Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program Special Need Grant, 7445-7453 [2024-02057]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 23 (Friday, February 2, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7445-7453]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-02057]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program Special Need 
Grant

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announces the 
opportunity of funds in the amount of approximately $5 million per year 
for up to 2 years under the Grant and Per Diem (GPD)

[[Page 7446]]

special need grant program. The special need grants enable the GPD 
program within VA's Homeless Programs Office to offer financial 
assistance through a 2-year renewal grant to the 16 currently 
operational GPD special need grantees to defray the cost of 
facilitating transitional housing and supportive services for eligible 
Veterans. Funding offered under this Notice of Funding Opportunity 
(NOFO) responds to the need to reach Veterans who are homeless or at 
risk of becoming homeless and who are in one of the special need 
populations (i.e., chronically mentally ill, frail elderly, individuals 
who care for minor dependents, terminally ill, or women). This renewal 
funding will provide assistance to offset operational costs including 
costs that would not otherwise be incurred, but for the fact that the 
recipient is providing supportive housing beds in private rooms with 
private bathrooms for a homeless Veteran population with special needs. 
This Notice contains information concerning the GPD program, the 
application process, and amount of funding available. Awards made for 
program services grants will fund operations beginning on or around 
October 1, 2024.

DATES: Applications for grants must be received by 4:00 p.m. Eastern 
Time on April 15, 2024. In the interest of fairness to all competing 
applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and hour. VA will treat as 
ineligible for consideration any application that is received after the 
deadline. Applicants should take this practice into account and submit 
their materials early to avoid risk of loss of eligibility, 
unanticipated delays, computer service outages, or other submission-
related problems.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the application materials can be downloaded from 
the program website at https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp. Questions 
should be referred to [email protected]. For detailed program 
information and requirements, see 38 CFR part 61.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Chelsea Watson, Director VA 
Homeless Providers GPD Program Office, 813-816-7155 extension 100109 
(this is not a toll-free telephone number), or [email protected].
    Application Submission: Applicants must submit applications 
electronically following instructions found at https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp. Applications may not be emailed, mailed, or sent by 
facsimile (fax). Applications must be received by the Program Office no 
later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the application deadline date. 
Applications must arrive as a complete package.
    Materials arriving separately will not be included in the 
application package for consideration and may result in the application 
being rejected or not funded.
    In the event of certain errors, such as duplicate applications or 
multiple applications per Employer Identification Number, per VA 
medical facility catchment area, VA reserves the right to select which 
application to consider based on the submission dates and times or 
based on other factors.
    Applicants are advised to refer to this NOFO when completing the 
online application. NOFO content provides supplementary guidance for 
completing the online application.
    Technical Assistance: Information on obtaining technical assistance 
for preparing a grant application is available on the program website 
at https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Funding Opportunity Title: GPD Special Need Grant.
    Announcement Type: Renewal.
    Funding Opportunity Number: VA-GPD-SN-FY2025.
    Assistance Instrument: Grant.
    Assistance Listing: 64.024, VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per 
Diem Program.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Program Purpose and Background

    Purpose: Ending and preventing homelessness among Veterans is a 
priority for VA. VA's Homeless Programs Office constitutes the Nation's 
largest integrated network of homelessness, housing, prevention, and 
rehabilitation services for Veterans. These programs are designed to 
help Veterans live as self-sufficiently and independently as possible. 
The foundation for these programs is based on Housing First principles 
combined with supportive services to ensure Veterans are able to end 
the cycle of homelessness.
    Since 1994, the GPD program has provided Veterans who are 
experiencing homelessness with community-based transitional housing, 
supportive services such as case management, and more. These services 
assist Veterans in attaining or retaining permanent residence. Several 
types of grants are offered under the umbrella of the GPD program. The 
grants are designed to meet Veterans at various stages as they move to 
housing stability. The community organizations who receive the grants 
offer focused housing stability support through a variety of service 
models. The GPD program plays a vital role in the continuum of homeless 
services.
    Background: Ending Veteran homelessness requires multifaceted 
approaches. This NOFO represents one such approach. This NOFO responds 
to the need in communities to reach Veterans who are homeless or at 
risk of becoming homeless and who are in one of the special need 
populations (i.e., chronically mentally ill, frail elderly, individuals 
who care for minor dependents, terminally ill, or women). The renewal 
funding will provide assistance to offset operational costs including 
costs that would not otherwise be incurred, but for the fact that the 
recipient is providing supportive housing beds in private rooms with 
private bathrooms for a homeless Veteran population with special needs. 
Grants funded from this NOFO will increase housing stability for 
Veterans. VA is committed to supporting community-based organizations 
as they transform projects to meet the challenge of ending homelessness 
among Veterans.

