National Sheep Industry Improvement Center: Inviting Grant Proposals for the Sheep and Goat Industry Grant Initiative, 43113-43116 [05-14627]
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43113
Notices
Federal Register
Vol. 70, No. 142
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
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
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
National Sheep Industry Improvement
Center: Inviting Grant Proposals for
the Sheep and Goat Industry Grant
Initiative
National Sheep Industry
Improvement Center, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of solicitation of
applications.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The National Sheep Industry
Improvement Center (NSIIC) announces
the availability of approximately
$300,000 in competitive grants for
product or business development,
producer information or education,
marketing and promotion for sheep or
goats or their products, genetic
retention, and animal health. Eligible
applicants, including many business
structures but excluding individuals
(see section III), may apply for up to
$50,000 in Federal Funds per proposal.
The intent is to fund a variety of
proposals that will benefit the U.S.
sheep and goat industries.
DATES: Complete paper or electronically
submitted applications must be received
on or before 5 p.m. eastern time,
October 14, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Applications, required
forms, frequently asked questions and
other helpful information can be found
at https://www.nsiic.org.
Submit completed paper applications
to one of the following addresses,
depending on the delivery service used:
(1) Submissions using the U.S. Postal
Service should be sent to: USDA
National Sheep Industry Improvement
Center, P.O. Box 23483, Washington, DC
20026–3483; (2) Submissions using
commercial carriers should be sent to
USDA National Sheep Industry
Improvement Center, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., South
Building Room 2117, Washington, DC
20250–3250.
Submit electronic grant applications
to the following Internet address:
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https://www.grants.gov. Before being able
to submit an electronic grant
application, the applicant must
complete a registration process.
Applicants should register at least 2
weeks prior to the application deadline
to ensure timely submission of their
applications.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay
B. Wilson, Executive Director/CEO 202–
690–0632 or Steve Lee, Administrative
Officer 207–236–6567, or by e-mail,
info@nsiic.org.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Overview
Agency: National Sheep Industry
Improvement Center.
Title: Sheep and Goat Industry Grant
Initiative.
Type: Initial announcement for
funding availability.
Catolog of Federal Domestic
Assistance Number: 10–774.
Dates: Applications must be received
by October 14, 2005 for projects that
will be completed on or before
September 30, 2007.
I. Funding Oportunity Description
The National Sheep Industry
Improvement Center (NSIIC) is
authorized under 7 U.S.C. 2008j. A
NSIIC fund was established in the
Treasury, without fiscal year limitation,
to provide seed-money for a revolving
fund that will provide financial
assistance through a variety of
mechanisms for the enhancement and
marketing of sheep or goat products in
the United States with an emphasis on
infrastructure development. The NSIIC
is a unique pilot program with the
management vested in a Board of
Directors that is appointed by, and
reports to the Secretary of Agriculture.
The Board of Directors consists of 7
voting members chosen from the sheep
and goat industries. The Under
Secretary for Rural Development and
Cooperative State Research, Education,
and Extension Service (CSREES) serve
as non-voting members of the Board of
Directors. The mission of the NSIIC is
‘‘To assist the U.S. Sheep and Goat
Industries by strengthening and
enhancing the production and
marketing of sheep, goats, and their
products in the United States.’’ The
NSIIC Board of Directors has made low
interest loans available through an
intermediary arrangement with the
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National Livestock Producers
Association since 2000 and has
conducted the National Sheep Industry
Grant Initiative in each of the past fiscal
years since Fiscal Year (FY) 2002. The
Board is making this grant initiative of
up to $300,000 available for FY 2006.
Projects that are submitted in the
proposals should be completed in a
timely fashion as provided in the
proposal, with a final completion date
on or before September 30, 2007. The
primary objective of the Sheep and Goat
Industry Grant Initiative (SGIGI) is to
fund a number of diverse projects that
will benefit the U.S. sheep or goat
industries through product or business
development, producer information or
education, marketing and promotion for
sheep or goats or their products, genetic
retention and animal health at the
regional, national or international level.
Examples of previously funded projects
can be found at www.nsiic.org/
grants.htm.
Definitions
The definitions published at 7 CFR
4284.3 are incorporated by reference.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Grant.
Fiscal Year Funds: NA.
Approximate Total Funding:
$300,000.
Approximate number of Awards: 15.
Approximate Average Award:
$18,000, ranging in the past from $1,300
to $50,000.
Floor of Award Range: None.
Ceiling of Award Range: $50,000.
Anticipated Award Date: January 23,
2006.
Budget Period Length: 20 months.
Project Period Length: 20 months.
