Notices. Notice

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BILLING CODE 4810-35-M DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900—New (EHSRDV)] Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Office of Policy, Planning and Preparedness, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Office of Policy, Planning and Preparedness (OPP&P), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the **Federal Register** concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed new collection of information, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to determine the factors impacting employment histories in recently discharged veterans. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before June 19, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to David Paschane, Office of Policy, Planning and Preparedness (008A), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail *David.Paschane@va.gov* . Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900—New (EHSRDV)” in any correspondence. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Paschane at

(202)273-6784 or FAX

(202)273-5993. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA. With respect to the following collection of information, the Office of Policy, Planning and Preparedness invites comments on:

(1)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2)the accuracy of VA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;

(3)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology. *Title:* Employment Histories Survey of Recently Discharged Veterans. *Type of Review:* New collection. *Abstract:* The purpose of the study is to obtain information on recently discharged veterans and to test the feasibility of a two-wave pilot survey. The data includes recent employment history; occupation; senior management status; employment commensurate with previous work or military experience; experience with training, education, and employment assistance; education; disability status; and geographic mobility. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households. *Estimated Time Per Respondent and Annual Burden:* 647 hours. *Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:* 20 minutes. *Frequency of Response:* Biennially. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 1,940. Dated: April 10, 2006. By direction of the Secretary. Denise McLamb, Program Analyst, Records Management Service. [FR Doc. E6-5893 Filed 4-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0386] Agency Information Collection Activities Under OMB Review AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-21), this notice announces that the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs, has submitted the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and comment. The PRA submission describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden and includes the actual data collection instrument. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before May 22, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Denise McLamb, Records Management Service (005E3), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420,

(202)565-8374, fax

(202)565-6950 or e-mail: *denise.mclamb@mail.va.gov* . Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0386.” Send comments and recommendations concerning any aspect of the information collection to VA's OMB Desk Officer, OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503

(202)395-7316. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0386” in any correspondence. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan Worksheet, VA Form 26-8923. *OMB Control Number:* 2900-0386. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Abstract:* Title 38 U.S.C. 3729(a) requires VA to collect a funding fee in connection with guaranteed or direct loans. The fee is payable for both home and manufactured home loans. To be eligible for the guaranty, lenders must submit VA Form 26-8923, and VA Form 26-1820, Report and Certification of Loan Disbursement when requesting a guaranty on an interest rate reduction refinancing loan and provide a receipt as proof that the funding fee was paid or evidence that the claimant is exempt from such fee. VA uses the data collected to ensure lenders correctly compute the funding fee and the maximum permissible loan amount for interest rate reduction refinancing loans. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The **Federal Register** Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on January 19, 2006 at page 3156. *Affected Public:* Business or other for profit. *Estimated Annual Burden:* 6,667 hours. *Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:* 10 minutes. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion. *Estimated Number of Total Respondents:* 40,000. Dated: April 4, 2006. By direction of the Secretary. Denise McLamb, Program Analyst, Records Management Service. [FR Doc. E6-5894 Filed 4-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0564] Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the **Federal Register** concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information needed to enroll claimants receiving benefit payments into an electronic funds transfer program. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before June 19, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35 Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: *irmnkess@vba.va.gov.* Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0564” in any correspondence. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy J. Kessinger at

(202)273-7079 or FAX

(202)275-5947. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget

(1)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2)the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;

(3)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology. *Titles:* a. Direct Deposit Enrollment, VA Form 24-0296. b. Direct Deposit Enrollment (Australia), VA Form 24-0296a. c. Direct Deposit Enrollment (Canada), VA Form 24-0596b. d. Direct Deposit Enrollment (Germany), VA Form 24-2096c. e. Direct Deposit Enrollment (Ireland), VA Form 24-0296d. f. Direct Deposit Enrollement (United Kingdom), VA Form 24-0296e. *OMB Control Number:* 2900-0564. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Abstract:* Claimants complete the Direct Deposit Enrollment forms to authorize VA to electronically deposit their benefit payments into their financial institution account. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households. *Estimated Annual Burden:* a. VA Form 24-0296—750 hours. b. VA Form 24-0296a (Australia)—100 hours. c. VA Form 24-2096b (Canada)—100 hours. d. VA Form 24-2096c (Germany)—100 hours. e. VA Form 24-2096d (Ireland)—100 hours. f. VA Form 24-2096e (United Kingdom)—100 hours. *Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:* 15 minutes. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 5,000. a. VA Form 24-0296—3,000. b. VA Form 24-0296a (Australia)—400. c. VA Form 24-2096b (Canada)—400. d. VA Form 24-2096c (Germany)—400. e. VA Form 24-0296d (Ireland)—400. f. VA Form 24-0296e (United Kingdom)—400. Dated: April 6, 2006. By direction of the Secretary. Denise McLamb, Program Analyst, Records Management Service. [FR Doc. E6-5896 Filed 4-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0554] Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Veterans Health Administration

