82 FR 51476 - Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 213 (November 6, 2017)
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 213 (November 6, 2017)
| Page Range | 51476-51482 | |
| FR Document | 2017-24086 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 213 (Monday, November 6, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 51476-51482] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-24086] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program AGENCY: Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice of funding availability (NOFA). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing the availability of funds for assistance under the Per Diem Only component of VA's Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program. This Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) encourages reapplication for those applicants who seek to continue providing ``Transition in Place'' (TIP) grants and new applicants that will serve the homeless Veteran population through a TIP housing model to facilitate housing stabilization. This Notice contains information concerning the program, funding priorities, application process, and amount of funding available. DATES: An original signed, dated, and collated grant application (plus two completed collated copies) for assistance under VA's Homeless Providers GPD Program must be [[Page 51477]] received in the GPD Program Office, by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 (see Submission Dates and Times below for additional requirements). In the interest of fairness to all competing applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and hour, and VA will treat as ineligible for consideration any application that is received after the deadline. Applicants should take this practice into account and make early submission of their material to avoid any risk of loss of eligibility brought about by unanticipated delays or other delivery-related problems. ADDRESSES: An original signed, complete, and collated grant application (plus two copies) must be submitted to the following address: VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Field Office, 10770 N. 46th Street, Suite C-200, Tampa, Florida 33617. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jeffery Quarles, Director, VA's Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, 10770 North 46th Street, Suite C-200, Tampa, Florida, 33617; (toll-free) (877) 332- 0334. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Funding Opportuity Description This Notice announces the availability of per diem funds for assistance under VA's Homeless Providers GPD Program TIP Per Diem Only (PDO) for eligible entities. Applicants may apply for a minimum of 5 beds and up to a maximum of 25 beds under this NOFA as a part of the effort to end homelessness among our Nation's Veterans. Housing Model Description Transition in Place Model (TIP) Targeted Population--Homeless Veterans who choose a supportive transitional housing environment providing services prior to entering permanent housing. Model Overview--Provides transitional housing and a milieu of services that facilitate individual stabilization and movement of the Veteran to permanent housing in the residence as rapidly as clinically appropriate. Characteristics & Standards--The TIP housing model offers Veteran residents housing in which support services transition out of the residence over time, rather than the resident. This leaves the resident in place at the residence and not forced to find other housing while stabilizing. It is expected that Veterans will transition in place in approximately 6 to 12 months. Extensions may be granted after 12 months but not to exceed 24 months. This model does not support discharge planning that would have the Veteran transition to Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) as the HUD-VASH Program targets a Veteran population in need of specialized case management. Scope of services should incorporate tactics to increase the Veteran's income through employment and/or benefits and securing the permanent housing in the Veteran's name. Services provided and strategies utilized by the applicant will vary based on the individualized needs of the Veteran and resources available in the community. Applicant specifies the staffing levels and range of services to be provided. Applicants identify or convert existing suitable apartment-style housing where homeless Veteran participants would receive time-limited, supportive services optimally for a period of 6-12 months, but not to exceed 24 months. Upon completion, the Veteran must be able to ``transition in place'' by assuming the lease or other long-term agreement which enables the unit in which he or she resides to be considered the Veteran's permanent housing. Grantees are expected to replace units as they are converted to permanent housing to maintain the average number of bed days as stated in the application during the entire grant period. Once the Veteran assumes the lease or other long- term agreement, VA will no longer provide funding for the unit under this NOFA. For example, each time a Veteran assumes the lease or other long-term agreement for the apartment, the grantee must identify a new unit in which to place another Veteran. By program design, transition to permanent housing should occur as rapidly as possible, and grantees should continually be acquiring and coordinating with VA on the inspection of new units to maintain a steady number of Veterans served. Applicants applying under this NOFA must own or lease apartments intended as permanent housing for an individual or single family. Apartments must meet the inspection standards outlined at title 38 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 61.80, and have the following characteristics: 1. Private access without unauthorized passage through another dwelling unit or private property; 2. Sanitary facilities within the unit; 3. Basic furnishings; and 4. Suitable space and equipment within the unit to store, prepare, and serve food in a sanitary manner (including, at a minimum, a refrigerator, freezer, sink, and stove). Note: Microwave ovens, hot plates, or similar items are not suitable substitutes for an operational stove. Required Minimum Performance Metrics/Targets: VA has established performance metrics/targets for all successful applicants. Discharge to permanent housing is 75 percent; employment of individuals at discharge is 50 percent; and negative exits are less than 28 percent. Participant Agreement Information Lease Guarantors: When a third party (in this case the grantee) guarantees to pay the lease costs if the lessee (in this case the Veteran) defaults. This is not allowed under this program. Sub-lease: The sub-lease is ``[a] lease by a lessee (in this case the grantee) to a third party (the Veteran) conveying the leased property for a shorter term than that of the lessee, who retains a reversion in the lease.'' For the sake of clarity, in a sub-lease TIP housing scenario, the landlord is the lessor, the grantee is the lessee, and the Veteran is the sub-lessee. GPD TIP Grantees may use sub-leases during the transitional housing phase if the sub-lease has been approved by the GPD Program Office and the sub-lease must meet the following conditions: 1. Period of sub-lease must be less than entire period of the grantee's lease with the landlord. 2. Grantee lease renewal must be taken into consideration when stating the period of the sub-lease. 3. Sub-lease must be explicit that the grantee is the lessee, not the Veteran. 4. Sub-lease must revert back to the grantee lessee without sanctions to the Veteran should the Veteran leave prior to program completion and lease assumption. 