Matching Funds Requirements for Agricultural Research and Extension Capacity Funds at 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, Including Central State University, Tuskegee University, and West Virginia State University, and at 1862 Land-Grant Institutions in Insular Areas, 21846-21850 [2018-10015]

Download as PDF sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES 21846 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 92 / Friday, May 11, 2018 / Rules and Regulations chapter, adjusted by § 1006.51(b), at the location of the plant where the milk would have normally been received and the value specified in § 1000.52, as adjusted by § 1005.51(b) and § 1007.51(b) of this chapter, at the location of the plant to which the milk was rerouted; (3) The value per hundredweight at the lowest classified price for the month of September 2017 for milk dumped at the farm and classified as other use milk pursuant to § 1000.40(e) of this chapter as a result of Hurricane Irma; (4) The value per hundredweight at the lowest classified price for the month of September 2017 for milk dumped from milk tankers after being moved offfarm and classified as other use milk pursuant to § 1000.40(e) of this chapter as a result of Hurricane Irma; (5) The value per hundredweight at the lowest classified price for the month of September 2017 for skim portion of milk dumped and classified as other use milk pursuant to § 1000.40(e) of this chapter as a result of Hurricane Irma; and (6) The difference between the announced class price applicable to the milk as classified by the market administrator for the month of September 2017 and the actual price received for milk delivered to nonpool plants outside the state of Florida as a result of Hurricane Irma. (h) The total amount of payment to all handlers under paragraph (g) of this section shall be limited for each month to an amount determined by multiplying the total Class I producer milk for all handlers pursuant to § 1000.44(c) of this chapter times $0.09 per hundredweight. (i) If the cost of payments computed pursuant to paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(6) of this section exceeds the amount computed pursuant to paragraph (h) of this section, the market administrator shall prorate such payments to each handler based on each handler’s proportion of transportation and other use milk costs submitted pursuant to paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(6). Costs submitted pursuant to paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(6) which are not paid as a result of such a proration shall be paid in subsequent months until all costs incurred and documented through (g)(1) through (g)(6) have been paid. Dated: May 8, 2018. Bruce Summers, Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2018–10085 Filed 5–10–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:27 May 10, 2018 Jkt 244001 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE National Institute of Food and Agriculture 7 CFR Part 3419 RIN 0524–AA68 Matching Funds Requirements for Agricultural Research and Extension Capacity Funds at 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, Including Central State University, Tuskegee University, and West Virginia State University, and at 1862 Land-Grant Institutions in Insular Areas National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This final rule amends National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) regulations for the purpose of implementing the statutory amendments applicable to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) matching requirements for Federal agricultural research and extension capacity (formula) funds for 1890 land-grant institutions (LGUs), including Central State University, Tuskegee University, and West Virginia State University, and 1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas, and to remove the term ‘‘qualifying educational activities.’’ These matching requirements were amended by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act; the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008; and the Agricultural Act of 2014. DATES: This final rule is effective May 11, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maggie Ewell, Senior Policy Advisor, 202–401–0222. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Background and Purpose The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) amends part 3419 of Title 7, subtitle B, chapter XXXIV of the Code of Federal Regulations which implements the matching requirements provided under section 1449 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA) for agricultural research and extension capacity (formula) funds authorized for the 1890 land-grant institutions, including Central State University, Tuskegee University, and West Virginia State University and 1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas. This revision is required due to the statutory amendments of sections 7212 of the PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRIA); section 7127 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008; and section 7129 of the Agricultural Act of 2014. Additionally, NIFA makes these changes to the Definitions and Use of Matching Funds sections to provide clarity on allowable uses of matching funds. Response to Comments on the Proposed Rule and Revisions Included in Final Rule On November 13, 2017, NIFA published in the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking entitled ‘‘Matching Funds Requirements for Agricultural Research and Extension Capacity Funds at 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and 1862 Land-Grant Institutions in Insular Areas’’ (82 FR 52250) with the same purpose as above. The public had 60 days to comment, with the comment period closing January 12, 2018. NIFA received only one comment in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and this comment addressed issues that are outside the scope of this rule. The commenter discussed the inhumane treatment of farm animals in general. Because this comment is outside the scope of this rule, no change will be made to the language of the revision based on this comment. Summary of Changes in Final Rule Section 3419.1 Definitions The definition of an eligible institution is updated to include West Virginia State University (formerly West Virginia State College) and Central State University. Section 753 of the Agricultural, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 (Pub. L. 107–76) restored 1890 landgrant institution status to West Virginia State College. In 2004, the West Virginia Legislature approved West Virginia State College’s transition to University status. Central State University was recognized as an 1890 land-grant institution under section 7129 of the Agricultural Act of 2014. In 2014, NIFA re-branded its formula grant programs as ‘‘capacity grants.’’ Therefore, the definition of formula funds is changed to reflect this terminology, capacity funds, and the words ‘‘by formula’’ are inserted to clarify that capacity funds are provided by formula to eligible institutions. The term and definition for qualifying educational activities is removed due to the fact that this term has caused confusion regarding what constitutes an allowable qualifying educational E:\FR\FM\11MYR1.SGM 11MYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 92 / Friday, May 11, 2018 / Rules and Regulations sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES activity. NIFA follows the authorized uses of funds in NARETPA, codified at 7 U.S.C. 3221 and 3222, for extension and research programs. Research funds are for conducting agricultural research, printing, disseminating the results of research, administration, planning and direction, purchase and rental of land, and the construction, acquisition, alteration, or repair of buildings necessary for conducting agricultural research. Extension funds are for the expenses of conducting extension programs and activities. 