Inviting Applications for Value-Added Producer Grants and Solicitation of Grant Reviewers, 67703-67711 [2019-26626]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Rural Business-Cooperative Service

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 238 (Wednesday, December 11, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67703-67711]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-26626]


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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 238 / Wednesday, December 11, 2019 / 
Notices

[[Page 67703]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

[Docket No. RBS-19-CO-OP-0018]


Inviting Applications for Value-Added Producer Grants and 
Solicitation of Grant Reviewers

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This Notice announces that the Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service (Agency) is accepting applications for the Value-Added Producer 
Grant (VAPG) program. Approximately $37 million is currently available. 
The Agency may also utilize any funding that become available after 
publishing this notice. The Agency will publish the program funding 
level on the Rural Development website (https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants). Section VII also 
announces solicitation of non-Federal independent grant reviewers to 
evaluate and score applications submitted under this Notice.

DATES: You must submit your application by March 10, 2020 or it will 
not be considered for funding. Paper applications must be postmarked 
and mailed, shipped or sent overnight by this date. You may also hand 
carry your application to one of our field offices, but it must be 
received by close of business on the deadline date. Electronic 
applications are permitted via https://www.grants.gov only and must be 
received before Midnight Eastern time on March 5, 2020. Late 
applications are not eligible for grant funding under this Notice.

ADDRESSES: You should contact your USDA Rural Development State Office 
if you have questions about eligibility or submission requirements. You 
are encouraged to contact your State Office well in advance of the 
application deadline to discuss your project and to ask any questions 
about the application process. Application materials are available at 
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants.
    If you want to submit an electronic application, follow the 
instructions for the VAPG funding announcement on https://www.grants.gov. Please review the Grants.gov website at https://grants.gov/applicants/organization-registration.html for instructions 
on the process of registering your organization as soon as possible to 
ensure you are able to meet the electronic application deadline. If you 
want to submit a paper application, send it to the State Office located 
in the State where your project will primarily take place. You can find 
State Office Contact information at https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Grants Division, Cooperative Programs, 
Rural Business-Cooperative Service, United States Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, MS 3253, Room 4008-South, 
Washington, DC 20250-3253, or call 202-690-1374.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Preface

    The Agency encourages applications that will support 
recommendations made in the Rural Prosperity Task Force report to help 
improve life in rural America. 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

    Please note the following:
    Hemp projects: VAPG applications proposing projects related to Hemp 
as defined in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Public Law 115-
334, will be considered for funding if the projects meets all program 
eligibility requirements, including currently producing Hemp with a 
valid producer license and verifiable compliance with regulations 
published by the Agricultural Marketing Service at 7 CFR part 990 and 
the Rural Business-Cooperative Service at 7 CFR 4284, subpart J.
    Local Agriculture Marketing Program (LAMP) Food Safety 
Implementation: Until Farm Bill implementation is finalized via the 
Agency rulemaking process, there will not be food safety reserve 
funding. Food safety training, certifications, and supplies that are 
eligible under the current program regulation may continue to be 
included in the work plan/budget.

Overview

    Federal Agency Name: USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Value-Added Producer Grant.
    Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation of Applications and 
Solicitation of Grant Reviewers.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.352.
    Dates: Application Deadline. You must submit your complete paper 
application by March 10, 2020, or it will not be considered for 
funding. Electronic applications must be received by https://www.grants.gov no later than Midnight Eastern time on March 5, 2020, or 
it will not be considered for funding.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, the paperwork 
burden associated with this Notice has been approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0570-0039.

A. Program Description

    The VAPG program is authorized under section 231 of the Agriculture 
Risk Protection Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-224), as amended by section 
10102 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334) (see 
7 U.S.C. 1621 et. seq.). Applicants must adhere to the requirements 
contained in the program regulation, 7 CFR 4284, subpart J, which is 
incorporated by reference in this Notice.
    The objective of this grant program is to assist viable Independent 
Producers, Agricultural Producer Groups, Farmer and Rancher 
Cooperatives, and Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Businesses in 
starting or expanding

[[Page 67704]]

value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of 
Value-Added Agricultural Products. Grants will be awarded competitively 
for either planning or working capital projects directly related to the 
processing and/or marketing of value-added products. Generating new 
products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and 
increasing producer income are the end goals of the program. All 
proposals must demonstrate economic viability and sustainability to 
compete for funding.
    Funding priority will be made available to Beginning Farmers and 
Ranchers, Veteran Farmers and Ranchers, Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers 
and Ranchers, Operators of Small and Medium-Sized Farms and Ranches 
structured as Family Farms or Ranches, Farmer or Rancher Cooperatives, 
and projects proposing to develop a Mid-Tier Value Chain. See 7 CFR 
4284.923 for Reserved Funds eligibility and 7 CFR 4284.924 for Priority 
Scoring eligibility.
Definitions
    The following term is incorporated from Section 10102 of the 
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. Majority Controlled Producer-Based 
Business venture means a venture greater than 50 percent of the 
ownership and control of which is held by--
    ``(i) 1 or more producers; or
    ``(ii) 1 or more entities, 100 percent of the ownership and control 
of which is held by 1 or more producers. The term `entity' means--
    ``(i) a partnership;
    ``(ii) a limited liability corporation;
    ``(iii) a limited liability partnership; and
    ``(iv) a corporation.
    Also, Market Expansion Project means a project in which the 
Independent Producer applicant seeks to expand the market for an 
existing value-added product (produced and marketed by the applicant 
for at least 2 years at time of application) through sales to 
demonstrably new markets or to new customers in existing markets.
    Additional terms you need to understand are defined in 7 CFR 
4284.902.

