Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program for Fiscal Year 2015, 35299-35302 [2015-15193]
Download as PDF
35299
Notices
Federal Register
Vol. 80, No. 118
Friday, June 19, 2015
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains documents other than rules or
proposed rules that are applicable to the
public. Notices of hearings and investigations,
committee meetings, agency decisions and
rulings, delegations of authority, filing of
petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are
examples of documents appearing in this
section.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
RIN 0596–AC51
Proposed Directive on Groundwater
Resource Management, Forest Service
Manual 2560
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice of withdrawal of
proposed directive.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
On May 7, 2014, the Forest
Service published an action proposing
to amend its internal agency directives
for the National Forest System (NFS),
Watershed and Air Management to
establish direction for management of
groundwater resources on NFS lands (79
FR 25815). The proposed amendment
was intended to provide internal agency
direction on the consideration of
groundwater resources in Agency
activities, approvals, and authorizations;
encourage source water protection and
water conservation; establish systematic
procedures for reviewing new proposals
for groundwater withdrawals on NFS
lands; and require the evaluation of
potential impacts from groundwater
withdrawals on public resources on
NFS lands. That notice invited public
comment on the proposal.
DATES: Not applicable.
ADDRESSES: No further comments will
be accepted on this proposal.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Robert Harper, Director, Watershed,
Fish, Wildlife, Air and Rare Plants Staff,
(202) 205–1671.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Agency has determined that its proposal
does not adequately meet its needs.
Therefore, the Agency hereby
withdraws the proposal to amend its
internal Agency directives for
Watershed and Air Management to
establish direction for management of
groundwater resources on National
Forest System lands and will engage in
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:33 Jun 18, 2015
Jkt 235001
a public conversation to develop revised
proposed directives.
The response to the proposal from
conservation organizations and Tribes
was generally favorable; however, States
and a number of other organizations
raised concerns that the proposed
directive would exceed the Agency’s
authorities and infringe on State
authorities to allocate water. The
proposed directives did not, and any
future actions will not, infringe on State
authority, impose requirements on
private landowners, or change the longstanding relationship between the
Forest Service, States, and Tribes on
water.
The intent of any new groundwater
proposed directive or next steps would
be to establish a clearer and more
consistent approach to evaluating and
monitoring the effects of actions on
groundwater resources of the National
Forest System. It is clear the Agency
must have further discussions with key
publics on this issue. The decision to
withdraw the May 2014 groundwater
proposed directives will allow these
conversations to take place. The Forest
Service will use the additional input
received from engagements with States
and other citizen groups to develop new
proposed directives to create a
consistent approach to evaluating and
monitoring effects to groundwater
resulting from actions on NFS lands.
Dated: June 15, 2015.
Thomas L. Tidwell,
Chief, Forest Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–15151 Filed 6–18–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for
the Rural Microentrepreneur
Assistance Program for Fiscal Year
2015
Rural Business-Cooperative
Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
This Notice is to invite
applications for loans and grants under
the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance
Program (RMAP) pursuant to 7 CFR part
4280, subpart D, for fiscal year (FY)
2015. Funding to support $14.190
million in loans and $2.086 million in
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
grants is currently available. The RMAP
funds were provided through the
Agricultural Act of 2014, Public Law
113–79, on February 7, 2014 (2014 Farm
Bill). RMAP provides the following
types of support: loan only, combination
loan and technical assistance grant, and
subsequent technical assistance grants
to Microenterprise Development
Organizations (MDO).
All applicants are responsible for any
expenses incurred in developing their
applications or costs incurred prior to
the obligation date.
Applicants may apply during a
Federal fiscal quarter to be considered
for the next quarter’s funding. Complete
applications for loan only, and
combination loan and grant, must be
received in the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development
State Offices no later than 4:30 p.m.
(local time) on the last day prior to the
beginning of each Federal fiscal quarter
to be considered for funding.
Applications received after a Federal
fiscal quarter deadline will be reviewed
and evaluated for funding in the next
Federal fiscal quarter. Applications that
have not competed for four consecutive
quarters, depending on funding
availability, may be considered in FY
2016.
The subsequent microlender technical
assistance grant (existing MDOs with a
microentrepenuer revolving loan fund)
will be made, non-competitively, based
on the microlender’s microlending
activity and availability of funds. To
determine the microlender technical
assistance grant awards for FY 2015, the
Agency will use the microlender’s
outstanding balance of microloans as of
June 30, 2015, to calculate this amount.
