Tribal Veterans Cemetery Grants, 28925-28934 [2011-12285]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 97 (Thursday, May 19, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28925-28934]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-12285]


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

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

38 CFR Part 39

RIN 2900-AN90


Tribal Veterans Cemetery Grants

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing to amend 
its regulations governing Federal grants for the establishment, 
expansion, and improvement of veterans cemeteries. We propose to 
implement through regulation new statutory authority to provide grants 
for the establishment, expansion, and improvement of Tribal 
Organization veterans cemeteries, as authorized by Section 403 of the 
``Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 
2006'' (the Act). The Act requires VA to administer grants to Tribal 
Organizations in the same manner and under the same conditions as 
grants to States. The proposed rule would make non-substantive changes 
to the part heading of part 39 and the name of the State Cemetery 
Grants Service to more accurately reflect that VA awards veteran 
cemetery grants to States and Tribal Organizations. The proposed rule 
would establish criteria to guide VA's decisions on granting Tribal 
Organization requests to obtain grants for establishing, expanding, and 
improving veterans cemeteries that are or will be owned and operated by 
a Tribal Organization. The proposed rule would also expand VA's 
preapplication requirement to all veterans cemetery grants as a means 
to promote consistency and communication in the grant application 
process. Further, the proposed rule would revise VA regulations to 
address structural differences between Tribal Organizations and States.

DATES: Comments must be received by VA on or before July 18, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted through https://www.regulations.gov; by mail or hand-delivery to: Director, Regulations 
Management (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, 
NW., Room 1068, Washington, DC 20420; or by fax to (202) 273-9026 (this 
is not a toll free number). Comments should indicate that they are 
submitted in response to ``RIN 2900-AN90--Tribal Veterans Cemetery 
Grants.'' Copies of comments received will be available for public 
inspection in the Office of Regulation Policy and Management, Room 
1063B, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday 
(except holidays). Please call (202) 461-4902 for an appointment. In 
addition, during the comment period, comments may be viewed online 
through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For grant issues, contact Frank 
Salvas, Director of Veterans Cemetery Grants Service, National Cemetery 
Administration (41E), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont 
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420. Telephone: (202) 461-8947 (this is 
not a toll-free number). For regulatory issues, contact Jane Kang, 
Program Analyst, Legislative and Regulatory Division, National Cemetery 
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, 
NW., Washington, DC 20420. Telephone: (202) 461-6216 (this is not a 
toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The goal of the National Cemetery 
Administration (NCA) is to ensure that the burial needs of veterans and 
eligible family members are met by providing a burial opportunity in 
veterans cemeteries. In the past, NCA has done

[[Page 28926]]

this by building and maintaining national veterans cemeteries and by 
providing, through the State Cemetery Grants Service, grants to States 
to establish, expand or improve State veterans cemeteries. Research 
indicates that veterans and their families use veterans cemeteries when 
they are located a reasonable distance from their residence. Thus, VA's 
current regulations encourage States to provide burial service to our 
Nation's veterans by operating veterans cemeteries in areas where the 
most number of veterans would benefit. State veterans cemeteries 
complement VA national cemeteries and are critical to meeting VA's goal 
of providing burial access to over 90 percent of veterans and their 
eligible family members. Under VA's cemetery grants service, the 
Federal government provides up to 100 percent of the cost of 
development associated with the establishment, expansion, and 
improvement of a veterans cemetery, as well as the cost of initial 
operating equipment.
    We propose to expand VA's regulations to address the eligibility to 
apply for VA cemetery grants of the approximately 565 Federally-
recognized Tribal Organizations that reside on trust lands. In 
coordination with the expansion of eligibility, we propose to change 
the part heading of part 39 to ``AID FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, EXPANSION, 
AND IMPROVEMENT, OR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, OF VETERANS CEMETERIES'' 
and the name of the ``State Cemetery Grants Service'' to the 
hereinafter, ``Veterans Cemetery Grants Service'' or ``VCGS''. These 
revisions are necessary to more accurately describe VA's cemetery grant 
service and to clarify the purpose of this service to the public, which 
is to provide veterans cemetery grants to States and Tribal 
Organizations.
    Subsection 2408(f), of Title 38, of the United States Code, as 
added by section 403 of the ``Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and 
Information Technology Act of 2006'' establishes eligibility for Tribal 
Organizations to apply for grants for veterans cemeteries on trust 
lands. 38 U.S.C. 2408(f); Public Law 109-461, 120 Stat. 3403 (Dec. 22, 
2006). For the purposes of subsection 2408(f), the term ``trust land'' 
is defined as ``any land that (A) is held in trust by the United States 
for Native Americans; (B) is subject to restrictions on alienation 
imposed by the United States on Indian lands (including native Hawaiian 
homelands); (C) is owned by a Regional Corporation or a Village 
Corporation as such terms are defined in * * * the Alaska Native Claims 
Settlement Act * * *; or (D) is on any island in the Pacific Ocean if 
such land is, by cultural tradition, communally-owned land, as 
determined by the Secretary.'' See 38 U.S.C. 2408(f)(3)(B); 38 U.S.C. 
3765(1). Similarly, the term ``[T]ribal [O]rganization'' is defined for 
purposes of subsection 2408(f) as ``the recognized governing body of 
any Indian Tribe; any legally established organization of Indians which 
is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body or which 
is democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community 
to be served by such organization and which includes the maximum 
participation of Indians in all phases of its activities,'' and 
includes ``the Department of Hawaiian Homelands * * * and such other 
organizations as the Secretary may prescribe.'' See 38 U.S.C. 
2408(f)(3)(A); 38 U.S.C. 3765(4); see also 25 U.S.C. 450b(l). VA 
proposes to add these terms to the definition section included in part 
39 of Title 38 for consistency purposes. We also propose to include the 
definition of ``Indian Tribe'' found in 25 U.S.C. 450b(e).
    Further, we note that the proposed definition of ``Tribal 
Organization'' is subject to the caveat mentioned in 25 U.S.C. 450b(l), 
which provides that, ``in any case where a contract is let or grant 
made to an organization to perform services benefiting more than one 
Indian Tribe, the approval of each such Indian Tribe shall be a 
prerequisite to the letting or making of such contract or grant.'' 25 
U.S.C. 450b(l). VA proposes to add explanatory notes to Sec.  
39.31(c)(3) and Sec.  39.81(c)(3) to clarify how this caveat would 
apply in the context of Veterans Cemetery Grants. Under the proposed 
Sec.  39.31(c)(3) and Sec.  39.81(c)(3), States and Tribal 
Organizations are required to provide written assurance that they 
possess the legal authority to apply for grants. The explanatory notes 
would further provide that: ``In any case where a Tribal Organization 
is applying for a grant for a cemetery on land held in trust for more 
than one Indian Tribe, written assurance that the Tribal Organization 
possesses the legal authority to apply for the grant includes 
certification that the Tribal Organization has obtained approval of 
each such Indian Tribe.'' Without such approval the Tribal Organization 
would lack legal authority because it would not be in compliance with 
25 U.S.C. 450b(l).
    Prior to the enactment of subsection 2408(f), Tribal Organizations 
were not eligible to apply for VA cemetery grants. This expanded 
statutory authority allows VA to award grants to Tribal Organizations 
in the same manner and under the same conditions as it does to States. 
Based on this authority, VA encourages Tribal Organizations to provide 
burial service to our Nation's veterans by operating veterans 
cemeteries on trust lands in areas where the most number of veterans 
would benefit. VA recognizes that Tribes are sovereign nations with a 
unique legal status and a relationship to the Federal government that 
is different than that of States. VA believes that Congress did not 
intend to alter this relationship when it authorized veteran cemetery 
grants to Tribal Organizations to be made in the same manner, and under 
the same conditions, as veteran cemetery grants to States. Rather, the 
purpose was to reflect an intent that, insofar as possible, Tribal 
Organizations should assume a role in participating in the veterans 
cemetery grant program on trust lands comparable to the role States 
play outside of trust lands. By awarding VA cemetery grants to Tribal 
Organizations through the Veterans Cemetery Grant Service, VA will 
partner with Tribal Organization recipients who are committed to serve 
the burial needs of veterans and their eligible family members.
    This proposed rule would amend 38 CFR part 39 and place in 
regulation the statutory authority of VA to grant awards to Tribal 
Organizations for establishing, expanding, and improving veterans 
cemeteries on trust lands. The proposed rule adheres as closely as 
possible to the procedures and requirements for States to apply for 
cemetery grants. For purposes of clarity, we propose to revise the 
regulatory text in part 39, subparts A, B, C, and D, to incorporate 
references to Tribal Organizations in the current regulations.
    This proposed rule would expand the preapplication requirement to 
all VCGS grants by removing the phrase ``more than $100,000'' from 38 
CFR 39.31(a). The preapplication requirements would be applicable to 
both States and Tribal Organizations. The preapplication process serves 
as a means of validating the need for a project, and opening lines of 
communication between NCA and potential participating States and Tribal 
Organizations for VCGS grants. Congress mandated, through the Federal 
Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999, the 
streamlining and simplification of Federal grant administrative 
procedures and reporting requirements to relieve burdens associated 
with the grant application process and to improve the delivery of 
services to the public. Public Law 106-107, 113 Stat. 1486 (Nov. 20, 
1999). In efforts to comply with this mandate VA now processes all VCGS 
grant applications and awards through Grants.gov, which does not 
differentiate

