[Federal Register: October 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 205)]
[Notices]
[Page 62242-62246]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24oc06-25]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Farm Service Agency
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the
Implementation of an American Indian Credit Outreach Initiative
AGENCY: Farm Service Agency, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) soliciting applications for
competitive cooperative agreement funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 to
initiate a credit outreach initiative targeted to American Indian
farmers, ranchers and youth residing primarily on Indian reservations
within the contiguous United States. FSA anticipates the availability
of $1,166,400 in funding. FSA requests proposals from eligible
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, land-grant institutions and
federally-recognized Indian tribal governments interested in a
competitively-awarded cooperative agreement to create and implement a
mechanism that will provide credit outreach and promotion, pre-loan
education, one-on-one loan application preparation assistance and other
related services as proposed by the successful applicant that are
specific to FSA's Agricultural Credit Programs.
The successful applicant must provide evidence that it has the
capability to put in place a data tracking system that thoroughly
records all credit outreach-specific related activities and has the
ability to provide detailed statistical information on an ad hoc basis.
This database must also be functional on a real-time basis as well as
being available online through the Internet.
This request for proposals is made prior to passage of a final
appropriations bill to allow applicants sufficient time to submit
proposals, give the Agency maximum time to process applications, and
permit continuity of this program. If actual funding differs from that
anticipated ($1,166,400) based on historical funding levels, then the
Agency will publish a separate Notice of Funds Availability.
DATES: Applications should be completed and submitted as soon as
possible, and must be received by the Agency no later than November 24,
2006. 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.
ADDRESSES: Submit proposals and other required materials to Mike Hill,
Acting Director, Outreach Staff, Farm Service Agency, USDA, STOP 0511,
Suite 508 Portals Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington,
DC 20250-0511.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Hill at (202) 690-1299, or at
mike.hill@wdc.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Objective
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 principal objective of this
cooperative agreement is to initiate a national outreach program that
enables American Indian farmers, ranchers, and youth primarily located
on Indian reservations in the contiguous United States to understand
and have access to the various FSA Agriculture Credit Programs. All
proposed approaches must have, within three months upon acceptance of
award: (1) A data tracking system that thoroughly records all credit
outreach specific activities and has the ability to provide detailed
statistical information on an ad hoc basis, that must also be
functional on a real-time basis as well as being available online
through the Internet, and (2) the applicant must demonstrate its
ability to learn to deliver these credit outreach services utilizing
the FSA online Farm Business Plan software program.
Proposals should demonstrate innovative and unique ways of ensuring
that American Indians: (1) Will be provided a targeted promotional
campaign about, (2) have ready access to, (3) are educated about and
(4) can obtain one-on-one assistance specific to the various FSA
Agricultural Credit Programs. Applicants must also demonstrate and
provide evidence of their ability to record and track program-specific
data which can be accessed on a real-time basis and be available online
through the Internet.
Background
Today, American Indians own and control approximately 56 million
acres of agricultural lands held in trust by the United States
Government and administered, for the most part, by the Bureau of Indian
Affairs (BIA) of the Department of the Interior. Land-based
agricultural enterprises are considered the primary source of revenue
for most tribes, due in large part to their severe isolation from any
urban type industrial development activities. Thus, protecting this
resource is an important function of the elected tribal officials
charged with operating business activities that take place within
reservations.
In the late 1800's the United States Government recognized the
significant needs of agriculture, the agricultural community, and the
impacts they had on the American economy and the world as a whole. With
this in mind, the government created the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) to insure a safe, reliable, and cheap supply of food
for this country and ultimately the world. The USDA provides farmers
and ranchers technical, financial, and educational resources.
Until 1987, American Indian agricultural producers on reservations
had been less able to benefit from USDA services. Since 1987, changes,
such as Farm Bills with Indian-specific language, have begun to close
some of the gaps in American Indians' lack of access to USDA's programs
and services. As positive as these changes were, they did not fully
address an implementation plan or the funds to implement sorely needed
agribusiness education and direct services to American Indian
Reservation farmers and ranchers as a group.
