Multi-Family Construction and Repair Program Prescreen Guide

Prescreening Process Guide

• 1

  Access the Renew NC Grant Portal

  Sign in to your Renew NC Grant Portal account. 

  New users must register for an account.

  Sign In to the Portal

• 2

  Start a Prescreen

  Upon logging in, the participant dashboard will become visible, including a list of the program(s) available for new prescreens. 

  1. Select “Start Application” next to the program that you would like to complete a prescreen for.  
  2. In the pop-up window that appears, enter in the case name using the format suggested ‘Legal Entity Name’.
  3. Select “Start Application” to begin the prescreening process.
  4. Select “Click here to continue” to move on to complete the prescreen for your potential project.

  Please note:

  • This application permits one project with a maximum of five project locations.
  • Prescreening participants must create a new prescreen for each separate project they wish to submit.  
  • Multiple projects may not be combined or submitted under a single prescreen.  
  • If you are applying for funding for more than one project, repeat the prescreen process and complete a separate prescreening for each project. 
• 3

  Prescreen Overview

  The Prescreen Overview page provides background information about the Multi-Family Construction and Repair Program prescreen and allows potential applicants to indicate whether they wish to participate.

  To help interested stakeholders identify and develop a highly qualified project for funding, the Division of Community Revitalization (DCR) offers project prescreening and technical assistance. This step is optional. During prescreening, DCR works with the project planning team to capture preliminary information and assist with CDBG-DR-specific requirements and documentation in an environment that will not federalize the project (which occurs only after an application is submitted). The goal of the prescreen is to give potential project planners a platform to ask questions and begin organizing plans.

  Select a Prescreen Participation Decision:

  1. Under “Please select your prescreen participation decision,” choose one of the following options from the dropdown menu:
     • I am electing to participate in the prescreen process. Select this option to proceed with the prescreen questions and provide preliminary project information.
     • I am electing NOT to participate in the prescreen process. Select this option if you do not wish to complete the prescreen at this time.
  2. Save and Continue
     • Select "Save" to store your selection, or
     • Select "Start Prescreen" to continue to the next section of the prescreen process. 
• 4

  Applicant Information

  The PS Applicant Information section collects basic information about the applicant organization, primary contact, and any third-party designee. All required fields must be completed before continuing. 

  Enter the following information as prompted on the screen:

  Eligible Applicants

  • For-profit developers
  • Non-profit housing developers, including Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) and Community-Based Development Organizations (CBDOs)
  • Public housing authorities
  • Units of local government
  • Joint ventures between eligible entities
  • Other

  Please provide complete and accurate information for every field. Incomplete prescreen forms will not be reviewed.

  Legal Entity

  • A.1 Legal Name of Applicant Entity – Enter the full legal name of the organization.
  • A.2 Type of Entity – Select the applicable entity type (for-profit developer, non-profit housing developer including CHDO or CBDO, public housing authority, unit of local government, joint venture, or other).
  • A.2a Type of Entity (Other) – If “Other” is selected for Type of Entity, enter a brief description of the entity type.
  • A.3 Mailing Address – Enter the organization’s mailing address.
  • A.4 Active SAM.gov Registration – Indicate whether your legal entity has an active SAM.gov registration. If Yes, upload the SAM.gov Registration Certificate or Screenshot.
  • A.5 Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) – Enter the organization’s FEIN.
  • A.6 Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) – Enter the organization’s UEI.
  • A.7 Authorized Officer and Primary Signatory – Enter the name and title of the individual authorized to sign on behalf of the organization, and upload the Signature Authority Document/Form.

  Primary Contact

  • A.8 Primary Contact Name – Enter the primary point of contact.
  • A.9 Primary Contact Title – Enter the contact’s title.
  • A.10 Primary Contact Phone Number – Enter a valid phone number.
  • A.11 Primary Contact Email – Enter a valid email address. 

  Third-Party Designee (TPD)

  • A.12 Third-Party Designee – Indicate whether there is a third-party designee (TPD) responsible for working on this application on your behalf.
  • A.13 TPD First Name – Enter the designee’s first name.
  • A.14 TPD Last Name – Enter the designee’s last name.
  • A.15 TPD Email Address – Enter the designee’s email address.
  • A.16 TPD Organization Legal Name – Enter the legal name of the designee’s organization.
  • Authorization – Select the checkbox to authorize the designee to act on your behalf, including making decisions.

