Neighborhood Transformation Grants FAQS and Public Hearing

Scroll down this page to find a recording of the March 22 Public Hearing for Neighborhood Transformation Grants, the public hearing slides, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Click here to view the PDF slides from the CDA Public Hearing Q&A Neighborhood Transformation Grants March 22, 2023.

Click here to view the PDF slides from the CD Neighborhood Transformation Grants: Respondent Workshop - Compliance Requirements & Best Practices May 1, 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Neighborhood Transformation Grants NOFA - Questions and Answers / FAQs
City of St. Louis - Community Development Administration (CDA)

Questions and Answers Received as of April 14, 2023 
Originally Posted: April 20, 2023
Updated: April 20, 2023
Contact: Community Development Administration (CDA) | 314-657-3830
1520 Market, Suite 2000 St. Louis, MO 63103 | CDDNOFA@stlouis-mo.gov

Table of Contents (click to go to section on page)

General/Application Questions

  1. What is the minimum and maximum grant award amount for each category?
    Projects will be approved based on their merit and the NOFA criteria. There is no minimum or maximum award, but CDA anticipates awarding grants to projects that range from $100,000 - $2,500,000. Note: Awards over $750,000 will require a Single Federal Audit. Awards over $1,000,000 will require a Written Capital Expenditure Justification. Details for each of these requirements can be found in the NOFA under Section XVII: Miscellaneous Terms and Conditions Applicable to Funding.
     
  2. What if my proposal is not ready by the May 15, 2023 deadline?
    No extensions to the deadline will be granted. Future CDA funding opportunities in 2023 include:
  3. In the NOFA there are multiple references to a "completed application". Besides all of the individual and supporting documents, is there an actual application form that needs to be filled out? 
    The completed application is made up of the various forms (i.e. cover page on appendix 7) and the information requested in Section VIII of the NOFA, as well as in the required information component sections XI-XIV.
     
  4. Are the forms in the PDF NOFA fillable?
    The majority of the NOFA is not in a fillable format.  However, the PDF can be opened in Adobe Acrobat and completed using the fill and sign feature.
  5. Are paper copies of the application are required (plus electronic versions of the excel-based CDA Application if applicable), or is a completely electronic application acceptable? If all electronic, is the expectation to have individual files for each "tab"? Is PDF only format acceptable (as opposed to PDF AND Word as stated on page 7)? Some of the information will not be available in word. 
    Yes, all-electronic submissions are preferred in PDF format. A typo requesting submissions in Microsoft Word format has been corrected. 
     
  6. Can you help reconcile this list of "required information" on page 19 with the list of "required proposal contents" on page 10? In terms of organization, is the "required information" all intended to go under Tab A "Fully Complete CDA Neighborhood NOFA Application"? 
    All applications must include the information set forth in Section VIII. In addition, each of the four eligible uses require additional information set forth in Sections XI-XIV.
     
  7. It is possible to receive partial points?
    Yes. Partial points are possible.
     
  8. Can insurance be paid for out of grant funds from this NOFA?
    Yes, insurance is an eligible reimbursable expense.
     
  9. Is insurance required for sub-recipients? 
    Yes, insurance is required for sub-recipients. 
     
  10. Is there an administrative fee cap?
     No, SLFRF does not cap eligible administrative fees, however, excessive administrative fees may have a negative impact on your evaluation. 
     
  11. Are salaries an eligible use within the various eligible use categories?
    Yes, provided the percentage charge is equal to the percentage of time spent on the given eligible use. Accurate timesheets reflecting hours spent are required throughout the life of the grant.
     
  12. Are overhead costs eligible? 
    The federal 10% de minimis rate for indirect costs applies unless there is a pre-negotiated rate with the federal government (if this is the case please attach.) 
     
  13. If a respondent applies for funding for a project to fill a gap within a larger project, is that award transferable to another entity who may be a sub-developer? 
    ARPA awards are not transferable. Any entity desiring to enter into an agreement with CDA for the administration of ARPA funds.

