[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 99 (Monday, May 23, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32286-32289]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-12068]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Housing Service
Request for Proposals: Farm Labor Housing Technical Assistance
Grants
AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: This Request for Proposal (RFP) announces an availability of
funds and the timeframe to submit proposals for Farm Labor Housing
Technical Assistance (FLH-TA) grants. Section 516(i) of the Housing Act
of 1949, as amended (Act), authorizes the Rural Housing Service (RHS)
to provide financial assistance (grants) to eligible private and public
non-profit agencies to encourage the development of domestic and
migrant farm labor housing projects. This RFP requests proposals from
qualified private and public non-profit agencies to provide technical
assistance to groups who qualify for FLH loans and grants.
Work performed under these grants is expected to result in an
increased submission of quality applications for FLH loans and grants
under the Section 514 and Section 516 programs and as a result an
increase in the availability of decent, safe, and sanitary housing for
farm laborers.
DATES: The deadline for receipt of all applications in response to this
RFP is 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on July 22, 2016. The
application closing deadline is firm as to date and hour. RHS will not
consider any application that is received after the closing deadline.
Applicants intending to mail applications must provide sufficient time
to permit delivery on or before the closing deadline. Acceptance by a
post office or private mailer does not constitute delivery. Facsimile
(FAX), Cash on Delivery (COD), and postage due applications will not be
accepted.
ADDRESSES: Applications should be submitted to the USDA--Rural Housing
Service; Attention: Mirna Reyes-Bible, Finance and Loan Analyst, Multi-
Family Housing Preservation and Direct Loan Division, STOP 0781 (Room
1243-S), USDA Rural Development, 1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-0781. RHS will date and time stamp incoming
applications to evidence timely receipt and, upon request, will provide
the applicant with a written acknowledgement of receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mirna Reyes-Bible, Finance and Loan
Analyst, Multi-Family Housing Preservation and Direct Loan Division,
STOP 0781 (Room 1243-S), USDA Rural Development, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0781, telephone: (202) 720-1753 (this
is not a toll free number), or via email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Overview Information
Federal Agency Name: Rural Housing Service.
Funding Opportunity Title: Request for Proposals (RFP): Farm Labor
Housing Technical Assistance Grants.
Announcement Type: Initial Announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 10.405.
Dates: The deadline for receipt of all applications in response to
this RFP is 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on July 22, 2016. The
application closing deadline is firm as to date and hour. RHS will not
consider any application that is received after the closing deadline.
Applicants intending to mail applications must provide sufficient time
to permit delivery on or before the closing deadline. Acceptance by a
post office or private mailer does not constitute delivery. Facsimile
(FAX), COD, and postage due applications will not be accepted.
I. Program Description
The technical assistance grants authorized under Section 516 of the
Act are for the purpose of encouraging the development of domestic and
migrant FLH projects under Sections 514 and 516 of the Act. RHS
regulations for Section 514 and Section 516 FLH program are published
at 7 CFR part 3560. Further requirements for technical assistance
grants can be found at 7 CFR part 3560, subpart L. Proposals must
demonstrate the capacity to provide the intended technical assistance.
[[Page 32287]]
II. Award Information
RHS will publish on its Web site, http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/farm-labor-housing-direct-loans-grants, the amount of funding
available in FY 2016. RHS intends to award one grant for each of three
geographic regions listed below. When establishing the three regions,
and amount of funding available for each region, consideration was
given to such factors as farmworker migration patterns and the
similarity of agricultural products and labor needs within certain
areas of the United States. A single applicant may submit grant
proposals for more than one region; however, separate proposals must be
submitted for each region.
Eastern Region: AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY,
NC, OH, PA, PR, RI, SC, TN, VI, VT, VA, and WV.
Central Region: AR, IL, IA, KS, LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE., ND, OK,
SD, TX, NM, and WI.
Western Region: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY,
Pacific Territories, and Regions
The RHS has the authority under the Act to utilize up to 10 percent
of its Section 516 appropriations for FLH-TA grants. The disbursement
of grant funds during the grant period will be contingent upon the
applicant making progress in meeting the minimum performance
requirements as described in the Scope of Work section of this Notice,
and the Grant Agreement including, but not limited to, the submission
of loan application packages.
