HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 2003-R0215 - Funding Contract For The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program - 05_22_2003Resolution No. 2003—RO215
May 22, 2003
Item No. 68
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LUBBOCK:
THAT the Mayor of the City of Lubbock BE and is hereby authorized and
directed to execute for and on behalf of the City of Lubbock, a Funding Contract, by and
between the City of Lubbock and The Texas Department of Housing and Community
Affairs for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program and all related documents.
Said Funding Contract is attached hereto and incorporated in this resolution as if fully set
forth herein and shall be included in the minutes of the City Council.
Passed by the City Council this 22nd day of May z , 2003.
McDOUGAL. MAYOR
ATTEST:
Rebecca Garza, City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
Todd Steelman
Interim Community Development Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
gs/ccdocs/Con
April 29, 2003
Resolution No. 2003-RO215
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
CONTRACT NO. 582048 FOR THE
COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
SECTION 1. PARTIES TO THE CONTRACT
This contract is made by and between the Texas Department of Housing
and Community Affairs, an agency of the State of Texas (the
"Department") and CITY OF LUBBOCK
(the "Contractor").
SECTION 2. CONTRACT PERIOD
The period for performance of this contract, unless earlier terminated,
is June 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003.
SECTION 3. CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE
Contractor shall, on an equitable basis throughout its service area,
operate a Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program, (the "CEAP"), in
accordance with the terms of this contract and all applicable state and
federal regulations. Contractor shall assist low-income persons,
particularly the elderly and persons with disabilities and households
with young children under 6 years of age and under in relation to the
current census demographics for age, income, and ethnicity for
Contractor's service area. Contractor shall implement CEAP in
accordance with the Low -Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 8621 et seq. (the "LIHEAP Act" Public Law 97-
35), the LIHEAP State Plan and the LIHEAP Intended Use Report.
Services shall include Case Management, Energy Crisis, Co -Payment,
Elderly and Disabled Assistance, and Heating/Cooling Systems assistance
as further specified in the Budget ("Attachment A"), and the Allowable
Activities Document ("Attachment B").
SECTION 4. DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
A. In consideration of Contractor's satisfactory performance of this
contract, Department shall reimburse Contractor for the actual
allowable costs incurred by Contractor in the amount specified in
Attachment A of this contract.
B. Any decision to obligate additional funds or deobligate funds shall
be made by Department based upon factors, including but not limited
to; the status of funding under grants to Department, the rate of
Contractor's utilization of funds under this or previous contracts,
the existence of questioned or disallowed costs under this or other
contracts between the parties, and Contractor's overall compliance
with the terms of this contract.
C. Department's obligations under this contract are contingent upon
the actual receipt of funds from the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services and the State of Texas. Department acknowledges
that it has received obligations from those sources, which, if
paid, will be sufficient to pay the allowable costs incurred by
Contractor under this contract.
D. Department is not liable for any cost incurred by Contractor which:
(1) is subject to reimbursement by a source other than
CEAP/LIHEAP;
(2) is for performance of services or activities not authorized by
the LIHEAP Act, or which is not in accordance with the terms
of this contract;
(3) is not reported to Department on a Monthly
Funding/Financial/Performance Report within sixty (60) days
following the termination of the Allocation Period; or,
(4) is not incurred during the Allocation Period.
SECTION 5. METHOD OF PAYMENT/CASH BALANCES
A. Each month, Contractor may request an advance payment by
electronically submitting to Department at its offices in Austin,
Travis County, Texas, no later than the fifteenth (15th) day of the
month prior to the month for which advance payment is sought, a
properly completed Funding Report for an amount not to exceed
Contractor's actual cash needs for the month for which such advance
is sought.
B. Contractor's requests for advances shall be limited to the minimum
amount needed and be timed to be in accordance with actual
immediate cash requirements of the Contractor in carrying out the
purpose of this contract. The timing and amount of cash advances
shall be as close as administratively feasible to the actual
disbursement by the Contractor for direct program costs and the
proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs. Contractor
shall establish procedures to minimize the time elapsing between
the transfer of funds from Department to Contractor and the
disbursal of such funds by Contractor.
C. Notwithstanding Subsection 5(A), Department reserves the right to
utilize a cost reimbursement method of payment if (1) Contractor
maintains excessive cash balances or requests advance payments in
excess of thirty (30) days need; (2) Department identifies any
deficiency in the internal controls or financial management system
used by Contractor; (3) Contractor violates any of the terms of
this contract; or (4) Department's funding sources require the use
of a cost reimbursement method of payment.
D. Contractor shall refund, within fifteen (15) days of Department's
request, any sum of money paid to Contractor by Department which
Department determines (1) has resulted in an overpayment to
Contractor or (2) has not been spent strictly in accordance with
terms of this contract. Department may offset or withhold any
amounts otherwise owed to Contractor under this contract against
any amount owed by Contractor to Department arising under this or
any other contract between the parties.
E. All funds paid to Contractor under this contract are paid in trust
for the exclusive benefit of the eligible recipients of the
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program and for allowable
administrative, direct services support, case management, direct
services, and training/travel expenditures.
SECTION 6. COST PRINCIPLES AND ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
Except as expressly modified by law or the terms of this contract,
Contractor shall comply with the cost principles and uniform
administrative requirements set forth in the Uniform Grant and Contract
Management Standards 1 T.A.C.Sec.5.141 et seq. (the "Uniform Grant
Management Standards") provided, however, that all references therein
to "local government" shall be construed to mean Contractor. Uniform
cost principles for local governments are set forth in OMB Circular No.
87, and for non -profits in OMB circular No. 122. Uniform administrative
requirements for local governments are set forth in OMB Circular No.
102, and for non -profits in OMB Circular No. 110.
SECTION 7. USE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
None of the funds provided under this contract shall be used for the
payment of salaries to any employee who uses alcoholic beverages while
on active duty. No funds provided under this contract for travel
expenses shall be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
SECTION 8. ALLOWABLE ADMINISTRATIVE, CASE MANAGEMENT AND DIRECT
SERVICES SUPPORT EXPENDITURES
A. Administrative, Case Management, and Direct Services Support costs
incurred by Contractor in carrying out this contract shall be
allowable up to the maximum percentage, as specified in Attachment
A of this contract, of the total allowable contract expenditures,
excluding travel costs for training, within the Allocation Period.
Case Management costs incurred by Contractor in carrying out this
contract shall be allowable up to the maximum percentage, as
specified in Attachment A of this contract, of the total allowable
contract expenditures, excluding travel costs for training, within
the Allocation Period.
B. Administrative and Case Management funds are earned and
expenditures must be supported through allowable activities and
support documentation, as specified in Attachment B Allowable
Activities Document. Contractor may choose to use its
administration, case management, and direct services support
dollars for direct service categories; however, contractor is still
required to perform Case Management and Direct Service Support
activities.
C. Direct Services Support expenditures must be supported by
appropriate documentation and the allowable activities as specified
in Attachment B, Allowable Activities Document.
SECTION 9. TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION
A. Department may terminate this contract, in whole or in part, at any
time Department determines that there is cause for termination.
Cause for termination includes but is not limited to Contractor's
failure to comply with any term of this contract. Department shall
notify Contractor in writing at least fifteen (15) business days
before the date of termination.
B. Department may deobligate all or part of the funds provided under
this contract if Contractor has not expended at least 50% of the
funds within six months after the commencement of the Allocation
Period, or if the Contractor has not expended at least 70% of the
funds within nine months after commencement of the Allocation
Period. Contractor's failure to expend the funds provided under
this contract in a timely manner may also result in either the
termination of this contract or Contractor's ineligibility to
receive additional funding under the Comprehensive Energy
Assistance Program, or both.
C. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to limit Department's
authority to withhold payment and immediately suspend Contractor's
performance of this contract if Department identifies possible
instances of fraud, abuse, waste, fiscal mismanagement, or other
deficiencies in Contractor's performance. Suspension shall be a
temporary measure pending either corrective action by Contractor or
a decision by Department to terminate this contract.
D. Notwithstanding any exercise by Department of its right of
termination or suspension, Contractor shall not be relieved of any
liability to Department for damages by virtue of any breach of this
contract by Contractor. Department may withhold any payment due to
Contractor until such time as the exact amount of damages due to
Department is agreed upon or is otherwise determined.
E. Department shall not be liable for any costs incurred by Contractor
after termination or during suspension of this contract.
SECTION 10. CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS
Any change in the terms of this contract required by a change in
federal or state law or regulation is automatically incorporated herein
effective on the date designated by such law or regulation. Except as
otherwise specifically provided herein, any other change in the terms
of this contract shall be by amendment in writing and signed by both
parties to this contract or by a Letter of Notification (LON) signed by
Department.
SECTION 11. DEPARTMENT ISSUANCES
Department may issue policy directives which serve to establish
Contractor eligibility or interpret and clarify the terms of this
contract. Such policy directives shall be in the form of a policy
Issuance. An Issuance shall not alter the terms of this contract so as
to relieve Department of any obligation of reimbursement of an
allowable cost incurred by Contractor prior to the effective date of
the Issuance. All Issuances promulgated by Department, whether before
or after the execution of this contract, shall govern the performance
of this contract until specifically rescinded by Department.
SECTION 12. MONITORING
Department or its designee may conduct on and off -site monitoring and
evaluation of Contractor's compliance with the terms of this contract.
Department's monitoring may include a review of the efficiency,
economy, and effectiveness of Contractor's performance. Department
will notify Contractor in writing of any deficiencies noted during such
monitoring. Department may provide training and technical assistance
to Contractor in correcting the deficiencies noted. Department may
require corrective action to remedy deficiencies noted in Contractor's
accounting, personnel, procurement, and management procedures and
systems. Department may conduct follow-up visits to review the
previously noted deficiencies and to assess the Contractor's efforts
made to correct them. Department may terminate or suspend this
contract or invoke other remedies Department determines to be
appropriate in the event monitoring uncovers material deficiencies in
Contractor's"performance, or Contractor fails to correct any such
deficiency within a reasonable period of time. Department or its
designee may conduct an ongoing program evaluation throughout the
contract year.
SECTION 13. VENDOR AGREEMENTS
Contractor shall implement and maintain a vendor agreement for each of
Contractor's vendors that contains assurances as to fair billing
practices, delivery procedures, and pricing procedures for business
transactions involving CEAP recipients. All vendor agreements are
subject to monitoring procedures performed by TDHCA.
SECTION 14. RETENTION AND ACCESSIBILITY OF RECORDS
A. Contractor shall maintain financial and programmatic records, and
supporting documentation for all expenditures made under this
contract in accordance with the retention and custodial
requirements for records set forth in the Uniform Grant Management
Standards, Common Rule Sec.42.
B. Contractor shall maintain a client file system to document direct
services rendered. Each client file shall contain the following:
1. Client application containing all Department requirements;
2. Documentation/Verification of Client Income (on all household
members 18 years and older) or Statement of No Income
Statement (if applicable);
3. Declaration of Income Eligibility (when required);
4. Copy of Client's Utility Bill(s) when required by component;
5. Utility Consumption history when required by component;
6. Documentation of Payment (Documentation of payment may be
maintained in a separate file, but must be accessible at the
site where client files are maintained.);
7. Documentation of benefits determination (when required by
component);
8. Notice of Denial Form (if applicable);
9. Right of appeal and procedures (if applicable);
10. Any documentation required by Policy Issuances; and
11. Client service agreement (as required by component).
12. Case Notes sufficient to document Case Management activities
have occurred (when required by component);
C. Contractor shall maintain complete client files at all times.
Costs associated with incomplete files found at the time of program
monitoring may be disallowed. Client files reviewed at the time of
program monitoring found to be incomplete shall subject the costs
associated therewith to be disallowed.
D. Contractor shall give the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, the U.S. General Accounting Office, and Department, or
any of their duly authorized representatives, access to and the
right to examine and copy, on or off the premises of Contractor,
all records pertaining to this contract. Such right to access
shall continue as long as the records are retained by Contractor.
Contractor agrees to maintain such records for three years in an
accessible location and to cooperate with any examination conducted
pursuant to this Subsection. Contractor shall include the
substance of the Subsection in all subcontracts. Upon termination
of this contract, all records are property of the CEAP.
SECTION 15. PROCUREMENT STANDARDS
A. Contractor shall develop and implement procurement procedures,
which conform to the uniform administrative requirements in Section
6. Contractor shall not procure supplies, equipment, materials, or
services except in accordance with its procurement procedures and
in Policy Issuance #02-10.2. All procurement contracts, other than
"small purchases" as defined in Policy Issuance #02-10.2, shall be
in writing and shall contain the provisions required by Policy
Issuance #02-10.2.
B. Contractor shall ensure that its subcontractors comply with all
applicable terms of this contract as if the performance rendered by
the subcontractor was being rendered by Contractor. Contractor
shall inspect all subcontractors' work and shall be responsible for
ensuring that it is completed in a good and workmanlike manner.
SECTION 16. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
A. Contractor shall submit as directed by the Department, for
Department review and'approval, the Annual Service Delivery Plan
and Application. Funds will be withheld or this contract suspended
or terminated for contractor's failure to submit an Annual Service
Delivery Plan and Application, for failure to obtain approval of
the Service Delivery Plan, or for failure to implement the program
funded under this contract within 60 days of the effective date of
the contract.
B. Contractor shall electronically submit to Department no later than
fifteen (15) days after the end of each month of the Allocation
Period a Funding Report of all expenditure of funds and clients
served under this contract during the previous month.
C. Contractor shall submit to Department no later than sixty (60) days
after the end of the Allocation Period an inventory of all
vehicles, tools, and equipment with a unit acquisition cost of
$5,000 or more and a useful life of more than one year, if
purchased in whole or in part with funds received under this
contract or previous Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program
contracts. The inventory shall reflect the vehicles, tools, and
equipment on hand as of the last day of the Allocation Period.
Contractor acknowledges that all equipment and supplies purchased
with funds from the CEAP are the property of CEAP and as such stay
with the program.
D. Contractor shall electronically submit to Department no later than
sixty (60) days after the end of the Allocation Period a final
Funding Report of all expenditures of funds and clients served
under this contract. Failure of Contractor to provide a full
accounting of funds expended under this contract may result in the
termination of this contract and ineligibility to receive
additional funds.
E. If Contractor fails to submit, in a timely and satisfactory manner,
any report or response required by this contract, Department may
withhold any or all payments otherwise due or requested by
Contractor hereunder. Payments may be withheld until such time as
the delinquent report or response is received by Department. If
the delinquent report or response is not received within forty-five
(45) days of its due date, Department may suspend or terminate this
contract. If Contractor receives funds from Department over two or
more Allocation Periods, funds may be withheld or this contract
suspended or terminated for Contractor's failure to submit a past
due report or response (including a report of audit) from a prior
contract or Allocation Period.
SECTION 17. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
It is agreed that Department is contracting with Contractor as an
independent contractor. Contractor agrees to indemnify Department
against any disallowed costs or other claims, which may be asserted by
any third party in connection with the services to be performed under
this contract.