It is expected that there will be
proposals submitted that address a
variety of needs related to the U.S.
sheep and goat industries. Awards may
be classified so that a variety of needs
will be addressed by the funded
proposals. The actual number of grants
funded will depend on the quality of
proposals received and the amount of
funding requested. A proposal may be
partially funded or funded in its
entirety. The primary objective of the
Sheep and Goat Industry Grant Initiative
(SGIGI) is to fund a number of diverse
projects that will benefit the U.S. sheep
or goat industries through product or
business development, producer
information or education, marketing and
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 142 / Tuesday, July 26, 2005 / Notices
promotion for sheep or goats or their
products, genetic retention or animal
health at the regional, national or
international level.
No funds made available under this
solicitation shall be used to do any of
the following activities:
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
services beyond that which is currently
being provided;
2. Pay costs of preparing the
application package for funding under
this program;
3. Pay costs of the project incurred
prior to the date of grant approval;
4. Fund political activities;
5. Pay for assistance to any private
business enterprise that 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;
6. Pay any judgment or debt owed to
the United States; or
7. Fund any activities prohibited by 7
CFR parts 3015, 3016, or 3019.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible applicants—An eligible
entity is one that promotes the
betterment of the United States sheep or
goat industries and includes: (1) A
public, private, or cooperative
organization; (2) an association,
including a corporation not operated for
profit; (3) a federally recognized Indian
Tribe; or (4) a public or quasi-public
agency. Eligible entities must be
domestic with 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.
B. Ineligible applicants—Individuals,
organizations under the Lobbying
Disclosure Act of 1995, and
organizations described in section
501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4)) which
engage in lobbying activities.
Applications from ineligible applicants
will be returned without review or
consideration.
C. Cost Sharing or Matching—Cost
sharing or matching funds are not
required but preference may be given to
proposals that have over 50 percent of
the project costs in matching funds,
including in kind contributions (See the
Review and Selection Process).
Overhead costs cannot exceed 25
percent of total project cost.
D. Other Eligibility Requirements—
Applications without sufficient
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information to determine eligibility will
not be considered for funding.
Applications that are missing any
required elements (in whole or in part)
will not be considered for funding.
There is no limit on the number of
applications that an entity may submit
for this announcement.
IV. Application and Submission
Information
A. Language: English
B. Address to Request Application
Package—Forms can be found at
https://www.nsiic.org. They can also be
obtained by: e-mailing a request to
info@nsiic.org; faxing a request to 202–
720–1053 or calling 202–690–0632.
C. Content and Form of Application
Submission:
1. You may submit your application
in paper or in an electronic format. If
you submit your application in a paper
format it must include an original, with
an original signature, and 10 additional
copies.
2. Each copy must be stapled in the
upper left-hand corner, do not bind.
3. All copies of the proposal must be
submitted in one package.
4. The proposal must be submitted on
standard 8.5″ x 11″ paper with typing on
one side of the page only.
5. Margins must be at least 1’’, type
must be 12 characters per inch (12 pitch
or 10 point) or larger, no more than 6
lines per inch, and there should be no
page reductions.
6. Proposals are limited to the
information requested. DO NOT; exceed
the narrative limit; include
organizational brochures, promotional
materials, slides, films, clips, books,
videos, product samples, letters of
support (they should be summarized in
the narrative) or any other additional
materials. Proposals that contain more
than the requested information will be
returned without review or
consideration.
D. What to Submit:
1. SF–424 ‘‘Application for Federal
Assistance.’’ This serves as the cover
page and no other cover page should be
included.
2. SF–424A ‘‘Budget Information—
Non Construction Programs.’’
3. SF–424B ‘‘Assurances—NonConstruction Programs.’’
4. Project Summary: The proposal
must contain a project summary of 1
page or less on a separate page. This
page must include the title of the
project, the names of the primary project
contacts, the applicant entity, followed
by the summary. The summary should
be self-contained and should describe
the overall goals and relevance of the
project. The summary should also
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contain a listing of all organizations
involved in the project. The Project
Summary should immediately follow
SF–424B.
5. Project Narrative: The project
narrative is limited to 10 pages and the
pages should be numbered, beginning
with page 1 on the first page of the
narrative. The narrative portion of the
Project Proposal should contain the
following:
a. Introduction: Substantiate the need
for the proposed project. Describe the
project’s specific relationship to the
segment of sheep or goat industry issue,
product or market being addressed.
b. Potential Industry Impact—Discuss
the specific objectives to be
accomplished under the project.
