[Federal Register: June 20, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 118)]
[Notices]
[Page 33969-33976]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20jn07-49]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Housing Service
Funding Opportunity: Section 525 Technical and Supervisory
Assistance (TSA) Grants
Announcement Type: Initial notice of Funds Availability (NOFA)
inviting applications from qualified organizations for Fiscal Year 2007
funding.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.441.
Summary: The Rural Housing Service, an agency under USDA, Rural
Development announces it is soliciting competitive applications under
its Technical and Supervisory Assistance (TSA) grant program. Grants
will be awarded to eligible applicant organizations to conduct programs
of technical and supervisory assistance for low-income rural residents
to obtain and/or maintain occupancy of adequate housing.
Dates: The deadline for receipt of preapplication proposals by
USDA, Rural Development State Offices is the close of business on July
20, 2007. Preapplications received after July 20, 2007 will not be
considered for funding. Within 30 days after the closing date, each
State Director will forward to the National Office the original
preapplication(s) and supporting documents of the selected applicant.
State Directors will be advised of the National Office's action on
their selected preapplications.
For Further Information Contact: Nica Mathes, Senior Loan
Specialist, USDA Rural Development, Single Family Housing Direct Loan
Division, Special Programs and New Initiatives Branch, Mail Stop 0783,
Room 2206-S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0783,
phone: (202) 205-3656 or (202) 720-1474, e-mail:
nica.mathes@wdc.usda.gov , or FAX: (202) 720-2232.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Paperwork Reduction Act
Overview
This notice is published as required by 7 CFR 1944.525(b) and
1944.528, which state that the housing programs Administrator must
provide annual notice in the Federal Register on the distribution of
appropriated TSA funds, the number of preapplications to be submitted
to the National Office from the State Offices, the maximum grant amount
per project, and the dates governing the review and selection of TSA
grant preapplications.
Complete agency regulations for the TSA program are contained in RD
Instruction 1944-K, accessible online at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/regs
, and in 7 CFR part 1944, subpart K, and are incorporated by
reference. Applicants and grantees must comply with 7 CFR parts 3015,
3018, and 3019, as applicable.
Up to $1,000,000 in competitive grants will be awarded to eligible
applicants. No single award will exceed $100,000.
In accordance with 7 CFR 1944.525, the Administrator will
distribute a portion of the funds to those States with high levels of
poverty and substandard housing in rural areas. For this year, we are
targeting California and Texas. In
[[Page 33970]]
addition, we are targeting states severely impacted by major disasters
including Kansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Up to $500,000 will be
targeted to eligible TSA programs in these States. Remaining funds will
be available for national competition. No more than one grant per State
will be awarded. The Agency will only accept one preapplication per
organization for funding consideration.
The State Director may submit multiple preapplications, ranked in
order of preference, to the National Office for consideration.
The performance period of grant activities will be two years from
the date the grant agreement is executed.
Reimbursement of pre-award costs is not allowed.
To be eligible for a grant, the applicant must be a nonprofit
corporation, agency, institution, organization, Indian tribe or other
association in accordance with 7 CFR part 16. This also includes faith-
based and community organizations. A private nonprofit corporation,
which is owned and controlled by private persons or interests, must
have local representation from the area being served, be organized and
operated by private persons or interests for purposes other than making
gains or profits for the corporation, and be legally precluded from
distributing any gains or profits to its members. Cost sharing is not
required but is encouraged. In the selection of grant recipients, the
Agency will consider the extent to which the project will make use of
other financial and contribution-in-kind resources for both technical
and supervisory assistance and housing development and supporting
facilities. Applications and complete program instructions are
available at any Area Office listed on the USDA Rural Development Web
site at http:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. Federal grant application forms are
available in electronic format at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html
.
Program Administration
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Under section 525 (a) of the Housing Act of 1949, 42 U.S.C. 1490e
(a), Rural Development provides funds to eligible applicants to conduct
TSA programs for low-income rural residents to obtain and/or maintain
occupancy of adequate housing. Any processing or servicing activity
involving authorized assistance to USDA Rural Development employees,
members of their families, known close relatives, or business or close
personal associates, is subject to the provisions of 7 CFR part 1900,
subpart D. Applicants for this assistance are required to identify any
known relationship or association with a USDA Rural Development
employee. This financial assistance may pay part or all of the cost of
developing, conducting, administering, or coordinating effective and
comprehensive programs of technical and supervisory assistance which
will aid needy low-income individuals and families in benefiting from
Federal, State, and local programs in rural areas. USDA Rural
Development will provide technical and supervisory grant assistance to
applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion,
sex, national origin, age, marital status, or physical or mental
disability.
Policy: The policy of USDA Rural Development is to provide
technical and supervisory assistance to eligible applicants to do the
following:
(1) Provide homeownership and financial counseling to reduce both
the potential for delinquency by loan applicants and the level of
payment delinquency by present Rural Development housing loan
borrowers; and
(2) Facilitate the delivery of housing programs to serve the most
needy low-income families in rural areas of greatest need for housing.
Rural Development intends to fund projects which include counseling
and delivery of housing programs.
State Directors are given a strong role in the selection of
grantees so this program can complement Rural Development's policies of
targeting USDA Rural Development resources to areas of greatest need
within their States.
