Notice of Reserved Funding for the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, 27365-27370 [2021-10620]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 96 / Thursday, May 20, 2021 / Notices
John Veremis, National CITES Director,
PHP, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit
40, Riverdale, MD 20737–1236; (301)
851–2347. For information on the
information collection, contact Mr.
Joseph Moxey, APHIS’ Paperwork
Reduction Act Coordinator, at (301)
851–2483; joseph.moxey@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Endangered Species Regulations
and Forfeiture Procedures.
OMB Control Number: 0579–0076.
Type of Request: Revision to and
extension of approval of an information
collection.
Abstract: Under the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) is
responsible for enforcing provisions of
the Act and the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES) that pertain to the importation,
exportation, or reexportation of plants.
As part of this mission, USDA’s
Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS) administers the
regulations in 7 CFR part 355,
‘‘Endangered Species Regulations
Concerning Terrestrial Plants.’’ In
accordance with these regulations, any
entity wishing to engage in the business
of importing, exporting, or reexporting
terrestrial plants listed in the CITES
regulations at 50 CFR 17.12 or 23.23
must obtain a protected plant permit
from APHIS. Such entities include
importers, exporters, or reexporters who
sell, barter, collect, or otherwise
exchange or acquire terrestrial plants as
a livelihood or enterprise engaged in for
gain or profit. The requirement does not
apply to persons engaged in business
merely as carriers or customhouse
brokers.
To obtain a protected plant permit,
entities must complete an application
and submit it to APHIS for approval.
When a permit has been issued, the
plants covered by the permit may be
imported into the United States,
exported, or reexported, provided they
are accompanied by documentation
required by the regulations and all other
conditions of the regulations are met.
Effectively regulating entities who are
engaged in the business of importing,
exporting, or reexporting endangered
species of terrestrial plants requires the
use of this application process, as well
as the use of other information
collection activities including, but not
limited to, appealing the denial of a
permit; marking containers used for the
importation, exportation, or
reexportation of the plants; notifying
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APHIS of the impending importation,
exportation, or reexportation of the
plants; validating documents; creating
and maintaining records of importation,
exportation, and reexportation; and
submitting related reports from records
required to be maintained.
APHIS also administers regulations at
7 CFR part 356, ‘‘Forfeiture
Procedures,’’ which sets out procedures
for the forfeiture of plants or other
property by entities found to be in
violation of the Endangered Species Act
or the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.).
Entities whose property is subject to
forfeiture may file with APHIS a waiver
of forfeiture procedures, a claim, a
request for return of property, or
petition for remission or mitigation of
forfeiture.
The information provided by these
information collection activities is
critical to APHIS’ ability to carry out its
responsibilities under the Endangered
Species Act and the Lacey Act. These
responsibilities include monitoring
importation, exportation, and
reexportation activities involving
endangered species of plants, as well as
the investigation of possible violations
and the forfeiture of plants or other
property.
We are asking the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) to
approve our use of these information
collection activities, as described, for an
additional 3 years.
The purpose of this notice is to solicit
comments from the public (as well as
affected agencies) concerning our
information collection. These comments
will help us:
(1) Evaluate whether the collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
Agency, including whether the
information will have practical utility;
(2) Evaluate the accuracy of our
estimate of the burden of the collection
of information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and
(4) Minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, through use, as
appropriate, of automated, electronic,
mechanical, and other collection
technologies; e.g., permitting electronic
submission of responses.
Estimate of burden: The public
burden for this collection of information
is estimated to average 0.084 hours per
response.
Respondents: U.S. importers and
exporters of endangered species of
terrestrial plants.
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27365
Estimated annual number of
respondents: 1,097.
Estimated annual number of
responses per respondent: 147.
Estimated annual number of
responses: 161,434.
Estimated total annual burden on
respondents: 13,499 hours. (Due to
averaging, the total annual burden hours
may not equal the product of the annual
number of responses multiplied by the
reporting burden per response.)
All responses to this notice will be
summarized and included in the request
for OMB approval. All comments will
also become a matter of public record.
Done in Washington, DC, this 14th day of
May 2021.
Mark Davidson,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–10634 Filed 5–19–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–34–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
[Docket # RBS–21–BUSINESS–0014]
Notice of Reserved Funding for the
Rural Business Development Grant
(RBDG) Program for Fiscal Year (FY)
2021
Rural Business-Cooperative
Service, USDA (Rural Development).
ACTION: Notice of funding availability.
AGENCY:
The Rural-Business
Cooperative Service (the Agency)
announces the availability of funds in
the total amount of $2 million reserved
for projects located in rural coastal
communities, with priority given to
National Scenic Areas that were
devastated by wildfires that are in need
of economic development assistance, to
support innovation and job growth. All
applicants are responsible for any
expenses incurred in developing their
applications.
SUMMARY:
Applications must be submitted
to the USDA Rural Development State
Office in the state where the project is
located. For projects involving multiple
states, the application must be filed in
the Rural Development State Office
where the Applicant is located.
Applications may be submitted in paper
or electronic format to the appropriate
Rural Development State Office and
must be received by 4:30 p.m. local time
July 6, 2021. Applicants are encouraged
to contact their respective Rural
Development State Office for an email
contact to submit an electronic
application prior to the submission
DATES:
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deadline date. A list of the USDA Rural
Development State Offices can be found
at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/page/stateoffices.
ADDRESSES: Applications must be
submitted to the USDA Rural
Development State Office for the State
where the Project is located. For Projects
involving multiple states, the
application must be filed in the Rural
Development State Office where the
Applicant is located. Applications may
be submitted in paper or electronic
format to the appropriate Rural
Development State Office and must be
received by 4:30 p.m. local time on the
deadline date. Applicants are
encouraged to contact their respective
Rural Development State Office for an
email contact to submit an electronic
application prior to the submission
deadline date. A list of the USDA Rural
Development State Office contacts can
be found at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/
page/state-offices.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Chestnut, Branch Chief, Program
Management Division, at (202) 692–
5233, or david.chestnut@usda.gov,
Rural Business-Cooperative Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, MS 3226,
Room 5160-South, Washington, DC
20250–3226, or call (202) 720–1400.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021,
Div. A, Title III—Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2021 designated
funding not to exceed $2 million for
Rural Business Development Grants in
rural coastal communities, with priority
given to National Scenic Areas that were
devastated by wildfires that are in need
of economic development assistance, to
support innovation and job growth. This
designated funding is in addition to
Fiscal Year 2021 funds allocated for
Rural Business Development Grant
Projects (86 FR 8160) and will be
competed separately. With this Notice,
Rural Development is announcing the
availability of additional RBDG funds
for projects located in rural coastal
communities.
All applicants and projects for this
funding must meet the applicant and
use of proceeds requirements of the
Rural Business Development Grant
program as stated in 7 CFR part 4280,
subpart E and requirements of this
notice. Rural coastal community for the
purposes of this notice is defined as an
area or community bordering a river or
ocean coastline, where the land and
water surfaces meet. The applicant must
provide a map indicating the location of
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the proposed project and describe how
their project will support innovation
and job creation in the coastal
community. Priority is given to National
Scenic Areas that have been devastated
by wildfires. A National Scenic Area is
a federally designated area of
outstanding natural and scenic value
that receives a level of environmental
protection. All eligible applications will
compete nationally, ranked by highest
to lowest score until funds are depleted.
