Fiscal Year 2006 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

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

Fiscal Year 2006 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs

AGENCY:

Office of the Secretary, HUD.

ACTION:

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

SUMMARY:

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

DATES:

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction (Supplemental General Section)

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

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

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

In addition to Revised Appendix A, this notice makes one clarification regarding the discussion of the Logic Model in Section VI.C. entitled “Reporting” of the January 20, 2006, General Section (see 71 FR 3398). Although the Logic Model is to be completed by applicants, the Return on Investment (ROI) Statement referenced in the discussion of the Logic Model only applies to grantees, i.e., applicants selected for funding under the NOFAs. Applicants are

not

to complete the ROI statement. Additionally, for FY2006, the ROI concept is a new concept for the Logic Model. HUD is considering this new concept and will issue a separate notice within the next few weeks that further addresses the ROI concept.

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

Applicants are required to complete a five-step registration process in order to submit their applications electronically. The registration process is outlined in HUD's Notice of Opportunity to Register Early for Electronic Submission of Grant Applications for Funding Opportunities, published in the

Federal Register

on December 9, 2006 (70 FR 73332), and the brochure entitled “STEP BY STEP: Your Guide to Registering for Grant Opportunities,” located at

http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm

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

HUD has received a number of questions regarding what to do if an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) has left the organization. An excerpt from the “Finding and Applying for Grant Opportunities Brochure,” dated February 2006 and describes the steps that are needed in such situations and also provides other pertinent registration information. This excerpt can be found on HUD's Web site at

http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm

under the title “Registration Tips.”

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

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

Applicants are also encouraged to participate in HUD's satellite training and web cast sessions designed to provide a detailed explanation of the general section and program section requirements for each of the SuperNOFA programs. The interactive broadcasts provide you an opportunity to ask questions of HUD staff. These broadcasts are also achieved and accessible from HUD's Grants page at

http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm

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

Modifications to any of the NOFAs or the application are posted to

www.Grants.gov

as soon as they are available. Applicants should subscribe to the

Grants.gov

free notification service. By doing so, you will receive an e-mail notification as soon as items are posted to Grants.gov. The address to subscribe to this service is

http://www.grants.gov/search/email.do

.

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

Dated: February 22, 2006.

Roy A. Bernardi,

Deputy Secretary.

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

EN08MR06.000

EN08MR06.001

EN08MR06.002

EN08MR06.003

EN08MR06.004

Community Development Technical Assistance

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name.

Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Community Planning and Development.

B. Funding Opportunity Title.

Community Development Technical Assistance (CD-TA).

C. Announcement Type.

Initial Announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Number.

The

Federal Register

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

E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers.

The HOME and CHDO (HOME) CFDA number is 14.239; Homeless is 14.235; HOPWA is 14.241; Youthbuild is 14.243.

F. Dates.

The application submission date is May 18, 2006.

G. Additional Overview and Content Information.

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

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. CD-TA Purpose.

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

http://www.hud.gov

.

B. Description of National TA and Local TA.

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

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

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

C. Authority.

HOME TA is authorized by the HOME Investment Partnerships Act (42 U.S.C. 12781-12783); 24 CFR part 92. CHDO (HOME) TA is authorized by the HOME Investment Partnerships Act (42 U.S.C. 12773); 24 CFR part 92. For the McKinney-Vento Act Homeless Assistance Programs TA, the Supportive Housing Program is authorized under 42 U.S.C. 11381

et seq.

; 24 CFR 583.140; Emergency Shelter Grants, Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy Program, and Shelter Plus Care TA are authorized by the FY2006 HUD Appropriations Act. HOPWA TA is authorized under the FY2006 HUD Appropriations Act. Youthbuild TA is authorized under Title IV of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, as amended by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 12899g); 24 CFR part 585.

II. Award Information

A. Available Funds.

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

Program

National TA

Local TA

HOME

$1,980,000

$0

CHDO (HOME)

2,920,000

5,000,000

Homeless

3,501,085

3,000,000

HOPWA

900,000

0

Youthbuild

2,475,000

0

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

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

Local TA area

CHDO

(HOME)

