Court Opinion

ID: 2666790
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-04-04 12:40:07.044337+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:17:02.268343
License: Public Domain

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
                            FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 NEW LIFE EVANGELISTIC CENTER,
 INC.,

        Plaintiff,

 v.

 KATHLEEN SEBELIUS, Secretary of the                      Civil Action No. 09-1294 (CKK)
 U.S. Department of Health and Human
 Services,

 and

 PAUL F. PROUTY, Administrator, U.S.
 General Services Administration,

        Defendants.

                                 MEMORANDUM OPINION
                                    (December 8, 2009)

       Plaintiff, New Life Evangelistic Center, Inc. (“New Life” or the “organization”), filed the

above-captioned matter on July 13, 2009, naming as Defendants, Kathleen Sebelius, in her

official capacity as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”),

and Paul F. Prouty, in his official capacity as Administrator of the U.S. General Services

Administration (“GSA”) (collectively, “Defendants”). New Life challenges HHS’ denial of the

organization’s application made pursuant to Title V of the McKinney-Vento Homeless

Assistance Act (“McKinney Act” or the “Act”) to use a particular piece of federal property

located at 339 Broadway Street, Cape Girardeau, Missouri for a homeless assistance program.

       On Tuesday, July 21, 2009, shortly after filing the Complaint in this matter, New Life

filed a [9] Motion for Preliminary Injunction. In order to permit the parties a more generous

(although expedited) schedule for briefing the merits of Plaintiff’s Complaint, as well as to
provide the Court with additional time to adequately consider the parties’ arguments as set forth

therein, the parties agreed that: (1) GSA would not sell the surplus property at issue prior to

January 1, 2010 (and would provide the Court and New Life with 30 days notice of any such sale,

if GSA decided to sell the property at any time after January 1, 2010); and (2) New Life’s [9]

Motion for Preliminary Injunction would be converted into and treated as its opening brief on the

merits of Plaintiff’s Complaint. Pursuant to that agreement, the Court deems New Life’s now-

pending [9] motion as its opening motion on the merits.

       As set forth therein, New Life contends that HHS’ decision denying its application for use

of surplus federal property under the McKinney Act is arbitrary, capricious and contrary to the

law. New Life therefore seeks an order vacating HHS’ decision below and remanding this case

back to HHS for further review and explanation. Upon thorough consideration of the parties’

submissions, the administrative record, applicable case law, the relevant statutory and regulatory

authority, as well as the record of this case as a whole, the Court concludes that HHS’ decision

below must be vacated and this case must be remanded to the agency for further action consistent

with this Memorandum Opinion, for the reasons set forth below.

                                       I. BACKGROUND

       A.      Statutory and Regulatory Background

       Congress passed the McKinney Act in 1987, recognizing that “the federal government

‘has a clear responsibility and existing capacity’ to help meet an immediate and unprecedented

crisis due to the lack of shelter for a growing number of individuals and families.” Nat’l Law

Ctr. on Homelessness & Poverty v. U.S. Veterans Admin., 98 F. Supp. 2d 25, 27 (D.D.C. 2000)

(quoting 42 U.S.C. § 1130(a)(1) & (6)). In particular, Title V of the Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11411, and

                                                  2
its implementing regulations, 45 C.F.R. § 12a et seq., provide a detailed regulatory framework

for making “unutilized, underutilized, excess or surplus” federal real property available for use

by representatives of the homeless. 45 C.F.R. § 12a.2(a); see also 42 U.S.C. § 14111(a)-(f). The

Act appropriates and modifies, in part, the administrative procedures established by the Federal

Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (“FPASA”), 40 U.S.C. § 541, et seq., which

authorizes HHS to dispose of surplus property “as needed for use in the protection of public

health,” 40 U.S.C. § 550(d)(1), a congressional mandate interpreted to include use by

organizations which provide “services (including shelter) to homeless individuals,” 45 C.F.R. §

12.3(e). In order “to use public resources and programs in a more coordinated manner to meet

the critically urgent needs of the homeless,” 42 U.S.C. § 11301(b)(2), the Act instructs HHS,

GSA, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), to cooperate in

identifying, publicizing, and reserving suitable surplus federal real property, id. § 11411(a)-(d).

Of particular relevance to the case at hand, the Act charges HHS with soliciting and evaluating

applications for use of designated properties submitted by representatives of the homeless. Id. §

11411(e).

       The process starts with HUD, which is responsible for canvassing the landholding

agencies — i.e., the federal department or agency with statutory authority to control the property,

45 C.F.R. § 12a.1. On a quarterly basis, HUD collects data on properties that are described as

unutilized, underutilized, excess or surplus by the landholding agencies (or that are in GSA’s

current inventory of excess or surplus property).1 Id. §§ 12a.3(a) & (c). Within 30 days of

       1
         Landholding agencies are required to submit to GSA a report of all properties they
determine are “excess,” 45 C.F.R. § 12a.5(a), which is defined by regulation as “any property
under the control of any Federal executive agency that is not required for the agency’s needs or

                                                  3
receipt of this information, HUD is required to make a determination as to the suitability of each

property for use as a facility to assist the homeless and to notify the landholding agency of its

conclusion. Id. §§ 12a.3(a)(1) & 12a.4; see also id. § 12a.5(c); 42 U.S.C. § 11411(a). Pursuant

to the implementing regulations, all properties are determined suitable unless a property is

affected by one or more of certain enumerated conditions.2 See 42 C.F.R. § 12a.6.

