Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels, 36651-36655 [07-3285]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 128 / Thursday, July 5, 2007 / Notices submitted prior to the August 30th meeting by sending them to Joanne West at the address given below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For more information regarding this meeting, contact Joanne West; Sweet Home Ranger District; 4431 Highway 20; Sweet Home, Oregon 97386; (541) 367– 3546. Dated: June 26, 2007. Dallas J. Emch, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 07–3252 Filed 7–3–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Housing Service Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection Rural Housing Service (RHS), USDA Rural Development. ACTION: Proposed collection; comments requested. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Housing Service’s intention to request an extension for a currently approved information collection in support of the program for Technical and Supervisory Assistance (TSA) grants. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by September 4, 2007 to be assured of consideration. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nica Mathes, Senior Loan Specialist, Single Family Housing Direct Loan Division, Rural Housing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mail STOP 0783, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250–0783, Telephone 202–205– 3656. SUMMARY: sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Technical & Supervisory Assistance Grants. OMB Number: 0575–0188. Expiration Date of Approval: November 30, 2007. Type of Request: Extension of currently approved information collection. Abstract: RHS is authorized under Section 525 of Title V of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, to make grants to or to enter into contracts to pay part or all of the cost of developing, conducting, administering or coordinating effective and comprehensive programs of technical and supervisory assistance which will aid needy low-income individuals and families in benefiting from Federal, VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:43 Jul 03, 2007 Jkt 211001 State and local housing programs in rural areas. Recipient public or private nonprofit corporations, agencies, institutions, organizations, Indian tribes and other associations approved by the Secretary assist low-income individuals by providing homebuyer training, preparing applications for loan and other housing assistance, and counseling those with delinquent Rural Development housing loans. RHS refers to this program as Technical and Supervisory Assistance. RHS annually publishes a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) in the Federal Register to invite grant proposals. The NOFA sets forth the eligibility and application requirements. Information is collected from applicants and grant recipients by Rural Development staff in its local, State and National offices. This information will be used to determine applicant eligibility for a grant, project feasibility, to select grants for funding, and to monitor performance of selected grantees. If an applicant’s proposal is selected for funding, it will be notified of the selection and given the opportunity to submit a formal application. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average .56 hours per response. Respondents: Public and private nonprofit corporations, agencies, institutions, organizations, and Indian tribes. Estimated Number of Respondents: 50. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 7. Estimated Number of Responses: 349. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 621 hours. Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Renita Bolden, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, at (202) 692–0035. Comments Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of RHS, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of RHS’ estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 36651 automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Renita Bolden, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, STOP 0742, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Dated: June 27, 2007. Russell T. Davis, Administrator, Rural Housing Service. [FR Doc. E7–12969 Filed 7–3–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–XV–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Notice of funds availability. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Utilities Program, hereinafter referred as Rural Development, announces its Community Connect Grant Program application window for funding during fiscal year (FY) 2007. In addition, RUS announces the minimum and maximum amounts for Community Connect grants applicable for the fiscal year. The Community Connect Grant Program regulations can be found at 7 CFR part 1739, subpart A. DATES: You may submit completed applications for grants on paper or electronically according to the following deadlines: • Paper copies must carry proof of shipping no later than August 20, 2007 to be eligible for FY 2007 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2007 grant funding. Electronic copies must be received by August 20, 2007 to be eligible for FY 2007 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2007 grant funding. You may obtain application guides and materials for the Community Connect Grant Program via the Internet at the following Web site: https:// www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/ commconnect.htm. You may also request application guides and materials from Rural Development by contacting ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\05JYN1.SGM 05JYN1 36652 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 128 / Thursday, July 5, 2007 / Notices the appropriate individual listed in section VII of the Supplementary Information section of this notice. Submit completed paper applications for grants to the Rural Development Utilities Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 2870, STOP 1599, Washington, DC 20250–1599. Applications should be marked ‘‘Attention: Director, Broadband Division, Rural Development Utilities Program.’’ Submit electronic grant applications at https://www.grants.gov (Grants.gov), following the instructions you find on that Web site. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Kuchno, Director, Broadband Division, Rural Development Utilities Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture, telephone: (202) 690–4673, fax: (202) 690–4389. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Overview Federal Agency: Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Funding Opportunity Title: Community Connect Grant Program. Announcement Type: Initial announcement. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.863. DATES: You may submit completed applications for grants on paper or electronically according to the following deadlines: • Paper copies must carry proof of shipping no later than August 20,2007, to be eligible for FY 2007 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2007 grant funding. • Electronic copies must be received by August 20, 2007, to be eligible for FY 2007 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2007 grant funding. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Items in Supplementary Information: I. Funding Opportunity: Brief introduction to the Community Connect Grant Program II. Award Information: Available funds and minimum and maximum amounts 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:43 Jul 03, 2007 Jkt 211001 VII. Agency Contacts: Web, phone, fax, email, contact name I. Funding Opportunity The provision of broadband transmission service is vital to the economic development, education, health, and safety of rural Americans. The purpose of the Community Connect Grant Program is to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants that will provide currently unserved areas, on a ‘‘community-oriented connectivity’’ basis, with broadband transmission service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care, and public safety services. Rural Development will give priority to rural areas that it believes have the greatest need for broadband transmission services, based on the criteria contained herein. Grant authority will be used for the deployment of broadband transmission service to extremely rural, lower-income communities on a ‘‘community-oriented connectivity’’ basis. The ‘‘communityoriented connectivity’’ concept will stimulate practical, everyday uses and applications of broadband facilities by cultivating the deployment of new broadband transmission services that improve economic development and provide enhanced educational and health care opportunities in rural areas. Such an approach will also give rural communities the opportunity to benefit from the advanced technologies that are necessary to achieve these goals. Please see 7 CFR part 1739, subpart A for specifics. This notice has been formatted to conform to a policy directive issued by the Office of Federal Financial Management (OFFM) of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2003. This Notice does not change the Community Connect Grant Program regulation (7 CFR part 1739, subpart A). II. Award Information A. Available Funds 1. General. The Administrator has determined that the following amounts are available for grants in FY 2007 under 7 CFR 1739.2(a). 2. Grants a. $8.91 million is available for grants. Under 7 CFR 1739.2, the Administrator has established a minimum grant amount of $50,000 and a maximum grant amount of $1,000,000 for FY 2007. b. Assistance instrument: Rural Development will execute grant documents appropriate to the project PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 prior to any advance of funds with successful applicants. B. Community Connect 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 1739.10.) 1. Only entities legally organized as one of the following are eligible for Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance: a. An incorporated organization, 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 cooperative, private corporation or limited liability company organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis. 2. Individuals are not eligible for Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance directly. 3. Applicants must have the legal capacity and authority to own and operate the broadband facilities as proposed in its application, to enter into contracts and to otherwise comply with applicable federal statutes and regulations. B. What are the basic eligibility requirements for a project? 1. Required matching contributions. Please see 7 CFR 1739.14 for the requirement. Grant applicants must demonstrate a matching contribution, 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 Community Connect grant assistance (see 7 CFR 1739.12). 2. To be eligible for a grant, the Project must (see 7 CFR 1739.11): a. Serve a Rural Area where Broadband Transmission Service does not currently exist, to be verified by Rural Development prior to the award of the grant; b. Serve one and only one Community recognized in the latest U.S. Census; Contiguous areas outside the Community’s boundaries that are not recognized in the U.S. Census as a separate Community, can be included in the applicant’s proposed Service Area. c. Deploy Basic Broadband Transmission Service, free of all charges for at least 2 years, to all Critical Community Facilities located within the proposed Service Area; E:\FR\FM\05JYN1.SGM 05JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 128 / Thursday, July 5, 2007 / Notices d. Offer Basic Broadband Transmission Service to residential and business customers within the proposed Service Area; and e. Provide a Community Center with at least ten (10) Computer Access Points within the proposed Service Area, and make Broadband Transmission Service available therein, free of all charges to users for at least 2 years. C. See paragraph IV.B of this notice for a discussion of the items that make up a completed application. You may also refer to 7 CFR 1739.15 for completed grant application items. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES IV. Application and Submission Information A. Clarifications to requirements for FY 2007. 1. Rural Development clarifies that the definition of ‘‘Critical Community Facilities’’ includes the mandatory Community Center. 2. For all funding commitments, including all matching fund commitments and commitments made by the applicant, that are required to complete the Project in addition to the Rural Development grant, evidence must be submitted demonstrating that funding arrangements have been obtained. This evidence must: a. Clearly state the name of the entity that is making the commitment; b. The amount of the commitment; and c. The purpose of the commitment. 3. Rural Development clarifies that in order to qualify as eligible costs for grant coverage or matching fund contributions, operating expenses incurred in providing Broadband Transmission Service to Critical Community Facilities for the first 2 years of operation and in providing training and instruction must be for the following purposes subject to the specified maximum amounts: a. Salary for operations manager, not to exceed $30,000 per year. b. Salary for technical support staff, not to exceed $30,000 per year. c. Salary for community center staff, not to exceed $25,000 per year. d. Bandwidth expenses, not to exceed $25,000 per year. e. Training courses on the use of the Internet, not to exceed $15,000 per year. The operating costs to be funded by the grant or used as matching contributions cannot exceed in the aggregate $250,000. No other operating expenses are eligible for grant funding or to be considered as matching funds. B. Where to get application information. The application guide, copies of necessary forms and samples, and the VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:43 Jul 03, 2007 Jkt 211001 Community Connect Grant Program regulation are available from these sources: 1. The Internet: https://www.usda.gov/ rus/telecom/commconnect.htm, or https://www.grants.gov. 2. The Rural Development Broadband Division, for paper copies of these materials: (202) 690–4673. B. What constitutes a completed application? 1. Detailed information on each item required can be found in the Community Connect Grant Program regulation and the Community Connect Grant Program application guide. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read and apply both the regulation and the application guide. This Notice does not change the requirements for a completed application for any form of Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance specified in the Community Connect Grant Program regulation. The Community Connect Grant Program regulation and the application guide provide specific guidance on each of the items listed and the Community Connect Grant Program application guide provides all necessary forms and sample worksheets. 