Loan Guaranty: Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program, 4714-4718 [2022-01575]
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4714
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 19 / Friday, January 28, 2022 / Notices
to support executive branch agency
operations during the COVID–19
pandemic. The CARES Act authorized
the Secretary of the Treasury to make
loans, loan guarantees, and other
investments that do not exceed $500
billion in the aggregate to provide
liquidity to eligible businesses, States,
and municipalities related to losses
incurred as a result of coronavirus.
Section 4003(b)(1)–(3) authorized the
Secretary to make loans and loan
guarantees available to passenger air
carriers and cargo air carriers, as well as
certain related businesses, and
businesses critical to maintaining
national security. Section 4112
authorized the Secretary to provide
payroll support totaling $32 billion to
air carriers and certain contractors
(PSP1). While Treasury is no longer
accepting loan program or PSP1
applications, both programs include
ongoing compliance reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
On December 27, 2020, the President
signed the Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2021 or the ‘‘Appropriations Act,’’
which provides additional emergency
assistance and health care response for
individuals, families and businesses
affected by the COVID–19 pandemic.
Subtitle A of Title IV of Division N of
the Appropriations Act (the PSP
Extension Law) authorizes the Secretary
to provide financial assistance totaling
$16 billion to passenger air carriers and
certain contractors (PSP2).
On March 11, 2021, the President
signed the American Rescue Plan Act,
2021, which provided additional
emergency assistance and economic
relief in response to the COVID–19
pandemic. Subtitle C of Title VII of the
American Rescue Plan Act authorizes
the Secretary to provide financial
assistance totaling $15 billion to
passenger air carriers and certain
contractors that received financial
assistance under PSP2 (PSP3).
As part of the loan, PSP1, PSP2, and
PSP3 agreements, applicants will need
to maintain records for a period of five
years or more, depending on the
agreement type and period of
performance, as well as submit
compliance reports quarterly to ensure
funding is used in accordance with the
agreements and aid statutory reporting
requirements.
Form: Applications, Agreements, and
associated Forms; Compliance
Reporting Forms.
Affected Public: Businesses or other
for-profits.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
1,300.
Frequency of Response: Quarterly.
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Estimated Total Number of Annual
Responses: 3,400.
Estimated Time per Response: 4.25
hours.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 13,070.
Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
Dated: January 24, 2022.
Molly Stasko,
Treasury PRA Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2022–01807 Filed 1–27–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810–AK–P
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS
Loan Guaranty: Specially Adapted
Housing Assistive Technology Grant
Program
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Notice of Funding Opportunity
VA–SAHAT–22–07.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) is publishing the
announcement of the availability of
funds for the Specially Adapted
Housing Assistive Technology (SAHAT)
Grant Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022.
The objective of the grant is to
encourage the development of new
assistive technologies for specially
adapted housing (SAH). This notice is
intended to provide applicants with the
information necessary to apply for the
SAHAT Grant Program. VA strongly
recommends referring to the SAHAT
Grant Program regulation in conjunction
with this notice. The registration
process described in this notice applies
only to applicants who will register to
submit project applications for FY 2022
SAHAT Grant Program funds.
DATES: Applications for the SAHAT
Grant Program must be submitted
through www.Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m.
Eastern Standard Time on March 11,
2022. Awards made for the SAHAT
Grant Program will fund operations for
FY 2022. The SAHAT Grant Program
application package for funding
opportunity VA–SAHAT–22–07 is
available through www.Grants.gov and
is listed as VA-Specially Adapted
Housing Assistive Technology Grant
Program. Applications may not be sent
by mail, email, or facsimile. All
application materials must be in a
format compatible with the
www.Grants.gov application submission
tool. 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. Technical assistance with the
SUMMARY:
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preparation of an initial SAHAT Grant
Program application is available by
contacting the program official listed
below.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jason Latona, Chief, Specially Adapted
Housing, Loan Guaranty Service,
Veterans Benefits Administration,
Department of Veterans Affairs, 810
Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20420, 202–461–9201 or Jason.Latona@
va.gov. This is not a toll-free telephone
number.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
notice is divided into eight sections.
Section I provides a summary of and
background information on the SAHAT
Grant Program as well as the statutory
authority, desired outcomes, funding
priorities, definitions and delegation of
authority. Section II covers award
information, including funding
availability and the anticipated start
date of the SAHAT Grant Program.
Section III provides detailed
information on eligibility and the
threshold criteria for submitting an
application. Section IV provides
detailed application and submission
information, including how to request
an application, application content and
submission dates and times. Section V
describes the review process, scoring
criteria and selection process. Section
VI provides award administration
information such as award notices and
reporting requirements. Section VII lists
agency contact information. Section VIII
provides additional information related
to the SAHAT Grant Program. This
notice includes citations from 38 CFR
part 36, and VA Financial Policy,
Volume X Grants Management, which
applicants and stakeholders are
expected to read to increase their
knowledge and understanding of the
SAHAT Grant Program.
I. Program Description
A. Summary
Pursuant to the Veterans’ Benefits Act
of 2010 (Pub. L. 111–275, § 203), the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, through
the Loan Guaranty Service (LGY) of the
Veterans Benefits Administration
(VBA), is authorized to provide grants of
financial assistance to develop new
assistive technology. The objective of
the SAHAT Grant Program is to
encourage the development of new
assistive technologies for adapted
housing.
B. Background
LGY currently administers the SAH
Grant Program. Through this program,
LGY provides funds to eligible Veterans
and Service members with certain
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service-connected disabilities to help
purchase or construct an adapted home,
or modify an existing home, to allow
them to live more independently. Please
see 38 U.S.C. 2101(a)(2)(B) and (C) and
38 U.S.C. 2101(b)(2) for a list of
qualifying service-connected
disabilities. Currently, most SAH
adaptations involve structural
modifications such as ramps; wider
hallways and doorways; roll-in showers;
and other accessible bathroom features,
etc. For more detailed information about
the SAH Grant Program, please visit
https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/
adaptedhousing.asp.
