PURPOSE: The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is seeking a non-profit entity to administer the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) in Glades County, Florida. Pursuant to a notice in the October 6, 2014, edition of the Florida ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Division of Community Development

The Department of Economic Opportunity announces a hearing to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME: DATE: Tuesday, December 9, 2014, 9:00 a.m., EST

PLACE: Glades County Courthouse, Commissioners Chambers, Second Floor, 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven, Florida 33471

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is seeking a non-profit entity to administer the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) in Glades County, Florida. Pursuant to a notice in the October 6, 2014, edition of the Florida Administrative Register (FAR) regarding agencies interested in becoming the CSBG provider for Glades County, two (2) letters of interest were received. The purpose of this hearing is to afford these agencies an opportunity to present to all interested parties in the community their qualifications and proposal for providing services if selected. The two (2) agencies are:

•       Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc.
•       Economic Opportunities Council of Indian River County, Inc.

In order to be designated to serve as the eligible entity, an entity must agree to add additional members to its board to ensure adequate representation in compliance with 42 U.S.C. 9909 and 9910, Florida Administrative Code. Special consideration shall be given to an organization with demonstrated effectiveness in providing a broad range of services designed to eliminate poverty and foster self-sufficiency. Priority shall be given to existing CSBG eligible entities in good standing with DEO that are providing related services in Glades County or in areas contiguous to or within reasonable proximity to the specified county.

Selection will be based on the entity’s experience and performance in related federal or state programs in assisting individuals and families with low income in the area to be served, and the entity's capacity to undertake a timely and effective program. The following qualities will be reviewed: (1) the extent to which the past or current program achieved or is achieving goals in a timely fashion; (2) the quality of work performed by the entity; (3) the number, qualifications, and experience of the staff members of the entity; and (4) the ability to maintain compliance with administrative and financial management requirements.

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN: After this hearing, DEO will review the applications received and make a decision regarding each entity’s eligibility to provide program services in Glades County. DEO staff will prepare a recommendation for the selected entity for consideration and approval or disapproval by DEO’s Executive Director and the Governor.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Requests for additional information or questions may be addressed to Ms. Jean Amison, Manager, Bureau of Community Assistance, 107 East Madison Street, MSC 400, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, [phone], fax: [phone] or email: [e-mail].

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS: Any person requiring a special accommodation at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact DEO at [phone] at least five (5) calendar days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact DEO using the Florida Dual Party Relay System which can be reached at 1 (800)955- 8770 (voice) and 1 [phone] (TDD).

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Ms. Jean Amison.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Ms. Jean Amison. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at this meeting or hearing, he/she will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence from which the appeal is to be issued.