Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Strategic Economic and Community Development Program for FY 2023, 67010-67013 [2022-24133]

Download as PDF 67010 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 214 / Monday, November 7, 2022 / Notices CFR citation Estimated number respondent Respondent Responses annually per respondent Total annual responses Estimated average number of hours per response Estimated total hours Recordkeeping Burden 7 CFR 273.9(d)(6)(iii) and 7 CFR 273.11(b). Recordkeeping Requirements for SUA and Self-Employment Methodologies. 53 1 53 0.25 13.25 Total Recordkeeping Burden ................... 53 1 53 0.25 13.25 3.09433962 164 8.46493902 1,388.25 Total of Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden Total ......................................................... Tameka Owens, Assistant Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service. [FR Doc. 2022–24151 Filed 11–4–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Business-Cooperative Service Rural Housing Service Rural Utilities Service [Docket No. RBS–22–BUSINESS–0022] Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Strategic Economic and Community Development Program for FY 2023 Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications. AGENCY: The Under Secretary for Rural Development (RD) is seeking applications for the Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) priority, as reauthorized by Section 6401 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) for projects that support multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral strategic community investment plans. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, 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. This NOSA is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations act for FY 2023 to allow potential applicants time to submit applications for financial assistance under the covered programs and to give the Agency time to process applications. Once the FY 2023 funding amounts are khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:45 Nov 04, 2022 Jkt 259001 53 determined, the Agency will publish them on its website at https:// www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/noticessolicitation-applications-nosas. DATES: Each of the participating covered programs has a different established deadline for receipt of applications. Please refer to the Agency website or the appropriate covered program’s Federal Register notice for application deadline information. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in preparing and submitting applications. To apply for SECD funding in FY 2023, applicants must follow the instructions as published in this notice: • All applicants must submit the Form RD 1980–88, ‘‘Strategic Economic and Community Development (Section 6401),’’ with their program application to the appropriate covered program. D SECD applications, except for Community Connect Grant Program SECD applications, must be submitted electronically 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 a OneRD Loan Guarantee Initiative Customer Relationship Manager (CRM), SECD applications must be submitted to their assigned CRM. ADDRESSES: SECD applications, except for Community Connect Grant Program SECD applications, must be submitted electronically to the USDA Rural Development Office servicing the area where the project is located. Community Connect applicants must submit SECD applications electronically at: https:// www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect. For lenders assigned a CRM, SECD applications must be submitted to their assigned CRM. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For more information, please contact your PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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: Overview Federal Awarding Agency Name: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service. Funding Opportunity Title: Strategic Economic and Community Development. Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation of Applications. Dates: See information provided in the DATES section of this notice. 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 through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure; • 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 Rural Development: Key Priorities | Rural Development (usda.gov), https:// www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points. E:\FR\FM\07NON1.SGM 07NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 214 / Monday, November 7, 2022 / Notices A. Program Description 1. Purpose of the Program SECD supports projects that promote and partially or completely implement strategic community investment plans. These plans use the unique strengths of rural communities to advance prosperity. USDA Rural Development helps finance and/or fund these projects to build community prosperity by using community assets, identifying resources, convening partners and leveraging Federal, state, local or private funding. In FY 2023, the Agency plans to implement SECD through reserving funds from the covered programs’ appropriations as provided in 7 CFR part 1980, subpart K. 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. 2. 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). khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 3. The Covered 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. Accordingly, the Agency is giving priority to projects implementing strategic community investment plans in FY 23 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. 4. Application of Awards The Agency will review, evaluate, and score each application based on the criteria specified in 7 CFR 1980.1020, to VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:45 Nov 04, 2022 Jkt 259001 award points for each program’s competition for the SECD reserved funds. 67011 C. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants To be considered for SECD reserved funds, both the applicant and project Type of Awards: Guaranteed loans, must meet the eligibility requirements direct loans and grants. of the covered program. These requirements vary among the covered Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2023 programs and applicants should refer to appropriated funds. the regulations for those programs, Available Funds: The amount of which are referenced in A.2. of this reserved funds available for SECD notice. projects is dependent on the amount of The agency supports community and available appropriated funding provided regional planning through the SECD to each of the covered programs during regulation without making any changes the fiscal year. The NOSA is being to the applicant eligibility requirements issued prior to passage of a final of the covered programs. The SECD appropriations act for FY 2023. Once regulation includes three criteria that a the FY 2023 funding amount is project must meet in order to be determined, the Agency will publish it considered for the SECD reserve funding on its website at https:// (see 7 CFR 1980.1010): www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/noticessolicitation-applications-nosas. The first criterion, as noted above, is that the project meets the applicable For FY 2023 applications, the eligibility requirements of the covered following table specifies the percentage program for which the applicant is of funds being reserved: applying. Percentage The second criterion is that the of funds project is ‘‘carried out in a rural area’’ Program reserved as defined in 7 CFR 1980.1005. As for SECD defined, this means either the entire Community Facility Loans ........ 10 project is physically located in a rural Community Facilities Grant area, or all the beneficiaries of the Program ................................ 5 service(s) provided through the project Community Facilities Guaranmust either reside in or be located in a teed Loans ............................ 5 rural area. Note that the definition of Water and Waste Disposal Programs Guaranteed Loans ..... 10 ‘‘rural’’ varies among the covered Water and Waste Loans ........... 5 programs and the Section 6401 Water and Waste Grants .......... 3 regulation does not change those definitions. Therefore, the applicable Rural Business Development Grants ................................... 5 program regulations as outlined in A.2. Community Connect Grant Proshould be reviewed as necessary. gram ...................................... 10 The third criterion is that the project supports partial or complete Award Amounts: Guaranteed loans, implementation of a strategic direct loans and grants will be awarded community investment plan on a multiin amounts consistent with each jurisdictional and multi-sectoral basis as applicable covered program. defined in 7 CFR 1980.1005. Anticipated Award Dates: Awards for In order to be considered for the SECD applications submitted to the reserved funds from covered programs covered programs in FY 23 will be in FY 2023, applicants must (1) meet all obligated on or before June 30, 2023, requirements of the covered program; except Community Connect. (2) meet all requirements in accordance Community Connect SECD awards will with 7 CFR part 1980, subpart K (see 7 be obligated upon completion of all CFR 1980.1010); and (3) submit Form required programmatic reviews. The RD 1980–88 and the supporting Agency will return any reserved funds documentation required in 7 CFR that are not obligated by the obligation 1080.1015 with their program deadline to each covered program’s application which includes: regular funding account for obligation of • Sufficient information to show that eligible projects in that program. the project will be carried out in a rural Performance Period: Performance area, as defined by the appropriate period will vary by covered program. covered program; and Renewal or Supplemental Awards: N/ • Identification of any current or A. previous applications the applicant has Type of Assistance Instrument: submitted for funds from the covered Grants, loans and loan guarantees. programs. B. Federal Award Information PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\07NON1.SGM 07NON1 67012 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 214 / Monday, November 7, 2022 / Notices 2. Cost Sharing or Matching All cost sharing, matching, and cost participation requirements of the applicable covered program apply to projects seeking SECD reserved funds. 3. Other All other eligibility requirements (beyond those identified in C.1 of this notice) found in the covered programs’ regulations applying to applicants, their projects, and the beneficiaries of those projects are unchanged by either this notice or the regulations for the SECD program (7 CFR part 1980 subpart K). D. Application and Submission Information 4. Application Submission Deadlines Each of the participating covered programs has different established deadlines for receipt of applications. Please refer to the agency website or the appropriate covered program’s Federal Register notice for application deadline information. 1. Address To Request Application Package 5. Intergovernmental Review Information on how to submit applications is provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. This notice is not subject to Executive Order 12372, ‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.’’ 2. Content and Form of Application Submission 6. Funding Restrictions Applicants must submit the Form RD 1980–88, ‘‘Strategic Economic and Community Development (Section 6401),’’ with their program application to the appropriate covered program. 3. System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES providing the UEI. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Agency is ready to make an award, the 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. (a) At the time of application, each applicant must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting its application in accordance with 2 CFR part 25 (https://www.ecfr.gov/ current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part25). To register in SAM, entities will be required to create Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Instructions for obtaining the UEI are available at https://sam.gov/content/entityregistration. (b) Applicant must maintain an active SAM registration, with current, accurate and complete information, at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. (c) Applicant must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations in SAM. (d) Applicant must provide a valid UEI in its application, unless determined exempt under 2 CFR 25.110 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/ subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/ section-25.110). (e) The Agency will not make an award until the applicant has complied with all SAM requirements including VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:45 Nov 04, 2022 Jkt 259001 2. Review and 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. SECD points awarded are added to the covered program’s application score to elevate and prioritize projects for accessing reserved funds. F. Federal Award Administration Information 1. Federal Award Notices The Agency will notify SECD applicants who receive funding in a manner consistent with award notifications for the covered program. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in preparing and submitting applications. 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. 7. Other Submission Requirements 3. Reporting Requirements (a) SECD applications, except for Community Connect Grant Program SECD applications, must be submitted electronically to the USDA Rural Development Office servicing the area where the project is located. Rural Development State Offices can be found here: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/ state-offices. (b) Community Connect applicants must submit SECD applications electronically to: https:// www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect. (c) For lenders assigned an OneRD Loan Guarantee Initiative Customer Relationship Manager (CRM), SECD applications must be submitted to their assigned CRM. Any and all post-award covered program reporting requirements apply to all projects receiving reserved funds in response to this notice. E. Application Review Information 1. Criteria All FY 2023 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 23, the Agency will review, evaluate, and score each application based on the criteria specified in 7 CFR 1980.1020, to award points for each covered program’s SECD reserved funds. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) For general questions about this notice, please contact your respective Rural Development State Office listed at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/ state-offices and other points of contact provided in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice. H. Buy America Awards under this announcement for Infrastructure projects to Non-Federal entities, defined pursuant to 2 CFR 200.1 as any State, local government, Indian tribe, Institution of Higher Education, or nonprofit organization, shall be governed by the requirements of Section 70914 of the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and its implementing regulations. The Act requires the following Buy America preference: (1) All iron and steel used in the project are produced in the United States. This means all manufacturing processes, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, occurred in the United States. (2) All manufactured products used in the project are produced in the United States. This means the manufactured E:\FR\FM\07NON1.SGM 07NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 214 / Monday, November 7, 2022 / Notices product was manufactured in the United States, and the cost of the components of the manufactured product that are mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States is greater than 55 percent of the total cost of all components of the manufactured product, unless another standard for determining the minimum amount of domestic content of the manufactured product has been established under applicable law or regulation. (3) All construction materials are manufactured in the United States. This means that all manufacturing processes for the construction material occurred in the United States. The Buy America preference only applies to articles, materials, and supplies that are consumed in, incorporated into, or affixed to an infrastructure project. As such, it does not apply to tools, equipment, and supplies, such as temporary scaffolding, brought to the construction site and removed at or before the completion of the infrastructure project. Nor does a Buy America preference apply to equipment and furnishings, such as movable chairs, desks, and portable computer equipment, that are used at or within the finished infrastructure project but are not an integral part of the structure or permanently affixed to the infrastructure project. I. Other 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. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, must have an UEI number and must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to submitting an application. Applicants may register for the SAM and locate or register for a UEI number 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. Civil Rights Programs referenced in this Notice are subject to applicable Civil Rights Laws. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:45 Nov 04, 2022 Jkt 259001 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 (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: program.intake@usda.gov. Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Xochitl Torres Small, Under Secretary, Rural Development. [FR Doc. 2022–24133 Filed 11–4–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P 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: PO 00000 67013 COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Notice of Public Meetings of the Missouri Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 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 Missouri Advisory Committee (Committee) will hold a meeting on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. central time. The Committee will continue orientation and begin identifying potential civil rights topics for their first study of the 2022–2026 term. DATES: The meeting will take place on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. central time. ADDRESSES: Public Call Information: Dial: (833) 568–8864, Confirmation Code: 161 249 8007. Zoom Link: https:// www.zoomgov.com/j/1612498007. • To join by phone only dial (833) 568–8864; Access Code: 161 249 8007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Barreras, DFO, at dbarreras@ usccr.gov or (312) 353–8311. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Members of the public may listen to this discussion through the above call in number. An open comment period will be provided to allow members of the public to make a statement as time allows. The conference call operator will ask callers to identify themselves, the organization they are affiliated with (if any), and an email address prior to placing callers into the conference room. 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 land-line connections to the toll-free telephone number. Individual who is deaf, deafblind and hard of hear hearing may also follow the proceedings by first calling the Federal Relay Service at 1–800–877–8339 and SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\07NON1.SGM 07NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 214 (Monday, November 7, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67010-67013]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-24133]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Rural Housing Service

