DistressedCitiesTechnicalAssistance.pdf

FON

FR-6900-N-54

Applications Due 03/10/2025

Organization Name Title

Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) Program for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025

Table of Contents

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

I. BASIC INFORMATION

A. Summary

B. Agency Contact(s)

II. ELIGIBILITY

A. Eligible Applicants

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Purpose

B. Goals and Objectives

C. Authority

D. Unallowable Costs

E. Indirect Costs

F. Program History

G. Other Information

IV. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

A. Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications

B. Budget

C. Narratives and Other Attachments

D. Other Application Content

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Threshold Review

B. Merit Review

C. Risk Review

D. Selection Process

E. Award Notices

VI. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

A. Deadlines

B. Submission Methods

C. Other Submissions

D. False Statements

VII. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

A. Administrative, National and Departmental Policy Requirements, and General Terms and Conditions

B. Environmental Requirements

C. Remedies for Noncompliance

D. Reporting

VIII. CONTACT AND SUPPORT

A. Agency Contact

B. Grants.gov

C. SAM.gov

D. Debriefing

E. Applicant Experience Survey

F. Other Online Resources

APPENDIX

Appendix I. HUD Strategic Goals

Appendix II. Definitions

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, register in the appropriate systems now and review the application package. If you are already registered, make sure your registration is active and up-to-date.

SAM.gov Registration You must have an active and up-to-date account with SAM.gov, at the time of application and throughout the life of any award.

To register, go to SAM.gov Entity Registration and click Get Started. From the same page, you can also click on the Entity Registration Checklist for the information you will need to register.

It can take several weeks to register in SAM.gov, so please get started now if you are planning to apply. SAM.gov also provides each organization with a unique entity identifier (UEI). A valid UEI is required to apply for funding.

Grants.gov Registration You must have an active Grants.gov registration. This requires a Login.gov registration as well.

See step-by-step instructions at the Grants .gov Quick Start Guide for Applicants. You must apply for funding using Grants.gov, unless HUD has approved your waiver request.

See Section VI.B. Submission Methods.

Find the Application Package Use the Grants Search at Grants.gov and search for opportunity number FR-6900-N-54 . The application package has all the online forms you need to apply. You also need to access the Download Instructions link and review the content before you apply.

If you have other technical difficulties using Grants.gov, access the Support Center on Grants.gov for assistance.

To get updates on changes to this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), click Subscribe from the View Grant Opportunity page for this NOFO on Grants.gov.

Application Deadline Applications are due by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 03/10/2025.

HUD Listserv

If you are interested in email notices about upcoming funding opportunities, subscribe to HUD’s Funding Opportunities listserv.

Note: To help you find what you need, this NOFO uses internal links. In Adobe Reader, you can go back to where you were by pressing Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) or Command + Left Arrow (Mac) on your keyboard.

https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/ https://login.gov https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/ https://Grants.gov https://grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/ https://www.hud.gov/subscribe/signup?listname=HUD%20Funding%20Opportunities&list=HUD-FUNDING-OPPORTUNITIES-L https://www.hud.gov/subscribe/signup?listname=HUD%20Funding%20Opportunities&list=HUD-FUNDING-OPPORTUNITIES-L

I. BASIC INFORMATION

This NOFO solicits applications for Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) Program for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025. Review the entire NOFO to understand the application requirements in full. HUD will not fund incomplete or ineligible applications.

A. Summary Through this NOFO, HUD aims to increase DCTA awardee and program capacity to deliver technical assistance (TA) to Units of General Local Government (UGLGs) serving communities with populations of 50,000 or less that are experiencing economic hardship. Awardees work at the direction of and in close consultation with HUD to equip UGLG officials and staff to be more successful in meeting the needs of their communities. Applicants should have the capacity to either (A) deliver technical assistance across HUD’s jurisdiction or (B) deliver technical assistance to specific area(s).

1. NOFO Summary Federal Agency Name: United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD Program Office: Policy Development and Research

Funding Opportunity Title: Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) Program for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: FR-6900-N-54

Assistance Listing Number(s): 14.259

Paperwork Reduction Act Information: 2528-0326

Key Dates:

Due Date for Application Submission: 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time on 03/10/2025

Due Date for Intergovernmental Review: See Section VI.C.1.

Anticipated Award Date: 06/02/2025

2. Funding Details Type of Funding Instrument

CA (Cooperative Agreement) Available Funds Funding of approximately $4,675,000 is available through this NOFO.

Additional funds may become available for award. Use of these funds is subject to statutory constraints. All awards are subject to the selection process contained in this NOFO.

