Subject:
Title
Staff Direction, Re: Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Request for Proposal
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Fiscal Impact:
FY 20-21: No impact to the General Fund.
Dept/Office:
Housing and Human Services Department
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners (1) review, discuss, and direct staff regarding the Public Service Activity Priorities for a Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Request for Proposal; (2) approve Public Service Activity Priorities; (3) authorize the Housing and Human Services Department to conduct a Request for Proposal (RFP) process; (4) authorize the Community Development Block Grant Citizens Advisory Committee as the selection committee to provide funding recommendations; (5) authorize the County Manager or his designee to sign contractual agreements, modifications, and amendments for recommended services upon approval of the County Attorney and Risk Management; and, (6) authorize the County Manager to execute all necessary budget change requests.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. Among its provisions was additional $5 billion in funding through the United Stated Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD has allocated funding to local jurisdictions in phases through Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV). Unlike the CARES Act funds that were directly allocated to the County, the CDBG-CV funds do not expire on December 30, 2020.
Per HUD regulations, a Substantial Amendment to the County’s Consolidated Action Plan was approved by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to utilize an initial allocation of CDBG-CV funds for Public Service Activities (PSA). PSAs utilize HUD funds to provide services directly to residents of Brevard County. This action would allow for the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP), utilizing up to $630,360.40, for not-for-profit agencies to submit applications for services to address priorities approved by the BOCC. Beneficiaries of services through PSAs would be required to meet HUD rules regarding income, which is currently limited to those at or below 80% of area median income ($55,350 for a family of four) and have an impact related to coronavirus (COVID-19).
In order to comply with HUD guidance regarding Duplication of Benefits, staff has compiled a list of proposed Priority Areas which appear to be underserved through other coronavirus (COVID-19) related funding:
• Health Services - for example: co-pays, prescriptions, etc.
• Community Nutrition Program - for example: continuing existing food/nutrition programs after December 30, 2020 CARES Act funds expire, etc.
• Education Services - for example: tutoring, addressing the digital divide, etc.
• Substance Abuse Services - for example: Medication Assisted Treatment, outpatient counseling, etc.
• Childcare Service - for example: subsidizing child care so parent(s) can work, PPEs, cleaning supplies for a provider, etc.
• Other Priority Area(s) identified by the BOCC.
Brevard County has received a second allocation of CDBG-CV funds ($1,276,560) from HUD. The Housing and Human Services Department (HHS) will be preparing another Substantial Amendment (including providing a public comment period) to incorporate the additional funds into the Consolidated Annual Plan. HHS will seek BOCC direction regarding these funds during a future Public Hearing.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
None