(VHA)is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the **Federal Register** concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information needed to determine applicants eligibility to receive a grant and/or per diem for programs to assist the homeless. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before June 19, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to Ann Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (193E1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0554” in any correspondence. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ann Bickoff at

(202)273-8310. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget

(1)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2)the accuracy of VHA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;

(3)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology. *Titles:* a. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Capital Grant Application, VA Form 10-0361-CG. b. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Life Safety Code Application, VA Form 10-0361-LSC. c. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Per Diem Only Application, VA Form 10-0361-PDO. d. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Special Needs Application, VA Form 10-0361-SN. e. Compliance Reports for Per Diem and Special Needs Grants. No form needed. May be reported to VA in standard business narrative. f. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Technical Assistance Application, VA Form 10-0361-TA. g. Compliance Reports for Technical Assistance Grants. No form needed. May be reported to VA in standard business narrative. *OMB Control Number:* 2900-0554. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Abstract:* VA Form 10-0361 series, Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, will be used to evaluate applicants eligibility to receive a grant/or per diem payments which provide supportive housing/services to assist homeless veterans transition to independent living. The collected information will be used to apply the specific criteria to rate and rank each application; and to obtain information necessary to ensure that Federal funds are awarded to applicants who are financially stable and who will conduct program for which a grant and/or per diem award was made. *Affected Public:* Not-for-profit institutions, State, local or tribal governments. *Estimated Annual Burden:* 14,340 hours. a. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Capital Grant Application, VA Form 10-0361-CG—3,500 hours. b. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Life Safety Code Application, VA Form 10-0361-LSC—2,000 hours. c. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Per Diem Only Application, VA Form 10-0361-PDO—3,000 hours. d. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Special Needs Application, VA Form 10-0361-SN—4,000 hours. e. Compliance Reports for Per Diem and Special Needs Grants—1,500 hours. f. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Technical Assistance Application, VA Form 10-0361-TA—250 hours. g. Compliance Reports for Technical Assistance Grants—90 hours. *Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:* a. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Capital Grant Application, VA Form 10-0361-CG—35 hours. b. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Life Safety Code Application, VA Form 10-0361-LSC—10 hours. c. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Per Diem Only Application, VA Form 10-0361-PDO—20 hours. d. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Special Needs Application, VA Form 10-0361-SN—20 hours. e. Compliance Reports for Per Diem and Special Needs Grants—5 hours. f. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Technical Assistance Application, VA Form 10-0361-TA—10 hours. g. Compliance Reports for Technical Assistance Grants—2.25 hours. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 985. a. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Capital Grant Application, VA Form 10-0361-CG—100. b. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Life Safety Code Application, VA Form 10-0361-LSC—200. c. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Per Diem Only Application, VA Form 10-0361-PDO—150. d. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Special Needs Application, VA Form 10-0361-SN—200. e. Compliance Reports for Per Diem and Special Needs Grants—300. f. Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Technical Assistance Application, VA Form 10-0361-TA—25. g. Compliance Reports for Technical Assistance Grants—40. Dated: April 4, 2006. By direction of the Secretary. Denise McLamb, Program Analyst, Records Management Service. [FR Doc. E6-5898 Filed 4-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0570] Agency Information Collection Activities Under OMB Review AGENCY: Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), this notice announces that the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Department of Veterans Affairs, has submitted the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and comment. The PRA submission describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden; it includes the actual data collection instrument. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before May 22, 2006. For Further Information or a Copy of the Submission Contact: Denise McLamb, Information Management Service (005E3), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420,