VA acknowledges that there are many
emerging technologies and
improvements in building materials that
could improve home adaptions or
otherwise enhance a Veteran’s or
Service member’s ability to live
independently. Therefore, in 38 CFR
36.4412(b)(2), VA has defined ‘‘new
assistive technology’’ as an
advancement that the Secretary
determines could aid or enhance the
ability of an eligible individual, as
defined in 38 CFR 36.4401, to live in an
adapted home. New assistive technology
can include advancements in new-tomarket technologies, as well as new
variations on existing technologies.
Examples of the latter might include
modifying an existing software
application for use with a smart home
device; upgrading an existing shower
pan design to support wheelchairs;
using existing modular construction
methods to improve bathroom
accessibility; or using existing proximity
technology to develop an advanced
application tailored to blind users.
Please Note: SAHAT funding does not
support the construction or
modification of residential dwellings for
accessibility. Veterans and Service
members interested in receiving
assistance to adapt a home are
encouraged to review the following fact
sheet: https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/
factsheet/PSAS-FactSheet-HousingAdaptation-Programs.pdf to identify
Home Adaptation programs offered by
VA.
C. Statutory Authority
Public Law 111–275, the Veterans’
Benefits Act of 2010, was enacted on
October 13, 2010. Section 203 of the Act
added 38 U.S.C. 2108 to establish the
SAHAT Grant Program. The Act
authorized VA to provide grants of up
to $200,000 per fiscal year, through
September 30, 2016, to a ‘‘person or
entity’’ for the development of specially
adapted housing assistive technologies.
For the purpose of this notice, VA refers
to such persons or entities as grantees or
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grant recipients, and the terms are
interchangeable.
On October 1, 2020, the Continuing
Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other
Extensions Act was enacted (Pub. L.
116–159, § 5201). Section 5201 of Pub.
L. 116–159 extended the authority for
VA to provide grants in the manner
listed above through September 30,
2022 (see 38 U.S.C. 2108 and 38 CFR
36.4412).
D. Desired Outcomes and Funding
Priorities
Grantees will be expected to leverage
grant funds to develop new assistive
technologies for SAH. In 38 CFR
36.4412(f)(2), VA set out the scoring
criteria and the maximum points
allowed for each criterion. As explained
in the preambles to both the proposed
and final rules, while the scoring
framework is set out in the regulation
text, each notice will address the
scoring priorities for that particular
grant cycle (79 FR 53146, 53148,
September 8, 2014; 80 FR 55763, 55764,
September 17, 2014). For FY 2022, the
Secretary has identified the categories of
innovation and unmet needs as top
priorities. These categories are further
described as scoring criteria 1 and 2 in
Section V(A) of this notice. Although
VA encourages innovation across a wide
range of specialties, VA is, in this grant
cycle, particularly interested in
technologies that could help blinded
Veterans optimize their independence
(e.g., mobile applications, safety
devices, etc.). VA also has particular
interest in applications that either
demonstrate innovative approaches in
the design and building of adaptive
living spaces or would lead to new
products and techniques that expedite
the modification of existing spaces, so
as to reduce the impact that adaptive
projects can have on a Veteran’s quality
of life during the construction phase.
VA notes that applications addressing
these categories of special interest are
not guaranteed selection, but they
would, on initial review, be categorized
as meeting the priorities for this grant
cycle.
Additional information regarding how
these priorities will be scored and
considered in the final selection is
contained in Section V(A) of this notice.
E. Definitions
Definitions of terms used in the
SAHAT Grant Program are found at 38
CFR 36.4412(b).
F. Delegation of Authority
Pursuant to 38 CFR 36.4412(i), certain
VA employees appointed to or lawfully
fulfilling specific positions within VBA
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are delegated authority, within the
limitations and conditions prescribed by
law, to exercise the powers and
functions of the Secretary with respect
to the SAHAT Grant Program authorized
by 38 U.S.C. 2108.
G. Assistance Listings
The listings include the following:
64.051 Specially Adapted Housing
Assistive Technology Grant Program;
64.106 Specially Adapted Housing for
Disabled Veterans; and 64.118 Veterans
Housing Direct Loans for Certain
Disabled Veterans.
II. Federal Award Information
A. Funding Availability
Funding will be provided as an
assistance agreement in the form of
grants. The number of assistance
agreements VA will fund as a result of
this notice will be based on the quality
of the technology grant applications
received and the availability of funding.
However, the maximum amount of
assistance a technology grant applicant
may receive in any fiscal year is limited
to $200,000.
B. Additional Funding Information
Funding for these projects is not
guaranteed and is subject to the
availability of funds and the evaluation
of technology grant applications based
on the criteria in this announcement. In
appropriate circumstances, VA reserves
the right to partially fund technology
grant applications by funding discrete
portions or phases of proposed projects
that relate to adapted housing. Award of
funding through this competition is not
a guarantee of future funding. The
SAHAT Grant Program is administered
annually and does not guarantee
subsequent awards. Renewal grants to
provide new assistive technology will
not be considered under this
announcement.
C. Start Date
As discussed in Section VI(A) of this
notice, the SAHAT Grant Program
Office expects to announce grant
recipients by April 1, 2022. The
anticipated start date for funding grants
awarded under this announcement is
therefore after April 1, 2022.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
As authorized by 38 U.S.C. 2108, the
Secretary may provide a grant to a
‘‘person or entity’’ for the development
of specially adapted housing assistive
technologies.
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B. Cost Sharing or Matching
There is no cost sharing, matching, or
cost participation for the SAHAT Grant
Program.
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C. Threshold Criteria
All technology grant applicants and
applications must meet the threshold
criteria set forth below. Failure to meet
any of the following threshold criteria in
the application will result in the
automatic disqualification for funding
consideration. Ineligible participants
will be notified within 30 days of the
finding of disqualification for award
consideration based on the following
threshold criteria:
1. Projects funded under this notice
must involve new assistive technologies
that the Secretary determines could aid
or enhance the ability of a Veteran or
Service member to live in an adapted
home.
2. Projects funded under this notice
must not be used for the completion of
work which was to have been
completed under a prior grant.
