Fiscal Year 2006 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs

Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.

[Federal Register: March 8, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 45)]
[Notices]
[Page 11911-11960]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08mr06-147]

[[pp. 11911-11960]]
Fiscal Year 2006 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs

[[Continued from page 11910]]

[[Page 11911]]

application to determine eligibility. Applications will be rejected if
they:
(1) Are submitted by ineligible applicants;
(2) Do not serve an eligible rural area as defined in Section III
of this NOFA;
(3) Do not meet the objectives of the Rural Housing and Economic
Development program; or
(4) Propose a project for which the majority of the activities are
ineligible.
b. Rating Factors for Award Used to Evaluate and Rate Applications.
The factors for rating and ranking applicants and the maximum points
for each factor are provided above. The maximum number of points for
this program is 102. This includes 100 points for all five rating
factors and two RC/EZ/EC-II bonus points, as described above.
c. Environmental Review. Each application constitutes an assurance
that the applicant agrees to assist HUD in complying with the
provisions set forth in 24 CFR part 50. Selection for award does not
constitute approval of any proposed site. Following selection for
award, HUD will perform an environmental review of activities proposed
for assistance under this part, in accordance with 24 CFR part 50. The
results of the environmental review may require that proposed
activities be modified or that proposed sites be rejected. Applicants
are particularly cautioned not to undertake or commit HUD funds for
acquisition or development of proposed properties (including
establishing lines of credit that permit financing of such activities
or making commitments for loans that would finance such activities from
a revolving loan fund capitalized by funds under this NOFA) prior to
HUD approval of specific properties or areas. Each application
constitutes an assurance that you, the applicant, will assist HUD in
complying with part 50; will supply HUD with all available relevant
information to perform an environmental review for each proposed
property; will carry out mitigating measures required by HUD or select
alternate property; and will not acquire, rehabilitate, convert,
demolish, lease, repair, or construct property, or commit or expend HUD
or local funds for these program activities with respect to any
eligible property until HUD approval of the property is received. In
supplying HUD with environmental information, grantees must use the
guidance provided in Notice CPD 05-07, entitled ``Field Environmental
Review Processing for Rural Housing and Economic Development (RHED)
Grants,'' issued August 30, 2005, which can be found at http://www.hud.gov/
offices/cpd/energyenviron/environment/lawsandregs/notices.cfm.
HUD's funding commitment is contingent upon HUD's site
approval following an environmental review.
d. Adjustments to Funding.
(1) HUD will not fund any portion of your application that is
ineligible for funding and does not meet the requirements of this NOFA,
or is duplicative of other funded programs or activities from prior
year awards or other selected applicants. Only the eligible non-
duplicative portions of your application may be funded.
(2) HUD reserves the right to utilize this year's funding to fund
previous years' errors prior to rating and ranking this year's
applications.
(3) If a balance remains, HUD reserves the right to utilize those
funds toward the following year's awards.
(4) Please see the Section VI.A.3 of the General Section for more
information about funding.
(5) Performance and Compliance Actions of Funding Recipients. HUD
will measure and address the performance and compliance actions of
funding recipients in accordance with the applicable standards and
sanctions of the Rural Housing and Economic Development program.
e. Corrections to Deficient Applications. After the application due
date, HUD may not, consistent with its regulations in 24 CFR part 4,
subpart B, consider any unsolicited information you, the applicant, may
want to provide. HUD may contact you to clarify an item in your
application or to correct technical deficiencies. See Section V.B. of
the General Section for more detailed information on this topic.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notice. Successful Rural Housing and Economic Development
program applicants will be notified of grant award and will receive
post-award instructions by mail.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. In addition to
the requirements listed below, please review all requirements in
Section III of the General Section.
1. Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control. All property assisted under the
Rural Housing and Economic Development program is covered by the Lead-
Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4821-4846) and HUD's
implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 35.
2. Procurement of Recovered Materials. See the General Section for
further information.
3. Executive Order 13202, ``Preservation of Open Competition and
Government Neutrality Towards Government Contractors' Labor Relations
on Federal and Federally Funded Construction Projects.'' (See the
General Section for further information.)
4. Audit Requirements. Any grantee that expends $500,000 or more in
federal financial assistance in a single year (this can be program year
or fiscal year) must meet the audit requirements established in 24 CFR
parts 84 and 85 in accordance with OMB A-133.
5. Accounting System Requirements. The Rural Housing and Economic
Development program requires that successful applicants have in place
an accounting system that meets the policies, guidance, and
requirements described in the following applicable OMB Circulars and
Code of Federal Regulations:
a. OMB Circular A-87 (Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian
Tribal Governments);
b. OMB Circular A-122 (Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations);
c. OMB Circular A-133 (Audits of States, Local Governments, and
Non-Profit Organizations);
d. 24 CFR part 84 (Grants and Agreements with Institutions of
Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Non-Profit Organizations); and
e. 24 CFR part 85 (Administrative Requirements for Grants and
Cooperative Agreements to State, Local, and Federally recognized Indian
tribal governments).
C. Reporting. Reporting documents apply to the award, acceptance
and use of assistance under the Rural Housing and Economic Development
program and to the remedies for noncompliance, except when inconsistent
with HUD's Appropriation Act, or other federal statutes or the
provisions of this NOFA.
For each reporting period, as part of your required report to HUD,
grantees must include a completed Logic Model (Form HUD 96010), which
identifies output and outcome achievements. The Return on Investment
concept will be addressed further in a subsequent notice (see section
V., Rating Factor 5 of this NOFA for further information). If you are
reporting race and ethnic data, you must use Form HUD-27061, Race and
Ethnic Data Reporting Form.
D. Debriefing. See the General Section for information on how to
obtain a debriefing on your application review and evaluation.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

Further Information and Technical Assistance. For information
concerning the HUD Rural Housing and Economic Development program,
contact Mr. Thann Young, Community Planning and Development Specialist,
or Ms. Linda L.

[[Page 11912]]

Streets, Community Planning and Development Specialist, Office of Rural
Housing and Economic Development, Office of Community Planning and
Development, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh
Street, SW., Room 7137, Washington, DC 20410-7000; telephone 202-708-
2290 (this is not a toll-free number). Persons with speech or hearing
impairments may access this number via TTY by calling the toll-free
Federal Information Relay Service at 800-877-8339.
Prior to the application deadline, Mr. Young or Ms. Streets will be
available at the number above to provide general guidance and
clarification of the NOFA, but not guidance in actually preparing your
application. Following selection, but prior to award, HUD staff will be
available to assist in clarifying or confirming information that is a
prerequisite to the offer of an award by HUD.

VIII. Other Information

A. Satellite Broadcast. HUD will hold an information webcast via
satellite for potential applicants to learn more about the program and
preparation of an application. For more information about the date and
time of this webcast, consult the HUD Web site at http://www.hud.gov.
B. The Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collection
requirements contained in this document have been approved by the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act
of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2506-
0169. 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 it displays a currently valid OMB
control number. Public reporting burden for the collection of
information is estimated to average 100 hours per annum per respondent
for the application and grant administration. This includes the time
for collecting, reviewing and reporting the data for the application,
semi-annual reports, and final report. The information will be used for
grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds.

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

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TN08MR06.021
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Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Elderly/Persons With
Disabilities Program

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban
Development, Office of Public and Indian Housing.
B. Funding Opportunity Title: Resident Opportunity and Self-
Sufficiency (ROSS)--Elderly/Persons with Disabilities Program (formerly
known as Resident Services Delivery Model--Elderly/Persons with
Disabilities).
C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
D. Funding Opportunity Number: The Federal Register number for this
NOFA is FR-5030-N-30. The OMB approval number is 2577-0229.
E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s):
Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency, 14.876.
F. Dates: The application deadline date is July 13, 2006.
Applications submitted through http://www.grants.gov must be
received and validated by grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 Eastern time
on the application deadline date.
G. Additional Overview Content Information: 1. Purpose of Program:
The purpose of the ROSS--Elderly/Persons with Disabilities Program is
to provide grants to public housing agencies (PHAs), tribes/tribally
designated housing entities (TDHEs), Resident Associations (RAs), and
nonprofit organizations (including grassroots, faith-based and other
community-based organizations), for the delivery and coordination of
supportive services and other activities designed to help improve the
living conditions of public and Indian housing residents who are
elderly and/or disabled. Applicants should be aware that receipt of
grant funds in no way guarantees further funding beyond the three-year
grant term and should be sure that services commenced pursuant to this
grant will be sustained independently in the future or that the
cessation of these activities will not negatively impact residents.
This is especially important for any meal programs to meet residents'
nutritional needs.
2. Funding Available: A total of approximately $10 million is
available for ROSS--Elderly/Persons with Disabilities grants in fiscal
year 2006.
3. Award Amounts: Awards, depending on the grant category, unit
count and type of grantee, will range from $100,000 to $300,000. Grant
awards must be used in two ways: one portion for the salaries and
fringe benefits of a Project Coordinator; and one portion for direct
delivery of a supportive service to the targeted elderly/disabled
resident population. Please see the funding breakdown chart below.
4. Eligible Applicants. Eligible applicants are PHAs; tribes/TDHEs;
nonprofit organizations including grassroots faith-based and other
community-based organizations that have resident support or the support
of tribes; and RAs. The term ``resident association'' or ``RA'' will be
used to refer to all types of eligible resident organizations. Please
see the section on ``Definition of Terms'' for a complete definition of
each type of eligible resident organization.
5. Cost Sharing/Match Requirement: At least 25 percent of the
requested grant amount is required as a match. The match may be in cash
and/or in-kind donations. The match is a threshold requirement.
6. Grant term. The grant term is three years from the execution
date of the grant agreement.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum grant amount (units
refers to the number of
Grant program Total funding Eligible applicants units occupied by elderly/
disabled, as indicated on
ROSS Fact Sheet (HUD-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------52751))----------
ROSS--Elderly/ Persons with $10 million........... PHAs.................. $180,000 for PHAs with 1-
Disabilities. 217 units.
$240,000 for PHAs with 218-
1,155 units.
$300,000 for PHAs with
1,156 or more units.
Resident Associations. $100,000
Non-profit entities... $100,000 per RA; Maximum
award is $300,000.
Tribes/TDHEs.......... $180,000 for Tribes/TDHEs
with 1-217 units.
$240,000 for Tribes/TDHEs
with 218-1,155 units.
$300,000 for Tribes/TDHEs
with 1,156 or more units.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grant awards must be used in two ways: one portion for the salaries
and fringe benefits of a Project Coordinator; and one portion for
direct delivery of high priority supportive services to the targeted
elderly/disabled resident population. The applicant may use up to
$50,000 maximum per year and in accordance with local wage standards
(see Funding Restrictions) for the salary and fringe benefits of a
Project Coordinator. Additionally, the applicant may use funds for
delivery of services. The application must demonstrate (in rating
factor 2) that these services are of a high priority for the targeted
elderly/disabled residents and that another funding source is not
available, therefore meriting funding under this grant.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Purpose

The purpose of the ROSS--Elderly/Persons with Disabilities Program
is to provide grants to public housing agencies (PHAs), Tribes/Tribally
Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs), Resident Associations (RAs), and
nonprofit organizations (including grassroots, faith-based and other
community-based organizations) for the delivery and coordination of
supportive services and other activities designed to help improve the
living conditions of public and Indian housing residents who are
elderly and/or disabled. Please note that no elderly individual or
person with a disability may be required to take services.

B. Definition of Terms

[[Page 11915]]

Requirements'' and ``Program Requirements'' sections for more
information.) All nonprofit applicants, all RAs, and PHAs that are
troubled at time of application must have a CA and are required, per
the Threshold Section, to submit a signed Contract Administrator
Partnership Agreement. The agreement must be for the entire grant term.
The CA must assure that the financial management system and procurement
procedures that will be in place during the grant term will fully
comply with either 24 CFR part 84 or 85, as appropriate. CAs are
expressly forbidden from accessing HUD's Line of Credit Control System
(LOCCS) and submitting vouchers on behalf of grantees. CAs must also
assist PHAs to meet HUD's reporting requirements. CAs may be: Local
housing agencies; community-based organizations such as community
development corporations (CDCs), churches, temples, synagogues,
mosques; nonprofit organizations; state/regional associations and
organizations. Troubled PHAs are not eligible to be contract
administrators. Grant writers who assist applicants in preparing their
ROSS applications are also ineligible to be contract administrators.
Organizations that the applicant proposes to use as the CA must not
violate or be in violation of other conflicts of interest as defined in
24 CFR part 84 and 24 CFR part 85.
4. Elderly person means a person who is at least 62 years of age.
5. Jurisdiction-Wide Resident Organization means an incorporated
nonprofit organization or association that meets the following requirements:
a. Most of its activities are conducted within the jurisdiction of
a single housing authority;
b. There are no incorporated resident councils or resident management
corporations within the jurisdiction of the single housing authority;
c. It has experience in providing start-up and capacity-building
training to residents and resident organizations; and
d. Public housing residents representing unincorporated resident
councils within the jurisdiction of the single housing authority must
comprise a majority of the board of directors.
6. Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE) is an entity
authorized or established by one or more Indian tribes to act on behalf
of each such tribe authorizing or establishing the housing entity.
7. Indian Tribe means any tribe, band, nation, or other organized
group of a community of Indians, including any Alaska native village,
regional, or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant
to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and that is recognized as
eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United
States to Indians because of their status as Indians pursuant to the
Indian Self Determination and Education Act of 1975 or any state-
recognized tribe eligible for assistance under section 4(12)(C) of NAHASDA.
8. Intermediary Resident Organizations means jurisdiction-wide
resident organizations, citywide resident organizations, statewide
resident organizations, regional resident organizations, and national
resident organizations.
9. NAHASDA-assisted resident means a resident of tribal housing (as
defined above) who has been assisted by the Native American Housing
Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) of 1996.
10. National Resident Organization (NRO) is an incorporated
nonprofit organization or association for public housing that meets
each of the following requirements:
a. It is national in that it conducts activities or provides
services in at least two HUD areas or two states;
b. It has the capacity to provide start-up and capacity-building
training to residents and resident organizations; and
c. Public housing residents representing different geographical
locations in the country are members of the board of directors.
11. Nonprofit organization is an organization that is exempt from
federal taxation. A nonprofit organization can be organized for the
following purposes: charitable, religious, educational, scientific, or
other similar purposes in the public interest. In order to qualify, an
organization must be a corporation, community chest, fund, or
foundation. An individual or partnership will not qualify. To obtain
nonprofit status, qualified organizations must file an application with
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and receive designation as such by
the IRS. For more information, go to http://www.irs.gov. Applicants
who are in the process of applying for nonprofit status, but have not yet
received nonprofit designation from the IRS, will not be considered
nonprofit organizations. All nonprofit applicants must submit their IRS
determination letter to prove their nonprofit (e.g., 501(c)(3)) status.
Please see the section on ``Threshold Requirements'' for more
information. Nonprofit applicants must also provide letters of support
as described in the ``Threshold Requirements'' section.
12. National nonprofit organizations work on a national basis and
have the capacity to mobilize resources on both a national and local
level. All nonprofit applicants must submit their IRS determination
letter to prove their nonprofit (e.g., 501(c)(3)) status. National
nonprofit applicants must also provide letters of support as outlined
in the ``Threshold Requirements'' section.
13. Past Performance is a threshold requirement. Using Rating
Factor 1, HUD's field offices will evaluate applicants for past
performance to determine whether an applicant has the capacity to
manage the grant for which they are applying. The area Office of Native
American Programs (ONAP) will review past performance for tribal/TDHE
submissions. Field offices will evaluate the past performance of
contract administrators for applicants required to have one.
14. Person with disabilities: This NOFA uses the definition of
person with disabilities found at 24 CFR 5.403.
15. Project Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the
grantee's approved activities to ensure that grant goals and objectives
are met. A qualified Project Coordinator is someone with experience
managing projects and preferably has experience working with supportive
services. Project Coordinators and grantees are responsible for
ensuring that all federal requirements are followed.
16. Resident Association (RA) means any or all of the forms of
resident organizations as they are defined elsewhere in this
Definitions section and includes Resident Councils (RCs), Resident
Management Corporations (RMCs), City-Wide Resident Organizations,
Regional Resident Organizations (RROs), Statewide Resident
Organizations (SROs), Jurisdiction-Wide Resident Organizations, and
National Resident Organizations (NROs), Resident Organization (RO) for
tribal entities, Site-Based Resident Associations, and Tribal/TDHE
Resident Groups. The NOFA will use ``Resident Association'' or ``RA''
to refer to all eligible types of resident organizations. See 24 CFR
964.115 for more information.
17. Regional Resident Organization (RRO) means an incorporated
nonprofit organization or association for public housing that meets
each of the following requirements:
a. The RRO is regional i.e., not limited to HUD-defined regions);
b. The RRO has experience in providing start-up and capacity-
building training to residents and resident organizations; and

[[Page 11916]]

c. Public housing residents representing different geographical
locations in the region must comprise the majority of the board of directors.
18. Resident Management Corporation (RMC) means an entity that
proposes to enter into, or enters into a contract to conduct one or
more management activities of a PHA and meets the requirements of 24
CFR 964.120.
19. Resident Organization (RO) for tribal entities means an
incorporated or unincorporated nonprofit tribal organization or
association that meets each of the following criteria:
a. Consists of residents only, and only residents may vote;
b. If it represents residents in more than one development or in
all of the developments of the tribal/TDHE community, it shall fairly
represent residents from each development that it represents;
c. Adopts written procedures providing for the election of specific
officers on a regular basis; and
d. Has an elected governing board.
20. Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
21. Site-Based Resident Associations means resident councils or
resident management corporations representing a specific public housing
development.
22. Supportive Services means activities including but not limited to:
a. Meal services adequate to meet nutritional need;
b. Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs);
c. Wellness programs; and
d. Congregate services.
23. Statewide Resident Organization (SRO) is an incorporated
nonprofit organization or association for public housing that meets the
following requirements:
a. The SRO is statewide;
b. The SRO has experience in providing start-up and capacity-
building training to residents and resident organizations; and
c. Public housing residents representing different geographical
locations in the state must comprise the majority of the Board of Directors.
24. Tribal/TDHE Resident Group means tribal/TDHE resident groups
that are democratically elected groups such as IHA-wide resident
groups, area-wide resident groups, single development groups, or
resident management corporations (RMCs).

C. Regulations Governing the ROSS Grant

ROSS-Elderly/Persons with Disabilities is governed by 24 CFR part 964.

II. Award Information

A. Performance Period and Award Type

1. Grant Period. Three years. The grant period shall begin the day
the grant agreement and the form HUD-1044, ``Assistance Award/
Amendment,'' are signed by both the grantee and HUD.
2. Grant Extensions. Requests to extend the grant term beyond the
grant term must be submitted in writing to the local HUD field office
or area ONAP at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the grant
term. Requests must explain why the extension is necessary, what work
remains to be completed, and what work and progress has been
accomplished to date. Extensions may be granted only once by the field
office or area ONAP for a period not to exceed six months and may be
granted for a further six months by the Headquarters Program Office at
the request of the Field Office or Area ONAP.
3. Type of Award. Grant agreement.
4. Subcontracting. Subcontracting is permitted. Grantees must
follow federal procurement regulations found in HUD regulations at 24
CFR Part 84.40-84.48 and 24 CFR 85.36.

B. Funding Amounts

1. Total Funding. The Department expects to award approximately
$10,000,000 under this funding category of ROSS.
Awards will be made as follows:
a. PHAs must use the number of conventional public housing units
occupied by elderly and disabled residents as of September 30, 2005,
per their budget to determine the maximum grant amount they are
eligible for in accordance with the categories listed below. PHAs
should clearly indicate the number of conventional public housing units
occupied by elderly and disabled residents under their Annual
Contributions Contract on the Fact Sheet.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of conventional units occupied by elderly and Maximum
persons with disabilities funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-217 units................................................. $180,000
218-1,155 units............................................. 240,000
1,156 or more units......................................... 300,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

b. The maximum grant award is $100,000 for each RA.
c. Nonprofits are eligible applicants if they are representing or
acting at the behest of an RA. Accordingly, nonprofit applicants must
show support from that RA. Nonprofit organizations that have support
from an RA are limited to $100,000 for each RA. A nonprofit
organization may submit a single application for no more than three
different RAs from the same PHA. A nonprofit organization may not
receive more than $300,000 in FY 2006 ROSS-Elderly/Disabled grant
funding. Nonprofit organizations may submit more than one application
provided they target residents of distinct PHAs or tribes/TDHEs. In
cases where nonprofit applicants are not able to obtain support from
RAs, they must obtain letters of support from PHAs and/or tribes/TDHEs
and they may also submit a letter of support from one or more of the
following: Resident Advisory Boards (RABs), local civic organizations,
or units of local government.

Note: All nonprofit applicants that do not include a letter of
support from an RA must include a letter of support from a PHAs. or
tribes/TDHEs. Please see Threshold Requirements for more information
Support letters must indicate the developments to be served by the
nonprofit organization. Funding for nonprofit applicants that do not
receive letters of support from RAs will be determined as follows.
Support letters must indicate the developments to be served by the
nonprofit organization as well as the number of conventional public
housing units occupied by elderly and persons with disabilities.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of conventional units occupied by elderly/disabled Maximum
residents funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-217 units................................................. $180,000
218-1,155 units............................................. 240,000
1,156 or more units......................................... 300,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applicants should see the General Section of the SuperNOFA for
instructions on submitting support letters and other documentation with
their electronic application.
d. Tribes/TDHEs should use the number of units occupied by elderly
and persons with disabilities counted as Formula Current Assisted Stock
for Fiscal Year 2005 as defined in 24 CFR part 1000.316. Tribes/TDHEs
are eligible for the same amounts as PHAs within each category in (a)
above. Tribes that have not previously received funds from the
Department under the 1937 Housing Act should count housing units under
management that are owned and operated by the Tribe, identified in
their housing inventory as of September 30, 2005, and occupied by
elderly/disabled residents. Tribes should clearly indicate the number
of units under management occupied by elderly/disabled residents on the
Fact Sheet.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

PHAs, tribes/TDHEs, RAs, and nonprofit organizations (including
those nonprofit organizations supported by

[[Page 11917]]

resident organizations or PHAs, tribes/TDHEs and RABs). PHAs that are
recipients of the Elderly/Disabled Renewal Service Coordinator funding
through Operating Subsidy are not eligible to apply for this ROSS
funding category. If you are unsure if your organization falls into
this category, please contact the Public and Indian Housing Information
and Resource Center at 800-955-2232.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

Information for All Applicants: Match is a threshold requirement.
Applicants who do not demonstrate that they have a match of 25% of the
total requested grant amount will fail the threshold requirement and
will not receive further consideration for funding.

C. Other

1. Eligible Activities. Applicants should propose implementing
comprehensive programs within the three-year grant term, which will
result in improved living conditions for the elderly/persons with
disabilities population. Improved living conditions may mean, but is
not limited to, aging-in-place or assistance to live independently.
Proposals should involve partnerships with organizations that will help
grantees provide enhanced services to the elderly/persons with
disabilities they will serve. All applicants must complete a
descriptive narrative and work plan and a Logic Model covering the
three-year grant term. Proposed grant activities should build on the
foundation created by previous ROSS grants or other federal, state, and
local efforts to assist these populations. Eligible activities include
but are not limited to the following:
a. Hiring of a qualified Project Coordinator to run the grant
program. A qualified Project Coordinator should have at least two years
of experience managing programs and have experience working with
supportive services. The Project Coordinator is responsible for:
(1) Assessing participating residents' needs for supportive
services (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare, physician care, food stamps,
rehabilitation services, veterans disability, state-funded programs
such as nurse case management, housekeeping, Meals-on-Wheels,
transportation, etc.);
(2) Designing, coordinating, referring to and delivering, as
relevant, grant activities based on residents' needs, such as those
activities listed below;
(3) Monitoring the progress of program participants and evaluating
the overall success of the program. A portion of grant funds should be
reserved to ensure that evaluations can be completed for all
participants who received assistance through this program. Project
Coordinators and grantees are responsible for ensuring that all federal
requirements are followed.
b. Coordination, referral to, and delivery of meal services
adequate to meet nutritional needs (i.e., not related to entertainment
activities);
c. Coordination, referral to, and delivery of transportation
services including purchase, rental or lease of a vehicle for the
grantee and limited in use for program purposes;
d. Coordination, set-up and referral to assistance with daily
activities (ADLs);
e. Coordination, set-up and referral to housekeeping assistance;
f. Coordination, referral to, and delivery of wellness programs
including but not limited to health and nutrition programs, preventive
health education, referral to rehabilitation services, structured
programs to build social support, services for the disabled, and other
community resources;
g. Coordination, set-up and referral to personal emergency response;
h. Coordination, referral to, and delivery of congregate services--
includes supportive services provided in a congregate setting at a
conventional public housing development; and
i. Coordination, referral to, and delivery of case management;
j. Coordination and referral to health services (e.g., medical and
dental check-ups);
k. Coordination, referral, and delivery of job training
opportunities under Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act
of 1968;
l. Coordination and referral of residents to employment opportunities
under Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968;
m. Salary and fringe benefits of direct services staff;
n. Lease or rental of space for program activities, but only under
the following conditions:
(1) The lease must be for existing facilities not requiring
rehabilitation or construction;
(2) No repairs or renovations of the property may be undertaken
with Federal funds; and
(3) Properties in the Coastal Barrier Resources System designated
under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501) cannot be
leased or rented with Federal Funds.
o. Administrative Costs, for all applicants, may include, but are
not limited to, purchase of furniture, office equipment and supplies,
local travel, utilities, printing, postage and lease or rental of space
for program activities (subject to the lease restrictions in the
preceding paragraph). To the maximum extent practicable, when leasing
space or purchasing equipment or supplies, business opportunities
should be provided to businesses under Section 3 of the Housing and
Urban Development Act of 1968. Administrative costs must not exceed 10
percent of the total grant costs;
p. Staff training;
q. Long-distance travel (subject to funding restrictions); and
r. Evaluation costs for the grant program.
2. Threshold Requirements. The criteria below apply to all
applicants unless otherwise indicated. Additional information about
threshold requirements may also be found in the General Section.
Applicants must respond to each threshold requirement clearly and
thoroughly by following the instructions below. If the application
fails any threshold requirement it will be considered a failed
application and will not receive consideration for funding.
a. Match. All applicants are required to have in place firm match
commitments, either in cash or in-kind, for 25 percent of the requested
grant amount, as defined in this NOFA. Joint applicants must together
have at least a 25 percent match of the requested grant amount.
Applicants who do not demonstrate the minimum 25 percent match of the
requested grant amount will fail this threshold requirement and will
not receive further consideration for funding. If you are applying for
more than one category of ROSS grant (i.e., ROSS-Family &
Homeownership), you must use different sources of match donations for
each grant application. Additionally, you must indicate which other
ROSS grant(s) you are applying for by attaching a page to HUD budget
form 424-CBW stating the sources and amounts of each of your match
contributions for this application as well as any other HUD programs to
which you are applying. Match donations must be firmly committed, which
means that the amount of match resources and their dedication to ROSS-
funded activities must be explicit, in writing, and signed by a person
authorized to make the commitment. Letters of commitment, memoranda of
understanding (MOUs), or tribal resolutions must be on organization
letterhead, and signed by a person authorized to make the stated
commitment, whether it be in cash or in-kind services. The letters of
commitment/MOUs/tribal resolutions

