[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 73 (Monday, April 17, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19682-19690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-5688]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service


Funding Opportunity: Section 525 Technical and Supervisory 
Assistance (TSA) Grants

    Announcement Type: Initial notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) 
inviting applications from qualified organizations for Fiscal Year 2006 
funding.

Catalog Of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.441.

SUMMARY: The Rural Housing Service, an agency under USDA, Rural 
Development announces it is soliciting competitive applications under 
its Technical and Supervisory Assistance (TSA) grant program. Grants 
will be awarded to eligible applicant organizations to conduct programs 
of technical and supervisory assistance for low-income rural residents 
to obtain and/or maintain occupancy of adequate housing.

DATES: The deadline for receipt of preapplication proposals by USDA, 
Rural Development State Offices is the close of business on May 17, 
2006. Preapplications received after May 17, 2006 will not be 
considered for funding. Within 30 days after the closing date, each 
State Director will forward to the National Office the original 
preapplication(s) and supporting documents of the selected applicant. 
State Directors will be advised of the National Office's action on 
their selected preapplications.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nica Mathes, Senior Loan Specialist, 
USDA Rural Development, Single Family Housing Direct Loan Division, 
Special Programs and New Initiatives Branch, Mail Stop 0783, Room 2206-
S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0783, phone: 
(202) 205-3656 or (202) 720-1474, e-mail: [email protected], or 
FAX: (202) 720-2232.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 19683]]

Paperwork Reduction Act

Overview

    This notice is published as required by 7 CFR 1944.525 (b) and 
1944.528, which state that the housing programs Administrator must 
provide annual notice in the Federal Register on the distribution of 
appropriated TSA funds, the number of preapplications to be submitted 
to the National Office from the State Offices, the maximum grant amount 
per project, and the dates governing the review and selection of TSA 
grant preapplications.
    Complete agency regulations for the TSA program are contained in RD 
Instruction 1944-K, accessible online at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/regs, and in 7 CFR part 1944, subpart K, and are incorporated by 
reference.
    Up to $1,000,000 in competitive grants will be awarded to eligible 
applicants. No single award will exceed $100,000.
    In accordance with 7 CFR 1944.525, the housing programs 
Administrator will distribute a portion of the funds to those States 
with the highest degree of substandard housing and persons in poverty 
in rural areas eligible to receive housing assistance. These States 
are: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Up to $400,000 will be 
targeted to eligible TSA programs in these States. Remaining funds will 
be available for national competition. No more than one grant per State 
and/or applicant will be awarded.
    The State Director may submit multiple preapplications, ranked in 
order of preference, to the National Office for consideration.
    The performance period of grant activities will be two years from 
the date the grant agreement is executed.
    Reimbursement of pre-award costs is not allowed.
    To be eligible for a grant, the applicant must be a nonprofit 
corporation, agency, institution, organization, Indian tribe or other 
association. A private nonprofit corporation, which is owned and 
controlled by private persons or interests, must have local 
representation from the area being served, be organized and operated by 
private persons or interests for purposes other than making gains or 
profits for the corporation, and be legally precluded from distributing 
any gains or profits to its members. Faith-based organizations that 
meet these requirements may apply. Cost sharing is not required but is 
encouraged. In the selection of grant recipients, the Agency will 
consider the extent to which the project will make use of other 
financial and contribution-in-kind resources for both technical and 
supervisory assistance and housing development and supporting 
facilities. Applications and complete program instructions are 
available at any Area Office listed on the USDA Rural Development Web 
site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. Federal grant application forms are 
available in electronic format at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html.

Program Administration

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Under Section 525 (a) of the Housing Act of 1949, 42 U.S.C. 1490e 
(a), Rural Development provides funds to eligible applicants to conduct 
TSA programs for low-income rural residents to obtain and/or maintain 
occupancy of adequate housing. Any processing or servicing activity 
involving authorized assistance to USDA Rural Development employees, 
members of their families, known close relatives, or business or close 
personal associates, is subject to the provisions of 7 CFR part 1900, 
subpart D. Applicants for this assistance are required to identify any 
known relationship or association with a USDA Rural Development 
employee. This financial assistance may pay part or all of the cost of 
developing, conducting, administering, or coordinating effective and 
comprehensive programs of technical and supervisory assistance which 
will aid needy low-income individuals and families in benefiting from 
Federal, State, and local programs in rural areas. USDA Rural 
Development will provide technical and supervisory grant assistance to 
applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, 
sex, national origin, age, marital status, or physical or mental 
disability.
    Policy: The policy of USDA Rural Development is to provide 
technical and supervisory assistance to eligible applicants to do the 
following:
    (1) Provide homeownership and financial counseling to reduce both 
the potential for delinquency by loan applicants and the level of 
payment delinquency by present Rural Development housing loan 
borrowers; and
    (2) Facilitate the delivery of housing programs to serve the most 
needy low-income families in rural areas of greatest need for housing.
    Rural Development intends to fund projects which include counseling 
and delivery of housing programs.
    State Directors are given a strong role in the selection of 
grantees so this program can complement Rural Development's policies of 
targeting USDA Rural Development resources to areas of greatest need 
within their States.
    Objectives: The objectives of the TSA Grant Program are to assist 
low-income rural families in obtaining adequate housing to meet their 
family's needs and/or to provide the necessary guidance to promote 
their continued occupancy of already adequate housing. These objectives 
will be accomplished through the establishment or support of housing 
delivery and counseling projects run by eligible applicants. This 
program is intended to make use of any available housing program which 
provides the low-income rural resident access to adequate rental 
properties or homeownership.
    Definitions: References to Local, Area, State, National and Rural 
Development St. Louis Offices and to State Director, and Administrator 
refer to USDA Rural Development offices and officials and should be 
read as prefaced by USDA Rural Development. Terms used here have the 
following meanings:
    Adequate housing. A housing unit of adequate size and design to 
meet the specific needs of low-income families and the requirements 
governing the particular housing program providing the services or 
financial assistance.
    Applicant or grantee. Any eligible organization which applies for 
or receives TSA funds under a grant agreement.
    Grant agreement. The contract between Rural Development and the 
applicant which sets forth the terms and conditions under which TSA 
funds will be made available.
    Low-income family. Any household, including those with one member, 
whose adjusted annual income, computed in accordance with 7 CFR 3550.54 
(c), does not exceed the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 
established low-income limit (generally 80 percent of the median income 
adjusted for household size) for the county or Metropolitan Statistical 
Area where the property is or will be located.
    Organization. Public or private nonprofit corporations, agencies, 
institutions, Indian tribes and other associations. A private nonprofit 
corporation, which is owned and controlled by private persons or 
interests, must have local representation from the area being served, 
be organized and operated by private persons or interests for purposes 
other than making gains or profits for the corporation, and be legally 
precluded from distributing any gains or profits to its members. Faith-
based organizations may meet these requirements.

