Notice of Solicitation of Applications for Inviting Applications for the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2019, 57401-57406 [2018-24938]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 221 / Thursday, November 15, 2018 / Notices
Signed at Washington, DC, November 1,
2018.
Kevin L. Barnes,
Associate Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2018–24917 Filed 11–14–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–20–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Notice of Revision of a Currently
Approved Information Collection
Rural Business-Cooperative
Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed collection; comments
requested.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this
notice announces the Rural BusinessCooperative Service’s intention to
request an extension for a currently
approved information collection.
DATES: Comments on this notice must be
received by January 14, 2019 to be
assured of consideration.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Thomas Dickson, Rural Development
Innovation Center—Regulatory Team,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1522,
Washington, DC 20250, Telephone:
202–690–4492, email: Thomas
Dickson@wdc.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Biorefinery, Renewable
Chemical, and Biobased Product
Manufacturing Assistance Program
(Section 9003)
OMB Number: 0570–0065.
Expiration Date of Approval: March
31, 2019.
Type of Request: Revision of a
currently approved information
collection.
Abstract: The purpose of this
information collection is to obtain
information necessary to evaluate loan
applications to determine the eligibility
of the applicant and the project for the
program and to qualitatively assess the
project’s technical and financial merit to
determine which projects should be
funded.
Estimate of Burden: The following
annual estimates are based on an
average volume of activity which
includes; 10 Phase 1 applications, 8
Phase 2 applications, and 1 new loan
guarantees. Phase 1 applications are
evaluated by the Agency to determine
whether the Borrower is eligible, the
proposed loan is for an eligible purpose,
there is reasonable assurance of
repayment ability, there is sufficient
Collateral and equity, and the proposed
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SUMMARY:
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loan complies with all applicable
statutes and regulations. Phase 2
applications are required for Phase I
applicants who score favorable and are
invited to submit a Phase 2 application.
The Agency anticipates the number of
respondents to fluctuate based on
funding levels.
Respondents: Respondents for this
data are lending institutions and forprofit businesses but also include
individuals and corporations. The
annual estimates below are for both
subparts associated with this rule.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
11.
Estimated Number of Responses per
Respondent: 17.7.
Estimated Number of Responses: 195.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on
Respondents: 3,631 hours.
Comments: Comments are invited on:
(a) Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
Rural Business-Cooperative Service,
including whether the information will
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of
the Rural Business-Cooperative
Service’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information
including validity of the methodology
and assumptions used; (c) ways to
enhance the quality, utility and clarity
of the information to be collected; and
(d) ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, including through the
use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
Comments may be sent to Thomas
Dickson, Rural Development Innovation
Center—Regulatory Team, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Rural
Development, STOP 1522, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20250–1522.
Copies of this information collection
can be obtained from Kimble Brown,
Rural Development Innovation Center,
Regulations Team, at (202) 692–0043 or
email: Kimble.Brown@wdc.usda.gov.
All responses to this notice will be
summarized and included in the request
for OMB approval. All comments will
also become a matter of public record.
Dated: November 1, 2018.
Bette B. Brand,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–24929 Filed 11–14–18; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Notice of Solicitation of Applications
for Inviting Applications for the Rural
Economic Development Loan and
Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2019
Rural Business-Cooperative
Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
This notice is to invite
applications for loans and grants under
the Rural Economic Development Loan
and Grant (REDLG) Programs for fiscal
year (FY) 2019, subject to the
availability of funding. This notice is
being issued in order to allow
applicants sufficient time to leverage
financing, prepare and submit their
applications, and give the Agency time
to process applications within FY 2019.
Successful applications will be selected
by the Agency for funding and
subsequently awarded to the extent that
funding may ultimately be made
available through appropriations. An
announcement on the website at https://
www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/noticessolicitation-applications-nosas will
identify the amount received in the
appropriations.
All applicants are responsible for any
expenses incurred in developing their
applications.
SUMMARY:
DATES: See under SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section.
Submit applications in
paper format to the USDA Rural
Development State Office for the State
where the Project is located. A list of the
USDA Rural Development State Office
contacts can be found at: https://
www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/stateoffices.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cindy Mason at (202) 690–1433,
cindy.mason@wdc.usda.gov, and Sami
Zarour at (202) 720–9549, sami.zarour@
wdc.usda.gov, Specialty Programs
Division, Business Programs, Rural
Business-Cooperative Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, MS 3226,
Room 4204–South, Washington, DC
20250–3226, or call 202–720–1400. For
further information on this notice,
please contact the USDA Rural
Development State Office in the State in
which the applicant’s headquarters is
located.
The
Agency encourages applications that
will support recommendations made in
the Rural Prosperity Task Force report
to help improve life in rural America,
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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www.usda.gov/ruralprosperity.
Applicants are encouraged to consider
projects that provide measurable results
in helping rural communities build
robust and sustainable economies
through strategic investments in
infrastructure, partnerships, and
innovation.
Key strategies include:
• Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural
America
• Developing the Rural Economy
• Harnessing Technological Innovation
• Supporting a Rural Workforce
• Improving Quality of Life
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Overview
Solicitation Opportunity Type: Rural
Economic Development Loans and
Grants.
Announcement Type: Initial
Solicitation Announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance Number: 10.854.
Dates: The deadline for completed
applications to be received in the USDA
Rural Development State Office no later
than 4:30 p.m. (local time) are: Second
Quarter, December 31, 2018; Third
Quarter, March 31, 2019 and Fourth
Quarter, June 30, 2019.
A. Program Description
1. Purpose of the Program. The
purpose of the program is to promote
rural economic development and job
creation projects.
2. Statutory Authority. These
Programs are authorized under 7 U.S.C.
940c and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A.
Assistance provided to Rural areas, as
defined, under this program may
include business startup costs, business
expansion, business incubators,
Technical assistance feasibility studies,
Advanced telecommunications services
and computer networks for medical,
educational, and job training services,
and Community Facilities Projects for
economic development.
