[Federal Register: June 13, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 113)]
[Notices]
[Page 34053-34060]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13jn06-27]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Announcement of the Small, Minority Producer Grant Program
Application Deadlines
AGENCY: Rural Business--Cooperative Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications.
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SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service announces the
availability of approximately $1.473 million in competitive grant funds
for fiscal year (FY) 2006 for cooperatives and associations of
cooperatives to assist small minority producers. USDA Rural Development
Cooperative Programs hereby requests proposals from eligible
cooperatives and associations of cooperatives interested in a
competitively awarded grant. The cooperatives and associations of
cooperatives will be use the grants to fund technical assistance to
rural businesses. The maximum award per grant is $200,000.
DATES: Applicants may submit completed applications for grants on paper
or electronically according to the following deadlines:
Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent
overnight no later than July 28, 2006, to be eligible for FY 2006 grant
funding. Late applic ations are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding.
Electronic copies must be received by July 28, 2006, to be eligible
for FY 2006 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY
2006 grant funding.
The comment period for information collection under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 continues through August 14, 2006. Comments on
the paperwork burden must be received by this date to be assured of
consideration.
ADDRESSES: Applicants may obtain application guides and materials for
the Small Minority Producer Grant Program (SMPG) at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/
rbs/SMPG/SMPG.htm or by contacting your USDA Rural
Development State Office. You can reach your State Office by calling
(202) 720-4323 and pressing ``1''.
Submit completed paper applications for a grant to Cooperative
Programs, Attn: SMPG Program, Mail Stop 3250, Room 4016-South, 1400
Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-3250. The telephone number
that should be used for FedEx packages is (202) 720-7558. You may also
submit electronic grant applications at http://www.grants.gov,
following the instructions found on this Website.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Visit the program Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/
rbs/coops/SMPG/SMPG.htm, which contains
application guidance or contact USDA Rural Development Cooperative
Programs at 202-720-7558 or cpgrants@wdc.usda.gov. Applicants are
encouraged to contact Cooperative Programs well in advance of the
deadline to discuss their projects and ask any questions about the
application process.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Paperwork Reduction Act
The collection of information requirements contained in this notice
have received temporary emergency clearance by the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) under Control Number 0570-0052. However, in accordance
with the paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, USDA Rural Development will
seek standard OMB approval of the reporting requirements contained in
this Notice and hereby opens a 60-day public comment period.
Title: Small Minority Producer Grant Program.
Type of Request: New collection.
Abstract: USDA Rural Development needs to receive the information
contained in this collection of information to select the projects it
believes will provide the most long-term economic benefit to rural
areas. The selection process is competitive. USDA Rural Development
will ensure that the funds are used for the intended purpose. The
primary focus is to provide assistance to small minority producers and
whose governing board and/or membership is comprised of at least 75
percent minority. These funds are to be used for cooperatives and
association of cooperatives to provide technical assistance to small
minority producers and minority cooperatives in rural areas.
Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden contained in this
collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response.
Respondents: Minority Cooperatives and Minority Associations of
Cooperatives
Estimated Number of Respondents: 25.
Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 14.
Estimated Number of Responses: 347.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on respondents: 418.
Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Cheryl
Thompson, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, at (202) 692-
0043.
Comments
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of
Rural Development, including whether the information will have
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of Rural Development's estimate of
the burden of the proposed collection of information including the
validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance
the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected;
and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection
techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be
sent to Cheryl Thompson, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch,
Support Services Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural
Development, STOP 0742, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC
20250. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in
the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of
public record.
Overview
Federal Agency: Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS).
Funding Opportunity Title: Small, Minority Producer Grants.
Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10-771
Dates: Application Deadline: Applicants may submit completed
applications for grants on paper or electronically according to the
following deadlines:
Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent
overnight no later than July 28, 2006, to be eligible for FY 2006 grant
funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding.
Electronic copies must be received by July 28, 2006, to be eligible
for FY 2006 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY
2006 grant funding.
Programs Affected
This will not affect other programs in USDA Rural Development.
[[Page 34054]]
I. Funding Opportunity Description
This solicitation is issued pursuant to the Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2006, Public Law 109-97 (November 10, 2005) which
authorizes not to exceed $1,473,120 for cooperatives or associations of
cooperatives whose primary focus is to provide assistance to small
minority producers and whose governing board and/or membership is
comprised of at least 75 percent minority members. The Secretary of
Agriculture has delegated the program's administration to USDA Rural
Development Cooperative Programs.
