82_FR_4977 82 FR 4967 - Loan Guaranty: Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program

82 FR 4967 - Loan Guaranty: Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 10 (January 17, 2017)

Page Range4967-4971
FR Document2017-00797

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing the availability of funds for the Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology (SAHAT) Grant Program for fiscal year (FY) 2017. The objective of the grant is to encourage the development of new assistive technologies for specially adapted housing. This Notice is intended to provide applicants with the information necessary to apply for the SAHAT Grant Program. Registration will be available at www.Grants.gov. VA strongly recommends referring to the Loan Guaranty--Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program final rule (38 CFR 36.4412) in conjunction with this Notice. The registration process described within this Notice applies only to applicants who will register to submit project applications for FY 2017 SAHAT Grant Program funds.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 10 (Tuesday, January 17, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 17, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4967-4971]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-00797]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Loan Guaranty: Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology 
Grant Program

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing the 
availability of funds for the Specially Adapted Housing Assistive 
Technology (SAHAT) Grant Program for fiscal year (FY) 2017. The 
objective of the grant is to encourage the development of new assistive 
technologies for specially adapted housing.
    This Notice is intended to provide applicants with the information 
necessary to apply for the SAHAT Grant Program. Registration will be 
available at www.Grants.gov. VA strongly recommends referring to the 
Loan Guaranty--Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant 
Program final rule (38 CFR 36.4412) in conjunction with this Notice. 
The registration process described within this Notice applies only to 
applicants who will register to submit project applications for FY 2017 
SAHAT Grant Program funds.

DATES: Applications for the SAHAT Grant Program must be submitted via 
www.Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 26, 2017. The 
SAHAT Grant Program application package for funding opportunity, VA-
SAHAT-17-02, is available through www.Grants.gov and is listed as VA-
Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program. 
Applications may not be sent by mail, email or facsimile. All 
application materials must be in a format compatible with the 
www.Grants.gov application submission tool. Applications must arrive as 
a complete package. Materials arriving separately will not be included 
in the application package for consideration and may result in the 
application being rejected. Technical assistance with the preparation 
of an initial SAHAT Grant Program application is available by 
contacting the program official listed below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bryant Lacey (Program Manager), 
Specially Adapted Housing Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 
Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, (202) 632-8955 (not a toll-
free number).
    Dated: January 17, 2017.
    Full Text of Announcement: This Notice is divided into eight 
sections. Section I provides a summary of and

[[Page 4968]]

background information on the SAHAT Grant Program as well as the 
statutory authority, desired outcomes, funding priorities, definitions, 
and delegation of authority. Section II provides award information, 
funding availability, and the anticipated start date of the SAHAT Grant 
Program. Section III provides detailed information on eligibility and 
the threshold criteria for submitting an application. Section IV 
provides detailed application and submission information, including how 
to request an application, application content, and submission dates 
and times. Section V describes the review process, scoring criteria, 
and selection process. Section VI provides award administration 
information such as award notices and reporting requirements. Section 
VII provides agency contacts. Section VIII provides additional 
information related to the SAHAT Grant Program. This Notice includes 
citations from 38 CFR part 36, which applicants and stakeholders are 
expected to read to increase their knowledge and understanding of the 
SAHAT Grant Program.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Program Description

A. Summary

    Pursuant to the Veterans' Benefit Act of 2010, the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs (Secretary), through the Loan Guaranty Service (LGY) 
of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), is authorized to provide 
grants of financial assistance to develop new assistive technology. The 
objective of the grant, known as the Specially Adapted Housing 
Assistive Technology (SAHAT) Grant Program, is to encourage the 
development of new assistive technologies for adapted housing.

B. Background

    LGY currently administers the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) 
Program. Through this program, LGY provides funds to eligible veterans 
and servicemembers with certain service-connected disabilities to help 
purchase or construct an adapted home, or modify an existing home, to 
allow them to live more independently. Currently, most SAH adaptations 
involve structural modifications such as ramps, wider hallways and 
doorways, roll-in showers and other accessible bathroom features, etc. 
For more information about the SAH Program, please visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp.
    VA acknowledges there are many emerging technologies that could 
improve home adaptions or otherwise enhance a veteran's or 
servicemember's ability to live independently, such as voice-
recognition and voice-command operations, living environment controls, 
and adaptive feeding equipment. Therefore, VA has defined ``new 
assistive technology'' as an advancement that the Secretary determines 
could aid or enhance the ability of a veteran or servicemember to live 
in an adapted home. SAHAT funding will support the creation of 
assistive technologies that veterans and servicemembers can use in 
order to facilitate optimal independence in their homes.

     Please Note: SAHAT funding does not support the construction or 
modification of residential dwellings for accessibility. Veterans 
and servicemembers interested in receiving assistance to adapt a 
home are encouraged to review the following factsheet: http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/factsheet/PSAS-FactSheet-Housing-Adaptation-Programs.pdf to identify Home Adaptation programs offered by VA.

C. Statutory Authority

    Public Law 111-275, the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010 (the Act), 
was enacted on October 13, 2010. Section 203 of the Act amended chapter 
21, title 38, United States Code (U.S.C.), to establish the SAHAT Grant 
Program. The Act authorized VA to provide grants of up to $200,000 per 
fiscal year, through September 30, 2016, to a ``person or entity'' for 
the development of specially adapted housing assistive technologies 
limited to $1 million, the aggregate amount of such grants VA may award 
in any fiscal year.
    On September 29, 2016, Public Law 114-228, the Department of 
Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2016 was enacted. Title 
IV, Section 409 extended the authority for VA to provide grants in the 
manner listed above, through September 30, 2017.
    Reference: 38 U.S.C. 2108 and 36 CFR 36.4412

D. Desired Outcomes and Funding Priorities

    Grantees will be expected to leverage grant funds to develop new 
assistive technologies for specially adapted housing. Pursuant to 36 
CFR 36.4412, the Secretary may establish scoring priorities based on 
the specific needs of veterans and servicemembers. For FY 2017, the 
Secretary has established innovation and unmet needs, as described in 
scoring criteria 1 and 2 contained in Section V(A) of this notice, as 
top priorities. Additional information regarding how these priorities 
will be scored is contained in Section V(A) of this notice.

E. Definitions

    Definitions of terms used in the SAHAT Grant Program are found at 
38 CFR 36.4412(b).

