[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 60 (Wednesday, March 31, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16741-16751]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-06595]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

[Docket No. FR-6256-N-01]


Tribal HUD-VASH Expansion; Notice of Rating Factors

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

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act provided $7 million 
for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to use 
for the Tribal HUD-VASH demonstration program. HUD-VASH is a 
collaborative program between HUD and the Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) that combines HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive 
services to help Veterans who are homeless and their families find and 
sustain permanent housing. The 2017 Appropriations Act also requires 
HUD to publish in the Federal Register the ``need'' and 
``administrative capacity'' review and selection criteria HUD includes 
in the Tribal HUD-VASH Notice of Funding Availability.
    This Notice does not provide information on the application 
process. Those seeking to review all of the NOFA's content and/or apply 
for funds may do so at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=330966.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hilary Atkin, Department of Housing 
and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 4108, Washington, DC 
20410-8000; telephone (202) 402-3427 (this is not a toll-free number).

[[Page 16742]]

Individuals with speech or hearing impairments may access this number 
through TTY by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 
877-8339 (this is a toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Tribal HUD-VA Supportive Housing (Tribal HUD-VASH) 
demonstration program was established under the Consolidated and 
Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235, approved 
December 16, 2014) (2015 Appropriations Act), and provides grants to 
Indian Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) eligible 
to receive block grants under the Native American Housing Assistance 
and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA). Grantees use HUD funding 
towards rental assistance for Native American Veterans who are homeless 
or at risk of homelessness, living on or near a reservation or other 
Indian areas.
    The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Pub. L. 115-31, approved 
May 5, 2017) (2017 Appropriations Act) provided HUD with $7 million for 
the Tribal HUD-VASH demonstration program. Congress directed HUD to use 
this funding to provide renewal grants to the original Indian Tribes 
and TDHEs that received funding under the demonstration program. After 
awarding renewal funding, Congress authorized HUD to use any remaining 
amounts appropriated to fund new grants.
    On May 22, 2018, HUD published a Notice in the Federal Register, 
titled ``Implementation of the Tribal HUD-VA Supportive Housing 
Program,'' 83 FR 23710, that consolidated all Tribal HUD-VASH program 
requirements, provided application and submission information, and 
established HUD's procedures for issuing renewal funding subject to the 
availability of future appropriations. In September 2018, HUD provided 
the original 26 Indian Tribes and TDHEs participating in the program 
with $3,765,568 of the $7 million in renewal funding.
    In accordance with the 2017 Appropriations Act, HUD published a 
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) on January 15, 2021, announcing 
the availability of the remaining $3,234,432 in FY 2017 funding for new 
Tribal HUD-VASH grants and establishing the criteria HUD would use to 
award these new grants. For Tribal HUD-VASH funds, the 2017 
Appropriations Act provides that ``funds shall be awarded based on 
need, and administrative capacity established by the Secretary [of HUD] 
in a Notice published in the Federal Register . . . .'' Public Law 115-
31, div. K, tit. II, 131 Stat. 135, 762. This Notice fulfills this 
requirement by restating the rating criteria HUD established in the 
NOFA, including Section V.A., ``Review Criteria'' and Section V.B. on 
the ``Review and Selection Process.''
    Those seeking to review all of the NOFA's content, or those seeking 
to apply for Tribal HUD-VASH funds, may do so at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=330966.

II. Tribal HUD-VASH Expansion: Rating Criteria and Review and Selection 
Process Information

    The review criteria and information on the review and selection 
process contained in Sections V.A. and V.B. in the ``Tribal HUD-VASH 
Expansion'' NOFA, published January 15, 2021, at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=330966, are 
reproduced herein:

V. Application Review Information.

A. Review Criteria

1. Rating Factors
    The factors for rating and ranking Tribal HUD-VASH applications and 
the points for each factor are explained below. A maximum of 100 points 
may be awarded under Rating Factors 1, 2, and 3. To be considered for 
funding, an application must receive a minimum of 20 points under 
Rating Factor 1 and 35 points under Rating Factor 3. Applicants that do 
not meet the minimum score for each of these rating factors are 
ineligible to receive an award through the competition. Eligible 
applicants must receive an overall total of at least 75 points to be 
considered for funding.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Rating factor                    Factor title            Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rating Factor 1................  CAPACITY OF THE APPLICANT            30
                                  (Minimum of 20 points needed
                                  to meet threshold
                                  requirement).
    Subfactor 1.1..............  Managerial and Technical Staff        6
    Subfactor 1.2..............  Technical Capacity............        6
    Subfactor 1.3..............  Findings......................        6
    Subfactor 1.4..............  Timely Reporting..............        6
    Subfactor 1.5..............  Expenditures..................        6
Rating Factor 2................  NEED..........................       20
    Subfactor 2.1..............  Identified Needs..............       10
    Subfactor 2.2..............  Supporting Information........        5
    Subfactor 2.3..............  Severity of the Problem.......        5
Rating Factor 3................  CAPACITY TO ADMINISTER THE           50
                                  PROGRAM (Minimum of 35 points
                                  needed to meet threshold
                                  requirement).
    Subfactor 3.1..............  Implementation Plan and              10
                                  Schedule.
    Subfactor 3.2..............  Availability of Housing Stock.       10
    Subfactor 3.3..............  Budget........................       10
    Subfactor 3.4..............  Coordination with Department         10
                                  of Veterans Affairs.
    Subfactor 3.5..............  Coordination with Partners....        5
    Subfactor 3.6..............  Outputs and Outcomes..........        5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total Points (Minimum of 75 points needed to meet            100
         threshold requirement).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicant

Maximum Points: 30
Subfactor 1.1. Managerial and Technical Staff
Maximum Points: 6

    Applicants must demonstrate that they possess or can obtain the 
managerial and technical staff necessary to implement a Tribal HUD-VASH 
grant.
    The applicant must address the following components in its workplan 
narrative. If the applicant does not currently have the managerial or 
technical staff, then the applicant must address how it will obtain 
staff to manage and/or other assistance (e.g., contractors, 
consultants, subaward, etc.) to help manage and implement the

[[Page 16743]]

program, and how it will ensure that all are qualified in accordance 
with the following components:
    1. A description of the knowledge and experience of key staff, 
including the program manager, that will implement the Tribal HUD-VASH 
program;
    2. Discussion of relevant training or experience working with 
homeless and/or at risk of homelessness populations or Veterans;
    3. Understanding of supportive housing and other evidence-based 
practices used by Tribal HUD-VASH;
    4. Recent housing experience of key staff (within 5 years);
    5. Any successful accomplishments related to working with the 
homeless, at risk of homelessness population, or Veterans. Successful 
accomplishments include producing measurable impact on the quality and/
or quantity of housing affecting the tribal homeless community. Some 
indicators of success may include a description of key outcomes (e.g., 
reduction of homeless population rate, innovative homeless self-
sufficiency programs, etc.), overall impact of the accomplishment, 
award recognition, etc.; and
    6. The extent to which the program manager's time commitments and 
other key program personnel are appropriate and adequate to meet the 
program's objectives.
    Applicants proposing the construction, acquisition, or 
rehabilitation of units to house Veterans assisted under the Tribal 
HUD-VASH program must also include the following components in its 
workplan narrative:
    7. Qualifications and relevant experience of staff, contractors, 
consultants, and sub-grantees for the project; and
    8. Applicant's own experience in implementing new housing 
construction, acquisition, or rehabilitation projects.
    HUD will award points as follows:

(6 points)

    The applicant thoroughly addresses all components outlined in this 
Subfactor. The applicant already has its own managerial and technical 
staff to implement a Tribal HUD-VASH grant.

