Announcement of Funding Availability and Solicitation of Applications, 18271-18276 [E6-5224]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2006 / Notices Committee Chair and mailed to: USDA Forest Service, ATTN: Roadless Advisory Committee Chair, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Mailstop 1104, Washington, DC 20250. Attendees wishing to comment orally will be allotted a specific amount of time—based on the number of speakers—to address the Committee on May 8, 2006. To offer oral comments on this day, contact the Committee Coordinator, Garth Smelser, at gsmelser@fs.fed.us or (202) 205–0992. Both oral and written comments should (1) specifically address the state petition(s) being reviewed, (2) focus on the basis for agreement/disagreement with a petition, and (3) if in disagreement, recommend an alternative. All public comment will become a permanent part of the official meeting record and, therefore, be made available to the public. Dated: April 4, 2006. Frederick Norbury, Associate Deputy Chief, NFS. [FR Doc. E6–5268 Filed 4–10–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Announcement of Funding Availability and Solicitation of Applications Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Notice of funding availability and solicitation of applications. AGENCY: wwhite on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES ACTION: SUMMARY: USDA Rural Development administers rural utilities programs through the Rural Utilities Service. USDA Rural Development announces the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program grant application window for funding during fiscal year (FY) 2006. FY 2005 funding for the DLT grant program was approximately $29.4 million. In addition to announcing an application window, the Agency announces the available funding, and the minimum and maximum amounts for DLT grants applicable for the fiscal year. DATES: You may submit completed applications for grants on paper or electronically according to the following deadlines: • Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than June 12, 2006 to be eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. Late or incomplete applications are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. • Electronic copies must be received by June 12, 2006 to be eligible for FY VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:37 Apr 10, 2006 Jkt 208001 2006 grant funding. Late or incomplete applications are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. ADDRESSES: You may obtain copies of the FY 2006 application guide and materials for the DLT grant program at the DLT Web site: https://www.usda.gov/ rus/telecom/dlt/dlt.htm. You may also request the FY 2006 application guide and materials by contacting the DLT Program at (202) 720–0413. Submit completed paper applications for grants to the Telecommunications Program, USDA Rural Development, United State Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 2845, STOP 1550, Washington, DC 20250–1550. Applications should be marked ‘‘Attention: Director, Advanced Services Division.’’ Submit electronic grant applications at https://www.grants.gov (Grants.gov), following the instructions you find on that Web site. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Orren E. Cameron, III, Director, Advanced Services Division, Telecommunications Program, USDA Rural Development, United States Department of Agriculture, telephone: (202) 720–0413, fax: (202) 720–1051. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Overview Federal Agency: Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Funding Opportunity Title: Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants. Announcement Type: Initial announcement. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.855. Dates: You may submit completed applications for grants on paper or electronically according to the following deadlines: • Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than June 12, 2006. to be eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. Late or incomplete applications are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. • Electronic copies must be received by June 12, 2006 to be eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. Late or incomplete applications are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. Items in Supplementary Information I. Funding Opportunity: Brief introduction to the DLT program. II. Minimum and Maximum Application Amounts: Projected Available Funding. III. Eligibility Information: Who is eligible, what kinds of projects are eligible, what criteria determine basic eligibility. IV. Application and Submission Information: Where to get application materials, what constitutes a completed application, how PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 18271 and where to submit applications, deadlines, items that are eligible. V. Application Review Information: considerations and preferences, scoring criteria, review standards, selection information. VI. Award Administration Information: award notice information, award recipient reporting requirements. VII. Agency Contacts: Web, phone, fax, email, contact name. I. Funding Opportunity Distance learning and telemedicine grants are specifically designed to provide access to education, training and health care resources for people in rural America. The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program provides financial assistance to encourage and improve telemedicine services and distance learning services in rural areas through the use of telecommunications, computer networks, and related advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. The grants are awarded through a competitive process. As in years past, the FY 2006 grant application guide has been changed to reflect recent changes in technology and application trends. Details of changes from the FY 2005 application guide are highlighted throughout this Notice and described in full in the FY 2006 application guide. The Agency strongly encourages all applicants to carefully review and exactly follow the FY 2006 application guide and sample materials when compiling a DLT grant application. II. Maximum and Minimum Amount of Grant Applications; Projected Available Funding Under 7 CFR 1703.124, the Administrator has determined the maximum amount of an application for a grant in FY 2006 is $500,000 and the minimum amount of a grant is $50,000. The anticipated amount available to fund grant awards in FY 2006 is $20 million. The USDA Rural Development will make awards and execute documents appropriate to the project prior to any advance of funds to successful applicants. DLT grants cannot be renewed. Award documents specify the term of each award. Applications to extend existing projects are welcomed (grant applications must be submitted during the application window) and will be evaluated as new applications. III. Eligibility Information A. Who is eligible for grants? (See 7 CFR 1703.103.) E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM 11APN1 18272 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2006 / Notices 1. Only entities legally organized as one of the following are eligible for DLT grants: a. An incorporated organization or partnership, b. An Indian tribe or tribal organization, as defined in 25 U.S.C. 450b(b) and (c), c. A state or local unit of government, d. A consortium, as defined in 7 CFR 1703.102, or e. Other legal entity, including a private corporation organized on a forprofit or not-for-profit basis. 2. Individuals are not eligible for DLT grants directly. 3. Electric and telecommunications borrowers under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq.) are not eligible for grants. B. What are the basic eligibility requirements for a project? 1. Required matching contributions: See 7 CFR 1703.125(g) and the FY 2006 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, paragraphs IV.G.1.c and V.B.2.d of this Notice and the FY 2006 application guide). b. Greater amounts of eligible matching contributions may increase an applicant’s score (see 7 CFR 1703.126(b)(4), paragraph V.B.2.d of this notice, and the FY 2006 application guide). c. Applications that do not provide evidence of the required fifteen percent match which helps determine eligibility will be declared ineligible and returned. See paragraphs IV.G.1.c and V.B.2.d of this Notice, and the FY 2006 application guide for specific information on documentation of matching contributions. d. Applications that do not document all matching contributions are subject to budgetary adjustment by USDA Rural Development, which may culminate in rejection of an application as ineligible due to insufficient match. 2. The DLT grant program is designed to flow the benefits of distance learning and telemedicine to residents of rural America (see 7 CFR 1703.103(a)(2)). Therefore, in order to be eligible, applicants must: a. Operate a rural community facility; or b. Deliver distance learning or telemedicine services to entities that operate a rural community facility or to residents of rural areas, at rates calculated to ensure that the benefit of the financial assistance is passed through to such entities or to residents of rural areas. 3. Rurality. a. All projects proposed for DLT grant assistance must meet a minimum rurality threshold, to ensure that benefits from the projects flow to rural residents. The minimum eligibility score is 20 points. Please see Section IV of this notice, 7 CFR 1703.126(a)(2), and the FY 2006 application guide for an explanation of the rurality scoring and eligibility criterion. b. Each application must apply the following criteria to each of its end-user sites, and hubs that are also proposed as end-user sites, in order to determine a rurality score. The rurality score is the average of all end-user sites’ rurality scores. Character Population Exceptionally Rural Area ............................................ Rural Area .................................................................. Mid-Rural Area ........................................................... Urban Area ................................................................. wwhite on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES Criterion Area not within a city, village or borough ................. Incorporated or unincorporated area ........................ Incorporated or unincorporated area ........................ Incorporated or unincorporated area ........................ ≤5000 .............................. >5000 and ≤10,000 ......... >10,000 and ≤20,000 ...... >20,000 ........................... c. The rurality score is one of the competitive scoring criteria applied to grant applications. 4. Projects located in areas covered by the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) are not eligible for grants from the DLT Program. Please see 7 CFR 1703.123(a)(11). C. See Section IV of this Notice and the FY 2006 application guide for a discussion of the items that make up a complete application. You may also refer to 7 CFR 1703.125 for complete grant application items. The FY 2006 application guide provides specific, detailed instructions for each item that constitutes a complete application. The Agency strongly emphasizes the importance of including every required item (as explained in the FY 2006 application guide) and strongly encourages applicants to follow the instructions exactly, using the examples and illustrations in the FY 2006 application guide. Applications which do not include all items that determine project eligibility and applicant eligibility by the application deadline VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:37 Apr 10, 2006 Jkt 208001 will be returned as ineligible. Applications that do not include all items necessary for scoring will be scored as is. Please see the FY 2006 application guide for a full discussion of each required item and for samples and illustrations. IV. Application and Submission Information A. Where to get application information. FY 2006 application guides, copies of necessary forms and samples, and the DLT Program regulation are available from these sources: 1. The Internet: https://www.usda.gov/ rus/telecom/dlt/dlt.htm. 2. The DLT Program for paper copies of these materials: (202) 720–0413. B. What constitutes a completed application? 1. Detailed information and instructions on each item in the table in paragraph IV.B.6 of this Notice can be found in the sections of the DLT Program regulation listed in the table, and the FY 2006 DLT grant application PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DLT Points 45 30 15 0 guide. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read and apply both the regulation and the FY 2006 application guide. Applications that do not include all items that determine project eligibility and applicant eligibility by the application deadline will be returned as ineligible. Applications that do not include all items necessary for scoring will be scored as is. Please see the FY 2006 application guide for a full discussion of each required item and for samples and illustrations. a. When the table refers to a narrative, it means a written statement, description or other written material prepared by the applicant, for which no form exists. USDA Rural Development recognizes that each project is unique and requests narratives to allow applicants to fully explain their request for financial assistance. b. When documentation is requested, it means letters, certifications, legal documents or other third-party documentation that provide evidence that the applicant meets the listed requirement. For example, to confirm E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM 11APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2006 / Notices Enterprise Zone (EZ) designations, applicants use various types of documents, such as letters from appropriate government bodies and copies of appropriate USDA Web pages. Leveraging documentation sometimes includes letters of commitment from other funding sources, or other documents specifying in-kind donations. Evidence of legal existence is sometimes proven by applicants who submit articles of incorporation. None of the foregoing examples is intended to limit the types of documentation that may be submitted to fulfill a requirement. The DLT Program regulations and the FY 2006 application guide provide specific guidance on each of the items in the table. 2. The FY 2006 DLT application guide and ancillary materials provide all necessary forms and worksheets. 3. While the table in paragraph IV.B.6 of this Notice includes all items of a complete application, USDA Rural Development may ask for additional or clarifying information if the submitted items do not fully address a criterion or other provision. USDA Rural Development will communicate with applicants if the need for additional information arises. Applications which do not include all items that determine project eligibility and applicant eligibility by the application deadline will be returned as ineligible. Applications that do not include all items necessary for scoring will be scored as is. Please see the FY 2006 application guide for a full discussion of each required item and for samples and illustrations. 4. Submit the required application items in the order provided in the FY 2006 application guide. The FY 2006 application guide specifies the format and order of all required items. 18273 Applications that are not assembled and tabbed in the order specified delay the review process. Given the high volume of Program interest, incorrectly assembled applications will be returned as ineligible. 5. DUNS Number. As required by the OMB, all applicants for grants must supply a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying. The Standard Form 424 (SF–424) contains a field for you to use when supplying your DUNS number. Obtaining a DUNS number costs nothing and requires a short telephone call to Dun and Bradstreet. Please see https://www.grants.gov/ RequestaDUNS for more information on how to obtain a DUNS number or how to verify your organization’s number. 6. Table of Required Elements of a Completed Grant Application. Application item (7 CFR 1703.125 and CFR 1703.126) Notes (see the FY 2006 application guide for full instructions) SF–424 (Application for Federal Assistance form) .................................. Completely filled out, including the required detailed listing of all project sites. Application will be ineligible without this information. Narrative. Recommend using the Agency worksheet. Application will be ineligible without this information. Recommend using the Agency worksheet; must include source documentation. Recommend using the Agency worksheet; and documentation. Narrative and documentation, if necessary. Narrative and documentation. Table or spreadsheet; recommend using the Agency format. Application will be ineligible without this information. Documentation. Application will be ineligible without this information. Narrative. Application will be ineligible without this information. Narrative and documentation. Narrative and documentation; maps or diagrams. Application will be ineligible without this information. Narrative or other appropriate format. Application will be ineligible without this information. Narrative 3-page, single-spaced limit. Documentation. Documentation. Executive Summary .................................................................................. Rural Calculation Table ............................................................................ National School Lunch Program Determination ....................................... EZ/EC or Champion Communities designation ....................................... Documented Need for Services/Benefits Derived from Services ............ Innovativeness of the Project ................................................................... Budget ...................................................................................................... Leveraging Evidence and Funding Commitments from All Sources ....... Financial Information/Sustainability .......................................................... System/Project Cost Effectiveness .......................................................... Telecommunications System Plan ........................................................... Proposed Scope of Work ......................................................................... Statement of Experience .......................................................................... Consultation with the USDA State Director, Rural Development ............ Application conforms with State Strategic Plan per USDA State Director, Rural Development, (if plan exists). 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—Primary Covered Transactions. Lobbying for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements ... Nonduplication of Services ....................................................................... wwhite on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES Environmental Impact/Historic Preservation Certification ........................ Evidence of Legal Authority to Contract with the Government ................ Evidence of Legal Existence .................................................................... C. How many copies of an application are required? 1. Applications submitted on paper. a. Submit the original application and two (2) copies to USDA Rural Development. VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:37 Apr 10, 2006 Jkt 208001 Recommend Recommend Recommend Recommend using using using using Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Agency Agency Agency Agency sample sample sample sample form. form. form. form. Recommend using the Agency sample form. Recommend using the Agency sample form. Recommend using the Agency sample form. Recommend using the Agency sample form. Application will be ineligible without this information. Recommend using the Agency sample form. Documentation. Application will be ineligible without this information. Documentation. Application will be ineligible without this information. b. Submit one (1) additional copy to the State government single point of contact (SPOC) (if one has been designated) at the same time as you submit the application to the Agency. See https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/ PO 00000 the the the the Sfmt 4703 grants/spoc.html for an updated listing of State government single points of contact. 