Notice of Funds Availability Inviting Applications for Innovative Ways To Enhance the Economic Viability of Underserved and Limited-Resource Farmers and Ranchers, 69925-69930 [05-22821]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Farm Service Agency

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 222 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69925-69930]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-22821]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Farm Service Agency


Notice of Funds Availability Inviting Applications for Innovative 
Ways To Enhance the Economic Viability of Underserved and Limited-
Resource Farmers and Ranchers

    Announcement Type: Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) inviting 
applications from qualified organizations for fiscal year (FY) 2006 
funding.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number and Program: 10.443 
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and 
Ranchers.
SUMMARY: This is a request by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for 
proposals for applications for cooperative agreements for FY 2006 to 
help underserved and limited resource farmers and ranchers become more 
efficient operators and more economically viable. FY 2005 funding for 
similar cooperative agreements was $2 million. This notice is being 
issued prior to passage of a final Department of Agriculture 
Appropriations Bill to allow applicants sufficient time to prepare and 
submit proposals and give FSA sufficient time to process applications 
within FY 2006. An additional Notice of Funding Availability will be 
published announcing the funding level for FY 2006 once an 
appropriations act has been enacted. FSA requests proposals from 
eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, land grant institutions, 
including Tuskegee University, State governments, and Federally-
Recognized Indian Tribal Governments, interested in competitively 
awarded cooperative agreements, to demonstrate innovative and unique 
approaches to equip underserved and limited-resource farmers and 
ranchers, including beginning farmers and ranchers, to become more 
efficient and economically viable.
    Proposals should demonstrate innovative and unique ways to help 
underserved and limited-resource farmers and ranchers improve their 
economic viability through training, technical assistance, improved 
farming practices, and more effective marketing approaches.
    Underserved and limited-resource farmers and ranchers have 
different challenges to economic viability due to location, educational 
assets, age, and landownership. The need to properly address these 
challenges through education, training, technical assistance and the 
most creative ways of outreach is critical to the continued existence 
of the small farm.
    People in, or entering into, farming have an array of backgrounds 
and varied levels of current farm and farm business experience and 
knowledge. More and more qualified alien immigrants are entering 
American farming. Often, they are unfamiliar with productive marketing 
practices, acquisition of land, government assistance, and crop and 
animal production diversity.
    While there are no significant legal obstacles to becoming a farmer 
in the United States, many barriers to successful farming exist. Among 
those barriers are (1) increasing capital expenses, (2) progressive 
managerial requirements, and (3) competition with large-scale 
producers.
    Among limited-resource farmers, a subgroup, the underserved farmer, 
faces even more barriers to achieving success. In recognition of the 
dynamic needs of limited-resource and underserved farmers, FSA solicits 
proposals for innovative approaches to assisting the diverse limited-
resource and underserved farm community.

DATES: Applications should be submitted as soon as possible, but no 
later than 5 p.m. eastern time, December 19, 2005. Applications 
received after that date will not be accepted and will be returned to 
the applicant. Applicants must ensure that the service they use to 
deliver their applications can do so by the deadline. Due to security 
concerns, packages sent to the Agency by mail have been delayed several 
days or even weeks.

I. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This notice requires a new collection of information only for the 
Project Proposal. An emergency request for

[[Page 69926]]

approval of that collection has been approved by OMB through January 
31, 2006, under OMB Control Number 0560-0250. FSA intends to publish in 
the Federal Register a notice requesting public comments on this 
collection and will request a regular 3-year approval from OMB.