On May 13, 2002, President Bush signed into law the ``Farm Security
and Rural Investment Act of 2002'' (2002-Farm Bill). Again, American
Indian Reservation farmers and ranchers are faced with the challenge of
understanding and accessing the programs and services afforded through
this new law. With this in mind, American Indian agribusinesses, as
well as individual Indians, have consistently reported that the primary
need in Indian agriculture was access to the capital required to own
and operate their own farm or ranch. Therefore, FSA has undertaken this
initiative to create and implement a mechanism that will provide credit
outreach and other related services related to FSA's Agricultural
Credit Programs as a way to
[[Page 62243]]
resolve some of the credit needs of Indian agriculture.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The proposals requested by this notice do not involve a collection
of information as defined by section 1320.3(c) of 5 CFR part 1320,
because it will not involve the collection of information from 10 or
more persons.
I. Definitions
The following definitions are applicable to this Notice of Funds
Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Implementation of an
American Indian Credit Outreach Program.
Agency or FSA. The United States Department of Agriculture Farm
Service Agency or its successor agency.
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.
Land Grant Institutions.
(1) A 1994 institution (as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)),
or an 1890 institution.
(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)).
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) Must be an organization that is recognized by the Internal
Revenue Service as being certified as 501(3)(c) of the Internal Revenue
Code.
II. Recipient Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must either be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, a
federally-recognized Indian tribe, or a land grant institution as
defined in the Definitions section of this NOFA. Cooperative agreement
funds cannot be used to support the organization's general operations.
Applications without sufficient information to determine their
eligibility will not be considered.
III. Proposal Preparation
A proposal must contain an original and two copies of the
following:
1. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.''
2. Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.''
3. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
4. Table of Contents--For ease of locating information, each
proposal 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 proposal. Pagination
should begin immediately following the Table of Contents.
5. 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).
6. 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.
7. 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:
(i) Project Title--The title of the proposed project must be brief,
not to exceed 100 characters, yet represent the major thrust of the
project.
(ii) Information Sheet--A separate one page information sheet which
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.
(iii) Goals and Objectives of the Project--A clear statement of the
ultimate goals and objectives of the project must be presented.
(iv) Evaluation Criteria--Each of the evaluation criteria listed in
the ``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' subsection of this NOFA must be
addressed specifically and individually by category. These criteria
should be in narrative form with any specific supporting documentation
attached as addenda and should be placed directly following the
proposal narrative. If other materials including financial statements
will be used to support any evaluation criteria it should also be
placed directly following the proposal narrative. The applicant must
also propose and delineate significant agency participation in the
project.
IV. Amount of Award
The amount of funds available for FY 2007 is approximately
$1,166,400.
V. Number of Awards
Only one cooperative agreement will be awarded.
VI. Eligible Cooperative Agreement Fund Uses
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, as applicable,
and applicable Office of Management and Budget Circulars.
VII. Ineligible Fund Uses
Cooperative agreement funds cannot be used to:
(1) Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or
facility (including a processing facility);
(2) Purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment, including mobile
and other processing equipment;
(3) Pay for the preparation of the grant application;
(4) Pay expenses not directly related to the funded venture;
(5) Fund political or lobbying activities;
(6) Pay costs incurred prior to receiving this Cooperative
Agreement;
(7) Fund any activity prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and
3019, as applicable; and
(8) Fund architectural or engineering design work for a specific
physical facility.
VIII. Methods for Evaluating and Ranking Applications
A National Office panel of career FSA and/or USDA Agency employees
will review applications for eligibility, completeness, and
responsiveness to this NOFA. Incomplete or non-responsive applications
will be returned
[[Page 62244]]
to the applicant and not evaluated further. If the submission deadline
has not expired and time permits, ineligible applications may be
returned to the applicants for possible revision.
