83_FR_4796 83 FR 4774 - Loan Guaranty: Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program

83 FR 4774 - Loan Guaranty: Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 22 (February 1, 2018)

Page Range4774-4778
FR Document2018-01988

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) 2018. 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 Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program regulation in conjunction with this notice. The registration process described in this notice applies only to applicants who will register to submit project applications for FY 2018 SAHAT Grant Program funds.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 22 (Thursday, February 1, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 22 (Thursday, February 1, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4774-4778]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01988]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Loan Guaranty: Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology 
Grant Program

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice of funding availability.

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

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) 2018. 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 Specially Adapted Housing 
Assistive Technology Grant Program regulation in conjunction with this 
notice. The registration process described in this notice applies only 
to applicants who will register to submit project applications for FY 
2018 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 25, 2018. The 
SAHAT Grant Program application package for funding opportunity, VA-
SAHAT-18-03, 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 (262), Veterans Benefits 
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20420, (202) 632-8955. (This is not a toll-free number.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Full Text of Announcement: This notice is divided into eight 
sections. Section I provides a summary of and 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, including 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

[[Page 4775]]

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.

I. Program Description

A. Summary

    Pursuant to the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-275, 
124 Stat. 2864), 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 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. Please see 38 U.S.C. 
2101(a)(2)(B) and (C) and 38 U.S.C. 2101(b)(2) for a list of qualifying 
service-connected disabilities. Currently, most SAH adaptations involve 
structural modifications such as ramps, wider hallways and doorways, 
and 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 and 
improvements in building materials that could improve home adaptions or 
otherwise enhance a veteran's or servicemember's ability to live 
independently. Therefore, in 38 CFR 36.4412(b)(2), VA has defined ``new 
assistive technology'' as an advancement that the Secretary determines 
could aid or enhance the ability of an eligible individual, as defined 
in 38 CFR 36.4401, 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, 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. The 
Act limited the aggregate amount of such grants VA may award in any 
fiscal year to $1 million.
    On September 29, 2017, Public Law 115-62, the Department of 
Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017 was enacted. Section 
408 of title IV extended the authority for VA to provide grants in the 
manner listed above, through September 30, 2018. See 38 U.S.C. 2108 and 
38 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. In 38 CFR 
36.4412(f)(2), VA set out the scoring criteria and the maximum points 
allowed for each criterion. As explained in the preambles to both the 
proposed and final rules, while the scoring framework is set out in the 
regulation text, each notice will address the scoring priorities for 
that particular grant cycle. 79 FR 53146, 53148, Sept. 8, 2014; 80 FR 
55763, 55764, Sept. 17, 2014. For FY 2018, 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 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 that relate to adapted housing. 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.

C. Start and Close-out Date

    The anticipated start date of grants funded under this announcement 
is April 2, 2018. Grant projects must be closed out by September 30, 
2019.

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

[[Page 4776]]

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 requirements 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 25, 2018. 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 June 30, 2019 
(this period does not include the 90 days closeout period) 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, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements 
for Federal Awards, as found at 2 CFR part 200. See 2 CFR 200.101(a). 
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 www.Grants.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-18-03) 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 June 30, 2019) 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 
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 25, 2018. Submissions received after this application deadline 
will be

[[Page 4777]]

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 the applicant 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 the application. However, if CBI is included in an 
application, applicants should clearly indicate which portion(s) of 
their application they are claiming as CBI. See 2 CFR 200.333-200.337 
(addressing access to a non-Federal entity's records pertinent to a 
Federal award).

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 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. 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, 2018. 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. 
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, 2019.

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.)
    Mailed correspondence, which should not include application 
material, should be sent 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

    Section 2108 authorizes VA to provide grants for the development of

[[Page 4778]]

new assistive technologies through September 30, 2018. 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 23, 2018, for publication.