III. Eligibility Information
Eligible Applicants: Eligibility for grants under this Notice is
limited to private and public non-profit agencies. Applicants must have
the knowledge, ability, technical expertise, or practical experience
necessary to develop and package loan and grant applications for FLH
under the Section 514 and Section 516 programs (see Section IV.
Application and Submission Information). In addition, applicants must
possess the ability to exercise leadership, organize work, and
prioritize assignments to meet work demands in a timely and cost
efficient manner. The applicant may arrange for other non-profit
agencies to provide services on its behalf; however, the RHS will
expect the applicant to provide the overall management necessary to
ensure the objectives of the grant are met. Non-profit agencies acting
on behalf of the applicant must also meet the eligibility requirements
stated above.
Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost sharing is not applicable to this
program.
Minimum Performance Requirements
(1) Applicants shall conduct outreach to broad-based non-profit
organizations, non-profit organizations of farmworkers, federally
recognized Indian tribes, agencies or political subdivisions of State
or local Government, public agencies (such as housing authorities) and
other eligible FLH organizations to further the Section 514 and Section
516 FLH programs. Outreach will consist of a minimum of 12
informational presentations to the general public annually to inform
them about the Section 514 Section and 516 FLH programs.
(2) Applicants shall conduct at least 12 one-on-one meetings
annually with groups who are interested in applying for FLH loans or
grants and assist such groups with the loan and grant application
process.
(3) Applicants shall assist loan and grant applicants secure
funding from other sources for the purpose of leveraging those funds
with RHS funds.
(4) Applicants shall provide technical assistance during the
development and construction phase of FLH proposals selected for
funding.
(5) When submitting a grant proposal, applicants need not identify
the geographic location of the places they intend to target for their
outreach activities, however, applicants must commit to targeting at
least five areas within the grant proposal's region. All targeted areas
must be distinct market areas and not be overlapping. At least four of
the targeted areas must be in different States. If the proposal is
selected for funding, the applicant will be required to consult with
each Rural Development State Director in the proposal's region for the
purpose of developing their list of targeted areas. When determining
which areas to target, consideration will be given to (a) the total
number of farmworkers in the area, (b) the number of farmworkers in
that area who lack adequate housing, (c) the percentage of the total
number of farmworkers that are without adequate housing, and (d) areas
which have not recently had a Section 514 or Section 516 loan or grant
funded for new construction. In addition, if selected for funding, the
applicant will be required to revise their Statement of Work to
identify the geographic location of the targeted areas and will submit
their revised Statement of Work to the National Office approval. When
submitted for approval, the applicant must also submit a summary of
their consultation with the Rural Development State Directors. At grant
closing, the revised Statement of Work will be attached to, and become
a part of, the grant agreement.
(6) During the grant period, each applicant must submit a minimum
number of loan application packages to the Agency for funding
consideration. The minimum number shall be the greater of (a) at least
nine loan application packages for the Eastern and Western Regions and
at least seven for the Central Region or, (b) a total number of loan
application packages that is equal to 70 percent of the number of areas
the applicant's proposal committed to targeting. Fractional percentages
shall be rounded up to the next whole number. For example, if the
applicant's proposal committed to targeting 13 areas, then the
applicant must submit at least 10 loan application packages during the
grant period (13 areas x 70 percent = 9.1 rounded up to 10). The
disbursement of grant funds during the grant period will be contingent
upon the applicant making progress in meeting this minimum performance
requirement. More than one application package for the same market area
will not be considered unless the applicant submits documentation of
the need for more than one FLH facility.
(7) Provide training to applicants of FLH loans and grants to
assist them in their ability to manage FLH.
IV. Application and Submission Information
Intergovernmental Review. The Technical Assistant program is not
subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, which require
intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. Expenses
incurred in applying for this Notice will be borne by and be at the
applicant's risk.
The application process will be in two phases; the initial
application (or proposal) and the submission of a formal application.
Only those proposals that are selected for funding will be invited to
submit formal applications. All proposals must include the following:
(1) A summary page listing the following items. This information
should be double-spaced between items and not be in narrative form.
a. Applicant's name,
b. Applicant's Taxpayer Identification Number,
c. Applicant's address,
d. Applicant's telephone number,
e. Name of applicant's contact person, telephone number, and
address,
[[Page 32288]]
f. Amount of grant requested,
g. The FLH-TA grant region for which the proposal is submitted
(i.e., Eastern, Central, or Western Region), and
h. Address unique entity identifier and System for Award Management
(SAM). As part of the application, all applicants, except for
individuals or agencies excepted under 2 CFR 25.110(d), must be: (1)
Registered in the System for Award Management (SAM); (2) provide a
valid unique entity identifier in its applications; and (3) maintain an
active SAM registration with current information at all times during
which it has an active Federal award or application. An award may not
be made to the applicant until the applicant has complied with the
unique entity identifier and SAM requirements.
