Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) to Invite Applications for the American Indian and Alaska Native Credit Outreach Initiative, 17370-17375 [2010-7729]
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 6, 2010 / Notices
our evaluations concluded that the
Czech Republic and Sweden were able
to effectively control and eradicate
HPAI H5N1 in their respective poultry
populations and that the Czech and
Swedish authorities have adequate
control measures in place to rapidly
identify, control, and eradicate the
disease should it be reintroduced into
their respective countries in either wild
birds or domestic poultry. We further
concluded that the importation of live
birds, poultry carcasses, parts of
carcasses, and eggs (other than hatching
eggs) of poultry, game birds, or other
birds from regions of the Czech
Republic and Sweden presents a low
risk of introducing HPAI H5N1 into the
United States.
We are making the evaluation
available for public comment. We will
consider all comments that we receive
on or before the date listed under the
heading DATES at the beginning of this
notice.
If, after the close of the comment
period, APHIS can identify no
additional risk factors that would
indicate that domestic poultry in
regions of the Czech Republic or
Sweden continue to be affected with
HPAI H5N1, we will remove from the
list of regions affected by HPAI H5N1
those regions of the Czech Republic and
Sweden that are currently on the list.
The evaluation may be viewed on the
Regulations.gov Web site or in our
reading room (see ADDRESSES above for
a link to Regulations.gov and
information on the location and hours of
the reading room). You may request
paper copies of the evaluation by calling
or writing to the person listed under FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Please
refer to the title of the evaluation when
requesting copies.
Done in Washington, DC, this 31st day
of March 2010.
Gregory Parham
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2010–7734 Filed 4–5–10; 12:01 pm]
BILLING CODE 3410–34–S
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
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Farm Service Agency
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) to
Invite Applications for the American
Indian and Alaska Native Credit
Outreach Initiative
Farm Service Agency, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Farm Service Agency
(FSA) is requesting applications for
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competitive cooperative agreement
funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 for the
credit outreach initiative targeted to
American Indian and Alaska Native
farmers, ranchers, and youth residing
primarily on Indian reservations within
the contiguous United States and in
Alaska. There is $400,000 available in
funding for the remainder of FY 2010.
FSA will make one award to a
successful applicant through a
cooperative agreement. FSA requests
proposals from eligible nonprofit
organizations, land-grant institutions,
and federally-recognized Indian tribal
governments interested in a
competitively-awarded cooperative
agreement to create and implement a
mechanism that will provide credit
outreach and promotion, pre-loan
education, and one-on-one loan
application preparation assistance to
American Indian and Alaska Native
farmers, ranchers, and youth. Successful
proposals may include other innovative
services intended to enhance
participation by American Indians and
Alaska Natives in specific FSA
Agricultural Credit Programs and other
relevant credit programs available to
American Indian and Alaska Native
producers.
DATES: Applications must be completed
and submitted to the Agency no later
than 5 p.m. eastern time May 6, 2010.
Late applications will not be accepted
and will be returned to the applicant.
Applicants must ensure that the service
used to deliver the application can do
so by the deadline. Due to security
concerns, packages sent to the Agency
by mail have been delayed several days
or even weeks.
ADDRESSES: Submit applications and
other required materials by mail to:
Mark Palmer, Director, Office of
External Affairs, FSA, United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA),
STOP 0505, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–
0511.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
FSA Office of External Affairs or Office
of Outreach: Mark Palmer, (202) 720–
9933; email:
mark.palmer@wdc.usda.gov.
For USDA Office of Tribal Relations:
Janie Hipp, (202) 205–2249; e-mail:
janie.hipp@osec.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose of Solicitation
This NOFA is being re-released
because there was insufficient response
to the NOFA published on August 27,
2009 (74 FR 43665–43669). This NOFA
has been adjusted to reflect
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improvements in the American Indian
Credit Outreach Initiative Program that
ensures it better serves American Indian
and Alaska Native producers. Most
notable among these improvements is
the fact that FSA will now administer
the program with advice from USDA
Office of Tribal Relations.
This solicitation is issued under 7
U.S.C. 2204b (b)(4), which authorizes
the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into
cooperative agreements to improve the
coordination and effectiveness of
Federal programs affecting rural areas.
The principal objective of this
cooperative agreement is to continue a
national outreach program that enables
American Indian and Alaska Native
farmers, ranchers, and youth located
either on Indian reservations or in other
regions that have a significant presence
of American Indian and Alaska Native
farmers, ranchers, and youth in the
contiguous United States and Alaska to
understand and have access to the
various FSA Agriculture Credit
Programs.
The USDA Office of Tribal Relations
will provide ongoing and concrete
assistance and advice in program
planning, delivery, and coordination;
this will partially satisfy the ‘‘significant
agency participation’’ requirement for
the cooperative agreement. All program
outcomes will be reported to FSA and
the USDA Office of Tribal Relations.
Proposal Requirements
All proposed approaches must
include a plan for how the project will
have the following capabilities in place
within three months after acceptance of
award:
1. The demonstrated ability to deliver
these credit outreach services. This
should include demonstrated technical
expertise, program familiarity, and
technological capability, including the
ability to use relevant software programs
used for preparing farm business plans.
This should also include demonstrated
cultural sensitivity and a thorough
understanding of the population
targeted by the applicant, including a
firm grasp of the unique credit
challenges faced by the targeted
population.
2. A strategic plan with concrete,
actionable goals.
3. A tracking system with which to
first, document the steps taken by the
cooperator to realize these goals, and
second, gauge the efficacy and impact of
the program. Thus, the cooperator
should be able to document, track, and
report on their own internal activities,
as well as their external results in the
targeted population.
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Proposals must demonstrate a wellthought out strategic plan for ensuring
that American Indian and Alaska
Natives have improved access to FSA
Agricultural Credit Programs through
targeted program education efforts,
including targeted educational
programs, application training sessions,
one-to-one application troubleshooting,
general information dissemination, and
promotional campaigns.
Applicants who can suggest metrics
for gauging the impact of Federal
funding and success of their program
education campaign will be more
competitive. Possible metrics could
include, but are not limited to:
• Number of producers who, after
receiving assistance from the
cooperator, successfully received an
FSA loan or loan guarantee,
• Percentage increase in producers on
targeted reservation or area receiving
FSA credit support,
• Number of attendees at outreach
events, and
• Number of attendees at outreach
events who subsequently sought
services from cooperator related to FSA
Agricultural Credit Programs.
Applicants are encouraged to contact
the FSA Office of Outreach, the FSA
Office of External Affairs, or the USDA
Office of Tribal Relations to discuss
proposed Outreach strategies or
proposed tracking metrics. (See FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above.)
Background
Today, American Indians and Alaska
Natives own and control approximately
66 million acres of agricultural lands
held in trust by the United States
Government and administered, for the
most part, by the Bureau of Indian
Affairs (BIA) of the Department of the
Interior. Land-based agricultural
enterprises are considered the primary
source of revenue for most tribes, due in
large part to their geographical isolation
from any urban type industrial
development activities. Thus, protecting
this resource and utilizing it effectively
are important functions of the elected
tribal officials charged with operating or
overseeing business activities that take
place within reservations.