7 U.S.C. 3221(e) expressly prohibits extension funds from being spent on college course teaching or lectures in college. NARETPA also contains definitions that explain the difference between education in conjunction with extension programs and education and teaching. Extension education is defined as ‘‘informal’’ while teaching and education is defined as ‘‘formal classroom instruction,’’ which is expressly prohibited under 7 U.S.C. 3221(e). Because the authorized uses related to education expenses are clearly outlined in NARETPA and in 7 U.S.C. 3221 and 3222, NIFA does not see the value in including the term ’’qualifying educational activity’’ as a term in regulation and, further, wants to ensure there is no conflict between its regulatory authorizations and the law. Therefore, NIFA removes the term ‘‘qualifying educational activity’’ and will allow only informal educational activities, as authorized by statute. Section 3419.2 Matching Funds Requirements Revisions to this section are required due to statutory amendments of sections 7212 of FSRIA; section 7127 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008; and section 7129 of the Agricultural Act of 2014. The information regarding Fiscal Years 2000, 2001, and 2002 are removed as they are outdated and no longer applicable. NIFA replaces this text with the matching requirements for 1862 landgrant institutions in insular areas for the Smith-Lever 3(b) and (c) program (7 U.S.C. 343(e)(4)(A)) and the Hatch Act program (7 U.S.C. 361c(d)(4)(A)), which state that insular areas will provide matching funds from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the formula funds distributed by NIFA to each of the 1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas, respectively. NIFA replaces existing text with the matching requirement to the Evans Allen/Section 1445 fund program (7 U.S.C. 3222d) and Extension/Section 1444 fund programs (7 U.S.C. 3221) VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:27 May 10, 2018 Jkt 244001 21847 which state that the State will provide equal matching funds from non-Federal sources. rationale for NIFA to waive the statutorily required match for capacity programs. Section 3419.3 Limited Waiver Authority The section entitled, ‘‘Determination of non-Federal sources of funds,’’ § 3419.3, is removed, because it reiterated a statutory requirement to submit, in the year 1999, a report on non-Federal funds used as match to be submitted. There is no further statutory requirement or authority to submit reports on the sources of non-Federal funds. Section 3419.4 Limited Waiver Authority is re-designated as § 3419.3 and modified to include the provisions of 7 U.S.C 3222d(d): authorization of a 50% waiver of matching funds authority for 1890 land-grant institutions. Additionally, § 3419.3 includes the authority to waive up to 100% of the required match for 1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas that is present in 7 U.S.C. 343(e)(4)(B). NIFA also adds to this section a description of the criteria a land-grant institution must demonstrate in order to be eligible for a waiver. The three criteria are: Impacts from natural disaster, flood, fire, tornado, hurricane, or drought; State and/or Institution facing a financial crisis; or lack of matching funds after demonstrating a good faith effort to obtain funds. Section 3419.5 Certification of Matching Funds The only change in this section is changing the word ‘‘formula’’ to ‘‘capacity,’’ consistent with the current terminology used by NIFA. Section 3419.4 Application for Waivers for Both 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and 1862 Land-Grant Institutions in Insular Areas NIFA adds § 3419.4 to outline how 1890 land-grant institutions and 1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas may request a matching waiver. To request a waiver, the president of the institution must submit in writing a request for a waiver of the matching requirements. The request must include the name of the eligible institution, the type of capacity funds, which would include Section 1444 Extension, Section 1445 Research; Smith-Lever; or Hatch Act; the fiscal year of the match; and the basis of the request, i.e., one or more of the criteria identified in 3419.3. Requests for waivers may be submitted with the application for funds or at any time during the period of performance of the award. Additionally, NIFA includes a requirement for current supporting documentation, where current is defined as within the past two years from the date of the letter requesting the waiver. It is critical that NIFA base its decisions for matching waivers on the current state of affairs within the State and institution. Using older data does not provide adequate PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Section 3419.6 Use of Matching Funds NIFA includes minor technical changes to this section: Use of the term ‘‘capacity’’ in place of ‘‘formula’’ and ‘‘must’’ in place of ‘‘shall.’’ These technical changes have no impact on the requirements from the existing to the proposed regulation. Additionally, NIFA adds clarifying language that matching funds must be used for the same purpose as Federal dollars as well as a specific prohibition on the use of tuition dollars and student fees as match. The intent of the rule is to clarify two requirements. First, the amended rule clarifies that matching funds must be used by an eligible institution for the same purpose as Federal award dollars: Agricultural research and extension activities that have been approved in the plan of work. Second, the amended rule removes the end phrase: ‘‘or for approved qualifying educational activities.’’ As discussed in § 3419.1 Definitions, the use of the phrase ‘‘qualifying educational activities’’ has caused confusion regarding what constitutes an allowable qualifying educational activity. NIFA supports the position, as required under 2 CFR 200.306, that all matching funds must be necessary and reasonable for accomplishment of project or program objectives. In other words, to be allowable as a match, the costs must be allowable under the Federal award. This principle applies to matching funds 1890 land-grant institutions receive for Research and Extension programs, as well as the funds received by 1862 landgrant institutions in insular areas for Smith-Lever and Hatch programs. NIFA follows the authorized uses of funds in the authorizing statutes for determining what is allowable under the Federal award. For 1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas, this is the authorized uses under 7 U.S.C. 343 for Smith-Lever programs and 7 U.S.C. 361a for Hatch Act programs. For 1890 Extension and Research programs, NIFA follows the authorizations included in NARETPA, codified at 7 U.S.C. 3221 and 3222. Research funds are for conducting agricultural research; printing; disseminating the results of research, E:\FR\FM\11MYR1.SGM 11MYR1 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES 21848 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 92 / Friday, May 11, 2018 / Rules and Regulations administration, planning and direction; purchase and rental of land; and the construction, acquisition, alteration, or repair of buildings necessary for conducting agricultural research. Extension funds are for the expenses of conduction extension programs and activities. 7 U.S.C. 3221(e) expressly prohibits extension funds from being spent on college course teaching or lectures in college. NARETPA also contains definitions that explain the difference between education in conjunction with extension programs versus education and teaching. Extension education is defined as ‘‘informal’’ while teaching and education is defined as ‘‘formal classroom instruction,’’ which is expressly prohibited under 7 U.S.C. 3221(e). Because the authorized uses related to education expenses are clearly outlined in NARETPA and 7 U.S.C. 3221 and 3222, NIFA does not see value in including the term ‘‘qualifying educational activity’’ as a term in regulation and further, wants to ensure there is no conflict between its regulatory authorizations and the law. Therefore, NIFA removes the term ‘‘qualifying educational activity;’’ however, the removal is intended to prohibit expenditures related to formal education activities. NIFA will allow only informal education activities, as authorized by statute. Under 7 U.S.C. 3221(a)(3), funds appropriated for extension must be used for the expenses of conducting extension programs and activities, and for contributing to the retirement of employees subject to the provisions of 7 U.S.C. 331. 7 U.S.C. 3222(e) expressly prohibits extension funds from being spent on college course teaching and lectures in college. Section 1404(7) of NARETPA defines the term extension to mean informal education programs conducted in the States in cooperation with the Department of Education. Therefore, NIFA has determined that the current authorizations allow for informal education programs to be conducted with extension funding, but not for formal classroom instruction. 7 U.S.C. 3222(a)(3) states that: ‘‘research funding must be used for the expenses of conducting agricultural research, printing, disseminating the results of such research, contributing to the retirement of employees subject to the provisions of 7 U.S.C. 331 of this title, administrative planning and direction, and purchase and rental of land and the construction, acquisition, alteration, or repair of buildings necessary for conducting agricultural research.’’ VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:27 May 10, 2018 Jkt 244001 Because the authorizing statutes so clearly identify authorized uses and prohibitions, NIFA believes that no further explanation or inclusion of qualifying educational activities is needed in this regulation. Finally, Section 1473 of NARETPA, 7 U.S.C. 3319, prohibits grantee institutions from using capacity funds for tuition remission. Therefore, NIFA revises this section to clarify that this prohibition also applies to student fees, as they are related to tuition. Further 7 U.S.C. 3221 and 3222 do not include tuition or student fees as authorized uses of funds. As provided in 7 U.S.C. 3221(e) and 3222(d), no portion of the funds provided to an 1890 institution for extension and research shall be applied, directly or indirectly, to any purpose other than those specified in the authorizing statutes. Therefore, NIFA clarifies that tuition dollars and student fees are not to be used as matching funds. Section 3419.7 Reporting of Matching Funds This revision adds a section on reporting of matching funds to clarify an existing requirement that 1890 landgrant institutions and 1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas report all capacity funds expended on an annual basis using Standard Form (SF) 425, in accordance with 7 CFR part 3430. This ensures that the information on matching funds is reported to NIFA. Section 3419.8 Redistribution of Funds This revision removes the first sentence of the existing provision as the timing of reapportionment may vary. Removing this sentence does not change the statutory requirements for reapportionment. The only significance of the deletion is to remove the July 1 date for action. Additionally, one other technical correction changes ‘‘shall’’ to ‘‘must,’’ consistent with the plain English provisions relating to rulemaking. Executive Order 12866 and Executive Order 13563 Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying the costs and benefits of simplifying and harmonizing rules, and PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 of promoting flexibility. This rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. Executive Order 13771 This final rule is not expected to be an E.O. 13771 regulatory action because this rule is not significant under E.O. 12866. Regulatory Flexibility Act This final rule has been reviewed in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, (5 U.S.C. 601–612). The Director of the NIFA certifies that this regulation will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This regulation will affect institutions of higher education receiving Federal funds under this program. The U.S. Small Business Administration Size Standards define institutions as ‘‘small entities’’ if they are for-profit or nonprofit institutions with total annual revenue below $5,000,000 or if they are institutions controlled by governmental entities with populations below 50,000. The rule does not involve regulatory and informational requirements regarding businesses, organizations, and governmental jurisdictions subject to regulation. Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance The programs affected by this final rule are listed in the Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance under 10.500, Cooperative Extension Service; 10.511, Smith-Lever Funding; 10.512, Agriculture Extension at 1890 Landgrant Institutions, and 10.205, Payments to 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Tuskegee University Evans-Allen Research and/or Agricultural Research at 1890 Land-grant institutions, including Tuskegee University, West Virginia State University, and Central State University; and 10.203, Payments to Agricultural Experiment Stations Under the Hatch Act (The Hatch Act of 1887). Paperwork Reduction Act The Department certifies that this final rule has been assessed in accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. The Department concludes that this rule does not impose any new information collection requirements or change the burden estimate on existing information collection requirements. In addition to the SF–424 form families (i.e., Research E:\FR\FM\11MYR1.SGM 11MYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 92 / Friday, May 11, 2018 / Rules and Regulations and Related and Mandatory) and the SF–425 Federal Financial Report (FFR) No. 0348–0061, NIFA has three currently approved OMB information collections associated with this rulemaking: OMB Information Collection No. 0524–0042, NIFA REEport; No. 0524–0041, NIFA Application Review Process; and No. 0524–0026, Organizational Information. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 and Executive Order 13132 The Department has reviewed this final rule in accordance with the requirements of Executive Order No. 13132 and the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq., and has found no potential or substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. As there is no Federal mandate contained herein that could result in increased expenditures by State, local, or tribal governments, or by the private sector, the Department has not prepared a budgetary impact statement. Clarity of This Regulation Executive Order 12866 and the President’s Memorandum of June 1, 1998, require each agency to write all rules in plain language. The Department invites comments on how to make this rule easier to understand. List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 3419 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES 1890 land-grant institutions, Agricultural extension, Agricultural research, Grant programs-agriculture, Insular areas, Land-grant institutions, Matching funds. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, amends 7 CFR part 3419 as follows: PART 3419—MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CAPACITY FUNDS AT 1890 LANDGRANT INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY, TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY, AND WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY AND AT 1862 LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS IN INSULAR AREAS 2. Revise the heading of part 3419 to read as set forth above. ■ 3. Amend § 3419.1 as follows: ■ a. Add a definition for ‘‘Capacity funds’’ in alphabetical order; ■ b. Revise the definition of ‘‘Eligible institution’’; ■ c. Remove the definition of ‘‘Formula funds’’; ■ d. Revise the definition of ‘‘Matching funds’’; and ■ e. Remove the definition of ‘‘Qualifying educational activities’’. The addition and revision read as follows: ■ § 3419.1 * * * * Capacity funds means agricultural extension and research funds provided by formula to the eligible institutions under sections 1444 and 1445 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA), as amended, or under sections 3(b) and (c) of the Smith-Lever Act, 7 U.S.C. 343(b) and (c) or under section 3 of the Hatch Act of 1887, 7 U.S.C. 361c. Eligible institution means a college or university eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.) (commonly known as the Second Morrill Act), including Central State University, Tuskegee University, and West Virginia State University (1890 land-grant institutions), and a college or university designated under the Act of July 2, 1862 (7 U.S.C. 301, et seq.) (commonly known as the First Morrill Act) and located in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the insular areas of American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas). Matching funds means funds from non-Federal sources, including those made available by the State to the eligible institutions, for programs or activities that fall within the purposes of agricultural research and cooperative extension under: sections 1444 and 1445 of NARETPA; the Hatch Act of 1887; and the Smith-Lever Act. * * * * * ■ 4. Amend § 3419.2 as follows: ■ a. Revise the section heading; ■ b. Remove the introductory text; and ■ c. Revise paragraphs (a) and (b). The revisions read as follows: ■ § 3419.2 Authority: 7 U.S.C. 3222d; 7 U.S.C. 343(e); 7 U.S.C. 361c; Pub. L. 107–171; Pub. L. 110– 234; Pub. L. 113–79. (a) 1890 land-grant institutions. The distribution of capacity funds are subject to a matching requirement. Matching funds will equal not less than 1. The authority citation for part 3419 is revised to read as follows: VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:27 May 10, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Matching funds requirement. Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 100% of the capacity funds to be distributed to the institution. (b) 1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas. The distribution of capacity funds are subject to a matching requirement. Matching funds will equal not less than 50% of the capacity funds to be distributed to the institution. * * * * * § 3419.3 Sfmt 4700 [Removed] 5. Remove § 3419.3. ■ 6. Redesignate § 3419.4 as § 3419.3 and revise newly designated § 3419.3 to read as follows: ■ § 3419.3 Definitions. * 21849 Limited waiver authority. (a) 1890 land-grant institutions: The Secretary may waive the matching funds requirement in § 3419.2 above the 50% level for any fiscal year for an eligible institution of a State if the Secretary determines that the State will be unlikely to satisfy the matching requirement. (b) 1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas: The Secretary may waive up to 100% of the matching funds requirements in § 3419.2 for any fiscal year for an eligible institution in an insular area. (c) The criteria to waive the applicable matching requirement for 1890 land-grant institutions and 1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas is demonstration of one or more of the following: (1) Impacts from natural disaster, flood, fire, tornado, hurricane, or drought; (2) State and/or institution facing a financial crisis; or (3) Lack of matching funds after demonstration of good faith efforts to obtain funds. (d) Approval or disapproval of the request for a waiver will be based on the application submitted, as defined under § 3419.4. ■ 7. Add a new § 3419.4 to read as follows: § 3419.4 Applications for waivers for both 1890 land-grant institutions and 1862 landgrant institutions in insular areas. Application for waivers for both 1890 land-grant institutions and 1862 landgrant institutions in insular areas. The president of the eligible institution must submit any request for a waiver for matching requirements. A waiver application must include the name of the eligible institution, the type of Federal capacity funds (i.e. research, extension, Hatch, etc.), appropriate fiscal year, the basis for the request (e.g. one or more of the criteria identified in § 3419.3); current supporting documentation, where current is E:\FR\FM\11MYR1.SGM 11MYR1 21850 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 92 / Friday, May 11, 2018 / Rules and Regulations defined as within the past two years from the date of the letter requesting the waiver; and the amount of the request. § 3419.5 [Amended] 8. Amend § 3419.5 by removing the word ‘‘formula’’ and adding, in its place, the word ‘‘capacity’’. ■ 9. Revise § 3419.6 to read as follows: ■ § 3419.6 Use of matching funds. The required matching funds for the capacity programs must be used by an eligible institution for the same purpose as Federal award dollars: Agricultural research and extension activities that have been approved in the plan of work required under sections 1445(c) and 1444(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, section 7 of the Hatch Act of 1887, and section 4 of the Smith-Lever Act. For all programs, tuition dollars and student fees may not be used as matching funds. ■ 10. Redesignate § 3419.7 as § 3419.8 and revise newly redesignated § 3419.8 to read as follows: § 3419.8 Redistribution of funds. Unmatched research and extension funds will be reapportioned in accordance with the research and extension statutory distribution formulas applicable to the 1890 and 1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas, respectively. Any redistribution of funds must be subject to the same matching requirement under § 3419.2. ■ 11. Add a new § 3419.7 to read as follows: § 3419.7 Reporting of matching funds. Institutions will report all capacity matching funds expended annually using Standard Form (SF) 425, in accordance with 7 CFR 3430.56(a). Done at Washington, DC, this 7th day of May 2018. Meryl Broussard, Associate Director for Programs, National Institute of Food and Agriculture. BILLING CODE 3410–22–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES 14 CFR Part 23 [Notice No. 23–18–01–NOA] Accepted Means of Compliance; Airworthiness Standards: Normal Category Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:27 May 10, 2018 Jkt 244001 This document announces the availability of 63 Means of Compliance (MOC) based on 30 published ASTM International (ASTM) consensus standards developed by ASTM Committee F44 on General Aviation Aircraft. A total of 46 of these accepted MOCs consist of ASTM consensus standards as published, with the remaining 17 MOCs comprised of a combination of ASTM standards and FAA changes. The Administrator finds these MOCs to be an acceptable means, but not the only means, of showing compliance to the applicable regulations in part 23, amendment 23–64, for normal category airplanes. The Administrator further finds that these accepted means of complying with part 23, amendment 23–64, provide at least the same level of safety as the corresponding requirements in part 23, amendment 23–63. DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 10, 2018. ADDRESSES: Mail comments to: Federal Aviation Administration, Policy and Innovation Division, Small Airplane Standards Branch, AIR–690, Attention: Steve Thompson, 901 Locust Street, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may also be emailed to: steven.thompson@faa.gov. Specify the MOC, and if applicable, the standard being addressed by designation and title. Mark all comments: Part 23 MOC Comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Thompson, Federal Aviation Administration, Policy and Innovation Division, Small Airplane Standards Branch, AIR–690, 901 Locust Street, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone (816) 329–4126; facsimile: (816) 329–4090; email: steven.thompson@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Comments Invited [FR Doc. 2018–10015 Filed 5–10–18; 8:45 am] Federal Aviation Administration Notification of availability; request for comments. ACTION: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, data, or views. Communications should identify the MOC and consensus standard number, where applicable, and be submitted to the address previously specified in the ADDRESSES section of this NOA. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the accepted MOC(s) or standard(s), explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA may forward communications regarding the consensus standards to ASTM Committee F44 for consideration. The MOC or standard may be revised PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 based on received comments. The FAA will consider all comments received during the recurring review of the MOC and consensus standard and will participate in the consensus standard revision process. Background Under the provisions of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 1 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A–119, ‘‘Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities,’’ effective January 27, 2016, the FAA participates in the development of consensus standards and uses consensus standards as a means of carrying out its policy objectives where appropriate. Consistent with the Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013,2 the FAA has been working with industry and other stakeholders through ASTM to develop consensus standards for use as a MOC in certificating small airplanes under part 23. In promulgating part 23, amendment 23–64, the FAA explained that if it determined such consensus standards were acceptable MOC to part 23, it would publish a notice of availability of those consensus standards in the Federal Register. Pursuant to FAA Advisory Circular 23.2010–1, section 3.1.1, this document serves as a formal acceptance by the Administrator, of MOCs based on consensus standards developed by ASTM. The MOCs accepted by this document are one means, but not the only means of complying with part 23 regulatory requirements. The FAA has reviewed the consensus standards referenced in this NOA as the basis for MOCs to the regulatory requirements of part 23, amendment 23– 64. In some cases, the Administrator finds sections of ASTM Standard F3264–17, ‘‘Standard Specification for Normal Category Aeroplanes Certification,’’ without changes, are accepted as means of complying with the airworthiness requirements of part 23, without degrading safety, and within the scope and applicability of the consensus standards. In other cases, the MOCs, while based on ASTM consensus standards, include additional FAA provisions necessary to comply with the airworthiness requirements of part 23, amendment 23–64. Part 23, amendment 23–64, established airworthiness requirements based on the level of safety of 1 Ref Public Law 104–113 as amended by Public Law 107–107. 2 Ref Public Law 113–53. E:\FR\FM\11MYR1.SGM 11MYR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 92 (Friday, May 11, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21846-21850]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10015]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

