[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 99 (Tuesday, May 22, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23710-23719]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10909]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

[Docket No. FR 6091-N-01]


Implementation of the Tribal HUD-VA Supportive Housing Program

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian 
Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: On October 21, 2015, HUD published in the Federal Register a 
Notice that established the policies and procedures for the 
administration of a supportive housing and rental demonstration called 
``Implementation of the Tribal HUD-VA Supportive Housing Program'' 
(Tribal HUD-VASH). The program provides rental assistance and 
supportive services to Native American veterans who are Homeless or At 
Risk of Homelessness living on or near a reservation or other Indian 
areas. HUD also issued technical corrections in the Federal Register on 
December 6, 2016 to clarify the program's intent and address various 
issues that arose during the implementation of the program. Today's 
Federal Register Notice consolidates all Tribal HUD-VASH program 
requirements in one Notice and supersedes the prior Notices. This 
Notice also establishes HUD's procedures for issuing renewal funding, 
subject to the availability of future appropriations.

DATES: Applicability Date: May 22, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Heidi J. Frechette, Deputy Assistant 
Secretary, Office of Native American Programs (ONAP), Office of Public 
and Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 
7th Street SW, Room 4126, Washington, DC 20410, telephone number 202-
402-7914. (This is not a toll-free number.) Hearing--or

[[Page 23711]]

speech-impaired individuals may access this number via TTY by calling 
the toll-free Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background
II. Definitions
III. Program Requirements
IV. Allocation of Assistance
V. Application for Tribal HUD-VASH Program
VI. Tribal HUD-VASH Program Requirements, Waivers, and Alternative 
Requirements
VII. Environmental Impact

I. Background

    Since Fiscal Year (FY) 2008, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) 
program has provided rental assistance under a supportive housing 
program for Homeless veterans authorized by section 8(o)(19) of the 
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(19)). The 
initiative, known as the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, 
was initially authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 
(Pub. L. 110-161, approved December 26, 2007). The HUD-VASH program 
combines HCV rental assistance for Homeless veterans with Case 
Management and clinical services provided by or through the VA through 
Veterans Administration Medical Centers (VAMC). Historically, this 
program has not reached Native American veterans in tribal communities 
due to legal impediments preventing tribes and tribally designated 
housing entities (TDHEs) from participating in the HUD-VASH program.
    In the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 
(Pub. L. 113-235, approved December 16, 2014) (``2015 Appropriations 
Act''), Congress authorized funding for a demonstration program to 
expand the HUD-VASH program into Indian Country. The 2015 
Appropriations Act directed HUD to coordinate with Indian tribes, 
TDHEs, and other appropriate tribal organizations to design this 
program, and ensure the effective delivery of housing assistance and 
supportive services to Native American veterans who are Homeless or At 
Risk of Homelessness. It also authorized HUD to make appropriate 
adjustments to the HUD-VASH model, and to waive or specify alternative 
requirements (except for requirements related to fair housing, 
nondiscrimination, labor standards, and the environment) for any 
provision of any statute or regulation that it administers if it finds 
that they are necessary for the effective delivery and administration 
of rental assistance under the program.
    On January 26, 2015, HUD sent a ``Dear Tribal Leader'' letter to 
tribal leaders, tribal organizations, and TDHE directors soliciting 
comments on a Tribal HUD-VASH demonstration program (Tribal HUD-VASH). 
HUD also held a national listening session at the National American 
Indian Housing Council's Legislative Conference held on February 2, 
2015, followed by regional listening sessions held at each of the six 
Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) field offices. HUD also 
received comments from tribes through letters and emails. Generally, 
the comments were supportive of the program. The comments offered 
suggestions on how the program should be structured to address aspects 
such as rent and geographic distribution. HUD considered these comments 
when developing the Tribal HUD-VASH program.
    On October 21, 2015, HUD published a Notice entitled 
``Implementation of the Tribal HUD-VA Supportive Housing Program'' in 
the Federal Register establishing the policies and procedures for the 
Tribal HUD-VASH program (80 FR 63822). HUD announced the availability 
of $4 million in grant funding to Indian tribes and TDHEs to fund 
tenant-based or project-based rental assistance and associated 
administrative expenses. Under Tribal HUD-VASH, Indian tribes and TDHEs 
participants must partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
to provide healthcare assistance to eligible Native American veterans. 
On March 2, 2016, HUD published a Notice entitled, ``Tribal HUD-VA 
Supportive Housing Program Awards, Fiscal Year 2015'' notifying the 
public regarding the tribes/TDHEs selected for the program in the 
Federal Register. In total, 26 tribes/TDHEs were awarded $5.9 million 
in funding, as funding became available in addition to the original $4 
million cited in the implementation Notice 81 FR 10880. Finally, HUD 
issued technical corrections to the October 21, 2015, Federal Register 
Notice on December 6, 2016 to address issues that arose during the 
implementation of the program 81 FR 87948.
    In the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (P.L. 115-31, approved 
May 5, 2017) an additional $7 million for renewal grant funding and 
limited expansion was provided for the Tribal HUD-VASH program. Today's 
announcement supersedes the Notices issued on October 21, 2015 and 
December 6, 2016 by consolidating all the Tribal HUD-VASH program 
requirements. This Notice also establishes HUD's procedures for issuing 
renewal funding, subject to the availability of future appropriations. 
Any future changes to Tribal HUD-VASH program definitions, 
requirements, and implementation will be outlined in future Federal 
Register Notices issued by HUD.

II. Definitions

    Case Management--For purposes of Tribal HUD-VASH, Case Management 
is a specialized component of healthcare management, requiring highly 
skilled, trained professionals. Case Management emphasizes a 
collaborative process that assesses, advocates, plans, implements, 
coordinates, monitors, and evaluates health care options and services 
so that they meet the needs of the individual patient.
    Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC)--A Community Based 
Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) is a VA-operated clinic or a VA-funded or 
reimbursed health care facility or site that is geographically distinct 
or separate from the parent medical facility.
    Fair Market Rent (FMR)--Fair Market Rent means the rent, as 
established by HUD, for units of varying sizes (by number of bedrooms), 
that must be paid in the market area to rent privately-owned, existing, 
decent, safe and sanitary rental housing of modest (non-luxury) nature 
with suitable amenities.
    Homeless and At Risk of Homelessness--For purposes of Tribal HUD-
VASH, HUD is adopting the definitions of ``Homeless'' in Section 103(a) 
of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302(a)) and 
``At Risk of Homelessness'' in Section 401(1) of the McKinney-Vento 
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360(1)). However, the income 
provision at 42 U.S.C. 11360(1)(A) does not apply to the Tribal HUD-
VASH program. Instead, HUD is adopting the low-income eligibility 
requirements in Section 4(14) of the Native American Housing Assistance 
and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA). Accordingly, a veteran 
will be eligible for this program if he or she otherwise meets the 
definition of ``Homeless'' or ``At Risk of Homelessness,'' and is a 
low-income Indian, as defined in NAHASDA (i.e., has an income that is 
no more than 80 percent of area median income for the Indian area as 
determined by HUD).\1\
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    \1\ Wherever the phrase ``Homeless veteran'' appears in this 
Notice, it will also include veterans who are At Risk of 
Homelessness unless explicitly stated otherwise.
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    Privately-owned housing--Privately-owned housing is any unit not 
directly

