Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels, 22477-22482 [2017-09852]

Download as PDF 22477 Notices Federal Register Vol. 82, No. 93 Tuesday, May 16, 2017 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA). AGENCY: ACTION: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), herein referred to as RUS or the Agency, announces its Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program application window for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. This notice is being issued in order to allow potential applicants time to submit proposals and give the Agency time to process applications within the current fiscal year. RUS will publish on its Web site at https://www.rd.usda.gov/ newsroom/notices-solicitationapplications-nosas the amount of funding received in the final appropriations act. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program. In addition to announcing the application window, RUS announces the minimum and maximum amounts for DLT grants applicable for the fiscal year. The DLT Grant Program regulation can be found at 7 part CFR 1703 (Subparts D through E). DATES: Submit completed paper or electronic applications for grants according to the following deadlines: • Paper submissions: Paper submissions must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than July 17, 2017 to be eligible for FY 2017 grant funding. Late or incomplete applications will not be eligible for FY 2017 grant funding. • Electronic submissions: Electronic submissions must be received no later than July 17, 2017 to be eligible for FY sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:42 May 15, 2017 Jkt 241001 2017 grant funding. Late or incomplete applications will not be eligible for FY 2017 grant funding. • If the submission deadline falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday, the application is due the next business day. ADDRESSES: Copies of the FY 2017 Application Guide and materials for the DLT Grant Program may be obtained through: (1) The DLT Web site at https:// www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/ distance-learning-telemedicine-grants, or (2) The RUS Office of Loan Origination and Approval at 202–720– 0800. Completed applications may be submitted the following ways: (1) Paper: Mail paper applications to the Rural Utilities Service, Telecommunications Program, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 2808, STOP 1597, Washington, DC 20250– 1597. Mark address with, ‘‘Attention: Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Loan Origination and Approval, Rural Utilities Service.’’ (2) Electronic: Submit electronic applications through Grants.gov. Information on electronic submission is available on the Grants.gov Web site (https://www.grants.gov) at any time, regardless of registration status. However, applicants must pre-register with Grants.gov to use the electronic applications option. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shawn Arner, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Loan Origination and Approval, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, telephone: (202) 720–0800, fax: 1–884–885–8179. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Overview Federal Agency: Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Funding Opportunity Title: Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants. Announcement Type: Initial announcement. Funding Opportunity Number: RUS– 17–01–DLT. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.855. Dates: Submit completed paper or electronic applications for grants according to the deadlines indicated in Section D(5). PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 A. Program Description DLT grants are designed to provide access to education, training, and health care resources for rural Americans. The DLT Program is authorized by 7 U.S.C. 950aaa and provides financial assistance to encourage and improve telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas through the use of telecommunications, computer networks, and related advanced technologies that students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents can use. The regulation for the DLT Program can be found at 7 CFR part 1703 (Subparts D through E). The grants, which are awarded through a competitive process, may be used to fund telecommunicationsenabled information, audio and video equipment, and related advanced technologies which extend educational and medical applications into rural areas. Grants are intended to benefit end users in rural areas, who are often not in the same location as the source of the educational or health care service. Of the funds made available, $1,600,000.00 will be prioritized to provide for communication upgrades between ambulances, emergency transportation vehicles and medical facilities. As in years past, the FY 2017 DLT Grant Application Guide has been updated based on program experience. All applicants should carefully review and prepare their applications according to instructions in the FY 2017 Application Guide and sample materials. Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the applicant’s own risk. B. Federal Award Information Under 7 CFR 1703.124, the Administrator established a minimum grant amount of $50,000 and a maximum grant amount of $500,000 for FY 2017. Award documents specify the term of each award, and the standard grant agreement is available at https:// www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/ distance-learning-telemedicine-grants. The Agency will make awards and successful applicants will be required to execute documents appropriate to the project before funding will be advanced. Prior DLT grants cannot be renewed; however, existing DLT awardees can submit applications for new projects which will be evaluated as new E:\FR\FM\16MYN1.SGM 16MYN1 22478 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 93 / Tuesday, May 16, 2017 / Notices applications. Grant applications must be submitted during the application window. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES C. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants (See 7 CFR 1703.103) a. Only entities legally organized as one of the following are eligible for DLT Grant Program financial assistance: i. An incorporated organization or a partnership; ii. An Indian tribe or tribal organization, as defined in 25 U.S.C. 450b; iii. A state or local unit of government; iv. A consortium, as defined in 7 CFR 1703.102; or v. Other legal entity, including a private corporation organized on a forprofit or not-for-profit basis. b. Electric and telecommunications borrowers under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) are not eligible for DLT grants. c. Corporations that have been convicted of a Federal felony within the past 24 months are not eligible. Any corporation that has been assessed to have any unpaid federal tax liability, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed and is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, is not eligible for financial assistance. d. Applicants must have an active registration at time of application submittal with current information in the System for Award Management (SAM) (previously the Central Contractor Registry (CCR)) at https:// www.sam.gov and have a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. Further information regarding SAM registration and DUNS number acquisition can be found in Sections D(3) and D(4)of this notice. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching The DLT Program requires matching contributions for grants. See 7 CFR 1703.122, 1703.125(g), and the FY 2017 Application Guide for information on required matching contributions. a. Grant applicants must demonstrate matching contributions, in cash or in kind (new, non-depreciated items), of at least fifteen (15) percent of the total amount of financial assistance requested. Matching contributions must be used for eligible purposes of DLT grant assistance (see 7 CFR 1703.121 and Section D(7)(b) of this Notice). b. Greater amounts of eligible matching contributions may increase an VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:42 May 15, 2017 Jkt 241001 applicant’s score (see 7 CFR 1703.126(b)(4)). c. Applications that do not provide sufficient documentation of the required fifteen percent match will be declared ineligible. d. Discounts and Donations. In review of applications submitted in FY 2014 and FY 2015, it was determined that vendor donated matches did not have any value without a corresponding purchase of additional equipment proposed to be purchased with grant funds. For example, for many of the proposed grant applications, software licenses were donated in support of grant applications. Without a corresponding purchase of the same vendor’s equipment, this donation would have no value towards the project. This is considered a vendor discount which has never been eligible under this program. As a result, such matches were determined to be ineligible, which in some cases disqualified applicants from further consideration. In kind matches from vendors are, therefore, no longer considered eligible. This is consistent with past practices prior to FY 2014. e. Eligible Equipment and Facilities. See 7 CFR 1703.102 and the FY 2017 Application Guide for more information regarding eligible and ineligible items. 