Housing Counseling Grant Program NOFO FR-6700-N-30.pdf

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Office of Housing

FY23 NOFO Housing Counseling Training Grant Program

FR-6700-N-30

11/30/2023

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. Obtain an Application Package

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

C. System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

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. Administrative, National and Departmental Policy Requirements and Terms for HUD Applicants and Recipients of Financial Assistance Awards

C. Reporting

D. Debriefing

VII. AGENCY CONTACT(S)

VIII. OTHER INFORMATION

APPENDIX

Program Office:

Office of Housing Funding Opportunity Title:

FY23 NOFO Housing Counseling Training Grant Program Funding Opportunity Number:

FR-6700-N-30

Assistance Listing Number (formerly CFDA Number):

14.316 Due Date for Applications:

11/30/2023

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. You, as a prospective applicant, 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.

In accordance with Title 24 part 4, subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), during the selection process (which includes HUD’s NOFO development and publication and concludes with the award of assistance), HUD is prohibited from disclosing covered selection information.

Examples of impermissible disclosures include: 1) information regarding any applicant’s relative standing; 2) the amount of assistance requested by any 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, direct questions regarding the specific requirements of this NOFO to the agency contact identified in section VII.

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501- 3520) (PRA), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information collection requirements in this NOFO. 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. This NOFO identifies its applicable OMB control number, unless its collection of information is excluded from these requirements under 5 CFR part 1320.

OMB Approval Number(s):

2502-0567

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Program Description

1. Purpose

The purpose of this NOFO assistance is to continue investing in the creation and maintenance of a professional and effective housing counseling industry that is able to meaningfully assist consumers by providing them with the information they need to make informed housing choices and maximize the impact of Federal funding appropriated for HUD’s Housing Counseling Program.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-4/subpart-B https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-5/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-1320?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-5/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-1320?toc=1

Statutory requirements enacted as part of the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) require that individual housing counselors participating in HUD’s Housing Counseling Program shall demonstrate, by written examination, that they are competent in providing counseling in each of the core topics provided at section 106(e)(2) of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (Section 106) (12 U.S.C. 1701x(e)(2)). HUD published the Final Rule implementing Housing Counseling Certification requirements on December 14, 2016, at 81 FR 90632. A revision of the certification timeline was later published in a Final Rule on December 4, 2020, at 85 FR 78230. The 2016 rule implements the statutory requirement that housing counseling required under or provided in connection with all HUD programs must be provided by a HUD-certified counselor employed by a Participating Agency.

HUD requires six (6) Core Topics in which housing counselors need to be trained and competent. These are: Financial Management; Property Maintenance; Home ownership and Tenancy; Fair Housing and other Civil Rights Laws and Requirements; Housing Affordability;

Avoidance of, and responses to, rental and mortgage delinquency and avoidance of eviction and mortgage default.

2. HUD and Program-Specific Goals and Objectives

This NOFO supports HUD’s Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2022-2026 to accomplish HUD’s mission and vision. Each of the five goals in the Strategic Plan include what HUD hopes to accomplish, the strategies to accomplish those objectives, and the indicators of success.

However, of the five goals only those applicable to this NOFO are identified below.

You are expected to align your application to the applicable strategic goals and objectives below.

Use the information in this section to describe in your application the specific goals, objectives, and measures that your project is expected to help accomplish. If your project is selected for funding, you are also expected to establish a plan to track progress related to those goals, objectives, and measures. HUD will monitor compliance with the goals, objectives, and measures in your project.

Applicable Goals and Objectives from HUD’s Strategic Plan

1. Strategic Goal 1: Support Underserved Communities Fortify support for underserved communities and support equitable community development for all people.

2. 1A: Advance Housing Justice Fortify support for vulnerable populations, underserved communities, and Fair Housing enforcement.

3. 1B: Reduce Homelessness Strengthen Federal, State, Tribal, and community implementation of the Housing First approach to reducing the prevalence of homelessness, with the ultimate goal of ending homelessness.

4. 1C: Invest in the Success of Communities Promote equitable community development that generates wealth-building for underserved communities, particularly for communities of color.

5. Strategic Goal 2: Ensure Access to and Increase the Production of Affordable Housing Ensure housing demand is matched by adequate production of new homes and equitable access to housing opportunities for all people.

https://www.hud.gov/HUD-FY22-26-Strategic-Plan-Focus-Areas https://www.hud.gov/HUD-FY22-26-Strategic-Plan-Focus-Areas

6. 2A: Increase the Supply of Housing Enhance HUD's programs that increase the production and supply of housing across the country.

