Notice2023-04502
Loan Guaranty: Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program Funding Opportunity
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
March 6, 2023
Issuing agencies
Veterans Affairs Department
Abstract
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is publishing the announcement of the availability of funds for the Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology (SAHAT) Grant Program for fiscal year (FY) 2023. The objective of the grant is to encourage the development of new assistive technologies for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH). This notice is intended to provide applicants with the information necessary to apply for the SAHAT Grant Program. VA strongly recommends referring to the SAHAT 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 2023 SAHAT Grant Program funds.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 43 (Monday, March 6, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 43 (Monday, March 6, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13866-13870]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-04502]
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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Loan Guaranty: Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology
Grant Program Funding Opportunity
AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.
ACTION: Notice of funding opportunity.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is publishing the
announcement of the availability of funds for the Specially Adapted
Housing Assistive Technology (SAHAT) Grant Program for fiscal year (FY)
2023. The objective of the grant is to encourage the development of new
assistive technologies for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH). This notice
is intended to provide applicants with the information necessary to
apply for the SAHAT Grant Program. VA strongly recommends referring to
the SAHAT 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 2023
SAHAT Grant Program funds.
DATES: Applications for the SAHAT Grant Program must be submitted
through <a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a> by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on February
15, 2023. Awards made for the SAHAT Grant Program will fund operations
for FY 2023. The SAHAT Grant Program application package for funding
opportunity VA-SAHAT-23-08 is available through <a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a> 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
<a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a> application submission tool.
Applications must be submitted 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: Jason Latona, Chief, Specially Adapted
Housing, Loan Guaranty Service, Veterans Benefits Administration,
Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20420, 202-461-9201 or <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eca68d9f8382c2a08d9883828dac9a8dc28b839a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95dff4e6fafbbbd9f4e1fafbf4d5e3f4bbf2fae3">[email protected]</span></a>. This is not a toll-free
telephone number.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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
covers 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 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 lists agency contact information.
Section VIII provides additional information related to the SAHAT Grant
Program. This notice includes citations from 38 CFR 36, and VA
Financial Policy, Volume X Grants Management, which applicants and
stakeholders are expected to read to increase their knowledge and
understanding of the SAHAT Grant Program.
Program Description
Summary
Pursuant to the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-275,
section 203), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, through the Loan
Guaranty Service
[[Page 13867]]
(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.
Background
LGY currently administers the SAH Grant Program. Through this
program, LGY provides funds to eligible Veterans and Service members
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; roll-in
showers; and other accessible bathroom features, etc. For more detailed
information about the SAH Grant Program, please visit <a href="https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/">https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/</a>.
VA acknowledges that there are many emerging technologies and
improvements in building materials that could improve home adaptions or
otherwise enhance a Veteran's or Service member'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. New assistive technology
can include advancements in new-to-market technologies, as well as new
variations on existing technologies. Examples of the latter might
include modifying an existing software application for use with a smart
home device; upgrading an existing shower pan design to support
wheelchairs; using existing modular construction methods to improve
bathroom accessibility; or using existing proximity technology to
develop an advanced application tailored to blind users.
Please Note: SAHAT funding does not support the construction or
modification of residential dwellings for accessibility. Veterans and
Service members interested in receiving assistance to adapt a home are
encouraged to review the following fact sheet: <a href="https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/factsheet/PSAS-FactSheet-Housing-Adaptation-Programs.pdf">https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/factsheet/PSAS-FactSheet-Housing-Adaptation-Programs.pdf</a> to identify Home Adaptation programs offered by VA.
Statutory Authority
Public Law 111-275, the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010, was enacted
on October 13, 2010. Section 203 of the Act added 38 U.S.C. 2108 to
establish the SAHAT Grant Program. The Act authorized VA to provide
grants of up to $200,000 per FY, through September 30, 2016, to a
``person or entity'' for the development of specially adapted housing
assistive technologies. For the purpose of this notice, VA refers to
such persons or entities as grantees or grant recipients, and the terms
are interchangeable.
On September 30, 2022, the Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 was enacted (Pub. L. 117-180,
section 205). Section 205 of Public Law 117-180 extended the authority
for VA to provide grants in the manner listed above through September
30, 2024 (see 38 U.S.C. 2108 and 38 CFR 36.4412).
