Modified IHBG NOFA 7.3.19.pdf

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Public and Indian Housing

Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program--Competitive Grants

FR-6300-N-48

Application Due Date: 08/08/2019

Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program--Competitive Grants

FR-6300-N-48

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Funding Opportunity Description.

II. Award Information.

III. Eligibility.

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 Affecting Eligibility.

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. Administrative, National and Department Policy

Requirements for HUD recipients.

C. Reporting.

D. Debriefing.

VII. Agency Contacts.

VIII. Other Information.

IX. Appendix.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Program Office: Public and Indian Housing Funding Opportunity Title: Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG)

Program--Competitive Grants Announcement Type: Modification Funding Opportunity Number: FR-6300-N-48 Primary CFDA Number: 14.867 Due Date for Applications: 08/08/2019

Overview 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.

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 NOFA: Please direct questions regarding the specific program requirements of this Program Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to the office contact identified in Section VII.

OMB Approval Number(s): 2577-0218

Paperwork Reduction Act.

I. Funding Opportunity Description.

A. Program Description.

1. Purpose.

This Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) announces the availability of Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG)--Competitive Grants.

The IHBG program is authorized under Title I of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996, as amended, (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.) (NAHASDA). Under the program, eligible Indian tribes and tribally-designated housing entities (TDHEs) receive grants to carry out a range of affordable housing activities. Grant funds may be used to develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing in safe and healthy environments on Indian reservations and in other Indian areas, and carry out other affordable housing activities. Grant funds must be used to primarily benefit low-income Indian families.

In the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (Appropriations Acts), Congress provided a total of $200,000,000 for competitive grants to eligible IHBG recipients authorized under NAHASDA in addition to formula-based funding.

This NOFA describes the criteria that HUD will use to award IHBG Competitive grants, and outlines program requirements. Consistent with the Appropriations Acts, HUD intends to transfer $2 million to the Program Office Salaries and Expenses–Public and Indian Housing account for the administration and oversight of grants awarded under this NOFA.

In January 2017, HUD released a study entitled, “Housing Needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives in Tribal Areas: A Report From the Assessment of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Housing Needs.” Among the findings, the study found that tribal households are substantially worse than other U.S. households, with overcrowding in tribal areas being especially severe. The study noted that in the 2013-2015 period alone, 68,000 new units would have been necessary to help eliminate overcrowding and replace physically deteriorating units. Additional information is available at: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/nativ e_american_assessment/home.html

The Department recognizes that this additional IHBG funding provides a rare opportunity to fund strong and viable affordable housing projects in Indian Country. These projects could begin to address the concerns identified in the study.

In accordance with the Appropriations Acts, HUD will give priority to projects that spur construction and rehabilitation, while considering need and administrative capacity. HUD strongly encourages new affordable housing construction projects that will increase the number of housing units available for low-income Indian families and help address the housing shortage in Indian Country. Additionally, HUD encourages housing rehabilitation projects that will increase the useful life of existing affordable housing units and alleviate substandard housing conditions. HUD also encourages necessary affordable housing-related infrastructure projects that will enable future construction or rehabilitation.

While HUD will give funding priority for new construction projects, rehabilitation projects, and related necessary infrastructure projects, applicants may also apply for funding to carry out other eligible activities under NAHASDA.

Finally, Indian tribes and TDHEs that are applying for funding under this NOFA are encouraged to propose projects that are part of a comprehensive plan to address housing conditions in their communities, including overcrowding and physically deteriorating units, as appropriate. Applicants should also engage in long-term planning and ensure that the project being proposed is part of a holistic plan that considers planned future infrastructure development, economic development opportunities, and more.

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/native_american_assessment/home.html https://www.huduser.gov/portal/native_american_assessment/home.html

All applications received through this NOFA and pass application screening and threshold review will be rated. Funds will be awarded in rank order based on the score received on the application submitted under this NOFA, starting with FY 2018 funds and continuing with FY 2019 funds. HUD reserves the right to issue a supplemental or independent NOFA if necessary (e.g., to ensure that all appropriated funds are awarded).

Grantees must comply with the requirements of NAHASDA and 24 CFR part 1000.

The Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) within HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing will administer this program.

