Subject:
Title
Approval, Re: Competitive Solicitations for Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds
End
Fiscal Impact:
There is no impact to the General Fund. $2,124,588 in Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) related funds have been allocated to Brevard County. This action relates to unobligated and de-obligated funds.
Dept/Office:
Housing and Human Services
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners:
1. approve the Housing and Human Services Department’s proposal to expend CDBG-CV unobligated and de-obligated funds for public service commodities / equipment per CDBG-CV rules and regulations;
2. authorize Purchasing Services to issue and award competitive solicitations;
3. authorize the Housing and Human Services Department Director to take all actions necessary for final disposition of commodities / equipment (such as acting as signatory on any required asset transfer documents and coordination with other entities); and,
4. authorize the County Manager to execute all necessary budget change requests.
End
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 an additional $5 billion in funding under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program specifically to ameliorate impacts from the coronavirus. Brevard County was allocated $2,124,588 in Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds were provided in two tranches and Substantial Amendments identifying approved uses were approved by the Board of County Commissioners (Board) on May 5, 2020 and July 20, 2021.
Subsequently, the Housing and Human Services Department (Department) completed two Request for Proposal (RFP) processes in accordance with Board Direction. There is approximately $124,500 in funds that have not been obligated and several agency’s agreements are nearing their end date and it is anticipated that some will not expend all awarded funds (de-obligation amount will be dependent upon final agency reconciliations).
CDBG-CV rules require the funds to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19). These restrictions limit the types of commodities / equipment that can be solicited. Initial procurements will focus on items that can be used to support Special Needs Shelters and Homeless Shelters. The Department has coordinated with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to confirm eligibility under CDBG-CV rules and regulations.
If funding remains after the initial procurements, the Department will continue to work with Purchasing Services, other County Departments, outside agencies, and HUD to identify additional commodities / equipment for competitive solicitation before the expenditure deadline for CDBG-CV as unspent funds can be swept back by HUD.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
None