Stakeholder Listening Sessions on New Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Regulation, 44273-44275 [2020-15821]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 141 / Wednesday, July 22, 2020 / Notices In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), no new recordkeeping or reporting requirements have been included that are subject to approval from the Office of Management and Budget. National School Lunch, School Breakfast, and Special Milk Programs are listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under No. 10.555, No. 10.553, and No. 10.556, respectively, and are subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials (See 2 CFR 415.3–415.6). Authority: Sections 4, 8, 11, and 17A of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, as amended, (42 U.S.C. 1753, 1757, 1759a, 1766a) and sections 3 and 4(b) of the Child Nutrition Act, as amended, (42 U.S.C. 1772 and 42 U.S.C. 1773(b)). Pamilyn Miller, Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service. [FR Doc. 2020–15764 Filed 7–21–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Food Distribution Program: Value of Donated Foods From July 1, 2020 Through June 30, 2021 Food and Nutrition Service, Agriculture (USDA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This notice announces the national average value of donated foods or, where applicable, cash in lieu of donated foods, to be provided in school year 2021 (July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021) for each lunch served by schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and for each lunch and supper served by institutions participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). DATES: Implementation date: July 1, 2020. SUMMARY: jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erica Antonson, Branch Chief, Policy Branch, Food Distribution Division, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1320 Braddock Place Alexandria, VA 22314, or telephone (703) 305–2680. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: These programs are located in the Assistance Listings under Nos. 10.555 and 10.558 and are subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. (See 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V, and final rule related VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:11 Jul 21, 2020 Jkt 250001 notice published at 48 FR 29114, June 24, 1983.) This notice imposes no new reporting or recordkeeping provisions that are subject to Office of Management and Budget review in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507). This action is not a rule as defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601–612) and thus is exempt from the provisions of that Act. This notice was reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs designated this rule as not a major rule, as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). National Average Minimum Value of Donated Foods for the Period July 1, 2020 Through June 30, 2021 This notice implements mandatory provisions of sections 6(c) and 17(h)(1)(B) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (the Act) (42 U.S.C. 1755(c) and 1766(h)(1)(B)). Section 6(c)(1)(A) of the Act establishes the national average value of donated food assistance to be given to States for each lunch served in the NSLP at 11.00 cents per meal. Pursuant to section 6(c)(1)(B), this amount is subject to annual adjustments on July 1 of each year to reflect changes in a three-month average value of the Producer Price Index for Foods Used in Schools and Institutions for March, April, and May each year (Price Index). Section 17(h)(1)(B) of the Act provides that the same value of donated foods (or cash in lieu of donated foods) for school lunches shall also be established for lunches and suppers served in the CACFP. Notice is hereby given that the national average minimum value of donated foods, or cash in lieu thereof, per lunch under the NSLP (7 CFR part 210) and per lunch and supper under the CACFP (7 CFR part 226) shall be 24.50 cents for the period July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. The Price Index is computed using five major food components in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index (cereal and bakery products; meats, poultry, and fish; dairy; processed fruits and vegetables; and fats and oils). Each component is weighted using the relative weight as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The value of food assistance is adjusted each July 1 by the annual percentage change in a three-month average value of the Price Index for March, April, and May each year. The three-month average of the Price Index increased by 3.33 percent from 206.58 for March, April, PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 44273 and May of 2019, as previously published in the Federal Register, to 213.45 for the same three months in 2020. When computed on the basis of unrounded data and rounded to the nearest one-quarter cent, the resulting national average for the period July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021 will be 24.50 cents per meal. This is an increase of three quarters of a cent from the school year 2020 (July 1, 202019 through June 30, 2020) rate. Authority: Sections 6(c)(1)(A) and (B), 6(e)(1), and 17(h)(1)(B) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1755(c)(1)(A) and (B) and (e)(1), and 1766(h)(1)(B)). Pamilyn Miller, Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service. [FR Doc. 2020–15762 Filed 7–21–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Business-Cooperative Service [Docket No. RBS–20-Business-0028] Stakeholder Listening Sessions on New Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Regulation Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Rural BusinessCooperative Service (RBCS) is hosting three listening sessions for public input about the new Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program and regulation. The RISE program will assist rural job accelerator partnerships in improving the ability of distressed rural communities to create high-wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses, and help rural communities identify and maximize local assets. This rule will be published as a direct-final regulation after addressing comments received from the listening sessions and written comments in response to this request for information. RBCS is currently drafting the RISE regulation and requests input on application implementation and project priorities to reach the desired outcomes. DATES: Listening sessions will be held on: July 28, 2020 at 2pm EDT virtually at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/ register/5379245598321536014. July 30, 2020 at 2pm EDT virtually at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/ register/2719620429219806478. ADDRESSES: Comments submitted in response to this notice may be submitted online Via the Federal eRulmaking Portal. Go to https:// SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\22JYN1.SGM 22JYN1 44274 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 141 / Wednesday, July 22, 2020 / Notices jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES www.regulations.gov and search for the Docket ID RBS–20–Business–0028. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. All comments received will be posted without change and will be publicly available on regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Will Dodson, Business Loan and Grant Analyst, USDA, Rural Development, STOP 3226 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250–3224, telephone (202) 762–0592, email Will.Dodson@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Overview of RISE The RISE Program is authorized in Section 6424 of the 2018 Farm Bill (Pub.L. 115–34) as a new grant program. The intent of RISE is to encourage partnerships and development of innovation centers that will provide innovative approaches to developing workforces in rural areas. The program currently proposes the following assistance: grants for the innovation center to establish job accelerators and to establish and support job accelerators and related programs. RISE has two major goals. The first goal includes improving the ability of distressed rural communities to create high-wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses with high-growth potential, and strengthen regional economies, including by helping to build capacity in the applicable region to achieve those goals. The second goal is to help rural communities identify and maximize local assets and connect to regional opportunities, networks, and industry clusters that demonstrate high growth potential. Eligible entities are those comprised of key community and regional stakeholders in a working group that focuses on shared goals and the needs of industry clusters that are identified as existing, emerging, or declining. The partnership must include one or more of the following entities: Indian tribes; institution of higher education; private entity; or government entity. The partnership must also include a lead application from one of the following types of entities: district organization; Indian tribe or consortium of Indian tribes; state and local government or political subdivisions; institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or public or private nonprofit organization. As per Section 6424 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the competitive grant awards will be limited to no greater than 80 percent of the project cost, with a minimum grant VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:58 Jul 21, 2020 Jkt 250001 amount of $500,000 and a maximum grant of $2,000,000. The grant scope of work period is four years and no more than 10% of the award can be utilized for indirect costs associated with administering the award. Funds may be used for constructing, purchasing, or equipping a building to serve as an innovation center or for program support of a job accelerator which assists the objectives of the jobs accelerator in meeting the requirements of the program. This notice and listening sessions request information on various portions of the regulation as it is being developed. The public input provided in response to this notice from interested stakeholders will advise RBCS to the RISE program funding priorities and efficient process for program implementation. Instructions Response to this notice is voluntary. Each individual or institution is requested to submit only one response as directed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. Submission must not exceed 10 pages in 12 point or larger font, with a page number provided on each page. Responses should include the name of the person(s) or organization(s) filing the comment. Comments containing references, studies, research, and other empirical data that are not widely published should include copies or electronic links of the referenced materials. Comments containing profanity, vulgarity, threats, or other inappropriate language or content will not be considered. Comments submitted in response to this notice are subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Responses to this notice may also be posted, without change, on a Federal website. Therefore, we request that no business proprietary information, copyrighted information, or personally identifiable information be submitted in response to this notice. In accordance with FAR 15– 202(3), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Additionally, the U.S. Government will not pay for response preparation or for the use of any information contained in the response. To inform the Federal government’s decision-making and establish the Nation’s guiding principles in the promotion of the RISE Program, USDA now seeks public input on how U.S. Government action might appropriately support the expansion of a nationwide effort. To that end, responders are specifically requested to answer one or more of the following questions in their PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 submissions. Consortia responses are also encouraged. 1. USDA Rural Development is seeking feedback for the RISE application in terms of required application materials and input to demonstrate how an applicant’s proposal meets the objectives of RISE. 2. One of the RISE Program’s objectives is to improve the ability of distressed rural communities to create high-wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses with high-growth potential, and strengthen regional economies, including by helping to build capacity in the applicable region to achieve those goals. The Agency is seeking input on how RISE can qualify successful applications in this regard. What are potential successful benchmarks? How should these be evaluated? 3. Another RISE Program objective is to help rural communities identify and maximize local assets. The Agency is seeking input on how RISE can qualify successful applications in this regard. What are potential successful benchmarks? How should these be evaluated?4. Additionally, the RISE Program is authorized to help rural communities connect to regional opportunities, networks, and industry clusters that demonstrate high growth potential. The Agency is seeking input on how RISE can qualify successful applications in this regard. What are potential successful benchmarks? 