General
1. What is SCAG?
Founded in 1965, the Southern California Association of
Governments (SCAG) is a Joint Powers Authority under California
state law, established as an association of local governments and
agencies that voluntarily convene as a forum to address regional
issues. Under federal law, SCAG is designated as a Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO) and under state law as a Regional
Transportation Planning Agency and a Council of Governments.
The SCAG region encompasses six counties (Imperial, Los Angeles,
Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura) and 191 cities in
an area covering more than 38,000 square miles. The agency
develops long-range regional transportation plans including
sustainable communities strategy and growth forecast components,
regional transportation improvement programs, regional housing
needs allocations and a portion of the South Coast Air Quality
management plans. In 1992, SCAG expanded its governing body, the
Executive Committee, to a 70-member Regional Council to help
accommodate new responsibilities mandated by the federal and
state governments, as well as to provide more broad-based
representation of Southern California’s cities and counties. With
its expanded membership structure, SCAG created regional
districts to provide for more diverse representation. The
districts were formed with the intent to serve equal populations
and communities of interest. Currently, the Regional Council
consists of 86 members.
In addition to the six counties and 191 cities that make up
SCAG’s region, there are six County Transportation Commissions
that hold the primary responsibility for programming and
implementing transportation projects, programs, and services in
their respective counties. Additionally, SCAG Bylaws provide for
representation of Native American tribes and Air Districts in the
region on the Regional Council and Policy Committees.
More information about SCAG can be found on our website: https://scag.ca.gov/.
2. What is the Sustainable Communities Program?
The Sustainable Communities Program (SCP) provides direct
technical assistance and resources to local agencies to support
local planning efforts in the areas of transportation, land use,
housing, and sustainability, and enable implementation of the
Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy
(RTP/SCS), which today is called Connect SoCal.
The SCP provides local jurisdictions with multiple opportunities
to seek funding and resources to meet the needs of their
communities, address recovery and resiliency strategies
considering COVID-19, and support regional goals. The adopted
Connect SoCal can be found here: https://scag.ca.gov/read-plan-adopted-final-plan.
3. What is REAP 2.0 and how does SCP Call 4 fit into SCAG’s
larger REAP 2.0 program?
Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program for 2021 (REAP 2021
or REAP 2.0) was established through AB 140 (July 2021) as part
of the mid-year budget revise for the State’s FY 21-22 budget.
Approximately $600 million is available statewide to support
transformative and innovative projects that implement a region’s
Sustainable Communities Strategy and help achieve goals of more
housing and transportation options that reduce reliance on cars.
Approximately $500 million of these funds are from American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) establishment of the Coronavirus State and
Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), and the balance are State
General Funds. These new funds will be provided as grants to
regional entities, primarily metropolitan planning organizations
(MPOs) such as SCAG. The SCAG region’s formula share is
$246,024,084. All REAP 2021 funds are to be obligated by June of
2024 and expended by June 2026, with a final closeout report due
June 2026.
The California Housing and Community Development Department (HCD)
is the lead for the program and will work collaboratively with
the Strategic Growth Council (SGC), Governor’s Office of Planning
and Research (OPR), and State Air Resources Board (CARB), to
develop detailed guidelines for implementation.
SCP Call 4 is one of many strategies that SCAG has proposed as
part of its REAP 2.0 allocation, utilizing $5 million of those
available funds for project awards.
The State has released Draft Guidelines for REAP 2.0,
available here. The State anticipates releasing Final
Guidelines for REAP 2.0 in summer 2022. SCP Call 4 program
guidelines are based on the current Draft Guidelines for REAP 2.0
and are contingent on the release of the Final REAP 2.0
Guidelines. Over the past year, SCAG has conducted robust
engagement and has collected feedback from partners to shape the
Call.
4. Can I suggest other organizations for SCAG to involve and
share this process?
Yes. SCP information and SCAG staff contact information are open
to the public to involve, share, and include organizations and
other interested parties in the process.
5. Will the application materials be made available in Spanish?
Yes. SCP Call 4 application materials will be made available in
Spanish. If you need assistance in a language other than Spanish
or English, please contact Anita Au at
au@scag.ca.gov.
6. Who do I contact if I have more questions about the program?
Please direct any questions about the program to Anita Au at
au@scag.ca.gov.
Award Amounts
7. What is the total available funding? What is the expected
grant size? What is the range for awards?
SCAG anticipates a total of $5 million to be available for SCP
Call 4, pending approval from HCD. The funding range per project
is determined by project size and scope, although SCAG
anticipates project awards up to $250,000 for most projects.
There are currently no minimum or maximum award amounts. Award
amounts will vary based on the scope of the proposed project.
Budgets and project lists for the previous 2020 SCP grants
approved by SCAG’s Regional Council are publicly available on
SCAG’s Website:
8. How many projects will be awarded in each county? Is there a
limit to the number of projects awarded per county?