2. Applications should be prepared in conformance with the provisions in 7 CFR part 1739, subpart A, and applicable USDA regulations including 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 3019. Applicants must use the Rural Development Application Guide for this program containing instructions and all necessary forms, as well as other important information, in preparing their application. Completed applications must include the following: a. An Application for Federal Assistance. A completed Standard Form (SF) 424. b. An executive summary of the Project. The applicant must provide Rural Development with a general project overview. c. Scoring criteria documentation. Each grant applicant must address and provide documentation on how it meets each of the scoring criteria detailed 7 CFR 1739.17. d. System design. The applicant must submit a system design, including, narrative specifics of the proposal, associated costs, maps, engineering design studies, technical specifications and system capabilities, etc. e. Scope of work. The scope of work must include specific activities and services to be performed under the proposal, who will carry out the activities and services, specific timeframes for completion, and a budget for all capital and administrative PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 36653 expenditures reflecting the line item costs for all grant purposes, the matching contribution, and other sources of funds necessary to complete the project. f. Community-Oriented Connectivity Plan. The applicant must provide a detailed Community-Oriented Connectivity Plan. g. Financial information and sustainability. The applicant must provide financial statements and information and a narrative description demonstrating the sustainability of the Project. h. A statement of experience. The applicant must provide a written narrative describing its demonstrated capability and experience, if any, in operating a broadband telecommunications system. i. Evidence of legal authority and existence. The applicant must provide evidence of its legal existence and authority to enter into a grant agreement with RUS and to perform the activities proposed under the grant application. j. Funding commitment from other sources. If the Project requires additional funding from other sources in addition to the Rural Development grant, the applicant must provide evidence that funding agreements have been obtained to ensure completion of the Project. k. Compliance with other federal statutes. The applicant must provide evidence of compliance with other federal statutes and regulations, including, but not limited to the following: (i) 7 CFR part 15, subpart A— Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Agriculture—Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (ii) 7 CFR part 3015—Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations. (iii) 7 CFR part 3017— Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement). (iv) 7 CFR part 3018—New Restrictions on Lobbying. (v) 7 CFR part 3021— Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance). (vi) Certification regarding Architectural Barriers. (vii) Certification regarding Flood Hazard Precautions. (viii) An environmental report, in accordance with 7 CFR part 1794. (ix) Certification that grant funds will not be used to duplicate lines, facilities, or systems providing Broadband Transmission Service. (x) Federal Obligation Certification on Delinquent Debt. E:\FR\FM\05JYN1.SGM 05JYN1 36654 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 128 / Thursday, July 5, 2007 / Notices sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 3. DUNS Number. As required by the OMB, all applicants for grants must now supply a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying. The 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 the Community Connect Web site or Grants.gov for more information on how to obtain a DUNS number or how to verify your organization’s number. C. How many copies of an application are required? 1. Applications submitted on paper: Submit the original application and two (2) copies to Rural Development. 2. Electronically submitted applications: The additional paper copies are not necessary if you submit the application electronically through Grants.gov. 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 Rural Development Utilities Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 2870, STOP 1599, Washington, DC 20250–1599. Applications should be marked ‘‘Attention: Director, Broadband Division, Rural Development Utilities Program.’’ b. Paper applications must show proof of mailing or shipping 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 the USPS are irradiated, which can damage the contents. 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 facsimile machine transmission 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) Navigate your Web browser to https://www.grants.gov. (ii) Follow the instructions on that Web site to find grant information. VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:43 Jul 03, 2007 Jkt 211001 (iii) Download a copy of the application package. (iv) Complete the package off-line. (v) Upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov Web site. d. Grants.gov contains full instructions on all required passwords, credentialing and software. e. Rural Development encourages applicants who wish to apply through Grants.gov to submit their applications in advance of the deadline. f. 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 August 20, 2007 to be eligible for FY 2007 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2007 grant funding. 2. Electronic grant applications must be received by August 20, 2007 to be eligible for FY 2007 funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2007 grant funding. F. Funding Restrictions. 1. Eligible grant purposes. Grant funds may be used to finance: a. The construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, including spectrum, to deploy Broadband Transmission Service to all participating Critical Community Facilities and all required facilities needed to offer such service to residential and business customers located within the proposed Service Area; b. The improvement, expansion, construction, or acquisition of a Community Center that furnishes free access to broadband Internet service, provided that the Community Center is open and accessible to area residents before, during, and after normal working hours and on Saturday or Sunday. Grant funds provided for such costs shall not exceed the greater of five percent (5%) of the grant amount requested or $100,000; c. End-User Equipment needed to carry out the Project; d. Operating expenses incurred in providing Broadband Transmission Service to Critical Community Facilities for the first 2 years of operation and in providing training and instruction; and e. The purchase of land, buildings, or building construction needed to carry out the Project. 2. Ineligible grant purposes. a. Grant funds may not be used to finance the duplication of any existing Broadband Transmission Service provided by another entity. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 b. Facilities financed with grant funds cannot be utilized, in any way, to provide local exchange telecommunications service to any person or entity already receiving such service. 3. Please see 7 CFR 1739.3 for definitions, 7 CFR 1739.12 for eligible grant purposes, and 7 CFR 1739.13 for ineligible grant purposes V. Application Review Information A. Criteria 1. Grant applications are scored competitively and subject to the criteria listed below. 