Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the 2012 Farmers' Market Promotion Program (FMPP), 20779-20781 [2012-8395]

Download as PDF 20779 Notices Federal Register Vol. 77, No. 67 Friday, April 6, 2012 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. Committee on Administration and Management ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED STATES Dated: April 3, 2012. Shawne C. McGibbon, General Counsel. Committee on Administration and Management [FR Doc. 2012–8369 Filed 4–5–12; 8:45 am] The Committee on Administration and Management will meet to continue its consideration of a draft recommendation on the Paperwork Reduction Act and proposed improvements to its implementation. Date: Wednesday, May 2, 2012 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. BILLING CODE 6110–01–P Administrative Conference of the United States. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given of a public meeting of the Committee on Administration and Management of the Assembly of the Administrative Conference of the United States. The meeting will provide an opportunity for the committee to continue its consideration of a draft recommendation regarding the Paperwork Reduction Act. Complete details regarding the committee meeting, the contours of the project, how to attend (including information about remote access and obtaining special accommodations for persons with disabilities), and how to submit comments to the committee can be found in the ‘‘About’’ section of the Conference’s Web site, at https:// www.acus.gov. Click on ‘‘About,’’ then on ‘‘The Committees,’’ and then on ‘‘Committee on Administration and Management.’’ Comments may be submitted by email to Comments@acus.gov, with ‘‘Committee on Administration and Management’’ in the subject line, or by postal mail to ‘‘Committee on Administration and Management Comments’’ at the address given below. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at 1120 20th Street NW., Suite 706 South, Washington, DC 20036. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Emily Schleicher Bremer, Designated Federal Officer, Administrative Conference of the United States, 1120 20th Street NW., Suite 706 South, Washington, DC 20036; Telephone 202– 480–2080. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:17 Apr 05, 2012 Jkt 226001 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Doc# AMS–TM–12–0004; TM–12–01] Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the 2012 Farmers’ Market Promotion Program (FMPP) Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the availability of approximately $10 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year (FY) 2012 to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Examples of direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities include new farmers markets, roadside stands, communitysupported agriculture (CSA) programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer infrastructures. AMS hereby requests proposals from eligible entities within the following categories: Agricultural cooperatives, producer networks, producer associations, local governments, nonprofit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers market authorities, and Tribal governments. Based on the available funding, AMS will award the most competitive applications that demonstrate measurable, outcome-based strategies that help increase farmers’ or agricultural producers’ revenue through SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 direct producer to consumer marketing opportunities. The minimum award per grant is $5,000 and the maximum award per grant is $100,000. No matching funds are required. DATES: Applications should be received and accepted,1 via Grants.gov, not later than May 21, 2012. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. ADDRESSES: The 2012 Farmers’ Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Room 4509–South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, 20250–0269, phone (202) 720–0933. AMS will only accept application packages submitted via https:// www.Grants.gov. AMS will not accept application packages by mail, hand delivery, email, or fax. Except for the submission of multiple applications (for instance, an EBT and a non-EBT project), all forms, narrative, letters of support, and other required materials must be forwarded in one application package. AMS strongly recommends that each applicant visit the AMS Web site at https://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP to review a copy of the 2012 FMPP Guidelines and application instructions prior to preparing the proposal narrative and application. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carmen Humphrey, Branch Chief, Marketing Grants and Technical Services Branch, Marketing Services Division, Transportation and Marketing Programs, AMS, USDA, on (202) 720– 0933, or via facsimile on (202) 690– 4152. State that your request for information refers to Docket No. TM– 12–01. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation is issued pursuant to Section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3001–3006) as amended.2 The amended act states that the purposes of the FMPP are ‘‘(A) to increase domestic 1 Note that it may take Grants.gov up to 48 hours to send an email confirming that the application was received and validated by the Grants.gov system. The application must have been received by Grants.gov prior to the FMPP deadline. 2 Section 10605 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107–171) authorizing the establishment of the Farmers’ Market Promotion Program (7 U.S.C. 3005) (FMPP) and as amended by section 10106 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110– 246). E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1 20780 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 67 / Friday, April 6, 2012 / Notices consumption of agricultural commodities by improving and expanding, or assisting in the improvement and expansion of domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities and other direct producer-toconsumer market opportunities; and (B) to develop, or aid in the development of new farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities.’’ Detailed program guidelines may be obtained at https://www.ams.usda.gov/ FMPP or from the contact listed above. In accordance with the Secretary’s Statement of Policy (36 FR 13804), it is found and determined upon good cause that it is impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest to engage in further public participation under 5 U.S.C 553 because the applications for the FMPP need to be made available as soon as possible as the program season approaches. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Background AMS will grant awards for projects that assist in developing, promoting, and expanding direct marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers. Eligible FMPP proposals should support marketing entities where agricultural farmers or vendors sell their own products directly to consumers, and the sales of these farm products represent the core business of the entity. Proprietary projects and projects that benefit one agricultural producer or individual will not be considered. All eligible entities shall be entities owned, operated, and located within one or more of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. territories.3 Additionally, eligible entities must apply for FMPP funds on behalf of direct marketing operators that include two or more agricultural farmers/ vendors that produce and sell their own products through a common distribution channel. Individual agricultural producers and sole proprietors, including farmers and farmers market vendors, roadside stand operators, community-supported agriculture participants, and other individual direct marketers are not eligible for FMPP funds. FMPP grant funds that are requested must support the specific programs and 3 U.S. territories include: The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:17 Apr 05, 2012 Jkt 226001 objectives identified in the application. In addition, all applications submitted under FMPP must include measurable, outcome-based strategies that describe how the project will achieve the goals identified in the application. Budget items that do not directly support these objectives will not be funded. In a coordinated effort to enhance healthy food access in urban and rural areas in the United States, AMS is giving funding priority to the development and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing outlets that sell healthy foods in food deserts (areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food, particularly areas composed of predominantly lowerincome neighborhoods and communities) or low-income areas (where the percentage of the population living in poverty is at least 20 percent). Under FMPP, healthy foods include whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat free or low-fat dairy, and lean meats that are perishable (fresh, refrigerated, or frozen) or canned as well as nutrient-dense foods and beverages encouraged by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (see https://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DGAs2010– PolicyDocument.htm for more information). Direct producer-toconsumer marketing outlets will include, but not be limited to, farmers markets, CSAs, and road-side stands. These projects will receive five additional points under FMPP if, in addition to meeting all the other established criteria for FMPP projects, they are located in one of the USDAidentified food desert census tracts or they are located in a low-income area (as reported in the most recently completed decennial census published by the U.S. Bureau of the Census). For additional information, see the 2012 FMPP Guidelines at https:// www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP. Not less than 10 percent of the total available funds will be used to support the use of new electronic benefits transfer (EBT) for Federal nutrition programs at farmers markets. To be considered within the 10 percent allotment of funds for EBT, the application narrative must clearly designate the applicant’s intent to compete for FMPP funds as a new EBT project. FMPP funds shall be provided to successful proposals that demonstrate a plan to continue to provide EBT card access at one or more farmers markets following the completion of the grant. When an applicant has multiple project goals, AMS requires that similar proposals be submitted in the application package. Due to the legislative mandate, the Agency PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 differentiates projects as EBT-related or non EBT-related submissions. As such, all non-EBT projects must be submitted in one application and all new or existing EBT-related projects submitted in a second, distinctly separate application. For applicants submitting two or more applications, such applications must not contain the same or substantially the same narrative, logic model, or budget narrative. Each application must include distinctly separate information with an explanation of the goals and corresponding budget requests for each project submitted. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the rejection of one or all of the applicant’s proposals. Visit the 2012 FMPP Guidelines at https://www.ams.usda.gov/ FMPP for instructions on submitting multiple applications. While there is no limit to the number of applications that may be submitted, AMS will only award a maximum of one grant per organization in a funding year. Awardees from the FY 2011 grant program will not be considered for FMPP funding in FY 2012. FMPP reserves the right to reject an application that is incomplete, does not follow the application requirements (i.e., is hand-written or in excess of the required page limitation), or propose activities that do not meet FMPP goals and objectives. Application packages without all of the required information will not be considered. FMPP’s award decisions are final. Paperwork Reduction Act In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the FMPP information collection was previously approved by OMB and was assigned OMB control number 0581–0235. AMS is committed to compliance with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA) that requires Government agencies in general to provide the public the option of submitting information or transacting business electronically to the maximum extent possible. How To Submit Proposals and Applications Each applicant must follow the application preparation and submission instructions provided within the 2012 FMPP Guidelines located at https:// www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP. Forms, proposals, letters of support, or any other application materials (electronic or hard-copy) that are emailed, faxed, mailed, or hand-delivered directly to AMS–FMPP, AMS, or USDA staff will not be accepted. E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 67 / Friday, April 6, 2012 / Notices Applicants will have only one submission method for proposals and applications to AMS—electronically through Grants.gov at https:// www.Grants.gov (enter 10.168 in grant search field). AMS strongly encourages the applicant to initiate the electronic submission process at least four weeks prior to the