(202)565-8374, FAX

(202)565-6950 or e-mail: *denise.mclamb@mail.va.gov.* Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0570.” Send comments and recommendations concerning any aspect of the information collection to VA's OMB Desk Officer, OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503

(202)395-7316. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0570” in any correspondence. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Generic Veterans Health Administration Customer Satisfaction Surveys. *OMB Control Number:* 2900-0570. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Abstract:* VA use customer satisfaction surveys to obtain its patients perception on the type and quality of healthcare services they need and their satisfaction with existing services. The data collected will be used to improve the quality of healthcare services. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The **Federal Register** Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on January 31, 2006 on page 5120. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households. *Estimated Annual Burden:* 130,644 hours. a. Ad Hoc Facilities Surveys (VA Medical Facilities) and Special Emphasis Programs Conducted at Headquarters—44,182 hours. b. Pre-approved Local Facilities Surveys (VA Medical Facilities)—86,461 hours. *Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:* a. Special Emphasis Programs Conducted at Headquarters—11 minutes. b. Local Facilities Surveys (VA Medical Facilities)—6 minutes. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 531,144. a. Special Emphasis Programs Conducted at Headquarters—161,777. b. Local Facilities Surveys (VA Medical Facilities)—369,367. Dated: April 10, 2006. By direction of the Secretary. Denise McLamb, Program Analyst, Records Management Service. [FR Doc. E6-5900 Filed 4-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-New] Agency Information Collection Activities Under OMB Review AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-21) this notice announces that the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs, has submitted the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget

(202)565-8374, FAX

(202)565-6950 or e-mail: *denise.mclamb@mail.va.gov* . Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-New.” Send comments and recommendations concerning any aspect of the information collection to VA's OMB Desk Officer, OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503

(202)395-7316. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-New” in any correspondence. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Certification of Change or Correction of Name, VA Form 29-586. *OMB Control Number:* 2900-New. *Type of Review:* Existing collection in use without an OMB control number. *Abstract:* Claimants complete VA Form 29-586 to certify a change or correction to their name on Government Life Insurance policies. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The **Federal Register** Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on January 19, 2006 at pages 3155-3156. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households. *Estimated Annual Burden:* 20 hours. *Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:* 10 minutes. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 120. Dated: April 5, 2006. By direction of the Secretary. Denise McLamb, Program Analyst, Records Management Service. [FR Doc. E6-5901 Filed 4-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Fund Availability Under the Department of Veterans Affairs

(VA)Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: VA is announcing the availability of funds for applications for assistance under the Capital Grant component of the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. This Notice contains information concerning the program, funding priorities, application process, and amount of funding available. DATES: An original completed and collated grant application (plus three completed collated copies) for assistance under the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program must be received in the Grant and Per Diem Field Office, by 4 p.m. eastern time on June 14, 2006. Applications may not be sent by facsimile (FAX). In the interest of fairness to all competing applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and hour, and VA will treat as ineligible for consideration any application that is received after the deadline. Applicants should take this practice into account and make early submission of their material to avoid any risk of loss of eligibility brought about by unanticipated delays or other delivery-related problems. *For a Copy of the Application Package:* Download directly from the VA Grant and Per Diem Program Web page at: *http://www.va.gov/homeless/page.cfm?pg=3* or call the Grant and Per Diem Program Office at (toll-free) 1-877-332-0334. For a document relating to the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, see the Final Rule published in the **Federal Register** on September 26, 2003. *Submission of Application:* An original completed and collated grant application (plus three copies) must be submitted to the following address: VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Field Office, 10770 N. 46th Street, Suite C-200, Tampa, FL 33617. Applications must be received in the Grant and Per Diem Field office by the application deadline. Applications must arrive as a complete package. Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package for consideration and may result in the application being rejected or not funded. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Guy Liedke, VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, 10770 N. 46th Street, Suite C-200, Tampa, FL 33617; (toll-free) 1-877-332-0334. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This Notice announces the availability of capital funds for assistance under the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program for eligible entities to:

(1)Expand existing transitional housing projects; or

(2)develop new transitional housing programs. Supportive service centers will not be considered for funding. Funding applied for under the capital grant component may be used for:

(1)Remodeling or alteration of existing buildings;

(2)acquisition of buildings, acquisition and rehabilitation of buildings;