2. Grant application scoring criteria (total possible points: 100) See 7 CFR 1739.17 for the items that will be reviewed during scoring and for scoring criteria. a. The rurality of the Project (up to 40 points); b. The economic need of the Project’s Service Area (up to 30 points); and c. The ‘‘community-oriented connectivity’’ benefits derived from the proposed service (up to 30 points). B. Review Standards 1. All applications for grants must be delivered to Rural Development at the address and by the date specified in this notice (see also 7 CFR 1739.2) to be eligible for funding. Rural Development will review each application for conformance with the provisions of this part. Rural Development may contact the applicant for additional information or clarification. 2. Incomplete applications as of the deadline for submission will not be considered. If an application is determined to be incomplete, the applicant will be notified in writing and the application will be returned with no further action. 3. Applications conforming with this part will then be evaluated competitively by a panel of Rural Development employees selected by the Administrator of Rural Development Utilities Program, and will be awarded points as described in the scoring criteria in 7 CFR 1739.17. Applications will be ranked and grants awarded in rank order until all grant funds are expended. 4. Regardless of the score an application receives, if Rural Development determines that the Project is technically or financially infeasible, Rural Development will notify the applicant, in writing, and the application will be returned with no further action. E:\FR\FM\05JYN1.SGM 05JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 128 / Thursday, July 5, 2007 / Notices C. Selection Process Grant applications are ranked by final score. Rural Development selects applications based on those rankings, subject to the availability of funds. Dated: June 29, 2007. James M. Andrew, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. 07–3285 Filed 7–3–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P A. Award Notices DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Development recognizes that each funded project is unique, and therefore may attach conditions to different projects’ award documents. Rural Development generally notifies applicants whose projects are selected for awards by faxing an award letter. Rural Development follows the award letter with a grant agreement that contains all the terms and conditions for the grant. An applicant must execute and return the grant agreement, accompanied by any additional items required by the grant agreement. Rural Utilities Service The items listed in paragraph IV.B.2.k of this notice, and the Community Connect Grant Program regulation, application guide and accompanying materials implement the appropriate administrative and national policy requirements. C. Reporting 1. Performance reporting. All recipients of Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance must provide annual performance activity reports to 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. See 7 CFR 1739.19. 2. Financial reporting. All recipients of Community Connect Grant Program 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 1739.20. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES VII. Agency Contacts A. Web site: https://www.usda.gov/rus/ commconnect.htm. This Web site maintains up-to-date resources and contact information for the Community Connect Grant Program. B. Phone: 202–690–4673. C. Fax: 202–690–4389. D. Main point of contact: Kenneth Kuchno, Director, Broadband Division, Rural Development Utilities Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture. VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:23 Jul 03, 2007 Jkt 211001 Friday, July 13, 2007; 9:30 a.m. Place: U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 624 Ninth Street, NW., Rm. 540, Washington, DC 20425. DATE AND TIME: Meeting Agenda VI. Award Administration Information B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 36655 Withdrawal of Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Withdrawal of Notice of Funds Availability. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service, an agency delivering the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Utilities Program, hereinafter referred to as Rural Development, announces the withdrawal of a previously published Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for the Community Connect Grant Program due to an inadvertent error. A corrected NOFA appears elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Kuchno, Director, Broadband Division, Rural Development Utilities Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture, telephone: (202) 690–4673, fax (202) 690–4389. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 29, 2007, at 72 FR 35685, Rural Development published a NOFA for the Community Connect Grant Program, which contained inadvertent errors. As a result of these errors, Rural Development is withdrawing the previously published NOFA and publishing a corrected version elsewhere in the Notices section of this issue of the Federal Register. Applicants who may have already applied under the previous NOFA announcement must re-apply under today’s NOFA in order to be eligible for consideration. Dated: June 29, 2007. James M. Andrew, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. 07–3286 Filed 7–3–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Sunshine Act Notice United States Commission on Civil Rights. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 I. Approval of Agenda II. Approval of Minutes of June 1, Meeting III. Announcements IV. Staff Director’s Report V. Management and Operations • 2009 Budget VI. Program Planning • Briefing Report on Racial Categorization in the Census • Briefing Report on Educational Effectiveness of HBCUs • FY 2007 Statutory Report • Update: Briefing on Minorities in Foster Care and Adoption VII. State Advisory Committee Issues • Hawaii SAC • Indiana SAC • Pennsylvania SAC • New Jersey SAC VIII. Future Agenda Items IX. Adjourn FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Manuel Alba, Press and Communications (202) 376–8582. Dated: July 2, 2007. David Blackwood, General Counsel. [FR Doc. 07–3304 Filed 7–2–07; 3:37 pm] BILLING CODE 6335–02–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Industry and Security [Docket No: 070206026–7213–01] Revision to the Unverified List— Guidance as to ‘‘Red Flags’’ Bureau of Industry and Security, Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: On June 14, 2002, the Bureau of Industry and Security (‘‘BIS’’) published a notice in the Federal Register that set forth a list of persons in foreign countries who were parties to past export transactions where prelicense checks or post-shipment verifications could not be conducted for reasons outside the control of the U.S. Government (‘‘Unverified List’’). Additionally, on July 16, 2004, BIS published a notice in the Federal Register that advised exporters that the Unverified List would also include persons in foreign countries who are parties to transactions where BIS is not able to verify the existence or E:\FR\FM\05JYN1.SGM 05JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 128 (Thursday, July 5, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36651-36655]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-3285]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service


Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of funds availability.

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

SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the 
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development 
Utilities Program, hereinafter referred as Rural Development, announces 
its Community Connect Grant Program application window for funding 
during fiscal year (FY) 2007. In addition, RUS announces the minimum 
and maximum amounts for Community Connect grants applicable for the 
fiscal year. The Community Connect Grant Program regulations can be 
found at 7 CFR part 1739, subpart A.

DATES: You may submit completed applications for grants on paper or 
electronically according to the following deadlines:
     Paper copies must carry proof of shipping no later than 
August 20, 2007 to be eligible for FY 2007 grant funding. Late 
applications are not eligible for FY 2007 grant funding.
    Electronic copies must be received by August 20, 2007 to be 
eligible for FY 2007 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible 
for FY 2007 grant funding.

ADDRESSES: You may obtain application guides and materials for the 
Community Connect Grant Program via the Internet at the following Web 
site: https://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/commconnect.htm. You may also 
request application guides and materials from Rural Development by 
contacting

[[Page 36652]]

the appropriate individual listed in section VII of the Supplementary 
Information section of this notice.
    Submit completed paper applications for grants to the Rural 
Development Utilities Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Ave., SW., Room 2870, STOP 1599, Washington, DC 20250-
1599. Applications should be marked ``Attention: Director, Broadband 
Division, Rural Development Utilities Program.''
    Submit electronic grant applications at https://www.grants.gov 
(Grants.gov), following the instructions you find on that Web site.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Kuchno, Director, Broadband 
Division, Rural Development Utilities Program, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, telephone: (202) 690-4673, fax: (202) 690-4389.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

    Federal Agency: Rural Utilities Service (RUS).
    Funding Opportunity Title: Community Connect Grant Program.
    Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.863.

DATES: You may submit completed applications for grants on paper or 
electronically according to the following deadlines:
     Paper copies must carry proof of shipping no later than 
August 20,2007, to be eligible for FY 2007 grant funding. Late 
applications are not eligible for FY 2007 grant funding.
     Electronic copies must be received by August 20, 2007, to 
be eligible for FY 2007 grant funding. Late applications are not 
eligible for FY 2007 grant funding.