  Note: Add additional users from your organization (including all third-party designees) by selecting “View Users” at the top of the left-hand panel of this application. See “Adding Users to Your Account” for instructions.

  Save and Continue

  • Select "Save" to store your entries and return later, or
  • Select "Complete and Continue" to proceed to the next section of the prescreen.

  Once all required fields in this section are completed, a check mark will appear next to PS Applicant Information in the left-hand navigation menu. 

  Note: Applicants may use the left-hand menu to navigate back and forth between sections at any time. Completed sections remain editable unless the prescreen has been submitted. 

• 5

  Project Information

  The PS Project Information section collects basic details about the proposed project, including location, scope, cost estimates, and disaster relevance.

  Enter the following information as prompted on the screen.

  Project Information

  • B.1 Project Title – Enter a descriptive project title.
  • B.2 Project Location Address – Enter the full project location address, including street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
    • B.2a Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) County – Select the MID County in which the project will be located. Per HUD’s 2025 Revised Universal Notice, at least 80% of funding awarded to the State must be spent to benefit HUD-identified MID areas, with up to 20% permitted to benefit State-identified MID areas. A map of the HUD- and state-identified MID areas is available on the Renew NC Programs webpage.
  • B.3 Additional Project Address – Indicate whether there is an additional project address. If Yes, enter the additional Project Location Address (full street address, city, state, and ZIP code), select its MID Area, and provide an explanation if “Other.”
    • This application permits one project with a maximum of five project locations associated with the same applicant. For each additional address, enter the full address and select the MID County.
    • NOTE: up to five (5) addresses can be entered. 
  • B.4 Floodway – Indicate whether any portion of the project site is in the floodway. Like B5 below, this question also requires a FIRMette Map if the response is “Yes” or “Unsure.”
  • B.5 Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) – Indicate whether any portion of the project is in the SFHA. If Yes or Unsure, select the applicable flood zone and upload the required FIRMette Map for that zone.
  • B.6 Project Description – Describe the project activities, including any acquisition, demolition, construction, repair, debris removal, and rehabilitation. Clearly describe the physical scope of work—what will be built, rehabilitated, or removed. Describe activities rather than budget line detail.
  • B.7 Map of Project Site – Upload a map of the project site showing the exact geographical parameters (required).
  • B.8 Affordable Housing Experience – Enter the number of years of experience the entity has developing or managing publicly funded affordable housing.
  • B.9 Federal/State Grant Experience – Describe the entity’s experience managing federal or state grants (e.g., CDBG, CDBG-DR, ARC, ARPA, HOME, HTF, LIHTC).
  • B.10 Similar Project Experience – Describe the entity’s experience with similar multifamily housing projects within the last ten years, including size, budget, funding source, completion date, number of units, partner roles, and whether projects were completed on time and within budget.
  • B.11 Project Site Readiness – Provide the following information about the project site.
    • B.11a Infrastructure Access – Indicate whether the site has access to required infrastructure, including direct access by an existing paved, publicly maintained road.
      • B.11aa (If No) – If no, provide an explanation, including all needed infrastructure improvements to serve the project and the timeline for completion.
    • B.11b Zoning Support – Indicate whether the project site’s zoning supports its end use of multifamily.
      • B.11bb (If No) – If no, describe how the zoning needs to change (including variances, special permits, and other discretionary land use approvals), where you are in that process, and when you expect it to be completed/permit or variance obtained.
    • B.11c Permits – Describe the status of any required permits for the project. Indicate whether permits have been submitted, are in progress, or have been approved, and include dates or other supporting information where relevant.
    • B.11d Site Control Status – Indicate the current site control status. If applicable, enter when the lease expires and/or when the purchase option expires, and provide an explanation.
  • B.12 Occupants – Indicate whether there are any residential or commercial occupants on the site.
  • B.13 Acquisition – Indicate whether there will be an acquisition as part of the project.
  • B.14 Demolition – Indicate whether demolition of any structures is planned or required.
  • B.15 Estimated Total Project Cost – Enter the estimated total project cost.
  • B.16 Estimated Funding Gap – Enter the estimated funding gap that CDBG-DR project funds could fill.
  • B.17 Link to Hurricane Helene – Describe how the proposed project demonstrates a direct link to housing needs triggered or aggravated by Hurricane Helene, including unit loss, household displacement, or unmet needs in impacted counties or communities.
  • B.18 Grant Management – If the lead applicant will receive significant grant management support from a partner (e.g., Council of Government, NC League of Municipalities, NC Association of County Commissioners, UNC School of Government, or a third-party consultant), reference the partnership, the partner’s role, and total years of CDBG-DR experience. If none, enter N/A.
  • B.19 Construction Partners – If the lead applicant has construction partner(s), reference the partnership, the partner’s role, and total years of CDBG-DR experience. If none, enter N/A.
  • B.20 Joint Ventures – If the lead applicant will engage in a joint venture, reference the partnership, the partner’s role, and total years of CDBG-DR experience. If none, enter N/A.
  • B.21 National Objective / Project Impact – CDBG-DR multifamily projects must meet a HUD National Objective, typically by benefiting low- and moderate-income (LMI) households. Indicate the projected outcomes and benefits:
    • Total Rental Units Created or Preserved
    • Total Affordable Units Created or Preserved
    • Total Units for the Elderly and/or Persons with Disabilities Populations
    • Supportive Services or Partnerships (resident services, workforce development, coordination with health/social services, etc.)
  • Urgent Need (if applicable) – If claiming urgent need, describe the nature and degree of seriousness of the condition requiring CDBG-DR assistance, explain the timing of the development of the condition, and indicate whether other financial resources are available.