There is no pre-determined allocation or number of projects per
county. The project award list shall be determined through the
evaluation process and approval by the Regional Council. However,
this Call for Applications will prioritize funding in areas that
have been traditionally disadvantaged, underserved,
underrepresented, and under resourced, as aligned with REAP 2.0
guidelines.
9. How will community-based organizations (CBOs) receive a
“bigger piece of the pie” considering the small amounts
historically allocated to them?
Proposals shall include budgets that identify appropriate
compensation for CBOs to lead key elements of the project. In
addition, the application and evaluation criteria emphasize
equitable, respectful, and reciprocal partnerships.
10. Is it possible to pursue a multi-year funding model? Can
these funds be used to cover operating costs?
SCP Call 4 project award recommendations and approval is
anticipated in Spring 2023. Final work and invoices shall be
submitted by June 2025. The Sustainable Communities Program aims
to provide funds for planning projects and does not currently
provide multi-year funding for general operations.
11. Will this program directly award funding?
SCP is primarily a technical assistance program. However, for
this call, SCAG will explore opportunities to directly fund
agencies and CBO partners to carry out work.
Project Types/Qualifications
12. Can applicants apply for resources to support existing
projects?
Yes. Applicants may submit proposals for new or on-going (or
existing) projects, provided that SCP Call 4 funding will be
utilized to expand or continue those projects, rather than
supplanting existing public funds. Projects will be evaluated
based on the available scoring criteria.
13. Should applicants build the scope based on a single project
type? Can applicants submit a project that is not on the list of
example project types?
Projects should respond to local need. Project scopes may include
multiple project types or include a project type not identified
by SCAG. This Call for Application includes projects focused
across multiple categories. All proposed planning strategies and
project types must explain how it meaningfully responds to a
negative economic impact of the pandemic and show that the
program or project serves impacted households, as defined by REAP
2.0 guidelines. To learn more about REAP 2.0 requirements, please
review the
Draft REAP 2.0 Guidelines.
14. Can applicants submit multiple applications?
Yes. Applicants may submit multiple applications and shall
indicate project priority on submitted their applications.
15. What types of projects are eligible for this Call? Are
planning and implementation projects eligible? And are there any
limitations on how funding can be spent?
At this time, planning projects, engagement activities, pilot
projects, and studies are eligible. All planning efforts and
studies are eligible if they lead to and can demonstrate feasible
implementation. Call 4 seeks to provide immediate benefit to the
region through support for transformative planning activities
that can be implemented quickly to advance strategies in Connect
SoCal 2020 and inform the 2024 plan update. This call is focused
on Connect SoCal 2020 implementation either through the
deployment of pilot projects or support for the creation and/or
expansion of new projects that directly support housing and
mobility solutions.
SCP Call 4 is not supporting capital improvement construction
projects. The Call prioritizes planning or analysis of
feasibility and planning and upfront activities. SCP Call 4
funding parameters align with
Draft REAP 2.0 Guidelines. All projects need to meet COVID 19
response and recovery goals and at least one other
objective: accelerate infill development, affirmatively
furthering fair housing, or reducing vehicle miles traveled.
16. Are broadband assessments or planning activities eligible?
Broadband activities are generally ineligible due to other
funding available throughout the state for these types of
projects.
17. Are Electric Vehicle (EV) plans or assessments an eligible
cost?
Proposed projects must address the core REAP 2.0 objectives, as
outlined in the SCP Call 4 Guidelines. If the EV planning is part
of a housing structure, then yes, this project would be eligible.
Infrastructure for EV charging stations is not eligible.
18. Can an organization receive funding for advocacy-motivated
community engagement?
The application guidelines outline “Planning Convenings and
Community Engagement” as a project category, and will include
planning projects that utilize project ideation, research, direct
engagement and people to engage in redefine their relationships
to each other and to those in positions of power, building civic
engagement and institutions that can address complex problems,
represent the will and power of the community, and contribute
knowledge and experience that other communities can use. Lobbying
efforts and/or political campaigning are not allowable expenses.
19. When should projects start? When do projects need to be
completed by?
SCAG anticipates projects to start in Winter 2023 and complete by
Spring 2025.
Applicant Eligibility
20. Who is eligible to apply as an agency applicant? Are there
any government agencies that are ineligible for this call?
- Local or Regional Agencies – Examples include cities,
counties, councils of government, Regional Transportation
Planning Agencies, and County Public Health Departments.
- Transit Agencies – Any agency responsible for public
transportation that is eligible for funds under the Federal
Transit Administration.
- Natural Resources or Public Land Agencies – Federal, State,
or local agency responsible for natural resources or public land
administration.
- Tribal Governments – Federally-recognized Native American
Tribes.
The
Draft REAP 2.0 Guidelines include a list of all eligible
entities that can receive funding.
21. How is a co-applicant defined? What are the minimum
requirements for a co-applicant? Are organizations with a fiscal
sponsor eligible?
The following entities, within the SCAG region, are eligible to
apply for this Call for Applications as co-applicants with an
eligible agency applicant:
- Community-based organizations, non-profits, and social
enterprises that fulfill a social or public service mission.
