The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is seeking a non-profit entity to administer the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) in Hendry County, Florida. Pursuant to a notice in the October 28, 2011, Florida Administrative Weekly regarding agencies interested in becoming the CSBG provider for Hendry County, two 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 agencies are: Immokalee Multicultural Multipurpose Community Action Agency, Incorporated The Agricultural and Labor Program, Incorporated 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 and Rule Chapter 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 DEO that are providing related services in the specified 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 low-income persons 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, The DEO will review the applications received and make a decision regarding each entity’s eligibility to provide program services in Hendry County. A recommendation for the selected entity will then be prepared by DEO staff for subsequent consideration and approval or disapproval by DEO’s Executive Secretary and the Governor.