Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023, 24544-24548 [2023-08447]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Rural Housing Service

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 77 (Friday, April 21, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24544-24548]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-08447]


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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 77 / Friday, April 21, 2023 / 
Notices

[[Page 24544]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service

[Docket No. RHS-23-CF-0003]


Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant 
Program for Fiscal Year 2023

AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Funding of Availability (NOFA).

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SUMMARY: The Rural Housing Service (RHS or the Agency), a Rural 
Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture 
(USDA), announces that it is accepting applications under the Community 
Facilities Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant Program for 
fiscal year (FY) 2023. The FY 2023 funding amount is $1,265,000.

DATES: Complete applications for grants must be submitted according to 
the following deadlines:
    Paper submissions: Paper submissions must be received by the Agency 
no later than 4:00 p.m. local time on June 20, 2023 to be eligible for 
funding under this grant opportunity. Late or incomplete applications 
will not be eligible for funding.
    Electronic submissions: Electronic submissions must be received no 
later than June 30, 2023 to be eligible for funding under this grant 
opportunity. Late or incomplete applications will not be eligible for 
funding. Electronic applications must be submitted via https://www.Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 15, 2023.

ADDRESSES: This funding announcement will be announced on 
www.Grants.gov. Paper applications must be submitted to the USDA Rural 
Development State Office (RDSO) for the State where the Project is 
located. For Projects involving multiple states, the application must 
be filed in the RDSO where the Applicant is located. Applicants are 
encouraged to contact their respective RDSO for an email contact to 
submit an application prior to the submission deadline date. Applicants 
may also request paper application packages from their respective RDSO. 
A list of the USDA RDSO contacts can be found at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices.
    Entities wishing to apply for assistance may download the 
application documents and requirements delineated in this notice from: 
https://www.Grants.gov. Application information for electronic 
submissions may be found at https://www.Grants.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nathan Chitwood, Asset Risk Management 
Specialist at email address [email protected], United States 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Business Loop 70 West, 
Suite 235, Columbia, MO 65203; or call; Telephone: 573-876-0965. For 
further information on submitting program applications under this 
notice, please contact the USDA RDSO in the state where the applicant's 
headquarters is located. A list of RDSO contacts is provided at the 
following link: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

    Federal Awarding Agency Name: Rural Housing Service (RHS).
    Funding Opportunity Title: Community Facilities Technical 
Assistance and Training Grant.
    Announcement Type: Notice of Funding of Availability (NOFA).
    Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-RD-CFTAT-2023.
    Assistance Listing: 10.766.
    Dates: Applications must be submitted using one of the following 
methods:
     Paper submissions: The deadline for receipt of a paper 
application is 4 p.m. local time, June 20, 2023. Applicants intending 
to mail applications must provide sufficient time to permit delivery on 
or before the closing deadline date and time. Acceptance by the United 
States Postal Service or private mailer does not constitute delivery. 
Facsimile (FAX), electronic mail, and postage due applications will not 
be accepted.
     Electronic submissions: Electronic applications will be 
accepted via Grants.gov. The deadline for receipt of an electronic 
application via Grants.gov is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time 
on June 15, 2023. The application dates and times are firm. The Agency 
will not consider any application received after the deadline.
    Prior to official submission of applications, applicants may 
request technical assistance or other application guidance from the 
Agency, as long as such requests are made prior to June 12, 2023. 
Technical assistance is not meant to be an analysis or assessment of 
the quality of the materials submitted, a substitute for agency review 
of completed applications, nor a determination of eligibility, if such 
determination requires in-depth analysis. The Agency will not solicit 
or consider scoring or eligibility information that is submitted after 
the application deadline. The Agency reserves the right to contact 
applicants to seek clarification information on materials contained in 
the submitted application.
    Rural Development Key Priorities: The Agency encourages applicants 
to consider projects that will advance the following key priorities 
(more details available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points):
     Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to 
the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural 
communities.
     Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD 
programs and benefits from RD funded projects; and
     Assisting rural communities recover economically through 
more and better market opportunities and through improved 
infrastructure.
    For further information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.

