Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program: Notice of Emergency Approval of New Information Collection for Local Food Promotion Program, 15560-15563 [2014-06099]
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15560
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 54 / Thursday, March 20, 2014 / Notices
Estimate of Burden: Public reporting
burden for this collection of information
is estimated to average 9.25 hours per
response.
Respondents: Laboratories.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
85.
Estimated Total Annual Responses:
680.
Estimated Number of Responses per
Respondent: 8.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on
Respondents: 6289.68.
Comments are invited on: (1) Whether
the proposed collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance
of the functions of the agency, including
whether the information will have
practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used; (3)
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and (4) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information
on those who are to respond, including
the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
Comments may be sent to Jane Ho,
Laboratory Approval and Testing
Division, Science and Technology,
Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., Stop 0272,
Washington, DC 20250–0272; Phone
202–690–0621, Fax 202–720–4631. All
comments received will be available for
public inspection during regular
business hours at the same address.
All responses to this notice will be
summarized and included in the request
for OMB approval.
All comments will become a matter of
public record.
Dated: March 7, 2014.
Anne Alonzo,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–06085 Filed 3–19–14; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Docket No. AMS–TM–14–14–0029; TM–14–
02]
Farmers’ Market and Local Food
Promotion Program: Notice of
Emergency Approval of New
Information Collection for Local Food
Promotion Program
Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Notice and request for
comments.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice
announces the Agricultural Marketing
Service’s (AMS) intention to request
emergency approval from the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for a
new collection under the Farmers’
Market and Local Food Promotion
Program. The Farmers’ Market and
Local Food Promotion Program,
includes two AMS competitive grant
programs: Farmers’ Market Promotion
Program (FMPP) and Local Food
Promotion Program (LFPP). This new
collection establishes forms and
documentation under the Local Food
Promotion Program.
DATES: Comments received by May 19,
2014 will be considered.
Additional Information: Contact
James Barham, Marketing Services
Division, Transportation and Marketing
Program, Agricultural Marketing Service
(AMS), USDA; 202/720–8317.
ADDRESSES: Contact James Barham,
Marketing Services Division,
Transportation and Marketing Program,
AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW., Room 4509-South
Building, Washington, DC 20250; 202/
720–8317, or fax 202/690–0031.
Comments should AMS–TM–14–
0029, TM–14–02 and be sent to James
Barham at the above address or via the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Local Food Promotion Program
OMB Number: 0581–NEW.
Expiration Date of Approval: 6
months from publication request.
Type of Request: Emergency request
for a new collection.
Abstract: The Farmers Market
Promotion Program (FMPP) was initially
created by amending the Farmer-toConsumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976
(7 U.S.C. 3001–3006) through the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 (7 U.S.C. 3005) (2002 Farm Bill).
It was reauthorized, amended, and
SUMMARY:
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funded by the Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 3005)
(2008 Farm Bill). Under the recent
passage of the Agriculture Act of 2014
(Public Law 113–79) (2014 Farm Bill),
FMPP has been reauthorized, funded,
expanded, and renamed as the
‘‘Farmers’ Market and Local Food
Promotion Program.’’ As a result, AMS
will manage two grant programs. The
grant programs will be entitled
‘‘Farmers Market Promotion Program
(FMPP),’’ and ‘‘Local Food Promotion
Program (LFPP).’’
The 2014 Farm Bill makes seven (7)
additional changes under the ‘‘Farmers’
Market and Local Food Promotion
Program’’:
1. There is a new emphasis on the
development and expansion of local and
regional food business enterprises (not
including farmer-to-consumer direct
marketing entities). Under the 2008
Farm Bill, authority was only provided
to support farmer-to-consumer direct
marketing activities. The 2014 Farm Bill
establishes a more holistic approach for
strengthening the local and regional
food distribution system and essentially
establishes two separate functions under
this grant program: Fund direct
marketing projects through FMPP
grants, and fund local and regional food
business enterprise projects through
LFPP grants.
2. The purposes of the program are
expanded by including such activities
as ‘‘. . . providing outreach, training,
and technical assistance to, or assisting
in the development, improvement and
expansion of’’ . . . ‘‘local and regional
food business enterprises . . . that
process, distribute, aggregate, or store
locally or regionally produced food
products.’’
3. The eligibility of applicants is
expanded. New language expands an
agricultural cooperative to ‘‘an
agricultural cooperative or other
agriculture business entity (including a
community supported agriculture
network or association).’’
4. A 25 percent ‘‘cash or in kind’’
match has been introduced for projects
that will be submitted under the local
and regional food business enterprise
component of the Program. No match is
required under FMPP grant program.
5. New priorities for annual awards
have been established. Priority is to be
given to ‘‘projects that benefit
underserved communities, including
communities that (1) are located in areas
of concentrated poverty with limited
access to fresh locally or regionally
grown foods; and (2) have not received
benefits from the Program in the recent
past.’’
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6. The requirement to provide not less
than 10 percent of the funds used to
carry out projects that support the use
of electronic benefits transfers for
Federal nutrition programs at farmers’
markets has been eliminated.