       Once a landholding agency is notified by HUD that a property has been determined to be

suitable for use to assist the homeless, the agency must advise HUD within 45 days as follows:

(1) with respect to unutilized or underutilized property, the agency must indicate whether (a) it

intends to declare the property excess or to make the property available for use to assist the

homeless or (b) the reasons why the property cannot be declared excess or made available for use

to assist the homeless; and (2) with respect to excess property previously reported to GSA, the

agency must indicate whether (a) there is no compelling federal need for the property, such that it

may be determined surplus or (b) an explanation as to why there is a further and compelling

Federal need for the property, such that it is not presently available for use to assist the homeless.

Id. § 12a.7; see also 42 U.S.C. § 11411(b).

the discharge of its responsibilities, as determined by the head of the agency pursuant to [the
FPASA],” id. § 12a.1. GSA in turn determines whether such excess property qualifies as
“surplus,” — i.e., “excess real property [that is] not required by any Federal landholding agency
for its needs or the discharge of its responsibilities, as determined by the Administrator of GSA.”
Id. If the property has not yet been reviewed by HUD for suitability, as discussed above, GSA is
responsible for forwarding the necessary information to HUD. Id. § 12a.5(b).
       2
         These include: the presence of national security concerns; the property is located within
and/or near flammable or explosive materials, runway and military airfield clear zones, and/or
floodways; documented deficiencies in the property; or the property is inaccessible. 42 C.F.R. §
12a.6.

                                                  4
       HUD is then required to publish in the Federal Register a description of any available

property that has been determined suitable for use as a facility to assist the homeless. See 45

C.F.R. § 12a.8(a); see also 42 U.S.C. § 1411(c). Once such information is published, GSA is

authorized to notify certain entities — namely, state and local government units, any known

homeless assistance providers that have expressed interest in the particular property, as well as

any other appropriate organization — that suitable, excess property is available for use. 45

C.F.R. § 12.a5(g). Properties published as available for use to assist the homeless may not be

used by landholding agencies for any other purpose for a period of 60 days from publication of

the notice. Id. § 12a.9(a)(1); see also 42 U.S.C. § 11411(d). Any representatives of the homeless

who are interested in such property must send HHS a written “expression of interest” within that

60-day time period. 45 C.F.R. §§ 12a.9(1)-(3), 12.3. Upon timely receipt of a representative’s

written expression of interest, the property may not be made available for any other purpose until

the application has been resolved. Id. § 12a.9(a)(2).3

       Once HHS has received an expression of interest, it sends the interested entity an

application packet, which requires the applicant to provide information including the following:

       (1) Description of the applicant organization. The applicant must document that it
       satisfies the definition of a “representative of the homeless” . . . . The applicant must
       document its authority to hold real property. Private non-profit organizations
       applying for deeds must document that they are section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt.

       (2) Description of the property desired. The applicant must describe the property
       desired and indicate that any modifications made to the property will conform to
       local use restrictions except for local zoning regulations.

       3
         If at the end of the 60-day holding period, no expression of interest has been received for
a particular property, GSA or the landholding agency, as appropriate, may proceed with disposal
of the property in accordance with the law. 45 C.F.R. § 12a.12(a).

                                                  5
       (3) Description of the proposed program. The applicant must fully describe the
       proposed program and demonstrate how the program will address the needs of the
       homeless population to be assisted. The applicant must fully describe what
       modifications will be made to the property before the program becomes operational.

       (4) Ability to finance and operate the proposed program. The applicant must
       specifically describe all anticipated costs and sources of funding for the proposed
       program. The applicant must indicate that it can assume care, custody, and
       maintenance of the property and that it has the necessary funds or the ability to obtain
       such funds to carry out the approved program of use for the property.

       (5) Compliance with non-discrimination requirements. Each applicant and lessee
       under this part must certify in writing that it will comply with the requirements of
       [the relevant Federal non-discrimination laws]. The applicant must state that it will
       not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, familial
       status, or handicap in the use of the property, and will maintain the required records
       to demonstrate compliance with Federal laws.

       (6) Insurance. The applicant must certify that it will insure the property against loss,
       damage, or destruction . . . .

       (7) Historic preservation. Where applicable, the applicant must provide information
       that will enable HHS to comply with Federal historic preservation requirements.

       (8) Environmental information. The applicant must provide sufficient information
       to allow HHS to analyze the potential impact of the applicant’s proposal on the
       environment, in accordance with the instructions provided with the application
       packet.