[[Page 19684]]

    Rural area. The definition in 7 CFR 3550.10 applies.
    Sponsored applicant. An eligible applicant which has a commitment 
of financial and/or technical assistance to apply for the TSA program 
and to implement such a program from a state, county, municipality, or 
other governmental entity or public body.
    Supervisory assistance. Any type of assistance to low-income 
families which will assist those families in meeting the eligibility 
requirements for, or the financial and managerial responsibilities of, 
homeownership or tenancy in an adequate housing unit. Such assistance 
must include, but is not limited to, the following activities:
    (1) Assisting individual USDA Rural Development borrowers with 
financial problems to overcome delinquency and/or prevent foreclosure 
and assisting new low-income applicants avoid financial problems 
through:
    (i) Financial and budget counseling including advice on debt 
levels, credit purchases, consumer and cost awareness, debt adjustment 
procedures, and availability of other financial counseling services;
    (ii) Monitoring payment of taxes and insurance;
    (iii) Home maintenance and management; and
    (iv) Other counseling based on the needs of the low-income 
families.
    (2) Contacting and assisting low-income families in need of 
adequate housing by:
    (i) Implementing an organized outreach program using available 
media and personal contacts;
    (ii) Explaining available housing programs and alternatives to 
increase the awareness of low-income families and to educate the 
community as to the benefits which can accrue from improved housing;
    (iii) Assisting low-income families to locate adequate housing;
    (iv) Providing construction supervision, training, and guidance to 
low-income families not involved in Mutual Self-Help programs who are 
otherwise being assisted by the TSA project;
    (v) Organizing local public or private nonprofit groups willing to 
provide adequate housing for low-income families; and
    (vi) Providing assistance to families and organizations in 
processing housing loan and/or grant applications generated by the TSA 
program, including developing and packaging such applications for new 
construction, rehabilitation, or repair to serve low-income families.
    Technical assistance. Any specific expertise necessary to carry out 
housing efforts by or for low-income families to improve the quantity 
and/or quality of housing available to meet their needs. Such 
assistance should be specifically related to the supervisory assistance 
provided by the project, and may include, as appropriate, the following 
activities:
    (1) Develop, or assist eligible applicants to develop, multi-
housing loan and/or grant applications for new construction, 
rehabilitation, or repair to serve low-income families.
    (2) Market surveys, engineering studies, cost estimates, and 
feasibility studies related to applications for housing assistance to 
meet the specific needs of the low-income families assisted under the 
TSA program.
    Grant purposes: Grant funds are to be used for a housing delivery 
system and counseling program to include a comprehensive program of 
technical and supervisory assistance as set forth in the grant 
agreement and any other special conditions as required by Rural 
Development. Uses of grant funds may include, but are not limited to:
    (1) The development and implementation of a program of technical 
and supervisory assistance as defined in 7 CFR 1944.506 (h) and (i).
    (2) Payment of reasonable salaries of professional, technical, and 
clerical staff actively assisting in the delivery of the TSA project.
    (3) Payment of necessary and reasonable office expenses such as 
office supplies and office rental, office utilities, telephone 
services, and office equipment rental.
    (4) Payment of necessary and reasonable administrative costs such 
as workers' compensation, liability insurance, audit reports, travel to 
and attendance at Rural Development approved training sessions, and the 
employer's share of Social Security and health benefits. Payments to 
private retirement funds are prohibited unless prior written 
authorization is obtained from the Administrator.
    (5) Payment of reasonable fees for necessary training of grantee 
personnel. This may include the cost of travel and per diem to attend 
regional training sessions when authorized by the State Director.
    (6) Other reasonable travel and miscellaneous expenses necessary to 
accomplish the objectives of the specific TSA grant which were 
anticipated in the individual TSA grant proposal and which have been 
included as eligible expenses at the time of grant approval.
    Ineligible Activities: Grant funds may not be used for:
    (1) Acquisition, construction, repair, or rehabilitation of 
structures or acquisition of land, vehicles, or equipment.
    (2) Replacement of, or substitution for, any financial support 
which would be available from any other source.
    (3) Duplication of current services in conflict with the 
requirements of 7 CFR 1944.514 (c).
    (4) Hiring personnel to perform construction.
    (5) Buying property of any kind from families receiving technical 
or supervisory assistance from the grantee under the terms of the TSA 
grant.
    (6) Paying for or reimbursing the grantee for any expenses or debts 
incurred before USDA Rural Development executes the grant agreement.
    (7) Paying any debts, expenses, or costs which should be the 
responsibility of the individual families receiving technical and 
supervisory assistance.
    (8) Any type of political activities.
    (9) Other costs including contributions and donations, 
entertainment, fines and penalties, interest and other financial costs, 
legislative expenses and any excess of cost from other grant 
agreements.
    Advice and assistance may be obtained from the National Office 
where ineligible costs are proposed as part of the TSA project or where 
a proposed cost appears ineligible.
    The grantee may not charge fees or accept compensation or 
gratuities from TSA recipients for the grantee's assistance under this 
program.
    Comprehensive TSA programs include: Outreach to the community and 
education of low-income families as to the benefits which can accrue 
from improved housing, including: counseling on affording a home, 
obtaining a housing loan, and understanding predatory lending 
practices; loan packaging and assistance in the homebuying process, 
including reviewing client credit history, screening for housing loan 
eligibility for USDA Rural Development Section 502 loans or similar 
loans, assisting clients to complete applications, advising clients on 
home selection and matters related to home financing, and providing 
post-purchase counseling; and, assisting individual USDA Rural 
Development borrowers with financial problems to overcome delinquency 
and/or prevent foreclosure.