Items in Supplementary Information:

    I. Funding Opportunity: Brief introduction to the Community 
Connect Grant Program
    II. Award Information: Available funds and minimum and maximum 
amounts
    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

    The provision of broadband transmission service is vital to the 
economic development, education, health, and safety of rural Americans. 
The purpose of the Community Connect Grant Program is to provide 
financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants that 
will provide currently unserved areas, on a ``community-oriented 
connectivity'' basis, with broadband transmission service that fosters 
economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care, and 
public safety services. Rural Development will give priority to rural 
areas that it believes have the greatest need for broadband 
transmission services, based on the criteria contained herein.
    Grant authority will be used for the deployment of broadband 
transmission service to extremely rural, lower-income communities on a 
``community-oriented connectivity'' basis. The ``community-oriented 
connectivity'' concept will stimulate practical, everyday uses and 
applications of broadband facilities by cultivating the deployment of 
new broadband transmission services that improve economic development 
and provide enhanced educational and health care opportunities in rural 
areas. Such an approach will also give rural communities the 
opportunity to benefit from the advanced technologies that are 
necessary to achieve these goals. Please see 7 CFR part 1739, subpart A 
for specifics.
    This notice has been formatted to conform to a policy directive 
issued by the Office of Federal Financial Management (OFFM) of the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), published in the Federal 
Register on June 23, 2003. This Notice does not change the Community 
Connect Grant Program regulation (7 CFR part 1739, subpart A).

II. Award Information

A. Available Funds

    1. General. The Administrator has determined that the following 
amounts are available for grants in FY 2007 under 7 CFR 1739.2(a).
    2. Grants
    a. $8.91 million is available for grants. Under 7 CFR 1739.2, the 
Administrator has established a minimum grant amount of $50,000 and a 
maximum grant amount of $1,000,000 for FY 2007.
    b. Assistance instrument: Rural Development will execute grant 
documents appropriate to the project prior to any advance of funds with 
successful applicants.
    B. Community Connect 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 1739.10.)

    1. Only entities legally organized as one of the following are 
eligible for Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance:
    a. An incorporated organization,
    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 cooperative, private corporation or limited liability company 
organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis.
    2. Individuals are not eligible for Community Connect Grant Program 
financial assistance directly.
    3. Applicants must have the legal capacity and authority to own and 
operate the broadband facilities as proposed in its application, to 
enter into contracts and to otherwise comply with applicable federal 
statutes and regulations.

B. What are the basic eligibility requirements for a project?

    1. Required matching contributions. Please see 7 CFR 1739.14 for 
the requirement. Grant applicants must demonstrate a matching 
contribution, 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 
Community Connect grant assistance (see 7 CFR 1739.12).
    2. To be eligible for a grant, the Project must (see 7 CFR 
1739.11):
    a. Serve a Rural Area where Broadband Transmission Service does not 
currently exist, to be verified by Rural Development prior to the award 
of the grant;
    b. Serve one and only one Community recognized in the latest U.S. 
Census; Contiguous areas outside the Community's boundaries that are 
not recognized in the U.S. Census as a separate Community, can be 
included in the applicant's proposed Service Area.
    c. Deploy Basic Broadband Transmission Service, free of all charges 
for at least 2 years, to all Critical Community Facilities located 
within the proposed Service Area;

[[Page 36653]]

    d. Offer Basic Broadband Transmission Service to residential and 
business customers within the proposed Service Area; and
    e. Provide a Community Center with at least ten (10) Computer 
Access Points within the proposed Service Area, and make Broadband 
Transmission Service available therein, free of all charges to users 
for at least 2 years.

C. See paragraph IV.B of this notice for a discussion of the items that 
make up a completed application. You may also refer to 7 CFR 1739.15 
for completed grant application items.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Clarifications to requirements for FY 2007.

    1. Rural Development clarifies that the definition of ``Critical 
Community Facilities'' includes the mandatory Community Center.
    2. For all funding commitments, including all matching fund 
commitments and commitments made by the applicant, that are required to 
complete the Project in addition to the Rural Development grant, 
evidence must be submitted demonstrating that funding arrangements have 
been obtained. This evidence must:
    a. Clearly state the name of the entity that is making the 
commitment;
    b. The amount of the commitment; and
    c. The purpose of the commitment.
    3. Rural Development clarifies that in order to qualify as eligible 
costs for grant coverage or matching fund contributions, operating 
expenses incurred in providing Broadband Transmission Service to 
Critical Community Facilities for the first 2 years of operation and in 
providing training and instruction must be for the following purposes 
subject to the specified maximum amounts:
    a. Salary for operations manager, not to exceed $30,000 per year.
    b. Salary for technical support staff, not to exceed $30,000 per 
year.
    c. Salary for community center staff, not to exceed $25,000 per 
year.
    d. Bandwidth expenses, not to exceed $25,000 per year.
    e. Training courses on the use of the Internet, not to exceed 
$15,000 per year.
    The operating costs to be funded by the grant or used as matching 
contributions cannot exceed in the aggregate $250,000. No other 
operating expenses are eligible for grant funding or to be considered 
as matching funds.

