APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• Applicants must submit an Online Application in ZoomGrants, our grants management system. A direct access link will be available on PHCD’s webpage.

• Applicants must upload all affidavits, supporting evidence and documentation in ZoomGrants to meet threshold requirements.

• Applicants must upload the Application Cover Sheet.

• The application must include the legal name of the Developer, employer identification number (FEIN), organization type, D-U-N-S number, amount of funding request, Developer’s address, contact person name, title, phone number and email address. For more information on obtaining a D-U-N-S number, visit the following website: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.

• Where applicable, applicants are required to submit with the RFA, interior and exterior photographs of the proposed facility or activity location. Applicant must also provide copies of the most current Certificate of Use for buildings, if applicable.

• Points will only be awarded when supporting documentation outlined in the Application Checklist is attached to your electronic application. If supporting documentation is too large for upload, applicant may upload attachments in multiple submissions, Attachment 1a, 1b, 1c, etc.

• All supporting documentation MUST be attached as a PDF file. NO electronic links will be accepted as part of your submission in this application.

• Points will only be awarded when requisite supporting documentation is provided for corresponding questions.

• Supporting documentation must be uploaded as an attachment. Applicants must use a cover sheet identifying the EACH attachment separately.

• Coversheets must be accurately labeled, match attached documentation AND corresponding questions. Points will not be awarded in cases where supporting documentation is inaccurately labeled or uploaded and/or attached to the wrong question.

• Scoring Committee members will review and score all questions separately and ONLY consider documentation that has been correctly uploaded and labeled for specified corresponding questions.

• All applications must be submitted in the legal name of the limited partnership, corporation, or agency.

• All applicants are required to review and provide requisite supporting documentation outlined in the Application Checklist included in the Application.

• For purposes of this RFA, the application period is April 4, 2022 – April 20, 2022. Any applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted

• Neither paper nor faxed applications will be accepted.

• No changes or additions to applications will be accepted after the application deadline.

• Miami-Dade County will not fund an entity or an affiliate with outstanding defaulted loans, debarment actions or any other legal encumbrances with the County, State of Florida, or Federal programs regardless of the merits of the submitted application.

• Miami-Dade County will not be responsible for the payment of the Credit Underwriting/SLR fees.

• Developer will be responsible for the cost of this analysis which is reimbursable through the inclusion of the cost in the development budget.

• An applicant may be disqualified from consideration for funding in this RFA based on poor performance or non-compliance on any other projects with PHCD.

PHCD will adhere to compliance guidelines pursuant to Resolution No. R-630-13 approved by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners on July 16, 2013, requiring PHCD to complete and report a Due Diligence investigation on all applicants using the Due Diligence Checklist. Unless expressly authorized by the County Mayor or the Mayor’s designee (in Resolution No. R-630-13, Section 3),any entity NOT clearing the Due Diligence Investigation will NOT be recommended to the Board for funding.

Applications lacking any items and/or criteria needed to meet minimum threshold will be forwarded to the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office for a determination of responsiveness and will not be scored if determined to be non-responsive.

Questions pertaining to this application must be submitted in writing, no later than April 1, 2022 to the attention of: Mr. Michael Liu, Director, PHCD at communitydevelopmentservices@miamidade.gov

Responses will be posted on the PHCD website https://www8.miamidade.gov/global/housing/requests.page

• Field visits will be conducted on behalf of PHCD to evaluate the viability and/or feasibility of the project site with the proposed scope of work and requested funds by the entity for Housing Water and Sewer connections.

• Environmental Review forms must be completed in their entirety and included with this FY 2022 RFA application(s). The Applicant will be responsible for costs incurred in completing the environmental review process, (i.e., public notices, Miami-Dade Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) environmental site assessment analyses, etc.). All project related environmental expenses are eligible for financial reimbursement upon receipt of an award.  Applicants will be responsible for costs associated with completing the environmental review, including a Phase I and Phase II analysis, where applicable.

• The Funding Source, Funding Amount, and Activity Category must be consistent throughout the application; information contained on the Application Coversheet will Any inconsistencies may disqualify the application.

• Miami-Dade County reserves the right to require and participate in the creation of partnerships to ensure project viability and/or effectiveness of program delivery, should the County determine such action is in the best interest of the County and the community to be served. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate and collaborate with other organizations in carrying out programs funded under this RFA. Written agreements related to collaborations among entities and organizations, such as a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) must be fully executed and included with the application.

• Public Hearing: The funding recommendations are usually considered by the Board of County Commissioners’ (BCC) Public Housing and Community Services Committee. This serves as the public hearing in the Action Plan process, [24 CFR 91.105] - Citizen Participation Plan and local governments, [24 CFR 91.105(a) (1)]. Please check the PHCD website for the exact date.

• The FY 2022 Action Plan will be submitted to HUD later in the year as the third annual Action Plan associated with the FY 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan that was approved by the BCC on October 22, 2020.

• Where applicable, applicants will have to comply with Resolution No. R-34-15 which requires certain written notice from the Applicant to Miami-Dade County of the availability of rental or homeownership opportunities and also requires certain advertising of such opportunities.                 

• Conflict of Interest - The general rule is that no person(s) (defined as any person who is an employee, agent, consultant, officer, or elected official or appointed official of the recipient, or of any designated public agencies, or of sub-recipients that are receiving funds under this part) who exercise or have exercised any functions or responsibilities with respect to CDBG activities assisted under this part, or who are in a position to participate in a decision-making process or gain inside information with regard to such activities, may obtain a financial interest or benefit from a CDBG-assisted activity, or have a financial interest in any contract, subcontract, or agreement with respect to a CDBG-assisted activity, or with respect to the proceeds of the CDBG-assisted activity, either for themselves or those with whom they have business or immediate family ties, during their tenure or for one year thereafter. The complete Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) can be viewed at http://www.ecfr.gov, 24.CFR.570.611.

