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CDBG Applicants With respect to applicants, CDBG rules require that they be reviewed for real and/or perceived conflicts of interest by both the CDBG Citizens Advisory Task Force (CATF) and the BCC. On January 10'J'2020, the CDBG Citizen's Advisory Task Force (CATF) reviewed the list of CDBG applicants (Attachment 1) and Pursuant to Section E(3) of Part II of the Housing Assistance Plan (HAP) (Attachment 2) the CATF members in attendance determined that no conflicts of interest exist. Subsequently, on February 18'x' 2020, the BCC reviewed the list of CDBG applicants and also determined that there are no conflicts of interest. Since the BCC has two new commissioners, it is appropriate at this time for the newly elected officials to review the Housing Rehab CDBG applicant list and publicly acknowledge if a real or perceived conflict of interest exists with any of the applicants. Rehabilitation Bids On October 6t' 2020, County staff requested that the BCC approve the first four bids for the Housing Rehabilitation CDBG. Since that approval, County staff coordinated with the County's CDBG administration consultant to complete the necessary contracts and forms and, rehabilitation work on the first four homes has commenced. On September 28ffi 2020, County staff issued the invitation to bid on the second set of rehabilitation projects and held a public bid opening on October 20th 2020. Three contractors participated in that bidding process, De La Hoz Builders, Inc., A213 Development, LLC and, Kib Construction. The County's CDBG administration consultant has reviewed and ranked those bids in accordance with CDBG requirements. At this time, it is requested that the BCC review and approve the next set of four (4) Housing Rehabilitation CDBG bids (Attachment 5). ANALYSIS CDBG Applicant Review A conflict of interest is defined as a relationship or circumstances whereby a person or organization exercises functions or responsibilities for funded activities through which they, their relatives or known associates obtain or appear to obtain a financial benefit. With respect to the BCC, whenever a conflict of interest exists DEO rules require that it must be made known at a regular meeting of the Board, the member with a conflict must abstain, and the county must notify DEO in writing of the conflict then, receive written notification of DEO's approval of the waiver of conflict of interest, in accordance with Title 24 C.F.R. Section 570.489 (h)(4) (Attachment 3). Additionally, before any applicant with a potential or real conflict of interest is given final approval for participation a request for a waiver of conflict of interest must be filed with the DEO. No acknowledgement of a conflict of interest has been made known by any applicants. If there is an ongoing relationship or financial benefit between any applicant and any BCC member with respect to 125