[Federal Register: July 17, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 137)]
[Notices]
[Page 42363-42372]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17jy03-34]
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Notices
Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
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[[Page 42363]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
Native American Outreach Program: Request for Applications and
Request for Input
AGENCY: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Notice of request for applications and request for input.
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SUMMARY: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service (CSREES) requests applications for the Native American Outreach
Program for fiscal year (FY) 2003 to develop and deliver outreach
activities that will inform Native American farmers and ranchers,
tribal governments, tribal communities, and Tribal Colleges and
Universities (TCU) about the availability of, and encourage their
participation in, USDA programs.
DATES: Applications must be received by close of business (COB) on
August 18, 2003 (5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time). Applications received
after this deadline will not be considered for funding. Comments
regarding this RFA are requested within three months from the issuance
of this notice. Comments received after that date will be considered to
the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: The address for hand-delivered applications or applications
submitted using an express mail or overnight courier service is: Native
American Outreach Program; c/o Proposal Services Unit; Cooperative
State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of
Agriculture; Room 1420, Waterfront Centre; 800 9th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20024; Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
Applications sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the
following address: Native American Outreach Program; c/o Proposal
Services Unit; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2245; 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2245.
Written stakeholder comments should be submitted by mail to: Policy
and Program Liaison Staff; Office of Extramural Programs; USDA-CSREES;
STOP 2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2299; or
via e-mail to: Rfp-Oep@csrees.usda.gov. (This e-mail address is
intended only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not
requesting information or forms.) In your comments, please state that
you are responding to the Native American Outreach Program RFA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diana Jerkins; Program Director;
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S.
Department of Agriculture; STOP 2243; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-2243; Telephone: (202) 401-6996; Fax: (202) 401-
6488; e-mail: djerkins@csrees.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
Stakeholder Input
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Part I. General
A. Legislative Authority and Background.
B. Purpose, Priorities and Fund Availability.
C. Eligibility.
D. Indirect Costs.
E. Matching Requirements.
F. Funding Restrictions.
G. Types of Applications.
Part II. Program Description
A. Project Types.
B. Program Description.
Part III. Preparation of an Application
A. Program Application Materials.
B. Content of Applications.
C. Submission of Applications.
D. Acknowledgment of Applications.
Part IV. Review Process
A. General.
B. Evaluation Criteria.
C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality.
Part V. Award Administration
A. General.
B. Organizational Management Information.
C. Award Document and Notice of Award.
Part VI. Additional Information
A. Access to Review Information.
B. Use of Funds; Changes.
C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements.
D. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations.
E. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards.
F. Regulatory Information.
G. Definitions.
Stakeholder Input
CSREES is requesting comments regarding this RFA from any
interested party. These comments will be considered in the development
of any subsequent RFA for the program. Such comments will be used to
meet the requirements of section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.
7613(c)(2)). This section requires the Secretary to solicit and
consider input on a current RFA from persons who conduct or use
agricultural research, extension and education for use in formulating
future RFAs for competitive programs. Comments should be submitted as
provided in the ADDRESSES and DATES portions of this announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
This is a new program listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance that is authorized under the same legislation as 10.443,
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and
Ranchers.
Part I. General
A. Legislative Authority and Background
Section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990, as amended, (7 U.S.C. 2279(a)) authorizes the Secretary to
make grants to eligible institutions and organizations so that they may
provide outreach and technical assistance to encourage and assist
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to own and operate farms
and ranches and to participate equitably in the full range of
agricultural programs offered by the Department. This assistance shall
enhance coordination of the outreach, technical assistance, and
education efforts authorized under various agriculture programs and
include information on and assistance with commodity, conservation,
credit, rural, and business development programs, application and
bidding procedures, farm and risk management, marketing
[[Page 42364]]
and other activities essential to participation in agricultural and
other programs of the Department.
Paragraph (3)(A) of section 2501(a) authorizes the Secretary to
make grants to, and enter into contracts and other agreements with, an
eligible entity to provide information and technical assistance under
this subsection. In addition, paragraph (4)(B) of section 2501(a)
authorizes any agency of the Department to participate in any grant,
contract, or agreement entered into under this subsection by
contributing funds, if the agency determines that the objectives of the
grant will further the authorized programs of the contributing agency.
B. Purpose, Priorities and Fund Availability
The purpose of the Native American Outreach Program conducted under
section 2501(a) is to develop and deliver outreach activities that will
inform Native American farmers and ranchers, tribal governments, tribal
communities, and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) about the
availability of, and encourage participation in, USDA programs.
Proposals must target outreach and technical assistance efforts to
Native American communities. Native American refers to a member of a
federally recognized American Indian tribe, band, group, or Nation,
including Alaska Indians, Aleuts, Eskimos and Alaska native villages of
the United States.
Proposed projects may address one, some, or all four (4) of the
objectives described below; however, priority will be given to
proposals that address more than one of the objectives and/or serve to
cover the broadest geographic representation for Native American
communities:
1. Enhance education campaigns directed to Native American
producers, tribal governments, tribal communities, and TCU for program
delivery opportunities available through USDA agencies;
2. Provide additional education and knowledge about USDA supported
programs and opportunities to potential participants in Native American
communities;
3. Work with educational organizations to enhance capacity
development in the food and agricultural sciences in order to provide
Native Americans additional information regarding program delivery and
career opportunities;
4. Provide tribal governments information about USDA programs for
plant and animal safeguards internally and on border lands in support
of homeland security.