• Applicants will have an opportunity to review their scores and application ranking. Score reviews will not be conducted after final scores are published. Request for reviews of initial application scores must be submitted via email at communitydevelopmentservices@miamidade.gov. Applicants requesting an appeal will then be scheduled to meet with PHCD staff to review their scores. Changes to scores are at the discretion of PHCD and will be based primarily on documents submitted in the application.  Please note:  Applicants must score a minimum of 70 points, inclusive of bonus points to be recommended for funding.

• To the extent issues are identified in the initial scoring of the application, appropriate adjustments may be made prior to the applicant’s final score and ranking in preparation for the final funding recommendations. The County shall not address any request that has not been submitted in writing and received by the County within the established five-day review period after initial scores have been posted. Additionally, the score review process shall not apply to subsequent recapture/reallocation activities.

Comments pertaining to this application must be submitted to communitydevelopmentservices@miamidade.gov

PHCD Minimum Eligibility Requirements

• PHCD will adhere to compliance guidelines pursuant to Resolution No. R-697-13 approved by the Miami-Dade County BCC on September 13, 2013, establishing allocations of CDBG funds for the purpose of acquiring or improving real property in excess of $25,000 or for paying off debt secured by real property in excess of $25,000 that shall be in the form of a loan. Loans shall be secured by a mortgage or other security instrument, which will be recorded in Miami-Dade County public records PHCD will follow Resolution No. R-630-13 approved by the Miami-Dade County BCC on July 16, 2013, requiring (1) an applying entity certify that within the past five (5) years, neither the entity nor its directors, partners, principals, member or board members (i) have been sued by a funding source for breach of contract or failure to perform obligations under a contract; or (ii) have been cited by a funding source for non-compliance or default under a contract; or (iii) have been a defendant in a lawsuit based upon a contract with a funding source; and (2) provide a detailed project budget  and sources and uses statement which shall be sufficiently detailed to show (i) total project cost; (ii) the amount of funds used for administrative overhead costs; (iii) amount of funds designated toward the provision of desired services or activities; and (iv) any profit to be made by the entity. A copy of the resolution is included in the list of attachments located at miamidade.gov/housing/.

• PHCD will adhere to Resolution No. R-630-13 approved by the Miami-Dade County BCC on July 16, 2013, requiring PHCD to complete and report a due diligence investigation on all applicants using the Due Diligence Checklist. Unless expressly authorized by the County Mayor or the County Mayor’s designee, any entity NOT clearing the Due Diligence Investigation will NOT be recommended to the Board for funding.

• If during the application process or during the development of a contract, an entity associated with the project has been convicted of a criminal act (in connection with any County program), PHCD has the discretion to rule the project as being ineligible and any funds awarded and/or expended shall be recaptured.

• Applicants that apply for more than 20% of the total funds available in any one category (i.e., Public Service, Economic Development, Public Service-Technical Assistance to Small Businesses) will not be recommended for funding unless there are no other viable options, as determined at the County’s sole discretion, and to ensure geographic coverage throughout Miami-Dade County.

• Applications will be fully funded until available funds are exhausted.

• Only activities listed under “FY 2022 Available Funding” will be eligible for funding recommendations.

• All projects or activities awarded funds that fail to complete the activity in a timely manner shall be subject to recapture of funds and/or contract termination. Timely completion is defined as one year with the exception of projects including construction which could allow up to two years to completion.

• If the project has been underwritten by an entity qualified to perform underwriting and subsidy layering analysis, has received a favorable funding recommendation based on a prior allocation of PHCD funding to the project, has had a loan closing for all committed funding sources, and is under construction, the project is not eligible to receive funding under this RFA.

• Applicants must score a minimum of 70 points, inclusive of bonus points to be recommended for funding. If a tiebreaker is needed during scoring to determine project ranking, the first tiebreaker will include reviewing the entire the general section, with the higher score ranking higher. A second tiebreaker will include reviewing the vulnerability ranking of eligible block groups part of the general section, with the higher score ranking higher. If a third tiebreaker is needed, those projects in all categories that can show more leveraging, i.e., projects that match with non-County funds and require less total County funding per unit/activity, will be ranked higher. Note: applicants that score 70 or above are not automatically guaranteed to be funded. Funding will be awarded as long as funding is available.

All applicants understand that by submitting an application, they are agreeing to comply with all the CDBG regulations at 24 CFR 570, as amended, which will be passed on from the County to the Applicant. 

APPLICATION SUBMISSION PROCESS  AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

The deadline for the FY 2022 CDBG application submission(s) is on or before April xxxxx, 12:00 am. Applications submitted on or before December xx 2022 must be submitted in ZoomGrants.

Instructions and application forms for the FY 2022 CDBG RFA are included in this package, and available on PHCD’s website.  Additionally, any updates to this RFA, including responses to questions, will be posted on PHCD’s website. Prospective applicants should check the PHCD website regularly for updates at  www.miamidade.gov/housing/

The FY 2022 RFA will be available for review electronically at http://www.miamidade.gov/housing/requests.page.

