Table of contents
Any personal information you provide is protected under the Privacy Act 1988. The information provided in your funding application will be used for the purpose of the National Homelessness Research Projects and may be considered as part of any future funding application or business dealings you may have with FaHCSIA. The department will not release any personal or business information to any individual or organisation unless required by privacy law or you provide consent.
[ top ]
Important Information
Closing Date
All applications close at 2pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) Wednesday 20 January 2010. Postal applications post-marked on or before 20 January 2010 but not received by 2pm AEDT will not be included in the assessment process. Inability to meet the deadline due to exceptional circumstances is addressed at section 3.2.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they complete and lodge their application prior to the Closing Date above.
Applications
Applications must be lodged at:
Tender Box
FaHCSIA/RFT 09/681 - National Homelessness Research Projects
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Module B Reception
Tuggeranong Office Park
Athllon Drive
Tuggeranong ACT 2900
by the Closing Date specified above.
Questions and Answers
A Questions and Answers facility about National Homelessness Research Projects is available online. Questions should be emailed to Homelessness.Research or phone toll free number 1800 668 356.
Answers to questions received during the Application Period will be posted by 6 pm every Thursday during the Application Period on FaHCSIA website (except during the period 24 December 2009 to 1 January 2010). Questions will not be taken after Tuesday 12 January 2010.
[ top ]
National Relay Service (NRS)
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can use the NRS to contact any of the Department's listed phone numbers. To access a 1800 FaHCSIA number NRS users should phone 1800 555 677 or visit the NRS Website.
Section One - National Homelessness Research Projects
1. Introduction
The National Homelessness Research Agenda 2009-2013 establishes the national priorities for research that will contribute to the whole of government response to homelessness. National Homelessness Research Projects funding is one element of the Research Agenda implementation. The National Homelessness Research Projects is designed as a flexible bottom-up approach to support research projects of national significance, which will address one or more of the priorities or questions outlined in the National Homelessness Research Agenda 2009-2013.
National Homelessness Research Projects may vary in length from a few weeks to over a year and involve a range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods and analytical techniques. As well as policy relevant research, the Agenda will sponsor practice focussed research to improve service responses and evaluate the effectiveness of program delivery. More than one National Homelessness Research Projects Application may be lodged by each organisation.
Through an open and competitive selection process FaHCSIA will aim to achieve a balanced spread of projects taking into account a range of factors including, but not limited to the topic, population group, location, size, cost and proposed duration of projects.
This Application Guideline only addresses the National Homelessness Research Projects and should be read in conjunction with the National Homelessness Research Guidelines, National Homelessness Research Projects Application Form and the Terms and Conditions - Standard Funding Agreement. Separate application guidelines cover the National Homelessness Research Partnership Agreements.
[ top ]
Section 2 - Selection Process
All Applicants are required to submit an application in the form of the application form and include all information requested on the form. A separate Application Form is required for each project proposal.
Following the application Closing Date, the Department will conduct an assessment of all applications.
To enable a comprehensive and accurate assessment of applications against the Selection Criteria, applicants must provide the information required in the format, and to the extent specified in the Application Guidelines and Application Form.
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) will assess applicants for funding primarily on the basis of the information provided in the Application Form, including the Research Project Proposal template. FaHCSIA may use information about an applicant that is, or becomes known to FaHCSIA in the course of FaHCSIA's business, as well as any publicly available information.
Decisions on the parameters and methodology for assessment of applications will be final.
2.1 Principle
The overriding principle guiding the Selection Process is value in social service delivery (see Section 4 Glossary) to the Australian Government. The funding principles outlined in the National Homelessness Research Agenda 2009-2013 will also guide the selection process.
2.2 Process
The process will be an open competitive selection process.
[ top ]
2.3 Stages in the Assessment Process
The following stages will be used in the assessment process:
Stage 1 - Receipt and registration of applications, initial screening for compliance;
Stage 2 - Assessment of applications against the Selection Criteria;
Stage 3 - Financial Viability Assessment;
Stage 4 - Selection of Preferred Applicant/s; and
Stage 5 - Negotiation of Agreement of Funding.
Stage 1 - Receipt and Registration of Applications, Initial Screening for Compliance
Following the receipt and registration of applications, there will be an initial screening of applications to ensure:
- eligibility of organisations;
- applicants comply with the terms and conditions detailed in the Application Guidelines and Application Form; and
- complete information has been provided in the Application Form to enable a fully informed assessment to be made.
Stage 2 - Assessment of applications against selection criteria
Assessment Teams will assess applications primarily on the information provided in the Application Form and will consider the applicant's response to each Selection Criterion against a 6-point (0 to 5) scale (see Table below). During this process nominated referees may be contacted to support claims against the Selection Criteria.
FaHCSIA may use information about an applicant that is, or becomes known to FaHCSIA in the course of FaHCSIA's business, as well as any publicly available information.