[[Page 11918]]

must indicate the total dollar value of the commitment and be dated
between the publication date of this NOFA and the application deadline
published in this NOFA, or the amended deadline and indicate how the
commitment will relate to the proposed program. The commitment must be
available at time of award. Match that is proposed for ineligible
activities will not be accepted. Although ineligible as a use of grant
funds for applicants, the direct delivery of ADLs, housekeeping, and
personal emergency response will be accepted as match if provided by a
partner. Applicants proposing to use their own non-ROSS grant funds to
meet the match requirement in whole or in part, must also include a
letter of commitment indicating the type of match (cash or in-kind) and
how the match will be used. Please see the General Section for instructions
for submitting the required letters with your electronic application.
Committed amounts in excess of the 25 percent of the requested
grant amount may be considered as leveraged funds for higher points
under Rating Factor 4.
(1) The value of volunteer time and services shall be computed by
using the normal professional rate for the local area or the national
minimum wage rate of $5.15 per hour (Note: applicants may not count
their staff time toward the match);
(2) In order for HUD to determine the value of any donated
material, equipment, staff time, building, or lease, your application
must provide a letter from the organization making the donation stating
the value of the contribution.
(3) Other resources/services that can be committed include: In-kind
services provided to the applicant; funds from federal sources (not
including ROSS funds) as allowed by statute, including for example
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds or Indian Housing Block
Grant (IHBG) funds; funds from any state or local government sources;
and funds from private contributions. Applicants may also partner with
other program funding recipients to coordinate the use of resources in
the target area.
b. Past Performance. HUD's field offices will evaluate data
provided by applicants under Rating Factor 1 as well as applicants'
past performance to determine whether applicants have the capacity to
manage the grant for which they are applying. The area Offices of
Native American Programs (ONAPs) will review past performance for
tribal and TDHE submissions. Field offices will evaluate the contract
administrators' past performance for applicants required to have a
contract administrator. In evaluating past performance, HUD will look
at the applicant's record of completing grant activities on time,
within budget, and the results achieved. Using Rating Factor 1, the
field office/area ONAP will evaluate applicants' past performance.
Applicants should carefully review and respond to Rating Factor 1 to
ensure their applications address each of the criteria. If applicants
fail to address what is requested in Rating Factor 1, their applications
will fail this threshold and will not receive further consideration.
c. Contract Administrator Partnership Agreement. All nonprofit
applicants, all RAs, and troubled PHAs (troubled as of the application
deadline) are required to submit a signed Contract Administrator
Partnership Agreement. The agreement must be for the entire grant term.
Applicants required to have a Contract Administrator Partnership
Agreement that fail to submit one will fail this threshold requirement
and will not receive further consideration for funding. See the
Definitions, and Program Requirements Sections of this NOFA more
information on Contract Administrators. See the General Section for
instructions on submitting the information electronically.
Troubled PHAs are not eligible to be contract administrators. Grant
writers who assist applicants in preparing their ROSS applications are
also ineligible to be contract administrators.
d. Letters of Support for Nonprofit Applicants.
(1) All nonprofit applicants must include one or more letters of
support from RAs, Resident Advisory Boards (RABs), local civic
organizations, or units of local government. If the RAs are inactive,
or applicants submit letters of support from other organizations such
as RABs, then a nonprofit applicant must also submit an accompanying
letter of support from the PHA or tribe/TDHE. indicating support for
their application. All letters of support must be signed by an
authorized representative of the supporting organization and dated
within two months of the application deadline published in this NOFA.
Please note that in the event that the deadline date changes, the
letters may be dated within two months of either the original or the
amended deadline date.
(2) Nonprofit applicants that do receive support from RAs must also
submit form HUD-52754 ``List of Resident Associations Supporting
Nonprofit Applicants.'' Submitting this form is not applicable where
RAs are inactive or where applicants do not submit letters of support
from RAs.
(3) In cases where nonprofit organizations are applying to serve
tribes/TDHEs, nonprofit applicants must submit letters of support from
tribes/TDHEs. Nonprofit organizations must also use form HUD-52754 to
list which tribes/TDHEs support their application.
(4) Letters of support from RAs or RABs must describe to what
extent they are familiar with the nonprofit applicant and indicate
their support and understanding of the nonprofit organization's
application. Letters from RAs/RABs must include contact information and
the name and title of the person authorized to sign for the
organization and should, whenever possible, be on RA/RAB letterhead. If
RA/RAB letterhead is not available, the letter may be submitted on PHA
letterhead.
(5) Letters of support from civic organizations or units of local
government must describe to what extent they are familiar with the
nonprofit applicant and which programs the nonprofit applicant has
operated or managed in the community that are similar to the
applicant's application. Such letters of support must include contact
information and the name and title of the person authorized to sign for
the organization. The letter should be on organization letterhead.
(6) All nonprofit applicants that do not provide letters of support
from RAs or RABs must provide letters of support from PHAs or tribes/
TDHEs with jurisdiction over the developments the applicant proposes to
serve. Letters from PHAs or tribes/TDHEs must describe the extent to
which the nonprofit applicant is familiar with the needs of the
community to be served, which programs the nonprofit applicant has
operated or managed in the community that are similar to the
applicant's proposal, and whether the nonprofit organization has the
capacity to implement its proposed program. Letters from PHAs or
tribes/TDHEs must also list the names of the developments to be served,
certify the number of conventional units occupied by elderly/persons
with disabilities in those developments, and identify the ROSS funding
category to which the nonprofit organization is applying. PHA or tribe/
TDHE letters of support must be signed by the Executive Director,
tribal leader, or authorized designee and must be on PHA or tribe/TDHE
letterhead. Please see the General Section of the SuperNOFA for
instructions for submitting the required letters with your electronic
application.

[[Page 11919]]

(7) Applications from nonprofit organizations that do not submit
the information requested in this section will fail this threshold
requirement and will not be considered for funding.
e. Nonprofit status. All nonprofit applicants must submit their IRS
determination letter to prove their nonprofit (e.g., 501(c)(3)) status.
Applicants that fail to submit this letter will fail this threshold
requirement and will not be considered for funding. Please see the
General Section of the SuperNOFA for instructions for submitting the
required documentation with your electronic application.
f. Minimum Score for All Fundable Applications. Applications that
pass all threshold requirements and go through the ranking and rating
process must receive a minimum score of 75 in order to be considered
for funding.
g. General Section Thresholds. All applicants will be subject to
all Thresholds requirements listed in the General Section.
h. The Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number
Requirement. Refer to the General Section for information regarding the
DUNS requirement. You will need to obtain a DUNS number to receive an
award from HUD. See the General Section for a discussion of the
Grants.gov registration process.
3. Program Requirements
a. Contract Administrator. The contract administrator must assure
that the financial management system and procurement procedures that
will be in place during the grant term will fully comply with either 24
CFR part 84 or 85, as appropriate. CAs are expressly forbidden from
accessing HUD's Line of Credit Control System (LOCCS) and submitting
vouchers on behalf of grantees. Contract administrators must also
assist grantees to meet HUD's reporting requirements. Contract
administrators may be: Local housing agencies; community-based
organizations such as community development corporations (CDCs),
churches, temples, synagogues, mosques; nonprofit organizations; state/
regional associations and organizations. Troubled PHAs are not eligible
to be contract administrators. Grant writers who assist applicants to
prepare their applications are also ineligible to be contract
administrators. Organizations that the applicant proposes to use as the
contract administrator must not violate or be in violation of other
conflicts of interest as defined in 24 CFR part 84 and 24 CFR part 85.
b. Requirements for All Applicants. All applicants, lead and non-
lead, should refer to ``Other Requirements and Procedures Applicable to
All Programs'' of the General Section for requirements pertaining
specifically to procurement of recovered materials and for information
regarding other requirements to which they may be subject.
4. Number of Applications Permitted. Applicants may desire to
provide a broad range of services supported by grants from a number of
ROSS funding categories. Applicants may submit more than one
application only based on the criteria below:
a. General. Applicants may submit up to one application for each
ROSS funding category (i.e., one application for ROSS-Elderly/Persons
with Disabilities, one application for ROSS-Family, etc.), except for
nonprofits. Nonprofit organizations may submit more than one
application per ROSS funding category provided they will be serving
residents of distinct PHAs or Tribes/TDHEs.
b. More than one application per development. Only one application
per funding category will be funded for a particular development. For
example, if multiple applicants apply for ROSS-Elderly/Persons with
Disabilities for the same development, only the highest scoring
application will be considered for award. If multiple applicants are
interested in providing services to a development and the services are
funded under the same ROSS funding category, it is suggested the
applicants work together to submit one application on behalf of the
development.
c. Joint applications. Two or more applicants may join together to
submit a joint application for proposed grant activities. Joint
applications must designate a lead applicant. The lead applicant must
be registered with Grants.gov and submit the application using the
Grants.gov portal. Lead applicants are subject to all threshold
requirements. Non-lead applicants are subject to the following
threshold requirements as applicable:
(1) Letters of support for nonprofit applicants;
(2) Evidence of nonprofit status as outlined under the section
covering threshold requirements; and
(3) Threshold requirements outlined in Section III. C. of the
General Section. Joint applications may include PHAs, RAs, Tribes/
TDHEs, and nonprofit organizations on behalf of resident organizations.
Joint applications involving nonprofit organizations must also provide
evidence of resident support (the RA) or, if the RA is inactive, the
RAB. (If the support letter is from the RAB, the applicant must also
provide a support letter from the PHAs or tribes/TDHEs.) The PHA,
tribe/TDHE, or RA that are part of a joint application may not also
submit separate applications as sole applicants under this NOFA.

Note: The number of conventional public housing units occupied
by the elderly/disabled of the lead applicant will determine the
funding amount category for which the applicants are eligible.

5. Eligible Participants. All ROSS-Elderly/Persons with
Disabilities program participants must be residents of conventional
public housing or NAHASDA-assisted housing and must be elderly or
disabled. See the Definitions Section for more information.
6. Eligible Developments. Only conventional public and Indian
housing developments or NAHASDA-assisted housing may be served by ROSS
grant funds. Other housing/developments, including but not limited to
private housing, federally insured housing, federally subsidized or
assisted (i.e., assisted under Section 8, Section 202, Section 811, or
Section 236), and others are not eligible to participate in ROSS.
7. Energy Star. HUD has adopted a wide-ranging energy action plan
for improving energy efficiency in all program areas. As a first step
toward implementing the energy plan, HUD, the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DoE) have signed a joint
partnership to promote energy efficiency in HUD's affordable housing
efforts and programs. The purpose of the Energy Star partnership is to
promote energy efficiency in the affordable housing stock, and also to
help protect the environment. Applicants providing housing assistance
or counseling services are encouraged to promote Energy Star materials
and practices, as well as buildings constructed to Energy Star
standards, to both homebuyers and renters. Program activities can
include developing Energy Star promotional and information materials,
outreach to low- and moderate-income renters and buyers on the benefits
and savings when using Energy Star products and appliances, and
promoting the designation of community buildings and homes as Energy
Star compliant. For further information about Energy Star, see
http://www.energystar.gov or call 888-STAR-YES (888-782-7937)
or for the hearing-impaired, 888-588-9920 (TTY).

[[Page 11920]]

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Application Components

Copies of the published NOFAs and application forms for HUD
programs announced through NOFA may be downloaded from the grants.gov
Web site at http://www.grants.gov/Find; if you have
difficulty accessing the information you may receive customer support from
Grants.gov by calling their Support Desk at (800) 518-GRANTS, or
sending an e-mail to support@grants.gov. You may request general
information from the NOFA Information Center (800-HUD-8929) or 800-HUD-
2209 (TTY) between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (eastern time)
Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays. When requesting
information, please refer to the name of the program you are interested
in. The NOFA Information Center opens for business simultaneously with
the publication of the SuperNOFA. You can also obtain information on
this NOFA from HUD's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/
fundsavail.cfm. Applicants should make sure to include all requested
information, according to the instructions found in this NOFA and where
applicable, in the General Section. This will help ensure a fair and
accurate review of your application.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Application Format Information for All Applicants. Before
preparing an application for any ROSS funding, applicants should
carefully review the program description, ineligible activities,
program and threshold requirements, and the General Section. Applicants
should also review each rating factor found in the ``Application Review
Information'' section before writing a narrative response. Applicants'
narratives should be as descriptive as possible, ensuring that every
requested item is addressed. Applicants should make sure to include all
requested information, according to the instructions found in this NOFA
and where applicable, in the General Section. This will help ensure a
fair and accurate review of your application.
2. Content and Format for Submission
a. Content of Application. Applicants must write narrative
responses to each of the rating factors, which follow this section.
Under some Sections, applicants are also asked to complete and include
provided forms. Applicants will be evaluated on whether their responses
contained in the narratives and on the forms demonstrate that they have
the necessary capacity to successfully manage the proposed program.
Applicants should ensure that their narratives are written clearly and
concisely so that reviewers, who may not be HUD staff, may fully
understand their proposal. Also, if information provided on one of the
grant forms is not self-explanatory, narrative should be provided to
clarify.
b. Format of Application. (1) Applications may not exceed 35
narrative pages. Narrative pages must be typed, double-spaced,
numbered, use Times New Roman font style, font size 12, and
1 margins. Supporting documentation, required forms, and
certifications will not be counted toward the 35 narrative page limit.
However, applicants should make every effort to submit only what is
necessary in terms of supporting documentation. Please see the General
Section for instructions on how to submit supporting documentation with
your electronic application.
(2) A checklist is provided to help applicants ensure that they
submit all required forms and information is provided here. Applicants
are not required to submit the checklist but should review it to ensure
that they have submitted a complete application. (Note: Applicants who
receive a waiver to submit paper applications must submit their
applications in a three-ring binder, with TABS dividing the sections as
indicated below. When submitting electronically, you do not need to
submit these in TABS. Be sure to name each attachment clearly.) Copies
of the forms may be downloaded with the application package and
instructions from http://www.Grants.gov/Apply of from the following Web site:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa06/snofaforms.cfm.
TAB 1: Required Forms from the General Section and other ROSS forms:
1. Acknowledgement of Application Receipt (HUD-2993), for paper
application submissions only
2. Application for Federal Financial Assistance (SF-424);
3. SF-424 Supplement, Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for
Applicants;
4. Questionnaire for HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory
Barriers (HUD-27300);
5. ROSS Fact Sheet (3 pages) (HUD-52751);
6. Grant Application Detailed Budget (HUD-424-CB);
7. Grant Application Detailed Budget Worksheet (HUD-424-CBW);
8. Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (HUD-2880);
9. Certification of Consistency with RC/EZ/EC-II Strategic Plan
(HUD-2990) if applicable;
10. Certification of Consistency with the Consolidated Plan (HUD-
2991) if applicable;
11. Certification of Consistency with the Indian Housing Plan if
applicable (HUD-52752);
12. Certification of Resident Council Board of Election (not
required for tribes/nonprofit organizations working on behalf of
tribes) (HUD-52753);
13. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicable;
14. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Continuation Sheet (SF-LLL-
A), if applicable;
15. You Are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey (HUD-2994-A) (optional)
16. Facsimile Transmittal Sheet (HUD-96011). (For use with
electronic applications as the cover page to provide third party
documentation.)
TAB 2: Threshold Requirements:
1. Letters from partners attesting to match;
2. Letter from applicant's organization attesting to match (if
applicant is contributing to match);
3. Letters of support from RAs/PHAs/tribes/TDHEs/Resident Advisory
Boards (Threshold requirement for all nonprofit applicants);
4. List of Resident Organizations Supporting Nonprofit Applicants
(required for nonprofit applicants but not applicable to applications
from tribes/TDHEs) (HUD-52754);
5. IRS nonprofit determination letter proving 501(c)(3) status
(Threshold requirement for all nonprofit applicants); and
6. Contract Administrator Partnership Agreement (required for
nonprofit organizations, RAs, and PHAs troubled at the time of
application submission) (HUD-52755).
TAB 3: Narrative for Rating Factor 1 and ROSS Program Forms
1. Narrative for Rating Factor 1;
2. Chart A: Program Staffing (HUD-52756);
3. Chart B: Applicant/Contract Administrator Track Record (HUD-52757);
4. Resumes/Position Descriptions.
TAB 4: Narrative for Rating Factor 2.
TAB 5: Narrative and work plan for Rating Factor 3. See Sample ROSS
Work Plan (HUD-52764).
TAB 6: Narrative for Rating Factor 4.
TAB 7: Narrative for Rating Factor 5 and ROSS Program Forms
1. Narrative;
2. Logic Model (HUD-96010);

C. Submission Dates and Times

1. Due Dates.

[[Page 11921]]

a. The application must be received and validated by Grants.gov no
later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on July 13, 2006. See the General
Section for instructions for requesting a waiver of the electronic
application submission requirement. If you receive a waiver of the
electronic application submission, your application must be received by
the application deadline date. See the General Section for waiver and
mailing requirements.

D. Intergovernmental Review

Not applicable.

E. Funding Restrictions

1. Reimbursement for Grant Application Costs. Grantees are
prohibited from using ROSS grant funds to reimburse any costs incurred
in conjunction with preparation of their ROSS grant application.
2. Covered Salaries. Applicable to all applicants:
a. Types of Salaries. ROSS-Elderly/Persons with Disabilities funds
may only be used for the types of salaries described in this section
according to the restrictions described herein.
b. Project Coordinator. All applicants may propose to hire a
qualified Project Coordinator to run the grant program. The ROSS-
Elderly/Persons with Disabilities program will fund up to $50,000 in
combined annual salary and fringe benefits for a full-time Project
Coordinator. Applicants may propose a part-time Project Coordinator at
a lesser salary. However, the difference in salary may not be
transferred to the funds for services. For audit purposes, applicants
must have documentation on file demonstrating that the salary and
fringe benefits of the Project Coordinator are comparable to similar
professions in their local area.
c. ROSS funds may only be used to pay for salaries of staff that
provide direct services to residents. Direct services staff, for
purposes of this NOFA, are defined as applicant personnel or
subcontractors who, as their primary responsibility, provide services
directly to residents that participate in the activities described in
this application (e.g., case managers, and wellness program staff,
among other positions.) ROSS funds may not be used to pay for salaries
for any other kind of staff.
3. Administrative Costs. Administrative costs may include, but are
not limited to, purchase of furniture, office equipment and supplies,
local travel, utilities, printing, postage and lease or rental of space
for program activities (subject to lease restrictions--See Eligible
Activities section of this NOFA). Administrative costs may not be used
to pay for salaries or benefits of any kind. Administrative costs must
not exceed 10 percent of the total grant amount requested from HUD.
Administrative costs must adhere to OMB Circular A-87 or A-122 as
appropriate. Please use HUD-424-CBW to itemize your administrative costs.
4. Funding Requests in Excess of Maximum Grant Amount. Applicants
that request funding in excess of the maximum grant amount which they
are eligible to receive will be given consideration only for the
maximum grant for which they are eligible. If awarded a grant, the
grantee will work with the Field Office to re-apportion the grant funds
for eligible activities.
5. Ineligible Activities/Costs. Grant funds may not be used for
ineligible activities. Match will not be counted if it is proposed to
be used for ineligible activities. Two points will be deducted for each
ineligible activity proposed in the application. For example, you will
lose 2 points if you propose costs that exceed the limits identified in
the NOFA for a Project Coordinator; or you will lose 2 points if you
propose paying for salaries for staff that are not direct services
staff. The following are ineligible activities/costs:
a. Payment of wages and/or salaries to participants for receiving
supportive services and/or training programs;
b. Purchase, lease, or rental of land;
c. Purchase of space;
d. New construction, costs for construction materials;
e. Rehabilitation or physical improvements;
f. Entertainment costs;
h. Payment of wages and/or salaries to doctors, nurses or other
staff (including health aids or companions) in relation to medical
services provided to residents;
i. Purchase of non-prescription or prescription medications;
j. Costs, which exceed limits, identified in the NOFA for the
following: Project Coordinator, administrative expenses, and long
distance travel;
k. Cost of application preparation;
l. Vehicle insurance and/or maintenance;
m. Salaries for staff that are not direct services staff. Direct
services staff, for purposes of this NOFA, are defined as applicant
personnel or their subcontractors who, as their primary responsibility,
provide services directly to residents that participate in the
activities described in this application (e.g., case managers, and
wellness program staff, among other positions).
6. ROSS funds cannot be used to hire or pay for the services
(salary, fringe benefits, etc.) of a Contract Administrator.
7. Other Budgetary Restrictions. Some long distance travel may be
necessary during the term of the grant in order for professional grant
staff to attend training conferences for ROSS grantees Long distance
travel costs for grant program staff may not exceed $5,000 for the life
of the grant and must receive prior approval from the grantee's local
HUD field office or area ONAP.

F. Other Submission Requirements

1. All applicants are required to submit their applications
electronically via Grants.gov, unless they request and are approved by
HUD for a waiver of that requirement. Please refer to the General
Section for information on how to submit your application and all
attachments electronically via Grants.gov.
2. Proof of Timely Submission. Please see the General Section for
this information. Applicants that fail to meet the deadline for
application receipt will not receive funding consideration.
3. For Waiver Recipients Only. Applicants who have received waivers
to submit paper applications (see the General Section for more
information), must submit their applications to: HUD Grants Management
Center, Mail Stop: ROSS-Elderly/Persons with Disabilities, 501 School
Street, SW., 8th floor, Washington, DC 20024. The waiver approval will
provide detailed instructions.
4. Number of Copies. Only applicants receiving a waiver to the
electronic submission requirement may submit a paper copy application.
Paper applications must be submitted in triplicate (one original and
two identical copies). For all applicants with a waiver (including
tribal and TDHE applicants), the original and one identical copy must
be sent to the Grants Management Center and an identical copy must be
sent to your local Field Office or Area ONAP in accordance with the
submission and timely receipt requirements described in the General Section.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

1. Factors for Award Used to Evaluate and Rate Applications to the
ROSS program. The factors for rating and ranking applications and
maximum points for each factor are provided below. The maximum number
of points available for this program is 102. This includes two RC/EZ/
EC-II bonus points.

[[Page 11922]]

The SuperNOFA contains a certification that must be completed in order
for the applicant to be considered for the RC/EZ/EC-II bonus points. A
listing of federally designated RCs, EZs, and EC-IIs, is available at
http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm. The
agency certifying to RC/EZ/EC-II status must be contained in the listing of
RC/EZ/EC-II organizations on HUD's Web site at:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm.
Note: Applicants should carefully review each rating factor
before writing a response and completing forms. Applicants'
narratives and forms should be as descriptive as possible, ensuring
that every requested item is addressed. Applicants should make sure
their narratives and forms thoroughly address the Rating Factors
below. Applicants should include all requested information according
to the instructions found in this NOFA. This will help ensure a fair
and accurate application review.

a. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant
Organizational Staff (25 Points)
This factor addresses whether the applicant has the organizational
resources necessary to successfully implement the proposed activities
within the grant period. In rating this factor HUD will consider the
extent to which the proposal demonstrates that the applicant will have
qualified and experienced staff dedicated to administering the program.
(1) Proposed Program Staffing (7 Points).
(a) Staff Experience (4 Points). The knowledge and experience of
the proposed Project Coordinator, staff, and partners in planning and
managing programs for which funding is being requested. Experience will
be judged in terms of recent, relevant, and successful experience of
proposed 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
proposed staff members who work on the project have in successfully
conducting and completing similar activities, the greater the number of
points applicants will receive for this rating factor. The following
information should be provided in order to provide HUD an understanding
of proposed staff's experience and capacity:
(i) The number of staff years (one staff year = 2080 hours) to be
allocated to the proposed program by each employee or expert as well as
each of their roles in the program;
(ii) The staff's relevant educational background and/or work
experience; and
(iii) Relevant and successful experience running programs whose
activities are similar to the eligible program activities described in
the grant application.
(b) Organizational Capacity (3 Points). Applicants will be
evaluated based on whether they or their partners have sufficient
qualified personnel to deliver the proposed activities in a timely and
effective fashion. In order to enhance or supplement capacity,
applicants should provide evidence of partnerships with nonprofit
organizations or other organizations that have experience providing
supportive services to typically underserved populations. Applicants'
narratives must describe their ability to immediately begin the
proposed work program. Provide resumes and position descriptions (where
staff is not yet hired) for all key personnel. (Resumes/position
descriptions do not count toward the 35-page limit.)
(2) Past Performance of Applicant/Contract Administrator (6 Points).
(a) Applicants' past experience may include, but is not limited to,
running and managing programs aimed at improving living conditions for
the targeted elderly/persons with disabilities population. Improved
living conditions may mean, but is not limited to, aging-in-place or
assistance to live independently.
(b) Applicants' narrative must indicate past grants they received
and managed, the grant amounts, and grant terms (years) of the grants,
which they are counting toward past experience.
(c) Applicants' narrative must describe how they (or their Contract
Administrator) successfully implemented past grant programs designed to
assist elderly/persons with disabilities meet their daily living needs
and enhance their access to needed services so they can continue to
reside comfortably and productively in their current living environment.
(d) Applicants will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
(i) Achievement of specific measurable outcomes and objectives in
terms of benefits gained by participating residents. Applicants should
describe results their programs have obtained, such as Impact on
emergency care, improved health conditions of assisted population, and
access to greater number of social services.
(ii) Description of success in attracting and keeping residents
involved in past grant-funded training programs. HUD wants to see that
applicants' grant-funded programs benefited significant numbers of
residents;
(iii) Description of timely expenditure of program funding
throughout the term of past grants. Timely means drawdowns made
commensurate with the level of activities completed and per the
approved application. Timely expenditure also refers to fully expending
all grant funds by the end of the grant term;
(iv) Description of Past Leveraging. Applicants must describe how
they have created leveraging partnerships for funding or in-kind
services for previous projects, the extent of the leveraging
partnerships, and how the leveraging and partnerships benefited
participants..
(3) Program Administration and Fiscal Management (12 Points).
(a) Program Administration and Accountability (6 Points).
Applicants should describe how they will manage the program; how HUD
can be sure that there is program accountability; and provide a
description of proposed staff's roles and responsibilities. Applicants
should also describe how grant staff and partners will report to the
Project Coordinator and other senior staff.
(b) Fiscal Management (6 Points). In rating this sub-factor,
applicants' skills and experience in fiscal management will be
evaluated. If applicants have had any audit or material weakness
findings in the past five years, they will be evaluated on how well
they have addressed them. Applicants must provide the following:
(i) A complete description of their fiscal management structure,
including fiscal controls currently in place including those of a
Contract Administrator for applicants required to have a Contract
Administrator (i.e., troubled PHAs, resident associations, and
nonprofit applicants);
(ii) Applicants must list any audit findings in the past five years
(HUD Inspector General, management review, fiscal, etc.), material
weaknesses, and what has been done to address them;
(iii) For applicants who are required to have a Contract
Administrator, describe the skills and experience the Contract
Administrator has in managing federal funds.
b. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (20 Points)
This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need for
funding the proposed program. In responding to this factor, applicants
will be evaluated on the extent to which they describe and document the
level of need for their

