[Federal Register: November 18, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 222)]
[Notices]
[Page 69925-69930]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18no05-18]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Farm Service Agency
Notice of Funds Availability Inviting Applications for Innovative
Ways To Enhance the Economic Viability of Underserved and Limited-
Resource Farmers and Ranchers
Announcement Type: Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) inviting
applications from qualified organizations for fiscal year (FY) 2006
funding.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number and Program: 10.443
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and
Ranchers.
SUMMARY: This is a request by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for
proposals for applications for cooperative agreements for FY 2006 to
help underserved and limited resource farmers and ranchers become more
efficient operators and more economically viable. FY 2005 funding for
similar cooperative agreements was $2 million. This notice is being
issued prior to passage of a final Department of Agriculture
Appropriations Bill to allow applicants sufficient time to prepare and
submit proposals and give FSA sufficient time to process applications
within FY 2006. An additional Notice of Funding Availability will be
published announcing the funding level for FY 2006 once an
appropriations act has been enacted. FSA requests proposals from
eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, land grant institutions,
including Tuskegee University, State governments, and Federally-
Recognized Indian Tribal Governments, interested in competitively
awarded cooperative agreements, to demonstrate innovative and unique
approaches to equip underserved and limited-resource farmers and
ranchers, including beginning farmers and ranchers, to become more
efficient and economically viable.
Proposals should demonstrate innovative and unique ways to help
underserved and limited-resource farmers and ranchers improve their
economic viability through training, technical assistance, improved
farming practices, and more effective marketing approaches.
Underserved and limited-resource farmers and ranchers have
different challenges to economic viability due to location, educational
assets, age, and landownership. The need to properly address these
challenges through education, training, technical assistance and the
most creative ways of outreach is critical to the continued existence
of the small farm.
People in, or entering into, farming have an array of backgrounds
and varied levels of current farm and farm business experience and
knowledge. More and more qualified alien immigrants are entering
American farming. Often, they are unfamiliar with productive marketing
practices, acquisition of land, government assistance, and crop and
animal production diversity.
While there are no significant legal obstacles to becoming a farmer
in the United States, many barriers to successful farming exist. Among
those barriers are (1) increasing capital expenses, (2) progressive
managerial requirements, and (3) competition with large-scale
producers.
Among limited-resource farmers, a subgroup, the underserved farmer,
faces even more barriers to achieving success. In recognition of the
dynamic needs of limited-resource and underserved farmers, FSA solicits
proposals for innovative approaches to assisting the diverse limited-
resource and underserved farm community.
DATES: Applications should be submitted as soon as possible, but no
later than 5 p.m. eastern time, December 19, 2005. Applications
received after that date will not be accepted and will be returned to
the applicant. Applicants must ensure that the service they use to
deliver their applications can do so by the deadline. Due to security
concerns, packages sent to the Agency by mail have been delayed several
days or even weeks.
I. Paperwork Reduction Act
This notice requires a new collection of information only for the
Project Proposal. An emergency request for
[[Page 69926]]
approval of that collection has been approved by OMB through January
31, 2006, under OMB Control Number 0560-0250. FSA intends to publish in
the Federal Register a notice requesting public comments on this
collection and will request a regular 3-year approval from OMB.
II. Funding Opportunity Description
Background
This solicitation is issued pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 2204b(b)(4)
authorizing the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into cooperative
agreements to improve the coordination and effectiveness of Federal
programs affecting rural areas. The primary objective of this
solicitation for cooperative agreements is to assist limited-resource
and underserved farmers and ranchers to become economically viable.
Thousands of rural residents have chosen or will choose to farm but
lack the essential skills and resources to acquire and maintain
economic viability. Therefore, FSA will provide financial assistance
via cooperative agreements to increase opportunities of the most needy
limited resource and underserved farmers and ranchers to achieve
economic viability as the result of increased technical assistance and
training. FSA is publishing this NOFA prior to passage of a final
appropriations act to give applicants time to complete their
applications and to provide the Agency sufficient time to select and
process the selected applications within the current fiscal year.
Cooperative agreements will only be awarded if the project is
determined to be economically viable and technically feasible. Also,
the cooperative agreements in this solicitation are subject to the
availability of adequate funding and may not be awarded if funds are
not appropriated to the agency that may be used for this purpose, or
budgetary authority for this program is otherwise revoked or not
available.