application deadline. In cases where an applicant error has been made in Grants.gov, an early submission will ensure the appropriate time for the applicant to resubmit the application. Grants.gov applicants are not required to submit any paper documents to FMPP. Any documents accompanying the application (acceptable written proof of eligibility, proposal narrative, budget(s), and other supporting documents) must be uploaded after item #15 (descriptive title of applicant’s project section) on the Grants.gov form SF–424. FMPP prefers that all accompanying documents and support materials be scanned as a single PDF file; however, other acceptable formats include MS– Word (for text documents) and MS– Excel (for spreadsheet documents). Failure to comply with this requirement will result in rejection of the application. FMPP will not accept corrections or additions to Grants.gov submissions, including corrections submitted by phone, fax, mail, hand-delivery, or electronic mail to AMS. All documentation accompanying each application must be submitted in the Grants.gov application package. The only means of making a correction or addition to a Grants.gov application is by re-submitting a new application prior to the deadline. AMS/FMPP staff will not extend the application deadline or accept any application after the deadline due to Grants.gov submission errors. Additionally, AMS/FMPP staff does not provide technical assistance with the Grants.gov related issues. Applicants experiencing problems in electronic submission of documentation must request assistance via the Grants.gov Web site, or telephone the Contact Center at 1–800–518–4726. Grants.gov will provide confirmation to the applicant that the application was submitted and received by AMS before the deadline. AMS will email the organization’s authorized representative (as listed on the SF–424) an explanation if the application is being rejected. FMPP is listed in the ‘‘Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance’’ under number 10.168. Subject agencies, including FMPP, must adhere to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:17 Apr 05, 2012 Jkt 226001 bars discrimination in all federally assisted programs. Dated: April 3, 2012. Robert C. Keeney, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 2012–8395 Filed 4–5–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Business—Cooperative Service Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Rural Energy for America Program Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice; correction. AGENCY: The Agency published a document in the Federal Register on January 20, 2012, at 77 FR 2948 to announce the acceptance of applications under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for Fiscal Year 2012 for financial assistance as follows: Grants, guaranteed loans, and combined grants and guaranteed loans for the development and construction of renewable energy systems and for energy efficiency improvement projects; grants for conducting energy audits; grants for conducting renewable energy development assistance; and grants for conducting renewable energy system feasibility studies. The document contained two errors on page 2951 in reference to deadline dates for National competitions. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact the applicable USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinator for your respective State as identified in the original NOFA at 77 FR 2948. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Need for Corrections The deadline dates for National competitions need to reflect the correct year. The dates in the original NOFA contained the year ‘‘2011’’ rather than ‘‘2012’’. To clarify, all unfunded eligible grant only and grant and guaranteed loan combination applications received by March 30, 2012, will be competed against other grant only and grant and guaranteed loan combination applications from other States at a final National competition. In addition, all unfunded eligible guaranteed loan only applications received by June 29, 2012, will be competed against other guaranteed loan only applications from other States at a final National competition if the guaranteed loan reserves have not been completely depleted. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 20781 Correction of Publication In the Federal Register dated January 20, 2012, the following are corrected: 1. On page 2951, column 1, the eighteenth line down under C. State and National competitions, ‘‘March 30, 2011’’ is corrected to read ‘‘March 30, 2012’’. 2. On page 2951, column 2, tenth line down, ‘‘June 29, 2011’’ is corrected to read ‘‘June 29, 2012’’. Dated: March 21, 2012. Judith A. Canales, Administrator, Rural Business—Cooperative Service. [FR Doc. 2012–8252 Filed 4–5–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Agenda and Notice of Public Meeting of the North Carolina Advisory Committee Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Commission) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) that the North Carolina Advisory Committee (Committee) to the Commission will meet on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at the Conference Center, Sheraton Hotel, 3121 Highpoint Rd., Greensboro, NC 27407, for the purpose of receiving a briefing on equal educational opportunity and to discuss the Committee’s draft report on school discipline. The briefing meeting is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and adjourn at approximately 2 p.m. The planning meeting is scheduled to begin at approximately 2 p.m. and adjourn at approximately 3 p.m. Members of the public are entitled to submit written comments. The comments must be received in the Southern Regional Office of the Commission by May 25, 2012. The address is Southern Regional Office, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 61 Forsyth Street, Suite 16T126, Atlanta, GA 30303. Persons wishing to email their comments, or to present their comments verbally at the meeting, or who desire additional information should contact Elida Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant, Southern Regional Office, at (404) 562–7000, (or for hearing impaired TDD 800–877– 8339), or by email to erodriguez@usccr.gov. Hearing-impaired persons who will attend the meeting and require the services of a sign language interpreter should contact the Regional Office at least ten (10) working E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 67 (Friday, April 6, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20779-20781]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-8395]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc AMS-TM-12-0004; TM-12-01]


Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the 
2012 Farmers' Market Promotion Program (FMPP)

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the 
availability of approximately $10 million in competitive grant funds 
for fiscal year (FY) 2012 to increase domestic consumption of 
agricultural commodities by expanding direct producer-to-consumer 
market opportunities. Examples of direct producer-to-consumer market 
opportunities include new farmers markets, roadside stands, community-
supported agriculture (CSA) programs, agri-tourism activities, and 
other direct producer-to-consumer infrastructures. AMS hereby requests 
proposals from eligible entities within the following categories: 
Agricultural cooperatives, producer networks, producer associations, 
local governments, nonprofit corporations, public benefit corporations, 
economic development corporations, regional farmers market authorities, 
and Tribal governments. Based on the available funding, AMS will award 
the most competitive applications that demonstrate measurable, outcome-
based strategies that help increase farmers' or agricultural producers' 
revenue through direct producer to consumer marketing opportunities. 
The minimum award per grant is $5,000 and the maximum award per grant 
is $100,000. No matching funds are required.

DATES: Applications should be received and accepted,\1\ via Grants.gov, 
not later than May 21, 2012. Applications received after the deadline 
will not be considered.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Note that it may take Grants.gov up to 48 hours to send an 
email confirming that the application was received and validated by 
the Grants.gov system. The application must have been received by 
Grants.gov prior to the FMPP deadline.

ADDRESSES: The 2012 Farmers' Market Promotion Program (FMPP), 
Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Room 4509-South Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, 20250-0269, phone (202) 720-
0933.
    AMS will only accept application packages submitted via https://www.Grants.gov. AMS will not accept application packages by mail, hand 
delivery, email, or fax. Except for the submission of multiple 
applications (for instance, an EBT and a non-EBT project), all forms, 
narrative, letters of support, and other required materials must be 
forwarded in one application package. AMS strongly recommends that each 
applicant visit the AMS Web site at https://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP to 
review a copy of the 2012 FMPP Guidelines and application instructions 
prior to preparing the proposal narrative and application.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carmen Humphrey, Branch Chief, 
Marketing Grants and Technical Services Branch, Marketing Services 
Division, Transportation and Marketing Programs, AMS, USDA, on (202) 
720-0933, or via facsimile on (202) 690-4152. State that your request 
for information refers to Docket No. TM-12-01.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation is issued pursuant to 
Section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 
U.S.C. 3001-3006) as amended.\2\ The amended act states that the 
purposes of the FMPP are ``(A) to increase domestic