3. Applications in which the
technology grant applicant is requesting
assistance funds in excess of $200,000
will not be reviewed.
4. Applications that do not comply
with the application and submission
information requirements provided in
Section IV of this notice will be rejected.
5. Applications submitted via mail,
email, or facsimile will not be reviewed.
6. Applications must be received
through www.Grants.gov, as specified in
Section IV of this announcement, on or
before the application deadline, as
specified in the DATES section of this
announcement. Applications received
through www.Grants.gov after the
application deadline will be considered
late and will not be reviewed.
7. Technology grant applicants that
have an outstanding obligation that is in
arrears to the Federal Government or
have an overdue or unsatisfactory
response to an audit will be deemed
ineligible.
8. Technology grant applicants in
default by failing to meet the
requirements for any previous Federal
assistance will be deemed ineligible.
9. Applications submitted by entities
deemed ineligible will not be reviewed.
10. Applications with project dates
that extend past June 30, 2023, (this
period does not include the 120-day
closeout period) will not be reviewed.
All technology grant recipients,
including individuals and entities
formed as for-profit entities, will be
subject to the rules on Uniform
Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles and Audit Requirements for
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Federal Awards, as found at 2 CFR part
200 (see 2 CFR 200.101(a)). Where the
Secretary determines that 2 CFR part
200 is not applicable or where the
Secretary determines that additional
requirements are necessary due to the
uniqueness of a situation, the Secretary
will apply the same standard applicable
to exceptions under 2 CFR 200.102.
IV. Application and Submission
Information
A. Address To Request Application
Package
Technology grant applicants may
download the application package from
www.Grants.gov. Questions regarding
the application process should be
referred to the following program
official: Oscar Hines (Program Manager),
Specially Adapted Housing Program,
Oscar.Hines@va.gov, 202–461–8316 (not
a toll-free number).
B. Content and Form of Application
Submission
The SAHAT Grant Program
application package provided at
www.Grants.gov (Funding Opportunity
Number: VA–SAHAT–22–07) contains
electronic versions of the application
forms that are required. Additional
attachments to satisfy the required
application information may be
provided; however, letters of support
included with the application will not
be reviewed. All technology grant
applications must consist of the
following:
1. Standard Forms (SF) 424, 424A and
424B. SF–424, SF–424A and SF–424B
require general information about the
applicant and proposed project. The
project budget should be described in
SF–424A. Please do not include
leveraged resources in SF–424A.
2. VA Form 26–0967: Certification
Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion.
3. VA Form 26–0967a: Scoring
Criteria for SAHAT Grants.
4. Applications: In addition to the
forms listed above, each technology
grant application must include the
following information:
a. A project description, including the
goals and objectives of the project, what
the project is expected to achieve and
how the project will benefit Veterans
and Service members;
b. An estimated schedule including
the length of time (not to extend past
June 30, 2023) needed to accomplish
tasks and objectives for the project;
c. A description of what the project
proposes to demonstrate and how this
new technology will aid or enhance the
ability of Veterans and Service members
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to live in an adapted home. The
following link has additional
information regarding adapted homes:
https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/
adaptedhousing.asp; and
d. Each technology grant applicant is
responsible for ensuring that the
application addresses each of the
scoring criteria listed in Section V(A) of
this notice.
C. System for Award Management
(SAM)
Each technology grant applicant,
unless the applicant is an individual or
Federal awarding agency that is
excepted from these requirements under
2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an
exception approved by VA under 2 CFR
25.110(d), is required to:
1. Be registered in SAM prior to
submitting an application;
2. Provide a valid SAM Unique Entity
Identifier number in the application;
and
3. Continue to maintain an active
SAM registration with current
information at all times during which
the technology grant applicant has an
active Federal award or an application
under consideration by VA.
VA will not make an award to an
applicant until the applicant has
complied with all applicable SAM
requirements. If the applicant has not
fully complied with the requirements by
the time VA is ready to make an award,
VA will determine the applicant is not
qualified to receive a Federal award and
will use this determination as a basis for
making the award to another applicant.
D. Submission Dates and Times
Applications for the SAHAT Grant
Program must be submitted through
www.Grants.gov to be transmitted to VA
by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on
the application deadline, as specified in
the DATES section of this announcement.
Submissions received after this
application deadline will be considered
late and will not be reviewed or
considered. Submissions by email, mail,
or fax will not be accepted.
Applications submitted through
www.Grants.gov must be submitted by
an individual registered with
www.Grants.gov and authorized to sign
applications for Federal assistance. For
more information and to complete the
registration process, visit
www.Grants.gov. Technology grant
applicants are responsible for ensuring
that the registration process does not
hinder timely submission of the
application.
It is the responsibility of grant
applicants to ensure a complete
application is submitted via
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www.Grants.gov. Applicants are
encouraged to periodically review the
‘‘Version History Tab’’ of the funding
opportunity announcement in
www.Grants.gov to identify if any
modifications have been made to the
funding announcement and/or
opportunity package. Upon initial
download of the funding opportunity
package, applicants will be asked to
provide an email address that will allow
www.Grants.gov to send the applicant
an email message in the event this
funding opportunity package is changed
and/or republished on www.Grants.gov
prior to the posted closing date.
E. Confidential Business Information
It is recommended that confidential
business information (CBI) not be
included in the application. However, if
CBI is included in an application,
applicants should clearly indicate
which portion or portions of their
application they are claiming as CBI.
See 2 CFR 200.334–200.338 (addressing
access to a non-Federal entity’s records
pertinent to a Federal award).
F. Intergovernmental Review
This section is not applicable to the
SAHAT Grant Program.
G. Funding Restrictions
The SAHAT Grant Program does not
allow reimbursement of pre-award
costs.
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V. Application Review Information
Each eligible proposal (based on the
Section III threshold eligibility review)
will be evaluated according to the
criteria established by the Secretary and
provided below in Section A.