Definitions
The following definitions are applicable to this NOFA:
Agency or FSA: The Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency
or its successor.
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers: Farmers and ranchers who have not
operated a farm or ranch, or have operated a farm or ranch for not more
than ten years.
Farm Land: Land used for commercial agriculture crops, poultry and
livestock enterprises, or aquaculture.
Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Government: The governing body
or a governmental agency of any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other
organized group or community (including any Native village as defined
in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, (85 Stat. 688)
certified by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the special
programs and services provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Their Web site is http://www.doi.gov/bureau-affairs.html.
Land Grant Institution:
(1) An 1890 institution, including Tuskegee University, or 1862
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.
(2) An Indian tribal community college or an Alaska Native
cooperative college.
(3) A 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)).
(4) A 1994 institution (as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601).
Limited-resource farmer or rancher: A low-income owner or operator
of a family-size farm.
National Office: FSA Headquarters in Washington, DC.
Non-Profit Organization: Any corporation, trust, association,
cooperative, or other organization that:
(1) Is operated primarily for scientific, educational, service,
charitable, or similar purposes in the public interest;
(2) Is not organized primarily for profit; and
(3) Is an organization that is recognized by the Internal Revenue
Service as being exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(3)(c)
of the Internal Revenue Code.
Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher: One of a group whose
members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice
because of their identity as members of the group without regard to
their individual qualities. For purposes of this program, socially
disadvantaged groups are women, African Americans, American Indians,
Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Underserved and Limited-Resource Farmers and Ranchers: Farmers and
ranchers who do not have easy access to information and resources due
to barriers such as language, cultural and other socio-economic
factors, including socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers,
limited-resource farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and
ranchers.
III. Award Information
Eight to ten cooperative agreements are expected to be awarded;
however, no agreements will be awarded if no submitted proposal meets
the needs of the agency or the requirements of this notice. FSA
anticipates approximately $3 million will be available to fund
proposals in FY 2006. Awards are expected to average approximately
$300,000. If lesser or no funds are made available to the agency for
this purpose, fewer or no agreements may be awarded. Cooperative
agreement funds may be used to cover allowable costs incurred by the
recipient and approved by the Agency. Allowable costs will be governed
by 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 3019 and applicable Office of Management
and Budget Circulars.
IV. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be non-profit organizations, federally-recognized
Indian Tribal Governments, or land grant institutions as defined in the
``Definitions'' section of this NOFA. Applications without sufficient
information to determine their eligibility will not be considered.
2. Cost-Sharing or Matching
There are no provisions for cost-sharing or matching.
V. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package
The forms required for an application as described below and for
subsequent reporting by the successful applicant may be obtained from
Darlene Smith, Program Analyst, Outreach Staff, telephone (202) 260-
6069, facsimile (202) 690-4727, Email: Darlene.Smith@wdc.usda.gov.
Application materials can also be downloaded from the FSA Outreach Web
site at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/outreach or from the Government grants
Web site at http://www.grants.gov. Click on ``Find Grant Opportunities,'' then
``Search Grant Synopsis.'' From the search results, select ``Outreach
and Assistance Partnership Program'' to access forms for this program.
All other information described below is to be provided by the
applicant.
2. Content and Form of Application
(a) Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.''
[[Page 69927]]
(b) Form SF-424A, ``Information--Non-Construction Programs.''
(c) Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
(d) Table of Contents--For ease of locating information, each
application must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately
following the required Federal forms. The Table of Contents should
include page numbers for each component of the application. Pagination
should begin immediately following the Table of Contents.
(e) Proposal Summary--A summary of the Project Proposal, not to
exceed one page, that includes the title of the project, a description
of the project (including goals and tasks to be accomplished), the
names of the individuals responsible for conducting and completing the
tasks, and the expected time frame for completing all tasks (which
should not exceed twelve months).
(f) Eligibility--A detailed discussion, not to exceed two pages,
describing how the applicant meets the definition of land grant
institution, non-profit organization, or federally recognized Indian
tribal government, as outlined in the ``Recipient Eligibility
Requirements'' section of this NOFA. In addition, the applicant must
describe all other collaborative organizations that may be involved in
the project.