7. 2B: Improve Rental Assistance Improve rental assistance to address the need for affordable housing.

8. Strategic Goal 3: Promote Homeownership Promote homeownership opportunities, equitable access to credit for purchase and improvements, and wealth-building in underserved communities.

9. 3A: Advance Sustainable Homeownership Advance the deployment of tools and capital that put sustainable homeownership within reach.

10. 3A � Major Initiative: Expand Homeownership Opportunities Promote financing for innovative ownership models to increase the availability of affordable housing.

11. 3B: Create a More Accessible and Inclusive Housing Finance System Advance new policy, programs, and modernization initiatives that support a more equitable housing finance system. Promote the preservation and creation of affordable housing stock.

12. Strategic Goal 4: Advance Sustainable Communities Advance sustainable communities by strengthening climate resilience and energy efficiency, promoting environmental justice, and recognizing housing's role as essential to health.

13. 4A: Guide Investment in Climate Resilience Invest in climate resilience, energy efficiency, and renewable energy across HUD programs.

14. 4B: Strengthen Environmental Justice Reduce exposure to health risks, environmental hazards, and substandard housing, especially for low-income households and communities of color.

15. 4C: Integrate Health and Housing Advance policies that recognize housing's role as essential to health.

Objectives and Priorities of this TNOFO

The objective and priorities of this TNOFO include, but are not limited to:

1. Distributing Federal financial support to eligible housing counseling agencies to enable them to provide training to housing counselors to provide quality services to consumers.

2. Encouraging housing counselor workforce development through programs designed to prepare students for future careers in housing counseling. These programs can be administered directly by Training NOFO (TNOFO) grantees, or by partnering with institutions of higher education, including but not limited to, Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), or other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).

3. Distributing Federal financial support to eligible housing counseling agencies based on past performance.

4. Supporting Housing Counseling agencies (HCAs) that are in a unique position to help their communities prepare for and recover from a disaster. They can help their clients prepare for disasters by integrating preparedness into their counseling and education activities. Post-disaster, they can use their knowledge of local resources and programs to help clients navigate the complexities of disaster recovery resources and programs.

5. Providing specialized training in specific housing counseling topics to counselors that will need more than general housing counseling training to provide high quality services.

6. Supporting the provision of both basic and specialized topics of housing counseling training including the core topics for housing counselor certification, rental housing counseling, mortgage delinquency and default counseling, housing counselor workforce development, and disaster preparation and recovery to help meet these perceived needs.

7. Providing financial support that will assist HCAs to increase the use of partnerships with local and state-wide organizations to provide additional place-based training on state and local issues.

In addition, this support should result in an increased number of counselor training scholarships.

Funding Opportunity Goals

The goals of this funding opportunity include, but are not limited to:

1. Providing financial support to increase HCAs use of partnerships with local and state-wide organizations to provide additional place-based training on state and local issues, in order to create an increased number of counselor training scholarships.

2. Supporting the provision of both basic and specialized topics of housing counseling training including the core topics for housing counselor certification, rental housing counseling, mortgage delinquency and default counseling, housing counselor workforce development, and disaster preparation and recovery to help meet these perceived needs.

3. Supporting Housing Counseling agencies (HCAs) that are in a unique position to help their communities prepare for and recover from a disaster. This can be done by integrating preparedness into their counseling and education activities. Post-disaster, they can use their knowledge of local resources and programs to help clients navigate the complexities of disaster recovery resources and programs.

4. Encouraging housing counselor workforce development through programs designed to prepare students for future careers in housing counseling. These programs can be administered directly by Training NOFO (TNOFO) grantees, or by partnering with institutions of higher education, including but not limited to, Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), or other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).

3. Changes from Previous NOFO

Transfer from DUNS Number to UEI.

HUD no longer recognizes the Data Universal Number System (DUNS) identifier previously assigned by Dun & Bradstreet to each business or organization. As of April 4, 2022, the Federal government has transitioned from the use of the DUNS Number to the use of the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) assigned by SAM as the primary means of entity identification for Federal awards government-wide.

New or Revised Program Definitions:

Eligible Training Recipients:

1. Counselors and staff employed by housing counseling agencies participating in HUD's Housing Counseling program;

2. Individuals enrolled in workforce development training programs, including military veterans and transitioning service members, administered by the TNOFO grantee.

