[Federal Register: March 14, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 49)]
[Notices]
[Page 11824-11832]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14mr07-20]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
Availability of Funds and Request for Application for
Competitive Cooperative Partnership Agreements--Correction
Funding Opportunity Title: Commodity Partnerships for Risk
Management Education (Commodity Partnerships Program)
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.457.
Dates: Applications are due 5 p.m. EDT, April 23, 2007.
Summary: Due to an error in the Application Deadline (Section IV--
Application and Submission Information, C. Submission Dates and Times),
the following notice supersedes the original Request for Applications,
published on March 7, 2007 for Commodity Partnerships for Risk
Management Education (Commodity Partnerships Program) at 72 FR 10113-
10121.
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), operating through
the Risk Management Agency (RMA), announces the availability of
approximately $5.0 million for Commodity Partnerships for Risk
Management Education (the Commodity Partnerships Program). The purpose
of this cooperative partnership agreement program is to deliver
training and information in the management of production, marketing,
and financial risk to U.S. agricultural producers. The program gives
priority to educating producers of crops currently not insured under
Federal crop insurance, specialty crops, and underserved commodities,
including livestock and forage. A maximum of 50 cooperative partnership
agreements will be funded, with no more than five in each of the ten
designated RMA Regions. The maximum award for any of the 50 cooperative
partnership agreements will be $100,000. Applicants must demonstrate
non-financial benefits from a cooperative partnership agreement and
must agree to the substantial involvement of RMA in the project.
This announcement consists of eight sections:
Section I--Funding Opportunity Description
A. Legislative Authority
B. Background
C. Definition of Priority Commodities
D. Project Goal
E. Purpose
F. Objectives
Section II--Award Information
A. Type of Award
B. Funding Availability
C. Location and Target Audience
D. Maximum Award
E. Project Period
F. Awardee Tasks
G. RMA Activities
H. Other Tasks
Section III--Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
C. Other--Non-Financial Benefits
Section IV--Application and Submission Information
A. Contact to Request an Application Package
B. Content and Form of Application Submission
C. Submission Dates and Times
D. Funding Restrictions
E. Limitation on Use of Project Funds for Salaries and Benefits
F. Indirect Cost Rates
G. Other Submission Requirements
H. Electronic submissions
I. Acknowledgement of Applications
Section V--Application Review Information
A. Criteria
B. Review and Selection Process
Section VI--Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. Requirement to Use Program Logo
2. Requirement to Provide Project Information to an RMA-selected
Representative
3. Private Crop Insurance Organizations and Potential Conflict
of Interest
4. Access to Panel Review Information
5. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
6. Audit Requirements
7. Prohibitions and Requirements Regarding Lobbying
8. Applicable OMB Circulars
9. Requirement to Assure Compliance with Federal Civil Rights
Laws
10. Requirement to Participate in a Post Award Conference
11. Requirement to Submit Educational Materials to the National
AgRisk Education Library
C. Reporting Requirements
Section VII--Agency Contact
Section VIII--Additional Information
A. Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
B. Required Registration with the Central Contract Registry for
Submission of Proposals
C. Related Programs
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Legislative Authority
The Commodity Partnerships Program is authorized under section
522(d)(3)(F) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (Act) (7 U.S.C.
1522(d)(3)(F)).
B. Background
RMA promotes and regulates sound risk management solutions to
improve the economic stability of American agriculture. On behalf of
FCIC, RMA does this by offering Federal crop insurance products through
a network of private-sector partners, overseeing the creation of new
risk management products, seeking enhancements in existing products,
ensuring the integrity of crop insurance programs, offering outreach
programs aimed at equal access and participation of underserved
communities, and providing risk management education and information.
One of RMA's strategic goals is to ensure that its customers are well
informed as to the risk management solutions available. This
educational goal is supported by section 522(d)(3)(F)
[[Page 11825]]
of the Act, which authorizes FCIC funding for risk management training
and informational efforts for agricultural producers through the
formation of partnerships with public and private organizations. With
respect to such partnerships, priority is to be given to reaching
producers of Priority Commodities, as defined below.
C. Definition of Priority Commodities
For purposes of this program, Priority Commodities are defined as:
Agricultural commodities covered by (7 U.S.C. 7333).
Commodities in this group are commercial crops that are not covered by
catastrophic risk protection crop insurance, are used for food or fiber
(except livestock), and specifically include, but are not limited to,
floricultural, ornamental nursery, Christmas trees, turf grass sod,
aquaculture (including ornamental fish), and industrial crops.
Specialty crops. Commodities in this group may or may not
be covered under a Federal crop insurance plan and include, but are not
limited to, fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, syrups, honey, roots, herbs,
and highly specialized varieties of traditional crops.
Underserved commodities. This group includes: (a)
Commodities, including livestock and forage, that are covered by a
Federal crop insurance plan but for which participation in an area is
below the national average; and (b) commodities, including livestock
and forage, with inadequate crop insurance coverage.
A project is considered as giving priority to Priority Commodities
if the majority of the educational activities of the project are
directed to producers of any of the three classes of commodities listed
above or any combination of the three classes.
D. Project Goal
The goal of this program is to ensure that ``producers will be
better able to use financial management, crop insurance, marketing
contracts, and other existing and emerging risk management tools.''