(5 points)

    The applicant does not currently have its own managerial or 
technical staff to implement a Tribal HUD-VASH grant. However, the 
applicant thoroughly addresses how it will obtain qualified staff and/
or other assistance (e.g., contractors, consultants, subrecipient, 
etc.) needed to manage and implement the program based on the 
components outlined in this Subfactor.

(4 points)

    The applicant adequately addressed this Subfactor but was either 
missing one of the components outlined in this Subfactor or the 
applicant addressed all of the required components but lacked detail to 
warrant full points under this Subfactor.

(3 points)

    The applicant adequately addressed this Subfactor but was missing 
2-3 of the components outlined in this Subfactor.

(0 points)

    The application did not include any of the information described 
above to receive points under this Subfactor or the applicant addressed 
this Subfactor but was missing 4 or more components.

Subfactor 1.2. Technical Capacity

Maximum Points: 6

    The applicant must address the measures that have been taken, or 
that it will take to ensure that it will implement policies and 
procedures for managing the Tribal HUD-VASH program.
    The applicant should explain how its policies and procedures 
address the following components:
    1. How it will comply with program requirements and procedures to 
ensure that its key personnel have the information and tools they need 
to manage the program;
    2. Steps for managing waiting lists;
    3. Coordination efforts with VA and HUD staff;
    4. Implementing program obligations (e.g., participating in regular 
meetings, coordination and outreach efforts, etc.), and
    5. Implementation of how supportive housing and other evidence-
based practices will be integrated with Tribal HUD-VASH veterans.
    Applicants proposing to construct, rehabilitate, or acquire units 
for eligible Veterans must also address the following component:
    6. The steps it will take to oversee the proper implementation of 
the parties (e.g., contractor, consultants, subrecipient, etc.) 
responsible for completing the project.
    Applicants with existing Tribal HUD-VASH policies may submit their 
existing policies as supporting documentation under this Subfactor.
    Resources about program requirements and procedures can be found 
online: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/ih/tribalhudvash.

(6 points)

    The applicant thoroughly addresses the measures that have been 
taken or that it will take to ensure that it will implement policies 
and procedures for managing the Tribal HUD-VASH program based on the 
Subfactor criteria described.

(4 points)

    The applicant adequately addressed this Subfactor but was either 
missing one of the components outlined in this Subfactor or the 
applicant addressed all of the required components but lacked detail to 
warrant full points under this Subfactor.

(3 points)

    The applicant adequately addressed this Subfactor but was missing 
2-3 of the components outlined in this Subfactor.

(0 points)

    The application did not include any of the information described 
above to receive points under this Subfactor or the applicant addressed 
this Subfactor but was missing 4 or more components.

Subfactor 1.3. Findings

Maximum Points: 6

    For this Subfactor, HUD will evaluate the applicant's performance 
during the rating period of October 1, 2017, up to and including the 
application submission deadline. To receive maximum points, the 
applicant must not have had any Single Audit findings, HUD-ONAP 
monitoring findings (IHBG, Indian Community Development Block Grant 
(ICDBG), and other programs monitored by ONAP) or findings pertaining 
to ONAP programs from either HUD's Office of the Inspector General 
(OIG) and/or the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) at any time 
during the rating period. Applicants that have Single Audit findings 
pertaining to financial management, accounting, and internal controls 
for HUD-ONAP programs during the rating period will receive zero points 
in this Subfactor. Applicants should not submit workplan narrative 
information or supporting attachments for this Subfactor, as HUD will 
utilize its own records to verify this information.

(6 points)

    The applicant did not have any Single Audit, HUD-ONAP monitoring, 
HUD-OIG, or GAO findings at any time during the rating period.

(4 points)

    The applicant had outstanding HUD-ONAP monitoring, HUD-OIG, or GAO 
findings during the rating period but resolved those findings by the 
established target date(s) or revised target date.

(2 points)


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    The applicant had HUD-ONAP monitoring, HUD-OIG, or GAO findings 
during the rating period but were not yet due for resolution based on 
the established target date(s) or revised target date.

(0 points)

    One of the Following Applies:

 During the rating period, the applicant did not resolve all 
open HUD-ONAP monitoring, HUD-OIG, or GAO findings by the established 
target date(s) or revised target date; or
 The applicant had Single Audit findings pertaining to 
financial management, accounting, and internal controls for HUD-ONAP 
programs during the rating period.

Subfactor 1.4. Timely Reporting

Maximum Points: 6

    Applicants that currently receive HUD-ONAP grants under the IHBG 
formula program, FY18/FY19 IHBG Competitive Program, Indian Community 
Development Block Grant (ICDBG) program, COVID-19 Recovery Programs 
(IHBG-CARES and ICDBG-CARES), or Tribal HUD-VASH program must ensure 
the timely submission of the following required reports: Annual 
Performance Report (APR), Annual Status and Evaluation Report (ASER), 
and the Federal Financial Report (SF-425). Applicants who have never 
received a HUD-ONAP grant will be awarded 2 points under this 
Subfactor.
    HUD will award maximum points to those who have submitted all 
reports by the submission deadlines (which includes any granted 
extensions) for all HUD-ONAP grants during the one-year period 
immediately preceding the date that this NOFA is published. Applicants 
should not submit workplan narrative information or supporting 
attachments for this Subfactor, as HUD will utilize its own records to 
verify this information.

(6 points)

    The applicant submitted all required reports by the submission 
deadlines for all HUD-ONAP grants during the one-year period 
immediately preceding the date that this NOFA is published.

(3 points)

    The applicant submitted some, but not all, required reports by the 
submission deadlines for HUD-ONAP grants during the one-year period 
immediately preceding the date that this NOFA is published.

(2 points)

    The applicant has never received a HUD-ONAP grant.

(0 points)

    The applicant did not submit any required reports by the submission 
deadlines for HUD-ONAP grants during the one-year period immediately 
preceding the date that this NOFA is published.

