one inch margins (for the top, bottom, left and right sides of the document), using the standard Times New Roman 12-point font. Project budgets will be evaluated and scored under Factor 3, Soundness of

The following cost estimates reflect 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. 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 a project that involves 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.

(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 approved 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. e. Appendix. The appendix section of the application must not exceed 15 pages in length (excluding forms, budget narrative, and assurances). Each page must include the applicant's name and be numbered. An applicant should not submit resumes, letters of support, commitment letters, memoranda of understanding and/or agreements, or other back-up materials to supplement the application's narrative. If this information is included, it will not be

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considered during the review process. HUD will not consider the information on any excess pages. The additional items will also slow the transmission of your application. 2. Forms. The following forms are required for submission. All required forms are contained in the electronic application package.

Applicants (``Faith Based EEO Survey'' (SF-424 SUPP) on Grants.gov); b. SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable; c. HUD-27300, Questionnaire for HUD's Removal of Regulatory

Barriers (``HUD Communities Initiative Form'' on Grants.gov), if applicable; d. HUD-2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (``HUD

Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report'' on Grants.gov), if applicable; e. HUD-2990, Certification of Consistency with RC/EZ/EC-II

Strategic Plan, if applicable; f. HUD-2991, Certification of Consistency with the Consolidated

Applicants are not required to complete this form; i. HUD-96010, Program Outcome Logic Model; and j. HUD-96011, Third Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal

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 July 2, 2008, the application deadline date. In an effort to address any issues with transmission of your applications, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications at least 48 to 72 hours 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.

D. Intergovernmental Review

This program is excluded from the Intergovernmental Review process.

E. Funding Restrictions

Ineligible CDBG activities are listed at 24 CFR 570.207. Ineligible activities include but are not limited to the following: 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 limitations (e.g., preparation/ submission of HUD reports); 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

Office of University Partnerships, E-mail: Susan.S.Brunson@hud.gov,

FAX: (202) 708-0309.

Paper applications will not be accepted from applicants that have not been granted a waiver. If an applicant is granted a waiver, the

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria 1. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant

For Previously Funded Applicants (13 Points). In rating this subfactor,

HUD will consider the extent to which the applicant clearly addresses the following:

(1) Identifies key project team members/staff and partners, their title and name (e.g., project manager/coordinator--Sally Susan Smith, etc.), respective roles, and time each will allot to this project.

(3) Explains the institution's experience and capacity to administer

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and monitor the type of project for which funding is being requested.

Applicant's staff and partners' experience and capacity to do the work will be judged in terms of recent and relevant knowledge and skills 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 completed and/or open 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 the application is submitted;

(3) A description of the achieved results (outcomes) consistent with the approved project management plan. If not completed as proposed, explain why;

HUD's records (i.e., progress and financial reports, monitoring reports, Program Outcome Logic Model submissions, and amendments). 2. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (8 Points). a. This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need for funding the proposed project 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 cite statistics and/or analyses contained in at least one or more current, sound, and reliable data sources:

(1) Describe the need(s); and

(2) Describe the importance of meeting the proposed needs. b. 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 online at: http:// www.ffiec.gov. c. HUD will consider data collected within the last five (5) years to be current. However, applicants must utilize the most current version of the data source(s) that exists. 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, 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 (45 Points). This factor addresses the soundness, quality, and effectiveness of the proposed work plan and the commitment of the applicant to sustain the proposed project activity(s). Points are awarded under this factor for the quality of the activities proposed in relation to the need/problem identified in Factor 2, not for the number of activities proposed. In addition, if the activities proposed are not eligible, HUD reserves the right to deduct points under this factor for those activities and/or not fund an application if the majority of the activities are ineligible. a. (30 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 activities, the anticipated results

(outcomes), and the impact they will have on the target population at the end of the grants performance period.

(1) (25 Points) Specific Activities. The work plan must describe all proposed project activities and major tasks (steps to complete the proposed activities) required to successfully implement the proposed project. The work plan must also identify the anticipated measurable outcomes these activities will have on the target population. In addressing this subfactor, HUD will consider the following:

(a) Identify the method/planning strategy(ies) used during the development of this application. Describe in detail how the proposed project/activities to be undertaken were identified. List all individuals/organizations that were involved in the planning process for this project and their roles;

(b) Describe each proposed project activity in measurable terms

(e.g., the number of homes that will be renovated, the number of jobs created, etc.);

(c) Identify the major tasks (steps to complete the proposed activities) required in sequential order to successfully implement and complete each proposed project activity. Include target completion dates for these tasks (in 6-month intervals, up to 36 months, e.g., to develop a training program the following steps may occur: hiring staffing, purchasing supplies, developing curricula/training modules, conducting training, etc.);

(d) Identify the key team members/staff and partners, as identified in Factor 1, who will be responsible and accountable for completing each task;

(e) 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

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

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(f) Describe the measurable impact (outcomes) that implementing each activity will have or is expected to have on the target population by the end of the grant performance period (e.g., number of individuals employed as of training; number of new homeowners as a result of the number of houses that were built or rehabilitated, etc.).

(2) (5 Points) Describe clearly how each proposed activity will:

(a) Expand the role of the institution in the target community;

(b) Address the needs identified in Factor 2; and

(c) Relate to and not duplicate other activities in the target area. Duplicative efforts will be acceptable only if an applicant can demonstrate through documentation that there is a population in need that is not being served. b. (3 Points) Involvement of the Faculty and Students. The applicant must describe in detail how it proposes to integrate the institution's students (this excludes students that are project recipients/participants) and faculty into the proposed project activities. c. (4 Points) Involvement of the Community. The applicant must describe in detail how the community was involved in the planning of the proposed project and how they will be involved in its implementation (e.g., development of an advisory committee that includes representatives of the target community). The applicant must identify the specific roles individuals will play in all stages of the project. Community involvement must be representative of the target population/community. d. (2 Points) HUD Policy Priorities. As described in the General

Section, 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 2009. In rating this subfactor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which a project 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.

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 Section 3 residents; and/or

(2) Award contracts to Section 3 contractors (See the regulations at 24 CFR part 135).

Regulations regarding the provision of Section 3 of the Housing and

Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) are located at 24 CFR 135.36. f. (4 Points) Budget and Budget Narrative. HUD will assess the soundness of your approach by evaluating the quality, thoroughness, and rationality of the proposed project budget and narrative. The budget narrative must be broken down by line item. Administrative costs must be reflected under the appropriate line items (e.g., salaries, fringe, supplies, costs related to planning and executing the project, preparation/submission of HUD reports, etc.). 4. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources/Developing Partnerships

(10 Points). This factor addresses the ability of the applicant to develop partnerships and secure resources that can be combined with

HUD's grant funds to achieve the project's purpose. a. HUD will consider the extent to which the applicant has established partnerships with other entities (other than their institution) 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.

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 that the institution has waived may be counted. Applicants that have no external leveraging resources

(the institution/applicant is not considered an external resource) will receive no points under this factor.

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/or

--Faith-based and other community-based organizations. b. To address this factor, an applicant must provide an outline in their application that includes the information listed below of all proposed leveraged resources (including any commitment of resources from the applicant's own institution). Applicants must have on file at the time of application submission the original commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements. Commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements must be dated prior to the application deadline date; if they are dated after the application deadline date they will not be scored.

Each letter, memorandum of understanding, or agreement must include the information below:

(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 are not shown, the value of the contribution will not be scored);

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

Commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements are

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not required at the time of application submission but must be on file at the time of application submission. If commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements are included, with the application at time of submission they will not be considered during the review process. However, applicants submitting paper applications must include all letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements in the

Appendix of the application. Applicants chosen to proceed to the next step in the selection process for award will be required to submit the signed and dated commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements outlined in the application within five (5) calendar days after initial contact from the OUP. Letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements must be submitted on the provider's letterhead and should be addressed to Sherone Ivey, 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 and no later than the application deadline date.

In addition, no points will be awarded for general support letters endorsing the project from organizations, including elected officials on the local, state, or national levels; therefore, please do not include them. 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 documents from the resources/ organizations that are listed in the outline in the application. If OUP does not receive those documents with the required information within the allotted timeframe, an applicant will not receive points under this factor.

In scoring this factor, HUD will award:

(1) Ten (10) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that are 15 percent or more of the amount requested under this program;

(2) Nine (9) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 13 to 14 percent of the amount requested under this program;

(3) Eight (8) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 11 to 12 percent of the amount requested under this program;

(4) Seven (7) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 8 to 10 percent of the amount requested under this program;

(5) Six (6) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 6 to 7 percent of the amount requested under this program;

(6) Five (5) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represents 5 percent of the amount requested under this program; and

(7) Zero (0) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that is less than 5 percent of the amount requested under this program and/or have no external leveraging recourses (remember, the institution/applicant is not considered an external resource). 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 project'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 by using the HUD-96010, ``HUD Program Outcome Logic Model.''

The Program Outcome Logic Model is a summary of the narrative statements presented in Factors 1 through 3. Therefore, the information submitted on the Logic Model should be consistent with the information contained in the narrative statements.

Model.'' Applicants must select from the list of activities and outcomes to determine their specific methods and measures that will be used to assess progress and evaluate program effectiveness. If an item is not found on the list of activities or outcomes, applicants can select ``other'' and then insert the activity and/or outcome and unit of measurement. Applicants can use the ``other'' option for up to three activities and three outcomes. See the instructions tab in the Logic

ExcelTMform) are provided in the forms appended to the

Instruction Download from http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_ grants.jsp. Applicants that do not have access to Microsoft

ExcelTMshould contact the NOFA Information Center at (800)

HUD-8929. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may access this number via the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at

(800) 877-8339 and/or The Center for Applied Management Practices at

(717) 730-3705 (this is not a toll-free number).

A narrative response is not required for this factor as all applicants must use the logic model form to respond to this factor.

However, if a narrative is included, these pages will be included in the page count. HUD has developed a new approach to completing this form. Applicants should also review the Program Outcome Logic Model training, which can be found online at: http://www.hud.gov/webcasts/ index.cfm. b. HUD will review the outputs and outcomes in relation to the needs identified. ``Outcomes'' are benefits accruing to the community 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 provision of stable living environments through the creation of affordable housing opportunities.

Page 27097

(1) 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); and

(2) Measurable outcomes the grant will have on the community in general and the target area or population.

Applicants must also reference policy priorities, as stated in response to Factor 3, and relate them to the project's goals, as appropriate.

HUD will evaluate the Program Outcome Logic Model in accordance with the matrix provided in Attachment 1 of the General Section.

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 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 considered for funding, an applicant must receive a minimum score of 75 points out of a possible 100 points for Factors 1 through 5; plus 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 4 shall be selected. If there is still a tie, the application with the most points for Factors 1, 2 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.

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Announcements of awards are anticipated on or before September 30, 2008.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

General Section.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 1. Debriefing. The General Section provides the procedures for requesting a debriefing. All requests for debriefings must be made in writing to: Sherone Ivey, Office of University Partnerships, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 8106,Washington DC 20410-6000. Applicants may also write to Ms. Ivey via e-mail at Sherone.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), OMB Circular A-21 (Cost Principles for Educational

Institutions) and OMB Circular 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. See the General Section for 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 the General Section for further discussion. 6. Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services For Persons

Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination

Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons, 72 Fed. Reg. 2732 (Jan. 22, 2007). 7. Code of Conduct. See the General Section for further discussion.

C. Reporting 1. All grant recipients under this NOFA are required to submit quarterly progress reports. The progress reports shall consist of three components: a narrative that must reflect the activities undertaken during the reporting period; a financial report that reflects costs incurred by budget line item as well as a cumulative summary of cost incurred during the reporting period; and a HUD-96010, Program Outcome

(a) The name of the entity receiving the award;

(b) The amount of the award;

Page 27098

agency, the North American Industry Classification System code or

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number (where applicable), program source, and an award title descriptive of the purpose of each funding action;

(d) The location of the entity receiving the award and primary location of performance under the award, including the city, state, congressional district, and country;

(e) A unique identifier (DUNS number) of the entity receiving award and of the parent entity of the recipient (DUNS number of the parent entity) should the entity be owned by another entity;

(f) Federal parent award number and sub-award grant number,

(g) The tier level the sub-award was made at; and

(h) Any other relevant information specified by OMB.

There are exceptions for sub-awards less than $25,000 made to individuals or to an entity whose annual expenditures are less than

$300,000.

Transparency Act of 2006 requirements will be finalized through a future Federal Register notice.

VII. Agency Contacts

Applicants may contact Sherone Ivey at (202) 402-4200 or Susan

Brunson at (202) 402-3852. 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.Ivey@hud.gov. and/or Ms. Brunson at Susan.S.Brunson@hud.gov.

VIII. Other Information: Paperwork Reduction Act

OMB control number 2528-0206. In accordance with the Paperwork

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.

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GRAPHIC

TIFF OMITTED TN12MY08.007

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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: FR-5200-N-16; OMB Approval Number: 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 July 2, 2008.

Applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov by 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date. Please be sure to read the

General Section, published March 19, 2008 (73 FR 14882), 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) 2008, approximately $5 million has been made available for this program by Consolidated

Appropriations Act, 2008 (Pub. L. 110-161). An applicant can request up to $750,000 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). Applicants must be a two- or four-year, fully accredited institution 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. Institutions that have received three or more grants under this program in the past are not eligible under this NOFA.

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 DUNS number, administrative structure and budget, and meets the definition of a TCU outlined above.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

The purpose of this program is to assist Tribal Colleges and

A. Authority

HUD's authority for making funding available under this NOFA is the

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Pub. L. 110-161). 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) 2007 program funding announcement. 1. Institutions that have received three or more grants under this program in the past are not eligible to submit an application for funding under this NOFA. 2. Applicants can now request up to $750,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period. 3. Abstract and budget narrative must be electronically submitted and formatted to fit an 8\1/2\-by-11-inch page. Responses must be double-spaced, with one-inch margins (for the top, bottom, left and right sides of the document), using the standard Times New Roman 12- point font. 4. Project budgets will be evaluated and scored under Factor 3,

Soundness of Approach. HUD will assess the applicant's budget in relation to its quality, thoroughness, reasonableness, and rationality to the proposed project. 5. Applicants that propose ineligible activities will not be disqualified, but will not receive points under Factor 3 Soundness of

Approach for the ineligible activities. HUD reserves the right to deduct points under this factor for those activities and/or not fund an application if the majority of the activities are ineligible.

II. Award Information

In FY2008, approximately $5 million is made available by the

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Pub. L. 110-161). An applicant can request up to $750,000 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). Applicants must be a two- or four-year, fully accredited institution 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. Institutions that have received three or more grants under this program in the past are not eligible to submit an application for funding under this NOFA. 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

DUNS number, administrative structure and budget, and meets the definition of a TCU outlined above.

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

(1) Building a new facility (e.g., classrooms, administrative offices, health and cultural centers, gymnasium, technology centers, etc.);

(2) Renovating an existing or acquired facility;

(3) Expanding an existing or acquired facility;

(4) Equipping university facilities (e.g., lab equipment, library books, furniture, etc.);

(5) Property acquisition;

(6) Health screening;

(7) Homeownership counseling/training;

(8) Technical assistance to establish, expand or stabilize micro- enterprises;

(9) Crime, alcohol and/or drug-abuse prevention activities;

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(10) Youth leadership development programs/activities;

(11) Tutoring/mentoring programs;

(12) Child care/development programs;

(13) Cultural activities/programs; and

(14) Up to 20 percent of the grant may be used for payments of reasonable grant administrative costs related to planning and executing the project (e.g., preparation/submission of HUD reports, etc.).

Detailed explanations of these costs is provided in OMB circular A-21,

Cost Principles for Educational Institutions that can be accessed at the White House Web site at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/ index.html. b. Each activity proposed for funding must meet at least one of the three Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program national objectives. The three national objectives of the CDBG program are listed in Rating Factor 3 in Section V.A.3 of this NOFA.

Criteria for determining whether an activity addresses one or more of these national objectives are provided at 24 CFR 570.208. c. 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 online at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/ communitydevelopment/library/deskguid.cfm. 2. 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 maximum amount an applicant can request is $750,000 for a three-year (36 months) grant performance period. c. An applicant must have a separate DUNS number to receive HUD grant funds (See General Section). 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 a separate DUNS number and an administrative and budgeting structure independent of the other campuses in the system. d. Institutions that have received three or more grants under this program in the past 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. Electronic applications must be received and validated by

U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) and all other applicable civil rights statutes 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. 4. 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. However, in accordance with HCDA section 107(e)(2), the Secretary waives the provisions of HCDA section 110 with respect to TCUP 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. 5. 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. Applicants should use the protocol at: http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/cpd/ environment/review/protocol.pdf to supply HUD with the information needed for HUD to start and complete the environmental review. Further information and assistance on HUD's environmental requirements is available at http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/environment/index.cfm. 6. Lead-Based Paint Requirements. Institutions and their sub- grantees, contractors, and subcontractors must comply with the Lead-

Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4821-4846), the

Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 4851-4856), and relevant subparts of the implementing regulations at 24

CFR part 35, such as subparts A, B, J, K and R, which apply to activities under this grant program. 7. 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 recipients that cannot demonstrate control of a suitable site within one year after the initial notification of award. 8. Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low Income-Persons

(Section 3). The provisions of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban

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economic opportunities to Section 3 residents and Section 3 business concerns. See the Section 3 Regulations located at 24 CFR 135.36. 9. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Requirements. Under

Housing Act. Protected classes include race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. For example: (1)

IV. Application Instruction and Submission Information.

A. Instructions to Download Application Package

Applicants may download the instructions to the application found on the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov./applicants/apply_ for_grants.jsp. 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. Application Content and Forms for Submission 1. Application Content. Applications must consist of the following elements: abstract, narrative, budget, budget narrative, and forms.

Applicants that received a wavier of the electronic application submission requirement must submit their application in the order below. Copies of the instructions and all forms are available online at: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. 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;

(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 October 1, 2008; and

(7) The signature of the Authorized Organization Representative

(2) A statement that the institution is an eligible applicant 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 regarding the contents of this application; therefore, please ensure the accuracy of the information); and

(4) The project director, if different from the designated contact person for the project, including phone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address. c. Narrative statement addressing the rating factors. HUD will use the narrative response to the ``Rating Factors'' to evaluate, rate, and rank applications. This NOFA has five rating factors that need to be addressed. The narrative statement is the main source of information.

Applicants are advised to review each factor carefully for program- specific requirements. All applicants submitting electronic applications must attach their narrative responses to Rating Factors 1- 4 as one attachment. Remember, Factor 5 is addressed by using the HUD- 96010, Program Outcome Logic Model form. Please do not repeat material in response to factors 1-3; instead, focus on how well the proposal responds to each of the factors. The response to each factor should be concise and contain only information relevant to the factor, yet detailed enough to address each factor fully. Where there are subfactors, each subfactor must be addressed and presented separately, with the short title/name of the subfactor presented. Make sure to address each subfactor and provide sufficient information about every element of the subfactor. Do not include any individual's Social

(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 budget for travel cost (airfare, lodging, and per diem) for two individuals to attend at least one HUD-sponsored TCUP conference/workshop every year of the three-year grant performance period. To

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calculate travel expenses, applicants should use Washington, DC as the site of all conferences/workshops.

Applicants must also submit form HUD-424-CB to reflect the total cost (summary) for the entire grant performance period (Grand Total).

Make sure that the amounts shown on the SF-424, HUD-424-CB, and budget narrative 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 and/or budget narrative, the amount listed on the HUD-424-CB will be the amount HUD will use to calculate the amount the applicant is requesting for funding. 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 all line items.

Approach. HUD will assess the soundness of an applicant's approach by evaluating the quality, thoroughness, reasonableness, and rationality of the proposed project budget. In addition, please provide the name, if known, hourly or daily rate, and the estimated time that will be devoted to the project for each consultant. For example, an applicant proposes to construct an addition to an existing building using HUD funding that will cost approximately $200,000. The following cost estimates 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 institution and/or 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. 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 a project that involves 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.).

Each page must include the applicant's name and be numbered. An applicant should not submit resumes, letters of support, commitment letters, memoranda of understanding and/or agreements, or other back-up materials to supplement the application's narrative. If this information is included, it will not be considered during the review process. HUD will not consider the information on any excess pages. The additional items will also slow the transmission of your application. 2. Forms. The following forms are required for submission. All required forms are contained in the electronic application package.

Applicants (``Faith Based EEO Survey (SF-424 SUPP)'' on Grants.gov); b. SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable; c. HUD-27300, Questionnaire for HUD's Removal of Regulatory

Barriers (``HUD Communities Initiative Form'' on Grants.gov), if applicable; d. HUD-2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (``HUD

Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report'' on Grants.gov), if applicable; e. HUD-2990, Certification of Consistency with RC/EZ/EC-II

Strategic Plan, if applicable; f. HUD-2993, Acknowledgement of Applicant Receipt. 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; g. HUD-2994-A, You Are Our Client! Grant Applicant Survey.

Applicants are not required to complete this form; h. HUD-96010, Program Outcome Logic Model; and i. HUD-96011, Third Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal

(``Facsimile Transmittal Form'' on Grants.gov). 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 and complete the SF-424, which 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 cover sheet. HUD will not read any faxes that are sent without the HUD-96011 fax transmittal cover page. 3. 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.

C. Submission Dates and Times

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submit their applications at least 48 to 72 hours 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 from the Intergovernmental Review process.

E. Funding Restrictions

Ineligible activities for funding under this program include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Renovation and/or building 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 run primarily by an outside entity; 4. Planning and administrative activities that would result in an applicant exceeding the 20-percent cost limitations (e.g., preparation/ submission of HUD reports); and 6. 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. Applicants should submit their waiver requests in writing using e-mail or fax. Waiver requests must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the application deadline date and should be submitted to: Susan Brunson,

Office of University Partnerships, E-mail: Susan.S.Brunson@hud.gov,

FAX: (202) 708-0309.

Paper applications will not be accepted from applicants that have not been granted a waiver. If an applicant is granted a waiver, the

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, experience, and capacity necessary to successfully implement the proposed project by the end of the grant performance period. 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) Identifies key project team members/staff, their title and name

(e.g., project manager/coordinator-Sally Sue Smith, etc.), respective roles, and time each will allot to this project;

(2) Describes the knowledge and relevant experience of the proposed project team members/staff (as outlined above) that will conduct the day-to-day project activities, consultants (including technical assistance providers), and contractors in planning and managing the type of project for which funding is being requested; and

(3) Explains the institution's experience and capacity to administer and monitor the type of project for which funding is being requested.

Applicant's staff experience and the institution's capacity to do the work will be judged in terms of recent and relevant knowledge and skills 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 completed and/or open 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 the application is submitted;

(2) A list detailing the date the project(s) was completed; was it completed during the original three-year grant performance period; and if not completed, why (including when it was or will be completed); if the project is still in progress, provide details on the project's current status;

(3) A description of the achieved results (outcomes) consistent with the approved project management plan. If not completed as proposed explain why;

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 reports; and compliance with the program's required terms and conditions. In evaluating past performance, HUD reserves the right to deduct up to ten (10) points from this rating score as a result of the information obtained from HUD's records (i.e., progress and financial reports, monitoring reports, Program Outcome Logic Model submission, and amendments). 2. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (8 points). a. This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need for funding the proposed project 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 cite statistics and/or analyses contained in at least one or more current, sound, and reliable data sources:

(1) Describe the need(s); and

(2) Describe the importance of meeting the proposed needs.

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b. 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. Applicants must include the source and date of the information presented. 3. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (49 points). This factor addresses the soundness, quality, and effectiveness of the proposed work plan and the commitment of the applicant to sustain the proposed project activity(s). Points are awarded under this factor for the quality of the activities proposed in relation to the need/problem identified in Factor 2, not for the number of activities proposed. In addition, if the activities proposed are not eligible, HUD reserves the right to deduct points under this factor for those activities and/or not fund an application if the majority of the activities are ineligible. a. (40 Points) Quality of Work Plan. This subfactor will be evaluated on the extent to which an applicant provides a clear detailed description of the proposed project activities, the anticipated results

(outcomes), and the impact they will have on the target population at the end of the grant performance period.

(1) (35 points) Specific Activities. The work plan must describe all proposed project activities and major tasks (steps to complete the proposed activities) required to successfully implement the proposed project. The work plan must also identify the anticipated measurable outcomes these activities will have on the targeted population. In addressing this subfactor, HUD will consider the following:

(a) Identify the method/planning strategy(s) used during the development of this application. Describe in detail how the proposed project/activities to be undertaken were identified.

(b) Describe each proposed project activity in measurable terms

(e.g., 50 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);

(d) Identify the key team members/staff, as identified in Factor 1, who will be responsible and accountable for completing each task;

(e) 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

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

(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 in detail how it proposes to integrate the institution's students (this excludes students that are project recipients/participants) and faculty into the proposed project activities. c. (2 points) HUD Policy Priorities. As described in the General

HUD's priorities will determine the score an applicant can receive.

Applicants must describe how each policy priority 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 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: (1) Submit either Part A or Part B (not both) of the completed questionnaire HUD-27300 ``HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory

Barriers,'' found in the General Section, (2) include appropriate documentation, (3) identify a point of contact, and (4) indicate how this priority will be addressed. It is up to the applicant to determine which of the policy priorities they will address in order to receive the available two (2) points. d. (5 Points) Budget and Budget Narrative. HUD will assess the soundness of your approach by evaluating the quality, thoroughness, and rationality of the proposed project budget and narrative. The budget narrative must be broken down by line item. Administrative costs must be reflected under the appropriate line items (e.g., salaries, fringe, costs related to planning and executing the project, preparation/ submission of HUD reports, etc.). 4. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (6 points). This factor addresses the ability of the applicant to secure resources that can be combined with HUD's grant funds to achieve the project's purpose. a. HUD will consider the extent to which the applicant secures additional resources to increase the effectiveness of the proposed program activities. Overhead and other institutional costs that the institution has waived can be counted.

Examples of potential sources for outside assistance include:

--Tribal, federal, state, and local governments;

--Federal, state, and local governments;

--Local or national nonprofit organizations;

--Financial institutions and/or private businesses;

--Foundations; and/or

--Faith-based and other community-based organizations. b. To address this factor, an applicant must provide an outline in their application that includes the information listed below of all proposed leveraged resources (including any commitment of resources from the applicant's own institution). Applicants must have on file at the time of application submission the original commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements. Commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements must be dated prior to the application

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deadline date; if they are dated after the application deadline date they will not be scored.

Each letter, memorandum of understanding, or agreement must include the following information below:

(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 are not shown, the value of the contribution will not be scored);

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

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

(5) The signature of the appropriate executive officer authorized to commit the funds and/or goods and/or services. This is only applicable to the original written documentation. c. Resources will also not be counted for which there is no commitment letter, memorandum of understanding, agreement, or quantified level of commitment, and/or when the letter, memorandum of understanding, or agreement does not address ALL of the requirements outlined above. Commitment letters, memoranda of understanding and/or agreements are not required at the time of application submission but must be on file at the time of application submission. If commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements are included with the application at time of submission they will not be considered during the review process. However, applicants submitting paper applications must include all letters, memoranda of understanding, and/ or agreements in the Appendix of the application. Applicants chosen to proceed to the next step in the selection process will be required to submit the signed and dated commitment letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements outlined in the application within five (5) calendar days after initial contact from OUP. Letters, memoranda of understanding, and/or agreements must be submitted on the provider's letterhead and should be addressed to Sherone Ivey,

Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for University Partnerships. The date of the letter, memorandum of understanding, or agreement from the

In scoring this factor, HUD will award:

(1) Six (6) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represent 10 percent or more of the amount requested under this program;

(2) Five (5) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represent 9 percent of the amount requested under this program;

(3) Four (4) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represent 8 percent of the amount requested under this program;

(4) Three (3) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represent 7 percent of the amount requested under this program;

(5) Two (2) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represent 6 percent of the amount requested under this program; and

(6) One (1) point to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that represent 5 present of the amount requested under this program.

(7) Zero (0) points to an applicant that provides leveraging resources as listed in their application that is less than 4 percent of the amount requested under this program. 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 project'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 by using the HUD-96010, ``Program Outcome Logic Model.'' The

Program Outcome Logic Model is a summary of the narrative statements presented in Factors 1 through 3. Therefore, the information submitted on the Logic Model should be consistent with the information contained in the narrative statements.

ExcelTMform) are provided in the forms appended to the

Instruction Download from http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_ grants.jsp. Applicants that do not have access to Microsoft

ExcelTMshould contact the NOFA Information Center at (800)

HUD-8929. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may access this number via the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at

(800) 877-8339 and/or The Center for Applied Management Practices at

(717) 730-3705 (this is not a toll-free number).

A narrative response is not required for this factor as all applicants must use the logic model form to respond to this factor.

However, if a narrative is included, these pages will be included in the page count. HUD has developed a new approach to completing this form. Applicants should also review the

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Program Outcome Logic Model training, which can be found online at: http://www.hud.gov/webcasts/index.cfm. b. HUD will review the outputs and outcomes in relation to the needs identified. ``Outcomes'' are benefits accruing to TCUs during or after participation in the TCUP. Applicants must clearly identify the outcomes to be measured and achieved. Examples of outcomes include increased number of classroom spaces available, increased student enrollment and graduation rates, etc.

Applicants must also establish outputs that lead to the ultimate achievement of outcomes. ``Outputs'' are the direct 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:

(1) Short- and long-term objectives to be achieved; and

(2) Measurable outcomes the grant will have on the university or the target population.

Applicants must also reference policy priorities, as stated in response to Factor 3, and relate them to the project's goals, as appropriate.

HUD will evaluate the Program Outcome Logic Model in accordance with the matrix provided in Attachment 1 of the General Section.

B. Review and Selection Process 1. Application Selection Process

Factor 3 shall be selected. If there is still a tie, the application with the most points for Factor 4 shall be selected. If there is still a tie, the application with the most points for Factors 1, 2, 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.

HUD will not fund any portion of an application that is not eligible for funding under regulatory requirements; does not meet the requirements of the NOFA; or may be duplicative of other funded programs or activities/tasks from prior year awards. Only the eligible portions of an application will be funded. When the majority of the activities are ineligible, HUD will not fund the application. 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, 2008.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notice

General Section.

Washington, DC 20410-6000. Applicants may also write to Ms. Ivey via e- mail at Sherone.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), OMB Circular A-21 (Cost Principles for Educational

Institutions) and OMB Circular 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. See the General Section for further discussion. 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 on

Federal and Federally Funded Construction Projects. See the General

Section for further discussion. 7. Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services For Persons

Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination

Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons, 72 FR 2732 (Jan. 22, 2007). 8. Code of Conduct. See the General Section for further discussion.

C. Reporting 1. All grant recipients under this NOFA are required to submit quarterly progress reports. The progress reports shall consist of three components: A narrative that must reflect the activities undertaken during the reporting period; a financial report that reflects costs incurred by budget line item, as well as a cumulative summary report during the reporting period; and a HUD-96010, Program Outcome Logic

Model form, which identifies output and outcomes achieved. 2. Applicants selected for funding should also be aware that they will be

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required to report sub-award information within 30 days of making a sub-award in an amount of $25,000 or greater as required by the Federal

Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-282).

The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 calls for the establishment of a central Web site that makes available to the public full disclosure of all entities receiving federal funds.

Applicants should be aware that the law requires the information provided on the federal Web site to include the following elements related to all sub-award transactions $25,000 or greater.

(a) The name of the entity receiving the award;

(b) The amount of the award;

(d) The location of the entity receiving the award and primary location of performance under the award, including the city, state, congressional district, and country;

(e) A unique identifier (DUNS number) of the entity receiving award and of the parent entity of the recipient (DUNS number of the parent entity) should the entity be owned by another entity;

(f) Federal parent award number and sub-award grant number;

(g) The tier level the sub-award was made at; and

(h) Any other relevant information specified by OMB.

There are exceptions for sub-awards less than $25,000 made to individuals or to an entity whose annual expenditures are less than

$300,000.

Transparency Act of 2006 requirements will be finalized through a future Federal Register notice.

VII. Agency Contacts

Applicants may contact Sherone Ivey at (202) 402-4200, or Susan

Brunson at (202) 402-3852. 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.Ivey@hud.gov, and/or Ms. Brunson at Susan.S.Brunson@hud.gov.

VIII. Other Information: Paperwork Reduction Act

OMB control number 2528-0215. 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, 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.

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The Early Doctoral Student Research Grant Program and Doctoral

Dissertation Research Grant 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: The Early Doctoral Student Research

Grant (EDSRG) Program and the Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant

(DDRG) Program.

C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Number: FR-5200-N-22; OMB Approval Numbers are: 1. Early Doctoral Student Research Grant Program is 2528-0216. 2. Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant Program is 2528-0213.

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): The

CFDA Numbers for the programs in this NOFA are as follows: 1. Early Doctoral Student Research Grant Program is 14.517 2. Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant Program is 14.516

F. Dates: The application deadline date is June 12, 2008.

Applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov by the deadline date. Please be sure to read the General Section, published

March 19, 2008 (73 FR 14882), for electronic submission and receipt requirements.

G. Additional Overview Content Information 1. Purpose of the University Partnership Dissertation Programs: a. Early Doctoral Student Research Grant (EDSRG) Program. To enable pre-candidacy doctoral students enrolled at institutions of higher education accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to cultivate their research skills through the preparation of research manuscripts that focus on policy-relevant housing and urban development issues. b. Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant (DDRG) Program. To enable doctoral candidates enrolled at institutions of higher education accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to complete their research and dissertations on policy-relevant housing and urban development issues. 2. Award Information. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2008, approximately

$400,000 has been made available for the following Office of University

Partnerships (OUP) dissertation programs. a. Early Doctoral Student Research Grant Program. Approximately

$100,000 is available for funding. The maximum grant performance period is 12 months. The maximum amount that can be requested to sponsor a doctoral student is $15,000. b. Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant Program. Approximately

$300,000 is available for funding. The maximum grant performance period is 24 months. The maximum amount that can be requested to sponsor a doctoral student is $25,000.

If funding allotted for the EDSRG program remains after all eligible EDSRG doctoral students have been selected for award, those remaining funds will be made available to fund eligible DDRG doctoral students. If funding remains after all eligible DDRG doctoral students have been selected for award, the remaining funds will be made available to fund eligible EDSRG doctoral students. 3. Eligible Applicants. Institutions of higher education accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S.

