Community Development Revolving Loan Fund Access for Credit Unions, 19168-19172 [2023-06584]

Agencies

• National Credit Union Administration

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 61 (Thursday, March 30, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19168-19172]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-06584]


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NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION


Community Development Revolving Loan Fund Access for Credit 
Unions

ACTION: Notice of funding opportunity.

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[[Page 19169]]

    Funding Opportunity Title: Community Development Revolving Loan 
Fund (CDRLF) Grants.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 44.002.
SUMMARY: The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is issuing 
this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to announce the availability 
of technical assistance grants (awards) for low-income designated 
(LICUs) and Minority Depository Institution (MDIs) credit unions 
through the CDRLF. The CDRLF provides financial support in the form of 
loans and technical assistance grants that help credit unions support 
the communities in which they operate. All grant awards made under this 
NOFO are subject to funds availability and are at the NCUA's 
discretion.

Table of Contents

A. Program Description
B. Award Information
C. Eligibility Information
D. Application and Submission Information
E. Application Review Information
F. Federal Award Administration
G. Federal Awarding Agency
H. Grant Terms and Conditions

A. Program Description

    The purpose of the Community Development Revolving Loan Fund 
(CDRLF) is to assist LICUs and MDIs in providing basic financial 
services to their members and to stimulate economic activities in their 
communities. Through the CDRLF, the NCUA provides financial support in 
the form of technical assistance grants to eligible credit unions to 
modernize, build capacity, and extend outreach into underserved 
communities.
    The NCUA will consider requests for various funding initiatives. 
More detailed information about the purpose of each initiative, amount 
of funds available, funding priorities, permissible uses of funds, 
funding limits, deadlines, and other pertinent details will be defined 
in the Grant Round Guidelines. In addition, the NCUA may periodically 
publish information regarding the CDRLF in Letters to Credit Unions, 
press releases, and/or on the agency website, NCUA.gov.

1. Funding Initiatives

    The funding initiatives available during 2023 include:
    i. Training;
    ii. Digital Services and Cybersecurity;
    iii. Consumer Financial Protection;
    iv. MDI Capacity Building;
    v. Underserved Outreach;
    vi. Impact Through Innovation; and
    vii. Small Credit Union Partnership.

2. Authority and Regulations

    i. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1772c-1, 1756, 1757(5)(D), and (7)(I), 
1766, 1782, 1784, 1785 and 1786; and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
2023, Public Law 117-328, Div. E, title V.
    ii. Regulations: The regulation governing the CDRLF is found at 12 
CFR part 705. In general, this regulation governs the CDRLF, and sets 
forth the program requirements. Additional regulations related to the 
low-income designation are found at 12 CFR 701.34 and 741.204. For the 
purposes of this NOFO, an ``Applicant'' is a Participating Credit Union 
that submits a complete application to the NCUA under the CDRLF. The 
NCUA encourages Applicants to review the regulations, this NOFO, the 
Grant Round Guidelines, and other program materials for a complete 
understanding of the program.\1\
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    \1\ Some provisions of NCUA's regulation governing the CDRLF, 
part 705, conflict with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. 
The NCUA considers the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 to 
supersede part 705.
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B. Award Information

    Approximately $3.5 million in awards will be available through this 
NOFO. The NCUA reserves the right to: (i) award more or less than the 
amounts cited above; (ii) fund, in whole or in part, any, all, or none 
of the applications submitted in response to this NOFO; and (iii) 
reallocate funds available under this NOFO to other programs, 
particularly if the NCUA finds that the number of awards made under 
this NOFO is fewer than projected. General information about the 
purpose of each funding initiative and the maximum award amount is 
provided below. Additional initiative information will be detailed in 
the 2023 Community Development Revolving Loan Fund Grant Round 
Application Guidelines found on the NCUA's website.