MDOs that are eligible for an annual
grant may apply.
DATES:
Applications and forms may
be obtained from any Rural
Development State Office or online at
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programsservices/rural-microentrepreneurassistance-program. Applicants must
submit an original complete application
to the USDA Rural Development State
Office in the State where the applicant’s
headquarters is located. A list of the
USDA Rural Development State Offices
addresses and telephone numbers can
be found online at https://
www.rurdev.usda.gov/
StateOfficeAddresses.html.
ADDRESSES:
E:\FR\FM\19JNN1.SGM
19JNN1
35300
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 118 / Friday, June 19, 2015 / Notices
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Specialty Programs Division, Rural
Business-Cooperative Service, United
States Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., MS 3226,
Room 4204-South, Washington, DC
20250–3226, or call Kathleen Goldsmith
at 202–720–1400.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Overview
Solicitation Opportunity Title: Rural
Microentrepreneur Assistance Program.
Announcement Type: Initial
Announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.870.
Dates: Applicants may apply during a
Federal fiscal quarter to be considered
for the next quarter’s funding. Complete
applications for loan only, combination
loan and grant, and technical assistance
grant-only must be received in the
USDA Rural Development State Offices
no later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on
the last day prior to the beginning of
each Federal fiscal quarter to be
considered for funding. Applications
received after a Federal fiscal quarter
deadline will be reviewed and evaluated
for funding in the next Federal fiscal
quarter. Applications that have not
competed for four consecutive quarters,
depending on funding availability, may
be considered in FY 2016.
Subsequent microlender annual
technical assistance grants are noncompetitive. The Agency has
established June 30 of each year as the
date to determine the grant amount
using the MDO’s outstanding balance of
microloans as of that date.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Purpose of the Program. The
purpose of RMAP is to support the
development and ongoing success of
rural microentrepreneurs and
microenterprises defined in 7 CFR
4280.302.
B. Statutory Authority. RMAP is
authorized by Section 379E of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s).
Regulations are contained in 7 CFR part
4280, subpart D. Assistance provided to
rural areas under this program may
include the provision of loans and
grants to rural MDOs for the provision
of microloans to rural microenterprises
and microentrepreneurs; provision of
business-based training and technical
assistance to rural microborrowers and
potential microborrowers; and other
such activities as deemed appropriate
by the Secretary to ensure the
development and ongoing success of
rural microenterprises. Awards are
made on a competitive basis using
specific selection criteria contained in 7
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:33 Jun 18, 2015
Jkt 235001
CFR part 4280, subpart D. Information
required to be in the application is
specified in 7 CFR 4280.315.
For entities applying for program loan
funds to become an RMAP microlender
only, the following items are required:
(1) Form RD 1910–11, ‘‘Certification of
No Federal Debt;’’ (2) Demonstration
that the applicant is eligible to apply to
participate in this program; (3)
Certification by the applicant that it
cannot obtain sufficient credit
elsewhere to fund the activities called
for under this program with similar
rates and terms; and (4) Form RD 400–
4, ‘‘Assurance Agreement.’’
Subsequent annual microlender
technical assistance grants are subject to
funding availability, in accordance with
7 CFR 4280.313(b)(2). Awards will be
determined non-competitively based on
Agency appropriations for the fiscal
year. The MDO must submit a
prescribed worksheet, listing the
outstanding balance of their microloans
and unexpended grant funds as of the
date of their request and a letter
certifying that their organization still
meets all the requirements set forth in
7 CFR part 4280, subpart D, and that no
significant changes have occurred
within the last year that would affect its
ability to carry out the MDO functions.
In addition, all MDOs who request
Subsequent Annual Microlender
Technical Assistance Grants must
complete their reporting into the
Lenders Interactive Network Connection
(LINC) for the Federal fiscal quarter
ending June 30, 2015. The deadline for
reporting into LINC and requesting a TA
grant is no later than 4:30 p.m. (local
time) on July 31, 2015.
C. Definition of Terms. The
definitions applicable to this Notice are
published at 7 CFR 4280.302.
