Collier County Community &
Human Services
Application Preparation Guide
Important Information for those intending to apply
for CDBG, HOME, ESG or SHIP funding in the
PY2022.
Rev. 12/2021
2
Table of Contents
OVERVIEW OF COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES PRIORITIES ................................................................ 3
Identified Priorities ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Program Highlights and Considerations Prior to Applying ........................................................................... 4
CDBG Program Highlights.............................................................................................................................. 4
HOME Program Highlights ............................................................................................................................ 4
ESG Program Highlights ................................................................................................................................ 5
HUD National Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 5
STATE FUNDING ............................................................................................................................................ 8
SHIP Highlights ............................................................................................................................................. 8
SHIP Program Eligibilities .............................................................................................................................. 9
Considerations Before Applying ................................................................................................................... 9
General Application Information .................................................................................................................. 11
Mandatory Pre-Application & Pre-Application ............................................................................................ 12
Application Submission Information ........................................................................................................... 13
Application Review ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Evaluation Criteria ........................................................................................................................................ 16
General Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 22
Submittal Deadline ...................................................................................................................................... 24
Questions or More Information .................................................................................................................. 24
3
OVERVIEW OF COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES PRIORITIES
FEDERAL FUNDING
Collier County is an entitlement grantee and receives funds from the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through three (3) federal programs: Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) and Emergency
Solutions Grant (ESG).
HUD requires the County to complete a Five-Year Consolidated Plan that includes a housing
assessment, market analysis and assessment of community development needs. The
Consolidated Plan is meant to address the needs of low and moderate-income persons and
families, including homeless individuals. It establishes the County’s program priorities, goals and
objectives for community development programs and sets the framework for subsequent one
year action plans that describe specific activities that will be funded through the County’s
grant program.
It is strongly encouraged that prospective applicants review the most recent Five-Year
Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan in order to recognize if your proposed project fits the
identified community priorities for the coming year. The Plans can be found at
www.colliercountyhousing.com under the Archived Resources tab or
https://www.colliercountyhousing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-2025-Consolidated-Plan-for-
Housing-and-Community-Development.pdf.
Identified Priorities
Project goals are identified below from the current needs assessment.
GOAL # GOAL NAME
1 Housing Affordability
2 Homelessness & Homelessness Prevention
3 Public Facilities
4 Public Infrastructure Improvements
5 Public Services
6 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Choice
7 Program Administration and Planning
4
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
CDBG Program Highlights
The primary objective of CDBG is the development of viable communities. These viable
communities are achieved by providing the following projects that principally support persons
of low and moderate incomes for decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanded
economic opportunities. These projects allow a wide range of eligible activities. Some examples
are:
• Housing - homeownership assistance, rehabilitation; Other Real Property Activities -
land/building acquisition, disposition, demolition, clearance, rehabilitation of publicly- or
privately owned commercial or industrial buildings code enforcement, historic
preservation, renovations of closed buildings, interim assistance to arrest severe
deterioration or alleviate emergency conditions, privately owned utilities;
• Public Facilities and Infrastructure Improvements – streets, parks, sidewalks, water and
sewer lines, community/neighborhood facilities, facilities for persons with special needs
(i.e., group homes, homeless shelters, halfway houses);
• Public Services – job training and employment services, health care and substance abuse
services, child care, crime prevention, fair housing counseling;
• Economic Development – Microenterprise assistance, commercial rehabilitation, special
economic activities and more.
For a complete list of eligible activities see 24 CFR570.201.
There is no match requirement for requesting CDBG funds. To ensure the CDBG project
remains affordable, the County will place a lien on the property for 5 years following the
completion of the project. Within that 5-year period, the applicant is required to submit
annual reports that document the affordability of the project.
HOME Program Highlights
HOME provides a broad range of eligible activities, using HOME funds to provide home purchase
or rehabilitation financing assistance to eligible homeowners and new homebuyers; build or
rehabilitate housing for rent or ownership; including site acquisition or improvement, demolition
of dilapidated housing to make way for a HOME assisted development and payment of
relocation expenses; and tenant based rental assistance.
There is a 25% match requirement from nonfederal sources. Match can be in the form of donated
materials or labor, the value of donated property, proceeds from bond financing, in
kind/volunteer time, cash and other resources.
15% of the County’s allocation can be set aside for Community Housing Development
Organizations (CHDO’s).
