95-7833. NOFA for Lead-Based Paint (LBP) Risk Assessments  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 61 (Thursday, March 30, 1995)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 16560-16564]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-7833]
    
    
    
    
    [[Page 16559]]
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    Part III
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of Housing and Urban Development
    
    
    
    
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    
    
    NOFA for Lead-Based Paint (LBP) Risk Assessments; Notice
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 61 / Thursday, March 30, 1995 / 
    Notices 
    [[Page 16560]] 
    
    DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
    
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing
    [Docket No. N-95-3778; FR-3875-N-01]
    
    
    NOFA for Lead-Based Paint (LBP) Risk Assessments
    
    AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian 
    Housing, HUD.
    
    ACTION: Notice of funding availability for FY 1995.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: This NOFA informs Public Housing Agencies and Indian Housing 
    Authorities (referred to jointly as ``HAs'') that have pre-1980 family 
    developments, of the availability of up to $8,052,535 in funding for 
    lead-based paint (LBP) risk assessments. The NOFA contains information 
    on the following:
        (a) The purpose of the NOFA, available amounts and eligibility;
        (b) Application processing, including how to apply and how 
    selections will be made;
        (c) A schedule of steps involved in the application process;
        (d) Notice that funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served 
    basis; and
        (e) Notice of the requirement that the Department's risk assessment 
    protocol be used by HAs in conducting a LBP risk assessment and in 
    developing recommendations regarding interim controls.
    
    DATES: An application may be submitted immediately after publication of 
    this NOFA, and must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. local time (i.e., the 
    time in the HUD Field Office where the application is submitted) on May 
    30, 1995. This deadline is firm as to date and hour. In the interest of 
    fairness to all applicants, the Department will treat as ineligible for 
    consideration any application that is received after the deadline. 
    Applicants should take this practice into account and make early 
    submission of their applications to avoid any risk of loss of 
    eligibility brought about by unanticipated delays or other delivery-
    related problems.
    
    ADDRESSES: Application kits may be obtained from HUD Field Offices. 
    Completed applications are to be submitted to the Field Office that has 
    jurisdiction over the HA submitting the request for funding. Copies of 
    the Department's LBP risk assessment protocol, which establishes 
    minimum requirements that must be used by HAs funded under this NOFA, 
    are available at cost by calling HUD USER on 1-800-245-2691 or (301) 
    251-5154 (not a toll-free number). A telecommunications device (TDD) 
    for persons with hearing and speech impediments is available at 1-800-
    877-8339.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William J. Flood, Director, 
    Modernization Division, Office of Distressed and Troubled Housing 
    Recovery, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh 
    Street, SW., Room 4134, Washington, D.C. 20410, telephone (202) 708-
    1640. Indian Housing Authorities may contact: Dom Nessi, Director, 
    Office of Native American Programs, Department of Housing and Urban 
    Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room B-133, Washington, DC 20410, 
    telephone (202) 755-0032. A telecommunications device (TDD) for persons 
    with hearing and speech impediments is available at (202) 708-0850 . 
    (These are not toll-free telephone numbers.)
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act Statement
    
        The information collection requirements contained in this NOFA have 
    been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), under 
    section 3504(h) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
    3520), and assigned OMB control numbers 0348-0043, 2577-0044, 2525-
    0101, and 0348-0046.
    