Subject to appropriations, HUD reserves the right to award fiscal year (FY) 2025 funds based on this competition. Accordingly, this NOFO invites competitive applications for two funding years: FY 2024 and FY 2025. This means that a single application may request funding from one or both funding years. Eligible applicants will submit a single SF-424 but must clearly identify the amount requested for each funding year in its application summary.

Number of Awards HUD expects to make approximately 3 awards from the funds available under this NOFO.

HUD also expects to make approximately 3 awards from any funds made available in FY 2025.

Period of Performance Estimated Project Start Date:

07/30/2025 Estimated Project End Date:

09/30/2028 Length of Project Periods:

Other

Length of Periods Explanation:

The estimated project and budget period is 38 months.

B. Agency Contact(s) See Contact and Support section of this NOFO.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1#p-200.1(Federal%20award)

II. ELIGIBILITY

You are invited to apply if your organization is an eligible entity type and meets the funding conditions included in the NOFO. HUD will review applications from eligible applicants using the criteria in Section V of this NOFO.

A. Eligible Applicants

1. Eligible Entity Types:

12 (Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education)

13 (Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education)

20 (Private institutions of higher education)

22 (For profit organizations other than small businesses)

23 (Small businesses)

Additional Information on Eligibility

Faith-based organizations may apply on the same basis as any other organization.

Individuals are ineligible applicants.

This NOFO defines two (2) applicant categories. While DCTA awardees may provide capacity building support to TA recipients across HUD’s jurisdiction, there is a need to expand our applicant pool to include organizations that are locally based and/or well equipped to provide TA to specific areas.

• Category A - Applicants have the capacity to deploy technical assistance according to the eligible activities and objectives of this NOFO across HUD’s jurisdiction. This should be demonstrated in the narrative responses to rating factors.

• Category B - Applicants have the capacity to deploy technical assistance according to the eligible activities and objectives of this NOFO to (i) tribal governments across HUD’s jurisdiction, or to (ii) units of general local government (UGLGs) in one or more of the following geographic areas: Appalachia, the Southwest, the Southeast, and/or U.S.

territories. To be assessed as a Category B applicant, your application summary and narrative responses to the rating factors must clearly indicate in which area(s) or subarea(s) your organization has the capacity and experience to deploy technical assistance. See Appendix II.2 for definitions of areas and subareas.

Carefully consider your organization’s knowledge, experience, and capacity. You may apply as only one category of applicant (A or B). There are no formal award set asides for Category A or Category B. HUD reserves the right to award funds independent of the applicant category and according to the funds available.

2. Restrictions

a. Statutory and Regulatory Requirements Affecting Eligibility You must comply with the current General Statutory and Regulatory Requirements Affecting Eligibility for HUD’s Competitive Programs. HUD will review your eligibility before issuing an award. As part of this review, HUD uses SAM.gov and Department of Treasury data.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/part-5/appendix-Appendix%20A%20to%20Subpart%20A%20of%20Part%205 https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/cfo/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps/EligibilityRequirements https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/cfo/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps/EligibilityRequirements https://sam.gov

b. Application Eligibility Your application is considered for funding if it satisfies the application review requirements in Section V. of this NOFO.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching This Program does not require cost sharing or matching.

https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/cfo/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps/EligibilityRequirements https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Cost%20sharing%20or%20matching)

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Purpose The Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) program provides technical assistance (TA) to units of general local government (UGLGs) serving communities with a population of 50,000 or less experiencing economic hardship. This includes UGLGs experiencing distress and/or persistent poverty, and in some instances their nonprofit partner organizations. This NOFO refers to these UGLGs and their nonprofit partners as TA recipients.

HUD maintains substantial involvement in the administration, coordination, and oversight of this program and its awardees. Awardees collaborate with each other and HUD throughout the project period. More information is provided to awardees in the cooperative agreement terms and conditions. You may review prior DCTA cooperative agreement terms and conditions at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ota/guidance.html.

B. Goals and Objectives

1. Applicable Goals and Objectives from HUD’s Strategic Plan This NOFO supports HUD’s mission and HUD’s Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2022- 2026. The goals, objectives, and measures applicable to this NOFO are included in Appendix I.

These are in addition to increasing equity and improving customer experience - two overarching HUD priorities. Consider this information in your application and when tracking the success of your project, if selected for award. HUD will monitor compliance during the award performance period.

2. Civil Rights and Equity Goals The Fair Housing Act requires HUD funding to create diverse neighborhoods, increase housing choice, reduce inequality, and eliminate discrimination. Executive Orders 13985 and 14091 direct HUD programs to reduce racial disparities. Your application must respond to these requirements in Section V.B.3 of this NOFO. and if you receive this award, you must track and report your progress towards these goals.