B. Where to get application information.

    The application guide, copies of necessary forms and samples, and 
the Community Connect Grant Program regulation are available from these 
sources:
    1. The Internet: https://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/commconnect.htm, 
or https://www.grants.gov.
    2. The Rural Development Broadband Division, for paper copies of 
these materials: (202) 690-4673.

B. What constitutes a completed application?

    1. Detailed information on each item required can be found in the 
Community Connect Grant Program regulation and the Community Connect 
Grant Program application guide. Applicants are strongly encouraged to 
read and apply both the regulation and the application guide. This 
Notice does not change the requirements for a completed application for 
any form of Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance 
specified in the Community Connect Grant Program regulation. The 
Community Connect Grant Program regulation and the application guide 
provide specific guidance on each of the items listed and the Community 
Connect Grant Program application guide provides all necessary forms 
and sample worksheets.
    2. Applications should be prepared in conformance with the 
provisions in 7 CFR part 1739, subpart A, and applicable USDA 
regulations including 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 3019. Applicants must 
use the Rural Development Application Guide for this program containing 
instructions and all necessary forms, as well as other important 
information, in preparing their application. Completed applications 
must include the following:
    a. An Application for Federal Assistance. A completed Standard Form 
(SF) 424.
    b. An executive summary of the Project. The applicant must provide 
Rural Development with a general project overview.
    c. Scoring criteria documentation. Each grant applicant must 
address and provide documentation on how it meets each of the scoring 
criteria detailed 7 CFR 1739.17.
    d. System design. The applicant must submit a system design, 
including, narrative specifics of the proposal, associated costs, maps, 
engineering design studies, technical specifications and system 
capabilities, etc.
    e. Scope of work. The scope of work must include specific 
activities and services to be performed under the proposal, who will 
carry out the activities and services, specific time-frames for 
completion, and a budget for all capital and administrative 
expenditures reflecting the line item costs for all grant purposes, the 
matching contribution, and other sources of funds necessary to complete 
the project.
    f. Community-Oriented Connectivity Plan. The applicant must provide 
a detailed Community-Oriented Connectivity Plan.
    g. Financial information and sustainability. The applicant must 
provide financial statements and information and a narrative 
description demonstrating the sustainability of the Project.
    h. A statement of experience. The applicant must provide a written 
narrative describing its demonstrated capability and experience, if 
any, in operating a broadband telecommunications system.
    i. Evidence of legal authority and existence. The applicant must 
provide evidence of its legal existence and authority to enter into a 
grant agreement with RUS and to perform the activities proposed under 
the grant application.
    j. Funding commitment from other sources. If the Project requires 
additional funding from other sources in addition to the Rural 
Development grant, the applicant must provide evidence that funding 
agreements have been obtained to ensure completion of the Project.
    k. Compliance with other federal statutes. The applicant must 
provide evidence of compliance with other federal statutes and 
regulations, including, but not limited to the following:
    (i) 7 CFR part 15, subpart A--Nondiscrimination in Federally 
Assisted Programs of the Department of Agriculture--Effectuation of 
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
    (ii) 7 CFR part 3015--Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations.
    (iii) 7 CFR part 3017--Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension 
(Non-procurement).
    (iv) 7 CFR part 3018--New Restrictions on Lobbying.
    (v) 7 CFR part 3021--Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free 
Workplace (Financial Assistance).
    (vi) Certification regarding Architectural Barriers.
    (vii) Certification regarding Flood Hazard Precautions.
    (viii) An environmental report, in accordance with 7 CFR part 1794.
    (ix) Certification that grant funds will not be used to duplicate 
lines, facilities, or systems providing Broadband Transmission Service.
    (x) Federal Obligation Certification on Delinquent Debt.

[[Page 36654]]

    3. DUNS Number. As required by the OMB, all applicants for grants 
must now supply a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System 
(DUNS) number when applying. The 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 
the Community Connect Web site or Grants.gov for more information on 
how to obtain a DUNS number or how to verify your organization's 
number.

C. How many copies of an application are required?

    1. Applications submitted on paper: Submit the original application 
and two (2) copies to Rural Development.
    2. Electronically submitted applications: The additional paper 
copies are not necessary if you submit the application electronically 
through Grants.gov.
    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 Rural Development 
Utilities Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence 
Ave., SW., Room 2870, STOP 1599, Washington, DC 20250-1599. 
Applications should be marked ``Attention: Director, Broadband 
Division, Rural Development Utilities Program.''
    b. Paper applications must show proof of mailing or shipping 
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 the USPS are irradiated, which can damage the 
contents. 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 facsimile machine 
transmission 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) Navigate your Web browser to https://www.grants.gov.
    (ii) Follow the instructions on that Web site to find grant 
information.
    (iii) Download a copy of the application package.
    (iv) Complete the package off-line.
    (v) Upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov Web site.
    d. Grants.gov contains full instructions on all required passwords, 
credentialing and software.
    e. Rural Development encourages applicants who wish to apply 
through Grants.gov to submit their applications in advance of the 
deadline.
    f. 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 August 20, 2007 to be eligible for FY 2007 
grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2007 grant 
funding.
    2. Electronic grant applications must be received by August 20, 
2007 to be eligible for FY 2007 funding. Late applications are not 
eligible for FY 2007 grant funding.