SECTION 18. SUBCONTRACTS
A. Contractor may not subcontract the performance of this contract
unless it receives Department's prior written approval. Contractor
shall submit to Department a signed copy of each such subcontract.
Department is in no way liable to Contractor's subcontractor(s).
B. Subcontractors shall comply with the terms of this contract to the
same extent as if the performance rendered by the subcontractor
were being rendered by Contractor. Subcontractors will be subject
to monitoring and investigation by Department.
SECTION 19. CONFLICT OF INTEREST/NEPOTISM
A. Contractor covenants that neither it nor any member of its
governing body presently has or shall acquire any interest, direct
or indirect, which would conflict in any manner with the
performance of this contract. No person having such interest shall
be employed by Contractor or appointed as a member of Contractor's
governing body.
B. Contractor agrees that it will comply with Tex. Gov't. Code Ann.
Ch. 573 by ensuring that no officer, employee, or member of the
governing body of Contractor shall vote or confirm the employment
of any person related within the second degree by affinity or third
degree by consanguinity to any member of the government body or to
any other officer or employee authorized to employ or supervise
such person.
C. Contractor shall ensure that no employee, officer, or agent of
Contractor participates in the selection, or in the award or
administration of a subcontract supported by funds provided
hereunder if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be
involved. Such a conflict of interest would arise when: (1) the
employee, officer, or agent; (2) any member of his or her immediate
family; (3) his or her partner; or (4) any organization which
employs or is about to employ, any of the above, has a financial or
other interest in the firm or person selected to perform the
subcontract.
D. Contractor's employees, officers, and agents shall neither solicit
nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from
subcontractors or potential subcontractors.
SECTION 20. NON-DISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, age, handicap, political affiliation or belief, be excluded
from participation in, be denied the benefits of, be subjected to
discrimination under, or be denied employment in the administration of
or in connection with any program or activity funded in whole or in
part with funds made available under this contract.
SECTION 21. LEGAL AUTHORITY
A. Contractor represents that it possesses the practical ability and
legal authority to enter into this contract, receive and manage the
funds authorized by this contract and to perform the services
Contractor has obligated itself to perform hereunder.
B. The person signing this contract on behalf of Contractor hereby
warrants that he/she has been duly authorized by Contractor to
execute this contract on behalf of Contractor and to bind
Contractor to the terms herein set forth.
C. Department shall have the right to suspend or terminate this
contract if there is a dispute as to the legal authority of either
Contractor or the person signing this contract to enter into this
contract or to render performances hereunder. Should such
suspension or termination occur, contractor is liable to Department
for any money it has received for performance of the provisions of
this contract.
SECTION 22. DEPARTMENT/CEAP TRAINING TRAVEL
A. In order to encourage attendance by CEAP staff at Department
approved training and/or technical assistance events, the
Department has added a travel fund to the contract budget. The
travel budget cannot be used as program dollars.
B. The travel funds are to be used only for Department approved
training events. Contractor shall adhere to either its own board -
approved travel policy or the State of Texas travel policies.
(Reference Policy Issuance #95-16.3).
C. From time to time, the Department may choose to add additional
funds to this category for other required travel.
SECTION 23. AUDIT
A. Contractor shall arrange for the performance of an annual financial
and compliance audit of funds received and performances rendered
under this contract, subject to the following conditions and
limitations:
1. Contractors expending $300,000 or more in total Federal awards
shall have an audit performed in accordance with the Single
Audit Act Amendments of 1996, 31 U.S.C. 7501, and OMB Circular
No. 133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non -Profit
Organizations" issued June 30, 1997. For purposes of Section
2023, "Federal financial assistance" means assistance provided
by a Federal agency in the form of grants, contracts, loans,
loan guarantees, property, cooperative agreements, interest
subsidies, insurance or direct appropriations, or other
assistance, but does not include amounts received as
reimbursement for services rendered to individuals in
accordance with OMB guidelines. The term includes awards of
Federal financial assistance received directly from Federal,
agencies, or indirectly through other units of State and local
government;
2. Notwithstanding Sections 4(D) (3) and (D) (4) above, Contractor
shall utilize funds budgeted under this contract to pay for
that portion of the cost of such audit services properly
allocable to the activities funded by Department under this
contract, provided however that Department shall not make
payment for the cost of such audit services until Department
has received a satisfactory audit report, as determined by
Department, from Contractor;
3. Contractor shall submit two (2) copies of such audit report to
the Department within the earlier of thirty (30) days after
receipt of the auditor's report(s), or nine (9) months after
the end of the audit period. Contractor shall make audit
report available for public inspection within thirty (30) days
after receipt of the audit report(s). Audits performed under
this Section are subject to review and resolution by Department
or its authorized representative.
4. The audit report must include verification of all expenditures
by budget category including matching funds, in accordance with
Exhibit Attachment - Budget of this contract.
B. The cost of auditing services for a Contractor expending less than
$300,000 in total Federal awards per fiscal year is not an
allowable charge under Federal awards.
C. Notwithstanding Subsection A of this Section 2023, Department
reserves the right to conduct an annual financial and compliance
audit of funds received and performance rendered under this
contract. Contractor agrees to permit Department or its authorized
representative to audit Contractor's records and obtain any
documents, materials, or information necessary to facilitate such
audit.
D. Contractor understands and agrees that it shall be liable to
Department for any disallowed costs disallowed pursuant to
financial and compliance audit(s) of funds received under this
contract. Contractor further understands and agrees that
reimbursement to Department of such disallowed costs shall be paid
by Contractor from funds which were not provided or otherwise made
available to Contractor under this contract.
E. Contractor shall take such action to facilitate the performance of
such audit or audits conducted pursuant to this Section 20 23 as
Department may require of Contractor.
F. Contractor shall procure audit services through an open,
competitive process at least once every four years. The auditor
shall retain working papers and reports for a minimum of the three
years after the date of issuance of the auditor's report to the
Contractor. Audit working papers shall be made available upon
request to Department at the completion of the audit, as part of a
quality review, to resolve audit findings, or to carry out
oversight responsibilities consistent with the purposes of this
Section. Access to working papers includes the right to obtain
copies of working papers, as is reasonable and necessary.
SECTION 24. APPEALS PROCESS
In compliance with the LIHEAP Act, Contractor must provide an
opportunity for a fair administrative hearing to individuals whose
application for assistance is denied, or not acted upon in a timely
manner, according to the following procedures:
1) Contractor must provide written notification to applicant of denial
of assistance within ten (10) days of the adverse determination,
which shall include written instructions of the appeals process,
and specific reasons for the denial by component. Applicants
wishing to appeal a decision must provide written notice to
Contractor within 10 days of receipt of the denial notice.
2) Contractor must establish a written appeals procedure which shall,
at a minimum, include the following provisions:
A. An appeals committee composed of at least three (3) persons who
are objective, not personally involved in the original
decision, and familiar with CEAP regulations. Appeals must be
heard by the committee within ten (10) days of Contractor's
receipt of the appeal.
B. Contractor's appeals process shall include tape recorded
hearings.
C. A majority vote to sustain the appeal and approve assistance
for the applicant, or to deny the appeal.
D. Written notification to applicant of the results of the appeal
by close of business the following business day. The
notification must include the applicant's right to appeal an
adverse determination to the Department.
3) To appeal to the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs,
an applicant must provide an appeal request to Department in
writing within ten (10) days of an adverse determination by
Contractor. Department will review the tape recording of the
hearing, the committee's decision and any other relevant
information the Department requests. No oral testimony will be
allowed. Department will notify all parties in writing of its
decision within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the appeal.