7. There is a new funding level of $30
million per fiscal year (2014 through
2018), or approximately $15 million per
year (includes administrative costs) for
each of the FMPP and LFPP grant
programs.
The grants authorized under the LFPP
are purposed to increase domestic
consumption of agricultural products
and to develop market opportunities for
farm and ranch operations serving local
markets, by developing, improving,
expanding, and providing outreach,
training, and technical assistance to, or
assisting in the development,
improvement and expansion of local
and regional food business enterprises
(including those that are not direct
producer-to-consumer markets) that
process, distribute, aggregate, and store
locally or regionally produced food
products.
Two types of applications will be
accepted under LFPP. The first type of
application will be for planning grants
and the second type of application will
be for implementation grants.
Applicants can apply for either but will
receive one grant in the same grant
cycle.
The following are LFPP forms and
information required during the LFPP
application submission, application
review, and post-award processes:
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Pre-Award
1. ‘‘Registration with the System for
Awards Management (SAM)’’—
mandatory for applicants and reviewers.
2. ‘‘LFPP Announcement and
Guidelines’’—mandatory for applicants.
3. Form SF–424, ‘‘Application for
Federal Assistance’’—mandatory for
applicants.
4. Form SF–424B, ‘‘Assurances—NonConstruction Programs,’’—mandatory
for applicants.
5. ‘‘LFPP Grant Narrative’’—
mandatory for applicants.
6. ‘‘LFPP Project Budget and Match
Request’’—mandatory for applicants.
7. ‘‘Written Proof of Eligibility’’—
mandatory for applicants.
8. ‘‘LFPP Verification Letter(s) of
Matching Funds’’—mandatory for
applicants.
Application Review
9. ‘‘LFPP Grant Reviewer
Qualifications’’—mandatory for
reviewers.
10. Form ‘‘AMS–34, AMS Conflict-OfInterest and Confidentiality Statement
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For Grant Reviewers’’—mandatory for
reviewers.
Post-Award
11. ‘‘LFPP Grant Program, General
Terms and Conditions’’—mandatory for
awardees.
12. Grant Agreement—Form AMS–33,
‘‘United States Department of
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing
Service, Agreement Face Sheet’’—
mandatory for awardees.
13. Form SF–270, ‘‘Request for
Advance and Reimbursement’’—
mandatory for awardees.
14. ‘‘LFPP Interim Performance
Reports’’—mandatory for awardees.
15. ‘‘LFPP Final Performance
Report’’—mandatory for awardees.
16. Form SF–425, ‘‘Federal Financial
Report’’ and ‘‘Final Federal Financial
Report’’—mandatory for awardees.
17. ‘‘Grant Recordkeeping’’—
mandatory for awardees.
Additional Detail on the Above LFPP
Forms
Pre-Award
1. ‘‘Registration with the System of
Award Management’’—The System of
Award Management (SAM) is the
primary registrant database for the U.S.
Federal Government. The SAM.gov
system is a combination of federal
procurement systems and the Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance, and
includes the Central Contractor
Registration. The SAM.gov system
collects, validates, stores, and
disseminates data in support of agency
acquisition missions, including Federal
agency contracts, grants, cooperative
agreements, and other forms of Federal
assistance and assistance awards.
Whether applying for assistance awards,
contracts, grants, or other business
opportunities, all entities are considered
‘‘registrants.’’
All eligible entities applying for
assistance awards from the Federal
government via Grants.gov, and
(application) reviewers receiving a
stipend under LFPP, are required to
register with SAM.gov in order to be
awarded or receive funds by the Federal
government.
The type of information requested by
SAM.gov includes, but is not limited to:
a. General information, including
organization DUNS number, Federal
Tax Identification Number (TIN),
location, employee numbers, and Web
site address.
b. Corporate Information, including
organization or business type and SBAdefined socioeconomic characteristics.
c. Financial Information, including
financial institution, American Banking
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Association (ABA) routing number,
account number, remittance address,
lock box number, automated clearing
house (ACH) information, and credit
card information.
d. Point of Contact Information,
including the primary and alternate
points of contact and the electronic
business, past performance, and
government points of contact.
Registrants are required to complete
the annual SAM.gov registration to
provide information relevant to
procurement and financial transactions.
SAM.gov shares the data received from
registrants with the Federal government.
AMS uses this information in
establishing its electronic (direct
deposit) payment system. Note that the
SAM.gov registration does not guarantee
business with the AMS/LFPP or any
other Federal government agency.
2. ‘‘LFPP Announcement and Program
Guidelines’’—AMS will publish an
announcement and guidance
documentation which contains
information regarding how to complete
a grant application package, along with
a public notice of funds. The LFPP
Announcement and Program Guidelines
will be revised annually, or as needed,
and posted with the application
announcement at www.Grants.gov and
on the AMS Web site at
www.ams.usda.gov/LFPP. While this
document is not signed, applicants must
read and utilize this document to
prepare their application, review which
items are allowable, and understand the
terms and conditions of the grant award.
This form is currently being developed.
As such, this information collection
includes a document similar in content,
‘‘2012 FMPP Guidelines,’’ to serve as an
example of the announcement and
program guidelines.