[[Page 28927]]

between applications that exceed $100,000 and those below this 
threshold. To make VA's regulations consistent with the functions of 
Grants.gov and to improve communication throughout the grant 
application process, we propose to expand section 39.31(a) to require 
preapplications for all cemetery grants. Also, by making the 
preapplication requirement uniform for all applicants VA would further 
streamline the VCGS grant application process in accordance with the 
Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999.
    In addition, VA proposes to revise 38 CFR 39.31(d) to allow for the 
differences in the structure of Tribal Organizations and States. We 
propose to no longer require in all cases the submission of 
``legislation, as enacted into law, authorizing the establishment, 
maintenance, and operation of the facility as a veterans cemetery'' as 
a preapplication requirement. We acknowledge that Tribal Organizations, 
and even some States, may establish authorization to apply for a 
veterans cemetery grant and to comply with VA requirements by some 
other means than by enacting legislation. Thus, we propose to revise 
Sec.  39.31(d) to require that, ``[t]he State or Tribal Organization 
must submit a copy of the State or Tribal Organization action 
authorizing the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the 
facility as a veterans cemetery in accordance with 38 CFR 39.10(a). If 
the State or Tribal Organization action is based on legislation, 
enacted into law, then the legislation must be submitted.''
    The proposed rule would not change the existing grant 
prioritization process and retains the same four priority groups as the 
current part 39. Thus, in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 2408, Tribal 
Organizations will compete with States in the prioritization process. 
Given that there are no existing Tribal veteran cemeteries, we 
anticipate that the initial grant applications from Tribal 
Organizations will likely fall into Priority Group 2 (projects for the 
establishment of new veterans cemeteries).
    Once a project is approved for funding, VA may award a grant up to 
100 percent of the amount requested, provided that sufficient funds are 
available. The entire VCGS annual budget is allocated to grants for 
projects that would establish, expand, and improve State and Tribal 
veterans cemeteries. Any funds remaining at the end of the year are 
carried into the next year and allocated to grants for projects the 
following year.
    This proposed rule requires all States or Tribal Organizations 
seeking a grant to submit a preapplication through https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/scg_grants.asp. All forms are available and 
downloadable at https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/scg_grants.asp.

Executive Order 12866

    Executive Order 12866 directs agencies to assess all costs and 
benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when regulation is 
necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits 
(including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety, 
and other advantages; distributive impacts; and equity). The Executive 
Order classifies a ``significant regulatory action,'' requiring review 
by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), as any regulatory action 
that is likely to result in a rule that may: (1) Have an annual effect 
on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a 
material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, 
competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, 
local, or Tribal governments or communities; (2) create a serious 
inconsistency or interfere with an action taken or planned by another 
agency; (3) materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, 
grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of 
recipients thereof; or (4) raise novel legal or policy issues arising 
out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles 
set forth in the Executive Order.
    The economic, interagency, budgetary, legal, and policy 
implications of this proposed rule have been examined, and it has been 
determined that it would not be a significant regulatory action under 
the Executive Order.

