Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Delta Health Care and Delta Regional Authority Grant Program, 20857-20863 [2014-08363]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Rural Business-Cooperative Service

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 71 (Monday, April 14, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20857-20863]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-08363]



[[Page 20857]]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service


Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Delta Health Care and 
Delta Regional Authority Grant Program

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA and Delta Regional 
Authority.

ACTION: Notice

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SUMMARY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), an agency of the 
United States Department of Agriculture, and Delta Regional Authority 
announce the availability of grant funds through the Delta Health Care 
Services Grant Program (DHCS) and Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to be 
competitively awarded. Pursuant to the Consolidated and Further 
Continuing Appropriations Acts, of 2013 and 2014, total funding for the 
DHCS grant is $5,775,327, with a minimum grant amount of $50,000. Total 
funding for the 2013 DRA is $300,000. There is no minimum grant amount 
for DRA grants.
    Each program has its own respective requirements as detailed in 
Section IV of this announcement.

DATES: You must submit completed applications for grants according to 
the following deadlines:
     Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or 
sent overnight no later than June 13, 2014 to be eligible for grant 
funding. Late or incomplete applications will not be eligible for grant 
funding.
     Electronic copies must be received by June 13, 2014 to be 
eligible for grant funding. Late or incomplete applications will not be 
eligible for grant funding.

ADDRESSES: You may obtain application guides and materials for this 
Notice following ways:
     The Internet at the RBS Cooperative Programs Web site: 
https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/bcp_deltahealthcare.html
     You may also request application guides and materials from 
RBS by contacting, RBS Office of the Deputy Administrator, Cooperative 
Programs at (202) 690-1374 or your local State Office. A list of State 
Office contacts can be found at https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/StateOfficeAddresses.html.

Alabama

USDA Rural Development State Office, Sterling Centre, Suite 601, 4121 
Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36106-3683, (334) 279-3400/TDD (334) 
279-3495.

Arkansas

USDA Rural Development State Office, 700 West Capitol Avenue, Room 
3416, Little Rock, AR 72201-3225, (501) 301-3200/TDD (501) 301-3279.

Illinois

USDA Rural Development State Office, 2118 West Park Court, Suite A, 
Champaign, IL 61821, (217) 403-6200/TDD (217) 403-6240.

Kentucky

USDA Rural Development State Office, 771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, 
Lexington, KY 40503, (859) 224-7300/TDD (859) 224-7422.

Louisiana

USDA Rural Development State Office, 3727 Government Street, 
Alexandria, LA 71302, (318) 473-7921/TDD (318) 473-7655.

Mississippi

USDA Rural Development State Office, Federal Building, Suite 831, 100 
West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39269, (601) 965-4316/TDD (601) 965-
5850.

Missouri

USDA Rural Development State Office, 601 Business Loop 70 West, Parkade 
Center, Suite 235, Columbia, MO 65203, (573) 876-0976/TDD (573) 876-
9480.

Tennessee

USDA Rural Development State Office, 3322 West End Avenue, Suite 300, 
Nashville, TN 37203-1084, (615) 783-1300.
    You must submit either:
     Completed paper applications for both DHCS and DRA grants 
to the Office of the Deputy Administrator, Cooperative Programs, Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Room 4016, STOP 3250, Washington, DC 20250-3250, 
or
     Electronic grant applications for both DHCS and DRA grants 
at https://www.grants.gov/(Grants.gov), following the instructions you 
find on that Web site.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Office of the Deputy Administrator, 
Cooperative Programs, Rural Business-Cooperative Programs, 1400 
Independence Ave., SW., Room 4016, STOP 3250, Washington, DC 20250-
3250; telephone: (202) 720-8460, fax: (202) 690-2724.
    Visit the program Web site at https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_
deltahealthcare.html for application assistance for either program, or 
contact your USDA Rural Development State Office at https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html. Applicants are encouraged to 
contact their State Offices in advance of the deadline to discuss their 
projects and ask any questions about the application process.