5. Please provide any suggestions on how USDA, Rural Development should monitor and service the awarded grants, and which emphasis factors should be included in evaluating outcomes of the RISE Program. 6. The RISE Program provides statutory selection criteria including the ability of the partnership to link rural communities to markets, networks, industry clusters and other regional opportunities and assets. How can the Agency quantify this criteria? 7. The RISE Program provides statutory selection criteria including the prospects for the proposed center and related programming to have sustainability beyond the full maximum length of assistance under RISE, i.e. 4 years. How can the Agency quantify this criteria? 8. The RISE Program provides statutory selection criteria, which measures the commitment of participating core stakeholders in the jobs accelerator partnerships, including a demonstration that investment organizations and institutions of higher education, applied research institutions, workforce development entities and E:\FR\FM\22JYN1.SGM 22JYN1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 141 / Wednesday, July 22, 2020 / Notices community-based organizations are committed. How can the Agency quantify this criteria? DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Non-Discrimination Statement [B–43–2020] 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: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 61—San Juan, Puerto Rico; Notification of Proposed Production Activity; HP International Trading B.V. (Puerto Rico Branch), LLC (Inkjet Ink and 3D Printing Fluids (Bulk and Cartridges) and Related Subassemblies), Aguadilla, Puerto Rico Mark Brodziski, Acting Administrator, Rural BusinessCooperative Service. [FR Doc. 2020–15821 Filed 7–21–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:11 Jul 21, 2020 Jkt 250001 Foreign-Trade Zones Board HP International Trading B.V. (Puerto Rico Branch), LLC (HP International), submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the FTZ Board for its facility in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The notification conforming to the requirements of the regulations of the FTZ Board (15 CFR 400.22) was received on June 24, 2020. The HP International facility is located within Subzone 61V. The facility is used for the production of inkjet inks/dispersions/printing fluids/ cartridges, 3D printing fluids/cartridges and related subassemblies used in the commercial and industrial graphics markets. Pursuant to 15 CFR 400.14(b), FTZ activity would be limited to the specific foreign-status materials and components and specific finished products described in the submitted notification (as described below) and subsequently authorized by the FTZ Board. Production under FTZ procedures could exempt HP International from customs duty payments on the foreignstatus components used in export production. On its domestic sales, for the foreign-status materials/components noted below, HP International would be able to choose the duty rates during customs entry procedures that apply to: bulk inkjet water-based 3D printing fluids (in drums or totes); inkjet UV, solvent, and water-based black inks (bulk -drums, totes, or bottle); inkjet UV, solvent, and water-based color inks; bulk inkjet water-based dispersions and printing fluids (in drums or totes); empty 3D supply assemblies (consisting of bags, valves, and other plastic parts); empty inkjet plastic (vinyl acetate copolymer) bag subassemblies; filled large format inkjet cartridges (bag in a box); and, filled 3D powder or fluid cartridges (bag in a box) (duty rate ranges from duty-free to 6.5%). HP International would be able to avoid duty on foreign-status components which become scrap/waste. Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign-status production equipment. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 44275 The components and materials sourced from abroad include: methanesulfonic acids (for PH balancing); disodium catechol disulfonate (chelating agent); tripropylene glycol methyl ether solvents (for inkjet vehicle formulation); tripropylene glycol monobutyl ether solvents (for inkjet vehicle formulation); tetraethylene glycol solvents (for inkjet vehicle formulation); succinic acids (for PH balancing); tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer (for PH stabilization); sodium hydroxide (chelating agent); acetic acid, hydroxy, monosodium salt (chelating agent); 2-pyrrolidone (solvents for inkjet vehicle formulation); 1-(2-hydroxyethyl) pyrrolidin-2-one (solvents for inkjet vehicle formulation); pigment green 7 (powder for water-based inkjet inks); pigment blue 15, 15:1, 15:2, 15:3, 15:4, 15:6 (powder for water-based inkjet inks); pigment orange 43 (powder for water-based inkjet inks); pigment red 122/pigment violet 19 magenta pigment (for water-based inkjet inks); 1,2 butanediol (solvents for inkjet vehicle formulation); 2-methylisothiazol3H(2H)-one (biocides for inkjet ink preservation); polymer solution for inkjet inks; aluminum, hydroxy[29H,31H-phthalocyaninato(2-).kappa.n29, .kappa.n30,.kappa.n31,.kappa.n32], chloro sulfo derivatives, sodium salts (chelating agent); oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane, mono (3,5,5trimethylhexyl) ether (wetting agent for inkjet inks); polyamide powder for 3D printing applications; coagulant agent (processing aid for industrial application); bag assembly for powder cartridges (plastic bag with a cardboard frame attached); high density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles for lab samples; plastic lids and caps for inkjet/ powder cartridges; plastic sheets for packaging 3D powder supplies; plastic and foam components for 3D powder cartridges—spouts, rivets, and retainers; nitrile o-rings; rubber membrane film for cartridges valves; stainless steel springs; stainless steel balls for valves; 3D powder cartridge components packaging support—plastic valves and cardboard packaging; and, 3D powder cartridge valves (duty rate ranges from 2.0% to 6.5%). The request indicates that certain materials/components are subject to duties under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Section 301), depending on the country of origin. The applicable Section 301 decisions require subject merchandise to be admitted to FTZs in privileged foreign status (19 CFR 146.41). E:\FR\FM\22JYN1.SGM 22JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 141 (Wednesday, July 22, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44273-44275]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-15821]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

