97-10639. Notice of Funding Availability; The Traditional Indian Housing Development Program Fiscal Year 1997  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 79 (Thursday, April 24, 1997)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 20068-20074]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-10639]
    
    
    
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    Part II
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of Housing and Urban Development
    
    
    
    
    
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    Notice of Funding Availability; The Traditional Indian Housing 
    Development Program Fiscal Year 1997; Notice
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 79 / Thursday, April 24, 1997 / 
    Notices
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
    
    [Docket No. FR-4167-N-01]
    
    
    Notice of Funding Availability; The Traditional Indian Housing 
    Development Program Fiscal Year 1997
    
    AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian 
    Housing, HUD.
    
    ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for fiscal year 1997.
    
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    SUMMARY: Purpose. This notice announces the availability of Fiscal Year 
    (FY) 1997 funding for the development of new Indian Housing (IH) units 
    and provides the applicable criteria, processing requirements and 
    action timetable.
        Available Funds. $200,000,000.
        Eligible Applicants. All Indian housing authorities (IHAs) which 
    meet the eligibility requirements specified at 24 CFR 950.207 are 
    invited to submit applications for Indian Housing developments in 
    accordance with the requirements of this NOFA.
    
    DATES: Applications must be physically received by the area Office of 
    Native American Programs (ONAP), within whose jurisdiction the 
    applicant is located, on or before 3:00 p.m., ONAP local time, (June 9, 
    1997). The applicant shall submit its application(s) for new housing 
    units on Form HUD-52730 with all supporting documentation required by 
    Appendix 2.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Applicants may contact the appropriate 
    area ONAP for further information. Refer to Appendix 1, for a complete 
    list of ONAPs and telephone numbers.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act Statement
    
        In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
    3501-3520), the information collection requirements contained in these 
    application procedures for development funds were reviewed by the 
    Office of Management and Budget and assigned OMB control number 2577-
    0130. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
    required to respond to, a collection of information unless the 
    collection displays a valid control number.
    
    Promoting Comprehensive Approaches to Housing and Community 
    Development
    
        HUD is interested in promoting comprehensive, coordinated 
    approaches to housing and community development. Economic development, 
    community development, public housing revitalization, homeownership, 
    assisted housing for special needs populations, supportive services, 
    and welfare-to-work initiatives can work better if linked at the local 
    level. Toward this end, the Department in recent years has developed 
    the Consolidated Planning process designed to help communities 
    undertake such approaches.
        In this spirit, it may be helpful for applicants under this NOFA to 
    be aware of other related HUD NOFAs that have recently been published 
    or are expected to be published in this fiscal year. By reviewing these 
    NOFAs with respect to their program purposes and the eligibility of 
    applicants and activities, applicants may be able to relate the 
    activities proposed for funding under this NOFA to the recent and 
    upcoming NOFAs and to the community's Consolidated Plan. While tribes 
    and Indian housing authorities are not required to execute a 
    Consolidated Plan, comprehensive planning by tribes is encouraged.
        Related NOFAs that the Department has published are as follows: the 
    NOFA for Emergency Shelter Grants Set-Aside for Indian Tribes and 
    Alaskan Native Villages, the NOFA for the Block Grant Program for 
    Indian Tribes and Alaskan Native Villages, and the NOFA for the Indian 
    HOME Program. These three NOFAs were published on April 11, 1997, at 62 
    FR 17970, 17976, and 17992, respectively.
        To foster comprehensive, coordinated approaches by communities, the 
    Department intends for the remainder of FY 1997 to continue to alert 
    applicants of HUD's NOFA activity. In addition, a complete schedule of 
    NOFAs to be published during the fiscal year and those already 
    published appears under the HUD Homepage on the Internet, which can be 
    accessed at http://www.hud.gov.html. Additional steps to better 
    coordinated HUD's NOFAs are being considered for FY 1998.
        For help in obtaining a copy of your community's Consolidated Plan, 
    please contact the community development office of your municipal 
    government.
    
