Funding Availability: Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, 8992-8999 [2020-03108]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 18, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8992-8999]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-03108]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Funding Availability: Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem 
Program

AGENCY: VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program, 
Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

ACTION: Notice of funding availability (NOFA).

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

SUMMARY: VA is announcing the availability of funds to eligible 
entities to provide per diem payments for the Transition in Place (TIP) 
housing model to facilitate housing stabilization for Veterans who are 
homeless or at risk of becoming homeless under VA's Homeless Providers 
GPD Program. VA expects to award funding to pay per diem for 
approximately 450 beds with this NOFA.

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 
Wednesday, April 22, 2020. In the interest of fairness to all competing 
applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and hour. VA will treat 
any application that is received after the deadline as ineligible for 
consideration. 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.
    For a Copy of the Application Package: The required documentation 
for applications is outlined under the Application Documentation 
Required sections of this NOFA. Questions should be referred to the GPD 
National Program Office by email at: [email protected]. For detailed GPD 
Program information and requirements, see part 61 of title 38, Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR) or 38 CFR part 61.
    Submission of Application Package: Applicants must submit 
applications electronically by 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, GPD 
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); [email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Funding Opportunity Title: GPD Per Diem Only 
Grant Program TIP.
    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: VA-GPD-TIP-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. Religious 
or faith-based organizations are eligible, on the same basis as any 
other organization, to apply to participate in this VA program. Faith-
based organizations should refer to 38 CFR 61.64(b) through 61.64(g) 
for grant compliance requirements. Each

[[Page 8993]]

application must include a minimum of 5 TIP beds and up to a maximum of 
20 TIP beds, per VA medical center (VAMC) catchment area, per each 
applicant's Employer Identification Number (EIN). Each applicant may 
request a maximum amount of per diem not to exceed $1.6 million total 
costs for the entire 3-year grant period. Applicants may request no 
more than $80,000 total costs per bed over the entire 3-year grant 
period based on the average number of beds to be provided as stated in 
the grant application. If more than one application per VAMC catchment 
area per applicant's EIN is received by the due date and time, VA will 
consider only one application. VA reserves the right to select which 
application to consider based on the submission dates and times or 
based on other factors.
    Note: Applicants 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 provided at the following address: 
www.va.gov/directory/guide/allstate.asp and ask to speak with the 
Homeless Program. Applicants are encouraged to tailor their proposed 
coverage area to factors such as their own ability and the particular 
needs of the community.
    Applicants agree to meet the applicable requirements of 38 CFR part 
61 as a part of the effort to end homelessness among our Nation's 
Veterans.
    B. Definitions: Title 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. Religious or faith-based organizations are 
eligible, on the same basis as any other organization, to participate 
in this VA program. Faith-based organizations should refer to 38 CFR 
61.64(b) through 61.64(g) for grant compliance requirements.
    D. Cost Sharing or Matching: None.
    E. Authority: Funding applied for under this NOFA is authorized by 
38 U.S.C. 2011, 2012.
    F. TIP Housing Model Description:
    Note: The model description below has Required Minimum Performance 
Metrics/Targets that are set for the award period (October 1, 2020-
September 30, 2023). VA may, at its discretion, update these targets at 
any point during the award period. If any new targets come into effect, 
VA will notify grantees in writing.

