From:                              SSVF

Sent:                               Friday, August 05, 2016 12:24 PM

Subject:                          SSVF Program Updates August 5, 2016

 

Importance:                   High

 

Topics:

 

1.     SSVF Program Change Requests (FY 16, QTR 4) due by August 15, 2016

2.     Clarification on SSVF Regional Meeting Participation

3.     VA Releases SSVF Proposed Rule for Public Comment

4.     Grantee Action Needed Regarding Outstanding FFR Financial Status Reports (FSR)

5.     Save the Date:  SSVF Education Webinar on August 16, 2016 at 2:00 PM EDT

6.     Save the Date:  SSVF National Webinar on August 18, 2016 at 2:00 PM EDT

 

 

SSVF Program Change Requests (FY 16, QTR 4) due by August 15, 2016

 

This is the final opportunity for SSVF grantees to submit Program Change Requests related to existing grants before the end of the fiscal year.  Grantees are encouraged to assess their progress toward program goals and identify if there is any need to request significant changes related to program operations or final quarter spending.  This includes conducting an assessment of remaining grant funds per HHS subaccount and determining if there is any need to transfer funds among subaccounts.  The SSVF Program Office has opened the online requirement forms so that grantees may submit these changes earlier in the quarter and receive notifications of approval or denial before the end of the grant term.  Thank you to those who have already submitted their requests.  Program Change Requests must be received via the SSVF grants management system (GIFTS) by COB on August 15, 2016.  NOTE:  Completing an internal assessment of program change needs NOW will help grantees determine whether they will need to request a 30-day grant extension LATER.  Do not request grant extensions within the Program Change Request form.  The SSVF Program Office will provide extension details during the National Grantee Webinar on August 18th.  

 

Clarification on SSVF Regional Meeting Participation

We would like to provide clarification regarding the upcoming set of SSVF Regional Meetings. The Regional Meetings will be held from late August through early October at 10 locations throughout the U.S.  Grantees are assigned to one of these 10 locations and will receive email notification regarding meeting sites and registration details.  Please note that the Regional Meeting is a one-day event that offers SSVF 101 training and practices related to rapid rehousing, Housing First, and homelessness prevention.  Due to space limitations, grantees may register no more than two (2) program staff for this one-day Regional Meeting.  Furthermore, grantee representatives may attend only one of two tracks that will run concurrently at the Regional Meeting: 1) a track targeted for Direct Service staff, or 2) a track targeted for Program Management staff.    

Grantees with more than one SSVF grant award, they may send up to two (2) representatives per grant award.  Registration for the August Regional Meetings has opened and assigned grantees have received these notifications. In the coming weeks, grantees assigned to meetings taking place in September and October will receive notification of their meeting site, as well as registration details.  When you receive the registration email (sent to the primary and secondary contacts within your agency’s SSVF grants management account) please be sure to complete registration before it closes.

IMPORTANT:  For those grantees who serve the location (city) in which the regional meeting is being held, VA has added an additional day for grantees and community stakeholders that will focus on community coordination efforts.  These meetings are customized to meet the needs of the local community.  If you have questions, please contact Bobby Thompson at:  robert.thompson2@va.gov.

 

VA Releases SSVF Proposed Rule for Public Comment

 

The VA has released proposed changes to the SSVF Final Rule, which is open for public comment until September 26, 2016.  The link to the proposed rule can be found at:

 

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-07-27/pdf/2016-17624.pdf

 

Grantee Action Needed Regarding Outstanding FFR Financial Status Reports (FSR)

 

This is a reminder to grantees that they must close any outstanding (FY 14 and FY 15) FFR Financial Status Reports in the HHS Payment Management System.  It is a Federal requirement that all SSVF grantees submit the Financial Status Report portion of the Federal Financial Report (SF-425). Grantees must complete this report for all subaccounts within the HHS Payment Management System no later than 45 days after the end of the grant term, or at the end of an approved grant extension.

 

IMPORTANT:  Effective August 31, 2016, any failure to complete this process will cause a suspension of your HHS SSVF account.  Your HHS account will remain frozen until this delinquency is resolved.  Please note that all SSVF grant accounts associated with that grantee’s banking will be frozen.

 

Instructions can be found within the HHS website:

 

https://www.dpm.psc.gov/training/ffr_training.aspx?explorer.event=true.

 

Please note that only the FFR Financial Status Report (FSR) is required and the FFR Cash Transaction Report is NOT required.

 

Save the Date for the SSVF Education Webinar on August 16, 2016 at 2:00 PM EDT

 

Topic:  VAMC Data Sharing and Integration into Coordinated Entry Systems

The SSVF program office has reviewed the most recent community plan submissions and we recognize that many communities have requested technical assistance related to sharing data.  Please join SSVF providers and their respective Continuum of Care leads from Houston, Los Angeles, and Austin to learn how these communities implemented successful practices for data sharing and VA program integration within their coordinated entry systems. This peer-to-peer learning opportunity is optional for those who would like to improve coordination in their communities.  Registration link will be provided.

 

Save the Date for the SSVF National Webinar on August 18, 2016 at 2:00 PM EDT

 

Topic:  Understanding the Requirements and Procedures for Completing the FY 16 Year End Closing

 

This webinar will review key requirements for completing the SSVF FY 16 closing.  Information will be provided by the SSVF Program Office related to required performance and expenditure reports, final requests for program changes, HHS subaccount transfers, and 30-day grant extension opportunities.  Join this informative webinar to learn how long grantees have to submit final reports and which online systems will be used to meet each requirement. Additionally, a detailed overview of the Financial Status Report (FSR) portion of the Federal Financial Requirement (FFR) will be provided.  Registration link will be provided.

 

Thank you,

 

SSVF Program Office

 

NOTE:  If you are receiving this email in error, please disregard.  We request your patience as the SSVF Program Office continues to address system issues with the grants management database.