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Notice2024-02057

Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program Special Need Grant

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Published

February 2, 2024

Issuing agencies

Veterans Affairs Department

Abstract

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announces the opportunity of funds in the amount of approximately $5 million per year for up to 2 years under the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) special need grant program. The special need grants enable the GPD program within VA's Homeless Programs Office to offer financial assistance through a 2-year renewal grant to the 16 currently operational GPD special need grantees to defray the cost of facilitating transitional housing and supportive services for eligible Veterans. Funding offered under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) responds to the need to reach Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and who are in one of the special need populations (i.e., chronically mentally ill, frail elderly, individuals who care for minor dependents, terminally ill, or women). This renewal funding will provide assistance to offset operational costs including costs that would not otherwise be incurred, but for the fact that the recipient is providing supportive housing beds in private rooms with private bathrooms for a homeless Veteran population with special needs. This Notice contains information concerning the GPD program, the application process, and amount of funding available. Awards made for program services grants will fund operations beginning on or around October 1, 2024.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 23 (Friday, February 2, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 23 (Friday, February 2, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7445-7453]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-02057]

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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program Special Need
Grant

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announces the
opportunity of funds in the amount of approximately $5 million per year
for up to 2 years under the Grant and Per Diem (GPD)

[[Page 7446]]

special need grant program. The special need grants enable the GPD
program within VA's Homeless Programs Office to offer financial
assistance through a 2-year renewal grant to the 16 currently
operational GPD special need grantees to defray the cost of
facilitating transitional housing and supportive services for eligible
Veterans. Funding offered under this Notice of Funding Opportunity
(NOFO) responds to the need to reach Veterans who are homeless or at
risk of becoming homeless and who are in one of the special need
populations (i.e., chronically mentally ill, frail elderly, individuals
who care for minor dependents, terminally ill, or women). This renewal
funding will provide assistance to offset operational costs including
costs that would not otherwise be incurred, but for the fact that the
recipient is providing supportive housing beds in private rooms with
private bathrooms for a homeless Veteran population with special needs.
This Notice contains information concerning the GPD program, the
application process, and amount of funding available. Awards made for
program services grants will fund operations beginning on or around
October 1, 2024.

DATES: Applications for grants must be received by 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Time on April 15, 2024. In the interest of fairness to all competing
applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and hour. VA will treat as
ineligible for consideration any application that is received after the
deadline. Applicants should take this practice into account and submit
their materials early to avoid risk of loss of eligibility,
unanticipated delays, computer service outages, or other submission-
related problems.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the application materials can be downloaded from
the program website at <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp">https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp</a>. Questions
should be referred to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#480f180c0f3a29263c3b083e29662f273e">[email&#160;protected]</a>. For detailed program
information and requirements, see 38 CFR part 61.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Chelsea Watson, Director VA
Homeless Providers GPD Program Office, 813-816-7155 extension 100109
(this is not a toll-free telephone number), or <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95d2c5d1d2e7f4fbe1e6d5e3f4bbf2fae3">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Application Submission: Applicants must submit applications
electronically following instructions found at <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp">https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp</a>. Applications may not be emailed, mailed, or sent by
facsimile (fax). Applications must be received by the Program Office no
later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the application deadline date.
Applications must arrive as a complete package.
Materials arriving separately will not be included in the
application package for consideration and may result in the application
being rejected or not funded.
In the event of certain errors, such as duplicate applications or
multiple applications per Employer Identification Number, per VA
medical facility catchment area, VA reserves the right to select which
application to consider based on the submission dates and times or
based on other factors.
Applicants are advised to refer to this NOFO when completing the
online application. NOFO content provides supplementary guidance for
completing the online application.
Technical Assistance: Information on obtaining technical assistance
for preparing a grant application is available on the program website
at <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp">https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp</a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Funding Opportunity Title: GPD Special Need Grant.
Announcement Type: Renewal.
Funding Opportunity Number: VA-GPD-SN-FY2025.
Assistance Instrument: Grant.
Assistance Listing: 64.024, VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per
Diem Program.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Program Purpose and Background

Purpose: Ending and preventing homelessness among Veterans is a
priority for VA. VA's Homeless Programs Office constitutes the Nation's
largest integrated network of homelessness, housing, prevention, and
rehabilitation services for Veterans. These programs are designed to
help Veterans live as self-sufficiently and independently as possible.
The foundation for these programs is based on Housing First principles
combined with supportive services to ensure Veterans are able to end
the cycle of homelessness.
Since 1994, the GPD program has provided Veterans who are
experiencing homelessness with community-based transitional housing,
supportive services such as case management, and more. These services
assist Veterans in attaining or retaining permanent residence. Several
types of grants are offered under the umbrella of the GPD program. The
grants are designed to meet Veterans at various stages as they move to
housing stability. The community organizations who receive the grants
offer focused housing stability support through a variety of service
models. The GPD program plays a vital role in the continuum of homeless
services.
Background: Ending Veteran homelessness requires multifaceted
approaches. This NOFO represents one such approach. This NOFO responds
to the need in communities to reach Veterans who are homeless or at
risk of becoming homeless and who are in one of the special need
populations (i.e., chronically mentally ill, frail elderly, individuals
who care for minor dependents, terminally ill, or women). The renewal
funding will provide assistance to offset operational costs including
costs that would not otherwise be incurred, but for the fact that the
recipient is providing supportive housing beds in private rooms with
private bathrooms for a homeless Veteran population with special needs.
Grants funded from this NOFO will increase housing stability for
Veterans. VA is committed to supporting community-based organizations
as they transform projects to meet the challenge of ending homelessness
among Veterans.