Transition in Place

    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 of the Veteran to permanent housing in the residence as 
rapidly as clinically appropriate.
    Characteristics & Standards--The TIP housing model offers Veteran 
residents housing in which supportive services transition out of the 
residence over time, rather than the resident. This leaves the resident 
in place at the residence and not forced to find other housing while 
stabilizing. It is expected that Veterans will transition in place in 
approximately 6 to 12 months. Applicants should be aware that for an 
extension beyond 12 months, prior written approval from the GPD Liaison 
would be required, and extensions would be considered in increments of 
up to 90 days at a time and generally not to exceed a combined total of 
up to 24 months per Veteran. This model does not support discharge 
planning that would have the Veteran transition to the Department of 
Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) as the 
HUD-VASH Program targets a Veteran population in need of specialized 
case management. Similarly, this grant does not support discharge 
planning to Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Rapid 
Rehousing.
    Scope of services should incorporate tactics to increase the 
Veteran's income through employment and/or benefits and to secure the 
permanent housing in the Veteran's name. Services provided and 
strategies used by the applicant will vary based on the individualized 
needs of the Veteran and resources available in the community. Housing 
case management should be flexible in intensity, support client choice, 
use a strengths-based approach, and focus on housing retention and 
helping the household to develop, enhance, or re-engage a network of 
support that will continue with them after they finish TIP. Case 
managers are expected to work on tenancy support such as how to resolve 
conflicts, how to understand a lease, options for working through 
crises and other skills that will assist them in retaining housing when 
they are no longer in TIP. Applicants specify the staffing levels and 
range of services to be provided, which are expected to be 
multidisciplinary and robust.
    Applicants identify or convert existing suitable apartment-style 
housing where homeless Veteran participants would receive intensive, 
time-limited, supportive services optimally for a period of 6-12 
months, but sometimes longer, as described above with prior written 
approval from the GPD Liaison for extensions in increments of up to 90 
days at a time and generally not to exceed a combined total of up to 24 
months per Veteran. Upon completion, the Veteran must be able to 
``transition in place'' by assuming the lease or other long-term 
agreement which enables the unit in which he or she resides to be 
considered the Veteran's permanent housing. Grantees are expected to 
replace units as they are converted to permanent housing to maintain 
the average number of bed days as stated in the application during the 
entire grant period. Once the Veteran assumes the lease or other long-
term agreement, VA will no longer provide funding for the unit under 
this NOFA. For example, each time a Veteran assumes the lease or other 
long-term agreement for the apartment, the grantee must identify a new 
unit in which to place another Veteran. By program design, transition 
to permanent housing should occur as rapidly as possible, and grantees 
should continually be acquiring and coordinating with VA on the 
inspection of new units to maintain a steady number of Veterans served.
    Applicants applying under this NOFA must own or lease apartments 
intended as permanent housing for an individual or single family. 
Apartments must meet the inspection standards outlined at title 38 CFR 
61.80 and have the following characteristics:
    1. Private access without unauthorized passage through another 
dwelling unit or private property;
    2. Sanitary facilities within the unit;
    3. Basic furnishings and living supplies (including, at minimum, a 
bed, chairs, table, and cookware); and
    4. Suitable space and equipment within the unit to store, prepare, 
and serve food in a sanitary manner (including, at a minimum, a 
refrigerator, freezer, sink, and stove). Note: Microwave ovens, hot 
plates, or similar items are not suitable substitutes for an 
operational stove.
    Required Minimum Performance Metrics/Targets--VA has established 
performance metrics/targets for all successful applicants. Discharge to 
permanent housing is 75 percent.

[[Page 8994]]

Employment of individuals at discharge is 55 percent. Negative exits 
are 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. VA may, at its discretion, update these targets at any point 
during the award period. If any new targets come into effect, VA will 
notify grantees in writing.

Participant Agreement Information

    Lease Guarantors--A Lease Guarantor is a third party (in this case, 
the grantee) who guarantees to pay the lease costs if the lessee (in 
this case, the Veteran) defaults. This is not allowed under this 
program.
    Sublease--The sublease is a lease by a lessee (in this case, the 
grantee) to a third party (in this case, the Veteran) conveying the 
leased property for a shorter term than that of the lessee, who retains 
a reversion in the lease. For the sake of clarity, in a sublease TIP 
housing scenario, the landlord is the lessor, the grantee is the 
lessee, and the Veteran is the sublessee.
    GPD TIP grantees may use subleases during the transitional housing 
phase if the sublease has been approved by the GPD National Program 
Office, and the sublease meets the following conditions:
    1. Period of sublease must be less than the entire period of the 
grantee's lease with the landlord.
    2. Grantee lease renewal must be taken into consideration when 
stating the period of the sublease.
    3. Sublease must be explicit that the grantee is the lessee, not 
the Veteran.
    4. Sublease must revert back to the grantee lessee without 
sanctions to the Veteran should the Veteran leave prior to program 
completion and lease assumption.
    5. Sublease may not contain requirements contrary to GPD 
regulations.
    6. Security deposits may not be charged to Veterans. However, 
grantee lessees may take other available and appropriate legal steps in 
situations of property destruction.
    Lease Assumption--When a third party (in this case the Veteran) 
assumes a lease, the original lessee does not retain any interest in 
the lease.
    Low Income Housing Tax Credits--Grantees that use tax credit 
programs may request that Veterans fill out a tax credit application, 
as there is no prohibition in GPD regulations. The issues that could 
arise are operational and specific to GPD TIP. The following are two 
examples.
    Example 1. Under the GPD TIP for which the grantee is funded, the 
Veteran may not ``assume'' a lease until the transitional housing phase 
is complete. A sublease may be used as long as it meets the 
requirements above. If the grantee is not leasing from another 
landlord, it will make a difference. As the relationship changes, the 
grantee is the lessor and the Veteran becomes the lessee. This is not a 
sublease. In this case some other form of program agreement may have to 
be used that meets the elements of items 4, 5, and 6 above and meets 
tax credit requirements.
    Example 2. Income under tax credits is calculated differently than 
in GPD. The grantee must follow GPD regulations during the transitional 
phase, and only the Veteran's income may be counted as defined in 38 
CFR 61.82. When the Veteran completes the program and then ``assumes'' 
the lease, the calculation of income will revert to the tax credit 
requirements. The Veteran should be apprised of this prior to program 
entry so appropriate planning can be put into place.