F. Delegation of Authority

    Pursuant to 38 CFR 36.4412(i), each VA employee appointed to or 
lawfully fulfilling any of the following positions is hereby delegated 
authority, within the limitations and conditions prescribed by law, to 
exercise the powers and functions of the Secretary with respect to the 
SAHAT Grant Program authorized by 38 U.S.C. 2108:

1. Under Secretary for Benefits
2. Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity
3. Director, Loan Guaranty Service
4. Deputy Director, Loan Guaranty Service

II. Award Information

A. Funding Availability

    The aggregate amount of assistance VA may award in any fiscal year 
is limited to $1 million. This funding will be provided as an 
assistance agreement in the form of grants. The number of assistance 
agreements VA will fund as a result of this notice will be based on the 
quality of the technology grant applications received and the 
availability of funding. However, the maximum amount of assistance a 
technology grant applicant may receive in any fiscal year is limited to 
$200,000.

B. Additional Funding Information

    Funding for these projects is not guaranteed and is subject to the 
availability of funds and the evaluation of technology grant 
applications based on the criteria in this announcement. In appropriate 
circumstances, VA reserves the right to partially fund technology grant 
applications by funding discrete portions or phases of proposed 
projects. If VA decides to partially fund a technology grant 
application, it will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any 
application or affect the basis upon which the application, or portion 
thereof, was evaluated and selected for award, and therefore maintains 
the integrity of the competition and selection process. Award of 
funding through this competition is not a guarantee of future funding. 
The SAHAT Grant Program is administered annually and does not guarantee 
subsequent awards. Renewal grants to provide new assistive technology 
will not be considered under this announcement.

[[Page 4969]]

C. Start and Close-Out Date

    The anticipated start date of grants funded under this announcement 
is April 3, 2017. Grant projects must be closed out by September 30, 
2018.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

    As authorized by 38 U.S.C. 2108, the Secretary may provide a grant 
to a ``person or entity'' for the development of specially adapted 
housing assistive technologies. In order to foster competition and best 
serve the needs of veterans and servicemembers, VA is placing no 
restrictions on the types of eligible entities, except as noted in 
Section III(C) of this notice.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

    There is no cost sharing, matching, or cost participation for the 
SAHAT Grant Program. However, leveraged resources will be considered as 
an evaluation criterion during the application review process (see 
scoring criterion 6 in Section V of this announcement). Leveraged 
resources are not included in the approved budget (outlined in the 
Standard Form 424A--BUDGET INFORMATION--Non-Construction Programs) for 
the project and need not be an eligible and allowable cost under the 
grant. Any form of proposed leveraging that is evaluated under Section 
V scoring criteria must be included in the application and the 
application must describe how the technology grant applicant will 
obtain the leveraged resources and what role VA funding will play in 
the overall project.

C. Threshold Criteria

    As stated in Section III(A), VA is placing no restrictions on the 
types of eligible entities. However, all technology grant applicants 
and applications must meet the threshold criteria set forth below. 
Failure to meet any of the following threshold criteria in the 
application will result in the automatic disqualification for funding 
consideration. Ineligible participants will be notified within 30 days 
of the finding of disqualification for award consideration based on the 
following threshold criteria:
    1. Projects funded under this notice must involve new assistive 
technologies that the Secretary determines could aid or enhance the 
ability of a veteran or servicemember to live in an adapted home.
    2. Projects funded under this notice must not be used for the 
completion of work which was to have been completed under a prior 
grant.
    3. Applications in which the technology grant applicant is 
requesting assistance funds in excess of $200,000 will not be reviewed.
    4. Applications that do not comply with the application and 
submission information provided in Section IV of this notice will be 
rejected.
    5. Applications submitted via mail, email, or facsimile will not be 
reviewed.
    6. Applications must be received through www.Grants.gov, as 
specified in Section IV of this announcement, on or before the 
application deadline, February 26, 2017. Applications received through 
www.Grants.gov after the application deadline will be considered late 
and will not be reviewed.
    7. Technology grant applicants that have an outstanding obligation 
to the Federal Government that is in arrears or have an overdue or 
unsatisfactory response to an audit will be deemed ineligible.
    8. Technology grant applicants in default by failing to meet the 
requirements for any previous Federal assistance will be deemed 
ineligible.
    9. Applications submitted by entities deemed ineligible will not be 
reviewed.
    10. Applications with project dates that extend past September 30, 
2018, will not be reviewed.
    All technology grant recipients, including individuals and entities 
formed as for-profit entities, will be subject to the rules on Uniform 
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements With Institutions 
of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Non-profit Organizations, as 
found at 2 CFR part 200. Where the Secretary determines that 2 CFR part 
200 is not applicable or where the Secretary determines that additional 
requirements are necessary due to the uniqueness of a situation, the 
Secretary will apply the same standard applicable to exceptions under 2 
CFR 200.102.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address To Request Application Package

    Technology grant applicants may download the application package 
from wwwGrants.gov. Questions regarding the application process should 
be referred to the program official: Bryant Lacey (Program Manager), 
Specially Adapted Housing Program, Bryant.Lacey@va.gov, (202) 632-8955 
(This is not a toll-free number.).

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

    The SAHAT Grant Program application package provided at 
www.Grants.gov (Funding Opportunity Number: VA-SAHAT-17-02) contains 
electronic versions of the application forms that are required. 
Additional attachments to satisfy the required application information 
may be provided; however, letters of support included with the 
application will not be reviewed. All technology grant applications 
must consist of the following:
    1. Standard Forms (SF) 424, 424A and 424B: The SF-424, SF-424A, and 
SF-424B require general information about the applicant and proposed 
project. The project budget should be described in SF-424A. Please do 
not include leveraged resources in SF-424A.
    2. VA Form 26-0967: Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion.
    3. VA Form 26-0967a: Scoring Criteria for SAH Assistive Technology 
Grants.
    4. Applications: In addition to the forms listed above, each 
technology grant application must include the following information:
    a. A project description, including the goals and objectives of the 
project, what the project is expected to achieve, and how the project 
will benefit veterans and servicemembers.
    b. An estimated schedule including the length of time (not to 
extend past September 30, 2018) needed to accomplish tasks and 
objectives for the project.
    c. A description of what the project proposes to demonstrate and 
how this new technology will aid or enhance the ability of veterans and 
servicemembers to live in an adapted home. The following link has 
additional information regarding adapted homes: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp.
    d. Each technology grant applicant is responsible for ensuring that 
the application addresses each of the scoring criteria listed in 
Section V(A) of this notice.

C. Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) and System for 
Award Management (SAM)

    Each technology grant applicant, unless the applicant is an 
individual or Federal awarding agency that is excepted from these 
requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved 
by VA under 2 CFR 25.110(d), is required to:
    1. Be registered in SAM prior to submitting an application;
    2. Provide a valid DUNS number in the application; and
    3. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current

[[Page 4970]]

information at all times during which the technology grant applicant 
has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by 
VA.
    VA will not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has 
complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if the 
applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time VA 
is ready to make an award, VA will determine the applicant is not 
qualified to receive a Federal award and will use this determination as 
a basis for making the award to another applicant.

D. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications for the SAHAT Grant Program must be submitted via 
www.Grants.gov to be transmitted to VA by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 
February 26, 2017. Submissions received after this application deadline 
will be considered late and will not be reviewed or considered. 
Submissions via email, mail, or fax will not be accepted.
    Applications submitted via www.Grants.gov must be submitted by an 
individual registered with www.Grants.gov and authorized to sign 
applications for Federal assistance. For more information and to 
complete the registration process, visit www.Grants.gov. Technology 
grant applicants are responsible for ensuring that the registration 
process does not hinder timely submission of the application.
    It is the responsibility of grant applicants to ensure a complete 
application is submitted via www.Grants.gov. Applicants are encouraged 
to periodically review the ``Version History Tab'' of the funding 
opportunity announcement in www.Grants.gov to identify if any 
modifications have been made to the funding announcement and/or 
opportunity package. Upon initial download of the funding opportunity 
package, applicants will be asked to provide an email address that will 
allow www.Grants.gov to send you an email message in the event this 
funding opportunity package is changed and/or republished on 
www.Grants.gov prior to the posted closing date.

E. Confidential Business Information

    It is recommended that confidential business information (CBI) not 
be included in your application. However, if CBI is included in your 
application, it will be handled by VA in accordance with 2 CFR 200. 
Applicants must clearly indicate which portion(s) of their application 
they are claiming as CBI. VA will evaluate such claims in accordance 
with 2 CFR 200. If no claim is made, VA is not required to make an 
inquiry of the applicant. If CBI is included, please provide as much 
detail as possible to ensure a comprehensive review of the application 
can be completed.

F. Intergovernmental Review

    This section is not applicable to the SAHAT Grant Program.

G. Funding Restrictions

    The SAHAT Grant Program does not allow reimbursement of pre-award 
costs.

V. Application Review Information

    Each eligible proposal (based on the Section III threshold 
eligibility review) will be evaluated according to the criteria 
established by the Secretary and provided as described below in Section 
A.

A. Scoring Criteria

    The Secretary will score technology grant applications based on the 
scoring criteria listed below. As indicated in Section I of this 
notice, the Secretary is placing the greatest emphasis on criteria 1 
and 2. The establishment of priorities does not establish new scoring 
criteria but is designed to assist technology grant applicants in 
understanding how scores will be weighted. Although there is not a cap 
on the maximum aggregate score possible, a technology grant application 
must receive a minimum aggregate score of 70. Instructions for 
completion of the scoring criteria are listed on VA Form 26-0967a. This 
form is included in the application package materials on 
www.Grants.gov. The scoring criteria and maximum points are as follows:
    1. A description of how the new assistive technology is innovative 
(up to 50 points);
    2. An explanation of how the new assistive technology will meet a 
specific, unmet need among eligible individuals (up to 50 points);
    3. An explanation of how the new assistive technology is 
specifically designed to promote the ability of eligible individuals to 
live more independently (up to 30 points);
    4. A description of the new assistive technology's concept, size, 
and scope (up to 30 points);
    5. An implementation plan with major milestones for bringing the 
new assistive technology into production and to the market. Such 
milestones must be meaningful and achievable within a specific 
timeframe (up to 30 points); and
    6. An explanation of what uniquely positions the technology grant 
applicant in the marketplace. This can include a focus on 
characteristics such as the economic reliability of the technology 
grant applicant, the technology grant applicant's status as a minority 
or Veteran-owned business, or other characteristics that the technology 
grant applicant wants to include to show how it will help protect the 
interests of, or further the mission of, VA and the program (up to 20 
points).

B. Review and Selection Process

    Eligible applications will be evaluated by a five-person review 
panel comprised of VA employees. The review panel will score 
applications using the scoring criteria provided in Section V(A), with 
the greatest emphasis being placed on scoring criteria 1 and 2. The 
review panel will then rank those applications that receive a minimum 
aggregate score of 70 in order from highest to lowest. The delegated 
official will select the highest ranked application(s) based on, and 
subject to, the availability of funds.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    Although subject to change, the SAHAT Grant Program Office expects 
to announce grant recipients by April 1, 2017. Prior to executing any 
funding agreement, VA will contact successful applicants, make known 
the amount of proposed funding, and verify the applicant's desire to 
receive the funding. Any communication between the SAHAT Grant Program 
Office and successful applicants prior to the issuance of an award 
notice is not authorization to begin project activities. Once VA 
verifies that the grant applicant is still seeking funding, VA will 
issue a signed and dated award notice. The award notice will be sent by 
U.S. Mail to the organization listed on the SF-424.
    All applicants will be notified by letter, sent by U.S. Mail to the 
address listed on the SF-424.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    This section is not applicable to the SAHAT Grant Program.

C. Reporting

    VA places great emphasis on the responsibility and accountability 
of grantees. Grantees must agree to cooperate with any Federal 
evaluation of the program and provide the following:
    1. Quarterly Progress Reports: These reports will be submitted 
electronically and outline how grant funds were used, describe program 
progress, and describe any barriers and measurable outcomes.

[[Page 4971]]

Grantees will utilize the Research Performance Progress Report for 
quarterly reporting purposes.
    2. Quarterly Financial Reports: These reports will be submitted 
electronically using the SF-425--Federal Financial Report.
    3. Grantee Closeout Report: This final report will be submitted 
electronically and will detail the assistive technology developed. The 
Closeout Report must be submitted to the SAHAT Grant Program Office not 
later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, September 30, 2018.

D. Disputes

    Competition-related disputes associated with this announcement will 
be resolved in accordance with 2 CFR 200, et seq.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

    For additional general information about this announcement contact 
the program official: Bryant Lacey (Program Manager), Specially Adapted 
Housing Program, Bryant.Lacey@va.gov, (202) 632-8955 (This is not a 
toll-free number.).
    If mailing correspondence, other than application material, please 
send to: Loan Guaranty Service, VA Central Office, Attn: Bryant Lacey 
(262), 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420.
    All correspondence with VA concerning this announcement should 
reference the funding opportunity title and funding opportunity number 
listed at the top of this solicitation. Once the announcement deadline 
has passed, VA staff may not discuss this competition with applicants 
until the application review process has been completed.