[ top ]
Table 1: Six-point rating scale for selection criteria
| Rating |
Score |
| Excellent quality-excellent claims against the criterion, exceeds expectations, supporting information confirms consistent superior performance |
5 |
| Very good quality-very good claims against the criterion, meets all expectations to a high standard with complete and comprehensive supporting information |
4 |
| Good quality-good claims against the criterion, meets all expectations with convincing supporting information |
3 |
| Satisfactory quality-adequate claims against the criterion, mostly meets expectations, but may be lacking detail and/or supporting information |
2 |
| Marginal or poor quality-poor claims against the criterion, does not meet expectations, has deficient supporting information |
1 |
| Does not meet criterion at all |
0 |
Stage 3 - Financial Viability Assessments
Applications will be subject to Financial Viability Assessments.
Note: The Department may not fund applicants that are assessed as high-risk in terms of Financial Viability.
Information required from applicants for the Financial Viability Assessment is gathered via the information requested in Part 4 of the Application Form for Homelessness Research Projects.
[ top ]
Stage 4 - Selection of Preferred Applicants
Following assessment against the Selection Criteria, and consideration of the Financial Viability Assessment, the Department will prepare a list of preferred applicants which represents the best value for money.
Value for money is a comprehensive assessment that takes into account both cost represented by an assessment of price and an assessment of risks to the successful delivery of the project given the management approaches and experience of the applicant.
The assessment of price will be based on the completed application. The Department will undertake an assessment of price to evaluate the total cost to the Department of implementing and supporting each applicant's proposed research project.
The Department's decision relating to Successful Applicants will be finalised when the Minister or his/her Delegate indicate their acceptance of the final list of successful applicants.
Stage 5 - Entering into Funding Agreements
Successful applicants are then invited to enter into Funding Agreements with the Department. The Funding Agreement will contain the entire agreement between the parties. There is no binding agreement on any parties until the Funding Agreement is agreed to and signed by the Delegate and the applicant's Authorised Representative.
The Funding Agreement is the legal agreement between the Department and the service provider over the funding period. In managing funding provided, the service provider must comply with all the requirements of the Funding Agreement.
Funded service providers are responsible for ensuring that:
- the terms and conditions of the Funding Agreement are met;
- service provision is effective, efficient, and appropriately targeted;
- highest standards of duty of care are applied; and
- services are operated in line with, and comply with the requirements as set out within all State and Territory and Commonwealth legislation and regulations.
Unsuccessful applicants will be offered feedback on their application.
Any or none of the applications under this selection process may be accepted.
[ top ]
Section 3 - Terms and Conditions of Application
3.1 Application conditions
Your application is not an agreement or contract. Meeting the Selection Criteria does not guarantee funding. Funding is limited and applications will be assessed and prioritised according to the extent to which they meet the Selection Criteria. Only applications meeting the Selection Criteria to a high degree are likely to be funded. All information requested on the application must be provided to enable your application to be fully considered.
The Department will not issue Application Forms or accept completed applications by fax.
The Department will not accept or respond to any applicant's requests for information or correspondence about the status or progress of their application during the assessment phase.
The Department will only respond to requests for information that seek clarification of issues to allow them to better understand the requirements of the Application Form and Application Guidelines (See Important Information on page 2).
At the end of the Selection Process the Department will write to all applicants about the outcome of the Selection Process.
3.2 Late Applications
FaHCSIA may reject any application lodged after the closing date. If an application is late, FaHCSIA may determine that there were exceptional circumstances beyond the applicant's control that meant the deadline could not be met. The applicant will need to supply documentary evidence to support any exceptional circumstances. FaHCSIA has no obligation to accept a late application. Any decision by FaHCSIA to accept or not accept a late application will be final.
[ top ]
3.3 Checks of Applicants
As a part of the Selection Process, the Department may undertake further checks of applicants. The Department may also conduct checks for non-disclosure of any relevant information.
In addition, any debts that the applicant has accrued to the Department or other Australian Government agencies may be taken into account when making a decision to offer funding.
The Department reserves the right to use information from:
- the Department's databases;
- other Australian Government agencies, such as the Australian Taxation Office and Australian Securities and Investments Commission;
- State or Territory agencies;
- law enforcement agencies;
- credit reference agencies;
- courts or tribunals; or
- any other appropriate organisation or person reasonably required as part of these checks.
Information obtained from checks on applicants described in this section, may be taken into account during the assessment of applications or in making the final decision to offer funding.
3.4 Applicant's Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their application is complete and accurate.
Make sure you keep a copy of your application and any supporting papers, either electronically or in hard copy, for your own records.
[ top ]
3.5 Liability Issues
The Department is not liable to the applicant in relation to the Selection Process, including without limitation, when the Department:
- varies or terminates all or any part of the Selection Process or any negotiations with the Applicant;
- decides not to acquire any or all of the services sought through the Selection Process;
- varies the Selection Process; or
- exercises or fails to exercise any of its other rights under, or in relation to the Application Guidelines.