B. Federal Award Information

    Type of Instrument: Grant.
    Approximate Number of Awards: To be determined.
    Available Total Funding: $37 million.
    Maximum Award Amount: Planning--$75,000; Working Capital--$250,000.
    Project Period: Up to 36 months depending on the complexity of the 
project.
    Anticipated Award Date: July 31, 2020.
    Reservation of Funds: Ten percent of available funds for 
applications will be reserved for applicants qualifying as Beginning, 
Veteran, and Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers or Ranchers. An additional 
ten percent of available funds for applications from farmers or 
ranchers proposing development of Mid-Tier Value Chains. Funds are not 
obligated from these reserves prior to September 30, 2019, will be used 
for the VAPG general competition. If this is the case, Beginning, 
Veteran, and Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers or Ranchers and applicants 
proposing Mid-Tier Value Chains will compete with other eligible VAPG 
applications. In addition, in accordance with Division B, Title VII, 
Section 752 of Public Law 116-6, 10 percent of FY 2019 funds will be 
allocated for assistance in persistent poverty counties. Any funds that 
become available after publication of this notice, that will be 
allocated for assistance in persistent poverty counties, will be 
identified by the Agency at a later date, after the applicable 
appropriations language has been enacted.

C. Eligibility Information

    Applicants must comply with the program regulation 7 CFR part 4284 
subpart J to meet all the following eligibility requirements. Required 
documentation is included in the application package. Applications 
which fail to meet any of these requirements by the application 
deadline will be deemed ineligible and will not be evaluated further.
1. Eligible Applicants
    You must demonstrate within the application narrative that you meet 
all the applicant eligibility requirements of 7 CFR 4284.920 and 
4284.921. This includes meeting the definition requirements at 7 CFR 
4284.902 by demonstrating how you meet the definition for Agricultural 
Producer (i.e., how you participate in the ``day to day labor, 
management, and field operations'' of your agricultural enterprise; how 
you qualify for one of the following applicant types: Independent 
Producer, Agricultural Producer Group, Farmer or Rancher Cooperative or 
Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business; and whether you meet the 
Emerging Market, Citizenship, Legal Authority and Responsibility, 
Multiple Grants and Active Grants requirements of the section. Required 
documentation to support eligibility is contained at 7 CFR 4284.931 and 
in the application package.
    Federally-recognized Tribes and tribal entities must demonstrate 
that they meet the definition requirements for one of the four eligible 
applicant types. Rural Development State Offices and posted application 
toolkits will provide additional information on Tribal eligibility.
    Per 4284.921, an applicant is ineligible if they have been debarred 
or suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation 
in Federal assistance programs under Executive Order 12549, ``Debarment 
and Suspension.'' The Agency will check the System for Award Management 
(SAM) to determine if the applicant has been debarred or suspended. In 
addition, an applicant will be considered ineligible for a grant due to 
an outstanding judgment obtained by the U.S. in a Federal Court (other 
than U.S. Tax Court), is delinquent on the payment of Federal income 
taxes, or is delinquent on Federal debt. The applicant must certify as 
part of the application that they do not have an outstanding judgment 
against them. The Agency will check the Credit Alert Interactive Voice 
Response System (CAIVRS) to verify this.
    Per the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141) or 
successor appropriations act, any corporation (i) that has been 
convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within 
the past 24 months or (ii) that has any unpaid Federal tax liability 
that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative 
remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid 
in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority 
responsible for collecting the tax liability, is not eligible for 
financial assistance provided with funds appropriated by, 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.
    Per 4284.905(a), Applicants must comply with other applicable 
Federal laws. Applicants who are proposing working capital grants to 
produce and market value-added products in the industries of wine, 
beer, distilled spirits or other alcoholic merchandise must comply with 
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulations, including 
but not limited to permitting, filing of taxes and operational reports. 
Please visit TTB's website at https://www.ttb.gov/index.shtml for more 
information. If you are not in compliance with TTB's requirements,

[[Page 67705]]