IX. Evaluation Criteria, Proposal Review
The proposal will be evaluated using the following criteria.
Failure to address any one of the criteria will disqualify the
application. All proposals must be in compliance with this NOFA and
applicable statutes.
(1) Proposal Review--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
reviewers using the evaluation criteria stated below. The selected FSA
and/or USDA Agency employee reviewers will be chosen to provide maximum
expertise and objective judgment in the evaluation of proposals.
Evaluated proposals will be ranked by the FSA Outreach Staff based on
the evaluation criteria and weights listed below. Final approval of
those proposals will be made by the Administrator of FSA, subject to
the availability of funds.
(2) Evaluation Criteria and Weight--All responsive proposals will
be reviewed based on the following criteria:
(i) Proposer's Commitment and Resources (15 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. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate its ability to be
able to deliver these credit outreach services utilizing the new FSA
online Farm Business Plan software program upon acceptance of any
financial award.
(ii) 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, soundness of the proposed approach to the
solution of the problem and evaluates the plan of operation, timetable,
evaluation and dissemination plans.
(iii) A detailed description of the anticipated number of
underserved American Indian farmers, ranchers, and youth served 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
areas and number of underserved American Indian farmers, ranchers and
youth who would benefit from the services offered will be evaluated.
(iv) Socially Disadvantaged American Indian Applicants--Outreach
(10 points)--This standard evaluates the degree to which the proposal
contains detailed programs to reach persons identified as socially
disadvantaged American Indian farmers, ranchers and youth. The proposal
will be evaluated for its potential for encouraging and assisting
socially disadvantaged American Indian farmers, ranchers, and youth to
utilize the various FSA agriculture credit programs. Elements
considered include impact, continuation plans, innovation, and expected
products and results.
(v) Innovative Strategies (25 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 also evaluated include: (1) Evidence that
the applicant has the ability to put in place a data tracking system
that can thoroughly record all credit outreach specific related
activities and the ability to provide detailed statistical information
on an ad hoc basis, with additional evidence supporting its ability to
function on a real-time basis as well its ability to be available
online through the Internet, and (2) originality, practicality, and
creativity in proposing ways to develop and test innovative solutions
to existing or anticipated credit issues or problems of socially
disadvantaged American Indian farmers, ranchers and youth. The proposal
will be reviewed for its responsiveness to the need to provide socially
disadvantaged American Indian farmers, ranchers, and youth with
promotion, relevant information, and direct assistance in applying for
and receiving FSA agriculture credit, and other essential information
to enhance participation in agricultural programs and conducting a
successful farming or ranching operation.
(vi) 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, specificity of allocations between targeted areas if
the proposal addresses more than one area, and completeness of vitae
for all key personnel associated with the project.
(vii) 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 each and every proposed
budget line item.
3. Selection Process--When the reviewers have completed their
individual evaluations, the panel reviewers based on the individual
reviews, will make recommendations to the Administrator that one
responsive proposal be approved for support from available funds. Prior
to award, the Administrator reserves the right to negotiate with an
applicant whose project is 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.
X. Program Administration
(1) Cooperative Agreement Awards:
Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the
Administrator shall enter into a cooperative agreement with the
successful applicant. The date specified by the Administrator as the
effective date of the award shall not be later than 12 months after the
project is approved for support and funds are appropriated for such
purpose, unless otherwise permitted by law.
(2) When to Submit an Application.
The deadline for receipt of all applications is November 24, 2006.
The Agency will not consider any application received after the
deadline.
XI. Cooperator Requirements
Cooperators will be required to do the following:
(1) Sign required Federal grant-making forms including Form AD-
1047, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other
Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions; Form AD-1048,
Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and
Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions; Form AD-1049,
Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Grants);
and Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement (Civil Rights).
(2) Use Standard Form 270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement to
request payments.
[[Page 62245]]
(3) Submit a Standard Form 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.
(4) Submit quarterly performance reports which 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.