Awards under the REDLG Programs
will be made on a competitive basis
using specific selection criteria
contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart
A. Information required to be in the
application package includes Standard
Form (SF) 424, ‘‘Application for Federal
Assistance;’’ a Resolution of the Board
of Directors; AD–1047, ‘‘Debarment/
Suspension Certification;’’ AD–1049
‘‘Certification Regarding Drug-Free
Workplace Requirements;’’ SF LLL,
Restrictions on Lobbying; RD 400–1,
‘‘Equal Opportunity Agreement;’’ RD
400–4, ‘‘Assurance Agreement;’’
Assurance Statement for the Uniform
Act; Seismic Certification (if
construction); and paperwork required
in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970,
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‘‘Environmental Policies and
Procedures.’’ If the proposal involves
new construction; large increases in
employment; hazardous waste; a change
in use, size, capacity, purpose, or
location from an original facility; or is
publicly controversial, the following is
required: Environmental documentation
in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970;’’
RUS Form 7, ‘‘Financial and Statistical
Report;’’ RUS Form 7a, ‘‘Investments,
Loan Guarantees, and Loans,’’ or similar
information; and written narrative of
Project description. Applications will be
tentatively scored by the State Offices
and submitted to the National Office for
review.
3. Definition of Terms. The definitions
applicable to this notice are published
at 7 CFR 4280.3.
4. 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 A, 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 these
Programs in FY 2019.
B. Federal Award Information
Type of Awards: Loans and Grants.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2019.
Available Funds: Anyone interested
in submitting an application for funding
under these Programs are encouraged to
consult the Rural Development Notices
of Solicitation of Applications website
at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/
notices-solicitation-applications-nosas
for funding information.
Maximum Award: The Agency
anticipates the following maximum
amounts per award: Loans—$2,000,000;
Grants—$300,000.
Award Dates: Second Quarter,
February 28, 2019; Third Quarter, May
31, 2019; and Fourth Quarter, August
31, 2019.
Performance Period: October 1, 2019,
through September 30, 2020.
Renewal or Supplemental Awards:
None.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Loans and grants may be made to any
entity that is identified by USDA Rural
Development as an eligible borrower
under the Rural Electrification Act of
1936, as amended (Act). In accordance
with 7 CFR 4280.13, applicants that are
not delinquent on any Federal debt or
otherwise disqualified from
participation in these Programs are
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eligible to apply. An applicant must be
eligible under 7 U.S.C. 940c.
Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, any former Rural Utilities Service
borrower that has repaid or prepaid an
insured, direct, or guaranteed loan
under the Act, or any not-for-profit
utility that is eligible to receive an
insured or direct loan under such Act
shall be eligible for assistance under
section 313(b)(2)(B) of such Act in the
same manner as a borrower under such
Act. All other restrictions in this notice
will apply.
The Agency requires the following
information to make an eligibility
determination. These applications must
include, but are not limited to, the
following:
(a) An original and one copy of SF
424, ‘‘Application for Federal
Assistance (for non-construction);’’
(b) Copies of applicant’s
organizational documents showing the
applicant’s legal existence and authority
to perform the activities under the
Grant;
(c) A proposed scope of work,
including a description of the proposed
Project, details of the proposed activities
to be accomplished and timeframes for
completion of each task, the number of
months duration of the Project, and the
estimated time it will take from grant
approval to beginning of Project
implementation;
(d) A written narrative that includes,
at a minimum, the following items:
(i) An explanation of why the Project
is needed, the benefits of the proposed
Project, and how the Project meets the
Grant eligible purposes;
(ii) Area to be served, identifying each
governmental unit, i.e., tribe, town,
county, etc., to be affected by the
Project;
(iii) Description of how the Project
will coordinate economic development
activities with other economic
development activities within the
Project area;
(iv) Businesses to be assisted, if
appropriate, and economic development
to be accomplished;
(v) An explanation of how the
proposed Project will result in newly
created, increased, or supported jobs in
the area and the number of projected
new and supported jobs within the next
3 years;
(vi) A description of the applicant’s
demonstrated capability and experience
in providing the proposed Project
assistance, including experience of key
staff members and persons who will be
providing the proposed Project activities
and managing the Project;
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(vii) The method and rationale used to
select the areas and businesses that will
receive the service;
(viii) A brief description of how the
work will be performed, including
whether organizational staff or
consultants or contractors will be used;
and
(ix) Other information the Agency
may request to assist it in making a
grant award determination.
(e) The last 3 years of financial
information to show the applicant’s
financial capacity to carry out the
proposed work. If the applicant is less
than 3 years old, at a minimum, the
information should include all balance
sheet(s), income statement(s), and cash
flow statement(s). A current audited
report is required if available;
(f) Documentation regarding the
availability and amount of other funds
to be used in conjunction with the funds
from REDLG; and
(g) A budget which includes salaries,
fringe benefits, consultant costs, indirect
costs, and other appropriate direct costs
for the Project.
lapsed, and that is not being paid in a
timely manner pursuant to an agreement
with the authority responsible for
collecting the tax liability, where the
awarding agency is aware of the unpaid
tax liability, unless a Federal agency has
considered suspension or debarment of
the corporation and has made a
determination that this further action is
not necessary to protect the interests of
the Government.
None of the funds made available by
this or any other Act may be used to
enter into a contract, memorandum of
understanding, or cooperative
agreement with, make a grant to, or
provide a loan or loan guarantee to, any
corporation that was convicted of a
felony criminal violation under any
Federal law within the preceding 24
months, where the awarding agency is
aware of the conviction, unless a
Federal agency has considered
suspension or debarment of the
corporation and has made a
determination that this further action is
not necessary to protect the interests of
the Government.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
For loans, either the Ultimate
Recipient or the Intermediary must
provide supplemental funds for the
Project equal to at least 20 percent of the
loan to the Intermediary. For grants, the
Intermediary must establish a Revolving
Loan Fund (or Fund) and contribute an
amount equal to at least 20 percent of
the Grant. The supplemental
contribution must come from
Intermediary’s funds which may not be
from other Federal Grants, unless
permitted by law.
4. Completeness Eligibility
3. Other
Applications will only be accepted for
projects that promote rural economic
development and job creation.
There are no ‘‘responsiveness’’ or
‘‘threshold’’ eligibility criteria for these
loans and grants. There is no limit on
the number of applications an applicant
may submit under this announcement.
