Request for Applications (RFA): Research and Development Risk Management Research Partnerships, 20973-20978 [E6-6086]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Federal Crop Insurance Corporation

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 78 (Monday, April 24, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20973-20978]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-6086]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Federal Crop Insurance Corporation


Request for Applications (RFA): Research and Development Risk 
Management Research Partnerships

    Announcement Type: Notice of availability of funds and request for 
application for risk management research partnerships.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.456.

    Dates: The closing date and time for receipt of an application is 5 
p.m. CDT, June 8, 2006. Applications received after the deadline will 
not be evaluated by the technical review panel and will not be 
considered for funding. All awards will be made and agreements 
completed no later than September 30, 2006.
    Overview: The purpose of the Risk Management Research Partnerships 
is to fund the development of non-insurance risk management tools that 
will be utilized by agricultural producers to assist them in mitigating 
the risks inherent in agricultural production. The proposal must 
address the objectives listed in part I.D. In conducting activities to 
achieve the purpose of this proposed research, the recipient will be 
responsible for the activities listed under section II.A.1 of this 
part. RMA will be responsible for the activities listed under section 
II.A.2 of this part. In addition, all proposals must clearly 
demonstrate the usefulness and benefits of the tool to producers of 
priority commodities and provide a plan for on-going maintenance and 
support as described in part III.C.2. Approximately $4 million is 
available to fund an undetermined number of partnerships. Projects may 
be funded for a period of up to three years. Applications are accepted 
from public and private entities; individuals are not eligible to 
apply. No cost sharing by the applicant is required. There are no 
limitations on the number of applications each applicant may submit.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Background

    The Risk Management Agency (RMA), on behalf of the Federal Crop 
Insurance Corporation (FCIC), is committed to meeting the risk 
management needs and improving or developing risk management tools for 
the nation's farmers and ranchers. It does this by offering Federal 
crop insurance and other risk management products and tools through a 
network of private-sector entities and by overseeing the creation of 
new products, seeking enhancements in existing products, and by 
expanding the use of a variety of risk management tools. Risk 
management tools include a variety of risk management options and 
strategies developed to assist producers in mitigating the risks 
inherent in agricultural production. For the purposes of this 
announcement, risk management tools do not include insurance products, 
plans of insurance, policies, modifications thereof or any related 
material.

B. Purpose

    The purpose of this program is to fund partnership agreements that 
assist producers, minimize their production

[[Page 20974]]

risks, and/or develop risk management tools. The agreements are for the 
development of risk management tools for use directly by agricultural 
producers. To aid in meeting these goals each partnership agreement 
awarded through this program will provide the recipient with funds, 
guidance, and the substantial involvement of RMA to carry out these 
risk management initiatives. Applications requesting funding for the 
development of insurance products, plans of insurance, policies, 
modifications thereof or related materials are excluded from 
consideration under this announcement.

C. Authorization

    In accordance with section 522(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act 
(Act), FCIC announces the availability of funding for risk management 
research activities. Priority will be given to those activities 
addressing the need for risk management tools for producers of the 
following agricultural commodities (For purposes of this announcement, 
these commodities are collectively referred to as ``Priority 
Commodities''):
     Agricultural commodities covered by section 196 of the 
Agricultural Market Transition Act (7 U.S.C. 7333) (Noninsured 
Assistance Program (NAP)). Commodities in this group are commercial 
crops that are not covered by catastrophic risk protection crop 
insurance, are used for food or fiber (except livestock), and 
specifically include, but are not limited to, floricultural, ornamental 
nursery, Christmas trees, turf grass sod, aquaculture (including 
ornamental fish), and industrial crops.
     Specialty crops. Commodities in this group may be covered 
under a Federal crop insurance plan and include, but are not limited 
to, fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, syrups, honey, roots, herbs, and 
highly specialized varieties of traditional crops.
     Underserved commodities. This group includes: (a) 
Commodities, including livestock that are covered by a Federal crop 
insurance plan but for which participation in an area is below the 
national average; and (b) commodities, including livestock, with 
inadequate crop insurance coverage.

