Healthy Homes and Weatherization Cooperation Demonstration NOFO FR-6500-N-62.pdf

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes

HUD FY2021 Healthy Homes and Weatherization Cooperation Demonstration

FR-6500-N-62

08/17/2021

Table of Contents Overview

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Program Description

B. Authority

II. Award Information

A. Available Funds

B. Number of Awards

C. Minimum/Maximum Award Information

D. Period of Performance

E. Type of Funding Instrument

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

B. Ineligible Applicants

C. Cost Sharing or Matching

D. Threshold Eligibility Requirements

E. Statutory and Regulatory Requirements Affecting Eligibility

F. Program-Specific Requirements

G. Criteria for Beneficiaries

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Obtaining an Application Package

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

C. System for Award Management (SAM) and Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number

D. Application Submission Dates and Times

E. Intergovernmental Review

F. Funding Restrictions

G. Other Submission Requirements

V. Application Review Information

A. Review Criteria

B. Review and Selection Process

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

B. Statutory and Administrative, National and Department Requirements for HUD Recipients

C. Reporting

D. Debriefing

VII. Agency Contact(s)

VIII. Other Information

APPENDIX

Program Office:

Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Funding Opportunity Title:

HUD FY2021 Healthy Homes and Weatherization Cooperation Demonstration Funding Opportunity Number:

FR-6500-N-62

Primary CFDA Number:

14.901 Due Date for Applications:

08/17/2021 Overview The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issues this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to invite applications from eligible applicants for the program and purpose described within this NOFO. Prospective applicants should carefully read all instructions in all sections to avoid sending an incomplete or ineligible application. HUD funding is highly competitive. Failure to respond accurately to any submission requirement could result in an incomplete or noncompetitive proposal.

During the selection process HUD is prohibited from disclosing 1) information regarding any applicant’s relative standing, 2) the amount of assistance requested by an applicant, and 3) any information contained in the application. Prior to the application deadline, HUD may not disclose the identity of any applicant or the number of applicants that have applied for assistance.

For Further Information Regarding this NOFO: Please direct questions regarding the specific requirements of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to the office contact identified in Section VII.

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement. The information collection requirements in this notice have been approved by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501- 3520). In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection displays a valid OMB control number. Each NOFO will identify its applicable OMB control number unless its collection of information is excluded from these requirements under 5 CFR part 1320.

OMB Approval Number(s):

2539-0015

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION.

A. Program Description.

1. Purpose HUD through this NOFO is interested in supporting demonstrations in up to 5 communities that provide housing interventions in lower-income households that are conducted jointly through the coordination of HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH)-funded Lead Hazard Reduction Healthy Homes programs (LHR/HH) and programs funded by the U.S.

Department of Energy's (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) to determine whether this coordinated delivery of services achieves cost-effectiveness and better outcomes in improving the safety and energy efficiency of homes. The coordinated assessments and interventions are expected to provide additional benefits to households through the combined mitigation of health and safety hazards and improvements in energy efficiency and comfort. These grants are intended to facilitate the leveraging of assets from both programs and support the exploration of different models of service delivery (e.g., recruitment strategies, partnerships). HUD-funded programs identify and mitigate lead-based paint and other key residential health and safety hazards such as mold and moisture, pest infestation, poor indoor air quality, radon, and injury hazards. The DOE-funded programs conduct energy audits and implement energy conservation measures, while also conducting interventions to improve health and safety (e.g., improved ventilation, installing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors).

a. Goals and Objectives The following are the major goals and objectives of this NOFO:

(1). Demonstrate effective strategies for coordination between Homes (LHR/HH) and Weatherization programs that maximize program efficiencies and benefits to occupants.

(2). Reduce Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) deferrals through coordination with LHR/HH programs.

(3). Demonstrate sustainable models of inter-program cooperation, including data sharing, reporting, and targeting/recruiting clients.

(4). Demonstrate effective models for the sustainable financing of coordinated healthy homes/weatherization interventions.

(5). Support the collection of data to evaluate the housing interventions conducted through inter-program coordination (e.g., program cost efficiencies that can be achieved, improvements in indoor environmental quality, improved health outcomes, additional safety benefits to households).

b. Additional Program Information

HUD’s OLHCHH is making available grant funds to up to 5 communities that are served by both a HUD-funded LHR/HH program and a DOE-funded WAP to demonstrate the potential advantages of the coordination of home intervention services. The two programs are natural allies in that while having distinctly different missions, they both target low-income housing for the purpose of improving both housing quality and the safety and/or comfort of occupants. Leveraging the assets and staff expertise of each program is expected to significantly increase the benefits to the occupants of target homes.