    Background Information
    
    A. Changes From FY 1996 NOFA
    
        The Indian Housing Development NOFA for FY 1997 is essentially the 
    same document published for the FY 1996 funding cycle with the 
    following substantive changes:
    1. Submission of Occupancy Data
        Submission requirements are expanded to include data on Indian 
    Housing units under management by an IHA. Such information includes 
    total number of units, number of units occupied, and number of vacant 
    units.
    2. Special Provision for Umbrella IHAs
        Umbrella IHAs (IHAs which serve two or more Federally recognized 
    tribes or Alaska native villages [herein after referred to and included 
    with tribes]) may now choose to submit either individual applications 
    for member tribes or Alaska native villages or may include several 
    tribes on one application. A tribe may be included on one application, 
    per program type. When an umbrella IHA chooses to submit a multiple 
    tribe application, the application will be rated by combining rating 
    criteria for each tribe included in the application.
    3. Program Coordination
        In order to effectively implement the Department's emphasis on 
    place-based funding, a new rating criterion has been added. Applicants 
    that have demonstrated coordination with programs designed and 
    implemented through other tribal or regional governmental entities or 
    cooperation with non-profit groups that have reduced the cost of 
    services to be provided; maximized the effective use of grant funds; 
    and/or addressed a broad range of community-based assistance will 
    receive up to 5 points. To be eligible for the award of points, the 
    applicant must provide in its application a narrative which describes 
    its efforts and success in coordinating community-based programs and 
    documentation which supports the cooperation and coordination of the 
    resources described.
        Please note: In the implementation of services, the rating criteria 
    for allotting such services should not be disability related (diagnosis 
    specific) or restricted to only persons with disabilities.
    4. Guidance Relating to Moderate Design
        A section has been added at II.F. providing guidance to IHAs in 
    developing moderate design standards for the development of new 
    housing.
    
    B. Other Items
    
    1. Funding for Replacement Units
        The Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban 
    Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 (Pub. L. 
    104-204), (the Appropriations Act) extends the provision removing the 
    requirement that an IHA replace units it demolishes or disposes (one-
    for-one replacement). Approval to demolish or dispose of
    
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    units developed under the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437c, 
    1437d) continues to be governed by the requirements of 24 CFR 950, 
    subpart M, as modified by the Appropriations Act. The Department is not 
    reserving funds under this NOFA to provide replacement housing for 
    units approved for demolition or disposition. For approved demolition 
    or disposition applications where the Department has committed to 
    funding replacement units, such applications will be funded from the 
    fund assignment (see section I.B.) for the ONAP wherein the IHA resides 
    before the funding decisions are made in response to this NOFA. Any IHA 
    with an approved demolition/disposition program which includes a HUD 
    commitment to provide replacement housing must submit a completed 
    application per Appendix 2 of this NOFA. This application may be 
    submitted at any time--the ONAP will take action on it as soon as it is 
    received.
    2. Correction of Error From the FY 1996 Competition
        In the FY 1996 NOFA for Traditional Indian Housing Development, a 
    provision was included which allowed IHAs that lost units/funds due to 
    the rescission of new Indian Housing Development funds in FY 1995 to 
    apply for replacement units. An error was made by HUD which precluded 
    the Cheyenne River Housing Authority (CRHA) from receiving funding for 
    units the Housing Authority lost due to the rescission. This error may 
    be corrected by submittal to the ONAP of a request for reconsideration 
    by the CRHA prior to the date for submission of applications listed in 
    this NOFA. The ONAP will consider the request for reconsideration as an 
    error under II.E. below and process the request under the provisions of 
    that section.
    
    I. New Development
    
    A. Authority
    
    1. Statutory Authority
        Sections 5 and 6, U.S. Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437c, 
    1437d), as amended; Section 23 U.S. Housing Act of 1937, as amended by 
    section 554, Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act; section 
    7(d), Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 
    3535(d).
    2. Indian Housing Regulations
        Indian Housing Development regulations are published at 24 CFR part 
    950.
    3. 24 CFR Part 135. Economic Opportunities for Low and Very Low Income 
    Persons
        All applicants are herein notified that the provisions of section 3 
    of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended, and the 
    regulations in 24 CFR part 135 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. IHAs and tribes that receive HUD 
    assistance described in this part shall comply with the procedures and 
    requirements of this part to the maximum extent consistent with, but 
    not in derogation of, compliance with section 7(b) of the Indian Self-
    Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450e(b).
    
    B. Development Allocation Amount
    
        The Appropriations Act made available $200,000,000 of budget 
    authority for the Indian Housing Development program (new Indian 
    Housing units).
        Each of the ONAP jurisdictions has been designated as the smallest 
    practical area for the allocation of assistance. Funds available for 
    new units will be assigned to the ONAPs consistent with 24 CFR 791.403.
        Section 201(b) of the 1997 Appropriations Act extends through 
    September 30, 1997, the 1996 Appropriations Act provisions suspending 
    the one-for-one replacement requirements of section 18(b)(3) of the 
    United States Housing Act of 1937. Accordingly, no new development 
    funds have been specifically identified to fund replacements for units 
    demolished or disposed of by IHAs. However, any unfunded commitments 
    made in prior fiscal years, and any commitments for replacement units 
    made in fiscal year 1997 prior to the funding decisions made under this 
    NOFA shall be funded from the funds assigned under this NOFA to that 
    ONAP prior to funding new Indian Housing units.
        The competitive process described in this NOFA will be used to 
    select IHA applications to be funded for new Indian Housing units. The 
    table below indicates the grant authority available for new units in FY 
    1997 for the six ONAPs, inclusive of funds needed to meet off-site 
    sewer and water requirements.
    
