Notice of Funding Availability for the Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2024, 47510-47515 [2024-11714]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Rural Housing Service

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 107 (Monday, June 3, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47510-47515]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-11714]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service

[Docket No. RHS-24-CF-0013]


Notice of Funding Availability for the Community Facilities 
Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2024

AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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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) 2024. The funding amount available for FY 24 is 
$540,000.

[[Page 47511]]


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 July 8, 2024 to be eligible for 
funding under this grant opportunity. Late or incomplete applications 
will not be eligible for funding.
    Electronic submissions: Electronic submissions submitted via 
Grants.gov must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 
July 3, 2024 to be eligible for funding under this grant opportunity. 
Late or incomplete applications will not be eligible for funding.

ADDRESSES:  This funding announcement will be announced on 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 may also request 
paper application packages from their respective RDSO. A list of the 
USDA RDSO contacts can be found at: rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices.
    Entities wishing to apply for assistance may download the 
application documents and requirements described in this notice from 
Grants.gov. Application information for electronic submissions may be 
found at Grants.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Louis Trivette, Asset Risk Management 
Specialist at email address: [email protected], United States 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, 214 N. College Street, 
Suite 300, Greeneville, TN 37745; or call; Telephone: 423-612-1791. 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: rd.usda.gov/about-rd/offices/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 Availability (NOFA).
    Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-RD-CFTAT-2024.
    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, July 8, 2024. 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 Time on July 3, 2024. 
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 28, 2024. 
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 rd.usda.gov/priority-points):
     Creating More and Better Market Opportunities: Assisting 
rural communities recover economically through more and better market 
opportunities through improved infrastructure.
     Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Justice: 
Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of 
climate change through economic support to rural communities.
     Advancing Racial Justice, Place-Based Equity, and 
Opportunity: Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD 
programs and benefits from RD funded projects.
    For further information, visit rd.usda.gov/priority-points.

A. Program Description

    1. Purpose of the Program. The purpose of the Community Facilities 
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 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; 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 (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.
    The requirements for submitting an application can be found at 7 
CFR 3570.267 (ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3570/subpart-F/section-3570.267). All applicants can access application 
materials at 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 
Grants.gov. A listing of the RDSO contacts may be found at rd.usda.gov/files/CF_State_Office_Contacts.pdf. Applicants whose headquarters are 
in the District of Columbia must submit their application to the 
National Office in care of Shirley Stevenson, 1400 Independence Ave., 
SW, STOP 0787, Community Programs

[[Page 47512]]

Division Room 5104A RD Rural Housing Service (RHS) Community Facilities 
General Mailbox, 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 Grants.gov. Applications 
will not be accepted via FAX or email.
    5. 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.
    6. 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 a written project 
description.

B. Federal Award Information

    Type of Awards: Grants.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2024.
    Available Funds: $540,000. 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 65. 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, 2024.
    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. 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 (Nonprocurement 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. Up to 
10 points may be awarded for applications that contain matching funds. 
These matching funds must be in the form of cash.
    3. Other. All submitted applications must meet the eligibility 
requirements in this notice and at 7 CFR part 3570, subpart F 
(ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-3570/subpart-F), and application 
requirements noted in 7 CFR 3570.267 (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 eligibility or are missing 
required elements.

D. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package. For further information 
on the Community Facilities TAT 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 Grants.gov. 
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; or the 711 Federal 
Relay Service.
    Prior to official submission of applications, applicants may 
request application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests 
are made prior to June 28, 2024. 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. 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.
    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 part 25. In order to register in SAM, entities 
will be required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

[[Page 47513]]

Instructions for obtaining the UEI are available at 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 that it completes the Financial Assistance 
General Certifications and Representations in SAM.
    c. Applicant 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, July 8, 2024.
    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 Time on July 3, 2024.
    Explanation of Dates: The application dates and times are firm. 
Applications must be in the USDA RDSO by the dates and times specified 
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.
    Allow Sufficient Time For Mailing of Application: 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 28, 2024.
    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 by 2 CFR part 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: 
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, 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 is 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 and objectives are clearly defined, tied to the need as 
defined in the work plan, and are measurable;
    (3) Work plan clearly articulates a well thought out approach to 
accomplishing objectives and 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 addresses 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 part 3570, subpart F. If 
determined eligible, your application will be forwarded 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. Due to the competitive 
nature of this program, applications receiving the same score will be 
competed/ranked based on the application scoring the highest on 
matching funds and multi-jurisdictional categories. In addition to the 
State

[[Page 47514]]