1. Purpose of Funding Initiatives

    i. Training: The training initiative aims to strengthen credit 
union management's leadership skills and promote succession planning. 
Credit unions will be able to use funds to develop a management 
succession plan, enroll an employee in advanced training courses to 
enhance leadership skills or operational knowledge of credit unions. To 
direct grant funds to credit unions with the greatest need for 
resources, credit unions with assets in excess of $100 million are not 
eligible for funding under this initiative.
    ii. Digital Services and Cybersecurity: This initiative is intended 
to increase access to safe and secure digital financial products and 
services. Activities include cybersecurity training for board members 
and employees, procurement of software and hardware required for 
cybersecurity upgrades, contracts for external security services, 
business continuity, development or implementation of an incident 
response plan, vulnerability scans, or IT auditing and testing. To 
direct grant funds to credit unions with the greatest need for 
resources, credit unions with assets in excess of $250 million are not 
eligible for funding under this initiative.
    iii. Consumer Financial Protection: The purpose of this initiative 
is to ensure credit unions have the resources and expertise to protect 
credit union members and consumers, raise awareness of potential 
frauds, and facilitate access to fair and affordable financial 
services. Many credit unions do not have the expertise to ensure 
consumer financial protection. Under this initiative, credit unions can 
obtain the resources, such as consultants, to train staff on consumer 
financial protection laws and regulations. There is no asset cap for 
this initiative.
    iv. MDI Capacity Building: The purpose of funding initiatives for 
MDIs is to support and help preserve these institutions in furtherance 
of section 308 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and 
Enforcement Act of 1989. MDI credit unions are often challenged to fund 
training for staff and volunteers or invest in technological upgrades, 
growth, and expansion. The MDI Capacity Building initiative will 
provide larger awards to MDIs for comprehensive capacity building 
activities, including activities allowable under other initiatives. 
This initiative allows MDI credit unions to undertake the many 
activities required to grow and meet the unique needs of their members. 
Only credit unions that have self-certified as Minority Depository 
Institutions as of the date of their grant application are eligible for 
funding under this initiative.
    v. Underserved Outreach: The Underserved Outreach initiative will 
help credit unions implement innovative outreach strategies to help 
close the wealth gap in underserved communities and for minority, 
veteran, and immigrant populations through new or expanded outreach 
efforts, financial education programs, and financial products and 
services.
    vi. Impact Through Innovation: The NCUA's priority for the CDRLF is 
to support the growth of credit unions and make a positive impact on 
communities that are financially underserved. Providing greater support 
will require

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larger awards and longer performance periods. The Impact Through 
Innovation initiative will encourage credit unions to meet challenges 
affecting underserved communities, targeting banking deserts, 
affordable housing, credit invisibles, and fintechs in new ways. The 
initiative will be open to credit unions with assets of $250 million or 
greater. The Impact Through Innovation initiative will be a multi-year 
award implemented as a continuation grant. Awardees will have three 
years to complete their projects, broken into three 12-month 
performance periods. Credit unions are eligible to receive awards up to 
$300,000 throughout the performance period but will only receive 
obligations up to $100,000 in 2023. Subsequent obligations are 
dependent on successful project performance and the availability of 
future congressional appropriations.
    vii. Small Credit Union Partnership: Awards will be made to a group 
of small credit unions, those under $100 million in assets, to pool 
resources to help achieve growth objectives, including updating core 
processors, implementing new banking features, or similar goals. One 
credit union will serve as the leader of a group of at least four small 
credit unions. These credit unions should demonstrate a shared need, 
such as a similar membership or operational need. The Small Credit 
Union Partnership initiative will be a multi-year award implemented as 
a continuation grant. Awardees will have three years to complete their 
projects, broken into three 12-month performance periods. Credit unions 
are eligible to receive awards up to $150,000 throughout the 
performance period but will only receive obligations up to $50,000 in 
2023. Subsequent obligations are dependent on successful project 
performance and the availability of future congressional 
appropriations.