4) Please refer to the CEAP Appeals Process Policy Issuance #2002-
03.05 for detailed procedures.
SECTION 25. POLITICAL ACTIVITY PROHIBITED
A. None of the funds provided under this contract shall be used for
influencing the outcome of any election, or the passage or defeat
of any legislative measure. This prohibition shall not be
construed to prevent any official or employee of Contractor from
furnishing to any member of its governing body upon request, or to
any other local or state official or employee, or to any citizen,
information in the hands of the employee or official not considered
under law to be confidential information. Any action taken against
an employee or official for supplying such information shall
subject the person initiating the action to immediate dismissal
from employment.
B. No funds provided under this contract may be used directly or
indirectly to hire employees or in any other way fund or support
candidates for the legislative, executive, or judicial branches of
government of Contractor, the State of Texas, or the government of
the United States.
C. None of the funds provided under this contract shall be paid to any
official or employee who violates any of the provisions of this
section.
SECTION 26. PREVENTION OF WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE
A. Contractor shall establish, maintain, and utilize systems and
procedures to prevent, detect and correct waste, fraud and abuse in
activities funded under this contract. The systems and procedures
shall address possible waste, fraud and abuse by Contractor, its
employees, recipients, vendors and administering agencies.
Contractor's internal control systems and all transactions and
other significant events are to be clearly documented, and the
documentation is to be readily available for monitoring by
Department.
B. Contractor shall give Department complete access to all of its
records, employees, and agents for the purposes of any
investigation of the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program.
Contractor shall immediately notify Department of any discovery of
waste, fraud or abuse. Contractor shall fully cooperate with
Department's efforts to detect, investigate, and prevent waste,
fraud and abuse in the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program.
C. Contractor may not discriminate against any employee or other
person who reports a violation of the terms of this contract or of
any law or regulation to Department or to any appropriate law
enforcement authority, if the report is made in good faith.
SECTION 27. MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT
Funds provided to Contractor under this contract may not be substituted
for funds or resources from any other source nor in any serve to
reduce the funds or resources which would have been available to or
provided through Contractor had this contract never been executed.
SECTION 28. NO WAIVER
Any right or remedy given to Department by this contract shall not
preclude the existence of any other right or remedy, nor shall any
action taken in the exercise of any right or remedy be deemed a waiver
of any other right or remedy. The failure of Department to exercise
any right or remedy on any occasion shall not constitute a waiver of
Department's right to exercise that or any other right or remedy at a
later time.
SECTION 29. SEVERABILITY
If any portion of this contract is held to be invalid by a court or
administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction, the remainder shall
remain valid and binding.
SECTION 30. PRIOR ORAL AND WRITTEN AGREEMENTS
All oral and written agreements between the parties relating to the
subject matter of this contract have been reduced to writing and are
contained in this document and the attached exhibits attachments.
SECTION 31. DEBARRED AND SUSPENDED PARTIES
1. Contractor must not make any award (subgrant or contract) to any
party which is debarred or suspended or is otherwise excluded from
or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs
under Executive Order 12549, "Debarment and Suspension 45 C.F.R.
Part 76".
2. Contractor certifies that neither it nor its principals is
presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared
ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this
transaction by any Federal department.
3. Where Contractor is unable to certify to any of the statements in
this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an
explanation to this contract.
SECTION 32. ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE/PRO-CHILDREN ACT OF 1994
Contractor agrees that if it or any of its subgrantees provides
children's services funded directly or indirectly with Federal dollars,
it will comply with 20 U.S.C. 6081 et seq. Part B, Pro -Children Act of
1994, concerning prohibition of smoking in certain indoor facilities
providing services to children. Failure to comply with the provisions
of this law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of
up to $1,000.00 per day.
SECTION 33. ATTACHMENTS
The attachments identified below are hereby made a part of this
contract:
(1) Attachment A, Budget
(2) Attachment B, Allowable Activities Document
SIGNED:../../....
BY: ..NOT.SIGNED..........
CITY OF LUBBOCK, Executive Director
BY: ..NOT.SIGNED..........
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, Executive Director
This contract is not effective unless signed by the Executive Director
of the Department or authorized designee.
No Text
COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
ATTACHMENT A - BUDGET
CONTRACTOR NAME: CITY OF LUBBOCK
CONTRACT NUMBER: 582048
ALLOCATION YEAR: 583
ALLOCATION PERIOD: 06/01/2003 - 12/31/2003
DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
$379,272.00 CEAP FUNDS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
730.00 TRAINING TRAVEL ALLOWANCE FUNDS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
$379,272.00 TOTAL ANTICIPATED CEAP FUNDS
730.00 TOTAL ANTICIPATED TRAINING TRAVEL ALLOWANCE FUNDS
BUDGET FOR AVAILABLE ALLOCATIONS
BUDGET CATEGORY
FUNDS
%
--------------------------------------------
Administration
$44,922.00
------
Case Management
$26,953.00
Direct Services
$307,397.00
--------------------------------------------
TOTAL BUDGET
$379,272.00
------
--------------------------------------------
Energy Crisis
$30,740.00
------
10.00
Co -Payment
$92,219.00
30.00
Elderly and Disabled
$107,589.00
35.00
Heating and Cooling Systems
$61,479.00
20.00
Direct Services Support
--------------------------------------------
$15,370.00
5.00
------
TOTAL DIRECT SERVICES
$307,397.00
100
Contractor's service area consists of the following Texas counties:
Lubbock County
Administrative costs, salaries, fringe benefits, non -training travel,
equipment, supplies, audit and office space are limited to 10.00% of the
contract expenditures, excluding Training Travel costs.
Case Management costs are limited to 6.00% of the contract expenditures
excluding Training Travel costs. Direct Services Support costs are
limited to 5.00% of total Direct Services expenditures.
Contractor may adjust dollar amounts within the following components at levels
not to exceed 100 of said components. Energy Crisis may not exceed 10% of
Direct Service dollars expended expenditures. Subgrantees Contractor must
obtain a written waiver from the Department if they wish to exceed 10% prior to
the obligation and expenditure of funds. Co -payment, Elderly (may not exceed
50% of Direct Services dollars expended expenditures), Heating/Cooling Systems
(may not be less than 10% of Direct Services dollars expend expenditures), and
Direct Services Support (may not exceed 5% of Direct Services dollars expended
expenditures).
Department's prior written approval for purchase or lease of equipment with an
acquisition cost of $5,000 and over is required. Approval of this budget does
not constitute prior approval.
Funds may not be used for the purchase or improvement of land, or the purchase,
construction, or permanent improvement of any building or facility.
For other than additional funding added to the Allocation Period, Contractor is
limited to only one budget revision during the first 6 months of the Allocation
Period. A second and final budget revision may be considered by the Department
60 days prior to the end of the Allocation Period.
While Contractor may choose to use funds other than "Direct Service Support" to
conduct outreach, documentation is required. Contractor shall provide services
under all components in this category. Failure to do so may result in contract
termination.
Effective Date of Budget: 06/01/2003
COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
ATTACHMENT B - ALLOWABLE ACTIVITIES DOCUMENT
CONTRACTOR NAME: CITY OF LUBBOCK
CONTRACT NUMBER: 582048
ALLOCATION YEAR: 583
ALLOCATION PERIOD: 06/01/2003 - 12/31/2003
I. GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Affordability - to have the financial capacity to meet an obligation.
Assessment - identifying, gathering, comparing and evaluating information
and data about a client household in order to determine the
type and nature of problems involved, the capacities and
resources of the client household, and the services needed
to assist the client household.
