[Federal Register: May 25, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 100)]
[Notices]
[Page 30060-30067]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25my05-56]
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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 2005
funding.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.441.
SUMMARY: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) 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 Rural
Development State Offices is the close of business on June 24, 2005.
Preapplications received after June 24, 2005, 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@usda.gov, or FAX:
(202) 690-3555.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Paperwork Reduction Act
The reporting requirements contained in this Notice have been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget under Control Number
0575-0188.
Overview
This notice is published as required by 7 CFR 1944.525 (b) and
1944.528, which states the RHS 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, and 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
, or in 7 CFR part 1944, subpart K.
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 of RHS will
distribute a portion of the funds to those States with the highest
degree of substandard housing and persons in poverty in rural areas
eligible to receive RHS housing assistance. These States are: New
Mexico, Montana, South Dakota, Mississippi, and Kentucky. 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 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. 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.
[[Page 30061]]
Faith-based organizations that meet these requirements may apply. 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 Rural Development Area Office, listed on the
Internet at 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 programs of technical and supervisory assistance (TSA) for low-
income rural residents to obtain and/or maintain occupancy of adequate
housing. Any processing or servicing activity involving authorized
assistance to 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 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. 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 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 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 Finance
Offices and to State Director, and Administrator refer to Rural
Development offices and officials and should be read as prefaced by
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.
Sponsored applicant. An eligible applicant which has a commitment
of financial and/or technical assistance to apply for the TSA program
and to implement such a program from a state, county, municipality, or
other governmental entity or public body.
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 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
(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
[[Page 30062]]
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 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 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 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 one 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 Rural Development office).
Performance of the grant program should begin within 60 days of
award notification.
Applications for renewal or supplementation 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
programs of technical and supervisory assistance (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 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 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
[[Page 30063]]
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 (2)(iv).
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 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/grants/grants_forms.html
.
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. Pre-applications 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). 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 a 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) 279-3495, Vann L.
McCloud
Alaska State Office, 800 West Evergreen, Suite 201, Palmer, AK 99645,
(907) 761-7705, ext. 740, TDD (907) 761-8905, Deborah Davis
Arizona State Office, Phoenix Corporate Center, 230 North 1st Avenue,
Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003, (602) 280-8701, TDD (602) 280-8706, Ernie
Weatherbee, Acting
Arkansas State Office, 700 W. Capitol Ave., Rm. 3416, Little Rock, AR
72201-3225, (501) 301-3200, TDD (501) 301-3063, Lawrence McCullough
California State Office, 430 G Street, 4169, Davis, CA 95616-
4169, (530) 792-5816, TDD (530) 792-5848, Robert P. Anderson
Colorado State Office, 655 Parfet Street, Room E-100, Lakewood, CO
80215, (720) 544-2903, TDD (800) 659-2656, Donald Pierce
Connecticut Served by Massachusetts State Office
Delaware & Maryland State Office, 1221 College Park Drive, Suite 200,
Dover, DE 19904, (302) 857-3580, TDD (302) 857-3585, W. Drew Clendaniel
Florida & Virgin Islands State Office, 4440 NW 25th Place, Gainesville,
FL 32606-6563, (352) 338-3402, TDD (352) 338-3499, Daryl Cooper
Georgia State Office, Stephens Federal Building, 355 E. Hancock Avenue,
Athens, GA 30601-2768, (706) 546-2162, TDD (706) 546-2034, Joseph
Walden
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) 933-8309, TDD (808) 933-8321, Jack L. Mahan
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) 290-3100 ext. 413, TDD (317) 290-3343, Paul Neumann
Iowa State Office, 210 Walnut Street Room 873, Des Moines, IA 50309-
2196, (515) 284-4663, TDD (515) 284-4858, Bruce McGuire
Kansas State Office, 1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka,
KS 66604-4040, (785) 271-2700, TDD (785) 271-2767, Tim Rogers
Kentucky State Office, 771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Lexington, KY
40503-5477, (859) 224-7416, 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) 990-9118, 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 01002-2999, (413) 253-4333, TDD (413) 253-
4590, Don Colburn
Michigan State Office, 3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 200, East Lansing, MI
48823-6906, (517) 324-5192, TDD (517) 337-6795, Philip Wolak
Minnesota State Office, 375 Jackson Street Building, Suite 410, St.
Paul, MN 55101-1853, (651) 602-7835, TDD (651) 602-7830, Lance Larson
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) 585-2551, TDD (406) 585-2562, Deborah Chorlton
Nebraska State Office, Federal Building, Room 152, 100 Centennial Mall
N, Lincoln, NE 68508, (402) 437-5551, TDD (402) 437-5093, Byron Fischer
Nevada State Office, 1390 South Curry Street, Carson City, NV 89703-
9910, (775) 887-1795, 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) 787-7731, TDD (856) 787-7784, George
Hyatt, Jr.