5. Sub-lease may not contain requirements contrary to GPD regulations. 6. Security deposits may not be charged to Veterans. However, grantee lessees may take other available and appropriate legal steps in situations of property destruction. Lease Assumption: When a third party (in this case the Veteran) assumes a lease, the original lessee does not retain any interest in the lease. Low Income Housing Tax Credits: Grantees that use tax credit programs may request that Veterans fill out a tax credit application, as there is no prohibition in GPD regulation. The issues that could arise are operational and specific to GPD TIP. Here are two examples. Example 1. Under the GPD TIP for which the grantee is funded, the Veteran [[Page 51478]] may not ``assume'' a lease until the transitional housing phase is complete. A sub-lease may be used as long as it meets the requirements above. If the grantee is not leasing from another landlord, it will make a difference. As the relationship changes, the grantee is the lessor and the Veteran becomes the lessee. This is not a sub-lease. In this case some other form of program agreement may have to be used that meets the elements of items 4, 5 and 6 above and meets tax credit requirements. Example 2. Income under tax credits is calculated differently than in GPD. The grantee must follow GPD regulations during the transitional phase, and only the Veteran's income may be counted as defined in 38 CFR 61.82. When the Veteran completes the program and then ``assumes'' the lease, the calculation of income will revert to the tax credit requirements. The Veteran should be apprised of this prior to program entry so appropriate planning can be put into place Eligibility Information: Existing nonprofit organizations recognized as section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) nonprofit organizations by the United States Internal Revenue Service, existing state and local governments, Indian Tribal Governments, and faith-based and community- based organizations that are capable of creating and providing supported transitional housing for homeless Veterans are eligible under this NOFA. Organizations meeting the requirements above and located in the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, are also considered eligible entities (see definition of ``State'' in 38 CFR 61.1). Authority: Funding applied for under this NOFA is authorized by 38 U.S.C. 2011, 2012, 2013. Award Information Overview: This NOFA announces the availability of per diem funds for assistance under the PDO component of VA's Homeless Providers GPD Program. This NOFA encourages reapplication for those applicants who seek to continue providing TIP grants and new applicants that will serve the homeless Veteran population through a TIP housing model to facilitate housing stabilization. VA expects to fund approximately 500 beds over a 2-year period under this NOFA. Approximately $25 million is available to support an average of 25 beds per night, per project. Cost Sharing or Matching: None. Funding Period: Funding awarded under this NOFA will be for a period of two-years. Payment: VA payment is limited to the applicant's cost of care per eligible Veteran minus other sources of payments to the applicant for furnishing services to homeless Veterans up to the per day rate. Per diem will be paid in a method that is in accordance with VA and other Federal fiscal requirements. The per diem payment will be at a rate not to exceed 1.5 times the current VA state home program per diem rate for domiciliary care as set by the Secretary under 38 United States Code (U.S.C.)1741(a)(1). Awardees will be subject to requirements of this NOFA, GPD regulations, 2 CFR 200, and other Federal grant requirements. A full copy of the regulations governing the GPD Program is available at the GPD Web site at http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/GPD.asp. Funding Priorities: None. Application Review Information: Of those eligible entities that are legally fundable, the highest-ranked applications for which funding is available will be conditionally selected for eligibility to receive a per diem only award in accordance with their ranked order until the approximate number of beds are reached (approximately 500). A. Criteria for Grants: Rating criteria may be found at 38 CFR 61.13 & 61.32. B. Review and Selection Process: Review and selection process may be found at 38 CFR 61.13, 61.32. Allocation of Funds: Approximately $25 million is available for this grant component. The maximum amount of the per diem award any awardee receives may not exceed $1.25 million for the entire grant period. Funding for the entire grant period will be obligated at the time of the award and available for draw down by the grantee over the grant period. Monthly reimbursements will be issued for bed days of care provided based upon the project's approved per diem rate. VA will not award more than $50,000.00 per bed over the entire two-year grant period based on the average number of beds to be provided as stated in the grant application. Funding Actions: Conditionally selected applicants will complete a grant funding agreement with VA in accordance with 38 CFR 61.61 and provide any additional information as required by VA. Upon signature by the Secretary or designated representative, final selection will be completed. Grant Award Period: For the purposes of this NOFA, the award period will be approximately two (2) years beginning on October 1, 2018, and ending approximately on September 30, 2020. Specific start and end dates will be included in the grant agreement between final selectees and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The award period will not exceed 2 years. All projects are expected to pass inspection and become operational within 90 days from the date of award. Failure to meet the 90-day milestone may result in the per diem award being terminated. Funding Restrictions: No part of an award under this NOFA may be used to facilitate capital improvements or to purchase vans or real property. Questions regarding acceptability should be directed to VA's National GPD Program Office at the number listed in contact information. Applicants may not receive funding to replace funds provided by any Federal, state, or local Government agency or program to assist homeless persons. Cost Sharing or Matching: None. Application and Submission Information: Applicants should be careful to complete the proper application package. Submission of the incorrect or incomplete application package will result in the application being rejected. The package will consist of two parts. The first part will be the standard forms required for grants to include all required forms and certifications and will be provided by VA on the GPD Web Site. The second part will be provided by applicants completing the items as listed below (see Application Requirements). Applicants who are conditionally selected will be notified of any additional information needed to confirm or clarify information provided in the application. Applicants will then be notified of the deadline to submit such information. If an applicant is unable to meet any conditions for grant award within the specified time frame, VA reserves the right to not award funds and to use the funds available for other grant and per diem applicants. Address To Obtain Standard Grant Forms for Application Package: Download the standard grant forms directly from VA's Grant and Per Diem Program web page at: http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/GPD.asp. Questions should be referred to the GPD Program at (toll-free) 1-877-332-0334. Content and Form of Application: 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 or not