ROSS FY25 FOA_Content_of_FR-6900-N-05.pdf

FR-6900-N-05

Applications are due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 12/02/2025.

Public and Indian Housing

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator (ROSS-SC) Program – Fiscal Year 2025

Table Of Contents FR-6900-N-05 Page 2 of 84

I. BASIC INFORMATION

A. Summary

B. Agency Contact(s)

II. ELIGIBILITY

A. Eligible Applicants

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Purpose

B. Goals and Objectives

C. Authority

D. Unallowable Costs

E. Indirect Costs

F. Program History

G. Other Information

IV. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

A. Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications 36

B. Budget

C. Narratives and Other Attachments

D. Other Application Content

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Threshold Review

B. Merit Review

C. Risk Review

D. Selection Process

E. Award Notices

VI. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND

DEADLINES

A. Deadlines

B. Submission Methods

C. Other Submissions

D. False Statements

VII. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND

ADMINISTRATION

A. Administrative, National and Departmental Policy

Requirements, and General Terms and Conditions

B. Environmental Requirements

C. Remedies for Noncompliance

D. Reporting

VIII. CONTACT AND SUPPORT

A. Agency Contact

B. Grants.gov

C. SAM.gov

D. Debriefing

E. Applicant Experience Survey

F. Other Online Resources

APPENDIX

Appendix I. Definitions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Before You Begin FR-6900-N-05 Page 3 of 84

If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, register in the appropriate systems now and review the application package. If you are already registered, make sure your registration is active and up-to-date.

SAM.gov Registration You must have an active and up-to-date account with SAM.gov, at the time of application and throughout the life of any award.

To register, go to SAM.gov Entity Registration and click Get Started. From the same page, you can also click on the Entity Registration Checklist for the information you will need to register.

It can take several weeks to register in SAM.gov, so please get started now if you are planning to apply. SAM.gov also provides each organization with a unique entity identifier (UEI). A valid UEI is required to apply for funding.

Grants.gov Registration You must have an active Grants.gov registration. This requires a Login.gov registration as well. See step-by-step instructions at the Grants .gov Quick Start Guide for Applicants. You must apply for funding using Grants.gov, unless HUD has approved your waiver request.

See Section VI.B. Submission Methods.

Find the Application Package Use the Grants Search at Grants.gov and search for opportunity number FR-6900-N-05 . The application package has all the online forms you need to apply. You also need to access the Download Instructions link and review the content before you apply.

If you have other technical difficulties using Grants.gov, access the Support Center on Grants.gov for assistance.

To get updates on changes to this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), click Subscribe from the View Grant Opportunity page for this NOFO on Grants.gov.

Application Deadline Applications are due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 12/02/2025.

HUD Listserv If you are interested in email notices about upcoming funding opportunities, subscribe to HUD’s Funding Opportunities listserv.

Note: To help you find what you need, this NOFO uses internal links. In Adobe Reader, you can go back to where you were by pressing Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) or Command + Left Arrow (Mac) on your keyboard.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/ https://login.gov https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/ https://Grants.gov https://grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/ https://www.hud.gov/subscribe/signup?listname=HUD%20Funding%20Opportunities&list=HUD-FUNDING-OPPORTUNITIES-L https://www.hud.gov/subscribe/signup?listname=HUD%20Funding%20Opportunities&list=HUD-FUNDING-OPPORTUNITIES-L

I. Basic Information

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and Support

Appendix

I. BASIC INFORMATION

I. Basic Information

A. Summary

B. Agency Contact(s)

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

I. Basic Information FR-6900-N-05 Page 5 of 84

I. BASIC INFORMATION See Contact and Support section of this NOFO.

A. Summary Federal Agency Name:

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HUD Program Office:

Public and Indian Housing Announcement Type:

Initial Program Type:

Discretionary Paperwork Reduction Act Information:

2577-0229, 2501-0044, 2501-0034 Due Date for Intergovernmental Review:

See Section VI.C.1.

1. NOFO Summary The Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator (ROSS-SC) program provides competitive awards to public housing authorities (PHAs), resident associations (RAs), multifamily owners, tribes, and tribally-designated housing entities (TDHEs) to assist residents of public and Indian housing in making progress toward self-sufficiency by

Key Facts Opportunity Name:

Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator (ROSS-SC) Program – Fiscal Year 2025 Opportunity Number:

FR-6900-N-05

Federal Assistance Listing:

14.870

Key Dates Application Due Date:

11:59:59 PM Eastern Time on:

12/02/2025 Anticipated Award Date:

03/31/2026 Estimated Performance Period Start Date:

06/01/2026 Estimated Performance Period End Date:

05/31/2029

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

I. Basic Information FR-6900-N-05 Page 6 of 84 addressing, educational, professional, and health-related barriers. Through personalized support and resource connections, the program empowers residents to achieve their personal and professional goals and take meaningful steps toward self-sufficiency. The ROSS-SC program is a place-based initiative that serves the entire resident community, addressing needs at both the individual and community levels. By providing targeted support and resources, the program fosters upward economic mobility, social well-being, and self-sufficiency among residents. To help residents make progress towards self-sufficiency, this NOFO provides grant funding to eligible applicants to hire or maintain a service coordinator who assesses the needs of public and Indian housing residents and links them to training and supportive services. ROSS service coordinators collaborate with residents, public housing agency (PHA) staff, multifamily property owners, tribal entities, local service providers, and other stakeholders to develop local strategies that address resident barriers to self-sufficiency. In addition, the ROSS-SC program plays a critical role in supporting elderly residents and persons with disabilities by connecting them to supportive services that enhance their economic and housing stability. These services may include healthcare coordination, benefits counseling, transportation assistance, financial literacy programs, peer support groups, and independent living support.

2. Funding Details Type of Funding Instrument G (Grant)

Available Funds Funding of approximately $40,000,000 is available through this NOFO.

Additional funds may become available for award. Use of these funds is subject to statutory constraints. All awards are subject to the selection process contained in this NOFO.

Number of Awards HUD expects to make approximately 114 awards from the funds available under this NOFO.

The table below identifies the total amount awarded under the Fiscal Year 2022, 2023, and 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for each funding category.

Appropriation Year

Total Awarded

Number of Awards

Grants to Resident

Associations

Renewal Grants New Grants

2024 $38,389,658 125 $3,169,313 $38,389,658 $0 2023 $39,592,776 143 $2,529,776 $34,103,182 $5,489,594 2022 $31,068,272 114 $1,727,447 $23,100,515 $7,967,757

The following table shows the maximum amount grant based on the number of service coordinators funded.

Per the table below, you must base your request for positions on the number of occupied units in projects to be served. To be eligible for funding, projects included on Part II of the HUD-52768 must have a minimum of 50 occupied units. Note: RAD PBRA and RAD PBV units must have been former public housing units that converted under the RAD program and was previously served by a ROSS-SC to be considered in the occupied unit count.

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

I. Basic Information FR-6900-N-05 Page 7 of 84

To be eligible for funding, projects included on Part II of the HUD-52768 must have a minimum of 50 occupied units. Note: RAD PBRA and RAD PBV units must have been former public housing units that converted under the RAD program and was previously served by a ROSS-SC to be considered in the occupied unit count.

Number of Occupied Units Max # of ROSS-SCs Max Grant 50-1,000 1 $272,250 1,001-2,500 2 $544,500 2,501 or more 3 $816,750 In addition to the guidelines established in the above chart, applicants may apply for one additional ROSS-SC position, not to exceed a maximum of 3 ROSS-SC, if the criteria in Section II are met.

1. Salary Comparability Information: Award amounts will vary depending on the information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the “Social Worker: Other” occupation at the median level in your ZIP Code (www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Wages/find-salary.aspx). If there is no salary information for your ZIP Code in BLS, then HUD will use the median regional or balance of state information. If there is no salary information for your regional or balance of state information in BLS, then HUD will use the median salary information for the United States. You must request funding that is commensurate with your BLS data. NOTE: HUD will consider a salary request to be commensurate if it does not exceed the BLS salary data. You can visit the Career One-Stop for your ZIP code to assist in determining your salary request. If the BLS amount for salary and fringe is sufficient to meet your local request, then you do not need to submit salary comparability information on the HUD 52768 (Part III). However, if you believe that the BLS salary comparison amount is insufficient, then you may submit salary comparability information from three different sources (i.e., employers) to justify your salary and fringe request on the HUD-52768 (Part III). A salary request will be considered commensurate if it does not exceed the average of the three salaries submitted for comparability purposes by more than 10 percent. If you are selected as a ROSS-SC grantee under this NOFO, the Service Coordinator(s) hired must have similar education and qualifications to the comparable positions or professions used to assess whether a salary request is commensurate with local wages.