Describe the proposed project and
demonstrate how it will stimulate the
U.S. sheep or goat industries. Provide a
detailed analysis of the sheep or goat
industry issue that is being addressed by
the proposal by including the: (i)
Product or group that will be impacted
by the proposal; (ii) geographic area
affected (iii) target audience or end user;
(iv) and expected results.
c. Industry Commitment—Describe
the commitment of the producers,
processors, end-users or other involved
parties in participating in the proposed
project. This may include, but is not
limited to, individual producers,
producer groups, processors, seminar
participants, local organizations, local
or state governments or trade
associations.
d. Business Soundness—Discuss the
specific goals and objectives to be
accomplished with a timetable,
quantifiable benchmarks and expected
results.
e. Financial Feasibility—Provide a
well-defined budget for the proposal
and describe how the budget
specifically relates to the completion of
each goal or objective. This requirement
may be accomplished, in whole or in
part, by the required completion of SF–
424A.
f. Management Ability—Identify the
management team needed to complete
the proposal objectives and describe
their qualifications. Describe how the
project will be coordinated among
various participants and the nature of
the collaborations. Describe plans for
management of the project to ensure its
proper and efficient administration.
g. Information that successful
applicants must submit—Successful
applicants will receive a letter of intent
from NSIIC at which time they will be
required to complete forms:
AD–1047, ‘‘Certification Regarding
Debarment, Suspension, and Other
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Responsibility Matters—Primary
Covered Transactions;’’
AD–1048, ‘‘Certification Regarding
Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility
and Voluntary Exclusion—Lower Tier
Covered Transactions;’’
AD–1049, ‘‘Certification Regarding
Drug-Free Workplace Requirements
(Grants);’’
RD–400–1, ‘‘Equal Opportunity
Agreement; Certification Regarding
Lobbying—Contracts, Grants, Loans and
Cooperative Agreement;’’
SF–270, ‘‘Request for Advance for
Reimbursement;’’ and
SF–269, ‘‘Financial Status Report,’’
which is required later with the written
semi annual-reports.
V. Application Review Information
Selection Criteria—The proposal will
initially be reviewed to determine
whether the entity submitting the
proposal meets the eligibility
requirements and whether the proposal
application contains the information
required. After this initial evaluation,
the following criteria will be used to
rate and rank proposals received in
response to this notice of funding
availability. Failure to address any one
of the criteria will disqualify the
proposal and the proposal will be
returned without review or
consideration. Equal weight shall be
given to each of the criterion listed
below and points will be awarded on a
scale of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. A score of 5
indicates that the proposal was judged
to be highly relevant to the criterion and
a score of 1 indicates that the proposal
was judged not to sufficiently address
the criterion.
Each proposal will be evaluated and
judged using the following criteria:
A. Potential Industry Impact—
Describe the proposed project and
demonstrate how it will stimulate the
U.S. sheep or goat industries. Provide a
detailed analysis of the sheep or goat
industry issue that is being addressed by
the proposal by including the: (1)
Product or group that will be impacted
by the proposal; (2) geographic area
affected; (3) target audience or end user;
(4) and expected results. The NSIIC will
evaluate whether the industry issue and
need are well-defined and the proposed
project provides an effective and
efficient approach to resolving the
identified need.
B. Industry Commitment—Describe
the commitment of the producers,
processor, end-users or other involved
parties in participating in the proposed
project. This may include, but is not
limited to, individual producers,
producer groups, processors, seminar
participants, local organizations, local
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Jkt 205001
or state governments or trade
associations. The NSIIC will evaluate
whether there is a commitment from all
who are expected to participate and
benefit from the proposed project.
C. Business Soundness—Provide a
timetable and objectives along with a
quantifiable benchmark and expected
results. The NSIIC will evaluate whether
the proposal includes (1) Clear
objectives; (2) well-defined tasks that
will accomplish the objectives; (3)
realistic benchmarks; and (4) a realistic
timetable for the completion of the
proposed tasks and a business strategy
have been adequately developed.
D. Financial Feasibility—Provide a
well-defined budget for the proposal.
The NSIIC will evaluate whether (1) the
funding requirements and budget for the
project are well defined; (2) financially
feasible and the matching funds or other
resources that will be used to leverage
the requested funds are identified.
E. Management Ability—Identify the
management team needed to complete
the proposal objectives and describe
their qualifications. The NSIIC will
evaluate whether the management team
is identified and capable of
implementing the proposal.
Review and Selection Process—The
NSIIC Board of Directors will evaluate
proposal applications. Applications will
be evaluated competitively and points
awarded as specified in the Selection
Criteria section of this Notice. Grants
will be awarded on a competitive basis
to eligible entities. A proposal may be
partially funded. After assigning points
based upon the selection criteria,
applications will be funded in rank
order until all available funds have been
expended. The Board of Directors
reserves the right to award up to five
additional points for proposals with
over 50 percent in matching funds or to
provide a diversity of projects targeting
various situations, geographic areas,
subjects. Projects that are approved for
further processing will be subject to the
grant terms that are negotiated between
the applicant and the Board of Directors
including, but not limited to, the
amount to be funded, project goals,
timetables, completion date or other
terms as deemed necessary.