[Docket No. RBS-20-Business-0028]


Stakeholder Listening Sessions on New Rural Innovation Stronger 
Economy (RISE) Regulation

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) is hosting three 
listening sessions for public input about the new Rural Innovation 
Stronger Economy (RISE) program and regulation. The RISE program will 
assist rural job accelerator partnerships in improving the ability of 
distressed rural communities to create high-wage jobs, accelerate the 
formation of new businesses, and help rural communities identify and 
maximize local assets. This rule will be published as a direct-final 
regulation after addressing comments received from the listening 
sessions and written comments in response to this request for 
information. RBCS is currently drafting the RISE regulation and 
requests input on application implementation and project priorities to 
reach the desired outcomes.

DATES: Listening sessions will be held on: July 28, 2020 at 2pm EDT 
virtually at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5379245598321536014.
    July 30, 2020 at 2pm EDT virtually at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2719620429219806478.

ADDRESSES: Comments submitted in response to this notice may be 
submitted online Via the Federal eRulmaking Portal. Go to https://

[[Page 44274]]

www.regulations.gov and search for the Docket ID RBS-20-Business-0028. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. All comments 
received will be posted without change and will be publicly available 
on regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Will Dodson, Business Loan and Grant 
Analyst, USDA, Rural Development, STOP 3226 1400 Independence Avenue 
SW, Washington, DC 20250-3224, telephone (202) 762-0592, email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview of RISE

    The RISE Program is authorized in Section 6424 of the 2018 Farm 
Bill (Pub.L. 115-34) as a new grant program. The intent of RISE is to 
encourage partnerships and development of innovation centers that will 
provide innovative approaches to developing workforces in rural areas. 
The program currently proposes the following assistance: grants for the 
innovation center to establish job accelerators and to establish and 
support job accelerators and related programs. RISE has two major 
goals. The first goal includes improving the ability of distressed 
rural communities to create high-wage jobs, accelerate the formation of 
new businesses with high-growth potential, and strengthen regional 
economies, including by helping to build capacity in the applicable 
region to achieve those goals. The second goal is to help rural 
communities identify and maximize local assets and connect to regional 
opportunities, networks, and industry clusters that demonstrate high 
growth potential. Eligible entities are those comprised of key 
community and regional stakeholders in a working group that focuses on 
shared goals and the needs of industry clusters that are identified as 
existing, emerging, or declining. The partnership must include one or 
more of the following entities: Indian tribes; institution of higher 
education; private entity; or government entity. The partnership must 
also include a lead application from one of the following types of 
entities: district organization; Indian tribe or consortium of Indian 
tribes; state and local government or political subdivisions; 
institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of 
higher education; or public or private nonprofit organization.
    As per Section 6424 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 
competitive grant awards will be limited to no greater than 80 percent 
of the project cost, with a minimum grant amount of $500,000 and a 
maximum grant of $2,000,000. The grant scope of work period is four 
years and no more than 10% of the award can be utilized for indirect 
costs associated with administering the award. Funds may be used for 
constructing, purchasing, or equipping a building to serve as an 
innovation center or for program support of a job accelerator which 
assists the objectives of the jobs accelerator in meeting the 
requirements of the program.
    This notice and listening sessions request information on various 
portions of the regulation as it is being developed. The public input 
provided in response to this notice from interested stakeholders will 
advise RBCS to the RISE program funding priorities and efficient 
process for program implementation.

