Financial Interview Tool and Benefits

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, proposes to enter into a sole source contract with the National Council On Aging,1901 L Street N.W. 4th Floor Washington, DC 20036 in accordance with FAR 13.501(a) (1)(ii) under the Commercial Items Test Program for commercial items under section 4202 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 or the Services Acquisition Reform Act of 2003 (41 USC 428a {41 USC 1903 and 1904) for financial analysis and benefits assistance access tools that are tailored to the unique needs of seniors considering a reverse mortgage, and housing counselors that are providing those seniors statutorily mandated housing counseling in conjunction with an FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). These tools must reflect not only an expert knowledge of the complexities of a reverse mortgage, the HECM program and the required counseling services, but also a comprehensive and current database of public and other assistance programs that could benefit seniors. The National Council of Aging is the only source that can provide the Financial Analysis Tool (FIT) and Benefits Checkup (BCU to that are proprietary system. The National Council on Aging developed the two system that help counsel complete a customized budge to illustrate a household's current financial situation and to determine how a reverse mortgage might or might not help in meeting their needs-goal and educate potential borrower regarding public and other benefits program that may assist them. The tool must provide a summary of these factors, which can help housing counselors identify the features of a reverse mortgage that may be appropriate to meet client goals, assess the impact of their financial needs on remaining equity over time and consider alternative options to a reverse. Through a few key questions, the tool must facilitate conversations with counseling clients about life factors such as declining health, limitations in the home environment, or recent life transitions such as widowhood that can make it hard for them to stay at home mortgage Moreover, a tool is required so that housing counselors can quickly screen more than 1,800 public and private benefits programs from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These benefit programs include tax relief, energy assistance, health care and in-home services, prescription drugs, nutrition programs, housing, and programs for which a senior may be eligible, and provide contact information to help them apply for these benefits. The tool must prepare a report identifying public and private benefits programs for the senior to consider. This report must also include program details such as program descriptions, application forms, local contact information that answers questions and helps with enrollment, and a listing of necessary documentation to aid in the application process. Many homeowners consider a reverse mortgage to help pay for homeowner expenses, health care and other basic needs. For those with limited incomes, benefits from existing federal, state and local programs could be an important alternative or supplement to a reverse mortgage. Moreover, this type of tool is required to assist HECM borrowers who struggle to meet the terms and conditions of the HECM loan, for example the many borrowers who are delinquent on their taxes and insurance. This notice of intent is for information purposes only, therefore, no solicitation will result from this announcement. All sources eligible to provide this service must respond in writing. Response must be supported with clear and convincing evidence to clearly be able to provide service outline above. A request for documentation will not be considered as an affirmative response. If no responses are received, within 5 calendar days, December 18, 2013, 4:00 p.m. EST, after publication of this notice, to the effect that comparable supplies and service are available and that it is more advantageous to the Government than obtaining these services through a sole-source contract, then a sole source acquisition award will be made. Response to this award shall be sent Geneva.D.Maphis@hud.gov.