Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program-Farm Bill (SCBGP-FB), 27178-27181 [2013-11048]

Download as PDF 27178 Notices Federal Register Vol. 78, No. 90 Thursday, May 9, 2013 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. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Notice of May 17 President’s Global Development Council Meeting United States Agency for International Development. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, notice is hereby given of a meeting of the President’s Global Development Council (GDC). Date: Friday, May 17, 2013. Time: TBD. Location: Eisenhower Executive Office Building, South Court Auditorium, Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street NW. Because of the exceptional circumstances of coordinating highlevel schedules and other logistics this notice is being provided less than 15 days prior pursuant to 5 CFR 102– 3.150(b). SUMMARY: Agenda I. Opening Remarks: Vision for the GDC II. Overview of the GDC’s Role & Efforts III. Presentations on Key Issues IV. Request for Feedback and Q&A mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Stakeholders The meeting is free and open to the public. Persons wishing to attend should RSVP to Interest_GDC@who.eop.gov. Please note that capacity is limited. Additional information on web streaming will be forthcoming on www.whitehouse.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jayne Thomisee, 202–712–5506. Dated: May 3, 2013. Jayne Thomisee, Executive Director & Policy Advisor, U.S. Agency for International Development. [FR Doc. 2013–11025 Filed 5–8–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6116–02–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:18 May 08, 2013 Jkt 229001 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request May 3, 2013. The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. Comments regarding (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, 725–17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20502. Commenters are encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to: OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 395–5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250– 7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720–8681. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Rural Utilities Service Title: RUS Form 444, ‘‘Wholesale Power Contracts’’. PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 OMB Control Number: 0572–0089. Summary of Collection: The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (RE Act) as amended (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.), authorizes the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to make and guarantee loans that will enable rural consumers to obtain electric power. Rural consumers formed non-profit electric distribution cooperatives, groups of these distribution cooperatives banded together to form Generation and Transmission cooperatives (G&T’s) that generate or purchase power and transmit the power to the distribution systems. All RUS and G&T borrowers will enter into a Wholesale Power Contract with their distribution members by using RUS Form 444, as adapted to meet the needs of the borrower. Need and Use of the Information: To fulfill the purposes of the RE Act RUS will collect information to improve the credit quality and credit worthiness of loans and loan guarantees to G&T borrowers. RUS works closely with lending institutions that provide supplemental loan funds to borrowers. Description of Respondents: Not-for profit institutions; Business or other forprofit. Number of Respondents: 20. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: At time of request for a loan or loan guarantee. Total Burden Hours: 120. Charlene Parker, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2013–10960 Filed 5–8–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Doc. No. AMS–FV–13–0002] Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program-Farm Bill (SCBGP–FB) Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the availability of approximately $52 million in grant funds, less USDA SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\09MYN1.SGM 09MYN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 90 / Thursday, May 9, 2013 / Notices administrative costs, for fiscal year (FY) 2013, to solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. SCBGP–FB funds are authorized by Section 701 of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 that extends Section 10109 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, Public Law 110–246 (the Farm Bill) for one year until September 30, 2013. State departments of agriculture are encouraged to develop their grant applications promptly. State departments of agriculture interested in obtaining grant program funds are invited to submit applications to USDA. State departments of agriculture, meaning agencies, commissions, or departments of a State government responsible for agriculture within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are eligible to apply. DATES: Applications must be received between May 9, 2013 and not later than July 10, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Trista Etzig, Phone: (202) 690–4942, email: trista.etzig@ams.usda.gov or your State department of agriculture listed on the SCBGP and SCBGP–FB Web site at www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SCBGP– FB is authorized under Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note) and amended under Section 10109 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, Public Law 110–246 (the Farm Bill). SCBGP–FB is currently implemented under 7 CFR part 1291 (published March 27, 2009; 74 FR 13313). The SCBGP–FB assists State departments of agriculture in solely enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, nursery crops (including floriculture). AMS encourages states to develop projects solely to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops pertaining to the following issues affecting the specialty crop industry: increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops; improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems; assisting