[[Page 11923]]

proposed activities and the urgency for meeting the need.
(1) Socioeconomic Profile (5 points). A thorough socioeconomic
profile of the eligible residents to be served by the program,
including education levels, income levels, health statistics, economic
statistics for the local area, etc.
(2) Demonstrated Link Between Proposed Activities and Local Need
(15 points). Applicants' narrative must demonstrate a clear
relationship between proposed activities, community needs and the
purpose of the program funding in order for points to be awarded for
this factor. Grant awards must be used in two ways: One portion for the
salaries and fringe benefits of a Project Coordinator; and one portion
for direct delivery of high priority supportive services to the
targeted elderly/disabled resident population. As indicated in the
chart at the beginning of the NOFA, applicants must not propose to use
more than the specified amount of funds for delivery of services.
Accordingly, the applicant must, in the narrative for this rating
factor, describe the service needs of the targeted residents, show
which service needs are already being met by local resources and which
service needs the applicant is unable to meet using existing resources,
and demonstrate that these services are of a high priority for the
targeted elderly/disabled residents and that another funding source is
not available, thereby meriting funding under this program. The
applicant may also indicate a need for a Project Coordinator, which it
may pay up to the $50,000 maximum per year from grant funds for salary
and fringe in accordance with local wage standards (see Funding
Restrictions).
c. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (30 Points)
This sub-factor addresses both the quality and cost-effectiveness
of applicants' proposed program and/or work plan. The narrative and
work plan must indicate a clear relationship between proposed
activities, the targeted population's needs, and the purpose of the
program funding. Applicants' proposed program must address HUD's policy
priorities outlined in this Rating Factor.
In rating this factor HUD will consider:
(1) Quality of the Work Plan (20 points). This factor evaluates
both the applicant's proposed program and/or work plan and budget,
which will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
(a) Specific Services and/or Activities (10 points). Applicants'
narrative must describe the proposed program (i.e., specific services,
course curriculum, and activities) they plan to offer and who will be
responsible for each. In addition to the narrative, applicants may also
provide a work plan, which should list the specific services,
activities, and outcomes they expect. The proposed program narrative
and work plan must show a logical order of activities and must tie to
the outcomes and outputs applicants identify in the Logic Model (see
Rating Factor 5). Applicants' narrative must explain how their proposed
activities will:
(i) Involve community partners in the delivery of services (5 points);
(ii) Offer comprehensive services (versus a small range of
services) geared toward achieving the enhancement of the residents'
quality of life. If the proposed program activities are part of a more
comprehensive plan funded through other resources, please provide a
description of the comprehensive program clearly delineating those
proposed activities to be funded by the ROSS-Elderly/Persons with
Disabilities grant category (5 points).
(b) Feasibility and Demonstrable Benefits (5 points). This
subfactor examines whether applicants' work plan is logical, feasible
and likely to achieve its stated purpose during the term of the grant.
HUD's desire is to fund applications that will quickly produce
demonstrable results and advance the purposes of the ROSS program.
(i) Timeliness. This subfactor evaluates whether applicants' work
plan demonstrates that their project is ready to be implemented shortly
after grant award, but not to exceed three months following the
execution of the grant agreement. The work plan must indicate time
frames and deadlines for accomplishing major activities.
(ii) Description of the problem and solution. The work plan will be
evaluated based on how well applicants' proposed activities address the
needs described in Rating Factor 2.
(c) Budget Appropriateness/Efficient Use of Grant (5 Points). The
score in this sub-factor will be based on the following:
(i) Justification of expenses. Applicants will be evaluated based
on whether their expenses are reasonable and thoroughly explained and
support the objectives of their proposal.
(ii) Budget Efficiency. Applicants will be evaluated based on
whether their application requests funds commensurate with the level of
effort necessary to accomplish their goals and anticipated results.
(iii) Timeliness. This sub-factor evaluates whether applicants'
proposed program timeline and/or work plan demonstrates that their
proposal is ready to be implemented within three months following the
execution of the grant agreement. The proposed program narrative and
work plan must indicate time frames and deadlines for accomplishing
major activities.
(d) Ineligible Activities. Two points will be deducted for each
ineligible activity proposed in the application, as identified in
Section IV(E). For example, you will lose 2 points if you propose costs
that exceed the limits identified in the NOFA for a Project
Coordinator; or you will lose 2 points if you propose paying for
salaries for staff that are not direct services staff.
(2) Addressing HUD's Policy Priorities (8 points). HUD wants to
improve the quality of life for those living in distressed communities.
HUD's grant programs are a vehicle through which long-term, positive
change can be achieved at the community level. Applicants' narrative
and work plan will be evaluated based on how well they meet HUD's
policy priorities listed below.
(a) Improving the Quality of Life in Our Nation's Communities (2
points). The applicants' narrative and work plan must indicate the
types of activities, service, and training programs applicants will
offer which can help residents to continue to live independently.
(b) Providing Full and Equal Access to Grassroots Faith-Based and
Other Community-Based Organizations in HUD Program Implementation (4
points). HUD encourages applicants to partner with grassroots
organizations, e.g., civic organizations, grassroots faith-based and
other community-based organizations that are not usually effectively
utilized. These grassroots organizations have a strong history of
providing vital community services and other supportive services. In
order to receive points under this sub-factor, applicants' narrative
and work plan must describe how applicants will work with these
organizations and what types of services they will provide.
(c) Policy Priority for Increasing the Supply of Affordable Housing
Through the Removal of Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing (up to
2 points). Under this policy priority, higher rating points are
available to (1) governmental applicants that are able to demonstrate
successful efforts in removing regulatory barriers to affordable
housing, and (2) nongovernmental applicants that are associated with
jurisdictions that have undertaken successful efforts in

[[Page 11924]]

removing barriers. For applicants to obtain the policy priority points
for efforts to successfully remove regulatory barriers, applicants must
complete form HUD 27300, ``Questionnaire for HUD's Initiative on
Removal of Regulatory Barriers.'' A copy of HUD's Notice entitled
``America's Affordable Communities Initiative, HUD's Initiative on
Removal of Regulatory Barriers: Announcement of Incentive Criteria on
Barrier Removal in HUD's 2004 Competitive Funding Allocations'' can be
found on HUD's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/grants/index.cfm.
The information and requirements contained in HUD's regulatory barriers
policy priority apply to this FY 2006 NOFA. A description of the policy
priority and a copy of form HUD-27300 can be found in the application
package posted on http://www.Grants.gov. Applicants are encouraged
to read the Notice as well as the General Section to obtain an
understanding of this policy priority and how it can impact their
score. A limited number of questions expressly request the applicant to
provide brief documentation with their response. Other questions
require that for each affirmative statement made, the applicant must
supply a reference, URL, or a brief statement indicating where the
back-up information may be found, and a point of contact, including a
telephone number and/or e-mail address. The electronic copy of the HUD
27300 has space to identify a URL or reference that the material is
being scanned and attached to the application as part of the submission
or faxed to HUD following the facsimile submission instructions.
(3) Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons
(Section 3) (2 Points).
You will receive 2 points if your application demonstrates that you
will implement Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of
1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) (Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-
Income Persons in Connection with assisted Projects) and its
implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 135 in connection with this
grant, if awarded. Information about Section 3 can be found at HUD's
Section 3 Web site at http://www.hud.gov/fhe/sec3over.html.
Your application must describe how you will implement Section 3 through the
proposed grant activities. You must state that you will, to the
greatest extent feasible, direct training, employment, and other
economic opportunities to:
(a) Low- and very low-income persons, particularly those who are
recipients of government assistance for housing, and
(b) Business concerns which provide economic opportunities to low-
and very low-income persons.
d. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (10 Points)
This factor addresses the applicant's ability to secure community
resources that can be combined with HUD's grant resources to achieve
program purposes. Applicants are required to create partnerships with
organizations that can help achieve their program's goals. PHAs are
required by section 12(d)(7) of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 entitled
``Cooperation Agreements for Economic Self-Sufficiency Activities'' to
make best efforts to enter into such agreements with relevant state or
local agencies. Additionally, applicants must have at least a 25
percent cash or in-kind match. The match is a threshold requirement.
Joint applicants must together have at least a 25 percent match.
Leveraging in excess of the 25 percent of the grant amount will receive
a higher point value. In evaluating this factor HUD will consider the
extent to which applicants have partnered with other entities to secure
additional resources, which will increase the effectiveness of the
proposed program activities. The additional resources and services must
be firmly committed, must support the proposed grant activities and
must, in combined amount (including in-kind contributions of personnel,
space and/or equipment, and monetary contributions) equal at least 25
percent of the grant amount requested in this application. Match will
not be accepted if it is proposed to be used for ineligible activities.
Please see the section on Threshold Requirements in this NOFA for more
information.
Points for this factor will be awarded based on the documented
evidence of partnerships and firm commitments and the ratio of
requested ROSS funds to the total proposed grant budget.

Points will be assigned based on the following scale:

Percentage of Match Points Awarded

25--4 points (with partnerships) 2 points (without partnerships);
26-50--6 points (with partnerships) 4 points (without partnerships);
51-75--8 points (with partnerships) 6 points (without partnerships);
76 or above--10 points (with partnerships) 8 points (without partnerships).
e. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (15 Points)
(1) An important element in this year's NOFA is the development and
reporting of performance measures and outcomes. This factor emphasizes
HUD's determination to ensure that applicants meet commitments made in
their applications and grant agreements and that they assess their
performance so that they realize performance goals. Applicants must
demonstrate how they propose to measure their success and outcomes as
they relate to the Department's Strategic Plan.
(2) HUD requires ROSS applicants to develop an effective,
quantifiable, outcome-oriented plan for measuring performance and
determining that goals have been met. Applicants must use the Logic
Model form HUD-96010 for this purpose.
(3) Applicants must establish interim benchmarks, or outputs, for
their proposed program that lead to the ultimate achievement of
outcomes. ``Outputs'' are the direct products of a program's
activities. Outputs should produce outcomes for your program. Examples
of outputs are the number of elderly persons referred to for social or
health care services, the number of persons equipped with emergency
response resources, etc. ``Outcomes'' are benefits accruing to the
residents, families and/or communities during or after participation in
the ROSS program. Applicants must clearly identify the outcomes to be
achieved and measured. Outcomes are not the development or delivery of
services or program activities but the results of the services
delivered or program activities--the ultimate results of the program.
Examples of outcomes are: The number of persons able to live
independently and have avoided long term care placement, the number of
persons that have had improved living conditions or quality of life as
a result of receiving increased social services, etc.
(4) This rating factor requires that applicants identify program
outputs, outcomes, and performance indicators that will allow
applicants to measure their performance. Performance indicators should
be objectively quantifiable and measure actual achievements against
anticipated achievements. Applicants' narrative, work plan, and Logic
Model should identify what applicants are going to measure, how they
are going to measure it, and the steps they have in place to make
adjustments to their work plan and management practices if performance
targets begin to fall short of established benchmarks and time frames.
Applicants' proposal must also show how they will measure the
performance of partners and affiliates. Applicants must include the
standards, data sources, and measurement methods they will use to
measure performance.

[[Page 11925]]

Applicants will be evaluated based on how comprehensively they
propose to measure their program's outcomes.

B. Review and Selection Process

1. Review Process. Four types of reviews will be conducted: a
screening to determine if you are eligible to apply for funding under
the ROSS-Elderly/Persons with Disabilities grant; a review of whether
your application submission is complete, on time and meets threshold; a
review by the field office (or area ONAP office) to evaluate past
performance; and a technical review to rate your application based on
the five rating factors provided in this NOFA.
2. Selection Process for All Grant Categories and All Applicants.
Twenty-five percent (25%) of funds will be set aside for Resident
Associations and all qualifying Resident Association applications will
be funded first, up to 25% of the funding amount. The selection process
is designed to achieve geographic diversity of grant awards throughout
the country. For each grant category, HUD will first select the highest
ranked application from each of the ten federal regions and DPONAP for
funding. After this ``round,'' HUD will select the second highest
ranked application in each of the ten federal regions and DPONAP for
funding (the second round). HUD will continue this process with the
third, fourth, and so on, highest ranked applications in each federal
region and DPONAP until the last complete round is selected for
funding. If available funds exist to fund some but not all eligible
applications in the next round, HUD will make awards to those remaining
applications in rank order (by score) regardless of region and DPONAP
and will fully fund as many as possible with remaining funds. If
remaining funds in one program are too small to make an award, they may
be transferred to another ROSS program.
3. Tie Scores. In the event of a tie score between two applications
in the ROSS-Elderly/Persons with Disabilities funding category which
target the same developments, HUD will select the application that was
received first.
4. Deficiency Period. Applicants will have 14 calendar days in
which to provide missing information requested from HUD. For other
information on correcting deficient applications, please see the
General Section.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

HUD will make announcements of grant awards after the rating and
ranking process is completed. Grantees will be notified by letter and
will receive instructions on what steps they must take in order to
access funding and begin implementing grant activities. Applicants who
are not funded will also receive letters via U.S. postal mail.

B. Debriefings

Applicants who are not funded may request a debriefing. Applicants
requesting to be debriefed must send a written request to: Iredia
Hutchinson, Director, Grants Management Center, 501 School Street, SW.,
Suite 800, Washington, DC 20024.

C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Environmental Impact. In accordance with 24 CFR 58.34(a)(3) or
(a)(9), 58.35(b)(2), (b)(4) or (b)(5), 50.19(b)(3), (b)(9), (b)(12),
(b)(14), or (b)(15), activities under this ROSS program are
categorically excluded from the requirements of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and are not subject to environmental
review under related laws and authorities.
2. Applicable Requirements. Unless specifically enumerated in this
NOFA, all lead and non-lead applicants are subject to the requirements
specified in Section III.C. of the General Section. Grantees are
subject to regulations and other requirements found in:
a. 24 CFR Part 84 ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and
Other Nonprofit Organizations'';
b. 24 CFR Part 85 ``Administrative Requirements for Grants and
Cooperative Agreements to State, Local, and Federally Recognized Indian
Tribal Governments'';
c. 24 CFR Part 964 ``Tenant Participation and Tenant Opportunities
in Public Housing'';
d. OMB Circular A-87 ``Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian
Tribal Governments'';
e. OMB Circular A-110, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education,
Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations'';
f. OMB Circular A-122, ``Cost Principles for Non-Profit
Organizations''; and
g. OMB Circular A-133, ``Audits of States, Local Governments, and
Non-Profit Organizations''.
3. Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons
(Section 3). Applicants and grantees must also comply with Section 3 of
the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, 12 U.S.C. 1701u and
ensure that training, employment, and other economic opportunities
shall, to the greatest extent feasible, be directed toward low- and
very low-income persons, particularly those who are recipients of
government assistance for housing, and to business concerns which
provide economic opportunities to low- and very low-income persons.
4. Fair Housing and Civil Rights Laws. Applicants and their
subrecipients must comply with all Fair Housing and Civil Rights laws,
statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders as enumerated in 24 CFR
5.105(a), as applicable. Please see the General Section for more
information.

D. Reporting

1. Semi-Annual Performance Reports. Grantees must submit semi-
annual performance reports to the field office or area ONAP. These
progress reports must include financial reports (SF-269A), a Logic
Model (HUD-96010) showing achievements to date against outputs and
outcomes proposed in the application and approved by HUD, and a
narrative describing milestones, program and/or work plan progress, and
problems encountered and methods used to address the problems. Grantees
must use quantifiable data to measure performance against goals and
objectives outlined in their program and/or work plan. Applicants that
receive awards from HUD should be prepared to report on additional
measures that HUD may designate at time of award. Performance reports
are due to the field office or Area ONAP on July 30 and January 31 of
each year. If reports are not received by the due date, grant funds
will be suspended until reports are received. For FY2006, HUD is
considering a new concept for the Logic Model. The new concept is a
Return on Investment (ROI) statement. HUD will be publishing a separate
notice on the ROI concept.
2. Final Report. All grantees must submit a final report to their
local field office or area ONAP that will include a financial report
(SF-269A), a final Logic Model, and a narrative evaluating overall
results achieved against their program and/or work plan. Grantees must
use quantifiable data to measure performance against goals and
objectives outlined in their program and/or work plan. The financial
report must contain a summary of all expenditures made from the
beginning of the grant agreement to the end of the grant agreement and
must include any unexpended balances. The final narrative, Logic Model,
and financial report are due to the field office 90 days after the
termination of the grant agreement.

[[Page 11926]]

3. Final Audit. Grantees that expend $500,000 in federal funds in a
given program or fiscal year are required to obtain a complete final
close-out audit of the grant's financial statements by a Certified
Public Accountant (CPA), in accordance with generally accepted
government audit standards. A written report of the audit must be
forwarded to HUD within 60 days of issuance. Grant recipients must
comply with the requirements of 24 CFR part 84 or 24 CFR part 85 as
stated in OMB Circulars A-87, A-110, and A-122, as applicable.
4. Racial and Ethnic Data. HUD requires that funded recipients
collect racial and ethnic beneficiary data. HUD has adopted the Office
of Management and Budget's Standards for the Collection of Racial and
Ethnic Data. In view of these requirements, applicants should use form
HUD-27061, Racial and Ethnic Data Reporting Form.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

For questions and technical assistance, you may call the Public and
Indian Housing Information and Resource Center at 800-955-2232. For
persons with hearing or speech impairments, please call the toll-free
Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. In the case of tribes/TDHEs,
please contact HQONAP at 800-561-5913 or (303) 675-1600 (this is not a
toll-free number).

VIII. Other Information

A. Code of Conduct. Please see the General Section for more
information.
B. Transfer of Funds. If transfer of funds from any of the ROSS
programs does become necessary, HUD will consider the amount of un-
funded qualified applications in deciding to which program the extra
funds will be transferred.
C. Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collection requirements
contained in this document have been approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2577-0229. 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 49.5 hours per respondent for the
application. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and
reporting the data for the application. The information will be used
for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds.
Response to this request for information is required in order to
receive the benefits to be derived.
BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

[[Page 11927]]
[GRAPHIC]
[TIFF OMITTED]
TN08MR06.022
[[Page 11928]]

Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Family and
Homeownership Program

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban
Development, Office of Public and Indian Housing.
B. Funding Opportunity Title: ROSS Family and Homeownership, under
the Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) program.
C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
D. Funding Opportunity Number: The Federal Register number is FR-
5030-N-31. The OMB approval number is 2577-0229.
E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s):
Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency, 14.870.
F. Dates: The application deadline date is August 8, 2006.
Applications submitted through http://www.grants.gov must be received
and validated by grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 Eastern time on the
application deadline date.
G. Additional Overview Content Information:
1. Purpose of Program
The purpose of the Public and Indian Housing Resident Opportunity
and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) program is to provide grants to public
housing agencies (PHAs), tribes/tribally designated housing entities
(TDHEs), Resident Associations (RAs), and nonprofit organizations,
including grassroots, faith-based and other community-based
organizations for the delivery and coordination of supportive services
and other activities designed to help public and Indian housing
residents attain economic and housing self-sufficiency.
2. Funding Available
A total of approximately $18 million is available for ROSS in
fiscal year 2006.
3. Award Amounts
Awards, depending on the unit count and type of grantee, will range
from $100,000 to $600,000. Please see the program description for more
specific information about funding amounts.
4. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are PHAs; tribes/TDHEs; nonprofit organizations
including grassroots faith-based and other community-based
organizations that have resident support or the support of tribes; RAs;
resident councils (RCs); resident organizations (ROs); City-Wide
Resident Organizations (CWROs); Intermediary Resident Organizations
(IROs); Jurisdiction-Wide Resident Organizations; Regional Resident
Organizations; Resident Management Corporations (RMCs); Site-Based
Resident Organizations; Statewide Resident Organizations (SROs); and
Tribal/TDHE resident groups. The term ``resident association'' or
``RA'' will be used to refer to all types of eligible resident
organizations. Please see the section on ``Definition of Terms'' for a
complete definition of each type of eligible resident organization.
5. Cost Sharing/Match Requirement
At least 25 percent of the requested grant amount is required as a
match. The match may be in cash and/or in-kind donations. The match is
a threshold requirement.
6. Grant Term
The grant term for each funding category is three years from the
execution date of the grant agreement.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum grant amount
(units refer to the
number of family-
Grant program Total funding Eligible applicants occupied units as
indicated on ROSS Fact
Sheet (HUD-52751)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROSS--Family and Homeownership....... $18 million............ PHAs/Tribes/TDHEs...... $150,000 for 1-780
units; $250,000 for
781-2,500 units;
$350,000 for 2,501-
7,300 units; $600,000
for 7,301 or more
units.
Resident associations.. $100,000
Non-profit entities.... $100,000 per RA;
Maximum award is
$300,000.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. ROSS Family and Homeownership

The purpose is to provide funding to assist PHAs, tribes/TDHEs,
RAs, nonprofit organizations which include grassroots community based
organizations, inclusive of faith-based organizations, create programs
which will help residents achieve economic self-sufficiency. Applicants
must submit proposals that will link residents with services such as
job training, and educational opportunities that facilitate economic
and housing self-sufficiency. The Homeownership component provides
funds to recipients to deliver homeownership training, counseling and
supportive services for residents of Public and Indian housing who are
participating or have participated in self-sufficiency programs, such
as ROSS, Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) or other Federal,
state, or local self-sufficiency programs ROSS-Elderly/Persons with
Disabilities funding and Public Housing Neighborhood Networks funding
are being offered under separate Notices in the 2006 SuperNOFA.

B. Definition of Terms

1. City-Wide Resident Organization consists of members from
Resident Councils, Resident Management Corporations, and Resident
Organizations who reside in public housing developments that are owned
and operated by the same PHA within a city.
2. Community Facility means a non-dwelling structure that provides
space for multiple supportive services for the benefit of public or
Indian housing residents and others eligible for the services provided.
Supportive services may include but are not limited to:
a. Job-training;
b. After-school activities for youth;
c. Neighborhood Networks (formerly Twenty/20 Education Communities
(TECs), Campus of Learners activities);
d. English as a Second Language (ESL) classes; and
e. Child care.
3. Contract Administrator means an overall grant administrator or a
financial management agent (or both) that oversees the implementation
of the grant and/or the financial aspects of the grant.
4. Elderly person means a person who is at least 62 years of age.
5. Jurisdiction-Wide Resident Organization means an incorporated

[[Page 11929]]

nonprofit organization or association that meets the following requirements:
a. Most of its activities are conducted within the jurisdiction of
a single housing authority;
b. There are no incorporated resident councils or resident
management corporations within the jurisdiction of the single housing
authority;
c. It has experience in providing start-up and capacity-building
training to residents and resident organizations; and
d. Public housing residents representing unincorporated resident
councils within the jurisdiction of the single housing authority must
comprise a majority of the board of directors.
6. Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE) is an entity
authorized or established by one or more Indian tribes to act on behalf
of each such tribe authorizing or establishing the housing entity.
7. Indian Tribe means any tribe, band, nation, or other organized
group of a community of Indians, including any Alaska Native village,
regional, or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant
to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and that is recognized as
eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United
States to Indians because of their status as Indians pursuant to the
Indian Self Determination and Education Act of 1975 or any state-
recognized tribe eligible for assistance under section 4(12)(C) of NAHASDA.
8. Intermediary Resident Organizations means jurisdiction-wide
resident organizations, citywide resident organizations, statewide
resident organizations, regional resident organizations, and national
resident organizations.
9. NAHASDA-assisted resident means a member of a tribe (as defined
above) who has been assisted by the Native American Housing Assistance
and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) of 1996.
10. National Resident Organization (NRO) is an incorporated
nonprofit organization or association for public housing that meets
each of the following requirements:
a. It is national (i.e., conducts activities or provides services
in at least two HUD areas or two states);
b. It has the capacity to provide start-up and capacity-building
training to residents and resident organizations; and
c. Public housing residents representing different geographical
locations in the country are members of the board of directors.
11. Nonprofit organization is an organization that is exempt from
federal taxation. A nonprofit organization can be organized for the
following purposes: charitable, religious, educational, scientific, or
other similar purposes in the public interest. In order to qualify, an
organization must be a corporation, community chest, fund, or
foundation. An individual or partnership will not qualify. To obtain
nonprofit status, qualified organizations must file an application with
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and receive designation as such by
the IRS. For more information, go to http://www.irs.gov. Applicants who
are in the process of applying for nonprofit status, but have not yet
received nonprofit designation from the IRS, will not be considered
nonprofit organizations. All nonprofit applicants must submit their IRS
determination letter to prove their nonprofit (e.g. 501(c)(3)) status.
Please see the section on ``Threshold Requirements'' for more
information. Nonprofit applicants must also provide letters of support
as described in the ``Threshold Requirements'' section.
12. National nonprofit organizations work on a national basis and
have the capacity to mobilize resources on both a national and local
level. All nonprofit applicants must submit their IRS determination
letter to prove their nonprofit (e.g. 501(c)(3)) status. National
nonprofit applicants must also provide letters of support as outlined
in the ``Threshold Requirements'' section.
13. Past Performance is a threshold requirement. Using Rating
Factor 1 (described in the ``Application Review Information'' section
of this NOFA), HUD's field offices will evaluate applicants for past
performance to determine whether an applicant has the capacity to
manage the grant for which they are applying. The area Office of Native
American Programs (ONAP) will review past performance for tribal/TDHE
submissions. Field offices will evaluate the past performance of
contract administrators for applicants required to have a contract
administrator.
14. Person with disabilities means a person who:
a. Has a condition defined as a disability in section 223 of the
Social Security Act; or
b. Has a developmental disability as defined in section 102 of the
Developmental Disabilities Assistance Bill of Rights Act.
The term ``person with disabilities'' does not exclude persons who
have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) or any conditions
arising from the etiologic agent for AIDS. In addition, no individual
shall be considered a person with disabilities, for purposes of
eligibility for low-income housing, solely on the basis of any drug or
alcohol dependence.
The definition of a person with disabilities contained in section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its implementing regulations
must be used for purposes of reasonable accommodations and program
accessibility. Please see 24 CFR Sec. 5.403.
15. Project Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the
grantee's approved activities to ensure that grant goals and objectives
are met. A qualified project coordinator is someone with experience
managing projects and preferably has experience working with supportive
services. The project coordinator and grantees are responsible for
ensuring that all federal requirements are followed.
16. Resident Association (RA) means any or all of the forms of
resident organizations as they are defined elsewhere in this
Definitions section and includes Resident Councils (RC), Resident
Management Corporations (RMC), Regional Resident Organizations (RRO),
Statewide Resident Organizations (SRO), Jurisdiction-Wide Resident
Organizations, and National Resident Organizations (NRO). The NOFA will
use ``Resident Association'' or ``RA'' to refer to all eligible types
of resident organizations. See 24 CFR 964.115 for more information.
17. Regional Resident Organization (RRO) means an incorporated
nonprofit organization or association for public housing that meets
each of the following requirements:
a. The RRO is regional (i.e., not limited by HUD Areas);
b. The RRO has experience in providing start-up and capacity-
building training to residents and resident organizations; and
c. Public housing residents representing different geographical
locations in the region must comprise the majority of the Board of
Directors.
18. Resident Management Corporation (RMC) means an entity that
proposes to enter into, or enters into a contract to conduct one or
more management activities of a PHA and meets the requirements of 24
CFR 964.120.
19. Resident Organization (RO) for tribal entities means an
incorporated or unincorporated nonprofit tribal organization or
association that meets each of the following criteria:
a. It shall consist of residents only, and only residents may vote;
b. If it represents residents in more than one development or in
all of the developments of the tribal/TDHE community, it shall fairly
represent

[[Page 11930]]

residents from each development that it represents;
c. It shall adopt written procedures providing for the election of
specific officers on a regular basis; and
d. It shall have an elected governing board.
20. Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
21. Site-Based Resident Associations means resident councils or
resident management corporations representing a specific public housing
development.
22. Statewide Resident Organization (SRO) is an incorporated
nonprofit organization or association for public housing that meets the
following requirements:
a. The SRO has statewide jurisdiction;
b. The SRO has experience in providing start-up and capacity-
building training to residents and resident organizations; and
c. Public housing residents representing different geographical
locations in the state must comprise the majority of the Board of Directors.
23. Tribal/TDHE Resident Group means tribal/TDHE resident groups
that are democratically elected groups such as IHA-wide resident
groups, area-wide resident groups, single development groups, or
resident management corporations (RMCs).

C. Regulations Governing the ROSS Program

ROSS Family and Homeownership is governed by 24 CFR Part 964.

II. Award Information

A. Performance Period and Award Type

1. Grant Period. Three years. The grant period shall begin the day
the grant agreement and the form HUD-1044, ``Assistance Award/
Amendment'' are signed by both the grantee and HUD.
2. Grant Extensions. Requests to extend the grant term beyond the
grant term must be submitted in writing to the local HUD field office
or area ONAP at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the grant
term. Requests must explain why the extension is necessary, what work
remains to be completed, and what work and progress was accomplished to
date. Extensions may be granted only once by the field office or area
ONAP for a period not to exceed six months and may be granted for a
further six months by the HUD Headquarters Program Office at the
request of the Field Office or Area ONAP.
3. Type of Award. Grant agreement.
4. Subcontracting. Subcontracting is permitted. Grantees must
follow federal procurement regulations found in HUD regulations at 24
CFR 84.40-84.48 and 24 CFR 85.36.
5. Total Funding. The Department expects to award $18,000,000 under
this funding category of ROSS. Awards will be made as follows:
a. PHAs must use the number of occupied conventional family public
housing units as of September 30, 2005, per their budget to determine
the maximum grant amount they are eligible for in accordance with the
categories listed below. (Use HUD-51751 ROSS Fact Sheet.) Applicants
should clearly indicate on the Fact Sheet the number of eligible units
under their Annual Contributions Contract.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum
funding for
Number of occupied family conventional units PHAs/tribes/
TDHEs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-780 units............................................. $150,000
781-2,500 units......................................... 250,000
2501-7,300 units........................................ 350,000
7,301 or more units..................................... 600,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

b. The maximum grant award is $100,000 for each RA.
c. Nonprofit organizations that have resident support or the
support of tribes or RAs are limited to $100,000 for each RA. A
nonprofit organization may submit a single application for no more than
three different RAs from the same PHA for a maximum grant award of
$300,000. Nonprofit organizations may submit more than one application
provided they target residents of distinct PHAs or tribes/TDHEs. The
maximum funds that may be awarded to any nonprofit applicant is
$300,000 overall. In cases where nonprofit applicants are not able to
obtain support from RAs, they must obtain letters of support from PHAs
or tribes/TDHEs and they may also submit letters from one or more of
the following: Resident Advisory Boards (RABs), local civic
organizations, or units of local government. Note: All nonprofit
applicants that do not include letters of support from RAs must include
a letter of support from PHAs or tribes/TDHEs. (Please see Threshold
Requirements for more information). Support letters must indicate the
developments to be served by the nonprofit organization.
Funding for nonprofit applicants that do not receive letters of
support from RAs will be determined as follows (support letters from
PHAs must indicate the developments to be served by the nonprofit
organization as well as the number of occupied conventional family
public housing units in those developments):

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum
funding for
non-profits
Number of conventional units with support
letters from
PHAs (not RAs)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-2,500 units........................................... $100,000
2501-7,300 units........................................ 200,000
7,301 or more units..................................... 300,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applicants should see the General Section for instructions on
submitting support letters and other documentation with their
electronic application.
d. Tribes/TDHEs should use the number of units counted as Formula
Current Assisted Stock for Fiscal Year-2005 as defined in 24 CFR
1000.316. Tribes/TDHEs are eligible for the same amounts as PHAs within
each category in (a) above. Tribes that have not previously received
funds from the Department under the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 should
count housing units under management that are owned and operated by the
Tribe and are identified in their housing inventory as of September 30,
2005, for family units. Tribes should clearly indicate the number of
units under management on the Fact Sheet.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants are PHAs, tribes/TDHEs, RAs, and nonprofit
organizations (including those nonprofit organizations supported by
resident organizations or PHAs, tribes/TDHEs and RABs).

