Notice of Funding Availability for the Native Community Development Financial Institution Relending Demonstration Program FY 2024, 54413-54419 [2024-14353]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Rural Housing Service

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 126 (Monday, July 1, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54413-54419]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-14353]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service

[Docket No. RHS-24-SFH-0018]


Notice of Funding Availability for the Native Community 
Development Financial Institution Relending Demonstration Program FY 
2024

AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of funding availability (NOFA).

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SUMMARY: The Rural Housing Service (RHS, Agency), a Rural Development 
(RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 
announces the availability of funding for applications under its Native 
Community Development Financial Institution (NCDFI) Relending 
Demonstration Program for fiscal year (FY) 2024. The purpose of this 
notice is to announce the opening and closing dates for receipt of 
applications for the NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program from 
eligible applicants, as well as submission requirements. These loans 
will be made to qualified NCDFIs to relend funds to low- and very low-
income ultimate recipients to acquire, build, rehabilitate, improve, or 
relocate dwellings on Tribal Land in rural areas.

[[Page 54414]]

This program has the amount of $5,000,000 available for FY 24. 
Applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing 
their applications.

DATES: Completed applications must be submitted using one of the 
following methods:
     Paper submissions: The Agency must receive a paper 
application by 4:30 p.m. local time, August 9, 2024.
     Electronic submissions: Electronic applications must be 
submitted via email to [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time 
on August 9, 2024.
    The Agency will not solicit or consider scoring or eligibility 
information that is submitted after the application deadline. The 
application dates and times are firm. The Agency will not consider any 
application received after the deadline. The Agency reserves the right 
to contact applicants to seek clarification information on materials 
contained in the submitted application.

ADDRESSES: Applicants wanting to apply for assistance may download the 
application documents and requirements as stated in this Notice from 
the NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/native-community-development-financial-institution-relending-demonstration-program.
    Applicants may also request paper application packages from the 
Rural Development National Office by emailing [email protected].
    Applications can be mailed or delivered to: USDA Rural Development, 
Washington State Office, Attention: Andria Hively, 1835 Black Lake 
Blvd. SW, Olympia, WA 98512.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Hudson, Finance and Loan 
Analyst, Single Family Housing Direct Division, Special Programs and 
New Initiatives Branch at (608) 697-7725 (voice) (this is not a toll-
free number) or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

    Federal Awarding Agency Name: Rural Housing Service (RHS).
    Funding Opportunity Title: Native Community Development Financial 
Institution (NCDFI) Relending Demonstration Program.
    Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).
    Assistance Listing (AL) Numbers: 10.410.
    Dates: Completed applications and supporting materials must be 
received by mail at USDA Rural Development, Washington State Office, 
Attention: Andria Hively, 1835 Black Lake Blvd. SW, Olympia, WA 98512 
or via email at [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) 
on August 9, 2024. Late or incomplete applications will not be 
accepted.
    Rural Development Key Priorities: The Agency encourages applicants 
to consider projects that will advance the following key priorities 
(more details available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points):
     Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Justice; 
Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of 
climate change through economic support to rural communities.
     Advancing Racial Justice, Place-Based Equity, and 
Opportunity; Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD 
programs and benefits from RD funded projects; and
     Creating More and Better Market Opportunities; Assisting 
rural communities recover economically through more and better market 
opportunities and through improved infrastructure.
    For further information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.

A. Program Description

1. Purpose of the Program

    The purpose of the NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program is to 
increase homeownership opportunities for Native American Tribes, Alaska 
Native Communities, and Native Hawaiian communities in rural areas. 
Additionally, the program will provide capital to NCDFIs; loans made to 
NCDFIs will be re-lent to the ultimate recipients (low- and very low-
income people who will live in Indian Country and need affordable, 
modest single-family homes).

2. Statutory Authority

    Funding is authorized pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriation 
Act, 2024, 42 U.S.C. 1472; Public Law 118-42; and the program is 
authorized by section 502 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472) 
and implemented by 7 CFR part 3550.

