Strategic Economic and Community Development Program, 57409-57412 [2021-22499]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 197 / Friday, October 15, 2021 / Notices Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf/ hard-of-hearing (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339, 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 requires that the Forest Service develop a Land and Resource Management Plan, often called a Forest Plan, for every national forest. Forest Plans provide the strategic direction for management of forest resources and are amendable as conditions change over time. The Black Hills Forest Plan was first released in 1983, revised in 1997, and amended in 2006. The 2006 version serves as the current Forest Plan for the Black Hills National Forest. This notice announces the start of the first stage of the process, during which updated information from the public, Tribes, other government agencies, and non-governmental parties, will be compiled into assessment reports. Information relevant to these reports typically includes the status and trends of ecological, social, and economic conditions within the planning area and across the broader landscape. Federal Regulation (36 CFR 219.6) requires the assessment of (1) Terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, and watersheds; (2) Air, soil, and water resources and quality; (3) System drivers, including dominant ecological processes, disturbance regimes, and stressors, such as natural succession, wildland fire, invasive species, and climate change, and the ability of terrestrial and aquatic ecosytems in the plan area to adapt to change; (4) Baseline assessment of carbon stocks; (5) Threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate species, and potential species of conservation concern present in the plan area; (6) Social, cultural, and economic conditions; (7) Benefits people obtain from the national forest system planning area (ecosystem services); (8) Multiple uses and their contributions to local, regional, and national economies; (9) Recreation settings, opportunities and access, and scenic character; (10); Renewable and nonrenewable energy and mineral resources; (11) Infrastructure, such as recreational facilities and transporation and utility corridors; (12) Areas of tribal importance; (13) Cultural and historic resources and uses; (14) Land status and ownership and access patterns; and (15) Existing designated areas located in the plan area including wilderness and wild and scenic rivers and potential need and VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:50 Oct 14, 2021 Jkt 256001 opportunity for additional designated areas. During this assessment phase, the Forest Service invites other government agencies, Tribes, non-governmental parties, and the public to share information about social, economic, and environmental conditions of the Black Hills National Forest and the broader landscape. Existing information about conditions on the Black Hills National Forest, supplemented with information gathered through public engagement and tribal consultation, will be integrated into final resource assessments. The Forest Service will host public outreach forums to share progress and gather additional information. Responsible Official: The responsible official for the revision of the land and resource management plan for the Black Hills National Forest is Jeff Tomac, Forest Supervisor, Black Hills National Forest, 1019 N 5th Street, Custer, SD 57730, phone 605–673–9200. Dated: September 27, 2021. Barnie Gyant, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2021–22537 Filed 10–14–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Business-Cooperative Service Rural Housing Service Rural Utilities Service [Docket No. RBS–21–BUSINESS–0034] Strategic Economic and Community Development Program Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications. AGENCY: The Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development (RD) is seeking applications for the Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) priority, as reauthorized by Section 6401of the Agriculture Improvement Act, 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) with modifications, for projects that support multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral strategic community investment plans. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, the Agency will implement SECD by reserving loan and or grant funds from the appropriations of the programs covered by this funding priority. This notice describes the requirements by which the Agency will consider projects eligible SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 57409 for the covered programs’ reserved appropriated funds and the information needed to submit an application. DATES: To apply for SECD funding in FY 2022, applicants must submit Form RD 1980–88, ‘‘Strategic Economic and Community Development (Section 6401),’’ with their program application to the appropriate covered program. Each of the seven covered programs have different established deadlines for receipt of applications. Please refer to the Agency website or the appropriate covered program’s Federal Register Notice for deadline information. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in preparing and submitting applications. ADDRESSES: This notice will be announced on www.Grants.gov. SECD applications, with the exception of Community Connect Grant Program SECD applications, must be submitted to the USDA Rural Development Office servicing the area where the project is located. A list of the USDA Rural Development State Offices can be found at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/ state-offices. Community Connect applicants must submit SECD applications electronically at: https:// www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect. For lenders assigned an OneRD Loan Guarantee Initiative Customer Relationship Manager (CRM), SECD applications must be submitted to their assigned CRM. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For more information, please contact your respective Rural Development State Office listed here: https:// www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices. For all other inquiries, you may contact Greg Batson, Rural Development Innovation Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 0793, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250–0783, Telephone: (573) 239– 2945. Email: gregory.batson@usda.gov. A checklist of all required application information for regional planning priority can be found at: https:// www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/ strategic-economic-and-communitydevelopment. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Section 6401 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) re-authorized Section 6025 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill) with some modifications. Section 6401 of the 2018 Farm Bill enables the Secretary of Agriculture to prioritize projects that support multijurisdictional and multi-sectoral strategic community investment plans E:\FR\FM\15OCN1.SGM 15OCN1 57410 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 197 / Friday, October 15, 2021 / Notices when applying for program funds. These changes were implemented in an amendment to 7 CFR 1980 subpart K, which published in the Federal Register on September 22, 2020. In FY 2022, the Agency will reserve funds from the covered programs, using SECD regulation 7 CFR part 1980, subpart K. SECD supports projects that promote and implement strategic community investment plans. These plans use the unique strengths of rural communities to advance prosperity. USDA Rural Development helps finance these projects to build community prosperity by using community assets, identifying resources, convening partners and leveraging federal, state, local or private funding. In FY 2022, the Agency plans to implement SECD through reserving funds from the covered programs’ appropriations. This notice provides requirements to applicants submitting applications for the covered programs’ reserved funds and establishes the above-mentioned priority effective upon the publication of this notice. Agency implements SECD through reserving funds from the covered programs, using SECD regulation 7 CFR part 1980, subpart K. Accordingly, the Agency is giving priority to projects implementing strategic community investment plans in FY 2022 through the following Rural Development programs: • Community Facility Loans; see 7 CFR part 1942, subpart A. • Community Facilities Grants; see 7 CFR part 3570, subpart B. • Community Facilities Guaranteed Loans; see 7 CFR part 5001. • Water and Waste Disposal Programs Guaranteed Loans; see 7 CFR part 5001. • Water and Waste Loans and Grants; see 7 CFR part 1780. • Rural Business Development Grants; see 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E. • Community Connect Grants; see 7 CFR part 1739. upon completion of all required programmatic reviews. The Agency will return any reserved funds that are not obligated by the obligation deadline to each covered program’s regular funding account for obligation of eligible projects in that program. III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Requirements To be considered for SECD reserved funds, both the applicant and project must meet the eligibility requirements of the covered program. These requirements vary among the covered programs and applicants should refer to the regulations for those programs, which are referenced in I.A. of this notice. The agency supports community and regional planning through the SECD regulation without making any changes to the applicant eligibility requirements II. Award Information of the covered programs. The SECD regulation includes three criteria that a Type of Awards: Guaranteed loans, project must meet in order to be direct loans and grants. considered for the SECD reserve funding Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2022 (see 7 CFR 1980.1010): appropriated funds. The first criterion, as noted above, is Rural Development: Rural Available Funds: The amount of that the project meets the applicable Development: Key Priorities reserved funds available for SECD eligibility requirements of the covered projects is dependent on the amount of The Agency encourages applicants to program for which the applicant is available appropriated funding provided consider projects that will advance the applying. to each of the covered programs during following key priorities of Rural The second criterion is that the the fiscal year. Development: project is ‘‘carried out in a rural area’’ • Assisting rural communities recover Regional Planning Priority as defined in 7 CFR 1980.1005. As economically from the impacts of the defined, this means either the entire For FY 2022 applications, the COVID–19 pandemic, particularly project is physically located in a rural following table specifies the percentage disadvantaged communities; area or all the beneficiaries of the of funds being reserved: • Ensuring all rural residents have service(s) provided through the project equitable access to USDA-Rural must either reside in or be located in a Percentage Development programs and benefits of funds rural area. Note that the definition of from Rural Development funded Program reserved ‘‘rural’’ varies among the covered projects; and for SECD programs and the Section 6401 • Reducing climate pollution and Community Facility Loans 10 regulation does not change those increasing resilience to the impacts of definitions. Therefore, the applicable Community Facilities climate change through economic program regulations as outlined in I.A. Grant Program .............. 5 support to rural communities. Community Facilities should be reviewed as necessary. For further information, visit https:// Guaranteed Loans ........ 5 The third criterion is that the project www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points. Water and Waste Disposal supports the implementation of a Programs Guaranteed A. Statutory Authority strategic community investment plan on Loans ............................ 10 a multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral These funds are made available under Water and Waste Loans ... 5 the Authority of Section 6401 of the Water and Waste Grants .. 