Funded projects need not be national in scope; however, grantees
will be expected to coordinate their efforts and establish appropriate
linkages with other grantees, where feasible, to advance progress in
accomplishing all four (4) objectives. There is no commitment by USDA
to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of
awards. In FY 2003, USDA anticipates that approximately $600,000 will
be available to fund applications submitted in response to this RFA.
Funds for this activity have been provided by six mission areas of
USDA: Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP); Research, Education and
Economics (REE); Rural Development (RD); Food Safety (FS); Farm and
Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS); and Natural Resources and
Environment (NRE).
C. Eligibility
Applications may be submitted by:
1. An Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)) or a
national tribal organization that has demonstrated experience in
providing agriculture education or other agriculturally related
services to Native American farmers and ranchers in a region.
2. Any community-based organization, network, or coalition of
community-based organizations that:
(a) Has demonstrated experience in providing agricultural education
or other agriculturally related services to Native American farmers and
ranchers;
(b) Has provided to the Secretary documentary evidence of work with
Native American farmers and ranchers during the two-year period
preceding the submission of an application for assistance under this
program (documentary evidence shall include a narrative providing
specific information regarding: the scope of past projects, including
the number of Native American farmers and ranchers served or in the
area served by the organization; activities conducted; community
involvement; and copies of prior agreements, press releases, news
articles, and other contemporaneous documents supporting the
narrative); and
(c) does not engage in activities prohibited under section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (see part III, B., 17.
for certification requirement).
3. An 1890 institution or 1994 institution (as defined in section 2
of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of
1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)), including West Virginia State College.
4. An Indian Tribal Community College or an Alaska Native
Cooperative College.
5. An Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in section 1404 of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act
of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)).
6. Any other institution of higher education (as defined in section
101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that has
demonstrated experience in providing agriculture education or other
agriculturally related services to Native American farmers and ranchers
in a region.
7. An organization or institution that received funding under the
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
Competitive Grants Program (OASDFR) before January 1, 1996, but only
with respect to projects that the Secretary considers are similar to
projects previously carried out by the organization or institution
under the OASDFR.
Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to
apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the
project; however, applications will be evaluated based on the
qualifications of key project personnel so these participants' roles
and responsibilities must be detailed.
D. Indirect Costs
Pursuant to section 1462 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3310),
indirect costs for this program are limited to 19 percent of the total
Federal funds provided under each award. Therefore, the recovery of
indirect costs under this program may not exceed the lesser of the
institution's official negotiated indirect cost rate or the equivalent
of 19 percent of total Federal funds awarded. Another method of
calculating the maximum allowable is 23.456 percent of the total direct
costs. (This limitation also applies to the recovery of indirect costs
by any subawardee or subcontractor, and should be reflected in the
subrecipient budget.) If no rate has been negotiated, a reasonable
dollar amount (equivalent to or less than 19 percent of total Federal
funds requested) in lieu of indirect costs may be requested, subject to
approval by USDA. This same indirect cost limitation applies to
subcontracts.
[[Page 42365]]
E. Matching Requirements
There is no requirement for award recipients to provide matching
funds under this program.
F. Funding Restrictions
Program funds may not be used for the renovation or refurbishment
of research, education or extension space; the purchase or installation
of fixed equipment in such space; or the planning, repair,
rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of buildings or
facilities.
G. Types of Applications
All applications submitted in response to this RFA will be new
applications. All applications will be reviewed competitively using the
selection process and evaluation criteria described in part IV, Review
Process.
Part II. Program Description
A. Project Types
In FY 2003, CSREES anticipates making one to three grants.
Applicants may propose project budgets of up to $600,000. However,
applicants should factor into their request the number of objectives
they propose to address, recognizing that USDA will endeavor to make
progress toward accomplishing all four (4) objectives (described in
part I, B.) and achieving national representation with these funds.
Project periods may not exceed eighteen (18) months.
B. Program Description
Proposed projects may address one, some, or all four (4) of the
objectives described in part I, B.; however, priority will be given to
proposals that address more than one of these objectives and/or serve
to cover the broadest geographic representation for Native American
communities.
The purpose of the Native American Outreach Program is to develop
and deliver outreach activities that will inform Native American
farmers and ranchers, tribal governments, tribal communities, and TCU
about the availability of, and encourage their participation in, USDA
programs. Funded projects need not be national in scope; however,
grantees will be expected to coordinate their efforts and establish
appropriate linkages with other grantees, where feasible, to advance
progress in accomplishing all four (4) objectives.
Proposals must target outreach and technical assistance efforts to
Native American communities. Native American refers to a member of a
federally recognized American Indian tribe, band, group, or Nation,
including Alaska Indians, Aleuts, Eskimos and Alaska native villages of
the United States. Applicants must describe their plans to involve
stakeholders in identifying needs and evaluating the success of the
project in meeting those needs. Applicants also must submit management
plans that explain how the project will be managed to ensure efficient
administration of the grant.
Applications must incorporate a project evaluation component that
will permit a qualitative and quantitative assessment of expected
project impacts (see part III, B., 5.). Depending on project
objectives, the following performance indicators could be utilized:
1. Increased number of workshops and/or training opportunities
directed to increase collaboration between USDA agencies and Native
Americans;
2. Increased participation among Native American people in farm,
risk management and conservation programs offered by the USDA;
3. Increased number of education/outreach demonstration projects
and/or an increase in the number of exchange programs between Native
American educational organizations and USDA; and
4. Increased contact with Native Americans regarding emergency
planning for preparedness and security for a safe food supply.