Program Description

Goals and Objective: The goals of projects under assistance listing
64.024, VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem program, are to
provide transitional housing and supportive services to Veterans
experiencing homelessness as they move toward and retain permanent
housing. To achieve these goals, the objective of this NOFO is to
provide renewal funding for per diem payments to defray the cost of
facilitating housing stabilization within private rooms with private
bathrooms for special need populations of Veterans. As applicable, each
grantee's performance will be indicated by how they meet targets
relevant to the proposed special need population such as permanent
housing, negative exits, or employment. Specific targets are identified
in the Required Minimum Performance Metrics/Targets section of the
NOFO.
Applicants agree to meet the applicable requirements of 38 CFR part
61 as a part of the effort to end homelessness among the Nation's
Veterans. Applicants agree to meet the applicable requirements of 2 CFR
part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards) as part of the Governmentwide
initiative to administer Federal financial assistance systematically
and uniformly. In addition, all applicants must offer a low barrier,
harm reduction approach that applies Housing First principles to

[[Page 7447]]

engaging unsheltered Veterans in services and must have policies and
procedures for maintaining low barriers and high-quality engagement
through the provision of service.
Required Minimum Performance Metrics/Targets
Applicants for renewal funding must address the needs of the same
homeless Veteran special need population identified in the previous
special need application and approved in the grant agreement effective
October 1, 2021, or in a subsequently approved change of scope. Changes
to the special need population are not allowed. Applicants must
demonstrate compliance with the special need population requirements in
their renewal application and during the grant award period if selected
for funding. Refer to 38 CFR 61.41 for additional information on
special need populations.
For each of the special need populations below that have Required
Minimum Performance Metrics/Targets, the targets are set for the
initial funding period of this renewal award starting October 1, 2024.
VA may, at its discretion, update these targets at any time, for
example during an option year, as applicable. Any new targets will be
stated in writing by VA.
<bullet> Chronically mentally ill:
[cir] Discharge to permanent housing target is 60%.
[cir] Employment of individuals at discharge target is 55%.
[cir] Negative exits target is less than 20%.
<bullet> Frail elderly:
[cir] Discharge to permanent housing target is 65%.
[cir] Negative exits target is less than 20%.
<bullet> Individuals who care for minor dependents:
[cir] Discharge to permanent housing target is 70%.
[cir] Employment of individuals at discharge target is 55%.
[cir] Negative exits target is less than 20%.
<bullet> Terminally ill:
[cir] Not applicable.
<bullet> Women:
[cir] Discharge to permanent housing target is 70%.
[cir] Employment of individuals at discharge target is 55%.
[cir] Negative exits target is less than 20%.
Note that negative exits are defined as those exits from a GPD
program for a violation of program rules, failure to comply with
program requirements, or leaving the program without consulting staff.
Housing Specifications
The special need beds supported under this grant must be in private
rooms with private bathrooms including the following characteristics:
<bullet> The minimum square footage for the private bedroom and
private bathroom combined is 120 square feet. The bedroom and bathroom
do not need to be attached in which case the walkway would not usually
count toward the square footage calculation.
<bullet> The bathroom must include shower and/or tub, sink, and
toilet.
<bullet> Neither the bedroom nor the bathroom facilities may be
shared (e.g., no shared sink area outside the toilet room).
<bullet> Rooms with partial walls are not acceptable. Walls must go
floor-to-ceiling. Rooms must have a door and not involve unauthorized
passage through another dwelling unit.

Definitions

The regulations for the GPD program, found in 38 CFR part 61, as
well as the uniform guidance for grants (2 CFR part 200) contain all
detailed definitions, authorities, and requirements pertaining to this
program.

Program Authority

Funding applied for under this Notice is authorized by 38 U.S.C.
2011, 2012, 2061. VA established and implemented this statutory
authority for the GPD program in 38 CFR part 61. Funds made available
under this Notice may be subject to other applicable laws and
regulations including those in title 2, Code of Federal Regulations.

Guidance for the Use of Funds

<bullet> Funds requested for renewal grant activities must meet the
same criteria identified in the original Notice (published March 4,
2021), and available on the GPD website: <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp">https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp</a>.
<bullet> Funds requested for renewal grant activities must be the
same as what was approved under the previously awarded grant agreement,
effective October 1, 2021, or in a subsequently approved change of
scope.
<bullet> VA reserves the right to fund only those projects or
portions of projects based on the percentage of use for the VA grant
and based on actual need as determined by VA. Those activities deemed
outside the scope of this NOFO will not be funded.