D. Application Awards. The Agency
will review, evaluate, and score
applications received in response to this
Notice based on the provisions found in
7 CFR part 4280, subpart D, and as
indicated in this Notice. However, the
Agency advises all interested parties
that the applicant bears the burden in
preparing and submitting an application
in response to this Notice whether or
not funding is appropriated for this
program in FY 2015.
II. Award Information
Type of Awards: Loans and/or Grants.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2015.
Available Funds. Anyone interested
in submitting an application for funding
under this program is encouraged to
consult the Rural Development Web
Newsroom Web site at https://
www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/noticessolicitation-applications-nosas for
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
funding information. Funds will be
prioritized as follows: (1) Combination
loan and grants; (2) loan only; and (3)
subsequent microlender technical
assistance grants.
Total Funds: $16,276,000.
Loans: $14,190,000.
MDO Grants: $2,086,000.
Maximum Award: The minimum loan
amount Microenterprise Development
Organizations (MDO) may borrow under
this program is $50,000. The maximum
loan any MDO may borrow in any given
year is $500,000. The commitment of
program dollars will be made to
applicants of selected responses that
have fulfilled the necessary
requirements for obligation. If the
applicant is applying for an initial loan,
they may also apply for a technical
assistance grant. Grant funds are limited
to no more than 25 percent up to the
first $400,000 of the loan request (or
$100,000). Loan requests of greater than
$400,000 are eligible to receive
$100,000, plus 5 percent of the amount
over $400,000.
The maximum subsequent technical
assistance grant (to MDOs that have an
existing microentrepeneur revolving
loan fund) amount for a microlender is
25 percent of the first $400,000 of
outstanding microloans owed to the
microlender under this program, plus an
additional 5 percent of the outstanding
loan amount owed by the
microborrowers to the lender under this
program over $400,000 up to and
including $2.5 million. Any grant
dollars obligated, but not spent, from
the initial grant, will be subtracted from
the subsequent year grant to ensure that
obligations cover only microloans made
and active.
Application Dates: The last day of
each Federal fiscal quarter.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants. To be eligible
for this program, the applicant must
meet the eligibility requirements in 7
CFR 4280.310. In addition to the
requirements in 7 CFR 4280.310,
applicants must not be delinquent on
any Federal debt or otherwise
disqualified from participation in this
program to be eligible to apply. All
other restrictions in this Notice will
apply.
B. Cost Sharing or Matching. The
Federal share of the eligible project cost
of a microborrower’s project funded
under this Notice shall not exceed 75
percent. The cost share requirement
shall be met by the microlender in
accordance with the requirements
specified in 7 CFR 4280.311(d).
The MDO is required to provide a
match of not less than 15 percent of the
E:\FR\FM\19JNN1.SGM
19JNN1
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 118 / Friday, June 19, 2015 / Notices
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
total amount of the grant in the form of
matching funds, indirect costs, or inkind goods or services.
C. Other Eligibility Requirements.
Applications will only be accepted from
eligible MDOs. Eligible MDOs must
score a minimum of 70 points out of 100
points to be considered to receive an
award. Awards for each Federal fiscal
quarter will be based on ranking with
the highest ranking applications being
funded first, subject to available
funding.
D. Completeness Eligibility. All
applications must be submitted as a
complete application, in one package.
Applications will not be considered for
funding if they do not provide sufficient
information to determine eligibility or
are unbound, falling apart, or otherwise
not suitable for evaluation. Such
applications will be withdrawn.
IV. Fiscal Year 2015 Application and
Submission Information
A. Address to Request Application
Package: For further information,
entities wishing to apply for assistance
should contact the Rural Development
State Office as identified in the
ADDRESSES section of this Notice to
obtain copies of the application
package.
An MDO may submit an initial
application for a loan with a
microlender technical assistance grant,
or an initial or subsequent loan-only
(without a microlender technical
assistance grant). Loan applications
must be submitted in paper format and
must be bound in a 3-ring binder and be
organized in the same order set forth in
7 CFR 4280.315. To ensure timely
delivery, applicants are strongly
encouraged to submit their applications
using an overnight, express, or parcel
delivery service.
B. Content and Form of Submission:
An application must contain all of the
required elements outlined in 7 CFR
4280.315. Each application must
address the applicable scoring criteria
presented in 7 CFR 4280.316 for the
type of funding being requested.