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owned by the Tribal HUD-VASH grantee. Accordingly, in situations where 
the TDHE is the Tribal HUD-VASH grantee, but the unit is owned by 
another tribal organization (such as the tribe), the unit would be 
considered privately-owned for purposes of this program (see 81 FR 
87948).
    Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)--Rental housing assistance 
tied to a specific housing unit or units. The housing assistance stays 
with the unit or units and any household living in the unit must meet 
program requirements. If the household moves out of the subsidized 
unit, they no longer receive rental housing assistance.
    Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)--Rental housing assistance 
tied to a specific household. The eligible applicant selects and rents 
a unit (whether private or TDHE-owned) that meets program requirements, 
and the tribe or TDHE makes rent subsidy payments on behalf of the 
household. The assistance stays with the household; if the household 
moves to a different unit that meets program qualifications, the tribe 
or TDHE makes rental payments to the owner of the new unit on the 
household's behalf.

III. General Program Requirements

    HUD consolidates all program requirements of Tribal HUD-VASH with 
the publication of this Notice. Any future changes to program 
requirements will be outlined in future Federal Register Notices issued 
by HUD. In accordance with the 2015 Appropriations Act, this Notice 
includes appropriate adjustments to program requirements through the 
issuance of statutory and regulatory waivers that HUD has deemed 
necessary for the effective delivery and administration of rental 
assistance under the program. Generally, rental assistance under this 
program is subject to all requirements of NAHASDA that are applicable 
to rental assistance funded under the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) 
program. This includes the NAHASDA statute (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.), 
all IHBG program regulations in 24 CFR part 1000, and all other Federal 
laws and regulations applicable to the IHBG program. To the extent that 
program requirements in this Notice differ from any provision in 
NAHASDA and 24 CFR part 1000, and any other statute or regulation that 
HUD administers, with the exception of any Federal civil rights and 
fair housing laws and requirements, the terms of this Notice will 
govern.
    Housing assistance under this program is made available by grants 
to tribes and TDHEs that are eligible to receive IHBG funding under 
NAHASDA. Tribes request Tenant-Based and/or Project-Based Rental 
Assistance by the number of bedrooms in a rental unit. Grants are 
awarded based on the number rental units (Tenant-Based and Project-
Based Rental Assistance) approved by HUD. Grants include an additional 
amount for administrative costs, which will be described in more detail 
later in this Notice. Grant funding is awarded based on 12 months of 
funding. Participating tribes/TDHEs draw down funds from the HUD Line 
of Credit Control System (LOCCS) on a monthly basis to cover rental 
assistance payments.
    Eligible Homeless veterans receive case management services through 
the Department of Veterans Affairs. A tribe/TDHE works with the local 
VAMC to determine how Case Management will be delivered to Native 
American veterans. VA may provide these services directly through the 
local VAMC, or through a CBOC. Alternatively, the VA may engage in a 
contractual relationship with a tribal healthcare provider or the 
Indian Health Service (IHS) for service delivery. A tribe/TDHE may 
partner with VA to provide office space within the tribal area for the 
VA caseworker to operate. Additionally, VA, in coordination with the 
tribe/TDHE may partner with IHS to provide space for VA case management 
activities at an IHS facility. Locations for the provision of case 
management must comply with accessibility requirements as referenced in 
24 CFR 1000.12(b).
    Native American veterans participating in this program are housed 
based on a Housing First approach, where Homeless veterans are provided 
housing assistance and then offered the supportive services that may be 
needed to foster long-term stability and prevent a return to 
Homelessness. This approach assumes that supportive services are more 
effective when the individual or household is housed, and the daily 
stress of being Homeless is relieved. Key components of the Housing 
First model include a simple application process for participating 
veterans, a harm reduction approach from VA, and no conditions of 
tenancy beyond those included in the lease and the requirements in this 
Notice. Housing First specifically does not require sobriety or testing 
for substance abuse to obtain or sustain tenancy, and thus must not be 
required in the lease. More information on Housing First is available 
at: http://usich.gov/usich_resources/fact_sheets/the_housing_first_checklist_a_practical_tool_for_assessing_housing_first_in.

IV. Allocation of Assistance

    The 2015 Appropriations Act authorized HUD to set aside an amount 
from the HUD-VASH program for a tribal demonstration program. HUD 
originally awarded $5.9 million in funding to 26 tribes/TDHEs, to 
support approximately 600 rental housing units and associated 
administrative fees for Tribal HUD-VASH.
    Pursuant to the 2015 Appropriations Act, awards under this program 
were based on need, administrative capacity, and other factors that HUD 
specifies in this Notice after coordination with the VA. The method of 
allocating assistance under this program was developed through a 
collaborative effort among VA and HUD's Offices of Public and Indian 
Housing, Policy Development and Research, and Community Planning and 
Development. HUD also considered all comments and suggestions made by 
Indian tribes during the tribal consultation process. Responding to 
tribal comments, HUD explored the possibility of allocating funding 
through a tribal competition. However, HUD determined the best method 
for allocation under the demonstration program was to follow as closely 
as possible the existing parameters for the standard HUD-VASH program. 
HUD is open to reconsidering a competitive process at a later date, if 
additional funding is received for a Tribal HUD-VASH program.
    To identify potential Tribal HUD-VASH sites, HUD used a combination 
of VA data and data from the American Community Survey (ACS). First, 
HUD and VA identified VAMCs serving high populations of Homeless Native 
American veterans. To ensure geographic distribution, HUD selected the 
top two VAMCs with the highest Homeless Native American population in 
each of the six ONAP regions. HUD then identified the tribes within 
these VAMC ``catchment'' or operating areas. Using VA data showing the 
number of Native American veterans by tribal areas, HUD then 
prioritized tribes based on the presence of the greatest number of 
veterans and cross referenced this list with ACS data. In some 
instances, tribes with large populations of Native American veterans 
were outside of the VAMC catchment area. When this occurred, HUD added 
the tribe (and local VAMC) for consideration in that ONAP region. VA 
allocated funding for the equivalent of up to 30 professional, full-
time Tribal HUD-VASH case managers, which may be used to directly hire 
VA staff or enter into a contractual relationship with a tribe or IHS 
facility. Each case manager has the

