[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 237 (Tuesday, December 11, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70458-70470]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-23997]



[[Page 70457]]

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Part IV





Department of Housing and Urban Development





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Notice of Funding Availability for the Public Housing Neighborhood 
Networks Program; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 237 / Tuesday, December 11, 2007 / 
Notices  

[[Page 70458]]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

[Docket No. FR-5159-N-01]


Notice of Funding Availability for the Public Housing 
Neighborhood Networks Program

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian 
Housing, HUD.

ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability.

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Overview Information

    A. Federal Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, Office of Public and Indian Housing.
    B. Funding Opportunity Title: Public Housing Neighborhood Networks 
program.
    C. Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
    D. Funding Opportunity Number: Federal Register number: FR-5159-N-
01; OMB approval number: 2577-0229.
    E. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): 14.875.
    F. Dates: The application deadline date is February 15, 2008.

G. Additional Overview Content Information

    1. Purpose of Program. The purpose of the Public Housing 
Neighborhood Networks (NN) program is to provide grants to public 
housing authorities (PHAs) to: (a) Update and expand existing NN 
community technology centers; or (b) establish new NN centers. These 
centers offer comprehensive services designed to help public housing 
residents achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency. This program is 
authorized under Sec.  9(d)(1)(E), Sec.  9(e)(1)(K), Sec.  9(h)(8), and 
Sec.  24(d)(1)(G) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 
1437g).
    2. Funding Available. The Department plans to award approximately 
$10 million under the Public Housing NN program in Fiscal Year (FY) 
2007.
    3. Award Amounts. Awards will range from $150,000 to $600,000.
    4. Eligible Applicants. Eligible applicants are PHAs only.
    Tribes and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs), nonprofit 
organizations, and resident associations are not eligible to apply for 
funding under the Public Housing Neighborhood Networks program.
    5. Cost Sharing/Match Requirement. PHAs are required to match at 
least 25 percent of the requested grant amount.
    6. Grant term. The grant term is 3 years from the execution date of 
the grant agreement.

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            Grant program                  Total funding         Eligible applicants                          Maximum grant amount
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Neighborhood Networks...............  Approximately $10        PHAs--existing centers  $150,000 for PHAs with 1 to 780 units.
                                       million.                                        $200,000 for PHAs with 781 to 2,500 units.
                                                                                       $250,000 for PHAs with 2,501 to 7,300 units.
                                                                                       $300,000 for PHAs with 7,301 units or more.
                                      .......................  PHAs--new centers.....  $300,000 for PHAs with 1 to 780 units.
                                                                                       $400,000 for PHAs with 781 to 2,500 units.
                                                                                       $500,000 for PHAs with 2,501 to 7,300 units.
                                                                                       $600,000 for PHAs with 7,301 units or more.
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FULL TEXT OF ANNOUNCEMENT

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Definition of Terms

    1. Citywide Resident Organization consists of members of Resident 
Councils, Resident Management Corporations, and Resident Organizations 
who reside in public housing developments that are owned and operated 
by the same PHA within a city.
    2. Contract Administrator is a grant administrator or financial 
management agent that oversees the implementation of the grant and/or 
the financial aspects of the grant. Contract administrators may be 
local housing agencies, community-based organizations such as community 
development corporations (CDCs), local faith-based institutions, 
nonprofit organizations, and state/regional associations and 
organizations. Troubled PHAs are not eligible to be contract 
administrators. Grant writers who assist applicants in the preparation 
of NN applications are also ineligible to be contract administrators. 
Please see the ``Program Requirements'' section III.C.2. of this NOFA 
for more information.
    3. An existing computer center is: (1) A computer lab, or 
technology center owned and operated by a PHA that serves residents of 
public housing and has not received prior NN funding and, therefore, is 
not officially designated a HUD Public and Indian Housing (PIH) NN 
center; (2) a computer lab designated as a HUD PIH NN center, which 
seeks to expand its services; or (3) a computer lab that needs funding 
under this program to become fully operational and serve residents of 
public housing.
    4. A new NN center is one that will be established (i.e., there is 
no infrastructure, space, or equipment currently in use for this 
purpose) with NN grant funds. NOTE: An applicant that has previously 
received NN funding may apply under the ``New Computer Center'' 
category only if it will develop a new center in a development that 
cannot be served by the applicant's existing NN center(s).
    5. Intermediary Resident Organizations means jurisdiction-wide 
resident organizations, citywide resident organizations, statewide 
resident organizations, regional resident organizations, and national 
resident organizations.
    6. Jurisdiction-Wide Resident Organization means an incorporated 
nonprofit organization or association that meets the following 
requirements: (a) Most of its activities are conducted within the 
jurisdiction of a single PHA; (b) There are no incorporated resident 
councils or resident management corporations within the jurisdiction of 
the single PHA; (c) It has experience in providing startup and 
capacity-building training to residents and resident organizations; and 
(d) Public housing residents representing unincorporated resident 
councils within the jurisdiction of the single PHA must comprise a 
majority of the board of directors.
    7. National Resident Organization (NRO) is an incorporated 
nonprofit organization or association for public housing that meets 
each of the following requirements:
    a. It is national (i.e., conducts activities or provides services 
in at least two HUD areas or two states);
    b. It has the capacity to provide startup and capacity-building 
training to residents and resident organizations; and
    c. Public housing residents representing different geographical 
locations in the country are members of the Board of Directors.
    8. Past Performance is a threshold requirement. Using Rating Factor 
1, HUD's field offices will evaluate applicants for past performance to

[[Page 70459]]

determine whether an applicant has the capacity to manage the grant for 
which it is applying. Field offices will evaluate the past performance 
of contract administrators for applicants that are required to have 
one. See section III. C.2.c. for more information on contract 
administrators.
    9. Person with disabilities means a person who:
    a. Has a condition defined as a disability in section 223 of the 
Social Security Act;
    b. Has a developmental disability as defined in section 102 of the 
Developmental Disabilities Assistance Bill of Rights Act; or
    c. Is determined to have a physical, mental, or emotional 
impairment that:
    (1) Is expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration;
    (2) Substantially impedes his or her ability to live independently; 
and
    (3) Is of such a nature that such ability could be improved by more 
suitable housing conditions.
    The term ``person with disabilities'' includes persons who have 
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) or any conditions arising 
from the etiologic agent for AIDS. No individual shall be considered a 
person with disabilities solely based on drug or alcohol dependence.
    The definition provided above for persons with disabilities is the 
proper definition for determining program qualifications. However, the 
definition of a person with disabilities contained in section 504 of 
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its implementing regulations must be 
used for purposes of providing reasonable accommodations and for 
program accessibility for persons with disabilities.
    10. Project Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the 
grantee's approved activities to ensure that grant goals and objectives 
are met. A qualified Project Coordinator is someone with at least 2 
years of experience running a community technology center and working 
on supportive services designed specifically for underserved 
populations. Please see Section V.A.1.a.(1)(a) of Rating Factor 1, 
``Staff Experience,'' for more information. The Project Coordinator and 
grantee are both responsible for ensuring that all federal requirements 
are followed.
    11. Regional Resident Organization (RRO) means an incorporated 
nonprofit organization or association for public housing that meets 
each of the following requirements:
    a. The RRO is regional (i.e., not limited by HUD areas);
    b. The RRO has experience in providing start-up and capacity-
building training to residents and resident organizations; and
    c. Public housing residents representing different geographical 
locations in the region must comprise the majority of the Board of 
Directors.
    12. Resident Advisory Board (RAB) refers to a board or boards whose 
membership consists of individuals who adequately reflect and represent 
the residents assisted by the PHA. (See 24 CFR 903.13 for a complete 
definition.)
    13. Resident Association (RA) means any or all of the forms of 
resident organizations as they are defined elsewhere in this 
Definitions section and includes Resident Councils (RCs), Resident 
Management Corporations (RMCs), Regional Resident Organizations (RROs), 
Statewide Resident Organizations (SROs), Jurisdiction-Wide Resident 
Organizations, and National Resident Organizations (NROs). This NOFA 
uses ''Resident Association'' or ''RA'' to refer to all eligible types 
of resident organizations.
    14. Resident Council (RC) must consist entirely of people residing 
in public housing and must meet each of the following criteria:
    a. It may represent residents residing:
    (1) In scattered site buildings;
    (2) In areas of contiguous row houses;
    (3) In one or more contiguous buildings;
    (4) In a development; or
    (5) In a combination of these buildings or developments;
    b. It must adopt written procedures such as bylaws; and
    c. It must have a democratically elected governing board that is 
elected by the voting membership. (Please see the requirements of 24 
CFR 964.115 for more information.)
    15. Resident Management Corporation (RMC) means an entity that 
proposes to enter into, or enters into, a contract to conduct one or 
more management activities of a PHA and meets the requirements of 24 
CFR 964.120.
    16. Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
    17. Senior person means a person who is at least 62 years of age.
    18. Site-Based Resident Associations means resident councils or 
resident management corporations representing a specific public housing 
development.
    19. Statewide Resident Organization (SWO) is an incorporated 
nonprofit organization or association for public housing that meets the 
following requirements: (a) The SWO has statewide jurisdiction; (b) The 
SWO has experience in providing start-up and capacity-building training 
to residents and resident organizations; and (c) Public housing 
residents representing different geographical locations in the state 
must comprise the majority of the Board of Directors.