The primary objective of this grant program is to assist small,
minority producers through cooperatives and associations of
cooperatives. USDA Rural Development Cooperative Programs will
competitively award grants to fund cooperatives and/or associations of
cooperatives to provide technical assistance to small minority
producers in rural areas. The maximum award amount per grant is
$200,000.
Definitions
Agency--Rural Business-Cooperative Service, an agency of the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a successor agency.
Agricultural Commodity--An unprocessed product of farms, ranches,
nurseries, and forests. Agricultural commodities include: Livestock,
poultry, and fish; fruits and vegetables; grains, such as wheat,
barley, oats, rye, triticale, rice, corn, and sorghum; legumes, such as
field beans and peas; animal feed and forage crops; seed crops; fiber
crops, such as cotton; oil crops, such as safflower, sunflower, corn,
and cottonseed; trees grown for lumber and wood products; nursery stock
grown commercially; Christmas trees; ornamentals and cut flowers; and
turf grown commercially for sod. Agricultural commodities do not
include horses or animals raised as pets, such as cats, dogs, and
ferrets.
Cooperative Programs--The office within USDA Rural Development, and
its successor organization, that administers programs authorized by the
Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926 (7 U.S.C. 451 et seq.) and such other
programs identified in USDA regulations.
Economic Development--The economic growth of an area as evidenced
by increase in total income, employment opportunities, decreased out-
migration of population, value of production, increased diversification
of industry, higher labor force participation rates, increased duration
of employment, higher wage levels, or gains in other measurements of
economic activity, such as land values.
Feasibility Study--An analysis of the economic, market, technical,
financial, and management feasibility of a proposed Project.
Minority--Individuals who have been subjected to racial, ethnic,
gender prejudice or cultural bias within American society because of
their identities as members of groups and without regard to their
individual qualities. Minority groups are Women, African Americans not
of Hispanic Origin, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asian
and Pacific Islanders.
Minority Association of Cooperatives--An association of
cooperatives whose primary focus is to provide assistance to small,
minority producers and where the governing board and/or membership is
comprised of at least 75 percent minority.
Minority Cooperative--A farmer-or rancher-owned and -controlled
business, incorporated as a cooperative, from which benefits are
derived and distributed equitably on the basis of use by each of the
farmer or rancher owners whose primary focus is to provide assistance
to small, minority producers and where the governing board and/or
membership is comprised of at least 75 percent minority.
Operating Cost--The day-to-day expenses of running a business; for
example: utilities, rent, salaries, depreciation, product production
costs, marketing and advertising, and other basic overhead items.
Project--Includes all activities to be funded by the Small Minority
Producer Grant.
Small Minority Producers--Minority persons or 100 percent minority-
owned entities, including farmers, ranchers, loggers, agricultural
harvesters, and fishermen, with gross annual sales of not more than
$250,000 that engage in the production or harvesting of an agricultural
commodity.
Rural and Rural Area--Includes all the territory of a State that is
not within the outer boundary of any city or town having a population
of 50,000 or more and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to
such city or town, as defined by the U.S. Bureau of the Census using
the latest decennial census of the United States.
Rural Development--A mission area within USDA consisting of the
Office of Under Secretary for Rural Development, Office of Community
Development, Rural Development Business and Cooperative Programs, Rural
Development Housing Programs, and Rural Development Utilities Programs
and their successors.
State--Includes each of the several States, the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, American
Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and, as may be
determined by the Secretary to be feasible, appropriate and lawful, the
Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands
and the Republic of Palau.
Technical Assistance--An advisory service performed for the benefit
of a small, minority producer such as market research; product and/or
service improvement; legal advice and assistance; feasibility study,
business plan, and marketing plan development; and training. Technical
assistance does not include the operating costs of a cooperative being
assisted.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Grant.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2006.
Approximate Total Funding: $1.473 million.
Approximate Number of Awards: 7.
Approximate Average Award: $200,000.
Floor of Award Range: None.
Ceiling of Award Range: $200,000.
Anticipated Award Date: August 30, 2006.
Budget Period Length: 12 months.
Project Period Length: 12 months.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be a minority cooperative or a minority association
of cooperatives.
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
No matching funds are required.
C. Other Eligibility Requirements
Use of Funds: The funds may only be used for technical assistance
projects.
Project Area Eligibility: The Project proposed must take place in a
rural area.
Grant Period Eligibility: If awarded, funds must be expended in 1
year. Applications that have a time frame of more than 365 days will be
considered ineligible. Applications that request funds for a time
period ending after September 30, 2007, will not be considered for
funding.