the Agency may determine that you are not qualified to receive a 
Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making an award 
to another applicant. If, at any time after you have already received a 
VAPG award, you are found to be in noncompliance with TTB's operational 
reporting or tax requirements, the Agency may determine that you are 
not in compliance with your grant terms and conditions.
    An Applicant may submit only one application in response to a 
solicitation and must explicitly direct that it competes in either the 
general funds competition or in one of the named reserved funds 
competitions. Multiple applications from separate entities with 
identical or greater than 75 percent common ownership, or from a 
parent, subsidiary or affiliated organization (with ``affiliation'' 
defined by Small Business Administration regulation 13 CFR 121.103, or 
successor regulation) are not permitted. Further, Applicants who have 
already received a Planning Grant for the proposed project cannot 
receive another Planning Grant for the same project. Applicants who 
have already received a Working Capital Grant for the proposed project 
cannot receive any additional grants for that project (Proposals from 
previous award recipients should be substantially different in terms of 
products and/or markets and should not merely be extensions of 
previously funded projects).
2. Cost-Sharing or Matching
    There is a matching fund (cost-sharing) requirement of at least $1 
for every $1 in grant funds provided by the Agency (matching funds plus 
grant funds must equal proposed Total Project Cost). Matching funds may 
be in the form of cash or eligible in-kind contributions. Matching 
contributions and grant funds may be used only for eligible project 
purposes, including any contributions exceeding the minimum amount 
required. Applicant matching contributions in the form of raw 
commodity, time contributed to the project, or goods or services for 
which no out-of-pocket expenditure is made during the grant period, 
must be characterized as in-kind contributions. Donations of goods and 
service from third-parties must be characterized as in-kind 
contributions. Tribal applicants may utilize grants made available 
under Public Law 93-638, the Indian Self-Determination and Education 
Assistance Act of 1975, as their matching contribution, and should 
check with appropriate tribal authorities regarding the availability of 
such funding.
    Matching funds must be available at time of application and must be 
certified and verified as described in 7 CFR 4284.931(b)(3) and (4). Do 
not include projected income as a matching contribution because it 
cannot be verified as available. Note that matching funds must also be 
discussed as part of the scoring criterion Commitments and Support as 
described in section. E.1.(c).
3. Project Eligibility
    You must demonstrate within the application narrative that you meet 
all the project eligibility requirements of 7 CFR 4284.922.
    (a) Product eligibility. Applicants for both planning and working 
capital grants must meet all requirements at 7 CFR 4284.922(a), 
including that your value-added product must result from one of the 
five methodologies identified in the definition of Value-Added 
Agricultural Product at 7 CFR 4284.902. In addition, you must 
demonstrate that, as a result of the project, the customer base for the 
agricultural commodity or value-added product will be expanded, by 
including a baseline of current customers for the commodity, and an 
estimated target number of customers that will result from the project; 
and that, a greater portion of the revenue derived from the marketing 
or processing of the value-added product is available to the applicant 
producer(s) of the agricultural commodity, by including a baseline of 
current revenues from the sale of the agricultural commodity and an 
estimate of increased revenues that will result from the project. Note 
that working capital grants for market expansion projects per 7 CFR 
4284.922(b) must demonstrate expanded customer base and increased 
revenue resulting only from sales of existing products to new 
customers. VAPG recognizes that market expansion projects may involve 
in marketing and promotion activities such as trade shows, farmers 
markets, and various media advertising which also result in increased 
sales to existing customers. However, market expansion award recipients 
must use grant and matching funds only on activities that demonstrably 
focus on marketing products they have produced and sold for at least 
two years, to new markets and/or to new customers in existing markets, 
such that the producer's customer base (number of customers) is 
expanded, per program requirements. Grant and matching funds cannot be 
deliberately expended on sales of existing products to existing 
customers.
    In addition, per the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, working 
capital applications must include a statement describing the direct or 
indirect producer benefits intended to result from the proposed project 
within a reasonable period of time after the receipt of a grant.
    (b) Purpose eligibility. Applicants for both planning and working 
capital grants must meet all requirements at 7 CFR 4284.922(b) 
regarding maximum grant amounts, verification of matching funds, 
eligible and ineligible uses of grant and matching funds, and a 
substantive, detailed work plan and budget.
    (1) Planning Grants. A planning grant is used to fund development 
of a defined program of economic planning activities to determine the 
viability of a potential value-added venture, specifically for paying a 
qualified consultant to conduct and develop a feasibility study, 
business plan, and/or marketing plan associated with the processing 
and/or marketing of a value-added agricultural product. Planning grant 
funds may not be used to fund working capital activities.
    (2) Working Capital Grants. This type of grant provides funds to 
operate a value-added project, specifically to pay the eligible project 
expenses directly related to the processing and/or marketing of the 
value-added product that are eligible uses of grant funds. Working 
capital funds may not be used for planning purposes.
    (c) Reserved Funds Eligibility. To qualify for Reserved Funds as a 
Beginning, Veteran, or Socially-Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher or if 
you propose to develop a Mid-Tier Value Chain, you must meet the 
requirements found at 7 CFR 4284.923. If your application is eligible, 
but is not awarded under the Reserved Funds, it will automatically be 
considered for general funds in that same fiscal year, as funding 
levels permit.
    (d) Priority Points. To qualify for Priority Points for projects 
that contribute to increasing opportunities for Beginning Farmers or 
Ranchers, Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers or Ranchers, or if you are an 
Operator of a Small or Medium-sized Farm or Ranch structured as a 
Family Farm, a Veteran Farmer or Rancher, propose a Mid-Tier Value 
Chain project, or are a Farmer or Rancher Cooperative, you must meet 
the applicable eligibility requirements at 7 CFR 4284.923 and 4284.924 
and must address the relevant proposal evaluation criterion.
    Priority points will also be awarded during the scoring process to 
eligible Agricultural Producer Groups, Farmer

[[Page 67706]]

