81 FR 32286 - Request for Proposals: Farm Labor Housing Technical Assistance Grants

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Housing Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 99 (May 23, 2016)

This Request for Proposal (RFP) announces an availability of funds and the timeframe to submit proposals for Farm Labor Housing Technical Assistance (FLH-TA) grants. Section 516(i) of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended (Act), authorizes the Rural Housing Service (RHS) to provide financial assistance (grants) to eligible private and public non-profit agencies to encourage the development of domestic and migrant farm labor housing projects. This RFP requests proposals from qualified private and public non-profit agencies to provide technical assistance to groups who qualify for FLH loans and grants. Work performed under these grants is expected to result in an increased submission of quality applications for FLH loans and grants under the Section 514 and Section 516 programs and as a result an increase in the availability of decent, safe, and sanitary housing for farm laborers.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 99 (Monday, May 23, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32286-32289]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-12068]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service


Request for Proposals: Farm Labor Housing Technical Assistance 
Grants

AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This Request for Proposal (RFP) announces an availability of 
funds and the timeframe to submit proposals for Farm Labor Housing 
Technical Assistance (FLH-TA) grants. Section 516(i) of the Housing Act 
of 1949, as amended (Act), authorizes the Rural Housing Service (RHS) 
to provide financial assistance (grants) to eligible private and public 
non-profit agencies to encourage the development of domestic and 
migrant farm labor housing projects. This RFP requests proposals from 
qualified private and public non-profit agencies to provide technical 
assistance to groups who qualify for FLH loans and grants.
    Work performed under these grants is expected to result in an 
increased submission of quality applications for FLH loans and grants 
under the Section 514 and Section 516 programs and as a result an 
increase in the availability of decent, safe, and sanitary housing for 
farm laborers.

DATES: The deadline for receipt of all applications in response to this 
RFP is 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on July 22, 2016. The 
application closing deadline is firm as to date and hour. RHS will not 
consider any application that is received after the closing deadline. 
Applicants intending to mail applications must provide sufficient time 
to permit delivery on or before the closing deadline. Acceptance by a 
post office or private mailer does not constitute delivery. Facsimile 
(FAX), Cash on Delivery (COD), and postage due applications will not be 
accepted.

ADDRESSES: Applications should be submitted to the USDA--Rural Housing 
Service; Attention: Mirna Reyes-Bible, Finance and Loan Analyst, Multi-
Family Housing Preservation and Direct Loan Division, STOP 0781 (Room 
1243-S), USDA Rural Development, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-0781. RHS will date and time stamp incoming 
applications to evidence timely receipt and, upon request, will provide 
the applicant with a written acknowledgement of receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mirna Reyes-Bible, Finance and Loan 
Analyst, Multi-Family Housing Preservation and Direct Loan Division, 
STOP 0781 (Room 1243-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 Information

    Federal Agency Name: Rural Housing Service.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Request for Proposals (RFP): Farm Labor 
Housing Technical Assistance Grants.
    Announcement Type: Initial Announcement.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 10.405.
    Dates: The deadline for receipt of all applications in response to 
this RFP is 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on July 22, 2016. The 
application closing deadline is firm as to date and hour. RHS will not 
consider any application that is received after the closing deadline. 
Applicants intending to mail applications must provide sufficient time 
to permit delivery on or before the closing deadline. Acceptance by a 
post office or private mailer does not constitute delivery. Facsimile 
(FAX), COD, and postage due applications will not be accepted.

I. Program Description

    The technical assistance grants authorized under Section 516 of the 
Act are for the purpose of encouraging the development of domestic and 
migrant FLH projects under Sections 514 and 516 of the Act. RHS 
regulations for Section 514 and Section 516 FLH program are published 
at 7 CFR part 3560. Further requirements for technical assistance 
grants can be found at 7 CFR part 3560, subpart L. Proposals must 
demonstrate the capacity to provide the intended technical assistance.

[[Page 32287]]

II. Award Information

    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. RHS intends to award one grant for each of three 
geographic regions listed below. When establishing the three regions, 
and amount of funding available for each region, consideration was 
given to such factors as farmworker migration patterns and the 
similarity of agricultural products and labor needs within certain 
areas of the United States. A single applicant may submit grant 
proposals for more than one region; however, separate proposals must be 
submitted for each region.
    Eastern Region: AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, 
NC, OH, PA, PR, RI, SC, TN, VI, VT, VA, and WV.
    Central Region: AR, IL, IA, KS, LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE., ND, OK, 
SD, TX, NM, and WI.
    Western Region: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY, 
Pacific Territories, and Regions
    The RHS has the authority under the Act to utilize up to 10 percent 
of its Section 516 appropriations for FLH-TA grants. The disbursement 
of grant funds during the grant period will be contingent upon the 
applicant making progress in meeting the minimum performance 
requirements as described in the Scope of Work section of this Notice, 
and the Grant Agreement including, but not limited to, the submission 
of loan application packages.