3. Other a. Minimum Rurality Requirements. To meet the minimum rurality requirements, applicants must propose end user sites that accrue a total average score of at least twenty (20) points. To receive points, an end user site must not be located within the boundaries of any incorporated or unincorporated city, village, or borough having a population in excess of 20,000 inhabitants. For more information regarding rurality requirements and scoring, see 7 CFR 1703.126(b)(2) and the FY 2017 Application Guide. i. Hub sites may be located in rural or non-rural areas, but end-user sites need to be located in rural areas. If a hub is utilized as an end user site, the hub will be considered and scored as such. ii. If a grant application includes a site that is included in any other DLT grant application for FY 2017, or a site that has been included in any DLT grant funded in FY 2016 or FY2015, the application should contain a detailed explanation of the related applications or grants. The Agency may not approve grants that lack a clear explanation to justify a nonduplication finding. b. Ineligibility of Projects in Coastal Barrier Resources Act Areas. Projects located in areas covered by the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) are not eligible for financial PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 assistance from the DLT Program. See 7 CFR 1703.123(a)(11). D. Application and Submission Information The FY 2017 Application Guide provides specific, detailed instructions for each item in a complete application. The Agency emphasizes the importance of including every required item and strongly encourages applicants to follow the instructions carefully, using the examples and illustrations in the FY 2017 Application Guide. Applications submitted by the application deadline, but missing critical items, will be returned as ineligible. The Agency will not solicit or consider scoring eligibility information that is submitted after the application deadline. However, depending on the specific scoring criteria, applications that do not include all items necessary for scoring may still be eligible applications, but may not receive full or any credit if the information cannot be verified. See the FY 2017 Application Guide for a full discussion of each required item. For requirements of completed grant applications, refer to 7 CFR 1703.125. 1. Address to Request Application Package. The FY 2017 Application Guide, copies of necessary forms and samples, and the DLT Program Regulation are available from these sources: a. Electronic Copies are available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programsservices/distance-learning-telemedicinegrants. b. Paper Copies are available from the Rural Utilities Service, Office of Loan Origination and Approval, 202–720– 0800. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission. a. Carefully review the DLT Application Guide and the 7 CFR part 1703, which detail all necessary forms and worksheets. A table summarizing the necessary components of a complete application can be found in this section. b. Description of Project Sites. Most DLT grant projects contain several project sites. Site information must be consistent throughout the application. The Agency has provided a site worksheet that lists the required information. Applicants should complete the site worksheet with all requisite information. Applications without consistent site information will be returned as ineligible. c. Submission of Application Items. Given the high volume of program interest, applicants should submit the required application items in the order indicated in the FY 2017 Application Guide. Applications that are not E:\FR\FM\16MYN1.SGM 16MYN1 22479 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 93 / Tuesday, May 16, 2017 / Notices assembled and tabbed in the specified order prevent timely determination of eligibility. For applications with inconsistencies among submitted copies, the Agency will base its evaluation on the original signed application received. Application item Regulation SF–424 (Application for Federal Assistance Form) ......... Executive Summary of the Project ................................... Scoring Criteria Documentation ........................................ Scope of Work .................................................................. Financial Information and Sustainability ........................... Statement of Experience .................................................. Telecommunications System Plan ................................... Leveraging Evidence and Funding Commitments from all Sources. Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination ........................ Architectural Barriers ........................................................ Flood Hazard Area Precautions ....................................... Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Drug-Free Workplace ....................................................... Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters. Lobbying for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements. Non-Duplication of Services ............................................. Federal Collection Policies for Commercial Debt ............. Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants. Environmental Impact/Historic Preservation ..................... sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Evidence of Legal Existence and Authority to Contract with the Federal Government. Consultation with USDA State Director and State Strategic Plan Conformity. Special Considerations ..................................................... e. Number of copies of submitted applications. i. Applications submitted on paper. Submit the original application and one (1) paper copy to RUS, as well as one digital copy on a CD/DVD or Flash Drive. Additionally, submit one (1) additional copy to the state government single point of contact as described below. ii. Applications submitted electronically. Submit the electronic application once. The additional paper copy is unnecessary to send. Applicants should identify and number each page in the same manner as the paper application. Additionally, submit one (1) additional copy to the state government single point of contact as described below. iii. State Government Single Point of Contact. Submit one (1) copy to the state government single point of contact, if one has been designated, at the same time as application submission to the Agency. If the project is located in more than one State, submit a copy to each state government single point of contact. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:42 May 15, 2017 Jkt 241001 d. Table of Required Application Items. Comments 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 CFR CFR CFR CFR CFR CFR CFR CFR 1703.125(a) ............ 1703.125(b) ............ 1703.125(c) ............ 1703.125(d) ............ 1703.125(e) ............ 1703.125(f) ............. 1703.125(h) ............ 1703.125(g) ............ Form provided in FY 2017 Application Tool Kit. Narrative. Narrative. Narrative & Documentation. Narrative. Narrative. Documentation. Agency Worksheet and narrative. 7 7 7 7 CFR CFR CFR CFR part 15 subpart A .... 1703.125(i) ............. 1703.125(i) ............. part 21 .................... Form Form Form Form in in in in FY FY FY FY 2017 2017 2017 2017 Application Application Application Application Tool Tool Tool Tool Kit. Kit. Kit. Kit. 2 CFR part 182 and 2 CFR part 421. 2 CFR part 417 .................. Form provided in FY 2017 Application Tool Kit. 2 CFR part 418 .................. Form provided in FY 2017 Application Tool Kit. ............................................. ............................................. ............................................. Form provided in FY 2017 Application Tool Kit. Form provided in FY 2017 Application Tool Kit. Form provided in FY 2017 Application Tool Kit. 7 CFR part 1794, and any successor regulation. 7 CFR 1703.125(k) ............ Form provided in FY 2017 Application Tool Kit. 7 CFR 1703.125(m) ........... Documentation. 7 CFR 1703.125(p) ............ Applicants seeking Special Consideration: Documentation supporting end user site is within a Trust Area, Tribal Jurisdiction Area, ‘‘Strike Force’’ Area, or Promise Zone. Form provided in FY 2017 Application Tool Kit. Documentation. 3. Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number. The applicant for a grant must supply a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as part of the application. The applicant can obtain the DUNS number free of charge by calling Dun and Bradstreet. Go to https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform for more information on DUNS number acquisition or confirmation. 4. System for Award Management (SAM). Prior to submitting a paper or an electronic application, the applicant must register in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https:// www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. Throughout the RUS application review and the active Federal grant funding period, SAM registration must be active with current data at all times. To maintain active SAM registration, the applicant must review and update the information in the SAM database annually from the date of initial registration or from the date of the last update. The applicant must ensure that PO 00000 provided provided provided provided Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the information in the database is current, accurate, and complete. 5. Submission Dates and Times. a. Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than July 17, 2017 to be eligible for FY 2017 grant funding. Late applications, applications which do not include proof of mailing or shipping, and incomplete applications are not eligible for FY 2017 grant funding. In the event of an incomplete application, the Agency will notify the applicant in writing, return the application, and terminate all further action. i. Address paper applications to the Telecommunications Program, RUS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 2844, STOP 1597, Washington, DC 20250– 1597 Applications should be marked, ‘‘Attention: Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Loan Origination and Approval.’’ ii. Paper applications must show proof of mailing or shipping by the deadline consisting of one of the following: E:\FR\FM\16MYN1.SGM 16MYN1 22480 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 93 / Tuesday, May 16, 2017 / Notices A. A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service (USPS) postmark; B. A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the USPS; or C. A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier. iii. Due to screening procedures at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, packages arriving via regular mail through the USPS are irradiated, which can damage the contents and delay delivery to the DLT Program. RUS encourages applicants to consider the impact of this procedure in selecting their application delivery method. b. Electronic grant applications must be received no later than July 17, 2017 to be eligible for FY 2017 funding. Late or incomplete applications will not be eligible for FY 2017 grant funding. i. Applications will not be accepted via fax or electronic mail. ii. Electronic applications for grants must be submitted through the Federal government’s Grants.gov initiative at https://www.grants.gov/. Grants.gov contains full instructions on all required passwords, credentialing and software. iii. Grants.gov requires some credentialing and online authentication procedures. These procedures may take several business days to complete. Therefore, the applicant should complete the registration, credentialing, and authorization procedures at Grants.gov before submitting an application. iv. Applicants must obtain a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as well as have current registration with the System for Award Management (SAM). Further information on DUNS and SAM can be found in sections D(3) and D(4) of this notice as well as in the FY 2017 Application Guide. v. If system errors or technical difficulties occur, use the customer support resources available at the Grants.gov Web site. c. If the submission deadline falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday, the application is due the next business day. 6. Intergovernmental Review. The DLT Grant Program is subject to Executive Order 12372, ‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.’’ As stated in section D(2)(e)(iii) of this notice, a copy of a DLT grant application must be submitted to the state single point of contact, if one has been designated. 7. Funding Restrictions. a. Hub sites not located in rural areas are not eligible for grant assistance unless they are necessary to provide DLT services to end-users in rural areas. See 7 CFR 1703.101(h). b. Table of Ineligible and Eligible Items. The following table includes a list of common items and whether each item is eligible for financial assistance. Applicants should exclude ineligible items and ineligible matching contributions from the budget unless those items are clearly documented as vital to the project. See the FY 2017 Application Guide for a recommended budget format and detailed budget compilation instructions. Grants sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Lease or purchase of new eligible DLT equipment and facilities ................... Acquire new instructional programming that is capital asset .......................... Technical assistance, develop instructional material for the operation of the equipment, and engineering or environmental studies in the implementation of the project. Telemedicine or distance learning equipment or facilities necessary to the project. Vehicles using distance learning or telemedicine technology to deliver services. Teacher-student links located at the same facility .......................................... Links between medical professionals located at the same facility ................. Site development or building alteration, except for equipment installation and associated inside wiring. Land or building purchase ............................................................................... Building Construction ....................................................................................... Acquiring telecommunications transmission facilities ...................................... Internet services, telecommunications services or other forms of connectivity. Salaries, wages, benefits for medical or educational personnel ..................... Salaries or administrative expenses of applicant or project ........................... Recurring project costs or operating expenses ............................................... Electronic Medical Record Systems ................................................................ Equipment to be owned by the LEC or other telecommunications service provider, if the provider is the applicant. Duplicative distance learning or telemedicine services ................................... Any project that for its success depends on additional DLT financial assistance or other financial assistance that is not assured. Application Preparation Costs ......................................................................... Other project costs not in regulation ............................................................... Cost (amount) of facilities providing distance learning broadcasting .............. Reimburse applicants or others for costs incurred prior to RUS receipt of completed application. E. Application Review Information 1. Criteria. Grants applications are scored competitively and are subject to the criteria listed below (total possible points: 235). See 7 CFR 1703.126 and VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:42 May 15, 2017 Jkt 241001 Yes, equipment only. Yes. Yes, up to 10% of the grant. Yes. No. No. No. No. No. No. No (such facilities are only eligible for DLT loans). No. No. No. No (equipment & facility leases are not recurring project costs). No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. the FY 2017 Application Guide for more information on the scoring criteria. a. Needs and Benefits Category. An analysis addressing the challenges imposed by the following criteria and how the project proposes to address these issues, as well as, the local PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 community involvement in planning and implementing the project (up to 55 points): i. Economic characteristics. ii. Educational challenges. iii. Health care needs. E:\FR\FM\16MYN1.SGM 16MYN1 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 93 / Tuesday, May 16, 2017 / Notices b. Rurality Category. Rurality of the proposed service area (up to 45 points). c. Economic Need Category. Percentage of students eligible for the National School Lunch Plan (NSLP) in the proposed service area (up to 35 points). d. Leveraging Category. Matching funds above the required matching level (up to 35 points). e. Innovativeness Category. Level of innovation demonstrated by the project (up to 15 points). f. Cost Effectiveness Category. System cost-effectiveness (up to 35 points). g. Special Consideration Areas Category. Application must contain at least one end-user site within a trust area or a tribal jurisdiction area, within a ‘‘Promise Zone,’’ or within a ‘‘Strike Force’’ area (15 points). 2. Review and Selection Process. Grant applications are ranked by the final score. RUS selects applications based on those rankings, subject to the availability of funds. In addition, the Agency has the authority to limit the number of applications selected in any one state or for any one project during a fiscal year. See 7 CFR 1703.127 for a description of the grant application selection process. In addition, it should be noted that an application receiving fewer points can be selected over a higher scoring application in the event that there are insufficient funds available to cover the costs of the higher scoring application, as stated in 7 CFR 1703.172(b)(3). a. In addition to the scoring criteria that rank applications against each other, the Agency evaluates grant applications on the following items, in accordance with 7 CFR 1703.127: i. Financial feasibility. A proposal that does not indicate financial feasibility or that is not sustainable will not be approved for an award. ii. Technical considerations. An application that contains flaws that would prevent the successful implementation, operation, or sustainability of the project will not be approved for an award. iii. Other aspects of proposals that contain inadequacies that would undermine the ability of the project to comply with the policies of the DLT Program. b. Special considerations or preferences. i. American Samoa, Guam, Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands applications are exempt from the matching requirement for awards having a match amount of up to $200,000 (see 48 U.S.C. 1469a; 91 Stat. 1164). ii. Tribal Jurisdiction or Trust Areas. RUS will offer special consideration to VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:42 May 15, 2017 Jkt 241001 applications that contain at least one end-user site within a