[Federal Register: November 1, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 210)]
[Notices]
[Page 66237-66246]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01no05-148]
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Part VII
Department of Housing and Urban Development
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Universities Rebuilding America Partnerships (URAP)--Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCU); Notice
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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
[Docket No. FR-5024-N-01]
Universities Rebuilding America Partnerships (URAP)--Historically
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)
AGENCY: Office of Policy Development and Research, HUD.
ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).
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OVERVIEW INFORMATION:
A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban
Development, Office of Policy Development and Research, Office of
University Partnerships.
B. Funding Opportunity Title: Universities Rebuilding America
Partnerships (URAP)--Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCU).
C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
D. Funding Opportunity Numbers: The Federal Register number for
this NOFA is FR-5024-N-01. The OMB approval number for this program is
2528-0235.
E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: The CFDA
number for this program is 14.520.
F. Dates: The application submission date is December 1, 2005.
G. Additional Overview Content Information
1. Purpose of the Program: The Universities Rebuilding America
Partnerships (URAP)--Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCU) program will provide critical resources and assistance to
communities, principally for persons of low- and moderate-income,
impacted by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita (or both) to revitalize their
communities and rebuild their lives.
2. Award Information: Approximately $3.6 million of unobligated
funds appropriated for the HBCU program under the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2005 (Pub. L. 108-447, approved December 8, 2004)
has been made available for this program. If funding remains after
awards are made to all eligible applicants, the remaining funds will be
used in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 funding cycle competition for the
Office of University Partnerships, Historically Black Colleges and
Universities program.
The maximum amount an applicant can request for award is $350,000
for a two-year (24-month) grant performance period.
3. Eligible Applicants: Historically Black Colleges and
Universities that meet the definition of Historically Black Colleges
and Universities as determined by the U.S. Department of Education (see
34 CFR 608.2) in accordance with that Department's responsibilities
under Executive Order 13256, dated February 12, 2002, are eligible to
apply for funding under this program. Applicants must be accredited by
a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education.
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Purpose
The purpose of the Universities Rebuilding America Partnerships
(URAP)--Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) program is
to provide critical resources and assistance to communities,
principally for persons of low- and moderate-income, impacted by
Hurricanes Katrina or Rita (or both) to revitalize their communities
and rebuild their lives.
For the purposes of this program, an applicant must provide
services or activities in, or for the benefit of persons currently
residing in or displaced from, a designated disaster area affected by
Hurricanes Katrina or Rita.
B. Authority
HUD's authority for making funding available under this NOFA is the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (Pub. L. 108-447; approved
December 8, 2004). This program is implemented through the regulations
at 24 CFR 570.404 and through this NOFA, and the policies governing its
operation are contained herein.
II. Award Information
A. Award Amount
Approximately $3.6 million of unobligated funds appropriated for
the HBCU program under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (Pub.
L. 108-447) has been made available for this program. If funding
remains after awards are made to all eligible applicants, the remaining
funds will be used in FY06 to fund applicants for the Office of
University Partnerships, HBCU program.
The maximum amount an applicant can request for award is $350,000
for a two-year (24-month) grant performance period.
B. Additional Information
1. For purposes of this NOFA, the 15 percent cap on public service
activities (see 24 CFR 570.201(e)(1)) is inapplicable. See section
VIII.A of this NOFA for more information.
2. Institutions applying for the URAP-HBCU program also may submit
applications for the URAP-Community Design Program (CDP) awards.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Historically Black Colleges and Universities as determined by the
U.S. Department of Education (see 34 CFR 608.2) in accordance with that
Department's responsibilities under Executive Order 13256, dated
February 12, 2002, are eligible to apply for funding under this
program. All applicants must be accredited by a national or regional
accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
None Required.