Completeness Eligibility: The applicant must provide sufficient
documentation to determine eligibility. Applications without sufficient
information to determine eligibility will not be considered for
funding. Applications that are missing any
[[Page 34055]]
required elements (in whole or in part) will be ineligible for funding,
except as set forth in Section V.B.
Multiple Grant Eligibility: An applicant may not submit more than
one grant application in any one funding cycle.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Address to Request Application Package
If you plan to apply using a paper application, you can obtain the
application package for this funding opportunity: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/SMPG/SMPG.htm.
If you do not have access
to the Internet, or if you have difficulty accessing the forms online,
you may contact Cooperative Programs at 202-720-7558 or
cpgrants@wdc.usda.gov. If you plan to apply electronically, you must
visit http://www.grants.gov and follow the instructions.
B. Content and Form of Submission
You may submit your application in paper or electronic format. If
you submit your application in paper form, you must submit one signed
original of your complete application. The application should be in the
following format:
Font size: 12 point unreduced.
Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches. Printed on only one side of each
page. Held together only by rubber bands or metal or plastic clips; not
bound in any other way.
The submission must include all pages of the application. It is
recommended that the application be in black and white, and not color.
Those evaluating the application will only receive black and white
images.
If you submit your application electronically, you must follow the
instructions given at the Internet address: http://www.grants.gov.
Applicants are advised to visit the site well in advance of the
application deadline if they plan to apply electronically to ensure
that they have obtained the proper authentication and have sufficient
computer resources to complete the application.
An application must contain all of the following elements. Any
application that is missing any element or contains an incomplete
element will not be considered for funding except as set forth in
Section V.B.
1. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' In order
for this form to be considered complete, it must contain the legal name
of the applicant; the applicant's Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number; the applicant's complete mailing
address; the name and telephone number of a contact person; the
employer identification number; the start and end dates of the project;
the Federal funds requested; other funds that will be used as matching
funds; an answer to the question, ``Is applicant delinquent on any
Federal debt?;'' the name and signature of an authorized
representative; the telephone number of the authorized representative;
and the date the form was signed. Other information requested on the
form may be applicable, but the above-listed information is required
for the form to be considered complete.
You are required to have a DUNS number to apply for a grant from
USDA Rural Development Cooperative Programs unless you are an
individual. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number,
which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS number is
easy, and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access http://www.dnb.com/us/
or call (866) 705-5711. For more information, see the
SMPG Web site at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/SMPG/SMPG.htm or contact Cooperative Programs at 202-720-7558 or cpgrants@wdc.usda.gov.
2. Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs.''
In order for this form to be considered complete, the applicant must
fill out sections A, B, C, and D. The application must include both
Federal and matching funds (if matching funds are included in the
project) as requested on the form.
3. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.'' In
order for this form to be considered complete, the form must be signed
by an authorized official and include the title, name of applicant, and
date submitted.
4. Table of Contents. For ease of locating information, each
application must contain a detailed Table of Contents (TOC) immediately
following the SF-424B. The TOC must include page numbers for each
component of the application. Pagination should begin immediately
following the TOC. In order for this element to be considered complete,
the TOC must include page numbers for the executive summary, an
eligibility discussion, work plan, and proposal evaluation criteria.
5. Executive Summary: A summary of the proposal, not to exceed one
page, must briefly describe the project, tasks to be completed and
other relevant information that provides a general overview of the
project.
6. Eligibility Discussion: A detailed discussion, not to exceed
four pages, must describe how the applicant meets the following
requirements.
(i) Applicant Eligibility: If the applicant is a cooperative, the
application must reference the business' good standing as a cooperative
in its state of incorporation. If the applicant is an association of
cooperatives, the application must reference the association's good
standing as a legal business structure in its state of incorporation.
The applicant must describe how it meets the definition of a ``minority
cooperative'' or ``minority association of cooperatives'' as defined in
the Definitions section of this Notice. The applicant must apply as
only one type of applicant.
(ii) Use of Funds: The applicant must provide a detailed discussion
on how the proposed project activities meet the definition of technical
assistance.
(iii) Project Area: The applicant must provide information on where
the projects are planned to be located and that the areas meet the
``rural area'' definition.
(iv) Grant Period: The applicant must provide a time frame for the
proposed project and discuss how the project will be completed within
that time frame.