Objectives: The objectives of the TSA Grant Program are to assist
low-income rural families in obtaining adequate housing to meet their
family's needs and/or to provide the necessary guidance to promote
their continued occupancy of already adequate housing. These objectives
will be accomplished through the establishment or support of housing
delivery and counseling projects run by eligible applicants. This
program is intended to make use of any available housing program which
provides the low-income rural resident access to adequate rental
properties or homeownership.
Definitions: References to Local, Area, State, National and Rural
Development St. Louis Offices and to State Director, and Administrator
refer to USDA Rural Development offices and officials and should be
read as prefaced by USDA Rural Development. Terms used here have the
following meanings:
Adequate housing. A housing unit of adequate size and design to
meet the specific needs of low-income families and the requirements
governing the particular housing program providing the services or
financial assistance.
Applicant or grantee. Any eligible organization which applies for
or receives TSA funds under a grant agreement.
Grant agreement. The contract between Rural Development and the
applicant which sets forth the terms and conditions under which TSA
funds will be made available.
Low-income family. Any household, including those with one member,
whose adjusted annual income, computed in accordance with 7 CFR
3550.54(c), does not exceed the Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
established low-income limit (generally 80 percent of the median income
adjusted for household size) for the county or Metropolitan Statistical
Area where the property is or will be located.
Organization. Public or private nonprofit corporations, agencies,
institutions, Indian tribes and other associations. A private nonprofit
corporation, which is owned and controlled by private persons or
interests, must have local representation from the area being served,
be organized and operated by private persons or interests for purposes
other than making gains or profits for the corporation, and be legally
precluded from distributing any gains or profits to its members. Faith-
based organizations may meet these requirements.
Rural area. The definition in 7 CFR 3550.10 applies.
Supervisory assistance. Any type of assistance to low-income
families which will assist those families in meeting the eligibility
requirements for, or the financial and managerial responsibilities of,
homeownership or tenancy in an adequate housing unit. Such assistance
must include, but is not limited to, the following activities:
(1) Assisting individual USDA Rural Development borrowers with
financial problems to overcome delinquency and/or prevent foreclosure
and assisting new low-income applicants avoid financial problems
through:
(i) Financial and budget counseling including advice on debt
levels, credit purchases, consumer and cost awareness, debt adjustment
procedures, and availability of other financial counseling services;
(ii) Monitoring payment of taxes and insurance;
(iii) Home maintenance and management; and
[[Page 33971]]
(iv) Other counseling based on the needs of the low-income
families.
(2) Contacting and assisting low-income families in need of
adequate housing by:
(i) Implementing an organized outreach program using available
media and personal contacts;
(ii) Explaining available housing programs and alternatives to
increase the awareness of low-income families and to educate the
community as to the benefits which can accrue from improved housing;
(iii) Assisting low-income families to locate adequate housing;
(iv) Providing construction supervision, training, and guidance to
low-income families not involved in Mutual Self-Help programs who are
otherwise being assisted by the TSA project;
(v) Organizing local public or private nonprofit groups willing to
provide adequate housing for low-income families; and
(vi) Providing assistance to families and organizations in
processing housing loan and/or grant applications generated by the TSA
program, including developing and packaging such applications for new
construction, rehabilitation, or repair to serve low-income families.
Technical assistance. Any specific expertise necessary to carry out
housing efforts by or for low-income families to improve the quantity
and/or quality of housing available to meet their needs. Such
assistance should be specifically related to the supervisory assistance
provided by the project, and may include, as appropriate, the following
activities:
(1) Develop, or assist eligible applicants to develop, multi-
housing loan and/or grant applications for new construction,
rehabilitation, or repair to serve low-income families.
(2) Market surveys, engineering studies, cost estimates, and
feasibility studies related to applications for housing assistance to
meet the specific needs of the low-income families assisted under the
TSA program.
Grant purposes: Grant funds are to be used for a housing delivery
system and counseling program to include a comprehensive program of
technical and supervisory assistance as set forth in the grant
agreement and any other special conditions as required by Rural
Development. Uses of grant funds may include, but are not limited to:
(1) The development and implementation of a program of technical
and supervisory assistance as defined in 7 CFR 1944.506 (h) and (i).
(2) Payment of reasonable salaries of professional, technical, and
clerical staff actively assisting in the delivery of the TSA project.
(3) Payment of necessary and reasonable office expenses such as
office supplies and office rental, office utilities, telephone
services, and office equipment rental.
(4) Payment of necessary and reasonable administrative costs such
as workers' compensation, liability insurance, audit reports, travel to
and attendance at Rural Development approved training sessions, and the
employer's share of Social Security and health benefits. Payments to
private retirement funds are prohibited unless prior written
authorization is obtained from the Administrator.
(5) Payment of reasonable fees for necessary training of grantee
personnel. This may include the cost of travel and per diem to attend
regional training sessions when authorized by the State Director.
(6) Other reasonable travel and miscellaneous expenses necessary to
accomplish the objectives of the specific TSA grant which were
anticipated in the individual TSA grant proposal and which have been
included as eligible expenses at the time of grant approval.
Ineligible Activities: Grant funds may not be used for:
(1) Acquisition, construction, repair, or rehabilitation of
structures or acquisition of land, vehicles, or equipment.
(2) Replacement of, or substitution for, any financial support
which would be available from any other source.