2. Maximum Award Amount

    The maximum amount for a CDRLF award is determined by the funding 
initiative. There is no minimum amount for CDRLF awards. The maximum 
award amount for each funding initiative is provided below.

i. Training--$5,000
ii. Digital Services and Cybersecurity--$10,000
iii. Consumer Financial Protection--$10,000
iv. MDI Capacity Building--$50,000
v. Underserved Outreach--$50,000

    The Impact through Innovation and Small Credit Union Partnership 
initiatives will be awarded as continuation grants. Applicants will 
apply for funding to cover three years of project costs, up to $300,000 
for the Impact Through Innovation initiative and $150,000 for the Small 
Credit Union Partnership Initiative. If approved, the credit union will 
only be awarded funds to cover the first twelve-month performance 
period of the project, up to the following amounts:

vi. Impact Through Innovation--$100,000
vii. Small Credit Union Partnership--$50,000

    Upon successful completion of the first performance period, and 
pending the future availability of congressional funds, the NCUA will 
award funds to cover costs associated with the second twelve-month 
performance period of the project. See the 2023 Community Development 
Revolving Loan Fund Pilot Grant Application Guidelines referenced above 
for additional details.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    This NOFO is open to credit unions that meet the eligibility 
requirements defined in 12 CFR part 705, except as provided in 
paragraph (ii) below.
    i. Non-Federally Insured Applicants: Each Applicant that is a non-
federally insured, state-chartered credit union must submit additional 
application materials. These additional materials are more fully 
described in 12 CFR 705.7(b)(3) and in the application.
    a. Non-federally insured, state-chartered credit unions must agree 
to be examined by the NCUA. The specific terms and covenants pertaining 
to this condition will be provided in the award agreement of the 
Participating Credit Union.
    ii. Minority Depository Institution: Credit unions not designated 
as low-income can participate in the CDRLF if designated as a Minority 
Depository Institution.

2. Employer Identification Number

    Each application must include a valid and current Employer 
Identification Number (EIN) issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service 
(IRS). The NCUA will not consider an application that does not include 
a valid and current EIN. Such an application will be deemed incomplete 
and will be declined. Information on how to obtain an EIN may be found 
on the IRS's website.

3. System for Award Management

    All Applicants are required by federal law to have an active 
registration with the federal government's System for Award Management 
(SAM) prior to applying for funding. SAM is a web-based, government-
wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates 
business information about the Federal Government's trading partners in 
support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment 
processes. An active SAM account status and unique entity identifier 
(UEI) number are required to apply for a CDRLF grant. Credit unions 
receive a UEI upon registration in SAM. Once registered, credit unions 
must recertify and maintain an active status annually. There is no 
charge for the SAM registration and recertification process. SAM users 
can register or recertify their account by following the instructions 
for registration. The NCUA will not consider an applicant that does not 
have an active SAM status.

4. Other Eligibility Requirements

    i. Financial Viability: Applicants must meet the underwriting 
standards established by the NCUA, including those pertaining to 
financial viability, as set forth in the application and defined in 12 
CFR 705.7(b) and Sec.  705.7(c).
    ii. Compliance with Past Agreements: In evaluating funding requests 
under this NOFO, the NCUA will consider an Applicant's record of 
compliance with past agreements. The NCUA, in its sole discretion, will 
determine whether to consider an application from an Applicant with a 
past record of noncompliance, including any deobligation of funds 
(removal of unused awards).
    a. If an Applicant is in default of a previously executed agreement 
with the NCUA, the NCUA will not consider an application for funding 
under this NOFO.
    b. If an Applicant is a prior Participating Credit Union under the 
CDRLF and has unused awards as of the date of application, the NCUA may 
request a narrative from the Applicant that addresses the reason for 
its record of noncompliance. The NCUA, in its sole discretion, will 
determine whether the reason is sufficient to proceed with the review 
of the application.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Application

    Under this NOFO, all applications must be submitted online in the 
NCUA's web-based application system, CyberGrants, to be considered. 
Applications must be submitted online at https://www.cybergrants.com/ncua/applications. The application and related documents are also 
located on the NCUA's website at https://

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www.ncua.gov/services/Pages/resources-expansion/grants-loans.aspx.

