Subject


The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is seeking a public or nonprofit entity to administer the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Wakulla County, Florida. Entities interested in contracting with DCA to provide this service should attend this meeting to learn about the application requirements. 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 their capacity to undertake a timely and effective program. Special consideration in the designation of a service provider will be given to any Community Action Agency or other public or nonprofit entity which is currently administering an effective program under any low-income energy assistance program or weatherization program under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. 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) maintain compliance with administration and financial management requirements. At this meeting, the DCA will disseminate information about the program, the application requirements, the deadline for submitting applications and the appeals information. After the application deadline date (due to be submitted to DCA by 5:00 p.m. (EDT), August 12, 2011), DCA staff will review the applications received and make a decision regarding each entity’s eligibility to provide program services in Wakulla 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. Announcement of the selected entity along with the appeals process for non-selected entities wishing to challenge the selection will then be sent by U.S. Mail to all applicants.