USDA provides farmers and ranchers
technical, financial, and educational
resources. American Indian and Alaska
Native agricultural producers on
reservations have historically been less
able to benefit from USDA services than
other farmers and ranchers. Since 1987,
Congress has enacted Federal laws, such
as the recent Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110–246),
(2008 Farm Bill), to address American
Indians and Alaska Natives’ (and other
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socially disadvantaged farmers and
ranchers) lack of access to USDA’s
programs and services; this has resulted
in beginning to close some of the gaps
in access to these programs and
services. As positive as these changes
are, they have not fully addressed an
implementation plan or the funds
needed to carry out implementation of
sorely needed agribusiness education
and direct services to American Indian
and Alaska Native reservation and nonreservation farmers and ranchers.
American Indian and Alaska Native
agribusinesses, as well as individual
American Indians and Alaska Natives,
have consistently reported that the
primary need in agriculture is access to
the capital required to own and operate
their own farms or ranches. Therefore,
FSA has created and implemented this
cooperative funding mechanism to
provide credit outreach and other
related business management training
and assistance services related to FSA’s
Agricultural Credit Programs, subject to
funding, as a way to resolve some of the
credit needs of American Indian and
Alaska Native agriculture.
Definitions
The following acronym and
definitions are applicable to this notice.
Agency or FSA. The United States
Department of Agriculture Farm Service
Agency.
Farm land. Land used for commercial
agriculture crops, poultry and livestock
enterprises, or aquaculture.
Federally-Recognized Indian Tribal
Government. The governing body or a
governmental agency of any Indian
tribe, band, nation, or other organized
group or community (including any
Native village as defined in section 3 of
the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
(43 U.S.C. 1602)) certified by the
Secretary of the Interior as eligible for
the special programs and services
provided through the Bureau of Indian
Affairs.
Land Grant Institutions. Any
institution that is either:
1. A 1994 Institution, 1890 Institution,
or 1862 Institution, (as defined in
section 2 of the Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Education Reform Act of
1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601));
2. An Indian tribal community college
or an Alaska Native cooperative college;
or
3. A Hispanic-serving institution (as
defined in section 1404 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3103)).
Non-Profit Organization. Any
corporation, trust, association,
cooperative, or other organization that:
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1. Is operated primarily for scientific,
educational, service, charitable, or
similar purposes in the public interest;
2. Is not organized primarily for
profit; and
3. Is recognized by the Internal
Revenue Service as being certified as
compliant with 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)).
Recipient Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must either be a non-profit
organization, a federally recognized
Indian tribe, or a land grant institution
as defined above. Applications without
sufficient information to determine
eligibility will not be considered.
Proposal Preparation
A proposal must contain an original
and two copies of the following (Contact
Mark Palmer (see FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT above) if you need
help getting the forms):
1. Form SF–424, ‘‘Application for
Federal Assistance.’’
2. Form SF–424A, ‘‘Budget
Information—Non-Construction
Programs.’’
3. Form SF–424B, ‘‘Assurances—NonConstruction Programs.’’
4. Table of Contents. For ease of
locating information, each proposal
must contain a detailed table of contents
immediately following the required
Federal forms. The table of contents
should include page numbers for each
component of the proposal. Pagination
should begin immediately following the
table of contents.
5. Proposal Summary. A summary of
the project proposal, not to exceed two
pages, that includes the title of the
project, a description of the project
(including an overarching strategic plan
(broad goals) and discrete actionable
tasks (specific goals) to be
accomplished), the names of the
individuals responsible for conducting
and completing the tasks, and the
expected time frame for completing all
tasks.
6. Eligibility. A detailed discussion,
not to exceed two pages, describing how
the applicant meets the definition of
land grant institution, non-profit
organization, or federally recognized
Indian tribal government. In addition,
the applicant must describe all other
collaborative organizations that may be
involved in the project, the respective
role the collaborative organization will
play in program delivery. The
application must include a signed and
dated full description from any
collaborative organization describing its
proposed role.
7. Proposal Narrative. The narrative
portion of the project proposal must be
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in a font such as Times New Roman (12
pt.) or comparable font and must
include the following:
a. Project Title. The title of the
proposed project must be brief, not to
exceed 100 characters, yet represent the
major thrust of the project.
b. Information Sheet. A separate one
page information sheet that lists each of
the seven evaluation criteria listed in
this notice (see the ‘‘Evaluation Criteria
and Weights’’ section below) followed
by the page numbers of all relevant
material and documentation contained
in the proposal that address or support
that criteria.
c. Goals and Objectives of the Project.
A clear statement of the ultimate goals
and objectives of the project must be
presented.
d. Evaluation Criteria. Each of the
nine evaluation criteria listed in this
notice (see the ‘‘Evaluation Criteria and
Weights’’ section below) must be
addressed specifically and individually
by category. These criteria should be in
narrative form with any specific
supporting documentation attached as
addenda and should be placed directly
following the proposal narrative. If other
materials, including financial
statements, will be used to support any
evaluation criteria it should also be
placed directly following the proposal
narrative. The applicant must also
propose and delineate significant
agency participation in the project. The
applicant must also propose and
delineate significant agency
participation in the project at the local
or regional level.
8. DUNS Number. A Dun and
Bradstreet Universal Numbering System
(DUNS) number is required for entities
receiving Federal contracts such as a
cooperative agreement under this
notice.
Amount of Award
The amount of funds available for the
remainder of FY 2010 (through
September 30, 2010) is up to $400,000.
Expenses incurred in developing
applications will be at the applicant’s
risk.
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Number of Awards
Only one cooperative agreement will
be awarded.
Eligible Cooperative Agreement Fund
Uses
Cooperative agreement funds may be
used to cover allowable costs incurred
by the recipient and approved by FSA.
Allowable costs are governed by 7 CFR
parts 3015, 3016, and 3019, as
applicable, and applicable Office of
Management and Budget Circulars.
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Ineligible Fund Uses
Cooperative agreement funds must
not be used to:
1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or
construct a building or facility
(including a processing facility);
2. Purchase, rent, or install fixed
equipment, including mobile and other
processing equipment;
3. Pay for the preparation of the
cooperative agreement application;
4. Pay expenses not directly related to
the funded venture (for example,
cooperative agreement funds cannot be
used to support the organization’s
general operations);
5. Fund political or lobbying
activities;
6. Pay costs incurred prior to
receiving the cooperative agreement;
7. Fund any activity prohibited by 7
CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 3019, as
applicable; and
8. Fund architectural or engineering
design work for a specific physical
facility.
Evaluation Criteria, Proposal Review
A merit review panel of USDA
employees as selected by the National
FSA Office and the USDA Office of
Tribal Relations will review
applications for eligibility,
completeness, and responsiveness to
this notice. Incomplete or nonresponsive applications will be returned
to the applicant and not evaluated
further. Applications received beyond
the time deadline identified in this
notice will not be accepted for review.
The proposal will be evaluated using
the criteria specified below. Failure to
address any one of the criteria will
disqualify the application. All proposals
must be in compliance with this notice,
applicable statutes, and regulations.
Prior to technical examination, a
preliminary review will be made by
FSA for responsiveness to this notice
and completeness. Proposals that do not
fall within the solicitation guidelines or
are otherwise ineligible will be
eliminated from competition. All
responsive proposals will be reviewed
by a merit review panel of reviewers
using the evaluation criteria stated
below. The selected USDA employee
reviewers will be chosen to provide
maximum expertise and objective
judgment in the evaluation of proposals.