[[Page 20780]]

consumption of agricultural commodities by improving and expanding, or 
assisting in the improvement and expansion of domestic farmers markets, 
roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism 
activities and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities; 
and (B) to develop, or aid in the development of new farmers markets, 
roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism 
activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing 
opportunities.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Section 10605 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171) authorizing the establishment of the 
Farmers' Market Promotion Program (7 U.S.C. 3005) (FMPP) and as 
amended by section 10106 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 
2008 (Pub. L. 110-246).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Detailed program guidelines may be obtained at https://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP or from the contact listed above. In accordance 
with the Secretary's Statement of Policy (36 FR 13804), it is found and 
determined upon good cause that it is impracticable, unnecessary, and 
contrary to the public interest to engage in further public 
participation under 5 U.S.C 553 because the applications for the FMPP 
need to be made available as soon as possible as the program season 
approaches.

Background

    AMS will grant awards for projects that assist in developing, 
promoting, and expanding direct marketing of agricultural commodities 
from farmers to consumers. Eligible FMPP proposals should support 
marketing entities where agricultural farmers or vendors sell their own 
products directly to consumers, and the sales of these farm products 
represent the core business of the entity. Proprietary projects and 
projects that benefit one agricultural producer or individual will not 
be considered.
    All eligible entities shall be entities owned, operated, and 
located within one or more of the 50 United States, the District of 
Columbia, or the U.S. territories.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ U.S. territories include: The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 
Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, eligible entities must apply for FMPP funds on behalf 
of direct marketing operators that include two or more agricultural 
farmers/vendors that produce and sell their own products through a 
common distribution channel. Individual agricultural producers and sole 
proprietors, including farmers and farmers market vendors, roadside 
stand operators, community-supported agriculture participants, and 
other individual direct marketers are not eligible for FMPP funds.
    FMPP grant funds that are requested must support the specific 
programs and objectives identified in the application. In addition, all 
applications submitted under FMPP must include measurable, outcome-
based strategies that describe how the project will achieve the goals 
identified in the application. Budget items that do not directly 
support these objectives will not be funded.
    In a coordinated effort to enhance healthy food access in urban and 
rural areas in the United States, AMS is giving funding priority to the 
development and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing 
outlets that sell healthy foods in food deserts (areas with limited 
access to affordable and nutritious food, particularly areas composed 
of predominantly lower-income neighborhoods and communities) or low-
income areas (where the percentage of the population living in poverty 
is at least 20 percent). Under FMPP, healthy foods include whole foods 
such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat free or low-fat dairy, 
and lean meats that are perishable (fresh, refrigerated, or frozen) or 
canned as well as nutrient-dense foods and beverages encouraged by the 
2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (see https://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DGAs2010-PolicyDocument.htm for more information). Direct producer-to-
consumer marketing outlets will include, but not be limited to, farmers 
markets, CSAs, and road-side stands.
    These projects will receive five additional points under FMPP if, 
in addition to meeting all the other established criteria for FMPP 
projects, they are located in one of the USDA-identified food desert 
census tracts or they are located in a low-income area (as reported in 
the most recently completed decennial census published by the U.S. 
Bureau of the Census). For additional information, see the 2012 FMPP 
Guidelines at https://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP.
    Not less than 10 percent of the total available funds will be used 
to support the use of new electronic benefits transfer (EBT) for 
Federal nutrition programs at farmers markets. To be considered within 
the 10 percent allotment of funds for EBT, the application narrative 
must clearly designate the applicant's intent to compete for FMPP funds 
as a new EBT project. FMPP funds shall be provided to successful 
proposals that demonstrate a plan to continue to provide EBT card 
access at one or more farmers markets following the completion of the 
grant.
    When an applicant has multiple project goals, AMS requires that 
similar proposals be submitted in the application package. Due to the 
legislative mandate, the Agency differentiates projects as EBT-related 
or non EBT-related submissions. As such, all non-EBT projects must be 
submitted in one application and all new or existing EBT-related 
projects submitted in a second, distinctly separate application. For 
applicants submitting two or more applications, such applications must 
not contain the same or substantially the same narrative, logic model, 
or budget narrative. Each application must include distinctly separate 
information with an explanation of the goals and corresponding budget 
requests for each project submitted. Failure to comply with this 
requirement will result in the rejection of one or all of the 
applicant's proposals. Visit the 2012 FMPP Guidelines at https://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP for instructions on submitting multiple 
applications.
    While there is no limit to the number of applications that may be 
submitted, AMS will only award a maximum of one grant per organization 
in a funding year. Awardees from the FY 2011 grant program will not be 
considered for FMPP funding in FY 2012.
    FMPP reserves the right to reject an application that is 
incomplete, does not follow the application requirements (i.e., is 
hand-written or in excess of the required page limitation), or propose 
activities that do not meet FMPP goals and objectives. Application 
packages without all of the required information will not be 
considered. FMPP's award decisions are final.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, (44 U.S.C. 
Chapter 35), the FMPP information collection was previously approved by 
OMB and was assigned OMB control number 0581-0235.
    AMS is committed to compliance with the Government Paperwork 
Elimination Act (GPEA) that requires Government agencies in general to 
provide the public the option of submitting information or transacting 
business electronically to the maximum extent possible.