Public Meetings/Technical Assistance Workshops

The Department of Public Housing and Community Development, in cooperation with the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, will hold three public meetings to review the application preparation, submission requirements, and changes to the FY 2022 program and evaluation criteria for Housing and Non-Housing Activities. At the meetings applicants will have the opportunity for meet with PHCD staff to receive additional technical assistance for Housing, Economic Development and Emergency Solutions Grant categories and assistance regarding the application submission process.The technical assistance workshop schedule and registration information are listed below and are posted on the PHCD website at www.miamidade.gov/housing/

PUBLIC SERVICE

• Public Service applications are NOT scored by a committee. However, Public Service Technical Assistance is scored by the Economic Development Committee

Approximately $1,565,441.75 in CDBG funds are available for general Public Service activities in the FY 2022 RFA. To be eligible for CDBG assistance, a Public Service must be a new service, which is defined by HUD as a service not provided in the previous 12 calendar months or a quantifiable increase in the level of service for a previously funded or existing public service.  Public Service activities will only be recommended for funding by the Mayor and through the Commission District Fund (CDF) allocation process.  All Public Service applications that pass minimum threshold requirements will be presented in a report to the BCC as eligible entities for the award of FY 2022 funding (see definition of CDF process)

National Objective

CDBG-funded Public Service activities are typically categorized under the Low-Mod Income (LMI) benefit national objective as either Limited Area Benefit (LMA) or Limited Clientele (LMC) activities.  In order to meet the LMI criteria, the activity must:

• Serve at least 51% Low-Moderate Income persons, as evidenced by documentation and data concerning beneficiary family size and income;
• Have income-eligibility requirements which limit the service to persons meeting the LMI income requirement, as evidenced by the administering entity’s procedures, intake/application forms, income limits, and other sources of documentation); and
• Serve primarily LMI persons or a LMI area.

Eligible Activities

Public Service activities must principally benefit low and moderate-income persons.  Entities eligible for funding include Miami-Dade County Departments, Participating Municipalities, and not-for-profit Community-Based Organizations (CBO’s), qualified Community-Based Development Organizations (CBDOs) and Community Development Corporations (CDCs).  Eligible activities under the Public Service category are governed by HUD regulations under 24 CFR 570.201(e). 

Public Services. Provision of public services (including labor, supplies, and materials) including but not limited to those concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health, drug abuse, education, fair housing counseling, energy conservation, welfare (but excluding the provision of income payments identified under § 570.207(b)(4)), homebuyer down payment assistance, or recreational needs. Though §570.207(b) (4) prohibits income payments but permits emergency grant payments for three months. To be eligible for CDBG assistance, a public service must be either a new service or a quantifiable increase in the level of an existing public service above that which has been provided by or on behalf of the unit of general local government (through funds raised by the unit or received by the unit from the State in which it is located) in the twelve (12) calendar months before the submission of the Action Plan.  (An exception to this requirement may be made if HUD determines that any decrease in the level of a service was the result of events not within the control of the unit of general local government.) 

CDBG funds may be used to pay for labor, supplies, and materials as well as to operate and/or maintain the portion of a facility in which the public service is located. This includes the lease of a facility, equipment, and other property needed for the Public Service.  The CDBG regulations allow the use of grant funds for a wide range of Public Service activities.  The following services are those determined to be a high priority as indicated in Miami-Dade County’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan.

• Health and Human Services
• Employment training

Additional public service activities may include, but not be limited to those listed below:

• Substance abuse services
• Recreational services
• Energy conservation
• Educational programs
• Legal services
• Services for senior citizens
• Services for homeless persons
• Childcare

Minimum Threshold Requirements For Public Service

• Eligible Activity
• Meets a HUD National Objective
• Successfully passed Due Diligence Review
• Budget (demonstrating total project costs to include administrative costs and funds for direct services; and any profit to be made by the person or entity)
• Sources and Uses Statement (indicating measurable project outcomes)

Ongoing Responsibilities, Monitoring, and Record Keeping For Public Service

Entities receiving CDBG funds will be required to submit quarterly progress reports and will also be subject to annual monitoring site visits.  The reports will be reviewed to assess the activity’s progress in achieving the HUD National Objective.  Awardees must document and maintain records of persons served, services provided, and where applicable, household size and income documentation, for seven (7) years after the HUD National Objective is met.

Evaluation Criteria For Public Service

Applications submitted under the Public Service category (with the exception of Technical Assistance) will only be evaluated based on minimum threshold criteria (listed below).  Applicants that do not meet minimum threshold criteria WILL NOT be recommended to the BCC for funding.  Entities NOT clearing the Due Diligence Investigation will be included in a final report to the BCC at the time of funding recommendations.

• Eligible Activity
• Meets a HUD National Objective
• Geographic Location
• County High Priority Need
• Track Record meets threshold requirements
• Submits signed and notarized Due Diligence Affidavit
• Budget (demonstrating total project costs to include administrative costs and funds for direct services; and any profit to be made by the person or entity)
• Sources and Uses Statement (indicating measurable project outcomes)

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO SMALL BUSINESSES

Under the Public Services category, approximately $450,000 in CDBG funds are available for Technical Assistance to Small Businesses activities in the FY 2022 RFA.  These types of activities help foster economic development in low and moderate-income communities by providing capacity-building support to local businesses.

Eligible Activities

PHCD is requesting applications from qualified entities to provide technical assistance and training to businesses.  Services and resources to be provided include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Business development training.
• Assistance with business operations related support;
• Facilitating networking opportunities;
• Business planning or accounting;
• Expanding availability of services to businesses through an established marketing and outreach plan targeted to businesses located in the County’s Eligible Block Groups.