    Dated: January 29, 2018.
Michael Shores,
Director, Regulation Policy & Management, Office of the Secretary, 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2018-01988 Filed 1-31-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8320-01-P



                                                4774                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 22 / Thursday, February 1, 2018 / Notices

                                                ethics review is conducted for each                     Management and Budget (OMB) for each                  (FY) 2018. The objective of the grant is
                                                selected nominee.                                       collection of information they conduct                to encourage the development of new
                                                  Dated: January 29, 2018.                              or sponsor. This request for comment is               assistive technologies for specially
                                                Jelessa M. Burney,
                                                                                                        being made pursuant to Section                        adapted housing. This notice is
                                                                                                        3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.                             intended to provide applicants with the
                                                Federal Advisory Committee Management
                                                                                                          With respect to the following                       information necessary to apply for the
                                                Officer.
                                                                                                        collection of information, VBA invites                SAHAT Grant Program. Registration
                                                [FR Doc. 2018–01974 Filed 1–31–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                        comments on: (1) Whether the proposed                 will be available at www.Grants.gov. VA
                                                BILLING CODE P
                                                                                                        collection of information is necessary                strongly recommends referring to the
                                                                                                        for the proper performance of VBA’s                   Specially Adapted Housing Assistive
                                                                                                        functions, including whether the                      Technology Grant Program regulation in
                                                DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
                                                                                                        information will have practical utility;              conjunction with this notice. The
                                                AFFAIRS                                                                                                       registration process described in this
                                                                                                        (2) the accuracy of VBA’s estimate of the
                                                [OMB Control No. 2900–0068]                             burden of the proposed collection of                  notice applies only to applicants who
                                                                                                        information; (3) ways to enhance the                  will register to submit project
                                                Agency Information Collection                           quality, utility, and clarity of the                  applications for FY 2018 SAHAT Grant
                                                Activity: Application for Service-                      information to be collected; and (4)                  Program funds.
                                                Disabled Veterans Insurance                             ways to minimize the burden of the                    DATES: Applications for the SAHAT
                                                AGENCY:  Veterans Benefits                              collection of information on                          Grant Program must be submitted via
                                                Administration, Department of Veterans                  respondents, including through the use                www.Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern
                                                Affairs.                                                of automated collection techniques or                 Time on February 25, 2018. The SAHAT
                                                                                                        the use of other forms of information                 Grant Program application package for
                                                ACTION: Notice.
                                                                                                        technology.                                           funding opportunity, VA–SAHAT–18–
                                                SUMMARY:   Veterans Benefits                              Authority: Public Law 104–13; 44                    03, is available through www.Grants.gov
                                                Administration, Department of Veterans                  U.S.C. 3501–3521.                                     and is listed as VA-Specially Adapted
                                                Affairs (VA), is announcing an                            Title: Application for Service-                     Housing Assistive Technology Grant
                                                opportunity for public comment on the                   Disabled Veterans Insurance VA Form                   Program. Applications may not be sent
                                                proposed collection of certain                          29–4364 and VA Form 29–0151.                          by mail, email, or facsimile. All
                                                information by the agency. Under the                      OMB Control Number: 2900–0068.                      application materials must be in a
                                                Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of                          Type of Review: Reinstatement of a                  format compatible with the
                                                1995, Federal agencies are required to                  previously approved collection.                       www.Grants.gov application submission
                                                publish notice in the Federal Register                    Abstract: These forms are used by                   tool. Applications must arrive as a
                                                concerning each proposed collection of                  veterans to apply for Service Disabled                complete package. Materials arriving
                                                information, including each proposed                    Veterans Insurance, to designate a                    separately will not be included in the
                                                reinstatement of a currently approved                   beneficiary and to select an optional                 application package for consideration