                                                                            
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                          ONAP location                       Funds assigned
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Eastern/Woodlands.......................................     $28,109,400
    Southern Plains.........................................      29,503,401
    Northern Plains.........................................      22,991,801
    Southwest...............................................      62,157,600
    Northwest...............................................      18,148,000
    Alaska..................................................      39,089,800
                                                             ---------------
          Total.............................................     200,000,000
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    C. Eligibility for New Housing Units
    
    1. Eligible Applicants
        All IHAs which meet the eligibility criteria specified at 24 CFR 
    950.207 are invited to submit applications for new Indian Housing 
    units.
    2. Applications
        IHAs may submit one application per program type (mutual help and 
    low rent). Umbrella IHAs may submit:
        a. One application per program type for each member tribe, or
        b. Applications which combine requests for housing for multiple 
    tribes. Such applications will be rated by the ONAP as individual 
    applications utilizing data combined for the appropriate tribes. Under 
    no circumstances may a tribe be included on more than one application, 
    per program type.
        An IHA representing a tribe or tribes that has not previously 
    received housing assistance under the Indian Housing Program may submit 
    one application for a maximum of 15 units (either mutual help or low 
    rent) for each previously unserviced tribe.
    3. State Created IHAs for Non-Federally Recognized Tribes
        To be considered responsive to this NOFA and to be included in the 
    rating and ranking of applications, state created IHAs for non-
    Federally recognized tribes must identify the general locality where 
    the proposed units will be developed and certify that the proposed area 
    of development is within the area of operation of the IHA. Area of 
    operation is defined as a land area with defined geographical 
    boundaries, which has a significant concentration of Indian families 
    who:
        a. Are not served by a public housing authority or tribally-created 
    IHA; and
        b. Have a bona fide historic presence or connection with the land, 
    as recognized by the Federal Government or a state.
    
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    D. Development Award Application Process
    
    1. Application Due Date
        An IHA may submit an application(s) for new Indian Housing units at 
    any time after the publication date of this NOFA, to the ONAP within 
    whose jurisdiction the IHA applicant is located, on or before 3:00 
    p.m., ONAP local time, June 9, 1997. The application(s) shall be 
    submitted on Form HUD-52730 and shall be accompanied by all the legal 
    and administrative attachments required by the form and the items 
    specified in Appendix 2. A facsimile of the application will not 
    constitute physical delivery.
        The application deadline is firm as to date and hour. HUD will 
    treat as ineligible for consideration any application that is received 
    after the application deadline. Applicants should make early submission 
    of their materials to avoid any risk of loss of eligibility brought 
    about by unanticipated delays or other delivery related problems.
    2. Application Kit
        An application kit and applicable forms may be obtained from any 
    ONAP listed in Appendix 1.
    3. Submittal of Complete Application
        Completed applications must be submitted to the ONAP, within whose 
    jurisdiction the IHA applicant is located, at the address/location 
    listed in Appendix 1.
    4. Action on Application
        When the application is received by HUD, a written notification 
    will be provided to the IHA showing the date and time the application 
    was received in the ONAP. The ONAP will review each application for 
    completeness and legal sufficiency. Applications that contain 
    insufficient information to allow the ONAP to rate and rank the 
    application will be considered non-responsive and will be returned to 
    the IHA. After completion of this review, the ONAP will rate and rank 
    all remaining applications received from eligible applicants. The 
    ranking will result in an ordered listing of applicants (see F.2. 
    below).
    5. Corrections to Deficient Applications
        After making funding decisions, the ONAP may condition approval of 
    a grant upon receipt of items missing from responsive applications 
    which rank high enough to be funded. Such grant condition may provide 
    an IHA up to 14 calendar days to submit any identified missing 
    information in a form acceptable to the ONAP. Failure by the IHA to 
    submit requested information within the timeframe specified by the ONAP 
    will result in the withdrawal of the grant offer.
    
