Foa_Content_of_FR-6900-N-21-B.pdf

FR-6900-N-21-B

Applications are due by 11:59 PM ET Eastern Time on 08/21/2025.

Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Fair Housing Initiatives Program - Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI)

Table Of Contents FR-6900-N-21-B Page 2 of 74

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 20

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. Definitions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Before You Begin FR-6900-N-21-B Page 3 of 74

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-21-B .

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 PM ET Eastern Time on 08/21/2025.

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.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and Support

Appendix

I. BASIC INFORMATION

I. Basic Information

A. Summary

B. Agency Contact(s)

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

I. Basic Information FR-6900-N-21-B Page 5 of 74

I. BASIC INFORMATION See Contact and Support section of this NOFO.

A. Summary Federal Agency Name:

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HUD Program Office:

Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Announcement Type:

Initial Program Type:

Discretionary Paperwork Reduction Act Information:

2529-0033 Due Date for Intergovernmental Review:

See Section VI.C.1.

1. NOFO Summary The FHIP Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI) provides competitive awards to eligible non-profit and other fair housing organizations to build the capacity of non-profit fair housing organizations to provide fair housing enforcement, for the purpose of

Key Facts Opportunity Name:

Fair Housing Initiatives Program - Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI) Opportunity Number:

FR-6900-N-21-B

Federal Assistance Listing:

14.417

Key Dates Application Due Date:

11:59:59 PM Eastern Time on:

08/21/2025 Anticipated Award Date:

09/25/2025 Estimated Performance Period Start Date:

11/01/2025 Estimated Performance Period End Date:

11/01/2026

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

I. Basic Information FR-6900-N-21-B Page 6 of 74 supporting the continued development or implementation of initiatives which enforce the rights granted under the Fair Housing Act [42 USC 3616a(c)]. FHOI also strengthens the fair housing movement nationally by assisting in the creation and growth of organizations that focus on localized rights and needs. This NOFO makes available competitive funding under two components:

• Continued Development Component (CDC) to eligible non-profit fair housing organizations to build their capacity and effectiveness to conduct enforcement related activities such as investigating housing discrimination allegations based on protected classes under the Fair Housing Act, and expanding testing expertise, particularly in those areas of the country which are currently underserved by fair housing enforcement organizations as well as those areas where large concentrations of protected classes exist [42 USC 3616a (c)(2)].

• Establishing New Organizations Component (ENOC) to Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (QFHOs) (“sponsoring organizations”) to establish new separate organizations (“sponsored organizations”) to engage in fair housing work, particularly in areas of the country that are currently underserved or unserved by fair housing enforcement organizations. Grantees may use FHOI-ENOC funds to establish a single organization to become a viable regional/local fair housing enforcement organization that will conduct testing and other fair housing enforcement-related activities.

FHOI is one of several components under FHIP, which supports enforcement, education and outreach activities to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices and to inform individuals of their rights and responsibilities under fair housing laws.

2. Funding Details Type of Funding Instrument G (Grant) Available Funds Funding of approximately $3,700,000 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.

Maximum Funding for CDC for the 12-18 month grant period of performance is $260,000;

minimum amount is $100,000.

Maximum Funding for ENOC for the 36-month grant period of performance is $1,880,000;

minimum amount is $250,000.

Number of Awards HUD expects to make approximately 8 awards from the funds available under this NOFO.

Length of Performance Period:

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

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VII. Post-Award Requirements and

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VIII. Contact and

I. Basic Information FR-6900-N-21-B Page 7 of 74

12-month project period and budget period Other Length of Periods Explanation:

The period of performance for FHOI-CDC is 12 -18 months.

The period of performance for FHOI-ENOC is 36 months.

All SOW tasks must be completed and all grant funds must be expended within the specific time frames established in negotiations.

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

II. ELIGIBILITY

II. Eligibility

A. Eligible Applicants

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

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VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

II. Eligibility FR-6900-N-21-B Page 9 of 74

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:

25 (Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)) Additional Information on Eligibility Faith-based organizations may apply on the same basis as any other organization. HUD does not engage in any unlawful and improper conduct, policies, or practices that target faith-based organizations.