B. Program Description

    1. The Public Housing NN program provides grants to PHAs to: (1) 
Update and expand existing NN/community technology centers; or (2) 
establish new NN centers.
    2. NN centers must be located within a public housing development, 
on PHA land, or within reasonable walking distance to the PHA 
development(s).
    3. HUD is looking for applications that implement comprehensive 
programs within the 3-year grant term, which will result in improved 
economic self-sufficiency for public housing residents. HUD is also 
looking for proposals that involve partnerships with organizations that 
will supplement and enhance the services offered to residents.
    4. NN centers provide computer and Internet access for public 
housing residents and offer a full range of computer, educational, and 
job training services. Applicants should submit proposals that will 
incorporate computer and Internet use to: provide job training for 
youths, adults, and seniors; expand educational opportunities for 
residents; promote economic self-sufficiency and help residents 
transition from welfare to work; assist children with homework; provide 
guidance to high school students (or other interested residents) for 
post-secondary education (college or trade schools); and provide other 
services deemed necessary after input from residents.
    5. All applicants must complete a business plan (see sample form 
HUD-52766 provided in the instructions download for the NN application 
on Grants.gov) covering the 3-year grant term. The applicant's business 
plan and narrative must indicate how the center(s) will become self-
sustaining after the grant term expires. Proposed grant activities 
should build on the foundation created by previous grants whose aim was 
to help residents achieve self-sufficiency, such as Resident 
Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) grants; previous NN grants; 
or other federal, state, and local self-sufficiency efforts.

C. Eligible Activities

    1. Hiring a Qualified Project Coordinator To Administer the Grant 
Program. A qualified Project Coordinator must have at least 2 years of 
experience running a community

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technology center and working to provide supportive services to 
typically underserved populations. The Project Coordinator should be 
hired for the entire term of the grant. The Project Coordinator is 
responsible for ensuring that the center achieves its proposed goals 
and objectives. In addition, the Project Coordinator is responsible for 
the following activities:
    a. Marketing the program to residents;
    b. Assessing residents' needs, interests, skills, and job-
readiness;
    c. Assessing residents' needs for supportive services, e.g., 
childcare and transportation;
    d. Working with RCs and/or RABs;
    e. Designing and coordinating grant activities based on residents' 
needs and interests; and
    f. Monitoring the progress of program participants and evaluating 
the overall success of the program. For more information on how to 
measure performance, please see Rating Factor 5 in the ``Application 
Review Information'' section of this NOFA.
    2. Literacy training and General Equivalency Diploma (GED) 
preparation;
    3. Computer training, from basic to advanced;
    4. College preparatory courses and information;
    5. Job Training and Activities Leading to Self-Sufficiency. Job 
training for very low- and low-income persons is a requirement under 
Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968. Some 
examples of the job training skills encouraged are: oral and written 
communication; work ethic; interpersonal and teamwork skills; resume 
writing; interviewing techniques; creating job training and placement 
programs with local employers and employment agencies; tax preparation 
and submission assistance, including Earned Income Tax credits; and 
other training activities, using the NN center, that can help residents 
move toward housing and economic self-sufficiency. Examples of such 
activities include financial literacy, credit repair, and homeownership 
training, as well as post-employment follow-up to assist residents who 
have transitioned to the workplace.
    6. Physical improvements. Physical improvements must relate to 
providing space for a NN center. Renovation, conversion, wiring, and 
repair costs may be essential elements of physical improvements. In 
addition, architectural, engineering, and related professional services 
required to prepare plans or drawings, write-ups, specifications, or 
inspections may also be part of the cost of implementing physical 
improvements.
    a. Creating an accessible space for persons with disabilities is an 
eligible use of funds. Refer to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
Circular A-87, ``Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal 
Governments.''
    b. The renovation, conversion, or joining of vacant units in a PHA 
development to create space for the equipment and activities of a NN 
center (computers, printers, and office space) are eligible activities 
for physical improvement.
    c. The renovation or conversion of existing common areas in a PHA 
development to accommodate a NN center is also eligible.
    d. If renovation, conversion, or repair is done offsite, the PHA 
must provide documentation with its application that it has control of 
the proposed property and will continue to have control for the grant 
term. Control can be demonstrated through a lease agreement, ownership 
documentation, or other documentation that demonstrates that the PHA 
will have control of the proposed property for the duration of the 
grant term.
    7. Maintenance and insurance costs. Includes installing and 
maintaining the hardware and software, as well as insurance coverage 
for the space and equipment.
    8. Purchase of computers, printers, software, other peripheral 
equipment, and furniture for the NN Center are eligible expenses. In 
addition, costs of computer hardware and software for the needs of 
persons with disabilities are eligible expenses.
    9. Distance Learning Equipment. Distance learning equipment 
(including the costs for videocasting and purchase/lease/rental of 
distance learning equipment) is an eligible use of funds. The proposal 
must indicate that the center will be working in a virtual setting with 
a college, university, or other educational organization. Distance 
learning equipment can also be used to link one or more centers so that 
residents can benefit from courses being offered at only one site.
    10. Security and related costs. Includes space and minor refitting, 
locks, and other equipment for safeguarding the center and other 
longer-term security measures, as needed.
    11. Hiring Residents. Grantees may hire residents to help with the 
implementation of this grant program.
    12. Administrative Costs. See Section IV.E. for information on this 
topic.
    13. Staff Training and Long-Distance Travel. Funds may be used for 
applicant staff or subcontractors' training in program-relevant areas. 
This activity should not exceed $5,000 and must receive prior approval 
from the grantee's local HUD field office. See Section IV.E. for more 
information on this topic.

D. Regulations Governing the Neighborhood Networks Grant

    The Neighborhood Networks program is covered by regulations in 24 
CFR parts 905 and 968.

II. Award Information

    A. Total Funding. The Department expects to award approximately a 
total of $10 million under the Public Housing NN program in FY 2007. 
Awards will be made as follows:
    1. Forty percent of available Public Housing NN funding will be 
used for updating and expanding existing computer technology centers. 
The other 60 percent will provide grants to establish and operate new 
NN centers.
    2. PHAs must use the number of occupied public housing units as of 
September 30, 2006, per their budget. This is required so that PHAs can 
determine the maximum grant amount they are eligible for in accordance 
with the categories listed below. PHAs should clearly indicate on the 
Fact Sheet (form HUD-52751) the number of units under management.
    a. Funding Levels For Existing Centers:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Maximum
                 Number of conventional units                   funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 to 780 units...............................................   $150,000
781 to 2,500 units...........................................    200,000
2,501 to 7,300 units.........................................    250,000
7,301 or more units..........................................    300,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    b. Funding Levels For New Centers:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Maximum
                 Number of conventional units                   funding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 to 780 units...............................................   $300,000
781 to 2,500 units...........................................    400,000
2,501 to 7,300 units.........................................    500,000
7,301 or more units..........................................    600,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    B. Grant Period. Three years. The grant period shall begin the day 
the grant agreement and the form HUD-1044, ``Assistance Award/
Amendment,'' are signed by both the grantee and HUD.
    C. Grant Extensions. Requests to extend the grant term must be 
submitted in writing by the grantee to the local HUD field office. Such 
requests must be made prior to grant termination and with at least 30 
days' notice, to give the field office a reasonable amount of time to 
fully evaluate the request. Requests must explain why the extension is 
necessary, what work remains to be

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completed, and what work and progress was accomplished to date. 
Extensions may be granted one time only by the field office for a 
period not to exceed 6 months and may be granted for an additional 6 
months by the HUD Headquarters program office at the request of the 
field office. Extensions will only be granted for good cause.
    D. Type of Award. Grant agreement.
    E. Subcontracting. Subcontracting is permitted. Grantees must 
follow HUD procurement regulations found at 24 CFR 85.36.

III. Eligibility Information

    A. Eligible Applicants. Only PHAs are eligible to apply for this 
funding category. Tribes/TDHEs, nonprofit organizations, and RAs are 
not eligible to apply for this funding category.
    B. Cost Sharing or Matching. All applicants are required to obtain 
a 25 percent cash or in-kind match. The match is a threshold 
requirement. Applicants who do not demonstrate the minimum 25 percent 
match will fail the threshold requirement and will not receive further 
consideration for funding. Match contributions that are proposed to be 
used for ineligible activities will not be accepted or counted. Please 
see the section below on threshold requirements for more information on 
what is required for the match.