2. Changes from Previous NOFA.

Not applicable.

3. Definitions.

a. Standard Definitions

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Regulations. Statutory obligation to affirmatively further the purposes and policies of the Fair Housing Act and guidance promulgated thereunder.

Assurances. By submitting your application, you provide assurances that, if selected to receive an award, you will comply with U.S. statutory and public policy requirements, including, but not limited to civil rights requirements.

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.

Award, as used in this NOFA means a federal grant OR cooperative agreement as specified in Section II.E (Type of Funding Instrument).

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) is a directory of the various Federal listings, projects, services and activities offering financial and non-financial assistance and benefits to the American public. CFDA Number is the unique number assigned to each program, project, service or activity listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA).

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 for more information about the Consolidated Plan and related Annual Action Plan).

Contract means a legal instrument by which a non-Federal entity purchases property or services needed to carry out the project or program under a Federal award. The term as used in this NOFA does not include a legal instrument, even if the non-Federal entity considers it a contract, when the substance of the transaction meets the definition of a Federal award or subaward (See 2 CFR 200.22.)

Contractor means an entity receiving a contract.

Deficiency is information missing or omitted within a submitted application. Deficiencies typically involve 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 Deficiency – Applicants may correct a curable deficiency with timely action.

To be curable the deficiency must:

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

o not influence how an applicant is ranked or scored versus other applicants; and o be remedied within the time frame specified in the notice of deficiency.

Non-Curable Deficiency – An applicant cannot correct a non-curable deficiency 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 identification number assigned to a business or organization by Dun & Bradstreet and provides a means of identifying business entities on a location-specific basis. Requests for a DUNS number can be made by visiting the Online DUNS Request Portal.

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

Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) is a database that has been established to track contractor misconduct and performance.

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 in Grants.gov is required for submission of applications to prospective agencies.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). -The Higher Education Act of 1965 defines historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as "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 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…"

Institution of Higher Education (IHE), has the meaning given at 20 U.S.C. 1001.

Non-Federal Entity means a state, local government, Indian tribe, institution of higher education (IHE), or non-profit organization carrying out a Federal award as a recipient or sub recipient.

Nongovernmental organizations include Non-Federal entities and for-profit entities for the purpose of calculating indirect cost proposals accompanying applications submitted under this

NOFA.

Personally identifiable information (PII) means information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity, either alone or when combined with other personal or identifying information that is linked or linkable to a specific individual. The definition of PII is not anchored to any single category of information or technology. Rather, it requires a case-by-case assessment of the specific risk that an individual can be identified. For more detail, refer to 2

CFR 200.79.

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

Opportunity Zone according to the IRS, is an “economically-distressed community where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment.”

Opportunity Zones are further defined in 26 U.S.C. 1400Z.

Promotores/Promotoras are Spanish-speaking Community Health Workers who work in their communities to reduce barriers to health services and make health care systems more responsive.

Recipient means a non-Federal entity receiving an award directly from HUD to carry out an activity under a HUD program.

Section 3 Business Concern means a business concern: (1) 51 percent or more owned by Section 3 residents; (2) of which at least 30 percent of permanent, full-time employees are currently Section 3 residents, or were Section 3 residents within three years of the date of first employment with the business concern; or (3) provides evidence of a commitment to subcontract over 25 percent of the dollar award of all subcontracts to be awarded to business concerns meeting the qualifications in this definition.

Section 3 Residents means: 1) Public housing residents; or 2) Low and very-low income persons, as defined in 24 CFR 135.5, who live in the metropolitan area or non-metropolitan county where Section 3 covered assistance is expended.

Standard Form 424 (SF-424) means the government-wide forms required to apply for Application for Federal Assistance Programs, required by discretionary Federal grants and other forms of financial assistance programs. Applicants for this Federal assistance program must submit all required forms in the SF-424 Family of forms, including SF-424B. For an application under this notice to be complete, the applicant must sign and submit all required forms in the SF-424 Family.

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 recipient. It does not include payments to a contractor or payments to an individual 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. The legal agreement must contain the subrecipient’s assurance of compliance with program requirements, including but not limited to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements.