Executive Order 13175

    Executive Order 13175 provides that Federal agencies may not issue 
a regulation that has Tribal implications, that imposes substantial 
direct compliance costs on Tribal governments, and that is not required 
by statute, unless the Federal government provides the funds necessary 
to pay the direct compliance costs incurred by the Tribal Organizations 
or the Federal agency consults with Tribal officials early in the 
process of developing the proposed regulation and develops a Tribal 
summary impact statement. VA's cemetery grant program for Tribal 
Organizations is required by statute, which specifically provides that 
the grants shall be ``made in the same manner, and under the same 
conditions, as grants to States are made.'' In addition, participation 
is voluntary and 100 percent of the development costs for an approved 
project are provided by VA. Thus, Executive Order 13175 requirements 
are not applicable. However, in the spirit of the Executive Order, VA 
has communicated with the Tribal Organizations regarding the proposed 
regulatory grant application process. On January 28, 2008, an 
informational letter was sent to each of the Federally-recognized 
Indian Tribes informing them that ``American Indian Tribal grants will 
be considered in the same manner as State veterans cemetery grants 
under the authority of title 38 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 
39.'' Further, on February 22, 2008, a conference call took place 
between senior VA officials and representatives designated by Tribal 
leadership of Federally-recognized Tribes to discuss the grant 
application process. Senior NCA officials and representatives continue 
to meet with and communicate with Tribal Organizations that are 
interested in the grant program. VA has not received any written 
comments regarding the subject of this proposed regulation from Tribal 
Organizations, but welcomes their input during the 60-day comment 
period following publication of the proposed rule.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Secretary hereby certifies that this proposed rule would not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities as they are defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 
U.S.C. 601-612. The Secretary acknowledges that this proposed rule may 
affect some Tribal governments that may be considered small entities; 
however, the economic impact is not significant. This proposed rule 
will not impose any mandatory requirements or costs on Tribal 
governments as a whole and will only affect those that choose to apply 
for veterans cemetery grants. To the extent that small entities are 
affected, the impact of this amendment is both minimal and entirely 
beneficial. Therefore, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), this proposed rule 
is exempt from the initial and final regulatory flexibility analysis 
requirements of sections 603 and 604.

Unfunded Mandates

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires, at 2 U.S.C. 
1532, that agencies prepare an assessment of anticipated costs and 
benefits before issuing any rule that may result in an expenditure by 
State, local, or Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the

[[Page 28928]]

private sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted annually for 
inflation) in any year. This proposed rule would have no such effect on 
State and local governments, or on the private sector. While the 
proposed rule may result in some expenditures by Tribal governments, 
the aggregate amount of such expenditures is estimated to be 
significantly less than $100 million.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This proposed rule would require Tribal Organizations to submit 
information to obtain grants under VA's Veterans Cemetery Grants 
Service. The collections of information referenced in this proposed 
rule have been approved by OMB and have been assigned OMB control 
numbers 0348-0002, 4040-0004, 4040-0008, 4040-0009, and 2900-0559 in 
accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3521).

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number and Title

    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance program number and title 
for this proposed rule is 64.203, Tribal Organizations Cemetery Grants.

Signing Authority

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this 
document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document 
to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as 
an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. John R. 
Gingrich, Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved this 
document on May 13, 2011, for publication.

List of Subjects in 38 CFR Part 39

    Cemeteries, Grants programs--Veterans, Veterans.

    Dated: May 16, 2011.
William F. Russo,
Deputy Director, Office of Regulations Policy & Management, Department 
of Veterans Affairs.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, VA proposes to amend 38 
CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AID FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, EXPANSION, AND IMPROVEMENT, OR 
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, OF VETERANS CEMETERIES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 25 U.S.C. 450b(l); 38 U.S.C. 101, 501, 2408, 2411, 
3765.

    2. Revise part 39 heading as shown above.
    3. Revise Sec.  39.1 to read as follows:


Sec.  39.1  Purpose.

    This part sets forth the mechanism for States or Tribal 
Organizations to obtain a grant to establish, expand, or improve a 
veterans cemetery that meets VA's national shrine standards of 
appearance that is or will be owned by the State, or operated by a 
Tribal Organization on trust land, or to obtain a grant to operate or 
maintain a State or Tribal veterans cemetery to meet VA's national 
shrine standards of appearance.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 2408)

    4. Revise Sec.  39.2 to read as follows:


Sec.  39.2  Definitions.

    Establishment means the process of site selection, land 
acquisition, design and planning, earth moving, landscaping, 
construction, and provision of initial operating equipment necessary to 
convert a tract of land to an operational veterans cemetery.
    Establishment, expansion and improvement project means an 
undertaking to establish, expand, or improve a site for use as a State 
or Tribal veterans cemetery.
    Expansion means an increase in the burial capacity or acreage of an 
existing cemetery through the addition of gravesites and other 
facilities, such as committal service shelters, crypts (preplaced grave 
liners), and columbaria, necessary for the functioning of a cemetery.
    Improvement means the enhancement of a cemetery through 
landscaping, construction, or renovation of cemetery infrastructure, 
such as building expansion and upgrades to roads and irrigation systems 
that is not directly related to the development of new gravesites: 
nonrecurring maintenance; and the addition of other features 
appropriate to cemeteries.
    Indian Tribe means any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other 
organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or 
Regional or Village Corporation as defined in or established pursuant 
to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, which is recognized as 
eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United 
States to Indians because of their status as Indians.
    Operation and Maintenance Project means a project that assists a 
State or Tribal Organization to achieve VA's national shrine standards 
of appearance in the key cemetery operational areas of cleanliness, 
height and alignment of headstones and markers, leveling of gravesites, 
and turf conditions.
    Secretary means the Secretary of the United States Department of 
Veterans Affairs.
    State means each of the States, Territories, and possessions of the 
United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico.
    Tribal Organization means:
    (1) The recognized governing body of any Indian Tribe;
    (2) Any legally established organization of Indians that is 
controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body or is 
democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to 
be served by such organization and which includes the maximum 
participation of Indians in all phases of its activities;
    (3) The Department of Hawaiian Homelands; and
    (4) Such other organizations as the Secretary may prescribe.
    Trust land means any land that:
    (1) Is held in trust by the United States for Native Americans;
    (2) Is subject to restrictions on alienation imposed by the United 
States on Indian lands, including native Hawaiian homelands;
    (3) Is owned by a Regional Corporation or a Village Corporation as 
defined in 43 U.S.C. 1602(g) and (j); or
    (4) Is on any island in the Pacific Ocean if such land is, by 
cultural tradition, communally-owned land, as determined by the 
Secretary.
    VA means the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the 
Veterans Cemetery Grants Service.
    Veteran means a person who served in the active military, naval, or 
air service who dies in line of duty while in service or was discharged 
or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
    Veterans Cemetery Grants Service (VCGS) means the Veterans Cemetery 
Grants Service within VA's National Cemetery Administration.

