[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 41 (Thursday, March 1, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12647-12650]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-4880]
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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Fund Availability Under VA's Homeless Providers Grant and Per
Diem Program
AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing the
availability of funds for applications for assistance under the Per
Diem Only component of VA's Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem
Program. This Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) includes funding
priorities for those applicants who will serve specific homeless
veteran populations that are identified in this NOFA, or implement a
new ``transition in place'' housing model to facilitate housing
stabilization. This Notice contains information concerning the program,
funding priorities, application process, and amount of funding
available.
DATES: Applications must be received in accordance with this NOFA no
later than 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 30, 2012.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chelsea Watson, VA's Homeless
Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Department of Veterans Affairs,
10770 North 46th Street, Suite C-200, Tampa, Florida, 33617; (toll-
free) (877) 332-0334.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This Notice announces the availability of
per diem funds for assistance under VA's Homeless Providers Grant and
Per Diem Program for eligible entities. VA will award only one
application for funding per nonprofit organization per state. For
example: If a nonprofit organization has several entities in a state
that are a part of their overall organization, whether or not those
entities are separately incorporated, only one of these entities would
be eligible for a grant award. Please refer to 38 CFR part 61 for
detailed program information.
A. Purpose
VA is pleased to issue this NOFA for VA's Homeless Providers Grant
and Per Diem Program as a part of the effort to end homelessness among
our Nation's veterans. VA expects to fund approximately 450 beds over a
3-year period under this NOFA for Funding Priority 1 (see section E.,
below, for explanation of funding priorities). The maximum award of
$1.2 million will support an average of 25 beds per night, per project,
at the current maximum per diem rate of $38.90; taking into
consideration that the maximum per diem rate may increase in future
years. VA expects to fund approximately 150 beds under Funding
Priorities 2-4 for as long as the grantee meets the program
requirements under 38 CFR part 61.
B. Definitions, Regulations, and Authority
Funding applied for under this NOFA is authorized by 38 U.S.C.
2011, 2012, 2013, 2061, and 2064. For definitions of terms that appear
in this NOFA, and regulations governing VA's Homeless Providers Grant
and Per Diem Program, see 38 CFR part 61.
C. Submission of Application
No later than 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 30, 2012,
applicant must either:
1. Submit complete application to www.Grants.gov by 4 p.m. Eastern
Time on Wednesday, May 30, 2012; or
2. Submit an original, completed, and collated grant application
(plus three completed collated copies) to the VA Homeless Providers
Grant and Per Diem Program Office, 10770 North 46th Street, Suite C-
200, Tampa, Florida, 33617.
Applications may not be sent by facsimile (FAX). In the interest of
fairness to all competing applicants, this deadline is firm as to date
and hour, and VA will not consider any application that is received
after the deadline. Applicants should consider submitting early to
avoid any risk of loss of eligibility brought about by unanticipated
delays, computer service outages (in the case of Grants.gov), or other
delivery-related problems.
For a copy of the application package: Download directly from VA's
Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program Web site at http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/GPD.asp; or obtain a copy from http://www.grants.gov. Questions should be referred to the Grant and Per Diem
Program at (toll-free) (877) 332-0334. For additional information on
VA's Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, see 38 CFR part 61.
Applications must arrive as a complete package. Materials arriving
separately will not be included in the application package for
consideration and may result in the application being rejected or not
funded. Applicants should ensure that the items listed in the
``application requirements'' section K of this NOFA are addressed in
their application.
D. Allocation
Under funding priority 1 approximately $20 million is available for
per diem only awards under this NOFA for a period beginning on the date
that the grant is awarded and ending on or about September 30, 2015.
The maximum amount of the per diem award under Funding Priority 1 for
any awardee may not exceed $1.2 million for the entire grant period.
Funding for the entire grant period will be obligated at the time of
the award and available for draw down by the grantee over the grant
period. Monthly reimbursements will be issued for bed days of care
provided based upon the project's approved per diem rate. VA will not
award more than $48,000.00 per bed over the entire grant period based
on the average number of beds to be provided as stated in the grant
application. VA payment is limited to the applicant's cost of care per
eligible veteran minus other sources of payments to the applicant for
furnishing services to homeless veterans up to the per day rate
established by the Grant and Per Diem Program Office, which is
currently $38.90 per occupied bed day of care provided. Grantees will
be required to
[[Page 12648]]
support their request for per diem payment with adequate fiscal
documentation as to program income and expenses.