2. To promote the most efficient, effective, and timely use of ROSS program funds, HUD is implementing the following changes for applicants:

a. Unexpended Balance Threshold: Renewal applicants that have an unexpended balance of 60 percent or more of their FY20, FY21, or FY22 ROSS grant funds by the application deadline are ineligible for funding under the NOFO. In addition, ROSS grantees that received ROSS funding prior to FY20 and have a remaining balance of 40 percent or more of their pre-FY20 ROSS grant(s) are ineligible for funding under this NOFO.

b. Reduced Awards: HUD reserves the right to adjust requested funding amounts downward as determined necessary by HUD, in its sole discretion, based on an applicant's demonstrated financial need, capacity and prior performance and HUD's available resources. In reducing the FY25 award amount, HUD may take into consideration the applicant's award balance, grant term end date, and any grant extension(s) on the FY22 or prior ROSS-SC grants that may have been

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

I. Basic Information FR-6900-N-05 Page 8 of 84 provided, among other factors. See section V for more information.

c. Unexpended Funds: HUD encourages ROSS applicants to expend all FY22 or prior ROSS-SC funds awarded by the end of their grant term. This will avoid any further delays to the start of their FY25 grant since FY25 grantees cannot expend funds from FY22 (or prior) and FY25 ROSS-SC grants at the same time.

Estimated Total Funding:

$40,000,000 Minimum Award Amount:

$0 Maximum Award Amount:

$816,750 Length of Performance Period:

36-month project period and budget period Length of Periods Explanation:

Requests to extend the grant term beyond 36 months must be submitted in writing to ROSS- PIH@hud.gov at least 90 days prior to the end of the grant term. NOTE: Grantees who receive extensions may receive unfavorable evaluations as part of reviews of future ROSS applications. Grant extensions may also affect future award amounts. Requests for grant extensions will be examined closely and are highly discouraged.

B. Agency Contact(s) See Contact and Support section of this NOFO.

II. ELIGIBILITY

II. Eligibility

A. Eligible Applicants

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

II. Eligibility FR-6900-N-05 Page 10 of 84

II. ELIGIBILITY

You are invited to apply if your organization is an eligible entity type and meets the funding conditions included in the NOFO. HUD will review applications from eligible applicants using the criteria in Section V. of this NOFO.

A. Eligible Applicants

1. Eligible Entity Types:

07 (Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)) 08 (Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities) 12 (Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education) 13 (Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education) 25 (Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)) Additional Information on Eligibility Faith-based organizations may apply on the same basis as any other organization. HUD does not engage in any unlawful and improper conduct, policies, or practices that target faith-based organizations.

Individuals are ineligible applicants.

Resident associations (RAs) are eligible to apply. RAs must have either locally incorporated nonprofit status (usually designated by the state) or 501(c)(3) nonprofit status designated by the IRS. See Appendix I for definition of a Resident Association.

Multifamily owners are eligible to apply. Multifamily owners that are applying to serve RAD PBRA residents must be the entity that has the legal right to lease dwelling units in the PBRA project(s) to be served. Property managers are not eligible to apply.

Indian tribes as defined in Section 4(13) of Native American Housing Assistance and Self- Determination Act (NAHASDA) (25 U.S.C. 4103) are eligible to apply. See Appendix I for the definition of an Indian tribe.

Tribally-Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) as defined in section 4(22) of NAHASDA (25 U.S.C. 4103) are also eligible to apply for FY23 ROSS funding. Tribes are reminded that the number of ROSS service coordinator positions they are eligible to apply for is based on the number of occupied units in projects to be served that receive NAHASDA-rental assistance as of the application deadline. See Appendix I for the definition of TDHEs.

2. Restrictions

a. Statutory and Regulatory Requirements Affecting Eligibility You must comply with the current General Statutory and Regulatory Requirements Affecting Eligibility for HUD’s Competitive Programs. HUD will review your eligibility before issuing an award. As part of this review, HUD uses SAM.gov and Department of Treasury data.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/part-5/appendix-Appendix%20A%20to%20Subpart%20A%20of%20Part%205 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/12/2025-02611/eradicating-anti-christian-bias https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/12/2025-02611/eradicating-anti-christian-bias https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/12/2025-02611/eradicating-anti-christian-bias https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/Eligibility-Requirements-Addendum-FY2025.pdf https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/Eligibility-Requirements-Addendum-FY2025.pdf https://sam.gov

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II. Eligibility FR-6900-N-05 Page 11 of 84

b. Application Eligibility Your application is considered for funding if it satisfies the application review requirements in Section V. of this NOFO.

3. Eligible Use of Funds. Funds under this NOFO may only be used for the coordinator's salary and fringe benefits; travel and training expenses; and limited administrative costs including, costs for direct services or for subcontracting for direct services.

• Salary and Fringe Benefits: Funds awarded for salaries and fringe benefits to grantees under this NOFO shall only be used to pay the salary and fringe benefits of the ROSS- SC(s). Funds under this budget line item may not be used for any other purpose than the salary and fringe of the ROSS-SC.

• Training and Travel Related to Professional and/or Program Development: Funds may also be requested to pay for training and travel costs only if related to professional and/or program development of the ROSS service coordinator(s).