C. Other
1. Eligible Activities
Eligible activities are listed in 24 CFR part 570, subpart C,
particularly Sec. Sec. 570.201 through 570.206. Information regarding
these activities can be found at: http://www.hudclips.org (click on the Code
of Federal Regulations for detailed information).
a. Examples of eligible activities for this program include, but
are not limited to:
(1) Clearance and demolition;
(2) Rehabilitation of residential structures, including lead-based
paint hazard evaluation and reduction, and making accessibility and
visitability modifications in accordance with the requirements of
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794);
(3) Assistance to organizations within the disaster area, including
community-based development organizations in accordance with 24 CFR
570.204; faith-based organizations; institutions of higher education;
and state and local entities to carry out neighborhood revitalization
and community economic development;
(4) Public service activities such as those general support
activities that can help to stabilize a neighborhood in the designated
disaster area and contribute to sustainable redevelopment of the area,
including, but not limited to, such activities as those concerned with
employment, job training, youth programs, child care, and health care
services;
(5) Technical assistance to help neighborhood residents file
insurance claims and obtain qualified, reputable contractors to make
repairs on homes/property;
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(6) Distance learning opportunities to displaced university
students and local residents--who are away from the campus/office;
(7) Establishment of neighborhood technology centers (e.g.,
neighborhood network centers); and
(8) Technical assistance to small and minority-owned businesses.
b. Eligible activities that may be funded under this program are
those eligible activities that meet both the Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) program national objectives and eligibility
requirements.
c. The three national objectives of the CDBG program are to:
(1) Benefit low- or moderate-income persons;
(2) Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; and
(3) Meet other community development needs having a particular
urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat
to the health and welfare of the community, and when other financial
resources are not available to meet such needs. Criteria for
determining whether an activity addresses one or more national
objectives are provided at 24 CFR 570.208.
d. The CDBG publication entitled ``Community Development Block
Grant Program Guide to National Objectives and Eligible Activities for
Entitlement Communities'' describes the CDBG regulations, and a copy
may be obtained from HUD's NOFA Information Center at 800-HUD-8929
(toll-free) or 800-HUD-2209 (toll-free) for the hearing-impaired.
2. Audit Requirements
Applicants must ensure that their most current A-133 audit is on
file at the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. (Applicants are not required
to submit a copy of the audit with the application.) Grantees that
expend $500,000 or more in federal financial assistance in a single
year (this can be program year or fiscal year) must be audited in
accordance with the OMB requirements as established in 24 CFR part 84.
Additional information regarding this requirement can be accessed at
the following Web site: http://harvester.census.gov/sac.
3. Threshold Requirements
All applicants must comply with the threshold requirements as
defined in the General Section of the FY2005 SuperNOFA (70 FR 13576,
March 21, 2005) and the requirements listed below to be evaluated,
rated, and ranked. Applications that do not meet these requirements
will be considered ineligible for funding and will be disqualified:
a. An applicant must meet the eligibility requirements as defined
in Section III.A. Eligible Applicants.
b. Only one application can be submitted per institution. If
multiple applications are submitted, all will be disqualified.
c. An applicant must receive a minimum score of 75 points to be
considered for funding.
d. An applicant must have a DUNS number to receive HUD grant funds.
(The General Section of the FY 2005, SuperNOFA) provides information
regarding the DUNS requirement).
4. Program Requirements
In addition to the program requirements listed in Section III.C of
the General Section, applicants must meet the following program
requirements:
a. All funds awarded are for a two-year (24-month) grant
performance period.
b. Applicants must ensure that not less than 51 percent of the
aggregated expenditures of the grant benefits low- and moderate-income
persons under the criteria specified in 24 CFR 570.208(a) or
570.208(d)(5) or (6).