3. Other Program Goals The main objectives of the funds awarded through this NOFO are:

1. Improve TA recipients’ fiscal health by building their knowledge and skills related to financial management practices. For example, managing cash flow, drafting budgets, multi-year forecasting, and implementing internal controls.

2. Enhance TA recipients' capacity for their administrative and organizational responsibilities. For example, complying with laws and regulations and procuring services.

3. Improve TA recipients’ processes and skills. For example (1) collecting and utilizing data to inform processes such as decision-making, (2) strategically organizing and managing resources, (3) building partnerships across sectors, (4) coordinating across departments and between staff levels, and (5) tracking progress on initiatives.

4. Build TA recipients’ capacity to identify, access, and leverage resources to support economic revitalization and stabilization projects in their community.

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ota/guidance.html https://www.hud.gov/HUD-FY22-26-Strategic-Plan-Focus-Areas https://www.hud.gov/HUD-FY22-26-Strategic-Plan-Focus-Areas https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/25/2021-01753/advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/22/2023-03779/further-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal

We are looking for applicants with experience across these objectives that will be proactive in their communications with assigned TA recipients and customize their TA approach to each assignment.

C. Authority This program is authorized and funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-42, approved March 09, 2024).

D. Unallowable Costs An organization cannot provide technical assistance (TA) or capacity building to itself, a related entity, or to another organization it contracts with or sub-awards funds to under the TA award.

No fees or profit can be earned by the applicant or paid to any recipient, contractor, or consultant involved in the TA program, including interest on accounts managing program funds.

Compensation Restrictions:

• TA award recipients cannot pay individuals more than the Federal Executive Level IV salary cap, which is $191,000 annually as of January 2024, even if their actual salary is higher. Any amount over the cap must be covered by other organizational funds.

• This cap applies to all staff, consultants, and contractors funded by TA awards.

• If the cap increases, as authorized by law, and funds are available, TA funds can cover the new amount, but no additional funds will be provided.

HUD will ensure compensation is reasonable based on the skills provided and the service area.

E. Indirect Costs If you expect to charge indirect costs to the award, submit the Indirect Cost Information (HUD-

426) with your application.

F. Program History This NOFO was previously titled HUD's FY 2022 and FY 2023 Distressed Cities (DCTA) Program Notice of Funding Opportunity. Changes have been made throughout the NOFO, including in the program objectives, focus areas, eligible activities, definitions, and rating factors sections. Specific changes include implementing Category A and Category B applicant types and eliminating the leveraged funding requirement.

G. Other Information Eligible Activities

Awardees are assigned via a demand-response system to deliver TA to eligible recipients using any of the eligible activities listed below. HUD is responsible for determining TA recipients and approving scopes of work with eligible activities. TA recipients are typically very low capacity (e.g., few staff, small budgets, limited technology resources), experiencing hyper-local challenges, and value interpersonal skills during TA delivery. The eligible activities are subject to any restrictions or limitations imposed by the federal regulations, statutes, cooperative agreement provisions, and other policies referenced in this NOFO. This includes ensuring all activities are accessible to individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 504 and https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Indirect%20(facilities%20%26amp%3B%20administrative%20(F%26amp%3BA))%20costs)

Section 508 requirements, which prohibit discrimination based on disability in HUD assisted programs.

a. Needs Assessments. Awardees assess the needs of TA recipients and evaluate their readiness to engage in direct TA (see below) and/or other eligible TA activities.

b. Direct TA. Awardees build the capacity of TA recipients by working closely with them on a customized scope and schedule of actions.

c. Develop and Maintain Products. Awardees develop and maintain products to effectively meet TA recipients' needs and build their capacity. Examples of products include training materials, case studies, videos, templates, toolkits, and curricula.

Applicants may view products developed through the DCTA program at https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/dcta/dcta-toolbox/.

d. Self-Directed and Group Learning. Awardees establish and implement learning cohorts, generate content and moderate online discussion boards, facilitate problem-solving clinics, deliver trainings and webinars, and/or support peer-to-peer exchanges for TA recipients.

e. Knowledge Management. Awardees develop, maintain, and organize information on websites, website platforms, and web-based systems to encourage consumption.

f. Outreach. Awardees develop informational materials and communication strategies to raise program awareness for eligible TA recipients and other stakeholders.

g. Administrative. Administrative activities are directly associated with overall award management and execution, including salaries and benefits of persons who support the execution of the award terms and conditions. Costs include preparing reports for HUD, obtaining program audits, and general operating costs when billed direct. Administrative costs are not allowable as direct award execution charges when these costs are included in an awardee’s negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or when the organization is using the de minimis rate. Certain administrative costs are not considered to be award execution costs and are not subject to the administrative limits in this NOFO. For example, the salary and fringe benefits for the team lead assigned to oversee the outcome of a specific TA engagement are part of the TA engagement costs and are not award execution costs.