or Rancher Cooperatives, and Majority-Controlled Producer-Based 
Business Ventures that best contribute to creating or increasing 
marketing opportunities for Beginning Farmers or Ranchers, Socially-
Disadvantaged Farmers or Ranchers, and/or Veteran Farmers or Ranchers. 
You must meet the eligibility requirements at 7 CFR 4284.923 and 
4284.924 and must address the relevant proposal evaluation criterion.
4. Eligible Uses of Grant and Matching Funds
    Eligible uses of grant and matching funds are discussed, along with 
examples, in 7 CFR 4284.925. In general, grant and cost-share matching 
funds have the same use restrictions and must be used to fund only the 
costs for eligible purposes as defined at 7 CFR 4284.925(a) and (b).
5. Ineligible Uses of Grant and Matching Funds
    Federal procurement standards prohibit transactions that involve a 
real or apparent Conflict of Interest for owners, employees, officers, 
agents, or their Immediate Family members having a personal, 
professional, financial or other interest in the outcome of the 
project; including organizational conflicts, and conflicts that 
restrict open and free competition for unrestrained trade. A list (not 
all-inclusive) of ineligible uses of grant and matching funds is found 
in 7 CFR 4284.926.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Applications
    The application toolkit, regulation, and official program 
notification for this funding opportunity can be obtained online at 
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants. 
You may also contact your USDA Rural Development State Office by 
visiting https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices. The toolkit 
contains an application checklist, templates, required grant forms, and 
instructions. Although the Agency highly recommends their use, use of 
the templates in the toolkit is not mandatory.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
    You may submit your application in paper form or electronically 
through Grants.gov. Your application must contain all required 
information.
    To apply electronically, you must follow the instructions for this 
funding announcement at https://www.grants.gov. Please note that we 
cannot accept emailed or faxed applications.
    You can locate the Grants.gov downloadable application package for 
this program by using a keyword, the program name, or the Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this program.
    When you enter the Grants.gov website, you will find information 
about applying electronically through the site, as well as the hours of 
operation.
    To use Grants.gov, you must already have a DUNS number and you must 
also be registered and maintain registration in SAM. We strongly 
recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to 
begin the application process through Grants.gov.
    You must submit all your application documents electronically 
through Grants.gov.
    After electronically applying through Grants.gov, you will receive 
an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov 
tracking number.
    If you want to submit a paper application, send it to the State 
Office located in the State where your project will primarily take 
place. You can find State Office Contact information at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices. An optional-use Agency 
application template is available online at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants.
    Your application must contain all the required forms and proposal 
elements described in 7 CFR 4284.931, unless otherwise clarified in 
this Notice. You are encouraged, but not required to utilize the 
Application Toolkits found at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants, however, you must provide all of the 
information requested by the template. You must become familiar with 
the program regulation at 7 CFR part 4284, subpart J in order to submit 
a successful application. Basic application contents are outlined 
below:
     Standard Form (SF)-424, ``Application for Federal 
Assistance,'' to include your DUNS number and SAM (CAGE) code and 
expiration date (or evidence that you have begun the SAM registration 
process). Because there are no specific fields for a CAGE code and 
expiration date, you may identify them anywhere you want to on the 
form. If you do not include your DUNS number in your application, it 
will not be considered for funding.
     SF-424A, ``Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs.'' 
This form must be completed and submitted as part of the application 
package.
     SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.'' This 
form must be completed, signed, and submitted as part of the 
application package.
     Form AD-3030, ``Representations Regarding Felony 
Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants,'' if you 
are a corporation. A corporation is any entity that has filed articles 
of incorporation in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the 
Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic 
of the Marshall Islands, or the various territories of the United 
States including American Samoa, Guam, Midway Islands, the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin 
Islands. Corporations include both for profit and non-profit entities.
     You must certify that there are no current outstanding 
Federal judgments against your property and that you will not use grant 
funds to pay for any judgment obtained by the United States. You must 
also certify that you are not delinquent on the payment of Federal 
income taxes, or any Federal debt. To satisfy the Certification 
requirement, you should include this statement in your application: 
``[INSERT NAME OF APPLICANT] certifies that the United States has not 
obtained an unsatisfied judgment against its property, is not 
delinquent on the payment of Federal income taxes, or any Federal debt, 
and will not use grant funds to pay any judgments obtained by the 
United States.'' A separate signature is not required.
    You must provide a valid permit or evidence of having begun the 
permitting process if you are proposing a working capital grant to 
produce and market value-added products in the industries of wine, 
beer, distilled spirits or other alcoholic merchandise.
    You must provide a valid producer license issued by a State, Tribe, 
or USDA, as applicable in accordance with 7 CFR part 990 if you are 
proposing to market value-added hemp products.
     Executive Summary and Abstract. A one-page Executive 
Summary containing the following information: legal name of applicant 
entity, application type (planning or working capital), applicant type, 
amount of grant request, a summary of your project, and whether you are 
submitting a simplified application, and whether you are requesting 
Reserved Funds. Also include a separate abstract of up to 100 words 
briefly describing your project.
     Eligibility discussion.
     Work plan and budget.
     Performance evaluation criteria.
     Proposal evaluation criteria.

[[Page 67707]]