• Administrative Costs: Funds awarded to grantees under this NOFO to cover administrative costs and limited funding for direct services may only be used to support the ROSS-SC program. These funds may not be used by a grantee's Central Office Cost Centers to cover other grantee costs.

• The ROSS-SC program is a cost-reimbursable grant which means that costs are reimbursed by HUD after they are incurred.

4. Eligible Occupied Units Type: The following units in projects are eligible to be served and may count towards number of occupied units on the HUD-52768 (Part II) Form. You are required to submit the HUD-52768 Form with your NOFO application.

• Public housing units: Only PHAs, nonprofit organizations (including PHA affiliate/instrumentalities not applying as a multifamily owner), and RAs may include public housing units on the HUD-52768 (Part II) Form to count towards the number of occupied units in project(s) to be served.

• Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Project Based Voucher (PBV): Only PHAs may include RAD PBV units on the HUD-52768 (Part II) Form to count towards the number of occupied units in project(s) to be served. The RAD PBV units must have been former public housing that converted to RAD PBV and once served by a ROSS-

SC.

• Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Project Based Rental Assistance (PBRA):

Only multifamily owners may include RAD PBRA units on HUD-52768 (Part II) Form to count towards the number of occupied units in project(s) to be served. The RAD PBRA units must have been former public housing units that converted to RAD PBV and once served by a ROSS-SC.Please see RAD’s webpage Statute, Notices, Regulations, and Tools and current RAD notice (H 2025-01/PIH 2025- 03 (HA)) for more information.

• Formula Current Assisted Stock Units: Only tribes, TDHEs, tribal RAs, and nonprofit organizations, may include 1937 Act-assisted units developed by Indian housing authorities (Formula Current Assisted Stock, i.e., FAFSA units) on the HUD-52768 https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/cfo/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps/EligibilityRequirements https://www.hud.gov/rad/library/notices https://www.hud.gov/rad/library/notices https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/2025-03pihn.pdf

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

II. Eligibility FR-6900-N-05 Page 12 of 84

(Part II) to count towards the number of occupied units in project(s) to be served.

• NAHASDA Rental Assisted Units: Only tribes, TDHEs, tribal RAs, and nonprofit organizations may include NAHASDA rental assisted units on the HUD-52768 (Part II) to count towards the number of occupied units in projects to be served.

When applying for ROSS grant funds under this NOFO, you should take into consideration any plans to remove public housing units from inventories through one of the public housing “repositioning tools” other than through RAD (e.g., Section 18 Disposition or Section 22 Voluntary Conversion). For non-RAD public housing removals, the ROSS-SC grant might not be able to continue to the extent served residents cease to be eligible participants, and at HUD’s sole discretion, the Department may terminate the grant.

Other housing projects, including but not limited to private housing, federally insured housing, federally subsidized, or federally assisted (i.e., assisted under Section 8, Section 202, Section 811, Section 236), and others are not eligible to participate in ROSS. Please note that you may not apply to serve projects currently being served by FY23 or FY24 ROSS grantees.

5. Eligible ROSS Participants. Participants assisted by ROSS service coordinator must be public housing, RAD PBRA, RAD PBV, or NAHASDA rental assistance residents. RAD PBRA and RAD PBV residents must live in a former public housing project that converted under the RAD program and was previously served by a ROSS service coordinator to be considered an eligible participant. Please see RAD’s webpage Statute, Notices, Regulations, and Tools and current RAD notice (H 2025-01/PIH 2025- 03 (HA)) for more information.

The table below provides further details on eligible participants each applicant type may apply to serve. To the extent that other residents (e.g., Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) participants, non-RAD PBV participants, or non-RAD PBRA residents) live at an assisted project, as may be the case in a Mixed-Finance public housing project, only the public housing residents, RAD PBRA residents, RAD PBV residents, or residents living in projects with NAHASDA rental assistance may be assisted by ROSS service coordinators. However, your ROSS service coordinator should connect residents who are not eligible to participate in ROSS to another service coordinator or case manager within your agency or partner network to ensure all residents have access to the supportive services they need.