2. Electronically submitted applications. E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM 11APN1 18274 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2006 / Notices a. The additional paper copies specified in 7 CFR 1703.128(c) and 7 CFR 1703.136(b) are not necessary if you submit the application electronically through Grants.gov. b. Submit one (1) copy to the State government single point of contact (if one has been designated) at the same time as you submit the application to the Agency. See https:// www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/ spoc.html for an updated listing of State government single points of contact. D. How and where to submit an application. Grant applications may be submitted on paper or electronically. 1. Submitting applications on paper. a. Address paper applications for grants to the Telecommunications Program, USDA Rural Development, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 2845, STOP 1550, Washington, DC 20250–1550. Applications should be marked ‘‘Attention: Director, Advanced Services Division.’’ b. Paper applications must show proof of mailing or shipping by the deadline consisting of one of the following: (i) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service (USPS) postmark; (ii) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the USPS; or (iii) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier. c. Due to screening procedures at the 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. USDA Rural Development encourages applicants to consider the impact of this procedure in selecting their application delivery method. 2. Electronically submitted applications. a. Applications will not be accepted via fax or electronic mail. b. Electronic applications for grants will be accepted if submitted through the Federal government’s Grants.gov initiative at https://www.grants.gov. c. How to use Grants.gov. (i) Grants.gov contains full instructions on all required passwords, credentialing and software. (ii) Central Contractor Registry. Submitting an application through Grants.gov requires that you list your organization in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). Setting up a CCR listing takes up to five business days, so the Agency strongly recommends that you obtain your organization’s DUNS number and CCR listing well in advance of the deadline specified in this notice. (iii) Credentialing and authorization of applicants. Grants.gov will also require some credentialing and online authentication procedures. These procedures may take several business days to complete, further emphasizing the need for early action by applicants to complete the sign-up, credentialing and authorization procedures at Grants.gov before you submit an application at that Web site. (iv) Some or all of the CCR and Grants.gov registration, credentialing and authorizations require updates. If you have previously registered at Grants.gov to submit applications electronically, please ensure that your registration, credentialing and authorizations are up to date well in advance of the grant application deadline. d. USDA Rural Development encourages applicants who wish to apply through Grants.gov to submit their applications in advance of the deadlines. e. If a system problem occurs or you have technical difficulties with an electronic application, please use the customer support resources available at the Grants.gov Web site. E. Deadlines. 1. Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than June 12, 2006 to be eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. Late or incomplete Eligible? (7 CFR 1703.121 and 7 CFR 1703.123) wwhite on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES Item Lease or purchase of eligible DLT equipment and facilities ........................................................... Acquire instructional programming .................................................................................................. Technical assistance, develop instructional programming, engineering or environmental studies Medical or education 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 ........................................................................................... Land or building purchase ............................................................................................................... Building construction ....................................................................................................................... Acquiring telecommunications transmission facilities ..................................................................... Salaries, wages, benefits for medical or educational personnel .................................................... Salaries/administrative expenses of applicant or project ................................................................ VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:37 Apr 10, 2006 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 applications are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. 2. Electronic grant applications must be received by June 12, 2006 to be eligible for FY 2006 funding. Late or incomplete applications are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. F. Intergovernmental Review. The DLT grant program is subject to Executive Order 12372, ‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.’’ As stated in paragraph IV.C 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. Please see https:// www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/ spoc.html to determine whether your state has a single point of contact. G. Funding Restrictions. 1. Eligible purposes. a. End-user sites may receive financial assistance; hub sites (rural or non-rural) may also receive financial assistance if they are necessary to provide DLT services to end-user sites. Please see 7 CFR 1703.101(h). b. To fulfill the policy goals laid out for the DLT Program in 7 CFR 1703.101, the following table lists purposes for financial assistance and whether each purpose is generally considered to be eligible for the assistance. Please consult the FY 2006 application guide and the regulations (7 CFR 1703.102 for definitions, in combination with the portions of the regulation cited in the table) for detailed requirements for the items in the table. USDA Rural Development strongly recommends that applicants exclude ineligible items from the grant and match portions of their project budgets. However, some items ineligible for funding or matching contributions may be vital to the project. USDA Rural Development encourages applicants to document those costs in the application’s budget. Please see the FY 2006 application guide for a recommended budget format, and detailed budget compilation instructions. Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Yes—equipment only. Yes. Yes, not to exceed 10% of the grant. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM 11APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2006 / Notices 18275 Item Eligible? (7 CFR 1703.121 and 7 CFR 1703.123) Recurring project costs or operating expenses .............................................................................. No. Equipment leases are eligible. Telecommunications connection charges are not eligible. Yes. wwhite on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES Equipment to be owned by the LEC or other telecommunications service provider, if the provider is the applicant. Duplicate 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 covered in regulation ................................................................................. Costs for and facilities providing distance learning broadcasting ................................................... Reimburse applicant or others for costs incurred prior to the Agency’s receipt of completed application. c. Discounts. The DLT Program regulation has long stated that manufacturers’ and service providers’ discounts are not eligible matches. The Agency will not consider as eligible any proposed match from a vendor, manufacturer, or service provider whose products or services will be used in the DLT project as described in the application. In recent years, the Agency has noted a trend of vendors, manufacturers and other service providers offering their own products and services as in-kind matches for a project when their products or services will also be purchased with either grant or cash match funds for that project. Such activity is a discount and is therefore not an eligible match. Similarly, if a vendor, manufacturer or other service provider proposes a cash match (or any in-kind match) when their products or services will be purchased with grant or match funds, such activity is a discount and is not an eligible match. The Agency actively discourages such matching proposals and will adjust budgets as necessary to remove any such matches, which may reduce an application’s score or result in the application’s ineligibility due to insufficient match. 2. Eligible Equipment and Facilities. Please see 7 CFR 1703.102 for definitions of eligible equipment, eligible facilities and telecommunications transmission facilities as used in the table above. In addition, the FY 2006 application guide supplies a wealth of information and examples of eligible and ineligible items. 3. Apportioning budget items. Many DLT applications propose to use items for a blend of specific DLT project purposes and other purposes. For the first time, USDA Rural Development asks that applicants attribute the proportion (by percentage of use) of the costs of each item to the project’s DLT purpose or to other purposes. See the FY 2006 application guide for detailed VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:37 Apr 10, 2006 Jkt 208001 information on how to apportion use and apportioning illustrations. V. Application Review Information A. Special considerations or preferences. American Samoa, Guam, Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands applications are exempt from the matching requirement up to a match amount of $200,000 (see 48 U.S.C. 1469a; 91 Stat. 1164). B. Criteria. 