C. Other

    1. Threshold Requirements. Applicants must respond to each 
threshold requirement clearly and thoroughly by following the 
instructions below. If an application fails one threshold requirement 
(regardless of the type of threshold), it will be considered a failed 
application. In addition to the threshold requirements outlined below, 
all applicants will be subject to all thresholds listed in the: General 
Section of the SuperNOFA that was published in the Federal Register on 
January 18, 2007 (72 FR 2396); the Introduction to the SuperNOFA, 
published March 13, 2007 (72 FR 114354); and Supplemental Information 
to the General Section and Technical Corrections, published May 11, 
2007 (72 FR 27032). Applicants should refer only to the General Section 
supplemental information in the May 11, 2007 Notice. These collectively 
are referred to throughout this document as the General Section.
    a. Match. All applicants are required to commit a 25 percent match 
in cash or in-kind donations, is defined in this paragraph. Joint 
applicants must together have at least a 25 percent match. Applicants 
who do not demonstrate the minimum 25 percent match will fail this 
threshold requirement and will not receive further consideration for 
funding. Match donations must be firmly committed. Firmly committed 
means that the amount of match resources and their dedication to NN-
funded activities must be explicit, in writing, and signed by a person 
authorized to make the commitment. Letters of commitment and memoranda 
of understanding (MOUs) must be on organization letterhead, and signed 
by a person authorized to make the commitment. The letters of 
commitment/MOUs must indicate the total dollar value of the commitment.
    For example, if an organization is proposing to donate the cost of 
training 15 residents at a fee of $300 per resident, the letter must 
show the total value, or 15 residents x $300 = $4,500. If this donation 
will be an annual donation for the life of the grant (3 years), the 
letter must also state this and show a total value of $4,500 x 3 years 
= $13,500.
    Match letters must be dated between the publication date of this 
NOFA and the application deadline published in this NOFA or an amended 
deadline, and must indicate how the commitment will relate to the 
proposed program. If the commitment is in-kind, the letters should 
explain exactly what services or material will be provided. The 
commitment must be available at time of award. Applicants proposing to 
use their own non-ROSS or non-NN grant funds to meet the match 
requirement must also include a letter of commitment indicating the 
type of match (cash or in-kind), the source of the funds, and how the 
match will be used. Please note that costs paid by another federal 
assistance award are allowable to be used as cost sharing or matching 
where such use is not inconsistent with federal statutes. This letter 
must also be signed by a person authorized to make the commitment on 
behalf of the applicant organization. Grant awards shall be contingent 
upon letters of commitment being submitted with the application. A 
match proposed to be used for ineligible activities will not be 
accepted or counted. Please see the General Section for instructions on 
how to submit the required letters with an electronic application. 
Applicants should be aware that each time they submit an application to 
Grants.gov, they must submit a complete set of faxed materials for each 
application. See General Section 72 FR 27032).
    (1) Applicants shall compute the value of volunteer time and 
services using the professional rate for the local area or the national 
minimum wage rate. Note: Applicants may not count their staff time 
toward the Match.
    If grantees propose to use volunteers for development or operations 
work that would otherwise be subject to payment of Davis-Bacon or HUD-
determined prevailing wage rates (including construction, 
rehabilitation, or maintenance work), their services must be computed 
using the appropriate methodology. Additional information on these wage 
rates can be found at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/olr/olrfoa.cfm, or by 
contacting HUD field office labor relations staff or the PHA. Such 
volunteers must also meet the requirements of section 12(b) of the 
United States Housing Act of 1937 and 24 CFR part 70;
    (2) In order for HUD to determine the value of any donated 
material, equipment, staff time, building, or lease, an application 
must provide a letter from the organization making the donation. The 
letter must state the value of the contribution.
    (3) Other resources/services that can be committed include: in-kind 
services provided to the applicant; funds from federal sources that are 
allowed by statute, such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 
funds, funds from any state or local government sources, and funds from 
private contributions. Applicants may also partner with other program 
funding recipients to coordinate the use of resources in the target 
area.
    b. Past Performance. HUD's field offices will evaluate data 
provided by applicants, as well as their past performance, to determine 
whether applicants have the capacity to manage the grant they are 
applying for. Field offices will evaluate the contract administrators' 
past performance for applicants required to have a contract 
administrator. Using Rating Factor 1, the field office will evaluate 
applicants' past performance. Applicants should carefully review Rating 
Factor 1 to ensure their application addresses all of the criteria 
requested. If applicants fail to address what is requested in Rating 
Factor 1, their application will not receive further consideration.
    c. Minimum Score for All Fundable Applications. Applications that 
pass all threshold requirements and go through the ranking and rating 
process must receive a minimum score of 75 in order to be considered 
for funding.
    d. The Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number 
Requirement. Refer to the General Section for information regarding the 
DUNS requirement. You will need to have a DUNS number to receive an 
award from HUD.

[[Page 70462]]

    e. Off-site Physical Improvements. Physical improvements that 
relate to providing space for an NN center are eligible activities, 
including improvements for offsite centers. If renovation, conversion, 
or repair is done offsite, the PHA must describe this circumstance in 
its narrative and provide documentation with its application that it 
has control of the proposed property and will continue to have control 
for the period of grant award. Control can be demonstrated through a 
lease agreement, ownership documentation, or other documentation that 
demonstrates that the PHA will have control of the proposed property 
for the grant period of performance.
    f. Federal Debt. In addition to the requirements in the General 
Section, applicants at the time of award that have federal debt or are 
in default of an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will 
not be funded. Applicants selected for funding have an obligation to 
report to HUD changes in status of a current IRS agreement covering 
federal debt.
2. Program Requirements
    a. Physical Improvements. All renovations must meet appropriate 
accessibility requirements, including the requirements of Section 504 
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 at 24 CFR part 8, the Architectural 
Barriers Act at 24 CFR part 40, and the Americans with Disabilities 
Act. Design, construction, or alteration of buildings in conformance 
with the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) shall be deemed 
by HUD to comply with the requirements of 24 CFR 8.21, 8.22, 8.23, and 
8.25 with respect to those buildings.
    b. Contract Administrator. PHAs that are troubled at the time of 
application filing are required to submit a signed Contract 
Administrator Partnership Agreement. The agreement must be for the 
entire grant term. Grant awards must include a signed Contract 
Administrator Partnership Agreement in the application. Failure to 
submit the required Contract Administrator Partnership Agreement, or 
submission of an incomplete or insufficient agreement will be treated 
as a curable deficiency.
    The contract administrator must assure that the financial 
management system and procurement procedures that will be implemented 
during the grant term comply with 24 CFR part 85. CAs are expressly 
forbidden from accessing HUD's Line of Credit Control System (LOCCS) 
and submitting vouchers on behalf of grantees. NN grant funds cannot be 
used to hire or pay for the services of a contract administrator.
    Contract administrators must assist PHAs in meeting HUD's reporting 
requirements; see Section VI.C., ``Reporting,'' for more information. 
Troubled PHAs are not eligible to be contract administrators. Grant 
writers who assist applicants in preparing their NN applications are 
also ineligible to be contract administrators. Organizations that the 
applicant proposes to use as the contract administrator must not 
violate the conflict-of-interest standards, as defined in 24 CFR part 
85. Please also refer to the General Section of the SuperNOFA for more 
information about conflict-of-interest and Code of Conduct 
requirements.
    c. Other Requirements and Procedures Applicable to All Programs. 
All applicants, lead and non-lead, should refer to ``Other Requirements 
and Procedures Applicable to All Programs'' of the General Section for 
other requirements to which they may be subject.
3. Number of Applications Permitted
    a. General. HUD will only fund one application per applicant or 
joint applicants.
    b. Joint applications. Two or more applicants may join together to 
submit a joint application for proposed grant activities, but one 
applicant must be designated the lead applicant. HUD will use the 
applicant identified on the form SF-424 ``Application for Federal 
Assistance,'' as the lead applicant. Only the lead applicant is subject 
to the threshold requirements outlined in this program section and the 
General Section. The lead applicant must be registered with Grants.gov 
and submit the application using the Grants.gov portal. Applicants who 
are part of a joint application cannot also submit separate 
applications as sole applicants under this NOFA.

    Note: Joint applicants may add their number of units together in 
order to determine funding eligibility for this program.

    4. Eligible Participants. NN centers shall be available for use by 
residents of public housing and residents of other housing assisted 
with funding made available under HUD Appropriations Acts (e.g., 
residents receiving tenant-based or project-based voucher assistance, 
as well as elderly and disabled residents, are eligible to receive 
assistance).

IV. Application and Submission Information

    A. Address to Request an Application Package. Copies of this 
published NOFA and application forms will be posted on http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. If you have 
difficulty accessing the information, you may call the Grants.gov help 
desk toll-free at (800) 515-GRANTS or you may send an email message to 
Grants.gov">Support@Grants.gov.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

    1. Application Preparation. Before preparing an application, 
applicants should carefully review the program description, program 
requirements, ineligible activities, threshold requirements contained 
in this NOFA, and the General Section of the SuperNOFA. Applicants 
should also review each rating factor found in the ``Application Review 
Information'' section before writing a narrative response. Applicants' 
narratives must be as descriptive as possible in order to ensure that 
every requested item is addressed. Applicants should be sure to include 
all requested information, according to the instructions found in this 
NOFA and the General Section. This will help ensure fair and accurate 
review of the application.
    2. Content of Application. Applicants must write narrative 
responses to each of the rating factors described in the section below. 
Responses must demonstrate that applicants have the necessary capacity 
to successfully manage this grant program. Applicants should ensure 
that their narratives are written clearly and concisely so that HUD 
reviewers, who may not be familiar with the Public Housing NN program, 
fully understand the proposal.
3. Format of Application
    a. Applications may not exceed 40 narrative pages. Narrative pages 
must be submitted as separate electronic files, and formatted as 
double-spaced, single-sided documents. Each file should have the pages 
numbered consecutively. Use Times New Roman font style and font size 
12. Supporting documentation, required forms, and certifications will 
not be counted toward the 40 narrative page limit. Applicants should 
make every effort to submit only what is necessary in terms of 
supporting documentation. Please see the General Section for 
instructions on how to submit supporting documentation with your 
electronic application. Applicants should be aware that Grants.gov is 
not compatible with Microsoft Vista or Microsoft Office 2007. 
Applications submitted in Microsoft Office 2007 will be rejected by 
Grants.gov. Applicants with Microsoft Office 2007 should prepare files 
compatible with Microsoft

