Funding Opportunity Under Supportive Services for Veteran Families, 105178-105186 [2024-30662]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 247 (Thursday, December 26, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 105178-105186]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30662]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Funding Opportunity Under Supportive Services for Veteran 
Families

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice of funding availability.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing the 
availability of funds for grants under the SSVF Program. This NOFO 
contains information concerning the SSVF Program, the renewal and new 
applicant grant application processes, and the amount of funding 
available. Awards made for grants will fund operations beginning 
October 1, 2025.

DATES: Applications for grants must be received by 4 p.m. eastern 
standard time on March 3, 2025. 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: Information about the application can be downloaded from the 
SSVF website at https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/. Questions 
may be referred to the SSVF Program Office via email at [email protected]. 
For detailed SSVF Program information and requirements, see 38 CFR part 
62.
    Application Submission: Applicants must submit applications 
electronically following instructions found at https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/. Applications may not be hand-carried, 
emailed, mailed, or sent by facsimile (fax). Applications must be 
received by the SSVF Program Office no later than 4 p.m. eastern 
standard time on the application deadline date March 3, 2025. 
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. See Section II.B. and II.C. of this NOFO for the maximum 
allowable grant amounts. Applicants are advised to refer to this NOFO 
when 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/ssvf/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Funding Opportunity Title: Supportive Services for Veteran 
Families. Announcement Type: New and Renewal. Funding Opportunity 
Number: VA-SSVF-2026. Assistance Instrument: Grant.
    Assistance Listing: 64.033, VA Supportive Services for Veteran 
Families Program--System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
    Funding Details: SSVF expects to award approximately $799 million 
via this NOFO with over 200 awards, with a range of $118,000 to 
$22,942,240 in awards.
    System for Award Management: Before submitting an application, 
organizations must provide a valid unique entity identifier in their 
application and continue to maintain an active registration in SAM.gov 
with current information at all times during which they have an active 
Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a 
Federal agency.
    A. Purpose: The SSVF Program's purpose is to provide supportive 
services grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer 
cooperatives who will coordinate or provide supportive services to very 
low-income Veteran families who (i) are residing in permanent housing 
and at risk of becoming homeless, (ii) are homeless and scheduled to 
become residents of permanent housing within a specified time period or 
(iii) after exiting permanent housing within a specified time period, 
are seeking other housing that is responsive to such low-income Veteran 
family's needs and

[[Page 105179]]

preferences. SSVF delivers services using a housing-first approach that 
emphasizes permanent housing placement and supportive services as the 
primary objectives. Housing First is an evidence-based, cost-effective 
approach to ending homelessness for the most vulnerable and chronically 
homeless individuals. (https://www.usich.gov/tools-for-action/housing-first-checklist).
    SSVF prioritizes the delivery of rapid re-housing services to 
homeless Veteran households. Rapid re-housing is an intervention 
designed to help individuals and families quickly exit homelessness, 
return to housing in the community, and avoid homelessness again in the 
near term. The core components of a rapid re-housing program are 
housing identification, move-in and rent financial assistance, and 
rapid rehousing case management and services. These core components 
represent the minimum that a program must provide to households to be 
considered a rapid rehousing program. Applicants should familiarize 
themselves with the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Best 
Practice Standards found at https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/.
    B. Funding Priorities: The principal goal of this NOFO is to seek 
entities that have the greatest capacity to end homelessness among 
Veterans or sustain gains made in ending homelessness among Veterans. 
Priority will be given to grantees who can demonstrate the adoption of 
evidence-based practices in their application. Please note that the 
priorities for SSVF for fiscal year (FY) 2026 are different than in 
previous years.
    Under Priority 1, SSVF is introducing a new priority for FY 2026 to 
expand services to Tribal and rural communities and the U.S. 
territories. VA has the ability to award up to a 3-year project period 
to Tribal and rural communities and the U.S. territories under this 
NOFO. Indian Tribe means a Tribe that is a federally recognized Tribe 
or a State recognized tribe. See 25 U.S.C. 4103(13). With this 
priority, SSVF is seeking Native-led organizations, organizations who 
are deeply invested in providing services on Tribal lands and 
reservations, and organizations who have extensive experience working 
with Native Veterans and Veteran families. There is an emphasis on 
organizations that would serve the 29 Tribal communities that have 
Tribal Department of Housing and Urban Development--VA Supportive 
Housing (HUD-VASH) (https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_24_220).
    Rural communities are defined using the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture's (USDA) definition of a rural area. Rural means: 1. Open 
countryside; 2. Rural towns (places with fewer than 5,000 people and 
2,000 housing units); and 3. Urban areas with populations ranging up to 
50,000 people that are not part of larger labor market areas 
(metropolitan areas) (https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/rural-economy-population/rural-classifications/).
    The U.S. territories are a priority including American Samoa, the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and 
the U.S. Virgin Islands. Priority 1 for FY 2026 is open to new and 
existing applicants; however, priority will be given to organizations 
that have a demonstrated track record of serving the Tribal or rural 
community or the U.S. territory that they are proposing to serve. 
Additionally, applicants should have demonstrated cultural awareness 
and language access for the areas they are proposing to serve.
    Under Priority 2, VA will provide funding to existing grantees who 
have at least one of the following accreditations: 3-year accreditation 
from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities 
(CARF) in Employment and Community Services: Rapid Rehousing and 
Homeless Prevention standards, a 4-year accreditation in Housing 
Stabilization and Community Living Services from the Council on 
Accreditation (COA), or a 3-year accreditation in The Joint 
Commission's (JC) Behavioral Health Care: Housing Support Services 
Standards. Priority 2 applicants must demonstrate that accreditation is 
active at the date of submission, and accreditation must be maintained 
throughout the project period and/or funding cycle.
    Under Priority 3, existing SSVF grantees not included in Priority 2 
but who have annual awards and are seeking to renew their grants, may 
apply. Existing grantees are SSVF grantees that have a Memorandum of 
Agreement (MOA) for operations through September 30, 2025.
    C. Definitions: Part 62 of title 38 CFR, contains definitions of 
terms used in the SSVF Program. In addition to the definitions and 
requirements described in 38 CFR part 62, this NOFO provides additional 
resources to secure permanent housing. These resources may be provided 
by the SSVF grantee under 38 CFR 62.34 to assist Veterans in remaining 
in or obtaining permanent housing. Grantees will be allowed to provide 
up to the equivalent of 2 months' rent in addition to the security 
deposit to landlords under 38 CFR 62.34(g) as a resource for any lease 
of not less than 1 year when necessary to assist a Veteran in remaining 
in or obtaining permanent housing.
    The additional funds may be used to facilitate the leasing of 
rental units to tenants with significant housing barriers. Landlords 
are less likely to lease to certain groups due to the risk of non-
payment of rent or concerns about damage or disruption to their 
buildings. Tenants with significant housing barriers might include 
Veterans with poor credit histories and criminal justice involvement 
that might otherwise disqualify them from obtaining a lease. Veterans 
with histories of sex offenses are generally considered high-risk 
tenants by landlords. Veterans are sometimes reluctant to move into 
apartments that do not offer any of the comforts typically associated 
with living independently.
    The General Housing Stability Assistance (GHSA), provided under 38 
CFR 62.34(e), while offering some funds for bedding and kitchen 
supplies, leaves significant needs unaddressed. Therefore, grantees 
also will be allowed to provide up to $1,000 to Veteran families for 
miscellaneous move-in expenses under 38 CFR 62.34(g), to encourage them 
to obtain permanent housing with a lease of not less than 1 year. These 
funds are to be provided to assist Veterans through accounts 
established at local merchants, such as grocery stores and retailers, 
in the enrolled Veteran's name. These items could include, but are not 
limited to, food, furniture, household items, electronics (including 
televisions), or other items typically associated with independent 
living in permanent housing.
    Furthermore, internet can now be considered as utilities as the 
definition for financial assistance as utility payments under 38 CFR 
62.34(b) is expected with this NOFO to include these changes. Access to 
the internet is an essential component of the modern economy, 
comparable to utilities. Veterans without such access are put at a 
disadvantage in finding and applying for work opportunities, purchasing 
needed consumer goods at the lowest possible cost, and communicating 
through email and other forms of social media.
    In addition to the definitions and requirements described in 38 CFR 
part 62, this NOFO provides further clarification in this paragraph on 
the use of Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA). EHA may be provided by 
the SSVF grantee under 38 CFR 62.34(f) to