Subfactor 1.5. Expenditures

Maximum Points: 6

    HUD will evaluate administrative capacity by considering how 
applicants have utilized current Tribal HUD-VASH or IHBG formula funds 
using one of the categories below. In awarding points, HUD will 
consider the amount of undisbursed funds remaining in the Line of 
Credit Control System (LOCCS) for each applicant.
    HUD will evaluate existing Tribal HUD-VASH grantees using Category 
#1 below. For applicants that do not currently administer the Tribal 
HUD-VASH program, HUD will evaluate how these IHBG recipients (or if 
they are not an IHBG recipient, their IHBG formula recipient) have 
spent or invested IHBG formula funds using either Category #2 or 
Category #3 below. In awarding points, HUD will take into account the 
amount of unexpended IHBG formula funds remaining in LOCCS and its 
plans for spending undisbursed IHBG funds, or if approved for 
investments, the status of the invested funds and the applicant's plans 
to use these funds for affordable housing activities. In assessing an 
applicant's undisbursed funds, HUD will neither consider the IHBG 
formula funds awarded in FY 2020 nor the IHBG funds awarded under the 
Coronavirus, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act since Indian 
tribes and TDHEs would have recently been awarded this funding. 
Eligible applicants that have ever been allocated IHBG formula funds 
but neither accept those funds nor have a current IHBG formula 
recipient will automatically receive 3 points under Category #2 below.
Category #1: Existing Tribal HUD-VASH Grantees
    HUD will review how an existing Tribal HUD-VASH grantee has 
utilized its FY15 and FY17 funds. HUD will compare the total 
undisbursed balance awarded from these fiscal years with the cumulative 
award amount as of the NOFA publication date. HUD will not include the 
Tribal HUD-VASH renewal grant funding awarded under Notice PIH-2019-18 
and PIH-2020-10 in evaluating this Subfactor. Applicants should not 
submit workplan narrative information or supporting attachments for 
this Subfactor, as HUD will utilize its own records to verify this 
information.

(6 points)

    The applicant's combined undisbursed balance in LOCCS is 0-15% of 
the Tribal HUD-VASH cumulative award amount it received in FY15 and 
FY17.

(5 points)

    The applicant's combined undisbursed balance in LOCCS is between 
16% and 30% of the Tribal HUD-VASH cumulative award amount it received 
in FY15 and FY17.

(4 points)

    The applicant's combined undisbursed balance in LOCCS is between 
31% and 45% of the Tribal HUD-VASH cumulative award amount it received 
in FY15 and FY17.

(2 points)

    The applicant's combined undisbursed balance in LOCCS is between 
46% and 60% of the Tribal HUD-VASH cumulative award amount it received 
in FY15 and FY17.

(1 point)

    The applicant's combined undisbursed balance in LOCCS is between 
61% and 75% of the Tribal HUD-VASH cumulative award amount it received 
in FY15 and FY17.

(0 points)

    The applicant's combined undisbursed balance in LOCCS is more than 
75% of the Tribal HUD-VASH cumulative award amount it received in FY15 
and FY17.
    Category #2: New Applicants That Are Not Approved for Investing 
Formula IHBG Funds or Approved for But Are Not Investing IHBG Formula 
Funds
    For this Subfactor, applicants not approved to invest formula IHBG 
funds will be evaluated on the expenditure of IHBG formula funding 
received in the last three federal fiscal years (2018-2020) in 
comparison with the amount of undisbursed IHBG funds remaining in LOCCS 
on the date this NOFA is published.
    A new applicant with an undisbursed balance that is more than 25% 
of IHBG formula cumulative amounts that it received for the last three 
federal fiscal years may qualify for full points under this Subfactor 
only if it includes a justification that is satisfactory to HUD 
demonstrating well-developed plans to accumulate IHBG funds to carry 
out a specific activity in the future. The justification must include 
supporting information on when and how the recipient intends to spend 
its undisbursed IHBG funds in the future to qualify for the full 6 
points. This may include specific references to past

[[Page 16745]]

Indian Housing Plans, Annual Performance Reports, or other related 
documents.
    An applicant that has received approval for but not investing its 
IHBG formula funds must clearly state this in the workplan narrative in 
order to qualify for points under this Subfactor Option. Applicants 
should not submit LOCCS or formula funding data for this Subfactor, as 
HUD will utilize its records to verify.
    Eligible applicants that have ever been allocated IHBG formula 
funds but neither accept those funds nor have a current IHBG formula 
recipient will automatically receive 3 points for this Subfactor.

(6 points)

One of the Following Applies:

 The applicant's undisbursed amount in LOCCS is 0-25% of IHBG 
formula cumulative amount for the 2018-2020 Federal fiscal years; or
 The applicant's undisbursed amount is more than 25% of IHBG 
formula cumulative amounts and the applicant provided sufficient 
justification demonstrating well-developed plans to accumulate IHBG 
funds to carry out specific IHBG eligible activities in the future. The 
justification included supporting information on when and how the 
recipient intends to spend its undisbursed IHBG funds in the future.

(3 points)

One of the Following Applies:

 The applicant's undisbursed amount in LOCCS is between 26% and 
50% of IHBG formula cumulative amount for the 2018-2020 Federal fiscal 
years. The applicant did not provide a justification and supporting 
information satisfactory to HUD demonstrating well-developed plans to 
spend its undisbursed IHBG amounts; or
 The applicant does not currently administer the IHBG formula 
program and accordingly does not have balances of IHBG funds.

(1 point)
    The applicant's undisbursed amount in LOCCS is between 51% and 75% 
of IHBG formula cumulative amount for the 2018-2020 Federal fiscal 
years. The applicant did not provide a justification and supporting 
information satisfactory to HUD demonstrating well-developed plans to 
spend its undisbursed IHBG amounts.

(0 points)

    The applicant's undisbursed amount in LOCCS is more than 75% of 
IHBG formula cumulative amount for the 2018-2020 Federal fiscal years. 
The applicant did not provide a justification and supporting 
information demonstrating a well-developed plan to spend its 
undisbursed IHBG amounts.
Category #3: New Applicants Approved for and Investing IHBG Formula 
Funds
    A new applicant approved for investing formula IHBG funds in 
accordance with section 204(b) of NAHASDA and 24 CFR 1000.58 must 
submit information about its investment balances and its plans to spend 
the invested IHBG funds on affordable housing activities.

(6 points)

    The applicant submitted all of the following information addressing 
its invested IHBG funds: the amount of IHBG grant funds that it 
currently has invested, the investment securities and other obligations 
in which the funds are invested, and a well-developed plan for spending 
the invested IHBG funds on affordable housing activities.

(3 points)

    The applicant did not submit one of the following information 
addressing its invested IHBG grant funds: the amount of IHBG grant 
funds that it currently has invested, the investment securities and 
other obligations in which the funds are invested, and a well-developed 
plan for spending the invested IHBG funds on affordable housing 
activities.

(1 point)

    The applicant did not submit two of the following information 
addressing its invested IHBG grant funds: the amount of IHBG grant 
funds that it currently has invested, the investment securities and 
other obligations in which the funds are invested, and a well-developed 
plan for spending the invested IHBG funds on affordable housing 
activities.

(0 points)

    The application failed to include any of the following: information 
detailing the amount of IHBG grant funds that it currently has 
invested, the investment securities and other obligations in which the 
funds are invested, and a well-developed plan for spending the invested 
IHBG funds on affordable housing activities.