    I. Purpose and Substantive Description
    
    A. Allocation Amounts
    
        (1) Total amount available. The Departments of Veterans Affairs and 
    Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations 
    Act, 1992 (Pub. L. 102-139, approved October 28, 1991; at 105 Stat. 
    744) (1992 Appropriations Act) set aside $25,000,000, of the 
    $2,800,975,000 of budget authority available for modernization of 
    existing public housing developments, for the risk assessment of lead-
    based paint (LBP). However, amounts actually available from the 
    appropriated amount were reduced because conversions from Section 8 
    (U.S. Housing Act of 1937)-funded section 202 (Housing Act of 1959) 
    direct loan projects to rental assistance-funded section 202 grant 
    projects did not occur at the rate anticipated by Congress in the FY 
    1992 Appropriations Act. Reductions were made in the FY 1991 carryover 
    balances to fund FY 1992 programs, as provided in the Appropriations 
    Act. The amount of funds available for LBP risk assessment in FY 1992 
    was $23,853,455. In accordance with the language of that Appropriations 
    Act, where funds awarded totaled less than the amount available, the 
    remaining funds are to be carried over in subsequent NOFAs. Thus, in FY 
    1992, the Department awarded $9,055,821. In FY 1993, $14,797,634 was 
    available for LBP risk assessment funding and $2,840,711 was awarded 
    based on applications received. In FY 1994, $11,946,823 was available; 
    of that amount $3,888,076 was awarded, based on applications received. 
    Additionally, $16,312 was awarded in FY 1994 to correct calculation 
    errors made on applications submitted and eligible for funding in FY 
    1993. The total amount of funding that remains available under this FY 
    1995 NOFA is up to $8,052,535. The funding may change if the 
    carryovers, transfers, and recaptures estimated to occur in FY 1995 are 
    not realized.
        (2) Selection of applications for funding. Awards shall be made on 
    a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, an application must be 
    complete and must meet the threshold criteria set forth in Section 
    II.B. of this NOFA. As such, it is required that the proposed risk 
    assessment be performed in pre-1980 family developments. Further, the 
    Department has determined that a development targeted within an 
    application will not be eligible for funding where a development has 
    been:
         Tested and abated; or
         Tested and the results were negative; or
         Tested, results were positive, and an adequate interim 
    control plan has been developed; or
         The subject of a risk assessment previously.
        In these instances, the Department recognizes that hazards have 
    been addressed or identified; thus, there is no need to conduct a risk 
    assessment.
        (3) Cost. Where a development is eligible to be the subject of a 
    complete risk assessment, in accordance with the threshold criteria set 
    forth in Section II.B. of this NOFA, the HA shall base its funding 
    request on a per-unit-to-be-sampled-per-development cost. The per-unit 
    cost must include costs for collection of dust and soil samples, 
    collection of paint chip samples (where necessary), administration, 
    laboratory analysis of collected paint, dust, and soil samples, 
    interpretation of laboratory results on samples collected, review of 
    maintenance and management practices, and the development (not the 
    implementation) of recommendations for interim controls. Costs 
    associated with interim controls are not eligible for funding under 
    this NOFA. Funding of interim controls must be secured from other HA 
    sources (i.e., CIAP, CGP, operating subsidy, operating reserves, or 
    State/local contributions). [[Page 16561]] 
        The cost-per-unit-to-be-sampled may not exceed the amount of $495. 
    Prior year funding indicates that a number of HAs were able to complete 
    risk assessments at less than this amount (ranging from $250 to $350 
    per-unit-to-be-sampled, excluding HA administrative costs). HAs are 
    strongly encouraged to budget prudently for these costs. Where this 
    amount is exceeded, the HA must submit justification of the amount 
    requested, and the Field Office will examine the cost reasonableness of 
    such request.
        The number of units to be sampled, which, at a minimum, must be 
    used by HAs funded under this NOFA, is outlined in the table below:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Number of units in       Number of units for inspecting and testing  
           development                     (collecting samples)             
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1-4.....................  All.                                          
    5-20....................  4 units or 50% (whichever is greater).        
    21-75...................  10 units or 20% (whichever is greater).       
    76-125..................  17.                                           
    126-175.................  19.                                           
    176-225.................  20.                                           
    226-300.................  21.                                           
    301-400.................  22.                                           
    401-500.................  23.                                           
    501+....................  24, plus 1 dwelling for each additional       
                               increment of 50 units or less.               
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    The method to be used in determining which units are to be included in 
    the sample is as follows:
        (a) Units cited as having building code violations within the past 
    year;
        (b) Units determined to be in poor condition;
        (c) Units that contain two or more children between the ages of 6 
    months and 6 years;
        (d) Units that serve as day-care facilities; and
        (e) Units prepared for reoccupancy within the past 3 months. If 
    necessary, add additional units to achieve the required minimum sample 
    number specified in the above table.
    