Individuals are ineligible applicants.

FHOI Continued Development Component Eligible applicants under the CDC are Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (QFHOs), Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (FHOs), and other private nonprofit organizations seeking to build their capacity to conduct fair housing enforcement activities. All applicants are required to complete Appendix B, FHOI Eligibility Certification, and submit it as a part of their application.

FHOI Establishing New Organizations Component Eligible applicants for the ENOC are QFHOs that are sponsoring the creation of a new organization to conduct fair housing enforcement activities in areas of the country which are currently unserved or underserved by a fair housing enforcement organization.

The sponsoring organization will receive administrative funds not to exceed 25% of the grant funding per year to sponsor the new organization ONLY for its administrative purposes outlined in the Statement of Work. All other funds must be used for the purpose of establishing the new organization.

ENOC Threshold Requirement. As a threshold requirement for FHOI-ENOC, the sponsored organization is not eligible to apply for or receive additional FHIP PEI funding until it becomes a QFHO or FHO. However, the sponsored organization is eligible to apply for EOI and FHOI Continued Development Component funding.

FHOI-ENOC Sponsoring Organization Certification. Under the FHOI-ENOC competition, the sponsoring QFHO must submit the application and certify (Appendix B, Sections 1 and 2) that the proposed new organization has the ability to become a FHO by the end of the grant period of performance. The Sponsoring Organization’s Statement of Work (SOW) should reflect enforcement related activities for the sponsored organization by year two of the grant.

Total funding is awarded to the sponsoring organization, which is responsible for distributing funding to the sponsored organization. The HUD GTR will conduct a monitoring review of the sponsored and sponsoring organizations to ensure all financial and management systems are adequate. If HUD makes the determination that financial and management systems of one or https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/part-5/appendix-Appendix%20A%20to%20Subpart%20A%20of%20Part%205 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/12/2025-02611/eradicating-anti-christian-bias https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/12/2025-02611/eradicating-anti-christian-bias https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/12/2025-02611/eradicating-anti-christian-bias

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II. Eligibility FR-6900-N-21-B Page 10 of 74 both organizations are inadequate, HUD may provide technical assistance or terminate the grant.

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.

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

1. Fair Housing Related Activities. All program activities and costs within the Statement of Work (SOW) and budget must be fair housing related activities and must demonstrate an explicit connection to the non-discrimination provisions of the Fair Housing Act.

2. Fair Housing Act/Protected Classes. All FHIP-funded projects must address housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status and national origin.

3. Funding Request Within the Award Limits. Applicants are ineligible for funding if more than the maximum award amount is requested in the application, even if due to miscalculations or errors in the application.

4. Inconsistencies in the Requested Amount. If inconsistent amounts are requested in an application selected for an award, the amount stated on the SF-424 will be deemed the controlling amount for purposes of determining the funding amount.

5. Rating Factors. An application that does not include any narrative responses to any of the four Rating Factors will be deemed ineligible for review.

6. Grants or cooperative agreements awarded under FHOI-CDC may not provide more than 50 percent of the operating budget of the recipient organization for any one year (42 U.S.C. 3616a(c)).

c. Parent and Affiliate Organizations.

HUD will not fund an organization if the parent or its affiliate/subsidiary organization has an open grant (previously funded) under this same FHOI component. In addition, HUD will not fund both a parent organization and its affiliate/subsidiary organization under this NOFO for the same component. Further, HUD will not allow affiliate and parent organization staff sharing protocols whereby the parent organization shares key staff with an affiliate(s). All funded organizations must be fully independent functional enforcement organizations, i.e., able to conduct business on an ongoing basis without support from parent or from its staff to complete proposed program activities while set apart from parent organization.

A parent organization that is a QFHO or an FHO with a separate Employer Identification Number does not mean that an affiliate organization automatically gets QFHO or FHO status.

Instead, we will determine if the affiliate organization has the requisite experience, https://www.hud.gov/stat/cfo/financial-assistance-eligibility-reqs https://www.hud.gov/stat/cfo/financial-assistance-eligibility-reqs https://sam.gov https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/cfo/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps/EligibilityRequirements

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II. Eligibility FR-6900-N-21-B Page 11 of 74 independent of the parent organization.

d. Non-Profit Status.

Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization as determined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) prior to the application deadline date to be eligible for funding.

Applications must include an IRS report showing 501(c)(3) status. If an applicant's 501(c)(3) status has expired prior to application deadline date, the application must show that the organization has applied for renewal of tax-exempt status and that the application is pending.

If an organization with a pending 501(c)(3) application is selected for a funding award, the applicant must provide proof that the 501(c)(3) renewal is approved prior to release of funding. If the applicant’s pending application for renewal is subsequently denied, the award selection will be rescinded. All applicants must maintain 501(c)(3) status throughout the grant period. Applicants may be required to verify 501(c)(3) status in accordance with 24 CFR 5.109(l).

e. Cannot have received a received a "poor" rating on its most recent performance assessment on any prior FHIP grant within the past year.

If your organization received a "poor" rating on its most recent performance assessment on any prior FHIP grant within the past year, the organization is ineligible for a period of one (1) year.

Exception: organization provides evidence that the rating was overturned through an appeal or that another resolution was accepted by the Government Technical Representative/Government Technical Monitor to improve future performance.

If your organization receives a "poor" performance rating on another FHIP grant after being selected for an award or after receipt of funding under this NOFO, HUD will rescind all remaining grant funds received under this NOFO, and the organization will remain ineligible for funding for a period of one year, unless it provides evidence as stated above.

f. Multiple components under this NOFO.

A single organization may apply for both components under this NOFO, but the FHOI-ENOC awardee is not eligible to also receive a FHOI-CDC grant.

g. All applicants must comply with the requirements of Section V.A. herein

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

If you propose cost sharing or matching in your application you will be required to provide the amount you proposed if you are selected for an award.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Cost%20sharing%20or%20matching)

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

III. Program Description

A. Purpose

B. Goals and Objectives

C. Authority

D. Unallowable Costs

E. Indirect Costs

F. Program History

G. Other Information

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Format

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Information

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Deadlines

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Administration

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III. Program Description FR-6900-N-21-B Page 13 of 74

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Purpose Congress amended the Fair Housing Act in 1988 to establish the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) with a purpose of providing funding to entities to work alongside HUD to “prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices” 42 USC § 3616a(a). FHIP provides funds to eligible organizations through competitive grants under three initiatives: the Fair Housing Organization Initiative (FHOI), the Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI), and the Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI).

The purpose of the Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI) is to build the capacity of organizations to provide fair housing enforcement and enforcement related activities to support the continued development or implementation of initiatives which enforce the rights granted under the Fair Housing Act.

The purpose of the FHOI-CDC is to provide funding to existing eligible non-profit fair housing organizations to develop or expand their ability to provide fair housing enforcement related activities; and the purpose of the FHOI-ENOC is to provide funding to eligible Qualified Fair Housing Organizations to establish new fair housing enforcement organizations, particularly in those areas of the country which are currently underserved by fair housing enforcement organizations, as well as those areas where large concentrations of protected classes exist (42 USC 3616a(c)(2)).

B. Goals and Objectives The program goal is to increase and/or enhance fair housing enforcement related activities in communities throughout the nation so that everyone has access to a quality, affordable home.

C. Authority

1. FHIP is authorized by Section 561 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 (42 U.S.C. 3616a). The Fair Housing Organizations Initiative is specifically authorized under 42 U.S.C. 3616a(c). The FHIP implementing regulations are found at 24 CFR part 125 and FHOI is outlined at Section 125.501.

2. Funding for this program is provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-42, approved March 9, 2024).

D. Unallowable Costs

1. Retainer Fees. FHIP recipients are under specific restrictions (outlined in the grant agreement documents) regarding establishment of retainer agreements and recovery of legal fees from HUD-funded cases. Data on fees, settlements, and verdicts are matters of public record. Awardees must provide this information to HUD annually.

Neither the grantee nor the individual(s) on whose behalf any action is filed can request that HUD waive these provisions.