Administrative costs may not be greater than 15% of the total award. Rental and maintenance of office space is allowed only under the following conditions:

o The lease must be for existing facilities not requiring rehabilitation or construction except for minimal alterations to make the facilities accessible for a person with disabilities;

o No repairs or renovations of the property may be undertaken with funds provided under this NOFO; and o Properties in the Coastal Barrier Resources System designated under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501) cannot be leased or rented with federal funds.

h. Coordination. HUD has substantial involvement in coordination activities. Awardees engage in activities with HUD and other DCTA awardees to:

o Improve DCTA program design and TA delivery approaches;

o Integrate lessons learned from other DCTA assignments into TA delivery;

o Coordinate TA delivery from more than one provider to the same recipient;

https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/dcta/dcta-toolbox/ o Leverage skills and expertise across awardees for product review; and o Participate in peer-learning with other awardees.

IV. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Applications must include three main elements: a) standard forms, assurances, and certifications;

b) budget; and c) narratives and other attachments. The content, forms, and format for each element are included in this section.

You may use this section as a checklist to ensure you submit a complete application.

If you don’t provide the required documents in the correct format, your application is incomplete.

Do not submit password protected or encrypted files.

18 pages is the total maximum length of all narratives. Single spaced 12-point Times New Roman font on letter sized paper (8 1/2 x 11 inches) with at least 1-inch margins on all sides.

A. Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications You must properly complete and submit with your application the standard forms, assurances, and certifications identified below. You can find all forms in the application package or review them and their instructions at Grants.gov Forms. You can also read more about standard forms on HUD’s Funding Opportunities page.

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Application for Federal Assistance

(SF-424)

Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: SF-424

Applicant and Recipient Assurances and Certifications

(HUD 424-B)

Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: HUD-424B

Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (HUD 2880)

Required with the application and after award.

Page limit: Not applicable File name: HUD-2880

Certification Regarding Lobbying Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable.

File name: Lobbying Certification form

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

(SF-LLL)

If applicable, required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable.

File name: SF-LLL

Indirect Cost Information (HUD- 426)

If applicable, this document is required Page limit: Not applicable

Element Submission Form Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications Upload using each required form.

Budget Use the required budget form.

Narratives and Other Attachments Insert each in the Attachments form.

https://www.grants.gov/forms https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/CFO/images/Standard-Application-Forms.pdf with the application and after award

File name: ICR Doc Form location: download instructions

B. Budget You must submit a budget with your application to support your project narrative.

At a minimum, your budget must indicate direct and any indirect costs.

You must submit a HUD-424-CB form with your application. Due to the demand-response system of this program, you will not know the scope, location, or duration of eligible activities you'll be assigned to complete when you apply. Therefore, you must submit estimated direct and indirect costs based on the total amount requested on the SF-424. For instance, if you requested $2 million on the SF-424 and have a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) of 25%, on the HUD-424-CB the total direct costs would be $1,500,000 and the total indirect costs would be $500,000. If you do not have an approved NICRA, you may use the 15% de minimis rate, or you can enter 0% for indirect costs. When completing the HUD-424-CB form, you only need to enter data in the following cells: rows a & b in columns 1 and 9, and row j in column 9. The values in each column should be the same by row.

C. Narratives and Other Attachments If applicable, you must upload narrative and other attachments in Grants.gov using the Attachments Form. When using the Attachments Form, you can upload PDF, Word or Excel formats.

Budget Form/Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Grant Application Detailed Budget (HUD-424-CB) Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: HUD-

424CB

Form location:

download instructions

Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Application Summary Required with the application

See Section IV.D.

File name:

Summary

Response to Rating Factors Required with the application. Should consist of two separate files

See Section V.B.

File names: RF Narrative and Template

Minority Serving Institutions Documentation If applicable, required to earn policy preference points

See Section V.B.2.

Page limit: Not applicable https://grants.gov

D. Other Application Content Application Summary This is required but will not be scored or count toward the 18-page limit. Submit it as a one-page PDF and include the following:

• Applicant Organization Legal Name This should match the name provided on your SF- 424.

• Organization Description. Provide a brief description of your organization in no more than 350 words. This description or some portion of it may appear in the award announcement and program reports if you are selected. The description must contain:

Organizational purpose and mission; years of service; history of providing financial, administrative, and organizational supportive services to UGLGs and their nonprofit partners; and organization web address. You are encouraged to contextualize your organization description to the DCTA program.