[[Page 23713]]

capacity to serve between 15-25 Native American veterans. Case managers 
are assigned to VAMCs based on the overall level of need and capacity 
in each ONAP region.
    Tribes/TDHEs selected in each ONAP region were invited to apply for 
Tribal HUD-VASH shortly after publication of the October 21, 2015 
Notice. Tribes/TDHEs were required to submit a Tribal HUD-VASH 
application and if any declined to participate or did not need its full 
allocation, HUD invited the next highest tribe within an ONAP region 
ranked by need and capacity. A tribe/TDHE that participated in the 
Tribal HUD-VASH program must partner with its VAMC.
    In general, tribes were awarded grants equal to an amount that 
funds rental assistance payments for between 15-25 rental housing 
units, which is equal to the capacity of one Tribal HUD-VASH case 
manager. If there were other tribes in the area with eligible veterans 
who could be served by the same case manager, the tribe invited to 
apply could either sub-grant to another entity or directly serve Tribal 
HUD-VASH recipients from the other tribe. Should the tribe sub-grant to 
another entity, HUD strongly encouraged the tribe invited to ensure 
that the sub-recipient had sufficient capacity and was in good standing 
with HUD. The lead tribe would only be eligible for one grant award, 
not to exceed 25 units of assistance. If there were situations where a 
tribe/TDHE had a need to serve fewer than 15 Native American veterans, 
and VA determined there is the capacity within its existing HUD VASH 
staff to assist Native American veterans, the tribe/TDHE may be awarded 
fewer than 15 units of assistance.
    The grant award was based on the number of units requested by a 
tribe/TDHE, the rents established by the tribe, and a per-unit 
administrative fee. Once awarded, a tribe/TDHE may provide assistance 
to additional Native American veterans if there are funds remaining 
from the initial grant, and the VA is able to provide Case Management 
support at no additional cost.

V. Application and Submission Information

    HUD consolidates and restates previously issued application and 
submission guidance for Tribal HUD-VASH with the publication of this 
Notice. Any future changes to application and submission guidelines 
will be outlined in any future Federal Register or Public and Indian 
Housing (PIH) Notices issued by HUD.

A. Application Receipt Deadline

    Subject to the availability of appropriations, applicants for this 
program should submit applications in accordance with the requirements 
outlined in any future Federal Register or PIH Notices issued by HUD.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants are Indian tribes as defined in section 4(13) 
of NAHASDA or TDHEs authorized by one or more tribes pursuant to 
section 4(22) of NAHASDA and 24 CFR 1000.206 and invited by HUD to 
apply for Tribal HUD-VASH per the allocation method described under 
Section IV of this Notice.

C. Content of Application, Forms, and Required Elements

    The applicant must submit all forms and information required in 
this section and in accordance with any future Notices issued by HUD.
    1. Contact Information: Tribe/TDHE and point of contact; mailing 
address; phone number; and email address; including name, title, and 
signature of person authorized to submit the application.
    2. Other Identifying Information: Employer/taxpayer identification 
number (EIN/TIN) and organizational DUNS number.
    3. System for Award Management (SAM): Evidence of active, valid SAM 
registration.
    4. Units of Assistance Requested: Provide the estimated total 
number of rental housing units that the Indian tribe or TDHE plans to 
provide to Native American veterans with assistance under this program, 
and whether the assistance will be Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, 
Project-Based Rental Assistance, or a combination of both. Provide a 
table detailing the estimated number of units requested by the number 
of bedrooms and the corresponding rent, as well as a written 
justification for the rent structure (see Section VI. H. Rent). If the 
applicant seeks both Tenant-Based and Project-Based Assistance, provide 
separate tables. FMRs can be found at www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/fmr.html.

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                            Rental Assistance Requested by Number of Bedrooms: (total number)  Type of Assistance: (Tenant-Based or Project-Based Rental Assistance)
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                               0-BR                                      1-BR              2-BR              3-BR              4-BR              5-BR              6-BR             Total #
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Estimated Rent for Area by Number of Bedrooms
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0-BR                                                                          1-BR              2-BR              3-BR              4-BR              5-BR              6-BR            Total $
 
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    5. Tenant-Based Rental Assistance vs. Project-Based Rental 
Assistance:
    In the Tribal HUD-VASH application, the tribe/TDHE must determine 
if the rental housing assistance provided under the program will be 
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance and/or Project-Based Rental Assistance. 
After receiving the grant, a tribe/TDHE may make a determination to 
convert from one type of rental assistance to the other for any 
unutilized grant funds. If the switch is from Tenant-Based to Project-
Based Rental Assistance, then the tribe/TDHE must comply with paragraph 
C.5.b below, and submit the Project-Based Rental Assistance information 
requested below in paragraph C.7 for HUD approval prior to the actual 
switch.
    a. Tenant-Based Rental Assistance: A tribe/THDE may apply for a 
grant under this program to provide Tenant-Based Rental Assistance to 
Native American veterans. The tribe/TDHE will either assist the Native 
American veteran in locating privately-owned housing and enter into a 
contract with the owner of the housing, or provide housing in a unit 
that is owned or operated by the tribe/TDHE. Tenant-Based Rental 
Assistance will be subject to requirements further described in this 
Notice.
    b. Project-Based Rental Assistance: A tribe/THDE may apply for a 
grant under this program to provide Project-Based Rental Assistance to 
Native American veterans. To be considered for Project-Based Rental 
Assistance, a tribe/TDHE's

[[Page 23714]]

