Fund Availability Under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, 20440-20442 [E6-5897]

Download as PDF 20440 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 76 / Thursday, April 20, 2006 / Notices hsrobinson on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES denise.mclamb@mail.va.gov. Please refer to ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900–0570.’’ Send comments and recommendations concerning any aspect of the information collection to VA’s OMB Desk Officer, OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503 (202) 395–7316. Please refer to ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900– 0570’’ in any correspondence. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Generic Veterans Health Administration Customer Satisfaction Surveys. OMB Control Number: 2900–0570. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Abstract: VA use customer satisfaction surveys to obtain its patients perception on the type and quality of healthcare services they need and their satisfaction with existing services. The data collected will be used to improve the quality of healthcare services. An agency 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. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on January 31, 2006 on page 5120. Affected Public: Individuals or households. Estimated Annual Burden: 130,644 hours. a. Ad Hoc Facilities Surveys (VA Medical Facilities) and Special Emphasis Programs Conducted at Headquarters—44,182 hours. b. Pre-approved Local Facilities Surveys (VA Medical Facilities)—86,461 hours. Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: a. Special Emphasis Programs Conducted at Headquarters—11 minutes. b. Local Facilities Surveys (VA Medical Facilities)—6 minutes. Frequency of Response: On occasion. Estimated Number of Respondents: 531,144. a. Special Emphasis Programs Conducted at Headquarters—161,777. b. Local Facilities Surveys (VA Medical Facilities)—369,367. Dated: April 10, 2006. By direction of the Secretary. Denise McLamb, Program Analyst, Records Management Service. [FR Doc. E6–5900 Filed 4–19–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320–01–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:56 Apr 19, 2006 Jkt 208001 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900–New] Agency Information Collection Activities Under OMB Review Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–21) this notice announces that the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs, has submitted the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The PRA submission describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden and includes the actual data collection instrument. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before May 22, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Denise McLamb, Records Management Service (005E3), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420, (202) 565–8374, FAX (202) 565–6950 or e-mail: denise.mclamb@mail.va.gov. Please refer to ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900-New.’’ Send comments and recommendations concerning any aspect of the information collection to VA’s OMB Desk Officer, OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503 (202) 395–7316. Please refer to ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900New’’ in any correspondence. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Certification of Change or Correction of Name, VA Form 29–586. OMB Control Number: 2900-New. Type of Review: Existing collection in use without an OMB control number. Abstract: Claimants complete VA Form 29–586 to certify a change or correction to their name on Government Life Insurance policies. An agency 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. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on January 19, 2006 at pages 3155–3156. Affected Public: Individuals or households. Estimated Annual Burden: 20 hours. Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes. PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Frequency of Response: On occasion. Estimated Number of Respondents: 120. Dated: April 5, 2006. By direction of the Secretary. Denise McLamb, Program Analyst, Records Management Service. [FR Doc. E6–5901 Filed 4–19–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320–01–P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Fund Availability Under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program Department of Veterans Affairs. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: VA is announcing the availability of funds for applications for assistance under the Capital Grant component of the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. This Notice contains information concerning the program, funding priorities, application process, and amount of funding available. DATES: An original completed and collated grant application (plus three completed collated copies) for assistance under the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program must be received in the Grant and Per Diem Field Office, by 4 p.m. eastern time on June 14, 2006. Applications may not be sent by facsimile (FAX). In the interest of fairness to all competing applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and hour, and VA will treat as ineligible for consideration any application that is received after the deadline. Applicants should take this practice into account and make early submission of their material to avoid any risk of loss of eligibility brought about by unanticipated delays or other delivery-related problems. For a Copy of the Application Package: Download directly from the VA Grant and Per Diem Program Web page at: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ page.cfm?pg=3 or call the Grant and Per Diem Program Office at (toll-free) 1– 877–332–0334. For a document relating to the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, see the Final Rule published in the Federal Register on September 26, 2003. Submission of Application: An original completed and collated grant application (plus three copies) must be submitted to the following address: VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Field Office, 10770 N. 46th Street, Suite E:\FR\FM\20APN1.SGM 20APN1 hsrobinson on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 76 / Thursday, April 20, 2006 / Notices C–200, Tampa, FL 33617. Applications must be received in the Grant and Per Diem Field office by the application deadline. Applications must arrive as a complete package. Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package for consideration and may result in the application being rejected or not funded. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Guy Liedke, VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, 10770 N. 46th Street, Suite C–200, Tampa, FL 33617; (toll-free) 1–877–332–0334. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This Notice announces the availability of capital funds for assistance under the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program for eligible entities to: (1) Expand existing transitional housing projects; or (2) develop new transitional housing programs. Supportive service centers will not be considered for funding. Funding applied for under the capital grant component may be used for: (1) Remodeling or alteration of existing buildings; (2) acquisition of buildings, acquisition and rehabilitation of buildings; (3) new construction; and (4) acquisition of vans (in connection with a new or existing Grant and Per Diem Grant project) for outreach to and/ or transportation for homeless veterans. Public Law 107–95, § 5(a)(1) the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 codified at 38 U.S.C. 2011, 2012, 2061, and 2064 authorizes this program. The program has been extended through Fiscal Year 2006. For eligibility criteria please refer to the Final Rule published the Federal Register on September 26, 2003. Capital grant applicants may not receive assistance to replace funds provided by any State or local government to assist homeless persons. A proposal for an existing project that seeks to shift its focus by changing the population being served or the precise mix of services being offered is not eligible for consideration. No more than 25 percent of services available in projects funded through this grant program may be provided to clients who are not receiving those services as veterans. VA is pleased to issue this Notice of Fund Availability (NOFA) for the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. The Department expects to award approximately $10 million under the Capital Grant component. Funding available under this NOFA is being offered to help offset the capital expenses of existing State and local governments, Indian Tribal VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:56 Apr 19, 2006 Jkt 208001 governments, faith-based, and community-based organizations that are capable of creating and providing supported transitional housing for homeless veterans. The District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, may be considered eligible entities under the definition of ‘‘State’’ in the Final Rule, Sec. 61.1 Definitions. Per diem for these programs is requested in the grant application and may be paid at the time of grant project completion. It should be noted that VA per diem payment is limited to the applicant’s cost of care per eligible veteran minus other sources of payments to the applicant for furnishing services to homeless veterans up to the per day rate VA pays for State Home Domiciliary care. Awardees will be required to support their request for per diem payment with adequate fiscal documentation as to program income and expenses. Interested organizations should know that the vast majority of homeless veterans in this country suffer from mental illness or substance abuse disorders or are dually diagnosed with both mental illness and substance abuse disorders. In addition, many homeless veterans have serious medical problems. Collaboration with VA medical centers, VA community-based outpatient clinics or other health care providers as well as with VA and other benefit providers is an important aspect of assuring that homeless veterans have access to appropriate health care services. VA considers this program an important part of our effort to end chronic homelessness among veterans. It is important to be aware that VA places great emphasis on responsibility and accountability. VA has procedures in place to verify the completion of the capital grant as well as monitor services provided to homeless veterans and outcomes associated with the services provided in grant and per diem-funded programs. Applicants should be aware of the following: All awardees that are conditionally selected in response to this NOFA must meet the Life Safety Code of the National Fire and Protection Association as it relates to their specific facility. VA will conduct an inspection prior to awardees being able to submit request for per diem payment to ensure this requirement is met. Upon capital grant completion each program seeking per diem will have a liaison appointed from a nearby VA medical facility to provide oversight and monitor services provided to homeless PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 20441 veterans in the per diem-funded program. Monitoring will include at a minimum an annual review of each per diem program’s progress toward meeting internal goals and objectives in helping veterans attain housing stability, adequate income support, and self sufficiency as identified in each per diem program’s original application. Monitoring will also include a review of the agency’s income and expenses as they relate to this project to ensure per diem payment is accurate. Each per diem-funded program will participate in VA’s national program monitoring and evaluation system administered by the VA Northeast Program Evaluation Center (NEPEC). NEPEC’s monitoring procedures will be used to determine successful accomplishment of these housing outcomes for each per diem-funded program. Authority: The VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program is authorized by Public Law 107–95, § 5(a)(1) the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 codified at 38 U.S.C. 2011, 2012, 2061, 2064 and has been extended through Fiscal Year 2006. The program is implemented by the final rule codified at 38 CFR 61.0. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on September 26, 2003, the regulations can be found in their entirety in 38 CFR, Sec. 61.0 through 61.82. Funds made available under this Notice are subject to the requirements of those regulations. Allocation: Approximately $10 million is available for the Capital Grant component. Capital grant awards will be limited to transitional housing projects, (service centers will not be considered in this round), with no more than one award per tax identification number. Vans must be directly connected to a new or existing Grant and Per Diem Grant project and will be limited to one per project. Per diem payments to capital grant recipients are subject to the recipients maintaining the project for which the grant was awarded, the availability of funds and reauthorization of the program past September 30, 2006. Funding Priorities: VA establishes priority for funding to underserved and low utilization populations and areas. In this round of capital grant funding, VA expects to award funding to create approximately 670 community-based supported housing beds. Funding priority 1. Indian Tribal Governments or applicants whose projects are in partnership with Indian Tribal Governments and to the maximum extent possible are designed exclusively for homeless Native American veterans will be considered in the first funding priority. Provision of E:\FR\FM\20APN1.SGM 20APN1 hsrobinson on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES 20442 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 76 / Thursday, April 20, 2006 / Notices housing services must occur on ‘‘Indian Tribal property.’’ Of those eligible entities in the first funding priority, that are legally fundable, the highest scoring applicants will be funded first until approximately $2 million is awarded. Applicants not funded in this priority will be considered in the third funding priority as applicable. Funding priority 2. Applicants whose projects are physically located in Puerto Rico, and any territory or possession of the United States are the second funding priority. Eligible entities whose projects are located in these areas will be considered in the second funding priority. Of those eligible entities in the second funding priority, that are legally fundable, the highest scoring applicants will be funded first until approximately $1 million is awarded. Applicants not funded in this priority will be placed in the third funding priority. Funding priority 3. VA is encouraging interested, state and local governments, faith-based, and community-based organizations to apply for funding under this NOFA. Eligible entities that are state and local governments, Indian Tribal governments, faith-based, and community-based organizations, along with those applicants not selected in the first or second funding priority will be considered in the third funding priority as applicable. Of those eligible entities that are legally fundable, the highestranked applications for which funding is available, will be conditionally selected for eligibility to receive a capital grant in accordance with their ranked order until funding is expended (approximately $7 million). Methodology: VA will review all capital grant applications in response to this NOFA as follows: VA will group the applicants into the funding priorities categories. Applicants will then be ranked within their respective funding category based on score and any ranking criteria set forth in that funding category only if the applicant scores at least 600 cumulative points and must receive points under criteria from paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (e), and (i) of Section 61.13. The highest-ranked application for which funding is available, within the highest funding category, will be conditionally selected in accordance with their ranked order until VA reaches the projected amount of funding for each category. If funds are still available after selection of those applications in the highest priority group VA will continue to conditionally select applicants in lower priority categories in accordance with the selection method set forth in the final rule Section 61.14. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:56 Apr 19, 2006 Jkt 208001 Application Requirements: The grant application requirements will be specified in the application package. Applicants should be careful to complete the proper application package. Submission of the incorrect or incomplete application package will result in the application being rejected at threshold. The packages include all required forms and certifications. Selections will be made based on criteria described in the application, Final Rule, and NOFA. Applicants who are conditionally selected will be notified of any additional information needed to confirm or clarify information provided in the application. Applicants will then be notified of the deadline to submit such information. If an applicant is unable to meet any conditions for grant award within the specified time frame, VA reserves the right to not award funds and to use the funds available for other grant and per diem applicants. Dated: April 13, 2006. Gordon H. Mansfield, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. [FR Doc. E6–5897 Filed 4–19–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320–01–P interest in transition activities. The goal of this visit