Individuals must be sponsored by a HUD participating housing counseling agency to qualify; and

3. Additional funds may be available to persons enrolled in a HUD certified housing counselor workforce development program sponsored by the TNOFO grantee and an institution of higher education including, but not limited to, an HBCU, TCU, or other

MSI.

Training Consultant: An added definition for a third-party individual who is contracted to provide training and/or course development.

Training Partners: In addition to government agencies and/or non-profit organizations, these may also include for profit organizations with two years of experience providing housing counselor training. Training Partners that are only providing support services, venues, or other logistical support do not have to meet the two-year experience requirement providing housing counseling training.

New Eligible Activities:

Home Ownership Counseling (from 24 CFR 5.100): Housing counseling related to home ownership and residential mortgage loans when provided in connection with HUD's Housing Counseling Program, or required by or provided in connection with HUD Programs as defined in 24 CFR 5.111. Home ownership counseling is housing counseling that covers the decision to purchase a home, the selection and purchase of a home, issues arising during or affecting the period of ownership of a home (including financing, refinancing, default, and foreclosure, and other financial decisions) and the sale or other disposition of a home.

Resolving or Preventing Mortgage Delinquency or Default: Train counselors on the consequences of default and foreclosure; loss mitigation, budgeting and credit; restructuring debt; importance of paying property taxes; obtaining re-certification for a mortgage subsidy; and establishing reinstatement repayment plans. It may also include assisting clients affected by predatory lending; foreclosure prevention strategies; national emergencies or disasters; and explaining the foreclosure process; impacted by disaster, providing referrals to other sources; and assisting clients with locating alternative housing. This training should include information necessary to obtain an understanding of governmental mortgage insurance and guarantee programs. Furthermore, instruction must be provided on various types of insurance products such as hazard insurance, flood insurance, etc.

Military Veterans Homelessness: Train counselors about the unique aspects of military veterans’ homelessness. Discuss the various social services available for homeless military veterans, including HUD-VASH, which is a collaborative program that pairs HUD's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance with case management and supportive services from the U.S.

Department of Veterans Affairs. This training should include information on how to apply for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Social Security Administration (SSA); and find permanent housing.

Disaster Assistance Counseling in the Response Period: Train counselors to assist clients dealing with post disaster issues and problems in the aftermath of a disaster. Includes post disaster assistance housing counseling and education. It can be group education or one-on-one counseling. Counselors need to understand disaster recovery programs from various agencies such as HUD (Section 8, FHA insured mortgage financing (e.g., Sections 203(h) and 203(k) programs, forbearance, foreclosure and/or eviction moratorium policies), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Small Business Administration (SBA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs), and others. Counselors also need to understand homeowners and flood insurance requirements and policies. Counselors need to be prepared to work with highly stressed clients and staff.

Disaster Counseling Certification: Design, develop, and administer a disaster housing counseling certification program that is designed to prepare counselors to provide disaster housing counseling after local, state or national emergency or disaster. from FEMA support to FEMA disaster teams and facilities as requested. Support can be on-site or virtual. Specialized courses from OHC, FEMA. SBA and other federal agencies should be required for the certification.

Counseling on Energy Efficiency: Train housing counselors about the role of energy efficiency in boosting housing affordability and improving health, safety, and comfort. Discuss how home energy assessments may help counseling clients make informed decisions about energy efficiency activities. Review low and no cost actions and adjustments clients can make to lower energy costs, as well as home maintenance. Discuss programs available for financing energy efficient improvement, including FHA and conventional products.

Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE): Train counselors to understand Racial appraisal bias in home property valuation. This training should include discussions of the strategies to combat appraisal bias, as well as resources counselors can access to support individuals who have been impacted. There should be discussion of how Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP)/Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) organizations and housing counseling agencies (HCAs) can combine efforts to combat appraisal bias. Recommendations and best practices for counseling clients and individuals who have been impacted by appraisal bias should be included.

Marketing Your Agency: Train counselors about the tools and techniques available for successful marketing of agency housing counseling services. OHC marketing strategies and National Awareness campaign should be included.

Dealing with Stress, Trauma, and Mental Health: Train counselors to recognize stress, trauma and the signs of mental health issues and refer clients to the appropriate resources for assistance.