7. Budget/Work plan: The applicant must describe, in detail not to
exceed four pages, the purpose of the grant, specific sub-recipients
including racial and ethnicity information, what type of assistance
will be provided to the sub-recipients, and the amount of funds needed
to assist each sub-recipient. The budget must present a breakdown of
estimated costs associated with each project. The costs should be
broken down in the same categories as the SF-424A. The amount of grant
funds requested will be adjusted if the applicant does not have
justification for all costs.
8. Evaluation Criteria: Each of the evaluation criteria referenced
in this notice must be addressed, specifically and individually, in
narrative form, not to exceed a total of one page for each evaluation
criteria. Failure to address the evaluation criteria by the application
deadline will result in the application being determined ineligible,
except as described in Section V.B.
C. Submission Dates and Times
Application Deadline Date: July 28, 2006.
Explanation of Deadlines: Paper applications must be postmarked and
mailed, shipped, or sent overnight by the deadline date (see Section
IV.F. for the address). Electronic applications must be received by
http://www.grants.gov by the deadline date. Courier applications must be
delivered by the deadline date.
[[Page 34056]]
If your application does not meet the deadline, it will not be
considered for funding. You will be notified that your application did
not meet the submission deadline. You will also be notified by mail or
by e-mail if your application is received on time.
D. Intergovernmental Review of Applications
Executive Order 12372 (EO), Intergovernmental review of Federal
programs, applies to this program. This EO requires that Federal
agencies provide opportunities for consultation on proposed assistance
with State and local governments. Many states have established a Single
Point of Contact (SPOC) to facilitate this consultation. A list of
States that maintain an SPOC may be obtained at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
If your State has an SPOC, you
may submit your application directly for review. Any comments obtained
through the SPOC must be provided to Rural Development for
consideration as part of your application. If your State has not
established an SPOC or you do not want to submit your application,
Rural Development will submit your application to the SPOC or other
appropriate agency or agencies.
You are also encouraged to contact Cooperative Programs at 202-720-
7558 or cpgrants@wdc.usda.gov if you have questions about this process.
E. Funding Restrictions
Grant funds must be used for technical assistance. No funds made
available under this solicitation shall be used to:
1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or
facility, including a processing facility;
2. Purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment, including processing
equipment;
3. Purchase vehicles, including boats;
4. Pay for the preparation of the grant application;
5. Pay expenses not directly related to the funded project;
6. Fund political or lobbying activities;
7. Fund any activities prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019;
8. Fund architectural or engineering design work for a specific
physical facility;
9. Fund any expenses related to the production of any commodity or
product to which value will be added, including seed, rootstock, labor
for harvesting the crop, and delivery of the commodity to a processing
facility;
10. Fund research and development;
11. Purchase land;
12. Duplicate current services or replace or substitute support
previously provided;
13. Pay costs of the project incurred prior to the date of grant
approval;
14. Pay for assistance to any private business enterprise which
does not have at least 51 percent ownership by those who are either
citizens of the United States or reside in the United States after
being legally admitted for permanent residence;
15. Pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States;
16. Pay the operating costs of cooperative and/or association of
cooperatives; or
17. Pay expenses for applicant employee training.
F. Other Submission Requirements
You may submit your paper application for a grant to Cooperative
Programs, Attn: SMPG Program, Mail STOP 3250, Room 4016-South, 1400
Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-3250. The telephone number
that should be used for FedEx packages is 202-720-7558. You may also
choose to submit your application electronically at http://www.grants.gov.
Applications may not be submitted by electronic mail,
facsimile, or hand-delivery. Each application submission must contain
all required documents in one envelope, if sent by mail or express
delivery service.
V. Application Scoring Criteria Review Information
A. Criteria
All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated based upon
the following criteria. Failure to address any one of the following
criteria by the application deadline will result in the application
being determined ineligible and the application will not be considered
for funding, except as described in Section V.B. The total points
possible for the criteria are 60 and the maximum number of points for
each of the following sections is 15.
1. Rural Area: Projects must be in rural areas. Points will be
awarded based upon the rural area where the proposed project is
located. The Agency will determine if the area meets the rural area
definition by using the following Website: http://maps.ers.usda.gov/loanlookup/viewer.htm
.
(i) If the proposed project is located in a city or town with a
population of at least 15,000 and no more than 25,000 people, 5 points
will be awarded;
(ii) If the proposed project is located in a city or town with a
population of at least 5,000 and less than 15,000 people, 10 points
will be awarded; or
(iii) If the proposed project is located a city or town with a
population of less than 5,000 people, 15 points will be awarded.
(iv) If the proposed project is located in an unincorporated area,
15 points will be awarded.