Department of Education that sponsor a doctoral student is the official applicant. However, the sponsored doctoral student is responsible for the completion of the application (with the assistance of the institution) and must meet the following program requirements: a. Early Doctoral Student Research Grant Program. Pre-candidacy doctoral students sponsored for funding under this program must meet the following requirements:

(1) Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (recipient of an

Alien Registration Recipient Card-Form I-551, commonly referred to as a

Green Card) currently enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited doctoral program;

(2) Have a major or concentration within a field related to housing and urban development;

(3) Have not taken the preliminary/comprehensive examinations;

(4) Completed at least two semesters or three terms of a doctoral studies program (depending on the course structure of the institution); and

(5) Have an assigned faculty advisor to supervise the research manuscript. b. Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant Program. Doctoral students sponsored for funding under this program must meet the following requirements:

(1) Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (recipient of an

Alien Registration Recipient Card-Form I-551, commonly referred to as a

Green Card) currently enrolled in an accredited doctoral program;

(2) By the application deadline date, the student's dissertation proposal/prospectus will be accepted by the full dissertation committee;

(3) The student will have an assigned dissertation advisor; and

(4) By September 1, 2008, the student will have satisfactorily completed all other written and oral doctoral degree requirements, including all examinations, except the dissertation.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Early Doctoral Student Research Grant (EDSRG) Program

The purpose of the EDSRG program is to enable pre-candidacy doctoral students enrolled at an institution of higher education accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to cultivate their research skills through the preparation of research manuscripts that focus on policy- relevant housing and urban development issues. The FY2008 EDSRG program seeks to fund research studies that may impact federal problem solving and policymaking and that are relevant to HUD's policy priorities and annual goals and objectives. See the General Section for discussion of these priorities and annual goals and objectives.

B. Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant (DDRG) Program

The purpose of the DDRG program is to enable doctoral candidates enrolled at institutions of higher education accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of

Education to complete their research and dissertations on policy- relevant housing and urban development issues. The FY2008 DDRG program seeks to fund research studies that may impact federal problem solving and policymaking and that are relevant to HUD's policy priorities and annual goals and objectives. See the General Section for discussion of these priorities and annual goals and objectives.

C. Topics

All research topics must focus on domestic issues that may impact federal problem solving and policymaking and that are relevant to HUD's policy priorities and annual goals and objectives. Examples of topics addressing these issues (applicable to

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both the EDSRG and DDRG programs) include but are not limited to: 1. Increase Homeownership Opportunities. a. Increase Minority Homeownership. b. Simplify the Home Buying Process (RESPA reform) and Reduce

Settlement Costs. c. Set Appropriate Housing Goals for the GSEs. d. Counter Predatory Lending. e. Help Low-Income Homeowners Avoid Default and Foreclosure. f. Evaluate Housing Counseling. 2. Promote Decent Affordable Housing. a. Reduce Regulatory Barriers to the Development of Affordable

Housing, and all forms of Multifamily Housing. b. Develop Creative Strategies for Expanding the Availability of

Affordable Housing. c. Strengthen the Delivery of HUD-Funded Rental Assistance and

Assistance Provided Through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. d. Promote Self-Sufficiency Among Residents of Public and Assisted

Housing. e. Meet the Housing-Related Needs of the Elderly. f. Meet the Housing-Related Needs of Persons with Disabilities. g. Improve Housing Quality and Affordability through Technology and

Design. 3. Strengthen Communities. a. End Chronic Homelessness. b. Prevent Homelessness. c. Strengthen Cities. d. Meet the Housing and Community and Economic Development Needs of

Residents of High-Needs Areas, including Appalachia, the Mississippi

Delta, and Indian Country. 4. Ensure Equal Opportunity in Housing. a. Reduce Housing Discrimination. b. Improve Housing Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities. 5. Embrace High Standards of Ethics, Management, and

Accountability. a. Reduce Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in HUD-Funded Programs. b. Improve the Effectiveness of HUD Programs Through Program

Evaluations and Performance Measurement. 6. Promote Participation of Faith-Based and Community

Organizations. a. Strengthen the Capacity of Faith-Based and Community

Organizations.

D. Authority

HUD's authority for making funding available under this NOFA is the

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Pub. L. 110-161). These programs are undertaken under HUD's research authority under Title V of the

Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970. They are being implemented through this NOFA which, among other things, establishes the policies governing their operation.

E. Modifications

Listed below are major modifications from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 program-funding announcement: 1. A support letter from the doctoral student's institution will now be scored under Factor 3, Institutional Support. Applicants are now required to submit the letter with the application. This letter must provide details on what type of assistance the institution will give to the student to support the student's research. 2. Indirect cost rates cannot be charged against this grant.

II. Award Information

In FY 2008, approximately $400,000 has been made available for the

Office of University Partnerships (OUP) dissertation programs as follows:

A. Early Doctoral Student Research Grant Program. Approximately

$100,000 will be made available for funding under this program. The maximum grant performance period is 12 months. The maximum amount that can be requested to sponsor a doctoral student is $15,000.

B. Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant Program. Approximately

$300,000 will be made available for funding under this program. The maximum grant performance period is 24 months. The maximum amount that can be requested to sponsor a doctoral student is $25,000.

HUD intends to fund the highest scoring EDSRG and DDRG doctoral applications until all available funds are awarded under each program.

Once all eligible applicants are selected for award under the EDSRG, if funding is left from the original funding allotted for the EDSRG program due to an insufficient number of eligible EDSRG applicants, the remaining funds will be made available to fund eligible DDRG doctoral students that could not be funded because all funds allotted under the

DDRG program have been utilized. Similarly, once all eligible DDRG applicants are selected for award, if any funding allotted for the DDRG program remains due to an insufficient number of eligible DDRG applicants, the remaining funds will be made available to fund eligible

EDSRG doctoral students that could not be funded because all EDSRG funds will be utilized.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants. Institutions of higher education accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S.

Department of Education that sponsor doctoral students are eligible to apply. An institution can sponsor more than one doctoral student. Each student is responsible for the completion of his or her own application

(with the assistance of the institution) and must meet the following program requirements: 1. Early Doctoral Student Research Grant Program. Pre-candidacy doctoral students applying for funding under this program must meet the following requirements: a. Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (recipient of an

Alien Registration Recipient Card-Form I-551, commonly referred to as a

Green Card) currently enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited doctoral program; b. Have not taken the preliminary/comprehensive examinations; c. Have completed at least two semesters or three terms of a doctoral studies program (depending on the course structure of the institution); d. Have an assigned faculty advisor to supervise the research manuscript. 2. Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant Program. Doctoral students applying for funding under this program must meet the following requirements: a. Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (recipient of an

Alien Registration Recipient Card-Form I-551, commonly referred to as a

Green Card) currently enrolled in an accredited doctoral program; b. By the application deadline date, the student's dissertation proposal/prospectus has been accepted by the full dissertation committee c. The student will have an assigned dissertation advisor; and d. By September 1, 2008, the student will have satisfactorily completed all other written and oral doctoral degree requirements, including all examinations, except the dissertation.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching. None Required.

C. Other 1. Eligible Activities. Grant funds awarded under this NOFA must be used to support direct costs incurred in the timely completion of the research product. Eligible costs include stipends, computer software, and purchase of data, travel expenses to collect data, transcription services, and compensation for interviews. 2. Threshold Requirements Applicable to All Applicants. All

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applicants and doctoral students 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 doctoral student must meet the eligibility requirement for the program for which they are requesting funding as defined in Section

III.A; b. University sponsorship. The university shall enter into a Grant

Agreement with HUD that provides for payment of the grant by HUD to the university and from the university to the approved doctoral student, and that further provides all required certifications and assurances;

The University shall agree to provide, as the Principal Investigator under the Grant Agreement, a faculty advisor or chairperson of the doctoral student's dissertation committee who shall supervise the student's work under the Grant Agreement; c. The student's institution must provide a letter agreeing to support the student; d. The applicant may not request more funding than the grant maximum allocated for the program for which they are requesting funding as outlined in Section II; e. Only one application package can be submitted per doctoral student. Students who have received funding in the past are not eligible to receive funding under the same program; f. Applications must receive a minimum score of 75 points to be considered for funding; g. The University (the official applicant on behalf of the student) must have a DUNS number to receive HUD grant funds (See the General

Section); and h. Electronic applications must be received and validated by

Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application dateline date.

IV. Application Instructions and Submission Information

A. Instructions to Download Application Package

Applicants may download the instructions to the application found on the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_ for_grants.jsp. 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. Applicants must be registered to submit an application via Grants.gov. See the General

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

B. Application Content and Forms for Submission 1. Application Content. Applications must consist of the following elements: table of contents, executive summary, narrative for the rating factors, budget, budget narrative, and forms. Applicants that received a wavier of the electronic application submission requirement must submit their application in the order below. Copies of the instructions and all forms are available online at http:// www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. a. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. Please remember the following:

(1) The name of the applicant for these programs is the University.

Please make sure that the University's address is listed on this form

(not the student's information);

(2) Include the name, title, address, telephone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address of the designated contact person. This is the University contact that will receive all pertinent information from

HUD regarding this grant; therefore please ensure the accuracy of the information;

(3) The total grant amount requested for the total performance period of the grant;

(4) The University's Employer Identification/Tax ID;

(5) The DUNS Number;

(6) The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for the program from which you are requesting funding; and

(a) Early Doctoral Student Research Grant Program is 14.517.

(b) Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant Program is 14.516.

(7) The signature of the Authorized Organization Representative

Contact to submit an application via Grants.gov. The AOR must be able to make a legally binding agreement with HUD. See the General Section for further information. b. Table of Contents. c. Executive Summary (700 words or less). The Executive Summary should, at a minimum, include a summary of the proposed research project that addresses the following information:

(1) Specific purpose of the manuscript/dissertation;

(2) Methodology being used; and

(3) How the student meets the eligibility criteria for the program from which she/he is requesting funding.

In addition, include the following information:

(1) Student's address, telephone number, facsimile number, and e- mail address; and

(2) The faculty advisor's name, title, department, address, telephone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address. This person will serve as the Principal Investigator for this grant. d. Narrative statement addressing the rating factors. HUD will use the narrative response to the ``Rating Factors'' to evaluate, rate, and rank applications. This NOFA has four rating factors that need to be addressed. The narrative statement is the main source of information.

Therefore, it is very important that the student becomes fully familiar with the rating factors for the program from which he/she is requesting funding. The narrative should be numbered in accordance with each factor and subfactor. Please do not repeat material in response to the four factors; instead, focus on how well the proposal responds to each of the factors. Make sure to address each factor and subfactor and provide sufficient information about every element. Do not include any individual's Social Security Numbers in this application. The application narrative, bibliographies, and any supporting references must not exceed 15 pages in length (excluding forms, assurances, budget narrative, Table of Contents, Executive Summary, and letter of support) and must be submitted electronically and formatted to fit an 8\1/2\-by- 11-inch paper, double-spaced, with one inch margins (for the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the document) and in standard Times

New Roman 12-point font. Each page must be numbered and the name of the student and university must be on each page. The double-spacing requirement applies to the narrative section of the application

(excluding references and bibliographies). Note that although submitting pages in excess of the page limit will not disqualify the application, HUD will not consider the information on any excess page.

This exclusion may result in a lower score or failure to meet a threshold requirement. All applicants submitting electronic applications must attach their narrative response to Rating Factors 1-3 as one attachment. Please do not attach your response to each factor separately. Please follow the instructions on use of zip files, file extension, and file names in the General Section. File names should not contain spaces or special characters.

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

(1) HUD-424-CB, ``Grant Application Detailed Budget.'' This budget 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.

Make sure that the amount shown on the SF-424, HUD-424-CB, and budget narrative are consistent and the budget totals are correct.

Remember to check addition in totaling the categories on the HUD-424-CB form so that all items are included in the total. The budget form must be fully completed. If there is any inconsistency between any required forms and/or budget narrative, the HUD-424-CB will be used. If this correction puts an application over the grant maximum, the doctoral student will not be able to correct the amount requested and the application will be disqualified. 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 doctoral student arrived at the cost estimate for each line item. The proposed cost 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.

(3) Indirect cost. Indirect cost rates cannot be charged under these programs. f. Appendix. The appendix section of an application must not exceed five (5) pages in length (excluding forms, budget narrative, and assurances). Each page must include the applicant's name and be numbered. An applicant SHOULD NOT submit resumes/curriculum vitas, or other back-up materials to supplement the application's narrative. If this information is included, it will not be considered during the review process. The additional items will also slow the transmission of your application. 2. Forms. The following forms are required for submission. All required forms are contained in the electronic application package.

However, doctoral students receiving a waiver of the electronic submission requirements that are submitting a paper copy of the application must place all required forms in this section. a. SF-424 Supplement, Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunities for

Applicants (``Faith Based EEO Survey (SF-424 SUPP)'' on Grants.gov); b. SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable; c. HUD-27300, Questionnaire for HUD's Removal of Regulatory

Barriers (``HUD Communities Initiative Form'' on Grants.gov), if applicable; d. HUD-2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (``HUD

Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report'' on Grants.gov), if applicable; e. HUD-2993, Acknowledgement of Applicant Receipt. Complete this form only if you have received a waiver to the electronic application submission requirement. Applicants are not required to include this form; f. HUD-2994-A, You Are Our Client! Grant Applicant Survey.

Applicants are not required to complete this form; g. HUD-96010, Program Outcome Logic Model; and h. HUD-96011, Third Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal

(``Facsimile Transmittal Form'' on Grants.gov). 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 and complete the SF-424, which 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. 3. 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.

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 June 12, 2008, the application deadline date. In an effort to address any issues with transmission of your application, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications at least 48 to 72 hours prior to the application deadline. This will allow an applicant enough time to make the necessary adjustments to meet the 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

These programs are excluded from the Intergovernmental Review process.

E. Funding Restrictions 1. Funding will only be provided to doctoral students who meet the standards for eligible applicants outlined in Section III. A. under the program for which they are requesting funding. 2. Grant funds awarded for programs under this NOFA may not be used to pay for tuition, computer hardware, or meals. 3. Indirect cost rates and honorariums cannot be charged against grants under this program. 4. Institutions that have had previously awarded grants under these programs terminated for non-performance and have outstanding funds owed to HUD resulting from the termination, will be excluded from competition until the outstanding funds are repaid. (Applicants must comply with the Delinquent Federal Debt Requirement as defined in the

General Section). 5. Early Doctoral Student Research Grant (EDSRG) Program. Three thousand dollars of the grant funds will be held until the doctoral student's research manuscript has been completed and accepted for presentation at a conference or publication in a refereed journal by the end of the grant period, or a committee of three faculty members

(including the faculty sponsor, as the principal investigator of the grant) has determined and certified to HUD that the manuscript is of high quality and worthy of submission to academic conferences or journals, and two copies of the research product and a CD-ROM are submitted to HUD in its final version. 6. Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant (DDRG) Program. Six thousand dollars of the grant funds will be held until the doctoral student's dissertation has been completed, approved by the committee, and two final copies and a CD-Rom are submitted to HUD in its final version.

F. Other Submission Requirements 1. Application Submission and Receipt Procedure. Please read the

General Section carefully and completely for the electronic

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submission and receipt procedures for all applications because failure to comply may disqualify a doctoral student's application. 2. Waiver of Electronic Submission Requirements. Applicants should submit their waiver requests in writing using e-mail or fax. Waiver requests must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the application deadline date and should be submitted to: Susan Brunson,

Office of University Partnerships, E-mail: Susan.S.Brunson@hud.gov,

Fax: (202) 708-0309.

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 (OUP) will provide instructions for submission. All applicants submitting applications in paper format must have received a waiver to the electronic application submission requirement and the application must be received by HUD on or before the application deadline date. All paper applications must be submitted on 8\1/2\-by-11-inch paper, double-spaced on one side of the paper, with one inch margins (for the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the document) and printed in standard Times New Roman 12-point font.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria 1. Rating Factor 1: Capacity to do the Research (25 Points). In reviewing this factor, HUD will determine the extent to which the doctoral student clearly addresses the following: a. Describe the skills and expertise you possess to conduct research. Research skills and expertise will be judged in terms of how recent they are. Research skills and expertise developed within the last two (2) years will be considered recent. b. Describe the knowledge and experience you possess to undertake the proposed research hypotheses. Knowledge and experience will be judged in terms of how relevant it is to the research proposed (e.g., course work, teaching, research projects, and presentations). Knowledge and experience developed within the last five (5) years in the area of the proposed research will be considered relevant. c. Provide a detailed list that outlines the preliminary steps that were taken (e.g., literature review, research hypotheses, questions to be answered) to identify the proposed manuscript/dissertation topic/ hypotheses. 2. Rating Factor 2: Need for the Research (15 Points). This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need and a demand for funding the proposed research. HUD encourages doctoral students to undertake research that will assist the Department in implementing its policy priorities and which help the Department achieve its goals and objectives in FY2008. In reviewing this factor, HUD will determine the extent to which the doctoral student clearly addresses the following: a. Describe the need for funding the proposed research manuscript/ dissertation (i.e., based on questions derived from identified gaps in the literature, and/or knowledge from professional practice). b. Discuss the results or findings the proposed research manuscript/dissertation is expected to produce and explain why the information will be generally accepted by researchers and practitioners in your field and other related disciplines. c. Explain the direct relationship between the proposed manuscript/ dissertation and at least one of HUD's annual goals and objectives

(i.e., the research that will be produced could have an effect on HUD's strategic goals and programs and policies to achieve these goals). For a full list and explanation of the annual goals and objectives, please refer to the General Section. 3. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (50 Points). This factor addresses the relationship between the need proposed in Factor 2, the quality and effectiveness of the proposed research and methodology and the actions regarding HUD's policy priorities. This factor will be evaluated based on the extent to which the proposed work plan will demonstrate the following: a. (22 Points) Quality of Research.

(1) State the proposed research question/hypotheses and how it relates to the need you described in Factor 2;

(2) Describe in detail the proposed research design as it relates to the question/hypotheses stated above;

(3) Explain how the proposed methodology will be used to complete the proposed manuscript/dissertation;

(4) Discuss why you think the research design and methodology proposed is most appropriate and will produce data and information that will successfully answer the research hypothesis;

(5) Identify potential obstacles in completing the research and discuss how they will be handled. If your research is dependent on any data sources that are not readily obtainable and require obtaining permission to access them, please outline the alternatives that will be utilized to complete the research should access to the data sources not be obtained; and

(6) Describe the quality assurance mechanisms that will be integrated into the proposed research design to ensure the validity and quality of the results. b. (20 Points) Specific Activities. The work plan must identify all the major tasks/benchmarks involved in completing the proposed research. The tasks/benchmarks must be presented in a logical sequence of steps and phases, with individual tasks described for each, as well as plans for data management and analysis.

(1) Indicate the sequence in which these tasks/benchmarks will be performed;

(2) The sequence and duration of this effort should be presented in quarterly (3 month) intervals for the entire life of the grant (use of a milestone chart to present this information is recommended);

(3) Describe the plan that will be used to manage and analyze the data; and

(4) Identify any key individuals assisting in the proposed activities. Efforts on the part of the doctoral student who proposes extremely complex and time-consuming data collection efforts (e.g., major longitudinal studies or a very large number of site visits within the grant period) will be determined less feasible for completion within the allotted grant performance period. For example, if the proposed methodology is based on information that may not be publicly available until after the end of the grant period (e.g., Census information), or a data collection plan that will take longer than the allotted grant performance period, zero points will be awarded for this factor.

The major tasks and benchmarks/deliverables identified must be consistent with those present on the HUD-96010, Program Outcome Logic

Model. c. (2 Points) HUD Policy Priorities. As described in the General

Section, 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 2009. 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.

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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: (1) Submit either Part A or Part B (not both) of completed questionnaire, HUD-27300, ``HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory

Barriers,'' found in the General Section; (2) include appropriate documentation; (3) identify a point of contact; and (4) indicate how this priority will be addressed. It is up to the applicant to determine which of the policy priorities they will address in order to receive the available two (2) points. d. (3 Points) Dissemination Strategies. In reviewing this subfactor, HUD will assess the doctoral student's ability to disseminate results of the research. Describe your plan to disseminate the research. Common dissemination strategies include proposing to present the research at academic and professional conferences, publishing research in peer-reviewed academic journals or research briefs and editorials in trade publications, issuing press releases, targeted mailings, use of Web sites, e-mail, list-serves, and other efforts intended to target findings to a relevant audience of researchers, policy makers and practitioners. e. (3 Points) Institutional Support. This subfactor addresses the student's ability to secure support from their institution. The student must provide a support letter from the institution that details and outlines the specific types of support/resources the institution will provide to support the student's research (i.e., labor cost to transcribe interviews, assistance with cost associated with data collection, student workspace, etc.). This support must be in addition to what is provided to all PhD. students. The letter must also describe the dollar value of the in-kind goods and/or service committed. This letter must be included with the application at the time of submission and be signed by the appropriate executive officer/official authorized at the University. 4. Rating Factor 4. Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (10

Points). This factor reflects HUD's goal to embrace high standards of management and accountability. It measures the student's commitment to assess their performance to complete their proposed research within the grant performance period. Students are required to develop an effective, quantifiable, outcome oriented evaluation plan for measuring performance and determining the outputs to achieve their proposed outcome(s). The Program Outcome Logic Model is a summary of the narrative statements presented in Factors 1 through 3. Therefore, it should be consistent with the information contained in the narrative statements.

Excel\TM\ form) are provided in the forms appended to the Instruction

Download from http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp.

Applicants that do not have access to Microsoft Excel\TM\ should contact the NOFA Information Center at (800) HUD-8929. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may access this number via the toll-free

Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 and/or The Center for Applied Management Practices at (717) 730-3705 (this is not a toll- free number).

Note: A narrative response is not required for this factor as all applicants must use the logic model form to respond to this factor. However, if a narrative is included, these pages will be included in the page count. HUD has developed a new approach to completing this form. Applicants should also review the Program

Outcome Logic Model training, which can be found online at: http:// www.hud.gov/Webcasts/index.cfm. b. HUD will review the outputs and outcomes in relation to the needs identified. ``Outcomes'' are ultimate goals. A student must clearly identify the outcomes to be measured and achieved. Examples of outcomes are the completion of the research manU.S.C.ript/dissertation, the cultivation of research skills to the student, the plan to disseminate the research, and the benefits of the research study to

HUD's policy priorities and annual goals and objectives.

In addition, a student must establish outputs that lead to the ultimate achievement of the outcomes. ``Outputs'' are the direct benchmarks and indicators that will allow a student to measure their performance. Performance indicators should be objectively quantifiable and measure actual achievements. At a minimum, an applicant must address the following activities in the evaluation plan:

(1) Identify benchmarks that will be used to track the progress of your study; and

(2) Indicate the sequence in which tasks will be performed.

Students must also reference policy priorities, as stated in your response to Factor 3, and relate them to the project's goals, as appropriate.

HUD will evaluate the Program Outcome Logic Model in accordance with the matrix provided in Attachment 1 of the General Section.

B. Review and Selection Process 1. Application Selection Process.

General Section do not apply to this NOFA. HUD will fund applications under each program in rank order, until all available program funds are awarded. If two or more applications have the same number of points, the application with the higher

Page 27116

points for Factor 3, shall be selected. If there is still a tie, the application with the higher points for Factor 2, shall be selected. HUD 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 offer to the next highest- ranking application. 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, 2008.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

After all selections have been made, HUD will notify all winning applicants (not students) 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 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 30 days of receipt of comments to Susan

Brunson, Office of University Partnerships, Department of Housing and

Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 8106, Washington, DC 20410-6000. Applicants may also write to Ms. Brunson via e-mail at

Susan.S.Brunson@hud.gov. 2. Environmental Requirements. The provision of assistance under these programs is categorically excluded from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321) and not subject to compliance actions for related environmental authorities under 24 CFR 50.19(b)(1) and (b)(9). 3. 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), OMB Circular A-21 (Cost Principles for Educational

Institutions) and OMB Circular 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.

C. Reporting Requirements

All doctoral students that receive grant funds under this program

NOFA are required to submit a report and Program Outcome Logic Model halfway through the grant period, on the progress to date that has been made toward completion of the research product and the likelihood that it will be completed on time.

At the end of the grant performance period doctoral students must submit to HUD two copies and a CD-Rom of the approved manuscript/ dissertation in its final version and a final complete Program Outcome

Logic Model. Titles of the manuscript/dissertation must not be changed from the title awarded unless prior approval has been received from

HUD.

VII. Agency Contacts

Doctoral students may contact Susan Brunson, Office of University

Partnerships at (202) 402-3852 or Sherone Ivey at (202) 402-4200.

Persons with speech or hearing impairments may call the Federal

Information Relay Service TTY at 800-877-8339. Except for the ``800'' number, these telephone numbers are not toll-free. Students may also reach Ms. Brunson via e-mail at Susan.S.Brunson@hud.gov and/or Sherone

Ivey at Sherone.Ivey@hud.gov.

VIII. Other Information: Paperwork Reduction Act

OMB control number 2528-0216 (for the Early Doctoral Student Research

Grant Program) and 2528-0213 (for the Doctoral Dissertation Research

Grant Program). 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 44 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.

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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-5200-N-11.

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 July 9, 2008. Applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 pm on the application deadline date. Please see the

General Section of the SuperNOFA (the General Section) published March 19, 2008 (73 FR 14882), for information on electronic deadline and timeliness requirements.

G. Optional, Additional Overview Content Information 1. Funding Breakdown. This year there are three initiatives:

Private Enforcement, Education and Outreach, and the Fair Housing

Organization Initiatives. The following is a breakdown of each

Initiative (please see the chart located in Section III.A. of this NOFA for more information on each of these components): a. Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI)

(1) General Component, and

(2) Performance Based Funding Component b. Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI)

(1) Regional/Local/Community-Based

(a) General Component

(b) Clinical Law School Component. This Component provides legal practitioners with training in the area of fair housing. Eligible applicants are law schools accredited by the American Bar Association.

The component is for the development and implementation of a legal curriculum that relates to fair housing.

(2) National-Based Program: National Media Campaign Component.

There are two components under PEI (General and Performance Based

Funding Components). Three under EOI (General, Clinical Law School, and

National Med Campaign Components). c. Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI). This initiative is to develop or expand the ability of existing eligible organizations to provide fair housing enforcement and to establish new fair housing enforcement organizations.

Continued Development Component. This component provides funding to

QFHOs, FHOS, and Nonprofit groups organizing to build their capacity to provide fair housing enforcement. Only applicants who were sponsored under previous FHOI Establishing New Organizations component grants may apply under the Continued Development Component. 2. Electronic Applications. For FY2008, FHIP electronic applications will be available on http://www.Grants.gov//Fand_grant_ opportunities.jsp and http://www.grants.gov//Apply_for_grants.jsp.

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 $22,800,000 in FY2008 funds and any potential recapture is allocated to three (3) initiatives as follows: a. Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) $19,000,000; b. Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) $2,800,000; c. Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI) $1,000,000. 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). For the EOI National Program, eligible applicants are QFHOs, other fair housing enforcement organizations, and other non-profit organizations representing groups of persons protected under title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. 6. Private Enforcement Initiative--Performance-Based Funding

Component.

(a) Applicants awarded PBFC funding in FY 2006 and 2007 are not eligible to submit applications for additional PEI funding for a three- year period based upon the fiscal year in which the grant was awarded.

(b) Applicants awarded funding in FY 2008 under this component will be eligible to apply for additional PEI funding three fiscal years from the date the grant is awarded, subject to appropriations.

Technical Representative (GTR) as anything less than ``Excellent'', then the grantee is both:

(i) Prohibited from drawing down funds on their current grant, and

(ii) Prohibited from receiving PBFC funding in the second or third grant year if applicable. Applicants selected for funding under the

PBFC will be required to submit a Statement of Work (SOW) and a separate budget for each actual year of the agency's activities, for a period of three fiscal years commensurate with the level of funding and based upon appropriations. 7. Start Date. For planning purposes, assume a start date no later than October 19, 2008.

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 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 Fair Housing Act and with substantially equivalent fair housing laws administered by State and local government agencies under the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP). Recipients of FHIP funding are obliged to affirmatively further fair housing. Under the General

Section, applicants for FHIP funds must address their obligation to affirmatively further fair

Page 27119

housing in the application. Applicants must address housing discrimination covered by the Act. Consistent with the Department's

FHIP rule at 24 CFR 125.105, applicants must describe practices in the proposed service area that adversely affect the achievement of the goal of fair housing; specify activities to address these adverse practices, to be conducted with FHIP funds including the final product(s) and/or any reports to be produced; and describe the expected long-term results. Applicants will provide this information in their responses to the Rating Factors or by a separate affirmatively furthering fair housing statement. 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. There are two components under this Initiative: the General Component and the

Performance-Based Funding Component. 2. Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI). This Initiative assists organizations that inform the general public about their rights and obligations under the Act and substantially equivalent State and local fair housing laws. Under this Initiative, there are two programs with a total of three components. They are the EOI--Regional/Local/Community-

Based Program (R/L/C-B), General Component and Clinical Law School

Component, and the EOI--National-Based Program; National-Media Campaign

Component.

EOI applicants are required to describe a referral process that will result in referral of fair housing complaints to HUD or Fair

Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) substantially equivalent agencies. If funded, the grantee will be required to develop and implement the complaint referral process referenced in the application. 3. Fair Housing Organization Initiative (FHOI) This component provides funding to QFHOs, FHOs, and nonprofit groups organizing to build their capacity to provide fair housing enforcement. Only applicants who were sponsored under previous FHOI Establishing New

Organizations Component grants may apply under the Continued

Development Component.

B. Other 1. Program Definitions. The definitions that apply to this FHIP section of the NOFA are: a. Broad-based proposals are those that address more than one type of housing transaction covered under the Act. Examples of covered housing transactions include the rental, sales, or financing of housing. (See also Full Service Projects below.) b. Complainant means any 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 advocated 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, and 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 as described in 24 CFR part 115 mean State and local fair housing enforcement government agencies that receive FHAP funds to administer laws deemed substantially equivalent to the Act. 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; 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 of the SuperNOFA. j. Jurisdiction under the Act is established when the complaint is timely filed; the complainant has standing; the respondent and the dwelling involved (where the complaint involves a provision or denial of a dwelling) is covered by the Act; and the subject matter and the basis of the alleged discrimination 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 terms or conditions as specified under 24

CFR 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 any of 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 or fewer 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.

Page 27120

(5) Any place with a population not in excess of 20,000 and not located in a Metropolitan Statistical Area. q. Statement of Work (SOW) means a document that accurately reflects all the tasks necessary to do the work, all the steps needed for good management control and specificity regarding work to be done and deliverables, and that provides a basis for mutual understanding of the requirements and tasks. r. Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) means a panel whose mission is to accomplish sound, impartial and comprehensive evaluation of proposals consistent with the guidelines of the Notice of Funding

Availability. s. 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. t. 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. u. Underserved Populations mean groups of individuals who fall within one or more of the categories protected under the Act and who are:

(1) Of an immigrant population (especially racial and ethnic minorities who are no English-speaking or limited English proficient);

(2) In rural populations,

(3) The homeless,

(4) Persons with disabilities (e.g., physical or mental) 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, or

(5) Persons in 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 2008, $24,000,000 is appropriated for the Fair

Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP). This appropriated amount may be supplemented by recaptured FHIP funds awarded in previous years. Of this amount, approximately $22,800,000 is being made available on a competitive basis to eligible organizations responding to this FHIP

NOFA. See the chart in Section III.A. for a program breakdown by

Initiative/Component, eligible applicant, funding, and project period.

A. Award Instrument. The type of funding instrument HUD may offer a successful applicant which sets forth the relationship between HUD and the awardee will be a grant or cooperative agreement, where the principal purpose is the transfer of funds, property, services, or anything of value to the awardee to accomplish an eligible 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 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 awardee to be in default of the grant or cooperative agreement 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 funds are 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 (HUD-96010) 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, 2008.

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 amount

Applicant eligible

Initiative/Component

available

Applicant eligibility

Project period

Award caps

activities

Private Enforcement Initiative

$4,000,000 Fair Housing Enforcement 12-18 months.........

$275,000 Eligible activities

(PEI)--General Component: Assists

Organizations (FHOs) with

include: (1) Complaint private, tax-exempt fair housing

at least one year of

intake of allegations of enforcement organizations in the

experience in complaint

housing discrimination, investigation and enforcement of

intake, complaint

testing, evaluating alleged violations of the Fair

investigation, testing

testing results, or

Housing Act and substantially

for fair housing

providing other equivalent State and local fair

violations, and

investigative and housing laws.

meritorious claims in the

complaint support for two years prior to the

administrative and filing of the application

judicial enforcement of

(24 CFR 125.401(b)(2) and

fair housing laws; (2)

Qualified Fair Housing

Investigation of

Enforcement Organizations

individual complaints and

(QFHOs) with at least two

systemic housing years of enforcement

discrimination for related experience as

further enforcement noted above, and

processing by HUD through meritorious claims in the

testing and other three years prior to

investigative methods; filing this application

(3) Mediation or other

(24 CFR 125.103).

voluntary resolution of allegations of fair housing discrimination after a complaint has been filed; and (4) litigating fair housing cases including procuring expert witnesses.

Page 27121

Private Enforcement Initiative

$15,000,000 QFHOs (with at least two 36 months............ $275,000 per year For a list of eligible

(PEI)--Performance Based Funding

years of enforcement

for a three-year activities see PEI

Component (PBFC): Assists private,

related experience) who

duration, based activities above. tax-exempt fair housing

have (1) received

upon enforcement organizations in the

excellent performance

appropriations. investigation and enforcement of

reviews for FHIP PEI

Eligible PBFC alleged violations of the Fair

awards made in two FYs

applicants must

Housing Act and substantially

(FY pertains to the year

receive a minimum equivalent State and local fair

for which the funding was

score of 95 from housing laws.

appropriated) beginning

the FY '08 with FY 2002 through FY

Technical 2006; and (2) have

Evaluation Panel received a minimum score

(TEP) to be of 95 on the most recent

considered for of the two of these

funding performance reviews by the FHEO Government

Technical Representative.

Education and Outreach Initiative

$1,300,000 QFHOs, FHOs, public or

12-18 months.........

$100,000 Eligible activities may

(EOI)--General Component: Open to

private for profit or not

include, but are not applicants for fair housing

for profit organizations

limited to conducting education and outreach activities.

or institutions, or other

educational symposia or

Applicants may also address the

public or private

other training; fair housing needs of persons with

entities that carry out

developing innovative disabilities, the education of

programs to prevent or

fair housing activities consumers about fair housing,

eliminate discriminatory

or materials into financial literacy, credit

practices. This includes

languages applicable to management, and how to avoid high

agencies of State or

your community throughout cost loans and abusive lending

local governments and

your project area; practices that violate the Fair

agencies that participate

providing outreach and

Housing Act.

in the Fair housing

information on fair

Assistance Program

housing through printed

(FHAP). See FHIP NOFA--

and electronic media;

Eligibility information.

developing and distributing FH brochures, PSAs for radio, television, and newspaper advertisements.

