Appendix_B.pdf

2024 CDBG/HOME Scoring Criteria

Dane County CDBG/HOME 2024 Application Evaluation Criteria

In order to be evaluated, programs must: 1) be an eligible activity, 2) be located in, or provide services to, residents of one of the member communities of the Dane County Urban County Consortium, 3) address one of the funding priority areas established by the CDBG Commission, 4) not be a HUD listed debarred or ineligible contractor, and 5) if CDBG eligible, meet one of the three national objectives. Applications deemed eligible will be presented to the CDBG Commission Application Review Team.

The Application Review Team will evaluate the applications using the following criteria:

Application Review Criteria Item Maximum Points

1. National Objective- Need and Justification 30

2. Project Approach 30

3. Experience and Qualifications 15

4. Financial Information 15

5. Past Performance 5

6. Partnerships 5

TOTAL POINTS 100

For 2024 the criteria in the Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for each application are delineated and tailored to the nature of the application. The definition and location of the items that are part of the review criteria will vary from one application template to the next but each follows the same order.

In general the definitions used are:

Meeting a National Objective- Need and Justification (30 points maximum):

The program overview adequately describes the problem that is being addressed by the proposed project (worth up to 5 points). Statements are substantiated and related to the needs and the priorities in the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan (worth up to 5 points). Provides a description of how funds may be targeted to areas of greatest need (worth up to 10 points).

How accessible is the program geographically to low-and-moderate income persons? Additional points will be given to projects physically located in census tracts where 47.8% of the population is considered low-and-moderate income, or projects that contain components that locate the services in close proximity to the population to be served (i.e. community pop-ups) (worth up to 10 points).

Project Approach (30 points maximum):

The application describes what the program/project will do; how it will be implemented, operated, and administered within a realistic time period; how it will be provided; and how low-income participants will access services. The description should include:

• A description of the work that will be undertaken and a description of how the work will address the identified problem (worth up to 5 points).

• A work plan for how the project/program will be organized, implemented, operated, and administered, and the timeline and milestones from initiation to completion. Work on the project - meaning funds will be spent - will begin in 2024. (worth up 10 points),

• Outreach and marketing initiatives that will be implemented to inform potential participants and to ensure that they are aware of the services/activities to be provided (worth up to 5 points).

• Outcomes are identified and can reasonably be expected to be achieved (worth up to 8 points).

• If the project requires temporary displacement, indicates the number of households and describes specific assistance to be provided to households temporarily displaced (worth up to 2 points. Maximum points awarded if no displacement).

Experience and Qualifications (15 points maximum):

The application provides documentation to justify the organization’s capacity to conduct this project.

The project is consistent with the mission of the organization.

• The organization has undertaken projects of similar complexity to the one for which funds are being requested (worth up to 4 points).

• There are staff resources with the skills and experience to administer and conduct an accountable and responsible project (worth up to 7 points).

• There appears to be adequate board and management oversight along with a commitment to quality and service improvement (worth up to 4 points).

Financial Information (15 points maximum):

The application clearly explains and justifies each proposed budget line item and why CDBG and/or HOME funding is required to make the project viable. An explanation in included on the basis for the cost estimates for the project. The budget is realistic. The organization is financially stable.

Efforts have been made to secure and to leverage other funding for the project. The application identifies eligible sources of match, if required. Certain types of projects may also be required to submit: a budget summary, detailed project budget, prior- or current-year operating costs, and a 15-year operating budget (worth up to 15 points).

Past Performance (5 points maximum):

If the organization has been previously funded, a review of past expenditures and performance shows that the organization has been able to meet timelines and goals in a reasonable fashion, i.e., no unexpended dollars from prior years. Compliance with the contract will include, but not be limited to, submission of reports, adherence to scope of services, and quality of work. (Worth up to 5 points). New applicants will be automatically awarded 5 points.

Partnerships (5 points maximum):

Identifies any partnerships that have been or will be formed to ensure the success of the project (worth up to 5 points).

Interview Questions

1. If you are not awarded the full amount, can the project still move forward? Please be as specific as possible, i.e. how will a lower funding level change the scope and outcomes of the project?

2. Describe the risks to undertaking this project and your plans to address them.

3. If your organization currently has a CDBG/HOME contract with the County and have unexpended funds, describe your timeline for expending the funds and why your organization should be given additional dollars.

4. If your organization currently has a CDBG/HOME contract with the County and has not met performance goals outlined in the original application, describe the reasons for this, and why your organization should be given additional dollars.

2024 CDBG/HOME Application Review Criteria

Applicant:

Program/Project:

Date of Review:

Reviewer:

Application Review Criteria Maximum Points

Points Awarded

1. National Objective- Need and Justification (30)

Need 5

Consolidated Plan priorities 5

Targets area of greatest need 10

Accessibility for LMI persons 10

2. Project Approach (30)

Project Description 5

Work Plan 10

Marketing/Outreach 5

Outcomes 8

Displacement 2

3. Experience and Qualifications (15)

Undertaken projects of similar complexity and scope 4

Staff Resources 7

Oversight and commitment to quality 4

4. Financial Information (15)

Budget and efforts to secure/leverage other funding 13

Financial stability of organization 2

5. Past Performance 5 (5)

6. Partnerships 5 (5)

TOTAL POINTS 100

(total)

Financial Information (15 points maximum):