III. Eligibility Information

    Eligible Applicants: Eligibility for grants under this Notice is 
limited to private and public non-profit agencies. Applicants must have 
the knowledge, ability, technical expertise, or practical experience 
necessary to develop and package loan and grant applications for FLH 
under the Section 514 and Section 516 programs (see Section IV. 
Application and Submission Information). In addition, applicants must 
possess the ability to exercise leadership, organize work, and 
prioritize assignments to meet work demands in a timely and cost 
efficient manner. The applicant may arrange for other non-profit 
agencies to provide services on its behalf; however, the RHS will 
expect the applicant to provide the overall management necessary to 
ensure the objectives of the grant are met. Non-profit agencies acting 
on behalf of the applicant must also meet the eligibility requirements 
stated above.
    Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost sharing is not applicable to this 
program.

Minimum Performance Requirements

    (1) Applicants shall conduct outreach to broad-based non-profit 
organizations, non-profit organizations of farmworkers, federally 
recognized Indian tribes, agencies or political subdivisions of State 
or local Government, public agencies (such as housing authorities) and 
other eligible FLH organizations to further the Section 514 and Section 
516 FLH programs. Outreach will consist of a minimum of 12 
informational presentations to the general public annually to inform 
them about the Section 514 Section and 516 FLH programs.
    (2) Applicants shall conduct at least 12 one-on-one meetings 
annually with groups who are interested in applying for FLH loans or 
grants and assist such groups with the loan and grant application 
process.
    (3) Applicants shall assist loan and grant applicants secure 
funding from other sources for the purpose of leveraging those funds 
with RHS funds.
    (4) Applicants shall provide technical assistance during the 
development and construction phase of FLH proposals selected for 
funding.
    (5) When submitting a grant proposal, applicants need not identify 
the geographic location of the places they intend to target for their 
outreach activities, however, applicants must commit to targeting at 
least five areas within the grant proposal's region. All targeted areas 
must be distinct market areas and not be overlapping. At least four of 
the targeted areas must be in different States. If the proposal is 
selected for funding, the applicant will be required to consult with 
each Rural Development State Director in the proposal's region for the 
purpose of developing their list of targeted areas. When determining 
which areas to target, consideration will be given to (a) the total 
number of farmworkers in the area, (b) the number of farmworkers in 
that area who lack adequate housing, (c) the percentage of the total 
number of farmworkers that are without adequate housing, and (d) areas 
which have not recently had a Section 514 or Section 516 loan or grant 
funded for new construction. In addition, if selected for funding, the 
applicant will be required to revise their Statement of Work to 
identify the geographic location of the targeted areas and will submit 
their revised Statement of Work to the National Office approval. When 
submitted for approval, the applicant must also submit a summary of 
their consultation with the Rural Development State Directors. At grant 
closing, the revised Statement of Work will be attached to, and become 
a part of, the grant agreement.
    (6) During the grant period, each applicant must submit a minimum 
number of loan application packages to the Agency for funding 
consideration. The minimum number shall be the greater of (a) at least 
nine loan application packages for the Eastern and Western Regions and 
at least seven for the Central Region or, (b) a total number of loan 
application packages that is equal to 70 percent of the number of areas 
the applicant's proposal committed to targeting. Fractional percentages 
shall be rounded up to the next whole number. For example, if the 
applicant's proposal committed to targeting 13 areas, then the 
applicant must submit at least 10 loan application packages during the 
grant period (13 areas x 70 percent = 9.1 rounded up to 10). The 
disbursement of grant funds during the grant period will be contingent 
upon the applicant making progress in meeting this minimum performance 
requirement. More than one application package for the same market area 
will not be considered unless the applicant submits documentation of 
the need for more than one FLH facility.
    (7) Provide training to applicants of FLH loans and grants to 
assist them in their ability to manage FLH.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    Intergovernmental Review. The Technical Assistant program is not 
subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, which require 
intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. Expenses 
incurred in applying for this Notice will be borne by and be at the 
applicant's risk.
    The application process will be in two phases; the initial 
application (or proposal) and the submission of a formal application. 
Only those proposals that are selected for funding will be invited to 
submit formal applications. All proposals must include the following:
    (1) A summary page listing the following items. This information 
should be double-spaced between items and not be in narrative form.
    a. Applicant's name,
    b. Applicant's Taxpayer Identification Number,
    c. Applicant's address,
    d. Applicant's telephone number,
    e. Name of applicant's contact person, telephone number, and 
address,