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

The required Match is 25% of requested funds. The match is a
threshold requirement. Applicants who do not demonstrate the minimum 25
percent match will fail the threshold requirement and will not receive
further consideration for funding. Please see the section below on
threshold requirements for more information on what is required for the
match.

C. Other

1. Eligible Activities
a. Eligible Program Activities
Applicants should propose implementing comprehensive programs
within the three year grant term which will result in improved housing
and economic self-sufficiency for Public and Indian housing residents.
Proposals should involve partnerships with organizations that will
enhance grantees' ability to provide educational programs, housing
counseling, fair housing counseling, job training and

[[Page 11931]]

other supportive services for residents. All applicants must complete a
work plan (see sample work plans on HUD's Web site at http://www.hud.gov/
offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm) covering the three-year
grant term.
The eligible activities are listed in five categories, from basic
to advanced: (1) Life-Skills Training; (2) Job Training, Job Search and
Placement Assistance; (3) Post-Employment Follow-up; (4) Activities to
Support Career Advancement and Long-term Economic Self-Sufficiency; and
(5) Homeownership. Applicants are not limited to choosing one category
of activity, but rather should design their programs to address the
specific needs of the population they are targeting. Only applicants
proposing activities in Category 5, Homeownership, and able to show
existing linkages to an existing homeownership program such as, for
PHAs, Housing Choice Voucher-Homeownership, Section 32, or
homeownership programs and resources offered by other organizations or
state or local homeownership programs and for Tribes/TDHEs, programs
such as the Mutual Help Homeownership Opportunity Program, the Section
184 Program, and homeownership programs developed under the Indian
Housing Block Grant Program such as mortgage assistance, will be
eligible for 2 points in Rating Factor 3, Soundness of Approach, under
``Addressing HUD's Policy Priorities--Providing Increased Homeownership
and Rental Opportunities for Low-and-Moderate-Income Persons. * * *''
Funds may be used for, but are not limited to, the activities described
below.
(Category 1) Life-skills Training (for Youth and Adults).
Applicants' proposals can cover, but are not limited to, the following
types of activities:
(a) Credit. The importance of having good credit and how to
maintain good credit.
(b) Banking and Money Management. How to open a bank account;
balance a checkbook; create a weekly spending budget and establish
contingency plans for child care and transportation, etc.
(c) Real Life Issues. Information on tax forms; voter registration;
leases; car insurance; health insurance; long-term care insurance; etc.
(d) Literacy training and GED preparation.
(e) College preparatory courses and information.
(f) Goal setting.
(g) Mentoring.
(h) Hiring residents to help with the implementation of this
program. Note: Stipends and salaries serve different purposes. Resident
salaries can only be used to hire residents to help program staff with
the implementation of grant activities.
(Category 2) Job Training, Job Search and Placement Assistance.
Eligible activities include but are not limited to:
(a) Skills Assessment of participating residents.
(b) Applying for a job. How to complete employment forms;
highlighting skills employers are looking for; researching job
opportunities in the area; calculating net wages.
(c) Soft skills training including problem solving and other
cognitive skills; oral and written communication skills; workplace
norms (appropriate dress, punctuality, respectful communication, etc.);
work ethic; interpersonal and teamwork skills.
(d) Creating job training and placement programs.
(e) Resume writing.
(f) Interviewing techniques.
(g) Employer linkage and job placement. Working with local
employers and job placement providers to design and offer training that
addresses local employers' needs, create a job placement program that
refers trained residents to participating employers and other local
area employers.
(h) Career advancement and planning programs. Such programs should
be designed to:
(i) Set career goals;
(ii) Provide strategies such as finding a strong professional
mentor within an organization for which residents may be working and
focusing on the organization's priorities.
(iii) Reinforce welfare-to-work programs and focus efforts on
increasing residents' earning capacity. Activities can include job
counseling, helping residents secure better paying jobs or jobs in
better work environments, preparing for work in a new job category,
obtaining additional job skills and other job-related or educational
training.
(iv) Working with local employers to create opportunities that
combine education and skills training with jobs. Strategies that
promote work-based learning can offer the most effective method for
giving new workers the tools they need to move on to a career ladder
and achieve upward mobility.
(Category 3) Post-employment follow-up. After placing residents in
jobs, providing follow-up and ongoing support to newly hired residents
can have a significant positive impact on long-term job retention.
(Category 4) Activities to Support Career Advancement and Long-term
Economic Self-Sufficiency.
(a) Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). Applicants may create
programs that encourage residents to save and contribute to match
savings accounts such as Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). The
programs should include financial counseling and education activities.
ISAs may only be used for three purposes: (1) To purchase a first home
that is existing or under construction when the purchase contract is
signed; (2) to receive post-secondary education or training; or (3) to
start a local business (other than acquiring, leasing, constructing, or
rehabilitating real property in connection with the business).
Applicants are encouraged to leverage funds by working with local
financial organizations, which can also contribute to residents' ISAs.
FSS escrow accounts may not be used as a match for ROSS-Family-
Homeownership-funded ISAs. Grantees shall consult the Internal Revenue
Service regarding possible tax consequences of the ISAs to
participating residents.
(b) Housing Counseling to increase homeownership opportunities.
This can include information to help residents move to market rate
rental housing and/or ``pre-purchase'' homeownership counseling and
training. This may include training on such subjects as credit and
financial management; credit repair; housing search; how to finance the
purchase of a home; fair housing; Individual Savings Accounts; Real
Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA); and home maintenance.
(Category 5) Homeownership. Applicants should be able to show
existing linkages with HUD homeownership programs such as: The Housing
Choice Voucher Homeownership Program, the PHA Homeownership Program
also known as Section 32 (formerly the Section 5(h) Homeownership
Program) or homeownership programs and resources offered by other
organizations or state or local homeownership programs.
Tribes/TDHEs should be able to show existing linkages with programs
such as the Mutual Help Homeownership Opportunity Program, the Section
184 Program, and homeownership programs developed under the Indian
Housing Block Grant Program such as mortgage assistance. Proposals
should involve partnerships with organizations that will enhance the
services grantees will offer. Applicants are strongly encouraged to
partner with HUD-approved housing counseling agencies. For a list of
HUD-approved housing

[[Page 11932]]

counseling agencies, go to:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm.
Eligible Activities include but are not limited to:
(1) Training to include:
(a) Asset building;
(b) Credit counseling and credit scoring;
(c) Financial literacy and management;
(d) Selecting a real estate broker;
(e) Choosing a lender;
(f) Appraisals;
(g) Home inspections;
(h) Avoiding delinquency and predatory lending;
(i) Foreclosure prevention;
(j) Home maintenance and financial management for first-time homeowners;
(k) Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA); and
(l) Fair Housing Counseling.
(2) Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). You may create programs
that encourage residents to save and contribute to match savings
accounts such as Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). ISAs to be
used solely for (a) escrow accounts, (b) down payment assistance and
(c) closing costs, to assist the resident to purchase an existing
dwelling unit or a dwelling unit under construction.
b. Eligible Other Activities
(1) Hiring of a qualified project coordinator to run the grant
program. A qualified project coordinator must have at least two years
of experience managing programs and should have experience working on
supportive services programs. If Category 5 activities are being
proposed, a qualified grant coordinator must have experience working on
homeownership programs designed for typically underserved populations.
The project coordinator should be hired for the entire three-year term
of the grant. The project coordinator is responsible for:
(a) Marketing the program to residents;
(b) Assessing participating residents' skills and job-readiness;
(c) Assessing participating residents' needs for supportive
services, e.g., child care, transportation costs, etc.
(d) Assisting a tribe or TDHE to create a resident group to promote
self-sufficiency efforts on the reservation;
(e) Designing coordinating and providing grant activities based on
residents' needs and the local labor market; and
(f) Monitoring the progress of program participants and evaluating
the overall success of the program. A portion of grant funds should be
reserved to ensure that evaluations can be completed for all
participants who received training through this program. For more
information on how to measure performance, please see Rating Factor 5
in the ``Application Review Information'' section of this NOFA.
(2) Staff Training.
(3) Long Distance Travel subject to funding restrictions.
(4) Lease or rental of space for program activities, but only under
the following conditions:
(i) The lease must be for existing facilities not requiring
rehabilitation or construction;
(ii) No repairs or renovations of the property may be undertaken
with Federal funds; and
(iii) Properties in the Coastal Barrier Resources System designated
under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501) cannot be
leased or rented with Federal Funds.
(5) Stipends. Stipends are an eligible use of grant funds. Stipends
may be used for reasonable out-of-pocket costs. Stipends may be used to
reimburse such things as local transportation to and from job training
and job interviews, supplemental educational materials, and child care
expenses. Stipends must be tied to residents' successful performance
and regular attendance.
(6) Hiring of Residents. Grant funds may also be used to hire a
resident(s) as program staff.
(7) Supportive Services.
(a) After school programs for school-age children to include
tutoring, remedial training, educational programming using computers.
(b) Provision of information on the Earned Income Tax Credit
Program, Food Stamps, Child Tax Credit Program, Medicaid, the State
Child Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Student Loan Interest
Deduction, tribal welfare programs, and other benefit programs that can
assist individuals and families to make a successful transition from
welfare to work.
(c) Transportation costs as necessary to enable participating
families to receive services or commute to training or employment
including purchase, rental or lease of a vehicle for the grantee and
limited in use for program purposes.
(d) Child-care while residents are participating in program-related
activities.
(e) Parenting courses.
(f) Nutrition courses.
(g) Health care information and services including referrals to
mental health providers, alcohol and other drug abuse treatment programs.
(h) English as a second language (ESL) classes.
(i) Housekeeping courses.
(j) Creating and maintaining linkages to local social service
agencies, such as employment agencies, health departments,
transportation agencies, economic/community development agencies,
community colleges, recreational and cultural services, and other
community organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs, 4H-Clubs, Boy
Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.
(8) Hiring or otherwise retaining other direct services staff as
necessary for program activities.
(9) Evaluation.
(10) Administrative Costs. Administrative costs may include, but
are not limited to, purchase of furniture, office equipment and
supplies, program outreach, printing and postage, local travel,
utilities, and lease or rental of space for program activities (subject
to lease restrictions above). Administrative costs may not be used to
pay for salaries of any kind. To the maximum extent practicable, when
leasing space or purchasing equipment or supplies, business
opportunities should be provided to businesses under Section 3 of the
Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968. Administrative costs must
not exceed 10 percent of the total grant amount requested from HUD.
2. Threshold Requirements
Applicants must respond to each threshold requirement clearly and
thoroughly by following the instructions below. If your application
fails one threshold requirement (regardless of the type of threshold)
it will be considered a failed application and will not receive
consideration for funding.
a. Match. All applicants are required to have in place a firmly
committed 25 percent match in cash or in-kind donations as defined in
this NOFA. Joint applicants must together have at least a 25 percent
match. Applicants who do not demonstrate the minimum 25 percent match
will fail this threshold requirement and will not receive further
consideration for funding. If you are applying for more than one ROSS
grant (i.e. ROSS-Elderly), you must use different sources of match
donations for each grant application and you must indicate which
additional ROSS grant(s) you are applying for by attaching an
additional page to HUD budget form 424-CBW stating the sources and
amounts of each of your match contributions for this application as
well as any other HUD programs to which you are applying. Match to be
used for ineligible activities will not be accepted. Match donations
must be firmly committed which means that the amount of match resources
and their

[[Page 11933]]

dedication to ROSS-funded activities must be explicit, in writing, and
signed by a person authorized to make the commitment. Letters of
commitment, memoranda of understanding (MOU), or tribal resolution must
be on organization letterhead, and signed by a person authorized to
make the stated commitment whether it be in cash or in-kind services.
The letters of commitment/MOUs/tribal resolutions must indicate the
total dollar value of the commitment and be dated between the
publication date of this NOFA and the application deadline published in
this NOFA, or amended deadline, and indicate how the commitment will
relate to the proposed program. If the commitment is in-kind, the
letters should explain exactly what services or material will be
provided. The commitment must be available at time of award. Applicants
proposing to use their own, non-ROSS grant funds to meet the match
requirement in whole or in part, must also include a letter of
commitment indicating the type of match (cash or in-kind) and how the
match will be used. Please see the General Section for instructions for
submitting the required letters with your electronic application.
Committed amounts in excess of the 25 percent of the requested
grant amount may be considered as leveraged funds for higher points
under Rating Factor 4 (described in the ``Application Review
Information'' section of this NOFA).
(1) The value of volunteer time and services shall be computed by
using the normal professional rate for the local area or the national
minimum wage rate of $5.15 per hour (Note: applicants may not count
their staff time toward the match);
(2) In order for HUD to determine the value of any donated
material, equipment, staff time, building, or lease, your application
must provide a letter from the organization making the donation stating
the value of the contribution.
(3) Other resources/services that can be committed include: In-kind
services provided to the applicant; funds from Federal sources (not
including ROSS funds) as allowed by statute, including, for example,
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; Indian Housing Block
Grant (IHBG) funds; funds from any state or local government sources;
and funds from private contributions. Applicants may also partner with
other program funding recipients to coordinate the use of resources in
the target area.
b. Past Performance. HUD's field offices will evaluate data
provided by applicants as well as applicants' past performance to
determine whether applicants have the capacity to manage the grant for
which they are applying. The area ONAP will review past performance for
tribal and TDHE submissions. Field offices will evaluate the contract
administrators' past performance for applicants required to have a
contract administrator. In evaluating past performance HUD will look at
the applicant's record of completing grant activities on time, within
budget and the results achieved. Using Rating Factor 1, the field
office/area ONAP will evaluate applicants' past performance. Applicants
should carefully review Rating Factor 1 to ensure their application
addresses each of the criteria requested therein. If applicants fail to
address what is requested in Rating Factor 1, their application will
fail this threshold and will not receive further consideration.
c. Contract Administrator Partnership Agreement. All nonprofit
applicants, all RAs, and PHAS troubled PHAs (as of the application
publication date) are required to submit a signed Contract
Administrator Partnership Agreement. The agreement must be for the
entire grant term. Applicants required to have a Contract Administrator
Partnership Agreement that fail to submit one will fail this threshold
requirement and will not receive further consideration for funding. See
the Definitions and Program Requirements Sections of this NOFA for more
information on Contract Administrators. Please see the General Section
for instructions on submitting the information with your electronic
application.
Troubled PHAs are not eligible to be contract administrators. Grant
writers who assist applicants with preparing their ROSS applications
are also ineligible to be contract administrators. For more information
on contract administrators, see the section ``Program Requirements.''
d. Letters of Support for Nonprofit Applicants.
(1) All nonprofit applicants must include one or more letters of
support from resident associations (RAs), Resident Advisory Boards
(RABs), local civic organizations, or units of local government. In the
event that RAs are inactive, or that applicants submit letters of
support from other organizations such as RABs, nonprofit applicants
must also submit letters from PHAs or tribes/TDHEs indicating support
for their application. All letters of support must be signed by an
authorized representative of the supporting organization and dated
within two months of the application deadline published in this NOFA.
(2) Nonprofit applicants that do receive support from resident
associations must submit form HUD-52754 ``List of Resident Associations
Supporting Nonprofit Applicants.'' Submitting this form is not
applicable where RAs are inactive or where applicants do not submit
letters of support from RAs.
(3) In cases where nonprofit organizations are applying to serve
tribes/TDHEs, nonprofit applicants must submit letters of support from
tribes/TDHEs. Nonprofit organizations must also use form HUD-52754 to
list which tribes/TDHEs support their application.
(4) Letters of support from RAs or RABs must describe to what
extent they are familiar with the nonprofit applicant and indicate
their support and understanding of the nonprofit organization's
application. Letters from RAs/RABs must include contact information and
the name and title of the person authorized to sign for the
organization and should, whenever possible, be on RA/RAB letterhead. If
RA/RAB letterhead is not available, the letter may be submitted on PHA
letterhead.
(5) Letters of support from civic organizations or units of local
government must describe to what extent they are familiar with the
nonprofit applicant and which programs the nonprofit applicant has
operated or managed in the community that are similar to the
applicant's proposal. Such letters of support must include contact
information and the name and title of the person authorized to sign for
the organization. The letter should be on organization letterhead.
(6) All nonprofit applicants that do not provide letters of support
from resident associations must provide letters of support from PHAs or
tribes/TDHEs with jurisdiction over the developments the applicant
proposes to serve. Letters from PHAs or tribes/TDHEs must describe the
extent to which the nonprofit applicant is familiar with the needs of
the community to be served, which programs the nonprofit applicant has
operated or managed in the community that are similar to the
applicant's proposal, and whether the nonprofit organization has the
capacity to implement its proposed program. Letters from PHAs or
tribes/TDHEs must also list the names of the developments to be served,
the number of occupied conventional family or elderly/disabled public
housing units (depending on the grant category) in those developments,
certify that the units are conventional

[[Page 11934]]

public housing, and identify the ROSS grant category to which the
nonprofit organization is applying. PHA or tribe/TDHE letters of
support must be signed by the Executive Director, tribal leader, or
authorized designee and must be on PHA or tribe/TDHE letterhead. Please
see the General Section for instructions for submitting the required
letters with your electronic application.
(7) Applications from nonprofit organizations, which do not submit
the information requested in this section will fail this threshold
requirement and will not be considered for funding.
e. Nonprofit status. All nonprofit applicants must submit their IRS
determination letter to prove their nonprofit (e.g., 501(c)(3)) status.
Applicants that fail to submit this letter will fail this threshold
requirement and will not be considered for funding. Please see the
General Section for instructions for submitting the required
documentation with your electronic application.
f. Minimum Score for All Fundable Applications. Applications that
pass all threshold requirements and go through the ranking and rating
process, must receive a minimum score of 75 in order to be considered
for funding.
g. General Section Thresholds. All applicants will be subject to
all Thresholds requirements listed in the General Section.
h. The Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number
Requirement. Refer to the General Section for information regarding the
DUNS requirement. You will need to obtain a DUNS number to receive an
award from HUD.
3. Program Requirements
a. Contract Administrator. The contract administrator must assure
that the financial management system and procurement procedures that
will be in place during the grant term will fully comply with either 24
CFR part 84 or 85, as appropriate. CAs are expressly forbidden from
accessing HUD's Line of Credit Control System (LOCCS) and submitting
vouchers on behalf of grantees. Contract administrators must also
assist grantees to meet HUD's reporting requirements. Contract
administrators may be: Local housing agencies; community-based
organizations such as community development corporations (CDCs),
churches, temples, synagogues, mosques; nonprofit organizations; state/
regional associations and organizations. Troubled PHAs are not eligible
to be contract administrators. Grant writers who assist applicants
prepare their applications are also ineligible to be contract
administrators. Organizations that the applicant proposes to use as the
contract administrator must not violate or be in violation of other
conflicts of interest as defined in 24 CFR part 84 and 24 CFR part 85.
b. Requirements Applicable to All Applicants. All applicants, lead
and non-lead, should refer to ``Other Requirements and Procedures
Applicable to All Programs'' of the General Section for requirements
pertaining specifically to procurement of recovered materials and for
information regarding other requirements to which they may be subject.
4. Number of Applications Permitted
Applicants may desire to provide a broad range of services
supported by grants from a number of ROSS funding categories.
Applicants may submit more than one application only based on the
criteria below:
a. General. Applicants may submit up to one application for each
ROSS funding category (i.e., one application for ROSS-Elderly/Persons
with Disabilities, one application for ROSS-Family-Homeownership,
etc.), except in the case of nonprofits. Nonprofit organizations may
submit more than one application per ROSS funding category provided
they will be serving residents of distinct PHAs or Tribes/TDHEs.
b. More than one application per development. Only one application
per funding category will be funded for a particular development. For
example, if multiple applicants apply for ROSS-Family-Homeownership for
the same development, only the highest scoring application will be
considered for award. If multiple applicants are interested in
providing services to a development and the services are funded under
the same ROSS funding category, it is suggested the applicants work
together to submit one application on behalf of the development.
c. Joint applications. Two or more applicants may join together to
submit a joint application for proposed grant activities. Joint
applications must designate a lead applicant. The lead applicant must
be registered with Grants.gov and submit the application using the
Grants.gov portal. Lead applicants are subject to all threshold
requirements. Non-lead applicants are subject to the following
threshold requirements as applicable:
(1) Letters of support for nonprofit applicants;
(2) Evidence of nonprofit status as outlined under the section
covering threshold requirements; and
(3) Threshold requirements outlined in Section III. C. of the
General Section.
Joint applications may include PHAs, RAs, Tribes/TDHEs, and
nonprofit organizations on behalf of resident organizations. Joint
applications involving nonprofit organizations must also provide
evidence of resident support or support from local civic organizations
or from units of local government. PHAs, tribes/TDHEs, and resident
organizations that are part of a joint application may not also submit
separate applications as sole applicants under this NOFA.

Note: The lead applicant will determine the maximum funding
amount the applicants are eligible to receive.

5. Eligible Participants
All ROSS Family and Homeownership program participants must be
residents of conventional public housing or NAHASDA-assisted housing.
Participants in the Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)
program (non-Housing Choice Voucher FSS Program) are also eligible to
participate in activities funded under ROSS.
6. Eligible Developments
Only conventional Public and Indian housing developments and
NAHASDA-assisted may be served by ROSS grant funds. Other housing/
developments, including, but not limited to private housing, federally
insured housing, federally subsidized or assisted (i.e., assisted under
Section 8, Section 202, Section 811, Section 236), and others are not
eligible to participate in ROSS.
7. Energy Star
HUD has adopted a wide-ranging energy action plan for improving
energy efficiency in all program areas. As a first step toward
implementing the energy plan, HUD, the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and the Department of Energy (DoE) have signed a joint
partnership to promote energy efficiency in HUD's affordable housing
efforts and programs. The purpose of the Energy Star partnership is to
promote energy efficiency of the affordable housing stock, and to help
protect the environment. Applicants providing housing assistance or
counseling services are encouraged to promote Energy Star materials and
practices, as well as buildings constructed to Energy Star standards,
to both homebuyers and renters. Program activities can include
developing Energy Star promotional and information materials, outreach
to low- and moderate-income renters and buyers on the benefits and
savings when

[[Page 11935]]

using Energy Star products and appliances, and promoting the
designation of community buildings and homes as Energy Star compliant.
For further information about Energy Star, see http://www.energystar.gov
or call 888-STAR-YES (888-782-7937) or for the
hearing-impaired, 888-588-9920 (TTY).

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address To Request an Application Package

Copies of the published NOFAs and application forms for HUD
programs announced through NOFA may be downloaded from the grants.gov
Web site at http://www.grants.gov/Find; if you have difficulty
accessing the information you may receive customer support from
Grants.gov by calling their Support Desk at (800) 518-GRANTS, or
sending an email to support@grants.gov. You may request general
information, from the NOFA Information Center (800-HUD-8929) or 800-
HUD-2209 (TTY) between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (Eastern
Time) Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays. When
requesting information, please refer to the name of the program you are
interested in. The NOFA Information Center opens for business
simultaneously with the publication of the SuperNOFA. You can also
obtain information on this NOFA from HUD's Web site at
http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Application Format Information for All Applicants. Applicants
should make sure to include all requested information, according to the
instructions found in this NOFA and where applicable, in the General
Section. This will help ensure a fair and accurate review of your
application.
2. Content and Format for Submission
a. Content of Application.
Applicants must write narrative responses to each of the rating
factors, which follow this section. Applicants will be evaluated on
whether their responses demonstrate that they have the necessary
capacity to successfully manage the proposed program. Applicants should
ensure that their narratives are written clearly and concisely so that
HUD reviewers, who may not be familiar with the ROSS program, may fully
understand your proposal.
b. Format of Application.
(1) Applications may not exceed 35 narrative pages. Narrative pages
must be typed, double-spaced, numbered, use Times New Roman font style,
one inch margins and font size 12. Supporting documentation, required
forms, and certifications will not be counted toward the 35 narrative
page limit. However, applicants should make every effort to submit only
what is necessary in terms of supporting documentation. Please see the
General Section for instructions on how to submit supporting
documentation with your electronic application.
(2) A checklist is provided o ensure applicants submit all required
forms and information. Applicants are not required to submit the
checklist but should review it to ensure that they have submitted a
complete application. (Note: Applicants who receive a waiver to submit
paper applications, must submit their applications in a three-ring
binder, with TABS dividing the sections as indicated below. When
submitting electronically, you do not need to submit these in TABS. Be
sure to name each attachment clearly.) Copies of the forms may be
downloaded with the application package and instructions from
www.Grants.gov/Apply of from the following Web site:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa06/snofaforms.cfm.
TAB 1: Required Forms from the General Section and other ROSS forms:
1. Acknowledgement of Application Receipt (HUD-2993), for paper
application submissions only (you must have an approved waiver to
submit a paper application);
2. Application for Federal Financial Assistance (SF-424);
3. SF-424 Supplement, Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for
Applicants;
4. Questionnaire for HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory
Barriers (HUD-27300);
5. ROSS Fact Sheet (HUD-52751);
6. Grant Application Detailed Budget (HUD-424-CB);
7. Grant Application Detailed Budget Worksheet (HUD-424-CBW);
8. Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (HUD-2880);
9. Certification of Consistency with RC/EZ/EC-II Strategic Plan
(HUD-2990) if applicable;
10. Certification of Consistency with the Consolidated Plan (HUD-
2991) if applicable;
11. Certification of Consistency with the Indian Housing Plan if
applicable (HUD-52752);
12. Certification of Resident Council Board of Election (not
required for tribes/nonprofit organizations working on behalf of
tribes) (HUD-52753); 13. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if
applicable;
13. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Continuation Sheet (SF-LLL-
A), if applicable;
14. You Are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey (HUD-2994-A) (Optional);
15. Facsimile Transmittal Sheet (HUD-96011) (For use with electronic
applications as the cover sheet to provide third party documentation).
TAB 2: Threshold Requirements:
1. Letters from Partners attesting to match;
2. Letter from Applicant's organization attesting to match (if
applicant is contributing to match);
3. Letters of Support from Resident Associations/PHAs/tribes/TDHEs/
Resident Advisory Boards/local civic organizations and/or units of
local government (Threshold requirement for all nonprofit applicants);
4. Chart of Resident Associations Participating (required for
nonprofit applicants but not applicable to applications from tribes/
TDHEs.) (HUD-52754);
5. IRS nonprofit determination letter proving 501(c)(3) status
(Threshold requirement for all nonprofit applicants); and
6. Contract Administrator Partnership Agreement (required for
nonprofit organizations, resident associations, and PHAS troubled PHAs)
(HUD-52755).
TAB 3: Narrative for Rating Factor 1 and ROSS Program Forms:
1. Narrative;
2. Chart A: Program Staffing (HUD-52756);
3. Chart B: Applicant/Administrator Track Record (HUD-52757);
4. Resumes/Position Descriptions;
5. Statement attesting to Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership
program, Section 32 or other program, if proposing activities in Category 5.
TAB 4: Narrative for Rating Factor 2.
TAB 5: Rating Factor 3:
1. Narrative;
2. Work plan (see relevant sample ROSS work plan HUD 52763).
TAB 6: Narrative for Rating Factor 4.
TAB 7: Rating Factor 5.
1. Narrative;
2. Logic Model (HUD-96010):

C. Submission Dates and Times

1. Due Dates. The application must be received and validated by
Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the deadline
date of August 8, 2006. If your waiver request is approved, the
notification of approval of the waiver request will provide
instructions on where to submit the paper application. See the General
Section for instructions

[[Page 11936]]

regarding waivers to the electronic application submission requirement.
If an applicant receives a waiver to the electronic application
submission requirement, the application must be received by the
application deadline date.