Evaluated proposals will be ranked by
the merit review panel, based on the
evaluation criteria and weights listed
below. Final approval of those proposals
will be made by the Administrator of
FSA.
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Evaluation Criteria and Weights
All responsive proposals will be
reviewed based on the following nine
criteria:
1. Applicant’s Demonstrated Ability
to Conduct Program Education and
Provide Technical Assistance (20
points). This standard evaluates the
degree to which the organization can
demonstrate having the requisite
experience, qualifications, competency,
and availability of personnel and
resources needed to provide targeted
program education and technical
assistance on FSA credit sources,
tailored to address the unique
challenges faced by American Indian
and Alaska Native producers. The
applicant should be able to demonstrate
its technical capacity for delivering
credit outreach services using any
acceptable farm business planning and
management software, as deemed
appropriate. A sufficient explanation
must be contained in the application
concerning the software used and the
applicant’s capacity and familiarity with
the software program selected.
2. Applicant’s Demonstrated
Understanding of Constituent
Population and Cultural Competency (5
points). This standard evaluates the
degree to which the applicant can
demonstrate that they understand the
unique challenges facing American
Indian and Alaska Native producers in
such a way that allows the applicant to
effectively provide assistance to these
producers. Applicants should discuss in
their proposal whether they possess the
cultural competency needed to be of
service to targeted constituent
populations and to develop and foster a
successful relationship with constituent
populations. This standard evaluates the
degree to which the proposal contains
detailed programs to reach persons
identified as American Indian and
Alaska Native farmers, ranchers, and
youth. The proposal will be evaluated
for its potential for encouraging and
assisting American Indian or Alaska
Native farmers, ranchers, and youth to
utilize the various FSA agriculture
credit programs.
3. A Strategic Plan Centered around
Anticipated and Actual Results for
Constituent Population (20 points). This
standard evaluates the extent to which
the proposal clearly describes its
objectives and evidences a high level of
feasibility. This criterion relates to the
adequacy and soundness of the
proposed approach to solve specific
problems and evaluates the plan of
operation, the timetable, evaluation, and
dissemination plans. This area of the
application must clearly delineate all
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plans for execution during the life of the
cooperative agreement; a clear timetable
for accomplishing all relevant plans; a
specific evaluation plan; and specific
dissemination plans. A strategic plan
should be provided that specifies
discrete, actionable goals. It should
propose metrics by which the applicant
will measure its own success over the
duration of the funding period, such as
the number of American Indian and
Alaska Native producers aided by
applicant who successfully gained FSA
credit. This strategic plan should be
results oriented, focusing on progress in
the economic state of the target
population. If the applicant has
conducted this or similar programs in
previous years, they are required to
reflect in their application the numbers
of individuals reached in each previous
year (in detail, by location, by funding
year) and the number of individuals
anticipated to be served within the
project year for which funds are sought.
Applicants should explain how they
intend to independently gather this
data.
4. Applicant’s Ability to Track
Internal Activity (15 points). This
standard evaluates whether the
applicant is able to track the discrete
steps taken to realize its mission and
explain the system it will use to do so.
This includes a tracking system for
program education efforts such as
seminars or other teaching sessions,
number of producers provided with
technical assistance, or outreach
activities. This tracking system will
allow the applicant to effectively
evaluate its own strategy and
continually evolve the strategy to
maximize efficacy. This tracking system
should also be used to satisfy the
reporting requirement to USDA
regarding use of funding.
5. Adequacy of Budget (15 points).
This standard evaluates whether the
budget is designed to support the
pursuit of the concrete, actionable goals
enumerated in the strategic plan. This
standard also evaluates the accuracy of
the proposed budget and the
accompanying budget justification. The
proposed budget should provide a
detailed description of each budget
category that includes categorical
subtotals as well as a separate budget
justification that clearly defines and
explains each and every proposed
budget line item.
6. Sustainability of Effort (10 points).
This standard rewards applicants who
make plans that would ensure the
sustainability of their effort and their
ability to continue to provide American
Indian and Alaska Native producers
with the crucial services of program
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education and technical assistance. This
includes the extent to which the
applicant has, or has plans to, diversify
their funding base by working with
other USDA Agencies, other Federal
Agencies, and non-government funding
sources such as foundations or private
entities.
7. Detailed Description of
Collaborative Partnerships, if any, and
Program Recipients (5 points). This
standard evaluates the degree to which
the proposal reflects partnerships and
collaborative initiatives with other
agencies or organizations to enhance the
quality and effectiveness of the program.
Additionally, the areas and number of
underserved American Indian and
Alaska Native farmers, ranchers, and
youth who would benefit from the
services offered will be evaluated.
Collaborative individuals or
organizations must submit a written
(signed and dated) letter of collaboration
in which all activities the collaborative
may engage in with the applicant will
be clearly outlined. All relevant
personnel who will be involved in the
project will be identified by the
collaborative entity.
8. Innovative Solutions to Challenges
Faced by Targeted Population (5 points).
This standard rewards applicants for
their ability to propose innovative ways
to address the challenges faced by
Native American and Alaska Native
producers in accessing FSA credit.
9. Overall Quality of the Proposal (5
points). This standard evaluates the
degree to which the proposal complies
with this notice and is of high quality.
Elements considered include adherence
to instructions, accuracy and
completeness of forms, clarity and
organization of ideas, thoroughness and
sufficiency of detail in the budget
narrative, specificity of allocations
between targeted areas if the proposal
addresses more than one area, and
completeness of vitae for all key
personnel associated with the project.
Selection Process
When the merit review panel
reviewers have completed their
individual evaluations, the panel, based
on the individual reviews, will make a
recommendation to the Administrator
that one responsive proposal be
approved for support from available
funds. Prior to award, the Administrator
reserves the right to negotiate with an
applicant whose project is
recommended for funding regarding
project revisions (for example, change in
scope of work or FSA’s significant
involvement), funding level, or period
of support. A proposal may be
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withdrawn at any time before a final
funding decision is made.
Cooperative Agreement Awards
Within the limit of funds available for
such purpose, the Administrator will
enter into a cooperative agreement with
the successful applicant.
When To Submit an Application
The deadline for receipt of all
applications is 5 p.m. eastern time May
6, 2010. FSA will not accept any
application received after the deadline.
Cooperator Requirements
Cooperators will be required to do the
following:
• Sign required Federal assistance
forms including:
Æ Form AD–1047, Certification
Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and
Other Responsibility Matters-Primary
Covered Transactions;
Æ Form AD–1048, Certification
Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary ExclusionLower Tier Covered Transactions;
Æ Form AD–1049, Certification
Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements (Grants); and
Æ Form RD 400–4, Assurance
Agreement (Civil Rights).
• Use Standard Form (SF) 270,
Request for Advance or Reimbursement
to request payments.
• Submit a SF–269, Financial Status
Report, and list expenditures according
to agreed upon budget categories on a
semi-annual basis. A financial report is
due within 45 days after the first half of
the project period and another financial
report is due within 60 days of the
completion of the project.
• Report information for active and
pending projects on the Current and
Pending Support form.