3. Definitions

    The definitions and terms applicable to the loan process for 
ultimate recipients can be found at 7 CFR 3550.10 and 2 CFR part 211. 
Additional definitions applicable to this notice are listed below:
    a. Native Community Development Financial Institution (NCDFI). An 
entity that has been certified as a community development financial 
institution by the Secretary of the Treasury; that is not less than 50 
percent owned or controlled by members of Indian Tribes, Alaska Native 
communities, or Native Hawaiian communities; and for which not less 
than 50 percent of the activities of the entity serve Indian Tribes, 
Alaska Native communities, or Native Hawaiian communities.
    b. Native Hawaiian. The term `Native Hawaiian' has the meaning 
given the term in section 801 of the Native American Housing Assistance 
and Self-Determination Act of 1996, as amended (25 U.S.C. 4221(9)).
    c. Principals of NCDFI. Members, officers, directors, and other 
individuals or entities directly involved in the operation and 
management (including setting policy) of an NCDFI.
    d. Tribal Land. Tribal Land includes any of the following:
    (i) any land located within the boundaries of--
    (A) an Indian reservation, pueblo, or rancheria; or
    (B) a former reservation within Oklahoma;
    (ii) any land not located within the boundaries of an Indian 
reservation, pueblo, or rancheria, the title to which is held--
    (A) in trust by the United States for the benefit of an Indian 
Tribe or an individual Indian;
    (B) by an Indian Tribe or an individual Indian, subject to 
restriction against alienation under laws of the United States; or
    (C) by a dependent Indian community;
    (iii) any land located within a region established pursuant to 
section 7(a) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, as amended (43 
U.S.C. 1606(a));
    (iv) Hawaiian Homelands, as defined in section 801 of the Native 
American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996, as 
amended (25 U.S.C. 4221(9)); or
    (v) those areas or communities designated by the Assistant 
Secretary of Indian Affairs of the Department of the Interior that are 
near, adjacent, or contiguous to reservations where financial 
assistance and social service programs are provided to Indians because 
of their status as Indians.
    e. Ultimate recipient. An individual that receives a mortgage loan 
from a NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program fund.

4. Application Awards

    The Agency will review, evaluate and score applications received in 
response to this notice based on the provisions

[[Page 54415]]

found in this notice. Awards under the NCDFI Relending program will be 
made on a competitive basis using specific selection criteria contained 
in this notice. The Agency advises all interested parties that expenses 
incurred in applying for this Notice will be borne by the applicant and 
are at the applicant's sole risk.