In addition to the forms listed under the
program description, Form AD 3030
‘‘Representations Regulation Felony
Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status
for Corporate Applicants,’’ must be
completed in the affirmative.
None of the funds made available by
this or any other Act may be used to
enter into a contract, memorandum of
understanding, or cooperative
agreement with, make a grant to, or
provide a loan or loan guarantee to, any
corporation that has any unpaid Federal
tax liability that has been assessed, for
which all judicial and administrative
remedies have been exhausted or have
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Applications will not be considered
for funding if they do not provide
sufficient information to determine
eligibility or are missing required
elements.
D. Application and Submission
Information
1. Address To Request Application
Package
For further information, entities
wishing to apply for assistance should
contact the USDA Rural Development
State Office provided in the ADDRESSES
section of this notice to obtain copies of
the application package.
Prior to official submission of grant
applications, applicants may request
technical assistance or other application
guidance from the Agency, as long as
such requests are made by June 15,
2019. Technical assistance is not meant
to be an analysis or assessment of the
quality of the materials submitted, a
substitute for agency review of
completed applications, nor a
determination of eligibility, if such
determination requires in-depth
analysis. The Agency will not solicit or
consider scoring or eligibility
information that is submitted after the
application deadline. The Agency
reserves the right to contact applicants
to seek clarification information on
materials contained in the submitted
application.
Applications must be submitted in
paper format. Applications submitted to
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57403
a Rural Development State Office must
be received by the closing date and local
time deadline.
All applicants must have a Dun and
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering
System (DUNS) number which can be
obtained at no cost via a toll-free request
line at (866) 705–5711 or at https://
fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Each
applicant (unless the applicant is an
individual or Federal awarding agency
that is excepted from the requirements
under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c) or has an
exception approved by the Federal
awarding agency under 2 CFR
25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be
registered in the System for Award
Management (SAM) before submitting
its application; (ii) provide a valid
unique entity identifier in its
application; and (iii) continue to
maintain an active SAM registration
with current information at all times
during which it has an active Federal
award or an application or plan under
consideration by a Federal awarding
agency. The Federal awarding agency
may not make a Federal award to an
applicant until the applicant has
complied with all applicable unique
entity identifier and SAM requirements
and, if an applicant has not fully
complied with the requirements by the
time the Federal awarding agency is
ready to make a Federal award, the
Federal awarding agency may determine
that the applicant is not qualified to
receive a Federal award and use that
determination as a basis for making a
Federal award to another applicant.
Please note that applicants must
locate the downloadable application
package for this program by the Catalog
of Federal Domestic Assistance Number
or FedGrants Funding Opportunity
Number, which can be found at https://
www.grants.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application
Submission
An application must contain all of the
required elements. Each selection
priority criterion outlined in 7 CFR
4280.42(b) must be addressed in the
application. Failure to address any of
the criterion will result in a zero-point
score for that criterion and will impact
the overall evaluation of the application.
Copies of 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A,
will be provided to any interested
applicant making a request to a Rural
Development State Office. An original
copy of the application must be filed
with the Rural Development State Office
for the State where the Intermediary is
located.
The applicant documentation and
forms needed for a complete application
are located in the Program Description
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section of this notice, and 7 CFR part
4280, subpart A. There are no specific
formats required per this notice, and
applicants may request forms and
addresses from the ADDRESSES section of
this notice.
(a) There are no specific limitations
on the number of pages or other
formatting requirements other than
those described in the Program
Description section.
(b) There are no specific limitations
on the number of pages, font size and
type face, margins, paper size, number
of copies, and the sequence or assembly
requirements.
(c) The component pieces of this
application should contain original
signatures on the original application.
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3. Submission Dates and Times
(a) Application Deadline Dates: No
later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on:
Second Quarter, December 31, 2018;
Third Quarter, March 31, 2019; and
Fourth Quarter, June 30, 2019.
Explanation of Dates: Applications
must be in the USDA Rural
Development State Office by the dates
and times as indicated above. If the due
date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or
Federal holiday, the application is due
the next business day.
(b) The deadline date means that the
completed application package must be
received in the USDA Rural
Development State Office by the
deadline date and time established
above. All application documents
identified in this notice are required.
(c) If completed applications are not
received by the deadline established
above, the application will neither be
reviewed nor considered under any
circumstances.
(d) The Agency will determine the
application receipt date based on the
actual date postmarked.
(e) If the grantee has a previously
approved indirect cost rate, it is
permissible, otherwise, the applicant
may elect to charge the 10 percent
indirect cost permitted under 2 CFR
200.414(f). Due to the time required to
evaluate Indirect Cost Rates, it is likely
that all funds will be awarded by the
time the Indirect Cost Rate is
determined. No foreign travel is
permitted. Pre-Federal award costs will
only be permitted with prior written
approval by the Agency.
(f) Applicants must submit
applications in hard copy format as
previously indicated in the Application
and Submission Information section of
this notice. If the applicant wishes to
hand deliver its application, the
addresses for these deliveries can be
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located in the ADDRESSES section of this
notice.
(g) 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).
E. Application Review Information
1. 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
A. 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.
2. 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 A. If determined eligible,
your application will be submitted to
the National Office. Funding of projects
is subject to the Intermediary’s
satisfactory submission of the additional
items required by that subpart and the
USDA Rural Development Letter of
Conditions. The Agency reserves the
right to award additional discretionary
points under 7 CFR 4280.43.
In order to distribute funds among the
greatest number of projects possible,
applications will be reviewed,
prioritized, and funded by ranking each
State’s highest scoring Project in highest
to lowest score order. The highest
scoring Project from each State will be
considered that State’s Priority One
Project. Priority One projects will be
ranked according to score from highest
to lowest. The second highest scoring
Project from each State will be
considered the State’s Priority Two
Project. Priority Two projects will be
ranked according to score from highest
to lowest and so forth until all projects
have been scored and ranked in priority
order. All Priority One projects will be
funded before any Priority Two projects
and so forth until funds are depleted, so
as to ensure broad geographic
distribution of funding.
F. Federal Award Administration
Information
1. Federal Award Notices. Successful
applicants will receive notification for
funding from the Rural Development
State Office. Applicants must comply
with all applicable statutes and
regulations before the loan/grant award
can be approved. Provided the
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application and eligibility requirements
have not changed, an application not
selected will be reconsidered in three
subsequent quarterly 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.