[[Page 105180]]

offer transition in place when a permanent housing voucher is pending 
completion of the housing inspection and administrative processes 
necessary for leasing. In such circumstances, the EHA payment cannot 
exceed what would otherwise be paid when the voucher is issued. EHA may 
also be used as part of Rapid Resolution, also known as diversion or 
housing problem-solving, that helps Veteran households avoid entry into 
homelessness through placements with family or friends. EHA may also be 
used as an outreach tool to engage and offer housing to unsheltered 
homeless Veterans with significant housing needs who refuse to access 
traditional emergency shelter services in the community.
    D. Approach: Respondents to this NOFO should base their proposals 
and applications on the current requirements of part 62. Grantees will 
be expected to leverage supportive services grant funds to enhance the 
housing stability of very low-income Veteran families who are occupying 
permanent housing. In doing so, grantees are required to establish 
relationships with local community resources. Therefore, agencies must 
work through coordinated partnerships built either through formal 
agreements or the informal working relationships commonly found among 
successful social service providers.
    Through this NOFO, grantees can pay fees related to securing a 
lease of at least 1 year. In addition, as noted previously herein, 
Veterans are sometimes reluctant to move into apartments that do not 
offer any of the comforts typically associated with living 
independently. Pursuant to this NOFO, grantees would be able to use 
funds for miscellaneous expenses associated with moving into a new 
home. Moreover, nationally, the median average rental unit has 
increased in price by 28% since September 2023.
    Furthermore, service-connected Veterans with high levels of 
disability may have incomes that exceed the current SSVF income 
threshold of 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). These Veterans, some 
of the most vulnerable served by the VA, can be left ineligible for 
critically needed SSVF services. As a result, VA is invoking the 
provision in 38 U.S.C. 2044(f)(6)(C) and 38 CFR 62.2, allowing VA to 
establish an income ceiling higher or lower than 50% of the AMI if VA 
determines that such variations are necessary because the area has 
unusually high or low construction costs, fair market rents (as 
determined under section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 
1437f) or family incomes. AMI is one factor SSVF uses to establish 
eligibility. A higher income ceiling, as reflected by the AMI, will 
allow grantees to serve Veterans who have endured significant increases 
in their housing cost burden, placing them at greater risk for 
homelessness. For the purposes of this NOFO, grantees will be able to 
serve Veterans in their communities who have up to 80% of AMI. Aligning 
SSVF and HUD-VASH eligibility will allow SSVF grantees' housing 
navigators to assist Veterans eligible for HUD-VASH as necessary with 
identifying and obtaining permanent housing. Aligning SSVF and HUD-VASH 
eligibility will also improve the coordination of care and simplify and 
standardize eligibility determinations.
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide letters of support 
from the Continuums of Care (CoC) in the location where they plan to 
deliver services, reflecting the applicant's engagement in the CoC's 
efforts to coordinate services. A CoC is a community planning entity 
that organizes and delivers housing and services to meet the needs of 
people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximize 
housing stability. The CoC develops and implements plans to end 
homelessness and prevent a return to homelessness. CoC locations and 
contact information can be found at https://www.hudexchange.info/grantees/contacts/.
    The CoC's letter of support should note if the applicant is 
providing assistance to the CoC in building local capacity to build 
Coordinated Entry Systems (CES) and the value and form of that 
assistance, whether support is direct funding or staffing. CES requires 
that providers operating within the CoC's geographic area must also 
work together to ensure the CoC's coordinated entry process allows for 
coordinated screening, assessment, and referrals (HUD Notice: CPD-17-
01). The CoC's letter of support also must describe the applicant's 
participation in the CoC's community planning efforts. Failure for a 
Priority 2 or Priority 3 applicant to provide a letter of support from 
the CoC as described may limit the maximum award to 90% of the award 
made in the previous fiscal year as described herein at II.C.6. In 
addition, any applicant proposing to serve a Native American Tribal 
area is strongly encouraged to provide a letter of support from the 
relevant Tribal Government. Priority 1 applicants are strongly 
encouraged to provide a CoC letter of support, a letter from the 
relevant Indian Tribal Government, or other relevant letter of support.
    The aim of the provision of supportive services is to assist very 
low-income Veteran families residing in permanent housing to remain 
stably housed and to rapidly transition those not currently in 
permanent housing to stable housing. Assistance in obtaining or 
retaining permanent housing is a fundamental goal of the SSVF Program. 
SSVF emphasizes the placement of homeless Veteran families who are 
described in 38 CFR 62.11(b)-(c) as follows:

    (b)(1) Is lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime 
residence, meaning:
    (i) That the Veteran family's primary nighttime residence is a 
public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a 
regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, including a car, 
park, abandoned bus or train station, airport, or camping ground,
    (ii) That the Veteran family is living in a supervised publicly 
or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary living 
arrangements (including congregate shelters, transitional housing, 
and hotels and motels paid for by charitable organizations or by 
Federal, State, or local government programs for low-income 
individuals), or
    (iii) That the Veteran family is exiting an institution where 
the Veteran family resided for 90 days or less and who resided in an 
emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation 
immediately before entering that institution,
    (b)(2) Are at risk to remain in the situation described herein 
at paragraph,
    (b)(1) of this section but for the grantee's assistance, and
    (b)(3) Scheduled to become a resident of permanent housing 
within 90 days pending the location or development of housing 
suitable for permanent housing or; (c) Has met any of the conditions 
described herein at paragraph (b)(1) of this section after exiting 
permanent housing within the previous 90 days to seek other housing 
that is responsive to the very low-income Veteran family's needs and 
preferences.

    E. Authority: Funding available under this NOFO is authorized by 38 
U.S.C. 2044. VA implements the SSVF Program through regulations in 38 
CFR part 62. Funds made available under this NOFO are subject to the 
requirements of these regulations.
    F. Requirements for the Use of Supportive Services Grant Funds: The 
applicant's request for funding must be consistent with the limitations 
and uses of supportive services grant funds set forth in 38 CFR part 62 
and this NOFO. In accordance with 38 CFR part 62 and this NOFO, the 
following requirements apply to supportive services grants awarded 
under this NOFO:
    1. Grantees may use a maximum of 10% of supportive services grant 
funds for administrative costs identified in 38 CFR 62.70(e).
    2. Grantees must enroll a minimum of 60% of Veteran households who 
are

[[Page 105181]]