VIII. Other Information

    38 U.S.C. 2108 authorizes VA to provide grants for the development 
of new assistive technologies through September 30, 2017. Additional 
information related to the SAH program administered by LGY is available 
at: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp.
    The SAHAT Grant is not a veterans' benefit. As such, the decisions 
of the Secretary are final and not subject to the same appeal rights as 
decisions related to veterans' benefits. The Secretary does not have a 
duty to assist technology grant applicants in obtaining a grant.
    Grantees will receive payments electronically through the U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services Payment Management System.

Signing Authority

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this 
document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document 
to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as 
an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Gina S. 
Farrisee, Deputy Chief of Staff, approved this document on January 3, 
2017, for publication.

    Dated: January 11, 2017.
Jeffrey Martin,
Office Program Manager, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, 
Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2017-00797 Filed 1-13-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8320-01-P



                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 17, 2017 / Notices                                            4967

                                                highlight or otherwise denote the CBI                   Who Commit, Threaten To Commit, or                     DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
                                                portions. DOT protects such information                 Support Terrorism’’:                                   AFFAIRS
                                                from disclosure to the extent allowed
                                                under applicable law. In the event DOT                  Individuals                                            Loan Guaranty: Specially Adapted
                                                receives a Freedom of Information Act                                                                          Housing Assistive Technology Grant
                                                                                                           1. SHARROUF, Khaled (a.k.a.
                                                (FOIA) request for the information, DOT                                                                        Program
                                                                                                        ZARQAWI AL AUSTR, Abu; a.k.a.
                                                will follow the procedures described in                 ZARQAWI AUSTRALI, Abu; a.k.a.                          AGENCY:   Department of Veterans Affairs.
                                                its FOIA regulations at 49 CFR 7.17.
                                                                                                        ZARQAWI, Abu), Syria; Iraq; DOB 23                     ACTION:   Notice.
                                                Only information that is ultimately
                                                                                                        Feb 1981; POB Auburn, New South
                                                determined to be confidential under that                                                                       SUMMARY:    The Department of Veterans
                                                                                                        Wales, Australia; nationality Australia;
                                                procedure will be exempt from                                                                                  Affairs (VA), is announcing the
                                                disclosure under FOIA.                                  Gender Male; Passport L3135591
                                                                                                                                                               availability of funds for the Specially
                                                                                                        (Australia); alt. Passport L5210356
                                                  Dated: December 6, 2016.                                                                                     Adapted Housing Assistive Technology
                                                                                                        (Australia); alt. Passport N723649                     (SAHAT) Grant Program for fiscal year
                                                Anthony R. Foxx,                                        (Australia); Driver’s License No.
                                                Secretary.
                                                                                                                                                               (FY) 2017. The objective of the grant is
                                                                                                        12789234 (Australia) (individual)                      to encourage the development of new
                                                [FR Doc. 2017–00824 Filed 1–13–17; 8:45 am]             [SDGT] (Linked To: ISLAMIC STATE                       assistive technologies for specially
                                                BILLING CODE 4910–9X–P                                  OF IRAQ AND THE LEVANT).                               adapted housing.
                                                                                                           2. PRAKASH, Neil Christopher (a.k.a.                   This Notice is intended to provide
                                                                                                        KHALED AL-CAMBODI, Abu), Syria;                        applicants with the information
                                                DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY                              Iraq; DOB 07 May 1991; POB                             necessary to apply for the SAHAT Grant
                                                                                                        Melbourne, Australia; nationality                      Program. Registration will be available
                                                Office of Foreign Assets Control                                                                               at www.Grants.gov. VA strongly
                                                                                                        Australia; Gender Male; Passport
                                                                                                        N4325853 (Australia) (individual)                      recommends referring to the Loan
                                                Sanctions Actions Pursuant to
                                                                                                                                                               Guaranty—Specially Adapted Housing
                                                Executive Order 13224                                   [SDGT] (Linked To: ISLAMIC STATE
                                                                                                                                                               Assistive Technology Grant Program
                                                                                                        OF IRAQ AND THE LEVANT).
                                                AGENCY:  Office of Foreign Assets                                                                              final rule (38 CFR 36.4412) in
                                                Control, Treasury.                                         3. ROCHMAN, Oman (a.k.a.                            conjunction with this Notice. The
                                                ACTION: Notice.                                         ABDULROHMAN, Oman; a.k.a.                              registration process described within
                                                                                                        ABDURAHMAN, Aman; a.k.a.                               this Notice applies only to applicants
                                                SUMMARY:   The Department of the                        ABDURRACHMAN, Aman; a.k.a.                             who will register to submit project
                                                Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets                     ABDURRAHMAN AL-ARKHABILIY,                             applications for FY 2017 SAHAT Grant
                                                Control (OFAC) is publishing the names                  Abu Sulaiman Aman; a.k.a.                              Program funds.
                                                of 4 individuals whose property and                     ABDURRAHMAN, Aman; a.k.a.                              DATES: Applications for the SAHAT
                                                interests in property are blocked                       ABDURRAHMAN, Oman; a.k.a.                              Grant Program must be submitted via
                                                pursuant to Executive Order 13224 of                    RAHMAN, Aman Abdul; a.k.a.                             www.Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern
                                                September 23, 2001, ‘‘Blocking Property                 RAHMAN, Oman), Pasir Putih Prison,                     Time on February 26, 2017. The SAHAT
                                                and Prohibiting Transactions With                       Nusa Kambangan Island, Indonesia;                      Grant Program application package for
                                                Persons Who Commit, Threaten To                         DOB 05 Jan 1972; POB Sumedang,                         funding opportunity, VA–SAHAT–17–
                                                Commit, or Support Terrorism.’’                         Indonesia; nationality Indonesia;                      02, is available through www.Grants.gov
                                                DATES: OFAC’s actions described in this                 Gender Male; Ustadz (individual)                       and is listed as VA-Specially Adapted
                                                notice were effective on January 10,                    [SDGT] (Linked To: ISLAMIC STATE                       Housing Assistive Technology Grant
                                                2017.                                                   OF IRAQ AND THE LEVANT).                               Program. Applications may not be sent
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                                                                               by mail, email or facsimile. All
                                                                                                           4. USMAN, Bachrumsyah Mennor                        application materials must be in a
                                                Associate Director for Global Targeting,                (a.k.a. SYAH, Bahrum; a.k.a.
                                                tel.: 202/622–2420, Assistant Director                                                                         format compatible with the
                                                                                                        ‘‘BACHRUMSHAH’’; a.k.a.                                www.Grants.gov application submission
                                                for Sanctions Compliance & Evaluation,
                                                                                                        ‘‘BACHRUMSYAH’’; a.k.a.                                tool. Applications must arrive as a
                                                tel.: 202/622–2490, Assistant Director
                                                                                                        ‘‘BAHRUMSYAH’’; a.k.a. ‘‘IBRAHIM,                      complete package. Materials arriving
                                                for Licensing, tel.: 202/622–2480, Office
                                                of Foreign Assets Control, or Chief                     Abu’’; a.k.a. ‘‘MUHAMMAD AL-                           separately will not be included in the
                                                Counsel (Foreign Assets Control), tel.:                 ANDUNISIY, Abu’’; a.k.a.                               application package for consideration
                                                202/622–2410, Office of the General                     ‘‘MUHAMMAD AL-INDONESI, Abu’’;                         and may result in the application being
                                                Counsel, Department of the Treasury                     a.k.a. ‘‘MUHAMMAD AL-INDUNISI,                         rejected. Technical assistance with the
                                                (not toll free numbers).                                Abu’’; a.k.a. ‘‘SHABRINA, Abu’’), Raqqa,               preparation of an initial SAHAT Grant
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                        Syria; Al-Shadadi, Hasaka Province,                    Program application is available by
                                                                                                        Syria; DOB 23 Jul 1984; POB Bogor,                     contacting the program official listed
                                                Electronic Availability                                 Indonesia; nationality Indonesia;                      below.
                                                  The SDN List and additional                           Gender Male; Passport A8329173                         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                information concerning OFAC sanctions                   (Indonesia); Ustad (individual) [SDGT]                 Bryant Lacey (Program Manager),
                                                programs are available from OFAC’s                      (Linked To: ISLAMIC STATE OF IRAQ                      Specially Adapted Housing Program,
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                                                Web site (www.treas.gov/ofac).                          AND THE LEVANT).                                       Department of Veterans Affairs, 810
                                                                                                          Dated: January 10, 2017.                             Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC
                                                Notice of OFAC Actions
                                                                                                                                                               20420, (202) 632–8955 (not a toll-free
                                                  On January 10, 2017, OFAC blocked                     John E. Smith,
                                                                                                                                                               number).
                                                the property and interests in property of               Acting Director, Office of Foreign Assets                 Dated: January 17, 2017.
                                                the following 4 individuals pursuant to                 Control.                                                  Full Text of Announcement: This
                                                E.O. 13224, ‘‘Blocking Property and                     [FR Doc. 2017–00761 Filed 1–13–17; 8:45 am]            Notice is divided into eight sections.
                                                Prohibiting Transactions With Persons                   BILLING CODE 4810–AL–P                                 Section I provides a summary of and


