General Process Questions
Q: Where do I find the EOI and Full Application deadline dates?
A: Applicants should refer to the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for all important dates related to the One Stop. Note: Expression of Interest forms will be accepted from February 8, 2024 through April 30, 2024. Applicants may submit the Full Application(s) anytime between May 6, 2024 and June 5, 2024. The final deadline to submit Full Applications is 11:59 PM on June 5, 2024.
Q: I am not sure where my project falls within the Development Continuum. What are the best resources to help me understand where to apply within the Full Application?
A: If you are unsure, the best way to understand where your project falls on the Development Continuum is by submitting an Expression of Interest. The EOI review team will provide feedback on your projects, including where they fall within the continuum and which programs best align with the funding needs. You can also visit the One Stop Development Continuum webpage for details on each section of the Development Continuum. Finally, Virtual Session 2: One Stop Application Guidance Webinar walks through a series of application scenarios meant to help you understand where your project fits within the Full Application.
Q: How does the Zoning Act’s requirements for MBTA communities impact a community’s ability to receive funding from the State?
A: Section 3A to the Zoning Act (Chapter 40A of the General Laws) requires each of the 177 MBTA communities to have a zoning district in which multifamily zoning is permitted as of right, and that meets other requirements set forth in the statute. Any noncompliant MBTA community is ineligible for funding from the Housing Choice Grant Program, the HousingWorks Infrastructure Program, and/or the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, and all other Community One Stop for Growth programs will take noncompliance with Section 3A into consideration when making grant award recommendations. For information on compliance with the MBTA communities law, please visit www.mass.gov/mbtacommunities.
Expression of Interest
Q: I don’t see an option to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the IGX System. How do I access the EOI?
A: The Expression of Interest is now offered as a simple webform accessed via through the Expression of Interest page on the One Stop website. Prospective applicants are no longer required to register and/or log into the IGX system in order to complete an EOI form.
Q: If I submit an EOI, is that enough to be considered for funding?
A: No, the EOI is a tool for applicants to get feedback on their projects before starting their Full Applications. Applicants must complete a Full Application in order to be considered for funding through the One Stop.
Q: If I do not submit an EOI can I still submit a Full Application?
A: Yes. Although it is highly encouraged, the EOI is an optional step in the One Stop process and is not required to submit a Full Application.
Q: Can I apply for projects that were not included on an EOI?
A: Yes. It is also important to note that applicants that do submit an EOI are not bound by the projects that they propose. Applicants may choose not to move forward with certain projects and/or may choose to submit a Full Application for projects that were not included on their EOI.
Q: Will the EOI Feedback tell me how to improve my project proposal?
A: Not exactly. The EOI Feedback Report will let the applicant know if their project is a fit for one or more of the programs within the One Stop. If the project is a fit, applicants will receive tips on what the relevant programs look for in competitive applications, and important notes related to budget and timeline requirements, however the Feedback Report does not provide direction related to the specifics of the project.
Q: Is preference given to applicants that submit an EOI in the Full Application review?
A: No. Reviewers do not consider participation in the EOI process when evaluating an application.
Q: Can I upload documents into the EOI?
A: No, it is not necessary to include attachments in the EOI. The EOI form allows applicants to provide a brief project abstract and answer several questions related to the project scope. The Full Application is where applicants will have the opportunity to get into the details of their projects and will be asked to upload attachments.
Full Application
Q: Where do I submit the Full Application?
A: The One Stop Full Application are submitted via the IGX Platform. Word document templates of Full Application are also available on the One Stop website; however, the templates are for draft purposes only.
Q: Does the online form allow an applicant to start the application and save work in progress?
A: Yes, up until the posted deadlines, users will be able to log in and out of the system at any time to work, and save the progress, on their application(s). Applicants are encouraged to save their work often, as the system will generate alerts indicating any errors on a form that may need to be addressed before each section can be marked as complete.
Q: I am working on a Full Application and cannot find the “Submit” button. Why am I not able to submit?
A: There are two reasons why a user may not see the “Submit” button in the Full Application:
- The user may be working on the application outside of the Full Application submission period. Although applicants were able to open and work on Full Applications beginning in January, Full Applications may only be submitted between May 6 and June 5, 2024.
- The user may be registered as “Grantee Staff” within their organization. Users with the Grantee Staff role are allowed to work on the Expression of Interest and/or Full Application but may not submit. If the user is an Authorized Official within their organization, meaning they have the authority to submit an application on behalf of the organization, they should contact a Grant Administrator within their organization to upgrade their role to “Grant Administrator.”
Q: Is there an opportunity for two organizations to submit a single joint application?
A: Yes! Collaboration is highly encouraged within the One Stop. When completing the Full Application, all applicants will be asked whether they are submitting a formal joint application between two or more entities. If the answer to this question is “Yes”, the applicant will have the opportunity to list all partner entities.
Q: If a private organization in a community submits a Full Application, does that hurt the municipality’s chances of getting its application(s) funded?
A: No, each Full Application is reviewed independently on its own merits. In past rounds, there have been several examples of multiple projects being funded in the same community. While applications submitted within the same category do technically compete against each other, applications are considered for funding based on the strength of the project, regardless of location.