literally homeless and qualify under 38 CFR 62.11(b). (Note: Grantees 
may request a waiver to decrease this minimum number of literally 
homeless households, as discussed herein at section V.B.4.a.).
    3. Grantees are required to have available temporary financial 
assistance resources that can be paid directly to a third party on 
behalf of a participant and may be used for childcare, emergency 
housing assistance, transportation, rental assistance, utility-fee 
payment assistance, security deposits, utility deposits, moving costs, 
and general housing stability assistance (which includes emergency 
supplies) and as otherwise stated in 38 CFR 62.33 and 38 CFR 62.34.
    4. Grantees are able to provide up to $1,000 supplemental 
assistance to every Veteran household who obtains a lease of not less 
than 1 year to cover miscellaneous move-in expenses.
    5. Grantees are able to pay landlords up to an amount equal to 2 
months' rent for fees related to securing a lease of at least 1 year. 
This incentive may be provided at lease-up or split up into multiple 
payments to be paid within the first 90 days of the Veteran being 
housed.
    G. Guidance for Use of Supportive Services Grant Funds: Grantees 
are expected to demonstrate the adoption of evidence-based practices 
most likely to prevent and lead to reductions in homelessness. As part 
of their application, the applying organization's Executive Director 
must certify on behalf of the agency that they will actively 
participate in community planning efforts and operate the program in a 
manner consistent with core concepts found at https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/ssvf-coreconcepts/. Housing is not contingent on 
compliance with mandated therapies or services; instead, participants 
must comply with a standard lease agreement and be provided with the 
services and supports that are necessary to help them do so 
successfully. Case management supporting permanent housing should 
include tenant counseling, mediation with landlords and outreach to 
landlords.
    Grantees must develop plans that will ensure that Veteran 
participants have the level of income and economic stability needed to 
remain in permanent housing after the conclusion of the SSVF 
intervention. Both employment and benefits assistance from VA and non-
VA sources represent a significantly underutilized source of income 
stability for homeless Veterans. Income is not a pre-condition for 
housing. Case management should include income maximization strategies 
to ensure households have access to benefits, employment, and financial 
counseling. The complexity of program rules and the stigma some 
associate with entitlement programs contribute to their lack of use. 
For this reason, grantees are encouraged to consider strategies that 
can lead to prompt and successful access to employment and benefits 
that are essential to retaining housing.
    Consistent with 38 CFR 62.30-62.34, grantees are expected to offer 
the following supportive services: counseling participants about 
housing; assisting participants in understanding leases; securing 
utilities; making moving arrangements; providing representative payee 
services concerning rent and utilities when needed; using health care 
navigation services to help participants access health and mental 
health care; providing legal services; and providing mediation and 
outreach to property owners related to locating or retaining housing. 
Grantees also may assist participants by providing rental assistance; 
security or utility deposits; moving costs; emergency housing; or 
general housing stability assistance; or using other Federal resources, 
such as the HUD Emergency Solutions Grants Program (ESG) or supportive 
services grant funds subject to the limitations described in this NOFO 
and 38 CFR 62.34.
    1. As SSVF is a short to medium-term crisis intervention, grantees 
must develop plans with Veterans and Veteran families that will 
maximize income and supports to help Veterans sustain permanent housing 
at the conclusion of SSVF. Grantees must ensure the availability of 
employment and vocational services either through providing the 
services directly or through formal or informal service agreements with 
other agencies. Agreements with the Homeless Veteran Reintegration 
Programs funded by the U.S. Department of Labor are strongly 
encouraged. For participants unable to work due to disability, income 
must be established through available benefits programs.
    2. Per 38 CFR 62.33, grantees must assist participants in obtaining 
public benefits. Grantees must screen all participants for eligibility 
for a broad range of entitlements such as the U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services' (HHS) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, 
Social Security, the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, 
the HHS Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the Earned Income 
Tax Credit, and local General Assistance programs. Grantees are 
expected to access the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration's Supplemental Security Income/Social Security 
Disability Insurance Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) program 
directly by training staff and providing the service or subcontracting 
services to an organization to provide SOAR services. In addition, 
where available, grantees should access information technology tools to 
support case managers in their efforts to link participants to 
benefits.
    3. In accordance with 38 CFR 62.33(g), grantees must assist 
participants in obtaining and coordinating the provision of legal 
services relevant to issues that interfere with the participants' 
ability to obtain or retain permanent housing or supportive services. 
Grantees may provide legal services directly, through a formal referral 
agreement as contract services, or through referrals to another entity. 
(NOTE: Information regarding legal services provided may be protected 
from being released to the grantee or VA under attorney-client 
privilege, although the grantee must provide sufficient information to 
demonstrate the frequency and type of service delivered.) Support for 
legal services can include paying for court filing fees to assist a 
participant with issues that interfere with the participant's ability 
to obtain or retain permanent housing or supportive services, including 
issues that affect the participant's employability and financial 
security. Grantees (in addition to employees and members of grantees) 
may represent participants before VA with respect to a claim for VA 
benefits, but only if they are recognized for that purpose pursuant to 
38 U.S.C. chapter 59. Further, the individual providing such 
representation must be accredited pursuant to 38 U.S.C. chapter 59.
    4. Access to mental health and addiction services is required by 
SSVF; however, grantees cannot fund these services directly through the 
SSVF grant. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to promote rapid 
access to and engagement with mental health and addiction services for 
Veterans and Veteran families. In the past, grantees were able to add 
health care navigator responsibilities to existing positions as an 
alternative to hiring a Health Care Navigator. Beginning in FY 2026, 
the Health Care Navigator position is required. Grantees are required 
to hire at least one Health Care Navigator that will assist 
participants with accessing health and mental health services.
    5. When serving participants who are residing in permanent housing, 
the defining question to ask is ``Would this

[[Page 105182]]

individual or family be homeless but for this assistance?'' The grantee 
must use a VA-approved screening tool with criteria that target those 
most at risk of homelessness (https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSVF_HP_Screener_10_2023.pdf).
    6. SSVF grantees are required to participate in local planning 
efforts designed to end Veteran homelessness. Grantees may use grant 
funds to support SSVF involvement in such community planning by sub-
contracting with CoCs, when such funding is essential, to create or 
sustain the development of these data driven plans.
    7. When other funds from community resources are not readily 
available to assist program participants, grantees may choose to use 
supportive services grants, to the extent described in this NOFO and in 
38 CFR 62.33 and 62.34, to provide temporary financial assistance. Such 
assistance may, subject to the limitations in this NOFO and 38 CFR part 
62, be paid directly to a third party on behalf of a participant for 
childcare; transportation; family emergency housing assistance; rental 
assistance; utility-fee payment assistance; security or utility 
deposits; moving costs; and general housing stability assistance as 
necessary.
    8. SSVF requires grantees to offer Rapid Resolution (also known as 
diversion or problem-solving) services. These services engage Veterans 
immediately before or after they become homeless and assist them to 
avoid continued homelessness. These efforts can reduce the trauma and 
expense associated with extended periods of homelessness, and the 
strain on the crisis response and affordable housing resources in the 
community. Through Rapid Resolution, the grantee and the Veteran 
explore safe, alternative housing options immediately before or quickly 
after they become homeless.
    Rapid Resolution can identify an immediate safe place to stay 
within the Veteran's network of family, friends, or other social 
networks. All Veterans requesting SSVF services should have a Rapid 
Resolution screening and if not appropriate for Rapid Resolution 
grantees should then assess the Veteran for other SSVF services. More 
information about Rapid Resolution can be found at https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/.

