81_FR_1619 81 FR 1611 - Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) for Section 514 Farm Labor Housing Loans and Section 516 Farm Labor Housing Grants for Off-Farm Housing for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016

81 FR 1611 - Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) for Section 514 Farm Labor Housing Loans and Section 516 Farm Labor Housing Grants for Off-Farm Housing for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Housing Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 8 (January 13, 2016)

Page Range1611-1617
FR Document2016-00483

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) announces the timeframe to submit pre-applications for Section 514 Farm Labor Housing (FLH) loans and Section 516 FLH grants for the construction of new off-farm FLH units and related facilities for domestic farm laborers and for the purchase and substantial rehabilitation of an existing non-FLH property. The intended purpose of these loans and grants is to increase the number of available housing units for domestic farm laborers. This Notice describes the method used to distribute funds, the application process, and submission requirements. RHS will publish on its Web site, http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs- services/farm-labor-housing-direct-loans-grants, the amount of funding available in FY 2016 based on current appropriations. The Agency will assign additional points to pre-applications for projects based in or serving census tracts with poverty rates greater than or equal to 20 percent over the last 30 years. This emphasis will support Rural Development's mission of improving the quality of life for rural Americans and commitment to directing resources to those who most need them.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1611-1617]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-00483]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service


Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) for Section 514 
Farm Labor Housing Loans and Section 516 Farm Labor Housing Grants for 
Off-Farm Housing for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016

AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) announces the timeframe to 
submit pre-applications for Section 514 Farm Labor Housing (FLH) loans 
and Section 516 FLH grants for the construction of new off-farm FLH 
units and related facilities for domestic farm laborers and for the 
purchase and substantial rehabilitation of an existing non-FLH 
property. The intended purpose of these loans and grants is to increase 
the number of available housing units for domestic farm laborers. This 
Notice describes the method used to distribute funds, the application 
process, and submission requirements.
    RHS will publish on its Web site, http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/farm-labor-housing-direct-loans-grants, the amount of funding 
available in FY 2016 based on current appropriations.
    The Agency will assign additional points to pre-applications for 
projects based in or serving census tracts with poverty rates greater 
than or equal to 20 percent over the last 30 years. This emphasis will 
support Rural Development's mission of improving the quality of life 
for rural Americans and commitment to directing resources to those who 
most need them.

DATES: The deadline for receipt of all applications in response to this 
Notice is 5:00 p.m., local time to the appropriate Rural Development 
State Office on April 12, 2016. Rural Development will not consider any 
application that is received after the deadline unless the date and 
time is extended by another Notice published in the Federal Register. 
Applicants intending to mail applications must provide sufficient time 
to permit delivery on or before the deadline. Acceptance by a post 
office or private mailer does not constitute delivery. Facsimile (FAX) 
and postage due applications will not be accepted.

ADDRESSES: Applicants wishing to submit an application in response to 
this Notice must contact the Rural Development State Office serving the 
State of the proposed off-FLH project in order to receive further 
information and copies of the application package. You may find the 
addresses and contact information for each State Office following this 
web link, http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices. Rural 
Development will date and time stamp incoming applications to evidence 
timely receipt and, upon request, will provide the applicant with a 
written acknowledgment of receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mirna Reyes-Bible, Finance and Loan 
Analyst, Multi-Family Housing Preservation and Direct Loan Division, 
STOP 0781 (Room 1263-S), USDA Rural Development, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0781, telephone: (202) 720-1753 (this 
is not a toll free number), or via email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

    Federal Agency: Rural Housing Service.
    Funding Opportunity Title: NOSA for Section 514 Farm Labor Housing 
Loans and Section 516 Farm Labor Housing Grants for Off-Farm Housing 
for Fiscal Year 2016.
    Announcement Type: Solicitation of pre-applications from qualified 
applicants for FY 2016.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers (CFDA): 10.405 and 
10.427.
    Due Date for Applications: April 12, 2016.

A. Federal Award Description

    Pre-applications will only be accepted through the date and time 
listed in this Notice. All awards are subject to availability of 
funding. Individual requests may not exceed $3 million (total loan and 
grant).
    No State may receive more than 30 percent of available FLH funding 
available in FY 2016. If there are insufficient applications from 
around the country to exhaust Sections 514/516 funds available, the 
Agency may then exceed the 30 percent cap per State. Section 516 off-
farm FLH grants may not

[[Page 1612]]

exceed 90 percent of the total development cost (TDC) of the housing as 
defined in 7 CFR 3560.11.
    If leveraged funds are going to be used and are in the form of tax 
credits, the applicant must include in its pre-application written 
evidence that a tax credit application has been submitted and accepted 
by the Housing Finance Agency (HFA). All applications that will receive 
any leveraged funds must have firm commitments in place within 12 
months of the issuance of a ``Notice of Pre-application Review 
Action,'' Handbook Letter 103 (3560). Applicants without written 
evidence that a tax credit application has been submitted and accepted 
by the HFA must certify in writing they will apply for tax credits to 
the HFA and obtain a firm commitment within 12 months of the issuance 
of a ``Notice of Pre-application Review Action.''
    Rental Assistance (RA) and operating assistance will be available 
for new construction in FY 2016. Operating assistance is explained at 7 
CFR 3560.574 and may be used in lieu of tenant-specific RA in off-FLH 
projects that serve migrant farm workers as defined in 7 CFR 3560.11, 
that are financed under Section 514 or Section 516 (h) of the Housing 
Act of 1949, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1484 and 1486(h) respectively), and 
otherwise meet the requirements of 7 CFR 3560.574.

B. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility
    Housing Eligibility--Housing that is constructed with FLH loans 
and/or grants must meet Rural Development's design and construction 
standards contained in 7 CFR part 1924, subparts A and C. Once 
constructed, off-farm FLH must be managed in accordance with 7 CFR part 
3560. In addition, off-farm FLH must be operated on a non-profit basis 
and tenancy must be open to all qualified domestic farm laborers, 
regardless at which farm they work. Section 514(f)(3) of the Housing 
Act of 1949, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1484(f)(3)) defines domestic farm 
laborers to include any person regardless of the person's source of 
employment, who receives a substantial portion of his or her income 
from the primary production of agricultural or aqua cultural 
commodities in the unprocessed or processed stage, and also includes 
the person's family.
    Tenant Eligibility--Tenant eligibility is limited to persons who 
meet the definition of a ``disabled domestic farm laborer,'' or a 
``domestic farm laborer,'' or ``retired domestic farm laborer,'' as 
defined in 7 CFR 3560.11. Farm workers who are admitted to this country 
on a temporary basis under the Temporary Agricultural Workers (H-2A 
Visa) program are not eligible to occupy Sections 514/516 off-farm FLH.
    Applicant Eligibility--
    (a) To be eligible to receive a Section 516 grant for off-farm FLH, 
the applicant must be a broad-based non-profit organization, including 
community and faith-based organizations, a non-profit organization of 
farm workers, a Federally recognized Indian tribe, an agency or 
political subdivision of a State or local Government, or a public 
agency (such as a housing authority). The applicant must be able to 
contribute at least one-tenth of the TDC from non-Rural Development 
resources which can include leveraged funds.
    (b) To be eligible to receive a Section 514 loan for off-farm FLH, 
the applicant must be a broad-based non-profit organization, including 
community and faith-based organizations, a non-profit organization of 
farm workers, a Federally recognized Indian tribe, an agency or 
political subdivision of a State or local Government, a public agency 
(such as a housing authority), or a limited partnership which has a 
non-profit entity as its general partner, and
    (i) Be unable to provide the necessary housing from its own 
resources;
    (ii) Except for State or local public agencies and Indian tribes, 
be unable to obtain similar credit elsewhere at rates that would allow 
for rents within the payment ability of eligible residents.
    (iii) Broad-based non-profit organizations must have a membership 
that reflects a variety of interests in the area where the housing will 
be located.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching--Section 516 grants for off-farm FLH 
may not exceed 90 percent of the TDC as provided in 7 CFR 
3560.562(c)(1).
    3. Other Requirements--The following requirements apply to loans 
and grants made in response to this Notice:
    (a) 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E, regarding equal opportunity 
requirements;
    (b) For grants only, 2 CFR parts 200 and 400, which establishes the 
uniform administrative and audit requirements for grants and 
cooperative agreements to State and local Governments and to non-profit 
organizations;
    (c) 7 CFR part 1901, subpart F, regarding historical and 
archaeological properties;
    (d) 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G, regarding environmental 
assessments;
    (e) 7 CFR part 3560, subpart L, regarding the loan and grant 
authorities of the off-farm FLH program;
    (f) 7 CFR part 1924, subpart A, regarding planning and performing 
construction and other development;
    (g) 7 CFR part 1924, subpart C, regarding the planning and 
performing of site development work;
    (h) For construction financed with a Section 516 grant, the 
provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 276(a)-276(a)-5) and 
implementing regulations published at 29 CFR parts 1, 3, and 5;
    (i) All other requirements contained in 7 CFR part 3560, regarding 
the Sections 514/516 off-farm FLH programs; and
    (j) Please note that grant applicants must obtain a Dun and 
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and maintain 
registration in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) prior to 
submitting a pre-application pursuant to 2 CFR 25.200(b). In addition, 
an entity applicant must maintain registration in the CCR database at 
all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application 
or plan under construction by the Agency. Similarly, all recipients of 
Federal financial assistance are required to report information about 
first-tier sub-awards and executive compensation in accordance with 2 
CFR part 170. So long as an entity applicant does not have an exception 
under 2 CFR 170.110(b), the applicant must have the necessary processes 
and systems in place to comply with the reporting requirements should 
the applicant receive funding. See 2 CFR 170.200(b).