3. Form SF–424, ‘‘Application for
Federal Assistance,’’ (approved under
OMB collection number 4040–0004) is
required by all entities seeking Federal
assistance.
4. Form SF–424B, ‘‘Assurances—NonConstruction Programs,’’ (approved
under OMB collection number 0348–
0040) must be completed by applicants
to assure the Federal government of the
applicant’s legal authority to apply for
Federal assistance.
5. LFPP Grant Narrative. Completed
applications must include a project
narrative. The submitted narrative must
not exceed 12 typed single-spaced 8″ ×
11″ pages and include the following
information:
a. Project Title. Must capture the
primary focus of the project and match
the title provided on the SF–424.
b. Applicant/Organization
Information. The applicant/organization
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name, contact name, mailing address,
telephone and fax number, and the
email address(es) for the person(s)
designated to answer questions about
the application, financial information,
and the proposed project budget.
c. Primary Project Manager
Information. The name, mailing
address, telephone and fax number, and
email address for the person(s)
responsible for managing and/or
overseeing the project.
d. Grant Application Type. The type
of application being submitted to LFPP;
‘‘Planning Grant’’ or ‘‘Implementation
Grant.’’
e. Requested LFPP Funding and
Matching Funds. The dollar amount
requested from LFPP, and the amount of
the matching funds.
f. Entity Type and Eligibility
Statement. The entity type, statement of
qualification as an eligible entity, and
any required documentation of
eligibility.
g. Priority Project Selection.
Indication of LFPP Priority, i.e., whether
or not the proposal serves or is being
implemented in an area of concentrated
poverty with limited access to fresh
locally or regionally grown foods.
h. Executive Summary. The proposal
summary provides the project
description, goals to be accomplished,
expected outcomes, and the timeframe
for completion.
i. Background Statement. A
description of the current conditions
that justify the need of the project, and
an explanation of why the condition
will not be improved absent the project
so that the need will remain unmet.
j. Work Plan, Resources, and Timeline
Requirements. A list of each planned
activity, a timeline for completion,
resources needed, and milestones for
assessing progress for each activity.
k. Expected Outcomes and Intended
Beneficiaries. List of outcomes of the
project and the intended beneficiaries of
each outcome. Describe the method of
quantifying the outcomes and
demonstrate impact of the project.
l. Budget Justification. After preparing
the budget using the ‘‘LFPP Project
Budget and Match Request’’ form,
provide a written justification to explain
how the items requested are reasonable
and support the project’s purpose and
goals.
m. Project Planning or
Implementation Areas. Information
about the location(s) of the priority
project(s), including the street address,
city, state, zip code, and maps.
Given that this program will be
established for the first time, AMS may
review and revise the form annually.
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6. LFPP Project Budget and Match and
Budget Request. Each applicant must
provide line-item details about the
requested funds and required 25 percent
match. Each budget request and match
must:
a. List each under the following
categories: Personnel, Contractors,
Travel, Equipment ($5,000 or more per
unit), Supplies (includes equipment less
than $5,000), Other, and Indirect Costs.
b. Be itemized, listing separately each
item, its costs, and use.
c. Correlate to the purpose/goals of
the project and demonstrate that the
budget is reasonable and adequate for
the proposed work.
d. Be substantiated in a written
budget justification.
AMS may review and revise the form
annually. For complete information on
how to complete the LFPP budget
spreadsheet, refer to the LFPP
Announcement and Program Guidelines
by visiting https://www.ams.usda.gov/
LFPP.
7. ‘‘Written Proof of Eligibility’’—In
addition to an explanation in the
narrative of how the applicant/
organization qualifies as an eligible
entity, written proof must also be
provided in the application package.
This documentation may include, for
example for a nonprofit, a copy of the
organization’s letter of determination
from the State or Internal Revenue
Service indicating the date of
incorporation as a nonprofit.
8. ‘‘LFPP Verification Letter(s) of
Matching Funds’’—Completed
applications must include written
verification of commitment from each
third party who will contribute cash
and/or in-kind matching non-Federal
resources to the project.
Application Review
AMS requests potential grant
reviewers to read and complete the
following form:
9. ‘‘LFPP Grant Reviewer
Qualifications’’—AMS utilizes this
mandatory form for reviewers to
complete and submit their personal or
work qualifications and resume.
Reviewers must have a general
knowledge of local and regional food
enterprises that includes, but is not
limited to, the financing, establishing,
and operational aspects of businesses
enterprises that process, distribute,
aggregate, and/or store locally or
regionally produced food products.
Reviewers will apply their knowledge
and expertise in these areas to
objectively assess applications and
provide both a numeric score and
written comments for each application.
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The form contains a checklist for
potential reviewers to identify their
employment and voluntary work
experience. Boxes are provided for
potential reviewers to indicate (a) their
area of experience or expertise and (b)
whether the person is a current or
retired nonprofit, for-profit, or Federal/
State government employee. The form is
not signed, but submitted via email
along with a copy of their resume.
AMS will review and may revise the
form annually. AMS may also request
additional information or clarification
from potential reviewers. The reviewer
qualifications are used to determine
whether a reviewer is qualified to serve
as part of the grant review process.