        Note: In addition to the minimum number of units to be sampled, 
    add units housing children with elevated blood lead levels.
    
        As explained in Section III, Application Content, of this NOFA, an 
    application must state each development number and specify the number 
    of units to be sampled, the amount requested for each development, and 
    the total amount the HA is requesting.
        (4) Distribution of funds. An administrative decision has been made 
    not to assign funds to HUD Field Offices using the same method as in 
    previous fiscal years. Funds will be assigned to Field Offices based on 
    the number of applications submitted that met the eligibility criteria 
    and the amount of funds requested. The Department expects to have 
    enough money to fund all eligible applications. In the event funding 
    requests exceed the amount available, awards will be made based on the 
    date and time applications were received in the HUD Field Office. HUD 
    Field Offices shall date- and time-stamp each application upon receipt.
        In Fiscal Year 1995, up to $7,835,117 will be targeted to public 
    housing agencies, and up to $217,418 will be targeted to Indian housing 
    authorities in the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP). As many 
    eligible applications as possible will be funded.
        (5) Remaining funds. In the event that the funds awarded under this 
    NOFA total less than the amount available, the remaining amount will be 
    carried over to FY 1996, because the FY 1992 Appropriations Act 
    specifically targets these funds for the assessment of risks associated 
    with lead-based paint. If funds are carried over to FY 1996, a 
    subsequent NOFA for these remaining set-aside funds will be published.
        (6) Section 3 (24 CFR part 135). Section 3 of the Housing and Urban 
    Development Act of 1968 and the regulations at 24 CFR part 135 (see 
    June 30, 1994, Interim Rule, 59 FR 33866) are applicable to funding 
    awards made under this NOFA. One of the purposes of the assistance is 
    to give to the greatest extent feasible, and consistent with existing 
    Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, job training, 
    employment, contracting and other economic opportunities to section 3 
    residents and section 3 business concerns.
    