(3)new construction; and

(4)acquisition of vans (in connection with a new or existing Grant and Per Diem Grant project) for outreach to and/or transportation for homeless veterans. Public Law 107-95, § 5(a)(1) the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 *codified at* 38 U.S.C. 2011, 2012, 2061, and 2064 authorizes this program. The program has been extended through Fiscal Year 2006. For eligibility criteria please refer to the Final Rule published the **Federal Register** on September 26, 2003. Capital grant applicants may not receive assistance to replace funds provided by any State or local government to assist homeless persons. A proposal for an existing project that seeks to shift its focus by changing the population being served or the precise mix of services being offered is not eligible for consideration. No more than 25 percent of services available in projects funded through this grant program may be provided to clients who are not receiving those services as veterans. VA is pleased to issue this Notice of Fund Availability

(NOFA)for the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. The Department expects to award approximately $10 million under the Capital Grant component. Funding available under this NOFA is being offered to help offset the capital expenses of existing State and local governments, Indian Tribal governments, faith-based, and community-based organizations that are capable of creating and providing supported transitional housing for homeless veterans. The District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, may be considered eligible entities under the definition of “State” in the Final Rule, Sec. 61.1 Definitions. Per diem for these programs is requested in the grant application and may be paid at the time of grant project completion. It should be noted that VA per diem payment is limited to the applicant's cost of care per eligible veteran minus other sources of payments to the applicant for furnishing services to homeless veterans up to the per day rate VA pays for State Home Domiciliary care. Awardees will be required to support their request for per diem payment with adequate fiscal documentation as to program income and expenses. Interested organizations should know that the vast majority of homeless veterans in this country suffer from mental illness or substance abuse disorders or are dually diagnosed with both mental illness and substance abuse disorders. In addition, many homeless veterans have serious medical problems. Collaboration with VA medical centers, VA community-based outpatient clinics or other health care providers as well as with VA and other benefit providers is an important aspect of assuring that homeless veterans have access to appropriate health care services. VA considers this program an important part of our effort to end chronic homelessness among veterans. It is important to be aware that VA places great emphasis on responsibility and accountability. VA has procedures in place to verify the completion of the capital grant as well as monitor services provided to homeless veterans and outcomes associated with the services provided in grant and per diem-funded programs. Applicants should be aware of the following: All awardees that are conditionally selected in response to *this NOFA* must meet the Life Safety Code of the National Fire and Protection Association as it relates to their specific facility. VA will conduct an inspection prior to awardees being able to submit request for per diem payment to ensure this requirement is met. Upon capital grant completion each program seeking per diem will have a liaison appointed from a nearby VA medical facility to provide oversight and monitor services provided to homeless veterans in the per diem-funded program. Monitoring will include at a minimum an annual review of each per diem program's progress toward meeting internal goals and objectives in helping veterans attain housing stability, adequate income support, and self sufficiency as identified in each per diem program's original application. Monitoring will also include a review of the agency's income and expenses as they relate to this project to ensure per diem payment is accurate. Each per diem-funded program will participate in VA's national program monitoring and evaluation system administered by the VA Northeast Program Evaluation Center (NEPEC). NEPEC's monitoring procedures will be used to determine successful accomplishment of these housing outcomes for each per diem-funded program. Authority: The VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program is authorized by Public Law 107-95, § 5(a)(1) the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 *codified at* 38 U.S.C. 2011, 2012, 2061, 2064 and has been extended through Fiscal Year 2006. The program is implemented by the final rule *codified at* 38 CFR 61.0. The final rule was published in the **Federal Register** on September 26, 2003, the regulations can be found in their entirety in 38 CFR, Sec. 61.0 through 61.82. Funds made available under this Notice are subject to the requirements of those regulations. *Allocation:* Approximately $10 million is available for the Capital Grant component. Capital grant awards will be limited to transitional housing projects, (service centers will not be considered in this round), with no more than one award per tax identification number. Vans must be directly connected to a new or existing Grant and Per Diem Grant project and will be limited to one per project. Per diem payments to capital grant recipients are subject to the recipients maintaining the project for which the grant was awarded, the availability of funds and reauthorization of the program past September 30, 2006. *Funding Priorities:* VA establishes priority for funding to underserved and low utilization populations and areas. In this round of capital grant funding, VA expects to award funding to create approximately 670 community-based supported housing beds. *Funding priority 1.* Indian Tribal Governments or applicants whose projects are in partnership with Indian Tribal Governments and to the maximum extent possible are designed exclusively for homeless Native American veterans will be considered in the first funding priority. Provision of housing services must occur on “Indian Tribal property.” Of those eligible entities in the first funding priority, that are legally fundable, the highest scoring applicants will be funded first until approximately $2 million is awarded. Applicants not funded in this priority will be considered in the third funding priority as applicable. *Funding priority 2.* Applicants whose projects are physically located in Puerto Rico, and any territory or possession of the United States are the second funding priority. Eligible entities whose projects are located in these areas will be considered in the second funding priority. Of those eligible entities in the second funding priority, that are legally fundable, the highest scoring applicants will be funded first until approximately $1 million is awarded. Applicants not funded in this priority will be placed in the third funding priority. *Funding priority 3.* VA is encouraging interested, state and local governments, faith-based, and community-based organizations to apply for funding under this NOFA. Eligible entities that are state and local governments, Indian Tribal governments, faith-based, and community-based organizations, along with those applicants not selected in the first or second funding priority will be considered in the third funding priority as applicable. Of those eligible entities that are legally fundable, the highest-ranked applications for which funding is available, will be conditionally selected for eligibility to receive a capital grant in accordance with their ranked order until funding is expended (approximately $7 million). *Methodology:* VA will review all capital grant applications in response to this NOFA as follows: VA will group the applicants into the funding priorities categories. Applicants will then be ranked within their respective funding category based on score and any ranking criteria set forth in that funding category only if the applicant scores at least 600 cumulative points and must receive points under criteria from paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (e), and