IHBG LOCCS balance cannot exceed three times its most current FY grant, 
unless the tribe received an IHBG that was less than $75,000 in that 
year.
    The tribe/TDHE will provide a monthly rental assistance payment for 
a specific housing unit in which an eligible Native American veteran 
will reside. The housing unit will be specifically designated as a unit 
that is available for Native American veterans eligible under this 
program. Project-Based Rental Assistance may be provided to privately-
owned housing with a contract with the owner of the housing, or a unit 
that is owned or operated by the tribe/TDHE. Project-Based Rental 
Assistance will be subject to requirements further described in this 
Notice.
    6. Project-Based Rental Assistance Submission: If requesting funds 
for Project-Based Rental Assistance, also provide the following 
information:
    a. The number of units and the type of structure to which the 
assistance units will be attached.
    b. The ownership of the project and evidence of site control.
    c. If a tribe/TDHE proposes to use its grant to provide rental 
assistance payments for rental housing units not yet constructed or 
rehabilitated, provide:
    i. A project timeline, including the length of time the Tribal HUD-
VASH assistance would not be used while waiting for the units to be 
completed (projects with timeframes longer than 2 years until 
completion will not be approved);
    ii. A detailed budget for the project including all sources and 
uses of funding; and
    iii. Evidence showing experience of the tribe/TDHE in developing 
new housing.
    7. Tribal Resolution: If an application is submitted by a TDHE on 
behalf of an Indian tribe(s), a tribal resolution(s) must be submitted 
authorizing the TDHE to submit the application under this program.
    8. Mitigation Plan: Per the 2015 Appropriations Act, HUD must 
consider administrative capacity before making awards. HUD will examine 
a range of capacity indicators, including outstanding financial audits; 
unresolved HUD monitoring findings, Office of Inspector General (OIG) 
findings or audit findings; unresolved outstanding civil rights 
violations, high unexpended grant balances; and overall administrative 
capacity to administer a new program. If the invitation requires an 
applicant to submit a mitigation plan as a precondition to receiving an 
award due to capacity concerns identified by HUD, the applicant must 
submit the mitigation plan with the application. The mitigation plan 
must be approved by HUD before funds will be awarded.
    9. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SFLLL): This form must be 
submitted by State-recognized Indian tribes and TDHEs established only 
under state law.
    10. Code of Conduct: If the applicant's Code of Conduct (code) is 
not listed on HUD's website at: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/conduct or if the information on the website has 
changed, a copy of the code must be submitted with the application.
    11. Community Involvement: The applicant is encouraged to involve 
the community in developing and implementing the Tribal HUD-VASH 
program. Please include a description of actions taken to allow for 
citizen participation.

D. Application Review Procedures

    HUD will review each application and will respond to each 
application within 30 days of receipt or in accordance with the 
requirements outlined in future Notices issued by HUD. Upon HUD's 
approval of the application, a Tribal HUD-VASH grant will be awarded to 
a tribe/TDHE. HUD will issue a grant agreement to be signed by the 
tribe/TDHE and will disburse funds through the HUD LOCCS system.

VI. Tribal HUD-VASH Program Requirements, Waivers, and Alternative 
Requirements

    The 2015 Appropriations Act requires tribes and TDHEs that receive 
funding under Tribal HUD-VASH to administer the program in accordance 
with NAHASDA and the IHBG regulations at 24 CFR part 1000, except as 
modified in this Notice. The program requirements for the HCV program 
found at 24 CFR part 982 and the project-based voucher (PBV) program 
requirements found at 24 CFR part 983 do not apply unless specifically 
made applicable by this Notice. The following Notices also do not apply 
to Tribal HUD-VASH: PIH 2015-11, PIH 2014-23, PIH 2011-50 PIH-2010-40, 
and 77 FR 17086. In addition, the 2015 Appropriations Act authorizes 
HUD, in coordination with the VA, to waive, or specify alternative 
requirements for, any provision of any statute or regulation (except 
for requirements related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor 
standards, and the environment), that HUD administers in connection 
with the use of these funds, upon a finding by HUD that any such 
waivers or alternative requirements are necessary for the effective 
delivery and administration of assistance under this program. This 
section of the Notice sets forth requirements for Tribal HUD-VASH that 
replace or augment those in NAHASDA, and that HUD determined are 
necessary for the effective delivery and administration of Tribal HUD-
VASH. These waivers or alternative requirements are exceptions to the 
existing IHBG program requirements, which would otherwise govern the 
provision of Tribal HUD-VASH assistance.

A. Native American Veteran Selection and Referral

    Native American veterans first will be screened by the VA in 
accordance with VA screening procedures and by applying the eligibility 
criteria in section VI, paragraph B. Native American veterans 
determined by the VA to be eligible for the program will be referred to 
the tribe/TDHE for additional screening based on the eligibility 
requirements also listed in paragraph B., below. Native American 
veterans determined eligible for assistance under this program will 
then be provided with rental assistance. A tribe/TDHE may not provide 
rental assistance under this program unless it receives a referral from 
the VA and the referred Native American veteran meets the eligibility 
criteria for housing assistance as described in paragraph B., below.

B. Native American Veteran Eligibility

    1. VA Screening: The VA determines the initial eligibility of 
Native American veterans in the Tribal HUD-VASH program. VA screens for 
the following program eligibility requirements:
    a. Eligible for VA health care (based on factors such as length of 
time in active duty, service, and type of discharge as noted on the 
Native American veteran's Certificate of Release or Discharge from 
Active Duty (DD-214)). More information on veteran status and VA 
eligibility health care eligibility criteria can be found at http://www.va.gov/about_va/ (Benefits, ``Applying for Benefits'').
    b. A determination of Homeless or At Risk of Homelessness in 
accordance with this Notice.
    c. A clinical need for Case Management services (e.g., a disabling 
physical or mental condition, or substance use that contributes 
significantly to the Native American veteran's housing status), as 
determined by VA.
    d. The Native American veteran's agreement to participate in VA 
Case Management.

[[Page 23715]]