c. Environmental Requirements. Selection for award does not
constitute approval of any proposed sites. Following selection for
award, HUD will perform an environmental review of properties proposed
for assistance in accordance with 24 CFR part 50. The results of the
environmental review may require that proposed activities be modified
or proposed sites be rejected. Applicants are particularly cautioned
not to undertake or commit funds for acquisition or development of
proposed properties prior to HUD approval of specific properties or
areas. An application constitutes an assurance that the institution
will help HUD comply with 24 CFR part 50; will supply HUD with all
available and relevant information to perform an environmental review
for each proposed property; will carry out mitigating measures required
by HUD or select alternate property; and will not acquire,
rehabilitate, convert, demolish, lease, repair, or construct property,
and not commit or expend HUD or local funds for these program
activities with respect to any eligible property until HUD's written
approval of the property is received. In supplying HUD with
environmental information, applicants should use the same guidance as
provided in the HUD Notice CPD-05-07 entitled ``Field Environmental
Review Processing for Rural Housing and Economic Development (RHED)
Grants,'' issued August 30, 2005, http://www.hudclips.org/subscriber/cgi/legis.cgi?legis
.
Further information and assistance on HUD's environmental
requirements is available at http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/energyenviron/environment/index.cfm
.
d. Labor Standards. By Proclamation 7924 of September 8, 2005, the
President suspended Davis-Bacon labor standards requirements with
respect to all contracts entered into on or after that date to be
performed in designated areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. See 70 FR
54225, September 13, 2005. In areas not specifically listed in this
proclamation, including some areas that may have been affected by
Hurricane Rita, institutions and their subgrantees, contractors and
subcontractors must comply with the labor standards (Davis-Bacon)
requirements referenced in 24 CFR 570.603. All contractors must
continue to comply with the provisions of the Contract Work Hours and
Safety Standards Act to the extent previously required, as referenced
in Sec. 570.603.f., Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very-Low
Income Persons (Section 3). The provisions of Section 3 of the Housing
and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) apply to this NOFA.
Regulations may be found at 24 CFR part 135.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Addresses To Request Application Package
Applicants may submit either a paper or electronic application.
When submitting an electronic application, applicants may download the
instructions to the application found on the Grants.gov Web site at
http://www.Grants.gov./Apply. The instructions contain the General
Section and Program Section of the published NOFA, as well as forms
that you must complete and attach as a ZIP file to your application
submission. If you have difficulty accessing the information, you may
call the Grants.gov Support Desk toll-free at (800) 518-GRANTS or e-
mail your questions to Support@Grants.gov. The Support Desk staff will
assist you in accessing the information. Please remember that you must
complete the five-step registration process in order to submit an
application utilizing Grants.gov. Your registration allows you to
electronically sign the application and enables Grants.gov to
authenticate that the person signing the application has the legal
authority to submit the application on behalf of the applicant.
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Please see the General Section for information regarding the
registration process or ask for registration information from the
Grants.gov Support Desk. Please be aware that the registration process
is a separate process from requesting e-mail notification of funding
opportunities or downloading the application, and should be done as
soon as you download the application from the Grants.gov Web site. If
you are not sure if you are already registered, the Grants.gov Support
Desk can verify that for you.
Applicants that choose to submit a paper application package must
submit it to the following address: University Partnerships
Clearinghouse, c/o Danya International, 8737 Colesville Road, Suite
1200, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3929. When submitting an application
package, also please include the following information on the outside
of the envelope:
a. Office of University Partnerships;
b. Universities Rebuilding America Partnerships (URAP)--
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU);
c. Applicant's name and mailing address (including zip code); and
d. Applicant's telephone number (including area code).
A complete paper application package must include an original
signed application, three copies, and one computer disk of the
application (in Word 6.0 or higher) and required forms.
B. Content and Form of Application Submission
1. Forms
Copies of the forms required for submission are included in
Appendix A of the General Section. The electronic version of the NOFA
contains all forms required for submission. The required forms are as
follows:
a. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424);
b. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (SF-424
Supplement);
c. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL);
d. Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (HUD-2880);
e. Program Logic Model (HUD-96010);
f. Grant Application Detailed Budget (HUD-424-CB);
g. Budget-By-Activity (HUD-40076); and
h. Facsimile Transmittal Cover Page (HUD-96011). This form must be
used as part of the electronic application to transmit third-party
documents and other information as described in the General Section as
part of your electronic application submittal (if applicable).
