Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP), 66274-66276 [E9-29462]

Download as PDF 66274 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 239 / Tuesday, December 15, 2009 / Notices Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 33.0. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 668.0 hours. Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed 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 proposed 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 responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Dated: December 8, 2009. David R. Shipman, Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E9–29800 Filed 12–14–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Information Collection Activity; Comment Request Rural Utilities Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by February 16, 2010. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michele Brooks, Deputy Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, RUS, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., STOP 1522, Room 5159 South Building, Washington, DC 20250– 1522. Telephone: (202) 690–1078. FAX: (202) 720–4120. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) regulation (5 CFR 1320) implementing provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13) requires sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:23 Dec 14, 2009 Jkt 220001 that interested members of the public and affected agencies have an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping activities (see 5 CFR 1320.8(d)). This notice identifies an information collection that will be submitted to OMB for approval. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s 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 automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to: Michele Brooks, Deputy Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, RUS, STOP 1522, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250–1522. FAX: (202)720–4120. Title: 7 CFR part 1738, Rural Broadband Loans and Loan Guarantee Program. OMB Control Number: 0572–0130. Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: USDA Rural Development, through the Rural Utilities Service, is authorized by Title VI, Rural Broadband Access, of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (RE Act), to provide loans and loan guarantees to fund the cost of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment for the provision of broadband service in eligible rural communities in States and Territories of the United States. The term of the loans is based on the expected composite economic life based on the depreciation of the facilities financed. The term of the loan can be as high as 25 years or even longer. In the interest of protecting loan security and accomplishing the statutory objective of a sound program of rural broadband service access, Title VI of the RE Act requires that Rural Development make or guarantee a loan only if there is reasonable assurance that the loan, together with all outstanding loans and obligations of the borrower will be repaid in full within the time agreed. The items covered by this collection include forms and related documentation to support a loan PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 application, including Form 532 and supporting documentation. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to average 225 hours per response. Respondents: Businesses and Not-forprofit institutions. Estimated Number of Respondents: 40. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 2. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 13,480 hours. Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Michele Brooks, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, at (202) 690–1078. FAX: (202) 720–4120. 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: December 7, 2009. Jonathan Adelstein, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. E9–29802 Filed 12–14–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Doc. No. AMS–TM–09–0061; TM–09–08] Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the FederalState Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP) 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 2010, subject to final appropriation action by Congress, which would 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, the information collection requirements have been previously E:\FR\FM\15DEN1.SGM 15DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 239 / Tuesday, December 15, 2009 / Notices Background approved by OMB under 0581–0240, Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP). DATES: Proposals will be accepted through February 10, 2010. Submit proposals and other required documents to: FSMIP Staff Officer, Transportation and Marketing Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1800 M Street, NW., Room 3002–South Tower, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 694–4002; e-mail janise.zygmont@ams.usda.gov. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Janise Zygmont, FSMIP Staff Officer; telephone (202) 694–4002; fax (202) 694–5950; or e-mail janise.zygmont@ams.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. Applicants other than State Departments of Agriculture and State agricultural experiment stations may wish to include with their applications an explanation of how they meet the definition of ‘‘other appropriate State agency.’’ 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/ FSMIP. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:23 Dec 14, 2009 Jkt 220001 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. Projects that support biobased products and bioenergy and energy programs, including biofuels and other alternative uses for agricultural and forestry commodities (development of biobased products) should see the USDA energy Web site at: https:// www.energymatrix.usda.gov/ for information on how to submit those projects for consideration to the energy programs supported by USDA. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 66275 • 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. All proposals which fall within the FSMIP guidelines will be considered. FSMIP encourages States to submit proposals that address the following objectives: • Creating wealth in rural communities through the development of local and regional food systems and value-added agriculture. • Developing direct marketing opportunities for producers, or producer groups. Paperwork Reduction Act In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the FSMIP information collection requirements were previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and were assigned OMB control number 0581–0240. AMS is committed to compliance with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA), which requires Government agencies in general to provide the public with the option of submitted information or transacting business electronically to the maximum extent possible. 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/FSMIP. 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. E:\FR\FM\15DEN1.SGM 15DEN1 66276 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 239 / Tuesday, December 15, 2009 / Notices Dated: December 7, 2009. Rayne Pegg, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E9–29462 Filed 12–14–09; 8:45 am] Dated: December 7, 2009. Lynn Kolund, District Ranger. [FR Doc. E9–29658 Filed 12–14–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service National Institute of Standards and Technology [3410–11–0203–S20202] [Docket No. 0911121401–91402–01] Custer County Resource Advisory Committee FY 2010 Measurement, Science and Engineering Research Grants Programs; Availability of Funds Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: The Custer County Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Custer, South Dakota. The purpose of the meeting is review and selection of project proposals to be funded by the 2009 allocation. DATES: The meeting will be held on January 12, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Black Hills National Forest Supervisors Office. Written comments should be sent to Lynn Kolund at 330 Mount Rushmore Road, Custer, South Dakota 57730. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to lkolund@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to 605–673–5461. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received at 330 Mount Rushmore Road, Custer, South Dakota. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to 605–673–4853 to facilitate entry into the building. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lynn Kolund, Designated Federal Official, Hell Canyon Ranger District, 605–673–4853. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting is open to the public. Council discussion is limited to Forest Service staff and Council members. However, persons who wish to bring 2009 Project Proposal matters to the attention of the Council may file written statements with the Council staff before or after the meeting. Public input sessions will be provided and individuals who made written requests by January 8, 2010 will have the opportunity to address the Council at the January 12, 2010 session. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:23 Dec 14, 2009 Jkt 220001 AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announces that the following programs are soliciting applications for financial assistance for FY 2010: (1) The Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory Grants Program; (2) the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory Grants Program; (3) the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory Grants Program; (4) the Physics Laboratory Grants Program; (5) the Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory Grants Program; (6) the Building Research Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program; (7) the Fire Research Grants Program; (8) the Information Technology Laboratory Grants Program; (9) the NIST Center for Neutron Research Grants Program; (10) Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology Grants Program; and (11) the Technology Services Grants Program. Each program will only consider applications that are within the scientific scope of the program as described in this notice and in the detailed program descriptions found in the Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) announcement for these programs. Prior to preparation of a proposal, it is strongly suggested that potential applicants contact the Program Manager for the appropriate field of research, as specified in the FFO announcement found at https://www.grants.gov, for clarification of the program objectives and to determine whether their proposal is responsive to this notice. DATES: For all programs except the Fire Research Grants Program, applications received after June 1, 2010 may be processed and considered for funding under this solicitation in the current fiscal year or in the next fiscal year, subject to the availability of funds. For PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the Fire Research Grants Program, applications received after January 15, 2010 may be processed and considered for funding under this solicitation in the current fiscal year or in the next fiscal year, subject to the availability of funds. Applications, paper and electronic, must be received prior to the publication date in the Federal Register of the FY 2011 solicitation for the NIST Measurement, Science and Engineering Research Grants Programs in order to be processed under this solicitation. ADDRESSES: See below. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name and Number: Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards—11.609. Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory (EEEL) Grants Program Program Description: The Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory (EEEL) Grants Program will provide grants and cooperative agreements for the development of fundamental electrical metrology and of metrology supporting industry and government agencies in the broad areas of semiconductors, electronic instrumentation, radio-frequency technology, optoelectronics, magnetics, superconductors, electronic commerce as applied to electronic products and devices, the transmission and distribution of electrical power, national electrical standards (fundamental, generally quantum-based physical standards), and law enforcement standards. Financial support may be provided for conferences, workshops, or other technical research meetings that are relevant to the mission of the Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory. Specific information regarding program objectives can be found in the corresponding Federal Funding Opportunity for this announcement. DATES: Applications will be considered on a continuing basis. Applications received after June 1, 2010 may be processed and considered for funding under this solicitation in the current fiscal year or in the next fiscal year, subject to the availability of funds. All applications, paper and electronic, must be received prior to the publication date in the Federal Register of the FY 2011 solicitation for the NIST Measurement, Science and Engineering Research Grants Programs in order to be processed under this solicitation. ADDRESSES: Paper applications must be submitted to: Ms. Sheilda Bryner, Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau E:\FR\FM\15DEN1.SGM 15DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 239 (Tuesday, December 15, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66274-66276]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-29462]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-TM-09-0061; TM-09-08]


Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the 
Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP)

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 2010, subject to final appropriation action by 
Congress, which would 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, the information 
collection requirements have been previously

[[Page 66275]]

approved by OMB under 0581-0240, Federal-State Marketing Improvement 
Program (FSMIP).

DATES: Proposals will be accepted through February 10, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Submit proposals and other required documents to: FSMIP 
Staff Officer, Transportation and Marketing Programs, Agricultural 
Marketing Service (AMS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1800 M Street, 
NW., Room 3002-South Tower, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 694-
4002; e-mail janise.zygmont@ams.usda.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Janise Zygmont, FSMIP Staff Officer; 
telephone (202) 694-4002; fax (202) 694-5950; or e-mail 
janise.zygmont@ams.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. Applicants other than State Departments of 
Agriculture and State agricultural experiment stations may wish to 
include with their applications an explanation of how they meet the 
definition of ``other appropriate State agency.''
    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/FSMIP.

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. Projects that support biobased 
products and bioenergy and energy programs, including biofuels and 
other alternative uses for agricultural and forestry commodities 
(development of biobased products) should see the USDA energy Web site 
at: https://www.energymatrix.usda.gov/ for information on how to submit 
those projects for consideration to the energy programs supported by 
USDA.
    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.
    All proposals which fall within the FSMIP guidelines will be 
considered. FSMIP encourages States to submit proposals that address 
the following objectives:
     Creating wealth in rural communities through the 
development of local and regional food systems and value-added 
agriculture.
     Developing direct marketing opportunities for producers, 
or producer groups.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the FSMIP 
information collection requirements were previously approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and were assigned OMB control 
number 0581-0240.
    AMS is committed to compliance with the Government Paperwork 
Elimination Act (GPEA), which requires Government agencies in general 
to provide the public with the option of submitted information or 
transacting business electronically to the maximum extent possible.

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/FSMIP.
    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.


[[Page 66276]]


    Dated: December 7, 2009.
Rayne Pegg,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E9-29462 Filed 12-14-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
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