C. Application and Submission Information

1. Pre-Application Submission
    The application process will be in two phases: The initial pre-
application (or proposal) and the submission of a final application. 
Only those pre-applications or proposals that are selected for further 
processing will be invited to submit final applications. In the event 
that a proposal is selected for further processing and the applicant 
declines, the next highest ranked unfunded pre-application may be 
selected for further processing. All pre-applications for Sections 514 
and 516 funds must be filed with the appropriate Rural Development 
State Office and must meet the requirements of this Notice. Incomplete 
pre-applications will not be reviewed and will be returned to the 
applicant. No pre-application will be accepted after the deadline 
unless date and time are extended by another Notice published in the 
Federal Register.
    Pre-applications can be submitted either electronically using the 
FLH Pre-Application form found at http://

[[Page 1613]]

www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/farm-labor-housing-direct-loans-
grants or in hard copy to the appropriate Rural Development Office 
where the project will be located. Follow the link for the RD Office 
address for requesting and submitting pre-application at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/StateofficeAddresses.html. Applicants are strongly 
encouraged, but not required, to submit the pre-application 
electronically. The electronic form contains a button labeled ``Send 
Form.'' By clicking on the button, the applicant will see an email 
message window with an attachment that includes the electronic form the 
applicant filled out as a data file with a .pdf extension. In addition, 
an auto-reply acknowledgement will be sent to the applicant when the 
electronic Loan Proposal form is received by the Agency unless the 
sender has software that will block the receipt of the auto-reply 
email. The State Office will record pre-applications received 
electronically by the actual date and time when all attachments are 
received at the State Office.
    Submission of the electronic Section 514 Loan Proposal form does 
not constitute submission of the entire proposal package which requires 
additional forms and supporting documentation as listed within this 
Notice. You may use one of the following three options for submitting 
the entire proposal package comprising of all required forms and 
documents. On the Loan Proposal form you can indicate the option you 
will be using to submit each required form and document.
    (a) Electronic Media Option. Submit all forms and documents as 
read-only Adobe Acrobat files on electronic media such as CDs, DVDs or 
USB drives. For each electronic device submitted, the applicant should 
include a Table of Contents of all documents and forms on that device. 
The electronic media should be submitted to the Rural Development State 
Office listed in this Notice where the property is located. Any forms 
and documents that are not sent electronically, including the check for 
credit reports, must be mailed to the Rural Development State Office.
    (b) Email Option. On the Loan Proposal form you will be asked for a 
submission email address. This email address will be used to establish 
a folder on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) server with your 
unique email address. Once the Loan Proposal form is processed, you 
will receive an additional email notifying you of the email address 
that you can use to email your forms and documents. Please Note: All 
forms and documents must be emailed from the same submission email 
address. This will ensure that all forms and documents that you send 
will be stored in the folder assigned to that email address. Any forms 
and documents that are not sent in via the email option must be 
submitted on an electronic media or in hard copy form to the Rural 
Development State Office.
    (c) Hard Copy Submission to the Rural Development State Office. If 
you are unable to send the proposal package electronically using either 
of the options listed above, you may send a hard copy of all forms and 
documents to the Rural Development State Office where the property is 
located. Hard copy pre-applications received on or before the deadline 
date will receive the close of business time of the day received as the 
receipt time. Hard copy pre-applications must be received by the 
submission deadline and no later than 5:00 p.m., local time, April 12, 
2016. Assistance for filing electronic and hard copy pre-applications 
can be obtained from any Rural Development State Office.
    For electronic submissions, there is a time delay between the time 
it is sent and the time it is received depending on network traffic. As 
a result, last-minute submissions sent before the deadline date and 
time could well be received after the deadline date and time because of 
the increased network traffic. Applicants are reminded that all 
submissions received after the deadline date and time will be rejected, 
regardless of when they were sent.
    If a pre-application is accepted for further processing, the 
applicant must submit a complete, final application, acceptable to 
Rural Development prior to the obligation of Rural Development funds. 
If the pre-application is not accepted for further processing the 
applicant will be notified of appeal rights under 7 CFR part 11.
2. Pre-Application Requirements
    (a) The pre-application must contain the following:
    (1) A summary page listing the following items. This information 
should be double-spaced between items and not be in narrative form.
    (i) Applicant's name.
    (ii) Applicant's Taxpayer Identification Number.
    (iii) Applicant's address.
    (iv) Applicant's telephone number.
    (v) Name of applicant's contact person, telephone number, and 
address.
    (vi) Amount of loan and/or grant requested.
    (vii) For grants of Federal financial assistance (including loans 
and grants, cooperative agreements, etc.), the applicant's Dun and 
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and 
registration in the CCR database in accordance with 2 CFR part 25. As 
required by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), all grant 
applicants must provide a DUNS number when applying for Federal grants, 
on or after October 1, 2003. Organizations can receive a DUNS number at 
no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free number at (866) 705-5711 or 
via the Internet at: http://www.dnb.com/. Additional information 
concerning this requirement can be obtained on the Grants.gov Web site 
at www.grants.gov. Similarly, applicants may register for the CCR at: 
https://www.uscontractorregistration.com/ or by calling (877) 252-2700.
    (2) Awards made under this Notice are subject to the provisions 
contained in an appropriation in FY 2016 that funds FLH.
    (3) A narrative verifying the applicant's ability to meet the 
eligibility requirements stated earlier in this Notice. If an applicant 
is selected for further processing, Rural Development will require 
additional documentation as set forth in a Conditional Commitment in 
order to verify the entity has the legal and financial capability to 
carry out the obligation of the loan.
    (4) Standard Form 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance,'' can 
be obtained at: http://www.grants.gov or from any Rural Development 
State Office listed in Section VII of this Notice.
    (5) For loan pre-applications, current (within 6 months of pre-
application date) financial statements with the following paragraph 
certified by the applicant's designated and legally authorized signer:
    ``I/we certify the above is a true and accurate reflection of our 
financial condition as of the date stated herein. This statement is 
given for the purpose of inducing the United States of America to make 
a loan or to enable the United States of America to make a 
determination of continued eligibility of the applicant for a loan as 
requested in the loan application of which this statement is a part.''
    (6) For loan pre-applications, a check for $24 from applicants made 
out to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This will be used to pay for 
credit reports obtained by Rural Development.
    (7) Evidence that the applicant is unable to obtain credit from 
other sources. Letters from credit institutions which normally provide 
real estate loans in the area should be obtained and these letters 
should indicate the rates and terms upon which a loan might be 
provided. (Note: Not required from State

[[Page 1614]]

or local public agencies or Indian tribes.)
    (8) If a FLH grant is desired, a statement concerning the need for 
a FLH grant. The statement should include preliminary estimates of the 
rents required with and without a grant.
    (9) A statement of the applicant's experience in operating labor 
housing or other rental housing. If the applicant's experience is 
limited, additional information should be provided to indicate how the 
applicant plans to compensate for this limited experience (i.e., 
obtaining assistance and advice of a management firm, non-profit group, 
public agency, or other organization which is experienced in rental 
management and will be available on a continuous basis).
    (10) A brief statement explaining the applicant's proposed method 
of operation and management (i.e., on-site manager, contract for 
management services, etc.). As stated earlier in this Notice, the 
housing must be managed in accordance with the program's management 
regulation, 7 CFR part 3560 and tenancy is limited to ``disabled 
domestic farm laborers,'' ``domestic farm laborers,'' and ``retired 
domestic farm laborers,'' as defined in 7 CFR 3560.11.
    (11) Applicants must also provide:
    (i) A copy of, or an accurate citation to, the special provisions 
of State law under which they are organized, a copy of the applicant's 
charter, Articles of Incorporation, and by-laws;
    (ii) The names, occupations, and addresses of the applicant's 
members, directors, and officers; and
    (iii) If a member or subsidiary of another organization, the 
organization's name, address, and nature of business.
    (12) A preliminary market survey or market study to identify the 
supply and demand for farm labor housing in the market area. The market 
area must be clearly identified and may include only the area from 
which tenants can reasonably be drawn for the proposed project. 
Documentation must be provided to justify a need within the intended 
market area for the housing of ``domestic farm laborers,'' as defined 
in 7 CFR 3560.11. The documentation must take into account disabled and 
retired farm workers. The preliminary survey should address or include 
the following items:
    (i) The annual income level of farmworker families in the area and 
the probable income of the farm workers who will likely occupy the 
proposed housing;
    (ii) A realistic estimate of the number of farm workers who remain 
in the area where they harvest and the number of farm workers who 
normally migrate into the area. Information on migratory workers should 
indicate the average number of months the migrants reside in the area 
and an indication of what type of family groups are represented by the 
migrants (i.e., single individuals as opposed to families);
    (iii) General information concerning the type of labor intensive 
crops grown in the area and prospects for continued demand for farm 
laborers;
    (iv) The overall occupancy rate for comparable rental units in the 
area and the rents charged and customary rental practices for these 
units (i.e., will they rent to large families, do they require annual 
leases, etc.);
    (v) The number, condition, adequacy, rental rates and ownership of 
units currently used or available to farm workers;
    (vi) A description of the units proposed, including the number, 
type, size, rental rates, amenities such as carpets and drapes, related 
facilities such as a laundry room or community room and other 
facilities providing supportive services in connection with the housing 
and the needs of the prospective tenants such as a health clinic or day 
care facility, estimated development timeline, estimated TDC, and 
applicant contribution; and
    (vii) The applicant must also identify all other sources of funds, 
including the dollar amount, source, and commitment status. (Note: A 
Section 516 grant may not exceed 90 percent of the TDC of the housing.)
    (13) The applicant must submit a checklist, certification, and 
signed affidavit by the project architect or engineer, as applicable, 
for any energy programs listed in Section IV the applicant intends to 
participate in.
    (14) The following forms are required:
    (i) A completed Form RD 1940-20, ``Request for Environmental 
Information,'' and a description of anticipated environmental issues or 
concerns. The form can be found at: http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/RD1940-20.PDF.
    (ii) A prepared HUD Form 935.2A, ``Affirmative Fair Housing 
Marketing Plan (AFHM) Multi-Family Housing,'' in accordance with 7 CFR 
1901.203(c). The plan will reflect that occupancy is open to all 
qualified ``domestic farm laborers,'' regardless of which farming 
operation they work and that they will not discriminate on the basis of 
race, color, sex, age, disability, marital or familial status or 
National origin in regard to the occupancy or use of the units. The 
form can be found at: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=935-2a.PDF.
    (iii) A proposed operating budget utilizing Form RD 3560-7, 
``Multiple Family Housing Project Budget/Utility Allowance,'' can be 
found at: http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/RD3560-7.PDF.
    (iv) An estimate of development cost utilizing Form RD 1924-13, 
``Estimate and Certificate of Actual Cost,'' can be found at: http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/RD1924-13.PDF.
    (v) Form RD 3560-30, ``Certification of no Identity of Interest 
(IOI),'' can be found at: http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/RD3560-30.PDF and Form RD 3560-31, ``Identity of 
Interest Disclosure/Qualification Certification,'' can be found at: 
http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/RD3560-31.PDF.
    (vi) Form HUD 2530, ``Previous Participation Certification,'' can 
be found at: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=2530.pdf.
    (vii) If requesting RA or Operating Assistance, Form RD 3560-25, 
``Initial Request for Rental Assistance or Operating Assistance,'' can 
be found at: http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/RD3560-25.PDF.
    (viii) Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement,'' can be found at: 
http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/RD400-4.PDF. Applicants for revitalization, repair, and rehabilitation 
funding are to apply through the Multifamily Housing Preservation and 
Revitalization (MPR) Demonstration Program.
    (ix) Evidence of compliance with Executive Order 12372. The 
applicant must send a copy of Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal 
Assistance'', to the applicant's State clearinghouse for 
intergovernmental review. If the applicant is located in a State that 
does not have a clearinghouse, the applicant is not required to submit 
the form. Applications from Federally recognized Indian tribes are not 
subject to this requirement.
    (15) Evidence of site control, such as an option contract or sales 
contract. In addition, a map and description of the proposed site, 
including the availability of water, sewer, and utilities and the 
proximity to community facilities and services such as shopping, 
schools, transportation, doctors, dentists, and hospitals.
    (16) Preliminary plans and specifications, including plot plans, 
building layouts, and type of

[[Page 1615]]

construction and materials. The housing must meet Rural Development's 
design and construction standards contained in 7 CFR part 1924, 
subparts A and C and must also meet all applicable Federal, State, and 
local accessibility standards.
    (17) A supportive services plan, which describes services that will 
be provided on-site or made available to tenants through cooperative 
agreements with service providers in the community, such as a health 
clinic or day care facility. Off-site services must be accessible and 
affordable to farm workers and their families. Letters of intent from 
service providers are acceptable documentation at the pre-application 
stage.
    (18) A sources and uses statement which shows all sources of 
funding included in the proposed project. The terms and schedules of 
all sources included in the project should be included in the sources 
and uses statement.
    (19) A separate one-page information sheet listing each of the 
``Pre-Application Scoring Criteria,'' contained in this Notice, 
followed by a reference to the page numbers of all relevant material 
and documentation that is contained in the proposal that supports the 
criteria.
    (20) Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to include a 
checklist of all of the pre-application requirements and to have their 
pre-application indexed and tabbed to facilitate the review process;
    (21) Evidence of compliance with the requirements of the applicable 
State Housing Preservation Office (SHPO), and/or Tribal Historic 
Preservation Officer (THPO). A letter from the SHPO and/or THPO where 
the off-farm labor housing project is located, signed by their designee 
will serve as evidence of compliance.