  Save and Continue

  • Select "Save" to store your entries and return later, or
  • Select "Complete and Continue" to proceed to the next section of the prescreen.

  Once all required fields in this section are completed, a check mark will appear next to PS Project Information in the left-hand navigation menu. 

• 6

  Federal Assistance

  The PS Federal Assistance section collects information about disaster-related financial assistance associated with the proposed project. 

  Assistance provided under the CDBG-DR Program may duplicate assistance received from other sources. List all other sources of financial disaster-related assistance received (local, state, federal, and private). For each source below, select Yes or No as prompted.

  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

  • C.1 Disaster Assistance from FEMA – Indicate whether you received disaster-related assistance from FEMA for Hurricane Helene.
    • If Yes, complete the additional FEMA fields displayed on the screen, including:
      • C.1a Amount Received to Date – Enter the amount of FEMA assistance received to date.
      • C.1b FEMA Registration Number(s) – Enter your FEMA Registration Number(s), and upload the FEMA Award/Denial Letter (required).

  Small Business Administration (SBA)

  • C.2 Disaster Assistance from SBA – Indicate whether you received disaster-related assistance from the SBA.
    • If Yes, enter the amount approved and complete the additional SBA fields displayed on the screen, including:
      • C.2a Amount Received to Date – Enter the amount of SBA assistance received to date.
      • C.2b SBA Application Number – Enter your SBA Application Number.
      • C.2c SBA Loan Number(s) – Enter your SBA Loan Number(s).
      • C.2d SBA Loan Status – Enter the status of your SBA loan, and upload the SBA Award/Denial Letter (required).
      • C.2e If Delinquent – If your SBA loan is delinquent, please explain.

  National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

  • C.3 Flood Insurance Coverage – Indicate whether you had National Flood Insurance at the time of the disaster event.
    • If Yes, complete the additional NFIP fields displayed on the screen, including:
      • C.3a Insurance Company – Enter the name of the insurance company and upload the Flood Policy (required).
      • C.3b Claim – Indicate whether you filed a claim and, if so, the claim amount received.

  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

  • C.4 Disaster Assistance from USACE – Indicate whether you received disaster-related assistance from USACE for Hurricane Helene.
    • C.4a Amount Approved – If Yes, enter the amount approved.
    • C.4b Amount Received to Date – Enter the amount of USACE assistance received to date, and upload the USACE Award/Denial Letter.

  Save and Continue

  • Select "Save" to store your entries and return later, or
  • Select "Complete and Continue" to proceed to the next section of the prescreen.

  Once all required fields in this section are completed, a check mark will appear next to PS Federal Assistance in the left-hand navigation menu. 

• 7

  Other Assistance

  The PS Other Assistance section collects information about additional insurance or financial assistance related to the proposed project. 

  List all other sources of financial disaster-related assistance received (local, state, federal, and private), including insurance and other resources. For each assistance category below, select Yes or No as prompted.