All scoring will be based on the RBDG
scoring criteria defined in 7 CFR
4280.435 with exception of the
awarding of discretionary points to the
project as stated in this notice.
Overview
Solicitation Opportunity Type: Rural
Business Development Grant.
Announcement Type: Initial
Solicitation Announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance Number: 10.351.
Dates: The deadline for completed
applications to be received in the USDA
Rural Development State Office has
been established as 4:30 p.m. local time
July 6, 2021. A list of the USDA Rural
Development State Offices can be found
at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/page/stateoffices.
A. Program Description
1. Purpose of the Program. The
purpose of the program is to promote
economic development and job creation
projects through the awarding of grant
funds to eligible entities. Applications
that will use grant funds for either
business opportunity or business
enterprise projects, as defined, will
compete equally for the available funds.
Business opportunity projects may be
used to establish business support
centers or provide funds for job training
and leadership development in rural
areas. Business opportunity projects
must be consistent with any local and
area-wide strategic plans for community
and economic development,
coordinated with other economic
development activities in the project
area, and consistent with any Rural
Development State or Tribal Strategic
Plan. Business enterprise projects must
be used to finance or develop small and
emerging businesses in rural areas.
Enterprise funded project purposes
must be in compliance with 7 CFR
4280.417(a)(2) which includes the
acquisition and development of land,
access streets and roads, and the
conversion or modernization of
buildings, machinery, and equipment.
2. Statutory and Regulatory Authority.
This program is authorized under 7
U.S.C. 1932(c) and implemented by 7
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CFR part 4280, subpart E. Assistance
provided under this subpart will be
made to eligible entities and will be
used for funding various business
opportunity and business enterprise
projects. Funds under this notice may
only serve projects located in rural
coastal areas.
Awards will be made on a
competitive basis using specific
selection criteria contained in 7 CFR
part 4280, subpart E. Information
required to be in the application
package includes Standard Form (SF)
424, ‘‘Application for Federal
Assistance;’’ a copy of applicants
organizational documents; a proposed
scope of work; Resolution of the Board
of Directors; SF LLL, ‘‘Restrictions on
Lobbying;’’ RD 400–1, ‘‘Equal
Opportunity Agreement;’’ Assurance
Statement for the Uniform Act;
paperwork required in accordance with
7 CFR part 1970, ‘‘Environmental
Policies and 7 CFR 4280.427
Application.
3. Definition of Terms. The definitions
applicable to this notice are published
at 7 CFR 4280.403 and as noted:
Rural coastal community for the
purposes of this notice is defined as an
area or community bordering a river or
ocean coastline.
A National Scenic Area is a federally
designated area of outstanding natural
and scenic value that receives a level of
environmental protection.
4. Application Awards. The Agency
will review, evaluate, and score
applications received in response to this
notice based on the provisions found in
7 CFR part 4280, subpart E, and as
indicated in this notice. The Agency
advises all interested parties that the
applicant bears the burden in preparing
and submitting an application in
response to this notice.
B. Federal Award Information
Type of Awards: Grants.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2021.
Available Funds: $2,000,000.
Anticipated Award Date: September
30, 2021.
Performance Period: October 1, 2021,
through September 30, 2023.
Renewal or Supplemental Awards:
None.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants.
Grants may be made to a Public Body/
Government Entity; an Indian Tribe; or
a nonprofit entity primarily serving
rural areas. In accordance with 7 CFR
4280.416(d), applicants that are not
delinquent on any Federal debt or not
otherwise disqualified from
participation in these Programs are
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eligible to apply. The Agency will check
the System for Award Management
(SAM) to determine if the applicant has
been debarred or suspended. Applicants
must be registered in the System for
Award Management (SAM) prior to
submitting an application and maintain
an active SAM registration with current
information at all times during which it
has an active Federal award or an
application under consideration by the
Agency. Applicants must ensure that
they complete the Financial Assistance
General Certifications and
Representations in SAM. All other
restrictions in this notice will apply.
The Agency requires information to
make an eligibility determination
through applications that must include,
but are not limited to, the following:
(a) An original and one copy of SF
424, ‘‘Application for Federal
Assistance (For Non-construction).’’
(b) Copies of applicant’s
organizational documents showing the
applicant’s legal existence and authority
to perform the activities under the grant.
(c) A proposed scope of work,
including a description of the proposed
project. Grant funds may be used for
projects identified in § 4280.417(a) as
either a business opportunity type grant
or a business enterprise type grant. The
scope of work must include details of
the proposed activities to be
accomplished and timeframes for
completion of each task, the number of
months duration of the project, and the
estimated time it will take from grant
approval to beginning of project
implementation. In accordance with 7
CFR 4280.421, a project must reasonably
be expected to be completed within 1
full year after it has begun.
(d) A written narrative that includes,
at a minimum, the following items:
(1) An explanation of why the project
is needed, the benefits of the proposed
project, and how the project meets the
grant eligible purposes;
(2) Area to be served and how it meets
the criteria of a rural coastal
community, identifying each
governmental unit, i.e., town, county,
Indian reservation, etc., to be affected by
the project;
(3) Description of how the project will
coordinate Economic Development
activities with other Economic
Development activities within the
project area;
(4) Business to be assisted, if
appropriate; and Economic
Development to be accomplished;
(5) An explanation of how the
proposed project will result in newly
created, increased or supported jobs in
the area and the number of projected
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new and supported jobs within the next
3 years;
(6) A description of the applicant’s
demonstrated capability and experience
in providing the proposed project
assistance or similar Economic
Development activities, including
experience of key staff members and
persons who will be providing the
proposed project activities and
managing the project;
(7) The method and rationale used to
select the areas and businesses that will
receive the service;
(8) A brief description of how the
work will be performed including
whether organizational staff or
consultants or contractors will be used;
(9) Please note that no assistance or
funding can be provided to hemp
producers or processors unless they
have a valid license issued from an
approved State, Tribal or Federal plan
as per Section 10113 of the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018, Public Law
115–334, and note that verification of
valid hemp licenses will occur at the
time of award; and
(10) Other information the Agency
may request to assist in making a grant
award determination.
(e) The latest 3 years of financial
information to show the applicant’s
financial capacity to carry out the
proposed work. If the applicant is less
than 3 years old, at a minimum, the
information should include all balance
sheet(s), income statement(s) and cash
flow statement(s). A current audited
report is required if available.
(f) Intergovernmental review
comments from the State Single Point of
Contact, or evidence that the State has
elected not to review the program under
Executive Order 12372. Applications
from federally recognized tribes are
exempt from this requirement.
