Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Grants, 53255-53260 [E7-18386]

Download as PDF 53255 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 18, 2007 / Notices and Development, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410; telephone 202–708–4091 (this is not a toll-free number). The Department will submit the proposed information collection to OMB for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended). This Notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Number of respondents Annual responses 50 1 Reporting Burden .............................................................. Total Estimated Burden Hours: 2,000. Status of the proposed information collection: Extension of a currently approved collection. Authority: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended. Dated: September 11, 2007. ´ Nelson R. Bregon, General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development. [FR Doc. E7–18311 Filed 9–17–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR–5147–N–01] Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Grants Office of the Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, HUD. ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). AGENCY: pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Overview Information A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Community Planning and Development. B. Funding Opportunity Title: Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Grants. C. Announcement Type: Initial Announcement. VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:44 Sep 17, 2007 Jkt 211001 Description of the need for the information and proposed use: This information collection is required to rate and rank applications submitted as part of a funding competition and to ensure funding eligibility of applicant activities. Respondents are units of general local government eligible for Section 108 Loan Guarantees under 42 U.S.C. 5308. Agency form numbers, if applicable: HUD–40123, HUD–40122. Members of Affected Public: Local Government. Estimation of the total number of hours needed to prepare the information collection including number of respondents, frequency of response, and hours of response: Frequency of Submission: Annually. information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. This Notice also lists the following information: Title of Proposal: Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) Grant Application. OMB Control Number, if applicable: 2506–0153. Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description A. Program Description. The purpose of the capacity building program is to enhance the technical and Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 = 40 D. Funding Opportunity Number: FR– 5147–N–01. E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 14.252. F. Dates: The application deadline date is December 12, 2007. G. Additional Overview Information: The competition is limited to the four organizations identified in section 4 of the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993. These organizations are: Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. (formerly The Enterprise Foundation), Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Habitat for Humanity, and YouthBuild USA. Applicants interested in developing the capacity of community housing development organizations (CHDOs) to undertake community development and affordable housing projects should carefully review the General Section of HUD’s 2007 SuperNOFA (72 FR 2396), published January 18, 2007; the Introduction to the FY2007 SuperNOFA (72 FR 11434), published on March 13, 2007; the FY2007 SuperNOFA Supplementary Information and Technical Corrections (72 FR 27032), published on May 11, 2007; and the information listed in this NOFA. The application submission information is contained in this NOFA at Section IV.B. Approximately $29,590,000 is available. A 3:1 match of private resources to federal funds is required. PO 00000 Hours per response × Burden hours 2,000 administrative capabilities of community development corporations (CDCs) and CHDOs to carry out community development and affordable housing activities. B. Authority. The capacity building program is authorized by section 4 of the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993 (Pub. L. 103–120, 107 Stat. 1148, 42 U.S.C. 9816 note), as amended, and the Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 (Pub. L. 110–5). II. Award Information A. Available Funds. Approximately $29,590,000 in FY2007 funding is available to carry out the eligible activities related to affordable housing and community development for the capacity building program. B. Performance Period. Awards will be for a period of 48 months. C. Terms of Award. HUD will enter into a grant agreement with selected applicants for the performance period. III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Applicants 1. The competition is limited to the four organizations identified in section 4 of the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993. These organizations are: Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. (formerly The Enterprise Foundation), the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Habitat for Humanity, and YouthBuild USA. 2. To be eligible for funding under this NOFA, all applicants must also meet the threshold requirements of the General Section, including the Civil Rights threshold in section III.C. E:\FR\FM\18SEN1.SGM 18SEN1 53256 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 18, 2007 / Notices 3. Applicants may propose assistance using in-house staff, subcontractors, subrecipients, and local organizations that have the requisite experience and capabilities. B. Match Requirement Section 4 of the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993 requires that each dollar awarded must be matched by three dollars in cash or in-kind contributions obtained from private sources. This is a threshold requirement. To receive funding under this NOFA, each of the eligible organizations must document their share of matching resources, including resources committed directly or by a third party to a grantee or subgrantee to conduct activities. In-kind contributions shall conform to the requirements of 24 CFR 84.23. An applicant who fails to provide documentation of the matching requirement shall be considered ineligible. Evidence of commitment for the three-to-one match, such as signed letters from private funding sources, shall be scanned and attached to the electronic application or submitted via fax (using form HUD–96011, ‘‘Third Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal’’ (‘‘Facsimile Transmittal Form’’ on Grants.gov) as part of the application. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES C. Other 1. Eligible Activities and Priorities. Funds may be used to provide the following services. a. Training, education, support, and advice to enhance the technical and administrative capabilities of CDCs and CHDOs, including the capacity to participate in consolidated planning, as well as in fair housing planning and continuum-of-care homeless assistance efforts, that help ensure communitywide participation in assessing area needs; consulting broadly within the community; cooperatively planning for the use of available resources in a comprehensive and holistic manner; and assisting in evaluating performance under these community efforts and in linking plans with neighboring communities in order to foster regional planning; b. Loans, grants, development assistance, predevelopment assistance, or other financial assistance to CDCs and CHDOs to carry out community development and affordable housing activities that benefit low-income families and persons, including the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of housing for low-income families and persons, and community and economic development activities VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:28 Sep 17, 2007 Jkt 211001 that create jobs for low-income persons; and c. Such other activities as may be determined by the grantees in consultation with the Secretary or his or her designee. Activities undertaken as part of, or as a result of, capacity building efforts described in this section shall support the implementation of other HUD programs, especially Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME, Homeless programs, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). Further, such activities shall support HUD’s Strategic Plan and priorities as described in the General Section. 2. DUNS Requirement. Refer to the General Section for information regarding the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) requirement. Applicants must obtain a DUNS number to receive an award from HUD. 3. Other Eligibility Requirements. All applicants requesting funding under this NOFA must be in compliance with the applicable threshold requirements found in the General Section. Applicants that do not meet these requirements will be ineligible for funding. 4. False Statements. An applicant’s false statement in an application is grounds for denial or termination of an award and grounds for possible punishment, as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001. 5. Environmental Review. Individual project sites to be funded by awards under this NOFA may not be known at the time the individual grant agreements are awarded and also may not be known when some of the individual subgrants are made. Therefore, in accordance with 24 CFR 50.3(h), the application and the grant agreement must provide that no commitment or expenditure of HUD or private match funds to a HUD-assisted project may be made until HUD has: (1) Completed an environmental review to the extent required under applicable regulations and (2) given notification of its approval, in accordance with 24 CFR 50.3(h). IV. Application and Submission Information A. Addresses to Request Application Package Applications must be received and validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date. HUD must receive paper copy applications from applicants that received a waiver no later than 11:59:59 p.m. on the application deadline date. See the General Section for application PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 submission and timely receipt procedures and for instructions on how to request a waiver. Paper applications will not be accepted, unless the applicant has received a waiver of the electronic submission requirement. B. Content and Form of Application Submission A completed application consists of an application submitted by an authorized official of the organization and containing all relevant sections of the application, as shown in the checklist below in Section IV.B.3. 