Rural Utilities Service

[Docket No. RBS-22-BUSINESS-0022]


Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Strategic Economic 
and Community Development Program for FY 2023

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

ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications.

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

SUMMARY: The Under Secretary for Rural Development (RD) is seeking 
applications for the Strategic Economic and Community Development 
(SECD) priority, as reauthorized by Section 6401 of the Agriculture 
Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) for projects that support 
multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral strategic community investment 
plans. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, 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. This NOSA is being issued prior to 
passage of a final appropriations act for FY 2023 to allow potential 
applicants time to submit applications for financial assistance under 
the covered programs and to give the Agency time to process 
applications. Once the FY 2023 funding amounts are determined, the 
Agency will publish them on its website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas.

DATES: Each of the participating covered programs has a different 
established deadline for receipt of applications. Please refer to the 
Agency website or the appropriate covered program's Federal Register 
notice for application deadline information. All applicants are 
responsible for any expenses incurred in preparing and submitting 
applications. To apply for SECD funding in FY 2023, applicants must 
follow the instructions as published in this notice:
     All applicants must submit the Form RD 1980-88, 
``Strategic Economic and Community Development (Section 6401),'' with 
their program application to the appropriate covered program.
    [ssquf] SECD applications, except for Community Connect Grant 
Program SECD applications, must be submitted electronically 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 a OneRD Loan Guarantee Initiative 
Customer Relationship Manager (CRM), SECD applications must be 
submitted to their assigned CRM.

ADDRESSES: SECD applications, except for Community Connect Grant 
Program SECD applications, must be submitted electronically to the USDA 
Rural Development Office servicing the area where the project is 
located. Community Connect applicants must submit SECD applications 
electronically at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect. For 
lenders assigned a 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: usda.gov">[email protected]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-community-development.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

    Federal Awarding Agency Name: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 
Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Strategic Economic and Community 
Development.
    Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation of Applications.
    Dates: See information provided in the DATES section of this 
notice.
    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 through 
more and better market opportunities and through improved 
infrastructure;
     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 Rural Development: Key Priorities 
[verbar] Rural Development (usda.gov), https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.

[[Page 67011]]

A. Program Description

1. Purpose of the Program

    SECD supports projects that promote and partially or completely 
implement strategic community investment plans. These plans use the 
unique strengths of rural communities to advance prosperity. USDA Rural 
Development helps finance and/or fund these projects to build community 
prosperity by using community assets, identifying resources, convening 
partners and leveraging Federal, state, local or private funding.
    In FY 2023, the Agency plans to implement SECD through reserving 
funds from the covered programs' appropriations as provided in 7 CFR 
part 1980, subpart K. 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.

2. 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).

3. The Covered 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.
    Accordingly, the Agency is giving priority to projects implementing 
strategic community investment plans in FY 23 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.

4. Application of Awards

    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. Federal Award Information

    Type of Awards: Guaranteed loans, direct loans and grants.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2023 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. The 
NOSA is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations act for 
FY 2023. Once the FY 2023 funding amount is determined, the Agency will 
publish it on its website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas.
    For FY 2023 applications, the following table specifies the 
percentage of funds being reserved:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Percentage
                                                               of funds
                          Program                              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.
    Anticipated Award Dates: Awards for SECD applications submitted to 
the covered programs in FY 23 will be obligated on or before June 30, 
2023, 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.
    Performance Period: Performance period will vary by covered 
program.
    Renewal or Supplemental Awards: N/A.
    Type of Assistance Instrument: Grants, loans and loan guarantees.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    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 A.2. 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 A.2. should be 
reviewed as necessary.
    The third criterion is that the project supports partial or 
complete 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 2023, applicants must (1) meet all requirements of the 
covered program; (2) meet all requirements in accordance with 7 CFR 
part 1980, subpart K (see 7 CFR 1980.1010); and (3) submit Form RD 
1980-88 and the supporting documentation required in 7 CFR 1080.1015 
with their program application which includes:
     Sufficient information to show that the project will be 
carried out in a rural area, as defined by the appropriate covered 
program; and
     Identification of any current or previous applications the 
applicant has submitted for funds from the covered programs.