2. Minimum Application Content

    A complete application will consist of similar components for each 
funding initiative. At a minimum, each initiative requires a narrative 
that describes the Applicant's proposed use of the CDRLF award. The 
NCUA may waive this requirement for funding initiatives with a defined 
list of allowable project activities. The NCUA will identify the 
funding initiatives that do not require a narrative response in the 
grant round guidelines. Other application contents that are specific to 
a particular funding initiative will be defined in the grant round 
guidelines found on the NCUA's website.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    The NCUA will accept applications beginning May 1, 2023, at 9:00 
a.m. eastern time (ET). Applications must be submitted by June 30, 
2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Late applications will not be considered.

E. Application Review Information

1. Eligibility and Completeness Review

    The NCUA will review each application to determine whether it is 
complete and that the Applicant meets the eligibility requirements 
described in the regulations, the Grant Round Guidelines, and in this 
NOFO. An incomplete application or one that does not meet the 
eligibility requirements may be declined without further consideration.

2. Evaluation Criteria

    Each funding initiative, due to its structure and impact, may have 
different evaluation criteria assigned. The evaluation criteria for 
each funding initiative are fully described in the Grant Round 
Guidelines.

3. Application Review

    The purpose of the application review is to determine whether an 
application satisfies the criteria for the applicable funding 
initiative. The NCUA will evaluate each application for adherence to 
the grant round guidelines. The NCUA may contact the Applicant during 
its review to clarify or confirm information in the application. The 
Applicant must respond within the time specified by the NCUA or the 
NCUA, in its sole discretion, may decline the application without 
further consideration.

4. Scoring and Funding Decision

    The NCUA uses a scoring system that establishes a ranking position 
for each application. The applications will be ranked according to the 
scoring criteria set forth for each funding initiative in the Grant 
Round Guidelines.

F. Federal Award Administration

1. NCUA Award Notice

    The NCUA will notify each Applicant of its funding decision by 
email. In addition, the NCUA will announce the successful applications 
through a press release that includes a list of the Awardees. 
Applicants that are approved for funding will also receive instructions 
on how to proceed with the post-award activities.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    i. Award Agreement: The specific terms and conditions will be 
established in the award agreement each Participating Credit Union must 
sign prior to formally accepting an award. Each Participating Credit 
Union under this NOFO must enter into an agreement with the NCUA before 
the NCUA will disburse the award funds. The agreement includes the 
terms and conditions of funding, including but not limited to the (i) 
award amount, (ii) grant award details, (iii) accounting treatment, 
(iv) signature pages, and (v) reporting requirements.
    ii. Failure to Sign Agreement: The NCUA, in its sole discretion, 
may rescind an award if the Applicant fails to sign and return the 
agreement or any other requested documentation, within the time 
specified by the NCUA.

3. Payment Process

    Awardees will be responsible for the timely completion of all post-
award activities. This includes, but it is not limited to, signing the 
award agreement and completing a payment request for the awarded funds. 
The payment requirements vary by funding initiative and are detailed in 
the application and post-award guidelines.
    The payment request may require, all or a combination of, the 
following items: (i) certification of expenses; (ii) project related 
documentation; (iii) a summary of project accomplishments and outcomes; 
or (iv) a certification form signed by a credit union official (such as 
CEO, manager, or Board Chairperson) authorized to request the payment 
and make the certifications. The NCUA, in its sole discretion, may 
modify these requirements. Additional payment request requirements will 
be described in the post-award guidelines.

G. Federal Awarding Agency

1. Methods of Contact

    Further information can be found at https://www.ncua.gov/services/Pages/resources-expansion/grants-loans.aspx. For questions related to 
the CDRLF, email the NCUA's Office of Credit Union Resources and 
Expansion at [email protected].

2. Information Technology Support

    People who have visual or mobility impairments that prevent them 
from using the NCUA's website should call (703) 518-6610 for guidance 
(this is not a toll-free number).