Award Administration Information:
All applicants will receive notification
of the outcome no later than January 23,
2006. Notifications will be sent to the
contact person identified on the SF–424
by traceable carrier or USPS certified,
return receipt mail.
VI. Award Administration Information
Award Notices—Successful
applicants can expect notification no
later than January 23, 2006. A letter of
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43115
intent will be sent to the contact person
identified on the SF–424. The letter of
intent will be followed by a letter of
conditions, at that time the
requirements described in the
‘‘Information that Successful applicants
must submit’’ section are required.
When those are completed the grant
agreement will be executed.
Administrative and National Policy
Requirements—Several Federal statutes
and regulations apply to proposals
considered for review and to grants
awarded by USDA. These include, but
are not limited to:
7 CFR 1.1—USDA implementation of
the Freedom of Information Act.
7 CFR part 15a—USDA
implementation of title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964.
7 CFR part 3015—USDA Uniform
Federal Assistance Regulations.
7 CFR part 3016—Uniform
Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements to State
and Local Governments.
7 CFR part 3017—Governmentwide
Debarment.
7 CFR part 3018—New Restrictions on
Lobbying.
7 CFR part 3019—Uniform
Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Agreements with Institutions of
Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other
Nonprofit Organizations.
7 CFR part 3052—Audits of State,
Local Governments, and Non-Profit
Organizations.
The terms of the above parts will be
incorporated in the grant agreement.
Reporting—In addition to any other
required reports, awardees will be
required to submit written project
performance reports on a semi-annual
basis and a final report at the
completion of the project. A follow up
report on the progress of the project will
also be required one year after the
completion of the award.
The project performance report and
final report shall include, but need not
be limited to:
1. SF–269 ‘‘Financial Status Report’’
2. A written report that includes:
A. A comparison of timeline, tasks
and objectives outlined in the proposal
as compared to the actual
accomplishments;
B. If report varies from the stated
objectives or they were not met, the
reasons why established objectives were
not met;
C. Problems, delays, or adverse
conditions which will materially affect
attainment of planned project
objectives;
D. Objectives established for the next
reporting period; and
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 142 / Tuesday, July 26, 2005 / Notices
E. Status of compliance with any
special conditions on the use of
awarded funds.
VII. Agency Contact(s)
Web site—Forms, previous recipients
and other information can be found at
https://www.nsiic.org; e-mail:
info@nsiic.org ; USPS at NSIIC, PO Box
23483, Washington, DC 20026–3483;
other carriers at Room 2117, South
Agriculture Building, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250; Telephone (202)
690–0632 or (207) 236–6567 or FAX
(202) 720–1053.
VIII. Other Information
Low interest loans: For information
on NSIIC intermediary low interest loan
program, visit National Livestock
Producers Association at https://
www.nlpa.org.
The NSIIC Board of Directors reserves
the right to award more, or less than the
funds described in this announcement.
In the absence of worthy application,
the Board may decide not to make an
award if deemed in the best interest of
the Government.
Dated: July 14, 2005.
Jay B. Wilson,
Executive Director/CEO, National Sheep
Industry Improvement Center.
[FR Doc. 05–14627 Filed 7–25–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 1351–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Doc. No. TM–05–07]
Notice of Meeting of the National
Organic Standards Board
Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
amended, the Agricultural Marketing
Service (AMS) is announcing a
forthcoming meeting of the National
Organic Standards Board (NOSB).
DATES: The meeting dates are Monday,
August 15, 2005, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m.; Tuesday, August 16, 2005, 8 a.m.
to 5:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, August
17, 2005, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Requests
from individuals and organizations
wishing to make an oral presentation at
the meeting are due by the close of
business on July 25, 2005.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will take place
at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, The
Hillwood Room, 1330 Maryland
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23:45 Jul 25, 2005
Jkt 205001
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20024.
Requests for copies of the NOSB
meeting agenda, requests to make an
oral presentation at the meeting, or
written comments may be sent to Ms.
Katherine Benham at USDA–AMS–
TMD–NOP, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW., Room 4008-So., Ag Stop
0268, Washington, DC 20250–0200.
Requests to make an oral presentation at
the meeting may also be sent via
facsimile to Ms. Katherine Benham at
(202) 205–7808 or electronically to Ms.
