Development of the GPNA tool progressed during 2011 to the completion of a prototype which is being tested at several Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) prior to implementation on a national basis. The purpose of the tool is to organize information typically gathered in a Physical Needs Assessment into an automated format that produces useful reporting to PHAs and to HUD for strategic planning purposes. Implementation of the tool by PHAs is anticipated to commence during 2012 with completion of the tool and final associated rulemaking. Many PHAs and other interested parties have requested information on the nature of the tool for their planning purposes. A copy of the prototype populated with generic data for demonstration purposes may be downloaded for viewing and review by clicking this DRAFT PNA TOOL link (zip, ~72MB), and using these INSTRUCTIONS to open the tool. At this time arrangements for technical assistance, guidance documents, and other supporting mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of the GPNA are in progress but incomplete. HUD can offer limited assistance to technical questions on the use and structure of the tool at HUDPNA@hud.gov.

Notes on the Draft GPNA Tool:

There are two main page selections upon opening the tool. The Dashboard is the page where data inputs into the tool will be aggregated into summary overview information. The Control Panel is the portal through which all entries of information into the PNA will be made by the PHA. The tool has the functionality to be automatically pre-populated with IMS-PIC data. When the tool goes into general use it will be very important that PHAs have recorded information in the IMS-PIC system that accurately reflects their actual inventory configuration.

From the Control Panel the user will enter cost data into a Master Cost Library from the cost index of its choosing and will create sets of sites, buildings, and units from its inventory that represent sample sets. Input forms for physical inspection of a sample of each set are included in the tool and the inputs into these inspection forms automatically populate the Cost Projection table which is also opened from the Control Panel. The cost library, inspection forms, and cost projections are pre-populated with components generally found in residential buildings of various types. PHAs will use only those lines applicable to their inventory.  A Reports selection from the Control Panel opens a page where several reports are generated based upon input information.  Blue circles with a “?” located throughout the tool provide navigation and help information as well a definitions.