Q: We are considering submitting two applications for projects that fall within the same Development Continuum category. Is this allowed?
A: There is no limit to the number of applications that an organization can submit, however applicants should be aware that similar projects will naturally compete against each other if reviewed by the same program(s). In this case, applicants should consider prioritizing their projects and submitting the top priority project.
Q: Where can we find information on how much funding to request?
A: Each program within the One Stop has its own source of funding, and each program has a different amount of funding available. Applicants should review the program guidelines for information on funding limits and/or average award amounts.
Q: Which of the programs in the One Stop require a project match?
A: A budget match is only required for projects submitted to the Collaborative Workspace Program. However, in most cases, providing a budget match in any of the programs will make an application more competitive.
Q: I don't see the opportunity to submit multiple projects within the Full Application. Are applicants only allowed to submit one project?
A: There is no limit to the number of Full Applications that an organization can submit. However, applicants should only include one project per application, therefore an applicant may create multiple applications in the One Stop to submit additional projects for consideration. A great resource to understand how to navigate the Full Application is Virtual Session 2: One Stop Application Guidance Webinar.
Application Review and Award
Q: Are all projects evaluated at one time, competing for a limited pool of funding?
A: The One Stop is a portal that allows applicants to access multiple funding sources through a single application, however each grant within the One Stop still exists independently. All applications will be reviewed by the programs that best align with the project’s funding needs. Although the review is coordinated and collaborative, each program will make their own award decisions based on their program budgets and evaluation criteria.
Q: How long does the review process take and when can I expect to receive a notice of funding decision?
A: The Collaborative Review process begins immediately following the Full Application deadline. Programs will review applications over the course of the summer and are expected to issue funding decisions in the fall of 2024.
Q: If awarded a grant, do funds need to be expended by the end of the calendar or fiscal year or can they cross additional fiscal years as needed?
A: The length of contract terms and/or spending requirements will vary by program. Applicants are advised to consult the guidelines of the programs within the categories of funding. Please reference the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for more information.
Q: Are funds disbursed on a reimbursement basis and what is the timing for allowable expenses to be included within an application budget? Can funds be provided to other entities as subcontractors?
A: Disbursement policies will vary by program. Grantees should discuss disbursement with the program manager during contracting. Please reference the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for more information.
Q: What are the reporting requirements associated with One Stop grant awards?
A: Reporting requirements vary by program. Applicants are advised to consult the guidelines of the programs within the categories of funding. Please reference the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for more information.
Q: What happens if our project timeline changes after being awarded a grant?
A: We understand that unforeseen changes to timelines may occur as a project unfolds. Grantees will work with contract managers from the program providing the grant to address any changes that occur, but any change to the project schedule will be approved at the discretion of the awarding agency. Your application should include a realistic schedule that you are confident you can meet.
Q: If we have to start the project before the grants are awarded, would we still receive grant awards or is it only for projects that have not started yet?
A: Generally, the programs within the One Stop are not able to reimburse for any expenses incurred for work performed prior to the full execution of a state contract. Applicants should review program guidelines to understand allowable expenses for each program.
Q: Do the grant funds trigger prevailing wage?
A: The Massachusetts prevailing wage law (G.L. c. 149, §§ 26-27) establishes minimum wage rates for workers on “public works” construction projects. In general, the contractors hired by a public entity for a construction project are required to pay prevailing wages. The prevailing wage law does not apply to private projects, and the receipt of a grant or other state financial assistance does not turn a private construction project into a public one. However, if a private entity undertakes a public project on behalf of a municipality or other public entity, the contractors performing that work must pay prevailing wages. There are many factors that determine whether a project nominally undertaken by a private entity is, in fact, “public work” being undertaken for a public entity. Private applicants who plan to partner with a public entity on a project funded through the One Stop should consult with their legal counsel for guidance about whether the prevailing wage law might apply.
Using the IGX Online Platform
Q: My organization is new to the One Stop – how do I register a new organization?
A: If your organization is new to IGX, the CEO or Authorized Official (AO) for your municipality or organization must register the organization. To begin, click the “New Organization? Register Here” link and follow the prompts. Once the CEO or AO registers your organization, they will receive an email notification from the system confirming the designation as a Grant Administrator.
Q: How long should it take to receive a response after registering a new organization in the IGX system?
A: New organizations should be verified and approved by One Stop staff within 3 business days.
Q: Who should be the Grant Administrator?
A: The Grant Administrator(s) for each organization should be the lead person(s) in the organization that is/are authorized to submit applications on behalf of the organization, and if awarded, is in a position to manage the contracting. At least one of the Grant Administrators should be the authorized signatory of the organization or a designee acting on behalf of the authorized signatory.
Q: I am a consultant and will be working on applications for multiple organizations. Do I need to create multiple accounts?
A: No, you should only have one account in the IGX system, however each organization that you are assisting will need to be registered within IGX. The organization’s Grant Administrator can add consultants to their organization. Consultants will be able to work on EOI and Full Applications, however they will not be able to create or submit a new form on behalf of the applicant organization.