H. Grant Terms and Conditions

    1. Every applicant must certify it meets and agrees to the 
following terms and conditions, prior to submitting an application:
    i. Applicant is a low-income-designated credit union, as defined in 
section 701.34 of the NCUA's Rules and Regulations and/or a designated 
Minority Depository Institution credit union.
    ii. Applicant shall comply with United States Office of Management 
and Budget, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and 
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
    iii. Applicants are required to have an audit conducted if they 
hold $750,000 or more in Federal awards during a fiscal year. 
Applicants that hold less than $750,000 in Federal awards are exempt 
from this requirement.
    For example, if a credit union uses a $250,000 loan from the NCUA's 
CDRLF and a $500,000 grant from the Community Development Financial 
Institutions (CDFI) Fund, totaling $750,000 in Federal awards during 
the same fiscal year, then the credit union must have an audit 
conducted.
    iv. Applicant is responsible for the efficient and effective 
administration of the Federal Award through application of sound 
management practices. Applicant assumes the responsibility for 
administering Federal Funds in a manner consistent with underlying 
agreements, program objectives, and the term and conditions of the 
Federal Award.
    v. No employee, contractor, consultant, or vendor has participated 
substantially for this grant-funded activity, nor otherwise benefited 
directly or indirectly from the grant, who, to its knowledge (assuming 
reasonable diligence), has a ``covered relationship'' with an NCUA 
employee who presently holds a position that would enable him or her to 
influence a pending or future grant award, or a

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payment of permitted expenses thereunder.
    vi. An employee, contractor, consultant, or vendor of the Applicant 
would have such a ``covered relationship'' if he or she were either: 
(1) a member of the household of an NCUA employee who presently holds a 
position that would enable him or her to influence a pending or future 
grant award, or a payment thereunder; or (2) a relative of such an NCUA 
employee with whom he or she has a close personal relationship. 5 CFR 
2635.502(b)(1)(ii).
    vii. Applicant must disclose in writing to the NCUA any potential 
conflict of interest in accordance with applicable Federal awarding 
agency policy.
    viii. Per 2 C.F.R 200.113, Applicant must disclose all violations 
of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity 
violations potentially affecting the award.
    ix. The Applicant conducts its activities such that no person is 
excluded from participation in, is denied the benefits of, or is 
subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, 
sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age, 
or disability in the distribution of services and/or benefits provided 
under this grant program. The credit union agrees to provide evidence 
of its compliance as required by the NCUA. Furthermore, credit unions 
should ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
    x. If a credit union enters into commitments for a project before 
the grant decision is made, the credit union will be obligated to pay 
project expenses from its own funds should the grant not be approved; 
if the grant is approved, the credit union may request payment for 
expenses incurred as of the publication date of the notice of funding 
opportunity associated with this funding round.
    xi. Requests to reallocate or change approved project(s) and/or 
request an extension to the deadline must be submitted in writing prior 
to the original deadline and approved by the NCUA prior to Applicant 
incurring expenses.
    xii. The Applicant is aware that the NCUA will correspond with the 
credit union regarding this application by email, utilizing the email 
address provided in this application.
    xiii. Applicant hereby acknowledges that the NCUA reserves full 
discretion to deny payment under this grant in the event the NCUA 
determines the Applicant is, or previously was, either in breach of any 
condition or limitation in the grant guidelines or in breach of the 
`covered relationship' restriction set forth above.
    xiv. Information included in Outcome Summary or Success Stories is 
considered by the NCUA to be Research Data and is governed by 2 CFR 
200.315 and may be made publicly available.
    xv. Applicant is aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent 
information or the omission of any material fact may subject Applicant 
to criminal, civil or administrative penalties for fraud, false 
statements, false claims, or otherwise. (U.S. Code Title 18, section 
1001 and Title 31, sections 3729-3730, and 3801-3812).
    xvi. Applicant is aware recipients and subrecipients are prohibited 
from obligating or expending loan or grant funds to procure or obtain 
equipment, services, or systems that use covered telecommunications 
equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any 
system or as critical technology as part of any system in accordance 
with Public Law 115-232, section 889 and 2 CFR 200.216.
    xvii. Applicants receiving payment in advance must maintain both 
written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer 
of funds and disbursement by the non-Federal entity, and financial 
management systems that meet the standards for fund control and 
accountability.

    By the National Credit Union Administration Board.
Melane Conyers-Ausbrooks,
Secretary of the Board.
[FR Doc. 2023-06584 Filed 3-29-23; 8:45 am]
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