Foa_Content_of_FR-6900-N-71-A.pdf

FR-6900-N-71-A

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

Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Fair Housing Initiatives Program - Education and Outreach Initiative - Test Coordinator Training

Table Of Contents FR-6900-N-71-A Page 2 of 69

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-71-A Page 3 of 69

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-71-A .

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 11:59:59pm 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-71-A Page 5 of 69

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 Fair Housing Initiatives Program Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) Test Coordinator Training (TCT) program provides competitive awards to eligible non-profit and other fair housing organizations to support fair housing test coordinator training

Key Facts Opportunity Name:

Fair Housing Initiatives Program - Education and Outreach Initiative - Test Coordinator Training Opportunity Number:

FR-6900-N-71-A

Federal Assistance Listing:

14.416

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-71-A Page 6 of 69 courses in general/basic fair housing testing and advanced/complex fair housing testing. Fair housing testing is a core component of fair housing; it is an investigative tool used to gather evidence of any violations of the Fair Housing Act or other civil rights laws.

Fair housing testing efforts may focus on specific areas of testing. Test coordinators working on these efforts require specialized training to design and coordinate high quality testing programs. Funding provided through this NOFO supports test coordinator training courses in complex testing in the context of real estate sales, mortgage lending, homeowners’ insurance, and in general/basic other testing for violations of Fair Housing Act or substantially equivalent State and local housing laws.

TCT is one of several components under the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), which provides funding to support 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 CA (Cooperative Agreement) Available Funds Funding of approximately $500,000 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.

Number of Awards HUD expects to make approximately 1 awards from the funds available under this NOFO.

Minimum Award Amount: $200,000 Maximum Award Amount: $500,000 Length of Performance Period:

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

The project period and the budget period for projects proposed under this NOFO are 12 to 18 months.

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

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

II. Eligibility FR-6900-N-71-A Page 8 of 69

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.

Eligible entities:

• Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (QFHOs);

• Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (FHOs);

• public or private not-for-profit organizations or institutions representing groups of persons protected under the Fair Housing Act or equivalent State or local laws;

• other public or private entities that are formulating or carrying out programs to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices;

• agencies of State or local governments certified by the Secretary under section 810(f) of the Fair Housing Act; and

• agencies that participate in the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP).

All applicants must complete Appendix B, EOI Eligibility Certification and submit it as a part of their application. An applicant's failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application deadline will disqualify it.

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.

i. Fair Housing Related Activities. All work and costs must have an explicit connection to the Fair Housing Act. See requirement in Eligible Enforcement Activities, III.G.1.

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 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-71-A Page 9 of 69

ii. Projects based solely on research and data gathering are ineligible. If a successful application contains research and other activities, HUD will only fund the eligible portions of the application. You must secure approval of proposed surveys or data gathering from HUD or OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act before the application submission.

iii. Fair Housing Act Protected Classes. Your project must address housing discrimination based on all protected classes. See Project Beneficiary Requirements, III.G.2.

iv. You must submit a separate application for each component and/or initiative that you apply for.

v. Request within Minimum/Maximum Award Limits. The application will be ineligible if the applicant requests funding outside the award limits listed at I.A.2., even if due to miscalculations or inconsistencies in the application.

vi. Cannot receive more than one award under a single component. This restriction includes two organizations with separate EINs that apply for separate funding under a single component but identify more than one of the same direct personnel and/or key staff for both organizations (i.e., key staff sharing). HUD will fund only one organization. This restriction ensures FHIP’s commitment to continued program integrity by eliminating double payments under a single component to an organization or individuals. This restriction includes but is not limited to any organization affiliate, associate, subsidiary, or other organizations that engage in direct personnel and/or key staff sharing protocols. In addition, an organization that is selected to receive an EOI-TCT award may not receive an EOI-NMC award but may receive awards under EOI-G Component, PEI and/or FHOI NOFOs provided the organization meets all requirements.

c. Ineligible Applicants. HUD will not evaluate applications from ineligible applicants, including those that do not meet the threshold review requirements (V.A.), eligible entity requirements (II.A.), and statutory and regulatory requirements (III.A.2).