funded. Applicants should ensure that they include all required documents in their [[Page 51479]] application and carefully follow the format described below. Submission of an incorrect, incomplete, or incorrectly formatted application package will result in the application being rejected. Applicants should ensure that the items listed in the ``Application Requirements'' section of this NOFA are addressed in their application. Applicants should use a normal business format, single-spaced lines, typed, single sided pages, in Arial 12-point font. Applicants should write out the question first, followed by the respective response. The narrative outline should be labeled with the same titles and in the same order as this NOFA. Applicants should simply binder clip the application; do not staple, spiral bind, or fasten the application. Do not include brochures or other information not requested. The application consists of two parts. The first part will consist of Standard Forms and the second part will be provided by applicants and consist of a supporting documentation and project narratives and tables/spreadsheets in a standard business format. Applicants should ensure that they include all required documents in their application, carefully follow the format, and provide the information requested and described below. Submission of an incorrect, incomplete, or incorrectly formatted application package will result in the application being rejected at the beginning of the process. Application Documentation Required 1. Standard Forms (approximately 9 pages): (a) SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance. (b) SF 424 A Non-Construction Budget. (c) SF 424 B Non-Construction Assurances. 2. Eligibility to Receive VA Assistance: (approximately 3 pages) Nonprofit Organizations must provide documentation of accounting system certification and evidence of private nonprofit status by: (a) Providing certification on letterhead stationery from a Certified Public Accountant or Public Accountant that the organization has a functioning accounting system that is operated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or that the organization has designated a qualified entity to maintain a functioning accounting system. If such an entity is used, then their name and address must be included in the certification letter; and (b) Providing evidence of their status as a nonprofit organization by submitting a copy of their IRS ruling providing tax-exempt status under the IRS Code of 1986, as amended. 3. Documentation of being actively registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) (approximately 1 page): Provide a printed copy of your agency's active registration in SAM to include the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number which corresponds to the information provided on the Application for Federal assistance (SF424) and current Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code. Additionally, provide the complete legal business address that corresponds to the address registered with SAM to include the USPS five-digit zip code plus the four digit extension code. 4. State/Local Government Applicants: Applicants who are State or local governments must provide a copy of any comments or recommendations by approved State and (area wide) clearinghouses pursuant to Executive Order 12372. 5. Project Summary (approximately 1 page): Provide the following: (a) Number of Beds to be provided under this TIP Model:---------------- (b) Housing and services provided under this application will be located at: Address:--------------------------------------------------------------- City:------------------------------------------------------------------ State:----------------------------------------------------------------- Zip Code + 4 digit extension:------------------------------------------ County the site is located in:----------------------------------------- Additional Counties served by the project:----------------------------- Congressional District:------------------------------------------------ 6. Contact Information (approximately 4 pages): Where correspondence can be sent to the Executive Director/President/CEO. (a) Please provide the following: Agency Name:----------------------------------------------------------- Physical Address of Administrative Office (no PO Boxes):--------------- City:------------------------------------------------------------------ State:----------------------------------------------------------------- Zip + 4 digit extension:----------------------------------------------- County:---------------------------------------------------------------- Congressional District:------------------------------------------------ Telephone number:------------------------------------------------------ Alternate Mailing Address (if you would prefer regular mail be sent to a PO Box):------------------------------------------------------------- City:------------------------------------------------------------------ State:----------------------------------------------------------------- Zip:------------------------------------------------------------------- (b) Name and title of Executive Director/President/CEO; phone, fax and email address: (c) Name and title of another management level employee and title, phone, fax and email address, who can sign commitments for the agency; and (d) A complete listing of your agency's officers of the Board of Directors and their address, phone, fax, and email addresses. 7. Project Abstract: On not more than one page, provide a brief abstract of the project to include: The project design, supportive services committed to the project, types of assistance provided, and any special program provisions. 8. Detailed Project Plan: This is the portion of the application that describes your program. VA Reviewers will focus on how the project plan addresses the areas of outreach, project plan, model specific questions, ability, need, and coordination in relation to the TIP model. VA expects applicants awarded under this NOFA will meet the VA performance metrics for the selected model. With those metrics in mind, please, in your agency's responses to the following sections, include your agency strategies to meet or exceed VA's national metric targets. Applicants must address the following within the application: (a) Outreach--In approximately 5 pages, describe your agency outreach plan by answering the following: 1. Outreach--describe your plan for selected Veteran population(s) living in places not ordinarily meant for human habitation (e.g. streets, parks abandon buildings, automobiles) and emergency shelters. 2. Outreach--identify where your organization will target its outreach efforts to identify appropriate Veterans for this program. 3. Outreach--Describe your involvement in the CoC's Coordinated Assessment/Entry efforts as it relates to your outreach plan.; (b) Project Plan--VA wishes to provide the most appropriate housing based on the needs of the individual Veteran. In approximately 25 pages, provide the following: 1. Project Plan--Specifically, list the supportive services, frequency of occurrence and who will provide them, and how they will help Veteran participants achieve residential stability, increase skill levels and/or income, and increase self-determination (i.e., case management, frequency of individual/groups, employment services). Use a table or spreadsheet for this section. (See Example 3.) Example 3: [[Page 51480]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This service supports Job title and the achievement of Frequency of offering credential required for residential stability, Supportive service (daily, weekly, etc.) the individual increase skill and providing services income, or self- determination ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case management...................... Weekly................. Case Manager--LCSW..... Residential stability. Financial Management Group........... Bi-Weekly.............. Life Skills Educator-- Increased Skills and BA/BS. Income. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Project Plan--VA places emphasis on lowing barriers to admissions; describe the specific process and admission criteria for deciding which Veterans are appropriate for admission. 3. Project Plan--Indicate whether you plan on serving a mixed gender population or individuals with children. 4. Project Plan--Provide a listing and explanation of any gender specific services. 5. Project Plan--How will the safety security and privacy of participants be ensured? 6. Project Plan--How, when, and by whom will the progress of participants toward meeting their individual goals be monitored, evaluated, and documented? 7. Project Plan--Provide your agency's Individual Service Plan (ISP) methodology and the core items to be addressed in the plan. 8. Project Plan--How will the transition to permanent affordable housing be identified in the ISP and made known to participants to plan for the participant taking on the lease? 9. Project Plan--Will your agency provide follow-up services? If yes, describe those services, how often they will occur, and the duration of the follow-up. 10. Project Plan--Describe how Veteran participants will have a voice and aid in the selection, operation, and maintenance of the housing. 11. Project Plan--Describe your agency's responsibilities, as well as any sponsors or contractors' responsibilities in operating and maintaining the housing (i.e. sub-recipients, leasing sites). 12. Project Plan--Describe program policies regarding a clean and sober environment. Include in the description how participant relapse will be handled and how these policies will affect the admission and discharge criteria. 13. Project Plan--Describe program polices regarding participant agreements, including any leases and sub-leases, if used. 14. Project Plan--Describe program polices regarding extracurricular fees. 15. Project Plan--If co-located with other types of housing, homeless populations, or with other non-grant and per diem projects, how will differences in program rules and policies be handled? (See example 2). Example 2: Your agency has permanent housing, bridge housing, and low demand housing. These all serve different populations and require different levels of policy to properly function. How will this be accomplished? 16. Project Plan--Describe how, using the TIP model, you will provide aid in increased income or benefits. 17. Project Plan--Address how your agency will facilitate the provision of nutritional meals for the Veterans. Be sure to describe how Veterans with little or no income will be assisted. 18. Project Plan--VA places great emphasis on placing Veterans in the most appropriate housing situation as rapidly as possible. In this section, provide a timetable and the specific services, to include follow-up, that support housing stabilization. Include evidence of coordination of transition services that your agency expects to have for Veterans. 19. Project Plan--Describe how you will facilitate transportation of Veteran participants with and without income to appointments, employment, and supportive services. 20. Project Plan--Describe when, and by whom, the progress of participants toward meeting their individual goals will be monitored, evaluated, and documented. 21. Project Plan--As this NOFA funding cannot be used for furnishings, describe how your agency will provide basic furnishings in the selected living quarters. 22. Project Plan--describe in this section how your agency will manage the conversion of the dwelling unit and the services provided to the participant from transitional phase to permanent housing and what follow-up services will be provided to the Veteran once converted to permanent housing. Additionally, describe the instrument that will be used (lease, program agreement, memorandum of understanding, etc.) to ensure the Veteran's permanent occupancy once the unit has converted. Moreover, include how this will enhance housing outcomes leading to more timely access to permanent housing. 23. Project Plan--Indicate whether shared apartments by unrelated individuals will be used; typically the TIP model is designed for an individual Veteran or a Veteran and family. However, if your agency plans to use a model in which roommates would share a living unit that would ultimately result in the roommates assuming the lease, your agency must describe how this process would be accomplished. The description must include the elements of section (n) above and the screening and selection process for roommates; responsibilities of each roommate, and how anomalies such as a roommate leaving or not meeting their responsibilities, will be addressed. (c) Ability--In approximately 5 pages; describe your agency's experience regarding the TIP model and population. 1. Ability--Provide a table or spreadsheet of the staffing plan for this project. Do not include resumes. Example 4: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amount of annual Brief (1-2 Hours per week salary allocated Job title sentence) Educational level allocated to GPD to the GPD project description of project ($) -----------------------------------responsibilities------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Ability--Describe your agency's previous experience assessing and providing for the housing needs of homeless Veterans in transitional housing. 3. Ability--Describe your agency's previous experience assessing and providing supportive services to homeless Veterans in transitional housing. [[Page 51481]] 4. Ability--Describe your agency's previous experience in assessing supportive service resources and entitlement benefits. 5. Ability--Describe your agency's previous experience with evaluating the progress of both individual participants and overall program effectiveness through using quality and performance data to make changes. Provide documentation of meeting past performance goals. (d) Need--In approximately 5 pages, describe, using reliable data from survey of homes population or other reports or data gathering mechanisms, the substantial unmet needs particularly among your targeted Veteran population and those needs of the general homeless population. Also, describe why your agency chose this model of transitional housing. Include in your response how your agency determined the number of beds needed, or, for service centers, include how your agency determined the anticipated numbers of participation. How does this project model meet a need for the community and fit with the community's strategy to end homeless in the community? (e) Coordination--In approximately 5 pages, describe and provide evidence of your agency's involvement in the homeless Veteran continuum. 1. Coordination--Provide documented evidence that your agency is part of an ongoing community-wide planning process. 2. Coordination--How is your process designed to share information on available resources and reduce duplication among programs that serve special need homeless Veterans (i.e. letter of support from your local continuum of care)? 3. Coordination--How is your agency part of an ongoing community- wide planning process that is designed to share information on available resources and reduce duplication among programs that serve homeless Veterans? 4. Coordination--How has your agency coordinated GPD services with other programs offered in the Continuum(s) of Care (CoC) they currently serve? 