Funding Availability: Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, 72142-72152 [2019-28095]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 249 (Monday, December 30, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72142-72152]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-28095]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Funding Availability: Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem 
Program

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing the 
availability of per diem funds to eligible entities to provide 
transitional housing beds or service centers for Veterans who are 
homeless or at risk for becoming homeless under VA's Homeless Providers 
GPD Program models. VA expects to fund approximately 11,500 beds and 
approximately 20 service center applications with this Notice of 
Funding Availability (NOFA) for applicants who will offer one (1) or a 
combination of the transitional housing bed models (i.e., Bridge 
Housing, Low Demand, Hospital-to-Housing, Clinical Treatment and 
Service-Intensive

[[Page 72143]]

Transitional Housing) and for applicants who will offer service 
centers. Funding is based on a variety of factors including the 
quantity and quality of applications as well as the availability of 
funding.

DATES: Applications for grants under the GPD Program must be received 
by the GPD National Program Office by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 
2, 2020. In the interest of fairness to all competing applicants, this 
deadline is firm as to date and hour. VA will treat as ineligible for 
consideration any application that is received after the deadline. 
Applicants should take this practice into account and submit their 
materials early to avoid the risk of unanticipated delays, computer 
service outages or other submission-related problems that might result 
in ineligibility.

ADDRESSES:
    For a Copy of the Application Package: The required documentation 
for applications is outlined under the Application Documentation 
Required sections of this NOFA. Note: There is an Application 
Documentation Required section for applications for transitional 
housing bed models and a separate Application Documentation Required 
section for applications for service centers. Questions should be 
referred to the GPD National Program Office at [email protected]. For 
detailed GPD Program information and requirements, see Title 38, Code 
of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 61 (38 CFR part 61).
    Submission of Application Package: Applicants must submit 
applications electronically following instructions found at www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp. Applications may not be mailed, emailed or sent by 
fax. Applications must be received by the GPD National Program Office 
by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the application deadline date. 
Applications must be submitted 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.
    Technical Assistance: Information regarding how to obtain technical 
assistance with the preparation of a grant application is available on 
the GPD Program website at: www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Jeffery Quarles, Director, Grant and 
Per Diem Program (673/GPD), VA National Grant and Per Diem Program 
Office, 10770 N. 46th Street Suite C-200, Tampa, FL 33617, (813) 979-
3570. (This is not a toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Funding Opportunity Title: GPD Per Diem Only Grant Program (PDO).
    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: VA-GPD-PDO-FY2020.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 64.024, VA Homeless 
Providers Grant and Per Diem Program.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    A. Purpose: This NOFA announces the availability of per diem 
funding to 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) non-profit organizations, state and 
local governments, and recognized Indian Tribal governments. Each 
application must request either transitional housing bed model(s) or 
service center(s). Although transitional housing applications and 
service center applications are standalone applications, they will be 
reviewed, scored and selected for funding together. They will be 
selected based on their ranked order among all the applications 
submitted in response to this NOFA.

Transitional Housing Applications

     Applications are limited to up to one (1) transitional 
housing application per VA Medical Center (VAMC) catchment area per 
applicant's Employer Identification Number (EIN).
     Applications must include a minimum of five (5) 
transitional housing beds per model.
     Applications may include any combination of one, some or 
all transitional housing bed models.
     Choice of a model or combination of models is at the 
applicant's discretion. Applicants are encouraged to tailor the 
proposed model(s) to factors such as their own ability and the 
particular needs of the community.
     All housing model(s), site(s) and beds being proposed by 
the applicant for the VAMC catchment area must be included within a 
single application.
     If more than one (1) application per VAMC catchment area 
per applicant's EIN is received by the due date and time, VA will 
consider only one (1) application. VA reserves the right to select 
which application to consider based on the submission dates and times 
or based on other factors.

Service Center(s) Applications

     Applications are limited to up to one (1) service center 
application per VAMC catchment area per applicant's EIN.
     Choice of site(s) and service(s) is at the applicant's 
discretion. Applicants are encouraged to tailor their proposed site(s) 
and service(s) to factors such as their own ability and the particular 
needs of the community.
     All service center(s) being proposed by the applicant for 
the VAMC catchment area must be included within a single application.
     If more than one (1) application per VAMC catchment area 
per applicant's EIN is received by the due date and time, VA will 
consider only one (1) application. VA reserves the right to select 
which application to consider based on the submission dates and times 
or based on other factors.
    Note: Applications for transitional housing beds and applications 
for service center(s) do not have to include coverage for the entire 
VAMC catchment area in the application. The coverage area; however, 
must not exceed the VAMC catchment area identified in the application. 
If an applicant does not know their VAMC catchment area, they can 
contact the local medical facility: https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/allstate.asp and ask to speak with the Homeless Program.
    Applicants agree to meet the applicable requirements of 38 CFR part 
61. In addition, all applicants need to demonstrate low barriers to 
accessing services and have policies and procedures for working with 
Veterans who relapse.
    B. Definitions: 38 CFR part 61 contains definitions of terms used 
in the GPD Program that are applicable to this NOFA.
    C. Eligibility Information: To be eligible, an applicant must be a 
501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) non-profit organization, state or local 
government, or recognized Indian Tribal government that meets the 
requirements in 38 CFR 61.1.
    D. Cost Sharing or Matching: None.
    E. Authority: Funding under this NOFA is authorized by 38 U.S.C. 
2011, 2012.
    F. Transitional Housing Models and Service Center Descriptions:
    Note: For each of the model descriptions below that have Required 
Minimum Performance Metrics/Targets, targets are set for the initial 
funding year of this award (October 1, 2020-September 30, 2021). VA 
may, at its discretion, update these targets during the option year 
renewal process. Any new targets will be stated in the option year 
grant agreement.