Activity Requirements

Eligible applicants must meet all requirements listed below:

• Must have experience providing technical assistance to businesses;
• Must have an established business development curriculum which must be submitted to, and approved by PHCD;
• Must be able to provide essential business development services and resources;
• Must have established relationships with professional service providers (i.e., Small Business Administration, accountants, marketing consultants, loan underwriters, etc.) and others comprising a local business support network;
• Must adhere to a mandatory intake process; and
• Must provide a marketing plan to demonstrate outreach efforts and how services will be promoted.

Evaluation Criteria

Only applications meeting the minimum threshold requirements will be scored.  Applicants that do not meet minimum threshold criteria WILL NOT be recommended to the BCC for funding.  Entities NOT clearing the Due Diligence Investigation will be included in a final report to the BCC at the time of funding recommendations.  Applications for Technical Assistance to Businesses will be evaluated and scored based on the following criteria:

Scored Criteria

Technical Assistance to Small Businesses

• Architectural design features and other treatments aimed at improving aesthetic quality (e.g., sculptures, fountains).

• Recent permitted and approved Construction Plans (if applicable)
• Current Business Plan, with proposed first year pro forma (if applicable)
• Detailed Property Description and Appraisals for properties to be acquired (if applicable)
• Soils Report and Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment report (if applicable)
• CDBG Technical Assistance to Businesses
• Under the Technical Assistance to Businesses activity, an agency cannot apply under both the Public Services category and the Economic Development category. Only one application per agency will be considered for funding in this category.

Funding consideration will ONLY be given to projects that have provided supporting documentation and are deemed feasible.

PHCD may require applicants to submit items, on a case-by-case basis, that are consistent with HUD’s voluntary project underwriting guidelines stated in Basically CDBG, Part 8.3.1.  PHCD will determine which documents to request from entities to determine the feasibility of applications.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

In this RFA, a total of approximately $4,900,000 in CDBG funds are available for Economic Development activities in the three sub-categories listed below.  Upon receipt of all Economic Development (ED) applications, each application will be scored and ranked based upon the sub-category under which the applicant requested funds.

The Economic Development sub-categories to be funded in this RFA are as follows:

• Micro Enterprise Lending and Special Economic Development Lending Program
• Business Incubator Assistance
• Technical Assistance to Businesses – Economic Development only to compliment existing program

National Objective

The CDBG National Objective for Economic Development projects is Low-Mod Jobs Creation and Retention – (LMJ), 24 CFR 570.208(a)(4).  Without exception, federal regulations require that all economic development activities meet the National Objective of Job Creation/Retention.  Federal regulations require that one job be created and retained for a minimum of one year for every $35,000 awarded.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS

MICRO ENTERPRISE LENDING AND SPECIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LENDING PROGRAM

Miami-Dade County is proposing to allocate approximately $3,000,000 for Micro Enterprise Lending through the FY 2022 RFA.  The Small Business Lending Program provides access to micro and small business loans ranging from $1,000 up to and not to exceed $35,000. At the discretion of PHCD loans can be considered to amounts not stated in this RFA. It enables entities to assist small businesses with capacity-building and support while fostering economic development activities in low- and moderate-income communities. The goal is to help develop and strengthen businesses, while meeting the required objective of creating and retaining jobs. The distribution of requested funds shall be as follows: not less than eighty percent (80%) of the total amount awarded shall fund micro loans and not more than twenty percent (20%) for operating expenses.

CDFI that provide microenterprise or small business loans are eligible to apply under this category, including intermediaries, revolving loan funds, and/or Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).  CDBG funds awarded under this category shall be awarded principally to expand the respective entity’s lending capacity and shall be limited to the origination of microenterprise or small business loans to for-profit businesses serving Eligible Block Groups . 

Eligible Activities

PHCD is requesting applications from qualified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide microenterprise and small business loans to for-profit businesses and to assist in job creation.  Services and resources to be provided may include:

• Providing below market-rate secured and unsecured short-term loans. Interest rates applied to micro loans should fall within a range of 1% - 7%, and loan amounts should not exceed $35,000.

Applicant Requirements

Eligible applicants must meet all requirements listed below:

• Must be a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
• Must have experience providing loans to small businesses, with the requisite infrastructure, policies and guidelines in place to underwrite and service such loans.
• Must have established, documented and proven track record of providing technical assistance to small businesses, including businesses located in Eligible Block Groups
• Must be able to provide proof that not less than 51% of the jobs created will be for low-to-moderate income persons. Federal regulations require the creation of one job per $35,000 awarded
• Must demonstrate that once a job is created, that it is maintained for a period of not less than one (1) year
• Must have established relationships with professional service providers including the Small Business Administration, not-for-profit technical assistance providers, accountants, marketing consultants, loan underwriters and others comprising a local business support network
• Must provide a marketing plan to demonstrate outreach efforts and how services will be promoted in Eligible Block Groups

Ongoing Responsibilities, Monitoring, and Record Keeping

Agencies receiving CDBG funds will be required to submit quarterly progress reports and will also be subject to annual monitoring site visits.  The reports will be reviewed to assess the activity’s progress in creating jobs for low- and moderate income persons.  The awardees must document and maintain records of loans provided, jobs created, and all other services provided for seven (7) years after the HUD national objective is met.