[[Page 67012]]

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

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

3. Other

    All other eligibility requirements (beyond those identified in C.1 
of this notice) found in the covered programs' regulations applying to 
applicants, their projects, and the beneficiaries of those projects are 
unchanged by either this notice or the regulations for the SECD program 
(7 CFR part 1980 subpart K).

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Information on how to submit applications is provided in the 
ADDRESSES section of this notice.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    Applicants must submit the Form RD 1980-88, ``Strategic Economic 
and Community Development (Section 6401),'' with their program 
application to the appropriate covered program.

3. System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

    (a) At the time of application, each applicant must have an active 
registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting 
its application in accordance with 2 CFR part 25 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25). To register in SAM, 
entities will be required to create Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). 
Instructions for obtaining the UEI are available at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.
    (b) Applicant must maintain an active SAM registration, with 
current, accurate and complete information, at all times during which 
it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by 
a Federal awarding agency.
    (c) Applicant must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance 
General Certifications and Representations in SAM.
    (d) Applicant must provide a valid UEI in its application, unless 
determined exempt under 2 CFR 25.110 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110).
    (e) The Agency will not make an award until the applicant has 
complied with all SAM requirements including providing the UEI. If an 
applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the 
Agency is ready to make an award, the 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.

4. Application Submission Deadlines

    Each of the participating covered programs has different 
established deadlines for receipt of applications. Please refer to the 
agency website or the appropriate covered program's Federal Register 
notice for application deadline information.

5. Intergovernmental Review

    This notice is not subject to Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''

6. Funding Restrictions

    All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in 
preparing and submitting applications.

7. Other Submission Requirements

    (a) SECD applications, except for Community Connect Grant Program 
SECD applications, must be submitted electronically to the USDA Rural 
Development Office servicing the area where the project is located. 
Rural Development State Offices can be found here: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices.
    (b) Community Connect applicants must submit SECD applications 
electronically to: https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect.
    (c) For lenders assigned an OneRD Loan Guarantee Initiative 
Customer Relationship Manager (CRM), SECD applications must be 
submitted to their assigned CRM.

E. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    All FY 2023 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 23, the Agency will review, evaluate, and score each application 
based on the criteria specified in 7 CFR 1980.1020, to award points for 
each covered program's SECD reserved funds.

2. Review and 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. SECD points awarded are added to the covered program's 
application score to elevate and prioritize projects for accessing 
reserved funds.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices

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

2. 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.

3. Reporting Requirements

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

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

    For general questions about this notice, please contact your 
respective Rural Development State Office listed at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices and other points of contact 
provided in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice.

H. Buy America

    Awards under this announcement for Infrastructure projects to Non-
Federal entities, defined pursuant to 2 CFR 200.1 as any State, local 
government, Indian tribe, Institution of Higher Education, or nonprofit 
organization, shall be governed by the requirements of Section 70914 of 
the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) within the Infrastructure 
Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and its implementing regulations. The 
Act requires the following Buy America preference:
    (1) All iron and steel used in the project are produced in the 
United States. This means all manufacturing processes, from the initial 
melting stage through the application of coatings, occurred in the 
United States.
    (2) All manufactured products used in the project are produced in 
the United States. This means the manufactured

[[Page 67013]]

product was manufactured in the United States, and the cost of the 
components of the manufactured product that are mined, produced, or 
manufactured in the United States is greater than 55 percent of the 
total cost of all components of the manufactured product, unless 
another standard for determining the minimum amount of domestic content 
of the manufactured product has been established under applicable law 
or regulation.
    (3) All construction materials are manufactured in the United 
States. This means that all manufacturing processes for the 
construction material occurred in the United States.
    The Buy America preference only applies to articles, materials, and 
supplies that are consumed in, incorporated into, or affixed to an 
infrastructure project. As such, it does not apply to tools, equipment, 
and supplies, such as temporary scaffolding, brought to the 
construction site and removed at or before the completion of the 
infrastructure project. Nor does a Buy America preference apply to 
equipment and furnishings, such as movable chairs, desks, and portable 
computer equipment, that are used at or within the finished 
infrastructure project but are not an integral part of the structure or 
permanently affixed to the infrastructure project.

I. Other 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 an UEI 
number and must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) 
prior to submitting an application. Applicants may register for the SAM 
and locate or register for a UEI number 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.

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: usda.gov">[email protected]usda.gov.

    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Xochitl Torres Small,
Under Secretary, Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 2022-24133 Filed 11-4-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.