    E. Rating Factors and Selection Criteria
    
    1. Rating and Ranking
        Rating and ranking of applications from IHAs for new Indian Housing 
    units will be done in accordance with 24 CFR 950.225. Applications from 
    new IHAs, or, in the case of an umbrella IHA that has added a new 
    tribe, the application from the new tribe, will receive 100 points 
    (unless the new tribe is included on a multiple tribe application with 
    a tribe that has previously received funding). If an IHA that serves 
    more than one tribal government, or, in the case of Alaska, more than 
    one village, submits applications for housing units in several of the 
    communities, each application will be treated separately, for purposes 
    of the number of points awarded. Applications from umbrella IHAs which 
    contain multiple tribes on one application will be evaluated by 
    combining data for each tribe/village included in the application. An 
    umbrella IHA submitting an application for a new tribe along with the 
    tribes that have been previously funded will not automatically receive 
    100 points but will be evaluated on combined data from each tribe/
    village included in the application.
        Newly created IHAs for tribes which have previously received 
    housing units under an umbrella IHA shall not be awarded 100 points but 
    scored as an established IHA utilizing the best available data relevant 
    to the tribe's housing program. For each ONAP jurisdiction, the 
    rankings will be based on awarding points to each application for the 
    following categories in accordance with the table of maximum points 
    available per category by ONAP jurisdictional area (see h. below):
        a. The relative unmet IHA need for housing units compared to the 
    other eligible applications for that program type [i.e., low rent (LR) 
    or mutual help (MH)], based on IHA waiting lists and the total number 
    of units in management and in the development pipeline. There should be 
    a separate waiting list for each program type. This need will be 
    measured for each program type by dividing the number of families on 
    the waiting list, by the IHA's total number of units in management and 
    under development. If the result of this division is greater than 1.00, 
    the maximum points for this category shall be awarded. Otherwise, the 
    result of this division shall be multiplied by the maximum possible 
    points available. If the IHA has 500 or more families on the waiting 
    list, it is awarded the maximum points available for the category. If 
    questions arise regarding the veracity of information on a waiting 
    list, an ONAP may request an applicant to submit documentation 
    supporting waiting list numbers, or may visit the IHA and review 
    documentation maintained by the IHA.
        b. The relative IHA occupancy rate compared to the occupancy rates 
    of other eligible IHA applications for that program type. The occupancy 
    rate for an IHA shall be derived from Indian Housing data supplied by 
    the IHA to HUD with the application for housing. Such data shall 
    include, by program type: total number of units in management (include 
    homeownership units which are paid off but not conveyed); total number 
    of occupied units; and the total number of vacant units as of September 
    30, 1996. For all IHA projects in management, the total number of units 
    occupied is divided by the total number of units available, multiplied 
    by 100. This occupancy rate for an IHA will then be divided by the 
    highest occupancy rate of any IHA (never to exceed 97%, in any event), 
    and this ratio shall be multiplied by the maximum points available for 
    the category to calculate an IHA's points for this category. An 
    existing IHA that is applying for a previously unfunded program type 
    will be awarded a score equal to the highest rated score for this 
    factor in the ONAP jurisdiction competition. A newly created IHA for a 
    tribe which previously received housing units under an umbrella IHA 
    shall be awarded a score based on the units within such tribe's 
    jurisdiction whether or not the ownership and management of such units 
    have been transferred to the newly created IHA.
        c. Length of time since the last new Indian Housing Development 
    grant was approved. Two points will be awarded for each year since the 
    last grant award up to and including FY 1995, up to the maximum points 
    available under this category. A newly created IHA for a tribe which 
    previously received housing units under an umbrella IHA shall be 
    awarded a score based on the last new Indian Housing Development grant 
    approved within such tribe's jurisdiction. Units received for 
    demolition or disposition purposes will not be counted for rating and 
    ranking purposes for new Indian Housing units in FY 1997. For units 
    awarded in FY 1996 due to the recision in FY 1995, the FY 1996 approval 
    date will not be used; instead the latest approval date for the project 
    or projects rescinded will be
    
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    used to determine the last project approval date.
        d. Current IHA development and physical improvements activity. This 
    factor evaluates the IHA's performance during the past 24 months in 
    developing new housing or maintaining/improving current housing. The 
    ONAP will evaluate the IHA's performance in these areas and will award 
    points based upon:
        (i) Compliance with the requirements specified under 24 CFR 
    950.207(b);
        (ii) Compliance with Comprehensive Grant/modernization 
    implementation schedules;
        (iii) Effectiveness of maintenance policies and procedures in 
    protecting physical assets of the IHA;
        (iv) Effectiveness of the IHA's development and physical 
    improvements contract administration.
        (v) Access for people with disabilities: (a) Compliance with 504 of 
    the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 including structural access and 
    integration of the housing within the larger community. (b) Efforts 
    made by the IHA to incorporate the standards for ``visitability'' in 
    all units (construction and renovation.)
        The ONAP will prepare written support for the number of points 
    awarded which will be available to the IHA upon request. The ONAP shall 
    take into consideration any unforeseen events such as natural disasters 
    or other factors that may have precluded the IHA from meeting the 
    criteria for this factor. The maximum points available for this 
    category are listed in the table under h. below. A newly created IHA 
    for a tribe which previously received housing units under an umbrella 
    IHA shall be awarded a score based on the IHA's plan for developing and 
    maintaining the units.
        e. A bonus of up to 5 points will be awarded to any application 
    where the applicant clearly demonstrates:
        (i) Pre-planning of activities (detailed in chapters 1 through 4 of 
    the Indian Housing Development Guide, 7450.I G, issued July 31, 1996) 
    which includes site selection and coordination with other funding 
    agencies, utility companies, and tribal departments, or
        (ii) That the applicant has identified and selected sites for the 
    development which result in savings of not less than 5 percent of the 
    proposed development cost from using existing utility systems, pre-
    developed subdivision sites, or other items documented by the 
    applicant, or
        (iii) Innovative approaches to development or financing which will 
    significantly reduce the delivery time of housing or expand the number 
    of houses developed without reducing quality.
        f. Program Coordination. Applicants that have demonstrated 
    coordination with programs designed and implemented through other 
    tribal or regional governmental entities or cooperation with non-profit 
    groups that has reduced the cost of services to be provided; maximized 
    the effective use of grant funds; and/or addressed a broad range of 
    community-based assistance will receive up to 5 points. To be eligible 
    for the award of points, the applicant must provide in its application 
    a narrative which describes its efforts and success in coordinating 
    community based programs and documentation which supports the 
    cooperation and coordination of the resources described.
        g. Computation. Scores for ranking shall be carried out to two 
    decimal places (xx.xx).
        h. Points available for each rating category. The following table 
    reflects the maximum points available for each category for each of the 
    ONAP jurisdictional areas:
    