D. Objectives

    The project objectives listed below highlight the research 
priorities of RMA. The objectives are listed in priority order, with 
the most important objective designated as 1, the second most important 
designated as 2, etc. The order of priority will be considered in 
making awards. The suggested emphasis discussed within each objective 
is not meant to be exhaustive. Applicants may propose other topics 
within any project objective but justification for those topics must be 
provided.
    RMA encourages proposals that address multiple risks and will 
result in the development of tools that provide an integrated or 
holistic approach to risk mitigation. Preference will be given to such 
proposals.
    Proposals may address multiple objectives, but each proposal must 
specify a single primary objective for funding purposes.
    In order of priority, the project objectives are:
    1. To develop risk management tools that would provide producers 
facing reduced water allocations with the information needed for one or 
more of the following: Determining the amount of acres that could be 
planted and irrigated; determining expected yield reductions associated 
with reduced irrigation water application; determining expected water 
deliveries for making planting decisions.
    2. To develop risk management tools to assist producers (including 
livestock) in finding alternative products, techniques or strategies 
related to disease management.
    3. To develop risk management tools to assist producers in finding 
alternative products, techniques or strategies related to pest 
mitigation under various farming practices.
    4. To develop risk management tools encouraging self-protection for 
production agricultural enterprises vulnerable to losses due to 
terrorism.

II. Award Information

A. Award Description

    Approximately $4 million is available for partnership agreements 
that will fund the development of risk management tools. Awards under 
this program will be made on a competitive basis. Projects may be 
funded for a period of up to three years for the activities described 
in this announcement. Projects can also be in two parts with the first 
part including the research and feasibility studies and the second part 
including the development, implementation, delivery and maintenance of 
the risk management tool. If the development of the tool is determined 
not to be feasible, the partnership may be terminated by RMA after 
completion of the first part with funding reduced accordingly.
    There is no commitment by RMA to fund any particular project or to 
make a specific number of awards. Applicants awarded a partnership 
agreement for an amount that is less than the amount requested will be 
required to modify their application to conform to the reduced amount 
before execution of the partnership agreement. No maximum or minimum 
funding levels have been established for individual projects. All 
awards will be made and agreements completed no later than September 
30, 2006.
    Recipients of awards must demonstrate non-financial benefits from a 
partnership agreement and must agree to substantial involvement of RMA 
in the project.
1. Recipient Activities
    The applicant will be required to perform the following activities:
    a. Finalize, in cooperation with RMA, the partnership agreement.
    b. Finalize, in cooperation with RMA, the plan to administer, 
maintain and update the risk management tool in the future. The 
applicant must develop a plan for the delivery of the risk management 
tool to producers and the ongoing maintenance and support of the risk 
management tool, including how the applicant will fund the delivery, 
support, maintenance and updating of the tool to maintain its 
applicability, benefits, usefulness, and value to producers. The 
applicant must also deliver the risk management tool to producers and 
support, maintain and update the tool as applicable.
    c. Define non-financial benefits and the substantial involvement of 
the RMA.
    d. Coordinate, manage, document and implement the timely completion 
of the approved research and development activities.
    e. Abide by the plans and provisions contained in the partnership 
agreement.
    f. Report on program performance in accordance with the partnership 
agreement.
    g. The recipient may be required to make a presentation to the FCIC 
Board of Directors.
    h. Adhere to RMA guidelines for systems development and information 
technology development.
2. RMA Activities
    RMA will be substantially involved during the performance of the 
funded activity. Potential types of substantial involvement may 
include, but are not limited to the following activities:
    a. Collaborate on the research plan;
    b. Assist in the selection of subcontractors and project staff;
    c. Review and approve critical stages of project development before 
subsequent stages may be started;
    d. Provide assistance in the management or technical performance of 
the project;

[[Page 20975]]

    e. Collaborate with the recipient in the development of materials 
associated with the funded project, as it relates to publication or 
presentation of the results and the distribution of the risk management 
tools to the public, any producer groups, RMA, and the FCIC Board of 
Directors;
    f. Assist in the collection of data and information that may be 
available in RMA databases;
    g. Collaborate with the recipient in the development of a proposal 
to administer, maintain and update the risk management tool in the 
future.
    h. Similar types of activities.

B. Other Activities

    In addition to the specific activities listed above, the applicant 
may suggest other activities that would contribute directly to the 
purpose of this program. For any additional activity suggested, the 
applicant should identify the objective of the activity, the specific 
tasks required to meet the objective, specific timelines for performing 
the tasks, and specific responsibilities of the partners. The applicant 
should also identify specific ways in which RMA could or should have 
substantial involvement in that activity.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

    Proposals are invited from qualified public and private entities. 
Eligible applicants include colleges and universities, Federal, State, 
and local agencies, Native American tribal organizations, non-profit 
and for-profit private organizations or corporations, and other 
entities. Individuals are not eligible applicants.
    Although an applicant may be eligible to compete for an award based 
on its status as an eligible entity, other factors may exclude an 
applicant from receiving Federal assistance under this program (e.g. 
debarment and suspension; a determination of non-performance on a prior 
contract, cooperative agreement, grant or partnership; a determination 
of a violation of applicable ethical standards).

