Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative-Chesapeake Bay Watershed, 78667-78673 [2010-31648]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Commodity Credit Corporation

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 241 (Thursday, December 16, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78667-78673]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-31648]


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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 241 / Thursday, December 16, 2010 / 
Notices

[[Page 78667]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Commodity Credit Corporation


Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative--Chesapeake Bay 
Watershed

AGENCY: Commodity Credit Corporation and Natural Resources Conservation 
Service, Department of Agriculture.

ACTION: Notice of Request for proposals.

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SUMMARY: The purpose of this request for proposals is to solicit 
proposals from potential partner applicants who seek to enter into 
partnership agreements with the Natural Resources Conservation Service 
(NRCS) through the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative--
Chesapeake Bay Watershed (CCPI-CBW) in order to provide assistance to 
producers enrolled in a conservation program. The NRCS is the 
administrator of CCPI-CBW.
    CCPI-CBW was established by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act 
of 2008 (2008 Act). CCPI-CBW is a voluntary conservation initiative 
that enables the use of certain conservation programs, combined with 
resources from eligible partners who have entered into partnership 
agreements with NRCS, to provide financial and technical assistance to 
owners and operators of agricultural and nonindustrial private forest 
lands. Through fiscal year (FY) 2011 CCPI-CBW, NRCS will make 
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat 
Incentive Program (WHIP) funds available to eligible producers in 
approved CCPI-CBW project areas. Special priority consideration will be 
given to applications/projects in the river basins of the Patuxent, 
Potomac (North and South), Shenandoah, and Susquehanna (see attached 
map). In addition, priority will be given to applications/projects in 
the NRCS Chesapeake Bay Watershed priority areas (see attached map).

DATES: Effective Date: The notice of request is effective December 16, 
2010. Proposals must be received on or before January 31, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Applicants are highly encouraged to submit proposals 
electronically to cbwi@wdc.usda.gov. Identify the proposal is for CCPI-
CBW.
    Paper proposals may be submitted via courier service to Dana D. 
York, Director, Watershed and Landscape Programs Division, Department 
of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Room 6015 South Building, Washington, DC 
20250. CCPI-CBW proposal should be marked on the envelope.
    Do not send submissions via registered or certified mail. Do not 
send the same proposal to both the e-mail and mailing address; use only 
one method to submit a proposal. If submitting more than one project 
proposal, submit each one separately.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dana D. York, Director, Watershed and 
Landscape Programs Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural 
Resources Conservation Service; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 
5239 South Building, Washington, DC 20250; Telephone: (202) 720-8851; 
Fax: (202) 720-2998; E-mail: cbwi@wdc.usda.gov.
    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for 
communication (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact 
the USDA TARGET Center at: (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

The Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative--Chesapeake Bay 
Watershed

Overview of the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative--
Chesapeake Bay Watershed

    The CCPI-CBW is a voluntary conservation initiative that enables 
the use of certain conservation programs, combined with resources from 
eligible partners, to provide financial and technical assistance to 
owners and operators of agricultural and nonindustrial private forest 
lands in order to enhance conservation outcomes and achieve resource 
conservation objectives. The functions of CCPI-CBW are described in two 
parts: CCPI-CBW partners and CCPI-CBW program participants.
CCPI-CBW Partners
    Under CCPI-CBW, eligible potential partners may submit proposals 
addressing the criteria outlined in this request for proposals. 
Partners who may enter into partnership agreements with NRCS include 
federally recognized Indian tribes, State and local units of 
government, producer associations, farmer cooperatives, institutions of 
higher education, and nongovernmental organizations with a history of 
working cooperatively with producers to effectively address 
conservation priorities related to agricultural production and 
nonindustrial private forest land. Individual agricultural producers 
are not an eligible partner entity and may not submit CCPI-CBW 
proposals.
When Submitting a Proposal and Being a Partner
    Proposals will be evaluated in a competitive review process. NRCS 
will use the proposal ranking score along with other review commentary 
to select proposals for funding. After selection, the partners will 
enter into a partnership agreement with NRCS. The partnership agreement 
will not obligate funds, but will address:
    1. The role of the partner;
    2. The role of NRCS;
    3. The responsibilities of the partner as it relates to the 
monitoring and evaluation;
    4. The frequency and duration of monitoring and evaluation to be 
completed by the partner;
    5. The format and frequency of reports (semi-annual, annual, and 
final) required as a condition of the partnership agreement;
    6. Budget which includes other funding sources (if applicable) for 
financial and technical assistance;
    7. The specified project schedule and timeframe; and
    8. Other requirements deemed necessary by NRCS to further the 
purposes of the CCPI-CBW project.
    Where flexibility is needed to meet project objectives, the partner 
may request that program adjustments be allowed, provided such policy 
adjustments are within the scope of the applicable program's statutory 
and regulatory program authorities. An example of a program adjustment 
may