Minimum Threshold Requirements

• Must be a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
• Meets a HUD National Objective
• Track record (Good standing with Miami-Dade County)
• Budget/Scope of Work (demonstrating total project costs to include administrative costs and funds for direct services; and any profit to be made by the person or entity)
• Proof of site control

Evaluation Criteria

Only applications meeting the minimum threshold requirements will be scored.  Applicants that do not meet minimum threshold criteria WILL NOT be recommended to the BCC for funding.  Entities NOT clearing the Due Diligence Investigation will not be included in a final report to the BCC at the time of funding recommendations.  Applications for small business development programs will be evaluated and scored based on the following criteria:

Scored Criteria

Micro Enterprise Lending/Special Economic Development Lending Program

BUSINESS INCUBATOR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

This RFA is proposing to allocate approximately $1,500,000 for Business Incubator activities in the FY 2021 RFA.  The purpose of the Business Incubator Assistance Program (BIAP) is to provide cost-effective business support services and resources to new and growing microenterprise businesses under one roof by offering a wide range of business training, support programs, flexible leases, networking opportunities, and shared equipment in a professional setting.  The primary goals of the BIAP are sustaining existing microenterprise businesses and attracting new microenterprise businesses into low- and moderate-income communities. 

All small businesses receiving CDBG assistance from Business Incubators shall agree to apply to become certified as a Miami-Dade County Green Business.  Businesses seeking green certification may visit the following website: http://www.miamidade.gov/green/business-certification.asp.

Please note, failure to meet the criteria for certification as a Green Business shall not disqualify the business from receiving assistance from a CDBG-funded program. This strategy will allow small businesses to learn about and implement sustainable business practices in their day-to-day operations.

Program Objectives

PHCD is requesting applications from qualified Business Incubator operators to implement a BIAP using CDBG funds to provide business support services and resources that include, but are not limited to:

• Providing business planning and business development training using an established curriculum
• Assisting microenterprises with business operations support
• Assisting microenterprises in securing loans, grants, and other financial resources
• Providing office space, conference room, and equipment
• Facilitating networking opportunities
• Assisting microenterprises with developing and implementing a business plan
• Providing affordable workspace and business support services to microenterprises
• Growing new microenterprises
• Expanding the availability of services to businesses in the County’s Eligible Block Groups, through an established marketing plan

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants must meet all the requirements listed below:

• Must be a member of the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA)
• Must be a Business Incubator for at least three (3) years
• Must be able to provide space to “house” a minimum of five (5) microenterprises for a minimum of three (3) years
• Must show proof of site control (i.e., deed, lease agreement, firm purchase contract, Option to Purchase, Option to Lease Long Term or Local Government Resolution of the proposed site for which funding is being applied for. THIS IS A MINIMUM THRESHOLD ITEM.
• Applicants are encouraged to locate their incubators in one of the following areas;
  
  • CDBG Eligible Block Groups
• Must be able to provide proof that at least 51% of the jobs created will employ low-to-moderate income persons. Federal regulations require the creation of one job per $35,000 awarded
• Must demonstrate that once a job is created, that it is maintained for a period of not less than one (1) year
• Must have an established business development curriculum
• Must be able to provide essential business development services and resources
• Must have operational office equipment (e.g., computers, internet access, fax, copier, telephones, etc.) for use by the microenterprises
• Must adhere to a mandatory intake process
• Must provide a marketing plan to demonstrate outreach efforts and how services will be promoted in Eligible Block Groups (EBGs)

Eligible microenterprises participating in the Business Incubator Assistance Program must meet CDBG guidelines referenced in 24 CFR 570.201(o), which defines micro enterprise as a commercial enterprise that has five or fewer employees, one or more of whom owns the enterprise. The microenterprise must also be established in a low-to-moderate income neighborhood, as defined in [24 CFR 570.208(a) (1).

Note: The activity location must have at least 500 square feet of commercial office space specifically dedicated to the microenterprise businesses.  

Ongoing Responsibilities, Monitoring, and Record Keeping

Agencies receiving CDBG funds will be required to submit quarterly progress reports and will also be subject to annual monitoring site visits.  The reports will be reviewed to assess the activity’s progress in creating jobs for low- and moderate income persons.  The awardees must document and maintain records of loans provided, jobs created, and all other services provided for seven (7) years after the HUD national objective is met.

Evaluation Criteria

Only applications meeting the minimum threshold requirements will be scored.  Applicants that do not meet minimum threshold criteria WILL NOT be recommended to the BCC for funding.  Entities NOT clearing the Due Diligence Investigation will be included in a final report to the BCC at the time of funding recommendations.  Applications for Business Incubator Assistance Programs will be evaluated and scored based on the following criteria:

Minimum Threshold Requirements

• Proof of site control
• Meets HUD National Objective
• Track record (In good standing with Miami-Dade County)
• Budget /Scope of Work (demonstrating total project costs to include administrative costs and funds for direct services; and any profit to be made by the person or entity)

Scored Criteria

Business Incubator Assistance Program

HOUSING (Water and Sewer Connections Only)

PHCD has made available up to $250,000 in CDBG funds through this RFA for housing for Miami-Dade County departments, developers, owners, for-profit and non-profit entities, Community Land Trusts or participating jurisdictions. Funding under this category shall be limited to:

• Water and sewer connections for new construction and rehabilitation of single-family homes

The purpose for this category is to support activities which provide or improve permanent residential structures which, upon completion, will be occupied by low and moderate-income (LMI) households in Miami-Dade County. The use of CDBG funds is generally prohibited for new construction.  Except as indicated below. Eligible applicants, developers/owners constructing and or rehabilitating up to 4 affordable units for families whose income does not exceed 80% AMI, the sewer line must be accessible (i.e., within a reasonable distance of approximately 250 feet, and thus is not cost prohibitive).

Eligible applicants include Miami-Dade County departments and non-profit entities.

