A. Program Design. The Contractor will assist CD with all aspects of the planning and formulation of the policies and standards for the Program. This includes but is not limited to the following: • General applicant eligibility criteria; • Eligible types of housing improvements; • Selection criteria and procedures; • Funding levels; • Marketing and outreach strategies; • Application processing; and, • Housing unit eligibility. B. Marketing. Notify potential eligible property owners in the designated target area about the availability of the Program. The designated target areas are expected to include the low-moderate income areas in the City of Passaic. Eligible housing units will consist of homeowner occupied housing with two to three rental units. Contact with area residents may consist of advertisements in local papers, written notices, presentations at meetings with various community organizations, and/or other suitable means as determined by the Contractor and approved by CD. A copy of the mode of marketing shall be provided to CD on a quarterly basis, as part of the Program status report. C. Perform an initial qualification of prospective participants. The Contractor shall request that interested owners submit an application for review by the Contractor. The application will include the property address, the number of rental units and anticipated home improvement(s) of common areas and/or the rental unit(s). Based on the receipt of the requested information, the Contractor will determine the applicants’ eligibility or ineligibility. If the applicant is determined eligible, the Contractor will: • Prepare a waiting list of applicants based on a first-come, first served basis; • Review each application in accordance with the selection criteria set forth in the Program guidelines; • Notify property owners selected through the waiting list of the owner's eligibility for assistance and communicate the requirements and procedures for participation in the Program; • Advise rejected applicants in writing with a copy to CD that their application has been denied and identify the reasons for rejecting the application; and, • Conduct general counseling regarding the homeowner's ongoing responsibilities under the Program.