II. Award Information

    Up to $1,000,000 in competitive grants will be awarded to eligible 
applicants. It is estimated that 10 grants will be awarded with these 
funds.

[[Page 19685]]

    TSA projects will be funded under a Grant Agreement for two years 
commencing on the date of execution of the Agreement by the State 
Director. The Grant Agreement is contained as Exhibit A to RD 
Instruction 1944-K (available in any USDA Rural Development office).
    Performance of the grant program should begin within 60 days of 
award notification.
    Applications for renewal of existing TSA programs are eligible to 
compete with applications for new awards.

III. Eligibility Information

    Grants provide funds to eligible applicant organizations to conduct 
TSA for low-income rural residents to obtain and/or maintain occupancy 
of adequate housing.
    Applicant eligibility. To be eligible to receive a grant, the 
applicant must:
    (1) Be an organization as defined in 7 CFR 1944.506 (e).
    (2) Have the financial, legal, administrative, and operational 
capacity to assume and carry out the responsibilities imposed by the 
grant agreement. To meet this requirement of actual capacity, it must 
either:
    (i) Have necessary background and experience with proven ability to 
perform responsibly in the field of low-income rural housing 
development and counseling, or other business management or 
administrative experience which indicates an ability to provide 
responsible technical and supervisory assistance; or
    (ii) Be assisted by an organization which has such background 
experience and ability and which agrees in writing that it will 
provide, without charge, the assistance the applicant will need to 
carry out its responsibilities.
    (3) Legally obligate itself to administer TSA funds, provide an 
adequate accounting of the expenditure of such funds, and comply with 
the grant agreement and applicable USDA Rural Development regulations;
    (4) Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of low-income rural 
families;
    (5) Have the ability and willingness to work within established 
guidelines; and
    (6) If the applicant is engaged in or plans to become engaged in 
any other activities, it must be able to provide sufficient evidence 
and documentation that it has adequate resources, including financial 
resources, to carry on any other programs or activities to which it is 
committed without jeopardizing the success and effectiveness of its TSA 
project.
    Cost sharing or matching. There is no cost sharing or matching 
requirement. However, applicants who submit evidence of cost sharing 
will receive points under Selection Criteria, paragraph V. (2) (v).
    Other administrative requirements. The following policies and 
regulations apply to grants made under this program:
    (1) The policies and regulations contained in 7 CFR part 1901, 
subpart E regarding equal opportunity requirements.
    (2) The policies and regulations contained in 7 CFR part 1901, 
subpart F regarding historical and archaeological properties.
    (3) The policies and regulations contained in 7 CFR part 1940, 
subpart G regarding Environmental Assessments.

IV. Application and Submission Information

Preapplication submission

    (1) Applicants may file an electronic application at http://www.grants.gov. Applications will not be accepted via facsimile machine 
transmission or electronic mail. Grants.gov contains full instructions 
on all required passwords, credentialing, and software. Follow the 
instructions at Grants.gov for registering and submitting an electronic 
application. If a system problem or technical difficulty occurs with an 
electronic application, please use the customer support resources 
available at the Grants.gov Web site.
    First time Grants.gov users should go to the ``Get Started'' tab on 
the Grants.gov site and carefully read and follow the steps listed. 
These steps need to be initiated early in the application process to 
avoid delays in submitting your application online. Step three, 
Registering with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR), will take some 
time to complete, so keep that in mind when beginning the application 
process. In order to register with the CCR, your organization will need 
a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number. A DUNS number is a 
unique nine-character identification number provided by the commercial 
company, Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). To investigate if your organization 
already has a DUNS number or to obtain a DUNS number, contact Dun & 
Bradstreet at 1-866-705-5711. Be sure to complete the Marketing Partner 
ID (MPIN) and Electronic Business Primary Point of Contact fields 
during the CCR registration process. These are mandatory fields that 
are required when submitting grant applications through Grants.gov. 
Information about registering with CCR was published in the Federal 
Register on January 17, 2006. (See 71 FR 2549). Additional application 
instructions for submitting an electronic application can be found by 
selecting this funding opportunity on Grants.gov.
    (2) Applicants, that choose not to file electronically, will file 
an original and two copies of the preapplication, including supporting 
information detailed below, with the appropriate State Office serving 
the proposed TSA area. Preapplications will consist of: Standard Form 
424 (Form SF-424), ``Application for Federal Assistance;'' Form SF-
424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs;'' Form SF-424B, 
``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs;'' and supporting documentation 
as detailed below. The applicant organization's DUNS number must be 
provided.
    If the TSA area encompasses more than one State Office, the 
preapplication will be filed at the State Office which serves the area 
in which the grantee will provide the greatest amount of TSA efforts. 
Additional informational copies of the preapplication will be sent by 
the applicant to the other affected State Office(s). Applications for 
multi-state projects must designate the portion of funds and services 
to be provided to each state.
    Where to file. Preapplication packages, including electronic 
submissions, must be received prior to the deadline at the appropriate 
USDA Rural Development State Office. State Office addresses and 
contacts are:

Alabama State Office
    Suite 601, Sterling Centre, 4121 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 
36106-3683, (334) 279-3400, TDD (334) 279-3495, Vann L. McCloud.
Alaska State Office
    800 West Evergreen, Suite 201, Palmer, AK 99645, (907) 761-7705, 
ext. 740, TDD (907) 761-8905, Deborah Davis.
Arizona State Office
    Phoenix Corporate Center, 3003 N. Central Ave., Suite 900, 
Phoenix, AZ 85012-2906, (602) 280-8755, TDD (602) 280-8706, Ernie 
Weatherbee.
Arkansas State Office
    700 W. Capitol Ave., Rm. 3416, Little Rock, AR 72201-3225, (501) 
301-3200, TDD (501) 301-3063, Lawrence McCullough.
California State Office
    430 G Street, 4169, Davis, CA 95616-4169, (530) 792-
5816, TDD (530) 792-5848, Deborah Morris, Acting.
Colorado State Office
    655 Parfet Street, Room E100, Lakewood, CO 80215, (720) 544-
2903, TDD (800) 659-2656, Jamie Spakow.
Connecticut
    Served by Massachusetts State Office.
Delaware & Maryland State Office
    4607 South DuPont Highway, PO Box 400, Camden, DE 19934-9998, 
(302) 697-4319, TDD (302) 697-4303, W. Drew Clendaniel.
Florida & Virgin Islands State Office

[[Page 19686]]