Applicants are advised to download the application package and complete
the SF-424 first as it will pre-populate the Transmittal Cover page.
The Transmittal Cover page will contain a unique identifier embedded in
the page that will help HUD associate your faxed materials to your
application. Please download the cover page and then make multiple
copies to provide to any of the entities responsible for submitting
faxed materials to HUD on your behalf. Please be sure to use the
Facsimile Transmittal Cover Page as the cover page to any documents
faxed in response to this NOFA. HUD will not accept entire applications
submitted by facsimile.
2. Certifications and Assurances
Please read the General Section for detailed information on all
Certifications and Assurances. All applications submitted through
Grants.gov constitute an acknowledgement and agreement to all required
certifications and assurances. Please include in your application each
item listed. Applicants submitting paper copy applications should
submit the application in the following order:
a. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. Please remember the
following:
(1) The full grant amount (for the entire two years) should be
entered, not the amount for just one year;
(2) Include the name, title, address, telephone number, fax number,
and email address of the designated contact. This is the person who
will receive the reviewers' comments; therefore, please ensure the
accuracy of the information;
(3) The Employer Identification/Tax ID number;
(4) The DUNS number;
(5) The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this
program is 14.520;
(6) The project's proposed start date and completion date. For the
purpose of this application, the program start date should be January
1, 2006; and
(7) The signature of the Authorized Organization Representative
(AOR):
(a) Applicants submitting electronic applications. The signature of
the AOR is the individual who has been authenticated by the credential
provider to submit applications via Grants.gov. The AOR must be able to
make a binding legal agreement with HUD. See the General Section for
instructions and requirements for registration with Grants.gov.
(b) Applicants submitting paper applications. The signature of the
Chief Executive Officer of the institution or his/her assigned designee
is the individual who has the authority to make a binding legal
agreement with HUD.
b. Application checklist. Applicants should use the checklist to
ensure that they have all the required elements of their application
submission. Applicants submitting an electronic application do not have
to submit the checklist in their application. The checklist can be
found in the NOFA (See Attachment A).
c. Abstract. Applicants must include no more than a one-page
summary of the proposed project. Please include the following:
(1) A clear description of the proposed project activities, the
designated disaster area, and the target population that will be
assisted;
(2) A statement that the institution is an eligible institution
because it is a two- or four-year fully accredited institution; the
name of the accrediting agency; and an assurance that the accrediting
agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education;
(3) The designated contact person, including phone number, fax
number, and email address (this is the person who will receive the
reviewers' comments; therefore, please ensure the accuracy of the
information);
(4) University's name, department, mailing address, telephone
number, fax number, and email address; and
(5) The principal investigator, if different from the designated
contact person, for the project, including phone number, fax number,
and email address.
d. Narrative statement addressing the factors. HUD will use the
narrative response to the ``Rating Factors'' to evaluate, rate, and
rank applications. The narrative statement is the main source of
information. Applicants are advised to review each factor carefully for
program-specific requirements. The response to each factor should be
concise and contain only information relevant to the factor, but
detailed enough to address each factor fully. Focus on how well the
proposal responds to each of the factors. In factors where there are
subfactors, each subfactor must be presented separately, with the short
title of the subfactor presented. Make sure to address each subfactor
and provide sufficient information about every element of the
subfactor. The narrative section of an application must not exceed 15
pages, double spaced, in a Times Roman 12-point font (font requirements
is not applicable to forms, budget narrative, assurances, commitment
letters, memoranda of understanding, agreements, and abstracts). Each
page of
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the narrative must include the applicant's name and each page must be
numbered. Please note that although submitting pages in excess of the
page limit will not disqualify an applicant, HUD will not consider the
information on any excess page. This exclusion may result in a lower
score or failure to meet a threshold requirement.
e. Budget. The budget submission must include the following:
(1) HUD-424-CB, ``Grant Application Detailed Budget.'' This budget
form shows the total budget by year and by line item for the program
activities to be carried out with the proposed HUD grant. Each year of
the program should be presented separately. Applicants must also submit
this form to reflect the total cost for the entire grant performance
period (Grand Total).