Case Management - involves conceptualizing the client household in its
social environment; identifying, providing and/or
referring the client to other social services, legal
services, health services, etc.; working with the
client to develop solutions to the problems and
coordinating and monitoring progress made toward
resolution of the problem; representing or advocating
on behalf of the client with other service providers
to assure that needed services are provided.
Client Service - written agreement between the agency and the client
Agreement concerning the target problem(s), the goal(s) and
strategies and the roles and tasks of the participants.
The agreement must be dated and signed by all parties,
must be guided by a time -line and must include statement
of the consequences for breaking the agreement.
Energy Burden - heating and cooling expenditures of the household for
energy divided by the income of the household.
Energy Education - the process whereby individuals and households learn
to use energy efficiently, improve their indoor
comfort, and become aware of how their behavior
affects energy consumption, energy cost, and health
and safety within their homes.
Energy Need - the home energy requirements of a household determined by
taking into account both the energy burden of the
household and the unique situation of the household that
results from having members of vulnerable populations,
such as very young children, individuals with disabilities
and frail older individuals.
Energy - is achieved when the low-income household is
Self -Sufficiency consistently able to pay 100% of its total monthly
energy bill (see affordability).
Goal - a statement of broad results, outcomes or impacts sought
by clients.
Home Energy - energy used to heat or cool residential dwellings, to heat
water, and cool food.
Household - any individual or group of individuals living together as one
economic unit for whom residential energy is customarily
purchased in common or who make undesignated payments for
energy in the form of rent.
Inputs - the resources a program makes available to carry out its
activities.
Leveraging - obtaining additional non-federal resources to help low-
income households meet their energy needs.
Measure - quantifiable information that is chosen to assess and describe
program success or failure.
Mission - a statement of the purpose for which a program was created.
Outcome - a measure of the program's result or effect on its customers.
Outcome measurements may cover activities that are largely
under the control of program managers, or they may extend to an
even broader set of measures (often called measures of impact)
representing results that the program may influence but does
not achieve on its own (e.g., a reduction in the amount of
energy used as a result of weatherizing a home):
Output - a measure of the product and/or activities of a program.
Outreach - method a set of activities that actively attempts to identify
clients who are in need of services, alerts these clients to
service provisions and benefits, and helps them use the
services that are available.
Performance - a process for determining if a program is successful, as
Measure measured by expected outcomes and/or outputs.
Poverty Income - Income guidelines issued by the Secretary of Planning
Guidelines and Evaluation United States Department of Health and
Human Services.
Referrals - linking a client household with an agency, program, or
professional person that can and will provide the service
needed by the client.
Targeting - focusing assistance to households with the highest home
energy needs.
Vision - a statement of a preferred future that spells out the conditions
and quality of life to be achieved by a program's clients.
Weatherization - in the LIHEAP program, this refers to energy
conservation measures and other cost-effective
energy -related home repair.
II. PROGRAM GUIDELINES
A. DEFINITIONS
The primary intent of the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program is
to make funds available to enable Contractors to respond to energy
needs affecting low-income households who have an income at or below
125% Poverty Income Guidelines and who are unable to meet their
household energy needs. Under this program, a household is not
entitled to a pre-set amount of assistance.
Contractor shall provide all potential clients the opportunity to
apply for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program.
B. PRIORITY
Contractor shall give priority to eligible households containing one
or more persons age 60 or above, individuals with disabilities and
families with young children under six years of age. Priority shall
be given to households with the lowest incomes that pay a high
proportion of their incomes for residential energy. Contractor
demonstrates adherence to these priorities by documenting special
outreach efforts directed at these populations. Contractor shall
also put in place a priority rating system to be applied to each
applicant household. Department will monitor Contractor on these
efforts.
The term disability may include conditions which render individuals
unable to engage in any substantial employment by reason of any
medically determinable physical or mental condition which can be
expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12)
months.
C. SERVING RENTERS
The provisions set by this plan for non -renters also apply to those
renters who have a separate meter or who pay their utility and/or
fuel bills separately from the rent.
For those renters who pay heating and cooling bills as part of their
rent, Contractor shall make special efforts to determine the portion
of the rent that constitutes the fuel and/or utility payment.
Contractor shall exercise care when negotiating with the landlords sc
the cost of utilities quoted is in line with the consumption for
similar residents of the community. If Contractor pays the landlord,
then the landlord must furnish evidence that the landlord has paid
the bill and the amount of assistance must be deducted from the rent.
III. ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
A. INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
Contractor shall only distribute available funds under the
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program to households needing
energy -related assistance and having an income that does not exceed
1250 of the current Poverty Income Guidelines as issued by the
Secretary of Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (USDHHS).
When the Poverty Income Guidelines are updated, this program will
follow the most current published guidelines. Income refers to total
annual cash receipts before taxes from all sources. Income is more
fully described in General Policy Issuance #2000-3.1. Contractor
shall annualize income data for a part of a year in order to
determine eligibility. Each Contractor shall determine the method of
annualizing most appropriate to that locality and abide by that
method only for all recipients equally through the end of the
contract period. During a contract period, a Contractor may not
utilize a combination of income calculation methods.
All households at or below 125% of the Poverty Income Guidelines will
be afforded access to the program. This applies to all components.
There are no categorical eligibility options. All applicant
households will be determined eligible according to the income
guidelines and program procedures.
B. DETERMINATION OF INCOME
Applicants must submit proof of income for all household members 18
years and older. Proof may consist of checks, check stubs, award
letters, employee statements, etc., showing the gross monthly income,
if any. Income data for a part of the year must be annualized. In
the exceptional case when proof of income is unavailable, an
applicant must sign a declaration of income statement. If the
applicant has no income, they must sign a statement of no income.
All proof of income must be within 12 months of the application
process.
C. INCOME DISREGARD
Payments not considered as income for the purpose of determining
eligibility or benefits under this program, are listed in the Poverty
Income Guidelines issued by the Secretary of Planning and Evaluation,
USDHHS.
IV. PROGRAM ASSISTANCE
This is not an entitlement program.
Contractor may not establish lower local limits of assistance.
Contractor may only provide the following types of assistance with funds
from the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program contract.
* Payment to vendors and suppliers of fuel/utilities, goods, and other
services for past due or current bills related to the procurement of
energy for heating and cooling needs of the residence, NOT to include
security lights and other items.
* Payment to vendors -only one energy bill payment per month as required
by component.
* Assistance to households in developing goals for achieving energy
self-sufficiency through case management activities. Case management
activities may involve coordination of resources, referrals to other
programs, and client involvement in developing a client service
agreement. Priority must be given to co -pay clients. Others may
receive case management services if funds are available after serving
co -pay clients.
* Utility assistance to low-income elderly and individuals with
disabilities most vulnerable to the high cost of energy for heating
and cooling needs of the residence.
* Replacement, retrofitting, or repair of household heating and cooling
systems if needed. All replacement units must comply with minimum
standard for energy efficiency and must result in energy savings for
the client.
* Assistance for an energy -related crisis.
* Payment of water bills only when such cost includes expenses from
operating an evaporative water cooler unit. As a part of the intake
process, outreach, and coordination, contractor shall confirm that a
client owns a properly connected and operational evaporative cooler
and has used it within sixty (60) days prior to application to cool
the dwelling.
* Payment of other utility charges such as water, wastewater, and waste
removal are only allowable if these charges are an inseparable part
of a utility bill. Whenever possible, Contractor shall negotiate
with the utility providers and clients to pay only the energy portion
of the bill.