D. Pre-Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria. Section 514 FLH loan funds and Section 516 
FLH grant funds will be distributed to States based on a national 
competition, as follows:
    (a) Rural Development State Office will accept, review, and score 
pre-applications in accordance with this Notice. The scoring factors 
are:
    (1) The presence of construction cost savings, including donated 
land and construction leverage assistance, for the units that will 
serve program-eligible tenants. The savings will be calculated as a 
percentage of the Rural Development TDC. The percentage calculation 
excludes any costs prohibited by Rural Development as loan expenses, 
such as a developer's fee. Construction cost savings includes, but is 
not limited to, funds for hard construction costs, and State or Federal 
funds which are applicable to construction costs. A minimum of 10 
percent cost savings is required to earn points; however, if the total 
percentage of cost savings is less than 10 percent and the proposal 
includes donated land, two points will be awarded for the donated land. 
To count as cost savings for purposes of the selection criteria, the 
applicant must submit written evidence from the third-party funder that 
an application for those funds has been submitted and accepted points 
will be awarded in accordance with the following table using rounding 
to the nearest whole number.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Percentage                             Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
75 or more..............................................              20
60-74...................................................              18
50-59...................................................              16
40-49...................................................              12
30-39...................................................              10
20-29...................................................               8
10-19...................................................               5
0-9.....................................................               0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) The presence of operational cost savings, such as tax 
abatements, non-Rural Development tenant subsidies or donated services 
are calculated on a per-unit cost savings for the sum of the savings. 
Savings must be available for at least 5 years and documentation must 
be provided with the application demonstrating the availability of 
savings for 5 years. To calculate the savings, take the total amount of 
savings and divide it by the number of units in the project that will 
benefit from the savings to obtain the per unit cost savings. For non-
Rural Development tenant subsidy, if the value changes during the 5 
year calculation, the applicant must use the lower of the non-Rural 
Development tenant subsidy to calculate per unit cost savings. For 
example, a 10-unit property with 100 percent designated farm labor 
housing units receiving $20,000 per year non-Rural Development subsidy 
yields a cost savings of $100,000 ($20,000 x 5 years); resulting to a 
$10,000 per-unit cost savings ($100,000/10 units).
    Use the following table to apply points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Per-unit cost savings                       Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Above $15,000...........................................              50
$10,001-$15,000.........................................              35
$7,501-$10,000..........................................              20
$5,001-$7,500...........................................              15
$3,501-$5,000...........................................              10
$2,001-$3,500...........................................               5
$1,000-$2,000...........................................               2
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Percent of units for seasonal, temporary, migrant housing. (10 
points for up to and including 50 percent of the units; 20 points for 
51 percent or more units used for seasonal, temporary, or migrant 
housing.)
    (4) Additional 10 points will be awarded to projects in persistent 
poverty counties. A county is considered persistently poor if 20 
percent or more of its population was living in poverty over the last 
30 years (measured by the 1980, 1990 and 2000 decennial censuses and 
2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-year estimates).
    (5) Presence of tenant services.
    (i) Up to 25 points will be awarded based on the presence of and 
extent to which a tenant services plan exists that clearly outlines 
services that will be provided to the residents of the proposed 
project. These services may include, but are not limited to, 
transportation related services, on-site English as a Second Language 
(ESL) classes, move-in funds, emergency assistance funds, homeownership 
counseling, food pantries, after school tutoring, and computer learning 
centers.
    (ii) Two points will be awarded for each resident service included 
in the tenant services plan up to a maximum of 10 points. Plans must 
detail how the services are to be administered, who will administer 
them, and where they will be administered. All tenant service plans 
must include letters of intent that clearly state the service that will 
be provided at the project for the benefit of the residents from any 
party administering each service, including the applicant.
    (6) Energy Initiative Scoring Points (maximum 70 points)
    Properties may receive points for energy initiatives in the 
categories of energy conservation, energy generation, water 
conservation and green property management. Depending on the scope of 
work (SOW), properties may earn ``energy initiative'' points (up to a 
maximum of 70 points) in either one of two categories: 1) New 
Construction or 2) Purchase and Rehabilitation of an Existing Non-Farm 
Labor Housing Building. Projects will be eligible for one category of 
the two, but not both.
    Energy programs including LEED for Homes, Green Communities, etc., 
will each have an initial checklist indicating prerequisites for 
participation in its energy program. The applicable energy program 
checklist will establish whether prerequisites for the energy program's 
participation will be met. All checklists must be accompanied by a 
signed affidavit by the project architect or engineer stating that the 
goals are achievable and the project has been enrolled in these 
programs if enrollment

[[Page 1616]]

is applicable to that program. In addition, projects that apply for 
points under the energy generation category must include calculations 
of savings of energy. Compare property energy usage of three scenarios: 
(1) Property built to required code of State with no renewables, to (2) 
property as-designed with commitments to stated energy conservation 
programs without the use of renewables and (3) property as-designed 
with commitments to stated energy conservation programs and the use of 
proposed renewables. Use local average metrics for weather and utility 
costs and detail savings in kWh and dollars. Provide payback 
calculations. These calculations must be done by a licensed engineer or 
credentialed renewable energy provider. Include with application, the 
provider/engineer's credentials including qualifications, 
recommendations, and proof of previous work. The checklist, affidavit, 
calculations and qualifications of engineer/energy provider must be 
submitted together with the loan application.
    Enrollment in EPA Portfolio Manager Program. All projects awarded 
scoring points for energy initiatives must enroll the project in the 
EPA Portfolio Manager program to track post-construction energy 
consumption data. More information about this program may be found at: 
http://www.energystar.gov/buildings/facility-owners-and-managers/existing-buildings/use-portfolio-manager.
    (i) Energy Conservation for New Construction or Purchase and 
Rehabilitation of an Existing Non-Farm Labor Housing Building (maximum 
55 points). Projects may be eligible for up to 55 points when the pre-
application includes a written certification by the applicant to 
participate and achieve certification in the following energy 
efficiency programs.
    The points will be allocated as follows:
     Participation in the EPA's Energy Star for Homes V3 
program. (20 points) http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.pt_bldr.
OR
     Participation in the Green Communities program by the 
Enterprise Community Partners. (30 points) http://www.enterprisecommunity.com/solutions-and-innovation/enterprise-green-communities.
OR
     Participation in one of the following two programs will be 
awarded points for certification.
    Note: Each program has four levels of certification. State the 
level of certification that the applicant plans will achieve in their 
certification:
     LEED for Homes program by the United States Green Building 
Council (USGBC): http://www.usgbc.org.

--Certified Level (30 points), OR
--Silver Level (35 points), OR
--Gold Level (40 points), OR
--Platinum Level (45 points)

    Applicant must state the level of certification that the 
applicant's plans will achieve in their certification in its pre-
application.
OR
     Home Innovation's and The National Association of Home 
Builders (NAHB) ICC 700 National Green Building Standard TM: http://www.nahb.org/.

--Green-Bronze Level (30 points), OR
--Silver Level (35 points), OR
--Gold Level (40 points), OR
--Emerald Level (45 points).

    Applicant must state the level of certification that the 
applicant's plans will achieve in their certification in its pre-
application.

AND

     Participation in the Department of Energy's Zero Energy 
Ready program. (8 points) http://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-ready-home.

AND

     Participation in local green/energy efficient building 
standards. Applicants who participate in a city, county or municipality 
program, will receive an additional 2 points.
    (ii) Energy Conservation for Rehabilitation (maximum 55 points). 
Pre-applications for the purchase and rehabilitation of non-program MFH 
and related facilities in rural areas may be eligible to receive 55 
points when the pre-application includes a written certification by the 
applicant to participate in one of the following energy efficiency 
programs. Again, the certification must be accompanied by a signed 
affidavit by the project architect or engineer stating that the goals 
are achievable. Points will be award as follows:
     Participation in the Green Communities program by the 
Enterprise Community Partners (53 points) http://www.enterprisecommunity.com/solutions-and-innovation/enterprise-green-communities. At least 30 percent of the points needed to qualify for 
the Green Communities program must be earned under the Energy 
Efficiency section of Green Communities.

AND

     Participation in local green/energy efficient building 
standards. Applicants who participate in a city, county or municipality 
program, will receive an additional 2 points. The applicant should be 
aware of and look for additional requirements that are sometimes 
embedded in the third-party program's rating and verification systems. 
(2 points)
    (iii) Energy Generation (maximum 7 points). Pre-applications for 
new construction or purchase and rehabilitation of non-program multi-
family projects which participate in the above mentioned programs and 
receive at least 20 points in the point allocations above are eligible 
to earn additional points for installation of on-site renewable energy 
sources. Energy analysis of preliminary building plans using industry-
recognized simulation software must document the projected total energy 
consumption of all of the building components and building site usage. 
Projects with an energy analysis of the preliminary or rehabilitation 
building plans that propose a 10 percent to 100 percent energy 
generation commitment (where generation is considered to be the total 
amount of energy needed to be generated on-site to make the building a 
net-zero consumer of energy) will be awarded points as follows:
     0 to 9 percent commitment to energy generation receives 0 
points
     10 to 20 percent commitment to energy generation receives 
1 point
     21 to 40 percent commitment to energy generation receives 
2 points
     41 to 60 percent commitment to energy generation receives 
3 points
     61 to 80 percent commitment to energy generation receives 
4 points
     81-100 percent or more commitment to energy generation 
receives 5 points
    Projects may participate in Power Purchase Agreements or Solar 
Leases to achieve their on-site renewable energy generation goals 
provided that the financial obligations of the lease/purchase 
agreements are clearly documented and included in the application, and 
qualifying ratios continue to be achieved.
    An additional (2) points will be awarded for off-grid systems, or 
elements of systems, provided that at least 5 percent of on-site 
renewable system is off-grid. See www.dsireusa.org for State and local 
specific incentives and regulations of energy initiatives.
    (iv) Water Conservation in Irrigation Measures (maximum 3 points). 
Projects may be awarded 3 points for the use of an engineered recycled 
water (gray water or storm water) for landscape irrigation covering 50 
percent or more of the property's site landscaping needs.

