Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP); Notice of Request for Emergency Review and Approval of a New Information Collection, 62986-62988 [E6-18040]
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62986
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 208 / Friday, October 27, 2006 / Notices
For the initial appointments, the Farm
Bill required the Secretary to stagger the
terms of the members so that: (a) One
producer member and peanut industry
member from each peanut producing
region serves a one-year term; (b) one
producer member and peanut industry
member from each peanut producing
region serves a two-year term; and (c)
one producer member and peanut
industry member from each peanut
producing region serves a three-year
term. The term ‘‘peanut industry
representatives’’ includes, but is not
limited to, representatives of shellers,
manufacturers, buying points, marketing
associations and marketing
cooperatives. The Farm Bill exempted
the appointment of the Board from the
requirements of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act. The initial Board was
appointed by the Secretary and
announced on December 5, 2002.
USDA invites those individuals,
organizations, and groups affiliated with
the categories listed above to nominate
individuals for membership on the
Board. Nominees sought by this action
would fill a vacant industry
representative position from the
Virginia-Carolina peanut producing
region. The new member would serve
for the remainder of a 3-year term of
office ending June 30, 2009.
Nominees should complete a Peanut
Standards Board Background
Information form and submit it to Mrs.
Clark. Copies of this form may be
obtained at the internet site: https://
www.ams.usda.gov/fv/peanutfarmbill.htm, or from Mrs. Clark. USDA
seeks a diverse group of members
representing the peanut industry. Equal
opportunity practices will be followed
in all appointments to the Board in
accordance with USDA policies. To
ensure that the recommendations of the
Board have taken into account the needs
of the diverse groups within the peanut
industry, membership shall include, to
the extent practicable, individuals with
demonstrated abilities to represent
minorities, women, persons with
disabilities, and limited resource
agriculture producers.
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7958.
Dated: October 24, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. E6–18041 Filed 10–26–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Doc. No. TM–07–01]
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA)
Inviting Applications for the FederalState Marketing Improvement Program
(FSMIP); Notice of Request for
Emergency Review and Approval of a
New Information Collection
Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing
Service (AMS) announces the
availability of approximately $1.3
million in competitive grant funds for
fiscal year 2007 to enable States to
explore new market opportunities for
U.S. food and agricultural products and
to encourage research and innovation
aimed at improving the efficiency and
performance of the U.S. marketing
system. Eligible applicants include State
departments of agriculture, State
agricultural experiment stations, and
other appropriate State Agencies.
Applicants are encouraged to involve
industry groups, academia, communitybased organizations, and other
stakeholders in developing proposals
and conducting projects. In accordance
with the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995, (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), AMS is
requesting emergency review and
approval of a new information
collection.
Proposals will be accepted
through February 12, 2007. Comments
regarding the information collection
requirement under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 must be received
on or before December 26, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Submit proposals and other
required documents to: FSMIP Staff
Officer, Transportation and Marketing
Programs, Agricultural Marketing
Service (AMS), U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW., Room 4009 South
Building, Washington, DC 20250;
telephone (202) 720–8043; e-mail
janise.zygmont@usda.gov.
Comments concerning the
information collection requirements
should be sent to the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs,
OMB: Attention: Desk Officer for AMS,
Washington, DC 20503. Please indicate
that your comments refer to Docket No.
TM–07–01. Comments concerning the
information collection requirements
also should be sent to the FSMIP Staff
Officer at the above address.
DATES:
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Janise Zygmont, FSMIP Staff Officer;
telephone (202) 720–8043; fax (202)
690–4948; or e-mail
janise.zygmont@usda.gov.
FSMIP is
authorized under Section 204(b) of the
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7
U.S.C. 1621 et seq.). FSMIP provides
matching grants on a competitive basis
to enable States to explore new market
opportunities for U.S. food and
agricultural products and to encourage
research and innovation aimed at
improving the efficiency and
performance of the U.S. marketing
system. Eligible applicants include State
departments of agriculture, State
agricultural experiment stations, and
other appropriate State agencies. Other
organizations interested in participating
in this program should contact their
State Department of Agriculture’s
Marketing Division. State agencies
specifically named under the
authorizing legislation should assume
the lead role in FSMIP projects, and use
cooperative or contractual linkages with
other agencies, universities, institutions,
and producer, industry or communitybased organizations as appropriate.