E. Purpose
The purpose of the Commodity Partnership Program is to provide U.S.
farmers and ranchers with training and informational opportunities to
be able to understand:
The kinds of risks addressed by existing and emerging risk
management tools;
The features and appropriate use of existing and emerging
risk management tools; and
How to make sound risk management decisions.
F. Objectives
For 2007, the FCIC Board of Directors and the FCIC Manager are
seeking projects with priorities that include the project objectives
listed below which highlight the educational priorities within each RMA
Region. The objectives are listed in priority order, with the most
important objective designated as 1, the second most important
designated as 2, etc. The order of priority will be considered in
making awards. Applicants may propose other topics within any project
objective but justification for those topics must be provided. RMA
encourages applications that address multiple objectives, but each
application must specify a single primary objective for funding
purposes in an RMA Region. Applications that do not clearly specify a
single primary objective for funding purposes in an RMA Region will be
rejected. ``Unrestricted Risk Management Topics'' are topics that
address the Commodity Partnership Program purpose as listed above in
Section I E. In order of priority, the project objectives are:
Billings, MT Region: (MT, ND, SD, and WY)
1. Unrestricted Risk Management Topics (Two funded projects).
2. Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR)-Lite Insurance Tools (MT, WY).
3. Pasture Rangeland and Forage (PRF) Rainfall Index Insurance
Tools (ND).
4. PRF Vegetative Index Insurance Tools (SD).
Davis, CA Region: (AZ, CA, HI, NV, and UT)
1. Unrestricted Risk Management Topics (Two funded projects).
2. AGR (CA) and AGR-Lite Insurance Tools (AZ, HI, NV, UT).
3. Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Insurance Tools (CA, NV, UT).
4. Hawaii Tropical Fruit Tree Insurance Tools (HI).
Jackson, MS Region: (AR, KY, LA, MS, and TN)
1. Unrestricted Risk Management Topics (Two funded projects).
2. Record Keeping Requirements for AGR-Lite Insurance Tools (TN).
3. LRP Insurance Tools, PRF Rainfall Index and the PRF Vegetation
Index Insurance Tools (AR, KY, LA, MS, and TN).
4. Nursery Price Endorsement Crop Insurance Tool (AR, KY, LA, MS,
and TN).
Oklahoma City, OK Region: (NM, OK, and TX)
1. Unrestricted Risk Management Topics (Two funded projects).
2. AGR-Lite Insurance Tools (NM).
3. PRF Rainfall Index (TX) and the PRF Vegetation Index (OK)
Insurance Tools.
4. LRP (OK, TX) Insurance Tools.
Raleigh, NC Region: (CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NY, NJ, PA, RI, VA,
VT, and WV)
1. Unrestricted Risk Management Topics (Two funded projects).
2. Aquaculture (Clams) Insurance Tools--(MA, VA).
3. Nursery Insurance Tools--(CT, DE, MA, ME, MD, NC, NH, NY, NJ,
PA, RI, VA, VT, and WV).
4. AGR Insurance Tools--(CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI,
VT, and VA), AGR-Lite Insurance Tools--(CT, DE, MA, ME, MD, NC, NH, NY,
NJ, PA, RI, VA, VT, and WV), Livestock and LRP Insurance Tools--(WV),
PRF Rainfall Index and the PRF Vegetation Index Insurance Tools--(PA)
Spokane, WA Region: (AK, ID, OR, and WA)
1. Unrestricted Risk Management Topics (Two funded projects).
2. AGR-Lite Insurance Tools (Willamette Valley of OR and in Western
WA).
3. PRF Rainfall Index Insurance Tool (ID) and PRF Vegetation Index
Insurance Tool (OR).
4. LRP Lamb Pilot Insurance Tools (ID and OR).
Springfield, IL Region: (IL, IN, MI, and OH)
1. Unrestricted Risk Management Topics (Two funded projects).
2. AGR (MI), LRP Insurance Tools, PRF Rainfall Index and PRF
Vegetation Index Insurance Tools (IL, IN, MI, OH).
3. Cherry Pilot Insurance Tools (MI).
4. Grape Insurance Tools (IL, IN, MI, OH).
St. Paul, MN Region: (IA, MN, and WI)
1. Unrestricted Risk Management Topics (Two funded projects).
2. AGR-Lite Insurance Tools (MN and WI).
3. LRP and Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) Insurance Tools.
4. Hybrid Corn Seed Insurance Tools (IA, MN, and WI)
Topeka, KS Region: (CO, KS, MO, and NE)
1. Unrestricted Risk Management Topics (Two funded projects).
2. AGR-Lite Insurance Tools (CO, KS).
3. PRF Rainfall Index and PRF Vegetation Index Insurance Tools
(CO).
[[Page 11826]]
4. Documentation Requirements for Irrigation Availability (CO, KS,
NE)
Valdosta, GA Region: (AL, FL, GA, SC, and Puerto Rico)
1. Unrestricted Risk Management Topics (Two funded projects).
2. PRF Rainfall Index and PRF Vegetation Index Insurance Tools
(SC).