[[Page 1617]]

    (v) Property Management Credentials (maximum 5 points). Projects 
may be awarded an additional 5 points if the designated property 
management company or individuals that will assume maintenance and 
operations responsibilities upon completion of construction work have a 
Credential for Green Property Management. Credentialing can be obtained 
from the National Apartment Association (NAA), National Affordable 
Housing Management Association, the Institute for Real Estate 
Management, U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and 
Environmental Design for Operations and Maintenance (LEED OM), or 
another source with a certifiable credentialing program. Credentialing 
must be illustrated in the resume(s) of the property management team 
and included with the pre-application.
    The National Office will rank all pre-applications nationwide and 
distribute funds to States in rank order, within funding and RA limits. 
When proposals have an equal score, preference will be given first to 
Indian tribes as defined in Sec.  3560.11 and then local non-profit 
organizations or public bodies whose principal purposes include low-
income housing that meet the conditions of Sec.  3560.55(c) and the 
following conditions:
     Is exempt from Federal income taxes under section 
501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue code;
     Is not wholly or partially owned or controlled by a for-
profit or limited-profit type entity;
     Whose members, or the entity, do not share an identity of 
interest with a for-profit or limited-profit type entity;
     Is not co-venturing with another entity; and
     The entity or its members will not be receiving any direct 
or indirect benefits pursuant to Low Income Housing Tax Credits.
    If there are two or more applications that have the same score and 
both cannot be funded, a lottery in accordance with 7 CFR 3560.56(c)(2) 
will be used to break the tie. If insufficient funds or RA remain for 
the next ranked proposal, that applicant will be given a chance to 
modify their pre-application to bring it within remaining funding 
levels. This will be repeated for each next ranked eligible proposal 
until an award can be made or the list is exhausted.
    Rural Development will notify all applicants whether their 
applications have been accepted or rejected and provide appeal rights 
under 7 CFR part 11, as appropriate.

E. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices
    Loan applicants must submit their initial applications by the due 
date specified in this Notice. Once the applications have been scored 
and ranked by the National Office, the National Office will advise 
State Offices of the proposals selected for further processing, State 
Offices will respond to applicants by letter.
    If the application is not accepted for further processing, the 
applicant will be notified of appeal rights under 7 CFR part 11.
2. Administrative and National Policy
    All Farm Labor Housing loans and grants are subject to the 
restrictive-use provisions contained in 7 CFR 3560.72(a) (2).
3. Reporting
    Borrowers must maintain separate financial records for the 
operation and maintenance of the project and for tenant services. 
Tenant services will not be funded by Rural Development. Funds 
allocated to the operation and maintenance of the project may not be 
used to supplement the cost of tenant services, nor may tenant service 
funds be used to supplement the project operation and maintenance. 
Detailed financial reports regarding tenant services will not be 
required unless specifically requested by Rural Development, and then 
only to the extent necessary for Rural Development and the borrower to 
discuss the affordability (and competitiveness) of the service provided 
to the tenant. The project audit, or verification of accounts on Form 
RD 3560-10, ``Borrower Balance Sheet,'' together with an accompanying 
Form RD 3560-7, ``Multiple Family Housing Project Budget Utility 
Allowance,'' must allocate revenue and expense between project 
operations and the service component.

F. Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Requirements

    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its 
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or 
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on 
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including 
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital 
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance 
program. Political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil 
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA 
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing 
deadlines vary by program or incident.
    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, 
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible 
Agency or USDA's TARTET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or 
contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages 
other than English.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA 
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office 
or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of 
the information requested in the form. To request a copy of a complaint 
form, call, (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to 
USDA by:
    (1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant 
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, 
DC 20250-9410;
    (2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
    (3) Email at: [email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
    Exceptions to Including the Full USDA Non-Discrimination Statement.
    If the size of the material to too small to include the full 
statement, the material will at a minimum, include the following 
statement in print in the same size as the text:
    ``USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.'' 
Where appropriate, a recipient may state:
    ``This institution in an equal opportunity provider.''

     Dated: January 4, 2016.
Tony Hernandez,
Administrator, Housing and Community Facilities Programs.
[FR Doc. 2016-00483 Filed 1-12-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P



                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / Notices                                             1611

                                                    habitat of special status species, such as                Comments received in response to                     in the Federal Register. Applicants
                                                    federally listed and Forest Service                     this solicitation, including names and                 intending to mail applications must
                                                    sensitive species.                                      addresses of those who comment, will                   provide sufficient time to permit
                                                       Recreation and Transportation:                       be part of the public record for this                  delivery on or before the deadline.
                                                    Project activities could remove                         proposed action. Comments submitted                    Acceptance by a post office or private
                                                    dispersed campsites during and after                    anonymously will be accepted and                       mailer does not constitute delivery.
                                                    dam reconstruction.                                     considered, however.                                   Facsimile (FAX) and postage due
                                                       Project construction activities could                  Dated: January 7, 2016.                              applications will not be accepted.
                                                    make NFSRs 262 and 280 and NFST 518                                                                            ADDRESSES: Applicants wishing to
                                                                                                            Scott G. Armentrout,
                                                    temporarily inaccessible. Temporary                                                                            submit an application in response to
                                                                                                            Forest Supervisor.
                                                    improved access could temporarily                                                                              this Notice must contact the Rural
                                                    change the recreational opportunity                     [FR Doc. 2016–00508 Filed 1–12–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                                   Development State Office serving the
                                                    spectrum classification in the area of                  BILLING CODE 3410–11–P
                                                                                                                                                                   State of the proposed off-FLH project in
                                                    Monument No. 1 and Hunter Reservoirs.                                                                          order to receive further information and
                                                    Temporary improved access to the                                                                               copies of the application package. You
                                                    reservoirs could cause the expectation                  DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
                                                                                                                                                                   may find the addresses and contact
                                                    and desire on the part of the public for                Rural Housing Service                                  information for each State Office
                                                    continued improved access.                                                                                     following this web link, http://
                                                       Colorado Roadless Areas:                             Notice of Solicitation of Applications                 www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-
                                                    Enlargement of the Monument No. 1                       (NOSA) for Section 514 Farm Labor                      offices. Rural Development will date
                                                    and Hunter Reservoirs would add                         Housing Loans and Section 516 Farm                     and time stamp incoming applications
                                                    municipal water supply storage within                   Labor Housing Grants for Off-Farm                      to evidence timely receipt and, upon
                                                    the Flattops/Elk Park Colorado Roadless                 Housing for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016                      request, will provide the applicant with
                                                    Area (CRA) consistent with valid                                                                               a written acknowledgment of receipt.
                                                    exisiting rights. Although the access                   AGENCY:   Rural Housing Service, USDA.
                                                                                                            ACTION:   Notice.                                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                    routes to Hunter Reservoir and the
                                                    majority of the access route to                                                                                Mirna Reyes-Bible, Finance and Loan
                                                                                                            SUMMARY:   The Rural Housing Service                   Analyst, Multi-Family Housing
                                                    Monument No. 1 Reservoir are outside
                                                                                                            (RHS) announces the timeframe to                       Preservation and Direct Loan Division,
                                                    the CRA boundary, the current NFST
                                                                                                            submit pre-applications for Section 514                STOP 0781 (Room 1263–S), USDA Rural
                                                    518 starts in the CRA. Under the
                                                                                                            Farm Labor Housing (FLH) loans and                     Development, 1400 Independence
                                                    Proposed Action, the access route
                                                                                                            Section 516 FLH grants for the                         Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–
                                                    would be widened, upgraded and
                                                                                                            construction of new off-farm FLH units                 0781, telephone: (202) 720–1753 (this is
                                                    relocated in order to avoid a cultural
                                                                                                            and related facilities for domestic farm               not a toll free number), or via email:
                                                    site; and that construction would be
                                                                                                            laborers and for the purchase and                      mirna.reyesbible@wdc.usda.gov.
                                                    done within the CRA.
                                                                                                            substantial rehabilitation of an existing              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                    Permits or Licenses Required                            non-FLH property. The intended
                                                                                                            purpose of these loans and grants is to                Overview
                                                      Forest Service: Includes, but is not
                                                    limited to, FLPMA special use permits,                  increase the number of available                         Federal Agency: Rural Housing
                                                    temporary special use permits (workers’                 housing units for domestic farm                        Service.
                                                    camp, etc.), road use permits, mineral                  laborers. This Notice describes the                      Funding Opportunity Title: NOSA for
                                                    material permits, and timber removal                    method used to distribute funds, the                   Section 514 Farm Labor Housing Loans
                                                    contracts.                                              application process, and submission                    and Section 516 Farm Labor Housing
                                                      U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:                         requirements.                                          Grants for Off-Farm Housing for Fiscal
                                                    Department of the Army permit                              RHS will publish on its Web site,                   Year 2016.
                                                    pursuant to Section 404(b)(1) of the                    http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-                         Announcement Type: Solicitation of
                                                    Clean Water Act.                                        services/farm-labor-housing-direct-                    pre-applications from qualified
                                                      Colorado Water Quality Control                        loans-grants, the amount of funding                    applicants for FY 2016.
                                                    Division: Water quality certification                   available in FY 2016 based on current                    Catalog of Federal Domestic
                                                    under Section 401 of the Clean Water                    appropriations.                                        Assistance Numbers (CFDA): 10.405 and
                                                    Act.                                                       The Agency will assign additional                   10.427.
                                                                                                            points to pre-applications for projects                  Due Date for Applications: April 12,
                                                    Scoping Process                                         based in or serving census tracts with                 2016.
                                                      This notice of intent continues the                   poverty rates greater than or equal to 20
                                                    scoping process, which guides the                       percent over the last 30 years. This                   A. Federal Award Description
                                                    development of the SDEIS. Comments                      emphasis will support Rural                               Pre-applications will only be accepted
                                                    received in response to the DEIS will                   Development’s mission of improving the                 through the date and time listed in this
                                                    also be addressed in the SDEIS.                         quality of life for rural Americans and                Notice. All awards are subject to
                                                      It is important that reviewers provide                commitment to directing resources to                   availability of funding. Individual
                                                    their comments at such times and in                     those who most need them.                              requests may not exceed $3 million
                                                    such manner that they are useful to the                 DATES: The deadline for receipt of all                 (total loan and grant).
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                                                    agency’s preparation of the                             applications in response to this Notice                   No State may receive more than 30
                                                    environmental impact statement.                         is 5:00 p.m., local time to the                        percent of available FLH funding
                                                    Therefore, comments should be                           appropriate Rural Development State                    available in FY 2016. If there are
                                                    provided prior to the close of the                      Office on April 12, 2016. Rural                        insufficient applications from around
                                                    comment period and should clearly                       Development will not consider any                      the country to exhaust Sections 514/516
                                                    articulate the reviewer’s concerns and                  application that is received after the                 funds available, the Agency may then
                                                    contentions related to the expanded                     deadline unless the date and time is                   exceed the 30 percent cap per State.
                                                    scope of the analysis.                                  extended by another Notice published                   Section 516 off-farm FLH grants may not