[[Page 70463]]

Office versions 1997-2003. HUD currently can read Microsoft Office 
software through 2003. If an application is submitted using software 
other than Microsoft Office 2003 or lower or Adobe Acrobat version 6.0 
or lower, HUD will not be able to open the files. Applications with 
attachments not meeting these requirements cannot be reviewed and will 
result in a lower rating score. Applicants using older versions of 
Microsoft Office should follow the directions in the General Section.
    b. The following checklist has been provided to help applicants 
submit all of the required forms and information. Electronic 
application filers should make sure the file names for their narratives 
reflect the subject matter covered. Applicants should follow the 
special instructions found in the General Section for naming files. 
File names with special characters cannot be opened by HUD. Each 
narrative must be saved as a separate file. All application files must 
be ``zipped'' together and sent as an attachment in the application 
submittal. Copies of the required forms may be downloaded with the 
application package and instructions from the following Web site: 
http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. You must use 
the forms that are included with the 2007 application to avoid using 
outdated forms that may be on HUDCLIPS or found from another source. 
Please include a header in your narrative pages and any additional 
pages to indicate the applicant name and the requirement being 
responded to.
(1) Required Forms
    (a) Acknowledgment of Application Receipt form ( form HUD-2993), 
for paper application submissions only (you must have an approved 
waiver in order to submit a paper application); (b) Application for 
Federal Assistance (SF-424).
    (Note: Applicants must enter their legal name in box 8.a. of the 
SF-424 as it appears in the Central Contractor Register (CCR). See the 
General Section regarding CCR registration);
    (c) SF-424 Supplement--Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for 
Applicants (listed as ``Faith Based EEO Survey'' (SF-424 SUPP) on 
Grants.gov);
    (d) Questionnaire for HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory 
Barriers (form HUD-27300) (``HUD Communities Initiative Form'' on 
Grants.gov);
    (e) ROSS Fact Sheet (form HUD-52751);
    (f) Grant Application Detailed Budget (form HUD-424-CB) (``HUD 
Detailed Budget Form'' on Grants.gov);
    (g) Grant Application Detailed Budget Worksheet (form HUD-424-CBW); 
(Please Note: Applicants must submit a separate form HUD-424-CBW for 
any subcontract worth 10 percent or more of the requested grant 
amount);
    (h) Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (form HUD-2880);
    (i) Certification of Consistency with RC/EZ/EC-II Strategic Plan 
(form HUD-2990), if applicable;
    (j) Certification of Consistency with the Consolidated Plan (form 
HUD-2991);
    (k) Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (form HUD-SF-LLL)--if 
applicable;
    (l) Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Continuation Sheet (form HUD-
SF-LLL-A)--if applicable;
    (m) You Are Our Client! Grant Applicant Survey (form HUD-2994-A) 
(Optional);
    (n) HUD-96011, ``Third Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal'' 
(``Facsimile Transmittal Form'' on Grants.gov); this form must be used 
as the cover page to fax third-party letters, documents, etc., that 
cannot be attached to the electronic application.

    Note: HUD will neither accept entire applications submitted by 
facsimile nor read a faxed document transmitted without the HUD-
96011 cover page.

    (o) Code of Conduct, as required by the General Section; and
    (p) Statement on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, as required 
by the General Section.

(2) Materials To Address Threshold Requirements

    (a) Letters from partners attesting to match;
    (b) Letter from applicant's organization attesting to match (if 
applicant is contributing to match);
    (c) Contract Administrator Partnership Agreement (required for 
troubled PHAs) (form HUD-52755); and
    (d) If applicable, documentation of site control for the period of 
grant award for off-site physical improvements.
(3) Materials for Rating Factor 1
    (a) Narrative
    (b) Chart A: Program Staffing (form HUD-52756)
    (c) Chart B: Applicant/Administrator Track Record (form HUD-52757)
    (d) Resumes/Position Descriptions
(4) Materials for Rating Factor 2
     Narrative
(5) Materials for Rating Factor 3
    (a) Narrative
    (b) Business Plan (see sample) (form HUD-52766)
(6) Materials for Rating Factor 4
     Narrative
(7) Materials for Rating Factor 5
    (a) Narrative
    (b) Logic Model (form HUD-96010)

C. Submission Dates and Times

    1. Deadline Dates. Electronic applications must be received and 
validated by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date. Please note that the validation process may take up to 
72 hours. For applicants receiving a waiver to the electronic filing 
requirement, the approval of the waiver request will contain submission 
instructions. See the General Section and Section F below for 
instructions regarding waivers to the electronic application submission 
requirements. Applicants granted approval to submit a paper application 
will receive instructions on where to submit this application. All 
applications, regardless if submitted via Grants.gov or on paper, must 
be received by the deadline date.
    2. Proof of Timely Submission. Please see the General Section for 
this information for electronic application submission. For paper 
applications, proof of timely submission is the Certificate of Mailing 
(USPS Form 3817) for the United States Postal Service or electronic 
receipt showing the date, time, and location of the mailing provided by 
the United States Post Office showing mailing of the application with 
sufficient time for it to be received by HUD by the application 
deadline date. In the case of applications submitted to HUD via DHL, 
FedEx, or UPS, documentary proof of timely submission will be the 
delivery service receipt indicating that the application was submitted 
to the delivery service with sufficient time for it to be received by 
HUD by the application deadline date. Applicants using delivery 
services other than DHL, FedEx, or UPS do so at their own risk, as HUD 
cannot guarantee delivery due to HUD Security procedures.
    Please remember that mail to federal facilities is screened and 
irradiated prior to delivery, a process that can take several days. 
Applicants should take the mailing and security screening timeline into 
account when submitting a paper application to HUD and allow ample time 
for the application to be delivered to the appropriate HUD office. An 
application delivered to HUD, but not to the HUD office designated for 
receipt, does not meet the timely filing requirements. If you mail your 
application to the wrong location, or the

[[Page 70464]]

office designated for receipt does not receive it, your application 
will be considered late and not be considered for funding. HUD will not 
be responsible for directing applications to the appropriate office.
    D. Intergovernmental Review. Not applicable.

E. Funding Restrictions

    1. Reimbursement for Grant Application Costs. Applicants who 
receive a Public Housing NN award are prohibited from using such funds 
to reimburse any costs incurred in preparing their applications.
2. Covered Salaries
    a. Project Coordinator. The Public Housing NN program will fund up 
to $68,000 in combined annual salary and fringe benefits for one full-
time Project Coordinator or two (or more) part-time coordinators 
sharing a full-time position. Applicants may also propose to use a 
coordinator on a part-time basis at a lesser salary. For audit 
purposes, applicants must have documentation on file demonstrating that 
the salary paid to the Project Coordinator is comparable to similar 
professions in their local area.
    b. Hiring Residents. Grantees may hire residents to help with the 
implementation of this grant program. No more than 5 percent of grant 
funds can be used for this purpose.
    c. Public Housing NN funds may be used to pay for salaries of staff 
that provide direct services to residents. Direct services staff, for 
purposes of this NOFA, are defined as applicant personnel or 
subcontractors who, as their primary responsibility, provide services 
directly to residents that participate in the activities described in 
this application, e.g., computer skills training. Public Housing NN 
funds may also be used to pay for administrative staff working on the 
NN program, but administrative salaries may not exceed the 10 percent 
cap for administrative expenses.
    d. Public Housing NN funds may only be used for the types of 
salaries described in this section according to the restrictions 
described herein. Public Housing NN funds may not be used to pay for 
salaries of any other kind.
    e. Public Housing Neighborhood Networks grant funds cannot be used 
to hire or pay for the services of a contract administrator.
    3. Funding Requests in Excess of Maximum Grant Amount. Applicants 
that request funding in excess of the maximum grant amount that they 
are eligible to receive will be given consideration only for the 
maximum grant amount for which they are eligible. If awarded, the 
grantee will work with the field office to re-apportion the grant funds 
for eligible activities proposed in the original application.
    4. Administrative Costs. Administrative costs may include, but are 
not limited to, purchase of office furniture, equipment, supplies, 
printing and postage, local travel, utilities, and administrative 
salaries for staff working on the Public Housing NN grant. To the 
maximum extent possible, when leasing space or purchasing equipment or 
supplies, business opportunities should be provided to businesses 
covered under Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 
1968. Section 3 requires that grant recipients provide business 
opportunities to very low- and low-income persons. Administrative 
expenses, including administrative salaries, must not exceed 10 percent 
of the total grant amount requested from HUD. Administrative costs must 
adhere to OMB Circular A-87. Please use form HUD-424-CBW to itemize 
your administrative costs. See other parts of this section (Section 
IV.E.) for more information. An indirect cost rate will not be 
accepted.
    5. Eligible activity costs. Public Housing NN funding may be used 
to pay for those costs identified under Section 1.C. of this NOFA, 
``Eligible Activities.''
    6. Long-Distance Travel. Grantees may not use more than $5,000 for 
applicant staff/subcontractor long-distance travel activities. Travel 
must relate to the purpose of this grant and must receive prior 
approval from the grantee's local HUD field office.
    7. Ineligible Activities/Costs. Grant funds may not be used for 
ineligible activities:
    a. Payment of wages and/or salaries to residents/participants for 
receiving supportive services and/or training programs;
    b. Purchase, lease, or rental of land;
    c. Purchase, lease, or rental of vehicles;
    d. Vehicle maintenance and/or insurance;
    e. Entertainment costs;
    f. Purchase of food;
    g. Salaries and fringe benefits that are not for direct-services 
staff or Public Housing NN administrative staff. Direct-services staff, 
for purposes of this NOFA, are defined as applicant personnel or 
subcontractors who, as their primary responsibility, provide services 
directly to residents who participate in Public Housing NN activities;
    h. Stipends;
    i. Payment for or scholarships for degree programs;
    j. Cost of application preparation;
    k. Costs that exceed limits identified in the NOFA for the 
following: Project Coordinator, resident salaries, physical 
improvements (see below), long-distance travel, and administrative 
expenses;
    l. Public Housing NN funds cannot be used to hire or pay for the 
services of a contract administrator; and
    m. Any other costs not eligible under section 9(d)(1)(E) of the 
United States Housing Act of 1937.
    8. Physical Improvements. For new centers, expenses for physical 
improvements may not exceed 20 percent of the total grant amount 
requested from HUD. For existing centers, expenses for physical 
improvements may not exceed 10 percent of the total grant amount.