3 basis as defined in 7 CFR 1980.1005. In order to be considered for the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 Rural Business Develop(Pub. L. 115–334); Consolidated Farm ment Grants .................. 5 reserved funds from covered programs in FY 2022, applicants must (1) meet all Community Connect Grant and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. Program ........................ 10 requirements of the covered program; 2008v). (2) meet all requirements in accordance B. Programs Award Amounts: Guaranteed loans, with 7 CFR part 1980, subpart K (see7 direct loans and grants will be awarded Section 6401 of the 2018 Farm Bill (7 CFR 1980.1010); and (3) submit Form in amounts consistent with each U.S.C. 2008v), authorizes any program RD 1980–88 and the supporting under the Consolidated Farm and Rural applicable covered program. documentation required in 7 CFR Award Dates: Awards for SECD Development Act (Pub. L. 87–128), as 1080.1015 with their program applications submitted to the covered determined by the Secretary, to give application: priority to applications that support the programs in FY 2022 will be obligated • Sufficient information to show that on or before June 30, 2022, except implementation of multi-jurisdictional the project will be carried out in a rural Community Connect. Community and multi-sectoral strategic community area, as defined by the appropriate Connect SECD awards will be obligated investment plans. In FY 2022, the covered program; and VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:50 Oct 14, 2021 Jkt 256001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\15OCN1.SGM 15OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 197 / Friday, October 15, 2021 / Notices • Identification of any current or previous applications the applicant has submitted for funds from the covered programs. B. Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) for Award Management (SAM) For covered program applicants, a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number must be obtained and registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to submitting an application pursuant to 2 CFR 25.200(b). In addition, an entity applicant must maintain registration in SAM at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by the Agency. The applicant must ensure that the information in the database is current, accurate, and complete. Applicants must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations in SAM. Similarly, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to report information about first-tier subawards and executive compensation in accordance to 2 CFR part 170. So long as an entity applicant does not have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b), the applicant must have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the reporting requirements should the applicant receive funding. See 2 CFR 170.200(b). An applicant, unless excepted under 2 CFR 25.110(b), (c), or (d), is required to: (a) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application; (b) provide a valid DUNS number in its application; and (c) 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 DUNS 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. As required by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), all grant applications must provide a DUNS number when applying for Federal grants, on or after October 1, 2003. Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by calling the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:50 Oct 14, 2021 Jkt 256001 dedicated toll-free number at 1–866– 705–5711 or via internet at https:// fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Additional information concerning this requirement can be obtained on the Grants.gov website at https:// www.grants.gov. Similarly, applicants may register for SAM at https:// www.sam.gov or by calling 1–866–606– 8220. The applicant must provide documentation that they are registered in SAM and their DUNS number. If the applicant does not provide documentation that they are registered in SAM and their DUNS number, the application will not be considered for funding. Applicants no longer must complete the following forms for acceptance of a federal award, given that such information is now collected through the registration or annual recertification process in SAM.gov: • Form AD–1047, ‘‘Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered Transactions.’’ • Form AD– 1048, ‘‘Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion. Lower Tier Covered Transactions.’’ • Form AD– 1049, ‘‘Certification Regarding DrugFree Workplace Requirements (Grants).’’ • Form AD–3031, ‘‘Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants.’’ C. Cost Sharing or Matching D. Other Eligibility Requirements Any and all other eligibility requirements (beyond those identified in III.A of this notice) found in the covered programs applying to applicants, their projects, and the beneficiaries of those projects are unchanged by either this notice or the Section 6401 regulation. IV. Application Evaluation and Selection for Covered Programs Funds A. Scoring of Applications All FY 2022 applications for covered programs will be reviewed, evaluated, and scored based on the covered program’s scoring criteria. This notice does not affect that process. This notice only affects the scoring of SECD applications competing for a covered program’s SECD reserve funds. For applicants wishing to be considered for reserved SECD funds in FY 2022, the Agency will review, evaluate, and score each application Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 based on the criteria specified in 7 CFR 1980.1020, to award points for each program’s competition for the SECD reserved funds. B. Selection Process The Agency will prioritize applications competing for a covered program’s reserved funds based on the covered program’s awarded points plus the SECD earned points to determine which projects receive reserved funds. VI. Award Administration Information A. Award Notices The Agency will notify SECD applicants who receive funding in a manner consistent with award notifications for the covered program. B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Any and all additional requirements of the applicable covered programs apply to projects receiving funding in response to this notice. Please see the regulations for the applicable covered program. C. Reporting Requirements Any and all post-award reporting requirements contained in the covered program apply to all projects receiving reserved funds in response to this notice. VII. Additional Information Paperwork Reduction Act Any and all cost sharing, matching, and cost participation requirements of the applicable covered program apply to projects seeking SECD reserved funds. PO 00000 57411 In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the information collection requirements contained in 7 CFR part 1980, subpart K, have been approved by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0570–0068. 