     Certification and verification of matching funds.
     Reserved Funds and Priority Point documentation (as 
applicable).
     Feasibility studies, business plans, and/or marketing 
plans, as applicable.
    Appendices containing required supporting documentation.
3. Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) and System 
for Awards Management (SAM)
    To be eligible (unless you are excepted under 2 CFR 25.110(b), (c) 
or (d), you are required to:
    (a) Provide a valid DUNS number in your application, which can be 
obtained at no cost via a toll-free request line at (866) 705-5711;
    (b) Register in SAM before submitting your application. You may 
register in SAM at no cost at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. 
You must provide your SAM Cage Code and expiration date or evidence 
that you have begun the SAM registration process at time of 
application; and
    (c) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current 
information at all times during which you have an active Federal award 
or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding 
agency.
    If you have not fully complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM 
requirements, the Agency may determine that the applicant is not 
qualified to receive a Federal award and the Agency may use that 
determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. 
Please refer to Section F. 2 for additional submission requirements 
that apply to grantees selected for this program.
4. Submission Dates and Times
    Application Deadline Date: March 10, 2020.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Paper applications must be postmarked and 
mailed, shipped, or sent overnight by March 10, 2020. The Agency will 
determine whether your application is late based on the date shown on 
the postmark or shipping invoice. You may also hand carry your 
application to one of our field offices, but it must be received by 
close of business on the deadline date. If the due date falls on a 
Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the application is due the next 
business day. Late applications will automatically be considered 
ineligible and will not be evaluated further.
    Electronic applications must be received at https://www.grants.gov 
no later than Midnight Eastern time, March 5, 2020 to be eligible for 
funding. Please review the Grants.gov website at https://grants.gov/applicants/organization_registration.jsp for instructions on the 
process of registering your organization as soon as possible to ensure 
you are able to meet the electronic application deadline. Grants.gov 
will not accept applications submitted after the deadline.
5. Intergovernmental Review
    Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs, applies to this program. This E.O. requires that Federal 
agencies provide opportunities for consultation on proposed assistance 
with State and local governments. Many States have established a Single 
Point of Contact (SPOC) to facilitate this consultation. A list of 
States that maintain a SPOC may be obtained at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc. If your State has a SPOC, you must 
submit your application directly for review. Any comments obtained 
through the SPOC must be provided to RD for consideration as part of 
your application. If your State has not established a SPOC or you do 
not want to submit your application to the SPOC, RD will submit your 
application to the SPOC or other appropriate agency or agencies. 
Applications from federally recognized Indian tribes are not subject to 
Intergovernmental Review.
6. Funding Restrictions
    Funding limitations and reservations found in the program 
regulation at 7 CFR 4284.927 will apply, including:
    (a) Use of Funds. Grant funds may be used to pay up to 50 percent 
of the total eligible project costs, subject to the limitations 
established for maximum total grant amount. Grant funds may not be used 
to pay any costs of the project incurred prior to the date of grant 
approval. Grant and matching funds may only be used for eligible 
purposes. (See examples of eligible and ineligible uses in 7 CFR 
4284.925 and 4284.926, respectively).
    (b) Grant Period (project period). Your project timeframe or grant 
period can be a maximum of 36 months in length from the date of award, 
depending on the complexity of your project. Your proposed grant period 
should begin no earlier than the anticipated award announcement date in 
this Notice and should end no later than 36 months following that date. 
If you receive an award, your grant period will be revised to begin on 
the actual date of award--the date the grant agreement is executed by 
the Agency--and your grant period end date will be adjusted 
accordingly. Your project activities should begin within 90 days of 
that date of award. The length of your grant period should be based on 
your project's complexity, as indicated in your application work plan. 
For example, it is expected that most planning grants can be completed 
within 12 months.
    (c) Program Income. If income (Program Income) is earned during the 
grant period as a result of the project activities, it is subject to 
the requirements in 2 CFR 200.80, and must be managed and reported 
accordingly.
    (d) Majority Controlled Producer-Based Business. The total amount 
of funds awarded to Majority Controlled Producer-Based Businesses in 
response to this announcement shall not exceed 10 percent of the total 
funds obligated for the program during the fiscal year.
    (e) Reserved Funds. Ten percent of all funds available will be 
reserved to fund projects that benefit Beginning Farmers or Ranchers, 
Veteran Farmers or Ranchers or Socially- Disadvantaged Farmers or 
Ranchers. In addition, 10 percent of total funding available will be 
used to fund projects that propose development of Mid-Tier Value Chains 
as part of a Local or Regional Supply Chain Network. See related 
definitions in 7 CFR 4284.902. In addition, in accordance with Title 
VII, Section 750 of Public Law 115-30, 10 percent of FY 2019 funds will 
be allocated for assistance in persistent poverty counties. Any funds 
that become available after publishing this notice that will be 
allocated for assistance in persistent poverty counties will be 
identified by the Agency at a later date, after the applicable 
appropriations language has been enacted.
    (f) Disposition of Reserved Funds Not Obligated. For this 
announcement, any reserved funds that have not been obligated by 
September 30, 2019, will be available to the Secretary to make VAPG 
grants in accordance with Section 210A(i)(3)(ii) of the Agriculture 
Improvement Act of 2018.
7. Other Submission Requirements
    (a) National Environmental Policy Act.
    This Notice has been reviewed in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970, 
``Environmental Policies and Procedures,'' and it has been determined 
that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required because the 
issuance of regulations and instructions, as well as amendments to 
them, describing administrative and financial procedures for 
processing, approving, and implementing the Agency's financial programs 
is categorically excluded in the Agency's National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA) regulation found at 7 CFR

[[Page 67708]]

1970.53(f). We have determined that this Notice does not constitute a 
major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human 
environment.
    The Agency will review each grant application to determine its 
compliance with 7 CFR part 1970 and whether proposed financial 
assistance by the Agency would have a disproportionately high and 
adverse human health or environmental effect on minority or low-income 
populations. The applicant may be asked to provide additional 
information or documentation to assist the Agency with this 
determination.
    (b) Civil Rights Compliance 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.