all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain in developing ‘‘Good Agricultural Practices’’, ‘‘Good Handling Practices’’, ‘‘Good Manufacturing Practices’’, and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:18 May 08, 2013 Jkt 229001 packers and processors; investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes; enhancing food safety; developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops; pest and disease control; and development of organic and sustainable production practices. States should consider submitting grants that increase the competitiveness of specialty crop farmers, including Native American and disadvantaged farmers. Increasing competitiveness may include developing local and regional food systems, and improving food access in underserved communities. Projects that support biobased products and bioenergy and energy programs, including biofuels and other alternative uses for agricultural and forestry commodities (development of biobased products) should see the USDA energy Web site at: https:// www.usda.gov/energy/matrix/Home for information on how to submit those projects for consideration to the energy programs supported by USDA. Projects that support farmers markets or other venues where non-specialty crops are sold should include controls to ensure that grant funds will only be used to benefit specialty crops. For examples of strategies to meet this requirement, please see page 26 of the document at https://www.ams.usda.gov/ AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName= STELPRDC5080825. Each interested State department of agriculture must submit an application for SCBGP–FB grant funds anytime between May 9, 2013 and on or before July 10, 2013, through www.grants.gov. AMS will work with each State department of agriculture and provide assistance as necessary. Other organizations interested in participating in this program should contact their local State department of agriculture. State departments of agriculture specifically named under the authorizing legislation should assume the lead role in SCBGP–FB projects, and use cooperative or contractual linkages with other agencies, universities, institutions, and producer, industry, tribe, or community-based organizations as appropriate. Additional details about the SCBGP– FB application process for all applicants are available at the SCBGP–FB Web site: https://www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp. To be eligible for a grant, each State department of agriculture’s application shall be clear and succinct and include the following documentation satisfactory to AMS: (A) One SF–424 ‘‘Application for Federal Assistance’’. The grant period PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 27179 must start on or before September 30, 2013 and end no later than September 29, 2016. (B) SF–424A ‘‘Budget Information— Non-Construction Programs’’ showing the budget for each project. (C) One SF–424B ‘‘Assurances—NonConstruction Program’’ (D) Completed applications must also include one State plan to show how grant funds will be utilized to solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. The State plan shall include the following: (1) Cover page and granting processes. Include the point of contact and lead agency for administering the plan. Include the steps taken to conduct outreach to specialty crop stakeholders to receive and consider public comment to identify state funding priorities needs, including any focus on multistate projects in enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops. Provide the identified funding priority areas. Describe the methods used to identify socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers and reach out to these groups about the SCBGP–FB. Identify by project title if an award was made to either a socially disadvantaged farmer or a beginning farmer. If steps were not taken to conduct outreach to socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers, provide a justification for why not. Provide a description of the affirmative steps taken to conduct a competitive grant process. Describe the methods used to solicit proposals that met identified specialty crop funding priority needs. Include the number of grant proposals that were received. Describe how members on the review panel were selected to ensure they were free from conflicts of interest and consisted of a community of experts in various fields, who were qualified and able to perform impartial reviews. Identify what fields the review panel members were from. State if the review results of the peer review panel were given to the grant applicants ensuring the confidentiality of the review panel members. If a competitive grant process was not used, provide a justification why not. (2) State Department of Agriculture Oversight. Describe how and when the State department of agriculture will oversee subgrantee activities to ensure proper and efficient administration of grant funds. Include timelines for oversight activities. If grant funds will be used for direct administration of the grant agreement, include a budget breakdown to include percent of fulltime equivalents (FTE), percent of fringe benefits, supplies, etc. Also, include the administrative ‘‘project’’ on the SF– E:\FR\FM\09MYN1.SGM 09MYN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 27180 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 90 / Thursday, May 9, 2013 / Notices 424A ‘‘Budget Information—NonConstruction Programs’’ including indirect costs. (3) Project title, partner organization name, abstract. Include the title of the project, the name of the organization that will partner with the State department of agriculture to lead and execute the project, and an abstract of 200 or fewer words for each project. (4) Project purpose. For each project, clearly state the purpose of the project. Describe the specific issue, problem, interest, or need to be addressed. Explain why the project is important and timely and identify the objectives of the project. If the project has the potential to enhance the competiveness of non-specialty crops, describe the methods or processes the applicant will use to ensure all grant funds