(Authority: 25 U.S.C. 450b(l), 38 U.S.C. 101, 501, 2408, 3765)


    5. Revise Sec.  39.4 to read as follows:


Sec.  39.4  Decision makers, notifications, and additional information.

    Decisions required under this part will be made by the VA Director, 
Veterans Cemetery Grants Service (VCGS), National Cemetery 
Administration, unless otherwise specified in this part. The VA 
decisionmaker will provide notice to affected States and Tribal 
Organizations of approvals, denials, or requests for additional 
information under this part.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 2408)


    6. Revise Sec.  39.5 to read as follows:

[[Page 28929]]

Sec.  39.5  Submission of information and documents to VA.

    All information and documents required to be submitted to VA must 
be submitted to the Director of the Veterans Cemetery Grants Service, 
National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 
Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420. All forms cited in this part 
are available at https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/scg_grants.asp.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 2408)


    7. Revise Sec.  39.6 to read as follows:


Sec.  39.6  Amendments to grant application.

    A State or Tribal Organization seeking to amend a grant application 
must submit revised Standard Forms 424 (Application for Federal 
Assistance) and 424C (Budget Information) with a narrative description 
of, and justification for, the amendment. Any amendment of an 
application that changes the scope of the application or increases the 
amount of the grant requested, whether or not the application has 
already been approved, shall be subject to approval by VA in the same 
manner as an original application.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 2408)


    (The Office of Management and Budget has approved the information 
collection requirements in this section under control numbers 4040-0004 
and 4040-0008.)

    8. Revise Sec.  39.7 to read as follows:


Sec.  39.7  Line item adjustment to grants.

    After a grant has been awarded, upon request from the State or 
Tribal Organization representative, VA may approve a change in one or 
more line items (line items are identified in Standard Form 424C) of up 
to 10 percent (increase or decrease) of the cost of each line item if 
the change would be within the scope or objective of the project and 
the aggregate adjustments would not increase the total amount of the 
grant.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 2408)


    9. Revise Sec.  39.8 to read as follows:


Sec.  39.8  Withdrawal of grant application.

    A State or Tribal Organization representative may withdraw an 
application by submitting to VA a written document requesting 
withdrawal.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 2408)


    10. Amend Sec.  39.10 by:
    a. Revising paragraph (a).
    b. Revising paragraph (b) introductory text.
    c. Revising paragraphs (c) and (d).

    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  39.10  Cemetery requirements and prohibitions and recapture 
provisions.

    (a) In order to qualify for a grant, a State or Tribal veterans 
cemetery must be operated solely for the interment of veterans, their 
spouses, surviving spouses, minor children, unmarried adult children 
who were physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support, 
and eligible parents of certain deceased service members.
    (b) Any grant under this part made on or after November 21, 1997, 
is made on the condition that, after the date of receipt of the grant, 
the State or Tribal Organization receiving the grant, subject to 
requirements for receipt of notice in 38 U.S.C. 2408 and 2411, will 
prohibit in the cemetery for which the grant is awarded the interment 
of the remains or the memorialization of any person:
* * * * *
    (c) If a State or Tribal Organization which has received a grant 
under this part ceases to own the cemetery for which the grant was 
made, ceases to operate such cemetery as a veterans cemetery in 
accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, violates the prohibition 
in paragraph (b) of this section, or uses any part of the funds 
provided through such grant for a purpose other than that for which the 
grant was made, the United States shall be entitled to recover from the 
State or Tribal Organization the total of all grants made to the State 
or Tribal Organization under this part in connection with such 
cemetery.
    (d) If, within 3 years after VA has certified to the Department of 
the Treasury an approved grant application, not all funds from the 
grant have been used by the State or Tribal Organization for the 
purpose for which the grant was made, the United States shall be 
entitled to recover any unused grant funds from the State or Tribal 
Organization.
* * * * *
    11. Revise Sec.  39.11 to read as follows:


Sec.  39.11  State or Tribal Organization to retain control of 
operations.

    Neither the Secretary nor any employee of VA shall exercise any 
supervision or control over the administration, personnel, maintenance, 
or operation of any State or Tribal veterans cemetery that receives a 
grant under this program except as prescribed in this part.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 2408)

Sec. Sec.  39.12 through 39.29  [Reserved]

    12. Add reserved Sec. Sec.  39.12 through 39.29 to subpart A.
    13. In Sec.  39.30, revise paragraphs (a) introductory text and 
(a)(4) to read as follows:


Sec.  39.30  General requirements for a grant.

    (a) For a State or Tribal Organization to obtain a grant for the 
establishment, expansion, or improvement of a State or Tribal veterans 
cemetery:
* * * * *
    (4) The State or Tribal Organization must meet the application 
requirements in Sec.  39.34; and
* * * * *
    14. Amend Sec.  39.31 by:
    a. Revising paragraph (a).
    b. Revising paragraphs (b) introductory text, (b)(5), (6), and (8).
    c. Revising paragraphs (c) introductory text and (c)(2) through 
(7).
    d. Revising paragraphs (d) and (e).
    e. Revising the authority citation at the end of the section.

    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  39.31  Preapplication requirements.

    (a) A State or Tribal Organization seeking a grant for the 
establishment, expansion, or improvement of a State or Tribal veterans 
cemetery must submit a preapplication to the Director, Veterans 
Cemetery Grants Service, through https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/scg_grants.asp.
    (b) No detailed drawings, plans, or specifications are required 
with the preapplication. As a part of the preapplication, the State or 
Tribal Organization must submit each of the following:
* * * * *
    (5) Any comments or recommendations made by the State's or Tribal 
Organization's ``Single Point of Contact'' reviewing agency.
    (6) VA Form 40-0895-2 (Certification of Compliance with Provisions 
of the Davis-Bacon Act) to certify that the State or Tribal 
Organization has obtained the latest prevailing wage rates for 
Federally funded projects. Any construction project fully or partially 
funded with Federal dollars must comply with those rates for specific 
work by trade employees (e.g., electricians, carpenters).
* * * * *
    (8) VA Form 40-0895-6 (Certification of State or Tribal Government 
Matching Architectural and Engineering Funds to Qualify for Group 1 on 
the Priority List) to provide documentation that the State or Tribal 
Organization has authority to support the project and the resources 
necessary to initially fund the architectural and engineering portion 
of the project development. Once the grant is awarded, VA will 
reimburse the

[[Page 28930]]

applicant for all allowable architectural and engineering costs.
* * * * *
    (c) In addition, the State or Tribal Organization must submit 
written assurance of each of the following conditions:
* * * * *
    (2) Title to the site is or will be vested solely in the State or 
held in trust for the Tribal Organization on trust land.
    (3) The State or Tribal Organization possesses legal authority to 
apply for the grant and to finance and construct the proposed 
facilities; i.e., legislation or similar action has been duly adopted 
or passed as an official act of the applicant's governing body, 
authorizing the filing of the application, including all understandings 
and assurances contained therein, and directing and authorizing the 
person identified as the official representative of the State or Tribal 
Organization to act in connection with the application and to provide 
such additional information as may be required.