Ethics in Counseling: This training should include the ethical responsibility of housing practitioners and HCAs. Discuss the HUD Housing Counseling Program requirements, standards and policies in detail. Discuss the possible risk of conflict of interest when referring clients to other housing professionals. Trainees should have a clear understanding of the importance of client disclosure forms. Lastly, recognize a framework of critical thinking to navigate through scenarios that may question the ethical portion of housing counseling programs.

Application Charts:

No changes were made to the application charts. The application charts, Form HUD-92910, approved by OMB on November 20, 2020, has an expiration date of November 30, 2023.

Approval will be renewed prior to November 30, 2023

Changes to Rating Factors:

Rating Factor 3:

• Scholarships (RF3,A)- Describe in a narrative the number of scholarships and percentage of the HUD Housing Counseling Program Training grant was spent on travel, lodging, and/or tuition during the FY 2021 Grant Period of October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. If the Applicant did not expend HUD Housing Counseling Program Training grant funds during this time period, provide this information based on the applicant's entire training budget for the same period. If applicable, explain any adjustments made to allocation of scholarships based on changed needs. Also include the number and type of counseling scholarships issued for housing counseling certification, HECM default counseling, Disaster Prevention and Recovery, and scholarships issued to persons enrolled in a HUD-certified Housing Counselor Workforce Development Program sponsored by the TNOFO grantee and an institution of higher education including, but not limited to, an HBCU, TCU or other MSI made available during the grant period of performance July 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022, if applicable.

Proposed Funding Methodology:

Applications that earn a score of seventy-five (75) points or more will receive a base amount, as determined by HUD. The second tier of funding will be based on the total number of HUD scholarships awarded in FY2021 Grant Period of October 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. The third tier of funding will be based on the total number of classes provided for the same period.

The fourth tier of funding will be based on the proposed number of HUD scholarships for institutions of higher education including, but not limited to, an HBCU, TCU or other MSI.

4. Definitions

a. Standard Definitions

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) means taking meaningful actions, in addition to combating discrimination to 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 opportunities, 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 program participant’s activities and programs relating to housing and urban development.

Assistance Listing number refers to the unique number assigned to each Federal assistance program publicly available in the Assistance Listing, which is managed and administered by the General Services Administration. The Assistance Listing number was formerly known as the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number.

Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) is a person authorized to legally bind your organization and submit applications via Grants.gov. The AOR is authorized by the E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC) in the System for Award Management (see E-Biz POC definition).

An AOR may include an Expanded AOR and/or a Standard AOR.

Expanded Authorized Organization Representative is a user in Grants.gov who is authorized by the E-Biz POC to perform the functions of a Standard AOR, initiate and submit applications on behalf of your organization, and is allowed to modify organization-level settings and certifications in Grants.gov.

Standard Authorized Organization Representative is a user in Grants.gov who is authorized by the E-Biz POC to initiate and submit applications in Grants.gov. A Grants.gov user with the Standard AOR role can only submit applications when they are a Participant for that workspace.

Consolidated Plan is the document submitted to HUD that serves as the comprehensive housing affordability strategy, community development plan, and submission for funding under any of the Community Planning and Development formula grant programs (e.g., CDBG, ESG, HOME, and HOPWA). This Plan is prepared in accordance with the process described in 24 CFR part 91.

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 for 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 above and in 2 CFR 200.1.

Cooperative agreement has the same meaning defined at 2 CFR 200.1.

Deficiency, with respect to the making of an application for funding, is information missing or omitted within a submitted application. Examples of deficiencies include missing documents, missing or incomplete information on a form, or some other type of unsatisfied information requirement. Depending on specific criteria, a deficiency may be either Curable or Non-Curable.

A Curable Deficiency is missing or incomplete application information that 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.

A Non-Curable Deficiency is missing or incomplete application information that cannot be corrected by an applicant after the submission deadline. A non-curable deficiency is a https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-91 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-91 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.331 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 deficiency that is a threshold requirement, or a deficiency that, if corrected, would change an applicant’s score or rank versus other applicants. If an application includes a non-curable deficiency, the application may receive an ineligible determination, or the non-curable deficiency may otherwise adversely affect the application’s score and final funding determination.

E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC) is 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 Authorized Organization Representative definition). There can only be one E-Biz POC per unique entity identifier (see definition of Unique Entity Identifier below).