[[Page 78668]]

be to expedite the applicable program ranking process in a situation 
where a partner has identified the producers approved to participate in 
the project. Another example of a program adjustment may include 
flexibility in payment rate, or using a single area-wide plan of 
operations rather than individual plan of operations. An example of 
program authority that cannot be waived under the provision of CCPI-CBW 
flexibility includes program payment limits, maximum practice payment 
percentages, and participant eligibility requirements. Questions 
regarding proposed requests for CCPI-CBW flexibility may be directed 
to: CCPI@wdc.usda.gov.
    CCPI-CBW is not a grant program, and all Federal funds made 
available through this request for proposals will be paid directly to 
producers through program contract agreements. No technical assistance 
funding may be provided to a partner through the CCPI-CBW partnership 
agreement. However, if requested by a partner, the State 
Conservationist may consider developing a separate contribution 
agreement to provide funding for delivery of technical services to 
producers participating in an approved CCPI-CBW project.
CCPI-CBW Program Participants
    Once the agency approves and announces the selected partner 
projects, eligible agricultural producers located within the approved 
project areas may apply directly to NRCS for funding through one or 
more of the following programs: EQIP and WHIP. The CCPI-CBW uses the 
funds, policies, and processes of these programs to deliver assistance 
to eligible producers to implement approved conservation practices, 
enhancements, and activities.
    Producers interested in applying must meet the eligibility 
requirements of the program for which they are applying. Individual 
applications from eligible producers will be evaluated and ranked to 
ensure that the producer applications selected for funding are most 
likely to achieve project objectives. Once applications are selected, 
the producers may enter into a contract or cost-share agreement with 
NRCS. Participants may enter into multiple program contracts through 
CCPI-CBW if more than one program is needed to accomplish the project 
objectives.
    During FY 2011, an objective of CCPI-CBW is to deliver EQIP and 
WHIP assistance to producers to achieve high-priority conservation 
objectives in geographic areas defined by the partner. Depending upon 
the program available in the project area, the assistance provided 
enables eligible producers to implement conservation practices and 
enhancements, including the development and adoption of innovative 
conservation practices and management approaches.

Availability of Funding

    Effective on the publication date of this notice, the CCC announces 
the availability of up to $3.5 million in EQIP and WHIP financial 
assistance for CCPI-CBW during FY 2011.