Bridge Housing

    Targeted Population--Homeless Veterans who have been offered and 
have accepted a permanent housing intervention but are not able to 
immediately enter the permanent housing. For purposes of this housing 
model, a Veteran is considered accepted

[[Page 72144]]

for a permanent housing intervention if, for example, the Veteran has 
been accepted for case management as part of the Department of Housing 
and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program even if 
the Veteran has not yet received the HUD-VASH voucher. Similarly, a 
Veteran is considered accepted for a permanent housing intervention if, 
for example, the Veteran has been accepted into a Supportive Services 
for Veterans Families (SSVF) but has not yet started services. Other 
permanent housing may also be identified (e.g., purchase of a home, an 
apartment lease). Applicants should review the availability of the 
community's permanent housing prior to applying under this model to 
avoid not being able to move Veterans to permanent housing as quickly 
as possible.
    Model Overview--Bridge housing is intended to be a short-term stay 
in transitional housing for Veterans with pre-identified permanent 
housing destinations.
    Characteristics & Standards--Goals in the Individual Service Plan 
(ISP) should be short-term with the focus on the move to permanent 
housing, rather than the completion of treatment goals. Veterans are 
expected to receive case management and support, which should be 
coordinated with the HUD-VASH, SSVF or other available community-based 
programs. Grantees will assist Veterans with accessing services as 
needed/requested by the Veteran and must make available to participants 
a menu of available services.
    Length of Stay (LOS) will be individually determined based on need, 
but in general, is expected to average 90 days.
    Admission Criteria--Veterans must have been offered and accepted a 
permanent housing intervention prior to admission with documentation to 
be completed within the first 14 days of admission.
    Required Minimum Performance Metrics/Targets--Discharge to 
permanent housing target is 75 percent. Negative exits target is less 
than 20 percent. Negative exits are defined as those exits from a GPD 
program for a violation of program rules, failure to comply with 
program requirements or leaving the program without consulting staff.

Low Demand

    Targeted Population--Homeless Veterans who suffer from mental-
health or substance-use problems or who struggle with maintaining 
sobriety; and Veterans with multiple treatment failures who may have 
never received treatment services or may have been unsuccessful in 
traditional housing programs. These Veterans may have not yet fully 
committed to sobriety and treatment.
    Model Overview--Low-Demand housing uses a high-engagement/harm-
reduction model to better accommodate chronically homeless Veterans and 
Veterans who were unsuccessful in traditional treatment settings. 
Programming does not require sobriety or compliance with mental health 
treatment as a condition of admission or continued stay. Overall, 
demands are kept to a minimum; however, services are made widely 
available and are actively promoted by program staff as needed. The 
goal is to establish permanent housing in the community, while 
providing for the safety of staff and residents.
    Characteristics & Standards--Project is small in size (typically 20 
beds or less). Services must include case management, substance-use, 
and mental-health treatment. Referrals for benefits are made available 
as Veterans engage.
    Must provide the participant an orientation that sets the 
expectations of performance for the participant. Must have 24/7, paid, 
appropriately trained, on-site staffing at the same location as the 
location of the program participant. (Using resident managers is not 
allowed.)
    Must have a method to monitor participants' and guests' comings and 
goings.
    Must have a system in place for managing contraband.
    Must be willing to retain Veterans who commit minor infractions of 
rules and who cannot and/or will not stop drinking and/or using legal 
or illegal substances.
    Must be committed to keeping the Veterans housed, staying 
continuously engaged with each Veteran and providing services as 
needed.
    Must have procedures to ensure safety of staff and residents. The 
grantee agency must participate in calls twice per month and in an 
annual fidelity assessment process as established by VA.
    Required Minimum Performance Metrics/Targets--Discharge to 
permanent housing target is 60 percent. Negative exits target is less 
than 20 percent. Negative exits are defined as those exits from a GPD 
program for a violation of program rules, failure to comply with 
program requirements or leaving the program without consulting staff.

Hospital-to-Housing

    Targeted Population--Homeless Veterans who are identified and 
evaluated at inpatient care settings and emergency departments for 
suitability for direct transfer to a designated GPD program for 
transitional housing and supportive care. Veterans served under this 
model must be able to receive healthcare services from VA as a Homeless 
Patient Aligned Care Team (H-PACT), or other appropriate care team, 
will facilitate the ongoing care needs while in transitional housing.
    Model Overview--Hospital-to-Housing is a model to address the 
housing and recuperative care needs of homeless Veterans who have been 
hospitalized.
    Characteristics & Standards--Project is small (typically 10 beds or 
less). Housing sites are expected to be near the referring medical 
center so that ongoing clinical care, including specialty care, can 
continue to be provided.
    Have a post-discharge care plan as pre-requisite to program 
placement that addresses ongoing physical, mental health, substance-use 
disorder and social work needs as well as care management plans to 
transition the Veteran to permanent housing upon clinical 
stabilization.
    The VA H-PACT, or other appropriate care team, will facilitate and 
coordinate the ongoing care needs upon transition.
    A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) must be in place with the local 
VAMC that details participation in the Hospital-to-Housing program. 
Included in this should be a detailing of acceptance criteria for 
Veterans being referred from local inpatient care settings and 
emergency departments, a detailing of how follow-up care with the 
medical center is organized, and a commitment to engaging enrolled 
Veterans in permanent housing as part of program objectives.
    Admission Criteria--Individual must be functional, able to perform 
independent Activities of Daily Living (ADL), not require acute 
detoxification, have no apparent psychosis and have a post discharge 
plan coordinating care with the VAMC (e.g., H-PACT Team, Mental Health, 
Substance Abuse).
    Required Minimum Performance Metrics/Targets--Discharge to 
permanent housing target is 65 percent. Negative exits target is less 
than 20 percent. Negative exits are defined as those exits from a GPD 
program for a violation of program rules, failure to comply with 
program requirements or leaving the program without consulting staff.

[[Page 72145]]

Clinical Treatment

    Targeted Population--Homeless Veterans with a specific diagnosis 
related to a substance-use disorder and/or mental-health diagnosis. 
Veteran actively chooses to engage in clinical services.
    Model Overview--Clinically focused treatment is provided in 
conjunction with services effective in helping homeless Veterans secure 
permanent housing and increase income through benefits and/or 
employment.
    Characteristics & Standards--Although the programming and services 
have a strong clinical focus, permanent housing and increased income 
are a required outcome of the program. Treatment programs must 
incorporate strategies to increase income and housing attainment.
    Individualized assessment, services and treatment plan are tailored 
to achieve optimal results in a time efficient manner and are 
consistent with sound clinical practice.
    Program stays are to be individualized based upon the ISP for the 
Veteran (not program driven).
    Staff are to be licensed and/or credentialed to perform the 
substance-use disorder/mental health services provided as directed by 
state and local law. Treatment services must be provided by the 
applicant or through contract arrangement. (VA staff cannot be the 
treatment provider for this model.)
    Veterans are offered a variety of treatment service modalities 
(e.g., individual and group counseling/therapy, family support groups/
family therapy, psychoeducation).
    Required Minimum Performance Metrics/Targets--Discharge to 
permanent housing target is 65 percent. Employment of individuals at 
discharge target is 55 percent. Negative exits target is less than 20 
percent. Negative exits are defined as those exits from a GPD program 
for a violation of program rules, failure to comply with program 
requirements or leaving the program without consulting staff.