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Cost sharing, matching, in-kind contributions, or cost 
participation is not required.

C. Other

    1. Applicants must demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed risk 
management tool and the benefits of the tool to producers of priority 
commodities. Applicants must include information supporting the need 
for the tool, such as a market analysis, or communications from 
producers or producer organizations expressing a need for the proposed 
tool. The proposal must also clearly define how the proposed tool will 
meet the needs of the producer groups identified. Refer to part V.A.3 
for the review and selection process.
    2. If the project proposed for development requires ongoing 
maintenance, support and delivery to producers beyond the development 
stage, the applicant must submit a plan to continue the maintenance, 
support and delivery of the tool without relying on RMA's resources. If 
the applicant does not plan to directly support, maintain and deliver 
the tool using non-award funds after the development period funded by 
this award is completed, then the proposal should identify a third 
party sponsor who will do so. For example, if a proposed tool would 
require constant updating of data and availability on a website in 
order to be utilized by producers, then a sponsor should be identified 
that would be able to provide the funds necessary to maintain and host 
the tool. Third party sponsors may include government agencies, grower 
organizations, industry organizations, private sector entities, etc. If 
the tool proposed does not require support, maintenance, updating or 
revisions to maintain applicability or value or does not require 
continued delivery to producers, the proposal should so state and 
provide the basis why such actions are not required. Refer to part 
V.A.4 for the review and selection process.
    3. Applicants must be able to demonstrate they will receive non-
financial benefits as a result of the partnership agreement. Non-
financial benefits must accrue to the applicant and must include more 
than the ability to provide income to the applicant or for the 
applicant's employees or the community. The applicant must demonstrate 
that performance under the partnership agreement will further the 
specific mission of the applicant (such as providing research or 
activities necessary for graduate or other students to complete 
educational programs or benefits derived through the furtherance of an 
organization's mission). Refer to part V.A.2 for evaluation criteria.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address To Request Application Package

    Applicants may download an application package from the Risk 
Management Agency Web site at: https://www.rma.usda.gov. Applicants may 
also request an application package from: RMA/RED Partnership Agreement 
Program, USDA, RMA/RED, 6501 Beacon Drive, Stop 0813, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64133-4676, phone: (816) 926-6343, fax: (816) 926-7343, e-
mail: RMA.Research.Application @rma.usda.gov.
    Completed and signed application packages must be sent to: RMA/RED 
Partnership Agreement Program, USDA, RMA/RED, 6501 Beacon Drive, Stop 
0813, Kansas City, Missouri 64133-4676. Applicants are encouraged to 
submit completed and signed application packages using overnight mail 
or delivery service, or electronic submission to ensure timely receipt 
by the USDA. Applicants using the U.S. Postal Service should allow for 
extra security-processing time for mail delivered to government 
offices.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

    If submitting a hardcopy application, a complete and valid 
application package must include an original, twelve complete paper 
copies are requested, three copies are required, and one copy 
(Microsoft Word format preferred) of the application package on 
diskette or compact disc, and:
    1. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424, ``Application for 
Federal Assistance''.
    2. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424-A, ``Budget 
Information--Non-construction Programs''. Reviewers will need 
sufficient information to effectively evaluate the budget. Indirect 
cost for projects submitted in response to this solicitation are 
limited to 10 percent of the total direct cost of the agreement. A 
sample budget narrative, including suggestions for format and content, 
is available on the RMA Web site (https://www.rma.usda.gov) or upon 
request.
    3. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424-B, ``Assurances, 
Non-construction Programs''.
    4. A statement of the non-financial benefits of any partnership 
agreement to the recipient. (Refer to Part II.B ``Non-financial 
Benefits'').
    5. A completed Form R&D-1, ``Title Page and Proposal Summary.'' 
Each proposal must specify the single primary objective for evaluation 
and funding purposes. The same or similar proposals cannot be submitted 
multiple times with different primary objectives specified. If the same 
or similar proposals are submitted, the first received will be the only 
one evaluated
    6. A proposal narrative submitted with the application package 
should be

[[Page 20976]]

limited to 10 single-sided pages. Reviewers will need sufficient 
information to effectively evaluate the application under the criteria 
contained in part V. A sample narrative, including suggestions for 
format and content, is available on the RMA Web site (https://
www.rma.usda.gov) or upon request.
    7. An appendix containing any attachments that may support 
information in the narrative (Optional).
    8. A completed Form R&D-2, ``Statement of Work.''
    If submitting the above materials electronically, as described in 
the RMA website, copies of the submission will not be required. 
Applicants are responsible for ensuring the application materials are 
received by the closing date. Incomplete application packages will not 
receive further consideration.