    2. VA will prioritize eligible Native American veterans based on 
their level of need for Case Management. Those veterans with the 
greatest need for Case Management will be the first to be referred to a 
participating tribe/TDHE for rental assistance.
    3. For the purposes of this program, eligibility status for housing 
does not extend to a deceased veteran's family.
    4. Tribe/TDHE Screening: The tribe/TDHE must accept all VA 
referrals of Native American veterans and their families from its VA 
partner and screen for the following eligibility requirements:
    a. A determination that the veteran is ``Indian'' as defined in 
section 4(10) of NAHASDA.
    b. A determination that the Native American veteran is income-
eligible. To be eligible, a veteran household's annual income must be 
no more than 80 percent of the greater of the median income for the 
Indian area, or the median income for the United States as prescribed 
by Section 4(15) of NAHASDA. Tribes/TDHEs will be subject to the same 
definition of ``annual income'' as in 24 CFR 1000.10. Tribes may follow 
their existing IHBG policies on calculating income in compliance with 
24 CFR 1000.10, or they may establish new policies specific to the 
Tribal HUD-VASH program. Native American veterans may qualify for 
assistance under this program if they meet the income eligibility 
requirements in this Notice at the time they enter the Tribal HUD-VASH 
program. HUD is adopting the definitions of Homeless and At Risk of 
Homelessness that are in the McKinney-Vento Act, but the income 
requirements of McKinney-Vento do not apply to this program. Tribes and 
TDHEs may not provide assistance under this program to any over-income 
Native American veteran that would otherwise be deemed eligible under 
the over-income or essential family categories in Sections 201(b)(2) 
and (3) of NAHASDA, unless the household met the income requirements at 
the time that they entered the program. To ensure that those Homeless 
and At Risk of Homeless Native American veterans with the greatest 
housing need will be first served by this program, HUD has found it 
necessary to waive of Sections 201(b)(2) and (3) of NAHASDA, and 
regulations at 24 CFR 1000.104-1000.110, to limit eligibility to Native 
American veterans whose income is no more than 80 percent of area 
median income for the Indian area.
    c. A determination that the veteran is not registered as a lifetime 
sex offender. HUD is establishing the following alternative 
requirements to section 207(b) of NAHASDA, and 24 CFR 1000.120 relating 
to tenant selection. HUD is applying the screening requirements similar 
to 24 CFR 982.553(a)(2) relating to registered lifetime sex offenders. 
Tribes/TDHEs are required to establish written standards that prohibit 
admission if the veteran or any member of the household is subject to a 
lifetime registration requirement (Tier III offense) under any state 
sex offender registration program. As part of the eligibility screening 
process, a tribe/TDHE must perform a background check to see if the 
referred veteran or any household member is subject to a lifetime sex 
offender registration requirement in the state where the housing is 
located and in other states where the household members are known to 
have resided. If a household member other than the Homeless or At Risk 
of Homelessness veteran (which would result in denial of admission for 
the household) is subject to lifetime registration under a state sex 
offender registration, the remaining household members may be served if 
the veteran agrees to remove the sex offender from its household 
composition. This requirement is necessary to ensure consistent policy 
across HUD-VASH programs relating to providing assistance to registered 
sex-offenders.
    d. Annual income is used to determine program eligibility under 
NAHASDA. Per PIH Notice 2011-15, veteran compensation for service-
connected disability or death under title 38 U.S.C. chapter 11, and 
dependency and indemnity compensation for service-connected deaths 
under title 38 U.S.C. chapter 13 are excluded from income. Refer to 
NAHASDA Program Guidance 2013-05 for more information on calculating 
income.
    5. Written documentation of all referrals and eligibility screening 
must be maintained in the veteran's file by the tribe/TDHE.

C. Awarding Housing Assistance to an Eligible Veteran

    Once the tribe/TDHE performs all the activities listed above and 
the Native American veteran is deemed eligible, the tribe must offer 
rental housing assistance provided by this program to the participant. 
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance must be provided with an initial search 
term of 120 days from the date such assistance is offered. Project-
Based Rental Assistance must be offered in the form of the next 
available project-based unit.
    To ensure consistency with the standard HUD-VASH program and to 
serve the maximum number of Native American veterans in need of housing 
stability, tribes/TDHEs will not be allowed to deny assistance to an 
otherwise eligible Native American veteran who has been referred by the 
case manager on any grounds other than preferences based on tribal 
membership in accordance with the tribe/TDHE's written admissions and 
occupancy policies. Where a tribe/TDHE has adopted a tribal preference 
policy on admissions and occupancy that provides that the tribe/TDHE 
will provide assistance to a tribal member before members of other 
Indian tribes, the tribe/TDHE may prioritize assistance under this 
program to tribal members. If a tribe/TDHE has remaining grant funds 
after serving its tribal members veterans, it must serve other referred 
Native American veterans that are members of other Indian tribes until 
all grant funds under this program have been fully spent and may not 
refuse to provide such assistance. Tribes/TDHEs may adopt a tribal 
preference policy specifically for this program. Tribes/TDHEs may not 
deny admission to a referred and eligible Native American veteran 
because of any factors or reasons, other than tribal preference, such 
as criminal history (aside from sex offender status) or substance 
abuse.

D. Record Keeping at Initial Occupancy

    In addition to maintaining records of referral and eligibility 
determination as required in paragraph B.5. above, a tribe/TDHE must 
also collect, keep on file, and report, additional household 
demographic, personal (including social security numbers), and rental 
information using a HUD-50058 form revised for the Tribal HUD-VASH 
program. This information also is required to be reported through an 
electronic reporting system as prescribed by HUD. See ONAP Program 
Guidance, ``Record Keeping at Initial Occupancy'' (No. 2016-05) for 
further guidance on required record keeping.
    At initial occupancy, tribes/TDHEs will need to collect Social 
Security numbers (SSNs) for Homeless or At Risk of Homelessness 
veterans and their household members. This information must be 
maintained in the veteran's physical file. An original document issued 
by a federal, state, or tribal government agency, which contains the 
name of the individual and the SSN of the individual along with other 
identifying information, is acceptable in accordance with the standards 
in 24 CFR 5.216(g). In the case of the Homeless or At Risk of 
Homelessness veteran, the tribe/TDHE must accept the Certificate of 
Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214) or the VA-verified 
Application for Health Benefits (10-

[[Page 23716]]

10EZ) as verification of SSN, and cannot require the veteran to provide 
a SSN card. These documents must also be accepted for proof-of-age 
purposes in lieu of birth certificates or other tribe/TDHE-required 
documentation. Please note that veterans are also issued photo 
identification cards by the VA. If such identification is required by 
the tribe/TDHE, these cards must be accepted by the tribe/TDHE in lieu 
of another type of government-issued photo identification.

E. Case Management

    As part of the VA Case Management duties, the veteran's case 
manager will assist the veteran in locating appropriate housing for the 
veteran. VA responsibilities for Case Management also include (1) 
providing appropriate treatment, referrals, and supportive services to 
the veteran, if needed, prior to tribe/TDHE issuance of rental 
assistance; (2) identifying the social service and medical concerns of 
the veteran and providing, or ensuring the provision of, regular 
ongoing Case Management, outpatient health services, crisis 
intervention, and other supportive services as needed throughout the 
veteran's participation period; and (3) maintaining records and 
providing information for evaluation purposes, as required by HUD and 
the VA.
    As a condition of receiving rental assistance under this program, 
an eligible veteran must agree to receive the Case Management services 
noted above. If a Tribal HUD-VASH case manager determines that a 
veteran fails to participate without good cause in Case Management, the 
participant's rental assistance may be terminated. However, a 
determination by the case manager that the participant veteran no 
longer requires Case Management is not grounds for termination of 
assistance.

F. Local Housing Codes and Quality Standards

    Once a unit is located or ready to be occupied by a veteran, the 
tribe/TDHE must make a determination that the unit meets applicable 
local housing codes and quality standards in accordance with section 
207(a) (2) of NAHASDA.