EO 13175 Consultations and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments

    This executive order imposes requirements on Rural Development in 
the development of regulatory policies that have tribal implications or 
preempt tribal laws. Rural Development has determined that this notice 
does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian 
tribe(s) or on either the relationship or the distribution of powers 
and responsibilities between the Federal Government and the Indian 
tribes. Thus, this notice is not subject to the requirements of 
Executive Order 13175. Tribal Consultation inquiries and comments 
should be directed to Rural Development's Native American Coordinator 
at aian@wdc.usda.gov or (720) 544-2911.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act requires Federal agencies to seek and 
obtain Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval before 
undertaking a collection of information directed to ten or more 
persons. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. Chapter 35), the agency conducted an analysis to determine the 
number of eligible applications the Agency estimates that it will 
receive under the Delta Health Care Services Grant Program. It was 
determined that the estimated number of eligible applications was fewer 
than nine and in accordance with 5 CFR 1320, no OMB approval is 
necessary at this time.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

    Federal Agency: Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) and Delta 
Regional Authority.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Delta Health Care & Delta Regional 
Authority Grant Program.
    Announcement Type: Funding announcement.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.874 Delta 
Health Care Services Grant Program
    10.773 Delta Regional Authority
    Dates: The due date for application submissions is June 13, 2014:
     Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or 
sent overnight

[[Page 20858]]

no later than June 13, 2014 to be eligible for grant funding. Late or 
incomplete applications will not be eligible for grant funding.
     Electronic copies must be received by June 13, 2014 to be 
eligible for grant funding. Late or incomplete applications will not be 
eligible for grant funding.

I. Funding Opportunity

    This funding opportunity announces the availability of funds for 
the Delta Health Care Services (DHCS) and Delta Regional Authority 
(DRA) grant programs. The DHCS grant program is authorized under 
Section 379G of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 2008u). The DRA grant program is authorized under Sections 382A 
and 382B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 
2009aa and 2009aa-1). Both grant programs provide direct financial 
assistance to support the rural communities within the Delta Region. 
The purpose of this joint solicitation is to ensure a streamlined 
process for eligible applicants to leverage both programs while also 
strengthening the partnership between USDA and DRA in coordinating the 
assistance to the Delta Region and the management and monitoring of 
these awards.
    The available funding for the DRA grant program is primarily for 
the purposes of assisting in the economic development of rural areas in 
the Delta Region by providing technical assistance for health care 
related business and economic development planning.
    The DHCS grant program is designed to provide financial assistance 
to address the continued unmet health needs in the Delta Region through 
cooperation among health care professionals, institutions of higher 
education, research institutions, and other individuals and entities in 
the Delta Region. DHCS grant funds may be used for the development of 
health care services; health education programs, health care job 
training programs; and for the development and expansion of public 
health-related facilities in the rural Delta Region.
    Grants will be awarded to eligible entities in the Delta Region 
serving communities of no more than 50,000 inhabitants.

II. Definitions

    The terms and conditions provided in this Notice are applicable to 
and for purposes of this Notice only.
    Academic Health and Research Institute consists of a medical 
school, one or more other health profession schools or programs (such 
as allied health, dentistry, graduate studies, nursing, pharmacy, 
public health, veterinary medicine), and one or more owned or 
affiliated teaching hospitals or health systems.
    Consortium means a group of at least three entities that are 
regional institutions of higher education, academic health and research 
institutes, and economic development entities located in the Delta 
Region that have experience in addressing the health care issues in the 
region. At least one of the consortium members must be legally 
organized as an incorporated organization or other legal entity and 
have legal authority to contract with the Government.
    Delta Region means the 252 counties and parishes within the states 
of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Missouri, and Tennessee that are served by the Delta Regional 
Authority. (The Delta Region may be adjusted by future Federal 
statute.) To view the areas identified within the Delta Region visit 
https://www.dra.gov/about-us/eight-state-map.aspx.
    Economic Development Entity means any public or non-profit 
organization whose primary mission is to stimulate local and regional 
economies within the Delta Region by increasing employment 
opportunities and duration of employment, expanding or retaining 
existing employers, increasing labor rates or wage levels, reducing 
outmigration, and/or creating gains in other economic development-
related variables such as land values. These activities shall primarily 
benefit low- and moderate-income individuals in the Delta Region.
    Health Care Cooperative means a health care system/organization 
owned and democratically controlled by the people who use its services 
and whose benefits are derived and distributed equitably on the basis 
of use.
    Institution of Higher Education means either a postsecondary (post-
high school) educational institution that awards a bachelor's degree or 
provides not less than a 2-year program that is acceptable for full 
credit toward such a degree, or a postsecondary vocational institution 
that provides a program of training to prepare students for gainful 
employment in a recognized occupation.
    Rural area means any area of the United States not included within 
(a) the boundaries of any incorporated or unincorporated city, village, 
or borough having a population in excess of 50,000 inhabitants and (b) 
any urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to a city or town described 
in clause (a).
    RBS (referred to as the Agency) means Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, an agency under the mission of Rural Development which is 
under the Unites States Department of Agriculture.
    Technical Assistance means a non-construction, problem-solving 
activity performed for the benefit of a business or community to assist 
in the economic development of a rural area. The Agency will determine 
whether a specific activity qualifies as technical assistance.