Homeless

Alabama

$75,000

$40,000

Alaska

30,000

30,000

Arkansas

30,000

40,000

California—Northern and Arizona, Nevada

300,000

300,000

California—Southern

400,000

275,000

Caribbean

75,000

40,000

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

170,000

60,000

Connecticut

55,000

40,000

District of Columbia area

50,000

50,000

Florida—Southern

60,000

50,000

Florida—Northern

100,000

70,000

Georgia

75,000

50,000

Hawaii

40,000

Illinois

125,000

145,000

Indiana

50,000

25,000

Kansas and Missouri—Western

75,000

50,000

Missouri—Eastern

55,000

40,000

Kentucky

150,000

40,000

Louisiana

50,000

40,000

Maryland, except District of Columbia area

50,000

40,000

Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

250,000

200,000

Michigan

225,000

138,000

Minnesota

140,000

52,000

Mississippi

125,000

50,000

Nebraska and Iowa

40,000

40,000

New Jersey

25,000

25,000

New Mexico

225,000

50,000

New York—Downstate

482,000

250,000

New York—Upstate

60,000

35,000

North Carolina

150,000

40,000

Ohio

116,000

125,000

Oklahoma

40,000

40,000

Oregon and Idaho

130,000

30,000

Pennsylvania—Eastern and Delaware

75,000

50,000

Pennsylvania—Western and West Virginia

158,000

57,000

South Carolina

34,000

40,000

Tennessee

150,000

40,000

Texas—Northern

250,000

88,000

Texas—Southern

20,000

40,000

Virginia, except District of Columbia area

80,000

40,000

Washington

50,000

50,000

Wisconsin

200,000

55,000

B. Performance Period.

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

C. Terms of Award.

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

In addition to the requirements listed in the General Section, selected applicants are subject to the following requirements:

1. Demand-Response System

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

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

b. Respond to requests for assistance from the GTR;

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

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

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

2. Training

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

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

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

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

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

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

f. Send trainers to approved “train-the-trainers” sessions.

3. Field Office Involvement Under National TA Awards

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

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

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

Program

Eligible applicants

HOME

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

A HOME Participating Jurisdiction (PJ);

A public purpose organization, established pursuant to state or local legislation, responsible to the chief elected officer of a PJ;

An agency or authority established by two or more PJs to carry out activities consistent with the purposes of the HOME program; or

A national or regional nonprofit organization that has membership comprised predominantly of entities or officials of entities of PJs or PJs' agencies or established organizations.

CHDO (HOME)

A public or private nonprofit intermediary organization that customarily provides services, in more than one community, related to the provision of decent housing that is affordable to low-income and moderate-income persons or related to the revitalization of deteriorating neighborhoods; has demonstrated experience in providing a range of assistance (such as financing, technical assistance, construction and property management assistance) to CHDOs or similar organizations that engage in community revitalization; and has demonstrated the ability to provide technical assistance and training for community-based developers of affordable housing.

Note:

Any organization funded to assist CHDOs under CD-TA may not undertake CHDO set-aside activities itself within its service area while under cooperative agreement with HUD.

Homeless

A state;

A unit of general local government;

A public housing authority; or

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

HOPWA

A for-profit or nonprofit organization;

A state; or

A unit of general local government.

Youthbuild

A public or private nonprofit agency that has significant prior experience in the operation of projects similar to the Youthbuild program and that has the capacity to provide effective technical assistance.

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

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

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

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

None.

C. Other

1. Eligible Activities and Priorities

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

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

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

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

(3) Assist PJs in developing strategies that ameliorate the affordability gap between rapidly increasing housing costs and the less rapid growth in incomes among low-income households, especially among underserved populations (

e.g.

, residents of the Colonias, homeless persons, persons with disabilities, and residents of an empowerment zone (EZ) designated by HUD or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), an urban or rural renewal community designated by HUD (RC), or an enterprise community designated in round II by USDA (EC-II).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. DUNS Requirement

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

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

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

4. False Statements

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

5. Environmental Review

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

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Addresses to Request Application Package.

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

B. Content and Form of Application Submission.

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

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

1. Number of Copies

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

2. Page Limitation

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

does not include the Form HUD-96010, Logic Model.

3. Prohibition on Materials Not Required

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

4. Checklist for Application Submission

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

—SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance (from General Section)

—An Application Cover Page indicating in bold (a) the type of TA proposed in the application whether HOME National, CHDO National, CHDO Local, Homeless National, Homeless Local, HOPWA National, or Youthbuild National; (b) the amount of funds requested; and (c) for Local TA, the jurisdiction proposed in the application.

—A one-page Summary describing (a) each major component of the proposed TA approach; (b) the proposed cost of each major component; and (c) whether the component is integrally related to another component in order to be successful.

—Narrative addressing Factors 1-5

—HUD-96010, Logic Model

—HUD-424-CB, Grant Application Detailed Budget Form (from General Section)

—HUD-424-CBW, Detailed Budget Worksheet for Non-Construction Projects (from General Section)

—If applying for CHDO (HOME) TA, statement as to whether the organization proposes to pass through funds to new CHDOs.