Applicants addressing project objectives 1 and/or 2 (as described
in part I, B.) should provide a brief synopsis of the program(s) they
are incorporating in their proposed projects. These can include, but
are not limited to: The various farm and risk management programs that
encourage producers with both cropping and livestock operations to
adopt agriculture practices that can increase profitability; the
various conservation programs and technical assistance provided by
local Natural Resources Conservation Service offices that can help
Native American producers better manage their natural resources through
voluntary incentive-based approaches; USDA services and technical
expertise designed to help producers gain an understanding of
economically injurious plant and animal diseases; programs to identify
and solve farm, home, and community problems through education and
technical assistance; services designed to increase understanding of
the role and opportunities for forest dependent rural communities;
programs to improve market access opportunities for agricultural
products in emerging markets; programs that aid in the development of
infrastructure needs for rural communities; and the facilitation of
participation in the national Agricultural Census.
Applicants addressing project objective 3 (as described in part I,
B.) should provide a brief synopsis of the program(s) they are
incorporating into their proposed projects. Funded activities could
include, but are not limited to: Using food and agricultural sciences
programs available at educational institutions to help deliver enhanced
USDA program information; creating exchange programs between
institutions and USDA staff to enhance capacity of education programs
in the food and agricultural sciences; and providing information on
career opportunities within USDA or other state, Federal, or tribal
governments to graduates of such accredited programs.
Examples of outreach activities that could be funded as part of
project objective 4 (as described in part I, B.) include, but are not
limited to: Distributing to Native American farmers and ranchers
documents that remind them of the steps they can take to secure their
operations, and discussing these documents with them; updating Native
American farmers and ranchers about security efforts for disaster
reporting; and providing Native American farmers and ranchers with
Foreign Animal Disease Awareness Training seminars.
Pertinent USDA agricultural programs include but are not limited to
the following, identified by their Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance title and number: Plant and Animal Care (10.025); Emergency
Conservation Program (10.054); Production and Flexibility Payments for
Contract Commodities (10.055); Forestry Incentives Program (10.064);
Conservation Reserve Program (10.069); Wetlands Reserve Program
(10.072); Tribal College Equity, Endowment and Research (10.221,
10.222, and 10.227); Homeland Security--Agriculture (10.304);
Noninsured Assistance (10.451); Cooperative Extension Service (10.500);
Emerging Markets Program (10.603); Rural Business Enterprise Grants
(10.769); Soil Survey (10.903); Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (10.912); Farmland Protection Program (10.913); Wildlife
Habitat Incentives Program (10.914); Agricultural Statistics Reports
(10.950); and Grasslands Reserve Program.
On a semi-annual basis, grantees must submit progress reports to
CSREES. In addition, grantees must participate in at least two national
meetings of Native Americans, to be agreed upon in consultation with
CSREES, which will serve to highlight their active participation in
outreach and
[[Page 42366]]
information delivery to the Native American community. Reasonable
travel expenses for at least one member of the project team to attend
these meetings and for an appropriate number of personnel to attend a
post-award meeting with CSREES may be requested as part of the project
budget (see part III, B., 12.). Part VI, C. contains additional
information about these requirements.
Part III. Preparation of an Application
A. Program Application Materials
Program application materials are available at the CSREES Funding
Opportunities Web site (http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/funding/ourfund.htm
). If you do not have access to the Web page or have trouble
downloading material and you would like a hard copy, you may contact
the Proposal Services Unit, Competitive Programs, USDA/CSREES at (202)
401-5048. When calling the Proposal Services Unit, please indicate that
you are requesting the RFA and associated application forms for the
Native American Outreach Program. These materials also may be requested
via Internet by sending a message with your name, mailing address (not
e-mail) and phone number to psb@reeusda.gov. State that you want a copy
of the RFA and the associated application forms for the Native American
Outreach Program.
B. Content of Applications
The applications should be prepared following the guidelines and
the instructions below. Each application must contain the following
elements in the order indicated:
1. General
Use the following guidelines to prepare an application. Proper
preparation of applications will assist reviewers in evaluating the
merits of each application in a systematic, consistent fashion:
(a) Prepare the application on only one side of the page using
standard size (8\1/2\'' x 11'') white paper, one-inch margins, typed or
word processed using no type smaller than 12 point font, and single or
double spaced. Use an easily readable font face (e.g., Geneva,
Helvetica, Times Roman).
(b) Number each page of the application sequentially, starting with
the Project Description, including the budget pages, required forms,
and any appendices.
(c) Staple the application in the upper left-hand corner. Do not
bind. An original and fourteen (14) copies of the application must be
submitted in one package, along with two (2) additional copies of the
Project Summary, Form CSREES-2003, as a separate attachment. Prior to
mailing, compare the application with the checklist found at the end of
this document to ensure the application is complete.
(d) Include original illustrations (photographs, color prints,
etc.) in all copies of the application to prevent loss of meaning
through poor quality reproduction.
(e) The contents of the application should be assembled in the
following order:
(1) Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002).
(2) Table of Contents.
(3) Project Summary (Form CSREES-2003).
(4) Project Description.
(5) References to Project Description.
(6) Facilities and Equipment.
(7) Appendices to Project Description.
(8) Key Personnel.
(9) Collaborative Arrangements (including letters of support).
(10) Conflict-of-Interest List (Form CSREES-2007).
(11) Budget (Form CSREES-2004).
(12) Budget Narrative.
(13) Current and Pending Support (Form CSREES-2005).
(14) Assurance Statement(s) (Form CSREES-2008).
(15) Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
(Form CSREES-2006).