Under funding priorities 2 through 4 approximately $2 million
dollars per year is available for funding in the form of per diem
payments issued to the grantee subject to availability of funds and the
grantee's compliance with 38 CFR 61.1-61.82.
E. Award Period
For the purposes of this NOFA under Funding Priority 1, the award
period will end on or about September 30, 2015, a period of at least 3
years depending on the exact date of the award. By way of example, a
grant awarded on August 1, 2012, and ending on September 30, 2015,
would constitute an award lasting 3 years and 2 months. The final award
period will be established in the award letter. For the purpose of this
NOFA under Funding Priorities 2 through 4, the award period will be
from the date of award and will continue subject to availability of
funds and the grantee's compliance with 38 CFR 61.1-61.82.
F. Implementation Timeline
All projects within all funding priorities are expected to pass
inspection and become operational within 90 days from the date of
award. Failure to meet the 90-day milestone may result in the per diem
award being terminated.
G. Funding Priorities
All applicants must submit a cover letter with their application
indicating under which funding priority the application is to be
considered. Applicants may not request more than one funding priority
per application. Failure to identify a funding priority in a cover
letter or requesting more than one funding priority will result in the
application being placed in Funding Priority 4. Funding priorities for
this NOFA are as follows:
1. Funding Priority 1--In an effort to promote increased housing
stabilization VA is encouraging eligible entities to use the following
``Transition in Place'' housing model to aid in VA's efforts to end
homelessness among veterans.
The ``Transition in Place'' housing model offers residents housing
in which support services transition out of the residence over time,
rather than the resident. This leaves the resident in place at the
residence and not forced to find other housing in 24 months or less.
This model does not support discharge planning that would have the
veteran transition in place to HUD-VASH as the HUD-VASH program targets
a veteran population in need of specialized case management. The
concept of ``Transition in Place'' under this NOFA is for eligible
entities to identify or convert existing suitable apartment-style
housing where homeless veteran participants would receive time-limited
supportive services optimally for a period of 6-12 months, but not to
exceed 24 months. Upon completion, the veteran must be able to
``transition in place'' by assuming the lease or other long-term
agreement which enables the unit in which he or she resides to be
considered the veteran's permanent housing.
Grantees are expected to replace units as they are converted to
permanent housing in order to maintain the average number of bed days
as stated in the application during the entire grant period. Once the
veteran assumes the lease or other long-term agreement, VA will no
longer provide funding for the unit under this NOFA. For example, each
time a veteran assumes the lease or other long-term agreement for the
apartment, the grantee must identify a new unit in which to place
another veteran. By program design, transition to permanent housing
should occur as rapidly as possible, and grantees should continually be
acquiring and coordinating with VA on the inspection of new units so as
to maintain a steady number of veterans served.
Applicants applying under Funding Priority 1 must own or lease
apartments intended as permanent housing for an individual or single
family. Apartments must meet the inspection standards outlined at 38
CFR 61.80, and have the following characteristics:
i. Private access without unauthorized passage through another
dwelling unit or private property;
ii. Sanitary facilities within the unit;
iii. Basic furnishings; and
iv. Suitable space and equipment within the unit to store, prepare,
and serve food in a sanitary manner (including, at a minimum, a
refrigerator, freezer, sink, and stove). Note: Microwave ovens, hot
plates, or similar items are not suitable substitutes for an
operational stove.
VA offers current grantees the ability to convert existing per diem
only projects to this model. Current capital grantees should contact
the GPD Program Office to determine eligibility due to recapture and
disposition requirements that may apply to their capital grants.
Of those eligible entities that are legally fundable in Funding
Priority 1, the highest-ranked applications for which funding is
available will be conditionally selected for eligibility to receive a
per diem only award in accordance with their ranked order until funding
is expended (approximately $20 million). The Department places special
emphasis on addressing the needs of underserved populations, including
homeless women veterans with or without the care of dependent children.