Education and Outreach Initiative

$500,000 Applicants who are

12 months............

$500,000 In addition to the above,

(EOI) Clinical Law School

accredited by the

activities must include

Component: Applications are

American Bar Association.

the following: developing solicited for this component to

curricula and conducting organize and operate a fair

training, seminars, housing legal-clinical education

conferences and /or, program that will benefit the

symposia for students, public by producing well-trained

clinicians and lawyers on clinicians and lawyers who are

fair housing rights and capable of educating and informing

obligations. the public on fair housing rights and obligations.

Education and Outreach Initiative

$1,000,000 QFHOs, other fair housing 12 months............

$1,000,000 Eligible activities may

(EOI)--National-Based Program--

enforcement

include seminars,

National Media Campaign Component:

organizations, and other

conferences, symposia,

Applicants must provide a

non-profit organizations

developing and centralized coordination effort

representing groups of

distributing brochures, for the development,

persons protected by

PSAs, and radio, implementation, and distribution

under title VIII of the

television and newspaper of a fair housing media campaign

Civil Rights Act of 1968.

advertisements (in with emphasis on a fair housing

various languages). The public service announcement.

above activities must be conducted on a national level.

Fair Housing Organizations

$1,000,000 QFHOs, FHOs and Nonprofit 12 months............

$100,000 to See PEI above.

Initiative (FHOI)--Continued

groups organizing to

$150,000 based on

Development Component.

build capacity to provide

Need, Extent of fair housing enforcement.

the Problem, and

Only applicants who were

Budget sponsored under previous

Requirements

FHOI Establishing New

Organizations Component grants may apply under the Continued Development

Component.

Eligibility of Successor Organizations for PEI. HUD recognizes that

QFHOs and FHOs may merge either 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 organization. To determine whether the successor organization meets 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 must establish 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 to be eligible to apply under the PEI Initiative.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching. No matching funds are required for the

Education and Outreach, Private Enforcement, or Fair Housing

Organizations Initiatives.

C. Other 1. Threshold Requirements

Program Requirements for All Initiatives. In addition to the civil rights and other threshold requirements found in Section III of the

General Section, FHIP program applications must also meet the following requirements: a. Protected Classes. All FHIP-funded projects must address housing

Page 27122

discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and/or national origin. All services and activities must be available to the protected class members. b. Tax Exempt Status. Applicants for the PEI Initiative must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization as determined by the Internal Revenue

Service (IRS) prior to the application deadline date to be eligible for funding. Please provide an IRS report showing 501(c)(3) status. c. Name Check Review. See the General Section. d. Poor Performance. Applicants are ineligible for funding if they are previous FHIP grantees that have received a ``Poor'' performance rating for their most recent performance rating by the Government

Technical Representative (GTR). HUD will assess performance ratings for applicants who have received FHIP funding in grant years 2004 through 2006. If the applicant has received a ``Poor'' performance rating for its most recent performance rating by the GTR, the application is then ineligible for the FY2008 competition. An applicant that disagrees with its determination of ineligibility for the FY2008 competition because of a ``Poor'' performance rating must adequately address the factors resulting in the ``Poor'' performance rating to HUD's satisfaction 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 applicant is ineligible to apply for the

FY2008 FHIP NOFA competition. HUD is interested in improving the performance of all grantees; therefore, applicants who are deemed ineligible because of a ``Poor'' performance rating have the right and are encouraged to seek HUD technical assistance to improve their performance to be eligible for future NOFA competitions. Applicants who received a ``Poor'' performance rating prior to FY2004 must provide written documentation that they have implemented remedies to address those identified issues and concerns that contributed to this ``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 (42 U.S.C. 3616 note Sec. 561(i)). g. Maximum Award. Applicants are ineligible for funding if they have requested funding in excess of the maximum amount allowed under the Initiative or Component for which they applied. In addition, inconsistencies in the requested amount and/or miscalculations that result in amounts over the maximum award amounts will be considered excessive; therefore the application will be considered ineligible. h. Dun and Bradstreet Numbering System (DUNS) Numbering

Requirement. Refer to the General Section for information regarding the

DUNS requirement. You will need a DUNS number to complete your electronic application because 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 80 percent of the activities and costs within the Statement of Work (SOW) and budget must be fair housing related activities. j. Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP). FHAP agencies under a suspension based on agency performance, as designated under 24 CFR 115.211(b) at time of application are ineligible for funding. k. Minimum Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) Score. HUD convenes a

Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) to review applications against the

Rating Factors in this NOFA to determine a score. Applicants must receive a minimum TEP score of 75 to be considered for funding except for the PEI Performance Based Funding Component where a minimum score of 95 is necessary to be considered for funding. l. Application Preference. Applicants may submit multiple applications to the FHIP NOFA. For those who submit multiple applications you may receive only one award. Grantees who received previous PEI-PBFC awards that are current are not eligible to receive other FHIP funds. m. Independence of Awards. The application submitted must be independent and capable of being implemented without reliance on the selection of other applications. Applicants applying under the

Education and Outreach Initiative may not use the performance (e.g., performance review rating or successfully completed activities) of another EOI organization to meet the requirements of Rating Factor 1. n. Training Funds. The proposed budget must set aside funds in the amount of $7,000 for EOI, PEI and FHOI components and $7,000 annually for a 36-month duration for PBFC to participate in HUD mandatory sponsored or approved training.

Do not specify amounts over $7,000 for training set-aside in this category. If an applicant has not included this funds allocation in the budget and the applicant is selected for an award, HUD will modify the applicant's budget, reallocating the appropriate amount for training. o. Accessibility Requirements. All activities, facilities, and materials funded by this program must be accessible to and visitable by persons with disabilities (24 CFR 8.2, 8.4, 8.6, and 8.54). See General

Section for definition of ``visitable'' or HUD's Web site at http:// www.concretechange.org. p. Fair Housing Act. Applicants are expected to address housing discrimination covered under the Act. HUD is determined 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 percent of their project is aimed at research. r. Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Successful applicants must ensure that their programs do not exclude persons on the basis of race, color, and national origin under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This may mean providing language assistance services for persons with limited English proficiency on the basis of their nationality. The

Department published Final Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance

Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin

Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons (72 FR 2732), published in the January 22, 2007 Federal Register, to assist recipients in identifying language assistance needs and developing language assistance strategies. 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 within a single year

(this can be a program or fiscal year) must be audited in accordance with the OMBA-133 requirements as established in 24 CFR part 84 and 24

CFR part 85. u. Reimbursement Requirement. PEI and FHOI grantees are required to reimburse the Federal government the amount of the grant from all settlements, conciliations, and agreements reached as a result of their use of FHIP funds.

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The grantees however may choose to use the funds as program income to further fair housing activities rather than returning these funds to

HUD. Using these funds for this purpose must be pre-approved in writing by the Government Technical Representative assigned to the grant. v. Clinical Law School Component. To be eligible under this

Component, an institution must be:

(1) Recognized by the American Bar Association as having an accredited law school;

(2) Legally authorized by the State where it is located to provide a bachelor's degree program and a law degree program; w. National Based Program--National Media Campaign Component.

Applicants as their primary purpose must provide advertising and media services, and must have at least five years of experience as an advertisement/media or public relations organization. In addition, an applicant must include as part of its application proposal a subcontract with an established qualified fair housing enforcement organization or be a qualified fair housing enforcement organization.

Applicants will be ineligible if they fail to meet these requirements.

Applicants should also address Limited English Proficiency within their applications. x. Fair Housing Organizations Initiative--Continued Development

Component. This component provides funding to QFHOs, FHOs, and

Nonprofit groups organizing to build their capacity to provide fair housing enforcement. Only applicants who were sponsored under previous

FHOI-Establishing New Organizations Components (ENOC) grants, prior to

FY2005, may apply under the Continued Development Component. y. Fair Housing Organizations Initiative--ENOC grantees are required to complete three years of grant experience, starting from the date the grant agreement is executed, before receiving any other FHIP funding. 2. Other Program Requirements by Initiative. Under the PBFC in

FY2008, applicants must receive a minimum TEP score of 95 to be considered for funding. 3. Performance Measures and Products. For All Initiatives and

Components. Applicants must submit in their application a Logic Model

(Form HUD 96010), which provides outputs and outcomes. Applicants are also to identify the tools they will use to identify program progress against their proposed outputs and outcomes. See reporting requirements for using the Logic Model and the frequency of the reporting. The form is located in the Instruction Download at http://www.grants.gov/ applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp for the FHIP. An example of a completed Logic Model is included in this NOFA. The eLogic Model form is a Microsoft ExcelTMform, which provides a drop-down list from which the applicant selects the responses that best fits their proposed program of activities/outputs and outcomes. The form, in HTML fillable format and a text Logic Model Master file, is available on the

Web site at http:// www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp for applicants that do not have access to Microsoft ExcelTM.

Training will be provided by satellite broadcast and Webcast. The training materials and schedule will be available at the above HUD Web site. Applicants should check the Web site for dates and times for HUD training on the Logic Model. 4. Testing Requirements for PEI and FHOI Applicants. All applicants that propose testing must review the FHIP Regulation at 24 CFR 125.10 and address these requirements in their application. a. Review and Approval of Testing Methodology. If your application proposes testing, other than rental housing testing, HUD may require you to submit copies of the following documents to HUD for review and approval 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 approved your testing methodology for FY2006 and FY2007, you do not need to resubmit your testing methodology, unless your methodology approved by HUD is being revised. If changes are being considered or you have not had your testing methodology previously approved by HUD, you must submit a request for approval 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 matters of public record. Awardees must provide this information to HUD on an annual basis. Neither the grantee nor the individual(s) on whose behalf any action is filed can request to HUD to waive these provisions.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Obtaining an Application. This section describes how you may obtain application forms and additional information about the FHIP.

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 may contact HUD's NOFA Information Center toll-free at (800) HUD- 8929. Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access the

Information Center by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at

(800) 877-8339.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

All applicants must read and adhere to Initiative-specific submission requirements. 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. 1. For All Applicants. The maximum length of the narrative response is ten (10) pages per factor. The narrative pages must be double- spaced. This includes all 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 font. You must respond fully to each rating 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 font narrative responses will result in five points being deducted from your overall score. 2. The chart below gives a brief description of all items to be included in the application:

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Complete application package contains

Required form and content

Application for Federal Assistance..... Form SF-424; (per required form).

Survey for Ensuring Equal Opportunity

SF-424 Supplement (``Faith for Applicants.

Based EEO Survey (SF-424

SUPP)'' on Grants.gov); (per required form).

Budget information..................... Forms SF-424CB and SF-424-CBW)

(``HUD Detailed Budget Form and Worksheet'' on

Grants.gov); (per required form).

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities...... SF-LLL, if applicable; (per required form).

Applicant-Recipient Disclosure Update

HUD-2880 (``HUD Applicant

Report.

Recipient Disclosure Report'' on Grants.gov); (per required form).

Certification of Consistency with RC/EZ/ HUD-2990; (per required form).

EC-IIs Strategic Plan.

Acknowledgement of Applicant receipt

HUD-2993; (per required form).

(Required only if you are granted waiver to the electronic application requirement).

You are our client grant application

HUD-2994-A; (per required survey (optional).

form).

Program Outcome Logic Model............ HUD-96010; (per required form).

Third Party Documentation Facsimile

HUD-96010 (``Facsimile

Transmittal.

Transmittal Form'' on

Grants.gov); (per required form).

Facsimile Transmittal Form............. HUD-96011; (per required form).

Race and Ethnic Data Reporting Form.... HUD-27061; (per required form).

America's Affordable Communities

HUD-27300 (``HUD Communities

Initiative.

Initiative Form'' on

Grants.gov); (per required form).

Narrative for Rating Factors 1-4....... Format described in Section

IV.B of this announcement;

Described in Section IV.B of this announcement.

Statement of Work...................... Format described in Section V

A.3.b of this announcement.

Narrative Budget Work Plan............. Format described in Section

V.A.3.c of this announcement.

Commitment letters from third parties

No specific form or format, but contributing funds or in-kind

content is specified under resources.

Rating Factor 4; Third parties' affirmations of amounts of their commitments.

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing

Short summary of how the

Statement.

applicant will address their obligation to affirmatively further fair housing. No specific form or format.

Addendum to Abstract--Correction of

Written documentation that

Poor Performance (as appropriate).

performance issues and concerns have been cured. No specific form or format.

Project Abstract....................... Short summary of project activities, areas of concentration and persons to be served. Amount requested and preference for funding, as applicable. No specific form or format.

C. Submission Dates and Times. Applications must be received and validated by http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp no later than 11:59.59 PM Eastern Time on the application deadline date of

July 9, 2008 to be considered timely filed. Validation may take up to 72 hours; therefore, confirmation of receipt of your application by

Grants.gov is not a validation that your application was complete and acceptable to HUD. Grants.gov will also reject applications that do not meet the submission deadline requirement. See the General Section for further details.

D. Intergovernmental Review. Intergovernmental Review is not applicable to this program.

E. Funding Restrictions 1. PEI and FHOI Limitations for Education & Outreach--There is a 10 percent limit on the dollar amount allowed for 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 if awarded, funds will be adjusted to maintain the required limitation. 2. Administrative Costs. Eligible administrative costs include leases for office space, under the following conditions:

(1) The lease must be for 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.

F. Other Submission Requirements. Electronic delivery via http:// www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp 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. HUD's regulation on waivers, found in 24 CFR part 5, states that waivers can be granted for cause. Applicants must submit their waiver requests, in writing at least 15 days prior to the application deadline, to Ms. Kim Kendrick, Assistant Secretary for

Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, 451 7th Street, SW., Room 5100,Washington, DC, 20410. A copy of all waiver requests must simultaneously be submitted to Myron P. Newry, Director, FHEO-FHIP

Support Division, (same address as above), Room 5226, or by e-mail to

Myron.P.Newry@hud.gov. If granted a waiver, the notification will provide instructions on where to submit the application and how many copies are required. HUD will not accept a paper application without a waiver being granted. If you receive a waiver of the electronic application submission requirement, your application must be received by HUD no later than 11:59:59 PM on July 9, 2008, the application submission deadline date.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria for PEI, EOI, and FHOI applications (other than the

National Based Program) and FHOI applications. The criteria for rating and ranking applications, as well as the maximum points for each Rating

Factor, are provided below. The maximum number of points awarded any application is 100. An additional two Bonus Points may apply (See

General Section). 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. If you are a current FHIP grantee and you received a ``Fair'' performance rating on your current FHIP grant, you will receive ``0'' points under this factor for subfactors (b) and (c).

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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 contractors 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 your application receiving lower points. a. Number and expertise of staff (this includes contractors and consultants). (5) Points for current FHIP grantees, (10) Points for New

Applicants. You must provide a complete summary of staff expertise that will show sufficient, qualified staff that will be available to complete the proposed activities. This summary should include: Names of staff person(s), amount of time each will spend on project, number of 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 lengthy or detailed documents. Applicants who submit resumes or other lengthy documents relating to staff experience will have points deducted from their application when the ten-page per rating factor submission requirement limit is exceeded.

For PEI and FHOI Only: To receive maximum points for PEI and FHOI, your day-to-day program manager must devote a minimum of 75 percent of his/her time to this project. This individual must be located in the metropolitan area where the project will be carried out. This information must be included in the response to this Factor. PEI and

FHOI applicants whose day-to-day managers do not have at least 75 percent of their time dedicated to the project, will be awarded no points under this sub-factor. You may not designate more than one person to meet this 75 percent criterion. Your application must also clearly identify those persons that are staff at the time this submission, and those persons who will be assigned at a later date.

Indicate whether the staff person is assigned to work full-time or part-time (if part-time, indicate the percentage of time each person will devote to the project). EOI applicants must devote at least 50% of their time to the project.

If you are applying for the EOI-Clinical Law School Component, you must:

(1) Show that you will have sufficient, qualified staff or faculty who will be available to initiate and develop a clinical law curriculum. Applicants may show experience by including information on the development and implementation of other curriculum and/or training in areas such as fair housing. Please provide a copy of a curriculum implementation plan, if available, and/or information on developing a curriculum.

(2) Have experience in recruitment of law students (submit a projection of the number of students expected to participate in and complete the program), marketing (submit a plan to promote the fair housing curriculum and clinical law program), and fair housing;

(3) Implement the curriculum design with an ABA-accredited law school; and

(4) Partnering under the Clinical Law School Component. Please provide a brief description of the activities that each partner will undertake and how this partnership will enhance the project. (Please refer to Participation of Minority-Serving Institutions in HUD Programs in the General Section.)

(a) You must identify all administrators of the clinical program and describe each of their functions, qualifications, and experience;

(b) Identify persons who will constitute the faculty for the program and describe their functions, qualifications, and experience; and

(5) Describe the knowledge and experience of the proposed day-to- day program manager (whose duties and responsibilities include managing all program and administrative activities as outlined in the SOW and ensuring that all timelines are met), in planning and managing a fair housing legal-clinical program. Indicate the percentage of time that key personnel will devote to your project. b. Organizational experience. (15) 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 past project(s) similar in scope and complexity

(whether FHIP-funded or not) to the project proposed in your application, or

(2) Engaged in activities that, although not similar, are readily transferable to the proposed project. 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 FY2008 FHIP funded project. If you do not have any affiliates or subsidiaries, you should state this in your application.

(a) If you are applying for funding under PEI and FHOI, you must provide the following information when responding to this sub-factor:

(i) If you propose to conduct testing (other than rental or accessibility testing), provide a brief narrative that documents you have conducted successful testing in those areas.

(ii) Describe the actions you have taken to comply with the requirement that you reimburse the Federal government for compensation received or likely to be received from FHIP-funded enforcement activities or that the compensation received be used as program income to further fair housing activities. If you are a current grantee and you have not addressed this requirement to reimburse the Federal government or use the funds as program income to further fair housing activities, please explain. Two (2) points will be deducted from this sub-factor if you have not complied with this program requirement.

(b) EOI applicants must show that they have engaged in projects that are Regional/Local/Community-based. Your 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 that 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.

Law School Component, you must develop a comprehensive design concept

Action Plan for the Clinical Law School. The Action Plan must include a design concept and academic structure approach that HUD will use in assessing your capacity to develop and operate a Fair Housing Legal-

Clinical Program. The Action Plan should clearly distinguish classroom and practicum elements.

To assess your capacity to design and implement a fair housing curriculum, please provide documented information that your organization has conducted clinical project(s) similar in scope and complexity to the one being proposed. You must describe the knowledge and experience of all of the proposed faculty and staff dedicated to this FHIP funded activity indicating whether they have prior knowledge and experience in

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establishing and implementing a similar clinical law project.

For FHOI--CDC applicants, you must describe your FHOI-ENOC history, e.g. identify the funded entity and their support, and how FHOI-ENOC funds were used to build your capacity or establish your organization.

Also describe how you benefited from FHOI-ENOC funds and give a description of your fair housing investigative and enforcement activities undertaken as a result of the FHOI-ENOC. c. Performance on past project(s). (5) 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. The past performance assessment of current FHIP grantees will be based on your most recent performance assessment by the HUD Government Technical Representative (GTR) for the past three

(3) completed fiscal years (FY2004 through FY2006).

HUD staff will provide this information to the Technical Evaluation

Panel (TEP) that will evaluate your application. Based on your past performance, the following points will be added to your score under this rating sub-factor:

(1) 5 points if you received a ``Excellent'' performance assessment; and

(2) 0 points if you received a ``Good'' performance assessment.

Transfer of Performance. Applicants submitting applications under

PEI and EOI may not use another organization's performance review for assessment under this sub-factor. If you do, you will receive 0 points under this sub-factor and sub-factor b, above. 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, and your affirmatively furthering fair housing plan.

Applicants should document and use any relevant information from

HUD's Housing Discrimination Study 2000 (HDS2000) to respond to this factor. Other sources of information can be used to support this rating factor. You must use sound data sources to identify the level of need in the geographic area and the urgency, and provide Web site addresses for each data source (e.g., Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing

Choice (AI), fair housing studies, etc.). Do not include copies of the original reports or other materials in your application. Applicants that provide copies of detailed studies, including Consolidated Plans

(including Analysis of Impediments) for their referenced project area will have points deducted from this factor based upon the 10 page submission requirement limit. Instead, reference these reports, statistics, or other data sources you used that are sound and reliable.

This includes but is not limited to, HUD or other Federal, State or local government reports analyses, relevant economic and/or demographic data. This should be inclusive of 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, if applicable. 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.

To the greatest extent possible, the data used should be specific to the area where the proposed activity will be conducted. You should document needs as they apply to that specific area(s) where your proposed activities will be targeted and your proximity to the target area, not the entire locality or State. If the data presented does not specifically address the target area, you should describe why the target area was proposed and the relationship of this data to that target area.

To receive maximum points for this factor there must be a direct relationship between the purpose of the program funding, your proposed activities, the outcomes to be accomplished, and the community(ies) fair housing needs, describing your knowledge of and your proximity to the targeted area, and the issue's urgency. Applicants will not receive full 20 points under this rating factor unless the applicant addresses the target area's impediments to fair housing choice. Further, applicants should address the need for language services other than

English by describing the target population's language needs. a. Documentation of Need. To justify the need for your project, you must describe:

(1) 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;

(2) The link between the need and your proposed activities:

(a) How the proposed activities fill gaps left by, augment, or improve upon on-going fair housing 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 fair housing efforts, the additional funding you are requesting is necessary.

(c) The presence of housing discrimination, high segregation indices or other evidence of discrimination prohibited by the Act within the project area. 3. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (35 Points)

You must describe your project in detail and how it will support the goals and policy priorities outlined in the General Section. For each goal and policy priority that your project addresses, you must propose performance measures/outcomes in support of these goals, and establish numerical baselines and targets for those measures. Provide a

SOW and budget. a. Support of Policy Priorities (8 Points). Per Section V.B.1. of the General Section, HUD encourages applicants to undertake specific activities that will assist the Department in implementing its policy priorities and achieving its goals for FY2008 and beyond, when the majority of funding recipients will be reporting programmatic results and achievements. Applicants that just list a priority will receive no points. It is up to the applicant to determine which of the policy priorities to address to receive the available points. For the full list of each policy priority, please refer to the General Section.

For each policy priority addressed specified, the applicant 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 the application addresses may receive has a point value of up to one point, with the exception that of the policy priority to remove regulatory barriers to affordable housing which has a point value of up to 2 points. To secure the possible 2 points for efforts to remove regulatory

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barriers to affordable housing, an applicant must submit the completed questionnaire (HUD 27300), and provide the required documentation and contact information. Please see the General Section for further information on Removal of Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing.

For the Clinical Law School Component, applicants may receive up to 5 points for partnering with a Minority Serving Institution. Please see the General Section for a listing of Minority Serving. For applicants submitting applications under the Clinical Law School Component that are Minority Serving Institutions, you may receive up to 5 points for partnering with a non-Minority Serving Institution.

For EOI applicants only, the policy priority to promote participation by grassroots faith-based and other community-based organizations, or partnering with an organization to promote participation in grassroots faith-based and other community-based organizations has a point value of up to four points, depending on your response. b. Proposed Statement of Work (SOW) and Information Requirements

(17 Points). The SOW and budget are attachments to the application that will not count toward the ten (10)-page limit on the narrative response to this rating factor. However, points will be given based on the relevance of proposed activities and expenditures (cost categories and dollar levels) to the needs stated in Rating Factor 2. The TEP will pay particular attention to implementation steps, the consistency of proposed activities with organizational expertise and capacity, and the accuracy of the SOW and budget.

SOW--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., your organization, a subcontractor, or a partner), and the products, and when they will be provided to HUD. To receive maximum points, you must 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 must provide an estimate of the numbers of clients to be served.

For the EOI General Component, HUD anticipates that products may be available in various languages, in addition to English: The languages will include French, Korean, Laotian, Vietnamese, Chinese (any Chinese language), Arabic, and Spanish. If other languages are necessary, please provide a justification in Rating Factor 2. Deliverables may be 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 Narrative Budget Work Plan (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 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) Related to the activities and tasks in the SOW--in terms of cost categories and dollar levels;

(3) Cost-effective;

(4) Quantifiable based on the need(s) identified in Rating Factor 2; and

(5) Justifiable for all cost categories in accordance with those indicated in the HUD-CB. If you are awarded FHIP funds, HUD staff will request that you provide your federally approved indirect cost rate during budget negotiations. 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 role in financial management or oversight. In addition, discuss your organization's capabilities in handling financial resources, disseminating payments to third parties, e.g. contractors, and maintaining 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 the applicant may rely on historical data. Applicants must round all budget items to the nearest dollar amount.

A written narrative budget work plan must accompany the proposed budget explaining each budget category listed and must explain each cost category. Failure to provide a written narrative budget work plan will result in 2 points being deducted from your rating factor. The narrative must explain each cost category you list. Where there are travel costs for contractors/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 contractors and/or consultants do not exceed the rates and fees charged by local contractors and consultants. The narrative (which does not count toward the ten page limit) must address the Grant Application

Detailed Budget. The budget narrative should include a brief discussion of how 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 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); expenses for out-stationed personnel, contracts and sub-grantees; and other direct costs, which may include relocation expenses, and telecommunications expenses; HUD will then make a final determination of cost effectiveness based on these listed items. 4. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (5 Points)

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the purpose(s) of your proposal. Contributions from the applicant, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, or employees of the applicant do not qualify as in-kind contributions. Cash or funds from an applicant's previously established investment account(s) may qualify as in-kind resources; however, documentation must be provided. 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' planned contributions. In order to obtain points for leveraging third party resources you must provide letters of firm commitment or signed agreements from the organizations and/or individuals who will provide financial or in-kind support for your project. ``Collaboration'' refers exclusively to activities you are conducting or plan to conduct with Fair Housing Assistance Program agencies. You must provide a letter of firm commitment from a FHAP or a document signed by authorized representatives of the FHAP agency and your organization, such as a memorandum of understanding, or on their letterhead, stating their intent to work with you on your project. The

FHAP agency must serve the area where the current or proposed activities are to be conducted. In instances where FHAPs are applicants and submitting letters on their own behalf, the FHAPs must state that

FHAP funds are not being used for FHIP collaboration without prior approval by the FHAP GTR.

For all applicants, each letter of firm commitment must:

(1) State definitively a commitment to provide funding or in-kind resources (although the commitment may be on the condition that your organization receives a FHIP award);

(2) Identify the organization and/or individual committing resources to the project and state the timeline for use of these funds in relation to the project. Further, the letter must identify any affiliation with the applicant;

(3) 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 Rating Factor 3); and

(4) Describe how these resources will be used under your SOW; and

(5) Dated and 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 firm 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, services of a current staff person on a FHIP-funded project).

There will be no points 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. 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:

For PEI-PBFC applicants only, each letter must state the total dollar amount of funding or in-kind resources to be donated to the fair housing project, and specify the amount to be used during each of the three years of this project.

Percent of total project

Points awarded

costs from non-FHIP resources

One....................................... Less than five.

Two....................................... Five or ten.

Three..................................... 11 to 20.

Four...................................... 21 to 20.

Five...................................... At least 31

Five points will be awarded if your application contains a letter or agreement from a Fair Housing Assistance Program agency stating their firm commitment to work with you on your project. Should the commitment letter lack any of the required information listed in (1) through (3) above, 0 points will be awarded under this factor. 5. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (15

Points) a. In evaluating this Rating Factor, HUD will assess the extent to which you demonstrate how you will measure the results of the work of your organization as set out in your budget and SOW. 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. Applicants should mirror your logic model to your SOW and Budget. 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 methods for assessing those against commitments made in the application, will receive higher points than those that do not. To meet this Rating Factor requirement, you must submit HUD's Logic Model (HUD- 96010).

Instructions and a Microsoft ExcelTMform are provided in the forms appended to the Instruction Download on http:// www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. Applicants that do not have access to Microsoft ExcelTMmay obtain a copy of the form in HTML fillable format along with a 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 Rating Factor as all applicants must use the Logic Model Form. Applicants that submit narrative responses rather than use the Logic Model Form will receive no points under this Rating Factor. 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 Rating Factor:

(1) Needs. HUD will review the activities/outputs and outcomes as 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. Some 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 their organization. You must select from the list ``Fair Housing Services Provided'' and do not add additional services to that list to receive points under this

Rating Factor.

(3) Outcome. The Logic Model has a prepared list of activities, outcomes and indicators associated with Fair Housing. Applicants must choose from this list of ``Year 1, Year 2, or Year 3'' outcomes that are provided as part of the FHIP NOFA, as appropriate, or applicants may choose other activities. If other activities are identified, applicants must provide a brief statement to describe these activities or outcomes. Applicants who do not either select from the list

``Outcomes and Indicators'' or select ``Other'', providing a brief description of

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each, will not receive points under this Rating 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 activities. Examples include:

Pre/Post Tests;

Customer/Client Satisfaction Survey;

Follow-up Survey;

Observational Survey; or

Functioning scale.

Applicants must also reference policy priorities, as stated in their response to Factor 3, and relate them to your project's goals, as appropriate.

B. Criteria for National-Based Program Applications

Factors for Award Used To Evaluate and Rate Applications for the

EOI National-Based Program. The criteria for rating and ranking applications and the maximum points for each Rating Factor are provided below. The maximum number of points awarded any application is 100.

Bonus points are not available for this category of funding. 1. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of Applicant and Relevant Organizational

Experience (25 Points)

This factor addresses the extent to which the applicant has the organizational resources necessary to successfully implement the proposed activities in a timely manner, and the applicant's ability to develop and implement large media information campaign projects as appropriate on a national level. The rating of the ``applicant'' or the

``applicant's organization and staff'' for technical merit or threshold compliance, unless otherwise specified, will include any sub- contractors, consultants, and sub-recipients that are firmly committed to the project.

In General. You must describe staff expertise and your organization's ability to complete the proposed activities within the grant period. HUD recognizes that, in carrying out the proposed activities, you may have persons already on staff, plan to hire additional staff, or will rely on contractors or consultants to perform specific tasks. You must describe your staffing plan and the extent to which you plan to add staff (employees) or contractors. If your application proposes using contractors and these contractor activities amount to more than 10 percent of your total activities, you must submit a separate budget for each contractor. Failure to include a separate budget will result in lower points being assessed to your application. If you received a ``Fair'' performance rating, you will receive ``0'' points under this factor for sub-factors (b) and (c).

(5) Points for current FHIP grantees.

(10) Points for new applicants. a. Number and expertise of staff (this includes contractors and consultants). You must show that you will have sufficient, qualified staff that will be available to complete the proposed activities. The following information must be provided for all staff not just key personnel (those persons identified in SOW in Rating Factor 3:

Soundness of Approach) assigned to or hired for this project.

Identify all persons that will be assigned to the project by name and/or title and hours. You must describe the knowledge and experience of the proposed overall project director or day-to-day program manager

(whose duties and responsibilities are to manage all program and administrative activities as outlined in the SOW and ensure that all timelines are met), in planning and managing national projects similar in scope and complex interdisciplinary programs. You may demonstrate capacity by thoroughly describing your prior experience in conducting national and/or regional/local media campaigns. You should indicate how this prior experience will be used in carrying out your proposed activities. Your application must clearly identify those persons that are on staff at the time of this application, and those persons who will be assigned at a later date; describe each person's duties and responsibilities and their expertise (including years of experience) to perform project tasks; 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).

Whether the applicant has experienced staff or proposes to use a contractor sub-grantee, the extent to which the applicant provides rationale for how it will utilize its staff or a contractor sub-grantee to implement its proposed activities, methods, and how these media techniques will most effectively deal with the national need described by the applicant in response to the need described in Rating Factor 2.

To the extent possible, applicants should demonstrate effectiveness in terms of scope and cost.

(15) Points for current FHIP grantees.

(15) Points for new applicants. b. Organizational experience. In responding to this sub-factor, you must show that your organization has the ability to effectively develop, implement, and manage a media campaign on a national scale.

(Applicants must be an established media /advertisement organization and include as part of their proposal a subcontract with an established fair housing organization.) Applicants for FHIP program funding must specifically describe their experience in developing or carrying out programs to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices.

Applicants must discuss their ability to implement a coordinated national marketing awareness campaign, especially in the areas of fair housing, discrimination, public health, and housing. In responding to this sub-factor, the applicant must describe the extent to which its past activities have resulted in successful national media campaigns, as appropriate, especially with respect to developing and implementing innovative strategies resulting in positive public response. 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 3 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.

(5) Points for current FHIP grantees.

(0) Points for new applicants. c. Performance on past project(s). HUD will assess your organization's past performance in conducting activities relevant to your current 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 2 completed fiscal years.

HUD staff will provide this information to the Technical Evaluation

Panel (TEP) that will evaluate your application. Based on past performance, the following points will be added to your score under this rating sub-factor:

(1) 5 points if you received an ``Excellent'' performance assessment; and

(2) 0 points if you received a ``Good'' performance assessment.

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2. Rating Factor 2: Need/Approach Extent of the Problem (10 Points)

This factor addresses the extent to which the applicant documents and defines the national need that its proposed activities and methods are intended to address, and how its proposal offers the most effective approach for meeting that national need. The applicant's submission will be evaluated on the extent to which it defines, describes, and documents the national need the application intends to address, which demonstrates a grasp of the elements of the need, its pervasiveness at the national level, and an understanding of the necessary mass media vehicles to disseminate information to address the need. The applicant's description of the national need will be used to evaluate the depth of the applicant's understanding of the problem as an indication of ability to address the problem. 3. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (45 Points)

This rating factor addresses the quality and cost-effectiveness of the applicant's proposed Statement of Work (SOW). You must describe your project in detail, and how it will support the goals and policy priorities outlined in the General Section. For each goal and policy priority that your project addresses, you must propose performance measures/outcomes in support of these goals, and establish numerical baselines and targets for those measures. The SOW must address the strategy, quality and time frames needed to carry out the project and all activities as proposed. a. Support of HUD Goals (8 Points). 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 FY2008. Describe how your proposed project will further and support HUD's policy priorities for FY2008.

The quality of the responses provided and the extent to which a program will further and support 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 if applicable, must discuss the national need 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, 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, depending on your response. 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 and contact information. 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. For the full list of each policy priority, please refer to the General Section. b. Statement of Work (SOW) (22 Points).

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 also include a schedule of proposed activities and products (with interim implementation steps), staff allocation over the term of the project, staff acquisitions and training, and activities of partners and contractors. Points will be assigned based on the relevance of proposed activities to national needs stated in Rating Factor 2, the attention given to implementation steps, the consistency of proposed activities with organizational expertise and capacity, and the accuracy of the SOW and budget.