1. Page Limitation. Narratives addressing Factors 1 through 5 are limited to no more than 25 typed pages. That is, reviewers will not review more than 25 pages for all five factors combined, except that the page limit does not include the form HUD–96010, Program Logic Model. 2. Prohibition on Materials Not Required. Materials other than what is requested in this NOFA are prohibited. Reviewers will not consider resumes, charts, letters, or any other documents attached to the application that are not specified in this NOFA. 3. Checklist for Application Submission. Applicants submitting electronic copies should follow the procedures in Sections IV.B. and F. of the General Section. The following checklist is provided as a guide to help ensure that applicants submit all the required elements. For applicants receiving a waiver of the electronic submission requirement, the paper submission must be in the order provided below. All applicants should enter the applicant name, DUNS number, and page numbers on the narrative pages of the application. lSF–424, Application for Federal Assistance (Note: Applicants must enter their legal name in box 8.a. of the SF– 424 as it appears in the Central Contractor Register (CCR). See the General Section regarding CCR Registration); lSF–424 Supplement, Survey for Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (‘‘Faith Based EEO Survey (SF–424 SUPP)’’ on Grants.gov); lNarrative addressing Factors 1 through 5; lHUD–96010, Program Logic Model; lHUD–424–CB, Grant Application Detailed Budget Form (‘‘HUD Detailed Budget Form’’ on Grants.gov); lHUD–424–CBW, Detailed Budget Worksheet for Non-Construction Projects; lSF–LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable); lHUD–2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (‘‘HUD E:\FR\FM\18SEN1.SGM 18SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 18, 2007 / Notices Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report’’ on Grants.gov); lHUD–2993, Acknowledgment of Application Receipt (applicable to paper applications only); lHUD–2994–A, You Are Our Client! Grant Applicant Survey (Optional); and lHUD–96011, Third Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal (‘‘Facsimile Transmittal Form’’ on Grants.gov). C. Submission Dates and Times The application deadline date is December 12, 2007. Unless you received a waiver to the electronic application submission requirement, your completed application must be submitted through https:// www.grants.gov/applicants/apply for grants.jsp and must be received and validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date. (Refer to Section VI of the General Section for further information on the delivery and receipt of applications.) D. Intergovernmental Review Intergovernmental review is not applicable to capacity building applications. E. Funding Restrictions No fee or profit may be paid to any recipient or subrecipient of an award under this capacity building NOFA. V. Application Review Information pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES F. Other Submission Requirements 1. Electronic Delivery: a. The Grants.gov Web site offers a simple, unified application process. There are several registration steps applicants need to complete. Further information is contained in the General Section published on January 18, 2007 (72 FR 2396). Applicants should also review the March 13, 2007, publication (72 FR 11434) of HUD’s Discretionary Programs (FY2007 SuperNOFA), as well as the technical correction to the FY2007 SuperNOFA General Section published on May 11, 2007 (72 FR 27032). Capacity Building applicants should also read HUD’s Federal Register Notice on Early Registration published in the Federal Register on October 31, 2006 (71 FR 64070). b. Electronic Signature. Applications submitted through Grants.gov constitute submission as an electronically signed application. 2. Instructions on how to submit electronically are outlined in HUD’s ‘‘Desktop User’s Guide’’ located on HUD’s Grants Web site at https:// www.hud.gov/grants/index.cfm. 3. Waiver of Electronic Submission Requirement. Applicants interested in VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:28 Sep 17, 2007 Jkt 211001 applying for funding under this NOFA must submit their applications electronically or request a waiver from the electronic submission process. Waiver requests must be submitted in writing by e-mail. Waiver requests must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the application deadline date and should be sent to Karen E. Daly at Karen.E.Daly@hud.gov. If you are granted a waiver from the electronic submission process, your application must be received by HUD no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date. See the General Section for additional information. 4. Proof of Timely Submission. Applicants must submit their applications via grants.gov https:// www.grants.gov/applicants/ apply_for_grants.jsp in time for receipt and validation by 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date of December 12, 2007. Validation can take up to 72 hours, so applicants should submit with ample time for the process to be completed. Applicants are also advised to submit with sufficient time to correct any deficiencies that would prevent the acceptance of your application by Grants.gov. (Refer to the General Section for specific procedures regarding proof of timely submission of applications.) A. Criteria The maximum number of points to be awarded for a capacity building application is 100. The minimum score for an application to be considered for funding is 75. The capacity building program is not subject to bonus points, as described in the General Section. Points are assigned on five factors. When addressing Factors 2 through 5, applicants should discuss the specific capacity building activities that will be carried out during the term of the grant agreement. Applicants should provide relevant examples to support the proposal, where appropriate. Applicants should also be specific when describing the communities, populations, and organizations that they propose to serve and the specific outcomes expected as a result of the capacity building. Applicants should also be specific about the relationship of their plan to the goals and objectives in the HUD Strategic Plan. The plan can be viewed on the HUD Web site at https:// www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/ offices/cfo/reports/ hud_strat_plan_2006–2011.pdf. PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 53257 1. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience (15 points) Factor 1 relates to the capacity of the applicant and its relevant organizational experience. Rating of the ‘‘applicant’’ or the ‘‘applicant’s organization and staff’’ includes in-house staff and any subcontractors and subrecipients who are firmly committed to the project. In responding to Factor 1, applicants should specify the experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant’s organization and staff, and of any persons and organizations firmly committed to the project. Please do not include the Social Security Numbers of any staff. a. (5 points) Recent and successful experience of the applicant’s organization in building the capacity of CDCs and CHDOs to develop affordable housing and community development projects. In rating this factor, HUD will consider the extent to which the application demonstrates successful experience, within the last 4 years, in providing technical and administrative expertise to build the capacity of CDCs and CHDOs. b. (5 points) Depth of experience in managing multiple capacity building tasks, to multiple entities, and in more than one geographic area. In rating this factor, HUD will consider the extent to which the application demonstrates ability to manage capacity building assignments effectively. c. (5 points) Knowledgeable key personnel skilled in providing one or more of the eligible activities for the capacity building program; a sufficient number of staff or ability to procure qualified experts or professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to deliver the proposed level of services in the proposed service area in a timely and effective fashion; and an ability to provide capacity building in urban and rural settings. In rating this factor, HUD will consider the extent to which the application demonstrates that the organization has an adequate number of key staff or the ability to procure individuals with the knowledge of effective capacity building approaches and knowledge of developing affordable housing and community development projects. 2. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (15 points) Sound and extensive understanding of need for capacity building in relation to the priorities listed in Section III.C. of this NOFA, as demonstrated by objective information and/or data, such E:\FR\FM\18SEN1.SGM 18SEN1 pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES 53258 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 18, 2007 / Notices as information from current census data, the American Housing Survey, or other relevant data sources. Sound and extensive understanding of high-priority needs in urban and rural settings for CHDOs and CDCs, as demonstrated by objective information and/or data. In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the application demonstrates an understanding of the specific needs for capacity building and supports the description of need with reliable, program-specific, quantitative information. 3. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (40 points) a. (20 points) A sound approach for addressing the need for eligible capacity building activities in relation to the priorities listed in Section III.C. of this NOFA that will result in positive outcomes. In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the application presents and supports a detailed, feasible, and practical approach for addressing capacity building needs, including techniques, time frames, goals, and intended beneficiaries, and the likelihood that these activities will be cost-effective and will result in the ability of the organization receiving technical assistance to commence work on specific housing and community development projects by the end of the performance period. b. (10 points) A feasible work plan for designing, organizing, managing, and carrying out the proposed capacity building activities. In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the application demonstrates the efficiency of the design, organization, and management of the proposed activities. c. (10 points) An effective assistance program to specific disadvantaged communities, populations, and/or organizations that previously have been underserved and have the potential to participate in the capacity building program (such as the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas) designated by HUD, Colonias, or locally designated community development target areas. In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the applicant: (1) Has identified and has documented, using reliable data, specific communities, populations, or organizations that have been disadvantaged or previously underserved communities, populations, or organizations and (2) has developed an effective strategy for engaging the participation of those communities, VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:28 Sep 17, 2007 Jkt 211001 populations, or organizations in the capacity building program. 4. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (15 points) This factor evaluates the applicant’s ability to leverage (secure) public and/ or private sector resources (such as financing, supplies, or services) from sources other than HUD that can be added to HUD’s funds to perform eligible activities and sustain the applicant’s proposed project. Higher points will be awarded for higher percentages of leveraged resources, compared to the amount of HUD funds requested. No leveraged points will be awarded if the minimum match is not exceeded. For leveraging, HUD’s Management Plan has a performance goal of ten investment dollars from outside sources in total project development costs for each federal dollar awarded. To receive points for leverage, all contributions (cash or inkind) promised during the period of performance must be expressed in dollar values and documented in a commitment letter submitted with the application from a responsible official of each contributing organization. All leveraging commitments shall be scanned and attached to the electronic application or submitted via fax (using form HUD–96011, ‘‘Third Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal’’ (‘‘Facsimile Transmittal Form’’ on Grants.gov) as part of the application. Applicants must note that leveraging resources are considered additional resources beyond and above the statutorily required 3:1 matching resource requirement and cannot be counted towards the statutory match requirement. 5. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (15 points) a. (8 points) An effective, quantifiable evaluation plan for measuring performance using the Logic Model (form HUD–96010, ‘‘Program Outcome Logic Model’’) with specific outcome measures and benchmarks, and performance improvements. In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the application has an evaluation plan that includes outcomes and is specific, measurable, and appropriate in relation to the activities proposed. HUD is committed to ensuring that programs result in the achievement of HUD’s strategic mission. To support this effort, grant applications submitted for HUD programs will be rated on how well they tie proposed outcomes to HUD’s policy priorities and annual goals and objectives, as well as the quality of the applicant’s proposed evaluation and monitoring plans. HUD’s strategic PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 framework establishes the goals and objectives for the Department. Please refer to the General Section. The Logic Model should, at a minimum, discuss those performance indicators that have been developed for use by HUD and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in evaluating the section 4 program using OMB’s Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART). These measures include: (1) The annual number of homes renovated, preserved, or newly constructed; (2) the annual number of trainings created and provided to CDCs; (3) the long-term total development cost estimate of community development projects funded by CDCs; and (4) the efficiency measure of per-unit cost of capacity building for housing units developed or renovated. Applicants should also outline any other short-or long-term outcomes that are indicators of their program’s performance. b. (7 points) Successful past performance in administering HUD’s capacity building program. This rating factor reflects HUD’s goal to embrace high standards of ethics, management, and accountability. Applicants should include, as applicable, increases in Community Planning and Development (CPD) or affordable housing and community development program accomplishments as a result of capacity building (e.g., number of affordable housing units developed, number of trainings delivered to CDCs and CHDOs, growth of CDC and CHDO capacity over time, efficiency or effectiveness of administration of CPD or community development programs, timeliness of use of CPD or community development program funds, and project development investment and leveraging efficiencies). In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the application demonstrates successful past performance that was timely and resulted in positive outcomes in the delivery of capacity building for affordable housing and community development. HUD will also consider past performance of current section 4 grantees, including financial and other information in HUD’s files. B. Review and Selection Process 1. Review Types. Two types of reviews will be conducted. First, HUD will review each application to determine whether it meets threshold eligibility requirements. Second, HUD will review and assign scores to applications using the Factors for Award noted in Section V.A. E:\FR\FM\18SEN1.SGM 18SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 18, 2007 / Notices 2. Ranked Order. Once rating scores are assigned, rated applications will be listed in ranked order. Applications within the fundable range (score of 75+ points) may then be funded in ranked order. 3. Threshold Eligibility Requirements. All applicants must be in compliance with the applicable threshold requirements found in the General Section and the eligibility requirements listed in Section III of this NOFA in order to be reviewed, scored, and ranked. Applications that do not meet these requirements and applications that were received after the deadline (see Section IV.C. of the General Section) will be considered ineligible for funding. Organizations), and OMB Circular A– 133 (Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations). Copies of the OMB Circulars may be obtained from Executive Office of the President’s (EOP) Publications Office, Room 2200, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503, telephone number (202) 395–3080 (this is not a toll-free number) or (800) 877–8339 (TTY Federal Information Relay Service). Information also may be obtained from the OMB Web site at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/ circulars/. 2. General. See section III.C. of the General Section regarding additional applicable requirements. VI. Award Administration Information C. Reporting 1. Grantees will be required to report to the government technical representative (GTR) quarterly, unless otherwise specified in the grant agreement. The quarterly performance report shall be submitted to HUD within 45 days after each calendar quarter. Performance reports shall include reports on both performance and financial progress under work plans and shall include reports on the commitment and expenditure of private matching resources utilized through the end of the reporting period. Reports shall conform to the reporting requirements of 24 CFR part 84. As part of the required quarterly report to HUD, grant recipients must include a completed Program Logic Model (form HUD–96010), which identifies output and outcome achievements. 2. Additional information or increased frequency of reporting may be required by HUD any time during the grant agreement, if HUD finds such reporting to be necessary for monitoring purposes. 3. To further the consultation process and share the results of progress to date, the Secretary may require grantees to present and discuss their performance reports at annual meetings in Washington, DC, during the life of the award. 4. The performance reports must contain the information required under 24 CFR part 84, including a comparison of actual accomplishments with the objectives and performance goals of the work plans. In the work plans, each grantee will identify performance goals and objectives established for each community in which it proposes to work and appropriate measurements under the work plan, such as the number of housing units and facilities each CDC or CHDO produces annually during the grant period and the average A. Award Notices HUD will send written notifications to both successful and unsuccessful applicants. A notification sent to a successful applicant is not an authorization to begin performance or to incur costs. After selection for funding, each grantee will submit to HUD a specific work and funding plan for each community it proposes to serve, showing when and how the federal funds and matching funds will be used. The work plan must be sufficiently detailed for monitoring purposes and must identify the performance goals and objectives to be achieved. Within 45 days after submission of a specific work plan, HUD will approve the work plan or notify the grantee of matters that need to be addressed prior to approval. Work plans may be developed for less than the full dollar amount and term of the award, but no HUD-funded costs may be incurred for any activity until the work plan is approved by HUD. All activities are also subject to the environmental requirements in section III.C.5. of this notice. After selection, but prior to award, applicants selected for funding will be required to provide HUD with their written Code of Conduct, if they have not previously done so and it is recorded on the HUD Web site at https://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/ codeofconduct/cconduct.cfm. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. 1. OMB Circulars and Governmentwide Regulations Applicable to Financial Assistance Programs. Awards under this NOFA will be governed by 24 CFR part 84 (Uniform Administrative Requirements), OMB Circular A–122 (Cost Principles for Nonprofit VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:28 Sep 17, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 53259 cost of such units. The performance reports will also include a discussion of the reasonableness of the unit costs, the reasons for slippage if established objectives and goals are not met, and additional pertinent information. 5. A final performance report, in the form described in paragraph (d) immediately above, shall be provided to HUD by each grantee within 90 days after the completion date of the award. 6. Financial status reports (SF–269A) shall be submitted quarterly. VII. Agency Contacts For Assistance. Applicants may contact Karen E. Daly at (202) 708–1817 (this is not a toll-free number). Persons with hearing and speech impairments may access the above numbers via TTY (text telephone) by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877– 8339 (this is a toll-free number). Information may also be obtained through the HUD Web site at https:// www.hud.gov. VIII. Other Information A. Paperwork Reduction Act The provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act do not apply because there are fewer than ten respondents; only four applicants are eligible for this program. B. Environmental Impact A Finding of No Significant Impact with respect to the environment has been made, in accordance with the Department’s regulations at 24 CFR part 50, which implements section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332). The Finding of No Significant Impact is available for public inspection between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. weekdays at the Office of the Rules Docket Clerk, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410. C. Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Applications must contain a certification that the applicant and all subgrantees shall comply with the requirements of the Fair Housing Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and will affirmatively further fair housing. D. Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 Applications must contain a certification that the applicant and all subgrantees will comply with section 3 E:\FR\FM\18SEN1.SGM 18SEN1 53260 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 18, 2007 / Notices of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701u) and HUD’s implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 135, which require that, to the greatest extent feasible, opportunities for training and employment be given to low-income persons residing within the unit of local government for the metropolitan area (or nonmetropolitan county) in which the project is located. Dated: September 11, 2007. ´ Nelson R. Bregon, General Deputy Assistant, Secretary for Community Planning and Development. [FR Doc. E7–18386 Filed 9–17–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Howland Island National Wildlife Refuge, Baker Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Territories Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability of draft comprehensive conservation plans and associated environmental assessments. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plans and Environmental Assessments (Draft CCPs/EAs) for public review and comments, for Howland Island National Wildlife Refuge, Baker Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge. These three national wildlife refuges are unincorporated U.S. territories located in the central Pacific Ocean, hereinafter collectively called Refuges. These Draft CCPs/EAs describe the Service’s proposal for management of the Refuges over the next 15 years. DATES: Written comments must be received at the address below by October 30, 2007. ADDRESSES: Comments on the Draft CCPs/EAs should be addressed to: Donald Palawski, Refuge Manager, Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 5–231, Honolulu, HI 96717. Comments may also be submitted via electronic mail to FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Please use Pacific Island NWR CCPs, in the subject line. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald Palawski, Refuge Manager, phone number (808) 792–9560. VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:28 Sep 17, 2007 Jkt 211001 The CCPs/ EAs were prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Proposed changes to refuge management include more frequent biological surveys, attraction of two rare seabird species to the refuges, and increased scientific research opportunities. No public uses of the Refuges are proposed. Copies of the Draft CCPs/EAs may be obtained by writing to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Attn: Charles Pelizza, Refuge Conservation Planner, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Refuges, c/o Oahu NWR Complex, 66–590 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, HI 96712. The Draft CCPs/EAs will also be available for viewing and downloading online at https://pacific.fws.gov/planning. Copies of the Draft CCPs/EAs may be viewed at the Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex Office during the regular business working hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is located in the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building at 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 5–231, Honolulu, HI. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Refuges are located near the Equator between 1,300 and 1,700 nautical miles south to southwest from their administrative office in Honolulu, HI. These Refuges are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System (System) which is managed by the Service. We are developing individual Draft CCPs/EAs for each of the Refuges, however, we are developing them under one planning process, because they are part of the same ecosystem and share many of the same issues and management opportunities. These Refuges were established in 1974, when the Secretary of the Interior transferred responsibility for the islands, and their territorial seas outward to the 3-nautical-mile limit, from the Office of Territorial Affairs to the Service. The islands range in size from 648 to 1,273 acres with total acreage for the Refuges ranging from 31,909 to 37,487 acres. The purpose for establishing the Refuges is ‘‘the restoration and preservation of the complete ecosystem, terrestrial and marine.’’ Special emphasis is placed on the protection, restoration, and preservation of nesting seabirds. Because of the physical characteristics of these islands, landings and access are extremely hazardous; therefore, the Refuges have been closed to public PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 entry since establishment, to protect wildlife values and human safety. Purpose and Need for Action The purpose of the CCPs is to provide a coherent, integrated set of management actions to help attain the purposes and objectives of the Refuges. The CCPs identify the conservation role of the Refuges, explain the Service’s proposed management actions, and provide a basis for Refuge budget requests. Alternatives Four alternatives for managing the Refuges for the next 15 years are identified and evaluated in the Draft CCPs/EAs. The preferred alternative in each CCP/EA is to implement Alternative B. Alternative B achieves the Refuges’ purposes, and goals; contributes to the System mission; addresses significant issues and relevant mandates; and is consistent with principles of sound fish and wildlife management. The Refuges are currently closed to all public use activities and will remain closed under each alternative. Alternative A (No Action Alternative). Alternative A provides a baseline from which to compare the action alternatives (Alternatives B, C, and D). Under Alternative A, management practices already underway or funded would continue. These activities include routine biological surveys, inspection of entrance signs, monitoring for the presence of invasive species, and collection of marine debris. Visits would occur once every 2 years and would be arranged through, and dependent upon, partner agencies and organizations, as is current practice. Alternative B. Alternative B is the Service’s preferred alternative. Under Alternative B, the frequency of the activities described in Alternative A would increase and occur annually. There would be no increase in the scope or complexity of management activities. The collection of scientific data and assessment of habitat conditions would continue to occur. Additional management activities that would occur under Alternative B include a project to attract two rare seabird species to the Refuges and a project to conduct additional marine habitat exploration. Alternative C. This alternative includes a substantial increase in the frequency of visits, and also increases the scale and scope of management activities conducted during site visits. A Service owned or chartered research vessel, and crew members and their operational needs are required components of this alternative. E:\FR\FM\18SEN1.SGM 18SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 180 (Tuesday, September 18, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53255-53260]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-18386]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