1. Grant applications are scored competitively and subject to the criteria listed below. 2. Grant application scoring criteria (total possible points: 235) See 7 CFR 1703.125 for the items that will be reviewed during scoring, and 7 CFR 1703.126 for scoring criteria. a. Need for services proposed in the application, and the benefits that will be derived if the application receives a grant (up to 55 points). (i) Up to 45 of the 55 possible points under this criterion are available to all applicants. Points are awarded based on the required narrative crafted by the applicant. USDA Rural Development encourages applicants to carefully read the cited portions of the Program regulation and the FY 2006 application guide for full discussions of all of the facets of this criterion. (ii) Up to 10 of the possible 55 possible points under this criterion can be earned only by applications whose overall National School Lunch Program (NSLP) eligibility is less than 50%. (iii) Applicants whose projects demonstrate an overall NSLP eligibility of less than 50% must include an affirmative request for consideration of the possible 10 points, and documentation of reasons why the NSLP eligibility percentage does not fully demonstrate the economic need of the proposed project areas in their applications. b. Rurality of the proposed service area (up to 45 points). c. Percentage of students eligible for the NSLP in the proposed service area PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 No. No. No. No. No. No. (objectively demonstrates economic need of the area) (up to 35 points). d. Leveraging resources above the required matching level (up to 35 points). Please see paragraph III.B of this Notice for a brief explanation of matching contributions. e. Level of innovation demonstrated by the project (up to 15 points). f. System cost-effectiveness (up to 35 points). g. Project overlap with Empowerment Zone, Enterprise Communities or Champion Communities designations (up to 15 points). C. Review standards. 1. In addition to the scoring criteria that rank applications against each other, the Agency evaluates grant applications for possible awards on the following items, according to 7 CFR 1703.127: a. Financial feasibility. b. Technical considerations. If the application contains flaws that would prevent the successful implementation, operation or sustainability of a project, the Agency will not award a grant. c. Other aspects of proposals that contain inadequacies that would undermine the ability of the project to comply with the policies of the DLT Program. 2. Applications which do not include all items that determine project eligibility and applicant eligibility by the application deadline will be returned as ineligible. Applications that do not include all items necessary for scoring will be scored as is. Please see the FY 2006 application guide for a full discussion of each required item and for samples and illustrations. 3. If an application contains all items necessary to determining eligibility, but does not contain all items that affect its score, the application will be scored based on the information submitted by the deadline. The Agency will not request missing items that affect the application’s score. 4. The FY 2006 application guide specifies the format and order of all E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM 11APN1 18276 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2006 / Notices wwhite on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES required items. Applications that are not assembled and tabbed in the order specified delay the review process. Given the high volume of Program interest, incorrectly assembled applications will be returned as ineligible. 5. Most DLT projects contain numerous project sites. USDA Rural Development requires that site information be consistent throughout an application. Sites must be referred to by the same designation throughout all parts of an application. USDA Rural Development has provided a site worksheet that requests the necessary information, and can be used as a guide by applicants. USDA Rural Development strongly recommends that applicants complete the site worksheet, listing all requested information for each site. Applications without consistent site information will be returned as ineligible. D. Selection Process. Grant applications are ranked by final score, and by application purpose (education or medical). USDA Rural Development selects applications based on those rankings, subject to the availability of funds. USDA Rural Development may allocate grant awards between medical and educational purposes, but is not required to do so. In addition, USDA Rural Development has the authority to limit the number of applications selected in any one State during a fiscal year. See 7 CFR 1703.127. VI. Award Administration Information A. Award Notices. USDA Rural Development generally notifies applicants whose projects are selected for awards by faxing an award letter. USDA Rural Development follows the award letter with a grant agreement that contains all the terms and conditions for the grant. USDA Rural Development recognizes that each funded project is unique, and therefore may attach conditions to different projects’ award documents. An applicant must execute and return the grant agreement, accompanied by any additional items required by the grant agreement, within 120 days of the selection date. B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: The items listed in Section IV of this notice, and the DLT Program regulation, FY 2006 application guide and accompanying materials implement the appropriate administrative and national policy requirements. C. Reporting. 1. Performance reporting. All recipients of DLT financial assistance must provide annual performance activity reports to USDA Rural Development until the VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:37 Apr 10, 2006 Jkt 208001 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 DLT Program objectives. See 7 CFR 1703.107. 2. Financial reporting. All recipients of DLT financial assistance must provide an annual audit, beginning with the first year a portion of the financial assistance is expended. Audits are governed by United States Department of Agriculture audit regulations. Please see 7 CFR 1703.108. VII. Agency Contacts A. Web site: https://www.usda.gov/rus/ telecom/dlt/dlt.htm. The DLT Web site maintains up-to-date resources and contact information for DLT programs. B. Phone: 202–720–0413. C. Fax: 202–720–1051. D. E-mail: dltinfo@usda.gov. E. Main point of contact: Orren E. Cameron, III, Director, Advanced Services Division, Telecommunications Program, USDA Rural Development, United States Department of Agriculture. Dated: March 31, 2006. James M. Andrew, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. E6–5224 Filed 4–10–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of the Census Census Advisory Committees Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting; correction. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is issuing this notice to correct the dates of the meetings for the Census Advisory Committees (CACs) on the African American Population, the American Indian and Alaska Native Populations, the Asian Population, the Hispanic Population, and the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Populations. The Census Bureau originally published in the Federal Register on Monday, April 3, 2006 (63 FR 16548), a Notice of Public Meeting for the above named committees. This notice corrects the DATES section of the earlier notice. The DATES section should now read that the meetings will be held on April 27–28, 2006. DATES: April 27–28, 2006. On April 27, the meeting will begin at approximately 8:45 a.m. and end at approximately 4 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 p.m. On April 28, the meeting will begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. and end at approximately 3 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Sheraton Crystal City Hotel, 1800 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Jeri Green, Committee Liaison Officer, Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 3627, Federal Office Building 3, Washington, DC 20233, telephone (301) 763–2070, TTY (301) 457–2540. Dated: April 5, 2006. Charles Louis Kincannon, Director, Bureau of the Census. [FR Doc. E6–5265 Filed 4–10–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–07–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [Docket 10–2006] Foreign-Trade Zone 163—Ponce, Puerto Rico Area, Application for Expansion An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board (the Board) by Codezol, C.D., grantee of FTZ 163, requesting authority to expand FTZ 163, in the Hormigueros, Puerto Rico area, adjacent to the Ponce Customs port of entry. The application was submitted pursuant to the provisions of the Foreign-Trade Zones Act, as amended (19 U.S.C. 81a–81u), and the regulations of the Board (15 CFR Part 400). It was formally filed on April 3, 2006. FTZ 163 was approved on October 18, 1989 (Board Order 443, 54 FR 46097, 11/01/89) and expanded on April 18, 2000 (Board Order 1091, 65 FR 24676, 4/27/00) and April 25, 2005 (Board Order 1397, 70 FR 36117, 6/22/05). The zone project currently consists of the following sites in the Ponce, Puerto Rico, area: Site 1 (106 acres)—within the Port of Ponce area, including a site (11 acres) located at 3309 Avenida Santiago de Los Caballeros, Ponce; Site 2 (191 acres, 5 parcels)—Peerless Oil & Chemicals, Inc., Petroleum Terminal Facilities located at Rt. 127, Km. 17.1, Penuelas; Site 3 (13 acres, 2 parcels)— Rio Piedras Distribution Center located within the central portion of the Quebrada Arena Industrial Park, and the Hato Rey Distribution Center located within the northeastern portion of the Tres Monjitas Industrial Park, San Juan; Site 4 (14 acres)—warehouse facility located at State Road No. 3, Km. 1401, Guayama; Site 5 (256 acres, 34 parcels)—Mercedita Industrial Park E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM 11APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 11, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18271-18276]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-5224]