Katherine Benham at
Katherine.benham@ usda.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Katherine E. Benham, Advisory Board
Specialist, National Organic Program,
(202) 205–7806.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section
2119 (7 U.S.C. 6518) of the Organic
Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA),
as amended (7 U.S.C. Section 6501 et
seq.) requires the establishment of the
NOSB. The purpose of the NOSB is to
make recommendations about whether a
substance should be allowed or
prohibited in organic production or
handling, to assist in the development
of standards for substances to be used in
organic production, and to advise the
Secretary on other aspects of the
implementation of the OFPA. The
NOSB met for the first time in
Washington, DC, in March 1992, and
currently has six committees working
on various aspects of the organic
program. The committees are:
Compliance, Accreditation, and
Certification; Crops; Livestock;
Materials; Handling; and Policy
Development.
In August of 1994, the NOSB
provided its initial recommendations for
the National Organic Program (NOP) to
the Secretary of Agriculture. Since that
time, the NOSB has submitted 69
addenda to its recommendations and
reviewed more than 267 substances for
inclusion on the National List of
Allowed and Prohibited Substances.
The last meeting of the NOSB was held
on February 28–March 3, 2005, in
Washington, DC.
The Department of Agriculture
(USDA) published its final National
Organic Program regulation in the
Federal Register on December 21, 2000
(65 FR 80548). The rule became
effective April 21, 2001.
The principal purposes of the meeting
are to provide an opportunity for the
NOSB to receive an update from the
USDA/NOP and hear progress reports
from NOSB committees regarding work
plan items and proposed action items.
The NOSB will also review materials to
determine if they should be included on
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the National List of Allowed and
Prohibited Substances.
The Policy Development Committee
will discuss factors to be considered for
the development of guidance regarding
temporary variances for research. The
committee will also discuss the future
development of criteria and procedures
to be used by the NOSB when reviewing
substances petitioned for addition to or
removal from 205.606. The committee
will present, for NOSB consideration,
recommended changes to the Board
Policies and Procedures Manual that
include the following: (1) New materials
approval and TAP review information;
(2) sunset review process information;
(3) procedures for handling questions
and answers from the NOP; (4) decision
tree process; (5) Chemistry 101
background information; and (6)
formatting changes. Finally, the
committee will submit, for NOSB
consideration, its recommendations
concerning the adoption of the
collaboration policy document as
presented by the NOP as an amendment
to the Board Policy and Procedures
Manual.
The Certification, Accreditation, and
Compliance Committee will present, for
NOSB consideration, its
recommendation on how to
operationalize the process of Peer
Review. The committee will present a
draft statement concerning NOP’s
response to the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) report. It will
also present, for NOSB consideration, a
recommendation developed in
cooperation with the Handling
Committee that contains certification
questions and answers related to
retailers and private labelers.
*COM019*The Livestock Committee
will discuss the future development of
apiculture standards (based on an
existing NOSB recommendation). The
committee will present, for NOSB
consideration, its recommendations to
provide guidance on requirements for
access to pasture for ruminants and the
addition of Sucrose Octanoate Esters to
the National List for use in Apiculture
Production.
The Materials Committee will discuss
priority items for the sunset review of
substances identified by Crops,
Livestock, Handling, and Materials
Committee. The committee will also
discuss possible revisions to the Federal
Register Notice (65 FR 43259) that
contains instructions for the submission
of petitions to add substances to or
remove substances from the National
List. The committee will present
recommendations to (1) restructure the
National List of Allowed and Prohibited
Substances to reflect the exemption
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 142 (Tuesday, July 26, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43113-43116]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-14627]
========================================================================
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. 70, No. 142 / Tuesday, July 26, 2005 /
Notices
[[Page 43113]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
National Sheep Industry Improvement Center: Inviting Grant
Proposals for the Sheep and Goat Industry Grant Initiative
AGENCY: National Sheep Industry Improvement Center, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC)
announces the availability of approximately $300,000 in competitive
grants for product or business development, producer information or
education, marketing and promotion for sheep or goats or their
products, genetic retention, and animal health. Eligible applicants,
including many business structures but excluding individuals (see
section III), may apply for up to $50,000 in Federal Funds per
proposal. The intent is to fund a variety of proposals that will
benefit the U.S. sheep and goat industries.
DATES: Complete paper or electronically submitted applications must be
received on or before 5 p.m. eastern time, October 14, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Applications, required forms, frequently asked questions and
other helpful information can be found at https://www.nsiic.org.
Submit completed paper applications to one of the following
addresses, depending on the delivery service used: (1) Submissions
using the U.S. Postal Service should be sent to: USDA National Sheep
Industry Improvement Center, P.O. Box 23483, Washington, DC 20026-3483;
(2) Submissions using commercial carriers should be sent to USDA
National Sheep Industry Improvement Center, 1400 Independence Avenue
SW., South Building Room 2117, Washington, DC 20250-3250.