    If a respondent applies for funding for a project to fill a gap within a larger project which meets an eligible use criteria, the project may be awarded.  However, awards are not transferable and each entity receiving ARPA funds from CDA would need to apply independently. Entity awarded funds may then competitively procure sub-contractors to enter agreements into

Eligible Applicants and Uses

  1. ARPA funds allow creative proposals via the Neighborhood Transformation Grants NOFA while HUD funds have restricted eligible uses. What creative ways can Neighborhood Transformation Grants be used?
    There are enumerated uses and there are other uses CDA will evaluate. Enumerated uses include projects related to health, education, food access, affordable housing, vacancy, etc. If a project is not enumerated, CDA will require a write-up of the justification to evaluate and - if necessary - share with the United States Department of the Treasury. CDA is eager to work with groups on creative projects. See Appendix 12 for SLFRF resources about eligible uses.
     
  2. Can the same organization be a partner on multiple applications?
    Yes, an organization may be included in multiple applications.
     
  3. Are only nonprofits able to apply? Also, are start-ups welcome or would the business have to have been established? 
    No, for profits are eligible to apply for eligible uses #1 For Sale Housing and Preservation and eligible use #3 Home Repair Services for Income Eligible Homebuyers. All businesses who meet the minimum qualifications may apply.
     
  4. Are only non-profits able to apply for Neighborhood Transformation Grants NOFA grants and do they have to be legally incorporated?
    No, for profit entities are also eligible to apply for certain eligible uses. Eligible applicants are: 
    • Affordable Housing Production & Preservation: Non-Profit Developers; Small For Profit Developers/Contractors (<$2M Annual Operating Revenue); Public Entities
    • Proactive Development of Community Assets: Non-Profits w/ Development Capacity
    • Home Repair: Construction Contractors; Non-Profit w/ Home Repair Administration Capacity
    • Neighborhood Beautification: Non-Profits w/ Beautification Capacity
    • Capacity Building Grants: Non-Profits w/ annual budget < $500K
    • Technical Assistance: Non-Profits w/ federal grants administration experience. 

      With the exception of construction contractors and housing developers, respondents must be incorporated non-profit institutions with development capacity: neighborhood associations, community development corporations (CDCs), CDA Certified Community-Based Development Organizations (CBDO), and non-profits engaged in development activities. Respondents focused on the same geography are encouraged to submit joint applications in order to present a comprehensive community-driven development plan for the target geography. Teams are strongly encouraged!
       
  5. For those applying as a team with a smaller for-profit company (that meets stated qualifications of less than $2M in annual revenue) and a larger for-profit company (that exceed those limits), is it acceptable to list the larger company as the implementation lead? The team is designed to help build local MBE-WBE and the larger firm has the direct experience with administering federal funds. 
    No. All team applicants must meet the eligibility criteria set forth in the NOFA. However, teams may partner with ineligible entities, who may provide a letter of commitment or support. 
     
  6. Are political subdivisions like districts Special Business Districts, Transportation Development Districts, Community Improvement Districts eligible to apply?
    Those respondents who meet the criteria listed in the NOFA are eligible to apply. 
     
  7. Can an individual apply for Neighborhood Transformation Grants NOFA funding? 
    Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria set forth the NOFA (non-profit institutions with development capacity; qualified construction contractors and housing developers) may apply. 
     
  8. Can a non-profit not in a QCT apply for a project located in QCT?
    Project proposals must be located in QCT/Economic Justice Index Priority areas defined by the NOFA. However, an applicant’s physical address may be located outside of the priority areas.
     
  9. Are faith-based institutions (i.e.: churches, temples, and mosques) eligible to apply?
    Faith based institutions incorporated as a non-profit May apply for eligible uses as defined in the NOFA.  Faith-based organizations may not use direct government support to support "inherently religious" activities. Organizations cannot use any part of a direct Federal grant to fund religious worship, instruction, or proselytization. Organizations may use government money only to support the non-religious social services that they provide. Best practices recommend that faith-based organizations receiving direct governmental funds should take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the government-funded services that they offer.

     
  10. Can you please provide or clarify the use of the term “team?” For example, if an application has a primary applicant with additional partners providing supportive services via contractual agreements - specifically on organization providing technical assistance to a smaller entity, would they be considered a team? Or would the team only organizations who are the primary applicants?
    Teams are coalitions of applicants and partners serving the same target geography. Applicants are entities proposing to administer an ARPA funded project, and therefore must fill out the full application. Partners are entities or individuals supporting the ARPA funded project, but who do not anticipate administering ARPA funds - they are required to provide a letter of support/commitment.
     