This cooperative program model between LHR/HH and WAP programs is already being implemented by programs in multiple states. For example, the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative promotes the integration of resources from multiple programs, including LHR/HH and WAP programs, to achieve safe and energy-efficient homes, with a focus on disadvantaged populations (https://www.greenandhealthyhomes.org/). One-Touch is another program model that facilitates the creation of healthy and energy-efficient homes by improving coordination between home visiting programs through the use of a common home intake tool and an electronic referral system (https://onetouchhousing.com/). A number of weatherization providers https://www.greenandhealthyhomes.org/ https://onetouchhousing.com/ have also implemented weatherization plus health initiatives, for example, Washington State’s Weatherization Plus Health program provides state support for joint weatherization- healthy housing interventions (https://www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/energy/weatherization-and-energy-efficiency/matchmaker/weatherization-plus-health-wxh/).

Energy conservation measures (ECMs) implemented by WAPs improve the comfort and safety of homes by keeping indoor temperatures within a healthy range (helping to achieve the healthy homes principle of “thermal control) https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/healthy_homes/advhh. Weatherization programs also use grant funds to address some health and safety issues that are related to weatherization work. There is evidence that energy efficiency interventions, in addition to lowering utility consumption, can also improve the health of occupants, likely through better temperature control and improved ventilation. A retrospective evaluation of interventions by local WAP providers was conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory; it found from post-weatherization household surveys that interventions improved the general health of occupants, reduced asthma symptoms, and reduced instances of thermal stress (https://www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/weatherization-national-evaluation). A DOE-sponsored literature review of health benefits of energy efficiency upgrades and green construction was published in 2016 and summarized similar findings from published scientific literature (See: Wilson, J. et al. Home Rx: The health benefits of home performance: A review of the current evidence. December 2016. DOE/EE-1505).

The concept of the voluntary integration of weatherization and healthy homes interventions through program coordination was promoted by DOE using funding from the Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Through this effort, program guidance was developed and in-person regional trainings were held throughout the U.S. https://nchh.org/information-and-evidence/healthy-housing-policy/national/keystone-federal-policy/wx-plus-health/.

HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes administers this program, which is aligned with HUD’s Strategic Plan 2018-2022 and HUD’s 2016-2020 draft Environmental Justice Strategy. The Strategic Plan includes a Strategic Objective to “Remove Lead-Based Paint Hazards and Other Health Risks from Homes.”

This program supports environmental justice, the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people within the target communities regardless of race, color, national origin, disability, or income regarding the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, or policies.

c. HUD Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Programs with the Healthy Homes Supplement:

Since 1993, HUD’s OLHCHH has awarded grants to state and local government agencies to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned rental or owner-occupied housing. The grants target lower-income households living in pre-1978 housing, with a focus on protecting young children (less than age 6) from lead exposure. Starting in 2012, HUD has also made available “Healthy Homes Supplement” funds to Lead Hazard Control Program applicants to identify and mitigate non-lead health and safety hazards (e.g., mold, pests, carbon monoxide, radon, injury, and other hazards).

HUD currently offers three categories of lead hazard control grants: Lead Hazard Reduction grants (open to the largest range of applicants); Highest Lead-Based Paint Abatement Needs https://www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/energy/weatherization-and-energy-efficiency/matchmaker/weatherization-plus-health-wxh/ https://www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/energy/weatherization-and-energy-efficiency/matchmaker/weatherization-plus-health-wxh/ https://www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/energy/weatherization-and-energy-efficiency/matchmaker/weatherization-plus-health-wxh/ https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/healthy_homes/advhh https://www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/weatherization-national-evaluation https://nchh.org/information-and-evidence/healthy-housing-policy/national/keystone-federal-policy/wx-plus-health https://nchh.org/information-and-evidence/healthy-housing-policy/national/keystone-federal-policy/wx-plus-health grants (for jurisdictions with at least 3,500 pre-1940 occupied rental housing units); and High Impact Neighborhoods grants (targets efforts in areas of no more than four contiguous census tracts that contain high concentrations of both pre-1940 housing and low-income families, and for which the prevalence of elevated BLLs are significantly higher than the state average. The High Impact Neighborhoods grant category is not being offered in FY 2021). These LHR/HH grant categories include optional Healthy Homes Supplement funding that can only be used in housing units targeted for lead hazard control interventions.