                                             Points Awarded for Rating Factors                                      
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         (a)  Need    (b)  Occupancy     (c)  Time     (d)  Workload
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Eastern/Woodlands...............................              30              20              20              30
    Southern Plains.................................              35              10              25              30
    Northern Plains.................................              25              10              20              45
    Southwest.......................................              40              20              20              20
    Northwest.......................................              10              10              20              60
    Alaska..........................................              40              20              20              20
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    F. Selection Criteria
    
        1. The ranking process will produce an ordered list of IHA 
    applications by ONAP jurisdiction that may receive funding. The order 
    is established by the total number of points the application received 
    in the rating process. If any funds remain after the initial funding 
    cycle within the ONAP jurisdiction, the funds will be provided to more 
    fully fund applications that were reduced due to the Units Award table 
    shown below. (Note: in those cases where applications have already been 
    approved for demolition or disposition, funds will be provided before 
    the funding decisions are made under this NOFA.)
        2. The number of units awarded shall be based upon the following 
    table to ensure a more equitable distribution and meaningful 
    competition based on need. Exceptions to the maximum number of units 
    awarded based on the table may be made and approved by the ONAP 
    Administrator for the following reasons: 1. Equalization of units 
    awarded to IHAs with similar scores 2. adjustments to assure the award 
    of reasonably sized projects to all IHAs above a minimum score 
    determined by the ONAP.
    
                                                                                                                                                            
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Eastern/        Southern        Northern                                                   
                  Waiting list by program type                   Woodlands        Plains          Plains         Southwest       Northwest        Alaska    
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1,000 and above.........................................             110              50              20             240               5              20
    750 to 999..............................................              85              50              20             160               5              20
    500 to 749..............................................              65              50              20             120              25              20
    400 to 499..............................................              50              40              20              80              20              20
    300 to 399..............................................              40              30              20              60              15              20
    200 to 299..............................................              35              20              20              40              10              20
    199 and fewer...........................................              25              10              20              25               5              20
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
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        3. Tie breaker. In the case of ties, priority will be given to the 
    application that has the highest scoring under the Current IHA 
    development and physical improvements activity rating criterion 
    (I.E.1.d.).
    
    II. Other Matters
    
    A. Accountability in the Provision of HUD Assistance
    
        Section 102 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development 
    Reform Act of 1989 (HUD Reform Act) and the final rule codified at 24 
    CFR part 4, subpart A, published on April 1, 1996 (61 FR 1448), contain 
    a number of provisions that are designed to ensure greater 
    accountability and integrity in the provision of certain types of 
    assistance administered by HUD. On January 14, 1992, HUD published, at 
    57 FR 1942, a notice that also provides information on the 
    implementation of section 102. The documentation, public access, and 
    disclosure requirements of section 102 are applicable to assistance 
    awarded under this NOFA as follows:
        Documentation and public access requirements. HUD will ensure that 
    documentation and other information regarding each application 
    submitted pursuant to this NOFA are sufficient to indicate the basis 
    upon which assistance was provided or denied. This material, including 
    any letters of support, will be made available for public inspection 
    for a five-year period beginning not less than 30 days after the award 
    of the assistance. Material 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. In addition, HUD will include the 
    recipients of assistance pursuant to this NOFA in its Federal Register 
    notice of all recipients of HUD assistance awarded on a competitive 
    basis.
        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 three 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.
    
    B. Prohibition Against Advance Information on Funding Decisions
    
        HUD's regulation implementing section 103 of the HUD Reform Act, 
    codified as 24 CFR part 4, 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 persons authorized to receive such 
    information) 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 or employees who have ethics related questions should 
    contact the HUD Ethics Law Division (202) 708-3815 (voice), (202) 708-
    1112 (TTY). (These are not toll-free numbers.) For HUD employees who 
    have specific program questions, the employee should contact the 
    appropriate Field Office Counsel or Headquarters Counsel for the 
    program to which the question pertains.
    