A. Scoring Criteria
The Secretary will score technology
grant applications based on the scoring
criteria listed below. As indicated in
Section I of this notice, the Secretary is
placing the greatest emphasis on criteria
1 and 2. This emphasis does not
establish new scoring criteria but is
designed to assist technology grant
applicants in understanding how scores
will be weighted and ultimately
considered in the final selection
process. A technology grant application
must receive a minimum aggregate score
of 70 to receive further consideration for
an award. Instructions for completion of
the scoring criteria are listed on VA
Form 26–0967a. This form is included
in the application package materials on
www.Grants.gov. The scoring criteria
and maximum points are as follows:
1. A description of how the new
assistive technology is innovative, to
include an explanation of how it
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involves advancements in new-tomarket technologies, new variations on
existing technologies, or both (up to 50
points);
2. An explanation of how the new
assistive technology will meet a
specific, unmet need among eligible
individuals, to include whether and
how the new assistive technology fits
within a category of special emphasis
for FY 2022, as explained in Section I(D)
of this notice (up to 50 points);
3. An explanation of how the new
assistive technology is specifically
designed to promote the ability of
eligible individuals to live more
independently (up to 30 points);
4. A description of the new assistive
technology’s concept, size and scope
(up to 30 points);
5. An implementation plan with
major milestones for bringing the new
assistive technology into production
and to the market. Such milestones
must be meaningful and achievable
within a specific timeframe (up to 30
points); and
6. An explanation of what uniquely
positions the technology grant applicant
in the marketplace. This can include a
focus on characteristics such as the
economic reliability of the technology
grant applicant, the technology grant
applicant’s status as a minority or
Veteran-owned business, or other
characteristics that the technology grant
applicant wants to include to show how
it will help protect the interests of, or
further the mission of, VA and the
program (up to 20 points).
B. Review and Selection Process
Eligible applications will be evaluated
by a review panel comprising five VA
employees. The review panel will score
applications using the scoring criteria
provided in Section V(A) and refer to
the selecting official those applications
that receive a minimum aggregate score
of 70. In determining which
applications to approve, the selecting
official will take into account the review
panel score, the priorities described in
this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the
governing statute, 38 U.S.C. 2108, the
governing regulation, 38 CFR 36.4412
and the VA Financial Policy, Volume X
Grants Management, Chapter 4 Grants
Application and Award Process, https://
www.va.gov/finance/docs/VAFinancialPolicyVolumeXChapter04.pdf.
VA will review and consider
applications for funding pursuant to this
notice of funding opportunity in
accordance with Office of Management
and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR
part 200, all applicable Federal laws,
and relevant Executive guidance, except
as noted.
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VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
Although subject to change, the
SAHAT Grant Program Office expects to
announce grant recipients by April 1,
2022. Prior to executing any funding
agreement, VA will contact successful
applicants; make known the amount of
proposed funding; and verify the
applicant’s desire to receive the
funding. Any communication between
the SAHAT Grant Program Office and
successful applicants prior to the
issuance of an award notice is not
authorization to begin project activities.
Once VA verifies that the grant
applicant is still seeking funding, VA
will issue a signed and dated award
notice. This will begin the performance
period. VA expects that the performance
period should not last longer than 12
months. The award notice will be sent
by U.S. mail or electronic means to the
organization listed on the SF–424. All
applicants will be notified by letter or
email, sent by U.S. mail or electronic
means to the address listed on the SF–
424.
B. Administrative and National Policy
Requirements
This section is not applicable to the
SAHAT Grant Program.
C. Reporting
VA places great emphasis on the
responsibility and accountability of
grantees. Grantees must agree to
cooperate with any Federal evaluation
of the program and provide the
following:
1. Quarterly Progress Reports: These
reports will be submitted electronically
and outline how grant funds were used,
describe program progress and describe
any barriers and measurable outcomes.
The format for quarterly reporting will
be provided to grantees upon grant
award.
2. Quarterly Financial Reports: These
reports will be submitted electronically
using the SF–425-Federal Financial
Report.
3. Grantee Closeout Report: This final
report will be submitted electronically
and will detail the assistive technology
developed. The grantee’s Closeout
Report must be submitted to the SAHAT
Grant Program Office not later than 120
days after the date the performance
period ends.
VII. Agency Contact(s)
For additional general information
about this announcement contact the
following program official: Oscar Hines
(Program Manager), Specially Adapted
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Housing Program, Oscar.Hines@va.gov,
202–461–8316 (not a toll-free number).
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS
Mailed correspondence, which should
not include application material, should
be sent to the following address: Loan
Guaranty Service, VA Central Office,
Attn: Oscar Hines (262), 810 Vermont
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420.
[OMB Control No. 2900–0674]
All correspondence with VA
concerning this announcement should
reference the funding opportunity title
and funding opportunity number listed
at the top of this solicitation. Once the
announcement deadline has passed, VA
staff may not discuss this competition
with applicants until the application
review process has been completed.
AGENCY:
VIII. Other Information
Section 2108 authorizes VA to
provide grants for the development of
new assistive technologies through
September 30, 2022. Additional
information related to the SAHAT Grant
Program administered by LGY is
available at: https://www.benefits.va.gov/
homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp.
The SAHAT Grant is not a Veterans’
benefit. As such, the decisions of the
Secretary are final and not subject to the
same appeal rights as decisions related
to Veterans’ benefits. The Secretary does
not have a duty to assist technology
grant applicants in obtaining a grant.
Grantees will receive payments
electronically through the U.S.
Department of Health and Human
Services Payment Management System
(PMS). All grant recipients should
adhere to PMS user policies.
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IX. Notices of Funding Opportunity
In accordance with the Office of
Management and Budget’s guidance
located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable
Federal laws and relevant Executive
guidance, the Federal awarding agency
will review and consider applications
for funding pursuant to this notice of
funding opportunity in accordance with
the Guidance for Grants and Agreements
in title 2 CFR
Signing Authority: Denis McDonough,
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approved
this document on January 18, 2022, 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.
