61.44—Awarding special needs grants.
(a)
Applicants will first be grouped in categories according to the funding priorities set forth in the NOFA, if any. Applicants will then be ranked, within their respective funding category if applicable. The highest-ranked applications for which funding is available, within highest priority funding category if applicable, will be conditionally selected to receive a special needs grant in accordance with their ranked order, as determined under § 61.43 of this part. If funding priorities have been established and funds are still available after selection of those applicants in the highest priority group VA will continue to conditionally select applicants in lower priority categories in accordance with the selection method set forth in this paragraph subject to available funding.
(b)
In the event of a tie between applicants, VA will use the score from § 61.43(b) of this part to determine the ranking.
(c)
For those applicants selected for a special needs grant, VA will execute an agreement and make payments to the grant recipient in accordance with § 61.61of this part.
(d)
The amount of the special needs grant will be the estimated total operational cost of the special need over the life of the special needs grant award as specified in the special needs grant agreement. Payments may be made for no more than 3 years. Recipients may apply again thereafter only in response to a Notice of Fund Availability.