Nonprofit entities willing to recruit homeowners whose household income does not exceed 80% AMI, verify income eligibility and provide project management services to connect the homeowner to the sewer line.

National Objective

CDBG-funded Housing activities are typically categorized under the Low-Mod Housing.  If a grantee wishes to qualify for housing rehabilitation, acquisition or construction activity under the Low-Mod Income (LMI) objective, the housing national objective must be met.

• Rehabilitation - Activities that provide or improve permanent residential structures can only qualify as benefitting LMI households under the Housing criteria of the LMI benefit national objective, which deals with the occupancy of units by LMI persons.

• In order to meet the housing LMI national objective, the income of the homeowner cannot exceed 80% of the area median income. When rental housing activities are carried out by a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) or as part of an approved Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy, multiple units may be aggregated for the purposes of meeting the LMI Benefit National Objective. If the structure contains two units, at least one unit must be LMI occupied. Rental buildings under common ownership and management that are located on the same or contiguous properties may be considered as a single structure.

• PHCD will fund developers engaged in the construction of single-family homes for water and sewer connections. The funds are to be utilized solely for water/sewer connections for low-moderate income families. The connections can be used for rehabilitated, or newly constructed units. However, the units must be owned and occupied by low- and moderate-income households.

• PHCD will fund not-for-profit organizations for the purpose of assisting homeowners with connecting to water and sewer. Neighborhoods experiencing vulnerability to regular septic tank failure will be prioritized for funding. The not-for-profit must market the program within the neighborhood and will be required to verify the income eligibility of the homeowners and provide project management services to connect the homeowner to the sewer line. The applicant should ensure that water and sewer connection fees, costs to vacate the septic tank (where applicable), and costs to hire a plumber/contractor are included in the activity budget.
• Applicants who make water/sewer connections in areas that are identified as most vulnerable per the Sea Level Rise/Flooding Vulnerability Map) will receive the maximum points allowed.

HOUSING HOMEOWNER REHABILITATION

PHCD has made available up to $992,420.80 in CDBG funds, through the FY 2022 RFA for housing for Miami-Dade County departments, non-profit entities, Community Land Trusts or participating jurisdictions. Funding under this category shall be limited to:

• Providing rehabilitation of low- and moderate-income owner-occupied single-family homes
• All Contractors and subcontractors are required to register for the Elations Systems as part of the monitoring requirements for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Wage Rates, which includes submittals of Certified Payrolls. Elation Systems registration will also serve to monitor requirements for Section 3 compliance.

The purpose for this category is to support activities which provide or improve permanent residential structures which, upon completion, will be occupied by low and moderate-income (LMI) households in Miami-Dade County. The use of CDBG funds is generally prohibited for new construction.  Except as indicated below.

Eligible Activity

The eligibility of CDBG Housing activities is governed by regulations found in 24 CFR Parts 570.202, 570.204(a) and 570.208(a)(3).  Utilization of CDBG funds are identified as rehabilitation to buildings that are residential, low-income rental, or homeowner housing and the conversion of non-residential structures for residential use. Funding will be limited to owner-occupied single-family homes.

CDBG Housing – Homeowner Rehabilitation category

Eligible applicants include Miami-Dade County departments, non-profit entities, Community Development Corporations (CDC), Community Based Development Organizations (CBDO), Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO), Community Land Trusts (CLT), developers, for-profit entities, and participating jurisdictions.

Ongoing Responsibilities and Monitoring

Entities receiving CDBG funds will be required to submit quarterly progress reports will be subject to annual monitoring site visits. Progress reports will be reviewed to assess the entitity’s progress in constructing housing for low- and moderate-income persons.  Awardees must document and maintain records of housing units rehabilitated and low- and moderate-income occupancy for seven (7) years after the US HUD National Objective is achieved.

Evaluation Criteria

Only applications meeting the minimum threshold requirements will be scored. Applicants that do not meet minimum threshold criteria WILL NOT be recommended to the BCC for funding. Entities NOT clearing the Due Diligence Investigation will be included in a final report to the BCC at the time of funding recommendations. Applications for Housing Rehabilitation activities will be evaluated and scored based on the following criteria:

Minimum Threshold Requirements

• Track Record (In good standing with Miami-Dade County)
• Meets US HUD National Objective
• Site Control
• Budget/Scope of Work (demonstrating total project costs to include administrative and funds for direct services; and profit to be made by the person or entity)

Scored Criteria

Housing

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• Applicants must submit an Online Application in ZoomGrants, our grants management system. A direct access link will be available on PHCD’s webpage.
• Applicants must upload all affidavits, supporting evidence and documentation in ZoomGrants to meet threshold requirements.
• Applicants must upload the Application Cover Sheet.
• The application must include the legal name of the Developer, employer identification number (FEIN),organization type, D-U-N-S number, amount of funding request, Developer’s address, contact person name, title, phone number and email address. For more information on obtaining a D-U-N-S number, visit the following website: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
• Where applicable, applicants are required to submit with the RFA, interior and exterior photographs of the proposed facility or activity location. Applicant must also provide copies of the most current Certificate of Use for buildings, if applicable.
• Points will only be awarded when supporting documentation outlined in the Application Checklist is attached to your electronic application. If supporting documentation is too large for upload, applicant may upload attachments in multiple submissions, Attachment 1a, 1b, 1c, etc.
• All supporting documentation MUST be attached as a PDF file. NO electronic links will be accepted as part of your submission in this application.
• Points will only be awarded when requisite supporting documentation is provided for corresponding questions.
• Supporting documentation must be uploaded as an attachment. Applicants must use a cover sheet identifying the EACH attachment separately.
• Coversheets must be accurately labeled, match attached documentation AND corresponding questions. Points will not be awarded in cases where supporting documentation is inaccurately labeled or uploaded and/or attached to the wrong question.
• Scoring Committee members will review and score all questions separately and ONLY consider documentation that has been correctly uploaded and labeled for specified corresponding questions.
• All applications must be submitted in the legal name of the limited partnership, corporation, or agency.