  Property Insurance

  • D.1 Property Insurance Coverage – Indicate whether you had property insurance at the time of the disaster.
    • If Yes, enter the name of the insurance company and upload the Insurance Documentation.
      • D.1a Claim – Indicate whether you filed a claim and, if so, the total of all insurance claims received. Upload the Insurance Award/Denial Letter(s) (required).
      • D.1b Appeal/Lawsuit – Indicate whether you are involved in an appeal or lawsuit against your insurance company and, if so, its status.

  State of North Carolina Assistance

  • D.2 State Disaster Assistance – Indicate whether you received disaster assistance from the State of North Carolina.
    • If Yes, enter the name of the source and the amount approved.
      • D.2a Amount Received to Date – Enter the amount of state assistance received to date.
      • D.2b State Program – Indicate which state program provided your assistance, and upload the State of North Carolina award/denial letter (required).

  Other Financial Assistance

  • D.3 Other Financial Assistance – Indicate whether you received any other financial assistance (e.g., private donations, liability insurance) for work performed on your proposed project..
    • If Yes, enter the type of assistance received and the name of any organization providing it.
      • D.3a Amount Received to Date – Enter the amount of assistance received to date, and upload the Other Assistance Supporting Documents.
    • Additional Assistance – If you received additional financial assistance, repeat these fields for each source (type of assistance, organization name, amount received to date, and supporting documents). Up to three sources may be listed.

  Save and Continue

  • Select "Save" to store your entries and return later, or
  • Select "Complete and Continue" to proceed to the next section of the prescreen.

  Once all required fields in this section are completed, a check mark will appear next to PS Other Assistance in the left-hand navigation menu. 

• 8

  Prescreen Submit

  The Prescreen Submit section is the final step to review, certify, and submit the completed prescreen. 

  Review Completion Status

  Before submitting, confirm that all prescreen sections display a green check mark in the left-hand navigation menu.

  • A green check mark indicates the section is complete.
  • A gray or missing check mark indicates required information or documents are still missing in that section.

  If the "Prescreen Submit" button is inactive or unavailable, review each section to locate and complete any missing fields or uploads.

  Participants may select any section in the left-hand menu to review or update information prior to submission. 

  Certification and Electronic Signature

  To proceed with submission: 

  1. Select the checkbox to certify that the information provided in the prescreen is true and complete to the best of the signer’s knowledge.
  2. Under "Authorized Signature" select "Click here to electronically sign."
  3. Enter the signer's full name as prompted.
  4. Select "Sign" to apply the electronic signature.

  Once the signature is successfully completed:

  • The signer's name is displayed under Authorized Signature. 
  • A confirmation message appears indicating the email address of the signer and the date and time the prescreen was electronically signed. 

  Submit the Prescreen

  1. Select "Prescreen Submit."
  2. A confirmation window will appear with a message explaining that once the prescreen is submitted, no additional edits can be made unless the application is re-opened by a DCR Program Administrator.
  3. Participants must choose one of the following options:
     • Cancel – Returns you to the Prescreen Submit page without submitting. The application remains editable.
     • Proceed – Confirms submission and formally submits the completed prescreen. 

  After selecting "Proceed" on the submission confirmation window, the system displays the Application Submitted screen. 

• 9

  After Prescreen Submission

  After you submit your prescreen, you can:

  • Review your submitted application by selecting any section in the left-hand navigation menu.
  • Use Print Application to download or print a copy for your records.
    • Select "Print Application" from the left-hand panel.
    • This will generate a printable version of your submitted application, downloaded to your browser. 

  Please note:

  • Submitted applications are read-only and cannot be edited.
  • Changes can only be made if the application is re-opened by a DCR Program Administrator.
  • No additional action is required from the applicant unless contacted by the program. 
• 10

  Adding Users to Your Account

  Participants may add additional users to an application to allow others to view and make changes while the prescreen is in progress.

  View Current Users

  1. In the left-hand panel, select "View Users."
  2. The Users screen displays the email addresses of all users who currently have access to the prescreen.
  3. All listed users are able to view prescreen information and make changes.

  Add a User

  1. In the left-hand panel, select "View Users."
  2. On the Users screen, select "Add a User."
  3. Enter the email address of the user you want to add.
  4. Select "Save."
  5. Once added, the user will have access to the application and can view and update information. 

  Please note:

  • Users added to the prescreen can view and make changes to prescreen data.
  • Users may be added before the prescreen is submitted.
  • After submission, the application becomes read-only unless it is re-opened by a Program Administrator.
  • The "View Users" option is available from the left-hand panel at any time.