Instructions

    Response to this notice is voluntary. Each individual or 
institution is requested to submit only one response as directed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this notice. Submission must not exceed 10 pages 
in 12 point or larger font, with a page number provided on each page. 
Responses should include the name of the person(s) or organization(s) 
filing the comment. Comments containing references, studies, research, 
and other empirical data that are not widely published should include 
copies or electronic links of the referenced materials. Comments 
containing profanity, vulgarity, threats, or other inappropriate 
language or content will not be considered. Comments submitted in 
response to this notice are subject to Freedom of Information Act 
(FOIA). Responses to this notice may also be posted, without change, on 
a Federal website.
    Therefore, we request that no business proprietary information, 
copyrighted information, or personally identifiable information be 
submitted in response to this notice. In accordance with FAR 15-202(3), 
responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the 
Government to form a binding contract. Additionally, the U.S. 
Government will not pay for response preparation or for the use of any 
information contained in the response.
    To inform the Federal government's decision-making and establish 
the Nation's guiding principles in the promotion of the RISE Program, 
USDA now seeks public input on how U.S. Government action might 
appropriately support the expansion of a nationwide effort. To that 
end, responders are specifically requested to answer one or more of the 
following questions in their submissions. Consortia responses are also 
encouraged.
    1. USDA Rural Development is seeking feedback for the RISE 
application in terms of required application materials and input to 
demonstrate how an applicant's proposal meets the objectives of RISE.
    2. One of the RISE Program's objectives is to improve the ability 
of distressed rural communities to create high-wage jobs, accelerate 
the formation of new businesses with high-growth potential, and 
strengthen regional economies, including by helping to build capacity 
in the applicable region to achieve those goals. The Agency is seeking 
input on how RISE can qualify successful applications in this regard. 
What are potential successful benchmarks? How should these be 
evaluated?
    3. Another RISE Program objective is to help rural communities 
identify and maximize local assets. The Agency is seeking input on how 
RISE can qualify successful applications in this regard. What are 
potential successful benchmarks? How should these be evaluated?4. 
Additionally, the RISE Program is authorized to help rural communities 
connect to regional opportunities, networks, and industry clusters that 
demonstrate high growth potential. The Agency is seeking input on how 
RISE can qualify successful applications in this regard. What are 
potential successful benchmarks?
    5. Please provide any suggestions on how USDA, Rural Development 
should monitor and service the awarded grants, and which emphasis 
factors should be included in evaluating outcomes of the RISE Program.
    6. The RISE Program provides statutory selection criteria including 
the ability of the partnership to link rural communities to markets, 
networks, industry clusters and other regional opportunities and 
assets. How can the Agency quantify this criteria?
    7. The RISE Program provides statutory selection criteria including 
the prospects for the proposed center and related programming to have 
sustainability beyond the full maximum length of assistance under RISE, 
i.e. 4 years. How can the Agency quantify this criteria?
    8. The RISE Program provides statutory selection criteria, which 
measures the commitment of participating core stakeholders in the jobs 
accelerator partnerships, including a demonstration that investment 
organizations and institutions of higher education, applied research 
institutions, workforce development entities and

[[Page 44275]]

community-based organizations are committed. How can the Agency 
quantify this criteria?

Non-Discrimination 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].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Mark Brodziski,
Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-15821 Filed 7-21-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.