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 1–866– 705–5711 or online at https:// fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Similarly, all grant applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (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. Applicants must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations in SAM. E:\FR\FM\15OCN1.SGM 15OCN1 57412 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 197 / Friday, October 15, 2021 / Notices (3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov. Civil Rights Programs referenced in this Notice are subject to applicable Civil Rights Laws. These laws include the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Nondiscrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights laws and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Mission Areas, agencies, staff offices, 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. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the responsible Mission Area, agency, or staff office; the USDA TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TTY); or the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD–3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ ad-3027, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632–9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD–3027 form or letter must be submitted 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) Fax: (833) 256–1665 or (202) 690– 7442; or VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:50 Oct 14, 2021 Jkt 256001 Justin Maxson, Deputy Under Secretary, Rural Development. [FR Doc. 2021–22499 Filed 10–14–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Notice of Public Meetings of the Virginia Advisory Committee U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. ACTION: Announcement of meeting. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Commission) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act that the Virginia Advisory Committee (Committee) will hold a web-based meeting on Thursday, November 16, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The purpose of the meeting is to hear testimony regarding on police accountability in Virginia. DATES: Thursday, November 16, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. SUMMARY: Online Registration Register online (audio/visual): https:// bit.ly/3an93pb Join by phone (audio only): 800–360– 9505 USA Toll Free; Access code: 2762 662 9419 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melissa Wojnaroski, DFO, at mwojnaroski@usccr.gov or (202) 618– 4158. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Members of the public may listen to this discussion through the above call in number, or participate online via the above online registration link. An open comment period will be provided to allow members of the public to make a statement as time allows. Callers can expect to incur regular charges for calls they initiate over wireless lines, according to their wireless plan. The Commission will not refund any incurred charges. Callers will incur no charge for calls they initiate over landline connections to the toll-free telephone number. Closed captions will be provided. Individuals who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing may also follow the proceedings by first calling the Federal Relay Service at 1–800–877– 8339 and providing the Service with the conference call number and conference ID number. Persons with disabilities requiring other accommodations are invited to contact the Regional Programs Unit at (202) 618–4158 or email Corrine Sanders at csanders@usccr.gov 10 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 business days prior to the meeting to make their request. Members of the public are entitled to submit written comments; the comments must be received in the regional office within 30 days following the meeting. Written comments may be emailed to Melissa Wojnaroski at mwojnaroski@usccr.gov. Records generated from this meeting may be inspected and reproduced at the Regional Programs Unit Office, as they become available, both before and after the meeting. Records of the meeting will be available via www.facadatabase.gov under the Commission on Civil Rights, Virginia Advisory Committee link. Persons interested in the work of this Committee are directed to the Commission’s website, https:// www.usccr.gov, or may contact the Regional Programs Unit at the above email or street address. Agenda I. Welcome & Roll Call II. Panel Discussion: Civil Rights and Police Accountability in Virginia III Committee Members Q & A IV. Public Comment V. Adjournment Dated: October 8, 2021. David Mussatt, Supervisory Chief, Regional Programs Unit. [FR Doc. 2021–22459 Filed 10–14–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; West Coast Region Permit Family of Forms National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of information collection, request for comment. AGENCY: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\15OCN1.SGM 15OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 197 (Friday, October 15, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57409-57412]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22499]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Rural Housing Service

