HUD Update: CNA e-Tool Release 3.0 is now live
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced that the launch of the web-based Capital Needs Assessment (CNA) e-Tool, version 3.0 is going live today. Below, please find additional information that will assist you in getting start and includes resources and tools, as well as contact information for your questions or if you encounter technical difficulties.
1. What happened?
HUD successfully completed the CNA e-Tool Version 3.0 installation and data conversion over the weekend. Effective this morning, the CNA e-Tool User Interface has been re-platformed to the cloud and the most important result is that users must now enter all data in the web application, not the Excel Assessment Tool which is now retired. The improved system provides user customization and dashboards, expanded narrative features, easy revise and resubmit ability, robust data entry tools, and transparency for all users.
2. What should you do?
All users must login with a valid ID to use the CNA e-Tool. If you do not have a valid ID, please review the updated User Access Guide to learn how to obtain credentials.
Note: The latest User Access Guide was posted to the CNA e-Tool Home Page on April 21, 2020. If you have an earlier version of the User Access Guide, please discard that document.When you log in, you should be able to locate the CNAs that you have submitted to HUD in the past as well as the draft CNAs you validated on or before November 6. You will now find these CNAs in your new Dashboard screen or in the Search screen. For draft CNAs, you will find those that you validated consistent with instructions for the Data Transfer Period that began on July 27 and ended November 6. You may now continue working on these CNAs using the new e-Tool v3.0. The CNA e-Tool no longer accepts the Excel Assessment Tool file that you previously used to prepare these CNAs.
More detailed information on locating your CNAs and continuing your work is provided in this FAQ document.
3. What resources will help you to use the new CNA e-Tool?
a. Please review the User Instruction Guide for the Version 3.0. You can find screen-by-screen detailed instructions on how to enter data. The User Instruction Guide has also been posted on the revamped CNA e-Tool Homepage.
b. Please review the User Path Matrix to familiarize yourself with various CNA program types and the user roles involved for initiating, preparing and submitting CNAs.
c. HUD compiled recorded webinars and tutorials to assist users in learning to navigate the CNA e-Tool Version 3.0. They have been posted here.
d. HUD updated six interactive web-training courses which have been posted to the HUD Exchange website. You can access them here.
4. Can Lenders still use the HUD RfR Financial Factors Tool with loan applications?
Yes. HUD’s existing RfR Financial Factors Tool is compatible with the new e-Tool. HUD has updated the instructions for use of the RfR Financial Factors Tool, and you should download the revised file and follow the updated instructions. The RfR Financial Factors Tool is an Excel spreadsheet designed for HUD staff and lenders to confirm that proposed RfR escrows meet minimum funding requirements in accordance with the MAP Guide. Lenders must ensure that financial plans to fund reserves for replacement (RfR) escrows required for new insured loan applications meet HUD minimum requirements. Lenders are welcome (but not required) to use the RfR Financial Factors Tool for this purpose.
5. What does HUD plan for future training?
The CNA e-Tool Team already has provided four national webinars for all users. In addition, HUD provided multiple, separate, interactive “office hours” training and “Q&A” sessions for Needs Assessors and Lenders/Submitters. We will continue to provide office hour sessions as needed in the future. In addition, HUD has posted recorded excerpts of these sessions and other training resources or links to training on the CNA e-Tool Home Page.
Training for Public Housing Authority (PHA) and Participating Administrative Entities (PAE)s will be conducted by HUD Office of Recapitalization in mid-October. If PHA’s have questions about the upcoming training, they should contact the Resource Desk here.
6. Asset Management CNA Submissions?
The Multifamily Office of Asset Management and Portfolio Oversight (OAMPO) will leave in effect the suspension of the requirement to use the CNA e-Tool for 10-year Update CNAs, PPCs, Loan Modifications, and PRACs initially announced in a July 18, 2019 memorandum. The suspension remains in effect until further notice as we continue to develop guidance on this topic. OAMPO anticipates publishing guidance in the near future and looks forward to accepting CNA e-Tool submissions in the coming months.
7. How can you ask questions?
All CNA e-Tool users (Needs Assessors, Lenders, PHAs, PAEs, and HUD Staff) can ask questions and receive answers through the Ask-A-Question (AAQ) help desk support feature.
8. Whom should I contact for further information?
For further technical information, please email CNAeTool@hud.gov