II. Award Information

    A. Overview: This NOFO announces the availability of funds for 
supportive services grants under the SSVF Program and pertains to 
proposals for the renewal of existing supportive services grant 
programs.
    B. Funding: The funding priorities for this NOFO are as follows: 
Under Priority 1, SSVF is introducing a new priority for FY 2026 to 
expand services to Tribal and rural communities and U.S. territories. 
VA has the ability to award up to a 3-year project period to Tribal and 
rural communities and U.S. territories under this NOFO. Indian Tribe 
means a Tribe that is a federally recognized Tribe or a State-
recognized tribe. See 25 U.S.C. 4103(13). With this priority, SSVF is 
seeking Native-led organizations, organizations who are deeply invested 
in providing services on Tribal lands and reservations, and 
organizations who have extensive experience working with Native 
Veterans and Veteran families. There is an emphasis on organizations 
that would serve the 29 Tribal communities that have Tribal HUD-VASH 
(https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_24_220). Rural communities are defined using USDA's definition 
of a rural area. Rural means: 1. Open countryside; 2. Rural towns 
(places with fewer than 5,000 people and 2,000 housing units); and 3. 
urban areas with populations ranging up to 50,000 people that are not 
part of larger labor market areas (metropolitan areas) (https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/rural-economy-population/rural-classifications/
). There is a priority for the U.S. territories including American 
Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto 
Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Priority 1 for FY 2026 is open to 
new and existing applicants; however, priority will be given to 
organizations that have a demonstrated track record of serving the 
Tribal or rural community, or U.S. territory that they are proposing to 
serve. Additionally, applicants should have demonstrated cultural 
awareness and language access for the areas they are proposing to 
serve.
    Under Priority 2, VA will provide funding to existing grantees who 
have at least one of the following accreditations: 3-year accreditation 
from CARF in Employment and Community Services: Rapid Rehousing and 
Homeless Prevention standards, a 4-year accreditation in Housing 
Stabilization and Community Living Services from the COA or a 3-year 
accreditation in the JC's Behavioral Health Care: Housing Support 
Services Standards. Priority 2 applicants must demonstrate that 
accreditation is active at the date of submission, and accreditation 
must be maintained throughout the project period and/or funding cycle. 
Existing grantees previously awarded under this priority with grants 
scheduled to end by September 30, 2025, must apply using the renewal 
application. To be eligible for renewal of a supportive services grant, 
applicants' program must be substantially the same as the program of 
the grantee's current award. Renewal applications can request funding 
that is equal to or less than their current annualized amount. If 
sufficient funding is available, VA may provide an increase of the 
previous year's award. Any funding increase, if provided, will be based 
on previous grant funding utilization and enrollment. VA may award a 3-
year project period to those submitting successful applications who 
remain in good standing and show proof of accreditation as defined 
above. VA may also elect to decrease the grant award to an amount that 
is less than the previous fiscal year award. This will be done based on 
available funds as well as previous grant utilization and enrollment.
    Grantees previously awarded a 3-year project period that is not 
scheduled to end by September 30, 2025, cannot submit a renewal 
application under this NOFO but instead are required to submit a Letter 
of Intent (LOI) application package by the NOFO deadline indicating 
their intention of continuing SSVF services in FY 2026. All grantees 
submitting a LOI must include a letter of support from the CoC (see 
section II.C.6.) and a proposed budget for FY 2026. Priority 2 grantees 
submitting a LOI must also submit proof of continued accreditation. 
Based on the results of audit findings or performance concerns, VA may 
change grantees' previously awarded funds from Priority 2 to Priority 3 
at renewal. The reprioritized grantees would then be required to submit 
a renewal application for the FY 2027 grant year.
    Under Priority 3, existing SSVF grantees not included in Priority 2 
but who have annual awards and are seeking to renew their grants, may 
apply. Existing grantees are SSVF grantees that have a MOA for 
operations through September 30, 2025. Priority 3 includes all other 
existing grantees seeking to renew their annual grant awards. Priority 
3 applicants must apply using the renewal application. To be eligible 
for renewal of a supportive services grant, Priority 3 applicants' 
program must be substantially the same as the program of the grantees' 
current grant award. Renewal applications can request funding that is 
equal to or less than their current annualized award. If sufficient 
funding is available, VA may provide an increase of the previous year's 
award. Any funding increase, if provided, will be based on previous 
grant funding utilization and

[[Page 105183]]