• All applicants are required to review and provide requisite supporting documentation outlined in the Application Checklist included in the Application.

For purposes of this RFA, the application period is May 3, 2021 – May 24, 2021. Any applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

Neither paper nor faxed applications will be accepted.

Applications must comply with all requirements of this RFA. Applications that are incomplete or have

deficiencies and errors will be submitted to the County Attorney’s Office for legal review and determination of responsiveness.

No changes or additions to applications will be accepted after the application deadline.

Miami-Dade County will not fund an entity or an affiliate with outstanding defaulted loans, debarment actions or any other legal encumbrances with the County, State of Florida, or Federal programs regardless of the merits of the submitted application.

Miami-Dade County will not be responsible for the payment of the Credit Underwriting/SLR fees. The

Developer will be responsible for the cost of this analysis which is reimbursable through the inclusion of the cost in the development budget.

An applicant may be disqualified from consideration for funding in this RFA based on poor performance or non-compliance on any other projects with PHCD.

PHCD will adhere to compliance guidelines pursuant to Resolution No. R-630-13 approved by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners on July 16, 2013, requiring PHCD to complete and report a Due Diligence investigation on all applicants using the Due Diligence Checklist. Unless expressly authorized by the County Mayor or the Mayor’s designee (in Resolution No. R-630-13, Section 3),any entity NOT clearing the Due Diligence Investigation will NOT be recommended to the Board for funding.

Applications lacking any items and/or criteria needed to meet minimum threshold will be deemed non-responsive and will not be scored.

Questions pertaining to this application must be submitted in writing, no later than April 30, 2021 to the attention of: Mr. Michael Liu, Director, PHCD at communitydevelopmentservices@miamidade.gov

Responses will be posted on the PHCD website https://www8.miamidade.gov/global/housing/requests.page

• Applicants awarded funds shall be required to execute the County’s shell CDBG contract and all attachments. All awards will be evidenced by a contract, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), or interlocal/interdepartmental agreement, as well as appropriate security instruments, including a Promissory Note, if required.  The award shall also be evidenced by a mortgage, in cases where the funding is being used to improve or acquire real property (applicable only for allocations of $25,000 or greater).
• Field visits will be conducted on behalf of PHCD to evaluate the viability and/or feasibility of the project site with the proposed scope of work and requested funds by the entity for Housing Water and Sewer connections.
• Environmental Review forms must be completed in their entirety and included with the FY 2021 RFA application(s). The Applicant will be responsible for costs incurred in completing the environmental review process, (i.e., public notices, Miami-Dade Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) environmental site assessment analyses, etc.). All project related environmental expenses are eligible for financial reimbursement upon receipt of an award.  Applicants will be responsible for costs associated with completing the environmental review, including a Phase I analysis.
• Applications must meet ALL criteria in this RFA to be considered for funding. Applications that are incomplete and/or have deficiencies will not be recommended for funding.
• The Funding Source, Funding Amount, and Activity Category must be consistent throughout the application; information contained on the Application Coversheet will prevail. Any inconsistencies may disqualify the application.
• Miami-Dade County reserves the right to require and participate in the creation of partnerships to ensure project viability and/or effectiveness of program delivery, should the County determine such action is in the best interest of the County and the community to be served. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate and collaborate with other organizations in carrying out programs funded under this RFA. Written agreements related to collaborations among entities and organizations, such as a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) must be fully executed and included with the application.
• Public Hearing: The funding recommendations are usually considered by the Board of County Commissioners’ (BCC) Public Housing and Community Services Committee. This serves as the public hearing in the Action Plan process, [24 CFR 91.105] - Citizen Participation Plan and local governments, [24 CFR 91.105(a) (1)]. Please check the PHCD website for the exact date.
• The FY 2021 Action Plan will be submitted to HUD later in the year as the second annual Action Plan associated with the FY 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan that was approved by the BCC on October 22, 2020.
• Where applicable, applicants will have to comply with Resolution No. R-34-15 which requires certain written notice from the Applicant to Miami-Dade County of the availability of rental or homeownership opportunities and also requires certain advertising of such opportunities.                 
• Pre-Contract work (such as credit underwriting and subsidy layering review) and Contract Development will begin immediately upon approval, by HUD of the County’s FY 2021 Action Plan.
• Conflict of Interest - The general rule is that no person(s) (defined as any person who is an employee, agent, consultant, officer, or elected official or appointed official of the recipient, or of any designated public agencies, or of sub-recipients that are receiving funds under this part) who exercise or have exercised any functions or responsibilities with respect to CDBG activities assisted under this part, or who are in a position to participate in a decision-making process or gain inside information with regard to such activities, may obtain a financial interest or benefit from a CDBG-assisted activity, or have a financial interest in any contract, subcontract, or agreement with respect to a CDBG-assisted activity, or with respect to the proceeds of the CDBG-assisted activity, either for themselves or those with whom they have business or immediate family ties, during their tenure or for one year thereafter. The complete Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) can be viewed at http://www.ecfr.gov, 24.CFR.570.611.
• Applicants will have an opportunity to review their scores and application ranking. Score reviews will not be conducted after final scores are published. Request for reviews of initial application scores must be submitted in writing, via email at communitydevelopmentservices@miamidade.gov. Applicants requesting an appeal will then be scheduled to meet with PHCD staff to review their scores. Changes to scores are at the discretion of PHCD and will be based primarily on documents submitted in the application.  Please note:  Applicants must score a minimum of 70 points, inclusive of bonus points to be recommended for funding.
• To the extent issues are identified in the initial scoring of the application, appropriate adjustments may be made prior to the applicant’s final score and ranking in preparation for the final funding recommendations. The County shall not address any request that has not been submitted in writing and received by the County within the established five-day review period after initial scores been posted. Additionally, the score review process shall not apply to subsequent recapture/reallocation activities.