Income eligibility for housing units under HUD’s Lead Hazard Control Program differs for rental and owner-occupied housing. For rental housing, at least 50% of the units must be occupied by or made available to families with incomes at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI), and the remaining units must be occupied or made available to families with incomes at or below 80% AMI, and in all cases, the landlord must give priority in renting assisted units, for not less than 3 years following the completion of lead abatement activities, to families with a child under the age of six years. Multifamily rental properties (properties with 5 or more units) may have 20% of the units occupied by families with incomes above 80% of AMI. For owner-occupied housing, all units must be the principal residence of families with income at or below 80% AMI, and not less than 90% of the units assisted must be either occupied by a child under the age of six years or be units in which a child under the age of six years spends a significant amount of time (see: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/2014-

01_UNIT_ELIGIBILITY.PDF).

d. DOE Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP):

DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of the homes while improving their health and safety, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, disabled, and children. DOE provides core program funding through formula grants to 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories and Native American tribes. These grantees usually contract with local agencies (often Community Action Agencies) to provide services; over 700 local organizations provide Weatherization services in every U.S. county https://www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/weatherization-assistance-program. WAP programs conduct an analysis of a building’s energy use by conducting an energy audit to help identify cost-effective ECMs (e.g., air sealing of cracks and holes in the building envelope, insulation of attics, heating, or cooling system repairs). ECMs must meet DOE’s savings to investment ratio (SIR) requirement for the cost of an ECM to be allowable (i.e., the SIR must be 1.0 or greater).

The WAP can also implement health and safety measures as long as they address conditions that are necessary to effectively perform weatherization work or which are necessary as a result of weatherization work (e.g., repair/install vent systems, install smoke and or CO detectors, install mechanical ventilation) (see: https://www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/downloads/wpn-17-7-weatherization-health-and-safety-guidance). A WAP can also make incidental repairs that are necessary for the effective performance of ECMs (e.g., repairing roof leaks, repair of windows and doors) (see: https://www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/downloads/wpn-19-5-incidental-repair-measure-guidance). Windows and doors can only be replaced if they meet the SIR requirement as an ECM or as an incidental repair when they meet the definition of an Incidental Repair Measure (IRM) combined with related weatherization measures. WAP programs must sometimes defer work in a dwelling if the condition of the home renders delivering https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/2014-01_UNIT_ELIGIBILITY.PDF https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/2014-01_UNIT_ELIGIBILITY.PDF https://www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/weatherization-assistance-program https://www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/weatherization-assistance-program %20https:/www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/downloads/wpn-17-7-weatherization-health-and-safety-guidance %20https:/www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/downloads/wpn-17-7-weatherization-health-and-safety-guidance https://www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/downloads/wpn-19-5-incidental-repair-measure-guidance https://www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/downloads/wpn-19-5-incidental-repair-measure-guidance weatherization services either unsafe or ineffective. Examples of such conditions include, but are not limited to, significant problems with the structure (e.g., roof) or mechanical systems (e.g., plumbing, electrical), severe moisture or mold problems, and significant lead-based paint hazards.

e. Considerations with respect to inter-program interventions: Program differences such as income and other eligibility requirements can be challenges to WAP and LHR/HH programs interested in conducting combined interventions. For example, HUD LHR/HH grantees are limited to conducting interventions in homes built before 1978 in which one or more lead-based paint hazards have been identified, and which meet requirements for housing or being frequented by young children. However, despite program differences, both LHR/HH and the WAP programs target many of the same housing units and resident populations for home improvements. Grants awarded through this NOFO will test whether efficiently coordinated LHR/HH/WAP program activities create economies overall, such as reduced costs from efficient scheduling of work conducted by the two programs.

It is important that inter-program coordination is conducted in an efficient manner that is convenient to residents and does not significantly extend the relocation period. Also, if ECMs are implemented following completion of LHR/HH interventions, it may be necessary to conduct a final dust-lead clearance of the home.

We know that a considerable number of the homes targeted by WAP are also good candidates for LHR/HH program interventions. WAP staff are trained to recognize visual cues of lead-based paint hazards, test for lead-based paint, and are required to follow EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (RRP) when working in pre-1978 homes. WAP staff is also required to refer potential candidates to a LHR/HH program if lead-based paint hazards are identified. Partnering with LHR/HH program grantees has the potential to reduce deferrals for WAP recipients; if a home meets HUD's LHR/HH program eligibility requirements, lead and Healthy Homes supplement funding could potentially be used to mitigate conditions that cause deferrals.