Eligible Participants Based on Applicant Type

Applicant Type Eligible to Serve Ineligible to Serve

PHAs

• Public housing residents

• RAD PBV residents (must be a resident of a project with assistance converted from public housing to RAD PBV and the project was formerly served by a

• RAD PBRA residents

• PBRA residents

• Non-RAD PBV residents

• Anyone that is not a public housing or RAD PBV resident https://www.hud.gov/rad/library/notices https://www.hud.gov/rad/library/notices

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

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Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

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II. Eligibility FR-6900-N-05 Page 13 of 84

ROSS-SC)

Public Housing Resident Associations (site-based and non-site-based)

• Public housing residents

• RAD PBRA residents

• PBRA residents

• RAD PBV residents

• PBV residents

• Anyone that is not a public housing resident

Non-profit organizations (including PHA affiliates or instrumentalities) that are not Multifamily Owners

• Public housing residents

• NAHASDA-rental assisted residents

• Formula Current Assisted Stock residents

• RAD PBRA residents

• PBRA residents

• RAD PBV residents

• PBV residents

• Anyone that is not a public housing, Formula Current Assisted Stock, or a NAHASDA-rental assisted resident

Multifamily Owners

• RAD PBRA residents (must be a resident of a project with assistance converted from public housing to RAD PBRA and the project was formerly served by a

ROSS-SC)

• Public housing residents

• Non-RAD PBRA residents

• RAD PBV residents

• PBV residents

• Anyone that is not a RAD PBRA resident

Tribes/TDHEs

• NAHASDA-rental assisted residents

• Formula Current Assisted Stock residents

• Anyone that is not a NAHASDA-rental assisted or a Formula Current Assisted Stock resident

Tribal Resident Associations

• NAHASDA-rental assisted residents

• Formula Current

• Anyone that is not a NAHASDA-rental assisted or a Formula Current Assisted Stock

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

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II. Eligibility FR-6900-N-05 Page 14 of 84

Assisted Stock residents resident

6. Eligible Number of ROSS Service Coordinator Positions. The number of eligible ROSS service coordinator positions is determined by the applicant type and the number of occupied units in the projects to be served as of the application deadline. To be eligible for funding, projects included on Part II of the HUD-52768 must have a minimum of 50 occupied units.

• Eligible Number ROSS Service Coordinator Positions by Applicant Type: Refer to the table below to determine the number of positions you are eligible for based on your applicant type.

Applicant Type Number of ROSS-SCs

PHAs Eligible for up to 3 ROSS-SCs

Tribes/TDHEs Eligible for up to 3 ROSS-SCs

Site Based RAs Eligible for up to 1 ROSS-SC

Non-site based RAs (i.e., city-wide, intermediary, and jurisdiction-wide) applying under the 25% RA set aside Eligible for up to 1 ROSS-SC

Non-site based RAs (i.e., city-wide, intermediary, and jurisdiction-wide) not applying under the 25% RA set aside

Eligible for up to 3 ROSS-SCs

Nonprofit applicants that are not RAs Eligible for up to 3 SCs per application for a maximum of 9 ROSS-SCs

• Eligible Number ROSS Service Coordinator Positions by Occupied Unit Count.

Per the table below, the number of ROSS-SCs you are eligible for is determined by the number of occupied units in projects to be served as of the application deadline of this NOFO. The Inventory Management System/ PIH Information Center (IMS/PIC) will be used to verify the number of occupied units for each project listed on the HUD-52768 (Part II). Note: RAD PBRA and RAD PBV units must have been former public housing units that converted under the RAD program and were previously served by a ROSS- SC to be considered in the occupied unit count.

Number of Occupied Units Max # of ROSS-SCs

50-1,000 1 ROSS-SC

1,001-2,500 2 ROSS-SC

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II. Eligibility FR-6900-N-05 Page 15 of 84

2,501 or more 3 ROSS-SC

7. Eligible Number of Applications by Applicant Type. Refer to the table below, to determine the number of applications you are eligible to submit under this NOFO.

Applicant type Maximum Number of Applications

Renewal or New Applicant Category

PHAs 1 New or Renewal

PHA

Affiliates/Instrumentalities not applying as a Multifamily Owner

New or Renewal

Tribes/TDHEs 1 New or Renewal

Site Based RAs 1 New or Renewal

Non-site-based RAs (i.e., city-wide, intermediary, and jurisdiction-wide) applying under the 25 percent RA set-aside

1 New or Renewal

Non-site-based RAs (i.e., city-wide, intermediary, and jurisdiction-wide) not applying under the 25 percent RA set aside

Up to 3 New or Renewal

Nonprofit applicants that are not RAs, PHA

Affiliates/Instrumentalities, or Multifamily Owners

Up to 3

New or Renewal

Multifamily Owners 1 New

PHAs proposing to serve both public housing and RAD PBV residents must apply under the same application. HUD will use the total occupied unit count of projects included on the HUD- 52768 Form (Part II) to determine the number of ROSS-SCs. If you are a non-profit applicant that is not an RA or a non-site-based RA (not applying under 25 percent designation) and you submit more than one application, each application must be complete in and of itself and each will be evaluated independently. Match commitments must be unique to each application. They must be separate, individualized, and non-duplicated. Applications with

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

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Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

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II. Eligibility FR-6900-N-05 Page 16 of 84 duplicate information including narrative statements and match information, may be considered ineligible for funding.