Service-Intensive Transitional Housing

    Targeted Population--Homeless Veterans who choose a supportive 
transitional housing environment providing services prior to entering 
permanent housing.
    Model Overview--Provides transitional housing and robust services 
that facilitate individual stabilization, increased income and movement 
to permanent housing as rapidly as clinically appropriate.
    Characteristics & Standards--Scope of services should incorporate 
tactics to increase the Veteran's income through employment and/or 
benefits and obtaining permanent housing. Services provided, and 
strategies used by the applicant will vary based on the individualized 
needs of the Veteran and resources available in the community. The 
applicants are encouraged to provide an array of comprehensive services 
and/or to connect Veterans to resources available in the community. 
Applicants specify the staffing levels and range of services to be 
provided. See Funding Limitations section of this NOFA for the maximum 
number of Service-Intensive beds allowed per application.
    Required Minimum Performance Metrics/Targets--Discharge to 
permanent housing target is 70 percent. Employment of individuals at 
discharge target is 55 percent. Negative exits target is less than 20 
percent. Negative exits are defined as those exits from a GPD program 
for a violation of program rules, failure to comply with program 
requirements or leaving the program without consulting staff.

Service Centers

    Targeted Population--Homeless Veterans who are seeking assistance 
with obtaining housing, employment, medical care or benefits.
    Model Overview--Provides services and information to engage and aid 
homeless Veterans obtain housing and services. Veterans in GPD or in 
Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) transitional housing programs 
are not eligible to be billed under a service center because GPD and 
HCHV housing programs already include an array of services to 
facilitate obtaining housing, employment or benefits.
    Characteristics & Standards--Scope of services should incorporate 
tactics to engage and aid the Veteran. Services provided and strategies 
used by the applicant will vary based on the individualized needs of 
the Veteran and resources available in the community. Applicants 
specify the staffing levels and range of services to be provided. See 
38 CFR 61.80 for additional information about service centers.

Other

    Transition in Place (TIP) grantees do not need to respond to this 
NOFA. A separate NOFA will be published to announce availability of 
funding for TIP grants.

II. Award Information

    A. Allocation of Funds: Awards provided under this NOFA will be for 
a period of one (1) year, beginning on October 1, 2020, and ending on 
September 30, 2021, with options for VA to offer up to two (2) 
additional years dependent upon factors such as: Funding availability, 
the recipient meeting the performance goals established in the grant 
agreement, utilization rates of beds or services, statutory and 
regulatory requirements and the results of the VA inspection. 
Continuation funding is not guaranteed.
    B. Funding Restrictions: No part of an award under this NOFA may be 
used to facilitate capital improvements or to purchase vans or real 
property. Questions should be directed to VA's GPD National Program 
Office at the email address listed in the contact section of the NOFA. 
Applicants may not receive funding to replace funds provided by any 
Federal, state or local government agency or program to assist homeless 
persons.
    C. Funding Limitations:
    1. For all applications: VA's decisions will be based on factors 
such as need, geographic dispersion and availability of funding.
    2. For applications for transitional housing bed models: Applicants 
are encouraged to consider the need in their community for transitional 
housing models that are more focused (i.e., Bridge, Low Demand, 
Hospital-to-Housing and/or Clinical Treatment) over the transitional 
housing model that is more general (i.e., Service-Intensive). To that 
end, applicants may request up to 15 Service-Intensive beds per 
application. If more than 15 Service-Intensive beds are requested 
within the same application, then at least 60 percent of the additional 
beds beyond 15 must be for a transitional housing bed model(s) other 
than Service-Intensive. For example, an applicant applying for 50 total 
beds must allocate at least 21 of those beds to a housing model(s) that 
is not Service-Intensive (i.e., 50 total beds requested minus 15 
Service-Intensive beds = 35 beds times 60 percent = 21 non-Service-
Intensive beds, leaving 14 beds out of the total 50 beds for additional 
Service-Intensive beds and/or other beds at the applicant's 
discretion).
    A reminder that the minimum number of beds an applicant can request 
is five (5) beds per transitional housing model. A reminder that a 
separate application is required per VAMC catchment area per each 
applicant's EIN. Applicants are encouraged to review their proposed bed 
numbers carefully to make sure their request meets the requirements of 
the NOFA.
    3. For applications that include a request for Hospital-to-Housing 
beds: Applications that do not include a MOU from the local VAMC will 
not be

[[Page 72146]]

awarded any Hospital-to-Housing beds even if the application is 
otherwise selected for funding.
    4. For applications for service center(s): VA expects to fund 
approximately 20 service center applications based on a variety of 
factors including the quantity and quality of applications as well as 
the availability of funding.

III. Application and Submission Information

    A. To Obtain a Grant Application: Applicants must submit 
applications electronically following instructions found at www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp. The required documentation for an application 
submission is outlined below in the Application Documentation Required 
section of this NOFA. Standard forms, which must be included as part of 
a complete application package, may be downloaded directly from VA's 
GPD Program website at: www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp. Questions should 
be referred to the GPD National Program Office at [email protected] For 
detailed GPD Program information and requirements, see 38 CFR part 61.
    B. Content and Form of Application: VA is seeking to focus 
resources to assist Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming 
homeless. If your agency is unclear as to how to apply, contact the GPD 
National Program Office for clarification prior to submission of any 
application to ensure it is submitted in the correct format.
    Applicants should ensure that they include all required documents 
in their electronic application submission, carefully follow the format 
and provide the information requested and described below. Submission 
of an incorrect, incomplete or incorrectly formatted application 
package will result in the application being rejected or not funded.