The County will ensure HOME funded housing units remain affordable in the long term (20 years
for new construction of rental housing; 5-15 years for construction of homeownership housing
and housing rehabilitation, depending on the amount of HOME subsidy). Annual reports will be
5
required during the affordability period.
Household eligibility varies with the nature of the funded activity. In rental housing and rental
assistance – at least 90% of families/individuals must have incomes that are no more than 60%
of the area median income (AMI), while rental projects with 5 or more assisted units, at least 20%
of the units must be occupied by families/individuals with incomes that do not exceed 50% of the
AMI. The incomes of households receiving HUD assistance must not exceed 50% of the HUD
adjusted median. With the exception of tenant based rental assistance, all HOME projects must
complete a market study and project- based pro-forma.
ESG Program Highlights
The purpose of the ESG program is to provide support for local homelessness programs. Funds
are available for 5 program components: street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness
prevention, rapid re-housing assistance and data collection through the Homeless Management
Information System (HMIS).
• Street Outreach – engagement (locate, identify, and build relationships with
unsheltered homes people), case management, emergency health services, emergency
mental health services, transportation, services for special populations.
• Emergency Shelter – essential services, case management, childcare, education services,
employment assistance and job training, outpatient health services, legal services, life
skills training, mental health services, substance abuse treatment services,
transportation, services for special populations, renovation, shelter operations,
assistance for Uniform Relocation Assistance.
• Sixty percent (60%) of the County’s yearly allocation may be used for street outreach and
emergency shelter activities. Each building renovated with ESG funds must be maintained as a
shelter for not less than a period of 3 to 10 years, depending on the type of renovation and the
value of the building.
• Homelessness Prevention – housing relocation, stabilization services and short and/or
medium-term rental assistance to prevent families/individuals from moving into an
emergency shelter.
• Rapid Re- housing Assistance – housing relocation, stabilization services and short and/or
medium-term rental assistance to move families/individuals into permanent housing
and achieve stability in that housing.
Financial assistance costs for both the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing
Assistance may be used to pay the following: rental application costs, security deposits, last
month’s rent, utility deposits, utility payments, moving costs, services cost, case management,
mediation, and credit repair. Under both strategies short term rental assistance is up to 3
months of rent, medium term rental assistance is more than 3 months but not more than 24
months, payment of rental arrears consists of a one-time payment for up to 6 months of rent
including late fees. Eligible families/individuals must not exceed 30% of AMI.
• HMIS – purchase/lease of hardware and software, software licenses, office space,
utilities, salaries, and travel. If HMIS funds are requested through ESG, applicant must
comply with HUD’s standards on participation, data collection and reporting under a local
6
HMIS.
There is a one- to-one match required for the ESG funds. Eligible match sources may be obtained
from any source, including any federal source that does not prohibit match to the ESG program.
Common match sources could be from state, local, private sources, along with cash and in-kind
services.
CDBG National Objectives
Projects must meet and clearly define how they will achieve one of the HUD’s CDBG National
Objectives listed below:
National
Objective*
Description**
Federal
Regulation
Citation
1
Principally benefits low and moderate-income persons or
households who earn at or below 80% of the median income
24 CFR 570.208(a)
2
Aid in the prevention of elimination of slums or blight
24 CFR 570.208(b)
3
Qualifies as a certified urgent need
24 CFR 570.208(c)
*Project tracking will occur until national objectives are met even if the project is complete.
**National Objective #1 – The project must be located in a target area or serve an area within
the County where:
• At least 51% of the residents are low-income persons (Area Benefit)
o
Information can be documented by showing LMA areas located within
Collier County that are predominately residential (zoning maps) and the
income characteristics of households in the services area (Census data).
OR
• Must provide a direct benefit to County residents, the majority of whom are considered
low income based on the median area income figures (Limited Clientele Benefit)
o
Specific group of people (rather than all the residents in a particular area)
who are, or presumed to be, income eligible.
Group includes: abused children, battered persons, elderly
persons, handicapped adults, homeless persons, illiterate persons,
migrant farm workers and persons living with AIDS
o
Information can be documented by collecting data that shows at least 51%
of the beneficiary family size and income meets the LMI income
requirements
OR
• Income Eligible Housing Activity
o
Add or improve a permanent residential structure where 51% or more of
the units will be occupied by eligible persons
OR
• Job Creation or Retention Activity
o
Project that creates or retains permanent jobs, of which at least 51% are
7
either taken by or available to income eligible persons
**National Objective #2 – The applicant must supply proof that the area meets the State
or local government’s definition of slums and blight.