For this National Media Campaign Component, HUD anticipates that products should be available in at least 3 languages, including

English. Deliverables may include Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for radio and television in both majority and minority markets, and posters and other graphic materials. Graphic materials may include, but are not limited to, enlarged reproductions of several print PSAs, separately produced and printed posters for national public dissemination, and the development of ad slicks to market in newspapers and magazines nationwide. The applicant should plan on using a clipping service or Internet based services or other appropriate means to collect information on frequency and scope of the placement of ads.

To obtain maximum points under this sub-factor, the applicant's SOW must:

(1) Clearly describe the specific activities and tasks to be performed, the sequence in which tasks are to be performed and noting when activities must be performed simultaneously, estimated completion dates, and the work and program deliverables to be completed within the grant period. This information must include specific numbers of quantifiable end products and program improvements to be delivered by the end of the award agreement period as a result of the work performed;

(2) Provide national media market coverage and specific protected class focus; and

(3) Describe the methods to be used to distribute finished materials and gauge the effectiveness of their national marketing strategies. c. Budget Form and Narrative Budget Work Plan (15 Points). A written narrative budget work plan must accompany the proposed budget.

HUD will 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 and to the

Logic Model;

(3) Cost-effective (as demonstrated by 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);

(4) Reflective of an effort to provide information in a manner

(e.g., languages, accessibility to persons with visual or hearing impairments, formats, locations, distribution, use of majority and minority media) that will reach and benefit all members of the public, especially members of target groups identified in Factor 2;

(5) Effective for yielding long-term results and innovative strategies or ``best practices'' that can be readily disseminated to other organizations and State and local governments; and

(6) Effective with respect to the proposed National Media Campaign

Component and its activities, training and meeting sites, and information services and materials, accessible to all persons including persons with disabilities.

Continued on page 27131

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

]

pp. 27131-27180

Fiscal Year 2008 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs

Continued from page 27130

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Indicate in the narrative budget work plan how the proposed project's achievements are quantifiable and relevant to the needs identified in Rating Factor 2. Also indicate whether your proposed project is justifiable for all cost categories in accordance with the cost categories indicated in the HUD-424 CB. 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. 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 received at application submission, in the form of firm commitments, or planned collaborative efforts you have with Fair Housing Assistance Program agencies. a. Firm Commitment of Leveraging or Collaboration. HUD requires you to secure resources from sources other than that which is requested under this FHIP NOFA. Leveraging of 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 the applicant, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, or employees of the applicant do not qualify as in-kind contributions. Funds from an applicant's previously established investment account(s) may qualify as in-kind resources; however, documentation must be provided. 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' planned contributions. In order to obtain points for leveraging third party resources you must provide letters of firm commitment or signed agreements from the organizations and/or individuals who will provide financial or in-kind support for your project. ``Collaboration'' refers exclusively to activities you are conducting or plan to conduct with Fair Housing Assistance Program agencies. Firm letters of Commitment must:

(1) Identify the agency, organization and/or individual committing resources project, the timeframes and timelines for use of the funds, state that the funds will be used for fair housing to support the applicant should they be awarded, 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 dated and signed by the agency, individual and/or organization official legally able to make commitments for the organization. It must also be provided on the letterhead of the agency, organization and/or individual. 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 24 CFR 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 the agency or 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. If your project will not be supported by non-FHIP resources, then you will not receive any points under this factor. Points under the factor will be assigned based on the following scale:

Percent of total project

Points awarded

costs from non-FHIP resources

One....................................... Less than five.

Two....................................... Five to ten.

Three..................................... 11 to 20.

Four...................................... 21 to 30.

Five...................................... At least 31.

Five points will be awarded if your application contains a letter of firm commitment from a Fair Housing Assistance Program agency stating their firm commitment to work with you on your project. Should the letter lack any of the required information listed in (1) through

(3) above, no points will be awarded under this factor. 5. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (15

Applicants must select from the list of activities and outcomes detailed in the Logic Model 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 methods for assessing those measurements against commitments made in the application will receive higher points than those that do not. To meet this Factor requirement, you must submit a completed HUD's Logic

Model (HUD-96010).

Instructions and a Microsoft ExcelTMform are provided in the forms appended to the Instruction Download on http:// www.Grants.gov/APPLY. Applicants that do not have access to Microsoft

ExcelTMmay obtain a copy of the form in HTML fillable format along with a 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 Rating Factor; all applicants must use the Logic Model Form. Applicants that submit narrative responses rather than use the Logic Model Form will receive no points under this Rating Factor. 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 Rating Factor:

(1) HUD will review the activities/outputs and outcomes as units of measurement you selected 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. Some examples of activities and outputs for 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 their organization. Applicants who do not select from the list ``Fair Housing

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Services Provided'' and/or do not add additional services to that list, will not receive any points under this Rating Factor.

(3) Outcome. The Logic Model has a prepared list of activities, outcomes and indicators associated with Fair Housing. Applicants must choose from this list of ``Year 1, Year 2, or Year 3'' outcomes that are provided as part of the FHIP NOFA or applicants may choose other activities and if so, must provide a brief statement to describe these activities or outcomes. Applicants who do not either select from the list ``Outcomes and Indicators'' or select ``Other'' providing a brief description of each will not receive points under this Rating 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 activities. Examples include:

Pre/Post Tests;

Customer/Client Satisfaction Survey;

Follow-up Survey;

Observational Survey; or

Functioning scale.

Applicants must also reference policy priorities, as stated in their response to Rating Factor 3, and relate them to your project's goals, as appropriate.

C. 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); b. Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI)--

(1) Regional/Local/Community-Based Program (EOI-R/L/C-B)

(a) General Component (EOI-GC);

(b) Clinical Law School Component (EOI-CLS);

(2) National-Based Program (EOI-NBP); National Media Campaign

Component (EOI-NMCC). c. Fair Housing Organization Initiative (FHOI)

Continued Development Component.

For all initiatives, all eligible applications will be reviewed and points awarded based upon:

(1) Narrative responses to the Factors for Award and the accompanying materials specified, 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, except for PBFC applications. 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 years from FY 2002 through FY 2006, as well as a score of 95 on the most current of these two performance reviews. These applicants will then be rated by the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) and ranked according to 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 applications still have the same score, the tie will be broken by the Rating Factor 1 score. If a tie still remains, then the tie will be broken by the Rating Factor 2 score. And if a tie remains, the application seeking a smaller amount of FHIP funding will be selected. 3. Achieving Geographic Diversity of Awards. a. PEI and EOI: HUD reserves the discretion to distribute awards to as many States as possible (geographic diversity criterion) for each

Initiative or Component. If the Selecting Official exercises this discretion, he or she will consider score (rank order) first, then geographic diversity--in the following manner: First, only qualified applicants will be considered--i.e., applicants achieving a score of 75 points or higher. Second, qualified applicants will be rank ordered by score with the highest scoring applicant at the top of the list. Third, when the highest ranking applicant is selected, the Selecting Official will look on the list for qualified applicants from the same State.

Those applicants will be moved to the end of the list. Then selection will continue with the next applicant at the top of the list. If funds remain after the Selecting Official goes through the list the first time, he or she will rank order the qualified applicants at the end of the list and repeat the selection process for rank order and geographic diversity. For the PEI-PBFC, the geographic diversity provision will be applied as follows: When there are two or more applications of sufficient quality from the same city, the application(s) with the lower score(s) may not be funded.

For the Clinical Law School Component, the National Media Campaign

Component, and the FHOI--Continued Development Component, 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 funding amounts remain to award the full amount requested in the 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. After all applications within funding range have been selected or obligations are completed in an Initiative if funds are still available, the Selecting Official or designee will have the discretion to reallocate those remaining funds in rank order among Initiatives as follows: a. PEI, any remaining funds from any component will be reallocated first within that Initiative, if after reallocating funds within the

Initiative and funds still remain, they shall be reallocated to EOI. b. EOI, any remaining funds from any component will be reallocated first within that Initiative; if after reallocating funds within the

Initiative left over funds remain, they shall be reallocated to PEI; c. FHOI, any remaining funds will be allocated to PEI.

D. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates. For planning purposes, anticipate an announcement date of

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September 23, 2008, and an award date of September 29, 2008.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices 1. Applicant Notification and Award Procedures. a. Notification. Information about the review and award process will not be available during the HUD evaluation period, which begins on the application deadline date for this NOFA and lasts for 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 only communicate with persons specifically identified in the SF-424 in the application. HUD will not provide information about the application to any third party such as contractors. 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 based upon the negotiations. 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 contractor, etc.). The Grant

Officer and Government Technical Representative will determine on a case-by-case basis if technical assistance or special conditions are required. 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 both the applicant's final scores and final evaluator comments for each rating factor. Applicants requesting a debriefing must send a written or e- mail request to Annette Corley, Grant Officer, U.S. Department of

Housing and Urban Development, FHIP/Support Division, 451 Seventh

Street, SW., Room 5224, Washington, DC 20410. HUD will not release the names of applicants or their scores to any third party.

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 FHEO Regional

Directors 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 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 contractor 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 contractor failing to comply with the requirements set forth in its grant or cooperative 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. The Department 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. Also, 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.

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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 from start of GTR/GTM

Pending Grants/Contracts/Other

recipient and any

grant period and at

Financial Agreements.

contractors.

end of Grant. 6. Prepare and Submit Draft of

Submit Draft of Report.

One month before end

GTR/GTM

Final Report, including HUD 96010. Submit 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 and 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.

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. eLogic 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 (by

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- 402-7095 or 202-402-7050, respectively (these are not toll-free numbers). 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

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 approval 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 are estimated to approximate 105 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.

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GRAPHIC

TIFF OMITTED TN12MY08.010

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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: FR-5200-N-18; 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 July 9, 2008.

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 Section IV of the General Section, published March 19, 2008 (73 FR 14882) regarding application submission procedures and timely filing requirements.

G. Available Funds: Approximately $47 million is 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, improve access to affordable housing and preserve homeownership.

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.

Additionally, counselors may provide counseling services to homeowners to prevent or resolve mortgage delinquency, default, and foreclosure, with the primary objective to preserve homeownership.

Counselors provide guidance and advice to help families and individuals meet the responsibilities of homeownership and modify or refinance their loans to avoid 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 Reverse Mortgage

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 four categories:

(1) Local Housing Counseling Agencies (LHCAs);

(2) National and Regional Intermediaries (Intermediaries);

(3) State Housing Finance Agencies (SHFAs); and

(4) Multi-State Organizations (MSOs).

Also, supplemental funding is available to LHCA's and

Intermediaries for Reverse Mortgage Counseling.

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). On September 28, 2007, a Final Rule was published in the

Federal Register at 72 FR 55638 and codified at 24 CFR part 214 establishing new regulations for the Department of Housing and Urban

Development's Housing Counseling Program.

The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) Program is authorized by section 255 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715z-20).

D. Definitions. 1. Affiliate. A nonprofit organization participating in the HUD- related housing counseling program of a regional or national intermediary, or state housing finance agency. An affiliate is incorporated separately from the regional or national intermediary or state housing finance agency. An affiliate is also: a. Duly organized and existing as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization; b. In good standing under the laws of the state of the organization; and c. Authorized to do business in the states where it proposes to provide housing counseling services. 2. Applicant. 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. An organizational and subordinate unit of a local housing counseling agency, multi-state organization, regional or national intermediary, or state housing finance agency not separately incorporated or organized, that participates in HUD's Housing

Counseling program. A branch or branch office must be in good standing under the laws of the state where it proposes to provide housing counseling services. A branch or branch office cannot be a sub-grantee or affiliate. 4. Delinquency/Default Counseling. Counseling provided to a current homeowner to prevent or resolve mortgage delinquency, mortgage default, or foreclosure. 5. Grantee. A HUD-approved housing counseling agency or SHFA that receives housing counseling funds from HUD through this NOFA. The term

``Grantee'' includes the agency's branch or branch offices identified in its application. 6. HUD HECM Network Counselor. A housing counselor that has passed the Reverse Mortgage Counseling exam administered by HUD and/or its agent, and is approved by HUD to provide Reverse Mortgage Counseling nationally by telephone. 7. Intermediary. A HUD-approved organization that provides housing counseling services indirectly through its branches or affiliates for whom it exercises control over the quality and type of housing counseling services rendered. The Housing Counseling program recognizes two types of intermediaries, which include: a. National intermediary. A national intermediary is an organization which operates in multiple regions of the United States, which provides:

(1) Housing counseling services through its branches or affiliates or both; and

(2) Administrative and supportive services to its network of affiliates or branches, including, but not limited to, pass-through funding, training, and technical assistance. b. Regional intermediary. A regional intermediary is an organization which operates in a generally recognized region within the

United States, such as the Southwest, Mid-Atlantic, New England, which provides:

(1) Housing counseling services through its branches or affiliates or both; and

(2) Administrative and supportive services to its network of affiliates, or branches, including, but not limited to, pass-through funding, training, and technical assistance. 8. Local Housing Counseling Agency (LHCA). A housing counseling agency that directly provides housing counseling services. An LHCA may have a main office, and one or more branch offices, in no more than two contiguous states.

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9. Multi-State Organization (MSO). A multi-state organization provides housing counseling services through a main office and branches in two or more states. 10. State Housing Finance Agency (SHFA). Any public body, agency, or instrumentality created by a specific act of a state legislature empowered to finance activities designed to provide housing and related facilities and services, through land acquisition, construction or rehabilitation, throughout an entire state. SHFAs may provide direct counseling services or sub-grant housing counseling funds to affiliated housing counseling agencies within the SHFA's state, or both. 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. 11. Sub-grantee. An affiliate of a HUD-approved intermediary or

SHFA that receives a sub-grant of housing counseling funds provided under a HUD housing counseling grant. All sub-grantees must be identified in the grantee's application. Under certain conditions, including approval by HUD, grantees may amend their sub-grantee list after awards are made. See General Section.

II. Award Information

A. Amount Allocated. Of the approximately $50 million appropriated for housing counseling in FY2008, approximately $47 million is available for eligible applicants under this NOFA. Approximately $43 million is available for comprehensive counseling. Approximately $4 million is available for Reverse Mortgage Counseling. Available funding may also include carryover and recaptured funds, in addition to the appropriations.

B. Specific Allocations. Housing counseling funding is distributed over four applicant categories, as shown below.

Total amount

Applicant categories

Who is eligible

available

Category 1--LHCAs................. HUD-approved Local

$15,840,000

Housing Counseling

Agencies.

Category 2--Intermediaries........ HUD-approved

26,000,000

National and

Regional

Intermediaries.

Category 3--SHFAs................. State Housing

2,580,000

Finance Agencies.

Category 4--MSOs.................. Multi-State

2,580,000

Organizations.

1. Category 1--Local Housing Counseling Agencies (LHCAs). For the grant period October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009, approximately

$15,840,000 is available from HUD to directly fund HUD-approved LHCAs, including approximately $14,840,000 for comprehensive counseling and approximately $1 million for reverse mortgage counseling. An 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. 2. Category 2--Intermediaries. For the grant period October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009, approximately $26 million is available from

HUD to directly fund HUD-approved Intermediaries, including approximately $23 million comprehensive counseling and approximately $3 million for reverse mortgage counseling. 3. Category 3--State Housing Finance Agencies (SHFAs). For the grant period October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009, approximately

$2,580,000 is available to fund SHFAs that provide housing counseling services directly or serve as intermediaries to Affiliates who offer housing counseling services. 4. Category 4--Multi-State Organizations (MSOs). For the grant period October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009, approximately

$2,580,000 is available to fund MSOs to provide housing counseling services directly through its branch offices throughout its HUD- approved multi-state service area.

C. Maximum Awards. Funds awarded shall be available for a period of 12 calendar months. 1. Category 1. No individual LHCA may be awarded more than $180,000 which may include supplemental funding for reverse mortgage counseling.

The maximum amount for the reverse mortgage counseling is $30,000. The maximum amount for comprehensive counseling is $150,000. HUD anticipates that the average total award for LHCAs will be approximately $42,000. 2. Category 2. Awards for individual HUD-approved intermediaries may not exceed $5.5 million, which includes any Reverse Mortgage supplemental funding. The limit for Comprehensive Counseling is $2.5 million and the limit for Reverse Mortgage counseling is $3 million.

HUD anticipates that the average total award for Intermediaries will be

$1.2 million. 3. Category 3. No individual SHFA may be awarded more than

$475,000. HUD anticipates that the average total award for SHFAs will be approximately $130,000. 4. Category 4. No individual MSO may be awarded more than $575,000.

HUD anticipates that the average total award for MSOs will be approximately $250,000.

D. 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. Eligible Applicants. Eligible applicants include: HUD-approved

Local Housing Counseling Agencies (LHCAs); HUD-approved national and regional intermediaries (Intermediaries); State Housing Finance

Agencies (SHFAs); and HUD-approved Multi-State Organizations (MSOs).

B. Cost Sharing or Matching. No specific matching funds are 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 its Housing

Counseling grant to cover all costs incurred by an applicant. The Final

Rule published in the Federal Register on September 28, 2007, at 72 FR 55638 and codified at 24 CFR part 214 expands the conditions under which agencies participating in HUD's Housing Counseling Program are permitted to charge fees to counseling recipients. While agencies are strongly encouraged to aggressively leverage funds from other private and public sources, fee income can be used to help satisfy this requirement.

C. Other 1. Eligible Activities for Comprehensive Counseling Awards under all Applicant Categories. Grantees and sub-grantees will only be reimbursed for the applicable activities outlined in this Section. a. Individual counseling or group education/classes regarding the following topics:

(1) Pre-Purchase/Homebuying. This includes: evaluating mortgagor

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readiness; search assistance; fair housing and fair lending, including whether or not the beneficiary belongs to a protected class, and 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; home inspection; 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; locating sources and methods to help pay for accessibility modifications; 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.

(2) 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, homeownership preservation and foreclosure prevention strategies, explaining the foreclosure process, providing referrals to other sources, and assisting clients with locating alternative housing, or pursuing loss mitigation strategies.

(3) Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase. 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; and visitability and universal design. Agencies that provide post-purchase education classes must also offer individual counseling to complement group sessions.

(4) 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.

(5) Shelter or Services for the Homeless. Includes referrals to social, community, and homeless services such as emergency shelter or transitional housing.

(6) Reverse Mortgage Counseling. This counseling and education 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. This includes providing the statutorily-required counseling to individuals/families that may be eligible for, or are interested in obtaining, an FHA-insured HECM. b. 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 and fair lending issues. (Note: Affirmative fair housing outreach should be directed at those populations least likely to seek counseling services, including those of racial, religious or national groups not normally served by the sponsoring agency. 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. It may also require providing outreach and services in alternative formats for persons with disabilities.) c. Training. Training to increase the capacity of housing counselors and program managers. d. Computer equipment/systems. Computer equipment/systems with the objective of improving the quality of counseling and education services available. e. Administrative Costs. For intermediaries and SHFAs, this includes administrative costs associated with managing a network of housing counseling agencies and providing technical assistance. 2. Threshold Requirements. Applications that do not meet all of the following Threshold Requirements are not eligible to receive an award from HUD. a. Applicants and sub-grantees must meet the Threshold Requirements in the General Section. b. Minimum grant request for Comprehensive Funds. LHCA applicants must request a minimum of $20,000. SHFAs and MSOs must request a minimum of $50,000 and Intermediaries must request a minimum of

$300,000. For applicants requesting only comprehensive counseling funding, HUD will consider the amount of the comprehensive counseling grant being requested to be the value entered into box 18a on form SF- 424. c. Minimum grant request for Reverse Mortgage Counseling

Supplemental Funds. Intermediaries must request a minimum of $500,000 for reverse mortgage counseling supplemental funding. LHCAs must request a minimum of $5,000 for reverse mortgage counseling supplemental funding. For intermediaries and LHCAs requesting reverse mortgage supplemental funding, box 18a of Form SF-424 should reflect the total of the comprehensive and the reverse mortgage supplemental request. For those LHCAs and Intermediaries requesting supplemental funding, the narrative response to Factor 3 must make clear the exact comprehensive and supplemental amounts being requested. d. Only HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agencies and SHFAs may apply. Applicants must be currently approved by HUD as an LHCA, a housing counseling intermediary or a multi-state organization, 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 and the Final Rule published in the Federal Register on

September 28, 2007, at 72 FR 55638 and codified at 24 CFR part 214. e. Client Management System. The applicant, and all affiliates and branches, if applicable, must utilize a client management system that interfaces, or is working to interface, with HUD's databases.

Information on client management systems and interfacing with HUD's database is found on HUD's Web site: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/ sfh/hcc/hccprof21.cfm. f. Applicants Requesting Supplemental Reverse Mortgage Counseling

Funding. Only LHCAs and Intermediaries are eligible to apply for reverse mortgage counseling supplemental funding. A separate application is not needed to apply for supplemental funding. However, applicants requesting supplemental

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Reverse Mortgage counseling funding must meet the following requirements:

(1) LHCAs must have at least one HUD HECM Network counselor;

Intermediaries must have at least 20 HUD HECM Network counselors within their network of affiliates or branches.

(2) Request the supplemental funding by identifying in box 18a of

Form SF-424 total of the comprehensive request and the Reverse Mortgage supplemental request, and making clear in the narrative response to

Factor 3 the exact comprehensive and reverse mortgage counseling supplemental amounts, if applicable, being requested;

(3) Identify reverse mortgage counseling related needs in the target community in its response to Rating Factor 2;

(4) Respond to all reverse mortgage counseling related requests for information throughout the NOFA;

(5) Respond to the Rating Factors describing activities related to the proposed counseling and the reverse mortgage counseling supplemental funding;

(6) Indicate in the Rating Factors how many individuals will be served specifically with the requested supplemental funding for Reverse

Mortgage 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.

(7) Identify reverse mortgage counseling related training and certifications received by counselors and program mangers; and

(8) Identify all HUD HECM Network counselors in the proposed application. 3. Other Program Requirements. a. To receive a grant or sub-grantee under this Housing Counseling

NOFA, all applicants and sub-grantees must be:

(1) In good standing under the laws of the state of their organization; and

(2) Authorized to do business in the states where they propose to provide housing counseling services.

(3) All grantees and sub-grantees must use counseling facilities and services that are accessible to persons with disabilities or provide other means of accommodation for persons with disabilities, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its implementing regulations at 24 CFR parts 8 & 9, and Title III of the

Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, counseling services must comply with effective communication requirements under these laws. All grantees and sub-grantees must help persons with disabilities locate suitable housing in locations throughout the applicant's community, target area, or metropolitan area, as defined by the applicant. b. Limits on Applications.

(1) HUD-approved LHCAs. HUD-approved LHCAs may either:

(a) apply directly to HUD for grant funding, including comprehensive and supplemental funding for Reverse Mortgage counseling, under Applicant Category 1; or

(b) be included in the respective application of, and receive one sub-grant from, an intermediary, MSO or SHFA under Applicant Category 2, 3, or 4.

(2) The only exceptions to this rule are:

(a) HUD-approved LHCAs with one or more HUD HECM Network Counselors that are awarded comprehensive funds, but do not receive Reverse

Mortgage supplemental funding, may receive a sub-grant or be reimbursed exclusively for Reverse Mortgage counseling activities from a HUD- approved intermediary administering the Reverse Mortgage supplemental funds made available through this NOFA or by another entity designated by HUD; and

(b) HUD-approved LHCAs that are awarded comprehensive funds may also be reimbursed for default counseling by an intermediary that receives a category 2 award that provides default counseling exclusively.

Funded LHCAs may not make sub-grants to other HUD-approved LHCAs or non-HUD-approved entities. 2. 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 Reverse

Mortgage counseling. 3. SHFAs. SHFAs may only apply for grants under Applicant Category 3 for comprehensive counseling funds. 4. MSOs. HUD-approved MSOs may either: a. Apply directly to HUD for a grant under Applicant Category 4 for comprehensive counseling funds, or; b. Be included in the respective application of, and receive one sub-grant from, intermediary or SHFA under Applicant Categories 2 or 3.

The only exceptions to this rule are:

(1) HUD-approved MSOs with one or more HUD HECM Network Counselors that are awarded comprehensive funds, may receive a sub-grant or be reimbursed exclusively for Reverse Mortgage counseling activities from a HUD-approved intermediary administering the Reverse Mortgage supplemental funds made available through this NOFA or by another entity designated by HUD; and

(2) HUD-approved MSOs that are awarded comprehensive funds under category 4 may also be reimbursed for default counseling by an intermediary that receives a category 2 award that provides default counseling exclusively. c. Sub-grantees of Intermediaries and SHFAs.

(1) Sub-grantees or branches of intermediaries, MSOs and SHFAs are not required to be HUD-approved, although HUD-approved LHCAs may apply to an intermediary or SHFA as a sub-grantee.

(2) Intermediaries, MSOs 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.

(3) Sub-grantees must also be in compliance with all civil rights threshold requirements. For a listing of civil rights threshold requirements, refer to the General Section. 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.

(4) To be eligible for funding under Categories 2, 3 or 4, proposed sub-grantees 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, MSO or SHFA under Category 2, 3 or 4 of this NOFA. Sub-grantees or branches may apply for and receive funding from only one intermediary, MSO or SHFA under Category 2, 3 or 4. The only exceptions to this rule are: (a) sub-grantees or branches that have one or more HUD HECM Network Counselors that receive a sub-grant or funding for comprehensive counseling from an intermediary, MSO or SHFA under Category 2, 3, or 4 may also receive a sub-grant, or be reimbursed exclusively for reverse mortgage counseling activities, from a HUD-approved intermediary administering the reverse mortgage supplemental funds made available through this NOFA or by another entity designated by HUD; and (b) sub-grantees and branches that receive a sub-grant or funding for comprehensive counseling from an intermediary, MSO or SHFA under Category 2, 3, or 4, may also be reimbursed for default counseling by an intermediary that receives a category 2 award that provides default counseling exclusively.

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(5) 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, MSOs and SHFAs have wide discretion to decide how to allocate their HUD Housing

Counseling funding among branches and sub-grantees, with the understanding that a written record must be kept documenting and justifying funding decisions. This record, which must meet the data requirements of the Transparency Act (see General Section), must be made available to sub-grantees, branches and to HUD, within 30 days of making the sub-award or allocation to branches. d. List of HUD-approved and Participating Housing Counseling

Agencies. Pursuant to section 106(c)(5)(D) 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, 3 and 4 of this NOFA may be placed on this list and must accept subsequent referrals, or when they do not provide the services sought, make a reasonable effort to refer the person to another organization in the area that can provide the services. e. Non-Discrimination Requirement.

(1) 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.

(2) 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 and not a condition of the HUD programs or services. f. 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 can be located at 2 CFR part 230. Applicants can review Indirect Cost

Training on http://www.hud.gov at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/ grants/training/training.cfm. g. Ensuring the Participation of Small Businesses, Small

Disadvantaged Businesses, and Woman-Owned Businesses. See the General

Section for information on this topic. h. 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. i. Conflicts of Interest. See the General Section and Section 214.303(f) of the Final Rule published in the Federal Register on

September 28, 2007, at 72 FR 55638 and codified at 24 CFR part 214. j. Accessible Technology. See the General Section. k. 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, MSOs 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 (``Faith Based EEO Survey (SF-424 SUPP)'' on Grants.gov)

(optional) c. HUD-424 CB, Grant Application Detailed Budget On the form HUD 424 CB, clearly specify the proposed HUD housing counseling grant amount and itemize proposed expenses and Reverse Mortgage supplemental funds. Note: This amount should be consistent with the figure shown in

Rating factors 3, 4 & 5, Form SF-424, Form HUD-424 CB and HUD-2880.

Also, if all budget line items could not be itemized using the Form

HUD-424 CB, submit a more detailed, comprehensive budget itemizing all proposed expenses under the grant. At a minimum, if applicable, the budget must include salaries, fringe and other benefits, training, travel, rent, phone, postage, supplies, technology/equipment, and indirect costs. Intermediaries, MSOs and SHFAs that reimburse branches and sub-agencies at a fixed cost per counseling/education activity, and type, or per office, are not exempt from this requirement.

Intermediaries, MSOs and SHFAs that pass through funds to sub- agencies must also itemize how administrative funds are spent. d. SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable). e. HUD-27300, Questionnaire for HUD's Initiative on Removal of

Regulatory Barriers (``HUD Communities Initiative'' on Grants.gov)

(optional regarding eligibility, but mandatory to receive credit in

Factor 2

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for the Regulatory Barriers policy priority). f. HUD-2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (``HUD

Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report'' on Grants.gov). g. HUD-2990, Certification of Consistency with the RC/EZ/EC-II

Strategic Plan (LHCAs only, if applicable) (Must be signed by the official authorized to certify the RC/EZ/EC-II). h. HUD-2991, Certification of Consistency with the Consolidated

Plan (optional). i. HUD-2994, You Are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey (optional). j. HUD-96010, Program Outcome Logic Model. k. HUD-96011, Third Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal

(``Facsimile Transmittal Form'' on Grants.gov) (to be used to transmit third party documents as part of your electronic application). Faxed information must be sent to the following fax number: (800) HUD-1010.

If you cannot access the toll-free 800 number, or experience problems, you may use (215) 825-8798 (this is not a toll-free number). l. HUD-9902, Housing Counseling Agency Fiscal Year Activity Report, for the Period October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007 (only required for Applicants who did not electronically submit to HUD a form

HUD-9902 for the period October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007, for example, applicants that received approval as a HUD housing counseling agency after September 30, 2007.) HUD will utilize the HUD-9902 data in

HUD's Housing Counseling System. However, HUD will consider a revised 9902 submitted with this application if it is accompanied by an acceptable explanation regarding why the data was revised. 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. 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. o. Narrative statements as required in this NOFA.

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. Applicants are advised to submit their applications at least 48 to 72 hours in advance of the deadline date and when the

Grants.gov help desk is open so that any issues can be addressed prior to the deadline date and time. Please note that validation may take up to 72 hours. 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. Funding is limited to the eligible activities described in Section III.C.1 of this NOFA.

F. Other Submission Requirements. Applications must be submitted via the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_ for_grants.jsp by no later than the established deadline date and time. See the General Section for further information. Applicants interested in applying for funding under this NOFA must submit their applications electronically or request a waiver from the electronic submission requirement. Applicants must submit their waiver requests in writing using e-mail. Waiver requests must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the application deadline date and should be submitted to Betsy.M.Cromwell@hud.gov. If granted a waiver the notification will provide instructions on where to submit the application and how many copies are required. Paper copy applications must be received by the deadline date. HUD will not accept a paper application without a waiver being granted. See the General Section for detailed submission and timely receipt instructions.

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. Form HUD-2990 must be signed by the organization head of the RC/EZ/EC-II not the representative of the jurisdiction in which the RC/EZ/EC-II exists. 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 Reverse Mortgage counseling funding.

In responses to the various factors and sub-factors, intermediaries, MSOs 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 must 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 (less than 35 hours per week) 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;

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(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) Proposed average hourly labor-rate for housing counselors and project managers, including benefits.

(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 experience of Housing Counseling Program project directors and housing counselors.

For intermediaries, MSOs and SHFAs, scoring will be based on:

The number of years of experience of housing counseling program management experience of project directors of proposed sub- grantees and branches;

The number of years of housing counseling experience of counselors in proposed sub-grantees and branches;

The number of years, for key intermediary, MSO or SHFA personnel, of experience administering 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;

For all applicants, 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. Indicate if the applicant, and proposed sub-grantees and branches, if applicable, meet the National Industry Standards for

Homeownership Education and Counseling (http:// www.homeownershipstandards.com/).

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) LHCAs may provide individual descriptions of staff limited to one page for all counselors and program managers included in the proposed work plan. These descriptions do not count toward narrative page limitations. Intermediaries, MSOs and SHFAs acting as intermediaries should summarize 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. The following must be included in each person's description:

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.

Individual current housing counseling duties and responsibilities, Multi-service applicants should differentiate between time spent on housing counseling versus time spent on other issues;

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, for example, real estate or housing finance.

Provide the number of years of experience for each position listed and indicate:

Where and when each position was held;

Whether the position was full-time or part-time;

In the case of part-time positions, the number of hours per week.

Applicants for Reverse Mortgage counseling supplemental funding must specify the Reverse Mortgage counseling experience of project directors, HUD HECM Network Counselors and the organization. Identify the 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) Also indicate in the chart for all housing counselors and project directors the specialized trainings received within the last two years relevant to the proposed housing counseling activities, including specific trainings regarding FHA programs. Include dates for when the training was received and who provided it. Do not include on- the-job training. Applicants that seek supplemental funds for Reverse

Mortgage counseling must indicate what relevant training counselors received to prepare them as Reverse Mortgage counselors. Any training that is not related to the proposed activities will not be considered.

(c) Indicate which housing counselors are certified housing or financial counselors. Describe what type of certification is held, who provided it, when certification was received, and if applicable, the date certification expires.

(d) Identify the Client Management System (CMS) utilized by the applicant, and each affiliate, and branch, if applicable, during the grant period October 1, 2006, to September 30, 2007, and describe any automated financial/credit tools or calculators and loan product/ feature comparison tools the CMS(s) makes available to counselors, and explain how these tools and the CMS in general improves the quality of counseling.

For the coming grant period, October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009, indicate which system will be used by the applicant, and each affiliate, and branch, if applicable, and how its use will be implemented, for example employee training.

(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, 2006, to September 30, 2007, and its ability to spend all grant funds allotted.

If the applicant did not receive an FY2006 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. (3 points) HUD will evaluate the applicant's performance with regard to the timeliness and completeness with which the applicant satisfied grant

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requirements, including grant document execution, grant reporting requirements including quarterly (if applicable), mid-term and final reports.

(b) Form HUD-9902. (2 points) HUD will deduct points if the applicant was required to submit a form HUD-9902 for the period October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007, but failed to do so in a timely manner.

(c) Expending Grant Funds. (2 points) If grant awards were not fully expended during the grant period October 1, 2006, to September 30, 2007, 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.

(d) Performance Reviews. (5 points) Significant findings on performance reviews conducted by HUD staff will be taken into consideration when scoring this section. Significant findings may be findings that suggest an applicant has operated its agency in a manner inconsistent with the Housing Counseling program. HUD will develop and apply a scoring scale based on the number of significant findings documented during a review(s), and incidence of repeat findings.

(e) Housing Counseling System (HCS). (2 points) HUD will evaluate applicant's timeliness and effectiveness in validating and updating agency information in HCS. Intermediaries, MSOs 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 output and outcome goals and actual results for the period October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007, and evaluate subsequent changes in approach resulting from any differences, if applicable. HUD's primary concern is outputs, specifically accomplishments relative to the projected total number of households to be served, both for one-on-one counseling and education. The outcome regarding the number of individuals avoiding foreclosure, if applicable, is also a priority for HUD. HUD will also evaluate 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 2006 housing counseling grant covering the period October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007, HUD will compare the HUD-grant specific projections made in the Program Outcome and Output Logic Model, Form HUD-96010 submitted with the FY2006

Housing Counseling NOFA, including any adjustments based on actual award amounts, to the corresponding actual HUD-grant specific results for that period reported by the applicant.