8. Eligibility of PHA Affiliate or Instrumentality. PHA affiliates or instrumentalities, as defined in Notice PIH 2011-47 (extending Notice PIH 2007-15), that are not applying as a multifamily owner and therefore applying to serve public housing residents, are ineligible for funds under this NOFO if: (1) the PHA they intend to serve is also applying to serve public housing residents, (2) would not be an eligible applicant either because the PHA has a current ROSS grant (funded under the FY23 or FY24 NOFO competition) to serve public housing residents, or (3) because the PHA has a high unexpended balance of a prior ROSS award. If such an entity is eligible to apply and is serving public housing residents, it may only submit one application. Similarly, PHAs are ineligible for funds under this NOFO if their PHA affiliate or instrumentality: (1) is applying for funds to serve public housing residents, (2) would not be an eligible applicant because the PHA affiliate or instrumentality has a current ROSS grant (funded under the FY23 and FY24 NOFO competition) to serve public housing residents, or (3) has a high unexpended balance of a prior ROSS award. Note: PHA Affiliates and instrumentalities that are not applying as a multifamily owner may only serve public housing residents. Additionally, PHA Affiliates and instrumentalities that are not applying as a multifamily owner must either be a locally incorporated nonprofit organization or a federally designated 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit organization by the application deadline of this

NOFO.

9. Eligible Joint Applications: Two or more eligible organizations may collaborate to submit a joint application for proposed grant activities. However, joint applicants must designate a lead applicant. The PHA (or other applicant type) listed first on the SF-424 and HUD-52768 will be considered the lead applicant. In addition, the lead applicant must be registered with Grants.gov and submit the application using the Grants.gov portal. PHAs that submit a joint application with an RA or nonprofit organization (including a PHA Affiliate/Instrumentality that is not applying as a multifamily owner) must only serve public housing residents. Only PHAs joining with another PHA as a joint applicant may serve RAD PBV residents who lived in a former public housing project that converted under the RAD program and was previously served by a ROSS service coordinator to be considered as an eligible participant (with or without also serving public housing residents). Similarly, only a multifamily owner with another multifamily owner as a joint applicant may serve RAD PBRA residents, in accordance with RAD requirements. See current RAD notice (H 2025-01/PIH 2025- 03 (HA)) for further information. All members of a joint application are subject to the requirements of this NOFO and the terms and conditions of the award. Lead applicants must ensure the following conditions are met:

• A letter of support from each joint applicant is included with the ROSS application (see Section V for more information on the letter of support).

• If the joint applicant is a non-profit Organization (including a PHA affiliate/instrumentality that is not applying as a multifamily owner) or RA, it must be either a locally incorporated non-profit organization or a federally designated 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization by the application deadline. By signing the HUD- 52768, the lead applicant certifies that each joint applicants’ non-profit status is in good standing.

https://Grants.gov https://Grants.gov

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In addition, RAs that apply as a joint applicant with a PHA, tribe, TDHE, or non-RA nonprofit organization will not be eligible for the 25 percent set-aside for RAs. Note: Applicants that are part of a joint application may not also submit separate applications as sole applicants under this NOFO.

10. Maximum Number of Service Coordinators per PHA, Tribe, or Multifamily Property:

If multiple applicants apply to serve the same PHA, Tribe/TDHE, or multifamily property and submit applications that, in total, exceed the number of service coordinator positions the entity is eligible to receive funding for—and all applications are deemed eligible—only the application ranked highest during the rating and ranking review will be funded (see Section V.B. for more information on rating and ranking review). If the applicants fall within the same funding category and receive identical scores, HUD will use a lottery to select the grantee (see Appendix I. for more information on lottery details). Applicants are strongly encouraged to coordinate their submissions to avoid exceeding the funding cap.

11. Eligibility of Part-Time Service Coordinators: While HUD expects ROSS-SCs to serve in full-time roles, part-time ROSS-SCs may be retained when appropriate, provided their combined hours are equivalent to one full-time position. Additionally, two or more PHAs may share a full-time ROSS service coordinator if that arrangement best meets the need of the program.

A1. Program Specific Ineligibility

You will be ineligible for merit review if any of the following apply:

Reason for Ineligibility NOFO Section

Does not meet threshold requirements See Section V.

Type of Entity is not eligible See Section II.A.

Does not apply to serve eligible projects See Section II. A.

Proposing to serve less than 50 occupied units See Section II.A.

PHA and PHA affiliate are applying to serve the same PHA See Section II.A.

Does not score minimum of 60 points in Merit Review Rating Factors See Section V. B.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching This Program requires cost sharing or matching, as described below.