AMS also requires anyone serving as
a grant reviewer to comply with and
sign the following:
10. ‘‘AMS–34, AMS Conflict-OfInterest and Confidentiality Statement
For Grant Reviewers’’—This mandatory
form for reviewers to sign indicates
compliance with the conflict of interest
and confidentiality requirements.
Regarding confidentiality, reviewers
must agree not to copy, quote, or
otherwise use or disclose to anyone, any
information from any application.
Reviewers must also agree with the
conflict of interest requirements, which
include that the reviewer does not have:
(a) A direct financial interest in the
review outcome; or have direct and
predictable financial interests in the
outcome; (b) indirect interests with the
organization or personnel submitting an
application under LFPP; or (c) any
relationship, such as a close personnel
friendship, that may affect the
reviewers’ judgment or be seen as doing
so by a reasonable person familiar with
the relationship.
Peer reviewers will not be eligible to
serve as a reviewer if they are (a)
employed by, volunteer for, or serve as
a board member or other type of
committee/team member for an
organization that submitted an
application that same year under LFPP;
or (b) a proposed subcontractor or
financial beneficiary in a budget from
any organization submitting an
application that same year under LFPP.
Post-Award
Before grant funds are dispersed,
applicants that are selected (awardees)
must comply with the terms and
conditions of the grant and sign the
grant agreement. The terms and
conditions are provided under form:
11. ‘‘LFPP Grant Program, General
Terms and Conditions’’—This is a
mandatory form for awardees indicating
compliance with terms and conditions
of the award and all Federal grant
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regulations and administrative
requirements including 7 CFR parts
3015, 3016, 3018, 3019; and FAR 31.2.
The document also includes awardee
assurances and certifications with the
incoming application submission;
changes in project contacts, leaders,
managers, and staff; cost principles;
actions that need prior approval;
performance monitoring; reporting
requirements; and payment
requirements.
The LFPP Grant Program General
Terms and Conditions may be updated
annually to reflect mandatory additions
and other changes made by regulatory or
Office of Management and Budget grant
requirements. This document, which is
currently being developed, does not
require a signature. As such, this
information collection includes a
similar document, ‘‘FMPP General
Terms and Conditions,’’ to serve as an
example.
12. Grant Agreement—Form AMS–33,
United States Department of
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing
Service, Agreement Face Sheet.’’ The
grant agreement includes a mandatory
form for awardees to sign indicating
compliance with the terms and
conditions of the grant award, project
work approved, and receipt of grant
funding. The sheet includes the grant
authority; funding dollar amount;
awardee and Federal contact names,
address, email addresses, and phone
and fax numbers; agreement number;
project title, objectives, and statement of
work; project work beginning and
ending dates; and awardee and AMS
Transportation and Marketing Program’s
Deputy Administrator’s signatures. Two
(2) copies of this agreement are required
with the awardee’s and the AMS
Transportation and Marketing Program’s
Deputy Administrator’s office signatures
and dated for each grant.
The grant agreement face sheet
includes a document which outlines the
award terms and conditions. By signing
the agreement face sheet, applicants
agree to adhere to the term and
conditions of the grant award.
13. Form SF–270, ‘‘Request for
Advance and Reimbursement’’
(approved under OMB collection
number 4040–0012) is required
whenever the awardees request an
advance or reimbursement of Federal
grant funds. AMS expects that at least
two (2) SF–270 forms will be submitted
during the grant agreement period.
14. Interim Performance Reports. The
Interim Performance Report is written
documentation required to notify AMS
about the work activities and progress
towards completing the awardee’s
established project work plan goals,
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objectives, and timelines. AMS requires
that the Interim Performance Report be
submitted at the mid-point of the grant
agreement period.
15. Final Performance Report. The
Final Performance Report is a written
description of the fulfillment of the
project terms required by AMS within
90 days after the ending date of the
grant agreement. This information is
utilized as final documentation of
completion of the work plan goals,
objectives, and activities. Details of this
report are provided on the AMS Web
site at https://www.ams.usda.gov/LFPP.
16. Form SF–425, Federal Financial
Report currently approved under OMB
collection number 0348–0061 is
required by AMS with each payment
request. AMS expects that a minimum
of two (2) or a maximum of seven (7)
Federal Financial Reports will be
submitted depending on the duration of
the grant agreement period.
Additionally, a final ‘‘Federal Financial
Report’’ is to be completed once by the
awardee(s) 90 days after the expiration
date of the grant period.
17. Grant Recordkeeping. AMS
requires that grant recipients maintain
all records pertaining to the grant for a
period of 3 years after the final status
report has been submitted to AMS, in
accordance with Federal recordkeeping
regulations. This requirement is
provided in 7 CFR § 3015.21 and
3015.22 and the LFPP General Terms
and Conditions, which are published at
the AMS Web site at
www.ams.usda.gov/LFPP.
The 2014 Farm Bill authorizes
funding for grants under LFPP,
allocating mandatory funds from the
Commodity Credit Corporation, with
$15 million for each year from 2014
through 2018.