II. Funding Opportunity Description

Background

    This solicitation is issued pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 2204b(b)(4) 
authorizing the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into cooperative 
agreements to improve the coordination and effectiveness of Federal 
programs affecting rural areas. The primary objective of this 
solicitation for cooperative agreements is to assist limited-resource 
and underserved farmers and ranchers to become economically viable. 
Thousands of rural residents have chosen or will choose to farm but 
lack the essential skills and resources to acquire and maintain 
economic viability. Therefore, FSA will provide financial assistance 
via cooperative agreements to increase opportunities of the most needy 
limited resource and underserved farmers and ranchers to achieve 
economic viability as the result of increased technical assistance and 
training. FSA is publishing this NOFA prior to passage of a final 
appropriations act to give applicants time to complete their 
applications and to provide the Agency sufficient time to select and 
process the selected applications within the current fiscal year. 
Cooperative agreements will only be awarded if the project is 
determined to be economically viable and technically feasible. Also, 
the cooperative agreements in this solicitation are subject to the 
availability of adequate funding and may not be awarded if funds are 
not appropriated to the agency that may be used for this purpose, or 
budgetary authority for this program is otherwise revoked or not 
available.

Definitions

    The following definitions are applicable to this NOFA:
    Agency or FSA: The Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency 
or its successor.
    Beginning Farmers and Ranchers: Farmers and ranchers who have not 
operated a farm or ranch, or have operated a farm or ranch for not more 
than ten years.
    Farm Land: Land used for commercial agriculture crops, poultry and 
livestock enterprises, or aquaculture.
    Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Government: The governing body 
or a governmental agency of any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other 
organized group or community (including any Native village as defined 
in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, (85 Stat. 688) 
certified by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the special 
programs and services provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 
Their Web site is www.doi.gov/bureau-affairs.html.
    Land Grant Institution:
    (1) An 1890 institution, including Tuskegee University, or 1862 
institution, (as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)), including 
West Virginia State College.
    (2) An Indian tribal community college or an Alaska Native 
cooperative college.
    (3) A Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in section 1404 of 
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act 
of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)).
    (4) A 1994 institution (as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural 
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601).
    Limited-resource farmer or rancher: A low-income owner or operator 
of a family-size farm.
    National Office: FSA Headquarters in Washington, DC.
    Non-Profit Organization: Any corporation, trust, association, 
cooperative, or other organization that:
    (1) Is operated primarily for scientific, educational, service, 
charitable, or similar purposes in the public interest;
    (2) Is not organized primarily for profit; and
    (3) Is an organization that is recognized by the Internal Revenue 
Service as being exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(3)(c) 
of the Internal Revenue Code.
    Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher: One of a group whose 
members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice 
because of their identity as members of the group without regard to 
their individual qualities. For purposes of this program, socially 
disadvantaged groups are women, African Americans, American Indians, 
Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
    Underserved and Limited-Resource Farmers and Ranchers: Farmers and 
ranchers who do not have easy access to information and resources due 
to barriers such as language, cultural and other socio-economic 
factors, including socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, 
limited-resource farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and 
ranchers.

III. Award Information

    Eight to ten cooperative agreements are expected to be awarded; 
however, no agreements will be awarded if no submitted proposal meets 
the needs of the agency or the requirements of this notice. FSA 
anticipates approximately $3 million will be available to fund 
proposals in FY 2006. Awards are expected to average approximately 
$300,000. If lesser or no funds are made available to the agency for 
this purpose, fewer or no agreements may be awarded. Cooperative 
agreement funds may be used to cover allowable costs incurred by the 
recipient and approved by the Agency. Allowable costs will be governed 
by 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 3019 and applicable Office of Management 
and Budget Circulars.

IV. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Applicants must be non-profit organizations, federally-recognized 
Indian Tribal Governments, or land grant institutions as defined in the 
``Definitions'' section of this NOFA. Applications without sufficient 
information to determine their eligibility will not be considered.

2. Cost-Sharing or Matching

    There are no provisions for cost-sharing or matching.

V. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

    The forms required for an application as described below and for 
subsequent reporting by the successful applicant may be obtained from 
Darlene Smith, Program Analyst, Outreach Staff, telephone (202) 260-
6069, facsimile (202) 690-4727, Email: Darlene.Smith@wdc.usda.gov. 
Application materials can also be downloaded from the FSA Outreach Web 
site at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/outreach or from the Government grants 
Web site at www.grants.gov. Click on ``Find Grant Opportunities,'' then 
``Search Grant Synopsis.'' From the search results, select ``Outreach 
and Assistance Partnership Program'' to access forms for this program. 
All other information described below is to be provided by the 
applicant.

2. Content and Form of Application

    (a) Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.''

[[Page 69927]]

    (b) Form SF-424A, ``Information--Non-Construction Programs.''
    (c) Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
    (d) Table of Contents--For ease of locating information, each 
application must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately 
following the required Federal forms. The Table of Contents should 
include page numbers for each component of the application. Pagination 
should begin immediately following the Table of Contents.
    (e) Proposal Summary--A summary of the Project Proposal, not to 
exceed one page, that includes the title of the project, a description 
of the project (including goals and tasks to be accomplished), the 
names of the individuals responsible for conducting and completing the 
tasks, and the expected time frame for completing all tasks (which 
should not exceed twelve months).
    (f) Eligibility--A detailed discussion, not to exceed two pages, 
describing how the applicant meets the definition of land grant 
institution, non-profit organization, or federally recognized Indian 
tribal government, as outlined in the ``Recipient Eligibility 
Requirements'' section of this NOFA. In addition, the applicant must 
describe all other collaborative organizations that may be involved in 
the project.
    (g) Proposal Narrative--The narrative portion of the project 
proposal must be in a font such as Times New Roman, 12 pt. or 
comparable font, and must include the following:
    (h) Project Title--The title of the proposed project must be brief, 
not to exceed 100 characters, yet represent the major thrust of the 
project.
    (i) Information Sheet--A separate one page information sheet that 
lists each of the evaluation criteria listed in this NOFA under the 
``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' subsection followed by the page 
numbers of all relevant material and documentation contained in the 
proposal which address or support that criteria.
    (j) Goals and Objectives of the Project--A clear statement of the 
ultimate goals and objectives of the project must be presented.
    (k) All relevant material and documentation addressing the criteria 
in section VI(1) of this NOFA.

3. Submission Date

    The deadline for receipt of all applications is 5 p.m. Eastern 
Time, December 19, 2005. The Agency will not consider any applications 
received after the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted and 
will be returned to the applicant. Applicants must ensure that the 
service they use to deliver their applications can do so by the 
deadline. Due to recent security concerns, packages sent to the Agency 
by mail have been delayed several days or even weeks.

4. Submission of Applications

    An original and two paper copies of the completed and signed 
application, and one electronic copy (Microsoft Word format preferred) 
on diskette or compact disc must be submitted in one package at the 
time of initial submission.
    Submit applications and other required materials to Darlene Smith, 
Program Analyst, Outreach Staff, Farm Service Agency, USDA, STOP 0511, 
Room 3724-S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0511.
    Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by e-mail whenever 
possible. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to provide an e-mail 
address in the application. If an e-mail address is not indicated on an 
application, receipt will be acknowledged by letter. Incomplete or non-
responsive applications will be returned to the applicant and evaluated 
further. When received by FSA, applications will be assigned an 
identification number. This number will be communicated to applicants 
in the acknowledgement of receipt of applications. An application's 
identification number should be referenced in all correspondence 
regarding the application. If the applicant does not receive an 
acknowledgement within 15 days of the submission deadline, the 
applicant should contact Darlene Smith at (202)260-6069, or 
electronically at Darlene.Smith@wdc.usda.gov.

5. Intergovernmental Review

    Not applicable.