• Submit periodic performance
reports to the FSA Administrator and
the USDA Office of Tribal Relations, as
requested and agreed upon in the
cooperative agreement, that compare
accomplishments to the objectives; if
established objectives are not met,
discuss problems, delays, or other
problems that may affect completion of
the project; establish objectives for the
next reporting period; and discuss
compliance with any special conditions
on the use of awarded funds.
• Maintain a financial management
system that is acceptable to FSA.
• Submit a final project performance
report.
• Sign an FSA approved cooperative
agreement (an example of which is
provided at the end of this notice).
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Other Federal Statutes and Regulations
That Apply
In addition to the requirements
provided in this notice, other Federal
statutes and regulations apply to
proposals considered for review and to
our cooperative agreement award. These
include, but are not limited to:
• 7 CFR part 15, subpart A,
Nondiscrimination in FederallyAssisted Programs of the Department of
Agriculture-Effectuation of Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
• 7 CFR part 3015, Uniform Federal
Assistance Regulations;
• 7 CFR parts 3016, Uniform
Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements to State
and Local Governments, as applicable;
• 7 CFR part 3017, Governmentwide
Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement);
• 7 CFR part 3018, New Restrictions
on Lobbying;
• 7 CFR part 3019, Uniform
Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Agreements with Institutions of
Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other
Non-profit Organizations, as applicable;
• 7 CFR part 3021, Governmentwide
Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace
(Financial Assistance); and
• 7 CFR part 3052, Audits of States,
Local Governments, and Non-Profit
Organizations.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act does
not apply to this notice because the
program does not receive applications
from more than 10 persons covered by
5 CFR 1320.3(c).
Signed in Washington, DC, on March 31,
2010.
Jonathan W. Coppess,
Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
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United States Department of Agriculture
Farm Service Agency
Cooperative Agreement—American
Indian and Alaska Native Outreach
Initiative
This Cooperative Agreement
(Agreement) datedllll, between
llll (Cooperator), and the United
States of America, acting through the
Farm Service Agency of the Department
of Agriculture (the Agency), for
$ llll in cooperative agreement
funds under the program, delineates the
agreement of the parties.
Now, therefore, in consideration of
the Agreement;
The parties agree that:
1. All the terms and provisions of the
notice entitled ‘‘Notice of Funds
Availability (NOFA) Inviting
Applications for the American Indian
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and Alaska Native Credit Outreach
Initiative,’’ published in the Federal
Register on April 6, 2010 and the
application submitted by the Cooperator
for this Agreement, including any
attachments or amendments, are
incorporated and included as part of
this Agreement. Any changes to these
documents or this Agreement must be
approved in writing by the undersigned
parties.
2. As a condition of the Agreement,
the Cooperator certifies that it is in
compliance with, and will comply in
the course of the Agreement with, all
applicable laws, regulations, Executive
Orders, and other generally applicable
requirements, including, but not limited
to: Those contained in 7 CFR
3015.205(b), which are incorporated
into this Agreement by reference, and
such other statutory provisions as are
specifically contained herein. The
Cooperator will comply with title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and
Executive Order 12250.
3. The provisions of 7 CFR part 3015,
Uniform Federal Assistance
Regulations, and 7 CFR part 3019,
Uniform Administrative Requirements
for Grants and Agreements With
Institutions of Higher Education,
Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit
Organizations, as applicable, are
incorporated herein and made a part
hereof by reference.
4. All conditions and provisions of
this Agreement will become effective on
signature of both parties and will
continue until completion of the project,
but not later than September 30, ____.
Further, the Cooperator agrees that it
will:
1. Not use cooperative agreement
funds to plan, repair, rehabilitate,
acquire, or construct a building or
facility (including a processing facility);
or to purchase, rent, or install fixed
equipment.
2. Use funds only for the purpose and
activities specified in the proposal
approved by the Agency including the
approved budget. Any uses not
provided for in the approved budget
must be approved in writing by the
Agency in advance of obligation by the
Agency.
3. Submit a Standard Form 269,
Financial Status Report and list
expenditures according to agreed upon
budget categories. Reports are due
halfway through the period covered by
the cooperative agreement, as well as at
the end of the period covered.
4. Provide periodic reports as required
by the Agency. A financial status report
and a project performance report will be
required on a quarterly basis. The
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financial status report must show how
cooperative agreement funds have been
used to date and project the funds
needed and their purposes for the next
quarter. A final report may serve as the
last semi-annual report. Cooperators
must constantly monitor performance to
ensure that time schedules are being
met and projected goals by time periods
are being accomplished. The project
performance reports must include the
following:
a. A comparison of actual
accomplishments to the objectives for
that period.
b. Reasons why established objectives
were not met, if applicable.
c. Reasons for any problems, delays,
or adverse conditions that will affect
attainment of overall program
objectives, prevent meeting time
schedules or objectives, or preclude the
attainment of particular objectives
during established time periods. This
disclosure must be accompanied by a
statement of the action taken or planned
to resolve the situation.
d. Objectives and timetables
established for the next reporting
period.
e. The final report will also address,
but not be limited to, the following:
i. What have been the most
challenging or unexpected aspects of
this program? What aspects of the
program most need improvement? What
would be your plan for that
improvement if given the opportunity to
change the program in the future?
ii. What advice would you give to
other organizations planning a similar
program? These should include
strengths and limitations of the
program. If you had the opportunity,
what would you have done differently?
iii. If an innovative approach was
used successfully, the Cooperator
should describe their program in detail
so that other organizations might
consider replication in their areas.
5. Provide Financial Management
Systems which will include:
a. Records that identify adequately the
source and application of funds for
cooperative agreement supported
activities. Those records must contain
information pertaining to grant and
cooperative agreement awards and
authorizations, obligations, unobligated
balances, assets, liabilities, outlays, and
income.
b. Effective control over and
accountability for all funds, property,
and other assets. Cooperator must
adequately safeguard all such assets and
ensure that they are used solely for
authorized purposes.
c. Accounting records supported by
source documentation.
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 6, 2010 / Notices
sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES
6. Retain financial records, supporting
documents, statistical records, and all
other records pertinent to the
cooperative agreement for a period of at
least 3 years after closing, except that
the records must be retained beyond the
3-year period if audit findings have not
been resolved. Microfilm or photocopies
or similar methods may be substituted
in lieu of original records. The Agency
and the Comptroller General of the
United States, or any of their duly
authorized representatives, must have
access to any books, documents, papers,
and records of the Cooperator that are
pertinent to the specific cooperative
agreement program for the purpose of
making audits, examinations, excerpts,
and transcripts.
7. Not encumber, transfer, or dispose
of the equipment or any part thereof,
acquired wholly or in part with Agency
funds without the written consent of the
Agency.
8. Not duplicate other program
purposes for which monies have been
received, are committed, or are applied
to from other sources (public or private).
9. Immediately refund to the Agency,
at the end of the Agreement, any
balance of unobligated funds received
from the Agency.
The Agency agrees that it will:
1. Assist in defraying the project cost
by reimbursing or advancing to the
Cooperator under this Agreement an
amount not to exceed [Funding Amount
$XX]. The funds will be reimbursed or
advanced in accordance with applicable
Federal regulations based on submission
to the Agency by the Cooperator of a
complete Standard Form 270.
2. Monitor the program as it is being
implemented and operated.