* Purchase, lease, or repair of butane or propane tanks as well as the
residential lines associated with the tanks or natural gas lines of
the dwelling, not to exceed the household's maximum allowable
assistance and only if such service ensures the flow of energy
necessary for heating and cooling to the household.
* Purchase or repair of residential electric lines, not to exceed
household's maximum allowable assistance and only if such service
ensures the flow of energy necessary for heating and cooling the
household.
* Payment of reconnection fee in line with the registered tariff filed
with the Public Utility Commission and/or Texas Railroad Commission.
Payment cannot exceed that stated tariff cost. Contractor must
negotiate to reduce the costs to cover the actual labor and material
and to assure that the utility does not assess a penalty for
delinquency in payments.
* Payment of a security deposit only when state law requires such a
payment, or if the Public Utility Commission or Texas Railroad
Commission has listed such a payment as an approved cost, and where
required by law, tariff or regulation or a deferred payment agreement
includes such a payment. Contractor cannot pay any security deposit
the energy provider will eventually return to the client.
* While utility/fuel rates and repair charges may vary from vendor to
vendor, Contractor shall negotiate for the lowest possible payment.
Contractor must have a signed vendor agreement on file from the
energy vendor receiving direct LIHEAP payments from the contractor.
* Contractor may make payments to landlords on behalf of eligible
renters who pay their utility and/or fuel bills indirectly.
Contractor shall notify each participating household of the amount of
assistance paid on its behalf. Contractor must document this
notification. Contractor shall maintain proof of utility or fuel
bill payment. Contractor shall ensure that amount of assistance paid
on behalf of client is deducted from client's rent.
* In lieu of deposit required by an energy vendor, advanced payments
may be made. Deposits are still not an allowable expenditure.
Advance payments are not to exceed an estimated two months billings.
V. ADMINISTRATION
A. ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS UNDER CEAP
Administrative functions are of a general nature but are not clearly
identified with a particular program. These functions include
planning, budgeting and accounting; and establishing and directing a
contractor's policies, goals, and objectives.
B. ALLOWABLE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
Costs charged to the CEAP must be fair and reasonable. In all cases
use the Uniform Grant Management Standards, OMB Circular A-87 for
local governments or OMB Circular A-122 for non -profits for
determination of allowable and allocable costs and may include:
* Financial and compliance audits
* General board and committee meeting expenses
* Executive Director
* General staff meetings
* Office management
* Accounting and budgeting
* Personnel management
* Purchase and distribution of equipment and supplies
* Insurance and bonding
* Receptionist, switchboard mail distribution, filing, and other
centralized and clerical services
* Word processing and computer services and equipment
* Organization and procedure studies
* Travel expenditures
* General record keeping
* Office/facilities lease or rental (including outstations)
* Postage
* Duplicating/copying
* Telephone expenses
* Staff training
* Intake - Receiving an application, giving the client the
opportunity to provide missing information needed for
eligibility determination, income determination and
verification, and preliminary eligibility determination.
VI. DIRECT SERVICES SUPPORT
A. DEFINITION OF DIRECT SERVICES SUPPORT
Costs that are not administrative in nature but are used for outreach
and targeting to eligible households never served under CEAP.
Contractor shall conduct and document outreach and targeting
activities (see Glossary of Terms) designed to assure that eligible
households, especially households with elderly members with
disabilities, or young children, and households who have a high
energy burden, are made aware of the Comprehensive Energy Assistance
Program.
Outreach activities shall include the activities listed below or
other activities that serve the purpose of advertising the
availability of the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program:
1. Provide information through first time home visits, site visits,
group meetings or by telephone for the elderly and for persons
with disabilities;
2. Distribute posters, flyers, and other information materials in
local and county social services agencies, offices of aging,
social security offices, in English, Spanish, or language media
where appropriate;
3. Provide information on the program and eligibility criteria in
articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements, in
English, Spanish, or language media where appropriate;
4. Provide information on one-to-one basis for applicants in need of
translation or interpretation assistance;
5. Work with energy providers in identifying potential applicants;
6. Mail information and applications;
7. Coordinate with other social service agencies to provide LIHEAP
information in conjunction with other programs.
Contractor shall accept applications for CEAP benefits at sites that
are geographically accessible to all households in the service area.
Contractor shall provide the elderly or persons with disabilities the
means to submit applications for CEAP benefits without leaving their
residence or by securing transportation for them to the sites that
accept such applications.
B. ALLOWABLE EXPENDITURES
Salaries, fringe benefits, and tavel expenditures of staff when
conducting outreach to eligible households never served under CEAP.
Material and printing costs associated with outreach and targeting.
to eligible households never served under CEAP.
C. UNALLOWABLE EXPENDITURES
Computer purchases and any related costs must be charged to
Administration, not Direct Services Support.
D. TIME/EXPENDITURE ALLOCATION
The contractor must demonstrate that the appropriate share of Direct
Services Support cost items are allocated each to outreach, and
targeting.
VII. CASE MANAGEMENT
A. DEFINITION OF CASE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Case management activities under CEAP encourage and enable households
to reduce their home energy needs and thereby the need for energy
assistance.
The typical case management system should have the following
components:
* Designing a client agreement plan with the client;
* Intervening in the community; brokering; advocating; and linking;
* Implementing and monitoring the client agreement plan;
* Evaluating the effectiveness of case management.
Case Management activities include but are not limited to:
* Providing energy conservation education
* Providing budgeting education
* Client counseling
* Advocating on behalf of the clients
* Development of realistic goals
* Identifying resources and household problems
* Discussion of education provided
* Scheduling appointments
* Referrals for obtaining services
* Encouraging responsible vendor and consumer behavior
* Documenting case management activities (case notes)
* Referral follow-up
B. COORDINATION
Contractor must coordinate with other social service agencies through
cooperative agreements to provide services to client households.
Cooperative agreements must clarify procedures, roles and
responsibilities of all stakeholders.
In order to achieve compliance with the LIHEAP Act, Contractor must
coordinate with other energy related programs. Specifically,
Contractor must make documented referrals to the local Weatherization
Assistance Program contractor.
Contractor must coordinate with local energy vendors to arrange for
arrearage reduction, reasonably reduced payment schedules, or cost
reductions.
Contractor must provide applications, forms, and energy education
materials in Spanish, English or other language when appropriate.
C. ALLOWABLE EXPENDITURES
Allowable expenditures include salaries, fringe benefits, and travel
expenditures of staff when providing clients with case management
services, such as those activities described in Section A.
Documentation of Case Management activities (case notes) must be
maintained in individual client files.
D. TIME/EXPENDITURE ALLOCATION
The contractor must demonstrate that the appropriate share for case
management cost items is involved in activities which encourage and
enable households to reduce their home energy needs and the need for
energy assistance.
VIII. PROGRAM COMPONENTS
A. ENERGY CRISIS COMPONENT
A bona fide energy crisis exists when extraordinary events or
situations resulting from extreme weather conditions or fuel supply
shortages have depleted or will deplete household financial resources
and/or have created problems in meeting basic household expenses,
particularly bills for energy so as to constitute a threat to the
health or well-being of the household, particularly the elderly, the
the disabled, or very young children.
NOTE: A utility termination notice alone does not constitute an
energy crisis.
In no event shall the sum of all energy crisis assistance provided
for the contract year made to or on behalf of any household exceed
exceed the actual amount needed to ameliorate the household's energy -
related crisis or $1,000.00 whichever, is less. Payments may not
exceed client's actual financial loss or client's utility bill. The
assistance must result in resolution of the crisis.