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

Environmental Justice means investing in environmental improvements, remedying past environmental inequities, and otherwise developing, implementing, and enforcing laws and policies in a manner that advances environmental equity and provides meaningful involvement for people and communities that have been environmentally underserved or overburdened, such as Black and Brown communities, indigenous groups, and individuals with disabilities. This definition does not alter the requirements under HUD’s regulations at 24 CFR 58.5(j) and 24 CFR 50.4(l) implementing Executive Order 12898. E.O. 12898 requires a consideration of how federally assisted projects may have disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority and/or low-income populations. For additional information on environmental review compliance, refer to:

https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/environment_energy/regulations.

Equity has the meaning given to that term in Section 2(a) of Executive Order 13985 and means the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.

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

(1)

(a) 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

(b) 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) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-58/subpart-A/section-58.5 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-50/subpart-A/section-50.4 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-50/subpart-A/section-50.4 https://www.archives.gov/files/federal-register/executive-orders/pdf/12898.pdf https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/environment_energy/regulations https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/25/2021-01753/advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government of the definitions of Federal financial assistance in 2 CFR 200.1, and this NOFO, 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 in 2 CFR 200.1.

Federal Financial Assistance has the same meaning defined at 2 CFR 200.1.

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.

Green and Resilient Building Standard means an industry-recognized standard incorporating both:

(1) Certification under (i) Enterprise Green Communities, (ii) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) (New Construction, Homes, Midrise, Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance, or Neighborhood Development), (iii) International Code Council (ICC)-700 National Green Building Standard Green+ Resilience; or the (iv) Living Building Challenge, or (v) a regional standard such as Earth Advantage New Homes; or any other equivalent comprehensive green building program acceptable to HUD; and

(2) Minimum energy efficiency requirements, such as those defined in (i) ENERGY STAR (Certified Homes or Multifamily High-Rise), (ii) DOE Zero Energy Ready Home; (iii) regional or local certifications such as EarthCraft House, EarthCraft Multifamily; Greenpoint Rated New Home, Greenpoint Rated Existing Home (Whole House or Whole Building label); (iv) Passive House Institute Passive Building or EnerPHit certification from the Passive House Institute US (PHIUS), International Passive House Association.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are any historically Black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary of Education to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation. A list of accredited HBCUs can be found at the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) are

(1) a part B institution (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1601);

(2) a Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1101a(5));

(3) a Tribal College or University (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1059c);

(4) an Alaska Native-serving institution or a Native Hawaiian-serving institution (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1059d(b));

(5) a Predominantly Black Institution (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1059e);

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/ https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/ https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title20/pdf/USCODE-2020-title20-chap28-subchapIII-partB-sec1061.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title20/pdf/USCODE-2020-title20-chap28-subchapV-partA-sec1101a.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2015-title20/pdf/USCODE-2015-title20-chap28-subchapIII-partA-sec1059c.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2015-title20/pdf/USCODE-2015-title20-chap28-subchapIII-partA-sec1059d.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title20/pdf/USCODE-2020-title20-chap28-subchapIII-partA-sec1059e.pdf

(6) an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1059g); or

(7) a Native American-serving nontribal institution (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1059f).

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.

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

Racial Equity is the elimination of racial disparities, and is achieved when race can no longer predict opportunities, distribution of resources, or outcomes – particularly for Black and Brown persons, which includes Black, Latino, indigenous, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other persons of color.

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.

Resilience is a community’s ability to minimize damage and recover quickly from extreme events and changing conditions.

Small business is defined as a privately-owned corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship that has fewer employees and less annual revenue than 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. See 13 CFR 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 the 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 from a federal awarding agency.

System for Award Management (SAM) is 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 at https://www.sam.gov/SAM/. There is no cost to use SAM.

Threshold Requirements are eligibility requirements that must be met for an application to be reviewed, rated, and ranked. Threshold requirements are not curable, except for documentation of applicant eligibility, which are listed in Section III.D., Threshold Eligibility Requirements.

Similarly, there are eligibility requirements under Section III.E., Statutory and Regulatory Requirements Affecting Eligibility.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title20/pdf/USCODE-2020-title20-chap28-subchapIII-partA-sec1059g.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title20/pdf/USCODE-2020-title20-chap28-subchapIII-partA-sec1059g.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title20/pdf/USCODE-2020-title20-chap28-subchapIII-partA-sec1059f.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/chapter-I/part-121?toc=1 https://www.sam.gov/SAM/

Underserved Communities has the meaning given to that term in Section 2(b) of Executive Order 13985 and refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as exemplified by the list in the definition of “equity” above.