2. Compensation. Grantees cannot charge more than Level IV of the Federal Executive Schedule annually for an individual’s compensation even if the individual earns more https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title42/pdf/USCODE-2023-title42-chap45-subchapI-sec3616a.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title42/pdf/USCODE-2023-title42-chap45-subchapI-sec3616a.pdf https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4366/text

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III. Program Description FR-6900-N-21-B Page 14 of 74 than the capped amount. This compensation cap does not require grantees to limit the amount paid to individuals under this grant; however, the individual’s remaining compensation over the cap must be paid from an alternative organization funding source. HUD reserves the right to determine whether compensation is reasonable and customary for the skill set provided and the areas being served.

3. Fair Housing Organizations Initiative-Establishing New Organizations Component. ENOC sponsoring organizations are eligible to receive funding under the grant for administrative expenses associated with establishing the sponsored organization. Administrative funds for the sponsoring organization cannot exceed a maximum of 25% of the annual grant award. In addition, the agreement must include a statement outlining: (a) what tasks are expected of the sponsored organization; (b) the mission of the sponsored organization; and (c) a timeline for creating the new organization.

4. Eligible Activities. HUD will not fund ineligible activities in a proposal and will not fund a proposal with more than 50% ineligible activities. Housing counseling activities are not eligible costs under the program.

E. Indirect Costs If you expect to charge indirect costs to the award, submit the Indirect Cost Rate Certification form (HUD-426) with your application.

1. Indirect Costs Indirect costs are costs incurred for common or joint purposes, such as general overhead and costs of general management, oversight, and coordination. These costs benefit more than one cost objective and cannot be readily identified with a particular final cost objective without effort disproportionate to the results achieved. Examples of indirect costs:

• Fiscal tracking of grants funds.

• Accounting staff wages and benefits.

• Depreciation of office equipment, general insurance, and general office supplies incurred for common or joint purposes.

One hundred percent of the salaries and fringe benefits related to general management or oversight functions serving a common or joint purpose are indirect costs. Salaries and benefits related to implementing your project or program elements of your grant agreement are direct costs.

2. Direct Costs As defined in 2 CFR 200.413, direct costs are those that can be identified specifically with a particular final cost objective, such as a federal award, or other internally or externally funded activity, or that can be directly assigned to such activities relatively easily with a high degree of accuracy. You will need to specify costs in your Budget Narrative and Budget Worksheet, Rating Factor 3 Examples of direct costs usually chargeable to FHIP grants include:

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Indirect%20cost)

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III. Program Description FR-6900-N-21-B Page 15 of 74

• Compensation of employees for the time devoted specifically to award performance and associated fringe benefits.

• Materials bought, consumed, or spent specifically for the award.

• Equipment necessary to carry out the award.

• Travel expenses necessary to carry out the award.

• Translation and interpretation necessary to carry out the award.

• Information technology systems and services necessary to carry out the award.

• Litigation costs, such as costs of gathering evidence, necessary to carry out the award.

• Reasonable transportation costs, such as public transportation passes, to support a client’s ability to take part in eligible services.

• Professional licensing fees, professional liability insurance, and professional development costs, such as conference and travel costs or training in eligible services or skills, necessary to carry out the award.

• Outreach, educational, and marketing materials to carry out the award.

You may use FHIP funds for the lease or rental of space for eligible activities if each of the following conditions is met:

1. The lease must be for existing facilities not requiring rehabilitation or construction except for minimal alterations to make the facilities accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities;

2. no repairs or renovations of the property may be undertaken with grant funds; and

3. 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.

Administrative and clerical staff salaries may be treated as direct costs if each of the following conditions are met:

1. Administrative or clerical services are integral to Eligible Legal Assistance Activities and Services (Section III.F.), such as conducting work with tenants, coordinating with other organizations serving tenants, or maintaining client files;

2. Individuals involved can be specifically identified with the activity;

3. Such costs are explicitly included in the budget or have the prior written approval of HUD;

and

4. The costs are not also charged as indirect costs.

F. Program History Congress determined in 1987, and affirmed each year since then through appropriations, that HUD can only achieve its fair housing mission and obligations with support to a network of organizations helping to educate and enforce fair housing rights. Initially a demonstration

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III. Program Description FR-6900-N-21-B Page 16 of 74 program, Congress made FHIP permanent in 1992 through the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992. The program was expanded in 1992 to address building capacity in unserved areas, establish a national media campaign, and fund a National Fair Housing Month.