enrollment. VA may also elect to decrease the grant award to an amount 
that is less than the previous fiscal year award. This will be done 
based on available funds as well as previous grant utilization and 
enrollment.
    C. Allocation of Funds: Funding for grantees for a 1-year project 
period (Priority 3) or a 3-year project period (Priority 1 and 2) will 
be awarded under this NOFO beginning October 1, 2025. The followings 
requirements apply to supportive services grants awarded under this 
NOFO:
    1. New and existing organizations can apply under Priority 1. For 
existing grantees, a new application is required if they are pursuing 
Priority 1.
    2. Only existing grantees can apply under Priority 2 and Priority 
3.
    3. If a Priority 2 or 3 applicant is not renewed, all existing SSVF 
grants made to the non-renewed grantee, including awards made to 
support 62.34(a), will be discontinued on September 30, 2025.
    4. If a grantee failed to use any previously awarded funds or had 
unspent funds returned to VA, VA may elect to limit the renewal award 
to the amount of funds used in the previous fiscal year or in the 
current fiscal year less the money swept.
    5. If, during the course of the grant year, VA determines that 
grantee spending is not meeting the following minimum percentage 
milestones, VA may elect to recoup projected unused funds and reprogram 
such funds to provide supportive services in areas with higher need. 
Should VA elect to recoup unspent funds, reductions in available grant 
funds would take place the first business day following the end of the 
quarter. VA may elect to recoup funds under the following 
circumstances:
    a. By the end of the first quarter (December 31, 2025) of the 
grantee's supportive services annualized grant award period, the 
grantee's cumulative requests for supportive services grant funds are 
less than an amount equal to 15% of the total supportive services grant 
award. (During this same period, the grantee's cumulative requests for 
supportive services grant funds may not exceed 35% of the total 
supportive services grant award.)
    b. By the end of the second quarter (March 31, 2026) of the 
grantee's supportive services annualized grant award period, the 
grantee's cumulative request for supportive services grant funds is 
less than an amount equal to 40% of the total supportive services grant 
award. (During this same period, the grantee's cumulative requests for 
supportive services grant funds may not exceed 60% of the total 
supportive services grant award.)
    c. By the end of the third quarter (June 30, 2026) of the grantee's 
supportive services annualized grant award period, the grantee's 
cumulative requests for supportive services grant funds are less than 
an amount equal to 65% of the total supportive services grant award. 
(During this same period, the grantee's cumulative requests for 
supportive services grant funds may not exceed 80% of the total 
supportive services grant award.)
    6. Priority 2 and Priority 3 applicants who fail to provide a 
letter of support from at least one of the CoCs that they plan to serve 
will be eligible for renewal funding at a level no greater than 90% of 
their previous award. Applicants are responsible for determining who in 
each serviced CoC is authorized to provide such letters of support. 
Existing Priority 2 grantees operating under a 3-year project period 
that are only required to submit a LOI application package in response 
to this NOFO must also submit a letter of support from at least one of 
the CoC's that they plan to serve. The letter of support should include 
the following information described herein at 6a and 6b of this 
section. Applicants may seek an exception to this requirement if they 
submit a letter from the CoC stating that by policy they cannot provide 
a letter of support. To meet this requirement and allow the applicant 
to be eligible for full funding, letters must include the following:
    a. A detailed description of the applicant's participation in the 
CoC's Coordinated Entry process or planning activities and overall 
community planning efforts (for example, confirmation of the 
applicant's active participation in coordinated entry; commitment to 
participate in coordinated entry; hours spent on a CoC-sponsored 
committee or work group; and the names of said committees or work 
groups).
    b. The applicant's contribution to the CoC's coordinated entry 
process capacity building efforts, detailing the specific nature of 
this contribution (for example, the hours of staff time and/or the 
amount of funding provided), if such SSVF capacity has been requested 
by the CoC or otherwise has shown to be of value to the CoC.
    7. Should additional funding become available over the course of 
the grant term from funds recouped under the Award Information section 
of this Notice, from funds that are voluntarily returned by grantees, 
from funds that become available due to a grant termination, or from 
other funds still available for grant awards, VA may elect to offer 
these funds to grantees in areas where demand has exceeded available 
SSVF resources. Additional funds will be provided to the highest 
scoring grantee in the selected area who is in compliance with their 
grant agreement and has the capacity to use the additional funds.
    D. Supportive Services Grant Award Period: Priority 1 and 2 grants 
are made for a 3-year project period. Priority 3 grants are made for a 
1-year period. Some grantees who obtain accreditation may be eligible 
to apply as Priority 2 and could be selected for an award with the 
option to continue funding each year for up to 3 years, if they meet 
the criteria described herein at section VI.C.6. Grant renewals are 
eligible to be renewed subject to the availability of funding.

III. Eligibility Information

    A. Eligible Applicants: Only eligible entities, as defined in 38 
U.S.C. 2044(f), can apply in response to this NOFO. Eligible entities 
are private nonprofit organizations or consumer cooperatives.
    B. Cost Sharing or Matching: None.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    A. Obtaining an Application Package: Applications are located at 
https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/. Any questions regarding 
this process may be referred to the SSVF Program Office via email at 
[email protected]. For detailed SSVF Program information and requirements, 
see 38 CFR part 62 at: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-62.
    B. Content and Form of Application: Applicants must submit 
applications electronically following instructions found at: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/.
    C. Submission Dates and Times: Applications for supportive services 
grants under the SSVF Program must be received by the SSVF Program 
Office by 4 p.m. eastern time on March 3, 2025. Awards made for 
supportive services grants will fund operations beginning October 1, 
2025. 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. This 
includes letters of support which must be received within the 
application package, not separately. In addition, in the interest of 
fairness to all competing applicants, this deadline is firm as to date 
and hour, and VA will treat as ineligible for consideration any 
application that is received after the deadline. Applicants should take 
this

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practice into account and make early submission of their materials to 
avoid any risk of loss of eligibility brought about by unanticipated 
delays, computer service outages, or other delivery-related problems.
    D. Funding Restrictions: Funding will be awarded for new and 
existing supportive services grants under this NOFO depending on 
funding availability. Priority 1, Priority 2, and Priority 3 applicants 
should fill out separate applications for each supportive services 
funding request. Priority 2 and Priority 3 applicants must use 
applications designated for renewal applicants. Funding will be awarded 
under this NOFO to all grantees beginning October 1, 2025.
    1. Funding used for staff education and training cannot exceed 5% 
of the overall program grant award. This limitation does not include 
the cost to attend VA-mandated training. All training costs must be 
directly related to the provision of services to homeless Veterans and 
their families.
    2. Expenses related to maintaining accreditation are allowable. 
Grantees are allowed to include expenses for seeking initial 
accreditation only once in a 5-year period. The expenses to renew full 
accreditation are allowed and are based on the schedule of the 
accrediting agency: for example, every 3 years for CARF and every 4 
years for COA. Expenses related to the renewal of less than full 
accreditation are not allowed.
    E. Other Submission Requirements:
    1. Existing applicants applying for Priority 2 or Priority 3 grants 
may apply only as renewal applicants using the application designed for 
renewal grants.
    2. At the discretion of VA, multiple grant proposals submitted by 
the same Lead agency may be combined into a single grant award if the 
proposals provide services to contiguous areas.
    3. Additional supportive services grant application requirements 
are specified in the application package. Submission of an incorrect or 
incomplete application package will result in the application being 
rejected during threshold review. The application packages must contain 
all required forms and certifications. Selections will be made based on 
criteria described in 38 CFR part 62 and this NOFO. Applicants and 
grantees will be notified of any additional information needed to 
confirm or clarify information provided in the application and the 
deadline by which to submit such information. Applicants must submit 
applications electronically. Applications may not be mailed, hand 
carried, or faxed.
    F. Intergovernmental Review
    This NOFO is not subject to Executive Order 12372, 
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. To learn more about your 
State's process, see the State Single Point of Contact List.