—If applying for the CHDO (HOME) TA, a certification as to whether the organization qualifies as a primarily single-state provider under section 233(e) of the Cranston-Gonzales Affordable Housing Act.

—SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (from General Section)

—HUD-2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (from General Section)

—SF-424, Supplement, Survey on Equal Opportunity for Applicants

—HUD-96011, FacsimileTransmittal (required for electronic submissions of third party documents)

C. Submission Dates and Times.

The application submission date is May 18, 2006.

D. Intergovernmental Review.

Intergovernmental review is not applicable to CD-TA applications.

E. Funding Restrictions.

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

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

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

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

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

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria.

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

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

Factor 5 relates to the capacity of the applicant and its relevant organizational experience. Rating of the “applicant” or the “applicant's organization and staff” includes in-house staff and any sub-contractors and sub-recipients which are firmly committed to the project. In responding to Factor 5, applicants should specify the experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant's organization and staff, and any persons and organizations firmly committed to the project.

1. Rating Factor 1: Need/Extent of the Problem (10 Points)

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

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

In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the application demonstrates an understanding of the specific needs for TA and supports the description of need with reliable, program-specific, quantitative information. Applicants for HOME should, at a minimum, draw on HOME Snapshot information to demonstrate PJs' needs, in an area or nationwide, for additional training and capacity building. See

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/programs/home/snapshot/index.cfm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Rating Factor 3: Leveraging Resources (10 Points)

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

In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the application demonstrates a cost-effective means of sharing resources developed under the CD-TA activities with a wide audience, including sharing information with other TA providers in the CD-TA program.

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

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

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

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

In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the application demonstrates successful past performance that was timely and resulted in positive outcomes in the delivery of community development TA. HUD will also consider past performance of current CD-TA providers, including financial and other information in HUD's files.

5. Rating Factor 5: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience (30 Points) (Minimum for Funding Eligibility—20 Points)

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

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

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

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

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

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

B. Review and Selection Process

1. Review Types

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

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

2. Rank Order

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

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

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

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

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

3. Threshold Eligibility Requirements

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

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

4. Award Adjustment

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

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

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

VI. Award Administration Information

A.

Award Notices.

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

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

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

After selection, but prior to award, applicants selected for funding will be required to provide HUD with their written Code of Conduct if they have not previously done so and it is recorded on the HUD Web site at

http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/codeofconduct/sconduct.cfm

.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.

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

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

The requirements to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing do not apply.

C. Reporting.

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

VII. Agency Contacts

A. For Assistance.

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

http://www.hud.gov

.

B. List of Field Office Addresses.

Applicants that receive a waiver of the electronic application submission requirements and need to submit copies of their application to HUD field offices should consult the following website for a listing of the HUD field office addresses to send Local TA applications:

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/about/staff/fodirectors/index.cfm

.

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

VIII. Other Information

A. Paperwork Reduction Act.

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

B. HUD Reform Act.

The provisions of the HUD Reform Act of 1989 that apply

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

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

EN08MR06.005

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

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name:

Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, Office of Native American Programs.

B. Funding Opportunity Title:

Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages.

C. Announcement Type:

Initial Announcement.

D. Funding Opportunity Number:

The

Federal Register

number is FR 5030-N-02. The OMB approval number is 2577-0191.

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

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

F. Dates:

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

G. Optional, Additional Overview Content Information:

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

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

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

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A.

General.

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

B.

Authority.

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

C.

Program Description.

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

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

1. Area Benefit Activities.

2. Limited Clientele Activities.

3. Housing Activities.

4. Job Creation or Retention Activities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

D. Definitions Used in this NOFA.

1.

Adopt

. To approve by formal tribal resolution.

2.

Document

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

3.

Entity Other than Tribe

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

4.

Homeownership Assistance Programs

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

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

5.

Leveraged Resources

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

6.

Microenterprise Programs

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

7.

Operations and Maintenance (O&M) for Public Facilities and Improvements

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

8.

Outcomes

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

9.

Outputs

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

10.

Project Cost

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

11.

Standard Housing/Standard Condition

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

12.

Statement

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

13.

Tribe

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

II. Award Information

A. Available Funds.

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

B. Allocations to Area ONAPs.

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

Eastern/Woodlands

$6,325,737

Southern Plains

11,864,746

Northern Plains

7,917,788

Southwest

20,525,637

Northwest

2,891,489

Alaska

5,914,603

Total

55,440,000

C. Compliance with regulations, guidelines, and requirements:

Applicants awarded a grant under this NOFA are required to comply with the

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Note:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

III. Eligibility Information

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

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

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

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

On November 25, 2005 (70 FR 71194), the BIA published a

Federal Register

notice entitled, “Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs.” This notice provides a listing of Indian Tribal Entities in Alaska found to be Indian tribes as the term is defined and used in 25 CFR part 83. Additionally, pursuant to Title I of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, ANCSA Village Corporations and Regional Corporations are also considered tribes and therefore eligible applicants for the ICDBG program.