(g) Proposal Narrative--The narrative portion of the project
proposal must be in a font such as Times New Roman, 12 pt. or
comparable font, and must include the following:
(h) Project Title--The title of the proposed project must be brief,
not to exceed 100 characters, yet represent the major thrust of the
project.
(i) Information Sheet--A separate one page information sheet that
lists each of the evaluation criteria listed in this NOFA under the
``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' subsection followed by the page
numbers of all relevant material and documentation contained in the
proposal which address or support that criteria.
(j) Goals and Objectives of the Project--A clear statement of the
ultimate goals and objectives of the project must be presented.
(k) All relevant material and documentation addressing the criteria
in section VI(1) of this NOFA.
3. Submission Date
The deadline for receipt of all applications is 5 p.m. Eastern
Time, December 19, 2005. The Agency will not consider any applications
received after the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted and
will be returned to the applicant. Applicants must ensure that the
service they use to deliver their applications can do so by the
deadline. Due to recent security concerns, packages sent to the Agency
by mail have been delayed several days or even weeks.
4. Submission of Applications
An original and two paper copies of the completed and signed
application, and one electronic copy (Microsoft Word format preferred)
on diskette or compact disc must be submitted in one package at the
time of initial submission.
Submit applications and other required materials to Darlene Smith,
Program Analyst, Outreach Staff, Farm Service Agency, USDA, STOP 0511,
Room 3724-S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0511.
Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by e-mail whenever
possible. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to provide an e-mail
address in the application. If an e-mail address is not indicated on an
application, receipt will be acknowledged by letter. Incomplete or non-
responsive applications will be returned to the applicant and evaluated
further. When received by FSA, applications will be assigned an
identification number. This number will be communicated to applicants
in the acknowledgement of receipt of applications. An application's
identification number should be referenced in all correspondence
regarding the application. If the applicant does not receive an
acknowledgement within 15 days of the submission deadline, the
applicant should contact Darlene Smith at (202)260-6069, or
electronically at Darlene.Smith@wdc.usda.gov.
5. Intergovernmental Review
Not applicable.
6. Funding Restrictions
The awarding of cooperative agreements is subject to adequate
funding and will only be awarded to the extent funds are made available
to the agency for this purpose. Cooperative agreement funds cannot be
used to:
(a) Support the organization's general operations;
(b) Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or
facility (including a processing facility);
(c) Purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment, including mobile
and other processing equipment;
(d) Pay for the preparation of the grant application;
(e) Pay expenses not directly related to the funded venture;
(f) Fund political or lobbying activities;
(g) Pay costs incurred prior to receiving a Cooperative Agreement;
(h) Fund any activity prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, 3018
and 3019; or
(i) Fund architectural or engineering design work for a specific
physical facility.
VI. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
The proposal will be evaluated using the following criteria and
weights. Each criterion must be addressed specifically and individually
by category. These criteria should be in narrative form with any
specific supporting documentation attached as addenda and directly
following the proposal narrative. If other materials, including
financial statements, will be used to support any evaluation criteria,
they should also be placed directly following the proposal narrative.
The applicant must also propose and delineate significant agency
participation in the project. Failure to address any one of the
criteria will disqualify the application. All proposals must be in
compliance with this NOFA and applicable statutes.
(a) Proposer's Commitment and Resources (20 points)--The standard
evaluates the degree to which the organization is committed to the
project, and the experience, qualifications, competency, and
availability of personnel and resources to direct and carry out the
project.
(b) Feasibility and Policy Consistency (20 points)--The standard
evaluates the degree to which the proposal clearly describes its
objectives and evidences a high level of feasibility. This criterion
relates to the adequacy and soundness of the proposed approach to the
solution of the problem and evaluates the plans of operation,
evaluation and dissemination, and timetable.
(c) Detailed description of the anticipated number of underserved
and limited resource farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and
ranchers to be served by this initiative and collaborative
partnerships, if any (20 points)--This standard evaluates the degree to
which the proposal reflects partnerships and collaborative initiatives
with other agencies or organizations to enhance the quality and
effectiveness of the program. Additionally, the number of limited
resources and underserved farmers and ranchers who would benefit from
the services offered, and the socio-economic characteristics of the
areas in which they are located will be evaluated.