       (9) Local government notification. The applicant must indicate that it has informed
       the applicable unit of general local government responsible for providing sewer,
       water, police, and fire services, in writing of its proposed program.

       (10) Zoning and Local Use Restrictions. The applicant must indicate that it will
       comply with all local use restrictions, including local building code requirements.
       Any applicant which applies for a lease or permit for a particular property is not
       required to comply with local zoning requirements. Any applicant applying for a deed
       of a particular property, pursuant to § 12a.9(b)(3), must comply with local zoning
       requirements, as specified in 45 CFR part 12.

Id. § 12a.9(b); see also Administrative Record (hereinafter “AR”) at 686-715 (copy of

Application Instruction Booklet for HHS’ Federal Property Assistance Program Homeless)

                                                   6
(hereinafter “Application Instruction Booklet”). Applications must be received by HHS within

90 days after receipt of the expression of interest, 45 C.F.R. § 12a.9(d); 42 U.S.C. § 11411(e)(2),

and are considered on a “first-come, first-serve basis,” 45 C.F.R. § 12a.9(e)(2). “Upon receipt of

an application, HHS will review it for completeness and, if incomplete, may return it or ask the

applicant to furnish any missing or additional required information prior to final evaluation of the

application.” Id. § 12a.9(e)(1). Applicants are expressly advised, however, that, “[d]ue to the

short time frame imposed for evaluating applications, HHS’ evaluation will, generally, be limited

to the information contained in the application.” Id. § 12a.9(c).4

       HHS must complete its evaluation of an application within 25 days of receipt and

promptly notify the applicant of its decision. Id. § 12a.9(e)(2); see also 42 U.S.C. § 11411(e)(3).

Pursuant to the relevant regulations, all applications must be evaluated on the basis of the

following five, non-exhaustive criteria (which are listed in descending order of priority, except

that the final two factors are of equal importance):

       (i) Services offered. The extent and range of proposed services, such as meals,
       shelter, job training, and counseling.

       (ii) Need. The demand for the program and the degree to which the available property
       will be fully utilized.

       (iii) Implementation Time. The amount of time necessary for the proposed program
       to become operational.

       4
          The Application Instruction Booklet further advises that incomplete applications “will
either result in a disapproval of the application or a request for additional information. It is to the
applicant’s benefit to err on the side of providing too much information as opposed to omitting
information or not providing enough detail. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure their
application presents all the information requested in a detailed and compete manner.” AR at 691.
In the event an applicant needs further time to submit a complete application, it may request an
extension of time. 45 C.F.R. § 12a.9(d); AR at 691.

                                                  7
       (iv) Experience. Demonstrated prior success in operating similar programs and
       recommendations attesting to that fact by Federal, State, and local authorities.

       (v) Financial Ability. The adequacy of funding that will likely be available to run the
       program fully and properly and to operate the facility.

45 C.F.R. § 12a.9(e)(2). In addition, the regulations provide that when construction or major

renovation is not required or proposed by an applicant, “the property must be placed into use

within twelve (12) months from the date of transfer.” 45 C.F.R. § 12.3(c); AR at 689. If an

applicant contemplates construction or major renovation at the date of transfer, “the property

must be placed in use within 36 months from the date of transfer.” 45 C.F.R. § 12.3(c); AR at

689.5 Finally, HHS may add additional evaluation factors as it deems necessary; the application

packet must be revised accordingly to include a description of any such newly-added factors. Id.

§ 12a.9(e)(3).

        If HHS approves an application made pursuant to Title V, it notifies the applicant —

now grantee — and undertakes the necessary steps to effect assignment and transfer of the

property. See id. § 12a.10(b).6 As is relevant in this case, if HHS approves an application for

excess or surplus property, it requests GSA assign the property to HHS for subsequent

       5
        Although New Life initially argued in its opening motion that the regulations at 45
C.F.R. Part 12 do not apply to applications under Title V of the McKinney Act, New Life
subsequently withdrew that argument in its reply. See Pl.’s Reply at 13, n. 11 (indicating that
New Life has “reconsidered and now withdraws this argument”).
       6
          In the event HHS disapproves of all submitted applications or no completed application
or request for extension was received by HHS within 90 days from the date of the last expression
of interest, the regulations provide that GSA or the landholding agency may proceed to dispose
of the property in accordance with applicable law. 45 C.F.R. § 12a.12.

                                                 8
conveyance to the grantee.7 See id. The regulations specify that “[p]rior to assignment to HHS,

GSA may consider other Federal uses and other important national needs; however, in deciding

the disposition of surplus real property, GSA will generally give priority of consideration to uses

to assist the homeless.” Id. § 12a.10(b)(2). Accordingly, GSA will assign the property to HHS

for transfer to the applicant, unless GSA determines that another disposal need is so “meritorious

and compelling” that it outweighs the needs of the homeless. See id.; see also 42 U.S.C. §

11411(f)(3)(A). If GSA or HHS decides to assign the property to a competing request over a

request made by an applicant to use the facility to assist the homeless, the agency must “transmit

to the appropriate committees of the Congress an explanatory statement” for that decision. 45

C.F.R. § 12a.10(b)(3); see also 42 U.S.C. § 11411(f)(3)(B).