    B. Eligibility and Requirements
    
        (1) All HAs with pre-1980 family developments are eligible (i.e., 
    both large HAs funded under the Comprehensive Grant Program (CGP) and 
    small HAs funded under the Comprehensive Improvement Assistance Program 
    (CIAP)). Specific developments targeted for funding within an 
    application must meet the requirements set forth in Section II.B. of 
    this NOFA.
        (2) HAs, especially smaller ones, are encouraged to form a 
    consortium for purposes of having risk assessments conducted. Such a 
    consortium would enable a number of HAs to obtain coordinated services 
    for those risk assessments.
        (3) In accordance with section 14(a)(3) of the U.S. Housing Act of 
    1937 (1937 Act) (added by the 1992 Appropriations Act, 105 Stat. 759), 
    pre-1980 family developments within a HA's inventory may be the subject 
    of a LBP risk assessment. As stated in section 14(a)(3), risk 
    assessments are intended ``to assess the risks of lead-based paint 
    poisoning * * * in all projects constructed before 1980 that are, or 
    will be, occupied by families.'' Risk assessments are not mandatory; 
    however, HAs are strongly encouraged to conduct them. In undertaking a 
    risk assessment, a HA shall use a risk assessment protocol that, at a 
    minimum, follows the Department's Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessment 
    Protocol. Upon completion of the risk assessment, the HA must provide a 
    copy of the results of the risk assessment to the appropriate Field 
    Office. The risk assessment must be completed within eighteen (18) 
    months of HUD's fund reservation notification to the HA.
        While the scope of the risk assessment may exceed the contents of 
    the Department's protocol, funding shall be requested based on this 
    protocol. The goal of the protocol is to enable a HA to identify lead 
    hazards, so that appropriate interim controls can be implemented until 
    random testing and/or full abatement can be undertaken. Section 
    14(a)(3) of the 1937 Act requires that professional risk assessments 
    include dust and soil sampling and laboratory analysis. The risk 
    assessment protocol has been developed by the Department to ensure 
    compliance with this provision and with certain requirements of the 
    Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act.
        HAs are expected to implement the interim control recommendations 
    resulting from the completed risk assessment, especially in cases where 
    full abatement will not be undertaken within a reasonable time frame 
    (one year). However, actual implementation of recommendations that 
    result from the risk assessment conducted is not eligible for funding 
    under this NOFA. The implementation of resulting recommendations (e.g., 
    comprehensive or random testing, abatement of lead, interim control 
    measures, and work order modifications) may be funded from other HA 
    sources (i.e., CIAP, CGP, operating subsidy, operating reserves or 
    State/local contributions).
        In no instance shall the implementation of interim control measures 
    satisfy the HA's obligation under the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning 
    Prevention Act to abate lead-based paint hazards; rather, they are 
    interim measures to be used until testing and/or full abatement can be 
    undertaken, as appropriate. Similarly, in no instance 
    [[Page 16562]] shall conducting a risk assessment satisfy the HA's 
    obligation under the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act to test 
    for and abate lead-based paint hazards.
        (4) CIAP requirements, as set forth in 24 CFR part 968, subpart B, 
    and the CIAP Handbook, 7485.1 REV-4, are applicable to HAs funded under 
    this NOFA. These requirements encompass implementation schedules, 
    progress reports, budget revisions, requests for extensions, closeouts, 
    etc. Fund requisitions are to be processed through the LOCCS/VRS 
    system.
        (5) HAs must follow the requirements of 24 CFR part 85 for the 
    procurement of risk assessments.
        (6) In accepting funding to perform a risk assessment, HAs must 
    agree to participate, if requested by HUD, in a subsequent evaluation 
    of the risk assessment protocol. This evaluation will entail a review 
    of collected sampling data and the effectiveness of recommended interim 
    control procedures.
    
    C. Ineligible Costs and Activities
    
        (1) A specific development targeted within an application is not 
    eligible for funding, in accordance with the threshold requirements set 
    forth in Section II.B. of this NOFA, where the development has been:
         Tested and abated; or
         Tested and the results were negative; or
         Tested, results were positive, and an adequate interim 
    control plan has been developed; or
         The subject of a risk assessment previously.
        (2) Actual implementation of recommendations that result from the 
    risk assessment conducted is not eligible for funding under this NOFA. 
    The implementation of resulting recommendations (e.g., comprehensive or 
    random testing, abatement of lead, interim control measures, and work 
    order modifications) may be funded from other HA sources (i.e., CIAP, 
    CGP, operating subsidy, or operating reserves). HAs are expected to 
    implement these recommendations, especially those related to interim 
    control measures when abatement of lead hazards will not take place 
    within a reasonable time (one year). In no instance shall the 
    implementation of interim control measures satisfy the HA's obligation 
    under the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act to test and/or 
    abate lead-based paint hazards.
        (3) Funds under this NOFA may not be used to purchase insurance 
    including existing-conditions LBP liability insurance. While funds may 
    be used to conduct risk assessments required to be in place prior to 
    the issuance of an insurance policy, under no circumstance may these 
    funds be used to pay for the premiums associated with this insurance.
    