Proposal Information

Proposal Format
    It is highly recommended that the proposal be submitted via e-mail. 
Consult the NRCS national CCPI Web site for an example of an acceptable 
proposal document at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CCPI/. Do not 
submit other documents or letters of endorsement. The entire proposal 
may not exceed 12 pages in length including summary, maps, reference 
materials, and related reports.
Required Information
    The proposal must include the following:
    1. Proposal Cover Sheet and Summary (not to exceed two pages):
    a. Project Title.
    b. Project director/manager name, telephone number, and mailing and 
e-mail addresses.
    c. Name and contact information for lead partner entity submitting 
the proposal.
    d. Name and contact information for other collaborating partners.
    e. Short summary of project including:
    i. Project start and end dates (not to exceed a period of 5 years);
    ii. Site map;
    iii. Project objectives and resource concerns to be addressed; and
    iv. Amount of CCPI-CBW financial assistance being requested by 
program.
    2. Partner Background and Experience:
    a. A description of the partner or partners' history of working 
with agricultural producers to address conservation priorities.
    b. A description of how the partner(s) will collaborate to achieve 
the objectives of the agreement. Include:
    i. The roles, responsibilities, and capabilities of the partner(s); 
and
    ii. The financial or technical commitments of each of the partners 
and how they will be leveraged by the Federal contribution through EQIP 
or WHIP. If partners are not the submitter of the proposal and intend 
to commit resources, a letter or other documentation from these 
partners confirming a commitment of resources is required. Partners 
need to clearly state, by project objective, how they intend to 
leverage Federal funds along with resources. The funding and time 
contribution by agricultural producers to implement agreed-to 
conservation practices in program contracts may not be considered any 
part of a match from the potential partner for purposes of CCPI-CBW.
    3. Project Objectives and Natural Resource Concerns:
    a. Identify and provide details about the project objectives. 
Objectives should be specific, measureable, achievable, and results-
oriented.
    b. Identify and provide details about the natural resource 
concern(s) to be addressed in this project. Include in this description 
how the proposal objectives will address the listed resource concerns.

    Note: A complete list of NRCS approved natural resource concerns 
may be found on the CCPI Web site at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/
programs/ccpi/.

    4. Project Description:
    a. A detailed description of the geographic area covered by the 
proposal including:
    i. Types of lands to be treated;
    ii. The location and size of the proposed project area; and
    iii. Twelve digit Hydrologic Unit Coordinates (12 digit HUCs). 
(Note: Contact the appropriate State Conservationist(s) serving the 
State(s) where the proposed project is located to obtain information on 
12 digit HUCs. The State Conservationists contact information is at the 
end of this request for proposals).
    b. A detailed map showing the project area. Include on the map:
    i. Outlined areas which need conservation treatments;
    ii. What conservation treatments are needed in what areas; and
    iii. The order of priority for the different areas to be treated.
    c. A description of the project timeline. Include:
    i. Duration of the project, not to exceed 5 years in length;
    ii. Project implementation schedule that details when different 
objectives and conservation practices will be completed;
    iii. When partner and Federal resources will be used within the 
timeframe of the project. Include the total amount of financial 
assistance funds requested for each fiscal year of the project to be 
made available for producer contracts and cost-share