Another opportunity for inter-program collaboration is through window and door repairs or replacement. Windows and doors coated with lead-based paint can create lead-contaminated dust through friction and can also be a source of moisture intrusion into the home. Windows and door repairs or replacement can also be an allowable ECM if program requirements are met. When funds awarded through this NOFO are used for a home intervention, grantees will be allowed greater flexibility for the replacement of windows and/or doors than under the WAP program, as long as the replacement will improve safety and/or energy conservation, even if the SIR is less than 1.0. However, the grantee will be required to justify why the windows and/or doors are being replaced; adequate justification would be improved energy conservation and/or mitigation of a health and safety hazard (e.g., water leaks, presence of lead-based paint). (Note:

The use of any WAP or LHR/HH program funds in a unit must meet all their respective program requirements).

Another opportunity for inter-program collaboration is the identification and mitigation of elevated radon levels. Radon mitigation is not an allowable health and safety cost for a WAP grantee, and clients must sign an informed consent form regarding radon prior to receiving weatherization services. However, HUD Healthy Homes Supplemental funds can be used for radon testing and mitigation, as can funds awarded through this NOFO.

If LHR/HH and WAP grantees use their funding on any home that is recruited for joint interventions, they will have to meet all the requirements of their HUD and DOE funding. Funds awarded under this Healthy Homes and Weatherization Cooperation Demonstration (HHWCD) NOFO, however, would be granted additional flexibility. For example, assuming sufficient capacity, if no LHR/HH grant funds are being used in a home, a LHR/HH program could use HHWCD funds to cover program costs in homes that do not meet HUD's program requirements such as the age of housing or presence of lead-based paint hazards. Similarly, a WAP program could use HHWCD funds in a home that would normally not meet DOE WAP requirements (e.g., the presence of a mold problem that will normally cause the home to be deferred).

In addition to DOE funding for weatherization, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also awards formula grants to states, territories, and tribal governments through the Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The purpose of LIHEAP is to assist low-income households in meeting their energy needs. LIHEAP funds used for weatherization are limited to 15% of the available funding (or up to 25% with a waiver from HHS); this was estimated at approximately $374 million in Fiscal Year 2017 (see: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/resource/liheap-fact-sheet-0). There is greater flexibility in how LIHEAP funds are spent for energy conservation as compared to DOE WAP funding. Many WAP grantees routinely supplement their DOE WAP funding with LIHEAP funds targeted to support weatherization activities. A recipient under this NOFO and their partners could potentially coordinate the use of HUD, DOE, and LIHEAP funds in a home (i.e., the concept of braiding funding).

A summary of the major requirements and allowances that are applicable to the use of funds awarded under this NOFO is provided in Appendix A. This summary is not exhaustive; the intent is to highlight the requirements that are unique to this NOFO. Applicants should read the entire NOFO to become cognizant of all program requirements.

f. Community Partnerships:

HUD encourages applicants to this NOFO to form partnerships with medical care providers and insurers and other public health entities in the community to leverage funding awarded through this NOFO. Partnering with organizations in the medical sector (e.g., hospitals, federally qualified health centers, Medicaid managed care organizations) can be particularly helpful for identifying clients who could benefit the most from interventions to improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ). For example, the health of children and adults with poorly controlled asthma or adults with COPD can potentially benefit quickly from home interventions that mitigate asthma triggers and respiratory irritants and improve ventilation. Such partnerships may offer an opportunity to identify sources of sustainable funding for future interventions to improve IEQ in housing for low-income families that meet certain conditions.

g. Program Evaluation:

HUD will contract with an organization to perform an evaluation of the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the demonstration programs funded through this NOFO. The evaluation will assess outcomes such as improvements in indoor environmental quality (e.g., reductions in the presence of hazards/unhealthy conditions), improvements in energy efficiency, cost savings from the program model, and improved health outcomes. To evaluate the potential benefits of inter-program coordination under normal conditions, grantees will be required to conduct coordinated https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/resource/liheap-fact-sheet-0 interventions in 15 units without using funds from this NOFO except for costs related to program evaluation activities. To assess the potential health benefits of the interventions, grantees will also be required to conduct coordinated LHR/HH/WAP interventions in at least 20 units that house an occupant with asthma that is not well controlled. HUD will facilitate post-award discussions with the contractor and grantees to help standardize the collection of data needed for the evaluation. Grantees will be asked to participate in structured interviews with the contractor and to respond to survey questions.

h. Addressing Multiple Hazards:

Applicants should also expect to address other significant housing and indoor environmental quality issues identified following a thorough home assessment (e.g., cockroach or rodent infestation, sources of respirable particles and gases such as poor venting of cooking or heating appliances, injury hazards, lead-based paint hazards, etc.). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides links to multiple home assessment tools (see: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead /tools/assessement_tools.htm); the CDC has recently led the development of a home assessment tool specifically for asthma triggers which is based on the best available scientific evidence (see: www.cdc.gov/asthma/public_health.html, www.cdc.gov/asthma/pdfs/home_assess_checklist_P.pdf).