D. Intergovernmental Review

Not applicable.

E. Funding Restrictions

1. Reimbursement for Grant Application Costs. Grantees are
prohibited from using ROSS grant funds to reimburse any costs incurred
in conjunction with preparation of their ROSS application.
2. Covered Salaries.
a. Project Coordinator. All applicants may propose to hire a
qualified project coordinator to run the program. The ROSS Family and
Homeownership program will fund up to $65,000 in combined annual salary
and fringe benefits for a full-time project coordinator. Applicants may
propose a part-time coordinator at a lesser salary. For audit purposes,
applicants must have documentation on file demonstrating that the
salary and fringe benefits of the project coordinator are comparable to
similar professions in their local area.
b. Resident Salaries. No more than five percent of -ROSS-Family and
Homeownership funds may be used to pay for resident salaries.
c. Types of Salaries. ROSS Family and Homeownership funds may only
be used for the types of salaries described in this section according
to the restrictions described herein. ROSS funds may only be used to
pay for salaries of staff that provide direct services to residents.
Direct services staff, for purposes of this NOFA, are defined as
applicant personnel or subcontractors who, as their primary
responsibility, provide services directly to residents that participate
in the activities described in this application e.g., housing and
credit counselors, case managers, job trainers, childcare providers,
among other positions. ROSS funds may not be used to pay for salaries
for any other kind of staff.
3. Administrative Costs. For all applicants, administrative costs
may include, but are not limited to, purchase of furniture, office
equipment and supplies, program outreach, printing and postage, local
travel, utilities, and lease or rental of space for program activities
(subject to restrictions on leasing--See Eligible Activities section of
this NOFA.). Administrative costs may not be used to pay for salaries
of any kind. Administrative costs must not exceed 10 percent of the
total grant amount requested from HUD. Administrative costs must adhere
to OMB Circular A-87 or A-122 as appropriate. Please use HUD-424-CBW to
itemize your administrative costs.
4. Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). ROSS Family and
Homeownership funds can be used as matching funds for ISAs but no more
than 20 percent of total grant funds may be used for this purpose.
5. Stipends. No more than $200 of the grant award may be used per
participant per month for stipends for active trainees and program
participants. Stipends may only be used to reimburse reasonable out-of-
pocket expenses related to participation in training and other program-
related activities. Receipts for such expenses must be provided by the
resident in order to obtain reimbursement. Stipends are not considered
an administrative expense and therefore are not subject to the 10
percent limitation on administrative costs.
6. Funding Requests in Excess of Maximum Grant Amount. Applicants
that request funding in excess of the maximum grant amount which they
are eligible to receive will be given consideration only for the
maximum grant for which they are eligible. If a grant is awarded, the
grantee will work with the Field Office or Area ONAP to re-apportion
the grant funds for eligible activities.
7. Ineligible Activities/Costs. Grant funds may not be used for
ineligible activities. The following are ineligible activities/costs:
a. Payment of wages and/or salaries to participants for receiving
supportive services and/or training programs (this does not include
stipends);
b. Purchase, lease, or rental of land;
c. New construction, costs for construction materials;
d. Rehabilitation or physical improvements;
e. Vehicle insurance and/or maintenance;
f. Entertainment costs;
g. Purchasing food;
h. Payment of wages and/or salaries to doctors, nurses or other
staff (including health aids or companions) in relation to medical
services provided to residents;
i. Purchase of non-prescription or prescription medications;
j. Down payment assistance (NOTE: Participants may use their ISAs
for this purpose);
k. Revolving loan funds;
l. Costs which exceed limits identified in the NOFA, for the
following: Project Coordinator, resident salaries, ISAs, stipends,
administrative expenses, and long distance travel;
m. Cost of application preparation;
n. Scholarships for degree programs;
o. Salaries for staff that are not direct services staff. Direct
services staff, for purposes of this NOFA, are defined as applicant
personnel or subcontractors who, as their primary responsibility,
provide services directly to residents that participate in the
activities described in this application, e.g., case managers, job
trainers, childcare providers, among other positions.
p. Purchase of space.
8. ROSS funds cannot be used to hire or pay for the services of a
Contract Administrator.
9. Other Budgetary Restrictions. Some long distance travel may be
necessary during the term of the grant in order for professional grant
staff to attend training conferences for ROSS grantees. Long distance
travel costs for grant program staff may not exceed $5,000 for the life
of the grant and must receive prior approval from the grantee's local
HUD field office or area ONAP.

F. Other Submission Requirements

1. All applicants are required to submit their applications
electronically via Grants.gov unless they request and are approved by
HUD for a waiver of that requirement. Please refer to the General
Section for information on how to submit your application and all
attachments electronically via Grants.gov.
2. Proof of Timely Submission. Please see the General Section for
this information. Applicants that fail to meet the deadline for
application receipt will not receive funding consideration.
3. For Waiver Recipients Only. Applicants who have received waivers
to submit paper applications (see the General Section for more
information) must submit their applications to: HUD Grants Management
Center, Mail Stop: ROSS Family and Homeownership, 501 School Street,
SW., 8th floor, Washington, DC 20024.
4. Number of Copies. Only applicants receiving a waiver to the
electronic submission requirement may submit a paper copy application.
Paper applications must be submitted in triplicate (one original and
two identical copies). For all applicants with a waiver (including
tribal and TDHE applicants), the original and one identical copy must
be sent to the Grants Management Center and an identical copy must be
sent to your local Field Office or Area ONAP in accordance with the
submission and timely receipt requirements described in the General

[[Page 11937]]

Section. All paper applications must be received by the deadline date.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

1. Factors for Award Used to Evaluate and Rate Applications to the
ROSS program. The factors for rating and ranking applicants and maximum
points for each factor are provided below. The maximum number of points
available for this program is 102. This includes two RC/EZ/EC-II bonus
points. The SuperNOFA contains a certification that must be completed
in order for the applicant to be considered for the RC/EZ/EC-II bonus
points. A listing of federally designated RCs, EZs, and EC-IIs is
available at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm.
The agency certifying to RC/EZ/EC-II status must be contained in the
listing of RC/EZ/EC-II organizations on HUD's Web site at:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm.

Note: Applicants should carefully review each rating factor
before writing a response. Applicants' narratives should be as
descriptive as possible, ensuring that every requested item is
addressed. Applicants should make sure their narratives thoroughly
address the Rating Factors below. Applicants should include all
requested information, according to the instructions found in this
NOFA. This will help ensure a fair and accurate application review.

a. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant
Organizational Staff (25 Points)
This factor addresses whether the applicant has the organizational
capacity and resources necessary to successfully implement the proposed
activities within the grant period. In rating this factor HUD will
consider the extent to which the proposal demonstrates that the
applicant will have qualified and experienced staff dedicated to
administering the program.
(1) Proposed Program Staffing (7 Points).
(a) Staff Experience (4 Points). The knowledge and experience of
the proposed project coordinator, staff, and partners in planning and
managing programs for which funding is being requested. Experience will
be judged in terms of recent, relevant and successful experience of
proposed 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
proposed staff members who work on the project have in successfully
conducting and completing similar activities, the greater the number of
points applicants will receive for this rating factor. The following
information should be provided in order to provide HUD an understanding
of proposed staff's experience and capacity:
(i) The number of staff years (one staff year = 2080 hours) to be
allocated to the proposed program by each employee or expert as well as
each of their roles in the program;
(ii) The staff's relevant educational background and/or work
experience; and
(iii) Relevant and successful experience running programs whose
activities are similar to the eligible program activities described in
the grant application.
(b) Organizational Capacity (3 Points). Applicants will be
evaluated based on whether they or their partners have sufficient
qualified personnel to deliver the proposed activities in a timely and
effective fashion. In order to enhance or supplement capacity,
applicants should provide evidence of partnerships with nonprofit
organizations or other organizations that have experience providing
supportive services to typically underserved populations. Applicants'
narratives must describe their ability to immediately begin the
proposed work program. Provide resumes and position descriptions (where
staff is not yet hired) for all key personnel. (Resumes/position
descriptions do not count toward the 35-page limit.)
(2) Past Performance of Applicant/Contract Administrator (6 Points).
(a) Applicants' past experience may include, but is not limited to,
running and managing programs aimed at assisting residents of low-
income housing to achieve housing and economic self-sufficiency
(b) Applicants' narratives must indicate past grants they received
and managed, the grant amounts, and grant terms (years) of the grants,
which they are counting toward past experience.
(c) Applicants' narratives must describe how they (or their
Contract Administrator) successfully implemented past grant programs
designed to promote resident self-sufficiency, moving from welfare to
work, and/or helping residents move to market rate rental housing or
homeownership.
(d) Applicants will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
(i) Achievement of specific measurable outcomes and objectives in
terms of benefits gained by participating residents. Applicants should
describe results their programs have obtained, such as:

--Reduced welfare dependency, higher incomes, higher rates of
employment, increased savings, moving from subsidized housing to market
rate rental housing; and for Category 5,
--Number of families in homeownership counseling pipeline, rates of
homeownership achieved through training programs.

(ii) Description of success in attracting and keeping residents
involved in past grant-funded training programs. HUD wants to see that
applicants' grant-funded programs benefited a significant numbers of
residents;

(iii) Description of timely and accurate expenditure of program
funding throughout the term of past grants. This means regular (i.e.,
quarterly) and accurate drawdowns throughout the life of the grant,
with all funds expended by the end of the grant term;
(iv) Description of Past Leveraging. Applicants must describe how
they have created leveraging partnerships for funding or in-kind
services for previous projects, the extent of the leveraging partnership
and how leveraging and partnerships benefited program participants.
(3) Program Administration and Fiscal Management (12 Points).
(a) Program Administration and Accountability (6 Points).
Applicants should describe how they will manage the program; how HUD
can be sure that there is program accountability; and provide a
description of proposed staff's roles and responsibilities. Applicants
should also describe how grant staff and partners will report to the
project coordinator and other senior staff.
(b) Fiscal Management (6 Points). In rating this factor,
applicants' skills and experience in fiscal management will be
evaluated. If applicants have had any audit or material weakness
findings in the past five years, they will be evaluated on how well
they have addressed them. Applicants must provide the following:
(i) A complete description of their fiscal management structure,
including fiscal controls currently in place including those of a
Contract Administrator for applicants required to have a Contract
Administrator (i.e., PHAS troubled PHAs, resident associations, and
nonprofit applicants);
(ii) Applicants must list any audit findings or material weaknesses
in the past five years (HUD Inspector General,

[[Page 11938]]

management review, fiscal, etc.), and what has been done to address them;
(iii) For applicants who are required to have a Contract
Administrator, describe the skills and experience the Contract
Administrator has in managing federal funds.
b. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (10 Points)
This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need for
funding the proposed program. In responding to this factor, applicants
will be evaluated on the extent to which they describe and document the
level of need for their proposed activities and the urgency for meeting
the need.
In responding to this factor, applicants must include:
(1) Socioeconomic Profile (3 points). A thorough socioeconomic
profile of the eligible residents to be served by the program,
including education levels, income levels, the number of single-parent
families, economic statistics for the local area, etc.
(2) Demonstrated Link Between Proposed Activities and Local Need (7
points). Applicants' narratives must demonstrate a clear relationship
between proposed activities, community needs and the purpose of the
program funding in order for points to be awarded for this factor.
c. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (30 Points)
This factor addresses both the quality and cost-effectiveness of
applicants' proposed work plan. The narrative and work plan must
indicate a clear relationship between proposed activities and intended
outcomes, the targeted population's needs, and the purpose of the
program funding. Applicants' proposed activities must address HUD's
policy priorities outlined in this Rating Factor.
In rating this factor HUD will consider:
(1) Quality of the Work Plan (18 points). This factor evaluates
both the applicant's work plan and budget, which will be evaluated
based on the following criteria:
(a) Specific Services and/or Activities (10 points). Applicants'
narratives must describe the specific services, course curricula, and
activities they plan to offer and who will be responsible for each. In
addition to the narrative, applicants must also provide a work plan,
which must list the specific services, activities, and outcomes they
expect. The proposed program narrative and work plan must show a
logical order of activities and progress and must tie to the outcomes
and outputs applicants identify in the Logic Model (see Rating Factor
5). Please see a sample work plan in the Appendix. Applicants'
narratives must explain how their proposed activities will:
(i) Involve community partners in the delivery of services (4 points);
(ii) Offer comprehensive services (versus a small range of
services) geared toward achieving the following (6 points):

--Enhancing economic opportunities for residents leading to economic
self-sufficiency and homeownership or other housing self-sufficiency;

(b) Feasibility and Demonstrable Benefits (3 points). This factor
examines whether applicants' work plan are logical, feasible and likely
to achieve its stated purpose during the term of the grant. HUD's
desire is to fund applications that will quickly produce demonstrable
results and advance the purposes of the ROSS program.
(i) Timeliness. This subfactor evaluates whether applicants' work
plans demonstrate that their projects are ready to be implemented
shortly after grant award, but not to exceed three months following the
execution of the grant agreement. The work plan must indicate time
frames and deadlines for accomplishing major activities. (1 point).
(ii) Description of the problem and solution. The work plan will be
evaluated based on how well applicants' proposed activities address the
needs described in Rating Factor 2. (2 points).
(c) Budget Appropriateness/Efficient Use of Grant (5 Points). The
score in this factor will be based on the following:
(i) Justification of expenses. Applicants will be evaluated based
on whether their expenses are reasonable and thoroughly explained, and
support the objectives of their proposal.
(ii) Budget Efficiency. Applicants will be evaluated based on
whether their application requests funds commensurate with the level of
effort necessary to accomplish their goals and anticipated results.
(d) Ineligible Activities. Two points will be deducted for each
ineligible activity proposed in the application, as identified in
Section IV(E). For example, you will lose 2 points if you propose costs
that exceed the limits identified in the NOFA for a Project
Coordinator; or you will lose 2 points if you propose paying for
salaries for staff that are not direct services staff.
(2) Addressing HUD's Policy Priorities (10 points). HUD wants to
improve the quality of life for those living in distressed communities.
HUD's grant programs are a vehicle through which long-term, positive
change can be achieved at the community level. Applicants' narratives
and work plans will be evaluated based on how well they meet the
following HUD policy priorities:
(i) Improving the Quality of Life in Our Nation's Communities (2
points). In order to receive points in this category, applicants'
narrative and/or work plan must indicate the types of activities, service,
and training programs applicants will offer which can help residents
successfully transition from welfare to work and earn higher wages.
(ii) Providing Increased Homeownership and Rental Opportunities for
Low- and Moderate-Income Persons, Persons with Disabilities, the
Elderly, Minorities, and Families with Limited English Proficiency
(Note: Only applicants proposing Category 5--Homeownership activities
are eligible for these points.) (2 points). In order to receive points
in this category, applicants' narratives and/or work plans must
indicate the types of activities and training programs they will offer
which can help residents successfully transition to homeownership.
Applicants that indicate that they have existing linkages to an
existing homeownership program such as, for PHAs, Housing Choice
Voucher-Homeownership, Section 32, or homeownership programs and
resources offered by other organizations or state or local
homeownership programs or for Tribes/TDHEs, programs such as the Mutual
Help Homeownership Opportunity Program, the Section 184 Program, and
homeownership programs developed under the Indian Housing Block Grant
Program such as mortgage assistance, must provide a specific statement
attesting to these linkages and indicating the minimum number of
homeownership opportunities (e.g,. number of HCV-Homeownership vouchers
or number of homes in the Section 32 program that will be dedicated to
ROSS participants) that will be provided annually to residents successfully
completing the requirements of the programs funded by this NOFA.
(iii) Providing Full and Equal Access to Grassroots Faith-Based and
Other Community-Based Organizations in HUD Program Implementation (4
points). HUD encourages applicants to partner with grassroots
organizations, e.g., civic organizations, grassroots faith-based and
other community-based organizations that are not usually effectively
utilized. These grassroots organizations have a strong history of
providing vital community services

[[Page 11939]]

such as developing first-time homeownership programs, creating economic
development programs, providing job training and other supportive
services. In order to receive points under this factor, applicants'
narratives and/or work plans must describe how applicants will work
with these organizations and what types of services they will provide.
(iv) Policy Priority for Increasing the Supply of Affordable
Housing Through the Removal of Regulatory Barriers to Affordable
Housing (up to 2 points).
Under this policy priority, higher rating points are available to
(1) governmental applicants that are able to demonstrate successful
efforts in removing regulatory barriers to affordable housing, and (2)
nongovernmental applicants that are associated with jurisdictions that
have undertaken successful efforts in removing barriers. For applicants
to obtain the policy priority points for efforts to successfully remove
regulatory barriers, applicants would have to complete form HUD 27300,
``Questionnaire for HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory
Barriers.'' A copy of HUD's Notice entitled America's Affordable
Communities Initiative, HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory
Barriers: Announcement of Incentive Criteria on Barrier Removal in
HUD's 2004 Competitive Funding Allocations'' can be found on HUD's Web
site at http://www.hud.gov/grants/index.cfm. The information
and requirements contained in HUD's regulatory barriers policy priority
apply to this FY-2006 NOFA. A description of the policy priority and a
copy of form HUD-27300 can be found in the application package posted
on http://www.Grants.gov. Applicants are encouraged to read the Notice as
well as the General Section to obtain an understanding of this policy
priority and how it can impact their score. A limited number of
questions expressly request the applicant to provide brief
documentation with their response. Other questions require that for
each affirmative statement made, the applicant must supply a reference,
URL, or a brief statement indicating where the back-up information may
be found, and a point of contact, including a telephone number and/or
email address. The electronic copy of the HUD 27300 has space to
identify a URL or reference that the material is being scanned and
attached to the application as part of the submission or faxed to HUD
following the facsimile submission instructions.

Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons (Section 3)
(2 Points)

You will receive 2 points if your application demonstrates that you
will implement Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of
1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) (Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-
Income Persons in Connection with assisted Projects) and its
implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 135 in connection with this
grant, if awarded. Information about Section 3 can be found at HUD's
Section 3 Web site at http://www.hud.gov/fhe/sec3over.html. Your application
must describe how you will implement Section 3 through the proposed
grant activities. You must state that you will, to the greatest extent
feasible, direct training, employment, and other economic opportunities to:
(a) Low- and very low-income persons, particularly those who are
recipients of government assistance for housing, and
(b) Business concerns which provide economic opportunities to low-
and very low-income persons.
d. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (20 Points)
This factor addresses the applicant's ability to secure community
resources that can be combined with HUD's grant resources to achieve
program purposes. Applicants are required to create partnerships with
organizations that can help achieve their program's goals. PHAs are
required by section 12(d)(7) of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 entitled
``Cooperation Agreements for Economic Self-Sufficiency Activities'' to
make best efforts to enter into such agreements with relevant state or
local agencies. In rating this factor, HUD will look at the extent to
which applicants partner, coordinate and leverage their services with
other organizations serving the same or similar populations.
Applicants must have at least a 25 percent cash or in-kind match.
The match is a threshold requirement. Joint applicants must together
have at least a 25 percent match. Applicants who do not demonstrate the
minimum 25 percent match will fail the threshold requirement and will
not receive further consideration for funding. Leveraging in excess of
the 25 percent of the grant amount will receive a higher point value.
In evaluating this factor HUD will consider the extent to which
applicants have partnered with other entities to secure additional
resources, which will increase the effectiveness of the proposed
program activities. Match proposed to be used for ineligible activities
will not be accepted. The additional resources and services must be
firmly committed, must support the proposed grant activities and must,
in combined amount (including in-kind contributions of personnel, space
and/or equipment, and monetary contributions) equal at least 25 percent
of the grant amount requested in the application. ``Firmly committed''
means that the amount of resources and their dedication to ROSS-funded
activities must be explicit, in writing and signed by a person
authorized to make the commitment. Please see the section on Threshold
Requirements for more information.
Points for this factor will be awarded based on the documented
evidence of partnerships and firm commitments and the ratio of
requested ROSS funds to the total proposed grant budget.
Points will be assigned based on the following scale:

Percentage of Match Points Awarded

25--5 points (with partnerships) 3 points (without partnerships);
26-50--10 points (with partnerships) 8 points (without partnerships);
51-75--15 points (with partnerships) 13 points (without partnerships);
76 or above--20 points (with partnerships) 18 points (without
partnerships).
e. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (15 Points)
(1) An important element in any supportive service program is the
development and reporting of performance measures and outcomes. This
factor emphasizes HUD's determination to ensure that applicants develop
performance and outcome measures that are focused on residents'
achieving economic and housing self-sufficiency--reducing and
eliminating dependency on any type of subsidized housing or welfare
assistance. Additionally, achieving outcomes and accurate evaluation
will assist HUD in meeting its commitment to federal requirements for
accountability. Applicants must demonstrate how they propose to measure
their success and outcomes as they relate to the Department's Strategic
Plan.
(2) HUD requires ROSS applicants to develop an effective,
quantifiable, outcome-oriented plan for measuring performance and
determining that goals have been met. Applicants must use the Logic
Model form HUD-96010 for this purpose. The narrative describes how the
measurement tools are used to collect and verify reported data and to
modify the program if goals are not being met.

[[Page 11940]]

(3) Applicants must establish interim benchmarks, or outputs, for
their proposed program that lead to the ultimate achievement of
outcomes. ``Outputs'' are the direct products of a program's
activities. Examples of outputs are: The number of eligible families
that participate in supportive services, the number of new services
provided, the number of residents receiving counseling, or the number
of households using a technology center. Outputs should produce
outcomes for your program. ``Outcomes'' are benefits accruing to the
residents, families and/or communities during or after participation in
the ROSS program. Outcomes are not the development or delivery of
services or program activities but the results of the services
delivered or program activities--the ultimate results of the program.
Applicants must clearly identify the outcomes to be achieved and
measured. Examples of outcomes are: Increasing homeownership rates,
increasing residents' financial stability (e.g., increasing assets of a
household through savings), or increasing employment stability (e.g.,
whether persons assisted obtain or retain employment for one or two
years after job training completion).
(4) This rating factor requires that applicants identify program
outputs, outcomes, and performance indicators that will allow
applicants to measure their performance. Performance indicators should
be objectively quantifiable and measure actual achievements against
anticipated achievements. Applicants' narratives, work plans, and Logic
Models should identify what applicants are going to measure, how they
are going to measure it, and the steps they have in place to make
adjustments to their work plan and management practices if performance
targets begin to fall short of established benchmarks and time frames.
Applicants' proposals must also show how they will measure the
performance of partners and affiliates. Applicants must include the
standards, data sources, and measurement methods they will use to
measure performance.
(Applicants will be evaluated based on how comprehensively they
propose to measure their program's outcomes.)

B. Review and Selection Process

1. Review Process
Four types of reviews will be conducted: A screening to determine
if you are eligible to apply for funding under the ROSS Family and
Homeownership grant program; whether your application submission is
complete, on time and meets threshold; a review by the field office (or
area ONAP office) to evaluate past performance; and a technical review
to rate your application based on the five rating factors provided in
this NOFA.
2. Selection Process for All Grant Categories and All Applicants
Twenty-five percent (25%) of funds will be set aside for Resident
Associations and all qualifying Resident Association applications will
be funded first, up to 25% of the funding amount. The selection process
is designed to achieve geographic diversity of grant awards throughout
the country. For each grant category, HUD will first select the highest
ranked application from each of the ten federal regions and DPONAP for
funding. After this ``round,'' HUD will select the second highest
ranked application in each of the ten federal regions and DPONAP for
funding (the second round). HUD will continue this process with the
third, fourth, and so on, highest ranked applications in each federal
region and DPONAP until the last complete round is selected for
funding. If available funds exist to fund some but not all eligible
applications in the next round, HUD will make awards to those remaining
applications in rank order (by score) regardless of region and DPONAP
and will fully fund as many as possible with remaining funds. If
remaining funds in one grant category are too small to make an award,
they may be transferred to another ROSS program. If there are remaining
funds in any ROSS program after all qualifying applications have been
awarded, those funds may be transferred to another ROSS program.
3. Tie Scores
In the event of a tie score between two applications which target
the same developments, HUD will select the application that was
received first.
4. Deficiency Period
Applicants will have 14 calendar days in which to provide missing
information requested from HUD. For other information on correcting
deficient applications, please see the General Section.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

B. Debriefings

C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Environmental Impact
In accordance with 24 CFR 58.34 (a)(3) or (a)(9), 58.35(b)(2),
(b)(4) or (b)(5), 50.19(b)(3), (b)(9), (b)(12), (b)(14), or (b)(15),
activities under this ROSS program are categorically excluded from the
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and are
not subject to environmental review under related laws and authorities.
2. Applicable Requirements
Unless specifically enumerated in this NOFA, all applicants, lead
and non-lead applicants, are subject to the requirements specified in
Section III.C. of the General Section. Grantees are subject to
regulations and other requirements found in:
a. 24 CFR 84 ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and
Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other
Nonprofit Organizations'';
b. 24 CFR 85 ``Administrative Requirements for Grants and
Cooperative Agreements to State, Local, and Federally Recognized Indian
Tribal Governments'';
c. 24 CFR 964 ``Tenant Participation and Tenant Opportunities in
Public Housing'';
d. OMB Circular A-87 ``Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian
Tribal Governments'';
e. OMB Circular A-110 ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education,
Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations'';
f. OMB Circular A-122 ``Cost Principles for Non-Profit
Organizations''; and
g. OMB Circular A-133 ``Audits of States, Local Governments, and
Non-Profit Organizations''.
3. Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons (Section 3)
Applicants and grantees must also comply with Section 3 of the
Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, 12 U.S.C. 1701u and ensure
that training, employment, and other economic opportunities shall, to
the greatest extent feasible, be directed toward low and very low-
income persons,

[[Page 11941]]

particularly those who are recipients of government assistance for
housing and to business concerns which provide economic opportunities
to low and very low-income persons.
4. Fair Housing and Civil Rights Laws
Applicants and their subrecipients must comply with all Fair
Housing and Civil Rights laws, statutes, regulations, and Executive
Orders as enumerated in 24 CFR 5.105(a), as applicable. Please see the
General Section for more information.

D. Reporting

1. Semi-Annual Performance Reports
Grantees must submit semi-annual performance reports to the field
office or area ONAP. These progress reports must include financial
reports (SF-269A), and a Logic Model (HUD-96010) showing achievements
to date against outputs and outcomes proposed in the application and
approved by HUD. A narrative describing milestones, work plan progress,
and problems encountered and methods used to address the problems to
support the data in the logic model is optional. HUD anticipates that
some of the reporting of financial status and grant performance will be
through electronic or Internet-based submissions. Grantees must use
quantifiable data to measure performance against goals and objectives
outlined in their work plan. Applicants that receive awards from HUD
should be prepared to report on additional measures that HUD may
designate at time of award. Performance reports are due to the field
office on July 30 and January 31 of each year. If reports are not
received by the due date, grant funds will be suspended until reports
are received. For FY2006, HUD is considering a new concept for the
Logic Model. The new concept is a Return on Investment (ROI) statement.
HUD will be publishing a separate notice on the ROI concept.
2. Final Report
All grantees must submit a final report to their local field office
or area ONAP that will include a financial report (SF-269A), a final
Logic Model, and a narrative evaluating overall results achieved
against their work plan. Grantees must use quantifiable data to measure
performance against goals and objectives outlined in their work plan.
The financial report must contain a summary of all expenditures made
from the beginning of the grant agreement to the end of the grant
agreement and must include any unexpended balances. The final Logic
Model and financial report are due to the field office 90 days after
the termination of the grant agreement.
3. Final Audit
Grantees that expend $500,000 in federal funds in a given program
or fiscal year are required to obtain a complete final close-out audit
of the grant's financial statements by a Certified Public Accountant
(CPA), in accordance with generally accepted government audit
standards. A written report of the audit must be forwarded to HUD
within 60 days of issuance. Grant recipients must comply with the
requirements of 24 CFR 84 or 24 CFR 85 as stated in OMB Circulars A-87,
A-110, and A-122, as applicable.
4. Racial and Ethnic Data
HUD requires that funded recipients collect racial and ethnic
beneficiary data. HUD has adopted the Office of Management and Budget's
Standards for the Collection of Racial and Ethnic Data. In view of
these requirements, applicants should use form HUD-27061, Racial and
Ethnic Data Reporting Form.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

For questions and technical assistance, you may call the Public and
Indian Housing Information and Resource Center at 800-955-2232. For
persons with hearing or speech impairments, please call the toll-free
Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. In the case of tribes/TDHEs,
please contact HQ ONAP at 800-561-5913 or (303) 675-1600 (this is not a
toll-free number).