Program Description

    Goals and Objective: The goals of projects under assistance listing 
64.024, VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem program, are to 
provide transitional housing and supportive services to Veterans 
experiencing homelessness as they move toward and retain permanent 
housing. To achieve these goals, the objective of this NOFO is to 
provide renewal funding for per diem payments to defray the cost of 
facilitating housing stabilization within private rooms with private 
bathrooms for special need populations of Veterans. As applicable, each 
grantee's performance will be indicated by how they meet targets 
relevant to the proposed special need population such as permanent 
housing, negative exits, or employment. Specific targets are identified 
in the Required Minimum Performance Metrics/Targets section of the 
NOFO.
    Applicants agree to meet the applicable requirements of 38 CFR part 
61 as a part of the effort to end homelessness among the Nation's 
Veterans. Applicants agree to meet the applicable requirements of 2 CFR 
part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and 
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards) as part of the Governmentwide 
initiative to administer Federal financial assistance systematically 
and uniformly. In addition, all applicants must offer a low barrier, 
harm reduction approach that applies Housing First principles to

[[Page 7447]]

engaging unsheltered Veterans in services and must have policies and 
procedures for maintaining low barriers and high-quality engagement 
through the provision of service.
Required Minimum Performance Metrics/Targets
    Applicants for renewal funding must address the needs of the same 
homeless Veteran special need population identified in the previous 
special need application and approved in the grant agreement effective 
October 1, 2021, or in a subsequently approved change of scope. Changes 
to the special need population are not allowed. Applicants must 
demonstrate compliance with the special need population requirements in 
their renewal application and during the grant award period if selected 
for funding. Refer to 38 CFR 61.41 for additional information on 
special need populations.
    For each of the special need populations below that have Required 
Minimum Performance Metrics/Targets, the targets are set for the 
initial funding period of this renewal award starting October 1, 2024. 
VA may, at its discretion, update these targets at any time, for 
example during an option year, as applicable. Any new targets will be 
stated in writing by VA.
     Chronically mentally ill:
    [cir] Discharge to permanent housing target is 60%.
    [cir] Employment of individuals at discharge target is 55%.
    [cir] Negative exits target is less than 20%.
     Frail elderly:
    [cir] Discharge to permanent housing target is 65%.
    [cir] Negative exits target is less than 20%.
     Individuals who care for minor dependents:
    [cir] Discharge to permanent housing target is 70%.
    [cir] Employment of individuals at discharge target is 55%.
    [cir] Negative exits target is less than 20%.
     Terminally ill:
    [cir] Not applicable.
     Women:
    [cir] Discharge to permanent housing target is 70%.
    [cir] Employment of individuals at discharge target is 55%.
    [cir] Negative exits target is less than 20%.
    Note that 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.
Housing Specifications
    The special need beds supported under this grant must be in private 
rooms with private bathrooms including the following characteristics:
     The minimum square footage for the private bedroom and 
private bathroom combined is 120 square feet. The bedroom and bathroom 
do not need to be attached in which case the walkway would not usually 
count toward the square footage calculation.
     The bathroom must include shower and/or tub, sink, and 
toilet.
     Neither the bedroom nor the bathroom facilities may be 
shared (e.g., no shared sink area outside the toilet room).
     Rooms with partial walls are not acceptable. Walls must go 
floor-to-ceiling. Rooms must have a door and not involve unauthorized 
passage through another dwelling unit.

Definitions

    The regulations for the GPD program, found in 38 CFR part 61, as 
well as the uniform guidance for grants (2 CFR part 200) contain all 
detailed definitions, authorities, and requirements pertaining to this 
program.

Program Authority

    Funding applied for under this Notice is authorized by 38 U.S.C. 
2011, 2012, 2061. VA established and implemented this statutory 
authority for the GPD program in 38 CFR part 61. Funds made available 
under this Notice may be subject to other applicable laws and 
regulations including those in title 2, Code of Federal Regulations.

Guidance for the Use of Funds

     Funds requested for renewal grant activities must meet the 
same criteria identified in the original Notice (published March 4, 
2021), and available on the GPD website: https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp.
     Funds requested for renewal grant activities must be the 
same as what was approved under the previously awarded grant agreement, 
effective October 1, 2021, or in a subsequently approved change of 
scope.
     VA reserves the right to fund only those projects or 
portions of projects based on the percentage of use for the VA grant 
and based on actual need as determined by VA. Those activities deemed 
outside the scope of this NOFO will not be funded.

II. Award Information

Award Amount

    Approximately $5 million per year for 2 years is available for 
grants under this Notice. The maximum allowable grant size is 
determined by the number of beds previously awarded and by each 
applicant's unique per diem rate. Applicants for renewal funding may 
request up to the number of beds approved under their currently active 
GPD special need grant (start date October 1, 2021). Applicants may 
request fewer beds but may not request more.

Award Period

    Grants awarded are expected to be for 2 years starting on October 
1, 2024. Continuation funding is not guaranteed. VA reserves the right 
in any year to make adjustments (e.g., to funding levels, bed numbers, 
services, locations, performance targets, dates) as needed within the 
intent of the Notice based on a variety of factors including 
availability of funding and grantee performance.

III. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

    To be eligible, an applicant must be one of the 16 currently 
operational GPD special need grantees who was awarded a grant based on 
the Notice published in www.grants.gov on March 4, 2021, with a project 
start date of October 1, 2021. A list of active GPD special need grant 
recipients is available on the GPD website: https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp.
    Eligible entities must have an active registration in the System 
for Award Management (SAM) and must maintain their active status 
throughout the application period. VA may not make a Federal award to 
an applicant if the applicant has not complied with all applicable 
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM requirements. Applicants may 
refer to 2 CFR parts 200, 25, and www.SAM.gov for more information.
    If an applicant has not fully complied with the SAM and UEI 
requirements by the time VA is ready to make an award, VA may determine 
that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and may 
use that determination as a basis for making an award to another 
applicant.
    If awarded a grant, applicants must maintain an active SAM account 
for the duration of the grant period as a continuing condition of 
eligibility.
    GPD grants are ``Federal financial assistance'' as defined in 2 CFR 
25.406 and 200.1. Therefore, applicants must answer ``yes'' in 
www.SAM.gov saying they ``wish to apply for a Federal assistance 
project or program'' under the Financial Assistance Representation and 
Certification section. Then, applicants

[[Page 7448]]

must certify to the representations and certifications in SAM.
    Please note that all elements of 2 CFR part 200 apply to any 
organization that carries out a Federal award as a recipient or 
subrecipient, including for-profit organizations. This includes the 
monitoring and the examination of their records.

IV. Cost Sharing

    Cost sharing is not required for this grant program.

V. Application and Scoring Information

Content and Form of Application

    Applications submitted in response to this NOFO must be submitted 
through the online electronic grants management system by following the 
instructions at https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp. See also the 
Application Submission section of this Notice.
    The numbered questions below make up the special need renewal 
application that all applicants must complete. Applicants must include 
all required documents in their application submission. Submission of 
an incorrect, incomplete, inconsistent, unclear, or incorrectly 
formatted application package may result in the application being 
rejected.
    VA may make a reasonable effort to confirm or clarify information 
in the application. VA reserves the right to consider ineligible or to 
not select any application with inconsistent information or information 
that cannot be readily confirmed or that leads to an unclear 
understanding of the proposed project.
    This Notice cannot predict all potential circumstances. Applicants 
are expected to propose plans within the requirements and guidance of 
the NOFO. When a specific situation is not explicitly addressed in the 
NOFO, applicants must use their judgment to propose plans that meet the 
intent of the NOFO and may explain how their choices align with the 
intent. All applications will be evaluated against the requirements and 
guidance in the NOFO.
Organization Profile (Eligibility)
    1. Unique Entity Identifier.
    2. Employer Identification Number.
    3. Organization Name.
    4. Organization Address (including city, state, postal code, and 
congressional district).
    5. Indirect Cost Rate (percentage) and upload a copy of your 
agency's Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) that 
supports this rate or upload a copy of your agency's certification of 
de minimis indirect cost rate. Note that applicants not requesting 
indirect costs as described in 2 CFR 200.414 are not required to upload 
anything here.
    6. System for Award Management expiration date. Refer to the 
Eligible Applicants section of the NOFO and 2 CFR part 25 for more 
details.
Overview
    7. Station number of the VA medical facility whose catchment area 
includes the proposed area to be served in this application (select 
one).
    8. Veterans Integrated Service Network (select one).
    9. Continuum of Care (CoC) (select all that apply).
Application
    10. Special need population proposed (must be the same as 
previously approved for the grant period starting on October 1, 2021. 
See also related sections of this Notice: Required Minimum Performance 
Metrics/Targets section and Guidance for the Use of Funds section).
    11. Total number of Veteran beds for which your agency is 
requesting per diem in this application and corresponding budget 
amounts requested (must be the same or less than previously approved 
for the grant period starting on October 1, 2021. See also related 
sections of this Notice: Guidance for the Use of Funds section and 
Award Amount section).
    12. Site address(es): (Note that addresses are expected to be the 
same as previously approved for the grant period starting on October 1, 
2021. If requesting multiple sites within a single application, all 
sites must fall within the same VA medical facility catchment area.)
    a. Complete address, city, state, ZIP code + four-digit extension, 
county, and congressional district.
    b. The total number of all beds and the number of GPD funded beds, 
per site address.
    c. Identify the various demographics that will be served per site 
address (i.e., men/transgender/non-binary/other, women/transgender/non-
binary/other, minor dependents, families, registered sex-offenders, 
justice involved Veterans, other).
    d. Per location, a description of how the facility's participant 
living space will be configured. Include the square footage of the 
room, confirmation that each special need bed is in a private room with 
a private bath, and other details about the private and shared spaces 
in the facility for these Veterans.
Detailed Application Design
    This is the portion of the application that describes the proposed 
project. Proposed projects must meet the same criteria identified in 
the original Notice (published March 4, 2021, and available on the GPD 
website: https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp). For example, starting on 
page 12 of the original notice is the Detailed Application Design 
section which includes questions for the scored criteria (i.e., 
Outreach, Project Plan, Ability, Need, and Coordination). Proposed 
projects are expected to continue the same application design that was 
approved for the previous grant period starting on October 1, 2021, or 
in a subsequently approved change of scope, with minimal if any 
changes.
    VA reviewers will score the application based on how the detailed 
application design addresses the areas of need, outreach, project plan, 
ability, and coordination in relation to the selected special need 
population. These sections are in compliance with 38 CFR part 61.
Need
    13. In approximately 250 words or less, applicants must state that 
the responses to the 2 Need questions from their previous application 
submitted in 2021 remain the same or must provide an updated response. 
See original Notice page 15, #27-28.
Outreach
    14. In approximately 250 words or less, applicants must state that 
the response to the 1 Outreach question from their previous application 
submitted in 2021 remains the same or must provide an updated response. 
See original Notice page 13, #18.
Project Plan
    15. In approximately 250 words or less, applicants must state that 
the responses to the 5 Project Plan questions from their previous 
application submitted in 2021 remain the same or must provide an 
updated response. See original Notice pages 13-14, #19-23.
    16. Complete the table listing all the supportive services that 
will be provided to Veterans in the project (see Example 1). Applicants 
are expected to continue the same services that were approved for the 
previous grant period starting on October 1, 2021, or approved in a 
subsequent change of scope, with minimal changes, if any. Successful 
applicants will be allowed to exceed the minimum standards during the 
grant period without need for written prior approval from the GPD 
National