    Note to paragraph (c)(3): In any case where a Tribal 
Organization is applying for a grant for a cemetery on land held in 
trust for more than one Indian Tribe, written assurance that the 
Tribal Organization possesses legal authority to apply for the grant 
includes certification that the Tribal Organization has obtained the 
approval of each such Indian Tribe.

    (4) The State or Tribal Organization will assist VA in assuring 
that the grant complies with section 106 of the National Historic 
Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470), Executive Order 
11593 (identification and protection of historic properties), and the 
Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 469a-1 
et seq.).
    (5) The State or Tribal Organization will obtain approval by VA of 
the final construction drawings and specifications before the project 
is advertised or placed on the market for bidding; it will construct 
the project, or cause the project to be constructed, to completion in 
accordance with the application and approved plans and specifications; 
it will submit to the Director of the Veterans Cemetery Grants Service, 
for prior approval, changes that alter any cost of the project, use of 
space, or functional layout; and it will not enter into a construction 
contract for the project or undertake other activities until the 
requirements of the grant program have been met.
    (6) The State or Tribal Organization will comply with the Federal 
requirements in 2 CFR parts 180 and 801 and 38 CFR part 43 and submit 
Standard Form 424D (Assurances--Construction Programs).
    (7) The State or Tribal Organization will prepare an Environmental 
Assessment to determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement is 
necessary, and certify that funds are available to finance any costs 
related to preparation of the Environmental Assessment.
    (d) The State or Tribal Organization must submit a copy of the 
State or Tribal Organization action authorizing the establishment, 
maintenance, and operation of the facility as a veterans cemetery in 
accordance with 38 CFR 39.10(a). If the State or Tribal Organization 
action is based on legislation, enacted into law, then the legislation 
must be submitted.
    (e) Upon receipt of a complete preapplication for a grant, 
including all necessary assurances and all required supporting 
documentation, VA will determine whether the preapplication conforms to 
all requirements listed in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, 
including whether it contains sufficient information necessary to 
establish the project's priority. VA will notify the State or Tribal 
Organization of any nonconformity. If the preapplication does conform, 
VA shall notify the State or Tribal Organization that the 
preapplication has been found to meet the preapplication requirements, 
and the proposed project will be included in the next scheduled ranking 
of projects, as indicated in Sec.  39.3(d).

(Authority: 25 U.S.C. 450b(l); 38 U.S.C. 501, 2408, 2411)


    15. Amend Sec.  39.32 by:
    a. Revising the introductory text.
    b. Revising paragraph (a).
    c. Revising paragraphs (b) introductory text, (b)(1) introductory 
text, and (b)(2) introductory text.
    d. Revising paragraph (c).
    e. Revising paragraph (d) introductory text.
    f. Revising paragraphs (e) introductory text, (e)(1) through (3), 
(e)(4) introductory text, (e)(5), (e)(6) introductory text, (e)(7) 
introductory text, and (e)(9).

    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  39.32  Plan preparation.

    The State or Tribal Organization must prepare Establishment, 
Expansion, and Improvement Project plans and specifications in 
accordance with the requirements of this section for review by the 
VCGS. The plans and specifications must be approved by the VCGS prior 
to the State's or Tribal Organization's solicitation for construction 
bids. Once the VCGS approves the plans and specifications, the State or 
Tribal Organization must obtain construction bids and determine the 
successful bidder prior to submission of the application. The State or 
Tribal Organization must establish procedures for determining that 
costs are reasonable and necessary and can be allocated in accordance 
with the provisions of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular 
No. A-87. Once the Establishment, Expansion, and Improvement Project 
preapplication and the project's plans and specifications have been 
approved, an application for assistance must be submitted in compliance 
with the uniform requirements for grants-in-aid to State and local 
governments prescribed by OMB Circular No. A-102, Revised.
    (a) General. These requirements have been established for the 
guidance of the State or Tribal Organization and the design team to 
provide a standard for preparation of drawings, specifications, and 
estimates.
    (b) Technical requirements. The State or Tribal Organization should 
meet these technical requirements as soon as possible after VA approves 
the Establishment, Expansion, and Improvement Project preapplication.
    (1) Boundary and site survey. The State or Tribal Organization 
shall provide a survey of the site and furnish a legal description of 
the site. A boundary and site survey need not be submitted if one was 
submitted for a previously approved project and there have been no 
changes. Relevant information may then be shown on the site plan. If 
required, the site survey shall show each of the following items:
* * * * *
    (2) Soil investigation. The State or Tribal Organization shall 
provide a soil investigation of the scope necessary to ascertain site 
characteristics for construction and burial or to determine foundation 
requirements and utility service connections. A new soil investigation 
is not required if one was done for a previously approved project on 
the same site and information from the previous investigation is 
adequate and unchanged. Soil investigation, when done, shall be 
documented in a signed report.
    The investigation shall be adequate to determine the subsoil 
conditions. The investigation shall include a sufficient number of test 
pits or test borings as will determine, in the judgment of the 
architect, the true conditions. The

[[Page 28931]]