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                                                4968                          Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 17, 2017 / Notices

                                                background information on the SAHAT                     enhance a veteran’s or servicemember’s                 E. Definitions
                                                Grant Program as well as the statutory                  ability to live independently, such as
                                                authority, desired outcomes, funding                    voice-recognition and voice-command                      Definitions of terms used in the
                                                priorities, definitions, and delegation of              operations, living environment controls,               SAHAT Grant Program are found at 38
                                                authority. Section II provides award                    and adaptive feeding equipment.                        CFR 36.4412(b).
                                                information, funding availability, and                  Therefore, VA has defined ‘‘new                        F. Delegation of Authority
                                                the anticipated start date of the SAHAT                 assistive technology’’ as an
                                                Grant Program. Section III provides                     advancement that the Secretary                            Pursuant to 38 CFR 36.4412(i), each
                                                detailed information on eligibility and                 determines could aid or enhance the                    VA employee appointed to or lawfully
                                                the threshold criteria for submitting an                ability of a veteran or servicemember to               fulfilling any of the following positions
                                                application. Section IV provides                        live in an adapted home. SAHAT                         is hereby delegated authority, within the
                                                detailed application and submission                     funding will support the creation of                   limitations and conditions prescribed by
                                                information, including how to request                   assistive technologies that veterans and               law, to exercise the powers and
                                                an application, application content, and                servicemembers can use in order to                     functions of the Secretary with respect
                                                submission dates and times. Section V                   facilitate optimal independence in their               to the SAHAT Grant Program authorized
                                                describes the review process, scoring                   homes.                                                 by 38 U.S.C. 2108:
                                                criteria, and selection process. Section                  Please Note: SAHAT funding does not                  1. Under Secretary for Benefits
                                                VI provides award administration                        support the construction or modification of
                                                information such as award notices and                   residential dwellings for accessibility.               2. Deputy Under Secretary for Economic
                                                reporting requirements. Section VII                     Veterans and servicemembers interested in                   Opportunity
                                                provides agency contacts. Section VIII                  receiving assistance to adapt a home are               3. Director, Loan Guaranty Service
                                                provides additional information related                 encouraged to review the following factsheet:
                                                                                                        http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/factsheet/               4. Deputy Director, Loan Guaranty
                                                to the SAHAT Grant Program. This                                                                                    Service
                                                Notice includes citations from 38 CFR                   PSAS-FactSheet-Housing-Adaptation-
                                                                                                        Programs.pdf to identify Home Adaptation               II. Award Information
                                                part 36, which applicants and                           programs offered by VA.
                                                stakeholders are expected to read to                                                                           A. Funding Availability
                                                increase their knowledge and                            C. Statutory Authority
                                                understanding of the SAHAT Grant                                                                                  The aggregate amount of assistance
                                                Program.                                                   Public Law 111–275, the Veterans’
                                                                                                                                                               VA may award in any fiscal year is
                                                                                                        Benefits Act of 2010 (the Act), was
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                                                                     limited to $1 million. This funding will
                                                                                                        enacted on October 13, 2010. Section
                                                                                                                                                               be provided as an assistance agreement
                                                I. Program Description                                  203 of the Act amended chapter 21, title
                                                                                                                                                               in the form of grants. The number of
                                                                                                        38, United States Code (U.S.C.), to
                                                A. Summary                                                                                                     assistance agreements VA will fund as
                                                                                                        establish the SAHAT Grant Program.
                                                                                                                                                               a result of this notice will be based on
                                                  Pursuant to the Veterans’ Benefit Act                 The Act authorized VA to provide
                                                                                                                                                               the quality of the technology grant
                                                of 2010, the Secretary of Veterans                      grants of up to $200,000 per fiscal year,
                                                                                                                                                               applications received and the
                                                Affairs (Secretary), through the Loan                   through September 30, 2016, to a
                                                                                                                                                               availability of funding. However, the
                                                Guaranty Service (LGY) of the Veterans                  ‘‘person or entity’’ for the development
                                                                                                                                                               maximum amount of assistance a
                                                Benefits Administration (VBA), is                       of specially adapted housing assistive
                                                                                                                                                               technology grant applicant may receive
                                                authorized to provide grants of financial               technologies limited to $1 million, the
                                                                                                                                                               in any fiscal year is limited to $200,000.
                                                assistance to develop new assistive                     aggregate amount of such grants VA may
                                                technology. The objective of the grant,                 award in any fiscal year.                              B. Additional Funding Information
                                                known as the Specially Adapted                             On September 29, 2016, Public Law
                                                Housing Assistive Technology (SAHAT)                    114–228, the Department of Veterans                       Funding for these projects is not
                                                Grant Program, is to encourage the                      Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2016               guaranteed and is subject to the
                                                development of new assistive                            was enacted. Title IV, Section 409                     availability of funds and the evaluation
                                                technologies for adapted housing.                       extended the authority for VA to                       of technology grant applications based
                                                                                                        provide grants in the manner listed                    on the criteria in this announcement. In
                                                B. Background                                                                                                  appropriate circumstances, VA reserves
                                                                                                        above, through September 30, 2017.
                                                   LGY currently administers the                           Reference: 38 U.S.C. 2108 and 36 CFR                the right to partially fund technology
                                                Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)                         36.4412                                                grant applications by funding discrete
                                                Program. Through this program, LGY                                                                             portions or phases of proposed projects.
                                                provides funds to eligible veterans and                 D. Desired Outcomes and Funding                        If VA decides to partially fund a
                                                servicemembers with certain service-                    Priorities                                             technology grant application, it will do
                                                connected disabilities to help purchase                   Grantees will be expected to leverage                so in a manner that does not prejudice
                                                or construct an adapted home, or                        grant funds to develop new assistive                   any application or affect the basis upon
                                                modify an existing home, to allow them                  technologies for specially adapted                     which the application, or portion
                                                to live more independently. Currently,                  housing. Pursuant to 36 CFR 36.4412,                   thereof, was evaluated and selected for
                                                most SAH adaptations involve                            the Secretary may establish scoring                    award, and therefore maintains the
                                                structural modifications such as ramps,                 priorities based on the specific needs of              integrity of the competition and
                                                wider hallways and doorways, roll-in                    veterans and servicemembers. For FY                    selection process. Award of funding
                                                                                                        2017, the Secretary has established                    through this competition is not a
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                                                showers and other accessible bathroom
                                                features, etc. For more information                     innovation and unmet needs, as                         guarantee of future funding. The
                                                about the SAH Program, please visit:                    described in scoring criteria 1 and 2                  SAHAT Grant Program is administered
                                                http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/                   contained in Section V(A) of this notice,              annually and does not guarantee
                                                adaptedhousing.asp.                                     as top priorities. Additional information              subsequent awards. Renewal grants to
                                                   VA acknowledges there are many                       regarding how these priorities will be                 provide new assistive technology will
                                                emerging technologies that could                        scored is contained in Section V(A) of                 not be considered under this
                                                improve home adaptions or otherwise                     this notice.                                           announcement.