F. Other Submission Requirements

    1. All applicants are required to submit their applications 
electronically via Grants.gov, unless they request and are approved by 
HUD for a waiver of that requirement. Please refer to the General 
Section for information on how to submit your application and all 
attachments electronically via Grants.gov. See the General Section for 
instructions for requesting a waiver of the electronic application 
submission requirement.
    2. For Waiver Recipients Only. Applicants wishing to submit a paper 
application should submit their waiver requests via e-mail to [email protected] or [email protected]. Waiver requests must 
be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the application deadline 
date. All applications must be received by HUD no later than 11:59:59 
p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date.
    3. Number of Copies. Only applicants receiving a waiver to the 
electronic submission requirement may submit a paper copy application. 
When the waiver request is approved, the applicant will be provided 
information on how many copies are needed and where to submit the 
copies. All paper applications must be received by the deadline date. 
Any paper applications submitted without an approved waiver will not be 
considered.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

    1. Factors for Award Used to Evaluate and Rate Applications to the 
Public Housing NN Program. The factors for rating and ranking 
applicants and maximum points for each factor are provided below. The 
maximum number

[[Page 70465]]

of points available for this program is 102. This includes two Renewal 
Community/Empowerment Zones/Enterprise Community (RC/EZ/EC-II) bonus 
points. The General Section contains a certification that must be 
completed in order for the applicant to be considered for RC/EZ/EC-II 
bonus points. A listing of federally designated RC/EZ/EC-IIs is 
available on HUD's Web site at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/economicdevelopment/programs/rc/tour/roundnumber.cfm. The agency 
certifying to RC/EZ/EC-II status must be included in the listing on 
HUD's Web site. Please see the General Section for more details. Note: 
Applicants should carefully review each rating factor before writing a 
response. Applicants' narratives must be descriptive and detailed in 
order to ensure that every requested item is addressed. Applicants 
should make sure their narratives thoroughly address the rating factors 
below and include all requested information, according to the 
instructions found in this NOFA. This will help ensure fair and 
accurate review of your application.
    a. Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant and Relevant 
Organizational Staff (up to 25 points).
    This factor addresses whether the applicant has the organizational 
capacity and resources necessary to implement successfully the proposed 
activities within the grant period. In rating this factor, HUD will 
evaluate the qualifications and experience of the staff the applicant 
proposes to administer the Public Housing NN program. Please do not 
include the Social Security Numbers (SSNs) of any staff members.
    (1) Proposed Program Staffing (up to 10 points).
    (a) Staff Experience (up to 4 points). HUD is requesting a thorough 
description of the knowledge and experience of the proposed Project 
Coordinator, staff, and partners in planning and managing programs. 
Experience will be judged in terms of recent, relevant, and successful 
experience of proposed staff to undertake program activities. In rating 
this factor, HUD will consider experience within the last 5 years to be 
recent; experience pertaining to the specific activities being proposed 
to be relevant; and experience producing specific accomplishments to be 
successful. Applicants will receive a greater amount of points if the 
proposed staff has recent and applicable experience. If proposed staff 
has recent and relevant experience both in providing community 
technology services and in delivering social service programs to 
underserved populations, applicants will receive a maximum score of 4 
points. If proposed staff has recent and relevant experience in only 
one area, applicants will receive 2 points. If proposed staff has 
experience in neither area, applicants will receive a score of 0 for 
this subfactor.
    The following information should be included in the application in 
order to provide HUD an understanding of the proposed staff's 
experience and capacity:
    (i) The number of staff years (one staff year = 2,080 hours) to be 
allocated to the program by each employee, as well as each of their 
roles in the program;
    (ii) The staff's relevant educational background and/or work 
experience;
    (iii) Relevant and successful experience running programs whose 
activities include social services and computer programs that are 
similar to the eligible program activities described in this NOFA.
    (b) Hiring Residents (up to 3 points). Three points will be awarded 
if applicants commit to hiring one to three residents. PHAs may hire 
qualified residents and/or propose to train the residents they hire. 
Small PHAs should hire one person, medium PHAs should hire one to two 
people, and large PHAs should hire three people in order to get the 
maximum score. In order to receive points for this subfactor, 
applicants must explain in their narrative that they will hire 
residents, indicate the number of residents to be hired, and indicate 
the work they will be assigned.
    (c) Organizational Capacity (up to 3 Points). Applicants will be 
evaluated based on whether they and/or their partners have sufficient 
qualified personnel to deliver the proposed activities in a timely and 
effective fashion.
    In order to enhance or supplement capacity, applicants should 
provide evidence of partnerships with nonprofit organizations or other 
organizations that have experience providing community technology 
services to typically underserved populations. Applicants' narratives 
must describe their ability to immediately begin the proposed work 
program. Applicants may fax (see the General Section for instructions) 
resumes or position descriptions (where staff is not yet hired) for all 
key personnel. Please see the General Section for instructions on how 
to submit the required information with your electronic application. 
(Resumes/position descriptions do not count toward the 40-page limit.) 
Note: Applicants should use the narrative for this subfactor to 
indicate whether they are single or joint applicants.
    (2) Past Performance of Applicant/Contract Administrator (up to 5 
points). Applicants' narratives must describe how they (or their 
contract administrator) successfully implemented grant programs, such 
as those listed below, designed to promote resident self-sufficiency or 
moving from welfare to work. Applicants' past experience may include, 
but is not limited to, running programs aimed at helping residents of 
low-income housing achieve economic self-sufficiency; e.g., ROSS 
grants, prior Public Housing NN grants, and Youthbuild. Applicants' 
narratives must indicate the grants they received and managed, the 
grant amounts, and grant terms (years) of the grants they are counting 
toward past experience. Applicants will be evaluated according to the 
following criteria:
    (a) Benefits gained by participating residents (up to 3 points). 
These must be measurable. Applicants should describe results their 
programs have obtained (e.g., higher incomes, improved grades, higher 
rates of employment, increased savings, improved literacy, etc.); and
    (b) Description of timely grant expenditure throughout the terms of 
past grants (up to 2 points). Timely means regular drawdowns throughout 
the life of the grant, i.e., quarterly drawdowns, with all funds 
expended by the end of the grant term.
    (3) Program Administration and Fiscal Management (up to 10 points).
    (a) Program Administration (up to 4 points). Applicants should 
describe how they will manage the program, describe how HUD can be sure 
that there is program accountability, and provide a description of 
proposed staff's roles and responsibilities. Applicants should also 
describe how grant staff and partners will report to the Project 
Coordinator and other senior staff.
    (b) Fiscal Management (up to 6 points). In rating this factor, 
applicants' skills and experience in fiscal management will be 
evaluated. If applicants have had any audit or material weakness 
findings in the past 5 years, they will be evaluated on how well they 
have addressed them. Applicants must provide the following:
    (i) A complete description of their fiscal management structure, 
including fiscal controls currently in place, which includes those of a 
contract administrator for applicants who are required to have one 
(i.e., troubled PHAs); (up to 2 points)
    (ii) Applicants must list any audit findings in the past 5 years 
(HUD Inspector General, management review, fiscal, etc.), and material 
weaknesses and what has been done to address