Applicants who did not receive a FY2006 Housing Counseling Grant and therefore did not finalize outcome and output projections, or who are recently approved, or who were a sub-grantee of an intermediary or

SHFA for the period of October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007, and are now applying for funding must indicate the detailed, quantifiable goals the organization set for itself for the period covering October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007, or for the 12 month period ending

December 31, 2007 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. The Logic Model

Instructions, which is tab 1 of Form HUD-96010, provides information regarding measurement reporting tools and the evaluation process.

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 (10 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 (4 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 that the applicant serves has documented need in its Consolidated Plan, Analysis of Impediments to

Fair Housing Choice (AI), or other planning documents, provides 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/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, including adequate source citation, 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 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 identifies how policy priority points will be awarded. To receive full credit for each category intermediaries, MSOs and SHFAs must demonstrate that at least half of the proposed sub-grantees or branches have met the specified criteria.

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.

Identify and describe outreach activities and partnerships with grassroots, faith-based

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and other community-based organizations.

(c) 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.

(d) Utilization and Promotion of FHA-Insured Mortgages, Products and Programs. Applicants must describe counselors' knowledge of FHA products and programs, how that knowledge was obtained, and its plans to present these loan products and programs as viable alternatives to clients. Applicants must describe any tools used to inform clients about FHA products and programs such as a loan comparison chart or tool on its CMS comparing insured loans with alternatives.

(e) Removal of Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing. Under this policy, higher rating points are available to (1) governmental applicants that are able to demonstrate successful efforts in removing regulatory barriers to 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 number of questions on form HUD- 27300 expressly request the applicant to provide brief documentation or contact information with its affirmative response. Applicants that do not provide this documentation will not receive the policy priority points. When addressing this policy priority, Intermediaries, MSOs and

SHFAs should submit a form HUD-27300 for a single jurisdiction in which the preponderance of services will be performed if an award is made. c. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach/Scope of Housing Counseling

Services (38 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 all the housing counseling services provided by the applicant from all funding sources during the period October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007.

Responses should contain ``Historical Performance'' as part of the heading for the response. Applicants must provide the following information:

(a) Average Hours. Provide the average amount of time spent, per household, for the following services types. Include only direct housing counseling and education service provision, not follow-up, preparation, etc., Intermediaries, SHFAs and MSOs must provide an average for the entire network of affiliates and branches, if applicable, included in their application. Do not provide a range of hours.

(i) Pre-purchase Counseling

(ii) Homebuyer Education

(iii) Delinquency/Default Counseling

(iv) Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Counseling

(v) Reverse Mortgage Counseling

(vi) Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Education

(vii) Rental Counseling

(viii) Homeless/Displacement Counseling

(ix) Fair Housing Education

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, the Form HUD-9902, ``All Counseling Activities'' column, through the Counseling System (HCS). Verify that the information from this is accurate. Scoring of the variety of housing counseling services is weighted to incentivize Reverse Mortgage and

Delinquency/Default.

October 1, 2006, through September 30, 2007, HUD will retrieve from

Section 6 of form HUD-9902, ``All Counseling Activities'' column, the number of clients that participated in Homebuyer Education Workshops or other types of classes as group sessions and will retrieve from Section 7a-e, the number of clients that participated in one-on-one counseling.

Applicants should explain figures provided in Form HUD-9902, ``All

Counseling Activities'' column, 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. Indicate the percentage of clients participating in both group sessions and one-on-one counseling. Scorers will evaluate the extent to which an agency encouraged and provided one-on-one counseling, HUD considers the most effective form of housing counseling, to complement homebuyer education workshops and other forms of group.

(d) Marketing and Outreach. Describe outreach and marketing efforts, with particular emphasis on diverse emerging markets, for example, to first time. Indicate the amount from all sources of funding, spent on marketing and outreach.

(2) Historical Performance--Impact/Outcomes (8 points)

To score this Section, HUD will evaluate the applicant's performance for the period October 1, 2006, to September 30, 2007 as reported on the HUD 9902, ``All Counseling Activities'' column. The quantity of clients the applicant served will be compared to similar applicants providing similar services. Clients served will also be analyzed in the context of the applicant's total housing budget for the same period, FY2006. HUD will also consider the extent to which the services provided were time and resource intensive. Additionally, for

MSOs and SHFAs, HUD will evaluate the geographic coverage and scope of the applicant's activities for the period October 1, 2006, through

September 30, 2007, 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, ``All Counseling Activities'' column, for the period

October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007, 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, 2006 through 30, 2007, must complete one as part of this application. In addition, the applicant must provide the following information.

(i) Total housing counseling budget for the period October 1, 2006-

September 30, 2007, 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 factors, such as, location, type of counseling, client type, and expenses, may have affected client volume. Justify expenses and explain

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why they were reasonable, strategic, and appropriate.

(b) Training Expenditures: Indicate the amount spent, from all sources of funding, on formal staff training during the grant period

October 1, 2006, to September 30, 2007. Do not include on-the-job training.

MSOs and SHFAs that received one or more FY2006 HUD housing counseling grants, the grant period October 1, 2006, to September 30, 2007, must also indicate what percentage of their grant(s) was passed through directly to sub-grantees or branches for the provision of housing counseling services and explain how funds not passed through were spent.

LHCAs applying under Applicant Category 1 that received one or more

FY2006 HUD housing counseling grants for the grant period October 1, 2006, to September 30, 2007, 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 FY2006 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.

(d) Geographic Coverage: Intermediaries, MSOs 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, 2006, through September 30, 2007, through:

(i) FY2006 HUD housing counseling grant funds, if applicable

(ii) All housing counseling resources

(iii) SHFAs must describe methods and results of efforts to integrate existing agencies/systems in the state. SHFAs must also describe the process used to identify and rectify service delivery deficiencies within the state.

(3) Projected Performance/Work Plan--Quality and Complexity of

Services (8 points)

This section involves information on the housing counseling services and other activities to be conducted during the period October 1, 2008, through September 30, 2009. 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 should be consistency between Rating 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) Counseling and Education Services. Describe the various types of housing counseling and education services, and if applicable, intermediary activities, applicant proposes to undertake. The proposed work plan must be consistent with the most current work plan on file with the appropriate HUD, i.e., an applicant cannot propose to provide services which are not currently approved by HUD. 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 Reverse Mortgage and

Delinquency/Default counseling.

(b) Average Hours. For each of the service types listed in part

(a), indicate the average hours of direct housing counseling and education service provision, by the applicant, and affiliates and branches if applicable, per client, for the period October 1, 2008, through September 30, 2009. Do not provide a range of hours. If the projected average times are the same as those listed for the period covering October 1, 2006--September 30, 2007, the applicant may simply state so in lieu of listing them again here.

(c) Sufficient Staff. LHCAs must indicate the names and titles of employees 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 Factor 1 will be involved, and any new staff, subcontractors or consultants that will be hired for the October 1, 2008--September 30, 2009 grant period.

(d) Training. Indicate proposed amount to be spent, from all funding sources, on formal staff training during the grant period

October 1, 2008, to September 30, 2009. Indicate amount spent with HUD

Housing Counseling grant funding, if applicable, and amount spent from other sources of funding. HUD will reward agencies that utilize other sources of funding, besides HUD housing counseling grant funding for training. Do not include on-the-job training. Intermediaries, MSOs and

SHFAs should describe in detail their plans to train proposed sub- grantees and branches if applicable, provide technical assistance, and evaluate compliance with program requirements, for example through site visits.

(e) Persons with Disabilities/LEP. Describe plans to effectively serve and/or communicate with persons with limited English proficiency

(LEP), pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Applicants may refer to the Department's January 22, 2007 Final Guidance to

Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition

Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English

Proficient Persons (72 FR 2732). Applicants that identified multi- lingual counselors in Factor 1, must demonstrate the applicability of their capacity to provide services in multiple languages to the language needs of the community they serve.

Also describe plans to effectively serve and/or communicate with persons with disabilities, in accordance with Section 504 of the

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its implementing regulations at 24 CFR parts 8 & 9, and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

(f) Sub-grantees/Branches. Intermediaries, MSOs 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 distribute funds. If applicable, indicate how sub-grantee funding levels adjusted on an on-going basis based on performance.

(4) Projected Performance/Work Plan--Impact (8 points)

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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, 2008, to September 30, 2009. Scoring will be based on the cost per client, compared to historical averages 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) Cost Per Client. 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, whether the impact will be short-term or long- term. Justify proposed expenses and explain why they are reasonable, strategic, and appropriate for counseling activities identified above.

(b) Projected Performance--Group Education and One-On-One

Counseling. 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. Applicants must complete each of these output projections. 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.

(c) Marketing and Outreach. Describe marketing and outreach strategies planned, including strategies to reach out to diverse emerging markets and households at risk of default and foreclosure.

These strategies should be designed to reach clients in need of the counseling services described in the work plan. Provide the amount of the proposed HUD grant budgeted, and the amount of total budget, all sources of funding, earmarked for marketing and outreach for the period covering October 1, 2008-September 30, 2009.

(5) Projected Performance/Work Plan--Coordination (4 points). HUD will the extent to which, as compared to similar applicants, the applicant can demonstrate it will coordinate proposed activities with other organizations, 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 they choose and the house that they purchase.

(a) Partnerships. Identify and 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. No points will be given for simply a list of other organizations. Applicants should also internal products and functions, if applicable, 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.

SHFAs should describe plans to integrate existing counseling agencies/systems within their states. Applicants requesting Reverse

Mortgage supplemental funding should highlight the partnerships or internal products that are relevant to Reverse Mortgage activities.

(b) Conflict of Interest. 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 submit 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 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 also be reviewed by HUD staff as a part of the biennial reviews and on-site monitoring visits.

(6) Projected Performance/Work Plan--Coverage/Efficient Use of

Resources (2 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, MSOs and SHFAs must indicate what percentage of their proposed award will be passed through directly to sub-grantees and branches, and explain how funds 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, MSOs and SHFAs must identify the sub-grantees and branches, and corresponding states, the applicant proposes will receive funding through this grant award. SHFAs should describe plans to identify and rectify service delivery deficiencies within their states. Applicants unable to precisely identify proposed sub-grantees and branches to receive funding through the proposed grant must identify the most likely sub- 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 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 nonfederal resources for their housing counseling activities, for the period October 1, 2008-September 30, 2009, including: direct financial assistance; in-kind contributions, such as services, equipment, office space, labor; etc. Resources may be provided by nonfederal 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) All applicants must provide a comprehensive list of all leveraged funds and in-kind contributions being claimed. Include the total amount and the source of funds. Applicants are required to list the names of the

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organizations providing the nonfederal funds, the sources of those funds, and amounts of the funds to be devoted to the proposed program.

Applicants that fail to provide this information shall not receive any points for this factor. Intermediaries and SHFAs must itemize the list of leveraged resources by each proposed sub- and/or funded branch office. All leveraged resources claimed by an applicant, including cash and third party in-kind, must meet all of the criteria set forth in 24

CFR 84.23 and must be accounted for in the budget form 424CB. Responses should be consistent with the leveraged funds amount shown on the SF

Form 424, HUD Form 424 CB and the documentation for this rating factor.

(2) Additionally, for Category 1--Local Housing Counseling Agencies

(LHCAs), in order to obtain points under this factor, the applicant must demonstrate leveraging by providing letters and, if applicable, copies of relevant grant agreements, from entities or individuals, or both, committing resources to the project, that include:

(a) The identity of the entity or individual committing resources to the project.

(b) Dollar value of the resources to be committed. For in-kind resources with no clear total dollar value indicated, Applicants should estimate their value and describe in detail how the estimate was determined. Values for recipient contributions of services and property shall be established in accordance with the applicable cost principles.

(d) An indication that the resources will be available during the grant period pertaining to this NOFA, October 1, 2008-September 30, 2009.

(e) An indication that the award, or a specific portion of it, is intended for housing counseling.

(f) The signature of an official of the entity legally able to make commitments on behalf of the entity.

(g) No conditions that would nullify the commitment. (It is, however, acceptable for the commitment to be conditional on HUD funding.)

(h) If a LHCA has a history of funding over the past two years from a particular source and cannot get a commitment letter for the coming grant year, the applicant can provide a verification of the receipt of the grant in the past and make a statement that they have applied for and expect to receive the grant during the period October 1, 2008-

September 30, 2009.

(3) 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 as down payment and closing cost assistance, IDA programs, and emergency services.

(4) The Final Rule published in the Federal Register on September 28, 2007, at 72 FR 55638 and codified at 24 CFR part 214 expands the conditions under which agency's participating in HUD's Housing

Counseling Program are permitted to charge fees to counseling recipients. While agencies are strongly encouraged to aggressively leverage funds from other private and public sources, fee income can be counted as leveraged resources. Fee income would be identified as program income on required budget forms.

(5) Intermediaries, MSOs and SHFAs should include information on leveraged resources for only anticipated sub-grantees and branches that will be funded by this application.

(6) Points for this factor will be awarded based on the amount of leveraging that meets the criteria in this section 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 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 $150,000 with leveraged funds equaling that grant will only receive 7 points. If that same LHCA requests only

$100,000 with the same leveraged funds of $150,000, the score will be 9. Depending on organization type, the following scales will be used to determine scores for this factor.

LHCAs, MSOs 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 1-20%--10 points 21-26%--9 points 27-32%--8 points 33-41%--7 points 42-47%--6 points 48-53%--5 points 54-59%--4 points 60-65%--3 points 66-71%--2 point 72-99% --1 point e. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (12 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.

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. The outputs and outcomes projected in the logic model must be consistent with the projected number of clients proposed in Rating Factor 3. In addition, the narrative submitted with this factor should be consistent with the completed logic model.

Applicants should clearly distinguish between one-on-one counseling and education participants.

The Logic Model submission is valued at up to 10 points. The point structure for review of the Logic Model is contained in the General

Section. The evaluation plan and methods for reviewing and improving program effectiveness is valued at 2 points.

(1) Program Outcome Logic Model (10 points). Applicants must 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 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.

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Applicants should make sure their entries reflect all proposed counseling and education activity under the grant.

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.

Applicants should use the same methodology to complete the logic model as they do form HUD-9902. For example, the logic model is not designed to record the exact number of clients projected or served, but rather the number of unique counseling or education services provided.

So an individual or household that receives multiple, distinct types of counseling or education in a reporting period is recorded on the logic model multiple times. For example, if an individual comes in for one type of counseling (e.g. pre-purchase), they are recorded. If, later in the reporting period, the same individual comes in for another type of counseling, for example default counseling, record this new activity.

By contrast, if multiple topics are covered in one counseling session, it is only recorded as one activity. Moreover, the form is designed to capture participation in each complete course on a unique education topic. For example: whether or not the course is completed in one 8 hr session, or four 2-hour classes, it is counted as one course.

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.

Applicants must complete and submit Form HUD-96010 reflecting projected outputs and outcomes under the proposed HUD Housing

Counseling grant.

The Form HUD 96010 must identify the following:

(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 Reverse Mortgage 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 Reverse Mortgage 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) 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. Intermediaries, MSOs and SHFAs should indicate if and how the performance of sub-grantees and branch offices affects current and future-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. 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 18a on form SF-424. The minimum comprehensive award is $20,000 for LHCAs;

$50,000 for SHFAs; $300,000 for intermediaries; and $50,000 for MSOs. b. Supplemental Funding. The same methodology described above in section a will be used to distribute the available Reverse Mortgage counseling 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.

For intermediaries and LHCAs requesting reverse mortgage counseling supplemental funding, box 18a of Form SF-424 should reflect the total of the comprehensive request and the Reverse Mortgage counseling supplemental request. The narrative response to Factor 3 must make clear the exact comprehensive and supplemental amounts being requested.

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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 reverse mortgage counseling 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 reverse mortgage counseling 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, reverse mortgage counseling supplemental funding.

The base award for the reverse mortgage counseling supplemental funding will be $40,000 for intermediaries. The base award for LHCAs will be $5000.

Only applicants scoring 75 points or above are eligible for either supplemental funding. HUD may award one or more reverse mortgage counseling supplemental grants to intermediaries or LHCAs. Reverse mortgage counseling supplemental grant funds are awarded based upon scores beginning with the highest until the funds are expended.

Applications that receive 75 points or more will not necessarily receive supplemental 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

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 timeframe 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.

C. Reporting. 1. Fiscal Year Activity Report. Grantees are required to submit

Form HUD-9902, Housing Counseling Activity Report, quarterly 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, and a corresponding budget, 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, MSOs 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 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, Director, Program

of Columbia, Maine, Maryland,

Support Division, Wannamaker Building, Massachusetts, Michigan, New 100 Penn Square East, 12th Fl,

Hampshire, New Jersey, New

Philadelphia, PA 19107-3389. For

York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, programmatic information contact:

Rhode Island, Vermont,

Robert Wright Robert_Wright@hud.gov,

Virginia, West Virginia.

(215) 861-7268.

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ATLANTA HOMEOWNERSHIP CENTER, Ms. Gayle Alabama, Puerto Rico, Florida,

Knowlson, Director, Program Support

Georgia, Illinois, Indiana,

Division, 40 Marietta Street, 9th

Kentucky, Mississippi, North

Floor, Atlanta, GA 30303-2806. For

Carolina, South Carolina, programmatic information contact:

Tennessee.

Cheryl Appline

Cheryl.w.appline@hud.gov, (404) 331- 5001, x2696.

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: Vic Karels, (303) Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, 675-1640 Victor_E._Karels@hud.gov.

Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

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, rhondaj.rivera@hud.gov (714) 796-1200 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 2008 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. 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.

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Housing Counseling Training

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban

Development, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal

Housing Commissioner.

B. Funding Opportunity Title: Housing Counseling Training.

C. Announcement Type: Initial Announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Number: FR-5200-N-02

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: Housing

Counseling Training Program 14.316.

F. Dates: The application deadline date is July 9, 2008.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Program Purpose. Funds are available to provide, under cooperative agreements with HUD, training activities designed to improve and standardize the quality of counseling provided by housing counselors employed by ``participating agencies.'' Participating agencies are all housing counseling and intermediary organizations participating in HUD's Housing Counseling Program, including HUD- approved agencies, and affiliates and branches of HUD-approved intermediaries, HUD-approved Multi-state organizations, and state housing finance agencies.

B. Authority. HUD's Housing Counseling Program, and the training of this NOFA are authorized by Section 106 of the Housing and Urban

Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701x), and the Housing Counseling program regulations at 24 CFR part 214. Additional guidance not incorporated in 24 CFR part 214 is provided in HUD Handbook 7610.1,

REV-4, CHG-2, dated October 27, 2004.

II. Award Information

A. Available Funds. This NOFA announces the availability of approximately $3 million.

B. Anticipated Award. HUD's goal is to fund an organization to deliver the full spectrum of activities eligible for funding under this

NOFA. Should this not be possible, HUD reserves the right to make multiple awards under this NOFA.

C. Award Instrument. HUD expects to use a cooperative agreement, but reserves the right to use the award instrument it determines to be most appropriate. All awards will be made on a cost reimbursement basis in accordance with, and subject to, the requirements in OMB Circular A- 87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments; or

OMB Circular A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations, as applicable to your organization. These awards are also subject to the administrative requirements established in OMB Circular A-102, implemented at 24 CFR part 85 (Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local, and Federally Recognized

Indian Tribal Governments); OMB Circular A-110, implemented at 24 CFR part 84 (Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education,

Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations); and OMB Circular A-133

(Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations), implemented at 24 CFR parts 84 and 85. If an applicant receives an award, it must comply with and must ensure that sub-recipients also comply with the above requirements. OMB circulars can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html.

Awards made as cooperative agreements will entail significant HUD involvement including but not limited to the following items:

Review and approval of proposed courses, including course materials;

Review and approval of evaluation instruments and methodology for determining value of courses and impacts;

Review and Approval of training locations. HUD reserves the right to review and approve training locations as well as the type of training and courses offered;

Targeting based on special needs. 1. Award Adjustments. HUD reserves the right to adjust funding levels for each applicant. Once applicants are selected for award, HUD will determine the total amount to be awarded to any grantee, based upon the scope and geographic coverage of services to be provided and funds available. 2. Award Period. Cooperative agreements will be for a period of up to twelve (12) months.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants 1. Eligible Applicants. Applicants must be public or private nonprofit organizations and must have ``tax exempt'' status under section 501(a) pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue

Code (26 U.S.C. 501(a) and (c)(3). Applicants must have at least two years of experience providing the majority of types of housing counseling training services nationwide that are both listed under

Section III.C.2 of this NOFA and proposed in their application. The only exception to this requirement is public or nonprofit organizations with at least 2 years experience providing Reverse Mortgage counseling training nationwide.

A consortium of organizations may apply for funding under this

NOFA, but one organization must be designated as the primary applicant.

Members of the consortium must be public or private nonprofit organizations and must have ``tax exempt'' status under section 501(a) pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(a) and (c)(3). Furthermore, applicants may utilize in-house staff, sub-grant recipients or consultants, and networks of local organizations with requisite experience and capacity.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching. Cost sharing or matching is not required.

C. Other 1. Geographic Coverage. Applicants must propose to provide the housing counseling trainings Nationwide. 2. Eligible Activities. Applicants must propose to develop and implement a comprehensive and ongoing training program for housing counselors working for agencies participating in HUD's Housing

Counseling Program. The training program must contain both basic and advanced courses. The majority of the training services should be conducted as place-based activities. Some training services may be provided through satellite broadcast, or through computer training software.

An applicant must be capable of providing training on all the training topics listed below. The only exception to this requirement is an applicant proposing to provide Reverse Mortgage Counseling training exclusively. a. General Housing Counseling. Teach counselors the principles and applications of housing counseling from the industry's and the counselor's point of view. Review the skills and tools needed to be an effective housing counselor. Provide overviews of the industry from a national perspective, as well as information about pre- and post- purchase counseling for homeowners, delinquency, and default counseling. b. Credit Counseling for Prospective Homeowners. Train counselors in conducting results-oriented individual

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counseling sessions for prospective homebuyers, including triaging customers, developing corrective action plans and timelines for success, and facilitating progress as customers overcome obstacles and move toward mortgage-readiness. Train counselors regarding state-of- the-art software designed specifically for credit rebuilding, debt reduction, automated budgeting, and downpayment savings accumulation.

Use sample customer cases to identify obstacles and simulate counseling sessions. c. Matching Clients with Loan Products. Train counselors in industry practices, analysis of financials, risk elements, and general concepts affecting conventional and government-insured mortgage loan decisions. Provide counselors with effective procedures and techniques that will translate into appropriate loans and satisfied housing counseling clients. Review case studies to illustrate the functional areas of the underwriting process, from the application to the loan sale. d. Homebuyer Education Programs. Teach counselors how to deliver a comprehensive homebuyer education program to turn prospective homebuyers into satisfied homeowners. Teach counselors to use the best materials and methods to train homebuyers how to shop for a home, get a mortgage loan, improve their budget and credit profiles, and maintain their home and finances after purchase. e. Section 8 Homeownership. Train counselors in how to effectively approach and partner with Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in the implementation of a Section 8 Homeownership Program. Review the unique characteristics of the program and the voucher holders as they relate to the counseling component. Share effective and proven implementation strategies. f. Helping Homeowners Avoid Delinquency and Predatory Lending.

Teach counselors to conduct educational seminars and advise clients regarding how to avoid predatory lenders and common lending pitfalls.

Give counselors the knowledge and tools to help unwary 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 foreclosure. Train counselors to help clients manage debt, avoid predatory lenders, and avoid mortgage default. Teach counselors how to read the warning signs of debt problems and how to recognize predatory lenders, as well as identify available resources to help keep homeowners out of financial trouble.

Review state and federal regulations, including the Real Estate

Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.) (RESPA) and the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.). g. Foreclosure Prevention. Train counselors on the protocol for counseling homeowners in financial distress. Address all aspects of default and delinquency, including reasons for default, ways to maximize income and reduce expenses, calculating delinquencies, understanding the players in the mortgage marketplace, loss-mitigation options for FHA-insured and other loans, information about foreclosure laws and timelines, tips on effectively intervening with lenders and servicers, managing multiple mortgages or liens, and the pros and cons of refinancing. h. Reverse Mortgages. Train counselors about reverse mortgages for elderly homeowners. Teach them to understand products and programs, analyze plans and compare their costs and benefits, and identify alternatives. Also, review relevant counseling skills and ethics. i. Home Maintenance and Financial Management for New Homeowners.

Train counselors in how to advise individuals and conduct workshops aimed at ensuring the long-term success of new homebuyers, including home maintenance and repair, financial management, insurance, and record keeping. j. Counseling Individuals and Families that are Homeless or at Risk of Becoming Homeless. Train counselors about the various social services available to which they should be referring homeless and potentially homeless families and individuals. Provide information on federal, state, and local homeless programs and how clients can access these programs. Share strategies on how to partner with local public service providers to ensure that clients receive attention and assistance quickly and efficiently. Review the unique characteristics of the homeless population to help counselors understand the types of financial, physical, and social problems facing the families and individuals who seek their assistance. k. Disaster Victims Counseling. Train counselors about the unique circumstances faced by disaster victims including: counseling homeowners in financial distress, mortgage related counseling, default and delinquency, loss-mitigation options for FHA-insured and other loans, information about foreclosure laws and timelines, alternative housing, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) services and emergency housing (HUD homes). l. HUD's Housing Counseling Program Requirements. Train counselors about the basic requirements of HUD's Housing Counseling Program, including the delivery of homeownership counseling and education for local, national, regional and state housing counseling agencies, how to fill out form HUD-9902, Housing Counseling System (HCS), biennial reviews, and record keeping. m. Rental Housing. Securing and maintaining residence in rental housing, tenant/landlord responsibilities, and state and local laws, budgeting. n. Federal Housing Administration. Train housing counselors about

FHA-insured financing, including minimum requirements of FHA loans, loan limits, advantages of financing through FHA, HUD foreclosed properties, FHA appraisal requirements, 203k, 203b, 203h, and Home

Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). 2. Threshold Requirements. Applicants and proposed grantees must meet the following Threshold Requirements: a. Compliance with Fair Housing and Civil Rights Laws. See the

General Section. b. Debarment and Suspension. See General Section. c. Delinquent Federal Debt. See General Section. d. False Statements. See General Section. e. Additional requirements: Agencies selected as grantees or sub- grantees must also comply with the following requirements:

(1) Salary Limitation for Consultants. See General Section.

(2) Accessibility. All grant recipients and subrecipients must use training facilities and services that are accessible to persons with disabilities or provide other means of accommodation for persons with disabilities, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

(42 U.S.C 3601) and its implementing regulations at 24 CFR parts 8 & 9, and Title lll of the Americans with Disabilities Act.) See the

Accessible Technology Requirements in the General Section.

(3) Reports. All grant recipients will be required to report to HUD on a quarterly basis, unless otherwise specified in the cooperative agreement.

(4) Code of Conduct. Applicants that are subject to 24 CFR parts 84 and 85 (including most nonprofit organizations and state, local, and tribal governments or government agencies or instrumentalities that receive federal awards of financial assistance) are

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required to develop and maintain a written code of conduct (See 24 CFR 84.42 and 85.36(b)(3)). The code of conduct must prohibit real and apparent conflicts of interest that may arise among employees, officers, or agents; prohibit the solicitation and acceptance of gifts or gratuities by an organization's officers, employees and agents for their personal benefit in excess of minimal value; and outline administrative and disciplinary actions available to remedy violations of such standards. Self-recusal will not eliminate a potential or apparent conflict of interest. Prior to entering into an agreement with

HUD, the applicant will be required to submit a copy of its code of conduct and describe the methods it will use to ensure that all officers, employees, and agents of the organization are aware of the code of conduct.

(5) Financial Management Systems. Applicants selected for funding must provide documentation demonstrating that the applicant's financial management systems satisfy the requirements in the applicable regulations at 24 CFR 84.21(b) and 85.20. Consistent with the requirements of the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-07), if the applicant expended $500,000 or more in federal awards in its most recent fiscal year, such documentation must include a certification from or most recent audit by the applicant's independent public accountant that the applicant maintains internal controls over federal awards, complies with applicable laws, regulations, and contract or grant provisions, and prepares appropriate financial statements. The applicant will have at least 30 calendar days to respond to this requirement. If an applicant does not respond within the prescribed time or responds with insufficient documentation, then

HUD may determine that the applicant has not met this requirement and may withdraw the grant offer.

If an applicant selected for funding expended less than $500,000 in federal funds in the last fiscal year and therefore does not fall under the requirements of the Single Audit Act, HUD will conduct a review of the applicant's financial management system to ensure that the accounting system meets federal requirements. HUD reserves the right not to fund an applicant that has an accounting system that does not meet federal requirements or require an applicant to attain the services of an organization acceptable to HUD that can manage the financial records of the applicant.

(6) Indirect Cost Rate. Applicants must also submit documentation establishing the organization's indirect cost rate. Such documentation may consist of a certification from the most recent audit or indirect cost rate agreement by the cognizant federal agency or an independent public accountant. If the organization does not have an established indirect cost rate, the organization 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 an 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. If an applicant does not have an established indirect cost rate, and there is no other cognizant federal agency, or HUD is the cognizant federal agency, HUD will set the rate based upon the submission of an acceptable indirect cost rate proposal.

If a proposal is not submitted within three months of award, HUD may suspend work or terminate for noncompliance with requirements. OMB

Circular A-122 sets forth the requirements to determine allowable direct and indirect costs and the preparation of indirect cost proposals. The circular can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb.

(7) Name Check Review. See the General Section.

(8) Participation in HUD-Sponsored Program Evaluation. See the

General Section.

(9) Ensuring the Participation of Small Businesses, Small

Disadvantaged Businesses, and Women-Owned Businesses. See the General

Section.

(10) Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Persons With

Limited English Proficiency (LEP). See the General Section.

(11) Executive Order 13279, Equal Protection of the Laws for Faith-

Based and Community Organizations. HUD is committed to full implementation of Executive Order 13279 in the operation of its programs. See the General Section.

(12) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.), the Age Discrimination Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.), and

Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.).

(13) Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing. See the General

Section.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Addresses to Request Application Package

All applications submitted in response to this NOFA must be submitted electronically. The information required to submit an application is contained in the General Section. Applications can be downloaded from the following Web site: http://www.grants.gov/ applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. 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.

If you do not have Internet access and need to obtain a hard copy of this NOFA or the General Section, you can contact HUD's NOFA

Information Center toll-free at (800) HUD-8929. Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access any of these numbers via TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission 1. Application Checklist. Use the checklist below to organize the application. Unless indicated below, all applicants must submit the following: a. Forms. The standard forms, certifications, and assurances are listed below. (The forms referred to as the ``standard forms''). All of the standard forms required for this NOFA are available on the

Grants.gov Web site. (Please note that forms may vary slightly in appearance on the Grants.gov Web site.)

(1) SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.

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

Applicants (optional) (``Faith Based EEO Survey (SF-424 SUPP)'' on

Grants.gov).

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

(4) HUD-96010, Program Outcome Logic Model.

(5) HUD-2880, Applicant Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (``HUD

Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report'' on Grants.gov).

(6) SF-424 CB, Grant Application Detailed Budget (``HUD Detailed

Budget Form'' on Grants.gov).

(7) HUD-2994, You Are Our Client! Grant Applicant Survey

(optional).

(8) HUD-96011, Third Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal.

(For use with electronic applications as the cover page to provide third party documentation.) (``Facsimile Transmittal Form'' on

Grants.gov). b. Nonprofit Status. Each applicant is required to submit, for itself and for any organization with which it is partnering for the purpose of this NOFA, a legible copy of the document that supports the applicant's claim to be a tax exempt

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nonprofit organization (for example, a 501(c)(3) determination letter issued by the IRS). The documentation must contain the official name, address, and telephone number of the legal authority that granted the tax exemption. These documents must be scanned, attached to the attachment form, which is part of the Grants.gov package, and submitted electronically to Grants.gov, or faxed using the fax cover sheet in the

Grants.gov application package. Please read the General Section for information about submitting documents as attachments or using the facsimile solution, and acceptable file formats. c. Narrative Statements. Provide narrative statements addressing the Rating Factors in section V below. Responses to the rating factors should provide HUD with detailed quantitative and qualitative information and relevant examples regarding the housing counseling training and other work of the organization that is related to the proposed activities. These narrative statements will be the basis for evaluating the application. Applicants should clearly label each narrative with the Factor Title and number related to the response.

When creating file names, please follow the directions in the General

Section. d. Prohibition Against Lobbying Activities. See the General

Section.

C. Submission Dates and Time. Your completed application must be received and validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date. Please note that validation may take up to 72 hours. Applicants should carefully read the section titled ``Application and Submission Information'' in the

General Section.

D. Intergovernmental Review

This NOFA is excluded from the requirement of an Intergovernmental

Review.

E. Funding Restrictions: Not Applicable.

F. Other Submission Requirements

Electronic delivery via Grants.gov is HUD's required method for application submission. Applicants interested in applying for funding under this NOFA must submit their applications electronically or request a waiver from the electronic submission requirement. Applicants must submit their waiver requests in writing using e-mail. Waiver requests must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the application deadline date and should be submitted to

Miriam.Torres@hud.gov. If granted a waiver the notification will provide instructions on where to submit the application and how many copies are required. Paper copy applications must be received by the deadline date. HUD will not accept a paper application without a waiver being granted. See the General Section for detailed submission and timely receipt instructions.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

Applications will be evaluated competitively according to the

Factors for Award described below, and ranked against all other applicants. All applications will be scored and ranked in HUD

Headquarters. 1. Factors For Award Used to Rate and Rank Applications a. The factors for award, and maximum points for each factor, are outlined below. These factors will be used to evaluate applications.

The maximum score is 100 for all applicants. b. HUD may rely on other information, such as performance reports, financial status information, monitoring reports, audit reports and other information available to HUD in making score determinations under any Rating Factor. 2. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant

Organizational Staff (32 Points)

HUD uses responses to this rating factor to evaluate the readiness and ability of an applicant to begin the proposed work program immediately, as well as the potential for an applicant to cost- effectively and successfully implement the proposed activities indicated under Rating Factor 3. a. Relevant Staff (10). In rating this section, HUD will consider the degree to which the applicant and, if applicable, partnering organizations, have sufficient personnel with the relevant knowledge and experience to implement the proposed activities in a timely and effective fashion. Specifically, scoring will be based on the number of years of relevant and recent housing counseling training, housing counseling material production, and other related experience of program managers and staff.