II. Award Information

Award Amount

Approximately $5 million per year for 2 years is available for
grants under this Notice. The maximum allowable grant size is
determined by the number of beds previously awarded and by each
applicant's unique per diem rate. Applicants for renewal funding may
request up to the number of beds approved under their currently active
GPD special need grant (start date October 1, 2021). Applicants may
request fewer beds but may not request more.

Award Period

Grants awarded are expected to be for 2 years starting on October
1, 2024. Continuation funding is not guaranteed. VA reserves the right
in any year to make adjustments (e.g., to funding levels, bed numbers,
services, locations, performance targets, dates) as needed within the
intent of the Notice based on a variety of factors including
availability of funding and grantee performance.

III. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

To be eligible, an applicant must be one of the 16 currently
operational GPD special need grantees who was awarded a grant based on
the Notice published in <a href="http://www.grants.gov">www.grants.gov</a> on March 4, 2021, with a project
start date of October 1, 2021. A list of active GPD special need grant
recipients is available on the GPD website: <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp">https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp</a>.
Eligible entities must have an active registration in the System
for Award Management (SAM) and must maintain their active status
throughout the application period. VA may not make a Federal award to
an applicant if the applicant has not complied with all applicable
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM requirements. Applicants may
refer to 2 CFR parts 200, 25, and <a href="http://www.SAM.gov">www.SAM.gov</a> for more information.
If an applicant has not fully complied with the SAM and UEI
requirements by the time VA is ready to make an award, VA may determine
that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and may
use that determination as a basis for making an award to another
applicant.
If awarded a grant, applicants must maintain an active SAM account
for the duration of the grant period as a continuing condition of
eligibility.
GPD grants are ``Federal financial assistance'' as defined in 2 CFR
25.406 and 200.1. Therefore, applicants must answer ``yes'' in
<a href="http://www.SAM.gov">www.SAM.gov</a> saying they ``wish to apply for a Federal assistance
project or program'' under the Financial Assistance Representation and
Certification section. Then, applicants

[[Page 7448]]

must certify to the representations and certifications in SAM.
Please note that all elements of 2 CFR part 200 apply to any
organization that carries out a Federal award as a recipient or
subrecipient, including for-profit organizations. This includes the
monitoring and the examination of their records.

IV. Cost Sharing

Cost sharing is not required for this grant program.

V. Application and Scoring Information

Content and Form of Application

Applications submitted in response to this NOFO must be submitted
through the online electronic grants management system by following the
instructions at <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp">https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp</a>. See also the
Application Submission section of this Notice.
The numbered questions below make up the special need renewal
application that all applicants must complete. Applicants must include
all required documents in their application submission. Submission of
an incorrect, incomplete, inconsistent, unclear, or incorrectly
formatted application package may result in the application being
rejected.
VA may make a reasonable effort to confirm or clarify information
in the application. VA reserves the right to consider ineligible or to
not select any application with inconsistent information or information
that cannot be readily confirmed or that leads to an unclear
understanding of the proposed project.
This Notice cannot predict all potential circumstances. Applicants
are expected to propose plans within the requirements and guidance of
the NOFO. When a specific situation is not explicitly addressed in the
NOFO, applicants must use their judgment to propose plans that meet the
intent of the NOFO and may explain how their choices align with the
intent. All applications will be evaluated against the requirements and
guidance in the NOFO.
Organization Profile (Eligibility)
1. Unique Entity Identifier.
2. Employer Identification Number.
3. Organization Name.
4. Organization Address (including city, state, postal code, and
congressional district).
5. Indirect Cost Rate (percentage) and upload a copy of your
agency's Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) that
supports this rate or upload a copy of your agency's certification of
de minimis indirect cost rate. Note that applicants not requesting
indirect costs as described in 2 CFR 200.414 are not required to upload
anything here.
6. System for Award Management expiration date. Refer to the
Eligible Applicants section of the NOFO and 2 CFR part 25 for more
details.
Overview
7. Station number of the VA medical facility whose catchment area
includes the proposed area to be served in this application (select
one).
8. Veterans Integrated Service Network (select one).
9. Continuum of Care (CoC) (select all that apply).
Application
10. Special need population proposed (must be the same as
previously approved for the grant period starting on October 1, 2021.
See also related sections of this Notice: Required Minimum Performance
Metrics/Targets section and Guidance for the Use of Funds section).
11. Total number of Veteran beds for which your agency is
requesting per diem in this application and corresponding budget
amounts requested (must be the same or less than previously approved
for the grant period starting on October 1, 2021. See also related
sections of this Notice: Guidance for the Use of Funds section and
Award Amount section).
12. Site address(es): (Note that addresses are expected to be the
same as previously approved for the grant period starting on October 1,
2021. If requesting multiple sites within a single application, all
sites must fall within the same VA medical facility catchment area.)
a. Complete address, city, state, ZIP code + four-digit extension,
county, and congressional district.
b. The total number of all beds and the number of GPD funded beds,
per site address.
c. Identify the various demographics that will be served per site
address (i.e., men/transgender/non-binary/other, women/transgender/non-
binary/other, minor dependents, families, registered sex-offenders,
justice involved Veterans, other).
d. Per location, a description of how the facility's participant
living space will be configured. Include the square footage of the
room, confirmation that each special need bed is in a private room with
a private bath, and other details about the private and shared spaces
in the facility for these Veterans.
Detailed Application Design
This is the portion of the application that describes the proposed
project. Proposed projects must meet the same criteria identified in
the original Notice (published March 4, 2021, and available on the GPD
website: <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp">https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp</a>). For example, starting on
page 12 of the original notice is the Detailed Application Design
section which includes questions for the scored criteria (i.e.,
Outreach, Project Plan, Ability, Need, and Coordination). Proposed
projects are expected to continue the same application design that was
approved for the previous grant period starting on October 1, 2021, or
in a subsequently approved change of scope, with minimal if any
changes.
VA reviewers will score the application based on how the detailed
application design addresses the areas of need, outreach, project plan,
ability, and coordination in relation to the selected special need
population. These sections are in compliance with 38 CFR part 61.
Need
13. In approximately 250 words or less, applicants must state that
the responses to the 2 Need questions from their previous application
submitted in 2021 remain the same or must provide an updated response.
See original Notice page 15, #27-28.
Outreach
14. In approximately 250 words or less, applicants must state that
the response to the 1 Outreach question from their previous application
submitted in 2021 remains the same or must provide an updated response.
See original Notice page 13, #18.
Project Plan
15. In approximately 250 words or less, applicants must state that
the responses to the 5 Project Plan questions from their previous
application submitted in 2021 remain the same or must provide an
updated response. See original Notice pages 13-14, #19-23.
16. Complete the table listing all the supportive services that
will be provided to Veterans in the project (see Example 1). Applicants
are expected to continue the same services that were approved for the
previous grant period starting on October 1, 2021, or approved in a
subsequent change of scope, with minimal changes, if any. Successful
applicants will be allowed to exceed the minimum standards during the
grant period without need for written prior approval from the GPD
National

