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Fiscal Year 2023 Indian Housing Block Competitive Grant Program NOFO.

 

The IHBG program is authorized under Title I of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996, as amended, (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.) (NAHASDA). Under the program, eligible Indian tribes, and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) receive grants to carry out a range of affordable housing activities. Grant funds may be used to develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing in safe and healthy environments on Indian reservations and in other Indian areas and carry out other affordable housing activities. Grant funds must be used to benefit low-income Indian families, except under some circumstances as provided in section 201(b) of NAHASDA.

 

In the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023 (Public Law 117-328), (Appropriations Act) approved December 29, 2022, Congress provided a total of $150,000,000 for competitive grants to eligible IHBG recipients authorized under NAHASDA in addition to formula-based funding. This NOFO describes the criteria that HUD will use to award IHBG Competitive grants, and outlines program requirements.

 

In January 2017, HUD released a study entitled, “Housing Needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives in Tribal Areas: A Report from the Assessment of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Housing Needs.” Among the findings, the study found that conditions for tribal households are substantially worse than other U.S. households, with overcrowding in tribal areas being especially severe. The study noted that in the 2013-2015 period alone, 68,000 new units would have been necessary to help eliminate overcrowding and replace physically deteriorating units. Additional information is available at: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr-edge-research-022117.html.

 

The Department recognizes that this additional IHBG funding provides an opportunity to fund strong and viable affordable housing projects in Indian Country. These projects could begin to address the concerns identified in the study.

 

In accordance with the Appropriations Act, HUD will give priority to projects that spur construction and rehabilitation of housing, while considering housing need and the recipient's administrative capacity. HUD strongly encourages new affordable housing construction projects that will increase the number of housing units available for low-income Indian families and help address the housing shortage in Indian Country. Additionally, HUD encourages housing rehabilitation projects that will increase the useful life of existing affordable housing units and alleviate substandard housing conditions. HUD also encourages the acquisition of existing housing units that increases housing stock and necessary affordable housing-related infrastructure projects that will enable future construction or rehabilitation.

 

Finally, Indian tribes and TDHEs that are applying for funding under this NOFO are encouraged to propose projects that are part of a comprehensive plan to address housing conditions in their communities, including overcrowding, physically deteriorating units, and housing that is inaccessible for individuals with disabilities as appropriate. Applicants should also engage in long-term planning and ensure that the project being proposed is part of a holistic plan that considers planned future infrastructure development, economic development opportunities, and more.

 

All applications received through this NOFO that pass initial application screening and threshold review will be rated. Funds will be awarded in rank order based on the score received on the application submitted under this NOFO.  HUD reserves the right to issue a supplemental or independent NOFO if necessary (e.g., to ensure that all appropriated funds are awarded). Grantees must comply with the requirements of NAHASDA and 24 CFR part 1000.

 

The Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) within HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing will administer this program.

 

Funding of approximately $150,874,000 is available through this NOFO. HUD expects to make approximately 25 awards from the funds available under this NOFA.

 

Preference Points: This NOFO offers Climate Change-2pts and Promise Zones-2pts

 

Program Office: Office of Public and Indian Housing

Funding Opportunity Title: FY2023 Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) - Competitive Grant Program                        

Assistance Listing  Number: 14.867

FAIN (FR) Number:  FR-6700-N-48

OMB Approval Numbers: 2577-0218

Estimated Opening Date: January 17, 2024

Estimated Deadline Date: April 19, 2024

 

Agency Contact:  Questions regarding specific program requirements for this NOFO should be directed to IHBGCompetitiveProgram@hud.gov . Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who have speech and other communication disabilities may use a relay service to reach the agency contact. To learn more about how to make an accessible telephone call, visit the webpage for the Federal Communications Commission. Note that HUD staff cannot assist applicants in preparing their applications.

 

NOFO