IV. Application Documentation Required for Transitional Housing Bed 
Models

    Note: Refer to section V below for Application Documentation 
Required for Service Centers.
    A. Standard Forms and budget information:
    1. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
    2. Indirect cost information: Applicants that have a negotiated 
indirect cost rate agreement must provide a copy as an attachment to 
this application if they wish to charge indirect costs to the grant. 
Applicants without a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement may 
request the de minimis rate for indirect costs if they meet the 
definitions and requirements of 2 CFR part 200. All other allowable 
costs will be considered only if they are direct costs.
    B. Eligibility: State/local government entities must provide as an 
attachment to the application a copy of any comments or recommendations 
by approved state and (areawide) clearinghouses pursuant to Executive 
Order 12372.
    C. System for Award Management (SAM): Applicants must provide a 
current Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, Unique Entity 
Identifier (UEI) and SAM expiration date.
    D. Project Summary:
    1. Name of the VAMC whose catchment area includes the transitional 
housing location(s) requested in this application. If requesting 
multiple sites, all sites must fall within the same VAMC catchment 
area. If requesting multiple sites, applicants should make sure each 
proposed site is strongly justified and well developed. The quality of 
each site will impact the overall score of the application.
    2. Name(s) and number(s) of the Continuum of Care (CoC) where the 
transitional housing requested in this application will be located. If 
requesting sites in multiple CoCs, applicants should make sure sites in 
each CoC are strongly justified and well developed. The quality of 
sites in each CoC will impact the overall score of the application.
    3. Number of beds per housing model for which your agency is 
requesting per diem in this application.
    4. Location of housing provided under this application. Identify 
the address, city, state, zip code + four-digit extension, county, 
congressional district, the model(s) and number of GPD beds at each 
location and gender(s) served.
    5. Per location, a description of how the facility's participant 
living space will be configured within the model(s) requested. Include 
the square footage of the room or bay, the number of beds in that 
square footage and if the beds will be bunked (e.g., Single room 
occupancy, 100 square feet, no bunk beds, bridge and service-intensive; 
Open bay, 900 square feet, 12 beds, 4 sets of bunk beds, service-
intensive; Apartments, 1500 square feet, 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms, no bunk 
beds, bridge). Identify any differences among models, if applicable.
    6. Per location, description of any additional populations or types 
of housing being provided from other non-GPD sources of funding at this 
location (e.g., children, women, permanent housing, contract care).
    E. Applicant Contact Information:
    1. Location of the administrative office where correspondence can 
be sent to the Executive Director/President/CEO (no P.O. Boxes). 
Include complete address, city, state, zip code + four-digit extension, 
county and congressional district.
    2. Organization Primary Contact: Include the name, title, phone and 
email address. Note: This contact is assigned to the organization, not 
a specific grant award, and is normally someone who signs grant 
agreements or makes executive decisions for the organization. This is 
most often the CEO, the President or the Executive Director. 
Organizations with multiple awards can only have one (1) Organization 
Contact.
    3. Grant Contact #1: Include the name, title, phone and email 
address. Note: This contact is specific to this grant application and 
may be a Program Manager, Director, Case Manager, Grant Administrator 
or other position overseeing the GPD grant project.
    4. Provide as an attachment to the application a complete listing 
of your agency's officers of the Board of Directors and each person's 
address, phone and email address.
    5. Describe your participation with the local Homeless Management 
Information System (HMIS). Background: HMIS is a locally-administered 
web-based data system used to record and analyze both program and 
client information at the local CoC level. It is used by Federal 
partners, including VA, to measure project performance and participate 
in benchmarking of the national effort to end homelessness. Currently, 
using HMIS is optional for GPD grantees.
    F. Project Abstract: In approximately 500 words, provide a brief 
abstract of the proposed project. As applicable, include a discussion 
of multiple models, co-located models, multiple sites, multiple CoCs 
and/or other information relevant to an understanding of the overall 
project.
    G. Detailed Application Design: This is the portion of the 
application that describes your proposed program. VA reviewers will 
focus on how the detailed application design addresses the areas of 
outreach, project plan, model specific questions, ability, need and 
coordination in relation to the selected model(s) including how support 
services will be coordinated in relationship to the selected model(s). 
Note: There are some questions that only apply to specific models 
(i.e., Bridge, Low Demand, Hospital-to-Housing, Clinical Treatment, 
Service-

[[Page 72147]]