V. Application Review Information

    A. Criteria
    1. VA will screen all applications to identify those that meet the 
threshold requirements described in 38 CFR 62.21.
    2. VA will use the criteria described in 38 CFR 62.24 to score 
grantees applying for renewal of a supportive services grant.
    3. VA will use the criteria described in 38 CFR 62.22 and 62.23 to 
score new applications for supportive services grants.
    B. Review and Selection Process: VA will review all supportive 
services grant applications in response to this NOFO. This section 
pertains to renewal applications only. A review will be conducted 
according to the following steps:
    1. LOI applications that meet threshold requirements described in 
38 CFR 62.21 will be offered funding.
    2. Score all renewal applications that meet the threshold 
requirements described in 38 CFR 62.21.
    3. Rank those renewal applications that score at least 75 
cumulative points and receive at least 1 point under each of the 
categories identified for renewal applicants in 38 CFR 62.24. The 
applications will be ranked in order from highest to lowest scores in 
accordance with 38 CFR 62.25 for renewal applicants.
    4. VA will use the ranked scores of renewal applications as the 
primary basis for selection. However, VA also will use the following 
considerations in 38 CFR 62.23(d) to select applicants for funding:

    (a) Give preference to applications that provide or coordinate 
the provision of supportive services for very low-income Veteran 
families transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. 
Consistent with this preference, applicants are required to enroll 
no less than 60% of participants who are homeless as defined in 38 
CFR 62.11(b) and (c). Rural communities are defined using USDA's 
definition of a rural area. Rural means: 1. Open countryside; 2. 
Rural towns (places with fewer than 5,000 people and 2,000 housing 
units); and 3. urban areas with populations ranging up to 50,000 
people that are not part of larger labor market areas (metropolitan 
areas) (https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/rural-economy-population/rural-classifications/).
    Other areas may seek waivers to this 60% requirement when 
grantees can demonstrate significant local progress toward 
eliminating homelessness in the target service area. Waiver requests 
must include data from authoritative sources such as point-in-time 
counts and by-name-lists indicating that a community has made enough 
progress on reducing homelessness that it can shift additional 
resources to prevention. Waiver requests must include an endorsement 
by the impacted CoC explicitly stating that a shift in resources 
from rapid rehousing to prevention will not result in an increase in 
homelessness. Grantees who are exempt or receive waivers to this 60% 
requirement must still enroll no less than 40% of all participants 
who are homeless as defined in 38 CFR 62.11 (b) and (c).
    (b) To the extent practicable, ensure that supportive services 
grants are equitably distributed across geographic regions, 
including rural communities, U.S. territories, and Tribal lands. 
This equitable distribution criteria will be used to ensure that 
SSVF resources are provided to those communities with the highest 
need as identified by VA's assessment of expected demand and 
available resources to meet that demand.

    5. Subject to the considerations noted previously herein at 
paragraph B.4. VA will fund the highest-ranked applicants for which 
funding is available.
    C. Risk Review
    Prior to making a Federal grant award, the SSVF Program Office will 
review eligibility information for applicants and financial integrity 
information for applicants available in the Office of Management and 
Budget-designated databases per the Payment Integrity Information Act 
of 2019 (Pub. L. 116-117), the ``Do Not Pay Initiative'' (31 U.S.C. 
3354), and 41 U.S.C. 2313.
    The SSVF program Office will review the responsibility and 
qualification records available in the non-public segment of SAM.gov 
prior to making a Federal award. The SSVF Program Office will conduct a 
risk assessment to evaluate the risks posed by applicants before 
issuing a Federal award. Items that will be considered include: 
financial stability, management systems and standards, history of 
performance (if applicable), audit reports and findings (if 
applicable), and the ability to effectively implement the grant 
requirements.

VI. Award Administration Information

    A. Award Notices: Although subject to change, the SSVF Program 
Office expects to announce grant recipients for all applicants in the 
fourth quarter of FY 2025 with grants beginning October 1, 2025. Prior 
to executing a funding agreement, VA will contact the applicants, make 
known the amount of proposed funding, and verify that the applicant is 
still seeking funding. Once VA verifies that the applicant is still 
seeking funding, VA will execute an agreement and make payments to the 
grant recipient in accordance with 2 CFR part 200, 38 CFR part 62 and 
this NOFO.

[[Page 105185]]