If the applicant proposes to provide assistance in multiple areas
or cities, the applicant must list the areas or cities where the
assistance will be provided, the population for each and the amount of
assistance of each area. Points will be calculated by using the above
point scale for each, with the points awarded using a weighted average
of the points for the areas served. The information needed for this
criterion may be obtained using the population finder tool at http://www.census.gov/
.
2. Per capita personal income: Points will be awarded
porportionally based upon a comparison of the per capita personal
income of the county in which a proposed project is located to the
state per capital personal income:
(i) If the per capita personal income level in the county where the
proposed project will be located is less than 80 percent of the state
per capita personal income level, 15 points will be awarded;
(ii) If the per capita personal income level in the county where
the proposed project will be located is at least 80 percent and less
than 90 percent of the state per capita personal income level, 10
points will be awarded;
(iii) If the per capita personal income level in the county where
the proposed project will be located is at least 90 percent and less
than 100 percent of the state per capita personal income level, 5
points will be awarded; or
(iv) If the per capita personal income level in the county where
the proposed project will be located is equal to or exceeds the state
per capita personal income, no points will be awarded.
If the applicant proposes to provide assistance in multiple
counties, the applicant must list the counties where the assistance
will be provided, the percentage of assistance intended to be spent in
each county, and the per capita personal income level for each county.
Points will be calculated by using the above point score for each
county's per capital personal income level, with the total points
awarded in proportion to where the assistance is directed. (For
example, if 50% of the grant money will be spent in a county where the
per capita income is below 80 percent, and 50% will be spent in a
county where the per capita income is between 90 and 100 percent,
points will be calculated as follows: [(.5)*(15) + (.5)*(5) = 10
points].
[[Page 34057]]
The information needed for this criterion may be obtained at http://www.bea.gov
.
3. Experience. Points will be awarded based upon the relevant
experience of the staff or the consultants hired to provide the
proposed technical assistance.
(i) If the staff or consultants have no experience in providing
technical assistance, 0 points will be awarded;
(ii) If the staff or consultants have experience in providing
technical assistance, 5 points will be awarded;
(iii) If the staff or consultants have experience in providing the
same type of technical assistance as proposed in the project, 10 points
will be awarded; or
(iv) If the staff or consultants have experience in providing the
same type of technical assistance as proposed in the project to small,
minority producers, 15 points will be awarded.
Applicants must describe the specific type of technical assistance
that each staff member or consultant has experience in providing. The
Agency will compare the described assistance to the work plan to
determine point totals.
4. Number of small minority producers assisted. Points will be
awarded based upon the number of small, minority producers being
assisted.
(i) If the proposed project will benefit 1-10 producers, 5 points
will be awarded;
(ii) If the proposed project will benefit 11-50 producers, 10
points will be awarded; or
(iii) If the proposed project will benefit more than 50 producers,
15 points will be awarded.
Applicants must list the number of small, minority producers that
will directly benefit from the assistance provided.
B. Review and Selection Process
The Agency will conduct an initial screening of all proposals to
determine whether the applicant is eligible and whether all required
elements are complete. A list of required elements follows:
SF-424.
SF-424A.
SF-424B.
Table of Contents.
Executive Summary.
Eligibility Discussion.
Budget/Work Plan.
Rural Area Evaluation Criterion.
Per Capita Personal Income Evaluation Criterion.
Experience Evaluation Criterion.
Number of Producers Assisted Evaluation Criterion.
Incomplete applications that have four or fewer incomplete required
elements and appear to be otherwise eligible will receive a letter
requesting the incomplete items be provided within 12 business days of
the date the letter was sent. If the requested items are not received
when requested or are not complete, the application will not be
evaluated further and will not be considered for funding. Applicants
that propose budgets that include more than 10 percent of total project
costs that are ineligible for the program will be ineligible and the
application will not be considered for funding. If an application has
ineligible costs of 10 percent or less of total project costs, and
otherwise appears eligible, the applicant will receive a letter
requesting that all ineligible costs be removed from the budget and
work plan and either replaced with eligible activities or eliminated
within 12 business days of the date the letter was sent. Any other
incomplete or ineligible applications will not be further evaluated and
will be considered ineligible for funding. Reviewers appointed by the
Agency will evaluate applications.
C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Award Date: The announcement of award selections is expected to
occur on or about August 30, 2006.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
Successful applicants will receive a notification of tentative
selection for funding from Rural Development. Applicants must comply
with all applicable statutes, regulations, and this notice before the
grant award will receive final approval.
Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification, including
mediation procedures and appeal rights, by mail.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
7 CFR parts 3015, 3019, and subparts A and F of part 4284 are
applicable to grants made under this notice. These regulations may be
obtained at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/page1.
The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected
for this program:
Agency approved Grant Agreement.
Letter of Conditions.
Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.''
Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment,
Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered
Transactions.''
Form AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment,
Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered
Transactions.''
Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding a Drug-Free
Workplace Requirements (Grants).''
Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.''
Additional information on these requirements can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/SMPG/SMPG.htm
.
Fund Disbursement: The Agency will determine, based on 7 CFR 3015,
3016 and 3019, as applicable, whether disbursement of a grant will be
by advance or reimbursement. As needed, but not more frequently than
once every 30 days, an original of SF-270, ``Request for Advance or
Reimbursement,'' may be submitted to Rural Development. Recipient's
request for advance shall not be made in excess of reasonable outlays
for the month covered.
Reporting Requirements: You must provide Rural Development with an
original or an electronic copy that includes all required signatures of
the following reports. The reports should be submitted to the Agency
contact listed on your Grant Agreement and Letter of Conditions.
Failure to submit satisfactory reports on time may result in suspension
or termination of your grant. Grantees will need to submit
1. Form SF-269 or SF-269A. A ``Financial Status Report,'' listing
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories, on a
semiannual basis. Reporting periods end each March 31 and September 30.
Reports are due 30 days after the reporting period ends.
2. Semiannual performance reports that compare accomplishments to
the objectives stated in the proposal. Identify all tasks completed to
date and provide documentation supporting the reported results. If the
original schedule provided in the work plan is not being met, the
report should discuss the problems or delays that may affect completion
of the Project. Objectives for the next reporting period should be
listed. Compliance with any special condition on the use of award funds
must be discussed. Reports are due as provided in paragraph (1) of this
section. Supporting documentation must also be submitted for completed
tasks. The supporting documentation for completed tasks include, but
are not limited to, feasibility studies, marketing plans, business
plans, articles of incorporation, and bylaws as they relate to the
assistance provided.
[[Page 34058]]
3. Final project performance reports that compare accomplishments
to the objectives stated in the proposal. Identify all tasks completed
and provide documentation supporting the reported results. If the
original schedule provided in the work plan was not met, the report
must discuss the problems or delays that affected completion of the
project. Compliance with any special condition on the use of award
funds must be discussed. Supporting documentation for completed tasks
must also be submitted. The supporting documentation for completed
tasks includes, but is not limited to, feasibility studies, marketing
plans, business plans, articles of incorporation, and bylaws as they
relate to the assistance provided. The final performance report is due
within 90 days of the completion of the project.
VII. Agency Contacts
For general questions about this announcement and for program
technical assistance, please contact Cooperative Programs at 202-720-
7558 or cpgrants@wdc.usda.gov. You may contact Cooperative Programs by
mail at Mail Stop 3250, Room 4016-South, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-3250.
VIII. Non-Discrimination Statement
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination
in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color,
national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, martial
status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation,
genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or
part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance
program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with
disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program
information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact
USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a
complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil
Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or
call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal
opportunity provider and employer.
Dated: June 5, 2006.
Jackie J. Gleason,
Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
Small Minority Producer Grant Agreement
This Grant Agreement (Agreement) dated --, between
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(Grantee), and the United States of America, acting through the Rural
Business-Cooperative Service of the Department of Agriculture
(Grantor), for $ in grant funds under the Small Minority Producer Grant
(SMPG) program, delineates the agreement of the parties.
Now, therefore, in consideration of the grant;
The parties agree that all the terms and provisions of the SMPG
Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) published in the Federal
Register on June 13, 2006 and application submitted by the Grantee for
this SMPG grant, including any attachments or amendments, are
incorporated and included as part of this Agreement. Any changes to
these documents or this Agreement must be approved in writing by the
Grantor.
The Grantor agrees to make available to the Grantee for the purpose
of this Agreement funds in an amount not to exceed the Grant funds,
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
As a condition of the Agreement, the Grantee certifies that at
least 51 percent of the outstanding interest in the project has
membership or is owned by those who are either citizens of the United
States or reside in the United States after being legally admitted for
permanent residence.
As a condition of the Agreement, the Grantee certifies that it is
in compliance with and will comply in the course of the Agreement with
all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and other generally
applicable requirements, including those contained in 7 CFR parts 3015,
Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, 3019 Uniform Administrative
Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher
Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-profit Organizations, and the SMPG
NOSA published in the Federal Register on June 13, 2006. which are
incorporated into this agreement by reference, and such other statutory
provisions as are specifically contained herein. The Grantee will
comply with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Executive Order 12250.