III. Award Information

    Type of Award: Grant
Total Funding for DHCS: $5,775,327
Maximum DHCS Award: $1,000,000
Minimum DHCS Award: $50,000
Total Funding for DRA: $300,000
Maximum DRA Award: $100,000
Minimum DRA Award: N/A
    Period of Performance:
    All grant funds for both DHCS and DRA programs are limited to a 2-
year performance period. This deadline can be extended for up to one 
year if necessary, but only in unusual circumstances.
    In order to request a period of performance extension, the grantee 
must submit a formal written request no later than 60 days prior to the 
expiration of the period of performance and must include a compelling 
justification. This justification must also demonstrate that work is in 
progress and that it can be completed within the extended period of 
performance. After reviewing the justification, the Agency, at its 
discretion, may extend the period of performance by 1-year if it is 
determined that unusual circumstances exist.
    The Agency will make awards and execute documents appropriate to 
the project prior to any advance of funds to successful applicants.

IV. Eligibility Information

    An applicant must obtain a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal 
Numbering System (DUNS) number (see Section IV.B.) and register in the 
System for Award Management (SAM), formerly Central Contractor Registry 
(CCR), prior to submitting an application. (See 2 CFR 25.200(b).) In 
addition, an applicant must maintain its registration in the SAM 
database during the time its application is active. Finally, an 
applicant must have the necessary processes and systems in place to 
comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR 170.200(b), as long as 
it is not exempted from reporting. Exemptions are identified at 2 CFR 
170.110(b).

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A. Eligible Applicants

    DHCS and DRA grant programs have their own respective authorities 
and requirements. Eligible applicants may apply for one or both 
programs as long as proposed projects specifically comply with the 
following eligibility requirements.
    DHCS: Grants funded through DHCS may be made to a Health Care 
Cooperative or a Consortium, as defined in Section II of this Notice. 
The Health Care Cooperative must be legally organized and have 
authority to contract with the Federal Government. To apply as a 
Consortium, at least one member of the Consortium must be legally 
organized as an incorporated organization, or other legal entity, and 
have legal authority to contract with the Federal Government. The 
Consortium must be located in the Delta Region and must include at 
least three entities that are regional institutions of higher 
education, academic health and research institutes, or economic 
development entities.
    DRA: DRA funds may be made to public bodies, regional institutions 
of higher education, nonprofit corporations, Indian tribes on Federal 
or State reservations and other federally recognized tribal groups, and 
cooperatives within the Delta Region.

                Table 1--Summary of Applicant Eligibility
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Eligible Applicants                  DHCS           DRA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Consortium of............................      [check]   ............
Regional Institutions of Higher Education...      [check]       [check]
Academic Health and Research Institute......      [check]   ............
Economic Development Entities...............      [check]   ............
2. Public Bodies (towns, communities, State   ............      [check]
 agencies and authorities)..................
3. Nonprofit Corporations...................  ............      [check]
4. Indian Tribes............................  ............      [check]
5. Health Care Cooperatives.................      [check]       [check]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Eligible Activities

    DRA grant funds may be used to assist in the economic development 
of rural areas by providing technical assistance for business 
development and economic development planning.
    DHCS grant funds may be utilized for the development of health care 
services, health education programs, health care job training programs, 
and for the development and expansion of public health-related 
facilities in the Delta Region. Grants will be awarded to eligible 
entities in the Delta Region serving communities of no more than 50,000 
inhabitants to help to address the long standing and unmet health needs 
of the region. Awardees will be selected through a merit-based 
interagency grant process.