       Assuming GSA decides to assign the property to HHS, HHS will, upon receipt of the

assignment, transfer the property by quitclaim deed or lease to the grantee. See 45 C.F.R. §

12a.10(b)(1); see also 42 U.S.C. § 11411(3). Title V grantees are entitled to a 100-percent public

benefit discount and receive the surplus federal property at no cost. See 45 C.F.R. § 12.9(a) &

Exhibit A (of the regulation) (stating that the 100-percent public benefit allowance is

“[a]pplicable when [assistance to the homeless] is the primary use to be made of the property.”).

McKinney Act grantees, like other public benefit conveyance recipients, must use the property

according to the terms approved in their application for a period of 30 years from the date of the

initial deed and may not sell, lease, sublease, or otherwise encumber the property without prior

       7
         If the property at issue is categorized as unutilized or underutilized (as opposed to
excess or surplus), HHS forwards the application to the landholding agency who is then
responsible for executing the lease or permit document, as may be appropriate. 45 C.F.R. §
12a.10(a).

                                                 9
written consent. See id. §§ 12a.10, 12.9(c).

        B.     Factual and Procedural Background8

       New Life is a self-described 501(c)(3) organization that provides services to homeless

men, women and children throughout Missouri, Illinois, Kansas and Arkansas. Compl., Docket

No. [1] ¶ 1; see also AR at 717. On July 13, 2009, the organization filed the above-captioned

matter seeking judicial review of HHS’ decision denying New Life’s application for federal

surplus property under Title V of the McKinney Act — more specifically, for use of the federal

building and courthouse located at 339 Broadway Street in Cape Girardeau (the “Broadway

Street Property”). See generally Compl. ¶ 1.

       On December, 19, 2008, GSA issued a determination of surplus for the Broadway Street

Property, noting that the excess property had been screened and no longer served a federal need.

AR at 680; see also id. at 157-160. HUD published an availability announcement in the Federal

Register that same day. See Federal Property Suitable as Facilities to Assist the Homeless, 73

Fed. Reg. 77821-01, 77822 (Dec. 19, 2008). As described therein, the 47,867-square-foot

property contained two parcels: (1) a 0.82-acre plot on which the federal building, courthouse

and parking lot were located (“Parcel 1”); and (2) a 0.186-acre garden area known as the May

Greene Garden (“Parcel 2”). AR at 680; see also id. at 157-160, 170.

       8
          Consistent with well-settled precedent, the Court’s review of HHS’ decision is
“confined to the full administrative record before the agency at the time the decision was made.”
Envtl. Def. Fund, Inc. v. Costle, 657 F.2d 275, 284 (D.C. Cir. 1981). “The focal point for
judicial review should be the administrative record already in existence, not some new record
completed initially in the reviewing court.” Id. Accordingly, although both parties’ briefing at
times references information outside the administrative record, the Court does not consider such
information in discussing the relevant factual and procedural background of this case or in
evaluating the parties’ arguments.

                                               10
       New Life filed its expression of interest requesting an application for use of

the property on January 26, 2009, id. at 681, and thereafter filed a formal application on May 1,

2009, id. at 716-1006. In its application, New Life proposed serving “temporary and/or

chronically homeless persons in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and the surrounding twenty-two rural

counties.” Id. at 721. More specifically, New Life proposed providing transitional housing and

related services through its “Core Program” to approximately 125 homeless individuals per year,

20 of whom would also be eligible to receive job training through New Life’s Leadership Job

Training Program, as well as emergency shelter and a free store to an additional 1,100 homeless

individuals per year. Id. at 721-22. These services would be made available to five groups of

homeless persons — single homeless men; single homeless women; homeless women and

children; homeless families; and homeless veterans — with a particular focus on homeless

veterans and families. Id. at 721-22.

       By letter to New Life President Rev. Lawrence W. Rice, Jr., on May 28, 2009, HHS

denied New Life’s application for failure to meet the threshold requirements for four of the five

criteria set forth at 45 C.F.R. § 12a.9(e)(2): namely, services offered, need, implementation time,

and financial ability. AR at 1023-26. On July 13, 2009, New Life filed the instant action

challenging that decision. See Compl. Shortly thereafter, on July 21, 2009, New Life moved for

a preliminary injunction. See Pl.’s Mot., Docket No. [9]. The Court held an on-the-record

telephone conference with counsel for all parties that same day. See 7/21/09 Min. Entry.