B. Federal Award Information

    Type of Award: Loan.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2024.
    Available Funds: $5,000,000.
    Award Amounts: A minimum loan request of $500,000 is required. 
Opportunity for awards larger than $1 million will be evaluated and 
awarded based on program demand.
    Anticipated Award Date: September 30, 2024.
    Performance Period: A loan may be made by the Secretary to said 
applicant for a period of not to exceed thirty-three years from the 
making of the loan. The interest rate will be one percent. Interest and 
principal payments will be scheduled annually. The initial principal 
and interest payment will be deferred by the Agency for up to 3 years. 
Loan funds must be disbursed and delivered to the ultimate recipients 
within three years from the date of loan closing.
    Renewal or Supplemental Awards: None.
    Type of Assistance Instrument: Direct loan.
    Approximate Number of Awards: The Agency anticipates making five to 
seven awards.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible entities for these competitively awarded loans include 
NCDFIs. Any delinquent debt to the Federal Government by the NCDFI or 
any principal of the NCDFI shall cause the NCDFI to be ineligible to 
receive any NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program loan funds as 
provided in 2 CFR parts 180 and 417. Agency loan funds may not be used 
to satisfy any such debt.
    Debarment and suspension information is required in accordance with 
2 CFR part 180 (OMB's Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide 
Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement)) supplemented by 2 CFR part 
417 (Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension), as applicable.
Non-Eligible Applicants
    Applications will not be considered for funding if they do not 
provide enough information to determine eligibility, are not suitable 
for evaluation, are missing required elements as stated in this notice, 
or have not closed on a previously awarded NCDFI Relending 
Demonstration Loan. All applications submitted must meet the 
eligibility requirements provided in this notice and demonstrate that 
the loans will be made to ultimate recipients who meet the eligibility 
criteria in 7 CFR 3550.53 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3550/subpart-B/section-3550.53.
Ultimate Recipient Eligibility
    (a) NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program loan funds must be used 
to provide direct loans made to eligible ultimate recipients in 
accordance with 7 CFR part 3550. Loans from the NCDFI to the ultimate 
recipient using the NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program fund must be 
used to buy, build, rehabilitate, improve, or relocate an eligible 
dwelling (7 CFR 3550.52(a)) on Tribal land for use by the borrower as a 
permanent residence. The interest rate charged for loans made by the 
NCDFI to the ultimate recipient must be lower than the maximum monthly 
interest rate charged for a Section 502 direct loan, available in any 
Rural Development office. The following regulatory reference apply to 
loans made to ultimate recipients:
    (i) Eligible costs in accordance with 7 CFR 550.52(d). If an 
origination fee will be charged by the NCDFI, it may not exceed the 
maximum `certified packaging body with an intermediary' fee listed in 
Handbook-1-3550, Attachment 3-A, as it appeared at the time of 
origination.
    (ii) Loan restrictions in accordance with 7 CFR 3550.52(e).
    (iii) Applicant eligibility requirements in accordance with 7 CFR 
3550.53.
    (iv) Calculation of income and assets in accordance with 7 CFR 
3550.54.
    (v) Site requirements in accordance with 7 CFR 3550.56 and must be 
located on Tribal lands.
    (vi) Dwelling requirement in accordance with 7 CFR 3550.57.
    (vii) Ownership requirements in accordance with 7 CFR3550.58.
    (viii) Security requirements in accordance with 7 CFR 3550.59, 
except that the NCDFIs need not use Agency closing forms, and security 
will be vested in the NCDFI and not the Agency.
    For more information on how ultimate recipient loans can be 
processed, the Section 502 program Handbook-1-3550 can be found online 
at: https://rd.usdsa.gov/resources/directives/handbooks.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    A NCDFI that receives a loan under this section shall provide 
information on the use of matching funds. NCDFIs that match at least 20 
percent of the amount will receive additional points.
    (a) Matching funds must be in the form of cash or confirmed funding 
commitments. Matching funds must also be committed for a period of not 
less than the loan disbursement period of 3 years.
    (b) In-kind contributions such as salaries, donated time and 
effort, real and nonexpendable personal property, or goods and services 
cannot be used as matching funds.
    (c) The NCDFI is responsible for demonstrating that matching funds 
are available and committed. Matching funds may be provided by the 
NCDFI or a third party.

3. Discretionary Points

    None.

4. Other

    (a) The NCDFI must have been legally organized for a minimum of 
three years and indicate adequate experience. Adequate experience will 
be demonstrated for Applicants providing documentation indicating at 
least one-year of prior experience working with residential mortgage 
lending as of the closing date of this Notice. Applicants that do not 
have such experience may provide documentation regarding other related 
experience to effectively and efficiently manage and repay a loan 
through this demonstration program (e.g., staff expertise, other loan 
products, homeownership training, counseling and assistance, etc.) The 
Agency may review such information and may consider any such 
information to indicate adequate experience.
    (b) Proposals must be structured to utilize the funds within 3 
years from the date of award.
    (c) A six percent reserve for bad debt or Loan Loss Reserve (LLR) 
will be required.
    (d) Loan funds may not be used for payment of the NCDFI's 
administrative costs or expenses.
    (e) Requests to make loans to ultimate recipients. Prior 
concurrence is required when a NCDFI requests a disbursement of the 
NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program loan funds to make a loan to an 
ultimate recipient. The request for Agency concurrence in approval of a 
proposed loan to an ultimate recipient must include:
    (i) A certification by the NCDFI that:

[[Page 54416]]