E. Application Review Information

    Applications will be reviewed and processed as described at 7 CFR 
4284.940. The Agency will review your application to determine if it is 
complete and eligible. If at any time, the Agency determines that your 
application is ineligible, you will be notified in writing as to the 
reasons it was determined ineligible and you will be informed of your 
review and appeal rights. Funding of successfully appealed applications 
will be limited to available funds.
    The Agency will only score applications in which the applicant and 
project are eligible, which are complete and sufficiently responsive to 
program requirements, and in which the Agency agrees on the likelihood 
of financial feasibility for working capital requests. We will score 
your application according to the procedures and criteria specified in 
7 CFR 4284.942, and with tiered scoring thresholds as specified below.
1. Scoring Criteria
    For each criterion, you must show how the project has merit and why 
it is likely to be successful. Your complete response to each criterion 
must be included in the body of the application, including 
summarizations of any feasibility studies, business and marketing 
plans. If you do not address all parts of the criterion, or do not 
sufficiently communicate relevant project information, you will receive 
lower scores. VAPG is a competitive program, so you will receive scores 
based on the quality of your responses. Simply addressing the criteria 
will not guarantee higher scores. The maximum number of points that can 
be awarded to your application is 100. For this announcement, the 
minimum score requirement for funding is 50 points.
    The Agency application toolkit provides additional instruction to 
help you to respond to the criteria below.
    (a) Nature of the Proposed Venture (graduated score 0-30 points).
    For both planning and working capital grants, you must discuss the 
technological feasibility of the project, as well as operational 
efficiency, profitability, and overall economic sustainability 
resulting from the project. You must also demonstrate the potential for 
expanding the customer base for the agricultural commodity or value-
added product, and the expected increase in revenue returns to the 
producer-owners providing the majority of the raw agricultural 
commodity to the project. Working capital applicants must also provide 
the potential number of jobs that will result from the project, along 
with a justifiable basis for these projections. Please see the 
application template for more information. All applicants must 
reference and summarize third-party data and other information that 
specifically supports your value-added project; discuss the value-added 
process you are proposing; potential markets and distribution channels; 
the value to be added to the raw commodity through the value-added 
process; cost and availability of inputs, your experience in marketing 
the proposed or similar product; business financial statements; and any 
other relevant information that supports the viability of your project. 
Working capital applicants should demonstrate that these outcomes will 
result from the project and include supportable projections of increase 
in customer base, revenue returned to producers and jobs resulting from 
the project in order to receive up to the maximum number of points. 
Planning grant applicants should describe the expected results, and the 
reasons supporting those expectations.
    Points will be awarded as follows:
    (1) 0 points will be awarded if you do not address the criterion.
    (2) 1-5 points will be awarded if you do not address each of the 
following: technological feasibility, operational efficiency, 
profitability, and overall economic sustainability.
    (3) 6-13 points will be awarded if you address technological 
feasibility, operational efficiency, profitability, and overall 
economic sustainability, but do not reference third-party information 
that supports the success of your project.
    (4) 14-22 points will be awarded if you address technological 
feasibility, operational efficiency, profitability, and overall 
economic, supported by third-party information demonstrating a 
reasonable likelihood of success.
    (5) 23-30 points will be awarded if all criterion components are 
well addressed, supported by third-party information, and demonstrate a 
high likelihood of success.
    (b) Qualifications of Project Personnel (graduated score 0-20 
points).
    You must identify all individuals who will be responsible for 
managing and completing the proposed tasks in the work plan, including 
the roles and activities that owners, staff, contractors, consultants 
or new hires may perform; and show that these individuals have the 
necessary qualifications and expertise, including those hired to do 
market or feasibility analyses, or to develop a business operations 
plan for the value-added venture. You must include the qualifications 
of those individuals responsible for leading or managing the total 
project (applicant owners or project managers), as well as those 
individuals responsible for conducting the various individual tasks in 
the work plan (such as consultants, contractors, staff or new hires). 
You must discuss the commitment and the availability of any consultants 
or other professionals to be hired for the project--especially those 
who may be consulting on multiple VAPG projects). If staff or 
consultants have not been selected at the time of application, you must 
provide specific descriptions of the qualifications required for the 
positions to be filled. Applications that demonstrate the strong 
credentials, education, capabilities, experience and availability of 
project personnel that will contribute to a high likelihood of project 
success will receive more points than those that demonstrate less 
potential for success in these areas.
    Points will be awarded as follows:
    (1) 0 points will be awarded if you do not address the criterion.
    (2) 1-4 points will be awarded if qualifications and experience of 
all staff is not addressed and/or if necessary, qualifications of 
unfilled positions are not provided.
    (3) 5-9 points will be awarded if all project personnel are 
identified but do not demonstrate qualifications or experience relevant 
to the project.
    (4) 10-14 will be awarded if most key personnel demonstrate strong 
credentials and/or experience, and availability indicating a reasonable 
likelihood of success.
    (5) 15-20 points will be awarded if all personnel demonstrate 
strong, relevant credentials or experience, and availability indicating 
a high likelihood of project success.

[[Page 67709]]