[[Page 7449]]

Program Office, but they will not be allowed to reduce the standards.

                                                                       Example 1.
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                                                       Total hours/month                         Special need        Job title and
                                                        service will be         Mode of         population for          minimum
     Description of service       Minimum  frequency    offered for all       engagement       which service is       credentials      Service provider
                                                       GPD participants                            available           required
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Case Management.................  Weekly............  320 hours (2 full-  In person.........  Chronically         Case Manager;       Agency staff.
                                                       time equivalents                        mentally ill.       Licensed Clinical
                                                       (FTE), 40 hours/                                            Social Worker or
                                                       week).                                                      Master of Social
                                                                                                                   Work.
Legal Services..................  Monthly...........  5 hours...........  Virtual through     Chronically         Paralegal,          Contractors.
                                                                           video.              mentally ill.       Bachelor's.
Recreational Therapy............  Biweekly..........  10 hours..........  Hybrid in person    Chronically         Recreation          Community
                                                                           and video.          mentally ill.       Coordinator, no     volunteers.
                                                                                                                   degree required,
                                                                                                                   lived experience
                                                                                                                   preferred.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ability
    17. In approximately 500 words or less, discuss your past 
performance under the previously awarded special need grant (start date 
October 1, 2021). At minimum applicants must discuss the performance 
measures (e.g., exits to permanent housing, employment at exit, 
negative exits), length of stay in the GPD program by Veterans, 
occupancy rates of the GPD awarded beds, and use of private rooms with 
private bathrooms.
    18. Complete the staffing plan table section of the application for 
this project (see Example 2). Applicants are expected to continue the 
same staffing plan that was approved for the previous grant period 
starting on October 1, 2021, or in a subsequently approved change of 
scope, with minimal if any changes. New or updated position 
descriptions for up to four key positions may be attached. Do not 
attach previously submitted position descriptions. Do not attach 
resumes. Successful applicants will be allowed to exceed the minimum 
standards during the grant period without the need for written prior 
approval from the GPD National Program Office, but they will not be 
allowed to reduce the standards.

                                                                       Example 2.
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                                                                                                                             Amount of       Amount of
                                                                                          Hours per week                   annual salary    salary, per
  Job title (do not name specific      Brief (1-2 sentences)      Minimum  required    allocated to the GPD   Number of    allocated to   job title, for
names) (agency,  contractors,  sub-       description of          educational level      project (40 hours       FTEs         the GPD         the FTE
           contractors)                  responsibilities                               equals  full-time)                  project per     position(s)
                                                                                                                               year          per year
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Case manager......................  Responsible for working     Bachelor's degree....  60 hours............          1.5         $90,000         $60,000
                                     with the Veteran to
                                     develop and monitor an
                                     individual service plan
                                     and to adjust the plan as
                                     needed. Coordinates
                                     support with other
                                     community agencies..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    19. In approximately 250 words or less, applicants must state that 
the responses to the 3 Ability questions from their previous 
application submitted in 2021 remain the same or must provide an 
updated response. See original Notice page 14-15, #24-26.
Coordination
    20. In approximately 250 words or less, applicants must state that 
the responses to the 2 Coordination questions from their previous 
application submitted in 2021 remain the same or must provide an 
updated response. See original Notice page 15, #29-30. New or updated 
letters of coordination may be attached. Do not attach previously 
submitted letters of coordination.
    Note that VA reserves the right to confirm with local VA medical 
facility staff or others any information related to an application. If 
information cannot be confirmed or if discrepancies are identified, VA 
reserves the right to adjust award decisions, to not select the 
application, to consider other application(s) in rank order, or to make 
other remedies as appropriate.
Organizational Leadership
    21. Complete the organization leadership table. At minimum, this 
table must include the positions with the following titles or 
equivalent titles: Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, and 
Project Manager. The table also must include a complete list of the 
current Board of Directors. For each position include name, title, 
phone number, and email address. See also Conflicts of Interest 
section.