will solely enhance the competitiveness of eligible specialty crops as defined in 7 CFR 1291.2(n). If a project builds on a previous SCBGP or SCBGP–FB project, indicate how the projects differ from one another. For each project, indicate if the project will be or has been submitted to or funded by another Federal or State grant program. If the project was submitted to or funded by another Federal or State grant program, describe how the project differs from and supplements efforts of the SCBGP– FB and the other Federal or State grant program and does not duplicate funding efforts. The SCBGP–FB will not fund duplicative projects. (5) Potential impact. This section shall show how the project potentially impacts the specialty crop industry and/ or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual. Identify who the specialty crop beneficiaries of the project are, the number of specialty crop beneficiaries impacted, how the specialty crop beneficiaries are impacted by the project, and/or the potential economic impact if such data are available and relevant to the project. (6) Expected Measurable Outcomes. For each project, describe at least one distinct, quantifiable, and measurable outcome-oriented objective that directly and meaningfully supports the project’s purpose. The measurable outcomeoriented objective must define an event or condition that is external to the project and that is of direct importance to the intended beneficiaries and/or the public. The measurable outcomes, when possible, should include a goal, performance measure, benchmark, and target. Outcome measures may be long term and may exceed the grant period. For each project, describe how performance toward meeting outcomes will be monitored by identifying the VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:18 May 08, 2013 Jkt 229001 data sources that will be used to monitor performance and how the data will be collected. (7) Work Plan. For each project, explain briefly the activities that will be performed to accomplish the objectives of the project. Be clear about who will do the work and when each activity will be accomplished to include beginning and end dates for each project. Include the performance monitoring/data collection plan. (8) Budget Narrative. Provide in sufficient detail information about the budget categories listed on SF–424A for each project to demonstrate that grant funds are being expended on eligible grant activities that meet the purpose of the program and that costs are reasonable and allowable. (a) Personnel—For each project participant, indicate their title, percent FTE, and corresponding salary for the FTE. Show the total for all SCBGP–FB funded personnel. (b) Fringe benefits—Provide the rate of fringe benefits for each project participant’s salary described in the personnel section. Show the total for all SCBGP–FB funded fringe benefits. (c) Travel—Provide the following information in the narrative if applicable: destination; purpose of trip; number of trips; number of people traveling; number of days traveling; estimated airfare costs; estimated ground transportation costs; estimated lodging and meals costs; and estimated mileage rate and costs for the travel. Show the total for all SCBGP–FB funded travel. (d) Equipment—Provide an itemized list of equipment purchases or rentals, along with a brief narrative on the intended use of each equipment item, and the cost for all the equipment purchases or rentals. Show the total for all SCBGP–FB funded equipment. (e) Supplies—Provide an itemized list and estimate the dollar amount for each item. Show the total for all SCBGP–FB funded supplies. (f) Contractual—Provide a short description of the services each contract covers. Indicate if the cost is a flat rate fee or hourly rate. Indicate the flat rate fee or hourly rate to be applied. If hourly rates exceed the salary of a GS– 14 step 10 Federal employee in your area (for more information please go to www.opm.gov and click on Salaries and Wages), an acceptable justification must be provided. List general categories of items the contract covers such as professional services, travel, lodging, indirect costs, etc. Show the total for all SCBGP–FB funded contractual. (g) Other—Provide a detailed description of all other direct costs such PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 as mailings, postage, express mail, faxes, and telephone long distance charges; speaker/trainer fees to include the amount of the speaker’s fees and a description of the services they are providing; publication costs to include the estimated cost of printing of brochures and other program materials or scientific or technical journals as well as an estimate of the number of pieces to be printed/published; data collection to include the estimated costs of collecting performance data to measure the project outcome measures; and the costs of holding a conference or meeting. If meals are budgeted for a conference or meeting for reasons other than meals associated with travel per diem, provide an adequate justification for why these costs should not be considered entertainment costs. Show the total for all SCBGP–FB funded other. (h) Indirect Costs—Indicate percent of indirect costs. Show the total for all SCBGP–FB funded indirect charges. Indirect costs for this grant period should not exceed 10 percent of any proposed budget. (i) Program Income—Indicate the nature or source of program income (i.e., registration fees). Estimate the amount of program income. Describe how the income will be used to further enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. (9) Project Partner Oversight. Describe who or what organization will oversee the project activities and how will oversight be performed to ensure proper and efficient administration for each project. (10) Project Commitment. Describe briefly what specialty crop stakeholders outside the lead organization support this project and how all grant project stakeholders work toward the goals and outcomes of the project. (11) Multi-state Projects. If the project is a multi-state project, identify the other states that are participating, describe how the states are going to collaborate effectively with