    (c) Commitments and Support (graduated score 0-10 points).
    Producer, end-user, and third-party commitments will be evaluated 
under this criterion. Sole proprietors can receive a maximum of 9 
points. Multiple producer applications can receive a maximum of 10 
points.
    (1) Producer commitments to the project will be evaluated based on 
the number of named and documented independent producers currently 
involved in the project; and the nature, level and quality of their 
contributions.
    (2) End-user commitments will be evaluated based on potential or 
identified markets and the potential amount of output to be purchased, 
as indicated by letters of intent or contracts (purchase orders) from 
potential buyers referenced within the application. Applications that 
demonstrate documented intent to purchase the value-added product will 
receive more points. Note: For planning grants, this criterion can be 
addressed by evidence of interest or support from identified or 
potential customers.
    (3) Third-party commitments to the project will be evaluated based 
on the critical and tangible nature of their contribution to the 
project, such as technical assistance, storage, processing, marketing, 
or distribution arrangements that are necessary for the project to 
proceed; and the level and quality of these contributions. Applications 
that demonstrate strong technical and logistical support to 
successfully complete the project will receive more points.
    Letters of commitment by producers, end-users, and third-parties 
should be summarized as part of your response to this criterion, and 
the letters must be included in Appendix B. Please note that VAPG does 
not require Congressional letters of support, nor do they carry any 
extra weight during the evaluation process. Also, note that because 
applications with cash matching contributions are awarded more points 
than those pledging only in-kind contributions, applicants will not be 
able to substitute an in-kind match for cash after awards are made.
    Points will be awarded as follows:
    (i) 0 points will be awarded if you do not address the criterion
    (ii) Independent Producer Commitment
    (A) Sole Proprietor (one owner/producer): 1 point
    (B) Multiple Independent Producers (note: in cases where family 
members, such as husband and wife, are eligible Independent Producers, 
each family member will count as one Independent Producer): 2 points
    (iii) Level of Commitment
    (A) All matching contributions are in-kind: 1 point
    (B) Matching contribution consists of both cash and in-kind: 2 
points
    (C) All matching contributions are cash: 4 points
    (iv) End-user commitment:
    (A) No or insufficiently documented commitment from end-users: 0 
points
    (B) Well-documented commitment from one end-user: 1 point
    (C) Well-documented commitment from more than one end-user: 2 
points
    (v) Third-party commitment:
    (A) No or insufficiently documented commitment from third-parties: 
0 points
    (B) Well-documented commitment from one third-party: 1 point
    (C) Well-documented commitment from more than one third-party: 2 
points
    (d) Work Plan and Budget (graduated score 0-20 points).
    You must submit a comprehensive work plan and budget (for full 
details, see 7 CFR 4284.922(b)(5)). Your work plan must provide 
specific and detailed descriptions of the tasks and the key project 
personnel that will accomplish the project's goals. The budget must 
present a detailed breakdown and description of all estimated costs of 
project activities (including source and basis for their valuation) and 
allocate those costs among the listed tasks, as instructed in the 
application package. You must show the source and use of both grant and 
matching funds for all tasks. Matching funds must be spent at a rate 
equal to, or in advance of, grant funds. An eligible start and end date 
for the entire project, as well as for each individual project task 
must be clearly shown. The project timeframe must not exceed 36 months 
and should be scaled to the complexity of the project. Working capital 
applications must include an estimate of program income expected to be 
earned during the grant period (see 2 CFR 200.307).
    Points will be awarded as follows:
    (1) 0 points will be awarded if you do not address the criterion.
    (2) 1-7 points will be awarded if the work plan and budget do not 
account for all project goals, tasks, costs, timelines, and responsible 
personnel.
    (3) 8-14 points will be awarded if you provide a clear, 
comprehensive work plan detailing all project goals, tasks, timelines, 
costs, and responsible personnel in a logical and realistic manner that 
demonstrates a reasonable likelihood of success.
    (4) 15-20 points will be awarded if you provide a clear, 
comprehensive work plan detailing all project goals, tasks, timelines, 
costs, and responsible personnel in a logical and realistic manner that 
demonstrates a high likelihood of success.
    (e) Priority Points up to 10 points (lump sum 0 or 5 points plus, 
graduated score 0-5 points).
    It is recommended that you use the Agency application package when 
applying for priority points and refer to the requirements specified in 
7 CFR 4284.924. Priority points may be awarded in both the general 
funds and Reserved Funds competitions.
    (1) 5 points will be awarded if you meet the requirements for one 
of the following categories and provide the documentation described in 
7 CFR 4284.923 and 4284.924 as applicable: Beginning Farmer or Rancher, 
Socially-Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher, Veteran Farmer or Rancher, or 
Operator of a Small or Medium-sized Farm or Ranch that is structured as 
a Family Farm, Farmer or Rancher Cooperative, or are proposing a Mid-
Tier Value Chain project.
    (2) Up to 5 priority points will be awarded if you are an 
Agricultural Producer Group, Farmer or Rancher Cooperative, or 
Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture (referred to below 
as ``applicant group'') whose project ``best contributes to creating or 
increasing marketing opportunities'' for Operators of Small- and 
Medium-sized Farms and Ranches that are structured as Family Farms, 
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers and 
Ranchers, and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers (referred to below as 
``priority groups''). For each of the priority point levels below, 
applications must demonstrate how the proposed project will contribute 
to new or increased marketing opportunities for respective priority 
groups. Guidance on relevant information required to adequately 
demonstrate this requirement can be found in program application 
package.
    (i) 2 priority points will be awarded if the existing membership of 
the applicant group is comprised of either more than 50 percent of any 
one of the four priority groups or more than 50 percent of any 
combination of the four priority groups.
    (ii) 1 priority point will be awarded if the existing membership of 
the applicant group is comprised of two or more of the priority groups. 
One point is awarded regardless of whether a group's membership is 
comprised of two, three, or all four of the priority groups.
    (iii) 2 priority points will be awarded if the applicant's proposed 
project will increase the number of priority groups that comprise 
applicant membership by one or more priority groups. However,

[[Page 67710]]