               Table 2--Summary of Eligible Grant Purposes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Eligible Purposes                   DHCS           DRA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Planning....................................  ............      [check]
Technical Assistance........................  ............      [check]
Health Care Job Training....................      [check]       [check]
Health Care Service Development.............      [check]   ............
Health Education Program Development........      [check]   ............
Development and/or Expansion of Public            [check]   ............
 Health Related Facility....................
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note:  If you are an eligible applicant for both DHCS and DRA 
grant programs (i.e. regional institutions of higher education and 
rural cooperatives), you may propose funding for both programs as 
long as proposals for each program are distinctly different. For 
example, DRA funds may be used to assist in the planning and 
creation of a new nurse training institute, while DHCS funds may be 
used for implementing the health care services carried out by the 
nurses. This would require one scope of work for each program.

C. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Matching funds are not required.

D. Other Eligibility Requirements

    An application must propose to use project funds, including grant 
and other contributions committed under the evaluation criteria for 
eligible purposes. Also, for the DHCS Program the Consortium must be 
located in the Delta Region and the project must serve, and grant funds 
must be expended, in rural areas as defined in Section II of this 
Notice, within the Delta Region. However, the applicant need not 
propose to serve the entire Delta Region.
    DRA funds cannot be used for construction, planning a facility, 
engineering work, or revolving loan funds. However, if you include 
funds in your budget that are for ineligible purposes, we will consider 
the application for funding if the ineligible purposes total 10 percent 
or less of an applicant's total project budget. However, if the 
application is successful, those ineligible costs must be removed 
before we will make the grant award. If we cannot determine the 
percentage of ineligible costs, the application will not be considered 
for funding.
    The following additional applicant eligibility requirements apply 
to both programs:
    1. Individuals are not eligible to apply.
    2. The applicant must be able to demonstrate at least 1 year of 
prior experience in addressing the health care issues in the Delta 
Region.
    3. If the applicant has an existing DHCS and/or DRA award, you must 
be performing satisfactorily to be considered eligible for a new award. 
Satisfactory performance includes, but is not limited to, being up-to-
date on all financial and performance reports and being current on all 
tasks as approved in the work plan. The Agency will consider a one-time 
request to extend the period for up to 1 year during which grant 
funding is available.
    Awards made under this Notice are subject to the provisions 
contained in

[[Page 20860]]