(16) Certification of Compliance to section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
2. Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002)
Page A
Each copy of each application must contain a Proposal Cover Page,
Form CSREES-2002. One copy of the application, preferably the original,
must contain the pen-and-ink signature(s) of the proposing Project
Directors (PDs) and the authorized organizational representative (AOR),
the individual who possesses the necessary authority to commit the
organization's time and other relevant resources to the project. If
there are more than three co-PDs for an application, please list
additional co-PDs on a separate sheet of paper (with appropriate
information and signatures) and attach to the Proposal Cover Page (Form
CSREES-2002). Any proposed PD or co-PD whose signature does not appear
on Form CSREES-2002 or attached additional sheets will not be listed on
any resulting award. Complete both signature blocks located at the
bottom of the Proposal Cover Page form. Please note that Form CSREES-
2002 is comprised of two parts--Page A, which is the Proposal Cover
Page, and Page B, which is the Personal Data on Project Director.
Form CSREES-2002 serves as a source document for the CSREES award
database; it is therefore important that it be accurately completed in
its entirety, especially the e-mail addresses requested in Blocks 4.c.
and 18.c. However, the following items are highlighted as having a high
potential for errors or misinterpretations:
(a) Type of Performing Organization (Block 6.a. and 6.b.). For
Block 6.a., a check should be placed in the appropriate box to identify
the type of organization which is the legal recipient named in Block 1.
Only one box should be checked. For Block 6.b., please check as many
boxes that apply to the affiliation of the PD listed in Block 16.
(b) Title of Proposed Project (Block 7.). The title of the project
must be brief (140-character maximum, including spaces), yet represent
the major thrust of the effort being proposed. Project titles are read
by a variety of nonscientific people; therefore, highly technical words
or phraseology should be avoided where possible. In addition,
introductory phrases such as ``investigation of,'' ``research on,''
``education for,'' or ``outreach that'' should not be used.
(c) Program to Which You Are Applying (Block 8.). Enter ``Native
American Outreach Program''.
(d) Type of Request (Block 14.). Check the block for ``New''.
(e) Project Director (Blocks 16.-19.). Blocks 16.-18. are used to
identify the PD and Block 19. to identify co-PDs. If needed, additional
co-PDs may be listed on a separate sheet of paper and attached to Form
CSREES-2002, the Proposal Cover Page, with the applicable co-PD
information and signatures. Listing multiple co-PDs, beyond those
required for genuine collaboration, is discouraged.
(f) Other Possible Sponsors (Block 21.). List the names or acronyms
of all other public or private sponsors including other agencies within
USDA to which your application has been or might be sent. In the event
you decide to send your application to another organization or agency
at a later date, you must inform the identified CSREES program contact
as soon as practicable. Submitting your application to other potential
sponsors will not prejudice its review by CSREES; however, submitting
the same (a duplicate) application to another CSREES program is not
permissible.
[[Page 42367]]
Page B
Page B should be submitted only with the original signature copy of
the application and should be placed as the last page of the original
copy of the application. This page contains personal data on the PD(s).
CSREES requests this information in order to monitor the operation of
its review and awards processes. This page will not be duplicated or
used during the review process. Please note that failure to submit this
information will in no way affect consideration of your application.
3. Table of Contents
For consistency and ease in locating information, each application
must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately following the
proposal cover page. The Table of Contents should contain page numbers
for each component of the application. Page numbering should begin with
the first page of the Project Description.
4. Project Summary (Form CSREES-2003)
The application must contain a Project Summary, Form CSREES-2003.
The summary should be approximately 250 words, contained within the
box, placed immediately after the Table of Contents, and not numbered.
The names and affiliated organizations of all PDs and co-PDs should be
listed on this form, in addition to the title of the project. The
summary should be a self-contained, specific description of the
activity to be undertaken and should focus on: Overall project goal(s)
and supporting objectives; plans to accomplish project goal(s); and
relevance of the project to the purpose of the Native American Outreach
Program. The importance of a concise, informative Project Summary
cannot be overemphasized. If there are more than three co-PDs for an
application, please list additional co-PDs on a separate sheet of paper
(with appropriate information) and attach to the Project Summary (Form
CSREES-2003).
5. Project Description
Please Note: The Project Description section may not exceed a total
of eighteen (18) single- or double-spaced pages including figures and
tables. This maximum has been established to ensure fair and equitable
competition. The Project Description must include all of the following:
(a) Introduction--Clearly identify which of the four (4) objectives
(see part I, B.) the proposed project seeks to address. Describe the
goals, target audience and geographic area to be served. Include
preliminary data/information pertinent to the proposed project.
(b) Approach--Describe the proposed activities, methods to achieve
goals and expected outcomes. Justify the rationale for choosing this
project approach. Specify plans for partnerships, collaborative
efforts, and/or linkages to other programs and projects, where
appropriate, and explain how they will contribute to the success of the
project. Describe plans to involve stakeholders in identifying needs
and evaluating the success of the project in meeting those needs.
Include a timeline with expected completion dates for project
milestones. Discuss potential pitfalls that may be encountered and
limitations to the proposed approach.
(c) Evaluation and Monitoring of Project--Provide a plan for
assessing and evaluating the accomplishment of stated goals during the
project period. Describe ways to determine the effectiveness of the
approach during and upon termination of the project. If a project is
complex and requires administrative oversight, include plans for
evaluating and monitoring the administration of the project, as well.
This description should include how funds and resources will be
allocated so that collaborative participation of all parties is ensured
throughout the duration of the project.
(d) Management Plan--Explain how the project will be managed to
ensure efficient administration of the grant, including the
facilitation of planning, communication, and report preparation.