trust area or a tribal jurisdictional area. Such applications will be awarded 15 points. The application must include a map that shows the end-user site(s) located in the trust or tribal jurisdictional areas and cites the geographical coordinates and physical address(es) of the end-user site(s). The applicant will also need to submit evidence indicating that the area where the end-user site is located is a trust area or a tribal jurisdictional area. See the DLT Grant Program regulation as well as the FY 2017 Application Guide for a list of accepted documentation. iii. ‘‘Promise Zone’’ Areas. RUS will offer special consideration to applications that contain at least one end-user site within a ‘‘Promise Zone’’ area. Such applications will be awarded 15 points. The application must include a map that shows the end-user site(s) located in the ‘‘Promise Zone’’ area and cites the geographical coordinates and physical address(es) of the end-user site(s). Current ‘‘Promise Zones’’ include the South Carolina Low Country, Choctaw Nation, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and the Kentucky Highlands. For further information, see the ‘‘Promise Zone’’ Web site at https:// www.hud.gov/promisezones/. iv. ‘‘Strike Force’’ Areas. RUS will offer special consideration to applications that contain at least one end-user site within a ‘‘Strike Force’’ area. Such applications will be awarded 15 points. The application must include a map that shows the end-user site(s) located in the ‘‘Strike Force’’ area and cites the geographical coordinates and physical address(es) of the end-user site(s). For further information, see the ‘‘Strike Force’’ Web site at https:// www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/ usdamobile?navid=STRIKE_FORCE. c. Clarification: DLT grant applications which have non-fixed enduser sites, such as ambulance and home health care services, are scored according to the location of the hub or hubs used for the project. For Hybrid Projects which combine a non-fixed portion of a project to a fixed portion of a project, the Rurality Score and NSLP score will be based on the score of the end sites of the fixed portion plus the score of the hub that serves the nonfixed portion. See the FY 2017 Application Guide for specific guidance on preparing an application with nonfixed end users. F. Federal Award Administration Information 1. Federal Award Notices PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 22481 RUS notifies applicants whose projects are selected for awards by mailing or emailing a copy of an award letter. The receipt of an award letter does not authorize the applicant to commence performance under the award. After sending the award letter, the Agency will send an agreement that contains all the terms and conditions for the grant. A copy of the standard agreement is posted on the RUS Web site at https://www.rd.usda.gov/ programs-services/distance-learningtelemedicine-grants. An applicant must execute and return the grant agreement, accompanied by any additional items required by the agreement, within the number of days specified in the selection notice letter. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements The items listed in Section E of this notice, the DLT Grant Program regulation, FY 2017 Application Guide and accompanying materials implement the appropriate administrative and national policy requirements, which include but are not limited to: a. Executing a Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Agreement. b. Using Form SF 270, ‘‘Request for Advance or Reimbursement,’’ to request reimbursements (along with the submission of receipts for expenditures, timesheets, and any other documentation to support the request for reimbursement). c. Providing annual project performance activity reports until the expiration of the award. d. Ensuring that records are maintained to document all activities and expenditures utilizing DLT grant funds and matching funds (receipts for expenditures are to be included in this documentation). e. Providing a final project performance report. f. Complying with policies, guidance, and requirements as described in the following applicable Code of Federal Regulations, and any successor regulations: i. 2 CFR parts 200 and 400 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards). ii. 2 CFR parts 417 and 180 (Government-wide Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension). g. Signing Form AD–3031 (‘‘Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants’’) (for corporate applicants only). h. Signing Form 266 Assurance Agreement. Each prospective recipient must sign Form RD 400–4, Assurance Agreement, which assures USDA that E:\FR\FM\16MYN1.SGM 16MYN1 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES 22482 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 93 / Tuesday, May 16, 2017 / Notices the recipient is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 7 CFR part 15 and other Agency regulations. That no person will be discriminated against based on race, color or national origin, in regard to any program or activity for which the recipient receives Federal financial assistance. That nondiscrimination statements are in advertisements and brochures. i. Collect and maintain data provided by ultimate recipients on race, sex, and national origin and ensure Ultimate Recipients collect and maintain this data. Race and ethnicity data will be collected in accordance with OMB Federal Register notice, ‘‘Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity, ‘‘(62 FR 58782), October 30, 1997. Sex data will be collected in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. These items should not be submitted with the application but should be available upon request by the Agency. j. The applicant and the ultimate recipient must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Executive Order 12250, Executive Order 13166 Limited English Proficiency (LEP), and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E. k. Complying with Executive Order 13166, ‘‘Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency.’’ For information on limited English proficiency and agency-specific guidance, go to https://www.LEP.gov. 3. Reporting a. Performance reporting. All recipients of DLT financial assistance must provide annual performance activity reports to RUS until the project is complete and the funds are expended. A final performance report is also required; the final report may serve as the last annual report. The final report must include an evaluation of the success of the project in meeting the DLT Grant Program objectives. See 7 CFR 1703.107 for additional information on these reporting requirements. b. Financial reporting. All recipients of DLT financial assistance must provide an annual audit, beginning with the first year in which a portion of the financial assistance is expended. Audits are governed by United States Department of Agriculture audit regulations. See 7 CFR 1703.108 and 2 CFR part 200 (Subpart F) for a description of the financial reporting requirements. c. Recipient and Sub-recipient Reporting. The applicant must have the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:42 May 15, 2017 Jkt 241001 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: i. First Tier Sub-Awards of $25,000 or more (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. Please note that currently underway is a consolidation of eight federal procurement systems, including the Federal Sub-award Reporting System (FSRS), into one system, the System for Award Management (SAM). As a result the FSRS will soon be consolidated into and accessed through https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/ SAM/. ii. The Total Compensation of the Recipient’s Executives (the 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/ portal/public/SAM/ by the end of the month following the month in which the award was made. iii. The Total Compensation of the Sub-recipient’s Executives (the five most highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Sub-recipient (if the Sub-recipient 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. d. Record Keeping and Accounting. The contract will contain provisions related to record keeping and accounting requirements. G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts 1. Web site: https://www.rd.usda.gov/ programs-services/distance-learningtelemedicine-grants. The DLT Web site maintains up-to-date resources and contact information for DLT programs. 2. Telephone: 202–720–0800. 3. Fax: 1–844–885–8179. 4. Email: dltinfo@wdc.usda.gov. 5. Main point of contact: Shawn Arner, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Loan Origination and Approval, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 H. Other Information 1. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/ parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD– 3027, found online at https:// www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_ cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632–9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–9410; (2) Fax: (202) 690–7442; or, (3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Christopher A. McLean, Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. 2017–09852 Filed 5–15–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P E:\FR\FM\16MYN1.SGM 16MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 93 (Tuesday, May 16, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22477-22482]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-09852]