the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, 
Pub.L. 113-6, sections 732 and 733 regarding corporate felony 
convictions and corporate federal tax delinquencies. You must provide 
representation as to whether your organization or any officers or 
agents of your organization has or has not been convicted of a felony 
criminal violation under Federal or State law in the 24 months 
preceding the date of application. In addition, you must provide 
representation as to whether your organization has or does not have any 
unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all 
judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have 
lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an 
agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax 
liability. To comply with these provisions, all applicants must 
complete paragraph (A) of this representation, and all corporate 
applicants also must complete paragraphs (B) and (C) of this 
representation:
    (A) Applicant ---------------- [insert applicant name] is ---- not 
---- (check one) and entity that has filed articles of incorporation in 
one of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or the various 
territories of the United States including American Samoa. Federated 
States of Micronesia, Guam, Midway Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, 
Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, U.S. 
Virgin Islands.
    (B) Applicant ---------------- [insert applicant name] ---- has --
-- has not ---- (check one) been convicted of a felony criminal 
violation under Federal or state law in the 24 months preceding the 
date of application. Applicant has ---- has not ---- (check one) had 
any officer or agent of the Applicant convicted of a felony criminal 
violation for actions taken on behalf of the Applicant under Federal or 
State law in the 24 months preceding the date of the signature on the 
pre-application.
    (C) Applicant ---------------- [insert applicant name] has ---- 
does not have ---- (check one) any unpaid Federal tax liability that 
has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies 
have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a 
timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible 
for collecting the tax liability.
    a. Indirect Costs
    In accordance with Section 704 of Consolidated and Further 
Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, the total amount for salaries and 
wages, administrative expenses, and recurring operating costs may not 
exceed 10 percent of the grant.
b. Environmental and Engineering Requirements
    For proposals including construction under the DHCS program, this 
additional requirement applies. The applicant must provide details of 
the project's impact on the environment and historic preservation, and 
comply with 7 CFR part 1940, which contains the Agency's policies and 
procedures for implementing a variety of Federal statutes, regulations, 
and executive orders generally pertaining to the protection of the 
quality of the human environment. This must be contained in a separate 
section entitled ``Environmental Impact of the Project'' and must 
include the Environmental Questionnaire/Certification describing the 
impact of the project. The Environmental Questionnaire/Certification is 
available on the RBS Cooperative Programs Web site at: https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/bcp_deltahealthcare.html. Submission of the 
Environmental Questionnaire/Certification alone does not constitute 
compliance with 7 CFR part 1940.
    Applications for technical assistance or planning projects are 
generally excluded from the environmental review process by 7 CFR 
1940.333.
c. Funding Restrictions
    Grant funds may not be used to:
    1. Duplicate current services or replace or substitute support 
previously provided. If the current service is inadequate, however, 
grant funds may be used to expand the level of effort or a service 
beyond what is currently being provided;
    2. Pay costs to prepare the application for funding under this 
program;
    3. Pay costs of the project incurred prior to the effective date of 
the grant period;
    4. Fund political activities;
    5. 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; or
    6. Pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States. Any 
delinquent debt to the Federal Government shall cause the applicant to 
be ineligible to receive funds until the debt has been paid.

E. Completeness Eligibility

    Your application will not be considered for funding if it does not 
provide sufficient information to determine eligibility or is missing 
required elements. In particular, you must include a project budget 
that identifies each task to be performed, along with the period of 
performance for each task, and the amounts of grant funds and other 
contributions needed for each task.

V. Application and Submission Information

    Only one application is required per eligible applicant whether 
applying for only one program or both. Please see instructions below on 
how to access and submit a complete application for this funding 
opportunity.

A. Where to get Application Information

    The application guide and copies of necessary forms for the DHCS 
and DRA Grant Programs are available from these sources:
     The Internet at https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/bcp_deltahealthcare.html
     https://www.grants.gov, or
     For paper copies of these materials: call (202) 690-1374.

B. How and Where To Submit an Application

    You may file an application in either paper or electronic format. 
To submit your application electronically you must use the Grants.gov 
Web site at https://www.grants.gov. You may not submit an application 
electronically in any way other than through Grants.gov. Fax or email 
applications will not be accepted.
    Whether you file a paper or an electronic application, you will 
need a DUNS number.
1. DUNS Number
    As required by the OMB, all applicants for grants must supply a 
DUNS number when applying. The Standard Form 424 (SF-424) contains a 
field for you to use when supplying your DUNS number. A DUNS number can 
be obtained at no cost by visiting https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or 
calling toll-free (866) 705-5711.
2. System for Award Management (SAM)
    (a) In accordance with 2 CFR part 25, applicants, whether applying 
electronically or by paper, must be registered in SAM prior to 
submitting an application. Applicants may register with SAM at https://www.sam.gov or by calling 1-(866) 606-8220. Completing the SAM 
registration process takes up to five business days, and applicants are 
strongly encouraged to begin the process well in advance of the 
deadline specified in this Notice.

[[Page 20861]]

    (b) The SAM registration must remain active, with current 
information, at all times during which an entity has an application 
under consideration by an agency or has an active Federal Award. To 
remain registered in the SAM database after the initial registration, 
the applicant is required to review and update, on an annual basis from 
the date of initial registration or subsequent updates, its information 
in the SAM database to ensure it is current, accurate and complete.
    For paper applications, send or deliver the applications by the 
U.S. Postal Service (USPS) or courier delivery services to the RBS 
receipt point set forth below. The Agency will not accept applications 
by fax or email. Original paper application (no stamped, photocopied, 
or initialed signatures) and one copy must be postmarked by June 13, 
2014, to the following address: Office of the Deputy Administrator, 
Cooperative Programs, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 3250, Room 4016, Washington, DC 20250-
3250.