    (A) The proposed ultimate recipient is eligible for the loan;
    (B) The proposed loan is for eligible purposes;
    (C) The proposed loan complies with all applicable statutes and 
regulations;
    (ii) Copies of sufficient material from the ultimate recipient's 
application and the NCDFI's related files, to allow the Agency to 
determine the:
    (A) Name and address of the ultimate recipient;
    (B) Loan purposes;
    (C) Interest rate and term; and
    (D) Confirmation of matching funds.
    (f) NCDFI Relending Program Loan Servicing Requirements. Servicing 
requirements are as follows:
    Quarterly and semiannually reports are due 30 days after the end of 
the period (quarter or semi-annual as described below).
    Reports will be required quarterly during the first year after loan 
closing and, if all loan funds are not utilized during the first year, 
quarterly reports will be continued until at least 90 percent of the 
Agency loan funds have been advanced to ultimate recipients. 
Thereafter, reports will be required semiannually. Also, the Agency may 
require quarterly reports if the intermediary becomes delinquent in 
repayment of its loan or otherwise fails to fully comply with the 
provisions of its work plan or Loan Agreement, or the Agency determines 
that the NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program fund is not adequately 
protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the 
ultimate recipients.
    These reports shall contain information on the NCDFI Relending 
Demonstration Program loan fund, and when other funds are included, the 
NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program portion of the report shall be 
segregated from the other sections.
    The reports will be collected on a form provided by the Agency and 
must include information on the NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program 
lending activity, income and expenses, financial condition and a 
summary of names and characteristics of the ultimate recipients the 
NCDFI has financed. When other funds are included in the reports, the 
NCDFI Relending Demonstration portion of the report shall be segregated 
from the other sections.
    (g) Loan Closing Information
    The selected NCDFI will be issued a Letter of Conditions and be 
required to Complete Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet 
Conditions'', as applicable. Conditions may include but are not limited 
to completion of:

Form SF 3881, ``ACH Vendor Payment Enrollment Form''
Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement''
HUD Form 935.2, ``Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan''
Form RD 400-8, ``Compliance Review''

    The selected NCDFI will execute Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for 
Obligations of Funds'' prior to obligation.
    The NCDFI will work with USDA to prepare all necessary documents to 
close and secure the loan subject to USDA review and concurrence.
    The NCDFI will be required to execute a Loan Agreement, Security 
Agreement, Promissory Note, and Deposit Agreement at closing. These 
items are available for review at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/native-community-development-financial-institution-relending-demonstration-program.
    A Financing Statement under the Uniform Commercial Code will be 
filed against the NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program loan funds 
account.
    All applications submitted must meet the eligibility in this notice 
and demonstrate the loans will be made to ultimate recipients who meet 
the eligibility criteria in 7 CFR 3550.53.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Entities wishing to apply for assistance may acquire the 
application documents described in this Notice from the NCDFI Relending 
Demonstration Program website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs.
    Applicants may also request paper application packages from the 
Rural Development National Office by emailing [email protected].

2. Content and Form of Application Submission.

    (a) If the applicant is ineligible or the application is 
incomplete, the Agency will inform the applicant in writing of the 
decision, reasons therefore, and its appeal rights and no further 
evaluation of the application will occur.
    (b) The Agency requires the following information to make an 
eligibility determination:
    (i) A completed Standard Form (SF)-424, ``Application for Federal 
Assistance.''
    (ii) A written work plan to demonstrate the feasibility of the 
NCDFI's ability to meet the objectives of this notice. The plan must, 
at a minimum:
    (A) Documentation demonstrating the NCDFI's ability to administer 
NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program funds in accordance with the 
provisions of this notice. To adequately demonstrate the ability to 
administer the program, the NCDFI must provide a complete listing of 
all personnel responsible for administering this program along with a 
statement of their qualifications and experience. The personnel may be 
either members or employees of the NDCFI's organization or contract 
personnel hired for this purpose. If the personnel are to be contracted 
for, the contract between the NCDFI and the entity providing such 
service will be submitted for Agency review, and the terms of the 
contract and its duration must be sufficient to adequately service the 
Agency loan through to its ultimate conclusion. If the Agency 
determines the personnel lack the necessary expertise to administer the 
program, the loan request will not be approved;
    (B) Documentation demonstrating the NCDFI's ability to commit 
financial resources under the control of the NCDFI to the establishment 
of NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program. This should include a 
statement of the sources of non-Agency funds for administration of the 
NCDFI's operations and financial assistance for projects;
    (C) Documentation demonstrating a need for loan funds and project 
the number of ultimate recipients to be assisted. As a minimum, the 
NCDFI should identify a sufficient number of proposed and known 
ultimate recipients it has on hand to justify Agency funding of its 
loan request, or include well developed targeting criteria for ultimate 
recipients consistent with the NCDFI's mission and strategy for NCDFI 
Relending Demonstration Program, along with supporting statistical or 
narrative evidence that such prospective recipients exist in sufficient 
numbers to justify Agency funding of the loan request;
    (D) Documentation demonstrating the NCDFI's plan (specific loan 
purposes) for relending the loan funds. The plan must be of sufficient 
detail to provide the Agency with a complete understanding of what the 
NCDFI will accomplish by lending the funds to the ultimate recipient 
and the complete mechanics of how the funds will get from the NCDFI to 
the ultimate recipient. The service area, eligibility criteria, loan 
purposes, fees (the origination fee may not exceed the