Rating Factor 2: Need
Maximum Points: 20

Subfactor 2.1. Identified Needs
Maximum Points: 10

    As required by the 2017 Appropriations Act, HUD will consider need 
when reviewing applications received under this NOFA. For this rating 
factor, the applicant must address the following components in its 
workplan narrative:
    1. Reasons why the applicant is interested in a Tribal HUD-VASH 
grant;
    2. Discussion of the magnitude (estimated number) and severity of 
the applicant's homeless Veterans or Veterans at risk of homelessness 
population;
    3. The extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services, 
housing, or opportunities have been identified and how it will be 
addressed;
    4. Steps taken to identify or estimate the applicant's total 
homeless Veterans or Veterans at risk of homelessness population, 
including those that may be eligible for VA benefits; and
    5. Identify the estimated number of the applicant's eligible 
homeless Veterans or Veterans at risk of homelessness population that 
could be served under the Tribal HUD-VASH program. Resources to 
determine Veteran eligibility for VA supportive services are available 
online: https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/.
    6. Existing grantees (if applicable): In addition to components #1-
5 above, existing grantees must include an explanation of why 
additional Tribal HUD-VASH funds are needed in order to continue 
addressing the needs of its eligible homeless or at risk of 
homelessness Veteran population.
    HUD will award points as follows:

(10 points)

    The applicant fully addressed all of the components outlined in 
this Subfactor.

(8 points)

    The applicant was either missing one of the components outlined in 
this Subfactor or the need justification addressed all of the required 
components, but lacked detail to warrant full points under this 
Subfactor.

(5 points)

    The applicant was missing more than one of the components outlined 
in this Subfactor.

(0 points)

    The applicant did not address any of the components described above 
to receive points under this Subfactor.

Subfactor 2.2. Supporting Information
Maximum Points: 5

    Applicants must demonstrate need for the Tribal HUD-VASH program by 
providing supporting information verifying the presence of Veterans 
that are homeless or at risk of homelessness in their Indian area (the 
area where the Tribe or TDHE is authorized to carry out affordable 
housing activities). The supporting information must correlate with the 
identified needs discussed in Subfactor 2.1.

[[Page 16746]]

    Examples of acceptable documentation may include, but are not 
limited to:
    1. Point-in-Time counts;
    2. Waiting lists with homeless Veterans or Veterans at risk of 
homelessness;
    3. Number of overcrowded households with residents that are at risk 
of homelessness
    4. A list of eligible Veterans from the Tribal Veteran's 
Representative;
    5. Data from the local VA;
    6. U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) data; and
    7. Any supporting documentation demonstrating to HUD's satisfaction 
the presence of homeless Veterans or Veterans at risk of homelessness.
    HUD will award points as follows:

(5 points)

    The applicant provided supporting information that correlates with 
the identified needs discussed in Subfactor 2.1.

(3 points)

    The applicant provided supporting information. However, not all of 
the information submitted correlates with the identified needs 
discussed in Subfactor 2.1.

(0 points)

    The applicant did not provide supporting information, or the 
information submitted does not correlate with any of the identified 
needs discussed in Subfactor 2.1.

Subfactor 2.3. Severity of the Problem
Maximum Points: 5

    For this Subfactor, HUD will assess need based on severity of the 
applicant's identified homeless Veterans or Veterans at risk of 
homelessness population. Points will be awarded based on how the 
estimated number of identified homeless Veterans or Veterans at risk of 
homelessness compares to the number of rental housing units requested 
by the applicant. HUD will use information submitted for Subfactors 
2.1, 2.2, and 3.1 for this Subfactor review.

(5 points)

    The estimated number of identified homeless Veterans or Veterans at 
risk of homelessness is at least three times the number of rental 
housing units requested by the applicant.

(3 points)

    The estimated number of identified homeless Veterans or Veterans at 
risk of homelessness is at least twice but less than three times the 
number of rental housing units requested by the applicant.

(1 point)

    The estimated number of identified homeless Veterans or Veterans at 
risk of homelessness is at least equal to but less than twice the 
number of rental housing units requested by the applicant.

(0 points)

    The estimated number of homeless Veterans or Veterans at risk of 
homelessness is less than the number of rental housing units requested 
by the applicant.

Rating Factor 3: Capacity to Administer the Program
Maximum Points: 50

Subfactor 3.1. Implementation Plan and Implementation Schedule
Maximum Points: 10

    HUD will assess the applicant's administrative capacity to 
implement its proposed Tribal HUD-VASH program by reviewing its 
workplan narrative. In addition, the applicant must include a schedule 
of specific tasks in its Implementation Schedule.
    The applicant must describe the program in detail and include the 
following components in its workplan narrative and Implementation 
Schedule:
    1. Type of Tribal HUD-VASH Assistance: Tenant-Based vs. Project-
Based: The applicant must describe its rationale for requesting Tenant-
Based Rental Assistance and/or Project-Based Rental Assistance. The 
rationale must correlate with the need discussed in Rating Factor 2, 
Need;
    2. Units of Assistance Requested: The workplan narrative must 
include a justification for the total number of rental housing units 
that the Tribe or TDHE plans to provide. The justification must 
correlate with the information submitted under Rating Factor 2, Need, 
and criteria established in this NOFA, and must address housing 
availability. The number of units requested in the justification must 
match the information provided on the Units of Assistance Table(s) 
submitted with the application;
    3. Location of the units where eligible Veterans may be housed 
(e.g., include a map, address and/or aerial photo); and
    4. If applicable, description of how the applicant plans to operate 
and maintain any units owned or operated by the applicant.
    An applicant proposing Project-Based Rental Assistance must also 
address the following in its workplan narrative:
    5. Housing stock: Description of whether the applicant plans to 
leverage other resources to construct, acquire, or rehabilitate housing 
stock for the use of eligible Veterans. If the applicant is not 
planning to increase its housing stock and is instead using its 
existing stock, then the applicant must describe what type of units it 
plans to use (e.g. IHBG, FCAS, Title VI, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, 
Section 184, tribal, etc.) and identify the age of the stock as of the 
application deadline established in this NOFA. Applicants that propose 
to use existing housing stock to house Veterans will not be awarded the 
maximum points under Subfactor 3.2 below, unless it is newly 
constructed or acquired for Veterans 12 months or less prior to the 
application deadline established in this NOFA
    6. The length of time the Tribal HUD-VASH assistance would not be 
used while waiting for the units to be completed (e.g. constructed, 
acquired, or rehabilitated) and what activities the applicant will 
continue to implement during this time. Note that projects with new 
construction timeframes longer than two years will not be approved;
    7. The number of units and the type of structure to which the 
assistance units will be attached; and
    8. The project ownership and evidence of site control. As stated in 
the Consolidated Notice, 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.
    HUD will award points as follows:

(10 points)

    The workplan narrative and Implementation Schedule include all of 
the components outlined in this Subfactor, including components #5-8 if 
the applicant is proposing Project-Based Rental Assistance.