========================================================================
Notices
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings,
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents
appearing in this section.

========================================================================

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 93 / Tuesday, May 16, 2017 /
Notices

[[Page 22477]]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA), herein referred to as RUS or
the Agency, announces its Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT)
Grant Program application window for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. This notice
is being issued in order to allow potential applicants time to submit
proposals and give the Agency time to process applications within the
current fiscal year. RUS will publish on its Web site at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas the
amount of funding received in the final appropriations act. Enactment
of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may
affect the availability or level of funding for this program.
In addition to announcing the application window, RUS announces the
minimum and maximum amounts for DLT grants applicable for the fiscal
year. The DLT Grant Program regulation can be found at 7 part CFR 1703
(Subparts D through E).

DATES: Submit completed paper or electronic applications for grants
according to the following deadlines:
Paper submissions: Paper submissions must be postmarked
and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than July 17, 2017 to
be eligible for FY 2017 grant funding. Late or incomplete applications
will not be eligible for FY 2017 grant funding.
Electronic submissions: Electronic submissions must be
received no later than July 17, 2017 to be eligible for FY 2017 grant
funding. Late or incomplete applications will not be eligible for FY
2017 grant funding.
If the submission deadline falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a
Federal holiday, the application is due the next business day.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the FY 2017 Application Guide and materials for
the DLT Grant Program may be obtained through:
(1) The DLT Web site at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants, or
(2) The RUS Office of Loan Origination and Approval at 202-720-
0800.
Completed applications may be submitted the following ways:
(1) Paper: Mail paper applications to the Rural Utilities Service,
Telecommunications Program, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 2808, STOP
1597, Washington, DC 20250-1597. Mark address with, ``Attention: Deputy
Assistant Administrator, Office of Loan Origination and Approval, Rural
Utilities Service.''
(2) Electronic: Submit electronic applications through Grants.gov.
Information on electronic submission is available on the Grants.gov Web
site (https://www.grants.gov) at any time, regardless of registration
status. However, applicants must pre-register with Grants.gov to use
the electronic applications option.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shawn Arner, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Office of Loan Origination and Approval, Rural Utilities
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, telephone: (202) 720-0800,
fax: 1-884-885-8179.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

Federal Agency: Rural Utilities Service (RUS).
Funding Opportunity Title: Distance Learning and Telemedicine
Grants.
Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
Funding Opportunity Number: RUS-17-01-DLT.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.855.
Dates: Submit completed paper or electronic applications for grants
according to the deadlines indicated in Section D(5).

A. Program Description

DLT grants are designed to provide access to education, training,
and health care resources for rural Americans. The DLT Program is
authorized by 7 U.S.C. 950aaa and provides financial assistance to
encourage and improve telemedicine and distance learning services in
rural areas through the use of telecommunications, computer networks,
and related advanced technologies that students, teachers, medical
professionals, and rural residents can use. The regulation for the DLT
Program can be found at 7 CFR part 1703 (Subparts D through E).
The grants, which are awarded through a competitive process, may be
used to fund telecommunications-enabled information, audio and video
equipment, and related advanced technologies which extend educational
and medical applications into rural areas. Grants are intended to
benefit end users in rural areas, who are often not in the same
location as the source of the educational or health care service. Of
the funds made available, $1,600,000.00 will be prioritized to provide
for communication upgrades between ambulances, emergency transportation
vehicles and medical facilities.
As in years past, the FY 2017 DLT Grant Application Guide has been
updated based on program experience. All applicants should carefully
review and prepare their applications according to instructions in the
FY 2017 Application Guide and sample materials. Expenses incurred in
developing applications will be at the applicant's own risk.

B. Federal Award Information

Under 7 CFR 1703.124, the Administrator established a minimum grant
amount of $50,000 and a maximum grant amount of $500,000 for FY 2017.
Award documents specify the term of each award, and the standard
grant agreement is available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants. The Agency will make
awards and successful applicants will be required to execute documents
appropriate to the project before funding will be advanced. Prior DLT
grants cannot be renewed; however, existing DLT awardees can submit
applications for new projects which will be evaluated as new

[[Page 22478]]

applications. Grant applications must be submitted during the
application window.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants (See 7 CFR 1703.103)
a. Only entities legally organized as one of the following are
eligible for DLT Grant Program financial assistance:
i. An incorporated organization or a partnership;
ii. An Indian tribe or tribal organization, as defined in 25 U.S.C.
450b;
iii. A state or local unit of government;
iv. A consortium, as defined in 7 CFR 1703.102; or
v. Other legal entity, including a private corporation organized on
a for-profit or not-for-profit basis.
b. Electric and telecommunications borrowers under the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) are not eligible for
DLT grants.
c. Corporations that have been convicted of a Federal felony within
the past 24 months are not eligible. Any corporation that has been
assessed to have any unpaid federal tax liability, for which all
judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed
and is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with
the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, is not
eligible for financial assistance.
d. Applicants must have an active registration at time of
application submittal with current information in the System for Award
Management (SAM) (previously the Central Contractor Registry (CCR)) at
https://www.sam.gov and have a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number. Further information regarding SAM
registration and DUNS number acquisition can be found in Sections D(3)
and D(4)of this notice.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
The DLT Program requires matching contributions for grants. See 7
CFR 1703.122, 1703.125(g), and the FY 2017 Application Guide for
information on required matching contributions.
a. Grant applicants must demonstrate matching contributions, in
cash or in kind (new, non-depreciated items), of at least fifteen (15)
percent of the total amount of financial assistance requested. Matching
contributions must be used for eligible purposes of DLT grant
assistance (see 7 CFR 1703.121 and Section D(7)(b) of this Notice).
b. Greater amounts of eligible matching contributions may increase
an applicant's score (see 7 CFR 1703.126(b)(4)).
c. Applications that do not provide sufficient documentation of the
required fifteen percent match will be declared ineligible.
d. Discounts and Donations. In review of applications submitted in
FY 2014 and FY 2015, it was determined that vendor donated matches did
not have any value without a corresponding purchase of additional
equipment proposed to be purchased with grant funds. For example, for
many of the proposed grant applications, software licenses were donated
in support of grant applications. Without a corresponding purchase of
the same vendor's equipment, this donation would have no value towards
the project. This is considered a vendor discount which has never been
eligible under this program. As a result, such matches were determined
to be ineligible, which in some cases disqualified applicants from
further consideration. In kind matches from vendors are, therefore, no
longer considered eligible. This is consistent with past practices
prior to FY 2014.
e. Eligible Equipment and Facilities. See 7 CFR 1703.102 and the FY
2017 Application Guide for more information regarding eligible and
ineligible items.
3. Other
a. Minimum Rurality Requirements. To meet the minimum rurality
requirements, applicants must propose end user sites that accrue a
total average score of at least twenty (20) points. To receive points,
an end user site must not be located within the boundaries of any
incorporated or unincorporated city, village, or borough having a
population in excess of 20,000 inhabitants. For more information
regarding rurality requirements and scoring, see 7 CFR 1703.126(b)(2)
and the FY 2017 Application Guide.
i. Hub sites may be located in rural or non-rural areas, but end-
user sites need to be located in rural areas. If a hub is utilized as
an end user site, the hub will be considered and scored as such.
ii. If a grant application includes a site that is included in any
other DLT grant application for FY 2017, or a site that has been
included in any DLT grant funded in FY 2016 or FY2015, the application
should contain a detailed explanation of the related applications or
grants. The Agency may not approve grants that lack a clear explanation
to justify a nonduplication finding.
b. Ineligibility of Projects in Coastal Barrier Resources Act
Areas. Projects located in areas covered by the Coastal Barrier
Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) are not eligible for financial
assistance from the DLT Program. See 7 CFR 1703.123(a)(11).