(3) Duplication of current services in conflict with the
requirements of 7 CFR 1944.514 (c).
(4) Hiring personnel to perform construction.
(5) Buying property of any kind from families receiving technical
or supervisory assistance from the grantee under the terms of the TSA
grant.
(6) Paying for or reimbursing the grantee for any expenses or debts
incurred before USDA Rural Development executes the grant agreement.
(7) Paying any debts, expenses, or costs which should be the
responsibility of the individual families receiving technical and
supervisory assistance.
(8) Any type of political activities.
(9) Other costs including contributions and donations,
entertainment, fines and penalties, interest and other financial costs,
legislative expenses and any excess of cost from other grant
agreements.
Advice and assistance may be obtained from the National Office
where ineligible costs are proposed as part of the TSA project or where
a proposed cost appears ineligible.The grantee may not charge fees or
accept compensation or gratuities from TSA recipients for the grantee's
assistance under this program.
Comprehensive TSA programs include: Outreach to the community and
education of low-income families as to the benefits which can accrue
from improved housing, including: counseling on affording a home,
obtaining a housing loan, and understanding predatory lending
practices; loan packaging and assistance in the homebuying process,
including reviewing client credit history, screening for housing loan
eligibility for USDA Rural Development Section 502 loans or similar
loans, assisting clients to complete applications, advising clients on
home selection and matters related to home financing, and providing
post-purchase counseling; and, assisting individual USDA Rural
Development borrowers with financial problems to overcome delinquency
and/or prevent foreclosure.
II. Award Information
Up to $1,000,000 in competitive grants will be awarded to eligible
applicants. It is estimated that 10 grants will be awarded with these
funds.
TSA projects will be funded under a Grant Agreement for two years
commencing on the date of execution of the Agreement by the State
Director. The Grant Agreement is contained as Exhibit A to RD
Instruction 1944-K (available in any USDA Rural Development office).
Performance of the grant program should begin within 60 days of
award notification.Applications for renewal of existing TSA programs
are eligible to compete with applications for new awards.
III. Eligibility Information
Grants provide funds to eligible applicant organizations to conduct
TSA for low-income rural residents to obtain and/or maintain occupancy
of adequate housing.
Applicant eligibility. To be eligible to receive a grant, the
applicant must:
(1) Be an organization as defined in 7 CFR 1944.506 (e).
(2) Have the financial, legal, administrative, and operational
capacity to assume and carry out the responsibilities imposed by the
grant agreement. To meet this requirement of actual capacity, it must
either:
(i) Have necessary background and experience with proven ability to
perform responsibly in the field of low-income rural housing
development and
[[Page 33972]]
counseling, or other business management or administrative experience
which indicates an ability to provide responsible technical and
supervisory assistance; or
(ii) Be assisted by an organization which has such background
experience and ability and which agrees in writing that it will
provide, without charge, the assistance the applicant will need to
carry out its responsibilities.
(3) Legally obligate itself to administer TSA funds, provide an
adequate accounting of the expenditure of such funds, and comply with
the grant agreement and applicable USDA Rural Development regulations;
(4) Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of low-income rural
families;
(5) Have the ability and willingness to work within established
guidelines; and
(6) If the applicant is engaged in or plans to become engaged in
any other activities, it must be able to provide sufficient evidence
and documentation that it has adequate resources, including financial
resources, to carry on any other programs or activities to which it is
committed without jeopardizing the success and effectiveness of its TSA
project.
Cost sharing or matching. There is no cost sharing or matching
requirement. However, applicants who submit evidence of cost sharing
will receive points under Selection Criteria, paragraph V.(2)(v).
Other administrative requirements. The following policies and
regulations apply to grants made under this program:
(1) The policies and regulations contained in 7 CFR part 1901,
subpart E regarding equal opportunity requirements.
(2) The policies and regulations contained in 7 CFR part 1901,
subpart F regarding historical and archaeological properties.
(3) The policies and regulations contained in 7 CFR part 1940,
subpart G regarding Environmental Assessments.
IV. Application and Submission Information
The Federal government requires that all applicants for Federal
grants and cooperative agreements with the exception of individuals
other than sole proprietors, have a Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number. The Federal government will use the
DUNS number to better identify related organizations that are receiving
funding under grants and cooperative agreements, and to provide
consistent name and address data for electronic grant application
systems. More information on this policy and how to obtain a DUNS
number is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/fedreg/062703_grant_identifier.pdf and http://www.dnb.com.
Preapplication submission.
(1) All applicants will file an original and two copies of the
preapplication, including supporting information detailed below, with
the appropriate State Office serving the proposed TSA area.
Preapplications will consist of: Standard Form 424 (Form SF-424),
``Application for Federal Assistance;'' Form SF-424A, ``Budget
Information--Non-Construction Programs;'' Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--
Non-Construction Programs;'' and supporting documentation as detailed
below. The applicant organization's DUNS number must be provided.
If the TSA area encompasses more than one State Office, the
preapplication will be filed at the State Office which serves the area
in which the grantee will provide the greatest amount of TSA efforts.
Additional informational copies of the preapplication will be sent by
the applicant to the other affected State Office(s) clearly marked
``For Information Purposes Only.'' Applications for multi-state
projects must designate the portion of funds and services to be
provided to each state.
Where to file. Preapplication packages must be received prior to
the deadline at the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office.