[Docket No. FR-5147-N-01]


Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable 
Housing Grants

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and 
Development, HUD.

ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).

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Overview Information

    A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, Office of Community Planning and Development.
    B. Funding Opportunity Title: Capacity Building for Community 
Development and Affordable Housing Grants.
    C. Announcement Type: Initial Announcement.
    D. Funding Opportunity Number: FR-5147-N-01.
    E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 14.252.
    F. Dates: The application deadline date is December 12, 2007.
    G. Additional Overview Information: The competition is limited to 
the four organizations identified in section 4 of the HUD Demonstration 
Act of 1993. These organizations are: Enterprise Community Partners, 
Inc. (formerly The Enterprise Foundation), Local Initiatives Support 
Corporation, Habitat for Humanity, and YouthBuild USA. Applicants 
interested in developing the capacity of community housing development 
organizations (CHDOs) to undertake community development and affordable 
housing projects should carefully review the General Section of HUD's 
2007 SuperNOFA (72 FR 2396), published January 18, 2007; the 
Introduction to the FY2007 SuperNOFA (72 FR 11434), published on March 
13, 2007; the FY2007 SuperNOFA Supplementary Information and Technical 
Corrections (72 FR 27032), published on May 11, 2007; and the 
information listed in this NOFA. The application submission information 
is contained in this NOFA at Section IV.B. Approximately $29,590,000 is 
available. A 3:1 match of private resources to federal funds is 
required.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    A. Program Description. The purpose of the capacity building 
program is to enhance the technical and administrative capabilities of 
community development corporations (CDCs) and CHDOs to carry out 
community development and affordable housing activities.
    B. Authority. The capacity building program is authorized by 
section 4 of the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993 (Pub. L. 103-120, 107 
Stat. 1148, 42 U.S.C. 9816 note), as amended, and the Revised 
Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 (Pub. L. 110-5).

II. Award Information

    A. Available Funds. Approximately $29,590,000 in FY2007 funding is 
available to carry out the eligible activities related to affordable 
housing and community development for the capacity building program.
    B. Performance Period. Awards will be for a period of 48 months.
    C. Terms of Award. HUD will enter into a grant agreement with 
selected applicants for the performance period.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

    1. The competition is limited to the four organizations identified 
in section 4 of the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993. These organizations 
are: Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. (formerly The Enterprise 
Foundation), the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Habitat for 
Humanity, and YouthBuild USA.
    2. To be eligible for funding under this NOFA, all applicants must 
also meet the threshold requirements of the General Section, including 
the Civil Rights threshold in section III.C.

[[Page 53256]]

    3. Applicants may propose assistance using in-house staff, 
subcontractors, subrecipients, and local organizations that have the 
requisite experience and capabilities.

B. Match Requirement

    Section 4 of the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993 requires that each 
dollar awarded must be matched by three dollars in cash or in-kind 
contributions obtained from private sources. This is a threshold 
requirement. To receive funding under this NOFA, each of the eligible 
organizations must document their share of matching resources, 
including resources committed directly or by a third party to a grantee 
or subgrantee to conduct activities. In-kind contributions shall 
conform to the requirements of 24 CFR 84.23. An applicant who fails to 
provide documentation of the matching requirement shall be considered 
ineligible. Evidence of commitment for the three-to-one match, such as 
signed letters from private funding sources, shall be scanned and 
attached to the electronic application or submitted via fax (using form 
HUD-96011, ``Third Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal'' 
(``Facsimile Transmittal Form'' on Grants.gov) as part of the 
application.