2. Administrative and National Policy
Requirements. Additional requirements
that apply to intermediaries or grantees
selected for these Programs can be
found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A.
Awards are subject to USDA grant
regulations at 2 CFR Chapter IV which
incorporated the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) regulations 2 CFR
200.
All successful applicants will be
notified by letter which will include a
Letter of Conditions, and a Letter of
Intent to Meet Conditions. This letter is
not an authorization to begin
performance. If the applicant wishes to
consider beginning performance prior to
the loan or grant being officially closed,
all pre-award costs must be approved in
writing and in advance by the Agency.
The loan or grant will be considered
officially awarded when all conditions
in the Letter of Conditions have been
met and the Agency obligates the
funding for the Project.
Additional requirements that apply to
intermediaries or grantees selected for
these Programs can be found in 7 CFR
4280, subpart A; the Grants and
Agreements regulations of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture codified in 2
CFR 400.1 to 400.2 and 2 CFR part 415
to 422, and successor regulations to
these parts.
In addition, all recipients of Federal
financial assistance are required to
report information about first-tier subawards and executive compensation
(see 2 CFR part 170). You will be
required to have the necessary processes
and systems in place to comply with the
Federal Funding Accountability and
Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109–
282) reporting requirements (see 2 CFR
170.200(b), unless you are exempt under
2 CFR 170.110(b)).
The following additional
requirements apply to intermediaries or
grantees selected for these Programs:
(a) Form RD 4280–2 ‘‘Rural BusinessCooperative Service Financial
Assistance Agreement.’’
(b) Letter of Conditions.
(c) Form RD 1940–1, ‘‘Request for
Obligation of Funds.’’
(d) Form RD 1942–46, ‘‘Letter of
Intent to Meet Conditions.’’
(e) Form AD–1047, ‘‘Certification
Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and
Other Responsibility Matters-Primary
Covered Transactions.’’
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(f) Form AD–1048 ‘‘Certification
Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary ExclusionLower Tier Covered Transactions.’’
(g) Form AD–1049, ‘‘Certification
Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace
Requirement (Grants).’’
(h) Form AD–3031, ‘‘Assurance
Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax
Delinquent Status for Corporate
Applicants.’’ Must be signed by
corporate applicants who receive an
award under this notice.
(i) Form RD 400–4, ‘‘Assurance
Agreement.’’ Each prospective recipient
must sign Form RD 400–4, ‘‘Assurance
Agreement,’’ which assures USDA that
the recipient is in compliance with Title
VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 7 CFR
part 15, and other Agency regulations.
That no person will be discriminated
against based on race, color, or national
origin, in regard to any program or
activity for which the recipient receives
Federal financial assistance. That
nondiscrimination statements are in
advertisements and brochures.
Collect and maintain data provided by
Ultimate Recipients on race, sex, and
national origin and ensure Ultimate
Recipients collect and maintain this
data. Race and ethnicity data will be
collected in accordance with OMB
Federal Register notice, ‘‘Revisions to
the Standards for the Classification of
Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity’’ (62
FR 58782), October 30, 1997. Sex data
will be collected in accordance with
Title IX of the Education Amendments
of 1972. These items should not be
submitted with the application but
should be available upon request by the
Agency.
The applicant and the Ultimate
Recipient must comply with Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of
the Education Amendments of 1972,
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975,
Executive Order 12250, Executive Order
13166 Limited English Proficiency
(LEP), and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E.
(j) SF LLL, ‘‘Disclosure of Lobbying
Activities,’’ if applicable.
(k) Use Form SF 270, ‘‘Request for
Advance or Reimbursement.’’
3. Reporting
(a) A Financial Status Report and a
Project performance activity report will
be required of all grantees on a quarterly
basis until initial funds are expended
and yearly thereafter, if applicable,
based on the Federal fiscal year. The
grantee will complete the Project within
the total time available to it in
accordance with the Scope of Work and
any necessary modifications thereof
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prepared by the grantee and approved
by the Agency. A final Project
performance report will be required
with the final Financial Status Report.
The final report may serve as the last
quarterly report. The final report must
provide complete information regarding
the jobs created and supported as a
result of the Grant if applicable.
Grantees must continuously monitor
performance to ensure that time
schedules are being met, projected work
by time periods is being accomplished,
and other performance objectives are
being achieved. Grantees must submit
an original of each report to the Agency
no later than 30 days after the end of the
quarter. The Project performance reports
must include, but not be limited to, the
following:
(1) A comparison of actual
accomplishments to the objectives
established for that period;
(2) Problems, delays, or adverse
conditions, if any, which have affected
or will affect attainment of overall
Project objectives, prevent meeting time
schedules or objectives, or preclude the
attainment of particular Project work
elements doing established time
periods. This disclosure shall be
accompanied by a statement of the
action taken or planned to resolve the
situation; and
(3) Objectives and timetable
established for the next reporting
period.
(4) Any special reporting
requirements, such as jobs supported
and created, businesses assisted, or
economic development which results in
improvements in median household
incomes, and any other specific
requirements, should be placed in the
reporting section of the Letter of
Conditions.
(5) Within 90 days after the
conclusion of the Project, the
Intermediary will provide a final Project
evaluation report. The last quarterly
payment will be withheld until the final
report is received and approved by the
Agency. Even though the Intermediary
may request reimbursement on a
monthly basis, the last 3 months of
reimbursements will be withheld until a
final report, Project performance, and
financial status report are received and
approved by the Agency.
(b) In addition to any reports required
by 2 CFR part 200 and 2 CFR 400.1 to
400.2 and 2 CFR part 415 to 422, the
Intermediary or grantee must provide
reports as required by 7 CFR part 4280,
subpart A.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
For general questions about this
announcement, please contact your
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57405
USDA Rural Development State Office
provided in the ADDRESSES section of
this notice.
H. Civil Rights Requirements
All grants made under this notice are
subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964 as required by the USDA (7 CFR
part 15, subpart A) and Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VIII
of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title IX,
Executive Order 13166 (Limited English
Proficiency), Executive Order 11246,
and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of
1974.