                                                collection, and allow 60 days for public                settlement. The information is required               and may result in the application being
                                                comment in response to the notice. This                 by law, 38 U.S.C., Section 1922.                      rejected. Technical assistance with the
                                                notice solicits comments on information                   Affected Public: Individuals and                    preparation of an initial SAHAT Grant
                                                needed from veterans to apply for                       households.                                           Program application is available by
                                                Service Disabled Veterans Insurance, to                   Estimated Annual Burden: 8,333                      contacting the program official listed
                                                designate a beneficiary and to select an                hours.                                                below.
                                                optional settlement. The information is                   Estimated Average Burden per
                                                                                                                                                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                required by law, 38 U.S.C., Section                     Respondent: 20 minutes.
                                                                                                                                                              Bryant Lacey (Program Manager),
                                                1922.                                                     Frequency of Response: On occasion.
                                                                                                                                                              Specially Adapted Housing Program
                                                                                                          Estimated Number of Respondents:
                                                DATES:  Written comments and                                                                                  (262), Veterans Benefits Administration,
                                                                                                          By direction of the Secretary.                      Department of Veterans Affairs, 810
                                                recommendations on the proposed
                                                                                                        Cynthia Harvey-Pryor,                                 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC
                                                collection of information should be
                                                received on or before April 2, 2018.                    Department Clearance Officer, Office of               20420, (202) 632–8955. (This is not a
                                                                                                        Quality, Privacy and Risk, Department of              toll-free number.)
                                                ADDRESSES: Submit written comments                      Veterans Affairs.
                                                on the collection of information through                                                                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                        [FR Doc. 2018–01945 Filed 1–31–18; 8:45 am]              Full Text of Announcement: This
                                                Federal Docket Management System
                                                (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to
                                                                                                        BILLING CODE 8320–01–P                                notice is divided into eight sections.
                                                Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits                                                                         Section I provides a summary of and
                                                Administrations (20M33), Department                                                                           background information on the SAHAT
                                                                                                        DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS                                Grant Program as well as the statutory
                                                of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont                        AFFAIRS
                                                Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or                                                                            authority, desired outcomes, funding
                                                email to nancy.kessinger@va.gov. Please                                                                       priorities, definitions, and delegation of
                                                                                                        Loan Guaranty: Specially Adapted                      authority. Section II provides award
                                                refer to ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900–0068’’                  Housing Assistive Technology Grant
                                                in any correspondence. During the                                                                             information, including funding
                                                                                                        Program                                               availability, and the anticipated start
                                                comment period, comments may be
                                                                                                                                                              date of the SAHAT Grant Program.
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                                                viewed online through FDMS.                             AGENCY:   Department of Veterans Affairs.
                                                                                                        ACTION:   Notice of funding availability.             Section III provides detailed
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                                                                              information on eligibility and the
                                                Cynthia Harvey-Pryor at (202) 461–                      SUMMARY:   The Department of Veterans                 threshold criteria for submitting an
                                                5870.                                                   Affairs (VA) is announcing the                        application. Section IV provides
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:    Under the                 availability of funds for the Specially               detailed application and submission
                                                PRA of 1995, Federal agencies must                      Adapted Housing Assistive Technology                  information, including how to request
                                                obtain approval from the Office of                      (SAHAT) Grant Program for fiscal year                 an application, application content, and