2. Changes from Previous NOFO.

The following is a summary of the major changes in this NOFO relative to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 HHWCD NOFA. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list, so applicants should be sure to read the entire NOFO.

a. Total costs related to the assessment and control of lead-based paint and/or other housing-related hazards were reduced from a single unit maximum of $20,000 to an average of $15,000 per home.

b. The total cost of conducting energy audits and implementing energy conservation measures was reduced from a single unit maximum of $10,000 to an average of $8,000 per home.

c. Based on the changes described in I.A.2.a, and I.A.2.b, the maximum allowable expenditure per home has been reduced from $30,000 to an average of $23,000.

d. The maximum total cost of grant-funded work in a single home cannot exceed $23,000 unless written permission is provided by HUD GTR assigned to the grant.

3. Definitions.

a. Standard Definitions

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH). Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) means taking meaningful actions, in addition to combating discrimination, that overcome patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity based on protected characteristics. Specifically, affirmatively furthering fair housing means taking meaningful actions that, taken together, address significant disparities in housing needs and in access to opportunity, replacing segregated living patterns with truly integrated and balanced living patterns, transforming racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty into areas of opportunity, and fostering and maintaining compliance with civil rights and fair housing laws. The duty to affirmatively further fair housing extends to all of a program participant’s activities and programs relating to housing and urban development.

Assistance Listings means a unique number assigned to identify a Federal Assistance Listing, https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead%20/tools/assessement_tools.htm http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/public_health.html http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/pdfs/home_assess_checklist_P.pdf formerly known as the CFDA Number.

Federal Financial Assistance means assistance that entities received or administer in the form of:

1) Grant;

2. Cooperative agreements (which does not include a cooperative research and development agreement pursuant to the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986, as amended (15 U.S.C. 3710a));

3. Loans;

4. Loan guarantees;

5. Subsidies;

6. Insurance;

7. Food commodities;

8. Direct appropriations;

9. Assessed or voluntary contributions; or

10. Any other financial assistance transaction that authorizes the non-Federal entity's expenditure of Federal funds.

b. Federal Financial Assistancedoes not include:

1. Technical assistance, which provides services in lieu of money; and

2. A transfer of title to federally owned property provided in lieu of money, even if the award is called a grant.

Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) is the person authorized to submit applications on behalf of the organization via Grants.gov. The AOR is authorized by the E-Biz point of contact in the System for Award Management. The AOR is listed in item 21 on the SF- 424.

Consolidated Plan is a document developed by states and local jurisdictions. This plan is completed by engaging in a participatory process to assess their affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions, and to make data-driven, place-based investment decisions with funding from formula grant programs. (See 24 CFR part 91 HUD’s requirements regarding the Consolidated Plan and related Action Plan).

Contract means, for the purpose of Federal financial assistance, a legal instrument by which a recipient or subrecipient purchases property or services needed to carry out the project or program under a Federal award. For additional information on contractor and subrecipient determinations see 2 CFR 200.331.

Contractor means an entity that receives a contract as defined in 2 CFR 200.1.

Deficiency is information missing or omitted within a submitted application. Examples of deficiencies include missing documents, information on a form, or some other type of unsatisfied information requirement (e.g., an unsigned form, unchecked box.). Depending on specific criteria, deficiencies may be either curable or non-curable.

Curable Deficiencies may be corrected by the applicant with timely action. To be curable the deficiency must:

Not be a threshold requirement, except for documentation of applicant eligibility;

Not influence how an applicant is ranked or scored versus other applicants; and

Be remedied within the time frame specified in the notice of deficiency.

Non-Curable Deficiencies cannot be corrected by an applicant after the submission deadline.

Non-curable deficiencies are deficiencies that, if corrected, would change an applicant’s score or rank versus other applicants. Non-curable deficiencies may result in an application being marked ineligible, or otherwise adversely affect an application’s score and final determination.