(5) Maintain a financial management system that is acceptable to
the Agency.
(6) Submit a final project performance report.
(7) Sign an agency approved cooperative agreement.
XII. Other Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply
In addition to the requirements provided in this notice, other
Federal statutes and regulations apply to proposals considered for
review and to our cooperative agreement awarded. These include, but are
not limited to:
(1) 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;
(2) 7 CFR part 3015, Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations;
(3) 7 CFR parts 3016, Uniform Administrative Regulations for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements & State and Local Governments.
(4) 7 CFR part 3017, Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Non-
procurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace
(Grants);
(5) 7 CFR part 3018-New Restrictions on Lobbying;
(6) 7 CFR part 3019-Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and
Other Non-Profit Organizations; and
(7) 7 CFR part 3052-Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-
Profit Organizations.
Signed in Washington, DC, on October 16, 2006.
Glen L. Keppy,
Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
United States Department of Agriculture
Farm Service Agency
Cooperative Agreement--American Indian Outreach Initiative
This Cooperative Agreement (Agreement) dated ----------------,
between ------------------------ (Cooperator), and the United States
of America, acting through the Farm Service Agency of the Department
of Agriculture (the Agency, or Grantor), for $--------------------
in cooperative agreement funds under the program, delineates the
agreement of the parties.
Now, therefore, in consideration of the cooperative agreement;
The parties agree that:
(1) All the terms and provisions of the Notice entitled ``Notice
of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the
Implementation of an American Indian Credit Outreach Initiative,''
published in the Federal Register on October 24, 2006 [ENTER FR PAGE
NUMBER] and the application submitted by the Grantee for this
Agreement, including any attachments or amendments, are incorporated
and included as part of this Agreement. Any changes to these
documents or this agreement must be approved in writing by the
Agency.
(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 Grantee will comply with 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 and 7 CFR part 3019, Uniform Administrative
Requirements for Grants and Agreements with institutions of Higher
Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations, as
applicable are incorporated herein and made a part hereof by
reference.
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 the Agency including the approved budget.
Any uses not provided for in the approved budget must be approved in
writing by the Agency in advance of obligation by the Agency.
(3) 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
grant is awarded.
(4) Provide periodic reports as required by the Agency. A
financial status report and a project performance report will be
required on a semi-annual basis. The financial status report must
show how grant funds have been used to date and project the funds
needed and their purposes for the next quarter. A final report may
serve as the last semi-annual report. Grantees 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. These 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 areas.
(5) Provide Financial Management Systems which will include:
a. Records that identify adequately the source and application
of funds for cooperative agreement supported activities. Those
records shall contain information 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.
(6) Retain financial records, supporting documents, statistical
records, and all other records pertinent to the grant for a period
of at least 3 years after grant closing, except that the records
shall be retained beyond the 3-year period if audit findings have
not been resolved. Microfilm or photocopies or similar methods may
be substituted in lieu of original records. The Agency 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 Grantee which are pertinent to
the specific cooperative
[[Page 62246]]
agreement program for the purpose of making audits, examinations,
excerpts, and transcripts.
(7) Not encumber, transfer, or dispose of the equipment or any
part thereof, acquired wholly or in part with Agency funds without
the written consent of the Agency.
(8) Not duplicate other program purposes for which monies have
been received, are committed, or are applied to from other sources
(public or private). The Agency agrees to make funds available to
the Cooperator under this Agreement in an amount not to exceed the
amount indicated above. The funds will be reimbursed or advanced
based on submission to the Agency by the Cooperator of a complete
Standard Form 270.
Authorized and executed this day by:
[fxsp0]----------------------------------------------------------------
(Cooperator)
[fxsp0]----------------------------------------------------------------
(Title)
United States of America
Farm Service Agency
By:
[fxsp0]----------------------------------------------------------------
(Name)
[fxsp0]----------------------------------------------------------------
(Title)
[FR Doc. E6-17736 Filed 10-23-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P