I. Other Information
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, the information
collection requirement contained in this
notice is approved by OMB under OMB
Control Number 0570–0070.
Federal Funding Accountability and
Transparency Act
All applicants, in accordance with 2
CFR part 25, must have a 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 must be registered in SAM
prior to submitting an application.
Applicants may register for the SAM at
https://www.sam.gov. All recipients of
Federal financial grant assistance are
required to report information about
first-tier sub-awards and executive total
compensation in accordance with 2 CFR
part 170.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil
rights law and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights
regulations and policies, the USDA, its
agencies, offices, and employees, and
institutions participating in or
administering USDA Programs are
prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
gender identity (including gender
expression), sexual orientation,
disability, age, marital status, family/
parental status, income derived from a
public assistance program, political
beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior
civil rights activity, in any program or
activity conducted or funded by USDA
(not all bases apply to all programs).
Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means of communication for
program information (e.g., Braille, large
print, audiotape, American Sign
Language, etc.) should contact the
responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 221 / Thursday, November 15, 2018 / Notices
Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and
TTY) or contact USDA through the
Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339.
Additionally, program information may
be made available in languages other
than English.
To file a program discrimination
complaint, complete the USDA Program
Discrimination Complaint Form, AD–
3027, found online at https://
www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_
cust.html and at any USDA office or
write a letter addressed to USDA and
provide in the letter all of the
information requested in the form. To
request a copy of the complaint form,
call (866) 632–9992. Submit your
completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20250–9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690–7442; or
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity
provider, employer, and lender.
Dated: November 7, 2018.
Bette B. Brand,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–24938 Filed 11–14–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P
evaluation period, applications will be
ranked based on the percentage of
unserved households that the applicant
proposes to serve. RUS will conduct at
least two evaluation periods for FY
2019. Because the Agency will receive
applications throughout the fiscal year,
subsequent evaluation periods can alter
the ranking of applications.
In addition to announcing its
acceptance of FY 2019 applications,
RUS revises the minimum and
maximum amounts for broadband loans
for the fiscal year.
DATES: Applications under this NOSA
will be accepted immediately through
September 30, 2019. RUS will process
loan applications as they are received.
Applications can only be submitted
online through the RD Apply website at
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programsservices/rd-apply through September 30,
2019.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shawn Arner, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Loan Origination and
Approval Division, Rural Utilities
Service, Room 2844, STOP 1597, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20250–1597; telephone: (202) 720–
0800, or email: shawn.arner@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
General Information
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service
Rural Broadband Access Loans and
Loan Guarantees Program
Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
Notice of Solicitation of
Applications (NOSA).
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Rural Utilities Service
(RUS), an Agency of the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA),
announces that it is accepting
applications for fiscal year (FY) 2019 for
the Rural Broadband Access Loans and
Loan Guarantees Program (the
Broadband Program). RUS will publish
the amount of funding received through
the final appropriations act on its
website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/
newsroom/notices-solicitationapplications-nosas.
RUS is accepting applications on a
rolling basis throughout FY 2019. This
will give RUS the ability to request
additional information and
modifications to a submitted application
whenever necessary.
Applications will be processed on a
first come, first served basis. Every 90
days, RUS will conduct an evaluation of
the submitted applications. During the
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
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Jkt 247001
The Rural Broadband Access Loan
and Loan Guarantee Program (the
Broadband Program) is authorized by
the Rural Electrification Act (7 U.S.C.
901 et seq.), as amended by the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113–
79), also referred to as the 2014 Farm
Bill.
During FY 2019, loans will be made
available for the construction,
improvement, and acquisition of
facilities and equipment that will
provide service at the Broadband
Lending Speed in eligible rural areas.
Applications are subject to the
requirements of 7 CFR part 1738. No
funding for Guaranteed Loans is
available in FY 2019 and the agency
will not be considering applications for
this type of funding.
The Agency encourages applications
that will support recommendations
made in the Rural Prosperity Task Force
report to help improve life in rural
America which can be found at
www.usda.gov/ruralprosperity.
Applicants are encouraged to consider
projects that provide measurable results
in helping rural communities build
robust and sustainable economies
through strategic investments in
infrastructure, partnerships and
innovation. Key strategies include:
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• Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural
America
• Developing the Rural Economy
• Harnessing Technological Innovation
• Supporting a Rural Workforce
• Improving Quality of Life
Application Assistance
RUS offers pre-application assistance,
in which National Office staff and the
assigned General Field Representative
review the draft application, provide
detailed comments, and identify areas
where an application is not meeting
eligibility requirements for funding. The
online application system allows RUS
staff to assist an applicant with every
part of an application as it is being
developed. Once the application is
formally submitted, the online system
will timestamp the submitted version
and establish the application’s place in
the processing queue.
Based on the order in which the
applications are received, RUS will
review the application for completeness.
The applicant may be asked for
additional information to clarify aspects
of an otherwise complete application or
to assist the Agency in the underwriting
process. If the application is determined
to be complete, RUS will review the
package for eligibility and technical and
financial feasibility, in accordance with
7 CFR part 1738. If an application is
ultimately found to be incomplete or
inadequate, a detailed explanation will
be provided to the applicant.
To further assist in the preparation of
applications, an application guide is
available online at: https://
www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/
farm-bill-broadband-loans-loanguarantees. An application guide may
also be requested from the RUS contact
listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section of this notice.
Application Requirements: All
requirements for submission of an
application under the Broadband
Program are subject to 7 CFR part 1738.
Application Materials/Submission:
Applications must be submitted through
the Agency’s online application system
located at https://www.rd.usda.gov/
programs-services/rd-apply. All
materials required for completing an
application are included in the online
system.
Minimum and Maximum Loan
Amounts
Loans under this authority will not be
made for less than $100,000. The
maximum loan amount that will be
considered for FY 2019 is $25,000,000.
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[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 221 (Thursday, November 15, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57401-57406]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24938]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for Inviting Applications
for the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs for Fiscal
Year 2019
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice is to invite applications for loans and grants
under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) Programs
for fiscal year (FY) 2019, subject to the availability of funding. This
notice is being issued in order to allow applicants sufficient time to
leverage financing, prepare and submit their applications, and give the
Agency time to process applications within FY 2019. Successful
applications will be selected by the Agency for funding and
subsequently awarded to the extent that funding may ultimately be made
available through appropriations. An announcement on the website at
https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas
will identify the amount received in the appropriations.
