Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines, 18882-18886 [2014-07567]

Download as PDF 18882 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 65 / Friday, April 4, 2014 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA). AGENCY: ACTION: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is announcing a special Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 application window for a Colonias Needs Assessment to be completed through the Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program (TAT). In 2013, RUS partnered with EPA to launch a USDA/EPA Mexico Border Needs Assessment and Support Project. The five-phased project intends to identify small communities’ gaps in water and wastewater infrastructure development and in technical capacity in the Mexico Border region. Once the gaps are identified, the project intends to support appropriate water and wastewater infrastructure projects that meet the specific needs of small communities. The ultimate goal would be to reduce health risks and increase economic development in Colonias regions. Phase 1 is completed and consisted of RUS/EPA research and collection of data related to socioeconomic factors, public health and Federal and State investments in infrastructure in Colonias regions. Phase 2 of the project is to conduct a detailed assessment of water and wastewater infrastructure needs in select Colonias areas in four states, including California, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. The areas of focus for the study are further defined in the application guide and are those where Phase I data showed highest health, environmental and economic challenges. Through this announcement RUS seeks applications to conduct the needs assessment and provide a detailed accounting of results that will enable RUS and EPA to advance to Phase 3 of the project. The grant will have a start date of July 1, 2014 and end on December 31, 2014. The study will be done only in the colonias areas. For RUS programs, Colonia is defined as a community that (1) is in the state of Arizona, California, New Mexico, or Texas; (2) is within 150 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, except for any metropolitan area exceeding one million people; (3) on the basis of objective criteria, lacks adequate sewage systems and lacks decent, safe, and sanitary housing; and (4) existed as a colonia before October 1, 1989. However, the needs assessment may include other rural areas classified as mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:37 Apr 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 Colonias by other state and Federal agencies. RUS intends to award one grant to an eligible entity for up to $500,000. The grantee will be expected to commence work July 1, 2014 and submit all deliverables by December 31, 2014 DATES: You may submit completed applications for the Colonias Water and Waste Disposal Needs Assessment grants on paper or electronically according to the following deadlines: Paper submissions: Paper submission of an application must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight from the date this NOFA is published through June 3, 2014, to be eligible for grant funding. Late or incomplete applications will not be eligible for grant funding. Electronic Submissions: Submit electronic grant applications at https:// www.grants.gov (Grants.gov) and follow the instructions you find on that Web site. Electronic submissions of applications must be received from the date this NOFA is published through June 3, 2014, to be eligible for grant funding. Late or incomplete applications will not be eligible for grant funding. ADDRESSES: You may obtain application guides and materials for the Technical Assistance and Training grants the following ways: • The Internet at the RUS Water and Environmental Programs (WEP) Web site: https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UWPwwtat.htm • You may also request application guides and materials from RUS by contacting WEP at (202) 720–9589. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anita O’Brien, Community Program Specialist, Water & Environmental Programs, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Room 2231 South Building, Stop 1570, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250–1570. Telephone: (202) 690–3789, FAX: (202) 690–0649, Email: anita.obrien@ wdc.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Overview Federal Agency: Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Funding Opportunity Title: Colonias Water Resource Studies Grant. Announcement Type: Funding Level Announcement, and Solicitation of Applications. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1926 (a)(14); Public Law 111–5, 123 Stat. 115. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.761. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Due Dates for Applications: Completed Colonias Water Resource Studies grant applications must be mailed, shipped or submitted electronically through Grants.gov no later than June 3, 2014 to be eligible for funding. Items in Supplementary Information I. Funding Opportunity: Brief introduction to the Technical Assistance and Training Grants. II. Award Information: Available funds, maximum amounts. $500,000. III. Eligibility Information: Who is eligible, what kinds of projects are eligible, what criteria determine basic eligibility. IV. Application and Submission Information: Where to get application materials, what constitutes a completed application, how and where to submit applications, deadlines and items that are eligible. V. Application Review Information: Considerations and preferences, scoring criteria, review standards and selection information. VI. Award Administration Information: Award notice information and award recipient reporting requirements. VII. Agency Contacts: Web, phone, fax, email, and contact name. I. Funding Opportunity The U.S.-Mexico Border Region is a dynamic area where public health and environmental challenges are interconnected, populations intermingle, and water resources are shared by both countries. USDA and EPA work collaboratively with partners to address critical public health and environmental problems at the source by providing often first-time drinking and wastewater services to underserved communities. The agencies have embarked on a joint project to improve estimates of gaps in community infrastructure and to pilot approaches to technical assistance and capacity building that can be applied more broadly and be provided in a manner that can be sustained long term by building capacity in the communities to improve and maintain adequate infrastructure. Ultimately, the project will identify and vet approaches to support small communities that can be supported cooperatively by all stakeholders. The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) supports the sound development of rural communities and the growth of our economy without endangering the environment. RUS provides financial and technical assistance to help communities bring safe drinking water and sanitary, environmentally sound waste disposal facilities to rural Americans in greatest need. E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM 04APN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 65 / Friday, April 4, 2014 / Notices The additional funding for the Colonias Studies, under the TAT Grant Program, will allow colonias communities to better plan and secure dependable water supplies for rebuilding their community’s health and economic development. Qualified private non-profit organizations may apply to receive a grant to conduct water infrastructure studies to evaluate infrastructure gaps, determine local stakeholders and institutions, access community funding opportunities and provide technical support to colonias communities. Deliverables required under this colonias TAT grant are: 1. Creation of a searchable database of information required to be collected as part of the needs assessment. A full list of the information collection requirements is detailed in the application guide, and includes such data as population, general demographics, existing water and waste disposal infrastructure, incidence rate of water borne infectious disease, assessment of access to indoor plumbing, etc. The database must include geospatial information that allows for mapping. 2. A report (in electronic and paper form) summarizing and analyzing the data collected that: • Identifies areas of greatest need and where investment will have highest economic and public health impact (including maps). • Identifies areas that lack access to water and/or waste disposal infrastructure. • Estimates the capital investment needed in water and waste disposal infrastructure in the study area (modest in scope and design). The estimate should include a listing of each colonia assessed, identification of the type of infrastructure required and the recommended approach (i.e., connection to existing system, new cluster system, centralized system and estimated capital costs). • Provides information on communities’ capacity to apply for funding, and operate and maintain utilities. • Identifies the areas where other technical assistance is needed and for what purposes; 3. Lists of local institutions/ community leaders that can serve as points of contacts for the targeted communities. 