(d) Socially Disadvantaged Applicants--Outreach (20 points)--This
[[Page 69928]]
standard evaluates the degree to which the proposal contains efforts to
reach persons identified as socially disadvantaged farmers and
ranchers. The proposal will be evaluated for its potential for
encouraging and assisting socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers
to own and operate farms and ranches and participate in agricultural
programs. Elements considered include impact, continuation plans, and
expected products and results.
(e) Preparatory Features--Statement of Work (15 points)--This
standard evaluates the degree to which the proposal reflects innovative
strategies for reaching the population targeted in the proposal and
achieving the project objectives. Elements evaluated include
originality, practicality, and creativity in developing and testing
innovative solutions to existing or anticipated issues or problems of
underserved and limited-resource farmers and ranchers. The proposal
will be reviewed for its responsiveness to the need to provide
underserved and limited-resource farmers and ranchers with information
and assistance on various USDA programs, farm management, and other
essential information to enhance participation in agricultural programs
and conduct successful farming operations.
(f) Overall Quality of the Proposal (5 points)--This standard
evaluates the degree to which the proposal complies with this NOFA and
is of high quality. Elements considered include adherence to
instructions, accuracy, and completeness of forms, clarity and
organization of ideas, thoroughness and sufficiency of detail in the
budget narrative.
(g) Accuracy of Proposed Budget and Justification (5 points)--This
standard evaluates the accuracy of the proposed budget and the
accompanying budget justification and should sufficiently provide the
reviewer with a detailed description of each budget category that
includes categorical subtotals as well as an attached budget
justification that clearly defines and explains every proposed budget
line item.
2. Review and Selection Process
Prior to technical examination, a preliminary review will be made
by FSA Outreach Staff for responsiveness to this solicitation.
Proposals that do not fall within the solicitation guidelines or are
otherwise ineligible will be eliminated from competition.
All responsive proposals will be reviewed by a panel of career
National Office FSA and/or USDA Agency employees chosen to provide
maximum expertise and objective judgment in the evaluation of
proposals. The panel will review applications using the evaluation
criteria stated above for eligibility, completeness, and responsiveness
to this NOFA. Incomplete or non-responsive applications will be
returned to the applicant and not evaluated further.
Successfully evaluated proposals will be ranked by the FSA Outreach
Staff based on merit. Final approval of those proposals will be made by
the Administrator of FSA (the Administrator).
When the reviewers have completed their individual evaluations, the
panel reviewers, based on the individual reviews, will make
recommendations to the Administrator. Prior to award, the Administrator
reserves the right to negotiate with an applicant or applicants whose
projects are recommended for funding regarding project revisions (e.g.,
change in scope of work or the Agency's significant involvement),
funding level, or period of support. A proposal may be withdrawn at any
time before a final funding decision is made.
VII. Award Administration
1. Award Notices
The successful applicant will be notified by FSA when selected by
the Administrator. Within the limit of funds available for such
purpose, the Administrator shall enter into a cooperative agreement
with the successful applicant. The successful applicant will be
required to sign an Agency-approved cooperative agreement.
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified within 90 days after the
receipt of applications.
2. Access to Panel Review Information
Upon written request from the applicant, scores from the evaluation
panel, not including the identity of reviewers, will be sent to the
applicant after the review and awards process has been completed.
3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
In addition to the requirements provided in this notice, other
Federal statutes and regulations apply to proposals considered for
review and to the cooperative agreements awarded. These include, but
are not limited to:
(a) 7 CFR part 15, subpart A--Nondiscrimination in Federally-
Assisted Programs of the Department of Agriculture--Effectuation of
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
(b) 7 CFR part 3015--Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations;
(c) 7 CFR part 3016--Uniform Administrative Regulations for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements and State and Local Governments;
(d) 7 CFR part 3017--Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-
procurement) and Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace
(Grants);
(e) 7 CFR part 3018--New Restrictions on Lobbying;
(f) 7 CFR part 3019--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and
Other Non-profit Organizations; and
(g) 7 CFR part 3052-Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-
Profit Organizations.
4. Reporting
Cooperators will be required to:
(a) Sign required Federal assistance forms including:
(i) Form AD-1047, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
and Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered Transactions;
(ii) Form AD-1048, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions;
(iii) Form AD-1049, Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements (Grants); and
(iv) Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement (Civil Rights).