following information will be covered in the report:
* * * * *
    (c) Master plan. A master plan showing the proposed layout of all 
facilities--including buildings, roadways, and burial sections--on the 
selected site shall be prepared for all new cemetery establishment 
projects for approval by the VCGS. If the project is to be phased into 
different year programs, the phasing shall be indicated. The master 
plan shall analyze al factors affecting the design, including climate, 
soil conditions, site boundaries, topography, views, hydrology, 
environmental constraints, transportation access, etc. It should 
provide a discussion of alternate designs that were considered. In the 
case of an expansion project or improvement project, the work 
contemplated should be consistent with the VA-approved master plan or a 
justification for the deviation should be provided.
    (d) Preliminary or ``design development'' drawings. Following VA 
approval of the master plan, the State or Tribal Organization must 
submit design development drawings that show all current phase 
construction elements to be funded by the grant. The drawings must 
comply with the following requirements:
* * * * *
    (e) Final construction drawings and specifications. Funds for the 
construction of any project being assisted under this program will not 
be released until VA approves the final construction drawings and 
specifications. If VA approves them, VA shall send the State or Tribal 
Organization a written letter of approval indicating that the project's 
plans and specifications comply with the terms and conditions as 
prescribed by VA. This does not constitute approval of the contract 
documents. It is the responsibility of the State or Tribal Organization 
to ascertain that all State and Federal requirements have been met and 
that the drawings and specifications are acceptable for bid purposes.
    (1) General. The State or Tribal Organization shall prepare final 
working drawings so that clear and distinct prints may be obtained. 
These drawings must be accurately dimensioned to include all necessary 
explanatory notes, schedules, and legends. Working drawings shall be 
complete and adequate for VA review and comment. The State or Tribal 
Organization shall prepare separate drawings for each of the following 
types of work: architectural, equipment, layout, structural, heating 
and ventilating, plumbing, and electrical.
    (2) Architectural drawings. The State or Tribal Organization shall 
submit drawings which include: All structures and other work to be 
removed; all floor plans if any new work is involved; all elevations 
which are affected by the alterations; building sections; demolition 
drawings; all details to complete the proposed work and finish 
schedules; and fully dimensioned floor plans at 1/8'' or 1/4'' scale.
    (3) Equipment drawings. The State or Tribal Organization shall 
submit a list of all equipment to be provided under terms of the grant 
in the case of an Establishment Project. Large-scale drawings of 
typical special rooms indicating all fixed equipment and major items of 
furniture and moveable equipment shall be included.
    (4) Layout drawings. The State or Tribal Organization shall submit 
a layout plan that shows:
* * * * *
    (5) Structural drawings. The State or Tribal Organization shall 
submit complete foundation and framing plans and details, with general 
notes to include: governing code, material strengths, live loads, wind 
loads, foundation design values, and seismic zone.
    (6) Mechanical drawings. The State or Tribal Organization shall 
submit:
* * * * *
    (7) Electrical drawings. The State or Tribal Organization shall 
submit separate drawings for lighting and power, including drawings of:
* * * * *
    (9) Cost estimates. The State or Tribal Organization shall show in 
convenient form and detail the estimated total cost of the work to be 
performed under the contract, including provisions of fixed equipment 
shown by the plans and specifications, if applicable, to reflect the 
changes of the approved financial plan. Estimates shall be summarized 
and totaled under each trade or type of work. Estimates shall also be 
provided for each building structure and other important features such 
as the assembly area and shall include burial facilities.
* * * * *
    16. Revise Sec.  39.33 to read as follows:


Sec.  39.33  Conferences.

    (a) Predesign conference. A predesign conference is required for 
all Establishment, Expansion, and Improvement Projects requiring major 
construction, primarily to ensure that the State or Tribal Organization 
becomes oriented to VA procedures, requirements, and any technical 
comments pertaining to the project. This conference will take place at 
an appropriate location near the proposed site and should include a 
site visit to ensure that all parties to the process, including NCA 
staff, are familiar with the site and its characteristics.
    (b) Additional conferences. At any time, VA may recommend an 
additional conference (such as a design development conference) be held 
in VA Central Office in Washington, DC, to provide an opportunity for 
the State or Tribal Organization and its architects to discuss with VA 
officials the requirements for a grant.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 2408)


    17. In Sec.  39.34, revise paragraphs (a) introductory text, (b) 
introductory text, and (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  39.34  Application requirements.

    (a) For an Establishment, Expansion, and Improvement Project to be 
considered for grant funding under this subpart, the State or Tribal 
Organization must submit an application (as opposed to a 
preapplication) consisting of the following:
* * * * *
    (b) Prior to submission of the application, the State or Tribal 
Organization must submit a copy of an Environmental Assessment to 
determine if an Environmental Impact Statement is necessary for 
compliance with section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4332). The Environmental Assessment 
must briefly describe the project's possible beneficial and harmful 
effects on the following impact categories:
* * * * *
    (c) If an adverse environmental impact is anticipated, the State or 
Tribal Organization must explain what action will be taken to minimize 
the impact. The assessment shall comply with the requirements of the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 
et seq.).
* * * * *


Sec. Sec.  39.36 through 39.49  [Reserved]

    18. Add reserved Sec. Sec.  39.36 through 39.49 to subpart B.
    19. In Sec.  39.50, revise paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4) 
introductory text to read as follows:


Sec.  39.50  Amount of grant.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) In the case of an establishment grant, the cost of equipment 
necessary for the operation of the State or Tribal veterans cemetery. 
This may include the

[[Page 28932]]

cost of non-fixed equipment such as grounds maintenance equipment, 
burial equipment, and office equipment.
    (4) In the case of an improvement or expansion grant, the cost of 
equipment necessary for operation of the State or Tribal veterans 
cemetery, but only if such equipment:
* * * * *
    20. In Sec.  39.51, revise the introductory text and paragraph (d) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  39.51  Payment of grant award.

    The amount of an Establishment, Expansion, and Improvement Project 
grant award will be paid to the State or Tribal Organization or, if 
designated by the State or Tribal Organization representative, the 
State or Tribal veterans cemetery for which such project is being 
carried out, or to any other State or Tribal Organization agency or 
instrumentality. Such amount shall be paid by way of reimbursement and 
in installments that are consistent with the progress of the project, 
as the Director of the Veterans Cemetery Grants Service may determine 
and certify for payment to the appropriate Federal institution. Funds 
paid under this section for an approved Establishment, Expansion, and 
Improvement Project shall be used solely for carrying out such project 
as approved. As a condition for the final payment, the representative 
of the State or Tribal Organization must submit to VA the following:
* * * * *
    (d) Evidence that the State or Tribal Organization has met its 
responsibility for an audit under the Single Audit Act of 1984 (31 
U.S.C. 7501 et seq.) and Sec.  39.122, if applicable.
* * * * *


Sec. Sec.  39.52 through 39.59  [Reserved]

    21. Add reserved Sec. Sec.  39.52 through 39.59 to subpart B.
    22. Revise Sec.  39.60(a) to read as follows:


Sec.  39.60  General requirements for site selection and construction 
of veterans cemeteries.

    (a) The various codes, requirements, and recommendations of State 
or Tribal Organization and local authorities or technical and 
professional organizations, to the extent and manner in which those 
codes, requirements, and recommendations are referenced in this 
subpart, are applicable to grants involving construction of veterans 
cemeteries. Additional information concerning these codes, 
requirements, and recommendations may be obtained from VA, National 
Cemetery Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420.
* * * * *
    23. Revise Sec.  39.63 introductory text to read as follows:


Sec.  39.63  Architectural design standards.