II. Award Information

    A. Allocation of funds: Funding awarded under this NOFA will be for 
a period of 3 years, beginning on October 1, 2020, and ending on 
September 30, 2023, 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 of 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. VA's decisions will be based on factors such as need, geographic 
dispersion, and availability of funding.
    2. Each application must include a minimum of 5 TIP beds and up to 
a maximum of 20 TIP beds, per VAMC catchment area, per each applicant's 
EIN.
    3. Each applicant may request a maximum amount of per diem not to 
exceed $1.6 million total costs for the entire 3-year grant period. 
Applicants may request no more than $80,000 total costs per bed over 
the entire 3-year grant period based on the average number of beds to 
be provided as stated in the grant application.

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 IV 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.

IV. Application Documentation Required

    A. Standard Forms (SF) 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 of the agreement as an 
attachment to the 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 area-wide

[[Page 8995]]

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 and station number 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 for which your agency is requesting per diem in 
this application. Total request to VA for all beds for the entire 3-
year period.
    4. Location of housing provided under this application. For fixed 
sites, identify the address, city, state, zip code + four-digit 
extension, county, other counties served, congressional district, the 
number of GPD beds at each location, and gender(s) served. For sites 
whose locations are not available at the time of application, provide 
the names of all counties in which services will be provided.
    5. Per location, a description of how the facility's participant 
living space will be configured. Include the square footage of the room 
or unit, the number of beds in that square footage and other 
descriptive information (e.g., Single Room Occupancy, 100 square feet, 
no bunk beds; Apartment(s), 1,500 square feet, 1, 2, or 3 bedroom(s), 
no bunk beds). Identify any differences between locations, if 
applicable.
    6. Description of whether your agency currently uses the Homeless 
Management Information System (HMIS) and if so, describe your 
participation with HMIS. 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 other 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. However, it can be a useful tool for program 
monitoring and also for coordination with community partners. 
Additionally, many communities use HMIS to conduct Coordinated Entry 
assessments. Applicants should be connected to Coordinated Entry, the 
Veteran Master List/By Name List, and Case Conferencing to support 
referrals to the program.
    E. Applicant Contact Information:
    1. Location of the administrative office where correspondence can 
be sent to the Executive Director/President/Chief Executive Officer 
(CEO) (no Post Office 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: GPD views the organization primary contact as 
assigned to the organization, not a specific grant award, and should be 
someone who normally signs grant agreements or makes executive 
decisions for the organization. This is most often the Executive 
Director, the President, or the CEO. Organizations with multiple awards 
can only have one 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.
    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 program. VA reviewers will 
focus on how the detailed application design addresses the areas of 
outreach, project plan, ability, need, and coordination including how 
supportive services will be coordinated. VA expects applicants awarded 
under this NOFA will meet the VA performance metrics. With those 
metrics in mind, and in response to the following sections, please 
include strategies to meet or exceed VA's national metric targets. 
Applicants are encouraged to discuss specifics about their case 
management intervention approaches within each of the questions below, 
as applicable. Applications that demonstrate intensive approaches to 
case management that are strengths-based, evidence-based, 
multidisciplinary, multiphasic, structured, flexible in intensity, and 
integrated with personal networks and with the VA or mainstream 
community that will be most responsive to this NOFA. Examples include 
critical time intervention (CTI), motivational interviewing, 
progressive engagement/progressive assistance, and other approaches or 
a combination of approaches. 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 project and how services will be provided to 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 where your 
organization will target and tailor its outreach efforts to identify 
appropriate Veterans for this program. Additionally, applicants should 
discuss their plans for orienting Veterans about the program's process 
and timeline prior to enrollment.
    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. and how this project would be 
involved in coordinated entry efforts. Describe how your organization's 
outreach plan fits 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. 
Applications will be scored on responses to the following questions:
    1. Project Plan-- In approximately 2,000 words, provide a list of 
the supportive services offered to help participants achieve 
residential