PHCD Minimum Eligibility Requirements

• PHCD will adhere to compliance guidelines pursuant to Resolution No. R-697-13 approved by the Miami-Dade County BCC on September 13, 2013, establishing allocations of CDBG funds for the purpose of acquiring or improving real property in access of $25,000 or for paying off debt secured by real property in excess of $25,000 that shall be in the form of a loan. Loans shall be secured by a mortgage or other security instrument, which will be recorded in Miami-Dade County public records. (Attachment 22).

• PHCD will follow Resolution No. R-630-13 approved by the Miami-Dade County BCC on July 16, 2013, requiring (1) an applying entity certify that within the past five (5) years, neither the entity nor its directors, partners, principals, member or board members (i) have been sued by a funding source for breach of contract or failure to perform obligations under a contract; or (ii) have been cited by a funding source for non-compliance or default under a contract; or (iii) have been a defendant in a lawsuit based upon a contract with a funding source; and (2) provide a detailed project budget and sources and uses statement which shall be sufficiently detailed to show (i) total project cost; (ii) the amount of funds used for administrative overhead costs; (iii) amount of funds designated toward the provision of desired services or activities; and (iv) any profit to be made by the entity. A copy of the resolution is included in the list of attachments located at miamidade.gov/global/housing/.

• PHCD will adhere to Resolution No. R-630-13 approved by the Miami-Dade County BCC on July 16, 2013, requiring PHCD to complete and report a due diligence investigation on all applicants using the Due Diligence Checklist (Attachment 18). Unless expressly authorized by the County Mayor or the County Mayor’s designee, any entity NOT clearing the Due Diligence Investigation will NOT be recommended to the Board for funding.

• If during the application process or during the development of a contract, an entity associated with the project has been convicted of a criminal act (in connection with any County program), PHCD has the discretion to rule the project as being ineligible and any funds awarded and/or expended shall be recaptured.

• Applicants that apply for more than 20% of the total funds available in any one category (i.e., Public Service, Economic Development, Public Service-Technical Assistance to Small Businesses, or Housing) will not be recommended for funding unless there are no other viable options, as determined by the County’s sole discretion, and to ensure geographic coverage throughout Miami-Dade County.

• Applications will be fully funded until available funds are exhausted.

• Only activities listed under “FY 2021 Available Funding” will be eligible for funding recommendations.

• All projects or activities awarded funds that fail to complete the activity in a timely manner shall be subject to recapture of funds and/or contract termination. Timely completion is defined as one year with the exception of projects including construction which could allow up to two years to completion.

• If the project has been underwritten by an entity qualified to perform underwriting and subsidy layering analysis, has received a favorable funding recommendation based on a prior allocation of PHCD funding to the project, has had a loan closing for all committed funding sources, and is under construction, the project is not eligible to receive funding under this RFA.

• Applicants must score a minimum of 70 points, inclusive of bonus points to be recommended for funding. If a tiebreaker is needed during scoring to determine project ranking, the first tiebreaker will include reviewing the entire the general section, with the higher score ranking higher. A second tiebreaker will include reviewing the vulnerability ranking of eligible block groups part of the general section, with the higher score ranking higher. If a third tiebreaker is needed, those projects in all categories that can show more leveraging, i.e., projects that match with non-County funds and require less total County funding per unit/activity, will be ranked higher. Note: applicants that score 70 or above are not automatically guaranteed to be funded. Funding will be awarded as long as funding is available.

ALL INFORMATION IS REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR AWARD

 All applicants must upload all required attachments referenced below. Uploads of links or Drop Box will not be accepted. The application may be obtained at the following Link: http://www.miamidade.gov/global/housing/requests.page

IF THE REQUESTED WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION IS NOT PROVIDED IN THE DOCUMENTS TAB, THE QUESTION WILL BE SCORED AS A NO. FOR EXAMPLE, FOR ANY QUESTION THAT STATES, BY-LAWS ARE AN ACCEPTABLE SOURCE OF DOCUMENTATION, YOU ONLY NEED TO SUPPLY ONE SET OF BY-LAWS WITH EACH QUESTION. HOWEVER THE BY-LAWS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE DOCUMENTS TAB.

A DOCUMENT MUST BE UPLOADED TO RESPOND TO ALL 61 DOCUMENT REQUESTS BELOW. FOR DOCUMENTS REQUESTED THAT ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THE CATEGORY THAT YOU ARE APPLYING FOR, YOU MUST UPLOAD AN ATTACHMENT THAT STATES 'NOT APPLICABLE'. 

Quarterly reports are required for all federally funded subrecipient agreements regardless of whether an activity took place. Information obtained in the reports will be used to evaluate a subrecipient’s progress in meeting federal program requirements and contractual obligations. Client Intake Forms-Federally funded Community Development Block Program (CDBG) participants must disclose statistical information in order to participate. The information is necessary for federal reporting purposes. (Supporting documentation must be attached for each intake)