(g) Documentation regarding the
availability and amount of other funds
to be used in conjunction with the funds
from the RBDG. If there is not a firm
commitment in writing of the other
funding, it may not be considered for
leveraging and scoring purposes and the
project must be determined as feasible
without those funds.
(h) A budget which includes salaries,
fringe benefits, consultant costs, indirect
costs, and other appropriate direct costs
for the project.
(i) RBDG construction project grants
must conform with 7 CFR part 1924,
subpart A, for residential construction
requirements, 7 CFR part 1942 subpart
A, for commercial construction
requirements and the 7 CFR 1970
environmental requirements.
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3. General Processing and Scoring
Provisions
The Agency will review each
application for assistance in accordance
with the priorities established in
§ 4280.435. The Agency will assign each
application a priority rating and will
select applications for funding based on
the priority ratings and the total funds
available to the program.
(a) The Agency will score each
application based on the information
contained in the application and its
supporting information. All applications
submitted for funding must contain
sufficient information to permit the
Agency to complete a thorough priority
rating. Agency employees may not
consider any information that is not
provided by the applicant in writing for
scoring purposes. Applications will not
be considered for funding if they do not
provide sufficient information to
determine eligibility or are missing
required elements. Total possible points
for the scoring criteria is 240 plus
discretionary points that may be
awarded by the Administrator with
justification. Points will be awarded to
an eligible application as follows:
(1) Leveraging. If the grant will fund
a critical element of a larger program of
Economic Development, without which
the overall program either could not
proceed or would be far less effective,
or if the program to be assisted by the
grant will also be partially funded from
other sources, points will be awarded if
Rural Development’s funding is: (i) Less
than 20 percent of the project costs—30
points; (ii) between 20 percent and up
to 50 percent of the project—20 points;
(iii) between 51 percent and up to 75
percent of the project—10 points.
(2) Demographics. Points will be
awarded for each of the following
criteria met by the community or
communities that will receive the
benefit of the grant, up to a total of 40
points from all categories: (i)
Communities experiencing trauma due
to a major natural disaster that occurred
not more than 3 years prior to the filing
of the application for assistance will be
awarded 15 points; (ii) Communities
that have suffered a loss of 20 percent
or more in their total jobs caused by the
closure of a military facility or other
employer within the last 3 years will be
awarded 15 points; (iii) Communities
that have experienced long-term poverty
as demonstrated by being a former Rural
Empowerment Zone, Rural Economic
Area Partnership Zone, Rural Enterprise
Community, Champion Community, or
a persistent poverty county as
determined by USDA’s Economic
Research Service will receive 10 points;
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and (iv) If the community has
experienced long-term population
decline as demonstrated by the latest
three decennial censuses, 10 points will
be awarded.
(3) Population. Points will be awarded
if the proposed project(s) will be located
in a community of: (i) Under 5,000
population—15 points; (ii) Between
5,000 and less than 15,000 population—
10 points; or (iii) Between 15,000 and
25,000 population—5 points.
(4) Unemployment. If the proposed
project(s) will be located in areas where
the unemployment rate: (i) Exceeds the
State rate by 25 percent or more—20
points will be awarded; (ii) exceeds the
State rate by less than 25 percent—10
points will be awarded; or (iii) is equal
to or less than the State rate—0 points
will be awarded.
(5) Median household income. If the
proposed project(s) will be located in
areas where Median Household Income
(MHI) as prescribed by section 673(2) of
the Community Services Block Grant
Act for a family of 4 for the State is: (i)
Less than the poverty line—25 points
will be awarded; (ii) More than the
poverty line but less than 65 percent of
State MHI—15 points will be awarded;
(iii) Between 65 and 85 percent of the
State MHI—10 points will be awarded;
or (iv) If the area has greater than 85
percent of the State MHI—0 points will
be awarded.
(6) Experience. If the applicant
provides evidence of successful
experience in the type of activity
proposed based on its current
employees’ resumes demonstrating: (i)
10 or more years of experience—30
points will be awarded; (ii) At least 5
but less than 10 years of experience—20
points will be awarded; (iii) At least 3
years but less than 5 years of
experience—10 points will be awarded;
or (iv) At least 1 but less than 3 years
of experience—5 points will be
awarded.
(7) Small business start-up or
expansion. If the Applicant has
evidence that small business
development will be supported by
startup or expansion as a result of the
activities to be carried out under the
grant by written evidence provided to
the Agency from a small, or a small and
emerging business that includes the
number of jobs that will be supported
and created, 5 points will be awarded
for each letter up to a total of 25 points.
Generic or duplicated letters are not
acceptable; letters must address the
specific business producing the letter,
the connection to the project activities
and further provide information relative
to jobs to meet the criteria.
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(8) Jobs created or supported. Points
will be awarded if the anticipated
development, expansion, or furtherance
of business enterprises as a result of the
proposed project will create and/or
support existing jobs associated with the
affected businesses. The number of jobs
must be evidenced by a written
commitment from the business(es) to be
assisted. Points will be awarded based
on the ratio of jobs to be supported by
the amount of grant funds. For projects
supporting: (i) One job for less than
$5,000 of grant funds—25 points will be
awarded; (ii) one job for $5,000 but less
than $10,000 of grant funds—20 points;
(iii) one job for $10,000 but less than
$15,000—15 points; (iv) one job for
$15,000 but less than $20,000—10
points; or (v) one job for $20,000 but
less than $25,000 of grant funds—5
points will be awarded.
(9) Size of grant request. Projects
utilizing grant funds of: (i) Less than
$100,000—25 points will be awarded;
(ii) Grant requests of $100,000 to
$200,000—15 points will be awarded; or
(iii) applications for more than $200,000
but equal to or less than $500,000—10
points will be awarded.
(10) Indirect cost. If the applicant is
not requesting grant funds to cover their
administrative or indirect costs, 5 points
will be awarded.
(11) Discretionary points. The
Administrator may assign up to 50
discretionary points to any application
that documents the project area was
impacted by wildfires through issuance
of a Major Disaster Declaration or Fire
Management Assistance Declaration by
the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), within four years of the
application date. Higher points will be
awarded to projects that are located in
a federally designated Natural Scenic
Area or will create jobs and economic
opportunities in an area still suffering
economic impacts from the wildfires.
(b) Unfunded applications. The
Agency will notify unsuccessful eligible
applicants who did not receive funding
due to insufficient funds, in writing,
that their application will not be
funded.
D. Application and Submission
Information
1. Address to Request Application
Package.
For further information, entities
wishing to apply for assistance should
contact the USDA Rural Development
State Office provided in the ADDRESSES
section of this notice to obtain copies of
the application package.
Applications may be submitted in
paper or electronic format to the
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appropriate Rural Development State
Office and must be received by 4:30
p.m. local time on July 6, 2021.