(2) HUD-40076-HBCU, ``Response Sheet, Budget-By-Activity.'' This
form must be used to document the entire two-year grant performance
period. The form should include a listing of tasks to be completed for
each activity necessary to be performed to implement the program, and
the overall costs for each activity.
Remember to check addition in totaling the categories on all forms
so that all items are included in the total. All budget forms must be
fully completed. If an application is selected for award, the applicant
may be required to provide greater specificity to the budget during
grant agreement negotiations.
(3) Budget Justification. A narrative must be submitted that
explains how the applicant arrived at the cost estimates for any line
item over $5,000 cumulative. The proposed cost estimates should be both
reasonable for the work to be performed and consistent with rates
established for the level of expertise required to perform the work
proposed in the geographical area. When necessary, quotes from various
vendors or historical data should be used and included. When an
applicant proposes to use a consultant, the applicant must indicate
whether there is a formal written agreement. For each consultant,
please provide the name, if known, hourly or daily rate, and the
estimated time on the project. If you are proposing to do any of the
following activities: acquisition of real property, construction or
clearance and demolition, rehabilitation of residential, commercial or
industrial structures, you must submit at least two reasonable
appraisals/estimates supplied by qualified entities, other than the
HBCU. Such an entity must be involved in the business of housing
rehabilitation, construction, or management. Equipment and contracts
cannot be presented as total of estimated costs. For equipment,
applicants must provide a list by type, cost for each item, and
explanation of the equipments use.
(4) Indirect Costs. Indirect costs, if applicable, are allowable
based on an established approved indirect cost rate. Applicants should
include a copy of their indirect cost rate agreement with their
application. Please refer to Section IV.F of the General Section for
further discussion on electronic submission of required documentation.
Applicants that are selected for funding that do not have an approved
indirect cost rate agreement (established by the appropriate Federal
agency, Certified Public Accountant, or auditor) will be required to
submit an indirect cost proposal to the cognizant federal agency to
establish a rate. In such cases, HUD will issue an award with a
provisional rate and assist applicants in having a rate established.
f. Appendix. All letters of commitment and other required forms
should be placed in this section. For applicants submitting electronic
applications, please refer to Section IV.F of the General Section for
instructions on how third-party documents are to be submitted to HUD
using the electronic submission process. An applicant SHOULD NOT submit
general support letters or resumes or other back-up materials. If this
information is included, it will not be considered during the review
process. The additional items will also slow the transmission of your
application.
C. Submission Dates and Times
An electronic application package must be received electronically
by the Grants.gov portal no later than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern time on or
before December 1, 2005. Applications may be submitted in advance of
the submission date. Electronic faxes using the Facsimile Transmittal
(Form HUD-96011) cover sheet contained in the electronic application
may be submitted prior to the application submission date and must be
received no later than 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern time on the application
submission date. Please see Section IV.F of the General Section for
electronic application submission instructions and timely receipt
requirements.
Applicants that submit a paper application must have the package
postmarked on or before 12 midnight on the application due date and
received by the Office of University Partnerships Clearinghouse within
three (3) calendar days of the application due date. Applications
should be sent using DHL, Falcon Carrier, Federal Express (FedEx),
United Parcel Services (UPS), or the United States Postal Services
(USPS), as access by other delivery services to the clearinghouse is
not guaranteed. All applicants must obtain and save a delivery service
receipt or certificate of mailing to indicate the application was
submitted for delivery on or before the application due date. Hand
deliveries will not be accepted.
D. Intergovernmental Review
This program is excluded from an Intergovernmental Review.