C. Submission Dates and Times

    The closing date and time for receipt of an application is 5 p.m. 
CDT, June 8, 2006. Applications received after the deadline will not be 
evaluated by the technical review panel and will not be considered for 
funding.

D. Funding Restrictions

    No maximum or minimum funding levels have been established for 
individual projects or for categories of objectives. The funding level 
by category of objective will be determined by FCIC. Indirect cost for 
projects submitted in response to this solicitation are limited to 10 
percent of total direct cost of the agreement. Each project may be 
funded for a period of up to three years for the activities described 
in this announcement.
    Partnership agreement funds may not be used to:
    1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or 
facility including a processing facility;
    2. To purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment;
    3. Repair or maintain privately owned vehicles;
    4. Pay for the preparation of the partnership application;
    5. Fund political activities;
    6. Pay costs incurred prior to receiving this partnership 
agreement;
    7. Fund any activities prohibited in 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019, as 
applicable.

E. Other Submission Requirements

Mailed Submissions
    1. If submitting the application via regular mail, an original and 
twelve (12) paper copies are requested, three copies are required, of 
the complete and signed application, and one copy (Microsoft Word 
format preferred) on diskette or compact disk must be submitted in one 
package at the time of initial submission.
    2. If submitting the application via regular mail all applications 
must be submitted and received by the deadline. Applications that do 
not meet all of the requirements in this announcement are considered 
incomplete applications. Late or incomplete applications will not be 
considered in this competition and will be returned to the applicant.
    3. Applications will be considered as meeting the announced 
deadline if they are received in the mailroom at the address stated 
above in section IV.A., on or before the deadline. Applicants are 
cautioned that express, overnight mail or other delivery services do 
not always deliver as agreed. Applicants are responsible for mailing 
applications well in advance, to ensure that applications are received 
on or before the deadline time and date. Applicants should be aware 
that there may be significant delays in delivery if applications are 
mailed using the U.S. Postal Service due to the additional security 
measures that mail delivered to government offices now requires. 
Applicants should take this into account because failure of such 
delivery services will not extend the deadline.
    4. Address when using U.S. Postal Service: USDA, RMA/RED, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Stop 0813, Kansas City, Missouri 64133-4676.
Electronic Submissions
    Applications transmitted electronically via Grants.gov will be 
accepted prior to the application date or time deadline. The 
application package can be accessed via Grants.gov: go to https://
www.grants.gov, click on ``Find Grant Opportunities,'' then click on 
``Search Grant Opportunities,'' and enter the CFDA number (located at 
the beginning of this RFA) to search by CFDA number. From the search 
results, select the item that correlates to the title of this RFA. If 
you do not have electronic access to the RFA or have trouble 
downloading material and you would like a hardcopy, or have any 
questions you may contact Kristin Chow, USDA, RMA/RED, 6501 Beacon 
Drive, Stop 0813, Kansas City, Missouri 64133-4676, phone (816) 926-
6399, fax (816) 926-7343, e-mail: RMA.Research.Application 
@rma.usda.gov.

F. Acknowledgement of Application

    Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by e-mail, whenever 
possible. Therefore, each applicant is 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. There will be no 
notification of incomplete, unqualified or unfunded applications until 
the awards have been made.
    When received by RMA, applications will be assigned an 
identification number. This number will be communicated to applicants 
in the acknowledgement of receipt of applications. An application 
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 the Research and Development Division at (816) 
926-6343.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

1. Research Objectives--Maximum 30 Points
    The application must receive a minimum score of 20 points under 
this criterion in order to be considered for further evaluation and 
funding. Applications receiving less than 20 points will be eliminated 
and will not be evaluated under criterion 2 through 4.
    The proposal must clearly define the development, management and 
implementation of a risk management tool designed to meet the needs of 
producers under the objectives listed in part I.D. A proposal that best 
meets the objectives and addresses multiple risks that result in the 
development of tools that provide an integrated or holistic approach to 
risk mitigation will be given the highest score. The proposal will be 
reviewed to determine if it is similar to a project that has been 
funded, has been recommended for funding, or is currently under 
development through other means.
2. Indication of RMA Involvement and Non-Financial Benefits--Maximum 10 
Points
    The proposal clearly indicates areas of substantial involvement by 
RMA and clearly indicates benefits derived from the partnership that 
extend beyond the financial benefits or funding of the research 
proposal. Those proposals that clearly outline the involvement of RMA 
in all aspects of the project and demonstrate non-financial benefits 
will receive the highest score.