Intensive). Applicants applying for these models must include responses 
to these questions in the application. Note: The word count suggestions 
below account for space needed for applications with multiple models. 
It is understood that applications with one or few models generally 
would use less space than the suggested limit.
    VA expects applicants awarded under this NOFA will meet the VA 
performance metrics for the selected model(s). With those metrics in 
mind, and in response to the following sections, please include 
strategies to meet or exceed VA's national metric targets. The 
requirements in this section are consistent with 38 CFR part 61.
    (a) Outreach (see 38 CFR 61.13(c)): This is the portion of the 
application where applicants will discuss how the outreach plan is 
tailored to the specific model(s) chosen and how services will be 
provided for Veterans living in places not ordinarily meant for human 
habitation (e.g., streets, parks, abandoned buildings, automobiles, 
emergency shelters). Applications will be scored on responses to the 
following questions:
    1. Outreach--In approximately 250 words, describe your agency's 
plan to conduct outreach, including frequency of outreach, to your 
selected Veteran population(s) living in places not ordinarily meant 
for human habitation (e.g., streets, parks, abandoned buildings, 
automobiles, emergency shelters).
    2. Outreach--In approximately 1,000 words, describe per housing 
model named in Project Summary question IV.D.3, where your organization 
will target and tailor its outreach efforts to identify appropriate 
Veterans for this program.
    3. Outreach--In approximately 500 words, describe your agency's 
involvement in the Coordinated Assessment/Entry efforts of the CoC(s) 
named in Project Summary question IV.D.2. How does the plan fit into 
each CoC's plan to end homelessness?
    (b) Project Plan (see 38 CFR 61.13(b)): VA wishes to provide the 
most appropriate housing based on the needs of the individual Veteran. 
Applicants will be asked to answer questions based on the specific 
model(s) chosen for this application. Applications will be scored on 
responses to the following questions:
    1. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how you will 
ensure that homeless Veterans will be offered available permanent 
housing resources prior to entering the program.
    2. Project Plan--In approximately 2,000 words, by housing model 
named in Project Summary question IV.D.3, provide a list of the 
supportive services offered. This list should include a brief 
description of the service; the minimum frequency that the service will 
be offered; and the job title, including minimum credentials of the 
individual(s) that will be providing the service.
    3. Project Plan--VA places emphasis on lowering barriers to 
admissions. In approximately 500 words, describe your admission 
criteria and the specific process for deciding which Veterans are 
appropriate for admission for each housing model named in Project 
Summary question IV.D.3.
    4. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, address whether the 
project will serve mixed gender populations in a single facility and/or 
individual with children. Provide a listing and explanation of any 
gender-specific services. Identify any differences among the models, if 
applicable.
    5. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how the 
safety, security and privacy of participants will be ensured.
    6. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, provide your agency's 
ISP methodology and the core items to be addressed in the ISP.
    7. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how, when and 
by whom participants' progress toward meeting their individual goals 
will be monitored, evaluated and documented. Include descriptions of 
your agency's expectations regarding the frequency of progress notes 
and case conferencing and how this will be documented.
    8. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how permanent 
affordable housing will be identified, documented in the ISP and be 
made known to participants who plan on leaving the supportive housing.
    9. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how necessary 
follow-up services will be provided, for example, how often they will 
occur and the duration of the follow-up.
    10. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how Veteran 
participants will have a voice and aid in operating and maintaining the 
housing (e.g., volunteer time, paid positions, community governance 
meetings, peer support).
    11. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, if your agency plans 
to use any subrecipient(s) and/or contractor(s) for operating and/or 
maintaining the housing, describe the responsibilities of the 
subrecipient(s) and/or contractor(s).
    12. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe program 
policies regarding a clean and sober environment. Include in the 
description how participant relapse will be handled and how these 
policies will impact admission and discharge criteria.
    13. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, provide and describe 
the type and implementation of the medication control system that will 
be used in this project (e.g., Medication Management, Medication 
Monitoring, individual storage). For reference, applicants may review 
these requirements at: www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp.
    14. Project Plan--In approximately 250 words, describe program 
polices regarding participant agreements, including any leases and 
subleases, if used.
    15. Project Plan--In approximately 250 words, describe program 
polices regarding extracurricular fees, resident rent fees or other 
fees that will be charged.
    16. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how you will 
aid Veterans who seek increased income or benefits.
    17. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, address how your 
agency will facilitate the provision of nutritional meals for the 
Veterans. Be sure to describe how Veterans with little or no income 
will be assisted.
    18. Project Plan--VA puts great emphasis on placing Veterans in the 
most appropriate housing situation as rapidly as possible. In 
approximately 500 words, provide a timeline noting specific services 
that support housing stabilization from admission through exit. Include 
evidence of coordination of transition services your agency expects to 
offer.
    19. Project Plan--In approximately 250 words, describe how you will 
facilitate transportation of the Veteran participants with and without 
income to appointments, employment and supportive services.
    (c) Model Specific Questions: Applicants must respond to the 
following questions only for the model(s) named in Project Summary 
question IV.D.3. Applicants should make sure each proposed model is 
strongly justified and well developed. The quality of each model will 
impact the overall score of the application.
    1. Bridge Housing Model--The availability of permanent housing 
options is key to this model. In approximately 500 words, describe how 
your bridge housing is coordinated with permanent housing resources as 
part of a Housing First plan for homeless Veterans. Be sure to describe 
how your project will be coordinated with local HUD-VASH, Housing 
Coalition/CoC, and/or SSVF programs.

[[Page 72148]]

    2. Bridge Housing Model--In approximately 250 words, describe the 
referral to permanent housing process.
    3. Bridge Housing Model--In approximately 250 words, describe how 
ongoing care will be coordinated while in GPD with the local permanent 
housing providers.
    4. Low Demand Model--In approximately 500 words, how will your 
agency manage a safe environment if a Veteran return to the project 
impaired? Describe the safe environment including your agency's plan 
for using resources in a crisis (e.g., a sober lounge, a safe room). 
Describe how monitoring will be achieved.
    5. Low Demand Model--In approximately 250 words, describe how 24/7, 
paid, appropriately trained, on-site supervision required for this 
model will be provided. Be sure to discuss coverage during evenings, 
weekends, holidays and other irregular scheduling times.
    6. Low Demand Model--In approximately 250 words, describe the 
approaches that will be used to keep the Veterans engaged in services.
    7. Hospital-to-Housing Model--In approximately 250 words, describe 
the assessment process for identifying potential candidates.
    8. Hospital-to-Housing Model--Because this model depends on 
referrals from the local VAMC, in approximately 250 words, describe how 
your agency will coordinate messaging about the availability of 
services to maximize appropriate referrals.
    9. Hospital-to-Housing Model--Applicants for this model must attach 
to the application an MOU between the local VAMC (i.e., the VAMC 
Director or the appropriate authorized VAMC representative per the 
local VAMC's practice) and the applicant. The MOU must demonstrate the 
local VAMC's detailed participation in the Hospital-to-Housing program. 
Included in the MOU should be a detailing of acceptance criteria for 
Veterans being referred from local inpatient care settings and local 
emergency departments, a detailing of how follow-up care with the VAMC 
is organized, and a commitment to engaging enrolled Veterans in 
permanent housing as part of the program. Failure to submit an MOU will 
result in this model not being approved for funding even if the 
application is otherwise selected for funding. Applicants are strongly 
encouraged to allow as much time as possible, and no less than 30 days, 
for a VAMC to provide an MOU. All application materials must be 
submitted together in a single package by the due date and time. Any 
materials arriving separately or late will not be accepted as part of 
the application.
    10. Clinical Treatment Model--In approximately 500 words, describe 
if the proposed project will provide services to Veterans with 
substance abuse disorders and/or with mental health diagnoses. Also, 
describe the approaches used to treat the selected population(s). 
Include evidence-based approaches when possible. Confirm that VA staff 
will not be the treatment provider.
    11. Clinical Treatment Model--In approximately 500 words, describe 
how you will ensure that permanent housing and employment/income 
improvements will occur and lead to successful outcomes.
    12. Service-Intensive Model--In approximately 500 words, describe 
how you will ensure that permanent housing and employment/income 
improvements will occur and lead to successful outcomes.
    (d) Ability (see 38 CFR 61.13): This is the portion of the 
application where applicants demonstrate experience regarding the 
selected population(s). Applications will be scored on responses to the 
following questions:
    1. Ability--Provide as an attachment to the application a table or 
spreadsheet of the staffing plan for this project (see example 1). Do 
not include resumes.
Example 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Hours per week       Amount of annual
                                          Brief (1-2 sentence)                                 allocated to GPD      salary allocated   Amount of salary
              Job title                      description of          Educational level        project (40 hours         to the GPD     for the full-time
                                            responsibilities                                  equals full-time)          project            position
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Case manager.........................  Responsible for working    BSW....................  30 hours...............            $60,000            $80,000
                                        with the Veteran to
                                        develop and monitor an
                                        individual service plan
                                        and to adjust the plan
                                        as needed. Coordinates
                                        support with other
                                        community agencies..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    2. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe your agency's 
previous experience assessing and providing for the housing needs of 
homeless Veterans. If applicable, include a description of previous 
experience under your chosen model(s) as named in Project Summary 
question IV.D.3.
    3. Ability--In approximately 250 words, describe your agency's 
ability to get the project started within 180 days from the potential 
award date. Describe the start-up activities, the timing involved and 
when the project would be expected to be fully functional.
    4. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe your agency's 
previous experience in assessing and providing supportive service 
resources and entitlement benefits to homeless Veterans under your 
chosen model(s) as named in Project Summary question IV.D.3.
    5. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe your agency's 
previous experience with evaluating the progress of both individual 
participants and overall program effectiveness through using quality 
and performance data to make changes. Describe your agency's experience 
with meeting past performance goals. Do not include with the 
application past inspection forms or past VA performance reports.
    6. Ability--In approximately 250 words, is your agency accredited 
and/or licensed to provide clinical services? If yes, describe your 
agency's accreditation and/or licensure.
    7. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe the organization's 
staff development plan to help staff gain and maintain the knowledge, 
skills and abilities to provide culturally competent and relevant 
related services to people impacted by racial inequity. Include details 
on how staff will participate in specific training activities.
    (e) Need (see 38 CFR 61.13): This is the portion of the application 
where applicants demonstrate that the proposed project is necessary. 
Applications will be scored on responses to the following questions:

[[Page 72149]]

    1. Need--In approximately 500 words, describe how this project's 
proposed model(s) and bed numbers are tailored to the particular needs 
of the CoC(s). Describe how this project will fit with the strategy of 
the CoC(s) to end homelessness. Cite reliable data from surveys of 
homeless populations or other reports or data-gathering mechanisms. 
Note: If multiple CoCs are named in the Project Summary question 
IV.D.2, your response here should discuss each of those CoCs.
    2. Need--In approximately 500 words, describe with whom you 
consulted outside of your agency to determine the need for the proposed 
transitional housing model(s) and bed numbers within the CoC(s). Note: 
If multiple CoCs are named in the Project Summary question IV.D.2, your 
response here should discuss each of those CoCs.
    (f) Coordination (see 38 CFR 61.13): This is the portion of the 
application where applicants will demonstrate their involvement in the 
homeless Veteran continuum. Applications will be scored on responses to 
the following questions:
    1. Coordination--In approximately 500 words, describe how your 
agency is part of an ongoing community-wide planning process to end 
Veteran homelessness. Note: If multiple CoCs are named in the Project 
Summary question IV.D.2, your response here should discuss each of 
those CoCs.
    2. Coordination--In approximately 500 words, describe how your 
process is designed to share information on available resources and 
reduce duplication among programs that serve homeless Veterans. Note: 
If multiple CoCs are named in the Project Summary question IV.D.2, your 
response here must discuss each of those CoCs. Applicants who wish to 
provide a letter(s) of coordination from the local CoC(s) may attach a 
letter(s) at the end of the application. Applicants are strongly 
encouraged to allow as much time as possible, and no less than 30 days, 
for a CoC to provide a letter of coordination. All application 
materials must be submitted together in a single package by the due 
date and time. Any materials arriving separately or late will not be 
accepted as part of the application.
    3. Coordination--In approximately 250 words, describe how your 
agency consulted directly with the VAMC Director (or the appropriate 
authorized VAMC representative per the local VAMC's practice) regarding 
coordination of services for project participants. Provide your plan to 
assure access to healthcare, case management and other care services. 
Applicants who wish to provide a letter of coordination from the local 
VAMC must attach a letter at the end of the application. Applicants are 
strongly encouraged to allow as much time as possible, and no less than 
30 days, for a VAMC to provide a letter of coordination. All 
application materials must be submitted together in a single package by 
the due date and time. Any materials arriving separately or late will 
not be accepted as part of the application.

V. Application Documentation Required for Service Centers

    Note: Refer to section IV above for Application Documentation 
Required for Transitional Housing Bed Models.
    A. Standard Forms and budget information:
    1. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
    2. Indirect cost information: Applicants that have a negotiated 
indirect cost rate agreement must provide a copy as an attachment to 
this application if they wish to charge indirect costs to the grant. 
Applicants without a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement may 
request the de minimis rate for indirect costs if they meet the 
definitions and requirements of 2 CFR part 200. All other allowable 
costs will be considered only if they are direct costs.
    B. Eligibility: State/local government entities must provide as an 
attachment to the application a copy of any comments or recommendations 
by approved state and (areawide) clearinghouses pursuant to Executive 
Order 12372.
    C. System for Award Management (SAM): Applicants must provide a 
current Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, Unique Entity 
Identifier (UEI) and SAM expiration date.
    D. Project Summary:
    1. Name of the VAMC whose catchment area includes the service 
center location(s) requested in this application. If requesting 
multiple sites, all sites must fall within the same VAMC catchment 
area. If requesting multiple sites, applicants should make sure each 
proposed site is strongly justified and well developed. The quality of 
each site will impact the overall score of the application.
    2. Name(s) and number(s) of the CoC(s) of where the service 
center(s) requested in this application will be located. If requesting 
sites in multiple CoCs, applicants should make sure sites in each CoC 
are strongly justified and well developed. The quality of sites in each 
CoC will impact the overall score of the application.
    3. Estimated number of hourly service center visits to be provided 
annually for all service center(s) for which your agency is requesting 
per diem in this application.
    4. Location of services provided under this application. Identify 
the address, city, state, zip code + four-digit extension, county, 
other counties served and congressional district.
    E. Applicant Contact Information:
    1. Location of the administrative office where correspondence can 
be sent to the Executive Director/President/CEO (no P.O. Boxes). 
Include complete address, city, state, zip code + four-digit extension, 
county and congressional district.
    2. Organization Primary Contact: Include the name, title, phone and 
email address. Note: This contact is assigned to the organization, not 
a specific grant award, and is normally someone who signs grant 
agreements or makes executive decisions for the organization. This is 
most often the CEO, the President or the Executive Director. 
Organizations with multiple awards can only have one (1) Organization 
Contact.
    3. Grant Contact #1: Include the name, title, phone and email 
address. Note: This contact is specific to this grant application and 
may be a Program Manager, Director, Case Manager, Grant Administrator 
or other position overseeing the GPD grant project.
    4. Provide as an attachment to the application a complete listing 
of your agency's officers of the Board of Directors and each person's 
address, phone and email address.
    5. Describe your participation with the local HMIS. Background: 
HMIS is a locally-administered web-based data system used to record and 
analyze both program and client information at the local CoC level. It 
is used by Federal partners, including VA, to measure project 
performance and participate in benchmarking of the national effort to 
end homelessness. Currently, using HMIS is optional for GPD grantees.
    F. Project Abstract: In approximately 500 words, provide a brief 
abstract of the proposed project. As applicable, include a discussion 
of multiple sites, multiple CoCs and/or other information relevant to 
an understanding of the overall project.
    G. Detailed Application Design: This is the portion of the 
application that describes your proposed grant. VA reviewers will focus 
on how the detailed application design addresses the areas of outreach, 
project plan, ability, need and coordination in relation to the 
proposed service center(s) including how support services will be 
coordinated.