Management of the project will be judged on the adequacy of: Overall
management of the budget, including budget and collaboration with co-
PDs; plans for reporting, assessing and interpreting the results; and
coordination of dissemination of the information over the duration of
the project.
6. References to Project Description
All references to works cited should be complete, including titles
and all co-authors, and should conform to an acceptable journal format.
References are not considered in the page limitation for the Project
Description.
7. Facilities and Equipment
Facilities and major items of equipment that are available for use
or assignment to the proposed project during the requested period of
support should be described. In addition, items of nonexpendable
equipment necessary to conduct and successfully conclude the proposed
project should be listed (including dollar amounts), and, if funds are
requested for their acquisition, justified on a separate page and
attached to the budget.
8. Appendices to Project Description
Appendices to the Project Description are allowed if they are
directly germane to the proposed project. The addition of appendices
should not be used to circumvent page limitations.
9. Key Personnel
The following should be included, as applicable:
(a) The roles and responsibilities of each PD and/or collaborator
should be clearly described; and
(b) The vitae of the PD and each co-PD, senior associate, and other
professional personnel. This section should include vitae of all key
persons who are expected to work on the project, whether or not CSREES
funds are sought for their support. The vitae should be limited to two
(2) pages each in length, excluding publications listings. The vitae
should include a presentation of academic and research credentials, as
applicable (e.g., earned degrees, teaching experience, employment
history, professional activities, honors and awards, and grants
received). A chronological list of all publications in refereed
journals during the past four (4) years, including those in press, must
be provided for each project member for whom a curriculum vita is
provided. Also list only those non-refereed technical publications that
have relevance to the proposed project. All authors should be listed in
the same order as they appear on each paper cited, along with the title
and complete reference as these usually appear in journals.
10. Collaborative Arrangements
If it will be necessary to enter into formal consulting or
collaborative arrangements with others, such arrangements should be
fully explained and justified. If the consultant(s) or collaborator(s)
are known at the time of application, a vitae or resume should be
provided. In addition, evidence (e.g., letters of support) should be
provided that the collaborators involved have agreed to render these
services. The applicant also will be required to provide additional
information on consultants and collaborators in the budget portion of
the application. See instructions in the application forms for
completing Form CSREES-2004, Budget.
11. Conflict-of-Interest List (Form CSREES-2007)
A Conflict-of-Interest List, Form CSREES-2007, must be provided for
all
[[Page 42368]]
individuals who have submitted a vitae in response to item 9.(b) of
this part. Each Form CSREES-2007 must list alphabetically, by the last
names, the full names of the individuals in the following categories:
(a) All co-authors on publications within the past four years,
including pending publications and submissions; (b) all collaborators
on projects within the past four years, including current and planned
collaborations; (c) all thesis or postdoctoral advisees/advisors; and
(d) all persons in your field with whom you have had a consulting or
financial arrangement within the past four years, who stand to gain by
seeing the project funded. This form is necessary to assist program
staff in excluding from application review those individuals who have
conflicts of interest with the personnel in the application. The
program contact must be informed of any additional conflicts of
interest that arise after the application is submitted.
12. Budget
(a) Budget Form (Form CSREES-2004)
Prepare the Budget, Form CSREES-2004, in accordance with
instructions provided with the application forms. A budget form is
required for each year of requested support. In addition, a cumulative
budget is required detailing the requested total support for the
overall project period. Reasonable travel expenses for at least one
member of the project team to attend two national meetings of Native
Americans (to be agreed upon in consultation with CSREES) and for an
appropriate number of personnel to attend a post-award meeting with
CSREES may be requested as part of the project budget. The budget form
may be reproduced as needed by applicants. Funds may be requested under
any of the categories listed on the form, provided that the item or
service for which support is requested is allowable under the
authorizing legislation, the applicable statutes, regulations, and
Federal cost principles, and these program guidelines, and can be
justified as necessary for the successful conduct of the proposed
project. Applicants also must include a budget narrative to justify
their budget requests (see section (b) below). See part I, D. for
indirect cost information.
(b) Budget Narrative
All budget categories, with the exception of Indirect Costs, for
which support is requested, must be individually listed (with costs) in
the same order as the budget and justified on a separate sheet of paper
and placed immediately behind the Budget form.
13. Current and Pending Support (Form CSREES-2005)
All applications must contain Form CSREES-2005 listing other
current public or private support (including in-house support) to which
personnel (i.e., individuals submitting a vitae in response to item
9.(b) of this part) identified in the application have committed
portions of their time, whether or not salary support for person(s)
involved is included in the budget. Please follow the instructions
provided on this form. Concurrent submission of identical or similar
applications to the possible sponsors will not prejudice application
review or evaluation by the CSREES. However, an application that
duplicates or overlaps substantially with an application already
reviewed and funded (or to be funded) by another organization or agency
will not be funded under this program. Please note that the project
being proposed should be included in the pending section of the form.
14. Assurance Statement(s) (Form CSREES-2008)
A number of situations encountered in the conduct of projects
require special assurances, supporting documentation, etc., before
funding can be approved for the project. In addition to any other
situation that may exist with regard to a particular project,
applications involving any of the following elements must comply with
the additional requirements as applicable.
(a) Recombinant DNA or RNA Research
As stated in 7 CFR 3015.205 (b)(3), all key personnel identified in
the application and all endorsing officials of the proposing
organization are required to comply with the guidelines established by
the National Institutes of Health entitled, ``Guidelines for Research
Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules,'' as revised. If your project
proposes to use recombinant DNA or RNA techniques, you must so indicate
by checking the ``yes'' box in Block 20. of Form CSREES-2002 (the
Proposal Cover Page) and by completing Section A of Form CSREES-2008.