Subrecipient means a non-Federal entity receiving a subaward from a pass-through entity to carry out part of a HUD program; but does not include an individual beneficiary of such program. A subrecipient may also receive other Federal awards directly from a Federal awarding agency (including HUD).

System for Award Management (SAM), is an official website of the U.S. government. SAM is a U.S. Government system that consolidated the capabilities of Central Contractor Registry (CCR), Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) and the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). Registration with Sam.gov is required for submission of applications via Grants.gov. You can access the website at Sam.gov There is no cost to use SAM.

Threshold Requirement – Threshold requirements are a type of eligibility requirement.

Threshold requirements must be met for an application to be reviewed; are not curable, except for documentation of applicant eligibility and are listed in Section III.D Threshold Eligibility Requirements. Similarly, there are eligibility requirements under Section III.E, Statutory and Regulatory Requirements Affecting Eligibility.

4. Program Definitions.

The definitions in NAHASDA and in the IHBG program regulations at 24 CFR 1000.10 apply to this program.

Other NAHASDA-eligible activities: For this NOFA, this term refers to the eligible activities found in NAHASDA Section 202, other than new housing construction, rehabilitation, and affordable housing-related infrastructure.

Firm Commitment: This term refers to a letter of commitment, memorandum of understanding, or agreement to participate from an applicant’s partner specifying that it agrees to perform and/or support an activity specified in the application. The firm commitment must demonstrate that the partner has the financial capacity to deliver the resources or skills necessary to implement the proposed activity, either in cash or through in-kind contributions, if HUD awards IHBG competitive funds. Partners that may provide a firm commitment may be the tribal government, a public agency, foundation, or other private party resource provider.

5. Web Resources.

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Regulations Code of Conduct list Do Not Pay Dun & Bradstreet Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System FFATA Subaward Reporting System Grants.gov Healthy Homes Strategic Plan Healthy Housing Reference Manual HUD Funding Opportunities HUD’s Strategic Plan HUD Grants Limited English Proficiency NOFA webcasts Opportunity Zone Procurement of recovered materials Section 3 Business Registry State Point of Contact List System for Award Management (SAM) Uniform Relocation Act – Real Property Acquisition and Relocation Requirements USA Spending

B. Authority.

This program is authorized under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115- 141, approved March 23, 2018), Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (Public Law 116-6, approved February 15, 2019), Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.), and any other authorities that may make additional funds available for award under this NOFA in the future.

II. Award Information.

https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/affh/ https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/conduct http://donotpay.treas.gov/ http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=1&SID=d67b2c9e097a45629d959d63e5e4f297&ty=HTML&h=L&mc=true&r=SECTION&n=se24.1.5_1109 https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/index.action https://www.fsrs.gov/ https://grants.gov https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_13701.PDF https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/publications/books/housing/housing_ref_manual_2012.pdf https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/administration/grants/fundsavail https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/strategicplan2014_2018 https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/limited_english_proficiency_0 https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/multimedia https://www.cdfifund.gov/Pages/Opportunity-Zones.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=91f378a1992b84880fbe5823086278fc&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1322 https://portalapps.hud.gov/Sec3BusReg/BRegistry/What https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/SPOC-Feb.-2018.pdf https://beta.sam.gov/ https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/library/relocation https://www.usaspending.gov/Pages/Default.aspx

A. Available Funds.

Funding of up to $198,000,000 is available through this NOFA.

Additional funds may become available for award under this NOFA, because of HUD's efforts to recapture unused 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 applicable funding restrictions contained in this NOFA.

Funding of $198,000,000 is available through this NOFA for funds appropriated in fiscal years 2018 and 2019. HUD intends to announce awards funding from each fiscal year concurrently.

All applications received through this NOFA that pass the application screening and threshold requirements will be rated and ranked. Funds will be awarded in rank order based on the score received on the application submitted under this NOFA, starting with FY 2018 funds and continuing with FY 2019 funds.

HUD reserves the right to issue a supplemental or independent NOFA if necessary (e.g., to ensure that all appropriated funds are awarded).

B. Number of Awards.

HUD expects to make approximately 80 awards from the funds available under this NOFA.

The number of awards will be based on the number of proposals HUD reviews, approves, and funds.