As a condition of the Agreement, the Grantee certifies that its
management has read and understands the requirements of 7 CFR parts
3015, 3017, ``Government wide Debarment and Suspension
Nonprocurement,'' 3018, ``Restrictions on Lobbying,'' and 3019.
Now, therefore, the parties do hereby agree as follows:
A. Grant
1. The total amount of grant funds payable to the Grantee by the
Grantor shall not exceed $ (Grant). Any unexpended Grant funds
remaining at the time of project completion or termination of the
Agreement shall be returned to the Grantor within 30 calendar days from
the date of project completion or termination of the Agreement.
2. The funding period of this grant will begin on the date the
Agreement has been signed by both parties, but no later than October 1,
2006, and will conclude within 365 days of the starting date. The
Grantee may charge to the grant only allowable costs resulting from
obligations incurred during the funding period.
3. The Grantee shall use Grant funds only for the purposes and
activities specified in detail in Attachment A, entitled ``GRANT WORK
PLAN AND BUDGET'' which is attached hereto and incorporated herein. Any
uses not provided for in Attachment A must be approved in writing by
the Grantor in advance of expenditure by the Grantee.
B. Financial Management
1. The Grantee shall relate financial data to performance data and
develop unit cost information whenever practical.
2. The Grantee shall maintain a financial management system in
accordance with 7 CFR 3019.21.
3. Payment shall be made in accordance with 7 CFR 3019.22. If the
Grantee cannot maintain a financial management system in accordance
with 7 CFR 3019.21 or if Grantee fails to satisfactorily meet any other
conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Grantee may be paid on a
reimbursement basis, at the discretion of the Grantor.
(i) If payment is to be made by the advancement method, the Grantee
shall request advance payment, but not more frequently than once every
30 days, of grant funds by using Standard Form 270, ``Request for
Advance or Reimbursement.'' Receipts, hourly wage rate, personnel
payroll records, or other documentation must be provided upon request
from the Agency.
(ii) If payment is to be made by reimbursement, the Grantee shall
request reimbursement of grant funds, but not more frequently than once
every 30 days, by using Standard Form 270. Receipts, hourly wage rate,
personnel payroll records, or other documentation, as determined by the
Agency, must be provided with the request to justify the amount.
4. If program income is earned during the time period of the grant,
must first
[[Page 34059]]
be added to the total project costs and used to further eligible
project or program objectives. Program income earned in excess of funds
that can be used for eligible expenses must be deducted from the total
project or program allowable cost and will result in a reduction of the
Federal share. Costs incident to the generation of program income may
be deducted from gross income to determine program income, provided
these costs have not been charged to the award.
5. The Grantee shall provide satisfactory evidence to the Grantor
that the Grantee has complied with the bonding or insurance
requirements specified by ATTACHMENT B, ``BONDING COVERAGE,'' which is
attached hereto and incorporated herein.
6. The Grantee is subject to the audit requirements specified in
ATTACHMENT C, ``AUDIT REQUIREMENTS,'' which is attached hereto and
incorporated herein.
C. Procurement Standards
The Grantee must adhere to the procurement standards outlined in 7
CFR 3019.41 through 3019.48.
D. Reports
The Grantee shall submit financial and project performance reports
satisfactory to the Grantor in accordance with ATTACHMENT D,
``REPORTING REQUIREMENTS,'' which is attached hereto and incorporated
herein.
E. Site Visits
The Grantee will allow the Grantor to conduct site visits as needed
for monitoring the Grantee's progress and auditing the Grantee's
financial records related to the performance under this Agreement.
Failure to allow the Grantor to conduct site visits shall be grounds
for terminating the grant.
F. Compliance Review
The Grantee must collect and provide data on race, gender, national
origin and any such records, accounts, and other sources of information
and facilities as may be pertinent to ascertaining by the Agency the
Grantee's compliance with Civil Rights laws. In general, the Grantee
should have available racial and ethnic data showing the extent to
which members of minority groups are beneficiaries of federally
assisted programs. The Agency will conduct a Civil Rights compliance
review of the Grantee as required.
G. Records
The Grantee shall retain and provide access to records as required
by 7 CFR 3019.53.
H. Termination
The award that is the subject of this Agreement shall only be
terminated in accordance with 7 CFR 3019.61.
I. Enforcement
The terms and conditions of this award will be enforced using the
provisions of 7 CFR 3019.62.