6. Funding Restrictions

    The awarding of cooperative agreements is subject to adequate 
funding and will only be awarded to the extent funds are made available 
to the agency for this purpose. Cooperative agreement funds cannot be 
used to:
    (a) Support the organization's general operations;
    (b) Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or 
facility (including a processing facility);
    (c) Purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment, including mobile 
and other processing equipment;
    (d) Pay for the preparation of the grant application;
    (e) Pay expenses not directly related to the funded venture;
    (f) Fund political or lobbying activities;
    (g) Pay costs incurred prior to receiving a Cooperative Agreement;
    (h) Fund any activity prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, 3018 
and 3019; or
    (i) Fund architectural or engineering design work for a specific 
physical facility.

VI. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    The proposal will be evaluated using the following criteria and 
weights. Each criterion must be addressed specifically and individually 
by category. These criteria should be in narrative form with any 
specific supporting documentation attached as addenda and directly 
following the proposal narrative. If other materials, including 
financial statements, will be used to support any evaluation criteria, 
they should also be placed directly following the proposal narrative. 
The applicant must also propose and delineate significant agency 
participation in the project. Failure to address any one of the 
criteria will disqualify the application. All proposals must be in 
compliance with this NOFA and applicable statutes.
    (a) Proposer's Commitment and Resources (20 points)--The standard 
evaluates the degree to which the organization is committed to the 
project, and the experience, qualifications, competency, and 
availability of personnel and resources to direct and carry out the 
project.
    (b) Feasibility and Policy Consistency (20 points)--The standard 
evaluates the degree to which the proposal clearly describes its 
objectives and evidences a high level of feasibility. This criterion 
relates to the adequacy and soundness of the proposed approach to the 
solution of the problem and evaluates the plans of operation, 
evaluation and dissemination, and timetable.
    (c) Detailed description of the anticipated number of underserved 
and limited resource farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and 
ranchers to be served by this initiative and collaborative 
partnerships, if any (20 points)--This standard evaluates the degree to 
which the proposal reflects partnerships and collaborative initiatives 
with other agencies or organizations to enhance the quality and 
effectiveness of the program. Additionally, the number of limited 
resources and underserved farmers and ranchers who would benefit from 
the services offered, and the socio-economic characteristics of the 
areas in which they are located will be evaluated.
    (d) Socially Disadvantaged Applicants--Outreach (20 points)--This

[[Page 69928]]

standard evaluates the degree to which the proposal contains efforts to 
reach persons identified as socially disadvantaged farmers and 
ranchers. The proposal will be evaluated for its potential for 
encouraging and assisting socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers 
to own and operate farms and ranches and participate in agricultural 
programs. Elements considered include impact, continuation plans, and 
expected products and results.
    (e) Preparatory Features--Statement of Work (15 points)--This 
standard evaluates the degree to which the proposal reflects innovative 
strategies for reaching the population targeted in the proposal and 
achieving the project objectives. Elements evaluated include 
originality, practicality, and creativity in developing and testing 
innovative solutions to existing or anticipated issues or problems of 
underserved and limited-resource farmers and ranchers. The proposal 
will be reviewed for its responsiveness to the need to provide 
underserved and limited-resource farmers and ranchers with information 
and assistance on various USDA programs, farm management, and other 
essential information to enhance participation in agricultural programs 
and conduct successful farming operations.
    (f) Overall Quality of the Proposal (5 points)--This standard 
evaluates the degree to which the proposal complies with this NOFA and 
is of high quality. Elements considered include adherence to 
instructions, accuracy, and completeness of forms, clarity and 
organization of ideas, thoroughness and sufficiency of detail in the 
budget narrative.
    (g) Accuracy of Proposed Budget and Justification (5 points)--This 
standard evaluates the accuracy of the proposed budget and the 
accompanying budget justification and should sufficiently provide the 
reviewer with a detailed description of each budget category that 
includes categorical subtotals as well as an attached budget 
justification that clearly defines and explains every proposed budget 
line item.