Desired Outcomes and Funding Priorities
Grantees will be expected to leverage grant funds to develop new
assistive technologies for SAH. 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, September 8, 2014; 80 FR 55763, 55764, September 17,
2014). For FY 2023, the Secretary has identified the categories of
innovation and unmet needs as top priorities. These categories are
further described as scoring criteria 1 and 2 in section V(A) of this
notice. Although VA encourages innovation across a wide range of
specialties, VA is, in this grant cycle, particularly interested in
technologies that could help blinded Veterans optimize their
independence (for example, mobile applications, safety devices and so
forth). VA also has particular interest in applications that either
demonstrate innovative approaches in the design and building of
adaptive living spaces or would lead to new products and techniques
that expedite the modification of existing spaces, so as to reduce the
impact that adaptive projects can have on a Veteran's quality of life
during the construction phase. VA notes that applications addressing
these categories of special interest are not guaranteed selection, but
they would, on initial review, be categorized as meeting the priorities
for this grant cycle.
Additional information regarding how these priorities will be
scored and considered in the final selection is contained in section
V(A) of this notice.
Definitions
Definitions of terms used in the SAHAT Grant Program are found at
38 CFR 36.4412(b).
Delegation of Authority
Pursuant to 38 CFR 36.4412(i), certain VA employees appointed to or
lawfully fulfilling specific positions within VBA are 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.
Assistance Listings
The listings include the following: 64.051 Specially Adapted
Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program; 64.106 Specially Adapted
Housing for Disabled Veterans; and 64.118 Veterans Housing Direct Loans
for Certain Disabled Veterans.
Federal Award Information
Funding Availability
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.
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.
Start Date
As discussed in section VI(A) of this notice, the SAHAT Grant
Program Office expects to announce grant recipients on or about April
1, 2023.
[[Page 13868]]
The anticipated start date for funding grants awarded under this
announcement is therefore after May 1, 2023.
Eligibility Information
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.
Cost Sharing or Matching
There is no cost sharing, matching, or cost participation for the
SAHAT Grant Program.
Threshold Criteria
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 Service member 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 <a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a>, as
specified in section IV of this announcement, on or before the
application deadline, as specified in the DATES section of this
announcement. Applications received through <a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a> after the
application deadline will be considered late and will not be reviewed.
7. Technology grant applicants that have an outstanding obligation
that is in arrears to the Federal Government 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 July 31, 2024,
(this period does not include the 120-day 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.
Application and Submission Information
Address To Request Application Package
Technology grant applicants may download the application package
from <a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a>. Questions regarding the application process should
be referred to the following program official: Oscar Hines (Program
Manager), Specially Adapted Housing Program, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#622d110103104c2a0b0c07112214034c050d14"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="eaa599898b98c4a283848f99aa9c8bc48d859c">[email protected]</span></a>, 202-
461-8316 (not a toll-free number).
Content and Form of Application Submission
The SAHAT Grant Program application package provided at
<a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a> (Funding Opportunity Number: VA-SAHAT-23-08) 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: 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 SAHAT 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 Service members;
b. An estimated schedule including the length of time (not to
extend past July 31, 2024) 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
Service members to live in an adapted home. The following link has
additional information regarding adapted homes: <a href="https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/">https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/</a>; and
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.
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 SAM Unique Entity Identifier 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 SAM requirements. 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.
Submission Dates and Times
Applications for the SAHAT Grant Program must be submitted through
<a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a> to be transmitted to VA by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard
Time on the application deadline, as specified in the DATES section of
this announcement. Submissions received after this application deadline
will be considered late and will not be reviewed or considered.
Submissions by email, mail or fax will not be accepted.
Applications submitted through <a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a> must be submitted by
an individual registered with <a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a> and authorized to sign
applications for Federal assistance. For
[[Page 13869]]
more information and to complete the registration process, visit
<a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a>. 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 <a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a>. Applicants are encouraged
to periodically review the ``Version History Tab'' of the funding
opportunity announcement in <a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a> 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 <a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a> to send the applicant an email message in the
event this funding opportunity package is changed and/or republished on
<a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a> prior to the posted closing date.