    4440 NW 25th Place, Gainesville, FL 32606-6563, (352) 338-3435, 
TDD (352) 338-3499, Daryl Cooper.
Georgia State Office
    Stephens Federal Building 355 E. Hancock Avenue, Athens, GA 
30601-2768, (706) 546-2162, TDD (706) 546-2034, Joseph Walden.
Guam
    Served by Hawaii State Office.
Hawaii State Office
    (Services all Hawaii, American Samoa and Western Pacific), Room 
311, Federal Building, 154 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720, (808) 
933-8309, TDD (808) 933-8321, Jack L. Mahan.
Idaho State Office
    Suite A1, 9173, West Barnes Dr., Boise, ID 83709, (208) 378-
5627, TDD (208) 378-5644, Roni Atkins.
Illinois State Office
    2118 West Park Court, Suite A, Champaign, IL 61821-2986, (217) 
403-6222, TDD (217) 403-6240, Barry L. Ramsey.
Indiana State Office
    5975 Lakeside Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46278, (317) 290-3100 
ext. 413, TDD (317) 290-3343, Paul Neumann.
Iowa State Office
    210 Walnut Street Room 873, Des Moines, IA 50309, (515) 284-
4663, TDD (515) 284-4858, Bruce McGuire.
Kansas State Office
    1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66604-4040, 
(785) 271-2700, TDD (785) 271-2767, Tim Rogers.
Kentucky State Office
    771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Lexington, KY 40503, (859) 224-
7416, TDD (859) 224-7422, Denver Parks.
Louisiana State Office
    3727 Government Street, Alexandria, LA 71302, (318) 473-7920, 
TDD (318) 473-7655, Debbie Redfearn.
Maine State Office
    967 Illinois Ave., Suite 4, PO Box 405, Bangor, ME 04402-0405, 
(207) 990-9118, TDD (207) 942-7331, Dale Holmes.
Maryland
    Served by Delaware State Office.
Massachusetts, Connecticut, & Rhode Island State Office
    451 West Street, Suite 2, Amherst, MA 01002, (413) 253-4333, TDD 
(413) 253-4590, Don Colburn.
Michigan State Office
    3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 200, East Lansing, MI 48823, (517) 
324-5192, TDD (517) 337-6795, Rick Annis, Acting.
Minnesota State Office
    375 Jackson Street Building, Suite 410, St. Paul, MN 55101, 
(651) 602-7835, TDD (651) 602-7830, Lance Larson.
Mississippi State Office
    Federal Building, Suite 831, 100 W. Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 
39269, (601) 965-4325, TDD (601) 965-5850, John Jones.
Missouri State Office
    601 Business Loop 70 West, Parkade Center, Suite 235, Columbia, 
MO 65203, (573) 876-9301, TDD (573) 876-9480, Randy Griffith.
Montana State Office
    Unit 1, Suite B, 900 Technology Blvd., Bozeman, MT 59715, (406) 
585-2551, TDD (406) 585-2562, Deborah Chorlton.
Nebraska State Office
    Federal Building, Room 152, 100 Centennial Mall N, Lincoln, NE 
68508, (402) 437-5551, TDD (402) 437-5093, Byron Fischer.
Nevada State Office
    1390 South Curry Street, Carson City, NV 89703-9910, (775) 887-
1795, TDD (775) 885-0633, William Brewer.
New Hampshire State Office
    Served by Vermont State Office.
New Jersey State Office
    5th Floor North, Suite 500, 8000 Midlantic Drive, Mt. Laurel, NJ 
08054, (856) 787-7731, TDD (856) 787-7784, George Hyatt, Jr.
New Mexico State Office
    6200 Jefferson St., NE, Room 255, Albuquerque, NM 87109, (505) 
761-4973, TDD (505) 761-4938, Walt Taylor.
New York State Office
    The Galleries of Syracuse, 441 S. Salina Street, Suite 357 5th 
Floor, Syracuse, NY 13202, (315) 477-6419, TDD (315) 477-6447, 
Jennifer Jackson.
North Carolina State Office
    4405 Bland Road, Suite 260, Raleigh, NC 27609, (919) 873-2041, 
TDD (919) 873-2003, Melchior Ellis.
North Dakota State Office, Federal Building, Room 208, 220 East 
Rosser, PO Box 1737, Bismarck, ND 58502, (701) 530-2044, TDD (701) 
530-2113, Don Warren.
Ohio State Office, Federal Building, Room 507, 200 North High 
Street, Columbus, OH 43215-2477, (614) 255-2401, TDD (614) 255-2554, 
Gerald Arnott.
Oklahoma State Office
    100 USDA, Suite 108, Stillwater, OK 74074-2654, (405) 742-1000, 
TDD (405) 742-1007, Brian Wiles.
Oregon State Office
    101 SW Main, Suite 1410, Portland, OR 97204-3222, (503) 414-
3339, TDD (503) 414-3387, Sharon Shaffer.
Pennsylvania State Office
    One Credit Union Place, Suite 330, Harrisburg, PA 17110-2996, 
(717) 237-2279, TDD (717) 237-2261, Frank Wetherhold.
Puerto Rico State Office
    IBM Building, Suite 601, Munoz Rivera Ave. 654, San 
Juan, PR 00918, (787) 766-5095, TDD (787) 766-5332, Pedro Gomez.
Rhode Island
    Served by Massachusetts State Office.
South Carolina State Office
    Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835 Assembly Street, Room 
1007, Columbia, SC 29201, (803) 253-3655, TDD (803) 765-5697, 
Herbert R. Koon, Jr.
South Dakota State Office Federal Building, Room 210, 200 Fourth 
Street, SW, Huron, SD 57350, (605) 352-1135, TDD (605) 352-1147, 
Roger Hazuka.
Tennessee State Office
    Suite 300, 3322 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203-1084, (615) 
783-1375, TDD (615) 783-1397, Donald L. Harris.
Texas State Office
    Federal Building, Suite 102, 101 South Main, Temple, TX 76501, 
(254) 742-9765, TDD (254) 742-9712, Gayle Ledyard, Acting.
Utah State Office
    Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building, 125 S. State Street, Room 
4311, Salt Lake City, UT 84138, (801) 524-4323, TDD (801) 524-3309, 
Dave Brown.
Vermont & New Hampshire State Office
    City Center, 3rd Floor, 89 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602, 
(802) 828-6015, TDD (802) 223-6365, Robert McDonald.
Virgin Islands
    Served by Florida State Office.
Virginia State Office
    Culpeper Building, Suite 238, 1606 Santa Rosa Road, Richmond, VA 
23229, (804) 287-1603, TDD (804) 287-1753, James Reid.
Washington State Office
    1835 Black Lake Blvd., Suite B, Olympia, WA 98512, (360) 704-
7704, TDD (360) 704-7742, Karen Bailor.
Western Pacific Territories
    Served by Hawaii State Office.
West Virginia State Office
    Federal Building 75 High Street, Room 320, Morgantown, WV 26505-
7500, (304) 284-4867, TDD (304) 284-4836, Dianne Goff Crysler.
Wisconsin State Office
    4949 Kirschling Court, Stevens Point, WI 54481, (715) 345-7600, 
TDD (715) 345-7614, Peter Kohnen.
Wyoming State Office
    100 East B, Federal Building, Room 1005, PO Box 820, Casper, WY 
82602, (307) 233-6715, TDD (307) 261-6333, Alan Brooks.

    (3) All preapplications, including electronic submissions, shall be 
accompanied by the following information which will be used to 
determine the applicant's eligibility to undertake a TSA program and to 
determine whether the applicant might be funded:
    (i) A narrative presentation of the applicant's proposed TSA 
program, including:
    (A) The technical and supervisory assistance to be provided;
    (B) The time schedule for implementing the program;
    (C) The staffing pattern to execute the program and salary range 
for each position, existing and proposed;
    (D) The estimated number of low-income and low-income minority 
families the applicant will assist in obtaining affordable adequate 
housing;
    (E) The estimated number of USDA Rural Development borrowers who 
are delinquent or being foreclosed that the applicant will assist in 
resolving their financial problems relating to their delinquency;
    (F) The estimated number of households which will be assisted in 
obtaining adequate housing in the TSA area through new construction 
and/or rehabilitation;
    (G) Annual estimated budget for each of the two years based on the 
financial needs to accomplish the objectives

[[Page 19687]]