State Office addresses and contacts are:
Alabama State Office, Suite 601, Sterling Centre, 4121 Carmichael Road,
Montgomery, AL 36106-3683, (334) 279-3400, TDD (334) 279-3618, Vann L.
McCloud
Alaska State Office, 800 West Evergreen, Suite 201, Palmer, AK 99645,
(907) 761-7740, TDD (907) 761-8905, Deborah Davis
Arizona State Office, Phoenix Courthouse and Federal Building, 230
North First Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003-1706, (602) 280-8764,
TDD (602) 280-8706, Ernie Wetherbee
Arkansas State Office, 700 W. Capitol Ave., Rm. 3416, Little Rock, AR
72201-3225, (501) 301-3235, TDD (501) 301-3063, Lawrence McCullough
California State Office, 430 G Street, 4169, Davis, CA 95616-
4169, (530) 792-5816, TDD (530) 792-5848, Bob Anderson
Colorado State Office, 655 Parfet Street, Room E100, Lakewood, CO
80215, (720) 544-2903, TDD (800) 659-2656, Jamie Spakow
Connecticut, Served by Massachusetts State Office
Delaware & Maryland State Office,1221 College Park Drive, Suite 200,
Dover, DE 19904-8724, (302) 857-3600, TDD (302) 857-3585, Pat Baker
Florida & Virgin Islands State Office, 4440 NW 25th Place, Gainesville,
FL 32606-6563, (352) 338-3436, TDD (352) 338-3499, Daryl Cooper
Georgia State Office, Stephens Federal Building, 355 E. Hancock Avenue,
Athens, GA 30601-2768, (706) 546-2169, TDD (706) 546-2034, Douglas
Canup
Guam, Served by Hawaii State Office
Hawaii State Office, (Services all Hawaii, American Samoa and Western
Pacific), Room 311, Federal Building, 154 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI
96720, (808) 933-8308, TDD (808) 933-8321, Stephanie Taketa, Acting
Idaho State Office, Suite A1, 9173 West Barnes Dr., Boise, ID 83709,
(208) 378-5627, TDD (208) 378-5644, Roni Atkins
Illinois State Office, 2118 West Park Court, Suite A, Champaign, IL
61821-2986, (217) 403-6222, TDD (217) 403-6240, Barry L. Ramsey
Indiana State Office, 5975 Lakeside Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46278,
(317) 290-3096, TDD (317) 290-3343, Paul Neumann
Iowa State Office, 210 Walnut Street, Room 873, Des Moines, IA 50309,
(515) 284-4666, TDD (515) 284-4858, Bruce McGuire
Kansas State Office, 1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka,
KS 66604-4040, (785) 271-2718, TDD (785) 271-2767, Tim Rogers
Kentucky State Office, 771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Lexington, KY
40503, (859) 224-7322, TDD (859) 224-7422, Denver Parks
Louisiana State Office, 3727 Government Street, Alexandria, LA 71302,
(318) 473-7920, TDD (318) 473-7655, Debbie Redfearn
Maine State Office, 967 Illinois Ave., Suite 4, PO Box 405, Bangor, ME
04402-0405, (207) 990-9110, TDD (207) 942-7331, Dale Holmes
Maryland, Served by Delaware State Office
Massachusetts, Connecticut, & Rhode Island State Office, 451 West
Street, Suite 2, Amherst, MA 01002, (413) 253-4333, TDD (413) 253-4590,
Don Colburn
Michigan State Office, 3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 200, East Lansing, MI
48823, (517) 324-5192, TDD (517) 337-6795, Rick Annis
Minnesota State Office, 375 Jackson Street Building, Suite 410, St.
Paul, MN 55101, (651) 602-7792, TDD (651) 602-7830, Lance Larson
[[Page 33973]]
Mississippi State Office, Federal Building, Suite 831, 100 W. Capitol
Street, Jackson, MS 39269, (601) 965-4325, TDD (601) 965-5850, John
Jones
Missouri State Office, 601 Business Loop 70 West, Parkade Center, Suite
235, Columbia, MO 65203, (573) 876-9301, TDD (573) 876-9480, Randy
Griffith
Montana State Office, Unit 1, Suite B, 900 Technology Blvd., Bozeman,
MT 59715, (406) 585-2515, TDD (406) 585-2562, Deborah Chorlton
Nebraska State Office, Federal Building, Room 152, 100 Centennial Mall
N, Lincoln, NE 68508, (402) 437-5567, TDD (402) 437-5093, Byron Fischer
Nevada State Office, 1390 South Curry Street, Carson City, NV 89703-
9910, (775) 887-1222, TDD (775) 885-0633, William Brewer
New Hampshire State Office, Served by Vermont State Office
New Jersey State Office, 5th Floor North, Suite 500, 8000 Midlantic
Drive, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054, (856) 787-7730, TDD (856) 787-7784, George
Hyatt, Jr.