1. Changes to the previously published FY2024 FHIP FHOI NOFO (FR-6800-N-21-B) The FY2024 FHIP FHOI Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was published in September 2024 and closed in November 2024. This FY2024 FHIP FHOI NOFO has been revised to implement the current Administration’s Executive Orders and is re-published utilizing the new NOFO template; if you submitted an application for the previously published NOFO, please review the changes herein and revise and resubmit your application.

• Program goals no longer tied to HUD’s Strategic Plan for FY 2022–26. See III.B.

• Applicants no are longer need to submit narratives on Advancing Racial Equity and Experience Promoting Racial Equity and those topics are no longer considered in merit review or funding decisions. See IV.C. and V.B.

• Requirements to Advance Racial Equity were removed from performance requirements, See VII.A., Administrative, National and Departmental Policy Requirements and Terms for HUD Applicants and Recipients of Financial Assistance Awards.

• HUD simplified and reorganized its agency-wide NOFO Template, so you will notice information in different places, and some information linked externally.

2. Changes from the FY2023 FHIP FHOI NOFO Criminal background checks are no longer required for fair housing testers. Recipients no longer need to conduct criminal background checks of fair housing testers, due to the amendment to 24 CFR §125.107, effective May 3, 2024. However, reasonable costs associated with criminal background checks for fair housing testers are an allowable budget expense. All other requirements of 24 CFR §125.107 remain applicable.

G. Other Information

1. Eligible FHOI Activities All project-related activities, materials, and costs within your Statement of Work and budget must have an explicit connection to fair housing laws or to actions or inactions that may violate them.

HUD will not fund any portion of an application that is not eligible for funding under the regulatory requirements or that does not meet the requirements under this NOFO.

Projects must propose reasonable steps to ensure meaningful program access and effective communication to all individuals in protected class groups.

Eligible activities vary between the Continued Development Component and Establishing New Organizations Component:

Continued Development Component:

• build capacity to engage in fair housing enforcement activities and fair housing

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III. Program Description FR-6900-N-21-B Page 17 of 74 enforcement related activities, and engage in such activities.

Establishing New Organizations Component:

• establish a single organization to become a viable regional/local fair housing enforcement organization that will conduct testing and other fair housing enforcement-related activities.

2. Projects aimed solely at research or data gathering are not eligible activities.

If a successful application contains research and related activities, only the eligible portions of the application will be funded. In addition, proposed surveys must be approved by HUD and the OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act before the application submission, or the activity is deemed ineligible.

3. Project Beneficiary Requirements

a. Broad Based and Full-Service Project You must demonstrate in your application that you will run a broad-based and full-service project (as defined under Appendix I.B., Program definitions). If you have income or other restrictions for services, you must identify the restriction(s), and describe how individuals who fall outside the restrictions will be equally served.

b. Fair Housing Act Protected Classes Your project must address all types of housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin and further the Fair Housing Act. Your services and activities must reflect your organization’s commitment to enforce fair housing laws on behalf of all protected classes.

4. Budget Requirements & Restrictions

a. Training Funds Your proposed budget must set aside exactly $7,500 annually to participate in HUD sponsored mandatory or approved training, to include but is not limited to training related to appraisal and/or algorithmic bias and housing discrimination resulting from criminal records policies when such discrimination may violate the Fair Housing Act and/or substantially equivalent state or local fair housing laws. Under the FHOI-ENOC component, the proposed budget must set aside exactly $7,500 annually for the sponsored organization for a 36-month duration subject to availability of appropriations. The sponsoring organization will not receive training funds under this FHOI-ENOC.

If you awarded more than one FHIP grant (e.g., FHOI-ENOC and EOI), HUD reserves the right to examine the requested training needs. If additional training funds are not needed, HUD reserves the right to transfer funds back to fair housing activities during negotiations.