5. Coordination--Provide documented evidence that your agency consulted directly with the closest VA Medical Center Director regarding coordination of services for project participants; provide your plan to assure access to health care, case management, and other care services. (f) Site Description--In one page, describe the availability of current housing stock in your community that would be appropriate for this program and would meet the standards required by Life Safety Code and 38 CFR 61.1-61.82. Describe whether the sites are scattered or in apartment complexes, provide a service area for the project, and, if available, provide a proposed or current address for the housing. Applicants should be careful to complete the proper application package. Submission of an incorrect or incomplete application package will result in the application being rejected. Application packages must include all required forms and certifications. Selections will be made based on criteria described in the application, Final Rule, and NOFA. Awardees will be required to support their request for payments with adequate fiscal documentation as to project income and expenses. Awardee agencies that have a negotiated Indirect Cost Agreement (IDC) must provide a copy of the IDC with this application if they wish to charge indirect costs to the grant. Without this document, only the de minims rate would be allowed for indirect costs. All other costs will be considered only if they are direct costs. Applicants who are conditionally selected will be notified of any additional information needed to confirm or clarify information provided in the application. Applicants will then be notified of the deadline to submit such information. If an applicant is unable to meet any conditions for grant award within the specified time frame, VA reserves the right to ot award funds nd to use the funds available for other grant and per diem applicants. Submission Dates and Times: An original signed, dated, completed, and application (plus two completed collated copies) and all required associated documents must be received in the GPD Program Office, VA Homeless Providers GPD Program Office, 10770 N. 46th Street, Suite C- 200, Tampa, Florida 33617; by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. In the interest of fairness to all competing applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and hour, and VA will treat any application that is received after the deadline as ineligible for consideration. Applicants should take this firm deadline into account and make early submission of their material to avoid any risk of loss of eligibility as a result of unanticipated delays or other delivery-related problems. For applications physically delivered(.e.g., in person, or via United States Postal Service, FedEx, United Parcel Service, or any other type of courier), the VA GPD Program Office staff will accept the application and date stamp it immediately at the time of arrival. This is the date and time that will determine if the deadline is met for those types of delivery. Applications must be received by the application deadline. Applications must arrive as a complete package to include VA collaborative partner materials (see application requirements). Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package for consideration and may result in the application being rejected or not funded. DO NOT fax or email the application, as applications received via these means will be ineligible for consideration. Award Notice: Although subject to change, the GPD Program Office expects the announcement of grant awards during the late fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018 (September). The initial announcement will be made via news release, which will be posted on the GPD Web site at www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp. Following the initial announcement, the Grant and Per Diem Office will mail a notification letter to the grant recipients. Applicants that are not selected will be mailed a declination letter within 2 weeks of the initial announcement. Administrative and National Policy: It is important to be aware that VA places great emphasis on responsibility and accountability. VA has procedures in place to monitor services provided to homeless Veterans and outcomes associated with the services provided in grant and per diem-funded programs. Applicants should be aware of the following: All awardees that are selected in response to this NOFA must meet the requirements of the current edition of the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association as it relates to their specific facility. Applicants should note that all facilities are to be protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system unless a facility is specifically exempted under the Life Safety Code. Applicants should consider this when submitting their grant applications, as no additional funds will be made available for capital improvements under this NOFA. Each program receiving funding will have a liaison appointed from a nearby VA medical facility to provide oversight and monitor services provided to homeless Veterans in the program. Monitoring will include, at a minimum, a quarterly review of each per diem program's progress toward meeting VA's performance metrics in helping Veterans attain housing stability, adequate income support, and self-sufficiency as identified in each per diem application. Monitoring will also [[Page 51482]] include a review of the agency's income and expenses as they relate to this project to ensure payment is accurate. Each funded program will participate in VA's national program monitoring and evaluation, as these monitoring procedures will be used to determine successful accomplishment of housing, employment, and self-sufficiency outcomes for each per diem-funded program. 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. David J. Shulkin, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approved this document on October 31, 2017, for publication. Dated: October 31, 2017. Jeffrey Martin, Office Program Manager, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs. [FR Doc. 2017-24086 Filed 11-3-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
![51476 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 213 / Monday, November 6, 2017 / Notices
and paper form depending on the nature connected status and information contact data, population demographics,
of the materials received, background concerning ownership of the businesses military service-related data, financial-
information compiled, and/or response listed in VetBiz, including certifications, related data, claims processing codes
sent. Each may have included the and security clearances held. This and information, and other VA and non-
names, social security numbers, mailing system was published in the Federal VA information. The records in this
addresses, telephone numbers, and Register on February 21, 2008, at 73 FR system of records were used for
other personal identifiers routinely 9620. qualitative, quantitative, and other
required to identify a correspondent or 7. Enterprising Veterans’ Information analyses used to support Office of
subject. Other record items maintained Center (EVIC)—VA (124VA00VE). The Inspector General (OIG) reviews,
may have included personal facts about system recorded the names and investigations, audits, and healthcare
medical, financial, or memorial benefits numbers of individuals calling the inspections. This system was published
related to the correspondent, Veteran or Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE) for in the Federal Register, on March 16,
beneficiary. Internal VA records may advice and assistance, as well as any 2009, at 74 FR 11190.