C. Submission Date and Time

    Application Deadline date: June 13, 2014.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Complete paper applications must be 
postmarked by June 13, 2014. Electronic applications submitted through 
Grants.gov will be accepted by the system through midnight eastern time 
on the deadline date.

D. Completed Application Requirements

    1. Detailed information on each item required can be found in the 
DHCS/DRA Grant Program application guide https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/bcp_deltahealthcare.html. The program's application guide provides 
specific guidance on each of the items listed and also provides all 
necessary forms and sample worksheets.
    2. Applications should be prepared in conformance with applicable 
USDA regulations including 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 3019, as 
applicable. A completed application must include the following:
    a. An Application for Federal Assistance. A completed SF-424.
    b. Evidence of eligibility. Evidence of the applicant's eligibility 
to apply under this Notice. If the applicant is applying as a 
consortium, additional evidence that the applicant is a consortium as 
defined in this Notice.
    c. A project abstract. A summary not to exceed one page, suitable 
for dissemination to the public and to Congress.
    d. Executive summary. An executive summary of the project 
describing its purpose, not to exceed two pages.
    e. Scoring documentation. The grant applicant must address and 
provide documentation on how it meets each of the scoring criteria, 
specifically the rurality of the project area and communities served, 
the community needs and benefits derived from the project, and project 
management and organization capability.
    f. Service area maps. Maps with sufficient detail to show the area 
that will benefit from the proposed facilities and services, and the 
location of facilities purchased with grant funds.
    g. Scope of work. The scope of work must include (1) the specific 
activities and services, such as programs and training, to be performed 
under the project, (2) the facilities to be purchased or constructed, 
(3) who will carry out the activities and services, (4) specific time 
frames for completion and (5) documentation regarding how the applicant 
solicited input for the project from local governments, public health 
care providers, and other entities in the Delta Region.
    h. Written narrative. The narrative should include at minimum the 
following items: (1) an explanation of why the project is needed, the 
benefits of the proposed project, and how the project meets the grant 
selection criteria; (2) business to be assisted, if appropriate and 
economic development activities within the project area; and (3) an 
explanation of how the proposed project will result in increased or 
saved jobs in the area and the number of projected new and saved jobs, 
not to exceed 10 pages.
    i. Budget. The applicant must provide a budget showing the line 
item costs for all capital and operating expenditures eligible for the 
grant funds, and other sources of funds necessary to complete the 
project.
    j. Financial information and sustainability. The applicant must 
provide current financial statements and a narrative description 
demonstrating sustainability of the project, all of which show 
sufficient resources and expertise to undertake and complete the 
project and how the project will be sustained following completion.
    k. Statement of experience. The applicant must provide a written 
narrative describing its demonstrated capability and experience in 
addressing the health care issues in the Delta Region and in managing 
and operating a project similar to the proposed project.
    l. Evidence of legal authority and existence. At least one member 
of the Cooperative/Consortium must provide evidence of its legal 
existence and authority to enter into a grant agreement with the Agency 
and perform the activities proposed under the grant application.
    m. Acknowledgment from Consortiums. Each application from a 
consortium must include an acknowledgement from each member of the 
Consortium that it is a member of the Consortium. This acknowledgement 
must be on each entity's letterhead and signed by an authorized 
representative of the entity.

E. Additional Requirements by Program

    The applicant must provide evidence or certification that it is in 
compliance with all applicable Federal statutes and regulations 
including, but not limited to, the following (sample certifications are 
provided in the application guide):
     Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination
     Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998 (41 U.S.C. 701 et seq.);
     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 
Transaction''
     Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding a Drug-Free 
Workplace Requirement (Grants)
     Lobbying for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative 
Agreements (31 U.S.C. 1352)
    There are additional environmental requirements for proposals 
including construction under the DHCS program. The applicant must 
provide details of the project's impact on the environment and historic 
preservation and comply with 7 CFR part 1940, which contains the 
Agency's policies and procedures for implementing a variety of Federal 
statutes, regulations, and executive orders generally pertaining to the 
protection of the quality of the human environment. This must be 
contained in a separate section entitled ``Environmental Impact of the 
Project'' and must include the Environmental Questionnaire/
Certification describing the impact of the project. The Environmental 
Questionnaire/Certification is available on the RBS Cooperative 
Programs Web site at: https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/bcp_deltahealthcare.html. Submission of the Environmental Questionnaire/
Certification alone does not constitute compliance with 7 CFR part 
1940.
    Applications for technical assistance or planning projects are 
generally