Director and Administrator Discretionary priority points, under 7 CFR 
3570.273 (see, 7 CFR 3570.273(h) and 7 CFR 3570.273(i)), points may 
also be awarded with documented justification for any of the three 
following categories, not to exceed the points allowed in 7 CFR 
3570.273(h) and 7 CFR 3570.273(i):
     Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Justice: 
Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of 
climate change through economic support to rural communities. An 
applicant can receive priority points through one of the three options 
listed below:
    Option 1: Applicants will receive points if the project is located 
in or serves a Disadvantaged Community as defined by the Climate and 
Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), from the White House Council 
on Environmental Quality (CEQ). CEJST is a tool to help Federal 
agencies identify disadvantaged communities that will benefit from 
programs included in the Justice40 initiative. Census tracts are 
considered disadvantaged if they meet the thresholds for at least one 
of the CEJST's eight (8) categories of burden: Climate, Energy, Health, 
Housing, Legacy Pollution, Transportation, Water and Wastewater, or 
Workforce Development.
    Option 2: Applicants will receive points if the project is located 
in or serves an Energy Community as defined by the Inflation Reduction 
Act (IRA). The IRA defines energy communities as:
     A ``brownfield site'' (as defined in certain subparagraphs 
of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA)).
     A ``metropolitan statistical area'' or ``non-metropolitan 
statistical area'' that has (or had at any time after 2009).
     0.17% or greater direct employment or 25% or greater local 
tax revenues related to the extraction, processing, transport, or 
storage of coal, oil, or natural gas; and has an unemployment rate at 
or above the national average unemployment rate for the previous year.
     A census tract (or directly adjoining census tract) in 
which a coal mine has closed after 1999; or in which a coal-fired 
electric generating unit has been retired after 2009.
    Option 3: Applicants will receive points by demonstrating through 
written narrative how proposed climate-impact projects improve the 
livelihoods of community residents and meet pollution mitigation or 
clean energy goals.
    To determine if your project qualifies for priority points under 
Option 1 or Option 2, please use the Disadvantaged Community & Energy 
Community Look-Up Map.
    For more information, please use the following link: rd.usda.gov/priority-points.
     Advancing Racial Justice, Place-Based Equity, and 
Opportunity: Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD 
programs and benefits from RD funded projects.
    Applicant receives priority points if the project is located in or 
serving a community with score 0.75 or above on the CDC Social 
Vulnerability Index. Please use Community Look-Up Map to look up map or 
list to determine if your project qualifies for priority points.
    Applications from Federally Recognized Tribes, including Tribal 
instrumentalities and entities that are wholly owned by Tribes will 
receive priority points. Federally Recognized Tribes are classified as 
any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village or 
community as defined by the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act 
(List Act) of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-454). Please refer to the Bureau of 
Indian Affairs for a listing of Federally Recognized Tribes.
    Additionally, projects where at least 50% of the project 
beneficiaries are members of Federally Recognized Tribes, will receive 
priority points if applications from non-Tribal applicants include a 
Tribal Resolution of Consent from the Tribe or Tribes that the 
applicant is proposing to serve.
    Applications from or benefiting a Rural Partner's Network's (RPN) 
community network will receive priority points (rural.gov) in 
applicable funding notices. Currently RPN Networks exist in Alaska, 
Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North 
Carolina, Puerto Rico, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Please use the 
Community Look-Up map to determine if your project qualifies for 
priority points.
    For additional information on data sources used for this priority 
determination, please download the Data Sources for Rural Development 
Priorities document at the following link: rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/rd-ic-prioritiesdatasupplementalupdatedfy2024.pdf.
     Creating More and Better Market Opportunities: Assisting 
rural communities recover economically through more and better market 
opportunities through improved infrastructure. Applicants receive 
priority points if the project is located in or serving a rural 
community whose economic well-being ranks in the most distressed tier 
of the Distressed Communities Index. The Distressed Communities Index 
provides a score between 1-100 for every community at the zip code 
level. The most distressed tier of the index are those communities with 
a score over 80. Please use the Distressed Communities Index Look-Up 
Map to determine if your project qualifies for priority points.
    For additional information on data sources used for this priority 
determination, please download the Data Sources for Rural Development 
Priorities document at the following link: rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/rd-ic-prioritiesdatasupplementalupdatedfy2024.pdf.

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 (ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-3570/subpart-F). Awards are subject to the grant regulations at 2 CFR 
part 400 (ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-400), which adopt the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 2 CFR part 200 (ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200) as USDA policies and procedures for grant 
awards.
    If the applicant wishes to consider beginning its 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 (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) (ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-170.200#p-170.200(b)), unless the recipient is exempt under 2 
CFR 170.110(b) (ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-170.110#p-170.110(b)).

[[Page 47515]]

    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 in 
addition to any reports required by 2 CFR part 200 (ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200) and 2 CFR 400.1 (ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-400.1) to 400.2 (ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-400.2), and 2 CFR 
parts 415 to 422 (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: rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program.

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 and USDA's 
nondiscrimination regulation (7 CFR part 15, subpart A), 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 part 1970, available 
at: 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; or the 711 Federal 
Relay Service.
    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 usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf?time=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.

Yvonne Hsu,
Acting Administrator, Rural Housing Service, USDA Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 2024-11714 Filed 5-31-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P