A. Program Description

    1. Purpose of the Program. The purpose of the Community Facilities 
Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant Program is to provide 
technical assistance and training with respect to essential community 
facilities programs. To meet this purpose, the Agency will make grants 
to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations, (such as States, 
counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and villages, 
boroughs, authorities, districts, and Indian tribes on Federal and 
State reservations) to provide assistance and/or training with respect 
to essential community facilities

[[Page 24545]]

programs. The Technical Assistance and/or training will assist 
communities, Indian tribes, and nonprofit corporations to identify and 
plan for community facility needs that exist in their area. Once those 
needs have been identified, the Grantee can assist in identifying 
public and private resources to finance those identified community 
facility needs.
    2. Statutory and Regulatory Authority. This NOFA is authorized 
pursuant to Division N--Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations 
Act, 2023 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, (Pub. L. 117-
328); section 306(a)(26) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(26)); and implemented under 7 CFR part 3570 
subpart F.
    3. Definitions. The definitions and abbreviations applicable to 
this Notice are published at 7 CFR 3570.252 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3570/subpart-F/section-3570.252).
    4. Application of Awards. The Agency will review, evaluate, and 
score applications received in response to this notice based on the 
provisions found in 7 CFR part 3570, subpart F, and as indicated in 
this notice.
    5. The requirements for submitting an application can be found at 7 
CFR 3570.267 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3570/subpart-F/section-3570.267). All applicants can access 
application materials at https://www.Grants.gov. Applications must be 
received by the Agency by the due date listed in the DATES section of 
this Notice. Applications received after that due date will not be 
considered for funding. Paper copies of the applications must be 
submitted to the RDSO in which the applicant is headquartered. 
Electronic submissions must be submitted at https://www.Grants.gov. A 
listing of the RDSO contacts may be found at https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/CF_State_Office_Contacts.pdf. Applicants whose headquarters are 
in the District of Columbia will submit their application to the 
National Office in care of Shirley Stevenson, 1400 Independence Ave. 
SW, STOP 0787, Washington, DC 20250. Both paper and electronic 
applications must be received by the Agency by the deadlines stated in 
the DATES section of this Notice. The use of a courier and package 
tracking for paper applications is strongly encouraged. An applicant 
can only submit one application for funding. Application information 
for electronic submissions may be found at https://www.Grants.gov. 
Applications will not be accepted via FAX or email.
    6. The Agency advises all interested parties that the applicant 
bears the burden in preparing and submitting an application in response 
to this notice whether or not the applicant receives any funding as a 
result of its application.
    7. If the proposal involves large increases in employment; 
hazardous waste; a change in use, size, capacity, purpose, or location 
from an original facility; or is publicly controversial, the following 
is required: environmental documentation in accordance with 7 CFR part 
1970; financial and statistical information; and written project 
description.

B. Federal Award Information

    Type of Awards: Grants.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2023.
    Available Funds: The FY 2023 funding amount is $1,265,000. Up to 
ten percent of the available funds may be awarded to the highest 
scoring Ultimate Recipient(s) as long as they score a minimum score of 
at least 70. The Agency reserves the right to reduce funding amounts 
based on the Agency's determination of available funding or other 
Agency funding priorities.
    Award Amounts: Grant funds are limited and are awarded through a 
competitive process.
    Minimum/Maximum Award Amount: Grant awards made to Ultimate 
Recipients will not exceed $50,000. The Agency has capped the grant 
awards for Technical Assistance Providers assisting Ultimate Recipients 
to not exceed $150,000. This applies even if the Technical Assistance 
Provider covers entities in one county, multiple counties, or multiple 
states.
    Anticipated Award Date: Awards will be made on or before September 
15, 2023.
    Performance Period: The grant period is to be for no more than 
three years.
    Renewal or Supplemental Awards: Applicants may apply for funding in 
future funding cycles. No unfunded applications will carry over to the 
next funding cycle. The Agency awards points for applicants that have 
not received a previous grant. Applicants must re-apply for an 
additional grant.
    Type of Assistance Instrument: Grant agreement.

C. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants. Both the applicant and the use of funds 
must meet eligibility requirements. The applicant eligibility 
requirements can be found at 7 CFR 3570.262 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3570/subpart-F/section-3570.262). Eligible project purposes can be found at 7 CFR 3570.263. 
Ineligible project purposes can be found at 7 CFR 3570.264.
    Non-tribal applicants proposing to provide Technical Assistance to 
Tribes should provide adequate documentation (for example, a letter of 
support from the Tribe or Tribes) that the Technical Assistance they 
are proposing to provide is supported by the Tribes they plan to serve.
    Any corporation that has been convicted of a felony criminal 
violation under any Federal law within the past 24 months, or that has 
any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all 
judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have 
lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an 
agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax 
liability, is not eligible for financial assistance provided with full-
year appropriated funds, unless a Federal agency has considered 
suspension or debarment of the corporation and has made a determination 
that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of 
the Government.
    Debarment and suspension information is required in accordance with 
2 CFR parts 417 (Non procurement Debarment and Suspension) and 180 (OMB 
Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension 
(Nonprocurement). The section heading ``What information must I provide 
before entering into a covered transaction with a Federal agency?'' 
located at 2 CFR 180.335 is part of OMB's Guidance for Grants and 
Agreements concerning Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension. 
Applicants are not eligible if they have been debarred or suspended or 
otherwise excluded from, or ineligible for, participation in Federal 
assistance programs under 2 CFR parts 180 and 417.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching. Matching funds are not required. 
Matching funds must be in the form of cash. Up to 10 points may be 
awarded for applications that contain matching funds.
    3. Other. All submitted applications must meet the eligibility 
requirements in this notice and at 7 CFR part 3570 subpart F (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-3570/subpart-F), and application 
requirements noted in 7 CFR 3570.267 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3570/subpart-F/section-3570.267).
    Applications will not be considered for funding if they do not 
provide sufficient information to determine

[[Page 24546]]

eligibility or are missing required elements.

D. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package. For further information 
on the Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant 
Program, entities wishing to apply for assistance should contact the 
USDA RDSO provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice to obtain 
copies of the application package. Application information is also 
available at https://www.grants.gov/. If you require alternative means 
of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, 
audiotape, etc.) please contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 
(voice and TDD) or the Federal Relay Service as (800) 877-8339. Prior 
to official submission of applications, applicants may request 
application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests are made 
prior to June 12, 2023. Technical assistance is not meant to be an 
analysis or assessment of the quality of the materials submitted, a 
substitute for agency review of completed applications, nor a 
determination of eligibility, if such determination requires in-depth 
analysis.
    The Agency will not solicit or consider scoring nor eligibility 
information that is submitted after the application deadline. The 
Agency reserves the right to contact applicants to seek clarification 
information on materials contained in the submitted application.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission. An application must 
contain all of the required elements outlined in 7 CFR 3570.267. Each 
application must address the applicable scoring criteria presented in 7 
CFR 3570.273 for the type of funding being requested.
    3. System for Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier. 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 25. In order to register in SAM, entities will 
be required to create a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Instructions 
for obtaining the UEI are available at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.
    a. 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.
    b. Applicant must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance 
General Certifications and Representations in SAM.
    c. Applicants must provide a valid UEI in its application, unless 
determined exempt under 2 CFR 25.110.
    d. 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. Submission Dates and Times. Application Funding Submission 
Deadlines:
    a. Paper submissions: The deadline for receipt of a paper 
application is 4 p.m. local time, June 20, 2023.
    b. Electronic submissions: Electronic applications will be accepted 
via Grants.gov. The deadline for receipt of an electronic application 
via Grants.gov is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time on June 15, 
2023.
    Explanation of Dates: The application dates and times are firm. 
Applications must be in the USDA RDSO by the dates and times as 
indicated above. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or 
Federal holiday, the application is due the next business day. The 
Agency will not consider any application received after the deadline.

    Note: Applicants intending to mail applications must provide 
sufficient time to permit delivery on or before the closing deadline 
date and time. Acceptance by the United States Postal Service or 
private mailer does not constitute delivery. Facsimile (FAX), 
electronic mail, and postage due applications will not be accepted. 
Prior to official submission of applications, applicants may request 
technical assistance or other application guidance from the Agency, 
as long as such requests are made prior to June 12, 2023.