Multi-State projects are encouraged as
long as one State assumes the
coordinating role, using appropriate
cooperative arrangements with the other
States involved.
Proposals must be accompanied by
completed Standard Forms (SF) 424 and
424A. AMS will not approve the use of
FSMIP funds for advertising or, with
limited exceptions, for the purchase of
equipment. Detailed program guidelines
may be obtained from the contact listed
above, and are available at the FSMIP
Web site: https://www.ams.usda.gov/
tmd/fsmip.htm.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
FSMIP funds a wide range of applied
research projects that address barriers,
challenges, and opportunities in
marketing, transportation, and
distribution of U.S. food and
agricultural products domestically and
internationally.
Eligible agricultural categories
include livestock, livestock products,
food and feed crops, fish and shellfish,
horticulture, viticulture, apiary, and
forest products and processed or
manufactured products derived from
such commodities. Reflecting the
growing diversity of U.S. agriculture, in
recent years, FSMIP has funded projects
dealing with nutraceuticals, bioenergy,
compost, and products made from
agricultural residues.
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 208 / Friday, October 27, 2006 / Notices
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
Proposals may deal with barriers,
challenges, or opportunities manifesting
at any stage of the marketing chain
including direct, wholesale, and retail.
Proposals may involve small, medium,
or large scale agricultural entities but
should potentially benefit multiple
producers or agribusinesses. Proprietary
proposals that benefit one business or
individual will not be considered.
Proposals that address issues of
importance at the State, regional or
national level are appropriate for
FSMIP. FSMIP also seeks unique
proposals on a smaller scale that may
serve as pilot projects or case studies
useful as a model for other States. Of
particular interest are proposals that
reflect a collaborative approach among
the States, academia, the farm sector
and other appropriate entities and
stakeholders. FSMIP’s enabling
legislation authorizes projects to:
• Determine the best methods for
processing, preparing for market,
packing, handling, transporting, storing,
distributing, and marketing agricultural
products.
• Determine the costs of marketing
agricultural products in their various
forms and through various channels.
• Assist in the development of more
efficient marketing methods, practices,
and facilities to bring about more
efficient and orderly marketing, and
reduce the price spread between the
producer and the consumer.
• Develop and improve standards of
quality, condition, quantity, grade, and
packaging in order to encourage
uniformity and consistency in
commercial practices.
• Eliminate artificial barriers to the
free movement of agricultural products
in commercial channels.
• Foster new/expanded domestic/
foreign markets and new/expanded uses
of agricultural products.
• Collect and disseminate marketing
information to anticipate and meet
consumer requirements, maintain farm
income, and balance production and
utilization.
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
Chapter 35), this notice announces that
AMS is requesting emergency review
and approval from the Office of
Management and Budget of a new
information collection.
Title: Federal-State Marketing
Improvement Program (FSMIP).
OMB Number: 0581–NEW.
Type of Request: Approval of a new
information collection.
Expiration Date of Approval: 3 years
from date of OMB approval.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:53 Oct 26, 2006
Jkt 211001
Estimate of Burden: The public
reporting and recordkeeping burden for
this collection of information is
estimated to total 4,730 hours.
Abstract: The primary objective of
FSMIP is to enable States to explore
new market opportunities for U.S. food
and agricultural products and to
encourage research and innovation
aimed at improving the efficiency and
performance of the U.S. marketing
system. Eligible entities under this
program include State departments of
agriculture, State agricultural
experiment stations, and other
appropriate State Agencies.