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agreements (for multi-State projects, provide the funds or acres by 
State as appropriate). The proposal must request NRCS program funds for 
obligation in producer contracts during FY 2011 (October 1, 2010 to 
September 30, 2011). Proposals which request funding starting after FY 
2011 (September 30, 2011), will not be evaluated or considered during 
this funding cycle; and
    iv. When the final project report will be submitted.
    d. A description of the plan for monitoring, evaluating, and 
reporting on progress made toward achieving the objectives of the 
agreement.
    e. Identify potential criteria to be used by NRCS to prioritize and 
rank agricultural producers' applications for EQIP and WHIP in the 
project area. Potential partners should collaborate with NRCS to 
develop meaningful criteria that NRCS can use to evaluate and rank 
producer' program applications. This will ensure that applications 
which will best accomplish the project's objectives will be selected.
    f. An estimate of the percentage of producers, including 
nonindustrial private forest landowners, in the project area that may 
participate in the project along with an estimate of the total number 
of producers located in the project area. Provide details such as how 
the partner will encourage producer participation; whether the project 
includes any tribal producers, beginning farmers or ranchers, socially 
disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, or limited resource farmers or 
ranchers; and whether there are groups of producers who may submit 
joint applications to address resource issues of common interest and 
need.
    g. A listing and description of the conservation practices, 
conservation activity plans, enhancements, and partner activities to be 
implemented during the project timeframe and the general sequence of 
implementation of the project. Also address technical assistance 
efforts that will be made by the partner. Describe any activities that 
are innovative or include outcome-based performance measures 
implemented by the partner. Information about approved NRCS practice 
standards is found at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/standards/nhcp.html. For each conservation practice, estimate the amount of 
practice extent (feet, acres, number, etc.) the partner expects 
producers to implement and the amount of financial assistance requested 
to support implementation of each practice through producer contracts.
    h. Indicate whether the project will address regulatory compliance 
and any other outcomes that partner expects to complete during the 
project period.
    i. A detailed description of any requested policy adjustments, by 
program, with an explanation of why the adjustment is needed in order 
to achieve the objectives of the project.
    j. A description of how the partner will provide for outreach to 
beginning farmers or ranchers, limited resource farmers or ranchers, 
socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, and Indian tribes.
    k. A description of how the proposal's objectives may provide 
additional benefits to address renewable energy production, energy 
conservation, mitigating the effects of climate change, facilitating 
climate change adaptation, or fostering carbon sequestration, if 
applicable.

Ranking Considerations

    The agency will evaluate proposals using a national competitive 
process. A higher priority may be given to proposals that:
    1. Have a high percentage of producers actively farming or managing 
working agricultural or nonindustrial private forest lands included in 
the proposed project area;
    2. Are in the river basins of the Patuxent, Potomac (North and 
South), Shenandoah, and Susquehanna;
    3. Control erosion and reduce sediment and nutrient levels in 
ground and surface waters in designated 12 digit HUC priority 
watersheds (Note: Contact the appropriate State Conservationist(s) 
serving the State(s) where the proposed project is located to obtain 
information on 12 digit HUCs. The State Conservationist contact 
information is at the end of this request for proposals);
    4. Significantly leverage non-Federal financial and technical 
resources;
    5. Coordinate with other local, State, or Federal efforts;
    6. Deliver high percentages of applied conservation practices to 
address water quality; water conservation; or State, regional, or 
national conservation initiatives;
    7. Provide innovation in approved conservation practices, 
conservation methods, and delivery including outcome-based performance 
measures and methods;
    8. Complete the application of the conservation practices and 
activities on all of the covered program contracts or cost-share 
agreements in 5 years or less;
    9. Assist the participants in meeting local, State, and Federal 
regulatory requirements;
    10. Provide for monitoring and evaluation of conservation 
practices, enhancements, and activities;
    11. Provide for matching financial funds or technical assistance to 
assist participants with the implementation of their EQIP contracts and 
WHIP cost-share agreements;
    12. Provide for outreach to, and participation of, beginning 
farmers or ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, 
limited resource farmers or ranchers, and Indian tribes within the 
proposed project area; and
    13. Identify other factors and criteria which best achieve the 
purposes of CCPI-CBW.

General CCPI-CBW Proposal Information

State Conservationist Letter of Review

    Once a project proposal is received, the agency will provide a copy 
to the appropriate State Conservationist(s) for evaluation and ranking. 
The State Conservationist(s) will submit a letter of review to the NRCS 
National Headquarters to address:
    1. Potential duplication of efforts with other projects or existing 
programs;
    2. Adherence to, and consistency with, program regulations 
including requirements related to land and producer eligibility and use 
of approved NRCS resource concerns and conservation practices, 
enhancements, and other program requirements;
    3. Expected benefits for project implementation in their State(s);
    4. Other issues or concerns the State Conservationist is aware of 
that should be considered by the agency; and
    5. A general recommendation for support or denial of project 
approval.