4. Recommends approaches for technical assistance and outreach to communities in high needs areas. 5. This report is due by December 31, 2014. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:37 Apr 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 II. Award Information Available funds: $500,000. III. Eligibility Information A. What are the basic eligibility requirements for applying? (For more specific information see 7 CFR 1775, Section 1775.35.) The applying entity (Applicant) must: 1. Have an active registration with current information in the System for Award Management (SAM) (previously the Central Contractor Registry (CCR)_at https://www.sam.gov and have a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. 2. Be legally established, located within a state within the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a United States territory and have the proven ability, background, experience, legal authority and actual capacity to provide technical assistance and/or training to carry out the grant purpose. 3. Have no delinquent debt to the Federal Government or no outstanding judgments to repay a Federal debt. B. What are the basic eligibility requirements for a project? The project must be a colonias water resource study that will evaluate and recommend sources of dependable water supply and infrastructure that can be developed and used by colonias communities in one or more of the colonias states of Arizona, California, New Mexico, or Texas. C. Other-Requirements 1. DUNS numbers and SAM Registration. Applicants must have Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) numbers and be registered in System for Award Management (SAM) at https:// www.sam.gov prior to submitting an electronic or paper application. The DUNS numbers and SAM requirements are contained in 2 CFR part 25. SAM is the repository for standard information about applicants and recipients. 2. DUNS Number. As required by the OMB, all applicants for grants must supply a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying. The Standard Form 424 (SF–424) contains a field for you to use when supplying your DUNS number. Obtaining a DUNS number costs nothing and requires a short telephone call to Dun and Bradstreet. Please see https://www.grants.gov/ applicants/request_duns_number.jsp for more information on how to obtain a DUNS number or how to verify your organization’s number. PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 18883 3. System for Award Management (SAM). In accordance with 2 CFR part 25, applicants, whether applying electronically or by paper, must be registered in SAM prior to submitting an application. Applicants may register for the SAM at https://www.sam.gov. The SAM registration must remain active, with current information, at all times during which an entity has an application under consideration by an agency or has an active Federal Award. To remain registered in the SAM database after the initial registration, the applicant is required to review and update on an annual basis from the date of initial registration or subsequent updates of its information in the SAM database at https://www.sam.gov to ensure it is current, accurate and complete. IV. Application and Submission Information A. Where to get application information. The grant application guide, copies of necessary forms and samples, and the Technical Assistance Grants regulation (7 CFR 1775) are available from these sources: • The Internet: https:// www.rurdev.usda.gov/UWP-wwtat.htm. • https://www.grants.gov. or, • Water and Environmental Programs for paper copies of these materials: Telephone: (202) 720–9589 1. You may file an application in either paper or electronic format. Whether you file a paper or an electronic application, you will need a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. You must provide your DUNS number on the SF–424, ‘‘Application for Federal Assistance’’. To verify that your organization has a DUNS number or to receive one at no cost, call the dedicated toll-free request line at 1–866–705–5711 or access the Web site https:// www.dunandbradstreet.com. You will need the following information when requesting a DUNS number: a. Legal Name of the Applicant; b. Headquarters name and address of the Applicant; c. The names under which the Applicant is doing business as (dba) or other name by which the organization is commonly recognized; d. Physical address of the Applicant; e. Mailing address (if separate from headquarters and/or physical address) of the Applicant; f. Telephone number; g. Contact name and title; h. Number of employees at the physical location. 2. Send or deliver paper applications by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) or E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM 04APN1 18884 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 65 / Friday, April 4, 2014 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES courier delivery services to the RUS receipt point set forth below. RUS will not accept applications by fax or email. For paper applications mail or ensure delivery of an original paper application (no stamped, photocopied, or initialed signatures) and two copies by June 3, 2014 to the following address: Assistant Administrator, Water and Environmental Programs, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 1548, Room 5145 South, Washington, DC 20250–1548. The application and any materials sent with it become Federal records by law and cannot be returned to you. 3. For electronic applications, you must file an electronic application at the Web site: www.grants.gov. You must be preregistered with Grants.gov before you can submit a grant application. If you have not used Grants.gov before, you will need to register with the SAM at https://www.sam.gov. You will need a DUNS number to access or register at any of the services. The registration processes may take several business days to complete. Follow the instructions at Grants.gov for registering and submitting an electronic application. RUS may request original signatures on electronically submitted documents later. The Credential Provider gives you or your representative a username and password, as part of the Federal Government’s e-Authentication to ensure a secure transaction. You will need the username and password when you register with Grants.gov or use Grants.gov to submit your application. You must register with the Central Provider through Grants.gov: https:// apply.grants.gov/OrcRegister. B. What constitutes a completed application? 1. To be considered for assistance, you must be an eligible entity and must submit a complete application by the deadline date. You must consult the cost principles and general administrative requirements for grants pertaining to their organizational type in order to prepare the budget and complete other parts of the application. You also must demonstrate compliance (or intent to comply), through certification or other means, with a number of public policy requirements. 2. Applicants must complete and submit the following forms to apply for a Technical Assistance and Training grant: (a) Standard Form 424, ‘‘Application for Federal Assistance (For NonConstruction)’’. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:37 Apr 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 (b) Standard Form 424A, ‘‘Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs’’. (c) Standard Form 424B, ‘‘Assurances—Non-Construction Programs’’. (d) SF–LLL, ‘‘Disclosure of Lobbying Activity’’. (e) Form AD 1047, ‘‘Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters—Primary Covered Transaction’’. (f) Form AD 1049, ‘‘Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Grants) Alternative I— For Grantees Other Than Individuals’’. (g) Form AD 1048, ‘‘Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion— Lower Tier Covered Transactions’’. (h) Form RD 400–1, ‘‘Equal Opportunity Agreement’’. (i) Form RD 400–4, ‘‘Assurance Agreement (Under Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964)’’. (j) AD–3030, ‘‘Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicant’’. (k) AD–3031, ‘‘Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicant’’. (l) Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable, applicant must include approved cost agreement rate schedule). (m) Certification regarding Forest Service grant. (n) Attachment regarding assistance provided to Rural Development Employees as required by RD Instruction 1900–D. 3. All applications shall be accompanied by the following supporting documentation: (a) Evidence of applicant’s legal existence and authority in the form of: (i) Certified copies of current authorizing and organizational documents for new applicants or former grantees where changes were made since the last legal opinion was obtained in conjunction with receipt of an RUS grant, or, certification that no changes have been made in authorizing or organizing documents since receipt of last RUS grant by applicant; (ii) Current annual corporation report and Certificate of Good Standing. If the jurisdiction in which the applicant is organized does not require or issue such documentation, or the applicant otherwise cannot provide it, the applicant must submit a statement explaining why the supporting documentation is not included with the application; and; (iii) Certified list of directors/officers with their respective terms. (b) Evidence of tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 (c) Narrative of applicant’s experience in providing services similar to those proposed. Provide brief description of successfully completed projects including the need that was identified and objectives accomplished. (d) Latest financial information to show the applicant’s financial capacity to carry out the proposed work. A current audit report is preferred; however applicants can submit a balance sheet and an income statement in lieu of an audit report. (e) List of proposed services to be provided. (f) Estimated breakdown of costs (direct and indirect) including those to be funded by grantee as well as other sources. Sufficient detail should be provided to permit the approval official to determine reasonableness, applicability, and allowability. (g) Evidence that a Financial Management System is in place or proposed. (h) Documentation on each of the priority ranking criteria listed in 7 CFR 1775, § 1775.11 as modified in the application guide and listed below: (i) Methodology: Describe the method by which you will conduct the study and complete deliverables. (ii) Experience of the applicant in conducting similar types of work or in assessing needs in Colonias areas. (iii) Personnel on staff or to be contracted to conduct the assessment and complete deliverables and their experience with similar projects. Also describe any existing partnerships that will be leveraged to meet the deliverables. (iv) Documentation on cost effectiveness of methodology and approach proposed to complete the project. 4. Applicants must also submit a work plan/project proposal that will outline the project in sufficient detail to provide a reader with a complete understanding of how the proposed Colonias Water and Waste Disposal Assessment will be conducted and how deliverables will be met. The proposal should cover the following elements (in addition to information contained in 7 CFR 1775 Sections 1775.10 and 1775.11). (a) Present a brief project overview. Explain your understanding of the purpose of the project, how it relates to the RUS goals, how you will carry out the project, what the project will produce, and who will direct it. (b) Prepare a detailed timeline of activities proposed that clearly defines when work will be completed, and deliverables submitted for review and final approval. E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM 04APN1 18885 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 65 / Friday, April 4, 2014 / Notices (c) In addition to completing the standard application forms, you must also submit supplementary materials, as follows: (i) Demonstrate that your organization is legally recognized under state and Federal law. Satisfactory documentation includes, but is not limited to, certificates from the Secretary of State, or copies of state statutes or laws establishing your organization. Letters from the IRS awarding tax-exempt status are not considered adequate evidence. (ii) Submit a certified list of directors and officers with their respective terms. (iii) Submit evidence of tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. (iv) You must disclose debarment and suspension information required in accordance with 2 CFR 417 if it applies. The section heading is ‘‘What information must I provide before entering into a covered transaction with the Department of Agriculture?’’ It is part of the Department of Agriculture’s rules on Government-wide Debarment and Suspension. Corporations that have been convicted of a felony (or had an officer or agent acting on behalf of the corporation convicted of a felony) within the past 24 months are not eligible. Any Corporation that has any unpaid federal tax liability that has been assessed for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, is not eligible. (v) Submit the most recent audit of your organization. V. Application Review Information A. Within 30 days of receiving your application, RUS will acknowledge the application’s receipt by letter to the Applicant. The application will be reviewed for completeness to determine if it contains all of the items required. If the application is incomplete or ineligible, RUS will return it to the Applicant with an explanation. B. A review team, composed of at least two members, will evaluate all applications and proposals. They will make overall recommendations based on factors such as eligibility, application completeness, and conformity to application requirements. They will score the applications based on criteria in paragraph C of this section. C. Low Priority Applications Applications that cannot be funded in the fiscal year received will not be retained for consideration in the following fiscal year. D. All applications that are complete and eligible will be scored based on the criteria outlined in 7 CFR 1775, 1775.10, 1775.11 and RUS Guide 1775–2. After each application is scored they will be ranked competitively. The categories for scoring criteria used are the following: Scoring criteria mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 1. Applicant Status: National Organization, Multi-State, State ......................................................................................................... 2. Degree of expertise in conducting similar assessments and producing deliverables such as those specified in grant ............ 3. Applicant Resource (staff vs. contract personnel) ....................................................................................................................... Applicant may not contract with a nonaffiliated organization for more than 49 percent of the grant to provide the proposed assistance. 4. Description of the service area: Particularly of the governance structures in place and opportunities to leverage existing partnerships. (Medium Household Income and Population are considered in this scoring criterion). 5. Project Duration: Points are awarded for projects that accomplish objectives within a 12 month period .................................. 6. Needs Assessment: Extent of understanding of the purpose of the project ............................................................................... 7. Goals/Objectives: Goals and objectives should be clearly defined, tied to the need as defined in the work plan, and are measurable. 8. Work plan: Extent to which the work plan clearly articulates a well thought out approach and methodology to accomplishing objectives. 9. Actual assistance provided: .......................................................................................................................................................... Scope of assistance (ability to conduct assistance in the colonias areas in Arizona, California, New Mexico, or Texas) as defined in this NOFA. 10. Methodology: Extent to which the evaluation methods are specific to the program, clearly defined, measurable, with expected project outcomes. 11. Percentage of applicant’s contributions (in-kind support) .......................................................................................................... 12. Sustainability: Applicant demonstrates ability to sustain project without federal award using a thorough financial analysis to include: Cash on hand, projected revenues, outside source contributions, and show a steady increase to sustainability within 5 years. 13. Prior Grant/Years Funded .......................................................................................................................................................... 10. Administrative Discretion ............................................................................................................................................................ VI. Award Administration Information A. RUS will rank all qualifying applications by their final score. Applications will be selected for funding, based on the highest scores and the availability of funding for the Colonias Water Resource Studies grants. B. In making our decision about your application, RUS may determine that your application is: 1. Eligible and selected for funding; 2. Eligible but offered fewer funds than requested; 3. Eligible but not selected for funding; or 4. Ineligible for the grant. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:37 Apr 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 C. In accordance with 7 CFR part 1900, subpart B, you generally have the right to appeal adverse decisions. Some adverse decisions cannot be appealed. For example, if you are denied RUS funding due to a lack of funds available for the grant program, this decision cannot be appealed. However, you may make a request to the National Appeals Division (NAD) to review the accuracy of our finding that the decision cannot be appealed. The appeal must be in writing and filed at the appropriate Regional Office, which can be found at https://www.nad.usda.gov/offices.htm or by calling (703) 305–1166. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Up to 10. Up to 5. Up to 10. Up to 25. Up to 5. Up to 15. Up to 15. Up to 40. Up to 20. Up to 20. Up to 10. Up to 10. Up to 15. Up to 15. D. Applicants selected for funding will complete a grant agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions of the grant award. E. Grantees will be reimbursed as follows: 1. SF–270, ‘‘Request for Advance or Reimbursement,’’ will be completed by the grantee and submitted to either the State or National Office not more frequently than monthly. 2. Upon receipt of a properly completed SF–270, payment will ordinarily be made within 30 days. F. Any change in the scope of the project, budget adjustments of more E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM 04APN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 18886 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 65 / Friday, April 4, 2014 / Notices than 10 percent of the total budget, or any other significant change in the project must be reported to and approved by the approval official by written amendment to RUS Guide 1775– 1 (Grant Agreement). Any change not approved may be cause for termination of the grant. G. Project reporting. 1. Grantees shall constantly monitor performance to ensure that time schedules are being met, projected work by time periods is being accomplished, and other performance objectives are being achieved. 2. SF–425, ‘‘Federal Financial Report,’’ and a project performance activity report will be required of all grantees on a quarterly basis, due 30 days after the end of each quarter. 3. A final project performance report will be required with the last SF–269 due 90 days after the end of the last quarter in which the project is completed. The final report may serve as the last quarterly report. 4. All grantees are to submit an original of each report to the National Office. The project performance reports should detail, preferably in a narrative format, activities that have transpired for the specific time period. H. Recipient and Subrecipient Reporting. The applicant must have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the reporting requirements for first-tier sub-awards and executive compensation under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 in the event the applicant receives funding unless such applicant is exempt from such reporting requirements pursuant to 2 CFR part 170, § 170.110(b). The reporting requirements under the Transparency Act pursuant to 2 CFR part 170 are as follows: 1. First Tier Sub-Awards of $25,000 or more in non-Recovery Act funds (unless they are exempt under 2 CFR part 170) must be reported by the Recipient to https://www.fsrs.gov no later than the end of the month following the month the obligation was made. 2. The Total Compensation of the Recipient’s Executives (5 most highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Recipient (if the Recipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR part 170) to https://www.sam.gov by the end of the month following the month in which the award was made. 3. The Total Compensation of the Subrecipient’s Executives (5 most highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Subrecipient (if the Subrecipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR part 170) to the Recipient by the VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:37 Apr 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 end of the month following the month in which the subaward was made. I. The grantee will provide an audit report or financial statements as follows: 1. Grantees expending $500,000 or more Federal funds per fiscal year will submit an audit conducted in accordance with OMB Circular A–133. The audit will be submitted within 9 months after the grantee’s fiscal year. Additional audits may be required if the project period covers more than one fiscal year. 2. Grantees expending less than $500,000 will provide annual financial statements covering the grant period, consisting of the Grantee’s statement of income and expense and balance sheet signed by an appropriate official of the Grantee. Financial statements will be submitted within 90 days after the grantee’s fiscal year. VII. Agency Contacts A. Web site: https:// www.rurdev.usda.gov/UWP-wwtat.htm. The RUS’ Web site maintains up-to-date resources and contact information for Technical Assistance and Training Grants program. B. Phone: 202–720–9589 C. Fax: 202–690–0649. D. Email: anita.obrien@wdc.usda.gov. E. Main point of contact: Anita O’Brien, Community Program Specialist, Water and Environmental Programs, Water Programs Division, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dated: February 12, 2014. John Charles Padalino, Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. 2014–07567 Filed 4–3–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Industry and Security [Docket No. 140312238–4238–01] RIN 0694–XC013 Reporting for Calendar Year 2013 on Offsets Agreements Related to Sales of Defense Articles or Defense Services to Foreign Countries or Foreign Firms Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice; annual reporting requirements. AGENCY: This notice is to remind the public that U.S. firms are required to report annually to the Department of Commerce (Commerce) information on contracts for the sale of defense articles SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 or defense services to foreign countries or foreign firms that are subject to offsets agreements exceeding $5,000,000 in value. U.S. firms are also required to report annually to Commerce information on offsets transactions completed in performance of existing offsets commitments for which offsets credit of $250,000 or more has been claimed from the foreign representative. This year, such reports must include relevant information from calendar year 2013 and must be submitted to Commerce no later than June 15, 2014. ADDRESSES: Reports should be addressed to ‘‘Offsets Program Manager, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security, Bureau of Industry and Security, Room 3878, Washington, DC 20230.’’ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald DeMarines, Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security, Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce, telephone: 202–482–3755; fax: 202–482–5650; email: ronald.demarines@bis.doc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Section 723(a)(1) of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (DPA) (50 U.S.C. app. § 2172 (2009) requires the President to submit an annual report to Congress on the impact of offsets on the U.S. defense industrial base. Section 723(a)(2) directs the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to prepare the President’s report and to develop and administer the regulations necessary to collect offsets data from U.S. defense exporters. The authorities of the Secretary regarding offsets have been delegated to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security. The regulations associated with offsets reporting are set forth in part 701 of title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Offsets are compensation practices required as a condition of purchase in either government-to-government or commercial sales of defense articles and/or defense services, as defined by the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. For example, a company that is selling a fleet of military aircraft to a foreign government may agree to offset the cost of the aircraft by providing training assistance to plant managers in the purchasing country. Although this distorts the true price of the aircraft, the foreign government may require this sort of extra compensation as a condition of awarding the contract to purchase the aircraft. As described in E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM 04APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 65 (Friday, April 4, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18882-18886]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-07567]