Submit the names and titles of employees, including subcontractors and consultants, who would perform the activities proposed in Rating

Factor 3. Clerical staff should not be listed. Describe each employee's, subcontractor's, or consultant's relevant professional background and experience. 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 when each position was held. Indicate trainers capable of providing training to counselors with limited English proficiency, and the languages or the format in which they are capable of providing training. Individual descriptions should be limited to one page. List recent and relevant training received. Please do not include the Social Security Numbers

(SSN) of any staff members. b. Experience (17). Applicants should carefully document recent experience, and the experience of organizations with which it is partnering, in providing the eligible activities listed in Section

III.C. of this NOFA that it is proposing to offer through this NOFA.

Indicate the types and complexity of the services provided and the outcomes for counselors as a result of the training and other services.

Describe the level of effort and time required to provide the services and to meet the needs of the counselors.

Indicate the total number of housing counselors that have participated in your training program since its inception or otherwise benefited from the relevant services you provided. If you are part of a partnership, also provide the total number of counselors that have benefited from the services provided by that partnership. c. Performance/Grant Requirements (5 points). In scoring this section, HUD will evaluate how well the applicant has satisfied the requirements, including reporting, on HUD grants received. If an applicant has not received a HUD grant, the applicant should base its response on activities and requirements under other sources of funding, such as other federal, state, local, or other awards.

An applicant should characterize performance with regard to the timeliness and completeness with which the applicant satisfied reporting requirements such as Form HUD-9902, quarterly and final reports.

Also, indicate whether or not an applicant fully expended grant awards during the specified award periods. If not fully expended, provide an explanation as to why the funds were not fully expended and the steps taken to ensure that future funding will be expended in a timely manner. 3. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (5 Points)

This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need to fund proposed activities described in response to Rating Factor 3.

Describe and document the national need, such as the number of housing

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counselors and areas of housing counseling training, the application intends to address with the services proposed in Rating Factor 3 and the degree to which the applicant's work plan substantively addresses

Departmental policy priorities. Responses will be evaluated based on how well they demonstrate a grasp of the elements of the problems this

NOFA is intended to address. Include applicable statistics and analyses, if available, contained in data sources that are sound and reliable. Sources for all data provided must be clearly cited.

(2) Departmental Policy Priorities (2 points). The Departmental policy priorities are described in detail in the General Section. Of those listed, the following two apply to the Housing Counseling

Training 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 departmental policy that the projected work plan substantively addresses.

(a) Participation in Energy Star. Applicants must provide information on how relevant trainings and training materials promote, or will promote, Energy Star materials and practices.

(b) Utilization and Promotion of FHA-Insured Mortgages, Products and Programs. Applicants must describe how relevant trainings and training materials promote utilization of FHA-insured mortgages, products and programs. Describe trainers' knowledge of FHA products and programs, how that knowledge was obtained, and plans to present these loan products and programs to counselors with the goal that they will be able to present them as viable alternatives to counseling clients.

Applicants must describe training or training materials that address any tools counselors can use to inform clients about FHA products and programs, such as a loan comparison chart or tool on a Client

Management System comparing FHA-insured loans with alternatives. 4. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach/Scope of Housing Counseling

Services (38 Points)

This factor addresses the quality and effectiveness of the proposed work plan. In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the applicant presents a detailed and sound approach for providing the proposed services. HUD will also evaluate the extent to which the applicant demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of its activities, and convincingly explains how the proposed activities will yield long-term results. a. Work Plan (25 points)

Applicants should provide a work plan that lists the major objectives and activities it intends to undertake, and how it plans to provide those services. Include administrative and project tasks.

The Work Plan must indicate that the applicant is capable of providing all the housing counseling training topics listed in section

III.C. The only exception to this requirement is organizations proposing to provide Reverse Mortgage counseling exclusively. Indicate if any of the listed trainings will be provided by organizations with which an applicant has partnered. The proposed program must be national in scope. Indicate the number and location of proposed place-based trainings to be held.

While face-to-face training is preferred, the ideal application will propose a mix of face-to-face and remote training options.

Describe plans or ability, if any, to provide training or other resources to counselors with limited English proficiency, should HUD request such training.

The proposals must include a scholarship element to be awarded to housing counselors, detailing the full or partial costs to be covered, including travel, hotel, and tuition expenses. Applicants should indicate the number of full scholarships awarded to housing counselors, as well as the number of partial scholarships that will be offered, and provide information about what components partial scholarships will include (i.e., tuition, travel and/or lodging). Indicate the number of scholarships to be funded through this NOFA, as well as through leveraged nonfederal resources, provided to counselors working for agencies participating in HUD's Housing Counseling Program. Applicants must also describe plans for determining how the various types of scholarship assistance will be equitably distributed. b. Proposed Budget (13 points)

For the work plan proposed above, indicate the requested Grant amount in line 18a of form SF-424 and submit both the HUD-424-CB and a more detailed, comprehensive budget listing expenses under the grant.

At a minimum, the budget must include salaries, fringe and other benefits, consultant expenses, travel, rent, phone, postage, supplies, technology/equipment, and indirect costs.

Applicants must indicate the amount of the proposed award and the total dollar value of all scholarships to be awarded to counselors working for housing counseling agencies participating in HUD's Housing

Counseling Program, including the in-kind value of tuition scholarships.

If applicable, the budget should highlight portions being proposed as sub-grants to partnering organizations. Make a case for why the proposed budget is cost effective in achieving proposed results.

Responses will be evaluated based on the quality, thoroughness, and reasonableness of the cost estimates provided. 5. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (10 Points)

Although HUD funding through this NOFA may fully fund an organization's proposed program, applicants are encouraged to secure the use of other resources to supplement the HUD grant.

In scoring this factor, applicants will be evaluated based on their ability to obtain or and devote additional nonfederal resources for their proposed training and other related eligible activities, including direct financial assistance and in-kind contributions, which may include services, equipment, office space, labor, etc. Resources may be provided by nonfederal governmental entities, public or private nonprofit organizations, for-profit private organizations, or other entities committed to providing the applicant assistance. Applicants are required to list with specificity the sources and amounts of all nonfederal leveraged resources to be devoted to the proposed training program. Applicants that fail to list the source of all nonfederal sources of leveraged funds shall not receive any points for this factor. Resources provided by the applicant, recorded as `applicant match' and `program income' on form SF-424, will count as leveraged resources.

Points for this factor will be awarded based on the ratio of requested HUD funds to total budget for the proposed activities.

Percentage

Points

0-35................................... 10 points 36-41.................................. 9 points 42-47.................................. 8 points 48-53.................................. 7 points 54-60.................................. 6 points 61-66.................................. 5 Points 67-75.................................. 4 Points 76-82.................................. 3 Points 83-89.................................. 2 Points 90-100................................. 1 Point

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6. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (15 points).

The purpose of this factor is for the applicant to identify projected outputs and outcomes corresponding to the proposed work plan 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 training services to housing counselors. The outputs and outcomes projected in the Logic Model must be consistent with the projected number of housing counselors to be trained as proposed in Rating Factor 3. In addition, the narrative submitted with this factor must be consistent with the completed logic model. Applicants should be clear when reporting the number of proposed Housing Counseling trainings to be completed during the grant period. a. Program Outcome Logic Model (10 points). Applicants must select appropriate outputs and outcomes from a series of ``pick lists'' for the Housing Counseling Training Program. The pick list can be found in the form HUD-96010 in the Grants.gov Housing Counseling Training

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. Applicants should make sure their entries reflect all proposed activity under the grant.

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. These amounts should represent results to be achieved entirely as a result of the HUD housing counseling training funding. If, in reality, various funding sources will contribute to the services provided to each housing counselor, the applicant must prorate their response to reflect a figure representing trainings provided with only funding from the proposed grant.

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.

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.

Outputs and outcomes must be objectively quantifiable. The purpose of this factor is for the applicant to identify program outputs and outcomes that will allow an applicant and HUD to measure actual achievements against anticipated achievements. For this NOFA, HUD will give particular weight to an applicant's ability to demonstrate change in housing counselors' knowledge and skills as a result of the training offered. Applicants should therefore emphasize a rigorous and objective testing protocol as part of their performance evaluation strategy.

(1) Impact. In scoring this Section, HUD will evaluate the proposed outputs and outcomes from the logic model, for example, the number of housing counselors 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, 2008, to September 30, 2009. Scoring will be based on the cost per housing counselor trained, compared to historical averages for similar services and similar applicants.

(2) Justification. Proposed housing counselors trained numbers will also be analyzed in the context of budget, costs, spending decisions, the types of training services provided, level of effort expended, etc.

Provide a context for, or qualify the number of housing counselors the applicant projects to train 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 housing counseling activities identified above. The

Logic Model submission is valued at up to 10 points and the point structure for review of the Logic Model is contained in General

Section. The Evaluation plan and methods for reviewing and improving program effectiveness is valued at 10 points. b. Evaluation Plan (5 points). Applicants must also submit an evaluation plan that explains 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. The evaluation plan should identify what an applicant is going to measure, how an applicant is going to measure it, and the steps in place to make adjustments to its work plan if performance targets are not met within established timeframes.

Specifically, the plan must identify:

(1) Information Collection. Describe the applicant's procedures for measuring outputs and outcomes, and evaluating the impact of the training program.

(2) 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.

B. Review and Selection Process 1. General. HUD will review each application to determine whether it meets the threshold and the eligibility requirements found in

Section III of this NOFA. Only applicants that meet all of the eligibility and threshold requirements will be rated and ranked. 2. Corrections to Deficient Applications. See the General Section. 3. Rating and Ranking. a. Applications that earn a score of 75 points or more will be considered eligible for funding. b. HUD intends to award the entire amount available under this NOFA to the highest scoring application. However, in order to provide the highest quality, comprehensive, and nationwide training program, HUD reserves the right to make multiple awards. c. If an applicant turns down an award offer, HUD may make an offer to the next highest-ranking application. d. In the event HUD commits an error that, when corrected, would result in selection of an otherwise eligible

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applicant during the funding round of this NOFA, HUD may select that applicant when sufficient funds become available. 4. Award Size. All grantees will receive the lower of either the award amount determined by HUD or the amount actually requested by the applicant. 5. Award Adjustments. HUD reserves the right to adjust funding levels for each applicant as indicated in Section II C. of this NOFA.

HUD reserves the right to fund less than the full amount requested in an application. 6. Ineligible Activities. HUD will not fund any portion of an application that: Is not eligible for funding under this program's statutory or regulatory requirements; does not meet the requirements of this NOFA; or may be duplicative of other funded programs or activities from prior year awards or other selected applicants. Only the eligible portions of an application (including non-duplicative portions) may be funded. Funds from this program may not be used for real property acquisition, disposition, leasing, rehabilitation, alteration, demolition, or new construction.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices After all eligible applications have been rated and ranked and selections have been made, HUD will notify applicants regarding the disposition of their application.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 1. Environmental Requirements. Activities funded through this program are categorically excluded under 24 CFR 50.19(b)(9) from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42

U.S.C. 4321) and are not subject to review under the related laws and authorities. 2. Procurement of Recovered Materials. Please see the General

Section for this requirement.

C. Reporting. Grant recipients will be required to submit quarterly progress reports, comparing actual accomplishments with the goals and objectives established for the period, explaining why established goals were not met, and highlighting any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that materially impaired the ability to meet the objectives of the awards. Each recipient is also required to submit a completed

Logic Model showing accomplishments against proposed outputs and outcomes as part of their quarterly reporting requirement to HUD.

Recipients shall use quantifiable data to measure performance against goals and objectives outlined in their Logic Model. For FY2008, 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.

D. Debriefing. HUD will provide a debriefing to a requesting applicant related to its application. See the General Section for more information.

VII. Agency Contact

For further information about this NOFA or application requirements, applicants should contact Miriam Torres, HUD

Headquarters, Single Family Housing, Program Support Division, at (202) 708-0317 x 2618 (this is not a toll-free number). Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access any of these numbers via (TTY) by calling the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877- 8339. For technical help with the electronic submission procedure, applicants may e-mail support@grants.gov or call (800) 518-4726 or

(800) 518-GRANTS). The Grants.gov Customer Support Center is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time.

VIII. Other Information

Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collection requirements contained in this document have been approved by 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 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.

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GRAPHIC

TIFF OMITTED TN12MY08.012

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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 Grant

Program, Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program, and

Operation Lead Elimination Action Program.

C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Number: FR-5200-N-06; 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, 14.905 Lead

Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant 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 the application deadline dates as follows: The application deadline date for the Lead-Based

Paint Hazard Control Grant Program and the Operation Lead Elimination

Action Program is July 10, 2008. The application deadline date for the

Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program is July 17, 2008.

(All applications must be received and validated by http:// www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date.) See the General

Section, published on March 19, 2008 (73 FR 14882), for specific instructions regarding application submission, and timely submission of applications.

G. Additional Overview Content Information 1. Purpose of the Program. a. The purpose of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant Program is to assist states, Native American Tribes, cities, counties/parishes, or other units of local government in undertaking comprehensive programs to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned rental or owner-occupied housing. b. The purpose of the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant

Program is the same as the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control, but with the exception that the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant

Program is targeted for urban jurisdictions with the greatest lead- based paint hazard control needs. c. The purpose of the Operation Lead Elimination Action Program

(LEAP) is to leverage private sector resources to eliminate lead poisoning as a major public health threat to children under age six living in eligible privately owned housing units. 2. Available Funds. Approximately $132 million (Lead-Based Paint

Hazard Control Grant Program, Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant

Program and Operation Lead Elimination Action Program) is available from current and previous years' funding. 3. Match. Matching funds are required for the Lead-Based Paint

Hazard Control Grant Program and Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration

Grant Program. For the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant

Program, HUD may grant a waiver of the 25 percent match requirement, if the applicant submits a request that meets HUD's criteria. See NOFA

Criteria by Grant Program Chart in unit III, Eligibility Information. 4. 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. Program Description. The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant

Program (LBPHC), the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program

(LHRD) and the Operation Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP) 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, Public Law 102-550). HUD's authority for making funding available under this NOFA for each of these grant programs is the

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2008 (Pub. L. 110-161, approved December 26, 2007). The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant Program assists states, Native American Tribes, cities, counties/parishes, or other units of local government in undertaking comprehensive programs to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned rental or owner-occupied housing. The Lead Hazard Reduction

Demonstration Grant Program assists urban jurisdictions with the greatest lead-based paint hazard control needs, in undertaking programs for the identification and control of lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned rental and owner-occupied housing units. The purpose of the Operation Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP) is to leverage private sector resources to eliminate lead poisoning as a major public health threat to children under age six living in eligible privately owned housing units.

Funds will be awarded to applicants that will accomplish the following objectives: 1. Maximize both the number of children less than six years of age protected from lead poisoning and the number of housing units where lead-hazards are controlled; 2. Target lead hazard control efforts in housing in which children are at greatest risk of lead poisoning in order to reduce elevated blood lead levels in children less than six years of age; 3. Promote cost-effective lead hazard control methods and approaches that can be replicated; 4. Build local capacity to safely and effectively address lead hazards during lead-hazard control and renovation, remodelling, and maintenance activities by integrating lead safe work practices; 5. Promote integration of this grant program with housing rehabilitation, maintenance, weatherization, and other energy conservation activities; 6. Affirmatively further fair housing and environmental justice

(please refer to the General Section for additional guidance); 7. Develop a comprehensive community based approach to address lead hazards in housing by mobilizing public and private sector resources including grassroots community-based non-profit and faith-based organizations; 8. Promote collaboration, data sharing, and targeting between health and housing departments; 9. Establish a system or process that will facilitate lead-safe units to be affirmatively marketed to families with young children; and, 10. 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, published June 30, 1994).

B. Changes in the FY 2008 NOFA 1. The points allocated for match and leveraged resources in Rating

Factor 4 have changed. 2. Operation Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP) grants will be awarded

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from $500,000 to a maximum of $2,000,000 per grant. 3. Applicants to the programs in this NOFA are not eligible to receive funding for the same program awarded under the FY2007 NOFA competition: Applicants awarded an LHRD grant under the FY2007 NOFA competition are eligible to apply for the LBPHC grant program under this NOFA; similarly, applicants awarded an LBPHC grant under the

FY2007 NOFA competition are eligible to apply for the LHRD grant program under this NOFA. Applicants awarded both an LHRD and an LBPHC grant under the FY2007 NOFA competition are not eligible to apply under this NOFA. 4. Applicants to the LHRD grant program may request a waiver of the 25 percent match requirement, if the applicant submits a request that meets HUD's criteria. See unit III.B.2, Eligibility Information, below.

The request for the waiver of the match, with supporting narrative and documentation, must be submitted in accordance with unit IV.F.2, below, to be received no later than June 2, 2008.

II. Award Information

A. Funding Available. From current and previous years' funding, approximately $70.4 million will be available for the Lead-Based Paint

Hazard Control Grant Program, approximately $44.1 million will be available for the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program, and approximately $17.5 million will be available for the Operation

Lead Elimination Action Program. 1. Grant award amounts for the entire period of performance for

Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant Program grants shall be up to a maximum of $3 million per grant; for the Lead Hazard Reduction

Demonstration Grant Program grants, up to a maximum of $4 million per grant; and for Operation Lead Elimination Action Program (LEAP) grants from $500,000 to a maximum of $2,000,000 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 start date for grants is expected to be no later than

November 1, 2008. The period of performance shall not exceed 36 months.

Period of performance extensions will be considered by HUD in accordance with 24 CFR 84.25(e)(2) or 85.30(d)(2), as applicable, and published policy guidance and the OHHLHC Grantee Program Guide. Such extensions, when granted, are one time only, and for no more than a period of one year from the original period of performance end date.

B. Collaboration With Other Partners

All applicants are encouraged to enter into formal arrangements with grassroots community-based non-profit organizations, including faith-based or other community-based organizations. (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 award.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants. See the General Section for additional eligibility requirements applicable to HUD Programs. 1. To be eligible to apply for funding under the Lead-Based Paint

Hazard Control (LBPHC) Grant Program, the applicant must be a state,

Native American Tribe, city, county/parish, or other unit of local government. Multiple units of a local government (or multiple local governments) may apply as a consortium; however, a lead applicant must be identified that will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all requirements specified in this NOFA. State government and Native

American tribal applicants must have an Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) authorized lead-based paint training and certification program. 2. To be eligible to apply for the Lead Hazard Reduction

Demonstration (LHRD) Grant Program, the applicant must be a city, county/parish, Native American Tribe, or other unit of local government. The applicant must have at least 3,500 pre-1940 occupied rental housing units (either alone or through a consortium), as listed at the 2000 Census Web site identified in Form HUD 96013, Need/Extent of the Problem. In addition, a State may apply on behalf of one or more of the eligible local jurisdictions if it has an EPA-authorized lead- based paint training and certification program. Multiple units of a local government (or multiple local governments) may apply as a consortium for a metropolitan area if the total number of pre-1940 occupied rental housing units for the combined jurisdiction is at least 3,500; however, the application must identify the jurisdiction that will be administratively responsible for ensuring compliance with all requirements specified in this NOFA. If a jurisdiction will be covered as part of a State, county/parish, or consortium application, it is not eligible to apply as an individual applicant under this NOFA. Further, consortium applicants must ensure that where there is jurisdictional overlap, there is no double-counting of units to meet the unit threshold. A list of metropolitan areas having at least one place or county/parish with 3,500 or more occupied rental housing units built before 1940 is provided in Appendix A, which can be downloaded from: http://www.grants.gov/Applicants/Apply_for_grants.jsp. 3. 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 entities are not allowed to earn a fee. Colleges and universities are also eligible to apply.

National and local groups are encouraged to apply. Multiple eligible entities may apply as a consortium; however, a lead applicant must be identified that will be administratively responsible for ensuring compliance with all requirements specified in this NOFA. States, cities, counties/parishes and units of local government and their departments are not eligible. 4. Applicants to the programs in this NOFA are not eligible to receive funding for the same program awarded under the FY2007 NOFA competition: Applicants awarded an LHRD grant under the FY2007 NOFA competition are eligible to apply for the LBPHC grant program under this NOFA; similarly, applicants awarded an LBPHC grant under the

FY2007 NOFA competition are eligible to apply for the LHRD grant program under this NOFA. Also, applicants awarded both an LHRD and

LBPHC grant under the FY2007 NOFA competition are not eligible to apply under this NOFA.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

The chart below describes the match percentage requirement, minimum percentage of federal funds for lead hazard control activities, and maximum administrative cost. 1. Match Requirements and Costs by Grant Programs

Lead hazard control

Grant program

Minimum match

costs

Administrative costs

Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control

10 percent............. Minimum 65 percent..... Maximum 10 percent.

(LBPHC).

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Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration 25 percent*............ Minimum 80 percent..... Maximum 10 percent.

(LHRD).

Operation Lead Elimination Action

N/A.................... Minimum 65 percent..... Maximum 10 percent.

Program (LEAP).

\*\ Applicants with approved LHRD match waivers must provide a minimum 10 percent match (see unit III.B.2.b(3)). 2. Match Requirements and Leveraged Resources

For the LBPHC and LHRD programs that have a match requirement, HUD will award points based on the total amount of resources committed. For

LEAP applicants, which have no matching requirement, HUD will award points based upon the amount of leveraged resources that are secured by the applicant. For the LBPHC and LHRD programs, all resources generated above the match requirement should be reported as leveraged resources.

In general, the larger the amount of funds or in-kind services that are committed by the applicant, the higher the number of points that will be awarded under Rating Factor 4. a. LBPHC Match Requirement. Applicants to the LBPHC grant program must provide a matching contribution of at least 10 percent of the requested grant amount. Applications to the LBPHC grant program will not be reviewed and funded if they do not meet this requirement. As noted in the General Section, applicants to the LBPHC program should refer to applicable OMB circulars, particularly those with respect to the funds used or proposed to be used to satisfy this requirement.

Applicants should also note 24 CFR 85.24 which provides, among other things, that except as provided by Federal statute, a cost sharing or matching requirement may not be met by costs born by another federal grant. Applicants to the LBPHC grant program should identify the specific resources that will be used to satisfy the matching requirement. Matching contributions must be shown to be used specifically for allowable program costs. The signature of the authorized official on the Form SF-424 commits matching resources of the applicant organization and from other sources. Applicants should document the amount of the match from each funding source using Form

HUD-96015. b. LHRD Match Requirement.

(1) Applicants to the LHRD grant program must provide a matching contribution of at least 25 percent of the requested grant amount, except as described in paragraph (3) below.

(2) Applications to the LHRD grant program will not be reviewed and funded if they do not meet this requirement. Applicants to the LHRD program should refer to 24 CFR 85.24 for additional information on match. As noted in the General Section, applicants to the LBPHC program should refer to applicable OMB circulars, particularly those with respect to the funds used or proposed to be used to satisfy this requirement. Applicants should also note 24 CFR 85.24 which provides, among other things, that except as provided by Federal statute, a cost sharing or matching requirement may not be met by costs born by another federal grant.. Applicants to the LHRD grant program should identify the specific resources that will be used to satisfy the matching requirement. Matching contributions must be shown to be used specifically for allowable program costs. The signature of the authorized official on the Form SF-424 commits matching resources of the applicant organization and from other sources. Applicants should document the amount of the match from each funding source using Form

HUD-96015.

(3) Request for Waiver of LHRD Matching Requirement. Under the

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, HUD is allowed to waive the 25 percent matching requirement for LHRD applicants on a case by case basis if a waiver is necessary to advance the purposes of the LHRD program. Applicants to the LHRD grant program whose waiver request has been approved must provide a matching contribution of at least 10 percent of the requested grant amount to be eligible to apply for funding. The request for a waiver of the 25 percent match requirement must address your financial condition. In particular, you must document that: [1] Your financial condition is such that providing a 25 percent match presents a financial hardship, and [2] that the financial hardship is highly likely to continue throughout the period of the grant. You should recognize, when considering whether to request a waiver, that your application must show sufficient capacity to administer the grant, as related to your narrative on qualifications and experience (Rating Factor 1) and soundness of approach (Rating

Factor 3). The request for the LHRD match waiver, with supporting narrative and documentation, must be submitted in accordance with unit

IV.F.2, below. Note that the LHRD match waiver request deadline is significantly earlier than the application deadline. c. Leveraged Resources.

(1) All applicants are encouraged to provide leveraged resources.

Leveraged resources may include funds from other allowable federally funded programs, and/or state, local, charity, non-profit or for-profit entities. Leveraged resources must be shown to be specifically dedicated to and integrated into supporting the programs. Local resources from the applicant (i.e., staff in-kind, cash, etc.) should be given a monetary value on the Form SF-424 but does not require a separate letter from the authorized official.

(2) Housing Rehabilitation in Conjunction with Lead Hazard Control.

HUD strongly encourages integration of our grant programs with housing rehabilitation. Applicants may include housing rehabilitation expenditures as leveraged resources for housing rehabilitation activities conducted in conjunction with the housing units or common areas being made lead-safe. d. Examples of activities that can be counted as match or leveraged resources include:

(1) Contributions from property owners. For the share of the cost of lead hazard control contributed by a homeowner or landlord, documentation of the firm commitment by the homeowner or landlord, including the scope and amount of commitment must be included with the application. Applicants should also include sample contracts between the applicant and a prospective homeowner to show evidence of the share of the cost of lead hazard control. After award, detailed documentation of the cost incurred by the homeowner or landlord is necessary.

Homeowner contributions are limited to that which can be supported and verified by a third party, such as materials paid for and provided by the owner or labor that the owner paid and can substantiate via receipts/records. Labor by the owner shall be verified by a third party. The labor contributed shall be valued at market rates. If letters of leveraged resources are not provided by property owners, the applicant will receive credit for this resource only if the applicant provides a statement in its budget narrative and in its response to

Rating Factor 4 indicating that the applicant will be obligated for providing the total leveraged dollars of proposed

Page 27163

contributions from property owners if these funds are not received by the end of grant.

(2) Donations. The value of items such as paint and other materials or equipment that are used for lead-based paint hazard control should be established at market rates.

(3) Discounts. For services or products provided at a discounted rate, the discounted part of the fee or price is the eligible match/ leverage. For example: If a financial institution provides a discount on the interest rate for loans (e.g., mortgages, home equity loans, lines of credit, etc.) used to fund the homeowner or landlord contribution to the hazard evaluation and/or control work, the net present value of the interest discount is eligible match/leverage; neither the total interest nor the loan principal is eligible match/ leverage. The same net present value calculation would be done for a firm commitment to forgive all or a portion of the principal. If a loan is used for more than the hazard evaluation and control work covered by the grant, only the same fraction of the discount as the fraction of the loan used for hazard evaluation and control may be accounted as match/leverage.

(4) Third Party In-Kind Contributions. See 24 CFR 85.24 (LBPHC,

LHRD) or 24 CFR 84.23 (LEAP), as applicable, for additional information on third party in-kind contributions. e. For LEAP applicants, only leveraged resources from the private sector are considered eligible.

All leveraged resources shall be used for the same purposes as permitted for by the federal funds. For cash and in-kind sources of leveraged resources, the applicant must submit letter(s) of commitment, signed by an official of the organization legally authorized to make commitments on behalf of the organization. The letter must indicate the amount and source of the contribution.

C. Other 1. Threshold Requirements. Please see the General Section as well as threshold requirements listed in this subsection. Applications will not be reviewed and funded if they do not meet the threshold requirements. Only eligible applicants as defined in unit III,

Eligibility Information, above, will be reviewed for compliance with threshold requirements. a. Applicants to the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant Program are required to match 10 percent of the funds requested with other non- federal funds or resources. Applications to the Lead-Based Paint Hazard

Control Grant Program will not be reviewed and funded if they do not meet this requirement. Applicants to the Lead Hazard Reduction

Demonstration Grant Program are required to match 25 percent of the funds requested with other non-federal funds or resources, unless a waiver of match is requested and approved per unit III.B.2.b(3) above.

Applicants to the LHRD grant program whose waiver request has been approved must provide a matching contribution of at least 10 percent of the requested grant amount to be eligible to apply for funding. b. Consolidated Plans. (This requirement does not apply to Native

American Tribes.) In addition to a Form HUD-2991 form for each jurisdiction in which your project or part of your project will be carried out, you must submit, as an appendix, the current lead-based paint element from the approved Consolidated Plan of the jurisdiction(s) where the lead-based paint 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 is otherwise eligible for

LBPHC and LHRD grant programs, 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. 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. Applicants shall ensure that the requested grant amount is consistent on all forms and materials submitted, and that rounding errors do not result in a request that exceeds the maximum grant award.

Applications for amounts larger than the applicable maximum amount for a program will be deemed ineligible and will not be reviewed. 2. Allowable Costs and Activities. This section applies to all three grant programs unless otherwise specified. For each kind of organization, there is a set of Federal principles for determining allowable costs. Allowable costs shall be in accordance with the cost principles applicable to the organization incurring the costs, specifically OMB Circulars A-21--Cost Principles for Educational

Institutions, A-87--Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal

Governments, or A-122--Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations, which can be accessed at the White House Web site, http:// www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html. a. Lead Hazard Control Direct Costs. Lead hazard control direct costs are defined as specifically related to the performance of lead hazard control activities, as defined below. LBPHC and LEAP applicants, while preparing the budget, shall earmark at least 65 percent of the requested grant amount and LHRD applicants shall earmark 80 percent of the requested grant amount for lead hazard control activities. Lead hazard control activities are defined as:

(1) Performing lead dust, soil and paint-chip testing, lead-based paint inspections, risk assessments, clearance examination, 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 paint hazard control treatments, and clearances must be 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. Grantee files must contain verifiable evidence of providing lead hazard control reports, such as a signed and dated receipt. Refer to 24 CFR 35.125 of the Lead

Safe Housing Rule.

(4) All lead-based paint hazards identified in housing units and in common areas 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, including;

(a) Interim Controls. According to the HUD Guidelines for the

Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing (``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.

(b) Lead-Based Paint Abatement. Abatement of all lead-based paint is generally authorized only in states or localities that require complete abatement by law. HUD does not consider abatement of all lead- based paint to be cost effective in most circumstances; therefore, a grantee must

Page 27164

make a special request, in writing, prior to conducting complete abatement of lead-based paint. 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).

(5) 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.

(6) 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. b. Other Allowable costs. Costs for the activities below should not be counted as lead hazard control direct costs:

(1) Purchasing or leasing equipment having a per-unit cost under

$5,000. The purchase or lease of up to two X-ray florescence analyzers

(which typically cost significantly more than $5,000) to be used exclusively by the grant program is permitted and is not subject to the

$5,000 per-unit cost restriction.

(2) Performing blood lead testing and air sampling to protect the health of the hazard control workers, supervisors, and contractors.

(3) Conducting pre-hazard control blood lead testing of children under six years of age residing in or frequently visiting units undergoing lead hazard control work.

(4) Conducting targeted outreach, 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 the Department's January 22, 2007,

``Final Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding

Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting

Limited English Proficient Persons'' (72 FR 2732), 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).

(5) Supporting data collection, analysis, and evaluation of grant program activities. This includes compiling and delivering such data as may be required by HUD.

(6) 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.

(7) Conducting planning, coordination, and training activities to comply with HUD's Lead-Safe Housing Rule (24 CFR part 35, subparts B-

R). These activities should support the expansion of a workforce properly trained in lead-safe work practices that is available to conduct interim controls on HUD-assisted housing covered by these regulations.

(8) Conducting outreach and related activities that will result in increased lead hazard control activities in low-income privately owned or owner-occupied housing with lead-based paint hazards. For LEAP grants, outreach and/or related activities, must be tied to a leveraging strategy.

(9) 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. Other costs.

(1) Administrative Costs. Administrative costs may not exceed 10 percent of the grant award. For more information, please review OMB

Circulars (A-21--Cost Principles for Educational Institutions, A-87--

Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments, or A- 122--Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations) that can be accessed at the White House Web site, http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/ index.html. 3. Limitation on use of funds. Applicants may not use grant funds for any of the following activities: a. Purchase of real property. b. Purchase or lease of equipment having a per-unit cost in excess of $5,000, except for the purchase or 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 matching contribution. d. Lead hazard evaluation or 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. Lead hazard evaluation or control activities in rental housing covered by pending or final HUD, EPA, and/or DOJ settlement agreement, consent decree, court order or other similar action regarding the Lead

Disclosure Rule (24 CFR part 35, Subpart A, or the equivalent 40 CFR part 745, subpart F), or by HUD regarding its Lead Safe Housing Rule

(24 CFR part 35, subparts B-R). f. Activities that do not comply with the Coastal Barrier Resources

Act (16 U.S.C. 3501). g. 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)). Applicants are responsible for assuring that flood insurance is obtained and maintained for the appropriate amount and term. 4. Additional Program Requirements. a. All laboratory analysis in support of required testing and evaluation under this NOFA must be conducted by a laboratory recognized for the analysis by

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the EPA National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP; http:// www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/nllap.htm). b. All lead-based paint hazards identified in housing units and in common areas 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:

(1) 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.

(2) Lead-based paint hazard abatement. However, see the restrictions on using abatement in unit III.C.2.a(4)(b), Lead-Based

Paint Abatement, above. c. For temporary relocation of families and individuals while the remediation is conducted and until the time the affected unit receives clearance for re-occupancy. d. Eligibility of HUD-Assisted Housing. The Appendix, ``Eligibility of HUD-Assisted Housing,'' lists the housing units that may participate under each of the three competitive programs detailed in this NOFA and can be downloaded with the application from: http://www.grants.gov/ applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. e. Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X of the

Housing and Community Development Act of 1992), Section 1011. 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 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.'' f. Prohibited Practices. Applicants must not engage in the following prohibited practices while conducting lead hazard control activities:

(1) Open flame burning or torching;

(2) Machine sanding or grinding without a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) exhaust control;

(3) Uncontained hydroblasting or high-pressure washing;

(4) Abrasive blasting or sandblasting without HEPA exhaust control;

(5) Heat guns operating above 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit;

(6) Chemical paint strippers containing methylene chloride or other volatile hazardous chemicals in a poorly ventilated space; and

(7) 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 totalling no more than 20 square feet on exterior surfaces. g. Written Policies and Procedures. Applicants should describe in their work plan policies and procedures for procurements (contracting), unit eligibility, unit selection and prioritization, all phases of lead hazard evaluation and control, including risk assessments, inspections, development of specifications for contractor bids, pre-hazard control blood lead testing, financing, temporary relocation and clearance examinations. Grantees, subcontractors, sub-grantees, sub-recipients, and their contractors must adhere to these policies and procedures. h. 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). Applicants should describe previous efforts, if applicable, to maintain a registry

(listing) of low-income units in which lead hazards have been controlled (often called ``lead-safe units'') as a result of previous activities, their plans in conjunction with this grant for continuing an existing registry or establishing a new registry, and their procedures for ensuring that these units are affirmatively marketed to agencies and families as suitable housing for low-income families with children less than six years of age. i. Environmental Requirements.