C. Submission Dates and Times: The
original complete application must be
received by the USDA Rural
Development State Office no later than
4:30 p.m. local time by the application
deadline dates listed above, regardless
of the postmark date, in order to be
considered for funds available in that
Federal fiscal quarter.
Unless withdrawn by the applicant,
completed applications that receive a
score of at least 70 (the minimum
required to be considered for funding),
but have not yet been funded, will be
retained by the Agency for
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:33 Jun 18, 2015
Jkt 235001
consideration in subsequent reviews
through a total of four consecutive
quarterly reviews. Applications that
remain unfunded after four quarterly
reviews, including the initial quarter in
which the application was competed,
will not be considered further for an
award.
D. Explanation of Dates: Applications
must be in the USDA Rural
Development State Office by the dates
as indicated in the DATES section of this
Notice.
V. Application Review Information
A. Criteria. All eligible and complete
applications will be evaluated and
scored based on the selection criteria
and weights contained in 7 CFR part
4280, subpart D. Failure to address any
one of the criteria by the application
deadline will result in the application
being determined ineligible and the
application will not be considered for
funding. An application must receive at
least 70 points to be considered for
funding in the quarter in which it is
scored.
B. Review and Selection Process. The
State Offices will review applications to
determine if they are eligible for
assistance based on requirements
contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart
D. If determined eligible, the application
will be submitted to the National Office,
where it will be reviewed and
prioritized by ranking each application,
received in that quarter, in highest to
lowest score order. All applications will
be funded until funds have been
exhausted for each funding cycle.
Funding of projects is subject to the
MDO’s satisfactory submission of the
additional items required by that
subpart and the USDA Rural
Development Letter of Conditions.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices. Successful
applicants will receive notification for
funding from the USDA Rural
Development State Office. Applicants
must comply with all applicable statutes
and regulations before the award will be
approved. Provided the application and
eligibility requirements have not
changed, an application not selected
will be reconsidered for three
subsequent funding competitions for a
total of four competitions. If an
application is withdrawn, it can be
resubmitted and will be evaluated as a
new application. Unsuccessful
applications will receive notification by
mail, detailing why the application was
unsuccessful.
B. Administrative and National Policy
Requirements. Additional requirements
that apply to MDO’s selected for this
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
35301
program can be found in 7 CFR part
4280, subpart D. The USDA and the
Agency have adopted the USDA grant
regulations at 2 CFR chapter IV. This
regulation incorporates the new Office
of Management and Budget (OMB)
regulations 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 400.1
to 400.18 for monitoring and servicing
RMAP funding.
C. Reporting. In addition to any
reports required by 2 CFR 200 and 2
CFR 400.1 to 400.18, the MDO must
provide reports as required by 7 CFR
part 4280, subpart D.
VII. Agency Contacts
For general questions about this
Notice, please contact your USDA Rural
Development State Office as provided in
the ADDRESSES section of this Notice.
VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, the information
collection requirements associated with
the Rural Microentrepenuer Assistance
Program, as covered in this Notice, has
been approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) under
OMB Control Number 0570–0062.
IX. Federal Funding Accountability and
Transparency Act
All applicants, in accordance with 2
CFR part 25, must have a Dun and
Bradstreet Data Universal Number
System (DUNS) number, which can be
obtained at no cost via a toll-free request
line at (866) 705–5711 or online at
https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
Similarly, all applicants for grants must
be registered in the System for Award
Management (SAM) prior to submitting
an application. Applicants may register
for the SAM at https://www.sam.gov. All
recipients of Federal financial assistance
are required to report information about
first-tier sub-awards and executive total
compensation in accordance with 2 CFR
part 170.
X. Nondiscrimination Statement
The U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) prohibits discrimination against
its customers, employees, and
applicants for employment on the bases
of race, color, national origin, age,
disability, sex, gender identity, religion,
reprisal, and where applicable, political
beliefs, marital status, familial or
parental status, sexual orientation, or all
or part of an individual’s income is
derived from any public assistance
program, or protected genetic
information in employment or in any
program or activity conducted or funded
by the Department. (Not all prohibited
bases will apply to all programs and/or
employment activities.)
E:\FR\FM\19JNN1.SGM
19JNN1
35302
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 118 / Friday, June 19, 2015 / Notices
If you wish to file a Civil Rights
program complaint of discrimination,
complete the USDA Program
Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF),
found online at https://
www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_
cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call
(866) 632–9992 to request the form. You
may also write a letter containing all of
the information requested in the form.
