The HUD program requirements in § 5.109 of this title apply to the ICDBG program, including the requirements regarding disposition and change in use of real property by a faith-based organization.

(a) Under the authority of section 107(e)(2) of the Act, the Secretary waives the requirement that grantees comply with section 109 of the Act except with respect to the prohibition of discrimination based on age, sex, religion, or against an otherwise qualified disabled individual.

(b) A grantee shall comply with the provisions of title II of Pub. L. 90-284 (24 U.S.C. 1301—the Indian Civil Rights Act) in the administration of a program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds made available under this part. For purposes of this section, “program or activity” is defined as any function conducted by an identifiable administrative unit of the grantee; and “funded in whole or in part with funds made available under this part” means that ICDBG funds in any amount have been transferred by the grantee to an identifiable administrative unit and disbursed in a program or activity.

(c) A grantee shall comply with the equal access to HUD-assisted or -insured housing requirements in 24 CFR 5.105(a)(2).

(a) Minimize displacement. Consistent with the other goals and objectives of this part, grantees shall assure that they have taken all reasonable steps to minimize the displacement of persons (households, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and farms) as a result of a project assisted under this part.

(b) Temporary relocation. The following policies cover residential tenants who will not be required to move permanently but who must relocate temporarily for the project. Such tenants must be provided:

(1) Reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the temporary relocation, including the cost of moving to and from the temporarily occupied housing and any increase in monthly housing costs (e.g., rent/utility costs).

(2) Appropriate advisory services, including reasonable advance written notice of:

(i) The date and approximate duration of the temporary relocation;

(ii) The location of the suitable, decent, safe and sanitary dwelling to be made available for the temporary period;

(iii) The terms and conditions under which the tenant may occupy a suitable, decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling in the building/complex following completion of the repairs; and

(iv) The provisions of paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

(c) Relocation assistance for displaced persons. A displaced person (defined in paragraph (g) of this section) must be provided relocation assistance at the levels described in, and in accordance with the requirements of, the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (URA)(42 U.S.C. 4601-4655) and implementing regulations at 49 CFR part 24.

(d) Optional relocation assistance. Under section 105(a)(11) of the Act, the grantee may provide relocation payments and other relocation assistance to persons displaced by a project that is not subject to paragraph (c) of this section. The grantee may also provide relocation assistance to persons receiving assistance under paragraph (c) of this section at levels in excess of those required. For assistance that is not required by State or tribal law, the grantee shall adopt a written policy available to the public that describes the relocation assistance that it has elected to furnish and provides for equal relocation assistance within each class of displaced persons.

(e) Real Property acquisition requirements. The acquisition of real property for an assisted activity is subject to 49 CFR part 24, subpart B. Whenever the grantee does not have the authority to acquire the real property through condemnation, it shall:

(1) Before discussing the purchase price, inform the owner:

(i) Of the amount it believes to be the fair market value of the property. Such amount shall be based upon one or more appraisals prepared by a qualified appraiser. However, this provision does not prevent the grantee from accepting a donation or purchasing the real property at less than its fair market value.

(ii) That it will be unable to acquire the property if negotiations fail to result in an amicable agreement.

(2) Request HUD approval of the proposed acquisition price before executing a firm commitment to purchase the property. The grantee shall include with its request a copy of the appraisal(s) and, when applicable, a justification for any proposed acquisition payment that exceeds the fair market value of the property. HUD will promptly review the proposal and inform the grantee of its approval or disapproval.

(f) Appeals. A person who disagrees with the grantee's determination concerning whether the person qualifies as a “displaced person,” or the amount of relocation assistance for which the person is eligible, may file a written appeal of that determination with the grantee. A person who is dissatisfied with the grantee's determination on his or her appeal may submit a written request for review of that determination to the HUD Area ONAP.

(g) Responsibility of grantee. (1) The grantee shall certify that it will comply with the URA, the regulations at 49 CFR part 24, and the requirements of this section, i.e., provide assurance of compliance as required by 49 CFR part 24. The grantee shall ensure such compliance notwithstanding any third party's contractual obligation to the grantee to comply with these provisions.

(2) The cost of required relocation assistance is an eligible project cost in the same manner and to the same extent as other project costs. However, such assistance may also be paid for with funds available to the grantee from any other source.

(3) The grantee shall maintain records in sufficient detail to demonstrate compliance with this section.