AMS has established guidelines that
contain full details about FSMIP and the
application process. The guidelines and
application forms are available from the
FSMIP Staff Officer by calling 202/720–
8043, faxing 202/690–4948, or e-mailing
to janise.zygmont@usda.gov. This
information is also available at the
FSMIP Web site: https://
www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/fsmip.htm.
Eligible entities are strongly encouraged
to follow the guidelines when preparing
applications for submission to the
FSMIP.
FSMIP applicants must complete
Form SF–424, ‘‘Application for Federal
Assistance’’ (approved under OMB
#4040–0004), for each application. Form
SF–424A, ‘‘Budget Information—NonConstruction Programs’’ (approved
under OMB #0348–0044), also must be
completed for each application to show
the project’s budget breakdown, both
with regard to expense categories and
the division between Federal and
matching non-Federal sources, as
applicable. A Proposal Narrative is also
required for each application.
AMS needs to receive the information
contained in this collection of
information to select the projects that
will best meet and fulfill FSMIP
program objectives. The selection
process is competitive and AMS must
ensure that limited funds are used for
the intended purpose.
Estimate of Burden: The public
reporting burden for completing the SF
424, SF 424A, and the Proposal
Narrative is estimated to average 33
hours per response.
Respondents: State departments of
agriculture, State agricultural
experiment stations, and other
appropriate State Agencies.
Estimated Annual Number of
Respondents: 40.
Estimated Annual Number of
Responses per Respondent: 2.
Estimated Annual Number of
Responses: 80.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on
Respondents: 2,640 hours.
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62987
After approval of the grant application
and before grant funds are dispersed,
grantees must complete the following
forms to certify compliance with
applicable Federal regulations: Form
SF–424B, ‘‘Assurances—NonConstruction Programs’’ (approved
under OMB #0348–0040); AD–1047,
Certification Regarding Debarment,
Suspension, and Other Responsibility
Matters—Primary Covered Transactions;
AD–1048, Certification Regarding
Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility
and Voluntary Exclusion—Lower Tier
Covered Transactions; and AD–1049,
Certification Regarding Drug-Free
Workplace Requirements (Grants)
Alternative 1—for Grantees Other Than
Individuals.
In addition, four copies of the Grant
Agreement must be signed with an
original signature and dated once by
grantees after their proposals have been
approved and before grant funds are
dispersed. The information will be used
to affirm the award amount, time frame,
objectives and work plan agreed upon
by the grantee and USDA/AMS. The
Grant Agreement also outlines
responsibilities of both parties with
regard to the grant.
Standard Form 270, Request for
Advance or Reimbursement (approved
under OMB #0348–0004), is completed
whenever the grantee requests an
advance or reimbursement of grant
funds. The information will be used to
keep track of grant disbursements and
the level of matching funds expended
by the grantee during the grant period.
We expect that grantees will submit a
total of three SF 270 forms during the
grant period.
Estimate of Burden: The public
reporting burden for completing the SF
424B, AD–1047, AD–1048, AD–1049,
the Grant Agreement, and three SF 270
forms is estimated to average 22.6 hours
per response.
Respondents: State departments of
agriculture, State agricultural
experiment stations, and other
appropriate State Agencies.
Estimated Annual Number of
Respondents: 25.
Estimated Annual Number of
Responses per Respondent: 1.
Estimated Annual Number of
Responses: 25.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on
Respondents: 565 hours.
Progress Reports are required at the
midpoint of projects approved for one
year and at six-month intervals for
projects of longer duration. Progress
Reports should (1) briefly summarize
activities performed and milestones
achieved for each objective or subelement of the narrative; (2) note
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62988
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 208 / Friday, October 27, 2006 / Notices
unexpected delays or impediments as
well as favorable or unusual
developments; (3) outline work to be
performed during the succeeding
period; and (4) indicate the amount of
grant and matching funds expended to
date. We expect that grantees will
submit a total of two Progress Reports
during the grant period.
Estimate of Burden: The public
reporting burden for two Progress
Reports is estimated to average 14 hours
per response.