For applicable applications recommended for funding, Institutional
Biosafety Committee approval is required before CSREES funds will be
released. Please refer to the application forms for further
instructions.
(b) Animal Care
Responsibility for the humane care and treatment of live vertebrate
animals used in any grant project supported with funds provided by
CSREES rests with the performing organization. Where a project involves
the use of living vertebrate animals for experimental purposes, all key
personnel identified in an application and all endorsing officials of
the proposing organization are required to comply with the applicable
provisions of the Animal Welfare Act of 1966, as amended (7 U.S.C. 2131
et seq.), and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the Secretary
in 9 CFR parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 pertaining to the care, handling, and
treatment of these animals. If your project will involve these animals,
you should check ``yes'' in Block 20. of Form CSREES-2002 and complete
section B of Form CSREES-2008. In the event a project involving the use
of live vertebrate animals results in an award, funds will be released
only after the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee has approved
the project. Please refer to the application forms for further
instructions.
(c) Protection of Human Subjects
Responsibility for safeguarding the rights and welfare of human
subjects used in any grant project supported with funds provided by
CSREES rests with the performing organization. Guidance on this issue
is contained in the National Research Act, Public Law 93-348, as
amended, and implementing regulations promulgated by the Department
under 7 CFR part 1c. If you propose to use human subjects in your
project, you should check the ``yes'' box in Block 20. of Form CSREES-
2002 and complete Section C of Form CSREES-2008. In the event a project
involving human subjects at risk is recommended for award, funds will
be released only after the Institutional Review Board (IRB) has
approved the research plan and CSREES has accepted documentation of the
IRB approval. Please refer to the application forms for additional
instructions.
15. Certifications
Note that by signing Form CSREES-2002 the applicant is providing
the certifications required by 7 CFR part 3017, regarding Debarment and
Suspension and Drug-Free Workplace, and 7 CFR part 3018, regarding
Lobbying. The certification forms are included in the application
package for informational purposes only. These forms should not be
submitted with the application since by signing Form CSREES-2002 your
organization is providing the required certifications. If the project
will involve a subcontractor or consultant, the subcontractor/
consultant should submit a Form AD-1048, Certification Regarding
[[Page 42369]]
Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower
Tier Covered Transactions, to the grantee organization for retention in
their records. This form should not be submitted to USDA.
16. Compliance With the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (Form
CSREES-2006)
As outlined in 7 CFR part 3407 (the CSREES regulations implementing
NEPA), the environmental data for any proposed project is to be
provided to CSREES so that CSREES may determine whether any further
action is needed. In some cases, however, the preparation of
environmental data may not be required. Certain categories of actions
are excluded from the requirements of NEPA.
In order for CSREES to determine whether any further action is
needed with respect to NEPA, pertinent information regarding the
possible environmental impacts of a particular project is necessary;
therefore, Form CSREES-2006, ``NEPA Exclusions Form,'' must be included
in the application indicating whether the applicant is of the opinion
that the project falls within a categorical exclusion and the reasons
therefore. If it is the applicant's opinion that the proposed project
falls within the categorical exclusions, the specific exclusion(s) must
be identified.
Even though a project may fall within the categorical exclusions,
CSREES may determine that an Environmental Assessment or an
Environmental Impact Statement is necessary for an activity, if
substantial controversy on environmental grounds exists or if other
extraordinary conditions or circumstances are present which may cause
such activity to have a significant environmental effect.
17. Certification of Compliance to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986
Any community-based organization, network, or coalition of
community-based organizations that is not recognized by the Internal
Revenue Service as a section 501(c)(3) organization must include, on a
separate sheet of paper, a statement that they have not, and will not
engage in any of the prohibited activities contained in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
C. Submission of Applications
1. When To Submit (Deadline Date)
Applications must be received by COB on August 18, 2003 (5 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time). Applications received after this deadline will
not be considered for funding.
2. What To Submit
An original and fourteen (14) copies of the application must be
submitted. In addition, submit two (2) copies of the application's
Project Summary, Form CSREES-2003. All copies of the application must
be submitted in one package.
3. Where To Submit
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed applications
via overnight mail or delivery service to ensure timely receipt by the
USDA. The address for hand-delivered applications or applications
submitted using an express mail or overnight courier service is:
Native American Outreach Program, c/o Proposal Services Unit,
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Room 1420, Waterfront Centre, 800 9th
Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024, Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
Applications sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the
following address:
Native American Outreach Program, c/o Proposal Services Unit,
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, STOP 2245, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW,
Washington, DC 20250-2245.
D. Acknowledgment of Applications
The receipt of all applications will be acknowledged by e-mail.
Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide accurate e-
mail addresses, where designated, on the Form CSREES-2002. If the
applicant's e-mail address is not indicated, CSREES will acknowledge
receipt of the application by letter.
Applicants who do not receive an acknowledgment within 60 days of
the submission deadline should contact the program contact. Once the
application has been assigned a proposal number, that number should be
cited on all future correspondence.
Part IV. Review Process
A. General
Each application will be evaluated in a two-part process. First,
each application will be screened to ensure that it meets the
administrative requirements as set forth in this RFA. Second, a review
panel will technically evaluate applications that meet these
requirements.