[[Page 18882]]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service


Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA).

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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is announcing a special 
Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 application window for a Colonias Needs 
Assessment to be completed through the Technical Assistance and 
Training Grant Program (TAT). In 2013, RUS partnered with EPA to launch 
a USDA/EPA Mexico Border Needs Assessment and Support Project. The 
five-phased project intends to identify small communities' gaps in 
water and wastewater infrastructure development and in technical 
capacity in the Mexico Border region. Once the gaps are identified, the 
project intends to support appropriate water and wastewater 
infrastructure projects that meet the specific needs of small 
communities. The ultimate goal would be to reduce health risks and 
increase economic development in Colonias regions. Phase 1 is completed 
and consisted of RUS/EPA research and collection of data related to 
socio-economic factors, public health and Federal and State investments 
in infrastructure in Colonias regions. Phase 2 of the project is to 
conduct a detailed assessment of water and wastewater infrastructure 
needs in select Colonias areas in four states, including California, 
New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. The areas of focus for the study are 
further defined in the application guide and are those where Phase I 
data showed highest health, environmental and economic challenges. 
Through this announcement RUS seeks applications to conduct the needs 
assessment and provide a detailed accounting of results that will 
enable RUS and EPA to advance to Phase 3 of the project. The grant will 
have a start date of July 1, 2014 and end on December 31, 2014.
    The study will be done only in the colonias areas. For RUS 
programs, Colonia is defined as a community that (1) is in the state of 
Arizona, California, New Mexico, or Texas; (2) is within 150 miles of 
the U.S.-Mexico border, except for any metropolitan area exceeding one 
million people; (3) on the basis of objective criteria, lacks adequate 
sewage systems and lacks decent, safe, and sanitary housing; and (4) 
existed as a colonia before October 1, 1989. However, the needs 
assessment may include other rural areas classified as Colonias by 
other state and Federal agencies. RUS intends to award one grant to an 
eligible entity for up to $500,000. The grantee will be expected to 
commence work July 1, 2014 and submit all deliverables by December 31, 
2014

DATES: You may submit completed applications for the Colonias Water and 
Waste Disposal Needs Assessment grants on paper or electronically 
according to the following deadlines:
    Paper submissions: Paper submission of an application must be 
postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight from the date this 
NOFA is published through June 3, 2014, to be eligible for grant 
funding. Late or incomplete applications will not be eligible for grant 
funding.
    Electronic Submissions: Submit electronic grant applications at 
https://www.grants.gov (Grants.gov) and follow the instructions you find 
on that Web site. Electronic submissions of applications must be 
received from the date this NOFA is published through June 3, 2014, to 
be eligible for grant funding. Late or incomplete applications will not 
be eligible for grant funding.

ADDRESSES: You may obtain application guides and materials for the 
Technical Assistance and Training grants the following ways:
     The Internet at the RUS Water and Environmental Programs 
(WEP) Web site: https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UWP-wwtat.htm
     You may also request application guides and materials from 
RUS by contacting WEP at (202) 720-9589.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anita O'Brien, Community Program 
Specialist, Water & Environmental Programs, Rural Utilities Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Room 2231 South Building, Stop 
1570, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-1570. Telephone: 
(202) 690-3789, FAX: (202) 690-0649, Email: anita.obrien@wdc.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Overview

    Federal Agency: Rural Utilities Service (RUS).
    Funding Opportunity Title: Colonias Water Resource Studies Grant.
    Announcement Type: Funding Level Announcement, and Solicitation of 
Applications.
    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1926 (a)(14); Public Law 111-5, 123 Stat. 115.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.761.
    Due Dates for Applications: Completed Colonias Water Resource 
Studies grant applications must be mailed, shipped or submitted 
electronically through Grants.gov no later than June 3, 2014 to be 
eligible for funding.

Items in Supplementary Information

    I. Funding Opportunity: Brief introduction to the Technical 
Assistance and Training Grants.
    II. Award Information: Available funds, maximum amounts. 
$500,000.
    III. Eligibility Information: Who is eligible, what kinds of 
projects are eligible, what criteria determine basic eligibility.
    IV. Application and Submission Information: Where to get 
application materials, what constitutes a completed application, how 
and where to submit applications, deadlines and items that are 
eligible.
    V. Application Review Information: Considerations and 
preferences, scoring criteria, review standards and selection 
information.
    VI. Award Administration Information: Award notice information 
and award recipient reporting requirements.
    VII. Agency Contacts: Web, phone, fax, email, and contact name.

I. Funding Opportunity

    The U.S.-Mexico Border Region is a dynamic area where public health 
and environmental challenges are interconnected, populations 
intermingle, and water resources are shared by both countries. USDA and 
EPA work collaboratively with partners to address critical public 
health and environmental problems at the source by providing often 
first-time drinking and wastewater services to underserved communities. 
The agencies have embarked on a joint project to improve estimates of 
gaps in community infrastructure and to pilot approaches to technical 
assistance and capacity building that can be applied more broadly and 
be provided in a manner that can be sustained long term by building 
capacity in the communities to improve and maintain adequate 
infrastructure. Ultimately, the project will identify and vet 
approaches to support small communities that can be supported 
cooperatively by all stakeholders.
    The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) supports the sound development of 
rural communities and the growth of our economy without endangering the 
environment. RUS provides financial and technical assistance to help 
communities bring safe drinking water and sanitary, environmentally 
sound waste disposal facilities to rural Americans in greatest need.