Estimate of Burden: Public reporting
burden for this collection of information
is estimated to average 4.62 hours per
response.
Respondents: Agricultural
Cooperatives, Agriculture Business
Entities; Community Supported
Agriculture Networks or Associations;
Producer Networks or Associations;
Local and Tribal Governments;
Nonprofit Corporations; Public Benefit
Corporations; Economic Development
Corporations; and Regional Farmers’
Market Authorities.
Estimated annual number of
respondents: 1,500.
Estimated annual number of
responses per respondent: 7.10.
Estimated annual number of
responses: 10,650.
Estimated total annual burden on the
respondents: 49,200 hours.
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Comments are invited on: (1) Whether
the collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the agency, including
whether this information will have
practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of this
collection of information including the
validity of the methodology and
assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance
the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and (4)
ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, including the use of
appropriate automated, electronic,
mechanical, or other technological
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology.
All comments received by AMS will
be available for public inspection during
regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through
Friday, at the same address; and can be
viewed via the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov. All responses to
this notice will be summarized and
included in the request for OMB
approval. All comments will become a
matter of public record.
Dated: March 11, 2014.
Rex A. Barnes,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural
Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–06099 Filed 3–19–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Ashley Resource Advisory Committee
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice of meetings.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Ashley Resource
Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in
Vernal, Utah. The committee is
authorized under the Secure Rural
Schools and Community SelfDetermination Act (Pub. L. 110–343)
(the Act) and operates in compliance
with the Federal Advisory Committee
Act. The purpose of the committee is to
improve collaborative relationships and
to provide advice and recommendations
to the Forest Service concerning projects
and funding consistent with the title II
of the Act. The meetings are open to the
public. The purpose of the meetings is
to review and recommend projects for
2014 Title II funds.
DATES: The meetings will be from 6:00
p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the following dates:
• April 30, 2014
• June 12, 2014
• July 2, 2014
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 54 (Thursday, March 20, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15560-15563]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06099]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Docket No. AMS-TM-14-14-0029; TM-14-02]
Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program: Notice of
Emergency Approval of New Information Collection for Local Food
Promotion Program
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing
Service's (AMS) intention to request emergency approval from the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) for a new collection under the Farmers'
Market and Local Food Promotion Program. The Farmers' Market and Local
Food Promotion Program, includes two AMS competitive grant programs:
Farmers' Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and Local Food Promotion
Program (LFPP). This new collection establishes forms and documentation
under the Local Food Promotion Program.
DATES: Comments received by May 19, 2014 will be considered.
Additional Information: Contact James Barham, Marketing Services
Division, Transportation and Marketing Program, Agricultural Marketing
Service (AMS), USDA; 202/720-8317.
ADDRESSES: Contact James Barham, Marketing Services Division,
Transportation and Marketing Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW., Room 4509-South Building, Washington, DC 20250; 202/720-
8317, or fax 202/690-0031.
Comments should AMS-TM-14-0029, TM-14-02 and be sent to James
Barham at the above address or via the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Local Food Promotion Program
OMB Number: 0581-NEW.
Expiration Date of Approval: 6 months from publication request.
Type of Request: Emergency request for a new collection.
Abstract: The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) was initially
created by amending the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976
(7 U.S.C. 3001-3006) through the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3005) (2002 Farm Bill). It was reauthorized, amended,
and funded by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
3005) (2008 Farm Bill). Under the recent passage of the Agriculture Act
of 2014 (Public Law 113-79) (2014 Farm Bill), FMPP has been
reauthorized, funded, expanded, and renamed as the ``Farmers' Market
and Local Food Promotion Program.'' As a result, AMS will manage two
grant programs. The grant programs will be entitled ``Farmers Market
Promotion Program (FMPP),'' and ``Local Food Promotion Program
(LFPP).''
The 2014 Farm Bill makes seven (7) additional changes under the
``Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program'':
1. There is a new emphasis on the development and expansion of
local and regional food business enterprises (not including farmer-to-
consumer direct marketing entities). Under the 2008 Farm Bill,
authority was only provided to support farmer-to-consumer direct
marketing activities. The 2014 Farm Bill establishes a more holistic
approach for strengthening the local and regional food distribution
system and essentially establishes two separate functions under this
grant program: Fund direct marketing projects through FMPP grants, and
fund local and regional food business enterprise projects through LFPP
grants.
2. The purposes of the program are expanded by including such
activities as ``. . . providing outreach, training, and technical
assistance to, or assisting in the development, improvement and
expansion of'' . . . ``local and regional food business enterprises . .
. that process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally
produced food products.''
3. The eligibility of applicants is expanded. New language expands
an agricultural cooperative to ``an agricultural cooperative or other
agriculture business entity (including a community supported
agriculture network or association).''
4. A 25 percent ``cash or in kind'' match has been introduced for
projects that will be submitted under the local and regional food
business enterprise component of the Program. No match is required
under FMPP grant program.
5. New priorities for annual awards have been established. Priority
is to be given to ``projects that benefit underserved communities,
including communities that (1) are located in areas of concentrated
poverty with limited access to fresh locally or regionally grown foods;
and (2) have not received benefits from the Program in the recent
past.''