related projects with one state assuming the coordinating role. Indicate the percent of the budget covered by each state. Each State department of agriculture that submits an application that is reviewed and approved by AMS is to receive an estimated base grant of $171,852.89 to solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. In addition, AMS will allocate the remainder of the grant funds based on the proportion of the value of specialty crop production in the state in relation to the national value of specialty crop production using the latest available (2011 National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) cash receipt data for the 50 States, 2009 Departamento De E:\FR\FM\09MYN1.SGM 09MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 90 / Thursday, May 9, 2013 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Agricultura De Puerto Rico for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 2007 Census of Agriculture cash receipts for Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and 2008 Census of Agriculture cash receipts for American Samoa) specialty crop production data in all states whose applications are accepted. The amount of the base grant plus value of production available to each State department of agriculture is estimated to be: (1) Alabama .......................... (2) Alaska ............................. (3) American Samoa ............ (4) Arizona ............................ (5) Arkansas ......................... (6) California ......................... (7) Colorado .......................... (8) Connecticut ..................... (9) Delaware ......................... (10) District of Columbia ....... (11) Florida ........................... (12) Georgia ......................... (13) Guam ............................ (14) Hawaii ........................... (15) Idaho ............................. (16) Illinois ............................ (17) Indiana .......................... (18) Iowa ............................... (19) Kansas .......................... (20) Kentucky ....................... (21) Louisiana ....................... (22) Maine ............................ (23) Maryland ....................... (24) Massachusetts .............. (25) Michigan ........................ (26) Minnesota ...................... (27) Mississippi ..................... (28) Missouri ......................... (29) Montana ........................ (30) Nebraska ....................... (31) Nevada .......................... (32) New Hampshire ............ (33) New Jersey ................... (34) New Mexico .................. (35) New York ...................... (36) North Carolina ............... (37) North Dakota ................. (38) Northern Mariana Islands .................................. (39) Ohio ............................... (40) Oklahoma ...................... (41) Oregon .......................... (42) Pennsylvania ................. (43) Puerto Rico ................... (44) Rhode Island ................. (45) South Carolina .............. (46) South Dakota ................ (47) Tennessee .................... (48) Texas ............................ (49) U.S. Virgin Islands ........ (50) Utah ............................... (51) Vermont ......................... (52) Virginia .......................... (53) Washington ................... (54) West Virginia ................. (55) Wisconsin ...................... (56) Wyoming ....................... $384,849.24 85,231.03 202,518.42 1,305,396.81 241,858.20 18,070,083.26 678,827.55 373,391.79 228,452.55 171,852.89 4,177,122.21 1,131,614.82 173,488.79 344,884.75 991,862.03 535,776.09 371,274.35 252,205.58 238,817.41 243,367.21 324,467.34 399,314.64 444,245.94 417,184.80 1,256,470.39 670,959.58 275,199.76 317,414.66 303,333.39 312,641.19 249,859.85 223,449.42 770,362.40 426,368.39 1,024,636.80 1,072,498.14 479,434.98 173,095.25 593,324.00 330,993.57 1,498,930.75 947,711.72 350,296.18 204,941.26 504,662.76 194,589.19 470,706.73 1,407,162.21 172,880.39 278,657.65 208,920.91 455,811.53 3,227,719.05 204,437.61 863,170.52 197,138.41 Funds not obligated will be allocated pro rata to the remaining States which VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:18 May 08, 2013 Jkt 229001 applied during the specified grant application period to be solely expended on projects previously approved in their State plan. AMS will notify the States as to the procedures for applying for the reallocated funds. AMS requires applicants to submit SCBGP–FB applications electronically through the central Federal grants Web site, www.grants.gov instead of mailing hard copy documents. Original signatures are not needed on the SF–424 and SF–424B when applying through www.grants.gov and applicants are not required to submit any paper documents to AMS. Applicants are strongly urged to familiarize themselves with the Federal grants Web site and begin the application process well before the application deadline. For information on how to apply electronically, please consult https://www.grants.gov/ applicants/get_registered.jsp. AMS will send an email confirmation when applications are received by the AMS office. SCBGP–FB is listed in the ‘‘Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance’’ under number 10.170 and subject agencies must adhere to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination in all federally assisted programs. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621 note. 27181 June Blalock of the Office of Technology Transfer at the Beltsville address given above; telephone: 301–504–5989. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Government’s patent rights in this invention are assigned to the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture. It is in the public interest to so license this invention as AIC Partners Group, LLC of Sylvester, Georgia has submitted a complete and sufficient application for a license. The prospective exclusive license will be royalty-bearing and will comply with the terms and conditions of 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR 404.7. The prospective exclusive license may be granted unless, within thirty (30) days from the date of this published Notice, the Agricultural Research Service receives written evidence and argument which establishes that the grant of the license would not be consistent with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR 404.7. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Griesbach, Deputy Assistant Administrator. [FR Doc. 2013–11024 Filed 5–8–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–03–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Dated: May 6, 2013. David R. Shipman, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. Agricultural Research Service [FR Doc. 2013–11048 Filed 5–8–13; 8:45 am] AGENCY: Notice of Intent To Grant Exclusive Licenses BILLING CODE 3410–02–P Agricultural Research Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SUMMARY: Agricultural Research Service Notice of Intent To Grant Exclusive License Agricultural Research Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, intends To grant to AIC Partners Group, LLC of Sylvester, Georgia, an exclusive license to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/ 005,168, ‘‘Method and Apparatus for Measuring Peanut Moisture Content,’’ filed on January 12, 2011. DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 10, 2013. ADDRESSES: Send comments to: USDA, ARS, Office of Technology Transfer, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Rm. 4–1174, Beltsville, Maryland 20705–5131. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, intends to grant to Oregon State University of Corvallis, Oregon, an exclusive license to the blackberry variety named ‘‘Columbia Star,’’ an exclusive license to the strawberry variety named ‘‘Sweet Sunrise,’’ and an exclusive license to the strawberry variety named ‘‘Charm.’’ DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 10, 2013. ADDRESSES: Send comments to: USDA, ARS, Office of Technology Transfer, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Rm. 4–1174, Beltsville, Maryland 20705–5131. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: June Blalock of the Office of Technology Transfer at the Beltsville address given above; telephone: 301–504–5989. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Government’s rights in these plant varieties are assigned to the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture. The E:\FR\FM\09MYN1.SGM 09MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 90 (Thursday, May 9, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27178-27181]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-11048]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-FV-13-0002]


Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the 
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program-Farm Bill (SCBGP-FB)

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the 
availability of approximately $52 million in grant funds, less USDA

[[Page 27179]]

administrative costs, for fiscal year (FY) 2013, to solely enhance the 
competitiveness of specialty crops. SCBGP-FB funds are authorized by 
Section 701 of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 that extends 
Section 10109 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, Public 
Law 110-246 (the Farm Bill) for one year until September 30, 2013. 
State departments of agriculture are encouraged to develop their grant 
applications promptly. State departments of agriculture interested in 
obtaining grant program funds are invited to submit applications to 
USDA. State departments of agriculture, meaning agencies, commissions, 
or departments of a State government responsible for agriculture within 
the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are eligible to apply.

DATES: Applications must be received between May 9, 2013 and not later 
than July 10, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Trista Etzig, Phone: (202) 690-4942, 
email: trista.etzig@ams.usda.gov or your State department of 
agriculture listed on the SCBGP and SCBGP-FB Web site at 
www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SCBGP-FB is authorized under Section 101 of 
the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note) 
and amended under Section 10109 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
Act of 2008, Public Law 110-246 (the Farm Bill). SCBGP-FB is currently 
implemented under 7 CFR part 1291 (published March 27, 2009; 74 FR 
13313).
    The SCBGP-FB assists State departments of agriculture in solely 
enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops. Specialty crops 
are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, 
horticulture, nursery crops (including floriculture).
    AMS encourages states to develop projects solely to enhance the 
competitiveness of specialty crops pertaining to the following issues 
affecting the specialty crop industry: increasing child and adult 
nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops; improving 
efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems; assisting all 
entities in the specialty crop distribution chain in developing ``Good 
Agricultural Practices'', ``Good Handling Practices'', ``Good 
Manufacturing Practices'', and in cost-share arrangements for funding 
audits of such systems for small farmers, packers and processors; 
investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on 
conservation and environmental outcomes; enhancing food safety; 
developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops; pest 
and disease control; and development of organic and sustainable 
production practices.
    States should consider submitting grants that increase the 
competitiveness of specialty crop farmers, including Native American 
and disadvantaged farmers. Increasing competitiveness may include 
developing local and regional food systems, and improving food access 
in underserved communities.
    Projects that support biobased products and bioenergy and energy 
programs, including biofuels and other alternative uses for 
agricultural and forestry commodities (development of biobased 
products) should see the USDA energy Web site at: https://www.usda.gov/energy/matrix/Home for information on how to submit those projects for 
consideration to the energy programs supported by USDA.