Submit electronic grant applications to the following Internet
address: https://www.grants.gov. Before being able to submit an
electronic grant application, the applicant must complete a
registration process. Applicants should register at least 2 weeks prior
to the application deadline to ensure timely submission of their
applications.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay B. Wilson, Executive Director/CEO
202-690-0632 or Steve Lee, Administrative Officer 207-236-6567, or by
e-mail, info@nsiic.org.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Overview
Agency: National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.
Title: Sheep and Goat Industry Grant Initiative.
Type: Initial announcement for funding availability.
Catolog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10-774.
Dates: Applications must be received by October 14, 2005 for
projects that will be completed on or before September 30, 2007.
I. Funding Oportunity Description
The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) is
authorized under 7 U.S.C. 2008j. A NSIIC fund was established in the
Treasury, without fiscal year limitation, to provide seed-money for a
revolving fund that will provide financial assistance through a variety
of mechanisms for the enhancement and marketing of sheep or goat
products in the United States with an emphasis on infrastructure
development. The NSIIC is a unique pilot program with the management
vested in a Board of Directors that is appointed by, and reports to the
Secretary of Agriculture. The Board of Directors consists of 7 voting
members chosen from the sheep and goat industries. The Under Secretary
for Rural Development and Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service (CSREES) serve as non-voting members of the Board of
Directors. The mission of the NSIIC is ``To assist the U.S. Sheep and
Goat Industries by strengthening and enhancing the production and
marketing of sheep, goats, and their products in the United States.''
The NSIIC Board of Directors has made low interest loans available
through an intermediary arrangement with the National Livestock
Producers Association since 2000 and has conducted the National Sheep
Industry Grant Initiative in each of the past fiscal years since Fiscal
Year (FY) 2002. The Board is making this grant initiative of up to
$300,000 available for FY 2006.
Projects that are submitted in the proposals should be completed in
a timely fashion as provided in the proposal, with a final completion
date on or before September 30, 2007. The primary objective of the
Sheep and Goat Industry Grant Initiative (SGIGI) is to fund a number of
diverse projects that will benefit the U.S. sheep or goat industries
through product or business development, producer information or
education, marketing and promotion for sheep or goats or their
products, genetic retention and animal health at the regional, national
or international level. Examples of previously funded projects can be
found at www.nsiic.org/grants.htm.
Definitions
The definitions published at 7 CFR 4284.3 are incorporated by
reference.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Grant.
Fiscal Year Funds: NA.
Approximate Total Funding: $300,000.
Approximate number of Awards: 15.
Approximate Average Award: $18,000, ranging in the past from $1,300
to $50,000.
Floor of Award Range: None.
Ceiling of Award Range: $50,000.
Anticipated Award Date: January 23, 2006.
Budget Period Length: 20 months.
Project Period Length: 20 months.
It is expected that there will be proposals submitted that address
a variety of needs related to the U.S. sheep and goat industries.
Awards may be classified so that a variety of needs will be addressed
by the funded proposals. The actual number of grants funded will depend
on the quality of proposals received and the amount of funding
requested. A proposal may be partially funded or funded in its
entirety. The primary objective of the Sheep and Goat Industry Grant
Initiative (SGIGI) is to fund a number of diverse projects that will
benefit the U.S. sheep or goat industries through product or business
development, producer information or education, marketing and
[[Page 43114]]
promotion for sheep or goats or their products, genetic retention or
animal health at the regional, national or international level.
No funds made available under this solicitation shall be used to do
any of the following activities:
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 services
beyond that which is currently being provided;
2. Pay costs of preparing the application package for funding under
this program;
3. Pay costs of the project incurred prior to the date of grant
approval;
4. Fund political activities;
5. Pay for assistance to any private business enterprise that 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;
6. Pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States; or
7. Fund any activities prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, or
3019.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible applicants--An eligible entity is one that promotes the
betterment of the United States sheep or goat industries and includes:
(1) A public, private, or cooperative organization; (2) an association,
including a corporation not operated for profit; (3) a federally
recognized Indian Tribe; or (4) a public or quasi-public agency.
Eligible entities must be domestic with 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.
B. Ineligible applicants--Individuals, organizations under the
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, and organizations described in section
501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4))
which engage in lobbying activities. Applications from ineligible
applicants will be returned without review or consideration.
C. Cost Sharing or Matching--Cost sharing or matching funds are not
required but preference may be given to proposals that have over 50
percent of the project costs in matching funds, including in kind
contributions (See the Review and Selection Process). Overhead costs
cannot exceed 25 percent of total project cost.
D. Other Eligibility Requirements--Applications without sufficient
information to determine eligibility will not be considered for
funding.
Applications that are missing any required elements (in whole or in
part) will not be considered for funding.