VIII. Other Information

A. Code of Conduct. Please see the General Section for more information.
B. Transfer of Funds. If transfer of funds from any of the ROSS
programs does become necessary, HUD will consider the amount of un-
funded qualified applications in deciding to which program the extra
funds will be transferred.
C. Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collection requirements
contained in this document have been approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2577-0229. 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 49.5 hours per respondent for the
application. This includes the time for collecting, reviewing, and
reporting the data for the application. The information will be used
for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds.
Response to this request for information is required in order to
receive the benefits to be derived.

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

[[Page 11942]]
[GRAPHIC]
[TIFF OMITTED]
TN08MR06.023
[[Page 11943]]

Public Housing Neighborhood Networks Program

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban
Development, Office of Public and Indian Housing.
B. Funding Opportunity Title: Public Housing Neighborhood Networks
program.
C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
D. Funding Opportunity Number: The Federal Register number for this
NOFA is: FR-5030-N-33. The OMB approval number for this program is
2577-0229.
E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): 14.875.
F. Dates: The application deadline date is June 23, 2006.
G. Optional, Additional Overview Content Information:
1. Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Public Housing
Neighborhood Networks (NN) program is to provide grants to public
housing authorities (PHAs) to: (a) Update and expand existing NN/
community technology centers; or (b) establish new NN centers. These
centers offer comprehensive services designed to help public housing
residents achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency. This program is
authorized under Sec. 9(d)(1)(E), Sec. 9(e)(1)(K), Sec. 9(h)(8), and
Sec. 24(d)(1)(G).
2. Funding Available: The Department plans to award approximately
$7,500,000 under the Neighborhood Networks program in Fiscal Year 2006.
3. Award Amounts: Awards will range from $100,000 to $550,000.
4. Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants are PHAs only.
Tribes and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs), nonprofit
organizations, and resident associations are not eligible to apply for
funding under the Public Housing Neighborhood Networks program.
5. Cost Sharing/Match Requirement: PHAs are required to match at
least 25 percent of the requested grant amount.
6. Grant term. The grant term is three years from the execution
date of the grant agreement.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grant program Total funding Eligible applicants Maximum grant amount
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neighborhood Networks................ $7.5 Million........... PHAs--existing centers. $100,000 for PHAs with
1-780 units; $150,000
for PHAs with 781-
2,500 units; $200,000
for PHAs with 2,501-
7,300 units; $250,000
for PHAs with 7,301
units or more.
PHAs--new centers...... $250,000 for PHAs with
1-780 units; $350,000
for PHAs with 781-
2,500 units; $450,000
for PHAs with 2,501-
7,300 units; $550,000
for PHAs with 7,301
units or more.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Definition of Terms

1. Contract Administrator is a grant administrator or financial
management agent that oversees the implementation of the grant and/or
the financial aspects of the grant.
2. An existing computer center is: (1) A computer lab, or
technology center owned and operated by a PHA which serves residents of
public housing and has not received prior NN funding and therefore is
not officially designated a HUD Public and Indian Housing (PIH) NN
center; (2) a computer lab designated as a HUD PIH NN center, which
seeks to expand its services; or (3) a computer lab which needs funding
under this program to become operational and serve residents of public
housing.
3. A new NN center is one that will be established (i.e., there is
no infrastructure, space, or equipment currently in use for this
purpose) with NN grant funds. Note: An applicant previously funded
under Neighborhood Networks may apply under the ``New Computer Center''
category only if it will develop a new center in a development which
cannot be served by the applicant's existing NN center(s).
4. Past Performance is a threshold requirement. Using Rating Factor
1, HUD's field offices will evaluate applicants for past performance to
determine whether an applicant has the capacity to manage the grant it
is applying for. Field offices will evaluate the past performance of
contract administrators for applicants that required one.
5. Person with disabilities means a person who:
a. Has a condition defined as a disability in section 223 of the
Social Security Act;
b. Has a developmental disability as defined in section 102 of the
Developmental Disabilities Assistance Bill of Rights Act; or
c. Is determined to have a physical, mental, or emotional
impairment which:
(1) Is expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration;
(2) Substantially impedes his or her ability to live independently;
and
(3) Is of such a nature that such ability could be improved by more
suitable housing conditions.
The term ``person with disabilities'' includes persons who have
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) or any conditions arising
from the etiologic agent for AIDS. In addition, no individual shall be
considered a person with disabilities solely based on drug or alcohol
dependence.
The definition provided above for persons with disabilities is the
proper definition for determining program qualifications. However, the
definition of a person with disabilities contained in section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its implementing regulations must be
used for purposes of providing reasonable accommodations and for
program accessibility for persons with disabilities.
6. Project Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the
grantee's approved activities to ensure that grant goals and objectives
are met. A qualified Project Coordinator is someone with at least two
years of experience working on supportive services designed
specifically for underserved populations. The Project Coordinator and
grantee are both responsible for ensuring that all federal requirements
are followed.
7. Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
8. Senior person means a person who is at least 62 years of age.

B. Program Description

1. The Public Housing Neighborhood Networks program provides grants
to PHAs to (1) update and expand existing NN/community technology
centers; or (2) establish new NN centers.
2. NN centers must be located within a public housing development,
on PHA

[[Page 11944]]

land, or within reasonable walking distance to the PHA development(s).
3. HUD is looking for applications that implement comprehensive
programs within the three-year grant term, which will result in
improved economic self-sufficiency for public housing residents. HUD is
looking for proposals that involve partnerships with organizations that
will supplement and enhance the services offered to residents.
4. NN centers provide computer and Internet access to public
housing residents and offer a full range of computer and job training
services. Applicants should submit proposals that will incorporate
computer and Internet use to: Provide job training for youths, adults
and seniors; expand educational opportunities for residents; promote
economic self-sufficiency and help residents transition from welfare to
work; assist children with homework; provide guidance to high school
students (or other interested residents) for post-secondary education
(college or trade schools); and provide other services deemed necessary
from resident input.
5. All applicants must complete a business plan (see sample HUD-
52766 provided in the Appendix) covering the three-year grant term. The
applicant's business plan and narrative must indicate how the center(s)
will become self-sustaining after the grant term expires. Proposed
grant activities should build on the foundation created by previous NN
grants such as Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS)
grants, or other federal, state and local self-sufficiency efforts.

C. Eligible Activities

1. Hiring a Qualified Project Coordinator to Administer the Grant
Program. A qualified Project Coordinator must have project management
and information technology experience. The Project Coordinator should
be hired for the entire term of your grant. The Project Coordinator is
responsible for ensuring that the center achieves its proposed goals
and objectives. In addition, the Project Coordinator is responsible for
the following activities:
a. Marketing the program to residents;
b. Assessing residents' needs, interests, skills, and job-readiness;
c. Assessing residents' needs for supportive services, e.g.,
childcare, transportation;
d. Designing and coordinating grant activities based on residents'
needs and interests; and
e. Monitoring the progress of program participants and evaluating
the overall success of the program. For more information on how to
measure performance, please see Rating Factor 5 in the ``Application
Review Information'' section of this NOFA.
2. Literacy training and GED preparation;
3. Computer training, from basic to advanced;
4. College preparatory courses and information;
5. Job Training and Activities Leading to Self-Sufficiency. Job
training for very low and low-income persons is a requirement under
Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968. Some
examples of the job training skills encouraged are: oral and written
communication skills; work ethic; interpersonal and teamwork skills;
resume writing; interviewing techniques, creating job training and
placement programs with local employers and employment agencies; tax
preparation and submission assistance, including Earned Income Tax
credits; other activities moving toward housing and economic self-
sufficiency that utilize the computer center, such as financial
literacy, credit repair, and homeownership training; and post-
employment follow-up to assist residents who are new to the workplace.
6. Physical improvements. Physical improvements must relate to
providing space for a Neighborhood Networks center. Renovation,
conversion, wiring, and repair costs may be essential elements of
physical improvements. In addition, architectural, engineering, and
related professional services required to prepare plans or drawings,
write-ups, specifications or inspections may also be part of the cost
of implementing physical improvements.
a. Creating an accessible space for persons with disabilities is an
eligible use of funds. Refer to Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Circular A-87, ``Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal
Governments.''
b. The renovation, conversion, or joining of vacant units in a PHA
development to create space for the equipment and activities of a NN
center (computers, printers, and office space) are eligible activities
for physical improvement.
c. The renovation or conversion of existing common areas in a PHA
development to accommodate a NN center is eligible.
d. If renovation, conversion, or repair is done off-site, the PHA
must provide documentation with its application that it has control of
the proposed property and will continue to have control for at least
five years. Control can be demonstrated through a lease agreement,
ownership documentation, or other appropriate documentation.
7. Maintenance and insurance costs. Includes installing and
maintaining the hardware and software as well as insurance coverage for
the space and equipment.
8. Purchase of computers, printers, software, other peripheral
equipment, and furniture for the NN Center are eligible expenses.
Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act requires funding
recipients to provide business opportunities be directed to very low
and low income persons. In addition, costs of computer hardware and
software for the needs of persons with disabilities are eligible costs
for this funding category;
9. Distance Learning Equipment. Distance learning equipment
(including the costs for video casting and purchase/lease/rental of
distance learning equipment) is an eligible use of funds. The proposal
must indicate that the center will be working in a virtual setting with
a college, university or other educational organization. Distance
learning equipment can also be used to link one or more centers so that
residents can benefit from courses being offered at only one site.
10. Security and related costs. Includes space and minor refitting,
locks, and other equipment for safeguarding the center and other
longer-term security measures, as needed.
11. Hiring Residents. Grantees may hire residents to help with the
implementation of this grant program.
12. Administrative Costs. See Section IV.E for information on this
topic.
13. Staff Training and Long Distance Travel. Funds may be used for
applicant staff or subcontractors' training in program-relevant areas.
This activity should not exceed $5,000. See Section IV.E for
information on this topic.

D. Regulations Governing the Neighborhood Networks Grant

The Neighborhood Networks program is governed by regulations in 24
CFR parts 905 and 968.

II. Award Information

A. Total Funding

The Department expects to award approximately a total of $7,500,000
under the Neighborhood Networks program in Fiscal Year 2006. Awards
will be made as follows:
1. Forty percent of available funding for Neighborhood Networks
will be used for updating and expanding existing

[[Page 11945]]

computer technology centers. The other 60 percent will provide grants
to establish and operate new Neighborhood Networks centers.
2. PHAs must use the number of occupied public housing units as of
September 30, 2005 per their budget. This is required so the PHA can
determine the maximum grant amount they are eligible for in accordance
with the categories listed below. PHAs should clearly indicate on the
Fact Sheet (HUD-52751) the number of units under management.
a. Funding Levels For Existing Centers:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum
Number of conventional units funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-780 units............................................. $100,000
781-2,500 units......................................... 150,000
2,501-7,300 units....................................... 200,000
7,301 or more units..................................... 250,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

b. Funding Levels For New Centers:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum
Number of conventional units funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-780 units............................................. $250,000
781-2,500 units......................................... 350,000
2,501-7,300 units....................................... 450,000
7,301 or more units..................................... 550,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Grant Period

Three years. The grant period shall begin the day the grant
agreement and the form HUD-1044, ``Assistance Award/Amendment'' are
signed by the grantee and HUD.

C. Grant Extensions

Requests to extend the grant term must be submitted in writing by
the grantee to the local HUD field office. Such requests must be done
prior to grant termination and with at least 30 days notice to give the
field office a reasonable amount of time to fully evaluate the request.
Requests must explain why the extension is necessary, what work remains
to be completed, and what work and progress was accomplished to date.
Extensions may be granted one time only once by the field office or
area ONAP for a period not to exceed six months and may be granted for
a further six months by the HUD Headquarters Program Office at the
request of the Field Office or area ONAP.

D. Type of Award

Grant agreement.

E. Subcontracting

Subcontracting is permitted. Grantees must follow the HUD federal
procurement regulations found at 24 CFR 85.36.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Public Housing Authorities are eligible to apply for this funding
category. Tribes/TDHEs, nonprofit organizations, and resident
associations are not eligible to apply for this funding category.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

All applicants are required to obtain a 25 percent cash or in-kind
match. The match is a threshold requirement. Applicants who do not
demonstrate the minimum 25 percent match will fail the threshold
requirement and will not receive further consideration for funding.
Match proposed to be used for ineligible activities will not be
accepted. Please see the section below on threshold requirements for
more information on what is required for the match.

C. Other

1. Threshold Requirements
Applicants must respond to each threshold requirement clearly and
thoroughly by following the instructions below. If your application
fails one threshold requirement (regardless of the type of threshold)
it will be considered a failed application. All applicants will be
subject to all thresholds listed in the General Section.
a. Match. All applicants are required to commit a 25 percent match
in cash or in-kind donations that are defined in this paragraph. Joint
applicants must together have at least a 25 percent match. Applicants
who do not demonstrate the minimum 25 percent match will fail this
threshold requirement and will not receive further consideration for
funding. If you are also applying for funding under the ROSS grant
program, you must use different sources of match donations for each
grant application and you must indicate which ROSS grant(s) you are
applying for by attaching a narrative to your application. This
narrative must state the sources and amounts of each of your match
contributions for this application as well as any other HUD grant
program to which you are applying.
Match donations must be firmly committed. Firmly committed means
that the amount of match resources and their dedication to Neighborhood
Networks-funded activities must be explicit, in writing and signed by a
person authorized to make the commitment. Letters of commitment and
memoranda of understanding (MOU) must be on organization letterhead,
and signed by a person authorized to make the commitment. The letters
of commitment/MOUs must indicate the total dollar value of the
commitment, be dated between the publication date of this NOFA and the
application deadline published in this NOFA or an amended deadline, and
indicate how the commitment will relate to the proposed program. If the
commitment is in-kind, the letters should explain exactly what services
or material will be provided. The commitment must be available at time
of award. Applicants proposing to use their own, non-HUD grant funds to
meet the match requirement, must also include a letter of commitment
indicating the type of match (cash or in-kind) and how the match will
be used. Grant awards shall be contingent upon letters of commitment
being submitted with your application. Match proposed to be used for
ineligible activities will not be accepted. Please see the General
Section for instructions for submitting the required letters with your
electronic application.
(1) The value of volunteer time and services shall be computed
using the professional rate for the local area or the national minimum
wage rate of $5.15 per hour (Note: applicants may not count their staff
time towards the match.) If grantees propose to use volunteers for
development or operations work that would otherwise be subject to
payment of Davis-Bacon or HUD-determined prevailing wage rates
(including construction, rehabilitation or maintenance) their services
must be computed using the appropriate methodology. Additional
information on these wage rates can be found at http://www.hud.gov/,
by contacting HUD Field Office Labor Relations staff, or from the PHA.
Such volunteers must also meet the requirements of section 12(b) of the
United States Housing Act of 1937 and 24 CFR part 70;
(2) In order for HUD to determine the value of any donated
material, equipment, staff time, building, or lease, your application
must provide a letter from the organization making the donation. The
letter must state the value of the contribution.
(3) Other resources/services that can be committed include: In-kind
services provided to the applicant; funds from federal sources that are
allowed by statute, for example Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds; funds from any state or local government sources; and
funds from private contributions. Applicants may also partner with
other program funding

[[Page 11946]]

recipients to coordinate the use of resources in the target area.
b. Past Performance. HUD's field offices will evaluate data
provided by applicants as well as their past performance to determine
whether applicants have the capacity to manage the grants they are
applying for. Field offices will evaluate the contract administrators'
past performance for applicants required to have a contract
administrator. Using Rating Factor 1, the field office will evaluate
applicants' past performance. Applicants should carefully review Rating
Factor 1 to ensure their applications address all of the criteria
requested. If applicants fail to address what is requested in Rating
Factor 1, their application will not receive further consideration.
c. Contract Administrator Partnership Agreement. PHAs that are
troubled at time of application are required to submit a signed
Contract Administrator Partnership Agreement. The agreement must be for
the entire grant term. Grant awards must have a signed Contract
Administrator Partnership Agreement included in the application.
Applicants required to have a Contract Administrator Partnership
Agreement that fail to submit one will fail this threshold requirement
and will not receive further consideration for funding.
Troubled PHAs are not eligible to be contract administrators. Grant
writers who assist in the preparation of their Neighborhood Networks
applications are also ineligible to be contract administrators. Please
see the General Section Definitions Section, and Program Requirements
Section for instructions for more information.
d. Minimum Score for All Fundable Applications. Applications that
pass all threshold requirements and go through the ranking and rating
process, must receive a minimum score of 75 in order to be considered
for funding.
e. The Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number
Requirement. Refer to the General Section for information regarding the
DUNS requirement. You will need to have a DUNS number to receive an
award from HUD.
f. Off-site Physical Improvements. Physical improvements that
relate to providing space for a Neighborhood Networks center are
eligible activities, including for off-site centers. If renovation,
conversion or repair is done off-site, the PHA must describe this
circumstance in their narrative and provide documentation with its
application that it has control of the proposed property and will
continue to have control for at least five years. Control can be
demonstrated through a lease agreement, ownership documentation or
other appropriate documentation.
2. Program Requirements
a. Program Evaluations. A portion of grant funds should be reserved
to ensure that evaluations can be completed for all participants who
received training through this program.
b. Physical Improvements. All renovations must meet appropriate
accessibility requirements, including the requirements of Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 at 24 CFR part 8, Architectural
Barriers Act at 24 CFR part 40, and the Americans with Disabilities
Act. Design, construction, or alteration of buildings in conformance
with the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) shall be deemed
to comply with the requirements of 24 CFR 8.21, 8.22, 8.23, and 8.25
with respect to those buildings.
c. Contract Administrator. The contract administrator must assure
that the financial management system and procurement procedures that
will be implemented during the grant term comply with 24 CFR part 85.
CAs are expressly forbidden from accessing HUD's Line of Credit Control
System (LOCCS) and submitting vouchers on behalf of grantees. Contract
administrators must assist PHAs in meeting HUD's reporting
requirements, see Section VI.C. ``Reporting'' for more information.
Contract administrators may be: Local housing agencies; community-based
organizations such as community development corporations (CDCs), local
faith-based institutions; nonprofit organizations; state/regional
associations and organizations. Troubled PHAs are not eligible to be
contract administrators. Grant writers who assist applicants in
preparing their Neighborhood Networks applications are also ineligible
to be contract administrators. Organizations that the applicant
proposes to use as the contract administrator must not violate the
conflict of interest standards as defined in 24 CFR part 84 and 24 CFR
part 85.
c. Other Requirements Applicable to All Programs. All applicants,
lead and non-lead, should refer to ``Other Requirements and Procedures
Applicable to All Programs'' of the General Section for other
requirements to which they may be subject.
3. Number of Applications Permitted
a. General. Applicants may submit only one application for a NN grant.
b. Joint applications. Two or more applicants may join together to
submit a joint application for proposed grant activities. Joint
applications must designate a lead applicant. Only the lead applicant
is subject to the threshold requirements outlined in this NOFA.
However, both lead and non-lead applicants are subject to threshold
requirements outlined in the General Section. The lead applicant must
be registered with Grants.gov and submit the application using the
Grants.gov portal. Applicants who submit joint applications cannot
submit separate applications as sole applicants under this NOFA. Note:
The lead applicant will determine the maximum funding amount the
applicants are eligible to receive.
4. Eligible Participants
All program participants must be residents of public housing or
residents of other housing assisted with funding made available under
the 2006 Appropriations Act (e.g., residents receiving tenant-based or
project-based voucher assistance, as well as elderly and disabled
residents).

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address To Request an Application Package

Copies of this published NOFAs and application forms will be posted
on http://www.Grants.gov/Apply. If you have difficulty accessing
the information you may call the Grants.gov help desk toll free at (800)
515-GRANTS or you may send an e-mail message to Support@Grants.gov.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Application Preparation
Before preparing an application, applicants should carefully review
the program description, program requirements, ineligible activities,
threshold requirements contained in this NOFA, and the General Section.
Applicants should also review each rating factor found in the
``Application Review Information'' section before writing a narrative
response. Applicants' narratives must be descriptive in order to ensure
that every requested item is addressed. Applicants should be sure to
include all requested information, according to the instructions found
in this NOFA and the General Section. This will help ensure a fair and
accurate review of your application.
2. Content of Application
Applicants must write narrative responses to each of the rating
factors described in the section below. Their

[[Page 11947]]

responses must demonstrate that they have the necessary capacity to
successfully manage this grant program. Applicants should ensure that
their narratives are written clearly and concisely so that HUD
reviewers, who may not be familiar with the Neighborhood Networks
program, fully understand the proposal. HUD encourages applicants to
carefully review each rating factor, the regulations governing the
Neighborhood Networks program, at 24 CFR parts 905 and 968, and the
General Section prior to responding to the rating factors.
3. Format of Application
(1) Applications may not exceed 35 narrative pages. Narrative pages
must be submitted as separate electronic files, formatted as double-
spaced, single-sided documents. Each file should have the pages
numbered consecutively. Use Times New Roman font style and font size
12. Supporting documentation, required forms, and certifications will
not be counted toward the 35 narrative page limit. Applicants should
make every effort to submit only what is necessary in terms of
supporting documentation. Please see the General Section for
instructions on how to submit supporting documentation with your
electronic application.
(2) The following checklist has been provided to guarantee that the
applicants submit all of the required forms and information. Electronic
application filers should make sure the file names for their narratives
reflect the labels in the checklist. Each narrative must be in a
separate file with all the files zipped together and sent as an
attachment in the application submittal. (Note: Only applicants who
receive a waiver to submit paper applications, must submit their
applications in a three-ring binder, with TABS dividing the sections as
indicated below) When submitting electronically, you do not need to
submit these in TABS. Copies of the forms may be downloaded with the
application package and instructions from http://www.Grants.gov/Apply
of from the following Web site:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa06/snofaforms.cfm.
TAB 1: Required Forms
1. Acknowledgment of Application Recedsipt (HUD-2993), for paper
application submissions only;
2. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424);
3. SF-424 Supplement--Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for
Applicants;
4. Questionnaire for HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory
Barriers (HUD-27300);
5. ROSS Fact Sheet (HUD-52751);
6. Grant Application Detailed Budget (HUD-424-CB);
7. Grant Application Detailed Budget Worksheet (HUD-424-CBW);
8. Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (HUD-2880);
9. Certification of Consistency with RC/EZ/EC-II Strategic Plan
(HUD-2990) if applicable;
10. Certification of Consistency with the Consolidated Plan (HUD-
2991) if applicable;
11. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (HUD-SF-LLL)--if applicable;
12. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Continuation Sheet (HUD-SF-
LLL-A)--if applicable; and
13. You Are Our Client Grant Applicant Survey (HUD-2994-A) (Optional)
14. Facsimile Transmittal (must be used as the cover age to fax
third party letters, documents, etc., that cannot be attached to the
electronic application) (HUD-96011) HUD will not accept entire
applications submitted by facsimile or read a fax that was not
transmitted with the HUD 96011 as the cover page.
TAB 2: Threshold Requirements
1. Letters from Partners attesting to match;
2. Letter from Applicant's organization attesting to match (if
applicant is contributing to match); and
3. Contract Administrator Partnership Agreement (required for
troubled PHAs) (HUD-52755).
4. If applicable, documentation of site control (for 5 years) for
off-site physical improvements.
TAB 3: Rating Factor 1
1. Narrative.
2. Chart A: Program Staffing (HUD-52756).
3. Chart B: Applicant/Administrator Track Record (HUD-52757).
4. Resumes/Position Descriptions.
TAB 4: Narrative for Rating Factor 2
TAB 5: Rating Factor 3
1. Narrative.
2. Business Plan (see sample) (HUD-52766).
TAB 6: Narrative for Rating Factor 4
TAB 7: Narrative for Rating Factor 5 and NN Program Forms
1. Narrative.
2. Logic Model (HUD-96010).

C. Submission Dates and Times

1. Deadline Dates
Electronic applications must be received and validated by
Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on June 23, 2006.
For applicants receiving a waiver to the electronic filing requirement,
the approval of the waiver request will provide submission
instructions. Paper applications must be received no later than the
deadline date.
2. Proof of Timely Submission
Please see the General Section for this information. Applicants
that fail to meet the deadline for application receipt will not receive
funding consideration.

D. Intergovernmental Review

Not applicable.

E. Funding Restrictions

1. Reimbursement for Grant Application Costs
Applicants who receive a NN award are prohibited from using these
grant funds to reimburse any costs incurred while preparing their
applications.
2. Covered Salaries
a. Project Coordinator. The Neighborhood Networks program will fund
up to $65,000 in combined annual salary and fringe benefits for up to a
full-time Project Coordinator. Applicants may propose a part-time
coordinator at lesser salary. The Project Coordinator's salary and
fringe benefits may not exceed 30 percent of the total grant amount.
For audit purposes, applicants must have documentation on file
demonstrating that the salary paid to the Project Coordinator is
comparable to similar professions in their local area.
b. Hiring Residents. Grantees may hire residents to help with the
implementation of this grant program. No more than five percent of
grant funds can be used for this purpose.
c. NN funds may only be used for the types of salaries described in
this section according to the restrictions described herein. NN funds
may not be used to pay for salaries of any other kind. NN funds may
only be used to pay for salaries of staff that provide direct services
to residents. Direct services staff, for purposes of this NOFA, are
defined as applicant personnel or subcontractors who, as their primary
responsibility, provide services directly to residents that participate
in the activities described in this application, e.g., computer skills
training.
d. Neighborhood Networks grant funds cannot be used to hire or pay
the services of a Contract Administrator.
3. Funding Requests in Excess of Maximum Grant Amount
Applicants that request funding in excess of the maximum grant
amount which they are eligible to receive will be given consideration
only for the maximum grant for which they are eligible. If awarded, the
grantee will work with the Field Office to re-

[[Page 11948]]

apportion the grant funds for eligible activities.
4. Administrative Costs
Administrative costs may include, but are not limited to, purchase
of office furniture, equipment, supplies, local travel, and utilities.
To the maximum extent practicable, when leasing space or purchasing
equipment or supplies, business opportunities should be provided to
businesses under Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of
1968. Administrative costs may not be used to pay for salaries.
Administrative costs must not exceed 10 percent of the total grant
amount requested from HUD. Administrative costs must adhere to OMB
Circular A-87. Please use HUD-424-CBW to itemize your administrative
costs. See Section IV.E for information on this topic.
5. Long-Distance Travel
Grantees may not use more than $5,000 for applicant staff/
subcontractor long distance travel activities.
6. Ineligible Activities/Costs
Grant funds may not be used for ineligible activities:
a. Payment of wages and/or salaries to participants for receiving
supportive services and/or training programs;
b. Purchase, lease, or rental of land;
c. Purchase, lease, or rental of vehicles;
d. vehicle maintenance and/or insurance;
e. Entertainment costs;
f. Purchasing food;
g. Salaries and fringe benefits for staff that are not direct
services staff. Direct services staff, for purposes of this NOFA, are
defined as applicant personnel or subcontractors who, as their primary
responsibility, provide services directly to residents that participate
in the activities descried in this application, e.g. computer skills
training;
h. Stipends;
i. Scholarships for degree programs;
j. Cost of application preparation;
k. Costs which exceed limits identified in the NOFA for the
following: Project Coordinator, resident salaries, physical
improvements (see below), long distance travel and administrative
expenses; and
l. Any other costs not eligible under section 9(d)(1)(E) of the
U.S. Housing Act of 1937.
m. NN funds cannot be used to hire or pay for the services of a
Contract Administrator.
7. Physical Improvements
For new centers, expenses for physical improvements may not exceed
20 percent of the total grant amount requested from HUD. For existing
centers, expenses for physical improvements may not exceed 10 percent
of the total grant amount.