Where necessary to prevent undue hardships or extreme health dangers
from an energy crisis, Contractor may directly issue a voucher to
provide:
1. Temporary shelter not to exceed $350.00 per household for the
duration of the contract period in the limited instances that
inoperable heating/cooling appliances or supply of power to the
dwelling is disrupted causing temporary evacuation of household
members. Payments shall not be made for rent or mortgages;
2. Emergency deliveries of fuel not to exceed $300.00 per delivery
per household.
3. Purchase of portable heating/cooling units (portable electric
heaters are only allowable as a last resort) not to exceed
$1,000.00 per household for the duration of the contract
period. Portable AC and heating units may only be purchased
in cases of life threatening situations to the client.
Contractor must meet local energy crisis criteria prior to
purchasing portable units for client.
Documentation of the situation, such as doctor statements and weather
data, must be maintained in the client file.
Emergency funds, whether for emergency fuel deliveries with a
limit of $300.00, purchase of portable heating/cooling units
with a limit of $1000.00, or temporary shelter with a limit of
$350.00, shall be considered part of the total maximum household
allowable assistance.
Funds for this program shall not be used to weatherize dwelling
units, to purchase medicine, food, transportation assistance, to
maintain income, or to pay for penalties or fines assessed against
clients.
Time Limits for Assistance
Contractor shall ensure that for clients who have already lost
service or are in immediate danger of losing service, some form of
assistance to resolve the energy crisis will be provided within a 48
hour time limit (18 hours in life -threatening situations). The time
limit commences upon completion of the application process. The
application process is considered to be complete when an agency
representative accepts an application and completes the eligibility
process.
Contractor must maintain written documentation in the client file
that it resolved the crisis within the appropriate time deadline.
Failure to document efforts taken to resolve the energy crisis on
client's application/file will result in disallowed costs.
IF THE HOUSEHOLD HAS AN ENERGY CRISIS AND MEETS
INCOME ELIGIBILITY, THEN THE PAYMENT IS BASED ON
HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOMES OF: THE FOLLOWING:
--------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
0 to 50% of Poverty Households may receive amount needed to solve
crisis up to $1000.
51+ to 75% of Poverty Households may receive the amount needed to
solve crisis up to $900.
76+ to amount not to exceed Households may receive the amount needed to
125% Poverty resolve crisis up to $800.
B. CO -PAYMENT COMPONENT
The intent of the co -payment component is to achieve long term energy
self-sufficiency by reducing the energy cost burden for low-income
households through case management activities. The program must
target clients with the least income and the greatest energy costs.
Energy affordability is achieved when a client household has the
financial capacity to meet its energy obligations. Contractor shall
enroll CEAP co -payment clients in the program for a minimum period of
six months. Clients may be terminated at any time, if the goal of
energy self-sufficiency has been achieved. A monthly utility payment
on behalf of clients to the utility vendor shall be made based on a
graduated scale co -payment system designed by the subgrantee.
* Contractor shall meet with each client on a monthly basis.
* Contractor may obtain the client's consumption and billing history
for the preceding 12 months, to aid the client in budgeting for
household expenses.
* Clients with an energy burden higher than that of the average
household in the vendor's service area should receive priority
service.
* All payments must be based on actual current program year's bills.
* Contractor shall provide budget counseling and energy conservation
education and coordinate with and refer households to other
services which will address the underlying contributing causes of
energy induced hardship.
* Contractor shall document and maintain all case management
activities in client files through the use of case notes which
demonstrate clients efforts/ progress towards achieving energy
self-sufficiency.
* Contractor shall notify in writing and maintain documentation of
clients terminated from the co -pay component and document the
appeal process.
* Failure to comply with any of the above will result in disallowed
costs at the time of the monitoring.
Each cc -payment client must have a written client service agreement
to provide direction and focus during service delivery. The client
service agreement is a contract between the contractor and the client
and must be signed by both parties. The client service agreement is
a contract and includes agreements concerning the target problems,
goals, and strategies, and the roles and tasks of the participants.
The agreement must be guided by a timeline. The client service
agreement serves as a basis for providing accountability to both the
client and the contractor and must include the following elements:
* Specification of target problems
* Statement of realistic goals and timelines as negotiated between
the case worker and the client
* Statement of client's tasks and responsibilities required to
achieve goals
* Statement of case worker's general tasks and responsibilities
which shall include, at a minimum, budget counseling, energy
conservation education and coordination with and referral of
households to other services which will address the underlying
contributing causes of energy induced hardship.
* Specific timeline for duration of agreement (including dates),
schedule of services to be provided and tasks to be performed,
and schedule of monthly meetings to review plan with the case
worker.
* Statement of coordination of all parties who will participate
during the client service agreement, including their names
and relationship to the client.
* Statement of benefit levels (graduated scale)
* Statement of the consequences to the client if the client fails to
meet the provisions spelled out in the client service agreement.
The program must target clients with the least income and the
greatest energy costs. Clients may receive up to 100% of the bill
and arrears for the first month's bill and the agreed co -payment plan
(graduated scale) as long as it does not exceed the set maximum
amounts established for their income levels for the program year.
In order to ensure that the highest level of assistance will be
furnished to those households which have the lowest incomes and
highest energy costs or needs in relation to household income,
assistance is to be provided as follows:
HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOMES IF THE HOUSEHOLD MEETS THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA,
OF: THEN THE PAYMENT IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:
------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
0 to 50% of Poverty Household may receive an amount not to exceed $1000.
51+ to 750 of Poverty Household may receive an amount not to exceed $900.
76+ to amount not exceed Household may receive an amount not to exceed $800.
125% of Poverty
C. ELDERLY AND DISABLED ASSISTANCE COMPONENT
The intent of the elderly (60 years of age or above) and disabled
assistance component is to provide assistance to those households
most vulnerable to fluctuations in energy costs. Assistance should
be targeted to those households that are unable to achieve full
energy self-sufficiency through other means.
* The elderly and persons with disabilities shall be a priority of
the program.
* Payments on behalf of the elderly may be made based on the
previous 12-months heating and cooling billing history. Excess
amounts over the actual bill will be treated as a credit with the
utility company for the client. In the event a consumption
history cannot be obtained, Contractor may make payments on
current program year's bill. The reason must be documented in the
file. Excess amounts over the actual bill will be treated as a
credit with the utility company for the client.
* Elderly households are defined as households with at least one
member who is age 60 or above. Disabled households are defined as
households with at least one member who has a disability. An
individual with a disability is defined as an individual who is
unable to engage in any substantial employment by reasons of a
medically determinable physical or mental condition which can be
expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve
months. Documentation of disability, (i.e. social security
supplement/SSI, doctor's letter) must be included in client file
or be subject to disallowed cost.
* Contractor may provide energy conservation education, budget
counseling and referrals if case management funds are available.
The elderly and/or clients with disabilities may receive benefits to
cover up to 100% of four bills for four billing periods within the
contract year as long as the cost does not exceed the maximum
allowable benefit. First payment may be the current bill and arrears
Subsequent payments must be the highest consumption months. If one
or more of the highest months occurs prior to the date of the
application and has been paid by the client, these months cannot be
considered for payment. This period must be determined by the local
subgrantee based on a 12 month heating and cooling billing history.
If a 12 month history is unavailable, the reason must be documented
in the client file.
In order to ensure that the highest level of assistance will be
furnished to those households which have the lowest incomes
and highest energy costs or needs in relation to household income,
the following benefit levels shall be used:
HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOMES IF THE HOUSEHOLD MEETS THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA,
OF: THEN THE PAYMENT IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:
------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
0 to 50% of Poverty Household may receive an amount not to exceed $1000.
51+ to 75% of Poverty Household may receive an amount not to exceed $900.