(b) Use Standard Form 270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement to
request payments.
(c) Submit Form SF-269, Financial Status Report, and list
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories on a semi-
annual basis. A semi-annual financial report is due within 45 days
after the first 6-month project period and an annual financial report
is due within 60 days after the second 6-month project period.
(d) Submit quarterly performance reports that compare
accomplishments to the objectives; if established objectives are not
met, discuss problems, delays, or other problems that may affect
completion of the project; establish objectives for the next reporting
period; and discuss compliance with any special conditions on the use
of awarded funds.
(e) Maintain a financial management and document retention system
that is acceptable to the Agency.
(f) Sign an agency-approved cooperative agreement.
(g) Submit a final project performance report.
VIII. Agency Contact
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darlene Smith, Program Analyst,
[[Page 69929]]
Outreach Staff, Farm Service Agency, USDA, STOP 0511, Room 3724-S, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0511, phone: (202) 260-
6069, fax: (202) 690-4727, e-mail: Darlene.Smith@wdc.usda.gov.
IX. Other Information
1. Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the
universal standard for identifying and keeping track of over 70 million
businesses worldwide. The Office of Management and Budget published a
notice of final policy issuance in the Federal Register June 27, 2003
(68 FR 38402) that requires a DUNS number in every application (i.e.,
hard copy and electronic) for a grant or cooperative agreement on or
after October 1, 2003. Therefore, potential applicants should verify
that they have a DUNS number or take the steps needed to obtain one.
For information about how to obtain a DUNS number, go to http://www.grants.gov.
Please note that the registration may take up to 14
business days to complete.
2. Required Registration for Electronic Submission of Proposals
The Central Contract Registry (CCR) is a database that serves as
the primary Government repository for contractor information required
for the conduct of business with the Government. This database will
also be used as a central location for maintaining organizational
information for organizations seeking and receiving grants from the
Government. Such organizations must register in the CCR prior to the
submission of applications. A DUNS number is needed for CCR
registration. For information about how to register in the CCR, visit
``Get Started'' at the Web site, http://www.grants.gov. Allow a minimum
of 5 days to complete the CCR registration.
Signed in Washington, DC, on November 9, 2005.
Thomas B. Hofeller,
Acting Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
This Cooperative Agreement (Agreement) dated--------, between--
------(Cooperator), and the United States of America, acting through
the Farm Service Agency (FSA) of the Department of Agriculture
(Grantor), for $-------- in cooperative agreement funds under the
program, delineates the agreement of the parties.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the mutual agreements and
promises in this cooperative agreement, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
The parties agree that:
1. All the terms and provisions of the NOFA published--------,
2005 (insert date) and application submitted by the Cooperator in
connection therewith, including any attachments or amendments, are
incorporated and included as part of this Cooperative Agreement. Any
changes to these documents or this Cooperative Agreement must be
approved in writing by FSA.
2. As a condition of the Agreement, the Cooperator certifies
that it is in compliance with and will comply in the course of the
Agreement with all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders,
and other generally applicable requirements, including those
contained in 7 CFR 3015.205(b), which are incorporated into this
agreement by reference, and such other statutory provisions as are
specifically contained herein. The Cooperator will comply with 7 CFR
part 15, subpart A, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Executive Order
12250.
3. The provisions of 7 CFR part 3015, ``Uniform Federal
Assistance Regulations'', 7 CFR part 3019, ``Uniform Administrative
Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher
Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations,'' 7 CFR
part 3017 ``Governmentwide Requirements for a Drug-Free Workplace
(Grants),'' 7 CFR part 3018 ``New Restrictions on Lobbying,'' and 7
CFR part 3052 ``Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit
Organizations'', as applicable, are incorporated herein and made a
part hereof by reference.
4. The following certifications and forms are required and will
become a part of the Agreement. These certifications, which are
included as part of the Attachment 1, must be signed. The SF 424 and
SF 424A may be revised and re-submitted to the Agency upon execution
of this agreement if necessary.