An applicant that is selected for and receives an award under this EOI-TCT NOFO is not eligible to receive an award under the FY2024 EOI-National Media Campaign (NMC) component.

b. Current or Pending 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organizations If you apply as a nonprofit, your organization must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization or have a 501(c)(3) application pending prior to the application deadline date. And you must maintain 501(c)(3) status throughout the period of performance. Applications must include the IRS report showing 501(c)(3) status or pending application status. See Application Contents, IV.A. Applicants may be required to verify 501(c)(3) status in accordance with 24 CFR 5.109(l).

If your organization has a pending 501(c)(3) application and is selected for an award, your 501(c)(3) application/renewal must be approved prior to release of funding. If the pending application is denied, HUD will rescind award selection.

c. Does not have a parent or affiliate/subsidiary that is also an EOI recipient HUD will not fund an organization if the parent or its affiliate/subsidiary organization has an open grant (previously funded) under the same EOI component (grant period of performance

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Format

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II. Eligibility FR-6900-N-71-A Page 10 of 69 overlaps). Nor will HUD fund both a parent organization and its affiliate/subsidiary organization under this NOFO for the same component.

Also, HUD does 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 organizations, e.g., able to conduct business on an on-going basis without support from parent or its staff to complete proposed program activities and set apart from parent organization.

d. Cannot have received a "poor" rating on its most recent performance assessment on any prior FHIP grant within the past year An organization that received a "poor" rating on its most recent performance assessment report (PAR) on a prior FHIP grant is ineligible to apply for and receive FHIP grants for a period of one (1) year from the date of the "poor" assessment rating.

• 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.

e. (FHAP Agencies Only): Cannot be under suspension or performance improvement plan under 24 CFR 115.201(a) and (b).

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

However, if your application budget includes cost sharing or matching, you are required to provide those funds if selected.

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

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

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

III. Program Description FR-6900-N-71-A Page 12 of 69

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Purpose Congress amended the Fair Housing Act in 1988 to establish the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), which provides 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 overarching purpose of the FHIP Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) is to educate the public and housing providers about their rights and obligations under provisions of fair housing laws. 42 USC § 3616a(d)(1); 24 CFR 125.301(a).

The Test Coordinator Training component (EOI-TCT) is designed to provide a centralized, coordinated effort for the development and implementation of a test coordinator training program for fair housing testing coordinators working for organizations participating in HUD’s FHIP Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) and Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI) to conduct investigations of violations of the Fair Housing Act and equivalent State of local laws.

Training activities must address a variety of testing approaches and structures as well as provide coordinators with the most effective methodologies, technology, and techniques appropriate for productive testing approaches for each testing situation.

Fair housing testing is a core component of fair housing; it is an investigative tool used to gather evidence of any violations of the Fair Housing Act or other civil rights laws. A test is a covert investigation involving one or more persons who take general steps to contact a housing provider to gather information about their housing policies/practices and treatment of prospective applicants, compared with the requirements of fair housing laws. A test may involve comparing how persons similarly situated except for a protected characteristic are being treated. HUD is vigilant about ensuring that the testing performed adheres to investigatory standards so that it yields credible, objective and admissible evidence to aid in the appropriate enforcement of fair housing laws.

Fair housing testing efforts may focus on specific areas of testing. Test coordinators working on these efforts require specialized training to design and coordinate high quality testing programs. This NOFO supports test coordinator training courses in complex testing in the context of real estate sales, mortgage lending, homeowners’ insurance, and in general/basic other testing for violations of Fair Housing Act or substantially equivalent State and local housing laws.