Applicants are encouraged to contact
their respective Rural Development
State Office for an email contact to
submit an electronic application prior to
the submission deadline date(s). All
applicants must have a Dun and
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering
System (DUNS) number which can be
obtained at no cost via a toll-free request
line at: (866) 705–5711 or at https://
fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Each
applicant applying for grant funds
(unless the applicant is an individual or
Federal awarding agency that is
excepted from the requirements under 2
CFR 25.110(b) or (c) or has an exception
approved by the Federal awarding
agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is
required to: (i) Be registered in the
System for Award Management (SAM)
before submitting its application; (ii)
provide a valid unique entity identifier
in its application; and (iii) continue to
maintain an active SAM registration
with current information at all times
during which it has an active Federal
award or an application or plan under
consideration by a Federal awarding
agency. The Federal awarding agency
may not make a Federal award to an
applicant until the applicant has
complied with all applicable unique
entity identifier and SAM requirements
and, if an applicant has not fully
complied with the requirements by the
time the Federal awarding agency is
ready to make a Federal award, the
Federal awarding agency may determine
that the applicant is not qualified to
receive a Federal award and use that
determination as a basis for making a
Federal award to another applicant.
2. Content and Form of Application
Submission
An application must contain all of the
required elements and be submitted in
one package. Each selection priority
criterion outlined in 7 CFR 4280.427
must be addressed in the application.
Failure to address any of the criterion
will result in a zero-point score for that
criterion and will impact the overall
evaluation of the application. Copies of
7 CFR part 4280, subpart E, will be
provided to any interested applicant
making a request to a Rural
Development State Office. An original
copy of the application must be filed
with the Rural Development State Office
for the State where the project is
located. For projects involving multiple
states, the application must be filed in
the Rural Development State Office
where the Applicant is located.
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The applicant documentation and
forms needed for a complete application
are located in the PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION section of this notice,
and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E. There
are no specific formats required per this
notice, and applicants may request
forms and addresses from the contacts
listed in the ADDRESSES section of this
notice. Any form that requires an
original signature but is signed
electronically in the application
submission must be signed in ink by the
authorized person prior to the
disbursement of funds.
(a) There are no specific limitations
on the number of pages or other
formatting requirements other than
those described in the PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION section.
(b) There are no specific limitations
on the number of pages, font size and
type face, margins, paper size, number
of copies, and the sequence or assembly
requirements.
(c) The component pieces of this
application should contain original
signatures on the original application.
3. Submission Dates and Times
(a) Application Deadline Dates:
Applications must be submitted to the
Rural Development State Office no later
than 4:30 p.m. (local time) July 6, 2021.
(b) The deadline date means that the
completed application package must be
received in the USDA Rural
Development State Office by the
established deadline date and time. All
application documents identified in this
notice are required in the submission to
be considered a complete application.
(c) The Agency will determine the
application receipt date for paper
applications based on the actual date
postmarked. The date of electronic
application submissions will be the date
received in the Rural Development State
Office by the designated Agency staff
person.
(d) If completed applications are not
received by the deadline, the
application will neither be reviewed nor
considered for funding under any
circumstances.
(e) Indirect costs will be permitted in
accordance with applicable law and in
accordance with 2 CFR part 200. PreFederal award costs will only be
permitted with prior written approval
by the Agency.
(f) Applicants may submit
applications in hard copy or electronic
format as previously indicated in the
Application and Submission
Information section of this notice. If the
applicant wishes to hand deliver its
application, the addresses for these
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17:36 May 19, 2021
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deliveries can be located in the
ADDRESSES section of this notice.
(g) If you require alternative means of
communication for program information
(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.)
please contact USDA’s TARGET Center
at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD).
E. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
All eligible and complete applications
will be evaluated and scored based on
the selection criteria and weights
contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart
E and in compliance with this notice.
Failure to address any one of the criteria
by the application deadline will result
in the application being determined
ineligible, and the application will not
be considered for funding.
2. Review and Selection Process
The Rural Development State Offices
will review applications to determine if
they are eligible for assistance based on
applicant and project eligibility
requirements contained in 7 CFR parts
4280.416 and 4280.417, respectively,
and in this Notice. Funding of projects
is subject to the Applicant’s satisfactory
submission of the items required by 7
CFR part 4280, subpart E and this
Notice in addition to any conditions
specifically outlined in any issued
USDA Rural Development Letter of
Conditions if available funds are to be
awarded.
Applications will compete at the
national level for available funds.
Applications will be reviewed,
prioritized by score, and funded by
ranking each project in highest to lowest
score order until available funds are
exhausted.
F. Federal Award Administration
Information
1. Federal Award Notices
Successful applicants will receive
notification for funding from the Rural
Development State Office. Applicants
must comply with all applicable statutes
and regulations before the grant award
can be approved and funded.
2. Administrative and National Policy
Requirements
Additional requirements that apply to
grantees selected for this Program can be
found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E.
Awards are subject to USDA grant
regulations at 2 CFR part 400 which
incorporated the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) regulation 2 CFR part
200.
All successful applicants will be
notified by letter which will include a
Letter of Conditions, and a Letter of
PO 00000
Frm 00006
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Sfmt 4703
27369
Intent to Meet Conditions. This letter is
not an authorization to begin
performance. If the applicant wishes to
consider beginning performance prior to
the grant being officially closed, all preaward costs must be approved in
writing and in advance by the Agency.
The grant will be considered officially
awarded when all conditions in the
Letter of Conditions have been met and
the Agency obligates the funding for the
project.
Additional requirements that apply to
grantees selected for these Programs can
be found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E;
the Grants and Agreements regulations
of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
codified in 2 CFR 400.1 to 400.2 and 2
CFR part 415 to 422, and successor
regulations to these parts.
In addition, all recipients of Federal
financial assistance are required to
report information about first-tier subawards and executive compensation
(see 2 CFR part 170). The applicant 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 exempt under 2 CFR 170.110(b)).
The following additional
requirements apply to grantees selected
for these Programs:
(a) Form RD 4280–2 ‘‘Rural BusinessCooperative Service Financial
Assistance Agreement.’’
(b) Letter of Conditions.
(c) Form RD 1940–1, ‘‘Request for
Obligation of Funds.’’
(d) Form RD 1942–46, ‘‘Letter of
Intent to Meet Conditions.’’
(e) SF LLL, ‘‘Disclosure of Lobbying
Activities,’’ if applicable.
(f) Grantees will use Form SF 270,
‘‘Request for Advance or
Reimbursement’’ when requesting grant
funds from the Agency.
3. Reporting
(a) A Financial Status Report and a
Project Performance Activity Report will
be required of all grantees on a quarterly
basis until initial funds are expended
and yearly thereafter, if applicable,
based on the Federal fiscal year.
Grantees must continuously monitor
performance to ensure that time
schedules are being met, projected work
by time periods is being accomplished,
and other performance objectives are
being achieved. Grantees must submit
an original of each report to the Agency
no later than 30 days after the end of the
quarter. The grantee will complete the
project within the total time available to
it in accordance with the Scope of Work
and any necessary modifications thereof
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 96 / Thursday, May 20, 2021 / Notices
prepared by the grantee and approved
by the Agency. A final Project
Performance Report will be required
with the final Financial Status Report.
The final report may serve as the last
quarterly report. The final report must
provide complete information regarding
the jobs created and supported as a
result of the RBDG grant if applicable.