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                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 17, 2017 / Notices                                            4969

                                                C. Start and Close-Out Date                                3. Applications in which the                        www.Grants.gov (Funding Opportunity
                                                  The anticipated start date of grants                  technology grant applicant is requesting               Number: VA–SAHAT–17–02) contains
                                                funded under this announcement is                       assistance funds in excess of $200,000                 electronic versions of the application
                                                April 3, 2017. Grant projects must be                   will not be reviewed.                                  forms that are required. Additional
                                                closed out by September 30, 2018.                          4. Applications that do not comply                  attachments to satisfy the required
                                                                                                        with the application and submission                    application information may be
                                                III. Eligibility Information                            information provided in Section IV of                  provided; however, letters of support
                                                                                                        this notice will be rejected.                          included with the application will not
                                                A. Eligible Applicants                                     5. Applications submitted via mail,                 be reviewed. All technology grant
                                                   As authorized by 38 U.S.C. 2108, the                 email, or facsimile will not be reviewed.              applications must consist of the
                                                Secretary may provide a grant to a                         6. Applications must be received                    following:
                                                ‘‘person or entity’’ for the development                through www.Grants.gov, as specified in                   1. Standard Forms (SF) 424, 424A and
                                                of specially adapted housing assistive                  Section IV of this announcement, on or                 424B: The SF–424, SF–424A, and SF–
                                                technologies. In order to foster                        before the application deadline,                       424B require general information about
                                                competition and best serve the needs of                 February 26, 2017. Applications                        the applicant and proposed project. The
                                                veterans and servicemembers, VA is                      received through www.Grants.gov after                  project budget should be described in
                                                placing no restrictions on the types of                 the application deadline will be                       SF–424A. Please do not include
                                                eligible entities, except as noted in                   considered late and will not be                        leveraged resources in SF–424A.
                                                Section III(C) of this notice.                          reviewed.                                                 2. VA Form 26–0967: Certification
                                                                                                           7. Technology grant applicants that                 Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
                                                B. Cost Sharing or Matching                             have an outstanding obligation to the                  Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion.
                                                  There is no cost sharing, matching, or                Federal Government that is in arrears or                  3. VA Form 26–0967a: Scoring
                                                cost participation for the SAHAT Grant                  have an overdue or unsatisfactory                      Criteria for SAH Assistive Technology
                                                Program. However, leveraged resources                   response to an audit will be deemed                    Grants.
                                                will be considered as an evaluation                     ineligible.                                               4. Applications: In addition to the
                                                criterion during the application review                    8. Technology grant applicants in                   forms listed above, each technology
                                                process (see scoring criterion 6 in                     default by failing to meet the                         grant application must include the
                                                Section V of this announcement).                        requirements for any previous Federal                  following information:
                                                Leveraged resources are not included in                 assistance will be deemed ineligible.                     a. A project description, including the
                                                the approved budget (outlined in the                       9. Applications submitted by entities               goals and objectives of the project, what
                                                Standard Form 424A—BUDGET                               deemed ineligible will not be reviewed.                the project is expected to achieve, and
                                                INFORMATION—Non-Construction                               10. Applications with project dates
                                                                                                                                                               how the project will benefit veterans
                                                Programs) for the project and need not                  that extend past September 30, 2018,
                                                                                                                                                               and servicemembers.
                                                be an eligible and allowable cost under                 will not be reviewed.                                     b. An estimated schedule including
                                                the grant. Any form of proposed                            All technology grant recipients,
                                                                                                                                                               the length of time (not to extend past
                                                leveraging that is evaluated under                      including individuals and entities
                                                                                                                                                               September 30, 2018) needed to
                                                Section V scoring criteria must be                      formed as for-profit entities, will be
                                                                                                                                                               accomplish tasks and objectives for the
                                                included in the application and the                     subject to the rules on Uniform
                                                                                                                                                               project.
                                                application must describe how the                       Administrative Requirements for Grants
                                                                                                                                                                  c. A description of what the project
                                                technology grant applicant will obtain                  and Agreements With Institutions of
                                                                                                                                                               proposes to demonstrate and how this
                                                the leveraged resources and what role                   Higher Education, Hospitals, and other
                                                                                                                                                               new technology will aid or enhance the
                                                VA funding will play in the overall                     Non-profit Organizations, as found at 2
                                                                                                                                                               ability of veterans and servicemembers
                                                project.                                                CFR part 200. Where the Secretary
                                                                                                                                                               to live in an adapted home. The
                                                                                                        determines that 2 CFR part 200 is not
                                                C. Threshold Criteria                                                                                          following link has additional
                                                                                                        applicable or where the Secretary
                                                                                                                                                               information regarding adapted homes:
                                                   As stated in Section III(A), VA is                   determines that additional requirements
                                                                                                                                                               http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/
                                                placing no restrictions on the types of                 are necessary due to the uniqueness of
                                                                                                                                                               adaptedhousing.asp.
                                                eligible entities. However, all                         a situation, the Secretary will apply the                 d. Each technology grant applicant is
                                                technology grant applicants and                         same standard applicable to exceptions                 responsible for ensuring that the
                                                applications must meet the threshold                    under 2 CFR 200.102.                                   application addresses each of the
                                                criteria set forth below. Failure to meet               IV. Application and Submission                         scoring criteria listed in Section V(A) of
                                                any of the following threshold criteria in              Information                                            this notice.
                                                the application will result in the
                                                automatic disqualification for funding                  A. Address To Request Application                      C. Dun and Bradstreet Universal
                                                consideration. Ineligible participants                  Package                                                Numbering System (DUNS) and System
                                                will be notified within 30 days of the                    Technology grant applicants may                      for Award Management (SAM)
                                                finding of disqualification for award                   download the application package from                    Each technology grant applicant,
                                                consideration based on the following                    wwwGrants.gov. Questions regarding the                 unless the applicant is an individual or
                                                threshold criteria:                                     application process should be referred                 Federal awarding agency that is
                                                   1. Projects funded under this notice                 to the program official: Bryant Lacey                  excepted from these requirements under
                                                must involve new assistive technologies                 (Program Manager), Specially Adapted                   2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an
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                                                that the Secretary determines could aid                 Housing Program, Bryant.Lacey@va.gov,                  exception approved by VA under 2 CFR
                                                or enhance the ability of a veteran or                  (202) 632–8955 (This is not a toll-free                25.110(d), is required to:
                                                servicemember to live in an adapted                     number.).                                                1. Be registered in SAM prior to
                                                home.                                                                                                          submitting an application;
                                                   2. Projects funded under this notice                 B. Content and Form of Application                       2. Provide a valid DUNS number in
                                                must not be used for the completion of                  Submission                                             the application; and
                                                work which was to have been                               The SAHAT Grant Program                                3. Continue to maintain an active
                                                completed under a prior grant.                          application package provided at                        SAM registration with current