- Multiple co-applicants may apply alongside the agency
applicant.
- An organization that utilizes a fiscal sponsor is eligible to
apply.
All awarded co-applicants are expected to undergo SCAG’s risk
assessment process to ensure that recipients of grant funds
maintain adequate financial management systems prior to receiving
the funds. Awardees and co-applicants are required to maintain an
accounting system that properly records and segregates incurred
project costs by line item. The accounting system of the awardee,
including its co-applicants and subcontractors, must conform to
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles that enable the
determination of incurred costs at interim points of completion
and provides support for reimbursement payment vouchers or
invoices sent to or paid by SCAG. Allowable project costs must
comply with applicable cost principles and regulations.
22. Can community-based organizations (CBOs) lead an application
for this call?
No, agency applicants must serve as the lead applicant and CBOs
shall be co-applicants. An agency applicant is required, while a
CBO co-applicant is recommended.
23. Are higher education districts applicable entities?
Yes, higher education districts are eligible agency applicants.
24. Have community-based organizations (CBOs) received
Sustainable Community Program resources in the past?
The Sustainable Communities Program has not directly awarded
resources to CBOs in the previous calls. This fourth Call for
Applications adopts an approach to strategically invest in local
community-led planning efforts with the direct involvement of
CBOs as co-applicants.
25. Could community members bring project ideas to SCAG?
Yes. Community members are encouraged to share thoughts and ideas
on how SCAG can improve the lives of Southern Californians,
including through project ideas. This program specifically aims
to build community capacity, trust, and sustainable relationships
with stakeholders. Feel free to connect with SCAG and send
project ideas to Anita Au at
au@scag.ca.gov.
26. Which regions can apply?
Applicants from the SCAG region are eligible to apply. The SCAG
region is comprised of Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside,
San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties.
27. May funds be used for housing trust funds? In the event that
the trust fund needs seed funding, is this eligible?
Housing trust funds are a component of the Housing Supportive
Infrastructure Program at SCAG. For further information, please
reach out to
noonan@scag.ca.gov.
Partnerships
28. How do potential applicants identify partnerships? Can SCAG
facilitate partnerships between co-applicants and local agencies?
Through this Call, SCAG aims to foster meaningful working
relationships between local governments and community-based
organizations to facilitate and inform equitable community
planning and development to address the pervasive and deep
inequities experienced in historically under-resourced
communities.
To facilitate application development, SCAG staff will be
available via office hours, and host Application webinars open to
the public, to assist with project identification and proposal
development. In addition, SCAG will be available to help
community-based organizations identify potential agency partners.
29. Does an agency have to apply with a co-applicant to be
eligible?
No. However, the co-applicant structure is strongly recommended.
This Call for Applications allows agency applicants to apply in
partnership with up to two co-applicants. The agency applicant
may apply with CBO partner using the co-applicant partnership
structure.
Under an agency and co-applicant partnership structure,
co-applicants can be compensated to lead key elements of the
project. In addition, a consultant team may be procured to
perform identified work on behalf of the agency and co-applicant
partnership.
30. Can community-based organizations (CBOs) partner with
universities?
The agency applicant must be an agency as defined in response to
question 20, inclusive of universities. CBOs may partner with
universities as a part of a coalition of community-based
partners.
31. Can a jurisdiction partner with a coalition of
community-based organizations?
Yes. Up to two co-applicants may apply alongside the agency
applicant.
32. What if there is a lack of trust between community-based
organizations and local agencies?
SCAG has taken this comment into consideration and is
prioritizing evaluation criteria to address and help foster
meaningful working relationships between local governments and
community-based organizations, supporting local agencies in
developing community capacity, trust, and sustainable
relationships.
33. Will there be an opportunity to provide a pre-proposal or
pre-application materials? Will the application materials be
required?
SCAG will work with interested applicants, as needed, to
determine needed support and project feasibility through 1:1
coaching opportunities. To facilitate application development,
SCAG staff will be available via office hours, and host
Application webinars.
Capacity
34. Will SCAG offer technical assistance to help applicants
develop a proposal?
To facilitate application development, SCAG staff will be
available via office hours, and shall host Application webinars
to assist with project refinement. More information on office
hours and Application webinars will be made available on the
SCP Call 4 website.
35. Will SCAG offer technical assistance to awardees during the
project?
SCAG staff will work with awardees to complete procurement and
contracting. SCAG may serve as the administrative project
manager, managing the contract and invoices.
36. What reporting process can an awardee anticipate?
Awarded applicants can anticipate submitting quarterly reports to
align with SCAG’s Overall Work Plan reporting requirements.
37. Do applicants need to use evidence-based tools to
substantiate what they want to do?
No. SCAG expects the projects to serve local needs; the methods
used to measure or describe those needs do not need to be
strictly quantitative, nor predetermined by SCAG. SCAG will work
with and learn from applicants to understand the information
available, especially where qualitative data and narrative is
provided.
38. Do potential applicants need to pay a fee to receive advice?
No. There are no fees to seek technical assistance from SCAG.