Jeffrey M. Martin,
Assistant Director, Office of Regulation Policy
& Management, Office of General Counsel,
Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2022–01575 Filed 1–27–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320–01–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:03 Jan 27, 2022
Jkt 256001
Agency Information Collection Activity
Under OMB Review: Notice of
Disagreement: Appeal to the Board of
Veterans’ Appeals
Board of Veterans’ Appeals,
Department of Veterans Affairs.
ACTION: Notice.
In compliance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of
1995, this notice announces that the
Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA),
Department of Veterans Affairs, will
submit the collection of information
abstracted below to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for
review and comment. The PRA
submission describes the nature of the
information collection and its expected
cost and burden and it includes the
actual data collection instrument.
DATES: Written comments and
recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent
within 30 days of publication of this
notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/
PRAMain. Find this particular
information collection by selecting
‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open
for Public Comments’’ or by using the
search function. Refer to ‘‘OMB Control
No. 2900–0674.’’
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Maribel Aponte, Office of Enterprise
and Integration, Data Governance
Analytics (008), 1717 H Street NW,
Washington, DC 20006, (202) 266–4688
or email maribel.aponte@va.gov. Please
refer to ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900–0674’’
in any correspondence.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority: Public Law 115–55; 38
U.S.C. 5104B, 5108, 5701, 5901, 7103,
7104, 7105, 7107.
Title: Decision Review Request: Board
Appeal (Notice of Disagreement) and
Appeal to the Board of Veterans’
Appeals, VA Form 10182 and VA Form
9.
OMB Control Number: 2900–0674.
Type of Review: Revision of a
currently approved collection.
Abstract: Appellate review of the
denial of VA benefits may only be
initiated by the filing of a Notice of
Disagreement with the Board. 38 U.S.C.
7105(a). VA Form 10182 Decision
Review Request: Board Appeal (Notice
of Disagreement) is required to initiate
Board review of an appeal in the
modernized review system as
implemented by the Veterans Appeals
Improvement and Modernization Act of
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00167
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
2017 (AMA). The VA Form 9 Appeal to
Board of Veterans’ Appeals may be used
to complete a legacy appeal to the
Board. The completed form becomes the
‘‘substantive appeal’’ (or ‘‘formal
appeal’’), which is required by the preAMA version of 38 U.S.C. 7105(a) and
(d)(3) to complete an appeal to the
Board. Additionally, the proposed
information collections allow for
withdrawal of services by a
representative, requests for changes in
hearing dates and methods under 38
U.S.C. 7107, and motions for
reconsideration pursuant to 38 U.S.C.
7103(a).
The Board is requesting to revise the
currently approved OMB Control No.
2900–0674 to include an updated VA
Form 10182 Notice of Disagreement.
Proposed revisions to the VA Form
10182 Notice of Disagreement include:
(1) Removal of the requirement to
provide a social security number; (2)
inclusion of checkboxes to indicate a
preferred method of hearing; (3)
inclusion of a checkbox to indicate
whether the decision for which appeal
is being sought was issued by the
Veterans Health Administration (VHA);
(4) provision of a list of examples of
common issues a claimant may disagree
with including service connection,
disability evaluation, or and effective
date of award; (5) inclusion of a
checkbox to request an extension of the
deadline to file a Notice of
Disagreement; (6) removal of the
checkbox used to indicate whether the
Notice of Disagreement has been filed in
response to a Statement of the Case or
Supplemental Statement of the Case
issued under the legacy appeals process;
(7) replacement of the checkbox for
indicating the claimant ‘‘is homeless’’ to
indicate whether the claimant is
‘‘experiencing homelessness’’; (8) a
clarified description of the window of
time within which to submit evidence
on the Evidence Submission docket; and
(9) adding a subpart to Part III for issues
the appellant wishes to include in the
VA Form 10182 that need to be listed
on additional sheets. Proposed revisions
also include updated instructions for
completing the Notice of Disagreement.
There is a decrease in the respondent
burden because the associated control
number originally included the
nonstandard legacy Notice of
Disagreement. Consistent with the
wind-down of legacy appeals following
implementation of the AMA, the Board
is not seeking renewal of the
nonstandard legacy Notice of
Disagreement under this control
number.
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
E:\FR\FM\28JAN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 19 (Friday, January 28, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4714-4718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01575]
=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Loan Guaranty: Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology
Grant Program
AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.
ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity VA-SAHAT-22-07.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is publishing the
announcement of the availability of funds for the Specially Adapted
Housing Assistive Technology (SAHAT) Grant Program for Fiscal Year (FY)
2022. The objective of the grant is to encourage the development of new
assistive technologies for specially adapted housing (SAH). This notice
is intended to provide applicants with the information necessary to
apply for the SAHAT Grant Program. VA strongly recommends referring to
the SAHAT Grant Program regulation in conjunction with this notice. The
registration process described in this notice applies only to
applicants who will register to submit project applications for FY 2022
SAHAT Grant Program funds.
DATES: Applications for the SAHAT Grant Program must be submitted
through www.Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on March 11,
2022. Awards made for the SAHAT Grant Program will fund operations for
FY 2022. The SAHAT Grant Program application package for funding
opportunity VA-SAHAT-22-07 is available through www.Grants.gov and is
listed as VA-Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant
Program. Applications may not be sent by mail, email, or facsimile. All
application materials must be in a format compatible with the
www.Grants.gov application submission tool. 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. Technical assistance with the
preparation of an initial SAHAT Grant Program application is available
by contacting the program official listed below.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Latona, Chief, Specially Adapted
Housing, Loan Guaranty Service, Veterans Benefits Administration,
Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20420, 202-461-9201 or [email protected]. This is not a toll-free
telephone number.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice is divided into eight sections.
Section I provides a summary of and background information on the SAHAT
Grant Program as well as the statutory authority, desired outcomes,
funding priorities, definitions and delegation of authority. Section II
covers award information, including funding availability and the
anticipated start date of the SAHAT Grant Program. Section III provides
detailed information on eligibility and the threshold criteria for
submitting an application. Section IV provides detailed application and
submission information, including how to request an application,
application content and submission dates and times. Section V describes
the review process, scoring criteria and selection process. Section VI
provides award administration information such as award notices and
reporting requirements. Section VII lists agency contact information.