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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

Announcement of Funding Availability and Solicitation of
Applications

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of funding availability and solicitation of
applications.

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

SUMMARY: USDA Rural Development administers rural utilities programs
through the Rural Utilities Service. USDA Rural Development announces
the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program grant application
window for funding during fiscal year (FY) 2006. FY 2005 funding for
the DLT grant program was approximately $29.4 million.
In addition to announcing an application window, the Agency
announces the available funding, and the minimum and maximum amounts
for DLT grants applicable for the fiscal year.

DATES: You may submit completed applications for grants on paper or
electronically according to the following deadlines:
Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or
sent overnight no later than June 12, 2006 to be eligible for FY 2006
grant funding. Late or incomplete applications are not eligible for FY
2006 grant funding.
Electronic copies must be received by June 12, 2006 to be
eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. Late or incomplete applications are
not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding.

ADDRESSES: You may obtain copies of the FY 2006 application guide and
materials for the DLT grant program at the DLT Web site: https://
www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/dlt/dlt.htm. You may also request the FY 2006
application guide and materials by contacting the DLT Program at (202)
720-0413.
Submit completed paper applications for grants to the
Telecommunications Program, USDA Rural Development, United State
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 2845, STOP
1550, Washington, DC 20250-1550. Applications should be marked
``Attention: Director, Advanced Services Division.''
Submit electronic grant applications at https://www.grants.gov
(Grants.gov), following the instructions you find on that Web site.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Orren E. Cameron, III, Director,
Advanced Services Division, Telecommunications Program, USDA Rural
Development, United States Department of Agriculture, telephone: (202)
720-0413, fax: (202) 720-1051.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

Federal Agency: Rural Utilities Service (RUS).
Funding Opportunity Title: Distance Learning and Telemedicine
Grants.
Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.855.
Dates: You may submit completed applications for grants on paper or
electronically according to the following deadlines:
Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or
sent overnight no later than June 12, 2006. to be eligible for FY 2006
grant funding. Late or incomplete applications are not eligible for FY
2006 grant funding.
Electronic copies must be received by June 12, 2006 to be
eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. Late or incomplete applications are
not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding.

Items in Supplementary Information

I. Funding Opportunity: Brief introduction to the DLT program.
II. Minimum and Maximum Application Amounts: Projected Available
Funding.
III. Eligibility Information: Who is eligible, what kinds of
projects are eligible, what criteria determine basic eligibility.
IV. Application and Submission Information: Where to get application
materials, what constitutes a completed application, how and where
to submit applications, deadlines, items that are eligible.
V. Application Review Information: considerations and preferences,
scoring criteria, review standards, selection information.
VI. Award Administration Information: award notice information,
award recipient reporting requirements.
VII. Agency Contacts: Web, phone, fax, email, contact name.

I. Funding Opportunity

Distance learning and telemedicine grants are specifically designed
to provide access to education, training and health care resources for
people in rural America. The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT)
Program provides financial assistance to encourage and improve
telemedicine services and distance learning services in rural areas
through the use of telecommunications, computer networks, and related
advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and
rural residents. The grants are awarded through a competitive process.
As in years past, the FY 2006 grant application guide has been
changed to reflect recent changes in technology and application trends.
Details of changes from the FY 2005 application guide are highlighted
throughout this Notice and described in full in the FY 2006 application
guide. The Agency strongly encourages all applicants to carefully
review and exactly follow the FY 2006 application guide and sample
materials when compiling a DLT grant application.

II. Maximum and Minimum Amount of Grant Applications; Projected
Available Funding

Under 7 CFR 1703.124, the Administrator has determined the maximum
amount of an application for a grant in FY 2006 is $500,000 and the
minimum amount of a grant is $50,000. The anticipated amount available
to fund grant awards in FY 2006 is $20 million.
The USDA Rural Development will make awards and execute documents
appropriate to the project prior to any advance of funds to successful
applicants.
DLT grants cannot be renewed. Award documents specify the term of
each award. Applications to extend existing projects are welcomed
(grant applications must be submitted during the application window)
and will be evaluated as new applications.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Who is eligible for grants? (See 7 CFR 1703.103.)

[[Page 18272]]