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                                                    1612                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / Notices

                                                    exceed 90 percent of the total                          who are admitted to this country on a                     (f) 7 CFR part 1924, subpart A,
                                                    development cost (TDC) of the housing                   temporary basis under the Temporary                    regarding planning and performing
                                                    as defined in 7 CFR 3560.11.                            Agricultural Workers (H–2A Visa)                       construction and other development;
                                                       If leveraged funds are going to be used              program are not eligible to occupy                        (g) 7 CFR part 1924, subpart C,
                                                    and are in the form of tax credits, the                 Sections 514/516 off-farm FLH.                         regarding the planning and performing
                                                    applicant must include in its pre-                         Applicant Eligibility—                              of site development work;
                                                    application written evidence that a tax                    (a) To be eligible to receive a Section                (h) For construction financed with a
                                                    credit application has been submitted                   516 grant for off-farm FLH, the applicant              Section 516 grant, the provisions of the
                                                    and accepted by the Housing Finance                     must be a broad-based non-profit                       Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 276(a)–
                                                    Agency (HFA). All applications that will                organization, including community and                  276(a)–5) and implementing regulations
                                                    receive any leveraged funds must have                   faith-based organizations, a non-profit                published at 29 CFR parts 1, 3, and 5;
                                                    firm commitments in place within 12                     organization of farm workers, a                           (i) All other requirements contained
                                                    months of the issuance of a ‘‘Notice of                 Federally recognized Indian tribe, an                  in 7 CFR part 3560, regarding the
                                                    Pre-application Review Action,’’                        agency or political subdivision of a State             Sections 514/516 off-farm FLH
                                                    Handbook Letter 103 (3560). Applicants                  or local Government, or a public agency                programs; and
                                                    without written evidence that a tax                     (such as a housing authority). The                        (j) Please note that grant applicants
                                                    credit application has been submitted                   applicant must be able to contribute at                must obtain a Dun and Bradstreet Data
                                                    and accepted by the HFA must certify                    least one-tenth of the TDC from non-                   Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
                                                    in writing they will apply for tax credits              Rural Development resources which can                  number and maintain registration in the
                                                    to the HFA and obtain a firm                            include leveraged funds.                               Central Contractor Registration (CCR)
                                                    commitment within 12 months of the                         (b) To be eligible to receive a Section             prior to submitting a pre-application
                                                    issuance of a ‘‘Notice of Pre-application               514 loan for off-farm FLH, the applicant               pursuant to 2 CFR 25.200(b). In
                                                    Review Action.’’                                        must be a broad-based non-profit                       addition, an entity applicant must
                                                       Rental Assistance (RA) and operating                 organization, including community and                  maintain registration in the CCR
                                                    assistance will be available for new                    faith-based organizations, a non-profit                database at all times during which it has
                                                    construction in FY 2016. Operating                      organization of farm workers, a                        an active Federal award or an
                                                    assistance is explained at 7 CFR                        Federally recognized Indian tribe, an                  application or plan under construction
                                                    3560.574 and may be used in lieu of                     agency or political subdivision of a State             by the Agency. Similarly, all recipients
                                                    tenant-specific RA in off-FLH projects                  or local Government, a public agency                   of Federal financial assistance are
                                                    that serve migrant farm workers as                      (such as a housing authority), or a                    required to report information about
                                                    defined in 7 CFR 3560.11, that are                      limited partnership which has a non-                   first-tier sub-awards and executive
                                                    financed under Section 514 or Section                   profit entity as its general partner, and              compensation in accordance with 2 CFR
                                                    516 (h) of the Housing Act of 1949, as                     (i) Be unable to provide the necessary              part 170. So long as an entity applicant
                                                    amended (42 U.S.C. 1484 and 1486(h)                     housing from its own resources;                        does not have an exception under 2 CFR
                                                    respectively), and otherwise meet the                      (ii) Except for State or local public               170.110(b), the applicant must have the
                                                    requirements of 7 CFR 3560.574.                         agencies and Indian tribes, be unable to               necessary processes and systems in
                                                                                                            obtain similar credit elsewhere at rates               place to comply with the reporting
                                                    B. Eligibility Information                                                                                     requirements should the applicant
                                                                                                            that would allow for rents within the
                                                    1. Eligibility                                          payment ability of eligible residents.                 receive funding. See 2 CFR 170.200(b).
                                                       Housing Eligibility—Housing that is                     (iii) Broad-based non-profit                        C. Application and Submission
                                                    constructed with FLH loans and/or                       organizations must have a membership                   Information
                                                    grants must meet Rural Development’s                    that reflects a variety of interests in the
                                                    design and construction standards                       area where the housing will be located.                1. Pre-Application Submission
                                                    contained in 7 CFR part 1924, subparts                     2. Cost Sharing or Matching—Section                    The application process will be in two
                                                    A and C. Once constructed, off-farm                     516 grants for off-farm FLH may not                    phases: The initial pre-application (or
                                                    FLH must be managed in accordance                       exceed 90 percent of the TDC as                        proposal) and the submission of a final
                                                    with 7 CFR part 3560. In addition, off-                 provided in 7 CFR 3560.562(c)(1).                      application. Only those pre-applications
                                                    farm FLH must be operated on a non-                        3. Other Requirements—The                           or proposals that are selected for further
                                                    profit basis and tenancy must be open                   following requirements apply to loans                  processing will be invited to submit
                                                    to all qualified domestic farm laborers,                and grants made in response to this                    final applications. In the event that a
                                                    regardless at which farm they work.                     Notice:                                                proposal is selected for further
                                                    Section 514(f)(3) of the Housing Act of                    (a) 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E,                     processing and the applicant declines,
                                                    1949, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1484(f)(3))                 regarding equal opportunity                            the next highest ranked unfunded pre-
                                                    defines domestic farm laborers to                       requirements;                                          application may be selected for further
                                                    include any person regardless of the                       (b) For grants only, 2 CFR parts 200                processing. All pre-applications for
                                                    person’s source of employment, who                      and 400, which establishes the uniform                 Sections 514 and 516 funds must be
                                                    receives a substantial portion of his or                administrative and audit requirements                  filed with the appropriate Rural
                                                    her income from the primary production                  for grants and cooperative agreements to               Development State Office and must
                                                    of agricultural or aqua cultural                        State and local Governments and to                     meet the requirements of this Notice.
                                                    commodities in the unprocessed or                       non-profit organizations;                              Incomplete pre-applications will not be
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    processed stage, and also includes the                     (c) 7 CFR part 1901, subpart F,                     reviewed and will be returned to the
                                                    person’s family.                                        regarding historical and archaeological                applicant. No pre-application will be
                                                       Tenant Eligibility—Tenant eligibility                properties;                                            accepted after the deadline unless date
                                                    is limited to persons who meet the                         (d) 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G,                     and time are extended by another Notice
                                                    definition of a ‘‘disabled domestic farm                regarding environmental assessments;                   published in the Federal Register.
                                                    laborer,’’ or a ‘‘domestic farm laborer,’’                 (e) 7 CFR part 3560, subpart L,                        Pre-applications can be submitted
                                                    or ‘‘retired domestic farm laborer,’’ as                regarding the loan and grant authorities               either electronically using the FLH Pre-
                                                    defined in 7 CFR 3560.11. Farm workers                  of the off-farm FLH program;                           Application form found at http://


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                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / Notices                                              1613