Section VIII provides additional information related to the SAHAT Grant
Program. This notice includes citations from 38 CFR part 36, and VA
Financial Policy, Volume X Grants Management, which applicants and
stakeholders are expected to read to increase their knowledge and
understanding of the SAHAT Grant Program.
I. Program Description
A. Summary
Pursuant to the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-275,
Sec. 203), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, through the Loan
Guaranty Service (LGY) of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA),
is authorized to provide grants of financial assistance to develop new
assistive technology. The objective of the SAHAT Grant Program is to
encourage the development of new assistive technologies for adapted
housing.
B. Background
LGY currently administers the SAH Grant Program. Through this
program, LGY provides funds to eligible Veterans and Service members
with certain
[[Page 4715]]
service-connected disabilities to help purchase or construct an adapted
home, or modify an existing home, to allow them to live more
independently. Please see 38 U.S.C. 2101(a)(2)(B) and (C) and 38 U.S.C.
2101(b)(2) for a list of qualifying service-connected disabilities.
Currently, most SAH adaptations involve structural modifications such
as ramps; wider hallways and doorways; roll-in showers; and other
accessible bathroom features, etc. For more detailed information about
the SAH Grant Program, please visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp.
VA acknowledges that there are many emerging technologies and
improvements in building materials that could improve home adaptions or
otherwise enhance a Veteran's or Service member's ability to live
independently. Therefore, in 38 CFR 36.4412(b)(2), VA has defined ``new
assistive technology'' as an advancement that the Secretary determines
could aid or enhance the ability of an eligible individual, as defined
in 38 CFR 36.4401, to live in an adapted home. New assistive technology
can include advancements in new-to-market technologies, as well as new
variations on existing technologies. Examples of the latter might
include modifying an existing software application for use with a smart
home device; upgrading an existing shower pan design to support
wheelchairs; using existing modular construction methods to improve
bathroom accessibility; or using existing proximity technology to
develop an advanced application tailored to blind users.
Please Note: SAHAT funding does not support the construction or
modification of residential dwellings for accessibility. Veterans and
Service members interested in receiving assistance to adapt a home are
encouraged to review the following fact sheet: https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/factsheet/PSAS-FactSheet-Housing-Adaptation-Programs.pdf to identify Home Adaptation programs offered by VA.
C. Statutory Authority
Public Law 111-275, the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010, was enacted
on October 13, 2010. Section 203 of the Act added 38 U.S.C. 2108 to
establish the SAHAT Grant Program. The Act authorized VA to provide
grants of up to $200,000 per fiscal year, through September 30, 2016,
to a ``person or entity'' for the development of specially adapted
housing assistive technologies. For the purpose of this notice, VA
refers to such persons or entities as grantees or grant recipients, and
the terms are interchangeable.
On October 1, 2020, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and
Other Extensions Act was enacted (Pub. L. 116-159, Sec. 5201). Section
5201 of Pub. L. 116-159 extended the authority for VA to provide grants
in the manner listed above through September 30, 2022 (see 38 U.S.C.
2108 and 38 CFR 36.4412).
D. Desired Outcomes and Funding Priorities
Grantees will be expected to leverage grant funds to develop new
assistive technologies for SAH. In 38 CFR 36.4412(f)(2), VA set out the
scoring criteria and the maximum points allowed for each criterion. As
explained in the preambles to both the proposed and final rules, while
the scoring framework is set out in the regulation text, each notice
will address the scoring priorities for that particular grant cycle (79
FR 53146, 53148, September 8, 2014; 80 FR 55763, 55764, September 17,
2014). For FY 2022, the Secretary has identified the categories of
innovation and unmet needs as top priorities. These categories are
further described as scoring criteria 1 and 2 in Section V(A) of this
notice. Although VA encourages innovation across a wide range of
specialties, VA is, in this grant cycle, particularly interested in
technologies that could help blinded Veterans optimize their
independence (e.g., mobile applications, safety devices, etc.). VA also
has particular interest in applications that either demonstrate
innovative approaches in the design and building of adaptive living
spaces or would lead to new products and techniques that expedite the
modification of existing spaces, so as to reduce the impact that
adaptive projects can have on a Veteran's quality of life during the
construction phase. VA notes that applications addressing these
categories of special interest are not guaranteed selection, but they
would, on initial review, be categorized as meeting the priorities for
this grant cycle.
Additional information regarding how these priorities will be
scored and considered in the final selection is contained in Section
V(A) of this notice.
E. Definitions
Definitions of terms used in the SAHAT Grant Program are found at
38 CFR 36.4412(b).
F. Delegation of Authority
Pursuant to 38 CFR 36.4412(i), certain VA employees appointed to or
lawfully fulfilling specific positions within VBA are delegated
authority, within the limitations and conditions prescribed by law, to
exercise the powers and functions of the Secretary with respect to the
SAHAT Grant Program authorized by 38 U.S.C. 2108.
G. Assistance Listings
The listings include the following: 64.051 Specially Adapted
Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program; 64.106 Specially Adapted
Housing for Disabled Veterans; and 64.118 Veterans Housing Direct Loans
for Certain Disabled Veterans.
II. Federal Award Information
A. Funding Availability
Funding will be provided as an assistance agreement in the form of
grants. The number of assistance agreements VA will fund as a result of
this notice will be based on the quality of the technology grant
applications received and the availability of funding. However, the
maximum amount of assistance a technology grant applicant may receive
in any fiscal year is limited to $200,000.
B. Additional Funding Information
Funding for these projects is not guaranteed and is subject to the
availability of funds and the evaluation of technology grant
applications based on the criteria in this announcement. In appropriate
circumstances, VA reserves the right to partially fund technology grant
applications by funding discrete portions or phases of proposed
projects that relate to adapted housing. Award of funding through this
competition is not a guarantee of future funding. The SAHAT Grant
Program is administered annually and does not guarantee subsequent
awards. Renewal grants to provide new assistive technology will not be
considered under this announcement.