• Applicant Category. State A or B as described in Section II.A. “Eligible Applicants.” For Category B applicants, list your area(s) and or subarea(s).

File name: MSI Doc

Nonprofit Status Documentation If applicable, required with the application

Nonprofits should document their status according to

24 CFR 5.109(I)1-

4.

Page limit: Not applicable File name:

Nonprofit Doc

Advancing Racial Equity (ARE) Narrative Required with the application

Page limit: 2 pages File name: ARE Narrative

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Narrative

Required with the application

Page limit: 2 pages File name: AFFH Narrative

Code of Conduct

If not included in HUD’s eLibrary, this document is required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: Code Acceptable Content

Letter(s) of Reference Optional for new applicants

See Section V.C.

Page limit: Not applicable File name:

Reference Letters https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-5/subpart-A/section-5.109 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-5/subpart-A/section-5.109 https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/conductgrants https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/conductgrants https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/conductgrants https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/conductgrants

• Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) Status: Indicate if you are applying for MSI preference points per Section V.B.2 “Policy Initiative Preference Points.”

• The amount of funding you are requesting under this NOFO. You must identify three amounts, each rounded to a whole dollar: (1) Total funding requested (FY 2024 and FY 2025 combined), (2) FY 2024 funding requested, and (3) FY 2025 funding requested.

Your FY 2024 request must not exceed $4,675,000, FY 2025 request must not exceed $5,000,000, and your total funding request must not exceed $9,675,000.

Example:

Total Funding Request ($) (same as SF-424) $3,200,000 FY 2024 Funding Request $1,500,000 FY 2025 Funding Request $1,700,000

If the total funding requested in the application summary does not match your SF-424, the amount listed in box 18.a. of your SF-424 will be used as the requested amount and serve as the maximum level of funding you may receive. You should determine your funding requests based on the number of available personnel, the range and quality of their skills and knowledge, and your ability to successfully execute multiple assignments from HUD simultaneously over the project period.

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Threshold Review HUD reviews each application to make sure it meets the following threshold requirements. If you meet all threshold requirements, your application will advance to a merit review. If you fail to meet one or more threshold requirements, your application is not eligible for HUD funding.

1. Eligible Applicant You must meet the applicant eligibility criteria in this NOFO. HUD will not fund applications from ineligible applicants.

2. Resolution of Civil Rights Matters An application will not advance for merit review unless the application(s) resolves all outstanding civil rights matters before the application deadline.

a. An applicant is not eligible for funding if that applicant has any of the charges, cause determinations, lawsuits, or letters of findings referenced in subparagraphs (1) – (5) that are not resolved to HUD’s satisfaction before or on the application deadline date for this NOFO

(1) Charges from HUD concerning a systemic violation of the Fair Housing Act or receipt of a cause determination from a substantially equivalent state or local fair housing agency concerning a systemic violation of a substantially equivalent state or local fair housing law proscribing discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, disability, or familial status;

(2) Status as a defendant in a Fair Housing Act lawsuit filed by the United States alleging a pattern or practice of discrimination or denial of rights to a group of persons raising an issue of general public importance under 42 U.S.C. § 3614(a);

(3) Status as a defendant in any other lawsuit filed or joined by the Department of Justice, or in which the Department of Justice has intervened, or filed an amicus brief or statement of interest, alleging a pattern or practice or systemic violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Violence Against Women Act, or a claim under the False Claims Act related to fair housing, non-discrimination, or civil rights generally including an alleged failure to affirmatively further fair housing;

(4) Receipt of a letter of findings identifying systemic non-compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974; Violence Against Women Act; or the Americans with Disabilities Act; or

(5) Receipt of a cause determination from a substantially equivalent state or local fair housing agency concerning a systemic violation of provisions of a state or local law prohibiting discrimination in housing based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or lawful source of income.

b. HUD will determine if actions to resolve the charge, cause determination, lawsuit, or letter of findings taken before the application deadline date will resolve the matter.

Examples of actions that may be sufficient to resolve the matter include, but are not limited to:

(1) Current compliance with a voluntary compliance agreement signed by all the parties;

(2) Current compliance with a HUD-approved conciliation agreement signed by all the parties;

(3) Current compliance with a conciliation agreement signed by all the parties and approved by the state governmental or local administrative agency with jurisdiction over the matter;

(4) Current compliance with a consent order or consent decree;

(5) Current compliance with a final judicial ruling or administrative ruling or decision; or

(6) Dismissal of charges.

3. Timely Submission of Applications Late applications are not eligible for funding. See deadlines in Section VI of this NOFO.