[[Page 7449]]

Program Office, but they will not be allowed to reduce the standards.

Example 1.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total hours/month Special need Job title and
service will be Mode of population for minimum
Description of service Minimum frequency offered for all engagement which service is credentials Service provider
GPD participants available required
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Case Management................. Weekly............ 320 hours (2 full- In person......... Chronically Case Manager; Agency staff.
time equivalents mentally ill. Licensed Clinical
(FTE), 40 hours/ Social Worker or
week). Master of Social
Work.
Legal Services.................. Monthly........... 5 hours........... Virtual through Chronically Paralegal, Contractors.
video. mentally ill. Bachelor's.
Recreational Therapy............ Biweekly.......... 10 hours.......... Hybrid in person Chronically Recreation Community
and video. mentally ill. Coordinator, no volunteers.
degree required,
lived experience
preferred.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ability
17. In approximately 500 words or less, discuss your past
performance under the previously awarded special need grant (start date
October 1, 2021). At minimum applicants must discuss the performance
measures (e.g., exits to permanent housing, employment at exit,
negative exits), length of stay in the GPD program by Veterans,
occupancy rates of the GPD awarded beds, and use of private rooms with
private bathrooms.
18. Complete the staffing plan table section of the application for
this project (see Example 2). Applicants are expected to continue the
same staffing plan that was approved for the previous grant period
starting on October 1, 2021, or in a subsequently approved change of
scope, with minimal if any changes. New or updated position
descriptions for up to four key positions may be attached. Do not
attach previously submitted position descriptions. Do not attach
resumes. Successful applicants will be allowed to exceed the minimum
standards during the grant period without the need for written prior
approval from the GPD National Program Office, but they will not be
allowed to reduce the standards.

Example 2.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount of Amount of
Hours per week annual salary salary, per
Job title (do not name specific Brief (1-2 sentences) Minimum required allocated to the GPD Number of allocated to job title, for
names) (agency, contractors, sub- description of educational level project (40 hours FTEs the GPD the FTE
contractors) responsibilities equals full-time) project per position(s)
year per year
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Case manager...................... Responsible for working Bachelor's degree.... 60 hours............ 1.5 $90,000 $60,000
with the Veteran to
develop and monitor an
individual service plan
and to adjust the plan as
needed. Coordinates
support with other
community agencies..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

19. In approximately 250 words or less, applicants must state that
the responses to the 3 Ability questions from their previous
application submitted in 2021 remain the same or must provide an
updated response. See original Notice page 14-15, #24-26.
Coordination
20. In approximately 250 words or less, applicants must state that
the responses to the 2 Coordination questions from their previous
application submitted in 2021 remain the same or must provide an
updated response. See original Notice page 15, #29-30. New or updated
letters of coordination may be attached. Do not attach previously
submitted letters of coordination.
Note that VA reserves the right to confirm with local VA medical
facility staff or others any information related to an application. If
information cannot be confirmed or if discrepancies are identified, VA
reserves the right to adjust award decisions, to not select the
application, to consider other application(s) in rank order, or to make
other remedies as appropriate.
Organizational Leadership
21. Complete the organization leadership table. At minimum, this
table must include the positions with the following titles or
equivalent titles: Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, and
Project Manager. The table also must include a complete list of the
current Board of Directors. For each position include name, title,
phone number, and email address. See also Conflicts of Interest
section.