1. Only entities legally organized as one of the following are
eligible for DLT grants:
a. An incorporated organization or partnership,
b. An Indian tribe or tribal organization, as defined in 25 U.S.C.
450b(b) and (c),
c. A state or local unit of government,
d. A consortium, as defined in 7 CFR 1703.102, or
e. Other legal entity, including a private corporation organized on
a for-profit or not-for-profit basis.
2. Individuals are not eligible for DLT grants directly.
3. Electric and telecommunications borrowers under the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq.) are not eligible
for grants.
B. What are the basic eligibility requirements for a project?
1. Required matching contributions: See 7 CFR 1703.125(g) and the
FY 2006 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, paragraphs IV.G.1.c and V.B.2.d of this
Notice and the FY 2006 application guide).
b. Greater amounts of eligible matching contributions may increase
an applicant's score (see 7 CFR 1703.126(b)(4), paragraph V.B.2.d of
this notice, and the FY 2006 application guide).
c. Applications that do not provide evidence of the required
fifteen percent match which helps determine eligibility will be
declared ineligible and returned. See paragraphs IV.G.1.c and V.B.2.d
of this Notice, and the FY 2006 application guide for specific
information on documentation of matching contributions.
d. Applications that do not document all matching contributions are
subject to budgetary adjustment by USDA Rural Development, which may
culminate in rejection of an application as ineligible due to
insufficient match.
2. The DLT grant program is designed to flow the benefits of
distance learning and telemedicine to residents of rural America (see 7
CFR 1703.103(a)(2)). Therefore, in order to be eligible, applicants
must:
a. Operate a rural community facility; or
b. Deliver distance learning or telemedicine services to entities
that operate a rural community facility or to residents of rural areas,
at rates calculated to ensure that the benefit of the financial
assistance is passed through to such entities or to residents of rural
areas.
3. Rurality.
a. All projects proposed for DLT grant assistance must meet a
minimum rurality threshold, to ensure that benefits from the projects
flow to rural residents. The minimum eligibility score is 20 points.
Please see Section IV of this notice, 7 CFR 1703.126(a)(2), and the FY
2006 application guide for an explanation of the rurality scoring and
eligibility criterion.
b. Each application must apply the following criteria to each of
its end-user sites, and hubs that are also proposed as end-user sites,
in order to determine a rurality score. The rurality score is the
average of all end-user sites' rurality scores.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DLT
Criterion Character Population Points
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exceptionally Rural Area................ Area not within a city, village <=5000..................... 45
or borough.
Rural Area.............................. Incorporated or unincorporated >5000 and <=10,000......... 30
area.
Mid-Rural Area.......................... Incorporated or unincorporated >10,000 and <=20,000....... 15
area.
Urban Area.............................. Incorporated or unincorporated >20,000.................... 0
area.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

c. The rurality score is one of the competitive scoring criteria
applied to grant applications.
4. Projects located in areas covered by the Coastal Barrier
Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) are not eligible for grants from
the DLT Program. Please see 7 CFR 1703.123(a)(11).
C. See Section IV of this Notice and the FY 2006 application guide
for a discussion of the items that make up a complete application. You
may also refer to 7 CFR 1703.125 for complete grant application items.
The FY 2006 application guide provides specific, detailed instructions
for each item that constitutes a complete application. The Agency
strongly emphasizes the importance of including every required item (as
explained in the FY 2006 application guide) and strongly encourages
applicants to follow the instructions exactly, using the examples and
illustrations in the FY 2006 application guide. Applications which do
not include all items that determine project eligibility and applicant
eligibility by the application deadline will be returned as ineligible.
Applications that do not include all items necessary for scoring will
be scored as is. Please see the FY 2006 application guide for a full
discussion of each required item and for samples and illustrations.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Where to get application information. FY 2006 application
guides, copies of necessary forms and samples, and the DLT Program
regulation are available from these sources:
1. The Internet: https://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/dlt/dlt.htm.
2. The DLT Program for paper copies of these materials: (202) 720-
0413.
B. What constitutes a completed application?
1. Detailed information and instructions on each item in the table
in paragraph IV.B.6 of this Notice can be found in the sections of the
DLT Program regulation listed in the table, and the FY 2006 DLT grant
application guide. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read and apply
both the regulation and the FY 2006 application guide. Applications
that do not include all items that determine project eligibility and
applicant eligibility by the application deadline will be returned as
ineligible. Applications that do not include all items necessary for
scoring will be scored as is. Please see the FY 2006 application guide
for a full discussion of each required item and for samples and
illustrations.
a. When the table refers to a narrative, it means a written
statement, description or other written material prepared by the
applicant, for which no form exists. USDA Rural Development recognizes
that each project is unique and requests narratives to allow applicants
to fully explain their request for financial assistance.
b. When documentation is requested, it means letters,
certifications, legal documents or other third-party documentation that
provide evidence that the applicant meets the listed requirement. For
example, to confirm

[[Page 18273]]

Enterprise Zone (EZ) designations, applicants use various types of
documents, such as letters from appropriate government bodies and
copies of appropriate USDA Web pages. Leveraging documentation
sometimes includes letters of commitment from other funding sources, or
other documents specifying in-kind donations. Evidence of legal
existence is sometimes proven by applicants who submit articles of
incorporation. None of the foregoing examples is intended to limit the
types of documentation that may be submitted to fulfill a requirement.
The DLT Program regulations and the FY 2006 application guide provide
specific guidance on each of the items in the table.
2. The FY 2006 DLT application guide and ancillary materials
provide all necessary forms and worksheets.
3. While the table in paragraph IV.B.6 of this Notice includes all
items of a complete application, USDA Rural Development may ask for
additional or clarifying information if the submitted items do not
fully address a criterion or other provision. USDA Rural Development
will communicate with applicants if the need for additional information
arises. Applications which do not include all items that determine
project eligibility and applicant eligibility by the application
deadline will be returned as ineligible. Applications that do not
include all items necessary for scoring will be scored as is. Please
see the FY 2006 application guide for a full discussion of each
required item and for samples and illustrations.
4. Submit the required application items in the order provided in
the FY 2006 application guide. The FY 2006 application guide specifies
the format and order of all required items. Applications that are not
assembled and tabbed in the order specified delay the review process.
Given the high volume of Program interest, incorrectly assembled
applications will be returned as ineligible.
5. DUNS Number. As required by the OMB, all applicants for grants
must supply a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
number when applying. The Standard Form 424 (SF-424) contains a field
for you to use when supplying your DUNS number. Obtaining a DUNS number
costs nothing and requires a short telephone call to Dun and
Bradstreet. Please see https://www.grants.gov/RequestaDUNS for more
information on how to obtain a DUNS number or how to verify your
organization's number.
6. Table of Required Elements of a Completed Grant Application.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes (see the FY 2006
Application item (7 CFR 1703.125 and application guide for full
CFR 1703.126) instructions)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF-424 (Application for Federal Completely filled out,
Assistance form). including the required
detailed listing of all
project sites. Application
will be ineligible without
this information.
Executive Summary...................... Narrative.
Rural Calculation Table................ Recommend using the Agency
worksheet. Application will be
ineligible without this
information.
National School Lunch Program Recommend using the Agency
Determination. worksheet; must include source
documentation.
EZ/EC or Champion Communities Recommend using the Agency
designation. worksheet; and documentation.
Documented Need for Services/Benefits Narrative and documentation, if
Derived from Services. necessary.
Innovativeness of the Project.......... Narrative and documentation.
Budget................................. Table or spreadsheet; recommend
using the Agency format.
Application will be ineligible
without this information.
Leveraging Evidence and Funding Documentation. Application will
Commitments from All Sources. be ineligible without this
information.
Financial Information/Sustainability... Narrative. Application will be
ineligible without this
information.
System/Project Cost Effectiveness...... Narrative and documentation.
Telecommunications System Plan......... Narrative and documentation;
maps or diagrams. Application
will be ineligible without
this information.
Proposed Scope of Work................. Narrative or other appropriate
format. Application will be
ineligible without this
information.
Statement of Experience................ Narrative 3-page, single-spaced
limit.
Consultation with the USDA State Documentation.
Director, Rural Development.
Application conforms with State Documentation.
Strategic Plan per USDA State
Director, Rural Development, (if plan
exists).
Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Recommend using the Agency
sample form.
Architectural Barriers................. Recommend using the Agency
sample form.
Flood Hazard Area Precautions.......... Recommend using the Agency
sample form.
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Recommend using the Agency
Property Acquisition Policies Act of sample form.
1970.
Drug-Free Workplace.................... Recommend using the Agency
sample form.
Debarment, Suspension, and Other Recommend using the Agency
Responsibility Matters--Primary sample form.
Covered Transactions.
Lobbying for Contracts, Grants, Loans, Recommend using the Agency
and Cooperative Agreements. sample form.
Nonduplication of Services............. Recommend using the Agency
sample form. Application will
be ineligible without this
information.
Environmental Impact/Historic Recommend using the Agency
Preservation Certification. sample form.
Evidence of Legal Authority to Contract Documentation. Application will
with the Government. be ineligible without this
information.
Evidence of Legal Existence............ Documentation. Application will
be ineligible without this
information.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. How many copies of an application are required?
1. Applications submitted on paper.
a. Submit the original application and two (2) copies to USDA Rural
Development.
b. Submit one (1) additional copy to the State government single
point of contact (SPOC) (if one has been designated) at the same time
as you submit the application to the Agency. See https://
www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html for an updated listing of State
government single points of contact.
2. Electronically submitted applications.