New Mexico State Office, 6200 Jefferson St., NE, Room 255, Albuquerque,
NM 87109, (505) 761-4944, TDD (505) 761-4938, Art Garcia
New York State Office, The Galleries of Syracuse,441 S. Salina Street,
Suite 357 5th Floor, Syracuse, NY 13202, (315) 477-6417, TDD (315) 477-
6447, Jennifer Jackson
North Carolina State Office, 4405 Bland Road, Suite 260, Raleigh, NC
27609, (919) 873-2060, TDD (919) 873-2003, Melchior Ellis
North Dakota State Office, Federal Building, Room 208, 220 East Rosser,
PO Box 1737, Bismarck, ND 58502, (701) 530-2044, TDD (701) 530-2113,
Jenice Schall, Acting
Ohio State Office, Federal Building, Room 507, 200 North High Street,
Columbus, OH 43215-2477, (614) 255-2401, TDD (614) 255-2554, Gerald
Arnott
Oklahoma State Office, 100 USDA, Suite 108, Stillwater, OK 74074-2654,
(405) 742-1070, TDD (405) 742-1007, Brian Wiles
Oregon State Office, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 801, Portland, OR
97232-1274, (503) 414-3335, TDD (503) 414-3387, Sharon Shaffer
Pennsylvania State Office, One Credit Union Place, Suite 330,
Harrisburg, PA 17110-2996, (717) 237-2279, TDD (717) 237-2261, Frank
Wetherhold
Puerto Rico State Office, IBM Building, Suite 601, Munoz Rivera Ave.
654, San Juan, PR 00918, (787) 766-5095, TDD (787) 766-5332,
Pedro Gomez
Rhode Island, Served by Massachusetts State Office
South Carolina State Office, Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835
Assembly Street, Room 1007, Columbia, SC 29201, (803) 253-3655, TDD
(803) 765-5697, Herbert R. Koon, Jr.
South Dakota State Office, Federal Building, Room 210, 200 Fourth
Street, SW, Huron, SD 57350, (605) 352-1132, TDD (605) 352-1147, Roger
Hazuka
Tennessee State Office, Suite 300, 3322 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN
37203-1084, (615) 783-1375, TDD (615) 783-1397, Donald L. Harris
Texas State Office, Federal Building, Suite 102, 101 South Main,
Temple, TX 76501, (254) 742-9765, TDD (254) 742-9712, Scooter Brockette
Utah State Office, Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building, 125 S. State
Street, Room 4311, Salt Lake City, UT 84138, (801) 524-4323, TDD (801)
524-3309, Dave Brown
Vermont & New Hampshire State Office, City Center, 3rd Floor, 89 Main
Street, Montpelier, VT 05602, (802) 828-6010, TDD (802) 223-6365,
Robert McDonald
Virgin Islands, Served by Florida State Office
Virginia State Office, Culpeper Building, Suite 238, 1606 Santa Rosa
Road, Richmond, VA 23229, (804) 287-1603, TDD (804) 287-1753, James
Reid
Washington State Office, 1835 Black Lake Blvd., SW, Suite B, Olympia,
WA 98512, (360) 704-7731, TDD (360) 704-7742, Robert Lund, Acting
Western Pacific Territories, Served by Hawaii State Office
West Virginia State Office, Federal Building, 75 High Street, Room 320,
Morgantown, WV 26505-7500, (304) 284-4860, TDD (304) 284-4836, Dianne
Goff Crysler
Wisconsin State Office, 4949 Kirschling Court, Stevens Point, WI 54481,
(715) 345-7615, TDD (715) 345-7614, Peter Kohnen
Wyoming State Office, 100 East B, Federal Building, Room 1005, PO Box
820, Casper, WY 82602, (307) 233-6715, TDD (307) 261-6333, Alan Brooks
(2) All preapplications shall be accompanied by the following
information which will be used to determine the applicant's eligibility
to undertake a TSA program and to determine whether the applicant might
be funded:
(i) A narrative presentation of the applicant's proposed TSA
program, including:
(A) The technical and supervisory assistance to be provided;
(B) The time schedule for implementing the program;
(C) The staffing pattern to execute the program and salary range
for each position, existing and proposed;
(D) The estimated number of low-income and low-income minority
families the applicant will assist in obtaining affordable adequate
housing;
(E) The estimated number of USDA Rural Development borrowers who
are delinquent or being foreclosed that the applicant will assist in
resolving their financial problems relating to their delinquency;
(F) The estimated number of households which will be assisted in
obtaining adequate housing in the TSA area through new construction
and/or rehabilitation;
(G) Annual estimated budget for each of the two years based on the
financial needs to accomplish the objectives outlined in the proposal.
The budget should include proposed direct and indirect costs for
personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contracts, and
other costs categories, detailing those costs for which the grantee
proposes to use the TSA grant separately from non-TSA resources, if
any;
(H) The accounting system (cash or accrual) to be used;
(I) The method of evaluation proposed to be used by the applicant
to determine the effectiveness of its program;
(J) The sources and estimated amounts of other financial resources
to be obtained and used by the applicant for both TSA activities and
housing development and/or supporting facilities; and,
(K) Any other information necessary to explain the manner of
delivering the TSA assistance proposed.
(ii) Complete information about the applicant's previous experience
and capacity to carry out the objectives of the proposed TSA program;
(iii) Evidence of the applicant's legal existence, including, in
the case of a private nonprofit organization, a copy of, or an accurate
reference to, the specific provisions of State law under which the
applicant is organized; a certified copy of the applicant's Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws or other evidence of corporate existence;
certificate of incorporation for other than public bodies; evidence of
good standing from the State when the corporation has been in existence
one year or more; the names and addresses of the applicant's members,
directors, and officers; and, if another organization is a member of
the applicant-organization, its name, address, and principal business.