                                                   Example 3.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Name                             Title               Phone number          Email  address
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thi Nguyen.............................  Executive Director.......       111-222-3333  [email protected].
Anisa Osman............................  Chief Financial Officer..       111-222-3333  [email protected].
Marco Aguilar..........................  Project Officer..........       111-222-3333  [email protected].
Angel Banmeke..........................  Chair, Board of Directors       111-222-3333  [email protected].
Lei Yang...............................  Treasurer, Board of             111-222-3333  [email protected].
                                          Directors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 7450]]

External Attachments
    Applications that do not consist of all required documents will be 
considered incomplete.
    When submitting an attachment in spreadsheet or table format, 
applicants are encouraged to convert to portable document format (PDF) 
prior to submission. Applicants who submit materials in PDF are 
encouraged to submit a native PDF (i.e., a machine-readable PDF, not an 
image only or scanned PDF), if possible.
    1. SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance (required).
    a. The form may be downloaded from the program website at https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp or at https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family.
    b. The SF-424 must be signed by a person at the applicant 
organization who is authorized to make legal commitments on behalf of 
the organization.
    c. The signature on the SF-424 must be digital or wet-ink 
signature. A blank signature field or a ``signature'' that is manually 
typed will not be accepted. VA reserves the right to communicate with 
an applicant, as needed, prior to making threshold decisions.
    d. A signature on the SF-424 indicates the applicant agrees to 
comply with all SF-424B Non-Construction Assurances and terms and 
conditions of award. Applicants do not need to submit the SF-424B with 
the application. Instead, the applicant agrees to the assurances by 
maintaining an active registration in SAM. Refer to the Eligibility 
section for how to complete the Federal financial assistance 
representation and certification section in SAM. For awareness, 
applicants may refer to the GPD website for a list of assurances and 
for a sample standard terms and conditions of award.
    2. Updated NICRA or certification of de minimis indirect cost rate 
(if needed).
    3. Updated letter(s) of coordination (optional).
    4. Updated position descriptions (optional).
    5. Other (optional).
Required Certifications
    By signing and submitting this application for Federal assistance, 
I agree to the following:
    1. The applicant commits to all certifications from the previous 
special need Notice (dated March 4, 2021).
    2. The applicant organization commits to implementing a low barrier 
approach to providing services to Veterans which generally means 
service occurs on the same day from the point of identification or 
referral to the GPD project or within no more than 72 hours.
    3. The applicant commits to engaging in the local coordinated entry 
process and the by-name list, as appropriate.
    4. The applicant commits to providing supportive housing beds in 
private rooms with private bathrooms and to meeting the housing 
specifications in the NOFO.
    5. The applicant commits to having written standard operating 
procedures on conflicts of interest (see Conflicts of Interest 
section).
    6. No more than 25% of the awarded beds for adult participants will 
be occupied by people not being served by the GPD grant.
    7. The applicant commits to monitoring their actual grant costs 
compared to requested costs at least quarterly and commits to 
submitting a revised per diem rate request immediately, when needed, to 
prevent improper accumulation of unobligated funds.
    8. The applicant commits to ensuring staff supported by grant funds 
are trained annually regarding suicide prevention and commits to having 
written standard operating procedures on suicide prevention developed 
in consultation with the local VA medical facility.
    9. The applicant commits to ensuring staff supported by grant funds 
are trained annually regarding equity and inclusion and commits to 
having written standard operating procedures on nondiscrimination of 
any individuals based on factors including but not limited to race, 
color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sex 
characteristics, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, 
disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, 
or political affiliation.
    10. Generally, infrastructure costs are not allowed under GPD 
transitional housing grants, however, the applicant acknowledges that 
if the budget includes construction costs, VA prior approval is needed 
for such costs and the requirements of the Build America Buy America 
Act (Pub. L. 117-58) apply to the applicant and to all subrecipients 
and contractors.
    11. The applicant organization commits to complying with all 
applicable requirements for the grant including, but not limited to, 38 
CFR part 61, 2 CFR part 200, Federal cost principles, terms and 
conditions of award, requirements in the NOFO, performance measures, 
and reporting requirements.
    12. The applicant does not have any past due SF-425 Federal 
Financial Report (FFR) or any other outstanding requirement under any 
GPD grant.
    13. If the applicant organization is the recipient of an historical 
GPD capital grant (i.e., a capital grant awarded in fiscal year 2020 or 
before) with an ongoing period of obligation associated with the 
facility used for special need grant services, then the applicant 
commits to submitting a strongly competitive application for this 
special need renewal opportunity. The applicant commits to maintaining 
bed numbers and occupancy levels. The applicant commits this at least 
until the expiration of the period during which VA could seek recovery 
under 38 CFR 61.67. Failure to do so may result in an immediate partial 
capital grant repayment.