• Information can be documented by providing proof that at least 25% of the
properties throughout the area exhibit the following:
o
Physical deterioration of buildings/improvements;
o
Abandonment of properties;
o
Chronic high occupancy turnover rates or chronic high vacancy rates in
commercial or industrial buildings;
o
Significant declines in property values or abnormally low property values
relative to other areas in the community; or
o
Known or suspected environmental contamination
• Public improvements throughout the area are in a general state of deterioration
**National Objective #3 – The activity provides a remedy to a serious and immediate
health or welfare problem, such as a natural disaster; and there are no other funds
available; and the problem is of a recent origin.
Federal Funding Availability
The federal funding application anticipates the availability of CDBG, HOME and ESG funds from
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Exact funding amounts are dependent
on allocations from HUD.
STATE FUNDING
Collier County receives funds from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC), to
administer the SHIP program. The SHIP program is governed by Chapter 420, Part VII, Florida
Statutes and Rule Chapter 67-37 of the Florida Administrative Code.
FHFC requires the County to complete a Three-Year Local Housing Plan (LHAP). The LHAP is
meant to address the housing needs of extremely low, very low, low and moderate-income
persons and families, including those with Special needs (420.9075(5), F.S.)
8
Project strategies are identified below from the current LHAP.
LHAP Strategies for the SHIP program
• Purchase Assistance
• Land Acquisition
• Owner Occupied Rehabilitation
• Demolition and Replacement of Manufactured units
• New single/multi housing construction
• Rental single/multi-family rehabilitation
SHIP Highlights
The primary objective of the SHIP program is to support persons of extremely low, very low, low
and moderate-income income persons/families by providing housing assistance through a broad
range of eligible strategies including: using SHIP funds to provide home purchase or rehabilitation
financing assistance to eligible homeowners and new homebuyers; build or rehabilitate housing
for rent or ownership; including site acquisition or improvement, demolition and replacement of
manufactured homes to develop viable communities. For a complete list of eligible activities see
Chapter 420, Part VII, Florida Statutes and Rule Chapter 67-37. The incomes of households
receiving SHIP assistance must not exceed 120% of the HUD adjusted median. To ensure the SHIP
project remains affordable, the County will place a lien on the property following the completion
of the project. Annual reports will be required during the affordability period.
SHIP PROGRAM ELIGIBILITIES
SHIP is a state program and as such, does not adhere to the HUD identified National
Objectives. The table shown below identifies eligible persons and the programs target
population.
Eligible Income Persons*
Target Population*
Available to persons of very low income, low
income, or moderate-income persons
Persons with special housing needs,
including, but not limited to, homeless
people, the elderly, migrant farm
workers, and persons with disabilities
*Identified in Florida Statute 420.9075(5)(e).
Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) Objectives
1. To meet the housing needs of the extremely low, very low, low and moderate-
income households;
2. To expand production of and preserve affordable housing;
3. To Further the housing element of the local government comprehensive plan specific to
affordable housing.
Considerations Prior to Applying
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CHS wishes to provide as much information to prospective applicants as possible so informed
decisions can be made about applying for grant funds. The application is just the beginning. Below
is a snapshot of some of the items to consider during that thought process. Additional specific
regulations or requirements will apply based on the project. Your grant coordinator will guide
you through the process; this is not intended as a complete listing.
• No project can begin prior to a notice to proceed. Some may require an approved
environmental review, which can take from 30 days to 6 months or more depending on
level required.
• A number of policies and procedures will be required to be written and followed. Monthly
pay requests are required with auditable detailed backup appropriate for the type of
project.
o
If awarded funding for salaries, the organization will be required to submit
substantial payroll and banking information as backup for each pay request.
o
Documentation for all expenditures is required.
• Organization leadership attendance at quarterly Partnership Meetings is mandatory.
• Adherence to project schedule and timely spending of grant funds is critical – appropriate
thought must go into planning the timeline for your project.
• Monitoring will occur during and at closeout of your project, and possibly annually
thereafter depending on the nature of the project or program and whether beneficiaries
have been achieved.
• Quarterly reports are required on the progress of project.
• Segregation of grant funds or demonstrated segregation in operation of funds is required.
• Adhere to federal and or local procurement regulations.