E. Funding Restrictions
Ineligible CDBG activities are listed at 24 CFR 570.207. Funding
may only be provided to applicants that meet the standards for eligible
applicants in Section III.A. Ineligible activities include but are not
limited to:
1. Curriculum development and/or expansion of an institution's
existing curriculum;
2. General government expenses; and
3. Political activities.
F. Other Submission Requirements
1. Application Submission and Receipt Procedure. Please read the
General Section carefully and completely for the submission and receipt
procedures for all applications because failure to comply may
disqualify your application.
2. Paper application will be accepted.
V. Application Review Information
A. Criteria
1. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant
Organizational Experience (25 Points)
This factor addresses the extent to which the institution has the
organizational resources necessary to successfully implement the
proposed activities in a timely manner. In rating this factor, HUD will
consider the extent to which the proposal demonstrates:
Knowledge and Experience (25 Points). The knowledge and experience
possessed by the proposed project director and staff, including the
day-to-day program manager, consultants (including technical assistance
providers), and contractors in planning and managing this kind of
program for which funding is being requested. Applicants must clearly
identify the following: key project team members, titles (e.g., project
manager/coordinator, etc.), respective roles for the project staff, and
a brief description of their relevant experience. Experience will be
judged in terms of recent and relevant knowledge and skills of the
staff to undertake the proposed eligible program
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activities. HUD will consider experience within the last five (5) years
to be recent and experience pertaining to similar activities to be
relevant.
2. Rating Factor 2: Need/Extent of the Problem (10 Points)
This factor addresses the extent to which there is a need for
funding the proposed program activities in the designated disaster
area. An indication of urgency of meeting the need to benefit the
target area is not necessary, as this has already been identified for
the entire regions affected by Hurricane Katrina or Rita. The need(s)
described must be relevant to the activities for which funds are being
requested. The proposal will be evaluated on the extent to which an
assessment of the need for the proposed activities has been documented.
3. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (55 Points)
This factor addresses the quality and effectiveness of the proposed
work plan.
This factor will be evaluated based on the extent to which the
proposed work plan demonstrates the following:
a. (45 Points) Quality of the Work Plan. This subfactor will be
evaluated on the extent to which an applicant provides a clear detailed
description of the proposed project and anticipated accomplishments.
(1) (35 Points) Specific Services and/or Activities. The work plan
must describe all proposed activities and major tasks required to
successfully implement the proposed project and achieve anticipated
accomplishments.
(a) Applicants must provide a clear description of the proposed
activities and address the following:
(i) Describe each proposed activity required to successfully
implement and complete the proposed project in measurable terms (e.g.,
the number of persons to be trained and employed, houses to be
rehabilitated, or minority-owned businesses to be started, etc.);
(ii) List how each proposed activity meets one of the following
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program national objectives:
Benefit low- and moderate-income persons;
Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight;
or
Meet other community development needs having a particular
urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat
to the health and welfare of the community, and for which other
financial resources are not available. Criteria for determining whether
an activity addresses one or more objective are provided at 24 CFR
570.208;
(b) Outline the major tasks required (in sequential order) to
successfully implement and complete the proposed program activities.
Include target completion dates for each activity/task (in 6-month
intervals, up to 24-months); and
(c) Identify the individuals, as described in Factor 1, who will be
responsible for completing each activity/task.
(2) (10 Points) Describe clearly how each proposed activity will:
(a) Address the needs identified in Factor 2;
(b) Relate to and not duplicate other activities in the designated
disaster area. Duplicative effort will be acceptable only if an
applicant can demonstrate through documentation that there is a
population in need that is not being served; and
(c) Involve and empower citizens of the target area in the proposed
project.
b. (5 Points) Involvement of the Faculty and Students. The
applicant must describe the extent to which it proposes to integrate
the institution's students and faculty into proposed project
activities.
c. (5 Points) Involvement of Community. Applicants must identify a
partner within the designated hurricane disaster area to serve the
impacted community, neighborhood, municipality, or metropolitan area.