The Project Performance Reports must
include, but not be limited to, the
following:
(1) A comparison of actual
accomplishments to the objectives
established for that period.
(2) Problems, delays, or adverse
conditions, if any, which have affected
or will affect attainment of overall
project objectives, prevent meeting time
schedules or objectives, or preclude the
attainment of particular project work
elements during established time
periods. This disclosure shall be
accompanied by a statement of the
action taken or planned to resolve the
situation.
(3) Objectives and timetable
established for the next reporting
period.
(4) Any special reporting
requirements, such as jobs supported
and created, businesses assisted, or
economic development which results in
improvements in median household
incomes, and any other specific
requirements, should be placed in the
reporting section of the Letter of
Conditions.
(5) Within 90 days after the
conclusion of the project, the grantee
will provide a final Project Evaluation
Report. The last quarterly payment will
be withheld until the final report is
received and approved by the Agency.
Even though the grantee may request
reimbursement on a monthly basis, the
last 3 months of reimbursements will be
withheld until a Final report, Project
Performance Report, and Financial
Status Report are received and approved
by the Agency.
(b) In addition to any reports required
by 2 CFR part 200 and 2 CFR 400.1 to
400.2 and 2 CFR part 415 to 422, the
grantee must provide reports as required
by 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
For general questions about this
announcement, please contact your
USDA Rural Development State Office
provided in the ADDRESSES section of
this notice.
H. Civil Rights Requirements
All grants made under this notice are
subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964 as required by the USDA (7 CFR
part 15, subpart A) and Section 504 of
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17:36 May 19, 2021
Jkt 253001
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VIII
of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title IX,
Executive Order 13166 (Limited English
Proficiency), Executive Order 11246,
and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of
1974.
I. Other Information
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, the information
collection requirement contained in this
notice is approved by OMB under OMB
Control Number 0570–0070.
Federal Funding Accountability and
Transparency Act
All applicants, in accordance with 2
CFR part 25, must have a DUNS
number, which can be obtained at no
cost via a toll-free request line at (866)
705–5711 or online at https://
fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Similarly, all
applicants applying for grant funds
must be registered in SAM prior to
submitting an application. Applicants
may register for the SAM at https://
www.sam.gov/SAM. All recipients of
Federal financial grant assistance are
required to report information about
first-tier sub-awards and executive total
compensation in accordance with 2 CFR
part 170.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil
rights law and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights
regulations and policies, the USDA, its
agencies, offices, and employees, and
institutions participating in or
administering USDA Programs are
prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
gender identity (including gender
expression), sexual orientation,
disability, age, marital status, family/
parental status, income derived from a
public assistance program, political
beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior
civil rights activity, in any program or
activity conducted or funded by USDA
(not all bases apply to all programs).
Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means of communication for
program information (e.g., Braille, large
print, audiotape, American Sign
Language, etc.) should contact the
responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET
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
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Discrimination Complaint Form, AD–
3027, found online at https://
www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-aprogram-discrimination-complaint 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; or
(2) Email: OAC@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity
provider, employer, and lender.
Mark Brodziski,
Acting Administrator, Rural BusinessCooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–10620 Filed 5–19–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
[Docket #: RBS–2021–CO–OP–0001]
Inviting Applications for the Delta
Health Care Services Grant Program
Rural Business-Cooperative
Service, USDA
ACTION: Notice of funding availability.
AGENCY:
This Notice of Funding
Availability (Notice) announces that the
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
(Agency) is accepting fiscal year (FY)
2021 applications for the Delta Health
Care Services (DHCS) grant program.
Approximately $3 million is currently
available for FY 2021. All funds must
support projects located in persistent
poverty counties as described in the
Overview section of this Notice. The
Agency will publish the program
funding level on the Rural Development
website https://www.rd.usda.gov/
programs-services/delta-health-careservices-grants. The purpose of this
program is to provide financial
assistance to address the continued
unmet health needs in the Delta Region
through cooperation among health care
professionals, institutions of higher
education, research institutions, and
economic development entities in the
Delta Region.
DATES: Completed applications for
grants must be submitted electronically
by no later than midnight Eastern
Standard Time July 19, 2021 through
https://www.grants.gov to be eligible for
grant funding. Please review the
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\20MYN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 96 (Thursday, May 20, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27365-27370]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-10620]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
[Docket # RBS-21-BUSINESS-0014]
Notice of Reserved Funding for the Rural Business Development
Grant (RBDG) Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA (Rural Development).
ACTION: Notice of funding availability.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Rural-Business Cooperative Service (the Agency) announces
the availability of funds in the total amount of $2 million reserved
for projects located in rural coastal communities, with priority given
to National Scenic Areas that were devastated by wildfires that are in
need of economic development assistance, to support innovation and job
growth. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in
developing their applications.
DATES: Applications must be submitted to the USDA Rural Development
State Office in the state where the project is located. For projects
involving multiple states, the application must be filed in the Rural
Development State Office where the Applicant is located. Applications
may be submitted in paper or electronic format to the appropriate Rural
Development State Office and must be received by 4:30 p.m. local time
July 6, 2021. Applicants are encouraged to contact their respective
Rural Development State Office for an email contact to submit an
electronic application prior to the submission
[[Page 27366]]
deadline date. A list of the USDA Rural Development State Offices can
be found at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/page/state-offices.
ADDRESSES: Applications must be submitted to the USDA Rural Development
State Office for the State where the Project is located. For Projects
involving multiple states, the application must be filed in the Rural
Development State Office where the Applicant is located. Applications
may be submitted in paper or electronic format to the appropriate Rural
Development State Office and must be received by 4:30 p.m. local time
on the deadline date. Applicants are encouraged to contact their
respective Rural Development State Office for an email contact to
submit an electronic application prior to the submission deadline date.
A list of the USDA Rural Development State Office contacts can be found
at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/page/state-offices.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Chestnut, Branch Chief, Program
Management Division, at (202) 692-5233, or [email protected],
Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
1400 Independence Avenue SW, MS 3226, Room 5160-South, Washington, DC
20250-3226, or call (202) 720-1400.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021,
Div. A, Title III--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021
designated funding not to exceed $2 million for Rural Business
Development Grants in rural coastal communities, with priority given to
National Scenic Areas that were devastated by wildfires that are in
need of economic development assistance, to support innovation and job
growth. This designated funding is in addition to Fiscal Year 2021
funds allocated for Rural Business Development Grant Projects (86 FR
8160) and will be competed separately. With this Notice, Rural
Development is announcing the availability of additional RBDG funds for
projects located in rural coastal communities.
All applicants and projects for this funding must meet the
applicant and use of proceeds requirements of the Rural Business
Development Grant program as stated in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E and
requirements of this notice. Rural coastal community for the purposes
of this notice is defined as an area or community bordering a river or
ocean coastline, where the land and water surfaces meet. The applicant
must provide a map indicating the location of the proposed project and
describe how their project will support innovation and job creation in
the coastal community. Priority is given to National Scenic Areas that
have been devastated by wildfires. A National Scenic Area is a
federally designated area of outstanding natural and scenic value that
receives a level of environmental protection. All eligible applications
will compete nationally, ranked by highest to lowest score until funds
are depleted. All scoring will be based on the RBDG scoring criteria
defined in 7 CFR 4280.435 with exception of the awarding of
discretionary points to the project as stated in this notice.