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                                                4970                          Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 17, 2017 / Notices

                                                information at all times during which                   with 2 CFR 200. If no claim is made, VA                in the marketplace. This can include a
                                                the technology grant applicant has an                   is not required to make an inquiry of the              focus on characteristics such as the
                                                active Federal award or an application                  applicant. If CBI is included, please                  economic reliability of the technology
                                                under consideration by VA.                              provide as much detail as possible to                  grant applicant, the technology grant
                                                  VA will not make an award to an                       ensure a comprehensive review of the                   applicant’s status as a minority or
                                                applicant until the applicant has                       application can be completed.                          Veteran-owned business, or other
                                                complied with all applicable DUNS and                                                                          characteristics that the technology grant
                                                SAM requirements and, if the applicant                  F. Intergovernmental Review                            applicant wants to include to show how
                                                has not fully complied with the                           This section is not applicable to the                it will help protect the interests of, or
                                                requirements by the time VA is ready to                 SAHAT Grant Program.                                   further the mission of, VA and the
                                                make an award, VA will determine the                                                                           program (up to 20 points).
                                                                                                        G. Funding Restrictions
                                                applicant is not qualified to receive a
                                                Federal award and will use this                            The SAHAT Grant Program does not                    B. Review and Selection Process
                                                determination as a basis for making the                 allow reimbursement of pre-award                         Eligible applications will be evaluated
                                                award to another applicant.                             costs.                                                 by a five-person review panel comprised
                                                                                                                                                               of VA employees. The review panel will
                                                D. Submission Dates and Times                           V. Application Review Information                      score applications using the scoring
                                                   Applications for the SAHAT Grant                       Each eligible proposal (based on the                 criteria provided in Section V(A), with
                                                Program must be submitted via                           Section III threshold eligibility review)              the greatest emphasis being placed on
                                                www.Grants.gov to be transmitted to VA                  will be evaluated according to the                     scoring criteria 1 and 2. The review
                                                by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February                  criteria established by the Secretary and              panel will then rank those applications
                                                26, 2017. Submissions received after                    provided as described below in Section                 that receive a minimum aggregate score
                                                this application deadline will be                       A.                                                     of 70 in order from highest to lowest.
                                                considered late and will not be                                                                                The delegated official will select the
                                                                                                        A. Scoring Criteria
                                                reviewed or considered. Submissions                                                                            highest ranked application(s) based on,
                                                via email, mail, or fax will not be                        The Secretary will score technology                 and subject to, the availability of funds.
                                                accepted.                                               grant applications based on the scoring
                                                   Applications submitted via                           criteria listed below. As indicated in                 VI. Award Administration Information
                                                www.Grants.gov must be submitted by                     Section I of this notice, the Secretary is             A. Award Notices
                                                an individual registered with                           placing the greatest emphasis on criteria                 Although subject to change, the
                                                www.Grants.gov and authorized to sign                   1 and 2. The establishment of priorities               SAHAT Grant Program Office expects to
                                                applications for Federal assistance. For                does not establish new scoring criteria                announce grant recipients by April 1,
                                                more information and to complete the                    but is designed to assist technology                   2017. Prior to executing any funding
                                                registration process, visit                             grant applicants in understanding how                  agreement, VA will contact successful
                                                www.Grants.gov. Technology grant                        scores will be weighted. Although there                applicants, make known the amount of
                                                applicants are responsible for ensuring                 is not a cap on the maximum aggregate                  proposed funding, and verify the
                                                that the registration process does not                  score possible, a technology grant                     applicant’s desire to receive the
                                                hinder timely submission of the                         application must receive a minimum                     funding. Any communication between
                                                application.                                            aggregate score of 70. Instructions for                the SAHAT Grant Program Office and
                                                   It is the responsibility of grant                    completion of the scoring criteria are                 successful applicants prior to the
                                                applicants to ensure a complete                         listed on VA Form 26–0967a. This form                  issuance of an award notice is not
                                                application is submitted via                            is included in the application package                 authorization to begin project activities.
                                                www.Grants.gov. Applicants are                          materials on www.Grants.gov. The                       Once VA verifies that the grant
                                                encouraged to periodically review the                   scoring criteria and maximum points are                applicant is still seeking funding, VA
                                                ‘‘Version History Tab’’ of the funding                  as follows:                                            will issue a signed and dated award
                                                opportunity announcement in                                1. A description of how the new                     notice. The award notice will be sent by
                                                www.Grants.gov to identify if any                       assistive technology is innovative (up to              U.S. Mail to the organization listed on
                                                modifications have been made to the                     50 points);                                            the SF–424.
                                                funding announcement and/or                                2. An explanation of how the new                       All applicants will be notified by
                                                opportunity package. Upon initial                       assistive technology will meet a                       letter, sent by U.S. Mail to the address
                                                download of the funding opportunity                     specific, unmet need among eligible                    listed on the SF–424.
                                                package, applicants will be asked to                    individuals (up to 50 points);
                                                provide an email address that will allow                   3. An explanation of how the new                    B. Administrative and National Policy
                                                www.Grants.gov to send you an email                     assistive technology is specifically                   Requirements
                                                message in the event this funding                       designed to promote the ability of                       This section is not applicable to the
                                                opportunity package is changed and/or                   eligible individuals to live more                      SAHAT Grant Program.
                                                republished on www.Grants.gov prior to                  independently (up to 30 points);
                                                the posted closing date.                                   4. A description of the new assistive               C. Reporting
                                                                                                        technology’s concept, size, and scope                    VA places great emphasis on the
                                                E. Confidential Business Information                    (up to 30 points);                                     responsibility and accountability of
                                                   It is recommended that confidential                     5. An implementation plan with                      grantees. Grantees must agree to
                                                business information (CBI) not be
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                                                                                                        major milestones for bringing the new                  cooperate with any Federal evaluation
                                                included in your application. However,                  assistive technology into production                   of the program and provide the
                                                if CBI is included in your application,                 and to the market. Such milestones                     following:
                                                it will be handled by VA in accordance                  must be meaningful and achievable                        1. Quarterly Progress Reports: These
                                                with 2 CFR 200. Applicants must clearly                 within a specific timeframe (up to 30                  reports will be submitted electronically
                                                indicate which portion(s) of their                      points); and                                           and outline how grant funds were used,
                                                application they are claiming as CBI. VA                   6. An explanation of what uniquely                  describe program progress, and describe
                                                will evaluate such claims in accordance                 positions the technology grant applicant               any barriers and measurable outcomes.