C. Other

    1. Eligible Activities and Priorities. Funds may be used to provide 
the following services.
    a. Training, education, support, and advice to enhance the 
technical and administrative capabilities of CDCs and CHDOs, including 
the capacity to participate in consolidated planning, as well as in 
fair housing planning and continuum-of-care homeless assistance 
efforts, that help ensure community-wide participation in assessing 
area needs; consulting broadly within the community; cooperatively 
planning for the use of available resources in a comprehensive and 
holistic manner; and assisting in evaluating performance under these 
community efforts and in linking plans with neighboring communities in 
order to foster regional planning;
    b. Loans, grants, development assistance, predevelopment 
assistance, or other financial assistance to CDCs and CHDOs to carry 
out community development and affordable housing activities that 
benefit low-income families and persons, including the acquisition, 
construction, or rehabilitation of housing for low-income families and 
persons, and community and economic development activities that create 
jobs for low-income persons; and
    c. Such other activities as may be determined by the grantees in 
consultation with the Secretary or his or her designee. Activities 
undertaken as part of, or as a result of, capacity building efforts 
described in this section shall support the implementation of other HUD 
programs, especially Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME, 
Homeless programs, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS 
(HOPWA). Further, such activities shall support HUD's Strategic Plan 
and priorities as described in the General Section.
    2. DUNS Requirement. Refer to the General Section for information 
regarding the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) requirement. 
Applicants must obtain a DUNS number to receive an award from HUD.
    3. Other Eligibility Requirements. All applicants requesting 
funding under this NOFA must be in compliance with the applicable 
threshold requirements found in the General Section. Applicants that do 
not meet these requirements will be ineligible for funding.
    4. False Statements. An applicant's false statement in an 
application is grounds for denial or termination of an award and 
grounds for possible punishment, as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
    5. Environmental Review. Individual project sites to be funded by 
awards under this NOFA may not be known at the time the individual 
grant agreements are awarded and also may not be known when some of the 
individual subgrants are made. Therefore, in accordance with 24 CFR 
50.3(h), the application and the grant agreement must provide that no 
commitment or expenditure of HUD or private match funds to a HUD-
assisted project may be made until HUD has: (1) Completed an 
environmental review to the extent required under applicable 
regulations and (2) given notification of its approval, in accordance 
with 24 CFR 50.3(h).

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Addresses to Request Application Package

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

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

    A completed application consists of an application submitted by an 
authorized official of the organization and containing all relevant 
sections of the application, as shown in the checklist below in Section 
IV.B.3.
    1. Page Limitation. Narratives addressing Factors 1 through 5 are 
limited to no more than 25 typed pages. That is, reviewers will not 
review more than 25 pages for all five factors combined, except that 
the page limit does not include the form HUD-96010, Program Logic 
Model.
    2. Prohibition on Materials Not Required. Materials other than what 
is requested in this NOFA are prohibited. Reviewers will not consider 
resumes, charts, letters, or any other documents attached to the 
application that are not specified in this NOFA.
    3. Checklist for Application Submission. Applicants submitting 
electronic copies should follow the procedures in Sections IV.B. and F. 
of the General Section. The following checklist is provided as a guide 
to help ensure that applicants submit all the required elements. For 
applicants receiving a waiver of the electronic submission requirement, 
the paper submission must be in the order provided below. All 
applicants should enter the applicant name, DUNS number, and page 
numbers on the narrative pages of the application.
    --SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance (Note: Applicants must 
enter their legal name in box 8.a. of the SF-424 as it appears in the 
Central Contractor Register (CCR). See the General Section regarding 
CCR Registration);
    --SF-424 Supplement, Survey for Ensuring Equal Opportunity for 
Applicants (``Faith Based EEO Survey (SF-424 SUPP)'' on Grants.gov);
    --Narrative addressing Factors 1 through 5;
    --HUD-96010, Program Logic Model;
    --HUD-424-CB, Grant Application Detailed Budget Form (``HUD 
Detailed Budget Form'' on Grants.gov);
    --HUD-424-CBW, Detailed Budget Worksheet for Non-Construction 
Projects;
    --SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable);
    --HUD-2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (``HUD

[[Page 53257]]

Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report'' on Grants.gov);
    --HUD-2993, Acknowledgment of Application Receipt (applicable to 
paper applications only);
    --HUD-2994-A, You Are Our Client! Grant Applicant Survey 
(Optional); and
    --HUD-96011, Third Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal 
(``Facsimile Transmittal Form'' on Grants.gov).

C. Submission Dates and Times

    The application deadline date is December 12, 2007. Unless you 
received a waiver to the electronic application submission requirement, 
your completed application must be submitted through https://
www.grants.gov/applicants/apply for grants.jsp and must be received and 
validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the 
application deadline date. (Refer to Section VI of the General Section 
for further information on the delivery and receipt of applications.)

D. Intergovernmental Review

    Intergovernmental review is not applicable to capacity building 
applications.

E. Funding Restrictions

    No fee or profit may be paid to any recipient or subrecipient of an 
award under this capacity building NOFA.

F. Other Submission Requirements

    1. Electronic Delivery:
    a. The Grants.gov Web site offers a simple, unified application 
process. There are several registration steps applicants need to 
complete. Further information is contained in the General Section 
published on January 18, 2007 (72 FR 2396). Applicants should also 
review the March 13, 2007, publication (72 FR 11434) of HUD's 
Discretionary Programs (FY2007 SuperNOFA), as well as the technical 
correction to the FY2007 SuperNOFA General Section published on May 11, 
2007 (72 FR 27032). Capacity Building applicants should also read HUD's 
Federal Register Notice on Early Registration published in the Federal 
Register on October 31, 2006 (71 FR 64070).
    b. Electronic Signature. Applications submitted through Grants.gov 
constitute submission as an electronically signed application.
    2. Instructions on how to submit electronically are outlined in 
HUD's ``Desktop User's Guide'' located on HUD's Grants Web site at 
https://www.hud.gov/grants/index.cfm.
    3. Waiver of Electronic Submission Requirement. Applicants 
interested in applying for funding under this NOFA must submit their 
applications electronically or request a waiver from the electronic 
submission process. Waiver requests must be submitted in writing by e-
mail. Waiver requests must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to 
the application deadline date and should be sent to Karen E. Daly at 
Karen.E.Daly@hud.gov. If you are granted a waiver from the electronic 
submission process, your application must be received by HUD no later 
than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date. See 
the General Section for additional information.
    4. Proof of Timely Submission. Applicants must submit their 
applications via grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_
for_grants.jsp in time for receipt and validation by 11:59:59 p.m. 
eastern time on the application deadline date of December 12, 2007. 
Validation can take up to 72 hours, so applicants should submit with 
ample time for the process to be completed. Applicants are also advised 
to submit with sufficient time to correct any deficiencies that would 
prevent the acceptance of your application by Grants.gov. (Refer to the 
General Section for specific procedures regarding proof of timely 
submission of applications.)