Overview
Solicitation Opportunity Type: Rural Business Development Grant.
Announcement Type: Initial Solicitation Announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.351.
Dates: The deadline for completed applications to be received in
the USDA Rural Development State Office has been established as 4:30
p.m. local time July 6, 2021. A list of the USDA Rural Development
State Offices can be found at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/page/state-offices.
A. Program Description
1. Purpose of the Program. The purpose of the program is to promote
economic development and job creation projects through the awarding of
grant funds to eligible entities. Applications that will use grant
funds for either business opportunity or business enterprise projects,
as defined, will compete equally for the available funds. Business
opportunity projects may be used to establish business support centers
or provide funds for job training and leadership development in rural
areas. Business opportunity projects must be consistent with any local
and area-wide strategic plans for community and economic development,
coordinated with other economic development activities in the project
area, and consistent with any Rural Development State or Tribal
Strategic Plan. Business enterprise projects must be used to finance or
develop small and emerging businesses in rural areas. Enterprise funded
project purposes must be in compliance with 7 CFR 4280.417(a)(2) which
includes the acquisition and development of land, access streets and
roads, and the conversion or modernization of buildings, machinery, and
equipment.
2. Statutory and Regulatory Authority. This program is authorized
under 7 U.S.C. 1932(c) and implemented by 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E.
Assistance provided under this subpart will be made to eligible
entities and will be used for funding various business opportunity and
business enterprise projects. Funds under this notice may only serve
projects located in rural coastal areas.
Awards will be made on a competitive basis using specific selection
criteria contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E. Information required
to be in the application package includes Standard Form (SF) 424,
``Application for Federal Assistance;'' a copy of applicants
organizational documents; a proposed scope of work; Resolution of the
Board of Directors; SF LLL, ``Restrictions on Lobbying;'' RD 400-1,
``Equal Opportunity Agreement;'' Assurance Statement for the Uniform
Act; paperwork required in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970,
``Environmental Policies and 7 CFR 4280.427 Application.
3. Definition of Terms. The definitions applicable to this notice
are published at 7 CFR 4280.403 and as noted:
Rural coastal community for the purposes of this notice is defined
as an area or community bordering a river or ocean coastline.
A National Scenic Area is a federally designated area of
outstanding natural and scenic value that receives a level of
environmental protection.
4. Application Awards. The Agency will review, evaluate, and score
applications received in response to this notice based on the
provisions found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E, and as indicated in
this notice. The Agency advises all interested parties that the
applicant bears the burden in preparing and submitting an application
in response to this notice.
B. Federal Award Information
Type of Awards: Grants.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2021.
Available Funds: $2,000,000.
Anticipated Award Date: September 30, 2021.
Performance Period: October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2023.
Renewal or Supplemental Awards: None.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants.
Grants may be made to a Public Body/Government Entity; an Indian
Tribe; or a nonprofit entity primarily serving rural areas. In
accordance with 7 CFR 4280.416(d), applicants that are not delinquent
on any Federal debt or not otherwise disqualified from participation in
these Programs are
[[Page 27367]]
eligible to apply. The Agency will check the System for Award
Management (SAM) to determine if the applicant has been debarred or
suspended. Applicants must be registered in the System for Award
Management (SAM) prior to submitting an application and maintain an
active SAM registration with current information at all times during
which it has an active Federal award or an application under
consideration by the Agency. Applicants must ensure that they complete
the Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations in
SAM. All other restrictions in this notice will apply.
The Agency requires information to make an eligibility
determination through applications that must include, but are not
limited to, the following:
(a) An original and one copy of SF 424, ``Application for Federal
Assistance (For Non-construction).''
(b) Copies of applicant's organizational documents showing the
applicant's legal existence and authority to perform the activities
under the grant.
(c) A proposed scope of work, including a description of the
proposed project. Grant funds may be used for projects identified in
Sec. 4280.417(a) as either a business opportunity type grant or a
business enterprise type grant. The scope of work must include details
of the proposed activities to be accomplished and timeframes for
completion of each task, the number of months duration of the project,
and the estimated time it will take from grant approval to beginning of
project implementation. In accordance with 7 CFR 4280.421, a project
must reasonably be expected to be completed within 1 full year after it
has begun.
(d) A written narrative that includes, at a minimum, the following
items:
(1) An explanation of why the project is needed, the benefits of
the proposed project, and how the project meets the grant eligible
purposes;
(2) Area to be served and how it meets the criteria of a rural
coastal community, identifying each governmental unit, i.e., town,
county, Indian reservation, etc., to be affected by the project;
(3) Description of how the project will coordinate Economic
Development activities with other Economic Development activities
within the project area;
(4) Business to be assisted, if appropriate; and Economic
Development to be accomplished;
(5) An explanation of how the proposed project will result in newly
created, increased or supported jobs in the area and the number of
projected new and supported jobs within the next 3 years;
(6) A description of the applicant's demonstrated capability and
experience in providing the proposed project assistance or similar
Economic Development activities, including experience of key staff
members and persons who will be providing the proposed project
activities and managing the project;
(7) The method and rationale used to select the areas and
businesses that will receive the service;
(8) A brief description of how the work will be performed including
whether organizational staff or consultants or contractors will be
used;
(9) Please note that no assistance or funding can be provided to
hemp producers or processors unless they have a valid license issued
from an approved State, Tribal or Federal plan as per Section 10113 of
the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Public Law 115-334, and note
that verification of valid hemp licenses will occur at the time of
award; and
(10) Other information the Agency may request to assist in making a
grant award determination.
(e) The latest 3 years of financial information to show the
applicant's financial capacity to carry out the proposed work. If the
applicant is less than 3 years old, at a minimum, the information
should include all balance sheet(s), income statement(s) and cash flow
statement(s). A current audited report is required if available.
(f) Intergovernmental review comments from the State Single Point
of Contact, or evidence that the State has elected not to review the
program under Executive Order 12372. Applications from federally
recognized tribes are exempt from this requirement.
(g) Documentation regarding the availability and amount of other
funds to be used in conjunction with the funds from the RBDG. If there
is not a firm commitment in writing of the other funding, it may not be
considered for leveraging and scoring purposes and the project must be
determined as feasible without those funds.
(h) A budget which includes salaries, fringe benefits, consultant
costs, indirect costs, and other appropriate direct costs for the
project.
(i) RBDG construction project grants must conform with 7 CFR part
1924, subpart A, for residential construction requirements, 7 CFR part
1942 subpart A, for commercial construction requirements and the 7 CFR
1970 environmental requirements.