(2) A narrative describing the applicant's ability to meet the
eligibility requirements stated in this Notice. If the applicant
intends to have other agencies working on their behalf, the narrative
must identify those agencies and address their ability to meet the
stated eligibility requirements.
(3) A detailed Statement of Work covering a 3-year period that
contains measurable monthly and annual accomplishments. The applicant's
Statement of Work is a critical component of the selection process. The
Statement of Work must include an outreach component describing the
applicant's activities to inform potentially eligible groups about the
Section 514 and Section 516 FLH program. The outreach component must
include a schedule of their planned outreach activities and must be
included in a manner so that performance can be measured. In addition,
the outreach activities must be coordinated with the appropriate RHS
State Office and meet the minimum performance requirements as stated in
the Scope of Work section of this Notice. The Statement of Work must
state how many areas the applicant will target for their outreach
activities (Note: If selected for funding, the applicant will be
required to revise their Statement of Work, after consultation with
Rural Development State Directors, to identify the areas that will be
targeted). The Statement of Work must also include a component for
training organizations on the application process and the long-term
management of FLH. The Statement of Work will also describe the
applicant's plans to access other funding for the development and
construction of FLH and their experience in obtaining such funding. The
Statement of Work must describe any duties or activities that will be
performed by other agencies on behalf of the applicant.
(4) An organizational plan that includes a staffing chart complete
with name, job title, salary, hours, timelines, and descriptions of
employee duties to achieve the objectives of the grant program.
(5) Organizational documents and financial statements to evidence
the applicant's status as a properly organized private or public non-
profit agency and the financial ability to carry out the objectives of
the grant program. If other agencies will be working on behalf of the
applicant, working agreements between the applicant and those agencies
must be submitted as part of the proposal and any associated cost must
be included in the applicant's budget. Organizational and financial
statements must also be submitted as part of the application for any
agencies that will be working on behalf of the applicant to document
the eligibility of those organizations.
(6) A detailed budget plan projecting the monthly and annual
expenses the applicant will incur. Costs will be limited to those that
are allowed under 2 CFR part 200.
(7) To insure that funds are equitably distributed and that there
is no duplication of efforts on related projects, all applicants are to
submit a list of projects they are currently involved with, whether
publicly or privately supported, that are or may be, related to the
objectives of this grant. In addition, the same disclosure must be
provided for any agencies that will be working on behalf of the
applicant.
(8) The applicant must include a narrative describing its
knowledge, demonstrated ability, or practical experience in providing
training and technical assistance to applicants of loans or grants for
the development of multi-family or farmworker housing. The applicant
must identify the type of assistance that was applied for (loan or
grant, tax credits, leveraged funding, etc.), the number of times they
have provided such assistance, and the success ratio of their
applications. In addition, information must be provided concerning the
number of housing units, their size, their design, and the amount of
grant and loan funds that were secured.
(9) A narrative describing the applicant's knowledge and
demonstrated ability in estimating development and construction costs
of multi-family or farm labor housing and for obtaining the necessary
permits and clearances.
(10) A narrative describing the applicant's ability and experience
in overcoming community opposition to FLH and describing the methods
and techniques that they will use to overcome any such opposition,
should it occur.
(11) A separate one-page information sheet listing each of the
``Application Scoring Criteria'' contained in this Notice, followed by
the page numbers of all relevant material and documentation that is
contained in the proposal that supports these criteria.