VI. Application Review Information

    VA has instituted procedures for assessing the technical merit of 
applications to provide for an objective review of applications and to 
assist you in understanding the standards against which your 
application will be scored. Reviewers will award points based on the 
evaluation criteria described in 38 CFR 61.40(b) as summarized below.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Points
                        Criterion                            (maximum)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Need.................................................             150
2. Outreach.............................................             100
3. Project Plan.........................................             300
4. Ability..............................................             200
5. Coordination.........................................             200
6. Completion Confidence................................              50
                                                         ---------------
    Total...............................................           1,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

VII. Merit Review and Selection Process

    A technical merit review panel will carefully evaluate applications 
against the criteria to determine the merit of applications. Up to 
1,000 points may be awarded to an applicant depending on the quality of 
responses provided. The final scores will serve as the primary basis 
for selection of applications for funding. The grant review panel will 
follow 38 CFR part 61 and the Uniform Guidance on application grant 
review (pursuant to 2 CFR part 200). VA may use information such as 
historical program documents of past performance, both VA and non-VA, 
including those from other Federal, state, and local agencies as well 
as audits by private or public entities in determining scores. The 
grant review panel will be instructed to consider past performance 
(e.g., performance metrics, lengths of stay, occupancy rates, use of

[[Page 7451]]

private rooms with private bathrooms) when scoring applications. The 
panel results are advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant 
Program Officer.
    Depending on factors such as the quantity and quality of 
applications received, the availability of funding, and past 
performance, VA reserves the right to make additional rounds of 
conditional selections from this NOFO, to reduce the amount of funding 
or beds awarded, or to take other actions as appropriate. VA reserves 
the right to negotiate with applicants as needed to accomplish the 
overall goals and objective of the Notice.

VIII. Risk Assessment

    Prior to making an award, and at any time post-award, VA will 
review information available through various sources, including its own 
records and any Office of Management and Budget-designated repository 
of Governmentwide eligibility qualification or financial integrity 
information, such as www.SAM.gov.
    In addition, VA will comply with the requirements of 2 CFR part 
180, supplemented by 2 CFR part 801 (Non-procurement Debarment and 
Suspension). This risk evaluation may incorporate results of the 
evaluation of the applicant's eligibility (threshold review) or the 
quality of its application (merit review). If VA determines that an 
award will be made, specific conditions that correspond to the degree 
of risk assessed may be applied to the award. VA will conduct a 
business risk assessment in accordance with 2 CFR 200.206. Applicants 
or grantees may be asked to submit additional information for VA to 
assess the adequacy of their financial management of Federal funds.

IX. Award Administration Information

Award Notices

    Although subject to change, VA expects to announce grant awards by 
approximately August 2024. VA reserves the right in any year to make 
adjustments (e.g., to funding levels) as needed within the intent of 
the NOFO based on a variety of factors, including the availability of 
funding.
    The applicant's signature on the SF-424, including electronic 
signature, constitutes a binding offer by the applicant and constitutes 
agreement to the terms and conditions of award. VA may elect to award 
funds with or without discussions with the applicant. Applicants may 
review GPD's general terms and conditions of award at any time on the 
GPD website at https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp.
    Only a grant agreement with a VA signature is evidence of an award 
and is an authorizing document allowing costs to be incurred against a 
grant award. Other notices, letters, or announcements are not 
authorizing documents. The grant agreement includes the terms and 
conditions of award and must be signed by VA to be legally binding.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    VA places great emphasis on responsibility and accountability. VA 
has procedures in place to monitor grants provided under this grant 
program. All applicants selected in response to this NOFO must agree to 
meet applicable inspection standards outlined in the grant agreement.
Conflicts of Interest
    Consistent with 2 CFR 200.112, grantees must disclose in writing 
any potential conflict of interest to the Federal awarding agency or 
pass-through entity immediately and no less frequently than annually 
thereafter.
    The conflict-of-interest guidance for general procurement standards 
(2 CFR 200.318) is hereby applied to other grant actions beyond 
procurement actions. Specifically, grantees must maintain written 
standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the 
actions of its employees or other personnel engaged in activities 
funded from the GPD grant, including the selection, award, and 
administration of contracts. No employee, officer, or agent may 
participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract 
supported by a Federal award if he or she has a real or apparent 
conflict of interest. Such a conflict of interest would arise when the 
employee, officer, agent, any member of the immediate family, a 
partner, or an organization which employs or is about to employ any of 
the parties indicated herein, has a financial or other interest in or a 
tangible personal benefit from a firm considered for a contract. The 
officers, employees, and agents of the grantee organization may neither 
solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value 
from contractors or parties to subcontracts. However, grantees may set 
standards for situations in which the financial interest is not 
substantial, or the gift is an unsolicited item of nominal value. The 
standards of conduct must provide for disciplinary actions to be 
applied for violations of such standards.