2. Review and Selection Process

    Prior to technical examination, a preliminary review will be made 
by FSA Outreach Staff for responsiveness to this solicitation. 
Proposals that do not fall within the solicitation guidelines or are 
otherwise ineligible will be eliminated from competition.
    All responsive proposals will be reviewed by a panel of career 
National Office FSA and/or USDA Agency employees chosen to provide 
maximum expertise and objective judgment in the evaluation of 
proposals. The panel will review applications using the evaluation 
criteria stated above for eligibility, completeness, and responsiveness 
to this NOFA. Incomplete or non-responsive applications will be 
returned to the applicant and not evaluated further.
    Successfully evaluated proposals will be ranked by the FSA Outreach 
Staff based on merit. Final approval of those proposals will be made by 
the Administrator of FSA (the Administrator).
    When the reviewers have completed their individual evaluations, the 
panel reviewers, based on the individual reviews, will make 
recommendations to the Administrator. Prior to award, the Administrator 
reserves the right to negotiate with an applicant or applicants whose 
projects are recommended for funding regarding project revisions (e.g., 
change in scope of work or the Agency's significant involvement), 
funding level, or period of support. A proposal may be withdrawn at any 
time before a final funding decision is made.

VII. Award Administration

1. Award Notices

    The successful applicant will be notified by FSA when selected by 
the Administrator. Within the limit of funds available for such 
purpose, the Administrator shall enter into a cooperative agreement 
with the successful applicant. The successful applicant will be 
required to sign an Agency-approved cooperative agreement.
    Unsuccessful applicants will be notified within 90 days after the 
receipt of applications.

2. Access to Panel Review Information

    Upon written request from the applicant, scores from the evaluation 
panel, not including the identity of reviewers, will be sent to the 
applicant after the review and awards process has been completed.

3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    In addition to the requirements provided in this notice, other 
Federal statutes and regulations apply to proposals considered for 
review and to the cooperative agreements awarded. These include, but 
are not limited to:
    (a) 7 CFR part 15, subpart A--Nondiscrimination in Federally-
Assisted Programs of the Department of Agriculture--Effectuation of 
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
    (b) 7 CFR part 3015--Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations;
    (c) 7 CFR part 3016--Uniform Administrative Regulations for Grants 
and Cooperative Agreements and State and Local Governments;
    (d) 7 CFR part 3017--Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-
procurement) and Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace 
(Grants);
    (e) 7 CFR part 3018--New Restrictions on Lobbying;
    (f) 7 CFR part 3019--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants 
and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and 
Other Non-profit Organizations; and
    (g) 7 CFR part 3052-Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-
Profit Organizations.

4. Reporting

    Cooperators will be required to:
    (a) Sign required Federal assistance forms including:
    (i) Form AD-1047, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
and Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered Transactions;
    (ii) Form AD-1048, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions;
    (iii) Form AD-1049, Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements (Grants); and
    (iv) Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement (Civil Rights).
    (b) Use Standard Form 270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement to 
request payments.
    (c) Submit Form SF-269, Financial Status Report, and list 
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories on a semi-
annual basis. A semi-annual financial report is due within 45 days 
after the first 6-month project period and an annual financial report 
is due within 60 days after the second 6-month project period.
    (d) Submit quarterly performance reports that compare 
accomplishments to the objectives; if established objectives are not 
met, discuss problems, delays, or other problems that may affect 
completion of the project; establish objectives for the next reporting 
period; and discuss compliance with any special conditions on the use 
of awarded funds.
    (e) Maintain a financial management and document retention system 
that is acceptable to the Agency.
    (f) Sign an agency-approved cooperative agreement.
    (g) Submit a final project performance report.

VIII. Agency Contact

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darlene Smith, Program Analyst,

[[Page 69929]]

Outreach Staff, Farm Service Agency, USDA, STOP 0511, Room 3724-S, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0511, phone: (202) 260-
6069, fax: (202) 690-4727, e-mail: Darlene.Smith@wdc.usda.gov.