(h) Definition of displaced person. (1) For purposes of this section, the term displaced person means any person (household, business, nonprofit organization, or farm) that moves from real property, or moves his or her personal property from real property, permanently, as a direct result of rehabilitation, demolition, or acquisition for a project assisted under this part. The term “displaced person” includes, but is not limited to:

(i) A tenant-occupant of a dwelling unit who moves from the building/complex permanently after the submission to HUD of an application for financial assistance that is later approved.

(ii) Any person, including a person who moves before the date described in paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this section, that either HUD or the grantee determines was displaced as a direct result of acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition for the assisted project.

(iii) A tenant-occupant of a dwelling who moves from the building/complex permanently, after the execution of the agreement between the grantee and HUD, if the move occurs before the tenant is provided written notice offering him or her the opportunity to lease and occupy a suitable, decent, safe and sanitary dwelling in the same building/complex, under reasonable terms and conditions, upon completion of the project. Such reasonable terms and conditions include a monthly rent and estimated average monthly utility costs that do not exceed the greater of:

(A) The tenant's monthly rent and estimated average monthly utility costs before the agreement; or

(B) 30 percent of gross household income.

(iv) A tenant-occupant of a dwelling who is required to relocate temporarily, but does not return to the building/complex, if either:

(A) The tenant is not offered payment for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the temporary relocation, including the cost of moving to and from the temporarily occupied unit, any increased housing costs and incidental expenses; or

(B) Other conditions of the temporary relocation are not reasonable.

(v) A tenant-occupant of a dwelling who moves from the building/complex after he or she has been required to move to another dwelling unit in the same building/complex in order to carry out the project, if either:

(A) The tenant is not offered reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the move; or

(B) Other conditions of the move are not reasonable.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (h)(1) of this section, a person does not qualify as a “displaced person” (and is not eligible for relocation assistance under the URA or this section), if:

(i) The person moved into the property after the submission of the application for financial assistance to HUD, but, before signing a lease or commencing occupancy, was provided written notice of the project, its possible impact on the person (e.g., the person may be displaced, temporarily relocated or suffer a rent increase) and the fact that the person would not qualify as a “displaced person” or for any assistance provided under this section as a result of the project;

(ii) The person is ineligible under 49 CFR 24.2(g)(2).

(iii) The grantee determines the person is not displaced as a direct result of acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition for an assisted project. To exclude a person on this basis, HUD must concur in that determination.

(3) A grantee may at any time ask HUD to determine whether a specific displacement is or would be covered under this section.

(i) Definition of initiation of negotiations. For purposes of determining the formula for computing the replacement housing assistance to be provided to a person displaced as a direct result of rehabilitation or demolition of the real property, the term “initiation of negotiations” means the execution of the agreement covering the rehabilitation or demolition.

In accordance with the authority under section 107(e)(2) of the Act, the Secretary waives the provisions of section 110 of the Act (Labor Standards) with respect to this part, including the requirement that laborers and mechanics employed by the contractor or subcontractor in the performance of construction work financed in whole or in part with assistance received under this part be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality, as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 276 a to a-7).

(a) In order to permit residents of Indian tribes and Alaska native villages to examine and appraise the applicant's application for funds under this part, the applicant shall follow traditional means of resident involvement which, at the least, include the following:

(1) Furnishing residents with information concerning the amounts of funds available for proposed community development and housing activities and the range of activities that may be undertaken.

(2) Holding one or more meetings to obtain the views of residents on community development and housing needs. Meetings shall be scheduled in ways and at times that will allow participation by residents.

(3) Developing and publishing or posting a community development statement in such a manner as to afford affected residents an opportunity to examine its contents and to submit comments.

(4) Affording residents an opportunity to review and comment on the applicant's performance under any active community development block grant.

(b) Prior to submission of the application to HUD, the applicant shall certify by an official Tribal resolution that it has met the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

(1) Considered any comments and views expressed by residents and, if it deems it appropriate, modified the application accordingly; and

(2) Made the modified application available to residents.

(c) No part of the requirement under paragraph (a) of this section shall be construed to restrict the responsibility and authority of the applicant for the development of the application and the execution of the grant. Accordingly, the citizen participation requirements of this section do not include concurrence by any person or group in making final determinations on the contents of the application.

(a) In order to assure that the policies of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other provisions of Federal law which further the purposes of that act (as specified in 24 CFR 58.5) are most effectively implemented in connection with the expenditure of ICDBG funds, the grantee shall comply with the Environment Review Procedures for Entities Assuming HUD Environmental Responsibilities (24 CFR part 58). Upon completion of an environmental review, the grantee shall submit a certification and request for release of funds for particular projects in accordance with 24 CFR part 58. The grantee shall also be responsible for compliance with flood insurance, coastal barrier resource and airport clear zone requirements under 24 CFR 58.6.