F. Other Submission Requirements

1. All applicants are required to submit their applications
electronically via Grants.gov, unless they request and are approved by
HUD for a waiver of that requirement. Please refer to the General
Section for information on how to submit your application and all
attachments electronically via Grants.gov. See the General Section for
instructions for requesting a waiver of the electronic application
submission requirements.
2. Proof of Timely Submission
Please see the General Section for this information. Applicants
that fail to meet the deadline for application receipt will not receive
funding consideration.
3. For Waiver Recipients Only
Applicants who have received waivers to submit paper applications
(see the General Section for more information) must submit their
applications to: HUD Grants Management Center, Mail Stop: ROSS Family
and Homeownership, 501 School Street, SW., 8th floor, Washington, DC
20024. Applications must be received by the deadline date.
4. Number of Copies
Only applicants receiving a waiver to the electronic submission
requirement may submit a paper copy application. Paper applications
must be submitted in triplicate (one original and two identical
copies). For all applicants with a waiver, the original and one
identical copy must be sent to the Grants Management Center and an
identical copy must be sent to your local Field Office in accordance
with the submission and timely receipt requirements described in the
General Section. All paper applications must be received by the
deadline date.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

1. Factors for Award Used To Evaluate and Rate Applications to the
Neighborhood Networks Program
The factors for rating and ranking applicants and maximum points
for each factor are provided below. The maximum number of points
available for this program is 102. This includes two RC/EZ/EC bonus
points. The General Section contains a certification that must be
completed in order for the applicant to be considered for RC/EZ/EC-II
bonus points. A listing of federally designated RC/EZ/EC-II is
available on HUD's Web site at: http://www.hud.gov/fundsdsavailable.
The agency certifying to RC/EZ/EC-II status must be included in the listing
on HUD's Web site. Please see the General Section for more details.
Note: Applicants should carefully review each rating factor before
writing a response. Applicants' narratives must be descriptive and
detailed in order to ensure every requested item is addressed.
Applicants should make sure their narratives thoroughly address the
Rating Factors below and include all requested information, according
to the instructions found in this NOFA. This will help ensure a fair
and accurate application review.
a. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant
Organizational Staff (35 Points)
This factor addresses whether the applicant has the organizational
capacity and resources necessary to successfully implement the proposed
activities within the grant period. In rating this factor, HUD will
consider whether the proposal demonstrates that the applicant will have
qualified and experienced staff. HUD will also bear in mind whether or
not the proposed staff will be dedicated to administering the program.
(1) Proposed Program Staffing (12 Points).
(a) Staff Experience (4 Points). HUD is requesting details about
the knowledge and experience of the proposed Project Coordinator,
staff, and partners in planning and managing programs. Experience will
be judged in terms of recent, relevant and successful experience of
proposed staff to undertake 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. Applicants will receive a greater amount of points if the
proposed staff has recent and applicable experience. HUD is looking for
staff to possess experience working with and successfully implementing
similar projects. If proposed staff has experience in providing
community technology services and in delivering social service programs
to underserved populations, applicants will receive a maximum score of
four points. If

[[Page 11949]]

proposed staff has experience in only one area, applicants will receive
two points. If proposed staff has experience in neither area,
applicants will receive a score of 0 for this subfactor.
The following information should be included in the application in
order to provide HUD an understanding of the proposed staff's
experience and capacity:
(i) The number of staff years (one staff year = 2080 hours) to be
allocated to the program by each employee as well as each of their
roles in the program;
(ii) The staff's relevant educational background and/or work experience;
(iii) Relevant and successful experience running programs whose
activities include social services and computer programs that are
similar to the eligible program activities described in this NOFA;
(b) Hiring Residents (3 points). Three points will be awarded if
applicants commit to hiring one to three residents. Small PHAs should
hire one person, medium PHAs should hire one to two people, and large
PHAs should hire three people in order to get the maximum score. In
order to receive points for this subfactor, applicants must explain in
their narrative that they will hire residents and indicate the number
of residents to be hired, and work they will be assigned.
(c) Organizational Capacity (5 Points). Applicants will be
evaluated based on whether they have, and/or whether their partners
have sufficient qualified personnel to deliver the proposed activities
in a timely and effective fashion. In order to enhance or supplement
capacity, applicants should provide evidence of partnerships with
nonprofit organizations or other organizations that have experience
providing community technology services to typically underserved
populations. Applicants' narrative must describe their ability to
immediately begin the proposed work program. Applicants may fax (see
the General Section for instructions) resumes or position descriptions
(where staff is not yet hired) for all key personnel. Please see the
General Section for instructions on how to submit the required
information with your electronic application. (Resumes/position
descriptions do not count toward the 35-page limit.)
(2) Past Performance of Applicant/ Contract Administrator (6
Points). Applicants' narrative must describe how they (or their
Contract Administrator) successfully implemented grant programs
(including those listed below) designed to promote resident self-
sufficiency or moving from welfare to work. Applicants' past experience
may include, but is not limited to, running programs aimed at assisting
residents of low-income housing achieve economic self-sufficiency; e.g.
ROSS grants and Youthbuild. Applicants' narrative must indicate the
grants they received and managed, the grant amounts, and grant terms
(years) of the grants they are counting towards past experience.
Applicants will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
(a) Benefits gained by participating residents. These must be
measurable. Applicants should describe results their programs have
obtained, (e.g. higher incomes, improved grades, higher rates of
employment, increased savings, improved literacy, etc.);
(b) Description of timely grant expenditure throughout the term of
past grants. Timely means regular drawdowns throughout the life of the
grant, i.e. quarterly drawdowns, with all funds expended by the end of
the grant term;
(c) Description of past leveraging. Applicants must describe how
they have leveraged funding or in-kind services beyond what was
originally proposed for past projects;
(3) Program Administration and Fiscal Management. (17 Points)
(a) Program Administration. (10 Points). Applicants should describe
how they will manage the program; how HUD can be sure that there is
program accountability; and provide a description of proposed staff's
roles and responsibilities. Applicants should also describe how grant
staff, and partners will report to the Project Coordinator and other
senior staff.
(b) Fiscal Management. (7 Points). In rating this factor,
applicants' skills and experience in fiscal management will be
evaluated. If applicants have had any audit or material weakness
findings in the past five years, they will be evaluated on how well
they have addressed them. Applicants must provide the following:
(i) A complete description of their fiscal management structure,
including fiscal controls currently in place, which includes those of a
Contract Administrator for applicants who required one. i.e., troubled
PHAs);
(ii) Applicants must list any audit findings in the past five years
(HUD Inspector General, management review, fiscal, etc.), material
weaknesses and what has been done to address them;
(iii) For applicants who are required to have a Contract
Administrator, describe the skills and experience the Contract
Administrator has in managing Federal funds.
b. Rating Factor 2: Need (10 Points)
This factor addresses the need for funding an applicant's proposed
program. In responding to this factor, applicants will be evaluated on
the extent to which they describe and document the level of need for
their proposed activities.
In responding to this factor, applicants must include:
(1) Demonstrated Link Between Proposed Activities and Local Need
(10 points). Applicants' narrative must demonstrate a clear
relationship between proposed activities, community needs and the
purpose of the program's funding in order for points to be awarded for
this factor.
c. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (25 Points)
This factor addresses both the quality and cost-effectiveness of
applicants' proposed business plan. The business plan must indicate a
clear relationship between proposed activities, the targeted
population's needs, and the purpose of the program funding. Applicants'
activities must address HUD's policy priorities outlined in this Rating
Factor.
In rating this factor HUD will consider:
(1) Quality of the Business Plan (20 points). This factor evaluates
both the applicants' business plan and budget which will be evaluated
based on the following criteria:
(a) Specific Services and/or Activities (9 points). Applicants'
narrative must describe the specific services, course curriculum, and
activities they plan to offer and who will be responsible for each. In
addition to the narrative, applicants must also provide a business plan
listing the specific services, activities, and outcomes they expect.
The business plan must show a logical order of activities and progress
and must tie to the outcomes and outputs applicants identify in the
Logic Model (see Rating Factor 5). Please see a sample business plan
(HUD-52766). Applicants' narrative must explain how their proposed
activities will:
(i) Involve community partners in the delivery of services (4
points); and
(ii) Offer comprehensive services versus a small range of services
geared toward enhancing economic opportunities for residents. (5 points).
(b) Feasibility and Demonstrable Benefits (4 points). This factor
examines whether applicants' business plan is logical, feasible and
likely to achieve its stated purpose during the term of the grant.
HUD's desire is to fund applications that will quickly produce

[[Page 11950]]

demonstrable results and advance the purposes of the Neighborhood
Networks program.
(i) Timeliness. This subfactor evaluates whether applicants'
business plan demonstrates that their project is ready to be
implemented shortly after grant award. In addition, the timing of the
application should not exceed three months following the execution of
the grant agreement. The business plan must indicate timeframes and
deadlines for accomplishing major activities.
(ii) Description of the problem and solution. The business plan
will be evaluated based on how well applicants' proposed activities
address the needs described in Rating Factor 2.
(c) Budget Appropriateness/Efficient Use of Grant. (5 Points) The
score in this factor will be based on the following:
(i) Justification of expenses. (2 Points) Applicants will be
evaluated based on whether their expenses are reasonable, well
explained, and support the objectives of their proposal.
(ii) Budget Efficiency. (3 Points) Applicants will be evaluated
based on whether their application requests funds commensurate with the
level of effort necessary to accomplish their goals and anticipated results.
(d) Ineligible Activities. Two points will be deducted for each
ineligible activity proposed in the application, as identified in
Section IV(E). For example, you will lose 2 points if you propose costs
that exceed the limits identified in the NOFA for a Project Coordinator.
(2) Addressing HUD's Policy Priorities (5 points). HUD wants to
improve the quality of life for those living in distressed communities.
HUD's grant programs are a vehicle for long-term, positive change that
can be achieved at the community level. Applicants' narrative and
business plan will be evaluated based on how well they meet the
following HUD policy priorities:
(a) Improving the Quality of Life in Our Nation's Communities (1
point). In order to receive points in this category, applicants'
narrative and business plan must indicate the types of activities,
services, and training programs that will be offered. These programs
should help residents successfully transition from welfare to work and
earn higher wages, or for elderly/disabled residents, to continue to
live independently.
(b) Providing Full and Equal Access to Grassroots Faith-Based and
Other Community-Based Organizations in HUD Program Implementation (1
point). HUD encourages applicants to partner with grassroots
organizations, e.g., civic organizations, grassroots faith-based and
other community-based organizations. These grassroots organizations
have a strong history of providing vital community services such as
developing first-time homeownership programs, creating economic
development programs, providing job training and other supportive
services. In order to receive points under this factor, applicants'
narrative and business plan must describe how applicants will work with
these organizations and what types of services they will provide.
(c) Policy Priority for Increasing the Supply of Affordable Housing
Through the Removal of Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing. (up
to 2 points)
Under this policy priority, higher rating points are available to
(1) governmental applicants that are able to demonstrate successful
efforts in removing regulatory barriers to affordable housing, and (2)
nongovernmental applicants undertaking activities in jurisdictions that
have undertaken successful efforts in removing barriers. For applicants
to obtain the policy priority points for efforts to successfully remove
regulatory barriers, applicants should complete form HUD 27300,
``Questionnaire for HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory
Barriers.'' A copy of HUD's Notice entitled America's Affordable
Communities Initiative, HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory
Barriers: Announcement of Incentive Criteria on Barrier Removal in
HUD's 2004 Competitive Funding Allocations'' can be found on HUD's Web
site at http://www.hud.gov/grants/index.cfm. The information
and requirements contained in HUD's regulatory barriers policy priority
apply to this FY 20056 NOFA. A description of the policy priority and a
copy of form HUD 27300 can be found in the application package posted
to http://www.grants.gov. Applicants are encouraged to read the Notice
as well as the General Section to obtain an understanding of this policy
priority and how it can impact their score. A number of questions
expressly request the applicant to provide brief documentation with
their response. Other questions require that for each affirmative
statement made, the applicant must supply a reference, URL, or a brief
statement indicating where the back-up information may be found, and a
point of contact, including a telephone number or e-mail address. The
electronic copy of the HUD 27300 has space to identify a URL or
reference that the material is being scanned and attached to the
application as part of the submission or faxed to HUD following the
facsimile submission instructions.
(d) Energy Star. (1 point) HUD has adopted a wide-ranging energy
action plan for improving energy efficiency in all program areas. As a
first step toward implementing the energy plan, HUD, the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DoE) have signed
a joint partnership to promote energy efficiency in HUD's affordable
housing efforts and programs. The purpose of the Energy Star
partnership is to promote energy efficiency of the affordable housing
stock, but also to help protect the environment. Applicants
constructing, rehabilitating, or maintaining housing or community
facilities are encouraged to promote energy efficiency in design and
operations. They are urged especially to purchase and use Energy Star
labeled products. Applicants providing housing assistance or counseling
services are encouraged to promote Energy Star materials and practices,
as well as buildings constructed to Energy Star standards, to both
homebuyers and renters. Program activities can include developing
Energy Star promotional and information materials, outreach to low- and
moderate-income renters and buyers on the benefits and savings when
using Energy Star products and appliances, and promoting the
designation of community buildings and homes as Energy Star compliant.
For further information about Energy Star, see http://www.energystar.gov
or call 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937) or for the
hearing-impaired, 1-888-588-9920 TTY. Applicants demonstrating that
they will meet one or more provisions of this policy priority will
receive one point.
(e) Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons
(Section 3)--(2 Points). You will receive 2 points if your application
demonstrates that you will implement Section 3 of the Housing and Urban
Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) (Economic Opportunities for
Low- and Very Low-Income Persons in Connection with assisted Projects)
and its implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 135 in connection with
this grant, if awarded. Information about Section 3 can be found at
HUD's Section 3 Web site at http://www.hud.gov/fhe/sec3over.html.
Your application must describe how you will implement Section 3 through the
proposed grant activities. You must state that you will, to the
greatest extent feasible, direct training, employment, and other
economic opportunities to:
(a) Low- and very low-income persons, particularly those who are
recipients of government assistance for housing, and
(b) Business concerns which provide economic opportunities to low-
and very low-income persons.

[[Page 11951]]

d. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (20 Points)
(1) This factor addresses the applicant's ability to secure
community resources that can be combined with HUD's grant resources in
order to achieve program purposes. Applicants are required to create
partnerships with organizations that can help achieve their program's
goals. PHAs are required by section 12(d)(7) of the U.S. Housing Act of
1937 (entitled ``Cooperation Agreements for Economic Self-Sufficiency
Activities'') to make best efforts to enter into such agreements with
relevant state or local agencies. In rating this factor, HUD will look
at the extent to which applicants partner, coordinate and leverage
their services and resources with other organizations serving the same
or similar populations.
(2) Additionally, applicants must have at least a 25 percent cash
or in-kind match. The match is a threshold requirement. Joint
applicants must have at least a 25 percent match. Applicants who do not
demonstrate the minimum 25 percent match will fail the threshold
requirement and will not receive further consideration for funding.
Leveraging in excess of the 25 percent of the requested grant amount
will receive a higher point value. In evaluating this factor HUD will
consider the extent to which applicants have partnered with other
entities to secure additional resources. This will increase the
effectiveness of the proposed program activities. The additional
resources and services must be firmly committed, must support the
proposed grant activities and must, in combined amount (including in-
kind contributions of personnel, space and/or equipment, and monetary
contributions) equal at least 25 percent of the grant amount requested
in this application. Match proposed to be used for ineligible
activities will not be accepted. ``Firmly committed'' means that the
amount of resources and their dedication to Neighborhood Networks-
funded activities must be explicit, in writing, and signed by a person
authorized to make the commitment. ``In-kind'' match should be
explained explicitly and include a total amount for the grant term.
Please see the section on Threshold Requirements for more information.
(3) Points for this factor will be awarded based on the documented
evidence of partnerships and firm commitments and the ratio of
requested Neighborhood Networks funds to the total proposed grant budget.
Points will be assigned based on the following scale:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage of match Points awarded
------------------------------------------------------------------------
25........................................ 5 points (with partnerships)
3 points (without
partnerships).
26-50..................................... 10 points (with
partnerships) 8 points
(without partnerships).
51-75..................................... 15 points (with
partnerships) 13 points
(without partnerships).
76 or above............................... 20 points (with
partnerships) 18 points
(without partnerships).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

e. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (10 Points)
(1) An important element of any supportive service program is the
development and reporting of performance measures and outcomes. This
factor emphasizes HUD's determination to ensure that applicants meet
commitments made in their applications and grant agreements. They are
also required to assess their performance so they can measure
performance goals. Applicants must demonstrate how they propose to
measure their success and outcomes relating to the Department's
Strategic Plan. HUD requires NN applicants to develop an effective,
quantifiable, outcome-oriented plan for measuring performance and
determining that goals have been met. Applicants must use the Logic
Model form (HUD-96010) for this purpose. The narrative describes how
the measurement tools are used to collect and verify reported data and
to modify the program if goals are not being met.
(2) Applicants must establish interim benchmarks, or outputs, for
their proposed program that lead to the ultimate achievement of
outcomes. ``Outputs'' are the direct products of a program's
activities. Outputs should produce outcomes for your program; e.g., the
delivery of training and/or educational programs to improve the ability
of participants to obtain or retain employment, get a high school
diploma or GED, get on-the-job training by establishing partnerships
with local employers, etc. ``Outcomes'' are benefits accruing to the
residents, families and/or communities during or after participation in
the NN program. Applicants must clearly identify the outcomes to be
achieved and measured. Examples of outcomes are: increasing academic
achievement, increasing residents' financial stability by obtaining or
retaining employment, increasing a participants' job readiness by
increasing literacy or completing a GED, etc. Outcomes are not the
actual development or delivery of services or program activities but
the results of the services delivered or program activities--the
ultimate results of the program.
(3) This rating factor requires that applicants identify program
outputs, outcomes, and performance indicators that will allow
applicants to measure their performance. Performance indicators should
be objectively quantifiable and measure actual achievements against
anticipated achievements. Applicants' narrative, business plan, and
Logic Model should identify what applicants are going to measure, how
they are going to measure it, and the steps they have in place to make
adjustments if performance targets begin to fall short of established
benchmarks and timeframes. Applicants' proposals must also show how
they will measure the performance of partners and affiliates.
Applicants must include the standards, data sources, and measurement
methods they will use to measure performance. Applicants will be
evaluated based on how comprehensively they propose to measure their
program's outcomes.

B. Review and Selection Process

1. Review Process
Four types of reviews will be conducted: A screening to determine
if you are eligible to apply for funding under the Neighborhood
Networks category; whether your application submission is complete, on
time and meets threshold; a review by the field office to evaluate past
performance; and a technical review to rate your application based on
the five rating factors provided in this NOFA.
2. Selection Process
HUD will make awards in rank order based on the score of each
eligible application.
3. Tie Scores
In the event of a tie score between two applications, HUD will
select the application that was received first.
4. Deficiency Period
Applicants will have fourteen calendar days in which to provide
missing information requested from HUD. For other information on
correcting deficient applications, please see the General Section.

[[Page 11952]]

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

HUD will make announcements of grant awards after the rating and
ranking process is completed. Grantees will be notified by letter. The
letter will contain instructions and the steps they must take to access
funding and begin implementing grant activities. Applicants who are not
funded will also receive letters via U.S. postal mail.

B. Debriefings

C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Applicable Requirements
Grantees are subject to regulations and other requirements found in:
a. 24 CFR 85 ``Administrative Requirements for Grants and
Cooperative Agreements to State, Local, and Federally Recognized Indian
Tribal Governments'';
b. 24 CFR Part 905 ``The Public Housing Capital Fund Program'';
c. 24 CFR Part 968 ``Public Housing Modernization'';
d. OMB Circular A-87 ``Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian
Tribal Governments''; and
e. OMB Circular A-133 ``Audits of States, Local Governments, and
Non-Profit Organizations''.
2. Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons (Section 3)
Applicants and grantees must also comply with Section 3 of the
Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, 12 U.S.C. 1701u and ensure
that training, employment, and other economic opportunities shall, to
the greatest extent feasible, be directed toward low and very low-
income persons, particularly those who are recipients of government
assistance for housing and to business concerns which provide economic
opportunities to low and very low-income persons.
3. Executive Order 13202, Preservation of Open Competition and
Government Neutrality Towards Government Contractors' Labor Relations
on Federal and Federally Funded Construction Projects
For further information see the General Section.
4. Fair Housing and Civil Rights Laws
Applicants and their subrecipients must comply with all Fair
Housing and Civil Rights laws, statutes, regulations, and Executive
Orders as enumerated in 24 CFR 5.105(a), as applicable. Please see the
General Section for more information.
5. Environmental Impact
Some activities under this Neighborhood Networks program section
will be excluded and not subject to environmental review under 24 CFR
58.34(a)(3), (a)(8) or (a)(9), 58.35(b)(2) or (b)(3), 50.19(b)(3),
(b)(8), (b)(9), (b)(12), or (b)(13). Some will be subject to
environmental review. Any applicant proposing any long-term leasing or
physical development activities, and its partners, are prohibited from
constructing, rehabilitating, converting, leasing, repairing or
constructing property, or committing or expending HUD or non-HUD funds
for these types of program activities, until the following has occurred:
HUD has approved the grantee's Request for Release of Funds (HUD
Form 7015.15) following a Responsible Entity's completion of an
environmental review under 24 CFR part 58, where required, or if HUD
has determined in accordance with 24 CFR 58.11 to perform the
environmental review itself under 24 CFR part 50, HUD has completed the
environmental review.
6. Wage Rates
Laborers and mechanics employed in the development and operation of
Neighborhood Networks facilities must be paid Davis-Bacon or HUD-
determined prevailing wage rates, respectively, unless they meet the
qualifications of a volunteer (See Section III.C.1.a of this program
section).
7. Provision of Services to Individuals With Limited English
Proficiency (LEP)
Successful applicants and grantees must seek to provide access to
program benefits and information to LEP individuals through translation
and interpretive services in accordance with HUD's LEP Recipient
Guidance 68 FR 70968.
8. Communications
Successful applicants should ensure that notices of and
communications during all training sessions and meetings be effective
for persons who have hearing and/or visual disabilities consistent with
Section 504, see 24 CFR 8.6.
9. Procurement of Recovered Materials
State agencies or a political subdivision of a state that are using
assistance under a HUD program NOFA, must comply with the requirements
of Section 6002 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. In addition, any person
contracting with such an agency with respect to work performed under an
assisted contract, must comply with the requirements of Section 6002 of
the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act. Please see the General Section for more information.

D. Reporting

1. Semi-Annual Performance Reports
Grantees must submit semi-annual performance reports to the local
HUD field office. These progress reports shall include financial
reports (SF-269A) and the logic model (HUD-96010) showing achievements
to date against outputs and outcomes proposed in the application and
approved by HUD. A narrative describing milestones, work plan progress,
and problems encountered and methods used to address these problems to
support the data in the logic model is optional. HUD anticipates that
some of the reporting of financial status and grant performance will be
through electronic or Internet-based submissions. Grantees shall use
quantifiable data to measure performance against goals and objectives
outlined in their business plan. Applicants that receive awards from
HUD should be prepared to report on additional measures that HUD may
designate at time of award. Performance reports are due to the field
office on July 30 and January 31 of each year. If reports are not
received by the due date, grant funds will not be advanced until
reports are received. For FY2006, HUD is considering a new concept for
the Logic Model. The new concept is a Return on Investment statement.
HUD will be publishing a separate notice on the ROI concept.
2. Final Report
All grantees must submit a final report to their local field office
that will include a financial report (SF-269A), a final Logic Model,
and a narrative evaluating overall results achieved against their work
plan. Grantees must use quantifiable data to measure performance
against goals and objectives outlined in their work plan. The financial
report must contain a summary of all expenditures made from the
beginning of the grant agreement to

[[Page 11953]]

the end of the grant agreement and must include any unexpended
balances. The final narrative, Logic Model, and financial report are due
to the field office 90 days after the termination of the grant agreement.
3. Final Audit
Grantees that expend $500,000 in federal funds in a given program
or fiscal year, are required to obtain a complete final close-out audit
of the grant's financial statements by a Certified Public Accountant
(CPA), in accordance with generally accepted government audit
standards. A written report of the audit must be forwarded to HUD
within 60 days of issuance. Grant recipients must comply with the
requirements of 24 CFR 84 or 24 CFR 85 as stated in OMB Circulars A-87,
A-110, and A-122, as applicable.
4. Racial and Ethnic Data
HUD requires that funded recipients collect racial and ethnic
beneficiary data. HUD has adopted the Office of Management and Budget's
Standards for the Collection of Racial and Ethnic Data. In view of
these requirements, applicants should use form HUD-27061, Racial and
Ethnic Data Reporting Form.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

For questions and technical assistance, applicants may call the
Public and Indian Housing Information and Resource Center at 800-955-
2232. For the hearing or speech impaired, please call the Federal Relay
Service at 800-877-8339.

VIII. Other Information

A. Code of Conduct

See the General Section for more information.

B. Transfer of Funds

HUD does not have the discretion to transfer funds for the
Neighborhood Networks category to or from any other grant program.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

The information collection requirements contained in this document
have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned
OMB control number 2577-0229. 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 54.25 hours per respondent for the application. This includes
the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the
application. The information will be used for grantee selection and
monitoring the administration of funds. Response to this request for
information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived.

BILLING CODE 4210-01-P

[[Page 11954]]
[GRAPHIC]
[TIFF OMITTED]
TN08MR06.024
[[Page 11955]]

Public and Indian Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinators
Under Resident Opportunities & Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Program

Overview Information

A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban
Development, Office of Public and Indian Housing, Office of Public
Housing Investments.
B. Funding Opportunity Title: Public and Indian Housing Family
Self-Sufficiency (PH FSS) Program Coordinators.
C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
D. Funding Opportunity Number: The Federal Register number for this
NOFA is FR-5030-N-25. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
paperwork approval number for this program is 2577-0229.
E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 14.877.
F. Application Deadline: The application deadline date is June 8,
2006. Please see the General Section for application submission,
delivery, and timely receipt requirements.
G. Additional Overview Content Information:
1. Purpose of Program
The purpose of the Public Housing FSS (PH FSS) program is to
promote the development of local strategies to coordinate the use of
assistance under the Public Housing program with public and private
resources to enable participating families to increase earned income,
reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance and make progress
toward achieving economic independence and housing self-sufficiency.
The FSS program and this FSS NOFA support the Department's strategic
goals of helping HUD-assisted renters make progress toward housing
self-sufficiency. The FSS program provides critical tools that can be
used by communities to support welfare reform and help families develop
new skills that will lead to economic self-sufficiency. As a result of
their participation in the FSS program, many families have achieved
stable, well-paid employment, which has made it possible for them to
become homeowners or move to other non-assisted housing. An FSS program
coordinator assures that program participants are linked to the
supportive services they need to achieve self-sufficiency.
2. Funding Available
The Department expects to award a total of approximately $10
million in FY2006.
3. Award Amounts
Awards will pay only for the annual salary and fringe benefits of
PH FSS Coordinators. Award amounts will be based on locality pay rates
for similar professions. Each renewal position amount will not exceed
$65,000.
4. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and
tribes/Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) that administer PH
FSS programs. All applicants must have an approved PH FSS Action Plan
on file with their local HUD Field Office or Area ONAP prior to this
NOFA's application deadline. Non-profit organizations and resident
associations are not eligible to apply for funding under this program.
5. Cost Sharing/Match Requirement
There is no match requirement under this funding program.
6. Grant Term
The grant term is one year from the execution date of the grant
agreement.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Authority and Program Description

The Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the
Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2006 (Public Law 109-115), allows funding for
program coordinators under the Resident Opportunity & Self-Sufficiency
program. Through annual NOFAs, HUD has provided funding to public
housing agencies (PHAs) that are operating PH FSS programs to enable
those PHAs to employ program coordinators to support their PH FSS
programs. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 PH FSS Program Coordinator NOFA,
HUD is again making funding available to PHAs/Tribes/TDHEs to employ PH
FSS program coordinators for one year. HUD will accept applications
from both new and renewal applicants that have HUD approval to
administer a PH FSS program. PHAs funded under the ROSS PH FSS NOFA in
FY2004 or 2005 are considered ``renewal'' PHAs in this NOFA. These
renewal PHAs are invited to apply for funds to continue previously
funded PH FSS program coordinator positions that they have filled or
are in the process of being filled because of turnover. Funding
priority will be given to renewals for PHAs that have achieved a ``High
Performer'' status on their most recent PHAS review. Second priority
will be given to standard performer renewal applicants. Third priority
will be given to troubled performer renewal applicants and Fourth
priority will be given to new applicants. There will be no funding for
expanding the number of coordinator positions in an existing program.
The maximum number of positions that a new applicant, including new
joint applicants, may receive is one full-time FSS program coordinator.
Applicants must administer the FSS program in accordance with HUD
regulations and requirements in 24 CFR Part 984 which govern the PH FSS
program and must comply with the existing Public Housing program
requirements, notices and guidebooks. This includes using a Program
Coordinating Committee (PCC) to secure the necessary resources to
implement the FSS Program. See 24 CFR 984.202 for more information.