    C. Lobbying
    
        Section 319 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies 
    Appropriations Act hereafter referred to as the ``Byrd Amendment,'' 
    prohibits grantees from using any federally appropriated funds to 
    influence federal employees, members of Congress, and congressional 
    staff regarding specific grants or contracts. The Department has 
    determined that the requirements of the Byrd Amendment do not apply to 
    IHAs established by a tribal government exercising its sovereign powers 
    with respect to expenditures specifically permitted by other Federal 
    law. The Byrd Amendment requires all IHAs established under state law 
    to submit the following documents for applications for grants exceeding 
    $100,000.
        Certification. A certification that no federally appropriated funds 
    will be used for lobbying purposes. The certification shall be 
    submitted on the Form entitled ``Certification for Contracts, Grants, 
    Loans and Cooperative Agreements.''
        Disclosure Document. A document disclosing any lobbying activities 
    (on Standard Form--LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities'') where 
    any funds other than federally appropriated funds will be or have been 
    used to influence federal employees, members of Congress, and 
    congressional staff regarding specific grants or contracts.
    
    D. Conversions
    
        During the first 24 months after Program Reservation, project 
    conversion between program type (LR or MH) may only be approved by HUD 
    where:
        1. An IHA submitted projects for mutual help (MH) and low rent 
    (LR), each scored high enough to be funded, and the IHA has the waiting 
    list to support the conversion, or
        2. If only one application was submitted and approved, the 
    application upon re-ranking in the other program has to score at least 
    0.01 higher than the number of points achieved by the highest rated 
    application from any IHA which was not funded. If neither circumstance 
    exists, the request to convert will not be approved.
    
    E. Errors in Ranking and Rating Fiscal Year 1996
    
        1. Errors made by an ONAP during the 1996 fiscal year rating and 
    ranking that resulted in a change of rank order detrimental to an IHA 
    may be corrected as follows:
        a. The ONAP will construct a hypothetical distribution that would 
    have existed if the error had not been made, and
        b. The ONAP will determine what the unit award/funding would have 
    been for the IHA subject to the funds that were available at the time.
        2. Remedial action will be taken for errors made by an ONAP as 
    follows:
        a. The ONAP will deduct any funds needed from the FY 1997 fair 
    share assigned to that ONAP before any FY 1997 rating and rankings are 
    completed.
        b. A correction of an error for an IHA will not adversely affect 
    the IHA participation in the FY 1997 rating and ranking process. The 
    IHA's application will be rated and ranked on the same basis as other 
    applications and as if no error was made.
    
    F. Moderate Design
    
        Housing developed under the Indian Housing Program is subject to 24 
    CFR 950.255(c) which requires IHAs to select a moderate design 
    standard. The definition of moderate design will vary between 
    marketplaces; however, in adopting design standards, IHAs are to be 
    guided by the following: Moderate design under the Indian Housing 
    Program will result in a housing unit of a size and with amenities 
    consistent with housing offered for sale in the general geographic area 
    of the IHA's jurisdiction to buyers who are either first time 
    homebuyers or who are at or below the median income for the area. 
    Additionally, houses developed shall be of a consistent square footage 
    and with amenities of like sized (number of bedrooms) units within the 
    project. The cost to design and construct individual homes in any 
    project may not deviate
    
    [[Page 20073]]
    
    more than 10 percent from the average cost of a home in the same 
    development without approval from HUD. Any such approval will be based 
    on site costs, special disability related accessories or for costs 
    beyond the control of the IHA. Approval will not be granted if there 
    are unnecessary design features. Notwithstanding the moderate design 
    standard adopted by the IHA, houses developed under this NOFA must 
    comply with the total development cost (TDC) limitations published 
    periodically by HUD. The most recent TDC limitations were provided by 
    Notice PIH 96-26 (HUD) issued on May 15, 1996.
    
    G. Environment
    
        This NOFA provides funding under, and does not alter environmental 
    requirements of 24 CFR part 950, a regulation that was previously 
    published in the Federal Register, and this NOFA specifically refers 
    below to the environmental review provisions of part 950. Therefore, in 
    accordance with 24 CFR 50.19(c)(5), the issuance of this NOFA is 
    categorically excluded from preparation of a Finding of No Significant 
    Impact under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
    4321).
        For individual development projects, the IHA must comply with the 
    environmental review procedures in 24 CFR part 58, including the 
    limitation in section 58.22 on committing or expending funds before 
    environmental clearance, in accordance with 24 CFR 950.247 and 
    950.120(a).
    
    H. Federalism Impact
    
        The General Counsel, as the Designated Official under section 6(a) 
    of Executive Order 12612, Federalism, has determined that this NOFA 
    does not have ``federalism implications'' because it does not have 
    substantial direct effects on the States (including their political 
    subdivisions), or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
    among the various levels of government. This NOFA only announces the 
    availability of FY 1997 funding for the development of new Indian 
    Housing units and provides the applicable criteria, processing 
    requirements and action timetable.
    
