[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 98 (Friday, May 20, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32009-32013]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11849]
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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
AGENCY: VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Veterans
Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).
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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing the
availability of 1-year funding for the 21 currently operational fiscal
year (FY) 2015 VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Special
Need Grant Recipients and their collaborative VA Special Need partners
(as applicable) to submit renewal applications for assistance under the
Special Need Grant component of VA's Homeless Providers GPD Program.
The focus of this NOFA is to encourage applicants to continue to
deliver services to the homeless special need Veteran population. This
NOFA contains information concerning the program, application process,
and amount of funding available.
DATES: An original completed, signed, and dated application (plus three
completed collated copies) for assistance under the VA's Homeless
Providers GPD Program and associated documents must be received in the
GPD Program Office by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on June 27, 2016 (see
application requirements below).
Applications may not be sent by facsimile or email. In the interest
of fairness to all competing applicants, this deadline is firm as to
date and time, and VA will treat any application that is received after
the deadline as ineligible for consideration. Applicants should make
early submission of their material to avoid any risk of loss of
eligibility as a result of unanticipated delays or other delivery-
related problems.
ADDRESSES: An original completed, signed, and dated application (plus
three completed collated copies) and all required associated documents
must be submitted to the following address: VA Homeless Providers GPD
Program Office, 10770 N. 46th Street, Suite C-200, Tampa, FL 33617.
Applications must be received by the application deadline. Applications
must arrive as a complete package to include VA collaborative materials
(see application requirements). Materials arriving separately will not
be included in the application package for consideration and may result
in the application being rejected or not funded.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jeffery L. Quarles, Director, VA
Homeless Providers GPD Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, 10770
N. 46th Street, Suite C-200, Tampa, FL 33617; (toll-free) 1 (877) 332-
0334.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Funding Opportunity Description
This NOFA announces the availability of FY 2016 funds to provide 1-
year funding assistance in FY 2017 under VA's Homeless Providers GPD
Program for the 21 FY 2015 operational GPD Special need recipients and
their collaborative VA Special Need partners (as applicable). Eligible
applicants may obtain grant assistance to cover operational costs that
would not otherwise be incurred but for the fact that the recipient is
providing supportive housing beds and services for the following
special needs homeless Veteran populations:
(1) Women;
(2) Frail elderly;
(3) Chronically mentally ill; or
(4) Individuals who have care of minor dependents.
Definitions of key terms relating to these populations are
contained in 38 CFR 61.1 Definitions. Eligible applicants should review
these definitions to ensure their proposed populations meet the
specific requirements. Note: There are currently no existing grant
projects for the terminally ill special needs population; therefore,
grant projects that would support that population are not eligible for
funding under this NOFA, and that population is not addressed in this
NOFA.
VA is pleased to issue this NOFA for the Homeless Providers GPD
Program as a part of the effort to end homelessness among our Nation's
Veterans. Funding applied for under this NOFA may be used for the
provision of service and operational costs to facilitate the following
for each targeted group:
Women:
(1) Ensure transportation for women, especially for health care and
educational needs; and
(2) Address safety and security issues including segregation from
other program participants, if deemed appropriate.
Frail Elderly:
(1) Ensure the safety of the residents in the facility to include
preventing harm and exploitation;
(2) Ensure opportunities to keep residents mentally and physically
agile to the fullest extent through the incorporation of structured
activities, physical activity, and plans for social engagement within
the program and in the community;
(3) Provide opportunities for participants to address life
transitional issues and separation and/or loss issues;
(4) Provide access to assistance devices such as walkers, grippers,
or other devices necessary for optimal functioning;
(5) Ensure adequate supervision, including supervision of
medication and monitoring of medication compliance; and
(6) Provide opportunities for participants either directly or
through referral for other services particularly relevant for the frail
elderly, including
[[Page 32010]]
services or programs addressing emotional, social, spiritual, and
generative needs.
Chronically Mentally Ill:
(1) Help participants join in and engage with the community;
(2) Facilitate reintegration with the community and provide
services that may optimize reintegration such as life-skills education,
recreational activities, and follow up case management;
(3) Ensure that participants have opportunities and services for
re-establishing relationships with family;
(4) Ensure adequate supervision, including supervision of
medication and monitoring of medication compliance; and
(5) Provide opportunities for participants, either directly or
through referral, to obtain other services particularly relevant for a
chronically mentally ill population, such as vocational development,
benefits management, fiduciary or money management services, medication
compliance, and medication education.