How To Submit Proposals and Applications

    Each applicant must follow the application preparation and 
submission instructions provided within the 2012 FMPP Guidelines 
located at https://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP. Forms, proposals, letters of 
support, or any other application materials (electronic or hard-copy) 
that are emailed, faxed, mailed, or hand-delivered directly to AMS-
FMPP, AMS, or USDA staff will not be accepted.

[[Page 20781]]

    Applicants will have only one submission method for proposals and 
applications to AMS--electronically through Grants.gov at https://www.Grants.gov (enter 10.168 in grant search field). AMS strongly 
encourages the applicant to initiate the electronic submission process 
at least four weeks prior to the application deadline. In cases where 
an applicant error has been made in Grants.gov, an early submission 
will ensure the appropriate time for the applicant to resubmit the 
application. Grants.gov applicants are not required to submit any paper 
documents to FMPP.
    Any documents accompanying the application (acceptable written 
proof of eligibility, proposal narrative, budget(s), and other 
supporting documents) must be uploaded after item 15 
(descriptive title of applicant's project section) on the Grants.gov 
form SF-424. FMPP prefers that all accompanying documents and support 
materials be scanned as a single PDF file; however, other acceptable 
formats include MS-Word (for text documents) and MS-Excel (for 
spreadsheet documents). Failure to comply with this requirement will 
result in rejection of the application.
    FMPP will not accept corrections or additions to Grants.gov 
submissions, including corrections submitted by phone, fax, mail, hand-
delivery, or electronic mail to AMS. All documentation accompanying 
each application must be submitted in the Grants.gov application 
package. The only means of making a correction or addition to a 
Grants.gov application is by re-submitting a new application prior to 
the deadline.
    AMS/FMPP staff will not extend the application deadline or accept 
any application after the deadline due to Grants.gov submission errors. 
Additionally, AMS/FMPP staff does not provide technical assistance with 
the Grants.gov related issues. Applicants experiencing problems in 
electronic submission of documentation must request assistance via the 
Grants.gov Web site, or telephone the Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726. 
Grants.gov will provide confirmation to the applicant that the 
application was submitted and received by AMS before the deadline. AMS 
will email the organization's authorized representative (as listed on 
the SF-424) an explanation if the application is being rejected.
    FMPP is listed in the ``Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance'' 
under number 10.168. Subject agencies, including FMPP, must adhere to 
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination in 
all federally assisted programs.

    Dated: April 3, 2012.
Robert C. Keeney,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2012-8395 Filed 4-5-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
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