  11. Relative to the question above, (which is dependent on the definition of "team"), each organization must attach individualized applications. For those applying under the category of neighborhood beautification and capacity building, are we correct that they are only required to complete and sign tab one of the application and proforma linked in the NOFA document and not the other documents (conflict of interest form, living wage assertions, etc.)? 
    With respect to entities applying for capacity building funds for providing technical assistance to smaller entities on the team, they may apply as members of the team. However, if they are applying to provide such technical assistance services city wide and wish to only submit a single application, they should apply separately. If such an entity wishes to apply to support multiple teams across the city, they may either submit a single separate application, or multiple applications detailing the services they propose to provide to each team. Additionally:
    • Any applicant receiving federal funding needs to submit a full application.
    • Anyone receiving federal funds needs to provide a current UEI from sam.gov.
  12. More information on team terminology:
    • Applicant = Respondent
      - These are entities applying for an award of ARPA funds from CDA
      - All fiscal agents and or implementation leads must be eligible to apply under the terms of the NOFA and fill out a full application
      - Fiscal agents will typically also serve as the implementation lead - however, some eligible and interested applicants may not have the fiscal capacity to apply, in which case they may work apply as a team with an eligible fiscal agent
    •  Partners
      - Entities which support the proposal but are not eligible or prepared to administer federal funds (i.e. contractors who have the capacity to respond to an RFP) may provide letters of support or commitment.  
  13. What if an organization’s City taxes aren’t paid at the time of submission but will be paid?
    Entities that are not current on City income and/or property taxes are ineligible for funding. 

Home Repair

  1. What projects are included in Home Repair?
    Minor Home Repair includes: 
    - Minor carpentry, electrical, and plumbing
    - Safety and security installations
    - Energy and weatherization services
    - Mold remediation services, etc. 

    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility includes:
    - Installation of wheelchair ramps and/or wheelchair lift
    - Installation of properly sized toilets
    - Grab bars and shower modifications
    - Widening of doorways to allow for wheelchair use
    - Lowering of sinks and light switches, etc.

    Major Home Repair includes:
    - Roof Replacement
    - Collapsed Sewer Lateral or Water Lines
    - HVAC & Electrical Panel Replacement
    - Window Replacement, etc.
    - Tree trimming or removal

    See the definitions page of the NOFA. 
     
  2. Who should apply for Home Repair funding?
    There are two application tracks: Construction Contractors & Non-Profit Subrecipients.
    • Contractors will help CDA address properties on its existing home repair waitlist.
    • Non-Profit Subrecipients may conduct their own intake and establish a new list. Repairs may be conducted by organizational staff or procured contractors. 
       
  3. Do home repair applications need to be submitted with specific addresses?
    No. Contractors will be assigned properties off of CDA’s waitlist. Non-Profit Subrecipients applicants (conducting their own intake) should identify their target geography and their target number of home repairs per year. 
     
  4. What homes can be repaired?
    The three essential eligibility requirements for homes to be repaired are as follows:
  5. How many home repair projects can be submitted in one application?
    There is no limit to the number of projects proposed, but applications should detail crew capacity, repair experience, and maximum guaranteed price.
     

Housing Production

  1. Do I need to submit architects' drawings and documents with my proposal?
    No, but note that projects will be evaluated on: hard cost per square foot, the inclusion of fully ADA-compliant units, green/sustainability certifications, including 3+ bedroom units for larger families, etc. So some degree of project design should be included. 
     
  2. Can for-profit developers apply?
    Absolutely, those with less than $2M in annual revenue can apply for housing. For-profit contractors of any size can apply for home repair.
     
  3. What is the maximum award? 
    Bonus evaluation points will be awarded for minor and moderate rehab (<$100K/unit) and multiple projects can be awarded. Awards are anticipated to range from $100,000 - $2,500,000. 
     
  4. What number of units is preferred for a project?
    There is not a preferred number of units, but bonus evaluation points will be awarded for: minor and moderate rehab (<$100K/unit), rehabbing vacant buildings (public or privately owned), and developing CDA or LRA owned property (see map and list of address in NOFA). And rental projects in units with 3 or more bedrooms.
     