Individuals who have care of minor dependents:
(1) Ensure transportation for individuals who have care of minor
dependents, and their children, especially for health care and
educational needs;
(2) Provide directly or offer referrals for adequate and safe child
care;
(3) Ensure children's health care needs are met, especially age-
appropriate wellness visits and immunizations; and
(4) Address safety and security issues, including segregation from
other program participants if deemed appropriate.
Authority: Funding applied for under this NOFA is authorized by 38
U.S.C. 2061. VA implements the Special Need Grant component of the VA
Homeless Providers GPD Program 38 CFR part 61.
Award Information
Overview: This NOFA announces the availability of one year funding
for use in FY 2017 for the 21 currently operational FY 2015 VA GPD
Special Need Grant recipients and their collaborative VA Special Need
partners (as applicable) to submit renewal applications for assistance
under the Special Need Grant component of VA's Homeless Providers GPD
Program.
Funding Priorities: None.
Allocation of Funds: Approximately $4.1 million is available for
the current special need grant component of VA's Homeless Providers GPD
Program. Funding will be for a period beginning on October 1, 2016, and
ending on September 30, 2017.
Special need payment will be the lesser of:
1. 100 percent of the daily cost of care estimated by the special
need recipient for furnishing services to homeless Veterans with
special need that the special need recipient certifies to be correct,
minus any other sources of income; or
2. Two times the current VA State Home Program per diem rate for
domiciliary care.
Special need awards are subject to: Funds availability; the
recipient meeting the performance goals as stated in the grant
application; statutory and regulatory requirements; and annual
inspections.
Applicants should ensure their funding requests and operational
costs are based on the 12-month award period above and should be
approximately in line with prior year expenditures. Requests cannot
exceed the amount obligated under the FY 2015 award. Applicants should
note unexpended funding from FY 2015 will be de-obligated.
Based on GPD funding availability, approximately $2.4 million is
expected to be made available over the specified time (internally) for
the current grantees and their collaborative VA Special Need partners
(as applicable). The goal is, to the maximum extent possible, to ensure
a continuation of special need services to homeless Veterans.
Funding Actions: Conditionally selected applicants may be asked to
submit additional information under 38 CFR 61.15. Applicants will be
notified of any further additional information needed to confirm or
clarify information provided in the application.
Applicants will then be notified of the deadline to submit such
information. If an applicant is unable to meet any conditions for grant
award within the specified time frame, VA reserves the right to not
award funds and to use the funds available for other special need
applicants. Following receipt and confirmation that this information is
accurate and in acceptable form, the applicant will execute an
agreement with VA in accordance with 38 CFR 61.61.
Grant Award Period: Applicants that are selected will have a
maximum award of one year beginning on October 1, 2016, and ending on
September 30, 2017, to utilize the special need funding. Funds
unexpended after the September 30, 2017, deadline will be de-obligated.
Funding Restrictions: Special need funding may not be used for
capital improvements or to purchase vans or real property. However, the
leasing of vans or real property may be acceptable. Changes to the
special need population the applicant currently serves will not be
allowed.
Questions regarding acceptability should be directed to VA's
National GPD Program Office at the number listed in the ``For Further
Information Contact'' section of this NOFA. Applicants may not receive
special need funding to replace funds provided by any Federal, State or
local government agency or program to assist homeless persons.
Eligibility Information: In order to be eligible, an applicant must
be a current operational FY 2015 VA GPD Special Need Grant Recipient in
conjunction with their collaborative VA Special Need partner, or a
currently operational VA GPD Special Need Grant Recipient that does not
involve a collaborative effort to make application for assistance under
the Special need Grant Component of VA's Homeless Providers GPD
Program. Applicants must serve the same special need population as in
their previous grants. Note: If the applicant currently has a
collaborative project and its collaborative VA Special Need partner no
longer wishes to continue, the applicant will be ineligible for an
award under this NOFA.
Cost Sharing or Matching: None.
Application Requirements and Submission Information: Applicants
should be careful to complete the proper application package.
