Q&A Week of August 19-23 2024_Final.docx

Low-income Home Rehabilitation Grant Program Solicitation Q&AEnergy Energy

Week of 8/19 through 8/23, 2024:

Q: Flood Hazard mapping and other risk analysis requirements. Would risk analysis be restricted to materials/situations within the scope of the repair, or can it be waived if they are not impacted by the requested repairs?

Answer: Flood hazard mapping or risk analysis will not apply.

Q: Would we be required to test for lead or asbestos hazards for replacing a composition roof?

Answer: Must comply with safe practices when lead or asbestos is relevant. If the scope of work requires further risk assessment related to lead, asbestos, and/or electrical, the agency must follow state and local rules and regulations related to handling asbestos, lead, and electrical inspections.

Q: Lien Recording if any?

Answer: The program will not place any liens on the homeowner's property. Only one lien waiver is required from the contractor when the contractor is fully paid for the services provided.

Q: Are there any Commerce templates available to use for HRGP inspection checklists, owner agreements, etc.?

Answer: Yes, the program will provide and require an inspection form and a client’s agreement to participate in the program. Both forms will be program exhibits.

Q: Minimum grant amounts; if not specifically limited by the contract, can we impose our own limits at the agency level to help prevent frivolous demands?

Answer: The agency must develop a comprehensive scope of work for the client and determine the project’s parameters and feasibility. The program does not require that the agency spend the maximum grant amount on a project, yet expects to achieve measures that address any health, safety and durability of the home.

Q: This NOFA is rural correct?

Answer: This particular solicitation is a Request for Application (RFA) that will accept applications from entities interested in providing home repair services for the 2023-2025 biennium. The Low-Income Home Rehabilitation Grant Program (HRGP) provides funding to low-income households located in rural “non-entitlement” areas to address health, safety, and durability issues in existing housing. The program provides home repair and improvement services to individuals who own and reside permanently in single-family residential structures.

Q: Would Indian Reservations qualify?

Answer: Yes, if the following minimum requirements are met and rehabilitation projects are within rural areas per HUD’s definition:

· The entity has two years of experience in home renovation-related programs such as housing rehabilitation and/or weatherization in the last five years.

· The entity has two years of experience in providing services through low-income programs related to home repair in the last five years.

Q: Does the project currently have any documents/specs? If so, where can I find them?

Answer: The program has a set of guidelines that will be available for review before the solicitation closes. The guidelines will be posted on the following sites:

Washington Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) - https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/webs/ Commerce Website - http://www.commerce.wa.gov/serving-communities/current-opportunities/.

HRGP Website - Home Rehabilitation Grant Program (HRGP) - Washington State Department of Commerce

Q: The RFA states it is open to "other entity that bears the responsibility for rehabilitating residences under this chapter and has been approved by the department." How do organizations gain approval?

Answer: Former entities that participated in the Home Rehabilitation Loan Program (HRLP) are considered approved grantees and eligible to apply for this grant opportunity.

Q: Does (certain agency) have approval to be an authorized rehabilitation agency? If not, is there a process for such a designation?

Answer: To become an authorized rehabilitation agency, entities must apply to RFA No. S23-92402, be selected as an Apparent Successful Applicant, and further contract with Commerce. The process will require that the entity/applicant meet the minimal qualifications related to having experience in home repair and providing services to low-income households in rural areas.

Q: I read through RCW 43.330.480 and found that in definition (5) "Rehabilitation agency" could a maintenance entity be considered as an "Other entity that bears responsibility for rehabilitating residences under this chapter and has been approved by the department?

Answer: No, approved by the department only applies to former entities that participated in the Home Rehabilitation Loan Program.

What I question is at the end, where it says "has been approved by the department". Does this mean, that a maintenance entity would need some sort of pre-approval to be eligible to apply? If so, is this an approval through Washington State Department of Commerce or another agency?

Answer: Please see answer to questions 9 and 10 above.

Also, if in the experience category, an maintenance entity comes up short in experience, working with or providing services, through any limited income programs. Can the maintenance entity have a reasonable explanation for these shortcomings? Can a maintenance entity be considered eligible to submit an application?

Answer: All applicants must meet the following requirements:

· The entity is licensed to do business in Washington or submit a statement of commitment that it will become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) calendar days of being selected as the Apparently Successful Applicant. (except tribal entities)

· The entity has two years of experience in home renovation-related programs such as housing rehabilitation and/or weatherization in the last five years.

· The entity has two years of experience in providing services through low-income programs related to home repair in the last five years.

RFA NO. S23-92402

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