3. AGR-Lite Insurance Tools (AL, FL, GA and SC).
4. Avocado Fruit (Dade County, FL) and Citrus Insurance Tools (FL)
II. Award Information
A. Type of Award
Cooperative Partnership Agreements, which require the substantial
involvement of RMA.
B. Funding Availability
Approximately $5,000,000 is available in fiscal year 2007 to fund
up to 50 cooperative partnership agreements. The maximum award will be
$100,000. It is anticipated that a maximum of five agreements will be
funded for each designated RMA Region. Applicants should apply for
funding under that RMA Region where the educational activities will be
directed.
In the event that all funds available for this program are not
obligated after the maximum number of agreements are awarded or if
additional funds become available, these funds may, at the discretion
of the Manager of FCIC, be used to award additional applications that
score highly by the technical review panel or allocated pro-rata to
awardees for use in broadening the size or scope of awarded projects if
agreed to by the awardee. In the event that the Manager of FCIC
determines that available RMA resources cannot support the
administrative and substantial involvement requirements of all
agreements recommended for funding, the Manager may elect to fund fewer
agreements than the available funding might otherwise allow. It is
expected that the awards will be made approximately 60 days after the
application deadline. All awards will be made and agreements finalized
no later than September 30, 2007.
C. Location and Target Audience
RMA Regional Offices and the States serviced within each Region are
listed below. Staff from the respective RMA Regional Offices will
provide substantial involvement for projects conducted within their
Region.
Billings, MT Regional Office: (MT, ND, SD, and WY)
Davis, CA Regional Office: (AZ, CA, HI, NV, and UT)
Jackson, MS Regional Office: (AR, KY, LA, MS, and TN)
Oklahoma City, OK Regional Office: (NM, OK, and TX)
Raleigh, NC Regional Office: (CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA,
RI, VA, VT, and WV)
Spokane, WA Regional Office: (AK, ID, OR, and WA)
Springfield, IL Regional Office: (IL, IN, MI, and OH)
St. Paul, MN Regional Office: (IA, MN, and WI)
Topeka, KS Regional Office: (CO, KS, MO, and NE)
Valdosta, GA Regional Office: (AL, FL, GA, SC, and Puerto Rico)
Applicants must clearly designate in their application narratives
the RMA Region where educational activities will be conducted, the
specific groups of producers within the region that the applicant
intends to reach through the project, and must clearly designate in
their application the primary educational objective listed in Section I
(F) that the project will address. Priority will be given to producers
of Priority Commodities. Applicants proposing to conduct educational
activities in more than one RMA Region must submit a separate
application for each RMA Region. Single applications proposing to
conduct educational activities in more than one RMA Region will be
rejected.
D. Maximum Award
Any application that requests Federal funding of more than $100,000
will be rejected. RMA also reserves the right to fund successful
applications at an amount less than requested if it is judged that the
application can be implemented at a lower funding level.
E. Project Period
Projects will be funded for a period of up to one year from the
project starting date.
F. Awardee Tasks
In conducting activities to achieve the purpose and goal of this
program in a designated RMA Region, the awardee will be responsible for
performing the following tasks:
Develop and conduct a promotional program. This program
will include activities using media, newsletters, publications, or
other appropriate informational dissemination techniques that are
designed to: (a) Raise awareness for risk management; (b) inform
producers of the availability of risk management tools; and (c) inform
producers and agribusiness leaders in the designated RMA Region of
training and informational opportunities.
Deliver risk management training and informational
opportunities to agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals
in the designated RMA Region. This will include organizing and
delivering educational activities using instructional materials that
have been assembled to meet the local needs of agricultural producers.
Activities should be directed primarily to agricultural producers, but
may include those agribusiness professionals that have frequent
opportunities to advise producers on risk management tools and
decisions.
Document all educational activities conducted under the
partnership agreement and the results of such activities, including
criteria and indicators used to evaluate the success of the program.
The awardee may also be required to provide information to an RMA-
selected contractor to evaluate all educational activities and advise
RMA as to the effectiveness of activities.
G. RMA Activities
FCIC, working through RMA, will be substantially involved during
the performance of the funded project through RMA's ten Regional
Offices. Potential types of substantial involvement may include, but
are not limited to the following activities.
Assist in the selection of subcontractors and project
staff.
Collaborate with the awardee in assembling, reviewing, and
approving risk management materials for producers in the designated RMA
Region.
Collaborate with the awardee in reviewing and approving a
promotional program for raising awareness for risk management and for
informing producers of training and informational opportunities in the
RMA Region.
Collaborate with the awardee on the delivery of education
to producers and agribusiness leaders in the RMA Region. This will
include: (a) Reviewing and approving in advance all producer and
agribusiness leader educational activities; (b) advising the project
leader on technical issues related to crop insurance education and
information; and (c) assisting the project leader in informing crop
insurance professionals about educational activity plans and scheduled
meetings.
Conduct an evaluation of the performance of the awardee in
meeting the deliverables of the project.
Applications that do not contain substantial involvement by RMA
will be rejected.
[[Page 11827]]
H. Other Tasks
In addition to the specific, required tasks listed above, the
applicant may propose additional tasks that would contribute directly
to the purpose of this program. For any proposed additional task, the
applicant must identify the objective of the task, the specific
subtasks required to meet the objective, specific time lines for
performing the subtasks, and the specific responsibilities of partners.