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                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 17, 2017 / Notices                                                  4971

                                                Grantees will utilize the Research                         If mailing correspondence, other than               same appeal rights as decisions related
                                                Performance Progress Report for                         application material, please send to:                  to veterans’ benefits. The Secretary does
                                                quarterly reporting purposes.                           Loan Guaranty Service, VA Central                      not have a duty to assist technology
                                                  2. Quarterly Financial Reports: These                 Office, Attn: Bryant Lacey (262), 810                  grant applicants in obtaining a grant.
                                                reports will be submitted electronically                Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC                       Grantees will receive payments
                                                using the SF–425—Federal Financial                      20420.                                                 electronically through the U.S.
                                                Report.                                                    All correspondence with VA                          Department of Health and Human
                                                  3. Grantee Closeout Report: This final                concerning this announcement should                    Services Payment Management System.
                                                report will be submitted electronically                 reference the funding opportunity title
                                                and will detail the assistive technology                and funding opportunity number listed                  Signing Authority
                                                developed. The Closeout Report must be                  at the top of this solicitation. Once the
                                                submitted to the SAHAT Grant Program                                                                             The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or
                                                                                                        announcement deadline has passed, VA
                                                Office not later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern                                                                       designee, approved this document and
                                                                                                        staff may not discuss this competition
                                                Time, September 30, 2018.                                                                                      authorized the undersigned to sign and
                                                                                                        with applicants until the application
                                                                                                                                                               submit the document to the Office of the
                                                D. Disputes                                             review process has been completed.
                                                                                                                                                               Federal Register for publication
                                                  Competition-related disputes                          VIII. Other Information                                electronically as an official document of
                                                associated with this announcement will                                                                         the Department of Veterans Affairs. Gina
                                                be resolved in accordance with 2 CFR                      38 U.S.C. 2108 authorizes VA to                      S. Farrisee, Deputy Chief of Staff,
                                                200, et seq.                                            provide grants for the development of                  approved this document on January 3,
                                                                                                        new assistive technologies through                     2017, for publication.
                                                VII. Agency Contact(s)                                  September 30, 2017. Additional
                                                  For additional general information                    information related to the SAH program                   Dated: January 11, 2017.
                                                about this announcement contact the                     administered by LGY is available at:                   Jeffrey Martin,
                                                program official: Bryant Lacey (Program                 http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/                  Office Program Manager, Office of Regulation
                                                Manager), Specially Adapted Housing                     adaptedhousing.asp.                                    Policy & Management, Office of the Secretary,
                                                Program, Bryant.Lacey@va.gov, (202)                       The SAHAT Grant is not a veterans’                   Department of Veterans Affairs.
                                                632–8955 (This is not a toll-free                       benefit. As such, the decisions of the                 [FR Doc. 2017–00797 Filed 1–13–17; 8:45 am]
                                                number.).                                               Secretary are final and not subject to the             BILLING CODE 8320–01–P
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Document Created: 2017-01-14 01:44:37
Document Modified: 2017-01-14 01:44:37
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.
DatesApplications for the SAHAT Grant Program must be submitted via www.Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 26, 2017. The SAHAT Grant Program application package for funding opportunity, VA- SAHAT-17-02, is available through www.Grants.gov and is listed as VA- Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program. Applications may not be sent by mail, email or facsimile. All application materials must be in a format compatible with the www.Grants.gov application submission tool. Applications must arrive as a complete package. Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package for consideration and may result in the application being rejected. Technical assistance with the preparation of an initial SAHAT Grant Program application is available by contacting the program official listed below.
ContactBryant Lacey (Program Manager), Specially Adapted Housing Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, (202) 632-8955 (not a toll- free number).
FR Citation82 FR 4967 

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