TO:	Commissioners, HEAP Liaisons, TA/FS Directors

FROM:	Patricia A. Stevens, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Temporary Assistance

SUBJECT:	Uniform Vendor Agreement Form A

EFFECTIVE DATE:	July 24, 2002

CONTACT PERSON:	Western Regional Team @ 1-800-343-8859, extension 3-0332

This is to provide you with some additional information about the newly revised form entitled “Uniform Vendor Agreement Form A, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Energy Supplier”.  See “Dear HEAP Liaison” letter dated July 2, 2002.  Point 16 on this form allows for notification of HEAP eligibility to a vendor in the form of a “HEAP Notice of Eligibility” provided by the customer.  Because of unique and varied local district procedures; permitting this method of notification to a vendor is optional and may be stricken from the form if a local district so desires.  Point 17 allows a local district to pay for delivery charges and late charges, if required, out of HEAP benefits.  However, express permission must be first granted by the local district to the vendor and should only be used if necessary to arrange for delivery.  Districts are reminded that using another vendor may be a more beneficial option.

Local districts are also reminded that it is now required to conduct a meeting to discuss the vendor agreement and other important items  with their HEAP vendors prior to start-up of this upcoming HEAP season.  Attendance by a vendor is not mandatory in order to participate in the program; however, vendors should be strongly encouraged to attend.

Please share this information with appropriate staff.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.