Rural Utilities Service

[Docket No. RBS-21-BUSINESS-0034]


Strategic Economic and Community Development Program

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and 
Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications.

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

SUMMARY: The Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development (RD) is 
seeking applications for the Strategic Economic and Community 
Development (SECD) priority, as reauthorized by Section 6401of the 
Agriculture Improvement Act, 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) with modifications, 
for projects that support multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral 
strategic community investment plans. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, the 
Agency will implement SECD by reserving loan and or grant funds from 
the appropriations of the programs covered by this funding priority. 
This notice describes the requirements by which the Agency will 
consider projects eligible for the covered programs' reserved 
appropriated funds and the information needed to submit an application.

DATES: To apply for SECD funding in FY 2022, applicants must submit 
Form RD 1980-88, ``Strategic Economic and Community Development 
(Section 6401),'' with their program application to the appropriate 
covered program. Each of the seven covered programs have different 
established deadlines for receipt of applications. Please refer to the 
Agency website or the appropriate covered program's Federal Register 
Notice for deadline information. All applicants are responsible for any 
expenses incurred in preparing and submitting applications.

ADDRESSES: This notice will be announced on www.Grants.gov. SECD 
applications, with the exception of Community Connect Grant Program 
SECD applications, must be submitted to the USDA Rural Development 
Office servicing the area where the project is located. A list of the 
USDA Rural Development State Offices can be found at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices. Community Connect applicants 
must submit SECD applications electronically at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect. For lenders assigned an OneRD Loan 
Guarantee Initiative Customer Relationship Manager (CRM), SECD 
applications must be submitted to their assigned CRM.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For more information, please contact 
your respective Rural Development State Office listed here: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices.
    For all other inquiries, you may contact Greg Batson, Rural 
Development Innovation Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 
0793, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0783, 
Telephone: (573) 239-2945. Email: [email protected].
    A checklist of all required application information for regional 
planning priority can be found at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/strategic-economic-and-community-development.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Section 6401 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm 
Bill) re-authorized Section 6025 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 
Farm Bill) with some modifications. Section 6401 of the 2018 Farm Bill 
enables the Secretary of Agriculture to prioritize projects that 
support multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral strategic community 
investment plans

[[Page 57410]]

when applying for program funds. These changes were implemented in an 
amendment to 7 CFR 1980 subpart K, which published in the Federal 
Register on September 22, 2020. In FY 2022, the Agency will reserve 
funds from the covered programs, using SECD regulation 7 CFR part 1980, 
subpart K.
    SECD supports projects that promote and implement strategic 
community investment plans. These plans use the unique strengths of 
rural communities to advance prosperity. USDA Rural Development helps 
finance these projects to build community prosperity by using community 
assets, identifying resources, convening partners and leveraging 
federal, state, local or private funding.
    In FY 2022, the Agency plans to implement SECD through reserving 
funds from the covered programs' appropriations. This notice provides 
requirements to applicants submitting applications for the covered 
programs' reserved funds and establishes the above-mentioned priority 
effective upon the publication of this notice.

Rural Development: Rural Development: Key Priorities

    The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will 
advance the following key priorities of Rural Development:
     Assisting rural communities recover economically from the 
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly disadvantaged 
communities;
     Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to 
USDA-Rural Development programs and benefits from Rural Development 
funded projects; and
     Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to 
the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural 
communities.
    For further information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.

A. Statutory Authority

    These funds are made available under the Authority of Section 6401 
of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334); 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008v).