[[Page 20862]]

excluded from the environmental review process by 7 CFR 1940.333.

VI. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

    Grant applications are scored competitively and subject to the 
criteria listed below. Grant application scoring criteria are detailed 
in the DHCS and DRA Grant Application Guide which can be found at 
https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_DeltaHealthCare.html. There are four 
criteria that when totaled together can add up to a total of 100 
points, broken down as follows:
1. Rurality of the project area and communities served--Up to 15 Points
2. Other Contributions--Up to 15 points
3. Community needs and benefits derived from the project--Up to 30 
Points
4. Project management and organization capability--Up to 40 points

B. Grant Review Standards

    1. All applications for grants must be delivered to RBS at the 
address specified in this Notice, or submitted electronically to https://www.grants.gov/(Grants.gov) to be eligible for funding. The Agency 
will review each application for conformance with the provisions of 
this Notice. The Agency may contact the applicant for additional 
information or clarification.
    2. We will review each application to determine if it is eligible 
for assistance based on the requirements of this Notice as well as 
other applicable Federal regulations.
    3. Applications conforming with this Notice will be evaluated 
competitively by the Agency, and will be awarded points in accordance 
with this Notice. Applications will be ranked and grants awarded in 
rank order until all grant funds are expended.

C. Scoring Guidelines

    The Agency will review each application to determine if it is 
eligible for assistance based on the requirements of this Notice, as 
well as other applicable Federal regulations.
    Applications conforming with this Notice will be evaluated 
competitively by the Agency and will be awarded points as described in 
the DHCS/DRA Grant Application Guide. Applications will be ranked and 
grants awarded in rank order until all grant funds are expended. The 
applicant must address each selection criterion outlined in this 
Notice. Any criterion not substantively addressed will receive zero 
points. The Agency may contact the applicant for additional information 
or clarification.
    1. The applicant's rurality calculation will be checked and, if 
necessary, corrected by the Agency.
    2. The Other Contributions score will be calculated based on 
documentation provided indicating who will be providing the other 
source of funds, the amount of funds, when those funds will be 
provided, and how the funds will be used in the project budget. The 
Agency will assess how well the applicant intends to leverage the use 
of additional contributions to extend the scope of the project.
    3. The Community Needs and Benefits derived from the project score 
will be determined by the Agency based on information presented in the 
application. The Community Needs and Benefits score is a subjective 
score based on the reviewer's assessment of the supporting arguments 
made in the application. The score aims to assess how the project's 
purpose and goals benefit the residents in the Delta Region.
    4. The Project Management and Organization Capability score will be 
determined by the Agency based on information presented in the 
application. The Agency will evaluate the applicant's experience, past 
performance, and accomplishments addressing health care issues to 
ensure effective project implementation.

D. Selection Process

    Grant applications are ranked by final score. The Agency selects 
applications based on those rankings, subject to availability of funds. 
Rural Development has the authority to limit the number of applications 
selected in any one state, or from any applicant.