[[Page 72150]]

    VA expects applicants awarded under this NOFA will meet the 
standards described in their applications for populations served, 
services provided and visits annually. See also 38 CFR 61.80 for VA 
performance requirements for service centers. Keep this in mind when 
responding to the following sections. The requirements in this section 
are consistent with 38 CFR part 61.
    (a) Outreach (see 38 CFR 61.13): This is the portion of the 
application where applicants will discuss how the outreach plan is 
tailored to the service center(s) and how services will be provided for 
Veterans living in places not ordinarily meant for human habitation 
(e.g., streets, parks, abandoned buildings, automobiles, emergency 
shelters). Applications will be scored on responses to the following 
question:
    1. Outreach--In 1,000 words, describe your agency's plan to conduct 
outreach, including frequency of outreach, to Veteran populations 
living in places not ordinarily meant for human habitation (e.g., 
streets, parks, abandoned buildings, automobiles, emergency shelters). 
Include a description of your agency's involvement in the Coordinated 
Assessment/Entry efforts of the CoC(s) named in Project Summary 
question V.D.2.
    (b) Project Plan (see 38 CFR 61.13): VA wishes to provide the most 
appropriate services based on the needs of the individual Veteran. 
Applicants seeking a service center(s) should focus on what they are 
providing in the service center(s). For instance, most service centers 
do not begin ISPs on drop-in individuals because the focus is on 
engagement. Instead, applicants could respond by stating how the 
individual is identified for follow-up or additional service. 
Applications will be scored on responses to the following questions:
    1. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how you will 
ensure homeless Veterans will be offered available permanent housing 
resources prior to entering the program.
    2. Project Plan--List the supportive services provided and by whom 
to help participants achieve residential stability, increase skill 
level and/or income and become involved in making life decisions that 
will increase self-determination. In addition to the list, describe in 
approximately 2,000 words the services, the hours per week the services 
will be available and the job title of the position that will provide 
the service.
    3. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how the 
success of the program will be evaluated on an ongoing basis.
    4. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how the 
nutritional needs of Veterans will be met.
    5. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how the 
agency will ensure a clean and sober environment.
    6. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how the 
proposed project will be implemented in a timely fashion.
    7. Project Plan--The success of service centers is predicated upon 
the engagement of the homeless Veteran community. In approximately 500 
words, describe how your agency will engage and influence homeless 
Veterans in how they will address their housing, physical, medical and 
mental health needs.
    (c) Ability (see 38 CFR 61.13): This is the portion of the 
application where applicants demonstrate experience regarding the 
selected population(s) or services. Applications will be scored on 
responses to the following questions:
    1. Ability--Provide as an attachment to the application a table or 
spreadsheet of the staffing plan for this project (see example 2). Do 
not include resumes.
Example 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Hours per week       Amount of annual
                                          Brief (1-2 sentence)                                 allocated to GPD      salary allocated   Amount of salary
              Job Title                      description of          Educational Level        project (40 hours         to the GPD     for the full-time
                                            responsibilities                                  equals full-time)          project            position
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Case manager.........................  Responsible for working    BSW....................  30 hours...............            $60,000            $80,000
                                        with the Veteran to
                                        provide supportive
                                        services and to adjust
                                        the services as needed.
                                        Coordinates support with
                                        other community
                                        agencies..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    2. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe your agency's 
previous experience operating a service center.
    3. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe your agency's 
previous experience assessing and providing supportive services to 
homeless Veterans. Include a discussion of your ability to facilitate 
access to job training, benefits, mental health services, substance 
abuse supports and legal services.
    4. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe the organization's 
staff development plan to help staff gain and maintain the knowledge, 
skills and abilities to provide culturally competent and relevant 
related services to people impacted by racial inequity. Include details 
on how staff will participate in specific training activities.
    (d) Need (see 38 CFR 61.13): This is the portion of the application 
where applicants demonstrate that the proposed project is necessary. 
Applications will be scored on responses to the following questions:
    1. Need--In approximately 500 words, describe how this project is 
tailored to the particular needs of the CoC(s). Describe how this 
project will fit with the strategy of the CoC(s) to end homelessness. 
Cite reliable data from surveys of homeless populations or other 
reports or data-gathering mechanisms. Note: If multiple CoCs are named 
in the Project Summary question V.D.2, your response here should 
discuss each of those CoCs.
    2. Need--In approximately 500 words, describe with whom you 
consulted outside of your agency to determine the need for the proposed 
services. Note: If multiple CoCs are named in the Project Summary 
question V.D.2, your response here should discuss each of those CoCs.
    (e) Coordination (see 38 CFR 61.13): This is the portion of the 
application where applicants will demonstrate their involvement in the 
homeless Veteran continuum. Applications will be scored on responses to 
the following questions:
    1. Coordination--In approximately 500 words, describe how your 
agency is part of an ongoing community-wide

[[Page 72151]]

planning process to end Veteran homelessness. Note: If multiple CoCs 
are named in the Project Summary question V.D.2, your response here 
should discuss each of those CoCs.
    2. Coordination--In approximately 500 words, describe how your 
agency has coordinated GPD services with other programs offered in the 
CoC(s) named in the Project Summary question V.D.2.
    3. Coordination--In approximately 250 words, describe how your 
agency consulted directly with the VAMC Director (or the appropriate 
authorized VAMC representative per the local VAMC's practice) regarding 
coordination of services for project participants. Provide your plan to 
assure access to healthcare, case management and other care services. 
Applicants who wish to provide a letter of coordination from the local 
VAMC must attach a letter at the end of the application. Applicants are 
strongly encouraged to allow as much time as possible, and no less than 
30 days, for a VAMC to provide a letter of coordination. All 
application materials must be submitted together in a single package by 
the due date and time. Any materials arriving separately or late will 
not be accepted as part of the application.