[[Page 54417]]

maximum `certified packaging body with an intermediary' fee listed in 
Handbook-1-3550, Attachment 3-A), rates (the proposed rate must be 
below the monthly Section 502 Program interest rate, available at any 
rural development office), terms (must be in accordance with the 
requirements provided at 7 CFR 3550.53), collateral requirements, 
limits, priorities, application process, method of disposition of the 
funds to the ultimate recipient, monitoring of the ultimate recipient's 
accomplishments, and reporting requirements by the ultimate recipient's 
management must be addressed by the NCDFI's relending plan;
    (E) Documentation providing a set of goals, strategies, and 
anticipated outcomes for the NCDFI's program. Outcomes should be 
expressed in quantitative or observable terms such as the number of 
homeowners assisted, and the number of homes financed, and should 
relate to the purpose of NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program; and
    (F) Documentation providing specific information as to whether and 
how the NCDFI will ensure that technical assistance is made available 
to ultimate recipients and potential ultimate recipients. Describe the 
qualifications of the technical assistance providers, the nature of 
technical assistance that will be available, and expected and committed 
sources of funding for technical assistance. If other than the NCDFI 
itself, describe the organizations providing such assistance and the 
arrangements between such organizations and the NCDFI.
    (iii) A pro forma balance sheet at start-up and projected balance 
sheets for at least 3 additional years; financial statements for the 
last 3 years, or from inception of the operations of the NCDFI if less 
than 3 years; and projected cash flow and earnings statements for at 
least 4 years supported by a list of assumptions showing the basis for 
the projections. Principal repayment on the NCDFI Relending 
Demonstration Program loan will not be scheduled during the first 3 
years, thus the projections for the NCDFI Relending Demonstration 
Program fund must extend to include a year with a full annual 
installment on the NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program loan.
    (iv) Statement of compliance with 2 CFR part 200 and last financial 
audit report.
    (v) An agreement on a form provided by the Agency (Form RD 400-4, 
``Assurance Agreement,'' and Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity 
Agreement'') assuring compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act 
of 1964.
    (vi) Complete organizational documents, including documents such as 
certificate of CDFI status, certificate of good standing, by-laws and 
articles of incorporation, and evidence of authority to conduct the 
proposed activities.
    (vii) A form provided by the Agency (Form RD 1910-11, ``Applicant 
Certification Federal Collection Policies for Consumer or Commercial 
Debts'') in which the applicant certifies its understanding of the 
Federal collection policies for consumer or commercial debts.
    (viii) A statement on a form provided by the Agency (Exhibit A-1 of 
RD Instruction 1940-Q) regarding lobbying.

3. System for Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier

    (a) At the time of application, each applicant must have an active 
registration in the System for Award (SAM) before submitting its 
application in accordance with 2 CFR part 25. To register in SAM, 
entities will be required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). 
Instruction for obtaining the UEI are available at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.
    (b) Applicants must maintain an active SAM registration, with 
current, accurate and complete information, at all times during which 
it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by 
a Federal awarding agency.
    (c) Applicant must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance 
General Certifications and Representations in SAM.
    (d) Applicants must provide a valid UEI in its application, unless 
determined exempt under 2 CFR 25.110.
    (e) The Agency will not make an award until the applicant has 
complied with all SAM requirements including providing the UEI. If an 
applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the 
Agency is ready to make an award, the Agency may determine that the 
applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that 
determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another 
applicant.

4. Submission Dates and Times

    Completed applications must be submitted using one of the following 
methods:
     Paper submissions: The Agency must receive a paper 
application by 4:30 p.m. local time, August 9, 2024. Applications can 
be mailed or delivered to: USDA Rural Washington State Office, 
Attention: Andria Hively, 1835 Black Lake Blvd. SW, Olympia, WA 98512.
     Electronic submissions: Electronic applications must be 
submitted via email to [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time 
on August 9, 2024.
    The Agency will not solicit or consider scoring or eligibility 
information that is submitted after the application deadline. The 
application dates and times are firm. The Agency will not consider any 
application received after the deadline. The Agency reserves the right 
to contact applicants to seek clarification information on materials 
contained in the submitted application.