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

    The maximum number of points to be awarded for a capacity building 
application is 100. The minimum score for an application to be 
considered for funding is 75. The capacity building program is not 
subject to bonus points, as described in the General Section.
    Points are assigned on five factors. When addressing Factors 2 
through 5, applicants should discuss the specific capacity building 
activities that will be carried out during the term of the grant 
agreement. Applicants should provide relevant examples to support the 
proposal, where appropriate. Applicants should also be specific when 
describing the communities, populations, and organizations that they 
propose to serve and the specific outcomes expected as a result of the 
capacity building. Applicants should also be specific about the 
relationship of their plan to the goals and objectives in the HUD 
Strategic Plan. The plan can be viewed on the HUD Web site at https://
www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/cfo/reports/hud--strat--
plan--2006-2011.pdf.
    1. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant 
Organizational Experience (15 points)
    Factor 1 relates to the capacity of the applicant and its relevant 
organizational experience. Rating of the ``applicant'' or the 
``applicant's organization and staff'' includes in-house staff and any 
subcontractors and subrecipients who are firmly committed to the 
project. In responding to Factor 1, applicants should specify the 
experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant's 
organization and staff, and of any persons and organizations firmly 
committed to the project. Please do not include the Social Security 
Numbers of any staff.
    a. (5 points) Recent and successful experience of the applicant's 
organization in building the capacity of CDCs and CHDOs to develop 
affordable housing and community development projects.
    In rating this factor, HUD will consider the extent to which the 
application demonstrates successful experience, within the last 4 
years, in providing technical and administrative expertise to build the 
capacity of CDCs and CHDOs.
    b. (5 points) Depth of experience in managing multiple capacity 
building tasks, to multiple entities, and in more than one geographic 
area.
    In rating this factor, HUD will consider the extent to which the 
application demonstrates ability to manage capacity building 
assignments effectively.
    c. (5 points) Knowledgeable key personnel skilled in providing one 
or more of the eligible activities for the capacity building program; a 
sufficient number of staff or ability to procure qualified experts or 
professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to deliver the 
proposed level of services in the proposed service area in a timely and 
effective fashion; and an ability to provide capacity building in urban 
and rural settings.
    In rating this factor, HUD will consider the extent to which the 
application demonstrates that the organization has an adequate number 
of key staff or the ability to procure individuals with the knowledge 
of effective capacity building approaches and knowledge of developing 
affordable housing and community development projects.
    2. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (15 points)
    Sound and extensive understanding of need for capacity building in 
relation to the priorities listed in Section III.C. of this NOFA, as 
demonstrated by objective information and/or data, such

[[Page 53258]]

as information from current census data, the American Housing Survey, 
or other relevant data sources. Sound and extensive understanding of 
high-priority needs in urban and rural settings for CHDOs and CDCs, as 
demonstrated by objective information and/or data.
    In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the 
application demonstrates an understanding of the specific needs for 
capacity building and supports the description of need with reliable, 
program-specific, quantitative information.
    3. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (40 points)
    a. (20 points) A sound approach for addressing the need for 
eligible capacity building activities in relation to the priorities 
listed in Section III.C. of this NOFA that will result in positive 
outcomes.
    In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the 
application presents and supports a detailed, feasible, and practical 
approach for addressing capacity building needs, including techniques, 
time frames, goals, and intended beneficiaries, and the likelihood that 
these activities will be cost-effective and will result in the ability 
of the organization receiving technical assistance to commence work on 
specific housing and community development projects by the end of the 
performance period.
    b. (10 points) A feasible work plan for designing, organizing, 
managing, and carrying out the proposed capacity building activities.
    In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the 
application demonstrates the efficiency of the design, organization, 
and management of the proposed activities.
    c. (10 points) An effective assistance program to specific 
disadvantaged communities, populations, and/or organizations that 
previously have been underserved and have the potential to participate 
in the capacity building program (such as the Neighborhood 
Revitalization Strategy Areas) designated by HUD, Colonias, or locally 
designated community development target areas.
    In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the 
applicant: (1) Has identified and has documented, using reliable data, 
specific communities, populations, or organizations that have been 
disadvantaged or previously underserved communities, populations, or 
organizations and (2) has developed an effective strategy for engaging 
the participation of those communities, populations, or organizations 
in the capacity building program.
    4. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (15 points)
    This factor evaluates the applicant's ability to leverage (secure) 
public and/or private sector resources (such as financing, supplies, or 
services) from sources other than HUD that can be added to HUD's funds 
to perform eligible activities and sustain the applicant's proposed 
project. Higher points will be awarded for higher percentages of 
leveraged resources, compared to the amount of HUD funds requested. No 
leveraged points will be awarded if the minimum match is not exceeded. 
For leveraging, HUD's Management Plan has a performance goal of ten 
investment dollars from outside sources in total project development 
costs for each federal dollar awarded. To receive points for leverage, 
all contributions (cash or in-kind) promised during the period of 
performance must be expressed in dollar values and documented in a 
commitment letter submitted with the application from a responsible 
official of each contributing organization. All leveraging commitments 
shall be scanned and attached to the electronic application or 
submitted via fax (using form HUD-96011, ``Third Party Documentation 
Facsimile Transmittal'' (``Facsimile Transmittal Form'' on Grants.gov) 
as part of the application.
    Applicants must note that leveraging resources are considered 
additional resources beyond and above the statutorily required 3:1 
matching resource requirement and cannot be counted towards the 
statutory match requirement.
    5. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (15 
points)
    a. (8 points) An effective, quantifiable evaluation plan for 
measuring performance using the Logic Model (form HUD-96010, ``Program 
Outcome Logic Model'') with specific outcome measures and benchmarks, 
and performance improvements.
    In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the 
application has an evaluation plan that includes outcomes and is 
specific, measurable, and appropriate in relation to the activities 
proposed. HUD is committed to ensuring that programs result in the 
achievement of HUD's strategic mission. To support this effort, grant 
applications submitted for HUD programs will be rated on how well they 
tie proposed outcomes to HUD's policy priorities and annual goals and 
objectives, as well as the quality of the applicant's proposed 
evaluation and monitoring plans. HUD's strategic framework establishes 
the goals and objectives for the Department. Please refer to the 
General Section.
    The Logic Model should, at a minimum, discuss those performance 
indicators that have been developed for use by HUD and the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) in evaluating the section 4 program using 
OMB's Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART). These measures include: 
(1) The annual number of homes renovated, preserved, or newly 
constructed; (2) the annual number of trainings created and provided to 
CDCs; (3) the long-term total development cost estimate of community 
development projects funded by CDCs; and (4) the efficiency measure of 
per-unit cost of capacity building for housing units developed or 
renovated.
    Applicants should also outline any other short-or long-term 
outcomes that are indicators of their program's performance.
    b. (7 points) Successful past performance in administering HUD's 
capacity building program. This rating factor reflects HUD's goal to 
embrace high standards of ethics, management, and accountability. 
Applicants should include, as applicable, increases in Community 
Planning and Development (CPD) or affordable housing and community 
development program accomplishments as a result of capacity building 
(e.g., number of affordable housing units developed, number of 
trainings delivered to CDCs and CHDOs, growth of CDC and CHDO capacity 
over time, efficiency or effectiveness of administration of CPD or 
community development programs, timeliness of use of CPD or community 
development program funds, and project development investment and 
leveraging efficiencies).
    In rating this factor, HUD will evaluate the extent to which the 
application demonstrates successful past performance that was timely 
and resulted in positive outcomes in the delivery of capacity building 
for affordable housing and community development. HUD will also 
consider past performance of current section 4 grantees, including 
financial and other information in HUD's files.