• All advertisements or publications associated with grant funded projects must contain
the County logo and acknowledgement of HUD funds in the project.
o
If a construction project, specific additional regulations might apply such as
Davis Bacon for wage determination and submittal of weekly payroll.
• Retainage from each payment request may be taken until all terms of the contract
are met; and only released upon a final clean monitoring report.
• Records and staff must be available for internal audit or HUD audits as needed.
• Annual reports will be required during the affordability and project use periods.
• Funded entities will be required to retain all records and documents for 3 years after the
grant closeout, unless otherwise specified.
• If the project generates program income, a program income reuse plan will be required
for the life of the grant and the compliance monitoring period.
• If awarded under HOME, affordability periods will be required depending on the type of
construction, new or rehabilitation, single family, or rental. Annual monitoring will be
conducted by CHS to ensure affordability, client targets of specific income limits
depending of housing use.
• Under ESG, only homeless services with specific income limits (30% of AMI) can be funded.
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General Application Information
• Grants are 1-year commitments, unless otherwise specified; and projects are expected to
be completed on time
• Organizations must provide services within Collier County
• Must be for-profit organizations or non-profit organization with IRS 501(c)3 designation
• Must adhere to Resolution 2013-228 and must have an acceptable performance history
with Collier County
o
Will not accept applications for 3 years if the organization has one of the following:
Debarment
Real/apparent conflict of interest
Falsification of documents
Substantial non-compliance or non-conformance with performance under
a grant.
• Must have realistic cost estimates (including a listing of the source of estimates) and
timelines and demonstrated past financial stability.
• Funding for salaries and administrative costs must show how the program will be
sustained in subsequent years.
• Match is required for HOME (25%) and ESG (100%). There is no match requirement
for CDBG, SHIP or Housing Trust Funds.
• The project must have sufficient funds to complete the project.
• Applicant must be able to document how the project/service will complement and not
duplicate or supplant planned or existing projects/services.
• Proposed project will not require displacement of individuals or produce adverse effects
to the community/environment.
• Applicant can document administrative capacity and experience to plan/implement
project/service including the financial capacity to continue operations until pay requests
are processed by the Clerk of Court.
• Must be certified as Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) to apply for
CHDO Set-Aside and/or Operating HOME funds.
• Applicant may not stockpile funds from multiple years.
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**Mandatory Pre-Application Submission &
Pre-Application Meeting
**NEW - A Mandatory Pre-Application is
required prior to the Mandatory
Pre- Application 1:1 Meeting
Mandatory pre-application meeting must be scheduled in order to submit an application.
o
A Pre-Application must be submitted to CHS through the Neighborly portal for
review and discussion during the mandatory Pre-Application 1:1 meeting.
o
Applications will not be accepted without a pre-application and pre-application meeting.
Please contact Community and Human Services to schedule a pre-application meeting at 239-252-4228.
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Application Submission Information
Any incomplete application, not in the required format, not complete, or that does not follow the
specifications outlined in the application will automatically be disqualified. Applications submitted
after the due date will not be accepted. Missing the deadline will automatically result in elimination
of eligibility to apply.
• Application MUST be submitted through the county’s online application system.
• Any original signatures required should be in blue ink
• Once application submitted no amendments are allowed unless requested by the County.
• Required 10-minute presentation of the application to the Review and Ranking Committee
• The following information MUST be included in your grant application to beconsidered.
o
Applicant information
o
Agency organization information
o
Project summary information
o
National Objectives
o
Indicator activity code (HUD Matrix Codes)
o
Impact on Collier County’s priority needs
o
Project description and goals
o
Project implementation plan and readiness to implement
o
Experience and capacity
o
Financial management and budget
o
Budget summary and itemization sheet-operating and services
o
Budget summary and itemization sheet-construction and/or rehabilitation
o
Budget summary and itemization sheet – land acquisition and/or property management
o
Estimated program income
o
Leveraged or match funds
o
Environmental issues
Additional exhibits are also required to be submitted with the application.
BELOW ARE REQUIRED APPLICATION COMPONENTS. COLLIER COUNTY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT
AN APPLICATION THAT IS DEEMED TO HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY FAILED TO SATISFY THESE REQUIREMENTS.