1. Twenty-five Percent Match Requirement. You must have match contributions of at least 25 percent of the amount you are requesting for ROSS-SC funding. The purpose of the match is to ensure your ROSS-SC program includes committed partners who are able to https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Cost%20sharing%20or%20matching)

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II. Eligibility FR-6900-N-05 Page 18 of 84 address the assessed needs of residents. You are required to have in place a firmly committed match contribution equivalent to 25 percent of the total grant amount requested in order to be considered for funding. The 25 percent match is a non-curable threshold requirement. The match may be provided as a cash or in-kind donation. Resources/in-kind services that can be committed include: in-kind services provided to the applicant; funds from federal sources that by statute allow those funds to be used for matching purposes, including, for example, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds or Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) funds; funds from any state or local government sources; and funds from private contributions. This NOFO does not list all federal sources that cannot be used for the match. However, HUD would like to emphasize that neither ROSS nor public housing funds may be used for the match. Additionally, Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract funds cannot be used as a match. Federal sources that cannot be used for match (e.g., public housing and HAP contract funds) will not be counted toward the 25 percent match requirement.

HUD revised the HUD-52768 Form to require match information; match amounts must be included in this form. You must maintain all letters from partners attesting to match contributions (see Section IV.B. for additional information on required forms). Applicants contributing their own resources to the match, in whole or in part, must also write a letter attesting to the match contribution they are making. You must keep your match letters on file.

NOTE: At any time during the application review process or during the grant term, HUD may ask to review match letters. During the grant term, HUD may also request a log of actual match contributions used.

Match may be for the value of services provided by partner organizations as well as for the eligible activities under this grant (e.g., salary, fringe, administration, and training). The value of non-public housing space provided for activities related to carrying out the ROSS-SC program may be counted towards the value of match. The value of public housing resources provided to support the ROSS-SC program cannot be counted toward the value of match.

See 2 CFR 200.306 for more information about matching requirements.

Note: If you are eligible to submit more than one application, match commitments must be unique to each application. They must be separate, individualized, and non-duplicated. If you are submitting more than one application with duplicate match information, your 25% match will not be counted, and therefore your application will be deemed ineligible.

2. Ensuring Match Contributions Meet Critical Needs: This guidance emphasizes the importance of aligning match contributions with the specific areas of need identified in your program. While administrative contributions like office space and equipment may be essential for running your ROSS program, the strongest match contributions come from partners providing direct services that address the identified areas of need of your communities. For example, if employment and job placement services are identified as a critical need of residents, securing match contributions from an American Job Centers or local organization that offers job training and placement services would demonstrate strategic alignment. The key is to ensure that match contributions are intentional, partnerships are strategic, and engagement between partners and residents is seamless. To maximize the impact of your match contributions and strengthen your proposal:

• Align match contributions with the community needs: Ensure that your partners https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306

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II. Eligibility FR-6900-N-05 Page 19 of 84 are addressing specific gaps and providing direct services that contribute to the program’s goals.

• Choose partners that enhance service delivery: Look for organizations that bring expertise, resources, and a track record of success in the identified area of need.

• Demonstrate integrated and effective partnerships: Highlight how your partners will work collaboratively with your program and residents to create a cohesive support system.

Match contributions that clearly demonstrate strategic alignment with community needs may receive a more favorable review.

3. Things to remember as you prepare to submit your match information:

• The match certification on the HUD-52768 must be signed by the applicant’s Executive Director, Resident Association Board President, Tribal Chairman, or other person authorized to make the stated commitment and/or attest to the match contribution from other partners.

• Joint applicants must together have at least a 25 percent match.

• The value of the volunteer time and/or services your partners are contributing shall be computed by using the normal professional rate for the local area or the national minimum wage rate ($7.25) multiplied by the number of staff to be provided to the grant, multiplied by the total number of hours, multiplied by the number of years the commitment will be provided. Example: ($7.25 per hour) x (2 volunteers) x (50 total hours per year) x (3 years) = $2,175. This calculation must be in the match letter(s).

• The value of any donated material, equipment, building space, or lease, shall be provided in a letter from the organization making the donation. The letter must state the value of the contribution and the duration of the commitment. (Example:

community center space monthly rent valued at: $1000 per month x 12 months x 3 years = $36,000).

• For in-kind match based on participants served, the calculation should be: number of residents x __ cost of program per resident per year x __ years of grant = total commitment.

• For cash match, the source and type of the funds must be clearly stated but calculations are not necessary.

• Resident volunteers may not be counted as a match source.

