Department of Community Affairs, Division of Housing and Community Development

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Division of Housing and Community Development

SEEKING PROVIDER AGENCY OR AGENCIES FOR THE Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) PROGRAM IN HIGHLANDS AND POLK COUNTIES

The Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is seeking a non-profit entity or entities to administer the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) in Highlands and Polk Counties. A provider may choose to serve one or both counties.

In order to be designated to serve as the eligible entity for one or more of these counties, 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 and Rule 9B-22.011, 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 the Department that are providing related services in the specified county or in areas contiguous to or within reasonable proximity to the specified county.

Organizations interested in becoming the CSBG provider for Highlands and/or Polk Counties, within 60 days of the date of this notice must mail to the Department of Community Affairs and the County Commission Chairperson of the respective county the following documentation:

·      A letter stating its interest in becoming the CSBG service provider in the specified county or counties. The letter should be signed by the chief executive officer of the private nonprofit CSBG eligible entity or private nonprofit organization.

        and

·      A board of directors or governing board resolution stating its willingness to provide service in the specified county or counties, and to amend its organization’s bylaws, structure, membership, and Articles of Incorporation to comply with 42 U.S.C. 9909 and 9910, and Rule 9B-22.011, Florida Administrative Code.

The interested organization must include with the letter of interest and the resolution a copy of the letter or letters of interest mailed to the chair of the respective county commissions. Mail package to:

Ms. Paula Churchwell

Community Program Manager

Department of Community Affairs

Community Assistance Section

2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard

Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN: Once the above information is received, a publicly noticed hearing on the selection of a proposed service provider will be held in the specified county by the county government. If the county government declines to convene the public hearing within a specified period, the Department of Community Affairs will do so. All interested organizations that meet the above deadline and requirements will be given the opportunity at the public hearing to present their qualifications. The specified county commission will have an opportunity to make a recommendation to the Department of Community Affairs regarding the selection of an agency.

Once all organizations and county documents are received and approved by the Department of Community Affairs, a formal request will be made to the Governor that he designate the selected organization(s) as the CSBG eligible entity for the specified county.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Requests for additional information or questions may be addressed to:

Ms. Hilda Frazier, Planning Manager

Community Assistance Section

Florida Department of Community Affairs

2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100

[phone], or Fax [phone] or e-mail at [e-mail].