7 CFR Part 3419

RIN 0524-AA68


Matching Funds Requirements for Agricultural Research and 
Extension Capacity Funds at 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, Including 
Central State University, Tuskegee University, and West Virginia State 
University, and at 1862 Land-Grant Institutions in Insular Areas

AGENCY: National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule amends National Institute of Food and 
Agriculture (NIFA) regulations for the purpose of implementing the 
statutory amendments applicable to the National Institute of Food and 
Agriculture's (NIFA) matching requirements for Federal agricultural 
research and extension capacity (formula) funds for 1890 land-grant 
institutions (LGUs), including Central State University, Tuskegee 
University, and West Virginia State University, and 1862 land-grant 
institutions in insular areas, and to remove the term ``qualifying 
educational activities.'' These matching requirements were amended by 
the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act; the Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008; and the Agricultural Act of 2014.

DATES: This final rule is effective May 11, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maggie Ewell, Senior Policy Advisor, 
202-401-0222.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background and Purpose

    The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) amends part 
3419 of Title 7, subtitle B, chapter XXXIV of the Code of Federal 
Regulations which implements the matching requirements provided under 
section 1449 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA) for agricultural research and 
extension capacity (formula) funds authorized for the 1890 land-grant 
institutions, including Central State University, Tuskegee University, 
and West Virginia State University and 1862 land-grant institutions in 
insular areas. This revision is required due to the statutory 
amendments of sections 7212 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment 
Act of 2002 (FSRIA); section 7127 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
Act of 2008; and section 7129 of the Agricultural Act of 2014. 
Additionally, NIFA makes these changes to the Definitions and Use of 
Matching Funds sections to provide clarity on allowable uses of 
matching funds.

Response to Comments on the Proposed Rule and Revisions Included in 
Final Rule

    On November 13, 2017, NIFA published in the Federal Register a 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking entitled ``Matching Funds Requirements 
for Agricultural Research and Extension Capacity Funds at 1890 Land-
Grant Institutions and 1862 Land-Grant Institutions in Insular Areas'' 
(82 FR 52250) with the same purpose as above. The public had 60 days to 
comment, with the comment period closing January 12, 2018. NIFA 
received only one comment in response to the Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking and this comment addressed issues that are outside the scope 
of this rule. The commenter discussed the inhumane treatment of farm 
animals in general. Because this comment is outside the scope of this 
rule, no change will be made to the language of the revision based on 
this comment.

Summary of Changes in Final Rule

Section 3419.1 Definitions
    The definition of an eligible institution is updated to include 
West Virginia State University (formerly West Virginia State College) 
and Central State University. Section 753 of the Agricultural, Rural 
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 2002 (Pub. L. 107-76) restored 1890 land-grant 
institution status to West Virginia State College. In 2004, the West 
Virginia Legislature approved West Virginia State College's transition 
to University status. Central State University was recognized as an 
1890 land-grant institution under section 7129 of the Agricultural Act 
of 2014.
    In 2014, NIFA re-branded its formula grant programs as ``capacity 
grants.'' Therefore, the definition of formula funds is changed to 
reflect this terminology, capacity funds, and the words ``by formula'' 
are inserted to clarify that capacity funds are provided by formula to 
eligible institutions.
    The term and definition for qualifying educational activities is 
removed due to the fact that this term has caused confusion regarding 
what constitutes an allowable qualifying educational