5. Intergovernmental Review

    Intergovernmental Review under Executive Order 12372 is not 
required for this program.

6. Funding Restrictions

    Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the 
applicant's cost.

7. Other Submission Requirements

    None.

8. Other Federal Statutes

    The applicant must certify to compliance with other Federal 
Statutes and regulations by completing the Financial Assistance General 
Certification and Representations in SAM, including, but not limited to 
the following:
    (a) 7 CFR part 15, subpart A--Nondiscrimination in Federally 
Assisted Programs of the Department of Agriculture--Effectuation of 
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Civil Rights compliance 
includes, but is not limited to the following:
    (i) Collect and maintain data provided by ultimate recipients on 
race, sex, and national origin and ensure that ultimate recipients 
collect and maintain this data.
    (ii) Race and ethnicity data will be collected in accordance with 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Federal Register Notice, 
``Revisions of the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on 
Race and Ethnicity'' (published October 30, 1997, at 62 FR 58782); Sex 
data will be collected in accordance with Title IX of the Education 
Amendments of 1972. These items should not be submitted with the 
application but should be available upon request by RD.
    (b) The applicant and the ultimate recipient must comply with Title 
VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education 
Amendments of 1972, the

[[Page 54418]]

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, 
Executive Order 12250, and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E.
    (c) 2 CFR parts 200 and 400 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, 
Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards), or any 
successor regulation.
    (d) Executive Order 13166, ``Improving Access to Services for 
Persons with Limited English Proficiency.'' For information on limited 
English proficiency and agency-specific guidance, go to https://www.lep.gov/.
    (e) Federal Obligation Certification on Delinquent Debt. Risk 
Review: RD may request additional documentation from selected 
applicants in order to evaluate the financial, management, and 
performance risk posed by awardees as required by 2 CFR 200.206. Based 
on this risk review, RD may apply special conditions that correspond to 
the degree of risk assessed.

E. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated and scored 
based on the selection criteria contained in this notice. Failure to 
address any of the application criteria by the application deadline 
will result in the application being determined ineligible, and the 
application will not be considered for funding.
    For applicants meeting all the eligibility, application and 
submission requirements, the Rural Development National Office will use 
criteria in accordance with this notice as selection for the loan 
recipients. Each application and its accompanying statement of 
activities will be evaluated and, based solely on the information 
contained in the application, the applicant's proposal will be 
numerically rated on each criterion within the range provided. The 
highest-ranking applicant(s) will be selected based on the following 
criteria:
    a. Years of experience in residential mortgage lending:
    (i) Less than one: 0 points.
    (ii) 1-2: 1 point.
    (iii) 3: 2 points.
    (iv) 4-5: 3 points.
    (v) More than 5: 4 points.
    b. Years of experience in servicing residential mortgage loans:
    (i) Less than one: 0 points.
    (ii) 1-2: 1 point.
    (iii) 3: 2 points.
    (iv) 4-5: 3 points.
    (v) More than 5: 4 points.
    c. Years of experience managing a loan fund:
    (i) Less than one: 0 points.
    (ii) 1-2: 1 point.
    (iii) 3: 2 points.
    (iv) 4-5: 3 points.
    (v) More than 5: 4 points.
    d. Years of experience managing federal funds:
    (i) Less than one: 0 points.
    (ii) 1-2: 1 point.
    (iii) 3: 2 points.
    (iv) 4-5: 3 points.
    (v) More than 5: 4 points.
    e. Matching funding:
    (i) Less than 20% 0 points.
    (ii) More than 20%-40% 1 point.
    (iii) More than 40%-60% 2 points.
    (iv) More than 60%-80% 3 points.
    (v) More than 80%-100% 4 points.

