Comprehensive Needs Assessments The purpose of the Comprehensive Needs Assessment, as authorized by HUD notices H95-27, H96-4 and H97-2, is to determine current and future financial resources and needs of certain multifamily projects. The CNA involves project residents in its development, from start to finish, is based on a thorough and detailed physical inspection of the project, and includes a statement of any assistance needed under programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The CNA describes available resources for meeting the current and future needs of the project and the likelihood of obtaining such resources. The CNA also includes descriptions of modernization needs and activities, descriptions of supportive services needed and supportive services provided, descriptions of security needs, and descriptions of any personnel needs of the project, including service coordinators and security staff. The owner of the property contracts with an arms-length, non-identity of interest entity to prepare a project's CNA. This entity, the "Needs Assessor," also must have an arms-length, non-identity of interest relationship with the project's managing agent. The project's mortgagor pays for the CNA. By statute, where funds are available, the project owner may use up to $5,000 of project funds to pay for the CNA. Up to this $5,000 limit, where a projects operating account is inadequate, HUD will authorize releases from Residual Receipts accounts and Reserve Fund for Replacements accounts to pay for the CNA. A CNA Will Encompass: Resident involvement through a needs survey. A complete and thorough physical inspection of all accessible units. A complete and thorough physical inspection of enough units to formulate an accurate estimate of repair needs. A complete and thorough inspection of each building exterior, all common areas and grounds. All financial review to determine current and future needs and resources of the property.