[[Page 70466]]

them. Applicants who have not had any audit findings in the past 5 
years will automatically receive 2 points. Applicants who have had 
audit findings within the past 5 years that have been resolved will 
receive one point. Unresolved audit findings will receive 0 points; (up 
to 2 points) and
    (iii) For applicants who are required to have a contract 
administrator, describe the skills and experience the contract 
administrator has in managing Federal funds. (up to 2 points) 
Applicants who are not required to have a contract administrator will 
automatically receive 2 points.
b. Rating Factor 2: Need (Up to 15 Points)
    This factor addresses the need for funding an applicant's proposed 
program. In responding to this factor, applicants will be evaluated on 
the extent to which they describe and document the level of need for 
their proposed activities. NOTE: Applicants should use the narrative 
for this rating factor to indicate whether they are applying to open a 
new center or expand/update an existing center.
    In responding to this factor, applicants must include:
    (1) Socioeconomic Profile (up to 7 points). In order to receive 
points for this subfactor, applicants must provide a thorough 
socioeconomic profile of the eligible residents to be served by the 
program, including education levels, income levels, employment 
statistics, and other socioeconomic information for the local area. 
Applicants may either: (1) Provide data for the local area and show 
that the residents reflect the local area or (2) may provide resident-
specific data.
    Applicants will receive up to 7 points by providing a thorough 
socioeconomic profile of the eligible residents to be served by the 
program, as described above. Applicants will receive up to 3 points if 
they provide a basic socioeconomic profile of the area, but do not show 
that the residents to be served reflect that profile. Applicants will 
receive 0 points if they fail to provide the socioeconomic data on the 
community and/or eligible residents.
    (2) Demonstrated Link Between Proposed Activities and Local Need 
(up to 8 points). Applicants' narratives must demonstrate a clear 
relationship between proposed activities, community needs, and the 
purpose of the program's funding, in order for points to be awarded for 
this factor.
    Applicants will receive up to 8 points if their narratives 
demonstrate a strong relationship between: (1) The proposed activities, 
(2) local need, and (3) the purpose of the program funding. Applicants 
will receive up to 4 points if their narratives do not provide enough 
detail to determine a strong relationship between these criteria. 
Applicants will receive 0 points if their narratives fail to 
demonstrate a clear relationship between any of these criteria.
c. Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach (Up to 35 Points)
    This factor addresses both the quality and cost-effectiveness of 
applicants' proposed business plan. The narrative for this rating 
factor, or applicants' budget and business plan, must indicate a clear 
relationship between proposed activities, the targeted population's 
needs, and the purpose of the program funding. Applicants' activities 
must address HUD's policy priorities outlined in this Rating Factor.
    In rating this factor, HUD will consider:
    (1) Quality of the Business Plan (up to 25 points). This factor 
evaluates both the applicants' business plan and budget, based on the 
following criteria:
    (a) Specific Services and/or Activities (up to 15 points). 
Applicants' narratives must describe the specific services, course 
curriculum, and activities they plan to offer and who will be 
responsible for each. Applicants must also explain how the services 
they propose to offer will address residents'/community needs 
identified in Rating Factor 2. In addition to the narrative, applicants 
must also provide a business plan listing the specific services, 
activities, and outcomes they expect. The business plan must show a 
logical order of activities and progress and must tie to the outcomes 
and outputs applicants identify in the Logic Model (see Rating Factor 
5). Please see a sample business plan (form HUD-52766). Applicants' 
narratives must explain how their proposed activities will:
    (i) Involve community partners in the delivery of services (up to 4 
points).
    Applicants will receive up to 4 points if their narrative describes 
the full extent of partner-involvement in the delivery or support of 
their proposed programs. Applicants will receive up to 2 points if 
their narrative describes the existence of other community-based 
organizations in the area, but does not describe firm connections 
between such organizations and the proposed program. Applicants will 
receive 0 points if they fail to include partners or show how they will 
be involved in program delivery;
    (ii) Involve Resident Associations and/or Resident Advisory Boards 
in the delivery of services (up to 3 points). Applicants will also be 
evaluated on whether they propose to work with Resident Associations 
(RAs) and/or Resident Advisory Boards (RABs) throughout the life of the 
grant. In order to receive points for this subfactor, applicants should 
explain how RAs and/or RABs will be involved in the planning and/or 
delivery of program services throughout the grant term. At a minimum, 
applicants should explain that they will confer with RAs and/or RABs to 
ensure that the programs they are delivering continue to reflect the 
needs and interests of residents.
    Applicants will receive 3 points if they demonstrate that RAs and/
or RABs will be involved in the planning and delivery of program 
services throughout the grant term. Applicants will receive up to 2 
points if they show that RAs and/or RABs will be involved in either the 
planning or delivery of program services throughout the life of the 
grant. Applicants will receive one point if their narrative shows that 
they will confer with RAs and/or RABs throughout the life of the grant. 
Applicants will receive 0 points if none of these criteria are 
addressed; and
    (iii) Offer comprehensive services versus a small range of services 
geared toward enhancing economic opportunities for residents (up to 8 
points).
    Applicants will receive up to 8 points if their narratives describe 
comprehensive and specific services, including course curricula, and 
activities they plan to offer and staff that will be responsible for 
each. In order to receive maximum points for this subfactor, 
applicants' narratives should also explain how the services will 
address residents'/community needs and how the services will help 
residents move toward economic self-sufficiency. Applicants will 
receive up to 4 points if their narratives describe the proposed 
program, but do not describe the spectrum of activities that they will 
be providing and the needs they will be targeting. Applicants will 
receive 0 points if they do not describe the services they will offer 
or how their program will help residents move toward self-sufficiency.
    (b) Feasibility and Demonstrable Benefits (up to 5 points). This 
factor examines whether an applicant's business plan is logical, 
feasible, and likely to achieve its stated purpose during the term of 
the grant. HUD's desire is to fund applications that will quickly 
produce demonstrable results and advance the purposes of the Public 
Housing NN program.
    (i) Timeliness (up to 2 points). This subfactor evaluates whether 
an

[[Page 70467]]

applicant's business plan demonstrates that its project is ready to be 
implemented no later than 3 months following the execution of the grant 
agreement. The business plan must indicate time frames and deadlines 
for accomplishing major activities.
    (ii) Description of the problem and solution (up to 3 points). The 
business plan will be evaluated based on how well an applicant's 
proposed activities address the needs described in Rating Factor 2.
    (c) Budget Appropriateness/Efficient Use of Grant (up to 5 points). 
The score in this factor will be based on the following:
    (i) Justification of expenses (up to 2 points). Applicants will be 
evaluated based on whether their expenses are reasonable, well 
explained, and support the objectives of their proposal.
    (ii) Budget Efficiency (up to 3 points). Applicants will be 
evaluated based on whether their application requests funds 
commensurate with the level of effort necessary to accomplish their 
goals and anticipated results.
    (iii) Applicants should note that the budget form HUD-424-CBW 
provides important information that allows HUD evaluators to assess how 
grant funds will be used. Additionally, the HUD-424-CBW requires that a 
separate form HUD-424-CBW be submitted for each subcontract that is 10 
percent or more of the requested grant amount. If applicants do not 
submit a form HUD-424-CBW for their own organization, and/or if 
applicants propose to subcontract 10 percent or more of the requested 
grant amount and do not include a separate form HUD-424-CBW for each 
subcontract worth 10 percent or more of the requested grant amount, all 
points for Budget Appropriateness/Efficient Use of Grant will be lost 
(5 points). If form HUD-424-CBWs for subcontracts of 50 percent or more 
of the requested grant amount are not included, the application will 
lose 10 points.
    An applicant will receive up to 5 points if expenses are 
reasonable, thoroughly explained, support the objectives of the 
proposal, and are commensurate with the level of effort necessary to 
accomplish the goals. An applicant will receive up to 3 points if the 
expenses support the objectives of the proposal but are not fully 
explained or do not fully support the level of effort necessary to 
accomplish the proposal's goals. An applicant will receive 0 points if 
expenses are not reasonable and/or the requested funds are not 
commensurate with the level of effort necessary to accomplish the 
proposal's goals.
    (d) Ineligible Activities. Two points will be deducted for each 
ineligible activity proposed in the application, as identified in 
Section IV.E. For example, you will lose 2 points if you propose costs 
that exceed the limits identified in the NOFA for a Project 
Coordinator.
    (2) Addressing HUD's Policy Priorities (up to 10 points). HUD wants 
to improve the quality of life for those living in distressed 
communities. HUD's grant programs are a vehicle for long-term, positive 
change that can be achieved at the community level. Applicants' 
narratives and business plans will be evaluated based on how well they 
meet the following HUD policy priorities:
    (a) Improving the Quality of Life in Our Nation's Communities (up 
to 2 points). In order to receive points in this category, an 
applicant's narrative and business plan must indicate the types of 
activities, services, and training programs that will be offered. These 
programs should help residents successfully transition from welfare to 
work and earn higher wages, or help elderly/disabled residents to 
continue to live independently.
    (b) Providing Full and Equal Access to Grassroots Faith-Based and 
Other Community-Based Organizations in HUD Program Implementation (up 
to 2 points). HUD encourages applicants to partner with grassroots 
organizations, e.g., civic organizations, and grassroots faith-based 
and other community-based organizations. These grassroots organizations 
have a strong history of providing vital community services, such as 
developing first-time homeownership programs, creating economic 
development programs, and providing job training and other supportive 
services. In order to receive points under this factor, an applicant's 
narrative and business plan must describe how applicants will work with 
these organizations and what types of services they will provide.
    (c) Policy Priority for Increasing the Supply of Affordable Housing 
Through the Removal of Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing (up to 
2 points).
    Under this policy priority, higher rating points are available to: 
(1) Governmental applicants that are able to demonstrate successful 
efforts in removing regulatory barriers to affordable housing, and (2) 
nongovernmental applicants undertaking activities in jurisdictions that 
have undertaken successful efforts in removing barriers. For applicants 
to obtain the policy priority points for efforts to successfully remove 
regulatory barriers, applicants should complete form HUD-27300, 
``Questionnaire for HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory 
Barriers.'' A copy of HUD's Notice entitled ``America's Affordable 
Communities Initiative, HUD's Initiative on Removal of Regulatory 
Barriers: Announcement of Incentive Criteria on Barrier Removal in 
HUD's 2004 Competitive Funding Allocations'' can be found on HUD's Web 
site at http://www.hud.gov/initiatives/affordablecom.cfm. The 
information and requirements contained in HUD's regulatory barriers 
policy priority apply to this FY 2007 NOFA. A copy of form HUD-27300 
can be found in the application download package posted at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. Applicants are 
encouraged to read the Notice, as well as the General Section to obtain 
an understanding of this policy priority and how it can impact their 
score. A number of questions in HUD-27300 expressly request the 
applicant to provide brief documentation with their response. Other 
questions require that for each affirmative statement made, the 
applicant must supply a reference, Internet link, or a brief statement 
indicating where the backup information may be found; and a point of 
contact, including a telephone number or e-mail address. The electronic 
copy of the HUD-27300 has space to identify an Internet link or 
reference that the material is being scanned and attached to the 
application as part of the submission or faxed to HUD in accordance 
with the facsimile submission instructions. When providing documents in 
support of your responses to the questions on the form, please provide 
the applicant name and project name and whether you are responding 
under column A or B. Then identify the number of the question and the 
Internet link or document name and attach all supporting documents 
using the attachment function at the end of the electronic form.
    (d) Energy Star (up to 2 points). HUD has adopted a wide-ranging 
energy action plan for improving energy efficiency in all program 
areas. As a first step toward implementing the energy plan, HUD, the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Energy 
(DOE) have signed a joint partnership to promote energy efficiency in 
HUD's affordable housing efforts and programs. The purpose of the 
Energy Star partnership is to promote energy efficiency in the 
affordable housing stock, but also to help protect the environment. 
Applicants constructing, rehabilitating, or maintaining housing or 
community facilities are encouraged to promote