[[Page 33974]]
(iv) For a private nonprofit entity, a current financial statement
dated and signed by an authorized officer of the entity showing the
amounts and specific nature of assets and liabilities together with
information on the repayment schedule and status of any debt(s) owed by
the applicant. If the applicant is an organization being assisted by
another private nonprofit organization, the same type of financial
statement should also be provided by that organization.
(v) A brief narrative statement which includes information about
the area to be served and the need for improved housing (including both
percentage and actual number of both low-income and low-income minority
families and substandard housing), the need for the type of technical
and supervisory assistance being proposed, the method of evaluation to
be used by the applicant in determining the effectiveness of its
efforts (as related to paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section), and any
other information necessary to specifically address the selection
criteria in 7 CFR 1944.529.
(vi) A list of other activities the applicant is engaged in and
expects to continue and a statement as to any other funding and whether
it will have sufficient funds to assure continued operation of the
other activities for at least the period of the TSA grant agreement.
(3) An applicant should submit written statements from the county,
parish, or township governments of the area affected that the project
is beneficial and does not duplicate current activities. If the local
governmental units will not provide such statements, the applicant will
prepare and include with its preapplication a summary of its analysis
of alternatives considered under 7 CFR 1944.514(c). However, Indian
nonprofit organization applicants should obtain the written concurrence
of the Tribal governing body in lieu of the concurrence of the county
governments.
(4) USDA Rural Development will deal only with authorized
representatives designated by the applicant. The authorized
representatives must have no pecuniary interest in any of the following
as they would relate in any way to the TSA grant: the award of any
engineering, architectural, management, administration, or construction
contracts; purchase of the furnishings, fixtures or equipment; or
purchase and/or development of land. (Note: USDA Rural Development has
designated the Area Office as the primary point of contact for all
matters relating to the TSA program and as the office responsible for
the administration of approved TSA projects.)
Intergovernmental Review. This program is subject to the provisions
of Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation
with State and local officials.
V. Application Review Information
Within 30 days of the closing date for receipt of preapplications,
the State Director will forward to the National Office the original
preapplication(s) and supporting documents of the selected
applicant(s), including any comments received in accordance with 7 CFR
part 3015, subpart V, ``Intergovernmental Review of Agriculture
Programs and Activities,'' (See RD Instruction 1940-J, available in any
USDA Rural Development Office) and the comments and recommendations of
the Local Office(s), Area Office(s), and the State Office. The State
Office may submit multiple preapplications, ranked in order of
preference, to the National Office for consideration.
Concurrently the State Office will send a copy of the selected
applicant's Form SF-424 and relevant documents to the Regional Office
of the General Counsel (OGC) requesting a legal determination be made
of the applicant's legal existence and authority to conduct the
proposed program of technical and supervisory assistance.
The State Office will notify other applicants that their
preapplications were not selected and advise them of their appeal
rights under 7 CFR part 11.
Selection Criteria
(1) Proposals must meet the following criteria:
(i) Provide a program of supervisory assistance as defined in 7 CFR
1944.506(h); and,
(ii) Serve areas with a concentration of substandard housing and
low-income and low-income minority households.
(2) For proposals meeting the requirements listed in paragraph (1)
above, USDA Rural Development will use the weighted criteria in this
paragraph in the selection of grant recipients. Each preapplication and
its accompanying narrative will be evaluated and the applicant's
proposal will be numerically rated on each criterion. The highest-
ranking proposals will be selected for funding according to award
information, described above. The criteria considered, the method of
measurement, and the points to be awarded are as follows:
(i) The extent to which the program serves areas with
concentrations of Rural Development single family housing loan
borrowers who are delinquent in their housing loan payments and/or
threatened with foreclosure. Measured by whether the applicant proposes
to offer delinquency counseling services for Rural Development
borrowers. Program will offer delinquency counseling services: 5
points.
(ii) The capability and past performance demonstrated by the
applicant in administering its programs, the effectiveness of current
efforts by the applicant to assist low-income and low-income minority
families in obtaining adequate housing, the adequacy of records and
practices (including personnel procedures and practices) that will be
established and maintained by the applicant during the term of the
agreement. Measured on whether the applicant organization or members of
the applicant organization's staff conducting the proposed TSA program
have, in the last two years, successfully conducted a TSA or similar
program to assist low-income families in becoming successful
homeowners. Have conducted a similar program, not TSA: 5 points; OR,
have conducted a TSA program, 10 points.
(iii) The narrative presentation of the applicant's proposed TSA
program. This criterion will be used to evaluate the proposed TSA
program and its implementation. This section should describe the
technical and supervisory assistance to be provided, the anticipated
capacity of the applicant to implement the proposed time schedule for
starting and completing the TSA program and each phase thereof, the
extent to which the proposed staff and salary ranges will meet the
objective of the program including, but not limited to: the ratio of
personnel to be hired by the applicant to the cost of the project, the
estimated number of low-income and low-income minority families that
will obtain housing, the estimated number of Rural Development
borrowers that will obtain delinquency counseling, and the estimated
number of households that will be assisted in obtaining adequate
housing in the TSA area through new construction and/or rehabilitation.
Up to 50 points may be assigned.
(iv) The extent to which the program will provide or increase the
delivery of housing resources to low-income and low-income minority
families who are not currently occupying adequate housing in the areas.