3. Evaluate the performance reports
submitted by the Cooperator and
recommend revisions where necessary.
4. Halt activity, after written notice, if
project objectives are not met.
5. Identify USDA points of contact to
address program questions.
Authorized and executed this day by:
llllllllllllllllll
l
(Cooperator)
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Notice of Sanders County Resource
Advisory Committee Meeting
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice of meeting.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the authorities in
the Federal Advisory Committee Act
(Pub. L. 92–463) and under the Secure
Rural Schools and Community SelfDetermination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106–
393 & Pub. L. 110–343) the Lolo and
Kootenai National Forests’ Sanders
County Resource Advisory Committee
will meet on April 29 at 7 p.m. in
Thompson Falls, Montana for a business
meeting. The meeting is open to the
public.
DATES: April 29, 2010.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
the Thompson Falls Courthouse, 1111
Main Street, Thompson Falls, MT
59873.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Randy Hojem, Designated Federal
Official (DFO), District Ranger, Plains
Ranger District, Lolo National Forest at
(406) 826–3821.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Agenda
topics include development of new RAC
project proposals, reviewing progress on
current projects, and receiving public
comment. If the meeting location is
changed, notice will be posted in the
local newspapers, including the Clark
Fork Valley Press, and Sanders County
Ledger.
Dated: March 25, 2010.
Randy Hojem,
DFO, Plains Ranger District, Lolo National
Forest.
[FR Doc. 2010–7522 Filed 4–5–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–M
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Notice of Central Idaho Resource
llllllllllllllllll
l Advisory Committee Meeting
(Title)
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of meeting.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FARM SERVICE AGENCY
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the authorities in
By:
the Federal Advisory Committee Act
(Pub. L. 92–463) and under the Secure
llllllllllllllllll
l Rural Schools and Community Self(Name)
Determination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 110–
343), the Salmon-Challis National
llllllllllllllllll
l Forest’s Central Idaho Resource
(Title)
Advisory Committee will conduct a
[FR Doc. 2010–7729 Filed 4–5–10; 8:45 am]
business meeting which is open to the
public.
BILLING CODE 3410–05–P
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17375
DATES: Tuesday, April 20, 2010,
beginning at 1 p.m.
ADDRESSES: Salmon-Challis N.F. South
Zone Office, Highway 93, Challis, Idaho.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Agenda
topics will include review of RAC 2010
projects, approval of RAC project
proposals, and other RAC business. The
meeting is an open public forum. Some
RAC members may attend the meeting
by conference call, telephone, or
electronically.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Frank V. Guzman, Forest Supervisor
and Designated Federal Officer, at 208–
756–5111.
Dated: March 29, 2010.
Frank V. Guzman,
Forest Supervisor, Salmon-Challis National
Forest.
[FR Doc. 2010–7524 Filed 4–5–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–M
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Submission for OMB Review;
Comment Request
The Department of Commerce will
submit to the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) for clearance the
following proposal for collection of
information under the provisions of the
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
chapter 35).
Agency: National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST).
Title: A Guide for Preparing and
Submitting White Papers to the
Technology Innovation Program (TIP).
OMB Control Number: None.
Form Number(s): None.
Type of Request: Regular submission.
Number of Respondents: 100.
Average Hours per Response: 4.
Burden Hours: 400.
Needs and Uses: The guide explains
how interested parties can participate in
helping to develop new areas for future
competitions for the Technology
Innovation Program (TIP) by offering
ideas in the form of a white paper. TIP
will use white papers to shape future
competitions. The pertinent ideas,
concepts and knowledge offered by
stakeholders in these white papers
combined with information from a
variety of sources, enable TIP to identify
and address critical national need and
associated societal challenges suitable
for TIP investment.
Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations; Not-for-profit
institutions; Federal government; State,
local, or tribal government.
Frequency: Annually.
Respondent’s Obligation: Voluntary.
E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 6, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17370-17375]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-7729]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Farm Service Agency
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) to Invite Applications for
the American Indian and Alaska Native Credit Outreach Initiative
AGENCY: Farm Service Agency, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is requesting applications for
competitive cooperative agreement funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 for
the credit outreach initiative targeted to American Indian and Alaska
Native farmers, ranchers, and youth residing primarily on Indian
reservations within the contiguous United States and in Alaska. There
is $400,000 available in funding for the remainder of FY 2010. FSA will
make one award to a successful applicant through a cooperative
agreement. FSA requests proposals from eligible nonprofit
organizations, land-grant institutions, and federally-recognized Indian
tribal governments interested in a competitively-awarded cooperative
agreement to create and implement a mechanism that will provide credit
outreach and promotion, pre-loan education, and one-on-one loan
application preparation assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native
farmers, ranchers, and youth. Successful proposals may include other
innovative services intended to enhance participation by American
Indians and Alaska Natives in specific FSA Agricultural Credit Programs
and other relevant credit programs available to American Indian and
Alaska Native producers.
DATES: Applications must be completed and submitted to the Agency no
later than 5 p.m. eastern time May 6, 2010. Late applications will not
be accepted and will be returned to the applicant. Applicants must
ensure that the service used to deliver the application can do so by
the deadline. Due to security concerns, packages sent to the Agency by
mail have been delayed several days or even weeks.
ADDRESSES: Submit applications and other required materials by mail to:
Mark Palmer, Director, Office of External Affairs, FSA, United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA), STOP 0505, 1400 Independence Avenue,
SW., Washington, DC 20250-0511.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For FSA Office of External Affairs or
Office of Outreach: Mark Palmer, (202) 720-9933; email:
mark.palmer@wdc.usda.gov.
For USDA Office of Tribal Relations: Janie Hipp, (202) 205-2249; e-
mail: janie.hipp@osec.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose of Solicitation
This NOFA is being re-released because there was insufficient
response to the NOFA published on August 27, 2009 (74 FR 43665-43669).
This NOFA has been adjusted to reflect improvements in the American
Indian Credit Outreach Initiative Program that ensures it better serves
American Indian and Alaska Native producers. Most notable among these
improvements is the fact that FSA will now administer the program with
advice from USDA Office of Tribal Relations.
This solicitation is issued under 7 U.S.C. 2204b (b)(4), which
authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into cooperative
agreements to improve the coordination and effectiveness of Federal
programs affecting rural areas. The principal objective of this
cooperative agreement is to continue a national outreach program that
enables American Indian and Alaska Native farmers, ranchers, and youth
located either on Indian reservations or in other regions that have a
significant presence of American Indian and Alaska Native farmers,
ranchers, and youth in the contiguous United States and Alaska to
understand and have access to the various FSA Agriculture Credit
Programs.
The USDA Office of Tribal Relations will provide ongoing and
concrete assistance and advice in program planning, delivery, and
coordination; this will partially satisfy the ``significant agency
participation'' requirement for the cooperative agreement. All program
outcomes will be reported to FSA and the USDA Office of Tribal
Relations.
Proposal Requirements
All proposed approaches must include a plan for how the project
will have the following capabilities in place within three months after
acceptance of award:
1. The demonstrated ability to deliver these credit outreach
services. This should include demonstrated technical expertise, program
familiarity, and technological capability, including the ability to use
relevant software programs used for preparing farm business plans. This
should also include demonstrated cultural sensitivity and a thorough
understanding of the population targeted by the applicant, including a
firm grasp of the unique credit challenges faced by the targeted
population.