C. Minimum/Maximum Award Information.

Estimated Total Funding: $198,000,000 Minimum Award Amount: $100,000 Per Project Period Maximum Award Amount: $5,000,000 Per Project Period

D. Period of Performance.

The period of performance and planned draw-downs for any grant awarded under this NOFA must be included in the Implementation Schedule, form HUD-53247, and approved by HUD.

Costs must be incurred during the period of performance identified on the grant award.

Estimated Project Start Date: 01/01/2020 Estimated Project End Date: 12/31/2024 Length of Project Periods: Other Length of Project Periods Explanation of Other: Projects awarded under this NOFA will be limited to 5 years.

E. Type of Funding Instrument.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

III. Eligibility.

A. Eligible Applicants.

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility:

Indian tribes (as defined under section 4(13) of NAHASDA) Tribally designated housing entity (TDHE) (as defined under 4(22) of NAHASDA)

Applications submitted by a TDHE on behalf of an Indian tribe(s) must include a tribal certification(s) authorizing the TDHE to submit an application on behalf of the tribe(s). An Indian tribe that authorizes a TDHE to apply on its behalf may not also submit its own application for funding. Such application will not be evaluated.

B. Ineligible Applicants.

HUD does not award grants to individuals. HUD will not evaluate applications from ineligible applicants.

C. Cost Sharing or Matching.

This Program does not require cost sharing, matching or leveraging.

Cost sharing or mandatory matching is not required under this grant, but applicants are encouraged to leverage other Federal (including IHBG formula funds) and non-Federal sources.

(See Rating Factor 4 of this NOFA.) A Firm Commitment must be submitted for any leverage source including cash or in-kind donations. All leveraging must be secured and used by the end of the grant term. Other Federal sources are only allowed to be used as leveraging if permitted by a program's authorizing statute. Grantees will be required to show evidence that leveraging resources were actually received and used for their intended purposes through quarterly reports as the project proceeds.

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.

Outstanding civil rights matters must be resolved to HUD’s satisfaction prior to grant award, provided that all applicable legal processes have been satisfied.

1. Timely Submission of Applications. – Applications submitted after the deadline stated within this NOFA 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 also Section IV Application and Submission Information, part D. Application Submission Dates and Times.

2. Resolution of Civil Rights Matters Outstanding civil rights matters must be resolved to HUD's satisfaction prior to grant award, provided that all applicable legal processes have been satisfied.

3. Number of Applications and Eligible Activity Project(s) Each eligible applicant may only submit one application under this NOFA. Additionally, the one application may propose one project or multiple projects. Regardless of whether the applicant proposes one or multiple projects with funding under this NOFA, the applicant may not receive a grant that exceeds the maximum $5,000,000 grant ceiling set under this NOFA.

Additionally, if an applicant proposes multiple projects, HUD will evaluate all projects covered in the application together and will not separately score each project proposed.

4. Grant Ceiling If an applicant requests more than the maximum grant amount of $5,000,000 under this NOFA, then the application will not be reviewed. Applicants must clearly document the requested Federal funding amount on line 18a of the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424).

5. Outstanding Audit Findings Applicants subject to the audit reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 200, Subpart F must not have any delinquent audit report submission or any delinquent open HUD-ONAP audit findings pertaining to financial management, accounting, and internal controls during the one-year period immediately preceding the date that the NOFA is published. Delinquent open audit findings are those in which the target date or revised target date has been exceeded. Report submission and the status of audit findings for HUD-ONAP grants will be verified using the Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) at https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/main.aspx and ONAP's Performance Tracking Database (PTD).

Additionally, if HUD discovers that an applicant has delinquent audit findings or significant and material audit findings with target dates or revised target dates that have been exceeded at the https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/main.aspx time that the application is reviewed and evaluated, the application will not be evaluated.

6. Threshold Rating Factors Applicants must receive minimum scores of 15 points for Rating Factor 1-Capacity of the Applicant and 20 points for Rating Factor 3-Soundness of Approach. Applicants who do not meet the minimum score for each of these rating factors will be ineligible to receive a grant under this competition.

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 (click here).

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 Affecting Eligibility.