B. Number of Positions for Which Eligible Applicants May Apply

Eligible applicants may apply for funding for PH FSS program
coordinator positions under this NOFA as follows:
1. Renewal PHAs
PHAs that qualify as eligible renewal PHAs under this NOFA may
apply for the continuation of each PH FSS coordinator position awarded
under the ROSS PH FSS NOFA in FY2004 or 2005 that has been filled by
the PHA or is in the process of being filled because of turnover.
2. New Applicants
An applicant that meets the requirements for a new applicant under
this FSS NOFA may apply for PH FSS program coordinator positions as follows:
a. Up to one full-time PH FSS coordinator position for an applicant
with HUD approval to administer a PH FSS program of 25 or more FSS
slots; or
b. Up to one full-time PH FSS coordinator position per application
for joint PHA applicants that together have HUD approval to administer
a total of at least 25 PH FSS slots.

C. Definitions

The following definitions apply to the funding available under this
NOFA.
1. Renewal PHA Applicant
A PHA or PHAs that received funding under the ROSS PH FSS NOFA in
FY2004 or 2005.
2. New Applicant
Applicants that did not receive funding under the ROSS PH FSS NOFA
in FY2005 that have HUD approval to administer a PH FSS program of at
least 25 slots or that fulfill the 25 slot

[[Page 11956]]

minimum by applying jointly with one or more other applicants who
together have approval to administer at least 25 PH FSS slots.
3. Indian Tribe (``tribe'')/TDHE means any tribe, band, nation or
other organized group or a community of Indians, including any Alaska
native village, regional, or village corporation as defined in or
established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and
that is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services
provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as
Indians pursuant to the Indian Self Determination and Education Act of
1975, or any state-recognized tribe eligible for assistance under
section 4 (12)(C) of NAHASDA. Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE)
means a tribally designated housing entity as defined by Section 4(21)
of NAHASDA.
4. MTW PHAs
New and renewal PHAs that are under MTW agreements with HUD may
qualify for funding under this NOFA if the PHA administers an FSS
program. When determining the size of a new applicant, MTW PHA's HUD
approved FSS program, the PHA may request the number of FSS slots
reflected in the PHA's MTW agreement be used instead of the number in
the PHA's FSS Action Plan.
5. FSS Program Size
The total number of PH FSS program slots identified in the
applicant's HUD-approved PH FSS Action Plan, or, if requested by MTW
PHA applicants, the number of slots in the applicant's MTW agreement.
The total may include both voluntary and mandatory PH FSS program slots.
6. Action Plan
Describes the policies and procedures of the PHA or tribe/TDHE for
operation of a local FSS program. For a full description of the minimum
amount of information the Action Plan must contain, please see 24 CFR
984.201.
7. Positive Graduation Percentage
A percentage that will be computed by HUD and used to determine
funding order under this NOFA. It is the percent of public housing FSS
families that have successfully graduated from the program as shown in
FSS exit reports submitted to HUD on the Form HUD-50058 or as otherwise
reported to HUD by MTW PHAs. The data source is Form HUD-52767 as well
as HUD's PIC data system records of Form HUD-50058 PH FSS program exit
reports that were effective between October 1, 2000, and the
publication date of this NOFA.
8. The Number of PH FSS Program Participants
The total number of families shown in HUD's PIC data system as
enrolled in the applicant's PH FSS program on the publication date of
this NOFA, plus the number of families that successfully completed
their PH FSS contracts in the applicant's program between October 1,
2000, and the publication date of this NOFA.
9. Percentage of Families with Positive FSS Escrow Balances
A percentage that will be computed by HUD and used to determine
funding order under this NOFA. It is the number of PH FSS families with
positive escrow balances as a percentage of PH FSS families with FSS
progress reports submitted to HUD on the Form HUD-50058 or as otherwise
reported to HUD by MTW PHAs. The data source is Form HUD-52767 as well
as HUD's PIC data system records of Form HUD-50058 PH FSS program
progress reports that were effective between October 1, 2000, and the
publication date of this NOFA or as otherwise reported to HUD by MTW PHAs.
10. PH FSS Program Coordinator
A person responsible for linking FSS program participants to
supportive services. Program Coordinators will work with the Program
Coordinating Committee and local service providers to ensure that the
necessary services and linkages to community resources are being made;
ensuring that the services included in participants' contracts of
participation are provided on a regular, ongoing and satisfactory
basis; making sure that participants are fulfilling their
responsibilities under the contracts and that FSS escrow accounts are
established and properly maintained for eligible families. FSS Coordinators
may also perform job development functions for the FSS program.

II. Award Information

A. Available Funds

This NOFA announces the availability of approximately $10 million
in FY2006 to employ FSS program coordinators for the PH FSS program. If
additional funding becomes available during FY2006, HUD may increase
the amount available for PH FSS Program coordinators under this NOFA. A
maximum of $65,000 is available for each full-time coordinator position
funded. Salaries are to be based on local comparables. The funding will
be provided as a one-year grant. Funding amounts for individual
grantees will be contingent upon HUD field office approval.

B. Grant Term

The grant term is one year from the execution date of the grant
agreement.

C. Grant Extensions

Requests to extend the grant term beyond the originally established
grant term must be submitted in writing to the local HUD field office
or area Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) at least 90 days
prior to the expiration of the grant term. Requests must explain why
the extension is necessary, what work remains to be completed, and what
work and progress has been accomplished to date. Extensions may be
granted only once by the field office or Area ONAP for a period not to
exceed six months and may be granted for a further six months by the
Program Office.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants are PHAs and tribes/TDHEs which administer low
rent public housing programs. New and renewal applicants must have an
approved PH FSS Action Plan on file with their local HUD field office
or Area ONAP prior to this NOFA's application deadline. PHAs eligible
to apply for funding under this NOFA are:
1. Renewal PHAs
Those PHAs that received funding under the PH FSS NOFA in FY2004 or
2005 . To continue to qualify as renewal PHAs, the FY2006 application
of joint applicants must include at least one PHA applicant that meets
this standard. Joint applicants can change the lead PHA in their FY2006
application. A PHA that was originally funded as part of a joint
application, that wishes to now apply separately will continue to be
considered a renewal PHA applicant for funding purposes, but must be
able to meet the FSS minimum program size requirement of a HUD-approved
PH FSS program of at least 25 slots that applies to new applicant PHAs.
2. New Applicants
Applicants that were not funded under the PH FSS NOFA in FY2005.
The new applicant PHA must be authorized through its HUD-approved FSS
Action Plan to administer a PH FSS program of at least 25 slots, or be
an applicant with HUD approval to administer PH FSS programs of fewer
than 25 slots that applies jointly with one or more other applicants so
that together they have HUD approval to

[[Page 11957]]

administer at least 25 PH FSS slots. Joint applicants must specify a
lead co-applicant that will receive and administer the FSS program
coordinator funding.
3. Moving to Work (MTW) PHAs
New and renewal PHAs that are under the MTW demonstration may
qualify for funding under this NOFA if the PHA administers a PHFSS
program. When determining the size of a MTW PHA's HUD-approved PH FSS
program, the PHA may request that the number of PH FSS slots reflected
in the PHA's MTW agreement be used instead of the number in the PHA's
PH FSS Action Plan.
4. Troubled PHAs
a. A PHA that has been designated by HUD as a troubled PHA under
the Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS), or that has serious
program management findings from Inspector General audits or serious
outstanding HUD management review or Independent Public Accountant
(IPA) audit findings for the PHA's Low Rent Public Housing program that
are resolved prior to the application due date is eligible to apply
under this NOFA. Serious program management findings are those that
would cast doubt on the capacity of the PHA to administer its PH FSS
program in accordance with applicable HUD regulatory and statutory
requirements.
b. The requirements that apply to a PHA whose PHAS troubled
designation has not been removed by HUD or whose major program
management findings or other significant program compliance problems
that have not been resolved by the due date are stated in the Program
Requirements section of this NOFA.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

None required.

C. Other

1. Eligible Activities
Funds awarded to applicants under this FSS NOFA may only be used to
pay salaries and fringe benefits of PH FSS program staff. Funding may
be used to employ or otherwise retain for one year the services of PH
FSS program coordinators. PH FSS coordinator support positions funded
under previous FSS NOFAs that made funding available for such FSS
positions may be continued. A part-time program coordinator may be
retained where appropriate. Please note that even with a part-time
program coordinator, the 25 slot minimum must be retained.
2. Threshold Requirements
a. All Applicants. (1) Each applicant must qualify as an eligible
applicant under this NOFA and must have submitted an FSS application in
the format required by this NOFA that was received and validated by
Grants.gov by the application deadline date.
(2) All applications must include a Dun and Bradstreet Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number. (See the General Section for further
information about the DUNS number requirement.)
(3) Civil Rights Thresholds, Non-discrimination, Affirmatively
Furthering Fair Housing. All applicants must comply with these
requirements. Please see the General Section for details.
(4) The applicant must have a financial management system that
meets federal standards. See the General Section regarding those
applicants that may be subject to HUD's arranging for a pre-award
survey of an applicant's financial management system.
(5) Applicants must comply with the requirements for funding
competitions established by the HUD Reform Act of 1989 (42 U.S.C. 3531
et seq.) and other requirements as defined in the General Section.
b. Renewal Applicants. Continued funding for existing coordinator
positions. In addition to meeting the other requirements of this FSS
NOFA, renewal PHA applicants must continue to operate a PH FSS program,
have filled (or be in the process of filling because of turnover)
eligible FSS program coordinator positions for which they are seeking
renewal funding, executed FSS contracts of participation with PH FSS
program families and submitted reports on participant families to HUD
via the form HUD-50058 or reported as agreed for MTW PHAs.
c. New Applicants. New applicants must meet the all requirements of
this FSS NOFA including those in Section III.A above regarding eligibility.
d. Troubled PHAs--Contract Administrator Partnership Agreement.
PHAs that are troubled at the time of application are required to
submit a signed Contract Administrator Partnership Agreement. The
agreement must be for the entire grant term. The grant award shall be
contingent upon having a signed Partnership Agreement included in the
application. The Contract Administrator must ensure that the financial
management system and procurement procedures that will be in place
during the grant term will fully comply with 24 CFR Part 85. Troubled
PHAs are not eligible to be contract administrators. Grant writers who
assist applicants to prepare their FSS applications are ineligible to
be Contract Administrators.
3. Program Requirements
a. Hiring a PH FSS Program Coordinator. Funds awarded to PHAs under
this NOFA may only be used to employ or retain the services of a PH FSS
Program Coordinator for the one-year grant term. A PH FSS Program
Coordinator must:
(1) Work with the Program Coordinating Committee and with local
service providers to ensure that PH FSS program participants are linked
to the supportive services they need to achieve self-sufficiency.
(2) Ensure that the services included in participants' contracts of
participation are provided on a regular, ongoing and satisfactory
basis, that participants are fulfilling their responsibilities under
the contracts and that FSS escrow accounts are established and properly
maintained for eligible families. All of these tasks should be
accomplished through case management. FSS coordinators may also perform
job development functions for the FSS program.
(3) Monitor the progress of program participants and evaluate the
overall success of the program.
b. Salary Comparables. For all positions requested under this NOFA,
evidence of salary comparability to similar positions in the local
jurisdiction must be kept on file in the PHA/Tribe/TDHE office.
c. FSS Action Plan. The requirements for the PH FSS Action Plan are
stated in 24 CFR 984.201. For a new applicant to qualify for funding
under this NOFA, the PHA/Tribe/TDHE's initial PH FSS Action Plan or
amendment to change the number of PH FSS slots in the PHA's previously
HUD-approved PH FSS Action Plan, must be submitted to and approved by
the PHA's local HUD field office or Area ONAP prior to the application
due date of this PH FSS NOFA. An FSS Action Plan can be updated by
means of a simple one-page addendum that reflects the total number of
PH FSS slots (voluntary and /or mandatory slots) the PHA intends to
fill. New PHA applicants with previously approved PH FSS Action Plans
may wish to confirm the number of HUD-approved slots their local HUD
field office has on record for the PHA. An MTW PHA may request that the
number of PH FSS slots reflected in its MTW agreement be used instead
of the number of slots in the PHA's PH FSS Action Plan.
d. Eligible families. Current residents of public/Indian housing
are eligible.

[[Page 11958]]

Eligible families who are currently enrolled or participating in local
public/Indian housing self-sufficiency programs are also eligible.
e. Contract of participation. Each family that is selected to
participate in an FSS program must enter into a contract of
participation with the PHA or tribe/TDHE that operates the FSS program.
The contract shall be signed by the head of the FSS family.
f. Contract term. The contract with participating families shall be
for five years. During this time each family will be required to
fulfill its contractual obligations. PHAs or tribes/TDHEs may extend
contracts for no more than two years for any family that requests an
extension of its contract provided the PHA or tribe/TDHE finds that
good cause exists to provide an extension. This extension request must
be in writing. See 24 CFR 984.303 for more information on contracts of
participation.
g. Escrow accounts for very low or low income participating
families. Such accounts shall be computed using the guidelines set
forth in 24 CFR 984.305. Note: FSS families who are not low-income are
not entitled to an escrow/credit. .

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Addresses To Request Application Package

Applications are available from http://www.Grants.gov/Apply. The Download
Instructions and the Application Download provide the information and
forms that you need to apply for funding under this NOFA. If you have
difficulty accessing the information you may receive customer support
from Grants.gov by calling their Support Desk at (800) 518-GRANTS, or
sending an e-mail to support@grants.gov. You may request general
information, from the NOFA Information Center (800-HUD-8929) or 800-
HUD-2209 (TTY) between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (Eastern
Time) Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays. When
requesting information, please refer to the name of the program you are
interested in. The NOFA Information Center opens for business
simultaneously with the publication of the SuperNOFA. You can also
obtain information on this NOFA from HUD's Web site at
http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm.

B. Content and Format of Application Submission

1. Content of Application
In addition to any information required in the General Section,
each new and renewal applicant must complete the forms on the list
below. Copies of the forms may be downloaded with the application
package and instructions from http://www.Grants.gov/Apply or from the
following Web site: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa06/snofaforms.cfm.
a. SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance--In completing the SF-
424, renewal PHAs should select the continuation box on question 2,
type of application. In section 18 of the SF-424, estimated funding,
complete only 18.a., which will be the amount requested from HUD in the
FY2006 FSS application, and 18.g., Total.
b. SF-424 Supplement, Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for
Applicants.
c. HUD-27300 Questionnaire for HUD's Initiative on Removal of
Regulatory Barriers.
d. SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable).
e. HUD-2880--Applicant Disclosure/Update Report.
f. HUD-2990--Certification of Consistency with RC/EZ/EC-II
Strategic Plan (if applicable).
g. HUD-2991--Certification of Consistency with the Consolidated
Plan (if applicable).
h. Tribes/TDHE's must submit a HUD-52752--Certification of
Consistency with Indian Housing Plan.
i. Contract Administrator Partnership Agreement, if required (see
HUD-52755).
j. HUD-96011 Facsimile Transmittal, even if not transmitting any faxes.
k. HUD-52767 Family Self-Sufficiency Funding Request Form.
l. The HUD-2994-A--``You Are Our Client Applicant Survey'' is
optional.
m. In addition, the application must include a completed Logic
Model (from HUD 96010) showing proposed performance measures. See the
General Section for information on the Logic Model.
2. Budget Forms
There are no budget forms required for this application.

C. Submission Date and Time

Your completed application must be received and validated by
Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application
deadline date. Applicants should carefully read the section titled
``APPLICATION and SUBMISSION INFORMATION'' in the General Section
regarding HUD's procedures pertinent to the submission of your
application.

D. Intergovernmental Review

Intergovernmental Review is not applicable to this program.

E. Funding Restrictions

1. Salary Cap
Awards under this NOFA are subject to a cap of $65,000 per year per
full time coordinator position funded. Under this NOFA, if applicants
apply jointly, the $65,000 maximum amount that may be requested per
position applies to up to one full time coordinator position for the
application as a whole, not to each PHA separately.
2. Limitation on Renewal Funding Increases
For renewal coordinator positions, PHAs will be limited to a three
percent increase above the amount of the most recent award for the
position unless a higher increase is approved by the local HUD field
office after review of the PHA's written justification and at least
three comparables that must be submitted to the field office by the PHA
at the time they submit their FY2006 PH FSS Program Coordinator
application to HUD. Examples of acceptable reasons for increases above
three percent would be needed for a coordinator with higher level of
skills or to increase the hours of a part time coordinator to full
time. Total positions funded cannot exceed the maximum number of
positions for which the PHA is eligible under this NOFA.
3. Ineligible Activities
a. Funds under this NOFA may not be used to pay the salary of an
FSS coordinator for a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) FSS program. A PH
FSS program coordinator may only serve Low Rent Public Housing families
while the HCV FSS program serves only HCV families. The funding for HCV
FSS program coordinators is being made available through a separate
NOFA included in the FY2006 Super NOFA.
b. Funds under this FSS NOFA may not be used to pay for services
for FSS program participants.
c. Funds under this FSS NOFA may not be used to pay for
administrative activities.

F. Other Submission Requirements

Electronic application submission is mandatory unless an applicant
requests, and is granted, a waiver to the requirement. Procedures for
obtaining a waiver are contained in the General

[[Page 11959]]

Section. If HUD grants a waiver, the applicant will be notified of the
application submission requirements for paper copy applications. Paper
copy applications must be received by the appropriate HUD office no
later than the application deadline date to meet the deadline
submission requirements.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria.

The funds available under this NOFA are being awarded based on
demonstrated performance. Applications are reviewed by the local HUD
field office and the Grants Management Center to determine whether or
not they are technically adequate based on the NOFA requirements. Field
offices will provide to the GMC in a timely manner, as requested,
information needed by the GMC to make its determination, such as the
HUD-approved PH FSS program size of new applicants and information on
the administrative capabilities of PHAs.

B. Reviews and Selection Process

1. Funding Priority Categories
If HUD receives applications for funding greater than the amount
made available under this NOFA, HUD will divide eligible applications
into priority categories as follows:
a. Funding Category 1--Applications from eligible renewal
applicants designated ``high performer'' in their most recent PHAS
review will be funded for continuation of previously funded eligible
positions where the positions are currently filled or are in the
process of being filled because of turnover.
b. Funding Category 2--Eligible renewal applicants designated
standard performers on the most recent PHAS review will be funded for
continuation of previously funded eligible positions where the
positions are currently filled or are in the process of being filled
because of turnover.
c. Funding Category 3--Eligible renewal applicants designated
troubled performers on the most recent PHAS review will be funded for
continuation of previously funded eligible positions where the
positions are currently filled or are in the process of being filled
because of turnover.
d. Funding Category 4--Applications from eligible new applicants
agreeing to implement an FSS program of at least 25 slots.
2. Order of Funding
a. Funding Category 1. Starting with Funding Category 1, HUD will
first determine whether there are sufficient monies to fund all
eligible positions requested in the funding category. If available
funding is not sufficient to fund all positions requested in the
category, HUD will calculate for each eligible applicant, the
applicant's Positive Escrow Percentage and Graduation Percentage and
will use these percentages in making funding decisions. Definitions and
a description of the calculation of the FSS Positive Escrow Percentage
and Graduation Percentage are included in the Definitions Section
(Section I.C.) of this NOFA.
HUD will begin funding eligible Funding Category 1 applicants
starting with the PHAs with the highest Positive Escrow Percentage
first. If monies are not sufficient to fund all applicants with the
same Positive Escrow Percentage, HUD will fund eligible applicants in
order starting with those that have the highest Graduation Percentage
first. If funding is not sufficient to fund all applicants with the
same FSS Positive Escrow Percentage and/or Graduation Percentage, HUD
will select among eligible applicants by PH FSS program size (number of
approved slots) starting with eligible applicants with the largest PH
FSS program size first.
b. Funding Category 2. If funding remains after funding all Funding
Category 1 applications, HUD will then process eligible Funding
Category 2 applications. If there are not enough funds to fund all of
Funding Category 2, HUD will use same criteria as above for Funding
Category 1.
c. Funding Category 3. If funding remains after funding all Funding
Category 2 applications, HUD will then process eligible Funding
Category 3 applications. If there are not enough funds to fund all of
Funding Category 2, HUD will use the same criteria as above for Funding
Category 1.
d. Funding Category 4. If funding remains after funding all Funding
Category 1, 2, and 3 applications, HUD will then process requests of
eligible Funding Category 4 applicants. If there are not sufficient
monies to fund all eligible positions requested, HUD will begin funding
positions starting with applicants with the largest PH FSS program size
(number of approved slots) first.
3. Based on the number of applications submitted, the GMC may elect
not to process applications for a funding priority category where it is
apparent that there are insufficient funds available to fund any
applications within the priority category.
4. Corrections to Deficient Applications
The General Section of the SuperNOFA provides the procedures for
corrections to deficient applications.
5. Unacceptable Applications
After the technical deficiency correction period (as provided in
the General Section), the GMC will disapprove applications that it
determines are not acceptable for processing. Applications from
applicants that fall into any of the following categories are
ineligible for funding under this NOFA and will not be processed:
a. An application submitted by an entity that is not an eligible
applicant as defined under this PH FSS NOFA or an application that does
not comply with the requirements of Sections IV.B., IV.C. and IV.F. of
this NOFA.
b. An application from an applicant that does not meet the fair
housing and civil rights compliance requirements of the General Section
of the SuperNOFA.
c. An application from an applicant that does not comply with the
prohibition against lobbying activities of this NOFA.
d. An application from an applicant that has been debarred or
otherwise disqualified from providing assistance under the program.
e. An application that did not meet the application deadline date
and timely receipt requirements as specified in this NOFA and the
General Section.
f. Applications will not be funded which do not meet the Threshold
requirements identified in this NOFA and the General Section.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

Successful applicants will receive an award letter from HUD.
Successful applicants will be notified by letter and will receive
instructions for the steps they must take to access funding and begin
implementing grant activities. Applicants who are not funded will also
receive letters via U.S. postal mail.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Environmental Impact
This NOFA is categorically excluded from environmental review under
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321) and not
subject to compliance actions for related environmental authorities
under 24 CFR 50.19(b)(4) and (12).
2. Applicable Requirements
Grantees are subject to regulations and other requirements found in:

[[Page 11960]]

a. OMB Circular A-87 ``Cost principles for State, Local, and Indian
Tribal Governments'';
b. OMB Circular A-133 ``Audits of States, Local Governments, and
Non-Profit Organizations'';
c. HUD Regulations 24 CFR Part 984 ``Section 8 and Public Housing
Family Self-Sufficiency Program''; and
d. HUD Regulations 24 CFR Part 85 ``Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local, and Federally
Recognized Indian Tribal Governments''.
3. Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons (Section 3)
Section 3 requirements do not apply to this program.
4. Fair Housing and Civil Rights Laws
Please see the General Section for more information.
5. Provision of Services to Individuals With Limited English
Proficiency (LEP)
Successful applicants and grantees must seek to provide access to
program benefits and information to LEP individuals through translation
and interpretive services in accordance with HUD's LEP Recipient
Guidance 68 FR 70968.
6. Communications
Successful applicants should ensure that notices of and
communications during all training sessions and meetings shall be
provided in a manner that is effective for persons with hearing, visual
and other communication-related disabilities consistent with Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. See 24 CFR Section 8.6.
7. HUD's Strategic Goals
HUD is committed to ensuring that programs result in the
achievement of HUD's strategic mission. The FSS program and this FSS
NOFA support the Department's strategic goals of helping HUD-assisted
renters make progress toward self-sufficiency by giving funding
preference to PHAs whose FSS programs show success in moving families
to economic self-sufficiency. You can find out about HUD's Strategic
Framework and Annual Performance Plan at
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cfo/reports/cforept.cfm3.
8. HUD Policy Priorities
This NOFA supports the HUD policy priority of helping HUD-assisted
renters made progress toward self-sufficiency. In this NOFA, funding
priority is given to those PHA applicants that demonstrate that their
FSS families have increased their earned income since enrolling in FSS.
See Section V.B. of the General Section for a full discussion of HUD's
policy priorities.

C. Reporting

Successful applicants must report activities of their FSS
enrollment, progress and exit activities of their FSS program
participants through required submissions of the Form HUD-50058 or as
otherwise agreed for MTW PHAs. HUD's assessment of the accomplishments
of the FSS programs of grantees funded under this NOFA will be based in
part on Public Housing Information Center (PIC) system data obtained
from the Form HUD-50058. MTW PHAs that do not report to HUD on the Form
HUD-50058 will be asked to submit an annual report to HUD with the same
information on FSS program activities that is provided to HUD by non-
MTW PHAs via the Form HUD-50058. An applicant is also required to
submit a completed Logic Model showing accomplishments against proposed
outputs and outcomes as part of their annual reporting requirement to
HUD. Grantees shall use quantifiable data to measure performance
against goals and objectives outlined in their Logic Model. Semi-annual
Performance Reports consisting of the updated Logic Model are due to
the field office on July 30 and January 31 of each year. For FY2006,
HUD is considering a new concept for the Logic Model. The new concept
is a Return on Investment statement. HUD will be publishing a separate
notice on the ROI concept. In addition, HUD requires that funded
recipients collect racial and ethnic beneficiary data. It has adopted
the Office of Management and Budget's Standards for the Collection of
Racial and Ethnic Data. In view of these requirements, funded
recipients should use Form HUD-27061, Racial and Ethnic Data Reporting
Form. The HUD-50058 used in concurrence with the PIC Data system is a
comparable form. Applicants that receive awards from HUD should be
prepared to report on additional measures that HUD may designate at
time of award.

D. Debriefings

The applicant may request an applicant debriefing. Beginning not
less than 30 days after the awards for assistance are publicly
announced in the Federal Register and for at least 120 days after that
announcement, HUD will, upon receiving a written request, provide a
debriefing to the requesting applicant. (See Section VI.A. of the
General Section for additional information regarding a debriefing.)
Applicants requesting to be debriefed must send a written request to:
Iredia Hutchinson, Director; Grants Management Center; U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development, 501 School Street, SW., Suite 800;
Washington, DC 20024.

VII. Agency Contacts

A. For Technical Assistance

For answers to your questions, you may contact the Public and
Indian Housing Resource Center at 800-955-2232. Prior to the
application deadline, staff at the numbers given above will be
available to provide general guidance, but not guidance in actually
preparing the application. Following selection, but prior to award, HUD
staff will be available to assist in clarifying or confirming
information that is a prerequisite to the offer of an award by HUD.
Persons with hearing or speech impairments may use the Grants.gov
helpdesk e-mail.

B. Satellite Broadcast

HUD will hold an information broadcast via satellite for potential
applicants to learn more about the PH FSS program and preparation of an
application. For more information about the date and time of this
broadcast, you should consult the HUD Web site at http://www.hud.gov.

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 number 2577-0229. 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 forty hours per respondent for the application. This includes
the time for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the
application. 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.

[[Continued on page 11961]]

Notices For
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994

Fiscal Year 2006 SuperNOFA for HUD's Discretionary Programs

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