There is no limit on the number of applications that an entity may
submit for this announcement.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Language: English
B. Address to Request Application Package--Forms can be found at
https://www.nsiic.org. They can also be obtained by: e-mailing a request
to info@nsiic.org; faxing a request to 202-720-1053 or calling 202-690-
0632.
C. Content and Form of Application Submission:
1. You may submit your application in paper or in an electronic
format. If you submit your application in a paper format it must
include an original, with an original signature, and 10 additional
copies.
2. Each copy must be stapled in the upper left-hand corner, do not
bind.
3. All copies of the proposal must be submitted in one package.
4. The proposal must be submitted on standard 8.5'' x 11'' paper
with typing on one side of the page only.
5. Margins must be at least 1'', type must be 12 characters per
inch (12 pitch or 10 point) or larger, no more than 6 lines per inch,
and there should be no page reductions.
6. Proposals are limited to the information requested. DO NOT;
exceed the narrative limit; include organizational brochures,
promotional materials, slides, films, clips, books, videos, product
samples, letters of support (they should be summarized in the
narrative) or any other additional materials. Proposals that contain
more than the requested information will be returned without review or
consideration.
D. What to Submit:
1. SF-424 ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' This serves as
the cover page and no other cover page should be included.
2. SF-424A ``Budget Information--Non Construction Programs.''
3. SF-424B ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
4. Project Summary: The proposal must contain a project summary of
1 page or less on a separate page. This page must include the title of
the project, the names of the primary project contacts, the applicant
entity, followed by the summary. The summary should be self-contained
and should describe the overall goals and relevance of the project. The
summary should also contain a listing of all organizations involved in
the project. The Project Summary should immediately follow SF-424B.
5. Project Narrative: The project narrative is limited to 10 pages
and the pages should be numbered, beginning with page 1 on the first
page of the narrative. The narrative portion of the Project Proposal
should contain the following:
a. Introduction: Substantiate the need for the proposed project.
Describe the project's specific relationship to the segment of sheep or
goat industry issue, product or market being addressed.
b. Potential Industry Impact--Discuss the specific objectives to be
accomplished under the project. Describe the proposed project and
demonstrate how it will stimulate the U.S. sheep or goat industries.
Provide a detailed analysis of the sheep or goat industry issue that is
being addressed by the proposal by including the: (i) Product or group
that will be impacted by the proposal; (ii) geographic area affected
(iii) target audience or end user; (iv) and expected results.
c. Industry Commitment--Describe the commitment of the producers,
processors, end-users or other involved parties in participating in the
proposed project. This may include, but is not limited to, individual
producers, producer groups, processors, seminar participants, local
organizations, local or state governments or trade associations.
d. Business Soundness--Discuss the specific goals and objectives to
be accomplished with a timetable, quantifiable benchmarks and expected
results.
e. Financial Feasibility--Provide a well-defined budget for the
proposal and describe how the budget specifically relates to the
completion of each goal or objective. This requirement may be
accomplished, in whole or in part, by the required completion of SF-
424A.
f. Management Ability--Identify the management team needed to
complete the proposal objectives and describe their qualifications.
Describe how the project will be coordinated among various participants
and the nature of the collaborations. Describe plans for management of
the project to ensure its proper and efficient administration.
g. Information that successful applicants must submit--Successful
applicants will receive a letter of intent from NSIIC at which time
they will be required to complete forms:
AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other
[[Page 43115]]
Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions;''
AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered
Transactions;''
AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements
(Grants);''
RD-400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement; Certification Regarding
Lobbying--Contracts, Grants, Loans and Cooperative Agreement;''
SF-270, ``Request for Advance for Reimbursement;'' and
SF-269, ``Financial Status Report,'' which is required later with
the written semi annual-reports.
V. Application Review Information
Selection Criteria--The proposal will initially be reviewed to
determine whether the entity submitting the proposal meets the
eligibility requirements and whether the proposal application contains
the information required. After this initial evaluation, the following
criteria will be used to rate and rank proposals received in response
to this notice of funding availability. Failure to address any one of
the criteria will disqualify the proposal and the proposal will be
returned without review or consideration. Equal weight shall be given
to each of the criterion listed below and points will be awarded on a
scale of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. A score of 5 indicates that the proposal was
judged to be highly relevant to the criterion and a score of 1
indicates that the proposal was judged not to sufficiently address the
criterion.
Each proposal will be evaluated and judged using the following
criteria:
A. Potential Industry Impact--Describe the proposed project and
demonstrate how it will stimulate the U.S. sheep or goat industries.
Provide a detailed analysis of the sheep or goat industry issue that is
being addressed by the proposal by including the: (1) Product or group
that will be impacted by the proposal; (2) geographic area affected;
(3) target audience or end user; (4) and expected results. The NSIIC
will evaluate whether the industry issue and need are well-defined and
the proposed project provides an effective and efficient approach to
resolving the identified need.