C. Start Date
As discussed in Section VI(A) of this notice, the SAHAT Grant
Program Office expects to announce grant recipients by April 1, 2022.
The anticipated start date for funding grants awarded under this
announcement is therefore after April 1, 2022.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
As authorized by 38 U.S.C. 2108, the Secretary may provide a grant
to a ``person or entity'' for the development of specially adapted
housing assistive technologies.
[[Page 4716]]
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
There is no cost sharing, matching, or cost participation for the
SAHAT Grant Program.
C. Threshold Criteria
All technology grant applicants and applications must meet the
threshold criteria set forth below. Failure to meet any of the
following threshold criteria in the application will result in the
automatic disqualification for funding consideration. Ineligible
participants will be notified within 30 days of the finding of
disqualification for award consideration based on the following
threshold criteria:
1. Projects funded under this notice must involve new assistive
technologies that the Secretary determines could aid or enhance the
ability of a Veteran or Service member to live in an adapted home.
2. Projects funded under this notice must not be used for the
completion of work which was to have been completed under a prior
grant.
3. Applications in which the technology grant applicant is
requesting assistance funds in excess of $200,000 will not be reviewed.
4. Applications that do not comply with the application and
submission information requirements provided in Section IV of this
notice will be rejected.
5. Applications submitted via mail, email, or facsimile will not be
reviewed.
6. Applications must be received through www.Grants.gov, as
specified in Section IV of this announcement, on or before the
application deadline, as specified in the DATES section of this
announcement. Applications received through www.Grants.gov after the
application deadline will be considered late and will not be reviewed.
7. Technology grant applicants that have an outstanding obligation
that is in arrears to the Federal Government or have an overdue or
unsatisfactory response to an audit will be deemed ineligible.
8. Technology grant applicants in default by failing to meet the
requirements for any previous Federal assistance will be deemed
ineligible.
9. Applications submitted by entities deemed ineligible will not be
reviewed.
10. Applications with project dates that extend past June 30, 2023,
(this period does not include the 120-day closeout period) will not be
reviewed.
All technology grant recipients, including individuals and entities
formed as for-profit entities, will be subject to the rules on Uniform
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for
Federal Awards, as found at 2 CFR part 200 (see 2 CFR 200.101(a)).
Where the Secretary determines that 2 CFR part 200 is not applicable or
where the Secretary determines that additional requirements are
necessary due to the uniqueness of a situation, the Secretary will
apply the same standard applicable to exceptions under 2 CFR 200.102.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Address To Request Application Package
Technology grant applicants may download the application package
from www.Grants.gov. Questions regarding the application process should
be referred to the following program official: Oscar Hines (Program
Manager), Specially Adapted Housing Program, [email protected], 202-
461-8316 (not a toll-free number).
B. Content and Form of Application Submission
The SAHAT Grant Program application package provided at
www.Grants.gov (Funding Opportunity Number: VA-SAHAT-22-07) contains
electronic versions of the application forms that are required.
Additional attachments to satisfy the required application information
may be provided; however, letters of support included with the
application will not be reviewed. All technology grant applications
must consist of the following:
1. Standard Forms (SF) 424, 424A and 424B. SF-424, SF-424A and SF-
424B require general information about the applicant and proposed
project. The project budget should be described in SF-424A. Please do
not include leveraged resources in SF-424A.
2. VA Form 26-0967: Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion.
3. VA Form 26-0967a: Scoring Criteria for SAHAT Grants.
4. Applications: In addition to the forms listed above, each
technology grant application must include the following information:
a. A project description, including the goals and objectives of the
project, what the project is expected to achieve and how the project
will benefit Veterans and Service members;
b. An estimated schedule including the length of time (not to
extend past June 30, 2023) needed to accomplish tasks and objectives
for the project;
c. A description of what the project proposes to demonstrate and
how this new technology will aid or enhance the ability of Veterans and
Service members to live in an adapted home. The following link has
additional information regarding adapted homes: https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp; and
d. Each technology grant applicant is responsible for ensuring that
the application addresses each of the scoring criteria listed in
Section V(A) of this notice.
C. System for Award Management (SAM)
Each technology grant applicant, unless the applicant is an
individual or Federal awarding agency that is excepted from these
requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved
by VA under 2 CFR 25.110(d), is required to:
1. Be registered in SAM prior to submitting an application;
2. Provide a valid SAM Unique Entity Identifier number in the
application; and
3. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current
information at all times during which the technology grant applicant
has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by
VA.
VA will not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has
complied with all applicable SAM requirements. If the applicant has not
fully complied with the requirements by the time VA is ready to make an
award, VA will determine the applicant is not qualified to receive a
Federal award and will use this determination as a basis for making the
award to another applicant.
D. Submission Dates and Times
Applications for the SAHAT Grant Program must be submitted through
www.Grants.gov to be transmitted to VA by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard
Time on the application deadline, as specified in the DATES section of
this announcement. Submissions received after this application deadline
will be considered late and will not be reviewed or considered.
Submissions by email, mail, or fax will not be accepted.
Applications submitted through www.Grants.gov must be submitted by
an individual registered with www.Grants.gov and authorized to sign
applications for Federal assistance. For more information and to
complete the registration process, visit www.Grants.gov. Technology
grant applicants are responsible for ensuring that the registration
process does not hinder timely submission of the application.
It is the responsibility of grant applicants to ensure a complete
application is submitted via
[[Page 4717]]
www.Grants.gov. Applicants are encouraged to periodically review the
``Version History Tab'' of the funding opportunity announcement in
www.Grants.gov to identify if any modifications have been made to the
funding announcement and/or opportunity package. Upon initial download
of the funding opportunity package, applicants will be asked to provide
an email address that will allow www.Grants.gov to send the applicant
an email message in the event this funding opportunity package is
changed and/or republished on www.Grants.gov prior to the posted
closing date.
E. Confidential Business Information
It is recommended that confidential business information (CBI) not
be included in the application. However, if CBI is included in an
application, applicants should clearly indicate which portion or
portions of their application they are claiming as CBI. See 2 CFR
200.334-200.338 (addressing access to a non-Federal entity's records
pertinent to a Federal award).