Applicants may receive four or five points under this subfactor as
follows:
(1) (4 Points) Local community partner. Examples of potential
partners are state and local governments; a quasi-government agency,
such as a development corporation; public housing authority; local or
national nonprofit organizations; institutions of higher education;
financial institutions; foundations; and faith-based and other
community-based organizations. Applicants must obtain a written
agreement with the local partner that outlines the services needed and
the involvement of the partner in the program to receive funding under
this program.
(2) (5 Points) HBCU Partner. Applicants are encouraged to partner
with an HBCU that is located within the hurricane-affected area.
Applicants must obtain a written agreement with the local HBCU that
outlines the services needed and the involvement of the partner in the
program to receive funding under this program.
HUD reserves the right to require grantees to partner with a
different HBCU than the institution that is identified at the time of
application.
4. Rating Factor 4: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (10
Points)
This factor reflects HUD's goal to embrace high standards of
management and accountability. It measures the applicant's commitment
to assess its performance to achieve the program's proposed objectives
and goals. Applicants are required to develop an effective,
quantifiable, outcome oriented evaluation plan for measuring
performance and determining that objectives and goals have been
achieved. The Logic Model is a summary of the narrative statements
presented in Factors 1-3. Therefore, the information submitted on the
logic model should be consistent with the information contained in the
narrative statements, but does not have to be detailed.
``Outcomes'' are benefits accruing to the community during or after
participation in the program. Applicants must clearly identify the
outcomes to be measured and achieved. Examples of outcomes include
increased employment opportunities in the designated disaster area by a
certain percentage, increased incomes/wages or other assets for persons
trained, or enhanced family stability through the creation of job
opportunities.
In addition, applicants must establish interim benchmarks and
outputs that lead to the ultimate achievement of outcomes. ``Outputs''
are the direct products of the program's activities. Examples of
outputs are the number of new affordable housing units, the number of
homes that have been renovated, and the number of facilities that have
been constructed or rehabilitated. Outputs should produce outcomes for
the program. At a minimum, an applicant must address the following
activities in the evaluation plan:
a. Measurable outputs to be accomplished (e.g., the number of
persons to be trained and employed, houses to be rehabilitated, or
minority-owned businesses to be started); and
b. Measurable outcomes the grant will have in the designated
disaster target area or population.
This information must be placed on a HUD-96010, Program Outcome
Logic Model form. Applicants may use as many copies of this form as
required. It will not be included in the page count requirement. A
narrative is not required or requested. The completed logic model
should stand on its own. However, if a narrative is provided, those
pages will be included in the page count. Additional information on
this
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form and how to use it can be found in the General Section.
B. Review and Selection Process
1. Application Selection Process
Two types of reviews will be conducted:
a. A threshold review to determine an applicant's basic
eligibility; and
b. A technical review for all applications that pass the threshold
review to rate and rank the application based on the ``Rating Factors''
listed in Section V.A.
Only those applications that pass the threshold review will receive
a technical review and be rated and ranked.
2. Rating Panels
To review and rate applications, HUD may establish panels, which
may include experts or consultants not currently employed by HUD.
3. Ranking
HUD will fund applications in rank order, until all available
program funds are awarded. In order to be funded, an applicant must
receive a minimum score of 75 points out of a possible 100 points. HUD
reserves the right to reduce the amount of funding requested in order
to fund as many highly ranked applications as possible. Additionally,
if funds remain after funding the highest ranked applications, HUD may
fund part of the next highest-ranking application. If an applicant
turns down an award offer, HUD will make an award to the next highest-
ranking application. If funds remain after all selections have been
made, the remaining funds will be carried over to the FY06 Historically
Black Colleges and Universities Program funding cycle's competition.
4. Correction to Deficient Applications
The General Section provides the procedures for correction to
deficient applications.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notice
After all selections have been made, HUD will notify all winning
applicants in writing. HUD may require winning applicants to
participate in additional negotiations before receiving an official
award. For further discussion on this matter, please refer to the
General Section.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
For further discussion of this matter, please refer to Section
VI.B. in the General Section.