3.6 The Department's Rights
FaHCSIA reserves the right to amend these Application Guidelines by whatever means it may determine in its absolute discretion and will provide reasonable notice of these amendments.
FaHCSIA reserves the right to mark any application ‘non-compliant' if it has concerns about the genuineness of the information provided or where it feels the application has not been submitted in the spirit of the program as outlined in this document.
3.7 Disclaimer
The Department and its officers, employees, agents and advisors:
- are not, and will not be, responsible or liable for the accuracy or completeness of any information in or provided in connection with the Application Guidelines and Application Forms;
- make no express or implied representation or warranty that any statement as to future matters will prove correct;
- disclaim any and all liability arising from any information provided to the applicant, including, without limitation, errors in, or omissions contained in, that information;
- except so far as liability under any statute cannot be excluded, accept no responsibility arising in any way from errors or omissions contained in any information in the Application Guidelines and Application Forms; and
- accept no liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of that person, or any other person, placing reliance on the contents of the Application Guidelines and Application Forms, or any other information provided by the Department.
[ top ]
3.8 Fraud
FaHCSIA is committed to the Commonwealth Fraud Control Policy and Guidelines. Applicants should familiarise themselves with the Department's Fraud Control Policy Statement which also underpins their respective fraud and risk minimisation responsibilities when dealing with the department. One key responsibility is to report all suspected fraud to the relevant contact officer and Fraud Control Manager within FaHCSIA.
3.9 Personal Information
Any personal information you provide is protected under the Privacy Act 1988. The department will not use any personal information for any other purposes unless required by law or you provide your consent to do so. The department will not disclose any personal information to any other organisation or to any individual unless required by law or you provide your consent to do so.
Section 4 - Glossary
Applicant
Means an organisation that submits an application. Individuals are not eligible to apply for Homelessness Research Projects funding.
Application
Means the application for funding submitted by an applicant. The application must be filled out in accordance with the requirements in the Application Guidelines, on a prescribed Application Form and submitted by the Closing Date (see page 2).
Application Form
Means the Application Form made available to applicants to submit an application for funding. The application must be submitted in accordance with the instructions on Page 2.
Application Guidelines
Mean these Application Guidelines accessed by organisations interested in submitting an application for funding.
Application Pack
Means the material made available by the Department for applicants to help ensure applicants understand their requirements for submitting a completed Application Form by the closing date. The Application Pack consists of the Application Guidelines, Application Form and Funding Agreement. Other information may also be included on a program-by-program basis.
Application Period
Means the period for applicants to complete and submit their Application Forms. It commences from the time the Funding Round is advertised and Application Packs are made available and finishes on the Closing Date for submitting Applications. During this period the Department will only respond to requests for information that seek clarification of issues or material that allow them to better understand the requirements of the: National Homelessness Research Guidelines, Application Guidelines, Application Form and the Terms and Conditions - Standard Funding Agreement.
Closing Date
The Closing Date is that date beyond which applications will not be accepted. For details see Important Information on Page 2.
Commercial-In-Confidence
Means information in the Application Form that the applicant clearly identifies as confidential and is not information that is:
a) in the public domain; or
b) already known to the Department other than through an obligation of confidence.
[ top ]
Consortium
FaHCSIA will only contract with individual providers. Applicants may determine that efficient or effective service delivery is best achieved through the use of a network of providers through a sub-contracting arrangement. This can be recorded in responses to the Selection Criteria. A successful provider who utilizes an authorised sub-contracting arrangement will be held liable for all obligations contained in the terms and conditions of the Funding Agreement. This includes monitoring, management, financial performance, service outcomes, and specifically insurance coverage.
Decision Maker
The Minister or his/her delegate will approve all projects and successful applicants, with reference to a report on the Selection Process outcomes provided by the Department.
Department (the)
Means the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Funding Agreement
The Funding Agreement is the agreement that is signed by the Departmental Delegate and the Applicant's Authorised Representative. The Department's standard Funding Agreements are performance based, legally enforceable agreements between the Commonwealth and the funding recipients that set out the terms and conditions governing the funding. Funding Agreements are used where the Department is providing funding to another party to deliver services or undertake certain activities, on behalf of the Department, to the community.
Selection Criteria
Means the Selection Criteria for assessing applications as outlined in the National Homelessness Research Projects Application Guidelines
Selection Process
Means the process for the selection of funding recipients outlined in the Application Guidelines and the Application Form.
Successful Applicant
The Selection Process will result in a short list of preferred applicants. The short list will be forwarded to the Decision Maker for their consideration. Successful applicants will be advised of their success or otherwise. The decision by the Department regarding successful applicants is final.
Value in Social Services Delivery
Value in Social Services Delivery is the optimum combination of quality and cost with minimal risk to the Australian Government. The Department seeks best Value in Social Service Delivery. Best value does not mean monetary value alone or lowest cost. A funding proposal that represents best value for the program will:
- meet the objectives of the department - such as strong and resilient communities,
- meet the aims of the program,
- meet community requirements, and
- be delivered in an efficient and effective way.