2. A strategic plan with concrete, actionable goals.
3. A tracking system with which to first, document the steps taken
by the cooperator to realize these goals, and second, gauge the
efficacy and impact of the program. Thus, the cooperator should be able
to document, track, and report on their own internal activities, as
well as their external results in the targeted population.
[[Page 17371]]
Proposals must demonstrate a well-thought out strategic plan for
ensuring that American Indian and Alaska Natives have improved access
to FSA Agricultural Credit Programs through targeted program education
efforts, including targeted educational programs, application training
sessions, one-to-one application troubleshooting, general information
dissemination, and promotional campaigns.
Applicants who can suggest metrics for gauging the impact of
Federal funding and success of their program education campaign will be
more competitive. Possible metrics could include, but are not limited
to:
Number of producers who, after receiving assistance from
the cooperator, successfully received an FSA loan or loan guarantee,
Percentage increase in producers on targeted reservation
or area receiving FSA credit support,
Number of attendees at outreach events, and
Number of attendees at outreach events who subsequently
sought services from cooperator related to FSA Agricultural Credit
Programs.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the FSA Office of Outreach,
the FSA Office of External Affairs, or the USDA Office of Tribal
Relations to discuss proposed Outreach strategies or proposed tracking
metrics. (See FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above.)
Background
Today, American Indians and Alaska Natives own and control
approximately 66 million acres of agricultural lands held in trust by
the United States Government and administered, for the most part, by
the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) of the Department of the Interior.
Land-based agricultural enterprises are considered the primary source
of revenue for most tribes, due in large part to their geographical
isolation from any urban type industrial development activities. Thus,
protecting this resource and utilizing it effectively are important
functions of the elected tribal officials charged with operating or
overseeing business activities that take place within reservations.
USDA provides farmers and ranchers technical, financial, and
educational resources. American Indian and Alaska Native agricultural
producers on reservations have historically been less able to benefit
from USDA services than other farmers and ranchers. Since 1987,
Congress has enacted Federal laws, such as the recent Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-246), (2008 Farm
Bill), to address American Indians and Alaska Natives' (and other
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers) lack of access to USDA's
programs and services; this has resulted in beginning to close some of
the gaps in access to these programs and services. As positive as these
changes are, they have not fully addressed an implementation plan or
the funds needed to carry out implementation of sorely needed
agribusiness education and direct services to American Indian and
Alaska Native reservation and non-reservation farmers and ranchers.
American Indian and Alaska Native agribusinesses, as well as
individual American Indians and Alaska Natives, have consistently
reported that the primary need in agriculture is access to the capital
required to own and operate their own farms or ranches. Therefore, FSA
has created and implemented this cooperative funding mechanism to
provide credit outreach and other related business management training
and assistance services related to FSA's Agricultural Credit Programs,
subject to funding, as a way to resolve some of the credit needs of
American Indian and Alaska Native agriculture.
Definitions
The following acronym and definitions are applicable to this
notice.
Agency or FSA. The United States Department of Agriculture Farm
Service Agency.
Farm land. Land used for commercial agriculture crops, poultry and
livestock enterprises, or aquaculture.
Federally-Recognized Indian Tribal Government. The governing body
or a governmental agency of any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other
organized group or community (including any Native village as defined
in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C.
1602)) certified by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the
special programs and services provided through the Bureau of Indian
Affairs.
Land Grant Institutions. Any institution that is either:
1. A 1994 Institution, 1890 Institution, or 1862 Institution, (as
defined in section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601));
2. An Indian tribal community college or an Alaska Native
cooperative college; or
3. A Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in section 1404 of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act
of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)).
Non-Profit Organization. Any corporation, trust, association,
cooperative, or other organization that:
1. Is operated primarily for scientific, educational, service,
charitable, or similar purposes in the public interest;
2. Is not organized primarily for profit; and
3. Is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as being certified
as compliant with 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C.
501(c)(3)).
Recipient Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must either be a non-profit organization, a federally
recognized Indian tribe, or a land grant institution as defined above.
Applications without sufficient information to determine eligibility
will not be considered.
Proposal Preparation
A proposal must contain an original and two copies of the following
(Contact Mark Palmer (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above) if you
need help getting the forms):
1. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.''
2. Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.''
3. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
4. Table of Contents. For ease of locating information, each
proposal must contain a detailed table of contents immediately
following the required Federal forms. The table of contents should
include page numbers for each component of the proposal. Pagination
should begin immediately following the table of contents.
5. Proposal Summary. A summary of the project proposal, not to
exceed two pages, that includes the title of the project, a description
of the project (including an overarching strategic plan (broad goals)
and discrete actionable tasks (specific goals) to be accomplished), the
names of the individuals responsible for conducting and completing the
tasks, and the expected time frame for completing all tasks.
6. Eligibility. A detailed discussion, not to exceed two pages,
describing how the applicant meets the definition of land grant
institution, non-profit organization, or federally recognized Indian
tribal government. In addition, the applicant must describe all other
collaborative organizations that may be involved in the project, the
respective role the collaborative organization will play in program
delivery. The application must include a signed and dated full
description from any collaborative organization describing its proposed
role.
7. Proposal Narrative. The narrative portion of the project
proposal must be
[[Page 17372]]
in a font such as Times New Roman (12 pt.) or comparable font and must
include the following:
a. Project Title. The title of the proposed project must be brief,
not to exceed 100 characters, yet represent the major thrust of the
project.
b. Information Sheet. A separate one page information sheet that
lists each of the seven evaluation criteria listed in this notice (see
the ``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' section below) followed by the
page numbers of all relevant material and documentation contained in
the proposal that address or support that criteria.
c. Goals and Objectives of the Project. A clear statement of the
ultimate goals and objectives of the project must be presented.
d. Evaluation Criteria. Each of the nine evaluation criteria listed
in this notice (see the ``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' section
below) must be addressed specifically and individually by category.
These criteria should be in narrative form with any specific supporting
documentation attached as addenda and should be placed directly
following the proposal narrative. If other materials, including
financial statements, will be used to support any evaluation criteria
it should also be placed directly following the proposal narrative. The
applicant must also propose and delineate significant agency
participation in the project. The applicant must also propose and
delineate significant agency participation in the project at the local
or regional level.
8. DUNS Number. A Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System
(DUNS) number is required for entities receiving Federal contracts such
as a cooperative agreement under this notice.
Amount of Award
The amount of funds available for the remainder of FY 2010 (through
September 30, 2010) is up to $400,000. Expenses incurred in developing
applications will be at the applicant's risk.
Number of Awards
Only one cooperative agreement will be awarded.
Eligible Cooperative Agreement Fund Uses
Cooperative agreement funds may be used to cover allowable costs
incurred by the recipient and approved by FSA. Allowable costs are
governed by 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 3019, as applicable, and
applicable Office of Management and Budget Circulars.
Ineligible Fund Uses
Cooperative agreement funds must not be used to:
1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or
facility (including a processing facility);
2. Purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment, including mobile and
other processing equipment;
3. Pay for the preparation of the cooperative agreement
application;
4. Pay expenses not directly related to the funded venture (for
example, cooperative agreement funds cannot be used to support the
organization's general operations);
5. Fund political or lobbying activities;
6. Pay costs incurred prior to receiving the cooperative agreement;
7. Fund any activity prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and
3019, as applicable; and
8. Fund architectural or engineering design work for a specific
physical facility.