Reviewers will be selected based upon their training and experience
in relevant scientific, programmatic, or education fields, taking into
account the following factors: (a) The level of relevant formal
scientific, technical education, or extension experience of the
individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in
relevant programmatic activities (i.e., knowledge of programs related
to outreach activities in field locations, especially for underserved
audiences); (b) the need to include as reviewers experts from various
areas of specialization within relevant scientific, education, or
extension fields; (c) the need to include as reviewers others who can
assess relevance of the applications to targeted audiences and to
program needs; (d) the need to include as reviewers experts from a
variety of Federal agencies and geographic locations; (e) the need to
maintain a balanced composition of reviewers with regard to minority
and female representation and an equitable age distribution; and (f)
the need to include reviewers who can judge the effective usefulness to
producers and the general public of each application.
B. Evaluation Criteria
Priority will be given to applications that address more than one
of the objectives in part I, B. and/or serve to cover the broadest
geographic representation for Native American communities. The
evaluation criteria and weights, below, will be used in reviewing
applications submitted in response to this RFA:
1. Degree to which proposed project addresses the objectives of the
Native American Outreach Program (Weight--20);
2. Likelihood that goals of project can be achieved through the
proposed activities during the project period (Weight--20);
3. Quality of plan to involve stakeholders in identifying needs and
evaluating success of proposed project (Weight--15);
4. Soundness of plan for assessing and evaluating the
accomplishment of project goals and plan for dissemination of results
(Weight--15);
5. Qualifications of proposed project personnel and adequacy of
facilities (Weight--10);
6. Adequacy of management plan (Weight--10); and
7. Quality of plan to involve partners/collaborators and link to
other programs/projects (Weight--10). (Applicants proposing to address
all four (4) objectives independently will not be penalized.)
[[Page 42370]]
C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
During the peer evaluation process, extreme care will be taken to
prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may impact
review or evaluation. For the purpose of determining conflicts of
interest, the academic and administrative autonomy of an academic
institution shall be determined by reference to the current version of
the Higher Education Directory, published by Higher Education
Publications, Inc., 6400 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 648, Falls Church,
VA 22042. Phone: (703) 532-2300. Web site: http://www.hepinc.com.
Names of submitting institutions and individuals, as well as
application content and peer evaluations, will be kept confidential,
except to those involved in the review process, to the extent permitted
by law. In addition, the identities of peer reviewers will remain
confidential throughout the entire review process. Therefore, the names
of the reviewers will not be released to applicants. At the end of the
fiscal year, names of reviewers will be made available in such a way
that the reviewers cannot be identified with the review of any
particular application.
Part V. Award Administration
A. General
Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding
official of CSREES shall make awards to those responsible, eligible
applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the
procedures set forth in this RFA. The date specified by the awarding
official of CSREES as the effective date of the grant shall be no later
than September 30 of the Federal fiscal year in which the project is
approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose,
unless otherwise permitted by law. It should be noted that the project
need not be initiated on the award effective date, but as soon
thereafter as practical so that project goals may be attained within
the funded project period. All funds issued by CSREES under this RFA
shall be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are
awarded in accordance with the approved application and budget, the
regulations, the terms and conditions of the award, the applicable
Federal cost principles, and the Department's assistance regulations
(parts 3015, 3016 and 3019 of 7 CFR). The total period for which a
grant is awarded (including all funded and no-cost time extensions) may
not exceed five years.
B. Organizational Management Information
Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be
submitted on a one-time basis as part of the responsibility
determination prior to the award of a grant identified under this RFA,
if such information has not been provided previously under this CSREES
program. CSREES will provide copies of forms recommended for use in
fulfilling these requirements as part of the preaward process. Although
an applicant may be eligible based on its status as one of these
entities, there are factors which may exclude an applicant from
receiving Federal financial and nonfinancial assistance and benefits
under this program (e.g., debarment or suspension of an individual
involved or a determination that an applicant is not responsible based
on submitted organizational management information).
C. Award Document and Notice of Award
The award document will provide pertinent instructions and
information including, at a minimum, the following:
1. Legal name and address of performing organization or institution
to whom the Administrator has issued an award under the terms of this
request for applications;
2. Title of project;
3. Name(s) and institution(s) of PDs chosen to direct and control
approved activities;
4. Identifying award number assigned by the Department;
5. Project period, specifying the amount of time the Department
intends to support the project without requiring recompetition for
funds;
6. Total amount of Departmental financial assistance approved by
the Administrator during the project period;
7. Legal authority(ies) under which the award is issued;
8. Appropriate Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
number;
9. Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds to
accomplish the stated purpose of the award; and
10. Other information or provisions deemed necessary by CSREES to
carry out the awarding activities or to accomplish the purpose of a
particular award.
Part VI. Additional Information
A. Access To Review Information
Copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a
summary of the panel comments will be sent to the applicant PD after
the review process has been completed.
B. Use of Funds; Changes
1. Delegation of Fiscal Responsibility
Unless the terms and conditions of the award state otherwise, the
awardee may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer to another
person, institution, or organization the responsibility for use or
expenditure of award funds.
2. Changes in Project Plans
(a) The permissible changes by the awardee, PD(s), or other key
project personnel in the approved project shall be limited to changes
in methodology, techniques, or other similar aspects of the project to
expedite achievement of the project's approved goals. If the awardee or
the PD(s) is uncertain as to whether a change complies with this
provision, the question must be referred to the Authorized Departmental
Officer (ADO) for a final determination. The ADO is the signatory of
the award document, not the program contact.
(b) Changes in approved goals or objectives shall be requested by
the awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such
changes. In no event shall requests for such changes be approved which
are outside the scope of the original approved project.