    The publications listed in this section are incorporated by 
reference. The Director of the Federal Register approves this 
incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 522(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. Copies of these publications may be inspected at the office of 
the Veterans Cemetery Grants Service, National Cemetery Administration, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 
20420 or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 
For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-
741-6030 or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Copies of the 2003 edition of 
the National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code and Errata 
(NFPA 101), the 2003 edition of the NFPA 5000, Building Construction 
and Safety Code, and the 2002 edition of the National Electrical Code, 
NFPA 70, may be obtained from the National Fire Protection Association, 
Inc. (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101, 
800-844-6058 (toll free). Copies of the 2003 edition of the Uniform 
Mechanical Code and the 2003 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code may 
be obtained from the International Association of Plumbing and 
Mechanical Officials, 5001 E. Philadelphia Street, Ontario, CA 91761-
2816. 909-472-4100 (this is not a toll-free number). The 2002 and 2003 
NFPA and IAPMO code publications can be inspected at VA by calling 202-
461-4902 for an appointment.
* * * * *


Sec. Sec.  39.64 through 39.79  [Reserved]

    24. Add reserved Sec. Sec.  39.64 through 39.79 to subpart B.
    25. In Sec.  39.80, revise paragraphs (a) introductory text and 
(a)(4) to read as follows:


Sec.  39.80  General requirements for a grant.

    (a) For a State or Tribal Organization to obtain a grant for the 
operation or maintenance of a State or Tribal veterans cemetery:
* * * * *
    (4) The State or Tribal Organization must meet the application 
requirements in Sec.  39.84; and
* * * * *
    26. Amend Sec.  39.81 by:
    a. Revising paragraph (a).
    b. Revising paragraphs (b) introductory text, (b)(1) through (3), 
(b)(9), (b)(10) introductory text, and (b)(11).
    c. Revising paragraph (c).
    d. Revising paragraph (d) introductory text.
    E. Revising paragraph (e).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  39.81  Preapplication requirements.

    (a) A State or Tribal Organization seeking a grant for the 
operation or maintenance of a State or Tribal veterans cemetery must 
submit a preapplication to the Director, Veterans Cemetery Grants 
Service, through https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/scg_grants.asp.
    (b) No detailed drawings, plans, or specifications are required 
with the preapplication. As a part of the preapplication, the State or 
Tribal Organization must submit each of the following:
    (1) Standard Form 424 (Application for Federal Assistance) and 
Standard Form 424C (Budget Information) signed by the authorized 
representative of the State or Tribal Organization. These forms 
document the amount of the grant requested, which may not exceed 100 
percent of the estimated cost of the project to be funded with the 
grant.
    (2) VA Form 40-0895-2 (Certification of Compliance with Provisions 
of the Davis-Bacon Act) to certify that the State or Tribal 
Organization has obtained the latest prevailing wage rates for 
Federally funded projects. Any construction project fully or partially 
funded with Federal dollars must comply with those rates for specific 
work by trade employees (e.g., electricians, carpenters).
    (3) VA Form 40-0895-6 (Certification of State or Tribal Government 
Matching Architectural and Engineering Funds to Qualify for Group 1 on 
the Priority List) to provide documentation that the State or Tribal 
Organization has legal authority to support the project and the 
resources necessary to initially fund the architectural and engineering 
portion of the project development. Once the grant is awarded, VA will 
reimburse the applicant for all allowable architectural and engineering 
costs.
* * * * *
    (9) A gravesite assessment survey documenting the State or Tribal 
cemetery's performance related to the standards outlined in paragraph 
(b)(10) of this section for the year in which the preapplication is 
submitted.
    (10) A program narrative describing how the project will assist the 
State or Tribal Organization in meeting VA's

[[Page 28933]]

national shrine standards with respect to cleanliness, height and 
alignment of headstones and markers, leveling of gravesites, or turf 
conditions. Specifically, the preapplication should explain the need 
for the grant, how the work is to be accomplished, and the expected 
improvement in the State or Tribal cemetery's performance related to 
one or more of the following national shrine standards:
* * * * *
    (11) A description of the geographic location of the existing State 
or Tribal veteran cemetery and any other supporting documentation, as 
requested by the VCGS Director.
* * * * *
    (c) In addition, the State or Tribal Organization must submit 
written assurance of each of the following conditions:
    (1) Any cemetery in receipt of a grant under this subpart will be 
used exclusively for the interment or memorialization of eligible 
persons, as set forth in Sec.  39.10(a), whose interment or 
memorialization is not contrary to the conditions of the grant (see 
Sec. Sec.  39.10(b) and 38 U.S.C. 2408(d) and 2411).
    (2) Title to the site is or will be vested solely in the State or 
held in trust for the Tribal Organization on trust land.
    (3) The State or Tribal Organization possesses legal authority to 
apply for the grant.

    Note to paragraph (c)(3): In any case where a Tribal 
Organization is applying for a grant for a cemetery on land held in 
trust for more than one Indian Tribe, written assurance that the 
Tribal Organization possesses legal authority to apply for the grant 
includes certification that the Tribal Organization has obtained the 
approval of each such Indian Tribe.

    (4) The State or Tribal Organization will obtain approval by VA of 
the final specifications before the project is advertised or placed on 
the market for bidding; the project will achieve VA's national shrine 
standards with respect to cleanliness, height and alignment of 
headstones and markers, leveling of gravesites, or turf conditions in 
accordance with the application and approved plans and specifications; 
the State or Tribal Organization will submit to the Director of the 
Veterans Cemetery Grants Service, for prior approval, changes that 
alter any cost of the project; and the State or Tribal Organization 
will not enter into a contract for the project or undertake other 
activities until all the requirements of the grant program have been 
met.
    (d) Depending on the scope of the project, the VCGS will work with 
the State or Tribal Organization to determine which, if any, of the 
following are required:
* * * * *
    (e) Upon receipt of a complete preapplication for a grant, 
including all necessary assurances and all required supporting 
documentation, VA will determine whether the preapplication conforms to 
all requirements listed in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, 
including whether it contains sufficient information necessary to 
establish the project's priority. VA will notify the State or Tribal 
Organization of any nonconformity. If the preapplication does conform, 
VA shall notify the State or Tribal Organization that the 
preapplication has been found to meet the preapplication requirements, 
and the proposed project will be included in the next scheduled ranking 
of projects, as indicated in Sec.  39.3(d).