Send your completed complaint form or
letter to us by mail at U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Director, Office of
Adjudication, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–
9410, by fax (202) 690–7442, or email at
program.intake@usda.gov.
Individuals who are deaf, hard of
hearing, or have speech disabilities and
who wish to file either an EEO or
program complaint, please contact
USDA through the Federal Relay
Service at (800) 877–8339 or (800) 845–
6136 (in Spanish).
Persons with disabilities, who wish to
file a program complaint, please see
information above on how to contact us
by mail directly or by email. If you
require alternative means of
communication for program information
(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape,
etc.), please contact USDA’s TARGET
Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and
TDD).
Dated: June 10, 2015.
Lillian E. Salerno,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–15193 Filed 6–18–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economic Development Administration
Notice of Petitions by Firms for
Determination of Eligibility To Apply
for Trade Adjustment Assistance
Notice and Opportunity for
Public Comment.
ACTION:
Pursuant to Section 251 of the Trade
Act 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2341
et seq.), the Economic Development
Administration (EDA) has received
petitions for certification of eligibility to
apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance
from the firms listed below.
Accordingly, EDA has initiated
investigations to determine whether
increased imports into the United States
of articles like or directly competitive
with those produced by each of these
firms contributed importantly to the
total or partial separation of the firm’s
workers, or threat thereof, and to a
decrease in sales or production of each
petitioning firm.
Economic Development
Administration, Department of
Commerce.
AGENCY:
LIST OF PETITIONS RECEIVED BY EDA FOR CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY FOR TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE
6/12/2015 THROUGH 6/15/2015
Firm name
Firm address
Joval Machine Company, Inc
515 Main Street, Yalesville,
CT 06492.
502 East Industrial Drive,
Mountain View, MO 65548.
Custom Metal Finishers, Inc.
Any party having a substantial
interest in these proceedings may
request a public hearing on the matter.
A written request for a hearing must be
submitted to the Trade Adjustment
Assistance for Firms Division, Room
71030, Economic Development
Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, no
later than ten (10) calendar days
following publication of this notice.
Please follow the requirements set
forth in EDA’s regulations at 13 CFR
315.9 for procedures to request a public
hearing. The Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance official number
and title for the program under which
these petitions are submitted is 11.313,
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Date accepted
for investigation
Dated: June 15, 2015.
Michael S. DeVillo,
Eligibility Examiner.
[FR Doc. 2015–15113 Filed 6–18–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–WH–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:33 Jun 18, 2015
Jkt 235001
6/15/2015
6/15/2015
Product(s)
The firm manufactures sheet metal and fiberglass heat
shielding insulating products.
The firm manufactures various metal valves components
used in gas appliance.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Foreign-Trade Zones Board
[B–41–2015]
Notification of Proposed Production
Activity, BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC,
Subzone 38A, (Motor Vehicles),
Spartanburg, South Carolina
BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC
(BMWMC), operator of Subzone 38A,
submitted a notification of proposed
production activity to the FTZ Board for
its facility in Spartanburg, South
Carolina. The notification conforming to
the requirements of the regulations of
the FTZ Board (15 CFR 400.22) was
received on June 3, 2015.
BMWMC already has authority to
produce passenger sedans, coupes, and
sport utility vehicles. The current
request would add a new finished
product (passenger vehicle bodies) and
foreign-status materials and components
to the scope of authority. Pursuant to 15
CFR 400.14(b), additional FTZ authority
would be limited to the specific foreignstatus materials and components and
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
specific finished products described in
the submitted notification (as described
below) and subsequently authorized by
the FTZ Board.
Production under FTZ procedures
could exempt BMWMC from customs
duty payments on the foreign status
materials and components used in
export production. On its domestic
sales, BMWMC would be able to choose
the duty rate during customs entry
procedures that applies to passenger
motor vehicles and related bodies (duty
rate 2.5%) for the foreign status
materials and components noted below
and in the existing scope of authority.
Customs duties also could possibly be
deferred or reduced on foreign status
production equipment.