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

B. Cost Sharing or Matching.

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

C. Other.

1. HUD Requirement

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

2. Program and Project Specific Requirements

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

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

Eastern/Woodland:

$35,000

Southern Plains:

$35,000

Northern Plains:

$50,000

Southwest:

$40,000

Northwest:

$40,000

Alaska:

$55,000

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

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

3. Program Related Threshold Requirements

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

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

4. Project Specific Threshold Requirements

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

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

b. New Housing Construction Project Thresholds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Public Service Projects

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

6. Restrictions on Eligible Activities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Application Screening

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

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

b. You are eligible;

c. The proposed project is eligible;

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

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

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

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Addresses To Request Application Package

Applicants are required to submit an electronic application unless they

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

Copies of the General Section and ICDBG NOFA may be downloaded from the grants.gov Web site at

http://www.grants.gov/Apply.

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

B. Content and Form of Application Submission.

1. Application Information

Indicate on the first page of each project submission, the type of project(s) being proposed: Economic Development, Homeownership Assistance, Housing Rehabilitation, Land Acquisition to Support New Housing, Microenterprise Programs, New Housing Construction or Public Facilities and Improvements. This will help to ensure that the appropriate project specific thresholds and rating subfactors will be applied. Narrative statements submitted to support your application should be individually labeled to reflect the item the narrative is responding to,

e.g.

Factor 1, Factor 2, etc. Applicants should not submit third party documents, such as audits, resolutions, policies, unless specifically asked to submit them. Additional information regarding electronic submissions can be found in the General Section.

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

Only include documentation that will clearly and concisely support your response to the rating criteria.

HUD suggests that you do a preliminary rating for your project, providing a score according to the point system in Section V of this NOFA. This will show you how reviewers might score your project, and identify its strengths and weaknesses. This will help determine where improvements can be made prior to its submission. An application checklist has been posted at

http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm

under the ICDBG program for your use in verifying that you have completed all required components.

2. Content of Application, Forms, and Required Elements

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

a.

Demographic data.

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

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

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

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

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

b.

Publication of Community Development Statement.

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

c.

Application Submission.

Your application must contain the items listed below.

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

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

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

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

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

The other required items are as follows:

(5) Community Development Statement that includes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(d) The source of funds for relocation; and

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

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

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

(10) Optional submissions are:

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

(b) Logic Model, HUD-96010.

3. Planning and Administrative Costs

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

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

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

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

C. Submission Dates and Times

1. Application Submission Deadline

The application deadline date is May 31, 2006. Applications submitted through

http://www.Grants.gov/Apply

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

D. Intergovernmental Review

Indian tribes are not subject to the Intergovernmental Review process.

E. Funding Restrictions

1. Ineligible Activities

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

a. Government Office Space. Buildings, or portions thereof, used

predominantly

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

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

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

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

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

f. Construction Tools and Equipment. The purchase of construction tools and equipment is generally ineligible. However, compensation for the use of such tools and equipment through leasing, depreciation, or use allowances pursuant to OMB Circulars A-87 and A-122, as applicable, for an otherwise eligible activity is eligible. Exceptions include construction tools

and

equipment purchased for use as part of a solid waste facility (24 CFR 1003.201(c)(1)(ii)) and construction tools only (not equipment) purchased for use in a housing rehabilitation project being administered by the recipient using the force account construction method (24 CFR 1003.202(b)(8)).

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

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

Area ONAP

Population

Ceiling

Eastern Woodlands

ALL

$600,000

Southern Plains

ALL

800,000

Northern Plains

6,001+

1,100,000

0-6,000

900,000

Southwest

50,001+

5,500,000

10,501-50,000

2,750,000

7,501-10,500

2,200,000

6,001-7,500

1,100,000

1,501-6,000

825,000

0-1,500

605,000

Northwest

ALL

500,000

Alaska

ALL

500,000

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

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

before

you submit your application.

F. Other Submission Requirements

1. Applications shall be submitted via

www.Grants.gov/Apply

by no later than the application deadline date and time stated in the NOFA.

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

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

http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm

under the ICDBG program.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

1. RC/EZ/EC-II:

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

2. Rating Factors to Evaluate and Rate Applications:

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

Rating factor

Rating sub-

factor

Points

Project type

1

Total

40

Minimum of 20 Points Required.