[[Page 32288]]

    f. Amount of grant requested,
    g. The FLH-TA grant region for which the proposal is submitted 
(i.e., Eastern, Central, or Western Region), and
    h. Address unique entity identifier and System for Award Management 
(SAM). As part of the application, all applicants, except for 
individuals or agencies excepted under 2 CFR 25.110(d), must be: (1) 
Registered in the System for Award Management (SAM); (2) provide a 
valid unique entity identifier in its applications; and (3) maintain an 
active SAM registration with current information at all times during 
which it has an active Federal award or application. An award may not 
be made to the applicant until the applicant has complied with the 
unique entity identifier and SAM requirements.
    (2) A narrative describing the applicant's ability to meet the 
eligibility requirements stated in this Notice. If the applicant 
intends to have other agencies working on their behalf, the narrative 
must identify those agencies and address their ability to meet the 
stated eligibility requirements.
    (3) A detailed Statement of Work covering a 3-year period that 
contains measurable monthly and annual accomplishments. The applicant's 
Statement of Work is a critical component of the selection process. The 
Statement of Work must include an outreach component describing the 
applicant's activities to inform potentially eligible groups about the 
Section 514 and Section 516 FLH program. The outreach component must 
include a schedule of their planned outreach activities and must be 
included in a manner so that performance can be measured. In addition, 
the outreach activities must be coordinated with the appropriate RHS 
State Office and meet the minimum performance requirements as stated in 
the Scope of Work section of this Notice. The Statement of Work must 
state how many areas the applicant will target for their outreach 
activities (Note: If selected for funding, the applicant will be 
required to revise their Statement of Work, after consultation with 
Rural Development State Directors, to identify the areas that will be 
targeted). The Statement of Work must also include a component for 
training organizations on the application process and the long-term 
management of FLH. The Statement of Work will also describe the 
applicant's plans to access other funding for the development and 
construction of FLH and their experience in obtaining such funding. The 
Statement of Work must describe any duties or activities that will be 
performed by other agencies on behalf of the applicant.
    (4) An organizational plan that includes a staffing chart complete 
with name, job title, salary, hours, timelines, and descriptions of 
employee duties to achieve the objectives of the grant program.
    (5) Organizational documents and financial statements to evidence 
the applicant's status as a properly organized private or public non-
profit agency and the financial ability to carry out the objectives of 
the grant program. If other agencies will be working on behalf of the 
applicant, working agreements between the applicant and those agencies 
must be submitted as part of the proposal and any associated cost must 
be included in the applicant's budget. Organizational and financial 
statements must also be submitted as part of the application for any 
agencies that will be working on behalf of the applicant to document 
the eligibility of those organizations.
    (6) A detailed budget plan projecting the monthly and annual 
expenses the applicant will incur. Costs will be limited to those that 
are allowed under 2 CFR part 200.
    (7) To insure that funds are equitably distributed and that there 
is no duplication of efforts on related projects, all applicants are to 
submit a list of projects they are currently involved with, whether 
publicly or privately supported, that are or may be, related to the 
objectives of this grant. In addition, the same disclosure must be 
provided for any agencies that will be working on behalf of the 
applicant.
    (8) The applicant must include a narrative describing its 
knowledge, demonstrated ability, or practical experience in providing 
training and technical assistance to applicants of loans or grants for 
the development of multi-family or farmworker housing. The applicant 
must identify the type of assistance that was applied for (loan or 
grant, tax credits, leveraged funding, etc.), the number of times they 
have provided such assistance, and the success ratio of their 
applications. In addition, information must be provided concerning the 
number of housing units, their size, their design, and the amount of 
grant and loan funds that were secured.
    (9) A narrative describing the applicant's knowledge and 
demonstrated ability in estimating development and construction costs 
of multi-family or farm labor housing and for obtaining the necessary 
permits and clearances.
    (10) A narrative describing the applicant's ability and experience 
in overcoming community opposition to FLH and describing the methods 
and techniques that they will use to overcome any such opposition, 
should it occur.
    (11) A separate one-page information sheet listing each of the 
``Application Scoring Criteria'' contained in this Notice, followed by 
the page numbers of all relevant material and documentation that is 
contained in the proposal that supports these criteria.