have included, but were not limited to, voice messages. The system of records
VA administrative, financial, and provided integrated customer service for Signing Authority
personnel information. Records may the Center’s telephone and operational The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or
have included scanned documents, business communication needs designee, approved this document and
letters, emails, faxes, Internet including, but not limited to, automated authorized the undersigned to sign and
documents, tracking sheets, notes, and switchboard referral to CVE resource submit the document to the Office of the
documentation of telephone calls and/or partners and automated electronic mail Federal Register for publication
meetings with an individual. Records responses and referrals. This system was electronically as an official document of
were also used to process replies to published in the Federal Register on the Department of Veterans Affairs. John
correspondence and other inquiries July 21, 2003, at 68 FR 43258. Oswalt, Executive Director, Privacy
originating from Congress; other Federal 8. Chemical and Biological Agent Service approved this document on for
agencies; state, local, and tribal Exposure Database—VA (128VA008A). publication on November 1, 2017.
governments; foreign governments; Categories of individuals covered by
Dated: November 1, 2017.
Veterans Service Organizations; this system included Veterans identified
by the Department of Defense (DoD) or Kathleen M. Manwell,
representatives of private or commercial
another government agency as having Program Analyst, VA Privacy Service, Office
entities; Veterans and their
been exposed to any type of chemical of Quality, Privacy, and Risk, Office of
beneficiaries; private citizens; and VA Information and Technology, Department of
employees. The records were also used (including psycho-chemical) and Veterans Affairs.
for some categories of correspondence biological agents while on active duty.
[FR Doc. 2017–24076 Filed 11–3–17; 8:45 am]
and records internal to VA. This system The records included personal
BILLING CODE 8320–01–P
was published in the Federal Register identifiers, residential and professional
on May 2, 2000, at 65 FR 25534. contact data, population demographics,
5. Enterprise Project Management military service-related data, financial-
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
(EPM) Tool—VA (122VA005P3). related data, claims processing codes
AFFAIRS
Categories of individuals covered by and information, and other VA and non-
this system included current and former VA Federal benefit information. Homeless Providers Grant and Per
VA employees, contractors, or Additionally, some records may have Diem Program
subcontractors acting in the capacity of contained DoD health care-related data
project managers and project team or VA-originated health care AGENCY: Veterans Health
members in Information Technology information. The purpose of the system Administration, Department of Veterans
(IT) projects. The records were used to was to measure and evaluate on a Affairs.
track, manage, and report on the continuing basis all programs ACTION: Notice of funding availability
development of IT systems within VA in authorized under title 38, United States (NOFA).
order to make informed decisions and Code, including analysis and review of
deliver projects on time through the policy and planning issues affecting VA SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans
capture and re-use of best practices. programs, in order to support Affairs (VA) is announcing the
This system was published in the legislative, regulatory, and policy availability of funds for assistance under
Federal Register on October 12, 2006, at recommendations, initiatives, and the Per Diem Only component of VA’s
71 FR 60232. decisions affecting VA programs and Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem
6. Center for Veterans Enterprise activities. This system was published in (GPD) Program. This Notice of Funding
(CVE) VA VetBiz Vendor Information the Federal Register on April 19, 2007, Availability (NOFA) encourages
Pages (VIP) (123VA00VE). Categories of at 72 FR 19770. reapplication for those applicants who
individuals covered by this system 9. Inspector General Oversight Data seek to continue providing ‘‘Transition
included Veterans who had applied to Extracts—VA (154VA53C). The records in Place’’ (TIP) grants and new
have their small businesses included in in this system of records consisted of applicants that will serve the homeless
the VetBiz database, and, if deceased, data, and extracts of data, provided from Veteran population through a TIP
their surviving spouses. The records in master databases under VA jurisdiction housing model to facilitate housing
this system included (1) identifying including, but not limited to, the stabilization. This Notice contains
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information on Veterans and their Veterans Benefits Administration, information concerning the program,
surviving spouses who applied to have Veterans Health Administration, and the funding priorities, application process,
their businesses listed in the VetBiz National Cemetery Administration. Data and amount of funding available.
database, including names and social extracts may also have been sourced DATES: An original signed, dated, and
security numbers, and (2) information from databases provided by DoD as well collated grant application (plus two
documenting the eligibility of Veterans as other Federal and State agencies. The completed collated copies) for
to have their businesses listed in the records may have included personal assistance under VA’s Homeless
VetBiz database, including service- identifiers, residential and professional Providers GPD Program must be
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 213 / Monday, November 6, 2017 / Notices 51477
received in the GPD Program Office, by granted after 12 months but not to freezer, sink, and stove). Note:
4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, exceed 24 months. This model does not Microwave ovens, hot plates, or similar
February 21, 2018 (see Submission support discharge planning that would items are not suitable substitutes for an
Dates and Times below for additional have the Veteran transition to Housing operational stove.