LACK OF SUBMISSION OF SEVERAL ELEMENTS WILL RESULT IN APPLICATION REJECTION.
o
501 (c) (3) IRS Tax Exemption Letter
o
Articles of Incorporation
o
By-Laws
o
Organizational Chart
o
List of Board of Directors
o
Resumes, Pay Scales with Job Descriptions
o
State of Florida Certificate of Good Standing
o
Board Resolution authorizing submittal of grant application
o
Preceding 2-year audits including management letter and findings
o
Acknowledgement Letter
o
Affidavit of Compliance with Federal, State, Local Regulations
o
Certification of CDBG/HOME/ESG Funded Construction/Rehabilitation Projects
o
Acknowledgement of Religious Organization Requirements (attached)
o
Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility Voluntary Exclusion
13
o
Procurement Policy
o
Match documentation
o
Internal Revenue Service Form 990 – first 12 pages of the last 2 years
o
As applicable depending on funding request:
Verification of site plan/plat approval
Verification of zoning
Location map/photo of site
Floor plans
Relocation plan
Market Study
Project Pro-forma
APPLICANTS FROM DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COUNTY MANAGER’S AGENCY MAY UPLOAD PLACEHOLDER PAGES
IN PLACE OF AGENCY-WIDE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.
14
APPLICATION REVIEW
Once submitted, CHS will evaluate applications in a four-phase process.
In the initial phase staff will review the application for:
o
Conformance to the submission
requirements
o
Compliance with
CDBG/HOME/ESG/SHIP
regulations
o
Project risk analysis
o
Financial risk analysis
o
Capacity and experience
o
Project feasibility
o
Adherence to Consolidated Plan
priorities
o
Past performance evaluation
Documentation for these items will be supplied to the Review and Ranking Committee (RRC).
The second phase of the process requires organizations meeting the minimum criteria outlined
in Phase 1 above of the evaluation process will be invited to provide a 10-minute presentation to
the RRC of their proposal. These organizations will also undergo a second level financial review.
The third phase involves an evaluation, scoring and recommendation by the RRC. During this
phase, and at its discretion, County staff, with the participation of the RRC, may request
additional information in the form of Cure Questions in order to provide the applicant the
opportunity to clarify their application.
If recommended for funding, the fourth phase is receipt of a Conditional Approval letter,
development of a Scope of Services for the HUD Annual Action Plan and receiving approval by
both Board of County Commissioners and HUD on the slate of projects.
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Evaluation Criteria
Proposals for the upcoming Fiscal Year for CDBG/HOME/ESG/SHIP and the Collier County
local affordable Housing Trust Fund (HTF) programs will be evaluated, scored and ranked
based on the following criteria and point system.
CRITERIA
MAXIMUM POINTS
1. Impact on Collier County Priorities
30
2. Implementation Plan
3. Experience and Organizational Capacity
4. Financial Management/Budget
5. Income Targeting
6. Project Description and Goals
15
20
25
25
20
7. Timeliness – Project Completion
8. Performance Measure
20
5
TOTAL
160
CRITERIA DESCRIPTION
1. Impact on Collier County Priorities:
(Maximum 30 Points combined from Sections a, b & c)
The County has identified several priorities in the Housing Trust Fund (HTF)
Resolution 18-82, the Community Housing Plan, the Housing Element of the Growth
Management Plan, the HUD Annual Action Plan and the 3-year SHIP Local Housing
Assistance Plan (LHAP).
In addition to Income Targeting, additional priorities include the following:
a) Special Needs, seniors & Veterans Set-Aside – Required Minimum 10% per
development – (Maximum 5 Points)
Percent of Development
Points
11%-20%
2
21%-30%
3
100% of all units – only allowed in small dev
<10 units
5
The County’s Housing Trust Fund will utilize definitions found in Florida State
Statutes. Statutes that pertain to the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program
and other relevant State definitions for veterans, seniors & special needs. The
following are from Chapter 420.0004:
16
(7) “Disabling condition” means a diagnosable substance abuse disorder,
serious mental illness, developmental disability, or chronic physical illness or
disability, or the co-occurrence of two or more of these conditions, and a
determination that the condition is:
(a) Expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration; and
(b) Not expected to impair the ability of the person with special needs to
live independently with appropriate supports.
(8) “Elderly” describes persons 62 years of age or older.