DUNS Number is the nine-digit Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Number

System identification number assigned to a business or organization by Dun & Bradstreet and provides a means of identifying business entities on a location-specific basis. OMB removed duplicate recipients based on recipient Data Universal Number System (DUNS) numbers, from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). At this time all Federal financial assistance recipients are required to register for DUNS numbers.

E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC) A user registered as an organization applicant who is responsible for the administration and management of grant activities for his or her organization.

The E-Biz POC is likely to be an organization's chief financial officer or authorizing official. The E-Biz POC authorizes representatives of their organization to apply on behalf of the organization (see Standard AOR and Expanded AOR). There can only be one E-Biz POC per DUNS Number.)

Eligibility requirements are mandatory requirements for an application to be eligible for funding.

Federal award, has the meaning, depending on the context, in either paragraph (1) or (2) of this definition:

(1)(i) The Federal financial assistance that a recipient receives directly from a Federal awarding agency or a subrecipient receives indirectly from a pass-through entity, as described in 2 CFR §200.101; or

ii. The cost-reimbursement contract under the Federal Acquisition Regulations that a non- Federal entity receives directly from a Federal awarding agency or indirectly from a pass-through entity, as described in 2 CFR §200.101.

2. The instrument setting forth the terms and conditions. The instrument is the grant agreement, cooperative agreement, other agreement for assistance covered in paragraph

(2) of the definitions of Federal financial assistance in 2 CFR §200.1, or the cost-reimbursement contract awarded under the Federal Acquisition Regulations.

3. Federal award does not include other contracts that a Federal agency uses to buy goods or services from a contractor or a contract to operate Federal Government owned, contractor operated facilities (GOCOs).

4. See also definitions of Federal financial assistance, grant agreement, and cooperative agreement.

Grants.gov is the website serving as the Federal government’s central portal for searching and applying for Federal financial assistance throughout the Federal government. Registration on Grants.gov is required for submission of applications to prospective agencies unless otherwise specified in this NOFO.

Non-Federal Entity (NFE) means a state, local government, Indian tribe, Institution of Higher Education (IHE), or non-profit organization that carries out a Federal award as a recipient or subrecipient.

Opportunity Zone (OZs) are defined in 26 U.S.C. 1400Z-1. In general, OZs are census tracts located in low-income communities where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment.

Point of Contact (POC) is the person who may be contacted with questions about the application submitted by the AOR. The POC is listed in item 8F on the SF-424.

Promise Zones (PZs) are high poverty communities where the federal government partners with local leaders to increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, leverage private investment, reduce violent crime, enhance public health and address other priorities identified by the community.

Recipient means an entity, usually but not limited to non-Federal entities, that receives a Federal award directly from HUD. The term recipient does not include subrecipients or individuals that are beneficiaries of the award.

Small business is defined as a privately-owned corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship that has fewer employees and less annual revenue than a corporation or regular-sized business.

The definition of "small"—in terms of being able to apply for government support and qualify for preferential tax policy—varies by country and industry. The U.S. Small Business Administration defines a small business according to a set of standards based on specific industries.{e-CFR Title 13-Chapter I – Part 121}

Subaward means an award provided by a pass-through entity to a subrecipient for the subrecipient to carry out part of a Federal award received by the pass-through entity. It does not include payments to a contractor or payments to an individual that is a beneficiary of a Federal program. A subaward may be provided through any form of legal agreement, including an agreement that pass-through entity considers a contract.

Subrecipient means an entity, usually but not limited to non-Federal entities, that receives a subaward from a pass-through entity to carry out part of a Federal award but does not include an individual that is a beneficiary of such award. A subrecipient may also be a recipient of other Federal awards directly for a Federal awarding agency.

System for Award Management (SAM) means the Federal Repository into which an entity must provide information required for the conduct of business as a recipient. Registration with SAM is required for submission of applications via Grants.gov. You can access the website athttps://www.sam.gov/SAM/. There is no cost to use SAM.

Threshold Requirements are an eligibility requirement that must be met for an application to be reviewed. Threshold requirements are not curable, except for documentation of applicant eligibility and are listed in Section III.D Threshold Eligibility Requirements. Similarly, there are https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0ff5f0839abff4eec707b4478ed733c6&mc=true&node=pt13.1.121&rgn=div5&se13.1.121_1101 https://www.sam.gov/SAM/ eligibility requirements under Section III.E, Statutory and Regulatory Requirements Affecting Eligibility.