    Projects that support farmers markets or other venues where non-
specialty crops are sold should include controls to ensure that grant 
funds will only be used to benefit specialty crops. For examples of 
strategies to meet this requirement, please see page 26 of the document 
at https://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5080825 STELPRDC5080825.
    Each interested State department of agriculture must submit an 
application for SCBGP-FB grant funds anytime between May 9, 2013 and on 
or before July 10, 2013, through www.grants.gov. AMS will work with 
each State department of agriculture and provide assistance as 
necessary.
    Other organizations interested in participating in this program 
should contact their local State department of agriculture. State 
departments of agriculture specifically named under the authorizing 
legislation should assume the lead role in SCBGP-FB projects, and use 
cooperative or contractual linkages with other agencies, universities, 
institutions, and producer, industry, tribe, or community-based 
organizations as appropriate.
    Additional details about the SCBGP-FB application process for all 
applicants are available at the SCBGP-FB Web site: https://www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp.
    To be eligible for a grant, each State department of agriculture's 
application shall be clear and succinct and include the following 
documentation satisfactory to AMS:
    (A) One SF-424 ``Application for Federal Assistance''. The grant 
period must start on or before September 30, 2013 and end no later than 
September 29, 2016.
    (B) SF-424A ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs'' 
showing the budget for each project.
    (C) One SF-424B ``Assurances--Non-Construction Program''
    (D) Completed applications must also include one State plan to show 
how grant funds will be utilized to solely enhance the competitiveness 
of specialty crops. The State plan shall include the following:
    (1) Cover page and granting processes. Include the point of contact 
and lead agency for administering the plan. Include the steps taken to 
conduct outreach to specialty crop stakeholders to receive and consider 
public comment to identify state funding priorities needs, including 
any focus on multi-state projects in enhancing the competitiveness of 
specialty crops. Provide the identified funding priority areas. 
Describe the methods used to identify socially disadvantaged and 
beginning farmers and reach out to these groups about the SCBGP-FB. 
Identify by project title if an award was made to either a socially 
disadvantaged farmer or a beginning farmer. If steps were not taken to 
conduct outreach to socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers, 
provide a justification for why not. Provide a description of the 
affirmative steps taken to conduct a competitive grant process. 
Describe the methods used to solicit proposals that met identified 
specialty crop funding priority needs. Include the number of grant 
proposals that were received. Describe how members on the review panel 
were selected to ensure they were free from conflicts of interest and 
consisted of a community of experts in various fields, who were 
qualified and able to perform impartial reviews. Identify what fields 
the review panel members were from. State if the review results of the 
peer review panel were given to the grant applicants ensuring the 
confidentiality of the review panel members. If a competitive grant 
process was not used, provide a justification why not.
    (2) State Department of Agriculture Oversight. Describe how and 
when the State department of agriculture will oversee subgrantee 
activities to ensure proper and efficient administration of grant 
funds. Include timelines for oversight activities. If grant funds will 
be used for direct administration of the grant agreement, include a 
budget breakdown to include percent of full-time equivalents (FTE), 
percent of fringe benefits, supplies, etc. Also, include the 
administrative ``project'' on the SF-

[[Page 27180]]

424A ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs'' including 
indirect costs.
    (3) Project title, partner organization name, abstract. Include the 
title of the project, the name of the organization that will partner 
with the State department of agriculture to lead and execute the 
project, and an abstract of 200 or fewer words for each project.
    (4) Project purpose. For each project, clearly state the purpose of 
the project. Describe the specific issue, problem, interest, or need to 
be addressed. Explain why the project is important and timely and 
identify the objectives of the project. If the project has the 
potential to enhance the competiveness of non-specialty crops, describe 
the methods or processes the applicant will use to ensure all grant 
funds will solely enhance the competitiveness of eligible specialty 
crops as defined in 7 CFR 1291.2(n). If a project builds on a previous 
SCBGP or SCBGP-FB project, indicate how the projects differ from one 
another. For each project, indicate if the project will be or has been 
submitted to or funded by another Federal or State grant program. If 
the project was submitted to or funded by another Federal or State 
grant program, describe how the project differs from and supplements 
efforts of the SCBGP-FB and the other Federal or State grant program 
and does not duplicate funding efforts. The SCBGP-FB will not fund 
duplicative projects.
    (5) Potential impact. This section shall show how the project 
potentially impacts the specialty crop industry and/or the public 
rather than a single organization, institution, or individual. Identify 
who the specialty crop beneficiaries of the project are, the number of 
specialty crop beneficiaries impacted, how the specialty crop 
beneficiaries are impacted by the project, and/or the potential 
economic impact if such data are available and relevant to the project.