The applicant must also identify specific ways in which RMA would have
substantial involvement in the proposed project task.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include State departments of agriculture,
universities, non-profit agricultural organizations, and other public
or private organizations with the capacity to lead a local program of
risk management education for farmers and ranchers in an RMA Region.
Individuals are not eligible applicants. Although an applicant may be
eligible to compete for an award based on its status as an eligible
entity, other factors may exclude an applicant from receiving Federal
assistance under this program governed by Federal law and regulations
(e.g. debarment and suspension; a determination of non-performance on a
prior contract, cooperative agreement, grant or partnership; a
determination of a violation of applicable ethical standards; a
determination of being considered ``high risk''). Applications from
ineligible or excluded persons will be rejected in their entirety.
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
Although RMA prefers cost sharing by the applicant, this program
has neither a cost sharing nor a matching requirement.
C. Other--Non-Financial Benefits
To be eligible, applicants must also be able to demonstrate that
they will receive a non-financial benefit as a result of a partnership
agreement. Non-financial benefits must accrue to the applicant and must
include more than the ability to provide employment income to the
applicant or for the applicant's employees or the community. The
applicant must demonstrate that performance under the partnership
agreement will further the specific mission of the applicant (such as
providing research or activities necessary for graduate or other
students to complete their educational program). Applicants that do not
demonstrate a non-financial benefit will be rejected.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Contact To Request Application Package
Program application materials for the Commodity Partnerships
Program under this announcement may be downloaded from http://www.rma.usda.gov/aboutrma/agreements.
Applicants may also request
application materials from: Lon Burke, USDA-RMA-RME, phone: (202) 720-
5265, fax: (202) 690-3605, e-mail: RMA.Risk-Ed@rma.usda.gov.
B. Content and Form of Application Submission
A complete and valid application package must include an electronic
copy (Microsoft Word format preferred) of the narrative portion (Forms
RME 1 and RME-2) of the application package on a compact disc and an
original and two copies of the completed and signed application must be
submitted in one package at the time of initial submission, which must
include the following:
1. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424, ``Application for
Federal Assistance.''
2. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424-A, ``Budget
Information--Non-construction Programs.'' Federal funding requested
(the total of direct and indirect costs) must not exceed $100,000.
3. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424-B, ``Assurances,
Non-constructive Programs.''
4. Risk Management Education Project Narrative (Form RME-1).
Complete all required parts of Form RME-1:
Part I--Title Page
Part II--A written narrative of no more than 10 single-sided pages
which will provide reviewers with sufficient information to effectively
evaluate the merits of the application according to the evaluation
criteria listed in this notice. Although a Statement of Work, which is
the third evaluation criterion, is to be completed in detail in RME
Form-2, applicants may wish to highlight certain unique features of the
Statement of Work in Part II for the benefit of the evaluation panel.
If your narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first 10 pages will
be reviewed.
No smaller than 12 point font size.
Use an easily readable font face (e.g., Arial, Geneva,
Helvetica, Times Roman).
8.5 by 11 inch paper.
One-inch margins on each page.
Printed on only one side of paper.
Held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not
bound or stapled in any other way.
Part III--A Budget Narrative, describing how the categorical costs
listed on SF 424-A are derived. The budget narrative should provide
enough detail for reviewers to easily understand how costs were
determined and how they relate to the goals and objectives of the
project.
Part IV--Provide a ``Statement of Non-financial Benefits.'' (Refer
to Section III, Eligibility Information, C. Other--Non-financial
Benefits, above).
5. ``Statement of Work,'' Form RME-2, which identifies tasks and
subtasks in detail, expected completion dates and deliverables, and
RMA's substantial involvement role for the proposed project.
Applications that do not include items 1-5 above will be considered
incomplete and will not receive further consideration and will be
rejected.
C. Submission Dates and Times
Applications Deadline: Applications are due 5 p.m. EDT, April 23,
2007. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that RMA receives a
complete application package by the closing date and time. USPS mail
sent to Washington, DC headquarters is sanitized offsite, which may
result in delays, loss, and physical damage to enclosures. Regardless
of the delivery method you choose, please do so sufficiently in advance
of the due date to ensure your application package is received on or
before the deadline. It is your responsibility to meet the due date and
time. E-mailed and faxed applications will not be accepted. Late
application packages will not receive further consideration and will be
rejected.
D. Funding Restrictions
Cooperative partnership agreement funds may not be used to:
a. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or
facility including a processing facility;
b. Purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment;
c. Repair or maintain privately owned vehicles;
d. Pay for the preparation of the cooperative partnership agreement
application;
e. Fund political activities;
f. Purchase alcohol, food, beverage, or entertainment;
g. Pay costs incurred prior to receiving a partnership agreement;
h. Fund any activities prohibited in 7 CFR Parts 3015 and 3019, as
applicable.