[[Page 20977]]

3. Research Approach, Methodology, Development and Implementation--
Maximum 45 Points
    The proposal clearly demonstrates a sound research approach and 
defines the methodology to be used as well as describes the development 
and implementation of the risk management tool. The proposal must 
clearly demonstrate the usefulness of the tool and the benefits of the 
tool to producers of priority commodities and demonstrate that there is 
a reasonable expectation that the tool will actually be used by a 
substantial number of such producers. The plan will be evaluated to 
ensure that the risk management tool can be delivered to producers and 
will be supported, maintained, updated or revised as necessary. 
Proposals that demonstrate a clear, concise and generally accepted 
research methodology and innovative approach will receive the highest 
number of points.
4. Management and Plan for Maintenance and Support--Maximum 15 Points
    The proposal clearly demonstrates the applicant's ability and 
resources to coordinate and manage all aspects of the proposed research 
project. Applicants must provide a detailed budget summary that clearly 
explains and justifies costs associated with the project. The applicant 
must submit a plan, if necessary, to continue the maintenance, support 
and delivery of the tool without relying on RMA's resources. The 
applicant whose approach is the most cost effective and optimizes the 
use and effective application of the funding will receive the highest 
score.

B. Review and Selection Process

    Each application will be evaluated using a four-part process. 
First, each application will be screened by RMA to ensure that each 
proposal specifies a single primary objective for evaluation and 
funding purposes and the proposal meets an objective stated in part 
I.D. The same or similar proposals cannot be submitted multiple times 
with different primary objectives specified. If the same or similar 
proposals are submitted, the first received will be the only one 
evaluated. Applications that do not meet an objective stated in part 
I.D. and all other requirements in this announcement or are incomplete, 
will not receive further consideration.
    Second, all eligible applications will be evaluated using the 
criterion in part V.A.1. Applications must score at least 20 points 
under this criterion in order to be to be evaluated further.
    Third, all applications scoring the required 20 points will be 
evaluated further under parts V.A.2 through 4.
    For the second and third steps, a review panel will consider all 
applications that are complete and meet the objectives in part I.D. and 
all other requirements in this announcement. The panel will review the 
merits of the applications. The evaluation of each application will be 
conducted by a panel of not less than three independent reviewers. The 
panel will be comprised of representatives from USDA, other Federal 
agencies, and others representing public and private organizations, as 
needed. The narrative and any appendixes provided by each applicant 
will be used by the review panel to evaluate the merits of the project 
that is being proposed for funding. The panel will examine and score 
applications based on the evaluation criteria and weights contained in 
part V.A. The identities of review panel members will remain 
confidential throughout the entire review process and will not be 
released to applicants.
    In order to be considered for funding, a proposal must score at 
least 75 points.
    For the last step, those applications meeting the minimum number of 
points will be listed in initial rank order by objective. The highest-
ranking proposal for each objective will be funded in the order of 
priority (the highest ranking proposal meeting objective 2 will be 
funded second, etc.). It is possible that funds could be exhausted 
before funding projects for every objective. If there are funds 
remaining, the process will be repeated until the funds are obligated. 
The projects proposed for funding will be presented, along with funding 
level recommendations, to the Manager of FCIC, who will make the final 
decision on awarding of a partnership agreement.
    If the Manager of FCIC determines that any application is 
sufficiently similar to a project that has been funded or has been 
recommended to be funded under this announcement or any other research 
and development program, then the Manager may elect to not fund that 
application in whole or in part.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Access to Panel Review Information
    Upon written request, 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.
2. Notification of Partnership Agreement Awards and Notification of 
Non-Selection
    Following approval of the applications selected for funding, notice 
of project approval and authority to draw down funds will be made to 
the selected applicants in writing. Within the limit of funds available 
for such purpose, the awarding official of RMA shall enter into 
partnership agreements with those applicants whose applications are 
judged to be most meritorious under the procedures set forth in this 
announcement. The partnership agreement provides the amount of Federal 
funds for use in the project period, the terms and conditions of the 
award, and the time period for the project.
    The effective date of the partnership agreement shall be the date 
the agreement is executed by both parties. All funds provided to the 
applicant by FCIC must be expended solely for the purpose for which 
funds are obligated in accordance with the approved application and 
budget, the regulations, the terms and conditions of the award, and the 
applicability of Federal cost principles. No commitment of Federal 
assistance beyond the project period is made or implied, as a result of 
any award made pursuant to this announcement.
    Notification of denial of funding will be sent to applicants after 
final funding decisions have been made. Reasons for denial of funding 
can include incomplete proposals, proposals that did not meet the 
objectives, scored low or were duplicative.
3. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
    When an application results in a partnership agreement, it becomes 
a part of the official record of RMA transactions, available to the 
public upon specific request. Information that the Secretary of 
Agriculture determines to be of a confidential, privileged, or 
proprietary nature will be held in confidence to the extent permitted 
by law. Therefore, any information that the applicant wishes to be 
considered confidential, privileged, or proprietary should be clearly 
marked within the application, including the basis for such 
designation. The original copy of a proposal that does not result in an 
award will be retained by RMA for a period of one year. Other copies 
will be destroyed. Such a proposal will be released only with the 
express written consent of the applicant or to the extent