[[Page 21847]]

activity. NIFA follows the authorized uses of funds in NARETPA, 
codified at 7 U.S.C. 3221 and 3222, for extension and research 
programs. Research funds are for conducting agricultural research, 
printing, disseminating the results of research, administration, 
planning and direction, purchase and rental of land, and the 
construction, acquisition, alteration, or repair of buildings necessary 
for conducting agricultural research. Extension funds are for the 
expenses of conducting extension programs and activities. 7 U.S.C. 
3221(e) expressly prohibits extension funds from being spent on college 
course teaching or lectures in college.
    NARETPA also contains definitions that explain the difference 
between education in conjunction with extension programs and education 
and teaching. Extension education is defined as ``informal'' while 
teaching and education is defined as ``formal classroom instruction,'' 
which is expressly prohibited under 7 U.S.C. 3221(e).
    Because the authorized uses related to education expenses are 
clearly outlined in NARETPA and in 7 U.S.C. 3221 and 3222, NIFA does 
not see the value in including the term ''qualifying educational 
activity'' as a term in regulation and, further, wants to ensure there 
is no conflict between its regulatory authorizations and the law. 
Therefore, NIFA removes the term ``qualifying educational activity'' 
and will allow only informal educational activities, as authorized by 
statute.
Section 3419.2 Matching Funds Requirements
    Revisions to this section are required due to statutory amendments 
of sections 7212 of FSRIA; section 7127 of the Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008; and section 7129 of the Agricultural Act of 2014. 
The information regarding Fiscal Years 2000, 2001, and 2002 are removed 
as they are outdated and no longer applicable. NIFA replaces this text 
with the matching requirements for 1862 land-grant institutions in 
insular areas for the Smith-Lever 3(b) and (c) program (7 U.S.C. 
343(e)(4)(A)) and the Hatch Act program (7 U.S.C. 361c(d)(4)(A)), which 
state that insular areas will provide matching funds from non-Federal 
sources in an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the formula 
funds distributed by NIFA to each of the 1862 land-grant institutions 
in insular areas, respectively. NIFA replaces existing text with the 
matching requirement to the Evans Allen/Section 1445 fund program (7 
U.S.C. 3222d) and Extension/Section 1444 fund programs (7 U.S.C. 3221) 
which state that the State will provide equal matching funds from non-
Federal sources.
Section 3419.3 Limited Waiver Authority
    The section entitled, ``Determination of non-Federal sources of 
funds,'' Sec.  3419.3, is removed, because it reiterated a statutory 
requirement to submit, in the year 1999, a report on non-Federal funds 
used as match to be submitted. There is no further statutory 
requirement or authority to submit reports on the sources of non-
Federal funds. Section 3419.4 Limited Waiver Authority is re-designated 
as Sec.  3419.3 and modified to include the provisions of 7 U.S.C 
3222d(d): authorization of a 50% waiver of matching funds authority for 
1890 land-grant institutions. Additionally, Sec.  3419.3 includes the 
authority to waive up to 100% of the required match for 1862 land-grant 
institutions in insular areas that is present in 7 U.S.C. 343(e)(4)(B).
    NIFA also adds to this section a description of the criteria a 
land-grant institution must demonstrate in order to be eligible for a 
waiver. The three criteria are: Impacts from natural disaster, flood, 
fire, tornado, hurricane, or drought; State and/or Institution facing a 
financial crisis; or lack of matching funds after demonstrating a good 
faith effort to obtain funds.
Section 3419.4 Application for Waivers for Both 1890 Land-Grant 
Institutions and 1862 Land-Grant Institutions in Insular Areas
    NIFA adds Sec.  3419.4 to outline how 1890 land-grant institutions 
and 1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas may request a 
matching waiver. To request a waiver, the president of the institution 
must submit in writing a request for a waiver of the matching 
requirements. The request must include the name of the eligible 
institution, the type of capacity funds, which would include Section 
1444 Extension, Section 1445 Research; Smith-Lever; or Hatch Act; the 
fiscal year of the match; and the basis of the request, i.e., one or 
more of the criteria identified in 3419.3. Requests for waivers may be 
submitted with the application for funds or at any time during the 
period of performance of the award. Additionally, NIFA includes a 
requirement for current supporting documentation, where current is 
defined as within the past two years from the date of the letter 
requesting the waiver. It is critical that NIFA base its decisions for 
matching waivers on the current state of affairs within the State and 
institution. Using older data does not provide adequate rationale for 
NIFA to waive the statutorily required match for capacity programs.
Section 3419.5 Certification of Matching Funds
    The only change in this section is changing the word ``formula'' to 
``capacity,'' consistent with the current terminology used by NIFA.
Section 3419.6 Use of Matching Funds
    NIFA includes minor technical changes to this section: Use of the 
term ``capacity'' in place of ``formula'' and ``must'' in place of 
``shall.'' These technical changes have no impact on the requirements 
from the existing to the proposed regulation. Additionally, NIFA adds 
clarifying language that matching funds must be used for the same 
purpose as Federal dollars as well as a specific prohibition on the use 
of tuition dollars and student fees as match.
    The intent of the rule is to clarify two requirements. First, the 
amended rule clarifies that matching funds must be used by an eligible 
institution for the same purpose as Federal award dollars: Agricultural 
research and extension activities that have been approved in the plan 
of work. Second, the amended rule removes the end phrase: ``or for 
approved qualifying educational activities.'' As discussed in Sec.  
3419.1 Definitions, the use of the phrase ``qualifying educational 
activities'' has caused confusion regarding what constitutes an 
allowable qualifying educational activity. NIFA supports the position, 
as required under 2 CFR 200.306, that all matching funds must be 
necessary and reasonable for accomplishment of project or program 
objectives. In other words, to be allowable as a match, the costs must 
be allowable under the Federal award. This principle applies to 
matching funds 1890 land-grant institutions receive for Research and 
Extension programs, as well as the funds received by 1862 land-grant 
institutions in insular areas for Smith-Lever and Hatch programs.
    NIFA follows the authorized uses of funds in the authorizing 
statutes for determining what is allowable under the Federal award. For 
1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas, this is the authorized 
uses under 7 U.S.C. 343 for Smith-Lever programs and 7 U.S.C. 361a for 
Hatch Act programs.
    For 1890 Extension and Research programs, NIFA follows the 
authorizations included in NARETPA, codified at 7 U.S.C. 3221 and 3222. 
Research funds are for conducting agricultural research; printing; 
disseminating the results of research,