(A) Measured by the county Poverty Rate, as reported in Census 2000
Summary File 3 (SF 3) Report GCT-P14, ``Income and Poverty in
1999:2000.'' This information may be obtained on the Internet from the
U.S. Census
[[Page 33975]]
Bureau Web site, ``American Fact Finder,'' at factfinder.census.gov.
(1) 25.1% or higher: 30 points.
(2) 14.7% to 25.0%: A total of 2.86 points, rounded to the nearest
whole number, for each percentage point above 14.6%.
(3) 14.6% or less: 0 points.
Example: According to Census 2000, the service area Poverty Rate
is 18.0 percent. This is 3.4 points above the National Non-
Metropolitan Area Average of 14.6 percent. This proposal would be
scored with 10 points (3.4 x 2.86 = 9.7); and
(B) Measured by the degree of deficient housing, based on the
combination of the county's percentage of housing units lacking
complete plumbing facilities plus the percentage of housing units
lacking complete kitchen facilities (referred to as deficient
housing factor), as reported in Census 2000 SF 3 Report GCT-H7,
``Structural and Facility Characteristics of All Housing Units:
2000.'' This information may be obtained on the Internet from the
U.S. Census Bureau Web site, ``American Fact Finder,'' at
factfinder.census.gov.
(1) Deficient housing factor 13.0 or greater: 30 points.
(2) Factor 5.1 to 13.0: A total of 3.75 points, rounded to the
nearest whole number, for each point above 5.0.
(3) Factor 5.0 or lower: 0 points.
Example: Of the total housing units in the service area, 5.0
percent lack complete plumbing and 4.5 percent lack complete kitchen
facilities, according to Census 2000. Adding these two percentages
provides a `deficient housing index' of 9.5. This is 4.5 points
above the National Non-Metropolitan Area Average of 5.0. This would
result in a score of 17 points (9.5 - 5.0 = 4.5 x 3.75 = 16.875).
(C) For programs serving multi-county areas, scoring will be
determined based upon the combined totals for the counties entire
service area. County data (not smaller areas) will be used for
evaluation.
(v) The extent to which the program will make use of other
financial and contribution-in-kind resources for both technical and
supervisory assistance and housing development and supporting
facilities. Scoring will be based on the amount of financial
assistance from non-Federal sources compared to the applicant's
grant request for financial assistance for the project. The
applicant will receive points as follows:
(A) 5-25%--5 points
(B) Greater than 25% but equal to or less than 50%--10 points
(C) Greater than 50%--15 points
(vi) The extent to which the project will be cost effective. The
cost, both direct and indirect, per person benefiting from the
program will be measured by the proposed total number of low-income
participants who obtain suitable housing within the period of the
grant as a result of participation in the comprehensive TSA program,
compared to the amount of the TSA grant. Scoring will be based on
the TSA grant funds expended per participant who purchases suitable
housing.
(A) $1,000 or less--10 points
(B) Greater than $1,000 but equal to or less than $1,500--5
points
(C) More than $1,500--0 points
Example: The applicant organization's program of homebuyer
training and loan packaging proposes to produce 60 homeowners during
the two-year grant. Funding for the program includes a $75,000 TSA
grant. The TSA cost per homeowner produced is $75,000 / 60 = $1,250.
Therefore, 5 points would be given.
(vii) The extent to which the program is effective in providing
expected benefits to low-income families. Measured by the proposed
total number of low-income participants who obtain suitable housing
within the period of the grant as a result of participation in the
comprehensive TSA program. More than 25 but less than 50 new
homeowners: 5 points, OR more than 50 new homeowners: 10 points.
(viii) The narrative statement demonstrates the need for the TSA
program in the proposed area. This section should describe the area
to be served and the need for improved housing, the need for the
technical and supervisory assistance proposed, and the method of
determining the proposed program's effectiveness. Up to 20 points
may be assigned.
(ix) The services the applicant will provide are not presently
available in the proposed service area to assist low-income families
in obtaining or maintaining occupancy of adequate housing and the
extent of duplication of technical and supervisory assistance
activities currently provided for low-income families. Measured by
comments received. Proposed services not duplicated in the area: 10
points.
(x) The extent of citizen and local government participation and
involvement in the development of the preapplication and project and
coordination with other Federal, State or local technical and/or
supervisory assistance programs. Measured by letter(s) or similar
documentation from local government officials, businesses and
individuals detailing participation and coordination in the project
by groups other than the applicant. Letters of support from local or
State government entities stating the project is beneficial and non-
duplicative: 5 points.
VI. Award Administration Information
Upon notification that the applicant has been tentatively selected
for funding based on its preapplication, the State Office will notify
the applicant and provide instructions for preparation of a formal
application. The applicant will submit all completed forms required for
a formal application and whatever additional needed information that is
requested to the Area Office within 30 days.
The Area Office will assemble a formal application docket, which
will include the following:
(1) Form SF-424 and the information submitted in accordance with 7
CFR 1944.526(a)(2) (preapplication package);
(2) Any comments received in accordance with 7 CFR part 3015,
subpart V, ``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Agriculture
Programs and Activities.'' See RD Instruction 1940-J (available in any
USDA Rural Development Office).
(3) OGC legal determination made pursuant to 7 CFR 1944.526(c)(3).