3. General Processing and Scoring Provisions
The Agency will review each application for assistance in
accordance with the priorities established in Sec. 4280.435. The
Agency will assign each application a priority rating and will select
applications for funding based on the priority ratings and the total
funds available to the program.
(a) The Agency will score each application based on the information
contained in the application and its supporting information. All
applications submitted for funding must contain sufficient information
to permit the Agency to complete a thorough priority rating. Agency
employees may not consider any information that is not provided by the
applicant in writing for scoring purposes. Applications will not be
considered for funding if they do not provide sufficient information to
determine eligibility or are missing required elements. Total possible
points for the scoring criteria is 240 plus discretionary points that
may be awarded by the Administrator with justification. Points will be
awarded to an eligible application as follows:
(1) Leveraging. If the grant will fund a critical element of a
larger program of Economic Development, without which the overall
program either could not proceed or would be far less effective, or if
the program to be assisted by the grant will also be partially funded
from other sources, points will be awarded if Rural Development's
funding is: (i) Less than 20 percent of the project costs--30 points;
(ii) between 20 percent and up to 50 percent of the project--20 points;
(iii) between 51 percent and up to 75 percent of the project--10
points.
(2) Demographics. Points will be awarded for each of the following
criteria met by the community or communities that will receive the
benefit of the grant, up to a total of 40 points from all categories:
(i) Communities experiencing trauma due to a major natural disaster
that occurred not more than 3 years prior to the filing of the
application for assistance will be awarded 15 points; (ii) Communities
that have suffered a loss of 20 percent or more in their total jobs
caused by the closure of a military facility or other employer within
the last 3 years will be awarded 15 points; (iii) Communities that have
experienced long-term poverty as demonstrated by being a former Rural
Empowerment Zone, Rural Economic Area Partnership Zone, Rural
Enterprise Community, Champion Community, or a persistent poverty
county as determined by USDA's Economic Research Service will receive
10 points;
[[Page 27368]]
and (iv) If the community has experienced long-term population decline
as demonstrated by the latest three decennial censuses, 10 points will
be awarded.
(3) Population. Points will be awarded if the proposed project(s)
will be located in a community of: (i) Under 5,000 population--15
points; (ii) Between 5,000 and less than 15,000 population--10 points;
or (iii) Between 15,000 and 25,000 population--5 points.
(4) Unemployment. If the proposed project(s) will be located in
areas where the unemployment rate: (i) Exceeds the State rate by 25
percent or more--20 points will be awarded; (ii) exceeds the State rate
by less than 25 percent--10 points will be awarded; or (iii) is equal
to or less than the State rate--0 points will be awarded.
(5) Median household income. If the proposed project(s) will be
located in areas where Median Household Income (MHI) as prescribed by
section 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act for a family
of 4 for the State is: (i) Less than the poverty line--25 points will
be awarded; (ii) More than the poverty line but less than 65 percent of
State MHI--15 points will be awarded; (iii) Between 65 and 85 percent
of the State MHI--10 points will be awarded; or (iv) If the area has
greater than 85 percent of the State MHI--0 points will be awarded.
(6) Experience. If the applicant provides evidence of successful
experience in the type of activity proposed based on its current
employees' resumes demonstrating: (i) 10 or more years of experience--
30 points will be awarded; (ii) At least 5 but less than 10 years of
experience--20 points will be awarded; (iii) At least 3 years but less
than 5 years of experience--10 points will be awarded; or (iv) At least
1 but less than 3 years of experience--5 points will be awarded.
(7) Small business start-up or expansion. If the Applicant has
evidence that small business development will be supported by startup
or expansion as a result of the activities to be carried out under the
grant by written evidence provided to the Agency from a small, or a
small and emerging business that includes the number of jobs that will
be supported and created, 5 points will be awarded for each letter up
to a total of 25 points. Generic or duplicated letters are not
acceptable; letters must address the specific business producing the
letter, the connection to the project activities and further provide
information relative to jobs to meet the criteria.
(8) Jobs created or supported. Points will be awarded if the
anticipated development, expansion, or furtherance of business
enterprises as a result of the proposed project will create and/or
support existing jobs associated with the affected businesses. The
number of jobs must be evidenced by a written commitment from the
business(es) to be assisted. Points will be awarded based on the ratio
of jobs to be supported by the amount of grant funds. For projects
supporting: (i) One job for less than $5,000 of grant funds--25 points
will be awarded; (ii) one job for $5,000 but less than $10,000 of grant
funds--20 points; (iii) one job for $10,000 but less than $15,000--15
points; (iv) one job for $15,000 but less than $20,000--10 points; or
(v) one job for $20,000 but less than $25,000 of grant funds--5 points
will be awarded.
(9) Size of grant request. Projects utilizing grant funds of: (i)
Less than $100,000--25 points will be awarded; (ii) Grant requests of
$100,000 to $200,000--15 points will be awarded; or (iii) applications
for more than $200,000 but equal to or less than $500,000--10 points
will be awarded.
(10) Indirect cost. If the applicant is not requesting grant funds
to cover their administrative or indirect costs, 5 points will be
awarded.
(11) Discretionary points. The Administrator may assign up to 50
discretionary points to any application that documents the project area
was impacted by wildfires through issuance of a Major Disaster
Declaration or Fire Management Assistance Declaration by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), within four years of the
application date. Higher points will be awarded to projects that are
located in a federally designated Natural Scenic Area or will create
jobs and economic opportunities in an area still suffering economic
impacts from the wildfires.
(b) Unfunded applications. The Agency will notify unsuccessful
eligible applicants who did not receive funding due to insufficient
funds, in writing, that their application will not be funded.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package.
For further information, entities wishing to apply for assistance
should contact the USDA Rural Development State Office provided in the
ADDRESSES section of this notice to obtain copies of the application
package.
Applications may be submitted in paper or electronic format to the
appropriate Rural Development State Office and must be received by 4:30
p.m. local time on July 6, 2021. Applicants are encouraged to contact
their respective Rural Development State Office for an email contact to
submit an electronic application prior to the submission deadline
date(s). All applicants must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number which can be obtained at no cost via a
toll-free request line at: (866) 705-5711 or at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Each applicant applying for grant funds (unless the applicant
is an individual or Federal awarding agency that is excepted from the
requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c) or has an exception approved
by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is required to:
(i) Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before
submitting its application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity
identifier in its application; and (iii) continue to maintain an active
SAM registration with current information at all times during which it
has an active Federal award or an application or plan under
consideration by a Federal awarding agency. The Federal awarding agency
may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has
complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM
requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the
requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a
Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the
applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that
determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another
applicant.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
An application must contain all of the required elements and be
submitted in one package. Each selection priority criterion outlined in
7 CFR 4280.427 must be addressed in the application. Failure to address
any of the criterion will result in a zero-point score for that
criterion and will impact the overall evaluation of the application.
Copies of 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E, will be provided to any
interested applicant making a request to a Rural Development State
Office. An original copy of the application must be filed with the
Rural Development State Office for the State where the project is
located. For projects involving multiple states, the application must
be filed in the Rural Development State Office where the Applicant is
located.