[[Page 11828]]
E. Limitation on Use of Project Funds for Salaries and Benefits
Total costs for salary and benefits allowed for projects under this
announcement will be limited to not more than 60 percent reimbursement
of the funds awarded under the cooperative partnership agreement as
indicated in Section III. Eligibility Information, C. Other--Non-
financial Benefits. One goal of the Commodity Partnerships program is
to maximize the use of the limited funding available for risk
management education for producers of Priority Commodities. In order to
accomplish this goal, RMA needs to ensure that the maximum amount of
funds practicable is used for directly providing the educational
opportunities. Limiting the amount of funding for salaries and benefits
will allow the limited amount of funding to reach the maximum number of
farmers and ranchers.
F. Indirect Cost Rates
a. Indirect costs allowed for projects submitted under this
announcement will be limited to ten (10) percent of the total direct
cost of the cooperative partnership agreement. Therefore, when
preparing budgets, applicants should limit their requests for recovery
of indirect costs to the lesser of their institution's official
negotiated indirect cost rate or 10 percent of the total direct costs.
b. RMA will withhold all indirect cost rate funds for an award to
an applicant requesting indirect costs if the applicant has not
negotiated an indirect cost rate with its cognizant Federal agency.
c. If an applicant is in the process of negotiating an indirect
cost rate with its cognizant Federal agency, RMA will withhold all
indirect cost rate funds from that applicant until the indirect cost
rate has been established.
d. If an applicant's indirect cost rate has expired or will expire
prior to award announcements, a clear statement on renegotiation
efforts must be included in the application.
e. It is incumbent on all applicants to have a current indirect
cost rate or begin negotiations to establish an indirect cost rate
prior to the submission deadline. Because it may take several months to
obtain an indirect cost rate, applicants needing an indirect cost rate
are encouraged to start work on establishing these rates well in
advance of submitting an application. The U.S. Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) is responsible for assigning cognizant Federal agencies.
f. Applicants may be asked to provide a copy of their indirect cost
rate negotiated with their cognizant agency.
g. RMA reserves the right to negotiate final budgets with
successful applicants.
G. Other Submission Requirements
Mailed submissions: Applications submitted through express,
overnight mail or another delivery service will be considered as
meeting the announced deadline if they are received in the mailroom at
the address stated below for express, overnight mail or another
delivery service on or before the deadline. Applicants are cautioned
that express, overnight mail or other delivery services do not always
deliver as agreed. Applicants should take this into account because
failure of such delivery services will not extend the deadline. Mailed
applications will be considered as meeting the announced deadline if
they are received on or before the deadline in the mailroom at the
address stated below for mailed applications. Applicants are
responsible for mailing applications well in advance, to ensure that
applications are received on or before the deadline time and date.
Applicants using the U.S. Postal Services should allow for the extra
security handling time for delivery due to the additional security
measures that mail delivered to government offices in the Washington,
DC area requires.
Address when using private delivery services or when hand
delivering: Attention: Risk Management Education Program, USDA/RMA/RME,
Room 5720, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington,
DC 20250.
Address when using U.S. Postal Services: Attention: Risk Management
Education Program, USDA/RMA/RME/Stop 0808, Room 5720, South Building,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0808.
H. Electronic Submissions
Applications transmitted electronically via Grants.gov will be
accepted prior to the application date or time deadline. The
application package can be accessed via Grants.gov, go to http://www.grants.gov
, click on ``Find Grant Opportunities,'' click on
``Search Grant Opportunities,'' and enter the CFDA number (located at
the beginning of this RFA) to search by CFDA number. From the search
results, select the item that correlates to the title of this RFA. If
you do not have electronic access to the RFA or have trouble
downloading material and you would like a hardcopy, you may contact Lon
Burke, USDA-RMA-RME, phone: (202) 720-5265, fax: (202) 690-3605, e-
mail: RMA.Risk-Ed@rma.usda.gov.
If assistance is needed to access the application package via
Grants.gov (e.g., downloading or navigating PureEdge forms, using
PureEdge with a Macintosh computer), refer to resources available on
the Grants.gov Web site first (http://www.grants.gov/). Grants.gov
assistance is also available as follows:
Grants.gov customer support
Toll Free: 1-800-518-4726.
Business Hours: M-F 7:00 a.m.-9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
E-mail: support@grants.gov.
Applicants who submit their applications via the Grants.gov Web
site are not required to submit any hard copy documents to RMA.
When using Grants.gov to apply, RMA strongly recommends that you
submit the online application at least two weeks prior to the
application due date in case there are problems with the Grants.gov Web
site and you want to submit your application via a mail delivery
service.
I. Acknowledgement of Applications
Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by e-mail, whenever
possible. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to provide e-mail
addresses in their applications. If an e-mail address is not indicated
on an application, receipt will be acknowledged by letter. There will
be no notification of incomplete, unqualified or unfunded applications
until the awards have been made. When received by RMA, 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 notify RMA's point of contact
indicated in Section VII, Agency Contact.
V. Application Review Process
A. Criteria
Applications submitted under the Commodity Partnerships Program
will be evaluated within each RMA Region according to the following
criteria:
Priority--Maximum 10 Points
The applicant can submit projects that are not related to Priority
Commodities. However, priority is given to projects relating to
Priority Commodities and the degree in which such projects relate to
the Priority Commodities. Projects that relate solely to Priority
Commodities will be eligible for the most points.