(7 points)
One of the Following Applies
     The workplan narrative and Implementation Schedule are 
either missing one of the components outlined in this Subfactor, 
including components #5-8 if the applicant is proposing Project-Based 
Rental Assistance; or
     The plan addressed all of the required components but 
lacked detail to warrant full points under this Subfactor.

(5 points)

    The applicant is requesting the majority of funds towards Project-
Based Rental Assistance and workplan narrative and Implementation 
Schedule are missing more than one but less than five of the components 
outlined in this Subfactor.

(0 points)

    The applicant is either requesting the majority of funds towards 
Project-Based Rental Assistance and the workplan narrative and 
Implementation Schedule are missing five or more of the

[[Page 16747]]

components outlined in this Subfactor or the applicant is requesting 
the majority of funds towards Tenant-Based Rental Assistance and the 
workplan narrative and Implementation Schedule are missing two or more 
of the components outlined in this Subfactor.

Subfactor 3.2. Availability of Housing Stock
Maximum Points: 10
    HUD recognizes that this additional Tribal HUD-VASH expansion 
funding provides an opportunity to address severe overcrowding and the 
lack of affordable housing in Indian Country. As such, HUD will award 
full points under this Subfactor to applicants that demonstrate the 
administrative capacity to increase their housing stock for eligible 
Veterans. Additionally, HUD will award points based on how the 
applicant addresses the availability of housing stock it would use to 
house eligible Veterans under the Tribal HUD-VASH program.
    For this Subfactor, applicants will be rated under either Category 
#1 or Category #2 below, depending on the nature of the proposed 
project. Applicants that propose both Project-Based and Tenant-Based 
projects will be rated according to the project that constitutes the 
majority of the federal request amount listed on the SF-424 and 
detailed budget. Applicants that propose an equal amount of federal 
funds towards both Project-Based and Tenant-Based projects will be 
rated according to Category #1- Project-Based Rental Assistance, as 
this in keeping with HUD's priority to increase the number of new 
housing units available for eligible Veterans under the program.
Category #1: Project-Based Rental Assistance
    For applicants that request the majority of federal funds for 
Project-Based Rental Assistance, maximum points will be awarded to 
those that have leveraged other funding sources to increase its housing 
stock for the use of eligible Veterans.
    To qualify for full points, applicants proposing to increase its 
housing stock for eligible Veterans must identify the amount of 
leveraged funding sources that it has used or plans to use and provide 
firm commitment documentation supporting this amount.
    A firm commitment refers to a letter of commitment, memorandum of 
understanding, or agreement to participate from an applicant's partner 
specifying that it agrees to perform and/or support an activity 
specified in the application. The firm commitment must demonstrate that 
the partner has the financial capacity to deliver the resources or 
skills necessary to implement the proposed activity, either in cash or 
through in-kind contributions, if HUD awards Tribal HUD-VASH funds. 
Federal sources are only allowed to be used as leveraging if permitted 
by a program's authorizing statute. Contributions that could be 
considered as leveraged resources for point award include, but are not 
limited to:

 Tribal government funds;
 Donations from individuals or organizations, private 
foundations, businesses;
 State or federal loans or guarantees;
 Other grant funds;
 Donated goods and services needed for the project;
 Land needed for the project; and
 Direct administrative costs.

    As indicated in Subfactor 3.1, applicants that propose to use 
existing housing stock to house Veterans will not be awarded the 
maximum points for this Subfactor, unless it is newly constructed or 
acquired for Veterans 12 months or less prior to the application 
deadline established in this NOFA.
    The following table summarizes acceptable firm commitment 
documentation to provide as evidence of leveraged funds:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Leveraged resource          Firm commitment documentation needed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tribal Resources.............   Tribal resolution committing
                                funds, housing stock, or equivalent; the
                                resolution (or equivalent) must identify
                                the exact dollar amount (or value of
                                resources to be committed).
Federal Resources............   IHBG formula funds (whether
                                administered by the tribe or a TDHE) in
                                keeping with ONAP Program Guidance No.
                                2018-01(IHBG in the Tribal HUD-VASH
                                Program:
                                  [cir] Leveraging with current program
                                   year funds: The most recently
                                   approved Indian Housing Plan (IHP)
                                   must identify the dollar amount and
                                   commit the IHBG resources to the
                                   project. If not currently approved in
                                   the most recent IHP, the application
                                   must state that an amendment to the
                                   IHP will be processed if the
                                   applicant is awarded Tribal HUD-VASH
                                   funds.
                                  [cir] Future IHBG funding: If future
                                   IHBG funds will be used, the
                                   application must identify the program
                                   year and the dollar amount of IHBG
                                   funds that will be used.
                                Other Federal Program Funds:
                                Might include funds from the U.S.
                                Department of Agriculture, Indian Health
                                Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, or
                                any other federal agency. If allowable
                                by the Federal program's statute, the
                                applicant should submit statement (e.g.,
                                letter, email, etc.) from the Federal
                                agency approving the amount of funds to
                                be committed for leveraging.
Public Agency, Foundation, or   Letters of commitment which must
 Other Private Party.           include:
                               [cir] The donor organization's name;
                                  [cir] The specific funds proposed;
                                  [cir] The dollar amount of the
                                   financial or in-kind resource;
                                  [cir] Method for valuation;
                                  [cir] The purpose of that resource
                                   within the proposed project; and
                                  [cir] Signed commitment from an
                                   official of the organization legally
                                   authorized to make the commitment.
                                Memorandum of understanding, and/
                                or agreement to participate, including
                                any conditions to which the contribution
                                may be subject.
Goods and Services...........   Must demonstrate that the
                                donated items are necessary to the
                                actual development of the project and
                                include comparable costs that support
                                the donation.
Land.........................   Land valuation must be
                                established using one of the following
                                methods and the documentation must be
                                contained in the application. The
                                application of land valuation
                                documentation must state the method used
                                to determine land value and identify the
                                land value. Land that has previously
                                been used as leverage towards other ONAP
                                competitions may not be proposed as
                                leveraging for this NOFA.
                                The methods for land valuation
                                include:
                                  [cir] A site-specific appraisal no
                                   more than two years old;
                                  [cir] An appraisal of a nearby
                                   comparable site also no more than two
                                   years old;
                                  [cir] A reasonable extrapolation of
                                   land value based on current area
                                   realtor value guides; or
                                  [cir] A reasonable extrapolation of
                                   land value based on recent sales of
                                   similar properties in the same area.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 16748]]