is to allow the commissioners the opportunity to tour local VA and DoD facilities; examine the processes in place which assist disabled veterans, service members, and survivors in their efforts to obtain benefits; and present these individuals and the general public with an opportunity to learn about the work of the Commission and to offer comments in face-to-face forums. Interested persons may attend the meeting and present oral statements to the Commission. Oral presentations will be limited to five minutes or less, depending on the number of participants. Interested parties may provide written comments for review by the Commission prior to the meeting or at any time, by e-mail to veterans@vetscommission.intranets.com or by mail to Mr. Ray Wilburn, Executive Director, Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20004. Dated: April 14, 2006. E. Philip Riggin, Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 06–3752 Filed 4–19–05; 8:45am] BILLING CODE 8320–01–M DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission; Notice of Meeting The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) gives notice under Public Law 92– 463 (Federal Advisory Committee Act) that the Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission has scheduled a town hall meeting for May 10, 2006, at the Sheraton St. Louis City Center Hotel & Suites, The Colonnade Ballroom, 400 South 14th Street, St. Louis, Missouri. The town hall meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the Commission is to carry out a study of the benefits under the laws of the United States that are provided to compensate and assist veterans and their survivors for disabilities and deaths attributable to military service. The Commission is conducting the fourth of eight fact-finding site visits throughout the United States. The St. Louis area was selected based on criteria that include the concentration of veterans, active-duty service personnel, and members of the National Guard and Reserves. Those criteria also include the location of Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Health Administration, and Department of Defense (DoD) facilities with particular PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Veteran’s Disability Benefits Commission; Notice of Meeting The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) gives notice under Public Law 92– 463 (Federal Advisory Committee Act) that the Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission has scheduled a meeting for May 18–19, 2006, at the Holiday Inn National Airport, 2650 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA. The meeting will begin each day at 8 a.m. On May 18, the meeting will end at 5 p.m., and on May 19 the meeting will end at 3 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the Commission is to carry out a study of the benefits under the laws of the United States that are provided to compensate and assist veterans and their survivors for disabilities and deaths attributable to military service. The agenda for the session on May 18 will include an overview of the Department of Veterans Affairs National Compensation and Pension Exam Program located in Nashville, Tennessee, with additional briefings by QTC, Veterans Benefits Administration and Veterans Health Administration to address the process, quality, timeliness and cost of compensation and pension E:\FR\FM\20APN1.SGM 20APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 76 (Thursday, April 20, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20440-20442]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-5897]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Fund Availability Under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: VA is announcing the availability of funds for applications 
for assistance under the Capital Grant component of the VA Homeless 
Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. This Notice contains information 
concerning the program, funding priorities, application process, and 
amount of funding available.

DATES: An original completed and collated grant application (plus three 
completed collated copies) for assistance under the VA Homeless 
Providers Grant and Per Diem Program must be received in the Grant and 
Per Diem Field Office, by 4 p.m. eastern time on June 14, 2006. 
Applications may not be sent by facsimile (FAX). In the interest of 
fairness to all competing applicants, this deadline is firm as to date 
and hour, and VA will treat as ineligible for consideration any 
application that is received after the deadline. Applicants should take 
this practice into account and make early submission of their material 
to avoid any risk of loss of eligibility brought about by unanticipated 
delays or other delivery-related problems.
    For a Copy of the Application Package: Download directly from the 
VA Grant and Per Diem Program Web page at: https://www.va.gov/homeless/
page.cfm?pg=3 or call the Grant and Per Diem Program Office at (toll-
free) 1-877-332-0334. For a document relating to the VA Homeless 
Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, see the Final Rule published in 
the Federal Register on September 26, 2003.
    Submission of Application: An original completed and collated grant 
application (plus three copies) must be submitted to the following 
address: VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Field Office, 10770 
N. 46th Street, Suite

[[Page 20441]]

C-200, Tampa, FL 33617. Applications must be received in the Grant and 
Per Diem Field office by the application deadline. Applications must 
arrive as a complete package. Materials arriving separately will not be 
included in the application package for consideration and may result in 
the application being rejected or not funded.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Guy Liedke, VA Homeless Providers 
Grant and Per Diem Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, 10770 N. 