Suicide Prevention

    Grantees must ensure staff supported by grant funds are trained 
annually regarding suicide prevention and how to address situations in 
which Veterans demonstrate suicidal ideation. Standard operating 
procedures are to be developed on suicide prevention in consultation 
with the local VA medical facility. VA training is available at https://www.va.gov/EMPLOYEEEDUCATION/ees_vha_train.asp and https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-save. Suicide Prevention Coordinator 
locator (for in-person training) is available at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/find-resources/local-resources.
Equity and Inclusion
    Grantees must ensure staff supported by grant funds are trained 
annually regarding equity and inclusion. Standard operating procedures 
are to be developed on nondiscrimination of any individuals based on 
factors including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, gender 
identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, 
pregnancy, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, 
marital status, parental status, or political affiliation. VA training 
is available at https://www.va.gov/EMPLOYEEEDUCATION/ees_vha_train.asp.
Life Safety Code
    Grantees must meet the requirements of the current edition of the 
Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association as it 
relates to the specific GPD facility(s). Grantees 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 without meeting 
these requirements.
Inspections
    All units must be reinspected by VA no less frequently than 
annually. Reinspection of occupied units requires advance planning and 
must be started early to avoid delays. VA reserves the right to 
withhold payments, reduce beds, terminate a grant, or take other action 
as appropriate when inspection or reinspection requirements are delayed 
or not met.

Payments of Grant Funds

Payment Requests
    Grantees will receive payments electronically through the U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System 
or other payment method identified by VA. Grantees will have the 
ability to request payments as frequently as they choose or on a 
reimbursement

[[Page 7452]]

basis as determined by VA, subject to the following limitations:
     During the first quarter of each annual period, the 
grantee's cumulative request for funds may not exceed 35% of the annual 
grant amount without VA written prior approval.
     By the end of the second quarter of each annual period, 
the grantee's cumulative request for funds may not exceed 60% of the 
annual grant amount without VA written prior approval.
     By the end of the third quarter of each annual period, the 
grantee's cumulative request for funds may not exceed 80% of the annual 
grant amount without VA written prior approval.
     By the end of the fourth quarter of each annual period, 
the grantee's cumulative request for funds may not exceed 100% of the 
annual grant amount.
Unobligated Balances
    If applicable, grantees with unobligated balances may, with 
approval from the GPD National Program Office, carry forward such 
unobligated balances. If applicable, at VA's discretion, award amounts 
may be subject to reductions. Reductions are permanent and not 
restorable. Reductions will be calculated based on the amount of the 
unobligated balance shown in HHS' Payment Management System by the 
third quarter of each year. VA may calculate reductions with or without 
input from grantees. Grantees are advised to stay current with 
reimbursements from the payment system in order to avoid the appearance 
of inaccurately high unobligated balances.
Immediate Cash Needs
    VA will make payments to reimburse amounts expended (38 CFR 
61.61(b)). Advance payments are not provided to GPD grantees. Grantees 
must maintain written procedures to minimize the time elapsing between 
drawing down funds from the Federal Government and disbursing the funds 
for grant costs. Also, grantees must maintain financial management 
systems that meet the standards for fund control and accountability as 
established in 2 CFR 200.305. Payments drawn must be limited to the 
minimum amounts needed and be timed in accordance with actual and 
immediate cash requirements of the grantee in carrying out the purpose 
of the approved project. The timing and amount of payments must be as 
close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by 
the grantee for direct project costs and the proportionate share of any 
allowable indirect costs. Typically, ``immediate'' means within 3 
business days, as articulated by HHS: https://pms.psc.gov/grant-recipients/funding-request-formula.html.
Per-Item Cost Documentation
     Grantees must support their request for payments with 
adequate fiscal documentation, including program income and expenses.
     Grantees are advised to keep careful records, including 
documentation of voluntary leveraged funding from other sources and 
including cost calculations, such as itemized invoices and cost 
reasonableness.
     Grantees must submit properly prepared and fully 
documented vouchers within 30 days after the end of each month. 
Grantees who are unsure if their submission is properly prepared and 
fully documented should submit early to allow time for review and 
resubmission no later than 30 days after the end of each month.
     Per 38 CFR 61.44, at the time of NOFO publication, payment 
will be either the daily cost of care minus other sources of income or 
two times the current VA State Home per diem rate for domiciliary care, 
whichever is less. Grantees should be aware that special need awards 
are subject to funds availability. Therefore, in the event of a funding 
shortfall, VA will notify grantees of any applicable revised (lower) 
maximum rate.
     The per diem payment calculation may be found at 38 CFR 
61.44 and current maximum per diem rates are available on the GPD 
provider website at https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/GPD_ProviderWebsite.asp.