[[Page 11829]]
Project Benefits--Maximum 35 Points
The applicant must demonstrate that the project benefits to farmers
and ranchers warrant the funding requested. Applicants will be scored
according to the extent they can: (a) Reasonably estimate the total
number of producers reached through the various educational activities
described in the Statement of Work; (b) justify such estimates with
clear specifics; (c) identify the actions producers will likely be able
to take as a result of the activities described in the Statement of
Work; and (d) identify the specific measures for evaluating results
that will be employed in the project. Reviewers' scoring will be based
on the scope and reasonableness of the applicant's estimates of
producers reached through the project, clear descriptions of specific
expected project benefits, and well-designed methods for measuring the
project's results and effectiveness.
Statement of Work--Maximum 15 Points
The applicant must produce a clear and specific Statement of Work
for the project. For each of the tasks contained in the Description of
Agreement Award (refer to Section II Award Information), the applicant
must identify and describe specific subtasks, responsible entities,
expected completion dates, RMA substantial involvement, and
deliverables that will further the purpose of this program. Applicants
will obtain a higher score to the extent that the Statement of Work is
specific, measurable, reasonable, has specific deadlines for the
completion of subtasks, relates directly to the required activities and
the program purpose described in this announcement, which is to provide
producers with training and informational opportunities so that the
producers will be better able to use financial management, crop
insurance, marketing contracts, and other existing and emerging risk
management tools. Applicants are required to submit this Statement of
Work on Form RME-2.
Partnering--Maximum 15 Points
The applicant must demonstrate experience and capacity to partner
with and gain the support of grower organizations, agribusiness
professionals, and agricultural leaders to carry out a local program of
education and information in a designated RMA Region. The applicant is
required to establish a written partnering plan that includes how each
partner will aid in carrying out the project goal and purpose stated in
this announcement and letters of support stating that the partner has
agreed to do this work. The applicant must ensure this plan includes a
list of all partners working on the project, their titles, and how they
will be contributing to the deliverables listed in the agreement.
Applicants will receive higher scores to the extent that they can
document and demonstrate: (a) That partnership commitments are in place
for the express purpose of delivering the program in this announcement;
(b) that a broad group of farmers and ranchers will be reached within
the RMA Region; (c) that partners are contributing to the project and
involved in recruiting producers to attend the training; (d) that a
substantial effort has been made to partner with organizations that can
meet the needs of producers; and (e) statements from each partner
regarding the number of producers that partner is committed to recruit
for the project that would support the estimates specified under the
Project Benefits criterion.
Project Management--Maximum 15 Points
The applicant must demonstrate an ability to implement sound and
effective project management practices. Higher scores will be awarded
to applicants that can demonstrate organizational skills, leadership,
and experience in delivering services or programs that assist
agricultural producers in the respective RMA Region. The project
manager must demonstrate that he/she has the capability to accomplish
the project goal and purpose stated in this announcement by a) Having a
previous working relationship with the farm community in the designated
RMA Region of the application, including being able to recruit
approximately the number of producers to be reached in the application
and/or b) having established the capacity to partner with and gain the
support of grower organizations, agribusiness professionals, and
agribusiness leaders locally to aid in carrying out a program of
education and information, including being able to recruit
approximately the number of producers to be reached in this
application. Applicants that will employ, or have access to, personnel
who have experience in directing local educational programs that
benefit agricultural producers in the respective RMA Region will
receive higher rankings.
Past Performance--Maximum 10 Points
If the applicant has been an awardee of other Federal or other
government grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts, the applicant
must provide information relating to their past performance in
reporting on outputs and outcomes under past or current federal
assistance agreements. The applicant must also detail that they have
consistently complied with financial and program reporting and auditing
requirements. RMA reserves the right to add up to 10 points to
applications due to past performance. Applicants with very good past
performance will receive a score from 6-10 points. Applicants with
acceptable past performance will receive a score from 1-5 points.
Applicants with unacceptable past performance will receive a score of
minus 5 points for this evaluation factor. Applicants without relevant
past performance information will receive a neutral score of the mean
number of points of all applicants with past performance. Under this
cooperative partnership agreement, RMA will subjectively rate the
awardee on project performance as indicated in Section II, G.
The applicant must list all current public or private support to
which personnel identified in the application have committed portions
of their time, whether or not salary support for persons involved is
included in the budget. 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. The projects proposed for funding should be included in the
pending section.
Budget Appropriateness and Efficiency--Maximum 15 Points
Applicants must provide a detailed budget summary that clearly
explains and justifies costs associated with the project. Applicants
will receive higher scores to the extent that they can demonstrate a
fair and reasonable use of funds appropriate for the project and a
budget that contains the estimated cost of reaching each individual
producer. The applicant must provide information factors such as:
The allowability and necessity for individual cost
categories;
The reasonableness of amounts estimated for necessary
costs;
The basis used for allocating indirect or overhead costs;
The appropriateness of allocating particular overhead
costs to the proposed project as direct costs; and
The percent of time devoted to the project for all key
project personnel identified in the application. Salaries of project
personnel should be requested in proportion to the percent of time that
they would devote to the project--Note: cannot exceed 60% of the total
project
[[Page 11830]]
budget. Applicants must list all current public or private support to
which personnel identified in the application have committed portions
of their time, whether or not salary support for persons involved is
included in the budget. Only items or services that are necessary for
the successful completion of the project will be funded as permitted
under the Act.