requirements). and Urban Development–VA Supportive Required Minimum Performance
In the interest of fairness to all Housing (HUD–VASH) as the HUD– Metrics/Targets: VA has established
competing applicants, this deadline is VASH Program targets a Veteran performance metrics/targets for all
firm as to date and hour, and VA will population in need of specialized case successful applicants. Discharge to
treat as ineligible for consideration any management. permanent housing is 75 percent;
application that is received after the Scope of services should incorporate employment of individuals at discharge
deadline. Applicants should take this tactics to increase the Veteran’s income is 50 percent; and negative exits are less
practice into account and make early through employment and/or benefits than 28 percent.
submission of their material to avoid and securing the permanent housing in
any risk of loss of eligibility brought the Veteran’s name. Services provided Participant Agreement Information
about by unanticipated delays or other and strategies utilized by the applicant Lease Guarantors: When a third party
delivery-related problems. will vary based on the individualized (in this case the grantee) guarantees to
ADDRESSES: An original signed, needs of the Veteran and resources pay the lease costs if the lessee (in this
complete, and collated grant application available in the community. Applicant case the Veteran) defaults. This is not
(plus two copies) must be submitted to specifies the staffing levels and range of allowed under this program.
the following address: VA Homeless services to be provided. Sub-lease: The sub-lease is ‘‘[a] lease
Providers Grant and Per Diem Field Applicants identify or convert by a lessee (in this case the grantee) to
Office, 10770 N. 46th Street, Suite C– existing suitable apartment-style a third party (the Veteran) conveying the
200, Tampa, Florida 33617. housing where homeless Veteran leased property for a shorter term than
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. participants would receive time-limited, that of the lessee, who retains a
Jeffery Quarles, Director, VA’s Homeless supportive services optimally for a reversion in the lease.’’ For the sake of
Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, period of 6–12 months, but not to clarity, in a sub-lease TIP housing
Department of Veterans Affairs, 10770 exceed 24 months. Upon completion, scenario, the landlord is the lessor, the
North 46th Street, Suite C–200, Tampa, the Veteran must be able to ‘‘transition grantee is the lessee, and the Veteran is
Florida, 33617; (toll-free) (877) 332– in place’’ by assuming the lease or other the sub-lessee.
0334. long-term agreement which enables the GPD TIP Grantees may use sub-leases
unit in which he or she resides to be during the transitional housing phase if
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: considered the Veteran’s permanent the sub-lease has been approved by the
Funding Opportuity Description housing. Grantees are expected to GPD Program Office and the sub-lease
replace units as they are converted to must meet the following conditions:
This Notice announces the
permanent housing to maintain the 1. Period of sub-lease must be less
availability of per diem funds for
average number of bed days as stated in than entire period of the grantee’s lease
assistance under VA’s Homeless
the application during the entire grant with the landlord.
Providers GPD Program TIP Per Diem
period. Once the Veteran assumes the 2. Grantee lease renewal must be
Only (PDO) for eligible entities.
lease or other long-term agreement, VA taken into consideration when stating
Applicants may apply for a minimum of
will no longer provide funding for the the period of the sub-lease.
5 beds and up to a maximum of 25 beds 3. Sub-lease must be explicit that the
unit under this NOFA. For example,
under this NOFA as a part of the effort grantee is the lessee, not the Veteran.
each time a Veteran assumes the lease
to end homelessness among our 4. Sub-lease must revert back to the
or other long-term agreement for the
Nation’s Veterans. grantee lessee without sanctions to the
apartment, the grantee must identify a
Housing Model Description new unit in which to place another Veteran should the Veteran leave prior
Veteran. By program design, transition to program completion and lease
Transition in Place Model (TIP) assumption.
to permanent housing should occur as
Targeted Population—Homeless rapidly as possible, and grantees should 5. Sub-lease may not contain
Veterans who choose a supportive continually be acquiring and requirements contrary to GPD
transitional housing environment coordinating with VA on the inspection regulations.
providing services prior to entering of new units to maintain a steady 6. Security deposits may not be
permanent housing. number of Veterans served. charged to Veterans. However, grantee
Model Overview—Provides Applicants applying under this NOFA lessees may take other available and
transitional housing and a milieu of must own or lease apartments intended appropriate legal steps in situations of
services that facilitate individual as permanent housing for an individual property destruction.
stabilization and movement of the or single family. Apartments must meet Lease Assumption: When a third party
Veteran to permanent housing in the the inspection standards outlined at title (in this case the Veteran) assumes a
residence as rapidly as clinically 38 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) lease, the original lessee does not retain
appropriate. 61.80, and have the following any interest in the lease.
Characteristics & Standards—The TIP characteristics: Low Income Housing Tax Credits:
housing model offers Veteran residents 1. Private access without Grantees that use tax credit programs
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housing in which support services unauthorized passage through another may request that Veterans fill out a tax
transition out of the residence over time, dwelling unit or private property; credit application, as there is no
rather than the resident. This leaves the 2. Sanitary facilities within the unit; prohibition in GPD regulation. The
resident in place at the residence and 3. Basic furnishings; and issues that could arise are operational
not forced to find other housing while 4. Suitable space and equipment and specific to GPD TIP. Here are two
stabilizing. It is expected that Veterans within the unit to store, prepare, and examples.
will transition in place in approximately serve food in a sanitary manner Example 1. Under the GPD TIP for
6 to 12 months. Extensions may be (including, at a minimum, a refrigerator, which the grantee is funded, the Veteran
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![51482 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 213 / Monday, November 6, 2017 / Notices
include a review of the agency’s income Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
and expenses as they relate to this Administration (20M33), Department of AFFAIRS
project to ensure payment is accurate. Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue
[OMB Control No. 2900–0772]
Each funded program will participate NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email to
in VA’s national program monitoring nancy.kessinger@va.gov. Please refer to Agency Information Collection
and evaluation, as these monitoring ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900–0463’’ in any Activity: VA Cooperative Studies
procedures will be used to determine correspondence. During the comment Program
successful accomplishment of housing, period, comments may be viewed online
employment, and self-sufficiency through FDMS. AGENCY: Veterans Health
outcomes for each per diem-funded FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Administration, Department of Veterans
program. Cynthia Harvey-Pryor at (202) 461– Affairs.