76+ to amount not exceed Household may receive an amount not to exceed $800.
125% of Poverty
D. REPLACEMENT, REPAIR OR RETROFIT OF HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS
Beginning with program year 2003, TDHCA will operate the component
for REPLACEMENT, REPAIR OR RETROFIT OF HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS as a
stand alone component of CEAP. It remains a component of CEAP and
subject to all eligibility requirements that apply to other CEAP
components. The intent of.the Heating/Cooling component is to help
clients achieve energy self-sufficiency by addressing inefficient
heating and cooling appliances. Clients may have a high energy
burden because inefficient appliances in the home consume great
amounts of energy. Inordinately high energy bills during the heating
or cooling season would indicate the need for an assessment of the
condition of all major heating and cooling appliances in the client's
home. The retrofit, repair or replacement of a heating/cooling
appliance must be cost effective and must result in a reduction of
energy consumption. Water heaters and refrigerators are considered
major heating and cooling appliances and shall be considered in the
assessment of condition and efficiency of all household appliances
may include water heaters and refrigerators. Propane tanks may be
considered when propane is used for heating.
Any replacement, repair or retrofit must be based on need, i.e., an
energy assessment of all major heating/cooling appliances has
determined that the retrofit, repair or replacement of a heating/
cooling appliance will result in a reduction of energy consumption.
Priority must be given to appliances with the highest energy usage.
Replacement of evaporative coolers with refrigerated air is only
allowable for medical reasons. Replacement appliances must be an
Energy Star rated appliance or must meet Texas Department of Energy
Weatherization Assistance Program minimum energy efficiency ratings
and standards if Energy Star is not available.
Energy efficiency assessments of central heating/cooling systems must
be conducted by licensed HVAC professionals and documentation of the
assessment results must be placed in the client files. Energy
efficiency assessments of window units, evaporative coolers, space
heaters, water heaters and refrigerators may be conducted by trained
agency staff. Documentation of the assessment results must be placed
in the client files. In contracting out for the service, the
subgrantee must follow the Policy Issuance #02-10.2 for procuring
goods and services.
The services may include cleaning, tuning and evaluation of systems,
repair and replacement of existing components, and replacement of
unsafe and inefficient systems including:
* Cooling systems (including duct systems), such as central air
conditioners, window air conditioners and evaporative coolers
* Heating systems, such as central/wall/floor furnaces, space
heaters, wood burning stoves.
* Water heaters
* Refrigerators
Energy assessments should must include, at a minimum the following
information on all major heating and cooling appliances to include
water heaters and refrigerators:
Type of appliance Efficiency rating
Fuel used Location of appliance
Size of appliance Condition
Age of appliance Size of room where appliance is used
Input/Output BTU Recommendation
All repairs, retrofits or replacements must be performed to meet all
local codes (use Council of American Building Officials (CABO) when
no code exists) in conjunction with the Department's Weatherization
Assistance Program health and safety standards. Replacement
appliances must meet Department prescribed minimum energy efficiency
standards or better as follows:
* Central Heat Systems
Gas.......... ER (Efficiency Ratio .85
Electric..... EER (Energy Efficiency Rating) = 10
COP (Coefficient of Performance) = 2.93.11
* Wall/Floor Furnaces and Vented Space Heaters:
Gas (only) ER = .85
* Unvented Space Heaters must have a factory installed Oxygen
Depletion Sensor System with automatic shutoff. Repair,
replacement, or retrofit must reduce CO levels to 25 ppm or less.
* Central Air Conditioners/Whole House Window/Through Wall
Conditioners (220 volt)
EER = 1012
COP = 3.11
* Room Air Conditioners (120 volts)
EER = 10
COP = 3.11
* Water Heaters
Gas EER=.49 to .62
Electric EER= .88 to .98
* Electric or Kerosene space heaters will not be allowed.
ER - Energy Ratio
EER - Energy Efficiency Rating
COP - Coefficient of Performance
When heating and cooling appliances, water heater appliances, and
refrigerators are replaced, the client must surrender the old unit
to be disposed of according to applicable state and federal laws.
All unvented space heaters replaced must be destroyed beyond
repair.
All single-family households' existing refrigerators must undergo
metered testing. The results of the testing must demonstrate a
minimum annual energy consumption of 1250kwh with an energy
efficient refrigerator. Refrigerators in households located in
multifamily buildings may be replaced using criteria estabilshed by
by TDHCA based on existing protocols using the units age of the unit
as the determining factor. This protocol requires a refrigerator to
be manufactured in 1993 or before. Replacement refrigerators must be
Energy Star labeled rated with a maximum annual energy consumption of
489kwh. Only one refrigerator per eligible household will be
allowed. Documentation of the metering results (or age in case of
multifamily) must be maintained in the client file. Kilowatt per
hour (KWH) usage of the new refrigerator and the total cost,
including installation of the new refrigerator must be maintained in
the client file.
When the client is a renter, the contractor must document by a
written statement signed by the landlord that the appliance is owned
by the client and that the landlord relinquishes any claims to the
appliance. (Contractor may seek a waiver of this requirement from
the Department for special circumstances on a case by case basis).
Real benefits to the household are based on the energy efficiency
needs of the dwelling, as determined by an appliance energy
assessment. The maximum allowable costs are as follows:
* Heating and Cooling appliances not to exceed $3000.00 per
household.
05/20/03 08:51 FAI 5124753935 TDHCA CAEA
002
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF MOUSING. AND COMMUNITY
Rick Pcrry
GovexNUx
Edwina 11 Carrington
May 20, 2003
Todd Steelman
City of Lubbock
Community Development Department
AFFAIRS
BOARD MEMBEMS
Michael E Jons. Chair
Eliubcrb Andc son
Shadrick Bopny
C. Kent Conine
vi" Gonzalez
Norberto Salinas
Todd;
As I mentioned earlier, I noticed some incorrect figures for the CEAP Contract (Contract
9582048). The figures are derived from a standard formula which splits the money 84/10t6. The
figures in the contract you will receive this morning are affected by the administration that
Guadalupe Services was not allowed to draw.
The budget will look like this when the revisions are made:
BUDGET CATEGORY
FUNDS
%
Administration
37,927
10.00
Case Management
22,756
6.00
Direct Services
318,589
84.00
TOTAL BUDGET
$ 379,272
Energy Crisis
31,859
10.00
Co -Payment
95,577
30.00
Elderly and Disabled
111,506
35.00
Heating and Cooling
63,718
20.00
Direct Services Support
15,929
5.00
TOTAL DIRECT SERVICES
$ 318,589
100.00
Sorry for the confusion, in my rush to get the contracts out I wasn't able to do a complete check
on the figures prior to release. I just tracked the package and UPS show the package at the
Lubbock airport at 7:45 a.m. this morning. I'll keep checking every thirty minutes. I truly
appreciate your patience on this -
Take Care
--
Michael De Young
Fiscal and Planning
Visit us con the world wide web aa: raruw.rdbca.sraac.rx.ut
507 SABINE - SUfTF 400 • P. U. SOX I3941 • AUSTIN, fEXAS 78711-3941 - (512) 475-3800
0P—dauMhWkdpr-
Linda Hart Max 22, 2003 Council A enda items 65-68 Page 1
From: Todd Steelman
To: Linda Hart
Date: 5/21 /03 9:OOAM
Subject: May 22, 2003 Council Agenda items 65-68
Linda,
These four items are funding grants from the State Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
for weatherization and energy assistance.
All four are electronic contracts, thus no signature page. This is acceptable according to Legal.
Todd Steelman
CC: Amy Sims