    (6) Expected Measurable Outcomes. For each project, describe at 
least one distinct, quantifiable, and measurable outcome-oriented 
objective that directly and meaningfully supports the project's 
purpose. The measurable outcome-oriented objective must define an event 
or condition that is external to the project and that is of direct 
importance to the intended beneficiaries and/or the public. The 
measurable outcomes, when possible, should include a goal, performance 
measure, benchmark, and target. Outcome measures may be long term and 
may exceed the grant period. For each project, describe how performance 
toward meeting outcomes will be monitored by identifying the data 
sources that will be used to monitor performance and how the data will 
be collected.
    (7) Work Plan. For each project, explain briefly the activities 
that will be performed to accomplish the objectives of the project. Be 
clear about who will do the work and when each activity will be 
accomplished to include beginning and end dates for each project. 
Include the performance monitoring/data collection plan.
    (8) Budget Narrative. Provide in sufficient detail information 
about the budget categories listed on SF-424A for each project to 
demonstrate that grant funds are being expended on eligible grant 
activities that meet the purpose of the program and that costs are 
reasonable and allowable.
    (a) Personnel--For each project participant, indicate their title, 
percent FTE, and corresponding salary for the FTE. Show the total for 
all SCBGP-FB funded personnel.
    (b) Fringe benefits--Provide the rate of fringe benefits for each 
project participant's salary described in the personnel section. Show 
the total for all SCBGP-FB funded fringe benefits.
    (c) Travel--Provide the following information in the narrative if 
applicable: destination; purpose of trip; number of trips; number of 
people traveling; number of days traveling; estimated airfare costs; 
estimated ground transportation costs; estimated lodging and meals 
costs; and estimated mileage rate and costs for the travel. Show the 
total for all SCBGP-FB funded travel.
    (d) Equipment--Provide an itemized list of equipment purchases or 
rentals, along with a brief narrative on the intended use of each 
equipment item, and the cost for all the equipment purchases or 
rentals. Show the total for all SCBGP-FB funded equipment.
    (e) Supplies--Provide an itemized list and estimate the dollar 
amount for each item. Show the total for all SCBGP-FB funded supplies.
    (f) Contractual--Provide a short description of the services each 
contract covers. Indicate if the cost is a flat rate fee or hourly 
rate. Indicate the flat rate fee or hourly rate to be applied. If 
hourly rates exceed the salary of a GS-14 step 10 Federal employee in 
your area (for more information please go to www.opm.gov and click on 
Salaries and Wages), an acceptable justification must be provided. List 
general categories of items the contract covers such as professional 
services, travel, lodging, indirect costs, etc. Show the total for all 
SCBGP-FB funded contractual.
    (g) Other--Provide a detailed description of all other direct costs 
such as mailings, postage, express mail, faxes, and telephone long 
distance charges; speaker/trainer fees to include the amount of the 
speaker's fees and a description of the services they are providing; 
publication costs to include the estimated cost of printing of 
brochures and other program materials or scientific or technical 
journals as well as an estimate of the number of pieces to be printed/
published; data collection to include the estimated costs of collecting 
performance data to measure the project outcome measures; and the costs 
of holding a conference or meeting. If meals are budgeted for a 
conference or meeting for reasons other than meals associated with 
travel per diem, provide an adequate justification for why these costs 
should not be considered entertainment costs. Show the total for all 
SCBGP-FB funded other.
    (h) Indirect Costs--Indicate percent of indirect costs. Show the 
total for all SCBGP-FB funded indirect charges. Indirect costs for this 
grant period should not exceed 10 percent of any proposed budget.
    (i) Program Income--Indicate the nature or source of program income 
(i.e., registration fees). Estimate the amount of program income. 
Describe how the income will be used to further enhance the 
competitiveness of specialty crops.
    (9) Project Partner Oversight. Describe who or what organization 
will oversee the project activities and how will oversight be performed 
to ensure proper and efficient administration for each project.
    (10) Project Commitment. Describe briefly what specialty crop 
stakeholders outside the lead organization support this project and how 
all grant project stakeholders work toward the goals and outcomes of 
the project.
    (11) Multi-state Projects. If the project is a multi-state project, 
identify the other states that are participating, describe how the 
states are going to collaborate effectively with related projects with 
one state assuming the coordinating role. Indicate the percent of the 
budget covered by each state.