F. Funding Restrictions.

    1. Eligible grant purposes. Grant funds may be used to finance:
    a. The construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, 
including spectrum, to deploy Broadband Transmission Service to all 
participating Critical Community Facilities and all required facilities 
needed to offer such service to residential and business customers 
located within the proposed Service Area;
    b. The improvement, expansion, construction, or acquisition of a 
Community Center that furnishes free access to broadband Internet 
service, provided that the Community Center is open and accessible to 
area residents before, during, and after normal working hours and on 
Saturday or Sunday. Grant funds provided for such costs shall not 
exceed the greater of five percent (5%) of the grant amount requested 
or $100,000;
    c. End-User Equipment needed to carry out the Project;
    d. Operating expenses incurred in providing Broadband Transmission 
Service to Critical Community Facilities for the first 2 years of 
operation and in providing training and instruction; and
    e. The purchase of land, buildings, or building construction needed 
to carry out the Project.
    2. Ineligible grant purposes.
    a. Grant funds may not be used to finance the duplication of any 
existing Broadband Transmission Service provided by another entity.
    b. Facilities financed with grant funds cannot be utilized, in any 
way, to provide local exchange telecommunications service to any person 
or entity already receiving such service.
    3. Please see 7 CFR 1739.3 for definitions, 7 CFR 1739.12 for 
eligible grant purposes, and 7 CFR 1739.13 for ineligible grant 
purposes

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

    1. Grant applications are scored competitively and subject to the 
criteria listed below.
    2. Grant application scoring criteria (total possible points: 100) 
See 7 CFR 1739.17 for the items that will be reviewed during scoring 
and for scoring criteria.
    a. The rurality of the Project (up to 40 points);
    b. The economic need of the Project's Service Area (up to 30 
points); and
    c. The ``community-oriented connectivity'' benefits derived from 
the proposed service (up to 30 points).

B. Review Standards

    1. All applications for grants must be delivered to Rural 
Development at the address and by the date specified in this notice 
(see also 7 CFR 1739.2) to be eligible for funding. Rural Development 
will review each application for conformance with the provisions of 
this part. Rural Development may contact the applicant for additional 
information or clarification.
    2. Incomplete applications as of the deadline for submission will 
not be considered. If an application is determined to be incomplete, 
the applicant will be notified in writing and the application will be 
returned with no further action.
    3. Applications conforming with this part will then be evaluated 
competitively by a panel of Rural Development employees selected by the 
Administrator of Rural Development Utilities Program, and will be 
awarded points as described in the scoring criteria in 7 CFR 1739.17. 
Applications will be ranked and grants awarded in rank order until all 
grant funds are expended.
    4. Regardless of the score an application receives, if Rural 
Development determines that the Project is technically or financially 
infeasible, Rural Development will notify the applicant, in writing, 
and the application will be returned with no further action.

[[Page 36655]]

C. Selection Process

    Grant applications are ranked by final score. Rural Development 
selects applications based on those rankings, subject to the 
availability of funds.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    Rural Development recognizes that each funded project is unique, 
and therefore may attach conditions to different projects' award 
documents. Rural Development generally notifies applicants whose 
projects are selected for awards by faxing an award letter. Rural 
Development follows the award letter with a grant agreement that 
contains all the terms and conditions for the grant. An applicant must 
execute and return the grant agreement, accompanied by any additional 
items required by the grant agreement.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    The items listed in paragraph IV.B.2.k of this notice, and the 
Community Connect Grant Program regulation, application guide and 
accompanying materials implement the appropriate administrative and 
national policy requirements.

C. Reporting

    1. Performance reporting. All recipients of Community Connect Grant 
Program financial assistance must provide annual performance activity 
reports to 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. See 7 CFR 1739.19.
    2. Financial reporting. All recipients of Community Connect Grant 
Program 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 1739.20.

VII. Agency Contacts

    A. Web site: https://www.usda.gov/rus/commconnect.htm. This Web site 
maintains up-to-date resources and contact information for the 
Community Connect Grant Program.
    B. Phone: 202-690-4673.
    C. Fax: 202-690-4389.
    D. Main point of contact: Kenneth Kuchno, Director, Broadband 
Division, Rural Development Utilities Program, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture.

    Dated: June 29, 2007.
James M. Andrew,
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 07-3285 Filed 7-3-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.