D. Application and Submission Information

The FY 2017 Application Guide provides specific, detailed
instructions for each item in a complete application. The Agency
emphasizes the importance of including every required item and strongly
encourages applicants to follow the instructions carefully, using the
examples and illustrations in the FY 2017 Application Guide.
Applications submitted by the application deadline, but missing
critical items, will be returned as ineligible. The Agency will not
solicit or consider scoring eligibility information that is submitted
after the application deadline. However, depending on the specific
scoring criteria, applications that do not include all items necessary
for scoring may still be eligible applications, but may not receive
full or any credit if the information cannot be verified. See the FY
2017 Application Guide for a full discussion of each required item. For
requirements of completed grant applications, refer to 7 CFR 1703.125.
1. Address to Request Application Package. The FY 2017 Application
Guide, copies of necessary forms and samples, and the DLT Program
Regulation are available from these sources:
a. Electronic Copies are available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants.
b. Paper Copies are available from the Rural Utilities Service,
Office of Loan Origination and Approval, 202-720-0800.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission.
a. Carefully review the DLT Application Guide and the 7 CFR part
1703, which detail all necessary forms and worksheets. A table
summarizing the necessary components of a complete application can be
found in this section.
b. Description of Project Sites. Most DLT grant projects contain
several project sites. Site information must be consistent throughout
the application. The Agency has provided a site worksheet that lists
the required information. Applicants should complete the site worksheet
with all requisite information. Applications without consistent site
information will be returned as ineligible.
c. Submission of Application Items. Given the high volume of
program interest, applicants should submit the required application
items in the order indicated in the FY 2017 Application Guide.
Applications that are not

[[Page 22479]]

assembled and tabbed in the specified order prevent timely
determination of eligibility. For applications with inconsistencies
among submitted copies, the Agency will base its evaluation on the
original signed application received.
d. Table of Required Application Items.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Application item Regulation Comments
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF-424 (Application for 7 CFR 1703.125(a) Form provided in FY
Federal Assistance Form). 2017 Application
Tool Kit.
Executive Summary of the 7 CFR 1703.125(b) Narrative.
Project.
Scoring Criteria Documentation 7 CFR 1703.125(c) Narrative.
Scope of Work................. 7 CFR 1703.125(d) Narrative &
Documentation.
Financial Information and 7 CFR 1703.125(e) Narrative.
Sustainability.
Statement of Experience....... 7 CFR 1703.125(f) Narrative.
Telecommunications System Plan 7 CFR 1703.125(h) Documentation.
Leveraging Evidence and 7 CFR 1703.125(g) Agency Worksheet and
Funding Commitments from all narrative.
Sources.
Equal Opportunity and 7 CFR part 15 Form provided in FY
Nondiscrimination. subpart A. 2017 Application
Tool Kit.
Architectural Barriers........ 7 CFR 1703.125(i) Form provided in FY
2017 Application
Tool Kit.
Flood Hazard Area Precautions. 7 CFR 1703.125(i) Form provided in FY
2017 Application
Tool Kit.
Uniform Relocation Assistance 7 CFR part 21.... Form provided in FY
and Real Property Acquisition 2017 Application
Policies Act of 1970. Tool Kit.
Drug-Free Workplace........... 2 CFR part 182 Form provided in FY
and 2 CFR part 2017 Application
421. Tool Kit.
Debarment, Suspension, and 2 CFR part 417... Form provided in FY
Other Responsibility Matters. 2017 Application
Tool Kit.
Lobbying for Contracts, 2 CFR part 418... Form provided in FY
Grants, Loans, and 2017 Application
Cooperative Agreements. Tool Kit.
Non-Duplication of Services... ................. Form provided in FY
2017 Application
Tool Kit.
Federal Collection Policies ................. Form provided in FY
for Commercial Debt. 2017 Application
Tool Kit.
Assurance Regarding Felony ................. Form provided in FY
Conviction or Tax Delinquent 2017 Application
Status for Corporate Tool Kit.
Applicants.
Environmental Impact/Historic 7 CFR part 1794, Form provided in FY
Preservation. and any 2017 Application
successor Tool Kit.
regulation.
Evidence of Legal Existence 7 CFR 1703.125(k) Documentation.
and Authority to Contract
with the Federal Government.
Consultation with USDA State 7 CFR 1703.125(m) Documentation.
Director and State Strategic
Plan Conformity.
Special Considerations........ 7 CFR 1703.125(p) Applicants seeking
Special
Consideration:
Documentation
supporting end user
site is within a
Trust Area, Tribal
Jurisdiction Area,
``Strike Force''
Area, or Promise
Zone.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

e. Number of copies of submitted applications.
i. Applications submitted on paper. Submit the original application
and one (1) paper copy to RUS, as well as one digital copy on a CD/DVD
or Flash Drive. Additionally, submit one (1) additional copy to the
state government single point of contact as described below.
ii. Applications submitted electronically. Submit the electronic
application once. The additional paper copy is unnecessary to send.
Applicants should identify and number each page in the same manner as
the paper application. Additionally, submit one (1) additional copy to
the state government single point of contact as described below.
iii. State Government Single Point of Contact. Submit one (1) copy
to the state government single point of contact, if one has been
designated, at the same time as application submission to the Agency.
If the project is located in more than one State, submit a copy to each
state government single point of contact.
3. Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number. The
applicant for a grant must supply a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number as part of the application. The
applicant can obtain the DUNS number free of charge by calling Dun and
Bradstreet. Go to https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform for more information on
DUNS number acquisition or confirmation.
4. System for Award Management (SAM). Prior to submitting a paper
or an electronic application, the applicant must register in the System
for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/.
Throughout the RUS application review and the active Federal grant
funding period, SAM registration must be active with current data at
all times. To maintain active SAM registration, the applicant must
review and update the information in the SAM database annually from the
date of initial registration or from the date of the last update. The
applicant must ensure that the information in the database is current,
accurate, and complete.
5. Submission Dates and Times.
a. Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or
sent overnight no later than July 17, 2017 to be eligible for FY 2017
grant funding. Late applications, applications which do not include
proof of mailing or shipping, and incomplete applications are not
eligible for FY 2017 grant funding. In the event of an incomplete
application, the Agency will notify the applicant in writing, return
the application, and terminate all further action.
i. Address paper applications to the Telecommunications Program,
RUS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room
2844, STOP 1597, Washington, DC 20250-1597 Applications should be
marked, ``Attention: Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Loan
Origination and Approval.''
ii. Paper applications must show proof of mailing or shipping by
the deadline consisting of one of the following:

[[Page 22480]]

A. A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service (USPS) postmark;
B. A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the
USPS; or
C. A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial
carrier.
iii. Due to screening procedures at the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, packages arriving via regular mail through the USPS are
irradiated, which can damage the contents and delay delivery to the DLT
Program. RUS encourages applicants to consider the impact of this
procedure in selecting their application delivery method.
b. Electronic grant applications must be received no later than
July 17, 2017 to be eligible for FY 2017 funding. Late or incomplete
applications will not be eligible for FY 2017 grant funding.
i. Applications will not be accepted via fax or electronic mail.
ii. Electronic applications for grants must be submitted through
the Federal government's Grants.gov initiative at https://www.grants.gov/. Grants.gov contains full instructions on all required
passwords, credentialing and software.
iii. Grants.gov requires some credentialing and online
authentication procedures. These procedures may take several business
days to complete. Therefore, the applicant should complete the
registration, credentialing, and authorization procedures at Grants.gov
before submitting an application.
iv. Applicants must obtain a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number as well as have current registration
with the System for Award Management (SAM). Further information on DUNS
and SAM can be found in sections D(3) and D(4) of this notice as well
as in the FY 2017 Application Guide.
v. If system errors or technical difficulties occur, use the
customer support resources available at the Grants.gov Web site.
c. If the submission deadline falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a
Federal holiday, the application is due the next business day.
6. Intergovernmental Review.
The DLT Grant Program is subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' As stated in section
D(2)(e)(iii) of this notice, a copy of a DLT grant application must be
submitted to the state single point of contact, if one has been
designated.
7. Funding Restrictions.
a. Hub sites not located in rural areas are not eligible for grant
assistance unless they are necessary to provide DLT services to end-
users in rural areas. See 7 CFR 1703.101(h).
b. Table of Ineligible and Eligible Items. The following table
includes a list of common items and whether each item is eligible for
financial assistance. Applicants should exclude ineligible items and
ineligible matching contributions from the budget unless those items
are clearly documented as vital to the project. See the FY 2017
Application Guide for a recommended budget format and detailed budget
compilation instructions.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grants
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lease or purchase of new Yes, equipment only.
eligible DLT equipment and
facilities.
Acquire new instructional Yes.
programming that is capital
asset.
Technical assistance, develop Yes, up to 10% of the grant.
instructional material for
the operation of the
equipment, and engineering
or environmental studies in
the implementation of the
project.
Telemedicine or distance Yes.
learning equipment or
facilities necessary to the
project.
Vehicles using distance No.
learning or telemedicine
technology to deliver
services.
Teacher-student links located No.
at the same facility.
Links between medical No.
professionals located at the
same facility.
Site development or building No.
alteration, except for
equipment installation and
associated inside wiring.
Land or building purchase.... No.
Building Construction........ No.
Acquiring telecommunications No (such facilities are only eligible for DLT loans).
transmission facilities.
Internet services, No.
telecommunications services
or other forms of
connectivity.
Salaries, wages, benefits for No.
medical or educational
personnel.
Salaries or administrative No.
expenses of applicant or
project.
Recurring project costs or No (equipment & facility leases are not recurring project costs).
operating expenses.
Electronic Medical Record No.
Systems.
Equipment to be owned by the No.
LEC or other
telecommunications service
provider, if the provider is
the applicant.
Duplicative distance learning No.
or telemedicine services.
Any project that for its No.
success depends on
additional DLT financial
assistance or other
financial assistance that is
not assured.
Application Preparation Costs No.
Other project costs not in No.
regulation.
Cost (amount) of facilities No.
providing distance learning
broadcasting.
Reimburse applicants or No.
others for costs incurred
prior to RUS receipt of
completed application.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

E. Application Review Information

1. Criteria.
Grants applications are scored competitively and are subject to the
criteria listed below (total possible points: 235). See 7 CFR 1703.126
and the FY 2017 Application Guide for more information on the scoring
criteria.
a. Needs and Benefits Category. An analysis addressing the
challenges imposed by the following criteria and how the project
proposes to address these issues, as well as, the local community
involvement in planning and implementing the project (up to 55 points):
i. Economic characteristics.
ii. Educational challenges.
iii. Health care needs.

[[Page 22481]]