Submission of the incorrect or incomplete application package including
the information required from the collaborative VA Special Need partner
(if applicable) must be submitted as one package. Failure to do so will
result in the application being rejected at threshold. The package will
consist of two parts. The first part will be the standard forms
required for grants to include all required forms and certifications
and will be provided by VA on the GPD Web site. The second part will be
provided by applicants completing the items as listed below (see
Application Requirements). Applicants who are conditionally selected
will be notified of any additional information needed to confirm or
clarify information provided in the application. Applicants will then
be notified of the deadline to submit such information. If an applicant
is unable to meet any conditions for grant award within the specified
time frame, VA reserves the right to not award funds and to use the
funds available for other grant and per diem applicants.
Address To Obtain Standard Grant Forms for Application Package:
Download the standard grant forms directly from VA's GPD Program Web
[[Page 32011]]
page at: http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/GPD.asp. Questions should be
referred to the VA GPD Program at (toll-free) 1 (877) 332-0334.
Content and Form of Application: An application package is needed
for each special need population the applicant is seeking to provide
services to under this NOFA. Applicants should ensure that they include
all required documents in their application including the information
required from the VA collaborative Special Need partner (if applicable)
and carefully follow the format described below. Submission of an
incorrect, incomplete, or incorrectly formatted application package
will result in the application being rejected at threshold. Applicants
should ensure that the items listed in the ``Application Requirements''
section of this NOFA are addressed in their application. Applicants
should ensure the application is compiled in the order outlined below
and sections labeled accordingly.
Applicants are to complete the application in a normal business
format on not more than 40 double-spaced, typed, single sided pages in
Arial 12 font. Note: The resumes or letters of support do not have to
be double spaced and will not count toward the page maximum. Applicants
must include or address the following within the application:
I. Application Documentation Required:
Standard Forms:
SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance
SF 424A Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs
SF 424B Assurances--Non-Construction Programs
1. Eligibility to receive VA Assistance:
Nonprofit Organizations must provide documentation of accounting
system certification and evidence of private nonprofit status. This
must be accomplished by the following:
(a) Providing documentation showing the applicant is a certified
United Way Member Agency; or
(b) Providing certification on letterhead stationery from a
Certified Public Accountant or Public Accountant that the organization
has a functioning accounting system that is operated in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, or that the organization has
designated a qualified entity to maintain a functioning accounting
system. If such an entity is used, then their name and address must be
included in the certification letter; and
(c) Providing evidence of their status as a nonprofit organization
by submitting a copy of their IRS ruling providing tax-exempt status
under the IRS Code of 1986, as amended; and
(d) On your agency's letterhead, copying the following reasonable
assurances below the statement ``The applicant certifies that the
following are true:'' and signing and dating the document at the
bottom:
i. The existing grant project of the applicant is being, and will
continue to be, used principally to furnish Veterans the level of care
for which VA awarded the applicant the original grant under the VA's
Homeless Providers GPD Program; that not more than 25 percent of
participants at any one time will be non-Veterans; and that such
services will meet the requirements of 38 CFR 61.1-61.82;
ii. The applicant will keep records and submit reports as VA may
reasonably require, within the time frames required; and give VA, upon
demand, access to the records upon which such information is based;
iii. The applicant agrees to comply with the applicable
requirements of 38 CFR part 61 and other applicable laws and has
demonstrated the capacity to do so;
iv. The applicant does not have an outstanding obligation to VA
that is in arrears, and does not have an overdue or unsatisfactory
response to an audit; and
v. The applicant is not in default, by failing to meet requirements
for any previous assistance from VA.
(e) Information from VA collaborative Special Need partner (if
applicable): If the FY 2015 special need grant was a collaborative
grant, the FY 2016 application must include a letter of commitment or a
Memorandum of Agreement from the VA collaborative Special Need partner,
stating the VA point of contact, the VA staffing plan, plan budget and
what specific service(s) the VA is providing to the special need
population. Note: If the applicant currently has a collaborative
project and its VA partner no longer wishes to continue then the
applicant will be ineligible for application under this NOFA.
State/Local Government Applicants: Applicants who are State or
local governments must provide a copy of any comments or
recommendations by approved State and (area wide) clearinghouses
pursuant to Executive Order 12372.
2. Project Summary:
On your agency's letterhead provide the following:
(a) The GPD Operational project number to which this special needs
application will be tied _________.
(b) Our agency requests $___________(may not exceed 2015 award) to
provide housing and services to homeless Veteran special need
populations.