1.a.

10

All Project Types.

1.b.

5 or 7*

All Project Types.

1.c.

3 or 8*

All Project Types.

1.d.

2 or 5*

All Project Types.

2.a.

4 or 0*

All Project Types.

2.b.

4 or 0*

All Project Types.

2.c.

4 or 0*

All Project Types.

2.d.

4 or 0*

All Project Types.

2.e.

4 or 0*

All Project Types.

2

Total

16.

1

4

All Project Types.

2.a.

12

Public Facilities and Improvements and Economic Development Projects.

2.b.

12

New Housing Construction, Housing Rehabilitation, Land Acquisition to Support New Housing, and Homeownership Assistance Projects.

2.c.

12

Microenterprise Programs.

3

Total

30.

1

10

All Project Types.

2

5

All Project Types.

3

1

All Project Types.

4

2

All Project Types.

4.a.

12

Public Facilities and Improvements.

4.b.

12

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

4.c.

12

Economic Development Projects.

4.d.

12

Microenterprise Programs.

4.e.

12

Land Acquisition to Support New Housing.

4

Total

8

All Project Types.

5

Total

6

All Project Types.

1

2

All Project Types.

2

4

All Project Types.

Total

100

Minimum of 70 Points Required.

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

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

This factor addresses the extent to which you have the organizational resources necessary to successfully implement the proposed activities in accordance with your implementation schedule. If applicable, past performance in administering previous ICDBG grants will be taken into consideration. You must address the existence or availability of these resources for the

specific type of activity

for which you are applying. You must receive a minimum of 20 points under this factor for your proposed activity to be eligible for funding. HUD will not rate any projects further that do not receive a minimum of 20 points under this factor. The implementation schedule and/or the Logic Model, Form HUD 96010, you submit for this factor will be measured against actual progress if you are funded.

1.

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

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

a. (10 points)

Managerial and Technical Staff.

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

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

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

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

b.

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

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

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

quantifiable program measures and/or evaluation process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. (20 Points for Current ICDBG Grantees) (0 Points for New Applicants) Past Performance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(2) (0 points). The applicant has not resolved open ICDBG monitoring findings and controlled audit findings by the established target date.

Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (16 Points)

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

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

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

a.

Public Facilities and Improvements and Economic Development Projects.

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

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

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

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

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

b.

New Housing Construction, Housing Rehabilitation, Land Acquisition to Support New Housing, and Homeownership Assistance Projects

. The need for the proposed project is determined by utilizing data from the tribe's 2005 IHBG formula information. The ratio is based on the dollars allocated to a tribe under the IHBG program for Need divided by the sum of the number of AIAN households in the following categories:

—Annual income less than 30 percent of median income;

—Annual income between 30 percent and 50 percent of median income;

—Annual income between 50 percent and 80 percent of median income;

—Overcrowded or without kitchen or plumbing;

—Housing cost burden greater than 50 percent of annual income;

—Housing shortage (Number of low-income AIAN households less total number of NAHASDA and Formula Current Assisted Stock).

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

Table” that is available at

http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm

under the ICDBG program.

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

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

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

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

c.

Microenterprise Programs

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

and:

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

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

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

(4) (0 points). Less than 50 percent of the employees are low- and moderate-income.

Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (30 Points)

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

1. (10 points).

Description of and Rationale for Proposed Project

.

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

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

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

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

2. (5 points).

Budget and Cost Estimates

.

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

3. (1 point).

HUD Policy Priorities

.

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

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

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

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

5. (12 points).

Commitment to Sustain Activities

.

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

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

a.

Public Facilities and Improvement Projects

.

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

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

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

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

b.

New Housing Construction, Housing Rehabilitation, and Homeownership Assistance Projects

.

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

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

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

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

c.

Economic Development Projects.

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

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

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

(b) Business operating plan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

d.

Microenterprise Programs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

e.

Land Acquisition Projects to Support New Housing.

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

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

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

(3) (0 points). Neither of the above criteria is met.

Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (8 Points)

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

Non-ICDBG resources to project costs

Points

Less than 4 percent

0

At least 4 percent but less than 11 percent

2

At least 11 percent but less than 18 percent

4

At least 18 percent but less than 25 percent

6

25 percent or more

8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rating Factor 5: Comprehensiveness and Coordination (6 Points)

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

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

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

Outputs must include, where applicable:

• Number of houses rehabilitated;

• Number of jobs created;

• Square feet for any public facility;

• Number of education or job training opportunities provided;

• Number of homeownership units constructed or financed;

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

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

Outcom

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