Applicants awarded a grant under this NOFA are required to comply with all laws, regulations, and program requirements, including IHBG program regulations at 24 CFR part 1000.

Compliance with Fair Housing and Civil Rights Laws. Nondiscrimination requirements are outlined in 24 CFR 1000.12. Actions under NAHASDA by Federally-recognized Indian tribes and their instrumentalities are subject to the requirements of Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, known as the Indian Civil Rights Act, in addition to the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 apply to recipients that are not Federally-recognized Indian tribes and their instrumentalities.

https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps

G. Criteria for Beneficiaries.

The beneficiaries of funds awarded under the IHBG Competitive program are families that meet the criteria of NAHASDA and 24 CFR 1000.104.

IV. Application and Submission Information.

A. Obtaining an Application Package.

Instructions for Applicants.

You must download both the Application Instruction and the Application Package from Grants.gov. You must verify that the CFDA Number and CFDA Description on the first page of the Application Package, and the Funding Opportunity Title and the Funding Opportunity Number match the Program and NOFA to which you are applying.

The Application Package contains the portable document forms (PDFs) available on Grants.gov, such as the SF-424 Family. The Instruction Download contains official copies of the NOFA and forms necessary for a complete application. The Instruction Download may include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and additional documents.

An applicant demonstrating good cause may request a waiver from the requirement for electronic submission. For example, a lack of available Internet access in the geographic area in which your business offices are located. Lack of SAM registration or valid DUNS is not deemed good cause. If you cannot submit your application electronically, you must ask in writing for a waiver of the electronic grant submission requirements. HUD will not grant a waiver if HUD does not receive your written request at least 15 days before the application deadline and if you do not demonstrate good cause. An email request for a waiver sent 15 days before the application is due will also be considered. If HUD waives the requirement, HUD must receive your paper application before the deadline of this NOFA. To request a waiver you must contact:

Director of Grants Management, ONAP Email: IHBGCompetitiveProgram@hud.gov Office of Public and Indian Housing-Office of Native American Programs 451 7th Street SW, Rm. 4108 Washington, DC 20410

B. Content and Form of Application Submission.

You must verify that boxes 11, 12, and 13 on the SF424 match the NOFA for which you are applying. If they do not match, you have downloaded the wrong Application Instruction and Application Package.

mailto:IHBGCompetitiveProgram@hud.gov

Submission of an application that is otherwise sufficient, under the wrong CFDA and Funding Opportunity Number is not a curable deficiency and will result in your application being declared ineligible for funding.

1. Content.

Forms for your package include the forms outlined below:

Additionally, your complete application must include the following narratives and non-form attachments.

See required application components listed in Section IV(B)(2). See below for a list of required content.

2. Format and Form.

Narratives and other attachments to your application must follow the following format guidelines.

Submissions for All Projects: The following information must be submitted by applicants for all types of IHBG competitive projects. Unless otherwise noted as a curable deficiency, if information under this section is not submitted with the application or is submitted incorrectly, then the application will be disqualified and not evaluated. Do not submit third party documents, such as audits, general letters of support, or policies, unless specifically asked to do

so. Unsolicited information will not be used when rating the applications.

a) Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

b) Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (form HUD-2880) ("HUD Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report"). This is a curable deficiency.

c) Implementation Schedule (form HUD-53247) for implementing the project.

d) Cost Summary (form HUD-53246) providing cost information including specific activity costs, administration, planning, and total resources that will be committed to the project, including resources from both Federal and non-Federal sources.

e) Workplan Narrative: Narrative to all five rating factors listed in Section V of this NOFA and are limited to:

1. A maximum of 25 pages (excluding budget forms, worksheets, and rating factor supporting attachments)

2. Double-Spaced

3. Letter-sized paper, 8-1/2 x 11 inches

4. 12-point (minimum) Times New Roman font

5. At least 1-inch margins on all sides

6. While the rating factor response page limit does not include required forms, the applicant must clearly describe and support its responses in the rating factor narrative itself. Any information submitted in response to the Rating Factors beyond the page limit, will not be reviewed.