(4) Grant Agreement.
(5) Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
(6) Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement.''
(7) Form RD 400-4, ``Nondiscrimination Agreement.''
(8) Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension
and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions.''
(9) Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements (Grants), Alternative I--For Grantees Other Than
Individuals.''
(10) Form RD 1940-20, ``Request for Environmental Information.''
(11) Form RD 1940-22, ``Environmental Checklist for Categorical
Exclusions,'' Form RD 1940-21, ``Environmental Assessment for Class I
Actions'' or Exhibit G of 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G entitled,
``Environmental Assessment for Class II Actions.''
(12) The historical and archaeological assessment.
(13) The detailed budget for the agreement period based upon the
needs outlined in the proposal and recommendations by USDA Rural
Development.
(14) Verification of Debarment Listing check and Federal Debt
Listing check.
(15) Form RD 2006-38, ``Civil Rights Impact Analysis.''
Reporting requirements. Form SF-269, ``Financial Status Report,''
and a project performance report will be required of all grantees on a
quarterly basis. All grantees shall submit an original and two copies
of these reports to the Area Office. The project performance reports
will be submitted not later than January 15, April 15, July 15, and
October 15 of each year.
As part of the grantee's preapplication submission required by 7
CFR 1944.526(a)(2)(i), the grantee established the objectives of its
TSA program including the estimated number of low-income families to be
assisted by the TSA program and its method of evaluation to determine
the effectiveness of its program. The project performance report should
relate the activities during the report period to the project's
objectives and analyze the effectiveness of the program. The grantee
will complete a final Form SF-269 and a final performance report upon
termination or expiration of the grant agreement.
[[Page 33976]]
Grant monitoring. Each grant will be monitored by USDA Rural
Development to ensure that the grantee is complying with the terms of
the grant and that the TSA project activity is completed as approved.
Ordinarily, this will involve a review of quarterly and final reports
by USDA Rural Development and review by the appropriate Area Office.
Additional grants. An additional grant may be made to an applicant
that has previously received a TSA grant and substantially achieved the
goals established for the previous grant by submitting a new proposal
for TSA funds. The additional grant application will be processed as if
it were an initial application.
Management assistance. The Area Office will see that each TSA
grantee receives management assistance to help achieve a successful
program.
(1) TSA employees who will be contacting and assisting families
will receive training in packaging single family housing and Rural
Rental Housing loans when, or very shortly after, they are hired so
that they can work effectively.
(2) TSA employees who will provide counseling, outreach, and other
technical and supervisory assistance will receive training on USDA
Rural Development policies, procedures, and requirements appropriate to
their positions and the type of assistance the grantee will provide at
the outset of the grant.
(3) Training will be provided by USDA Rural Development employees
and/or outside sources approved by USDA Rural Development when the
technical and supervisory assistance involves rural housing programs
other than Rural Development programs. Appropriate training of TSA
employees should be anticipated during the planning stages of the grant
and the reasonable cost of such training included in the budget.
(4) The Area Office, in cooperation with the appropriate Local
Office(s), should coordinate the management assistance given to the TSA
grantee in a manner which is timely and effective. This will require
periodic meetings with the grantee to discuss problems being
encountered and offer assistance in solving these problems; to discuss
the budget, the effectiveness of the grant, and any other unusual
circumstances affecting delivery of the proposed TSA services; to keep
the grantee aware of procedural and policy changes, availability of
funds, etc.; and to discuss any other matters affecting the
availability of housing opportunities for low-income families.
(5) The Area and/or Local Office will advise the grantee of the
options available to bring the delinquent borrowers' accounts current
and advise the grantee that the appropriate approval authority for any
resolution of the delinquent accounts and all other authority currently
available to remedy delinquent accounts.
Grant evaluation, closeout, suspension, and termination. Grant
evaluation will be an ongoing activity performed by both the grantee
and USDA Rural Development. The grantee will perform self-evaluations
by preparing periodic project performance reports in accordance with 7
CFR 1944.541. USDA Rural Development will also review all reports
prepared and submitted by the grantee in accordance with the grant
agreement and 7 CFR part 1944, subpart K.
Within forty-five (45) days after the grant ending date, the
grantee will complete closeout procedures as specified in the grant
agreement.
The grant can also be terminated before the grant ending date for
the causes specified in the grant agreement. No further grant funds
will be disbursed when grant suspension or termination procedures have
been initiated in accordance with the grant agreement.
VII. Agency Contacts
Nica Mathes, Senior Loan Specialist, USDA Rural Development, Single
Family Housing Direct Loan Division, Special Programs and New
Initiatives Branch, Mail Stop 0783, Room 2206-S, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0783, phone: (202) 205-3656 or (202)
720-1474, e-mail: nica.mathes@wdc.usda.gov, or FAX: (202) 720-2232.
VIII. Other Information
Information about TSA grants and other Rural Development housing
programs can be obtained at the USDA Rural Development website at
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. Questions can also be sent by e-mail to
agsec@usda.gov.
Nondiscrimination Statement
''The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits
discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race,
color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex,
marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual
orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or
because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any
public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all
programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for
communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape,
etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and
TDD).
To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director,
Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC
20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA
is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.''
Dated: May 30, 2007.
Russell T. Davis,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. E7-11888 Filed 6-19-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P