if an applicant group's membership is already comprised of all four 
priority groups, such an applicant would not be eligible for points 
under this criterion because there is no opportunity to increase the 
number of priority groups. Note also that this criterion does not 
consider either the percentage of the existing membership that is 
comprised of the four priority groups or the number of priority groups 
currently comprising the applicant group's membership.
    (f) Administrator Priority Categories (graduated score 0-10 
points).
    The Administrator of the Agency may choose to award up to 10 points 
to an application to improve the geographic diversity of awardees and/
or foster persistent poverty counties and/or help reduce unemployment 
through job creation in a fiscal year. To ensure that funds are more 
broadly utilized in support of recommendations made in the Rural 
Prosperity Task Force report to help improve life in rural America, the 
Administrator may also choose to award points to eligible applicants 
who have never previously been awarded a VAPG grant. Eligible 
applicants who have never previously received VAPG funds and who want 
to be considered for discretionary points must specifically request 
consideration for these points and certify that neither the applicant 
entity or any of its owner or members have ever received a VAPG grant. 
To be considered for these points, you must discuss how your workplan 
and budget supports one or more of the five following key strategies:
    Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America;
    Improving Quality of Life;
    Supporting a Rural Workforce;
    Harnessing Technological Innovation; and
    Economic Development.
2. Review and Selection Process
    The Agency will select applications for award under this Notice in 
accordance with the provisions specified in 7 CFR 4284.950(a).
    If your application is eligible and complete, it will be 
qualitatively scored by at least two reviewers based on criteria 
specified in section E.1. of this Notice. One of these reviewers will 
be an experienced RD employee from your servicing State Office and at 
least one additional reviewer will be a non-Federal, independent 
reviewer, who must meet the following qualifications. Independent 
reviewers must have at least a bachelor's degree in one or more of the 
following fields: Agri-business, agricultural economics, agriculture, 
animal science, business, marketing, economics or finance; and a 
minimum of 8 years of experience in an agriculture-related field (e.g. 
farming, marketing, consulting, or research; or as university faculty, 
trade association official or non-Federal government official in an 
agriculturally-related field). Each reviewer will score evaluation 
criteria (a) through (d) and the totals for each reviewer will be added 
together and averaged. The RD State Office reviewer will also assign 
priority points based on criterion (e) in section E.1. of this Notice. 
These will be added to the average score. The sum of these scores will 
be ranked highest to lowest and this will comprise the initial ranking.
    The Administrator of the Agency may choose to award up to 10 
Administrator priority points based on criterion (f) in section E.1. of 
this Notice. These points will be added to the cumulative score for a 
total possible score of 100.
    A final ranking will be obtained based solely on the scores 
received for criteria (a) through (e). A minimum score of 50 points is 
required for funding. Applications for Reserved Funds will be funded in 
rank order until funds are depleted. Unfunded reserve applications will 
be returned to the general funds where applications will be funded in 
rank order until the funds are expended. Funding for Majority 
Controlled Producer-Based Business Ventures is limited to 10 percent of 
total grant funds expected to be obligated as a result of this Notice. 
These applications will be funded in rank order until the funding 
limitation has been reached. Grants to these applicants from Reserved 
Funds will count against this funding limitation. In the event of tied 
scores, the Administrator shall have discretion in breaking ties.
    If your application is ranked, but not funded, it will not be 
carried forward into the next competition.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices
    If you are selected for funding, you will receive a signed notice 
of Federal award by postal mail, containing instructions on 
requirements necessary to proceed with execution and performance of the 
award.
    If you are not selected for funding, you will be notified in 
writing via postal mail and informed of any review and appeal rights. 
Funding of successfully appealed applications will be limited to 
available funding.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
    Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for this 
program can be found in 7 CFR part 4284, subpart J; the Grants and 
Agreements regulations of the Department of Agriculture codified in 2 
CFR parts 180, 400, 415, 417, 418, 421; 2 CFR parts 25 and 170; and 48 
CFR 31.2, 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)). More information on these requirements 
can be found at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants.
    The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected 
for this program:
    (a) Agency approved Grant 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.''
    (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.''
    (j) SF LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' if applicable.
    (k) Use Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement.''
3. Reporting
    After grant approval and through grant completion, you will be 
required to provide the following, as indicated in the Grant Agreement:
    (a) A SF-425, ``Federal Financial Report,'' and a project 
performance report will be required on a semiannual

[[Page 67711]]

basis (due 30 working days after end of the semiannual period). For the 
purposes of this grant, semiannual periods end on March 31st and 
September 30th. The project performance reports shall include the 
elements prescribed in the grant agreement.
    (b) A final project and financial status report within 90 days 
after the expiration or termination of the grant.
    (c) Provide outcome project performance reports and final 
deliverables.

G. Solicitation of Non-Federal Independent Grant Reviewers

    Rural Development is seeking non-Federal independent grant 
reviewers under this Notice. Reviewers must be able to use their 
professional knowledge and experience to evaluate and score VAPG 
program applications against the evaluation criteria published in this 
Notice, and effectively communicate their findings in writing.
1. Qualifications
    All reviewers must meet the following qualifications.
    (a) Have at least a bachelor's degree in one or more of the 
following fields: agri-business, agricultural economics, business, 
marketing, economics or finance, and
    (b) A minimum of 8 years of experience in an agriculture-related 
field (e.g. farming, marketing, consulting, or research; or as 
university faculty, trade association official or non-Federal 
government official in an agriculturally-related field).
2. Ethical Standards
    Prospective reviewers must be able to exercise the highest level of 
ethical standards in avoiding conflict of interests and maintaining 
confidentiality.
    (a) Conflict of Interest
    Individuals selected as non-Federal independent grant reviewers 
will be required to certify that they do not have a conflict of 
interest or an appearance thereof with any VAPG application they are 
assigned to review. This may include but is not limited to 
certification that they did not apply for a VAPG grant and are not 
affiliated with persons or organizations applying for VAPG funds.
    (b) Confidentiality
    Reviewers will also be required to sign a certification statement 
regarding the safeguarding of information contained in assigned 
applications.
    Failure to identify a conflict-of-interest or the unauthorized 
disclosure of information may subject reviewers to administrative 
sanction, i.e., removal from the current review and/or disqualification 
from involvement in future reviews of grant applications.
3. Training
    All reviewers must review and understand program requirements and 
must attend a mandatory training webinar.
4. System Requirements
    (a) Reviewers must have reliable internet access using Internet 
Explorer and be able to reliably both access applications and submit 
scores electronically, and
    (b) All reviewers must be able to complete requirements for, 
obtain, and maintain USDA Level 2 e-Authorization credentialing.
    To apply, please send a resume addressing relevant qualifications 
and experience to [email protected] by February 10, 2020.

H. Agency Contacts

    If you have questions about this Notice, please contact the State 
Office as identified in the ADDRESSES section of this Notice. You are 
also encouraged to visit the application website for application tools, 
including an application guide and templates. The website address is: 
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants. 
You may also contact National Office staff at [email protected] or 
call the main line at 202-720-1400.

I. 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 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].

Bette B. Brand,
Administrator, Rural Business--Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-26626 Filed 12-10-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P