                                                    www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/                      emailed from the same submission                       Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
                                                    farm-labor-housing-direct-loans-grants                  email address. This will ensure that all               number and registration in the CCR
                                                    or in hard copy to the appropriate Rural                forms and documents that you send will                 database in accordance with 2 CFR part
                                                    Development Office where the project                    be stored in the folder assigned to that               25. As required by the Office of
                                                    will be located. Follow the link for the                email address. Any forms and                           Management and Budget (OMB), all
                                                    RD Office address for requesting and                    documents that are not sent in via the                 grant applicants must provide a DUNS
                                                    submitting pre-application at: http://                  email option must be submitted on an                   number when applying for Federal
                                                    www.rurdev.usda.gov/                                    electronic media or in hard copy form                  grants, on or after October 1, 2003.
                                                    StateofficeAddresses.html. Applicants                   to the Rural Development State Office.                 Organizations can receive a DUNS
                                                    are strongly encouraged, but not                           (c) Hard Copy Submission to the                     number at no cost by calling the
                                                    required, to submit the pre-application                 Rural Development State Office. If you                 dedicated toll-free number at (866) 705–
                                                    electronically. The electronic form                     are unable to send the proposal package                5711 or via the Internet at: http://
                                                    contains a button labeled ‘‘Send Form.’’                electronically using either of the options             www.dnb.com/. Additional information
                                                    By clicking on the button, the applicant                listed above, you may send a hard copy                 concerning this requirement can be
                                                    will see an email message window with                   of all forms and documents to the Rural                obtained on the Grants.gov Web site at
                                                    an attachment that includes the                         Development State Office where the                     www.grants.gov. Similarly, applicants
                                                    electronic form the applicant filled out                property is located. Hard copy pre-                    may register for the CCR at: https://
                                                    as a data file with a .pdf extension. In                applications received on or before the                 www.uscontractorregistration.com/ or
                                                    addition, an auto-reply                                 deadline date will receive the close of                by calling (877) 252–2700.
                                                    acknowledgement will be sent to the                     business time of the day received as the                  (2) Awards made under this Notice
                                                    applicant when the electronic Loan                      receipt time. Hard copy pre-applications               are subject to the provisions contained
                                                    Proposal form is received by the Agency                 must be received by the submission                     in an appropriation in FY 2016 that
                                                    unless the sender has software that will                deadline and no later than 5:00 p.m.,                  funds FLH.
                                                    block the receipt of the auto-reply email.              local time, April 12, 2016. Assistance                    (3) A narrative verifying the
                                                    The State Office will record pre-                       for filing electronic and hard copy pre-               applicant’s ability to meet the eligibility
                                                    applications received electronically by                 applications can be obtained from any                  requirements stated earlier in this
                                                    the actual date and time when all                       Rural Development State Office.                        Notice. If an applicant is selected for
                                                    attachments are received at the State                      For electronic submissions, there is a              further processing, Rural Development
                                                    Office.                                                 time delay between the time it is sent                 will require additional documentation
                                                       Submission of the electronic Section                 and the time it is received depending on               as set forth in a Conditional
                                                    514 Loan Proposal form does not                         network traffic. As a result, last-minute              Commitment in order to verify the
                                                    constitute submission of the entire                     submissions sent before the deadline                   entity has the legal and financial
                                                    proposal package which requires                         date and time could well be received                   capability to carry out the obligation of
                                                    additional forms and supporting                         after the deadline date and time because               the loan.
                                                    documentation as listed within this                     of the increased network traffic.                         (4) Standard Form 424, ‘‘Application
                                                    Notice. You may use one of the                          Applicants are reminded that all                       for Federal Assistance,’’ can be obtained
                                                    following three options for submitting                  submissions received after the deadline                at: http://www.grants.gov or from any
                                                    the entire proposal package comprising                  date and time will be rejected,                        Rural Development State Office listed in
                                                    of all required forms and documents. On                 regardless of when they were sent.                     Section VII of this Notice.
                                                    the Loan Proposal form you can indicate                    If a pre-application is accepted for                   (5) For loan pre-applications, current
                                                    the option you will be using to submit                  further processing, the applicant must                 (within 6 months of pre-application
                                                    each required form and document.                        submit a complete, final application,                  date) financial statements with the
                                                       (a) Electronic Media Option. Submit                  acceptable to Rural Development prior                  following paragraph certified by the
                                                    all forms and documents as read-only                    to the obligation of Rural Development                 applicant’s designated and legally
                                                    Adobe Acrobat files on electronic media                 funds. If the pre-application is not                   authorized signer:
                                                    such as CDs, DVDs or USB drives. For                                                                              ‘‘I/we certify the above is a true and
                                                                                                            accepted for further processing the
                                                    each electronic device submitted, the                                                                          accurate reflection of our financial
                                                                                                            applicant will be notified of appeal
                                                    applicant should include a Table of                                                                            condition as of the date stated herein.
                                                                                                            rights under 7 CFR part 11.
                                                    Contents of all documents and forms on                                                                         This statement is given for the purpose
                                                    that device. The electronic media                       2. Pre-Application Requirements                        of inducing the United States of
                                                    should be submitted to the Rural                           (a) The pre-application must contain                America to make a loan or to enable the
                                                    Development State Office listed in this                 the following:                                         United States of America to make a
                                                    Notice where the property is located.                      (1) A summary page listing the                      determination of continued eligibility of
                                                    Any forms and documents that are not                    following items. This information                      the applicant for a loan as requested in
                                                    sent electronically, including the check                should be double-spaced between items                  the loan application of which this
                                                    for credit reports, must be mailed to the               and not be in narrative form.                          statement is a part.’’
                                                    Rural Development State Office.                            (i) Applicant’s name.                                  (6) For loan pre-applications, a check
                                                       (b) Email Option. On the Loan                           (ii) Applicant’s Taxpayer                           for $24 from applicants made out to the
                                                    Proposal form you will be asked for a                   Identification Number.                                 U.S. Department of Agriculture. This
                                                    submission email address. This email                       (iii) Applicant’s address.                          will be used to pay for credit reports
                                                    address will be used to establish a folder                                                                     obtained by Rural Development.
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                                                                                                               (iv) Applicant’s telephone number.
                                                    on the U.S. Department of Agriculture                      (v) Name of applicant’s contact                        (7) Evidence that the applicant is
                                                    (USDA) server with your unique email                    person, telephone number, and address.                 unable to obtain credit from other
                                                    address. Once the Loan Proposal form is                    (vi) Amount of loan and/or grant                    sources. Letters from credit institutions
                                                    processed, you will receive an                          requested.                                             which normally provide real estate
                                                    additional email notifying you of the                      (vii) For grants of Federal financial               loans in the area should be obtained and
                                                    email address that you can use to email                 assistance (including loans and grants,                these letters should indicate the rates
                                                    your forms and documents. Please Note:                  cooperative agreements, etc.), the                     and terms upon which a loan might be
                                                    All forms and documents must be                         applicant’s Dun and Bradstreet Data                    provided. (Note: Not required from State


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                                                    1614                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / Notices

                                                    or local public agencies or Indian                      farm workers who normally migrate into                 http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/
                                                    tribes.)                                                the area. Information on migratory                     documents/huddoc?id=935-2a.PDF.
                                                       (8) If a FLH grant is desired, a                     workers should indicate the average                       (iii) A proposed operating budget
                                                    statement concerning the need for a FLH                 number of months the migrants reside                   utilizing Form RD 3560–7, ‘‘Multiple
                                                    grant. The statement should include                     in the area and an indication of what                  Family Housing Project Budget/Utility
                                                    preliminary estimates of the rents                      type of family groups are represented by               Allowance,’’ can be found at: http://
                                                    required with and without a grant.                      the migrants (i.e., single individuals as              forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/efcommon/
                                                       (9) A statement of the applicant’s                   opposed to families);                                  eFileServices/eForms/RD3560-7.PDF.
                                                    experience in operating labor housing or                   (iii) General information concerning                   (iv) An estimate of development cost
                                                    other rental housing. If the applicant’s                the type of labor intensive crops grown                utilizing Form RD 1924–13, ‘‘Estimate
                                                    experience is limited, additional                       in the area and prospects for continued                and Certificate of Actual Cost,’’ can be
                                                    information should be provided to                       demand for farm laborers;                              found at: http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/
                                                    indicate how the applicant plans to                        (iv) The overall occupancy rate for                 efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/
                                                    compensate for this limited experience                  comparable rental units in the area and                RD1924-13.PDF.
                                                    (i.e., obtaining assistance and advice of               the rents charged and customary rental                    (v) Form RD 3560–30, ‘‘Certification
                                                    a management firm, non-profit group,                    practices for these units (i.e., will they             of no Identity of Interest (IOI),’’ can be
                                                    public agency, or other organization                    rent to large families, do they require                found at: http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/
                                                    which is experienced in rental                          annual leases, etc.);                                  efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/
                                                    management and will be available on a                      (v) The number, condition, adequacy,                RD3560-30.PDF and Form RD 3560–31,
                                                    continuous basis).                                      rental rates and ownership of units                    ‘‘Identity of Interest Disclosure/
                                                       (10) A brief statement explaining the                currently used or available to farm                    Qualification Certification,’’ can be
                                                    applicant’s proposed method of                          workers;                                               found at: http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/
                                                    operation and management (i.e., on-site                    (vi) A description of the units                     efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/
                                                    manager, contract for management                        proposed, including the number, type,                  RD3560-31.PDF.
                                                    services, etc.). As stated earlier in this                                                                        (vi) Form HUD 2530, ‘‘Previous
                                                                                                            size, rental rates, amenities such as
                                                    Notice, the housing must be managed in                                                                         Participation Certification,’’ can be
                                                                                                            carpets and drapes, related facilities
                                                    accordance with the program’s                                                                                  found at: http://portal.hud.gov/
                                                                                                            such as a laundry room or community
                                                    management regulation, 7 CFR part                                                                              hudportal/documents/
                                                                                                            room and other facilities providing
                                                    3560 and tenancy is limited to ‘‘disabled                                                                      huddoc?id=2530.pdf.
                                                                                                            supportive services in connection with                    (vii) If requesting RA or Operating
                                                    domestic farm laborers,’’ ‘‘domestic                    the housing and the needs of the
                                                    farm laborers,’’ and ‘‘retired domestic                                                                        Assistance, Form RD 3560–25, ‘‘Initial
                                                                                                            prospective tenants such as a health                   Request for Rental Assistance or
                                                    farm laborers,’’ as defined in 7 CFR                    clinic or day care facility, estimated
                                                    3560.11.                                                                                                       Operating Assistance,’’ can be found at:
                                                                                                            development timeline, estimated TDC,                   http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/
                                                       (11) Applicants must also provide:                   and applicant contribution; and
                                                       (i) A copy of, or an accurate citation                                                                      efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/
                                                                                                               (vii) The applicant must also identify              RD3560-25.PDF.
                                                    to, the special provisions of State law
                                                                                                            all other sources of funds, including the                 (viii) Form RD 400–4, ‘‘Assurance
                                                    under which they are organized, a copy
                                                                                                            dollar amount, source, and commitment                  Agreement,’’ can be found at: http://
                                                    of the applicant’s charter, Articles of
                                                                                                            status. (Note: A Section 516 grant may                 forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/efcommon/
                                                    Incorporation, and by-laws;
                                                       (ii) The names, occupations, and                     not exceed 90 percent of the TDC of the                eFileServices/eForms/RD400-4.PDF.
                                                    addresses of the applicant’s members,                   housing.)                                              Applicants for revitalization, repair, and
                                                    directors, and officers; and                               (13) The applicant must submit a                    rehabilitation funding are to apply
                                                       (iii) If a member or subsidiary of                   checklist, certification, and signed                   through the Multifamily Housing
                                                    another organization, the organization’s                affidavit by the project architect or                  Preservation and Revitalization (MPR)
                                                    name, address, and nature of business.                  engineer, as applicable, for any energy                Demonstration Program.
                                                       (12) A preliminary market survey or                  programs listed in Section IV the                         (ix) Evidence of compliance with
                                                    market study to identify the supply and                 applicant intends to participate in.                   Executive Order 12372. The applicant
                                                    demand for farm labor housing in the                       (14) The following forms are required:              must send a copy of Form SF–424,
                                                    market area. The market area must be                       (i) A completed Form RD 1940–20,                    ‘‘Application for Federal Assistance’’, to
                                                    clearly identified and may include only                 ‘‘Request for Environmental                            the applicant’s State clearinghouse for
                                                    the area from which tenants can                         Information,’’ and a description of                    intergovernmental review. If the
                                                    reasonably be drawn for the proposed                    anticipated environmental issues or                    applicant is located in a State that does
                                                    project. Documentation must be                          concerns. The form can be found at:                    not have a clearinghouse, the applicant
                                                    provided to justify a need within the                   http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/                         is not required to submit the form.
                                                    intended market area for the housing of                 efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/                         Applications from Federally recognized
                                                    ‘‘domestic farm laborers,’’ as defined in               RD1940-20.PDF.                                         Indian tribes are not subject to this
                                                    7 CFR 3560.11. The documentation                           (ii) A prepared HUD Form 935.2A,                    requirement.
                                                    must take into account disabled and                     ‘‘Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing                      (15) Evidence of site control, such as
                                                    retired farm workers. The preliminary                   Plan (AFHM) Multi-Family Housing,’’ in                 an option contract or sales contract. In
                                                    survey should address or include the                    accordance with 7 CFR 1901.203(c). The                 addition, a map and description of the
                                                                                                            plan will reflect that occupancy is open               proposed site, including the availability
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                                                    following items:
                                                       (i) The annual income level of                       to all qualified ‘‘domestic farm                       of water, sewer, and utilities and the
                                                    farmworker families in the area and the                 laborers,’’ regardless of which farming                proximity to community facilities and
                                                    probable income of the farm workers                     operation they work and that they will                 services such as shopping, schools,
                                                    who will likely occupy the proposed                     not discriminate on the basis of race,                 transportation, doctors, dentists, and
                                                    housing;                                                color, sex, age, disability, marital or                hospitals.
                                                       (ii) A realistic estimate of the number              familial status or National origin in                     (16) Preliminary plans and
                                                    of farm workers who remain in the area                  regard to the occupancy or use of the                  specifications, including plot plans,
                                                    where they harvest and the number of                    units. The form can be found at:                       building layouts, and type of