4. Content of Match Letters: Match donations must be firmly committed, explicit, in writing on the organization's letterhead, and signed by a person authorized to make the commitment on behalf of the donor organization. The match letters must be kept on file for verification and audit purposes. The letters of commitment, memorandums of understanding (MOU), and tribal resolutions must:

• Demonstrate that the match is firmly committed. "Firmly committed" means that the funding amount and its dedication to the ROSS-SC program is explicit;

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• Contain the total dollar value of the commitment, per year of the grant, and total commitment being provided for the grant term;

• Include a calculation to show how the value of the commitment was derived (see example provided above pertaining to calculating volunteer time) and donations based on the number of participants to be served;

• Be dated between the publication date of this NOFO and the application deadline for this NOFO, or any amended deadline; and

• Indicate how the commitment will relate to the proposed program. If the commitment is in-kind, the letters should explain exactly what services or material will be provided.

The commitment must be available at the time of award.

5. Completing the HUD-52768 for Match: The source of funds for each match commitment must be identified on the HUD-52768. The source of funds refers to the entity that provided the matching contribution. To ensure compliance with match contribution requirements, it’s essential to clearly identify the source of funds for each match commitment. Failure to specify and clearly state the sources of funds may result in the match contribution not being counted toward the required match percentage. Here are some key points to consider:

• Specify the Source: For each match contribution, detail the origin of the funds. If your agency is providing the match, indicate the specific source. For example, if the funds are from a grant awarded by another agency, name the grantor.

• Federal Funds Restriction: Generally, federal funds cannot be used as match contributions for other federal grants. Ensure that the sources of your matching funds are non-federal unless specific exceptions apply.

By signing the HUD-52768, you are certifying that your commitments will be available for the full 36-month grant term. Submission of a complete HUD-52768 is a non-curable threshold requirement, therefore if information on the form is missing, your application may be deemed ineligible for funding. See sample excerpted from the HUD-52768 below:

Need of Residents Service to be Provided Source of Match Value of Match

Employment Job Readiness Training Tech for Adults $5,000

Education Attainment GED Classes JOY Community

College $10,000

Financial Literacy Financial Coaching Boys & Girls Club $7,000

Note: If you are proposing to use your own, non-ROSS or non-public housing grant funds to meet the match requirement, in whole or in part, you must also have a letter of commitment indicating the type of match (cash or in-kind), the source of the match, the value of the match, and how the match will be used. This letter must be kept on file. The same specifications

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III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

III. Program Description

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III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Purpose

1. Overview The Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency- Service Coordinator (ROSS-SC program supports residents of public and Indian housing in overcoming educational, professional, and health related barriers to achieve self-sufficiency. Self-sufficiency can look different depending on a household’s needs and life stage. For work-able residents and families, self-sufficiency means having the stability and support needed financially, with housing, and daily life to make progress toward independence from HUD assistance and other public benefits.

Residents make progress by building skills, reaching goals in education and employment, improving their health, and strengthening their financial well-being. For older adults and residents with disabilities, self-sufficiency means being able to maintain stable housing and a good quality of life for as long as possible through access to supportive services.

HUD provides ROSS-SC grant funding through this NOFO to eligible applicants, enabling you to hire service coordinators who assess resident needs, provide case management, and connect ROSS participants to training and supportive services that promote self-sufficiency.

This grant also offers funding flexibility to allow direct service provision, when necessary, further strengthening support for ROSS participants.

The success of the ROSS program is built on strong collaboration with direct service providers, who deliver critical services that support residents in achieving self-sufficiency.

While ROSS provides funding for service coordinators to assess needs, offer case management, and connect residents to resources, the sole purpose of the ROSS program is not to directly provide services. Instead, the program relies on partnerships with organizations that specialize in education, workforce development, financial literacy, health, and social services to ensure residents receive the necessary support to foster self-sufficiency.

2. Core Functions of the ROSS-SC Program The ROSS-SC program operates through a set of core functions that work together to support residents in their journey toward self-sufficiency. These functions are interconnected and reinforce one another, creating a holistic approach that ensures residents receive the resources, services, and support they need. While the process begins with assessing community needs, it extends to case management, service coordination, resident empowerment, and ongoing strategic partnership engagement. Reporting and evaluation are integrated throughout to measure progress and continuously improve program effectiveness.

• Community Needs Assessment (CNA): The community needs assessment forms the foundation of your ROSS program, guiding the identification of resident needs, affirming community assets, and prioritizing services, resources, and partnerships.

This process ensures strategic alignment and fosters meaningful resident engagement. ROSS-SC applicants are required to complete a CNA prior to applying for funding under this NOFO (see attachments for a sample CNA). You may be required to conduct another CNA in months 24 through 26 of the grant period to assess shifts in community needs. Regular assessments ensure that programs remain

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