(1) 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.

(2) Recipients of Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control grants and Lead

Hazard Reduction Demonstration grants may conduct lead inspections and risk assessments prior to receiving Environmental Review Clearance under the exemption allowed in 24 CFR 58.34(a)(5), which states that

``inspections and testing of properties for hazards or defects'' are exempt activities.

(3) Work on properties assisted with LEAP funds under this NOFA is 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 a unit of local government, must assume the environmental review responsibilities for activities funded under LEAP. Under 24 CFR 58.11, if a responsible entity or the recipient objects to the responsible entity performing the environmental review for 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. j. Trained and Certified Professionals. 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). k. Lead hazard 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.

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l. Testing. All testing and sampling shall comply with the Lead

Safe Housing Rule 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 most stringent.

(1) Lead-Based Paint and Lead-Based Paint Hazard Identification. A lead-based paint inspection and risk assessment is required.

Presumption of the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards is not allowed.

(2) 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. m. 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). n. Cooperation With Related Research and Evaluation. Applicants shall cooperate fully with any research or evaluation sponsored by HUD,

CDC, EPA or another government agency 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 the 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/. o. Data Collection. Applicants shall collect, maintain, and provide to HUD the data necessary to document and evaluate grant program outputs and outcomes. p. Section 3 Employment Opportunities. The requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) are applicable to this program. Please refer to 24 CFR part 135 and the

General Section for additional information. This sub-factor will be evaluated on the extent to which an applicant describes how it proposes to:

(1) Provide opportunities to train and employ Section 3 residents; and

(2) Award contracts to Section 3 contractors; as each of those terms is defined in the regulations, 24 CFR part 135. q. 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. r. Code of Conduct. Prior to entering into a grant agreement with

HUD, applicants will be required to submit a copy of their organization's Code of Conduct and describe the methods they will use to ensure that all officers, employees, and agents of their organization are aware of their Code of Conduct. An applicant who submitted an application during FY2006 or FY2007 and included a copy of its Code of Conduct will not be required, if that Code of Conduct is current, to submit another copy if the applicant is listed on HUD's Web site: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/codeofconduct/cconduct.cfm. s. Coordination among Critical Agencies. HUD encourages grantees to participate in state-wide or jurisdiction-wide strategic plans to eliminate childhood lead poisoning as a major public health problem by 2010, or to assist in the development of a 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/StrategicElimPlans/ strategicplans.htm. Additionally, HUD encourages grantees to enter into collaborative arrangements with childhood lead poisoning prevention programs, 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). t. Institutional Review Board (IRB). Applicants should indicate whether their 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 Services' 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/. u. Waste Disposal. Applicants must handle waste disposal according to the requirements of the appropriate local, state, and federal regulatory agencies. Applicants 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. The Guidelines are available from the HUD Web site at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/lbp/hudguidelines/index.cfm. v. Worker Protection Procedures. Applicants 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. w. Relocation. 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, that cover any person (including individuals, businesses, and farms) displaced as a direct result of the acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition of real property, apply to this grant program. If such persons are required to temporarily relocate for a project, the requirements of the URA regulations at 49 CFR 24.2(a)(9) must be met. HUD recommends that applicants review these regulations when preparing the proposal. (They can be downloaded from the

Government Printing Office Web site at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/ index.html by entering the regulatory citation in quotes without any spaces (e.g., ``49CFR24.2'') in the Quick Search box.). See the General

Section for additional information about relocation. x. Notification Requirements. Applicants should also describe how they will provide owners with lead hazard evaluation and control information generated by activities

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under this grant, so that the owner can comply with the Lead Disclosure

Rule (24 CFR part 35, subpart A, or the equivalent 40 CFR part 745, subpart F) and the Lead Safe Housing Rule (24 CFR part 35, subparts B-

R).

IV. Application and Submission Procedures

A. Address To Request Application Package

See the General Section for specific procedures concerning the electronic application submission requirements. The application and instructions are available at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_ for_grants.jsp. If applicants have difficulty accessing the information, applicants may call the help desk help line at (800) 518-

GRANTS or e-mailing support@grants.gov.

Guidebook and Further Information: HUD provides a Desktop User

Guide to Find, Register and Apply for Grant Opportunities using

Grants.gov. The Desktop User Guide is available on HUD's Web site at: http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/adm/grants/ deskuserguide.pdf. If applicants have difficulty accessing the information, applicants may call HUD's NOFA Information Center at (800)

HUD-8929. If applicants are a hearing-or speech-impaired person, applicants may request the information by telephone TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission:

Applicants may submit up to one application for each of the competitive programs covered by this NOFA for which they are eligible.

Applicants eligible to apply under this NOFA must follow the submission requirements described below: 1. Applicant Information. a. Application Format.

(1) The application narrative response to the Rating Factors 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 1margins on all sides. The 20-page rating factor response does not include attachments, tables, appendices, and other required forms. Applicants should be aware that any narrative information submitted in response to the Rating Factors that exceeds the page limit will not be reviewed.

(2) Materials provided in the appendices should directly refer to the specific rating factor narrative. Applicants are strongly urged to not submit information that is not required and/or requested in the

NOFA or relevant to a specific narrative response. The narrative response to the Rating Factors should be submitted as a single

Microsoft Word document file. All attachments must identify the related

Rating 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. Applicants are encouraged to submit as few files as possible to ensure that all materials are received. b. Information contained in the abstract will not be considered in the evaluation and scoring of the application. c. Application Checklist. The applicant's application must contain all of the required information requested 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/ applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. The checklist below includes a list of the required items needed for submitting a complete application and receiving consideration for funding (except as noted below).

(1) Applicant Abstract (limited to a maximum of 2 pages).

(2) Rating Factors Response (limited to a maximum of 20 narrative pages plus the following forms).

(a) Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational

Experience and Form HUD-96012.

(b) Needs/Extent of the Problem and Form HUD-96013.

(d) Leveraging and Matching Resources and Form HUD-96015.

(e) Program Outcome Logic Model, Form HUD-96010.

(3) Other Materials in support of rating factors.

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

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

(``Faith Based EEO Survey (SF-424 SUPP)'' on Grants.gov) (optional submission).

Budget (Federal Share and Matching) and Budget Justification Narrative.

(d) Form HUD 2880--Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report

(``HUD Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report'' on Grants.gov).

(e) Form HUD 2990--Certification of Consistency with the RC/EZ/EC-

II Strategic Plan.

(f) Form HUD 2991--Certification of Consistency with the

Consolidated Plan.

(g) Form SF-LLL--Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable).

(h) Form HUD 96008--Development Worksheet with Minimum Benchmark.

(i) Form HUD 96011--Third Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal

(``Facsimile Transmittal Form'' on Grants.gov) (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.).

(j) Form HUD 27300--Questionnaire for HUD's Removal of Regulatory

Barriers (required only if applicant is seeking points regarding removal of regulatory barriers).

(k) Form HUD 2994-A, You Are Our Client Survey (optional).

(l) Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program match waiver request (optional).

C. Submission Dates and Times. The application deadline date for the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant Program and the Operation

Lead Elimination Action Program is July 10, 2008. The application deadline date for the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program is July 17, 2008. (All applications must be received and validated by http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date.) Refer to the General Section for timely submission requirements.

D. Intergovernmental Review. Not required.

E. Funding Restrictions 1. Administrative Costs. Administrative costs may not exceed 10 percent of the grant award. 2. Ineligible Activities. See unit III.C.3, Ineligible Costs and

Activities.

F. Other Submission Requirements 1. Electronic submission waiver. Applicants are required to submit applications electronically via the Web site: http://www.grants.gov/ applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. See the General Section for additional information on the electronic process and how to request a waiver from the electronic submission requirement, if necessary.

Applicants should submit their electronic submission waiver requests in writing by e-mail. Electronic

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submission waiver requests must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the application deadline date and should be submitted to

Jonnette Hawkins, Director, Programs Division, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, Jonnette.G.Hawkins@hud.gov. If an electronic submission waiver is granted, the application must be received by HUD no later than 11:59:59 PM on the application deadline date. The electronic submission waiver approval notification will provide further information on where to send the application and the number of copies to be provided. 2. Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program match waiver.

Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program applicants requesting a waiver from the 25 percent match requirement are required to submit a request by e-mail. LHRD match waiver requests must be submitted no later than 11:59:59 PM on June 2, 2008 and should be submitted to

Jonnette Hawkins, Director, Programs Division, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, at Jonnette.G.Hawkins@hud.gov. HUD will respond to the LHRD match waiver requests by e-mail no later than June 26, 2008 and, if a mailing address is provided in a request, by letter within 5 working days thereafter.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria: The following section applies to all applicants unless otherwise specified. The application must receive a total score of at least 75 points to be considered for funding. 1. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant

Organizational Experience (20 Points Maximum for All Applicants)

This factor applies to all applicants. a. Capacity of the Applicant (10 Points)

The applicant must demonstrate that it has sufficient qualified personnel or will actively retain qualified experts or professionals, and is prepared to perform lead-based paint hazard evaluation, lead- based paint hazard control intervention work, and other proposed activities within 120 days of the grant award to successfully implement and complete the project. Applicants must complete form HUD-96012 to receive up to the full points for this rating factor. Key personnel should include, at a minimum, a Project Director (PD) and a Program

Manager (PM). The applicant must provide resumes of key personnel and job descriptions for planned key personnel. The applicant must describe the roles and responsibilities of each key personnel for the project.

Please do not include the Social Security Numbers (SSN) of any staff members.

The day-to-day Program Manager must be experienced in housing rehabilitation, lead hazard control or related work. The Program

Manager should have demonstrated project management experience and must dedicate at least 75 percent of his/her time for the proposed project.

Applicants must: (1) List and describe sub-grantees, sub-contractor organizations, sub-recipients and consultants that will provide services and carry out critical activities for the proposed grant program, (2) detail the sub-entity's experience in initiating and implementing related environmental, health, or housing projects, and

(3) list key personnel from each sub-grantee or sub-contractor organization and their respective roles and responsibilities, and (4) provide the percent of time commitment to the proposed program. b. Relevant Organization Experience (10 Points)

(1) New Applicants. Describe prior experience in initiating and implementing lead hazard control or related environmental, health or housing programs. Include a table that lists the relevant and most recent experience (last three years) in initiating and implementing lead hazard control or related environmental, health or housing projects. Provide examples of relevant programs that applicants 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, LEAP, etc).

(2) Current or previous grantees: HUD will evaluate the applicant's quarterly performance reports for the most recent four (4) quarters, and award points based on the performance ratings.

(3) Current Grantees: For applicants with active grants that will not expire prior to March 31, 2008, the applicant must provide assurances that all funded applications will be managed and implemented concurrently. 2. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (15 Points Maximum for

LBPHC and LHRD Programs; 10 Points Maximum for LEAP)

An applicant will be scored in this rating factor based on its documented need as evidenced by the submission of thorough, credible, and appropriate data and information. There must be a direct and substantial relationship between the proposed lead hazard control activities, the Consolidated Plan's lead element and documented community needs. The data submitted in response to this rating factor will be verified using data available from the Census, HUDuser, other data available to HUD and/or in cooperation with the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention.

Multiple tables (one per target area) are permissible. The data submitted to HUD will be verified using data available from the Census http://factfinder.census.gov, HUDuser http://www.huduser.org/datasets/ fmr.html, and other sources available to HUD. Points will be awarded in this rating factor based on the information documenting the number and percentage of children with an elevated blood lead level, the number and percentage of pre-1978 housing units (pre-1940 for the LHRD grant program), and the number and percentage of families with incomes at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income as determined by HUD within the jurisdiction and/or target areas. (No overlapping data will be accepted.) a. Documented Blood Lead Level (BLL). (5 Points maximum for all programs). Applicants must complete form HUD-96013 to receive points for this rating factor. Part A of this form should be used to document the blood lead levels in children residing within the applicant's jurisdiction and target area for the most recent complete calendar year and identify the source of the data. Data prior to calendar year 2004 will not be accepted. For the purposes of this application, the

``documented number of children'' is based on a blood lead level test performed by a medical health care provider. Consortia of local governments must report the number in the cities or counties/parishes making up the consortium and the target areas to be served. A separate narrative does not need to be provided regarding this data; completion of the table is sufficient. b. Housing Age and Tenure and Very Low and Low-income Population.

(10 points maximum for LBPHC and LHRD grant programs; 5 points maximum for LEAP). Applicants must complete form HUD-96013 to receive points for this rating factor. Part B of this form should be used to document where the applicant intends to conduct lead hazard control work. HUD will use data from the Census on the housing age and tenure and individuals living below poverty level in the jurisdictions where the applicant intends to conduct lead hazard control work as the basis for

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review. A separate narrative does not need to be provided regarding this data; completion of the tables is sufficient. 3. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (40 Points Maximum for All

Applicants)

The activities supported by the grant programs of HUD's Office of

Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (OHHLHC) represent some of the most important elements of the national effort to achieve the 2010 goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning, and to respond to other important health hazards linked to housing. The degree of success achieved by grantees will significantly shape the success of the national effort.

This factor addresses the quality and cost-effectiveness of the applicant's proposed work plan. In general, there are four key stages in the life of a grant; application, start-up, implementation, and close-out. Applicants need to describe their work plan to address start-up and implementation phases of their grant that includes specific, measurable and time-phased objectives for each major program activity. The applicant's response to this factor must include the elements described below in the program description. In addition, applicants must complete the Rating Factor 3 Table Soundness of

Approach to receive up to the full points for this rating factor.

The work plan should include specific, measurable, and time-phased objectives for each major program activity and should reflect benchmark performance standards for unit evaluation, unit production, match and leveraged resources, community outreach and education, skills training, and other activities. Examples of benchmarks include number of units to be made lead-safe, number of children living in units to be made lead- safe, number of persons to be trained to perform lead hazard control activities, number of educational programs to be presented and/or the number of persons to be served by such programs. LEAP applicants should describe their time-phased goals for generating leveraged resources and how they will track and use these funds during the 36-month period of performance. The benchmark form (Form HUD-96008) and policy guidance on developing work plans are available at the HUD Web site http:// www.hud.gov/offices/lead/. Information contained in the benchmark form does not need to be repeated or explained in detail in the rating factor narrative. Applicants may refer to the form within the narrative where relevant. a. Lead Hazard Control Work Plan Strategy (15 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, including schedule and milestones that will be used to identify and control lead-based paint hazards and how the desired project benchmarks will be achieved.

Include information about the estimated numbers of families to be contacted, units enrolled, units to receive risk assessments and inspections, units to receive lead hazard control work, and individuals/groups to be reached through education and/or outreach activities and trained.

As part of the applicant's work plan description, address the following:

(1) Program Administration and Financial Management. Describe how the program will be administered, including addressing oversight and financial management.

(a) Include details about staff and project oversight/monitoring, contract administration (routine monitoring of all sub-grantees and contractors to ensure conformity to the terms, conditions and specifications of contracts or other formal agreements), and how funding will flow from the grantee to those who will perform work under the proposed program.

(b) Discuss the lead hazard control financing strategy, including verification of income eligibility requirements, terms, conditions, dollar limits, amounts available for lead hazard control work in the various categories of housing (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 grant 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 type of assistance (e.g., grants, deferred/forgivable loans and the basis and schedule for forgiveness), and the role of other resources such as private sector financing and matching, if any, from rental property owners.

(c) Describe the applicant's involvement in coordination among critical agencies, including participation in the CDC state-wide or jurisdiction-wide strategic plan to eliminate childhood lead poisoning as a major health problem by 2010.

(d) If you are seeking points regarding the Departmental policy priority for removal of regulatory barriers, submit a completed FORM

HUD 27300--Questionnaire for HUD's Removal of Regulatory Barriers (2 points).

(2) Program Start-Up. Describe program start-up activities during the first 120 days of the grant (hiring/training staff, establishing qualified contractor pool, outreach/education and unit enrollment activities). Provide information about internal and external capacity- building steps necessary to ensure a smooth and timely start-up phase.

Provide detailed information about other organizations that provide the knowledge and skills required to address lead hazard control, including establishment of a qualified contractor pool, and other lead poisoning prevention actions that are essential for successfully implementing the program (e.g., education, testing, housing interventions).

(a) Describe the proposed involvement of grassroots community-based nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, in the program activities. These activities may include outreach, community education, marketing, inspection, and housing evaluations and interventions.

(b) Briefly address how the applicant will implement 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 units within an established timeframe.

(a) Describe how the applicant will identify, select, prioritize and enroll eligible housing units in which the applicant will undertake lead hazard control interventions, especially those known to house EBL children. Include the estimated 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) Describe the applicant's planned approach to control lead hazards in

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vacant and/or occupied units before children are poisoned.

(c) Describe measures the applicant will take to sustain recruitment. Identify the staff responsible for both monitoring recruitment status and implementing the measures identified to sustain recruitment.

(d) If the applicant is a housing agency, explain how the applicant will obtain data from state and/or local health departments, Childhood

Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs (CLPPP) and other health care agencies (if applicable) on the addresses of housing units in which children have been identified as having an elevated blood-lead level, for purposes of recruiting and enrolling housing units.

(e) Discuss coordination with State and local housing agencies, and 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. b. Technical Approach/Lead Hazard Control Intervention (15 points for all applicants). In this section, the applicant should describe its technical approach and associated costs for testing enrolled units, blood-lead testing of children in enrolled units, and performing lead hazard control methods and strategies, occupant protection, and temporary relocation. This description should also indicate how the applicant will ensure cost-effectiveness for the program.

Describe the lead hazard control methods, and strategies, including the hazard control methods the applicant will undertake, and the number of single and multi-family units that will be treated using each method selected (e.g., interim controls and/or hazard abatement) if this will vary. Explain the applicant's strategy to ensure that the units are maintained lead safe after treatment.

In selecting lead hazard control methods, applicants should consider several factors: The relative costs and durability of the treatments, the characteristics of the unit, and the condition and projected durability of the component(s) treated. Applicants should choose appropriate control methods using their best judgement in each case. However, applicants should be aware that complete abatement of all lead-based painted surfaces in units is not generally a cost effective strategy and is discouraged in these programs. In cases where only a few surfaces have identified lead-based paint hazards and if abatement is cost-effective, the applicant must provide a detailed rationale for selecting complete abatement as a strategy. Applicants are encouraged to review the National Evaluation of lead hazard control methods provided at http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/library/misc/

NatEval.pdf.

(1) Management. 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.

(2) Coordination.

(a) Explain the coordination of relevant activities among lead hazard control, rehabilitation, weatherization, and other contractors performing work other than lead hazard control. In particular, describe the coordination of lead hazard reduction with weatherization activities funded by state and local governments. Applicants may receive up to 1 point for addressing this departmental policy priority to Improve our Nation's Communities. See the General Section for more information on this departmental policy priority.

(b) Describe the applicant's testing methods, schedule, and costs for lead-based paint inspections and risk assessments and clearance examinations. If the applicant proposes to use a more restrictive standard than the HUD/EPA thresholds, provide the standard(s) that will be used. All testing shall be performed in accordance with applicable regulations.

(c) Describe 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/state/local regulations.

(d) Using Form HUD-96008, 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, hazard control and clearance of units. In addition, describe the estimated timeframe for treating a typical unit from referral and intake to hazard control and clearance. Explain how the program will accommodate emergency referrals (e.g., units occupied by a child under six years of age with an EBL).

(e) Describe the production process from intake to unit completion/ clearance and follow-up testing (if applicable), and identify the agency/person responsible for each step and how monitoring will be performed to both prevent and resolve production impediments.

(f) Describe the applicant's plan for the relocation of occupants of units selected for remediation, if temporary relocation is necessary. If temporary relocation is necessary, the applicant should describe the relocation process (i.e., the uses of safe houses and other housing arrangements, storage of household goods, stipends, incentives, etc.), and the source of funding for relocation. Describe your plan for ensuring the right of return and/or first referral of occupants who have had to relocate temporarily for the lead hazard control work to be performed. If temporary relocation is not necessary, please describe measures to protect the occupants.

(g) Describe the methods, measures and cost for performing blood lead testing in children less than six years of age.

(i) Describe efforts to perform blood lead testing of children within the target area(s) and other screening efforts.

(ii) Explain how the applicant 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.

(iii) Identify the individual responsible to ensure that children identified with an elevated blood-lead level are referred to appropriate medical care and how patient confidentiality will be maintained and the security of medical information is protected in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

(HIPAA) of 1996.

(h) Describe the methods for implementing Energy Star building techniques and utilizing Energy Star applicants whenever activities of the grant afford the opportunity (1 point). c. Economic Opportunity (2 points for all applicants). Explain how the applicant will provide appropriate economic opportunities to

Section 3 residents and Section 3 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 the applicant will accomplish Section 3 requirements by identifying the number

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of individuals to receive such training per discipline, the schedule for delivering said training for low and very low-income persons living within the applicant's jurisdiction, and how trained individuals will be linked to employment opportunities with Section 3 businesses owned by and/or employ low and very low-income persons living within the applicant's jurisdiction. d. Lead Hazard Control Outreach (6 points for all applicants).

(1) Describe the applicant's involvement in collaborative agreements or arrangements with state or local health, housing, and code enforcement agencies, and community and/or faith based organizations for the target area(s) for performing outreach activities. If this information is detailed in letters of commitments,

MOAs, or MOUs, it can be briefly summarized in this section. If these collaborative agreements or arrangements are not yet made, address plans to develop these agreements if applicable.

(2) Discuss the applicant's proposed outreach activities and expected outcomes, as it relates to unit enrollment or reducing childhood lead poisoning in the target area.

(3) 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.

(a) Include the estimated number of individuals to receive the intended education and the estimated number of events to be delivered.

(4) Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing.

(a) 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.

(b) 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. e. Data Collection and other Program Support Activities (2 Points for all Applicants).

(1) Identify and discuss the methods the applicant will use (in addition to HUD reporting requirements) to document activities, progress, and program effectiveness. Explain how the applicant will make necessary changes to improve program performance.

(2) Describe how databases, including Web sites, computer, paper or other formats, will ensure the privacy of participants. f. Budget Proposal.

(1) The applicant's budget proposal should thoroughly estimate all applicable costs (direct, indirect, and administrative), 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. The applicant must thoroughly document and justify all budget categories and costs (Form HUD-424-CBW) and all major tasks, for the applicant, 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. The applicant's application will be evaluated on the extent to which resources are appropriate for the scope of the proposed project.

(2) The applicant's budget narrative justification associated with these budgeted costs should be submitted as part of the Total Budget

(Federal Share, Matching and Leveraging), but is not included in the 20-page limit for this submission. Separate narrative justifications should be submitted for partners that are submitting separate budgets.

The applicant's proposed budget should clearly identify the funding or cash equivalent amounts being provided as match and leveraged resources. These funds should reflect the numbers and contributions provided in response to Rating Factor 4, Leveraging Resources. 4. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (10 Points Maximum for LBPHC and LHRD Grant Programs; 15 Points Maximum for LEAP)

This rating factor applies to all programs unless otherwise specified. This factor addresses the applicant's ability to obtain additional community and private sector resources that can be combined with HUD's program resources to increase the effectiveness of the proposed program activities. Applicants will be given points based on the amount of net match and leveraged resources equalling, for the

LBPHC and LEAP programs, 10 percent or greater, and for the LHRD program, 25 percent or greater, or 10 percent or greater if HUD has granted a match waiver. Match and leveraged resources must be shown to be specifically dedicated to and integrated into supporting program activities. See unit III.B.2, Eligibility, for additional information on match and leveraged resources. a. Match and Leveraged Resources

Applicants will be given points based on the amount of total match and leveraged resources in accordance with the chart below (10 points).

In awarding points, fractional percentages will be rounded down to whole number percentages, and will not be rounded up (e.g., 14.99% match and leveraged resources for LBPHC receives 5 points).

Match and Leveraged Resources Point Table

Match and leveraged resources as percent of requested federal

Points amount

awarded

LBPHC and LEAP

10-14........................................................

5 15-19........................................................

6 20-24........................................................

7 25-29........................................................

8 30-34........................................................

9 35 or greater................................................

LHRD without match waiver

25-26........................................................

5 27-28........................................................

6 29-30........................................................

7 31-32........................................................

8 33-34........................................................

9 35 or greater................................................

LHRD with match waiver

10-12........................................................

5 13-15........................................................

6 16-17........................................................

7 18-20........................................................

8 21-23........................................................

9 24...........................................................

The applicant must support each source of contributions, cash or in-kind, by a letter of commitment from the contributing entity, whether a public or private source. Each letter of commitment, memorandum of understanding, or agreement to participate should include the organization's name, the proposed level of commitment and the responsibilities as they relate to the proposed program. Staff in-kind contributions should be given a monetary value based on the local market value of the staff skills. The signature of the authorized official on the Form SF-424 commits match and leveraged resources of the applicant organization and from other sources. Contributions required of rental property owners may be included as part of the applicant's match and leveraged resources. The applicant should document and estimate the

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amount of the match and leveraged resources from each partnership.

Excluding local resources, applicants should submit evidence of a firm commitment for each match and leveraged resource. 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 partners in the application. The commitment must be signed by an official of the organization legally able to make commitments on behalf of the organization. b. Strategy and Approach (for LEAP Applicants Only--5 Points)

(1) Experience and/or ability in leveraging resources will enhance the application. Describe this experience and the applicant's proposed strategy for leveraging resources including:

(a) Types of leveraging and/or fundraising to be employed;

(b) Proposed use and distribution of funds/resources contributed;

(d) Proposed schedule of activities within the 36-month period of performance;

(e) Describe what the organization has done in the recent past

(e.g., within the past five years) that gives evidence of its ability and experience to generate substantial private sector resources; and,

(f) Describe time-phased goals for generating leveraged resources and how they will track and use these funds over the 36-month period of performance. 5. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation. (15

Points maximum for all applicants)

This rating factor reflects HUD's goal to embrace high standards of ethics, management, and accountability. a. Description of program activities, outputs and short-term, intermediate-term and long-term outcomes. (5 points)

(1) State clearly the project goals (``benchmarks'') and activities to achieve these goals.

(2) Describe how the applicant will measure the results.

(3) Explain how the applicant will document and track its goals, program activities, and schedules.

(4) Identify the procedures the applicant will follow to make adjustments to the work plan to improve performance if benchmarks are not met within established timeframes. b. Logic Model (10 points).

(1) Submit Form HUD-96010.

HUD is using an electronic Logic Model with dropdown menus from which the applicant can select needs, activities, and outcomes appropriate to the program. See the General Section for detailed information on the use of the 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 the applicant has described the benefits and outcome measures of the program. HUD will also consider the evaluation plan, to ensure the project is on schedule and within budget.

(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 the applicant and HUD to monitor and assess the progress in achieving the 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. Some examples of measurement-reporting tools are survey instruments; attendance logs; case report; pre-post tests; or waiting lists. Describe where/how 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). In FY 2008, HUD will use the Matrix in Appendix 1 of the

General Section to rate the quality of the Logic Model. The matrix provides for a sliding scale of up 10 points based upon the quality of the submission. 6. Bonus Points. (2 Points for all programs)

Applicants are eligible for 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

U.S. 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.

B. Reviews and Selection Process 1. Rating and Ranking. Please refer to the General Section. a. Applicants 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 of this NOFA. 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 based on how fully and thoroughly the applicant answers each item listed in each Rating Factor. 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 and above. c. The factors for rating and ranking eligible applicants under all categories, and the maximum points for each factor are stated below:

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Maximum points

Rating factors

LBPHC &

LHRD

LEAP

1. Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant

Organizational Experience........................ 2. Need/Extent of the Problem.....................

10 3. Soundness of Approach..........................

40 4. Matching and Leveraging Resources..............

15 5. Achieving Results and Program Evaluation.......

Empowerment Zone, Renewal Zones and Enterprise

Community (II) Bonus Points......................

Total.........................................

102

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices 1. Applicants Selected for Award. a. 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 grant agreement and any additional data and information to be submitted to execute the grant.

This letter is not an authorization to begin work or incur costs under the grant. b. HUD may require that a selected applicant participate in negotiations to determine the specific terms of the grant agreement, budget, and Logic Model. Should HUD not be able to successfully conclude negotiations with a selected applicant, an award will not be made. Applicants should note that, if they are selected for multiple awards, they must ensure that they have sufficient resources to provide the promised match and leveraged resources for the multiple awards.

During negotiations, such applicants would be required to provide alternative match and leveraged resources, if necessary, before the grant can be awarded in order to avoid committing duplicate match and leveraged resources to more than one OHHLHC grant. If the applicant accepts the terms and conditions of the grant agreement, a signed grant agreement must be returned by the date specified. Instructions on how to have the grant 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), if an awardee expends $500,000 in federal funds in a single year, they follow the requirements of the Single Audit Act and 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 for applicants to request a debriefing. 3. Negotiation. Refer to the General Section for additional details. 4. 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. 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. 2. Davis-Bacon wage rates. The Davis-Bacon wage rates are not applicable to these programs. However, if the applicant uses grant funds in conjunction with other federal programs, Davis-Bacon requirements will apply to the extent required under the other federal programs. 3. Procurement of Recovered Materials. See the General Section for information concerning this requirement. 4. 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.

C. Reporting: Reports shall comply with the General Section. The following items are a part of OHHLHC reporting requirements. 1. 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.

Specific guidance and additional details will be provided to successful applicants. For each reporting period, as part of the required report to HUD, a grant recipient must include a completed Logic Model (form

HUD 96010), which identifies output and outcome achievements. 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 the award agreement. 2. All grant recipients must comply with reporting requirements of subpart E (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).

VII. Agency Contact(s)

For questions related to the application process, the applicant may contact the Grants.gov help line at 800-518-GRANTS. For programmatic questions, the applicant may contact: Ms. Jonnette G. Hawkins,

Director, Programs Division, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard

Control: Department of Housing and Urban Development; 451 Seventh

Street, SW., Room 8236, Washington, DC 20410-3000; telephone (202) 402- 7593 (this is not a toll-free number); facsimile (202) 755-1000; e- mail: Jonnette.G.Hawkins@hud.gov. For administrative questions, the applicant may contact Curtissa L. Coleman, Director, Grants Services

Division, at the address above or by telephone at: (202) 402-7580 (this is not a toll-free number); e-mail at: Curtissa.L.Coleman@hud.gov. If the applicant is a hearing- or speech-impaired person, the applicant may reach the above telephone numbers via TTY by calling the toll-free

Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

VIII. Other Information

A. General. For additional 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.

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 to prepare the application, 16 hours to finalize the grant agreement, and 32 hours per annum for grant administration (progress reporting) per respondent.

This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the application, quarterly 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.

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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: FR-5200-N-07, 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 July 3, 2008.

Applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date. See

Section IV of the General Section, published on March 19, 2008 (73 FR 14882), regarding application submission procedures and timely filing requirements.

G. Additional 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 and safety hazards. 2. Available funding: HUD anticipates that approximately $4.3 million will be available. Of this, approximately $2.2 million is for

Lead Technical Studies and approximately $2.1 million is for Healthy

Homes Technical Studies. 3. Anticipated awards: Approximately 3 to 5 awards will be made for the Lead Technical Studies Program, ranging from approximately $350,000 to a maximum of $1 million each for the entire period of performance.

Approximately 3 to approximately 5 awards are anticipated under the

Healthy Homes Technical Studies Program, ranging from approximately

$350,000 to a maximum of $1 million each for the entire period of performance. 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 general local 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.3.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 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 purpose 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 and the public's knowledge of lead-based paint hazards and other housing-related health and safety hazards, and to improve or develop new hazard assessment and control methods, with a focus on key residential health and safety hazards. Key hazards are discussed in Appendix A. A list of references that serve as the basis for the information provided in this NOFA is provided as

Appendix B. Appendices A and B of this NOFA can be found on HUD's Web site at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. 1. General Goals a. Lead Technical Studies

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 build your proposed study upon HUD-sponsored work that has been previously completed, in addition to other relevant research

(i.e., that are 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

The overall goals and objectives of the Healthy Home Initiative

(HHI), which includes the Healthy Homes Technical Studies 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 and 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.

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

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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 conditions that may impact health, research has identified other more subtle health hazards in the residential environment (e.g., asthma triggers, mycotoxins, volatile organic compounds, pesticide residues). While such hazards are found disproportionately in housing that is substandard (e.g., structural problems, lack of adequate heating and cooling, moisture infiltration), 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, pesticides, and unintentional injuries. These resource papers can be downloaded from http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/hhi/hhiresources.cfm.

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 awards on new subjects. 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 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 a 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'' which can be found at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/researchers.cfm. 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 2008 funds for both programs are authorized under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Pub. L. 110-161).

II. Award Information

A. Funding Available

Approximately $2.2 million in fiscal year 2008 and prior-year funds are available for Lead Technical Studies. Approximately $2.1 million in fiscal year 2008 and prior-year funds are available for Healthy Homes

Technical Studies. 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.3 of this

NOFA. HUD anticipates that approximately 3 to 5 awards will be made for the Lead Technical Studies Program, and that approximately 3 to 5 awards will be made for the Healthy Homes Technical Studies Program.

Awards will range from approximately $350,000 to no more than

$1,000,000 per award for each program.

B. Anticipated Start Date and Period of Performance for New Grants

The start date for new awards is expected to be not later than

November 1, 2008. The period of performance cannot exceed 36 months from the date of award. The proposed performance period should include adequate time for such project components 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 84.25(e)(2) or 85.30(d)(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 in 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.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Academic and non-profit institutions located in the United States, state and units of general local 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 resource leveraging.

C. Other 1. Eligible Activities a. Lead Technical Studies

HUD is particularly interested in the following topics:

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(1) Effectiveness of Ongoing Maintenance Activities in Controlling

Lead-Based Paint Hazards. HUD has supported research that has shown that interim controls can be effective in significantly reducing dust- lead levels for periods of up to six years following intervention (see e.g., Wilson et al., 2005 in Appendix B). Outside of the intensity of the intervention and baseline conditions, few factors have been identified that are predictive of the effectiveness of lead hazard control interventions in reducing dust-lead levels over the long term.

The frequency and thoroughness of ongoing maintenance is one factor that is expected to be of significance with respect to the long term effectiveness of interim controls. 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.

(2) Effectiveness of HUD-Required Training on Lead Safe Work

Practices and Visual Assessment. HUD has sponsored the development and delivery of training in both lead safe work practices and the visual assessment of residences for the purpose of identifying deteriorated lead-based paint. To date, however, there has been no formal research to assess the effectiveness of this training. Such research would be useful for improving curricula and identifying the most effective methods for training delivery. HUD is placing a higher priority on the use of existing training curricula (with or without revision), but will consider proposals that include the development of new materials, if well justified. New training materials should be developed as ``step- in'' packages so that HUD or other training providers may independently conduct the course on their own. All lead safe work practices training must comply with HUD requirements and guidelines (available on HUD's

Web site at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/training/hudapproval_ main.cfm). Applicants must address the need for training or education in their target recipients.