[[Page 21848]]

administration, planning and direction; purchase and rental of land; 
and the construction, acquisition, alteration, or repair of buildings 
necessary for conducting agricultural research. Extension funds are for 
the expenses of conduction extension programs and activities. 7 U.S.C. 
3221(e) expressly prohibits extension funds from being spent on college 
course teaching or lectures in college.
    NARETPA also contains definitions that explain the difference 
between education in conjunction with extension programs versus 
education and teaching. Extension education is defined as ``informal'' 
while teaching and education is defined as ``formal classroom 
instruction,'' which is expressly prohibited under 7 U.S.C. 3221(e).
    Because the authorized uses related to education expenses are 
clearly outlined in NARETPA and 7 U.S.C. 3221 and 3222, NIFA does not 
see value in including the term ``qualifying educational activity'' as 
a term in regulation and further, wants to ensure there is no conflict 
between its regulatory authorizations and the law. Therefore, NIFA 
removes the term ``qualifying educational activity;'' however, the 
removal is intended to prohibit expenditures related to formal 
education activities. NIFA will allow only informal education 
activities, as authorized by statute.
    Under 7 U.S.C. 3221(a)(3), funds appropriated for extension must be 
used for the expenses of conducting extension programs and activities, 
and for contributing to the retirement of employees subject to the 
provisions of 7 U.S.C. 331. 7 U.S.C. 3222(e) expressly prohibits 
extension funds from being spent on college course teaching and 
lectures in college. Section 1404(7) of NARETPA defines the term 
extension to mean informal education programs conducted in the States 
in cooperation with the Department of Education. Therefore, NIFA has 
determined that the current authorizations allow for informal education 
programs to be conducted with extension funding, but not for formal 
classroom instruction.
    7 U.S.C. 3222(a)(3) states that: ``research funding must be used 
for the expenses of conducting agricultural research, printing, 
disseminating the results of such research, contributing to the 
retirement of employees subject to the provisions of 7 U.S.C. 331 of 
this title, administrative planning and direction, and purchase and 
rental of land and the construction, acquisition, alteration, or repair 
of buildings necessary for conducting agricultural research.''
    Because the authorizing statutes so clearly identify authorized 
uses and prohibitions, NIFA believes that no further explanation or 
inclusion of qualifying educational activities is needed in this 
regulation.
    Finally, Section 1473 of NARETPA, 7 U.S.C. 3319, prohibits grantee 
institutions from using capacity funds for tuition remission. 
Therefore, NIFA revises this section to clarify that this prohibition 
also applies to student fees, as they are related to tuition. Further 7 
U.S.C. 3221 and 3222 do not include tuition or student fees as 
authorized uses of funds. As provided in 7 U.S.C. 3221(e) and 3222(d), 
no portion of the funds provided to an 1890 institution for extension 
and research shall be applied, directly or indirectly, to any purpose 
other than those specified in the authorizing statutes. Therefore, NIFA 
clarifies that tuition dollars and student fees are not to be used as 
matching funds.
Section 3419.7 Reporting of Matching Funds
    This revision adds a section on reporting of matching funds to 
clarify an existing requirement that 1890 land-grant institutions and 
1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas report all capacity funds 
expended on an annual basis using Standard Form (SF) 425, in accordance 
with 7 CFR part 3430. This ensures that the information on matching 
funds is reported to NIFA.
Section 3419.8 Redistribution of Funds
    This revision removes the first sentence of the existing provision 
as the timing of reapportionment may vary. Removing this sentence does 
not change the statutory requirements for reapportionment. The only 
significance of the deletion is to remove the July 1 date for action.
    Additionally, one other technical correction changes ``shall'' to 
``must,'' consistent with the plain English provisions relating to 
rulemaking.

Executive Order 12866 and Executive Order 13563

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive 
Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying the costs and 
benefits of simplifying and harmonizing rules, and of promoting 
flexibility. This rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.

Executive Order 13771

    This final rule is not expected to be an E.O. 13771 regulatory 
action because this rule is not significant under E.O. 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This final rule has been reviewed in accordance with the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act of 1980, as amended by the Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, (5 U.S.C. 601-612). The Director of 
the NIFA certifies that this regulation will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This 
regulation will affect institutions of higher education receiving 
Federal funds under this program. The U.S. Small Business 
Administration Size Standards define institutions as ``small entities'' 
if they are for-profit or nonprofit institutions with total annual 
revenue below $5,000,000 or if they are institutions controlled by 
governmental entities with populations below 50,000. The rule does not 
involve regulatory and informational requirements regarding businesses, 
organizations, and governmental jurisdictions subject to regulation.

Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance

    The programs affected by this final rule are listed in the 
Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance under 10.500, Cooperative 
Extension Service; 10.511, Smith-Lever Funding; 10.512, Agriculture 
Extension at 1890 Land-grant Institutions, and 10.205, Payments to 1890 
Land-Grant Colleges and Tuskegee University Evans-Allen Research and/or 
Agricultural Research at 1890 Land-grant institutions, including 
Tuskegee University, West Virginia State University, and Central State 
University; and 10.203, Payments to Agricultural Experiment Stations 
Under the Hatch Act (The Hatch Act of 1887).

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Department certifies that this final rule has been assessed in 
accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 
44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. The Department concludes that this rule does not 
impose any new information collection requirements or change the burden 
estimate on existing information collection requirements. In addition 
to the SF-424 form families (i.e., Research

[[Page 21849]]

and Related and Mandatory) and the SF-425 Federal Financial Report 
(FFR) No. 0348-0061, NIFA has three currently approved OMB information 
collections associated with this rulemaking: OMB Information Collection 
No. 0524-0042, NIFA REEport; No. 0524-0041, NIFA Application Review 
Process; and No. 0524-0026, Organizational Information.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 and Executive Order 13132

    The Department has reviewed this final rule in accordance with the 
requirements of Executive Order No. 13132 and the Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq., and has found no potential 
or substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship 
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. 
As there is no Federal mandate contained herein that could result in 
increased expenditures by State, local, or tribal governments, or by 
the private sector, the Department has not prepared a budgetary impact 
statement.