4. Correct Funding Opportunity Number You must ensure that the Funding Opportunity Number in box 12 on your SF-424 matches the number associated with this NOFO. If the numbers do not match, your application is not eligible for HUD funding.

5. Contractor/Consultant Restriction Category A applicants cannot be listed as a contractor or consultant on any other application under this NOFO. If they are included as a contractor or consultant in another application, they are ineligible to receive an award, and their submission will not pass threshold. This prohibition does not apply for Category B applicants. Category B applicants may serve as a contractor or consultant for another application.

6. Rating Factor Responses You must provide a narrative response for each rating factor and a PDF template for rating factor

4. Your responses must be relevant to the objectives of this NOFO.

B. Merit Review HUD expects to evaluate and score your application using the following merit criteria and process. Merit reviewers evaluate and score all applications that pass the threshold review.

Merit reviewers may include Federal and non-Federal persons. Reviewers receive a copy of your application to evaluate and score each application separately.

Merit Review Summary

Criterion Total number of points Rating Factor 1 - Prior Experience 42 points Rating Factor 2 - Organizational Capacity 33 points

To be considered for funding, you need to score 75 points or higher. If no eligible applicant meets this minimum score requirement, we may consider and award funds to lower scoring applicant(s).

1. Rating Factors Your application must include a response to the following criteria.

Rating Factors Details

Rating Factor 3 - Soundness of Approach 20 points

Rating Factor 4 - Essential Template 5 points Preference Points 2 points Total 102 points

Rating Factor 1 - Prior Experience 42 max points Suggested Length: Up to 7 pages

This factor evaluates your organization’s prior experience successfully implementing eligible activities a to f (Section III.G.) to meet the objectives of this NOFO.

• Category A applicant: Describe five recent examples that demonstrate your ability to build eligible TA recipient capacity to meet NOFO objectives. The examples should demonstrate your ability to deliver TA across HUD’s jurisdiction, i.e., provide examples from different states, regions, and/or territories.

• Category B applicant: Describe recent examples that demonstrate your ability to build eligible TA recipient capacity to meet NOFO objectives in your specific (sub)area(s).

Include two examples per (sub)area as listed in your application summary and defined in Appendix II.2. “Program Definitions.”

For all applicants, a high-scoring response will include the following:

• At least one direct TA example of building the capacity of an UGLG serving a population of 15,000 or less, and

• For each example:

o Indicate which of the NOFO’s eligible activities apply, o State the recipient(s) and their population size (eligible activities a and b), or state the target audience (eligible activities c to f), o Describe your organization’s role, and o Provide information on the realized outcome(s).

Rating Factor 2 - Organizational Capacity 33 max points Suggested Length: 4–7 pages

This factor evaluates your organization’s capacity to plan and implement the eligible activities to meet the objectives of this NOFO. Your narrative response to this rating factor must include staff for eligible activities (2A), building diverse teams (2B), and administrative award management (2C).

2A. Provide a chart identifying the key internal staff that would be assigned to implement eligible activities a to f. Supplement the chart with brief summaries (a few sentences or short paragraph) of each person’s relevant qualifications, including any direct experience working for UGLGs. If you intend to leverage contractors and consultants to significantly enhance your capacity, name them and provide summaries (one or two paragraphs) of their relevant experience. (10 points)

• For Category B applicants, in addition to the above, indicate which (sub)area(s) the staff person (or contractor or consultant) is best equipped for in their summary.

2B. Demonstrate a history and intent to build diverse teams composed of experts who can deliver culturally competent TA. (8 points)

• Describe policies to promote and support racial equity, particularly for Black or Brown persons, in your organization’s staffing and hiring practices, as well as selection of contractors and consultants.

• Describe an example of your efforts to prioritize building a TA team of staff, contractors, and consultants that are representative or relatable to the TA recipients. For example, if you were assigned to deliver technical assistance in Puerto Rico, build a technical assistance team with Puerto Ricans, Spanish speakers, and individuals who are knowledgeable about the territory’s culture.

2C. Demonstrate your organization's administrative award management capacity by describing your policies and resources (e.g., personnel, software, templates) for the following: (15 points)

• Implementing federal award requirements (per 2 CFR 200). For example, your written policies for collecting and reporting on expenditures and performance measures.

• Retaining highly qualified staff. For example, summaries of your professional development offerings and succession planning for key staff.

• Monitoring effectiveness of operating policies, successful award management, and mitigation of the occurrence of fraud, waste, and abuse.

• Managing multiple projects and awards, including periods of performance and spending.

Rating Factor 3 - Soundness of Approach 20 max points Suggested Length: 2–3 pages

This factor evaluates how your organization would approach TA assignments funded through this NOFO. We’re looking for narratives of your organization’s processes, not examples.