Respondents: State departments of
agriculture, State agricultural
experiment stations, and other
appropriate State Agencies.
Estimated Annual Number of
Respondents: 25.
Estimated Annual Number of
Responses per Respondent: 2.
Estimated Annual Number of
Responses: 50.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on
Respondents: 700 hours.
Not later than 90 days following the
ending date of the Grant Agreement the
grantee must submit Standard Form
269A, Financial Status Report (short
form) (approved under OMB #0348–
0038), or Standard Form 269, Financial
Status Report (long form) (approved
under OMB #0348–0039) to document
the final financial status of the grant
project and to indicate that the one-toone matching requirement has been met.
The grantee must also submit a Final
Report of results and accomplishments
within 90 days following the grant
ending date. The Final Report will
include:
• An outline of the issue or problem.
• How the issue or problem was
approached via the project.
• Contribution of public or private
agency cooperators.
• Results, conclusions and lessons
learned.
• Current or future benefits to be
derived from the project.
• Additional information available
(publications, Web sites).
• Recommendations for future
research needed, if applicable.
• Contact person for the project with
telephone number and e-mail address.
Estimate of Burden: The public
reporting burden for completing the SF
269A or SF 269, as appropriate, and the
Final Report is estimated to average 32
hours per response.
Respondents: State departments of
agriculture, State agricultural
experiment stations, and other
appropriate State agencies.
Estimated Annual Number of
Respondents: 25.
Estimated Annual Number of
Responses per Respondent: 1.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:53 Oct 26, 2006
Jkt 211001
Estimated Annual Number of
Responses: 25.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on
the Respondents: 800 hours.
Comments are invited on: (1) Whether
the new collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the agency, including
whether the information will have
practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
new collection of information including
the validity of the methodology and
assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance
the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and (4)
ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, including the use of
appropriate automated, electronic,
mechanical, or other technological
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology.
All comments concerning the
information collection shall reference
Docket No. TM–07–01, and the date and
page number of this issue of the Federal
Register. Comments concerning the
information collection requirements
should be sent to the office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs,
OMB: Attention: Desk Officer for AMS,
Washington, DC 20503. Please state that
your comments refer to Docket No. TM–
07–01. Comments also may be sent to
Janise Zygmont, Staff Officer, FederalState Marketing Improvement Program,
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS),
USDA, Room 4009-South, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250; phone 202/720–
8043; and e-mail
janise.zygmont@usda.gov. Comments
received will be available for public
inspection during regular business
hours at the same address. All
comments will become a matter of
public record.
AMS is committed to complying with
the E-Government Act, to promote the
use of the Internet and other
information technologies to provide
increased opportunities for citizen
access to Government information and
services, and for other purposes. The
two SF forms as well as the Proposal
Narrative can be filled out electronically
and printed out for submission or filled
out electronically and submitted as an
attachment through the https://
www.grants.gov Web site with the
Proposal Narrative.
How To Submit Proposals and
Applications
Applicants have the option of
submitting FSMIP applications
electronically through the Federal grants
Web site, https://www.grants.gov instead
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
of mailing hard copy documents.
Applicants considering the electronic
application option are strongly urged to
familiarize themselves with the Federal
grants Web site well before the
application deadline and to begin the
application process before the deadline.
Additional details about the FSMIP
application process for all applicants are
available at the FSMIP Web site: https://
www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/fsmip.htm.
FSMIP is listed in the ‘‘Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance’’ under
number 10.156 and subject agencies
must adhere to Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, which bars
discrimination in all federally assisted
programs.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627.
Dated: October 24, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. E6–18040 Filed 10–26–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service
[Docket No. APHIS–2006–0155]
Notice of Request for Extension of
Approval of an Information Collection;
Plum Pox Compensation
Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Extension of approval of an
information collection; comment
request.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this
notice announces the Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service’s intention to
request an extension of approval of an
information collection associated with
regulations that provide for the payment
of compensation to owners of
commercial stone fruit orchards and
fruit tree nurseries whose trees or
nursery stock were destroyed to
eradicate plum pox.