(13) “Person with special needs” means an adult person requiring independent
living services in order to maintain housing or develop independent living skills
and who has a disabling condition; a young adult formerly in foster care who is
eligible for services under s.409.1451(5); a survivor of domestic violence as
defined in s. 741.28; or a person receiving benefits under the Social Security
Disability Insurance(SSDI) program or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
program or from veterans’ disability benefits.
b) Affordability Period – (Maximum 10 Points)
Collier County will award more points to entities requesting resources who
commit to longer affordability periods or place housing in a Community Land
Trust. All developments receiving Housing Trust Fund (HTF) resources will have a
land use restriction agreement (LURA) recorded on the property.
Affordability Period
Points
20 Years or less
0
21-30 Years
2
31-50 Years
5
51 or more Years
8
Community Land Trust
10
c) Additional Community Priorities – (Maximum 15 Points)
PRIORITY
POINTS
Mixed Income Development (at least 10% of units in 3 or
more income categories)
2
More than one (1) Special Needs population (see 1.a)
2
Mixed Use Commercial/Residential Development or Located
in an activity Center
2
Located adjacent to or within ½ mile of CAT bus stop
2
Mixed Occupancy Development (Rental & Ownership)
2
Rental Only
2
Homeownership only
1
Infill development (10 acres or less)
2
Collaborative Partnership
2
Local Vendor Preference
1
17
2. Implementation and Readiness to Implement: (Maximum Points: 15)
This category will be evaluated based on the applicant’s ability to commence the project
and expend funds in a timely manner.
Category
Yes
No
Points – 3
for each
1.
Location/site identified?
1.a.
Address:
2.
Site Control?
3.a.
Current Zoning:
3.b.
Zoning Approvals Needed?
4.
Identified staff, board members, partners
responsible for implementation?
5.
Work plan/timeline demonstrates understanding of
the obstacles that may be encountered in
developing and implementing the project (zoning,
permitting, financing, etc)?
6.
Has identified other available financial resources
needed to implement proposed activity?
7.
Readiness to begin construction (Select one)
7.a.
<120 business days
7.b
<180 business days
7.c
>180 business days
3. Experience and Organizational Capacity: (Maximum Points: 20)
This category will be evaluated based on the experience of the applicant/development
team, and experience in undertaking projects of similar complexity as the one for which
funds are being requested.
Housing Development, Construction or Management
Experience
Points
1 to 2 Years
0
3 to 5 Years
3
5 to 10 Years
6
11 or more Years
9
18
Prior Collier County Experience with Federal or State Grants: Yes No (Max 2 Points)
Name of
Development
Location
(City & State)
Programs That Provided
Financing (Housing Tax Credits,
SAIL, SHIP, HOME, Tax-Exempt
Bonds, Federal Home Loan Bank,
etc)
Total
Number
of Units
Year
Completed
Total number of housing units developed
Points
0 to 3 units
0
4 to 20 units
3
21 to 100 units
6
101 + housing units
9
4. Financial Management/Budget: (Maximum Points: 25)
This category will be evaluated by the applicant’s ability to demonstrate their plan to
sustain the project; utilize funds and manage them appropriately and leverage multiple
sources of funds. The pro-forma or financial schedules must be consistent with industry
standards, including but not limited to: fees, cost per unit, month rents, expenses,
projected revenue, operation costs and depreciation allowances. (5 Points)
A pro-forma should be uploaded in the documents section if appropriate
Demonstrate through financial statements, audits, or other documents, that the entity has the
financial ability to fund the project until reimbursement is received from Collier County HTF.
Provide proof of a line of credit, if needed.
To stretch local contributions, points will be awarded for the amount of Leverage that the
applicant is proposing. It is understood that all funding sources will not be formally committed
at the same time. Identify potential funding sources and the amount of funding requested at
the time of application. Documentation will be requested later to document the leverage
provided to the housing development/activity.
19
[Suggested information format to be included in Narrative]
Identified Funding
Source (State/FHFA,
Lender, etc)
Amount of
Funding
Requested
Timeline for Decision
Funding
Committed to
Date
(10 Points)
Total Project
Development
Costs
Total
Funding
Committed
Funding
Requested
from HTF
Number
Dwelling
Units
Leverage
1 to 1 or
higher
Leverage
.75 to 1
Leverage
.50 to 1
Leverage
.25 to 1
10
8
5
2
The category will be evaluated by the applicant’s ability to demonstrate their plans to sustain
the project; utilize funds and manage them appropriately and leverage sources of funds.