Demonstrate your organization’s approaches to ensure long-lasting benefits from TA.

You must clearly describe how you would approach each of the following:

2. Policy Initiative Preference Points This NOFO supports the following policy initiatives, for which a maximum of two (2) preference points may be awarded.

Preference points are added to your overall application score. You do not need to address the policy initiatives in this section to receive an award. If you choose to address a policy initiative in your application, you must adhere to the information with any award.

_________ Minority-Serving Institutions

You may receive up to two (2) points, if you are an MSI. To receive points, you must include in your application documentation of your MSI designation.

3. Civil Rights and Equity Review

a. Advancing Racial Equity

Your application must describe your plans to advance racial equity, as required in Executive Orders 13985 and 14091, and Federal fair housing and civil rights laws. Specifically, your plan must describe how you:

• Analyze the racial composition of the persons or households who are expected to benefit, directly or indirectly, from your proposed award activities;

• Assessing the readiness of the TA recipient to actively participate in the TA process and their ability to follow-through with recommendations. (5 points)

• Deploying TA resources that are appropriately scaled for TA recipients. For your response, address how your approach would differ in supporting an UGLG of fewer than 2,000 people compared to an UGLG of more than 35,000 people. (5 points)

• Guiding TA recipients to understand the foundational causes of systemic organizational issues (e.g., chronic staff turnover) and community issues (e.g., persistently impoverished neighborhoods), and then providing TA to address these foundational causes of the TA recipient’s issues. In other words, providing TA to address the root of the problem rather than a temporary fix. (10 points)

Rating Factor 4 - Essential Template 5 max points Suggested Length: One page or less for narrative explanation which will count towards the 18-page limit. Less than five pages for the template described below, which will not count towards the page limit.

This factor evaluates your knowledge of effective local governance and your ability to develop a highly relevant template for eligible TA recipients of this NOFO.

You may consider a common and important process for local governments, then determine the written material(s) that may support a local government in effectively implementing that process and develop a template for that written material. For instance, consider a local government's interest in retaining qualified staff. Perhaps the template you develop offers a step-by-step process for determining a competitive salary for a position.

The template should be a fillable PDF that is 508 compliant and ready to use (e.g., clear formatting and logical flow of information for unfamiliar users). Supplement the template with a narrative explanation as to why it is essential, the circumstances for use, etc.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/25/2021-01753/advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/22/2023-03779/further-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal

• Identify any potential barriers to persons or communities of color equitably benefiting from your proposed award activities;

• Detail the steps you will take to prevent, reduce, or eliminate these barriers; and

• Describe new or existing measures to track your progress and evaluate the effectiveness of your efforts to advance racial equity in your proposed award activities.

Any action must be consistent with Federal nondiscrimination requirements.

Narrative: Your application must sufficiently and completely address the requirements above in a separate narrative.

We encourage applicants to consider the structure and flow of technical assistance under the DCTA program in preparing this narrative.

b. Experience Promoting Racial Equity In keeping with Executive Orders 13985 and 14091, as well as Federal fair housing and civil rights laws, your application must show that you have the experience and/or resources to meet the needs of underserved communities, specifically Black and Brown communities. This may include:

• Experience successfully working directly with these communities;

• Experience designing or operating programs that equitably benefit these communities;

• Experience soliciting, obtaining, and applying input from such groups when designing, planning, or implementing programs and activities;

• Experience encouraging specific and authentic engagement with historically underserved neighborhoods and communities of color to guide policy outcomes; and/or

• Staff and volunteers who have lived experience and/or expertise to provide services in a culturally competent way or resources to hire such staff for your proposed award activities.

Rating Factor: You must address the requirements above in response to Rating Factor 2B.

c. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing With some exceptions for Federally recognized Indian tribes and their instrumentalities, you must describe how you will carry out your proposed award activities in a manner that affirmatively furthers fair housing in compliance with the Fair Housing Act and its implementing regulations. You should describe how your proposed award activities will meaningfully:

• Address significant disparities based on protected class in unmet housing needs;

• Address disparities based on protected class in access to opportunity;

• Address segregation and promote integration;

• Transform racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty into well-resourced areas of opportunity without displacing existing residents; and/or

• Foster and maintain compliance with civil rights and fair housing laws.

Narrative: Your application must sufficiently address the requirements above in narrative. If your application is nonresponsive, HUD may request that you update your response before HUD decides funding for your application.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/25/2021-01753/advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/22/2023-03779/further-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal

Given the nature of technical assistance (TA) awards, you may discuss your familiarity with issues related to AFFH that could arise while providing TA to UGLGs and their nonprofit partners. We encourage applicants to consider the structure and flow of TA under the DCTA program in preparing this narrative.