[[Page 18883]]

    The additional funding for the Colonias Studies, under the TAT 
Grant Program, will allow colonias communities to better plan and 
secure dependable water supplies for rebuilding their community's 
health and economic development. Qualified private non-profit 
organizations may apply to receive a grant to conduct water 
infrastructure studies to evaluate infrastructure gaps, determine local 
stakeholders and institutions, access community funding opportunities 
and provide technical support to colonias communities.
    Deliverables required under this colonias TAT grant are:
    1. Creation of a searchable database of information required to be 
collected as part of the needs assessment. A full list of the 
information collection requirements is detailed in the application 
guide, and includes such data as population, general demographics, 
existing water and waste disposal infrastructure, incidence rate of 
water borne infectious disease, assessment of access to indoor 
plumbing, etc. The database must include geospatial information that 
allows for mapping.
    2. A report (in electronic and paper form) summarizing and 
analyzing the data collected that:
     Identifies areas of greatest need and where investment 
will have highest economic and public health impact (including maps).
     Identifies areas that lack access to water and/or waste 
disposal infrastructure.
     Estimates the capital investment needed in water and waste 
disposal infrastructure in the study area (modest in scope and design). 
The estimate should include a listing of each colonia assessed, 
identification of the type of infrastructure required and the 
recommended approach (i.e., connection to existing system, new cluster 
system, centralized system and estimated capital costs).
     Provides information on communities' capacity to apply for 
funding, and operate and maintain utilities.
     Identifies the areas where other technical assistance is 
needed and for what purposes;
    3. Lists of local institutions/community leaders that can serve as 
points of contacts for the targeted communities.
    4. Recommends approaches for technical assistance and outreach to 
communities in high needs areas.
    5. This report is due by December 31, 2014.

II. Award Information

    Available funds: $500,000.

III. Eligibility Information

    A. What are the basic eligibility requirements for applying? (For 
more specific information see 7 CFR 1775, Section 1775.35.) The 
applying entity (Applicant) must:
    1. Have an active registration with current information in the 
System for Award Management (SAM) (previously the Central Contractor 
Registry (CCR)--at https://www.sam.gov and have a Dun and Bradstreet 
(D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number.
    2. Be legally established, located within a state within the United 
States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a 
United States territory and have the proven ability, background, 
experience, legal authority and actual capacity to provide technical 
assistance and/or training to carry out the grant purpose.
    3. Have no delinquent debt to the Federal Government or no 
outstanding judgments to repay a Federal debt.

B. What are the basic eligibility requirements for a project?

    The project must be a colonias water resource study that will 
evaluate and recommend sources of dependable water supply and 
infrastructure that can be developed and used by colonias communities 
in one or more of the colonias states of Arizona, California, New 
Mexico, or Texas.

C. Other-Requirements

    1. DUNS numbers and SAM Registration. Applicants must have Dun and 
Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) numbers and be 
registered in System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov 
prior to submitting an electronic or paper application. The DUNS 
numbers and SAM requirements are contained in 2 CFR part 25. SAM is the 
repository for standard information about applicants and recipients.
    2. DUNS Number. As required by the OMB, all applicants for grants 
must supply a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) 
number when applying. The Standard Form 424 (SF-424) contains a field 
for you to use when supplying your DUNS number. Obtaining a DUNS number 
costs nothing and requires a short telephone call to Dun and 
Bradstreet. Please see https://www.grants.gov/applicants/request_duns_number.jsp for more information on how to obtain a DUNS number or how 
to verify your organization's number.
    3. System for Award Management (SAM). In accordance with 2 CFR part 
25, applicants, whether applying electronically or by paper, must be 
registered in SAM prior to submitting an application. Applicants may 
register for the SAM at https://www.sam.gov. The SAM registration must 
remain active, with current information, at all times during which an 
entity has an application under consideration by an agency or has an 
active Federal Award. To remain registered in the SAM database after 
the initial registration, the applicant is required to review and 
update on an annual basis from the date of initial registration or 
subsequent updates of its information in the SAM database at https://www.sam.gov to ensure it is current, accurate and complete.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    A. Where to get application information. The grant application 
guide, copies of necessary forms and samples, and the Technical 
Assistance Grants regulation (7 CFR 1775) are available from these 
sources:
     The Internet: https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UWP-wwtat.htm.
     https://www.grants.gov. or,
     Water and Environmental Programs for paper copies of these 
materials: Telephone: (202) 720-9589
    1. You may file an application in either paper or electronic 
format. Whether you file a paper or an electronic application, you will 
need a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) 
number. You must provide your DUNS number on the SF-424, ``Application 
for Federal Assistance''. To verify that your organization has a DUNS 
number or to receive one at no cost, call the dedicated toll-free 
request line at 1-866-705-5711 or access the Web site https://www.dunandbradstreet.com. You will need the following information when 
requesting a DUNS number:
    a. Legal Name of the Applicant;
    b. Headquarters name and address of the Applicant;
    c. The names under which the Applicant is doing business as (dba) 
or other name by which the organization is commonly recognized;
    d. Physical address of the Applicant;
    e. Mailing address (if separate from headquarters and/or physical 
address) of the Applicant;
    f. Telephone number;
    g. Contact name and title;
    h. Number of employees at the physical location.
    2. Send or deliver paper applications by the U.S. Postal Service 
(USPS) or

[[Page 18884]]

courier delivery services to the RUS receipt point set forth below. RUS 
will not accept applications by fax or email. For paper applications 
mail or ensure delivery of an original paper application (no stamped, 
photocopied, or initialed signatures) and two copies by June 3, 2014 to 
the following address: Assistant Administrator, Water and Environmental 
Programs, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 
1548, Room 5145 South, Washington, DC 20250-1548.
    The application and any materials sent with it become Federal 
records by law and cannot be returned to you.
    3. For electronic applications, you must file an electronic 
application at the Web site: www.grants.gov. You must be preregistered 
with Grants.gov before you can submit a grant application. If you have 
not used Grants.gov before, you will need to register with the SAM at 
https://www.sam.gov. You will need a DUNS number to access or register 
at any of the services. The registration processes may take several 
business days to complete. Follow the instructions at Grants.gov for 
registering and submitting an electronic application. RUS may request 
original signatures on electronically submitted documents later.
    The Credential Provider gives you or your representative a username 
and password, as part of the Federal Government's e-Authentication to 
ensure a secure transaction. You will need the username and password 
when you register with Grants.gov or use Grants.gov to submit your 
application. You must register with the Central Provider through 
Grants.gov: https://apply.grants.gov/OrcRegister.