• For HOME projects ONLY: Demonstrate the extent to which the applicant(s) has
assessed the project’s financially viable and meets the County’s subsidy
layering/underwriting guidelines.
o
Pro-forma or financial schedules are consistent with industry standards,
including but not limited to: fees, cost per unit, month rents, expenses,
projected revenue, operation costs and depreciation allowances.
o
Rental project must submit a market study demonstrating need for the
proposed project. Market studies must follow the County’sguidelines
5. Income Targeting: (Maximum 25 Points)
The County’s Demand Model documents the projected need for affordable rental units
and homeownership by income. The current need is affordable rental housing for
Extremely Low to Low Income households, or those earning less than 80% of median
area income. Therefore, greater points are awarded to developments proposing to
address this need. The Housing demand Model is adjusted annually and as community
needs change. For more information please find the most current Housing Demand
Model on the CHS web page.
Income Categories
% of Units
Provided in
Development
Weight
Credits per Category
(% x weight=credits)
Total Points
Awarded
(Credits 25)
ELI (<30%)
0
5
0
VLI (<50%)
0
4
0
LI (<80%)
0
3
0
Mod (<120%)
0
2
0
Gap (<140%)
0
1
0
Market Unrestricted
0
0
0
TOTAL PRECENT
0
TOTAL CREDITS
0
0
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6. Project Description and Goals: (Maximum Points: 20)
The category will be evaluated in terms of the goals, objectives and activities (GOA)
planned to complete the project, the numbers served versus the cost and the
sustainability of the activity.
• Project GOA respond to identified problems, needs, and community demand as
determined by the applicant
• Project GOA should be concise, achievable, measurable, time-limited, and
clearly stated
• Project GOA evidence the project’s value and facilitate the applicant’s
organizational goals and objectives
7. Timeliness – Project completion: (Maximum Points: 20)
The category will be evaluated based on the applicant’s ability to complete the project on
time and on/under budget. If previously awarded, staff will identify the number of time
extensions requested to complete previous projects.
• Does the timeline indicate project will be completed in one year?
• Does the applicant identify staff responsible to implement project/program? If
no existing staff is identified, does applicant discuss how/when person will be
hired?
• Does the applicant have site control of land for development?
• For Public Service projects, has applicant identified a permanent location,
provided a copy of leased space. Does the lease extend during the period of
service?
8. Performance Measures: (5 Points)
The category will be evaluated on the applicant’s ability to collect data to measure the
outcomes of the activities and the project as a whole.
• Provides a clear evaluation plan with performance measurements
• Demonstrates long term support of project
• Demonstrates how outcome measures will meet national or program objectives
• Evaluation plan demonstrates “value-added” or “community value” to Collier
County
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General Requirements
1. Application is not an offer – This application does not constitute an offer by the County.
No binding contract, obligation to negotiate or any other obligation shall becreated
or assumed on the part of the County unless the County and the applicant execute a
contract. No recommendations or conclusions from the RFA process shall constitute
a right (property or otherwise) under the Constitution of the United Sates, case law
or statutory laws of the State of Florida.
2. Right to Terminate – The Applicant’s participation in this process may result in the County
selecting the applicant to engage in further discussions. The commencement of such
discussions does not signify a commitment by the County to execute a contract or
continue discussions. The County may terminate discussions at any time for any reason.
3. Prohibited Discrimination – The County is committed to promoting equal opportunities
for all and to eliminate discrimination in all forms. For purposes of this proposal,
prohibited discrimination means discrimination in the solicitation, selection ortreatment
of any subcontractor, vendor or supplier or commercial customer on the basis of race,
ethnicity, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability or other unlawful form of
discrimination. Without limiting the foregoing, prohibited discrimination also includes
retaliating against any person, business or entity for reporting any incident of
prohibited discrimination. It is understood and agreed that not only is prohibited
discrimination improper for legal and moral reasons, prohibited discrimination is also
an anti-competitive practice that tends to increase the cost of goods to the County
and others. As a condition to entering into any contract the applicantwill
represent, warrant and agree that is does not and will not engage or condone prohibited
discrimination. Without limiting any rights, the County may have at law under any other
contractual provision, it is understood and agreed that a violation of this provision
constitutes grounds for the County to avoid or terminate any contract.
4. Statutory Requirement – Any contract awarded as a result of an application submitted
under this RFA shall be in full conformance with all statutory requirements of the State of
Florida and all requirements of the Federal Government to the fullest extentpossible.