VI. Application Review Information

    A. Criteria for Grants: Although transitional housing applications 
and service center applications are standalone applications, they will 
be reviewed, scored and selected for funding together based on their 
ranked order among all the applications submitted in response to this 
NOFA. Submission of an incorrect, incomplete or incorrectly formatted 
application package will result in the application being rejected at 
threshold. Applications that meet threshold will be scored according to 
the rating criteria described in 38 CFR 61.32.
    B. Review and Selection Process: The review and selection process 
may be found at 38 CFR 61.13 and 38 CFR 61.32.
    C. Tie Score: In the event of a tie score between applications, VA 
will determine at its discretion how to handle selection decisions 
(e.g., selecting multiple applications for award, awarding for less 
than requested).
    D. Funding Actions: Funding is not guaranteed. Conditionally 
selected applicants will be asked to submit additional information as 
necessary according to 38 CFR 61.32. Applicants will be notified of the 
deadline to submit such information. If an applicant is unable to meet 
any conditions for the grant award within the specified time, VA may 
non-select the applicant and may use the funding for another 
applicant(s). VA may negotiate bed numbers, model(s) and/or service 
center arrangements with conditionally selected applicants and will 
incorporate any changes into the grant agreement. VA reserves the right 
to adjust the amount of a grant or elect not to continue funding for 
subsequent years. VA reserves the right to make adjustments up or down 
(e.g., to bed numbers, to housing models, to locations) as needed 
within the intent of the NOFA based on a variety of factors including 
the quantity and quality of applications as well as the availability of 
funding. Upon signature of the grant agreement by the Secretary, or 
designated representative, final selection will be completed, and the 
grant funds will be obligated for the funding period.

VII. Award Administration Information

    A. Award Notice: Although subject to change, the GPD Program Office 
expects to announce grant awards in the fourth quarter of FY 2020. 
Awards will be for one (1) year with the possibility of up to two (2) 
option years. Continuation funding is not guaranteed. VA reserves the 
right in option years to make adjustments up or down (e.g., to bed 
numbers, to housing models, to locations) as needed within the intent 
of the NOFA based on a variety of factors including availability of 
funding and performance. The initial announcement will be made via news 
release which will be posted on VA's GPD National Program website at: 
www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp. Following the initial announcement, the 
GPD Office will send notification letters to the grant recipients. 
Applicants who are not selected will be sent a declination letter.
    B. Administrative and National Policy: VA places great emphasis on 
responsibility and accountability. VA has procedures in place to 
monitor services provided to homeless Veterans and outcomes associated 
with the services provided under this GPD program. All awardees that 
are selected in response to this NOFA must meet the requirements of the 
current edition of the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection 
Association as it relates to their specific facility (38 CFR 61.80). 
Applicants should note that all facilities are to be protected 
throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system unless a facility 
is specifically exempted under the Life Safety Code. Applicants should 
consider this when submitting their grant applications as no funds will 
be made available for capital improvements under this NOFA.
    C. Grantees must ensure staff supported by grant funds are trained 
regarding suicide prevention and how to address situations where 
Veterans demonstrate suicidal ideation. Standard operating procedures 
are to be developed, in consultation with your local VA medical 
facility, surrounding suicide prevention.
    D. Payment: Per diem will be paid in a method that is in accordance 
with VA and other Federal fiscal requirements. The per diem payment 
calculation may be found at 38 CFR 61.33. Awardees will be subject to 
requirements of this NOFA, GPD regulations, 2 CFR part 200 and other 
Federal grant requirements. A full copy of the regulations governing 
the GPD Program is available at the GPD website at: www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp. Awardees will be required to support their request 
for payments with adequate fiscal documentation as to project income 
and expenses. Awardees that have a negotiated indirect cost rate 
agreement must provide GPD with an updated copy annually or when 
available.
    E. Reporting:
    1. Upon execution of a grant agreement with VA, grantees will have 
a liaison appointed from a nearby VAMC to provide oversight and monitor 
services provided to homeless Veterans in the program.
    2. Monitoring will include, at a minimum, a quarterly review of 
each per diem program's progress toward meeting VA's performance 
metrics, helping Veterans attain housing stability, adequate income 
support and self-sufficiency as identified in the application. 
Monitoring may also include a review of the agency's income and 
expenses as they relate to this project to ensure payment is accurate 
and to ensure compliance with program requirements. The grantee will be 
expected to demonstrate adherence to the grantee's proposed program 
concept, as described in the grantee's application. All grantees are 
subject to audits conducted by VA or its representative.
    3. Flexibility of Beds: For those applicants that are successfully 
funded for multiple models under this NOFA, VA will allow, without a 
change of scope, a flex of beds between the applicant's models at the 
same VAMC. This flex will be up to five (5) beds per grant award. 
Successful applicants who seek a greater number of flex beds than what 
is allowed must receive prior written approval from the GPD National 
Program Office. Bed utilization rates can impact future award decisions 
in potential option year(s).

[[Page 72152]]

    4. Each funded program will participate in VA's national program 
monitoring and evaluation as these procedures will be used to determine 
successful accomplishment of housing, employment and self-sufficiency 
outcomes for each per diem-funded program. Note: For each of the model 
descriptions above that have Required Minimum Performance Metrics/
Targets, the targets are set for the initial funding year of this award 
(October 1, 2020-September 30, 2021). VA may, at its discretion, update 
these targets during the option year renewal process. Any new targets 
will be stated in the option year grant agreement.

Signing Authority

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs approved this document and 
authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document to the 
Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as an 
official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Pamela Powers, 
Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved this document 
on December 19, 2019, for publication.

Luvenia Potts,
Regulation Development Coordinator, Office of Regulation Policy & 
Management, Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2019-28095 Filed 12-27-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P