    Grantees will be required to show evidence that leveraging 
resources were actually received and used for their intended purposes 
through quarterly reports (SF-425) as the project proceeds.
    HUD recognizes that in some cases, the applicant cannot receive a 
firm commitment of non-tribal funds by the application deadline. In 
such cases, the applicant must include a statement from the 
contributing entity that describes why the firm commitment cannot be 
made at the current time. The statement must say that the tribe/
organization and proposed project meets the eligibility criteria for 
receiving the leveraged funds. It must also include a date by which the 
funding decisions will be made. This date cannot be over six months 
from the anticipated date of grant approval by HUD. If the applicant 
does not provide HUD with evidence of the firm commitment from the 
original leverage source or an alternative source within six months of 
the date of grant approval, or if anticipated leverage is not provided, 
HUD will re-rate and re-rank the application with the updated leverage 
information. If the application is no longer fundable after re-rating 
and re-ranking the application, HUD will rescind the grant and 
recapture grant funds.
    HUD will award points as follows:

(10 points)

    The applicant provided firm commitment documentation for all 
sources of leveraging resources that it has used or plans to use for 
the construction or acquisition of housing specifically for Veterans 
and one of the following applies:

 The applicant is proposing to increase its housing stock for 
the use of eligible Veterans by leveraging other funding sources for 
the construction or acquisition of new units; or
 The applicant proposes to use of existing stock that is newly 
constructed or acquired for Veterans 12 months or less prior to the 
application deadline established in this NOFA, as identified in 
Subfactor 3.1.

(8 points)

    The applicant is proposing to leverage other funding sources for 
the rehabilitation of existing stock for the use of Veterans. The 
applicant provided firm commitment documentation for all sources of 
leveraging resources that it has used or plans to use for the 
rehabilitation project.

(5 points)

    The applicant is not proposing to increase its housing stock 
specifically for the use of eligible Veterans. Rather, the applicant is 
proposing to use existing housing stock, without associated 
rehabilitation costs, and the stock is more than 12 months old from the 
application deadline established in this NOFA for its Tribal HUD-VASH 
program.

(0 points)

    The applicant proposed to increase its housing stock for the use of 
eligible Veterans by leveraging other sources of funding but did not 
provide firm commitment documentation for all sources of leveraging 
resources.
    Category #2: Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
    Applicants requesting funding to provide Tenant-Based Rental 
Assistance must submit supporting documentation demonstrating the 
availability of rental units where eligible Veterans may be housed, if 
awarded a Tribal HUD-VASH grant.
    Documentation for this Subfactor must include agreements or letters 
of partnerships with local landlords showing commitment to house 
eligible Veterans as identified in Subfactor 3.1-Implementation Plan 
and Implementation Schedule. Other forms of supporting documentation to 
receive points under this Subfactor include a rental market survey 
identifying the rental market available for Veterans, or other 
documentation satisfactory to HUD demonstrating the availability of 
housing for Veterans assisted under this program.
    Applicants that propose to make their own housing stock available 
for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance must provide supporting 
documentation in the form of a tribal resolution or equivalent 
committing units it would offer eligible Veterans under the program. 
The resolution (or equivalent) must identify the type of housing stock 
(e.g., FCAS, NAHASDA, etc.), the number of units, and the age of the 
units.
    Applicants that propose to use units (50% or higher) that have been 
constructed, acquired, or rehabbed 12 months or less prior to the 
application deadline of this NOFA will receive more points under this 
Subfactor versus applicants that propose to use older housing stock.

(10 points)

    The applicant provided agreements or letters of partnerships with 
local landlords for all rental units where eligible Veterans may be 
housed, as identified in Subfactor 3.1- Implementation Plan and 
Implementation Schedule. The applicant is also proposing to offer its 
own housing stock as an option for eligible Veterans, provided a tribal 
resolution or equivalent identifying the type of housing stock, number 
of units, and the majority age of the units (50% or higher) is 12 
months or less from the application deadline of this NOFA.

(9 points)

    The applicant provided agreements or letters of partnerships with 
local landlords for all rental units where eligible Veterans may be 
housed, as identified in Subfactor 3.1-Implementation Plan and 
Implementation Schedule. The applicant is also proposing to offer its 
own housing stock as an option for eligible Veterans and provided a 
tribal resolution or equivalent identifying the type of housing stock 
and number of units. However, the majority age of the units (49% or 
less) is older than 12 months from the application deadline of this 
NOFA.

(8 points)

    The applicant provided agreements or letters of partnerships with 
local landlords for all rental units where eligible Veterans may be 
housed, as identified in Subfactor 3.1-Implementation Plan and 
Implementation Schedule. The applicant is not proposing to offer its 
own housing stock as an option for eligible Veterans.

(6 points)

    The applicant provided agreements or letters of partnerships with 
local landlords for some, but not all rental units. The applicant 
provided other supporting documentation for the remaining rental units 
where eligible Veterans may be housed, as identified in Subfactor 3.1-
Implementation Plan and Implementation Schedule. The applicant is not 
proposing to offer its own housing stock as an option for eligible 
Veterans.

(4 points)

    The applicant did not provide agreements or letters of partnerships 
with local landlords. Rather, the applicant provided other supporting 
documentation for all rental units where eligible Veterans may be 
housed, as identified in Subfactor 3.1-Implementation Plan and 
Implementation Schedule. The applicant is not proposing to offer its 
own housing stock as an option for eligible Veterans.

(2 points)

    The applicant did not provide agreements or letters of partnerships 
with local landlords. Rather, the applicant provided other supporting 
documentation for some, but not all rental units where eligible 
Veterans may be housed, as identified in Subfactor

[[Page 16749]]

3.1-Implementation Plan and Implementation Schedule. The applicant is 
not proposing to offer its own housing stock as an option for eligible 
Veterans.

(0 points)

    The applicant did not provide any supporting documentation for the 
rental units where eligible Veterans may be housed.

Subfactor 3.3. Budget

Maximum Points: 10

    HUD will review the detailed budget (Unit of Assistance Table, 
estimated administrative fee usage, and if applicable, project costs 
for the development of new units) according to the following criteria:
    1. Budget is thoroughly prepared, with all costs requested on the 
SF-424 accounted for and calculations shown by the applicant;
    2. Budget figures are consistent throughout the application;
    3. Costs are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and necessary for 
implementing the proposed Tribal HUD-VASH program; and
    4. All budget calculations are mathematically correct.
    Points will be awarded as follows:

(10 points)

    The detailed budget fully satisfied all of the criteria outlined in 
this Subfactor.

(8 points)

    The detailed budget adequately satisfied all but one of the 
criteria outlined in this Subfactor.

(5 points)

    The detailed budget did not satisfy two criteria outlined in this 
Subfactor

(0 points)

    The detailed budget was missing information and/or did not satisfy 
three or more criteria outlined in this Subfactor.