(b) In accordance with 24 CFR 58.34(a)(8), grants for imminent threats to health or safety approved under the provisions of subpart E of this part are exempt from some or all of the environmental review requirements of 24 CFR part 58, to the extent provided in that section.

(a) Applicability. (1) In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by grantees and subgrantees, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR 200.112, 200.318(c), and 200.319(a)(5) shall apply.

(2) In all cases not governed by 2 CFR 200.318, the provisions of this section shall apply. Such cases include the provision of assistance by the grantee or by its subrecipients to businesses, individuals, and other private entities under eligible activities that authorize such assistance (e.g., rehabilitation, preservation, and other improvements of private properties or facilities under § 1003.202; or grants, loans, and other assistance to businesses, individuals, and other private entities under § 1003.203 or § 1003.204.).

(b) Conflicts prohibited. Except for the use of ICDBG funds to pay salaries and other related administrative or personnel costs, the general rule is that no persons described in paragraph (c) of this section who exercise or have exercised any functions or responsibilities with respect to ICDBG activities assisted under this part or who are in a position to participate in a decision-making process or gain inside information with regard to such activities, may obtain a personal or financial interest or benefit from an ICDBG assisted activity, or have an interest in any contract, subcontract or agreement with respect thereto, or the proceeds thereunder, either for themselves or those with whom they have family or business ties, during their tenure or for one year thereafter.

(c) Persons covered. The conflict of interest provisions of paragraph (b) of this section apply to any person who is an employee, agent, consultant, officer, or elected or appointed official of the grantee, or of any designated public agencies, or CBDOs under § 1003.204, receiving funds under this part.

(d) Exceptions requiring HUD approval—(1) Threshold requirements. Upon the written request of a grantee, HUD may grant an exception to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section on a case-by-case basis, when it determines that such an exception will serve to further the purposes of the Act and the effective and efficient administration of the grantee's program or project. An exception may be considered only after the grantee has provided the following:

(i) A disclosure of the nature of the possible conflict, accompanied by an assurance that there has been public disclosure of the conflict and a description of how the public disclosure was made; and

(ii) An opinion of the grantee's attorney that the interest for which the exception is sought would not violate Tribal laws on conflict of interest, or applicable State laws.

(2) Factors to be considered for exceptions: In determining whether to grant a requested exception after the grantee has satisfactorily met the requirements of paragraph (d)(1) of this section, HUD shall consider the cumulative effect of the following factors, where applicable:

(i) Whether the exception would provide a significant cost benefit or essential expert knowledge to the program or project which would otherwise not be available;

(ii) Whether an opportunity was provided for open competitive bidding or negotiation;

(iii) Whether the affected person has withdrawn from his or her functions or responsibilities, or from the decision-making process, with reference to the specific assisted activity in question;

(iv) Whether the interest or benefit was present before the affected person was in a position as described in paragraph (b) of this section;

(v) Whether undue hardship will result, either to the grantee or to the person affected, when weighed against the public interest served by avoiding the prohibited conflict;

(vi) Any other relevant considerations.

(e) Circumstances under which the conflict prohibition does not apply. (1) In instances where a person who might otherwise be deemed to be included under the conflict prohibition is a member of a group or class of beneficiaries of the assisted activity and receives generally the same interest or benefits as are being made available or provided to the group or class, the prohibition does not apply, except that if, by not applying the prohibition against conflict of interest, a violation of Tribal or State laws on conflict of interest would result, the prohibition does apply. However, if the assistance to be provided is housing rehabilitation (or repair) or new housing, a public disclosure of the nature of the assistance to be provided and the specific basis for the selection of the proposed beneficiaries must be made prior to the submission of an application to HUD. Evidence of this disclosure must be provided as a component of the application.

(f) Record retention. All records pertaining to the grantee's decision under this section shall be maintained for HUD review upon request.

The requirements of the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4821-4846), the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 4851-4856), and implementing regulations part 35, subparts A, B, J, K, and R of this title apply to activities conducted under this program.

The requirements in 2 CFR part 2424 are applicable. ICDBG funds cannot be provided to excluded or disqualified persons.

Housing counseling, as defined in 24 CFR 5.100, that is funded with or provided in connection with ICDBG funds must be carried out in accordance with 24 CFR 5.111. Housing counseling conducted in connection with the ICDBG program may only be conducted by individuals who are HUD-certified in accordance with 24 CFR part 214, subpart F.