    I. Impact on the Family
    
        The General Counsel, as the Designated Official under Executive 
    Order 12606, the Family, has determined that this NOFA has potential 
    significant impact on family formation, maintenance, and general well-
    being only to the extent that the selected IHA applications will fund 
    new Indian Housing units. Since the potential impact on the family is 
    considered beneficial, no further review under the Order is necessary.
    
    J. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
    
        The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program number is 14.850
    
    K. Other Federal Requirements
    
        In order to be eligible for funding, activities must be in 
    compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and 
    implementing regulations at 24 CFR 8, Fair Housing Act and implementing 
    regulations and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as 
    applicable.
    
        Dated: April 14, 1997.
    Kevin E. Marchman,
    Acting Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing.
    
    
                                   Appendix 1                               
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Tribes & IHAs location                   ONAP addresses        
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    East of the Mississippi River            Eastern/Woodlands Office of    
     (including all of Minnesota) and Iowa:   Native American Programs, 5P, 
     Mohammed Rahmah e-mail:                  Metcalfe Federal Building, 77 
     mohammed__m.__rahmah@hud.gov.            West Jackson Boulevard,       
                                              Chicago, Illinois 60604-3507, 
                                              (312) 886-4532 or (800) 735-  
                                              3239, TTY Numbers: 1-800-927- 
                                              9275 or 312-886-3741.         
    Louisiana, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma,   Southern Plains Office of      
     and Texas except for Ysleta del Sur:     Native American Programs,     
     Sherry Hunt e-mail:                      6.IPI, 500 W. Main, Suite 400,
     sherry__c.__hunt@hud.gov.                Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102,
                                              (405) 553-7545, TTY Numbers:  
                                              (405) 231-4181 or (405) 231-  
                                              4891.                         
    Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North       Northern Plains Office of      
     Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and           Native American Programs, 8P, 
     Wyoming: Ann Roman e-mail:               First Interstate Tower North, 
     carol__a.__roman@hud.gov.                633 17th Street, Denver, Co   
                                              80202-3607, (303) 672-5465,   
                                              TTY Number: (303) 672-5248.   
    Arizona, California, and Nevada:         Southwest Office of Native     
     Barbara Byestewa e-mail:                 American Programs, 9EPID, Two 
     barbara__a.__byestewa@hud.gov.           Arizona Center, 400 North     
                                              Fifth Street, Suite 1650,     
                                              Phoenix, Arizona 85004-2361,  
                                              (602) 379-4143, TTY Number:   
                                              (602) 379-4461,               
                                             or                             
    New Mexico and Ysleta del Sur in Texas:  Albuquerque Division of Native 
     Johnny Cata e-mail:                      American Programs, 9EPIDI,    
     johnny__j.__cata@hud.gov.                Albuquerque Plaza, 201 3rd    
                                              Street, N.W. Suite 1830,      
                                              Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102-
                                              3368, (505) 766-1372, TTY     
                                              Number: None.                 
    Idaho, Oregon and Washington: Dan Gough  Northwest Office of Native     
     e-mail: daniel__gough@hud.gov.           American Programs, 10PI, 909  
                                              First Avenue, Suite 300,      
                                              Seattle, Washington 98104-    
                                              1000, (206) 220-5273, TTY     
                                              Number: (206) 220-5185.       
    Alaska: Donna Hartley e-mail:            Alaska Office of Native        
     donna__hartley@hud.gov.                  American Programs, 10.1PI, 949
                                              East 36th Avenue, Suite 401,  
                                              Anchorage, Alaska 99508-4399, 
                                              (907) 271-4625, TTY Number:   
                                              (907) 271-4328.               
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Appendix 2--New Indian Housing Development Application Submission 
    Checklist
    
        Note: Certain submission requirements listed on the following 
    checklist are included on the application form HUD-52730. It is the 
    responsibility of the IHA to assure that all submission requirements 
    of the checklist are met whether through the application form or by 
    separate submittal:
    
        1. Application Form HUD-52730:
    
    ____ Complete application on Form HUD-52730 (5/94).
    ____ Attach all exhibits and tables as required.
    
        2. IHA Resolution(s): each application must be accompanied by an 
    IHA Resolution which contains the following:
    
    ____ A statement that authorizes the submission of the application 
    for units.
    ____ A statement explaining how solid waste disposal for the 
    proposed development will be addressed.
    ____ A statement regarding the planned access to public utility 
    services and a listing of any official commitment(s) for these 
    utility services for the development.
    
    [[Page 20074]]
    
    ____ The IHA Resolution must advise HUD of any persons with a 
    pecuniary interest in the proposed development. Persons with a 
    pecuniary interest in the development shall include but not be 
    limited to any developers, contractors, and consultants involved in 
    the application, planning, construction, or implementation of the 
    development. (During the period when an application is pending or 
    assistance is being provided, the applicant shall update the 
    disclosure required within thirty days of any substantial change.)
    