(c) Selection of special need population: Indicate the special need
population to be served on your agency letterhead using the statements
below: i.e.,
i. Our organization will dedicate ______beds to Women.
ii. Our organization will dedicate ______beds to the minor
dependents in the care of homeless Veteran individuals.
iii. Our organization will dedicate ______beds to the Frail
Elderly.
iv. Our organization will dedicate ______beds to the Chronically
Mentally Ill.
(d) Total number of beds dedicated to the special need populations
is _________.
3. Project Narrative: Please provide a brief abstract of the
project to include: The project design, current supportive services
committed to the project, types of special need assistance provided,
and any special program provisions. Keep in mind that if selected for
funding, cost accounting according to the Office of Management and
Budget Grant Management Circulars is required. The activities listed
above are not inclusive of all of the items of cost in the circulars
nor does their presence below constitute that they are fully allowable
under the circulars' guidance. Refer to the proper circular to
determine if a cost is allowable.
4. Detailed Project Plan: This is the portion of the application
that describes your program. VA Reviewers will focus on how the project
plan addresses the areas as listed below in relation to your selected
special need population. Please describe in detail how your agency will
identify and serve your special need population by responding to the
following questions:
(a) Outreach--describe your agency outreach plan and frequency for
your selected special need Veteran population living in places not
ordinarily meant for human habitation (e.g. streets, parks abandon
buildings, automobiles) and emergency shelters.
(b) Outreach--please identify where your organization will target
its outreach efforts to identify appropriate special need Veterans for
this program.
(c) Project Plan--VA places emphasis on lowing barriers to
admissions; describe the specific process and admission criteria for
deciding which Veterans are appropriate for admission.
(d) Project Plan--what is the expected percentage of Veterans that
will
[[Page 32012]]
successfully transition to permanent housing?
(e) Project Plan--How, when, and by whom will the progress of
participants toward meeting their individual goals will be monitored,
evaluated and documented.
(f) Project Plan--Describe the role Veteran participants will have
in operating and maintaining the housing.
(g) Project Plan--Describe your agency's responsibilities, as well
as, any sponsors, contractors' responsibilities in operating and
maintaining the housing.
(h) Project Plan--Describe program policies regarding a clean and
sober environment.
(i) Project Plan--Describe program polices regarding participant
agreements and fees.
(j) Project Plan--Specifically list the supportive services,
frequency of occurrence, who will provide them and how they will help
Veteran participants achieve residential stability, increase skill
levels and or income, and how they will increase Veterans self-
determination (i.e., case management, frequency of individual/groups,
employment services). Include measurable objectives that you will use
to determine the success of the program in these three areas.
(k) Project Plan--what is the percentage of Veterans served that
will be employed or receiving benefits at the conclusion of the
transitional housing?
(l) Project Plan--Address how your agency will facilitate the
provision of nutritional meals for the Veterans. Be sure to describe
how Veterans with little or no income will be assisted.
(m) Project Plan--VA places great emphasis on placing Veterans in
the most appropriate housing situation as rapidly as possible. In this
section, provide a timetable and the specific services to include
follow-up that supports housing stabilization. Include evidence of
coordination of transition services with which your agency expects to
have for Veterans.
(n) Project Plan--Describe the availability of or how you will
facilitate transportation of the Veteran participants with and without
income to appointments, employment, and supportive services.
(o) Ability--Provide a one page resume and/or job description for
key personnel and a staffing plan that outlines how your organization
will carry out this proposal; to include experience level, dedication
of staff position, and the amount of time dedicated to the project.
(i.e., a full-time housing specialist, masters level, 20 hours per
week).
(p) Ability--Describe your agency's previous experience assessing
and providing for the housing needs of homeless Veterans.
(q) Ability--Describe your agency's previous experience assessing
and providing supportive services to homeless Veterans.
(r) Ability--Describe your agency's previous experience in
assessing supportive service resources and entitlement benefits.
(s) Ability--Describe your agency's previous experience with
evaluating the progress of both individual participants and overall
program effectiveness through using quality and performance data to
make changes. Provide documentation of meeting past performance goals.
(t) Need--Describe through the use of a gap analysis the
substantial unmet needs particularly among your targeted Veteran
population and those needs of the general homeless population. How does
this project meet a need for the community and fit with the community's
strategy to end homeless in the community. Support your descriptions
with empirical statistical documentation of need.