5. Reservation and Right to Change Schedule - The County shall determine the timing and
sequence of events resulting from this RFA. The County reserves the right to delay the
closing date and time from any phase if County staff believes an extensionis in the best
interest of the County.
6. Reservation and Right to Amend RFA -- The County reserves the right to amend the
RFA at any time during the process, if in doing so is in the best interest of theCounty.
Any addenda will be posted to the Collier County webpage.
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7. Additional Evidence of Ability -- Applicant’s shall be prepared to present additional
evidence of experience, qualifications, abilities, facilities, and financial standing. The
County reserves the right to request additional information at any time during the
application evaluation or contract period for the RFA.
8. No Collusion or Conflict of Interest -- By responding to this RFA, the applicant(s) shall be
deemed to have represented and warranted that the application is not made in
connection with any competing applicant submitting separate response to this RFA, and is
in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. See Resolution 2013-228 attached to the
application. Applicant must execute the attestations outlined in the application in order
to submit an application.
9. Proposal Terms – The signed application is considered a firm offer on the part of the applicant.
The County reserves the right to negotiate price and services. All application responses
(including statements, claims, declarations prices and specifications in the application are
considered firm and irrevocable for purposes of future contract negotiations unless
specifically waived in writing by the County. The applicant(s) chosen for award should be
prepared to have its application and any relevantcorrespondence
incorporated into the Contract, either in part or in its entirety at the County’s election.
Any false or misleading statements found in the application or contract exceptions not
included in the proposal may be grounds for disqualification.
10. Contracting -- The applicant awarded a contract shall be the prime
applicant/developer/contractor/subrecipient/CHDO and shall be solely responsible for
contractual performance. The applicant shall not assign the contract and shall not render any
interest in the contract without prior written consent of the County.
11. Equal Opportunity – The County has an equal opportunity purchasing policy. The County
seeks to ensure that all segments of the business community have access to supplying the
goods and services needed by County programs. The County provides equal opportunity
for all businesses and does not discriminate against any applicant regardless of race, color,
religion, age, sex and national origin or disability
12. No Bribery – In submitting a response to this RFA, each applicant certifies that neitherit nor
any of its affiliated or subcontractors, nor any employees of any of the foregoing has bribed
or attempted to bribe, an officer or employee of the County in connection with the contract.
13. Exceptions to RFA – Other than the exceptions stated in compliance with this Section, each
applicant shall be deemed to agree to comply with all terms, conditions, specifications and
requirements of this RFA. An exception is defined as the applicant’s inability or unwillingness
to meet a term, condition, specification or requirement in the manner specified in the RFA
including the sample contract language. All exceptions must be identified and explained in
writing in the application and must specifically reference the relevant section(s) of the RFA. If
the applicant provides an alternate solution to this requirement, the benefits of this solution
and impact if any on the solution shall be described in detail. No exceptions will be accepted
on any of the federal requirements detailed within this RFA.
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14. Fair Trade – By submission of this proposal, the applicant certifies that inconnection
with this procurement:
• The prices have been arrived at independently without consultation,
communication or agreement for the purpose of restricting competition, as to
any matter relating to such priceswith anyone;
• Unless otherwise required by law, the process quoted in this application have not
been knowingly disclosed by the applicant andwill not knowingly be disclosed by
the applicant prior to submission;
• No attempt has been made or will be made by the applicant to induceany other
person or firm to submit or not submit an application for the purpose of restricting
competition.
15. Clarification -- Any applicant believing there is any ambiguity, inconsistency or error in this
RFA shall promptly notify the County in writing of such apparent discrepancy. Failure to
notify will constitute a waiver of claim for ambiguity, inconsistency or error.
16. Applicant’s Obligation – Applicant’s or their authorized representatives are expected to
fully inform themselves of all conditions, requirements and specifications of this RFA
prior to submission response. Failure to do so will be at the applicant’s ownrisk.
17. Disclaimer -- Each applicant must perform its own evaluation and due diligence
verification of all information and data provided by the County. The County makesno
representations or warranties regarding any information or data provided by the
County.
Submittal Deadline
Please see our website for the application deadline
Required 1:1 Technical Assistance
Meetings
Please contact Community & Human Services to schedule your
mandatory T/A meeting
Questions or More Information
Collier County Community and Human Services
Jacob LaRow, Housing, Grant Development and Operations Manager
3339 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 211
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 252-2399