Evaluation Criteria, Proposal Review
A merit review panel of USDA employees as selected by the National
FSA Office and the USDA Office of Tribal Relations will review
applications for eligibility, completeness, and responsiveness to this
notice. Incomplete or non-responsive applications will be returned to
the applicant and not evaluated further. Applications received beyond
the time deadline identified in this notice will not be accepted for
review. The proposal will be evaluated using the criteria specified
below. Failure to address any one of the criteria will disqualify the
application. All proposals must be in compliance with this notice,
applicable statutes, and regulations.
Prior to technical examination, a preliminary review will be made
by FSA for responsiveness to this notice and completeness. Proposals
that do not fall within the solicitation guidelines or are otherwise
ineligible will be eliminated from competition. All responsive
proposals will be reviewed by a merit review panel of reviewers using
the evaluation criteria stated below. The selected USDA employee
reviewers will be chosen to provide maximum expertise and objective
judgment in the evaluation of proposals. Evaluated proposals will be
ranked by the merit review panel, based on the evaluation criteria and
weights listed below. Final approval of those proposals will be made by
the Administrator of FSA.
Evaluation Criteria and Weights
All responsive proposals will be reviewed based on the following
nine criteria:
1. Applicant's Demonstrated Ability to Conduct Program Education
and Provide Technical Assistance (20 points). This standard evaluates
the degree to which the organization can demonstrate having the
requisite experience, qualifications, competency, and availability of
personnel and resources needed to provide targeted program education
and technical assistance on FSA credit sources, tailored to address the
unique challenges faced by American Indian and Alaska Native producers.
The applicant should be able to demonstrate its technical capacity for
delivering credit outreach services using any acceptable farm business
planning and management software, as deemed appropriate. A sufficient
explanation must be contained in the application concerning the
software used and the applicant's capacity and familiarity with the
software program selected.
2. Applicant's Demonstrated Understanding of Constituent Population
and Cultural Competency (5 points). This standard evaluates the degree
to which the applicant can demonstrate that they understand the unique
challenges facing American Indian and Alaska Native producers in such a
way that allows the applicant to effectively provide assistance to
these producers. Applicants should discuss in their proposal whether
they possess the cultural competency needed to be of service to
targeted constituent populations and to develop and foster a successful
relationship with constituent populations. This standard evaluates the
degree to which the proposal contains detailed programs to reach
persons identified as American Indian and Alaska Native farmers,
ranchers, and youth. The proposal will be evaluated for its potential
for encouraging and assisting American Indian or Alaska Native farmers,
ranchers, and youth to utilize the various FSA agriculture credit
programs.
3. A Strategic Plan Centered around Anticipated and Actual Results
for Constituent Population (20 points). This standard evaluates the
extent to which the proposal clearly describes its objectives and
evidences a high level of feasibility. This criterion relates to the
adequacy and soundness of the proposed approach to solve specific
problems and evaluates the plan of operation, the timetable,
evaluation, and dissemination plans. This area of the application must
clearly delineate all
[[Page 17373]]
plans for execution during the life of the cooperative agreement; a
clear timetable for accomplishing all relevant plans; a specific
evaluation plan; and specific dissemination plans. A strategic plan
should be provided that specifies discrete, actionable goals. It should
propose metrics by which the applicant will measure its own success
over the duration of the funding period, such as the number of American
Indian and Alaska Native producers aided by applicant who successfully
gained FSA credit. This strategic plan should be results oriented,
focusing on progress in the economic state of the target population. If
the applicant has conducted this or similar programs in previous years,
they are required to reflect in their application the numbers of
individuals reached in each previous year (in detail, by location, by
funding year) and the number of individuals anticipated to be served
within the project year for which funds are sought. Applicants should
explain how they intend to independently gather this data.
4. Applicant's Ability to Track Internal Activity (15 points). This
standard evaluates whether the applicant is able to track the discrete
steps taken to realize its mission and explain the system it will use
to do so. This includes a tracking system for program education efforts
such as seminars or other teaching sessions, number of producers
provided with technical assistance, or outreach activities. This
tracking system will allow the applicant to effectively evaluate its
own strategy and continually evolve the strategy to maximize efficacy.
This tracking system should also be used to satisfy the reporting
requirement to USDA regarding use of funding.
5. Adequacy of Budget (15 points). This standard evaluates whether
the budget is designed to support the pursuit of the concrete,
actionable goals enumerated in the strategic plan. This standard also
evaluates the accuracy of the proposed budget and the accompanying
budget justification. The proposed budget should provide a detailed
description of each budget category that includes categorical subtotals
as well as a separate budget justification that clearly defines and
explains each and every proposed budget line item.
6. Sustainability of Effort (10 points). This standard rewards
applicants who make plans that would ensure the sustainability of their
effort and their ability to continue to provide American Indian and
Alaska Native producers with the crucial services of program education
and technical assistance. This includes the extent to which the
applicant has, or has plans to, diversify their funding base by working
with other USDA Agencies, other Federal Agencies, and non-government
funding sources such as foundations or private entities.
7. Detailed Description of Collaborative Partnerships, if any, and
Program Recipients (5 points). This standard evaluates the degree to
which the proposal reflects partnerships and collaborative initiatives
with other agencies or organizations to enhance the quality and
effectiveness of the program. Additionally, the areas and number of
underserved American Indian and Alaska Native farmers, ranchers, and
youth who would benefit from the services offered will be evaluated.
Collaborative individuals or organizations must submit a written
(signed and dated) letter of collaboration in which all activities the
collaborative may engage in with the applicant will be clearly
outlined. All relevant personnel who will be involved in the project
will be identified by the collaborative entity.
8. Innovative Solutions to Challenges Faced by Targeted Population
(5 points). This standard rewards applicants for their ability to
propose innovative ways to address the challenges faced by Native
American and Alaska Native producers in accessing FSA credit.
9. Overall Quality of the Proposal (5 points). This standard
evaluates the degree to which the proposal complies with this notice
and is of high quality. Elements considered include adherence to
instructions, accuracy and completeness of forms, clarity and
organization of ideas, thoroughness and sufficiency of detail in the
budget narrative, specificity of allocations between targeted areas if
the proposal addresses more than one area, and completeness of vitae
for all key personnel associated with the project.
Selection Process
When the merit review panel reviewers have completed their
individual evaluations, the panel, based on the individual reviews,
will make a recommendation to the Administrator that one responsive
proposal be approved for support from available funds. Prior to award,
the Administrator reserves the right to negotiate with an applicant
whose project is recommended for funding regarding project revisions
(for example, change in scope of work or FSA's significant
involvement), funding level, or period of support. A proposal may be
withdrawn at any time before a final funding decision is made.
Cooperative Agreement Awards
Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the
Administrator will enter into a cooperative agreement with the
successful applicant.
When To Submit an Application
The deadline for receipt of all applications is 5 p.m. eastern time
May 6, 2010. FSA will not accept any application received after the
deadline.