f) Rating Factor Supporting Attachments: Applicants must provide supporting materials in the appendices. These attachments must directly refer to the specific rating factor narrative to which they pertain. Material provided in the appendices must support rating factor narrative information and will not be used in lieu of information provided in response to the rating factors. Applicants are strongly urged to submit only information that is required and/or requested in the NOFA or relevant to a specific narrative response. All attachments must identify the related rating factor in the page footer by providing the related rating factor number and the page number of the attachment (e.g., Rating Factor 1 Attachment, page 1).

g) Budget Narrative: The application must include a budget narrative separate from the rating factor narrative that details the eligible cost amounts and items for each budget line. The narrative must provide details on eligible activities and all planning and administrative costs (including indirect costs).

h) Certification of Compliance: Each application must include a certification signed by an authorized official of the applicant that provides the following:

1. The applicant certifies that, in carrying out a grant under this NOFA, it will comply with the applicable provisions of Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, and any other applicable federal laws and regulations.

2. The applicant certifies that it will maintain adequate insurance coverage for housing units that are owned and operated or assisted with grant amounts provided under this

NOFA.

3. The applicant certifies that policies are in effect and are available for review by HUD and the public governing the eligibility, admission, and occupancy of families for housing assisted with grant amounts provided under this NOFA.

4. The applicant certifies that policies are in effect and are available for review by HUD and the public governing rents and homebuyer payments charged, including the methods by which such rents or homebuyer payments are determined, for housing assisted with grant amounts provided under this NOFA.

5. The applicant certifies that policies are in effect and are available for review by HUD and the public governing the management and maintenance of housing assisted with grant amounts provided under this NOFA.

6. The applicant certifies that it will comply with section 104(b) of NAHASDA governing labor standards and 24 CFR 1000.16 governing labor standards.

7. The applicant certifies that it will comply with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and

Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (URA) (42 U.S.C. 4601- 4655), the regulations at 49 CFR part 24, and the requirements of 24 CFR 1000.14.

i) Code of Conduct: Applicants must submit their Code of Conduct with the application if it is not listed on HUD's website at: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grant sinfo/conductgrants or if the information on the website has changed.

j) Environmental Review - Expression of Intent: Applicants must include information on whether the tribe plans to assume environmental responsibilities under 24 CFR part 58 or decline to assume environmental responsibilities and request HUD perform the review under 24 CFR part 50, in accordance with 24 CFR 1000.20. Note that an environmental review, all required notifications, and approval of the request for Release of Funds and Certification when applicable under 24 CFR part 58 or HUD's approval of the project or activity under 24 CFR part 50, must be completed before a recipient may commit HUD or non-HUD funds, or take any other choice limiting action, including but not limited to real property acquisition, demolition, disposition, rehabilitation, repair, new construction, site preparation or clearance, ground disturbance, and leasing. Note that an environmental review must be completed before funds are released.

Submissions for Certain Projects/Applicants: The following information (in k, l, m, and n below) must be submitted, as applicable. Unless it is a curable deficiency, if information under this section is not submitted with the application or is submitted incorrectly, then the application will be disqualified and not evaluated.

k) Tribal Certification: If an application is submitted by a TDHE on behalf of a tribe, a tribal certification must be submitted authorizing the TDHE to submit the application. HUD will accept existing Indian Housing Plan (IHP) certifications that state that the tribe has delegated to the TDHE the authority to submit an IHP or application on behalf of the tribe without prior review by the tribe.

l) Indirect Cost Rate: The applicant must submit the following information if it is including indirect costs as part of the budget. (Note: This is a curable deficiency.)

1. If the applicant is using a federally-negotiated indirect cost rate, then the application must clearly state the approved rate and distribution base and include a letter or other documentation from the cognizant agency showing the approved rate.