  5. Are Neighborhood Transformation Grants for starting housing projects or filling gaps in housing project financing?
    CDA will prioritize funding gaps to make sure the funds are spent in a timely manner. But if feasible, this NOFA can and will fund new housing projects.
     
  6. Can the CDA support the development of housing as diverse as our city? The City should consider subsidizing a diverse range of housing, ranging from permanent supportive housing to affordable rental housing; from scattered site residential infill to large mixed income, mixed use developments; from tiny homes to manufactured housing; from senior housing to women’s safe houses.
    Predevelopment is intended to fund site acquisition, remediation, and other associated predevelopment costs for construction. Affordable Housing production funds may also be used to fund predevelopment activity,
     
  7. How should developers demonstrate that they meet the qualification requirements of less than $2M in annual revenue?
    Provide an income statement and share operating budget.
     
  8. Can staff positions be funded with Housing Production or Predevelopment Funds?
    Yes. Staff positions should be listed please list in tab 2 of the Proforma for predevelopment cost under other.  
     
  9. For Housing Production, is mixed-income acceptable or do projects need to be 100% affordable to 50% AMI and below?
    Mixed income is acceptable, however the total award will be capped at the fraction that is affordable.
     
  10. For those applying as a team with a smaller for-profit company (that meets stated qualifications of less than $2M in annual revenue) and a larger for-profit company (that exceed those limits), is it acceptable to list the larger company as the implementation lead? The team is designed to help build local MBE-WBE and the larger firm has the direct experience with administering federal funds. 
    No. All team applicants must meet the eligibility criteria set forth in the NOFA. Teams may partner with ineligible entities, who may provide a letter of commitment or support. 
     
  11. How should developers demonstrate that they meet the qualification requirements of less than $2M in annual revenue?
    Provide an income statement and share operating budget.
     
  12. In Section XI; 2,b; 1(b): “Tenants must be given a 30-day right to cure notice and a 30-day period to cure any financial issues that give rise to potential eviction proceedings.” To clarify can these 30 day periods run concurrently or is it effectively a 60 day period in total? 
    The periods run concurrently: 30 days total.
     
  13. In Section XI; 2,b; 1(b): “Whenever the owner initiates eviction proceedings or proposes to terminate the tenancy of a resident, the owner must provide written notice of available financial and legal resources to the tenant in advance of initiating proceedings.” Is this referring to a third-party mediation service? Are there specific financial and/or legal resources you're referring to? 
    The landlord must refer the tenant to reputable and established organizations such as Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council (EHOC) (https://ehocstl.org/evictions/) or a comparable reputable organizations. 
     
  14. What is the definition of a "third-party security deposit company?" 
    Third Party Deposits means any cash held by a third-party as security against unpaid rent or for damage to any premises leased by the Grantor, for so long as such cash is being held by such third-party for unpaid rent or damage to any premises leased by the Grantor.
     
  15. What is an example of a "rent-setting algorithm or software?" For context, rents are most often determined by market studies prepared by third party professionals that may use these tools to inform owners. Would the use of a market study prepared using these tools be prohibited under this policy?
    Section XI; 2,b; 3(e) of the NOFA states “landlord shall not rely on rent-setting algorithms or software to inform rental rates.” Rent-setting algorithms and software, such as RealPage, use aggregated market data to set rents for landlords and have recently come under nationwide legal and regulatory scrutiny. Relying on this type of software for rent-setting is prohibited. 
     
  16.  Section XI; 2,b; 3(i): How will the limit be determined and how may it adjust over time through the 20-year restriction period? 
    The limit for will be set based on best practices and indexed to inflation.
     
  17. Section XVII.K Quarterly Public Forums: What is the agenda the City is hoping to see owners utilize for these forums and are they required to take place through the 20 year life of the restrictive covenant? 
    The purpose of the forum is to promote accountability and to ensure community members have an opportunity to raise concerns about the project. No, they are required to take place until the construction project is complete 
     

Proactive Development

  1. What is “proactive development?”
    Proactive development is site acquisition and predevelopment activities (I.e. architectural/design, environmental remediation, etc.) for a proposed project that meets a community need. Educational and health facilities, green spaces, affordable housing, and projects that promote food access are presumptively eligible. Other projects that meet community needs may be determined to be eligible on a case-by-case basis.
     