B. Programs

    Section 6401 of the 2018 Farm Bill (7 U.S.C. 2008v), authorizes any 
program under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (Pub. L. 
87-128), as determined by the Secretary, to give priority to 
applications that support the implementation of multi-jurisdictional 
and multi-sectoral strategic community investment plans. In FY 2022, 
the Agency implements SECD through reserving funds from the covered 
programs, using SECD regulation 7 CFR part 1980, subpart K.
    Accordingly, the Agency is giving priority to projects implementing 
strategic community investment plans in FY 2022 through the following 
Rural Development programs:
     Community Facility Loans; see 7 CFR part 1942, subpart A.
     Community Facilities Grants; see 7 CFR part 3570, subpart 
B.
     Community Facilities Guaranteed Loans; see 7 CFR part 
5001.
     Water and Waste Disposal Programs Guaranteed Loans; see 7 
CFR part 5001.
     Water and Waste Loans and Grants; see 7 CFR part 1780.
     Rural Business Development Grants; see 7 CFR part 4280, 
subpart E.
     Community Connect Grants; see 7 CFR part 1739.

II. Award Information

    Type of Awards: Guaranteed loans, direct loans and grants.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2022 appropriated funds.
    Available Funds: The amount of reserved funds available for SECD 
projects is dependent on the amount of available appropriated funding 
provided to each of the covered programs during the fiscal year.

Regional Planning Priority

    For FY 2022 applications, the following table specifies the 
percentage of funds being reserved:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Percentage  of
                        Program                          funds  reserved
                                                            for SECD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Facility Loans..............................                10
Community Facilities Grant Program....................                 5
Community Facilities Guaranteed Loans.................                 5
Water and Waste Disposal Programs Guaranteed Loans....                10
Water and Waste Loans.................................                 5
Water and Waste Grants................................                 3
Rural Business Development Grants.....................                 5
Community Connect Grant Program.......................                10
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Award Amounts: Guaranteed loans, direct loans and grants will be 
awarded in amounts consistent with each applicable covered program.
    Award Dates: Awards for SECD applications submitted to the covered 
programs in FY 2022 will be obligated on or before June 30, 2022, 
except Community Connect. Community Connect SECD awards will be 
obligated upon completion of all required programmatic reviews. The 
Agency will return any reserved funds that are not obligated by the 
obligation deadline to each covered program's regular funding account 
for obligation of eligible projects in that program.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Requirements

    To be considered for SECD reserved funds, both the applicant and 
project must meet the eligibility requirements of the covered program. 
These requirements vary among the covered programs and applicants 
should refer to the regulations for those programs, which are 
referenced in I.A. of this notice.
    The agency supports community and regional planning through the 
SECD regulation without making any changes to the applicant eligibility 
requirements of the covered programs. The SECD regulation includes 
three criteria that a project must meet in order to be considered for 
the SECD reserve funding (see 7 CFR 1980.1010):
    The first criterion, as noted above, is that the project meets the 
applicable eligibility requirements of the covered program for which 
the applicant is applying.
    The second criterion is that the project is ``carried out in a 
rural area'' as defined in 7 CFR 1980.1005. As defined, this means 
either the entire project is physically located in a rural area or all 
the beneficiaries of the service(s) provided through the project must 
either reside in or be located in a rural area. Note that the 
definition of ``rural'' varies among the covered programs and the 
Section 6401 regulation does not change those definitions. Therefore, 
the applicable program regulations as outlined in I.A. should be 
reviewed as necessary.
    The third criterion is that the project supports the implementation 
of a strategic community investment plan on a multi-jurisdictional and 
multi-sectoral basis as defined in 7 CFR 1980.1005.
    In order to be considered for the reserved funds from covered 
programs in FY 2022, applicants must (1) meet all requirements of the 
covered program; (2) meet all requirements in accordance with 7 CFR 
part 1980, subpart K (see7 CFR 1980.1010); and (3) submit Form RD 1980-
88 and the supporting documentation required in 7 CFR 1080.1015 with 
their program application:
     Sufficient information to show that the project will be 
carried out in a rural area, as defined by the appropriate covered 
program; and

[[Page 57411]]

     Identification of any current or previous applications the 
applicant has submitted for funds from the covered programs.

B. Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) for Award 
Management (SAM)

    For covered program applicants, a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal 
Numbering System (DUNS) number must be obtained and registered in the 
System for Award Management (SAM) prior to submitting an application 
pursuant to 2 CFR 25.200(b). In addition, an entity applicant must 
maintain registration in SAM at all times during which it has an active 
Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by the 
Agency. The applicant must ensure that the information in the database 
is current, accurate, and complete. Applicants must ensure they 
complete the Financial Assistance General Certifications and 
Representations in SAM. Similarly, all recipients of Federal financial 
assistance are required to report information about first-tier 
subawards and executive compensation in accordance to 2 CFR part 170. 
So long as an entity applicant does not have an exception under 2 CFR 
170.110(b), the applicant must have the necessary processes and systems 
in place to comply with the reporting requirements should the applicant 
receive funding. See 2 CFR 170.200(b). An applicant, unless excepted 
under 2 CFR 25.110(b), (c), or (d), is required to: (a) Be registered 
in SAM before submitting its application; (b) provide a valid DUNS 
number in its application; and (c) 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 DUNS 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. As required by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB), all grant applications must provide a DUNS number when 
applying for Federal grants, on or after October 1, 2003. Organizations 
can receive a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
number at 1-866- 705-5711 or via internet at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Additional information concerning this requirement can be 
obtained on the Grants.gov website at https://www.grants.gov. Similarly, 
applicants may register for SAM at https://www.sam.gov or by calling 1-
866-606- 8220. The applicant must provide documentation that they are 
registered in SAM and their DUNS number. If the applicant does not 
provide documentation that they are registered in SAM and their DUNS 
number, the application will not be considered for funding. Applicants 
no longer must complete the following forms for acceptance of a federal 
award, given that such information is now collected through the 
registration or annual recertification process in SAM.gov:  
Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and 
Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered Transactions.''  
Form AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion. Lower Tier Covered 
Transactions.''  Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-
Free Workplace Requirements (Grants).''  Form AD-3031, 
``Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for 
Corporate Applicants.''

C. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Any and all cost sharing, matching, and cost participation 
requirements of the applicable covered program apply to projects 
seeking SECD reserved funds.

D. Other Eligibility Requirements

    Any and all other eligibility requirements (beyond those identified 
in III.A of this notice) found in the covered programs applying to 
applicants, their projects, and the beneficiaries of those projects are 
unchanged by either this notice or the Section 6401 regulation.

IV. Application Evaluation and Selection for Covered Programs Funds

A. Scoring of Applications

    All FY 2022 applications for covered programs will be reviewed, 
evaluated, and scored based on the covered program's scoring criteria. 
This notice does not affect that process. This notice only affects the 
scoring of SECD applications competing for a covered program's SECD 
reserve funds.
    For applicants wishing to be considered for reserved SECD funds in 
FY 2022, the Agency will review, evaluate, and score each application 
based on the criteria specified in 7 CFR 1980.1020, to award points for 
each program's competition for the SECD reserved funds.

B. Selection Process

    The Agency will prioritize applications competing for a covered 
program's reserved funds based on the covered program's awarded points 
plus the SECD earned points to determine which projects receive 
reserved funds.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    The Agency will notify SECD applicants who receive funding in a 
manner consistent with award notifications for the covered program.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    Any and all additional requirements of the applicable covered 
programs apply to projects receiving funding in response to this 
notice. Please see the regulations for the applicable covered program.

C. Reporting Requirements

    Any and all post-award reporting requirements contained in the 
covered program apply to all projects receiving reserved funds in 
response to this notice.

VII. Additional Information

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
information collection requirements contained in 7 CFR part 1980, 
subpart K, have been approved by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
under OMB Control Number 0570-0068.

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 1-866-705-5711 or online at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. 
Similarly, all grant applicants must be registered in the System for 
Award Management (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. Applicants must ensure they complete 
the Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations in 
SAM.

[[Page 57412]]

Civil Rights

    Programs referenced in this Notice are subject to applicable Civil 
Rights Laws. These laws include the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Title 
VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act 
of 1968, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Nondiscrimination Statement

    In accordance with Federal civil rights laws and U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its 
Mission Areas, agencies, staff offices, 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.
    Program information may be made available in languages other than 
English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large 
print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the 
responsible Mission Area, agency, or staff office; the USDA TARGET 
Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY); or the Federal Relay Service 
at (800) 877-8339.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should 
complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, 
which can be obtained online at https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a 
letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant's 
name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the 
alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the 
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date 
of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or 
letter must be submitted 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) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
    (3) Email: [email protected].

Justin Maxson,
Deputy Under Secretary, Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 2021-22499 Filed 10-14-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P

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