46th Street, Suite C-200, Tampa, FL 33617; (toll-free) 1-877-332-0334.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This Notice announces the availability of 
capital funds for assistance under the VA Homeless Providers Grant and 
Per Diem Program for eligible entities to: (1) Expand existing 
transitional housing projects; or (2) develop new transitional housing 
programs. Supportive service centers will not be considered for 
funding. Funding applied for under the capital grant component may be 
used for:
    (1) Remodeling or alteration of existing buildings; (2) acquisition 
of buildings, acquisition and rehabilitation of buildings; (3) new 
construction; and (4) acquisition of vans (in connection with a new or 
existing Grant and Per Diem Grant project) for outreach to and/or 
transportation for homeless veterans. Public Law 107-95, Sec.  5(a)(1) 
the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 codified at 
38 U.S.C. 2011, 2012, 2061, and 2064 authorizes this program. The 
program has been extended through Fiscal Year 2006. For eligibility 
criteria please refer to the Final Rule published the Federal Register 
on September 26, 2003.
    Capital grant applicants may not receive assistance to replace 
funds provided by any State or local government to assist homeless 
persons. A proposal for an existing project that seeks to shift its 
focus by changing the population being served or the precise mix of 
services being offered is not eligible for consideration. No more than 
25 percent of services available in projects funded through this grant 
program may be provided to clients who are not receiving those services 
as veterans.
    VA is pleased to issue this Notice of Fund Availability (NOFA) for 
the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. The Department 
expects to award approximately $10 million under the Capital Grant 
component.
    Funding available under this NOFA is being offered to help offset 
the capital expenses of existing State and local governments, Indian 
Tribal governments, faith-based, and community-based organizations that 
are capable of creating and providing supported transitional housing 
for homeless veterans. The District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, may be 
considered eligible entities under the definition of ``State'' in the 
Final Rule, Sec. 61.1 Definitions.
    Per diem for these programs is requested in the grant application 
and may be paid at the time of grant project completion. It should be 
noted that VA per diem payment is limited to the applicant's cost of 
care per eligible veteran minus other sources of payments to the 
applicant for furnishing services to homeless veterans up to the per 
day rate VA pays for State Home Domiciliary care. Awardees will be 
required to support their request for per diem payment with adequate 
fiscal documentation as to program income and expenses.
    Interested organizations should know that the vast majority of 
homeless veterans in this country suffer from mental illness or 
substance abuse disorders or are dually diagnosed with both mental 
illness and substance abuse disorders. In addition, many homeless 
veterans have serious medical problems. Collaboration with VA medical 
centers, VA community-based outpatient clinics or other health care 
providers as well as with VA and other benefit providers is an 
important aspect of assuring that homeless veterans have access to 
appropriate health care services. VA considers this program an 
important part of our effort to end chronic homelessness among 
veterans.
    It is important to be aware that VA places great emphasis on 
responsibility and accountability. VA has procedures in place to verify 
the completion of the capital grant as well as monitor services 
provided to homeless veterans and outcomes associated with the services 
provided in grant and per diem-funded programs. Applicants should be 
aware of the following:
    All awardees that are conditionally selected in response to this 
NOFA must meet the Life Safety Code of the National Fire and Protection 
Association as it relates to their specific facility. VA will conduct 
an inspection prior to awardees being able to submit request for per 
diem payment to ensure this requirement is met.
    Upon capital grant completion each program seeking per diem will 
have a liaison appointed from a nearby VA medical facility to provide 
oversight and monitor services provided to homeless veterans in the per 
diem-funded program.
    Monitoring will include at a minimum an annual review of each per 
diem program's progress toward meeting internal goals and objectives in 
helping veterans attain housing stability, adequate income support, and 
self sufficiency as identified in each per diem program's original 
application. Monitoring will also include a review of the agency's 
income and expenses as they relate to this project to ensure per diem 
payment is accurate.
    Each per diem-funded program will participate in VA's national 
program monitoring and evaluation system administered by the VA 
Northeast Program Evaluation Center (NEPEC). NEPEC's monitoring 
procedures will be used to determine successful accomplishment of these 
housing outcomes for each per diem-funded program.