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                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / Notices                                                     1615

                                                    construction and materials. The housing                 is not limited to, funds for hard                              for up to and including 50 percent of the
                                                    must meet Rural Development’s design                    construction costs, and State or Federal                       units; 20 points for 51 percent or more
                                                    and construction standards contained in                 funds which are applicable to                                  units used for seasonal, temporary, or
                                                    7 CFR part 1924, subparts A and C and                   construction costs. A minimum of 10                            migrant housing.)
                                                    must also meet all applicable Federal,                  percent cost savings is required to earn                          (4) Additional 10 points will be
                                                    State, and local accessibility standards.               points; however, if the total percentage                       awarded to projects in persistent
                                                      (17) A supportive services plan,                      of cost savings is less than 10 percent                        poverty counties. A county is
                                                    which describes services that will be                   and the proposal includes donated land,                        considered persistently poor if 20
                                                    provided on-site or made available to                   two points will be awarded for the                             percent or more of its population was
                                                    tenants through cooperative agreements                  donated land. To count as cost savings                         living in poverty over the last 30 years
                                                    with service providers in the                           for purposes of the selection criteria, the                    (measured by the 1980, 1990 and 2000
                                                    community, such as a health clinic or                   applicant must submit written evidence                         decennial censuses and 2007–2011
                                                    day care facility. Off-site services must               from the third-party funder that an                            American Community Survey 5-year
                                                    be accessible and affordable to farm                    application for those funds has been                           estimates).
                                                    workers and their families. Letters of                  submitted and accepted points will be                             (5) Presence of tenant services.
                                                    intent from service providers are                       awarded in accordance with the                                    (i) Up to 25 points will be awarded
                                                    acceptable documentation at the pre-                    following table using rounding to the                          based on the presence of and extent to
                                                    application stage.                                      nearest whole number.                                          which a tenant services plan exists that
                                                      (18) A sources and uses statement                                                                                    clearly outlines services that will be
                                                    which shows all sources of funding                                   Percentage                          Points        provided to the residents of the
                                                    included in the proposed project. The                                                                                  proposed project. These services may
                                                    terms and schedules of all sources                      75 or more ............................                   20   include, but are not limited to,
                                                                                                            60–74 ....................................                18   transportation related services, on-site
                                                    included in the project should be                       50–59 ....................................                16
                                                    included in the sources and uses                                                                                       English as a Second Language (ESL)
                                                                                                            40–49 ....................................                12
                                                    statement.                                              30–39 ....................................                10   classes, move-in funds, emergency
                                                      (19) A separate one-page information                  20–29 ....................................                 8   assistance funds, homeownership
                                                    sheet listing each of the ‘‘Pre-                        10–19 ....................................                 5   counseling, food pantries, after school
                                                    Application Scoring Criteria,’’ contained               0–9 ........................................               0   tutoring, and computer learning centers.
                                                    in this Notice, followed by a reference                                                                                   (ii) Two points will be awarded for
                                                    to the page numbers of all relevant                        (2) The presence of operational cost                        each resident service included in the
                                                    material and documentation that is                      savings, such as tax abatements, non-                          tenant services plan up to a maximum
                                                    contained in the proposal that supports                 Rural Development tenant subsidies or                          of 10 points. Plans must detail how the
                                                    the criteria.                                           donated services are calculated on a per-                      services are to be administered, who
                                                      (20) Applicants are encouraged, but                   unit cost savings for the sum of the                           will administer them, and where they
                                                    not required, to include a checklist of all             savings. Savings must be available for at                      will be administered. All tenant service
                                                    of the pre-application requirements and                 least 5 years and documentation must                           plans must include letters of intent that
                                                    to have their pre-application indexed                   be provided with the application                               clearly state the service that will be
                                                    and tabbed to facilitate the review                     demonstrating the availability of savings                      provided at the project for the benefit of
                                                    process;                                                for 5 years. To calculate the savings,                         the residents from any party
                                                      (21) Evidence of compliance with the                  take the total amount of savings and                           administering each service, including
                                                    requirements of the applicable State                    divide it by the number of units in the                        the applicant.
                                                    Housing Preservation Office (SHPO),                     project that will benefit from the savings                        (6) Energy Initiative Scoring Points
                                                    and/or Tribal Historic Preservation                     to obtain the per unit cost savings. For                       (maximum 70 points)
                                                    Officer (THPO). A letter from the SHPO                  non-Rural Development tenant subsidy,                             Properties may receive points for
                                                    and/or THPO where the off-farm labor                    if the value changes during the 5 year                         energy initiatives in the categories of
                                                    housing project is located, signed by                   calculation, the applicant must use the                        energy conservation, energy generation,
                                                    their designee will serve as evidence of                lower of the non-Rural Development                             water conservation and green property
                                                    compliance.                                             tenant subsidy to calculate per unit cost                      management. Depending on the scope of
                                                                                                            savings. For example, a 10-unit property                       work (SOW), properties may earn
                                                    D. Pre-Application Review Information                   with 100 percent designated farm labor                         ‘‘energy initiative’’ points (up to a
                                                      1. Selection Criteria. Section 514 FLH                housing units receiving $20,000 per year                       maximum of 70 points) in either one of
                                                    loan funds and Section 516 FLH grant                    non-Rural Development subsidy yields a                         two categories: 1) New Construction or
                                                    funds will be distributed to States based               cost savings of $100,000 ($20,000 × 5                          2) Purchase and Rehabilitation of an
                                                    on a national competition, as follows:                  years); resulting to a $10,000 per-unit                        Existing Non-Farm Labor Housing
                                                      (a) Rural Development State Office                    cost savings ($100,000/10 units).                              Building. Projects will be eligible for
                                                    will accept, review, and score pre-                        Use the following table to apply                            one category of the two, but not both.
                                                    applications in accordance with this                    points:                                                           Energy programs including LEED for
                                                    Notice. The scoring factors are:                                                                                       Homes, Green Communities, etc., will
                                                      (1) The presence of construction cost                       Per-unit cost savings                      Points        each have an initial checklist indicating
                                                    savings, including donated land and                                                                                    prerequisites for participation in its
                                                    construction leverage assistance, for the               Above $15,000 .....................                       50   energy program. The applicable energy
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                                                    units that will serve program-eligible                  $10,001–$15,000 ..................                        35   program checklist will establish
                                                                                                            $7,501–$10,000 ....................                       20
                                                    tenants. The savings will be calculated                 $5,001–$7,500 ......................                      15
                                                                                                                                                                           whether prerequisites for the energy
                                                    as a percentage of the Rural                            $3,501–$5,000 ......................                      10   program’s participation will be met. All
                                                    Development TDC. The percentage                         $2,001–$3,500 ......................                       5   checklists must be accompanied by a
                                                    calculation excludes any costs                          $1,000–$2,000 ......................                       2   signed affidavit by the project architect
                                                    prohibited by Rural Development as                                                                                     or engineer stating that the goals are
                                                    loan expenses, such as a developer’s fee.                 (3) Percent of units for seasonal,                           achievable and the project has been
                                                    Construction cost savings includes, but                 temporary, migrant housing. (10 points                         enrolled in these programs if enrollment


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                                                    1616                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / Notices

                                                    is applicable to that program. In                       certification that the applicant plans                 municipality program, will receive an
                                                    addition, projects that apply for points                will achieve in their certification:                   additional 2 points. The applicant
                                                    under the energy generation category                       • LEED for Homes program by the                     should be aware of and look for
                                                    must include calculations of savings of                 United States Green Building Council                   additional requirements that are
                                                    energy. Compare property energy usage                   (USGBC): http://www.usgbc.org.                         sometimes embedded in the third-party
                                                    of three scenarios: (1) Property built to               —Certified Level (30 points), OR                       program’s rating and verification
                                                    required code of State with no                          —Silver Level (35 points), OR                          systems. (2 points)
                                                    renewables, to (2) property as-designed                 —Gold Level (40 points), OR                               (iii) Energy Generation (maximum 7
                                                    with commitments to stated energy                       —Platinum Level (45 points)                            points). Pre-applications for new
                                                    conservation programs without the use                      Applicant must state the level of                   construction or purchase and
                                                    of renewables and (3) property as-                      certification that the applicant’s plans               rehabilitation of non-program multi-
                                                    designed with commitments to stated                     will achieve in their certification in its             family projects which participate in the
                                                    energy conservation programs and the                    pre-application.                                       above mentioned programs and receive
                                                    use of proposed renewables. Use local                   OR                                                     at least 20 points in the point
                                                    average metrics for weather and utility                    • Home Innovation’s and The                         allocations above are eligible to earn
                                                    costs and detail savings in kWh and                     National Association of Home Builders                  additional points for installation of on-
                                                    dollars. Provide payback calculations.                  (NAHB) ICC 700 National Green                          site renewable energy sources. Energy
                                                    These calculations must be done by a                    Building Standard TM: http://                          analysis of preliminary building plans
                                                    licensed engineer or credentialed                       www.nahb.org/.                                         using industry-recognized simulation
                                                    renewable energy provider. Include                      —Green-Bronze Level (30 points), OR                    software must document the projected
                                                    with application, the provider/                         —Silver Level (35 points), OR                          total energy consumption of all of the
                                                    engineer’s credentials including                        —Gold Level (40 points), OR                            building components and building site
                                                    qualifications, recommendations, and                    —Emerald Level (45 points).                            usage. Projects with an energy analysis
                                                    proof of previous work. The checklist,                     Applicant must state the level of                   of the preliminary or rehabilitation
                                                    affidavit, calculations and qualifications              certification that the applicant’s plans               building plans that propose a 10 percent
                                                    of engineer/energy provider must be                     will achieve in their certification in its             to 100 percent energy generation
                                                    submitted together with the loan                        pre-application.                                       commitment (where generation is
                                                    application.                                                                                                   considered to be the total amount of
                                                       Enrollment in EPA Portfolio Manager                  AND
                                                                                                                                                                   energy needed to be generated on-site to
                                                    Program. All projects awarded scoring                      • Participation in the Department of                make the building a net-zero consumer
                                                    points for energy initiatives must enroll               Energy’s Zero Energy Ready program. (8                 of energy) will be awarded points as
                                                    the project in the EPA Portfolio Manager                points) http://www.energy.gov/eere/                    follows:
                                                    program to track post-construction                      buildings/zero-energy-ready-home.                         • 0 to 9 percent commitment to
                                                    energy consumption data. More                           AND                                                    energy generation receives 0 points
                                                    information about this program may be                      • Participation in local green/energy                  • 10 to 20 percent commitment to
                                                    found at: http://www.energystar.gov/                    efficient building standards. Applicants               energy generation receives 1 point
                                                    buildings/facility-owners-and-                          who participate in a city, county or                      • 21 to 40 percent commitment to
                                                    managers/existing-buildings/use-                        municipality program, will receive an                  energy generation receives 2 points
                                                    portfolio-manager.                                      additional 2 points.                                      • 41 to 60 percent commitment to
                                                       (i) Energy Conservation for New                         (ii) Energy Conservation for                        energy generation receives 3 points
                                                    Construction or Purchase and                            Rehabilitation (maximum 55 points).                       • 61 to 80 percent commitment to
                                                    Rehabilitation of an Existing Non-Farm                  Pre-applications for the purchase and                  energy generation receives 4 points
                                                    Labor Housing Building (maximum 55                      rehabilitation of non-program MFH and                     • 81–100 percent or more
                                                    points). Projects may be eligible for up                related facilities in rural areas may be               commitment to energy generation
                                                    to 55 points when the pre-application                   eligible to receive 55 points when the                 receives 5 points
                                                    includes a written certification by the                 pre-application includes a written                        Projects may participate in Power
                                                    applicant to participate and achieve                    certification by the applicant to                      Purchase Agreements or Solar Leases to
                                                    certification in the following energy                   participate in one of the following                    achieve their on-site renewable energy
                                                    efficiency programs.                                    energy efficiency programs. Again, the                 generation goals provided that the
                                                       The points will be allocated as                      certification must be accompanied by a                 financial obligations of the lease/
                                                    follows:                                                signed affidavit by the project architect
                                                       • Participation in the EPA’s Energy                                                                         purchase agreements are clearly
                                                                                                            or engineer stating that the goals are                 documented and included in the
                                                    Star for Homes V3 program. (20 points)                  achievable. Points will be award as
                                                    http://www.energystar.gov/                                                                                     application, and qualifying ratios
                                                                                                            follows:                                               continue to be achieved.
                                                    index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.pt_                       • Participation in the Green
                                                    bldr.                                                                                                             An additional (2) points will be
                                                                                                            Communities program by the Enterprise                  awarded for off-grid systems, or
                                                    OR                                                      Community Partners (53 points) http://
                                                       • Participation in the Green                                                                                elements of systems, provided that at
                                                                                                            www.enterprisecommunity.com/                           least 5 percent of on-site renewable
                                                    Communities program by the Enterprise                   solutions-and-innovation/enterprise-
                                                    Community Partners. (30 points) http://                                                                        system is off-grid. See www.dsireusa.org
                                                                                                            green-communities. At least 30 percent                 for State and local specific incentives
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                                                    www.enterprisecommunity.com/                            of the points needed to qualify for the
                                                    solutions-and-innovation/enterprise-                                                                           and regulations of energy initiatives.
                                                                                                            Green Communities program must be                         (iv) Water Conservation in Irrigation
                                                    green-communities.                                      earned under the Energy Efficiency
                                                    OR                                                                                                             Measures (maximum 3 points). Projects
                                                       • Participation in one of the following              section of Green Communities.                          may be awarded 3 points for the use of
                                                    two programs will be awarded points for                 AND                                                    an engineered recycled water (gray
                                                    certification.                                             • Participation in local green/energy               water or storm water) for landscape
                                                       Note: Each program has four levels of                efficient building standards. Applicants               irrigation covering 50 percent or more of
                                                    certification. State the level of                       who participate in a city, county or                   the property’s site landscaping needs.


