Frequently Asked Questions - Rental Assistance Program (RAP) RFP

Page 7 of the RFP states "If awarded for Essential Services under 2011-2012 TSS EHA RFP, Offeror willbe eligible to apply for this RFP however, if awarded, Offeror must rescind oneaward."  Is there any chance that this will change?

Answer:

Not at this time.

RE: Homeless Prevention eligibility requirements on page 13.  Please clarify "in addition to the requirements above"

Answer:

"In addition to the requirements above" refers to Section G. Beneficiary Eligibility items 1-4 on pages 12 and 13 of the RFP.

Is HQS inspections required is applying for Homeless Prevention Funds Only?

Answer:

HQS inspections are required for units assisted with TBRA funds only.

Our audit had no findings...that being the case, there is not a management response letter. Is there anything we can provide in lieu of this or is it acceptable that we don't have one due to their being no findings?

Answer:

If your audit did not have any findings, you would not have a management letter to provide.

Regarding the question about how to show the amount of funds sought from ESG funding and TBRA funding, it does not appear we can enter anything into the proposed scope of work section that is not part of the chart that is present. Would it be acceptable to provide detail for the request in a cover letter only?

Answer:

Yes, it is acceptable to provide detail regarding the funding request in the cover letter.

Under Threshold requirements it states, in lieu of a certificate for the MFA RAP RFP training, Offer must provide a letter from MFA documenting that the absence was excused. What is the procedure for being considered for or getting an excused absence from MFA?

Answer:

If an agency was unable to attend the RAP RFP Training, the agency should have contacted MFA prior to the training or within 24 hours to request an excused absence. If MFA excused the absence from the mandatory RAP RFP Training, attach the email or letter to the RFP application.

Regarding the proof not debarred from the federal government-when I go in the EPLS site, I enter our agency name and TIN and it says "your search returned no results". Is that all that I need to print out to provide the proof?

Answer:

Yes, print the EPLlS creen that states "your search returned no results."

We will be applying for funds for a county that is eligible for both TBRA funds and ESG funds. We would like to use ESG funds to pay for case management/mediation for those eligible for TBRA funds. There does not appear to be a way to reflect this on the application. While we can request a certain amount, we cannot specify that we would like a certain amount from each funding type. Will grantees automatically be given funds from both sources?

Answer:

Outline your request for TBRA and ESG funding in the Proposed Scope of Work Section of the application (page 24 of 26). Additional explaination may be provided in a cover letter. Both TBRA and ESG funding will be awarded to selected agencies for all areas outside of the city limits of Albuquerque and Las Cruces where only ESG funding is available.

Answer:

Yes, the eligible activities for ESG and TBRA are outlined correctly. In order to be eligible to receive TBRA assistance, the participant must meet HUD's definition of homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Yes, ESG funds my be used to provide case management and/or mediation to clients eligible for TBRA assistance.

HQS Certification, if an individual has the certification how long does HUD say it is good for or how often does the individual need to go back to be recertied once he is certified.

Answer:

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Certification is required in a TBRA assisted unit at initial move-in and annually during the term of the TBRA assistance.

We are looking to apply for funds to assist two counties. One of the two counties is eligible for the TBRA funds and one of the counties is only eligible for the ESG funds. Are we able to apply to serve both counties? The TBRA funds would be used only for the county that is eligible.

Answer:

Your agency is able to apply to serve both counties. Yes, TBRA funds could only be used in a county that TBRA funds are eligible.

I understand that attending the training was mandatory, however if there is funding left over, may we still turn in an application for consderation for those funds not used?

Answer:

The mandatory RFP Training was held on March 18, 2011. This training was widely advertized and agencies were notified of this new program beginning in January 2011. The RFP training is one of the requirements of the RFP application and procurement process. MFA will award all of the funding through the RFP process.

Answer:

The mandatory RFP Training was held on March 18, 2011. This training was widely advertized and agencies were notifed of this new program beginning in January 2011. The RFP training is one of the requirements of the RFP application. There will not be another training held for this RFP.

Tennille Bernard tenbernard@salud.unm.edu Our program coordinates a network of "navigators" or people to work with community groups and charities to provide funding and other support to those clients in need. Provided that our group meets all the minimum requirements, and we specify which groups we will be partnering with, would we be able to redistribute the funds within our network to clients who meet the requirements, or must we give the funds to the clients directly?

Answer:

Part IV, Section K. of the RFP states: "Use of subcontractors must be clearly explained in the proposal and the method of selection must be noted. The offeror will be wholly responsible for the entire performance whether or not subcontractors are used. MFA must approve in writing any subcontractors." In practice, both Prime and Subcontractors distribute funds directly to qualifying clients. Explain your agency's plan for expending the funds within your agency's RFP response.

If I am reading the RFP right, Albuquerque is only eligible for a portion of the approximately 300k in ESG funds, that would be spread to agencies throughout the state. Sandoval county, however, would be eligible for a portion of the ESG funds and a portion of the TBRA funds. Is this correct? Am I reading this correctly?

Yes, this is correct. The City of Albuquerque receives TBRA funds directly from HUD and is therefore, only eligible for the ESG funds. At this time, Sandoval County is eligible for TBRA and ESG funds through the RAP RFP.