(u) Coordination--Provide documented evidence your agency is part
of an ongoing community-wide planning process which is designed to
share information on available resources and reduce duplication among
programs that serve special need homeless Veterans (i.e. letter of
support from your local continuum of care)
(v) Coordination--Provide documented evidence your agency consulted
directly with the closest VA Medical Center Director regarding
coordination of services for project participants; and your plan to
assure access to health care, case management, and other care services.
(w) Site Description-- briefly describe the site where housing and
services will take place and provide the current complete address to
include the zip code for the housing.
Other Submission Requirements: None.
Submission Dates and Times: An original signed, dated, completed,
and application (plus three completed collated copies) and all required
associated documents must be received in the GPD Program Office, VA
Homeless Providers GPD Program Office, 10770 N. 46th Street, Suite C-
200, Tampa, FL, 33617; by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on June 27,
2016.
Applications must be received by the application deadline.
Applications must arrive as a complete package to include VA
collaborative partner materials (see application requirements).
Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application
package for consideration and may result in the application being
rejected or not funded.
In the interest of fairness to all competing applicants, this
deadline is firm as to date and hour, and VA will treat any application
that is received after the deadline as ineligible for consideration.
Applicants should take this firm deadline into account and make early
submission of their material to avoid any risk of loss of eligibility
as a result of unanticipated delays or other delivery-related problems.
For applications physically delivered (e.g., in person, or via United
States Postal Service, FedEx, United Parcel Service, or any other type
of courier), the VA GPD Program Office staff will accept the
application and date stamp it immediately at the time of arrival. This
is the date and time that will determine if the deadline is met for
those types of delivery.
DO NOT fax or email the application as applications received via
these means will be ineligible for consideration.
Application Review Information:
A. Criteria for Special Need Grants: Rating criteria may be found
at 38 CFR 61.13 & 61.32.
B. Review and Selection Process: Review and selection process may
be found at 38 CFR 61.44.
Award Notice: Although subject to change, the VA Homeless Providers
GPD Program Office expect the announcement of grant awards during the
late fourth quarter of FY 2016 (September). The initial announcement
will be made via news release which will be posted on the GPD Web site
at www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp. Following the initial announcement, the
VA Homeless Providers GPD Program Office will mail a notification
letter to the grant recipients. Applicants that are not selected will
be mailed a declination letter within 2 weeks of the initial
announcement.
Administrative and National Policy: It is important to be aware
that VA places great emphasis on responsibility and accountability. VA
has procedures in place to monitor services provided to homeless
Veterans and outcomes associated with the services provided in grant
and per diem-funded programs. Applicants should be aware of the
following:
Awardees will be required to support their request for payments
with adequate fiscal documentation as to project expenses and in the
case of per diem payments income and expenses.
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All awardees that are selected in response to this NOFA must meet
the requirements of the current edition of the Life Safety Code of the
National Fire Protection Association as it relates to their specific
facility. Applicants should note that all facilities are to be
protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system unless a
facility is specifically exempted under the Life Safety Code.
Applicants should make consideration of this when submitting their
grant applications as no additional funds will be made available for
capital improvements under this NOFA.
Each program seeking per diem will have a liaison appointed from a
nearby VA medical facility to provide oversight and monitor services
provided to homeless Veterans in the per diem-funded program.
Monitoring will include at a minimum a quarterly review of each per
diem program's progress toward meeting internal goals and objectives in
helping Veterans attain housing stability, adequate income support, and
self-sufficiency as identified in each per diem program's original
application. Monitoring will also include a review of the agency's
income and expenses as they relate to this project to ensure per diem
payment is accurate.
Each per diem-funded program will participate in VA's national
program monitoring and evaluation system. Monitoring procedures will be
used to determine successful accomplishment of outcomes for each per
diem-funded program.
Applicants with questions regarding the funding from previous
special need awards should contact the VA Homeless Providers GPD
Program Office prior to application.
A full copy of the regulations governing the VA Homeless Providers
GPD Program is available at http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/GPD.asp.
Signing Authority
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this
document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document
to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as
an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Robert A.
McDonald, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approved this document on May
13, 2016, for publication.
Approved: May 16, 2016.
Michael Shores,
Acting Director, Office of Regulation Policy and Management, Office of
the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2016-11849 Filed 5-19-16; 8:45 am]
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