DHHL details evaluation priorities and common application pitfalls

DHHL walked through the application structure and stressed that Phase One is a completeness check (missing items lead to automatic rejection) and Phase Two is the scored review. Staff said project readiness, beneficiary involvement and sustainability together account for more than half of available points. "If you add up project readiness, beneficiary involvement, sustainability, that's over half," a DHHL presenter said.

Applicants were advised to use the RFP checklist (page 30) to ensure all required forms are included, to answer narrative questions directly and concisely, and to move background material to attachments. Examples of acceptable supporting items include letters of support from homestead communities, prior grant reports and evaluations. The department also included the state contract template in the RFP for applicants to review potential contract terms in advance.