Reporting and Monitoring

    VA will oversee and monitor the services provided to the 
participants by the grantee. Monitoring will include financial reviews 
and performance. All grantees are subject to audits conducted by VA or 
its representative. See 2 CFR 200.337 regarding Access to Records. The 
grantee will be expected to demonstrate adherence to the grantee's 
proposed program concept, as described in the application. The 
reporting requirements and monitoring cadence (bi-weekly, monthly, 
quarterly, or annually) will be determined in part based on VA's pre-
award and post-award risk assessment.
Reporting
     An annual SF-425 FFR is required to be submitted no later 
than 120 days after the end of each grant year (no later than January 
31). Grantees who do not submit on time are subject to being withheld 
from receiving payments temporarily pending receipt of the report. An 
FFR form is available on the GPD provider website at https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/GPD_ProviderWebsite.asp or at www.grants.gov. 
Instructions for submission also are on the GPD provider website.
     At a minimum, a quarterly review of each GPD grantee's 
progress toward meeting performance goals is required, as applicable. 
The targets are set for the initial funding period of this renewal 
award, starting October 1, 2024. VA may, at its discretion, update 
these targets any time, for example during an option year, as 
applicable. Any new targets will be stated in writing by VA. Applicants 
should be aware that bed utilization rates can impact funding decisions 
during the award period.
     Annual reporting may involve certifying to VA that certain 
requirements are complete including, but is not limited to:
    [cir] Updated leadership information, such as contact information 
for the Board of Directors and Executive Officers, is provided.
    [cir] An updated NICRA or certification of de minimis indirect cost 
rate is provided (if needed).
    [cir] Organizational records in SAM are complete, including:
    [ssquf] The organizational registration is active.
    [ssquf] The Federal financial assistance representation and 
certification section is complete.
    [ssquf] No organization or person involved in the grant has an 
active exclusion.
    [cir] Any conflicts of interest have been disclosed immediately and 
annually thereafter.
    [cir] Annual training for staff regarding suicide prevention is 
complete.
    [cir] Annual training for staff regarding equity and inclusion is 
complete.
    [cir] All required SF-425 FFRs have been submitted to VA for all 
GPD grants. All future FFRs will be submitted on or before the due 
date.
    [cir] The organization is up to date on any actions required by an 
A-133 Single Audit or a VA-specific fiscal review (e.g., a fiscal 
review of GPD or other VA grants conducted by VA's Office of Business 
Oversight).
    [cir] The organization does not have an outstanding GPD, VA, or 
Federal debt.
    [cir] The organization continues to meet the management standards 
described in 2 CFR part 200 and 38 CFR part 61 and continues to be able 
to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, and other requirements 
imposed on grantees (per requirements such as 2 CFR 200.206(b)(2)).

[[Page 7453]]

    [cir] An updated per diem rate request reflecting current costs has 
been submitted (if needed).
     If additional time or funding becomes available, grantees 
will be notified about how to make a request (notwithstanding 38 CFR 
61.61(b) and in compliance with 2 CFR 200.308(c) and Sec.  200.309).
Closeout
     A final SF-425 FFR is due within 120 days after the grant 
end date. Grantees who do not comply are subject to public reporting on 
the Federal websites, such as SAM, for material failure to comply with 
the terms of the award (per 2 CFR 200.344).
     Grantees must promptly refund any balances of unobligated 
funding that are not authorized to be retained. Any funds paid to the 
grantee in excess of the amount to which the grantee is finally 
determined to be entitled under the terms of the Federal award 
constitute a debt to the Federal Government (2 CFR 200.346).
Monitoring
     Each project receiving special need funding will have a 
liaison appointed from a nearby VA medical facility to provide 
oversight and to monitor services provided to Veterans experiencing 
homelessness.
     It is expected that Veterans will transition to permanent 
housing as rapidly as clinically appropriate based on individual needs. 
A typical length of stay, on average, generally is within 6-12 months 
(or less depending on the population) and not to exceed 24 months. 
Grantees must work closely with Veterans to support timely transitions 
to permanent housing.
     Grantees may not make significant changes to a project 
after a grant is awarded without written prior approval from the GPD 
National Program Office.
     VA reserves the right to disallow services provided by the 
grantee if VA determines that they are of unacceptable quality, in 
which case grant funds may not be used to pay for them.
     Poor performance, such as low bed utilization, may result 
in bed reductions and may impact future funding or option year(s) 
decisions.

Record Retention

    Grantees must follow Federal guidelines on record retention which 
require that grantees maintain and provide access to all records 
pertaining to grant activities for a period of at least 3 years from 
the date of submission of the final expenditure report. See 2 CFR 
200.334-338 for more specific information, including information about 
the start of the record retention period for awards that are renewed 
quarterly or annually and when the records must be retained for more 
than 3 years.

Signing Authority

    Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approved and signed 
this document on January 29, 2024, 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. 2024-02057 Filed 2-1-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P