Unique Entity Identifier means the identifier required for SAM registration to uniquely identify business entities.

4. Program Definitions Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs. It causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. These symptoms increase during asthma attacks. Asthma can be controlled by taking medications and avoiding the triggers that can cause an attack. The National Institute of Health has established guidelines for classifying individual cases of asthma as well-controlled, not well controlled, or poorly controlled based on factors such as symptom frequency, lung function, and the degree of interference with normal activities. The release of asthma medical records information is subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Deferral in the context of Weatherization Assistance Program operations, weatherization services are deferred when the condition of a home renders the delivery of the services either unsafe or ineffective (e.g., structural problems such as roof leaks, electrical or plumbing system problems, extensive mold growth, etc.). Weatherization services can be provided if the problems can be resolved, and the home can be made “Weatherization Ready”.

Energy burden is the share or percentage of annual household income that is used to pay annual heating and cooling costs. Data have shown that low-income households have on average an energy burden that is higher than that of other households. This NOFO uses the following DOE definition of “high energy burden” for the Weatherization Assistance Program: a low-income household whose residential energy burden exceeds the median level of energy burden for all low-income households in the state.

Energy Conservation Measure (ECM) –Installation procedure performed by Weatherization Assistance Programs for its anticipated energy savings. Based on DOE’s definition, ECM costs must include all material, labor, and ancillary items and must meet a Savings to Investment Ratio (SIR) of 1.0 or greater to be installed with WAP funds.

Insurance means securing liability insurance for housing-related environmental health and safety hazard evaluation and control activities if the scope of the insurance is restricted to work under this grant.

Lead-Based Paint Inspections/Testing means performing lead dust and, soil/paint-chip testing, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing, lead-based paint inspections, risk assessments, clearance examination, and engineering and architectural activities that are required and in direct support of interim lead hazard control and lead hazard abatement work. Inspections and testing assess eligible housing units constructed prior to 1978 to determine the presence of lead-based paint and/or lead hazards from paint, dust, or soil through the use of the mentioned testing procedures.

Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control means the control or elimination of all lead-based paint hazards identified in housing units and in common areas of multi-family housing through either interim controls or lead-based paint abatement, or a combination of both. For a complete description of interim controls and abatement, see HUD’s 2012 Guidelines.

Savings to Investment Ratio (SIR) – As defined by the DOE, this is the result of dividing the present worth of the lifetime energy cost savings by the total present worth cost of the installed measure, including the discounted rate of the savings and fuel escalation rates. Each ECM must yield a SIR ratio of 1.0 or greater to be included in the package of weatherization measures, and https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/affh/ the total package of weatherization measures must yield a cumulative SIR of 1.0 or greater to be allowable expenditures of WAP funds.

B. Authority.

This NOFO is authorized under sections 501 and 502 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 (12 U.S.C. §§ 1701z-1 and 1701z-2). Funding is provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, approved December 27, 2020 (Public Law 116-260). This program is administered under HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH).

II. Award Information.

A. Available Funds Funding of approximately $ 5,000,000 is available through this NOFO.

Additional funds may become available for award under this NOFO, because of HUD's efforts to recapture funds, use carryover funds, or because of the availability of additional appropriated funds. Use of these funds is subject to statutory constraints. All awards are subject to the funding restrictions contained in this NOFO.

B. Number of Awards.

HUD expects to make approximately 5 awards from the funds available under this NOFO.

For information on the methodology used to make award determinations under this NOFO, please see Section V.B Review and Selection Process below.

C. Minimum/Maximum Award Information Awards will be for $1,000,000 under this Healthy Homes and Weatherization Cooperation Demonstration Grant Program NOFO.

Estimated Total Funding:

$ 5,000,000 Minimum Award Amount:

$ 1,000,000 Per Project Period

Maximum Award Amount:

$ 1,000,000 Per Project Period

D. Period of Performance The start date will be determined during the period of negotiations with successful applicants.

The period of performance cannot exceed 36 months from the time of award. The time of award is the Federal award date which is defined in 2 CFR 200.39 as the date when the Federal award is signed by the authorized official at HUD. The proposed performance period should include adequate time for such project components as the hiring of new staff, the recruitment of project participants and the development of project protocols all of which have been found to delay projects in the past.

Period of performance extensions for delays due to exceptional conditions beyond the grantee's control will be considered for approval by HUD in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.308(d)(2), as applicable, and the OLHCHH Program Guide (see: www.hud.gov/sites/documents/PGI_2013-http://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/PGI_2013-03.PDF

03.PDF).