G. Ineligible Housing

    Under the 2015 Appropriations Act, assistance under this program is 
limited to Native American veterans that are Homeless or At Risk of 
Homelessness living on or near a reservation or other Indian areas. 
Accordingly, tribes/TDHEs participating in this program must house 
Native American veterans either on or near reservations, or within 
NAHASDA-authorized Indian areas, with the exception of units developed 
to house Homeless veterans on the grounds of a VA facility.
    Assistance under this program may not be provided to Native 
American veterans who will be residing in a housing unit that qualifies 
as Formula Current Assisted Stock under the IHBG program. Refer to the 
ONAP Program Guidance, ``IHBG in the Tribal HUD-VASH Program'' (No. 
2018-01) for more information.

H. Rent

    1. Due to the limited availability of housing stock on or near 
reservations or in NAHASDA Indian Areas that is not developed, or has 
been otherwise assisted, with NAHASDA funding, HUD has found it 
necessary to establish alterative requirements regarding the maximum 
rent for a unit assisted under NAHASDA. These alternative requirements 
affect sections 203(a) of NAHASDA, and regulations at 24 CFR 1000.124, 
and 1000.130, which limit the maximum rent that can be charged to 30 
percent of a household's adjusted monthly income. The alternative 
requirement allows a tribe/TDHE to determine rents by bedroom size 
based on the local FMR, market conditions and/or unit operating costs. 
Tribes/TDHEs must submit a justification as to how rent is determined 
in their program application. For both, housing units owned or operated 
by the tribe/TDHE, and privately-owned units, rents may not exceed 110 
percent of FMR. If a tribe/TDHE deems it necessary to charge more than 
110 percent of FMR (or to place a veteran in a privately-owned unit 
with a rent that exceeds 110 percent of FMR), it must obtain HUD's 
prior approval to do so. For example, a tribe/TDHE may find it 
necessary to request such approval in order to address a request for a 
reasonable accommodation for a person with disabilities or in instances 
where rental market conditions render it difficult to find rent at 110 
percent of FMR. HUD encourages tribes/TDHEs to establish rents at a 
level that is less than 110 percent of the FMR, particularly in housing 
that is owned or operated by the tribe/TDHE, to allow more Native 
American veterans to receive assistance. These alternative requirements 
do not apply to any other HUD-assisted housing that may be subject to 
other rent restrictions.
    2. Bedroom size must be determined based the number of family 
members living in the household, not on the number of bedrooms in the 
unit to be rented. Guidelines for determining unit size are one bedroom 
for each two persons within the household, except:
    a. Persons of the opposite sex (other than spouses, and children 
under age 5) are not required to share a bedroom;
    b. Persons of different generations are not required to share a 
bedroom;
    c. Live-in aides must be allocated a separate bedroom. No 
additional bedrooms will be provided for the live-in aide's family; and
    d. Single person families must be allocated zero or one bedroom.
    Therefore, in situations where the available housing has more 
bedrooms than necessary for the family size and composition, the rental 
assistance payment must be limited to the number of bedrooms based on 
the guidelines listed above. If a recipient chooses to ``over house'' a 
Veteran family by placing the family in a larger unit than the family 
requires under the above guidelines, the maximum amount of Tribal HUD-
VASH funds that can be used to house the Veteran family is the rent for 
a unit sized in accordance with the guidelines, and in accordance with 
Section VI., subsection H of this Notice. Any additional rental costs 
due to over housing cannot be funded with Tribal HUD-VASH or regular 
IHBG funds, but can be funded by other resources. In addition, Tribes/
TDHEs may want to consider shared housing arrangements in situations 
where appropriate-sized housing is limited, but where individual 
veterans could have a separate bedroom and share common areas.

I. Tenant Rent Contribution Payment

    Eligible Native American veterans and their families will be 
required to make a monthly tenant rent contribution payment that is no 
more than 30 percent of their monthly adjusted income (as defined in 
NAHASDA and implementing regulations). The tribe/TDHE will pay the 
difference between the rent and the tenant rent contribution payment. 
Consistent with 24 CFR 1000.132, the tribe/TDHE may determine if 
utilities are included in the rent for the unit. The tribe/TDHE may 
also make this determination when negotiating rental assistance payment 
contracts with private owners of housing. Tribes/TDHEs may establish a 
tenant rent contribution payment amount for a Native American veteran 
that is less than 30 percent of monthly adjusted income. IHBG funds may 
be used to cover any additional costs related to housing Native 
American veterans and their families under this program.

J. Rental Assistance Payment Contract

    A tribe/TDHE must enter into a contract with the owner of the 
privately-owned rental housing units in which

[[Page 23717]]

the Native American veteran will reside. The contract will govern 
rental assistance provided under this program to the owner by the 
tribe/TDHE. Specific terms and conditions will be required. See ONAP 
Program Guidance, ``Rental Assistance Payment (RAP) Contract 
Requirements'' (No. 2016-04R) for further guidance on the required 
contract contents.

K. Program Income

    HUD has found it necessary to establish alternative requirements to 
section 104(a) of NAHASDA, and 24 CFR 1000.62-1000.64, relating to 
program income received by the tribe/TDHE under this program to ensure 
program funds continue to be used to provide affordable housing to low-
income Native American families. Amounts paid to the tribe/TDHE to 
cover the rental assistance payment of Native American veterans and 
their families in tribe/TDHE-owned or operated housing; tenant rent 
contribution payments collected under this program; and any other 
income earned from the disbursement of grant funds, including income 
earned on funds received from such payments; will be considered program 
income, and must be spent on affordable housing activities, which will 
be subject to the requirements of NAHASDA and any other applicable 
Federal law. Notwithstanding Section 104(a) of NAHASDA, and 24 CFR 
1000.62-1000.64, such income may not be spent on housing-related 
activities, as that term is defined in 24 CFR 1000.10. HUD strongly 
encourages tribes/TDHEs to use this program income to further provide 
affordable housing assistance to Homeless or At Risk of Homelessness 
Native American veterans eligible under this program first, before 
providing assistance to other low-income Native American families. 
Additionally, all such amounts must be tracked and reported in the 
Federal Financial Report (SF-425) to ensure compliance with this 
requirement.

L. Environmental Review

    In accordance with the environmental requirements in 24 CFR 
1000.20, the tribe/TDHE may not enter into a project-based rental 
assistance contract or lease before completion of an environmental 
review and either HUD approval of a Request for Release of Funds under 
24 CFR part 58 or HUD approval of the property under 24 CFR part 50. 
However, in accordance with 24 CFR 50.19(b)(11) and 24 CFR 58.35(b)(1), 
tenant-based rental assistance is excluded from environmental review.