The materials and components
sourced from abroad include: first-aid
kits; acrylic/vinyl paints; trunk lid
adhesives; acoustic absorber foams; tire
sealants; rubber assembly gaskets; tires;
felt strips (HTSUS Subheadings
5602.10, 5602.90); damping strips
(Subheading 5602.90); tufted floor
coverings; carpet sets; velcro straps;
glass; windshields; steel flanges; iron/
E:\FR\FM\19JNN1.SGM
19JNN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 118 (Friday, June 19, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35299-35302]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15193]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for the Rural
Microentrepreneur Assistance Program for Fiscal Year 2015
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This Notice is to invite applications for loans and grants
under the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) pursuant to
7 CFR part 4280, subpart D, for fiscal year (FY) 2015. Funding to
support $14.190 million in loans and $2.086 million in grants is
currently available. The RMAP funds were provided through the
Agricultural Act of 2014, Public Law 113-79, on February 7, 2014 (2014
Farm Bill). RMAP provides the following types of support: loan only,
combination loan and technical assistance grant, and subsequent
technical assistance grants to Microenterprise Development
Organizations (MDO).
All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in
developing their applications or costs incurred prior to the obligation
date.
DATES: Applicants may apply during a Federal fiscal quarter to be
considered for the next quarter's funding. Complete applications for
loan only, and combination loan and grant, must be received in the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Offices no
later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on the last day prior to the
beginning of each Federal fiscal quarter to be considered for funding.
Applications received after a Federal fiscal quarter deadline will be
reviewed and evaluated for funding in the next Federal fiscal quarter.
Applications that have not competed for four consecutive quarters,
depending on funding availability, may be considered in FY 2016.
The subsequent microlender technical assistance grant (existing
MDOs with a microentrepenuer revolving loan fund) will be made, non-
competitively, based on the microlender's microlending activity and
availability of funds. To determine the microlender technical
assistance grant awards for FY 2015, the Agency will use the
microlender's outstanding balance of microloans as of June 30, 2015, to
calculate this amount. MDOs that are eligible for an annual grant may
apply.
ADDRESSES: Applications and forms may be obtained from any Rural
Development State Office or online at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-microentrepreneur-assistance-program. Applicants must
submit an original complete application to the USDA Rural Development
State Office in the State where the applicant's headquarters is
located. A list of the USDA Rural Development State Offices addresses
and telephone numbers can be found online at https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/StateOfficeAddresses.html.
[[Page 35300]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Specialty Programs Division, Rural
Business-Cooperative Service, United States Department of Agriculture,
1400 Independence Avenue SW., MS 3226, Room 4204-South, Washington, DC
20250-3226, or call Kathleen Goldsmith at 202-720-1400.
Overview
Solicitation Opportunity Title: Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance
Program.
Announcement Type: Initial Announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.870.
Dates: Applicants may apply during a Federal fiscal quarter to be
considered for the next quarter's funding. Complete applications for
loan only, combination loan and grant, and technical assistance grant-
only must be received in the USDA Rural Development State Offices no
later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on the last day prior to the
beginning of each Federal fiscal quarter to be considered for funding.
Applications received after a Federal fiscal quarter deadline will be
reviewed and evaluated for funding in the next Federal fiscal quarter.
Applications that have not competed for four consecutive quarters,
depending on funding availability, may be considered in FY 2016.
Subsequent microlender annual technical assistance grants are non-
competitive. The Agency has established June 30 of each year as the
date to determine the grant amount using the MDO's outstanding balance
of microloans as of that date.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Purpose of the Program. The purpose of RMAP is to support the
development and ongoing success of rural microentrepreneurs and
microenterprises defined in 7 CFR 4280.302.
B. Statutory Authority. RMAP is authorized by Section 379E of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s).
Regulations are contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D. Assistance
provided to rural areas under this program may include the provision of
loans and grants to rural MDOs for the provision of microloans to rural
microenterprises and microentrepreneurs; provision of business-based
training and technical assistance to rural microborrowers and potential
microborrowers; and other such activities as deemed appropriate by the
Secretary to ensure the development and ongoing success of rural
microenterprises. Awards are made on a competitive basis using specific
selection criteria contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D. Information
required to be in the application is specified in 7 CFR 4280.315.
For entities applying for program loan funds to become an RMAP
microlender only, the following items are required: (1) Form RD 1910-
11, ``Certification of No Federal Debt;'' (2) Demonstration that the
applicant is eligible to apply to participate in this program; (3)
Certification by the applicant that it cannot obtain sufficient credit
elsewhere to fund the activities called for under this program with
similar rates and terms; and (4) Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance
Agreement.''