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) means the identifier assigned by SAM to uniquely identify business entities. As of April 4, 2022, the Federal government has transitioned from the use of the DUNS Number to the use of UEI, as the primary means of entity identification for Federal awards government-wide.

b. Program Definitions.

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies. HUD-approved HCAs are private and public nonprofit organizations that are exempt from taxation under section 501(a) pursuant to section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1996, 26 U.S.C. 501(a) and 501(c), and approved by HUD, in accordance with HUD Handbook 7610.1 REV-5 and 24 CFR Part 214, to provide housing counseling services to clients directly, or through their affiliates or branches, and which meet the requirements set forth in this part.

Eligible Training Recipients:

1. Counselors and staff employed by HCAs participating in HUD’s Housing Counseling Program;

2. Individuals enrolled in workforce development training programs, including veterans and transitioning service members, administered by the TNOFO Grantee. Individuals must be sponsored by a HUD Participating Agency to qualify; and

3. Additional funds may be available to persons enrolled in a HUD-certified Housing Counselor Workforce Development program sponsored by the TNOFO Grantee and an institution of higher education including an HBCU, TCU, or other MSI.

Trainers. Individuals must have been trained in adult education, have practical experience and subject matter expertise in the specific field they are presenting, and have at least two (2) years of experience providing housing counseling training. Multiple trainers can be used for a single course to fulfill these requirements.

Training Consultant. A third-party individual who provides training or course development, or both.

Training Partners. Agencies and organizations that provide training must have at least two (2) years of experience providing housing counseling training. They may be governmental agencies, for-profit or non-profit organizations. Examples of training partners include state housing finance agencies, state, local and tribal government agencies, housing counseling coalitions and networks, housing industry associations, HUD approved housing counseling agencies and other housing industry partners. Agencies and organizations that are simply providing support services, venues, or other logistical support do not have to meet the two-year experience requirement providing housing counseling training. Participation by training partners shall be limited to services procured by Grantees and Sub-grantees.

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

B. Authority HUD's Housing Counseling Program is authorized by Section 106 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701x) and Section 4(g)(3) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3533(g)(3) as amended. The Housing Counseling Program regulations are found at 24 CFR 5.100 and 5.111 and 24 CFR part 214. Additional guidance is provided in the HUD Handbook 7610.1, REV-5. Funding for this NOFO is provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328, approved December 29, 2022).

II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funds Funding of approximately $2,750,000 is available through this NOFO.

Additional funds may become available for award under this NOFO consistent with Section VI.A.2.e., Adjustments to Funding. Use of these funds is subject to statutory constraints. All awards are subject to the funding restrictions contained in this NOFO.

Subject to appropriations, HUD reserves the right to award fiscal year 2024 funds based on this NOFO competition. HUD will use the grant applications received for FY2023 and the corresponding scores and funding methodology to make future awards for FY2024, subject to the availability of appropriations. HUD will contact eligible FY2023 grantees to determine their interest in FY2024 funds, if available.

B. Number of Awards HUD expects to make approximately 6 awards from the funds available under this NOFO.

C. Minimum/Maximum Award Information Estimated Total Funding:

$2,750,000 Minimum Award Amount:

$0 Per Project Period

Maximum Award Amount:

$2,750,000 Per Project Period

D. Period of Performance The initial period of performance for grants awarded under this program will be for a period of twelve (12) months. For planning purposes, Applicants should assume that the period of performance is October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

HUD expects to make approximately six (6) awards from the funds available under this NOFO.

HUD may at its discretion, fund a single organization to deliver the full spectrum of activities eligible for funding, or make multiple awards under this NOFO. HUD also reserves the right to not make any awards.

Estimated Project Start Date:

12/20/2023 Estimated Project End Date:

09/30/2024 Length of Project Periods:

12-month project period and budget period

Length of Periods Explanation of Other:

E. Type of Funding Instrument Funding Instrument Type:

CA (Cooperative Agreement) HUD expects to use a cooperative agreement. All awards will be made on a cost reimbursement basis in accordance with, and subject to, the requirements in 2 CFR Part 200. If an Applicant receives an award, it must comply with and ensure that sub-recipients also comply with the above requirements.