M. Administrative Fee and Reserve Accounts

    HUD has found it necessary to establish alternative requirements to 
section 101(h) of NAHASDA, and 24 CFR 1000.236-1000.239 to ensure that 
administrative fees received under this program can pay for, and are 
limited to, administrative and planning expenses related to this 
program. Tribes/TDHEs participating in the program will receive a flat 
administrative fee of $1,020 per unit, for a 12-month period, which can 
also be used for start-up funding. These funds will be included as part 
of the grant issued under this program.
    A tribe/TDHE may use up to this amount for eligible administrative 
and planning expenses related only to this Tribal HUD-VASH program. 
These funds may not be used to pay for administrative and planning 
expenses related to the tribe/TDHE's IHBG program or any other program. 
If, after covering all administrative Tribal HUD-VASH expenses, there 
is a residual administrative fee amount, these funds may be used to 
provide additional rental assistance to Native American veterans and 
their families under Tribal HUD-VASH.
    Eligible administrative expenses include but are not limited to: 
(1) Eligibility determinations; (2) intake and briefings; (3) owner 
outreach efforts; (4) unit inspections; (5) rent negotiations; (6) 
annual and interim reexaminations; (7) tenant fraud investigations and 
hearings; (8) processing subsequent moves; (9) the costs associated 
with making rental assistance payments to owners; and (10) complying 
with reporting requirements.
    HUD is waiving section 202(9) of NAHASDA and 24 CFR 1000.239 
relating to reserve accounts established to accumulate amounts for 
administration and planning. Given the need to ensure the timely 
expenditure of funds under this program, and the limited scope of this 
demonstration program, tribes/TDHEs may not draw down funds under this 
program and deposit them in a reserve account to accumulate amounts for 
administration and planning.

N. Interim and Annual Reexaminations

    HUD has established alternative requirements to 24 CFR 1000.128(b) 
relating to income reexamination requirements. HUD has found it 
necessary to require interim reexaminations if a Native American 
veteran's household income decreases so that the rental assistance 
payment may increase to cover the cost of rent. Further, if the program 
is given renewal authority, it will be necessary to conduct annual 
reexaminations to capture annual fluctuations in income and rent as 
well as track demographic data necessary for the reporting requirements 
of the program.
    Tribes/TDHEs must conduct an interim reexamination if the Native 
American veteran's income decreases between annual certifications. If 
there have been any changes in income, rent, or household composition 
they must be reported using the relevant sections of the HUD-50058 
Form. A paper copy of this information must be kept in the veteran's 
file and be transmitted electronically to HUD at the time of the 
interim reexamination.
    In the event of renewal funding for the program, the tribes/TDHEs 
must conduct an annual reexamination of the Native American veteran and 
the household's income to determine rental assistance payments and 
tenant rent contribution payments. Annual reexaminations must also 
collect and update household demographic, personal and rental 
information reported on the Tribal Family Report (HUD-50058 form). A 
paper copy of this information must be kept in the veteran's file and 
an electronic version of this information must be sent to HUD. Rental 
information reported during the annual recertification will be used to 
calculate renewal funding.
    If, upon annual reexamination, a Native American veteran or his/her 
household is determined to be over-income, the tribe can continue to 
serve the Native American veteran/household and not have it count 
towards its 10 percent over-income cap under 24 CFR 1000.110(c). If the 
Native American veteran/household's adjusted rent contribution payment, 
based on the income increase, is equal to the rent for the unit, then 
the Tribal HUD-VASH rental assistance is no longer needed and this 
assistance must be used on the next eligible Native American veteran. 
In this instance, the over-income Native American veteran can continue 
to receive Case Management services from the VA for as long as the VA 
deems the care necessary.

O. Reporting Requirements

    As required by Congress, tribes/TDHEs must submit demographic and 
financial information generated by the Tribal HUD-VASH program. Grant 
funds received under this program must be reported annually in a tribe/
TDHE's Indian Housing Plan and Annual Performance Report. Information 
on grant funds and program income received under this program also must 
be reported quarterly on the Federal

[[Page 23718]]

Financial Report (SF-425). Tribes and TDHEs must fill out relevant 
demographic and rental information on the HUD Form 50058 and keep a 
physical record of this form. Additionally, tribes/TDHEs will be 
required to transmit data from this form electronically on a monthly, 
quarterly, or annual basis via a method provided by HUD. HUD encourages 
tribes to make effective use of evidence in identifying or selecting 
the practices and strategies for implementing HUD VASH. All tribes and 
TDHEs must agree to cooperate in HUD-funded research and evaluation 
studies.

P. Turnover of Tribal HUD-VASH Assistance

    In accordance with the 2015 Appropriations Act, if the Tribal HUD-
VASH rental assistance is no longer needed by a Native American 
veteran, this assistance must be issued to other eligible Native 
American veterans as identified by a case manager and as described 
further in this Notice.

Q. Termination of Assistance to Native American Veterans

    Participating tribes and TDHEs must comply with requirements of 
section 207 of NAHASDA on termination of assistance. In addition, 
before determining whether to terminate assistance, tribes and TDHEs 
must contact the case manager to determine if ongoing Case Management 
services could mitigate the conditions that are leading to a potential 
termination. Participating tribes and TDHEs are subject to Section 504 
of the Rehabilitation Act and HUD's regulation at 24 CFR part 8, which 
would include providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with 
disabilities throughout the termination process.

R. Renewal Funding

    Renewal funding under the Tribal HUD-VASH program is subject to the 
availability of future appropriations. If appropriated, the process by 
which existing Tribal HUD-VASH recipients may seek renewal funding will 
be published annually in a PIH Notice. HUD will award renewal funds 
based on the criteria specified in the appropriation language and 
requirements issued in this Notice. If funding is not available, then 
tribes/TDHEs should use their best efforts to allocate IHBG funds to 
support Homeless or At Risk of Homelessness Native American veterans 
and their families that are currently being assisted through Tribal 
HUD-VASH programs.

S. Investment of Grant Funds

    HUD is waiving section 204(b) of NAHASDA and 24 CFR 1000.58 
relating to the investment of grant funds. Given the need to ensure the 
timely expenditure of funds under this program, and the limited scope 
of this demonstration program, tribes/TDHEs may not draw down funds 
under this program to invest in securities or other obligations.