B. Review and Selection Process

    1. Review Types. Two types of reviews will be conducted. First, HUD 
will review each application to determine whether it meets threshold 
eligibility requirements. Second, HUD will review and assign scores to 
applications using the Factors for Award noted in Section V.A.

[[Page 53259]]

    2. Ranked Order. Once rating scores are assigned, rated 
applications will be listed in ranked order. Applications within the 
fundable range (score of 75+ points) may then be funded in ranked 
order.
    3. Threshold Eligibility Requirements. All applicants must be in 
compliance with the applicable threshold requirements found in the 
General Section and the eligibility requirements listed in Section III 
of this NOFA in order to be reviewed, scored, and ranked. Applications 
that do not meet these requirements and applications that were received 
after the deadline (see Section IV.C. of the General Section) will be 
considered ineligible for funding.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    HUD will send written notifications to both successful and 
unsuccessful applicants. A notification sent to a successful applicant 
is not an authorization to begin performance or to incur costs.
    After selection for funding, each grantee will submit to HUD a 
specific work and funding plan for each community it proposes to serve, 
showing when and how the federal funds and matching funds will be used. 
The work plan must be sufficiently detailed for monitoring purposes and 
must identify the performance goals and objectives to be achieved. 
Within 45 days after submission of a specific work plan, HUD will 
approve the work plan or notify the grantee of matters that need to be 
addressed prior to approval. Work plans may be developed for less than 
the full dollar amount and term of the award, but no HUD-funded costs 
may be incurred for any activity until the work plan is approved by 
HUD. All activities are also subject to the environmental requirements 
in section III.C.5. of this notice.
    After selection, but prior to award, applicants selected for 
funding will be required to provide HUD with their written Code of 
Conduct, if they have not previously done so and it is recorded on the 
HUD Web site at https://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/codeofconduct/
cconduct.cfm.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.

    1. OMB Circulars and Government-wide Regulations Applicable to 
Financial Assistance Programs. Awards under this NOFA will be governed 
by 24 CFR part 84 (Uniform Administrative Requirements), OMB Circular 
A-122 (Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations), and OMB Circular 
A-133 (Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit 
Organizations). Copies of the OMB Circulars may be obtained from 
Executive Office of the President's (EOP) Publications Office, Room 
2200, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503, telephone 
number (202) 395-3080 (this is not a toll-free number) or (800) 877-
8339 (TTY Federal Information Relay Service). Information also may be 
obtained from the OMB Web site at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/
circulars/.
    2. General. See section III.C. of the General Section regarding 
additional applicable requirements.

C. Reporting

    1. Grantees will be required to report to the government technical 
representative (GTR) quarterly, unless otherwise specified in the grant 
agreement. The quarterly performance report shall be submitted to HUD 
within 45 days after each calendar quarter. Performance reports shall 
include reports on both performance and financial progress under work 
plans and shall include reports on the commitment and expenditure of 
private matching resources utilized through the end of the reporting 
period. Reports shall conform to the reporting requirements of 24 CFR 
part 84. As part of the required quarterly report to HUD, grant 
recipients must include a completed Program Logic Model (form HUD-
96010), which identifies output and outcome achievements.
    2. Additional information or increased frequency of reporting may 
be required by HUD any time during the grant agreement, if HUD finds 
such reporting to be necessary for monitoring purposes.
    3. To further the consultation process and share the results of 
progress to date, the Secretary may require grantees to present and 
discuss their performance reports at annual meetings in Washington, DC, 
during the life of the award.
    4. The performance reports must contain the information required 
under 24 CFR part 84, including a comparison of actual accomplishments 
with the objectives and performance goals of the work plans. In the 
work plans, each grantee will identify performance goals and objectives 
established for each community in which it proposes to work and 
appropriate measurements under the work plan, such as the number of 
housing units and facilities each CDC or CHDO produces annually during 
the grant period and the average cost of such units. The performance 
reports will also include a discussion of the reasonableness of the 
unit costs, the reasons for slippage if established objectives and 
goals are not met, and additional pertinent information.
    5. A final performance report, in the form described in paragraph 
(d) immediately above, shall be provided to HUD by each grantee within 
90 days after the completion date of the award.
    6. Financial status reports (SF-269A) shall be submitted quarterly.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For Assistance. Applicants may contact Karen E. Daly at (202) 708-
1817 (this is not a toll-free number). Persons with hearing and speech 
impairments may access the above numbers via TTY (text telephone) by 
calling the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 (this 
is a toll-free number). Information may also be obtained through the 
HUD Web site at https://www.hud.gov.

VIII. Other Information

A. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act do not apply because 
there are fewer than ten respondents; only four applicants are eligible 
for this program.

B. Environmental Impact

    A Finding of No Significant Impact with respect to the environment 
has been made, in accordance with the Department's regulations at 24 
CFR part 50, which implements section 102(2)(C) of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332). The Finding of No 
Significant Impact is available for public inspection between 7:30 a.m. 
and 5:30 p.m. weekdays at the Office of the Rules Docket Clerk, 
Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., 
Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410.

C. Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

    Applications must contain a certification that the applicant and 
all subgrantees shall comply with the requirements of the Fair Housing 
Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title 
IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, and the Americans with 
Disabilities Act, and will affirmatively further fair housing.

D. Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968

    Applications must contain a certification that the applicant and 
all subgrantees will comply with section 3

[[Page 53260]]

of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended (12 U.S.C. 
1701u) and HUD's implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 135, which 
require that, to the greatest extent feasible, opportunities for 
training and employment be given to low-income persons residing within 
the unit of local government for the metropolitan area (or 
nonmetropolitan county) in which the project is located.

    Dated: September 11, 2007.
Nelson R. Breg[oacute]n,
General Deputy Assistant, Secretary for Community Planning and 
Development.
[FR Doc. E7-18386 Filed 9-17-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-67-P
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