DATES: We will consider all comments
that we receive on or before December
26, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
by either of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://regulations.gov, select ‘‘Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service’’
from the agency drop-down menu, then
click ‘‘Submit.’’ In the Docket ID
column, select APHIS–2006–0155 to
submit or view public comments and to
view supporting and related materials
E:\FR\FM\27OCN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 208 (Friday, October 27, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62986-62988]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-18040]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Doc. No. TM-07-01]
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the
Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP); Notice of Request
for Emergency Review and Approval of a New Information Collection
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the
availability of approximately $1.3 million in competitive grant funds
for fiscal year 2007 to enable States to explore new market
opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products and to encourage
research and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and
performance of the U.S. marketing system. Eligible applicants include
State departments of agriculture, State agricultural experiment
stations, and other appropriate State Agencies. Applicants are
encouraged to involve industry groups, academia, community-based
organizations, and other stakeholders in developing proposals and
conducting projects. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995, (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), AMS is requesting emergency review and
approval of a new information collection.
DATES: Proposals will be accepted through February 12, 2007. Comments
regarding the information collection requirement under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 must be received on or before December 26, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Submit proposals and other required documents to: FSMIP
Staff Officer, Transportation and Marketing Programs, Agricultural
Marketing Service (AMS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Room 4009 South Building, Washington, DC
20250; telephone (202) 720-8043; e-mail janise.zygmont@usda.gov.
Comments concerning the information collection requirements should
be sent to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB:
Attention: Desk Officer for AMS, Washington, DC 20503. Please indicate
that your comments refer to Docket No. TM-07-01. Comments concerning
the information collection requirements also should be sent to the
FSMIP Staff Officer at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Janise Zygmont, FSMIP Staff Officer;
telephone (202) 720-8043; fax (202) 690-4948; or e-mail
janise.zygmont@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FSMIP is authorized under Section 204(b) of
the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.). FSMIP
provides matching grants on a competitive basis to enable States to
explore new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural
products and to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving
the efficiency and performance of the U.S. marketing system. Eligible
applicants include State departments of agriculture, State agricultural
experiment stations, and other appropriate State agencies. Other
organizations interested in participating in this program should
contact their State Department of Agriculture's Marketing Division.
State agencies specifically named under the authorizing legislation
should assume the lead role in FSMIP projects, and use cooperative or
contractual linkages with other agencies, universities, institutions,
and producer, industry or community-based organizations as appropriate.
Multi-State projects are encouraged as long as one State assumes the
coordinating role, using appropriate cooperative arrangements with the
other States involved.
Proposals must be accompanied by completed Standard Forms (SF) 424
and 424A. AMS will not approve the use of FSMIP funds for advertising
or, with limited exceptions, for the purchase of equipment. Detailed
program guidelines may be obtained from the contact listed above, and
are available at the FSMIP Web site: https://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/fsmip.htm.
Background
FSMIP funds a wide range of applied research projects that address
barriers, challenges, and opportunities in marketing, transportation,
and distribution of U.S. food and agricultural products domestically
and internationally.
Eligible agricultural categories include livestock, livestock
products, food and feed crops, fish and shellfish, horticulture,
viticulture, apiary, and forest products and processed or manufactured
products derived from such commodities. Reflecting the growing
diversity of U.S. agriculture, in recent years, FSMIP has funded
projects dealing with nutraceuticals, bioenergy, compost, and products
made from agricultural residues.
[[Page 62987]]
Proposals may deal with barriers, challenges, or opportunities
manifesting at any stage of the marketing chain including direct,
wholesale, and retail. Proposals may involve small, medium, or large
scale agricultural entities but should potentially benefit multiple
producers or agribusinesses. Proprietary proposals that benefit one
business or individual will not be considered.