B. Industry Commitment--Describe the commitment of the producers,
processor, end-users or other involved parties in participating in the
proposed project. This may include, but is not limited to, individual
producers, producer groups, processors, seminar participants, local
organizations, local or state governments or trade associations. The
NSIIC will evaluate whether there is a commitment from all who are
expected to participate and benefit from the proposed project.
C. Business Soundness--Provide a timetable and objectives along
with a quantifiable benchmark and expected results. The NSIIC will
evaluate whether the proposal includes (1) Clear objectives; (2) well-
defined tasks that will accomplish the objectives; (3) realistic
benchmarks; and (4) a realistic timetable for the completion of the
proposed tasks and a business strategy have been adequately developed.
D. Financial Feasibility--Provide a well-defined budget for the
proposal. The NSIIC will evaluate whether (1) the funding requirements
and budget for the project are well defined; (2) financially feasible
and the matching funds or other resources that will be used to leverage
the requested funds are identified.
E. Management Ability--Identify the management team needed to
complete the proposal objectives and describe their qualifications. The
NSIIC will evaluate whether the management team is identified and
capable of implementing the proposal.
Review and Selection Process--The NSIIC Board of Directors will
evaluate proposal applications. Applications will be evaluated
competitively and points awarded as specified in the Selection Criteria
section of this Notice. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis
to eligible entities. A proposal may be partially funded. After
assigning points based upon the selection criteria, applications will
be funded in rank order until all available funds have been expended.
The Board of Directors reserves the right to award up to five
additional points for proposals with over 50 percent in matching funds
or to provide a diversity of projects targeting various situations,
geographic areas, subjects. Projects that are approved for further
processing will be subject to the grant terms that are negotiated
between the applicant and the Board of Directors including, but not
limited to, the amount to be funded, project goals, timetables,
completion date or other terms as deemed necessary.
Award Administration Information: All applicants will receive
notification of the outcome no later than January 23, 2006.
Notifications will be sent to the contact person identified on the SF-
424 by traceable carrier or USPS certified, return receipt mail.
VI. Award Administration Information
Award Notices--Successful applicants can expect notification no
later than January 23, 2006. A letter of intent will be sent to the
contact person identified on the SF-424. The letter of intent will be
followed by a letter of conditions, at that time the requirements
described in the ``Information that Successful applicants must submit''
section are required. When those are completed the grant agreement will
be executed.
Administrative and National Policy Requirements--Several Federal
statutes and regulations apply to proposals considered for review and
to grants awarded by USDA. These include, but are not limited to:
7 CFR 1.1--USDA implementation of the Freedom of Information Act.
7 CFR part 15a--USDA implementation of title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964.
7 CFR part 3015--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations.
7 CFR part 3016--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and
Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
7 CFR part 3017--Governmentwide Debarment.
7 CFR part 3018--New Restrictions on Lobbying.
7 CFR part 3019--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and
Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other
Nonprofit Organizations.
7 CFR part 3052--Audits of State, Local Governments, and Non-Profit
Organizations.
The terms of the above parts will be incorporated in the grant
agreement.
Reporting--In addition to any other required reports, awardees will
be required to submit written project performance reports on a semi-
annual basis and a final report at the completion of the project. A
follow up report on the progress of the project will also be required
one year after the completion of the award.
The project performance report and final report shall include, but
need not be limited to:
1. SF-269 ``Financial Status Report''
2. A written report that includes:
A. A comparison of timeline, tasks and objectives outlined in the
proposal as compared to the actual accomplishments;
B. If report varies from the stated objectives or they were not
met, the reasons why established objectives were not met;
C. Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will materially
affect attainment of planned project objectives;
D. Objectives established for the next reporting period; and
[[Page 43116]]
E. Status of compliance with any special conditions on the use of
awarded funds.
VII. Agency Contact(s)
Web site--Forms, previous recipients and other information can be
found at https://www.nsiic.org; e-mail: info@nsiic.org ; USPS at NSIIC,
PO Box 23483, Washington, DC 20026-3483; other carriers at Room 2117,
South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington,
DC 20250; Telephone (202) 690-0632 or (207) 236-6567 or FAX (202) 720-
1053.
VIII. Other Information
Low interest loans: For information on NSIIC intermediary low
interest loan program, visit National Livestock Producers Association
at https://www.nlpa.org.
The NSIIC Board of Directors reserves the right to award more, or
less than the funds described in this announcement. In the absence of
worthy application, the Board may decide not to make an award if deemed
in the best interest of the Government.
Dated: July 14, 2005.
Jay B. Wilson,
Executive Director/CEO, National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.
[FR Doc. 05-14627 Filed 7-25-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 1351-01-P