Cooperator Requirements
Cooperators will be required to do the following:
Sign required Federal assistance forms including:
[cir] Form AD-1047, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
and Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered Transactions;
[cir] Form AD-1048, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions;
[cir] Form AD-1049, Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements (Grants); and
[cir] Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement (Civil Rights).
Use Standard Form (SF) 270, Request for Advance or
Reimbursement to request payments.
Submit a SF-269, Financial Status Report, and list
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories on a semi-
annual basis. A financial report is due within 45 days after the first
half of the project period and another financial report is due within
60 days of the completion of the project.
Report information for active and pending projects on the
Current and Pending Support form.
Submit periodic performance reports to the FSA
Administrator and the USDA Office of Tribal Relations, as requested and
agreed upon in the cooperative agreement, that compare accomplishments
to the objectives; if established objectives are not met, discuss
problems, delays, or other problems that may affect completion of the
project; establish objectives for the next reporting period; and
discuss compliance with any special conditions on the use of awarded
funds.
Maintain a financial management system that is acceptable
to FSA.
Submit a final project performance report.
Sign an FSA approved cooperative agreement (an example of
which is provided at the end of this notice).
[[Page 17374]]
Other Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply
In addition to the requirements provided in this notice, other
Federal statutes and regulations apply to proposals considered for
review and to our cooperative agreement award. These include, but are
not limited to:
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;
7 CFR part 3015, Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations;
7 CFR parts 3016, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments, as
applicable;
7 CFR part 3017, Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension
(Non-procurement);
7 CFR part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying;
7 CFR part 3019, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals,
and Other Non-profit Organizations, as applicable;
7 CFR part 3021, Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free
Workplace (Financial Assistance); and
7 CFR part 3052, Audits of States, Local Governments, and
Non-Profit Organizations.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply to this notice because
the program does not receive applications from more than 10 persons
covered by 5 CFR 1320.3(c).
Signed in Washington, DC, on March 31, 2010.
Jonathan W. Coppess,
Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
United States Department of Agriculture
Farm Service Agency
Cooperative Agreement--American Indian and Alaska Native Outreach
Initiative
This Cooperative Agreement (Agreement) dated--------, between ----
---- (Cooperator), and the United States of America, acting through the
Farm Service Agency of the Department of Agriculture (the Agency), for
$ -------- in cooperative agreement funds under the program, delineates
the agreement of the parties.
Now, therefore, in consideration of the Agreement;
The parties agree that:
1. All the terms and provisions of the notice entitled ``Notice of
Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the American Indian
and Alaska Native Credit Outreach Initiative,'' published in the
Federal Register on April 6, 2010 and the application submitted by the
Cooperator for this Agreement, including any attachments or amendments,
are incorporated and included as part of this Agreement. Any changes to
these documents or this Agreement must be approved in writing by the
undersigned parties.
2. As a condition of the Agreement, the Cooperator certifies that
it is in compliance with, and will comply in the course of the
Agreement with, all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and
other generally applicable requirements, including, but not limited to:
Those contained in 7 CFR 3015.205(b), which are incorporated into this
Agreement by reference, and such other statutory provisions as are
specifically contained herein. The Cooperator will comply with title VI
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, and Executive Order 12250.
3. The provisions of 7 CFR part 3015, Uniform Federal Assistance
Regulations, and 7 CFR part 3019, Uniform Administrative Requirements
for Grants and Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education,
Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations, as applicable, are
incorporated herein and made a part hereof by reference.
4. All conditions and provisions of this Agreement will become
effective on signature of both parties and will continue until
completion of the project, but not later than September 30, --------.
Further, the Cooperator agrees that it will:
1. Not use cooperative agreement funds to plan, repair,
rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or facility (including a
processing facility); or to purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment.
2. Use funds only for the purpose and activities specified in the
proposal approved by the Agency including the approved budget. Any uses
not provided for in the approved budget must be approved in writing by
the Agency in advance of obligation by the Agency.
3. Submit a Standard Form 269, Financial Status Report and list
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories. Reports are
due halfway through the period covered by the cooperative agreement, as
well as at the end of the period covered.
4. Provide periodic reports as required by the Agency. A financial
status report and a project performance report will be required on a
quarterly basis. The financial status report must show how cooperative
agreement funds have been used to date and project the funds needed and
their purposes for the next quarter. A final report may serve as the
last semi-annual report. Cooperators must constantly monitor
performance to ensure that time schedules are being met and projected
goals by time periods are being accomplished. The project performance
reports must include the following:
a. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives for
that period.
b. Reasons why established objectives were not met, if applicable.
c. Reasons for any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that
will affect attainment of overall program objectives, prevent meeting
time schedules or objectives, or preclude the attainment of particular
objectives during established time periods. This disclosure must be
accompanied by a statement of the action taken or planned to resolve
the situation.
d. Objectives and timetables established for the next reporting
period.
e. The final report will also address, but not be limited to, the
following:
i. What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of
this program? What aspects of the program most need improvement? What
would be your plan for that improvement if given the opportunity to
change the program in the future?
ii. What advice would you give to other organizations planning a
similar program? These should include strengths and limitations of the
program. If you had the opportunity, what would you have done
differently?
iii. If an innovative approach was used successfully, the
Cooperator should describe their program in detail so that other
organizations might consider replication in their areas.
5. Provide Financial Management Systems which will include:
a. Records that identify adequately the source and application of
funds for cooperative agreement supported activities. Those records
must contain information pertaining to grant and cooperative agreement
awards and authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets,
liabilities, outlays, and income.
b. Effective control over and accountability for all funds,
property, and other assets. Cooperator must adequately safeguard all
such assets and ensure that they are used solely for authorized
purposes.
c. Accounting records supported by source documentation.
[[Page 17375]]
6. Retain financial records, supporting documents, statistical
records, and all other records pertinent to the cooperative agreement
for a period of at least 3 years after closing, except that the records
must be retained beyond the 3-year period if audit findings have not
been resolved. Microfilm or photocopies or similar methods may be
substituted in lieu of original records. The Agency and the Comptroller
General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized
representatives, must have access to any books, documents, papers, and
records of the Cooperator that are pertinent to the specific
cooperative agreement program for the purpose of making audits,
examinations, excerpts, and transcripts.
7. Not encumber, transfer, or dispose of the equipment or any part
thereof, acquired wholly or in part with Agency funds without the
written consent of the Agency.
8. Not duplicate other program purposes for which monies have been
received, are committed, or are applied to from other sources (public
or private).
9. Immediately refund to the Agency, at the end of the Agreement,
any balance of unobligated funds received from the Agency.
The Agency agrees that it will:
1. Assist in defraying the project cost by reimbursing or advancing
to the Cooperator under this Agreement an amount not to exceed [Funding
Amount $XX]. The funds will be reimbursed or advanced in accordance
with applicable Federal regulations based on submission to the Agency
by the Cooperator of a complete Standard Form 270.
2. Monitor the program as it is being implemented and operated.
3. Evaluate the performance reports submitted by the Cooperator and
recommend revisions where necessary.
4. Halt activity, after written notice, if project objectives are
not met.
5. Identify USDA points of contact to address program questions.
Authorized and executed this day by:
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(Cooperator)
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(Title)
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FARM SERVICE AGENCY
By:
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(Name)
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(Title)
[FR Doc. 2010-7729 Filed 4-5-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P