[[Page 18274]]

a. The additional paper copies specified in 7 CFR 1703.128(c) and 7
CFR 1703.136(b) are not necessary if you submit the application
electronically through Grants.gov.
b. Submit one (1) copy to the State government single point of
contact (if one has been designated) at the same time as you submit the
application to the Agency. See https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/
spoc.html for an updated listing of State government single points of
contact.
D. How and where to submit an application. Grant applications may
be submitted on paper or electronically.
1. Submitting applications on paper.
a. Address paper applications for grants to the Telecommunications
Program, USDA Rural Development, United States Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 2845, STOP 1550,
Washington, DC 20250-1550. Applications should be marked ``Attention:
Director, Advanced Services Division.''
b. Paper applications must show proof of mailing or shipping by the
deadline consisting of one of the following:
(i) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service (USPS) postmark;
(ii) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the
USPS; or
(iii) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial
carrier.
c. Due to screening procedures at the 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.
USDA Rural Development encourages applicants to consider the impact of
this procedure in selecting their application delivery method.
2. Electronically submitted applications.
a. Applications will not be accepted via fax or electronic mail.
b. Electronic applications for grants will be accepted if submitted
through the Federal government's Grants.gov initiative at https://
www.grants.gov.
c. How to use Grants.gov.
(i) Grants.gov contains full instructions on all required
passwords, credentialing and software.
(ii) Central Contractor Registry. Submitting an application through
Grants.gov requires that you list your organization in the Central
Contractor Registry (CCR). Setting up a CCR listing takes up to five
business days, so the Agency strongly recommends that you obtain your
organization's DUNS number and CCR listing well in advance of the
deadline specified in this notice.
(iii) Credentialing and authorization of applicants. Grants.gov
will also require some credentialing and online authentication
procedures. These procedures may take several business days to
complete, further emphasizing the need for early action by applicants
to complete the sign-up, credentialing and authorization procedures at
Grants.gov before you submit an application at that Web site.
(iv) Some or all of the CCR and Grants.gov registration,
credentialing and authorizations require updates. If you have
previously registered at Grants.gov to submit applications
electronically, please ensure that your registration, credentialing and
authorizations are up to date well in advance of the grant application
deadline.
d. USDA Rural Development encourages applicants who wish to apply
through Grants.gov to submit their applications in advance of the
deadlines.
e. If a system problem occurs or you have technical difficulties
with an electronic application, please use the customer support
resources available at the Grants.gov Web site.
E. Deadlines.
1. Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or
sent overnight no later than June 12, 2006 to be eligible for FY 2006
grant funding. Late or incomplete applications are not eligible for FY
2006 grant funding.
2. Electronic grant applications must be received by June 12, 2006
to be eligible for FY 2006 funding. Late or incomplete applications are
not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding.
F. Intergovernmental Review. The DLT grant program is subject to
Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.'' As stated in paragraph IV.C 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. Please see https://
www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html to determine whether your state
has a single point of contact.
G. Funding Restrictions.
1. Eligible purposes.
a. End-user sites may receive financial assistance; hub sites
(rural or non-rural) may also receive financial assistance if they are
necessary to provide DLT services to end-user sites. Please see 7 CFR
1703.101(h).
b. To fulfill the policy goals laid out for the DLT Program in 7
CFR 1703.101, the following table lists purposes for financial
assistance and whether each purpose is generally considered to be
eligible for the assistance. Please consult the FY 2006 application
guide and the regulations (7 CFR 1703.102 for definitions, in
combination with the portions of the regulation cited in the table) for
detailed requirements for the items in the table. USDA Rural
Development strongly recommends that applicants exclude ineligible
items from the grant and match portions of their project budgets.
However, some items ineligible for funding or matching contributions
may be vital to the project. USDA Rural Development encourages
applicants to document those costs in the application's budget. Please
see the FY 2006 application guide for a recommended budget format, and
detailed budget compilation instructions.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eligible? (7 CFR 1703.121
Item and 7 CFR 1703.123)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lease or purchase of eligible DLT equipment Yes--equipment only.
and facilities.
Acquire instructional programming.......... Yes.
Technical assistance, develop instructional Yes, not to exceed 10% of
programming, engineering or environmental the grant.
studies.
Medical or education equipment or No.
facilities necessary to the project.
Vehicles using distance learning or No.
telemedicine technology to deliver
services.
Teacher-student links located at the same No.
facility.
Links between medical professionals located No.
at the same facility.
Site development or building alteration.... No.
Land or building purchase.................. No.
Building construction...................... No.
Acquiring telecommunications transmission No.
facilities.
Salaries, wages, benefits for medical or No.
educational personnel.
Salaries/administrative expenses of No.
applicant or project.