    5. Intergovernmental Review. This program is subject to Executive 
Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with state 
and local officials. RD conducts intergovernmental consultation as 
implemented with 2 CFR 415 subpart C. Not all States have chosen to 
participate in the intergovernmental review process. A list of 
participating States is available at the following website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/.
    6. Funding Restrictions. None.
    7. Other Submission Requirements. None.

E. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria. All eligible and complete applications will be 
evaluated and scored based on the selection criteria and weights 
contained in 7 CFR 3570.273 (see, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3570/subpart-F/section-3570.273). Failure 
to address any one of the criteria by the application deadline will 
result in the application being determined ineligible, and the 
application will not be considered for funding.
    All applications that are complete and eligible will be scored and 
ranked competitively.
    The categories for scoring criteria used are the following:
    The Agency will score each application using the following scoring 
factors unless otherwise provided in an annual Notice in the Federal 
Register:
    (a) Experience: Applicant Experience at developing and implementing 
successful technical assistance and/or training programs:
    (1) More than 10 years--40 points.
    (2) More than 5 years to 10 years--25 points.
    (3) 3 to 5 years--10 points.
    (b) No prior grants received:
    (1) Applicant has never received a TAT Grant--5 points.
    (c) Population: The average population of proposed area(s) to be 
served:
    (1) 2,500 or less--15 points.
    (2) 2,501 to 5,000--10 points.
    (3) 5,001 to 10,000--5 points.
    (d) MHI: The average median household income (MHI) of proposed area 
to be served is below the higher of the poverty line or:
    (1) 60 percent of the State's MHI--15 points.
    (2) 70 percent of the State MHI--10 points.
    (3) 90 percent of the State's MHI--5 points.
    (e) Multi-jurisdictional: The proposed technical assistance or 
training project a part of a Multi-jurisdictional project comprised of:
    (1) More than 10 jurisdictions--15 points.
    (2) More than 5 to 10 jurisdictions--10 points.
    (3) 3 to 5 jurisdictions--5 points.
    (f) Soundness of approach: Up to 10 points.
    (1) Needs assessment: The problem/issue being addressed is clearly 
defined, supported by data, and addresses the needs;
    (2) Goals & objectives are clearly defined, tied to the need as 
defined in the work plan, and are measurable;

[[Page 24547]]

    (3) Work plan clearly articulates a well thought out approach to 
accomplishing objectives & clearly identifies who will be served by the 
project;
    (4) The proposed activities are needed in order for a complete 
Community Facilities loan and/or grant application.
    (g) Matching funds:
    (1) There is evidence of the commitment of other cash funds of 20% 
of the total project costs 10 points.
    (2) There is evidence of the commitment of other cash funds of 10% 
of the total project costs 5 points.
    (h) State Director discretionary points. The State Director may 
award up to 10 discretionary points for the highest priority project in 
each state, up to 7 points for the second highest priority project in 
each state and up to 5 points for the third highest priority project 
that address unforeseen exigencies or emergencies, such as the loss of 
a community facility due to an accident or natural disaster, or other 
areas of need in their particular state. The State Director will place 
written documentation in the project file each time the State Director 
assigns these points--Up to 10 points.
    (i) Administrator discretionary points. The Administrator may award 
up to 20 discretionary points for projects to address geographic 
distribution of funds, emergency conditions caused by economic 
problems, natural disasters and other initiatives identified by the 
Secretary--Up to 20 points.
    2. Review and Selection Process. The State Offices will review 
applications to determine if applications are eligible for assistance 
based on requirements contained in 7 CFR 3570, subpart F. If determined 
eligible, your application will be submitted to the National Office. 
Funding of projects is subject to the intermediary's satisfactory 
submission of the additional items required by that subpart and the 
USDA RD Letter of Conditions. Discretionary priority points, under 7 
CFR 3570.273 (see, 7 CFR 3570.273(h) and 7 CFR 3570.273(i)), may be 
awarded with documented justification for the following categories:
     Assisting rural communities to recover economically 
through more and better market opportunities and through improved 
infrastructure.
     Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD 
programs and benefits from RD funded projects.
     Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to 
the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural 
communities.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