[[Page 15561]]
6. The requirement to provide not less than 10 percent of the funds
used to carry out projects that support the use of electronic benefits
transfers for Federal nutrition programs at farmers' markets has been
eliminated.
7. There is a new funding level of $30 million per fiscal year
(2014 through 2018), or approximately $15 million per year (includes
administrative costs) for each of the FMPP and LFPP grant programs.
The grants authorized under the LFPP are purposed to increase
domestic consumption of agricultural products and to develop market
opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets, by
developing, improving, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and
technical assistance to, or assisting in the development, improvement
and expansion of local and regional food business enterprises
(including those that are not direct producer-to-consumer markets) that
process, distribute, aggregate, and store locally or regionally
produced food products.
Two types of applications will be accepted under LFPP. The first
type of application will be for planning grants and the second type of
application will be for implementation grants. Applicants can apply for
either but will receive one grant in the same grant cycle.
The following are LFPP forms and information required during the
LFPP application submission, application review, and post-award
processes:
Pre-Award
1. ``Registration with the System for Awards Management (SAM)''--
mandatory for applicants and reviewers.
2. ``LFPP Announcement and Guidelines''--mandatory for applicants.
3. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance''--mandatory
for applicants.
4. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs,''--
mandatory for applicants.
5. ``LFPP Grant Narrative''--mandatory for applicants.
6. ``LFPP Project Budget and Match Request''--mandatory for
applicants.
7. ``Written Proof of Eligibility''--mandatory for applicants.
8. ``LFPP Verification Letter(s) of Matching Funds''--mandatory for
applicants.
Application Review
9. ``LFPP Grant Reviewer Qualifications''--mandatory for reviewers.
10. Form ``AMS-34, AMS Conflict-Of-Interest and Confidentiality
Statement For Grant Reviewers''--mandatory for reviewers.
Post-Award
11. ``LFPP Grant Program, General Terms and Conditions''--mandatory
for awardees.
12. Grant Agreement--Form AMS-33, ``United States Department of
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Agreement Face Sheet''--
mandatory for awardees.
13. Form SF-270, ``Request for Advance and Reimbursement''--
mandatory for awardees.
14. ``LFPP Interim Performance Reports''--mandatory for awardees.
15. ``LFPP Final Performance Report''--mandatory for awardees.
16. Form SF-425, ``Federal Financial Report'' and ``Final Federal
Financial Report''--mandatory for awardees.
17. ``Grant Recordkeeping''--mandatory for awardees.
Additional Detail on the Above LFPP Forms
Pre-Award
1. ``Registration with the System of Award Management''--The System
of Award Management (SAM) is the primary registrant database for the
U.S. Federal Government. The SAM.gov system is a combination of federal
procurement systems and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, and
includes the Central Contractor Registration. The SAM.gov system
collects, validates, stores, and disseminates data in support of agency
acquisition missions, including Federal agency contracts, grants,
cooperative agreements, and other forms of Federal assistance and
assistance awards. Whether applying for assistance awards, contracts,
grants, or other business opportunities, all entities are considered
``registrants.''
All eligible entities applying for assistance awards from the
Federal government via Grants.gov, and (application) reviewers
receiving a stipend under LFPP, are required to register with SAM.gov
in order to be awarded or receive funds by the Federal government.
The type of information requested by SAM.gov includes, but is not
limited to:
a. General information, including organization DUNS number, Federal
Tax Identification Number (TIN), location, employee numbers, and Web
site address.
b. Corporate Information, including organization or business type
and SBA-defined socioeconomic characteristics.
c. Financial Information, including financial institution, American
Banking Association (ABA) routing number, account number, remittance
address, lock box number, automated clearing house (ACH) information,
and credit card information.
d. Point of Contact Information, including the primary and
alternate points of contact and the electronic business, past
performance, and government points of contact.
Registrants are required to complete the annual SAM.gov
registration to provide information relevant to procurement and
financial transactions. SAM.gov shares the data received from
registrants with the Federal government. AMS uses this information in
establishing its electronic (direct deposit) payment system. Note that
the SAM.gov registration does not guarantee business with the AMS/LFPP
or any other Federal government agency.
2. ``LFPP Announcement and Program Guidelines''--AMS will publish
an announcement and guidance documentation which contains information
regarding how to complete a grant application package, along with a
public notice of funds. The LFPP Announcement and Program Guidelines
will be revised annually, or as needed, and posted with the application
announcement at www.Grants.gov and on the AMS Web site at
www.ams.usda.gov/LFPP. While this document is not signed, applicants
must read and utilize this document to prepare their application,
review which items are allowable, and understand the terms and
conditions of the grant award. This form is currently being developed.
As such, this information collection includes a document similar in
content, ``2012 FMPP Guidelines,'' to serve as an example of the
announcement and program guidelines.
3. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance,'' (approved
under OMB collection number 4040-0004) is required by all entities
seeking Federal assistance.
4. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs,''
(approved under OMB collection number 0348-0040) must be completed by
applicants to assure the Federal government of the applicant's legal
authority to apply for Federal assistance.