Pursuant to that discussion, the parties were required to file a joint status report advising the

Court as to how the parties suggested proceeding with the case; in particular, the parties were to

advise the Court whether: (a) they wanted to proceed immediately with briefing Plaintiff’s

                                                  11
request for a preliminary injunction on an emergency basis; or (b) whether they had been able to

reach an agreement that would permit the Court and the parties to address the merits of Plaintiff’s

Complaint on a more generous (although expedited) schedule. See 7/24/09 Order, Docket No.

[11].

        The parties timely filed the required joint status report on July 23, 2009. See Docket No.

[10]. As set forth therein, the parties agreed that GSA would stay the sale of Parcel 1 of the

Broadway Street Property until January 1, 2010. Id. at 1. Following expiration of that stay, GSA

further agreed that it would provide both the Court and New Life 30 days notice prior to selling

Parcel 1. Id. at 2. With respect to Parcel 2, the parties advised the Court that the area was

currently administered by the United States National Park Service. Id. at 2. As such, GSA did

not have any legal control over the disposition or sale of Parcel 2 and therefore could not

similarly guarantee that it would not be sold, transferred or otherwise unencumbered prior to

January 1, 2010.9 Id. Based on this understanding and agreement by GSA to stay sale of the

majority of the Broadway Street Property that was under its control — i.e., Parcel 1 — the parties

indicated that they had agreed that Plaintiff’s Motion for Preliminary Injunction should be

converted into and treated as New Life’s opening brief on the merits of its Complaint, and that

the parties should proceed directly to brief the merits of the instant lawsuit on a more generous,

but nonetheless, expedited schedule. See id.

        Based on the parties’ representations in their joint status report, the Court issued an Order

on July 24, 2009, adopting the parties’ agreement, as set forth above, in full. See 7/24/09 Order,

        9
       Defendants have since advised that the City of Cape Girardeau took title to Parcel 2 on
September 18, 2009. Defs.’ Opp’n at 8, n.9.

                                                 12
Docket No. [11]. Accordingly, as agreed by the parties, New Life’s [9] Motion for Preliminary

Injunction would be converted into and treated as Plaintiff’s opening brief on the merits of the

Complaint. Id. at 1-2; see also Fed. R. Civ. P. 65(a)(2) (“Before . . . beginning the hearing on a

motion for a preliminary injunction, the court may advance the trial on the merits and consolidate

it with the hearing.”). The Court also adopted the parties’ proposed briefing schedule (as later

amended), see 7/24/09 Order at 2; 9/30/09 Min. Order, pursuant to which Defendants’ opposition

and the administrative record were filed on October 9, 2009, and New Life’s reply on November

9, 2009. See id.; see also 9/30/09 Min. Order. By permission of the Court, Defendants also filed

a surreply, see Docket No. [20], and New Life filed a response to that surreply, see Docket No.

[22]. Briefing is now complete, and the merits of New Life’s Complaint are ripe for the Court’s

review and resolution.

                                    II. LEGAL STANDARD

       Both parties agree that HHS’ decision to deny New Life’s application for the Broadway

Street Property is properly analyzed under the standard of review set forth in the APA, pursuant

to which a court must set aside an agency action that is “arbitrary and capricious, an abuse of

discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with the law.” 5 U.S.C. § 706. “‘The party

challenging an agency’s action as arbitrary and capricious bears the burden of proof.’” City of

Olmsted Falls v. Fed. Aviation Admin., 292 F.3d 261, 271 (D.C. Cir. 2002) (quoting Lomak

Petroleum, Inc. v. Fed. Energy Regulatory Comm’n, 206 F.3d 1193, 1198 (D.C. Cir. 2000)). To

survive the “arbitrary and capricious” standard, an agency must “‘examine the relevant data and

articulate a satisfactory explanation for its action, including a rational connection between the

facts found and the choice made.” PPL Wallingford Energy LLC v. Fed. Energy Regulatory

                                                 13
Comm’n, 419 F.3d 1194, 1198 (D.C. Cir. 2005) (quoting Motor Vehicle Mfrs. Ass’n, v. State

Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 463 U.S. 29, 43 (1983) (internal punctuation omitted). By contrast,

       an agency [decision] would be arbitrary and capricious if the agency has relied on
       factors which Congress has not intended it to consider, entirely failed to consider an
       important aspect of the problem, offered an explanation for its decision that runs
       counter to the evidence before the agency, or is so implausible that it could not be
       ascribed to a difference in view or the product of agency expertise. The reviewing
       court should not attempt itself to make up for such deficiencies: “We may not supply
       a reasoned basis for the agency’s action that the agency itself has not given.”

Motor Vehicle Mfrs. Ass’n, 463 U.S. at 43 (quoting Sec. and Exch. Comm’n v. Chenery Corp.,

332 U.S. 194, 196 (1947)).

       This standard of review is highly deferential to the agency, so that a Court need not find

that the agency’s decision is “the only reasonable one, or even that it is the result [the Court]

would have reached had the question arisen in the first instance in judicial proceedings.” Am.