Subsequent annual microlender technical assistance grants are
subject to funding availability, in accordance with 7 CFR
4280.313(b)(2). Awards will be determined non-competitively based on
Agency appropriations for the fiscal year. The MDO must submit a
prescribed worksheet, listing the outstanding balance of their
microloans and unexpended grant funds as of the date of their request
and a letter certifying that their organization still meets all the
requirements set forth in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D, and that no
significant changes have occurred within the last year that would
affect its ability to carry out the MDO functions. In addition, all
MDOs who request Subsequent Annual Microlender Technical Assistance
Grants must complete their reporting into the Lenders Interactive
Network Connection (LINC) for the Federal fiscal quarter ending June
30, 2015. The deadline for reporting into LINC and requesting a TA
grant is no later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on July 31, 2015.
C. Definition of Terms. The definitions applicable to this Notice
are published at 7 CFR 4280.302.
D. Application Awards. The Agency will review, evaluate, and score
applications received in response to this Notice based on the
provisions found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D, and as indicated in
this Notice. However, the Agency advises all interested parties that
the applicant bears the burden in preparing and submitting an
application in response to this Notice whether or not funding is
appropriated for this program in FY 2015.
II. Award Information
Type of Awards: Loans and/or Grants.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2015.
Available Funds. Anyone interested in submitting an application for
funding under this program is encouraged to consult the Rural
Development Web Newsroom Web site at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas for funding information. Funds
will be prioritized as follows: (1) Combination loan and grants; (2)
loan only; and (3) subsequent microlender technical assistance grants.
Total Funds: $16,276,000.
Loans: $14,190,000.
MDO Grants: $2,086,000.
Maximum Award: The minimum loan amount Microenterprise Development
Organizations (MDO) may borrow under this program is $50,000. The
maximum loan any MDO may borrow in any given year is $500,000. The
commitment of program dollars will be made to applicants of selected
responses that have fulfilled the necessary requirements for
obligation. If the applicant is applying for an initial loan, they may
also apply for a technical assistance grant. Grant funds are limited to
no more than 25 percent up to the first $400,000 of the loan request
(or $100,000). Loan requests of greater than $400,000 are eligible to
receive $100,000, plus 5 percent of the amount over $400,000.
The maximum subsequent technical assistance grant (to MDOs that
have an existing microentrepeneur revolving loan fund) amount for a
microlender is 25 percent of the first $400,000 of outstanding
microloans owed to the microlender under this program, plus an
additional 5 percent of the outstanding loan amount owed by the
microborrowers to the lender under this program over $400,000 up to and
including $2.5 million. Any grant dollars obligated, but not spent,
from the initial grant, will be subtracted from the subsequent year
grant to ensure that obligations cover only microloans made and active.
Application Dates: The last day of each Federal fiscal quarter.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants. To be eligible for this program, the
applicant must meet the eligibility requirements in 7 CFR 4280.310. In
addition to the requirements in 7 CFR 4280.310, applicants must not be
delinquent on any Federal debt or otherwise disqualified from
participation in this program to be eligible to apply. All other
restrictions in this Notice will apply.
B. Cost Sharing or Matching. The Federal share of the eligible
project cost of a microborrower's project funded under this Notice
shall not exceed 75 percent. The cost share requirement shall be met by
the microlender in accordance with the requirements specified in 7 CFR
4280.311(d).
The MDO is required to provide a match of not less than 15 percent
of the
[[Page 35301]]
total amount of the grant in the form of matching funds, indirect
costs, or in-kind goods or services.
C. Other Eligibility Requirements. Applications will only be
accepted from eligible MDOs. Eligible MDOs must score a minimum of 70
points out of 100 points to be considered to receive an award. Awards
for each Federal fiscal quarter will be based on ranking with the
highest ranking applications being funded first, subject to available
funding.
D. Completeness Eligibility. All applications must be submitted as
a complete application, in one package. Applications will not be
considered for funding if they do not provide sufficient information to
determine eligibility or are unbound, falling apart, or otherwise not
suitable for evaluation. Such applications will be withdrawn.
IV. Fiscal Year 2015 Application and Submission Information
A. Address to Request Application Package: For further information,
entities wishing to apply for assistance should contact the Rural
Development State Office as identified in the ADDRESSES section of this
Notice to obtain copies of the application package.