    D. Selection of Applications
    
        (1) Applications will be selected for funding only after they have 
    been deemed eligible in accordance with the threshold requirements set 
    forth in Section II.B. of this NOFA. The Department expects to have 
    enough money to fund all eligible applications. In the event funding 
    requests exceed the amount available, awards will be made based on a 
    first-come, first-served basis as indicated by the date- and time-stamp 
    posted by the HUD Field Office when the HA's application is submitted.
        (2) Field Offices shall ensure that all applications (including 
    copies) are date- and time-stamped immediately upon receipt. Field 
    Offices shall notify Headquarters of funding decisions on July 13, 
    1995. The Field Office will be responsible for identifying, notifying 
    applicants of, and receiving corrections of any technical deficiencies 
    in the application, as discussed in Section IV of this NOFA.
        (3) The Field Office Public Housing Division Director shall make 
    final funding decisions. Each Field Office will advise Headquarters, by 
    the date specified in Section I.D (2) of this NOFA, of the number of 
    eligible applications, the amounts requested for each eligible 
    development listed in each eligible application, and the total amount 
    requested by an eligible housing authority. Headquarters will assign 
    funds to the Field Offices based on total amounts requested from 
    applicant HAs within each Field Offices' jurisdiction.
    
    E. Notification of Awards
    
        The Field Office will notify the HA of its funding decision after 
    HUD has completed the required congressional notification. Reservation 
    and congressional notification documents will be prepared by the Field 
    Office.
    
    II. Application Process
    
    A. General Requirements
    
        Forms that comprise the application kit are available from HUD 
    Field Offices. To be considered for funding, an original and 2 copies 
    of the application must be submitted to the HUD Field Office that has 
    jurisdiction over the applicant HA. An application may be submitted 
    immediately upon publication of this NOFA, and must be submitted before 
    3:00 p.m., local time, on May 30, 1995, to the HUD Field Office that 
    has jurisdiction over the applicant HA. The contents of the application 
    are listed below, in Section III of this NOFA.
        The above-stated deadline is firm as to date and hour. In the 
    interest of fairness to all applicants, the Department will treat as 
    ineligible for consideration any application that is received after the 
    deadline. Applicants should take this practice into account and make 
    early submission of their materials to avoid any risk of loss of 
    eligibility brought about by unanticipated delays or other delivery-
    related problems.
    
    B. Threshold Requirements
    
        To be considered eligible for funding, an HA must propose to 
    conduct risk assessments for pre-1980 family developments that:
         Have not previously been the subject of a risk assessment; 
    or
         Have not been tested and abated; or
         Have been tested and results were positive, but the 
    developments have not been abated or an adequate interim control plan 
    has not been developed.
    
    III. Checklist of Application Submission Requirements
    
        The following documents comprise the application:
        (a) OMB Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance (HAs 
    shall complete only items 2, 5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 18) and SF-
    424(B);
        (b) Form HUD-52825, Comprehensive Assessment/Program Budget, Part 
    I--Summary. The total amount requested for funding will be identified 
    on this form under either account 1410.1, Administration (where HA 
    staff will be used and the HA certifies that it has the capability of, 
    and will be conducting the professional risk assessment; NOTE: a 
    portion, not to exceed ten percent [10%] of the funding requested, may 
    be used for administrative expenses incurred by the HA, including the 
    use of a consultant to prepare background materials in support of the 
    risk assessment), or account 1430.2, Consultant Fees (where the HA will 
    be contracting for the professional risk assessment).
        (c) Form HUD-52825, Comprehensive Assessment/Program Budget, Part 
    II--Supporting Pages. Developments proposed to be the subject of a risk 
    assessment are to be identified on this form. The applicant must 
    provide the name; address; project number; total number of units; 
    number of units to be sampled, in accordance with the requirements set 
    forth in Section I.A(3) of this NOFA and in the risk assessment 
    protocol; and amount requested for each [[Page 16563]] development, 
    with supporting justification, as appropriate.
        (d) Certification signed by the HA Executive Director that, at a 
    minimum, the risk assessment protocol to be used will be equivalent to 
    the Department's protocol.
        (e) Certification signed by the HA Executive Director that the 
    proposed risk assessment will be completed within eighteen (18) months 
    of the date that funds are awarded and that the HA agrees to 
    participate, if requested by HUD, in a subsequent evaluation of the 
    risk assessment protocol, to assess its validity for the identification 
    of lead-based paint hazards and effectiveness in addressing those 
    hazards.
        (f) Certification signed by the HA Executive Director that a copy 
    of the completed risk assessment will be provided to the appropriate 
    HUD Field Office upon completion of the assessment.
        (g) Certification that HA staff are qualified to conduct LBP risk 
    assessments in accordance with the protocol, if applicable.
        (h) Certification that the HA will comply with the requirements of 
    section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 
    1701u) and the implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 135.
        (i) Form HUD-50070, Certification for Drug-Free Workplace.
        (j) Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans and Cooperative 
    Agreements, required of HAs established under State law that are 
    applying for grants exceeding $100,000.
        (k) SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, required of HAs 
    established under State law only where any funds, other than federally 
    appropriated funds, will be or have been used to influence Federal 
    workers or Members of Congress or their staffs regarding specific 
    grants or contracts.
        (l) Form HUD-2880, Applicant/Recipient Disclosure/Update Report.
    