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                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / Notices                                                   1617

                                                      (v) Property Management Credentials                   E. Federal Award Administration                        public assistance program. Political
                                                    (maximum 5 points). Projects may be                     Information                                            beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior
                                                    awarded an additional 5 points if the                                                                          civil rights activity, in any program or
                                                                                                            1. Federal Award Notices
                                                    designated property management                                                                                 activity conducted or funded by USDA
                                                    company or individuals that will                           Loan applicants must submit their                   (not all bases apply to all programs).
                                                    assume maintenance and operations                       initial applications by the due date                   Remedies and complaint filing
                                                    responsibilities upon completion of                     specified in this Notice. Once the                     deadlines vary by program or incident.
                                                    construction work have a Credential for                 applications have been scored and
                                                    Green Property Management.                              ranked by the National Office, the                        Persons with disabilities who require
                                                    Credentialing can be obtained from the                  National Office will advise State Offices              alternative means of communication for
                                                    National Apartment Association (NAA),                   of the proposals selected for further                  program information (e.g., Braille, large
                                                    National Affordable Housing                             processing, State Offices will respond to              print, audiotape, American Sign
                                                    Management Association, the Institute                   applicants by letter.                                  Language, etc.) should contact the
                                                    for Real Estate Management, U.S. Green                     If the application is not accepted for              responsible Agency or USDA’s TARTET
                                                    Building Council’s Leadership in Energy                 further processing, the applicant will be              Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and
                                                    and Environmental Design for                            notified of appeal rights under 7 CFR                  TTY) or contact USDA through the
                                                    Operations and Maintenance (LEED                        part 11.                                               Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339.
                                                    OM), or another source with a certifiable               2. Administrative and National Policy                  Additionally, program information may
                                                    credentialing program. Credentialing                                                                           be made available in languages other
                                                    must be illustrated in the resume(s) of                    All Farm Labor Housing loans and                    than English.
                                                    the property management team and                        grants are subject to the restrictive-use
                                                                                                            provisions contained in 7 CFR                             To file a program discrimination
                                                    included with the pre-application.                                                                             complaint, complete the USDA Program
                                                                                                            3560.72(a) (2).
                                                      The National Office will rank all pre-                                                                       Discrimination Complaint Form, AD–
                                                    applications nationwide and distribute                  3. Reporting                                           3027, found online at: http://
                                                    funds to States in rank order, within                      Borrowers must maintain separate                    www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_
                                                    funding and RA limits. When proposals                   financial records for the operation and                cust.html, and at any USDA office or
                                                    have an equal score, preference will be                 maintenance of the project and for                     write a letter addressed to USDA and
                                                    given first to Indian tribes as defined in              tenant services. Tenant services will not              provide in the letter all of the
                                                    § 3560.11 and then local non-profit                     be funded by Rural Development. Funds                  information requested in the form. To
                                                    organizations or public bodies whose                    allocated to the operation and                         request a copy of a complaint form, call,
                                                    principal purposes include low-income                   maintenance of the project may not be
                                                    housing that meet the conditions of                                                                            (866) 632–9992. Submit your completed
                                                                                                            used to supplement the cost of tenant                  form or letter to USDA by:
                                                    § 3560.55(c) and the following                          services, nor may tenant service funds
                                                    conditions:                                             be used to supplement the project                        (1) Mail: U.S. Department of
                                                      • Is exempt from Federal income                       operation and maintenance. Detailed                    Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
                                                    taxes under section 501(c)(3) or                        financial reports regarding tenant                     Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400
                                                    501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue code;                 services will not be required unless                   Independence Avenue SW.,
                                                      • Is not wholly or partially owned or                 specifically requested by Rural                        Washington, DC 20250–9410;
                                                    controlled by a for-profit or limited-                  Development, and then only to the                         (2) Fax: (202) 690–7442; or
                                                    profit type entity;                                     extent necessary for Rural Development
                                                                                                                                                                      (3) Email at: program.intake@
                                                      • Whose members, or the entity, do                    and the borrower to discuss the
                                                                                                                                                                   usda.gov.
                                                    not share an identity of interest with a                affordability (and competitiveness) of
                                                    for-profit or limited-profit type entity;               the service provided to the tenant. The                   USDA is an equal opportunity
                                                                                                            project audit, or verification of accounts             provider, employer, and lender.
                                                      • Is not co-venturing with another
                                                    entity; and                                             on Form RD 3560–10, ‘‘Borrower                            Exceptions to Including the Full
                                                                                                            Balance Sheet,’’ together with an                      USDA Non-Discrimination Statement.
                                                      • The entity or its members will not
                                                                                                            accompanying Form RD 3560–7,
                                                    be receiving any direct or indirect                                                                               If the size of the material to too small
                                                                                                            ‘‘Multiple Family Housing Project
                                                    benefits pursuant to Low Income                                                                                to include the full statement, the
                                                                                                            Budget Utility Allowance,’’ must
                                                    Housing Tax Credits.                                                                                           material will at a minimum, include the
                                                                                                            allocate revenue and expense between
                                                      If there are two or more applications                 project operations and the service                     following statement in print in the same
                                                    that have the same score and both                       component.                                             size as the text:
                                                    cannot be funded, a lottery in                                                                                    ‘‘USDA is an equal opportunity
                                                    accordance with 7 CFR 3560.56(c)(2)                     F. Equal Opportunity and Non-
                                                                                                            Discrimination Requirements                            provider, employer, and lender.’’ Where
                                                    will be used to break the tie. If
                                                                                                                                                                   appropriate, a recipient may state:
                                                    insufficient funds or RA remain for the                    In accordance with Federal civil
                                                    next ranked proposal, that applicant                    rights law and U.S. Department of                         ‘‘This institution in an equal
                                                    will be given a chance to modify their                  Agriculture (USDA) civil rights                        opportunity provider.’’
                                                    pre-application to bring it within                      regulations and policies, the USDA, its                  Dated: January 4, 2016.
                                                    remaining funding levels. This will be                  Agencies, offices, and employees, and
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                                                                                                                                                                   Tony Hernandez,
                                                    repeated for each next ranked eligible                  institutions participating in or                       Administrator, Housing and Community
                                                    proposal until an award can be made or                  administering USDA programs are                        Facilities Programs.
                                                    the list is exhausted.                                  prohibited from discriminating based on
                                                                                                                                                                   [FR Doc. 2016–00483 Filed 1–12–16; 8:45 am]
                                                      Rural Development will notify all                     race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
                                                                                                                                                                   BILLING CODE 3410–XV–P
                                                    applicants whether their applications                   gender identity (including gender
                                                    have been accepted or rejected and                      expression), sexual orientation,
                                                    provide appeal rights under 7 CFR part                  disability, age, marital status, family/
                                                    11, as appropriate.                                     parental status, income derived from a


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Document Created: 2016-01-13 01:01:09
Document Modified: 2016-01-13 01:01:09
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
DatesThe deadline for receipt of all applications in response to this Notice is 5:00 p.m., local time to the appropriate Rural Development State Office on April 12, 2016. Rural Development will not consider any application that is received after the deadline unless the date and time is extended by another Notice published in the Federal Register. Applicants intending to mail applications must provide sufficient time to permit delivery on or before the deadline. Acceptance by a post office or private mailer does not constitute delivery. Facsimile (FAX) and postage due applications will not be accepted.
ContactMirna Reyes-Bible, Finance and Loan Analyst, Multi-Family Housing Preservation and Direct Loan Division, STOP 0781 (Room 1263-S), USDA Rural Development, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0781, telephone: (202) 720-1753 (this is not a toll free number), or via email: [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 1611 

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