Proposals that address issues of importance at the State, regional
or national level are appropriate for FSMIP. FSMIP also seeks unique
proposals on a smaller scale that may serve as pilot projects or case
studies useful as a model for other States. Of particular interest are
proposals that reflect a collaborative approach among the States,
academia, the farm sector and other appropriate entities and
stakeholders. FSMIP's enabling legislation authorizes projects to:
Determine the best methods for processing, preparing for
market, packing, handling, transporting, storing, distributing, and
marketing agricultural products.
Determine the costs of marketing agricultural products in
their various forms and through various channels.
Assist in the development of more efficient marketing
methods, practices, and facilities to bring about more efficient and
orderly marketing, and reduce the price spread between the producer and
the consumer.
Develop and improve standards of quality, condition,
quantity, grade, and packaging in order to encourage uniformity and
consistency in commercial practices.
Eliminate artificial barriers to the free movement of
agricultural products in commercial channels.
Foster new/expanded domestic/foreign markets and new/
expanded uses of agricultural products.
Collect and disseminate marketing information to
anticipate and meet consumer requirements, maintain farm income, and
balance production and utilization.
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
Chapter 35), this notice announces that AMS is requesting emergency
review and approval from the Office of Management and Budget of a new
information collection.
Title: Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP).
OMB Number: 0581-NEW.
Type of Request: Approval of a new information collection.
Expiration Date of Approval: 3 years from date of OMB approval.
Estimate of Burden: The public reporting and recordkeeping burden
for this collection of information is estimated to total 4,730 hours.
Abstract: The primary objective of FSMIP is to enable States to
explore new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural
products and to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving
the efficiency and performance of the U.S. marketing system. Eligible
entities under this program include State departments of agriculture,
State agricultural experiment stations, and other appropriate State
Agencies.
AMS has established guidelines that contain full details about
FSMIP and the application process. The guidelines and application forms
are available from the FSMIP Staff Officer by calling 202/720-8043,
faxing 202/690-4948, or e-mailing to janise.zygmont@usda.gov. This
information is also available at the FSMIP Web site: https://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/fsmip.htm. Eligible entities are strongly
encouraged to follow the guidelines when preparing applications for
submission to the FSMIP.
FSMIP applicants must complete Form SF-424, ``Application for
Federal Assistance'' (approved under OMB 4040-0004), for each
application. Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction
Programs'' (approved under OMB 0348-0044), also must be
completed for each application to show the project's budget breakdown,
both with regard to expense categories and the division between Federal
and matching non-Federal sources, as applicable. A Proposal Narrative
is also required for each application.
AMS needs to receive the information contained in this collection
of information to select the projects that will best meet and fulfill
FSMIP program objectives. The selection process is competitive and AMS
must ensure that limited funds are used for the intended purpose.
Estimate of Burden: The public reporting burden for completing the
SF 424, SF 424A, and the Proposal Narrative is estimated to average 33
hours per response.
Respondents: State departments of agriculture, State agricultural
experiment stations, and other appropriate State Agencies.
Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 40.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 2.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses: 80.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,640 hours.
After approval of the grant application and before grant funds are
dispersed, grantees must complete the following forms to certify
compliance with applicable Federal regulations: Form SF-424B,
``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs'' (approved under OMB
0348-0040); AD-1047, Certification Regarding Debarment,
Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered
Transactions; AD-1048, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions;
and AD-1049, Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements
(Grants) Alternative 1--for Grantees Other Than Individuals.
In addition, four copies of the Grant Agreement must be signed with
an original signature and dated once by grantees after their proposals
have been approved and before grant funds are dispersed. The
information will be used to affirm the award amount, time frame,
objectives and work plan agreed upon by the grantee and USDA/AMS. The
Grant Agreement also outlines responsibilities of both parties with
regard to the grant.
Standard Form 270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement (approved
under OMB 0348-0004), is completed whenever the grantee
requests an advance or reimbursement of grant funds. The information
will be used to keep track of grant disbursements and the level of
matching funds expended by the grantee during the grant period. We
expect that grantees will submit a total of three SF 270 forms during
the grant period.