        3. Certifications: Each application must contain the following 
    certifications provided by the Executive Director on IHA letterhead, 
    in addition to the certifications included on Form HUD-52730 (5/94).
    
    ____ Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements as 
    directed by 24 CFR 24.630(b).
    ____ Certification that the IHA has complied with all requirements 
    of 24 CFR Part 135, which implements Section 3 of the HUD Act of 
    1968, as amended.
    ____ Certification that the IHA has complied with Section 504 of the 
    Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and 
    the Indian Civil Rights Act or Fair Housing Act, as applicable.
    
        4. Letters: Each IHA application must be accompanied by a letter 
    of support signed by the CEO of the general local government 
    indicating:
    
    ____ Support for the proposed application and development.
    ____ Support for the IHA's intent to apply for planning funds for 
    the development.
    ____ Where applicable, assurance to HUD that access road needs will 
    be identified by Tribal Resolution (with BIA concurrence) and 
    entered on the BIA Indian Reservation Roads prioritization schedule 
    used by BIA for resource allocation (25 CFR part 170: 57 BIAM 4 and 
    Supplement 4).
    ____ Acknowledgement that there is a need for the housing assistance 
    applied for that is not being met by private enterprise.
    ____ Assurance that there are, or will be available, public 
    facilities and services adequate to serve the proposed housing. (If 
    available, Tribal support is evidenced by attached letters from 
    various organizations that will provide utilities and services to 
    the proposed housing units.)
    
        5. Supporting Documentation: Each application must be 
    accompanied by the following supporting documentation:
    
    ____ Disclosure of additional assistance from other sources that 
    will be used in association with the project for which the applicant 
    is seeking assistance.
    ____ Statement specifying the number of eligible applicant families 
    by program type (LR or MH). The statement must be supported by a 
    sufficient number of current applications from eligible families 
    maintained by the IHA.
    ____ A table reflecting by program type: the total number of units 
    in management (include homeownership units which are paid off but 
    not conveyed), number of units occupied, and the number of vacant 
    units as of September 30, 1996.
        6. Items That Should be Submitted, If Not Previously Submitted:
    
    ____ Certified Copy of the Transcript of Proceedings containing the 
    IHA Resolution pursuant to which the Application is being made.
    ____ IHA Organization Transcript or General Certificate.
    ____ Tribal Ordinance
    
        7. Optional Items:
    
    ____ Cooperation Agreements. Where the provisions of the necessary 
    local government cooperation are not contained in the ordinance or 
    other enactment creating the IHA, the IHA is required to execute a 
    cooperation agreement(s) for the location involved, which is 
    sufficient to cover the number of units in the application. The 
    cooperation agreement may be submitted with the application but 
    shall be submitted before HUD may enter into an Annual Contributions 
    Contract (or amendment thereto) for funds in excess of planning 
    needs of the project.
    
        8. Force Account. To enable the Field Office of Native American 
    Programs to make an initial determination of the viability of the 
    proposal, there are additional submission requirements for the 
    application, including:
    
    ____ IHA justification for HUD approval of the force account method, 
    pursuant to 24 CFR 950.215(b).
    ____ IHA or Tribal resolution agreeing to cover any costs in excess 
    of the HUD-approved estimated construction cost.
    ____ Evidence that either the IHA or Tribe has the resources to 
    cover such excess costs.
    ____ An action plan as outlined in the Indian Housing Development 
    Guidebook, Chapter 11, Section 11-4, page 11-6.
    
        9. Special submittal requirements for state created IHAs for 
    non-Federally recognized tribes:
    
    ____ Certification, signed by the Chairman of the IHA Board of 
    Commissioners stating that sites selected or to be selected are 
    within the IHA's area of operation.
    ____ Supporting documentation including maps, state laws and local 
    ordinances, and other relevant information which documents the IHA's 
    area of operation, i.e., defined geographic boundaries which have a 
    significant concentration of Indian families who are not eligible to 
    be served by a public housing authority or tribally created IHA and 
    have a bona fide historic presence or connection with the land, as 
    recognized by the Federal Government or a state.
    
    [FR Doc. 97-10639 Filed 4-23-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4210-33-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
04/24/1997
Department:
Housing and Urban Development Department
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for fiscal year 1997.
Document Number:
97-10639
Dates:
Applications must be physically received by the area Office of Native American Programs (ONAP), within whose jurisdiction the applicant is located, on or before 3:00 p.m., ONAP local time, (June 9, 1997). The applicant shall submit its application(s) for new housing units on Form HUD-52730 with all supporting documentation required by Appendix 2.
Pages:
20068-20074 (7 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. FR-4167-N-01
PDF File:
97-10639.pdf