V. Application Review Information
The initial application (or proposal) evaluation process designed
for this RFP will consist of two phases. The first phase will evaluate
the applicant's Statement of Work and the degree to which it sets forth
measurable objectives that are consistent with the objectives of FLH-TA
grant program. The second phase will evaluate the applicant's knowledge
and ability to provide the management necessary for carrying out a FLH-
TA grant program. Proposals will only compete against other proposals
within the same region. Selection points will be awarded as follows:
Phase I--Statement of Work
The Statement of Work will be evaluated to determine the degree to
which it outlines efficient and measurable monthly and annual outcomes
as follows:
a. The minimum performance requirements of this Notice require that
the applicant commit to targeting at least five areas (at least four of
which are in different States). The more areas the applicant commits to
targeting, the more scoring points they will be awarded. As stated
earlier in this Notice, the more areas the applicant commits to the
more loan application packages must be submitted. The amount will be
established in the Statement of Work. The number of areas within the
region that the applicant has committed to targeting for outreach
activities:
(1) 5-7 targeted areas: 0 points
(2) 8 targeted areas: 5 points
(3) 9-10 targeted areas: 10 points
(4) 11-12 targeted areas: 15 points
(5) 13 or more areas: 20 points
a. RHS wants the applicant to cover as much of the grant region as
possible. RHS does not want the applicant's efforts to be concentrated
in a limited number of States. For this reason, additional points will
be awarded to grant proposals that target areas in more than four
States (the minimum requirement is four). Applications only compete
within their grant region. The grant proposal commits to targeting
areas in the following number of States:
[[Page 32289]]
(1) 4 States: 0 points
(2) 5 States: 5 points
(3) 6 States: 10 points
(4) 7 States: 15 points
(5) More than 7 States: 20 points
Phase II--Project Management
a. The number of successful multi-family or FLH loan or grant
applications the applicant entity has assisted in developing and
packaging:
(1) 0-5 applications: 0 points
(2) 6-10 applications: 10 points
(3) 11-15 applications: 20 points
(4) 16 or more applications: 30 points
b. The number of groups seeking loans or grants for the development
of multi-family or FLH projects that the applicant entity has provided
training and technical assistance.
(1) 0-5 groups: 0 points
(2) 6-10 groups: 5 points
(3) 11-15 groups: 10 points
(4) 16 or more groups: 15 points
c. The number of multi-family or FLH projects for which the
applicant entity has assisted in estimating development and
construction costs and obtaining the necessary permits and clearances:
(1) 0-5 projects: 0 points
(2) 6-10 projects: 5 points
(3) 11-15 projects: 10 points
(4) 16 or more projects: 15 points
d. The number of times the applicant entity has encountered
community opposition and was able to overcome that opposition so that
farm labor housing was successfully developed.
(1) 0-2 times: 0 points
(2) 2-5 times: 5 points
(3) 6-10 times: 10 points
(4) 11 or more times: 15 points
e. The number of times the applicant entity has been able to
leverage funding from two or more sources for the development of a
multi-family or FLH project.
(1) 0-5 times: 0 points
(2) 6-10 times: 5 points
(3) 11-15 times: 10 points
(4) 16 or more times: 15 points
f. The number of FLH projects that the applicant entity has
assisted with on-going management (i.e., rent-up, maintenance, etc.):
(1) 0-5 FLH projects: 0 points
(2) 6-10 FLH projects: 5 points
(3) 11-15 FLH projects: 10 points
(4) 16 or more FLH projects: 15 points
The National Office will rank all pre-applications by region and
distribute funds to the regions in rank order and within funding
limits.
Tie Breakers--In the event two or more proposals within a region
are scored with an equal amount of points, selections will be made in
the following order:
(1) If an applicant has already had a proposal selected, their
proposal will not be selected.
(2) If all or none of the applicants with equivalent scores have
already had a proposal selected, the lowest cost proposal will be
selected.
(3) If two or more proposals have equivalent scores, all or none of
the applicants have already had a proposal selected, and the cost is
the same, a proposal will be selected by a random lottery drawing.
RHS will notify all applicants whether their pre-applications have
been accepted or rejected and provide appeal rights under 7 CFR part
11, as appropriate.
Reporting. Post-award reporting requirements can be found in the
Grant Agreement.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The reporting requirements contained in this Notice have been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Control
Number 0575-0181.
Non-Discrimination Requirements
The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination in all
of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national
origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status,
familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation,
political beliefs, genetic information, reprisal, or because all or
part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance
program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with
disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program
information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact
USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil
Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 9410, Washington, DC 20250-
9410, or call toll free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339
(TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal--Relay) or (800) 845-6136
(Spanish Federal--Relay). ``USDA is an equal opportunity provider,
employer, and lender.''
Dated: May 13, 2016.
Tony Hernandez,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-12068 Filed 5-20-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P