2. If the applicant has never had an indirect cost rate and wishes to use the de minimis rate, then the application must clearly state the intent to use the de minimis 10 percent of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) in accordance with 2 CFR 200.414(f).

https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/conductgrants https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/conductgrants

m) Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL): This form must be submitted by State-recognized Indian tribes and TDHEs established under State law. (Note: This is a curable deficiency.)

n) Opportunity Zone (OZ) Certification and Supporting Documentation: Applicants proposing projects in an Opportunity Zone community must identify the state, county, and census tract(s) of the opportunity zone(s) in which the activity will be carried out and provide certification to HUD in order to receive preference points. The certification must affirm that the investment is in a qualified OZ and must be signed by an official authorized to certify that the project meets the criteria. This must be submitted as a supporting attachment on the applicant’s letterhead and submitted with the application package. Applicants must also provide supporting documentation showing that the investment is in an Opportunity Zone. To view the list of designated OZs, please see the following link on the U.S. Department of the Treasury website:

https://www.cdfifund.gov/Pages/Opportunity-Zones.aspx

o) Certification of Consistency with Promise Zone Goals and Implementation (HUD- 50153): To receive Promise Zones Preference Points, applicants must submit form HUD 50153, “Certification of Consistency with Promise Zone Goals and Implementation,” signed by the Promise Zone Official authorized to certify the project meets the criteria to receive preference points. To view the list of designated Promise Zones and persons authorized to certify, please see the Promise Zone pages on https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/promise-zones/

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

1. SAM Registration Requirement.

Applicants must be registered with SAM before submitting their application. In addition, applicants must maintain an active SAM registration with current information while they have an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by HUD.

2. DUNS Number Requirement.

Applicants must provide a valid DUNS number, registered and active at SAM, in the application. DUNS numbers may be obtained for free from Dun & Bradstreet.

3. Requirement to Register with Grants.gov.

Anyone planning to submit applications on behalf of an organization must register at Grants.gov and be approved by the EBiz Point of Contact in SAM to submit applications for the organization.

Registration for SAM and Grants.gov is a multi-step process and can take four (4) weeks or longer to complete if data issues arise. Applicants without a valid registration cannot submit an application through Grants.gov. Complete registration instructions and guidance are provided at Grants.gov. See also Section IV.B for necessary form and content information.

https://www.cdfifund.gov/Pages/Opportunity-Zones.aspx https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/promise-zones/ http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

D. Application Submission Dates and Times.

The application deadline is 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern time on 08/08/2019. Applications must be received no later than the deadline.

Submit your application to Grants.gov unless a waiver has been issued allowing you to submit your application in paper form. Instructions for submitting your paper application will be contained in the waiver of electronic submission.

"Received by Grants.gov" means the applicant received a confirmation of receipt and an application tracking number from Grants.gov. Grants.gov then assigns an application tracking number and date-and time-stamps each application upon successful receipt by the Grants.gov system. A submission attempt not resulting in confirmation of receipt and an application tracking number is not considered received by Grants.gov.

Applications received by Grants.gov must be validated by Grants.gov to be received by HUD.

"Validated by Grants.gov" means the application has been accepted and was not rejected with errors. You can track the status of your application by logging into Grants.gov, selecting "Applicants" from the top navigation, and selecting “Track my application” from the dropdown list. If the application status is "rejected with errors,” you must correct the error(s) and resubmit the application before the 24-hour grace period ends. Applications in “rejected with errors” status after the 24-hour grace period expires will not be received by HUD. Visit Grants.gov for a complete description of processing steps after submitting an application.

HUD strongly recommends applications be submitted at least 48 hours before the deadline and during regular business hours to allow enough time to correct errors or overcome other problems.

You can verify the contents of your submitted application to confirm Grants.gov received everything you intended to submit. To verify the contents of your submitted application:

Log in to Grants.gov.

Click the Check Application Status link, which appears under the Grant Applications heading in the Applicant Center page. This will take you to the Check Application Status page.

Enter search criteria and a date range to narrow your search results.

Click the Search button. To review your search results in Microsoft Excel, click the

Export Data button.

Review the Status column.

To view more detailed submission information, click the Details link in the Actions column.

To download the submitted application, click the Download link in the Actions column.

Please make note of the Grants.gov tracking number as it will be needed by the Grants.gov Help Desk if you seek their assistance.

HUD may extend the application deadline for any program if Grants.gov is offline or not available to applicants for at least 24 hours immediately prior to the deadline date, or the system is down for 24 hours or longer and impacts the ability of applicants to cure a submission deficiency within the grace period.

HUD may also extend the application deadline upon request if there is a presidentially-declared disaster in the applicant’s area.