Failure to use the funds for training and/or fair housing activities will result in the funds being returned to the Department.

However, if you are selected for more than two awards, you will not be permitted to set aside more than $15,000 per year during the grant period of performance for training purposes. Any amount in excess of $15,000 per annum for a single grantee for training purposes as a result of multiple awards will be reduced by the GTR/GTM during negotiations, and the excess

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Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

III. Program Description FR-6900-N-21-B Page 18 of 74 funds transferred back to fair housing activities. In addition, the $7,500 training funds set aside must either be expended, or the grantee must have a clearly established plan to expend the funds, by the end of the third quarter of the grant period of performance. HUD reserves the right to require the return to Treasury of any training funds not expended or subject to a clearly established plan for expenditure by the third quarter of the grant period of performance.

b. Ineligible Activities. An applicant will not receive funding if more than 50% of their proposed activities are not eligible activities.

c. Suits Against the United States. Cannot have used FHIP funds to pay expenses for a lawsuit against the United States in the past three years. 24 CFR §125.104(f).

d. Other Litigation. Cannot propose to use funds under this NOFO application, or have used HUD funds to fund or support the settlement of a claim, satisfy a judgment, or fulfill a court order in any defensive litigation within the last 3 years. 42 U.S.C. §3616a(i).

IV. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND

FORMAT

IV. Application Contents and Forms

A. Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications

B. Budget

C. Narratives and Non-Form Attachments

D. Other Application Content

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

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Format

V. Application Review

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Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

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VIII. Contact and

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IV. Application Contents and Format FR-6900-N-21-B Page 20 of 74

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.

Per rating factor, ten pages is the total maximum length of all narratives.

Double 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.

Rating Factors 1, 2 and 4 are limited to 10 pages each. Rating Factor 3 does not have a page limit.

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 Required with the application 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 https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/CFO/images/Standard-Application-Forms.pdf

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IV. Application Contents and Format FR-6900-N-21-B Page 21 of 74

Forms/Assurances/ Certifications Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Disclosure/Update Report

(HUD 2880)

File name: HUD-2880

Certification Regarding Lobbying

If applicable, required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: Lobbying Certification form

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: SF-LLL

Certification for a Drug-Free Workplace (HUD-50070)

If applicable, required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: HUD-50070

Certification of Consistency with Promise Zone Goals and Implementation (HUD-50153)

If applicable, required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: HUD-50153 Form location: download instructions

Certification for Opportunity Zone Preference Points (HUD 2996)

If applicable, required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: HUD-2996 Form location:

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 also submit form HUD-426, based on the requirements in Section III.E. of this

NOFO.

Budget Form/Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Grant Application Detailed Budget Worksheet (HUD-424-

CBW)

Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: HUD-424CBW Form location: download instructions

Indirect Cost Information Certification (HUD-426)

If applicable, this document is required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: ICR Doc.

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IV. Application Contents and Format FR-6900-N-21-B Page 22 of 74

Budget Form/Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description and after award Form location: download instructions

Inconsistencies in the Requested Amount or Miscalculations. If your application has inconsistent funding requests or miscalculations, the amount stated on the SF-424 will be deemed the controlling amount for purposes of determining the funding amount if selected for an award.

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.

Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Response to Rating Factors Required with the application See Section V.B File name:

Minority Serving Institutions Preference Points – Documentation

If applicable, this document is required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: HBCU Doc

HBCU Preference Points – Documentation

If applicable, this document is required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: HBCU Doc

Nonprofit Status – Documentation

If applicable, this document is required with the application

Page limit: Not applicalbe File Name: Code Acceptable Content

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

Project Abstract Required with the application Use Appendix C format to submit (note character limits).

Statement of Work Chart Required with the application Appendix A

FHOI Applicant Certification Required with the application Appendix B https://grants.gov https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/grants-code-of-conduct https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/grants-code-of-conduct https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/conductgrants

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IV. Application Contents and Format FR-6900-N-21-B Page 23 of 74

For FHOI-ENOC ONLY, your application must outline the agreement between the sponsoring organization and the sponsored organization and the amount of administrative expenses, if any, the sponsoring organization will receive.