Under a cooperative agreement, HUD will exercise the right to approve, and have substantial involvement in, all proposed deliverables, as well as the Work Plan or Statement of Work (SOW). For grants and cooperative agreements, HUD will conduct monitoring reviews, request quarterly reports, and approve all proposed deliverables as documented in the applicant’s Work Plan or SOW. Most EOI funds are awarded under grant agreements.

However, national funds are awarded under cooperative agreements and remain in Headquarters since the awards have a nationwide impact and therefore require more complex and frequent oversight as well as Departmental approval of deliverables.

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III. Program Description FR-6900-N-71-A Page 13 of 69

B. Goals and Objectives The Education and Outreach Initiative has the following goals:

• Increase compliance with fair housing laws

• Prevent and remedy housing discrimination

• Increase access to housing opportunities

• Educate the public concerning their rights and responsibilities under fair housing laws.

C. Authority FHIP is authorized by the Fair Housing Act, as amended by section 561 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 (42 U.S.C. 3616a). EOI is specially authorized under 42 U.S.C. 3616a(d). The FHIP implementing regulations are found at 24 CFR Part 125 and EOI is outlined at Section 125.301.

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

D. Unallowable Costs Recipients may only use funding awarded under this grant for the specific activities included in the application submitted under this EOI NOFO only. Funded applicants may not co-mingle funds to support other FHIP grant activities.

Additionally, recipients may only use funds for allowable costs, as defined in 2 CFR 200.403 and further detailed in the Terms and Conditions, such as costs necessary and reasonable to carry out eligible activities. See 2 CFR 200 Subpart E for detailed rules on cost principles Please also review Budget Requirements and Restrictions, herein.

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 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.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-71-A Page 14 of 69 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.

Salaries and fringe benefits related to the implementation of the project or program element of the grant agreement are not considered administrative costs. For example, the salaries and fringe benefits for technical staff to conduct work to accomplish specific Fair Housing goals outlined in the program are not administrative costs.

Examples of direct costs usually chargeable to FHIP grants include:

• 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

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III. Program Description FR-6900-N-71-A Page 15 of 69 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 program, Congress made it 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.

Changes to the previously published FY2024 FHIP EOI NOFO FHEO published four FY2024 FHIP NOFOs in September 2024. The NOFOs closed in November 2024. FHEO is re-competing all FY2024 grants. This FY2024 NOFO has been revised to implement current Administration Executive Orders and HUD-wide changes to grantmaking. If you submitted an application in November, please review changes to this NOFO, then revise and resubmit your application

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

• Applicants no 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 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 than before and some information linked externally.

G. Other Information

1. Eligible Activities for Test Coordinator Training (TCT) Projects 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. And materials should have a common theme.

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. Housing Counseling services are not eligible activities for the EOI.

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

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III. Program Description FR-6900-N-71-A Page 16 of 69

All activities must take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful program access and effective communication for all individuals in protected class groups.

Applicants must develop and implement a test coordinator training program for fair housing testing coordinators working for organizations participating in HUD’s FHIP Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) and Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI).

You must propose training activities that address a variety of testing approaches and structures as well as provide coordinators with the most effective methodologies, technology, and techniques appropriate for productive testing approaches for each testing situation, including effective alternative methods for remote testing. Training should address primary differences in testing between regions (e.g., some states do not permit secret recordings).

Activities should also include technical assistance after training is completed, throughout the grant period of performance.

The training must contain both basic and advanced training modules. You must propose a plan to evaluate training quality, impact, and the need for additional or supplemental trainings.

Applicants must propose a strategy to provide test coordinator training on the training topics listed below:

1. General or Basic Test Coordinator Training (rental and sales) – Teach coordinators the principles and applications of testing, including audit testing, complaint-based enforcement testing, and systemic enforcement testing. The proposed training should educate test coordinators on designing tests with the most effective structure and approach (e.g., matched pair phone tests, or a triad of in person buyer tests). Training should include an overview of the history of testing and the housing industry from a national perspective, including how HUD, DOJ, the U.S. Supreme Court, advocates, and non-profits have used testing to further fair housing.