Example 3.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name Title Phone number Email address
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thi Nguyen............................. Executive Director....... 111-222-3333 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#294c4448404569484d4d5b4c5a5a07465b4e">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Anisa Osman............................ Chief Financial Officer.. 111-222-3333 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f1949c90989db190959583948282df9e8396">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Marco Aguilar.......................... Project Officer.......... 111-222-3333 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c6a3aba7afaa86a7a2a2b4a3b5b5e8a9b4a1">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Angel Banmeke.......................... Chair, Board of Directors 111-222-3333 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9ffaf2fef6f3dffefbfbedfaececb1f0edf8">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Lei Yang............................... Treasurer, Board of 111-222-3333 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#583d3539313418393c3c2a3d2b2b76372a3f">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Directors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 7450]]

External Attachments
Applications that do not consist of all required documents will be
considered incomplete.
When submitting an attachment in spreadsheet or table format,
applicants are encouraged to convert to portable document format (PDF)
prior to submission. Applicants who submit materials in PDF are
encouraged to submit a native PDF (i.e., a machine-readable PDF, not an
image only or scanned PDF), if possible.
1. SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance (required).
a. The form may be downloaded from the program website at <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp">https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp</a> or at <a href="https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family">https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family</a>.
b. The SF-424 must be signed by a person at the applicant
organization who is authorized to make legal commitments on behalf of
the organization.
c. The signature on the SF-424 must be digital or wet-ink
signature. A blank signature field or a ``signature'' that is manually
typed will not be accepted. VA reserves the right to communicate with
an applicant, as needed, prior to making threshold decisions.
d. A signature on the SF-424 indicates the applicant agrees to
comply with all SF-424B Non-Construction Assurances and terms and
conditions of award. Applicants do not need to submit the SF-424B with
the application. Instead, the applicant agrees to the assurances by
maintaining an active registration in SAM. Refer to the Eligibility
section for how to complete the Federal financial assistance
representation and certification section in SAM. For awareness,
applicants may refer to the GPD website for a list of assurances and
for a sample standard terms and conditions of award.
2. Updated NICRA or certification of de minimis indirect cost rate
(if needed).
3. Updated letter(s) of coordination (optional).
4. Updated position descriptions (optional).
5. Other (optional).
Required Certifications
By signing and submitting this application for Federal assistance,
I agree to the following:
1. The applicant commits to all certifications from the previous
special need Notice (dated March 4, 2021).
2. The applicant organization commits to implementing a low barrier
approach to providing services to Veterans which generally means
service occurs on the same day from the point of identification or
referral to the GPD project or within no more than 72 hours.
3. The applicant commits to engaging in the local coordinated entry
process and the by-name list, as appropriate.
4. The applicant commits to providing supportive housing beds in
private rooms with private bathrooms and to meeting the housing
specifications in the NOFO.
5. The applicant commits to having written standard operating
procedures on conflicts of interest (see Conflicts of Interest
section).
6. No more than 25% of the awarded beds for adult participants will
be occupied by people not being served by the GPD grant.
7. The applicant commits to monitoring their actual grant costs
compared to requested costs at least quarterly and commits to
submitting a revised per diem rate request immediately, when needed, to
prevent improper accumulation of unobligated funds.
8. The applicant commits to ensuring staff supported by grant funds
are trained annually regarding suicide prevention and commits to having
written standard operating procedures on suicide prevention developed
in consultation with the local VA medical facility.
9. The applicant commits to ensuring staff supported by grant funds
are trained annually regarding equity and inclusion and commits to
having written standard operating procedures on nondiscrimination of
any individuals based on factors including but not limited to race,
color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sex
characteristics, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin,
disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status,
or political affiliation.
10. Generally, infrastructure costs are not allowed under GPD
transitional housing grants, however, the applicant acknowledges that
if the budget includes construction costs, VA prior approval is needed
for such costs and the requirements of the Build America Buy America
Act (Pub. L. 117-58) apply to the applicant and to all subrecipients
and contractors.
11. The applicant organization commits to complying with all
applicable requirements for the grant including, but not limited to, 38
CFR part 61, 2 CFR part 200, Federal cost principles, terms and
conditions of award, requirements in the NOFO, performance measures,
and reporting requirements.
12. The applicant does not have any past due SF-425 Federal
Financial Report (FFR) or any other outstanding requirement under any
GPD grant.
13. If the applicant organization is the recipient of an historical
GPD capital grant (i.e., a capital grant awarded in fiscal year 2020 or
before) with an ongoing period of obligation associated with the
facility used for special need grant services, then the applicant
commits to submitting a strongly competitive application for this
special need renewal opportunity. The applicant commits to maintaining
bed numbers and occupancy levels. The applicant commits this at least
until the expiration of the period during which VA could seek recovery
under 38 CFR 61.67. Failure to do so may result in an immediate partial
capital grant repayment.