Paper Inst., Inc. v. Am. Elec. Paper Serv. Corp., 461 U.S. 402, 422 (1983). The Court is not

entitled to substitute its judgment for that of the agency. Citizens to Preserve Overton Park, Inc.

v. Volpe, 401 U.S. 402, 416 (1971). Finally, an agency decision must generally be affirmed on

the grounds stated therein, and a reviewing court may not attempt to supply “a reasoned basis for

the agency’s action that the agency itself has not given.” Motor Vehicle Mfrs. Ass’n, 463 U.S. at

43. Consistent with this review standard, judicial review is confined to the full administrative

record before the agency at the time the decision was made. Envtl. Def. Fund, Inc. v. Costle, 657

F.2d 275, 284 (D.C. Cir. 1981).

                                        III. DISCUSSION

       Before turning to the merits of the parties’ arguments, the Court first pauses briefly to

emphasize once again the limited nature of its review in this case. The Court is not asked to —

                                                 14
and does not herein — rule upon the ultimate merits of New Life’s application for the Broadway

Street Property; Congress has charged HHS, and not this Court, with reviewing and considering

in the first instance the merits of applications for surplus federal property under the McKinney

Act. As explained above, the only issue now before the Court is whether HHS, in reaching that

decision, “‘examine[d] the relevant data and articulate[d] a satisfactory explanation for its

action.’” PPL Wallingford Energy, 419 F.3d at 1198 (quoting Motor Vehicle Mfrs. Ass’n, 463

U.S. at 43)).

       In the case at hand, HHS determined, based on its consideration of the five factors set

forth in 45 C.F.R. § 12a.9(e)(2), that New Life’s application should be denied because it “failed

to make the necessary showing under” four of the five factors set forth in the regulations —

services offered; need; implementation time; and financial ability. AR at 1026. Importantly, that

decision was the result of a multiple-level balancing test. HHS was required to consider each of

the five factors set forth above before then considering whether, on balance and giving due

weight to the factors as specified by the implementing regulations, New Life’s application should

be granted or denied. The record reflects that HHS ultimately determined , based on its specific

findings regarding each of the five factors, that New Life had not satisfied four of the five

evaluation criteria and that this showing was insufficient, on balance, to support approval of the

application. In other words, HHS concluded that all of the identified deficiencies in New Life’s

application — on balance and giving due weight to each factor — favored denial of the

application. See id. at 1023-26. Consequently, if the Court finds that HHS erred in reaching any

of the underlying conclusions supporting its ultimate decision to deny the application, then the

Court must remand this matter back to HHS for its reconsideration in light of the Court’s

                                                 15
findings. It is not for the Court to decide in the first instance whether and how changes to the

underlying factors will affect, if at all, HHS’ ultimate conclusion regarding New Life’s

application. Cf. Motor Vehicle Mfrs. Ass’n, 463 U.S. at 43 (“The reviewing court should not

attempt itself to make up for such deficiencies: ‘We may not supply a reasoned basis for the

agency’s action that the agency itself has not given.’”) (quoting Chenery Corp., 332 U.S. at 196);

Palisades Gen. Hosp. Inc. v. Leavitt, 426 F.3d 400, 403 (D.C. Cir. 2005) (“Thus, under settled

principles of administrative law, when a court reviewing agency action determines that an agency

made an error of law, the court’s inquiry is at an end: the case must be remanded to the agency

for further action consistent with the correct legal standards.”) (internal quotations and citations

omitted).

       With this legal framework in mind, the Court now turns to the merits of New Life’s

arguments. New Life, in challenging HHS’ decision below, has employed a largely scattershot

approach, asserting that nearly all of the agency’s underlying findings supporting its decision to

deny the organization’s application are arbitrary, capricious and/or contrary to law. Although the

Court finds that many of New Life’s arguments appear to be without merit based on the present

record, the Court nonetheless agrees with New Life that HHS’ decision must be vacated and this

case remanded back to the agency for three principal reasons.

       A.      HHS Improperly Faulted New Life for Failing to Adequately Explain Services
               That Were Not Proposed in the Organization’s Application

       First, the Court finds that HHS erred when it faulted New Life for failing to sufficiently

explain how it proposed to deliver primary health care services to its homeless client because the

organization never in fact proposed to provide such services in its application. As set forth in its

                                                 16
denial letter rejecting New Life’s application, HHS criticized the organization for failing to make

clear how it “proposes to deliver mental health and substance abuse services, as well as primary

care services” in light of “the high rate of primary healthcare needs and behavioral health issues

among persons experiencing homelessness.” AR at 1024 (emphasis added). As New Life points

out, however, its application does not include any proposal regarding primary health care

services. Although New Life’s application included proposals to provide clients with referrals

for mental health and substance abuse services, see, e.g., id. at 732 (indicating that New Life

would offer “referral[s] to internal and external supportive services including, but not limited to, .