[[Page 70468]]

energy efficiency in design and operations. They are urged especially 
to purchase and use Energy Star-labeled products. Applicants providing 
housing assistance or counseling services are encouraged to promote the 
use of Energy Star materials and practices, as well as the construction 
of buildings to Energy Star standards, to both homebuyers and renters. 
Program activities can include developing Energy Star promotional and 
informational materials, outreach to low- and moderate-income renters 
and buyers on the benefits and savings when using Energy Star products 
and appliances, and promoting the designation of community buildings 
and homes as Energy Star compliant. For further information about 
Energy Star, see http://www.energystar.gov or call 1-888-STAR-YES (1-
888-782-7937) or, for the hearing-impaired, 1-888-588-9920 TTY. 
Applicants demonstrating that they will meet one or more provisions of 
this policy priority will receive up to 2 points.
    (e) Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons 
(Section 3) (up to 2 points). You will receive 2 points if your 
application demonstrates that you will implement Section 3 of the 
Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) (Economic 
Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons in Connection with 
Assisted Projects) and its implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 135 
in connection with this grant, if awarded. Information about Section 3 
can be found at HUD's Section 3 Web site at http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/section3/section3brochure.cfm. Your application must describe how 
you will implement Section 3 through the proposed grant activities. You 
must state that you will, to the greatest extent feasible, direct 
training, employment, and other economic opportunities to:
    (a) Low- and very low-income persons, particularly those who are 
recipients of government assistance for housing, and
    (b) Business concerns that provide economic opportunities to low- 
and very low-income persons.
d. Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources (Up to 10 Points)
    (1) This factor addresses the applicant's ability to secure 
community resources that can be combined with HUD's grant resources in 
order to achieve program purposes. Applicants are required to create 
partnerships with organizations that can help achieve their program's 
goals. PHAs are required by section 12(d)(7) of the U.S. Housing Act of 
1937 (entitled ``Cooperation Agreements for Economic Self-Sufficiency 
Activities'') to make best efforts to enter into such agreements with 
relevant state or local agencies. In rating this factor, HUD will look 
at the extent to which applicants partner, coordinate, and leverage 
their services and resources with other organizations serving the same 
or similar populations.
    (2) Additionally, applicants must have at least a 25 percent cash 
or in-kind match. The match is a threshold requirement. Joint 
applicants must have at least a 25 percent combined match. Applicants 
who do not demonstrate the minimum 25 percent match will fail the 
threshold requirement and will not receive further consideration for 
funding. Leveraging in excess of the 25 percent of the requested grant 
amount will receive a higher point value. In evaluating this factor, 
HUD will consider the extent to which applicants have partnered with 
other entities to secure additional resources. The additional resources 
and services must be firmly committed; must support the proposed grant 
activities; and must, in combined amount (including in-kind 
contributions of personnel, space and/or equipment, and monetary 
contributions) equal at least 25 percent of the grant amount requested 
in the application. Match proposed to be used for ineligible activities 
will not be accepted or counted. ``Firmly committed'' means that the 
amount of resources and their dedication to Public Housing NN-funded 
activities must be explicit, in writing, and signed by a person 
authorized to make the commitment. Proposed ``in-kind'' matches should 
be explained explicitly, including the total value for the grant term. 
Please see the section on Threshold Requirements for more information.
    (3) Points for this factor will be awarded based on the documented 
evidence of partnerships and commitments of match, as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Percentage of match                     Points awarded
------------------------------------------------------------------------
25.....................................  4 points (with partnerships); 2
                                          points (without partnerships).
26 to 50...............................  6 points (with partnerships); 4
                                          points (without partnerships).
51 to 75...............................  8 points (with partnerships); 6
                                          points (without partnerships).
76 or above............................  10 points (with partnerships);
                                          8 points (without
                                          partnerships).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

e. Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation (Up to 15 
Points)
    (1) An important element of any supportive service program is the 
development and reporting of performance measures and outcomes. This 
factor emphasizes HUD's determination to ensure that applicants meet 
commitments made in their applications and grant agreements. Applicants 
are also required to assess their performance so that they can measure 
performance goals. Applicants must demonstrate how they propose to 
measure their success and outcomes relating to the Department's 
Strategic Plan.
    (2) HUD requires Public Housing NN applicants to develop an 
effective, quantifiable, outcome-oriented plan for measuring 
performance and determining that goals have been met. Applicants must 
use the Logic Model form (HUD-96010) for this purpose. The activities 
and outcomes projected in the Logic Model must be consistent with the 
narrative statements provided in response to the rating factors. In 
addition, applicants must use the narrative response to this rating 
factor to describe how they will evaluate their program effectiveness 
throughout the life of the grant and collect, verify, and report the 
data requested in the Logic Model. Applicants must also discuss how 
they will modify their delivery mechanisms if goals are not being met.
    (3) Applicants must establish interim benchmarks, or outputs, for 
their proposed program that lead to the ultimate achievement of 
outcomes. ``Outputs'' are the direct products of a program's 
activities. Outputs should produce outcomes for your program; e.g., the 
delivery of training and/or educational programs to improve the ability 
of participants to obtain or retain employment, get a high school 
diploma or GED, get on-the-job training by establishing partnerships 
with local employers, etc. ``Outcomes'' are benefits accruing to the 
residents, families, and/or communities during or after participation 
in the Public Housing NN program. Applicants must clearly identify the 
outcomes to be achieved and measured. Examples of outcomes are: 
increasing academic achievement, increasing residents' financial 
stability by residents obtaining or retaining employment, and 
increasing a participant's job readiness by increasing literacy or GED 
certifications, etc. Outcomes are not the actual development or 
delivery of services or program activities, but the results of the 
services delivered or program activities--the ultimate results of the 
program.
    (4) This rating factor requires that applicants identify program 
outputs, outcomes, and performance indicators that will allow 
applicants to measure their performance. Performance

[[Page 70469]]

indicators should be objectively quantifiable and measure actual 
achievements against anticipated achievements. Applicants' narratives, 
business plans, and Logic Models should identify what applicants are 
going to measure, how they are going to measure it, and the steps they 
have in place to make adjustments if performance targets begin to fall 
short of established benchmarks and time frames. Applicants' proposals 
must also show how they will measure the performance of partners and 
affiliates. Applicants must include the standards, data sources, and 
methods they will use to measure performance. Applicants will be 
evaluated based on how comprehensively they propose to measure their 
program's outcomes.
    Applicants will receive up to 15 points if they provide a business 
plan, narrative, and Logic Model that: (a) Describe the goals, 
objectives, outcomes, and performance measurements to be achieved over 
the term of the program; (b) include goals for each year of the program 
and the total goals to be achieved through the 3-year period of 
performance; (c) indicate what will be measured; (d) describe how 
progress will be measured; and (e) show steps to be taken if 
performance targets are not met within the established time frames. 
Applicants will receive up to 13 points if they fully address four of 
the five review criteria (a) to (e) above). Applicants will receive up 
to 10 points if they fully address three of the five review criteria. 
Applicants will receive up to 7 points if they fully address two of the 
five review criteria. Applicants will receive up to 3 points if they 
fully address one of the five review criteria. Applicants will receive 
0 points if they do not provide the Logic Model and do not provide 
enough information to determine the program goals, outcomes, and/or 
performance measurements. Points will also be deducted if there are 
inconsistencies between statements in the narrative and the contents of 
the submitted Logic Model.