SF 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance''
SF 424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Program''
SF 424B ``Assurance--Non-Construction Program''
SF LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities'' ``Certification
Regarding Lobbying''
Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements (Grants) Alternative 1--For Grantees Other Than
Individuals''
Form AD-1047 ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and
Other Responsibility Matter-Primary Covered Transactions''
5. Disbursements by FSA to the Cooperator will be made as soon
as possible upon receipt and approval of a SF 270. Disbursement
requests will be sent to:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of FSA)
6. The FSA Project Coordinator is--------, (name). All notices
to FSA will be sent to the FSA Project Coordinator at the following
address--------, (address). Notices to Cooperator will be sent to
the following: (insert name and address)
FURTHER, the Cooperator agrees that it will:
1. Not use cooperative agreement funds to plan, repair,
rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or facility
(including a processing facility); or to purchase, rent, or install
fixed equipment.
2. Use funds only for the purpose and activities specified in
the proposal approved by FSA including the approved budget and Work
Plan. Any uses not provided for in the approved budget and Work Plan
must be approved in writing by FSA in advance of obligation by FSA.
3. Keep an account of the expenditures of the funds provided by
FSA and submit a Standard Form 269, ``Financial Status Report'' and
list expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories on a
semi-annual basis. Reports are due by April 30 and October 30 after
the Cooperative Agreement is awarded.
4. Immediately refund to FSA, at the end of the Cooperative
Agreement, any balance of unobligated funds received from the FSA.
5. Provide periodic reports as required by FSA. A financial
status report and a project performance report will be required on a
semi-annual basis. The financial status report must show how FSA
provided funds have been used to date and project the funds needed
and their purposes for the next six months. A final report may serve
as the last semi-annual report. Cooperators shall constantly monitor
performance to ensure that time schedules are being met and
projected goals by time periods are being accomplished. The project
performance reports shall include the following:
(a) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives for
that period.
(b) Reasons why established objectives were not met, if
applicable.
(c) Reasons for any problems, delays, or adverse conditions
which will affect attainment of overall program objectives, prevent
meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude the attainment of
particular objectives during established time periods. This
disclosure shall be accomplished by a statement of the action taken
or planned to resolve the situation.
(d) Objectives and timetables established for the next reporting
period.
(e) The final report will also address the following:
(i) What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of
this program?
(ii) What advice you would give to other organizations planning
a similar program? This advice should include strengths and
limitations of the program. If you had the opportunity, what would
you have done differently?
(iii) If an innovative approach was used successfully, the
cooperator should describe their program in detail so that other
organizations might consider replication in their programs.
Provide Financial Management Systems that will include:
(a) Records that identify adequately the source and application
of funds for activities supported under this cooperative agreement.
Those records shall contain information
[[Page 69930]]
pertaining to grant and cooperative agreement awards and
authorizations, obligations, un-obligated balances, assets,
liabilities, outlays, and income.
(b) Effective control over and accountability for all funds,
property, and other assets. Cooperator shall adequately safeguard
all such assets and shall ensure that they are used solely for
authorized purposes.
(c) Accounting records supported by source documentation.
7. To retain financial records, supporting documents,
statistical records, and all other records pertinent to the
Cooperative Agreement for a period of at least 3 years after the
closeout, except that the records shall be retained beyond the 3-
year period if audit findings have not been resolved or if requested
by FSA. Microfilm, photocopies or similar methods may be substituted
in lieu of original records. FSA and the Comptroller General of the
United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives,
shall have access to any books, documents, papers, and records of
the Cooperator that are pertinent to this Cooperative Agreement for
the purpose of making audits, examinations, excerpts, and
transcripts.
8. Not encumber, transfer, or dispose of the equipment or any
part thereof, acquired wholly or in part with FSA funds provided
under this Cooperative Agreement without the written consent of FSA.
9. Not duplicate other program purposes for which monies have
been received, are committed, or are applied to from other sources,
public or private.
FSA agrees to make available to Cooperator for the purpose of
this Agreement funds in an amount not to exceed the cooperative
agreement funds. The funds will be reimbursed or advanced based on
submission of Standard Form 270.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cooperator has this day authorized and
caused this Agreement to be executed by
Attest
By---------------------------------------------------------------------
(Title)----------------------------------------------------------------
(Cooperator)
United States of America, Farm Service Agency
By---------------------------------------------------------------------
(Title)----------------------------------------------------------------
(Grantor)
[FR Doc. 05-22821 Filed 11-17-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-M