(a) Training workers in lead-safe work practices is important for preventing contamination of the work area and reducing occupant and worker lead exposures. New renovators and workers lack experience in lead-safe work practices. Their skill and ability to use lead-safe work practices properly and pass clearance depends, in large part, upon the type and quality of the training and education they receive. Thousands of workers throughout the U.S. have received lead safe work practices training; however, there has been little formal evaluation of the effectiveness of various training methods. HUD is interested in identifying the most effective approach(es) to delivering lead safe work practices training as well as assessing the effectiveness of the various components of HUD-approved training curricula. The results of research on this topic will be used to guide trainers in the most effective training protocols for this material, improve curricula and increase availability of training.

Although there are several HUD-approved curricula including one developed jointly by HUD and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

(``Lead Safety for Remodeling, Repair and Painting''), training methods vary widely. For example, many training providers use only classroom lectures, while others include a variety of hands-on activities. Based on adult learning theory, it is expected that using hands-on activities is more effective compared to passive methods of training workers to reduce exposure to lead and pass end-of-job clearance examinations.

In addition, much of the lead-safe work practices training has been delivered in urban areas in order to reach the maximum numbers of persons possible, with less emphasis on training individuals in rural areas. Barriers to training in rural locations include low enrollments, physical distance from the training location, travel costs and other factors. HUD will consider applications that investigate strategies designed to reach affected persons closer to where they live and work through technology-based instructional alternatives or structured on- the-job training solutions. (Structured on-the-job training (SOJT) includes planning, breaking down jobs into their component tasks and providing instructors with lesson plans and materials. It produces consistent training outcomes of predictable quality. Information on

SOJT is readily available in the body of training and education literature. Proposed training solutions must be suitable for the delivery of training that can be shown to be effective in giving workers the skills and ability they need to complete projects that pass independent third-party clearance examinations in target housing. HUD will consider funding applications that evaluate current existing technologies and infrastructure possibilities that appear to be suitable for delivery of such training.

(b) Visual assessment for the presence of deteriorated paint is another activity for which an evaluation of training effectiveness is needed. In the past, HUD has supported two types of visual assessment training: instructor-led lecture and self-paced on-line training module. At this time, HUD maintains only the on-line visual assessment module, at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/training/training_ curricula.cfm and is aware of no comparable visual assessment training that is currently available. HUD will consider applications that address the effectiveness of various training or educational methods for visual assessment and recommend improvements to HUD's or others' curricula or offer alternative training solutions targeted to increasing the availability of effective visual assessment training. As above, the results of this research will be used to improve the quality and availability of the training.

(3) Analysis of Available Data and Databases. HUD is interested in supporting research using existing data to address key scientific issues related to the identification and control of lead-based paint hazards. Large research efforts often generate comprehensive data sets that are analyzed to address primary research objectives; however, there is often important information to be gained by conducting additional analyses of the collected data. Such analyses can generally be conducted at low cost relative to the cost of the initial research.

Applicants submitting proposals in this area should explain how the analyses would address high priority issues and possibly lead to improvements in lead hazard assessment and control methods. HUD is also interested in the creative use of existing databases (e.g., Census data, blood-lead screening data) to improve the efficacy of lead hazard control programs (e.g., by improved targeting of the highest risk homes and 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

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identification and control of residential lead-based paint hazards.

(4) Other Focus Areas that are Consistent with the Overall Goals of

HUD's Lead 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 Lead Technical Studies 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 involve construction rather than research, may be conducted as part of a project (see Section IV.E.9 of this NOFA).

Applicants should consider the efficiencies that might be gained by working cooperatively with one or more recipients of HUD's Lead Hazard

Control grants, which are widely distributed throughout the United

States. Information on current grantees is available at http:// www.hud.gov/offices/lead.

Because HUD has funded several recent applications in the following topic areas, HUD will not consider funding any applications on the following: i. Phytoremediation of lead-contaminated soil. ii. Analysis of dust or soil by portable X-ray fluorescent (XRF) analyzers. iii. Lead emissions from building demolition. iv. Contribution of soil lead to interior dust lead. b. Healthy Homes Technical Studies

(1) HUD expects 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 Healthy Homes

Technical 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 the identification 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 vulnerable populations (e.g., children, senior citizens);

(e) Analysis of existing data or generation of 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:

(i) The prevalence of carbon monoxide and other indoor air quality hazards;

(ii) The prevalence and patterns of moisture problems and biological contaminants associated with excess moisture (e.g., mold, bacteria, dust mites);

(iii) The prevalence of specific childhood injury hazards in housing; and

(iv) Improved understanding of the relationship between a residential exposure and illness or injury of children or other vulnerable populations. 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.

(f) 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.

(2) HUD is particularly interested in the following topics:

(a) Improving or assessing the efficacy of current methods for residential Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM focuses on approaches 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;

(b) 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;

(c) 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 consumption and/or costs (e.g., increasing air exchange rates resulting in an increase in heating and cooling costs) and how significantly increased energy consumption and/or costs can be avoided or mitigated;

(d) 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;

(e) Improving understanding of the potential effects of residential construction and rehab practices using ``green principles'' on indoor air quality and resident health;

(f) 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. If you propose a study in this focus area you should cite and discuss the theoretical basis for the education/outreach approach that you are proposing;

(g) 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 Healthy Homes

Technical Studies 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 program goals and objectives.

(3) General Information. In proposing to conduct a study on a particular topic, applicants should consider:

(a) 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;

(b) The likely efficacy of the proposed methods for hazard control and risk reduction (e.g., how long is effective hazard reduction maintained);

(d) The degree to which the study will help develop practical, widely applicable methods and protocols or

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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 Healthy

Homes Technical Studies 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 United States. Information on current grantees is available at http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead.

You may address one or more than one of the above technical studies topic areas within your proposal, or submit separate applications for different topic areas.

Note: A limited amount of hazard control activities, which involve construction rather than research, may be conducted as part of a Healthy Homes Technical Studies project (see Section IV.E.9 of this NOFA). 2. Threshold Requirements Applicable to All Applicants

To receive an award of funds from HUD, you must meet all the threshold requirements in the General Section. 3. Program Requirements

The following requirements are applicable to both the Healthy Homes

Technical Studies and Lead Technical Studies Programs: a. Program Performance. Grantees shall take all reasonable steps to complete all activities within the approved period of performance. HUD reserves the right to terminate the cooperative agreement 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 cooperative 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 6 years of age must 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

EPA's National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP) must be conducted by a laboratory recognized under the program. f. Laboratory Analysis for Mold. Samples to be analyzed for mold

(fungi) must be submitted to a laboratory accredited through the

Environmental Microbiological Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP), administered by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). g. 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. h. 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. i. Civil Rights. The institution administering the grant must meet the civil rights threshold set forth in the General Section. j. 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. k. Privacy. Submission of any information to databases (whether Web site, computer, paper, or other format) of addresses of housing units identified, treated or cleared under these studies 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 and local privacy regulations. l. 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). m. 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 are found at 24 CFR part 135. n. 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 Web site under

``Grantee Resources'' at http://

Continued on page 27181

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

]

pp. 27181-27230

Fiscal Year 2008 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs

Continued from page 27180

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www.hud.gov/offices/lead/hhi/hhts.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 5 percent of your total allergen dust samples will consist of Quality Control samples. o. Requirements for peer review of scientific data in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget Information Quality

Guidelines. All HUD-sponsored research is subject to the OMB Final

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. 4. 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 use to register as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) with Grants.gov. Be sure 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.

A. Addresses To Request Application Package

All applications must be submitted electronically. 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: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_ grants.jsp. If you have difficulty accessing the information you may call the Grants.gov help line 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.grants.gov/applicants/apply_ for_grants.jsp. 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. Information contained in the abstract will not be considered in the evaluation and scoring of your application.

Any information you wish to be considered should be provided under the appropriate rating factor response. 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 (Lead

Technical Studies or Healthy Homes Technical Studies) 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. 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 and a minimum margin width of 1-inch. 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 narrative response to the rating factor. 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 to the directions in the General Section. The footer on the pages of these materials should identify the rating factor that they are supporting. d. 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. e. 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. Do not include additional narrative information that is an extension of or expands upon any of your rating factor responses. Such narrative will not be considered. f. Budget. Include a total budget with supporting cost justification up to four pages, which will cover all budget categories of the federal grant request. This information will not be counted towards the Rating Factors narrative 25-page limit. Use the budget format discussed in Rating Factor 3, Section V.A.3.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 your location, and the remaining trips will have a stay of one or two days, depending on your 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

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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. g. Checklist for Technical Studies Program Applicants

(1) Applicant Abstract (limited to 2 pages).

(2) Rating Factor Responses (Total narrative response limited to 25 pages.).

(a) Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational

Experience (21 points).

(b) Need/Extent of the Problem (15 points).

(d) Leveraging Resources (6 points).

(e) Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (10 points).

(f) Bonus Points (RC/EZ/EC-II) (2 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-please do not include Social Security Numbers on Resumes).

(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).

(d) Form HUD-96010 (Program Outcome Logic Model Form).

(e) Form SF-424 Supplement (Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunities for Applicants) (``Faith Based EEO Survey (SF-424 SUPP)'' on

Grants.gov) (to be completed by private nonprofit organizations only).

(f) Form SF LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable).

(g) Form HUD-2880 (Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report)

(``HUD Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report'' on Grants.gov).

(h) Form HUD-2990 (Certification of Consistency with the RC/EZ/EC-

II Strategic Plan, required only for applicants who are seeking these 2 bonus points).

(i) Form HUD-2994-A (You Are Our Client! Grant Applicant Survey,

Optional).

(j) Form HUD-27300 (Questionnaire for HUD's Removal of Regulatory

Barriers) (``HUD Communities Initiative Form'' on Grants.gov) including the required information (required only if applicant is seeking points regarding removal of regulatory barriers.).

(k) Form HUD-96011 (Third Party Documentation Facsimile

(l) Form HUD-96012 (Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant

Organizational Experience).

(m) Form HUD-96015 (Leveraging Resources).

C. Submission Dates and Times

Electronic applications must be received and validated by

Grants.gov on or before 11:59:59 PM eastern time on the application deadline date. Refer to the General Section for submission requirements.

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. Detailed explanations of indirect and administrative costs are provided in applicable OMB Circulars (A-21--

Cost Principles for Educational Institutions, A-87--Cost Principles for

State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments, or A-122--Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations) that can be accessed at the White House

Web site, http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html. 2. Indirect Costs. Please see http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/ grants/fundsavail.cfm for reference to the Indirect Cost requirements. 3. Purchase of Real Property. The purchase of real property is not an allowable cost under either program. 4. 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. 5. Medical treatment. Medical treatment costs are not allowable under this program. 6. Profit. For profit institutions are not allowed to earn a profit. 7. You must comply with the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16

U.S.C. 3501). 8. 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. 9. Construction activities. The amount of HUD Lead Technical

Studies grant funds used for lead-based paint hazard control activities may not exceed 20% of the total HUD funds awarded. The amount of HUD

Healthy Homes Technical Studies grant funds used for construction activities may not exceed 40% of the total HUD funds awarded.

Furthermore, the majority of any funds dedicated to Healthy Homes construction activities shall be spent for interventions not intended for lead hazard control.

F. Other Submission Requirements

Applicants are required to submit applications electronically via the Web site http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply for grants.jsp. See sections IV.B and F of the General Section for additional information on the electronic process and how to request a waiver from the requirement if necessary. Applicants should submit their waiver requests in writing using e-mail. Waiver requests must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the application deadline date and should be submitted to Ms. Jonnette Hawkins at: Jonnette.G.Hawkins@hud.gov.

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Instructions regarding the number of copies to submit and to what address will be contained in the approval to the waiver request. Paper submissions must be received at the appropriate HUD office(s) no later than the deadline date.

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.3 of this NOFA. Your application must receive a total score of at least 75 points to be considered 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, including a possible 2 bonus points.

Applicants should be certain that each of these factors is adequately addressed in the project description and accompanying materials. To the extent feasible, include all of the needed information within your response to each rating factor. If your response to a particular rating factor cites information provided in your response to another rating factor, clearly indicate where the information is located so that the reviewer can easily locate it. 3. Rating Factors. a. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant

Organizational Experience (21 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 key and supporting personnel (14 points). HUD will assess the qualifications of key personnel to carry out the proposed study as evidenced by academic and professional background, publications, and recent (within the past 10 years) research experience. Publications and/or 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. HUD will also evaluate the qualifications of supporting personnel such as statisticians and research assistants. Partner organizations will also be evaluated with respect to their qualifications and capabilities to successfully implement their proposed project roles. In responding to this rating factor, you should complete and submit Form HUD-96012

(Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience).

Please do not include the Social Security Numbers (SSN) of any staff members.

(2) Past performance of the study team in managing similar projects

(7 points). HUD will evaluate your demonstrated ability to successfully manage various aspects (e.g., personnel management, data management, quality control, reporting) of a complex technical study, as well as your overall success in completing projects on time and within budget.

If applicable, provide the number and title of any past OHHLHC grants and describe the outcomes of those grants and your organization's performance in their implementation (e.g., whether they were completed on time and within budget). Also, describe the past performance of the organization (applicant and/or partners) on other projects related to residential environmental health and safety research, or other relevant experience. Provide details about the nature of the project, the funding organization, and your performance (e.g., timely completion, achievement of desired outcomes). You should also discuss the degree to which the results from past research have been used to develop new or improved methods or tools for residential hazard assessment or control.

If your organization has an active OHHLHC grant or cooperative agreement, provide a description of the progress and outcomes achieved under that award.

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). If you have completed a previous HUD-funded

Technical Studies grant but have not published the study results in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, explain why the results have not been published. 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 will 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 (Lead Technical

Studies) or I.B.1.b (Healthy Homes Technical Studies), 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 the health of children and other sensitive populations such as seniors.

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 III.C of this NOFA. 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. Identify which goals and objectives are addressed by the proposed study. For

Healthy Homes Technical Studies applicants that are conducting research with households in targeted communities, include available documented rates of illness or injury associated with the hazard or hazards that you are addressing within that community. Data should be provided for the relevant geographic area(s) (e.g., local, regional, state level), depending upon availability. Similarly, Lead Technical Studies applicants should provide data on the prevalence of lead-based hazards and/or elevated blood-lead levels among households in targeted neighborhoods, if applicable.

(2) A discussion of how your proposed project would significantly advance the current state of knowledge for your focus area. You should make clear how your proposed study would effectively build upon the current body of knowledge, especially the peer-reviewed literature.

(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 (48 Points). This factor addresses the quality of your proposed technical study plan. Specific components include:

(1) Soundness of the study design (26 points). Clearly and thoroughly describe the design of your proposed study and identify the major objectives. If possible, your study should be designed to address testable hypotheses that are clearly stated. The study should be

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presented as a logical sequence of steps or phases with individual tasks described for each phase. Include an organizational chart in the material supporting your response to this rating factor. Your narrative should reflect the relevant scientific literature, which should be thoroughly cited in your application. Your proposed study will be judged in part on the soundness of the underlying body of research upon which it is based (e.g., is it based upon well-understood or poorly- understood associations from previous epidemiological studies?) and the clarity and soundness of your interpretation and summarization of this research base. Describe the statistical basis for your study design and demonstrate that you would have adequate statistical power to test your stated hypotheses and achieve your study objectives. You should identify any important ``decision points'' in your study plan and you should discuss your plans for data management, analysis and archiving.

You should demonstrate that it is clearly feasible to complete the study within the proposed period of performance and successfully achieve your objectives. 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, and delays in developing new laboratory methods or instruments. 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 of participants, initiating the development of new methods/instruments).

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 and how 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 2008 policy priorities that are applicable to this NOFA (see the General Section for additional details regarding these policy priorities). You will receive one point under Rating

Factor 3(2) for each of the applicable FY 2008 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 Technical Studies 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.

Removal of Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing, which is worth up to 2 points provided the applicant includes a narrative response and submits the required documentation as described in Form

HUD-27300 for this policy priority. Instead of submitting the documentation, applicants may provide a Web site address where the documentation can be readily found.

(3) Quality assurance mechanisms (7 points). You must describe the quality assurance mechanisms that will be integrated into your project design to ensure the accuracy, validity and quality of the results.

Applicants that receive awards will be required to submit a Quality

Assurance Plan to HUD. You should plan for this and include Quality

Assurance activities in your study work plan. The Office of Management and Budget paperwork approval for the Quality Assurance Plan template for this program is currently pending.

(a) Discuss the major quality assurance mechanisms that are relevant for your proposed study. Examples of quality assurance mechanisms include, but are not limited to: Procedures for selection of samples/sample sites, sample handling, use of quality control samples, validating the accuracy of instrumentation, measures to ensure accuracy during data management, staff training, and final validation of your dataset. If applicable, documents (e.g., government reports, peer- reviewed academic literature) that provide the basis for your quality assurance mechanisms should be cited. Also, identify members of the study team who will have primary responsibility for drafting and ensuring compliance with the Quality Assurance Plan. Your application will be rated on the thoroughness, clarity, and validity of your proposed quality assurance activities, and their appropriateness for ensuring the validity and quality of the data.

(b) 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 (e.g., transfer of data from the field to a database). Also, describe any research done

(or planned) to validate the instrument.

Rule (Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, codified by

HUD at 24 CFR 60.101, which incorporates the DHHS regulation at 45 CFR part 46), if your research involves human subjects, your organization must provide proof (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. 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 DHHS's Office for Human

Research Protections (OHRP).

You do not have to provide proof of IRB approval with your application. If you do not have IRB approval yet, you should address how you will obtain such approval. Describe how you will obtain informed consent (e.g., from the subjects, their parents or their guardians, as applicable) and discuss the steps you will take to help ensure participants' understanding of 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. 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/.

(4) Project management plan (5 points). The proposal should include a management plan that provides a schedule for the clear and expeditious completion of major tasks, with associated benchmarks and major study milestones, and major deliverables. If your application includes multiple organizations, you should identify the organization/ person that has primary responsibility for completion of each of the major study tasks. The major tasks

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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 plans for preparation of one or more articles for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals and submission of the draft(s) to the journal(s) after HUD acceptance. 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 (5 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. Your application will be evaluated on the extent to which your resources are appropriate for the scope of your proposed study.

(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. Separate narrative justifications should be submitted for partners that are submitting separate budgets.

(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 (6 Points)

This factor addresses your ability to obtain other resources that can be combined with HUD's project funding to increase the effectiveness of the proposed study. 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. Contributed resources must be shown to be specifically dedicated to and integrated into supporting study activities. Resources may include funding or in- kind contributions (such as direct labor, specialized facilities) allocated to the purpose(s) of your project. Staff and in-kind contributions should be assigned a monetary value. In assigning points for this factor, HUD will consider the significance of the leveraging in the context of the amount of federal funds that you are requesting.

Applicants proposing to contribute resources valued at 10% or more of the federal funds requested will receive the most points.

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. In responding to this rating factor, you should complete and submit Form HUD-96015 (Leveraging Resources). 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 requires that you have clearly identified the expected outcomes of your project and interim performance measures for measuring progress in achieving the desired outcomes. Outcomes are ultimate goals. Benchmarks or outputs are interim activities or products that lead to the ultimate achievement of your goals.

Project evaluation requires that you 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 identified goals.

You should also 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. If appropriate, you can refer to the benchmarks and milestones identified in the management plan that you provide as part of your response to Rating Factor 3, providing additional explanation, as necessary. In your response you should also identify potential obstacles in meeting your study objectives and related performance measures and discuss steps you would take to respond to these obstacles.

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 TM Form HUD-96010 included with the download instructions found as part of the application at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp.

You must show your proposed project short-term, intermediate-term, long-term and final results. Instructions on the Logic Model are contained in the General Section and 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. f. Bonus Points (2 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 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.

B. Review and Selection Process 1. Corrections To Deficient Applications. The General Section provides the procedures for correcting deficient applications.

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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 Office of Healthy Homes and Lead

Hazard Control 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 cooperative agreement is the authorizing document.

HUD may require that all the selected applicants participate in negotiations to determine the specific terms of the cooperative agreement, budget, and Logic Model. If you accept the terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement, you must return your signed cooperative 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. Applicants should note that, if they are selected for multiple OHHLHC awards, they must ensure that they have sufficient resources to provide the promised leveraging for the multiple awards. During negotiations, applicants selected for multiple awards will be required to provide alternative leveraged resources, if necessary, before the grant can be awarded. This is required in order to avoid committing duplicate leveraged resources to more than one OHHLHC grant.

Awardees will receive 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 objects to performing the environmental review, 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 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 Part 58 procedures, see http:// www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/environment/index.cfm. For assistance, contact

Edward Thomas, the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control

Environmental Officer at (215) 861-7670 (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 1-800-877-8339.

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 under 24 CFR 50.19(b)(1), (3), and (9) 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. Conducting Business in Accordance with HUD Core Values and

Ethical Standards. If awarded assistance under this NOFA, prior to entering into a cooperative 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. 3. Participation in HUD-Sponsored Program Evaluation. See the

General Section. 4. Removal of Barriers to Affordable Housing. See the General

Section.

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5. 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. 6. 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. 7. Procurement of Recovered Materials. See the General Section for information concerning this requirement. 8. Davis-Bacon wage rates. The Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rates do 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.

C. Reporting 1. Post Award Reporting Requirements. Final budget and work plans are due 60 days after the start date. 2. 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.

For FY 2008, 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. 3. 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.hudclips.org/sub_nonhud/html/forms.htm. 4. Final report. The cooperative 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 cooperative agreement). 5. Draft scientific manuscript(s). Grantees will be required to complete a minimum of one draft manuscript for publication in a peer- reviewed journal.

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 (4726). 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) 402-7687 (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) 402-7595 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) 402-7580 (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 to finalize the cooperative agreement. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the application. This information will be used for grantee selection.

The reporting burden for completion of the Quality Assurance Plan by applicants who are awarded a grant is estimated at 24 hours per grantee

(OMB approval is pending). Response to this request for information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived.

C. Appendices. Appendices A and B to this NOFA are available for downloading with the application at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/ apply_for_grants.jsp.

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Lead Outreach Grant Program

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: U.S. 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- 5200-N-15. 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 July 17, 2008.

Applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date. See

Section IV of the General Section, published on March 19, 2008 (73 FR 14882), regarding application submission procedures and timely filing requirements.

G. Additional Overview Information 1. Available Funds. Approximately $1.5 million is available under this program from current and previous years funding. 2. Number and Amount of Awards. Approximately 5 to 8 grants, minimum of $100,000 and maximum of $300,000, will be awarded. 3. Eligible Applicants. Academic and non-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 are also eligible; however, they are not allowed to earn a fee (i.e., no profit can be made from the project). Partnerships are encouraged, but a lead applicant must be identified that will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all requirements specified in this NOFA. 4. Matching and Cost Sharing Requirements. There are no matching or cost sharing requirements. 5. Limitations on Applications. Each applicant, partner, sub- contractor and sub-recipient may participate in only one application to the Lead Outreach program.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Background information about lead, lead-based paint hazards and other information applicable to this NOFA can be found at: http:// www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp.

A. Purpose of the Program

The purpose of this Lead Outreach Grant Program is to promote efficient and effective outreach, education, and training for the public concerning the hazards and sources of lead-based paint poisoning, particularly for low-income children, and to reduce or eliminate such hazards.

B. Desired Outcomes

All applicants should direct their proposed activities to achieving the following, especially among at-risk populations. 1. Increase enrollment of low-income units in HUD or other lead hazard treatment programs. 2. Increase number of residents, housing owners, community leaders, maintenance and rehabilitation workers, and other related persons who are aware of and able to identify lead-based paint hazards. 3. Increase number of residents, housing owners, community leaders, maintenance and rehabilitation workers, and other related persons who understand proper lead hazard control methods. 4. Develop easy to use and sustainable systems for reporting and addressing lead hazards. 5. Develop effective partnerships between public and private entities, including grassroots, community-based and faith-based organizations, dedicated to reducing lead hazards.

B. Changes in the FY 2008 Competitive NOFA

Listed below are major changes from the FY 2007 Lead Outreach NOFA: 1. Purpose of program has been expanded. 2. Award amounts have been changed. 3. Type of award instrument has changed from a cooperative agreement to a grant. 4. Current Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control, Lead Hazard Reduction

Demonstration, or Operation Lead Elimination Action Program grantees are eligible to apply. 5. Point allocations have been revised. 6. Match requirement has been eliminated.

C. 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) (42

U.S.C. 4852(e)(8) and 4852(g)(1)), and the Consolidated Appropriations

Act, 2008 (Pub. L. 110-161, approved December 26, 2007). Section 1011(e)(8) and Section 1011(g)(1) authorize outreach grants on the causes and control of lead hazards, as well as capacity-building lead outreach grants to state and local governments to develop their own capacity and to non state and local government organizations where outreach activities will be conducted to develop the capacity of state and local governments.

II. Award Information

A. Available Funding

Approximately $1.5 million from the current and previous fiscal year's funding is available under this program. HUD anticipates that approximately five to eight grants will be awarded, for a minimum of

$100,000 and a maximum of $300,000 each, for the entire period of performance.

B. Type of Award and Period of Performance 1. Awards will be made as grants. 2. HUD anticipates announcing awards under this program no later than September 30, 2008, with an anticipated start date of November 1, 2008. 3. The period of performance for awards will be 24 months from the date of award. 4. HUD reserves the right to offer partial funding to any or all applicants. Applicants offered a reduced grant amount will have a maximum of 14 calendar days to accept such a reduced award. If the applicant fails to respond within the 14-day limit, the organization 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. 5. Period of performance extensions for delays due to exceptional conditions 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. If approved, grantees will be eligible to receive a single extension of up to 12 months in length. Applicants should not include the ability to obtain an extension in their application or project planning.

II. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Academic, not-for-profit and for-profit institutions located in the

United States, states and units of general local government, and federally recognized Native American tribes are eligible to apply. For- profit firms are eligible to apply, but not allowed to earn a fee

(i.e., make a profit from the project).

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B. Cost Sharing or Matching

There are no cost sharing or matching requirements. See Section V.

Rating Factor 4 for more information on this topic.

C. Threshold Requirements 1. Applicants must meet the threshold requirements of the General

Section of the Super NOFA, including the Civil Rights and Fair Housing threshold (See General Section III.C.). 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 and must be included in the electronic application submission; use the same DUNS number that is used to register as an Authorized Organization

Representative (AOR) with Grants.gov. Be sure that the eBusiness Point of Contact has authorized the submission of an application on behalf of the applicant organization (see the General Section for details about the Grants.gov registration process). 2. Allowable Costs and Eligible Activities. a. Direct Costs and Activities. You should align all forms of outreach activities with the stated program purpose and outcomes. There should be a demonstrable connection between proposed activities and the purpose of the grant. All eligible activities must identify at-risk populations (or areas); propose activities to meet those populations' information needs; and evaluate the program's effectiveness in accordance with the grant's stated purpose (Section I.A.) and outcomes

(Section 1.B.). Eligible activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Improve or establish systems, infrastructure, or procedures, to enroll units in existing lead hazard control programs.

(2) Perform direct education and training for residents, businesses, local officials and community leaders in target areas.

(3) Develop and evaluate educational and training tools or methods.

(4) Develop and evaluate outreach methods, especially for families with children under 6 years of age or with pregnant women.

(5) Prepare and distribute lead hazard information in various media formats. b. Indirect Costs and Administrative Costs. Administrative costs may not exceed 10 percent of the grant award. Please see unit IV.E.1.,

Indirect Costs and Administrative Costs. 3. Unallowable Costs and Ineligible Activities.

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 lead-based paint 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. Renovations or construction work on office space leased for the program; e. Activities required in order to fulfill court orders or consent decrees, settlements, conciliation agreements, or other compliance agreements. 4. Program Requirements. a. Awardees must ensure that materials are appropriate for the target populations, including persons with Limited English Proficiency

(LEP) (Please see Final LEP Guidance at http://www.hud.gov/offices/ fheo/promotingfh/lep.cfm for information), and for visually impaired or other disabled persons. All new products and adaptations/translations must be submitted to HUD as deliverables, in electronic format suitable for Web posting. All products must utilize universal formatting and type-editing to the best of the awardee's ability. b. Awardees are responsible for first determining if a translation already exists. Reimbursements will not be allowed for translations of federal documents that have previously been translated into the target language. c. Awardees must use existing outreach, training, and technical assistance documents unless their application can demonstrate a great need exists in their community to substantively modify existing documents or create new ones.

III. Application and Submission Information

A. Address to Request Application Package. All the information required to submit an application can be downloaded from http:// www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. 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. The electronic submission process requires proposals to conform to the formatting requirements below to be eligible. a. Only submit material that is indicated as mandatory or directly in support of the rating factors. The application narrative response to the Rating Factors is limited to a maximum of 25 pages (excluding appendices and worksheets) of size 8\ 1/2\'' x 11'' using a 12-point

(minimum) font with not less than 1'' margins on all sides. The 25-page rating factor response does not include attachments, tables, appendices, and other required forms. Applicants should be aware that any narrative information submitted in response to the Rating Factors that exceeds the page limit will not be reviewed. b. Materials provided in the appendices should directly refer to the specific rating factor narrative. Applicants are strongly urged not to submit information that is not required and/or requested in the NOFA or relevant to a specific narrative response. The narrative response to the rating factors 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. Applicants are encouraged to submit as few files as possible to ensure that all materials are received. c. Mandatory HUD forms do not count towards the 25-page limit. d. Each attachment or appendix must be an individual electronic file. e. Applicants are responsible for verifying the successful transmission of all documents submitted with their applications.

Grants.gov will not allow you to submit applications if the mandatory forms are not attached. The mandatory forms are the ones indicated below. 2. Required Application Contents. The application must contain all of the mandatory information requested in this NOFA and the General

Section to be eligible for all available points. These items include the standard forms, and the certifications and assurances listed in the

General Section that are applicable to this NOFA. Points will be deducted for incomplete forms associated with each rating factor. The forms required for application submission and instructions can be found in the application at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/

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apply--for--grants.jsp. The checklist below includes a list of the required items needed for submitting a complete application. a. Application Abstract (limited to 2 pages). Summarize the proposed project, expected activities and results and applicant contact information. Information contained in the abstract will not be considered in the evaluation and scoring of the application. b. Rating Factor Responses (total narrative response limited to 25 pages)

(1) Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational

Experience (20 points) and Form HUD-96012

(2) Need/Extent of the Problem (15 points) and Form HUD-96013.

(3) Soundness of Approach (40 points).

(4) Leveraging Resources (10 points) and Form HUD-96015.

(5) Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (15 points) and Form

HUD-96010.

(6) Bonus Points (RC/EZ/EC-II) (2 points). c. Required materials in response to rating factors (does not count towards 25-page limit):

(1) Resumes of Key Personnel (limited to 3 pages per resume).

(2) Organizational Chart.

(3) 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 be considered.

(4) Material in support of the Rating Factors (25 page limit). d. Other Materials in Support of Rating Factors

(1) Form SF 424 (Application for Federal Assistance).

(2) Form HUD-424-CBW (Budget Worksheet) One form for each partner receiving ten percent or greater of total budget.

(3) Budget narrative.

(4) Form SF-424 Supplement (Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunities for Applicants) (``Faith Based EEO Survey (SF-424 SUPP)'' on

Grants.gov) (to be completed by private nonprofit organizations only).

(5) Form SF LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable).

(6) Form HUD-2880 (Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report)

(``HUD Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report'' on Grants.gov).

(7) Form HUD-2990 (Certification of Consistency with the RC/EZ/EC-

II Strategic Plan, required only for applicants who are seeking these 2 bonus points).

(8) Form HUD-2994-A (You Are Our Client! Grant Applicant Survey,

Optional).

(9) Form HUD-27300 (Questionnaire for HUD's Removal of Regulatory

Barriers) (``HUD Communities Initiative Form'' on Grants.gov) including the required information, if applicable.

(10) Form HUD-96011 (Third Party Documentation Facsimile

Transmittal) (``Facsimile Transmittal Form'' on Grants.gov) (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.). Applications must be received and validated electronically via the Web site http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp.

See the General Section for additional information on the electronic process.

C. Submission Dates and Times

Applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov by 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date. Submission of the application electronically does not constitute ``validation'' by

Grants.gov. 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/applicants/ apply_for_grants.jsp. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well ahead of the deadline. Validation by Grants.gov may take up to three days. Applications validated after the deadline will not be eligible for review.

D. Intergovernmental Review. Not required.

E. Funding Restrictions 1. Indirect Costs and Administrative Costs. Administrative costs may not exceed 10 percent of the grant award. Detailed explanations of indirect and administrative costs are provided in applicable OMB

Circulars (A-21--Cost Principles for Educational Institutions, A-87--

Federal funds; and c. 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. 2. Ineligible Activities. See Section III.C.3, Unallowable Costs and Activities.

F. Other Submission Requirements 1. Waiver of Electronic Submission Requirements. HUD requires applicants to submit applications electronically through http:// www.grants.gov unless the applicant requests and is granted a waiver to the electronic submission requirements. Waivers may only be granted for cause. See General Section for further discussion. Applicants should submit waiver requests by e-mail. Waiver requests must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the application deadline date and should be submitted to Jonnette Hawkins, Director, Programs Division, Office of

Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, Jonnette.G.Hawkins@hud.gov. If a waiver is granted, the application must be received by HUD no later than 11:59:59 p.m. on the application deadline date. The waiver approval notification will provide further information on where to send the application and the number of copies to be provided. 2. Applicants should use the application checklist in this NOFA

(Section IV. B. 2) to help them identify any missing elements and complete the application before it is submitted. 3. No information may be submitted after the deadline date except under the threshold review process. 4. Although applications with curable deficiencies are offered an opportunity at threshold review to submit certain information to cure these deficiencies, non-curable deficiencies are not correctable and may disqualify an application. (See General Section.)

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria. 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. B. of this NOFA. The application must receive a total score of at least 75 points to be considered for funding. 1. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant

Organizational Experience (20 points). This factor addresses your organization's capacity

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to successfully implement the proposed activities. The following areas will be evaluated: organizational capacity, experience and past performance, individual staff and participants' qualifications, and specific qualifications related to the categories of activities under this NOFA. a. Organizational Capacity (6 points).

(1) Describe your program's resources to be dedicated to this project. This entails number and type of staff, or the ability to hire qualified experts or professionals within 90 days of award, partnerships and agreements that provide