Subfactor 3.4. Coordination With the Department of Veterans Affairs

Maximum Points: 10

    This Subfactor awards points based on how an applicant will take 
affirmative steps to coordinate with the VA Medical Center that serves 
its tribal area and its overall understanding of the VA's role in 
implementing the program.
    The applicant must address the following components in its workplan 
narrative:
    1. Identify which VA Medical Center or VA Healthcare System the 
applicant will partner with for the program;
    2. Description of the VA's agreement to participate in Tribal HUD-
VASH, commitment and capacity to provide timely case management 
services to support a Tribal HUD-VASH award, and how the VA intends to 
obtain the case manager (VA hire or contract);
    3. Overview of how the applicant will incorporate the VA 
partnership into the applicant's Tribal-HUD-VASH program operations;
    4. Description of how supportive housing evidence-based practices 
(e.g., Critical Time Intervention, Harm Reduction, etc.) will be 
integrated by the applicant for this program. (More information is 
available in the ``Tribal HUD-VASH Guidebook (April 2016)'' available 
at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/ih/tribalhudvash);
    5. Applicant's understanding of case manager criteria, recruitment 
and selection, including any anticipated involvement of tribal entities 
and potential barriers to obtaining a case manager;
    6. Joint VA and tribal efforts to identify and conduct outreach to 
eligible homeless and/or at risk of homelessness veterans; and
    7. Applicant's plan for on-going communication with the VA.

    (10 points)

    The applicant thoroughly described its coordination efforts with 
the VA in its workplan narrative and demonstrates a full understanding 
of the VA's role in implementing the program. The applicant discussed 
all of the Subfactor components in detail.

(8 points)

    The applicant adequately addressed this Subfactor but was either 
missing one of the components outlined in this Subfactor or the 
applicant addressed all of the required components but lacked detail to 
warrant full points under this Subfactor.

(6 points)

    The applicant adequately addressed this Subfactor but was missing 
2-3 of the components outlined in this Subfactor.

(4 points)

    The applicant addressed this Subfactor but was missing 4 or more 
components outlined in this Subfactor.

(0 points)

    The application did not include any of the information described 
above to receive points under this Subfactor.

Subfactor 3.5. Coordination With Partners

Maximum Points: 5

    The applicant is encouraged to involve other partners in developing 
and implementing the Tribal HUD-VASH program. For this Subfactor, the 
applicant must address the following components:
    1. How the applicant has designed the project and plans to 
implement it in coordination with community members, tribal 
departments, the Indian Health Service (HIS) or tribal health system, 
Continuums of Care, Veterans groups, nonprofits, homelessness 
providers, or other agencies/organizations;
    2. Description of actions taken or to be taken to work with 
partners to support its marketing and outreach efforts to homeless and/
or at risk of homelessness Veterans; and
    3. Planned efforts to promote employment opportunities for homeless 
and/or at risk of homelessness Veterans.

(5 points)

    The applicant thoroughly described its coordination efforts with 
other partners in its workplan narrative and discussed all of this 
Subfactor's components in detail.

(3 points)

    The applicant adequately addressed this Subfactor but was either 
missing one of the components outlined in this Subfactor or the 
applicant addressed all of the required components but lacked detail to 
warrant full points under this Subfactor.

(0 points)

    The application did not include any of the information described 
above to receive points under this Subfactor.

Subfactor 3.6. Outputs and Outcomes

Maximum Points: 5

    The applicant must include outcomes and outputs it strives to 
achieve with the project and describe them in detail. Outputs are 
measured in the volume of work accomplished and must correlate with the 
nature of the Tribal HUD-VASH program activities proposed and discussed 
in Rating Factors 2 and 3 of the workplan narrative. They should be 
clear enough to allow HUD to monitor and assess the proposed project or 
program's progress if funded. An outcome is the impact achieved from 
the outputs of the proposed project or program. They should be 
quantifiable measures or indicators that identify the change in the 
community, people's lives, economic status, etc. Discussion and 
coordination with VA facility staff can help identify clear outputs and 
outcomes as part of the investigation/planning process.
    Examples of outputs could include but are not limited to:

 Number of eligible Veterans assisted
 Number of rental units identified/number of partnerships with 
local landlords (Tenant-Based Housing Assistance)

[[Page 16750]]

 Number of Project-Based units constructed, acquired, or 
rehabilitated for the eligible Veterans
 Number of outreach meetings and efforts undertaken to 
coordinate assistance with partners
    Examples of outcomes could include but are not limited to:
 Number of eligible Veterans exiting the Tribal HUD-VASH 
program to permanent housing
 Number of eligible Veterans graduating (no longer needing case 
management services from the VA)
 Reduction of eligible Veterans on a tribe/TDHE's waiting list
 Increase in available housing stock for eligible Veterans
 Increased in fiscal resources for eligible Veterans during 
participation in the Tribal HUD-VASH program by obtaining employment or 
appropriate disability and/or other benefits (e.g., Supplemental 
Nutrition Assistance Program, etc.) for which the Veteran is eligible, 
and learning and utilizing effective money management practices
 Obtain maximal ``self-sufficiency'' as appropriate to their 
functional abilities, as evidenced by independently meeting tenancy 
requirements (such as paying rent portion on time, maintaining the 
unit, following the rules of the landlord, allowing others peaceful 
enjoyment of their unit, etc.), practicing wellness strategies and 
attending to their healthcare needs, attending to personal needs (e.g., 
independently taking care of activities of daily living), and engaging 
in social and community activities to increase purposeful, meaningful 
activities and establish/maintain healthy and effective social supports

(5 points)

    The applicant clearly described measurable outputs and outcomes for 
the Tribal HUD-VASH program activities proposed in the workplan.

(3 points)

    The applicant included measurable outputs and outcomes for the 
Tribal HUD-VASH program activities proposed in the workplan but did not 
clearly describe them in detail.

(1 points)

    The applicant included either measurable outputs or outcomes for 
Tribal HUD-VASH program activities proposed in the workplan, but not 
both.

(0 points)

    The application did not contain the information described above to 
receive points under this Subfactor.
2. Other Factors
Preference Points
    HUD encourages activities in support of the Secretary's FY20 
Initiatives. HUD may award up to two (2) points for any of the 3 
preferences (OZ, PZ or HBCU).
Opportunity Zones
    This program does not offer Opportunity Zone preference points.
HBCU
    This program does not offer HBCU preference points.
Promise Zones
    This program does not offer Promise Zone preference points.

B. Review and Selection Process

1. Past Performance
    In evaluating applications for funding, HUD will consider an 
applicant's past performance in managing funds. Items HUD will consider 
include, but are not limited to:
    The ability to account for funds in compliance with applicable 
reporting and recordkeeping requirements;
    Timely use of funds received from HUD;
    Timely submission and quality of reports submitted to HUD;
    Meeting program requirements;
    Meeting performance targets as established in the grant agreement;
    The applicant's organizational capacity, including staffing 
structures and capabilities;
    Timely completion of activities and receipt and expenditure of 
promised matching or leveraged funds;
    HUD may reduce scores as specified under V. A. Review Criteria. 
Whenever possible, HUD will obtain past performance information. If 
this review results in an adverse finding related to integrity or 
performance, HUD reserves the right to take any of the remedies 
provided in Section III. E Statutory and Regulatory Requirements 
Affecting Eligibility, ``Pre-selection Review of Performance'' document 
link above.
2. Assessing Applicant Risk
    In evaluating risks posed by applicants, HUD may use a risk-based 
approach and may consider any items such as the following:

