Specifications include, but are not limited to: The selected vendor is expected to Manage all aspects of the eleven (11) County CDBG Small Cities Housing Program. In this section, please explain your approach to delivering the necessary service to the Southwest Region. 5.1 Vendors shall describe their approach to providing the following products across the region: A. 0%, deferred payment housing rehabilitation loans to low- and moderate- income (LMI) households. Owner occupancy is required. Loans are for repairs of safety hazards and accessibility improvements. B. Low interest, installment housing rehabilitation loans to owners of renter-occupied units. The landlords must commit to renting to LMI renters for a minimum of 5 years. C. 0%, deferred homebuyer assistance loans to LMI households toward closing costs and down payments. Loans must be matched by homebuyer. 5.2 Within the context of the geographic service area (eleven counties), Vendors shall describe their approach and capacity to managing the CDBG Housing Program which includes (but is not limited to) the following: A. Marketing - working with all counties to market the program to eligible households. B. Financial Management - working with the lead county (Currently La Crosse) on financial management and accountability to meet HUD and State of Wisconsin standards and requirements. C. Application Processing – developing an efficient manner for taking and processing program applications to ensure applicant eligibility. D. Loan Servicing – preparing loan documents, handling loan closings, establishing payment schedules, collecting payments, etc. E. Communication/Accountability – having regular communication with the La Crosse County on program progress and issues. F. Compliance – ensuring that all activities are in compliance with HUD and State of Wisconsin rules and regulations for CDBG Housing Programs. G. Reporting – working with La Crosse County to prepare periodic reports to the consortium members, the State of Wisconsin, and HUD, and assisting with periodic program audits.