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                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 22 / Thursday, February 1, 2018 / Notices                                            4775

                                                submission dates and times. Section V                   servicemembers can use in order to                    F. Delegation of Authority
                                                describes the review process, scoring                   facilitate optimal independence in their                 Pursuant to 38 CFR 36.4412(i), each
                                                criteria, and selection process. Section                homes.                                                VA employee appointed to or lawfully
                                                VI provides award administration                          Please Note: SAHAT funding does not
                                                                                                                                                              fulfilling any of the following positions
                                                information such as award notices and                   support the construction or
                                                                                                                                                              is delegated authority, within the
                                                reporting requirements. Section VII                     modification of residential dwellings for
                                                                                                                                                              limitations and conditions prescribed by
                                                provides agency contacts. Section VIII                  accessibility. Veterans and
                                                                                                                                                              law, to exercise the powers and
                                                provides additional information related                 servicemembers interested in receiving
                                                                                                                                                              functions of the Secretary with respect
                                                to the SAHAT Grant Program. This                        assistance to adapt a home are
                                                                                                                                                              to the SAHAT Grant Program authorized
                                                notice includes citations from 38 CFR                   encouraged to review the following
                                                                                                                                                              by 38 U.S.C. 2108:
                                                part 36, which applicants and                           factsheet: http://
                                                stakeholders are expected to read to                    www.prosthetics.va.gov/factsheet/PSAS-                1. Under Secretary for Benefits
                                                increase their knowledge and                            FactSheet-Housing-Adaptation-                         2. Deputy Under Secretary for Economic
                                                understanding of the SAHAT Grant                        Programs.pdf to identify Home                            Opportunity
                                                Program.                                                Adaptation programs offered by VA.                    3. Director, Loan Guaranty Service
                                                                                                                                                              4. Deputy Director, Loan Guaranty
                                                I. Program Description                                  C. Statutory Authority                                   Service
                                                A. Summary                                                 Public Law 111–275, the Veterans’                  II. Award Information
                                                                                                        Benefits Act of 2010 (the Act), was
                                                   Pursuant to the Veterans’ Benefits Act               enacted on October 13, 2010. Section                  A. Funding Availability
                                                of 2010 (Pub. L. 111–275, 124 Stat.                     203 of the Act amended chapter 21, title
                                                2864), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs                                                                         The aggregate amount of assistance
                                                                                                        38, U.S.C., to establish the SAHAT                    VA may award in any fiscal year is
                                                (Secretary), through the Loan Guaranty                  Grant Program. The Act authorized VA
                                                Service (LGY) of the Veterans Benefits                                                                        limited to $1 million. This funding will
                                                                                                        to provide grants of up to $200,000 per               be provided as an assistance agreement
                                                Administration (VBA), is authorized to                  fiscal year, through September 30, 2016,
                                                provide grants of financial assistance to                                                                     in the form of grants. The number of
                                                                                                        to a ‘‘person or entity’’ for the                     assistance agreements VA will fund as
                                                develop new assistive technology. The                   development of specially adapted
                                                objective of the SAHAT Grant Program                                                                          a result of this notice will be based on
                                                                                                        housing assistive technologies. The Act               the quality of the technology grant
                                                is to encourage the development of new                  limited the aggregate amount of such
                                                assistive technologies for adapted                                                                            applications received and the
                                                                                                        grants VA may award in any fiscal year                availability of funding. However, the
                                                housing.                                                to $1 million.                                        maximum amount of assistance a
                                                B. Background                                              On September 29, 2017, Public Law                  technology grant applicant may receive
                                                                                                        115–62, the Department of Veterans                    in any fiscal year is limited to $200,000.
                                                  LGY currently administers the                         Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017
                                                Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)                         was enacted. Section 408 of title IV                  B. Additional Funding Information
                                                Program. Through this program, LGY                      extended the authority for VA to