[[Page 8996]]

stability, increase skill level and/or income, and become involved in 
making life decisions that will increase self-determination. 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) who will provide the 
service. It is expected that these services be available during 
flexible hours (e.g., accommodating for participants who are employed 
or have other obligations) and that case management services, to the 
extent possible, include regular home visits, when appropriate. 
Applicants are expected to provide intensive services that are 
strengths-based, evidence-based, multidisciplinary, multiphasic, 
structured, flexible in intensity, and integrated with personal 
networks and with the VA or mainstream community. Applicants who are 
employing a formal approach to services such as CTI, motivational 
interviewing, progressive engagement/progressive assistance, and other 
approaches or a combination of approaches, should include descriptions 
accordingly.
    2. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe the specific 
process and criteria for deciding which Veterans are appropriate for 
admission.
    3. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, address whether the 
project will serve mixed gender populations and/or individuals with 
children. Provide a listing and explanation of any gender-specific 
services.
    4. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how the 
safety, security, and privacy of participants will be ensured.
    5. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, provide your agency's 
Individual Service Plan (ISP) methodology and the core items to be 
addressed in the ISP. The goal is to ensure that Veterans have the 
tools they need to maximize their ability to pay rent, to understand 
landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities, and to be proactive in 
addressing issues that may have contributed to a loss of housing in the 
past. Additionally, applicants should describe their plans for various 
phases of the program including how to identify when it is appropriate 
to transition and how progress could be completed within a period of 6-
12 months. Applicants should be aware that for an extension beyond 12 
months, prior written approval from the GPD Liaison is required. 
Extensions would be considered in increments of up to 90 days at a time 
and generally not to exceed a combined total of up to 24 months per 
Veteran.
    6. 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 how progress notes, case conferencing, and supervision 
will be documented. Applicants are expected to provide intensive case 
management that is strengths-based, evidence-based, multidisciplinary, 
multiphasic, structured, flexible in intensity, and integrated with 
personal networks and with the VA or mainstream community. This 
approach to case management usually would involve a team of clinicians, 
case managers, and if applicable, social worker(s), nurse(s), or other 
appropriate personnel with skills in community-based service delivery.
    7. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how you will 
work with Veterans to help them gain skills to assist in retaining 
housing after TIP support ends. Describe how you will determine when 
the Veteran is ready to assume the lease or long-term agreement. 
Additionally, applicants should describe how exceptional cases will be 
handled (e.g., cases in which Veterans need more or less than the usual 
time to complete the program).
    8. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how you will 
ensure that each Veteran receives individualized services to meet 
permanent housing goals. Indicate how the program plans to meet VA's 
metrics/targets and meet the goals of the community within which the 
grantee is working.
    9. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how necessary 
follow-up services will be provided. For example, the Project Plan 
should describe 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 affect the 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.
    16. Project Plan--In approximately 500 words, describe how you will 
aid Veterans who seek employment and income maximization goals, such as 
increased income, increased benefits, reduced expenses, or improved 
financial management skills. Please note that services such as 
Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance 
(SSI/SSDI) Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) and other income 
maximization strategies may be used by applicants.
    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--In approximately 250 words, describe how you will 
facilitate transportation of the Veteran participants to appointments, 
employment, and supportive services.
    (c) Ability (see 38 CFR 61.13(d)): This is the portion of the 
application where applicants demonstrate their ability to develop, 
operate, and complete the project with necessary staff and 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 3). Do 
not include resum[eacute]s. Information provided here should be 
consistent with information provided in project plan question number 6 
and with information provided elsewhere in the application.
    Example 3:

[[Page 8997]]