B. What constitutes a completed application?

    1. To be considered for assistance, you must be an eligible entity 
and must submit a complete application by the deadline date.
    You must consult the cost principles and general administrative 
requirements for grants pertaining to their organizational type in 
order to prepare the budget and complete other parts of the 
application.
    You also must demonstrate compliance (or intent to comply), through 
certification or other means, with a number of public policy 
requirements.
    2. Applicants must complete and submit the following forms to apply 
for a Technical Assistance and Training grant:
    (a) Standard Form 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance (For 
Non-Construction)''.
    (b) Standard Form 424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction 
Programs''.
    (c) Standard Form 424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs''.
    (d) SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activity''.
    (e) Form AD 1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transaction''.
    (f) Form AD 1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements (Grants) Alternative I--For Grantees Other Than 
Individuals''.
    (g) Form AD 1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered 
Transactions''.
    (h) Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement''.
    (i) Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement (Under Title VI, Civil 
Rights Act of 1964)''.
    (j) AD-3030, ``Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax 
Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicant''.
    (k) AD-3031, ``Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax 
Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicant''.
    (l) Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable, applicant must 
include approved cost agreement rate schedule).
    (m) Certification regarding Forest Service grant.
    (n) Attachment regarding assistance provided to Rural Development 
Employees as required by RD Instruction 1900-D.
    3. All applications shall be accompanied by the following 
supporting documentation:
    (a) Evidence of applicant's legal existence and authority in the 
form of:
    (i) Certified copies of current authorizing and organizational 
documents for new applicants or former grantees where changes were made 
since the last legal opinion was obtained in conjunction with receipt 
of an RUS grant, or, certification that no changes have been made in 
authorizing or organizing documents since receipt of last RUS grant by 
applicant;
    (ii) Current annual corporation report and Certificate of Good 
Standing. If the jurisdiction in which the applicant is organized does 
not require or issue such documentation, or the applicant otherwise 
cannot provide it, the applicant must submit a statement explaining why 
the supporting documentation is not included with the application; and;
    (iii) Certified list of directors/officers with their respective 
terms.
    (b) Evidence of tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service 
(IRS).
    (c) Narrative of applicant's experience in providing services 
similar to those proposed. Provide brief description of successfully 
completed projects including the need that was identified and 
objectives accomplished.
    (d) Latest financial information to show the applicant's financial 
capacity to carry out the proposed work. A current audit report is 
preferred; however applicants can submit a balance sheet and an income 
statement in lieu of an audit report.
    (e) List of proposed services to be provided.
    (f) Estimated breakdown of costs (direct and indirect) including 
those to be funded by grantee as well as other sources. Sufficient 
detail should be provided to permit the approval official to determine 
reasonableness, applicability, and allowability.
    (g) Evidence that a Financial Management System is in place or 
proposed.
    (h) Documentation on each of the priority ranking criteria listed 
in 7 CFR 1775, Sec.  1775.11 as modified in the application guide and 
listed below:
    (i) Methodology: Describe the method by which you will conduct the 
study and complete deliverables.
    (ii) Experience of the applicant in conducting similar types of 
work or in assessing needs in Colonias areas.
    (iii) Personnel on staff or to be contracted to conduct the 
assessment and complete deliverables and their experience with similar 
projects. Also describe any existing partnerships that will be 
leveraged to meet the deliverables.
    (iv) Documentation on cost effectiveness of methodology and 
approach proposed to complete the project.
    4. Applicants must also submit a work plan/project proposal that 
will outline the project in sufficient detail to provide a reader with 
a complete understanding of how the proposed Colonias Water and Waste 
Disposal Assessment will be conducted and how deliverables will be met. 
The proposal should cover the following elements (in addition to 
information contained in 7 CFR 1775 Sections 1775.10 and 1775.11).
    (a) Present a brief project overview. Explain your understanding of 
the purpose of the project, how it relates to the RUS goals, how you 
will carry out the project, what the project will produce, and who will 
direct it.
    (b) Prepare a detailed timeline of activities proposed that clearly 
defines when work will be completed, and deliverables submitted for 
review and final approval.

[[Page 18885]]

    (c) In addition to completing the standard application forms, you 
must also submit supplementary materials, as follows:
    (i) Demonstrate that your organization is legally recognized under 
state and Federal law. Satisfactory documentation includes, but is not 
limited to, certificates from the Secretary of State, or copies of 
state statutes or laws establishing your organization. Letters from the 
IRS awarding tax-exempt status are not considered adequate evidence.
    (ii) Submit a certified list of directors and officers with their 
respective terms.
    (iii) Submit evidence of tax-exempt status from the Internal 
Revenue Service.
    (iv) You must disclose debarment and suspension information 
required in accordance with 2 CFR 417 if it applies. The section 
heading is ``What information must I provide before entering into a 
covered transaction with the Department of Agriculture?'' It is part of 
the Department of Agriculture's rules on Government-wide Debarment and 
Suspension. Corporations that have been convicted of a felony (or had 
an officer or agent acting on behalf of the corporation convicted of a 
felony) within the past 24 months are not eligible. Any Corporation 
that has any unpaid federal tax liability that has been assessed for 
which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or 
have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to 
an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax 
liability, is not eligible.
    (v) Submit the most recent audit of your organization.

V. Application Review Information

    A. Within 30 days of receiving your application, RUS will 
acknowledge the application's receipt by letter to the Applicant. The 
application will be reviewed for completeness to determine if it 
contains all of the items required. If the application is incomplete or 
ineligible, RUS will return it to the Applicant with an explanation.
    B. A review team, composed of at least two members, will evaluate 
all applications and proposals. They will make overall recommendations 
based on factors such as eligibility, application completeness, and 
conformity to application requirements. They will score the 
applications based on criteria in paragraph C of this section.