5. LFPP Grant Narrative. Completed applications must include a
project narrative. The submitted narrative must not exceed 12 typed
single-spaced 8'' x 11'' pages and include the following information:
a. Project Title. Must capture the primary focus of the project and
match the title provided on the SF-424.
b. Applicant/Organization Information. The applicant/organization
[[Page 15562]]
name, contact name, mailing address, telephone and fax number, and the
email address(es) for the person(s) designated to answer questions
about the application, financial information, and the proposed project
budget.
c. Primary Project Manager Information. The name, mailing address,
telephone and fax number, and email address for the person(s)
responsible for managing and/or overseeing the project.
d. Grant Application Type. The type of application being submitted
to LFPP; ``Planning Grant'' or ``Implementation Grant.''
e. Requested LFPP Funding and Matching Funds. The dollar amount
requested from LFPP, and the amount of the matching funds.
f. Entity Type and Eligibility Statement. The entity type,
statement of qualification as an eligible entity, and any required
documentation of eligibility.
g. Priority Project Selection. Indication of LFPP Priority, i.e.,
whether or not the proposal serves or is being implemented in an area
of concentrated poverty with limited access to fresh locally or
regionally grown foods.
h. Executive Summary. The proposal summary provides the project
description, goals to be accomplished, expected outcomes, and the
timeframe for completion.
i. Background Statement. A description of the current conditions
that justify the need of the project, and an explanation of why the
condition will not be improved absent the project so that the need will
remain unmet.
j. Work Plan, Resources, and Timeline Requirements. A list of each
planned activity, a timeline for completion, resources needed, and
milestones for assessing progress for each activity.
k. Expected Outcomes and Intended Beneficiaries. List of outcomes
of the project and the intended beneficiaries of each outcome. Describe
the method of quantifying the outcomes and demonstrate impact of the
project.
l. Budget Justification. After preparing the budget using the
``LFPP Project Budget and Match Request'' form, provide a written
justification to explain how the items requested are reasonable and
support the project's purpose and goals.
m. Project Planning or Implementation Areas. Information about the
location(s) of the priority project(s), including the street address,
city, state, zip code, and maps.
Given that this program will be established for the first time, AMS
may review and revise the form annually.
6. LFPP Project Budget and Match and Budget Request. Each applicant
must provide line-item details about the requested funds and required
25 percent match. Each budget request and match must:
a. List each under the following categories: Personnel,
Contractors, Travel, Equipment ($5,000 or more per unit), Supplies
(includes equipment less than $5,000), Other, and Indirect Costs.
b. Be itemized, listing separately each item, its costs, and use.
c. Correlate to the purpose/goals of the project and demonstrate
that the budget is reasonable and adequate for the proposed work.
d. Be substantiated in a written budget justification.
AMS may review and revise the form annually. For complete
information on how to complete the LFPP budget spreadsheet, refer to
the LFPP Announcement and Program Guidelines by visiting https://www.ams.usda.gov/LFPP.
7. ``Written Proof of Eligibility''--In addition to an explanation
in the narrative of how the applicant/organization qualifies as an
eligible entity, written proof must also be provided in the application
package. This documentation may include, for example for a nonprofit, a
copy of the organization's letter of determination from the State or
Internal Revenue Service indicating the date of incorporation as a
nonprofit.
8. ``LFPP Verification Letter(s) of Matching Funds''--Completed
applications must include written verification of commitment from each
third party who will contribute cash and/or in-kind matching non-
Federal resources to the project.
Application Review
AMS requests potential grant reviewers to read and complete the
following form:
9. ``LFPP Grant Reviewer Qualifications''--AMS utilizes this
mandatory form for reviewers to complete and submit their personal or
work qualifications and resume. Reviewers must have a general knowledge
of local and regional food enterprises that includes, but is not
limited to, the financing, establishing, and operational aspects of
businesses enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, and/or
store locally or regionally produced food products. Reviewers will
apply their knowledge and expertise in these areas to objectively
assess applications and provide both a numeric score and written
comments for each application.
The form contains a checklist for potential reviewers to identify
their employment and voluntary work experience. Boxes are provided for
potential reviewers to indicate (a) their area of experience or
expertise and (b) whether the person is a current or retired nonprofit,
for-profit, or Federal/State government employee. The form is not
signed, but submitted via email along with a copy of their resume.
AMS will review and may revise the form annually. AMS may also
request additional information or clarification from potential
reviewers. The reviewer qualifications are used to determine whether a
reviewer is qualified to serve as part of the grant review process.
AMS also requires anyone serving as a grant reviewer to comply with
and sign the following:
10. ``AMS-34, AMS Conflict-Of-Interest and Confidentiality
Statement For Grant Reviewers''--This mandatory form for reviewers to
sign indicates compliance with the conflict of interest and
confidentiality requirements. Regarding confidentiality, reviewers must
agree not to copy, quote, or otherwise use or disclose to anyone, any
information from any application. Reviewers must also agree with the
conflict of interest requirements, which include that the reviewer does
not have: (a) A direct financial interest in the review outcome; or
have direct and predictable financial interests in the outcome; (b)
indirect interests with the organization or personnel submitting an
application under LFPP; or (c) any relationship, such as a close
personnel friendship, that may affect the reviewers' judgment or be
seen as doing so by a reasonable person familiar with the relationship.
