The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is seeking public or nonprofit entities to administer the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the Weatherization-Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (WAP-LIHEAP) in Monroe County. Entities interested in contracting with DCA to provide these services should be present at this public hearing in order to be informed of the qualifications and application requirements. Selection of an entity will be based on the entity's experience and performance in weatherization or housing renovation activities, and in assisting low-income persons in the area to be served, and the entity's capacity to undertake a timely and effective weatherization program. Preference will be given to any Community Action Agency or other public or nonprofit entity which has, or is currently administering an effective DCA funded Weatherization Assistance Program. The following qualities will be reviewed: (1) the extent to which the past or current program achieved or is achieving weatherization 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; (4) the ability of the entity to secure volunteers, train participants and public service employment workers; and (5) maintain compliance with administration and financial management requirements. ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN: The DCA will review all submitted applications, and make a decision regarding each entity’s eligibility to provide Weatherization Assistance Program services to Monroe County. Recommendations will then be prepared by the Department staff for the selected entity for subsequent consideration and approval or disapproval by the Department’s Secretary. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Requests for additional information or questions may be addressed to: Norm Gempel, Manager, Florida Department of Community Affairs, Sadowski Building, 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100, (850)488-7541, or Fax (850)488-2488. APPEALS INFORMATION: If a person decides to appeal any decision of the Department of Community Affairs with respect to any matter considered at this public hearing, he or she will need a formal record of the proceeding, and for such purposes he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made. Anyone who wants a copy of the agenda or additional information on this hearing may write or call: Mr. Norm Gempel, Manager, Department of Community Affairs, Sadowski Building, 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100, (850)488-7541, or Fax (850)488-2488. Any person requiring a special accommodation at this hearing because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the: Department of Community Affairs, (850)488-7541, at least five (5) calendar days prior to the hearing. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Department of Community Affairs using the Florida Dual Party Relay System which can be reached at 1(800)955-8770 (Voice) and 1(800)955-8771 (TDD).