[[Page 18275]]

Recurring project costs or operating No. Equipment leases are
expenses. eligible.
Telecommunications
connection charges are not
eligible.
Equipment to be owned by the LEC or other Yes.
telecommunications service provider, if
the provider is the applicant.
Duplicate distance learning or telemedicine No.
services.
Any project that, for its success, depends No.
on additional DLT financial assistance or
other financial assistance that is not
assured.
Application preparation costs.............. No.
Other project costs not covered in No.
regulation.
Costs for and facilities providing distance No.
learning broadcasting.
Reimburse applicant or others for costs No.
incurred prior to the Agency's receipt of
completed application.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

c. Discounts. The DLT Program regulation has long stated that
manufacturers' and service providers' discounts are not eligible
matches. The Agency will not consider as eligible any proposed match
from a vendor, manufacturer, or service provider whose products or
services will be used in the DLT project as described in the
application. In recent years, the Agency has noted a trend of vendors,
manufacturers and other service providers offering their own products
and services as in-kind matches for a project when their products or
services will also be purchased with either grant or cash match funds
for that project. Such activity is a discount and is therefore not an
eligible match. Similarly, if a vendor, manufacturer or other service
provider proposes a cash match (or any in-kind match) when their
products or services will be purchased with grant or match funds, such
activity is a discount and is not an eligible match. The Agency
actively discourages such matching proposals and will adjust budgets as
necessary to remove any such matches, which may reduce an application's
score or result in the application's ineligibility due to insufficient
match.
2. Eligible Equipment and Facilities. Please see 7 CFR 1703.102 for
definitions of eligible equipment, eligible facilities and
telecommunications transmission facilities as used in the table above.
In addition, the FY 2006 application guide supplies a wealth of
information and examples of eligible and ineligible items.
3. Apportioning budget items. Many DLT applications propose to use
items for a blend of specific DLT project purposes and other purposes.
For the first time, USDA Rural Development asks that applicants
attribute the proportion (by percentage of use) of the costs of each
item to the project's DLT purpose or to other purposes. See the FY 2006
application guide for detailed information on how to apportion use and
apportioning illustrations.

V. Application Review Information

A. Special considerations or preferences. American Samoa, Guam,
Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands applications are exempt
from the matching requirement up to a match amount of $200,000 (see 48
U.S.C. 1469a; 91 Stat. 1164).
B. Criteria. 1. Grant applications are scored competitively and
subject to the criteria listed below.
2. Grant application scoring criteria (total possible points: 235)
See 7 CFR 1703.125 for the items that will be reviewed during scoring,
and 7 CFR 1703.126 for scoring criteria.
a. Need for services proposed in the application, and the benefits
that will be derived if the application receives a grant (up to 55
points).
(i) Up to 45 of the 55 possible points under this criterion are
available to all applicants. Points are awarded based on the required
narrative crafted by the applicant. USDA Rural Development encourages
applicants to carefully read the cited portions of the Program
regulation and the FY 2006 application guide for full discussions of
all of the facets of this criterion.
(ii) Up to 10 of the possible 55 possible points under this
criterion can be earned only by applications whose overall National
School Lunch Program (NSLP) eligibility is less than 50%.
(iii) Applicants whose projects demonstrate an overall NSLP
eligibility of less than 50% must include an affirmative request for
consideration of the possible 10 points, and documentation of reasons
why the NSLP eligibility percentage does not fully demonstrate the
economic need of the proposed project areas in their applications.
b. Rurality of the proposed service area (up to 45 points).
c. Percentage of students eligible for the NSLP in the proposed
service area (objectively demonstrates economic need of the area) (up
to 35 points).
d. Leveraging resources above the required matching level (up to 35
points). Please see paragraph III.B of this Notice for a brief
explanation of matching contributions.
e. Level of innovation demonstrated by the project (up to 15
points).
f. System cost-effectiveness (up to 35 points).
g. Project overlap with Empowerment Zone, Enterprise Communities or
Champion Communities designations (up to 15 points).
C. Review standards. 1. In addition to the scoring criteria that
rank applications against each other, the Agency evaluates grant
applications for possible awards on the following items, according to 7
CFR 1703.127:
a. Financial feasibility.
b. Technical considerations. If the application contains flaws that
would prevent the successful implementation, operation or
sustainability of a project, the Agency will not award a grant.
c. Other aspects of proposals that contain inadequacies that would
undermine the ability of the project to comply with the policies of the
DLT Program.
2. Applications which do not include all items that determine
project eligibility and applicant eligibility by the application
deadline will be returned as ineligible. Applications that do not
include all items necessary for scoring will be scored as is. Please
see the FY 2006 application guide for a full discussion of each
required item and for samples and illustrations.
3. If an application contains all items necessary to determining
eligibility, but does not contain all items that affect its score, the
application will be scored based on the information submitted by the
deadline. The Agency will not request missing items that affect the
application's score.
4. The FY 2006 application guide specifies the format and order of
all

[[Page 18276]]

required items. Applications that are not assembled and tabbed in the
order specified delay the review process. Given the high volume of
Program interest, incorrectly assembled applications will be returned
as ineligible.
5. Most DLT projects contain numerous project sites. USDA Rural
Development requires that site information be consistent throughout an
application. Sites must be referred to by the same designation
throughout all parts of an application. USDA Rural Development has
provided a site worksheet that requests the necessary information, and
can be used as a guide by applicants. USDA Rural Development strongly
recommends that applicants complete the site worksheet, listing all
requested information for each site. Applications without consistent
site information will be returned as ineligible.
D. Selection Process. Grant applications are ranked by final score,
and by application purpose (education or medical). USDA Rural
Development selects applications based on those rankings, subject to
the availability of funds. USDA Rural Development may allocate grant
awards between medical and educational purposes, but is not required to
do so. In addition, USDA Rural Development has the authority to limit
the number of applications selected in any one State during a fiscal
year. See 7 CFR 1703.127.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices. USDA Rural Development generally notifies
applicants whose projects are selected for awards by faxing an award
letter. USDA Rural Development follows the award letter with a grant
agreement that contains all the terms and conditions for the grant.
USDA Rural Development recognizes that each funded project is unique,
and therefore may attach conditions to different projects' award
documents. An applicant must execute and return the grant agreement,
accompanied by any additional items required by the grant agreement,
within 120 days of the selection date.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: The items
listed in Section IV of this notice, and the DLT Program regulation, FY
2006 application guide and accompanying materials implement the
appropriate administrative and national policy requirements.
C. Reporting. 1. Performance reporting. All recipients of DLT
financial assistance must provide annual performance activity reports
to USDA Rural Development 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 DLT
Program objectives. See 7 CFR 1703.107.
2. Financial reporting. All recipients of DLT financial assistance
must provide an annual audit, beginning with the first year a portion
of the financial assistance is expended. Audits are governed by United
States Department of Agriculture audit regulations. Please see 7 CFR
1703.108.

VII. Agency Contacts

A. Web site: https://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/dlt/dlt.htm. The DLT
Web site maintains up-to-date resources and contact information for DLT
programs.
B. Phone: 202-720-0413.
C. Fax: 202-720-1051.
D. E-mail: dltinfo@usda.gov.
E. Main point of contact: Orren E. Cameron, III, Director, Advanced
Services Division, Telecommunications Program, USDA Rural Development,
United States Department of Agriculture.

Dated: March 31, 2006.
James M. Andrew,
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. E6-5224 Filed 4-10-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P

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