5870. ACTION: Notice.
Signing Authority
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the SUMMARY: Veterans Health
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or
designee, approved this document and PRA of 1995, Federal agencies must Administration, Department of Veterans
authorized the undersigned to sign and obtain approval from the Office of Affairs (VA), is announcing an
submit the document to the Office of the Management and Budget (OMB) for each opportunity for public comment on the
Federal Register for publication collection of information they conduct proposed collection of certain
electronically as an official document of or sponsor. This request for comment is information by the agency. Under the
the Department of Veterans Affairs. being made pursuant to Section Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of
David J. Shulkin, Secretary of Veterans 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA. 1995, Federal agencies are required to
Affairs, approved this document on With respect to the following publish notice in the Federal Register
October 31, 2017, for publication. collection of information, VBA invites concerning each proposed collection of
comments on: (1) Whether the proposed information, including each proposed
Dated: October 31, 2017. collection of information is necessary reinstatement of a currently approved
Jeffrey Martin, for the proper performance of VBA’s collection, and allow 60 days for public
Office Program Manager, Office of Regulation functions, including whether the comment in response to the notice.
Policy & Management, Office of the Secretary, information will have practical utility;
Department of Veterans Affairs. DATES: Written comments and
(2) the accuracy of VBA’s estimate of the recommendations on the proposed
[FR Doc. 2017–24086 Filed 11–3–17; 8:45 am] burden of the proposed collection of collection of information should be
BILLING CODE 8320–01–P information; (3) ways to enhance the received on or before January 5, 2018.
quality, utility, and clarity of the
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments
information to be collected; and (4)
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS ways to minimize the burden of the on the collection of information through
AFFAIRS collection of information on Federal Docket Management System
respondents, including through the use (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to
[OMB Control No. 2900–0463] Brian McCarthy, Office of Regulatory
of automated collection techniques or
Agency Information Collection the use of other forms of information and Administrative Affairs (10B4),
Activity: Notice of Waiver of VA technology. Department of Veterans Affairs, 810
Compensation or Pension To Receive Authority: Public Law 104–13; 44 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC
Military Pay and Allowances U.S.C. 3501–3521. 20420 or email to Brian.McCarthy4@
Title: Notice of Waiver of VA va.gov. Please refer to ‘‘OMB Control
AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Compensation or Pension to Receive No. 2900–0772’’ in any correspondence.
Administration, Department of Veterans Military Pay and Allowances (VA Forms During the comment period, comments
Affairs. 21–8951 and 21–8951–2). may be viewed online through FDMS.
ACTION: Notice. OMB Control Number: 2900–0463. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Type of Review: Extension of a Brian McCarthy at (202) 461–6345.
SUMMARY: Veterans Benefits currently approved collection. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the
Administration, Department of Veterans Abstract: VA Forms 21–8951 and 21– PRA of 1995, Federal agencies must
Affairs (VA), is announcing an 8951–2 are used by reservists/ obtain approval from the Office of
opportunity for public comment on the guardsmen to file a waiver a VA Management and Budget (OMB) for each
proposed collection of certain disability benefits in order to receive collection of information they conduct
information by the agency. Under the active or inactive duty training pay. or sponsor. This request for comment is
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of Affected Public: Individuals and being made pursuant to Section
1995, Federal agencies are required to households. 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.
publish notice in the Federal Register Estimated Annual Burden: 3,500 With respect to the following
concerning each proposed collection of hours. collection of information, VHA invites
information, including each proposed Estimated Average Burden per comments on: (1) Whether the proposed
extension of a currently approved Respondent: 10 minutes. collection of information is necessary
collection, and allow 60 days for public Frequency of Response: Once. for the proper performance of VHA’s
comment in response to the notice. Estimated Number of Respondents:
functions, including whether the
21,000.
Pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES
DATES: Written comments and information will have practical utility;
recommendations on the proposed By direction of the Secretary. (2) the accuracy of VHA’s estimate of
collection of information should be Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, the burden of the proposed collection of
received on or before January 5, 2018. Department Clearance Officer, Office of information; (3) ways to enhance the
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments Quality, Privacy, and Risk, Department of quality, utility, and clarity of the
on the collection of information through Veterans Affairs. information to be collected; and (4)
Federal Docket Management System [FR Doc. 2017–24058 Filed 11–3–17; 8:45 am] ways to minimize the burden of the
(FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to BILLING CODE 8320–01–P collection of information on
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Document Created: 2017-11-07 10:30:48
Document Modified: 2017-11-07 10:30:48
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of funding availability (NOFA). | |
| Dates | An original signed, dated, and collated grant application (plus two completed collated copies) for assistance under VA's Homeless Providers GPD Program must be received in the GPD Program Office, by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 (see Submission Dates and Times below for additional requirements). | |
| Contact | Mr. Jeffery Quarles, Director, VA's Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, 10770 North 46th Street, Suite C-200, Tampa, Florida, 33617; (toll-free) (877) 332- 0334. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 51476 |
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