Estimate of Burden: The public reporting burden for completing the
SF 424B, AD-1047, AD-1048, AD-1049, the Grant Agreement, and three SF
270 forms is estimated to average 22.6 hours per response.
Respondents: State departments of agriculture, State agricultural
experiment stations, and other appropriate State Agencies.
Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 25.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses: 25.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 565 hours.
Progress Reports are required at the midpoint of projects approved
for one year and at six-month intervals for projects of longer
duration. Progress Reports should (1) briefly summarize activities
performed and milestones achieved for each objective or sub-element of
the narrative; (2) note
[[Page 62988]]
unexpected delays or impediments as well as favorable or unusual
developments; (3) outline work to be performed during the succeeding
period; and (4) indicate the amount of grant and matching funds
expended to date. We expect that grantees will submit a total of two
Progress Reports during the grant period.
Estimate of Burden: The public reporting burden for two Progress
Reports is estimated to average 14 hours per response.
Respondents: State departments of agriculture, State agricultural
experiment stations, and other appropriate State Agencies.
Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 25.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 2.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses: 50.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 700 hours.
Not later than 90 days following the ending date of the Grant
Agreement the grantee must submit Standard Form 269A, Financial Status
Report (short form) (approved under OMB 0348-0038), or
Standard Form 269, Financial Status Report (long form) (approved under
OMB 0348-0039) to document the final financial status of the
grant project and to indicate that the one-to-one matching requirement
has been met. The grantee must also submit a Final Report of results
and accomplishments within 90 days following the grant ending date. The
Final Report will include:
An outline of the issue or problem.
How the issue or problem was approached via the project.
Contribution of public or private agency cooperators.
Results, conclusions and lessons learned.
Current or future benefits to be derived from the project.
Additional information available (publications, Web
sites).
Recommendations for future research needed, if applicable.
Contact person for the project with telephone number and
e-mail address.
Estimate of Burden: The public reporting burden for completing the
SF 269A or SF 269, as appropriate, and the Final Report is estimated to
average 32 hours per response.
Respondents: State departments of agriculture, State agricultural
experiment stations, and other appropriate State agencies.
Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 25.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses: 25.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on the Respondents: 800 hours.
Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the new collection of
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of
the agency, including whether the information will have practical
utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the
new collection of information including the validity of the methodology
and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize
the burden of the collection of information on those who are to
respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic,
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms
of information technology.
All comments concerning the information collection shall reference
Docket No. TM-07-01, and the date and page number of this issue of the
Federal Register. Comments concerning the information collection
requirements should be sent to the office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs, OMB: Attention: Desk Officer for AMS, Washington, DC 20503.
Please state that your comments refer to Docket No. TM-07-01. Comments
also may be sent to Janise Zygmont, Staff Officer, Federal-State
Marketing Improvement Program, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS),
USDA, Room 4009-South, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC
20250; phone 202/720-8043; and e-mail janise.zygmont@usda.gov. Comments
received will be available for public inspection during regular
business hours at the same address. All comments will become a matter
of public record.
AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to promote
the use of the Internet and other information technologies to provide
increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information
and services, and for other purposes. The two SF forms as well as the
Proposal Narrative can be filled out electronically and printed out for
submission or filled out electronically and submitted as an attachment
through the https://www.grants.gov Web site with the Proposal Narrative.
How To Submit Proposals and Applications
Applicants have the option of submitting FSMIP applications
electronically through the Federal grants Web site, https://www.grants.gov instead of mailing hard copy documents. Applicants
considering the electronic application option are strongly urged to
familiarize themselves with the Federal grants Web site well before the
application deadline and to begin the application process before the
deadline. Additional details about the FSMIP application process for
all applicants are available at the FSMIP Web site: https://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/fsmip.htm.
FSMIP is listed in the ``Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance''
under number 10.156 and subject agencies must adhere to Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination in all federally
assisted programs.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.
Dated: October 24, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E6-18040 Filed 10-26-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