    IV. Corrections to Deficient Applications
    
        Immediately after the submission of an application, the appropriate 
    Field Office will screen the application to determine whether all items 
    were submitted. If items 1, 2, and 3 listed in Section III, Application 
    Content, of this NOFA are missing, the application will be considered 
    substantially incomplete and, therefore, ineligible for processing.
        If the HA fails to submit any of items 4-12 listed in Section III 
    of this NOFA, or the application contains a technical mistake, such as 
    an incorrect signatory, the Field Office will immediately notify the HA 
    that it has 14 calendar days from the date of HUD's written 
    notification to submit or correct the specified items. If any of items 
    4-12 are missing and the HA does not submit them within the 14-day cure 
    period, the application will be ineligible for further processing.
    
    V. Other Matters
    
    A. Environmental Review
    
        A finding of no significant impact with respect to the environment 
    has been made in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 50, 
    which implement section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy 
    Act of 1969. The finding of no significant impact is available for 
    public inspection between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. weekdays in the 
    Office of the Rules Docket Clerk, Office of the General Counsel, Room 
    10276, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, 
    SW., Washington, DC 20410-0500.
    
    B. Federalism Executive Order
    
        The General Counsel, as the Designated Official under section 6(a) 
    of Executive Order 12612, Federalism, has determined that the policies 
    contained in this notice will not have substantial direct effects on 
    States or their political subdivisions, or the relationship between the 
    Federal government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
    responsibilities among the various levels of government. As a result, 
    the notice is not subject to review under the Order. The NOFA merely 
    sets forth funding availability for HAs to conduct, at their 
    discretion, risk assessments for lead paint hazards.
    
    C. Family Executive Order
    
        The General Counsel, as the Designated Official under Executive 
    Order 12606, The Family, has determined that this notice will likely 
    have a beneficial impact on family formation, maintenance, and general 
    well-being. Families could benefit from this funding action as a result 
    of the identification of immediate and potential lead-based paint 
    hazards; that identification will ultimately lead to a safer 
    environment. However, since the impact on the family is not necessarily 
    significant and is beneficial, no further review is considered 
    necessary.
    
    D. Section 102 of the HUD Reform Act; Documentation and Public Access 
    Requirements; Applicant/Recipient Disclosures
    
        Disclosures. HUD will make available to the public for five years 
    all applicant disclosure reports (HUD Form 2880) submitted in 
    connection with this NOFA. Update reports (also Form 2880) will be made 
    available along with the applicant disclosure reports, but in no case 
    for a period less than 3 years. All reports--both applicant disclosures 
    and updates--will be made available in accordance with the Freedom of 
    Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and HUD's implementing regulations at 24 
    CFR part 15. (See 24 CFR part 12, subpart C, and the notice published 
    in the Federal Register on January 16, 1992 (57 FR 1942), for further 
    information on these disclosure requirements.)
        Public notice. HUD will include recipients that receive assistance 
    pursuant to this NOFA in its Federal Register notice of recipients of 
    all HUD assistance awarded on a competitive basis. (See 24 CFR 
    12.16(b), and the notice published in the Federal Register on January 
    16, 1992 (57 FR 1942), for further information on these requirements.)
    