VI. Application Review Information

VA has instituted procedures for assessing the technical merit of
applications to provide for an objective review of applications and to
assist you in understanding the standards against which your
application will be scored. Reviewers will award points based on the
evaluation criteria described in 38 CFR 61.40(b) as summarized below.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points
Criterion (maximum)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Need................................................. 150
2. Outreach............................................. 100
3. Project Plan......................................... 300
4. Ability.............................................. 200
5. Coordination......................................... 200
6. Completion Confidence................................ 50
---------------
Total............................................... 1,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

VII. Merit Review and Selection Process

A technical merit review panel will carefully evaluate applications
against the criteria to determine the merit of applications. Up to
1,000 points may be awarded to an applicant depending on the quality of
responses provided. The final scores will serve as the primary basis
for selection of applications for funding. The grant review panel will
follow 38 CFR part 61 and the Uniform Guidance on application grant
review (pursuant to 2 CFR part 200). VA may use information such as
historical program documents of past performance, both VA and non-VA,
including those from other Federal, state, and local agencies as well
as audits by private or public entities in determining scores. The
grant review panel will be instructed to consider past performance
(e.g., performance metrics, lengths of stay, occupancy rates, use of

[[Page 7451]]

private rooms with private bathrooms) when scoring applications. The
panel results are advisory in nature and not binding on the Grant
Program Officer.
Depending on factors such as the quantity and quality of
applications received, the availability of funding, and past
performance, VA reserves the right to make additional rounds of
conditional selections from this NOFO, to reduce the amount of funding
or beds awarded, or to take other actions as appropriate. VA reserves
the right to negotiate with applicants as needed to accomplish the
overall goals and objective of the Notice.

VIII. Risk Assessment

Prior to making an award, and at any time post-award, VA will
review information available through various sources, including its own
records and any Office of Management and Budget-designated repository
of Governmentwide eligibility qualification or financial integrity
information, such as <a href="http://www.SAM.gov">www.SAM.gov</a>.
In addition, VA will comply with the requirements of 2 CFR part
180, supplemented by 2 CFR part 801 (Non-procurement Debarment and
Suspension). This risk evaluation may incorporate results of the
evaluation of the applicant's eligibility (threshold review) or the
quality of its application (merit review). If VA determines that an
award will be made, specific conditions that correspond to the degree
of risk assessed may be applied to the award. VA will conduct a
business risk assessment in accordance with 2 CFR 200.206. Applicants
or grantees may be asked to submit additional information for VA to
assess the adequacy of their financial management of Federal funds.

IX. Award Administration Information

Award Notices

Although subject to change, VA expects to announce grant awards by
approximately August 2024. VA reserves the right in any year to make
adjustments (e.g., to funding levels) as needed within the intent of
the NOFO based on a variety of factors, including the availability of
funding.
The applicant's signature on the SF-424, including electronic
signature, constitutes a binding offer by the applicant and constitutes
agreement to the terms and conditions of award. VA may elect to award
funds with or without discussions with the applicant. Applicants may
review GPD's general terms and conditions of award at any time on the
GPD website at <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp">https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp</a>.
Only a grant agreement with a VA signature is evidence of an award
and is an authorizing document allowing costs to be incurred against a
grant award. Other notices, letters, or announcements are not
authorizing documents. The grant agreement includes the terms and
conditions of award and must be signed by VA to be legally binding.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

VA places great emphasis on responsibility and accountability. VA
has procedures in place to monitor grants provided under this grant
program. All applicants selected in response to this NOFO must agree to
meet applicable inspection standards outlined in the grant agreement.
Conflicts of Interest
Consistent with 2 CFR 200.112, grantees must disclose in writing
any potential conflict of interest to the Federal awarding agency or
pass-through entity immediately and no less frequently than annually
thereafter.
The conflict-of-interest guidance for general procurement standards
(2 CFR 200.318) is hereby applied to other grant actions beyond
procurement actions. Specifically, grantees must maintain written
standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the
actions of its employees or other personnel engaged in activities
funded from the GPD grant, including the selection, award, and
administration of contracts. No employee, officer, or agent may
participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract
supported by a Federal award if he or she has a real or apparent
conflict of interest. Such a conflict of interest would arise when the
employee, officer, agent, any member of the immediate family, a
partner, or an organization which employs or is about to employ any of
the parties indicated herein, has a financial or other interest in or a
tangible personal benefit from a firm considered for a contract. The
officers, employees, and agents of the grantee organization may neither
solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value
from contractors or parties to subcontracts. However, grantees may set
standards for situations in which the financial interest is not
substantial, or the gift is an unsolicited item of nominal value. The
standards of conduct must provide for disciplinary actions to be
applied for violations of such standards.