B. Review and Selection Process

    1. Review Process. Four types of reviews will be conducted: a 
screening to determine if the applicant is eligible to apply for 
funding under the Public Housing NN category; a review of whether the 
application submission is complete, on time, and meets HUD's threshold; 
a review by the field office to evaluate past performance; and a 
technical review to rate the application based on the five rating 
factors provided in this NOFA.
    2. Selection Process. HUD will make awards in rank order based on 
the score of each eligible application.
    3. Tie Scores. In the event of a tie score between two 
applications, HUD will select the application that was first received 
electronically by Grants.gov, and that determination will be made based 
on the earliest date and time stamp. In the case of paper applications, 
HUD will select the application postmarked the earliest.
    4. Deficiency Period. Applicants will have 14 calendar days in 
which to provide missing information requested from HUD. For other 
information on correcting deficient applications, please see the 
General Section.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    1. HUD will make announcements of grant awards after the rating and 
ranking process is completed. Grantees will be notified by letter. The 
letter will contain instructions and the steps grantees must take to 
access funding and begin implementation of grant activities. Applicants 
who are not funded will also receive letters via U.S. postal mail.
    2. Debriefings. Applicants who are not funded may request a 
debriefing. Applicants requesting to be debriefed must send a written 
request to: Iredia Hutchinson, Director, Grants Management Center, 501 
School Street, SW., Suite 800, Washington, DC 20024. Please refer to 
the General Section for additional information on debriefings.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    1. Applicable Requirements. Grantees are subject to regulations and 
other requirements found in:
    a. 24 CFR 85, ``Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Cooperative Agreements to State, Local, and Federally Recognized Indian 
Tribal Governments;''
    b. 24 CFR Part 905, ``The Public Housing Capital Fund Program;''
    c. 24 CFR Part 968, ``Public Housing Modernization;''
    d. OMB Circular A-87, ``Cost Principles for State, Local, and 
Indian Tribal Governments;'' and
    e. OMB Circular A-133, ``Audits of States, Local Governments, and 
Non-Profit Organizations.''
    2. Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons 
(Section 3).
    Applicants and grantees must also comply with Section 3 of the 
Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) and ensure 
that training, employment, and other economic opportunities shall, to 
the greatest extent feasible, be directed toward low- and very low-
income persons, particularly those who are recipients of government 
assistance for housing and to business concerns that provide economic 
opportunities to low- and very low-income persons.
    3. Executive Order 13202, Preservation of Open Competition and 
Government Neutrality Towards Government Contractors' Labor Relations 
on Federal and Federally Funded Construction Projects. For further 
information, see the General Section.
    4. Fair Housing and Civil Rights Laws. Applicants and their 
subrecipients must comply with all Fair Housing and Civil Rights laws, 
statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders as enumerated in 24 CFR 
5.105(a), as applicable. Please see the General Section for more 
information.
    5. Environmental Impact. Some activities under this Public Housing 
NN NOFA will be excluded and not subject to environmental review under 
24 CFR 58.34(a)(3); or (a)(8) or (a)(9); 58.35(b)(2) or (b)(3); 
50.19(b)(3), (b)(8), (b)(9), (b)(12), or (b)(13). Some will be subject 
to environmental review. Any applicant proposing any long-term leasing 
or physical development activities, and its partners, are prohibited 
from constructing, rehabilitating, converting, leasing, repairing or 
constructing property, or committing or expending HUD or non-HUD funds 
for these types of program activities, until the following has 
occurred: HUD has approved the grantee's Request for Release of Funds 
(form HUD-7015.15) following a Responsible Entity's completion of an 
environmental review under 24 CFR part 58, where required: or, if HUD 
has determined in accordance with 24 CFR 58.11 to perform the 
environmental review itself under 24 CFR part 50, HUD has completed the 
environmental review.
    6. Wage Rates. Laborers and mechanics employed in the development 
and operation of Public Housing NN facilities must be paid Davis-Bacon 
or HUD-determined prevailing wage rates, respectively, unless they meet 
the qualifications of a volunteer (See Section III.C.1.a of this NOFA).
    7. Provision of Services to Individuals with Limited English 
Proficiency (LEP). Successful applicants and grantees must seek to 
provide access to program benefits and information to LEP individuals 
through translation and interpretive services, in accordance with HUD's 
LEP Recipient Guidance (68 FR 70968).

[[Page 70470]]

    8. Communications. Successful applicants should ensure that notices 
of and communications during all training sessions and meetings be 
effective for persons who have hearing and/or visual disabilities, 
consistent with Section 504 (See 24 CFR 8.6).
    9. Procurement of Recovered Materials. State agencies or a 
political subdivision of a state that are using assistance under a HUD 
program NOFA must comply with the requirements of Section 6002 of the 
Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and 
Recovery Act. In addition, any person contracting with such an agency 
with respect to work performed under an assisted contract must comply 
with the requirements of Section 6002 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, 
as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Please see 
the General Section for more information.
    10. Eminent Domain. The revised Continuing Appropriations 
Resolution, 2007 (Pub. L. 110-5, approved February 15, 2007, made HUD 
FY 2007-appropriated funds subject to the same limitations as FY 2006 
appropriations. No funds made available under the 2006 Act may be used 
to support any federal, state, or local projects that seek to use the 
power of eminent domain, unless eminent domain is employed only for a 
public use. See the Supplemental Information and Technical Correction 
to the SuperNOFA, published May 11, 2007 (72 FR 27033 and 27036).

C. Reporting

    1. Semi-Annual Performance Reports. Grantees must submit semi-
annual performance reports to the local HUD field office. These 
progress reports shall include financial reports (SF-269A) and the 
Logic Model (HUD-96010) showing achievements to date against outputs 
and outcomes proposed in the application and approved by HUD. Each 
semi-annual report must identify any deviations (positive or negative) 
from outputs and outcomes proposed and approved by HUD, by providing 
the information in the reporting tab of the approved Logic Model. 
Applicants must include a narrative describing milestones, work plan 
progress, and problems encountered and methods used to address these 
problems to support the data in the Logic Model. Grantees shall use 
quantifiable data to measure performance against goals and objectives 
outlined in their business plan. Applicants that receive awards from 
HUD should be prepared to report on additional measures that HUD may 
designate at time of award, which will be incorporated into the 
approved Logic Model made a part of the award agreement. Performance 
reports are due to the field office on July 30 and January 31 of each 
year. If reports are not received by the due date, grant funds will not 
be advanced until reports are received. For FY 2007, HUD is considering 
a new concept for the Logic Model, a Return on Investment (ROI) 
statement. HUD will be publishing a separate notice on the ROI concept.
    2. Final Report. All grantees must submit a final report to their 
local field office that will include a financial report (SF-269A), a 
final Logic Model, and a narrative evaluating overall results achieved 
against their approved projections and business plan. Grantees must use 
quantifiable data to measure performance against goals and objectives 
outlined in their Logic Model and business plan. The final report must 
also include responses to the management questions found in the Logic 
Model and approved for your program. The financial report must contain 
a summary of all expenditures made from the beginning of the grant 
agreement to the end of the grant agreement and must include any 
unexpended balances. The final narrative, Logic Model, and financial 
report are due to the field office 90 days after the termination of the 
grant agreement.
    3. Program Evaluations. A portion of grant funds may be reserved to 
ensure that evaluations can be completed for all participants who 
received training through this program. These evaluations can assist 
grantees in preparing their required semi-annual and final reports. 
Grant funds may be used for the purchase of software that can assist 
grantees with the evaluation of participant performance.
    4. Final Audit. Grantees that expend $500,000 in federal funds in a 
given program or fiscal year are required to obtain a complete final 
closeout audit of the grant's financial statements by a certified 
public accountant (CPA), in accordance with generally accepted 
government audit standards. A written report of the audit must be 
forwarded to HUD within 60 days of issuance. Grant recipients must 
comply with the requirements of 24 CFR 85, as stated in OMB Circulars 
A-87 and A-133.
    5. Racial and Ethnic Data. HUD requires that funded recipients 
collect racial and ethnic beneficiary data. HUD has adopted OMB's 
Standards for the Collection of Racial and Ethnic Data. In view of 
these requirements, applicants should use form HUD-27061, the Racial 
and Ethnic Data Reporting Form.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

    For questions and technical assistance, applicants may call the 
Public and Indian Housing Information and Resource Center at (800) 955-
2232. For the hearing or speech impaired, please call the Federal Relay 
Service at (800) 877-8339.

VIII. Other Information

    A. Code of Conduct. See the General Section for more information.
    B. Transfer of Funds. HUD does not have the discretion to transfer 
funds for the Public Housing Neighborhood Networks category to or from 
any other grant program.
    C. Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collection requirements 
contained in this document have been approved by OMB under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB 
control number 2577-0229. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to 
respond to, a collection of information, unless the collection displays 
a currently valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for the 
collection of information is estimated to average 54.25 hours per 
respondent for the application. This includes the time for collecting, 
reviewing, and reporting the data for the application. The information 
will be used for grantee selection and monitoring the administration of 
funds. Response to this request for information is required in order to 
receive the benefits to be derived.

    Dated: December 4, 2007.
Orlando J. Cabrera,
Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing.
 [FR Doc. E7-23997 Filed 12-10-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-67-P