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            Hours per week
                                        Brief (1-2 sentence)                               allocated to GPD       Amount of annual     Amount of salary
              Job title                    description of          Educational level       project (40 hours    salary allocated to   for the full-time
                                          responsibilities                                 equals full-time)      the GPD 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.
    3. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe your agency's 
previous experience assessing and providing supportive services to 
homeless Veterans. Applicants should describe their previous 
experience, if any, using and receiving training in intensive case 
management services to homeless Veterans that are strengths-based, 
evidence-based, multidisciplinary, multiphasic, structured, flexible in 
intensity, and integrated with personal networks and with the VA or 
mainstream community. Applicants with previous experience in formal 
approaches such as CTI, motivational interviewing, progressive 
engagement/progressive assistance, and other formal approaches, should 
include descriptions accordingly.
    4. Ability--In approximately 500 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.
    5. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe your agency's 
previous experience in assessing supportive service resources and 
entitlement benefits.
    6. Ability--In approximately 500 words, describe your agency's 
previous experience with evaluating the progress of both individual 
participants and overall program effectiveness using quality and 
performance data to make changes. Describe your agency's experience 
with meeting past performance goals. Do not include past inspection 
forms or past VA performance reports with the application.
    7. Ability--In approximately 250 words, describe whether your 
agency is accredited and/or licensed to provide clinical services. If 
yes, describe your agency's accreditation and/or licensure. If 
applicable, include specific details, such as training completion 
dates, training titles, and training providers. Some generally accepted 
accreditations include: (1) Commission on Accreditation of 
Rehabilitation Facilities in Community Employment Services or in Rapid 
Rehousing and Homeless Prevention Program; (2) a 4-year accreditation 
from the Council on Accreditation's accreditation in Housing 
Stabilization and Community Living Services standards; and (3) a 3-year 
accreditation in the Joint Commission's Behavioral Health Care: Housing 
Support Services Standards; among others.
    8. 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(e)): 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) and 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. Additionally, applicants should describe how caseloads will 
be kept low (typically 20 or less per case manager) while also meeting 
the community's need. 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 
project 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.
    (e) Coordination (see 38 CFR 61.13(g)): 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 should discuss each of those CoCs. Applicants who wish to 
provide a letter(s) of coordination from the local CoC(s) 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 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 500 words, describe how your 
agency has coordinated GPD services with other programs offered in the 
CoC(s) named in the Project Summary question IV.D.2.
    4. 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

[[Page 8998]]

participants. Provide your plan to ensure access to health care, 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 (not 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.
    5. Coordination--Applicants may attach to their application a 
letter(s) of coordination from their proposed multidisciplinary case 
management team partner(s) if applicable. Applicants are encouraged to 
provide a letter(s) of coordination if proposing a team consisting of 
partners external to the applicant organization (e.g., personnel 
services hired or contracted through a third party or personnel 
services leveraged from other resources outside of grant funds). If 
including a letter(s) of coordination, applicants are strongly 
encouraged to allow as much time as possible (not less than 30 days) 
for a partner 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.
    Note: Applicants should not provide self-report letters of 
coordination on their own internal operations. For example, if 
applicants are planning to hire a licensed social worker to coordinate 
care, they do not need to write a letter of coordination for 
themselves.

V. Application Review Information

    A. Criteria for Grants: 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 to score grant applications. Applications will then be 
ranked based on that score. The highest-ranking applications with a 
score of 750 or higher will be considered for funding in rank order as 
funding allows.
    B. Review and Selection Process: 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 use the score from the Coordination section to determine the 
ranking, as required by 38 CFR 61.32(b). If further determinations are 
needed to break a tie, VA will decide 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 
under 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 or other arrangements with conditionally-
selected applicants and will incorporate any changes into the grant 
agreement. Prior to awarding a grant agreement, VA reserves the right 
to adjust up or down (e.g., funding levels, bed numbers, 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. VA may elect to award additional applications 
based on the availability of funds and quality of applications. 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.

VI. Award Administration Information

    A. Award Notice: Although subject to change, the GPD National 
Program Office expects to announce grant awards in the fourth quarter 
of Fiscal Year 2020. Awards will be for 3 years. Continuation funding 
is not guaranteed. VA reserves the right in any year to adjust up or 
down (e.g., funding levels, bed numbers, 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. Applicants should 
note that all facilities must be protected throughout by an approved 
automatic sprinkler system unless a facility is specifically exempt 
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. Payment: Per diem will be paid in a method that is in accordance 
with VA and other Federal fiscal requirements. The per diem payment 
will be at a rate not to exceed 1.5 times the current VA State Home 
Program per diem rate for domiciliary care as set by the Secretary 
under 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) section 2012 and 38 U.S.C. 
1741(a)(1). 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.
    D. 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. 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,

[[Page 8999]]

employment, and self-sufficiency outcomes for each per diem-funded 
program. Note: The model description above has Required Minimum 
Performance Metrics/Targets that are set for the award period (October 
1, 2020-September 30, 2023). VA may, at its discretion, update these 
targets at any point during the award period. If any new targets come 
into effect, VA will notify grantees in writing.
    4. It is expected that Veterans will transition in place in 
approximately 6 to 12 months. Grantees should be aware that for an 
extension beyond 12 months, prior written approval from the GPD Liaison 
would be required. Extensions would be considered in increments of up 
to 90 days at a time and generally not to exceed a combined total of up 
to 24 months per Veteran.

Signing Authority

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, 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 February 12, 2020, for publication.

Luvenia Potts,
Regulation Development Coordinator, Office of Regulation Policy & 
Management, Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2020-03108 Filed 2-14-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8320-01-P