b. Rurality Category. Rurality of the proposed service area (up to
45 points).
c. Economic Need Category. Percentage of students eligible for the
National School Lunch Plan (NSLP) in the proposed service area (up to
35 points).
d. Leveraging Category. Matching funds above the required matching
level (up to 35 points).
e. Innovativeness Category. Level of innovation demonstrated by the
project (up to 15 points).
f. Cost Effectiveness Category. System cost-effectiveness (up to 35
points).
g. Special Consideration Areas Category. Application must contain
at least one end-user site within a trust area or a tribal jurisdiction
area, within a ``Promise Zone,'' or within a ``Strike Force'' area (15
points).
2. Review and Selection Process.
Grant applications are ranked by the final score. RUS selects
applications based on those rankings, subject to the availability of
funds. In addition, the Agency has the authority to limit the number of
applications selected in any one state or for any one project during a
fiscal year. See 7 CFR 1703.127 for a description of the grant
application selection process. In addition, it should be noted that an
application receiving fewer points can be selected over a higher
scoring application in the event that there are insufficient funds
available to cover the costs of the higher scoring application, as
stated in 7 CFR 1703.172(b)(3).
a. In addition to the scoring criteria that rank applications
against each other, the Agency evaluates grant applications on the
following items, in accordance with 7 CFR 1703.127:
i. Financial feasibility. A proposal that does not indicate
financial feasibility or that is not sustainable will not be approved
for an award.
ii. Technical considerations. An application that contains flaws
that would prevent the successful implementation, operation, or
sustainability of the project will not be approved for an award.
iii. Other aspects of proposals that contain inadequacies that
would undermine the ability of the project to comply with the policies
of the DLT Program.
b. Special considerations or preferences.
i. American Samoa, Guam, Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana
Islands applications are exempt from the matching requirement for
awards having a match amount of up to $200,000 (see 48 U.S.C. 1469a; 91
Stat. 1164).
ii. Tribal Jurisdiction or Trust Areas. RUS will offer special
consideration to applications that contain at least one end-user site
within a trust area or a tribal jurisdictional area. Such applications
will be awarded 15 points. The application must include a map that
shows the end-user site(s) located in the trust or tribal
jurisdictional areas and cites the geographical coordinates and
physical address(es) of the end-user site(s). The applicant will also
need to submit evidence indicating that the area where the end-user
site is located is a trust area or a tribal jurisdictional area. See
the DLT Grant Program regulation as well as the FY 2017 Application
Guide for a list of accepted documentation.
iii. ``Promise Zone'' Areas. RUS will offer special consideration
to applications that contain at least one end-user site within a
``Promise Zone'' area. Such applications will be awarded 15 points. The
application must include a map that shows the end-user site(s) located
in the ``Promise Zone'' area and cites the geographical coordinates and
physical address(es) of the end-user site(s). Current ``Promise Zones''
include the South Carolina Low Country, Choctaw Nation, Pine Ridge
Indian Reservation, and the Kentucky Highlands. For further
information, see the ``Promise Zone'' Web site at https://www.hud.gov/promisezones/.
iv. ``Strike Force'' Areas. RUS will offer special consideration to
applications that contain at least one end-user site within a ``Strike
Force'' area. Such applications will be awarded 15 points. The
application must include a map that shows the end-user site(s) located
in the ``Strike Force'' area and cites the geographical coordinates and
physical address(es) of the end-user site(s). For further information,
see the ``Strike Force'' Web site at https://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdamobile?navid=STRIKE_FORCE.
c. Clarification: DLT grant applications which have non-fixed end-
user sites, such as ambulance and home health care services, are scored
according to the location of the hub or hubs used for the project. For
Hybrid Projects which combine a non-fixed portion of a project to a
fixed portion of a project, the Rurality Score and NSLP score will be
based on the score of the end sites of the fixed portion plus the score
of the hub that serves the non-fixed portion. See the FY 2017
Application Guide for specific guidance on preparing an application
with non-fixed end users.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices
RUS notifies applicants whose projects are selected for awards by
mailing or emailing a copy of an award letter. The receipt of an award
letter does not authorize the applicant to commence performance under
the award. After sending the award letter, the Agency will send an
agreement that contains all the terms and conditions for the grant. A
copy of the standard agreement is posted on the RUS Web site at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants. An applicant must execute and return the grant agreement,
accompanied by any additional items required by the agreement, within
the number of days specified in the selection notice letter.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
The items listed in Section E of this notice, the DLT Grant Program
regulation, FY 2017 Application Guide and accompanying materials
implement the appropriate administrative and national policy
requirements, which include but are not limited to:
a. Executing a Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Agreement.
b. Using Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement,'' to
request reimbursements (along with the submission of receipts for
expenditures, timesheets, and any other documentation to support the
request for reimbursement).
c. Providing annual project performance activity reports until the
expiration of the award.
d. Ensuring that records are maintained to document all activities
and expenditures utilizing DLT grant funds and matching funds (receipts
for expenditures are to be included in this documentation).
e. Providing a final project performance report.
f. Complying with policies, guidance, and requirements as described
in the following applicable Code of Federal Regulations, and any
successor regulations:
i. 2 CFR parts 200 and 400 (Uniform Administrative Requirements,
Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards).
ii. 2 CFR parts 417 and 180 (Government-wide Nonprocurement
Debarment and Suspension).
g. Signing Form AD-3031 (``Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or
Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants'') (for corporate
applicants only).
h. Signing Form 266 Assurance Agreement. Each prospective recipient
must sign Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement, which assures USDA that

[[Page 22482]]

the recipient is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, 7 CFR part 15 and other Agency regulations. That no person will
be discriminated against based on race, color or national origin, in
regard to any program or activity for which the recipient receives
Federal financial assistance. That nondiscrimination statements are in
advertisements and brochures.
i. Collect and maintain data provided by ultimate recipients on
race, sex, and national origin and ensure Ultimate Recipients collect
and maintain this data. Race and ethnicity data will be collected in
accordance with OMB Federal Register notice, ``Revisions to the
Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity,
``(62 FR 58782), October 30, 1997. Sex data will be collected in
accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. These
items should not be submitted with the application but should be
available upon request by the Agency.
j. The applicant and the ultimate recipient must comply with Title
VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975,
Executive Order 12250, Executive Order 13166 Limited English
Proficiency (LEP), and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E.
k. Complying with Executive Order 13166, ``Improving Access to
Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency.'' For
information on limited English proficiency and agency-specific
guidance, go to https://www.LEP.gov.
3. Reporting
a. Performance reporting. All recipients of DLT financial
assistance must provide annual performance activity reports to RUS
until the project is complete and the funds are expended. A final
performance report is also required; the final report may serve as the
last annual report. The final report must include an evaluation of the
success of the project in meeting the DLT Grant Program objectives. See
7 CFR 1703.107 for additional information on these reporting
requirements.
b. Financial reporting. All recipients of DLT financial assistance
must provide an annual audit, beginning with the first year in which a
portion of the financial assistance is expended. Audits are governed by
United States Department of Agriculture audit regulations. See 7 CFR
1703.108 and 2 CFR part 200 (Subpart F) for a description of the
financial reporting requirements.
c. Recipient and Sub-recipient 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:
i. First Tier Sub-Awards of $25,000 or more (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. Please note that currently underway is a
consolidation of eight federal procurement systems, including the
Federal Sub-award Reporting System (FSRS), into one system, the System
for Award Management (SAM). As a result the FSRS will soon be
consolidated into and accessed through https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/.
ii. The Total Compensation of the Recipient's Executives (the 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/portal/public/SAM/ by the end of the month following the
month in which the award was made.
iii. The Total Compensation of the Sub-recipient's Executives (the
five most highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Sub-
recipient (if the Sub-recipient 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.
d. Record Keeping and Accounting. The contract will contain
provisions related to record keeping and accounting requirements.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

1. Web site: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants. The DLT Web site maintains up-to-date
resources and contact information for DLT programs.
2. Telephone: 202-720-0800.
3. Fax: 1-844-885-8179.
4. Email: dltinfo@wdc.usda.gov.
5. Main point of contact: Shawn Arner, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Office of Loan Origination and Approval, Rural Utilities
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

H. Other Information

1. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print,
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible
Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or
contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages
other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or
write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the
information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint
form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA
by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington,
DC 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or,
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Christopher A. McLean,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-09852 Filed 5-15-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.