. . in-patient or out-patient mental health care or substance abuse treatment (as needed) or support

groups . . .”), the application does not reflect any similar proposals to assist the organization’s

clients with their primary healthcare needs. See generally AR at 716-1006.10

       New Life argues, and HHS does not dispute, that neither the McKinney Act nor its

implementing regulations require that an applicant for surplus federal property demonstrate an

intent to provide primary health care services. Pl.’s Mot. at 16-17; see Defs.’ Opp’n at 12.

Rather, the Act is aimed at providing services such as “meals, shelter, job training and

counseling,” and does not obligate applicants for surplus property to also provide health care

       10
          HHS provides only one citation to the administrative record that even mentions
“medical” services. See Defs.’ Opp’n at 12 (citing to AR at 724 (“Data may be provided on
specific relevant issues, such as medical, housing, substance abuse, relationships, cross-
addictions, or life skill issues”). Upon closer review, however, this citation does not support
HHS’ apparent claim that New Life proposed to assist clients with their primary health care
needs. The quoted language is taken from the section of New Life’s application discussing
“resident education” and indicates only that New Life intends to provide its clients with
“information and education that is applicable to the clients [sic] needs,” including “[d]ata” on
“medical” issues. AR at 724. It does not suggest that New Life proposed to assist clients with
actually obtaining such services.

                                                  17
services. See 45 C.F.R. § 12a.9(e)(2)(i)). Admittedly, as HHS emphasizes, applicants such as

New Life are free to propose the provision of a wide variety of services, including medical

services, as part of their application, and once an applicant chooses to do so, HHS is obligated to

ensure that the application adequately explains how the proposed service(s) will be delivered.

See Defs.’ Opp’n at 12; see also AR at 690 (the list of proposed services in 45 C.F.R. §

12a.9(e)(2)(i) is “not exhaustive” and “other services are considered as they are proposed”). In

this case, however, New Life did not propose assisting clients with their primary health care

needs. Accordingly, HHS cannot require New Life to provide such services nor deny its

application based on the organization’s failure to adequately explain how it will deliver these

medical services where New Life did not propose to actually do so. Cf. Motor Vehicle Mfrs.

Ass’n, 463 U.S. at 43 (“the agency must . . . articulate a satisfactory explanation for its

explanation including a ‘rational connection between the facts found and the choice made’”)

(quoting Burlington Truck Lines v. United States, 371 U.S. 156, 168 (1962)). HHS therefore

erred when it took into consideration New Life’s failure to adequately explain how it would

deliver primary care services, and, for this reason, the matter must be remanded.11

       11
          The Court notes, however, that it does not agree with New Life that HHS similarly
erred when it faulted the organization for failing to sufficiently explain how it “proposes to
deliver mental health and substance abuse services.” AR at 1024. Focusing on HHS’ use of the
term “deliver,” New Life argues that this language reflects an intention by HHS to “now require[]
every applicant to ‘deliver’ health, mental health and substance abuse services on-site,” rather
than through a referral system. Pl.’s Mot. at 16. The Court is not persuaded on this point.
Although HHS could have used more exacting language and may be well advised to do so on
remand, the Court does not understand HHS’ use of the term “deliver” to suggest that it required
New Life to provide on-site medical services. Rather, read in proper context, it indicates only
that, in HHS’ view, New Life had not clearly articulated how it intended to facilitate (i.e.,
deliver) such services through its proposal to provide its clients with referrals to other agencies.
See AR at 1024.

                                                  18
       B.      HHS Failed to Address Contradictory Evidence Provided by New Life Regarding
               the Need for the Proposed Services

       Second, HHS erred when it failed to address contradictory evidence submitted by New

Life regarding the population of homeless individuals needing shelter in Cape Girardeau and

surrounding areas. In evaluating whether New Life satisfied the second evaluation criteria,

which looks to the need for the proposed services, HHS concluded that, “[w]hile there may be a

need in Cape Girardeau for additional homeless services, [New Life] fails to demonstrate the

need for a program of the scope and size proposed.” AR at 1024. As set forth in HHS’ denial

letter, the agency based this conclusion solely on certain data submitted by New Life that had

been drawn from a “point-in-time” survey conducted by the Missouri Housing Development

Commission. Id. at 1024-25. New Life’s application, however, also included additional

evidence and statistical data suggesting that the point-in-time data relied upon by HHS in fact

underestimated the number of homeless in Cape Girardeau and the surrounding areas, such that

the actual number of homeless individuals was significantly higher — as high as 2,197 people in

Cape Girardeau city alone. Id. at 740-44.

       Significantly, HHS did not address this additional data in its denial letter. Although HHS

now proffers an explanation as to why this additional information does not affect its decision that

New Life failed to adequately establish a need for its proposed services, the denial letter rejecting

the organization’s application is entirely silent on this point. See id. at 1024-25. As explained

above, “the agency must examine the relevant data and articulate a satisfactory explanation for its

action including a ‘rational connection between the facts found and the choice made.’” Motor

Vehicle Mfrs. Ass’n, 463 U.S. at 43 (quoting Burlington Truck Lines, 371 U.S. at 168). An

                                                 19
agency errs when it ignores contradictory relevant evidence regarding a critical factor in its

decision. See Morall v. Drug Enforcement Admin., 412 F.3d 165, 178 (D.C. Cir. 2005); see also

El Rio Santa Cruz Neighborhood Health Ctr., Inc. v. HHS, 396 F.3d 1265, 1278 (D.C. Cir.