                                                provides funds to eligible veterans and                                                                         Funding for these projects is not
                                                                                                        provide grants in the manner listed                   guaranteed and is subject to the
                                                servicemembers with certain service-                    above, through September 30, 2018. See
                                                connected disabilities to help purchase                                                                       availability of funds and the evaluation
                                                                                                        38 U.S.C. 2108 and 38 CFR 36.4412.                    of technology grant applications based
                                                or construct an adapted home, or
                                                modify an existing home, to allow them                  D. Desired Outcomes and Funding                       on the criteria in this announcement. In
                                                to live more independently. Please see                  Priorities                                            appropriate circumstances, VA reserves
                                                38 U.S.C. 2101(a)(2)(B) and (C) and 38                                                                        the right to partially fund technology
                                                                                                          Grantees will be expected to leverage
                                                U.S.C. 2101(b)(2) for a list of qualifying                                                                    grant applications by funding discrete
                                                                                                        grant funds to develop new assistive
                                                service-connected disabilities.                                                                               portions or phases of proposed projects
                                                                                                        technologies for specially adapted
                                                Currently, most SAH adaptations                                                                               that relate to adapted housing. Award of
                                                                                                        housing. In 38 CFR 36.4412(f)(2), VA set
                                                involve structural modifications such as                                                                      funding through this competition is not
                                                                                                        out the scoring criteria and the
                                                ramps, wider hallways and doorways,                                                                           a guarantee of future funding. The
                                                                                                        maximum points allowed for each
                                                and roll-in showers and other accessible                                                                      SAHAT Grant Program is administered
                                                                                                        criterion. As explained in the preambles
                                                bathroom features, etc. For more                                                                              annually and does not guarantee
                                                                                                        to both the proposed and final rules,
                                                information about the SAH Program,                                                                            subsequent awards. Renewal grants to
                                                                                                        while the scoring framework is set out
                                                please visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/                                                                     provide new assistive technology will
                                                                                                        in the regulation text, each notice will
                                                homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp.                                                                                 not be considered under this
                                                                                                        address the scoring priorities for that
                                                  VA acknowledges there are many                                                                              announcement.
                                                                                                        particular grant cycle. 79 FR 53146,
                                                emerging technologies and                               53148, Sept. 8, 2014; 80 FR 55763,                    C. Start and Close-out Date
                                                improvements in building materials that                 55764, Sept. 17, 2014. For FY 2018, the
                                                could improve home adaptions or                                                                                 The anticipated start date of grants
                                                                                                        Secretary has established innovation                  funded under this announcement is
                                                otherwise enhance a veteran’s or                        and unmet needs, as described in
                                                servicemember’s ability to live                                                                               April 2, 2018. Grant projects must be
                                                                                                        scoring criteria 1 and 2 contained in                 closed out by September 30, 2019.
                                                independently. Therefore, in 38 CFR                     Section V(A) of this notice, as top
                                                36.4412(b)(2), VA has defined ‘‘new                     priorities. Additional information                    III. Eligibility Information
                                                assistive technology’’ as an
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                                                                                                        regarding how these priorities will be                A. Eligible Applicants
                                                advancement that the Secretary                          scored is contained in Section V(A) of
                                                determines could aid or enhance the                     this notice.                                             As authorized by 38 U.S.C. 2108, the
                                                ability of an eligible individual, as                                                                         Secretary may provide a grant to a
                                                defined in 38 CFR 36.4401, to live in an                E. Definitions                                        ‘‘person or entity’’ for the development
                                                adapted home. SAHAT funding will                          Definitions of terms used in the                    of specially adapted housing assistive
                                                support the creation of assistive                       SAHAT Grant Program are found at 38                   technologies. In order to foster
                                                technologies that veterans and                          CFR 36.4412(b).                                       competition and best serve the needs of