Awards made under a Cooperative Agreement will entail significant HUD involvement including the following items:

• Review and approval of marketing of courses assistance;

• Work plan changes, including increasing the availability of remote training;

• Review and approval of proposed courses, including course materials;

• HUD may provide Grantees with counseling content standards;

• HUD may provide recommendations for course work, training or other activities that address Departmental initiatives and priorities;

• Review and approval of training locations, technology and logistics. HUD reserves the right to review and approve or reject training locations, technology, and logistics as well as the type of training and courses offered including review to ensure appropriate access is provided for persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency

(LEP);

• Review and approval of evaluation instruments and methodology for determining value of courses and impact;

• Identifying functional needs of persons with disabilities or other population groups and outreach techniques; and

• Course audit by HUD staff.

If funds are provided subject to a Cooperative Agreement, HUD may also exercise the right to have substantial involvement by conducting monitoring reviews, requesting quarterly reports, approving all proposed deliverables documented in the Applicant's Work Plan or Statement of Work (SOW), and determining whether the agency meets all certification and assurance requirements.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

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

Additional Information on Eligibility Non-profit organizations, other than institutions of higher education, are eligible to apply.

Applicants must be a public or private non-profit organization and must submit evidence of tax-exempt status under section 501(a) and be an entity described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC (26 U.S.C. 501(a) and (c)(3)). Applicants must have at least two years of experience providing housing counseling training services nationwide to housing counselors employed by housing counseling agencies participating in HUD’s Housing Counseling Program. Applicants are not required to be HUD Approved HCAs.

Applicants may utilize in-house staff, sub-grant recipients, Training Partners (see definition of Training Partners in the instructions for HUD-92910 Chart E and in the definitions section of this NOFO), qualified third-party trainers, and consultants, with requisite experience and capacity.

HUD strongly encourages the partnering by Grantees with State Housing Finance Agencies (SHFA) and other Training Partners. However, only a non-profit organization must be designated as the primary Applicant. This NOFO is structured to encourage agencies to sub-allocate funding to Sub-Grantees or Training Partners or both. Sub-Grantees and Training Partners may include 1) SHFAs; 2) local, county or state governments; or 3) local or state housing coalitions or networks that are public or private non-profit organizations. Sub-Grantees and/or Training Partners in the third category must have Federal tax-exempt status under IRC section 501(a) as an entity described in IRC section 501(c)(3) [(26 U.S.C. 501(a) and (c)(3)).

Applicants for financial assistance must have an active registration in the SAM (www.sam.gov) before submitting an application. In addition, applicants and subgrantees must have a UEI Number. Getting a UEI number and completing SAM registration can take multiple weeks;

therefore, Applicants should start this process or check their status early.

See also Section IV.B for necessary form and content information.

All Applicants, Sub-grantees and/or Training Partners must disclose to HUD the status of active HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG) audits or investigations at the time of the NOFO application submission date. At the time of application submission or thereafter, HUD may determine that Applicants are not eligible for grant funding based on its review of HUD OIG audits and investigations.

Individuals, foreign entities, and sole proprietorship organizations are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement.

Faith-based organizations

(1) Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at 24 CFR 5.109, and subject to the protections and requirements of 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq., HUD will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate against an organization based on the organization's religious character, affiliation, or exercise.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-A/part-5#p-5.109

(2) A faith-based organization that participates in this program will retain its independence and may continue to carry out its mission consistent with religious freedom and conscience protections in Federal law, including the Free Speech and Free Exercise Clauses of the Constitution, 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq., 42 U.S.C. 238n, 42 U.S.C. 18113, 42 U.S.C. 2000e-1(a) and 2000e-2(e), 42 U.S.C. 12113(d), and the Weldon Amendment, among others. Religious accommodations may also be sought under many of these religious freedom and conscience protection laws, particularly under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

(3) A faith-based organization may not use direct financial assistance from HUD to support or engage in any explicitly religious activities except where consistent with the Establishment Clause and any other applicable requirements. Such an organization also may not, in providing services funded by HUD, discriminate against a beneficiary or prospective program beneficiary on the basis of religion, religious belief, a refusal to hold a religious belief, or a refusal to attend or participate in a religious practice.

B. Ineligible Applicants For Profit Entities Indian Tribes (including as Alaska native villages) and their Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHE) Individuals

C. Cost Sharing or Matching This Program does not require cost sharing or matching, but provides points based on leverage as described below.

See Section V.A.1.Rating Factors-RF4.

D. Threshold Eligibility Requirements Applicants who fail to meet any of the…