Peer reviewers will not be eligible to serve as a reviewer if they
are (a) employed by, volunteer for, or serve as a board member or other
type of committee/team member for an organization that submitted an
application that same year under LFPP; or (b) a proposed subcontractor
or financial beneficiary in a budget from any organization submitting
an application that same year under LFPP.
Post-Award
Before grant funds are dispersed, applicants that are selected
(awardees) must comply with the terms and conditions of the grant and
sign the grant agreement. The terms and conditions are provided under
form:
11. ``LFPP Grant Program, General Terms and Conditions''--This is a
mandatory form for awardees indicating compliance with terms and
conditions of the award and all Federal grant
[[Page 15563]]
regulations and administrative requirements including 7 CFR parts 3015,
3016, 3018, 3019; and FAR 31.2. The document also includes awardee
assurances and certifications with the incoming application submission;
changes in project contacts, leaders, managers, and staff; cost
principles; actions that need prior approval; performance monitoring;
reporting requirements; and payment requirements.
The LFPP Grant Program General Terms and Conditions may be updated
annually to reflect mandatory additions and other changes made by
regulatory or Office of Management and Budget grant requirements. This
document, which is currently being developed, does not require a
signature. As such, this information collection includes a similar
document, ``FMPP General Terms and Conditions,'' to serve as an
example.
12. Grant Agreement--Form AMS-33, United States Department of
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Agreement Face Sheet.''
The grant agreement includes a mandatory form for awardees to sign
indicating compliance with the terms and conditions of the grant award,
project work approved, and receipt of grant funding. The sheet includes
the grant authority; funding dollar amount; awardee and Federal contact
names, address, email addresses, and phone and fax numbers; agreement
number; project title, objectives, and statement of work; project work
beginning and ending dates; and awardee and AMS Transportation and
Marketing Program's Deputy Administrator's signatures. Two (2) copies
of this agreement are required with the awardee's and the AMS
Transportation and Marketing Program's Deputy Administrator's office
signatures and dated for each grant.
The grant agreement face sheet includes a document which outlines
the award terms and conditions. By signing the agreement face sheet,
applicants agree to adhere to the term and conditions of the grant
award.
13. Form SF-270, ``Request for Advance and Reimbursement''
(approved under OMB collection number 4040-0012) is required whenever
the awardees request an advance or reimbursement of Federal grant
funds. AMS expects that at least two (2) SF-270 forms will be submitted
during the grant agreement period.
14. Interim Performance Reports. The Interim Performance Report is
written documentation required to notify AMS about the work activities
and progress towards completing the awardee's established project work
plan goals, objectives, and timelines. AMS requires that the Interim
Performance Report be submitted at the mid-point of the grant agreement
period.
15. Final Performance Report. The Final Performance Report is a
written description of the fulfillment of the project terms required by
AMS within 90 days after the ending date of the grant agreement. This
information is utilized as final documentation of completion of the
work plan goals, objectives, and activities. Details of this report are
provided on the AMS Web site at https://www.ams.usda.gov/LFPP.
16. Form SF-425, Federal Financial Report currently approved under
OMB collection number 0348-0061 is required by AMS with each payment
request. AMS expects that a minimum of two (2) or a maximum of seven
(7) Federal Financial Reports will be submitted depending on the
duration of the grant agreement period. Additionally, a final ``Federal
Financial Report'' is to be completed once by the awardee(s) 90 days
after the expiration date of the grant period.
17. Grant Recordkeeping. AMS requires that grant recipients
maintain all records pertaining to the grant for a period of 3 years
after the final status report has been submitted to AMS, in accordance
with Federal recordkeeping regulations. This requirement is provided in
7 CFR Sec. 3015.21 and 3015.22 and the LFPP General Terms and
Conditions, which are published at the AMS Web site at
www.ams.usda.gov/LFPP.
The 2014 Farm Bill authorizes funding for grants under LFPP,
allocating mandatory funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation, with
$15 million for each year from 2014 through 2018.
Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of
information is estimated to average 4.62 hours per response.
Respondents: Agricultural Cooperatives, Agriculture Business
Entities; Community Supported Agriculture Networks or Associations;
Producer Networks or Associations; Local and Tribal Governments;
Nonprofit Corporations; Public Benefit Corporations; Economic
Development Corporations; and Regional Farmers' Market Authorities.
Estimated annual number of respondents: 1,500.
Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 7.10.
Estimated annual number of responses: 10,650.
Estimated total annual burden on the respondents: 49,200 hours.
Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency,
including whether this information will have practical utility; (2) the
accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of this collection of
information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions
used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who are to respond, including the
use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or other forms of information
technology.
All comments received by AMS will be available for public
inspection during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Time, Monday through Friday, at the same address; and can be viewed via
the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. All responses to this
notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval.
All comments will become a matter of public record.
Dated: March 11, 2014.
Rex A. Barnes,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-06099 Filed 3-19-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