VII. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    The Agency recognizes that each funded project is unique, and 
therefore may attach conditions to different projects' award documents. 
The Agency generally notifies applicants whose projects are selected 
for awards by faxing an award letter. The Agency follows the award 
letter with a grant agreement that contains all the terms and 
conditions for the grant. An applicant must execute and return the 
grant agreement, accompanied by any additional items required by the 
grant agreement. If the application is not successful, the applicant 
will receive notification, including mediation procedures and appeal 
rights, by mail.
    All adverse determinations regarding applicant eligibility and the 
awarding of points as part of the selection process are appealable to 
the National Appeals Division, USDA (see 7 CFR part 11). Instructions 
on the appeal process will be provided at the time an applicant is 
notified of the adverse decision.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    All recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to 
comply with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 
2006 and must report information about sub-awards and executive 
compensation (see 2 CFR part 170). These recipients must also maintain 
their registration in the SAM database as long as their grants are 
active. These regulations may be obtained at https://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/.
    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 Requirement (Grants).''
     Form AD-3031, ``Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or 
Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants.''
     Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.''
     SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities'' if 
applicable.
     7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, 3019, and 3052, as applicable.
    In addition to specific grant requirements, all approved applicants 
will be required to do the following:
    1. Use Form SF-270 ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement'' to 
request advances or reimbursements, as applicable, but not more 
frequently than once a month;
    2. Maintain a financial management system that is acceptable to the 
Agency; and
    3. Collect and maintain data on race, sex, and national origin of 
the beneficiaries of the project.

C. Reporting Requirements

1. Federal Financial Reports
    An SF-425, ``Federal Financial Report,'' must be submitted listing 
expenditures according to agreed upon

[[Page 20863]]

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. Performance Reports
    Semiannual performance reports should 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 
should be discussed. Reports are due as provided in paragraph C1of this 
section. The supporting documentation for completed tasks include, but 
are not limited to, feasibility studies, marketing plans, business 
plans, articles of incorporation and bylaws, and an accounting of how 
working capital funds were spent.
3. Subrecipient Reporting
    The applicant must have the necessary processes and systems in 
place to comply with the reporting requirements for first-tier sub-
awards and executive compensation under the Federal Funding 
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 in the event the applicant 
receives funding unless such applicant is exempt from such reporting 
requirements pursuant to 2 CFR 170.110(b). The reporting requirements 
under the Transparency Act pursuant to 2 CFR part 170 are as follows:
    1. First Tier Sub-Awards of $25,000 or more in non-Recovery Act 
funds (unless they are exempt under 2 CFR part 170) must be reported by 
the Recipient to https://www.fsrs.gov no later than the end of the month 
following the month the obligation was made.
    2. The Total Compensation of the Recipient's Executives (five most 
highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Recipient (if 
the Recipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR part 170) to https://www.sam.gov by the end of the month following the month in which the 
award was made.
    3. The Total Compensation of the Subrecipient's Executives (five 
most highly compensated executives) must be reported by the 
Subrecipient (if the Subrecipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR part 
170) to the Recipient by the end of the month following the month in 
which the sub-award was made. Further details regarding these 
requirements can be obtained at https://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/.
4. Final Reports
    The final project performance report, inclusive of supporting 
documentation, is due within 90 days of the completion of the project.
5. Closeout
    Grant closeout activities include a letter to the grantee with 
final instructions and reminders for amounts to be de-obligated for any 
unexpended grant funds, final project performance reports due, 
submission of outstanding deliverables, audit requirements, or other 
outstanding items of closure.

VIII. Agency Contacts

    A. Web site: https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/bcp_deltahealthcare.html. 
The Web site maintains up-to-date resources and contact information for 
the DHCS/DRA Grant Programs.
    B. Phone: (202) 720-8460.
    C. Fax: (202) 690-2724.
    D. Email: RD.DeltaHealth@wdc.usda.gov.
    E. Web site: https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/bcp_deltahealthcare.html.
    D. Main point of contact: Deputy Administrator, Cooperative 
Programs, RBS.

IX. Nondiscrimination Statement

    USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on 
the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where 
applicable, sex, marital 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).
    If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of 
discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form 
(PDF) found online at https://www.ascr.usda.gov/complain_filing_cust.html or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the 
form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information 
requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to 
us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of 
Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410, 
by fax (202) 690-7442, or email at program.intake@usda.gov.employer.
    Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech 
disabilities and who wish to file either an EEO or program complaint, 
please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 
or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish).
    Persons with disabilities who wish to file a program complaint, 
please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly or 
by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program 
information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), please 
contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

    Dated: April 3, 2014.
Lillian Salerno,
Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Programs.
[FR Doc. 2014-08363 Filed 4-11-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P