    Each State department of agriculture that submits an application 
that is reviewed and approved by AMS is to receive an estimated base 
grant of $171,852.89 to solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty 
crops. In addition, AMS will allocate the remainder of the grant funds 
based on the proportion of the value of specialty crop production in 
the state in relation to the national value of specialty crop 
production using the latest available (2011 National Agricultural 
Statistics Service (NASS) cash receipt data for the 50 States, 2009 
Departamento De

[[Page 27181]]

Agricultura De Puerto Rico for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 2007 
Census of Agriculture cash receipts for Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, 
and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and 2008 Census 
of Agriculture cash receipts for American Samoa) specialty crop 
production data in all states whose applications are accepted.
    The amount of the base grant plus value of production available to 
each State department of agriculture is estimated to be:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Alabama.............................................     $384,849.24
(2) Alaska..............................................       85,231.03
(3) American Samoa......................................      202,518.42
(4) Arizona.............................................    1,305,396.81
(5) Arkansas............................................      241,858.20
(6) California..........................................   18,070,083.26
(7) Colorado............................................      678,827.55
(8) Connecticut.........................................      373,391.79
(9) Delaware............................................      228,452.55
(10) District of Columbia...............................      171,852.89
(11) Florida............................................    4,177,122.21
(12) Georgia............................................    1,131,614.82
(13) Guam...............................................      173,488.79
(14) Hawaii.............................................      344,884.75
(15) Idaho..............................................      991,862.03
(16) Illinois...........................................      535,776.09
(17) Indiana............................................      371,274.35
(18) Iowa...............................................      252,205.58
(19) Kansas.............................................      238,817.41
(20) Kentucky...........................................      243,367.21
(21) Louisiana..........................................      324,467.34
(22) Maine..............................................      399,314.64
(23) Maryland...........................................      444,245.94
(24) Massachusetts......................................      417,184.80
(25) Michigan...........................................    1,256,470.39
(26) Minnesota..........................................      670,959.58
(27) Mississippi........................................      275,199.76
(28) Missouri...........................................      317,414.66
(29) Montana............................................      303,333.39
(30) Nebraska...........................................      312,641.19
(31) Nevada.............................................      249,859.85
(32) New Hampshire......................................      223,449.42
(33) New Jersey.........................................      770,362.40
(34) New Mexico.........................................      426,368.39
(35) New York...........................................    1,024,636.80
(36) North Carolina.....................................    1,072,498.14
(37) North Dakota.......................................      479,434.98
(38) Northern Mariana Islands...........................      173,095.25
(39) Ohio...............................................      593,324.00
(40) Oklahoma...........................................      330,993.57
(41) Oregon.............................................    1,498,930.75
(42) Pennsylvania.......................................      947,711.72
(43) Puerto Rico........................................      350,296.18
(44) Rhode Island.......................................      204,941.26
(45) South Carolina.....................................      504,662.76
(46) South Dakota.......................................      194,589.19
(47) Tennessee..........................................      470,706.73
(48) Texas..............................................    1,407,162.21
(49) U.S. Virgin Islands................................      172,880.39
(50) Utah...............................................      278,657.65
(51) Vermont............................................      208,920.91
(52) Virginia...........................................      455,811.53
(53) Washington.........................................    3,227,719.05
(54) West Virginia......................................      204,437.61
(55) Wisconsin..........................................      863,170.52
(56) Wyoming............................................      197,138.41
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Funds not obligated will be allocated pro rata to the remaining 
States which applied during the specified grant application period to 
be solely expended on projects previously approved in their State plan. 
AMS will notify the States as to the procedures for applying for the 
reallocated funds.
    AMS requires applicants to submit SCBGP-FB applications 
electronically through the central Federal grants Web site, 
www.grants.gov instead of mailing hard copy documents. Original 
signatures are not needed on the SF-424 and SF-424B when applying 
through www.grants.gov and applicants are not required to submit any 
paper documents to AMS. Applicants are strongly urged to familiarize 
themselves with the Federal grants Web site and begin the application 
process well before the application deadline. For information on how to 
apply electronically, please consult https://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp. AMS will send an email confirmation when 
applications are received by the AMS office.
    SCBGP-FB is listed in the ``Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance'' under number 10.170 and subject agencies must adhere to 
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination in 
all federally assisted programs.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621 note.

    Dated: May 6, 2013.
David R. Shipman,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-11048 Filed 5-8-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
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