The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is seeking a non-profit entity to administer the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) in Monroe County, Florida. Pursuant to a notice in the December 12, 2008, Florida Administrative Weekly regarding agencies interested in becoming the CSBG provider for Monroe County, one letter of interest was received from the Center for Independent Living of the Keys. The purpose of this hearing is to afford this agency an opportunity to present to all interested parties in the community their qualifications and proposal for providing services if selected. 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 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 DCA 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. After this hearing, DCA will review the application received and make a decision regarding the entity’s eligibility to provide program services in Monroe County. A recommendation for the selected entity will then be prepared by DCA staff for subsequent consideration and approval or disapproval by DCA’s Secretary and the Governor.