An MDO may submit an initial application for a loan with a
microlender technical assistance grant, or an initial or subsequent
loan-only (without a microlender technical assistance grant). Loan
applications must be submitted in paper format and must be bound in a
3-ring binder and be organized in the same order set forth in 7 CFR
4280.315. To ensure timely delivery, applicants are strongly encouraged
to submit their applications using an overnight, express, or parcel
delivery service.
B. Content and Form of Submission: An application must contain all
of the required elements outlined in 7 CFR 4280.315. Each application
must address the applicable scoring criteria presented in 7 CFR
4280.316 for the type of funding being requested.
C. Submission Dates and Times: The original complete application
must be received by the USDA Rural Development State Office no later
than 4:30 p.m. local time by the application deadline dates listed
above, regardless of the postmark date, in order to be considered for
funds available in that Federal fiscal quarter.
Unless withdrawn by the applicant, completed applications that
receive a score of at least 70 (the minimum required to be considered
for funding), but have not yet been funded, will be retained by the
Agency for consideration in subsequent reviews through a total of four
consecutive quarterly reviews. Applications that remain unfunded after
four quarterly reviews, including the initial quarter in which the
application was competed, will not be considered further for an award.
D. Explanation of Dates: Applications must be in the USDA Rural
Development State Office by the dates as indicated in the DATES section
of this Notice.
V. Application Review Information
A. Criteria. All eligible and complete applications will be
evaluated and scored based on the selection criteria and weights
contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D. Failure to address any one of
the criteria by the application deadline will result in the application
being determined ineligible and the application will not be considered
for funding. An application must receive at least 70 points to be
considered for funding in the quarter in which it is scored.
B. Review and Selection Process. The State Offices will review
applications to determine if they are eligible for assistance based on
requirements contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D. If determined
eligible, the application will be submitted to the National Office,
where it will be reviewed and prioritized by ranking each application,
received in that quarter, in highest to lowest score order. All
applications will be funded until funds have been exhausted for each
funding cycle. Funding of projects is subject to the MDO's satisfactory
submission of the additional items required by that subpart and the
USDA Rural Development Letter of Conditions.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices. Successful applicants will receive notification
for funding from the USDA Rural Development State Office. Applicants
must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations before the
award will be approved. Provided the application and eligibility
requirements have not changed, an application not selected will be
reconsidered for three subsequent funding competitions for a total of
four competitions. If an application is withdrawn, it can be
resubmitted and will be evaluated as a new application. Unsuccessful
applications will receive notification by mail, detailing why the
application was unsuccessful.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Additional
requirements that apply to MDO's selected for this program can be found
in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart D. The USDA and the Agency have adopted the
USDA grant regulations at 2 CFR chapter IV. This regulation
incorporates the new Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations
2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 400.1 to 400.18 for monitoring and servicing RMAP
funding.
C. Reporting. In addition to any reports required by 2 CFR 200 and
2 CFR 400.1 to 400.18, the MDO must provide reports as required by 7
CFR part 4280, subpart D.
VII. Agency Contacts
For general questions about this Notice, please contact your USDA
Rural Development State Office as provided in the ADDRESSES section of
this Notice.
VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
information collection requirements associated with the Rural
Microentrepenuer Assistance Program, as covered in this Notice, has
been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB
Control Number 0570-0062.
IX. Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, must have a Dun
and Bradstreet Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number, which can be
obtained at no cost via a toll-free request line at (866) 705-5711 or
online at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Similarly, all applicants for
grants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM)
prior to submitting an application. Applicants may register for the SAM
at https://www.sam.gov. All recipients of Federal financial assistance
are required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and
executive total compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170.
X. Nondiscrimination Statement
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination
against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the
bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender
identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs,
marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all
or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance
program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any
program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all
prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment
activities.)
[[Page 35302]]
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of
discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form
(PDF), found online at https://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-
9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of
the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint
form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442, or email at
program.intake@usda.gov.
Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech
disabilities and who wish to file either an EEO or program complaint,
please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339
or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish).
Persons with disabilities, who wish to file a program complaint,
please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly or
by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program
information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), please
contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
Dated: June 10, 2015.
Lillian E. Salerno,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-15193 Filed 6-18-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P