C. Low Priority Applications

    Applications that cannot be funded in the fiscal year received will 
not be retained for consideration in the following fiscal year.
    D. All applications that are complete and eligible will be scored 
based on the criteria outlined in 7 CFR 1775, 1775.10, 1775.11 and RUS 
Guide 1775-2. After each application is scored they will be ranked 
competitively. The categories for scoring criteria used are the 
following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Scoring criteria       Points
------------------------------------------------------------------ --------
1. Applicant Status: National          Up to 10.
 Organization, Multi-State, State.
2. Degree of expertise in conducting   Up to 5.
 similar assessments and producing
 deliverables such as those specified
 in grant.
3. Applicant Resource (staff vs.       Up to 10.
 contract personnel).
Applicant may not contract with a
 nonaffiliated organization for more
 than 49 percent of the grant to
 provide the proposed assistance..
4. Description of the service area:    Up to 25.
 Particularly of the governance
 structures in place and
 opportunities to leverage existing
 partnerships. (Medium Household
 Income and Population are considered
 in this scoring criterion).
5. Project Duration: Points are        Up to 5.
 awarded for projects that accomplish
 objectives within a 12 month period.
6. Needs Assessment: Extent of         Up to 15.
 understanding of the purpose of the
 project.
7. Goals/Objectives: Goals and         Up to 15.
 objectives should be clearly
 defined, tied to the need as defined
 in the work plan, and are measurable.
8. Work plan: Extent to which the      Up to 40.
 work plan clearly articulates a well
 thought out approach and methodology
 to accomplishing objectives.
9. Actual assistance provided:.......  Up to 20.
Scope of assistance (ability to
 conduct assistance in the colonias
 areas in Arizona, California, New
 Mexico, or Texas) as defined in this
 NOFA..
10. Methodology: Extent to which the   Up to 20.
 evaluation methods are specific to
 the program, clearly defined,
 measurable, with expected project
 outcomes.
11. Percentage of applicant's          Up to 10.
 contributions (in-kind support).
12. Sustainability: Applicant          Up to 10.
 demonstrates ability to sustain
 project without federal award using
 a thorough financial analysis to
 include: Cash on hand, projected
 revenues, outside source
 contributions, and show a steady
 increase to sustainability within 5
 years.
13. Prior Grant/Years Funded.........  Up to 15.
10. Administrative Discretion........  Up to 15.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

VI. Award Administration Information

    A. RUS will rank all qualifying applications by their final score. 
Applications will be selected for funding, based on the highest scores 
and the availability of funding for the Colonias Water Resource Studies 
grants.
    B. In making our decision about your application, RUS may determine 
that your application is:
    1. Eligible and selected for funding;
    2. Eligible but offered fewer funds than requested;
    3. Eligible but not selected for funding; or
    4. Ineligible for the grant.
    C. In accordance with 7 CFR part 1900, subpart B, you generally 
have the right to appeal adverse decisions. Some adverse decisions 
cannot be appealed. For example, if you are denied RUS funding due to a 
lack of funds available for the grant program, this decision cannot be 
appealed. However, you may make a request to the National Appeals 
Division (NAD) to review the accuracy of our finding that the decision 
cannot be appealed. The appeal must be in writing and filed at the 
appropriate Regional Office, which can be found at https://www.nad.usda.gov/offices.htm or by calling (703) 305-1166.
    D. Applicants selected for funding will complete a grant agreement, 
which outlines the terms and conditions of the grant award.
    E. Grantees will be reimbursed as follows:
    1. SF-270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement,'' will be 
completed by the grantee and submitted to either the State or National 
Office not more frequently than monthly.
    2. Upon receipt of a properly completed SF-270, payment will 
ordinarily be made within 30 days.
    F. Any change in the scope of the project, budget adjustments of 
more

[[Page 18886]]

than 10 percent of the total budget, or any other significant change in 
the project must be reported to and approved by the approval official 
by written amendment to RUS Guide 1775-1 (Grant Agreement). Any change 
not approved may be cause for termination of the grant.
    G. Project reporting.
    1. Grantees shall constantly monitor performance to ensure that 
time schedules are being met, projected work by time periods is being 
accomplished, and other performance objectives are being achieved.
    2. SF-425, ``Federal Financial Report,'' and a project performance 
activity report will be required of all grantees on a quarterly basis, 
due 30 days after the end of each quarter.
    3. A final project performance report will be required with the 
last SF-269 due 90 days after the end of the last quarter in which the 
project is completed. The final report may serve as the last quarterly 
report.
    4. All grantees are to submit an original of each report to the 
National Office. The project performance reports should detail, 
preferably in a narrative format, activities that have transpired for 
the specific time period.
    H. Recipient and Subrecipient Reporting.
    The applicant must have the necessary processes and systems in 
place to comply with the reporting requirements for first-tier sub-
awards and executive compensation under the Federal Funding 
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 in the event the applicant 
receives funding unless such applicant is exempt from such reporting 
requirements pursuant to 2 CFR part 170, Sec.  170.110(b). The 
reporting requirements under the Transparency Act pursuant to 2 CFR 
part 170 are as follows:
    1. First Tier Sub-Awards of $25,000 or more in non-Recovery Act 
funds (unless they are exempt under 2 CFR part 170) must be reported by 
the Recipient to https://www.fsrs.gov no later than the end of the month 
following the month the obligation was made.
    2. The Total Compensation of the Recipient's Executives (5 most 
highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Recipient (if 
the Recipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR part 170) to https://www.sam.gov by the end of the month following the month in which the 
award was made.
    3. The Total Compensation of the Subrecipient's Executives (5 most 
highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Subrecipient (if 
the Subrecipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR part 170) to the 
Recipient by the end of the month following the month in which the 
subaward was made.
    I. The grantee will provide an audit report or financial statements 
as follows:
    1. Grantees expending $500,000 or more Federal funds per fiscal 
year will submit an audit conducted in accordance with OMB Circular A-
133. The audit will be submitted within 9 months after the grantee's 
fiscal year. Additional audits may be required if the project period 
covers more than one fiscal year.
    2. Grantees expending less than $500,000 will provide annual 
financial statements covering the grant period, consisting of the 
Grantee's statement of income and expense and balance sheet signed by 
an appropriate official of the Grantee. Financial statements will be 
submitted within 90 days after the grantee's fiscal year.

VII. Agency Contacts

    A. Web site: https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UWP-wwtat.htm. The RUS' Web 
site maintains up-to-date resources and contact information for 
Technical Assistance and Training Grants program.
    B. Phone: 202-720-9589
    C. Fax: 202-690-0649.
    D. Email: anita.obrien@wdc.usda.gov.
    E. Main point of contact: Anita O'Brien, Community Program 
Specialist, Water and Environmental Programs, Water Programs Division, 
Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

    Dated: February 12, 2014.
John Charles Padalino,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-07567 Filed 4-3-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
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