IX. Other Information

1. Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)

    A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the 
universal standard for identifying and keeping track of over 70 million 
businesses worldwide. The Office of Management and Budget published a 
notice of final policy issuance in the Federal Register June 27, 2003 
(68 FR 38402) that requires a DUNS number in every application (i.e., 
hard copy and electronic) for a grant or cooperative agreement on or 
after October 1, 2003. Therefore, potential applicants should verify 
that they have a DUNS number or take the steps needed to obtain one. 
For information about how to obtain a DUNS number, go to https://
www.grants.gov. Please note that the registration may take up to 14 
business days to complete.

2. Required Registration for Electronic Submission of Proposals

    The Central Contract Registry (CCR) is a database that serves as 
the primary Government repository for contractor information required 
for the conduct of business with the Government. This database will 
also be used as a central location for maintaining organizational 
information for organizations seeking and receiving grants from the 
Government. Such organizations must register in the CCR prior to the 
submission of applications. A DUNS number is needed for CCR 
registration. For information about how to register in the CCR, visit 
``Get Started'' at the Web site, https://www.grants.gov. Allow a minimum 
of 5 days to complete the CCR registration.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on November 9, 2005.
Thomas B. Hofeller,
Acting Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
    This Cooperative Agreement (Agreement) dated--------, between--
------(Cooperator), and the United States of America, acting through 
the Farm Service Agency (FSA) of the Department of Agriculture 
(Grantor), for $-------- in cooperative agreement funds under the 
program, delineates the agreement of the parties.
    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the mutual agreements and 
promises in this cooperative agreement, the parties hereto agree as 
follows:
    The parties agree that:
    1. All the terms and provisions of the NOFA published--------, 
2005 (insert date) and application submitted by the Cooperator in 
connection therewith, including any attachments or amendments, are 
incorporated and included as part of this Cooperative Agreement. Any 
changes to these documents or this Cooperative Agreement must be 
approved in writing by FSA.
    2. As a condition of the Agreement, the Cooperator certifies 
that it is in compliance with and will comply in the course of the 
Agreement with all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders, 
and other generally applicable requirements, including those 
contained in 7 CFR 3015.205(b), which are incorporated into this 
agreement by reference, and such other statutory provisions as are 
specifically contained herein. The Cooperator will comply with 7 CFR 
part 15, subpart A, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 
section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Executive Order 
12250.
    3. The provisions of 7 CFR part 3015, ``Uniform Federal 
Assistance Regulations'', 7 CFR part 3019, ``Uniform Administrative 
Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher 
Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations,'' 7 CFR 
part 3017 ``Governmentwide Requirements for a Drug-Free Workplace 
(Grants),'' 7 CFR part 3018 ``New Restrictions on Lobbying,'' and 7 
CFR part 3052 ``Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit 
Organizations'', as applicable, are incorporated herein and made a 
part hereof by reference.
    4. The following certifications and forms are required and will 
become a part of the Agreement. These certifications, which are 
included as part of the Attachment 1, must be signed. The SF 424 and 
SF 424A may be revised and re-submitted to the Agency upon execution 
of this agreement if necessary.

SF 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance''
SF 424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Program''
SF 424B ``Assurance--Non-Construction Program''
SF LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities'' ``Certification 
Regarding Lobbying''
Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements (Grants) Alternative 1--For Grantees Other Than 
Individuals''
Form AD-1047 ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and 
Other Responsibility Matter-Primary Covered Transactions''

    5. Disbursements by FSA to the Cooperator will be made as soon 
as possible upon receipt and approval of a SF 270. Disbursement 
requests will be sent to:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of FSA)