[[Page 27369]]
The applicant documentation and forms needed for a complete
application are located in the PROGRAM DESCRIPTION section of this
notice, and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E. There are no specific formats
required per this notice, and applicants may request forms and
addresses from the contacts listed in the ADDRESSES section of this
notice. Any form that requires an original signature but is signed
electronically in the application submission must be signed in ink by
the authorized person prior to the disbursement of funds.
(a) There are no specific limitations on the number of pages or
other formatting requirements other than those described in the PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION section.
(b) There are no specific limitations on the number of pages, font
size and type face, margins, paper size, number of copies, and the
sequence or assembly requirements.
(c) The component pieces of this application should contain
original signatures on the original application.
3. Submission Dates and Times
(a) Application Deadline Dates: Applications must be submitted to
the Rural Development State Office no later than 4:30 p.m. (local time)
July 6, 2021.
(b) The deadline date means that the completed application package
must be received in the USDA Rural Development State Office by the
established deadline date and time. All application documents
identified in this notice are required in the submission to be
considered a complete application.
(c) The Agency will determine the application receipt date for
paper applications based on the actual date postmarked. The date of
electronic application submissions will be the date received in the
Rural Development State Office by the designated Agency staff person.
(d) If completed applications are not received by the deadline, the
application will neither be reviewed nor considered for funding under
any circumstances.
(e) Indirect costs will be permitted in accordance with applicable
law and in accordance with 2 CFR part 200. Pre-Federal award costs will
only be permitted with prior written approval by the Agency.
(f) Applicants may submit applications in hard copy or electronic
format as previously indicated in the Application and Submission
Information section of this notice. If the applicant wishes to hand
deliver its application, the addresses for these deliveries can be
located in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
(g) If you require alternative means of communication for program
information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please
contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
E. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated and scored
based on the selection criteria and weights contained in 7 CFR part
4280, subpart E and in compliance with this notice. Failure to address
any one of the criteria by the application deadline will result in the
application being determined ineligible, and the application will not
be considered for funding.
2. Review and Selection Process
The Rural Development State Offices will review applications to
determine if they are eligible for assistance based on applicant and
project eligibility requirements contained in 7 CFR parts 4280.416 and
4280.417, respectively, and in this Notice. Funding of projects is
subject to the Applicant's satisfactory submission of the items
required by 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E and this Notice in addition to
any conditions specifically outlined in any issued USDA Rural
Development Letter of Conditions if available funds are to be awarded.
Applications will compete at the national level for available
funds. Applications will be reviewed, prioritized by score, and funded
by ranking each project in highest to lowest score order until
available funds are exhausted.
F. Federal Award Administration Information
1. Federal Award Notices
Successful applicants will receive notification for funding from
the Rural Development State Office. Applicants must comply with all
applicable statutes and regulations before the grant award can be
approved and funded.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for this
Program can be found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E. Awards are subject
to USDA grant regulations at 2 CFR part 400 which incorporated the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulation 2 CFR part 200.
All successful applicants will be notified by letter which will
include a Letter of Conditions, and a Letter of Intent to Meet
Conditions. This letter is not an authorization to begin performance.
If the applicant wishes to consider beginning performance prior to the
grant being officially closed, all pre-award costs must be approved in
writing and in advance by the Agency. The grant will be considered
officially awarded when all conditions in the Letter of Conditions have
been met and the Agency obligates the funding for the project.
Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for these
Programs can be found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E; the Grants and
Agreements regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture codified
in 2 CFR 400.1 to 400.2 and 2 CFR part 415 to 422, and successor
regulations to these parts.
In addition, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are
required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and
executive compensation (see 2 CFR part 170). The applicant 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
exempt under 2 CFR 170.110(b)).
The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected
for these Programs:
(a) Form RD 4280-2 ``Rural Business-Cooperative Service Financial
Assistance Agreement.''
(b) Letter of Conditions.
(c) Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
(d) Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.''
(e) SF LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' if applicable.
(f) Grantees will use Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or
Reimbursement'' when requesting grant funds from the Agency.
3. Reporting
(a) A Financial Status Report and a Project Performance Activity
Report will be required of all grantees on a quarterly basis until
initial funds are expended and yearly thereafter, if applicable, based
on the Federal fiscal year. Grantees must continuously monitor
performance to ensure that time schedules are being met, projected work
by time periods is being accomplished, and other performance objectives
are being achieved. Grantees must submit an original of each report to
the Agency no later than 30 days after the end of the quarter. The
grantee will complete the project within the total time available to it
in accordance with the Scope of Work and any necessary modifications
thereof
[[Page 27370]]
prepared by the grantee and approved by the Agency. A final Project
Performance Report will be required with the final Financial Status
Report. The final report may serve as the last quarterly report. The
final report must provide complete information regarding the jobs
created and supported as a result of the RBDG grant if applicable. The
Project Performance Reports must include, but not be limited to, the
following:
(1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives
established for that period.
(2) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions, if any, which have
affected or will affect attainment of overall project objectives,
prevent meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude the
attainment of particular project work elements during established time
periods. This disclosure shall be accompanied by a statement of the
action taken or planned to resolve the situation.
(3) Objectives and timetable established for the next reporting
period.
(4) Any special reporting requirements, such as jobs supported and
created, businesses assisted, or economic development which results in
improvements in median household incomes, and any other specific
requirements, should be placed in the reporting section of the Letter
of Conditions.
(5) Within 90 days after the conclusion of the project, the grantee
will provide a final Project Evaluation Report. The last quarterly
payment will be withheld until the final report is received and
approved by the Agency. Even though the grantee may request
reimbursement on a monthly basis, the last 3 months of reimbursements
will be withheld until a Final report, Project Performance Report, and
Financial Status Report are received and approved by the Agency.
(b) In addition to any reports required by 2 CFR part 200 and 2 CFR
400.1 to 400.2 and 2 CFR part 415 to 422, the grantee must provide
reports as required by 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
For general questions about this announcement, please contact your
USDA Rural Development State Office provided in the ADDRESSES section
of this notice.
H. Civil Rights Requirements
All grants made under this notice are subject to Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 as required by the USDA (7 CFR part 15,
subpart A) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title
VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title IX, Executive Order 13166
(Limited English Proficiency), Executive Order 11246, and the Equal
Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.
I. Other Information
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
information collection requirement contained in this notice is approved
by OMB under OMB Control Number 0570-0070.
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, must have a DUNS
number, which can be obtained at no cost via a toll-free request line
at (866) 705-5711 or online at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
Similarly, all applicants applying for grant funds must be registered
in SAM prior to submitting an application. Applicants may register for
the SAM at https://www.sam.gov/SAM. All recipients of Federal financial
grant assistance are required to report information about first-tier
sub-awards and executive total compensation in accordance with 2 CFR
part 170.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its
agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or
administering USDA Programs are prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print,
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible
Agency or USDA's TARGET 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.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint 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; or
(2) Email: [email protected].
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Mark Brodziski,
Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-10620 Filed 5-19-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P