2. Funding Priority 2--VA is offering the opportunity to rural
applicants whose project sites have a Rural-Urban Commuting Area Code
(RUCA) of 10.0 to 10.6, to apply for funding under this NOFA to create
transitional housing and services for homeless veterans not to exceed
20 beds per project. To determine if your project's RUCA code qualifies
for this priority, potential applicants should go to www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp.
If your project has more than one location, all must have a RUCA
code of 10.0 to 10.6.
The project site address(es) and zip code(s) must be clearly stated
in the application in order to determine eligibility under this funding
priority. If eligibility cannot be determined, the application will be
placed in Funding Priority 4.
Of those eligible entities in the second funding priority that are
legally fundable, the highest scoring applicants will be funded first
until approximately 50 beds are awarded.
3. Funding Priority 3--VA is offering the opportunity to Indian
Tribal Governments or non-profit agencies that will provide
transitional housing and services on Indian Tribal Property to apply
for funding under this NOFA to create transitional housing and services
for homeless veterans not to exceed 20 beds per project. Eligible
entities that are Indian Tribal Governments or non-profit agencies
willing to provide transitional housing and services on Indian Tribal
Property will be considered in the third funding priority. Of those
eligible entities in the third funding priority that are legally
fundable, the highest-scoring applicants will be funded first until
approximately 50 beds are awarded. Note: Non-profit agencies that apply
under this priority will be required to provide a letter of assurance
from the Indian Tribal Government that, if funded, the provision of
service will occur on Indian Tribal Property.
4. Funding Priority 4--VA is encouraging interested state and local
governments, faith-based and community-based organizations, as well as
eligible entities located in the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the United States, to
apply
[[Page 12649]]
for funding under this NOFA to create transitional housing and services
not to exceed 20 beds per project. Applicants should be aware of the
needs of justice-involved homeless veterans (i.e., veterans who are not
incarcerated but are involved in the criminal justice system). Eligible
entities will be considered in the fourth funding priority as
applicable. Of those eligible entities that are legally fundable, the
highest-ranked application for which funding is available will be
conditionally selected for eligibility to receive a per diem only award
in accordance with their ranked order until approximately 50 beds are
awarded.
H. Inspections and Monitoring Requirements
VA places a great deal of emphasis on the responsibility and
accountability of grantees. VA has procedures in place to monitor
services provided to homeless veterans and outcomes associated with the
services provided in grant and per diem-funded programs. VA is also
implementing new procedures to further this effort. Applicants should
be aware of the following:
1. All grantees are required to ensure that facilities used under
this NOFA meet the Life Safety Code of the National Fire and Protection
Association. Please note, typically the Life Safety Code is more
stringent than local or state codes. No additional funds will be made
available for capital improvements under this per diem only NOFA.
Applicants also should note that all facilities, unless they are
specifically exempted under the Life Safety Code, are required to have
an operational sprinkler system. VA will conduct an inspection that
grantee sites must pass prior to grantees being able to submit a
request for per diem payment to ensure this requirement is met.
Applicants should take into consideration the logistics associated with
conducting inspections and providing regular case management involved
with numerous site locations and/or sites that are significantly
dispersed from each other.
2. Each per diem-funded program will have a liaison appointed from
a nearby VA medical facility to provide oversight and monitor services
provided to homeless veterans in the per diem-funded program.
Monitoring will include at least an annual review of each per diem
program's progress toward meeting internal goals and objectives in
helping veterans attain housing stability, adequate income support, and
self-sufficiency as identified in each per diem program's original
application. Monitoring will also include a review of the agency's
income and expenses as they relate to this project to ensure per diem
payment is accurate.
3. Each per diem-funded program will participate in VA's national
program monitoring and evaluation system. It is the intent of VA to
develop specific performance targets with respect to housing for
homeless veterans. VA's monitoring procedures will be used to determine
successful accomplishment of these housing outcomes for each per diem-
funded program.
4. Grantees will be expected to enter data into a Homeless
Management Information System (HMIS) web-based software application and
bed totals in the Homeless Inventory Count. This data will consist of
information on the veterans served and types of supportive services
provided by grantees. Grantees must treat the data for activities
funded by the Grant and Per Diem Program separate from that of
activities funded by other programs. Grantees will be required to
export client-level data for activities funded by the Grant and Per
Diem Program to VA on a regular basis.