Clarity of This Regulation

    Executive Order 12866 and the President's Memorandum of June 1, 
1998, require each agency to write all rules in plain language. The 
Department invites comments on how to make this rule easier to 
understand.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 3419

    1890 land-grant institutions, Agricultural extension, Agricultural 
research, Grant programs-agriculture, Insular areas, Land-grant 
institutions, Matching funds.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Department of 
Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, amends 7 CFR 
part 3419 as follows:

PART 3419--MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND 
EXTENSION CAPACITY FUNDS AT 1890 LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING 
CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY, TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY, AND WEST VIRGINIA 
STATE UNIVERSITY AND AT 1862 LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS IN INSULAR 
AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 3419 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 3222d; 7 U.S.C. 343(e); 7 U.S.C. 361c; Pub. 
L. 107-171; Pub. L. 110-234; Pub. L. 113-79.


0
2. Revise the heading of part 3419 to read as set forth above.

0
3. Amend Sec.  3419.1 as follows:
0
a. Add a definition for ``Capacity funds'' in alphabetical order;
0
b. Revise the definition of ``Eligible institution'';
0
c. Remove the definition of ``Formula funds'';
0
d. Revise the definition of ``Matching funds''; and
0
e. Remove the definition of ``Qualifying educational activities''.
    The addition and revision read as follows:


Sec.  3419.1  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Capacity funds means agricultural extension and research funds 
provided by formula to the eligible institutions under sections 1444 
and 1445 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA), as amended, or under sections 3(b) and 
(c) of the Smith-Lever Act, 7 U.S.C. 343(b) and (c) or under section 3 
of the Hatch Act of 1887, 7 U.S.C. 361c.
    Eligible institution means a college or university eligible to 
receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.) 
(commonly known as the Second Morrill Act), including Central State 
University, Tuskegee University, and West Virginia State University 
(1890 land-grant institutions), and a college or university designated 
under the Act of July 2, 1862 (7 U.S.C. 301, et seq.) (commonly known 
as the First Morrill Act) and located in the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico and the insular areas of American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, 
Northern Marianas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (1862 land-grant 
institutions in insular areas).
    Matching funds means funds from non-Federal sources, including 
those made available by the State to the eligible institutions, for 
programs or activities that fall within the purposes of agricultural 
research and cooperative extension under: sections 1444 and 1445 of 
NARETPA; the Hatch Act of 1887; and the Smith-Lever Act.
* * * * *

0
4. Amend Sec.  3419.2 as follows:
0
a. Revise the section heading;
0
b. Remove the introductory text; and
0
c. Revise paragraphs (a) and (b).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  3419.2  Matching funds requirement.

    (a) 1890 land-grant institutions. The distribution of capacity 
funds are subject to a matching requirement. Matching funds will equal 
not less than 100% of the capacity funds to be distributed to the 
institution.
    (b) 1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas. The distribution 
of capacity funds are subject to a matching requirement. Matching funds 
will equal not less than 50% of the capacity funds to be distributed to 
the institution.
* * * * *


Sec.  3419.3  [Removed]

0
5. Remove Sec.  3419.3.

0
6. Redesignate Sec.  3419.4 as Sec.  3419.3 and revise newly designated 
Sec.  3419.3 to read as follows:


Sec.  3419.3  Limited waiver authority.

    (a) 1890 land-grant institutions: The Secretary may waive the 
matching funds requirement in Sec.  3419.2 above the 50% level for any 
fiscal year for an eligible institution of a State if the Secretary 
determines that the State will be unlikely to satisfy the matching 
requirement.
    (b) 1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas: The Secretary 
may waive up to 100% of the matching funds requirements in Sec.  3419.2 
for any fiscal year for an eligible institution in an insular area.
    (c) The criteria to waive the applicable matching requirement for 
1890 land-grant institutions and 1862 land-grant institutions in 
insular areas is demonstration of one or more of the following:
    (1) Impacts from natural disaster, flood, fire, tornado, hurricane, 
or drought;
    (2) State and/or institution facing a financial crisis; or
    (3) Lack of matching funds after demonstration of good faith 
efforts to obtain funds.
    (d) Approval or disapproval of the request for a waiver will be 
based on the application submitted, as defined under Sec.  3419.4.

0
7. Add a new Sec.  3419.4 to read as follows:


Sec.  3419.4  Applications for waivers for both 1890 land-grant 
institutions and 1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas.

    Application for waivers for both 1890 land-grant institutions and 
1862 land-grant institutions in insular areas. The president of the 
eligible institution must submit any request for a waiver for matching 
requirements. A waiver application must include the name of the 
eligible institution, the type of Federal capacity funds (i.e. 
research, extension, Hatch, etc.), appropriate fiscal year, the basis 
for the request (e.g. one or more of the criteria identified in Sec.  
3419.3); current supporting documentation, where current is

[[Page 21850]]

defined as within the past two years from the date of the letter 
requesting the waiver; and the amount of the request.


Sec.  3419.5  [Amended]

0
8. Amend Sec.  3419.5 by removing the word ``formula'' and adding, in 
its place, the word ``capacity''.

0
9. Revise Sec.  3419.6 to read as follows:


Sec.  3419.6  Use of matching funds.

    The required matching funds for the capacity programs must be used 
by an eligible institution for the same purpose as Federal award 
dollars: Agricultural research and extension activities that have been 
approved in the plan of work required under sections 1445(c) and 
1444(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
Policy Act of 1977, section 7 of the Hatch Act of 1887, and section 4 
of the Smith-Lever Act. For all programs, tuition dollars and student 
fees may not be used as matching funds.

0
10. Redesignate Sec.  3419.7 as Sec.  3419.8 and revise newly 
redesignated Sec.  3419.8 to read as follows:


Sec.  3419.8  Redistribution of funds.

    Unmatched research and extension funds will be reapportioned in 
accordance with the research and extension statutory distribution 
formulas applicable to the 1890 and 1862 land-grant institutions in 
insular areas, respectively. Any redistribution of funds must be 
subject to the same matching requirement under Sec.  3419.2.

0
11. Add a new Sec.  3419.7 to read as follows:


Sec.  3419.7  Reporting of matching funds.

    Institutions will report all capacity matching funds expended 
annually using Standard Form (SF) 425, in accordance with 7 CFR 
3430.56(a).

    Done at Washington, DC, this 7th day of May 2018.
Meryl Broussard,
Associate Director for Programs, National Institute of Food and 
Agriculture.
[FR Doc. 2018-10015 Filed 5-10-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-22-P

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