  2. Is only city-owned land qualified for proactive development? 
    No, but bonus points are awarded for projects on city-owned property that is vacant or blighted.
     
  3. With a project under Proactive Development, do the applicants have to have site control unless it is an LRA property. Is that correct? 
    For Proactive Development of Community Assets, you must have site control or demonstrate a plan for site control within the application.
     
  4. If a Proactive Development project does not yet know what neighborhood it will be in can you still apply or do you have to know the neighborhood in which the project will be located? For example, a proposed emergency homeless shelter has not determined an exact location of the project by the application deadline. 
    For Proactive Development of Community Assets, you must have site control or demonstrate a plan for site control within the application. The application is evaluated based on geographic location, and identification of the neighborhood would be an essential part of the application. 

     

Beautification

  1. Can a project on private property that is not vacant be funded - for example a homeowner hosts a community garden on their property and improvements are requested?
    Redeveloped vacant lots should be in alignment with the City of St. Louis’ Vacancy to Vibrancy Toolkit: clean & green, nature-scaping, butterfly garden, rain garden, urban orchard & produce garden, playscape, gathering space, public art, athletic fields. The owner must provide permission for the proposal. Note: bonus points will be awarded for projects improving city-owned vacant property.

    Properties must be located within the eligible geography. Properties may be public or privately owned. If applying to rehab or build on private property, respondents must have site control, an option, or other evidence of anticipated future site control. Organizations who wish to beautify private lots under this grant will need consent of the owner, and/or a detailed and feasible plan to secure site control.
     
  2. Can a street project be funded on non-LRA City property - for example decorative traffic circles and other traffic calming?
    No, there are other City of St. Louis funding sources for traffic calming. Some street adjacent projects may qualify under beautification such lighting, signage, or landscaping. 
     
  3. For Neighborhood Beautification, can we partner with a for profit company for contractual services?
    Yes, you can partner contractually with a for profit company for contractual services. Any services exceeding $9,999.99 are subject to the CDA procurement process. Relevant contractors may provide a letter of support for services that outlines their willingness and ability to respond to request for proposals issued once contract has been executed.
     
  4. What is the definition of "public sector staff?"
    Public sector means that you work for the government of the United States, a state, the District of Columbia, a territory or possession of the United States, a city, a municipality, a township, a county, a parish, or a similar government.
     
  5. Can Neighborhood Beautification and Capacity Building proposals be placed in a single narrative or should they be two separate documents?
    Proposals for Capacity Building and Neighborhood Beautification should be in separate documents/narratives.
     

Capacity Building

  1. What is "Capacity Building?"
    There are two types of capacity building, as referenced in the NOFA. Examples of capacity building are hiring staff to support the implementation of the proposed work program, professional services to support the implementation of a program, as well as technical assistance and back office support (accounting, legal services, counseling, or in-kind assistance). Applications for capacity building can be submitted in conjunction and supporting other project proposals for this NOFA.
     

Geography and Land Use

  1. For LRA Properties, do respondents need to have control of the LRA Property in order to include it as part of the application?
    No. LRA just released a new application process for properties. CDA will work with LRA to expedite the sale process for those properties that are selected to receive funding through this NOFA.
     
  2. If a project does not yet know what neighborhood it will be in, should an the project apply? For example, a proposed emergency homeless shelter has not determined an exact location.
    For Proactive Development of Community Assets, you must have site control or demonstrate a plan for site control within the application. The application is evaluated based on geographic location and identification of the neighborhood would be an essential part of the application. Consider applying with a compelling plan and probable neighborhoods for the emergency shelter. Ultimately, your organization will have to decide to apply or not to apply. 

Reporting and Compliance

  1. Will CDA have the capacity for programmatic reports?
    Yes. We are hiring more monitors and grants compliance staff as well as working with the Comptroller’s office to improve processes.
     

Return to top of page.

Was this page helpful?      



Comments are helpful!
500 character limit

Feedback is anonymous.