D. Other Application Content Successful applicants must provide current valid proof of not for profit status, and must complete all statement of work tasks agreed upon in negotiations.

If more than 50% of the activities proposed in your application are not fair housing activities, the application is not eligible for review.

V. APPLICATION REVIEW

INFORMATION

V. Application Review Information

A. Threshold Review

B. Merit Review

C. Risk Review

D. Selection Process

E. Award Notices

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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. Applications from ineligible applicants are not rated or ranked and will not receive HUD funding.

2. Resolution of Civil Rights Matters Applicants with outstanding, unresolved judgments against them for violations of civil rights laws must resolve those judgments before the application submission deadline or the applicant will be deemed ineligible.

a. An applicant is ineligible for funding if the applicant has received notice of a judgment imposed against them for violations of:

1. the Fair Housing Act or a substantially equivalent state or local fair housing law for discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or familial status; or

2. 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, or the Violence Against Women Act or substantially equivalent state or local laws.

b. HUD will determine if actions to resolve the judgment 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; or

5. Current compliance with a final judicial ruling or administrative ruling or decision.

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

4. Ineligible Activities. An applicant will not receive funding if more than 50% of their proposed activities are not eligible activities.

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5. Suits Against the United States. Cannot have used FHIP funds to pay expenses for a lawsuit against the United States in the past three years. 24 CFR §125.104(f).

6. Other Litigation. Cannot propose to use funds this NOFO application or have used HUD funds to fund or support the settlement of a claim, satisfy a judgment, or fulfill a court order in any defensive litigation within the last 3 years. 42 U.S.C. §3616a(i).

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

Your application must include a response to the following criteria.

Applicants must provide responses to all four Rating Factors below or points will be deducted. The maximum number of Rating Factor points awarded under this NOFO is 100. In addition, applicants may receive a maximum of 4 additional Preference Points if the criteria are met, for a total of 104 possible NOFO points.

Carefully read Application Contents, IV.C., for instructions on how to develop your Narrative Response to these Rating Factors. Each Rating Factor prompt describes the criteria we will use to evaluate your response to that Rating Factor and Sub-Factor. Reviewers will also consider whether your responses are complete, clearly articulated, and well-supported.

We score each Rating Factor independently, so please follow the organization of these Rating Factors.

You may only receive up to 4 total preference points on a single application, provided the criteria are

Criterion Total number of points = 100 or 104 Rating Factor 1

1.1 Description and Expertise of Staff (20)

1.2 Organizational Experience and Capacity (16)

36 points

Rating Factor 2

2.1 Problem Statement (5)

2.2 Rural or urban area focus (2)

2.3 Proposed Solution (8)

2.4 Immediacy of Need (2)

2.5 Application of Funding (2)

19 points

Rating Factor 3

3.1 Proposed Statement of Work and Information

Requirements (16)

3.2 Budget and Cost Estimates (14)

30 points

Rating Factor 4

4.1 Measurement (5)

4.2 Evaluation (10)

15 points

Preference Points

MSI (2)

Promise Zone (2) Opportunity Zone (2)

4 points

Total 104 points

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

Rating Factors Details

Criterion Max points = 100

Rating Factor 1. Capacity of Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience Address the extent to which your organization has the staff experience and organizational capacity necessary to successfully complete the proposed project for the duration of the grant period of performance, including actively maintaining staff, consultants and/or contractors throughout this period.

Independence of Awards. Your application must be independent and capable of being implemented without reliance on other applications, or other grantees(s), including staff sharing protocols of key staff. You may not use the performance (e.g., performance assessment rating or successfully completed activities) of another organization to meet the requirements of Rating Factor 1 You must clearly address the following:

36 max points

1.1 Description and Expertise of Staff - (up to 20 points)

Describe staff experience and expertise to show that the applicant organization will have sufficient and sufficiently qualified staff available to complete the proposed activities.

Describe the organization’s staffing plan including a proposal to add staff (employees) or hire contractors or consultants, if…