I. Payments
Under this NOFA, VA will make per diem payments in a method
consistent with VA policy. Per diem will be paid only for eligible
veterans (i.e., Veterans whom VA refers to the grantee, or for whom VA
authorizes the provision of services) and will be available for the
periods of awards specified in Section E of this NOFA. All payment
specifics will be given to the grantee at the time of award. At no time
may grantees draw more than the maximum approved per diem rate as
authorized by VA's Grant and Per Diem Program Office. All costs charged
to the per diem grant must be allowable under the applicable OMB
Circulars for Grants Management (codified at 2 CFR parts 225 and 230).
J. Application Selection
VA will review all per diem only grant applications in response to
this NOFA. Applicants will then be ranked based on score and any
ranking criteria set forth in this NOFA only if the applicant scores at
least 500 cumulative points from paragraphs (b) (c) (d) (e) and (i) of
38 CFR 61.13. The highest-ranked application for which funding is
available, within the highest funding priority, will be selected for
eligibility to receive per diem payment in accordance with their ranked
order until VA expends all the funds.
K. Application Requirements
Applicants must address the following within the application:
Targeting--Section 6, Question C1, pg. 10: Describe your agency's
admission criteria for veterans that would be appropriate for this
project.
Targeting--Section 6, question C3, pg. 11: VA is placing emphasis
on serving those homeless veterans who do not currently have a stable
housing situation (i.e., not currently in another Grant and Per Diem
Program or VA-sponsored housing program). In this section, please
identify where your organization will target its outreach efforts to
identify appropriate veterans for this program.
Project Plan--Section 7, area 1 (1a), pg. 15: What is the
percentage of veterans that will successfully transition to permanent
housing?
Project Plan--Section 7, area 1 (2a), pg. 17: What is the
percentage of veterans served that will be employed or receiving
benefits at the conclusion of the transitional housing?
Project Plan--Section 7, area 2, pg. 21: Address how your agency
will facilitate the provision of nutritional meals for the veterans. Be
sure to describe how veterans with little or no income will be
assisted.
Project Plan--Section 7, area 6, pg. 25: VA places great emphasis
on placing veterans in the most appropriate housing situation as
rapidly as possible. In this section, provide a timetable and the
specific services to include follow-up that supports housing
stabilization. Include evidence of coordination of transition services
with which your agency expects to have for veterans.
Project Plan--Section 7, area 7, pg. 26: For Funding Priority 1
applicants only, describe in this section how your agency will manage
the conversion of the dwelling unit and the services provided to the
participant from transitional phase to permanent housing and what
follow-up services will be provided to the veteran once converted to
permanent housing. Additionally, describe the instrument that will be
used (lease, program agreement, memorandum of understanding, etc) to
ensure the veteran's permanent occupancy once unit has converted.
Moreover, include how this will enhance housing outcomes leading to
more timely access to permanent housing.
Ability--Section 8, question A, pg. 28: In addition to the one page
resume and/or job description for key personnel, provide a staffing
plan that outlines how your organization will carry out this proposal
(i.e., a full-time housing specialist).
Site Description--Section 10, question C, pg. 34: For Funding
Priority 1 applicants only, describe the availability of current
housing stock in
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your community that would be appropriate for this program and would
meet the standards required by Life Safety Code and 38 CFR 61.1--61.82.
Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424)--Applicants for Funding
Priority 1--in block 15a, Federal; identify the total amount of per
diem funding your agency is requesting for operation under the entire
grant award period of this NOFA (this number may not exceed $48,000 per
bed over the entire grant period or $1.2 million total).
Applicants should be careful to complete the proper application
package. Submission of an incorrect or incomplete application package
will result in the application being rejected at threshold. Application
packages must include all required forms and certifications. Selections
will be made based on criteria described in the application, Final
Rule, and NOFA. Applicants who are conditionally selected will be
notified of any additional information needed to confirm or clarify
information provided in the application. Applicants will then be
notified of the deadline to submit such information. If an applicant is
unable to meet any conditions for grant award within the specified time
frame, VA reserves the right to not award funds and to use the funds
available for other grant and per diem applicants.
Dated: February 16, 2012.
John R. Gingrich,
Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2012-4880 Filed 2-29-12; 8:45 am]
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