In witness whereof, Grantee has this day authorized and caused this
Agreement to be signed, its name and its corporate seal to be hereunto
affixed and attested by its duly authorized officers thereunto, and the
Grantor has caused this Agreement to be duly executed on its behalf by:
Grantor
United States of America
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Signature Date
Name
Title
Grantee
Signature Date
Name
Title
Attachment A Grant Work Plan and Budget
The approved grant work plan and budget will be marked as
attachment A.
Attachment B Bond Coverage
The Grantee shall provide satisfactory evidence to the Grantor
that the Grantee holds fidelity bond coverage in the amount of $
that covers all officers and employees of the Grantee's organization
authorized to receive or disburse Federal funds. The bond coverage
shall be obtained from a company or companies holding certificates
of authority as acceptable sureties, as prescribed in 31 CFR part
223, ``Surety Companies Doing Business With the United States.''
Attachment C Audit Requirements
If the Grantee is a non-profit corporation or an institution of
higher education and the Grantee expends $500,000 or more in Federal
funds in one year, the Grantee shall be audited by a Certified
Public Accountant. The audit, for the years the Grantee receives
this financial assistance, will be conducted in accordance with
Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and OMB
Circular A-133. These audits are due within 9 months after the end
of the Grantee's fiscal year. The Grantor is to receive a copy of
this audit.
If the Grantee is a non-profit corporation or an institution of
higher education and the Grantee expends less than $500,000 in
Federal funds in one year, the project shall be audited by a
Certified Public Accountant in accordance with GAGAS. This audit
will be a limited-scope audit focused only on the expenditure of
grant and matching funds. The Grantor is to receive a copy of this
audit.
Attachment D Reporting Requirements
You must provide Rural Development with a paper copy original or
an electronic copy that includes all required signatures of the
following reports. The reports should be submitted to the State
Office Agency contact. Failure to submit satisfactory reports on
time may result in suspension or termination of your grant. Both
performance reports and financial reports must be in compliance with
7 CFR 3019.51 and 3019.52.
A. Form SF-269 or 269A. A ``Financial Status Report,'' listing
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories, on a semi-
annual basis. Reporting periods end each March 31 and September 30.
Reports are due 30 days after the reporting period ends. A final
``Financial Status Report'' is due within 90 calendar days of the
completion of the project. Reports will be on a cash basis.
B. Semi-annual performance reports. These reports shall include
the following:
1. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives for
that period. Objectives should be reported by specific task
breakdown as described in the approved work plan and budget. Each
group, cooperative or business assisted under a specific task must
be discussed. Discussion must include the Cooperative's or
Association of Cooperative's (or contractor's) role in assisting the
group, cooperative or business and if any jobs were created or saved
as a result of the assistance provided.
2. Reasons why established objectives were not met, if
applicable.
3. Reasons for any problems, delays, or adverse conditions which
will affect attainment of overall program objectives, prevent
meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude the attainment of
particular objectives during established time periods. This
disclosure shall be accomplished by a statement of the action taken
or planned to resolve the situation.
4. Objectives and timetables established for the next reporting
period.
5. A summary at the end of the report with the following
elements to assist in documenting the annual performance goals of
the SMPG program for Congress.
Number of cooperatives assisted.
Number of members assisted.
Number of direct jobs created as a result of
assistance.
Number of direct jobs saved as a result of assistance.
6. Compliance with any special condition on the use of award
funds should be discussed.
Reports are due as provided in paragraph (A) of this Attachment.
C. Final project performance reports. These reports shall
include all of the requirements of paragraph (B) and the following:
1. Responses to the following.
(i) What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of
this program?
(ii) What advice would you give to other organizations planning
a similar program.
[[Page 34060]]
These should include strengths and limitations of the program. If
you had the opportunity, what would you have done differently?
(iii) If an innovative approach was used successfully, the
Grantee should describe their program in detail so that other
organizations might consider replication in their areas.
2. Copies of supporting documentation for completed tasks. The
supporting documentation for completed tasks includes, but is not
limited to, feasibility studies, marketing plans, business plans,
copies of surveys conducted and survey results, and research
reports.
The final performance report is due within 90 days of the
completion of the project.
D. Form SF-272, ``Report of Federal Cash Transactions.'' If the
Grantee receives advance payments, the Grantee shall submit a
listing expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories, on
a quarterly basis. Reporting periods end each March 31, June 30,
September 30, and December 31. Reports are due 15 calendar days
after the reporting period ends.
[FR Doc. E6-9175 Filed 6-12-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P