2024-06634. Loan Guaranty: Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program

AGENCY:

Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice of funding opportunity.

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) 2024. The objective of the grant is to encourage the development of new assistive technologies for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant recipients. 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 2024 SAHAT Grant Program funds.

DATES:

Applications for the SAHAT Grant Program must be submitted through www.Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on April 28, 2024. Awards made for the SAHAT Grant Program will fund operations for FY 2024. The SAHAT Grant Program application package for funding opportunity VA-SAHAT-24-09 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 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, Assistant Director, Specially Adapted Housing, Loan Guaranty Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420, 202-461-9201 or [e-mail]. 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 part 36 regarding the Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program ( https://www.ecfr.gov/​current/​title-38/​chapter-I/​part-36/​subpart-C/​section-36.4412), and VA Financial Policy, Volume X Grants Management Financial Policy Documents ( https://department.va.gov/​financial-policy-documents/​?_​financial_​policy_​volumes=​volume-x-grants-management) 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, 203), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 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 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 https://www.va.gov/​housing-assistance/​disability-housing-grants/​.

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. In addition, the recent passage of the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 (Pub. L. 117-168) expanded VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances, including those with disabilities due to inhalation injuries resulting from toxic exposures. New solutions that can potentially help VA meet the needs of SAH-eligible Veterans impacted by these injuries are of interest to the SAHAT Grant Program.

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 visit the following website to identify home adaptation programs offered by VA: https://www.va.gov/​housing-assistance/​disability-housing-grants/​.

C. 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 fiscal year, through September 30, 2016, to a “person or entity” for the development of SAHATs. 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, 205). Section 205 of Pub. L. 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).

D. 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) ( https://www.ecfr.gov/​current/​title-38/​chapter-I/​part-36/​subpart-C/​section-36.4412), 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, 2015). For FY 2024, 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 Veterans with disabilities associated with toxic exposures covered by the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, such as residuals of an inhalation injury (including, but not limited to, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) as they pertain to VA SAH adaptations. 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, 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.

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), 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.

G. Assistance Listings

The listings include the following: 64.051 Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant Program; SAM.gov, 64.106 Specially Adapted Housing for Disabled Veterans; SAM.gov, and 64.118 Veterans Housing Direct Loans for Certain Disabled Veterans; SAM.gov.

II. Federal Award Information

A. 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.

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 Date

As discussed in Section VI(A) of this notice, the SAHAT Grant Program Office expects to announce grant recipients after April 1, 2024. The anticipated start date for funding grants awarded under this announcement is therefore after May 1, 2024.

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.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

There is no cost sharing, matching, or cost participation for the SAHAT Grant Program.

C. 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 www.Grants.gov, 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 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 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, 2025, (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 200 (see 2 CFR 200.101(a)). Where the Secretary determines that 2 CFR 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 following program official: Oscar Hines (Program Manager), Specially Adapted Housing Program, [e-mail], 202-461-8316 (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-24-09) 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, 2025) 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: https://www.va.gov/​housing-assistance/​disability-housing-grants/​; 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.

C. System for Award Management (SAM)

Each technology grant applicant, unless the applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency that is excepted from the 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.

D. Submission Dates and Times

Applications for the SAHAT Grant Program must be submitted through www.Grants.gov 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 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 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).

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 scoring 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. 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 www.Grants.gov. 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 2024, 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).

B. 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 ( https://www.ecfr.gov/​current/​title-38/​chapter-I/​part-36/​subpart-C/​section-36.4412), and the VA Financial Policy, Volume X Grants Management, Chapter 4 Grants Application Review and Award Process, Financial Policy Documents ( https://department.va.gov/​financial-policy-documents/​?_​financial_​policy_​volumes=​volume-x-grants-management). VA will review and consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) guidance located at 2 CFR 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, except as noted.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

Although subject to change, the SAHAT Grant Program Office expects to announce grant recipients on or about April 1, 2024. Prior to executing any funding agreement, VA will contact successful applicants to 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 Application for Federal Assistance (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.

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. 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 Federal Financial Report (SF-425).

3. Grantee Closeout Report: This final report will be submitted electronically and will detail the assistive technology developed. The grantee's Closeout Report must be submitted to the SAHAT Grant Program Office not later than 120 days after the date the performance period ends.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

For additional general information about this announcement contact the following program official: Oscar Hines (Program Manager), Specially Adapted Housing Program, [e-mail], 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, SAHAT Grant Program, and funding opportunity number, VA-SAHAT-24-09. Once the application 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 new assistive technologies through September 30, 2024. Additional information related to the SAHAT Grant Program administered by LGY is available at: http://www.benefits.va.gov/​homeloans/​sahat.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 (PMS). All grant recipients should adhere to PMS user policies.

IX. Notices of Funding Opportunity

In accordance with the OMB'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 CFR

Signing Authority

Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approved and signed this document on March 14, 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.