    B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: As cited in 38 
CFR 62.38 SSVF grants cannot be used to fund ineligible activities.
    C. Reporting: VA places great emphasis on the responsibility and 
accountability of grantees. As described in 38 CFR 62.63 and 62.71, VA 
has procedures in place to monitor supportive services provided to 
participants and outcomes associated with the supportive services 
provided under the SSVF Program. Applicants should be aware of the 
following:
    1. Upon execution of a supportive services grant agreement with VA, 
grantees will have a VA Regional Coordinator assigned by the SSVF 
Program Office who will provide oversight and monitor supportive 
services provided to participants.
    2. Grantees will be required to enter data into a Homeless 
Management Information System (HMIS) web-based software application. 
This data will consist of information on the participants served and 
types of supportive services provided by grantees. Grantees must treat 
the data for activities funded by the SSVF Program separate from that 
of activities funded by other programs.
    Grantees will be required to work with their HMIS Administrators to 
export client-level data for activities funded by the SSVF Program to 
VA on at least a monthly basis. The completeness, timeliness and 
quality of grantee uploads into HMIS will be factored into the 
evaluation of their grant performance.
    3. VA will complete annual monitoring evaluations of each grantee. 
Monitoring will also include the submittal of quarterly and annual 
financial and performance reports by the grantee. The grantee will be 
expected to demonstrate adherence to the grantee's proposed program as 
described in the grantee's application. All grantees are subject to 
audits conducted by VA or its representative. Pursuant to Sec.  62.80, 
when a grantee fails to comply with the terms, conditions, or standards 
of the supportive services grant, VA may, on 7-days notice to the 
grantee, withhold further payment, suspend the supportive services 
grant, or prohibit the grantee from incurring additional obligations of 
supportive services grant funds, pending corrective action by the 
grantee or a decision to terminate. Additionally, grantees who are 
identified as not meeting performance standards pursuant to Sec.  62.80 
are subject to withholding, suspension, de-obligation, termination, and 
recovery of funds by VA.
    4. Grantees will be assessed based on their ability to meet 
critical performance measures. In addition to meeting program 
requirements defined by the regulations and applicable NOFO(s), 
grantees will be assessed on their ability to place participants into 
housing and the housing retention rates of participants served. Higher 
placement for homeless participants and higher housing retention rates 
for participants at risk of homelessness are expected for low-income 
Veteran families when compared to extremely low-income Veteran families 
with incomes below 30% of the area median income.
    5. Grantees' performance will be assessed based on their consumer 
satisfaction scores. These scores include the participation rates and 
satisfaction results of the standardized survey offered to all 
participant households.
    6. Organizations receiving priority 1 or renewal awards that have 
had ongoing SSVF program operation for at least 1 year (as measured 
from the start of initial SSVF services until March 3, 2025 may be 
eligible for a 3-year project period.
    Grantees meeting outcome goals defined by VA and in substantial 
compliance with their grant agreements (defined by meeting targets and 
having no outstanding corrective action plans) and who, in addition, 
are providing supportive services to Veterans in Tribal or rural 
communities or the U.S. territories or who have a 3-year accreditation 
from either CARF in Employment and Community Services: Rapid Rehousing 
and Homeless Prevention standards, a 4-year accreditation from COA in 
Supported Community Living Services, or a 3-year accreditation in The 
Joint Commission's Behavioral Health Care: Housing Support Services 
Standards are eligible for a 3-year project period. (NOTE: Multi-year 
project periods are contingent on funding availability.) If awarded a 
multiple year renewal, grantees may be eligible for funding increases 
as defined in NOFOs that correspond to years two and three of their 
renewal funding. At its discretion, VA may reduce 3-year project 
periods to a 1-year project period based on previous fiscal year 
performance concerns or most recent audit results.
    D. Post-Award Requirements and Administration
    The terms and conditions for this award will be outlined in the 
MOA. Applicants may review the general terms and conditions of award at 
https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/grants-management/. In accepting a VA 
award, the grantee assumes legal, financial, administrative, and 
programmatic responsibility for administering the award. Grantees must 
comply with all applicable appropriations, laws, statutes, rules, 
regulations (e.g., 38 CFR part 50, 38 CFR part 62, 2 CFR part 200), 
NOFO requirements, Executive Orders governing assistance awards, 
statutory and national policy requirements (e.g., 2 CFR 200.300 and 41 
U.S.C. 4712), and these terms and conditions which will be incorporated 
into this award. While VA may provide grantees with reminder notices 
regarding award requirements, the absence of receiving such notice will 
not relieve grantees of their responsibility to meet all applicable 
award requirements. Under the MOA, grantees must agree to provide what 
is outlined in the grant award and application along with any 
modifications that occur as a result of official changes approved by 
the VA SSVF Program Office.

VII. Other Information

    A. VA Goals and Objectives for Funds Awarded Under this NOFO: In 
accordance with 38 CFR 62.24(c), VA will evaluate an applicant's 
compliance with VA goals and requirements for the SSVF Program. VA 
goals and requirements include the provision of supportive services 
designed to enhance the housing stability and independent living skills 
of very low-income Veteran families occupying permanent housing across 
geographic regions and program administration in accordance with all 
applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and the SSVF grant agreement. 
For purposes of this NOFO, VA goals and requirements also include the 
provision of supportive services designed to rapidly re-house or 
prevent homelessness among people in the following target populations 
who also meet all requirements for being part of a very low-income 
Veteran family occupying permanent housing:
    1. Veteran families earning less than 30% of area median income as 
most recently published by HUD for programs under section 8 of the U.S. 
Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) (https://www.huduser.org).
    2. Veterans with at least one dependent family member.
    3. Veterans returning from Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation 
Iraqi Freedom or Operation New Dawn).
    4. Veteran families located in a community, as defined by HUD's 
CoC, or a county not currently served by a SSVF grantee.
    5. Veteran families located in a community, as defined by HUD's 
CoC, where the current level of SSVF services is not sufficient to meet 
demand of

[[Page 105186]]

literally homeless Veterans and currently homeless Veteran families. 
CoC and ESG Homeless Eligibility--Category 1: Literally Homeless--HUD 
Exchange.
    6. Veteran families located in a rural area.
    7. Veteran families located on Tribal areas.
    8. Veteran families located in a U.S. territory.
    B. Payments of Supportive Services Grant Funds: Grantees will 
receive payments electronically through the HHS Payment Management 
System. Grantees will have the ability to request payments as 
frequently as they choose subject to the following limitations:
    1. During the first quarter of the grantee's supportive services 
annualized grant award period, the grantee's cumulative requests for 
supportive services grant funds may not exceed 35% of the total 
supportive services grant award without written approval by VA.
    2. By the end of the second quarter of the grantee's supportive 
services annualized grant award period, the grantee's cumulative 
requests for supportive services grant funds may not exceed 60% of the 
total supportive services grant award without written approval by VA.
    3. By the end of the third quarter of the grantee's supportive 
services annualized grant award period, the grantee's cumulative 
requests for supportive services grant funds may not exceed 80% of the 
total supportive services grant award without written approval by VA.
    4. By the end of the fourth quarter of the grantee's supportive 
services annualized grant award period, the grantee's cumulative 
requests for supportive services grant funds may not exceed 100% of the 
total supportive services grant award.
    Signing Authority:
    Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approved and signed 
this document on December 16, 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.

Luvenia Potts,
Regulation Development Coordinator, Office of Regulation Policy & 
Management, Office of General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2024-30662 Filed 12-23-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P