4. Other Factors Your application must respond to the following other additional criteria.

a. Budget The panel will review but not score the budget. The panel will assess whether the budget aligns with planned program activities and objectives. Panel members will consider whether the budget and the requested performance period are fully justified and reasonable in relation to the proposed project.

C. Risk Review Before making an award, HUD will use the following criteria to determine each applicant’s risk of not implementing an award.

OMB-designated repositories of governmentwide data, as noted in 2 CFR 200.206(a)

Other public sources such as newspapers, Inspector General or Government Accountability Office reports or findings, or other complaints that have been proven to have merit

Financial stability

Quality of management systems and ability to meet the management standards prescribed in 2 CFR part 200

History of performance. The applicant’s record in managing Federal awards, if it is a prior recipient of Federal awards, including timeliness of compliance with applicable reporting requirements, failing to make significant progress in a timely manner, failing to meet planned activities in a timely manner, conformance to the terms and conditions of previous Federal awards, and, if applicable, the extent to which any previously awarded amounts will be expended prior to future awards

Reports and findings from audits performed under Subpart F—Audit Requirements of 2 CFR part 200 or the reports and findings of any other available audits

The applicant's ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on non-Federal entities

Capacity of the applicant, including staffing structures and capabilities

History of timely completion of activities and receipt and expenditure of promised matching or leveraged funds

Ability to promote self-sufficiency and economic independence

Ability to produce positive outcomes and results

For applicants that previously received DCTA award(s), HUD will consider feedback from the Cooperative Agreement Officer, Government Technical Representative, Government Technical https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206

Monitor, Program Manager and/or other HUD staff involved in management and oversight of

DCTA.

For applicants without prior DCTA award(s), you may demonstrate your prior performance delivering federal technical assistance through optional letter(s) of reference. Consider addressing the following in your letter(s) - timeliness, quality, and responsiveness of your organization’s federal technical assistance work, as well as the results of your work. Letter(s) will not count towards the 18-page limit.

HUD may use the results of the risk review to make funding decisions and to apply award conditions.

D. Selection Process When making funding decisions, HUD will consider:

• Eligibility requirements, including threshold review results.

• Merit review results.

• Risk review results.

HUD may:

• Fund applications in whole or in part.

• Fund applications at a lower amount than requested.

• Choose to fund no applications under this NOFO.

• Adjust funding for an application, to ensure funding diversity, geographic diversity, and alignment with program or administrative priorities.

• Withdraw an award offer and make an offer of funding to another eligible application, if terms and conditions are not finalized or met.

• Use additional funds made available after NOFO publication to either fully fund an application or fund additional applications.

• Correct HUD review and selection errors. If HUD commits an error that causes an applicant not to be selected, HUD may make an award to that applicant when and if funding is available.

• Release another NOFO, if funding is available and if HUD does not receive applications of merit.

E. Award Notices If you are successful, HUD will email an award notice to the authorized official representative from the SF-424. HUD will also notify unsuccessful applicants.

The award notice communicates the amount of the award, important dates, and the terms and conditions you need to follow. HUD may impose specific conditions on an award as provided under 2 CFR 200.208.

You agree to the award terms and conditions by either drawing funds from HUD’s payment system or signing the agreement with HUD. If you do not agree to the award terms and conditions, HUD may select another eligible applicant.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.208

VI. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

You must apply electronically. See Find the Application Package to make sure you have everything you need to apply online. See Application Waiver if you qualify to submit a paper application.

Make sure you are current with SAM.gov and UEI requirements before applying for the award.

See the Before You Begin section of this NOFO.

A. Deadlines

1. Application submission deadline:

The application deadline is 11:59:59 PM Eastern time on:

03/10/2025 HUD must receive your application by the deadline. Applications received after the deadline are late. Late applications are not eligible for HUD funding.

If HUD receives more than one application from you, HUD will review only the last submission.

HUD may extend an application due date based on emergency situations such as Presidentially-declared natural disasters. Improper or expired registration and password issues are not causes to allow HUD to accept applications after the deadline date.

2. Grace Period for Grants.gov Submissions If Grants.gov rejects your application before the deadline, you have up to 24 hours after the application deadline to correct and resubmit your application. Any application submitted during the grace period but not received and validated by Grants.gov will not be considered for funding.

There is no grace period for paper applications.

B. Submission Methods

1. Electronic Submission

You must register and submit your application through Grants.gov. See Before You Begin.

For instructions on how to submit in Grants.gov, see the Quick Start Guide for Applicants. Make sure that your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks or we may not get it.

Grants.gov will record the date and time of your application submission.