1. Debriefing
The General Section provides the procedures for requesting a
debriefing. All requests for debriefings must be made in writing and
submitted no later than 90 days from the announcement of the awardees
to: Ophelia Wilson, Office of University Partnerships, Robert C. Weaver
Federal Building, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 8130, Washington, DC
20410-6000.
2. Administrative
Grants awarded under this NOFA will be governed by the provisions
of 24 CFR part 84 (Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher
Education, Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations), A-21 (Cost
Principles for Educational Institutions), and A-133 (Audits of States,
Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations). Applicants can access
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars at the OMB website
at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html.
3. OMB Circulars and Governmentwide Regulations Applicable to Financial
Assistance Programs
The General Section provides further discussion on this matter.
4. Executive Order 13202, Preservation of Open Competition and
Government Neutrality Towards Government Contractors' Labor Relations
on Federal and Federally Funded Construction Projects
See the General Section for further discussion.
5. Procurement of Recovered Materials
See Section III.C.4 of the General Section for further discussion.
6. Code of Conduct
See the General Section for further discussion.
C. Reporting
All grant recipients under this NOFA are required to submit
quarterly progress reports. The progress reports shall consist of two
components, a narrative that must reflect the activities undertaken
during the reporting period and a financial status report, as well as a
cumulative summary of costs incurred during the reporting.
For each reporting period, as part of the required report to HUD,
grant recipients must include a completed Logic Model form (HUD-96010),
which identifies output and outcome achievements.
VII. Agency Contacts
Applicants may contact Ophelia Wilson at (202) 708-3061, extension
4390, or Susan Brunson at (202) 708-3061, extension 3852. Persons with
speech or hearing impairments may call the Federal Information Relay
Service (TTY) at (800) 877-8339. Except for the ``800'' number, these
numbers are not toll-free. Applicants may also reach Ms. Wilson via e-
mail at
Ophelia_Wilson@hud.gov, and/or Ms. Brunson at Susan_S._Brunson@hud.gov.
VIII. Other Information
A. Fifteen (15) Percent Cap on Public Services
For this URAP-HBCU NOFA, the 15 percent cap on public service
activities provided for in 24 CFR 570.201(e)(1) is inapplicable.
Although HUD generally publishes regulatory changes for comment before
issuing the regulation for effect, HUD may issue a regulatory change
when good cause allows the Department to omit advance notice and
comment, in accordance with HUD's rules at 24 CFR part 10. The good
cause requirement is satisfied when prior public procedure is
``impractical, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest'' (see
24 CFR 10.1). Because of the widespread devastation caused by
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the urgency to provide assistance to
persons affected by these natural disasters, HUD has determined that it
would be contrary to the public interest to delay the effectiveness of
this regulatory change in order to solicit prior public comment.
Therefore, for grants awarded pursuant to this URAP-HBCU NOFA, there is
no cap on the amount of grant funds that may be used for public service
activities. This change is effective for this URAP-HBCU NOFA only and
does not extend to any other program.
B. Environmental Requirements
This NOFA provides funding under, and does not alter the
environmental requirements of 24 CFR 570.404. Accordingly, under 24 CFR
50.19(c)(5), this NOFA is categorically excluded from environmental
review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4321). Activities under this NOFA are subject to the environmental
review provisions set out at 24 CFR 570.404(i). See also environmental
requirements in Sec. III.C.4.d of this NOFA.
C. Paperwork Reduction Act
The information collection requirements contained in this document
have been submitted to the
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Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act
of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned control number 2528-0235. In
accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of
information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB
control number. Public reporting burden for the collection of
information is estimated to average 356 hours per annum per respondent
for the application and grant administration. This includes the time
for collecting, reviewing, and reporting the data for the application,
quarterly, semi-annual, and final reports. The information will be used
for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of funds.
Response to this request for information is required in order to
receive the benefits to be derived.
Dated: October 24, 2005.
Darlene F. Williams,
Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research.
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