outlined in the proposal. The budget should include proposed direct and 
indirect costs for personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, 
supplies, contracts, and other cost categories, detailing those costs 
for which the grantee proposes to use the TSA grant separately from 
non-TSA resources, if any;
    (H) The accounting system (cash or accrual) to be used;
    (I) The method of evaluation proposed to be used by the applicant 
to determine the effectiveness of its program;
    (J) The sources and estimated amounts of other financial resources 
to be obtained and used by the applicant for both TSA activities and 
housing development and/or supporting facilities; and,
    (K) Any other information necessary to explain the manner of 
delivering the TSA assistance proposed.
    (ii) Complete information about the applicant's previous experience 
and capacity to carry out the objectives of the proposed TSA program;
    (iii) Evidence of the applicant's legal existence, including, in 
the case of a private nonprofit organization, a copy of, or an accurate 
reference to, the specific provisions of State law under which the 
applicant is organized; a certified copy of the applicant's Articles of 
Incorporation and Bylaws or other evidence of corporate existence; 
certificate of incorporation for other than public bodies; evidence of 
good standing from the State when the corporation has been in existence 
one year or more; the names and addresses of the applicant's members, 
directors, and officers; and, if another organization is a member of 
the applicant-organization, its name, address, and principal business.
    (iv) For a private nonprofit entity, a current financial statement 
dated and signed by an authorized officer of the entity showing the 
amounts and specific nature of assets and liabilities together with 
information on the repayment schedule and status of any debt(s) owed by 
the applicant. If the applicant is an organization being assisted by 
another private nonprofit organization, the same type of financial 
statement should also be provided by that organization.
    (v) A brief narrative statement which includes information about 
the area to be served and the need for improved housing (including both 
percentage and actual number of both low-income and low-income minority 
families and substandard housing), the need for the type of technical 
and supervisory assistance being proposed, the method of evaluation to 
be used by the applicant in determining the effectiveness of its 
efforts (as related to paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section), and any 
other information necessary to specifically address the selection 
criteria in 7 CFR 1944.529.
    (vi) A list of other activities the applicant is engaged in and 
expects to continue and a statement as to any other funding and whether 
it will have sufficient funds to assure continued operation of the 
other activities for at least the period of the TSA grant agreement.
    (4) An applicant should submit written statements from the county, 
parish, or township governments of the area affected that the project 
is beneficial and does not duplicate current activities. If the local 
governmental units will not provide such statements, the applicant will 
prepare and include with its preapplication a summary of its analysis 
of alternatives considered under 7 CFR 1944.514 (c). However, Indian 
nonprofit organization applicants should obtain the written concurrence 
of the tribal governing body in lieu of the concurrence of the county 
governments.
    (5) Sponsored applicants should submit a written commitment for 
financial and/or technical assistance from their sponsoring entity.
    (6) An original and one copy of Form RD 1940-20, ``Request for 
Environmental Information.''
    (7) USDA Rural Development will deal only with authorized 
representatives designated by the applicant. The authorized 
representatives must have no pecuniary interest in any of the following 
as they would relate in any way to the TSA grant: the award of any 
engineering, architectural, management, administration, or construction 
contracts; purchase of the furnishings, fixtures or equipment; or 
purchase and/or development of land.

    (Note:
    USDA Rural Development has designated the Area Office as the 
primary point of contact for all matters relating to the TSA program 
and as the office responsible for the administration of approved TSA 
projects.)

    Intergovernmental Review. This program is subject to the provisions 
of Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation 
with State and local officials.

V. Application Review Information

    Within 30 days of the closing date for receipt of preapplications, 
the State Director will forward to the National Office the original 
preapplication(s) and supporting documents of the selected 
applicant(s), including any comments received in accordance with 7 CFR 
part 3015, subpart V, ``Intergovernmental Review of Agriculture 
Programs and Activities,'' (See RD Instruction 1940-J, available in any 
USDA Rural Development Office) and the comments and recommendations of 
the Local Office(s), Area Office(s), and the State Office. The State 
Office may submit multiple preapplications, ranked in order of 
preference, to the National Office for consideration.
    Concurrently the State Office will send a copy of the selected 
applicant's Form SF-424 and relevant documents to the Regional Office 
of the General Counsel (OGC) requesting a legal determination be made 
of the applicant's legal existence and authority to conduct the 
proposed program of technical and supervisory assistance.
    The State Office will notify other applicants that their 
preapplications were not selected and advise them of their appeal 
rights under 7 CFR part 11.

Selection Criteria

    (1) Proposals must meet the following criteria:
    (i) Provide a program of supervisory assistance as defined in 7 CFR 
1944.506(h); and,
    (ii) Serve areas with a concentration of substandard housing and 
low-income and low-income minority households.
    (2) For proposals meeting the requirements listed in paragraph (1) 
above, USDA Rural Development will use the weighted criteria in this 
paragraph in the selection of grant recipients. Each preapplication and 
its accompanying narrative will be evaluated and the applicant's 
proposal will be numerically rated on each criterion. The highest-
ranking proposals will be selected for funding according to award 
information, described above. The criteria considered, the method of 
measurement, and the points to be awarded are as follows:
    (i) The extent to which the program serves areas with 
concentrations of Rural Development single family housing loan 
borrowers who are delinquent in their housing loan payments and/or 
threatened with foreclosure. Measured by whether the applicant proposes 
to offer delinquency counseling services for Rural Development 
borrowers. Program will offer delinquency counseling services: 5 
points.
    (ii) The capability and past performance demonstrated by the 
applicant in administering its programs, the effectiveness of current 
efforts by the applicant to assist low-income and low-income minority 
families in obtaining adequate housing, the adequacy of records and 
practices (including