2. Advanced or Complex Test Coordinator Training (lending, insurance, appraisal valuation/bias, discriminatory effects discrimination) – Teach coordinators the principles and applications of testing in mortgage lending, appraisal and algorithmic bias, and homeowners' insurance contexts. In addition, teach coordinators to conduct testing to uncover evidence of discriminatory effects on classes of persons protected under the FHA.

Provide an overview of the mortgage lending, appraisal, and insurance markets, as well as the history of testing in those contexts. Provide testing tools and methods that uncover covert forms of discrimination that result in unjustified effects on protected class groups under the FHA or under a substantially equivalent state or local law. Discuss how testing in these contexts can help identify failures by HUD recipients to align with the jurisdiction’s fair housing obligations under its consolidated plan. Modes of testing should include utilization of a variety of techniques, such as in-person testing, telephone testing, and internet/email testing.

2. 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

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III. Program Description FR-6900-N-71-A Page 17 of 69 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.

3. Budget Requirements & Restrictions

a. 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.

b. Training Funds The applicant's proposed budget must set aside exactly $7,500 annually from grant funds to be utilized to participate in HUD sponsored mandatory or approved training. Grants that have a performance period of 12-18 months are considered 12-month grants for purposes of this requirement. If an applicant is awarded more than one FHIP grant (under more than one component), 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.

If an applicant is a successful grantee for more than two FY2024 awards, the applicant will not be permitted to set aside more than $15,000 per year during the grant period of performance for training purposes. Any designated amount for training more than $15,000 per 12-month period for a single grantee as a result of multiple awards will be reduced by the GTR/GTM during negotiations, and the excess 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.

c. 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 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.

d. Ineligible Activities. An applicant will not receive funding if more than 50% of their

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e. 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).

f. 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).

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

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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.

For each Rating Factor, 10 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.

Other Narratives for Rating Factors 1, 2 and 4 are limited to ten (10) pages per rating factor, except as otherwise specified. There is no page limit for Rating Factor 3.

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. Funding amount on form controls, Applicant and Recipient Assurances and Certifications

(HUD 424-B)

Required with the application Page limit: Not applicable File name: HUD-424B

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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Forms/Assurances/ Certifications Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report

(HUD 2880)

Required with the application Page limit: Not applicable 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 If applicable, this document is Page limit: Not applicable

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Budget Form/Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Certification (HUD-426) required with the application and after award

File name: ICR Doc.

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 applicable 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 See Appendix C for a sample chart.

Statement of Work Chart Required with the application Appendix A 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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Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description

EOI TCT Eligibility Certification Required with the application Appendix B

D. Other Application Content If funded, the grantee is responsible for completing the SOW activities agreed upon within the period of performance agreed upon during negotiations.

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.

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

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.

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

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 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).

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

The maximum number of Narrative points awarded under this NOFO is 100. In addition, a maximum of 4 Preference Points is available if the criteria are met for a maximum of two of the three available preference categories, for a total of 104 available NOFO points.

Minimum Score. To be considered for funding, applications must have a score of at least 75 points from the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP), not including any preference points.

1. Rating Factors 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, Criterion Total number of points = 100 or 104 Rating Factor 1 - Capacity of Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience

1.1 Description and Expertise of Staff

1.2 Organizational Experience and Capacity

36 points

Rating Factor 2 - Need/Distress/Extent of the Problem

2.1 Problem Statement

2.2 Proposed Solution

2.3 Continued Need

19 points

Rating Factor 3 - Soundness of Approach

3.1 Proposed Statement of Work (SOW) and Information

Requirements

3.2 Budget and Cost Estimates

30 points

Rating Factor 4 - Achieving Results and Program Evaluation

4.1 Measurement

4.2 Evaluation

15 points

Preference Points - Promise Zones, Opportunity Zones, Minority Serving Institutions 4 points

Total 104 points

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