    1. Federal Award Notices. Successful applicants will receive 
notification for funding from the RDSO. Applicants must comply with all 
applicable statutes and regulations before the grant award can be 
approved. If an application is withdrawn by the applicant, it can be 
resubmitted and will be evaluated as a new application, provided the 
application is resubmitted before the submission deadline as stated in 
section D4.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Additional 
requirements that apply to Grantees selected for this Program can be 
found in 7 CFR part 3570, subpart F (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-3570/subpart-F). Awards are subject to USDA grant 
regulations at 2 CFR part 400 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-400) which incorporated the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
regulations at 2 CFR part 200 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200) which incorporate the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
regulations at 2 CFR part 200 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200).
    If the applicant wishes to consider beginning their project 
performance prior to the grant being officially closed, all pre-
evaluation award costs must be approved in writing and in advance by 
the Agency.
    In addition, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are 
required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and 
executive compensation (see, 2 CFR part 170 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-170). The applicant will be required to have the 
necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the Federal 
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-282) 
and reporting requirements (see, 2 CFR 170.200(b) (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-170.200#p-170.200(b)), unless the 
recipient is exempt under 2 CFR 170.110(b) (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-170.110#p-170.110(b)).
    The following additional requirements apply to Grantees selected 
for these Programs:
    (a) Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
    (b) Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.''
    (c) Form SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' if 
applicable.
    (d) Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement.''
    (e) Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement'' must be completed by the 
applicant and each prospective ultimate recipient.
    (f) Grantees must collect and maintain data provided by ultimate 
recipients on race, sex, and national origin and ensure ultimate 
recipients collect and maintain this data. Race and ethnicity data will 
be collected in accordance with OMB Federal Register notice, 
``Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on 
Race and Ethnicity'' (62 FR 58782), October 30, 1997. Sex data will be 
collected in accordance with title IX of the Education Amendments of 
1972. These items should not be submitted with the application but 
should be available upon request by the Agency.
    (e) The applicant and the ultimate recipient must comply with title 
VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, title IX of the Education 
Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), section 504 
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, 
Executive Order 12250, Executive Order 13166 Limited English 
Proficiency (LEP), and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E.
    (3) Reporting. The Grantee must provide reports as required by 7 
CFR part 3570, subpart F. A financial status report, SF 425 ``Federal 
Financial Report,'' and a project performance report will be required 
as provided in the grant agreement. The financial status report must 
show how grant funds and matching funds have been used to date. A final 
report may serve as the last report. Grantees shall constantly monitor 
performance to ensure that time schedules are being met and projected 
goals by time periods are being accomplished. Applicant may find the 
reporting requirements for this grant as set forth at 7 CFR 3570.276 
(https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3570/subpart-F/section-3570.276) in addition to any reports required by 
2 CFR part 200 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200) and 2 
CFR 400.1 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-400.1) to 400.2 
(https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-400.2), and 2 CFR parts 
415 to 422 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-415).

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

    For general questions about this announcement, please contact your 
USDA RDSO as provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice or the 
program website at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program.

[[Page 24548]]

H. Other Information

    (1) Civil Rights Requirements. All grants made under this Notice 
are subject to title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as required by 
the USDA (7 CFR part 15, subpart A) and section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, 
title IX, Executive Order 13166 (Limited English Proficiency), 
Executive Order 11246, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.
    (2) Paperwork Reduction Act. In accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995, the information collection requirement contained 
in this notice has been approved by OMB under OMB Control Number 0575-
0198.
    (3) National Environmental Policy Act. All recipients under this 
notice are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR 1970, available at: 
https://rd.usda.gov/resources/environmental-studies/environmental-guidance.
    (4) Nondiscrimination Statement. In accordance with Federal civil 
rights laws and 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.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf?time=1671165786489 =1671165786489, 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 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].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Joaquin Altoro,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service, USDA Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 2023-08447 Filed 4-20-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P