[[Page 30064]]
New Mexico State Office, 6200 Jefferson St., NE, Room 255, Albuquerque,
NM 87109, (505) 761-4973, TDD (505) 761-4938, Bill Culbertson
New York State Office, The Galleries of Syracuse, 441 S. Salina Street,
Suite 357 5th Floor, Syracuse, NY 13202, (315) 477-6419, TDD (315) 477-
6447, Jennifer Jackson
North Carolina State Office, 4405 Bland Road, Suite 260, Raleigh, NC
27609, (919) 873-2041, TDD (919) 873-2003, Melchior Ellis
North Dakota State Office, Federal Building, Room 208, 220 East Rosser
Ave., PO Box 1737, Bismarck, ND 58502, (701) 530-2044, TDD (701) 530-
2113, Don Warren
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) 742-1000, TDD (405) 742-1007, Brian Wiles
Oregon State Office, 101 SW Main, Suite 1410, Portland, OR 97204-3222
(503) 414-3339, 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) 765-5163, TDD
(803) 765-5697, Herbert R. Koon, Jr.
South Dakota State Office, Federal Building, Room 210, 200 Fourth
Street, SW., Huron, SD 57350, (605) 352-1135, 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 Street,
Temple, TX 76501, (254) 742-9765, TDD (254) 742-9712, Mike Meehan
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) 828-6015, 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., Suite B, Olympia, WA
98501-5715, (360) 704-7704, TDD (360) 704-7742, Karen Bailor
Western Pacific Territories Served by Hawaii State Office
West Virginia State Office, Federal Building, 75 High Street, Room 320,
Morgantown, WV 26505-7500, (304) 284-4867, TDD (304) 284-4836, Dianne
Goff Crysler
Wisconsin State Office, 4949 Kirschling Court, Stevens Point, WI 54481,
(715) 345-7600, TDD (715) 345-7614, Peter Kohnen
Wyoming State Office, 100 East B. Street, Federal Building, Room 1005,
PO Box 11005, Casper, WY 82601, (307) 233-6715, TDD (307) 233-6733,
Jack Hyde
(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 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.
(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
[[Page 30065]]
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) Sponsored applicants should submit a written commitment for
financial and/or technical assistance from their sponsoring entity.
(5) 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: 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, ``Intergovernmental Review of Agriculture Programs and
Activities,'' (See RD Instruction 1940-J, available in any 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, 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:
(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 families in obtaining
adequate housing, the extent to which the proposed staff and salary
ranges will meet the objective of the program, the anticipated capacity
of the applicant to implement the proposed time schedule for starting
and completing the TSA program and each phase thereof, and 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 extent to which the program will provide or increase the
delivery of housing resources to low-income and low-income minority
families in the areas who are not currently occupying adequate housing.
(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 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).
(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 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
[[Page 30066]]
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.
(iv) The extent to which the program will make use of other
financial and contribution-in-kind resources and 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 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: 30 points.
(B) More than $1,000: $1,500 divided by amount expended per
participant, multiplied by 20 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,
$20,000 from a State grant and $10,000 of contribution-in-kind from the
organization for office assistance. The TSA cost per homeowner produces
is $75,000 / 60 = $1,250. Point calculation--$1,500 / $1,250 = 1.2 x 20
= 24 points.
(v) The extent to which the program will be cost effective in
personnel to be hired to the cost of the program. Measured by the
number of full-time employees or equivalents of the applicant
organization working on the program. One or more employees, 5 points.
(vi) 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 new homeowners: 5 points, OR
more than 50 new homeowners: 10 points.
(vii) The services the applicants 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.
(viii) The extent of citizen and local government participation and
involvement in the development of the preapplication and the 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. Evidence of participation in the
project by groups other than the applicant: 10 points.
(ix) For programs proposed by nonprofit entities, whether the
applicant has a commitment of financial and/or technical assistance to
apply for the TSA program and to implement such a program from a State,
county, municipality, or other government entity or public body.
Measured by letter(s) or similar documentation from government entities
or public body committing financial and/or technical assistance.
Applicant is a government entity or public body OR is a nonprofit
entity with evidence of commitment of financial and/or technical
assistance from a government entity or public body: 10 points.
VI. Award Administration Information
Upon notification that the applicant has been tentatively selected
for funding, 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
provide whatever additional information 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) (pre-application 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
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, ``Assurance 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 the comments and recommendations by
Rural Development.
(14) Verification of Debarment Listing check and Federal Debt
Listing check.
(15) Form RD 2006-38, ``Civil Rights Impact Analysis
Certification.''
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 established 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.
Grant monitoring. Each grant will be monitored by 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 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 has achieved or nearly
achieved the goals
[[Page 30067]]
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 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 Rural Development employees and/or
outside sources approved by 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 Rural Development. The grantee will perform self-evaluations by
preparing periodic project performance reports in accordance with 7 CFR
1944.541. 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@usda.gov, or FAX: (202) 690-3555.
VIII. Other Information
Information about TSA grants and other Rural Development Housing
Programs can be obtained at the Rural Development Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
Questions can also be sent by e-mail to agsec@usda.gov..
Dated: May 13, 2005.
Russell T. Davis,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 05-10465 Filed 5-24-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P