All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in
developing their applications.
DATES: See under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.
ADDRESSES: Submit applications in paper format to the USDA Rural
Development State Office for the State where the Project is located. A
list of the USDA Rural Development State Office contacts can be found
at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cindy Mason at (202) 690-1433,
[email protected], and Sami Zarour at (202) 720-9549,
[email protected], Specialty Programs Division, Business
Programs, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, MS 3226, Room 4204-South,
Washington, DC 20250-3226, or call 202-720-1400. For further
information on this notice, please contact the USDA Rural Development
State Office in the State in which the applicant's headquarters is
located.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Agency encourages applications that will
support recommendations made in the Rural Prosperity Task Force report
to help improve life in rural America,
[[Page 57402]]
www.usda.gov/ruralprosperity. Applicants are encouraged to consider
projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities
build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments in
infrastructure, partnerships, and innovation.
Key strategies include:
Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America
Developing the Rural Economy
Harnessing Technological Innovation
Supporting a Rural Workforce
Improving Quality of Life
Overview
Solicitation Opportunity Type: Rural Economic Development Loans and
Grants.
Announcement Type: Initial Solicitation Announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.854.
Dates: The deadline for completed applications to be received in
the USDA Rural Development State Office no later than 4:30 p.m. (local
time) are: Second Quarter, December 31, 2018; Third Quarter, March 31,
2019 and Fourth Quarter, June 30, 2019.
A. Program Description
1. Purpose of the Program. The purpose of the program is to promote
rural economic development and job creation projects.
2. Statutory Authority. These Programs are authorized under 7
U.S.C. 940c and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A. Assistance provided to
Rural areas, as defined, under this program may include business
startup costs, business expansion, business incubators, Technical
assistance feasibility studies, Advanced telecommunications services
and computer networks for medical, educational, and job training
services, and Community Facilities Projects for economic development.
Awards under the REDLG Programs will be made on a competitive basis
using specific selection criteria contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart
A. Information required to be in the application package includes
Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance;'' a
Resolution of the Board of Directors; AD-1047, ``Debarment/Suspension
Certification;'' AD-1049 ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements;'' SF LLL, Restrictions on Lobbying; RD 400-1, ``Equal
Opportunity Agreement;'' RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement;'' Assurance
Statement for the Uniform Act; Seismic Certification (if construction);
and paperwork required in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970,
``Environmental Policies and Procedures.'' If the proposal involves new
construction; large increases in employment; hazardous waste; a change
in use, size, capacity, purpose, or location from an original facility;
or is publicly controversial, the following is required: Environmental
documentation in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970;'' RUS Form 7,
``Financial and Statistical Report;'' RUS Form 7a, ``Investments, Loan
Guarantees, and Loans,'' or similar information; and written narrative
of Project description. Applications will be tentatively scored by the
State Offices and submitted to the National Office for review.
3. Definition of Terms. The definitions applicable to this notice
are published at 7 CFR 4280.3.
4. 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 A, 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 these Programs in FY 2019.
B. Federal Award Information
Type of Awards: Loans and Grants.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2019.
Available Funds: Anyone interested in submitting an application for
funding under these Programs are encouraged to consult the Rural
Development Notices of Solicitation of Applications website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas for
funding information.
Maximum Award: The Agency anticipates the following maximum amounts
per award: Loans--$2,000,000; Grants--$300,000.
Award Dates: Second Quarter, February 28, 2019; Third Quarter, May
31, 2019; and Fourth Quarter, August 31, 2019.
Performance Period: October 1, 2019, through September 30, 2020.
Renewal or Supplemental Awards: None.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Loans and grants may be made to any entity that is identified by
USDA Rural Development as an eligible borrower under the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (Act). In accordance with 7 CFR
4280.13, applicants that are not delinquent on any Federal debt or
otherwise disqualified from participation in these Programs are
eligible to apply. An applicant must be eligible under 7 U.S.C. 940c.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any former Rural Utilities
Service borrower that has repaid or prepaid an insured, direct, or
guaranteed loan under the Act, or any not-for-profit utility that is
eligible to receive an insured or direct loan under such Act shall be
eligible for assistance under section 313(b)(2)(B) of such Act in the
same manner as a borrower under such Act. All other restrictions in
this notice will apply.
The Agency requires the following information to make an
eligibility determination. These applications must include, but are not
limited to, the following:
(a) An original and one copy of SF 424, ``Application for Federal
Assistance (for non-construction);''
(b) Copies of applicant's organizational documents showing the
applicant's legal existence and authority to perform the activities
under the Grant;
(c) A proposed scope of work, including a description of the
proposed Project, details of the proposed activities to be accomplished
and timeframes for completion of each task, the number of months
duration of the Project, and the estimated time it will take from grant
approval to beginning of Project implementation;
(d) A written narrative that includes, at a minimum, the following
items:
(i) An explanation of why the Project is needed, the benefits of
the proposed Project, and how the Project meets the Grant eligible
purposes;
(ii) Area to be served, identifying each governmental unit, i.e.,
tribe, town, county, etc., to be affected by the Project;
(iii) Description of how the Project will coordinate economic
development activities with other economic development activities
within the Project area;
(iv) Businesses to be assisted, if appropriate, and economic
development to be accomplished;
(v) An explanation of how the proposed Project will result in newly
created, increased, or supported jobs in the area and the number of
projected new and supported jobs within the next 3 years;
(vi) A description of the applicant's demonstrated capability and
experience in providing the proposed Project assistance, including
experience of key staff members and persons who will be providing the
proposed Project activities and managing the Project;
[[Page 57403]]
(vii) The method and rationale used to select the areas and
businesses that will receive the service;
(viii) A brief description of how the work will be performed,
including whether organizational staff or consultants or contractors
will be used; and
(ix) Other information the Agency may request to assist it in
making a grant award determination.