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                                                4776                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 22 / Thursday, February 1, 2018 / Notices

                                                veterans and servicemembers, VA is                      received through www.Grants.gov after                 applicant and proposed project. The project
                                                placing no restrictions on the types of                 the application deadline will be                      budget should be described in SF–424A.
                                                eligible entities, except as noted in                   considered late and will not be                       Please do not include 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 Criteria for
                                                cost participation for the SAHAT Grant                  have an overdue or unsatisfactory                     SAH Assistive Technology Grants.
                                                Program. However, leveraged resources                   response to an audit will be deemed                      4. Applications: In addition to the forms
                                                will be considered as an evaluation                     ineligible.                                           listed above, each technology grant
                                                criterion during the application review                   8. Technology grant applicants in                   application must include the following
                                                process (see scoring criterion 6 in                                                                           information:
                                                                                                        default by failing to meet the                           a. A project description, including the
                                                Section V of this announcement).                        requirements for any previous Federal                 goals and objectives of the project, what the
                                                Leveraged resources are not included in                 assistance will be deemed ineligible.                 project is expected to achieve, and how the
                                                the approved budget (outlined in the                      9. Applications submitted by entities               project will benefit veterans and
                                                Standard Form 424A—BUDGET                               deemed ineligible will not be reviewed.               servicemembers.
                                                INFORMATION—Non-Construction                              10. Applications with project dates                    b. An estimated schedule including the
                                                Programs) for the project and need not                  that extend past June 30, 2019 (this                  length of time (not to extend past June 30,
                                                be an eligible and allowable cost under                 period does not include the 90 days                   2019) needed to accomplish tasks and
                                                                                                                                                              objectives for the project.
                                                the grant. Any form of proposed                         closeout period) will not be reviewed.                   c. A description of what the project
                                                leveraging that is evaluated under                        All technology grant recipients,                    proposes to demonstrate and how this new
                                                Section V scoring criteria must be                      including individuals and entities                    technology will aid or enhance the ability of
                                                included in the application, and the                    formed as for-profit entities, will be                veterans and servicemembers to live in an
                                                application must describe how the                       subject to the rules on Uniform                       adapted home. The following link has
                                                technology grant applicant will obtain                  Administrative Requirements, Cost                     additional information regarding adapted
                                                the leveraged resources and what role                   Principles, and Audit Requirements for                homes: http://www.benefits.va.gov/
                                                VA funding will play in the overall                     Federal Awards, as found at 2 CFR part                homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp.
                                                                                                                                                                 d. Each technology grant applicant is
                                                project.                                                200. See 2 CFR 200.101(a). Where the                  responsible for ensuring that the application
                                                                                                        Secretary determines that 2 CFR part                  addresses each of the scoring criteria listed
                                                C. Threshold Criteria
                                                                                                        200 is not applicable or where the                    in Section V(A) of this notice.
                                                   As stated in Section III(A), VA is                   Secretary determines that additional
                                                placing no restrictions on the types of                 requirements are necessary due to the                 C. Dun and Bradstreet Universal
                                                eligible entities. However, all                         uniqueness of a situation, the Secretary              Numbering System (DUNS) and System
                                                technology grant applicants and                         will apply the same standard applicable               for Award Management (SAM)
                                                applications must meet the threshold                    to exceptions under 2 CFR 200.102.                      Each technology grant applicant,
                                                criteria set forth below. Failure to meet                                                                     unless the applicant is an individual or
                                                any of the following threshold criteria in              IV. Application and Submission
                                                                                                                                                              Federal awarding agency that is
                                                the application will result in the                      Information
                                                                                                                                                              excepted from these requirements under
                                                automatic disqualification for funding                  A. Address To Request Application                     2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an
                                                consideration. Ineligible participants                  Package                                               exception approved by VA under 2 CFR
                                                will be notified within 30 days of the                                                                        25.110(d), is required to:
                                                finding of disqualification for award                     Technology grant applicants may
                                                                                                        download the application package from                   1. Be registered in SAM prior to submitting
                                                consideration based on the following                                                                          an application;
                                                threshold criteria:                                     www.Grants.gov. Questions regarding
                                                                                                                                                                2. Provide a valid DUNS number in the
                                                   1. Projects funded under this notice                 the application process should be                     application; and
                                                must involve new assistive technologies                 referred to the program official: Bryant                3. Continue to maintain an active SAM
                                                that the Secretary determines could aid                 Lacey (Program Manager), Specially                    registration with current information at all
                                                or enhance the ability of a veteran or                  Adapted Housing Program,                              times during which the technology grant
                                                servicemember to live in an adapted                     Bryant.Lacey@va.gov, (202) 632–8955                   applicant has an active Federal award or an
                                                                                                        (This is not a toll-free number.)                     application under consideration by VA.
                                                home.
                                                   2. Projects funded under this notice                 B. Content and Form of Application                      VA will not make an award to an
                                                must not be used for the completion of                  Submission                                            applicant until the applicant has
                                                work which was to have been                                                                                   complied with all applicable DUNS and
                                                completed under a prior grant.                             The SAHAT Grant Program                            SAM requirements, and if the applicant
                                                   3. Applications in which the                         application package provided at                       has not fully complied with the
                                                technology grant applicant is requesting                www.Grants.gov (Funding Opportunity                   requirements by the time VA is ready to
                                                assistance funds in excess of $200,000                  Number: VA–SAHAT–18–03) contains                      make an award, VA will determine the
                                                will not be reviewed.                                   electronic versions of the application                applicant is not qualified to receive a
                                                   4. Applications that do not comply                   forms that are required. Additional                   Federal award and will use this
                                                with the application and submission                     attachments to satisfy the required                   determination as a basis for making the
                                                information requirements provided in                    application information may be                        award to another applicant.
                                                                                                        provided; however, letters of support
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                                                Section IV of this notice will be rejected.
                                                   5. Applications submitted via mail,                  included with the application will not                D. Submission Dates and Times
                                                email, or facsimile will not be reviewed.               be reviewed. All technology grant                       Applications for the SAHAT Grant
                                                   6. Applications must be received                     applications must consist of the                      Program must be submitted via
                                                through www.Grants.gov, as specified in                 following:                                            www.Grants.gov to be transmitted to VA
                                                Section IV of this announcement, on or                    1. Standard Forms (SF) 424, 424A and                by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February
                                                before the application deadline,                        424B: The SF–424, SF–424A, and SF–424B                25, 2018. Submissions received after
                                                February 25, 2018. Applications                         require general information about the                 this application deadline will be


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                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 22 / Thursday, February 1, 2018 / Notices                                               4777