    E. Section 103 of the HUD Reform Act
    
        HUD's regulation implementing section 103 of the Department of 
    Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989 (42 U.S.C. 3537a) is 
    codified as 24 CFR part 4 and applies to the funding competition 
    announced today. The requirements of the rule continue to apply until 
    the announcement of the selection of successful applicants.
        HUD employees involved in the review of applications and in the 
    making of funding decisions are restrained by part 4 from providing 
    advance information to any person (other than an authorized employee of 
    HUD) concerning funding decisions, or from otherwise giving any 
    applicant an unfair competitive advantage. Persons who apply for 
    assistance in this competition should confine their inquiries to the 
    subject areas permitted under 24 CFR part 4.
        Applicants who have questions should contact the HUD Office of 
    Ethics (202) 708-3815 (voice/TDD) (this is not a toll-free number). The 
    Office of Ethics can provide information of a general nature to HUD 
    employees, as well. However, a HUD employee who has specific program 
    questions, such as whether particular subject matter can be discussed 
    with persons outside the Department, should contact his or her Regional 
    or Field Office Counsel, or Headquarters counsel for the program to 
    which the question pertains.
    
    F. Section 112 of the Reform Act
    
        Section 13 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act 
    (42 U.S.C. 3537b), added by section 112 of the Reform Act, contains two 
    [[Page 16564]] provisions dealing with efforts to influence HUD's 
    decisions with respect to financial assistance. The first imposes 
    disclosure requirements on those who are typically involved in these 
    efforts--those who pay others to influence the award of assistance or 
    the taking of a management action by the Department and those who are 
    paid to provide the influence. The second restricts the payment of fees 
    to those who are paid to influence the award of HUD assistance, if the 
    fees are tied to the number of housing units received or are based on 
    the amount of assistance received, or if they are contingent upon the 
    receipt of assistance.
        Section 13 has been implemented in 24 CFR part 86. If readers are 
    involved in any efforts to influence the Department in these ways, they 
    are urged to read the final rule, particularly the examples contained 
    in Appendix A of that part.
        Any questions about the rule should be directed to the Office of 
    Ethics, room 2158, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 
    Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20410-3000. Telephone: (202) 
    708-3815 (voice/TDD). (This is not a toll-free number.) Forms necessary 
    for compliance with the rule may be obtained from the local HUD office.
    
    G. Prohibition Against Lobbying Activities
    
        The use of funds awarded under this NOFA is subject to the 
    disclosure requirements and prohibitions of section 319 of the 
    Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 
    Fiscal Year 1990 (31 U.S.C. 1352) (the ``Byrd Amendment'') and the 
    implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 87. These authorities prohibit 
    recipients of federal contracts, grants, or loans from using 
    appropriated funds for lobbying the Executive or Legislative branches 
    of the Federal government in connection with a specific contract, 
    grant, or loan. The prohibition also covers the awarding of contracts, 
    grants, cooperative agreements, or loans unless the recipient has made 
    an acceptable certification regarding lobbying. Under 24 CFR part 87, 
    applicants, recipients, and subrecipients of assistance exceeding 
    $100,000 must certify that no federal funds have been or will be spent 
    on lobbying activities in connection with the assistance. The 
    Department has determined that an IHA established by an Indian Tribe as 
    a result of the exercise of its sovereign power is not subject to the 
    Byrd Amendment, but an IHA established under State law is subject to 
    those requirements and prohibitions.
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1437l and 3535(d).
    
        Dated: March 17, 1995.
    Ronald J. Morony,
    Acting Director, Office of Lead-Based Paint Abatement and Poisoning 
    Prevention.
    Joseph Shuldiner,
    Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing.
    [FR Doc. 95-7833 Filed 3-29-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4210-33-P