T. Reduction and Termination of HUD-VASH Grant Funds, Appeal of HUD 
Determinations, and Reallocation of Grant Funds

    Because of the urgent housing needs of Native American veterans and 
their families, the relatively limited amount of funding under this 
program, the limited scope of this demonstration program, and the need 
to ensure the timely expenditure of funding, HUD finds it necessary for 
the effective delivery and administration of assistance under this 
program to waive Title IV of NAHASDA, and all implementing regulations 
at 24 CFR part 1000 as they relate to termination, reduction and 
limitation of assistance, and reallocation of such assistance to other 
tribes/TDHEs under this program. HUD is establishing alternative 
requirements to Title IV of NAHASDA, and relevant implementing 
regulations 24 CFR part 1000.
    To ensure compliance with program requirements, HUD will conduct 
remote and on-site monitoring, as appropriate. After HUD has provided 
sufficient warning and time to cure, HUD may find it necessary to 
terminate, reduce, or limit the availability of the grant to a tribe/
TDHE for poor performance or substantial noncompliance with program 
requirements. Poor performance, as determined by HUD may include 
actions outside of the tribe/TDHE's responsibility such as lack of 
adequate referrals or poor quality of supportive services provided by a 
contracted case management entity, or other reasons. Poor performance 
also includes an inadequate voucher utilization rate by the tribe or 
TDHE. Substantial noncompliance with program requirements is 
noncompliance that HUD determines: (1) Has a material effect on the 
tribe/TDHE's Tribal HUD-VASH program; (2) represents a material pattern 
or practice of activities constituting willful noncompliance with 
program requirements, even if a single instance of noncompliance would 
not be substantial; or (3) places the tribe/TDHE's Tribal HUD-VASH 
program at substantial risk of fraud, waste, or abuse. HUD may also 
terminate or reduce grant funds in situations where a tribe/TDHE is not 
carrying out activities due to a lack of Homeless Native veterans who 
need housing, or the recipient's failure to comply with its mitigation 
plan.
    If, after expiration of any applicable cure period, HUD determines 
that a tribe/TDHE lacks Homeless Native veterans who need housing, is 
performing poorly, or is in substantial noncompliance with program 
requirements, HUD will provide written Notice to the tribe/TDHE 
informing it of HUD's decision to terminate, reduce, or limit the 
availability of the grant. If the tribe/TDHE disagrees with HUD's 
determination, it may appeal that decision in writing to HUD within 30 
days of receipt of HUD's written Notice. In such appeal, the tribe/TDHE 
must demonstrate to HUD's satisfaction good cause to maintain its grant 
under this program, including and, as applicable, demonstrate how it 
will cure its noncompliance or improve its poor performance, within a 
time period deemed acceptable by HUD. In situations where HUD 
determines a tribe/TDHE is not carrying out activities due to a lack of 
Homeless Native veterans, the tribe/TDHE must demonstrate to HUD's 
satisfaction the level of Homeless Native veteran housing need that 
corresponds to the assistance the tribe/TDHE is currently receiving. If 
HUD denies the tribe/TDHE's appeal, it will provide written Notice of 
the denial and its reason for the denial. The tribe/TDHE will have 30 
days from the date of receipt of HUD's written Notice of denial to 
submit a written request for reconsideration to HUD setting forth 
justification for reconsideration. HUD will reconsider the tribe/TDHE's 
submission and either affirm, modify, or reverse its initial decision 
in writing and will set forth HUD's reasons for the decision. 
Reconsideration will be conducted by an official other than the one who 
decided the tribe/TDHE's appeal. If HUD affirms its initial decision on 
reconsideration, HUD's decision will constitute final agency action. 
HUD will not take any action to terminate, reduce, or limit a tribe/
TDHE's assistance until the tribe/TDHE has exhausted all of its appeal 
and reconsideration rights.
    If, after receiving Notice informing it of HUD's decision to 
terminate, reduce, or limit the availability of assistance, the tribe/
TDHE fails to submit a timely appeal or request for reconsideration, 
fails to demonstrate to HUD's satisfaction good cause to maintain its 
grant funds under this program, or fails to cure its noncompliance or 
poor performance within the time specified

[[Page 23719]]

by HUD, HUD is authorized to terminate, reduce, or limit the 
availability of the tribe/TDHE's grant funds under this program. HUD 
may use its discretion to reallocate the grant funds resulting from 
such reduction or termination, to any other tribe/TDHE that is in 
compliance with program requirements and is not deemed to be a poor 
performer, and that still has a need to house Homeless Native veterans. 
Grant funds may be reallocated among tribe/TDHEs within the same ONAP 
region, or among tribes/TDHEs in different ONAP regions, based on 
administrative capacity, the utilization of previously awarded Tribal 
HUD-VASH assistance, and current geographic need as determined by the 
VA and HUD.
    To the extent that any provision of Title VI of NAHASDA or any 
implementing regulation at 24 CFR part 1000 conflicts with the appeal 
process described above including, but not limited to, the opportunity 
for an administrative hearing, the provisions of this Notice will 
apply.

U. Nondiscrimination Requirements

    The Tribal HUD-VASH program is administered in accordance with 
applicable civil rights and fair housing laws and requirements. Tribes/
TDHEs shall be subject to all nondiscrimination requirements that are 
applicable under NAHASDA and the IHBG regulations at 24 CFR part 1000 
and in particular 24 CFR 1000.12

V. Electronic Submission Requirement

    For the demonstration program, HUD waived the requirement to submit 
applications for grant funding through www.grants.gov, as required in 
24 CFR 5.1005. Considering the statutory deadline to publish the 
October 21, 2015 Notice and begin the process of awarding funding, and 
the limited amount of available funds under this program, HUD 
determined that allowing the submission of paper applications was less 
burdensome and allowed HUD to make awards in a timelier manner. Subject 
to the availability of appropriations, applicants for this program 
should submit applications in accordance with the requirements outlined 
in any future Federal Register or Public and Indian Housing (PIH) 
Notices issued by HUD.

VII. Environmental Impact

    A Finding of No Significant Impact with respect to the environment 
has been made in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 50, 
which implement section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)). The Finding of No Significant 
Impact is available for public inspection during regular business hours 
in the Regulations Division, Office of General Counsel, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW, Room 10276, 
Washington, DC 20410-0500. Due to security measures at the HUD 
Headquarters building, please schedule an appointment to review the 
Finding by calling the Regulations Division at 202-402-3055 (this is 
not a toll-free number). Individuals with speech or hearing impairments 
may access this number via TTY by calling the Federal Relay Service at 
(800) 877-8339.

    Dated: May 10, 2018.
Dominique Blom,
General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing.
[FR Doc. 2018-10909 Filed 5-21-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4210-67-P