                                                considered late and will not be                         placing the greatest emphasis on criteria             the SAHAT Grant Program Office and
                                                reviewed or considered. Submissions                     1 and 2. The establishment of priorities              successful applicants prior to the
                                                via email, mail, or fax will not be                     does not establish new scoring criteria               issuance of an award notice is not
                                                accepted.                                               but is designed to assist technology                  authorization to begin project activities.
                                                   Applications submitted via                           grant applicants in understanding how                 Once VA verifies that the grant
                                                www.Grants.gov must be submitted by                     scores will be weighted. A technology                 applicant is still seeking funding, VA
                                                an individual registered with                           grant application must receive a                      will issue a signed and dated award
                                                www.Grants.gov and authorized to sign                   minimum aggregate score of 70.                        notice. The award notice will be sent by
                                                applications for Federal assistance. For                Instructions for completion of the                    U.S. Mail to the organization listed on
                                                more information and to complete the                    scoring criteria are listed on VA Form                the SF–424.
                                                registration process, visit                             26–0967a. This form is included in the                   All applicants will be notified by
                                                www.Grants.gov. Technology grant                        application package materials on                      letter, sent by U.S. Mail to the address
                                                applicants are responsible for ensuring                 www.Grants.gov. The scoring criteria                  listed on the SF–424.
                                                that the registration process does not                  and maximum points are as follows:                    B. Administrative and National Policy
                                                hinder timely submission of the                            1. A description of how the new assistive          Requirements
                                                application.                                            technology is innovative (up to 50 points);
                                                   It is the responsibility of grant                       2. An explanation of how the new assistive           This section is not applicable to the
                                                applicants to ensure a complete                         technology will meet a specific, unmet need           SAHAT Grant Program.
                                                application is submitted via                            among eligible individuals (up to 50 points);         C. Reporting
                                                www.Grants.gov. Applicants are                             3. An explanation of how the new assistive
                                                                                                        technology is specifically designed to                  VA places great emphasis on the
                                                encouraged to periodically review the
                                                                                                        promote the ability of eligible individuals to        responsibility and accountability of
                                                ‘‘Version History Tab’’ of the funding                  live more independently (up to 30 points);            grantees. Grantees must agree to
                                                opportunity announcement in                                4. A description of the new assistive              cooperate with any Federal evaluation
                                                www.Grants.gov to identify if any                       technology’s concept, size, and scope (up to          of the program and provide the
                                                modifications have been made to the                     30 points);
                                                                                                           5. An implementation plan with major               following:
                                                funding announcement and/or
                                                opportunity package. Upon initial                       milestones for bringing the new assistive               1. Quarterly Progress Reports: These
                                                download of the funding opportunity                     technology into production and to the                 reports will be submitted electronically and
                                                                                                        market. Such milestones must be meaningful            outline how grant funds were used, describe
                                                package, applicants will be asked to                    and achievable within a specific timeframe            program progress, and describe any barriers
                                                provide an email address that will allow                (up to 30 points); and                                and measurable outcomes. Grantees will
                                                www.Grants.gov to send the applicant                       6. An explanation of what uniquely                 utilize the Research Performance Progress
                                                an email message in the event this                      positions the technology grant applicant in           Report for quarterly reporting purposes.
                                                funding opportunity package is changed                  the marketplace. This can include a focus on            2. Quarterly Financial Reports: These
                                                and/or republished on www.Grants.gov                    characteristics such as the economic                  reports will be submitted electronically using
                                                prior to the posted closing date.                       reliability of the technology grant applicant,        the SF–425—Federal Financial Report.
                                                                                                        the technology grant applicant’s status as a            3. Grantee Closeout Report: This final
                                                E. Confidential Business Information                    minority or veteran-owned business, or other          report will be submitted electronically and
                                                                                                        characteristics that the technology grant             will detail the assistive technology
                                                  It is recommended that confidential                   applicant wants to include to show how it             developed. The Closeout Report must be
                                                business information (CBI) not be                       will help protect the interests of, or further        submitted to the SAHAT Grant Program
                                                included in the application. However, if                the mission of, VA and the program (up to             Office not later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time,
                                                CBI is included in an application,                      20 points).                                           September 30, 2019.
                                                applicants should clearly indicate
                                                                                                        B. Review and Selection Process                       VII. Agency Contact(s)
                                                which portion(s) of their application
                                                they are claiming as CBI. See 2 CFR                       Eligible applications will be evaluated                For additional general information
                                                200.333–200.337 (addressing access to a                 by a five-person review panel comprised               about this announcement contact the
                                                non-Federal entity’s records pertinent to               of VA employees. The review panel will                program official: Bryant Lacey (Program
                                                a Federal award).                                       score applications using the scoring                  Manager), Specially Adapted Housing
                                                                                                        criteria provided in Section V(A), with               Program, Bryant.Lacey@va.gov. (202)
                                                F. Intergovernmental Review                                                                                   632–8955 (This is not a toll-free
                                                                                                        the greatest emphasis being placed on
                                                  This section is not applicable to the                 scoring criteria 1 and 2. The review                  number.)
                                                SAHAT Grant Program.                                    panel will then rank those applications                  Mailed correspondence, which should
                                                                                                        that receive a minimum aggregate score                not include application material, should
                                                G. Funding Restrictions                                                                                       be sent to: Loan Guaranty Service, VA
                                                                                                        of 70 in order from highest to lowest.
                                                   The SAHAT Grant Program does not                     The delegated official will select the                Central Office, Attn: Bryant Lacey (262),
                                                allow reimbursement of pre-award                        highest ranked application(s) based on,               810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington,
                                                costs.                                                  and subject to, the availability of funds.            DC 20420.
                                                                                                                                                                 All correspondence with VA
                                                V. Application Review Information                       VI. Award Administration Information                  concerning this announcement should
                                                  Each eligible proposal (based on the                                                                        reference the funding opportunity title
                                                                                                        A. Award Notices
                                                Section III threshold eligibility review)                                                                     and funding opportunity number listed
                                                will be evaluated according to the                        Although subject to change, the                     at the top of this solicitation. Once the
                                                                                                        SAHAT Grant Program Office expects to
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                                                criteria established by the Secretary and                                                                     announcement deadline has passed, VA
                                                provided below in Section A.                            announce grant recipients by April 1,                 staff may not discuss this competition
                                                                                                        2018. Prior to executing any funding                  with applicants until the application
                                                A. Scoring Criteria                                     agreement, VA will contact successful                 review process has been completed.
                                                  The Secretary will score technology                   applicants, make known the amount of
                                                grant applications based on the scoring                 proposed funding, and verify the                      VIII. Other Information
                                                criteria listed below. As indicated in                  applicant’s desire to receive the                       Section 2108 authorizes VA to
                                                Section I of this notice, the Secretary is              funding. Any communication between                    provide grants for the development of