If these events occur, HUD will post a notice on its website establishing the new, extended deadline for the affected applicants. HUD will also include the fact of the extension in the program’s Notice of Funding Awards required to be published in the Federal Register.

In determining whether to grant a request for an extension based on a presidentially-declared disaster, HUD will consider the totality of the circumstances including the date of an applicant’s extension request (how closely it followed the basis for the extension), whether other applicants in the geographic area are similarly affected by the disaster, and how quickly power or services are restored to enable the applicant to submit its application.

PLEASE NOTE: Busy servers, slow processing, large file sizes, improper registration or password issues are not valid circumstances to extend the deadline dates or the grace period.

1. Amending or Resubmitting an Application.

Before the submission deadline, you may amend a validated application through Grants.gov by resubmitting a revised application containing the new or changed material. The resubmitted application must be received and validated by Grants.gov by the applicable deadline.

If HUD receives an original and a revised application for a single proposal, HUD will evaluate only the last submission received by Grants.gov before the deadline.

2. Grace Period for Grants.gov Submissions.

If your application is received by Grants.gov before the deadline, but is rejected with errors, you have a grace period of 24 hours after the application deadline to submit a corrected, received, and validated application through Grants.gov. The date and time stamp on the

Grants.gov system determines the application receipt time. Any application submitted during the grace period not received and validated by Grants.gov will not be considered for funding.

There is no grace period for paper applications.

3. Late Applications.

An application received after the NOFA deadline date that does not meet the Grace Period requirements will be marked late and will not be received by HUD for funding consideration.

Improper or expired registration and password issues are not causes that allow HUD to accept applications after the deadline.

4. Corrections to Deficient Applications.

HUD will not consider information from applicants after the application deadline. HUD may contact the applicant to clarify information submitted prior to the deadline. HUD will uniformly notify applicants of each curable deficiency. A curable deficiency is an error or oversight that, if corrected, it would not alter, in a positive or negative fashion, the review and rating of the application. See curable deficiency in the definitions section (Section I.A.3.). Examples of curable (correctable) deficiencies include inconsistencies in the funding request and failure to submit required certifications. These examples are non-exhaustive.

When HUD identifies a curable deficiency, HUD will notify the authorized representative by email. This email is the official notification of a curable deficiency. Each applicant must provide accurate email addresses for receipt of these notifications and must monitor their email accounts to determine whether a deficiency notification has been received. The applicant must carefully review the request to cure a deficiency and must provide the response in accordance with the instructions contained in the deficiency notification.

Applicants must email corrections of curable deficiencies to applicationsupport@hud.gov within the time limits specified in the notification. The time allowed to correct deficiencies will be no less than 48 hours and no more than 14 calendar days from the date of the email notification. The start of the cure period will be the date stamp on the email sent from HUD. If the deficiency cure deadline date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, Federal holiday, or on a day when HUD’s Headquarters are closed, then the applicant’s correction must be received on the next business day HUD Headquarters offices in Washington, DC are open.

The subject line of the email sent to applicationsupport@hud.gov must state: Technical Cure and include the Grants.gov application tracking number or the GrantSolutions application number (e.g., Subject: Technical Cure - GRANT123456 or Technical Cure - XXXXXXXXXXX). If this information is not included, HUD cannot match the response with the application under review and the application may be rejected due to the deficiency.

Corrections to a paper application must be sent in accordance with and to the address indicated in the notification of deficiency. HUD will treat a paper application submitted in accordance with a waiver of electronic application containing the wrong DUNS number as having a curable deficiency. Failure to correct the deficiency and meet the requirement to have a DUNS number and active registration in SAM will render the application ineligible for funding.

5. Authoritative Versions of HUD NOFAs. The version of these NOFAs as posted on Grants.gov are the official documents HUD uses to solicit applications.

6. Exemptions. Parties that believe the requirements of the NOFA would impose a substantial burden on the exercise of their religion should seek an exemption under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

E. Intergovernmental Review.

This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.

mailto:applicationsupport@hud.gov mailto:applicationsupport@hud.gov

F. Funding Restrictions.

1. Administrative and planning expenses: Consistent with 24 CFR 1000.238, recipients that are awarded a grant under this NOFA in excess of $500,000 may use up to 20 percent of the grant award…