F. Intergovernmental Review
This section is not applicable to the SAHAT Grant Program.
G. Funding Restrictions
The SAHAT Grant Program does not allow reimbursement of pre-award
costs.
V. Application Review Information
Each eligible proposal (based on the Section III threshold
eligibility review) will be evaluated according to the criteria
established by the Secretary and provided below in Section A.
A. Scoring Criteria
The Secretary will score technology grant applications based on the
scoring criteria listed below. As indicated in Section I of this
notice, the Secretary is placing the greatest emphasis on criteria 1
and 2. This emphasis does not establish new scoring criteria but is
designed to assist technology grant applicants in understanding how
scores will be weighted and ultimately considered in the final
selection process. A technology grant application must receive a
minimum aggregate score of 70 to receive further consideration for an
award. Instructions for completion of the scoring criteria are listed
on VA Form 26-0967a. This form is included in the application package
materials on www.Grants.gov. The scoring criteria and maximum points
are as follows:
1. A description of how the new assistive technology is innovative,
to include an explanation of how it involves advancements in new-to-
market technologies, new variations on existing technologies, or both
(up to 50 points);
2. An explanation of how the new assistive technology will meet a
specific, unmet need among eligible individuals, to include whether and
how the new assistive technology fits within a category of special
emphasis for FY 2022, as explained in Section I(D) of this notice (up
to 50 points);
3. An explanation of how the new assistive technology is
specifically designed to promote the ability of eligible individuals to
live more independently (up to 30 points);
4. A description of the new assistive technology's concept, size
and scope (up to 30 points);
5. An implementation plan with major milestones for bringing the
new assistive technology into production and to the market. Such
milestones must be meaningful and achievable within a specific
timeframe (up to 30 points); and
6. An explanation of what uniquely positions the technology grant
applicant in the marketplace. This can include a focus on
characteristics such as the economic reliability of the technology
grant applicant, the technology grant applicant's status as a minority
or Veteran-owned business, or other characteristics that the technology
grant applicant wants to include to show how it will help protect the
interests of, or further the mission of, VA and the program (up to 20
points).
B. Review and Selection Process
Eligible applications will be evaluated by a review panel
comprising five VA employees. The review panel will score applications
using the scoring criteria provided in Section V(A) and refer to the
selecting official those applications that receive a minimum aggregate
score of 70. In determining which applications to approve, the
selecting official will take into account the review panel score, the
priorities described in this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the
governing statute, 38 U.S.C. 2108, the governing regulation, 38 CFR
36.4412 and the VA Financial Policy, Volume X Grants Management,
Chapter 4 Grants Application and Award Process, https://www.va.gov/finance/docs/VA-FinancialPolicyVolumeXChapter04.pdf. VA will review and
consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice of funding
opportunity in accordance with Office of Management and Budget's
guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and
relevant Executive guidance, except as noted.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
Although subject to change, the SAHAT Grant Program Office expects
to announce grant recipients by April 1, 2022. Prior to executing any
funding agreement, VA will contact successful applicants; make known
the amount of proposed funding; and verify the applicant's desire to
receive the funding. Any communication between the SAHAT Grant Program
Office and successful applicants prior to the issuance of an award
notice is not authorization to begin project activities. Once VA
verifies that the grant applicant is still seeking funding, VA will
issue a signed and dated award notice. This will begin the performance
period. VA expects that the performance period should not last longer
than 12 months. The award notice will be sent by U.S. mail or
electronic means to the organization listed on the SF-424. All
applicants will be notified by letter or email, sent by U.S. mail or
electronic means to the address listed on the SF-424.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
This section is not applicable to the SAHAT Grant Program.
C. Reporting
VA places great emphasis on the responsibility and accountability
of grantees. Grantees must agree to cooperate with any Federal
evaluation of the program and provide the following:
1. Quarterly Progress Reports: These reports will be submitted
electronically and outline how grant funds were used, describe program
progress and describe any barriers and measurable outcomes. The format
for quarterly reporting will be provided to grantees upon grant award.
2. Quarterly Financial Reports: These reports will be submitted
electronically using the SF-425-Federal Financial Report.
3. Grantee Closeout Report: This final report will be submitted
electronically and will detail the assistive technology developed. The
grantee's Closeout Report must be submitted to the SAHAT Grant Program
Office not later than 120 days after the date the performance period
ends.
VII. Agency Contact(s)
For additional general information about this announcement contact
the following program official: Oscar Hines (Program Manager),
Specially Adapted
[[Page 4718]]
Housing Program, [email protected], 202-461-8316 (not a toll-free
number).
Mailed correspondence, which should not include application
material, should be sent to the following address: Loan Guaranty
Service, VA Central Office, Attn: Oscar Hines (262), 810 Vermont Avenue
NW, Washington, DC 20420.
All correspondence with VA concerning this announcement should
reference the funding opportunity title and funding opportunity number
listed at the top of this solicitation. Once the announcement deadline
has passed, VA staff may not discuss this competition with applicants
until the application review process has been completed.
VIII. Other Information
Section 2108 authorizes VA to provide grants for the development of
new assistive technologies through September 30, 2022. Additional
information related to the SAHAT Grant Program administered by LGY is
available at: https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp.
The SAHAT Grant is not a Veterans' benefit. As such, the decisions
of the Secretary are final and not subject to the same appeal rights as
decisions related to Veterans' benefits. The Secretary does not have a
duty to assist technology grant applicants in obtaining a grant.
Grantees will receive payments electronically through the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services Payment Management System
(PMS). All grant recipients should adhere to PMS user policies.
IX. Notices of Funding Opportunity
In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's guidance
located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws and relevant
Executive guidance, the Federal awarding agency will review and
consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice of funding
opportunity in accordance with the Guidance for Grants and Agreements
in title 2 CFR
Signing Authority: Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs,
approved this document on January 18, 2022, 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.
Jeffrey M. Martin,
Assistant Director, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2022-01575 Filed 1-27-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
