The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan (ConPlan) sets forth Douglas County’s overall strategy for coordinating federal community development resources. The ConPlan outlines goals and priorities to address decent housing, establish and maintain a suitable living environment, improve infrastructure, and expand economic opportunities, particularly for very-low, low- and moderate-income persons. The ConPlan is described in 24 CFR Part 91, and in the Final Rule clarifying Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing requirements (FR-6228-F-01). The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Community Needs Assessment, as described in the Department of Health and Human Service’s Information Memorandum #138, dated January 26, 2015, is required in support of the County’s Community Action Plan to identify the causes and conditions of poverty (under 50% AMI or 125% FPL) in the area served. The County requires a consultant to develop and complete these documents and ensure that the minimum standards for ConPlan and Community Needs Assessment are met. The anticipated contract period is November 2020 through June 2021.
The final ConPlan and Community Needs Assessment will reflect community values by demonstrating fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability throughout. The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) Core Priorities are Public Safety, Health and Human Services, Transportation, County Services, Economic Foundations and Historic and Natural Resources. These Core Priorities guide CDBG and CSBG program operations and grants awarded from these programs to serve vulnerable, at-risk or low- and moderate-income populations.
Following the County’s Citizen Participation Plan, the consultant will have responsibility for the project, lead the ConPlan efforts, and ensure timely completion and entry of the ConPlan into the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS). The consultant must have demonstrable knowledge and experience with federal requirements for the ConPlan, all subsections of the ConPlan, and Community Needs Assessment, as required in the Federal CSBG Organization Standards. A proficient understanding of IDIS and the eCon Planning Suite is required to complete the overall project.