 Financial stability;
 Quality of management systems and ability to meet the 
management standards prescribed in this part;
 History of performance. The applicant's record in managing 
Federal awards, if it is a prior recipient of Federal awards, including 
timeliness of compliance with applicable reporting requirements, 
conformance to the terms and conditions of previous Federal awards, and 
if applicable, the extent to which any previously awarded amounts will 
be expended prior to future awards;
 Reports and findings from audits performed under Subpart F--
Audit Requirements of this part or the reports and findings of any 
other available audits; and
 The applicant's ability to effectively implement statutory, 
regulatory, or other requirements imposed on non-Federal entities.
3. Application Selection Process
    HUD will review each application from an eligible applicant and 
assign points in accordance with the selection factors described in 
this section.
(a) Application Screening and Acceptance
    ONAP will screen and accept applications if they meet all the 
criteria listed below:

 The application is received or submitted in accordance with 
the requirements of this NOFA;
 The applicant is eligible to submit an application;
 The proposed project is eligible; and
 The application contains all of the applicable components 
listed in Section IV.B. of this NOFA.
(b) Threshold Compliance
    HUD will review each application that passes the screening process 
to ensure that each applicant and each proposed project meets the 
eligibility and submission thresholds in the Eligibility Requirements 
and this NOFA.
(c) Past Performance
    HUD will evaluate applicants' past performance under Rating Factor 
1-Capacity of the Applicant.
(d) Rating
    HUD will rate all eligible applications that meet the Threshold 
Requirements against the criteria in Rating Factors 1 through 3 and 
assign a rating score. The maximum total rating score for the three 
Rating Factors is 100 points. HUD will review and rate each application 
that meets the acceptance criteria and threshold requirements. Once all 
applications are rated, HUD will conduct a review to ensure consistency 
in the application rating.
(e) Minimum Points
    To be considered for funding, the application must receive a 
minimum of 20 points under Rating Factor 1-

[[Page 16751]]

Capacity of the Applicant, a minimum of 35 points under Rating Factor 
3-Capacity to Administer the Program, and an overall score of at least 
75 points. HUD will reject any application that does not meet the 
minimum rating score requirements.
(f) Ranked Order
    HUD will place eligible applications that meet the minimum rating 
score requirements in ranked order. Funds will be awarded in rank order 
based on the score received on the application submitted under this 
NOFA. Applicants within the fundable range of 75 or more points will be 
considered for funding in ranked order up to the amount requested, or a 
lesser amount if sufficient funds are not available. Meeting the 
minimum score of 75 points does not guarantee a funding award will be 
made. HUD also reserves the right to adjust funding to meet urgent 
policy priorities. HUD reserves the right to issue a supplemental or 
independent NOFA if necessary (e.g., to ensure that all appropriated 
funds are awarded).
(g) Grant Award Adjustments
    At its discretion, if HUD determines that there are not enough 
funds available to fully fund a project as proposed by a successful 
applicant, then HUD may contact the applicant to determine whether 
revisions can be made to the program budget, workplan narrative, and 
Implementation Schedule to reflect the actual award offer. If it is not 
possible to agree on a revised program budget, workplan narrative, and 
Implementation Schedule, then an award will not be made to that 
applicant. In such an instance, HUD may offer an award, in a rank 
order, to another applicant. HUD may also select additional 
applications for funding, in rank order, if additional funds become 
available. See also Adjustments to Funding information in section VI.A. 
below.
(h) Tiebreakers
    When rating results in a tied score and there is not enough money 
to fund all tied scored applications, HUD will use the following 
factors in the order listed to resolve the tie:
    1. HUD will approve applications that can be fully funded over 
those that cannot be fully funded;
    2. Applicants that receive the most points according to Subfactor 
3.2, Availability of Housing Stock;
    3. Applicants that propose to leverage other funding sources to 
increase its housing stock for the use of eligible Veterans; and
    4. Applicants that score the highest cumulative points for Rating 
Factor 1-Capacity of the Applicant and Rating Factor 2-Need.
(i) Additional Tribal HUD-VASH Funds
    If, after publication of this NOFA, additional funds become 
available through additional appropriations or recaptured funds, HUD 
reserves the right to:
    1. Award funding to additional applicants based on their score from 
this competition;
    2. Use the additional funds to provide additional funding to an 
applicant awarded less than the original requested amount of funds to 
make the full award; and
    3. Fund additional applicants that were eligible to receive an 
award but for which there were no funds available from the FY 2017 
appropriations; and
    4. Award funding to applicants that meet the funding errors 
category in section VI.A. below.
(j) Curable Deficiencies and Pre-Award Requirements:
 Curable Deficiencies: If there are curable deficiencies 
identified in successful applications, then applicants must 
satisfactorily address these deficiencies before HUD can make a grant 
award.
 Pre-Award Requirements: Successful applicants may have to 
provide supporting documentation concerning the management, 
maintenance, operation, or financing of proposed projects before a 
grant agreement can be executed. HUD may ask for additional information 
on the scope, magnitude, timing, budget, method of implementing the 
project or any proposed leveraging resources. HUD may also ask further 
information to verify the commitment of other resources required to 
complete, operate, or maintain the proposed project. HUD will notify 
applicants by email, facsimile, or via the U.S. Postal Service, return 
receipt requested. HUD will provide official notification to the 
authorized representative. Each applicant must provide accurate email 
addresses for receipt of these notifications and must monitor their 
email accounts to determine whether a notification has been received. 
Applicants will be provided no less than 48 hours and no more than 
fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of receipt of the HUD 
notification to respond to these requirements. No extensions will be 
provided. If the deadline date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal 
holiday, the response must be received by HUD on the next day that is 
not a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday. If an applicant does not 
respond within the prescribed time period or makes an insufficient 
response, then ONAP will determine that the requirement has not been 
met and will withdraw the grant offer. Applicants may not substitute 
new projects for those originally proposed in the application and any 
new information will not affect the project's rating and ranking. The 
time period for calculating the response deadline for pre-award 
requirements begins on the day after receipt of the pre-award letter 
from ONAP.
(k) Agency Errors
    Judgments made within the provisions of this NOFA and all program 
statutory and regulatory requirements are not subject to claim of 
error. There is no appeal process. An applicant may however, bring 
arithmetic errors in application scoring to the attention of HUD within 
30 days of being informed of its score.
(l) Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
    Following the evaluation process, HUD will notify successful 
applicants of their selection for funding. HUD will also notify other 
applicants, whose applications were received by the deadline, but have 
not been chosen for awards. Notifications will be sent by email to the 
person listed as the Authorized Representative listed on the SF-424. 
HUD anticipates announcing awards under this NOFA approximately four to 
six months after the application due date.

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3535(d); Consolidated and Further 
Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235, approved 
December 16, 2014); Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Pub. L. 
115-31, approved May 5, 2017).

Dominique G. Blom,
General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing.
[FR Doc. 2021-06595 Filed 3-30-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-67-P