Proposal Submission, Review, and Notification

    When submitting a proposal either by email or courier service, mark 
on the email or courier service envelope that the proposal is for CCPI-
CBW. Your proposal must address, in sufficient detail, all the criteria 
outlined in the ``Proposal Information'' section of this notice. This 
will enable agency reviewers to understand your proposal's priority 
resource concerns, objectives, and expected outcomes.
    State Conservationists are expected to provide, once requested, 
guidance to potential partners regarding resource concerns that may be 
addressed in the proposed project area, local working group and State 
Technical Committee natural resource priorities, approved conservation 
practices and activities, and other program requirements the partner 
should consider when

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developing a proposal. NRCS may not assist in writing or submission of 
any proposal.
    CCPI-CBW proposals submitted to NRCS become the property of the 
agency for use in the administration of the program, may be filed or 
disposed of by the agency, and will not be returned to the potential 
partner. Once proposals have been submitted for review and ranking, 
there will be no further opportunity to change or re-submit the 
proposal. Incomplete proposals or those that do not meet the 
requirements set forth in this notice will not be considered, and 
notification of elimination will be mailed to the applicant. Partner 
proposals may be withdrawn by written notice to the Director, Watershed 
and Landscape Programs Division at any time prior to selection (see 
``Addresses'' section in this notice).
    NRCS will review and evaluate the proposals based on the criteria 
set forth in the respective ``Proposal Information'' section of this 
notice for CCPI-CBW. Positive consideration will be given to proposals 
that thoroughly address the issues outlined in the respective ``Ranking 
Considerations'' section.
    Partners whose proposal is selected will receive a letter of 
official notification. Upon notification of selection, the partner 
should contact the appropriate State Conservationist to develop the 
required partnership agreement and other project implementation 
requirements. Potential partners should note that, depending upon 
available funding and agency priorities, NRCS may offer a reduced 
amount of program financial assistance from what was requested in the 
proposal. Partner submissions of proposals that were not selected will 
also be notified.

Waiver Authority

    To assist in the implementation of CCPI-CBW projects, the NRCS 
Chief may waive the applicability of the Adjusted Gross Income 
Limitation in producer program contracts, on a case-by-case basis, in 
accordance with 7 CFR Sec.  1400.500(d)(2). Such waiver requests must 
be submitted in writing from the program applicant, addressed to the 
Chief, and submitted through the local designated conservationist.

    Signed this 9th day of December, 2010, in Washington, DC.
Dave White,
Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation and Chief, Natural 
Resources Conservation Service.
    Addresses and phone number of NRCS State Conservationists in States 
having land in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed:
Delaware: Russell Morgan
Suite 100, 1221 College Park Drive
Dover, DE 19904-8713
Phone: (302) 678-4160
Fax: (302) 678-0843
russell.morgan@de.usda.gov

Maryland: Jon Hall
John Hanson Business Center, Suite 301
339 Busch's Frontage Road
Annapolis, MD 21409-5543
Phone: (410) 757-0861 Ext. 315
Fax: (410) 757-6504
jon.hall@md.usda.gov

New York: Astor Boozer
Suite 354, 441 South Salina Street
Syracuse, NY 13202-2450
Phone: (315) 477-6504
Fax: (315) 477-6560
astor.boozer@ny.usda.gov

Pennsylvania: Denise Coleman
Suite 340, One Credit Union Place
Harrisburg, PA 17110-2993
Phone: (717) 237-2203
Fax: (717) 237-2238
denise.coleman@pa.usda.gov

Virginia: Jack Bricker
Culpeper Building, Suite 209
1606 Santa Rosa Road
Richmond, VA 23229-5014
Phone: (804) 287-1691
Fax: (804) 287-1737
jack.bricker@va.usda.gov

West Virginia: Kevin Wickey
Room 301, 75 High Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: (304) 284-7540
Fax: (304) 284-4839
kevin.wickey@wv.usda.gov
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[FR Doc. 2010-31648 Filed 12-15-10; 8:45 am]
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