(Authority: 25 U.S.C. 450b(l); 38 U.S.C. 501, 2408, 2411)

* * * * *
    27. Amend Sec.  39.82 by:
    a. Revising paragraphs (a) introductory text and (a)(3).
    b. Revising paragraphs (b) introductory text and (b)(1).
    c. Revising paragraph (c).

    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  39.82  Plan preparation.

    (a) The State or Tribal Organization must successfully complete its 
plan preparation under this section before submitting a grant 
application for an Operation and Maintenance Project. The State or 
Tribal Organization may be required to undertake some or all of the 
following requirements of this section. After submitting all necessary 
plans and specifications to the VCGS and obtaining approval for the 
State or Tribal Organization to solicit for the Operation and 
Maintenance Project contract bids, the State or Tribal Organization 
shall:
* * * * *
    (3) Comply with the uniform requirements for grants-in-aid to 
State, Tribal and local governments prescribed by OMB Circular No. A-
102, Revised.
    (b) Depending on the scope of the project, the VCGS will work with 
the State or Tribal Organization to determine which of the following 
will be required prior to submission of an application. As determined 
by VA, these may include:
    (1) A boundary and site survey comprising a survey and legal 
description of the existing State or Tribal cemetery site;
* * * * *
    (c) If VA determines that the project's plans and specifications 
comply with the terms and conditions prescribed by VA, VA will send the 
State or Tribal Organization a written letter of approval indicating 
that the project's plans and specifications comply with the terms and 
conditions as prescribed by VA. This does not constitute approval of 
the contract documents. It is the responsibility of the State or Tribal 
Organization to ascertain that all State and Federal requirements have 
been met and that the drawings and specifications are acceptable for 
bid purposes.
* * * * *
    28. Revise Sec.  39.83 to read as follows:


Sec.  39.83  Conferences.

    (a) Planning conference. The VCGS may require planning conferences 
for Operation and Maintenance Projects, primarily to ensure that the 
State or Tribal Organization becomes oriented to VA's national shrine 
standards, procedures, requirements, and any technical comments 
pertaining to the project. These conferences will normally occur over 
the telephone.
    (b) Additional conferences. At any time, VA may recommend an 
additional telephone conference to provide an opportunity for the State 
or Tribal Organization to discuss with VA officials the requirements 
for an Operation and Maintenance Project grant.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 2408)


    29. Revise Sec.  39.84 introductory text to read as follows:


Sec.  39.84  Application requirements.

    For an Operation and Maintenance Project to be considered for grant 
funding under this subpart, the State or Tribal Organization must 
submit an application (as opposed to a preapplication) consisting of 
the following:
* * * * *


Sec. Sec.  39.86 through 39.99  [Reserved]

    30. Add reserved Sec. Sec.  39.86 through 39.99 to subpart C.
    31. Revise Sec.  39.101 introductory text and paragraph (d) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  39.101  Payment of grant award.

    The amount of an Operation and Maintenance Project grant award will 
be paid to the State or Tribal Organization or, if designated by the 
State or Tribal Organization representative, the State or Tribal 
veterans cemetery for which such project is being carried out, or to 
any other State or Tribal Organization agency or instrumentality. Such 
amount shall be paid by way of reimbursement

[[Page 28934]]

and in installments that are consistent with the progress of the 
project, as the Director of the Veterans Cemetery Grants Service may 
determine and certify for payment to the appropriate Federal 
institution. Funds paid under this section for an approved Operation 
and Maintenance Project shall be used solely for carrying out such 
project as approved. As a condition for the final payment, the State or 
Tribal representative must submit to VA each of the following:
* * * * *
    (d) Evidence that the State or Tribal Organization has met its 
responsibility for an audit under the Single Audit Act of 1984 (31 
U.S.C. 7501 et seq.) and Sec.  39.122.
* * * * *


Sec. Sec.  39.102 through 39.119  [Reserved]

    32. Add reserved Sec. Sec.  39.102 through 39.119 to subpart C.
    33. Revise Sec.  39.120 to read as follows:


Sec.  39.120  Documentation of grant accomplishments.

    Within 60 days of completion of an Operation and Maintenance 
Project, the State or Tribal Organization must submit to VCGS a written 
report regarding the work performed to meet VA's national shrine 
standards. This report must be based on the original justification for 
the grant as noted in Sec.  39.81(b)(10) and must include statistical 
data and detailed pictures of the work accomplished.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 2408)


    34. Amend Sec.  39.121 by:
    a. Revising the section heading.
    b. Revising paragraph (a).
    c. Revising paragraph (b) introductory text.
    d. Revising paragraphs (c) and (d).

    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  39.121  State or Tribal Organization responsibilities following 
project completion.

    (a) A State or Tribal Organization that has received an 
Establishment, Expansion, and Improvement Project grant or an Operation 
and Maintenance Project grant shall monitor use of the cemetery by 
various subgroups and minority groups, including women veterans. If VA 
determines that under-utilization by any of these groups exists, the 
State or Tribal Organization shall establish a program to inform 
members of these groups about benefits available to them. If a 
significant number or portion of the population eligible to be served 
or likely to be directly affected by the grant program needs benefits 
information in a language other than English, the State or Tribal 
Organization shall make such information available in the necessary 
language.
    (b) A State or Tribal veterans cemetery that has received an 
Establishment,
    Expansion, and Improvement Project grant or an Operation and 
Maintenance Project grant shall be operated and maintained as follows:
* * * * *
    (c) VA, in coordination with the State or Tribal Organization, 
shall inspect the project for compliance with the standards set forth 
in subpart B of this part for Establishment, Expansion, and Improvement 
Projects and with the standards set forth in subpart C of this part for 
Operation and Maintenance Projects at the project's completion and at 
least once in every 3-year period following completion of the project 
throughout the period the facility is operated as a State or Tribal 
veterans cemetery. The State or Tribal Organization shall forward to 
the Director, Veterans Cemetery Grants Service, a copy of the 
inspection report, giving the date and location the inspection was made 
and citing any deficiencies and corrective action to be taken or 
proposed.
    (d) Failure of a State or Tribal Organization to comply with any of 
paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section shall be considered cause 
for VA to suspend any payments due the State or Tribal Organization on 
any project until the compliance failure is corrected.
* * * * *
    35. Revise Sec.  39.122 to read as follows:


Sec.  39.122  Inspections, audits, and reports.

    (a) A State or Tribal Organization will allow VA inspectors and 
auditors to conduct inspections as necessary to ensure co