(e) The last 3 years of financial information to show the
applicant's financial capacity to carry out the proposed work. If the
applicant is less than 3 years old, at a minimum, the information
should include all balance sheet(s), income statement(s), and cash flow
statement(s). A current audited report is required if available;
(f) Documentation regarding the availability and amount of other
funds to be used in conjunction with the funds from REDLG; and
(g) A budget which includes salaries, fringe benefits, consultant
costs, indirect costs, and other appropriate direct costs for the
Project.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
For loans, either the Ultimate Recipient or the Intermediary must
provide supplemental funds for the Project equal to at least 20 percent
of the loan to the Intermediary. For grants, the Intermediary must
establish a Revolving Loan Fund (or Fund) and contribute an amount
equal to at least 20 percent of the Grant. The supplemental
contribution must come from Intermediary's funds which may not be from
other Federal Grants, unless permitted by law.
3. Other
Applications will only be accepted for projects that promote rural
economic development and job creation.
There are no ``responsiveness'' or ``threshold'' eligibility
criteria for these loans and grants. There is no limit on the number of
applications an applicant may submit under this announcement. In
addition to the forms listed under the program description, Form AD
3030 ``Representations Regulation Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent
Status for Corporate Applicants,'' must be completed in the
affirmative.
None of the funds made available by this or any other Act may be
used to enter into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or
cooperative agreement with, make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan
guarantee to, any corporation that has any unpaid Federal tax liability
that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative
remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid
in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority
responsible for collecting the tax liability, where the awarding agency
is aware of the unpaid tax liability, unless a Federal agency has
considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and has made a
determination that this further action is not necessary to protect the
interests of the Government.
None of the funds made available by this or any other Act may be
used to enter into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or
cooperative agreement with, make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan
guarantee to, any corporation that was convicted of a felony criminal
violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where
the awarding agency is aware of the conviction, unless a Federal agency
has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and has made
a determination that this further action is not necessary to protect
the interests of the Government.
4. Completeness Eligibility
Applications will not be considered for funding if they do not
provide sufficient information to determine eligibility or are missing
required elements.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
For further information, entities wishing to apply for assistance
should contact the USDA Rural Development State Office provided in the
ADDRESSES section of this notice to obtain copies of the application
package.
Prior to official submission of grant applications, applicants may
request technical assistance or other application guidance from the
Agency, as long as such requests are made by June 15, 2019. Technical
assistance is not meant to be an analysis or assessment of the quality
of the materials submitted, a substitute for agency review of completed
applications, nor a determination of eligibility, if such determination
requires in-depth analysis. The Agency will not solicit or consider
scoring or eligibility information that is submitted after the
application deadline. The Agency reserves the right to contact
applicants to seek clarification information on materials contained in
the submitted application.
Applications must be submitted in paper format. Applications
submitted to a Rural Development State Office must be received by the
closing date and local time deadline.
All applicants must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number which can be obtained at no cost via a
toll-free request line at (866) 705-5711 or at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or
Federal awarding agency that is excepted from the requirements under 2
CFR 25.110(b) or (c) or has an exception approved by the Federal
awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be
registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting
its application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its
application; and (iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration
with current information at all times during which it has an active
Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a
Federal awarding agency. The Federal awarding agency may not make a
Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all
applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an
applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the
Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal
awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to
receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for
making a Federal award to another applicant.
Please note that applicants must locate the downloadable
application package for this program by the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance Number or FedGrants Funding Opportunity Number, which can be
found at https://www.grants.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
An application must contain all of the required elements. Each
selection priority criterion outlined in 7 CFR 4280.42(b) must be
addressed in the application. Failure to address any of the criterion
will result in a zero-point score for that criterion and will impact
the overall evaluation of the application. Copies of 7 CFR part 4280,
subpart A, will be provided to any interested applicant making a
request to a Rural Development State Office. An original copy of the
application must be filed with the Rural Development State Office for
the State where the Intermediary is located.
The applicant documentation and forms needed for a complete
application are located in the Program Description
[[Page 57404]]
section of this notice, and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A. There are no
specific formats required per this notice, and applicants may request
forms and addresses from the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
(a) There are no specific limitations on the number of pages or
other formatting requirements other than those described in the Program
Description section.
(b) There are no specific limitations on the number of pages, font
size and type face, margins, paper size, number of copies, and the
sequence or assembly requirements.
(c) The component pieces of this application should contain
original signatures on the original application.
3. Submission Dates and Times
(a) Application Deadline Dates: No later than 4:30 p.m. (local
time) on:
Second Quarter, December 31, 2018; Third Quarter, March 31, 2019;
and Fourth Quarter, June 30, 2019.
Explanation of Dates: Applications must be in the USDA Rural
Development State Office by the dates and times as indicated above. If
the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the
application is due the next business day.
(b) The deadline date means that the completed application package
must be received in the USDA Rural Development State Office by the
deadline date and time established above. All application documents
identified in this notice are required.
(c) If completed applications are not received by the deadline
established above, the application will neither be reviewed nor
considered under any circumstances.
(d) The Agency will determine the application receipt date based on
the actual date postmarked.
(e) If the grantee has a previously approved indirect cost rate, it
is permissible, otherwise, the applicant may elect to charge the 10
percent indirect cost permitted under 2 CFR 200.414(f). Due to the time
required to evaluate Indirect Cost Rates, it is likely that all funds
will be awarded by the time the Indirect Cost Rate is determined. No
foreign travel is permitted. Pre-Federal award costs will only be
permitted with prior written approval by the Agency.
(f) Applicants must submit applications in hard copy format as
previously indicated in the Application and Submission Information
section of this notice. If the applicant wishes to hand deliver its
application, the addresses for these deliveries can be located in the
ADDRESSES section of this notice.
(g) 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).
E. Application Review Information
1. 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 A. 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.
2. 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 A. If determined eligible, your application will be
submitted to the National Office. Funding of projects is subject to the
Intermediary's satisfactory submission of the additional items required
by that subpart and the USDA Rural Development Letter of Conditions.
The Agency reserves the right to award additional discretionary points
under 7 CFR 4280.43.