2005) (finding agency action “arbitrary and capricious because [it] failed adequately to address

relevant evidence before it”). Accordingly, HHS was in error when it relied solely on the point-

in-time data provided by New Life without addressing the additional, contradictory data included

in the organization’s application. On remand, if HHS chooses to continue to rely only on the

point-in-time studies to support its decision, the agency must explain its decision to discount the

other statistical data provided by New Life.12

       C.      HHS Erred When it Concluded that New Life’s Application Did Not Include
               Funding for its Proposed Capital Projects

       Third and finally, the Court finds that HHS erred when it found that New Life had not

allocated funds for capital improvements within its proposed budget. AR at 1025. To the

contrary, as New Life points out, attached to its application is a three-page spreadsheet setting

forth the estimated costs for proposed capital projects and proposed revenue sources for those

projects. Id. at 955-58 (“Attachment M-2”). As shown therein, New Life proposed funding its

capital projects through its “Capital Campaign: Transition to Hope,” which consists of a “direct

mail campaign,” “major events (fund-raisers)” and “private foundation grants.” Id. It is unclear

       12
            In holding that HHS failed to adequately address this contradictory evidence in its
denial letter, the Court makes no finding as to the merits of the agency’s explanations advanced
for the first time in HHS’ briefing on summary judgment; it may be that such explanations are
sufficient, but that is a decision for the agency — not this Court — to make in the first instance.
See Motor Vehicle Mfrs. Ass’n, 463 U.S. at 43 (a reviewing court may not attempt to supply “‘a
reasoned basis for the agency’s action that the agency itself has not given’”) (quoting Chenery
Corp., 332 U.S. at 196)).

                                                 20
to the Court, then, why HHS concluded in its denial letter that “[t]here are no funds allocated for

capital improvements within the budget.” Id. at 1025. Because HHS’ conclusion appears to

contradict evidence in the record, the Court finds HHS was in error. See Motor Vehicle Mfrs.

Ass’n, 463 U.S. at 43 (it is error for agency to “offer[] an explanation for its decision that runs

counter to the evidence before the agency”). On remand, HHS must explain its conclusion that

New Life did not allocate funding for its proposed capital improvements in light of this

information or remove its reliance on this finding as support for its decision.13

       For the reasons outlined above, the Court concludes that HHS’ decision must be vacated

and this case remanded to the agency for further consideration. Although New Life has raised a

plethora of additional challenges to HHS’ decision, the Court finds it unnecessary to address

many of New Life’s remaining arguments in light of the current procedural posture of this case.14

New Life’s motion for summary judgment is therefore GRANTED insofar as it seeks vacatur of

the decision below and remand. Accordingly, HHS’ decision denying New Life’s application is

vacated, and this case is remanded to the agency for further action consistent with this

       13
         Whether or not HHS ultimately finds that the proposed funding is adequate is a separate
question not presently before the Court.
       14
           The Court does note, however, that HHS has at times proffered additional explanations
for its decision denying New Life’s application in its summary judgment briefing that do not
appear in its denial letter below. For example, HHS now provides the Court with additional
argument supporting its conclusion that New Life did not satisfy the implementation time
requirement, but such explanations are not included in the denial letter. To the extent HHS
intends to rely on such reasoning on remand or determines that further explanation of any of its
findings is necessary, HHS would be well served to augment the record below with such
additional explanation as may be appropriate. Cf. Local 814, Int’l Bhd. of Teamsters v. Nat’l
Labor Relations Bd., 546 F.2d 989, 992 (D.C. Cir. 1976) (on remand, agency may “submit[] an
amplified articulation” of its reasoning; “[i]f a reviewing court finds the record inadequate to
support a finding of reasoned analysis by an agency and the court is barred from considering
rationales urged by others, only the agency itself can provide the required clarification.”).

                                                  21
Memorandum Opinion. Pursuant to 45 C.F.R. § 12a.9(a)(2), the property at issue “may not be

made available for any other purpose until the application has been resolved.”

                                      IV. CONCLUSION

       For the reasons set forth above, New Life’s motion for summary judgment is GRANTED

insofar as it seeks vacatur of the decision below and remand. Accordingly, HHS’ decision

denying New Life’s application is vacated, and this case is remanded to the agency for further

action consistent with this Memorandum Opinion. Pursuant to 45 C.F.R. § 12a.9(a)(2), the

property at issue “may not be made available for any other purpose until the application has been

resolved.” An appropriate Order accompanies this Memorandum Opinion.

Date: December 8, 2009

                                                     /s/
                                                    COLLEEN KOLLAR-KOTELLY
                                                    United States District Judge

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