B. Review and Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated using a two-part process. First,
each application will be screened by RMA personnel to ensure that it
meets the requirements in this announcement. Applications that do not
meet the requirements of this announcement or are incomplete will not
receive further consideration during the next process. Applications
that meet announcement requirements will be sorted into the RMA Region
in which the applicant proposes to conduct the project and then sorted
by project objective listed in Section I (F). These applications will
be presented to a review panel for consideration.
Second, the review panel will meet to consider and discuss the
merits of each application. The panel will consist of not less than two
independent reviewers. Reviewers will be drawn from USDA, other Federal
agencies, and others representing public and private organizations, as
needed. After considering the merits of all applications within an RMA
Region, panel members will score each application according to the
criteria and point values listed above. The panel will then rank each
application against others within the RMA Region by educational
objective listed in Section I (F) according to the scores received.
Those applications will be listed in initial rank order by objective
within each RMA Region. The highest-ranking application for each
objective will be funded in the order of priority (the highest-ranking
application meeting objective 2 will be funded third, etc.) in each RMA
Region.
Note: Two projects will be funded in objective 1 in each RMA
Region. In the event that there no applications that warrant funding
in objectives 1-4 or if there are funds remaining, the process will
be repeated until the funds are obligated.
A lottery will be used to resolve any instances of a tie score that
might have a bearing on funding recommendations. If such a lottery is
required, the names of all tied applicants will be entered into a
drawing. The first tied applicant drawn will have priority over other
tied applicants for funding consideration.
The review panel will report the results of the evaluation to the
Manager of FCIC. The panel's report will include the recommended
applicants to receive partnership agreements for each RMA Region.
Funding will not be provided for an application receiving a score less
than 60. Funding will not be provided for an application that is highly
similar to a higher-scoring application in the same RMA Region. Highly
similar is one that proposes to reach the same producers likely to be
reached by another applicant that scored higher by the panel and the
same general educational material is proposed to be delivered.
An organization, or group of organizations in partnership, may
apply for funding under other FCIC or RMA programs, in addition to the
program described in this announcement. However, if the Manager of FCIC
determines that an application recommended for funding is sufficiently
similar to a project that has been funded or has been recommended to be
funded under another RMA or FCIC program, then the Manager may elect to
not fund that application in whole or in part. The Manager of FCIC will
make the final determination on those applications that will be awarded
funding.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
Following approval by the awarding official of RMA of the
applications to be selected for funding, project leaders whose
applications have been selected for funding will be notified. Within
the limit of funds available for such a purpose, the awarding official
of RMA shall enter into cooperative partnership agreements with those
selected applicants. The agreements provide the amount of Federal funds
for use in the project period, the terms and conditions of the award,
and the time period for the project. The effective date of the
agreement shall be on the date the agreement is executed by both
parties and it shall remain in effect for up to one year or through
September 30, 2008, whichever is later.
After a cooperative partnership agreement has been signed, RMA will
extend to awardees, in writing, the authority to draw down funds for
the purpose of conducting the activities listed in the agreement. All
funds provided to the awardee by FCIC must be expended solely for the
purpose for which the funds are obligated in accordance with the
approved agreement and budget, the regulations, the terms and
conditions of the award, and the applicability of Federal cost
principles. No commitment of Federal assistance beyond the project
period is made or implied for any award resulting from this notice.
Notification of denial of funding will be sent to applicants after
final funding decisions have been made and the awardees announced
publicly. Reasons for denial of funding can include, but are not
limited to, incomplete applications, applications with evaluation
scores that are lower than other applications in an RMA Region, or
applications that propose to deliver education to groups of producers
in an RMA Region that are largely similar to groups reached in a higher
ranked application.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. Requirement To Use Program Logo
Awardees will be required to use a program logo and design provided
by RMA for all instructional and promotional materials.
2. Requirement To Provide Project Information to an RMA-Selected
Representative
Awardees will be required to assist RMA in evaluating the
effectiveness of its educational programs by providing documentation of
educational activities and related information to any representative
selected by RMA for program evaluation purposes.
3. Private Crop Insurance Organizations and Potential Conflicts of
Interest
Private organizations that are involved in the sale of Federal crop
insurance, or that have financial ties to such organizations, are
eligible to apply for funding under this announcement. However, such
entities will not be allowed to receive funding to conduct activities
that would otherwise be required under a Standard Reinsurance Agreement
or any other agreement in effect between FCIC and the entity. Also,
such entities will not be allowed to receive funding to conduct
activities that could be perceived by producers as promoting one
company's services or products over another's. If applying for funding,
such organizations are encouraged to be sensitive to potential
conflicts of interest and to describe in their application the specific
actions they will take to avoid actual and perceived conflicts of
interest.
4. 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
[[Page 11831]]
after the review and awards process has been completed.
5. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
The names of applicants, the names of individuals identified in the
applications, the content of applications, and the panel evaluations of
applications will all be kept confidential, except to those involved in
the review process, to the extent permitted by law. In addition, the
identities of review panel members will remain confidential throughout
the entire review process and will not be released to applicants. At
the end of the fiscal year, names of panel members will be made
available. However, panelists will not be identified with the review of
any particular application. When an application results in a
partnership agreement, that agreement becomes a part of the official
record of RMA transactions, available to the public upon specific
request. Information that the Secretary of Agriculture 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 be considered confidential, privileged, or
proprietary should be clearly marked within an application, including
the basis for such designation. The original copy of an application
that does not result in an award will be retained by RMA for a period
of one year. Other copies will be destroyed. Copies of applications not
receiving awards will be released only with the express written consent
of the applicant or to the extent required by law. An application may
be withdrawn at any time prior to award.
6. Audit Requirements
Awardees are subject to audit.
7. Prohibitions and Requirements Regarding Lobbying
Section 1352 of Public Law 101-121, enacted on October 23, 1989,
imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification
related to lobbying on awardees of Federal contracts, grants,
cooperative agreements, and loans. It provides exemptions for Indian
Tribes and tribal organizations. Current and prospective awardees and
any subcontractors, are prohibited from using Federal funds, other than
profits from a Federal contract, for lobbying Congress or any Federal
agency in connection with the award of a contract, grant, cooperative
agreement, or loan. In addition, for each award action in excess of
$100,000 ($150,000 for loans) the law requires awardees and any
subcontractors: (1) To certify that they have neither used nor will use
any appropriated funds for payment of lobbyists; (2) to disclose the
name, address, payment details, and purpose of any agreements with
lobbyists whom awardees of their subcontractors will pay with profits
or other non-appropriated funds on or after December 22, 1989; and (3)
to file quarterly updates about the use of lobbyists if material
changes occur in their use. The law establishes civil penalties for
non-compliance. A copy of the certification and disclosure forms must
be submitted with the application and are available at the address and
telephone number listed in Section VII. Agency Contact.
8. Applicable OMB Circulars
All cooperative partnership agreements funded as a result of this
notice will be subject to the requirements contained in all applicable
OMB circulars.
9. Requirement To Assure Compliance With Federal Civil Rights Laws
Project leaders of all cooperative partnership agreements funded as
a result of this notice are required to know and abide by Federal civil
rights laws and to assure USDA and RMA that the awardee is in
compliance with and will continue to comply with Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), 7 CFR Part 15, and USDA
regulations promulgated thereunder, 7 CFR 1901.202. RMA requires that
awardees submit an Assurance Agreement (Civil Rights), assuring RMA of
this compliance prior to the beginning of the project period.
10. Requirement To Participate in a Post Award Conference
RMA requires that project leaders attend a post award conference to
become fully aware of agreement requirements and for delineating the
roles of RMA personnel and the procedures that will be followed in
administering the agreement and will afford an opportunity for the
orderly transition of agreement duties and obligations if different
personnel are to assume post-award responsibility. In their
applications, applicants should budget for possible travel costs
associated with attending this conference.
11. Requirement To Submit Educational Materials to the National AgRisk
Education Library
RMA requires that project leaders upload digital copies of all risk
management educational materials developed because of the project to
the National AgRisk Education Library (http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/) for
posting. RMA will be clearly identified as having provided funding for
the materials.
C. Reporting Requirements
Awardees will be required to submit quarterly progress reports,
quarterly financial reports (OMB Standard Form 269), and quarterly
Activity Logs (Form RME-3) throughout the project period, as well as a
final program and financial report not later than 90 days after the end
of the project period.
Awardees will be required to submit prior to the award:
A completed and signed Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement
(Civil Rights).
A completed and signed OMB Standard Form LLL, ``Disclosure
of Lobbying Activities.''
A completed and signed AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding
Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered
Transactions.''
A completed and signed AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding
Drug-Free Workplace.''
A completed and signed Faith-Based Survey on EEO.
VII. Agency Contact
For Further Information Contact: Applicants and other interested
parties are encouraged to contact: Lon Burke, USDA-RMA-RME, 1400
Independence Ave., SW., Stop 0808, Room 5720, Washington, DC 20250-
0808, phone: 202-720-5265, fax: 202-690-3605, e-mail:
RMA.Risk-Ed@rma.usda.gov. You may also obtain information regarding this
announcement from the RMA Web site at: http://www.rma.usda.gov/aboutrma/agreements
.
VIII. Additional Information
A. 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
[[Page 11832]]
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.
B. Required Registration With the Central Contract Registry for
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 business days to complete the CCR registration.
C. Related Programs
Funding availability for this program may be announced at
approximately the same time as funding availability for similar but
separate programs--CFDA No. 10.455 (Community Outreach and Assistance
Partnerships), CFDA No. 10.456 (Risk Management Research Partnerships),
CFDA No. 10.458 (Crop Insurance Education in Targeted States), and CFDA
No. 10.459 (Commodity Partnerships Small Sessions Program). These
programs have some similarities, but also key differences. The
differences stem from important features of each program's authorizing
legislation and different RMA objectives. Prospective applicants should
carefully examine and compare the notices for each program.
Signed in Washington, DC, on March 8, 2007.
Eldon Gould,
Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. E7-4592 Filed 3-13-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-08-P