In order to distribute funds among the greatest number of projects
possible, applications will be reviewed, prioritized, and funded by
ranking each State's highest scoring Project in highest to lowest score
order. The highest scoring Project from each State will be considered
that State's Priority One Project. Priority One projects will be ranked
according to score from highest to lowest. The second highest scoring
Project from each State will be considered the State's Priority Two
Project. Priority Two projects will be ranked according to score from
highest to lowest and so forth until all projects have been scored and
ranked in priority order. All Priority One projects will be funded
before any Priority Two projects and so forth until funds are depleted,
so as to ensure broad geographic distribution of funding.
F. Federal Award Administration Information
1. Federal Award Notices. Successful applicants will receive
notification for funding from the Rural Development State Office.
Applicants must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations
before the loan/grant award can be approved. Provided the application
and eligibility requirements have not changed, an application not
selected will be reconsidered in three subsequent quarterly 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.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Additional
requirements that apply to intermediaries or grantees selected for
these Programs can be found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A. Awards are
subject to USDA grant regulations at 2 CFR Chapter IV which
incorporated the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations 2
CFR 200.
All successful applicants will be notified by letter which will
include a Letter of Conditions, and a Letter of Intent to Meet
Conditions. This letter is not an authorization to begin performance.
If the applicant wishes to consider beginning performance prior to the
loan or grant being officially closed, all pre-award costs must be
approved in writing and in advance by the Agency. The loan or grant
will be considered officially awarded when all conditions in the Letter
of Conditions have been met and the Agency obligates the funding for
the Project.
Additional requirements that apply to intermediaries or grantees
selected for these Programs can be found in 7 CFR 4280, subpart A; the
Grants and Agreements regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
codified in 2 CFR 400.1 to 400.2 and 2 CFR part 415 to 422, and
successor regulations to these parts.
In addition, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are
required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and
executive compensation (see 2 CFR part 170). You will be required to
have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L.
109-282) reporting requirements (see 2 CFR 170.200(b), unless you are
exempt under 2 CFR 170.110(b)).
The following additional requirements apply to intermediaries or
grantees selected for these Programs:
(a) Form RD 4280-2 ``Rural Business-Cooperative Service Financial
Assistance Agreement.''
(b) Letter of Conditions.
(c) Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
(d) Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.''
(e) Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
and Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered Transactions.''
[[Page 57405]]
(f) Form AD-1048 ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered
Transactions.''
(g) Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace
Requirement (Grants).''
(h) Form AD-3031, ``Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax
Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants.'' Must be signed by
corporate applicants who receive an award under this notice.
(i) Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.'' Each prospective
recipient must sign Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement,'' which
assures USDA that the recipient is in compliance with Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, 7 CFR part 15, and other Agency regulations.
That no person will be discriminated against based on race, color, or
national origin, in regard to any program or activity for which the
recipient receives Federal financial assistance. That nondiscrimination
statements are in advertisements and brochures.
Collect and maintain data provided by Ultimate Recipients on race,
sex, and national origin and ensure Ultimate Recipients collect and
maintain this data. Race and ethnicity data will be collected in
accordance with OMB Federal Register notice, ``Revisions to the
Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and
Ethnicity'' (62 FR 58782), October 30, 1997. Sex data will be collected
in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. These
items should not be submitted with the application but should be
available upon request by the Agency.
The applicant and the Ultimate Recipient must comply with Title VI
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments
of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Executive
Order 12250, Executive Order 13166 Limited English Proficiency (LEP),
and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E.
(j) SF LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' if applicable.
(k) Use Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement.''
3. Reporting
(a) A Financial Status Report and a Project performance activity
report will be required of all grantees on a quarterly basis until
initial funds are expended and yearly thereafter, if applicable, based
on the Federal fiscal year. The grantee will complete the Project
within the total time available to it in accordance with the Scope of
Work and any necessary modifications thereof prepared by the grantee
and approved by the Agency. A final Project performance report will be
required with the final Financial Status Report. The final report may
serve as the last quarterly report. The final report must provide
complete information regarding the jobs created and supported as a
result of the Grant if applicable. Grantees must continuously monitor
performance to ensure that time schedules are being met, projected work
by time periods is being accomplished, and other performance objectives
are being achieved. Grantees must submit an original of each report to
the Agency no later than 30 days after the end of the quarter. The
Project performance reports must include, but not be limited to, the
following:
(1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives
established for that period;
(2) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions, if any, which have
affected or will affect attainment of overall Project objectives,
prevent meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude the
attainment of particular Project work elements doing established time
periods. This disclosure shall be accompanied by a statement of the
action taken or planned to resolve the situation; and
(3) Objectives and timetable established for the next reporting
period.
(4) Any special reporting requirements, such as jobs supported and
created, businesses assisted, or economic development which results in
improvements in median household incomes, and any other specific
requirements, should be placed in the reporting section of the Letter
of Conditions.
(5) Within 90 days after the conclusion of the Project, the
Intermediary will provide a final Project evaluation report. The last
quarterly payment will be withheld until the final report is received
and approved by the Agency. Even though the Intermediary may request
reimbursement on a monthly basis, the last 3 months of reimbursements
will be withheld until a final report, Project performance, and
financial status report are received and approved by the Agency.
(b) In addition to any reports required by 2 CFR part 200 and 2 CFR
400.1 to 400.2 and 2 CFR part 415 to 422, the Intermediary or grantee
must provide reports as required by 7 CFR part 4280, subpart A.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
For general questions about this announcement, please contact your
USDA Rural Development State Office provided in the ADDRESSES section
of this notice.
H. Civil Rights Requirements
All grants made under this notice are subject to Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 as required by the USDA (7 CFR part 15,
subpart A) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title
VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title IX, Executive Order 13166
(Limited English Proficiency), Executive Order 11246, and the Equal
Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.
I. Other Information
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
information collection requirement contained in this notice is approved
by OMB under OMB Control Number 0570-0070.
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, must have a 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 must be registered in SAM prior to submitting
an application. Applicants may register for the SAM at https://www.sam.gov. All recipients of Federal financial grant assistance are
required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and
executive total compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its
agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or
administering USDA Programs are prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print,
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible
Agency or USDA's TARGET
[[Page 57406]]
Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the
Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program
information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or
write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the
information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint
form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA
by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: [email protected].
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Dated: November 7, 2018.
Bette B. Brand,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-24938 Filed 11-14-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P