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 or
portions of their application they are claiming as CBI. See 2 CFR
200.334-200.338 (addressing access to a non-Federal entity's records
pertinent to a Federal award).
Intergovernmental Review
This section is not applicable to the SAHAT Grant Program.
Funding Restrictions
The SAHAT Grant Program does not allow reimbursement of pre-award
costs.
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.
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. This emphasis does not establish new scoring criteria but is
designed to assist technology grant applicants in understanding how
scores will be weighted and ultimately considered in the final
selection process. A technology grant application must receive a
minimum aggregate score of 70 to receive further consideration for an
award. Instructions for completion of the scoring criteria are listed
on VA Form 26-0967a. This form is included in the application package
materials on <a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a>. The scoring criteria and maximum points
are as follows:
1. A description of how the new assistive technology is innovative,
to include an explanation of how it involves advancements in new-to-
market technologies, new variations on existing technologies or both
(up to 50 points);
2. An explanation of how the new assistive technology will meet a
specific, unmet need among eligible individuals, to include whether and
how the new assistive technology fits within a category of special
emphasis for FY 2023, as explained in section I(D) of this notice (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).
Review and Selection Process
Eligible applications will be evaluated by a review panel
comprising of five VA employees. The review panel will score
applications using the scoring criteria provided in section V(A) and
refer to the selecting official those applications that receive a
minimum aggregate score of 70. In determining which applications to
approve, the selecting official will take into account the review panel
score, the priorities described in this Notice of Funding Opportunity,
the governing statute, 38 U.S.C. 2108, the governing regulation, 38 CFR
36.4412 and the VA Financial Policy, Volume X Grants Management,
Chapter 4 Grants Application and Award Process, <a href="https://www.va.gov/finance/docs/VA-FinancialPolicyVolumeXChapter04.pdf">https://www.va.gov/finance/docs/VA-FinancialPolicyVolumeXChapter04.pdf</a>. VA will review and
consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice of funding
opportunity in accordance with Office of Management and Budget's
guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws and
relevant Executive guidance, except as noted.
Award Administration Information
Award Notices
Although subject to change, the SAHAT Grant Program Office expects
to announce grant recipients on or about April 1, 2023. 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. This will begin the performance
period. VA expects that the performance period should not last longer
than 15 months. The award notice will be sent by U.S. mail or
electronic means to the organization listed on the SF-424. All
applicants will be notified by letter or email sent by U.S. mail or
electronic means to the address listed on the SF-424.
Administrative and National Policy Requirements
This section is not applicable to the SAHAT Grant Program.
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. The format
for quarterly reporting will be provided to grantees upon grant award.
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
grantee's Closeout
[[Page 13870]]
Report must be submitted to the SAHAT Grant Program Office not later
than 120 days after the date the performance period ends.
Agency Contact(s)
For additional general information about this announcement contact
the following program official: Oscar Hines (Program Manager),
Specially Adapted Housing Program, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bff0ccdcdecd91f7d6d1daccffc9de91d8d0c9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="074874646675294f6e69627447716629606871">[email protected]</span></a>, 202-461-8316
(not a toll-free number).
Mailed correspondence, which should not include application
material, should be sent to the following address: Loan Guaranty
Service, VA Central Office, Attn: Oscar Hines (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.
Other Information
Section 2108 authorizes VA to provide grants for the development of
new assistive technologies through September 30, 2024. Additional
information related to the SAHAT Grant Program administered by LGY is
available at: <a href="http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/sahat.asp">http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/sahat.asp</a>. 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
(PMS). All grant recipients should adhere to PMS user policies.
Notices of Funding Opportunity
In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's guidance
located at 2 CFR part 200 and all applicable Federal laws and relevant
Executive guidance, the Federal awarding agency will review and
consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice of funding
opportunity in accordance with the Guidance for Grants and Agreements
in title 2 of the CFR.
Signing Authority
Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approved this
document on February 21, 2023, 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.
Luvenia Potts,
Regulation Development Coordinator, Office of Regulation Policy &
Management, Office of General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2023-04502 Filed 3-3-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
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