(i)of Section 61.13. The highest-ranked application for which funding is available, within the highest funding category, will be conditionally selected in accordance with their ranked order until VA reaches the projected amount of funding for each category. If funds are still available after selection of those applications 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 the final rule Section 61.14. *Application Requirements:* The grant application requirements will be specified in the application package. Applicants should be careful to complete the proper application package. Submission of the incorrect or incomplete application package will result in the application being rejected at threshold. The packages include all required forms and certifications. Selections will be made based on criteria described in the application, Final Rule, and NOFA. Applicants who are conditionally selected will be notified of any additional information needed to confirm or clarify information provided in the application. Applicants will then be notified of the deadline to submit such information. If an applicant is unable to meet any conditions for grant award within the specified time frame, VA reserves the right to not award funds and to use the funds available for other grant and per diem applicants. Dated: April 13, 2006. Gordon H. Mansfield, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. [FR Doc. E6-5897 Filed 4-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission; Notice of Meeting The Department of Veterans Affairs

(VA)gives notice under Public Law 92-463 (Federal Advisory Committee Act) that the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission has scheduled a town hall meeting for May 10, 2006, at the Sheraton St. Louis City Center Hotel & Suites, The Colonnade Ballroom, 400 South 14th Street, St. Louis, Missouri. The town hall meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the Commission is to carry out a study of the benefits under the laws of the United States that are provided to compensate and assist veterans and their survivors for disabilities and deaths attributable to military service. The Commission is conducting the fourth of eight fact-finding site visits throughout the United States. The St. Louis area was selected based on criteria that include the concentration of veterans, active-duty service personnel, and members of the National Guard and Reserves. Those criteria also include the location of Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Health Administration, and Department of Defense

(DoD)facilities with particular interest in transition activities. The goal of this visit is to allow the commissioners the opportunity to tour local VA and DoD facilities; examine the processes in place which assist disabled veterans, service members, and survivors in their efforts to obtain benefits; and present these individuals and the general public with an opportunity to learn about the work of the Commission and to offer comments in face-to-face forums. Interested persons may attend the meeting and present oral statements to the Commission. Oral presentations will be limited to five minutes or less, depending on the number of participants. Interested parties may provide written comments for review by the Commission prior to the meeting or at any time, by e-mail to *veterans@vetscommission.intranets.com* or by mail to Mr. Ray Wilburn, Executive Director, Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20004. Dated: April 14, 2006. E. Philip Riggin, Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 06-3752 Filed 4-19-05; 8:45am]

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