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                                                4778                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 22 / Thursday, February 1, 2018 / Notices

                                                new assistive technologies through                      not have a duty to assist technology                  electronically as an official document of
                                                September 30, 2018. Additional                          grant applicants in obtaining a grant.                the Department of Veterans Affairs.
                                                information related to the SAH program                    Grantees will receive payments                        Gina S. Farrisee, Deputy Chief of
                                                administered by LGY is available at:                    electronically through the U.S.                       Staff, approved this document on
                                                http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/                   Department of Health and Human                        January 23, 2018, for publication.
                                                adaptedhousing.asp.                                     Services Payment Management System.
                                                                                                                                                                Dated: January 29, 2018.
                                                  The SAHAT Grant is not a veterans’                    Signing Authority                                     Michael Shores,
                                                benefit. As such, the decisions of the                    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or               Director, Regulation Policy & Management,
                                                Secretary are final and not subject to the              designee, approved this document and                  Office of the Secretary, Department of
                                                same appeal rights as decisions related                 authorized the undersigned to sign and                Veterans Affairs.
                                                to veterans’ benefits. The Secretary does               submit the document to the Office of the              [FR Doc. 2018–01988 Filed 1–31–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                        Federal Register for publication                      BILLING CODE 8320–01–P
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Document Created: 2018-10-26 13:46:46
Document Modified: 2018-10-26 13:46:46
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 of funding availability.
DatesApplications for the SAHAT Grant Program must be submitted via www.Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 25, 2018. The SAHAT Grant Program application package for funding opportunity, VA- SAHAT-18-03, 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 (262), Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420, (202) 632-8955. (This is not a toll-free number.)
FR Citation83 FR 4774 

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