    6. The FSA Project Coordinator is--------, (name). All notices 
to FSA will be sent to the FSA Project Coordinator at the following 
address--------, (address). Notices to Cooperator will be sent to 
the following: (insert name and address)
    FURTHER, the Cooperator agrees that it will:
    1. Not use cooperative agreement funds to plan, repair, 
rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or facility 
(including a processing facility); or to purchase, rent, or install 
fixed equipment.
    2. Use funds only for the purpose and activities specified in 
the proposal approved by FSA including the approved budget and Work 
Plan. Any uses not provided for in the approved budget and Work Plan 
must be approved in writing by FSA in advance of obligation by FSA.
    3. Keep an account of the expenditures of the funds provided by 
FSA and submit a Standard Form 269, ``Financial Status Report'' and 
list expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories on a 
semi-annual basis. Reports are due by April 30 and October 30 after 
the Cooperative Agreement is awarded.
    4. Immediately refund to FSA, at the end of the Cooperative 
Agreement, any balance of unobligated funds received from the FSA.
    5. Provide periodic reports as required by FSA. A financial 
status report and a project performance report will be required on a 
semi-annual basis. The financial status report must show how FSA 
provided funds have been used to date and project the funds needed 
and their purposes for the next six months. A final report may serve 
as the last semi-annual report. Cooperators shall constantly monitor 
performance to ensure that time schedules are being met and 
projected goals by time periods are being accomplished. The project 
performance reports shall include the following:
    (a) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives for 
that period.
    (b) Reasons why established objectives were not met, if 
applicable.
    (c) Reasons for any problems, delays, or adverse conditions 
which will affect attainment of overall program objectives, prevent 
meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude the attainment of 
particular objectives during established time periods. This 
disclosure shall be accomplished by a statement of the action taken 
or planned to resolve the situation.
    (d) Objectives and timetables established for the next reporting 
period.
    (e) The final report will also address the following:
    (i) What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of 
this program?
    (ii) What advice you would give to other organizations planning 
a similar program? This advice should include strengths and 
limitations of the program. If you had the opportunity, what would 
you have done differently?
    (iii) If an innovative approach was used successfully, the 
cooperator should describe their program in detail so that other 
organizations might consider replication in their programs.
     Provide Financial Management Systems that will include:
    (a) Records that identify adequately the source and application 
of funds for activities supported under this cooperative agreement. 
Those records shall contain information

[[Page 69930]]

pertaining to grant and cooperative agreement awards and 
authorizations, obligations, un-obligated balances, assets, 
liabilities, outlays, and income.
    (b) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, 
property, and other assets. Cooperator shall adequately safeguard 
all such assets and shall ensure that they are used solely for 
authorized purposes.
    (c) Accounting records supported by source documentation.
    7. To retain financial records, supporting documents, 
statistical records, and all other records pertinent to the 
Cooperative Agreement for a period of at least 3 years after the 
closeout, except that the records shall be retained beyond the 3-
year period if audit findings have not been resolved or if requested 
by FSA. Microfilm, photocopies or similar methods may be substituted 
in lieu of original records. FSA and the Comptroller General of the 
United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, 
shall have access to any books, documents, papers, and records of 
the Cooperator that are pertinent to this Cooperative Agreement for 
the purpose of making audits, examinations, excerpts, and 
transcripts.
    8. Not encumber, transfer, or dispose of the equipment or any 
part thereof, acquired wholly or in part with FSA funds provided 
under this Cooperative Agreement without the written consent of FSA.
    9. Not duplicate other program purposes for which monies have 
been received, are committed, or are applied to from other sources, 
public or private.
    FSA agrees to make available to Cooperator for the purpose of 
this Agreement funds in an amount not to exceed the cooperative 
agreement funds. The funds will be reimbursed or advanced based on 
submission of Standard Form 270.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cooperator has this day authorized and 
caused this Agreement to be executed by
    Attest

By---------------------------------------------------------------------

(Title)----------------------------------------------------------------

(Cooperator)

United States of America, Farm Service Agency

By---------------------------------------------------------------------

(Title)----------------------------------------------------------------

(Grantor)

[FR Doc. 05-22821 Filed 11-17-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-M