2. Review and Selection Process

    The Agency reserves the right to offer the applicant less than loan 
funding requested. Rural Development National Office will utilize the 
following threshold project selection criteria for applicants in 
accordance with this notice.
    (a) Providing a financially feasible program for single family 
residential mortgage lending, which will result in affordable housing 
for very low- and low-income persons.
    (b) Serving Tribal Land's in an eligible rural area with housing 
for households of very low- and low-income.
    (c) Being an eligible applicant as defined in this notice.
    (e) Submitting a complete application as outlined in this notice.
    (f) Scoring Criteria.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

    September 30, 2024.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices

    Successful applicants will receive notification for funding from 
the USDA Rural Development National Office. Applicants must comply with 
all applicable statutes and regulations before the loan award will be 
obligated. The Agency will notify; in writing, applicants whose 
applications have been selected for funding. At the time of 
notification, the Agency will advise the applicant what further 
information and documentation is required along with a timeline for 
submitting the additional information. If the Agency determines it is 
unable to select the application for funding, the applicant will be 
informed in writing. Such notification will include the reasons the 
applicant was not selected. The Agency will advise applicants, whose 
applications did not meet eligibility and/or selection criteria, of 
their review rights or appeal rights in accordance with 7 CFR 3550.4.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    The loan recipient must include the required nondiscrimination 
statements in any of their advertisements and brochures. The loan 
recipient will be required to collect and maintain data provided by the 
ultimate recipients on race, sex, and national origin and ensure 
recipients collect and maintain this data. Race and ethnicity data will 
be collected in accordance with OMB Federal Register notice, 
``Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on 
Race and Ethnicity,'' (62 FR 58782), October 30, 1997. Data on 
recipients' sex will be collected in accordance with Title IX of the 
Education Amendments of 1972. These items should not be submitted with 
the application but should be available upon request by the Agency.

3. Reporting

    Performance reporting, including applicable forms, narratives, and 
other documentation, are to be completed and submitted in accordance 
with the provisions of this notice and the Agreements referenced in the 
`other' section of this notice. Further, all grantees must submit 
audited financial statements in accordance with 2 CFR part 200, subpart 
F, if applicable, or financial information covering the defined period 
of performance as outlined in this notice and the Agreements referenced 
in the `other' section of this notice.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

    Applicants wanting to apply for assistance may download the 
application documents and requirements as stated in this Notice from 
the NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/native-community-development-financial-institution-relending-demonstration-program.
    Applicants may also request paper application packages from the 
Rural Development National Office by emailing [email protected].

H. Other Information

1. Paperwork Reduction Act

    RHS has concluded that the reporting requirements contained in this 
NOFA will involve less than 10 persons and does not require an approval 
under the provisions of the Act. In accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of

[[Page 54419]]

1995, (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), OMB must approve all collection of 
information as a requirement for ``answers to * * * identical reporting 
or recordkeeping requirements imposed on ten or more persons * * *.'' 
(44 U.S.C. 3502(3)(A).)

2. National Environmental Policy Act

    All recipients under this Notice are subject to the requirements of 
7 CFR part 1970 available at: https://rd.usda.gov/resources/environmental-studies/environmental-guidance and must comply in 
accordance with 7 CFR 3550.5 as noted below.

3. Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act

    All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, must be 
registered in SAM and have a UEI number as stated in Section D.3, of 
this notice. All recipients of Federal financial assistance are 
required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and 
executive total compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170.

4. Civil Rights Requirements

    The applicant and the ultimate recipient must comply with Title VI 
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments 
of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Executive 
Order 12250, Executive Order 13166 regarding Limited English 
Proficiency (LEP), and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E.

5. Non-Discrimination Statement

    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, USDA, its 
Mission Areas, agencies, staff offices, employees and institutions 
participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from 
discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, 
gender identity, (including gender expression), sexual orientation, 
disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived 
from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or 
retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity 
conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). 
Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
    Program information may be made available in languages other than 
English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large 
print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the 
responsible Mission Area, agency, or staff office; or the 711 Federal 
Relay Service.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, the complainant should 
complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form AD-3027 (PDF), 
which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint, from any USDA office, by 
calling (866) 632-9992 or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The 
letter must contain the complainant's name, address, telephone number 
and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in 
sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 
(ASCR) about the nature and date of the alleged civil rights violation. 
The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
    (1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant 
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-9410; or
    (2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
    (3) Email: [email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Joaquin Altoro,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-14353 Filed 6-28-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P