V. Application Review Information

    The initial application (or proposal) evaluation process designed 
for this RFP will consist of two phases. The first phase will evaluate 
the applicant's Statement of Work and the degree to which it sets forth 
measurable objectives that are consistent with the objectives of FLH-TA 
grant program. The second phase will evaluate the applicant's knowledge 
and ability to provide the management necessary for carrying out a FLH-
TA grant program. Proposals will only compete against other proposals 
within the same region. Selection points will be awarded as follows:

Phase I--Statement of Work

    The Statement of Work will be evaluated to determine the degree to 
which it outlines efficient and measurable monthly and annual outcomes 
as follows:
    a. The minimum performance requirements of this Notice require that 
the applicant commit to targeting at least five areas (at least four of 
which are in different States). The more areas the applicant commits to 
targeting, the more scoring points they will be awarded. As stated 
earlier in this Notice, the more areas the applicant commits to the 
more loan application packages must be submitted. The amount will be 
established in the Statement of Work. The number of areas within the 
region that the applicant has committed to targeting for outreach 
activities:

(1) 5-7 targeted areas: 0 points
(2) 8 targeted areas: 5 points
(3) 9-10 targeted areas: 10 points
(4) 11-12 targeted areas: 15 points
(5) 13 or more areas: 20 points

    a. RHS wants the applicant to cover as much of the grant region as 
possible. RHS does not want the applicant's efforts to be concentrated 
in a limited number of States. For this reason, additional points will 
be awarded to grant proposals that target areas in more than four 
States (the minimum requirement is four). Applications only compete 
within their grant region. The grant proposal commits to targeting 
areas in the following number of States:


[[Page 32289]]


(1) 4 States: 0 points
(2) 5 States: 5 points
(3) 6 States: 10 points
(4) 7 States: 15 points
(5) More than 7 States: 20 points

Phase II--Project Management

    a. The number of successful multi-family or FLH loan or grant 
applications the applicant entity has assisted in developing and 
packaging:

(1) 0-5 applications: 0 points
(2) 6-10 applications: 10 points
(3) 11-15 applications: 20 points
(4) 16 or more applications: 30 points

    b. The number of groups seeking loans or grants for the development 
of multi-family or FLH projects that the applicant entity has provided 
training and technical assistance.

(1) 0-5 groups: 0 points
(2) 6-10 groups: 5 points
(3) 11-15 groups: 10 points
(4) 16 or more groups: 15 points

    c. The number of multi-family or FLH projects for which the 
applicant entity has assisted in estimating development and 
construction costs and obtaining the necessary permits and clearances:

(1) 0-5 projects: 0 points
(2) 6-10 projects: 5 points
(3) 11-15 projects: 10 points
(4) 16 or more projects: 15 points

    d. The number of times the applicant entity has encountered 
community opposition and was able to overcome that opposition so that 
farm labor housing was successfully developed.

(1) 0-2 times: 0 points
(2) 2-5 times: 5 points
(3) 6-10 times: 10 points
(4) 11 or more times: 15 points

    e. The number of times the applicant entity has been able to 
leverage funding from two or more sources for the development of a 
multi-family or FLH project.

(1) 0-5 times: 0 points
(2) 6-10 times: 5 points
(3) 11-15 times: 10 points
(4) 16 or more times: 15 points

    f. The number of FLH projects that the applicant entity has 
assisted with on-going management (i.e., rent-up, maintenance, etc.):

(1) 0-5 FLH projects: 0 points
(2) 6-10 FLH projects: 5 points
(3) 11-15 FLH projects: 10 points
(4) 16 or more FLH projects: 15 points

    The National Office will rank all pre-applications by region and 
distribute funds to the regions in rank order and within funding 
limits.
    Tie Breakers--In the event two or more proposals within a region 
are scored with an equal amount of points, selections will be made in 
the following order:
    (1) If an applicant has already had a proposal selected, their 
proposal will not be selected.
    (2) If all or none of the applicants with equivalent scores have 
already had a proposal selected, the lowest cost proposal will be 
selected.
    (3) If two or more proposals have equivalent scores, all or none of 
the applicants have already had a proposal selected, and the cost is 
the same, a proposal will be selected by a random lottery drawing.
    RHS will notify all applicants whether their pre-applications have 
been accepted or rejected and provide appeal rights under 7 CFR part 
11, as appropriate.
    Reporting. Post-award reporting requirements can be found in the 
Grant Agreement.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The reporting requirements contained in this Notice have been 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Control 
Number 0575-0181.

Non-Discrimination Requirements

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination in all 
of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national 
origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, 
familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, 
political beliefs, genetic information, reprisal, or because all or 
part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance 
program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with 
disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program 
information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact 
USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
    To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant 
Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil 
Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 9410, Washington, DC 20250-
9410, or call toll free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 
(TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal--Relay) or (800) 845-6136 
(Spanish Federal--Relay). ``USDA is an equal opportunity provider, 
employer, and lender.''

    Dated: May 13, 2016.
Tony Hernandez,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-12068 Filed 5-20-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P