[[Page 19688]]

personnel procedures and practices) that will be established and 
maintained by the applicant during the term of the agreement. Measured 
on whether the applicant organization or members of the applicant 
organization's staff conducting the proposed TSA program have, in the 
last two years, successfully conducted a TSA or similar program to 
assist low-income families in becoming successful homeowners. Have 
conducted a similar program, not TSA: 5 points; OR, have conducted a 
TSA program, 10 points.
    (iii) The narrative presentation of the applicant's proposed TSA 
program. This criterion will be used to evaluate the proposed TSA 
program and its implementation. This section should describe the 
technical and supervisory assistance to be provided, the anticipated 
capacity of the applicant to implement the proposed time schedule for 
starting and completing the TSA program and each phase thereof, the 
extent to which the proposed staff and salary ranges will meet the 
objective of the program including, but not limited to: the ratio of 
personnel to be hired by the applicant to the cost of the project, the 
estimated number of low-income and low-income minority families that 
will obtain housing, the estimated number of Rural Development 
borrowers that will obtain delinquency counseling, and the estimated 
number of households that will be assisted in obtaining adequate 
housing in the TSA area through new construction and/or rehabilitation. 
Up to 50 points may be assigned.
    (iv) The extent to which the program will provide or increase the 
delivery of housing resources to low-income and low-income minority 
families who are not currently occupying adequate housing in the areas.
    (A) Measured by the county Poverty Rate, as reported in Census 2000 
Summary File 3 (SF 3) Report GCT-P14, ``Income and Poverty in 
1999:2000.'' This information may be obtained on the Internet from the 
U.S. Census Bureau Web site, ``American Fact Finder,'' at 
factfinder.census.gov.
    (1) 25.1% or higher: 30 points.
    (2) 14.7% to 25.0%: A total of 2.86 points, rounded to the nearest 
whole number, for each percentage point above 14.6%.
    (3) 14.6% or less: 0 points.
    Example: According to Census 2000, the service area Poverty Rate is 
18.0 percent. This is 3.4 points above the National Non-Metropolitan 
Area Average of 14.6 percent. This proposal would be scored with 10 
points (3.4 x 2.86 = 9.7); and
    (B) Measured by the degree of deficient housing, based on the 
combination of the county's percentage of housing units lacking 
complete plumbing facilities plus the percentage of housing units 
lacking complete kitchen facilities (referred to as deficient housing 
factor), as reported in Census 2000 SF 3 Report GCT-H7, ``Structural 
and Facility Characteristics of All Housing Units: 2000.'' This 
information may be obtained on the Internet from the U.S. Census Bureau 
Web site, ``American Fact Finder,'' at factfinder.census.gov.
    (1) Deficient housing factor 13.0 or greater: 30 points.
    (2) Factor 5.1 to 13.0: A total of 3.75 points, rounded to the 
nearest whole number, for each point above 5.0.
    (3) Factor 5.0 or lower: 0 points.
    Example: Of the total housing units in the service area, 5.0 
percent lack complete plumbing and 4.5 percent lack complete kitchen 
facilities, according to Census 2000. Adding these two percentages 
provides a `deficient housing index' of 9.5. This is 4.5 points above 
the National Non-Metropolitan Area Average of 5.0. This would result in 
a score of 17 points (9.5-5.0 = 4.5 x 3.75 = 16.875).
    (C) For programs serving multi-county areas, scoring will be 
determined based upon the combined totals for the counties entire 
service area. County data (not smaller areas) will be used for 
evaluation.
    (v) The extent to which the program will make use of other 
financial and contribution-in-kind resources for both technical and 
supervisory assistance and housing development and supporting 
facilities. Scoring will be based on the amount of financial assistance 
from non-Federal sources compared to the applicant's grant request for 
financial assistance for the project. The applicant will receive points 
as follows:
    (A) 5--25%-5 points
    (B) Greater than 25% but equal to or less than 50%--10 points
    (C) Greater than 50%--15 points
    (vi) The extent to which the project will be cost effective. The 
cost, both direct and indirect, per person benefiting from the program 
will be measured by the proposed total number of low-income 
participants who obtain suitable housing within the period of the grant 
as a result of participation in the comprehensive TSA program, compared 
to the amount of the TSA grant. Scoring will be based on the TSA grant 
funds expended per participant who purchases suitable housing.
    (A) $1,000 or less--10 points
    (B) Greater than $1000 but equal to or less than $1500--5 points
    (C) More than $1,500--0 points
    Example: The applicant organization's program of homebuyer training 
and loan packaging proposes to produce 60 homeowners during the two-
year grant. Funding for the program includes a $75,000 TSA grant. The 
TSA cost per homeowner produced is $75,000/60 = $1,250. Therefore, 5 
points would be given.
    (vii) The extent to which the program is effective in providing 
expected benefits to low-income families. Measured by the proposed 
total number of low-income participants who obtain suitable housing 
within the period of the grant as a result of participation in the 
comprehensive TSA program. More than 25 but less than 50 new 
homeowners: 5 points, OR more than 50 new homeowners: 10 points.
    (viii) The narrative statement demonstrates the need for the TSA 
program in the proposed area. This section should describe the area to 
be served and the need for improved housing, the need for the technical 
and supervisory assistance proposed, and the method of determining the 
proposed program's effectiveness. Up to 20 points may be assigned.
    (ix) The services the applicant will provide are not presently 
available in the proposed service area to assist low-income families in 
obtaining or maintaining occupancy of adequate housing and the extent 
of duplication of technical and supervisory assistance activities 
currently provided for low-income families. Measured by comments 
received. Proposed services not duplicated in the area: 10 points.
    (x) The extent of citizen and local government participation and 
involvement in the development of the preapplication and project and 
coordination with other Federal, State or local technical and/or 
supervisory assistance programs. Measured by letter(s) or similar 
documentation from local government officials, businesses and 
individuals detailing participation and coordination in the project by 
groups other than the applicant. Letters of support from local or State 
government entities stating the project is beneficial and non-
duplicative: 5 points.

