§ 17.713 - Obtaining additional information and awarding grants.

(a) Additional information. Applicants who have been conditionally selected will be requested by VA to submit additional project information, as described in the second submission of the application, which may include:

(1) Documentation to show that the project is feasible.

(2) Documentation showing the sources of funding for the project and firm financing commitments for the matching requirements described in § 17.706 of this part.

(3) Documentation showing site control, as described in § 17.731 of this part.

(4) Information necessary for VA to ensure compliance with the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.), as described in § 17.714 of this part.

(5) A site survey performed by a licensed land surveyor. A description of the site shall be submitted noting the general characteristics of the site. This should include soil reports and specifications, easements, main roadway approaches, surrounding land uses, availability of electricity, water and sewer lines, and orientation. The description should also include a map locating the existing and/or new buildings, major roads, and public services in the geographic area. Additional site plans should show all site work including property lines, existing and new topography, building locations, utility data, and proposed grades, roads, parking areas, walks, landscaping, and site amenities.

(6) Design development (35 percent) drawings. (i) The applicant shall provide to VA one set of sepias and two sets of prints, rolled individually per set, to expedite the review process. The drawing shall indicate the designation of all spaces, size of the areas and rooms, and indicate in outline the fixed and moveable equipment and furniture. The drawings shall be drawn at 1/8″ or 1/4″ scale. Bedroom and toilet layouts, showing clearances and Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards requirements, should be shown at 1/4″ scale. The total floor and room areas shall be shown in the drawings. The drawings shall include:

(A) A plan of any proposed demolition work;

(B) A plan of each floor. For renovation, the existing conditions and extent of new work should be clearly delineated;

(C) Elevations;

(D) Sections and typical details;

(E) Roof plan;

(F) Fire protection plans; and

(G) Technical engineering plans, including structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical drawings.

(ii) If the project involves acquisition, remodeling, or renovation, the applicant should include the current as-built site plan, floor plans and building sections which show the present status of the building and a description of the building's current use and type of construction.

(7) Design development outline specifications. The applicant shall provide eight copies of outline specifications which shall include a general description of the project, site, architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical systems such as elevators, air conditioning, heating, plumbing, lighting, power, and interior finishes (floor coverings, acoustical material, and wall and ceiling finishes).

(8) Design development cost estimates. The applicant shall provide three copies of cost estimates showing the estimated cost of the buildings or structures to be acquired or constructed in the project. Cost estimates should list the cost of construction, contract contingency, fixed equipment not included in the contract, movable equipment, architect's fees and construction supervision and inspection.

(9) A design development conference. After VA reviews design development documents, a design development conference may be recommended in order to provide applicants and their architects an opportunity to learn VA procedures and requirements for the project and to discuss VA review comments.

(10) Such other documentation as specified by VA in writing to the applicant that confirms or clarifies information provided in the application.

(b) Receipt of additional information. The required additional information must be received in acceptable form within the time frame established by VA in a notice of fund availability published in the Federal Register. VA reserves the right to remove any proposed project from further consideration for grant assistance if the required additional project information is not received in acceptable form by the established deadline.

(c) Grant award. Following receipt of the additional information in acceptable form (and, where applicable, provided that the environmental review described in § 17.714 of this part indicates that the proposed project is environmentally acceptable to VA), to the extent funds are available VA will approve the application and send a grant agreement for execution to the applicant.

(Paperwork requirements were approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2900-0554.)