Suicide Prevention

Grantees must ensure staff supported by grant funds are trained
annually regarding suicide prevention and how to address situations in
which Veterans demonstrate suicidal ideation. Standard operating
procedures are to be developed on suicide prevention in consultation
with the local VA medical facility. VA training is available at <a href="https://www.va.gov/EMPLOYEEEDUCATION/ees_vha_train.asp">https://www.va.gov/EMPLOYEEEDUCATION/ees_vha_train.asp</a> and <a href="https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-save">https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-save</a>. Suicide Prevention Coordinator
locator (for in-person training) is available at <a href="https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/find-resources/local-resources">https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/find-resources/local-resources</a>.
Equity and Inclusion
Grantees must ensure staff supported by grant funds are trained
annually regarding equity and inclusion. Standard operating procedures
are to be developed on nondiscrimination of any individuals based on
factors including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, gender
identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, sexual orientation,
pregnancy, national origin, disability, age, genetic information,
marital status, parental status, or political affiliation. VA training
is available at <a href="https://www.va.gov/EMPLOYEEEDUCATION/ees_vha_train.asp">https://www.va.gov/EMPLOYEEEDUCATION/ees_vha_train.asp</a>.
Life Safety Code
Grantees must meet the requirements of the current edition of the
Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association as it
relates to the specific GPD facility(s). Grantees should note that all
facilities must be protected throughout by an approved automatic
sprinkler system unless a facility is specifically exempt under the
Life Safety Code. Applicants should consider this when submitting their
grant applications, as no funds will be made available without meeting
these requirements.
Inspections
All units must be reinspected by VA no less frequently than
annually. Reinspection of occupied units requires advance planning and
must be started early to avoid delays. VA reserves the right to
withhold payments, reduce beds, terminate a grant, or take other action
as appropriate when inspection or reinspection requirements are delayed
or not met.

Payments of Grant Funds

Payment Requests
Grantees will receive payments electronically through the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System
or other payment method identified by VA. Grantees will have the
ability to request payments as frequently as they choose or on a
reimbursement

[[Page 7452]]

basis as determined by VA, subject to the following limitations:
<bullet> During the first quarter of each annual period, the
grantee's cumulative request for funds may not exceed 35% of the annual
grant amount without VA written prior approval.
<bullet> By the end of the second quarter of each annual period,
the grantee's cumulative request for funds may not exceed 60% of the
annual grant amount without VA written prior approval.
<bullet> By the end of the third quarter of each annual period, the
grantee's cumulative request for funds may not exceed 80% of the annual
grant amount without VA written prior approval.
<bullet> By the end of the fourth quarter of each annual period,
the grantee's cumulative request for funds may not exceed 100% of the
annual grant amount.
Unobligated Balances
If applicable, grantees with unobligated balances may, with
approval from the GPD National Program Office, carry forward such
unobligated balances. If applicable, at VA's discretion, award amounts
may be subject to reductions. Reductions are permanent and not
restorable. Reductions will be calculated based on the amount of the
unobligated balance shown in HHS' Payment Management System by the
third quarter of each year. VA may calculate reductions with or without
input from grantees. Grantees are advised to stay current with
reimbursements from the payment system in order to avoid the appearance
of inaccurately high unobligated balances.
Immediate Cash Needs
VA will make payments to reimburse amounts expended (38 CFR
61.61(b)). Advance payments are not provided to GPD grantees. Grantees
must maintain written procedures to minimize the time elapsing between
drawing down funds from the Federal Government and disbursing the funds
for grant costs. Also, grantees must maintain financial management
systems that meet the standards for fund control and accountability as
established in 2 CFR 200.305. Payments drawn must be limited to the
minimum amounts needed and be timed in accordance with actual and
immediate cash requirements of the grantee in carrying out the purpose
of the approved project. The timing and amount of payments must be as
close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by
the grantee for direct project costs and the proportionate share of any
allowable indirect costs. Typically, ``immediate'' means within 3
business days, as articulated by HHS: <a href="https://pms.psc.gov/grant-recipients/funding-request-formula.html">https://pms.psc.gov/grant-recipients/funding-request-formula.html</a>.
Per-Item Cost Documentation
<bullet> Grantees must support their request for payments with
adequate fiscal documentation, including program income and expenses.
<bullet> Grantees are advised to keep careful records, including
documentation of voluntary leveraged funding from other sources and
including cost calculations, such as itemized invoices and cost
reasonableness.
<bullet> Grantees must submit properly prepared and fully
documented vouchers within 30 days after the end of each month.
Grantees who are unsure if their submission is properly prepared and
fully documented should submit early to allow time for review and
resubmission no later than 30 days after the end of each month.
<bullet> Per 38 CFR 61.44, at the time of NOFO publication, payment
will be either the daily cost of care minus other sources of income or
two times the current VA State Home per diem rate for domiciliary care,
whichever is less. Grantees should be aware that special need awards
are subject to funds availability. Therefore, in the event of a funding
shortfall, VA will notify grantees of any applicable revised (lower)
maximum rate.
<bullet> The per diem payment calculation may be found at 38 CFR
61.44 and current maximum per diem rates are available on the GPD
provider website at <a href="https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/GPD_ProviderWebsite.asp">https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/GPD_ProviderWebsite.asp</a>.