VI. Award Administration Information

    Upon notification that the applicant has been tentatively selected 
for funding based on its preapplication, the State Office will notify 
the applicant and provide instructions for preparation of a formal 
application. The applicant will submit all completed forms required for 
a formal application and whatever

[[Page 19689]]

additional needed information that is requested to the Area Office 
within 30 days.
    The Area Office will assemble a formal application docket, which 
will include the following:
    (1) Form SF-424 and the information submitted in accordance with 7 
CFR 1944.526(a)(2) (preapplication package);
    (2) Any comments received in accordance with 7 CFR part 3015, 
subpart V, ``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Agriculture 
Programs and Activities.'' See RD Instruction 1940-J (available in any 
USDA Rural Development Office).
    (3) OGC legal determination made pursuant to 7 CFR 1944.526 (c)(3).
    (4) Grant Agreement.
    (5) Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
    (6) Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement.''
    (7) Form RD 400-4, ``Nondiscrimination Agreement.''
    (8) Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension 
and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions.''
    (9) Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements (Grants), Alternative I--For Grantees Other Than 
Individuals.''
    (10) Form RD 1940-20, ``Request for Environmental Information.''
    (11) Form RD 1940-22, ``Environmental Checklist for Categorical 
Exclusions,'' Form RD 1940-21, ``Environmental Assessment for Class I 
Actions'' or Exhibit G of 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G entitled, 
``Environmental Assessment for Class II Actions.''
    (12) The historical and archaeological assessment.
    (13) The detailed budget for the agreement period based upon the 
needs outlined in the proposal and recommendations by USDA Rural 
Development.
    (14) Verification of Debarment Listing check and Federal Debt 
Listing check.
    (15) Form RD 2006-38, ``Civil Rights Impact Analysis.''
    Reporting requirements. Form SF-269, ``Financial Status Report,'' 
and a project performance report will be required of all grantees on a 
quarterly basis. All grantees shall submit an original and two copies 
of these reports to the Area Office. The project performance reports 
will be submitted not later than January 15, April 15, July 15, and 
October 15 of each year.
    As part of the grantee's preapplication submission required by 7 
CFR 1944.526 (a)(2)(i), the grantee established the objectives of its 
TSA program including the estimated number of low-income families to be 
assisted by the TSA program and its method of evaluation to determine 
the effectiveness of its program. The project performance report should 
relate the activities during the report period to the project's 
objectives and analyze the effectiveness of the program. The grantee 
will complete a final Form SF-269 and a final performance report upon 
termination or expiration of the grant agreement.
    Grant monitoring. Each grant will be monitored by USDA Rural 
Development to ensure that the grantee is complying with the terms of 
the grant and that the TSA project activity is completed as approved. 
Ordinarily, this will involve a review of quarterly and final reports 
by USDA Rural Development and review by the appropriate Area Office.
    Additional grants. An additional grant may be made to an applicant 
that has previously received a TSA grant and substantially achieved the 
goals established for the previous grant by submitting a new proposal 
for TSA funds. The additional grant application will be processed as if 
it were an initial application.
    Management assistance. The Area Office will see that each TSA 
grantee receives management assistance to help achieve a successful 
program.
    (1) TSA employees who will be contacting and assisting families 
will receive training in packaging single family housing and Rural 
Rental Housing loans when, or very shortly after, they are hired so 
that they can work effectively.
    (2) TSA employees who will provide counseling, outreach, and other 
technical and supervisory assistance will receive training on USDA 
Rural Development policies, procedures, and requirements appropriate to 
their positions and the type of assistance the grantee will provide at 
the outset of the grant.
    (3) Training will be provided by USDA Rural Development employees 
and/or outside sources approved by USDA Rural Development when the 
technical and supervisory assistance involves rural housing programs 
other than Rural Development programs. Appropriate training of TSA 
employees should be anticipated during the planning stages of the grant 
and the reasonable cost of such training included in the budget.
    (4) The Area Office, in cooperation with the appropriate Local 
Office(s), should coordinate the management assistance given to the TSA 
grantee in a manner which is timely and effective. This will require 
periodic meetings with the grantee to discuss problems being 
encountered and offer assistance in solving these problems; to discuss 
the budget, the effectiveness of the grant, and any other unusual 
circumstances affecting delivery of the proposed TSA services; to keep 
the grantee aware of procedural and policy changes, availability of 
funds, etc.; and to discuss any other matters affecting the 
availability of housing opportunities for low-income families.
    (5) The Area and/or Local Office will advise the grantee of the 
options available to bring the delinquent borrowers' accounts current 
and advise the grantee that the appropriate approval authority for any 
resolution of the delinquent accounts and all other authority currently 
available to remedy delinquent accounts.
    Grant evaluation, closeout, suspension, and termination. Grant 
evaluation will be an ongoing activity performed by both the grantee 
and USDA Rural Development. The grantee will perform self-evaluations 
by preparing periodic project performance reports in accordance with 7 
CFR 1944.541. USDA Rural Development will also review all reports 
prepared and submitted by the grantee in accordance with the grant 
agreement and 7 CFR part 1944, subpart K.
    Within forty-five (45) days after the grant ending date, the 
grantee will complete closeout procedures as specified in the grant 
agreement.
    The grant can also be terminated before the grant ending date for 
the causes specified in the grant agreement. No further grant funds 
will be disbursed when grant suspension or termination procedures have 
been initiated in accordance with the grant agreement.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Nica Mathes, Senior Loan Specialist, USDA Rural Development, Single 
Family Housing Direct Loan Division, Special Programs and New 
Initiatives Branch, Mail Stop 0783, Room 2206-S, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0783, phone: (202) 205-3656 or (202) 
720-1474, e-mail: [email protected], or FAX: (202) 720-2232.

VIII. Other Information

    Information about TSA grants and other Rural Development housing 
programs can be obtained at the USDA Rural Development Web site at 
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. Questions can also be sent by e-mail to 
[email protected].


[[Page 19690]]


    Dated: April 7, 2006.
Russell T. Davis,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-5688 Filed 4-14-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P