(c) Changes in approved project leadership or the replacement or
reassignment of other key project personnel shall be requested by the
awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such
changes.
(d) Transfers of actual performance of the substantive programmatic
work in whole or in part and provisions for payment of funds, whether
or not Federal funds are involved, shall be requested by the awardee
and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such transfers,
unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of the award.
(e) Changes in Project Period: The project period may be extended
by CSREES without additional financial support, for such additional
period(s) as the ADO determines may be necessary to complete or fulfill
the purposes of an approved project, but in no case shall the total
project period exceed five years. Any extension of time shall be
conditioned upon prior request by the awardee and approval in writing
by the ADO, unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of
award.
(f) Changes in Approved Budget: Changes in an approved budget must
be requested by the awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to
instituting such changes if the revision will involve transfers or
expenditures of amounts requiring prior approval as set forth in the
applicable Federal cost
[[Page 42371]]
principles, Departmental regulations, or award.
C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
Grantees are required to submit semi-annual and summary progress
reports via CSREES' Current Research Information System (CRIS). CRIS is
an electronic, Web-based inventory system that facilitates both grantee
submissions of project outcomes and public access to information on
Federally-funded projects.
Grantees will be expected to attend a post-award meeting with
CSREES in order to facilitate project direction, and discuss relevant
linkages and/or allied projects that would benefit the outreach effort
through common support. Reasonable travel expenses for an appropriate
number of personnel to attend this post-award meeting may be requested
as part of the project budget (see part III, B., 12.).
Grantees also must participate in at least two national meetings of
Native Americans, to be agreed upon in consultation with CSREES.
Through their participation in these meetings, grantees can demonstrate
to CSREES their commitment to, and skill in, providing outreach and
technical assistance to Native American communities. Reasonable travel
expenses for at least one member of the project team to attend these
meetings may be requested as part of the project budget (see part III,
B., 12.).
D. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations
Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant
applications considered for review and to project grants awarded under
this program. These include, but are not limited to:
7 CFR part 1, subpart A--USDA implementation of the Freedom of
Information Act.
7 CFR part 3--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-129
regarding debt collection.
7 CFR part 15, subpart A--USDA implementation of Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
7 CFR part 3015--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations,
implementing OMB directives (i.e., OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-122)
and incorporating provisions of 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308 (formerly the
Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, Public Law 95-
224), as well as general policy requirements applicable to recipients
of Departmental financial assistance.
7 CFR part 3017--USDA implementation of Governmentwide Debarment
and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for
Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).
7 CFR part 3018--USDA implementation of Restrictions on Lobbying.
Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants,
cooperative agreements, and loans.
7 CFR part 3019--USDA implementation of OMB Circular A-110, Uniform
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements With
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit
Organizations.
7 CFR part 3052--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-133,
Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-profit Organizations.
7 CFR part 3407--CSREES procedures to implement the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.
29 U.S.C. 794 (sec. 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR part
15b (USDA implementation of statute)-- prohibiting discrimination based
upon physical or mental handicap in Federally assisted programs.
35 U.S.C. 200 et seq.--Bayh-Dole Act, controlling allocation of
rights to inventions made by employees of small business firms and
domestic nonprofit organizations, including universities, in Federally
assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR
part 401).
E. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
When an application results in an award, it becomes a part of the
record of CSREES transactions, available to the public upon specific
request. Information that the Secretary determines to be of a
confidential, privileged, or proprietary nature will be held in
confidence to the extent permitted by law. Therefore, any information
that the applicant wishes to have considered as confidential,
privileged, or proprietary should be clearly marked within the
application. The original copy of an application that does not result
in an award will be retained by the Agency for a period of one year.
Other copies will be destroyed. Such an application will be released
only with the consent of the applicant or to the extent required by
law. An application may be withdrawn at any time prior to the final
action thereon.
F. Regulatory Information
For the reasons set forth in the final Rule-related Notice to 7 CFR
part 3015, subpart V (48 FR 29114, June 24, 1983), this program is
excluded from the scope of the Executive Order 12372 which requires
intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. Under
the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
chapter 35), the collection of information requirements contained in
this Notice have been approved under OMB Document No. 0524-0039.
G. Definitions
For the purpose of this program, the following definitions are
applicable:
Administrator means the Administrator of the CSREES and any other
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved is
delegated.
Authorized departmental officer means the Secretary or any employee
of the Department who has the authority to issue or modify grant
instruments on behalf of the Secretary.
Authorized organizational representative means the president,
director, or chief executive officer or other designated official of
the applicant organization who has the authority to commit the
resources of the organization.
Department or USDA means the United States Department of
Agriculture.
Grant means the award by the Secretary of funds to an eligible
organization or individual to assist in meeting the costs of
conducting, for the benefit of the public, an identified project which
is intended and designed to accomplish the purpose of the program as
identified in these guidelines.
Grantee means an organization designated in the award document as
the responsible legal entity to which a grant is awarded.
Matching means that portion of allowable project costs not borne by
the Federal Government, including the value of in-kind contributions.
Prior approval means written approval evidencing prior consent by
an authorized departmental officer as defined above.
Project means the particular activity within the scope of the
program supported by a grant award.
Project director means the single individual designated in the
grant application and approved by the Secretary who is responsible for
the direction and management of the project.
[[Page 42372]]
Project period means the period, as stated in the award document,
during which Federal sponsorship begins and ends.
Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture and any other officer
or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved is
delegated.
Done at Washington, DC, this 11th day of July 2003.
Colien Hefferan,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-18069 Filed 7-16-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P