    Authority: The VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program 
is authorized by Public Law 107-95, Sec.  5(a)(1) the Homeless 
Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 codified at 38 U.S.C. 
2011, 2012, 2061, 2064 and has been extended through Fiscal Year 
2006. The program is implemented by the final rule codified at 38 
CFR 61.0. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on 
September 26, 2003, the regulations can be found in their entirety 
in 38 CFR, Sec. 61.0 through 61.82. Funds made available under this 
Notice are subject to the requirements of those regulations.

    Allocation: Approximately $10 million is available for the Capital 
Grant component. Capital grant awards will be limited to transitional 
housing projects, (service centers will not be considered in this 
round), with no more than one award per tax identification number. Vans 
must be directly connected to a new or existing Grant and Per Diem 
Grant project and will be limited to one per project. Per diem payments 
to capital grant recipients are subject to the recipients maintaining 
the project for which the grant was awarded, the availability of funds 
and reauthorization of the program past September 30, 2006.
    Funding Priorities: VA establishes priority for funding to 
underserved and low utilization populations and areas. In this round of 
capital grant funding, VA expects to award funding to create 
approximately 670 community-based supported housing beds.
    Funding priority 1. Indian Tribal Governments or applicants whose 
projects are in partnership with Indian Tribal Governments and to the 
maximum extent possible are designed exclusively for homeless Native 
American veterans will be considered in the first funding priority. 
Provision of

[[Page 20442]]

housing services must occur on ``Indian Tribal property.'' Of those 
eligible entities in the first funding priority, that are legally 
fundable, the highest scoring applicants will be funded first until 
approximately $2 million is awarded. Applicants not funded in this 
priority will be considered in the third funding priority as 
applicable.
    Funding priority 2. Applicants whose projects are physically 
located in Puerto Rico, and any territory or possession of the United 
States are the second funding priority. Eligible entities whose 
projects are located in these areas will be considered in the second 
funding priority. Of those eligible entities in the second funding 
priority, that are legally fundable, the highest scoring applicants 
will be funded first until approximately $1 million is awarded. 
Applicants not funded in this priority will be placed in the third 
funding priority.
    Funding priority 3. VA is encouraging interested, state and local 
governments, faith-based, and community-based organizations to apply 
for funding under this NOFA. Eligible entities that are state and local 
governments, Indian Tribal governments, faith-based, and community-
based organizations, along with those applicants not selected in the 
first or second funding priority will be considered in the third 
funding priority as applicable. Of those eligible entities that are 
legally fundable, the highest-ranked applications for which funding is 
available, will be conditionally selected for eligibility to receive a 
capital grant in accordance with their ranked order until funding is 
expended (approximately $7 million).
    Methodology: VA will review all capital grant applications in 
response to this NOFA as follows: VA will group the applicants into the 
funding priorities categories. Applicants will then be ranked within 
their respective funding category based on score and any ranking 
criteria set forth in that funding category only if the applicant 
scores at least 600 cumulative points and must receive points under 
criteria from paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (e), and (i) of Section 61.13.
    The highest-ranked application for which funding is available, 
within the highest funding category, will be conditionally selected in 
accordance with their ranked order until VA reaches the projected 
amount of funding for each category. If funds are still available after 
selection of those applications in the highest priority group VA will 
continue to conditionally select applicants in lower priority 
categories in accordance with the selection method set forth in the 
final rule Section 61.14.
    Application Requirements: The grant application requirements will 
be specified in the application package. Applicants should be careful 
to complete the proper application package. Submission of the incorrect 
or incomplete application package will result in the application being 
rejected at threshold. The packages include all required forms and 
certifications. Selections will be made based on criteria described in 
the application, Final Rule, and NOFA. Applicants who are conditionally 
selected will be notified of any additional information needed to 
confirm or clarify information provided in the application. Applicants 
will then be notified of the deadline to submit such information. If an 
applicant is unable to meet any conditions for grant award within the 
specified time frame, VA reserves the right to not award funds and to 
use the funds available for other grant and per diem applicants.

    Dated: April 13, 2006.
Gordon H. Mansfield,
Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. E6-5897 Filed 4-19-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.