[[Page 20978]]

required by law. A proposal may be withdrawn at any time prior to 
award. The names of applicants, the names of individuals identified in 
the applications, the content of applications, and the panel 
evaluations of applications will all be kept confidential, except to 
those involved in the review process, to the extent permitted by law.
4. Administration
    All partnership agreements are subject to 7 CFR part 3015.
5. Prohibitions and Requirements With Regard to Lobbying
    Section 1352 of Public Law 101-121, enacted on October 23, 1989, 
imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification 
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants, 
cooperative agreements, and loans. It provides exemptions for Indian 
Tribes and tribal organizations. Current and prospective recipients, 
and any subcontractors, are prohibited from using Federal funds, other 
than profits from a Federal contract, for lobbying Congress or any 
Federal agency in connection with the award of a contract, grant, 
cooperative agreement, or loan. In addition, for each award action in 
excess of $100,000 ($150,000 for loans) the law requires recipients and 
any subcontractors: (1) To certify that they have neither used nor will 
use any appropriated funds for payment of lobbyists; (2) to disclose 
the name, address, payment details, and purpose of any agreements with 
lobbyists whom recipients of their subcontractors will pay with profits 
or other non-appropriated funds on or after December 22, 1989; and (3) 
to file quarterly up-dates about the use of lobbyists if material 
changes occur in their use. The law establishes civil penalties for 
non-compliance. All recipients must provide a copy of the certification 
and disclosure forms prior to the beginning of the project period.
6. Applicable OMB Circulars
    All partnership agreements funded as a result of this notice will 
be subject to the requirements contained in all applicable OMB 
circulars.
7. Audit Requirements
    Applicants awarded partnership agreements are subject to audit.
8. Requirement To Assure Compliance With Federal Civil Rights Laws
    Project leaders of all partnership agreements funded as a result of 
this notice are required to know and abide by Federal civil rights laws 
and to assure USDA and RMA that the recipient is in compliance with and 
will continue to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 
(42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), 7 CFR part 15, and USDA regulations 
promulgated under, 7 CFR 1901.202. RMA requires that recipients submit 
Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement (Civil Rights), assuring RMA of this 
compliance prior to the beginning of the project period.

B. Reporting

    Applicants awarded a partnership agreement will be required to 
submit quarterly written progress and financial reports (SF-269) 
throughout the project period, as well as a final program and financial 
report not later than 90 days after the end of the project period.
    Recipients will be required to submit prior to the award:
     A completed and signed Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement 
(Civil Rights).
     A completed and signed OMB Standard Form LLL, ``Disclosure 
of Lobbying Activities.''
     A completed and signed AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding 
Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered 
Transactions.''
     A completed and signed AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding 
Drug-Free Workplace.''
     A completed and signed Faith-Based Survey on EEO.

VII. Agency Contact

    If applicants have any questions they may contact: USDA, RMA/RED, 
6501 Beacon Drive, Stop 0813, Kansas City, Missouri 64133-4676, phone 
(816) 926-6343, fax (816) 926-7343, e-mail: RMA.Research.Application 
@rma.usda.gov.

VIII. Other Information

A. 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.

B. Required Registration With the Central Contract Registry for 
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 https://www.grants.gov. Allow a minimum of 5 business 
days to complete the CCR registration.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on April 17, 2006.
Eldon Gould,
Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. E6-6086 Filed 4-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-08-P