If requested, determined to be appropriate, and subsequently approved by OLHCHH, grantees will be eligible to receive a single extension of up to 12 months in length.

Estimated Project Start Date:

10/18/2021 Estimated Project End Date:

10/18/2024 Length of Project Periods:

36-month project period and budget period

Length of Periods Explanation of Other:

36-month project period and budget period

E. Type of Funding Instrument.

Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement) Awards will be made as cooperative agreements. Anticipated substantial involvement by HUD staff for cooperative agreements may include, but will not be limited to:

1. Review and suggestion of amendments to the study design, including study objectives;

field sampling plan; data collection methods; sample handling and preparation; and sample and data analysis.

2. Review and provision of technical recommendations in response to quarterly progress reports (e.g., amendments to study design based on preliminary results).

3. Review and provision of technical recommendations on the final study report.

III. Eligibility Information.

A. Eligible Applicants.

01 (County governments)

00 (State governments)

02 (City or township governments)

04 (Special district governments)

06 (Public and State controlled institutions of higher education)

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

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

20 (Private institutions of higher education)

Additional Information on Eligibility http://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/PGI_2013-03.PDF

If the applicant has a current HUD Lead Hazard Control grant and/or DOE Weatherization Assistance Program funding (i.e., a grant or subgrant) it must demonstrate the commitment from the other organization to collaborate in the execution of this grant. (see section III.F.1 for additional details). Similarly, if the applicant is not currently administering either of these programs, commitments from both programs to work in each of the target communities must be demonstrated (see section III.F.1 for additional details).

B. Ineligible Applicants.

1. Individuals

2. Federal Agencies

3. Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

4. Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities

5. Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

* Organizations that received the HUD FY2020 HHWCD grant award are not eligible to apply to the HUD FY2021 HHWCD NOFO.

C. Cost Sharing or Matching.

This Program does not require cost sharing or matching.

D. Threshold Eligibility Requirements.

Applicants who fail to meet any of the following threshold eligibility requirements will be deemed ineligible. Applications from ineligible applicants will not be evaluated.

1. Resolution of Civil Rights Matters. Outstanding civil rights matters must be resolved before the application deadline. Applicants, who after review are confirmed to have civil rights matters unresolved at the application deadline, will be deemed ineligible. Their applications will receive no further review, will not be rated and ranked, and they will not receive funding.

a. Applicants having any of the charges, cause determinations, lawsuits, or letters of findings referenced in subparagraphs (1) – (5) that have not been resolved to HUD’s satisfaction before or on the application deadline date are ineligible for funding. Such matters include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Current compliance with a consent order or consent decree;

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

6. Dismissal of charges.

2. Timely Submission of Applications. Applications submitted after the deadline stated within this NOFO that do not meet the requirements of the grace period policy will be marked late. Late applications are ineligible and will not be considered for funding. See Section IV. D. Application Submission Dates and Times.

E. Statutory and Regulatory Requirements Affecting Eligibility.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants of HUD’s Grants Programs The following requirements affect applicant eligibility. Detailed information on each requirement is posted on HUD’s Funding Opportunities Page.

Active Prime and Sub Recipient registration with SAM.gov Outstanding Delinquent Federal Debts Debarments and/or Suspensions Pre-selection Review of Performance Sufficiency of Financial Management System False Statements Mandatory Disclosure Requirement Prohibition Against Lobbying Activities Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in HUD Programs and Activities

F. Program-Specific Requirements.

a. Applicants must plan on implementing their demonstration programs in communities served by both a HUD Lead Hazard Control Grant funded program with Healthy Homes Supplemental https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps funding and a weatherization program that receives funding originating from the DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program. If an applicant is not a current HUD LHR/HH or DOE WAP grantee, these grantees (or subgrantees in the case of WAPs) must be partners in your application (i.e., these grantees must be partners for each community targeted in your application).

b. To be an applicant or a partner in an application under this NOFO, a LHR/HH program must have a HUD grant that is active until October 1, 2023, or longer. The program must also have at least two years of experience conducting lead hazard control and healthy homes interventions. Also, if the program received a RED designation from HUD for the last Quarterly Report in 2019 (i.e., covering the October – December of 2019) the applicant must describe actions that have been taken to remedy any performance issues that existed at that time (the performance rating for this quarter is being considered because it was the last quarter before the program would have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic).

c. To be a partner in…