Reporting and Monitoring

VA will oversee and monitor the services provided to the
participants by the grantee. Monitoring will include financial reviews
and performance. All grantees are subject to audits conducted by VA or
its representative. See 2 CFR 200.337 regarding Access to Records. The
grantee will be expected to demonstrate adherence to the grantee's
proposed program concept, as described in the application. The
reporting requirements and monitoring cadence (bi-weekly, monthly,
quarterly, or annually) will be determined in part based on VA's pre-
award and post-award risk assessment.
Reporting
<bullet> An annual SF-425 FFR is required to be submitted no later
than 120 days after the end of each grant year (no later than January
31). Grantees who do not submit on time are subject to being withheld
from receiving payments temporarily pending receipt of the report. An
FFR form is available on the GPD provider website at <a href="https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/GPD_ProviderWebsite.asp">https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/GPD_ProviderWebsite.asp</a> or at <a href="http://www.grants.gov">www.grants.gov</a>.
Instructions for submission also are on the GPD provider website.
<bullet> At a minimum, a quarterly review of each GPD grantee's
progress toward meeting performance goals is required, as applicable.
The targets are set for the initial funding period of this renewal
award, starting October 1, 2024. VA may, at its discretion, update
these targets any time, for example during an option year, as
applicable. Any new targets will be stated in writing by VA. Applicants
should be aware that bed utilization rates can impact funding decisions
during the award period.
<bullet> Annual reporting may involve certifying to VA that certain
requirements are complete including, but is not limited to:
[cir] Updated leadership information, such as contact information
for the Board of Directors and Executive Officers, is provided.
[cir] An updated NICRA or certification of de minimis indirect cost
rate is provided (if needed).
[cir] Organizational records in SAM are complete, including:
[ssquf] The organizational registration is active.
[ssquf] The Federal financial assistance representation and
certification section is complete.
[ssquf] No organization or person involved in the grant has an
active exclusion.
[cir] Any conflicts of interest have been disclosed immediately and
annually thereafter.
[cir] Annual training for staff regarding suicide prevention is
complete.
[cir] Annual training for staff regarding equity and inclusion is
complete.
[cir] All required SF-425 FFRs have been submitted to VA for all
GPD grants. All future FFRs will be submitted on or before the due
date.
[cir] The organization is up to date on any actions required by an
A-133 Single Audit or a VA-specific fiscal review (e.g., a fiscal
review of GPD or other VA grants conducted by VA's Office of Business
Oversight).
[cir] The organization does not have an outstanding GPD, VA, or
Federal debt.
[cir] The organization continues to meet the management standards
described in 2 CFR part 200 and 38 CFR part 61 and continues to be able
to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, and other requirements
imposed on grantees (per requirements such as 2 CFR 200.206(b)(2)).

[[Page 7453]]

[cir] An updated per diem rate request reflecting current costs has
been submitted (if needed).
<bullet> If additional time or funding becomes available, grantees
will be notified about how to make a request (notwithstanding 38 CFR
61.61(b) and in compliance with 2 CFR 200.308(c) and Sec. 200.309).
Closeout
<bullet> A final SF-425 FFR is due within 120 days after the grant
end date. Grantees who do not comply are subject to public reporting on
the Federal websites, such as SAM, for material failure to comply with
the terms of the award (per 2 CFR 200.344).
<bullet> Grantees must promptly refund any balances of unobligated
funding that are not authorized to be retained. Any funds paid to the
grantee in excess of the amount to which the grantee is finally
determined to be entitled under the terms of the Federal award
constitute a debt to the Federal Government (2 CFR 200.346).
Monitoring
<bullet> Each project receiving special need funding will have a
liaison appointed from a nearby VA medical facility to provide
oversight and to monitor services provided to Veterans experiencing
homelessness.
<bullet> It is expected that Veterans will transition to permanent
housing as rapidly as clinically appropriate based on individual needs.
A typical length of stay, on average, generally is within 6-12 months
(or less depending on the population) and not to exceed 24 months.
Grantees must work closely with Veterans to support timely transitions
to permanent housing.
<bullet> Grantees may not make significant changes to a project
after a grant is awarded without written prior approval from the GPD
National Program Office.
<bullet> VA reserves the right to disallow services provided by the
grantee if VA determines that they are of unacceptable quality, in
which case grant funds may not be used to pay for them.
<bullet> Poor performance, such as low bed utilization, may result
in bed reductions and may impact future funding or option year(s)
decisions.

Record Retention

Grantees must follow Federal guidelines on record retention which
require that grantees maintain and provide access to all records
pertaining to grant activities for a period of at least 3 years from
the date of submission of the final expenditure report. See 2 CFR
200.334-338 for more specific information, including information about
the start of the record retention period for awards that are renewed
quarterly or annually and when the records must be retained for more
than 3 years.

Signing Authority

Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approved and signed
this document on January 29, 2024, 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.

Jeffrey M. Martin,
Assistant Director, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2024-02057 Filed 2-1-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P

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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.